Archive for October, 2007:
Winning…it makes you feel, well, like a winner!
Those of you that know me well know I have had a long winning streak. I’ve won raffles, things on the radio, even prizes on a game show. It’s hilarious!
In the spirit of this awesome carnival giveaway that’s going on right now (go and enter to your heart’s content…you’re likely to win something!) I think I will show just how important it is to enter. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to enter my giveaway!
They say, “You have to enter to win.”
“They” are right.
I’ve been the correct caller on the radio at least 10 times over the course of my life. I’ve won: Tickets to a “lazer show,” tickets to a boxing match, tickets to a movie premiere, two really cool stereos, and a T-shirt. The other prizes escape my memory.
In raffles, I’ve won cakes, mugs, and the assorted gift certificate.
When I was 8, I won a coloring contest. I was never particularly good at coloring, but I think only a few children in my age bracket entered. I won a $50 gift certificate to Toys ‘R Us. Try being 8 and winning that much money in toys. It’s very cool. The only thing I remember from that shopping spree is getting a Skip-It. Remember those? Lolz.
And finally, the most ridiculous/hilarious things I’ve ever won: A queen size four-poster bed, a LaZboy chair and ottoman, and a TON of dishes.
Yes, gentle readers, I was a contestant on the Price is Right.
The Complete Tightwad Gazette giveaway!
About two months ago, I checked out a book from the library: The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. This 959-page book is a compilation of her (now retired) monthly newsletter. Most frugal bloggers have read this cover-to-cover, as have I.
This is the book that insp
red me to start this blog.
It isn’t often that I read a book for free and then decide I have to own my own copy. But if you know anything about the Tightwad Gazette, you know that this gem is a must for every tightwad’s bookshelf. It has already changed my life, and I know it will change yours.
I decided to order myself a copy of The Complete Tightwad Gazette on Amazon.com, and I ordered an extra copy for one lucky winner. A brand-new book for you and me. Hurrah!
Here’s how you can win:
- Post a comment below and share your favorite frugal tip. It can be anything–from reusing dryer sheets to buying groceries in bulk (please use your own ideas!). I’m really looking forward to your tips, so don’t forget to do this!
- Include a way that I can get in touch with you so I can mail you your prize. For example, if you use Blogger, be sure I can access your profile and blog. Or, leave your e-mail address.
- This is open to U.S. residents, only. I’m grateful to the readers I have around the world, but I can only afford to spend the $2.81 for media mail postage. You understand.
- I will accept entries until midnight (Eastern time) Saturday, November 3, 2007. I will use a generator to randomly select an entry, and will announce the winner on Sunday, November 4, 2007.
- As soon as I receive the order from Amazon, I will mail your copy. I’ll let you know when that happens.
Thank you for entering! Best wishes to you all.
If you want to tickle me pink, please come back to my blog from time to time.
Hundreds of people will be posting links to their own giveaways here at BloggyGiveaways. You won’t want to miss it!
UPDATE [Oct. 29 11:28 a.m.] I am so thrilled that you are all posting frugal tips! We’re already up to 60. This is what the Tightwad Gazette is all about–helping each other become more frugal. Keep ‘em coming! (But of course, just one entry per person)
$15.06 menu for the week of Oct. 29
I’m excited about this week’s menu! I’ve never made my own pizza crust before. I really hope it turns out well.
- Homemade pizza, side salad $2.70
- Penne and vodka sauce, side salad $1.12
- Homemade waffles, homemade apple syrup, fruit $1.52
- Taco soup $4.65
- Grilled cheese sandwiches and leftover salad or soup $0.27
- Side salads (whenever): $4.80
Total: $15.06
*I just realized I included the price of the green pepper twice (I included the total price in the salad, but I have 1/3 of it alloted for the pizza. So, I cut $0.56 off the week’s total.
Side salad:
I’m using romaine hearts, green peppers, cucumber, carrots and dressing this week. The total cost of all veggies was $5.36. I’ll use some of the carrots for other meals (and might freeze them), and some green pepper for my pizza. It’ll all be consumed this week. I don’t want to break down the cost per salad, so I’ll just add this to the week’s total.
Homemade pizza with:
mozzarella cheese $0.90
green pepper $0.56
pepperoni $0.56
marinara sauce (we’ll just use half a jar or so) $0.38
Total: $2.40. I am still deciding on what recipe to use for the crust (I don’t have a breadmaker right now, so I’m looking for hand recipes. I do have a Kitchen Aid mixer though, if I can make it in that). I don’t expect the crust to cost more than .30 though. Let’s say the pizza will cost $2.70, for now.
Update: This crust recipe looks good! Thanks for the suggestion, Michele.
Penne and vodka sauce
I got a box of penne for .69. I expect we’ll use half-3/4 of the box. So, $0.23-$0.35. The sauce I got on sale for $0.77.
Total: $1.12
Waffles and apple syrup, fruit
I bought a box of mix for $1.19. We’ll probably use 1/3 of the box, so $0.40 plus maybe $0.20 in oil.
Apple syrup: $0.17 for the sugar, plus $0.30 for the juice= $0.47
I only have canned fruit right now. Let’s say we eat the oranges for $0.45.
Meal total: $1.52
Taco soup:
I haven’t tried this before, but it sounds delicious. I’m going to make some slight changes to the recipe.
1 pound lean ground beef $1.99
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans $0.39
1 can (11 to 15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained $0.39
1 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes $0.45
1 envelope taco seasoning (I don’t have a packet. I’m going to make my own. It will cost pennies) $0.04
1 (28 oz) can tomatoes $0.90
1 sm can chopped chile peppers (4 ounces) -I’m omitting. Don’t have it
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans $0.49
1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing-I don’t have it. It costs $1.50 or so to buy. I’m just going to use a squirt of bottled ranch, and add some extra garlic powder.
Total: $4.65
Grilled cheese sandwiches, leftover taco soup, remaining salad
$0.12 for the bread, maybe $0.15 for the cheese. Leftovers are already accounted for in previous meals.
Total: $0.27
For you new folks to my blog, welcome! This menu feeds myself and my husband. We eat cereal, oatmeal or waffles for breakfast. Lunches are leftovers from whenever, or a simple sandwich, applesauce, yogurt, veggies, whatever we have on hand.
For more menus, visit orgjunkie.
