Daydreaming while waiting impatiently!

[tortoise]

I'm leading my budget thoughts with the grocery expenses. It's something I feel in control of, and I get a lot of entertainment out of. I also am quite skilled at it. Before COVID-era inflation, my most severe years of disability, and my restricted diet, I had my grocery budget at $115/month for family of 4!

My biggest convenience cost in my grocery expenses is breads - especially gluten free bread. And premixed gluten free flour. I know it's just mixing in the right amount of xanthan gum, and Google has the answer. I haven't done it yet.

 

[tortoise]

Herxing is kicking my butt today. I'm in a temporary routine of getting DS8 on the bus and going back to sleep for a few hours. Not fun. Hard to keep up on housework this way. I had plans to make a nice dinner and desserts for Yule tomorrow. IDK if I will be able to. I need to bake a yule log cake today so I can fill and roll it tomorrow.

 

[tortoise]

Re: budget, I compiled a list of frugal luxuries people mention online. I was surprised there is a lot of overlap. Good food, sunshine, warmth in winter, cooling in summer, sleep/naps/nice bedding, time alone/meditation, nature. I put the list on my phone to help me stay centered.

 

[flowerbug]

include playing with puppies or kitties.

 

[baymule]

I hug my dogs and pet my sheep.
I talk out loud and give thanks to the Lord for all the good things in my life. It’s a great way to put on a happy attitude.

 

[tortoise]

I feel like myself today.

I woke up early - at 4:30 a.m. I took kids grocery shopping right away in the morning so we could bake/cook for Yule!

Kids and I made Yule log cakes today. The gluten-free version turned out - rolled up without cracking! It wasn't from a box mix! that's HUGE progress in my gluten-free baking /grocery budget! I see lots of "jelly roll" style cakes in our future!

I want to try slicing, putting on skewers, freezing, and then dipping in icing. Probably royal icing. The melting wafers are too fatty for me.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Wow! That tart is incredible! I'll bet the pine cones are delish too - but yep - maybe smaller next time.

Glad you're feeling better.

 

[tortoise]

I think this is my favorite week of the year! I deep clean between Yule and New Year. Gotta clean the old year out of the house!

 

[tortoise]

DH gave me a dog breed DNA test for Yule. I've been wanting one but couldn't justify the cost.

My dog can't eat for a half hour before I swab his cheek. I don't trust him to not eat - or my kid to not feed him - so he's wearing a muzzle. I spent >6 months muzzle training, but I've never left it on him for more than a couple minutes before. He doesn't mind. He played soccer with a tennis ball, now chilling on the couch. I'm very proud of my muzzle training. And happy to have a use for it.

I can't wait for results! I expect he will be predominantly Australian Kelpie or Australian Cattle Dog.

 

[tortoise]

We have very warm weather for this time of year! High of 53 today! My chickens are out in their run. They're loving it!