Third Frugal Friday of April 2022

Chilhowee Mountain Overlook

Ocoee, Tennessee

Photo by: Roger Clark

Welcome to Friday! 
My Frugal Week
We’ve been hanging in there this week. I stayed home except for a doctor appointment on Thursday. I hired someone to sit with my Mom while I was gone. 
Joy of the Week
On Thursday I had a doctor appointment, so I hired a CNA/sitter for my Mom and went to town. It was the first time out of the house since Mom came home three weeks ago today. 
My joy of the week was picking up Sicilian sandwiches at a local shop and going to the park with Bailey for an impromptu picnic. We pulled small pieces of crusty bread from our sandwiches and threw them to the birds. It was a beautiful spring day and we had a wonderful time.
Avoiding Spending
I didn’t avoid spending this week as I did buy one Christmas present for this year. I’ll put it into my gift closet for when that time of the year rolls around. 
Saving Money In My Frugal Kitchen
I made a stockpot full of southern vegetable soup this week. If it has okra in its definitely southern. If you would like to know what recipe I used, you’ll find it below, although one doesn’t really need a recipe for vegetable soup. I used fresh thyme and basil in this batch, which made it especially delicious. 
Soup is a very frugal way to save money in your kitchen.
Meals This Week
Friday:  Grilled Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli 
Saturday: Loaded Vegetable Baked Potatoes 
Sunday: Jambalaya, Green Beans with Onions, Potato Salad
Monday: Chicken Strips, Potatoes and Carrots, Broccoli
Tuesday: Homemade Pizza for Movie Night or Cajun 15 Bean Soup Beans & Greens
Wednesday: Homemade Southern Vegetable Soup (recipe below)
Thursday: We needed to clean out the refrigerator of leftovers, so we had a motley crew of items to choose from…Soup, Better Cheddars, Mac and Cheese, Air Fried Potatoes, Stir Fry Vegetables, and Carrots. It helped me to eliminate any food waste this week. 
Recipe of the Week
Southern Vegetable Soup
Ingredients: 
1 onion, chopped5 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon Thyme1 teaspoon Rosemary 1 teaspoon Sage1 teaspoon Basil3 - 28 ounce - cans tomatoes, diced or crushed2 boxes low sodium vegetable broth7 of the 12 ounce bags of vegetables (okra, Lima beans, green beans, black eyed peas, mixed vegetables, spinach, corn) (or your favorite combinations)1 to 2 cups of water as needed
Directions:
Sauté garlic and onions in small amount of vegetable broth. Add tomatoes and herbs. Add frozen vegetables and remaining broth. Cook for about 40 minutes on medium heat.Lower heat to low and simmer an additional 20 to 30 minutes.Stir occasionally. Add pepper and salt if desired. Enjoy!
Saving on Entertainment
I bought three audio books for Mom on eBay this week. I only paid $2.75 for all three of them. She loves to read, so I hope she enjoys listening to these. 

How was your week?

Thank you for dropping by my frugal blog, you are always welcome here. We would love to hear about your week in the comment section.
Belinda~ Living within our Means ~My Linktree