Hello, all, it's been a while since I've updated. I spent a lot of money yesterday and feel a little guilty (even though it was all money well-spent) so I figured I'd better 'fess up. All last weekend I was very frugal: with my groupon I think I spent $10 on Friday night, Saturday I spent $0, and Sunday I spent $0. Monday I only spent $12 on brunch-- due to an 9am appt and an 11am appt I didn't have a chance to eat at home-- Tuesday was $0, and Wednesday, my usual night out with my friends, was $32 for dinner and drinks. Thursday, however, OUCH. I spent $38 on a nice winter coat which I have been BADLY needing for several months, $60 on lightweight black sneakers with black laces for all my catering/serving gigs-- another thing I needed, and $85 at Costco on stuff like toilet paper, kleenex, gum, etc. All things that will be used and I won't need for a long time. So money well spent, but oof, it hurts. In positive news, I picked up 2 hosting shifts this weekend so I should make all that money back in the next couple of days. (So you San Francisco b*tches, come have brunch at Harvey's this weekend and I'll get you a good table.)
Now, onto the tip. At the grocery store, be a vegan. Or a mostly vegan. Or a sometimes vegan. I know, I know, the thought of a life sans animal products is horrifying to some of you. But in addition to being good for your body and the planet, it's incredibly good for your pocketbook. Have you noticed how much cheese costs? OY VEY! I bought a lb each of chickpeas and cannallini beans last week at Whole Foods for $1.49 a bag. That is crazy cheap. That's like, cents per serving cheap. Depending on where you live, your local farmers' market is more than likely WAY cheaper that your local supermarket (not to mention healthier and more economically sensible, as it keeps your money in your local community). Soy milk is cheaper and lasts longer than milk. There's dozens of ways to cut expensive animal products out of your daily diet. One of my favourite (and most-filling) lunches is brown rice, black beans, tomatoes, green onions, avocado, and hot sauce. Seriously delicious and depending on the avocado, around $1 a meal!
So try it out. Make one meal a day without meat or cheese. Or commit to a day a week. Give it a shot and see what you can do. There are a million websites with recipes and ideas. Your pocketbook and your waistline will thank you.
