A Tale of Two Ns

I’ve been back from my latest visit home a full week now and hoping to catch up on lots of …
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Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?
~Marcus Tullius Cicero

I ventured out into the world this morning, and returned with a carload full of fresh fruits and vegetables, some finds from my new favorite thrift store, a new blender, a full freezer’s worth of frozen meals, $15 in Target Gift Cards, and various cleaning supplies and organizational pieces.  Had a beautiful lunch of steak and salad with a fresh vegetable medley and spent less than $50.  

I really love coupons.  I’m not an extremist by any means though. I do not dumpster dive, I do not pay for coupons,  I never clear the shelves, I always follow the rules, and I only buy what I actually can and will use.  

Today I checked out the Union County Farmer’s Market, not as big as the others in the area, that I plan to try later, but open year round and until 3 on Saturdays!  Can’t beat the chance to sleep in and still get fresh produce!  I got beautiful and juicy tomatoes, 2 large ears of corn, 8 Honeycrisp Apples and a package of Hoop Cheese.  Don’t know what that is?  Neither did I.  All of that for a whopping 5 bucks.

Then on the Second Chance Boutique by Turning Point.  This is a great find tucked away over here in Union County.  All the proceeds go to the Women’s Shelter, and it is the drop off point for them as well.  They take such great care to present their items in an eye catching and pleasant way.  I picked up a hand painted ceramic bowl, 2 hardcover books, and 3 canisters I plan to stencil and then use in the kitchen for coffee and the like.  I’ve been looking for a long time now. All that was only $10.  

To finish the day on a high, I mowed the lawn.  Yes, that sounds like someone else typed it, but it’s true.  The entire time I’ve been in North Carolina, it takes me 2-3 days to mow the lawn.  I have had to stagger my lawn mowing into areas, I can’t make it through the whole thing at once.  Until today!  I laced up my work boots, trimmed the branches that I always smack my head on, started the mower, and did the whole darned thing all at once!  Now, it’s still my least favorite chore to do, and I never turn down an offer to mow it for me, but the fact that I was able to do it, reinforces my new healthy lifestyle is paying off!  Not only have I lost pounds and inches, but I’m getting stronger every day.  

Still planning to take a cool bubble bath and go to bed early, but it will be after a long and satisfying day, not because I’m bored and feel like crap!