Yardsale update…it was a complete success! I sold almost everything out and made a grand total of $234, which will go a long ways towards my black/white bedroom redo. YIPPEE!! And I had fun meeting a few blog friends too. A big hello goes out to Lorrie from TN, who was here visiting for the weekend and wanted to hit my yardsale. I’m SO glad she did. And also Leigh (from Tales from Bloggeritaville) stopped by. We have been emailing back and forth for awhile now, so it was great to meet her, yes finally (little bitty thing). Shout outs to Regina and Sally too who both live in the area and stopped by.
My neighbor, who owns a women’s consignment boutique was also having her bi-annual yardsale with clothes that came from her shop. Now we are talking very nice clothes. So, I took my money down to her house to see what she had left. Oh, and I found plenty. She was so generous. I took all I wanted home with me to try on and came back to pay her…I got 15 things for $15!! Can you believe that. Many of these are brand new with the tags still on, since she gets closeouts from local boutiques. We are talking Anne Klein, J. Crew, Harolds, Ann Taylor and many other great brands. I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe. I called my friend, Debbie, to get in on the action and she came over and got 20 things for herself and her daughter. We were trying on clothes in my bedroom, throwing them around and exchanging with each other…it was so fun. All in all…a very good day! Keep reading for the real topic for today….
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After reading a recent article in our local Sunday paper, that got me thinking about the subject. Without a doubt, we are definitely eating out a LOT less than we used to. When we were dating in Atlanta, we hit our share of fine dining restaurants and enjoyed it thoroughly. But now, we are mostly stay at home folks and I cook a meal every night for dinner and we save the pricey restaurants for special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries. I know our American society has long been on the eating out bandwagon, with busy schedules, kids’ sports, and the just plain busy pace of our culture nowadays. This article really made some interesting points about how all that seems to be changing with our higher gas prices, as well as economic instability. Eating out is just plain more expensive and it seems that a lot more people are embracing home cooking with gusto. I think that’s great!
This article is from The Associated Press by Ramit Plushnick-Masti and gave some interesting statistics about the subject:
Apparently there is a national trend to eat at home to save money. But after years of eating out, many people have found they don’t have a pot to cook in or a cookbook to guide them. The sudden rush to buy basic cooking necessities has driven up sales of cookbooks, inexpensive cookware and the basic foods needed to concoct a meal. And cooking magazines and Web sites are booming even as magazine sales overall have suffered.
About 45% of Americans are eating out less this year to save money, a nearly 12% increase from 2007, according to consumer research.
Cookware sales overall have declined in the past year, but items selling for less than $100 are doing remarkably well. Further evidence is a boost in sales of “center store” items in supermarkets — pasta, canned goods, baking goods and spices. Sales of such items have risen by 3.4% in recent months.
Bon Appetit, a magazine that serves up recipes for everything from gourmet meals to fast and easy dinners, said newsstand sales in May 2008 were up 39% from a year ago. And many bookstores have reported boosts in cookbook sales.
Because of the eating-in trend, some casual dining restaurants are taking a hit in stock price and sales. But, even cooking can be expensive and a survey on grocery sales found that about 30% of 1,000 consumers questioned said they were buying less fresh produce. Half said they were buying more generic brand products. And it looks like prices will keep rising, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. In February, the service forecast food prices will increase between 3 to 4% this year. Last year’s 4% increase was the highest in 17 years.
So, where does that leave you and me? Are you joining the fairly new trend of cooking and eating at home or do you still go the easy route and eat out a lot of meals per week?
For us, we eat out maybe once a week together. And that is almost always a very inexpensive sort of meal. We are fortunate to have some very good locally owned restaurants nearby that are very reasonably priced, from seafood, to Mexican, BBQ, or a meat and 3 type place. I see many of you on your blogs talking about saving money on meals and cooking, so I know a lot of cooking at home is going on too. I will go out to lunch with girlfriends, maybe once a week or so, but the majority of our food is consumed at home. Cooking is without a doubt more cost effective than eating out. I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try at home all the time, adding flavor and variety to our meals.
What are you doing to save money AND eat well at the same time? This is a subject that is not going to go away anytime soon, so let’s see what all of you are doing to curtail the expense of eating out.
Connie says
I would have loved to been at your garage sale, but the 2,000 mile trip would have been a little too tiring for this ol’ chick, honey!! I see some things there I definitely would have bought. I just redid an old antique desk for my new “PINK” office and it turned out well, sweets! Maybe I should look for old school stuff to put on it. Come over and take a look. I think you’ll be enchanted! Hah…….. 😉
Smooches,
Connie
Bella Casa says
Congratulations on the garage sale success and the great fashion bargains and also for meeting some great bloggers…would love to have their links so I can visit their blogs 🙂
We are definitely eating out less and less.
I honestly haven’t found a way to save on food shopping yet, at least not in a big way. But I have switched over to laundry soap, fabric softener and dishwasher soap from The Dollar Tree..and I was a Tide/Downy/Electrasol sort of gal…so it was a big change for me…but in all honesty, I have not noticed a difference at all, so it works for me 🙂
I will look forward to the responses you get to this post, Rhoda 🙂
Have a great day!
Bella
Kitty Scraps says
I bet you had some fabulous things at your yard sale, so jealous I don’t live closer to you!
Our trend of eating at home has been going on for quite some time. I make a list of must have items then sort of concoct our weekly menu based off of what looks good and what’s on sale when I reach the store, then I write up that menu and post it when I get home so everyone in the family knows what to expect for the upcoming week. If we do eat out it’s definitely a very inexpensive meal.
Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe says
I hate I missed that garage sale! I would have been there just for the fun of it all!
Lisa says
We are definitely eatng out less. We use to eat out 3 or 4 times a week but now it is maybe once every other week. I am having to “think” more about cooking since we eat in more. It is nice for a change.
Carol says
Sounds like you had a fun day on Saturday!
Yes, we are eating out less. I'm on a quest to see how many meals I can create from the pantry, freezer, & fridge! Also, I'm clipping coupons. I think it's going to be fun! (I hope!) :0)
Carol~in Oklahoma
Suzann @ Lavender and Roses says
I am so happy to hear that your sale was a huge success! Those dresses you were able to purchase look just lovely too.
As for the food and eating out. We are definitely not eating out very much anymore. I cannot remember the last time we went out to one of our favorite grown up restaurants. I’m clipping lots of coupons, planning meals from sales, and having at least 2 meatless meals a week. (eggs, grilled cheese, waffles…) I also am buying meat in bulk and cooking in bulk to save time and money. Lots of foods freeze really well and on those nights when you’re rushed, it works out perfect.
Great post – gets my mind a working.
salmagundi says
For 45 years, we rarely ate out; then when my husband retired we started to eat out more. Now, we are going back to our old ways even though I don’t enjoy cooking anymore. I still cook for 4 on those meals that freeze well; then we pull those out of the freezer when we have the urge to not cook and go out. Sally
The Quintessential Magpie (Sheila) says
Glad your sale was a success, Rhoda, and that you found all those cute clothes for such a great price at your friend’s!
In terms of eating out, we still eat out, but not as much. When we do eat out, we try and eat healthy. For fast food eating, we have a chain here in Florida called Crispers, and their soups are delicious as are their breads. They also have delicious salads and sandwiches.
We eat at fancier restaurants, too, but when we eat at home, we eat fairly simply. I have a huge stock of cookbooks (what Southern girl doesn’t?), but I always like to have more. Only if they’re good, though. Paula Dean cooks with sugar, but boy, is she good or what? Yum!
I have stainless steel cookware from Martha Stewart. You can find it at K-Mart at fair prices. I use stainless steel because I’m sort of a health foodie type, though I still do like sugar and such. 😉 I watch the labels (though not as much as I should) for things like preservatives, articificial ingredients, etc. I don’t skimp on butter and eat the real thing. It’s better for you.
And I always shop PUBLIX because I like quality. (Do you have Publix in Birmingham?) They have helpful employees and high standards, and they give to the community. I don’t compromise on quality, even to save a penny.
Happy Sunday,
Sheila
paintergal says
We definitely eat out less and only because this town that we live in now has four restaurants. One of those is only open in the summer, another is a lunch diner, and another is a gas station/pizza place.
Life in the hicks, gotta love it! 🙂
Happy @ Home says
Glad to hear that your sale was successful. Your neighbor’s clothing sale looks like great fun.
I really enjoyed this post on eating out. I am sometimes surprised at how many people I know that don’t cook and think eating at home means ordering pizza or KFC. I own lots of cookbooks and really do enjoy cooking and baking. However, sometimes it just seems easier to go out. My husband was recently in the hospital and since he came home I have been cooking every day and packing his lunches. I am rather enjoying it and find it satisfying to be using up what’s on hand rather than throwing away food that I didn’t get to before it spoiled. That right there is a way to cut costs on the grocery bill. I am also back to using coupons.
I look forward to what your readers have to say on this subject.
Lindenhaus says
What cute clothes you found. How fun! We have never been big restaurtant people. I know it sounds crazy, but I am a little bit skittish about strangers preparing my food! One can never be sure about health and cleanliness standards! Also the expense. Beside, I do like cooking. I feel we eat well on a budget. For instance, last night we had marinated grilled steak (bought at $2.99/pound), my yummy homemade fries coated with olive oil and cooked on the grill, and steamed brussel sprouts. I would say this meal cost about $5 for the two of us. We have found that with our gas grill (We live in CA), we can prepare great tasting food all year long.
Sher's Creative Expressions says
I’m so glad your garage sale was successful. . . I knew it would be all for sale were wonderful finds/buys for some lucky shopper.
We are eating at home a lot more than ever. It’s cheaper, healthy and actually saves more time than driving (gas) to a restaurant, waiting for a table, waiting for food, etc.
Unfortunately, I think it has become just an “entertainment” thing for so many people. . . something to “do.” Well, we’ve started eating at home and “doing other things!”
Love the clothes you bought for yourself as well.
Blessings,
Sher
Leigh says
It was great to meet you Rhoda! I got some great buys as well from your friends garage sale. I am going to talk about my gems on my blog. Be sure and let me know when she does that again. I have been to her storefront and was excited to see it was her! GREAT buys!
I am so glad that you did well. I cant wait to see what the bedroom redo looks like!
I cook supper about 5-6 times a week. We do try and go out to eat one a week as a family. That is what my fmaily did when I was a kid. It was “special family time”. I do hwoever, will lunch with girlfriends. I love to do that and discover some really good eats.
KMfamily says
Its so funny that you posted this!
I just posted a cheap recipe for fall & thought to myself this is a great filler for the tummy & easy on the wallet
We are a family of 4 with only 1 income.I totally embrace home cooking!!!
Kristi says
Our family is eating at home much more these days. I have also cut out eating out when I am at work (only 2 days a week). Glad to see we are part of the norm!
Darlene - Our Creative Life says
We definitly go out to dinner less! We also share meals now when we do go out to eat. Portions at many places are so huge anyway…so hubby & I split it & end up cutting our bill by 50% as well as saving our waistline from expanding! Did you know that the portion size in the US has increased dramatically & we are the fatest here in the US than any other nation.
Charli and me says
Since I retired we are eating out less because I have more time to fix meals. I like eating at home. To me it is more comfortable and relaxing. We still go out for special occasions, and I do go out to lunch with the girls, but I really do enjoy eating at home. Congratulations on your yard sale.
Karen @ Arise and Shine says
Glad your garage sale was a success, I plan to have one soon myself. Extra $’s will help with holiday gift giving. Those new clothes are so nice, and will look great on you. Enjoyed reading article on eating out less, sure hope it encourages more home cooked meals. Eating out a lot sure will bust a budget. Home meals allow families to sit and talk more and food is a whole lot healthier. I remember growing up our family rarely ate out, and when we did it was a real treat.
justabeachkat says
I wish I could have been there…at your sale AND at your neighbors. Wow…what deals you got!
We’re eating in a little more lately just trying to save, but maily to eat healthier. The gas prices haven’t stopped us since we go to most by golf cart anyway.
Hugs!
Kat