March 2011: How did we do?
April 3rd 2011 Posted at Budget, Kitchen equipment, Pinching penies
2 Comments 
This month’s groceries, personal care items, and cleaning supplies cost a grand total of $233.52, which is $91.48 under my monthly budget of $325. It was a 5-week month, so perhaps that accounts for the slightly higher spending, but it will all even out in the end. I’m not very good about tracking my savings, but the numbers I did write down total up to $139.25. This number would be quite a bit higher if I were a bit more diligent in recording the savings shown on every receipt, and also if I bothered to figure out just how much I’m saving on the items I buy at Costco.
I wish I could say all this extra cash went straight into the savings account, but where’s the fun in that? I treated myself to a few kitchen toys that set me back around $200. I snagged a shiny new All-Clad 12-Inch Fry Pan on eBay. Then I started obsessing about Le Creuset. Unfortunately, I understand that the Le Creuset outlet store in Kansas City closed a while back, and the eBay deals weren’t all that hot. I finally realized how ridiculous I was and settled for a much more budget-friendly Lodge 6-Quart Dutch Oven in emerald green. Of course, I needed the Le Creuset Stainless Steel Knob if I wanted to bake bread in it. At this point, what’s a couple more things, right? A T-Fal Professional Total Nonstick 12-1/2-Inch Fry Pan and a Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet rounded out my order. The total damage was $200.12, which was then slightly reduced by an Amazon gift card from Opinion Outpost and by last week’s eBay Groupon. Whew!
Now you may be wondering how I can write about All-Clad and Le Creuset on a blog titled “A penny pinched.” It seems counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? I personally believe in pinching pennies wherever I can so that I can spend on the things that really matter to me. Donate, save, yes, bot don’t live like a miser. Treat yourself once in a while.
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Oh, I love love love my Dutch oven! Mine’s a Tramontina, but still.
Right now, I’m thinking of adding the wee little 3-quart one. Because, you know, I NEED more stuff to find a place for, right?
I looked at both Tramontina and Lodge after I saw how Cook’s Illustrated rated them. In the end, I liked the green of the Lodge better. I can’t wait. It’s supposed to arrive tomorrow. I’m still trying to decide what to make in it first. I’m already set on making a Dutch baby in the cast iron skillet. Mmm…
Oh, I just realized that your Dutch oven is also green.
What will you use the smaller one for?