A Little R&R

We had a very relaxing day today. This was the first time that we weren't up and going by 8am. I cooked a big breakfast and an even bigger lunch. This is the first time I have made chicken fried steak in a long time. And my gravy turned out great. Sometimes it's a little thin and sometimes it's to thick. So, what is the secret? I am not sure but I'm just glad it was good today.
When you have home days it's great to try and cook something you have had hanging around for a while. That's why we had CFS w/mashed potatoes, green beans, and Italian bread cooked in the oven. I was able to get a 20 lb bag of potatoes at Smith's a few weeks ago for $1.99 and these are huge potatoes. That's why we have had quite a few meals with potatoes. Very cheap and filling. Hash browns for breakfast are also a favorite.
Since we are living in such a small area I have some of my stuff in storage. I stopped by the other day to get out some of my cookbooks. I am finally able to start cooking again. It is wonderful. I cook breakfast, usually lunch and most times dinner. Occasionally we eat out at lunch and as a treat we eat dinner out. I am hoping to be more organized and cook better things. I got out my Fix It and Forget It (crock pot) and Not Just Beans (frugal cooking)
To be honest I like eating out but with the cost of living here sometimes I wonder why. An average meal for the 4 of us runs $30-$50 and most of the times it's only okay. So, that's why we are spending more times eating at home. This is the one spot in our budget that I am really having to work on. Wish me luck!! I have to be very organized top save money. I have to plan ahead and make sure that I am not running to the store every day. I have a small refrigerator and no room for a freezer so I am having to find alternatives. So far I have made everything fit in the freezer but still have to pass up some items that I find on sale because I just don't have room. I have a freezer but it is in storage in another state. We have not fully moved here. We are trying to figure out a way to bring it here and use it. I hope we can. It would save us a lot more money.