The winners are: Tracy (sorry I ripped your name by accident!), Manda, cluebyfourgirl and Kenora! I will be putting your coupons in the mail soon but remember, we have a postal strike right now in Canada so I have no idea when they will get to you but enjoy them when they do.
CHANGES
I had some shocking news yesterday that is going to impact my life and my foodie blog immensely. After days of torrential rain and a leak in our ceiling, we found out we need to get a new roof. We are absolutely unprepared financially for this and are sickened by the news.
As a result, I will not be doing giveaways for a while. Most of my giveaways are mailed by me and I can not afford to do that anymore. I also won’t be doing any more shopping therapy. My recipe testing is going to have to be cut down significantly as well.
I still have a few posts about food created on a more generous budget but after that, my life is going to be very lean. So the timing for this book to show up in my mailbox could not be more perfect:
The $5 Takeout Cookbook: Good, Cheap Food for When You Want to Eat In
I will continue posting, coming up with ideas and recommendations for you but I hope you understand that the recipes may be a little more modest and potentially less exciting but I will never make food I don’t like. I have been extremely poor before and refuse to eat crap, it just may not be super exciting. Hope you understand.
Reg and I live a very modest life anyway. This is going to be a very tough time for us. I will try and continue to be positive but each day it gets harder and harder. At least the sun finally showed up. Maybe now my ceiling will dry out. Yeah, that is the best I can do being positive right now.
Thanks so much Suzie! So sorry to hear about your roof……we had a portion replaced a couple years ago and it was a botched job….buddy is in jail and now we need to re do the whole roof again at our expense for the second time…..the luck huh!
Sorry to hear about your roof. That is a big expense. I think coming up with less expensive meal options will be interesting!
((hug))
It’s too bad about your roof, I know that within the next year or two it’s an expense we will have too. Since having a child and going to one income (and off mat leave for a year) I hear you about the cutting down. It does get easier, and it makes you appreciate things even more. We live in a society obsessed with ‘stuff’. Luckily, you are an amazing cook, so you can eat like Kings on a pauper’s dime š
Nooooo!
That is terrible news. I hate money. It’s such a killjoy sometimes.
As a new follower and total fan, I just want to say what you do is fantastic. Your blog is the best I’ve seen in this genre. The. Best.
You might want to put up a tip jar so people can show their appreciation. Call it a roof fund, if you will.
Hey Suzie
Sorry about the roof.
And I so hear you about the giveaways! Because of the postal strike mine cost me $60 in the end. And I know we are confident that what ever recipe you post, they will still be filled with your excitement and love.
Hang in there … things will get better … and less wet!!!
Kay Johnson
http://www.andtheniateit.com
I think we can all agree that we love your blog, regardless of how much recipes cost or how many giveaways you have, Suzie! Just keep writing and we’ll keep reading! I’m always in search of yummy, cost-effective recipes, so I’m excited to hear that you’ll be sharing some ideas! Good luck with the roof š
Sorry about your roof! And – recipes do not have to be expensive to result in yummy food, we all know that. (I just bought a “cheap cooking” book. Tired of coming up with all kinds of pasta dishes to make ends meet.)
I for one, will be very happy to have some cheap food recipes!! Meatless ones too if you can (I mean all flesh not just red meat) I am always looking for relatively cheap healthy meals to make.
I am sorry about your roof but we are all hit with these things from time to time and I’m sorry again because knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with…
Just keep coming up with suggestions for food. I know I will continue looking for your blog. Sorry to hear about your roof.
If anyone can make delicious food on a shoestring budget, it will be you, Suzie! Your recipes and photos will still be fantastic, I’m sure.
So sorry to hear about your roof Suzie… things will get better in the coming days.. Chin up!
– Brittany
Oh Suzie, that just sucks that you have to replace your roof unexpectedly. One positive thing that will come from this will be the added value to your home when you need to sell. Home buyers love it when all these things are already done and in good repair, and you can certainly get back the money when you sell.
As for your blog, the giveaways are not even a thought for coming here. I love everything you do, your writing, your drool worthy photos and hearing about your kitchen adventures. There’s always excitement here no matter what and I look forward to reading your blog each and every day.
Keep doing what you’re doing and I echo everyone else here, budget friendly recipes can be just as awesome as any fancy schmancy recipe, it’s called comfort food. It’s deeelish and affordable and what we all crave.
Oh Suzie, I’m so sorry to hear about the roof! Good thoughts going out for you and Reg.
And wow, thank you for the coupon! š I’m happy to wait for the postal issue to be resolved, so please don’t worry about that. I know it’ll get here. š
Oh Suzie – dammit. You guys need to catch a break š Try to stay positive, though I do know how hard that is. Sending virtual hugs!
Susie,I have to agree with Ava on this one, it sucks but as she mentioned it will increase the value of your house. As for the prizes, don’t even give it a second thought. I for one, come to your site to see what my good blogger friend is up to, not for the giveaways. I’m sure your recipes on a budget will be amazing and quite sought after, given the economic climate. Stay strong my dear friend.
I am so sorry to her about your roof! You have been so generous and I hope no one faults you for cutting back now.
I look forward to reading about your pared down repertoire (sp???) you are always an inspiration and I know you will contineu to make me go “ooooh that looks yummy”!
Janet in Winnipeg
First of all – I am so sorry about your roof…
I am thrilled that you are not giving up your blog – and I am truly looking forward to your less expensive recipes – cause I’m on Social Security – and there isn’t a lot of money here in this household either.
sorry about your roof…but glad to hear you will keep up the blog…..
sorry to hear about your roof…keep up with the blog….maybe you could throw out ideas of recipes for your followers to try and blog about on your site?!?
I will continue to follow you even if your just blogging about your day!!!
Budget recipes can be tasty too!