Five Things This Friday…also frugal things because they did not cost much at all or saved me money this past week!

Reduced Groceries

I found a whole bunch of stuff reduced in my grocery run last week- turnips, a whole big bag of potatoes, sweet peppers, ugly looking carrots, bread…yes I grabbed them all, because I will easily use them all. And a little bit wrinkled produce or a day old bread won’t get wasted! I haven’t had turnips in a while, so I was really excited to find them. Roasting is the best way to have them in my opinion…

Watched Emilia Perez: the movie

This movie was something else! I went in having no idea what I was going to get. But I was definitely swayed by all the Golden Globe awards this film gathered. All I knew is that it was first written as an opera, and later made into a movie…what an interesting premise to start from already! The song sequences definitely made it seem like it was made for the stage. But besides the presentation, the story was a big rollercoaster ride…never a moment of dullness, and always a surprise around the corner. Stressful? Yes! Entertaining? Super Yes! Acting was superb, the music though interesting, wasn’t mind blowing. Would I recommend- YES! I don’t think I have watched a movie like this before…

Watched Conclave: the movie

Another movie with a very interesting premise…the pope is dead, and the cardinals have to choose the next pope amongst their ranks and under the leadership of the dean of the cardinals (played brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes). The politics, the scandals, the process…all very interesting. The whole movie had us on the edge. But I think the ending happened too fast, and was too predictable. But I did love peering inside this forbidden world. I believe actor of the caliber of John Lithgow was wasted in this drama- a meatier presentation of his character would have done a better justice to his talent.

Finished the audiobook Curiosities by Anne Fleming

My Libby app borrow audiobook- the first of the year. And it did not disappoint! This book was shortlisted for the Giller Prize in 2024 (the top literary prize in Canada). Since the premise interested me, I wanted to check it out. And it came sooner through my holds than I expected. Which was great- starting a new year at the gym with a great audiobook (these kinds of silly combinations make me excited and happy!!). I think this book would have been a better read than listen, because I was a bit confused in parts. But I think that is also in the nature of the book where completely unrelated sounding stories come together in the end and start making sense. The narrative is beautifully told. Set in 17th century England, and wrapped in the drama of alleged witchcraft, the stories of various characters had me enthralled even though I had no idea these seemingly unconnected stories would come together. They were satisfying on their own. I went back and listened to the beginning again to figure out what my uninitiated self did not capture about the story that made complete sense after finishing it. I did enjoy the audiobook for its lovely narration though.

Two Podcasts on Morning Routines

I listened to two podcasts on morning routines in two days- this was not intentional. Just that both of these podcasts that I listen to on the regular had the same topic this week…I guess it’s that time of the year when we are rethinking our life patterns? Anyways, the two podcasts are The Mel Robbin’s Podcast where she gives specfic small steps to do every morning to boost motivation and focus, and Cal Newport’s Deep Questions where he looks at various popular routines and figures out the important stuff to do, and the extraneous, as well as what really needs to be done in the morning…in the very logical Cal Newport way of course! I enjoyed them both. I realize I do the important stuff mostly every morning, but also weave my family life into it all- no being by myself for 2 hours every morning! And cold plunge does not make it on my list because…well, too torturous for me, and its not happening…but other than than I am doing pretty well I think! 

Anyways, 5 cheap things for me this past week to keep things frugally entertaining around here. Ah the joys of this deep freeze of winter…right?! 🤣