The Cost of Living

Norway's green pastures.  This picture taken by T.

This will be my first post on couponing in Norway and the cost of living here.

First let me say that Stavanger, Norway is one of the most expensive cities in the world.  Our rent on the duplex/townhouse that we live is around 5000 dollars depending of the exchange rate.  It cost us 300-330 dollars to fill up the car.  That being said we did bring our "big" car.  We looked into buying one when we got here, but one that would seat all six of us was around 20,000 dollars.  Now that probably does not seam like a big deal, but when that car is 16-17 years old that is a big deal.  so that means we brought our car that was paid for.

Couponing in Norway is only at the military exchange.  They don't really have sales, but they do have two shelves that they discount due to the items not selling fast enough.  One day I did get some great deals.  I spent aorund 80 dollars, but saved 75 dollars with sales and coupons.  The good thing is that I can use coupons up to six months past their expiration date.  That is nice because it allows my friends in the states to send their expired coupons.  I have not got a good schedule yet for getting them organized.  I think I can save even more once I get my self organized.  I am not using the same system I did in the states because the shopette is so small and we only have certain items.  For example they only carry two kinds of mayo in big jars (32oz).  A jar of mayo is 6.00 dollars, which is alot.  The only choice is to pay the price becasue there are no sales or other brands to choose from.  The shopette carries dry goods and some dairy products as well as some frozen and meat.  The meat is very expensive and again no sales.  One pound of ground beef (and not the really good stuff) is about 5 dollars.  Needless to say we are trying to make more veggies and less meat.  Some prices are very compairable to the states and I can order cases of things.  

Now where do I get the fresh produce, well in the Norweigian grocery store.  I have three of them within walking distance of my house.  They are the small neighborhood ones, but have most things.  The best way to shop is to buy what is on sale.  Here are some prices: a pound of grapes is 5 dollars, 1/4 pound of lunch meat is 5-6 dollars, a frozen pizza is 11 dollars (not a big one), and a head of iceberg lettuce is 3-4 dollars.  I buy our bread there and it is reasonable 1-3 dollars a loaf and is wonderful.  It is fresh and is so good.  Sometimes you have to pay a little more like 5 dollars a loaf because they are out of the other bread.  

All in all I think that I am doing ok with not spending too much.  Our grocery budget in the states was 400 dollars a month and every year and a half buying a cow and pig for around 1000 dollars.  So far I think I have stayed around 1000 dollars a month which makes me cringe, but we have to eat.  I hope to give you a better break down after a few months.  We are still trying to get a good budget going here.

Happy shopping days and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Crazy Fall

Life is very crazy in the fall.  Everything begins.  

Family on a fishing hike

I have not been active with women's groups except for our church.  When you move to a foreign country and a very small post/base, you need to be involved to meet people.  So I have attended two women's meeting, one for the Americans and one for everyone.  I have also attended the women's meeting for the church.  Needless to say I have been busy.  It was fun, but not sure if you can do it all.  I am planing on trying to attend what I can because they each offer something different.

This week also started with the girls having gymnastics practice at 8 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  It is nice, but we have to be out the door by 7:25 to walk to practice.  Yes we walk.  The hubby wants to use the car very little, so we walk.  It is ok now, but not sure how that will be in the cold and ice.  We may take the bus.  While the girls are in practice I go to the gym and ride the bike for 45 minutes.  I decided that the treadmill was no what to do since I walked from home.  All together it is about 4 miles more or less.  One doctor here said that the walking did not count as exercise.  I guess he did not know that it is not a stroll and I have about a 20 lb backpack that I am carrying.  

AY and AN are doing well with gymnastics.  It amazes me what they can do.  T is doing well at school she is determined to do well and that goes a long way.  This weekend she is on a trip with the church youth group.  They are camping.  I can't wait to hear the stories.  N is doing well.  He is having some trouble adjusting to things have to be done on a schedule and there is no wiggle room.

I hope that things settle down now that we seem to have schedule.  The girls have their first competition in a few weeks.  I can't wait to see how things are different here.

Melanie