Five Frugal Things | a new painting project
1. I mended a shirt (and more).
I pulled out my black tank top and noticed it had a small hole (more like a slit).
I placed a small black tshirt scrap pieces underneath the slit and zig-zagged it closed.
Since it's black, it's very, very hard to see my fix. Which is how we like mending to be!
I also mended two pairs of undies (waistband issues) and I do not have pictures of that because SOME THINGS ARE SACRED, even for bloggers.
You understand, I am sure.
2. We sent our Switch controller off for a free fix.
The joystick had gone wonky, and Sonia saw a news article saying Nintendo would fix this for free!
I submitted a ticket, they sent me a mailing label, and we shipped it off.
Here's hoping the fix is quick.
3. I bought a refurbished kettle.
Ours suddenly stopped heating, and a little bit of online research led us to conclude that it was not repairable. Sigh. I hate when things aren't repairable!
And since it was 3 years old, it was well past the one year warranty.
I noticed Amazon had a refurbished option, so I picked that and saved $20.
It arrived in basically brand new shape; the box just had a few dings on the corners, which is no big deal to me.
And it came with the usual one year warranty, so I saw no downside with going refurbished.
4. I bought a second-hand side table for Sonia.
She's been wanting to get rid of this black dresser, which doesn't match her room at all, and which she doesn't need for storage.
So, we looked on Facebook Marketplace to find a small side table. This one popped up for $25.
You knew I couldn't make it through a summer without painting a piece of furniture!
She and I drove to pick it up (another hour toward her driver's license), and now we just have to paint it to match the rest of her furniture.
And I'll buy a handle that matches the finish of her dresser handles.
5. I...
- used my frozen lime juice to make a dressing
- made my own mayo to save a quick run to the store
- clicked no-rush shipping at Amazon to get the $1.50 digital credit
- buzzed Zoe's undercut again
I still feel a great sense of accomplishment when I recall that the Vortex space heater I went on Amazon to buy was like 89 dollars new, and I was totally going to buy it at that price, but when I looked at the options, there was a refurbished one for TWENTY DOLLARS!
That was a long run-on sentence to express excitement for something that happened last year. 🙂
I thought for sure you were going to say that you started painting your bedroom.
What a perfect table! I love drawers for hiding cluttery stuff and she will appreciate the lower shelf space.
I trimmed my husband's hair yesterday with the clippers--it's quite short, but we are having a heat wave so I think he welcomes it. Last week we went camping at a rustic site for $15 per night--our $45 getaway was well worth it! I'm taking the kids to a free museum (wearing masks) today BUT we are planning on eating out (streetside dining outside) so I guess that's not frugal--but our mental health is worth a little bit of cash. Trying to find summer fun ideas while staying safe is a workout for my brain.
1. Packed cooler for day out in nature...nothing purchased!
2. Dried some home grown herbs for winter use.
3. Made a full brunch using items that needed used up: wilty blueberries went into blueberry coffee cake, shriveled potatoes and peppers into brunch potatoes, and greens and remnants of dif cheeses in a crustless quiche!
4. No take out this week.
5. Still driving OLDIE GOLDIE...2006 Honda Accord. Love it❤️
Cute kitty cat! 🙂
I mended a pair of my husband’s pants as well as a half slip (both seam issues so fairly straightforward-pun intended).
I bought some books from an online party to help a friend, a young mother, earn free books for her kiddos (my purchases will be birthday and Christmas gifts for my grands). I remembered to email the book rep about the shipping refund she offered.
I continue to meal plan for two weeks at a time. I am getting creative with using what I have and saving money in the process.
I juiced some limes for the freezer before they went bad. A freezer is such a frugal appliance.
I bought chicken breast tenders for $1.19 a pound from the carnicería (Hispanic meat market).
Your stitch fix posts are very entertaining although I’m sure you would prefer to actually receive clothes that you want to keep and use your credit.
Seam fixes are such a quick and easy mending project. I'm always grateful when a hole pops up there instead of somewhere else!
Yes!
I read a quote online yesterday that said “clothes worth wearing are worth repairing”...
and I’m happy when the repairs are simple because a seamstress I am not.
1. I did not get takeout on Sunday night even though I wanted to!
2. We watched “Hamilton” on Disney + (very inexpensive) with the original cast. I had really, REALLY wanted to go see the touring company production, but couldn’t stomach the $800 + cost (!)’of two tickets. So, we got to have front row seats with the original cast instead #win. And we can watch it again.
3, Shared a special giant order of Georgia peaches with a friend, and made sure I used every last one of them.
4. My daughter sewed a lot of masks - I will have enough to rarely need a disposable one.
5. Attended my regular Al Anon meeting (now on Zoom.) Al Anon is free to all,l and priceless in terms of the support it offers.
Ah, I'm with Brooke -- I thought you were going to say you are painting your bedroom.
1. I cut my husband's hair with the clippers.
2. I gave him a pedicure as well. He can no long reach and hold onto his feet, so I do it for him instead of taking him to a nail salon.
3. I managed to keep on budget for the first two-week's worth of grocery shopping this month.
4. I needed a couple of pieces of wood, and was set to buy them, when I realized we had them already, in exactly the size (1 x 2) I needed. That shows how easy it is to overlook things when an area is cluttered. De-cluttering is frugal.
5. I made tie backs for 2 sets of curtains in the spare bedroom. I spent $3 total for materials.
My son also had a Switch controller issue! He wanted me to take care of it, but I told him that if he wanted to get it fixed, he needed to figure out how to contact Nintendo, taking care of it himself. Lo and behold, he figured it out! I simply helped him package up the controller (and made sure he followed the return instructions to a T). We used recycled shipping materials, of course! He felt empowered once he knew that he could do it himself, and it took the burden off of me...no nagging, no asking when I’ll do it for him, when it will get returned, etc. Win-win!
1. I’m in quarantine due to COVID exposure, so I’m not using any gas to drive anywhere except to get a COVID test.
2. I’m eating a lot of food I’ve frozen and have ordered zero food to be delivered, despite feeling tempted.
3. A kind friend let me watch Hamilton on her Disney+ account, so I didn’t have to sign up for a subscription just for one show.
4. I compared car insurance rates and found I can get a better rate by switching. Now I just need to make the switch.
5. Certain parts of my lawn that receive direct sunlight need more water, so I’ve been dragging a sprinkler head on a hose around to those spots. Cheaper than turning on the automatic sprinklers more and paying for more water for the whole lawn!
1. I braved COSTCO to return hearing aids. I picked them up the day things started closing down in MD so I have not worn them and did not foresee using them. They had a 180 day return policy. While I was there I bought a few things, including items in Members Only Savings flyer. I came home $1400 ahead. While there I picked up milk for a friend. We have been picking things up for each other when we go shopping. She figures she's coming out ahead financially and I figure I'm coming out ahead. A happy arrangement. Also, I stayed and visited with her, physically distant and outside, when I dropped off the milk.
2. I redeemed $60+ dollars in credit card rewards. I asked for a check to be sent. It is a card that gives 2% cash back at warehouse clubs and 3% back on gas purchases.
3. We wanted something new to eat and I had chicken breasts in the refrigerator. I decided to try making my slow cooker pulled pork recipe with chicken. We were happy with the results. I think I can cut down on the cooking time next time.
4. Knowing my mental health is worth a lot, I attended an outdoor yoga class. There was much physical distancing. The teacher had been trained on how to hold yoga classes in this day and age. It was worth the bugs, heat, and uneven ground.
5. I have been able to get a lot of electronic books from the library, both written words and audio. I am so grateful for this resource.
I'm excited to see how the new furniture project turns out! And yay for mending - I need to address some of my husband's shorts. Let's see...
1. We switched to Ting! Our bill should be half of what it was, and we like the service so far.
2. I made several beeswax food wraps, and they turned out shockingly well. I hate using cling wrap, and these seem like they'll be a workable alternative.
3. I used up a bunch of aging produce before it went over to the dark side, which gives me a crazy amount of satisfaction. And a less crowded fridge.
4. We still haven't eaten out or gotten take-out. It's been almost 4 months.
5. I hooked up my email to Fetch and Ibotta, so now I don't have to scan receipts, which is awesome.
Lauren, I just bought wax wraps the other day! I never would have thought to make my own. Regardless, I still feel like it's more frugal to use those rather than cling wrap and I like it that they are less wasteful.
Hey Kris! Making the wraps was very easy, and quite a bit of fun! I got to use up some of my fabric scraps left over from making masks, too. I'd been wanting to take the plunge and buy some for a while, but they can be really expensive, so I'm happy I could make some.
We switched to Ting about 4 months ago. However, I expected much lower bills. We mostly use wifi instead of data, and our Bill's seemed to show usage of data. Some apps use data in the background, so in Settings, go under Apps and check EACH app you have. There is a way to restrict background data. I hope this helps you! (The service and customer service has been good, btw)
Hi! I’m trying hard to use our Time of Use plan from the local utility company to our advantage. Cheapest electrical use is from midnight to 6am. So even though I was tempted to run the very full dishwasher in the afternoon to be able to at least partially reload it, I waited and set it to run after midnight. I also put our laundry in the washer ~5am when we get up, or I try to do it on the weekend when it’s at the cheapest rate between midnight to 2pm. This week my husband signed up to have our energy supplied through the company to green methods. It’ll save us a little (~$3 a month) and it’s good for the environment.
1. The library started doing lobby pickup so I reserved some books.
2. Taking advantage of free VIP trial for Grove and free Meyer's set.
3. Taking advantage of free (socially distanced, outdoor) day camp for my son. Hesitant that it is even a good idea, but he could really use some interaction.
4. Thought the coffee pot was broken. Gave it a good cleaning and restored it to working condition.
5. Spending less on groceries & making almost all meals at home. Also, forgiving myself when I don't get to produce in time. I do the best I can.
Hi Kristen....just wanted you to know that this posting did not come through my email. This has happened a couple of times lately. I received the "Kristen Prompted" post...which alerted me to this post. I read this post by going directly to your site via google. Don't know if something is going a stray with your service...just wanted you to be aware. As always, thank you..I .enjoy your blog.
1) Our neighbor brought us a heaping bag of greens! Spinach, broccolini, celery, and asparagus. I've taken it as a personal challenge to eat it all before it goes bad. A week later we only have a little asparagus and celery left. I will blanch and freeze the celery for soups. I can eat spinach and asparagus like candy, but celery holds no appeal for me.
2) I wrote a check for my dental visit on the day of, which bought me a 5% discount on the bill. We don't carry dental insurance, so I could forgo the claims process. Woo hoo.
3) I made a date with my cousin to go see his grandma's (my great aunt's) house. It is looking like the family might sell me this house with the land around it. How is buying a house frugal? Buying a broke down farmhouse for the cost of what some folks spend on a truck is the cheapest way to my dream of having a little piece of the country all to myself. And I can take my time and renovate it exactly like I want for cash. Save all the old houses!
4) I am diligently working my way through all my library books so that I can order a bunch more online for contactless pickup before the predicted second wave shuts down the precious library again. I am a historian, so I literally cannot do my job without books.
5) We grocery-shopped and meal planned. I cleaned the upstairs bathroom after the kids went to bed. (I really hate doing it, but it is good for the house and my sanity.) I turned up the thermostat after half the family left for the day. (I just sit to work, so I don't get as hot.) I have been hanging laundry on the line all summer.
I'm excited about the house! I'd love to know more about it. And you're a historian! That's desperately needed now, with people thinking that history doesn't matter.
I can't find your mayo recipe -- is it here on your blog?
This resembles Duke's mayonnaise:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon table salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon if you’re not crazy about salt)
2 pinches sweet paprika (not hot or smoked)
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Whisk the egg, with the salt, vinegars and spices then slowly add the oil. Or use a stick blender if you have one. Alton Brown makes it in a food processor but that makes a lot at once.
I just googled for a recipe, since mayo is not something I typically make. 🙂
1. Quick day trip to the ocean, rather than staying the night in a hotel. It felt refreshing and like a fun getaway even still. Spent some money locally on takeout in our favorite restaurants, however. Do like to support businesses where we can.
2. Purged my closet of some summer dresses I don't wear and took them to a consignment to sell. Also took a couple of my husband's high-end shirts. Sold some children's clothes on Facebook Marketplace.
3. Received some free printer ink from somebody who wanted to give it away rather than tossing it, so generous as ink is expensive!
4. Old bananas ended up in banana bread.
5. My husband bought a tool with which he could reach and cut down some dead tree limbs that are close to falling. Expensive tool but cheaper than having a professional come out.
1. A friend recommended Dolly Chugh's "The Person You Mean To Be: How Good People Fight Bias" about becoming aware of implicit bias and acting on that awareness. I asked my library if they'd buy it and they did! I just checked it out this week.
2. I cut my husband's hair on Friday. The downside is that my 6yo daughter also decided she wanted a hair cut and chopped off quite a bit of her hair. The end result is that we're waiting on a callback to schedule her first-ever professional haircut as it's too short for me to handle.
3. I currently have all lights, air conditioners, and everything else I can (except ceiling fans) turned off right now. The next 4 hours are part of an energy savings day from our electric company. Last week we knocked over $8 off our bill by doing this. I made sure to cool the house down beforehand to try to make it through until 6pm.
4. Purchased 3 swim trunks and a swim shirt for $10 from someone off Facebook. Bonus is that the shirt is a size bigger than the matching shorts. My son always sizes up in shirts first thanks to his long torso.
5. I'm taking a few hours to go be by myself tonight and am planning to swing through the library and pick up some extra books. COVID-19 numbers are slowly going up in my state and I'm expecting some things to get shut back down. I don't want to be left without books!! (Also, I'm hoping it's after my daughter's haircut since it sounds like hair salon are next on the docket to close.)
About #5, thanks for the reminder to still keep my eyes open for free or cheap books, since I can't live without them! Our public library reopened 2 weeks ago, but who knows if it won't shut down again when fall comes...
I wish I had the luck you had with finding furniture. Thanks to Covid and IKEA failing at being able to ship items and instituting some rather draconian rules to visit their stores going forward I have pretty much ruled out shopping from them any time soon. This stinks because my wife and I were all set to get a nice "big girl" bed for our daughter. She's still stuck in a toddler bed and really wanting to be in an actual bed.
Anyway, here's some frugal stuff I did this week.
1.) Replaced an outlet in our bedroom that had failed. Total cost of repair was less than $2.
2.) Ordered a replacement part on Amazon to repair my grandmother's bathtub. The trip level had failed. The ones at Homeless Despot were pretty thin and and the local plumbing supply shop won't sell the good ones to me without a plumber's license so online I went ... Either way, it saves her a plumber's bill.
3.) Deboned a pork shoulder for pulled pork and instead of cooking the whole shoulder I portioned some off for using in a stir fry or a curry.
4.) Eating what's in the freezer and not needing to do major shopping means less money spent and freeing up some freezer space (which I am quite short on at the moment.)
5.) Still not buying much of anything.
Hi, I just ordered a mattress from Wayfair.com they have some good prices it takes a lot of looking. If you have a Biglots they have a 20% off coupon online now. You can pu at the store, I'm not sure if they are shipping though. I have had my sofa from them for about 10 years and we have a daughter and pets.
* I'm spending almost nothing on entertainment since Covid. Things are opening up again (restaurants, movie theater, etc) but I'm just not temprted to go. I'm not scared, just not interested anymore it seems. I still get take-out from time to time.
* Public library being open again (yay!!) I'm loading up on books. This is my main source of entertainment
* Did not buy much (new) clothes for the summer. I had ordered a lot of clothes online in May but by the time they actually arrived (some yesterday!) I felt like I didn't need them anymore. I mean... I feel like summer is almost over so... I just re-wear the same stuff over and over again. Who cares!
* I am very low maintenance. Woman are so happy to be going back to the hairdresser, to waxing place, the nail salon, etc. I don't relate at all. A friend asked me yesterday where I go for haircut and coloring and I almost fell of my chair, laughing. : I always have my hair in a pony tail, I don't color it (white-free at 40!), and cut it myself. I only wear lipstick (and only on weekend now that I have to wear a mask all day at work). I don't do my nail except cut them once on a while, etc. So I didn't miss all of those services one bit. So much money saved!
1. Didn't have quite enough greens for a salad so went out to the garden and cut tender young broccoli leaves (the heads are not done yet) to supplement what was in the fridge. Worked great! A friend of mine who lived in Africa for years learned to use pumpkin leaves for eating, so I am going to try that next.
2. When we adopted our dog, they gave us coupons for free nail clipping. My husband normally does it but last time he caused some bleeding and when our dog saw him with the clippers again, he ran and hid. I dug out the coupons, now a year old, and the store honored it and clipped them for free. I did give the person a $5 tip. (I have no idea how much to tip for dog nail grooming so I hope that was enough.)
3. My husband used to have to dress like a banker (he was not but you get the picture). He has dozens of white and pale blue shirts that he has not worn in five years. We gave 22 of them to the men's rescue mission (tax receipt obtained) and I saved a few for myself. I love the feel of cotton and so I am now wearing them even though they are big on me.
4. A friend gave me a bunch of lobster tail carcasses left over from a lobster roll dinner she made on the 4th. I used them to make a wonderful seafood stock, over a gallon of it. She was not that careful about salvaging all the meat from the crevices so the stock is very flavorful.
5. Needed to paint our new shed. The box store had a returns section and there was the exact barn red color I was looking for! The paint usually costs $45 a gallon. We got two gallons for $20!
Not a frugal thing, but one to make people understand price differentials in rural Alaska. This week a 12 pack of Bounty paper towels cost $55 in one of the villages. Yup, you read that right. And the unemployment rate in the rural areas is very, very high...
Well done Sonia for finding the free fix!
I went to Costco and came out with the 3 items on my list. Nothing more!
I picked enough lettuce this morning for several dinner-sized salads. I picked a lot of zucchini, which I will dehydrate to stay ahead of the supply!
I received $20 rebate for installing a water barrel. I'm working with the city to get a rebate for lawn that we removed.
I asked for, and received, 2 single serve instant coffee sachets from my Buy Nothing group. My daughters have a recipe they want to try and none of us wanted to buy a whole box of them!
I happily accepted a bag of hand-me-down clothes for my husband, and a broken zucchini at the garden where I volunteer. They already know me as someone who says yes to free things!
Made my mother a really cute pencil case out of denim and seagull fabric that she had given me. My sister saw the picture on Facebook and asked me to make some for her kids for this school year. She said it was going to be a hard year and they could use something to perk it up. I agreed. This school year is going to need a whole lot of CUTE to help it along. My husband is a public school teacher. Take a peek at the pencil case here https://www.etsy.com/listing/821647694/pencil-case?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1
That pencil case is so cute!
1. I started picking green beans from the garden yesterday. Zucchini is also producing. I've been able to give several away.
2. I went through cards for my nephew who is turning seven. Nothing there so I'm making him a card from an elephant coloring page. He'll love the elephants but be happier with the cash inside.
3. Krogers sent me coupons, two of which are 15.00 off a 75.00 pick up order. I pumped up our usual order to take advantage of it. When I use the next one, I'll add items that will be useful if our area shuts down again.
5. I just got notices from the library. Three books I requested are in as is the new Fred Roger's movie. I love the library!
Wash your hands and wear your masks, everyone!!!
1. Picked up a lemon balm plant, cast iron pan, and Toy Story Uno game from Buy Nothing
2. Signed up for the free coffee club with Panera. I will cancel before I have to pay the subscription.
3. Cut up some overripe peaches and added simple syrup to make homemade fruit cups for the kids.
4. Foraged for black and golden raspberries while hiking, so also free fun and exercise
5. Received a free large cheese pizza coupon from a new pizzeria. We paired the pizza with salad to feed our family of 4 dinner for 2 days.
1. Sushi dinner at my daughter’s house so no cooking.
2. We took advantage of low interest rates and refinanced our new home from 30 yrs to 15 yrs.
3. Called for a promotional to upgrade our internet to faster speed and got the upgrade for free and free HBO Max. Win /Win
4. Froze our gym membership and plan to cancel as soon as the freeze expires.
5. Moved container plants from the porch to the garden to replace shrubs burnt by the Florida heat.
1) Made hamburger buns instead of buying. Not only is it cheaper, but also tastier!
2) Used russet instead of red potatoes to make potato salad. Russets are cheaper to buy.
3) Finished eating up leftovers.
4) Used up all my birthday gifts from stores.
5) Only buying sale items.
1. Back to instacart delivery here in Arizona,too scary to go out again. My shopper today was awesome and I got all good produce and goodies. Including some wine which I really need right now.
2. Using all the art supplies I ALREADY OWN and not shopping impulsively at Tuesday Morning any more!! Am finding things I forgot I even had!
3. Getting my family back on Whole Foods,mostly Plant based eating.We’ve been enjoying old comfort food recipes and I’ve been stress-baking. Since I think this thing is gonna go on a long while yet it is time to get back to healthier foods and realize this is life for a while. No more pork chops. At least not on a regular basis.
4. Meditating.Praying.Daily.Making calls to family members to keep the vibes going..I am not usually good with phone calls but I have learned to get better.. it is so important to nurture our relationships right now, and actually,always,right?
I have been eating and cooking for comfort reasons. Thanks for the inspiration to try to reconnect with the mode I know is healthier for me and the planet.
Does your Instacart go to WF for you? or is that the generic whole, unprocessed foods?
tyia
I'm a firm believer in a stitch in time saves nine! I'm on the mending train too. Here's my five for the week:
1. I repaired a bra where the underwire had poked through.
2. Started an indoor herb garden using seeds and starter plants given to me by my middle daughter (The Plant Whisperer). Looking forward to not buying them from the grocery store anymore.
3. Took advantage of an annual online linen sale at a chain store and snagged two sets of premium quality king size sheets for $62...total. amazing deal. May have danced with glee.
4. Downloaded free books on my Nook instead of buying.
5. Local fabric store reopened with huge sales. Got enough flannel pieces in fun patterns to make both long and short pajama pants (annual Xmas presents) for all of us for less than $22. That works out to $2.20 a pair!!!
My eight-year old Delta kitchen faucet started dripping-a lot! I called Delta and they are sending out the parts to fix it - for free!
That's a cute little table.
1) I refinished a table top and stripped and repainted the base and it has finally cured enough to set it up in our breakfast nook turned office. Having the office in our basement was just too cold. I never filed things because I hated being down there. The office will become a workout space, which is also needed.
2) This weekend I used my homegrown basil and supplies from the pantry to make a gf pesto pasta that was a hit at the 4th of July party. Yay 'Merica!
3) I mended my bra (I only have one at the moment) for the second time in about 4 weeks. What the heck?
4) My husband negotiated our internet plan to save $ and improve our speed. He's a hero to the kids today.
5) I have recently lost weight and need some clothes but my normal thrifty store options are either not open or sadly depleted. I found some great sales and deals all over the place yesterday and that made me feel a bit wiser in my otherwise unusual brand new clothing purchases.
1. I am continuing to help my sister with decluttering her ridiculously stuffed house. So far, about $400 in sales; 2 carloads to Goodwill, and about 10 bags of trash. Not really frugal for me except she does provide my lunch when I'm there. I brought home enough for dinner twice.
2. Added tomatoes, onion and celery to some cooked veggies I was tired of and made bean soup.
3. Picked up season 3 of The Durrells in Corfu for free at the library.
4. Watched a movie on Tubi, a free streaming service.
5. Took takeout dinner to a friend who had surgery 2 weeks ago and ate with her. She ate all of the meal she had requested,
but I brought home my leftovers to eat for lunch today.
1. Guinea pig sat for a friend. Piggy stayed at our house. Was gifted boardwalk fudge, a funny T-shirt and a giant stuffed cat in return.
2. Neighbor gifted greens and wilted dill from their farm stand to our critters. Bunnies and piggies had a great feast and I dried the rest of the dill for later.
3, using meat from freezer. Only buying milk and veggies.
4. Using up pet food that was gifted to us before buying any more
5. Taking advantage of the super hot weather to wash and line dry heavy stuff like blankets, throw rugs and drapes. Things dry really quick! Had to find some upside to the heat!
Also spending time everyday in our free to us new pool we got from a friend. It’s only 10 feet across and 3 1/2 feet deep but all three of us can lounge in it. Some safe family fun.
Kristin can you do a post on your system for tracking paperwork type things - warranties and such? Thanks for considering!
Wanted to add that your cat is incredibly adorable.
Love the antique/vintage oil lamp on Sonia's new bedside table. I am a huge fan of natural wood furniture & the 2 pieces together are stunning. However, it will pull her room together better when painted the same color as her dresser. Great find!
1. Made napkins from left over material
2. Also used the longer shipping on Amazon
3. Made homemade Teryaki sauce
4. Got the free Panera iced coffee brought home and will go for two days of iced coffee
I laughed so hard at your '...SOME THINGS ARE SACRED..' comment. I needed that today!
Here are my frugal five:
1) I managed to get an ikea Hemnes shoe cabinet for half off used on the marketplace. We've kept our shoes near the front door and it's becoming a hazard zone. I've tried baskets, etc. and they always seem to end up gross or smelling. Hopefully after a fresh coat of paint - it'll be like new and keep anyone from potentially hurting themselves.
2) I took advantage of two early renewals for our electricity and website domains. Saving some money by being an early bird!
3) We've been really good about using up all of our groceries (just my hubs and I). We shop every two weeks online and have continued to do Walmart grocery pickup - it's been a lifesaver!!
4) My husband reorganized his entire desk (he works from home and is also a big gaming nerd so his desk gets a lot of use) as it became quiet cluttered. We used some stacker things we weren't using for dishes in the kitchen to make more room in his bookshelf by stacking his vintage consoles. Everything is put away and he seems much happier! Great using what we already had lying around!
5) I have been tired of drinking water, so I'm making an effort to make iced tea using up teabags that I haven't been using lately. It's a simple frugal thing, but makes my water taste ten times better!
We had that same kettle and I loved it! Also, for about the price of a new handle you could get a can of spray paint in Oil-Rubbed Bronze to paint the existing handle and then you would have it for future projects!
I've been making homemade hamburger buns to a. keep from going to the store and b. I think probably they're cheaper.
I also have started composting again in preparation for some garden boxes we're going to add to the backyard.
I've been making a homemade balsamic vinaigrette lately which I know is way cheaper and much better than buying a bottle. Plus I don't end up with a plastic bottle to recycle.
All meals at home all the time!
Would love for you to somehow post the recipe. I have looked for and tried some recipes but not found one I am in love with. TYIA
Oh yes, I imagine that the homemade version is cheaper. Even when you compare super cheap store bought white bread to homemade white bread, the homemade is a little cheaper. https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/wednesday-baking-does-homemade-bread-save-money/
And the more you get into specialty breads the more you see a price difference (English muffins, buns, focaccia, pita, etc.).
Thanks Kristen for this post. Many of the comments inspired me. Does that make you a double inspiration? LOL
I'm just a conduit for all the inspiration!
Several people mentioned libraries- ours is not yet open and they just started curbside pickup but, I downloaded the app they use (Hoopla) and was able to read five ebooks a month. Not the same ask a real book I know, but it’s an option if/when they close again.
The credit card is paid off two months early thanks to Covid. Now I can put extra money towards the mortgage, car loan and savings account.
Used the dehumidifier water to water the plants.
Now that pollen season is over, I can once again hang clothes outside to dry.
I wondered about using the dehumdifier water for plants!
Sounds like everyone had a frugal week! I am really trying harder than usual, maybe because everything seems so uncertain lately. FFT: 1. Have been trying to stay home so no thrift stores or garage sales so listing odds and ends on Market place.
2. Sold a vintage candy machine on Marketplace for $50 which is what i paid for it years ago.
3. Used a $5 swagbucks gift card and a $3 Verizon Up gift card to buy a 2 pack of dry shampoo on Amazon.
4. Trying to stay on top of the veggies in the fridge by washing and wrapping before putting them away to keep them longer....also eating tons of green beans and zuchinni out of the garden. 5. Got a Kindle Unlimited free trial through Amazon until August so have been downloading lots of good books! Stay safe everyone.
1. My daughter's sunglasses got sunscreen on them which damaged the finish on the lenses. I emailed the company and they are sending replacement lenses free of charge!
2. We went tubing with some family members and didn't have enough tubes or life vests and everywhere online was out of new product. I borrowed enough tubes from one friend and found life vests from another friend so we didn't have to spend the money on new ones right now.
3. We are eating from the freezer so grocery bills are crazy low.
4. While we had family visiting we kept to the free activities, tubing, walking in a park, movie in the backyard, etc.
5. Just used your tip and submitted a ticket to Nintendo to get my son's switch controllers fixed!
Hi Kristen, I love the side table. Can only think of two FT today;
1. My 1st FT I can't take any credit for but I put off replacing a broken side lamp as I want to finish decluttering before I buy any non-essentials if I can help it. Anyhow dear friends moved away a while ago now & they drove past my place on a visit to family when I was at work. When I got home I found a beautiful letter & gift at my back door - it's a lamp made out of a large pink salt crystal, the lamp is lovely & it reminds me of the ones who gave it to me.
2. Where I live discounts/vouchers/coupons etc rarely mean genuine savings - mostly I would have to spend money I wouldn't otherwise so I usually ignore them. But this week I took up an offer for no charge to buy gift cards for the supermarket I shop at with a 5% discount. Woohoo. I try to buy things when on special but also having spent this month's grocery money I'm also spending even more strategically to stretch it even further.
Reused muffin papers. I had some foil ones and let them dry out after peeling them off carefully and put them in the frig. They mostly have held their shape and I really don't like scrubbing muffin tins!