Five Frugal Things
1. I sold an outgrown bike on craigslist.
Unlike my pal Katy, I am not big on selling things. I am okay at it, but I hate the process, which means it's something I tend to put off.
So, I'm giving myself a big gold star for selling a bike this week. 😉
I cleaned it up, took photos in good light, and wrote up a detailed listing.
(Because when we were shopping for bikes, we came across a bajillion listings without wheel/frame sizes listed. So frustrating!)
2. I returned Lands' End items at Sears.
I ordered multiple swimsuits from Lands' End for Sonia (because glory be, they sell suits for super slender children), with the plan to return what didn't work.
Lands' End doesn't offer free return shipping, so I stopped by Sears on the way home from taking Joshua to work and did my return there. Free, and almost no extra driving.
3. I bought two clearance swim shirts.
While on said errand to Sears, I spotted a clearance rack and found a $7 swim shirt for Sonia and one for Zoe.
This is perfect, because we recently discovered that they've outgrown our small swim shirts and aren't big enough for the larger ones we have.
4. I planted basil outside.
I'd started a bunch of basil seeds in a pot a little while back and had been meaning to transplant the now-medium sized plants outside, where they can get nice and big. But the weather has been so hot, I've been nervous about their survival post-transplant.
Luckily, the weather promises to cool down a bit, so I distributed the plants in my borders last night, and I think they'll be fine.
5. Miscellany
I cooked at home all week, dropped clutter off at Goodwill, bought clearance flip flops for my girls, mailed back an Old Navy swimsuit bottom with a free shipping return label, and took Joshua's car in for a free airbag replacement, as it was part of a big recall.
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Your turn! Share your own Five Frugal Things in the comments.
I think your basil should do well. I have had one plant in my subtropical garden for about 8 years.
I haven't been frugal as I have booked a cruise on the Queen Mary II. I did get a decent bargain though. The flipside is that I am going t o need to be super frugal.
If it fits in your budget and you aren't destroying your retirement savings or whatever, then spending money on a vacation is perfectly fin.
Enjoy yourself and make some memories.
Go for it. This is what money is for - spend it on what you want or need, and not fritter it away or waste it.
Saved 15% on some new vinyl flooring for our entryway by googling for a coupon code before placing my order at Lowe's.
Used a no-rush shipping credit for free Prime Pantry shipping on Amazon and bought only things that we use and that were a good deal.
Bought Tomato Tone for my tomatoes through Amazon, which is far cheaper than buying it anyplace around here.
Eating lettuce out of our garden which saves me at least $5 a week right now.
Found a decent pair of $4 New Balance sneakers for my son at the local thrift store.
On the basil front, I direct seeded some in the garden late in the spring. It has been so, so dry here in northern New England that the germination was very poor. I will get some, but I'm kind of disappointed that it will be much less than usual. Some of the plants that came up are too close together, but like you, I'm worried about whether they'll take being transplanted or not. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and try before they get much bigger...
Started homeschooling the two youngest, free, using DiscoveryK12 (not a government school).
Reviewed an amazon book and the author gifted me with a $10 gift certificate.
Listed a book on BookMooch for credit (which will turn into a free book for me)
Kept using my melted down lipstick even though I'm sick of the color.
Made a meal plan, shopped at ALDI
Bought printer paper at Staples and sent in the rebate, which will make the paper $1.00. I may go try to get some more before it ends because we always need paper.
Made a freezer inventory after we returned from vacation and made dinner every night this week. (spent too much on vacation)
Returning dress that does not fit right. I was going to keep it, but it just doesn't work.
Ordered school clothes at Land's End and will be returning items that don't fit at Sears so that there is no shipping.
The basil and thyme in my herb pot garden are the only things that have survived our S. Texas heat; well, those and a sprig of parsley, lol. The mint is pretty much wiped out, but that's to be expected. I'll replant as the weather cools down, which, around here, will be about November.
Five Frugal Things
1. Shopped at Aldi, the last two weeks I've had a $5 coupon, one from the mail, one someone gave me. A new store opened nearby, a little further out of my travel area, but close enough to make it worth it.
2. Repaired a swimsuit for my super slim 4- year old granddaughter. The top was fine, the bottom, too big, so I took it in a bit. Double bonus, the suit was purchased at Once Upon a Child.
3. Speaking of the above, shopped at OUAC yesterday. Found a Melissa and Doug miniature shopping cart for $15, in like- new condition. These sell new for $55 on Amazon. Perfect for the kid's new playroom.
4. Ate at home.
5. Haven't been to Target in several weeks.
Zoe got a swimsuit as a gift once, and even though the top and the bottom were officially the same size, she outgrew the bottom before she ever fit the top. It was such a shame, because it was a super cute suit.
I share the frustration at not being able to find swimsuits for super-slim girls. We have a bunch of hand-me-down suits that don't fit her! I have had luck with L.L. Bean suits though - modest and made for slimmer girls.
I haven't looked a lot at L.L. Bean suits, but I love that Lands End makes regular AND slim sizes. So wonderful.
Zoe is average-sized enough to wear suits from, say, Old Navy, but Sonia is just so slim, she really can't do a regular size. It gets all gappy in the back!
I'm making a new baby quilt only with fabric given to me...a challenge, but fun!
I've spent no money this month beyond groceries and basic needs and feel good to be able to do so.
The library has provided me with so many good free novels that take me away from the 100 degree days we have now.
Every day I look forward to a cooling swim in my community pool at noontime and have the pool all to myself. Heaven!
I've been creating my Christmas cards using parts of cards I received last year....fun and free!
Because I live on such a limited budget, I am so thankful I have the ability to spin straw into gold and make things of beauty out of nothing. Creativity at its best!
1. In the "use it up" category: I am in the process of using up all the hotel sample shampoos that have accumulated in our house. I'm currently using one from Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, circa 2007. I shouldn't need to buy shampoo for several months.
2. Went to a local animal park on Saturday and brought our own water and snacks.
3. We haven't used the oven in several weeks because it's too hot!!
4. Our area seems to have a lot of free activities, both for kids and grownups. My sisters and I went to a free outdoor showing of "Dirty Dancing" last week and brought our own snacks and beverages, potluck style.
5. Cancelled the insurance on a motorcycle we sold recently and got a rebate!
1. We ate dinner at home all week.
2. Didn't have to do a big grocery haul as we had leftovers from my sister-in-law's graduation party.
3. My husband's best friend from high school is moving in our extra room for a few months as he just graduated college. The extra $$ per month will be a nice addition.
4. In preparing for his move in date, I did some massive de-cluttering because the spare room had become my catch all room. Sold several things that totaled about $60 and donated A LOT to Goodwill.
5. I found StrideRite shoes for my toddler on sale for $15 -- which is a steal for these!
The hubs has been great about making dinner.
I've had a bunch of business lunches and dinners.
FRUGAL FAIL! Hubs "saved" $75 on his flight to a convention. But it was Southwest, which cancelled all their flights a few hours before his homebound flight. They said they'd fly him back four days later!!! He rented a car and drove 16 hours ($350) home. The ongoing incompetence of airlines made me stop flying years ago, and he's right there with me after this last nightmare.
I heard about that big Southwest snafu. So frustrating, especially when Southwest is usually such a good airline.
Hmmm, I wouldn't call it a frugal fail just yet. Have you contacted Southwest?
Something related happened to me. The SWA partner airline was affected by a bankruptcy and all the flights were cancelled, including mine, which was a free Rapid Rewards ticket. Instead of waiting for SWA to reroute me, I rebooked myself on another airline, using different mileage. When I told SWA I'd made other plans myself, they gave me a very substantial credit toward future flights.
It's worth your time to follow up with them.
That's a great idea!
They did give him a credit towards a future flight... I guess we can try to sell it? He's not going to take Southwest after they were going to leave him stranded for four days. It's like a free dessert from a restaurant where you got food poisoning. Just no.
I like this.
1 - made tomato sauce with home grown tomatoes
2 - use grocery card to save 30 cents a gallon in gas
3 - made a smoothie from 1/2 eaten bananas and almost too ripe strawberries
4 - used veggie odds and ends plus beans to make veggie soup
5- made a meal plan
This is harder to think about then I imagined.
I always check the Jet Blue "deals" without success but last night I got a round trip ticket from Boston to Houston for $116!! This was lower than what I found in the morning at almost $300 (which is lower than the usual $500 it costs) so I am very excited with this deal. To make it even sweeter, I used money from my PayPal account to pay for part of the ticket. My friend already has things planned for my visit
Yay for cheap travel to see a friend!
1) My husband fixed my sewing machine when the handwheel jammed majorly this week (whilst quilting a baby blanket). We haven't quite got the tension right, but still cheaper than a $99 maintenance trip to the shop.
2) I made a pot of coffee at the office instead of buying takeaway coffee.
3) I got all the books from my library, and used the hold feature to get all the other books in the future.
4) I made Mexican-ish rice to use leftover chicken broth and tomato paste, and topped it with the end of a block of cheese.
5) I wrote a strong (and honest) self-evaluation for my performance review, and believe it will support a future raise or promotion.
1. - Wife made pasta sauce and had people over. She made enough that there are like 4 quarts of it in the freezer. So instant dinner for her for a while.
2. - Hit up Marshall's and bought some Converse that were marked down to $30 (which is cheap for Converse.) I ended up buying two pair. I feel a little strange owning four pairs of sneakers but hey, it means they will last longer.
3. - A coworker gave me a Target coupon for formula. This stacked with a "Buy 3, get $10 back in a GC" promo that they were running so we got three cans of store brand formula for much cheaper than we normally pay. The formula phase is almost over, but we still need it in the meantime.
4. - The wife bought some reusable food pouches for our daughter so we've made some more baby food for her. We also used coupons for Beech Nut to get some of the stuff that's more difficult or costly for us to make ourselves.
5. - Made three loaves of bread despite the crazy over 90F heat wave. We also don't have AC anywhere but the baby's room.
1. I called my insurance company about my son's eyeglasses. Since we got his last pair less than a year ago, I was pretty sure I was going to be told we wouldn't be reimbursed, but I made myself make the phone call anyway. The kind man on the phone told me that we were in fact eligible. They reimburse for glasses once each calendar year, regardless of whether a full year has passed. I was so glad I made the call and so grateful for his answer.
2. I'm reading a great library book (a biography of Vivian Vance ... I've been a big I Love Lucy fan since I was a little girl!).
3. My family is eating out a little less in general. This is a very weak area of mine when it comes to frugality, but I'm trying to work on it!
4. We'll get back $29 from our electric company for reducing usage during an energy savings day earlier this week.
5. I'm buying school supplies a little each week this summer, figuring that I'm likely to pay less if I'm not scrambling around for all of it right before school starts. 🙂
I am not as frugal as I could be, but I'm trying harder...
-I bought in advance for a bunch of kids' birthday parties that are coming up, so that I have one gift that is great for boys or girls and is really inexpensive.
-I finally canceled cable, because we use television so rarely (we usually stream video), and this is almost a frugal fail in that it was so long overdue!
-We have eaten at home this week, though I will buy cupcakes tonight for a celebration
Replaced some shirts by ones from local consignment shop. Donating no longer comfortable ones (too short sleeves for aging arms--self-consciousness isn't fun). Using leftovers down to the last bite. 11 lib. books checked out yesterday. Enjoying non-cable convention coverage. That's four!
Thank you for your blog, Kristen.
Let's see, this week:
1. I'm slated to make about $140 on selling some stuff on Craigslist. Now I just need the deals to actually go through. 🙂
2. I cooked several meals ahead of time and we've been reaping the benefits of that all week. I had prepared butternut squash soup and sloppy joes ahead of time, and man, I'm getting spoiled! I could get used to this freezer cooking business, if only we had a bigger freezer!
3. Mr. Picky Pincher changed the oil in his truck instead of spending $60+ to get it changed at a quick lube.
4. We went window shopping for couches last night and plotted how to get our dream couch on sale. We won't be buying it for another month or so (waiting to close on the house first), but we think we're going to go in to do a cash deal to save a couple hundred bucks. Mr. Picky Pincher is a mean savings machine when it comes to negotiating prices!
5. I plan on finishing my newest sewing project this week--a fancy cardigan for work. I bought the fancy fabric on sale at Joann's and the pattern was only a couple of bucks at Walmart. Hopefully I will look fancy and professional when I wear it to work next week!
I hate that in-between spot, where you have a buyer, but the transaction isn't done yet. I always feel so much better once my money is in hand!
Having a mechanic for a husband sure helps when it comes to car repairs - they're so expensive! His boss charges $60/ hr for labor, which is on the cheaper end in our area. I am so grateful that we get all of our parts and oil change needs at the owner's price with no labor (but my husband's sweat labor). 🙂
I hate to sell things, too. I always said I couldn't sell solid gold bars for 50 cents, I'm such a bad salesperson.
1. Ordered a gift for a new baby in the family. It's an inexpensive but cute piggy bank that matches his room's theme, and since I had it sent to the store to pick up, no shipping. I'll put some money in it, but it still will only be about $10 total.
2. I bought a new bag of grain-free cat food and split it, putting half in the freezer. My cats hate to eat food once it's gone stale in the bag, so they'll waste a lot of it. By freezing it, the second half of the bag is fresh when they get it and they eat it up.
3. I have been doing very well at making meals out of the freezer and pantry. I've surprised myself.
4. I've ordered seed for cool weather gardening. We can grow some things all winter in Florida. I think I went ahead with it now because I got a discount, and because this heat has me dreaming of fall days. Buying the seed is sure cheaper than buying the plants, especially with the discount, and my husband has a talent for starting seeds.
5. I'm hanging laundry up outside or on a rack, avoiding the oven, and keeping lids on my saucepans to keep from heating up my house. I'm still replacing burned out incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which don't heat up. The a/c is on 78, but it still runs a lot. We got on budget billing, so my bill will not jump up drastically, but it will climb some and stay up for longer since the energy use is really high this summer.
I've been making a meal plan for the last couple of weeks, so we've been eating at home more. (And trying some new recipes!) Didn't go to the grocery last week, so used up a lot of what was in the freezer/pantry. Froze some ripe bananas, along with some cheap blueberries and strawberries for future smoothies. Used a credit at Schoola to get some kids clothes.
1. Made sandwiches for travel lunch instead of going out.
2. Called about insurance charge that I think will lower the OOP.
3. Froze all vegetables and fruit before we travelled.
4. Going to shop tax free this weekend for new shoes.
5. Library, cook at home, and repairing clothes are part of the usual frugal things.
1. We're moving out of our home office and into a commercial space this week. We've also brought on our second employee. Luckily we found a good enough desk on freecycle to give everyone a place to sit while we figure out how we want to furnish the office.
2. We needed a new Magic Mouse for the new employee. We had planned to pick one up the next time we were out when the other designer says, I found a Magic Mouse at a yard sale for $5. I just need to see if it works, and you can have it. It did, and we gave her $20 for it, which is half the price of new. Win win!
3. This morning our errands cost a total of twenty cents. We dropped off stuff at Goodwill, picked up books for me from the local university (parking was twenty cents), and got books for the kids at the city library.
4. Bringing on a new employee and moving into space means our income will go up in the next few months, but until then it will be tight while we ramp up. Tonight my husband and I are going to slash and burn the budget and figure out how we can live on pennies until we're sailing again.
5. I'm making brownies this afternoon from a mix my mom gave me. Our neighbor (and her's) is moving into assisted living this week and cleaned out her pantry. We were the grateful recipients of brownie and cake mixes, pasta, and crackers.
6. I'm calling it. Our two year old is potty trained! He still needs help with his pants, but we haven't had an accident in weeks. No more diapers to buy for that one!
7. A tree fell across the side street by our home during a storm last night over the exact spot we often park our truck! Luckily the truck is safely parked under the carport at our other house. Providence!
1. ate at home all week
2. rounded up everything I could think of around here for the K and 3rd grade school supply lists so only have to get some glue sticks
3. no need to purchase school clothing or outerwear for this school year YAY!!
4. a huge box of donations went to Goodwill and out of the house
5. made a big salad out of odds and ends of veggies, fruits, nuts, cheeses, bits of meat and poultry and made a basic vinaigrette dressing
Frugal Fail: One of our dogs was bitten by a snake last Friday evening late so took her to the vet on Saturday morning. $93.10 and she is fine. The money was in the Vet fund so maybe not quite a fail??!!
Definitely not a fail, and having a Vet fund means you can stay on track with your other spending and saving goals.
I just love reading your five frugal things, and also really enjoy reading all the comments!
Aww, that makes me so happy!
We closed on our new house this week so it's been quite the money in, money out type of week!
1. Despite being at the new house most nights, we've managed an economical dinner every night. Eating out of the pantry/freezer of our current house is helping but planning ahead has really made the difference.
2. The garden is coming in and the timing could be better but we're enjoying fresh produce which has also really helped with groceries. My husband is stopping tonight to pick up milk, bread and a frozen honeysuckle turkey breast that is .99#. Cheap eating!
3. We had to paint two large bedrooms which were neon orange but we managed to use Sherwin Williams paint we had purchased at 40% off. We did have to pick up one more gallon but we waited until today to get it at 30% off with a $10 off $50 coupon.
4. We've been moving boxes over every time we've headed to the new house and made multiple runs Saturday. If it's something that can be put away, I do, then bring the box back to refill. The boxes were free and because the new place is close, often just folding the top in does the trick. We will rent a truck when we move the large furniture but that won't be for quite awhile.
5. Received an unexpected check from the insurance company which will help with the frugal fail: running air conditioning in two houses with the high temperatures and high humidity! Never move during July/August!
Thanks for doing this, Kristen! I love Five Frugal Things!
Good week at our house!
1. Dear Husband and I almost ate out Wednesday night as we were out running errands, but then got a hold of ourselves and went home to eat the planned menu. We were proud of ourselves!
2. Two trips to Goodwill to donate clothing and some bulky items from our attic, including three suitcases we don't need.
3. Planned a date for this coming Saturday to use a museum membership we already own.
4. Helped dear husband gather and organize some magic items for sale -- made $50!
5. Found taped shows to watch together a couple nights ago instead of renting a disc.
Five Frugal Things
1. I've been getting rid of clothes all summer at Once Upon A Child.
2. I've been preparing my own martinis to have as weekend cocktails.
3. I've been researching and finding free entertainment for me and the hubby to enjoy; lots of live music events.
4. The kids have enjoyed swimming and the skateboard park, both free and most importantly 49 cents ice cream cones from McDonalds.
5. Currently getting two bar stools reupholstered at a local upholstery company for $80 total instead of purchasing new ones.
Way to repair instead of replace!
Due to two carwrecks , injuries, and two totaled cars, I am in full self preservation mode I returned my new computer for a full refund. I bought peanut butter a d jelly on sale for99 cents. I am taking full inventory of my home to see what we have for the holiday dinners and gifts. I will make due with my kindle. I know the difference between needs and saw. I imagine I won't be able to work after eye and spinal surgery but honestly I am alive. I know how to survive. Bless all the women in the family for teaching me to be frugal. We. Will be great.
Oh, my goodness! I hope you make a full and speedy recovery. If you're in the US, please consider responding with your state and I'll post some resources for you. I used to do that professionally.
Great job selling the bike. Kudos for you!!!!
I am so with you about selling things on eBay or Craigslist. I have 3-4 items that could yield a nice amount of money. That I've tried to sell one of them several times before without luck, is discouraging to the point that I've put off trying the rest.
1. Ate at home all week.
2. Instead of buying new lights for foyer and dining room, I painted lamp shades with chalk paint and glued trim around them. Looks like new lights.
3. Made kitchen curtains to match the dining room chairs I reupholstered.
4 . Took some things to Goodwill to help reduce "stuff" laying around.
5. Painted and rearranged office/craft room with only paint bought at a discount.
This is one of my favourite blog categories 🙂 I love to read the responses, adding mine here as well:
1 Sold one of my books. Books are so difficult to let go of
2 Ate home cooked meals healthy all week in spite of extreme temperatures and kids being away all week
3 Tried on all outfits that would be suitable to wear to work in said weather; discovered some options in my own closet and bought an additional office wear top, on clearance
4 Received a 20 euro coupon for participating in a survey by one of my favourite local linen shops. Without expiry date, and also valid on clearance. A very good reward, that!
5 Cleared out a closet, finding back some loved items, as well as some items that will be loved by others (goodwill or sale)
Also we had some repairs done to our home, which counts as semi frugal in my book since neglect will always cost you more in the end.
Have a great weekend all!
Free veggies from my sisters garden .
Went to Goodwill on Sat for 75%off color sale on Sat(I never knew until a few months ago that every Sat was 75%off the color of the week
Made breakfast at home instead of going out
Rain last night so I don't have to water flowers
Got Lowes gift card at Giant which gave me gas points will use gift cards in the fall for a few house items
Great job on selling the bike! You know what I say, right?
"Crap out of the house, money in!"
Yes, indeed!
Good morning, Kristen!
We are still traveling in Australia and this is what we did this past week:
1. Since my pants were attempting to fall off, I bought 3 pair of pants (2 in size I am in now and one size smaller and all in great condition) for $9 in total.
2. We took the train into Melbourne and got the best hotel rate as it was on a back lane that was under construction.
3. We hiked to the Thrift store, Chemist, Bank and Post Office 5 km round trip from home base, dropped off the stuff in our backpacks, then hiked another 4 km round trip to the grocery store. Packs were stuffed full of veggies, so got in some weight training for free! We also hiked to the Melbourne Market and got some deals on shoes (hubby sorely needed runners and sandals and runners for me as I wear them out every 6 months if I'm lucky) for both of us, saving about $200.00 by not going into shoe stores. We hiked or took the free tram service in the Central Business District
4. Made a double batch Nut Loaf and a huge Apple Slaw with Lemon and Lime juice for dressing. Made a Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup and a Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Soup, enough to freeze and serve us for 8 meals. Made a large container of Oatmeal Mix with dried fruit, seeds and nuts spice with homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice. Made an overnight Oatmeal with Nut milk and fresh fruit.
5. Took a big container of Slaw with us to Melbourne, including 2 forks and had that for a late meal.
Only got rained on a few times and hardly got wet 🙂
5 Frugal things I did this week
1. Went to the office to turn in work then went to the library until 8:00 p.m. so I did not turn on my air conditioning until after 9:00p.m. and it was off just after midnight. My house usually stays cool. I did this all week.
2. Returned some library books by the due date.(Hard for me sometimes to do.) Found 6 books I wanted from the library Book Store( 4 Hard Back and 2 Soft Back) Total costs for them were $5.00. I know I spent money but I wanted to keep them for a very long time and I probably can sell them later for what I paid( or more) at a Yard Sale next year.
3. Ate lunch for free at the office 4 of the 5 days and the other day I ate leftovers from some things I had from dinner. We buy food for clients and I was able to eat leftovers they didn't eat. Paid for my gas/wear and tear to get there and I had to turn in work anyway.
4. Made dinner from some chicken I had bought and froze(made 3 meals already and it cost $5.00 from Sam's Club) with leftover rice from work. Ate it cold at the library and the library is just up the street from the office. Groceries for the week were just under $20.00, so far.
5. Tomorrow I will visit a friend and will do things she needs done in exchange for lunch. I get to spend time with her and I won't again be spending money on air conditioning. I will probably get dinner out of my leftovers as we go out to eat and she insists on paying. I never order a drink as water is always provided for free so her bill isn't that high either, a 'win win' situation for us both.