Five Frugal Things | a mend and a non-mend
1. I mended a small hole in my leggings
I'm pretty sure I snagged these on a thorn while venturing off the trail to inspect some interesting little item (ok, it was probably moss. It's almost always moss.)
I grabbed some thread from the abandoned house and did a few quick hand-stitches to secure the hole.
It's not beautiful, but this will keep it from becoming a larger hole.
Oh, the needle I used is also from the abandoned house! There was a little wooden sewing caddy in the house, and I have used the needles/thread in there many times since bringing it here. 🙂
2. I cut up an old shirt to make rags
I bought this American Giant shirt on clearance years ago and I really loved it because the brick red is a good color for my skin.
But the fabric was starting to sprout many holes under the arms.
And there were random holes in other places too, which turned this into a not-reasonable-to-repair situation (I had already repaired the armholes before!)
So, I cut it up to make several decent-sized cleaning rags. I also saved some of the smaller pieces for my rag bag and for doing things like applying stain to furniture.
I love old t-shirt rags for cleaning mirrors and windows! I'd pick them any day over paper towels.
3. I got a $5 rebate on my TurboTax purchase
I have a small investment account with Acorns and they have a little cashback program that is sort of like TopCashback.
I never log in and look at it, but apparently there was a $5 offer for a TurboTax purchase, so now $5 is getting added to my investment account.
Hey, I'll take it. You know we don't turn our noses up at $5 around here. 😉
4. I got through another period with no disposables
This is nothing new; I've been operating this way for lots of years now! I use a menstrual cup plus Knix period undies (all of my Thinx brand undies began to leak so I do not recommend them.)
The menstrual cup is 100% a money saver and will pay for itself almost immediately; the period undies are less of a big financial win because you do have to own multiple pairs (though you can get a 20% discount if you buy multiple pairs at once.)
Completely not period related but: I love my Thigh Saver shorts from Knix. They're so great for keeping thigh rub from happening under dresses and also amazing for avoiding the dreading Visible Panty Line.
5. I revived greens x 2
I refreshed some kale:
and some green leaf lettuce:
It's amazing what a quick soak in cold water can do.
Frugal things---
● got XL BBQ Chicken pizza from Domino's half off & ate (still eating) lunches at work from pizza(s)
● saved $0.10/gallon on gas ($2.89)
● got gas before went up to $3.29/gallon
● 2 FREE Hallmark cards
● watched March Madness FREE because teen figured out if downloaded (some) app could watch 1 hour FREE of game(s) & then deleted app, did on my phone also. Downloaded app (again) to watch another game (on both phones) & connected to TV to watch game.
● picked up FREE small metal garden Shepherd's hook, small tool bag & miter saw (?) on curb.
Frugal fail---
● cleaning out pantry & have past date grhamam crackers that will get composted. Tried using past date crushed grahams for cheesecake, but smelled & tasted funky so threw out (before making cheesecake)
@Regina, Good call on the Graham crackers. I too through out a box recently. Once those things go bad, there is no rescuing them. To try is just to waste more ingredients.
@Regina, I wonder if they could have been revived by putting them in the oven for a bit, like I’ve done for other crackers like Triscuits.
And here is a funny about grahams: my friend puts them in double ziplocks and drives over them with her car to crush them!
@Regina, My teen helped me do the exact same thing to watch my team play in the tournament as well. 🙂
@Regina,
I've learned the hard way that I'll never use an entire box of Graham crackers before they go bad, so now I crush the rest up and freeze the crumbs until I need some for a crust.
Good frugal week for me!
1. Made dinner with:
Markdown rack in the produce section in HT:
$1 large bag of mushrooms
$1 tub of chopped onions
$1 bag of baby potatoes
yellow tagged rump roast, marked down to $4.79 lb, ($14)
carrots I already had
So, 3 good pot roast dinners for DH and I for about$17!
2. Planted my herbs in large pots. The squirrels have been digging in my pots, so DH and I looked around and found some old pvc shelving in the garage, he zip tied them together to make lids to keep out the squirrels but still let in the rain and sun.
3. Went through my store coupon stash and found a $25 coupon for Loft, bought a nice work shirt for $7, free shipping
4. Bought gas for both cars at the same time using my HT points
5. Bought a gift card for my granddaughter's bday, easy to mail and pumped up my gas points.
@MommaJo, just popping on to say thank you. Your comment prompted me to check the gas rewards. Id completely blanked on checking those things because most times they seem to be connected to something I wouldn't purchase. Sure enough, the gift card purchase will save us too. Im gonna go fill up our gas hog today.
HT = Harris Teeter?
@Kristen, That was my guess.
I could use a glossary of relative acronyms. D--anything is dear? DD? DH? are daughter and husband? What is a relative with a number, like S17? A son's age or a place in a very large number of siblings?
ATK took me weeks to translate. I feel more included if I know the codes.
I think S17 would be a son who is 17?
I feel you on the acronyms; when I have listened to the charge nurse give report to the next charge nurse on my clinical shifts, I am drowning in acronyms. Ha. I usually have to jot a few down on the side of the paper to ask about after report.
@Kristen, yes!:)
@Kristen, I started using acronyms a while back when I noticed people on the Non Consumer Advocate all did. I NEVER actually call my husband "dear" out loud haha. But I thought everyone else used DH so I started shortening everything. Around here we just call it "Teeter".
Kristen: Oh, yes on medical acronyms! Some day I will look up what all those things in a blood draw are and why the numbers matter.
@MommaJo,
And Kristen, my husband and I both spent decades in the military where acronyms were king. If they could abbreviate anything, they would!
@Heidi Louise, your questions are why I usually try to include the full term for one of my own acronyms (NDN, the BNs, etc.) on first use in a post--a holdover habit from my copyediting days. I don't do this for DH because I have assumed that DH is a standard Internet abbreviation for "Dear Husband."
@Joyce from Arkansas, Oh my goodness, same. My husband is also in the military AND I was working on a cardiology project lately (seems to me cardiologists are especially prone to using acronyms). I was drowning in alphabet soup for a couple of months. It taught me to be really careful to define ALL acronyms (and really, avoid them when at all possible) when writing training modules.
FFT, Blizzard Edition
Like many others, we were subject to last week's doozy of a winter storm. We came out unscathed thanks to A LOT of planning and gradually acquiring things as we found them on sale. My husband and I learned our first year out here that bad storms don't have to hit us directly, just the nearest city with our power station, so we've adapted accordingly.
--We thankfully had no property damage, though we were without power for over seven hours.
--Given the severity of the expected storm, I pre-gamed by thawing a pork roast and vegetables the night before to ensure we had no need to open the fridge or deep freezer.
--We also have a GIANT portable power station that can run the fridge in an emergency; I did plug the fridge into it after four hours to be on the safe side. The deep freezer is on the enclosed backporch, so it was just fine given the snow outside.
--Our 1950s Dixie gas oven (bought last year for $250, works like a dream) has no electronics whatsoever. We were able to cook our roast and vegetables (enough for three meals) and drink tea and coffee (kettle and hand grinder) throughout the storm.
--The thermostat (installed by our HVAC friend) for our gas furnace has a backup battery, so we were never without heat.
--We opened a few curtains for daylight to read by and, when that started to wane, lit one of our thrifted hurricane lanterns. (A few years ago, I spotted odorless lantern oil on clearance at Michael's, of all places, for $1.20 per 32 oz bottle. I bought the entire shelf's worth!) We also have a bevy of rechargeable LED lanterns and battery-powered touch lights under the kitchen cabinets, just in case.
Since we are out in the country, I do my best to keep a mini-stockpile of food and water for us, our cats, and medicines for everyone. Our fridge's portable power station (bought two years ago) was $250, so not exactly cheap, but definitely worth it; a generator would be overkill for our little house and true emergency needs like fridge and phones. We're deeply fortunate and grateful that several days of being snowed in resulted in nothing worse than a little cabin fever!
@N, can you tell me about your portable power station? We have a generator we haul out to juice up our fridge but it's not always practical, depending on the storm. I'd love a recommendation that can work for a big appliance like that!
@Suz, Sure! It's not available right now, but it may be later: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK2G8666
Two important caveats: 1) Our fridge is small by most people's standards (it's Euro/apartment-sized) and 2) is purposefully the most basic we could find, as all we wanted was a box to keep food cold--no ice maker, water dispenser, etc. It therefore doesn't need much power, so your mileage may vary depending on your set up. Our fridge for your reference and any voltage questions: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TCJG7T9
@N, very very impressive!
@N, Thank you! Our power was out for @24 hours last month, and conditions didn't allow us to plug generator in until towards the end, so this has me thinking. Thanks also for the caveats; good data points! Our fridge has both of the extra features you mentioned but we don't use them, so I'll have to see if that has an impact on our draw.
And I meant to say - congrats on your cozy handling of the storm; sounds like a great way to be temporarily snowed in...
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, We just try to do our best. 🙂
@Suz, Glad to be of (hopeful) help!
@N, you and yours did a great job of coping with that blizzard! Personally, if we get any more major snow here, I'm just going to bed and draw the covers up over my head till it's over.
Thanks for the greens/lettuce tip!
1. I also added to my rag box, but it was old stained dish towels that got demoted there.
2. Today we'll be combining a whole buncha errands... And enjoying half off Taco Tuesday!
3. I planted some more seeds in my kitchen, so excited about my little plants popping up!!
4. I found a total of 37 the last 2 days while out on walks!
5. Taking some donations to Goodwill and will happily accept and 20% off one coupon in return!
@Katy @ Practical Walk, #4 37 cents that's is
1. I bought a 90-days bus card. Saved $40 by doing this instead of buying the monthly passes.
2. Mended three wool jumpers and a cardigan. On the cardigan I mended a hole in the elbow area by knitting a patch. Not quite invisible, but very pleased since it’s my first try at this technique.
3. Finally realized that I don’t have the time and energy to try and sell all the clothes I don’t fit anymore so sorted out clothes to fill a blue IKEA bag to give to a clothing swap and focused my energy on listing the more expensive clothes. Sold two jackets in the last week for $200, with nice profit from what I paid for them too.
4. Baked a batch of high protein rolls using cottage cheese, eggs and steel cut oats. Not exactly cheap, but so much more filling than store bought bread so when I did the math we still save some $.
5. Sold a dog mattress and made a $10 profit. Our dog prefer the floor so saw no need for the extra mattress in the bedroom. He still have his IKEA DIHULT mattress in the living room.
@Gunn from Northern Norway,
I wish I could do real life workshops on such repairs. I am not afraid to try anything but for certain techniques instruction and an assistant would be beneficial. (Looking at you, visibly mended felted woolen slippers)
@JNL, I know! I follow Alexandra Brinck on IG and she is truly an artist! It would be amazing to attend workshops on that level. I love visible mending but sometimes I just want clothes looking like new 🙂
Which style of Knix? I see a Luxe version? Which length, too? Thank you! Do they stay in place versus rolling at the waistband? Inquiring minds want to know.
Do you mean for the undies or the thigh saver? Let me know!
@Kristen, looking for thigh saver
Oh, ok! I don't have the luxe one and I have the 6" one and the 4" one. I use the 6" one the most; it works as long as I'm not wearing something on the very short side.
But also keep in mind that I am on the taller side of things, so that could affect what length is useful for you compared to me (unless you are my height. lol) I'm 5'8".
We took a trip to Chicago last week, which was not frugal in many ways, but we managed to work in a lot of free things.
- We visited Driehaus on Wednesday evening when it’s free.
- We visited the Chicago Cultural Center.
- We walked the Navy Pier.
- We walked Michigan Ave and Riverwalk.
- The last time we visited Chicago, the “bean” was blocked off due to maintenance, so we went back to Millennium Park to see it up close this time.
- Despite the winter coat weather, we only took an Uber once and only did two paid activities. I’m in my happy place walking and looking at historic architecture, which is easy to do in Chicago!
- To cut down on food expenses during our visit, we also walked to Trader Joe’s and Target to get some meal and snack necessities.
@JenRR, hotel or AirBnB for your visit?
@JenRR, I loved the first time I came out of underground at Millennium Station and saw the architecture of the Cultural Center/ former Public Library. (good bathrooms, too, which I always look for).
I will on next visit try the free Federal Reserve Bank Museum of Money.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, We typically stay at Hilton Homewood Suites. They have multiple hotels in downtown Chicago. My husband uses Hilton for work trips and earns points to exchange for discounts. The rooms have mini kitchens minus an oven.
@Heidi Louise, If you are into amazing old houses, I’d recommend visiting Driehaus Museum. The tiling and woodwork is gorgeous. In addition to the free admission on Wednesday evenings, they also have free musical performances (also Wednesday evening).
1. Organized our linen closet using items already on hand. My favorites were 1) repurposing my dad’s small metal toolbox as a carrier for all my foot supplies and 2) using a pantry shelf extender to organize lotions and potions.
2. Bought books at the library sale shelf. Ten for $25. These are going in the bin for next year’s winter trip.
3. Participated in the library’s puzzle swap. These are also going in the bin for our winter trip.
4. In the latest issue of the AARP Magazine, I found a $5 coupon for an eye vitamin that my husband takes.
5. Saving on printer ink by using a crossword puzzle book from Buy Nothing rather than printing daily crosswords. (I don’t like to use my phone or pay for puzzles and games.) Since we don’t use our printer very often, I’ll make sure to print a small test page occasionally to keep the ink flowing in the printer.
@MB in MN, I need to remember about the puzzle swap at our local library!
@MB in MN,
We do t use our printer often either and I always make sure it's turned off after we print something. I believe the heat generated by just leaving it on dries out the ink faster.
@Joyce from Arkansas, oh, good thinking! We use Shut Down mode but maybe I need to do more. Thank you!
@Joyce from Arkansas, I always turn my printer off as I rarely use it. However, even after a week or two, I have to perform the maintenance functions in order to get it to functionally print. It is a nuisance.
Some cousins are visiting so there's not a lot of actual savings. There is a lot of actual joy so I am content.
Ways in which I was less spendy than I might have been, given my guests:
1) Dinner one night was an on-sale whole chix, broccoli, rice, and home-made apple pie including some aging apples. Less than $45 to feed 6 with leftovers.
2) Paid only parking to see spring flower displays, a local memorial, and a museum on free day. My cousin paid for the snacks for which the cashier gave us 50% off; we're honestly not sure why.
3) Today we're taking a day trip to a nearby charming little town. We'll go out for lunch and dessert; tge other activities are a mix of free (River Walk, architecture) and not (bookstore, etc.).
4) Dinner tonight will be either leftovers or some of the stunning amount of food I already have.
@WilliamB, your second sentence is a joy to read.
@WilliamB, maybe you guys got a discount for good manners LOL!
Your thrifty items reminded me of a few of my own that I hadn't given thought to...
I also cut up old t-shirts. Went through boxes in the top of the closet to pull out summer clothes and found some new work shirts (shirts I use when doing yard stuff), so I washed them and put them in the drawers and pulled out old ones and cut them for rags in the kitchen and garage.
I went through USAA to turbotax and got a discount that way.
I ordered a cabinet online through home depot. Received a military discount and then also microsoft cashback does 8% back on purchases there online. I've never actually redeemed that money, but I have about $100 in that account from all that I've bought for this house.
I altered a dress that I bought at goodwill. It was a new dress, but I didn't like the collar so I removed it. Should be great for spring and summer. I wear a lot of dresses in the summer because of the heat.
We installed a french patio door this weekend ourselves. We had gotten quotes for someone to do it and they were crazy high and wanted to special order a door that was 3 times the amount of the door we wanted. We bought the door (with a military discount) and installed it in less than 2 hours with the help of my younger son. Best frugal win for this is the amount of heat/air that we were losing from the gaps in the 30 year old sliding door. Plus the lock was broken on the old door so we were holding it closed with a cut off broom handle in the track....thankful for a door that locks properly haha.
Cut DH's hair, trimmed the cats nails, got a movie from the library, and listening to books on the Libby app from the library.
@Marlena, French doors are so much better to look at than sliding glass doors! I am impressed that you were able to do it yourselves.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, we got very lucky that the opening for the door in the home construction was level and plum! It basically slid into place and we screwed it in, caulked it, added trim. We fought with an interior door for days before installing it, but exterior doors just seem easier.
Last week I got a free order of Papa Johns pizza rolls for lunch. The rewards were about to expire and I was feeling pizza. Last night I got free waffle fries at my weekly CFA stop. Still working through my 99 cent book stash from my favorite little Goodwill. Currently searching for a deal on my favorite work shoes as I am down to one pair. Cancelled Prime trial in time last week. Been eating down my freezer contents. Mainly just frugal habits in general!
1. I spoke with the lady who cleans the cottage that we rented when we checked out and let her know I would leave left over food items for her. She was happy to have the items and it avoided waste. There were some eggs, butter, one yogurt, one cottage cheese, peanut butter, Nutella, honey, and some popcorn. I also left behind some sunscreen for the next renter, two beach towels, and two chairs (think very inexpensive). I would have loved to bring these things home but I knew I couldn't as we were flying so I gave them away and hope that another person will find them helpful.
2. I did not check bags on our flight. we packed two carry-ons and two backpacks and made due.
3. I shopped around for the best deal on bike rentals on the island and we enjoyed them immensely! Best $40 I spent!
4. I made breakfast in our cottage everyday rather than eating out. I also packed snacks from home that we enjoyed on the beach to cut back on cost. We used my Prime subscription to watch movies there, enjoyed free manatee shows by the bay one evening, and took advantage of what the cottage rental provided - cornhole, ring toss, combing the beach for shells, and lovely sunsets.
5. I booked 2 Uber rides to get us to the airport and back saving 20% on both because I reserved them in advance. I also took advantage of my company perks that saved us money on the flight & rental car. All in all a lovely getaway. Every penny was well spent.
@Angie, Sounds like a great trip (manatees; cool!!) - glad it all worked out and you could take a break!
This week's frugals, friendly neighbor edition:
A neighbor received a case of Meyer lemons from a friend and shared a dozen of them with me. I juiced them and froze in ice cube trays for future use.
The same neighbor's husband is a handyman and he salvaged a bunch of big timbers from a job and passed them on to us. We're going to use them to replace the plastic edging in the flower bed along the side of the house.
Yet another neighbor is building a house. Last year he gave us several cords of firewood from trees he cleared. This week he called and has what we estimate to be four more cords of wood. We picked up two cords yesterday and plan to get the other two tomorrow.
That neighbor also had a bunch of wood chips and gave us some which I'll use to refresh the paths around my garden beds.
Almost all the seeds I planted for my garden are coming up now. These were all seeds saved or left over from last year's garden. I will be sure to pass along the resulting vegetables to my generous neighbors.
@Cindi, the house we bought recently came with a buck stove. We had some trees cut down in the front and DH is cutting them up for firewood. I'm excited to have a fireplace and free firewood! Especially after what I spent on heating cost this winter! Yay for your free wood!
1. Following on the gas-theme, I used the Safeway rewards when I fueled up to save a dollar per gallon of gas, at $1.99 per gallon. The Safeway gas reward is going away at the end of the month, sadly. Not sure if it will still work at the gas station after that, but didn't want to take any risks to leave a discount on the table.
2. I went to Michaels to find a frame for a print I bought at a Christmas market, and it seemed like a waste to have it sitting around and not hanging it up. My kids also had some posters they wanted to hang up. Before going into Michaels I googled for a coupon for 30% off, and I also took advantage of a buy one get second frame free offer.
3. Bought some airline tickets with points from a rewards credit card which we opened at the start of the year, putting all our groceries etc on the card.
4. For a concert on Saturday, wore Dr Marten's and a top that I've bought second hand from consignment and a blazer I bought in an estate sale. The jeans were bought new but on clearance.
5. Used slightly old milk in making oatmeal. We are not using up milk fast enough these days and I need to more vigilant to use it up before it goes bad. The kids still want it for cereal, but that's it.
@Kristina M.,
To make milk last a lot longer, sprinkle a dash of salt into the milk jug or carton and then shake. You won't taste it but the salt retards bacteria growth and keeps it from spoiling. You can also freeze milk and thaw it in the sink overnight, then shake and serve. It may turn a strange yellowish color but will be OK once it thaws.
@Fru-gal Lisa, we’ve been doing the salt thing for awhile now and it seems to be working. I’ve also frozen milk, but don’t know if it gets weird because I only use it to make yogurt.
@Fru-gal Lisa, interesting, have to try that!
1. I took advantage of all of the of my birthday freebies - a Starbucks drink, a Tropical Smoothie Cafe smoothie, a McDonald's cheeseburger, a Jimmy John's sub, a McAlister's cookie (that I shared with my daughter), and a Panera bagel.
2. I went to Goodwill and found lots of helpful things for myself and my kids.
3. Friday was "Dress like your favorite book character day" and my oldest wanted to be Susan Pevensie from the Narnia series. I knew that her friend had a green dress that would be perfect for it, so we asked if we could borrow it rather than have to buy something.
4. We let each kid pick one thing they really wanted to do for spring break and my middle kid picked going to the movie theater. We packed some paper bags to split up a giant tub of popcorn between everybody and since I signed up for their rewards last time I went to the theater, I got $5 off concessions after we purchased our tickets.
5. We got lots of things from our library. Since our glorious statewide interlibrary loan system may be losing funding in about 6 months, I'm planning to only read books that I have to order through interlibrary loan until then and save books that I have access to until after it's gone.
@Ruth T,
I have always loved Chronicles of Narnia as both a child and an adult. My dear friend had a long- haired, orange kitty named Aslan. Are they allowing this to be read in schools still?
@Bee, My kids are at a private school, so I can only answer for that, but my daughter's class read a few of them when she was in third grade. I know that teacher is reading them again this year.
I love the story about your friend's cat!
1. I bought a barely-used chair cushion on Ebay to replace one that's falling apart. I combined a coupon code and a gift card to make it essentially free besides the shipping cost.
2. I redeemed a $5 reward at the grocery store.
3. I chose grocery items that were on sale, had a coupon, or were the store brand to keep my cost low.
4. I used my washable pads for yet another period, washed them, and hung them up to air dry. They've been going strong for many years now and I expect them to last many more.
5. I made homemade muffins and froze some of them for later, and I made a rice-and-veggies dish and refrigerated half of it for the next day, continuing to use the "cook once and eat twice (at least)" method.
It is always a shame when favourite clothes finally wear out. I often cut out a square of such clothes so I can recall which fabrics, colours, or patterns looked and wore particularly well - some patterns are too small or big, or the contrast is too high or too low. It is nice to have a visual reminder of Best Clothes. Alas, when worn they do end up in the rag bag, for those uses you mention.
This week's frugals:
- I mended loose seams on kitchen towels
- I bought more lip balm on offer
- I redeemed a voucher for 50% off paint, a considerable savings
- the shoe shop loyalty voucher I received cannot be used on belts or shoe care products (sadly) - but they can be used on bags. I spotted a small bag I found very useful and most likely will also buy a pair of bath slippers to reach the minimum amount (from which I can then deduct 95% of the cost)
- I was out of tissues after several weeks of severely runny nose, even with my handy supply of washable cotton hankies. Fortunately the supermarket had Buy 1 Get 1 free offer for paper hankies and tissues and I bought both. On the nose: I am guessing I may have developed pollen allergy so after consultation with our GP I also bought an anti histamine nose spray that I can try.
Plus one: I bought disposable washcloth/wet wipes for the emergency bag. I normally hate using them, if only for the environment. However there are situations that you might need to use them - and they were on sale.
@JNL, that reminded me that i made DH an emergency first aid kit for his truck with things from my medicine cabinet. I had a waterproof sealable box, added gauze, bleed stop, bandaids, small container of peroxide, wipes, gloves, etc. Also included travel size sunblock and bug spray. I added 2 adults rain ponchos from the dollar tree also since my last accident had us on the side of the road in a rain storm for an hour. I had a raincoat in my vehicle, but Dh and son didn't. Even with the umbrella from the car....they were soaked through. Cost me about $7 total rather than the $40 and up I was seeing them sell for online.
- Received a toddler table from a coworker for grandson
- Planned dinner menu around what was in the pantry/frig/freezer and what was on sale
- Hand weeded some in the yard to get rid some of the enormous amount of hairy bittercress that popped in our yard. Post-emergent will do little to control it as it is already spewing seeds everywhere
- Brought breakfast and lunch to work every day
- Went to Aldi looking for a specific item, which they did not have. Left the store empty handed instead of finding something to purchase
@Beverly, kudos for your remarkable restraint on that Aldi visit!
@Beverly, thank you for helping me put a name to the weed that is one of my most hated. (I just Googled it.) I'd be out there pulling it out this minute if it weren't for the not-quite-completely-healed broken rib. Arrrgh! (And I see that someone has posted about foraging for it and eating it, but it doesn't smell all that appealing to me.)
@A. Marie, me too! That terrible plant popped its seeds into my eyeball once so thank you Beverly for naming it and helping me remember that it's an early sprouter so I can watch for it. (with squinty eyes)
1. Since I've been performing and camping for almost 2 months, the Florida sun is bringing out the natural summer highlights in my hair early!
2. I'm finding some great and cheap fresh seafood shacks that I treat myself to on Errand Day. There is no way I could eat it this cheaply at home!
3. My fellow performers recommended me to several visiting Entertainment Directors from other faires. Nothing is definite but it's so nice that someone put in a good word for me. Of course I reciprocate and send patrons to other shows and booths.
4. I mended some of costume shirts and made a few temporary repairs that will work until I get home to my sewing machine.
5. I'm getting the hang of using my moka pot on a camp stove to make espresso. Life is too short for bad coffee
You are lovely in red!!
I wish the reusable stuff worked for my heavy flow.
We have to buy a furnace and a/c this week. 24 year old one went out. Not frugal.
@April, keep your furnace/AC receipt (including installation) for your 2025 taxes. Also look on local utilities company site to see if any energy efficiency rebates for the furnace/AC.
I wish that I had something exceptionally frugal to share, but alas I do not. Most of my savings are from ingrained frugal habits.
• I have been drinking primarily filtered water from my refrigerator and a cup or two of homemade brewed coffee in the morning.
• I have been eating simple, home-cooked meals. I made a pot of stock from a leftover chicken carcass which then became part of gluten-free chicken noodle soup. But should I consider s box of $5 GF noodles frugal? I was just so tired of rice!
• I batched my errands on Saturday, which included a stop at the local library where I picked up a book that I have been waiting for. I also purchased a book at our Friends of the Library Book Store.
• I am a member of a group that has a spring rummage sale to raise money for a charitable cause. I have been boxing up items that I do not need to donate. It is easier for me to apart from things when I know that they will be utilized for a good cause not just put into a work room with thousands of other things.
• I have been doing some spring gardening and starting some plants for the Garden Club's spring plant swap. I also have been digging up the occasional volunteer in my flowerbeds to move elsewhere or give away
Wishing everyone, peace, good health, and prosperity.
@Bee, I’m gluten-free as well. Lately, I’ve gotten the wide rice noodles from the Asian section (look for pad thai noodles). I break them in half and use them in my noodle soups. They have worked quite well! I usually cook them separately and then add them to the soup when it’s almost time to eat. That way they don’t get mushy.
@PNW Casey,
I haven't been able to find the wider Pad Thai noodles. I've used the thin rice noodles from the Asian section, but as you said they get mushy quickly when added a broth.
@Bee, If you have an Asian grocery store near you, that might be an option. I’ve been able to find them at my Kroger (Fred Meyer), though.
I love using old thermal underwear for rags - the textured knit means they scrub better than plain rags.
This is food oriented today.
1. As my frozen blueberries thawed in the bag, they lost some of their juice. On a whim, I poured it in a glass - it was good! So I got to use the berries and drink the juice.
2. Something I never see - organic chicken near its sell-by date marked down 50%! I buy most of my chicken from the farm and had already ordered some, but I grabbed this.
3. As said above, I bought fresh chickens from the farm this week and cut them up myself. Not my favorite activity, but I get the cuts I want and it saves me money, as they charge to cut them up at the farm. As usual, I froze the backs for soup later. I vacuum seal them with my gifted-to-me sealer and Costco sealing bags.
4. I ordered a half lamb from a local ranch, saving dollars per pound. There was no difference in price per pound between half and whole lamb, and a half-lamb fits my freezer better.
5. I used green onions in a recipe by cutting a few green parts off of store-bought green onions that I replanted last year. I just keep cutting and so far, they just keep growing more.
FFT, Some Riffs on Kristen's FFT Edition:
(1) In common with Kristen and probably most of the rest of us, I enjoy making rags out of clothes that have reached the end of their useful life. I did this routinely over the years with DH's flannel work shirts--and not only has this habit saved me a small fortune in paper towels over the years, but the remaining rags now bring back happy memories of DH.
(2) Three cheers for menopause: It's now been 18 years since I needed to buy any type of menstrual product, which has also saved me a small fortune since then. (And I was fortunate that aside from some tropical hot flashes and one or two epic mood swings, I had very few menopausal side effects. I realize that not everyone is so fortunate.)
(3) And as I believe I've mentioned earlier, I'm a big fan of OXO salad spinners for refreshing and restoring greens. Spinach (my go-to winter green), for example, lasts a good long time in one of these.
(4) Now, on to other things. My busted rib is healing well enough that I am now able to get out for bottlepicking walks, at the same time as the secrets of many former snowdrifts are being revealed. My March container deposits total should be considerably higher than the one for February. And I've found 31 cents in change so far as well.
(5) But my bottlepicking time may soon be interrupted by the fact that I've been called for probable jury duty, for the term starting Thursday. On the one hand, jurors do get paid $40/day in NY State; on the other, they're not compensated for meals or parking. So I am scouting the least expensive options for both near the courthouse. (I'd pack a sandwich, but I'm guessing that food isn't allowed inside.)
@A. Marie, related to your #2, I was on a birth control that let me skip every 2 periods out of 3. Savings and time saved! Alas, it raised my blood pressure, so I'm back to regular periods. (Which I'm aware, like your minimal menopause symptoms, are still a blessing for regularity and minimal symptoms.)
I've always wanted to be called for jury duty. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
@A. Marie, I enjoy the happy memories when I use my rags that used to be baby burp cloths. I'm glad you get that special reminder of your sweet DH.
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea,
I was on a federal court jury and DH was on a county court jury. They are interesting, and showed me the difference in TV and courtrooms. For one thing, at least where I served, they didn't "all rise" for the judge; they "all rose" for the jury. And the courtrooms were freezing cold both where I was and where DH was.
A. Marie, the jury I was on was fed lunch during the federal case. I don't remember that DH was, though. You could pack a lunch in an insulated bag and eat in your car, if all else fails. The case at which I served was weird, but no one actually got hurt. It was a hate crime with serious property damage, which made it federal. The case for which poor DH served was a gruesome murder. Good luck to you!
@A. Marie, I packed “breakfast” when I was summoned for jury duty. I had plenty of time to eat in the waiting area before the prospective jurors were divided into groups and sent in to the courtrooms. I had gotten there early in order to find decent parking and navigate going through security. Bring something to do while you wait. My jury wasn’t finalized (my high number never was called for questioning) until 1:30 so we were all hungry when the lunch break finally started. It was an interesting morning and gave me great respect for the judge, prosecutor and defense attorneys throughout the process. I just received another summons, but due to age I can opt out - at least that is what the instructions on the questionnaire said.
@A. Marie, oh, my goodness, I’ll see your flannel shirts and raise you some cloth diapers. I’m still using my daughter’s diapers for dusting and window cleaning. My youngest is 52. Best rags ever.
I never thought to revive greens until I saw you did it so thanks for the helpful advice!
My Frugal 5
1) Girls used what they had for their reading theme days at school.
2) Spent an off day at the library returning books, picking up books from the inter library loan, playing with puppets and games and coloring. Also signed up for Lego building and watercolor painting classes next month for the girls.
3) Batch run errands and saved on gas while going to the library and grocery store. Also walked to the school for my girls’ concert performances.
4) Brought a bunch of discounted items at the grocery store and their sale rack like mayo, mustard, sausage, cereal, etc.
5) Used up food from the fridge, fix up odds and ends around the house like our vacuum cleaners that needed wheels and the belt replaced, used ibotta and Fetch, avoid buying things off Amazon, etc.
@AW,
- Also cancel my subscription to an antivirus app before renewal.
- Watched movies on DVDs or free streaming services we already have.
- Did crafts with things we already have at home.
Kristen, you do look good in that brick red color. Maybe you can find another shirt in that shade.
I’m always doing little mending jobs. I learned this “ stitch in time saves 9” strategy from my wise, frugal mom.
However, I finally conceded to allowing some of our oldest, fraying and thin bath towels ( that I’ve mended numerous times) to give up the ghost this past week. They have been resurrected as rags for cleaning cars and
outdoor porch furniture.
Cashed in my Dominoes rewards for a free pizza Sunday night. Also bought a toasted Philly steak sandwich from there and I took one half to work last night and will take the other half tonight.
Filled up with gas for $2.79 locally vs $2.89 at the town I work in. (Casey's, nine miles apart.)
Our nursing home is having a car show for the residents on April 1st. They think it is a real outdoor car show, but it will be our toy, model, homemade little cars that will be in the dining room. I ordered a model golf cart as it is the transportation of many in the small community. I'm naming it a "Buber" as in a "Bubba Uber." Anyway, the point is, I ordered it from Amazon and also ordered chai latte concentrate and sprung for the 30d free Prime membership to get free shipping and I will keep track and cancel at the end of 30d.
I went to Hobby Lobby end of last week. They carry Dayspring Cards and I found a perfect sympathy card which was not on sale, but everything else I purchased was 40% off. I got a couple of things that fit my theme decorations for the nurses' station at work. I was good and did not buy anymore lemon themed things which I've had in my kitchen for the past three summers. (I love Meyer lemons when they are in season.)
The last snow we had melted and froze at the base of the car windshield. Frugal fail, I tried to use them anyway and unclipped them. I broke one clip and lost the other wiper altogether. I stopped at O'Reilly's and bought some mid-price ones. They put them on free for purchasing them there. I should be good for a while. I have new wipers all around. Now I just need some washer fluid!
@Chrissy, DH's nursing home did have a car show--a real one--for the residents while he was there. Some guys who owned classic cars did a slow drive-by, to great applause. DH was delighted.
And I too went to O'Reilly's recently, to get the rear wiper blade on the Element replaced. I'm all thumbs when it comes to wiper blades, so I greatly appreciated the free installation.
@A. Marie, Our local "Cruisers" include the care center in their drive around town the evening of their summer day car show.
1. I went to a seed swap
2. I juiced some oranges that were overripe and made raisins from overripe grapes.
3. The cat we adopted about 1 year ago has some significant chronic medical issues (chronic ear infections, etc.). This was unbeknownst to us at the time of the adoption. She was scheduled for a CT scan and ear endoscopy with a specialist this past week. Once we arrived, they said her ears were all clear and she did not need the CT scan or ear endoscopy, which saved us about $2,000. They also gave us samples of medication and prescription food to go home with, which was worth about $130.
4. Purchased some English muffins from Aldi on sale for $0.50.
5. We have been using our YMCA membership frequently for entertainment and wellness. We bring water and food with us. We have also been taking bike rides, taking walks in our neighborhood, going to the library, train watching, and going hiking.
Full Disclosure. I have spent a crazy amount of money on travel in the 9 months I have been retired. None of it would appear frugal to anyone. My theory is to use some of my 403B getting to the more extreme places while I am younger. Antartica andMorocco this year plus some backpacking trips.
The truth is I try to be as budget conscience as possible but I have made some really ridiculous mistakes. Like the time I booked a trip on United and forgot to use my travel credit which didn't get rid of a credit that was to expire and I had to book another trip. I have booked a complicated itinerary that didn't make sense two weeks before the trip. What was I thinking with a 45 min layover and customs to go through? I almost didn't make it out of Buenos Aires. I could have pre-booked food for free. Etc. . .
My triumph is I have given myself a ton of grace and looked on every misstep or broken road as an adventure. Not bad for a perfectionist. This might be the best reason for me to traveling. I am growing into the lighthearted and spirited woman I want to be.
So . . . off to Florida today to visit the 3 National Parks there. I have planned a capsule wardrobe that fits in an under the seat suitcase.
I love traveling light.
I also used up the LAST of my travel credit : $70 on Jet Blue. I booked a $228 round trip to Detroit in September. My son is there and hopefully I can convince him to go see Isle Royal with me. This is living.
@Mary Ann, if you go to Isle Royal I recommend you spring for the sea plane vs the boat (which takes hours and water can be rough depending on weather conditions). The sea plane is more efficient and allows you to maximize your stay on the island.
This week was mostly frugal fails, but I continued the no soda streak! I mostly stayed home last weekend apart from going to the gym, which I consider an investment in health!
Might have forgotten to do this last week so here are two weeks of frugals:
1. Don’t like beans very much but I cooked some anyway.
2. Stopped making yogurt for awhile because I was worried about the amount of sugar (natural in milk, not added.) But, I changed my mind and made it again. 😎
3. Got tired of hummus, stopped making it for a year, and then read something about how important legumes are for pre-diabetic (probably type-2 also), so I made it again.
4. Husband got some food from the local food bank
5. Pulled 3 items from my closet when I got 3 new items. OF COURSE it would have been more frugal to not buy any new items. (“But they were on sale,” she whined.)
BONUS: I washed the valances from my kitchen windows and they disintegrated. No problemo! I saved the tablecloth from which I made them and have enough to make more. They’ll be minus the prehemmed border and not as full, but so what? I think they must have been hanging there soaking the morning rays for 15 or 20 years, so the sun-damage was pretty extensive. Did I ever wash them at all? Dunno. Maybe once.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
My bathroom curtains rotted in the sun a few years ago. I started to pull them back and they just tore in my hands! I've found that cotton/poly blends last longer, although after 20 years, that may shred, too.
Another tip that I figured out too late for my bathroom curtains- if you have an old sheet/pillowcases/tablecloth/whatever in a plain color that doesn't clash with your curtain material, you can use it to back your curtains and save them from the sun for a little longer. Sew right sides together, turn right side out and close the hole, then turn down the rod pocket to the back as normal. You won't have to him the bottom edge or sides this way.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
I know you're trying to be careful with sugar/carbs, but I wouldn't avoid homemade yogurt because of the naturally occurring sugar in milk. Unless you then add lots of honey, jam, etc., to the yogurt. 🙂
@Liz B., thank you for that reassurance. I use monk fruit sweetener on my yogurt. Unless I spring for another continuous glucose monitor and keep track of everything I eat, I just won’t know what spikes it, or if it is spiking. So mysterious.
I haven't written a frugal things comment in ages, I've been busy with our wedding reception! (This time last year I eloped, but some time after we decided we did want a small reception.) I can finally post all the frugal things related to the reception, which saved us literally thousands of dollars.
1. We hosted the reception in March, which is a less popular time and thus less expensive. But, I also let the quote from our chosen venue linger in my email box (largely unintentionally lol), and they ended up offering us a discount of several thousand dollars for an off-season reception.
2. I didn't buy any decorations. I used vases the venue provided and tealights my mother in law had instead of florals. The venue provided lighting, chargers, table runners, and even some nice photo backgrounds. I put up some framed photos of our parents' weddings, which we already had on hand.
3. We kept the guest list small, inviting 80 people, and only 40 people ended up coming. It was almost all family and a few very very close friends. 40 was perfect, we got to talk to everyone!
4. My husband and I used the same outfits from last year; mine was thrifted, if you guys remember from my Meet the Reader 🙂
5. Small, but I asked for a box to take home my dinner leftovers from the reception because I never eat a whole restaurant-style plate of food at a time, even during my wedding LOL.
I'm sure there's even more, maybe I'll revive my blog and do a post on it! The whole event cost us just over $12k. It was worth every penny, especially because the bulk of that $12k was food/drinks and the photographer, two things most important to me!
My sister and niece are visiting this week. Living in a HCOL area means visits aren’t always frugal, but we did have a few wins!
1. My husband’s company has season tickets to our local hockey team so we were able to use 4 tickets this weekend. It was my niece’s first hockey game and the team has a program where you get a certificate, a picture, and a mini hockey stick (all free) for first time fans. She loved her hockey stick and was the team’s best cheerleader!
2. Before the game the four of us went to a restaurant close to the arena. I had a gift card that covered all of our meals. Eating before the game meant less snacks during the game (I did treat the two kids to ice cream).
3. My parents brought over dinner for the seven of us – I love hosting but it’s nice to have someone help with the food.
4. The gas station by our doggy daycare is routinely 10-20 cents cheaper than the surrounding stations (even with Upside). I make sure to fill up there the one time a week I am in the area.
5. Fail (but worth it) – before our move last year I donated most of our kid friendly items. Before my niece arrived I made it to the store to pick up quiet time activities for her to do while the grown-ups talked. Color books, beads, craft projects, water colors – we are stocked for future little visitors and she had a great time making “masterpieces.”
My very quick 5:
1. Had no ideas for what to bring for lunch (this happens every single Monday night: "Argh, my one idea was an egg salad sandwich but NOW WHAT???" so I made a very quick and frugal carrot soup and popped two hard-boiled eggs in my lunch bag. Bought a croissant to round it out. Cheaper than a whole meal!
2. Still managing with only two pairs of scrubs.
3. Consciously trying to eat down the freezer and pantry because Passover is coming! We're working through the chicken katsu and the bolognese.
4. Did not succumb to impulse-buying a large tub of skyr. Is it different than yogurt? Others will have to answer this question; I just bought my usual cottage cheese instead.
5. Mr. B and I had a misunderstanding: I hurriedly put on a double-batch of pizza dough in the bread machine, but he picked up pizza on the way home from work. I popped the dough in the freezer to use another time.
@Meira@meirathebear, I prefer Skyr (which I buy when it is on sale) because it has less sugar (naturally) than other brands - it is Icelandic. I think it tastes great.
@Jean C, thanks!
1. Sold two things on Marketplace that I got from a big free pile. $18! And there are at least 6 other items I posted from the same free pile.
2. Got many items for myself from the above mentioned free pile: pint glasses, fancy juice glasses, a fan, a small heater, several new unburned candles, soy wax for making candles, 2 spatulas, a few fake succulents, a set of Pyrex bowls with lids, DVDs, and a bunch of other things I can’t remember.
3. I bought the Panera Sip Club special. My daughter has appointments 3X a week right across the street from our closest one. I stop before and after her appointment for a coffee and a soda. More than recouped my money. And I have a reminder in my phone to cancel it when the promo period is over.
4. Hanging up wash to dry as today it isn’t supposed to rain.
5. Made dinner, beef stir fry. Half off beef cubes, super cheap peppers (4/49 cents marked down), one onion and rice. It was yummy.
Bonus 6. A friend brought raw veggie trimmings for my guinea pigs. Free entertainment was chasing an escaped chicken, then we sat on the front porch drinking wine (much cheaper than going out) and chatting. I love my neighborhood!
I think I may buy the USPS so I can save on postage stamps.
ALDIs always seems to save on groceries if I can just ignore all the new stuff I’ve never tasted they get in each month. Quit tempting me Aldi!
I figured out my Tesla will make a great storage locker and eventually save money if I use it for 25 years or more. But I need to get the stupid metal T emblems off so people will quit trying to torch it and move it further away from the house.
The Sunday dollar items at Goodwill continue to amaze me. 1 dollar cos cotton shorts? 1 dollar might be Liberty print cotton top? 1 dollar perfect like new leopard print Rothy’s? Yes, thank you.
I feel the need to thank everyone from cashiers to people stocking shelves to anyone working anywhere for everything they are doing for fear of the next day I will look and they will all be gone. Surely someone has a name for this new unease I feel. Post pardon paranoia?
Kristen, Wow that red is your color for sure. It’s one of my faves though I haven’t had my colors done. I would love to see you in a concert dress of that shade.
I use diluted white vinegar on windows and dry them with newspaper. They sparkle and dry in half the time of cloth, with not a hint of lint. My mother's trick. Free newspapers at the library, grocery stores, local shops make it easy to pick up a free "window cloth" in anticipation of cleaning glass or mirrors.
It has to be a darkish red, though! Bright red doesn't work for me.
I will have to scout out a brick red dress someday. 😉
1) I decided to go with the cheaper parking option at work. I have been coming so infrequently to my university for my last two years of employment that I was willing to do the $10/day parking option. Particularly because post-chemo, even walking took it out of me. But now I am healthier, so I have switched to the $2/day option. It is another 20 minutes of walking each way. But I have the time and stamina this semester, so the cheaper option it is.
2) I have always been a shower girlie, but again post-chemo everything is different. Where I used to wash my hair daily, I have, for the first time in my life, switched to a weekly wash. The change means my daily quick shower is now a much more luxurious bath. But, gosh it takes a lot of hot water to fill the tub up to my neck, so I have picked a little chip on the inside of the tub to which I fill the water to. It is just enough to feel like I have had a good soak without making me feel like I have burned one million dollars worth of energy unnecessarily.
3) We went to the most amazing party on Saturday night. Truly exceptional. I am still sore from dancing all night. We bought the tickets weeks in advance to get the cheapest option. And my husband and I shared a dinner from a food truck. I BYOBed a $5 box of wine which was just enough for myself. What a night.
4) We accepted another load of left over food pantry distribution food from my mother in law. Then we carefully planned the menu for the week to incorporate as much of the free food as possible, especially taking into account the short shelf life of some of the items.
5) Yesterday I finalized a home exchange to Nashville this summer. We will drive our own car and eat groceries while we are there. Aside from what we spend in adventures (I'd like to do a river float and visit some sites), the trip will not cost us much more than staying home. I can't wait to visit a city that is totally new to us!
I love mending things when I can. I fix little holes in t-shirts, sew seams that have come lose. I have a sewing machine that I got when I was in highschool (45+ years old now) and using it and hand- sewing skills has saved us a bundle.
My 5 frugal things--
– I made my weekly pot of soup – this week it was the Pioneer Woman's Ham and Collard soup that calls for 2 cans of navy beans. It seems Kroger has every kind of canned bean EXCEPT for navy beans so I bought a bag of dry navy beans and cooked those instead of going to another store to buy canned beans. I cooked only half the bag, so have the rest to use later. I also used collards from our garden that survived the winter and are putting out fresh leaves.
– I made a few bookmarks for a friend who's a big reader by hot glueing cute shank buttons (cats and flowers) to big colored paper clips (an idea I saw on Pinterest.) I also picked up two murder mystery books for her from a Free Little Library on my street.
– I did the Kroger Customer Satisfaction Survey and earned 50 fuel points. Each one hundred points earns you 10 cents off a gallon of gas.
– I sliced a few bananas that were getting too ripe and put them in the freezer to make banana bread later.
– I used some of my previously-made bread crumbs made from leftover bread to make my own shake and bake mix for pork chops we had for dinner. It worked great.
1) I bought a chicken on sale (about $6) and made roasted chicken (and potatoes I already had), then used some for Weeknight Chicken Tortellini soup, using ingredients I already had (tortellini, bacon, parmesean, carrots etc). The following night I made chicken bacon and olive pizza and cheesy bread, having to only buy sauce and the dough while at Trader Joes. Then, yesterday, made chicken pot pie with the rest. So far we've gotten 5 dinners and 4 lunches from the 1 chicken. I did throw the carcass away instead of boiling it for broth...next time.
2) I scanned receipts into Fetch.
3) Booked 2 nights at the Marriott in Provo for my granddaughter's graduation from UVU for 0 dollars (one free night and points for the other).
4) As always, I clip digital coupons from Fred Meyer before shopping.
5) I borrow all reading material from the library (I typically have 15-20 books at any given time).
6) I'm staying a day longer than originally intended at my dad's next month because it was significantly cheaper to fly those days. I'll plan to carry-on so I don't have to pay baggage fees for the Delta leg. While I typically fly economy, I don't get the least expensive fare...I want my aisle seat! 🙂
1. We made all our meals at home. We used up ingredients. Lettuce on baked potatoes is weird but it was really too small for a salad. We brewed coffee at home.
2. I found a recipe for cheesecake that doesn't need a springform pan since I don't own one (or want to borrow one, because celiac). I asked some acquaintances what they thought the best egg replacer would be for cheesecake.
3. I cut up an old red tshirt to make a quick costume for a school dress up day.
4. I went through spring clothes to make a list of what the kids need.
5. We attended a free bingo session for kids and brought home 5 new books!
6. I had my eye on a board game for months. Target had it 40% off, so I finally bought it.
1. I sold something on Facebook Marketplace
2. Got an azalea bush from someone on my buy nothing group.
3. Picked up a Circular saw from the tool library , which is attached to a small branch of our public library. There was a shelf of free books and there was a copy of Remarkably Bright Creatures. It looks like someone spilled something on it but it’s still readable. I will put it in the little free library across from work when I am done.
4. Used the circular saw to do some demo for a very large and expensive project starting next week. I’m doing what I can myself to keep the cost down a little. I finished what I could with all my fidgets intact.
5. Got my free haircut at a salon that does continuing training for stylists. I tipped what I would have for a cut but it saved me at least $65.
1. Birthday freebies for me: Nothing Bundt Cake free bundtlette, Jamba Juice free small smoothie, $10 freebie at Bath and Body Works, Crumbl cookie, Menchies $5 off, Jersey Mike’s free sandwich, Coldstone $5 off, Target 5% off purchase.
2. Used a gas reward for $1 off at Krogers I got from buying amazon gift cards.
3. Free 2 month trial of kindle unlimited for some free reading. My friend had brought me a couple of her books to borrow that she thought I would like. The font was just a little too small for my 50 year old eyes. Also, I love reading in a dark room at bedtime, so I am a kindle girl.
4. Bought a bookshelf for my son’s room, but returned it once I had the idea of moving a piece of furniture from upstairs down to his room to serve the purpose.
5. My 9 year old and I have been on several free walks in the Spring weather as our entertainment. I love the walking and he loves finding and bringing home rocks.
I bought a 6 pack of fabric pads for $12 from Amazon. They are a little thick but I love them!
Ahhh I need to switch to a menstrual cup but have been scared of them. Late luteal/early follicular is my least frugal time, mostly due to fatigue and resultant poor decisions.
Despite the above happening, there were a few frugal things I pulled off this week:
- Made/packed thermos meals for cherry blossom excursions this last weekend
- Had my friend who is coming to visit book a temple tour for us because her govt employee status gives her 20% off; we'll square up financially when she gets here
- Went through my closet and made a list of things to look for at the thrift store that will complement my existing pieces instead of purchasing new seasonal clothing items I'll need for the impending summer heat
Well, it was a frugal/not frugal kind of week.
* I had to buy a new vacuum cleaner (not frugal), but I had a $100 GC from my husband having an on line health assessment and a $15 GC from me giving blood, so Off I went to Walmart and bought my vacuum cleaner for a nifty price.
* We had a brand new shower and floor and toilet installed in our upstairs bathroom, which is a dream. Definitely NOT frugal, but I made my own shower cleaner with vinegar and Dawn dish soap.
* I mended a belt loop on my husband’s jeans
* We had a snowy day on Monday, so made a clean out the fridge kind of dinner. Mac and cheese using all the handfuls of cheese left in the bottom of the bags, half a bag of peas and carrots and about a cupful of diced ham from our ham dinner. Crushed up some leftover cheezits on the top and it was so good. No leftovers to throw out!
* Our son and his wife and sweet granddaughter came to visit the other day, bearing an 18 pack of eggs fresh from their chickens! Yay!
* Used up three very ripe bananas to make banana bread.
* gave away four flannel shirts that didn’t fit well to someone having shoulder surgery, who needed some button up shirts.
Took photos and listed on FB Marketplace a 12-piece china dish set, Renaissance pattern, J&G Meaken England, for $40 OBO. I bought it 40 years ago at a Goodwill for, um, $40. Then as a young working professional, $40 was a lot of money for me. I am downsizing and my surplus china had to go. (I still have two other sets. LOL!) I thought it would take some time to sell, people don't want china anymore, etc. But it sold within an hour of listing, for full asking price. I am happy!! I continue to find ways to declutter/downsize.