1. I saved on shipping at the Webstaurant Store
This is the site where I’ve been ordering flour during the pandemic. Their prices on King Arthur flour are the lowest I’ve found, even with the expensive shipping.
I ran out of all-purpose, so I logged on to order some more and saw that they were offering a free trial of their pro membership, which offers free or reduced shipping.
So, I signed up for the trial, ordered 100 pounds of flour, and once the flour arrived, I cancelled the free trial.
(Special Patent is bread flour, Sir Galahad is all-purpose. The flour has different names in bulk than it does in grocery stores!)
2. I sold an ink tank
I don’t remember if I mentioned this, but we got a new Canon inkjet that promises to save us oodles of money on ink.
The model is Canon’s G6020 and it takes big bottles of ink, which you dump into the reservoirs. The price per ounce is so, so much cheaper than those little tanks.
Anyway, I had two unused ink tanks from the old printer, and I listed them on eBay. One just sold, and I’m sure the other one will eventually!
3. I filled out a survey for a free cookie
Mr. FG and I got Potbelly sandwiches for our last date night (sandwiches make for cheap takeout…a $15 total), and the next day I got an email survey.
I filled it out, and now I have a free cookie reward waiting in the app.
4. I added a round-up card to my Acorns profile
I’ve had an Acorns investing account for a while now, set up with automatic deposits, and I’ve just kind of forgotten about it.
(Which is really the best way to invest, I think. Set it and forget it.)
I logged on this week (nice gains since the account started!) and realized that I hadn’t linked any cards for the round-up benefit, where they round your purchase up to the next dollar and invest the difference.
I figured that’s worth a try, so I linked a credit card. I probably won’t miss the money, and it’s a little extra way to add to my investment.
If you want to try Acorns, you can get a free $5 bonus for opening an account through my referral link.
(The link will show you the $3 and $5 fee options, but there’s a $1 option as well that you can find if you compare the subscriptions plans.)
5. I…
- listed and sold a college textbook for Lisey (the money went to her, of course)
- used a $5 Grove reward (get a free cleaning set through this link if you are new to Grove)
- took one for the team and ate two bananas that were riper than I prefer
- made a grilled ham and cheese lunch sandwich to use up the last of the ham
lisa says
Little frugal wins are happening this week:
1) I got an emailed survey to get 3 free bagels.
2) The bagel shop was giving out free coffee for 2 weeks. And we didn’t have to buy anything to get it.
3) I sold 2 pr pants on the local neighborhood site. My son didn’t want them anymore and I gave him the sale $.
4) I had purchased a cinnamon wreath for Christmas but it needed decorating. I wrapped ribbon around it and got twinkle lights/bells after the holiday for 50% off.
5) We needed to replace the flooring in our rental and after much debate, our tile guy not wanting the job and a very limited budget, I got my wish for vinyl flooring. Replacing the floors in 2 areas ended up being 75% less than we imagined.
J. says
No Frugal actions in this comment, but my best wishes for you and for your family for a blessed new year. I’ve been reading with you for several years now, your blog is one of those that has stayed with me for your balanced views, your practical angle, and your uplifting and kind attitude. So I just wanted to take the opportunity of writing a few words of thanks and wellwishing to you, on this last day of a most unusual year. Translated to English, our local wish is: Happiness and blessing.
Hawaii Planner says
Free cookies…that’s my kind of win!
1) We skipped grocery buying this week, as we had so many holiday leftovers. We maximized all of that prime rib, shrimp, fancy cheese, etc.
2) We’re heading back home tomorrow (driving from our vacation house) & the drive is a lot less than flying. To be honest, it’s because of COVID, not really the cost, but that’s a nice secondary benefit of keeping everyone as safe as possible.
3) Making one last meal out of all of the leftovers in the fridge tonight. It will get a bit creative, but be worth it to avoid buying something & avoid packing it in the cooler.
4) I have two buyers for items that I have listed on Nextdoor, which is a bit unusual. I’ll be putting them out tomorrow, and getting more things out of the house. Junk out, money in.
5) I decluttered again at our vacation house, and found a few things to bring home & try to sell. I also gave a very bulky item to my sister (who is local) for her to attempt to sell & keep the money. That gave my mom the idea to start decluttering & give my sister items to sell. My sister is attempting to plan a family vacation for her son’s high school graduation this year, and is super excited about the new inventory. And, parents decluttering is always a win.
Katy in Africa says
1. I got this free ebook https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Tribe-missions-focused-devotional-jungle-ebook/dp/B07641Q7YW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1509985217&sr=8-1
2. We celebrated our anniversary here at home just by enjoying each other’s company and reminiscing over the last 14 years.
3. Instead of using popcicle sticks for a school project, my kids just gathered stick from outside. I realize this wouldn’t work for all projects l, but they’ll do just fine for stick puppets.
4. My son is using his Christmas gift of wood working tools and built a small side table.
5. We unplugged the fridge (just freezer going now) to give our batteries a break (our electricity is 100% solar).
Val says
Hi Katy,
I always enjoy hearing your tales of frugality in Africa.
And you’re teaching your children to be creative and frugal too!
Blessings to you from Minnesota.
Lindsay says
Katy, if you unplugged the fridge how are you keeping things like milk, cheese, eggs, and meat cold? Do you just buy those things daily or do you have other ways of keeping them cold?
AEW says
We’ve fallen off the frugal wagon a bit lately so I’m trying to get back on with the new year. This week I
1. Returned two dresses that I ordered and didn’t love
2. Decided to wait on ordering a few things I wasn’t sure of and ultimately decided I didn’t want
3. Found a surprise bonus and immediately banked it in the emergency savings account
4. Made a list of projects that need to be done around the house, all using things we already have which will keep me busy in the upcoming months
5. Committed with the family to a no-spend quarter starting in January
Ruby says
1. Cut my husband’s hair, my son’s hair, and my own hair over the Christmas break.
2. Paid for most of our lovely little Christmas ham with a customer loyalty coupon. I pushed the easy button on that ham (precooked and sliced, no bone) and paid a little more, but it was the right size for my small family and not a scrap was wasted.
3. Collected enough Fetch Rewards points for another $10 gift card, which helped pay for a good light for my sewing table that I’ve needed for a long time.
4. Had to buy some Christmas gift wrap this season at Dollar Tree (it’s been some years since our paper stash needed topping up) and bought a roll of plain white that can also serve for wedding and baby gifts.
5. Used some disposable dusters to clean the blinds and noticed they actually looked pretty sturdy. Instead of throwing them away when I finished and they were really filthy, I handwashed them, gently squeezed the water out, fluffed them up and hung them to dry on the laundry rack. They are ready to be used again.
Linda@perilincreations.com says
This Christmas was my most frugal Christmas ever. There are over 30 people on my Christmas list now. This is all immediate family. I spent under $250 total. Only 5 gifts were bought, everything else I handmade. To me, that was the ultimate frugal Christmas.
Amanda Pennington says
I’m so impressed! Would you be willing to share what kinds of things you handmade? We have a lot of folks in our immediate family too and I’m always looking for new ideas. Thanks!
Stephanie says
I love to make homemade gifts. I would also love more info. GREAT JOB
Mar says
We hardly use the basement furniture anymore so I covered them in old sheets I was going to donate to Goodwill. Local animal rescues did not want them.
I purchased the Paprika app to load my recipes and do some meal planning. We had guests for half of the week and I was a mess at figuring out meals. In the long run it should pay off.
We all played House Party Christmas night it is a lot of fun, you get to see everyone and play games. And it is free.
Our Sam’s club now has stock of cases of veggies, it has been months so I bought a case of several varieties that should keep us till spring. It is still cheaper than buying on sale at Meijer.
Tricia says
1) My husband and I had well checks today. Our employer pays up to a certain amount, and we go every two years. I know it may not be particularly frugal, but I consider health a huge asset, and try to take advantage of every opportunity to stay on top of it.
2) We had friends over for a meal rather than going out.
3) We opened 2 new credit cards to get points enough to get free airline tickets. (I will cancel them after the flights)
4) I got my haircut at a local in and out place. $8 USD. Not a great haircut, but you get what you pay for. Ha. I will cut my husband’s hair tomorrow.
5) I’m using an app on my phone to get $5HKD off a $20HKD purchase at Circle K.
Becca says
Preventative health care is definitely frugal!
meghan buchman says
With haircuts, you definitely do NOT get what you pay for. You can get a phenomenal cut by an $8 place & a horrendous cut at a place that cost $200. It depends on the hair stylist & how good they are. My mom has a been a hair stylist since 1965 & she has worked high end & low end salons. She always gives the best hair cuts & has repeat customers everywhere she works. Maybe, try a different stylist next time
HaPPY New Year!
Rachel R. says
Last one of the year!
Here’s my 5:
1) Used Starbucks gift cards (from last Christmas) for a free drink this year!
2) Asked for very practical gifts from my in-laws & received a ton of new kitchen items…can’t wait to try them all out.
3) Packed water & snacks while traveling, and stopped only once for fast food.
4) We did not travel to my family in IL this year (very sadly), but saved a few hundred in hotel stay/restaurant/entertainment costs.
5) My husband diligently tried for hours to fix a plumbing problem, and then called the plumber when he admitted it was beyond us. Appreciate his willingness to work at, as well as to accept help. Even the plumbers had trouble with our sink when they came…sometimes a frugal life is knowing when to DIY & when not to.
Angie says
1. Pulled frozen meatballs from the freezer for a quick spaghetti and meatball dinner. This dinner used home canned diced tomatoes and home canned tomato sauce. Hooray for eating what we put away & it kept me from Buying takeout.
2. We have had some cold weather lately but have been bundling up, building fires and keeping the thermostat at 65. This should save us quite a bit on our electric bill.
3. Our Christmas dinner was ham that I purchased at $1.29/ pound. I used home canned pineapple to make a casserole and potatoes bought for $0.25/pound to make scalloped potatoes.
4 We wrapped gifts with bags, tissue and paper left over from last year. We watched Christmas dvds that we already own. We shopped for sales and saved 40-50% off on many of the gifts we purchased.
5. We will Spend the next month eating down the freezer and pantry. There is plenty of meat, veggies and fruits to sustain us. I will shop for eggs, milk, cheese, bread and butter if needed.
Happy new year every one!!!
Jenzer says
Discovered that I can use a plastic comb in the shower to distribute shampoo and conditioner through my hair before rinsing them out. Better coverage means I can use less of both for each washing.
Gave the inside of my car windshield a thorough cleaning with tips I gleaned from a YouTube video. The windshield had been grungy for a looooong time — it was a relief to get it shiny and clear again.
Hubs requested rice pilaf to go with his birthday dinner this week. My pilaf recipe calls for both brown and wild rice, neither of which I keep on hand. I made a trip to the natural foods store early Sunday morning and got exactly the amounts of rice I needed from the store’s bulk bins.
The natural foods store is right across the street from the local food service store. I stopped in and bought several items, including a 40-pound (!) box of fresh chicken legs for 38 cents a pound (!!). We put half a dozen legs on the smoker and vacuum-sealed the rest to freeze for later.
We’ve had a few dozen taper candles sitting around for a while, passed on by a family member who was decluttering. We do like to burn candles in winter, but I tend to avoid tapers because they’re so drippy/messy. One night I had the idea of clustering three of them together in a glass container left over from a three-wick candle. Hubs and I had to do some tinkering with different ways to hold them upright, but we finally got the idea to work. I put three tapers in the container and fill it about halfway with wax flakes (which we have on hand for our own candlemaking projects). As the tapers burn, the melted wax trickles into the flakes, and eventually the whole thing levels out and looks exactly like a three-wick candle. I love solutions that are both frugal and creative!
a curious reader says
love that candle idea!!
meghan buchman says
That idea is genius!
Michele says
1. Returned 3 dresses at Marshalls, as I guessed they would fit. Looking for my son’s June wedding (rehearsal and wedding day). Informal is harder than formal?
2. Batched returns/exchanges/ grocery shopping.
3. Avoided after Christmas sales of stuff I don’t need.
4. Started a penny challenge savings plan for 2021.
5. Brought my lunch with me to avoid fast food temptation.
Lauren says
1. I cancelled my Netflix subscription as I barely use it. I mostly stream YouTube to the TV.
2. Spent $35 on groceries this week as I am eating down the freezer and pantry.
3. Managed to get about 20 free boxes for packing. I am packing to move in January.
4. My friend shouted me to lunch on Monday.
5. I sold $50 worth of stuff we no longer use on Facebook Marketplace.
Carol says
It was a really quiet week for us. Those are almost always frugal.
1. Combo of frugal/not frugal but necessary- husband made some repairs to our vehicles ( just before our big snowstorm. Yay!) doing all the labor himself which I’m sure saved hundreds of dollars.
2. No eating out.
3. We are getting psyched for a $20 grocery budget next month and Just Say No January. I’m working on meal plans and inventorying my pantry/freezer. I guess this is an “advance frugality”. But it often influence what I am doing today.
4. Talking with my mortgage rep about refinancing again to lower our payment.
5. Didn’t shop any after Christmas sales. Realized I probably have enough wrapping paper for next year and enough Christmas cards for next two years.
mary says
I don’t have five things but I do have a significant save. My cat needs to see a veterinary ophthalmologist. There are no clinics in my city but I called the 2 closest to us. One charges $412.00 for an initial visit and the other charges $230.00-$275.00 I’m not sure why one is so much more expensive except that it is in a more expensive county. The one that is less expensive is actually the veterinary specialist that my general vet prefers we go to see- so it is a win win.
Lindsey says
I am continually amazed by the professions I did not know existed. Your post gives me a new one: veterinary ophthalmologist. Thank you for increasing my knowledge base.
Ruby says
We had to take our oldest rescue dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist a few years ago. It was fascinating. They tested her visual acuity by having her navigate a maze of chairs in different light levels, which quickly proved that she had lost her night vision. Although the diagnosis was saddening (she has a genetic form of progressive blindness), she was treated with such kindness.
Corrine says
1. I sold 3 sets of doors/windows to a Barbie Dream House I purchased on Marketplace to resell. So far I have made my money back by just selling the extra doors/windows it came with. The Dream House itself has not sold yet though.
2. I picked up a pair of winter boots off Buy Nothing. My winter boots had holes that I was unsuccessfully patching with shoe glue.
3. I made some more laundry detergent using soap nuts and I made more homemade toothpaste
4. I picked up a desk off Craigslist for free. We have been needing one, as my husband and I have been doing some work from home. It’s a beautiful piece from the 1950’s. Same desk sold on an auction site recently for $700. So, if we stop working from home at some point I can always sell it for a nice amount.
5. My in-laws always over gift for Christmas. My daughter is only 2 and has no conception of gifts. I took some of the gifts and put them away. I will likely re-gift them.
Shelia says
1. We zoomed Christmas with our families and since it was just the two of us, ate Christmas ham a week early and did some easy and very yummy lobster ravioli from Costco for Christmas Dinner. A double package was on sale for 8.99. I think we may have the other half for Valentine’s Day!
2. I had purchased 3-1# bags of lentils from Dollar Tree, all different brands. I cooked all of them Sunday with the leftover ham and froze most. I had purchased the different brands to see what I preferred and one was actually much better than the others.
3. Cranberry prices were high here this year so when I found them half price I bought a few bags and did a huge batch of cranberry salad. It freezes really well so we’ll enjoy it this winter.
4. As I’m putting away Christmas decor, I’m weeding out the colors that worked better at our last house. I really hope it will be safe enough to have a garage sale this summer as my pile is growing.
5. My husband’s Medicare Part B includes an allotted amount for over the counter meds, vitamins, etc. He had quite a bit left on this year’s so we made a trip and loaded up. The new amount starts Jan. 1. I appreciate that this is included at no cost!
Happy New Year to all!!!
mary says
What is cranberry salad?
shelia says
The recipe is for raw cranberries, apples, oranges and celery. I use the food processor to chop up the cranberries, apples and oranges. The celery(and nuts if you like) are sliced. All are added to a 3 oz. package of jello, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, cranberry that has been dissolved in one boiling cup of water. Add sugar to taste and you have cranberry salad! The amounts are 3 oz. jello, one cup boiling water, a 12 oz. bag of cranberries, 2 apples, cored, 1 orange and about a half cup of chopped celery. Start with a half cup of sugar and add from there.
Jen says
Cranberry salad sounds good! I, too, enjoy playing mad scientist/ detective; figuring out Coke vs. Pepsi vs. RC vs. generic,or sliced whatever vs. grated vs. whole/processed at home by me… it keeps cooking, budgeting, planning, fresh.
Jenny says
Which lentils did you like? If you have time, give us details
Barb says
1. I added up all the gift cards I have earned in 2020 from survey sites, and the grand total was $420! Using these reduced my out-of-pocket costs for groceries, birthday gifts and Christmas presents.
2. My final tally of found coins for 2020 was 9.17.
3. For Christmas, I bought my daughter a coat and a set of drinking glasses from Kohl’s. I used a 20% off coupon and also earned $20 in Kohl’s cash. I used the Kohl’s cash yesterday and purchased a needed blanket for $4.38 out of pocket.
4. I have been eating leftovers and decided to put several items in the freezer for later meals when I’m not tired of them.
5. I stopped by Kroger early this morning and picked up these clearance items for next year: chocolate chips 99 cents; evaporated milk 39 cents; and one pound bags of pecans for $5.99.
Kristen says
That’s a very respectable amount from surveys. Good for you!
Barb says
I’m very pleased with the total!
Ang says
Love your share! What method did you use for the survey sites? I have never thought to keep count of found change- how fun, going to do that also for 2021!
Barb says
I use My Points, Survey Junkie, Swagbucks and ISay for surveys. I also use Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, Receipt Hog and NCP to scan receipts for points that I redeem for gift cards. I also do Shopkick.
Natasha says
-We made gingerbread houses from scratch and used leftover Halloween trick or treating candy as the decorations
– stocked up on Dec 23 at Costco many many things were discounted including our Christmas ham and the bonus part was I didn’t have to worry about thawing it out
-made loaded baked potato soup and added leftover ham bits in it
-bought Christmas cards, and a couple packs of paper for next year on clearance
-repairing a chair that our cats have clawed up. Making a slip cover that will be washable using fabric I already have
-repairing a few pairs of kids pants where they have worn through the knees
-enjoying our over 2 ft of snow by playing outside, sledding and trying out our new snowshoes
Sarah says
1. Skipped the grocery store in favor of eating pantry/freezer items.
2. Ensured I returned everything that needed returning.
3. Cooked all but 1 meal at home this week.
4. Gave myself an at-home manicure.
5. Performed home maintenance activity (Broiler was checked/cleaned).
April says
How long will it take you to eat 100 lbs of flour?
Where will you store it?
Kristen says
Well, I ordered my first 50 pound bag a few months into the pandemic, and it’s gone now.
I freeze my flour for a few days and then store it in big plastic buckets from Lowes. Details in this post: https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/five-frugal-things-ebay-fangirling/
Jenni says
1. Did not go into debt for Christmas. Used a Christmas sinking fund throughout the year to save a little every month for the holidays.
using my leftovers.
2. Will challenge myself to use only a $30 gift card for groceries this week since pantry is pretty well stocked.
3. Did not open this month’s Frock Box order and instead had daughter wrap it up for me for Christmas. Cancelled subscription as I am set for clothes for a while now.
4. Made turkey, then turkey soup, then butter turkey (instead of chicken
5. Have a set amount that I need from every paycheck. If check is more than what I need, it all goes directly to sinking funds and savings.
Anne says
Actually, my biggest frugal save recently was Christmas dinner. My son’s girlfriend, who we are just getting to know, made a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner with lots of sides and I wanted to make sure that Christmas dinner wouldn’t be too unimpressive. I’m at the age that I’m so over cooking and I haven’t seriously entertained in a long while. I usually order pizza for guests.
I checked out several restaurant possibilities but there were problems with each of them, and one barbecue place wanted $25 for just the chicken. Yikes, be still my cheap heart.
Finally I decided that I could do an Italian themed dinner with spaghetti, lasagna and a salad. I had all the ingredients for spaghetti, I bought a frozen lasagna from Costco (who ALWAYS has good tasting products) and got salad fixings. The dinner was a huge success, everyone was very happy with the food, and I didn’t spend $100 on take out.
Jean says
1. Sat. I received an email from Family Search with a free printable family tree offer. I printed off 3 for my family.
2. I found an 8×10 frame on the local Buy Nothing page for one of the “trees”. Took a walk to pick it up. I am hoping to find 2 more that way.
3. I have made a monthly dinner menu. Presently I am choosing recipes that will utilize what is in the freezer. We are not eating out so we might as well have fun eating in. Try new foods.
4. Dinner last night was from the freezer (and from my dinner list). It will be leftovers tonight–Because we will have a family dinner tomorrow night from our Harvest box and a recipe from my dinner menu.
5. I have bought “Valentines” for the little ones already. The dollar store had Eric Carle coloring books (for $1). Can’t beat that unless it is for free.
Chrisanna says
I forgot to mention that I gifted my teenage daughter with an heirloom cross necklace passed down from my aunt. It was a sweet Christmas surprise!
Chrisanna Robins says
I accidentally shattered my coffee pot. After learning that Mr. Coffee doesn’t offer the pot as a replacement part, I searched on eBay. Prices on eBay seemed a little high, so I visited my local Salvation Army thrift store. Score! I found the exact one I needed in perfect condition for $2!
Kristen says
Well, that is a super lucky thrifting find. Yay!
Tracey says
I didn’t think I was going to come up with five things because I was concentrating on the kids and Christmas, but it seemed to happen anyways. Our five frugal things for the week:
1. Christmas dinner was made mostly from items I had on hand and bounty from the produce truck that tipped over last week. Everyone had their favorites and it didn’t break the bank.
2. Freezing, drying and eating up all the produce we became recipients of. Being creative with menu planning to incorporate the many fruits and vegetables we have on hand.
3. My daughter gave me some beautiful yarn for Christmas and told me I have to make something for me with it (instead of making for someone else). I have a healthy start on a cocoon cardigan.
4. I have a new neice that I am making a blanket for out of yarn I already have on hand. Working on the blanket and cardigan at the same time keeps me from getting bored.
5. My daughter asked for canning jars for Christmas. I obliged. Afterward, I took her into my canning supply area and gifted her her grandmother’s canning pot, jar funnel and tongs, as well as a couple boxes of pectin. Didn’t cost me anything and gave her special tools from a special lady she has fond memories of.
Kristen says
Well, you must be in a very good habit of being frugal if you managed without even thinking about it!
Tracey says
Thank you! I was raised mostly by my grandmother who lived through the Great Depression. Talk about a frugal woman! She was amazing and I hope many of her ways rubbed off on me.
Jenny says
Reading this made me so happy! I received the lovely gift of canning jars years ago from a patient who realized that she would no longer be using her canning supplies. Bless you, Jewel O.!
I have made her recipe for canned vegetarian vegetable soup, and so many other canning recipes!
I think of her every fall, when I do my canning, and lots of other tunes, of course!
Tracey says
Wonderful memories and good food to boot. Who could ask for more. Thank you for sharing.
Liz B. says
Hmmmm, let’s see…..my FFT:
1) Hubby and I decided to play Secret Santa for one of our nieces, who has had a very tough year (going through a divorce, financial issues related to having her work hours cut, etc). We found a counter-top combo counter top oven/air fryer t Costco that was discounted $20, and a fancy art kit for her daughter. Hubby asked a friend if one of her kids would deliver it, but friend’s secretary offered to do it. Mission accomplished, niece was delighted and overwhelmed with the gifts! She still doesn’t know who sent them. Being frugal elsewhere has allowed us to do this.
2) Ate snacky foods for Christmas -bought fancy cheeses from Aldi, and are eating all the leftovers for lunches and snacks.
3) Returned items bought as gifts when we realized we had bought too much.
4) Donated a huge used set of Thomas the Train Engine tracks and train cars to a woman who asked for them for her two year old daughter’s Christmas present. Had tried to sell them on FB Marketplace, with zero interest shown, so it felt good to give them away to a child who would love them. The look on the dad’s face when he came to pick them up, and was told they were free, was priceless. Spreading holiday cheer = frugal.
5) Received packet of free Hallmark cards I had requested.
Bonus #6) Shopped after-Christmas sales at Target, and found individual holiday cards to use next year for son’s teachers, white tissue paper, an ornament and a stocking stuffer, all at 60% off.
Happy New Year, everyone! Stay healthy and safe in 2021.
Sara P says
That was so thoughtful of you to do that for your niece! She will remember that forever.
Liz B. says
Awww, thanks! I don’t know who was more delighted, our niece, or hubby and I! It really made Christmas extra meaningful for us.
Sharie says
I’m sure that you probably already freeze bananas when they are riper than you’d like and maybe you already had too many frozen bananas to add more to your freezer. But another option with bananas that are just a bit over ripe is to fry them. Put a bit of butter (or a lot of butter -depending on how healthy you want to be) in a non-stick pan. Slice the bananas very thin and space them out through the pan. Fry them until they are crispy on one side and then flip over. I use two forks to flip them. Although this is labor intensive it is a delicious way to use up slightly over ripe bananas. It is also a delicious way to use up just ripe bananas if you have too many on hand and know that they are likely not to get eaten before they get over ripe.
Kristen says
Yes, I love to freeze bananas when I think of it in time. But these ones got away from me.
I have never tried frying a banana, but maybe I’ll give it a shot.
K D says
1. I am still not going into stores so there are no impulse purchases. I look forward to a time when it seems safe again.
2. All meals have been at home.
3. Our offspring and their significant other came over on Christmas. We had a nice masked visit and we sent them home with desserts. It was a low effort, Covid prudent event. I’m hoping and praying it will be different next year.
4. My husband loves jig saw puzzles so he has been working on a couple that he had never built. The past couple evenings we have worked on one together while listening to an audio book downloaded from the library.
5. The weather has allowed walking outside just about every day. I do believe that fresh air, nature, and exercise are good for you. A decent pair of shoes protects the knees and they last a while.
Anne T says
1. Walked the neighbourhood yesterday and picked up four books at the local Little Libraries.
2. On the same walk found three jars suitable for holding handmade spa gifts — I used up my year’s stash for Christmas gifts.
3. Got a half pork loin on special: cut it up for green chile stew, pulled pork, and two roasts. I rendered a half cup of lard out of the fat I cut off it while roasting one of the pork roasts for dinner.
4. Used $10 in grocery points toward the cost of the pork loin.
5. Got a free snow/ice removal brush for the car from the Honda dealership when I got a leaking tire repaired.
Battra92 says
The Webstaurant Plus shipping costs keep me from buying from them unless I have a gigantic order. I’ll have to look into the free trial should I ever need to buy something again. Luckily for me I can buy from my local restaurant supply store (they have a small retail store) and without shipping it’s usually cheaper, especially if you only need one of two things.
I’ve also stopped being a King Arthur snob after they made some political statements I disagreed with. Turns out the normal unbleached flour sold by my local supply house works just as well. Unfortunately I have a gift card to them which I’ll have to use since I won’t be returning to their physical store any more.
Anyway, let’s see …
1.) Wrapped gift cards in custom made gift card holders made out of used wrapping paper scraps and an old chip bag with a shiny side to it (I washed it first!) I also wrapped presents in some used wrapping paper saved from last year.
2.) Bought some new drip pans online for my stove. A set of 4 online was cheaper than buying just one at my local Walmart. Plus it saved me a trip to Walmart so that was nice.
3.) Returned some presents that I received. I hate to do it but I was gifted pajama pants, sheets and towels: all things I already had way too many of and needed to purge out. I used the money for just regular items we use instead of buying something fancy with them.
4.) Bought a few 50% off after Christmas items but didn’t go hog wild on them. Snacks and cookies and the like are all extras so even at half off it’s not good to buy a lot of them.
5.) Working on a sort of freezer cleanout. I stocked up the freezer before Christmas and now it’s time to slowly start working my way through it.
Rachel says
What did king arthur say? I looked pretty hard, but the only political thing I found was them saying we should be a less racist society. So I’m not really sure what I missed. Thanks!
Becca says
I’m also wondering about this.
C.B. says
“On June 1, 2020 King Arthur reacted to the protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd with a social media post condemning “the devastating racial injustices that continue to plague our country” and announcing a $200,000 fund to support racial justice changemaking organizations.”
I say bravo to them….
Battra92 says
They changed their logo taking off the knight and when I emailed them about it I got a very condescending answer that basically said “We thought the idea of a Christian knight was offensive and didn’t represent who we are.”
Laura says
As another King Arthur fan, I was curious about this too. I have to admit, after reading what you wrote here, I am still confused? Logos are changing all around us to be less offensive. Take Land o Lakes as one example…. They removed the Native American woman. There are certain Christian ideals that are offensive to some people (treatment of the LGBTQ community, as one example) and I can understand why a company would notice that and make a change. Then again, I have not looked up why they chose to change it.
I am genuinely curious, not trying to cause trouble.
Heidi Louise says
I cannot speak for King Arthur Flour, so am providing what might be related background. The Christian Crusades to the Holy Lands, fought by knights, are some of the most shameful and un-Christian actions in the history of the church. I know of at least one university that seriously considered changing their mascot from the Crusaders because of that history. Ultimately, they did not, though I expect the issue will arise again.
Rachel says
As Heidi said below, the crusades were a horrible part of history and shouldn’t be celebrated. There was nothing Christian about what people did in the name of God. I did look up why they changed the logo, and they were basically like, the attempted genocides at the hands of the knights isn’t cool, so they aren’t the logo anymore.
Battra92 says
King Arthur wasn’t a crusader but a celebrated character from English folklore. His presence is that of one who is fighting in the quest of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong. I can see that people don’t like that because most people in America are idiots who have never read a book and simply spend their day consuming trash media which routinely tells them that their ancestors were garbage.
So I’ll buy whatever’s cheap now. No need to give money to a company that tells me my Christian English heritage is “problematic.” It ain’t worth the price difference to me anymore. Just like I haven’t purchased a Gillette product since they said men were trash, I won’t purchase King Arthur when they told me that I’m trash (and maybe it was just one CSR but still, they don’t value me as a customer.)
Lindsey says
I’m so oblivious to things that I never noticed they changed their logo!
Rachel says
This is just a note to anyone in this section, this is what King Arthur actually said about the change –
“Haslam believes that the old logo wouldn’t continue to cut it in 2020 because it does not appeal to a diverse audience of bakers. “The image of a white knight astride a horse felt very masculine, European and old fashioned. Though intended to symbolize King Arthur, the figure actually felt more like a medieval crusader,” Haslam said. “The cross on the flag further emphasized this religious crusader symbol and would alienate many consumers.” In contrast, the new brand removes hints of militarism or religious affiliation, while retaining the connection to the company’s heritage and the name King Arthur.”
So, as I said, from having researched what the company said, the logo looked like a crusader knight, which is not a nice part of history to celebrate. They are trying to be more inclusive, so good on them! <3
tricia says
The ignorance of history and the virtue signaling below is truly maddening. The minority speaks loudly and often while the majority have decorum and humility but remain largely silent. It’s a mad mad world.
Susan says
My lactose intolerant daughter was just diagnosed with celiac disease, so we are buying a ton of non-contaminated food so I am not feeling too frugal. There are done frugal things buried in this though.
#1: I guess the frugal side is that our excellent insurance was utilized for some blood tests and surgical procedures to get to a diagnosis (we feared the diagnosis could be something much worse so we are counting that blessing too) #2: Also, after a few years of medical issues finally having a treatment that will actually make her feel better is priceless. #3: We are also cooking at home even more since take-out options are iffy. #4: We checked out a bunch of GF cookbooks from the library and are adding the best recipes in our e-cookbook that she can access back at her college apartment. #5: She and her friends have long traditions of eating together. This was modified for Covid into take-out picnics outdoors (even in Chicago in December). Her friends are being supportive and looking for GF options or morphing their picnics to BYO-food. Supportive and encouraging friends are also priceless especially at 19 when your world feels upended.
Liz B. says
FYI – and you might know this already – Aldi carries quite a few GF food items. If you have one near you, or near your daughter’s school, it might be worth a look. I’m glad she now knows what’s wrong (not glad she has celiac disease, but now knows what she’s dealing with).
Susan says
Thank you! I will check Aldi out. At school she has her groceries delivered (no car), and I think Aldi delivers in her city. I am thankful their are many more options available off the shelf these days.
Jean says
I don’t know if this site would be of interest for GF: https://ohsheglows.com/
Kristen says
Ugh, I am so sorry to hear that she has celiac, but I am glad you now know how to help her feel better!
Sonis is lactose intolerant and she’s currently going through the process of getting testing to see if gluten is a problem too. So, I might be in your shoes soon…we shall see.
Susan says
I didn’t know that celiac could cause lactose intolerance before this. That developed and also her environmental allergies have gotten much worse in the last few years as have recurring headaches. I am hopeful her new diet will improve all of these in addition to the stomach aches etc. that are the more obvious signs of celiac.
I hope you get good news for Sonia!
Patti says
Look into her beauty products as well. My friend who has celiac had to even change shampoos. It caused skin issues. There’s websites that let you search by ingredient name to see if it has gluten. I’m sorry she has celiac but in a few months once she’s adjusted, she’ll feel better than she has in her life!
Susan says
I hope so! Thanks for the beauty product tip. We’ll check it out.
N says
FFT, Caffeine, Snow & Sugar Edition!
–Winter is finally here! Rather than buy a rubber floor mat for wet shoes, we’re once again using one of the floor mats from our previous car (four years ago). Since it was doomed by a cracked head-gasket and sold for parts, there was no harm in giving the plain rectangular mats new life around the house!
–A teacher friend always receives coffee gift cards from students’ parents, but she doesn’t drink coffee and has dietary restrictions. This is the second year she’s generously sent her gift cards my way. Two other friends also gave me a very generous coffee gift cards, so my splurge needs are set for a few months, at least! I allow myself one coffee out/to go per week, taking care to support locations where friends work. I used to have a daily coffee habit before our financial housecleaning, so a weekly wildcard coffee is not as extravagant as it sounds!
–Thanks to a combination of coupons and Extra Bucks, I only spent $12 on over $40 worth of items at CVS, only one of which wasn’t on sale to start with. Between that and fancy coffee gifts from family, my husband is now stocked on coffee and tea for the foreseeable future.
–Thanks to a largess of ding-dong-ditch cookies from friends, there are now cookies in the freezer for our future selves. We both hit our sugar ceiling with MANY cookies yet to go, but there was no way we were going to risk wasting such good, lovingly made cookies. It’s also safer to only thaw out a few at a time.
–To balance out the frozen sugar trove, there is also turkey and duck stock in the freezer from Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, respectively. New Year’s dinner and my birthday dinner will also be courtesy of the freezer, which has an embarrassment of “expiration date” sale meat at the moment. (We’re meatless half the week and plan meals accordingly.) January will be a pantry challenge month just to give us room enough to organize!
Kristen says
I had to google “ding dong ditch” because I thought that was a type of cookie! I now see I mis-read your comment.
N says
That *does* sound like a type of cookie, now that you mention it!
Are stealthy porch drop offs referred to differently where you are? Regional variations of what one thinks of as common phrases are always fascinating. Example: Both “doing donuts” and “cutting cookies” refer to a car spinning 360 degrees, intentionally or otherwise. I (Midwesterner) grew up with cookies; my husband (Northeasterner) grew up with donuts!
Jenny says
So funny! Midwest, also- north-eastern Illinois, but cutting cookies” is a term I’ve never heard except in the kitchen!
We definitely use doing donuts! Lol!
Jenzer says
N, thank you for that tip about the floor mats! I have a set languishing in my garage. They were bought for the third row of my minivan, but when we put them in place, we found we couldn’t slide the middle seats back. I’ll gladly re-purpose them indoors.
N says
Glad to be of service!
Deb says
Used a coupon at CVS for a free $10 item as well as $2 off any purchase. I don’t normally shop there, but it was worth the trip for the $12 off things I would normally buy.
I am eating the too-salty chicken and cabbage dish I made.
I went through my gift stash and had several gifts already for my granddaughter’s Christmas.
I encouraged my husband to use the O’Reilly’s gift card we have had for over a year on the automotive needs.
Used a coupon for a free 8×10 photo from Walgreens.
Happy New Year to everyone. May God help us recover what we may have lost and be with us in whatever this year may bring.
Connie says
Too salty? Just add a potato
Deb says
I have used that successfully before but this time it only helped marginally. I don’t know if it was because there wasn’t very much liquid in the dish?
kristin @ going country says
I finally cleaned out my daughter’s closet, which is where I store (read: dump) all the hand-me-down clothes. After sorting all the clothes that were in there, I found several pairs of pants for my youngest son, and one pair of pants suitable for church for my middle son, who had nothing but jeans. I thought I was going to have to buy him a pair, but now I don’t.
My husband took my eldest son hunting in the mountains this week (unsuccesfully, though) and we thought we were going to have to buy new winter boots for him (the son, not the husband). He’s been wearing his boots from last year, which are a little too small and certainly would be with thick wool socks. Definitely not good for hiking miles every day. But then I thought, “I wonder if he can wear my winter boots?” Yes, he can. Which is both alarming and convenient. So he wore mine and I won’t have to buy him new winter boots until next year. He’s the kid that outgrows his shoes within the season, so it’s nice to be able to go one season without having to spend a lot of money on boots he wears maybe a dozen times.
Kris says
I remember when my son’s shoe size was the same as mine! Didn’t last long but it was convenient while it happened. His feet have finally stopped growing.
Speaking of which … for Christmas one of his gifts was LLBean slippers. He LOVES moccasin-style slippers but I haven’t wanted to spring for the expensive ones until now when I’m fairly convinced his feet have stopped growing. In the long run it will save money as they are substantially more sturdy than any other brands I have found. Hopefully the days of duct-taped slippers are officially over.
The pandemic has the odd benefit of saving money–usually we try to do some fun spending during Christmas break with our kids but there are fewer opportunities for that now. So board games, puzzles, parties at home it is! I’m not sure that makes an exciting “frugal win” but frugal isn’t always very exciting. BTW, for any of you out there looking to invest in a fun board game … we are loving Poetry for Neanderthals. Who wouldn’t benefit from a big laugh these days???
Kristen says
I always loved it when I did not have to buy winter boots. We get very unpredictable amounts of snow here (sometimes none at all), so it’s possible to buy snow boots and not use them at all.
So I really loved hand me down boots when my kids were little!
Julia says
1. Picked up some super cheap things we needed on FB market, a very large soft blanket for warm tv viewing, guinea pig bedding, dog food. While driving to pick up items I’ve been stopping at little free libraries along the way and have added a few free books to my reading stack.
2. Using up leftovers. My mom accidentally bought Buffalo chicken. It was too spicy so she rinsed it and added it to a lovely homemade chicken veggie and grain soup. Still too spicy, so now I have three jars of yummy soup to eat for lunch. I traded her some mild ham and bean soup I made.
3. Enjoying all the Christmas lights in our urban neighborhood.
4. So glad we stored our camper a few weeks ago. The campground we just moved it from flooded over Christmas. What a mess that would have been! Plus we store it for free at my parents so no more campground fees till spring.
5. We were able to save a significant amount of money on flood insurance for our home.
Lots of little things: making and using my own laundry detergent, reusing things we have rather than buying new, enjoying what we have.
Maureen says
Several of the financial blogs I follow are doing a Panty Challenge for January and I’m already working on it. I need to clean out my freezers and pantry and start the new year off on the right foot. There is too much food waste and I’ve never taken an inventory of what I had. So far I have 2 weeks worth of meals planned. Working on the third.
I also worked on my 2021 budget and hope to have 1 credit card paid off by June and a loan paid off by December. Soon I will be doing our taxes to see how that goes and hopefully can apply the refund to that credit card and loan.
I applied to refinance the car I purchased in October (had to because a deer totaled our van!). I inadvertently filled out the application and used their credit company for the loan and it was at 5%!!!! I am in the process of applying at my on line credit union for 2.67% loan with 1 less month. Hopefully the payment will be a little less, but I’m OK if it is a little higher too. I do plan on paying it off faster as well.
Husband needs a quick road trip to re-vitalize himself after working so much this whole holiday season. We have a free night at a hotel, so we will be using that to get him out of dodge and into a new environment even if it is just overnight.
Husband worked so much that he earned an extra week’s vacation in comp time. So he will use it next week and will be doing some of the items listed on my “to do” list that will save us money.
Hopefully husband is on board for not making anymore purchases in January. He keeps wanting to buy toys, etc., and I just want to save money. We need to build up savings and our emergency fund so he can retire on time! Fingers crossed!!!!!!!!
Connie says
Gave me a chuckle-panty challenge. ( I probably should purge panties btw!)
Maureen says
Connie, you know, I proof-read this 5 times!!!!
mary says
Can you tell us which blogs?
Denise says
OH, I was going to ask you if you pay for the premium membership at Webstaurant or if you pay the shipping. I HATE paying for shipping but didn’t think a membership was worth it. I’m going to have to keep an eye out for one of those trial memberships! Great tip, thanks
Becca says
1. Happily ate leftovers for most meals.
2. Cleaned the basement so it feels like a new space to be in.
3. Kept searching until I found a cheesecake recipe that used less cheese-cheaper to make and will have less calories too because it’s smaller. Bonus: no springform pan needed!
4. Stayed home and away from shopping.
5. Wrapped birthday presents with leftover holiday paper bought at after Christmas sale years ago.
Stephanie says
1. Ate in even during the holidays. Planned ahead.
2. Will shop some after Xmas sakes got things I would buy anyway
3. Eating meatless meals 1-2 per week. Found a great new lentil curry.
4. Continuing to look for my target laundry soap price 1.99-2.00 bucks and stocking up when I find it.
5. Happy new year. 2021. Thank God!
Ruth T says
1. Made and froze broth from our Christmas turkey and shredded and froze a bunch of meat from it.
2. My daughter’s “big gift” turned out to be broken (oh so hard for a 6yo to not be able to play with her biggest gift on Christmas) do we took it back the next morning and they gave us a new one.
3. Used up almost all leftovers before we left on a trip yesterday.
4. Succeeded in packing enough food that we didn’t have to stop and buy food on the way.
5. Borrowed a mobile hot spot from the library! We don’t use a lot of data since we’re almost always on WiFi, but we struggle to stay within our limit when we travel. The hot spot was free to borrow and we have it for 2 weeks, so we’ll definitely be fine on our data for the month.
Suzan says
I have been working diligently on reducing food waste. This means I have meal planned and have bought less too. I guess that is all I candy for now.
Good luck on the investment strategy.