Five Frugal Things | Oooooh, I have time!
Now that I'm not in school, I am most definitely finding it easier to get around to tasks. See below. 😉
1. I mended a pants pocket
The stitching on this pocket came loose:
Thank goodness it was near the top of the jeans, so it was easy to access with my machine!
2. I mended a shirt strap
The stitching on this cami strap unraveled:
So, I sewed it back together while I had my machine out and loaded up with black thread.
3. I made some yogurt
Here's how I make yogurt, in case you've missed it before.
4. I got another free pair of undies
I was cleaning off the big pile of papers from my kitchen table and in the pile, I found a free undies coupon from Victoria's Secret.
Sweet! I popped in when I was in the area, and at checkout I was like, "Oh, no bag is necessary!" because it seems like a waste to get one of their fancy ribboned bags for a pair of undies.
5. I mowed my yard
It was a lovely day yesterday and I had some free time soooo I borrowed my kind neighbors' riding mower and trimmed my grass.
It looks so much better out there now. 🙂
--The garden is going gangbusters--radishes for everyone! 😛 In all seriousness, my friends are starting to receive drive-by vegetables (with permission, fo course 😉 .
--Related: IT FINALLY RAINED!!!! We had such a thunderstorm that my rain barrels went from 0 to all 150 gallons overnight.
--I've been holding out on re-ordering the cats' supplies (our spoiled overlords want for nothing, don't worry), hoping for a Chewy coupon. Lo! Their ubiquitous "$30 gift card for $100" offer just appeared in my email!
--My little sister and her husband will be visiting in June and warned us that they'll be bringing game meat. (He has another elk tag to fill and needs the freezer room!) I re-inventoried our deep freezer and made a plan to finish eating it down before they get here. FYI, we still have 20+ lbs of venison from my little brother! Not complaining. <3 My family shows love with game meat, and the lean meat is perfect for my husband's medical diet (which they know).
--All of May is the Memorial Day Gauntlet* for my cemetery groundskeeper husband, especially the last few weeks. That means overtime and a bonus paid holiday when it's all over. Yay fatter checks and a looooong paid weekend in June!
*Also known as Black Friday for Dead People. That's the best shorthand I've found for explaining just how INTENSE prep is for the grounds crew the whole month and the day of!
@N, 😉 I git that email yesterday & will be placing order also.
150 gallon rain barrels, where did you get that big size?
Oh man, I don’t know if I’ve ever gotten one of those coupons! I’m gonna need to keep an eye out.
@N, In case anyone wants to get the $30 off you do not need an email, it is on the Chewy web site.
@N, I've never thought about the extra grounds work that's required before Memorial Day. It makes sense!
@N, I'm still chuckling over "Black Friday for Dead People."
@Regina, I should have been more clear! I've five barrels, with a TOTAL of 150 gallons between them. Containers that big of course exist, but I haven't the faintest where one would go! 😛 Our barrels are lined against the side up the garage, where their chosen gutter is.
@Mar, thanks. I just tried applying it to our next auto ship order and it shows it worked. Worth a try!
@Juhli, referencing the Chewy coupon.
@A. Marie, me too 😀
@N, thank! I just checked and I got the Chewy email too!
1. I know this does not work for everyone but I am wearing summer clothes from years past. I don't care what current fashion is and I am fortunate that my clothes fit from year to year. It saves me time and money.
2. I brought home two tomato plants from an assortment of plants that someone shared at the base of a Little Free Library in our neighborhood. Also the tomato plants that were dinner for a local deer are growing. Thank goodness for the large rabbit cage I curb picked to use for protection.
3. I am eating kiwis. I bought a package of them weeks ago and they didn't ripen well so I kind of ignored the fruit still in the refrigerator. I dug them out and they are finally ripe so I've been putting them on oatmeal as an afternoon snack.
4. I cut up a pineapple. It filled an eleven cup storage container. That's a lot of fruit for $2.99.
5. I will walk today with a friend. Her new job is keeping her very busy but she needs to walk her dog so joining her is a way for us to spend time together.
I also rewear my clothes season after season! I don’t have a very trendy style so this generally works for me.
Same! I am consistently in jcrew shorts and gap tshirts that I bought years ago. I like having uniforms bc it takes out so much decision making. My summer work outfits are mostly dresses.
@K D, I would be totally miserable if I had to replace all my old clothes every year!!
I am not a fan of shopping, not the process and not the expense. I also have favorite items of clothing that I tend to wear often and when they are too ugly to wear in polite company, I keep wearing them at home, subjecting only my husband. But fortunately, he really has no clothes sense so it has not negatively affected my marriage. Yet.
And when I do have to replace beloved items, I am sorely vexed (to quote Mrs. Bennett) when they are no longer available for purchase. I am finding that now with capri pants. Capris are out of fashion and I am hurting. What do ladies who want to keep their knees hidden wear in the hot weather?
@Book Club Elaine,
I generally see a lot of capris at my local thrift stores...probably because they're out of fashion, lol. I feel the same way - I don't really follow the latest fashions. My capris will be removed from my cold, dead hands. 🙂
@Book Club Elaine,
I did not know that capris are out of fashion. All of mine are many years old and showing wear. I could use a few "new" pairs. I remember twenty plus years ago waiting to buy any because I thought they'd be just a trendy fashion.
Have you checked eBay or ThredUp to see if you can find suitable replacements?
@K D,
I will not be wearing those long barrel legged pants that apparently are a current fashion.
@Book Club Elaine, I'm amused at your quoting Mrs. Bennet. When I can no longer obtain a beloved item of apparel (most often bras or shoes), I go full Lady Catherine de Bourgh and shout, "I am most seriously displeased!"
@K D, I had no idea people replace their summer clothes every year. This shows how very uncool I am. 🙂 I don't actually replace any season's clothes unless absolutely necessary. It helps to work someplace where simple clothes are the norm. Plus there's always Goodwill if I get bored.
@Book Club Elaine, Sun dresses from Goodwill or donated to my from my sister. 🙂
@Kristen, ye gads I have articles of clothing that are decades old. Obviously better made as are a number of clothing items from my really younger days - thank you mom for keeping them. My kids wore them, will soon be time for another generation though not through my kids.
@K D, I would never replace my wardrobe every season. Still fits, still looks good? Keeper. I hate shopping in regular stores, so all I buy is online (for cheap) or thrifted. I did need new clothes for the summer, so I spent about 120$ for a mix of new and thrifted dresses and shorts/capris that will last me a while. Fashion is overrated.
@Liz B., I haven't had any luck at resale stores - I suspect they get snatched up quickly.
@Book Club Elaine,
I know someone that has used ThredUp for a lot of clothes and she thinks the prices are reasonable.
@Book Club Elaine, Try Blair.com. Their sales are great and they have them. I can get some for $5.00 if I wait for their clearance sales.
@K D, Capri lovers like me check Lands End
@Book Club Elaine,
If you sew there are some cute patterns for a Capris and capri-like pants. (I bought McCall's #8063 and it's adjustable) I have yet to sew them, but I will. I just bought some cute fabric before Joann's closed. And if you don't sew, maybe you could have somebody that does sew make them for you. You might also consider copying a pair of pants you have that you like by folding them so you could trace them and cut pieces out of fabric. And another option -- I have several pairs of capris I've bought over the years from QVC. They always seem to have capris and are very good quality.
Lucky you on Victoria Secret free undies, I miss those. I would still get bag only because I reuse the paper (gift) bag style, now No plastic bags.
Frugal things---
● washed & used last of potatoes that were starting to sprout & few starting to turn bad for mashed potatotes for dinner
● filled up both (teen & my) vehicles saved $0.10/gallon ($3.13) & earned $3.00 rewards
● bought 2 large dutch apple crumble pies 60% off ($4.00 each) that took home & cut up & put in lunch box containers
● used MPERKS (Meijer) rewards/gift card ($ off total)
● only bought groceries that were on sale, except deli fried chicken (which was cheaper than KFC) which was 2 meals & snack
● bought $50 Applebees giftcards & got $10 Free Bonus giftcard (expires in August so will be used first) for future take out meals
● did not get take out during 3 days of power outage because Applebees changed promoted sale menu items
● Meijer had 3/$10 plants & I picked up flat of herbs (lavender, mint, rosemary, basil) & will use lavender plants for Thank you gifts for high school office ladies for end of year gifts
Frugal fail---
● teen did not listen & used $0.20 off gas on 1/2 gallon of gas for tiny gas can
● did not finish my salad mix, so composted
@Regina,
Has anyone else been having issues with Receipt Pal? Every single receipt comes back as invalid, which some are same day purchases. It seems to be most of time for Receipt Pal, yet no problems with same receipts for other cash back apps.
@Regina, I have been having that problem with Fetch. It keeps telling me the receipt must be within 14 days on same day receipts. Does anyone have experience with Receipt Hog?
@Regina, I feel you on the gas. We can get free gas with enough points, I had enough for two tankfuls, hubby got distracted while pumping and had to restart the pump, lost $64 worth of gas. Grr!
@StaceyW, I have been using Receipt Hog for about five years. I never have problems with them accepting receipts. For my time, I average about $25 per year (PayPal deposit). They have a fun game where you can earn extra "coins", also.
I got 4 strawberries from my strawberry patch that I do not pay attention to. I will at some point weed it out and just keep the plants and hopefully next year will be better.
Our friend is gifting us all of her leftover vegetable plants that she bought and doesn't have room for. We will fill in with some other plants.
I too, am wearing last year's fashion in a smaller size. YEAH! I am getting rid of the larger sized clothes so I have room to fold my clothes neatly. I don't need more clothes; just want to get rid of the too-large sized, frumpy, clothes.
We have been eating at home for every meal. I'm getting sick of cooking, but it is much healthier for us.
Haven't gone to visit anyone either. Usually when we go away for a weekend, it's close to $300. between gas and food. It's helping with the credit card bill also.
I had to dig a little deep for some frugal things...
*went to coffee with a friend last week and she treated me
*took my new car for its first complimentary oil change and enjoyed a complimentary iced coffee in their waiting lounge
*bought 5 thrifted tops for summer wear, spent around $20
*I've been eating down the contents of my freezer, so not much grocery shopping
*did my own pedicure using supplies I already had
*walking daily, which is free (:
1. Using up some of the cocoa that I received from Buy Nothing to make iced cocoa. Delish.
2. Keeping a pair of extra garden gloves in the car in case I come across any free divided plants placed in front of people’s homes. I have a rubber mat in the back of my car which makes it easy to place plants there.
3. Friend gave me a stainless-steel straw that I’m using to drink iced cocoa, tea and coffee. Figured this helps reduce teeth stains.
4. Was asked to bring a dessert with sweet potato in it to book club. All the recipes for pies, cakes and bars had too many specialty or expensive ingredients, so I made sweet potato cookies instead. Huge hit!
5. Donated blood and helped myself to snacks afterward as I had errands to run (more like walk after losing a pint of blood).
@MB in MN,
That is so smart to keep the pair of garden gloves in your car in case you come across divided plants.
I had one week off from classes and I used my spare time to reorganize the food storage closet and bleach all the towels! Funny how we appreciate time more when we have had a shortage of it.
1. DH had been using a metal thermos to take water to work, but mentioned it was hard to clean and he wanted to go find some mason jars or something to use instead. Lucky for him I am a squirrel who hoards glass jars, and I had found some US-made lids for my smaller mason jars, so I sent him off to work with those. He was so pleased, and we didn't have to buy anything. We also discovered my favorite low-sodium salsa (Frog Ranch, if anyone is wondering!) comes in jars that are just right for the lids as well.
2. We took a huge pile of cardboard and plastic and aluminum to the free recycling center, where I found what I thought was an old penny on the ground. (of course I pocketed it!) When I cleaned it up it turned out to be a nickel. I told DH we got paid for taking our recycling in. I also spied a huge pile of free mulch there, so we may be going back with shovels to get some of that!
3. I mended two of Clark's mice--we call them his stuffies, since he'll carry them around at night and meow mournfully while cuddling them when everyone is going to bed. Sometimes he'll leave a favorite mouse (always with pink ears) by somebody's bed, or on their bed. He likes to chew them and get at the stuffing, so I sewed a couple up that had been neglected lately.
4. My anatomy class is in a satellite campus, and the building is so nice, with a little cafe and vending machines, but I resisted the siren call of an 8 am snack, thanks to eating a substantial breakfast before heading out.
5. Carpooled with DS#2 to class, and hit up the grocery store with DH when we went to the recycling center so I don't have to drive today. Less wear and tear on the car.
Frugal fail: instead of going through the self-checkout at the store--it looked backed up--we went through the regular checkout, which we never do. Failed to check the receipt until we got home, where I found the checker had rung us up for 48 cans of tuna, rather than the 24 we actually got for the food pantries. UGH. However, DH pointed out that later that evening he went to the same store's fuel center and used fuel points to save $21 on gas, which was about the cost difference between 24 and 48 cans of tuna. So I guess it was a zero sum game. Lesson learned--check out our own darn groceries, or check the receipts more carefully before leaving.
Oops, I forgot, I also mended the little holes in the corners of our fitted sheet. Sir Fluffington likes to scritch on the corners of our bed preparatory to hopping up to chirp GOOD MORNING WHY AREN'T YOU OUT OF BED so there were some holes that were threatening to get larger. Clark found my mending job fascinating to watch. I was amused that when one of my sons saw me with the sewing kit, his immediate reaction was, "What, did Clark rip something?" He is notorious.
Also, the anatomy class I'm taking is one DS#2 already took (and is retaking to get a better grade for his GPA). Happily, the textbook he bought for it is still the same, and he even had a half-used lab book for me to borrow. No textbook costs this term!
Haha, yes exactly. Any crime can usually be attributed to the cat. 😉
@Karen A.,
Clark is a character!
I was also much more productive when I had less time to get things done. Why is this?
@Bee, I suspect it's the deadline effect. I tend to work best when I know there's a hard deadline imposed from outside--if I have just a week to get a big project in before my time is eaten up by studying, then I'm going to do it. On the other hand, if I have 'all the time in the world' to get something done, then I tend to put it off because of the lack of a hard deadline. Does that make sense?
It has been an odd week. I can't really think of anything that I have done that is especially frugal, but I haven't done anything particularly spendy either --- yay me! Here are my FFTs:
1. I cut the end off a tube of toothpaste and was able use its contents for another week before replacing it.
2. My hydrangeas are blooming. I have cut several bouquets for myself and others.
3. I attended book club (a frugal activity) and picked up my book club's June selection from the library. We are reading the novel Trust, a 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner.
4. My SIL offered me an antique piece of furniture once purchased by a family member. I rallied the troops, and we removed it from her garage. It is currently sitting in the center of my foyer. I need to spend an afternoon moving things around to find a permanent home for it.
5. I have done all the usual things - brewed my own coffee, eaten my meals at home, drank primarily filtered water, and continued my decluttering projects.
Wishing all peace, good health, and prosperity!
@Bee, I LOVE antique furniture from family members. 🙂
I gave my daughter 2 antique wooden end tables from my grandma's Aunt that I was given 20+ years before I gave to my daughter which was almost 10 years ago. I have 1 more antique end table from my grandma's Aunt that will probably go with teen when leaves home.
Neighbor gave me some antique wooden end tables recently that was getting rid of. They are in garage until I figure out where to put them. 🙂
@Regina,
I wasn't sure if I was going to keep this piece. It is a little ornate. However, once it was in the house, I decided that it was perfect. Buying, selling and trading antiques (old stuff) is really just a form of recycling. It also can be quite thrifty. Treasures can be purchase for a fraction of the cost of new items and are often better quality.
@Bee, Happy World Bee Day, Bee!
@Heidi Louise, LOL - I did not know there was a Bee Day until I read this. Interesting! Respect our pollinators.
I just took an overnight trip to the city so my son could get his wisdom teeth removed. I feel like I do nothing but pull out my credit card when I'm in a city, but then, the entire procedure was paid for by insurance--we went there because it was literally the only oral surgeon that would take our insurance--so I guess I still came out ahead, even with a hotel room, gas there and back, dinner out, and Cold Stone Creamery. 🙂
@kristin @ going country, hoping your sons recovery is smooth! My youngest is having his out next month. Then all four will be done with wisdom teeth!
Your cami stitch job looks perfect! Way to go!
My FFT:
1. I got fabric glue on clearance at Hobby Lobby and used it to repair a couple of items where sewing wouldn't have worked great.
2. Hobby Lobby was clearancing out a ton of craft kits and other fun stuff for kids, so I got a really nice birthday gift for our neighbor kid for $5 under our 'kid birthday gift' budget. Then I picked up a few more items because I know that my kindergartener has a number of friends with summer birthdays.
3. I brought home a bunch of leftovers from my 3 days of catering last weekend. We had some for dinner last night, then I will use some in dinner tonight and some tomorrow.
4. There was a tray of leftover cookies, so I took them to a potluck on Sunday. (Funny enough, someone wrote on a napkin that they loved the cookies and wanted the recipe, then left their name and phone number. Sorry to disappoint - I didn't make them!)
5. My daughter needed to dress up for a presentation today (she's impersonating someone from the 19th century) and she borrowed a dress from the theater costume closet at school. Since she's short, we went to Goodwill and found some heeled boots for her to wear under it. I also found some shorts for myself at Goodwill.
Also, I've done enough Goodwill shopping this spring that I got $5 off my purchase. I don't know why it took me so long to sign up for their rewards, but I'm so glad I did!
Frugals this week were
- a pawdicure
- making yoghurt and vegetable broth
- using herbs from our garden
- mending a seam on a kitchen towel
- cutting up a worn flannel sheet in handy all purpose cloth sizes
- topping up our car at the cheap gas station
- eating seasonal fruits and vegetables
We had our eye on a garden furniture set with a small high table, and it was reduced in price this week. Inadvertent savings - we had been looking in thrift shops for something similar but most garden furniture seems to be for lounging these days. While we were looking, the price dropped. Just in time for our holiday break, when we hope to sit out in the garden a lot.
- Free Workouts. I’ve been getting lots of no gym membership required work outs doing intensive garden work. Working on my “garden arms”.
- New Grill Investment. I consider this investment frugal, but we got a new grill. The cost for our family of four to go to a restaurant is insane these days and my family decided our at home burgers are better anyway. It will only take 4-5 uses of the grill to cover the same amount it would cost us for 4-5 meals out.
- Allergy Shots. I’ve been diligently going to get my allergy shots once or twice a week since November. It would be a huge waste of money to not keep up with these. I’m almost to maintenance phase which means when my deductible resets I won’t be billed for so many shots.
- Drivers’ Ed. My son got into the drivers’ ed classes at his school. You do have to pay for them, but it’s less than paying a private company. These classes are required for teenagers to get a driver’s license, so I can’t go the old-style freebie route. Bonus - They practice with school cars, which should save us some dings to our cars.
- Deductible Max. Our health insurance out of pocket max has been met so I’m squeezing in everything I can before it resets. I need more of my allergy shot serum. The hospital billed us $16,000 last time!!!! They plan is to get it ready this month while it’s covered. I also should refill my son and my epi-pen prescriptions. Those are $300 each and he needs an extra set to keep at school. I was grateful when he graduated from the kid epis to the adult epis so I only needed to buy one set for my purse.
- I think I forgot to add this last week, but my daughter broke her glasses. They were still under warranty, so the new glasses didn’t cost us anything.
@JenRR, Your item about in-school Driver's Ed reminded me of my friend Suzie. She took Driver's Ed at high school back in the 1970s. She was a very petite and short person.
They put her in a huge 1970s sedan, a Ford LTD, to practice in. It was a lot bigger than her VW Beetle she drove at home. She could barely see over the steering wheel.
Her driver's ed instructor was a coach who could care less about teaching; he would just tell the kid to drive around a country road, and then start reading his newspaper. Never looked up.
Suzie had problems steering the car. She ran over a skunk.
Let's just say the skunk got his revenge.
The entire carload of students, plus the coach, all got to go home VERY early that day!
After that, the coach would put down his newspaper and put on his seatbelt when it was Suzie's turn to drive! LOL!
I hope your son has an easier time of it.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Oh, geez. Those poor kids (and skunk). I can’t say I feel too bad for the coach, though.
@Fru-gal Lisa, OMG, I laughed and laughed after reading this.
When I learned to drive in high school around the Chicago area, the big thing was to take you out on the toll road. Everybody was so afraid to do that. I had a very short friend and we had these huge cars. There was no way she was going to reach the toll box. She just threw her money out the window and it never made into the toll box. Back then you could just keep in driving, there were no arms to stop you or crash thru. It was just funny.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Your comment hit home with me: 1. I took driver's ed at school back in 1971. It was no cost back then. 2. My parents had a 1970 LTD. I loved that car. Wish I had it now. 3. My car was a '69 VW beetle, which I also loved.
Frugal things:
- Made a batch of no stir granola using Kristen's recipe
- Our volunteer tomato plants are looking great, even better than the plants I bought this year
- rented a small U-Haul truck for the day to pick up furniture from my MIL's house as we clear it out to get it ready to sell
- eating seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Brought lunch to work every day
Not so frugal:
- Went with our daughter to take grandson to the doctor (double ear infection and pink eye) and she forgot her wallet, so Nana paid for the doctor's visit. I also picked up his prescriptions when they were ready. She would pay us back if we needed the money but I was just happy to help out
- Got a pedicure for the 1st time since I sprained my ankle badly on Labor Day 2023
FFT, On the Mend Edition (revised/updated from yesterday's NCA FFT):
(1) As I've mentioned on the NCA but not here, I thought I cracked another rib while reaching awkwardly for a weed in a garden bed Thursday afternoon. But I’m feeling so much better by now that I’m starting to hope I just pulled a muscle. I will continue to exercise caution for another few days, but I think I’m on the mend. (I will, however, get that bone density test I've been putting off.)
(2) I was feeling up to running some errands Monday morning, so I started by taking $12.75 in NY State deposit bottles/cans to the container return facility just down the hill–which is located in an old bowling alley and is run by a hard-working extended Burmese family. (They’ll take containers Wegmans doesn’t accept, primarily Aldi/Trader Joe’s house brands.)
(3) Next stop was Second Time Around (the Monday morning pop-up thrift shop in another “recycled” bowling alley), where I found a like-new OXO salad spinner with an additional regular lid (very useful for taking salads to other folks’ houses) for $3.50. And I again availed myself of a couple of freebies on the way out: two more LED light bulbs and a half loaf of day-old Wegmans olive oil Tuscan bread.
(4) I then hit my Salvation Army superstore, where I found a collarless dress shirt for Dr. Bestest Neighbor (he’s partial to these) and a splendid green 1-qt glass storage jar (made in Italy in 1965 for the Crownford China Co., according to the bottom of the jar). White tag items were 99 cents, and both of these had white tags. People are trying to flog this or similar jars on eBay for $20 or so, but I’m planning to keep it.
(5) I’ve made a small soup stock with the carcass of the chicken I roasted on Sunday. I stuffed the chicken with rosemary, so the eventual soup will probably be some variation on white bean and rosemary. I’ll share this with the Bestest Neighbors and NDN. (And I'll add some spinach to the soup, since I've begun harvesting spinach from the old Easy Washer tub I use as a planter.)
@A. Marie,
I love green glass jars. What a nice little find!
I feel like I'm finally caught up on renovations with this house. The heat outside makes me come in for a few hours in the afternoon so I have time for more indoor projects these days.
I made Christmas stockings for the family from an old quilt that was in Christmas colors. I purchased the quilt probably 2 years ago from a thrift store. They turned out adorable!
I bought a dress and a sweater for .50 at a thrift store this week
I sold a pair of bedside tables that have been in my attic since the move.
I don't usually resell stuff, but a lady was selling a $500 mixer at a yardsale this weekend for $15. I brought it home, cleaned it up, and sold it for $150 on FB.
I took the time to sign up for rewards at the gas station that DH and I frequent. I normally will not mess with something that requires an app, but we go there enough that it is worth it.
Also, trimmed my older cat's nails, had my mom cut my hair while we were visiting her this past week, and put new elastic in the waistband of a pair of DH's shorts/
*Have had several days where no a/c was needed. Love the fresh air through the opened windows
*Made stock from a freezer bag full of a variety of vegetable scraps, salmon skin, chicken bones, beef fat, etc. It was exquisite
*Found a bag in the freezer labeled “mushy carrots & potatoes from roast- use for soup.” So, I did. Picked some of my kale I’m growing, roasted a butternut squash, chopped up frozen cooked breakfast sausage, & threw in a frozen bag of crockpot cooked cannellini. Used frozen old hot dog buns as croutons. Delish soup & great freezer clean out! So satisfying
*Was telling a new friend that I signed up for some refresher swimming lessons at the Y ($100). She told me that she taught lessons for years & would be happy to coach me. Saved $, but I was so twitchy re: the lessons with some man I didn’t know while in a bathing suit. My relief is epic!
*Library books, Libby, meals at home. *Broke my fav mug & found a pretty good replacement at AmVet for .49! And it’s merch from the hospital where DH & I used to work. Makes me smile. Also found 2 pairs of nice shorts- one looks new from the Gap for $4.98 ea.
@Diane,
I am jealous of your open windows and good weather. It is already unbearably hot here with record high temps. It makes me very thankful for air conditioning. I really do not know how people lived in Florida before central heat and air.
1. We went to my kid's BINGO night at their school this weekend. We ended up winning $30 in gift certificates in a raffle.
2. My husband picked up a free, broken riding lawn mower off Marketplace. My husband and son fixed and cleaned the mower. Someone is coming to buy it tonight for $450.
3. My husband sold a drill battery on Marketplace.
4. I dehydrated some grapes that were over-ripe
5. Picked up a sweatshirt with my son's school name on it from Buy Nothing. He can wear it for school spirit week next year.
Met my new neighbor to the south as he was working in the raised garden beds. He was bemoaning the fact that the strawberry patch (the former owners planted) was producing more strawberries than he could use. I meekly raised my hand and offered to be of service. He laughed and said I could pick all I want! Same for the rhubarb. I promised him a strawberry rhubarb pie. He was excited about that. Frugal in that I don't have to buy either now.
Our MG plant sale was Saturday. Three years ago, as chairperson, I invested in some things to have at the sale to make things easier or nicer. It was not a lot but, we have used the items the past three years. R/t the sale, some of us were able to bring home "orphan" plants that were not purchased during the sale. I always like free plants. One is an Annabelle Hydrangea start!
I have not been frugal about meals, but I did get Jimmy Johns last night for supper and will eat the other half tonight.
And the usual things: distill my own water, chai latte at home, bunch errands.
@Chrissy, What a great neighbor--and what a great exchange, his fresh produce for your baked goods!
We're on a long camping trip and are doing the usual things to keep the trip as economical as possible:
Bringing and preparing food from home.
Taking advantage of senior or multi-day discounts for camping fees.
Mixing free campsites in with paid ones.
Seeking out free activities like hiking.
Using gas discounts at Lowe's, Maverick, and Kroger rewards.
Don't wear yourself out getting caught up! I'm bad to do that when I get time off.
My FFT:
1. Hurricane Helene had pulled some screening loose at the end of my porch, and I kept thinking I needed call someone to fix it. The piece that snaps on to lock the screening in place at the corner had a small section pulled loose and the screen pulled out some. I looked the other day and some recent high winds had pulled most of the snapped piece loose and the screen was nearly flapping. I got a ladder and our rubber mallet and put it all back, no whiskers needed, as Kristen says.
2. I went by JoAnn's and found some sturdy, washable outdoor fabric at 80% off that was perfect to make a tablecloth for the round wooden table on our porch when eating outside. I cut and hemmed it that same evening and have already used it. The cheapy flannel-backed vinyl tablecloths split and tear too easily.
It bewilders me that so much outdoor fabric can't be washed or cleaned with water-based products. You know it's going to get wet at some point.
3. My sister and I went to a thrift store in the middle of nowhere, where I found 2 new big packs of tissue paper, perfect for using with my fabric gift bags, and a nearly new hard back book I'd wanted to read. The lady running the store suggested the companion book as well and then got it for me; she knew right where it was. It was also a nearly new hard back. I paid $2.00 total. My sister had a shopping basket full of things plus one in her hand, and paid only $14.00.
4. My sister and I enjoyed the mulberries when she was here last, but they are done, so now we are enjoying Boysenberries, with blackberries just starting to ripen, so we can add a couple blackberries to the Boysenberries every day. Next up - blueberries. Coming soon to a yard near me - elderberries and beauty berries.
5. My sister gifted me with a few things she thrifted before coming to visit me, including some little towels just right to use as cleaning cloths, a book and a kitchen utensil to replace one I had that was about dead.
Haha, you know me too well; we are kindred spirits that way!
But, since I have company coming for my graduation this week, it was good timing to get things tidied up around here. And after this week, I will relax a little. 🙂
@Kristen, I can’t wait to hear about your company. So exciting…
Yay for more free time!
1) We've been eating out of the garden - herbs, strawberries, lemons, lettuce.
2) Filled out more surveys, which I haven't done in a while.
3) DS18 & his girlfriend made their own corsage & boutonniere for prom.
4) Booked hotel rooms with points for two upcoming college events for DS18.
5) Both teens are gainfully employed, and saving money for upcoming expenses on their side.
1. I made a pot of bean soup using the last of a package of white beans that had been sitting in the back of my cupboard, some leftover Easter ham from the freezer, and some frozen peas and carrots that have been around too long. The mild freezer burn didn’t matter in soup.
2. I signed up for a free 6 months of Hulu as part of my free Kroger Boost membership (comes with having a Kroger credit card).
3. I read a free short story on my Kindle app, The Answer Is No by Fredrick Backman. It was very funny and cleverly written, I thought.
4. I used Google Play credit to rent a movie for free.
5. I used Chewy's $30 for $100 coupon code when I ordered cat food and litter.
I remember making yogurt. We used to eat tons of it but now my daughter doesn't eat it every day and has basically followed me in becoming a cottage cheese addict.
For now, my time is mostly limited but I still found a bit of time for a few things.
1.) Did a DIY job of replacing a sump pump. It wasn't the end of the world but I had to do it myself as plumbers (well, all tradesmen) are in short supply.
2.) Got a hoodie and some shorts on clearance pretty cheaply.
3.) Took my photos for eBay. I mean ... it's a start! I also had another frustrating experience with FB Marketplace. I really hate how flaky people are on there and will insist that they want something and never show up.
4.) Cooking dinner at home most of the time. A small thing but nice.
5.) Getting some of the Memorial day deals at the grocery store.
It feels like I'm not super frugal lately but it is what it is.
Bagged up 6 bags of sand from the closest town's winter pile. I mix this with mint compost for my asparagus patch.
Was given a vintage concrete deer statue for our pioneer cemetery adjacent to one of our tree farms. We installed it along with a new steel bench made by the local ag sciences students. The students also performed 2 hrs of community service helping spiff up the grounds.
ACE hardware is giving away American flags this weekend.
I needed a tension rod for a project in the mudroom and found 4 for $0.50 at a garage sale.
Picked up 12 yards of mint compost at half price. I gave the farmer a dozen muffins and a thermos of coffee to call me at the end of the day to take the remains of the pile. He didn't charge me to load it in my trailer.
Not frugal, just cute...I went to the blueberry patch to turn on drip system and found a set of twin fawns. The watering will wait.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, thanks for the Free American flag at Ace on Saturday, It was not on front page of ad or in app.
1) a continuing theme for me (which I just now realized is frugal LOL) is wearing my clothes til they literally fall apart. In fact I have a long hooded winter coat that my father bought me for Christmas (he's been gone since 2007 so that coat is at least 20 years old).
2) most of my house is decorated in what I call "early rummage sale" I have some nice pieces of furniture but I inherited most of them, my ex-roommate left behind a chest of drawers, my next-door neighbor gave me a sofa, a chest of drawers. and a mattress, dining room table was my mothers' living room table was my stepmothers' and so on.
I have one thing to share and it is definitely not frugal but I share to help others should they ever navigate a similar road.
In January of 2024 the aunt that I cared for over the last 4.5 years flooded our home. We had to move out and everything from walls to flooring had to be replaced. To put it mildly it was a mess. I had all the stress of a home renovation plus the stress of a loved one with dementia having to navigate new surroundings in a rental home - this was far more than what you would imagine it to be. After a saga of interviewing contractors we finally settled on one and the day he was to start work, two months after the incident occurred, he quit. To say that I was at my wits end is an understatement. My brother in law stepped in and said he would do the work. We were desperate so we said ok.
That was mistake #1 my friends. NEVER, never ever allow family to do work for you. Several thousand dollars later the work is still not completed, we no longer speak, and I paid him every dime that he claimed we owed. It will cost me another $5350 to finish the shower in my master bedroom as all the work that he did has to be ripped out and replaced. Short story it was not done correctly and will result in damaging leaks if it is not repaired and reinstalled correctly. I pray that none of you ever know this type of problem first hand.
@Angie, I am sorry. That sounds awful
@Angie, I'm so sorry. In all my years of caring for DH, I never had to navigate a situation like this.
Ohh, I am so sorry to hear this happened to you!
@Angie, My heart aches for you. Sending good thoughts and love.
@Angie, Oh no! What a challenging situation. I hope another solution will be found quickly. I have so much admiration for your strength and resilience as you have shared your journey. I hope life gets easier soon.
Sometimes I take my frugal habits for granted, and don’t even think about it so much, so when I DO think about it, I am happy to be among all of you frugal people!
1. As always, we are 100% of meals at home, and always make our own coffee. When it’s warm weather, we pour the remaining coffee in a jar and make iced coffee in the afternoon.
2. I won a $10 gift card to a coffee shop from our Credit Union.
3. Ordered $60 worth of OTC medicine using our quarterly insurance benefit.
4. Visited our son on Sunday and besides a fun day out in the sun with our granddaughter, they sent us home with a nice 18 pack of fresh eggs from their chickens!
5. I was going to put together a fruit basket for my friend who just lost her husband, but didn’t have a good basket. Off to the thrift store I went, found the perfect basket, a beautiful cloth napkin, both $1, and filled it with a lovely variety of fruit, cheese, crackers and a bonus bag of gourmet popcorn. She is my dearest friend. I attached a nice card from my stash in the desk, and she was so appreciative.
Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend everyone. Remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Not a comment on your post per se, but the mention of the Victoria Secret small bag reminded me of a funny incident. years ago, when I was waiting in line to VS to check out, there was this big tall muscular young African American guy, and he was having a panic attack when he was given the little pink bag with a bow to carry out. He was begging the cashier saying "come on man how can I go out with this? at least give me a brown paper bag!". The store was right on busy Michigan Ave in Chicago and the poor guy probably had his buddies waiting outside and didn't want to saunter out with a small pink VS bag! he was holding up the lines but no-one cared, we were all laughing our heads off and telling him his girl would be proud and touched he did this for her!
• My son wanted to stop at goodwill to look for shorts – he found a pair of jeans and two shirts. One of the shirts he is hoping to sell on eBay. I resisted browsing the puzzle and book aisle, I have a huge pile of both at home waiting for me to start.
• I downloaded two audiobooks on Libby and dropped off a book I finished in our neighborhood Free Little Library.
• I make sure to fill up with gas when I drop our puppy off at daycare. The gas station next door has the lowest prices and always a good deal on Upside.
• I brought home my cookie and a coworker’s cookie from last week’s boxed lunches at work – these made into my son’s lunch box the next two days.
• Cauliflower and broccoli stems are still being turned into training treats. Both of the dogs love them and I feel no guilt feeding them “nutritional trash.”
I mended a skirt because I WRECKED IT by removing pockets with the unfortunate placement on the fattest part of my thighs. The thread was an exact match for the fabric. At the top of each pocket, it must have been stitched back and forth about twenty times. One pocket came off cleanly but I made two holes at the top corners of the other one. I darned it after “Darn it!” because the skirt fits perfectly. Those stupid pockets!!
Made yogurt, started some sweet potatoes sprouting to plant later, planted basil that I sprouted from a clipping, and am taking books to the library today—borrowed ones getting returned, books no longer needed to the donation box. (Why does it feel frugal to declutter?)
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I pulled out a pair of thrifted exercise capris today and realized they have a zippered pocket on each side, so I thought How handy! and unzipped them UNTIL I walked by a mirror. They are in the exact widest spot for me too, so they are now (& forever) zipped shut. You remind me to be grateful I didn't have to sew and mend them closed!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, it feels frugal to declutter because decluttering IS frugal, in several ways. When we declutter, we're not always tripping over our own stuff; we have a much better idea of what we do own and thus don't need to buy unnecessary replacements; etc., etc.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I believe clothing is currently constructed in ways to make alterations and repairs impossible. So it likely was the designer, not you, who wrecked it.
P.S. Also improved 2 paintings that haven’t sold and am painting out a third, turning into something that more people are interested in around here.
1. This year, we wanted to take our bikes on our annual trip to Yosemite but because we were camping, had to rent an suv (we only have sedans) to fit all the gear. Originally we had requested an XL SUV but none of them had hitches for the bike rack. Luckily husband saw a 4Runner with a hitch and the cost to rent that was MUCH less and we got to take our bikes. It was tight with all our stuff but it worked! Yosemite is my favorite place in the world to ride bikes so if we hadn’t brought them, we would’ve rented them, which for 4 people is pretty pricy.
2. My daughters have outgrown their bikes so big sister passed down hers to little sister and we bought a new one from REI for big sis but the sale at REI didn’t start until a day after we needed the bike. The sales associate said we should call and request a price adjustment. We did and saved 20%!
3. To further make the bike purchase more affordable, I sold little sister’s bike on OfferUp.
4. Packed food for the trip, cooked at the campsite and minimized the number of times we ate out.
5. Redeemed a free drink reward for my husband this morning.
A whole lotta things in one project:
- bought a cheap thrift store pot in which to
- melt leftover candle wax to make new candles
- when pot turned out to be not induction-compatable (my fault) I used it in conjunction with another pot to make a double boiler
- wrapped the decanted leftover wax in random plastic bags, such as from cereal, that would otherwise be trash
- my niece told me my wicks were for 1” candles, not 3” pillars for which I had a form; I’m going to use 2 wicks per candle rather than buy the right ones.
Eating down the freezer because I haven’t cooked much in the past few years.
Eating down the fridge before I leave for a week.
Double-checked the roofers work (the usually reliable company has dropped the ball several times on this one), realized that yet again they didn’t finish the jobs properly. Negotiated that they do an improved job to make up for yet another screw up.
Did not through my laptop out the window, even though it was practically begging for it.
1.Visibly mended a pair of jeans which split right along the back pocket line. The repair cost me a couple of sewing machine needles but the jeans are now back in circulation.
2.Made an inventory of my freezer as it needs to be eaten down, and listed meals I will actually cook.
3.Recycled a toy tool bench through Buy Nothing, I love to ‘borrow’ front his resource.
4.Borrowed a couple of audio books from my local library.
5. Used my health insurance monthly activity bonus bucks to buy some treats at the grocery store.
1. Senior discount day at the thrift store. Picked up a like-new lidded trash can, made necessary by Mr. Snuggles Dog and his affinity for sniffing through garbage, for $4 after discount. Hopefully, Snug will not figure out how to step on the pedal.
2. Got a bunch of free books from another thrift store. One was a hardcover directory of all things Outlander, original price tag was $27, which I will offer to used book store for credit. (Did I mention I got it free?) Others are bound for little free libraries.
3. Just about had a heart attack seeing the prices of big enough doggie crates for Rottweilers. But....I have some baby gates in the garage, and I saw some pieces of old cribs or playpens and ladder-type headboards and footboards at thrift stores....are you thinking what I'm thinking? I will ask my carpenter friend if he can cobble these items together into a DIY indoor dog house (hate to call them crates or cages!) that will be snug enough for ol' Snug. (First, I will check Habitat ReStore for lattice, fencing or other items we could use; they were closed today. Will also check the garage and attic and go trash picking.).
4. Used my AARP card to get a 15% discount at a pizza buffet when I was on the other side of town thrifting.
5. It was my day off so I called the county tax office, the dentist's office and the oncologist's office to schedule appointments.
I got some marked down cauliflower crust pizza at Aldi ($2 off). The crust is thin and rather crispy. The ones we got were veggie-topped. I don't know if they have other toppings, but I will gladly try to find more next time we go.
Washing clothes on quick wash and in cold water almost always. Using a spritz of Dawn on grease spots.
Keeping shopping to a minimum by only shopping when I need something, not shopping for fun. Fortunately, I'm not a big "shopping as a hobby" person.
Reading library book and watching educational youtube videos, and taking walks, for entertainment.
1. A friend gave me three tomato and two bell pepper seedlings. I hadn’t purchased anything yet so I was happy to have them. I also planted the remains of last year’s basil and zinnia seeds.
2. I gave DH a hair cut.
3. I needed to buy some curly hair gel and had it in my cart overnight. The company sent me a 10% off coupon today, which was a nice discount even if it was a tiny savings.
4. I love Burt’s Bees sleep sacks for my kiddos. I needed to get a larger size and was going to look on ebay, but there was a fantastic sale going on that made the ones I wanted much cheaper via the website. I also remembered to use Rakuten and a discount code from an email back in December.
My Frugal Things
- My husband will leave his job by the end of this month so the girls got their preventative dental cleaning and x-rays done. My youngest got her front tooth pulled, sealant placed on a back molar to prevent cavities and 2 fillings done. For my youngest, the cost without insurance would've been about $600. We paid just $75 for it all. Also got a few tooth cases for free for all 3 kids.
- Will also take the girls in for their yearly physical next Tuesday.
- Turned off the sprinklers and took advantaged for the week long rainy weather.
- Made lunch and packed my husband dinner during his night shifts this week.
- Been eating down food in our fridge and pantry. Unfortunately, I had to throw away some items that were going bad and had mold on it.
- On my volunteer day, got some free bread and baked goods from the food pantry and church. Also got an opened container of dishwashing detergent. Was kindly treated to pizza and salad.
- Mended clothing with holes in them.
- Husband fixed a door in the side of our garage that wasn't closing properly, replaced the missing acorn nut on the outside AC unit that he repaired previously, and fixed the loose net on our trampoline which the girls have really enjoyed jumping on recently.
- Used what we had at home for my middle girl's theme week for her class. She wore an Ariel dress for beach day and will be bringing in a game from home for game day. Will pack her some chocolate pudding and jerky stick for snack day.
- Borrowed DVDs and Books from our library's bookmobile. Got free entertainment for us and the kids during this rainy and last week of school & got a head start on their summer reading program. They kindly gave the girls a small bag of candy each too. Donated a book. Also saved on gas by walking to the bookmobile and not driving to the library. Finally finished listening to a book today on their Libby ap that I really enjoyed.
- Played card and board games at home too.
@AW, I really don't understand my kids and grandkids aversion to DVDs. The quality is so much better than a lot of streaming and through the library, they are free. Even if you have to purchase one, they are cheap on ebay.
* Won 10 tickets for a comedy show
* Received a 5$ credit for a late online order
* Drinking from a glass bottle I got for free (new)
* Got 3 sports bra from my Buy Nothing group
* Training the dog to stop barking. Trying it ourselves before getting professional help ($$)
@Isa, are you familiar with the Dog Whisperer? I used to love watching his shows.
Broth - my friend gave me a ham bone so I made broth and froze it in 1 and 2 cup tuppereware bowls. After it's frozen, I put the small frozen blocks of broth in gallon sized freezer bags so it's easy to grab a cup of broth when needed.
Plants - last night was my first Master Gardener Plant Swap. WOW! I got so many lovely free plants. And shared my extras with fellow plant lovers.
Airfare - I lucked out when buying tickets to visit my daughter next month - tickets were $39 per person each way so it really was cheaper to fly than drive.
Crocheting - I am working on having a supply of baby blankets on hand so I have ready gifts when baby shower invitations show up. I am refusing to buy new yarn and instead use what I already have on hand.
Taking one for the team - I have discovered that I do not like quinoa. I made a bean salad with it over the weekend for a potluck and it seems that I am not alone in my dislike. So it came back home with me. I have been eating it for lunch and will finish today, thankfully. Any suggestions on how to make it less bitter? I did rinse it off before cooking.
@Book Club Elaine, you could try using some of that good broth you made, to cook the quinoa in - I often use broth, and use a lot of spices for flavoring, and occasionally even when I've forgotten to rinse the quinoa, we haven't noticed the bitterness. Other things that can help: letting the quinoa soak for an hour or two before rinsing it well, and toasting the grains before you cook them. Good luck (at least getting this current bag finished : )
@Suz,
I bought a few Healthy Choice dinner on sale that my husband likes to eat for lunch. One of them had a grain mix of quinoa, brown rice and something else. So maybe you could mix the quinoa with other things and make it more palatable.
@Book Club Elaine, I agree. I simply don't like quinoa and don't understand why it's so favored. Rice and pasta, I love but not quinoa, even mixed with rice.
Also, I agree about DVDs. We have a large collection which we've gathered over a long period of time, both movies and television series. I like older shows (like Perry Mason and Leave it to Beaver) as well as movie musicals. If the internet was down, we'd still have plenty to watch. The only reason we have streaming is because our son shares it with us. I'm just not going to pay for it. The same with music CDs. I prefer the original releases and what's on Spotify isn't always that. Also, my own movie DVD will always be the original, not an edited, updated one, nor will it ever have the politically correct editorials.
Five frugal things
May 15, 2025
I bought a marked down loaf of french bread, cut it in half and put one in the freezer. I'll make garlic bread out of the other half for dinner this week.
I always make a weekly menu on Monday so I get what I need when I go shopping on Tuesday. My menus are based on what I have in the freezer or what's on sale and I run the menu from Tuesday thru Monday. I try to go shopping just once a week, but may pop into the store to pick up a few forgotten things I absolutely need before each Tuesday shopping trip or if we are low on milk. BTW, I did finally see a drop in eggs last week. I paid $4.50 for 18 eggs at Sam's and they had been about $6.40 a few weeks ago. I have not seen a similar drop at Kroger yet
I bought the 2 bottles of the shampoo I use on sale and also used a coupon.
I added one bottle to the big pump bottle I keep in the shower and added water to dilute it.
I stopped and picked up a few gently used children's books at my library to go along with a few other new gifts of clothing for a 4 yr old's birthday celebration. (Mom told me she loves books and I thought “do books for a 4 yr old have to be new when there are so many books out there?”) I spent just 50 cents for two age-appropriate children's books at the library and found another one at a local Free Little Library. This easily saved $20 or more and accomplished some simple recycling.
I cut up and froze two very ripe bananas to use later in banana bread or smoothies and saved, blanched and froze some fresh broccoli. I hate wasting food.
I signed up for 6 free sessions of holistic counseling (promo from a backpacking group I joined on fb).
I started writing on my blog again (working on self worth for free!)
Planned pantry meals for rest of month with targets on things I have a bounty of (looking at you pasta & oatmeal).
Sorted through cat food after combining bags that weren’t the same size kibble & got recent order refunded.
Made blueberry coffee syrup