Scroll down for the fail. We’re starting with wins first!
1. I mended an armpit hole
This is an American Giant item; it’s basically a hooded heavy-duty t-shirt and last time I took it off, I noticed it had sprung a hole in the underarm.
This happens to tshirts all the time, since the underarm is a stress point.
(I also wonder if it happens because sweat can be hard on fabric!)
I did a quick zig-zag job on the inside, and we’re back in business.
2. I mended multiple jogger holes
This pair of joggers is from American Giant as well, and I’ve had them for many years (they were a pretty early model, when American Giant first expanded into pant offerings.)
I wear them pretty much every morning when Mr. FG and I go for a walk, and they are starting to sprout holes around the waist and pockets.
The rest of the pant fabric is fine, so I am not ready to trash them.
And since I only wear them for exercising, my mending does not have to be gorgeous!
I did my typical method:
- cut a piece of scrap fabric from old saved clothes (this time a pair of kid 7/8 leggings with holes in the knees)
- sew it on the inside of the garment, following existing top-stitching as much as possible
- zig-zag stitch over the hole to secure it to the scrap fabric
- trim the excess fabric from the inside of the garment
Here’s the scrap fabric on the inside.
And here it is, trimmed.
And here’s what that fix looks like on the outside. Barely visible.
I did this in a couple of places on these pants, so they are all fixed up for now.
3. I made cupcakes to use up frosting
The nobility of this effort is vaguely questionable, just FYI.
Zoe recently had to make a cell model for her biology class, and she chose to make a cake. There was a fair amount of leftover frosting from this project, so I decided to make some cupcakes to use up the frosting.
These had the added benefit of using up the very last of the coconut milk and also the random cupcake liners that had been languishing in my baking cabinet.
Plus the benefit of being, you know, cupcakes.
4. We really ate down the fridge
I know for some of you, this is still not an empty fridge. But for me, this is pretty darn empty!
There’s still a fair amount of produce and cheese in there, but importantly, there are no leftovers.
I went grocery shopping yesterday, so my fridge doesn’t look like this right now. But I am pleased with how much we ate from the fridge before I broke down and went shopping.
Eating up what we have stretches the time between shopping trips and also keeps me from throwing food away. Definitely a frugal situation.
5. I organized my food cabinets (yay) and found some waste (fail)
Fridges and freezers are the places waste is most likely to happen. But on a sneakier, slower level, it can happen in a pantry too.
(I don’t have a pantry in my kitchen, but I do store food in a couple of cabinets.)
I found a few things in there that were expired/rancid (see below), but now I have a better idea of what’s in the cabinets and what needs to be used.
By the way, that coffee-on-a-bagel spread? I had hoped it might be sort of like coffee-flavored Nutella, but we thought it was terrible; so harsh-tasting.
I told Mr. FG it was like eating toast with spikes all over it. Which, ok, is a little dramatic on my part.
But it seriously made my toast inedible.
Heather says
I’m a little new to sewing and this is probably a dumb question, but how did you mend the armpit hole? I see no stitching on the outside of the fixed piece. Did you just ‘pull’ the hole into the inside of the piece and then sew (thus making the shirt just a tiny bit smaller? Or was it like your joggers fix where you added more fabric inside from another source?
Do you ever repair holes in socks with your machine? My husband goes through so many socks!
Kristen says
Yep, your thought is correct. I used the existing inside seam as a guideline, and just pulled the fabric in a little tighter to catch it in the seam. So all the sewing happens on the inside.
I have never done sock repair before. Most of our socks are the thinner type that don’t take to darning really well. But if you have heavier socks, it might be worth it.
I know Katy from The Nonconsumer Advocate does sock darning.
WilliamB says
It took 50 minutes but I got through to my credit card to contest a $105 restaurant bill. Had the restaurant talked with me directly, they could have made it right or not had to refund the full amount. Since they didn’t, this was my last option.
I am starting to deal with the attic storage, which means a lot of donations and maybe some sales.
The rest is the usual: eat what I have, stock up on sale, buy little, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Julie says
Great job on the mending!
– We used up several things from the fridge this week so, no waste there!
– I did a pick-up order from Sam’s, which I figure is frugal since when I order online there’s no impulse buying!
– After skiing Monday (season pass which is usually the cheapest option if you go often) we had our own snacks and beer in the parking lot instead of buying anything from the resort.
– Purchased our golf pass for the year which we KNOW is a huge money saver. As often as we play at this particular course our cost-per-round gets down to something like $5 each.
I’m sure there were other things…OH, have continued to follow up on a client check that still. has. not. arrived. Currently this isn’t frugal, but following up on this is an important way to make sure I get paid.
Tracey says
The mending looks fantastic! I keep our clothing going longer that way too. Here’s our five frugal things for the week:
1. My nursing student daughter is starting clinicals. She needed long sleeve white shirts for under her scrubs. I found three off brand thermals for a third of the price of Cuddle Duds. They are just as thick and warm.
2. I returned two skeins of unused yarn after overestimating the amount needed for a sweater I just completed.
3. My good friend is converting to Catholicism this spring and I wanted to get her a special gift. An after Christmas sale at a big box store allowed me to afford a beautiful white gold and diamond cross necklace at 75% discount.
4. My college student needed three books for her poverty in America class that we found via nook much cheaper than hardcopy and at the bookstore. A couple look so interesting that I will likely read them too.
5. We, too, have been fridge, freezer and pantry eating. We’ve got quite the pandemic stockpile that needs to be rotated to avoid spoilage.
Rachel R. says
Five things recently:
1) Taking surveys has earned me $13—used it to help pay for baby shower gifts.
2) Bought 4 books for eBay resell at a thrift store for just $1. They were also giving away free winter coats, and I found a nice children’s place jacket.
3) There were free adventures in odyssey cds in great condition at the thrift store too (free Christian section). Might use for Valentine’s Day gifts for our co-op.
4) Bought printer ink on sale and in XL quantity for better unit price.
5) Buying more freezer produce, and throwing away nothing that way. Also it’s been a great time saver with soups/stir fries.
JD says
I’m joining late – I was at the VA hospital with my husband, who is fine, just in for a test that required some preparation to be done in the hospital. And it has failed two days in a row, so I’m back at work as the poor man tries again. Also, I was not actually allowed in the hospital, so I wasn’t any help to him – I might as well come back to work.
1. I made sure to contact the local Fisher House on the hospital grounds again to remind them I needed a room, and they got me one. They are currently only able to use 5 of their 20 rooms due to Covid precautions. so I felt lucky to get one. They are free, which is why this is frugal. Since I didn’t get to take him home the next day as planned, I came back home and freed up the room for someone else.
2. I packed breakfast, lunch and dinner in reusable Rubbermaid containers for the stay. I took snacks, milk for my breakfast and fruit, to keep me out of restaurants and stores.
3. I topped off our truck here at Costco, because where the hospital is located, gas is always more expensive. A full tank let me drive there and back with enough left to get to Costco again.
4. I made another batch of tea to brew into kombucha.
5. I found another penny. Finding change is getting really rare — so many people don’t carry cash.
Kristen says
I’m glad he’s not in the hospital for anything serious this time. Whew. I hope he got to actually have his test today.
LDA says
FFT, and I also have a fail ☹️
I had a doctor appointment so I did a few errands afterward to save gas.
I used my grocery fuel points to fill up the car. This time it was $.50 off.
I got out my mother’s “good” clothe napkins & started using them instead of paper. She only used them for special occasions so they should last a good, long while.
I love getting a produce box every other week. I’ve been more creative food-wise lately.
My big fail came when I forgot to put the leftover roast & vegetables in the fridge before I went to bed. ♀️
Kristen says
Ugh, I HATE it when I do things like that! I once pulled a huge beef roast out of the freezer (one from a local farm) and accidentally left it out all night long.
You are so not alone in doing this occasionally.
Jenny says
I think in that case I would cut in stew pieces and cook in liquid covered with lid in oven for many hours. It should be OK. But only with a roast – not poultry or ground meat or leftovers.
Brigitte says
I’m struggling to get my head around budgeting with the now 9 persons living here. Teenagers ravished grown adults and fussy little eaters. I’ve decided I am taking a break from the stress of all the budgeting blues and when middle of March comes and 5 will move into their new home I will get back on track. I live in hope. I thank God I have some savings put away for these times. Happy days to everyone in America from your friends in Australia
Kristen says
If this is just a temporary situation, then yep, I think your plan is perfect. Six more weeks and then you can get life back to something more like normal.
Anne says
I hope the extra family is chipping in a bit for food? You may have to have an uncomfortable conversation with them.
Beth says
1. Took one for the team eating the butt ends of the bread to make toast and saved the one nice piece for my daughter as she wouldn’t eat the end pieces.
2. Cleaned the desk and found gift cards to Ulta, TJMaxx and Starbucks!!!
3. Laid off and fortunately have been receiving food assistance through a local pantry which really helps make ends meet. The pantry sent out an email they have received a lot of furniture donations. Requested a few things we need I.e. chest of drawers for my daughter, dining room chairs and a coffee table.
4. We had a takeout meal from Jets Pizza this weekend using a gift card – I participate in the rewards program and we received a free dessert.
5. Library for the win! I have 8 books checked out, just finished season 2 of Yellowstone, listened to an audio book and will be picking up a hotspot tomorrow for our phones which helps save on our cell phone bill.
6. Made a big crock pot of chili using up veg and canned goods we had on hand. Whipped up a batch of Jiffy corn muffins and cooked them in the toaster oven to save on electricity. Awesome meal to eat after snow shoveling. ❤️
Kristen says
I often end up being the one to eat the ends of the bread too!
Rachel R. says
I feel ya on #1 & #3–hugs for your losses, uncertainty, and attitude to make do. May God supply ALL your needs & give you hope.
lisa says
AuntieAli- Our youngest rents Amazon textbooks, which is about 50% less than the purchase price. The only caveat is that the condition of the book was unknown until it shipped. It was considered “acceptable.” It’s in need of repair as pages are torn from top to bottom and hanging barely. I took photos and posted it on amazon but who knows if they’ll publish my post!! And for $109 to rent, it should be in better shape. The site now only has it for purchase or the e-book can be rented for $60-80. I hope we don’t get stuck paying for this book when it’s returned!
Frugal Five –
1)I purchased a pkg of chopped dates on clearance and our youngest made a spice cookie. I made a pumpkin oat orange date bread (all on hand). Both were very tasty.
2) We all joined a gym. It’s a long story but in the end, we are paying $1 per day per person to go. For us, we need to be there.
3) I needed a checking acct to receive my cash from sold items on ebay. I looked for a free acct at local banks and finally found one that didn’t charge any fees whatsoever. No minimums, direct deposits or withdrawls necessary to keep it free.
4) I got bread at the outlet for $1 pkg. That included Thomas english muffins and low cal.
5) Back in March, I had a dental issue and waited until June to have it looked at. I wasn’t charged anything for the consultations. It’s now time to fix the issue and luckily, my insurance pays 80%. Before the new insurance, only preventative was covered.
Jill Pruett says
That fridge looks exactly like my maytag that we picked up ten years ago when we moved to Cheyenne. I assume yours has been the big freezer drawer.
Kristen says
Yep, sure does! Ours is a Kenmore, but probably is a very similar design to your Maytag.
AuntiAli says
For the woman who is using proactive for her teenager. I got that for my daughter when she was in high school and it didn’t really blow my hair back for results. Then again, I don’t know if my daughter was using it as directed. I had horrible cystic acne when I was a teenager and young 20 something. Started on Accutane when it first came out and it did a good job.
As for the woman who is ordering textbooks through Amazon have you looked into renting them? My son did this for collage and got them from where ever there was a place that rented books. He used Chegg and Amazon. My daughter rented right from her school’s bookstore. Both were diligent about returning them on time.
My frugal five:
1. Hubs got an $11 credit on his paid off credit card. So he has $11 to play with.
2. Got our stimulus check which then went to tires for daughter’s car. That was $400. We’ve spent a lot of money on this car for body work repairs and a massive repair job. It’s 6 yrs old and as long as daughter learns to use the back up camera it should be good for another 6. My CRV turned 10 last year but I don’t drive very much. It’s up to 61K miles.
3. Dh finally got his new company car, It took forever to get here because of Covid. It is a wonder, thankful perk. Company pays car insurance, repairs and he has a gas card. Doesn’t use the gas card as he is working from home.
4. Hubs made a lasagne before all the cheese he bought went bad. I had a slice of leftover the next day. I alway feel that leftovers tastse better the next day.
5. Daughter’s birthday was last week and I got her two gift cards from my credit card points.
Jem Horwood says
1. Picked up an order from London Drugs instead of getting it delivered, saving $10.
2. Made a second batch of seafood chowder a week after the first, using the second half of the shrimps, scallops and bacon I had purchased for the first.
3. Ate a soft, sloppy pear JUST before it would have been too far gone.
4. Sewed a whole bunch of scarves into loops (infinity scarves) so I will actually wear them.
5. Worked on a puzzle I got from our neighbourhood “take-a-puzzle/leave-a-puzzle” box.
Corrine says
1. I picked up a work shirt, 6 oranges, a child size sleeping bag for my daughter when we go camping, and a pair of hiking shoes for my son all off Buy Nothing.
2. I patched 2 pairs of my son’s jeans and sewed a hole in one pair of my daughter’s gloves
3. My sister-in-law sent us an Unsolved Case Files game. You solve a crime by looking through “evidence”. Once you solve the crime, you really can’t play the game again. So, my sister-in-law sent it to us. It was really fun and made for a great date night at home.
4. I made muffins using some random chocolate, some almost stale marshmallows, and over ripe bananas. They were pretty good!
5. I really like lattes. Occasionally I will buy one from a coffee shop. Therefore, I researched how to make lattes at home and purchased a $6 milk frother to make the foam. I have been making great lattes at home all week! I figure if it keeps me from purchasing lattes from a coffee shop, even for a short period of time, it’s well worth the $6!
Katie says
I just wanted to say thank you for mentioning American Giant in the past. I just got a zip up hoodie partly based on previous mentions on your blog, and I really love it. I’m always on the look out for brands that are trying to make sustainable choices, and I appreciated the recommendation!
Becca says
1. Made “trash oatmeal” for breakfast Saturday which used the guts of some butternut squash (leftover from some my husband previously baked to make waffles). I just separate out the seeds (which I roast separately), then boil the guts in water and purée with the immersion blender. Then I add oatmeal (mostly some ancient baby food oatmeal that I am working my way through, but one handful of regular oats for texture), a pinch of salt and spices like cinnamon, a small amount of sweetener (used regular sugar this time) and then some sort of tasty extra like nuts or dried fruit-this time it was an extra use it up batch because I broke up some old chocolate coins that had discolored with age. It sounds ridiculous to write it all out, but my kids love trash oatmeal, and I get a kick out of how much of it just uses up waste food items. It’s an almost free breakfast.
2. Ate all meals at home, and ate leftovers for lunch and some dinners.
3. Turned the automatic tuner on the Christmas lights down to only one hour a day. I’m not ready to let the cheerful lights go completely yet, but trying to find the happy medium between cheering me up daily but not costing too much extra in electric. Seems like an hour is about right for now.
4. Read books I already own and watched free content online for entertainment.
5. Continued to work from home and haven’t taken any leave at all since the lockdown started. I figure I’ll enjoy it more later when it feels safe to actually go anywhere anyway.
Lindsey says
There are recipes on line for pumpkin (or squash) guts breads.
Becca says
Way I see it, the pumpkin placenta fed all the seeds, so it’s super nutritious, right? Why waste it?
priskill says
I love the trash oatmeal idea — in an oat rut so that sounds great
Isa says
1- Picked up a small new-looking basket from a recycling bin, washed it well, and used it to store cosmetics
2- The kids and I have been enjoying free classes/workshops offered on Eventbrite. I had a special treat today : a private dance class given bya qualified dance instructor, since I was the only one who showed up to the session. Also registered to a bunch of free activities given online by the city
3- I don’t watch much TV, but I’ve been really enjoying a serie on Netflix called Superstore. If you liked The Office, give this one a try! Cheap entertainment. We are keeping Netflix only for the kids, so we we actually use it it’s nice.
4- Using public library to read a LOT of books!
5- Will be focusing on real foods and buying only ingredients for recipes instead of snack foods from now on. Should help getting healthier, and maybe reduce the food bill in the long term
N says
Eventbrite is AWESOME! That’s the platform we’ve been using to enjoy Egyptology lectures from the The Egypt Centre 1-2 times a month. They have one coming up for kids on Feb. 13th that you might be interested in. I don’t know if I’m allowed to share links for the service, so just look up The Egypt Centre in Swansea.
priskill says
Cupcakes are always a noble effort, never fear
Well, just the same old/same old:
1. Used coupons, J4U points, etc., for my weekly grocery shopping and saved quite a bit. Eating in 20/21 meals for the most part, with Friday being the exception — take out treat day.
And there is some leftover — and California just opened up outside dining again . . .
2. Husband’s birthday very economical! Used a BOGO coupon for Nothing Bundt cake “bundlets” (basically cupcakes – see comment above) for his actual day and used a gift card for FREE takeout steaks with all the fixins. Thanks to wonderful daughter for her gift
3. Wearing all my old clothes and finding TONS lurking in at the bottom of drawers and stashed in the back of the closet. I don’t even remember all of them. So it is sort of exciting to shop my own silly stuff.
4. (3a?) Had bought new sneakers and put the old ones into the “Goodwill” pile, then pulled them out to use for messy, wet, beach hikes and voila — they work better than I remembered. So not buying a second pair of the new ones and continuing to use the old ones in rotation with the new and my knees no longer hurt.
5. Trying not to waste food and doing better but I hear you on the pantry stuff — I think it lands there cause we didn’t really love or use it and then time takes its toll.
6. Using all my containers to bring meals and snacks to school, to sit and sip tea in my car, etc. Trying not to use so much plastic, although we do use it to freeze meats bought on sale. The big trays need to be broken down and I haven’t figured out a way to freeze meat w/out plastic
Kristen says
The girls seem to feel that the cupcakes fall into the noble category.
Happy birthday to your husband!
priskill says
Aw, thanks!
Polly Wog says
(1) The chain of my favourite volunteer run thrift stores has been quite productive lately.(A) I’ve picked up an amazing bird bath with chickadees embossed into the bowl. (B)A never used aero garden for $10.00.(C) they have opened an online store where I have picked up puzzles for my puzzle loving daughter and Maileg Bunny dolls and Abigail Brown dolls. Some of these have been donated new with tags. I’m in the stage where my children and their friends are both marrying now and starting families. Great I can support one of my favourite thrifts at the same time. These shops have volunteer made quilts, they are beautiful and well priced. I’ve picked up wonderful infant themed ones.
(2) Split and repotted plants. Planted new propagations that I am thinking of using as gifts for various celebrations this year. Started over two dozen spider plant babies in repurposed plastic pots that came with plants last spring. These will most likely go as summer donations for two groups I support. One being the awesome thrift shop!
I’ve been picking up nicer plant pots whenever I see them at the thrifts for plant gifts.
(3) Picked up a few items from one house on my Buy Nothing group. Dropped off a package of skittles that had come to our house in a gift at Christmas. I just don’t need the calories. Better than throwing them out.
(4) Using a free app to count daily calories. It has made me more aware of my food choices and amounts.
(5) Using previously purchased sofa stream. It seems it gets a workout in the summer but falls off in usage in the winter. I have been purchasing Flash Food produce boxes ($5.00) and the ones here are packed with produce worth way more than $5.00. I think whenever they want to fill them up they throw in lemons. Some of mine have had between 1-2 dozen lemons not counting the other produce items. I’ve been gifting lemons to my family members and staff. One person slices and freezes the lemons. She loves hers in her tea.
(6) Went through all freezers with husband . Recorded in an old scribbler all the meals we had available to eat. Meal planned with him for a couple of weeks so as not to get into a rut with anyone type of food.
Kristen , I’m new to your site and have to say both you and your followers are such a lovely community to meet.
Chris says
That’s so true, I love this site too, so many good idea, and encouraging words.
Bean says
Let’s see what I have….
1) Friends gave us 6 Dungeness crabs for my husbands birthday – he took the meat out and we froze it in meal-sized portions to use later. I took the shells and made the most amazing crab stock. Why haven’t I been doing this all along?!
2) Found a prolific author that I really enjoy – luckily most of her books are available on my library’s online site.
3) Baked whole wheat and Italian bread today.
4) It is raining this week and next which means I don’t have to water the yard and garden!
5) Got the dogs groomed down to the shortest possible hair height – that should last for about 5 months before they need grooming again.
Heather Murray-Herlocher says
So I am definitely a work in progress but here goes:
1. I have been strict with myself in terms of shopping for groceries. I only buy what is on my list or if it is a really, really good sale price AND we need it (no… Yes, that bacon is 3 dollars off but you bought bacon 2 weeks ago on sale. You don’t need 10 packs of bacon in the freezer.) This is actually really big for me. I love a good sale even if we don’t need the item!
2. I am making sure we eat all or almost all the leftovers. My family is awful about eating food that is not just made (the kids), so we have Smorgasbord Night once a week.
3. We need to replace a few of our pans where the finish is wearing off, but I am making us wait until the end of the month and I can see if there is a surplus from underspending somewhere else. Amazon makes it way to easy to buy what you need whenever the urge hits you. Just a few more days, and I will replace what we can afford to replace and the rest can wait for another month.
4. I am actually being very careful with the pots and pans I have already replaced. I seasoned them, I am watching that the heat does not get turned up too high and that I don’t walk away so stuff boils over or boils dry! The pot I had to throw away because the noodles boiled dry was not frugal at all.
5. I had a $5 Target gift card from a while back, that I put in the wallet slot with my RedCard. I actually used it two days!
Jenny says
I think I have saved hundreds of dollars over the years by learning a lot of ways to save pans that I thought were ruined. It becomes a mission for me & I think I’ve only given up once because of a non-stick surface I destroyed. Otherwise I still have my antique cast iron skillets and my Farberware wedding pans from the 1970s.
Nora says
Some randomness this week –
1 – I received a check for $0.42 out of the blue. Apparently, legally, they owed us interest because their actual refund was so delayed.
2&3 – My Misfits Market box went missing. So, I messaged them and got a refund + credit in my account for my troubles. I had planned my menu around what I thought was arriving, but decided that rather than replacing from a regular grocery store I’d swap things around to use up what we have. So, we had red peppers instead of broccoli in our ramen and shepard’s pie last night. Kristin’s post is speaking to me because my vegetables are down to carrots, potatoes, onions, spinach (that I did buy at BJs this week despite no specific plan for it), the ends of some lettuce, jalapenos, and frozen corn. I’m trying not to shop again until this weekend.
4 – I made Sweet Potato chocolate chip muffins (Kristen’s recipe except we only use 1.5 cups of sugar) to use up the last two sweet potatoes that nobody except me will eat in a meal. They’ll all eat the muffins!
5 – Made fish tacos (Kristen’s recipe except I put all the chipotle chilis in the sauce since we have some zero pepper folks here.) to use up the oldest protein in the freezer. I purposefully bought cilantro, tomatoes, and avocados for this, but they’re gone.
Michelle says
Um, It would have been overwhelmingly wasteful to throw out perfectly good frosting, you..saved..the..day..just sayin’! lol.
I called and got my insurance lowered because with us home all day and school online (and no volunteering at the police dept right now) I don’t drive..ever…I should have done it 8 months ago but it didn’t occur to me. I changed it to the drive barely anywhere plan..
Bought a gift and a needed item off amazon with gift cards from ibotta I earned, so they were free!
We are snowed in for the last 2 days (mountains of AZ!) so not spending anything. And my son will have to do with homemade pizza instead of delivery (which he likes the homemade better anyway…teenagers sometimes don’t make sense.) I think it’s a stuck at home craving to begin with.
gina says
Let me see if I can come up with five….
1. Trying to have “no spend days” each week. I had two in a row….good for me.
2. We were given a free couch, chair, coffee table and recliner (all going to our new camp). If I don’t like them I can always buy slip covers. All in really good shape.
3. My oldest daughter is about the same clothing size as I am. She was cleaning out her closet/dresser and gifted me 2 brand new shirts (with tags still on them).
4. Cashed out an account on Mr Rebates and received my rebate check in mail shortly after. $13.47 back to me…
5. My sister gifted me a bag of dog treats for my dogs that her dog no longer can have. My lab was a happy girl!
CrunchyCake says
Thank you for sharing how you mend clothes – I’m still not there but at least it gives me an idea of how I could go about doing this one day!
1. Listed on Craigslist and sold a huge bean bag chair that I have loathed since my husband ordered it 7 years ago. Hubs agreed it was time for it to go. We got more for it than we were expecting but it was painless and I’m happy that someone who can use it has it.
2. Have made a conscious effort to clear out food we have – some of it was about to go bad, some of it just needs to be cleared out – we will be moving within the next couple months so I’m hoping to use up what we have to minimize the amount we need to move. AND have had meals ready to go so I don’t eat junk because I don’t feel like cooking.
3. Picked up some moving boxes listed on nextdoor.com for free and started packing.
4. Was going to buy hubs a monagrammed big tumbler for his smoothies – the one I liked was a pricy $19. Realized we had a set of big tumblers not being used and suggested he use those instead. He does not care for cute or personalized so it’s a win all around.
5. Realized our almond flour had gone bad halfway through making a cake – considered throwing it out but subbed out a different flour instead. Wasn’t as good as the almond flour version but it was eaten!
6. Gave specifics when family asked what to get for my daughter for her b-day. She ends up with so much stuff that isn’t used. I was going to buy some of it for her anyway but this helped SIL, daughter, and us.
7. Made batches of all purpose cleaner, dishwasher detergent and refilled glass cleaner and all purpose spray from bulk packages.
Millicent Borges Accardi says
1) cancelled a magazine subscription we don’t enjoy any more. It took a lot of steps and phone calls (determined) but I saved us over $50 (since it was about to renew for three more years!)
2) Made a vat of Portuguese bean soup (using up veggies that were about to go bad), providing MANY meals for the remainder of the week, AND plenty of nutrition.
3) Returned deck stain that was not the right color (free shipping, and they picked it up and exchanged it for the right color)
4) Snagged some yarn for blankets I am knitting (at under $4 a large skein, meaning that I can make a blanket for under $20)
5) mailed hats (that I knitted) as gifts, instead of shopping online!
Sarah G says
1. Saved my leftover coffee from the pot in a mason jar rather than throwing it out. (I do this a lot.) After a few days I have a yummy iced coffee. Not super fresh but with some flavored creamer and ice, it’s tasty and a nice change up from the hot coffee I normally drink.
Typical out of sight, out of mind situation.
2. I’ve also been drinking more hot tea lately. This is good because it’s using up the teabags in my pantry and it’s keeping me from buying as much coffee. I was originally a devoted tea drinker and it’s nice to return to my first love somewhat
3. Been trying to remember to cook more with bacon grease rather than always with butter. We go through butter way too fast so using bacon grease definitely helps. It’s just harder to remember to use it since I keep it in the fridge instead of the counter where I would see it!
4. I stupidly got a small bleach stain on one of my long sleeve black tees. I used a black sharpie to cover it and you can’t tell. So now I don’t need to replace it.
5. Used all the frozen banana pieces I’ve been accumulating in the freezer (toddlers never finish their bananas, y’know?) to make banana swirl, much to the delight of my kids.
Fail– missed a return window for an item I needed to return.
Kara says
I finished sewing one for my favorite items-an apron that had been ordered. This was dependent on my husband changing the plug on the free-to-us dryer so that I could pre-shrink the fabric. https://pin.it/5cCHxRy
We picked up the bare root apple tree that we ordered in the fall. This is the cheapest way to buy a tree, and hopefully it will provide us with fruit in another 2 years. It’s a semi-dwarf tree, which bears fruit quicker than a full sized tree.
I used leftover paint to paint our tiny master bathroom before the tile gets installed today. I didn’t paint the whole bathroom yet, just the wall behind the toilet and vanity, which are impossible to reach once those items are reinstalled.
I have new shelves in my garage and during the winter they work wonderfully for cool storage for root vegetables. I am loving getting a few more things out of my very small kitchen!
My car needs a smog check and I am waiting for the monthly Valpak coupons to come, since there is always a great deal for smog check in there. I will pay for it with my new American Airlines credit card that will give me enough bonus new-enrollment points to get a free round trip to see our first grandson (arriving in April). I have only used the credit card for things we buy anyway, since buying extra just for the enrollment bonus would not actually save me anything.
Valarie S says
I only have one thing – I bought a flexible magnetized white board with markers with little magnets in them. I put it on the fridge to keep track of leftovers to be eaten or ingredients to be used. It helps me plan how often I need to cook something and also helps my husband who is home full-time (disabled from stroke) know what he should eat for lunch while I am working. It has helped tremendously in food waste!
Ruth T says
1. I (finally!) spent my Christmas money and bought curtains for my dining room!!! Yay!! Our stimulus check helped cover the rest of the cost. We also needed to buy curtains for our sunroom due to a neighbor-change situation next door. And while there was nothing frugal about the cost of 14 panels of curtains other than choosing ones on sale, we paid with gift cards through a program that gives us a percentage towards my daughter’s tuition and got more than a month’s worth towards tuition. That takes a little of the sting out. Also, these curtains are making me super happy.
2. I’ve done really well at sticking to my grocery list for the last week and a half.
3. All 5 of us had leftovers for at least part of our lunches today and we knocked out a lot of what was in the fridge.
4. I cooked black beans instead of buying canned and froze what we didn’t use.
5. Used my fabric shaver from Aldi to bring new life to some clothes that needed it.
Nancy says
Totally off topic but….the first thing I noticed in the picture of you mending at the sewing machine was you were wearing one of those “Mom, you already have 13 of those” shirts from the Stitch Fix post from yesterday! To be fair, they really do suit you!
Have a superlyfantastic day from the Maritimes of Canada!
Anne says
I noticed that, too. I think we all have our “uniform”.
Kristen says
Oh, and did you notice that it’s blue, Anne?
Not gray. Or black.
Anne says
Blue? I thought that was gray. But was going to keep my lip buttoned about the color.
Kristen says
I promise, it is blue! Not a very saturated blue, but blue.
And did you notice how delightfully colorful my hooded shirt in this post is? Not even close to gray.
Kristen says
Ha, yep, that’s from a Stitch Fix box from some years ago. Here’s the post on that one! https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/stitch-fix-february-2018/ My hair is so short in those photos.
K D says
1. I made cupcakes to have dessert for future days. I froze almost all of them. They seem to do well in the freezer. Now I have a bit of butter cream frosting left but my husband often will put it on pancakes, muffins or quick breads at breakfast time.
2. Still staying home or socializing with free outdoor activities. Mostly walking with a couple different friends during the week. My husband and I hiked on Saturday. It was nice to be more immersed in nature and somewhat protected from the strong cold wind.
3. I have not been able to get chicken breasts from Sam’s Club when I place an order. I had some delivered with my grocery order last week (from Giant) but not only were they twice the price but they were not as nice. I ordered a box of chicken from Sam’s Club and it contained eight packages just like the ones I’d been trying to buy. I had room in the freezer for them so now I don’t have to source them for a while.
4. I’ve have been trying to list several items every week on Freecycle (I’m okay with people requesting multiple items as sometimes the things aren’t worth a trip for just one item). Last week someone picked up two jigsaw puzzles and left us two in return (they’d asked if I wanted them).
5. I organized my knitting and crochet supplies after discovering they were in a bit of disarray. I loaned a friend some double pointed knitting needles to use to finish a hat. Why buy something you’ll rarely use? I also found printed patterns I won’t use and will use the backs for printing.
Mary says
FINALLY a REAL fridge! All the pics I see online are always these neat bins of prepped food and I wonder where are their jars of pickles or mayo???
My frugal things this week were:
1. Read books that were available via Kindle Unlimited. Both my (adult) daughters have access, so we’ve all been saving by reading the available books, rather then being tempted to buy ones. Although the subscription to Kindle Unlimited wasn’t free, it was a super good deal for six months and three people have been enjoying it.
2. Ate out only once this week–a trip to Chipotle–and was disappointed since it’s been so long and I’ve gotten used to eating my own cooking and realized that I could have easily made the food myself (and saved money). So not a complete fail, because it confirmed that I could cook what I wanted.
3. I’ve been looking for lamps for my guest room, but have hesitated biting the bullet and buying new ones. I found a pair at the second hand store. $6 each and they were 50% off! I also picked up a Starbucks coffee mug (50% off, so I paid 50 cents) and a keepsakes box ($1) for resale. I should be able to sell the coffee mug for $10 and the keepsakes box for about $12, so not a bad profit.
I’m sure there were others things I did that were frugal…
Karen. says
re. 1. — if you have a library card, see if your library offers access to Overdrive (often uses the app Libby). Our library is part of a statewide system, and there are tens of thousands of books available to check out as ebooks. Perhaps you’ll have the same luck.
Anne says
Dang, my library only connects within the county and feels quite limited.
Jennifer Y. says
1. On Sunday, I picked up medications from the pharmacy. I have a high deductible health plan and have not yet met my 2021 out of pocket deductible. Meaning I expected to pay for the medications. To my surprise, there was no charge since the original prescription was issued in 2020. Clearly I need to better understand my health care coverage, but it felt like a money saver to me.
2. I redeemed my Costco membership rewards credit.
3. I downloaded Hoopla to my cell phone, an e-reader app used by my local library. I have new library books to read at my fingertips.
Bobi says
I love Hoopla. They have some good movies and tv shows too.
Bee says
I have downloaded the hoopla app on my smart television. However, we are only allowed 5 movies a month.
Jenelle says
1. I am in need of making my 1/4 tank of gas last this week until Friday. Was thankful that my employer asked us to work from home today due to the weather. No gas spent! Hopefully it will get me through til Friday.
2. A local thrift store is going out of business and I stopped by on their 75% off day. I found about 50 cross stitch kits that were new. These sell very well on Ebay. For 50 kits I paid $24. My hope is to get 10x my money when they all sell.
3. Niece was is town this weekend and wanted to make cupcakes with my kids. She saw we were out of oil and substituted applesauce. Glad to see that she tried to use what we have rather than running to the store.
4. I have wonderful co-workers who will give me stuff because either they know my kids will eat it when their family will not (strawberry jelly) or clothing that they know I will sell on Ebay rather than donate it.
5. Ran into the dollar general for deodorant and hit up the 75% off socks! I believe my kids should now be good for the next couple years!
Ruby says
1. Scored four packages of ground beef marked down 60 percent on manager’s special, which was great because I had planned to make a meatloaf to use up the bounty of frozen bread heels. So I scooped up four packages, made a big meatloaf, easy beef curry for my work lunches, and had a pack to freeze for a future meal.
2. Accidentally made too much plain rice for the curry, so the extra rice was turned into a rice pudding with cinnamon and raisins for dessert. Yum.
3. Made a gallon of tea instead of buying drinks to take to work. This was made super easy with the 1.5 liter electric kettle I trash-picked at work.
4. Did the math and cooking my work lunches and making tea to bring saves me at least $1,000 a year over buying cheap microwave meals and buying drinks. That’s two house payments!
5. Put a little more effort into grocery shopping this week with the aim of going only once every two weeks, so that we spend less overall and spend less time.
Amanda Pennington says
In reference your #2, for anyone that might not already know (and I didn’t for a loooong time), extra rice also freezes beautifully. Just pop it in a ziploc or freezer-safe container. It actually separates out into individual grains nicely as it thaws, so it works great for things like stir fry. I often make extra to save time later, and just zap it in the microwave. Saves a lot of energy, especially when I have a main protein on hand but no carb ready and my brain is tired.
Ruby says
I have frozen rice before and found it to be very handy, but our freezer is packed full right now. And I love rice pudding, so that worked out nicely.
Jean says
1 My public library is helping me binge my way through series I missed–Grantchester Season 5 and The Crown Season 3 this week.
2 The Monday walk with the ladies–This week a 4-mile walk. When I left the house in the morning it was 19 deg. When I got back, it was 28.
3 I too and really, really trying to eat out of my ‘fridge & freezer. Looking up recipes for what I have.
4 When we find things we like in our harvest box, sauces & breads, I try to find recipes to save, then I can be a little extravagant in other areas–like the boneless chicken parts that come in our box–they seem meatier(?). I don’t like chicken thighs from the supermarket but I do like the ones in the harvest box. They are more expensive obviously. The harvest box itself is helping many local small businesses–so I still want to do that.
5. Taking several Senior Course offerings by the university in my town online for one set price. We can take as many as we like in a semester. When they first started this program, courses were in person (space permitting). Via zoom, the number of courses has been expanded and more people can participate. This semester they are recording them so if something interferes, one can catch up..
Battra92 says
First, I’m a little envious of the Duke’s mayonnaise in the fridge. It’s not found in my neck of the woods and it really is better. I credit the lack of sugar and more “eggy” taste.
1.) For the first time in months I decided to treat myself to something I wanted and in so buying it I used the “slow shipping” on Amazon to get some free digital credit for the next time I want a Kindle book or some music or something.
2.) Wanted some chicken drumsticks for a recipe I saw online. Drumsticks were 99¢/lb. Thighs were 99¢/lb. Leg quarters were 69¢/lb. So for about 5 minutes with a boning knife, I had four of each part and some trimmings for the stock pot.
One of these years I will try rendering schmaltz but I don’t know what I’d do with it.
3.) Avoided takeout this weekend by making a homemade pizza.
4.) Put in for some expenses at work (mostly mileage) and it was all approved so that’s some nice cash back in my pocket.
5.) Made some bread, ate leftovers (also cleaned the fridge pretty darn well) and continued to use up what we have instead of buying more. It’s comforting (and sometimes irritating I admit) that I can effectively go weeks without needing to buy anything outside of milk or produce. It brings some security but I will admit that it can be a little boring.
kristin @ going country says
Duke’s isn’t sold locally here, either. I buy it two at a time on the Walmart website when I’m getting office supplies or whatever to get the free shipping. It’s sometimes out of stock, though.
Battra92 says
My in-laws live in Duke’s territory so I get some while I am down there. Good to know about Walmart.
kristin @ going country says
Oh, and regarding the schmaltz: It’s really good for roasting potatoes, but I don’t bother saving the fat from store chickens. Only home ones, because I find any flavors I don’t like in store meat is concentrated in the fat.
Kristen says
I’m trying to think where I got it; could it have been Aldi?
I know Aldi stores vary in what they carry, depending on the region.
Battra92 says
None up in my neck of the woods. I head that at some point (or in some areas) Aldi mayo was made by Duke’s but it wasn’t confirmed. Both have no added sugar as far as I can tell.
Oddly, Aldi mayo is on my wife’s “Do not buy” list.
Hawaii Planner says
Love the cupcakes/frosting win.
Mine are mostly food related:
1) Organized our freezer (basically, grouped all prepped meals together, vs having them interspersed with other random freezer items) & it’s made a huge difference in my ability to see what we have & quickly grab something for dinner or lunch.
2) As a result, I’ve gotten rid of three freezer items (chicken & dumplings, ham & bean soup for lunches). Plus, I turned pureed pumpkin (made from Halloween pumpkins) into pumpkin granola
3) Chased down Amazon credits ($25, but they were also a hidden subscription, so would have been recurring). It took 2 hours, and three different customer service people before they could find the correct way to shut it off.
4) Finally received credit from Rite Aid (similarly, numerous emails) due to a damaged mail order that was a month late. Turned $22 in rewards into $35 in rewards. Used the $35 in rewards to buy some snacks for the kids, & food for the food bank. Used the $35, and somehow generated another $22. I’ll use that for more food/snacks for us & the food bank. It’s hard to say no to free.
5) Used a Target gift card to pick up other grocery items. I’m working hard on our grocery budget in January, so both the Target & Rite Aid options have helped.
Jean says
You still have Rite Aid where you are? All of ours closed and morphed into Walgreen’s.
Hawaii Planner says
We do still have Rite Aid! I’m in California, in the bay area
Bobi says
Everything except the spread could be the makings of a good suet for birds if you like to feed them. Wild birds aren’t picky about expired food. And your cat might enjoy watching them eat.
Gina says
genius!
Jenni says
1. I made French Toast casserole with all my bread ends and rock solid French bread from freezer.
2. I made a Meal Plan for the week. (Most recent delish dish: Lime Avocado Chicken Salad from Tasty.co)
3. I listed 3 things I’m no longer using on Kijiji.
4. I received an unexpected cheque so I put it directly into my Sinking Funds.
5. FRUGAL FAIL- I tried to use up too much from the freezer at once and created wet, unsweet, inedible muffins. I should have known they were doomed when I was stirring the batter and it was “gray”. Yuck!
Rose says
I’m sure Sonia knows this, but back in the day before widespread antipersperants, nice clothes frequently rotted out under the arms. In even earlier times, during the Victorian period, for example, dress protectors were worn to save the fabric from sweat.
Kristen says
Yep, I’m sure she does! Heh. Someone gave her a few vintage clothing items, and they all needed under-arm repairs.
N says
I have a nearly identical pants-related item on my list this week! Frugal Synergy!
–My hiking pants were free, thanks to the free/trade table at my previous job. After several years of daily wear during my morning hike, they suddenly developed a daunting 8” tear—from what, I genuinely don’t know—but were otherwise in great shape. Iron-on-patches (reinforced with some hand stitching) to the rescue! The mend is quite visible since it ends under the left back pocket, but no one should be looking at my bum that closely while I’m hiking or shoveling the walk, anyway!
–I soaked the business-portion of our humidifier in white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits from our hard water. We buy the $15-20 Vicks humidifier and usually get 1-2 years of almost nightly use out of each one, thanks to diligent cleaning/soaking every now and again.
–I rearranged my shipping storage with free plastic tubs acquired from a friend who was de-cluttering. My shipping supplies are all recycled, save for the packing tape from the dollar store.
–My husband’s robe finally wore out–as in, you could see through parts of it!–after ten years. Once his new one arrived, the old one was parted out for the rag bin.
–Frugal 50/50 would be getting new tires for the car. While not the sexiest of purchases, it was definitely time (failed penny test), and we did it right before our state’s topsy-turvy weather decided to throw a winter storm system at us. Nothing like a 8″+ of snow to make one grateful for new tires!
BarbG says
I have been eating from my fridge, freezer and pantry during January. I’ve only spent a little over $20 this month for groceries. So the fail I had 2 days ago was really disheartening. I made a chicken pot pie, ate a serving and then decided to put it back in the still-warm oven to bake a little longer. Of course, I completely forgot about it, and it sat in the oven all night. What a waste! I was planning on that for 3 more meals.
All the usual frugal things – free streaming, library books (the library reopened on Saturday!! Woohoo!!), keeping the thermostat super low, etc but nothing unusual to share.
kris says
1. My husband left to go do a job out of town Friday so I’d planned on ordering from our local mexican restaurant. They have a vegetable quesadilla that is to die for. I wasn’t hungry when I got off of work and figured I’d just order it when I did get hungry but on the way home I started thinking how I really don’t want to drive back into town later and realized I had everything at home that is on the quesadilla and decided to make my own. Let me tell you, I tried to replicate their’s and honestly, mine was even better! I was in heaven eating that thing, lol. So I saved $13.99. I didn’t have any sour cream in a tub but I did have one of those packets that come with your potato from Wendy’s so I used that. And also, I used up the last avocado that was almost unusable but I was able to salvage enough of it to make a little guac to go with it.
2. Road out to the farmers market and picked up their 10 bags for $15 special. I got garlic, ginger, zucchini, napa cabbage, spinach, mushrooms, romanine lettuce, iceburg lettuce, green beans and limes. Not bad for $1.50 per bag.
3. My friend has a little farm and she sells some stuff from it and I’m interested in buying a soap she makes that is supposed to be good for acne (my son is having a problem with it). Her place is kinda out of my way so I went to her website to order it, it was $6.99, which isn’t a bad price but the shipping was $7.99! Yikes. So I figured one day when I’m out her way, I’ll run by there. But on Sat. I was in our local hardware store and remembered she has a display there and I found it – for still $6.99! I took a picture of my son’s face and will take it again in a month to see if there is any improvement. I’d love to go on and give her soap a stellar review and have my son’s face cleared up some!
4. Bought some strawberries and (a lot) of blueberries in bulk and am getting them frozen so I can use them in smoothies, muffins, pancakes, etc. I am also going to make some of the freezer jam that Kristen’s posted about.
5. Continuing to work thru my frozen chicken and turkey carcasses and making lots and lots of stocks. I’ve got two boxed broths on my shelf and I only want to use them in case of emergencies. I’d like to not be able to buy anymore stock this year. I use chicken broth so much and it’s so silly to not utilize the stock I’ve already made that is in my freezer. I just forget to take it out and then I don’t have any (homemade) ready when I need it. I’ve got quite a bit now in the freezer and I’ve been very good these last few weeks to make sure I have some thawed out in the fridge!
kris says
I have a 6th and 7th to add! lol
6. I froze about 3 bananas that were over ripe to use in our smoothies. I was quite pleased they stayed the same color after I froze them. For some reason I thought they’d turn brown.
7. I used a $5 off coupon at our local DG on Sat.
J says
It would be nice if soap cured acne, but pretty unlikely. Relatives suffered for years, and it is painful, embarrassing, and scarring physically and emotionally. We found the most frugal way was ProActiv. You can get a trial size package and follow the instructions exactly to see if it works. It almost always does. After that, maybe switch to the same types of products in same concentrations from cheap drugstore. For most, after it was cleared it didn’t come back. Others needed maintenance until teen hormones settled down. Life-changing for all ages. Worth the money, for sure. Who told me? My dermatologist, who says she and sibs suffered so badly because parents wouldn’t or couldn’t buy real anti-acne products. Now she instructs all of her acne patients to do this and most never need to come back. It’s her “mission” so other kids won’t have to feel as bad as she did. (Neither of us gets any profit from this!)
Polly Wog says
Years ago when my children had acne I looked on Kijiji ( Canada)/ Craigslist . It seems there is a market for unopened packages of ProActiv on there. I purchased and they were dramatically less expensive.
kris says
I’ve wondered about Proactive! Thanks for the reminder! I think having to wear a mask all day makes it worse too.
N says
I’m curious: Did your son’s acne start thanks to hormones or shortly after we all needed to wear masks? I have ridiculously sensitive skin (daughter of a redhead) and was having awful rashes from mask friction. An hour’s worth of errands to stock us up would have my face on fire for the rest of the day. Finally, I had the thought to line my masks with silk. The difference was immediate! I didn’t have to buy anything, just scavenge a few gifted silk scarves that I didn’t wear, anyway. To be clear, normal two layer cloth mask + a silk lining = three layers altogether. Mind, I work from home and only needs masks for errands, so this may not be as helpful for someone who has to wear them everyday for school, but it certainly couldn’t hurt!
WilliamB says
Is that shortening? I’ve had a tub of shortening for 5+ years and it’s still good.
Kristen says
It is; I’ve found that Crisco that’s past its expiration date often has kind of an off, rancid taste. I have no idea how long I’ve had this one! I almost never buy Crisco.
Ruby says
I buy the small tubs of Crisco and use it almost exclusively for greasing pans. It won’t go bad if kept in the fridge. I stick it way in the back.
Kristen says
Oh, I should have thought to do that!
Meira Bear says
1. I got a letter from a government department that reimburses me for about half of a professional fee that I pay every year. I paid my 2021 fee (equivalent to roughly 1.5 paychecks–it’s a huge cash outlay) last week, and got my final reimbursement from 2020 this week. It lessens the sting.
2. We’ve been watching Shtisel on Netflix, instead of renting or buying new stuff to watch (it’s really good–can’t wait for season 3). You might like it, Kristen! It reminds me a bit of The Crown in that it’s a look into the lives of people you might not otherwise know.
3. I guess the advantage of being a slow knitter is that I’m still working with yarn I bought two years ago! I’ve committed to myself that I won’t buy more until I use it up. Except, I bought one new skein to make a gift for my mom, but I don’t count that; it was in and out of my stash in under a month.
4. I’m starting to get low on clothes, so I bought a simple dress and some new leggings online. The dress at least, was on sale, but I’ve learned after checking and re-checking that Gap never places my favourite leggings on much of a sale. Oh, well!
5. Our staff physicians very kindly pay for lunch on Mondays, and I remembered to get a receipt and send it off to the proper person for reimbursement.
Meira Bear says
Oh, and, very excitingly, I joined my local Buy Nothing Group! My building abuts their south-eastern border, so they were ok with me joining.
Christine81 says
I too liked Shtisel! I was a little sad when it was over… Have you watched Unorthodox? It is a Netflix miniseries, but I don’t know if it is available in the US.
Meira Bear says
I read Unorthodox when it came out and I liked it. But to be honest, there were a lot of similar narratives that came out around the same time, and after reading a few, I got tired of them.
Bee says
I am also trying very hard to get my refrigerator cleared out and have been planning my meals around what needs to be used up. My adult son lived with us for several months when Covid changed his plans, and I have had difficult time adjusting to cooking for two. Sadly, I have had some food waste. I hate throwing money in the trash. Hence, my first frugal thing:
1) I made a frittata for breakfast that used up some sausage, cheese, and veggies lingering in the frig. We also had smoothies to use up some kale, avocados and bananas.
2) I used a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase at the grocery store.
3) I used a $10 Target Gift Card that I received when buying laundry detergent when I bought toilet paper and paper towels.
4) I acquired 4 folding chairs that I needed via Buy Nothing
5) I have borrowed the Yellowstone series from the library on DVD rather than adding another streaming service.
Carla says
Sounds you like were keeping chia seeds in the cupboard. They do so much better in the fridge or freezer!
I buy mine in large (Large!) amounts since I live in a country where these weren’t sold until recently, and keep them in the freezer. They last for years (seriously) with no ill effect. I just take out whatever I need and put back in the freezer. This keeps the fats from going rancid. I do the same with any other nuts, seeds and grains, and then I don’t have to stress about using them up before going rancid.
Kristen says
Yes! I should definitely do that next time I buy them.
dawn says
When I saw the chia seeds I thought “chia goes bad?” Had no idea. I buy in large quantity and keep in pantry and have never had an issue.
Susan says
I started a twice-weekly walking date with a girlfriend. I need the exercise and the socializing, and it is free!
My grocery bill was way down this week as we’re using up stuff from pantry/freezer.
Ordered college kids books from Amazon and chose shipping that was a little slower and got credits I’ll use on ebooks.
My mom needs some assistance with cooking these days. I baked a quiche for her and made one for myself too. Easy breakfast or lunch option just a minute in the microwave away!
Still working from home and my company is now subsidizing my cell and internet service. We haven’t needed to upgrade these from before we were working at home so this is a (little) windfall.
kristin @ going country says
I spy Duke’s mayonnaise in your empty refrigerator. That’s my very favorite kind.
Anyway. Frugal things.
My youngest son’s rubber boots cracked all the way across the ankle in the back, so I went to the Bins of Saved Footwear and found another pair that fit him. Who knows how long those have been kicking around, but every kid needs rubber boots all the time, so I never get rid of them until they’re unusable.
We dispatched our two excess roosters this weekend. I used my giant pressure cooker/canner to make them into stock, and got about three gallons of the most gelatinous chicken stock ever (first time I’ve pressure cooked chicken, so I’m guessing that’s why) plus about six cups of meat. We’ve eaten the chicken for a couple of meals already, and as soon as I can get more canning jar lids, I’ll pressure can the stock.
My eldest son’s birthday is in two weeks, as, of course, is Valentine’s Day, with the three attendant class parties for which I will provide food, plus the Rice Krispie Treats I always make for my sons to give to their classmates with their cards. There were several special grocery items I needed for all of this (shrimp for the seafood-loving birthday boy’s requested dinner, Oreos and extra cream cheese for his chocolate cheesecake crust, marshmallows and red sprinkles for the Krispies . . .), and my husband had to go get hay yesterday. So I sat down and wrote out a very detailed grocery list for him, thereby avoiding the necessity of another trip before the Big Baking Week. I hope, anyway.
Last night’s after-work thrown-together dinner featured some of the leftover rooster meat; some of the rooster stock; leftover rice; leftover cooked onions; half a can of inferior leftover canned tomato sauce we got from a neighbor that had added sugar (boo); leftover corn; cumin; chili powder; and the last scraping of sour cream in the container. And all the children liked it. Yay.
Jody S. says
I second Duke’s.
Battra92 says
Duke’s is good. I’ve been meaning to try Kewpie because I’ve heard good things about it.
Bee says
I started making stock in my Instant Pot pressure cooker when I bought it two years ago. The stock is always richer and more gelatinous than it was when I used the stove top method.
Vallie d says
I admit I never look at expiration dates! Obv if things are rancid or off, I know it.
In no way frugal but we did carefully choose what tests to get done etc.
1- January was a high spending month for pets, since we had a sick dog, testing and ultimately putting down
2- eating down the fridge/freezer/pantry and making menu plan. Still imperfect and I change my mind mid-week sometimes, but barely have gone grocery shopping
3- made your hamburger buns and they were wonderful! Made jackfruit BBQ for them and gave half to my DIL since they have 4 littles.
4- brown leather couch was looking a little tired, mostly from dog nail scratches. I remembered I had bought a leather “spray paint” for a jacket a few years ago. It did the trick and satisfied my need for things to look nice.
5-books from library on kindle and a couple small clothing repairs (I hate sewing so that is an accomplishment)
Kristen says
I check the expiration date and also do the sniff/taste test. Sometimes expiration dates are unnecessarily cautious.
But if something tastes rancid, I do throw it out. Blech.
a curious reader says
I’m sorry to hear about your dog!
N says
I’m so sorry about your dog. HUGS
Sarah G says
Aw I’m so sorry about your dog
Molly F. C. says
Condolences on the loss of your dog. It is never easy to have to make that decision.
Suzan says
You have done well. I wish our fridge was that empty. Today we went into the shops to a buy a few things. I spent a lot of time saying that the freezer has many pork chops in it and only one of us eats them.
I writing a shopping lost and sticking to it as much as I can.
Stayed out of the fabric shop most days. This is a huge weakness and there are babies coming and I want to make pretty quilts.
My son and I are having a camping getaway and it will cost less than $100 all up. L cooking forward to that.
Ellen says
What about checking out eBay for fabric? Usually you can get fabric for less then it cost in the store. (less per yard) (I have some listed right now, with more to go, as I am cleaning out my fabric stash)
EBay is worth the look…..
My fridge looks just like that, if not having less, before I hit the grocery store on Sunday! Now the Freezer is another story!
Lindsay B says
If the chia seeds aren’t bad, Minimalist Baker has a wonderful chocolate chia seed pudding recipe that I absolutely love. I use coconut milk and it’s so delicious I’ve been known to eat the whole batch by myself.
