Five Frugal Things | some frugal self-care
As you know, I had a bit of a rough time earlier this week.
Sometimes, things hit me harder than I expect; for instance, I thought I was gonna be fine the day I moved all my stuff from my house to my rental, but oof, once I was at my house, packing up all my possessions, I was most certainly not fine.
I cried a lot that day.
And earlier this month, I thought, "Hmm, I don't have a lot of feelings about my upcoming anniversary. I'll be fine."
But then the day came and I was decidedly not-fine, in a lot of different flavors.
As I said on Instagram, it is possible to be sure you are making the right decision while simultaneously feeling very sad, angry, and hurt.
Anyway. I did my best to take care of myself in healthy ways, and because I am me, a little frugality crept in. So that's the theme for items 1-3 this week!
1. I went for a hike on a new trail
One of the best free coping mechanisms for me: walking in the woods. It costs nothing, it's good for my body, and it's good for my mind.
I do get a little bored of walking the trails right by my house, though.
So on Monday when I was feeling sad, I drove a few minutes away to try some new trails in some new-to-me woods. It was a solid decision; I did feel better afterward, and all it cost me was a small amount of gas.
2. I got a hotel using my brother's employee discount
I decided that perhaps a local night away would be just the thing for me, and happily, I was able to snag a Westin hotel night for a great price, thanks to my brother's family discount.
I did basically nothing the whole time, aside from taking a super long shower. And it was just what the doctor ordered.
I highly recommend having a family member work for a nice hotel chain. I love my brother's job! 😉
3. I got a free Starbucks coffee the next morning
Someone had kindly given me a Starbucks gift card, which I'd planned to use. But lo and behold, when I opened up the app, I saw that I actually had enough stars for a free drink.
(I say this with some surprise because I feel like it takes FOREVER to get enough Starbucks stars for anything useful.)
So, yay! Free coffee for me, and I still have my gift card waiting to be used.
4. I listed and sold a vacuum part
I made a mistake some weeks ago and ordered a vacuum accessory on eBay that I actually didn't need. GAH!
I could have returned it, but I would have had to pay return shipping. So instead, I listed it on eBay myself, and now I am getting it out of my house without paying any shipping.
5. I submitted Zoe's 50%-off paperwork
Since she's a high school student taking college classes, she is eligible for a 50% discount on tuition. There are some paperwork hoops to jump through, of course, but a 50% discount is totally worth some paperwork.
I got it all submitted, and I paid her now-smaller bill in full.
Also, I bought the required poetry book (for her English class) used on eBay. And you know I will list that back for sale as soon as the semester is over. 😉
What wonderful ways to take care of yourself, Kristen. You have been in my thoughts.
I'm thinking of you often, Kristen, and sending you healing energy during this transitional period. You are on to something with your walks in the woods. It really is a healing practice: https://healingforest.org/2020/01/27/forest-bathing-guide/ I can personally attest to this as I spent last school year eating my lunch every day in the woods next to my school and it really helped me cope with a stressful school year as well as the adjustment to a new school community while grieving the loss of my old school. I'm actually glad for the school year to start up again because I can go back to that routine soon.
Now, my FFT:
1. Unpacked from our vacation immediately and put all food away. Determined that I could skip buying groceries for at least one more week. Also organized the fridge and freezers so that everything will get eaten and I don't buy things I already have when I do shop, and I used a small spatula to combine open condiment jars from vacation and my home fridge.
2. Reimagined leftovers several times this week, and remade things that were not palatable in their initial form (milk into whey and cheese, salsa into tomato sauce, etc)
3. Cut the grass and pruned the front yard myself. Ignored the backyard for now.
4. Cooked meals, made coffee at home, ate leftovers for lunch and made overnight oats for breakfast several days this week.
5. Defrosted and "curry cut" a whole chicken to make chicken karahi using a chicken my mom gave me and tomatoes, garlic and ginger from my farm share. Saved the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a cereal bag in the freezer to use in another meal. Likewise saved the backbone, wingtips and skin in a cereal bag to make chicken soup another time. Decided that it is probably not worth it in future to cut up raw chicken this way when it would be way easier to just roast the whole thing and use the meat cooked and/or make my curries using precut legs or thighs, but now I can say I've done it this way at least once. Ruth Goodman would be proud of me...well, I didn't actually butcher it or pluck it myself, but I like to think that she would consider my efforts a good start.
@Becca,
I'm sure Ruth Goodman would be proud of your modern era frugal chicken! I adore her and her books
@Lazy Budget Chef, ME TOO. Ruth is my hero.
@Becca, yes! To forest bathing! We do that in the Midwest and have areas where there are stations set up. It's super nice even in our chilly winters!
@Becca, I can tell you that cutting up whole chickens and parting them out and freezing is a chore that I have done about 10 years in a row - first with local chickens that I was buying in blocks of 3 then 5 then 8... then with my own birds. I have become reasonably competent, but by no means expert - and what I have found is that I USE those drumsticks, or thighs, or breasts, or wings, far more readily than a whole chicken. I have a foodsaver and it is KEY if you are doing multiple birds. if you calculate the cost per pound, you end up with cheap breasts and still inexpensive thighs and drums. and the bonus of a pack of chicken wings, and a lot of bone and skin with which you can make broth now (to pressure can or freeze) or freeze for another day.
I always mutter to myself on the first bird, but even with the muttering I am getting faster and faster - and the savings are worth it to this frugal girl. I find if I roast a chicken I am not always great about using it all (I am on my own with occasional fridge raids from #2 son)... but if I have packages of the quantity I will use, nothing goes to waste..
And good for you! One more skill that you can say you have done, and can do again.
Hi, Kristen. I didn't comment on your Monday post because my JASNA BFF and I were away on a day trip, and I'm going to postpone an FFT comment till next week. But I do want you to know that, along with everyone else here, I've been thinking of you and wishing you all the best during this hard time for you. You inspire us all.
@A. Marie, I missed you and hope you had a nice trip.
Oh, I am so happy for you that you got a day trip with a friend. Wonderful!
And thank you for your kind words.
I hope you'll feel better in the rest of the week!
FFT heat wave theme:
We ate very little food and drank mostly water (we did need some well seasoned soup by day 4 though) ,
We watered our garden with buckets of water from a nearby ditch (official lack of water means you should not spray the garden etc etc). It is a small garden but still,
I carefully managed screens blinds and windows and managed without cooling our main rooms,
I cleaned the inside of my sweaty slippers with an old toothbrush and some baking soda. They are nice and fresh now,
We went cycling in the early evening and on our way back from the ride we passed by a supermarket and brought back some marked down items.
It has been raining all night and morning and the containers are filling up again. I feel more in the mood for cleaning now, I have neglected household chores very badly in the last days. However in spite of the heat noone got cranky, so very pleased about that!
I’m so glad you were gentle with yourself and acknowledged your feelings about the day vs trying to push through them. Some days/things just stink, and I find that recognizing that makes them easier to deal with.
FFT
—One of our original Victorian closet door locks/latches stopped working. My husband fixed it by just unscrewing it, shaking it, and blowing some compressed air through the keyhole to remove the accumulated gunk.
—I used stain and sealant leftover from our wood floors to refinish a gorgeous Art Nouveau-style bookcase I found at Goodwill for $20. It had a few water stains to sand out, but the swirling details were well-worth the work!
—I bought a giant container of our laundry soap because it was on sale—and then proceeded to crack the lid in the parking lot. The container has now been transferred to our nearly empty laundry bottle and five empty Gatorade containers left from our Covid adventures, when we were pushing fluids. It’s a little more rag-tag than I prefer, but I’m the only one who sees/uses our laundry soap. 😛
—I’ve been watering our housewarming gift herb planter with water leftover from pasta and making hardboiled eggs. I’ve come across this tip countless times but am only now implementing it in an effort to remember to water the damn planter! We’ve never had plants before, so it’s honestly a challenge; we have pasta and egg water regularly, so here’s hoping! I’d like to keep the free basil/ pesto train going.
Kristen, so glad you were able to give yourself time and space to work through all that bubbled up. And I agree, walks are the best. Love and peace to you.
This is moving week, so let's see if I can find 5 FT:
Hubby and I rented a U-Haul and packed and moved everything ourselves. We thought about hiring movers, but just couldn't justify paying for it this time. (However, next time.....)
Along the same lines, we spent 3 hours cleaning our old place yesterday and saved money by doing it ourselves. It was grueling, but now it's done and we got a workout to boot....?
Our former landlord will refund our security deposit using Zelle. This isn't exactly frugal, but we'll get money back in our account quicker than if he mailed us a check.
We've been eating out during the move, but it's been so busy that we've basically eaten 2 meals a day instead of 3, with extra fluids to keep us hydrated in the heat. Considering I have no food in our new place and still have no idea where my plates and pots and glasses are, I call this a win.
Finally, a frugal renter win - when we moved in, we noticed an area of carpet behind the HVAC was soaked (due to a clogged line, we later learned). Our property manager immediately got an HVAC mechanic and a carpet cleaner over to take care of the issue. Our cost, nothing. Thank you, Dee!
Kristen,
I am glad you took steps to take care of yourself as best as possible. I hope, and think, that your trajectory will be mostly upward going forward. I hate that you are going through this extremely difficult time but I think you will look back and feel proud of yourself for your courage.
1. I loaded my Safeway card and found a $5 off offer. I stopped when I was across the street from the store and bought three avocados, a $1.99 pizza, and clearance Chobani yogurt. Out of pocket was less than $5. Between the parking lot and the Coin Star I found $.62.
2. I listed items for a neighbor on Freecycle. I am happy to help find new homes for items.
3. My cherry tomato plants continue to produce. I have had nothing but bad luck with regular tomatoes over the years, between the weather and critters, but these plants are producing like there's no tomorrow.
4. TopCashBack sent me an offer of a $2.50 bonus if I spent $10. I ordered some paper yard waste bags, for pick-up, at Home Depot. I stopped when I was near there to pick them up.
5. Mostly I employ the Amy Dacyczyn method, where I bypass a lot of spending opportunities.
I’m glad you were able to take time for yourself. I also find being outdoors is restorative. It soothes my soul.
1. We received our first electric bill since our energy service announced an increase in its rates. The rate increase, along with some extreme temperatures in July, resulted in a 50% increase in my monthly electric bill. I have always kept my house rather cool. Despite being a Florida native, I really hate the heat and humidity that summer brings. However, now with the cost of living rising so dramatically, I will have to quit being so indulgent. I have officially increased the temperature on the thermostat.
2. I used my Target App to receive a $15 gift card with the purchase of $50 of household essentials. I bought toilet paper, dish soap, and laundry detergent. When purchasing these items, I used a $10 gift card from a previous promotion as well as two Target offers which saved another $5. When done, I scanned my receipts to iBotta and Fetch. I think by using all these resources, I cut the cost of the items in half.
3. I received $30 for some clothing that sold through ThredUp. However, I think this may be the last time I sell through them. Since 2020, the processing time on a closet clean out is 3 - 6 months. I sent a box of summer clothing in April that was finally processed at the end of July. The demand for summer clothes has waned by August and the chance of selling them is much less.
4. I brought my car in for its 180,000 service and used a 10% off coupon.
5. I have been doing all the usual thrifty things. I cut the end off a tube of body lotion and used every drop. I batched errands and borrowed a book from the library (The Accidental Superpower). I paid for my prescription with monies from my HSA account. I have cooked at home, brewed my own coffee, and have been drinking primarily filtered tap water. I sold and listed items on eBay.
Wishing everyone live, peace and good health.
@Bee,
Oh my goodness, your electric bill! I haven't seen that - yet - on mine. I have Duke; I don't know who you have, but that's scary.
You had prompted me to check my home insurance as well. So far, it's "only" gone up $300. I hope that's the most it will go up for this year. I hope you've found lower cost insurance for your home.
@Bee, I'm in Florida as well. Our "fuel charge" on the electric portion of our bill has almost tripled since May!! But, I'm sure other places have it much worse.
@Bee, Here in Ohio our rates went up as well. At first we thought, "Well, it was a hot July, so the AC kicked on more..." nope! I'm glad the cooler weather is moving in!
@Bee, would it be worth checking with your electric company to see if you have a faulty meter? 50% is A LOT!!!
I hope your days become happier and easier for you.
Got a b1g1 from our local sub shop. We will use it on an I am too tired to cook night.
Also snagged a free drink coupon from our local Coffee Beanery.
Clearing out my dads house, my sister has so.much.stuff, SO Much (!!) it was mentally and physically exhausting. I washed all I could to donate to Goodwill, metal will be scrapped, recyclables already at curb. 2 rooms you can only walk thru a small walkway in.
Listed some items on Marketplace that sold quickly for what I paid for them originally.
I decided to renew my Costco membership so I could get a better priced hearing aid there. My ENT quoted 5-8k for one. I can't imagine how people on social security could possibly afford such a luxury. Plus they only last 5-7 years-wow! I know they are going over the counter, I hope this drives the price down for people.
@Mar, my husband has had an excellent experience with his Costco hearing aids. The audiology shop at Costco has made adjustments to them for him and he's been very pleased. It saved him thousands of dollars.
My hearing loss is less than his, so I bought my hearing aids direct from Bose, the sound equipment company. They are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and have really helped, particularly in situations like restaurants or groups of friends, when I previously had to just guess at what people were saying.
@Ruby, thanks for the info, I will check Bose too!
@Mar, I purchased these hearing aids through Bose about a year ago. I have moderate hearing loss and they work very well. Per my son who is an engineer at Bose, the company, as of March "22, is no longer producing them. However, Bose has partnered with Lexie Hearing to produce them using the Bose sound system. They cost approximately $850 and they are self fitting, so no need for a professional hearing test.
@Alice C, My brother in law just got his hearing aids on Monday of last week. He got them through an audiologist who works thru Medicare which gave him a good discount on the price. He got Phonaks for both ears. He is loving them.
My daughter has Phonaks for her hearing issues. She's been wearing hearing aids since she was 2 years old and she is 28 now.
Most audiologist will show you how you can manipulate your hearing through a smart phone. Brother in law will do that next Monday.
Ugh, I'm sorry missed your post yesterday. So I missed my chance to add to all the positive comments that came your way. But even though this is the day after, I can still say hang in there! Feel all the feels, cry all the tears, take all the hot showers, all with faith in better days ahead.
And now, mundane frugal things, Back to School edition!
--These past couple of weeks have been all over the place in terms of activities and schedules. Ironically, when we have busy weeks, I probably cook even more cheaply, because take-out is not an option, so we rely heavily on leftovers and I don't cook as much.
--Football season has started, which means my version of switchel is a daily thing now (lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, water). Way tastier, cheaper, and healthier than Gatorade. No trash, either.
--I found workable gym shoes for my children at Walmart for $18 each, yay! The fact that they need a WHOLE OTHER pair of shoes every year that gets used only a couple of hours a week is always an irritant (it's a brand-new gym, so they don't allow street shoes on the floor). But since it's only two hours a week, cheap shoes are fine.
--My daughter doesn't start her two-day-a-week preschool until after Labor Day, even though her brothers have started back and I'm back on work. I work on what will be her preschool days, so when she's starts school, I can be home with her when she's not in school. For these few weeks, however, my husband has her while I'm at work. I am profoundly grateful that we have the flexibility in our schedule to do things like this without having to find a babysitter. Both for financial reasons and for peace of mind for our daughter. These are rough weeks for her, being left behind, and it would be worse if she weren't hhome with Dad getting to ride the horse and eat cereal.
--My husband is the school bus driver, which means we all--me included--ride the bus to school with him. There are definitely days I would rather drive myself, because when I'm on the bus I'm also the bus monitor and thus it's an extension of my work day. But during the school year we rarely have to use our personal vehicles, which is a big deal nowadays given the cost of gas. So I ride the bus and pass the time adding up how much I saved in fuel to take my mind off of yelling kids. 🙂
@kristin @ going country, Would love to hear more about your switchel and your recipe.
Seconding Barbara's request for the recipes as we always have those ingredients at hand, and I am particularly fond of ginger and lemon.
@Barbara, She has the recipe on her blog! 🙂 http://www.going-country.blogspot.com. I really want to try it!
@Karen, I do! Here's the specific link:
https://going-country.blogspot.com/2022/08/tt-modern-switchel-recipe.html
@kristin @ going country,
Thanks for the link Karen and Kristin! Going to make a batch today.
My biggest frugal win of the week is - I "fixed" both of my sergers! Two different people gave me their serger (overlocker) because they didn't use them. I rarely got them to work right after servicing. After finding the right threading Youtube video I learned the secret threading handshake the manuals didn't show clearly. That, a few turns of a screwdriver on a loose guide, and Bam! 2 working sergers, each with a different color thread so I don't have to rethread them during my current projects. I'm riding the joy on this one until the wheels fall off.
Sewed two historical shirt (shift) commissions and the clients love them.
Saved 50% off my total at Joann's for needed costuming supplies by sticking to my list of door busters, mainly serger thread.
I got a surprise gift of eggs from a friend's chickens. I am going to thank them with a gift of tomatoes from my garden.
And the usual: Used delivery and random plastic bags that cross our path as trash bags, composted food scraps, refilled and refrigerated sports bottles with water (I drink more water if I have a bigger glass and I spill things,) drank coffee in a travel mug from home on the way to a rehearsal, packed a picnic lunch for that rehearsal, and ate leftovers for lunch.
I am praying for you Kristen. I always find encouragement when I am going through hard times knowing that 1) God is not asleep in the back of the boat - hard times don't surprise Him and He always has a plan for your path through them & 2) He counts everyone of your tears. Sending lots of hugs your way!!
Frugally for this week....
1. I used what I expect will be the last zucchini from our garden & some green peppers in a batch of cashew chicken.
2. I shredded and froze enough zucchini from the garden to bake 15 loaves of zucchini bread.
3. I harvested another batch of crowder peas from the garden.
4. I have been diligent in watching for Army Worm egg sacs in my backyard and spraying them down with the water hose. This helps avoid another attack of army worms and that helps avoid another $120 out of pocket.
5. Rain. We have had so much rain lately. That means I don't have to water my garden and newly planted grass and it cools things off which helps the power bill a bi
@Angie, Crowder peas are so good!!!! They are among my favorites. However, they are really hard to find in the grocery stores even frozen
@Bee, me too! I love that we are able to grow them in our garden - they are coveted stores every winter 🙂
@Angie, I love your comment that God's not asleep in the back of the boat! I write down encouraging thoughts on a spiral set of index cards and look at them when I need a boost. That's going on my notecards!!!
@Angie,
My dad grew up in a household with seven kids and at least one uncle, aunt or cousin living with them at all times. They grew and ate tons of crowder peas, storing cans of dried beans under their beds for the winter. As an adult, he made crowder peas the one thing he told my mother he didn't ever want to see on our table, so she never cooked them in 59 years of marriage to him. He told me he'd eaten enough crowder peas to last him a lifetime. I've never had them either - he scared me off of them, I guess. Maybe now, I'll try them.
@Angie,
I don’t know if you will see this comment. But if you do, I’d like to know how to properly freeze zucchini for baked goods. My garden is still mass producing them at the moment.
@Natasha,
I'm not sure how Angie does it, but I just shred them and freeze them flat in a ziplock by squeezing out the excess air. You can squeeze out the water before freezing or after. I think squeezing moisture out after freezing is actually easier. You could also make 1 cup (or whatever size your recipes call for) portions and then flash freeze them on a cookie sheet in little zucchini lumps, then dump the lumps into a ziplock once they are frozen.
It's funny how things hit us, isn't it? I always thought I'd have a hard time around my brother's birthday (he passed away suddenly around Christmas 20 years ago), but actually I started having a hard time around my birthday as I got closer to the age he was when he died. I couldn't figure it out, until I thought, "Oh! I am going to be older than my older brother ever got to be," and that made sense. To me, anyway.
New trails are always awesome.
I can't think of very many frugal things I've done.
1. I suppose trimming my hair myself--I am growing out an ill-advised pixie cut from last year, and rather than risk covid by going to a haircutting place, or asking my husband to trim it, I hacked off my own baby mullet in the back. It looks fine. Nobody really sees me, anyway! In a few months it might be close to a short bob.
2. Made homemade fudgesicles for the kids, and they were a hit. We do dessert on Sundays, and I let them vote for what we make, and this was a new option.
3. Using books from the library for fun reading, and used Amazon points to buy schoolbooks.
Frugal fail: during the move I think I misplaced a history curriculum I'm going to need in September, so I'll have to buy those. If I can hold out until the next round of Amazon points, that will help. Still stinks, though.
@Karen,
I have always found that grief or sadness hits me at the oddest moments. Something triggers a memory - a sight, a sounds, a smell —and I’ll feel sadness for someone who is no longer a part of my life.
I was in line at the store recently and the elderly man ahead of me smelled of Old Spice. My dad always used old spice and smelling this made me miss him terribly. He was the best!
@Bee, My husband died 4 yrs ago. I was 52 & he was 58. Strangely enough, we had the same birthday. On 8/11, I turned 57 & was struck by the fact that next year we’ll be the same age. I am now the age when he had his unsuccessful stem cell transplant. It’s awful, but it makes me want to live really big, since he ran out of time so quickly.
@Lazy Budget Chef, I inherited two segers when Mom passed away. I have been too intimidated to try them out but maybe I just need to watch some YouTube videos to figure it out. Thanks for the tip
I feel like we've been bleeding money this year, but we keep plugging away every day hoping our small efforts sustain us.
1. We share a phone plan with my husband's cousin. The account is in their name and I just send them a monthly payment for our share. We went to a gathering at their house and I hand delivered our payment, saving a stamp.
2. I was debating whether or not to continue our Sam's Club membership at the higher level where you receive 2% cash back on all purchases. I called customer service with some questions. They pushed my membership ahead for 3 more months free of charge so I have a little more time to decide if the upgraded membership is cost effective.
3. I was able to cancel a doctor's appointment as my ailment healed, thus saving our copay and my travel time & gas.
4. We had to put a new roof on our house and garage. Our close friends did too. Their roof was finished before ours and they gave us some of their extra opened materials to use. I therefore had a bit more items to return that we didn't end up using, so more money back in my pocket!!
5. I sued a coupon on some takeout, used some extra care bucks at CVS, my coworker gifted me 3 yellow squash from her garden, was given leftover sandwich rolls from a picnic, and made dinner at home to prevent takeout when I didn't feel like cooking.
Kristin I’m so sorry you’re going through these hard times. It does sound like you are dealing with this in a very strong and good way but sometimes we all need a good cry and to just let ourselves be upset for a while. And how smart of you to lean into nature walks to help, nature can be so healing.
Stopped at the further away cheaper grocery store on my way home from work and picked up three big bags of produce for $2.97 total, as well as a couple dented cans of things we already use.
Picked up snacks for our upcoming road trip at the grocery store instead of paying more to get them at gas station.
Made herbal tea from the garden instead of drinking canned soft drinks.
Used the library kids reading program to get some discounted tickets for various kids activities and meals to use during the year.
Stopped at the grocery store for breakfasts and lunches on vacation so we only will be eating out for dinner a few times.
I'm so glad you made time for yourself, and practiced some self care. Sending good thoughts that the months ahead are peaceful for you.
1) Used a gift card to buy my 16 y.o. lunch at Subway, between soccer tournament games. There wasn't enough time to go home & make anything. I avoided getting anything from myself, and cobbled together some scraps for my lunch,
2) Carpooled to the tournament (mostly a time savings, as I get to shave time off my skipping the hour long warmup) & drove the electric car. Similarly, arranged an elaborate carpool this week. Helping out a friend, whose husband is out of town. (He was the one helping me over the weekend.) I picked up a few extra driving shifts, to make her life easier. It really takes a village.
3) Attended a free workout class at the office + ate lunch/breakfast for free.
4) Picked up two containers of oat milk, and saved $2 using iBotta. This is my preferred coffee addition.
5) The usual making meals at home, menu planning, freezing leftovers, selling a few small things on eBay, etc.
@Hawaii Planner,
I feel you about "cobbling together scraps for your lunch" while your kids eat! I am forever eating whatever I can find for my lunch.
ME TOO.
You're very blessed to have such a loving and helpful family in a tough time like this. When I needed help, my parents took my in-law's side and my brother pretended he didn't know what was happening! You're right about this- it is possible to be sure you are making the right decision while simultaneously feeling very sad, angry, and hurt. You will overcome this, just remember- "when people show you who they are, believe them"- Maya Angelou.
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear that you did not have the support you needed.
I'm glad you were kind to yourself and found ways to help you process through all the emotions of the day.
FFT:
- My MIL turned 89 and I convinced my husband to get takeout instead of 8 people going out to eat. The family pack from our local taco place is so much food that husband and I have been eating off the leftovers for 3 days, even after sending leftovers home with our son
- I baked my MIL a birthday cake instead of buying one. She loves my chocolate cake and it made me happy to bake something she enjoyed so much
- My best friend gave us a corner shelf and sofa table. She has given us so much furniture over the years!
- Brought my lunch every day and have cooked dinner at home every day except for MIL's birthday celebration
- Made cherry pit hot/cold packs for thank you gifts for physical therapy office using fabric I inherited from Mom and cherry pits from the 20 pound bag I bought years ago
@Beverly,
Did you buy a 20 lb bag of cherries or a 20 lb bag of just the pits?
@Becca, I bought 20 pounds of just the pits online
I find it comforting to know that just as good things are ephemeral and temporary, bad things are also temporary. Wishing you peace.
My FFT:
1. Not my decision, but our daycare enrolled in the new national (Canadian) childcare program that will eventually lead to us paying only $10 a day. Currently, our daycare cost is almost 100$ a day, so this is HUGE.
2. My husband has ended his parental leave and returned to work, which raises our household income. We were able to absorb the financial hit from my leave and then his, but it's certainly easier to have two full incomes.
3. We have not gotten takeout for a few weeks (personal triumph!) We're relying on more meat and fish (faster to cook) but not getting takeout is worth it.
4. I was feeling dissatisfied with our apartment (small! cluttered!) and so I took a leaf from Kristen's book and cleaned. I rearranged our bookshelves, tossed out some books we no longer need, and now everything looks much nicer.
5. One of my regular splurges is really good tea (Yorkshire Gold, in case anyone's wondering.) Well, I did the math and it's only 11 cents a cup! Some splurge lol. It's so good that I haven't felt tempted to buy drinks lately, because what I have at home is so good. A big glass, iced, with sugar and a splash of evaporated milk is HEAVENLY on a hot day.
Oh wow, $10 a day is an amazing price!
@Meira@meirathebear, I just have to try to make sun tea before summer is over. I think I would find it refreshing even if I put Equal in it instead of sugar. Thanks for the idea.
@Kristen, Yes! It has taken decades of delays (and I, of course, have kids in their 20s and 30s so won't benefit directly) and it is such a win for all Canadians - working parents, employers, children... the reduction of pressure about the cost of childcare essentially eating much of one parent's income is mind-blowing for couples - for single parents it is even more enormous. A really important decision that is up there with universal health care as a Country changing policy.
“And because I am me, a little frugality crept in.” This is perfect!! I resonate completely.
I am so happy that you are able to use writing as your source of calm. I do not have the ability to write so beautiful as you, but I do enjoy your posts!!
1. I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed by the thought of my kids going back to school next week and the activities that begin soon AND the money that is spent during the school year. I break down each activity fee into bi-weekly installments that I save from my paycheck. I had to add school lunches back in since they are no longer free.
2. We hosted some friends last Friday for hotdogs and smores and I purchased way too many hotdogs. So hotdogs it is for lunch (everyday....blah)
3. A colleague of my brought in some Ebay items to give to me to sell. (no commission)
4. Our local buy nothing group had some tshirts for my daughter and a pair of shoes my size (it's so hard to find that size)
5. Hubby found a deal for season passes for a local amusement park for next summer that allows us to go the rest of this year. We'll give the passes for Christmas and just pretend that we found a "fall pass" for the few times we will go this year.
I think you made good choices, Kristen. We are all here for you.
My frugals:
1. My daughter unexpectedly gave me a dozen eggs, as she was given way more than she asked for in her grocery pickup. I was happy to accept.
2. My other daughter visited me and brought her two dogs, one of which is quietly stole my dog's ball and left it in a place only that dog knew. It is designed for super chewers (which my dog is) so it was about $10, plus my dog loves it. I hunted for it several times before I finally found it, saving me $10 to replace it. My dog was thrilled to have it back, but it's become painfully obvious that my dog is not a scent hound.
3. I used points earned from ThredUp to order some cooler weather clothing, plus I'm filling in their Bingo card for future rewards. I got two Talbot's dresses, two Ann Taylor dresses, a Lands End dress, a Ralph Lauren shirt and an all-cotton Gap sweater - three of those items being new with tags - for under $100. I only order about twice a year and any other clothes I buy, which is rare, are bought at thrift stores. I buy only one or two brand new things in a year at most. I heard someone the other day talking about the thousands of dollars Americans spend per year on clothing, and thought about how they don't know THIS group.
4. My 81 year old neighbor, spurred on by two local home invasion type robberies of women living alone, is using his equipment to clear underbrush in the woods between our houses and along our fence lines, so we can see each other's houses better, and so I can see if someone is trying to hide in the trees when I leave in the early mornings to go to work or come home late. Since one of the robberies happened when a woman was walking to her car at 6:30 am, my neighbors and I have all been concerned. This is frugal for me, because I don't have to hire someone to do it now. Mainly, it's very kind of them. I'm reminded of A. Marie's neighbors.
5. Free lunch today at work! Our bosses have invited the IRA manager to talk to us about our plans at noon and lunch is provided for all of us.
@JD,
I take the opposite approach to home defense by letting my fence line get very overgrown with spiky things like raspberries. I figure besides the ouch factor, I will definitely be able to hear anyone lurking in my bushes from all the swearing and mosquito slapping they will be doing. 😉
@Becca,
Ha, ha, I can picture that, especially mosquito slapping. Unfortunately, with all the wildlife scampering, flying, fussing, croaking, cawing, singing and making noise in general, I doubt I'd hear someone in my fence rows.
@JD,
Well, I also have my catbirds, which I like to think would dive bomb any intruders on the erroneous assumption they are there to steal their* raspberries.
*They are MY raspberries damn, it! Cheeky little beggars...
@JD, I thank you on behalf of my neighbors for your complimentary comparison to your neighbors. And Becca, I too have an overgrown fence line in back (well, half of it is a vertical brush heap!) full of raspberry brambles, catbirds, and other living things. DH and I used to call it the "organic fence."
@A. Marie, The "organic fence", I love it! I think we should call ours the "organic trap fence" or something like that. Its so overgrown, semi-marshy becasue we're at a high water table, maze of roots that are throwing off-shoots...I don't know that anyone can make it through there in one piece!
@A. Marie, I've thought of you and your neighbors a lot lately, too. I've grown to really appreciate and be thankful for the neighbors we have on one side (they've been there for a year and a half now). We share produce, gardening ideas, conversation... They're so kind to my children. They saved our garden by keeping it watered while we were away during a very hot week. My husband mowed their yard last night since one of them is sick right now.
We always wanted to live more in the country than in town, but having wonderful neighbors sure does make the "in town" experience a lot more delightful!
@Ruth T, Our neighbor is teaching his young daughter how to drive their riding lawn mower. She is only six but he walks along side the mower every step of the way and could easily take control if needed. She is so proud of herself and regularly knocks on our door to see if we want our lawn mowed. Her dad texted us to give into her or else she would want to mow their lawn down to dirt, so for the last month we have had free lawn care by a six year old! It is great to see him take the time to build her competency and pride of accomplishment.
Aww, this is so cute!
@Lindsey, That is so sweet!!
Hugs and prayers for you, Kristen, as you put your brave face forward. You are an inspiration to many of us.
I don't know that I did much of a frugal nature this past week. I celebrated my birthday at my sister's lake house and that was lovely. I finally got to hold my new great niece and she is such a lovely baby.
The price of everything here has gone mad and I need to sit down with the budget and do some figuring out. I got notice that my heating bill is going up from $207 a month to $375. We have a forced air oil furnace and I'm thinking I need to look at some alternative heat sources. Stressful times for many, I think.
Oh, I love that you have a family member with a lake house too! Isn't it so lovely?
And happy birthday; I know each birthday must feel like an extra-special gift to you.
@Leann, happy birthday wishes to you!
My kids are getting ready to go back to school this week, so we are making the most of our last days of summer.
1) Not sure if I mentioned this in a past week, but thanks to being organized last Spring, and putting all our school supplies in one place, I was able to buy very little in terms of new supplies this year.
2) We went to a local farm to play with their kittens! The farm rescues a litter of kittens every summer and adopts them out before they close for winter. Seeing the kittens is one of my kids’ favorite summer activities. There’s no admission fee, but we do often buy some apple donuts during the visit. The cost is still cheap entertainment, plus the freshly made donuts are amazing!
3) Over the weekend, we took advantage of some mild fall-like weather and drove to our nature center to take a family walk in the woods. My youngest also had fun in their natural play scape area. Again, free entertainment!
4) I’ve been working on a fall veggie garden this year. I already had seeds and soil, so there’s no extra cost, other than my own sweat equity.
5) I’ve been using my love of gardening for some “frugal giving”. Obviously, using money to help others is a good thing, but I’m also happy to find ways to help my community without over-straining our budget. This week, I collected extra produce (tomatoes, beans, Swiss chard) from my garden (plus some surplus cucumbers from a generous neighbor) to donate to a group that gives it to food insecure people in our area. I also collected a variety of flower and veggie seeds from my garden for a local middle school. They not only teach kids how to grow plants, but they will then harvest seeds from their own plants to stock to a free seed library for the community.
1. I had my son try on every piece of clothing he owns to see what he will need for the upcoming school year. In the end he just needed a pair of jeans and a pair of khakis. We ended up with a large basket of clothing to take to the local kid’s second hand clothing store.
2. I finally took my and my husband’s ‘to be donated’ clothes to the local consignment shop. It was my first time visiting this store so I’m not sure how well the return will be but it’s worth my time to drop them off and hope for the best.
3. I renewed my vehicle registration online and paid directly from my checking account instead of putting it on my credit card. The “processing fee” for using a credit card on the DMV’s website was much higher than the return I would have received on credit card points.
4. I did a freezer and deep freeze clean out and inventory. I try to stay on top of the inventory but I’m not the only person in our house so it can be inaccurate after a while.
5. After the freezer inventory we’ve been eating exclusively from the freezer, pantry, and the weekly CSA box. I’m having to flex my creativity muscle but we have lots of odds and ends that need to be used up.
Kristen, I hope you truly understand what an inspiration and blessing you are to all of us. It encourages me to see how you navigate hard times. Thank you.
I am still visiting my adult family and probably my biggest frugal win is seeing how my 3 kids have embraced and even exceeded my frugal ways, even though it doesn't necessarily look the same. They have all purchased fixer uppers, do a lot of DIY, shop at thrift stores, Aldi and discount chains and generally look for ways to save.
I am going to Aldi today to buy groceries to make meals for the next 5 nights. The kids/families (9 of us when we are all together) appreciate just being together more than going out each night and we all help each other out with cooking and clean up.
We are checking out some thrift stores while we are here.
I went to a big Amish farm stand and got some great deals on fresh produce.
My husband and I went to a small, volunteer run, local coffee shop this morning that gives all profits back to the community. Not only is the coffee cheaper than chains, it tasted better and we felt great helping neighbors.
Happy Wednesday, friends!
Thank you so much, Tricia. It's funny how when we humans are vulnerable enough to share our struggles, it really helps other humans too.
Kristen, good for you for taking care of yourself. (((hugs)))
Not sure I had truly frugal things this week. We did take advantage of grocery tax free month in our state to stock up on some items (although I noticed the shelf price had jumped dramatically on one item). I bought two pairs of slacks on eBay for half what they would have cost in a retail store. My husband and I ate lunch out Saturday, but changed our plans from the more expensive restaurant to a cheaper student hang-out with great salads and fish & chips, and I drank water.
All three of our dogs are sick this week with a gastro ailment, which is awful for them, but we do have a savings account earmarked for their medical expenses, so we don't have to worry about treating them. We have, however, spent a lot of money on paper towels. (Some messes you just don't use a rag for!) However, the floor cleaner was free, from a bunch of stuff left behind at work by a conference group. So that's a plus side.
@Ruby, sure hope your dogs feel better soon! ❤️
I’m sorry you were feeling low, Kristen. I hope things are better now.
1. Shopped at Aldi.
2. Cooked and baked from scratch.
3. Resisted the pull of takeout, and came up with a skillet lasagna and salad for dinner, without a trip to the store.
4. Had a stellar week of eBay reselling. Eight items in one week.
5 Wanted new dog grooming shears after seeing some on an inviting
website. Had my old ones sharpened instead.
Kristen, I'll join the chorus of others wishing you well as you navigate the ups and downs of this big life transition. Thank you for bravely sharing your heart with all of us.
Re: Starbucks stars, I've realized I prefer spending them for a chocolate croissant or other baked good. It's only 50 stars, versus 150 for a drink! Just my personal preference but I love baked goods and then it doesn't take as long to have a freebie. Playing the Starbucks winter/summer games is a good way to earn stars- no purchase needed for two plays per day.
Now on to my FFT:
1. Thankfully cooler weather has allowed us to keep our AC off and the windows open at night and many days recently.
2. A quick detour on the way home from a work shift (yay extra income!) let me pick up a pound of kidney beans through Buy Nothing.
3. Made homemade chicken broth from saved rotisserie carcasses and veggie scraps. Waited until the weather was cooler so it didn’t heat up the house.
4. Continue to write birthday and thank you cards from the cards given to me by my mom and MIL. I used to have an overly large card and stationary stash but am glad to now help others use theirs instead.
5. Using it up (a favorite recurring FFT for me): travel-size toothpastes from the dentist, and a soap bar saved from a hotel. While I might only save a few pennies, I enjoy decluttering the bathroom drawers, and it keeps me from having to buy new products for a little longer. (I don’t specifically save unused hotel soaps, but try to bring the ones we do use home as it seems silly for them to throw away soap.)
Coupons, eating leftovers, not going out to eat, eating from the garden, finding new ways to use baskets and other storage options instead of buying more...love that you found frugal self care!!
Sometimes you just gotta do what you have to do to get by. No shame.
My weekly finds are really not anything glamorous.
1.) Got a super deal on trash bags. Not a huge seller but they will never go bad.
2.) Found a deal on some sneakers. My PF Flyers finally are ready for the shoe recycling bin and my Converse are a couple years old and in need of replacing.
3.) Bought myself a nice notebook that was part of Back to School sales.
4.) Generally just doing what I can do that is free or low cost. For example my wife and I visited a local national park for free (outside of gas money) and had a great time.
5.) Working a little overtime here and there.
Congrats on making it through yesterday. That's rough but I really want to commend you for handling it the way you did. Some people would have drowned their sorrows in drugs, alcohol, lashing out or some other unhealthy indulgence. But you took a walk, got some rest with some new scenery, indulged in a long shower...all things that feel good but don't damage you in the long run. That's some champion level maturity right there! I know this is harder on you than you let on to your readers but I just want to remind you that you are making your way through this. It's not over but you are doing it and it's going to be ok. And it certainly seems that you're not just drifting your way through the darkness - you're navigating it. You're taking control where you can and that really is something to be proud of. I loved the way you handled the unkind comment yesterday and how you're refocusing your thoughts and energy on where you want to be. Keep going. We're all rooting for you!
Aww, thank you. Yes, I am really trying to use some healthy coping mechanisms...things that are good for me in the long run, not just things that feel good in the short term. Healing is a long game, I think!
@CrunchyCake, How nicely put, Crunchy Cake! (And Happy Birthday!).
Kristen, We're all cheering you on!
I feel like I've only had fails this week...while I did do that Mom thing by throwing together random foods to make meals for myself, I also let more food go bad than I would have liked and the kids ate out more than i would have liked. Still going to keep trying and focus on what I DID do:
1. Sold some books that my kids have outgrown.
2. Stacked up some savings at Target- used my red card for 5% off, an additional 5% off for my birthday, added a $10 off of $50 purchase deal to my wallet, and bought a bunch of stuff we needed on sale.
3. My daughter had to do some testing at a location that was a few blocks away from the beach. The testing was going to take a couple hours instead of wasting time on my phone in the waiting room, I took advantage of the free parking and took a walk on the beach.
4. Signed up for an excel class through my employer for free. I'm hoping to leave said employer soon so I figured that it would be good to take advantage of training opportunities while I can.
5. Have been indulging in reading books from the library again and it's been so nice. Free entertainment for me for hours.
Sending good vibes and positive energy your way, Kristen! So glad you recognized that "pushing through" is not always helpful, you deserve time to heal. Life sure is a rollercoaster of stuff and emotions.
I am going to make an attempt at FFT this week:
- We are eating mostly out of our fridge/freezer as we're getting ready for a long trip overseas. I did stop by Trader Joe's yesterday since I've never been and it was on my way. Only bought a few interesting snacks for the upcoming trip, and a few things we needed, like milk.
- Returned a few things to TJMaxx. Well, actually I returned all of the clothes I got for myself, two skirts, a dress, and two shirts. Seems like I still cannot just estimate my size and how things will fit me after having my last baby. I hate trying stuff out at the store so I was just wingin' it and boy was I wrong. I was going to keep one of the skirts because *I think* I will fit in it soon since I am losing weight slowly, but decided to return it. Old me would have kept it!
- Did not buy any extra stuff for the trip except a birthday dress for my daughter (less than $10) since her birthday is while we are traveling, and a second large suitcase since we only have one. With 2 adults+2 kids and a 2-week trip, we need 2 suitcases. Checked luggage is free with our tickets.
- Deep cleaned my car ahead of the long drive we have to the airport. So tiring but also great to have a clean(er) car, between 2 kids and all 4 seasons, snow, mud, and muck, it was in a pretty rough shape.
- Bought a planner for my new job, it was off-season so heavily discounted, but undated so I can start using it when I'm ready. It's also from an eco-friendy store which I really appreciate, though I had to have it shipped so definitely not as good as if I bought something locally.
I love that you did what you needed to care for yourself. Hoping for better days for you!
1. I am picking up a bag of groceries from someone on Buy Nothing today, as this person is going out of town.
2.My husband and I signed up for a 6-week nutrition class via Zoom. We receive $15 each, for each class, to use at our Public Market (total of $180). $15 at our Public Market is a ton of money, as everything is priced very well. I also received $10 in the mail for filling out a quick survey.
3. I picked blackberries, currants, and grapes from a neighbor's yard that had too many.
4. I used left over bread ends and muffins to make baked French toast for my kid's breakfasts this week. I used kale and green beans from my garden to make a tofu dish for my lunches this week. I used vegetable peels and scraps to make vegetable stock. I dehydrated some over-ripe pears, strawberries, and plums, which came out very good. I even dehydrated some orange peels to add to my tea. I dehydrated fresh herbs from our garden to use during the cold months.
5. We ordered a mattress for my daughter off Amazon. It ended up being ridiculously hard and uncomfortable. We contacted Amazon for a return and they gave us a full refund and told us to keep the mattress.
I'm so sorry you are going through this difficult time. I am glad you are taking care of yourself.
In keeping with the self care them here are my frugal things:
1) I took bike rides most days last week. This is a frugal activity because I ride an old bike I bought used and wear biker clothes I bought at Goodwill. It is like meditation for me.
2) I listened to audio books from my library. Sitting quietly by myself listening to a book is heaven for me.
3) I made stove top macaroni and cheese. I am not a stress eater, but sometimes I just need stovetop mac and cheese. It cost, what, like twelve cents? So it is even cheaper than my usual homemade lunch.
4) We are taking family evening walks. Three of my children are home from camp this week before school starts, which means that I don't get to take my bike rides in the middle of the day. Instead we have all been walking together. The weather has finally cooled off a bit, so it was very pleasant.
5) I went to see a friend yesterday to catch up and then today spent a few minutes talking to a kid's friend's mom when I walked over to drop said kid at a play date. It costs nothing and means so much to connect with other folks.
1. Went halves on a steer with my in laws. We just barely had enough room in our chest freezer! This also forced me to organize the freezer better and use up a few things.
2. One of the things I found buried in the freezer was chopped up green pepper from 2020. I am very thankful to my past self for doing that since my green peppers aren't doing great this year, and it's an ingredient in the salsa I make. I found enough for three batches!
3. Canning salsa. I am not entirely sure this is frugal, but it's delicious and I (mostly) enjoy the process.
4. Instead of getting a dog for ourselves, we started boarding for Rover. We get to have a dog for a few days on our own schedule, don't have to pay for any food, toys, crate, vet bills, etc, and instead get paid to do it. It's certainly not passive income, but it's something my kids can help with, as opposed to other options I considered that are virtual but require my full attention and being on a computer/device.
5. Batched my errands to only go into town one day this week and save gas and time.
I just read this and had to come back and share it with you: "When life knocks you down, sometimes the best thing to do is stay there and take a nap."
We ordered and received my daughter's books for college that we're renting. It's a small amount cheaper than the first day access the university does. She does better with actual books, so it's really a win-win.
I like real books better too. Sadly, all three of my fall classes had mandatory ebooks. BOO.
Received a class action settlement of $150. I choose to take it in a prepaid Visa card so it isn’t absorbed into general budget
Our oldest son is staying with us as he started a new job here in central Oklahoma. He’s moving from
So California and going thru a divorce
Cooking at home. I get a free lunch at work every day
Gathering items for consignment store and donation
Drinking water with flavor drops in it
Oooh, $150 is not insignificant. Yay!
I'm thankful that you had the chance to do numbers 1-3. Hugs to you.
My FFT:
1. I had lots of cucumbers on hand and didn't want them to go to waste, so I canned relish before leaving for our camping trip on Friday. Not my usual pre-trip activity, but I'm glad it got done. I think we froze some green beans that morning, too.
2. Soaked my daughter's gym shoes from last year in OxiClean to get them fresh for this school year. She wore them over the summer and they got pretty dirty. But I'm thankful that they still fit and now that they're clean she'll be happier about wearing them again.
3. We were at another town that had a Kroger and I found mustard seeds in their store brand! The only options in my town are name brand and are very expensive. I got a bigger container for less than the cost of the tiny name brand one. I'm hoping to make some pickles in the next couple of weeks.
4. Aldi had a bunch of summer things marked 75% off and I grabbed a big slip n slide for $5 (next summer's birthday party activity for my 2 summer birthday kiddos) and a big inflatable pool for $7.
5. We have a couple of different options for youth sports for our kiddos, but are choosing to do them through the one associated with my husband's work. We get an 80% discount! I would choose that organization even if the prices were the same, but having it be super cheap makes it a lot easier.
Kristen,
While I rarely comment, please know that I'm thinking of you, and hoping for the best. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and feelings with us, as well as sharing the ways that you cope. You are truly an inspiration.
I have a good friend going through a very ugly divorce right now, and I intend to share your post from yesterday with her. I think it will help her with the challenges she is facing.
My FFT:
After a decidedly unfrugal vacation, I....
1) Started enjoying my free lunches back at work. they make a scrumptious Mediterranean salad that I eat for lunch whenever it's available.
2) upon coming home, it was discovered that our chest freezer door had been open for an undetermined length of time.....sigh. Some food needed to be thrown out, but a great deal was still frozen solid. It gave me "permission" to toss foods that no one wanted to eat that had outstayed their welcome in our freezer (they were thawed and not edible). my freezer is now clean, and will be organized in the near future....AND we bought a locking latch for it.
3) My garden is producing lovely tomatoes and cucumbers. Yay for garden tomatoes!
4) My son needed new gym shoes for school (they are his "usual" shoe of choice), so I was able to take advantage of a BOGO deal at Famous Footwear (I bought a new pair of inexpensive "athleisure" shoes for me, which I can wear at work).
5) After many, many phone calls, and the kind understanding and cooperation of my dentist's office, my dental insurance FINALLY paid for a crown that was placed last October (2021). It took my dentist's office sending paperwork no fewer than three times, and at least 6 phone calls from me to make this happen. $700+ paid by them. My dentist's office will be getting some baked treats from me.
Hi Kristin, for some reason I no longer get emails from you. Is there another way I can get emails? Love your site and want to follow you!
Hmmm, it looks like you might have accidentally clicked a button that meant you didn't want emails. The system says you clicked "complain" after an email in early July. But now it looks to me like you've managed to sign up again. Let me know if you need any more help!
I don't comment often but have been thinking of you. Yesterday would have been my 25th wedding anniversary if I was still married. I don't ever doubt my decision to leave but like you said, it is still difficult some days. Hurray for self-care! I like to listen to a podcast while enjoying a long walk when I am in need of self-care.
Oh friend, I am so sorry that you have felt this pain as well.
I listen to podcasts almost all of the time when I walk too!
@Kristen, Have you ever done a post about your fav podcasts?! I would love new recommendations- would also love knowing what other people listen to!
Good to read that you’re taking care of yourself, and that you’re allowing yourself to actually feel all the feelings. I think that’s quite difficult myself.
My FFT:
1. A member of my partners hunting team moved and asked if we wanted a chest freezer. It’s the old kind that can stand out in the garage year round. Now I can go picking even more berries and mushrooms this year!
2. It’s an exellent mushroom year here and a friend took me with picking on Sunday. Got to see where one can find the Boletus edulis, that’s very generous of her 🙂
3. As the mushroom picking took us only 15 minutes from the Finnish border we went over and did a little shopping. I love plain Turkish yogurt and it costs a lot less there so bought 5 kg. Will mix it with berries from the freezer and it will make so many filling lunches.
4. Have been eating out of the freezer, buying only milk and produce at the store + the yogurt in no. 3.
5. Sold a jacket and promptly used the money to buy curtains secondhand that I’ll use to sew breadbaskets to sell at upcoming fairs. They have been quite popular earlier years (pre-covid) so if they don’t sell locally I can sell them online with a little more effort (taking pictures and mailing).
@Gunn from northern Norway,
Hello, Gunn! What material are the curtains? Linen? I have read that linen is a good storage material for bread, (making bags out of old linen tablecloths or napkins), but have never tried it.
Or do you just like the curtains for the design on them?
@Heidi Louise, Hi! Yes, the curtains are linen. The ones I’m sewing are more like serving baskets so I use these neutral linen fabrics together with old 60/70’s linen tablecloths from Finland.
I enjoy keeping the sourdough bread in linen drawstringbags, keeps the crust crunchy. But I would guess that depends on the humidity where one lives 🙂
@Gunn from northern Norway, Vintage Finnish tablecloths sound intriguing!
I have some heavy cotton ones from the 1950s in the U.S. that I will some day make into tote bags. Very brightly colored big print tablecloths, especially oversized floral prints, were characteristic of the time. The designs probably hid small stains well, making them particularly practical.
1. My raspberry bushes have outdone themselves this year. I have 9 gallons of them in the freezer for winter. I had 10 but I traded one for a gallon of high bush cranberries a friend picked. They grow wild and you can tell when fall has arrived because they give off a strong musky odor.
2. Someone else who does grocery store shops fell through so I was asked to do them at the last minute. It was a rush to meet the deadline but worth it because I got $198 worth of groceries and a small payment. Since my garden, and fishing friends have filled my freezer, I spent it on staples such as oats, flour, mayo, sugar, a higher quality hot dog that we rarely buy because of the price. I should not have to shop again except for milk, which means I should finish the month having spent less than $50 out of pocket!
3. Did three gas shops this morning, so topped off the tank and since I had to buy pop, came home with six diet drinks that we usually don't buy unless I am feeling exceptionally weak-willed.
4. Husband was given a very expensive used thermos. It was hideously coffee stained inside. An hour with Bar Keepers Friend and a pair of tongs to hold the sponge to get the bottom parts and it looks like new. Katy from Nonconsumer Advocate turned me on to Bar Keepers and for that I have thanked her in my brain numerous times when I used it to make things look like new.
5. I love the library! They ordered several books I wanted so I did not have to pay out of pocket for them, and while I was there I picked up a still in its wrapper puzzle that I will return to the puzzle corner when we have finished with it.
6. Accepted more quail eggs from a neighbor. They are a pain to use but it is free food.
7. I jammed my wheelchair (for the second time!!) at full speed into the siding of our house, cracking it. I think the guy who did the siding for us feels sorry for me. He said he was short of employees so could not spend the time on such a small job. Instead he explained to my husband how to do it and he GAVE us the materials. I had the husband drop off a basket (salvaged for free ages ago) filled with garden tomatoes, leeks and basil, as well as a recipe for how to turn them into soup.
This has been a very good week, spending and earning wise!
Wow! So many amazing wins for you, Lindsey!
@Lindsey,
I'm so impressed with your raspberry haul!! And I just purchased my first container of Bar Keeper's Friend this week. I haven't used it yet, but am excited to try it out.
I’m glad you were able to get away for a night.
My frugal things:
1. I used $75 dollars of reward dollars to buy my husband new dress socks, $9 out of pocket.
2. I received new lids for my glass Snapware containers. They have a lifetime warranty, so I periodically need new lids between wear and tear and the occasional drop.
3. NextDoor came through for giving away my old couch. Junk hauling services would have been $200 to haul away.
4. I am cooking up a lot of veggies that are languishing in the fridge. Making frittata, roasted cabbage with lemon, and zucchini with garlic for Smitten Kitchen’s zucchini quesadillas.
5. I experimented with bulk ordering from Azure Standard. I bought beans, oats and canned tomatoes. A friend was kind enough to pick my order up for me. Great prices, all organic. I just have to figure out how to store many pounds of beans now!
This will be interesting...let's see what happens if I just start typing...
1. Went to my Aunt's to honor her 92nd birthday. We drove (400 miles) vs. flying We packed food for the road and only stopped for gas (1) and a quick pit stop(1).
2. We stayed with another relative. I assembled a lovely thank-you gift for our hosts from items in my pantry, woo-hoo!
3. Aunt's gift was 92 of something that was 3/$1.29 at the dollar store, so $45-ish out-of-pocket, which was a great value for what I got and she was thrilled.
Alas, the day after we got home, we started feeling crummy and have both tested positive for Covid. Here's where ongoing frugality really comes into play:
4. We unpacked and did laundry as soon as we got home, so all the laundry was caught up before we started feeling lousy. Tidied up the house before we left, so everything was in very good order. I apply Amy D's Pantry Principal to dry goods and sundries, so we had plenty of test kits, cough syrup, kleenex, etc. on hand, which was good, because we've used a lot of it.
5. This trip was rather spur-of-the-moment. I had grocery shopped right before we left, so there was plenty of fresh food in the house. I also keep a full pantry, so we have plenty of nourishing food on hand. No Uber Eats or delivery for us. However, I have used up the last of my freezer meals, so I'll get right on that...as soon as we're fully recovered.
Aww, what a sweet trip you guys took!
Selling the vacuum part instead of returning it is GENIUS
I love walking too! Nature, excercise and time to think or pray really helps me.
1. I ordered a shutterfly book with a coupon code I had from a previous order.
Savings $14.99
2. I ordered my daughter's history books from Masterbooks, except for one of the books. I earned some store credit from that order, so I then bought the downloadable version of the last book and used my store credit points towards it.
Savings: $2.76
3. My husband is trying to buy some work boots off ebay. At sale price at the sporting goods store they're $100. He's thinks he'll be able to get them for $60 off ebay (he's waiting on a response to an offer right now).
Potential savings: $40 (but we'll see)
4. We'll be heading back to Africa next month, so I organized the pantry and made a list of the foods that we need to eat up. I'm planning meals around those and trying to keep grocery purchases to mostly perishable items, and eating up the non-perisables in the cupboards.
Savings: I'm really not sure, but hoping our grocery bill will be $25 + under an average month due to this.
5. I've been collecting the AC water to water our plants with as our last water bill was maybe the highest we've ever had.
Savings: probably pretty minimul, but the little stuff can add up.
Self care can absolutely be a little frivolous and luxury, what is the point of self care if it is not about some indulgence? Sometimes you just really need to sleep in high thread count sheets, turn the A/C that you don't have to pay for down and get cozy. On another note, I can't imagine the feelings and thoughts that run through your head on your anniversary. I know that this is not how you thought that you would spend it on, but I hope you find peace and know that you are resilient and strong.
Anyways...FFT
1. A job that allows me a lot of overtime. I have a per diem job at a local hospital that I work at during my off weeks and it is nice to know that I can always pick up shifts there for extra cash or to help pay off something.
2. TikTok. Is it a mindless timekiller? Absolutely. But has it also helped me expand my personal style, show me the best thrift stores in my area and interior design trends on a budget? Also yes.
3. Phone calls. As a Millenial, I HATE phone calls. But my best friend lives on the opposite coast and we have gotten into the habit of weekly phone calls as I drive down from work and have a few hours to kill. And it is really nice to hear her voice.
4. Italian markets. I have 4 near me of various price points and the cheese, pasta, sauces and snacks are absurdly superior to what I have in my grocery store.
5. My job schedule. As insane as 24 hour shifts are, they allow me to have 9 days off in row. And when you have a lot of house projects you want to start, it is nice to have a stretch of time to finish them.
Moving from home of 20 yrs
Alot of crying. No help from friends
Save $$$$ anyway
Today I biked to mass, the pharmacy, the bank and the hardware store. With the exception of my trip to mass, I will be reimbursed for mileage for the other three destinations. It's not a lot but I exercised and I'll get some cash.