Five Frugal Things | yard edition
1. My neighbors and I did some yard cleanup
When I moved into this house two years ago, there was a big pile of tree branches and brush on one side of the parking pad.
And in the time since, I've added some to the pile (there are a lotta trees in this yard, and they are always dropping branches and sticks!)
I have thought about hiring someone to come chip them all up, but of course, that would not be cheap.
Well, when my sweet neighbors Hank and Donna were helping me do some spring yard cleanup a few weeks ago, they offered to help me get rid of that pile, along with one on the other side of my yard.
Want to see that colorful bit up closer?
Anyway, this past week they came over to help me! So kind.
They own lots of lawn/trimming equipment, and that helped so much. We all got very dirty. And sweaty.
Here's the parking pad before.
And here it is now. I had never seen this part of the parking pad!
And now that I'm free of this backlog of fallen wood, I can have a chance of staying on top of the new branches that fall down.
(I will definitely be giving my neighbors a thank you gift!)
2. I got some free cheese
I noticed I had points in my Safeway app for a free item, so I chose a package of Swiss cheese (one of my favorite cheeses!) for $0.00.
3. I fixed a pair of shorts
I was folding my laundry yesterday and I noticed the waistband of my trusty Old Navy linen-blend shorts felt weird. And then I noticed the bottom waistband stitching was coming loose in several places.
Sooo, I got out my machine and did some quick stitching with black thread.
Now we're back in business!
(These Old Navy shorts are similar to what I have, but mine have a flat front with a drawstring. I'm surprised they swapped that design out for the full elastic waist.)
4. I bought a backup pair of shorts on eBay
As I was writing this post, I was like, "Hmmm, so Old Navy changed the design of my trusty shorts! I'd like another pair of the old style."
I hopped over to eBay, found a pair of the old design in my size for $10 (with free shipping), and I bought them.
5. I bought a pair of walking shorts on eBay
While I was on eBay, I remembered that I wanted a second pair of walking shorts. I have one pair of Adidas shorts that I bought years ago, and I like the way they fit, so I searched for them on eBay and found a pair for $7.
I do not like to go on eBay and randomly search for clothes, but I do like to use it when I already know exactly what I want!
Good Morning! Here's my five:
1. Went to CVS to buy cards as there's a lot of relatives graduating this month, found a pack of 6 grad cards for $5.99, bought DH some shaving cream, and with my digital coupons and monthly $10 off, it cost me 14 cents total. Its so fun when that happens. Especially since our Dollar Tree closed, and that used to be my go to for cards.
2. I was sick with a bad cold all weekend, so I rested, learned how to make egg drop soup watching a cooking show, so ate that using boxed broth I already had, my own herbs growing on my porch, and fresh garlic. After three days of that, I'm feeling much better. (I used to make broth, but have no time for that any more)
3. I have some end of school year events coming up, thought about shopping for a dress, but looked through my closet and put together some nice outfits with what I already have.
4. Its sandal season, thought about getting a pedicure, did my own instead for free.
5. Found some Vicks rub in a drawer, that really helped me sleep. I didn't have to go out to get any cold medicine. Keeping my medicines organized helps me to know what I already have so I don't overbuy.
@MommaJo, Your #1 beat me by 45 cents! My new dental hygienist recommended a specific brand of OTC mouthwash to replace a prescription one. CVS stocks her recommendation, but it retails for $19.79 a bottle. Ouch! It’s a big bottle but still… The prescription one was free with my insurance, but with repeated use it stains your teeth. But it turns out I had so many accumulated CVS coupons and rewards I got her recommended brand for … $0.59. Which was the NM state sales tax that I guess they have to charge even if you’re paying nothing for the product. Which, by the way, is minty fresh and much more pleasant to use! ;-}
@MommaJo, If you live near a Trader Joe, they have nice greeting cards for $1.00!!
@JDinNM, I love the CVS rewards! 🙂
@Madeline, thank you but no Trader Joe's here, unfortunately.
* I received three boxes of strawberries for free. I was volunteering in the school's cafeteria, and the lunch lady had a large quantity iof fresh strawberries that would not have been used by the end of school. So she gave me some.
* I made freezer jam with this plethora of strawberries. Which I have never done before, so it was an adventure. And it turned out well! So I have jam for months in the freezer.
*Being careful to only buy what's needed for the few school lunches left.
*Going through clothes to see what fits which kids before buying new summer duds. Unfortunately, boys grew a lot and the thrift stores don't have much in their sizes, so I'll hit the sales at Target instead.
*Bought a swim pass for the family at the city pool. Cheaper than the country club option, and at least it's easy to get to. The membership is nice because then we don't have to spend all day at the pool ( which I would hate) to get our money's worth. We usually go in the late afternoon when it's less crowded to cool off and play.
Frugal Five - Poison Ivy!
I have actually felt like I have not been very frugal dealing with a poison ivy outbreak, but I'll try.
1. Did not get takeout even once. Made sandwiches and frozen pizza instead.
2. Worked from home for two days because I was just gross.
3. In relation to #2, I did not go anywhere I did not actually have to go. I did venture to the store for some basics, with a washcloth strapped to my back. Ewww, the ooze.
4. In our new house, we opted to not get cable or satellite, saving over $100+ a month. I am so excited by this for both money and time reasons!
5. Continued to do all the basics - coffee from home, books from the library, earn points for gift cards online, picking up pennies when I see them, making a menu plan and a grocery list, etc.
@Angel, I am so, so sorry for the poison ivy. There is nothing fun about that.
@Angel, Oh, ouch! I have never had contact with poison ivy, but DH had a friend he took camping for their first time when they were kids, and his friend was so proud of starting a fire while DH was getting water...turned out his friend and the friend's brother had piled a whole bunch of fresh poison ivy vines on the fire! They ended up in the hospital with poison ivy in their lungs.
@Angel, try using Caladrel Clear (works better than off brand) &/or apple cider vinegar (unopened sores) with Q tip dabbing on to sores to dry up quicker. And taking Benadryl capsules to help with itch.
Ohhhh, the poison ivy! So very sorry to hear!
I am lucky to have never had a poison ivy reaction, but my parents are both sensitive to it so I am duly terrified of it.
@Angel,
So sorry about your poison ivy -- I itch just reading about it. Hope you feel better soon.
I haven't paid for TV in years! I use antennae for my TV viewing, and you'll be amazed at all the subchannels that are out there. They keep adding more all time! Since most folks are going to streaming, they donate their DVDs and Blu Rays to thrift stores, which sell them cheap....so you can grab a lot of your favorite movies for not very much. Even better, libraries have video sections where you can check stuff out for free.
@Angel, eeeew, I'm so sorry! The only thing worse than the discomfort is feeling gross, like you said. May healing be swift!
@Karen A., I second the caladryl clear. It’s worth it and you really don’t need much for stings and bites so you generally get your money’s worth. Not sure how much it will take for your poison ivy. I’m so sorry you are suffering through that. Fingers crossed it heals quickly!!
@Regina, I keep Caladrel in the fridge, the cool of the lotion also feels good on the infected area. I do recommend shaking before use. 😉
@Angel, One year I had poison ivy soo bad I ended up in the emergency room! It is no joke! Hope you heal up fast!!!!!!!
@Angel, After my first poison ivy event someone told me to get Technu and use it after every exposure. I did and I swear by it. I just bought some and it is the best $17.
@Amy cheapohmom,
A friend (whose husband used to work as a landscaper) always recommends Technu to anyone who gets poison ivy exposure. I've been fortunate (knock wood) that I either don't react, or haven't been exposed.
@Liz B.,
Another firm beliver in Technu here! We keep it in the shower for both my husband and sons, who do a lot of yard work for hire. If there is any possibility of exposure, they scrub down, and it has been a lifesaver. Even a day or so after exposure, its still helpful. Although it's easier to tell poison ivy now because of its leaves, it can be deadly year round. The vine, even without leaves is full of the irritating sap, and handling it at ANY time-even it it's dead!- can cause a reaction. My son cleaned out an overgrown parking lot over last Christmas break, and didn't realize he'd tangled with it because there were no identifying leaves in winter. His reaction was so severe (swollen joints, muscle pain, etc) that he had to go to the college clinic for a steroid shot.
@Angel, as noted in another post, never burn it. IF you think you've been exposed to poison ivy, cold water wash only. With a de-greaser type soap is best as urushiol, the itch "source" is an oil. If you cut a plant with a tool, de-grease the tool.
Sad part is it takes even longer for a vine to dry out as the winters (at least in my area), have not been as cold as they once were.
@Selena, I should have added hot water opens your pores and lets more urushiol into your body. Dealing with poison ivy is my duty. We burn firewood and I deal with removing vines before better half cuts up the tree. I won't win any fashion contest but I have yet to break out. When we have pets who go outside, I am ever vigilant as I don't want it to get on their fur. We have five acres of trees so get it in all varieties - vines up the tree, grows like bushes, and the low to the ground variety.
Thank you all! You have some great ideas and I'm going to add some of your products to my shopping list. I'm sure if there was some by the air conditioner near the house, our whole (new-to-us) property is filled with the stuff. I am not going to go out into the woods without all.the.clothes.
Hello!
We had family in over the holiday weekend and I made dinners for 14 people for 3 nights. When I wanted to take the easy way out and order take out for one night, I calculated the cost of one meal and it came to almost the cost of three nights from scratch. Another family member provided breakfasts and lunches.
The family that was visiting needed transportation and we leant them our vehicle. Instead of paying someone to detail it, my children detailed it beautifully for free!
We entertained our family for free: fishing and playing in the backyard with cousins cost nothing.
My son purchased two identical pairs of pants and noticed that they were different. He self-tailored the pants to match (inseams and length).
We needed to have landscaping done in the front of the house because bushes were brown and dying. We visited a nursery that provides a free consulting service and worked with a designer to choose bushes. We removed the old ones with our van, a tire, and simple physics. New bushes were planted and we were able to save some parts of the old and replant them elsewhere in the yard.
@MH, you have a son of remarkable resourcefulness and self-sufficiency!
@MH,
Yay for nurseries with free consulting services! There's one in my area that provides a free garden/landscape design on request (one area is free; if you want more areas, there is a fee. You send them photos and dimensions of the area you need a design for). This was incredibly helpful when we had a sizable garden area dug up on the side of our house 4 years ago. I did buy a fair amount of plants from them, mostly the plants that are not available anywhere else - this is a "nursery outlet" store, and their prices are pretty reasonable - and some of the recommended plants came from elsewhere ($4 1-gallon clearance yarrow plants? yes, please!). Everything survived that first year except for the Black Eyed Susans, and I've subbed in other (sale and clearance) plants as needed. It now looks wonderful.
Yay good neighbors! You've mentioned before that your lease includes taking care of the yard, but I still hope your landlord gives you a discount or some sort of extra for taking care of that substantial pile.
--I saved gas by combining a household stock up trip with my husband's commute to work. We do this every other week or so; he gets a break from driving for a day, and we get some extra time together for random conversations. When I've more time than errands, I work remotely on my laptop at a coffee shop. The "wifi/hang out tax" of a drink is still less than the gas of us driving in individually, plus it's a locally owned and locally active business that I enjoy supporting.
--Thanks to CVS Extra Bucks, sales, and coupons, I paid only $1.01 for $20+ worth of work snacks for my husband. The haul included clearance tuna @ 57 cents each, dried fruit, and nuts.
--Target had an entire shelf of raw skinless, boneless, already cut chicken breasts priced at $1.75 per package, and the sell-by date was still three days out! I resisted the urge to go full hoarder and only bought three packages.
--Likewise, Whole Foods had organic beef kielbasa 50% off for its sell-by, in addition to it being on sale in the first place. The 16% sodium per serving is actually really good for kielbasa and just skirts under too much salt for my husband's strict medical diet. Telling someone who's half German and half Polish that they must forever abstain from tubed meat is a no-go--hence it being a treat in our house. 😛 Two 50% off packages only cost $6 total.
--The only Memorial Day sale I took advantage of was on Chewy.com. They had two offers: Buy two, get one free on select food (limit two freebies per order) and get 25% off one item on a separate order. I did one order of wet food, maxing out both freebies, and a second order to get 25% off a giant bag of Hills Science Diet.* I had held off out restocking our feline larder hoping for another "spend $100, get a $30 gift card" offer, but this turned out even better! I only had to spend $80 for the same amount of savings.
* I mix 3 lbs of Purina Naturals Indoor per 15.5 lb bag of Hills. Our shelter boys were used to Hills and are all FIV+, so rather than stress them with changes, we compromise by mixing the two foods to make the pricey one last just a little longer. Everyone eats their fill, our vet says they're in amazing health and at the perfect weight for their individual size (our feline trio ranges from 5 to 14 lbs), and their coats are shampoo commercial glossy.
@N, Ha @ the sausages! My husband has to make some diet changes too, and I'm going to borrow your line and tell him "At least you don't have to abstain forever from tubed meat;" that will definitely cheer him up!
@N, don't you just love chewy?! We have a zoo (3 dogs and 3 cats) so we use their deals often. Our cats also range from petite,7 pounds to our big gal who is 15!
@Suz, I wish you and your husband all the best with his new diet, truly! Changing my husband's diet and making the move from a stressful sedentary office job to a physical outdoorsy one (which he loves--he's basically paid to work out and listen to history lectures) made a HUGE difference in his health and managing his preexisting conditions.
@N,
Bwahahahaha, "tubed meat"! Love it!
(In all seriousness, I wish all of my heart failure patients took following their low sodium diets as carefully as you/your hubby does. I don't know, nor do I want to know, what medical issue your hubby is dealing with, but I'd be out of a job if my patients did what they need to do diet-wise).
And I, too, took advantage of the Chewy.com deal (the B2G1 free deal) for our dog's treats. My hubby admits he's a soft touch when it comes to giving our dog treats....sigh....fortunately, our dog is very active.
@N, I would have gone full hoarder on the chicken. That is why I have a chest freezer. I would have given some to my 3 kids, my in laws, a friend having financial problems, and my friend and cousin both have cancer. Plus my niece is pregnant. Making lots of meals for people.
@Marybeth from NY, We have a deep freezer also, one we're trying to eat down because money is very tight for us right now. I sincerely hope that someone came by after I left and was able to take full advantage of the sweet deal! Only half our dinners include meat, and a good number of our friends are full vegetarian, so I did my best to take only what I felt we needed.
-Have been using up some lipsticks by digging in with a tiny brush
-using bread bags as sandwich bags for my lunches
-went to kids soccer games with hubby- free date night!
-was super desperate one night for take out but managed to throw together something from the pantry instead. Such self-control!
-am trying to make homemade watering systems for my potted plants using soda bottles. Mixed success so far-they seem to drain too fast
FFT, End of May Edition (updated from yesterday's FFT at the NCA):
(1) My May found-change total to date is $2.96. Finding two $1 bills (on separate occasions) was the big booster.
(2) I’ve gotten most of my homegrown transplants into the gardens, and I now know where I’m going to put the rest of them. (Setting out transplants is sort of Evening at the Improv for me, except that I like to do it first thing in the morning while it’s cool.)
(3) I only bought one set of transplants: a two-pack of basil containing seven plants, which I divided up carefully. At the NCA, Lindsey has described dividing eleven plants from a six-pack in the same way.
(4) My National Grid bill (electricity and gas) for this month came to $53.37, of which exactly $3.94 was for gas supply and $0 was for electricity supply. The rest of it = delivery charges, which they’d hit me with no matter what. Thank you, my darling DH, for installing those solar panels on the garage roof and retrofitting the house so beautifully. And I think DH is looking down from Home Energy Performance Heaven and calling, “You go, girl!”
(Update here: At the NCA, Ecoteri has described eliminating even her delivery charge for gas by replacing her gas furnace and water heater with a heat pump and an electric water heater. The heat pump charges seem very small, and her solar panels cover her electricity. So there's always room for improvement!)
(5) I shared a Memorial Day picnic with the Bestest Neighbors on their screened porch. Summer has arrived!
1. Didn’t go grocery shopping before the weekend since we’re going away for a week (bringing home our puppy:)), eating out of the freezer and emptying the fridge.
2. Sold some excess camping gear after fixing up our gear room and getting everything organized.
3. We have been looking for outdoor storage for the seat cushions for our outdoor sofa. Reading reviews it seems the good rainproof ones in the large size we need costs over $900! So my partner decided to make it himself. He made storage that will double as an outdoor kitchen counter and will make matching flower planters to shield our balcony some from street view.
4. Found a stair gate and a fireplace guard for the puppy on a local resale group on Facebook.
5. Whittled a new handle for our Parmesan grater. It was one of the things we found in the attic (also called our treasure chest) when we bought the house.
Graduation Party edition (at least I'll try):
Our 2nd son graduated Sunday from our homeschool, and since our children don't have an official ceremony at a school, we try to celebrate it in our way. We had an open house for our family and friends after church.
*We made/bought food instead of having it catered.
*We didn't buy any decorations. We had 4 hand-me-down non-year-specific graduation decorations (very small ones) which we scattered about. I plan on saving them for 2 years when my next one will graduate.
*Instead of lemonade, we made lemon-flavored water by floating some lemon slices in the water. It was refreshing, and we saved the cost of sugar and all health-costs that excess sugar contribute to. (Ignore the cookies right next to the sugar-free lemon water.)
*We made inexpensive smoked salmon spread to put on crackers. How? Well, it was actually ham salad from ham that had been on sale at Easter and frozen. But two people commented on how amazing the salmon was.
*After the party was over, we removed the lemon slices from the water and put them in the fridge. My kids sometimes enjoy sucking on lemon slices. The extra slices of lemons (I sliced way too many) were frozen for future use.
*We did not buy a car for our graduate, but I did dig out some thank you cards from my stash of inexpensive/free cards for him to use to give folks who gave him gifts.
@Jody S, you didn't buy a car for your graduate?? What terrible parents! (I am kidding, of course!!)
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I said exact same thing! Teen tells me that majority of high schoolers (at local high schools) parent buys vehicle ($20,000+) for 16/drivers license or graduation. Parking lots full of nice vehicles teens drive/own. Teen knows not happening.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I'm just hoping the older vehicle of ours he will be allowed to drive (while paying mileage and gas) back and forth to community college doesn't break down on the side of the road!
@Regina, My daughter got a $2500 (2007 Elantra)car in 2018 and was very happy with it. Hubby did most of the work on it himself and kept it running all through collage. She had it for another year and a half later. She just upgraded to a new to her used car a month ago.
@Regina,
A few years ago, the secretary at my old job was elated. Her son got his driver's license and wanted an old beat-up pickup truck, not a nice used car, to drive to high school. That was the fad that year among the boys. So they got him someone's crappy old fishing truck from an estate sale or something, manual shift, not AC or stereo, very low cost. That was a good example of adolescent/automotive peer pressure!
1. The mulberry trees in our yard are ripening; I keep a keen eye on the birds and when they poop purple, you know it’s time to harvest mulberries. We have two in our yard, and there are at least three others in our neighborhood within walking distance. Saturday, DH and I went boldly forth with a sheet and a berry pickin’ jug and came home with 2 pounds of mulberries. Even if mulberries were sold in stores, we estimated they’d cost at least 15 bucks for that much.
2. I made a makeshift pie with half our harvest and froze the other half of the mulberries.
3. Some of our neighbors get twitchy about backyard clotheslines, plus we have tons of birds thanks to the mulberries, so DH hung a clothesline in the garage, which has good ventilation. We can also hang bath towels in there overnight, rather than run a fan in the laundry room to dry them (as opposed to using the dryer). I find thoroughly drying bath towels between uses extends the time between needed washings.
4. I got a refund for the secondhand books that never arrived from Amazon, and did what I should have done in the first place: put in ILL in at my library for them. I doubt I’ll really want to keep them around forever. I want to read it mostly for nostalgia and to introduce it to my youngest.
5. I only needed a few things to start my soup in the crockpot Monday morning, so on Sunday, we biked to Mass and then to the grocery store, since everything I needed was shelf-stable and easily tucked in my backpack. All told it was 7 miles, our longest bike ride yet! This was great exercise and we saved gas.
6. DH was taking some Amazon boxes to the recycling center, and when he checked inside them he found several of Clark's catnip mice--apparently Clark has been tucking them in there when he sees boxes waiting to go out in the garage. Is he packing them up for shipment? wanting to donate them? Anyway, I was wondering where they were disappearing to and now I don't have to buy new ones right away. I also sewed up a few mice that had been gnawed on.
I love mulberries!! The ones here are not ripe yet.
@Kristen, I am just grateful with all the other stuff going on that we managed to get out there and finally do it! We've also seen lots of mulberry trees in the parks nearby, so another outing is clearly in our future.
Forgot a few:
Two home haircuts, eating at home, and one frugal fail: I went for a solo bike ride and stopped at a gas station and treated myself to some chips and a coconut water. The bike ride was not a fail, the snack was.
@Karen A., I miss our giant mulberry tree in New York. I made and canned juice from them every year, and that is what we drank in the winter when we got sick. Especially after a stomach issue, mulberry juice seems to be the best thing to drink to hydrate.
@kristin @ going country, Ooh, that is good to know! Today the boys and I went to a nearby park and found several huge mulberry trees and came home with three pounds of berries.
Do you not burn wood for campfires in your yard? Though I would not reccomend burning the limb with the colorful fungus on it. 😉
Frugal things---
● Went to local flea market & found few items on my list---new unglazed clay wine holder with lid ($2) that I will be using as Olgah watering system ($50) in raised garden bed.
● Also picked up bundle (15) 2' American flags ($5) & put out for Memorial day (& will again for 4th of July & Veterans day)
● And found cherry Life Box (like hope chest but third of size) with skeleton key ($30) that picked up for teen for graduation next year. I have never seen these before but so love the idea .
● used the last of my Applebees (mother's day) gift card for take out lunch but food serving sizes were cut in half (at this specific restaurant) & I questioned when recieved my order which was incorrect. Left a 2 star review after being questioned about my complaints (size & wrong items) by multiple employees who didn't want to fix issues.
● Gave rescue dogs haircuts at home (saved $75)
Frugal fail---
● picked up a Rotisserie chicken at Sam's club before teen got sick (again) & only ate half of it & forgot to pick apart & freeze before went bad.
● DID NOT RECEIVE free $10 bonus card for online lunch order (over $40) promo that was still happening.
● teen illness was not heat related (after getting worse next day) & so ended up in ER for half day. Doctor ran so many tests & most everything came back good with exception of slightly raised liver enzymes & waiting for lyme disease test (which takes 5-7 days) so determined teen has undetermined virus &/or beginning of possible mono (test results take 5-7 days). But good news is doctor didn't think Meningitis (which I was worried about will most symptoms pointed towards) so No spinal tap! 🙂 Teen still very tired but trying school today (end of semester wrap up & beginning of finals). SO another hospital bill coming. 🙁
I do occasionally use wood in the tiny fire pit here, but this was WAY too much!
--Your walking shorts reminded me that I ran for the first time in shorts the other day--rather than in my 15-year-old running pants--and dug out the one pair of running shorts I still have. They aren't quite as old as the pants, but still at least ten years old. I wasn't sure if they would fit, but they did. And I'm glad I never threw them out in the periodic clothing purges in the last decade.
--I remain extremely grateful for the fact that my children qualify for Medicaid, as we start physical therapy for my son again. This time it's not even for his feet (which are pretty much fine now, HOORAY), but for yet another issue. Poor kid. He also is going to have therapy appointments every week that are covered by his insurance. After so many years of almost zero use of insurance, it is all of the sudden very important for us.
--We moved the horses to a pasture within our village owned by a neighbor (with permission, of course), which means we don't have to feed them hay in the horse corral next to our house. It also means they're not nearby for riding, but that's the trade-off.
--My husband brought all the early lambs plus two yearling ewes to the auction this week. Prices are pretty high right now, so he got a good amount for them, and we have significantly fewer sheep to try to feed on pastures that are just not growing grass due to lack of rain. Buying hay is emphatically not frugal.
--We ate the first cabbage and kohlrabi from the garden yesterday. We've been eating parsley, dill, new garlic, and asparagus for some time. Garden produce season is my favorite.
1) My strawberries, plus rogue wild strawberries, are producing lots of berries right now, so no needing to buy them from the store.
2) I’ve been reusing cardboard boxes for weed block in my yard.
3) I took advantage of Memorial Day sales to get some things on my list, including a much needed larger bike for my 9yo at half price.
4) My family’s weekend entertainment included cleaning/organizing the basement when it was raining, walking, and a family soccer game using plants buckets to mark off the goals.
We've been leaning on takeout due to a medical emergency (everything will be fine, just that last week was stressful.) But not all is lost from a frugal perspective.
1. I had bags of pumpkin puree from the pumpkins we picked in the fall at an orchard. The puree was way too watery to use my usual recipes, so I tried using it in my usual bread machine recipe, and with some adjustment, it worked! It was delicious, and now I have more freezer space.
2. I am participating in Me Made May on Instagram which makes me wear and evaluate my homemade clothes. It motivated me to do some alterations and now I have two more nice tops.
3. My mom offered me a bunch of t-shirts that she no longer wears. I kept three and added one to the communal "maternity clothes for anyone" bag that lives at my mom's house.
4. We continue to faithfully chisel away at my school loans. Every. Single. Paycheck. Sigh.
5. I switched over my daughter's dresser drawers for spring. It's all second-half stuff, some bought at a thrift store and some was free.
@Meira @ meirathebear, When I get pulp that is too watery, I line a colander with cheesecloth and leave it for a few hours. Or you can fill the cheesecloth and tie it up on your kitchen spigot so it drains the excess in the sink. I grow a lot of pumpkins but some are more watery than others so frequently end up hanging some.
@Lindsey, thanks, that's a good tip! I love making Stella Park's pumpkin bread recipe (it's a sandwich bread, not a quickbread) but canned pumpkin has got so expensive that I rarely bother. I've learned that butternut squash makes a great stand-in, though.
Memorial Day holiday edition (was I busy yesterday!):
1. Had to get my car serviced -- can't believe I've had it for one whole year! time flies! -- and they were open Monday. So I had myself a free breakfast -- coffee and breakfast bars at the dealership's courtesy snack bar. They tried to upsell me a complete set of tires; I said no. The quoted prices seemed outrageously high. (Didn't one of you call a dealership a "stealership" one time? I thought of that yesterday!) They admitted I still have a bit of time before my tires go bald, but asked me to think about it. I intend to go to my regular tire dealer in my own neighborhood, who has always been honest, helpful and reasonably priced. And he sells Firestone and Bridgestone; they were showing me tire brands I've never heard of. Maybe it's inflation, maybe it's a car that requires expensive type tires but I'm going to check around before buying anything. Oh, and they give you a coupon for a free car wash.
2. Told my friend J. that I'd like to join the church women's Bible study she leads now that I'm off from school. So happy J. is back leading it: last year she fell off a ladder, and suffered a serious head injury -- we thought she was not going to make it.
She was in the hospital and rehab for a very long time re-learning how to walk and talk. Everyone prayed, and the good Lord answered and today, you wouldn't know J. was ever sick or hurt. She's our walking miracle! Anyway, she gave me an extra workbook she had since the current book study has started and they're more than mid-way through it. So I'm getting to take the class for free! Stayed up half the night reading the book of Luke and writing in my workbook; felt like I was studying for a college class -- and really enjoyed doing so! (FYI, I used my regular New King James Version Bible plus The Passion Translation, which is rather new, and I really got a lot of extra insight from the latter. I also often use The Bible Gateway online to compare passages from many different translations; I mention it because it is FREE...how frugal is that?)
3. Also signed up for a Faith and Fiction course that will begin soon. It is also free but you need a book: we will study To Kill A Mockingbird. Somehow I never bought a copy of this favorite. I found it online in PDF form! I am going to see if the library has a large print version, however, as I want a copy to take to Wednesday night class. I searched two thrift stores, no luck, and then to a Half Price Book Outlet (so sad my friends had to close their used bookstore! They had a large print section. They knew exactly where something would be located. They endeavored to have all the classics and stuff. ). HPB had a regular print-sized book (very small font) --which I had to search for, as their staff is mostly young and clueless --and I was promised I could return it with a receipt within 30 days. I asked the teenaged clerk if she had any more, she said they rarely get TKAMs in stock bc everyone wants to keep their copy. So I got it on sale, and if I check out a large print one and no one else wants the copy, I can return it in plenty of time. (Also saw a large print online but the library is open today....)
4. Enjoyed a hot dog with Aldi sausage and a bun I'd bought at work. Our store sells hot do buns but the smallest we have are in a package of 8 for $1.79. I live alone, as does my fellow cashier, who also wanted to fix a chili dog for the holiday. So we split the package and each got 4; she gave me a dollar and said keep the change. (Yes, I shared this on another site a few days ago.)
5. Searching for the TKAM book, I went to the Goodwill closest to the car dealership. Both are WAY on the other side of town. As I said yesterday, the college students have gone home and there is a glut of good stuff! Using my 20% off coupon, I got a nice sized indoor trash can for $2 (it was supposed to sell for $4.99 but it already had a Color of the Week sticker that knocked it down to half price); a bottle opener (souvenir of Alaska and has a magnet so it's now on the fridge door); a desk organizer; books including a cookbook for my air fryer; a little battery-operated drink mixer that you insert into your drinking glass; two commuter coffee cups; and a big glass canister with a tap so I can make sun tea. (For those of you overseas, sun tea is a favorite Southern tradition: you put cold water and tea bags in a clear container and set it out in the hot sun; the solar energy heats the water and brews some really good tea. After a few hours we bring it in, and we'll drink it in a big glass over ice. Our silverware sets even come with "ice tea spoons," which have long handles so you can stir the tea in a tall drinking glass. Delicious and refreshing on a hot day!) This is high season for finding good merch at the thrift stores, as all the college students left town and donated what they didn't want to move/put in storage. A lot of items were probably bought last fall, if not sooner, are often from high-dollar stores -- and are in like-new condition. When I taught, I stocked up on school and office supplies for my classroom this way.
5 1/2. I don't need any more clothes so I did NOT shop the Goodwill for any outfits....although again, there is a huge amount of stuff left behind by the college students.
5 3/4. I also played Wordle yesterday and this morning, completely free, and I'm on a 43-day winning streak, 91% after 610 games.
I play Wordle every day too! And I also enjoy the NYT Connections game.
@Fru-gal Lisa, To Kill A Mockingbird has been on banned book list for awhile, so if you find it pick it up. I found mine at yard sale, not large print.
Our local high school literature teacher order 4 cases of To Kill A Mockingbird books few years ago when got put on banned books list. Last fall a whole case (brand new) was taken from storage area. Barely had enough books for kids in class to read. Teacher has half dozen banned books (multiple cases) for students to read for literature class. Teens didn't understand while book is banned as was good story. 🙂
@Kristen, I enjoy both of those games though sometimes I’m shaking my head at Connections ha.
@Fru-gal Lisa, I taught TKAM this year to some online kids and found the audio for it is free on YouTube.
@Regina, @Fru-Gal Lisa, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of the finest 20th-century novels written, IMO. I would love to discuss it as an adult. I studied it in 7th grade and my children did also. I have read it many times since. Unfortunately, this wonderful book has been removed from the curriculum and libraries of many school districts around the country, but not all. However, it is still available at retailers and book dealers around country including giants such as Barnes and Noble.
@Kristen, Noah and I play NYT mini crossword and connections every day. It is so much fun.
@Regina,
Who banned it?
It's a classic! But it shows the ugliness of the bad old days of segregation, and some folks don't want kids to know about racial prejudice.
But no matter: when kids hear about a book being banned, they will find a way to read it anyway.
@kristin@going country,
I once subbed for an English teacher at my old high school and he had them read along with the audio playing. Some of those kids were English-language learners and he didn't want them falling behind. A lot of kids these days are using more audio books than actually reading their texts, and I find that disturbing. Like I told my English Language Arts and Reading students, you need to practice reading to get better at it!
@Bee, I agree! It is amazing and won many, many awards, deservingly so. We
have a book club/book discussion group at our church called Faith and Fiction and decided to study this classic. Perhaps you could start a similar group at church, at your library, at an adult education course or even at home among friends. Wonder if there are any online book clubs going on?
@Kristen,
I play Wordle and Connections, and do the NYT Crossword & Mini every day. I love word games and puzzles, though Connections is often super challenging! I also like NYT's Vertex.
- hosted retiring and moving colleagues in my backyard
- cancelled a discounted app before it renewed
-paused my Y membership for a free trial at the university pool
- bulk mulch delivery plus cheap teen labor
- no restaurants for a week
I love à good before and after photo !!
And like you, I love getting clothes I know I like off ebay. One time I even went to a shoe store and tried on sneakers, then was able to find a pair off ebay for a much better price.
1. Lots of our meals have been vegetarian: lentil spaghetti, beans and rice.
2. After using some green onions
, I planted the bottoms of them. And have been watering them with leftover cooking water.
3. Reading 2 books we were given and an ebook I got free.
4. Giving away some books my kids don't want anymore.
5. Found some old Notebooks and brand new ones, so we shouldnt need to buy any for a while
Hooray for nice neighbors. (: A lot of my frugal behaviors just involve me not shopping!
*last week I took a steel cabinet to the metal recycling place and made $14. Took two trips and I was exhausted afterwards, but the beast is out of my garage.
*made some OT on my check which will help me pay back my savings for getting the house painted
*recycled some leftovers last night into a new dinner we all loved
*used my chainsaw to make short work of a fallen tree limb. The city will cart away the stacks of wood on our regular yard recycle day. Thank goodness it did not damage the house or deck!
*got my tires rotated for free
*cancelled Amazon Prime before the 30 days were up
Wow, great work and results in the yard. What wonderful neighbors!
--My husband let our cars sit in the rain and then wiped them off. We live on a dirt road and have cistern water (not cheap) so all water-saving measures matter! And our cars will be dirty again in about 1.5 days lol.
--I met my OOP max for insurance, which will continue to benefit all through 2024 and save thousands.
--Switched to Mint Mobile a few months ago (appreciating those savings) and they just sent 6 months of Paramount+ free, so I signed up! I even remembered to set an alarm to cancel in November ; ) and we're loving the additional content.
--I've read 2 borrowed books this week.
Good job on the yard!
My list, which I somewhat struggled to come up with:
1. I'm travelling this week so bought food for when I get back. I always do this - I'm arriving back late so the shop will be closed, but even if it weren't, I know the last thing I will feel like doing is going food shopping. Anyway, I guess this isn't a frugal thing as such, but I managed to stock up on what I needed and some things were reduced.
2. Leading on from that, I got money back for using cans for recycling. If you save drink cans and bottles the machine gives you a money back voucher.
3. I got a free subscription for prime, which saved money on a books delivery. I'll need to remember to cancel it!
4. This wasn't planned but I stayed home a couple of days and saved money that way.
5. This is copying someone else's answer from a little while ago, but I've cut back on buying alcohol. After my trip to NY I wanted to reduce my budget and that seemed an obvious place to start. Anyway, I haven't gone teetotal but discovered I really don't miss it all that much and feel healthier too!
Great job on the yard clean up!
Just basics for me this week - eating from home, making coffee / tea at home, eating from our freezer and pantry, resisting the call of any kind of shopping, and continuing to declutter the house.
We stayed home for the holiday weekend because we are coming to the end of our house remodel, plus helping my mom with some home updates, and thus need to stay close. So this is a Holiday Addition Frugal Five. 🙂
1) Enjoyed a full day of free entertainment at our harbor by paying attention to announcements being placed onto one of our area's local Facebook pages. We packed a lunch and took our kayaks out onto the water, and enjoyed a free concert playing off the back of a yacht belonging to one of the local clubs. It was so much fun.
2) We walked over to a winery we belong to for two free glasses of wine, about six miles roundtrip. I really enjoy planning destination walks of between six to ten miles. There is always so much to look at, listen to, and enjoy along the way. So we're both entertained and exercised for free.
3) Did my usual stop in at Ralhs/Kroegers for circular sales items harvesting (I primarily shop at Aldi and Trader Joes otherwise). This week I got an almost-1/2 gallon of ice cream for $2,50, five Italian sausages for $2.99, and boneless chicken breasts for $1.99 a pound. Oh and a seedless watermelon for 40 cents a pound that it feels like we'll be eating forever, lol.
4) Took books, chairs, and a sack lunches to the beach via our bicycles and small tow-behind trailer. No issue with parking as a result, which was fantastic to avoid dealing with over a holiday weekend.
We do similar at an Air Show we attend every year- we park a mile away and pedal over, instead of fighting for a closer in and pricey parking spot.
5) Signed up to volunteer at a nearby wine competition. In exchange for our time, we'll be fed breakfast and lunch, plus have an opportunity to sample some of the wines being judged. Looking forward to it!
Not frugal times at our house since we are closing on the new house on Thursday. At this point, it feels like we are hemorrhaging money.
1) canceled streaming service before we were charged again
2) bought a smoked pork butt from our local BBQ place and we and the kids ate on it most of the weekend
3) went to the farmer's market and bought strawberries, peaches, and a watermelon. I took a fruit tray to weekly happy hour, and we made peach ice cream as a treat yesterday. Shared the rest of the bounty with the kids so it won't go bad before we eat it all.
4) Doing lots of comparison shopping online for new refrigerator. In the new house, all the appliances are white, and they are black at our current house. We might have just taken the current black frig but it decided to have cooling problems this week.
5) Bought gas when we stopped by BJs for a few items.
Last night I figured out how to make rice pudding with leftover rice and not following a recipe. I have been locked in to using recipes. There is only one of me to eat this, and I really wanted some rice pudding. So I looked at several directions and then decided I could do it! To a a scant 3/4 cup of cooked rice, I added some milk, some cream that was getting ready to be used or to depart this world, some brown sugar, a pinch of salt, nutmeg and vanilla. I beat one egg and stirred it in. Add some raisins and cook gently, but for only a minute or so. I put the lid on it and went to finish my movie. It is very good! Enough dessert for two meals!
Once again, I shopped my closer for an upcoming event and found a dress that will work perfectly.
I loaded a few really cheap books on my Kindle. Borrowing from the library costs nothing but sometimes I need/want to read something that may not be available at the library.
Our food spending is going down since it’s usually just my husband and me eating at home lately. I love to cook and bake. It’s a creative outlet for me as well.
I made four cards yesterday to send notes of encouragement to friends. My husband helps with these as he scans and prints little watercolor paintings I’ve made, then I frame them with cardstock and write the notes in the inside of the cards. I look for the blank cards to go on sale and/or I buy in bulk.
We only drink water, tea and coffee at home ( except for morning smoothie) , so there’s no extra expense on soda or special juices. The older we get, the more we’re trying to stay well-hydrated.
I guess drinking mostly water throughout the day keeps our spending minimal on beverages.
@Martha O.,
I meant to type “ closet” not “ closer”
Good morning! I'm pretty proud of my frugal things this week:
1) Started shopping around for better insurance quotes after my renewals came in with over 25% increase in premiums.
2) Switched to a new electricity supplier with a cheaper rate and from 100% renewable resources.
3) Created a new outfit with things I already have.
4) Acquired a free fan from my local Buy Nothing group which will help me keep my AC off longer.
5) Used my library's access to LinkedInLearning to continue my professional development.
I also love ebay when I have a particular style I know I need.I have to wear mostly VIONIC shoes, and they are very expensive! But I find them on ebay no problem for less than half price! They have a rather large arch support that many people find uncomfortable,and it seems people sell on ebay rather than do returns,soooo often my Vionics are brand new from ebay..
I made up 2 weeks of meal plans..I seem to spend less at grocery when I do 2 weeks at a time vs. 1.
I am enjoying free and cheapie activities around my town: A Memorial day pot luck at a neighbors. A craft day through a social group called the Golden Girls of East Valley (free day of paper crafts,bring our own lunch,coffee provided.) $5 movie day next week at local theater.
Using the $800 reimbursement benefit on my medicare advantage program!! I received $144 back on a pair of sneaker for fitness activities, $240 back on aHEPA air cleaner for a home office, $80 back on a home blood pressure monitoring kit! I still have money left over to try a trial membership at a new pickleball court in town! It is a very generous benefit! BOTH my husband and I get $800 a year to pend on fitness and health related items and memberships!!
Using my gratitude journal every day to remind myself of all the goodness surrounding me.I have enough food,shelter,friendships and love. Every day a gift.
@Madeline, Thank you for the Vionic tip. I wear them, too.
Kristen, your neighbors are such kind people.
Yesterday I did some looking online and determined it was a favorable day to replace our 25-year-old mattress set. It held up well past the 20-year guarantee but it was time. Combining various discounts and shopping just over the state line knocked $280 off the cost. The new set has a 20-year guarantee and may well be the last one we ever have to buy, considering our current ages. A morbid yet practical thought. 😀
Smaller things: Cut DH's hair, put together several meals of use-it-up components, read a library e-book, did the dusting and washed several disposable Dollar Tree dusters for the sixth time. This is the tiniest of frugal hacks, but those things are amazingly durable and there's no need to pitch them after one use. Toss them in the wash with the cleaning rags, air dry, and they are ready to be reused.
@Ruby, My husband and I often buy something and say, "We'll be dead before we need a new one." Of course, my grandmother used to say that for about the last 30 years of her life and we would drive from Alaska to her home in Connecticut once a year to see her "because she might be dead soon." She lived to 99 and 11 months, on her own and never used any prescription medications in her old age. I find that the most astonishing feat, that she would come home from her yearly physical and never had a new prescription. Once I asked her if she was lying to me and the next year she had a signed note from her doctor that said, "Dear Mrs. A's granddaughter, your grandma is telling you the truth, she has no chronic conditions that require medication." This from a woman who drank a full sugar Pepsi and ate two donuts for breakfast every single day.
@Lindsey, what a remarkable woman. My mom's father was like that, but he was slim, active, and ate healthy all his life -- he lived to be two months short of 102 and had no cognitive decline. The rest of the family has not been so lucky.
1. We made a list before going to the grocery store, ate up food, and made all our meals at home. We made coffee at home.
2. My youngest outgrew some clothes, so we "shopped" his closet to find the right size. No need to buy more.
3. We found free activities over the holiday weekend.
4. We got books and movies from the local library.
5. I got free kids tickets to a show for the family. I'm researching other free activities for the town it's in, so we'll have a frugal road trip.
Two frugal things:
1. I didn't have to pay someone to feed my cats over the weekend because SHE NEVER SHOWED UP!! The cats survived, but her short stint as an employee did not.
2. I gathered up all the tiny bars of soap accumulating on a shelf above my line of vision in the shower in our cabin and smooshed them together. (It was a little scary reaching up on that shelf, but I soldiered through.)
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I am not a cat person, but I would have been furious over your #1.
@Jody S, she apologized and apologized, said she got her weekends mixed up. Then she morphed into, "Most people text me the dates so I can put it in my calendar", and "most people text me to remind me". Nosirree, Toots. There is no electricity, cell service, landline, or internet at the cabin. And IF you need all those reminders and aren't capable of putting it on your own calendar, you are NOT qualified. Sigh.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, Sounds like some of these young "workers," using the term very loosely. They are clueless! Hope they never have to face a disaster or an emergency; chances are they wouldn't survive it!
I have done the same thing on eBay as you have, Kristen, so I will add it as point 1 🙂
1. Purchased a pair of super light, non-wrinkle and stretchy pants from eBay. I bought the original pair from Athleta some 6-7 years ago, and have since worn them on the plane every time I fly, as they feel lighter and stretchier than yoga pants but a lot more dressed up. The original pair has started to show some wear and tear and Athleta no longer sells the same cut. Recently I had an international business trip and had to pack light, so I prepared by ordering another pair (now have three in different colors, two from eBay and the original).
2. We had a big-number birthday celebration this weekend which warranted some extra spending, but we did nothing outrageous like skydiving or traveling to exotic locations as is usually associated with it 🙂 The main celebration was a large homemade dinner for friends. Those willing also joined all or part of a bike ride matching the number of years.
3. Continuing my "don't step into Target" mantra, instead ordering for delivery or online pickup from them. This keeps me more disciplined on what I buy.
4. We joined the community pool, but our kids are aging out of it, sadly. I'm trying to go there as much as I can to swim laps instead, as it really is a nice change of pace for exercise.
5. Added a visit to see family on the weekend after my business trip as I already was part way, paying for the extra leg of flight of course. However, it was a fraction of the cost had I paid for the whole distance from my home.
Love the up-close photo of the tree fungus. I am an abstract artist, and with your permission, would love to use it as inspiration for a future painting!
1. Finished a large bottle of cinnamon powder. There was some sticking to the sides so I added hot water, swished it around, and added it to my oatmeal.
2. Contacted Renewal by Andersen to come out for some adjustments on a couple doors and windows. The warranty was transferred to us when we bought our house, so no cost to us. The terrific technician checked every single door and window and tweaked them all to work perfectly.
3. Purchased a mid-century dining room table and chairs for a reasonable price from a friend who is moving out of state.
4. Had my broken earring fixed by a woman who was offering her free services on Buy Nothing.
5. Went to a graduation open house and stayed until the end. Per my usual M.O., I helped clean up and then was given free food to take home.
1) Had an offer on my credit card to try the CVS Care Pass, so I signed up for that & spent $42.38 (price after credit card offer) for the full year, giving me $120 in credit. I used the first $10 offer, plus a few in app offers, to pick up graduation cards, & earned another $5 in rewards from Hallmark. We need lots of graduation cards this year, as DS18 is graduating & we know many other graduates.
2) Sold a few things on eBay. Packaged them up using recycled packaging (of course).
3) Continued to use up garden items (basil, mint, garlic scapes, lettuce) in our salads. Bonus for using basil in our favorite summer salad: peaches (or nectarines), basil & fresh mozzarella. Season to taste with olive oil, salt & pepper. The mozzarella was about to expire, so I felt very virtuous using it all up.
4) DS17 worked all day on Sunday at a soccer tournament, earning money. They also fed him, which was quite a win, as a teen boy can eat a staggering amount.
5) Bought Home Depot gift cards at the grocery store, earning $45 in store rewards.
I have those same shorts, and now you've inspired me to save a search on Ebay for them in my size.
The most frugal thing I've done recently is to use a combination of store loyalty rewards and credit card rewards to get $33 worth of free groceries. I needed some gluten free items, and I'm always happy to get those expensive things for as little as possible.
Other than that, I've just been doing the usual, cooking from scratch as much as possible, not buying much, and using coupons, sales, and cashback when I do.
Maybe frugal.
We are PAYING someone else to blow insulation into our attic and eaves. My husband just turned 60 and we just don’t want to do these kinds of jobs ourselves anymore.
Hoping this helps our heating costs over time.
@Stephanie, I deem it frugal. There comes the time when safety (read: decreasing risk of medical costs/injury) is frugal. I will turn on a light these days when it the past I wouldn't - safety. We no longer wash the windows - hired it done during Covid-19 - we spent our stimulus money within the community via goods/services and/or charitable donations. Have continued doing this. Gutter cleaning will be on the list now too - ladder work is a killer for a person with bad knees. Same company provides that service. Chimney cleaning hit that list a few years ago.
So yes, now these services will be a retirement budget item. But the total of all these services per year will be significantly less than co-pays/co-insurance.
@Stephanie, It's frugal because:
1. It should help with your heating/air conditioning costs.
2. It keeps your DH and you from being injured on the DIY job; a trip to the ER is definitely NOT frugal!
1. My husband and I had planned a “cook together” date night on Saturday. He messaged me from his office and let me know they had a whole pizza in the fridge that he could bring home for dinner. I still wanted to do something together in the kitchen so I suggested craft cocktails. We already had most of the ingredients on hand but I picked up a few things with the regular groceries. We were able to still “cook” together and we made it into a contest on who made the best drink. It was also cheaper than the dinner recipe I had planned.
2. We need new rugs in a few areas of our house but rugs are expensive. I waited until there was a Memorial Day sale and got some really good discounts. I was able to get three rugs for less than the price of one.
3. I finished an audio book from the library over the weekend and I immediately checked out another one that is on my to-read list.
4. I did some plant repotting and rearranging. My plants are loving the new house and all my little propagations are thriving.
5. We had a bunch of bananas that ripened much too quickly so I made a loaf of Strawberry Banana bread to put in the freezer and Peanut Butter Banana muffins for my son to have as a grab and go snack.
I *love* being able to find replacements for clothes I like on eBay or Poshmark! So glad that worked out for you.
Two weeks' worth of FFT:
1. We needed a second sound machine for Baby #2, and I found a like-new one on eBay for half the price of a new one.
2. I spent some birthday money to buy pots for a few veggies for our back deck, the only place in our yard that gets enough sun to be successful (I think). I did remember to use two “rewards” earned from previous purchases, and promptly mailed off the new receipt for the next round of rewards.
3. I planted two heirloom tomatoes, a pepper, an eggplant, oregano, and some onions which were all free from a friend.
4. I picked up two free food items via cash back through Social Nature. One of the offers was for a fixed amount rather than just the price of the product, so I ended up making $2.42 which was a nice surprise.
5. I picked up a nickel.
6. Using up things: the last of the tapenade purchased on clearance (will not purchase again), and a toothpaste DH randomly found in the camping gear that was several years old but still good (I know its age because it was a variety we purchased while traveling internationally).
7. Traded a friend some rhubarb for a loaf of homemade pumpernickel rye bread.
8. Made some use-it-up soup that used two Italian sausages languishing in the freezer as well as 1.5 cups of ham broth. I don’t have a chest freezer, but I still try to keep a fairly low stock of food in the freezer so things don’t get forgotten. Oh and I didn’t have enough onions, but was able to use a large handful of chives for similar flavor and the green bits looked pretty in the soup.
1. Found some money (~$44) on missingmoney.com and filed a claim.
2. Tried to cancel NYT as it had gotten too expensive and the app quit working on my phone. After an online chat, I decided to accept their offer of a better price for less money. I know it would save me even more to unsubscribe and read it through the library's web site, but, baby steps...
3. I cut my finger while washing a can for recycling. I used a generic bandaid that was so old that the paper wrapper was crumbling. The bandaid inside was fine, however.
4. I wasted less produce this week, with considerable effort.
5. I did not buy a set of stainless steel cookware this weekend, even though this is the one weekend when cookware is on sale. I want to replace my nonstick pans and skillets, but I decided to do more research before committing to a whole set. I don't even use all the ones I already have, and there's no point in buying a set that includes the sizes I already own and don't use. So I have a year to give this more thought and look around for used cookware.
@Dee in AZ, see if there is an outlet mall in your area or an area where you visit. We did this when we visited one of our kids. Still not inexpensive but a lot less expensive than watching sales. We only needed a couple of pans, not a whole set. Plus we could actually look at/lift the items before purchasing them.
1. Semi-frugal: stocked up on soda during the Memorial Day sales.
2. Used coupons to buy toilet flappers from the hardware store. Worn out flappers are the most common cause of toilet running or leaks. Now I have a stash and can fix them myself.
3. Semi-frugal: got some clothes professionally mended/tailored a bit. Not a frugal as doing it myself but, given I don't have the skills, more frugal than buying new.
4. Taking more free classes at the library. Last week was soap"making", this week Japanese calligraphy.
5. Jansport fixed almost everything wrong with an old backpack, the last item they said was not covered as wear and tear. About $50 worth of work for $10 shipping.
6. At the library resale, found a simple cookbook for a nibling just starting out on their own. Book + shipping about $5.
Not super frugal this week but I can come up with a couple hopefully.
1) Did a complete overhaul of the kitchen, organizing and tossing things. Needed food we didn't have to cook so decided to order out. Searched on the TGTG app and we got 3 meals for $30 bucks...and it was so much food, the three of us each had 2 meals out of it. Much better than regular take-out
2) Took the T into the farmers market yesterday for my volunteering. Used my husband's T pass so it was free.
3) Contributed ribs and cole slaw for Memorial Day weekend BBQ. Ribs from the freezer and cabbage from the fridge so we didn't need to buy anything.
That's about all I can think of.
1. I used up some frozen roasted cauliflower, oregano from my garden, sundried tomatoes from my garden, and left over feta to make an egg bake for my lunch this week.
2. I picked up a yoga mat bag off Buy Nothing.
3. My husband found a disc golf goal in someone's garbage. He loves disc golf and has been considering purchasing a goal.
4. I used over-ripe bananas to make banana muffins for my daughter's snack at school.
5. I cleaned the outside of our windows, which saved us about $150
let's see....
1. I took advantage of Memorial Day sales to purchase a grill & a Blackstone. Both of these were items that we wanted for our new deck and had been eyeing for over a year now. The Blackstone alone was going to cost over $400 but a sale at Lowe's yielded us a brand new grill & a Blackstone for $364 total and that included two large bags of charcoal and 8 bags of Miracle Grow soil.
2. We ate all meals at home. I broke out the new grill on Sunday and grilled burgers, hotdogs and a family size package of chicken drumsticks. Just like cooking multiple items when I have the oven on, I like to take advantage of the fire we make on the grill to batch cook several proteins at once. I also grilled some corn in the husk - very yummy.
3. I baked up several things to have on hand for summertime treats - cookies, mini muffins, banana bread. Bought a watermelon and two cantaloupes; a large bag of chips at Costco that was on sale. All of this is aimed at curbing the cost of snack foods during the summer for my son. I swear he has a hollow leg and inflation and grocery prices are challenging.
4. Emptied more boxes in my home, organized more and finally hung my curtains. Prioritized some relaxation for myself over this last weekend including an extra workout and a nap. Why is this frugal you ask...simple. It is cheaper than a visit to a mental health institution 🙂
5. Visited my sister's pool for free entertainment over the holiday weekend.
I have lots of trees and shrubs in my yard and maintain a "perpetual" pile of branches and sticks.
Sad about the HOA type situation that frowns on hanging laundry on a clothesline. It's such a warm, homey picture and comforting as well. Along the same line, monoculture yards, not very inhabitable by pollinators.
I have one type of jeans that fit well, and search eBay routinely for them. Also when I find something on sale I like at Duluth Trader's. I check out eBay for same product at an even better value.
1) Picked two gallons of strawberries from my neighbors patch as they have their fill. Gave one gallon to some friends who are having company from Belgium. The patch owners also told me to get some rhubarb, too. Love me a strawberry rhubarb pie! or crisp which is easier to throw together.
2) Purchased a cement statue from swap shop of a little girl as memorial to my sister. It was not cheap, but I know it was less expensive than it could have been. It is heavy as all get out and when I rolled it from the back of the car, it threw me off balance and ended up rolling on my R arm/wrist with me landing
on my back facing the sky. I laid there for a few minutes doing a quick "nursing assessment" and realized my arm was not broken, nor was I seriously injured in any other way. The wrist looks gnarly, and have some sore areas, but glad I 3) did not require an ER visit.
4) Also bought a used two burner w additional side burner gas grill. Have been looking for one for some time. Two colleges graduated from here this month and it is amazing what gets left behind. (Sadly, including some pets.)
5) Finally planted my "free" tomato, pepper, and mini-okra plants that my Master Gardener friend raised for me. Also transplanted/moved some native perennials to better spots. Which means I did not buy new ones.
6) I rarely buy bananas and eat them in their original state. Banana bread w black walnuts on the menu today.
FFT
1. I sold something that I had on Facebook Marketplace for some time. Nice to have one more thing out of the house
2. A friend took me out for a belated birthday lunch. The company was good and I had leftovers that I had for dinner.
3. another friend was in town so we met at the coffee shop at B&N. All I had was a bottle of water, and my friend treated.
4. I offered to bring deviled eggs to a Memorial Day cookout. I had everything on hand to make them.
5. For a few years I have been buying my dog treats on Amazon. They are soft treats recommended by my vet for my little old girl. I have never had a problem until this last time. The treats were dry and crumbly, despite a May 2025 expiration date. My pup wouldn’t eat them. Despite there being no returns on them, I battled thru the system to live chat with someone and was able to get a refund.
I highly recommend ThredUp for bargains on decent clothing. Since you know exactly what you want, you can search their site for this item. And their polka dot boxes are cute, too. 🙂 I often wrap gifts in their polka dot tissue.
1. Did not go out to eat over holiday weekend
2. Got refund for a trip I had to cancel
3. Got all the rest of the CE I needed to renew my license for free
4. Remembered to bring food to work today, since not going back home after Dr. appt to be able to grab something (saved from buying food at work)
5. Showed resistance for now and did not order accessories (hair things, belt) or do other non essential shopping over the holiday weekend
Have you tried Mercari for clothes?
Good neighbors are such a blessing.
1. I have been picking a handful of strawberries everyday. They are amazing.
2. Went to a BBQ at a friend's house on Saturday. Brought a watermelon($3.99) and a chick pea salad that costs less then $2 to make and a bottle of home made wine. My daughter brought GF cookies that she made. They sent us home with so many leftovers.
3. It was my birthday so I got a free drink from Starbucks. I have a bunch of other freebies too. I will see what I am near this week to get.
4. I pulled all the beats that overwintered. Some are huge. I will be using them in meals this week. I also picked some swiss chard. I started planting my plants too. I keep transplanting baby tomato plants that self-seeded.
5. Food shopping on Sunday was all at Stop N shop. I got 4 pounds of cherries for $2.49 a pound and gave 1/2 to my son. Watermelon was $3.99. Ribs were $1.99 a pound. I got 4. Buns were on sale 2 for $3. I got 1 hot dog and 1 hamburger. Corn was 5 for $1 I got the 10 I was allowed. Crab legs were on sale for $6.99 a pound. I splurged for my birthday and got some.
FFT:
1 - switched home and car insurance providers which will save me approx $250/year even after the penalty of cancelling the existing policy mid-year
2 - received a Rakuten cashback cheque in the mail today - $66 back in my bank account
3 - cancelled Netflix since they're getting rid of the basic tier that I've always had and I would have had to pay more to keep a subscription without ads. No thanks. Not paying more to not have ads
4 - signed up for a group-buy for a Disney+ subscripton so now have the top tier Disney+ subscription for less than $45/year
5 - particpated in a gift card promo that gave me 3 x $15 Walmart bonus gift cards
Good neighbors are awesome!
My 5 Frugal Wins
1) Got $1.50 back through Ibotta for toothpaste I brought.
2) Got a quart size bag of free cookies at church that they were going to throw away.
3) Got food from the grocery store and used food we already had for meals we ate at home and for out picnic at the park.
4) Husband's mother and sister treated our family out at the buffet.
5) Had free Memorial day weekend entertainment: Watched a DVD movie I borrowed from the library, played a board game and bocce ball we already had at home, and went for walks around the neighborhood and visited local playgrounds.
1) We're still eating free food from my mother-in-law's free food stash. We grilled free chicken breasts Monday. Yesterday it was free ham, sliced and heated in the air fryer. Tonight I am making a creamy kale pesto pasta which features an entire free bag of kale that I wilted and froze last week.
2) I designed the draperies that will hang in the storefront of our new office. Then I bought the fabric and notions online with a discount from a coupon code. I could have found an even cheaper window covering option, but for the quality we couldn't have done better.
3) I reserved a ton of books for three of the kids at the library and will pick them up on Friday to start our summer. The youngest is more difficult to "shop" for, but I discovered a book recommendation service that the library offers. I'm looking forward to the treasurers they find.
4) I took up the waist band of my new jean shorts. I almost always have to do this with pants, so I have developed a quick and easy technique that involves taking two little tucks without taking the pants apart. Then I hand stitch down the extra fabric. No droopy britches here.
5) I accepted a couple of guest points home exchanges for weekends in June. We're out of town, so it is pretty easy to accommodate folks. And it will rebuild our points balance in preparation for a big trip next year (and maybe a research trip for me in the fall).
1. Ilinked my CVS reward card to Ibotta and got a $10 rebate just for doing that and making a purchase. I dint normally shop there but for $10 I bought one item that also had a rebate, which made my purchase a small $ maker
2. I had enough points in my grocery rewards to get .50 off a gallon! Waited till I was in empty to fill up.
3. Found a quarter in a cart at ALDIs
4. Found .06 cents in front of the register at the dollar (.25 cent) store. I always find coins there.
5. Bought some new to me yard decorations to jazz up our outdoor space.
6. Bonus one. Got a corn hole set off if marketplace. These are plastic and totally collapse making them great to store in the RV. I a,so bought a big wooden tic Tac toe set from the sane person. Let the games begin!