Five Frugal Things

by Katy on July 25, 2016 · 71 comments

Shopping!

  1. I took a few things to my local consignment shop and was rewarded with $7.80, as well as a penny on the ground, not to mention an impressively crusty and abandoned Hanna Andersson shirt, which I’ll attempt to clean up for a new owner. (It was perfect timing for a nasty laundry load, as my cat had just vomited all over a throw blanket. So really . . . win-win!)
  2. I bought a brand new pair of Birkenstocks at Goodwill for $20 and have already found a buyer at $40. I hadn’t planned on thrifting yesterday, but I’d dropped my son off waaay across town and I happened to pass a Goodwill. Which means . . . I had no choice.
  3. I started the process of switching our car insurance over to a more “teen friendly” company. I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile, so it feels good to hopefully put this task behind me.
  4. I reconfigured a wonky pair of compression stocking that a co-worker had accidentally bought in the “bunion-style,” I took a set of plastic horseshoes over to the horseshoe area of our park and left them for people to play with and I bought a $20 Starbucks gift card as a thank you for a different co-worker who gave me a pair of brand new Danskos.
  5. I didn’t buy a Lear Jet.

Now your turn. What frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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{ 71 comments… read them below or add one }

Mand01 July 26, 2016 at 12:19 am

1. I was running training for staff today. We had a morning tea with bakery scones. I had half a scone and brought one home for my daughter to eat on our long commute home.
2. I brought my lunch, homemade chilli, fruit, etc and drank coffee I brought with me.
3. I’m reading Julie and Julia, which I’ve had on hold from the library. I’m enjoying it.
4. We (workers, generally) have received a pay rise of 2.4%, which won’t affect me as I’m on a salary, but will affect my husband. Yay, small pay rise.
5. We had our fortnightly dinner at my parents’ last night. Three courses and the pleasure of their company.

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st July 26, 2016 at 1:51 am

I loved that book!

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Mand01 July 26, 2016 at 2:18 am

I listened to her audiobook ‘Cleaving’ a month ago, after using what we in our family call ‘The Mike Steele Method’ of choosing a library book (that is, randomly choosing a book off the shelf – why we call it that I have no clue). I’d never heard of her before, but I quite enjoyed it, although I discovered later it was quite controversial, so I thought I’d try this too.

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 6:20 am

I loved “Julie and Julia,” then again any narrative about a blogger who makes it big is going to warm my heart.

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Mand01 July 26, 2016 at 1:19 am

Great deal on the Birks, btw

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 6:13 am

I know, right? There were maybe 8 pairs of Birkenstocks and fake Birkenstocks in the same size. This pair looked brand new, so I took a gamble. I have someone coming over tonight who wants to buy them.

I normally try not to spend much on things I buy for resale, but it’s summer time in Oregon, so I knew that Birkenstocks were a safe bet for resale.

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Jill A July 26, 2016 at 3:02 am

1. Sold a couple things on Ebay and reused padded envelopes. I just tore the postage label off and taped them shut.
2.Picked more free blackberries from our backyard. I gave some to my mother and the rest will be used for more jam.
3. Drinking coffee I made with cheaper Costco coffee.
4. Dinner last night was Chili I made with items from the freezer, fridge and pantry. The leftovers will be tonights dinner.
5. No lear jet for me either.

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Barbara July 26, 2016 at 3:35 am

I have to say it…you PICKED UP that shirt and looked at the label? I am very impressed. It must not be ripped, because it sure looks like it is. Good luck on the cleanup – hope it turns out great (show us an “after” picture?)

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 6:19 am

No, I recognized the label. Although I probably would have picked it up either way since I hate that this shirt was just sitting there getting ruined.

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Tracy July 26, 2016 at 6:49 pm

I’ve been picking things up lately off the street. It’s become sort of a game. My son rolls his eyes at me, but he’ll grab things for me sometimes. I tend to wash most of the things and then donate, but one thing (out of a group of about 15(!) that had been there for a couple weeks, until I couldn’t stand it anymore and stopped) was a high school sweatshirt that looked brand-new, so it’s put away for a couple years. Some of the things I pick up I just don’t understand how they got where they were. I haven’t actually put anything on eBay yet, but I have some things that I need to get out there. I can’t stand to see things wasted like that.

I bet that shirt cleaned up nicely.

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Vickie July 27, 2016 at 1:45 pm

I’ve seen things like that happen on Campus. College kids get in a hurry and drop things out of their bags. Also, I’ve seen people actually throw clothes in the back end of a truck while moving, or they put them in a box or something that ends up falling out of the vehicle or clothes fly out of basket, boxes, etc and end up on the road or in a parking lot.

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Carrie July 26, 2016 at 4:03 am

1) hubby took the kids bowling last night, free, because of those $5 passes we bought at the start of summer
2) got all the school supplies (homeschooling) we needed for 5 kids for $8
3) we’re using a ton of free online curricula this year
4) even though I am getting tired of using my hacked, melted lipstick that I have to apply with a lip brush, I’m committed to using it up before buying more
5) I removed the applicator thingie from my deodorant so I could use it, sans container, a couple more weeks before tossing it

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Bethany July 26, 2016 at 4:46 am

There is a program called ‘kids bowl free’ where they can get two free games of bowling per day. Just Google the name for their website, register, then they send you coupons each week for free bowling. The only catch is the bowling alley in your area has too be part of the program. We live in a small town with one bowling and it is in the program so I would think that most of them are, may be worth checking out.

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 6:18 am

I salute your efforts to use up a lipstick. I know I’ve never achieved that goal!

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K D July 26, 2016 at 4:53 am

1. I bought some organic popcorn from a bulk bin the other day. I popped some in the microwave, with a bit of coconut oil, in a glass casserole dish. I topped it with a little sea salt. So much better/healthier than the microwave packets and likely much cheaper.

2. I just downloaded Cleaving as an e-book, borrowing it from the local library.

3. Yesterday was an energy savings day with our local utility. I cooled the house a little bit extra before the event started at 1:00 then bumped the thermostat way up until the event ended at 7:00. I’ll hear in a few days how much money we saved.

4. Dinner last night was no cook: tuna salad sandwiches, with fruit, chips,, and leftovers.

5. I am continuing to use dishwasher detergent that I am testing. It’s free for me and I’ll get points towards airline rewards points when I complete the survey related to using it.

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Bee July 26, 2016 at 5:06 am

I also pop my own popcorn. It is easy, tasty, healthy and inexpensive. The bags of pre-popped corn cost at least 5 time more. There are also many online recipes for flavored popcorn. Definitely a frugal win!

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Alison July 26, 2016 at 10:17 am

I never knew it could be done in a casserole dish! Would love to ditch (aka SELL) my plastic microwave popper and one less thing in the kitchen, while also a healthier, non-plastic alternative. Can you tell me how long you microwave it? And do you use the glass lid for the dish, as well? Thanks!

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A. Marie July 26, 2016 at 12:28 pm

I second the motion for asking KD to give instructions for using the casserole dish. I’ve got a microwave popcorn bag habit I would love to kick, and I also have Corning Ware in various sizes out the wazoo (because I’m only about 2 hours from Corning in Upstate NY). Details, please!

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Alison July 26, 2016 at 12:35 pm

I found these two posts online, and she seems to prefer the stovetop over microwave bc the microwave takes longer. I’m not a huge popcorn fan (corn gives me tummy aches) but my husband is. So I’ll try both and see which is better:

http://www.cookooree.com/u/joanie/recipes/popcorn-the-casserole-dish-method

http://www.cookooree.com/u/joanie/recipes/easy-popcorn

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K D July 26, 2016 at 12:47 pm

I made it up. I used a 3-quart glass casserole dish with a lid. I used about 1 tsp. of oil and 1/4 cup of popcorn. I coated the kernels with the oil then, using full power on the microwave it took about 5 minutes for the popcorn to all pop. I used the same rule as with the packets, stop when there are 2 seconds or more between pops (once it gets near the end). I did put the popcorn in the refrigerator, for storage, something I think my mother did when I was a child (but I don’t know that it makes any difference).

Emily July 27, 2016 at 2:56 am

I pop it on the stove with a tiny bit of peanut oil!

Drasa July 28, 2016 at 9:26 pm

I am a popcorn addict and received one of these as a gift and have never gone back. You add popcorn to the glass container and then coconut oil or butter on top of the silicone lid. I see these or a version of them all the time at thrift stores and yard sales. I picked up a second one for .50 cents.

https://www.amazon.com/Catamount-Glassware-CG4526-Microwave-2-5-Quart/dp/B002N333TC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1469769786&sr=8-4&keywords=glass+popcorn+popper

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Bee July 26, 2016 at 4:55 am

1) My husband and I spent a long weekend 8 1/2 hours from home helping our daughter, a grad student, move into a new apartment. Because moving is chaotic, we spent two nights in a hotel which is not frugal — but necessary. After a day in 100 degree heat moving, carrying, painting, and packing; we all really needed a cold shower and a good night sleep. So we choose a hotel that had a free breakfast, coffee, water, snacks, and parking. We also earned loyalty points which we will use later this year.

2) I packed lunch, water and snacks for the trip there. We ate out 3 times in 3 days, but we choose a moderately priced restaurant each time, ordered only what we could eat and drank water.

3) While visiting (working our buns off), we discovered that DD was in need of a new bed. (Back issues) I had bought a good-quality bed for our guest room at a great price last year from a large chain of mattress stores. (Beds are one of those things that I buy new.) We found this same store locally and asked for the same bed. It was much more expensive than I remembered and said so. The salesperson looked up my purchase and immediately offered me last year’s price. We nearly saved 25% just for asking. Yippee!

4)We arrived home near dinner time last night, both tired and hungry. Since I had done an inventory of the pantry and freezer the day before I left, I new that I could throw a quick meal together.

5) I plan to stay home today which is intrinsically frugal. I have much to do. The garden needs attention. I have a pound of pinto beans soaking. I am going to make a big batch of GF blueberry waffles and freeze them. The dog needs a bath. Yada … Yada …Yada

Sorry, I am a bit wordy today.

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 6:17 am

Good for you for getting that discount on the bed. I always ask if there are available discounts when I make that rare purchase. It pays to chat up the salesperson!

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Bee July 26, 2016 at 4:01 pm

Thank you. It never hurts to ask nicely. You have nothing lose and something to gain.

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meg July 26, 2016 at 5:58 am

1. I soaked a bunch of beans too
2. Planning my trip to the Dr @ the hospital in a kind of nearby city and bunching errands for things there that are not near me (board of ed, trader Joe’s, etc)
3. Reusing every available plastic bag in some way. I have cut down my supply significantly and now I don’t have them for when I do need them! Oh well, there is enough in food packaging most of the time.
4. Keeping my minutes and texts down so my cell bill is really low
5. Thought the new security system my husband insisted on getting installed was a bit extravagant, but last night someone got into his car and rifled around, so now I’m glad we have it, because it’s only a matter of time they go for the house. Luckily my husband does not keep anything but extra napkins in his car

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 6:15 am

Yikes, was his car locked? A police officer once told my husband that someone will check our car every night to see if it’s unlocked in our urban neighborhood. Good reminder to always lock our car!

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Mrs. Picky Pincher July 26, 2016 at 6:05 am

Man, you do have some great thrift store finds!

This week:

-We were able to get about $10 off our already-frugal grocery bill by using store discounts (25% off meat on Saturday mornings!) and by using our store’s loyalty coupons.

-I’m reading books and watching DVDs that we rented from the library.

-I put a lot of excess stuff for sale on eBay and Craigslist. Hopefully this will bring in some much-needed cash for our *hopefully* soon-to-be new home!

-I started sewing my own fancy schmancy cardigan for work. The pattern is surprisingly simple and so far it looks nice… except I didn’t realize how “ruffly” the optional ruffles are on the cardigan. So it might need some adjusting after the fact to be more toned down for work.

-Mr. Picky Pincher changed the oil in our truck himself.

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tonya parham July 26, 2016 at 6:07 am

1. Finally organized my pantry and feel good about eating at home. Lots of healthy food that is easy to find.

2. I did order a pizza last night because I spent so much time organizing and I had a half off coupon. I ordered cheeseless and they screwed it up so I called and they gave me credit for the pizza so I will have a free one later. So, I really got pizza for 1/4 the price.

3. The training I taught and had to travel four times for sent the “contract” last Friday and it had retirement taken out because it said I was a “full time state employee” but I am not a full time employee. So, I sent some emails and called around and turns out that they sent the wrong paper and I am getting $120 more than I thought I would. YES!

On this point, I know these folks think I am a pain in the butt because I have been very proactive about the financial aspect– ie when it took 3 months to pay me my travel reimbursement, I emailed them several times and was very vocal about I was concerned that this 20% for retirement not being paid to me because I wasn’t full time was unfair since I was quoted a pay rate of $800 and that to lose $120 because I wasn’t a full time employee was patently unfair! I doubt they will ask me back next year but they were so confused and muddled with their pay and communication that I don’t know I would go back anyway.

4. I’m turning my air up 78 when I can stand it. This seems to be easiest in the afternoon and evening when I am not moving around much. Mostly, it’s staying on 75 though (which is an improvement for me because I HATE HEAT) and I’m okay with that because it’s 95 out and 60% humidity. UGH.

5. Got up early this morning and went for a walk. Not long but I did it. No gym to pay for! (Plus, healthy choice!)

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tonya parham July 26, 2016 at 2:49 pm

6. Went to library and returned books. Picked up two movies and a book there and saw two carts that were unreturned at the Aldi next door. I immediately took them up and got the 50! W00T!

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 3:48 pm

Love it!

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LisaC July 26, 2016 at 6:25 am

1. Had our oil changed on both cars at a local mechanic shop that advertises a great deal as a Leader. Hubs said it cost less than buying the synthetic oil alone. I know from experience that changing oil preserves that very expensive transmission.
2. Eating home made egg salad at work for lunch. Had LOTS of cheap eggs.
3. Organized my home office supplies, now I can find everything.
4. Went to Verizon to review my bill, they found a new plan that is 20 dollars less per month.
5. Keeping the shades closed, put an old fashioined fan in a crescent shaped window, keeps the house cooler.

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Juhli July 26, 2016 at 6:59 am

1. It is so hot that I have been able to stay comfortable with the AC turned to a higher temp because it is running so much. Savings and cost at once LOL.
2. I have been cooking at home a lot so we have only gone out to dinner once in 2 weeks – very good for us.
3. Using my stretch DVD at home and going swimming indoors at the low cost wellness center. Also tried a Youtube walking video. Too hot to be outside exercising and I am at the point I need to decide if I am continuing with my expensive private Pilates sessions.
4. Made chicken broth from a chicken carcass. Three meals for the 2 of us from the meat.

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Jennifer July 26, 2016 at 7:17 am

1. My husband and I stayed overtime at our business for a customer that called to say they were driving a long distance to get there but weren’t going to make it by closing time. They tipped my husband $100 and tipped me $20. She said ” this is just for answering the phone”! It pays to be nice.
2. I feel like I keep talking about my dentist visit but here I go again. I got some other fillings done yesterday and brought my kids with me. I struck up a conversation about my daughter’s teeth as she still requires 2 caps to be done that will cost around $900 for both at the pediatric dentist. She said that she thinks they can just fill one for $100 and possibly fill the other but it may have to be capped which will only cost $150. The only downside is they have to do there own x-rays, but still it much less money than the pediatric dentist. Should save close to $600.
3. I used up some pimento cheese to make sandwiches last night instead of going to a drive thru
4. I am continuing to drink water everyday instead of soft drinks. I do feel a lot better and am saving so much money.
5. I am taking my mom the Free Friday downloads from Kroger from the last 2 weeks. One was an 8 pack of soft drinks and one was a Mountain Dew energy drink. She will give them to my brother who doesn’t have a job. It will be a nice treat for him as he rarely gets to buy soft drinks anymore and he loves them.

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Susie's Daughter July 26, 2016 at 7:26 am

1) Went to the library yesterday and our fabulous children’s librarian had Zootopia there waiting for DS. He was thrilled! She told me that he had requested she order it all by himself. Also she checked on some Magic Tree House CD’s for our next (long) roadtrip in three weeks. The library rocks.

2) Made the first round of zucchini bread this morning. Gave some zucchini to a friend without a garden and she will happily take more.

3) Bought a birthday present and Christmas present on Powells.com yesterday since they are having a 30% off used book sale. Love it!!

4) Scored 2 giant peppers, box of arugula, and 5 sweet onions in the marked down produce bin yesterday. All things we are not growing in our garden for $2.55.

5) Have started working on a master packing list for each family member and also for family outings (beach, camping etc). I forgot more than usual on this last trip (including my pj’s, my checkbook, and DS’s EpiPen AGAIN – Thank God he has not ever needed it and CVS was able to refill it there). But these are solvable problems if I have an actual checklist. The brain can only remember so much on it’s own…

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lauren July 26, 2016 at 7:32 am

I love the library! Make sure you auto-renew or are able to renew over the internet in case your trip is long and you won’t be back in time. Sometimes you can even renew over the phone.

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Denise July 28, 2016 at 1:44 am

I use a master packing list typed up with two additional columns: in the first, I tick off the items as I pack them when I am going away. Then when I am packing to come home, I tick everything off as I repack it for the return trip. Since it’s aWord doc, I can add to it if need be or save different versions (e.g. Like for a camping trip). My friends laugh but I sent the list out to a few of them by email and I have had some confessions of secret usage…

My habit of taking my oldest knickers and throwing them away before I return made my sister query why I returned from a trip to America with no knickers ticked off on the “returning” column, though!

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tonya July 26, 2016 at 8:01 am

1) Washed and tore a head of lettuce. Less food waste.
2) Was sick yesterday and hubby made some quick egg burritos for dinner. When we are sick it is so tempting to get takeout.
3) Dinner the previous night was various leftovers from the freezer.
4) Our garden is starting to produce some zucchini.
5) Spray painted our old wicker patio chairs. They were all either Freecycle or curb picked.

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JD July 26, 2016 at 8:55 am

1. Supper last night was the free bag of scallops my daughter gave me when I gave her some watermelon. I seared and seasoned them and made sides from food I had on hand. Yum, yum.
2. I’d been making do with a water-stained, flimsy shoe box to hold some small items in the laundry room. Yesterday my husband got some diabetic supplies in the mail in a small, sturdy cardboard box, so I covered it with shelf paper I already owned and filled it with the small items. Much better.
3. Told a friend, the “paper towel queen” who had asked, how I manage to not use paper towels anymore, and why. She looked a little skeptical, but she’s usually fairly open to ideas — she may try at least to cut down after she thinks on it some. Not frugal for me directly, but still, frugal if she does.
4. In the south, it’s still common for people to make a half-gallon of iced tea regularly, to keep in the refrigerator to drink all day. I made one again last night, and I’m drinking some of it now at lunch. I use stevia, not sugar, and I actually make herbal “redbush” tea, so it is caffeine-free. We like redbush iced better than hot, which is probably odd of us.
5. My found change total is still pitiful, but I found 2 nickels, at least.

NOT an FFT, but can I get a witness about the waste in medical supplies and packaging? I realize sterility is an issue, but everything comes wrapped individually, sometimes double wrapped, everything is disposable, and it’s packed in boxes which are then shipped in bigger boxes. And we have to dispose of most of it because it’s mostly plastic and not recyclable in our county. Argh.

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Susie's Daughter July 26, 2016 at 9:23 am

AMEN!

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Katy July 26, 2016 at 11:09 am

Oh yes, medical products are heavily packaged to protect sterility. We put ours in “recycling” at my hospital, although who knows what that really means.

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Gina July 26, 2016 at 10:55 pm

I live in the south and I make a pitcher of iced tea every day. I didn’t realize it was a southern thing, I just assumed people across the U.S. did the same. I don’t make the southern sweet tea I grew up on though, as I don’t care for sweet drinks so I make it unsweetened which everyone thinks is extremely odd. But easily sweetened in their own glasses, don’t know why they make such a fuss like it’s a huge bother.

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Mand01 July 27, 2016 at 4:11 am

I make a bottle to take to work a couple of days a week as well. It reduces the amount of coffee I drink and the temptation to buy soft drinks. I drink a lot of hot tea at home so I set aside a couple of used teabags to make iced tea. My husband and I drink different kinds of tea, and I don’t like the kind he drinks, but I’m happy to drink it iced (and recycled , as it were).

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Jennifer July 27, 2016 at 4:52 am

I live in the south too and everyone I know keeps a gallon of super sweet tea in the fridge at all times. I don’t myself but I do enjoy sweet tea on occasion.

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JD July 27, 2016 at 5:26 am

Gina — because they have to stir the sugar in their glass and some people can’t be bothered to make that much effort :).
I have northern relatives who never drink iced tea, whereas I grew up on tea from the refrigerator all day. When they came south to visit the southern side, they always remarked on our constant supply of iced tea. My mom didn’t use sugar in it either, but most of my family did.
My late mother-in-law would put 2 cups of sugar in every half-gallon of iced tea. That was way too much for me!

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Heather G. July 27, 2016 at 6:55 am

As a family of five and living in Louisiana we are sweet tea drinkers.. I don’t use as much sugar as most. But it is still sweetened. But my favorite is to mix unsweetened iced tea and lemonade. Most outside the south don’t realize there is a big difference between iced tea and sweet tea. Just like instant grits is not the same as cooked grits.. Lol. When it is hot and sunny thought you can bet there is usually a pitcher of sun tea being made.

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Lucy July 27, 2016 at 11:56 am

The half lemonade half sweet tea is called an Arnold Palmer. I love it!

Lucy July 27, 2016 at 11:54 am

A Bama girl here! The sugar dissolves better in hot tea. If you are making traditional sweet tea there is 2 cups of sugar in 2 quarts of tea. It’s gotta be hot to dissolve that much, and you can’t get it that sweet when it is cold.

Now I live in Yankee-land. I make tea all the time and my Minnesota friends think that’s so strange! But I like only a quarter cup of sugar in 2 quarts.

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Heather G. July 27, 2016 at 1:14 pm

Yep the good old Arnold Palmer..I do get tickled though, when I treat myself to the occasional sonic drink during happy hour I always have to describe it as a half lemonade half unsweetened..if I say an unsweetened Arnold Palmer it just blows their minds!! And we fix tea the same way. It’s all in the steeping.

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Denise July 28, 2016 at 1:50 am

JD, I confess I am only starting out on my more frugal lifestyle, and I still have paper towels. I am sure that this is a dumb question, but your post was so….tantalising…what did you tell The Paper-Towel Queen to do instead??

Cara July 26, 2016 at 10:00 am

1) Finally found a healthy cat food that my cat’s stomach can tolerate. It’s cheap, too, because the store has a deal with the company, and all the profits for that brand go to helping people get service dogs!http://rawznaturalpetfood.com/dry-cat-food/

2) Picked up two cover letter writing books at the library.
This one is my favorite and helped me get my last job! https://www.amazon.com/Step-Step-Cover-Letters-Personal/dp/159357780X

3) Picked up easy to make frozen meals/ side dishes. It seems expensive compared to making everything from scratch, but cheaper and healthier in the long run because then I don’t stop for take out or eat unhealthy snacks.

4) Found a free ergonomic kneeling chair on the side of the road. Those things go for $70, and it was becoming a “need” item because my physical therapist recommended it to me. Also freepile scored: gesso and modge podge for my friend, two fancy whiskey glasses, a cute plate with a cupcake on it (22 isn’t too old to eat off of cupcake plates, right?), a perfect mint green mug, and a glass hanging air plant terrarium.

5) Cooked a giant thing of beans and rice and made beer-simmered tilapia tacos instead of going out for delicious burritos.

Frugal fail: Drove too much this week because of a heat wave. I love biking, and try to bike to work as much as possible, but going 2 miles each way is hard with weather, groceries, and planning other appointments. Also I burn a little more gas driving around for free piles… I’d like to think my recent free pile haul made up for it!

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lauren July 27, 2016 at 8:29 am

I love the sound of your free finds, and I’m 28 and definitely have a cup or plate with a cupcake on it. We’re never too old!

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Cara July 27, 2016 at 11:43 am

Awesome!

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Madeline July 26, 2016 at 10:50 am

1. I am staying home a lot this past 2 weeks.. means less temptation to spend, uses no gas,etc. Also avoids HEAT STROKE which surely is saving me a doctors bill. (110-112 temps!!!!!)

2. Finishing a great Coursera free online class with a YALE professor..Intro to Classical Music.. excellent class! He blends in modern references such as exploring the musical riffs of the Beach Boys and the Beatles..

3. Developing a cheap-to-start online biz using some skills I have in tarot card reading and astrology. Getting free help from my tech-savvy son on how to get started.

4. Eating everything in the pantry and freezer and reorganizing kitchen and pantry to be more efficient.

5. Playing free google music to make the pantry cleaning more fun!

6.Free happy hour at girlfriend/neighbors house at 5 PM. today (2 houses down) I have some cheapo ginger ale to use up.And we gals need to catch up on the news.

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jennifer July 26, 2016 at 11:20 am

I have to admit that tarot card reading intrigues me. I went to a psychic years ago and she told me I would have 3 children. I thought she was nuts because at the time I was dead set on not ever having anymore children. I will tell you how dead set I was. I had a tummy tuck and lipo. No one wants to ruin a tummy tuck by getting pregnant. But yes, I do have 3 children now and a not so flat tummy. Not a frugal thing to do but I was young and dumb. They are worth it most days, lol.

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Florencia July 26, 2016 at 3:51 pm

I believe that some people really are spiritually gifted to read the tarot cards. My sister reads them and is almost never mistaken.

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Denise July 28, 2016 at 1:54 am

Was the not-frugal thing the two procedures or the three children?!

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Elizabeth July 26, 2016 at 11:42 am

1. I just got back from mailing two packages sold on eBay and meeting a lady to sell something from Craigslist. An extra $65 from stuff just sitting around my house!
2. I spent some time yesterday cutting up the lettuce, peppers, cucumbers and watermelon. I find when I take the time to do this, I waste less produce and eat healthier because it’s convenient to grab it all and throw together a salad, versus thinking about a salad and not wanting to spend the time to cut stuff up!
3. Went to two different grocery stores yesterday to stock up on their sale stuff (88 cent cauliflower and 69 cent eggs from Fresh Thyme? Yes, please!). When I was checking out from the second store the young cashier gave me the receipt and said, “You did some savvy shopping!”
4. Went to Sur la Table yesterday to kill some time while my daughter was at dance and casually asked about the cooking classes and what the people working there do to get hired. Ended up talking to the resident chef who told me about the kitchen assistant position (as the people teaching are actual chefs). The pay is lousy and I’m not actually looking for a job but he basically said I could have it if I wanted to!
5. Speaking of part time jobs, I did some research yesterday about different ways to work part time from home. I’m curious about being a test scorer for Pearson. I have a masters in education. Does anyone have any experience with this or know anyone that does it?

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Erica July 26, 2016 at 3:52 pm

I’m pretty excited about this week!

I am having my second child, and I am all about the compact with her.

1. We purchased a second hand full-size Arm’s Reach Cosleeper for $35. It was missing one support bar and randomly came with some extra items for another pack and play. I was able to sell these items to fund the cost of buying official support bars directly from Arm’s Reach.

2. I needed some new maternity clothes. I have been putting it off and slowly browsing Goodwill the past few months. It paid off with the motherload – two jeans and blouses for $12 during a half off day at Goodwill!

3. At another Goodwill I scored a diaper pail that will be used for cloth diapers, tommee tippee bottles, a playmat, an exersauser and hard board books for less than $15 total (love half off days and stuff overlooked for being a little dusty)

4. I won a baby massage table. It seemed pretty silly but it’s actually pretty sturdy so I’m going to use it as a changing pad on the dresser.

5. My friend was giving away a dresser on Facebook that I snagged pretty quickly. It turns out to be very nice, just needed a little TLC. I’m swapping it for one my mom has that is older and will paint it up for our daughters’ room. Now my mom has a nice new dresser, and I have a family heirloom my baby girls get to enjoy.

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Susanne g July 26, 2016 at 4:07 pm

1. Remade my frozen rice packs I take to bed every night to cool me down. Emptied out the rice, added a few drops of essential oil, made the packs from old white sheet scraps, and voila! New clean white packs freezing away. This is the third time I’ve reused the rice. I don’t like covers on my packs as it makes it less cold, so the cloth gets dingy looking every so often. These packs are great for headaches, sinus pain, any muscle aches, and of course putting on top of my hot head to cool down!!
2. Asked for a ride to and from grocery today from a neighbor who complains I never ask! I asked, she drove, we chatted, I’m happy, she’s happy.
3. Just got back from an adult art camp in Alaska where “scholarships available, inquire” was on their website. I inquired, and asked for the amount I needed. They were happy to oblige. I am practicing saying no, and asking for help when needed.
4. Was ready to buy a sandwich on plane #2 of 3 cross country flights because I had to run to catch it because of delays on #1. Gate agent on #1 flight gave me first class seat so I could run out of plane first and flight attendant on #2 flight said Delta would pay for my sandwich because my first plane was so late and I hadn’t eaten anything. Yeah Delta. Plus I arrived home safely.
5. Can’t WAIT to see the Hanna Andersen shirt transformed!

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Bee July 26, 2016 at 5:31 pm

I am glad Delta treated you well. Sadly my experiences have been quite the opposite. The flights are rarely on time and the company’s agents leave the customer scrambling. After our last experience, I will only fly with them if I must.

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Jennifer July 27, 2016 at 4:55 am

I read something about Delta just recently started new incentives for their staff to increase customer service so things may be getting better

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Bee July 28, 2016 at 5:43 am

I meant to ask if by chance you were in Alaska to do the class in field sketching given at Denali?

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rebecca July 26, 2016 at 4:31 pm

1. Have been turning of the ac at night when it cools down.
2. Renewed my BJ’s membership and got $5 off for “easy renewal.” Not sure what that was as a manager had to come help the checkout person.
3. Getting $78 from selling a dish set at a local consignment shop.
4. Having friends over for dinner Thursday night and making it for under $20.
5. A friend is going away and offered me her farm share for this week. So excited to see what is there.

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Amy Jo July 26, 2016 at 5:12 pm

1. Shopped from my pantry this week and only bough $50 worth of items to get us by (family of 5, and last week it was double that). I am finally getting back into the swing of the grocery store budget.
2. Found a code for a free week of Hello Fresh trial grocery box. After I get the free box, I will be canceling the subscription. They only ask that I give them an honest opinion on the items and service, etc. It should be here next Tuesday. Kinda excited because I love getting things in the mail.
3. Sold a baby item this week. The gal is coming to pick it up tomorrow. $25 in my pocket.
4. Our church is doing a Back To School bash for the community, and my boys were offered their backpacks full of school supplies to take home with them after church this Sunday. My oldest refused the backpacks saying we already had some at home (which we do, I am so impressed he did that). So free school supplies and we don’t have to stand in line.
5. Going through my towels. We have too many and some are really worn around the edges. I have a friend who works at an animal shelter, so they will be donated there.

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Emily July 26, 2016 at 7:42 pm

1. Found a Pyrex loaf pan AND a brand new in the box shoe rack that was from target at goodwill. Shoe rack is really nice and sturdy. 10 dollars total, I’ve been patiently awaiting both of these items!

2. My neighbors moved out of their apartment and left a small plant with tiny pink flowers on it on my porch. Really cute, it’s adoption is official!

3. Hit the dollar tree today, got some useful things for my dresser refinishing project, like tiny wire brushes and re-usable rubber gloves.

4. Going out to lunch and shopping with a friend tomorrow. I haven’t been in a mall in probably a year. Will try to keep lunch under control and most likely won’t buy anything, maybe a pair of shoes.

5. Was about to buy a new to me strapless bra, found my good one hiding in my closet. Yay!

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lauren July 27, 2016 at 6:59 am

Strapless bras are both the best and the worst thing! Glad you didn’t have to try to track one down in the wild!

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Emily July 27, 2016 at 5:02 pm

ME TOO! It takes forever to find a good one, and I couldn’t remember the brand so I would have been in trouble!

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Isabelle July 27, 2016 at 5:16 am

* Bought 2 used recipes books for 10$ (instead of 40$+ new). I know, it’s free online, but I like looking/holding real recipes books, and those are the only one I buy (and I have very few)
* Losing weight. Eating less. Using my gym membership. I will not buy new clothes until the one I own fall off me, and even then I will buy clothes at Goodwill only until I settle at my maintenance weight. Then I’ll invest more in a durable wardrobe.
* Getting all the shifts that I can get at work now that I’m on casual (on call). I will basically double my salary this way!
* Daughter went to the dentist yesterday. Cost pre-insurances : 260$. Paid out of pocket : 30$. Got to love insurances!!
* My glasses and eye exam were 323$ pre-insurances. Paid out of pocket :
65$. Again, yay for insurances!! My mom did not have insurances while I was growing up (still doesn’t), so we paid everything full price. I really appreciate having them now!

Have a great frugal day!

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Vickie July 27, 2016 at 8:57 am

1) I ate my breakfast mix and had two cups of coffee this morning – one at home and one at work.
2) Hubby and a friend are on their way to take me out to lunch – yay!
3) I ate leftovers for dinner last night.
4) I rec’d my Medical Savings statement in the mail last night. I have over $500 I can use towards dental work I need done.
5) Hubby told me to sell the large painting he bought me for Christmas, if I wanted. It’s not my deco style and I have friend with a gallery, so it will be a win-win for both of us!

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Lorraine July 29, 2016 at 5:39 am

I’d love to see an “after” picture of the shirt you found. It looked to be in rough shape in the picture. Did it clean up ok?

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