Five Frugal Things -- Cheap Groceries & Offsite Book Storage
1) I stopped into the Goodwill that's just a couple blocks up from Winco and picked up a Retrospec Baby Walker Balance Bike for just $3.99.
Did I already know the brand and model and that they sell for $49.99? (Plus shipping!) No, but I did recognize it was something different that looked like the kind of thing a financially comfortable parent would buy for their toddler. Google Lens provided the details.
It looked to be in perfect condition, (aside from scribble marks on the wheels) so I plunked down the four dollars. I think I'll ask $30 and likely get it as experience has taught me that high end kid stuff sells fast and easily.
I just need to pull out my trusty can of Barkeeper's Friend.
2) I then hit Winco and filled my grocery cart for $58.78. I pretty much kept to my list although I added some bonus sale items, such as the mangos, tomatoes and peppers.
I did splurge on a 50¢ soda as a reward for running a dull errand. I recently added this to my grocery routine and thoroughly enjoyed every disgusting sip.
I'll get the 10¢ deposit back, which brings it down to a 40¢ indulgence, which is rarity in these economic times.
I also picked up two discarded receipts, which I scanned into the Fetch app.
3) I didn't buy any treats as I knew I'd be stopping by Dollar Tree in the afternoon for Hersey bars. (You might notice that I bought marshmallows and graham crackers at Winco.) My youngest's partner mentioned that they love s'mores, so I decided to haul out the fire pit and schedule a backyard s'more evening.
Sadly they didn't have any tiny Hershey bars, but I did pick up $1.25 bags of ginger snaps and lemon creme cookies that someone on social media recommended. My husband and I taste tested them and indeed they're decent. Not the best cookie ever, but at the level of a store brand cookie that would certainly sell for a lot more than $1.25 these days.
I think I'll stick with my trusty Dollar Tree ginger snaps as my preferred cookie.
4) I made a big pot of orzo chicken soup using a rotisserie chicken that I'd tossed into the freezer when my husband and I weren't eating it quickly enough. It provided enough chicken and stock for a very meaty meal that maybe, just maybe balanced out all the lemon cookies.
Just in time for the 90+ degree days in Portland's forecast! Hot girl summer? No, it's hot soup summer!
5) I went to the library to pick up my holds and added a "Lucky Day" copy of Abby Jimenez's last novel. I finished reading Jeff Hiller's memoir last night, so it was perfect timing.
Having just thrown away hundreds of my late in-law's ruined books makes me extra appreciative that I get access to millions of free books that are stored elsewhere. They don't clutter my life, burden my kids or set me back financially.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
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We're going through the heat and humidity blahs here on the East coast too. No fun but I still part of my day outside because my favorite time of the day is sitting on my deck, reading. In the shade.
1. DH and I are going through our summer clothes and deciding what should be consigned. Clothing we've...ahem...outgrown or simply don't wear anymore are on hangers and ready to go with more clothes to be added. What cannot be consigned will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
2. I'm reading The Women by Kristin Hannah, a library book I had on hold. Like Katy says, I'm so happy I don't have to, for various reasons, own all the books I read.
3. My former boss called today and asked if I could work a shift next week at the deli. I said yes. The extra money is nice and they always send me home with a large grinder. No cooking supper next Tuesday night!
4. I purchased a blanket on markdown yesterday for my friend in the nursing home. I also had a 30% off coupon to add to it so it brought the price down to $13 and change. Somehow she's always cold although it always feels warm to me. Everyone is different.
5. I'm joyously celebrating (in my mind) the removal of the Orange Man's name today from the Kennedy Center.
Did you hear that David Hockney died? I thought of you when I read that.
https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15894647/David-Hockney-dies-artist.html
I know, you don't have one -- but dogs LOVE those gingersnaps. Our daughter's dog Jack was besotted with them. Us, we love the chocolate-covered grahams from Dollar Tree...will have to try the lemon 'oreos.'
Soup for dinner and S’mores at the fire pit sounds like a great way to spend a hot Portland day! 😉
I used to regard Goodwill as offsite storage for stuff, or maybe as a “stuff rental”. Things like trifle dishes or extra coolers for parties could be found there, purchased cheaply, and returned one they became a burden to store. Now Goodwill is too pricey!
I have a flowerbed that needs jazzing up, and I found $10 clearance peonies today!
I'll have to try those Dollar Tree cookies. And I love Shasta! Brings back memories.
1. I intended to walk to Walgreens today, since the cold front brought in nicer temperatures in addition to the nasty storms. But my main reason was to get bladder leak pads (sorry about the TMI) -- and I remembered that they don't carry the size and brand I prefer. Last time I tried to get them at Sam's it was also a no-go. So I looked online to see if they even make them anymore, and Amazon carries them, and they had a $3 coupon, so I held my nose and ordered them.
2. Staying home allowed me to finish "Atmosphere" which I recommend, even if you are not a space fan. Now I'm starting Michael Connelly's "Ironwood." Both are library books, if course.
3. My friend in central Indiana lost power after last night's storms and has wires dangling in her yard and alley. Here in Chicagoland, thousands are without power. But I am fine, thank goodness. I am so grateful.
4. I completed making the chicken noodle soup I started yesterday and had it for lunch with a baguette left over from Panera. Tomorrow -- fajitas for sure, because I found tortillas in the pantry.
5. I have decided to slow down and list just one item on eBay per day, because it just feels a lot more comfortable.