Five Frugal Things -- Disney Plush & Crystal Barware
1) I sold a vintage Disney stuffed plush to someone in England, which means they spent significantly more on shipping than the asking price. I listed it at least five years ago, so I have zero clue how much I spent on it. Luckily it took up almost zero space in my inventory, so it wasn't too big of a deal to hold onto it.
However, it'll serve as an example of what not to buy in the future.
2) I went to three (three!) Goodwills in search of a like-new fitted white cotton sheet to replace the LL Bean one that tore. This sounds like significantly more driving than it actually was, so keep in mind that we have over 50 Goodwills in our region.
In the end I paid $9.99 for a Threshold organic cotton fitted and flat sheet set. I never use the flat sheets, so I'm thinking this is an opportunity to use the fabric to learn how to sew pillowcases. It's a lot of of fabric, so I'm thinking there's enough to make around six.
I'm far from a skilled seamstress, but a pillowcase is nothing but straight seams, sewn at 90 degree angles, which should be within my skillset.
My goal is to buy used whenever possible, as those purchases don't prompt the manufacture of a replacement item. I've been doing this since 2007 and have mostly been successful. The overmanufacture of consumer goods make only buying used easier than you'd think.
3) Unsurprisingly, I came across something underpriced enough to grab. This set of six crystal tumblers were priced at $1.99 apiece and in perfect condition.
I snapped a photo of one to upload into Google Lens and learned that it's the "Dorset" single old fashioned glass from Williams Sonoma. A set of four sells for $131.80, so $11.94 for six was a bargain.
My husband likes the look of crystal barware, so we'll hold onto them for now. That is, until I come across a set of Baccarat glass that sell for $165 apiece!
Then I'll sell the William Sonoma ones.
4) I continue to scout for a western-style denim shirt that I can embroider in the style of Ralph Lauren. This one was unfortunately a size small, so I didn't pull the trigger. I want a shirt that'll fit me!
I already have a ton of thrifted embroidery floss, so I just need to thrift the shirt.
5)
- I added more garage sale leftover books to my little free library.
- I walked to my friend's house and printed another eBay label.
- I finished listening to my free Libby audiobook.
- My husband and I ate leftover "marry me chicken" for dinner last night.
- I turned a used bubble mailer inside out for my eBay sale.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Another return to Amazon. Refocus on needs not wants and an overpriced skin care item back to distributor
Sold a couple items on line. Not a lot of $$ however something is better than zip.
Canceled hbo max as I binged The Pitt
Got a $50 gift card for judging and got a promo from PF Changs for BOGO. We may take advantage of this promo
My aunt used to convert flat sheets into fitted sheets by sewing elastic straps, diagonally, across the corners. It wasn’t very noticeable since the sheet will *almost* tuck under a mattress. This might be something to experiment with. You could end up with TWO fitted sheets!
I made another eBay sale. It was the third Lululemon item I've sold. Two pairs of leggings and a top. I think there are no others in the pile.
There are only three more items (of my sister's clothes) to list. I could finish up today if I pushed myself, but hey, it's a holiday.
After that, there is quite a bit of my own stuff to list.
It has rained most of the day and we are under a flood watch. I doubt that there will be fireworks tonight, but probably tomorrow night people will set off all the fireworks they've already bought. And yes, they're illegal here, but that never seems to stop anyone.
It has turned cool enough to turn off the air conditioning.
It has been a quiet day of reading and watching movies. I haven't left the house.
I love my Threshhold sheets, which I got from ebay. 🙂
1. DH came home early from his camping/hiking trip in New Hampshire due to the extreme heat and humidity that we're dealing with on the East Coast. Relief in sight for tomorrow with temps in the low 70s. Because of the shortened trip, he came home with more money than expected and never had to go to the ATM to take out more for good, gas, etc.
2. My friend on a nearby lake invited us over for the Fourth of July. All potluck except for the cold cuts and bread she provided. I made Boston Baked Beans from scratch and cupcakes with the $1 cake mix I bought. There were lots of salads and desserts.
3. I went swimming in the lake twice for some free exercise and to cool off.
4. A boat parade went by and many of the boats were decorated for the holiday. Fun to watch.
5. The raspberries in the yard are about a day away from being edible. My favorite fruit.
Your torn sheet triggers a childhood memory. Back in the day, sheets were 100% cotton, had to be ironed and were prone to tearing From time to time, a bed sheet would get a huge rip in it. That was a festive occasion for 3 year old me because my mom would set up the card table (in the living room!), toss the ruined sheet over it -- and that became my indoor playhouse. Or tent, or castle, depending on what I pretended.The big hole, made by the tear, was the door. I'd play dolls or make-believe in the makeshift playhouse for days on end! Great frugal fun!
It's almost a pity that sheets don't regularly rip... what do little tykes do for playhouses these days? Oh, that's right: their parents shell out 100 bucks for a big plastic Playskool version.
My granddaughter uses a big box for her playhouse! She loves it! And added bonus, she can draw on it!
Each pillow case will take 1 yard of fabric. Use the burrito pillowcase instructions (that is what I use for my 9 year old 4 H'ers).
Those bar glasses are gorgeous!
I am snacking on the remaining sweetheart cherries that the raccoons left for me. We rode our horses in the parade this morning, watched the rodeo, Bbq burgers picnic, besties birthday party, nap, concert and dance, then fireworks. Camp, cowboy breakfast, cowboy church, then head home. whew!
Thankful for a beautiful aurora borealis display last night, such vivid purples.
I found $29 scattered about the camp/park area while I was walking around on garbage patrol. My cousin found a $50!
Someone gave me a Dunkin Donuts eagle cup, woot!
Have a safe and fun celebration tonight!
FFT, Not Your Typical Fourth of July Edition:
(1) I've been less annoyed by the fireworks in the 'hood than usual, since (a) the "heat dome" has kept the volume down till tonight; and (b) I've had the windows closed, the central AC on, and two fans going in the master BR at night. Betty cat has been a bit more nervous and clingy than usual, but she definitely appreciates the two fans. (And my electric bill will be up a bit this month, but not as much as it might be because of the solar panels on the garage. The National Grid "delivery charges" are another story.)
(2) I cut oregano and dill for drying--which should happen in no time, since the temp in my attic (where I hang my herb bunches for drying) has been like the Sahara Desert for days.
(3) I made it to the July 4 limited-hours Regional Market today to pick up some of the first pickling cucumbers of the season, and made 3 quarts and 2 pints of refrigerator dills this afternoon. I was thus able to present a quart and a pint to Dr. Bestest Neighbor's visiting granddaughter and great-grandkids. (The 13-year-old great-granddaughter traditionally gets her own pint, which was greeted enthusiastically.)
(4) I defiantly hoisted my Stars and Stripes yesterday and (between some much-needed rain showers) today. An occasional person who doesn't know me well has asked if I'm going over to the other side, but, @#$%!!, it's my flag and my country too.
(5) And I re-read the Declaration of Independence, mentally substituting the name of You Know Who in all the complaints about King George III. Quite the eye-opening exercise.
Your #4...What is it about these people who assume because you display an American flag you're on the right? The same as people who assume because you're white you're a Republican? We proudly put our American flag out on the front porch every morning and in addition to that we're white. We most decidedly don't lean right. I guess some people love to cubbyhole others. Sheesh.
Your # 5...Great exercise to calm the mind when the news from the Orange Man feels overwhelming!
@A. Marie, you keep saying you cut Dill for drying, and I am curious - are you cutting those baby sprigs of dill (4" long) that they sell at the grocery, or are you cutting the big flower heads (and if that, when do you cut them to dry - seeds or still just flowers).
Asking for ME because the dill is as enthusiastic as the arugula, bless them both, volunteering with abandon all over the place and giving me much to enjoy.
I spent an enjoyable hour catching up on posts from the last week. Love and appreciate the frequent posts. Also thank you for the book recommendations, which brings me to my 1st frugal thing...
1. I've been using my local library like crazy. I think I've been reading a book a day!
2. We saw Jaws on the big screen today. It was the perfect father's day gift for my husband, as he is a big fan. Pretty neat to see on the 4th of July. The tickets were a little pricey, but we brought in our own Mike and Ikes and Raisenettes.
3. Will do a BBQ at our friends house tomorrow and they only want me to bring dessert. I will do a layer cake ( blue and red and white frosting). I have the cake mix and frosting and food dye, so aside from time, not too expensive.
4. I have been walking for 1/2 hour every day in my driveway in the early morning (FL) and using weights. No gym.
5. Drinking filtered water from my Brita.