Four Frugal Things -- "Cheap, Healthy & Yummy!"
1) I finished reading August Lane and immediately started Cherry Baby, by Rainbow Rowell. I like to take advantage of reading momentum to delve into the next book before reading mode switches off. Think chain smoking, but fostering an addiction to reading instead of cigarettes!
Like most of my library holds, I forget how Cherry Baby came on my radar, but that's neither here nor there. This book looks to be a fun read, which is good as I need to take the occasional break from books with Serious Themes.
I also put two books on hold that were recommended from Young House Love's Instagram page. A favor for "future Katy."
I've seen authors talk about how the most powerful marketing tool for book sales is "word of mouth" and that's certainly rings true for me. These books will likely take awhile to come in at the library, but that's okay as "past Katy" looks out for "future Katy."
Future Katy is a very lucky woman!
2) I listed my late mother-in-law's art easel on Facebook Marketplace for $300. This model sells new for up to $1197, so hopefully some lucky Portlander will come by to snap it up.
I procrastinated this task as it was filthy and needed a thorough wipe down. It's a really cool piece and infinitely adjustable. We just have no need for it.
3) I threw together a pot of soup, which used up the last of some bulk black beans. It was a last minute decision, but using my Instant Pot meant it took less than an hour from idea to consumption.
No recipe, but it did include:
- Black beans -- duh
- A small amount of browned sausage. It used ⅓ of a $1.99 Jimmy Dean sausage tube.
- Soy sauce
- sautéed onion
- garlic powder
- chopped cabbage
- chicken broth
- Cumin, paprika, chili powder, seasoned salt, steak seasoning
Like chili, black beans soup is all about the toppings. The only thing missing was cilantro, but I'm hesitant about raw veggies in current dystopian America.
Cheap, yummy, healthy!
I just need to remember to add "black beans" to my Winco shopping list!
4) Speaking of Winco bulk bins, I continue to enjoy my daily oatmeal, complete with bulk bin raisins and almonds.
Have I mentioned "cheap, healthy and yummy" lately?
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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I’m out in the sticks again. It seems that with the death of a farming in-law, I am now an accidental farmer. We will see what happens once the estate is settled. I’m trying it on for size, but, since I’m not a fan of Trump, believe in gun control, and am a “non-believer”, I feel wary of the neighbors.
There are plenty of blackberries here, so I picked a few quarts this morning and made jelly. I strain out the seeds because Oregon blackberries are too seedy for my taste!
I dropped by the grocery store and noticed a big assortment of Taylor Farms bagged salad kits that were heavily discounted. Ha! Not today!
1. Yesterday, since the weather was still reasonably cool, I walked to Walgreens to buy CoQ10, which was free, since my Medicare Advantage plan pays for OTC drugs, up to a certain limit.
2. While there, I picked up some Hudsonville ice cream. I had a dollar in Walgreens rewards, so it was $5. I used to live near Hudsonville, Michigan, so I have a soft spot for their ice cream.
3. On the way I went through an alley where I found a free woven tote bag. It would make a good beach bag. I brought it home, but haven't decided whether I'll keep it or donate it.
4. I also visited a garage sale, but there was nothing I wanted. It was run by an elderly woman who trying to get rid of all her collectibles. Nothing was priced. I passed.
5. I sold a pair of leggings on eBay. I will have to mail it on Monday, since the message didn't come until after the post office closed.
6. I decided not to list a couple of Corningware petite casseroles without lids. There were a million on eBay already and not going for much. Now, if I had the lids and not the dishes -- that would have been worth listing!
7. I did list a Montessori baby development activity toy, which I got it at Goodwill. It was brand new, still in its plastic wrapping. I paid $2 and I'm selling it for $15. I'm happy enough with such modest gains, as I never find the kinds of upscale things Katy finds!
1. I attended 4 free yoga classes this week.
2. I got a digital coupon for a free small bouquet at Publix. I'll get it & take to an elderly neighbor. My allergies have been troublesome & I don't want to antagonize my nose w/ fresh flowers.
3. I also got a Publix coupon for a free 1/2 gallon of their store brand ice cream or a bar cake. I have to decide which I will get.
4. I signed up for a new digital pay app called Paze. A number of CC are eligible to add to it. Paze is running a promotion until the September 10. If you buy 10 dollars or more at their merchants you get a 10 dollar credit on your CC bill for the purchase. You can use it up to 10 times. There are not that many merchants but Dunkin, Dominos, & Little Caesars are listed. I figure I can get some food items. I got a protein coffee & a breakfast wrap at Dunkin for $10.42 yesterday. I'll see if the credit is applied before I go crazy ordering things. There is no charge to use Paze.
5. I have a nice top that my BFF gave me. I am going to see if I can find some fabric that coordinates to sew around the hem to make it long enough to wear as a summer dress. The top is rather long for my taste but will work as a dress if I can add some length.