Four Frugal Things -- A splurge That Transforms into Something Frugal

1) I photographed three recently thrifted items for eBay/Facebook Marketplace, even though I profoundly didn't feel like doing it. It's easy to do the things you're in the mood for, it's an entirely different category when those things feel like a chore.

File it under "A favor for future Katy." Current Katy is feeling unmotivated and that's A-okay.

HERE's one listing.

2) My husband was picking out food for his work lunches from Whole Foods, (London broil, Brussel sprout slaw and broccoli salad) which is his weekly routine. The $35 he spends on their Family Meal saves him from hours of cooking, cleanup and decision fatigue, which is a bargain in my book.

This coincided with our weekly Family Dinner having just a single guest, (our beautiful daughter) so I decided to put together my own $35 Tray-O-Food. A pound-and-a-half of salmon fillets plus a double portion of green beans and dinner was suddenly struck from my to-do list. I fired up our rice cooker and there was enough to send our daughter home with her own to-go box.

There are plenty of leftover green beans, which'll anchor a batch of fried rice for tonight. A splurge that transforms into something frugal. I feel like there's a metaphor in that sentence.

3) My neighbors are headed out of town for a few days, so I'll keep an eye on their house and bring in their mail. This is something we do for each other on our block and not only does it enhance safety and community, it also saves money when we don't have to hire gardeners or house sitters.

Out of town during a dry spell? One of us is sure to water your garden.

You can see that I have keys to everyone's houses!

4) My friend Lise runs volunteer events and is tries to minimize single use items, with the goal of zero waste. She's looking to get enough silverware to replace all the plastic utensils.

She's not on Facebook, so I offered to put in a request for random flatware in my Buy Nothing group. Unfortunately no one offered anything up, so we're going to hit a couple thrift stores this afternoon.

Good thing it's senior discount day as I'm guessing she pays for this out of pocket.

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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