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My friend Katie posted something on her Facebook page about donating blood to the American Red Cross. As a thank you, she’d received a free pair of $25 Goodr brand red sunglasses, which couldn’t have come at a better time, as A) I can’t find my preferred sunglasses and B) I am nothing if not filled with blood. I literally made a same day appointment and was quickly in possession of a pair of my own quality sunglasses.
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We enjoyed a yummy at-home dinner with both my kids, plus my sister. Nothing too elaborate, as I just set up a simple tostada buffet with black beans cooked in the Instant Pot. Cheap, easy, tasty.
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You already know that I enjoyed many free cookies while at The Red Cross. Plus a few to go.
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I woke up this morning to find the there was no power to the refrigerator, which was not the cheery “good morning” that I expect from my appliances. Luckily it was just matter of pushing the ground fault interrupter button to get her purring again. Crisis (and big expense) averted!
I don’t think I lost any food, although I took it as an opportunity to make homemade chicken broth and soup from two frozen rotisserie chicken carcasses.
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I didn’t gut America’s safety net to provide tax cuts for bloated billionaires.
Five Bloody Frugal Things
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Your #5, so depressing to think about. Happy Independence Day to all the billionaires. Screw everyone else.
1. My daughter has come home for the weekend. She left after work yesterday and arrived late. She was starving. I made her a couple french bread pizzas I bought at Costco with their instant rebate. This was a cheap alternative to take out. I used my airfryer/toaster oven to bake them, so no heating up the house.
2. My daughter brought home some salad greens and blackberries that she didn’t want to go to waste. She also had a salad with her pizza.
3. We watched the first episode of the second season of Yellowjackets on Paramount plus. Neither of us realized the next season was available, so that was a nice surprise.
4. Once it was dark we went outside to enjoy the numerous fireflies. It was a beautiful sight. No fireworks needed here.
5. I went to Costco yesterday to purchase steaks for a family dinner. I split the cost with my mom. I also filled my car with their cheap gas. My mom, sister and I had their $1.50 hot dog and drink for lunch. This is a new discovery for them and they are amazed that you can get all that for $1.50. I have to keep telling them, yes you get a drink with it too, yes it’s just $1.50. Simple pleasures.
Fireflies – not fireworks! Love it!
The freezer of our refrigerator was frosting up for no apparent reason – to the extent that we were talking about purchasing a new one (we have had our not fancy fridge a long time so maybe it was time?). I decided to empty it and defrost it and found that a box was wedged/frozen against a small hole which I had never noticed before (the purpoae of which I have no idea). Apparently that was important because the freezer is running just fine again, it is clean, reorganized and I have a written inventory of its current contents. I consider it a big win.
A friend gave me a huge box of assorted summer bulbs. I finally finished planting them and now see that some plants are emerging.
We are going to a “watch the fireworks” party to night. Rather than make a dessert I am going to make a small charcuterie platter with leftover (unopened) items from a grazing table I put together for a friend’s birthday celebration. I overbought so have items still taking up valuable real estate in the fridge/pantry.
I have donated blood a few times, and received cute socks, a tote bag and was onc offered a tee shirt which I didn’t need and so refused it. But the thing about giving blood is that it is so easy and I feel so good after doing it!
1. I attended a business meeting yesterday morning with other women who are doing all they can to keep their small businesses afloat. We exchanged ideas, words of encouragement and expressions of rage. It didn’t cost us anything and we gained a rise in energy knowing that we aren’t sitting in it alone.
2. I made a creative meal of leftovers and doctored things up to make them appealing to my teenager all over again. No waste for us.
3. I am out of eco bags for the dogs morning walk clean-up. I am now using the stash of grocery bags. I use my own re-useable bags when shopping, but here in FL plastic is still everywhere and they somehow find their way into my home.
4. My teen and I took advantage of the perfect rain shower we had and grounded ourselves. We were soaked, with muddy feet and hands, and felt glorious afterward.
5. $0 spent on the holiday chemical filled noise makers that make the animals and veterans in the area feel panic and dread.
I worked for a newspaper when I lived in Florida. They gave us free subscriptions. Because it rains so much, every single issue was put into a plastic bag by the paperboy before being thrown. I found those plastic newspaper bags made perfect doggie doo bags! They were free and good for the environment, as I was reusing something that otherwise would’ve gone to the landfill empty. By the time I threw ’em away after every walk, they were definitely not empty!
I use the newspaper bags for dog poo as well.
Re: newspaper doggy bags: Sometimes different advertisers would have the newspaper bags printed up with their message on it. My favorite was the (then-)least-favorite politician’s election campaign ads. I would turn the bags inside out and put it over my hand and arm to pick up the doggy droppings, then roll the bag off my arm and tie it up. That would make it so the message showed. Imagine having it say “Elect X” and then it being full of dog s–t. (This was years prior to the 34x felon taking office, but still…)
DH was for many years a highly sought after blood donor because he’s never had a virus (CMV) that is devastating to newborn babies. He was given so many t-shirts that I would use the unprinted sections to sew sleep shorts for our son.
My son is highly sought after, too, because he’s O negative, the universal donor. He always shows up at any local blood drive.
Me, I don’t give because I don’t want whatever virus has made me sick for 35 years to pass on to someone else.
@Rose my beef with donating – helping magats. Perhaps my one kiddo will give this some thought given where she lives.
Selena, I understand strong political feelings but this is beyond the pale. I can only assume then that you would refuse life-saving blood for yourself or a loved one because it may come from someone who has different beliefs than you.
Strongly agree with MB.
Selena, no one gets to pick and choose who their blood goes to, thank heavens. And even if I agreed with your premise, the logic still fails because what if someone who shares your political beliefs happens to live in your area and needs blood?
And what about children of people whose beliefs you disagree with? Do they not deserve to have access to blood?
A beautiful thing about healthcare, when it is operating properly, is that we take care of people no matter who they are or what they have done. We deal with people as human beings who have value, and we do not withhold care from someone we disagree with.
Kristen, beautifully said!
Thank you!
Sounds like the bigoted character Archie Bunker in American tv from the 1970s…
My son also is CMV negative and donates frequently. He also donated bone marrow right during covid. I am so proud of that man. <3
1) Not going ANYWHERE today. May not see them because of the trees, but the farm behind us will be shooting off fireworks tonight. Doesn’t bother me whether I see them or not. Although we do have lightning bugs (a.k.a. fireflies), we don’t have them in the quantities we did 50 years ago. I have a painting I did a few years ago at an art studio where they teach you how to paint step-by-step. It has lightning bugs in it. Good enough for me. (Besides, after eating DH’s homemade chili for supper last night and we’re having black bean soup tonight that I rescued from the freezer, we’ll have our oen “fireworks show” tonight without leaving home.)
2) An abundance of eggs for 2 people and a loaf of homemade bread meant French toast and coffee for breakfast. I do splurge on the zero sugar flavored coffee creamer, but try to buy the store brand if it’s in stock. My DH refers to flavored coffee as “sissy coffee,” but we won’t go there this morning.
3) Using the discounted Artisan flat bread, pizza sauce I canned last year, and pepperoni and mozzarella from the freezer for homemade pizza for lunch, and, of course, the black bean soup for supper.
4) Bedsheets, curtains, and clothes getting washed today since it’s one of the few nice days we’ve had lately. Glad I live on top of a hill and don’t need to worry about flooding. I have back issues and, several years ago, my DSIL gave us a small patio table with that platic stuff that is supposed to resemble wicker. It’s in bad shape asthetically as that plastic is off in huge chunks; however, it makes a great place to put my laundry basket so I’m not up and down like a yo-yo all the time. It’s not terribly heavy and we keep it close to our trailer when not in use (so landlord can mow). It’s easy to move, so I can move it as I go down the 150 feet of clothesline we have (3 lines @ 50 feet each).
5) Survived another night without hauling out the AC and putting it in the bedroom. It’s one of those ones that sits in the room and gets vented out the window.
Hurray for blood donors! Both my mom and sister have needed transfusions in recent years, and I’ve been in the hospital with them for their procedures. It was staggering to see that our bold type (we’re all A+, pretty common) wasn’t available. I have been a regular donor since, giving at least 4 pints per year.
You don’t realize the critical need until you see it yourself. I’m also the proud owner of those red Goodr sunglasses! ️
Blood type, not bold type 🙂
I love blood donors, too! Eleven years ago, I needed transfusions during cancer treatment. Donors from Sacramento, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and more helped to save this little life in Seattle. I am forever grateful.
Thank you Katy, and everyone, who donated blood. I have been a blood recipient. I’m not eligible to donate having A) Health condition that excluded me and B lived in a place that excludes me.
1. Bought the loss leaders at Safeway.
2. Read library books to my grandson on a video call.
3. Sold a pair of wall sconces on FB marketplace. I had bought them used and tried them out (perfect working order) but didn’t love the look. Sold them for $10 more than I paid for them. A great way to try new decor!
4. Received fresh and frozen plums from a friend. Also will pick and keep plums from her tree while she’s away. This is extra appreciated since we lost our plum tree this year. I have a recipe for plum jam that everyone raves about-the recipe is ordinary but I think it’s the variety of plum here that gives it a special taste. I thought it would be a no-plum-jam year without our tree but now I have plenty of frozen plums with which to make jam!
5. She has taken both of our cars for discount oil changes and free tire rotations. This is done in winter and summer vacations (he’s a teacher). Extends the life of pricey items!
Bloody fun sunglasses!
1. soaked a shower head in vinegar to clean it, then used the leftover vinegar to clean a toilet.
2. nature’s turning up the heat again & the heat’s already coming through our double-paned windows, so it’s a keep the shades/curtains mostly drawn to keep the heat out kinda day
3. micro-savings: repurposed cooking water across three different recipes & (carefully!) walked some of the boiled water out to the driveway to kill weeds
4. filling up the birdbath daily with runoff water from the AC
5. found 6 nearly perfect granny smith apples in the clearance bin for $1.50! Destined to be peeled for cooked apples, it didn’t matter that they weren’t organic. They’re on the stovetop cooking now, before the day gets hotter.
1. So far I love the free Always Discreet pads. Although they are not large, they are mighty. No leaks, even overnight.
2. Was planning on a car wash run today, but it’s raining. Hope it rains enough to really scrub it, so I can defer the wash for a while!
3. Have to use up aging cream cheese today. I had cream cheese and jelly on toast this morning. Later I will make cream cheese cookies and creamy chickpea pasta. I also may add some to leftover fajitas.
4. Since it’s raining, I’ll go walk at the community center, and I think I’ll stay there a while and read. It’s so cool. It’s an official cooling center.
5. The big ugly bill — not unexpected but so sad for our country. Selfishness and greed have overtaken it. When are the people who voted for these monsters going to realize what they’ve done? Rhetorical question.
As to your #5, Beth W., I can only quote Bette Davis in an old movie. “Fasten your seat belts, everyone, it’s going to be a bumpy flight.”
Personally, I am mourning this 4th of July. We’ve had 248 years of democracy and then this. I want to put out a gravestone sign on my lawn: “RIP United States democracy. Born July 4, 1776. Died Jan. 20, 2025.” Or I guess I could put yesterday’s date in place of the latter one. The big bad bill really killed it!
Your Bette Davis quote reminds me of the sign my nephew has posted at the entrance to his very long, very potholed driveway: “Remove dentures, tighten bra straps, rough road ahead!”
Also, if you’re not signed up to be an organ donor, please consider doing so. I’d donate blood, but the phlebotomists can barely get enough out of me for a blood test – and then they have to use the back of my hand.
My late sister had to have a lung transplant December 26, 2006. She had lung damage from mold. (Have your heating ducts cleaned regularly, especially if you have a dirt basement. That was the source of the mold that contaminated her lungs.) She got the call Christmas night of 2006 and her friend drove her 5 hours, in bad weather, through the night to Pittsburgh for the cadaver transplant, which was successful. We grieved for the family who lost their loved one and celebrated my sister’s chance at life at the same time. It was bittersweet. Unfortunately, my sister got reinfected and passed in November 2007. We were blessed to have her around for another 11 months.
Blood donations are appreciated as are organ donations. Please consider being an organ donor.
Melissa, I applaud your (and everyone else’s) plea for blood donations, and yours for organ donations. I’d add only that for those of us who are getting older and thus less suitable for organ donations, donating our bodies to the nearest medical school is the next best thing. That’s what I did for my DH (who died two years ago at age 74 of complications from Alzheimer’s, which left him ineligible for organ donation), and it’s what I’ve arranged to do for myself when the time comes.
1. Got a free offer for cookie dough from aisle and brought that to the synchro Knox hair gelling party.
2. Volunteers x2 days at the junior Olympics for free entry.
3. Stayed at a hotel with free breakfast.
4. Bought dinner and lunch at Aldi.
5. Haven’t bought any souvenirs.
Supporting my swimmer- priceless
Also saying please and thank you at an event does identify you as a Minnesotan.
Thank you for the reminder to donate blood!
1) My son changed the oil in my work truck for me. Unfortunately, it is still running a bit rough, but he said there are a few other things he can do (spark plugs, cleaning the fuel injectors, and other fiddly stuff that I don’t know much about). Fingers crossed that he saves me an expensive mechanic’s bill!
4) For an oil drain pan, my son used an old scratched up Teflon wok that came with the house and which I refuse to cook with, so it’s been sitting in the utility room until I could be bothered to toss it. He decided we should keep it and declared it the perfect drain pan, due to its size and because the handle made it easy to pour the old oil into a coffee can so he could take it to recycling. So we saved money on a drain pan AND kept a piece useless kitchenware out of the landfill.
3) I planted our front foundation bed, using the free mulch from a few days ago and more free plants rescued from my nursery job — two roses, and a bunch of herbs and perennials. It no longer looks like a devastation zone and I am so relieved! One more destroyed bed to fix up and I am done!
4) Seasonal layoffs are about to begin at the nursery, and I know I will be one of the first let go this year since I began my own business and I cut back my hours. Most didn’t want to work today, so I volunteered to go in for a few hours today for plant maintenance and for that sweet, sweet holiday overtime pay.
5) We’re laying low tonight — a home cookout and watching all the fireworks our neighbors are sure to be shooting off. I made a peach cobbler, using peaches I canned last summer, to top off our feast of hot dogs, watermelon, and potato salad.
Grucci, the big fireworks people, always do a huge show on the beach in front of my house. Unfortunately, I hate fun, so I never bother to watch. I just read inside. See also: parades.
Making brats on the grill over my fire pit tonight. Hitting the beach soon. Life is fairly good.
Rose,
In my part of the US (SW Ohio), the big name in fireworks is Rozzi Fireworks. Every year on Labor Day, there’s a HUGE fireworks show that has synced music to go with it (generally a mix of classic rock, some classical, some country, etc…but mostly classic rock). It’s down on the Cincinnati/Ohio River waterfront, and attracts a zillion or so people every year, plus folks who are in their boats on the river. The show is incredible, but fighting the huge crowds….no thank you. It’s “free”, except for the $$$ you pay for parking, food, etc.
My little town holds a fireworks display every year at a local park on July 3rd (not sure, but might be from Rozzi’s), and our house is situated in such a way that we can watch from our back deck. That’s my kind of fireworks-watching.
H-E-B sponsors fireworks extravaganzas in numerous towns in Texas. Ours is going to be televised tonight, so I will skip the crowds and watch it in air- conditioned comfort!
Also a big shout-out to all the blood donors. I believe I’ve shared before how my daddy’s life was saved numerous times by nice folks like you. And how I am very sad that due to health reasons, I can no longer donate. I used to do it every 56 days, just like clockwork. Those who are still healthy enough to give, thank you a million times over. And, Katy, you really rock those red sunglasses!
And the fireworks tonight have been canceled since they’ll disturb the piping plovers. Funnily enough while on the beach today my son said, “What kind of bird is that?” and I said, “Piping plover.”
Oh well. I was going to tell Screamy Beagle that the loud noises outside were because he was a bad boy, but I guess that’s off.
1. I left my drying rack outside all winter & 2 of the bars rusted. I covered them with a pool noodle cut in half & split down the middle. Perfect fit. Cost $1.
2. I hung clothes outside twice on the rack.
3. I am picking green beans from my garden almost every day.
4. I finally had a couple of sales on Etsy.
5. Youngest grandson , 16, visited and helped us with so many chores we would have trouble with on our own. He did a wonderful job cleaning out and organizing a shed. All we had to do was feed him, give him money and enjoy his company.
Ava, What a great kid! Can I hire him? LOL!
I have a pro handyman working at my house today, but his fee is substantially higher.
Turns out the neighbor’s stepson who unsuccessfully tried to install a ceiling fan didn’t know enough to realize the circuit breaker switch was defective/overloaded. The pro handyman took 20 minutes to put in the fan and diagnose the problem. He’s over at the big box home improvement place getting a new circuit breaker so my bathroom ceiling lights won’t go out every time I turn on the fan. He will also switch some of the stuff on that breaker over to another breaker.
Your pool noodle repair is genius, pure and simple!
And the pool noodle repair was done in just a few minutes.
Yes, a genius move! And the pool noodle would be wider than just a dowel or rod, so the clothes draped over it would be a little bit separated and dry a little faster.
We are still having daylight 24 hours a day, so no fireworks. Instead, we have them on New Year’s Eve.
1. One job the guys are not doing on the renovation is blowing in more attic insulation. We found a small company run by a young guy who charged a reasonable price and arrived as scheduled. When we went to pay him, he offered a large discount for cash, so we saved $400 there. (Which seems like nothing compared to the rest of the renovation costs!) I hope the cash can be used without being declared for taxes. I have always paid taxes, feeling like that was the price for a civilized society, but now I will be paying cash as often as possible to small businesses, hoping they can pocket the money. If the rich insist on stealing from the poor legally, I hope to help others steal from the rich.
2. Had to buy paint and they were out of the slightly lower quality, so we got the premium for the cheaper cost. Inadvertently frugal.
3. Was careful with renovation materials purchased from Home Depot, so the excess we purchased could be returned in pristine condition.
4. Took a load of materials that we thought others might use and left them at the dump exchange site. Like a rug, partially used box of mud, some pieces of sheetrock that had pieces cut off so could not be returned. Frugal for someone else I hope and saved us having to pay a dump charge.
5. You never know what people will buy…got rid of an old electric typewriter that for some reason I had been dragging along since about 1980. $45!?!
Lindsey, re: your #1: Robin Hood lives!
Accepting cash for payment of services can have a downside. My husband had a small business as a mechanic and auto parts store. He accepted cash if the customer could pay like that. Forty years of unreported income saved on tax but also resulted in a very low Social Security income. Younger earners may not care about this now, but it had a consequence for some oldsters.
My stepson worked as a bartender for 7 years & made good money. He and his wife reported all income so that they could qualify for a loan to buy a house. If he did not report his tips then the family income was too low to get a home loan.
Only reporting my personal experiences. Everyone has a different life story. I work(ed) at hospitals and colleges. My entire income has always been reported.
My organization lady asked me if I was going to issue her a whatever it is you’re supposed to do when someone works for you in a household over a threshold, etc. I said NO. YOU ARE NOT PAYING TAXES ON THAT. She is a badly struggling single mom. I like how honest she is but the government doesn’t need that money and she does.
1. Not celebrating the 4th because I don’t feel we are free, so I’m saving on hot dogs, fireworks, and IDK, apple pie?
2. I didn’t think I could give blood because of my cancer medication, but apparently I can. So I will see where to donate. Thanks for the nudge.
3. A UU church member invited all to come pick blueberries from her farm for free, as long as we shared with someone less fortunate. I went this morning and picked enough to share with three people, and I was able to put a gallon in the fridge for eating and two gallons in the freezer for later. Thank you, Katy, for the milk jug berry picker idea.
4. I took the 2 kittens for their shots and bought the kitten’s first-year package for all their shots + flea meds + check ups for the first year for $250. It was double that (ouch) but I got $15 off for buying two, and it saves me a ton of money for individually purchasing all their shots, meds and check ups. Worth the up-front cost.
5. Going to a friend’s trailer (she’s camping) for a beer this afternoon. Bringing our own (just one) and some snacks. Good times, no explosives.
I finally remembered to ask my vet for a multipet discount. Last year with four dogs and one cat.
Yeah, I’m not feeling too “Yay America” either.
#4. Same here. Lots of rain overnight (for which I was grateful) and woke up to no power in 2 of the bedrooms, the laundry/utility (a/k/a futility) room and most distressing, the garage. In which my car was parked. Safe and sound and completely inaccessible. After googling the cost of replacing the entire electrical panel (yowza!) I finally located the errant circuit breakers and all was well. For the moment. I think I’m gonna call my electrician next week (not over the 4th of July weekend!) and have him come take a look about better protection for the panel which is outside the house.
And I’m not letting the current administration ruin my love for this country. I always listen loudly to the Stars and Stripes Forever on July 4. I like tradition.
1. I drove my neighbor and her traveling companion to Port Miami for their cruise. She was going to leave her car at the port & pay a daily parking fee of 22$ a day. The cruise is only 4 days, but I told her “Let me take you”. She often picks me up at the airport. Time to reciprocate. I will pick them up too.
2. She gave me 2 breakfast burritos, a head of lettuce, and a tub of cherry tomatoes before they left. Free food is always nice.
3. I got a 25$ GC for gas on Fetch. I’ll use that to gas up my car.
4. I donate blood or platelets in FL. You get a 20$ GC, snacks, and a gift of some sort. Platelet donors get more perks. For some reason, the prizes are better in FL than in TX. I save my blood for FL!
5. Hubby coming to FL next week. His list of chores (to save $) is growing. Replace the water heater, replace weather stripping on the front door, and spray the condo for pest control.
Florida platelets for the win!
1. I went to 2 garages sales next to each other yesterday. One had cheap prices and I spent $5.50 on a quilt and a Columbia jacket. The other had high prices and I bought nothing.
2. I walked to Kroger this morning while it was still relatively cool and bought 5 boxes of ice cream sandwiches that were on sale for $2.
3. I trash picked a large vintage steel can and sold it on Marketplace for $30.
4. My office closed at noon yesterday so everyone could start their holiday weekend early. Free half day without burning PTO.
5. I bought a roll of Rifle Paper wallpaper on Marketplace for $25. It retails for $150 and is heavy, thick paper. I was nervous about cutting into it, but bit the bullet and papered one accent wall in my bedroom. I’m glad I took the risk as I think it looks stunning.
Yum — ice cream sandwiches!
@Katy,
If there is no other obvious reason, and your GFI outlet has some age on it, you may want to have it replaced. My ddh was a Master electrician and taught me that those outlets can have a shelf life.
Sorry, that should have been GFCI
More info on GFCI outlets here
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/energy/what-are-gfci-outlets-and-5-common-household-items-you-shouldnt-plug-into-one/
That is good to know, thank you.
@Katy – ye gads if you were my sister – black beans just *would not* have cut it. Even my picky protein sister would have balked at black beans. Still a healthy amount of farmer genes in both of us (though I am far more beef than she).
IMHO, black beans = martyr deprivation.
Do you realize how unkind this comment is?
I love black beans. I love beans anyway but black beans are my favorite.
I like to make a tostada with black beans, BBQ sauce, pickled onions, and lots of cheese, and then slide it under the broiler to melt the cheese.
I’m relatively new to this group of thrifty, resourceful, generous souls. A few times I’ve been actually startled by a comment and its rudeness. As in did I read that correctly? I had to go back a few weeks and and connect this as the same commenter who accused someone of starving their kids over on the frugal girl’s site. What the holy hell is your intent with your comment?
Hmmm, welcome and thank you for this.
Yes, @Hmmm
Thank you! Glad you’re here.
Mama used to say “If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all”.
I prefer pinto beans to black beans. However, if a family member cooked black beans for me, then I would be gracious and eat them. Often times you can adjust the taste with sour cream, salsa, and the like.
Me (and Alice Roosevelt): If you can’t say something nice, come sit by me.
@Rose
Hahaha
Rifle paper, ooooh! Can you post a pic?
I donated blood twice in my life, to be able to run a 5k free. The run was called “The Blood Gusher”, but both times I passed out after donating and haven’t donated since. Now they wouldn’t even want my blood in the US, because I’ve been in malaria locations.
1) DH made burgers for the four of us + DS18’s girlfriend last night. The adults also had margaritas.
2) DS18 washed his car at home, which saves quite a bit of money.
3) I made lunch for everyone, when DS18 mentioned that he was going to take his GF to lunch. It was an easy meal of quesadillas (and no one complained or starved ;-)), chicken & a bunch of fruit I’d just bought from the orchard stand.
4) Signed up for a volunteer event at work. Even though our office is under construction, I’ll head up there, get to meet all of my local coworkers, do some good (need to research what we’re actually doing at the volunteer event) & then we get a free lunch. It will be nice to meet some of the fellow bay area people.
5) Continued to pick up the free game event at the store. I guess most people don’t want them. So far, I’ve “won” about $10 in store rewards, a package of shredded cheese, & a protein bar. It’s not making me rich, but it’s kind of fun & free food is always nice.
1. I made up envelopes for upcoming expenses (all fun things) with savings goals on each of them. These are for the next 4 months, so this should give me time to budget and fill these envelopes. I am a very goal-oriented, visual person, so if I SEE the goal and get to TOUCH the envelopes, I really think this will help me. My niece, although she is 20 years younger than me, is so good at budgeting that when I told her about it, she asked if I would want her to check in with me about this, as an outside accountability partner. I jumped at this offer and appreciate it so much!
2. I have already made progress on said envelopes!
3. My daughter who is on maternity leave received a chunk of “found money” as we put it (money she had not planned on), and she sent me a good portion of it to set aside for her mortgage payment while she is on ML, so she will not be tempted to spend it.
4. I used points at the gas station to get a gift card for future shopping.
5. I went through my gift storage and organized, so I can see what I have in there for the upcoming holidays.
6. We had my son-in-law’s birthday dinner – pulled pork sandwiches at his request. We had the pork roasts in the freezer, so it was a relatively inexpensive meal that was really well received.
7. My husband and I won the Red, White, and Blue Yard of the Month for our small town, so I have been spending even more time sitting on my porch, basking in the glory. 😉
8. I met a sorority sister at an American Legion ball game just to chat and took her some flowers in an empty glass soda bottle. It was adorable, if I do say so myself, so free fun and a free gift.
9. I am working on a Saturday – I’ve been so busy at work, that I need this extra time, and I appreciate the extra money (for my envelopes!).
10. My little town puts on a pretty nice firework display, and my husband and I are able to just walk to the paper alley behind our neighbor’s house and watch them – free entertainment and quality time.
Alice, I love reading about your envelope system!
I LOVE a good envelope system! I grew up with it as my mom used them and I carried it into young adulthood with envelopes for my pets, vet appts, trips, etc. Now I still like them for vacation and I’ll make subset envelopes (?) … One for campsite fees, one for park entrance costs, one for gas, food, showers… you name it. But I love to think, I’ve saved for all the gas we’ll use on this trip … Or the campsites and firewood are covered, etc.
I now realize I sound a bit over the top with it but it’s encouraging. My sister bought me pretty envelopes that have a string tie and I’ve used them for years, changing the goal on the front.
1. We got back from a trip to Maui earlier this week. We used the Alaska companion pass, and 9 of the 11 night we stayed there had no out of pocket hotel
stay costs due to accumulated free nights. Three of the nights were booked with timeshare points, which have an annual fee, but we bought resale timeshare weeks cheaply and use our points judiciously.
2. Visited our daughter who has recently relocated to the Portland suburbs with her boyfriend. Time with her is priceless given the fact that she now lives far away. I love that Alaska Airlines allows you to stack stopovers, so we visited friends in Seattle on our way to Maui and daughter in Portland area on our way home.
3. Despite a punishing heat wave which took place while we were away, we returned from our trip to find 2 ready to eat zukes and some developing tomatoes and butternut squash. Half of one zuke has been consumed. I got free zuke seeds from our wonderful library. Also got beet, yellow squash, tomato, lettuce, delicata squash and butternut squash seeds for free.
4. Went to the fireworks last night at our favorite beach. They shoot the fireworks from a barge out in the ocean. I love the contrast of the waves hitting the shore and the sky lighting up. I am very upset about the passage of the Big Disgusting Bill, but I decided not to let my sorrow interfere with something that we love to do each year. The only small damper on the evening involved the people behind us who urged their kids to sing that awful MAGA anthem “Proud to be an American.”
I am NOT a fan of that song. Like @Rose, I prefer the “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
5. We each have credit cards which give us $10 off an order at a convenience store twice a month. We used June’s credits to each get a free salad and drink the night we got back from our trip, and used July’s to get free sandwiches and drinks for “linner” on the beach yesterday,
1. We spent most of the 4th of July at home. Where I cooked brunch and inner using exclusively what we have at home. We were tempted to eat out, but didn’t to be more economical.
2. Tickets to the baseball game nearby with fireworks were $39 for the cheapest seats. Not being a huge baseball fan or wanting to shell out ~$120 for tickets plus the cost of stadium food and drinks; we instead parked near the stadium and watched the fire works for free. Allowing us to also leave quickly and avoid stadium traffic.
3. We have gotten a substantial amount of food from Summer Break spot program which provides a weekly box of pre packaged food and drinks for children 18 and under in my state. I have been slowly utilizing the food in our meals. I also plan on taking a box with us for a trip we’re going on to try and help avoid buying snacks on the road.
4. I streamed a movie for free through the Kanopy channel, which is free with my library card.
5. I recently came to understand what an ‘Uncle Eddie’ is and am checking out a copy of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, one of my favorites, from the library.
I thought I was the only one that takes a couple extra cookies home after giving blood. They are soooo good. 🙂