Five Frugal Things

by Katy on November 8, 2015 · 45 comments

Lovable Livable Home

  1. I took my son to his futsal/indoor soccer game last night. I brought a library book to read and tried not to look over at the in-house pub with its tantalizing smells. Maybe some day I’ll be one of those moms with a pint of ale and a plate of artisan French fries, but that day has yet to come. #collegefund
  2. I picked up a vintage folding luggage rack at Goodwill that I’ll clean up to sell on Craigslist. I’ve seen them used with a tray on top for a cool makeshift table, and they sell for around $40 on eBay. I’m also going to clean up my husband’s old yet unused accordion to list on Craigslist as well. #collegefund
  3. My neighbors went away for the weekend to celebrate their anniversary, and asked me to look in on their cats. They later texted that there was a piece of chicken and half an avocado for me to take. They know me well.
  4. My son was at a friend’s house Friday night, so it was just me and my husband. I had a $9 gift certificate to one restaurant and a filled-up frequent buyer card to another. (It’s where my father takes me to lunch.) I went ahead and got a single entree from each restaurant, which allowed us to feast on lovely, if somewhat disjointed takeout. A rare and very appreciated treat. The cost? Two bucks!
  5. I didn’t buy a Lear Jet.

Now you 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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{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }

Isabelle November 8, 2015 at 1:00 pm

* Putting all my personal (yes, just mine…) receipts of the last month together, I’ve realized that once again I spent 120$ on junk food/restaurants (with my own personal money). Unacceptable in my current state of finances!! So my budget this month is 20$ only. Keeping an eye on what I spend keeps me honest and more in line with my frugal intentions.
* Tried real hard to find shoes for my daughter at the thrift store (as opposed to new). After visiting 3 places we ended up empty-handed. So I resorted to a Walmart visit and found a 20$ pair. I guess the frugal here is not buying a 50$ pair.
* Will keep on budget for groceries this month again by buying on sale, buying in season and sticking to basics. So far, spent 137$, so we have 363$ left for the month (2 adults+2 young kids).
* Using all the little samples (5) of toothpaste given by the dentist
* Myself and the kids are showering every second day. It’s cold here and we are not really active at the moment.
* Still drying clothes on the line/racks

I feel like my list is pretty lame today but we can’t always be a frugal-queen hey?!

Have a great frugal day!

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Michele November 9, 2015 at 2:36 am

We are facing a SUPER tight Christmas this year and I am looking for any and every way to pinch a penny. I have always vowed that I enjoy my showers SO much that I wouldn’t resort to skipping even 1….but now I’m thinking skipping even 1 a week would save a little. I may go for it. Kudos to you for all the ways you’re saving money!

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Beth November 8, 2015 at 1:05 pm

1. Hung loads of laundry in my house only using the dryer to get the wrinkles out.
2. Brought my own coffee to church today even though the church coffee bar is VERY tempting.
3. Daughter and me partook of the free pastry at church and I ended up with a free coffee anyway because of the activity they had going on for families. Did donate a $1 to cover her suped up hot chocolate which was so worth it!
4. Took daughter to Bath and Body and used our free travel size coupon. We spent time smelling different scents, candles and lotions and had fun. She was happy to get the peppermint Twist spray for the holidays. I was VERY tempted to buy daughter and myself some lotion but did not. Mentioned at the checkout Santa now has a “few” ideas so I didn’t feel like a total cheapskate and actually may go back to get her a few things for her stocking.
5. Picked up a few dog walks this weekend which paid for the groceries I picked up over the weekend. Managed to keep it to the cheap meat on sale (drumsticks for 99 cents a pound), lettuce on sale, cake mix for $1 as I need chocolate for medicinal purposes. 😉
6. Did over 150 points in Swagbucks yesterday.
7. Picked up a new night clerk job two nights a week which will pay time and half – going to daughters braces fund which I found out will cost almost 6,000.
8. Found out daughters Dad’s wife gets orthodontic insurance for $1,500 and with my insurance of $1,000 will help immensely!
9. Brought my own snacks and coffee to my daughters indoor soccer game this weekend and did not buy anything at the food stand.
10. Took daughter to the library to pick up a book she really wanted to read. Also picked up my $6 gift certificate to the library bookstore as I am a volunteer there. Looking forward to using it for gifts for Christmas.
11. Booked more holiday jobs for dog walking/watching for over the holidays, will be super busy but will help with paying for braces and car repairs.
12. Took daughter to Subway for the buy one get one deal since she had the day off from school and got a free cookie from doing their survey from the last time I had visited.
13. After daughters band concert her friends all went to Culvers for dinner. I was able to use two coupons and got a free cheeseburger and ice cream mixer, so my dinner was free and she was happy to be with her friends.

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shannon November 8, 2015 at 1:44 pm

If you need to buy stuff at the lotion store, the gift card discount sites are always have tons of options for there…

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Shelly November 9, 2015 at 9:44 am

You could maybe also get a discount on the braces if you can pay the whole bill at once instead of monthly payments.

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K D November 8, 2015 at 1:47 pm

1. A few months ago I had purchased a Groupon for admission for two to the Museum of Industry. It was set to expire yesterday so DH and I had a cheap date (free on-site parking was a real perk in the city).

2. Made dinner for four last night. The leftovers will be used for dinner/lunch during the week.

3. I went to Aldi to buy $.49 avocados, $.99 butternut squash, a 3 pound bag of sweet potatoes for $1.19, $.50/# organic bananas, and a 3 pound bag of apples for $2.00.

4. Returned to Lowe’s a few items we decided we do not need.

5. I walked to the RedBox to use a free rental code.

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Ruby November 8, 2015 at 1:54 pm

Your very frugal take-out deal is cool, Katy!

1. Baked my husband some very healthy breakfast cookies so that he has a portable (and frugal) breakfast on work mornings. Also baked a loaf of homemade bread for the family.
2. Discovered that the $5 off $65 coupons the grocery store has been giving me do not exclude gift cards, which is awesome.
3. We’ve been struggling to pay for one of my husband’s prescriptions. Even with insurance, it’s more than $300 a month, and it will not become generic until 2019. Today he downloaded a savings card that will knock $70 off the price, and is going to talk to his doctor about a less expensive substitute.
4. Our elderly cat’s health has greatly benefited from a change in food. Today I figured out that it saves almost 50 percent on the cost to order a month’s supply online. Got free shipping too.
5. Took advantage of half-off day at the local consignment store to buy a lovely Land’s End sweater for $3 for my husband. Also checked out the Humane Society thrift shop in the same strip shopping center and got a half dozen summer and winter shirts for my son for $14.

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janine November 8, 2015 at 7:29 pm

Could you share with us the brand you are using for your cat? We also have an elderly cat and would like some advice on changing his brand of food. Thanks!

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Ruby November 9, 2015 at 8:09 am

He was 15 in March. He’s lost a lot of weight in the past year and half and has some arthritis in his hips. So we started feeding him Fancy Feast Classic canned food — a half a can up to four or five times a day, depending on his appetite. We are also giving him Pet Naturals of Vermont Daily Best Senior Cat vitamin/supplement treats. He gets two of those a day. They have digestive enzymes in them to help him use the food he eats better. We also changed the kibble to Purina One Grain Free Herring and Egg. He doesn’t eat much kibble, but he seems to enjoy that brand and the younger cats like it too.

He’s been on the Fancy Feast Classic for two weeks and gained a quarter of a pound. That may not seem like much, but previously he was steadily losing weight. He has more energy, is getting around better, and his coat is looking better. (That it’s the Classic version is important, as it has very low carbohydrate content. The protein and fat content are what cats need.)

Fancy Feast Classic is 65 cents a can at our local grocery store, 60 cents a can at the farm supply store, and 37 cents a can at Chewy.com’s online store. Since we have determined this works for him, yesterday I ordered five 24-can cases from Chewy.com and got free shipping on the order. That’s also where I get the vitamin/supplement treats. They’re $6.90-something there, as opposed to $9.99 at the pet store. The kibble we buy at the grocery store, since we seem to be getting an endless supply of store coupons for it.

Hope this helps your cat. I was afraid our guy was on his way out, but he’s really perked up a lot and looks so much better.

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Crystal November 9, 2015 at 9:08 am

I have 3 cats who I love very much. Would you mind sharing the name brand of the cat food that you switched to?

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Ruby November 9, 2015 at 1:29 pm

Fancy Feast Classic canned food and Purina One Grain Free Herring and Egg kibble. I also give him a daily senior cat vitamin/supplement made by Pet Naturals of Vermont.

This morning I weighed him, and he had gained a quarter pound in two weeks on his new food. That may not sound like much, but he had been consistently losing weight for a long time, so things are definitely going better for him. He has a lot more energy and is getting around better.

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A. Marie November 8, 2015 at 2:08 pm

(1) Actually happened to have all the ingredients on hand for a salad I’ve been wanting to try (kale, apples, carrots, radishes, etc.), so I have just assembled same. The kale and carrots came out of the garden 20 minutes ago.

(2) Paid a visit this afternoon to friends who live out in the country and with whom we have a “mutual-mooching” relationship (another term borrowed from Amy Dacyczyn). We swapped magazines and various foodstuffs, and they returned a jar I’d given them refrigerator pickles in this summer.

(3) Spent a rare free Sunday morning sorting books and clothes for resale.

(4) Got up in time this morning to see the waning Moon, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in alignment in the predawn sky. Priceless.

(5) DH just lit fire in wood-burning insert, with 100% reclaimed wood. Also priceless.

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Marilyn November 8, 2015 at 3:05 pm

1. My daughter who lives in Seattle drove down for a visit this weekend. I took her out to lunch using a gift certificate I received last Christmas. I’m glad I saved it for so long since we had a very nice lunch and a great talk.
2. Today I bought chicken to make Katy’s Chicken Adoba. It looked so yummy in the photo.
3. Last week, I spent 2 days working out of town. This means 2 days of free meals, mileage and 1 night in hotel. Always a boost to my paycheck when I work out of town.
4. Listed some of our Christmas decorations on CL. I had good luck selling the Halloween decor, so I hope my luck holds with the Christmas items.
5. Continued to walk for exercise, go to the library for books and videos, work on planning meals and grocery shopping so I can take advantage of specials and coupons.

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Mariana Cisowska November 8, 2015 at 3:07 pm

1. I am jumping on the ‘Swagbucks’ wagon again. Since Thursday I maxed out my daily goals

2. Had a 2 days retreat from work. all paid for, so no cooking for two days. Also got several granola bars with me back home

3. Georgeous day today so lots of time outside playing tennis and picnicking in the park. $0 spent on Sunday entertaintment.

4. For several free Broadway Show tickets from my boss’ friend. She works for Broadway and always get some last moment tix for the non-sold out shows.

5. All the usual: coffee at home, snacks and a water bottle always in my purse 😉

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Bettypants November 8, 2015 at 3:27 pm

1. Picked up a stack of free books, kept one, sold four on ebay for $15. Added a couple of my own to the remaining ones and posted on freecycle.
2. Found a dirty squashed McDonalds cup in my work parking lot with the free coffee sticker intact. I just needed one more to complete my free coffee card.
3. We had a couple unseasonably warm days here, and I walked on my lunch hour. My boss treated everyone to Dairy Queen, which was super nice. I can’t remember the last time I had anything from there.
4. Found a nice cache of fresh mozz on clearance at Kroger. I think it freezes very nicely (when baked on pizzas, not eaten fresh) so I bought about 6 pounds of it.
5. Made a batch of salsa, and cooked chicken in the crock pot, for quesadillas this week. Have a batch of apple muffins in the oven now. Made a pizza earlier with aforementioned discount cheese.

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tonya parham November 8, 2015 at 3:34 pm

1. Was going to make a veggie pot pie recipe but didn’t have enough veggie broth or almond milk (I eat mostly plant based) but found two cans of cream of chicken soup and mixed it with half the water, two bags of frozen mixed veggies and made from scratch biscuits. It wasn’t meatless but it didn’t cost me a trip to the store or anything extra ingredients.

2. Clipped some DG coupons that I can use for total purchase ($3 off $15) and get cat food.

3. Went 10 days without doing groceries (as opposed to my usual week) and made do with what I had.

4 Read two library books last week!

5. Had NO junk food (which I have sworn off and it is costly!) but fruit– both fresh and canned instead!

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Isabelle November 8, 2015 at 4:31 pm

Good for you on number 5! I have to follow your example.

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Jennifer November 8, 2015 at 3:36 pm

1. I stayed home today which is always frugal.
2. I cooked a ham, potato salad, and baked beans for us to eat today and for meals and sandwiches later in the week.
3.I realized my hair is looking kinda haggard and wondering if my frugality or my laziness is the cause since I do my own hair.
4. Took an extremely hot, long shower because my older home is cool since the temperature dropped. Can’t do that everyday but it did elevate my mood.
5. Didn’t buy a Lear jet and was wondering why anyone would want one. My husband is working on the audio system in one and just one little piece was $4000 to repair. Seems like a money drain to me but to each his own.

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Betty Winslow November 8, 2015 at 5:09 pm

1. Having our two grown sons temporarily living with us again has bumped up my grocery bill a bit, but it’s also allowed me to use up a lot of stuff we’d stockpiled: veggie burgers for one son’s vegetarian ex, partial jars of pickles, olives, salsa, etc., salad dressing, special mustard, and so on.
2. Made a pan of apple crisp for dinner dessert, using freegan apples and pears.
3. Minced up two tiny wilted peppers and mixed them with some leftover green beans, a can of three bean salad mix, some chopped onion left from dinner, and some Miracle Whip to make bean salad for my husband’s lunches this week.
4. Lunch was some creamy broccoli soup I bought to try and toasted slightly stale homemade bread topped with melted cheese from a somewhat hardened around the edges hunk of cheese. Didn’t really care for the soup, but if I add some seasoning, some chopped onion, some finely chopped cooked broccoli, and some shredded cheese, I think we will like the rest later this week.
5. Started packing my lunch and husband’s ahead with the leftovers we want, so that the boys know not to eat them.

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Lilypad November 8, 2015 at 6:40 pm

I picked up that book off my library holds list a few days ago and can’t wait to read it! Others are in line first, though, and I wouldn’t want to incur a dime a day fee 😉 by reading them out of order and potentially turning something in late. I loved their last book—is this one any good?

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janine November 8, 2015 at 8:06 pm

1. Free Pizza for lunch today courtesy of our son from a messed up order at the pizza place – they gave him the correct pizza plus this one!
2. Had a half off bookstore coupon – asked friend to accompany me to bookstore – books she picked out were far more expensive than my sale item – she used my coupon and gifted me my book – freebies are always welcome!
3. Found a pair of dress leather gloves for my husband on sale which he needed.
4. Cooked at home all weekend.
5. Planning ahead to take water bottle and snacks to all meetings next week to avoid temptation.

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Mand01 November 8, 2015 at 9:17 pm

1. Studied all weekend and today (and tonight) and sat one exam this morning and another tomorrow, and then have finished my degree – frugal because I have not wasted the money this has cost me and also I have barely left the house.
2. While studying I have been streaming YouTube and Spotify for quiet songs that will keep me awake in the background. We have unlimited downloads so this has not cost me anything and I have discovered some music I had never heard before.
3. To feed the family yesterday my husband and I threw a beef chilli in the crock pot and we had burrito bowls (my new favourite healthy dinner) for dinner last night. It is a favourite with my family right now. I was really tempted to order pizza but didn’t want to spend cash on junk. It took no time to assemble and it was delicious, with leftovers for meals for another day.
4. In order to get my study done I did a babysitting swap with my sister this weekend – I had her two on Saturday morning and she had my two Saturday afternoon.
5. This is not frugal at all but we are doing it anyway – it is my eldest daughter’s birthday tonight, so we are going out for dinner with my family and I am really looking forward to it. But, we have budgeted for it, so it is a planned expense.

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pattilou November 8, 2015 at 9:21 pm

1. raked leaves = free exercise
2. bagged the leaves = free exercise
3. made a pile of leaves for my nieces to jump in = free exercise
4. jumped in the leaves with my nieces = free exercise
5. ate about half a bag of free left over Halloween candy for lunch = cancelation of all that free exercise!!
– but I did find 6 cents and I no longer have any left over candy to tempt me.

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Ellie November 9, 2015 at 9:28 am

Pattilou – love your list!

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Suzanne November 8, 2015 at 9:45 pm

1. Persimmons are on sale and abundant on my neighbor’s tree, so soon I may also get some freebies. While I’m not terribly fond of them, they slip easily into my morning smoothie for added sweetness.

2. I only buy bananas from the quick sale bin and when I find a good haul I usually buy them all. I peel them and bag them for the freezer for breakfast smoothies. I find I only have to go banana shopping twice a month this way.

3. As a vegan I save a tremendous amount by not purchasing meat or eggs or dairy. My husband likes to eat all of the above and gets his meat intake at lunch time only.

4. As I live in Japan our meals are rice-centered and we always have Miso soup with it that we make at home- very frugal, as miso soup is only composed of sliced leeks and Miso paste and, if desired, left over veggies.

4. It is getting cooler weather here so it is Nabe season at our house. Nabe is a veggie stew made with leeks, Chinese cabbage, carrot, mushrooms and some udon noodles. The broth is soy based and only pennies a serving. Very hearty and fun as it is heated to boiling and served at the table in a heatproof tourine made for Nabe cooking (cooked on the stove top first). Again, good for left overs and can add toufu or crab legs if you have them!

5. I dried a load of laundry in the house today and only turned the dryer on high for a few minutes after they were 90% dry to fumigate (prevent mold) as it is about 90% humidity today!

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cathy November 8, 2015 at 10:36 pm

1. A friend teaches a kids’ cooking class once a week and today they were making rolls flavored with lemon, sesame & caraway. I can’t have sesame, so my friend surprised me with two rolls made just for me. Yummy breakfast.
2. Sick kid a few days ago, requested chicken noodle soup. I only had a package of chicken thighs in the freezer, so I used those to make the broth. Put some of the chicken back in the soup, used some the next day in a big batch of chicken & black bean chili, added a bit to reheated pasta for a quick chicken alfredo last night (same kid), scattered some on his pizza tonight, and still have enough left to add to something else!
3. Made double pizza dough recipe tonight. Large enough individual pizzas for each of the kids and husband and all three will get leftover pizza for lunch tomorrow. Bonus: lunches were made EARLY tonight. Instead of making a fourth pizza, I divided the dough in half and par-baked two mini crusts and froze for future use.
4. For the pizza, I made up my weekly batch of all-purpose marinara sauce. Thick, it gets used on pizzas, in pasta, etc. Watered down, I adjust the seasonings for tomato soup. Seasoned the sauce with dried thyme and oregano and fresh garlic from my garden.
5. Brought in all my potted geraniums to overwinter in the house before it froze last week (and wow, did I plant a lot this year!). Now I’m enjoying their beautiful blooms. in the living room. in the dining room. in the kitchen…
6. Continuing to make coffee at home, use the drying rack for laundry, shop sales at the grocery store, and read library books.

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Tina November 9, 2015 at 1:28 am

1) My birthday is the day after Guy Fawkes night, and as that fell on a Thursday, meant I had the pick of firework displays to choose for my birthday evening treat! We went to our local village display, which meant we could walk there (with torches and wellingtons) and have a cider each while watching.
2) Instead of going out, friends came for dinner; my boyfriend loves cooking and has been planning the menu for weeks. Cost far less to stay in, friends brought wine and games, and there were enough leftovers for yesterday’s picnic lunch, dinner, pack-ups for work today and dinner tonight!
3) Attended our nearest town’s Remembrance Sunday service yesterday morning; boyfriend’s daughter was marching in the procession with her fellow cadets and we were super proud to remember our fallen and our veterans. Cadets has really made a positive impact on her attitude and respect (she was lovely beforehand too!) and at only £1 a week subs with residential camps for £5 all inclusive, is by far the best value activity for kids I’ve ever known.
4) Used points saved from grocery shopping and fuel purchases to buy tickets for Hampton Court Palace yesterday. Great afternoon poking around Henry VIII’s wonderful palace on the Thames (and William III, George I&II too!), listening to the choir in his chapel, getting lost in the maze, and enjoying the beautiful gardens. Less than an hour’s drive, and then just the £3 car park fee to pay.
5) Used some birthday money to buy tapestry wool for a new project, but managed to get 15% off with a code found online, and a farbic supplier who was half the price of the recommended retailer. Perfect project for long winter nights in front of the fire 🙂

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Tina November 9, 2015 at 1:39 am

*fabric – sorry!

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Bonnie November 9, 2015 at 1:28 am

Just think of the calories in beer and chips every week though…your waistline will thank you for your frugality!

1. Stayed at home and studied. Literally didn’t go anywhere to spend anything!
2. Made sprout and butternut risotto using the manky veg in the bottom of the fridge and goats cheese from the freezer which smelled highly dubious – but was fine.
3. Eschewed the tumble dryer for a clothes rack in front of the aga to make the most of the residual heat from dinner
4. didn’t use heating – we were only in two rooms so used a little fan heater sporadically to keep the chill off.
5. Did a stocktake and full meal plan to use up everything in the freezer.

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Joyce November 9, 2015 at 5:03 am

1. I recycled my husband’s old car radios but he kept a few to scrap for the metal.
2. I didn’t accept one of the recycle company’s reuse able bags.
3. We toasted the pumpkin seeds for a “free” snack.
4. I did no bidding or shopping at the school fundraiser ( I did spend on the entry fee ).
5. No Lear jet for me.

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Lauren November 9, 2015 at 5:29 am

These are my favorite posts! I love hearing about the small additions to the college fund. Maybe you have done this before, but I don’t recall the post — it would be great to hear how you account for the savings. Do you transfer it to a separate savings account for college bills, etc?

My Frugal Five:

1. The kids’ lunchbox thermoses are packed with a honey sesame chicken and rice recipe I made this weekend.
2. Used some leftover pumpkin purée for pumpkin oatmeal muffins yesterday. Grab & go.
3. Put ingredients in slow cooker for white bean soup this morning. Getting Monday off to a good start and using our rosemary, thyme and sage before it dies back for the winter.
4. Hit the new Aldi that is closer to my house. They have upped their game on unprocessed food!
5. Went running on a beautiful trail yesterday. Free exercise, nature therapy and Vitamin D all in one!

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Tina November 9, 2015 at 5:40 am

Love your number 5! I almost broke on joining a gym or class, but moved to a national park about 2 months ago and have revived my love of nature and walking – what’s not to love about gorgeous views while keeping fit?!

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Lauren November 10, 2015 at 4:55 am

Right on! I supplement with free without videos online. There are tons of good ones out there!

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Vickie November 9, 2015 at 7:37 am

1) Feasting on leftover wraps from a party I attended Sunday.
2) Drinking coffee provided by my employer.
3) Feeling much lighter after my bi-annual haircut I indulged in on Friday. It’s worth the $30 to feel and look better.
4) Checking out Christmas gifts I can buy on Amazon for my grandkids using my Prime account, so I don’t have to pay shipping. We don’t go overboard. They get one gift they want and the other is usually PJs.
5) I didn’t buy a Lear jet either.

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Beth November 9, 2015 at 8:09 am

Finally commenting after MONTHS of reading (and being awed by) others’ frugal practices.
1. Made a commitment to myself that I am not going to buy any clothes, décor, or craft items through the end of the year-I’ll be content with what I have
2. Took leftovers to work for lunch today
3. Drank the free office coffee
4. Stuck to my grocery budget for last week, and ate the food that I bought instead of eating out or buying additional frozen pizzas on the way home
5. Started planning/saving for Christmas early this year, and am only going to use the money I’ve saved/gift cards I’ve stashed away so that it’s not a huge financial burden

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e November 9, 2015 at 11:38 pm

Great list!

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Nicole November 9, 2015 at 9:23 am

Holy not-private library info!

At my local library our hold slips are printed with the first three digits of your last name, and the last five digits of your library card number. Very mysterious, but very private!

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Isabelle November 9, 2015 at 9:51 am

Same here.

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Robin November 9, 2015 at 11:20 am

Standing here reading this and making tortillas to go with the leftover Mexican food my husband is bringing home from work today (yea for lunch meetings!).

My neighbors fed us dinner on Saturday night (yea) BUT they did so because my son locked us out of the house and all the keys I had hidden were for our OLD locks not our NEW locks and so we had to call a locksmith. $300 later….UGH. And I just know we got a raw deal but at 9:00 at night, I didn’t have much choice. New keys have been purchased but still….ugh.

Stayed home yesterday and did crafts with the kiddo. It was a nice day at home 🙂

Figured out it was a better deal to buy a whole new Crayola clings maker set used from Amazon than it was to just buy the replacement goop.

It’s cold and rainy so I’ve defrosted soup for lunch. Yum.

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Cheyanne November 9, 2015 at 11:46 am

This weekend I:
1. Finished my mom’s Christmas present (a shawl made from yarn I already had on hand). I’m currently blocking a headband made with the last little bit of the skein.
2. Transferred two prescriptions to Rite Aid for a total of 5,000 “Plenti Points.” I will probably use those points to stock up on some OTC cold medicine and a new dustpan (living the life!).
3. My great-aunt just sent me two boxes of yarn! I have plans to give some to my coworker’s mom who crochets hats and scarves to sell at senior craft shows.
4. Made celery soup for dinner last night. Used: An onion, garlic, some celery from a neighbor, 2 potatoes and some garbanzo beans. Delicious! And CHEAP to make. Tonight I’m going to teach my boyfriend how to make corn chowder.
5. I went for my morning walk and saw some rabbits running around in the bushes. It helped me relax and prepare for what I knew would be a ROUGH work day 🙂

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Katy November 9, 2015 at 1:05 pm

Bunny therapy!

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Amanda November 9, 2015 at 1:30 pm

1. Had to take a trip to the big city and Costco, so the family ‘sampled’ our lunch there and left full.
2. Hubby needed a hair cut and we’ve been teaching our daughters to trim it. So he got a very nice free haircut from the 9yo.
3. I rented out my bull, that means he won’t try to kill me for at least 6 weeks and I don’t have to feed him, and they PAID me for the privilege!
4. I took in 6 girl goats to breed to my buck. While I will have to feed them, they don’t eat much and none of them will try to kill me. They may kill each other to get to me for pets and loving, yes, but not me!
5. I taught myself to tan hides. I’ve now been contacted by a man who wants to hire me to turn his lamb hides into sheepskin rugs for his wife. He also wants to learn, so I can still charge and have him do the backbreaking work!

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Monica November 9, 2015 at 4:54 pm

1. My mom was going to mail our anniversary card but gave it to us at brunch. I’m saving the envelope in order to reuse the unused stamp. I’ll also use the blank side of the envelope for jotting down notes.

2. I cashed in $11.75 Paypal through Ibotta and put in the high school senior fund.

3. My high school senior just brought home the graduation catalog. I told her that I kept her sister’s cap & gown from 3 years ago and if it is still the same & fits, she could wear it. Or she could check with her school’s counselor to borrow one if they were different. Or we could use $43 from the high school senior fund to buy a new one that she’d wear for a few hours. After some quick thought, she decided to check with her school counselor on both things and keep her money for something else.

4. I’m saving up Amazon gcs from surveys for Christmas purchases. While we buy used most of the time, there are some people we purchase gifts for that prefer new. On a side note, we recently talked with these same folks and we agreed to buy less this year.

5. We rented a movie through Google Play using Google Reward survey credits.

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Florencia November 9, 2015 at 8:02 pm

1. Got asked to dance tango at a Colombian old lady’s birthday. She turned 85 yesterday. My partner and I don’t perform, but the lady loves tango so we danced the best we could. She loved it! Her daughter was so thankful she offered us a huge discount on steam cleaning our car’s seats. $40 vs $70-90 anywhere else charges, as cheap! Even better than what we would have gotten paid with cash and timely, since we both were planning on that expense anyway.
2. Did the math and I worked over 10 hours overtime last week.
3. Went to the food bank yesterday. Got crunchy peanut butter for my sister and beans for my salad.
4. Stayed 1.5 hours extra at work today.
5. I ate all my meals at work yesterday.
6. Ate leftovers when I got home tonight.

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Janelle November 10, 2015 at 4:07 am

I just thought I’d share that partly due to reading this blog, via Craigslist this weekend I sold a brand new baby gate we had been given when my son was placed with us almost three years ago for $30, and a set of 35 Christmas dishes my husband’s grandma had given us (that we didn’t want!) for our wedding now almost 7 years ago for $30! I’ve listed those crummy dishes for the last three years, and now someone wanted them! Plus the $60 was made on things I had in my house that I never used! My oldest is three, so I’m calling it #payoffthemortgage!

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