- My husband and I enjoyed a cheap afternoon date yesterday that involved drinking free coffee at Ikea, driving through Wendy’s for a free junior Frosty and then picking up cat litter at Costco. Others might consider our “date” to be less than romantic, but since financial stress is often quoted as being the number one marital stressor, I say that we’re promoting a healthy marriage.
- I walked to the mailbox and passed by the above box of CD’s. I was initially excited, until I discovered that the cases were all empty. I wish the owner had taken the time to donate them to Scrap, (and I was tempted to bring them home to save them from littering the landfill) but that way lies madness. And I’ve got enough on my plate as it is.
- I vacuumed both the front and back of the carpet remnant that’s been in my son’s room for 19 years, and then replaced it with the $500 Ikea rug that I garbage picked earlier in the week. I immediately listed it on my local Buy Nothing Group. I look around my son’s room and realize that I’ve spent less than $30 for all his furniture. Mind you, there are $10,000 of Legos and Bionicles in the closet, so don’t get too impressed.
- Yesterday I dropped off plastics recycling, added some magazines to a Little Free Library, dropped batteries and a CFL lightbulb into Ikea’s recycling bins, found a penny on the ground, watched a couple episodes of Outlander DVD’s from the library and assembled a dinner using stuff on hand, even though I really didn’t feel like it.
- I didn’t buy a Lear Jet or a vulgar gold-plated apartment in the sky.
Now your turn. What frugal things have you been up to?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
1. Was invited to a student’s Sweet Sixteen party and pulled a card for her out of my stash and wrapped a pair of vintage pierced earrings. Cost = $0!
2. Was at the grocery store the other day and had already had a few samples when the deli lady came by with a tray of wraps and offered me one. I took it and put it in a plastic bag I happened to have in my purse. Had it as part of my lunch the next day, with leftover sauteed sugar snap peas, onions, and mushrooms. Yum!
3. Recently switched all my maintenance drugs over to a 90 day supply, so that our insurance will continue to cover them. Bonus? They are cheaper that way!
4. Met my honorary daughter and her 4 yo daughter at our school carnival, where I bought dinner ($4.75), a candy bar for the baby ($1.00), and not a thing else! Daughter bought $20 worth of game tickets, and was going to toss the ones that she could tell they wouldn’t have time to use. I asked her if I could share them, and she agreed, so was able to make a family who had brought about 8 grandkids with them very happy! Not frugal, maybe, but satisfying!
5. Continuing to nurse the basil plant I bought a few weeks ago, when I couldn’t find fresh sprigs at the store. Still has green leaves on it, and as leaves start to wilt or dry up, I clip them off and drop them in a cup, for further drying and future use!
I spent abtolutely $0 this weekend so far. I am planning on spending the same amount tomorrow. It is so cold in NYC again that I just enjoy being anti social, staying home watching tv, ironing, cooking and simply enjoying being cozy.
I just got so excited reading your post, Katy, as I’ve been trying to find a place to recycle our batteries. Everywhere I check they charge at least $1.00 per pound. Is it free at IKEA??
Yes it is!
For folks in parts of the Northeast U.S. served by the Wegmans supermarket chain, Wegmans also accepts batteries (and many other things) for recycling free of charge.
(1) Had my 6month check up today at the dentist. Received a toothbrush, floss and toothpaste. 100% covered by husband’s plan. Must use the $$ that cover massages 100%. I think I’d enjoy it more?
(2) Scheduled an optometrist appointment but thought I may not have passed the anniversary date when benefits kick in again. They checked when I arrived and saw I still needed to wait a week and a day. So thankful they just let me reschedule instead of charging for th e missed appointment. I did feel bad because she did have the potential to have lost income from the missed appointment.
(3) Ate every left over this evening. They are gone. We are fed. Fridge is clean. It was no work.
(4) Went shopping for some outfits to wear to events. Found a couple that I could have talked myself into. I left them behind. But found organic, crunchy PB in the reduced section.
(5) Saw one of my favourite bargain hunting cashiers at the store today. She cheered me on for finding the 500 g containers of organic , Greek yogurt for .59
(5)
1. We had two events at work in the last couple of days and both resulted in left over food. One day we ate the left overs as snacks and today there was so much food left that I ate that for lunch and ate the lunch I had packed for my dinner tonight.
2. I only spent a total of about $4.00 this week and that was for fruit and crackers at Aldi.
3. I found 26 cents at Aldi.
4. I renewed a library book online to avoid a fine. It isn’t due until Monday but I don’t know if I can get there by then to renew in person so better to do it in advance.
5. I made birthday cards using supplies I already have on hand.
1. My grandmother passed away last week and we had her funeral yesterday. Her funeral was very simple, non-religious and attended by family and close friends. It was frugal but not cheap – she was a renowned gardener and all her friends and family placed fresh herbs and flowers they brought themselves on her coffin before she left. It was very beautiful.
2. I’m going back out remote next week. I had to shop hurriedly today so that my family has food before I disappear again. I planned meals with my husband for while I’m away and he will do all the cooking. He’s an excellent cook so they will all survive while I’m gone. I spent $35 less than I planned. Win.
3. It’s time to dismantle our Summer garden and prepare for autumn planting. After the stress of the past week, I’m looking forward to spending tomorrow with my hands and mind in the garden. I grow mostly edible plants so it’s a frugal hobby for me, so long as I don’t go overboard on buying plants (hard to control sometimes).
4. Bought some half price protein bars to take with me on my trip. It’s hard to eat properly out there so sometimes I have these instead, and skip a junky meal. It also helps to save money, as meals are expensive out there. They are non-perishable so I can toss them in my bag and not worry about them going off.
That’s it. Bit of a rough week, really.
So sorry for your loss. But great idea for the herbs!!
So sorry about the loss of your Grandmother!
Thank you. She had a good life, a peaceful death, and was well loved.
I hope when I’m gone, someone will say the same about me.
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you have loads of happy memories and photos of her.
My sympathy on your loss, Mand. Wishing you peace as you work in your garden tomorrow. (Here in one of the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere, I’m eagerly looking forward to getting into mine.)
And I too like the herbs and flowers tribute. When I can, I like to take a posy of suitable herbs (sage for wisdom, rosemary for remembrance, thyme for immortality, and basil for entry into Paradise) to a funeral, and place it on the coffin or the grave with the family’s permission.
May her memory be a blessing.
Sorry for your loss! What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother.
1. This week, we attended a great FREE string concert by University of Connecticut students, and their gifted conductor Harvey Felder, at our local public library.
2. In my volunteering at the library book shop, I found and bought $16 worth of Alan Bradley books for my daughter. This is not exactly non-consumer, but it does reuse books and keep them out of landfills.
3. We saw the movie “The Light Between Oceans” for free at today our local library.
4. I made homemade enchiladas with homemade ground turkey taco meat, which I expanded with quinoa and finely sliced lettuce cores. The enchilada sauce used homemade stock.
5. I REALLY like the idea of Little Free Libraries.
1. I bought a bunch of haloumi cheese at our Grocery outlet, for less than half price. I think I have enough to last us through summer. I really like making dinner salads of spinach, mushrooms and haloumi, and my family enjoys eating it!
2. Found soda for @2.88 a 12-pack. We don’t drink much soda around here anymore, but my husband likes it in his lunches, and it staves off headaches for him. At this price I stocked up, and it’s worth the 23 cents a day!
3. Found a pair of shorts and a pair of jeans for my daughter at a rummage sale. Didn’t get anything I didn’t need.
4. Went to a friend’s house for dinner and board games. A cheap and fun evening!
5. Already adjusted our clocks for tomorrow’s time change.
1. Redeemed my free Starbucks drink at Safeway today. It was one of my Just 4 You offers and very tasty on the terribly cold day!
2. Did 8 mystery shops and merchandising jobs today. College fund!
3. Sold 4 items on Amazon this week.
4. Took advantage of a great promotion at local grocery store for free Fandago certificates. Buy 8 candy items, on sale for 50¢ each, get free movie ticket. Limit 5. $20 for 5 tickets and lots of candy for college son and his teammates when we go to his tournament next month!
5. Found total of 76¢ this week.
I cannot believe the totals of found money. I have found exactly 2 cents since Jan. 1st. Of course I live way out in the country and drive almost everywhere, so I don’t walk on many city sidewalks. The 2 cents I did find were both in parking lots–different ones. I need to hang out in better areas!!
Marcia, I’m thinking that in areas that have a history of chronic economic depression – like here in Western and Upstate New York – people are more careful with their money. I’ve been keeping an eye out everywhere I go, including checking coin star and vending machines, but rarely find more than a dollar over the course of a year.
The only exception I might make to Vickey’s thought about Upstate is the period right after a big thaw. Earlier in March (before the weather turned nasty again), I found a $5 bill and over $1.50 in coins. There’s gold in them thar parking-lot glaciers when they melt!
Vickey, I’m in WNY too. I rarely find money but my 9 year old is a champ! 🙂 Usually pennies and nickels. I agree with you that it is very scarce. Even around the CoinStar machines.
Hi to you all from the state of SC!
My frugal 5:
1. Tonight we ate fish and fish eggs that we got from Dad’s fishing trip.
2. Hubby loaded the Friday freebie for Kroger which was a V-8 energy drink, I think.
3. Been watching documentaries on youtube for free. I watched one that had an interesting part about slab city in CA where people live off the grid.
4. I’ve been using vinegar and water to clean with. I hate the smell of vinegar but so glad that it dissipates quickly.
5. I bought a denim patch very cheaply on ebay not long ago. I have a pair of name brand jeans that I got on a local yard sale site for $1, I think. I noticed a tear near the pocket so I ordered the denim patch to fix them. I really like those jeans! No need to buy more!
Ooh, thanks! I needed a new Youtube rabbit hole to climb into! Slab City sounds intriguing!
My FFT:
1. Used a gift card for a facial I was given for my birthday last year. It expires at the end of the month so made sure I used it. It was heavenly and only cost me the tip.
2. My mom took me out to lunch today and sent me home with leftovers so that’s what hubby and I had for dinner.
3. Hubby sold a big ticket item on Craigslist and that money will help pay for some vet bills.
4. Rented Dr. Strange using a Redbox code. I enjoyed it but hubby thought it was a little too out there.
5. Using the library, eating meals at/from home, hanging laundry, not buying stuff, etc.
March – small wins v large expenses. Here are the wins.
1. One of husband’s suppliers recycles an amazing amount of A4 paper. We are now being given this and wrapping it tightly (sealed with a toilet roll cut into 5) and using them on the woodburner. I estimate about 100 ‘logs’ a month for free. They don’t burn hot but they are good for cooler evenings when some heat is needed to take the edge of a cold night (my dogs are both skinny and spoilt :p)
2. So far March has been pretty mild so fire off more than on. That means that the heatlogs we bought can be carried over to next year along with the big wood delivery. And of course the recycled paper rolls are also building up. So far, touch (fire) wood, it’s looking like next year’s heat needs is already sorted.
3. Carrots on Aldi supersix offers so bought several packs so I can chop and freeze in batons for things like stirfries. frittatas etc (I personally don’t bother blanching either).
4. Found a slightly cheaper place to buy chicken feed. I can’t be the only one that quizzes people when I meet them on the cost of their chickens/dog food etc in case they’re getting a better deal than I am, can I?
5. Processed the last of our pumpkins, using skin/seeds et al. We hopefully now have enough frozen for soups/hummus/cheesecake/pie/pumpkin guts bread/favoured roast seeds etc until the pumpkins not yet even sown produce a crop this autumn.
I have my first ever pumpkin crop growing at the moment. I’m ridiculously proud of these little pumpkins- I show anyone who visits!
Pumpkin guts bread? Tell me more….. (please)
Let me preface this comment by saying I don’t actually own a wood stove. But I offered paper to a friend that does and was told no thanks because the paper burns differently than wood and can build up more creatine (?) in the chimney. Just something to research if you haven’t heard that.
1. It’s was spring break last week for one daughter. She had to work but we manage a couple lunches out. We stopped at a few thrift stores. We both got a .99 cent sweater and I picked her up an enamel coated cast iron dutch oven. It was in excellent shape. We our picking up kitchen items for when she eventually has her own place.
2. I painted all week so I was home a lot. Only picked up a few items at the grocery store as needed and cooked from the freezer/pantry.
3. I spent Friday night in the ER with my mother. She had some stomach issues. Neither of us felt good enough for our once a month dinner out, so I picked her up some chicken noodle soup at Panera instead.
4. Went to a home show with my husband. Tickets were cheap and it was fun to spend time with him. As my husband paid for the tickets he realized he’d forgotten to check to see if there were free ones at work. Free would have been nicer.
5. We checked out a sauna while we were at the home show. I now have sticker shock and will be checking that off my fantasy list.
When you made the remark you spent less than $30 on your son’s furnishings, I looked around and realized, in my entire house I spent $100 on a bed, $300 on a bedroom set, $125 on a couch, $10 on end tables, $350 on a Hoosier cabinet, $350 on a refrigerator. All other furniture or appliances in the entire house were inherited, or given to me….wow!
Great job!
Our house is the same, pretty much. I’m looking around our loungeroom right now and really the only thing I’d get rid of is our really horrible couch, which came with the house. It’s unfortunately an Australian made, solid as a rock and comfortable recliner set that while hideous, could keep going for another ten years at least. No one would buy it as it’s just ugly.
Everything else was inherited or bought secondhand and has fit into our 70s palace perfectly.
Most of my frugalness this week was from not doing things:
1. Didn’t attend a local event that had free appetizers, live music, and drink specials. Stayed home and ate leftovers and read instead. Needed a break from “people”.
2. Didn’t order out when DH craved pizza, instead, made a frozen one dressed up with leftover veggies and spices I already had.
3. Didn’t donate 2 blouses that were cut less modest in the front than I prefer. Instead, I found some cute buttons in my stash and sewed the neckline to a modest level with the button on top. Looks cute, I think!
4. Didn’t go to GW this week, I don’t need anything and again, I needed that “people break” this weekend.
5. Didn’t use coupons for anything we don’t currently need. I’ve stockpiled enough for now and need to use up what we have.
I’m already feeling more energy, now that I’ve taken my break! 🙂
Oh, I completely understand the need for a “people break”! I am an INFP on the Myer-Briggs scale (I being Introvert) which is all about being active in society, yet I need that time alone to recharge. Your time “alone” sounds fun and relaxing!
1. Attended a “listening session ” yesterday for a woman who is running for governor next year. Learned about her background and vision. Bagels and cream cheese served which was an added bonus.
2. Glad to learn from Katy that IKEA recycles batteries – will try to entice my husband out there to get rid of our stash and drink the free coffee.
3. Treated to lunch for the last two days plus son paid my small Costco bill. (I pay for the membership.)
4. Routine/habits continue: packing lunches, turning down thermostat at night, cutting down on expensive meals out, controlling impulse purchases, making sure the budget is working etc.
5. No Lear jet, no tacky apartments in the sky that use gold-plate as a building material etc.
I think I have more fails than successes lately, but here goes:
1. Needed a sympathy card for a coworker, paid .25 at thrift store.
2. Replaced one of my favourite poetry bowls made by a friend that I smashed, at same thrift store. It was still $7, but was once-loved ( as my friend calls used), so I was okay with it.
Okay, so that’s it:
Not so frugal:
1. Didn’t get a chip in my windshield fixed before the cold weather caused a crack. $200 deductible to get it replaced.
2. Going to Elton John concert tonight! 2 tickets = lots! But we’ll have dinner at home instead of going out. And it’s also my birthday present this year. So, I’m sure it will be totally worth it.
Worth it to see Elton John! Oh yes! Have fun!! Experiences over things. 🙂
We had snow overnight in the deep South, which made me glad we weren’t seduced by the warm weather into planting anything early or putting away our sweaters.
Frugal things:
1. All the usual, which includes drying heavy laundry on the rack, wearing cute thrifted/secondhand outfits, packing my lunch and drinks from home, using up the leftovers, and driving with a light foot to save on gas.
2. Got some free e-books using Bookbub. Sometimes the books are duds, but sometimes I discover a new author who is really good.
3. Have to rejigger the budget to include a monthly $65 allergy shot for our middle dog, who is allergic to practically everything. However, she’s doing so much better that it’s definitely worth it. Having rescued dogs is a big reason why we’re frugal.
4. Budget rejiggering is including a search for a far less expensive cell phone plan. We were spoiled by the Mister’s employer paying for his phone for years and years, but that’s ended and we have sticker shock.
5. A mutual sharing relationship with one of my coworkers results in him giving us gifts of food that he doesn’t want. He is on a strict diet, so we’re recently gotten a pint of local honey and a couple of pounds of homemade Italian sausage. As a result of his strict diet, I gave him a bunch of clothes my menfolk had outgrown. It’s a win-win situation. 🙂
I’ve been using Google Fi for about 9 months now and love it! Much cheaper than my old Verizon plan and you only get charged for what you use. Here is a code if you want to save $20 on it. F3K251
Tried Republic wireless before that and was pleased with them as well but think Fi is better. Worth looking into the “disruptor” options as well as the standard companies especially now that most of them are making you buy the phone too.
1) Made pizza at home, baked it in the already-going woodstove. Watched free vids online.
2) Made plans to have a multi-family yard sale with friends this summer. I’m not getting to listing things on EBAY or Amazon, and finds from cleaning out MIL’s basement are starting to stack up.
3) There’s a pot of garbanzos simmering on the woodstove, and a dish of porridge going in to bake. “Stacking functions”, as the permies say.
4) DH’s handyman gig got expanded, so he’ll likely have an additional week of decent-paying work there.
5) Scored some lovely fabric cheap at a thrift store where I’ve often gone months without finding anything on the needs list. I figure if I can make gifts from secondhand fabrics and other items collected over the years (buttons, thread, ribbons, etc.), I can have the enjoyment of creating things and – hopefully – the recipient will enjoy them, too. I always tell people “If you don’t love/want/need it, please feel free to re-gift it.” So items lovingly crafted from secondhand materials then given as gifts – that’s a three-fer, right?
1. Skipped a going out of business sale where I knew I’d be tempted – instead went to an estate sale that had nothing of interest.
2. Taking a gifted bottle of wine to a neighbor’s to compare cute grandchild pictures this evening.
3. Found the Tightwad Gazette (#1 and 2) at a library sale – probably will donate back at the next sale but fun to see them again.
4. Decided we needed a new cover for the bed – we let the dog sleep on the bed and the bedspread shows it – but my husband reminded me of one I had put away awhile ago. Used that plus a $1.20 baby quilt I thrifted for the foot of the bed where the dog sleeps – easy to toss in the washing machine as needed.
5. Just found out that our county accepts textiles at the hazardous drop off spots – goodbye old bedspread!
Chris, your local animal rescue will happily take your old bedspread.
1. Went to Goodwill, donated three bags, bought two pairs of like new high quality leather shoes for $16.25 which I will wear to work (have a job that requires professional attire). Also bought a darling Faconnable orange and white striped t-shirt that will be great for Spring.
2. Also bought a mother’s day gift for my mom for $6 (some Japanese teacups she will love). Didn’t buy a few other cute but not needed “bargains”
3. Did a small “fill in” grocery shop with coupons, planning meals around stuff we need to use instead of doing a big shop.
4. Hubs and I are heading to LA on Wednesday for a little 3 night getaway, I’m working on planning frugal activities (reservations for free entry at Broad museum, planning a hike in Griffith Park, looking up yummy and cheap ethnic restaurants, an afternoon people watching in Santa Monica etc.). Staying in an airbnb and paying less for 3 nights than my friend who is going at same time is paying for a hotel for 1 night. Trip is not frugal but working to get most bang for buck!
5. Involuntarily frugal — hairdresser had a personal emergency and had to cancel my appointment at last minute. Sadly will not get hair done before trip (and it really needs it). Frugal because stretching cut and color an extra two weeks…
The Getty villa is free!
And the Ghetty Museum.
1. Potty-training toddler has used only 2 diapers per day every day this week (for nap and for nighttime). Undies are in full use the rest of the day! Hooray!
2. Put potty-training toddler in diaper for church today, but she stayed clean and dry. Well done, young paduwan. She used the potty after church, then we put the clean diaper back on for nap.
3. Had a MWYWBINC Dinner last night (microwave whatever you want, but I’m not cooking).
4. Waited for full load of laundry to run machine, saving time, water, and detergent.
5. Was patient with my hound for barking in the middle of the night. Turns out there was some genuine skullduggery going on outside, and I like ne’erdowells to know we have a house full of vicious attack beasts (nevermind they’d be mollified with a piece of bologna, but whatever).
p.s. the skullduggery involved at least one gun. It was a pretty scary night. *sigh*
Oh my Shevaun, not fun. Glad you have a dog. I work and live in a neighborhood that is considered the place to party and the number of incidents with guns have grown exponentially in the past few years. It’s pretty scary and really sad to me that these young people don’t seem to understand the value of human life.
Sounds like my neighborhood…sighing with you. I have a pittie dog for that reason….
Sounds like my neighborhood as well. I love my big, loud boxer and he lets the neighborhood know he’s inside waiting for them (and, yes, he is a big, sweet baby)!
Thank you to Pattilou and Cindy in the South. I want to like my neighborhood. I love my directly-next-door neighbors. But it’s time for us to be elsewhere. Someday. Someday. I need to keep “someday” in my heart or I’ll go mad.
Haha, that’s what I call my daughter all the time as well.
1. We had family in the area this weekend. We took them sight seeing and other than treating them to lunch out we didn’t spend any money (besides the cost of driving). We discovered a beautiful national wildlife refuge we knew nothing about but we’ll go back.
2. I searched for a recipe for cookies that uses mint m&ms (left from a post-Christmas clearance sale). I used the green and white m&ms to make the cookies festive for St. Patrick’s Day.
3. I went to the store to stock up on sale chicken breasts. I found organic pumpkin puree and cranberry sauce at 75% off. I bought a dozen of each.
4. The weather has turned cold and windy again, but I’m keeping up my daily walking routine. I believe the fresh air and exercise are good for me.
5. Our electric non-stick griddle has seen better days. I am trying to figure out how to avoid buying a new one and if not then what to buy. Until then we can survive without eating pancakes.
1. My husband cleaned out the attic last weekend – for the first time in 18 years. Lots and lots of listing of items on ebay today. And loads to Goodwill.Many, many loads.
2. Had a fun date night last night using a gift card for dinner that we received for Christmas. Got our drinks for half price as it was Happy Hour. And the manager dropped off a free appetizer at our table. Why? We have no idea! But we took it! Didn’t use the whole gift card and brought home a bag of leftovers – we were quite full, see above appetizer – for a few more meals.
3.My cat died last weekend. He was 14. It was time. But I will still volunteer to feed my neighbor’s cat and get my cat fix. As we aren’t getting any more pets at this time. Empty nest = more freedom with no pets.
4. I donated all the extra food and toys from my cat to our local no kill shelter, gave bags of kids books and toys to my great nieces and nephews, skyped with my daughter overseas, read my library books, placed more library books on hold, and combined errands plus got gas at my local Sam’s club.
5.Have put together a good many items to take to my consignment store next week. 🙂
I’m so sorry about your kitty! Hugs!
Sorry about your kitty. I just put my elderly cat down as well and while it’s been hard, I’m trying to tell myself about the pros-no vet bills (things have been expensive this past year) and my husband and I can go on a long trip together for the first time in years and not worry about who will care for kitty.
1. Stacked a bunch of CVS deals together to get hair conditioner cheaply. I find no differences in shampoo brands but conditioner is another matter.
2. Stacked sale and peelie coupons to buy 30 boxes of granola bars for about 40% of standard price. Left plenty of coupons for others.
3. Brown-bagged my lunch, snacks, and drinks for the week-long class I just finished. The one Chinese lunch bought, lasted me for two lunches and part of dinner.
4. Still keeping a close eye on my insurance company’s EOBs, and made sure to get the contacts I wanted *before* the warranty period ran out. (Eye doc kept trying to push me toward her preference for focal distance, not mine.)
BEST ONE: 5. Invited family over to celebrate my father’s Significant Birthday. Menu:
– turducken (the half I didn’t serve over the holidays);
– steamed broccoli, because I had a lot of broc in the fridge;
– browned asparagus, because I had some asparagus left, and made using the butter leftover from making buttermilk from scratch;
– rice-lentil stuffing, that came with the ducks for the turducken;
– fresh strawberries, bought on sale;
– home made and home decorated cookies, icing and decors bought on sale after various holidays.
The flowers I bought him – not frugal, and from the fancy flower shop – aren’t holding up well. I will be talking with the shop about a partial refund. Hydrangea flowers should last more than 15 hrs, thankyouverymuch. Took a time-stamped photo to prove they’ve bit the dust.
1. Someone at church offered me 20 for the sweater I paid 5 for a couple weeks ago, noting that it was way too big for me. I took the money even though the yarn is fabulous. Reworking it was sounding like too much work.
2. We had one restaurant meal in Feb (on the 15th rather than the 14th) using a coupon that made dinner for both 20.
3. Bought a peck of apples at the orchard and some fill-in groceries on my wa home from a distant meeting.
4. Someone needed a quilt finished in a hurry. I upped my usual hourly rate and finished it in three days. My husband refers to my sewing room as Sweatshop Mary.
5. I made another couple dozen flannel nose cloths from the decrepit sheet. I’ve been using some of them for toilet paper. No problems with odor, and I washed them all in a lingerie bag.
My Dad calls my mom’s sewing room the sweatshop, especially when I’m over and we’re both down there working on projects.
Good for you on upping your hourly rate! I feel like it’s hard to get people to pay what my time is worth for sewing jobs.
1. Sold 2 items I had posted on my FB garage sale sites for $25. Better yet, one thing was a floor lamp I had listed for $20 that another potential buyer insulted me for pricing too high.
2. Able to give away a new ink cartridge I no longer had use for on Nextdoor (I had tried selling it cheaply on FB and giving it away on Freecycle for a few months with no success, then found a neighbor who used the exact cartridge in her printer). So, really it was a win for her, but I was glad to find a new home for it!
3. Worked a few hours on Saturday to make up for being unavailable all this week for spring break while my kids are home.
4. Made thank you and baby shower cards from my craft stash instead of buying them.
5. My friend and I had a good discussion about not buying clothes at those online pop-up sales if we don’t need them or love them even though the money is going to a good cause. Good encouragement for us both!
1. Returned a light bulb to the harware store. It was already broken, should have inspected the packaking firts while buying, just I like I do with eggs.
2. We bought our first TV. While certainly not frugal, we made sure to research the best model in our budget and found it second hand at a much cheaper price than new. Deciding on this purchase took us about a year… I try to buy all electronics used as its such a waste. This guy had the TV for couple of weeks and decided to upgrade!
3. The TV was in another city 3 hours away. So we made it a little weekend get away roadtrip. I made sure to pack smoothies for the ride and we had a lovely day together and nice dinner at the beautiful seaside city.
4. Heated up leftover oatmeal and coffee from yesterday formy breakfast.
5. Tried my hand at sourdough baking. The starter was promising but the final loaf did not rise as much as I wanted. Taste was amazing though! But looks like the bakery can still keep their doors open until I get another 10 000 hours of practice to master the art.
I’ve made sourdough quite a bit. The tricks I’ve found for a successful loaf are 1. Don’t use full wholewheat, use half and half tops (whole wheat flour will cause it to be heavier and not to rise as well), and 2. It’s supposed to be a wet dough, compared to a regular yeast bread.
Oh, how I laughed at your Lego comment! I should have bought stock in that company before I had two sons!
1. Went to a potluck on Saturday where we watched a film about veganism. I brought “Jackfruit BBQ” and everyone was amazed at how much it looks like pulled pork. It is delicious and worth the time to make! I had several cans of jackfruit in the pantry and BBQ sauce so no additional costs to make. Fresh jackfruit is also “in season” right now at the Asian market, so if you are feeding a crowd…just saying!
2. The pilot light on the water heater went out and, after an initial little panicky moment, I look at the front of it and, lo and behold, were simple instructions on how to relight it. However, in order to get back into where the instructions were located, I needed to clear and move a little shelf I use to store jarred beans and such. Before I put it back, I cleaned it and organize the contents. I really am set on food here.
3. The water heater situation prompted me to go through the kitchen cabinets and purge dishware I am not nor ever will use. It is waiting a trip to the thrift store (where most of it came to me anyway).
4. I needed to pick up something for my mother that was in a part of town I don’t venture to very often. My youngest son went with me and he saw the sign for Ft. Knox which he is very curious about, so we took a little road trip down to the base and visited a little park they have with a tank. He was so happy (and, other than a few cents in fuel, totally free visit. There is also a museum there that is free but we are saving it for summer).
5. Youngest son also asked to go to the Goodwill Outlet and it is cheap entertainment. He found some classic Jurassic Park figurines which costs less than a dollar, so he was very happy! I also picked up a couple of small items to sell on eBay.
To make you feel better, Lego is privately owned and does not sell stock. 🙂 We checked. 🙂
Which Goodwill Outlet are you talking about Gina? Is there one in Kentucky? I am in Bardstown and would love to be able to go to a Goodwill Outlet!!
Ha! We also have thousands of dollars in Lagos stored in a home with furniture that was all handed down or extremely cheap. I joke that if my boys don’t want to save it for future kids, they could sell them for future grad school tuition….
Legos, not Lagos….
Half our basement floor is literally wall-to-wall with Lego pieces at the moment. For the last two weeks my teen boys have been rebuilding all their Lego Bionicles and other sets, putting them back in original packaging w/ the instructions. They hope to sell on eBay and should end up with a nice chunk of change. It’s embarrassing how many sets they have, but most were either birthday or holiday gifts from friends and family or purchased by the boys themselves.
What an amazing bunch y’all are! So many creative, thrifty solutions listed here!
Recently went stopped in a thrift store and found
4 glass coffee mugs, perfect condition, comfy handles and a size I like!
A sweet glass creamer pitcher
A gorgeous cobalt glass vase
And, my best deal ever! 2! Revere Ware 2 quart saucepans, like new, with glass lids and stainless steel inside and out. I’m phasing out non-stick so, this was a great deal. PLUS, there was a senior day sale, so I saved 25%,
All this talk of stuff-reusal reminds me that I brought a handful of batteries for recycling at work. Need to get them out!
Thank you, we do! Her husband was a keen photographer, so we have hundreds of family photos- probably thousands. He was also very organised, so thankfully we don’t have to work out which year, which person etc.
Even better, she was a very talented artist, so we all are able to have a piece of her art. That’s the most special thing.