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I sold a needlepoint piece that I’d had up on eBay for 103 years, as well as a thrifted Stumptown Coffee mug, (which is a local coffee chain.) I’d bought the mug as a experiment as I’d heard that people collect them, so I now know to grab up when they hit the thrift store shelves. I then picked up a classic $4.99 midcentury-style chair and a creepy little Furby, both from Goodwill. I did not buy the Lonely Lady Arm Pillow™.
I did complete refinishing the midcentury end table, which I have up for sale on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. I had some initial interest, but none of the I have to drive over right now buyers came through. That’s okay though, as it’s a great piece and I know it’ll sell. My living room goes through periods of resembling a furniture showroom, but it no longer fazes us.
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I worked all weekend at the hospital and enjoyed the deliciousness of a unit-wide Easter potluck that sustained me throughout the entire 12-1/2 hour shift. I brought chocolate dipped strawberries, and needless to say I drank the free so-so coffee. To be precise, I drank a Herculean amount of coffee, as continuous snacking on cookies/cheesecake/coffee cake/brownies is draining to even the most energetic RN.
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I asked for and received an armload of used padded envelopes from my neighbor who orders a lot of stuff from Amazon. She’s happy to set them aside to save them from the landfill, and I’m happy to source free packaging materials for my eBay sales. I spied another neighbor tucking envelopes into her trash can and told her I could reuse them. We then chatted for a bit and she ran into the house to grab a book for me to return as I was on my way to the library.
Building community within a neighborhood can be as simple as returning one another’s library books and sharing resources.
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I turned off the heat as the sun miraculously emerged from behind her cloudy fortress. Of course, it was but a few hours of respite from the rain, but it still gave me hope that the sun will once again grace Oregon with her warm and loving embrace.
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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
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 109 comments… read them below or add one }
1) Brought my lunch to work as I do nearly every day.
2) Cancelled a reservation for a short trip that we decided we really need but couldn’t afford. Sometimes being frugal is a real bummer.
3) Read my book club book, which came from a library book club kit. Our library has awesome kits with 10 copies of the book plus a discussion guide. I never get tired of the many options available at our library.
4) Placed clearance-bought pork chops in the crockpot for tonight’s dinner.
5) Cleaned with rags made from hubby’s old flannel pj bottoms. We mostly clean our counters and other messes with old clothing/towel rags.
I 100% agree that being frugal can sometimes be a real bummer.
Ditto. Frugality can be a bummer sometimes. It is nice to know that I am not alone. 🙂
Thanks for the empathy, Katy and Bee!
Regarding #2, hotels are a huge part of trip’s expense. Are there things of interest within a couple hours drive? We’ve done 1 day vacations. 1 hour away we have 2 museums for kids and a museum of interest to our family’s history. 1 1/2 hours away, we have a children’s museum, natural history museum, and a zoo. 2 hours away we have a favorite nature park with hiking, waterfalls, views overlooking a river, and bald eagles. For any of these, we can pack a sack lunch to further keep costs down. 4 of the museums were discounted or free to us on a reciprocal membership program through a local museum we had a membership at. Some public libraries have free passes available, too.
Expensive dental visit today. I save on things I can do without so that I have $ for these type expenses. The dentist had given me a coupon for a free smoothie a year ago. Well today it came in handy post tooth removal & bridge prep. Was able to use some gift cards to defray some of out of pocket expense for dental bill. Not sure if the office would do this but the cash amt scanned just fine. Dental insurance also paid some. Every little bit helps.
Had Easter dinner with my closest friend & her family. Brought a fruit tray I prepared. Started to buy one at Sam’s Club but they were skimpy. Again, self prepared trumps store bought.
#2 – I feel the same way sometimes. We enjoy going to music concerts, but we really can’t afford them right now. Every time someone comes to town I’d love to see, it takes willpower not to spend that money.
I get free shows by being a volunteer usher. Easy, fun and, of course, free.
Tonya, you chose to be frugal and cancel the vacation. You could have charged it on your credit card and gone anyway, only to have to pay for it later, with interest. So, pat yourself on your back and recognize that your choices are good ones. That would have been a hard one for me to do.
1. Sold another item on eBay I bought for $8 and sold for $25
2. Regifted two small gifts to great niece for her birthday
3. Made Easter basket for son and daughter in law with goodies I had around the house plus thrifted wire basket.
4. Received $27.15 from Amazon sales
5. Using gas rewards saving .10/gal
It has been a really exhausting few weeks in our family with bigger than normal work obligations and a family funeral, but I am trying to get back into the frugal groove. Someone awhile back wrote something to the effect of how much easier it is to just pay for stuff when your mental and emotional energy is on zero. I thought of that SO often in the last four weeks…
1) My parents took us out to Easter brunch which was a nice change of pace for the whole family. Food was fine, company was excellent.
2) I haven’t made a meal plan in ages (see above) but am concentrating on eating out of the freezer this week – turkey burgers, beef stew, homemade pizza and a Trader Joes entrée. I will buy only the super specials at the grocery store this week on double loyalty points day and use a coupon for one of the five things on my list.
3) The snow seems to be finally gone! Frugal exercise = walking. One less bill until next fall since (fingers crossed) we will not need to have the driveway plowed again.
4) We have a big abundance of local eggs right now – some purchased, some gifted from friends who keep chickens. Plans for “impossible” quiche (with biscuit mix), muffins, French toast and possibly cupcakes. And a whole lot of egg sandwiches.
5) Taxes submitted on time and first estimated payment made. Dear Wife and I are both considered self-employed and it took a painful year of tax payments a while back to get a system set up so that the money is set aside as we go along. Live and learn!
6) Bonus! Our neighbors are consolidating households and had an extra desk. Perfect for my new office space at home and free! They wouldn’t let me pay for it as they would have left it curbside otherwise. I am planning to do some thank you baking (See #4 :).
Happy Spring, frugal folks!
Sorry to hear it’s been rough. Hang in there! The end of plowing is a glorious thing.
My FFT:
1. Meal prepped for the week. It’s going to be long days at work every day this week and even though I know the days I have to work 17 hours, the office will buy us food, it is generally unhealthy stuff. Better for my health to be prepared with my own food.
2. Went to the gym today even though I wanted to stay under the covers.
3. I bought a bike and after this busy period at work ends in a few weeks I am going to try commuting to work by bike. I am a little scared as the route to get to work is not really bike friendly and people drive like sh!t here,, but I will wear my helmet and hope for the best.
4. Put an extra payment towards my student loans. Every little bit helps.
5. Got a bag full of hand me down jeans from my mother-in-law who has fabulous taste. Will see what fits and then pass on those that don’t.
Number three on your list: do get a “high-visibility” sleeveless vest, decent bright front and rear lights if you haven’t got them already and gloves. An acquaintance has suffered serious impairment to her hands’ fine and major motor skills as a result of coming off her bike and her hands being partially “de-gloved”. I’ll leave it to you to look up what that means, if you don’t already know. Ghastly.
And don’t cycle down the centre of a traffic lane: any vehicles with oil leaks will leave a film of oil down the middle of the lane. That’s what brought my acquaintance off her bike, not a collision but her own skidding on the oil.
1. I had yet another round of dental work yesterday. My 50 percent, after ins., was $368 and I am still not done.
2. I was gifted hummus by my ex because he felt sorry for me because of the above. I will take it.
3. I wore a thrifted outfit I have had for ages for Easter, and my new birthday shoes that were given to me for my birthday by my ex. We have been divorced for too many years to fight and our kids are grown. Still, I think we are both glad we are not married to each other…..lol. I helped him when he as in the hospital, and he helped me when my mother was ill. The definition of family is rather broad for me.
4. I washed the front of my house, trimmed the bushes in the front yard, and washed my car. Free exercise.
5. Speaking of exercise, I walked in my hood because it was easy to do.
Both my sister-in-law and my brother get along much better with their ex spouses now that they’re divorced. That actually seems to happen quite often I think. (My sister-in-law is my late husband’s sister, and my brother is just that. two different families. )
So nice that you and your ex get along so well. My kids’ dad and I were married for 22 years, now divorced for 12, and I wish we had that kind of relationship. We are not hostile, but (his choice) we are not friends either.
1. Hubby and I took a day trip to celebrate our anniversary, rather than an overnight trip. We enjoyed it just as much and saved on the cost of a hotel room and limited the distance we drove.
2. We cooked Easter dinner and still have leftovers for dinner. Our guests were going to another gathering so they didn’t take any leftovers with them.
3. I was given a nice pot of flowers for the garden. I split them into three hanging baskets that I had from previous years. I think they’ll work well. if not I’ll add a few “cheap” flowers to the baskets. I also cut lilacs and put them in a vase. They smell wonderful.
4. The weather has been warm so we’ve been using no HVAC. Some years we seem to switch from cold to hot in the course of a few days. Luckily, this year we’ve had a wonderful spring.
5. The grocery store had a promotion going to save $15 on groceries is you buy Visa gift cards. I bought one and saved $9.05 of groceries (after the activation fee).
1. Unexpectedly lost one of our dogs a little while ago and now our remaining giant gentle beast is dying. The vet’s office said it will cost us $600 to euthanize him and have them dispose of the body. It took my breath away, honestly. We have a farmer friend who has offered to do it for the $25 cost of the medication that he uses with his own animals that must be put down, and the local animal shelter will dispose of the body for free if we can load his 165 pound body into the vehicle and deliver it to them. I was ready to do it yesterday but this morning he was bright eyed and seemed to be out of pain enough to want to go for a walk, so I am taking it day by day. It seems somehow disrespectful of him to be looking at the cheapest alternative but $600 is a lot of money for us…
2. Sold three books on Amazon.
3. Did two mystery shops.
4. Had to buy some lumber for our chicken coop. Priced it at Home Depot, went to Safeway and got Home Depot gift cards and went back and bought the lumber. A few days later paid 50 cents a gallon less for gas because of the fuel points we had earned by buying the gift cards.
5. Cancelled cable, finally, and Amazon Prime, for some large monthly savings.
I am sorry that you are having to go through this with your beloved dog. I am sending wishes of love and peace to you as you deal with this challenge.
Thinking of you and your gentle giant…
So sorry to hear of your dog troubles. I don’t think it is disrespectful to consider the $600 fee. Quite honestly, I think he would rather be brought to peace in a familial environment rather than a cold doctor’s office. Wishing you hugs.
I agree with Rosanne’s comment.
So sorry to hear about your elderly dog, Lindsey – especially so soon after the unexpected loss of the younger one. Pretty sure he will absolutely not appreciate a more expensive demise, so I hope you’re able to do what’s best for you when the time comes.
Ah…Lindsey.
I have enjoyed hearing about your beloved dogs over the last few years.
You’ll do right by your puppy when the time comes. It’s their presence we miss. Hoping for peace and fond memories for you.
I’m so sorry about your dog.
RIP to both of your gentle giants, Lindsey. The decision to euthanize is an awful one no matter how many times you have to go through it–and DH and I have done it with two dogs and five cats over 40 years.
Awe, I’m so sorry. Hearing your dog stories are my favorite part of your posts. Hugs from Mississippi.
I’m also sorry to hear about your dog. Making that decision is so hard. My hubby, who has a huge heart, spent $800 to get our beloved Golden Retriever cremated (this was years ago). The dog had been his sister’s dog, before her unexpected passing.
So sorry
I’m so sorry about your fur-babies, Lindsey.
That’s quite costly – I’m glad you found another option. I couldn’t afford that much either.
We had to put our old farm dog down last Fall, but fortunately our country vet isn’t that expensive and I buried him on our acreage. It seems that Vet bills are almost as expensive as human medical costs anymore.
1. Made son’s lunch with gifted ham & potatoes and .59 cent a loaf of bread
2. Had leftover Easter pie for desert
3. Replanted 2 pepper plant seedlings
4. Did not drive anywhere for past 3 days. I have had my DH run my errands when he is on his way to work
5. No heat or AC on. No lights used until after 7PM
1) My children were all here for the holiday weekend. We did not eat out instead we made communal dinners at home and sat around the kitchen table. My daughter made the meatballs. My husband made the sauce. One son brought the wine and salad. The youngest brought dessert. I was able to enjoy and direct. After the meal, we walked the dogs and cleaned the kitchen. It was not a particularly exciting evening, but it was an absolutely perfect one. Those times together are precious especially now that they are few and far between.
2) I have a box of 10 books heading out to a reseller. Most of these were purchased at the GW with the intent to pass them along. $25 was made on a $2 investmen in books with little effort.
3) The weather has been lovely and I have been going without AC. I know many of you think this is a strange statement this time of year, but I am in Florida. Sometimes the humidity is too much even in April. I so enjoy having the windows open! The cool breeze flutters through and I can hear the birds singing. It’s so good for the soul.
4) My gardenias are in bloom. I have cut some, brought them indoors, and they floating in a bowl that I purchase at an estate sale. Beauty for bargain price!
5) I called AT&T wth the intent to discontinue my home phone service. However, I was offered Internet and phone at the same price as I am paying now for Internet. I will save $30 a month. So I will be a dinosaur and retain my home phone for the time being. At least my husband can use the landline to locate his misplaced cell phone.
I was going to cancel my home phone last year because only a few calls actually come through on it. Other than the darn spam calls. But because I have a bundle plan, it was going to end up costing me more to cancel my landline. So like you, I will also be a dinosaur 🙂
Lonely Lady Arm Pillow, ha. Maybe it should be rebranded the “Uncomplicated Romance Pillow.”
I didn’t actually buy anything today. I went to the city park with the dog and picked up a bunch of sticks to make a fence to keep critters out of my planter. Now I’m eating a dinner made with some of the older canned goods languishing in our drawers. I’m trying to eat the oldest items in the pantry the last week of every month now.
Ha ha uncomplicated romance pillow….i need one of those
1. Made a cool $100 doing some quick freelance work while rewatching the last episode of GoT. Easy money.
2. Received a refund of almost $800 from my health insurance from my daughter’s oral surgery.
3. Started working out last night in my home gym after three weeks of illness.
4. Brought my lunch from home and drank coffee at work.
5. Wore thrifted clothes to work yesterday and today.
Glad to hear you are getting better!
Thank you! Just an annoying cough remains.
Love the “Lonely Lady arm pillow”
1. Took a spinach and egg salad to potluck Easter dinner at son & DILs. Healthy and well received but not very expensive.
2. Was able to buy two CDs from Friends of the Library book store for $2 – a little treat for myself.
3. Helped clear out the storeroom at my women’s club today – free exercise and companionship.
4. Bathed the dog at home using dog shampoo we were given after son’s dog died. Also received some other supplies gratefully.
5. Walking the dog for exercise for both of us.
1. Got $25 off my cable/internet bill for a year by agreeing to a home phone. Note on calendar to cancel home phone before end of year.
2. Was not going to get a home phone but decided to get one for the bedroom. Got free with Amazon points.
3. Hit up all the buy one get one free items at Kroger. All things that we use on a regular basis.
4. Reading lots of books from the library. Must stay away from the upcoming book sale at the library.
5. No use of heat or a/c. We’ll enjoy it while we can – it get s humid early in SC.
1. Just got my first pkg. from ThredUp.com. I have four tops to try on and see if I like them.
2. I got a new mattress (I have been on an old ikea fold up bed for almost 10 years, so I was more than due). I did my due diligence at consumer.com. Decided I wanted a inner spring bed and not a foam one for my type of sleeping. I bought a firm mattress on Amazon after reading all the reviews, not just the good ones. I bought what I thought was a mattress topper, after reading some of the reviews about feeling firm springs, but it was a mattress pad. Sending that back. Instead I put on two heavy cotton quilts and then my cotton mattress pad for a homemade topper and had a perfect night of sleep. Not bad for a cheap mattress – oh, and I just stuck the mattress on top of the old foam one, on the old base. Works great, just can’t fold it up, no problem.
3. I am attempting to mend/shorten my dad’s golf shirts. I have no idea what knuckle dragger they were made for, but the cuffs are down to his knees and he’s not a small guy.
4. I make cold brew coffee in the refridgerator over night. I use my mom’s Mr. Coffee to filter it, and then I put it in an old glass milk jug and put it in the fridge. Then I add an extra scoop of coffee grounds to the cold grounds and I brew another pot of coffee, let that cool and put it in a glass jar in the fridge. The cold brew is smoother, but the drip brew is good, and I saved coffee.
5. I have a little box I keep thin cut up squares of fabric from old clothes that are past mending. I use them like kleenex, and I like the feel of them better too. I wash them and stuff them back in my box on my desk.
Loved the knuckle dragger comment: am suffering from very disrupted sleep patterns here in London (2.30am as I type), so it’s good to have a early-hours giggle.
I’m only 5ft 1” and the number of times I’ve bought “petite” clothes and found the cuffs completely covering my hands is ridiculous. Petite knuckle-draggers perhaps?
Denise, I am also 5’1” and find that the so-called petite sizes are not really very petite. This is a real pet peeve of mine!
I’m 5’8″ and find petites fit nicely. They are made for short-waisted, low-rise women–of which I am one despite having really long arms and legs.
And I’m only 5’3″ but alas long waisted with short legs (not really an ideal combo) so petite dresses don’t work for me (pants often do though).
1. Paid a chunk of principle on our mortgage. We had loaned Ds22 some money and he paid it back.
2. Meal planned for this week.
3. Hubs and I made lasagna for Easter. We made two pans while we were at it and had the second pan (and left over garlic bread) for dinner tonight.
4. Redeemed Swagbuck points for a gift card.
5. Warmer spring temps means the heat has been off for most of this week.
1) Thrift store find: stretchy pants for exercise, new condition, $4 vs. $25-$30 for same brand purchased new.
2) Thrift store find: I had a top of the stove pressure cooker that was missing the weight (bought secondhand without a weight knowing I could get the weight on eBay for $10-$15). Bought the weight at a local thrift store for under $1 and it didn’t even take fuel to get there as it was on the way home from another errand.
3) Lovely thrift store item I didn’t buy: Large vintage Magnalite roaster priced under $11, goes for $50-$100 on eBay. Kitchen toys are a weakness of mine, but I don’t need another roaster and my record for buying things to resell and actually getting around to selling them is zero times. Texted a friend I know loves vintage cookware and when I didn’t hear back by the time I was ready to leave, put it back on the shelf. Non-consumer win: not buying a lovely and tempting item I didn’t need.
4) Enjoying free flowers in the yard: Daffodils, tulips, and wild violets have bloomed in my yard in the last couple weeks.
5) A local grocery store occasionally has discounted bags of produce that’s past its prime sellability but still usable. I got nearly 4 pounds of close to perfect tomatoes, 4 good avocados and 3 partially usable avocados, and 5 1/2 pounds of lightly freckled bananas (freezing most for smoothies, banana bread, etc.) for $3 total.
Karen B, I have my mom’s Magnalite Dutch oven + a saucepan. I use them a lot! I remember when she bought them new when I was a teenager (a looooong time ago, lol!).
Liz, I think they’re beautiful and I hope it goes to someone who really loves them, but I couldn’t justify getting another. I already have 2 enameled roasters and an electric roaster! Plus cast iron and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens. Yep, kitchen toys are a weakness of mine!
1. made a quick quiche with leftover ham from Easter. I froze 2 meals worth, gave the bone to my dog for his dinner one night and we still have 2 more meals worth in the fridge.
2. Dd’s prom dress was given to us free and cost $100 to alter. Ugh! However that is much cheaper than a new dress so I am counting it as a small victory. Even prom dresses selling on our local garage sale Facebook page were twice that much which I find ridiculous. Such a racket!
3. Trimmed up my ds’s hair around the neck and ears to make his paid for haircut last a couple weeks longer. it is interesting to see his “style” grow in after having just buzzed him myself for 15 years. His hair is curly! Total surprise.
4. Both sets of grandparents are coming out for my dd’s graduation. I have already figured out a tentative menu plan and am watching for sales to buy what I need over the next month.
5. Now that the weather is warmer my laundry has decreased significantly with smaller clothing being worn. Yay!
1. Lost some weight and shopped in my closet for smaller clothes.
2. It’s still a little chilly here but turned the heat off.
3. My office partner and I found subletters to use our office when we are not. This will reduce our rent.
4. The usual- library books, home cooking and coffee from home.
5. Using a groupon for a facial at a place that has good reviews. The semester has been long and hard and I wanted to treat myself.
FFT, new job edition:
1. Day one: drove to my mom’s condo complex, parked in her neighbor’s spot because said neighbor is out of the country, and walked to the new building. No cost, free exercise.
2. Day two: having determined that new employer is a little loose about start and end times, attempted public transportation. It was so easy. Ridiculously easy. Even with a walk on each end, faster than the drive. Not free, but I can buy transit passes with pre-tax dollars thanks to the new job.
3. Took lunch from home both days. Enjoyed the free coffee, creamer, ice, water, sparkling water, and bananas. Why bananas? I have no idea. This company is full of hipsters, and I am old enough that many of them dress and behave just like I do except they’re doing it ironically. Whatever. They apparently like bananas and there are lots and lots of them around the office. People eat them all day long. I gladly joined in.
4. Walked several blocks each direction at lunchtime today to a shoe repair shop and did not stop at a single one of the amazing smelling food carts, restaurants, etc. No sense spending hard-earned cash before I’ve even received it when I had delicious leftover broccoli soup (in the mason jar I use for convenience but which attracted admiring glances from sundry hipsters in the lunch room) and all the bananas I could ever want waiting for me back at the office. Alas, the shoes are not repairable. Turns out I should have taken them in before the soles split all the way through in several places instead of just wearing them a couple additional years.
5. In deference to my huge schedule change, hubs and the daughters are doing all cooking this week. They’re not cooking from the freezer and pantry to be frugal – they’re just doing it because I’ve handled all the meal planning for 30 years and it hasn’t occurred to any of them to go to the store. Whatever. It’s frugal no matter the reason for it. Also has been delicious so far.
Love that the hipsters are “copying” you and your frugal ways. I think you are going to make some good friends at this new job. Wisdom is IN. Small Batched.
SWEET!!
I LOVE bananas – I eat one every morning, so having them free would be awesome! My new office location provides the same as yours, except for the bananas. It’s nice not having to buy additional stuff like creamer & coffee and having a great ice machine here. YAY for frugal hipsters!! 🙂
LOL y’all are very generous to imagine there is any copying going on. No, I think it’s that hipster aesthetic is “middle-aged frump but I’m young and wear it better.” The free healthy food – apples appeared later in the week, and I finally figured out that the lemons and limes are to squeeze in your free iced or sparkling water – and focus on no-waste living (including, it appears, sharing leftovers, though I’m not well acquainted enough to participate yet) fits my own frugal ideals. So, as hard as it is to actually get dressed in real clothes four days in a row this week, the combination of all these goodies with a paycheck is pretty good news.
Sold a quilt rack that I kept having to glue because my kids kept climbing it.
Donated to and helped with the church garage sale. They raised $1700 for the kids to go to camp which is $115/kid to offset the cost.
Finished a bag of spinach like a boss. I don’t know how many times a bag of spinach has been little more than a good intention at our house.
Cleared and scrubbed up my tile countertop. Would love to replace, but cleared and cleaned with fresh flowers from my husband and they look pretty great IMHO.
Using vehicles with excellent gas mileage. Father-in-law is visiting and said he’s getting 12 miles to the gallon. That would be rough with gas going over $4/gallon now.
I did the same last night. I was absurdly proud of finishing that spinach.
Good job on the spinach! I call stuff like that “aspirational produce.” Ideal me always knows she’ll get it used up. Real me knows it’s likely heading toward the bin. 🙂
Love that the hipsters are “copying” you and your frugal ways. I think you are going to make some good friends at this new job. Wisdom is IN. Small Batched.
Sorry for the random and out of place posts. Having so much trouble posting on this site with my Chromebook. Missing my MacBook but it was dying and Chromebook was soooo much cheaper. I guess it is a learning curve.
1. Made a batch of refried beans in the crockpot. I froze the excess in washed and well used freezer bags.
2. Purchased new sandals using 25% online only coupon code and picked up in store.
3. Signed up to be a mystery shopper. I did my first shop which was pretty easy. I stopped on my way to another errand so no extra trip involved.
4. Contributed Costco steaks for easter dinner at my Mom’s house. She provided the sides. It was a great dinner.
5. Planning to spread the rest of the 40 bags of mulch I bought when they were on sale. I’m skipping areas that don’t need mulch. I would have put a fresh layer on anyway in the past just because I like how it looks. I’m trying to spread as little as possible and still prevent weeds.
1. Made big batch of lentils for Homemade from scratch lunches, and also making some hummus., for snacks, as well as pizza with my nieces and nephews.
2. Doing landscaping myself, bit by bit, lessening lawn so I contribute that much less to global warming.
3. Reading library books and watching videos from library. Going to note how often we use Netflix and will cancel monthly subscription if it is not justified.
4.Vacationed at daughter’s home in Baltimore, we went to Fort McHenry on free admission day, visited National Security Administration museum: free, went to walk in Scheeper park to admire tulips (also free). (This was offset by some delicious restaurant meals, but, while expensive, they were much less than they would have cost at home.) We packed coffee and snacks for the drive, and ate healthily and made record time getting there,
5. Re-using plants in new spaces rather than buying new ones. Starting plants from seed, and taking cuttings of overgrown geraniums and planting them to make new plants (a little late in the season, but better late than never).
A goal for this week: find more substitutes for plastic wrapped products. am going to experiment with a shampoo bar, etc…make deodorant, etc,..one concern is the time it will take to make it, but I think the first time will be the hardest.
A good homemade deodorant recipe I have been using has been 6 tbsp corn starch, 2 tbsp baking power and 4 tbsp coconut oil and essential oil of choice. Mix until smooth in a small food processor. Remember takes a while for body to adjust. I have been using for a couple months now and really like it. Like you I am curious about using a shampoo bar too. That is next on my list to purchase.
Thank you, Iris! I will try the recipe. I like that it is simple and has ingredients I have on hand.
I use that recipe, just made in a bigger batch, and I love it. I actually like it better than store bought deodorant.
Hmm. How big a batch do you make, Christine? Do you store in fridge? I will report back on the shampoo bar!
Here’s the recipe I use:
1/3 cup baking soda
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 TBS. coconut oil
2 TBS. vitamin E oil OR jojoba oil
Stir into paste about the consistency of cake batter. Spoon into jar with screw on lid. Will harden. Apply by hand.
Is it baking POWDER or baking SODA?
Baking soda.
Before you mix up a batch, you might want to do a test patch for the baking soda, which can cause irritation, especially in sensitive areas. I had to toss my lovely homemade batch when the reaction showed up. 🙁
Re shampoo bars – I have been using for about a year now (Lush brand ones suit my hair best). I find them excellent, and they last a long time if allowed to dry out in a soap dish between uses. I also like not having the shower cluttered up with plastic bottles.
Thank you for the soap dish tip, Laura. Now that you said it, it seems obvious, but I’m not sure I would have thought of it!
Oh WOW, that arm pillow! And I love the arrangement you have with your neighbor for packaging. I’ve also started saving my Amazon packaging. I like to use it to send treats to my nieces.
This week:
1. I enjoyed coffee made right here at home.
2. I used some old flower petals to decorate.
3. Hubs cleaned up the yard himself. It’s in the 80s here, so it’s yard work season!
4. I went to Costco and only bought what was on my list. That still led to a nasty bill, but it could have been worse. And we need toilet paper, anyway.
5. I used a free Amazon gift card to buy a few things around the house.
1. Spent too much on groceries last week, but less than I have in the past for holidays. Took a fruit platter, deviled eggs and a lemon bundt cake to brunch at hubs’ family’s celebration on Easter. Bought fruit on sale and cut up myself (better and cheaper), made cake from scratch from ingredients on hand (except lemons), eggs were .99/18 so deviled eggs were cheap and a big hit.
2. Had Easter dinner for 12 at our house, made risotto with butternut squash for the vegetarians/vegans (had one I needed to use up), ham (bought on sale), big salad with blood oranges and pears bought on red net shelf and left over fruit from a.m. brunch. Also a second lemon bundt cake. My mom brought wine, which saved me buying it.
3. Didn’t do Easter baskets for the adult kids which saved a bundle. Just put candy and colored hard boiled Easter eggs on the table as part of the decorations (small foil wrapped chocolate bunnies, bunny marshmallows and small candy bars wrapped in Easter colors) and told everyone to take some home with them.
4. Had to work last night, so dinner was provided.
5. Tonight’s dinner will be leftovers from Easter — probably ham and scrambled eggs. Also still need to make some egg salad with the leftover hard boiled eggs.
1. Just got the BEST news–the job I’m leaving reimbursed me for tuition but I am leaving before the requisite 1 year reimbursement period is up. I was prepared to pay back the whole amount but they are forgiving one check (I’ll be at 11.5 months when I leave) and prorating the other, meaning I owe $482 instead of $3,000. What a day!
2. Found my missing retainer and now don’t have to pay the $150 for a new one. Turns out, it was right where I left it. Yippee!
3. Had a friend over and continued killing our wine collection before we move. Did a number on a very nice bottle of sauvignon blanc and tried a gifted bottle of rose, which found its way down the kitchen sink. Just because it was free did not mean it was good!
4. Have been in need of some new work clothes as the holes in some are noticeable now. Held out until ann taylor had a 60% all sale items offer with free shipping and got a new dress & a new top for $40 (less than original price of the top). Looking forward to a little wardrobe refresh coming into spring!
5. With my new found financial freedom in #1, I scheduled a haircut. I look like a very nice sheepdog, but as I continue to go to job interviews it’s time to invest in my appearance a bit more. $50 plus tip every 4 months feels like a number I can handle. Looking forward to moving where I will have access to a free school that gives good quality haircuts–maybe I’ll start going more regularly!
If u have a Wal-Mart near you….they have ab express cut for 16.00….it’s a great deal
1. Sold a college textbook on Facebook Marketplace, I thought it was out of season but apparently someone is planning ahead.
2. A neighbor 1 mile down the road put out a FREE ping pong table. I SNAPPED THAT UP! I have been researching used tables for my teens and I couldn’t believe my eyes. My great plan to push that bad boy home was foiled when a wheel came off over a speed bump, but a kind neighbor who had been amused by my attempts rescued me and threw it into the back of his truck for the rest of the way. Kids love it and I’m so happy. I made sure to leave thank you notes for he gifter and the rescuer.
3. A free almost brand new queen bed came our way and I gratefully accepted. Our disposal service picks up used mattresses for $15 so that should be happening today. Some parts of the bedding set I did not need, so those are getting passed along to friends.
4. My daughter brought home a litter of foster kittens and we will have the mama cat for a week or two as well. All supplies are provided. Just in time, as she will get credit for a high school class for volunteering in this way.
5. My 14 year old son grew out of all his clothes at once, so I’m staggering in new items as quickly as I can. An emergency trip to Walmart, a big old navy order at 40% off, and a trip to goodwill should take care of most of the issues. He was borrowing his dads clothes for a few days and relying on draw string waists! :). It’s hard when everything, including underwear, needs to be replaced at once! I miss the days when his growth was more predictable and I purchase good deals years ahead.
Someone just told me about a recent study which claims playing ping pong is a deterrent for Alzheimers. Something about the hand-eye coordination.
1) Received a bonus stipend from my university that I will transfer to savings as soon as it hits my checking account.
2) Eating up leftovers for lunch and roasting chicken in the crockpot for dinner.
3) Carried some gorgeous old porch columns back to the architectural salvage yard yesterday to get my money back. The yard measured wrong and gave me the wrong size. They don’t have the right size, so I am settling for reusing the stupid repro columns that are up now. At least it saves cash in the budget.
4) Scouted out locations where I can still get an early bird discount on tickets to the event my mom and I are attending.
5) Used the Honey app to get an unexpected discount on shoes for my oldest son. I love that app.
Amanda, can I have the recipe for the chicken please?
1) I needed a few things from the Dollar Tree and found one close to my new office. Fortunately, there was a Super Saver grocers next door, so I was able to get the few grocery items I needed there and not have to make two trips.
2) Even though taking the interstate to my office in the city is a pain – because of traffic – it does save me time and fuel. I can come in 30 minutes earlier and get off 30 minutes earlier, thus avoiding rush hour and run errands on the way home, if needed.
3) Hubby is now getting regular, better paychecks at his new job. Praying that he makes a good commission this month and has an even better paycheck next month.
4) Spring means not as much feed is needed for the horse – that saves money and trips to the feed store.
5) I’m attending a monthly OKWIT event this evening and volunteering for sign-in and set-up, since I’m on two of the organization committees. It’s at a new restaurant, which usually means they sponsor the appetizers. Free food is always appreciated and now that I’m working in the City, I’m already closer to the event locations – which saves time and fuel.
An extra I forgot to add
6) I’m really enjoying the Overdrive app for listening to e-audiobooks in my car. I love anything written by Fanny Flagg and the one I checked out, coming up is The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules.
I subscribe to the GoodReads news letter and that last one was listed on there. It sound hilarious. FREE is wonderful!
I haven’t posted in awhile, so I think i can come up with 5….
1. The zipper on my daughter’s Columbia jacket kept separating. I contacted Columbia & they sent me a postage paid label which I mailed back, they repaired and sent the item back.
2. I have my notary license at work & wanted to get errors & omissions insurance just to protect myself. My employer bought it as part of my notary package, so I saved $300/yr for 4 years by not having to purchase privately thru my insurance carrier.
3. I use Fetch to scan receipts plus use Honey when shopping for rate comparisons. Cashed in on $13 of rewards that I used as credit on an Amazon order I placed.
4. Ordered flea & tick pills for our 2 dogs thru a different company this year (same product) and saved $43.62 by using this company.
5. Scheduled an appointment with financial aid department at college my daughter will be attending in fall. At the appointment we were told the college was offering her another $1000 scholarship on top of the one they already gave her!!
Gina, we are facing the last semester of putting three kids through college. Congrats to your daughter on all the scholarships!
1. I’m traveling with my husband for a “work” trip for him. We have packed our cooler for most meals but we will eat the breakfast at hotels and pick and choose to eat out a few nights on our 10 day trip.
2. I’ve brought enough reading material with me to keep busy while he is working – my library book and magazines I’ve procured from here and there.
3. Hosted Easter dinner at my house for my family. My mom generously paid for the ham and others all brought dishes so it was easy-peezy. Plus, my husband did the clean-up. Now we will be enjoying the leftovers for awhile.
4.I cleaned out my closet which I like to do every now and then because it shows me that I have more than plenty to wear and I don’t really need to buy something new. And it also shows me if I’m lacking in an area where I really do need to purchase something.
5. Went to my monthly potluck girls night where we each bring something to share to make a meal. We were treated to a baked potato bar – which was delicious – and enjoyed good company also. We come from all walks of life but now live in the same neighborhood so it’s always interesting conversation.
FFT, Rag and Bone Shop Edition:
(1) The Rag is me. In addition to the usual stuff Chez A. Marie, I’ve been up to my a$$ in alligators for the last 10 days: home Internet went out for an afternoon, the battery in one vehicle died, and I cracked a tail light on the other vehicle. (I wish those @#$!! telephone poles wouldn’t get in my way when I’m backing up.) So this is why I haven’t posted on the previous two FFTs and am late to this one. Frugal fails all around.
(2) However, the cracked tail light compelled me to get that vehicle over to the dealer for an airbag recall I’d been procrastinating on, and I ended up getting a tire issue resolved as well. Resolution of the recall was free, and the other stuff was done as inexpensively as possible. Win.
(3) The Bone is the one from the leg of lamb I roasted on Easter Day (bought cheap at Christmas and frozen). We had our widowed next-door neighbor over for dinner and enjoyed ourselves; we’ve been feasting on the leftovers all week; and I’m about to put the bone into a lentil soup. Win.
(4) DH’s 70th birthday on the 19th was lovingly, if calorically, celebrated by our neighbors: Our next-door neighbor brought over a batch of her famous Lutheran killer brownies; the neighbor for whom we do dog-walking brought over a cake;
and Dr. and Ms. Bestest Neighbor produced a cake and candles in the course of Dr. BN’s Seder on Friday night. Win win win, although I’m rationing out these treats so that we don’t weigh 300 pounds apiece by May 1. (Thank goodness for the freezer.)
(5) And spring has finally come to Upstate NY. DH and I are out working every afternoon the weather permits, although some reworking of tasks to accommodate DH’s dementia and both of our aging bodies has been needed. Still, spring has sprung. Win!
I must ask. Why are the brownies Luthern Killers? I know there is a story there.
Sorry for the confusion, Bee. No intention whatever to claim that Lutherans are killers. The brownies are killers, and our darling neighbor is a Lutheran (with all the skill in cookie and brownie baking that this implies), and I just got myself into an adjective pileup.
I was wondering if the brownies specifically killed Lutherans, and other demoninations would be safe.
I also appreciate your alligator metophor — very evocative!
Whew! I’m a Lutheran and got a little nervous when I read about the Brownies. I have to say, I’ve never heard of Lutheran killer Brownies though. At our Lutheran church it seems to be Swedish Almond Cake that is in high demand. Sells out quickly at the Harvest Fair and yard sale.
Haha I was going to ask the same question! Religious wars via baked goods.
I am sure the brownies are sinfully good. Thanks for the smile:-)
A local gourmet grocery store (Dorothy Lane Markets) makes what they call Killer Brownies. What a way to go! lol!
1. Made simple Easter dinner or turkey breast in the crockpot, mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus (98cents a pound). Lots of our friends were headed out to brunch after church but did not when to spend $45 and up per person..Yikes.
2. Turned 85cent box of brownie mix into espresso chocolate chip brownies by adding dried espresso packet, 1 tsp real vanilla, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Dessert for 3 day.
3. Decided not to purchase an Easter lily this year so used flowers from my yard for a centerpiece. On the way home from church a neighbor was giving away Easter lilies so now I am enjoying it at home.
4. I hate to shop at Walmart but had to get restaurant safe slip proof shoes for son starting a new job. Pleasantly surprised by how much I could get for so little. Two pairs of work jeans, 2 pairs of summer shorts, 3 men’s polo shirt, and the special shoes for $88. My son has special needs and is only 5’3″ tall so it is hard to find clothes that fit but I found everything in the men’s department.
5. Shopped at Aldi’s and stayed under my grocery budget even though we bought 8! boxes of kleenex for same son who has horrible allergies to all types of pollen and 3 loaves of gluten free bread.
1. Made simple Easter dinner or turkey breast in the crockpot, mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus (98cents a pound). Lots of our friends were headed out to brunch after church but did not when to spend $45 and up per person..Yikes.
2. Turned 85cent box of brownie mix into espresso chocolate chip brownies by adding dried espresso packet, 1 tsp real vanilla, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Dessert for 3 day.
3. Decided not to purchase an Easter lily this year so used flowers from my yard for a centerpiece. On the way home from church a neighbor was giving away Easter lilies so now I am enjoying it at home.
4. I hate to shop at Walmart but had to get restaurant safe slip proof shoes for son starting a new job. Pleasantly surprised by how much I could get for so little. Two pairs of work jeans, 2 pairs of summer shorts, 3 men’s polo shirts, and the special shoes for $88. My son has special needs and is only 5’3″ tall so it is hard to find clothes that fit but I found everything in the men’s department.
5. Shopped at Aldi’s and stayed under my grocery budget even though we bought 8! boxes of kleenex for same son who has horrible allergies to all types of pollen and 3 loaves of gluten free bread.
1. Stopped by Walgreens today to get toilet paper and scored some for .62 a roll. I intend on going back and getting a couple more. I’m trying to figure out what I normally spend on it and to go find it on sale and stock up when I find it cheap.
2. I went by Dollar Tree and got some lentils, black beans (I never see them there so I got a couple) and some of the LA’s Totally Awesome Oxy cleaner. When I got home, I started soaking some of the black beans.
3. Made spaghetti and plenty for leftovers for at least one meal.
4. Took on a gig to grade extra essays and am pleased that it’s a fairly decent sum. It takes them about 2-4 months to pay me but I will use the money to pay down credit card debt.
5. Mowed the yard yesterday myself and looked over my back fencerow. Two years ago, I had a tree company give me an estimate as to how much to clear away all the small growth (vines and small trees) and they wanted $1200. I decided that while my wife is in Greece– I will do it myself.
6. I watched Bosch on my Prime membership. I love that show. Titus Welliver! I also had been watching Stacey Flowers (Katy watched her for the food hauls) but since she’s spending $450 a month on a personal trainer and has over doubled her food budget, she’s not as inspirational. So I saw a woman on youtube called Penny Pinching Granny. She’s funny– she’s so terse and matter of fact and is showing me meals for .25 or less. I kid you not– one day she had a .3 cup of coffee and two mini donuts listed for breakfast. I showed it to my wife and she was like, “Don’t get any ideas– that would be just enough food and coffee to piss me off!” LOL
6. Your wife and I have the same sentiments, lol!
I find trying to calculate the best price on toilet paper and paper towels difficult. None of the rolls are the same size – double rolls, mega rolls, and regular rolls. None of these are standard size varying from brand to brand. Of course, there is single-ply and two-ply. Ugh!
We are really picky and only use Scott 1000 sheet–I have sensitive skin and most other brands bother me but Scott doesn’t. So that does help in doing the calculations.
I know most folks hate Scott and say “Well, it’s cheap folks who buy that!” But I find that anything else really is so linty that it bothers my skin. And that’s skin you don’t want bothered! LOL
We are loyal to Scott tp also. Best prices for me are at Sam’s or occasionally at CVS with a sale and coupons.
Sam’s Club has Pom brand toilet paper the is around 20 $ for 48 rolls. It was the cheapest per sq foot of the brands they carry. I have not bought any yet. I was there to shop & compared their brands.
Price per square foot is how I calculate paper goods costs, too. Quick to do once you get the hang of it.
I also just found Penny Pinching Granny! No nonsense and no frills!
Your #6 had me laughing!!
My problem would be – if I have a bag of mini-donuts – there would be no willpower to eat just two. I’m with your wife! ROFL!!
I’ve shopped around for the best TP prices too. We have Big Lots here and I’ve found their 12 packs of double rolls to be the best price – that’s double ply.
1. Purchased an enormous ‘sale’ ham for Easter and am now trying to use up the leftovers. Sent out a meal for son, packed lunches with ham sandwiches, served cold sliced ham with potato salad etc.
2. Found a like-new spring purse at a thrift shop. When I got home realized that it smelled very musty. Stuffed the inside with newspapers and let it air outside for a day. Appears to have worked. $2.99 is a reasonable price to pay for a spring accessory!
3. Re- reading some old books found while cleaning out a bookcase looking for books to donate to our annual neighborhood library sale.
4. Goal is to use food scraps as the base for a soup supper once a week. Kind of like having free food.
5. Bought tickets to an expensive fundraiser next month. Fairly unusual for us, but have decided we need help the “change” we support .
, too, have found Penny Pinching Granny on youtube. I can’t eat a breakfast of two donuts as I am type two diabetic but the rest of her menu plan looked fine. I don’t drink coffee either.
Let me try and dig up FFF for the week:
1. Will get the new cable service put in tomorrow which will save me $30/month for 2 years. I will then cancel and decide on what to do with tv viewing.
2. Groceries weren’t that bad this week as I was just getting fill in stuff as there is plenty to eat in the freezer.
3. Figured out that the med I was taking instead of a statin was causing all my muscle pain. So many painful cramps and charley horses! Will save on the cost of that med.
4. Caught a recurring charge on my credit card. I’m amazed I didn’t find it before. It’s a scam from an item I bought online. I will cancel my membership in the VIP motor club – huh? – and have already told my credit card company to put a block on it.
5. Only went out one day this week so I’m saving on gas. While I was out I filled up my gas tank with what will sure to be cheaper gas as the price keeps going up. Thankful for hubby’s company car which saves us at least $200/month in gas.
6. Got the cost of my renewed car insurance policy. Will spend next week shopping it out for a better price. Renewal for 2 cars is currently $1976.00 for the year. I pay in full so no extra payment charges.
1. I found bread and bread rolls on clearance at the supermarket and bought some extra for the freezer.
2. I used a $10 off coupon at the same supermarket.
3. My son didn’t like some of his Easter chocolate so I gave him the rest of mine and kept his to chop up for cookies.
4. I scored a free puzzle from FB. I picked it up last night on my way to work and finished my other one this morning.
5. I have been eating regular meals (instead of gluten and dairy free). Luckily my gut can currently handle these foods again and it’s saving me money on groceries.
Hello again Katy,
Two BIG thumbs up for your exchange of packaging materials! It would be a pretty awesome thing if within a community there was some sort of exchange of exactly those things: envelopes, bubble wrap, even tape – which I remember you recently had to purchase. 🙂
My FFT:
1. Watching B-ball playoffs with my husband. Am I AS into it as he is? Nope. But, playoff basketball definitely is more fun and thrilling! But, I swear that the last two minutes of any given game stretches to about half an hour. UGH (says impatient old me.)
2. We stretched out a delicious big pan of homemade spaghetti sauce (packed with all sorts of delicious things like spinach, shrooms & peppers) into 3 dinners! We just boiled up fresh noodles, and had a restaurant-style meal. Well, pretty close to! With lots of grated parmesan, it was lovely.
3. Our cat’s litter is a continually good deal. Not sure if you guys have PetValu in the US (or if it’s only here in Canada), but they have a massive bag of litter for $9.99 and it lasts FOREVER. I find the trick is to mix it with some walnut litter – it makes the overall mix far less dusty, AND is incredible for odor absorption.
4. Gluten-free is NOT frugal! I’ve had to eat gluten free for over a decade, so I’m sort of used to the higher cost of items. BUT, when I do see my favourite GF things (like Barilla pasta, which is delightfully like gluten-ful!) on sale, I stock up.
5. Hmmm….it’s snowing here in Calgary. That, mixed with a bit of a virus my husband I both picked up, and it has been a VERY sleepy and frugal day. Hehehe. And, I have a chocolate bar purchased on sale to treat myself while watching basketball.
Thanks to all of you for constant inspiration. :)) I’ve read the blog for years, but am finally actually adding my few cents worth.