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I didn’t sell much this week, although I made my favorite sale of 2019, which was the ornate wooden feet from my couch-that-must-not-be-named for $35 on eBay! Considering that I spent $50 on said couch, it’s a miraculous work of alchemy.
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My friend Lise needed to go to the fabric store, and asked if I wanted to tag along and then hit up the nearby pay-by-the-pound Goodwill Outlet store together.
Hmm . . . let me think that over. I’d just watched a couple of The Recycled Life, YouTube videos that night before was itching for a trip to “the bins.” So yes, my answer was an emphatic YES!
I started out slow, and probably spent a good twenty minutes poking through the blue wheeled bins before getting into the groove. I ended completely filling my blue Ikea bag, which seriously dug into my shoulder, especially after I hit a deep pocket of heavy Brio track pieces.
Here’s what I bought:
– 54 Brio and Thomas The Tank pieces.
– One new looking Hydroflask water bottle.
– Two stuffed animal/blanket “lovies.”
– One Scrabble mug with the letter “J.”
– Four brand new Mikasa “fromage” plates.
– One Nasa dress-up jumpsuit.
– One new with tags Disney park stuffed animal.
– Three Calico Critters animals.
– One pair of Chico’s pants for myself.
– One large macrame bunting.
– One mini stainless steel bowl.
– One antique bedknob.
– One Electrical something or other.
– One vintage rosary.
– One antique Blue Ball jar that reads “Improved.”
– One water bottle lid to replace one that my daughter broke.Total: $44 for everything, including Lise’s stuff.
I then spent a pleasant few hours on the front porch cleaning, photographing and listing said items on Facebook Marketplace and eBay. My happy place.
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Lise and I pulled the car over near the fabric store as there was a row, probably 100 yards long of wild blackberries heavily laden with ripe berries. Neither of us had a container to collect the berries, but we did help ourselves to the berries for a good ten minutes or so. My plan is to go back tomorrow in long sleeves and closed toe shoes for more. Only one bandaid was required.
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I stopped at the Franz Bakery outlet store in a quest to see if they sold discounted gluten-free bread. Unfortunately theirs was just as expensive as any regular store. (Five dollars!) However, I discovered that they have a bargain area in the back stocked with mostly $1 loaves including their fake Dave’s Killer Bread and other whole grain items. I’ve been buying bread from The Dollar Tree lately, but it’s super hit or miss, so I think I’ll switch this errand over to Franz.
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I didn’t buy a Lear Jet or a vulgar gold-plated apartment in the sky.
{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
I think once a frugal it’s always a frugal it’s regardless of changes in economic status.
I continue to read and request library books electronically and our library also has hundreds of magazines you can read online with your card.
Our garden is thriving and we are starting to harvest peppers and I cook from the garden. What is ripe and what can I make with fresh ingredients I just go and pick…
I always bundle chores so I can save on gas.
Last week at thrift they had nice cards for 5cents each. I bought 45 and many were fancy Laurel Burch. Dollar General has cards 2/$1 but this was way better.
Continue to do laundry according to sunny days but only 2 of us now so easier to do and line dring much preferred.
Leftovers for dinner and easy pleasey to prepare in toaster oven.
Jann, that’s a very interesting thing to think about – how long do frugal habits last?
For my mother, it was only as long as she had to be frugal. Once she had more resources, she started shopping more at Bloomingdales and less at Filene’s Basement. (Sidebar: she’s never outspent her resources.)
For me, I continue some frugal habits even though my resources have increased but not all of them. I’m more inclined to buy better quality food, and to some extent, spend money rather than time.
1. Took dog to groomer – because waited so long trying to save money on grooming cost more, still cheaper then taking to a grooming salon where she freaks out because of the other dogs and they charge more or won’t groom her.
2. While waiting for groomer walked around Wal-mart killing time as to far to drive back home. Packed a bagel, coffee and banana to eat in the car preventing a in store Subway sub purchase and bought things we needed and just window shopped and got steps in enjoying their air conditioning and staying out of the rain. Talked myself out of several things, yeah me! 🙂
3. Amazon Prime Days are evil! I had my cart full of several items but made myself talk through it – all were wants not needs, nothing was bought.
4. Harvesting from the garden – enjoyed a salad oh my very own lettuce and spinach, delish! Also drying herbs.
5. At the big Ann Arbor Art Fair – so far just food purchases. Daughter was most excited about the Urban Outfitter pop up discount store, at least its an air conditioned break from the heat and humidity. Daughter showed her student ID so we got half price on the shuttle bus ticket for her to/from the fair.
6. Took advantage of the 25 pictures for 25 cents through Walgreens for photos of some of our fun day outings. Bought basic black frames at Dollar Tree and going to display them, excited to have an inexpensive decoration and memento.
Beth – Not sure if you ever kennel your dog, but my kennel will groom our dogs. One of our dogs doesn’t like the groomers either, but he likes the kennel and the people there. Also, not sure if it is an option, but we have a lot of mobile groomers that come to the house. Since they do one dog at a time, they get through quickly. Most in our area are very good.
Thanks Joy for the dog grooming tips. I will have to check in to the mobile groomers, never have just assumed they were more expensive then the revolts groomers.
They could be more expensive, but it can’t be that much, otherwise no one would use them. It might help if your dog is scared around other dogs. Years ago, when we had 2 male dogs, I had to take them to different groomers because one like one and the other liked another. And, the groomers recommended it because they saw how upset they were. I always appreciated the groomers letting me know this.
I love my mobile groomer..of course she is also a friend so I get the friends/family discount. However, it is so much easier on the pet and myself to have her pull in my driveway and groom Maggie.
Re: the Ann Arbor Art Fair – My whole family is from MI (I’ve lived in CA almost my whole life). My parents would fly me out to MI every summer to visit cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents. This art fair was a highlight of my trip! I very recently lost a dear cousin at the age of 42, and was (just yesterday) remembering my time with her (late 80s) at the art fair as teenagers. I love these little signs that keep our loved one close to our heart. Thanks for the short out for the Ann Arbor Art Fair 🙂
1. I’m slipping pumpkin purée into meals and sweets, including a successful vegan brownie. The kids loved it. We are not vegan but I’ll definitely make it again as it is low sugar and fat and about 50% pumpkin.
2. Went to a thrift store and walked out without buying anything. Now I don’t work in an office, my need for clothes has reduced to almost nothing. It’s brilliant.
3. We have gone from eating out more than weekly to eating out twice over the past month. We have spent about $50 on eating out instead of easily more than $300. I’ve noticed a slight uptick in the grocery budget but we are eating much better quality food in general.
4. It’s been two perfect sunny winter days. I’ve been able to line dry my washing.
That’s it.
I should say re #2 – I still need clothes…just not office clothes.
LOL. I also stay home and therefore don’t need clothes.
I retired over a year ago and the need for clothes as dramatically diminished. It’s really great. Also, we eat at home more also and it not only saves money, but calories and sodium content.
I still work a lot from home, but I have made a rule that I will always be comfortable while working now. I used to work in corporate managerial roles and I was never comfortable because women’s office clothes are just not comfortable. I used to look at the men with envy. Their clothes always looked much more comfortable. Never again! Even if I have to rejoin an office one day, I won’t go back to that level of sartorial discomfort.
We were so busy before I made this change that we were eating on the run a lot, even though my husband is a trained chef and I am a good cook. I didn’t realise quite how much we were spending eating out. What a waste of money.
Mand01, I think you have tapped in to a few of the not-always-obvious costs of working full-time or full-time+: professional wardrobe; commuting; tendency for take-out, eating out or pre-prepared meals; ongoing out-of-pocket for expenses for co-worker life events (literally endless) or “voluntary” contributions to various non-profit ventures designed to allow the employer to boast of a large amount of “donations” (actually coerced). The real costs are for & more importantly on kids: daycare, before or after school care, summer camps in lieu of childcare, nannies, babysitters, overindulgence (travel or material items) due to parents’ guilt & resulting entitlement feelings on the part of kids which is so detrimental to their growth & development.
I was fortunate to have a child later in life & to have the opportunity to act on the wisdom I had acquired by being older. Thank you for the choices you have made for your children. It is not only frugal, the rewards they will reap will be priceless.
1. Husband brought home a GALLON of heavy cream, from a corporate event. The person running it offered it to the group, saying he would throw it out if no one wanted it. Husband took it, saying, “I knew you’d figure out some way to use it.” We were out of sour cream, so I made a quart of sour cream, which will extend the life of the cream by several weeks. I made double a scone recipe that used cream and took them to a meeting. Made halibut chowder, which used some. Froze the rest in one cup containers, for future cooking. I was pretty pleased with myself for not letting it go to waste. (Although, unfortunately, it will go to waist…)
2. Neighbor’s son works construction and finished a project. All employees had been given T-shirts with the name of the job and the company logo, in fire engine red. The job was shutting down and they were going to throw away all the shirts no one wanted. These were brand new Haines t-shirts! He said he knew I would use anything free, so he brought me 17 of the shirts in varying sizes. Husband and I could wear eight of them and I found homes for the others, many with women friends who like to wear t-shirts instead of pajamas. They are pretty ugly, but in the winter, we layer clothing for warmth, so these will be perfect.
3. Adopted a dog from the pound. He is not like the gentle giants we lost, at 80 pounds he is downright puny, but he is loving and so far, a great companion. He has been returned twice to the shelter, so who knows what the future will bring; we think he must have been hit because if you raise your arm too suddenly, he flinches and moves out of range. Adoption cost us but he came with an abundance of coupons for free dog food, toys, vet visits, and we are taking full advantage of those, so are being frugal where we can.
4. Years ago, I took advantage of a free raspberry bush sign. Now, nine years later that one bush is about a zillion and this morning I harvested two quarts of raspberries and see many more not yet ripe. Current self thanks past self for taking advantage of the free sign.
5. Won an argument with the insurance company, which led to $143 back in my pocket.
So glad you found another dog!
Congratulations and best wishes for the future on your #3, Lindsey. Here’s hoping that you and your DH can make it work with the new guy; he certainly sounds like a deserving candidate for a forever home.
Congrats on the new family member!
I echo the other readers’ sentiments. After the heartbreak of losing your “boys”, this guy can hopefully help mend your broken heart. We have loved our shelter little girl for nearly 1o years & it is a wonderful feeling to know we gave her a 2nd home. Thank you for giving him a 2nd chance.
My adopted dog is curled up under my desk as I type this even though it is hotter than “Hades” around here – good luck with your new family member.
You can’t put a price on love.
We have adopted several rescue dogs over the years. One year, after getting dog, I went to PetSmart to pick up a few things. The checked asked me if I got a new dog and I told her I had adopted a rescue. She proceeded to print out a huge number of “new puppy” coupons. I told her he wasn’t a puppy, she said it didn’t matter and they give out coupons to all new dog parents. If you live near any pet store, you might check to see if they have a similar program.
To clarify, I had not adopted our dog from PetSmart, but a rescue organization. Apparently, they gave out coupons to anyone with a new pet.
Congrats! My dog is a pit bull mix from shelter.
1. made 1 etsy sale and 1 ebay sale. sales have been slow lately, but every little bit helps.
2. brought my breakfast and lunch to work everyday, and 98% of my dinners were at home too. when i did eat out it was takeout, so no pricey drinks or tips were involved.
3. exchanged a small jar of coins at a coinstar for $11.
4. used a safeway coupon for a free carton of soy milk.
5. repurposed boxes at home for storage instead of buying storage containers. (i did buy one in a specific size at IKEA but it was only $3.27 w/ taxes and was the only thing i bought.)
1. I helped my daugher harvest 4 1/2 gallons of honey from her bees. We will keep some of the honey and sell the rest.
2. I had friends over for dinner. I fed 6 of us for less than $25. I made inexpensive chicken tacos with cilantro lime rice. They each brought a dish to pass. We had a nice time floating in the pool and enjoyed some mojitos of course. It was much less expensive than a restaurant and more relaxing.
3. My mother and sister invited us out for lunch but I suggested leftover tacos instead. Lunch was good and we again floated in the pool and relaxed. It was nice to be outside without feeling like we were going to succumb to heat stroke.
4. I gave the dog a bath with the hose hooked up to my laundry room sink. This saved me $10.
5. I went to a few garage sales this morning and picked up a few items for ebay and found the dog a toy and a pair of shoes in my size for $1. I’ve had my eye on the same pair of shoes for a while and I saved $50 and they look new still. They are washable Skechers so I’ll just throw them in the washing machine.
4.
Katy, how I miss Oregon’s wild berries! We lived there for 4 years and to this day, our son’s favorite food of all is still blackberries. He spent a lot of time from age 3-6 helping us forage blackberries on our walks, and eating the majority of them. What a great memory!
That is a lot of honey! Beekeeping is such an interesting hobby. Glad to hear that you are continuing to enjoy those mojitos.
Do you make mojitos with honey instead of sugar?
I have seen recipes with simple sugar syrup but honey would be a delightful substitute
Heidi, I’ve been using simple syrup but honey is a great idea. We’ll have to try it.
1. Took a driving trip to visit family and friends. Had several meals out but stuck to our new eating plan of two meals a day. Paid for the hotel stay with points.
2. Saved .35 a gal on gas.
3. Goodwilled our way across 3 states. Found a couple of Christmas presents and craft supplies I didn’t need but which I will eventually make money on. Got a great craft caddy to help organize my work space.
4. Went to an estate sale. Asked the price of a wheeled garden bucket thingie. The seller said it had a crack on the bottom so I could have it for free, since I bought $5 worth of other items. I will duct tape the small crack . I looked it up and saw that it retails for $50.
We have been eating out more than usual because we do not have AC, but it is unreasonably hot even here in MN. Better weather predicted for tomorrow.
1. Bought lots of expensive muffins, bagels and breads at the overstock store which, unfortunately is closing at the end of the month. At least 50% savings on each and every item.
2. Shopped at another discount place and got 2 jars of organic jam for $1, plus great bargain on apples and cheese.
3. Made a homemade rhubarb-raison coffee cake from home grown rhubarb and on-hand ingredients.
4. After a disastrous trip to the vet, which our dog didn’t need, waited a few days for his paw to clear up this time – and it did! The other visit clocked in at $150.
5. Plan to attend a free health care seminar on Monday.
Katy, I love The Recycled Life which has me convinced that your fair city has the best secondhand economy in the country. Portland seems to be home to my favorite internet media.
1. I continue to sell thrifted and found items on eBay. This week I sold 4 items – a sterling art nouveau hand mirror, a piece of Acoma pottery, an ikebana vase and a Russian porcelain dish. Sales seem to be steady. BTW, it is great that you made lemonade out of lemons and sold the feet from your “kitty” couch. That was brilliant.
2. I have been using my library even more than usual lately. Although I currently have a stack of books to read, I picked up a copy of “A Star is Born” on DVD. I also ordered a book on McCoy Pottery. I purchased an early piece at the GW, and I don’t know what pattern it is. I love the library.
3. I am making simple meals at home and enjoying all the wonderful summer produce – berries, watermelon, Vidalia onions, peaches, cucumbers, zucchini and plump tomatoes. Inexpensive and sooooooooo good!
4. My hubby and I had a “hot” date last night and took the dog for an evening walk. The heat has finally broken this morning. The highs with only be in the mid-80s. I hope you all who live in the Midwest and Northeast are safe today. Stay hydrated!
5. All the usual things – drinking primarily water, brewing my own coffee, wearing thrifted clothing, watching streamed tv, and enjoying inexpensive fun.
I checked out The Recycled Life, since you are both fans I figured I might like it too. I’ve only watched a couple episodes but definitely will be watching the rest. Thanks!! I’ve also told my daughter about it. She’s been on a mini vacation thrifting in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. Lucky girl.
1. Our (grown) kids have arrived to stay the weekend at our friends cottage where my husband and I have been on vacation. On our last airport run we dropped 3 who had already arrived at the free public beach thus avoiding paying the $20 parking fee.
2. We went to a hoidy-toidy restaurant/bar for their rock bottom happy hour prices to enjoy a drink by the water. Then we hit a local brewery where only 2 of our party drink beer and the others enjoyed delicious water. Also, supporting a local business.
3. Our meal out was the most economical for a large group in a high-priced area – pizza.
4. I bought my daughter a t-shirt on the exchange of her rallying the group for group photos, which is all I wanted. (I know said t-shirt is not frugal but I did get frugal group photos)
5. We brought board games and played them last night amongst much sibling bantering.
1. My long haired cat had mats on his hindquarters and back so I took out the clippers and shaved them off. Although I need to do this only once or twice a year, the clippers I bought for this purpose have paid for themselves by saving on taking him to a groomer. And he is such a love, he literally lays in my lap and lets me shave his mats off. Such a good guy.
2. My friend on the lake invited me and my granddaughter over for swimming and supper again last night. I told her next time I come over I am bringing supper for us. She loves my Boston Baked Beans and Hotdogs so that may be on the menu.
3. I switched from Prilosec over to local honey for treating my heartburn. 1 tsp. at bedtime does the trick. I still have to watch what I eat though and take the occasional Tums.
4. Although we are in a heat wave, I’m only running the AC at night to sleep. Pulling the shades and keeping the windows closed during the day helps.
5. I didn’t need anything so did not participate in Amazon Prime Days.
Christine – I had not heard of using honey for heartburn. How long have you been doing it?
I have been using the honey for about 2 months now. I had been on Prilosec for years and feared stopping it because every time I had tried in the past I ended up with terrible heartburn. Found out it was a rebound thing and sure enough, the bad heartburn eased in a few days.
1) Although I really wasn’t in a noodle mood yesterday, I sucked it up and ate the Thai noodles I had for lunch, anyway.
2) I wore a t-shirt I’ve had for years, a pair of denim capris and the sketcher slip-ons I bought at the GW to work. I thought I’d be cool enough, but it is hot as H#!! here in Okie land. I’m thankful Fridays are super casual at work.
3) I stopped and picked up $30 worth of groceries to get us through the weekend, since my granddaughters are spending the night with us. Thankfully hubby gets paid on Monday.
4) I signed up to volunteer at the sign-in table for the non-profit I’m involved in at an art show fund raiser, next week. Free food and drinks, along with networking – LOVE these events.
5) I’m meeting family at the Aquatic center in the city, so my granddaughters can see their cousin. $5 a piece is not bad for an afternoon of fun and I get in for the same price as the kids, since I’m over 55.
1. Walked to work one day this week, scenic route a little over 5 miles (direct route just under 4 miles door to door). Saved paying parking or bus and provided free exercise and a lovely transition between home and work.
2. Continuing to work on my back yard/patio, got two free pots from my Mom and bought 6 fairly large perennials on sale at Freddy’s for only $4.99. Some will go in ground, some in pots.
3. Took a bunch of stuff to Goodwill yesterday and didn’t buy anything.
4. Wore a Goodwill outfit yesterday and got several compliments!
5. Got a raise, upping my after tax savings by that amount to avoid lifestyle creep.
Re #2 the plants were $4.99 each, not $4.99 for all 6 (which would be a REAL bargain!). But after buying a couple of roses for my Mom at the unbelievably amazing and expensive Portland Nursery I know the $4.99 each is a great price for 6″ pot perennials!
1. Local garden store had patio tomato plants 2/$5. They came in 1 gallon containers & staff told me to replant into 3 gallon pot – and they gave me 2 free pots.
2. Allergy med I use from Costco was $7 off – I ordered on-line with free shipping – keeping me out of the store.
3. Attended a free class at the library on how to make beeswax food covers – easy to do – I am planning on making some more as Christmas gifts
4. Bought BIC razors & send in for purchase price rebate – 2 per household so I took advantage of that
5. Free vacation – husband won a long weekend at a lake house with activities & meals, a dinner cruise & pig roast
5FF: Fall Can’t Come Soon Enough
I keep thinking I’ll wake up & it will be September. Suffered through the 104 degree heat index Friday but woke up this morning feeling like fall!
1. Moratorium on all heat-producing meals. Fixed Ranch Turkey Wraps last night as an example of no-heat cooking. 100% reliance on summer cooking recipes.
2. Completed grocery shopping by 1 PM Friday in order to prevent being out in the dangerous weather conditions. Doing ongoing comparison pricing. Kept AC at 78 degrees, using ceiling fans, staying hydrated. A joy to open windows this AM & loving that nature cooled air.
3. Due to DD’s life transition, ate at fast food restaurant with coupon after making delivery of bedframe on a weekday evening to her rented house. Completed survey for free sandwich with purchase of small side & small drink. Unable to complete initially as there was no store # on receipt, called restaurant to obtain #, added comment about lack of necessary information on actual survey. Finding a pattern of retailers making submission of their surveys/rebates, etc. unnecessarily difficult. Recent lunch out with DD during shopping for new house supplies, sub shop informed us that store card now obsolete & must download app & scan receipt. I don’t have top of the line cell phone & DD does, so gave receipt to her to scan to get store points.
4. Took DD’s car in for replacement of brake light this week & enjoyed free wifi, coffee, bottled water, cookies, car wash & overall vehicle inspection. Afterwards did touch-up with previously purchased car paint on minor scratches which I have accepted as being part & parcel of having a new driver.
5. Just learned that I began receiving vacation & holiday hours in my part-time job after 1 year employment that increases over time. Couldn’t understand why I received holiday pay for Independence Day – now I know…
1. All of the fairy houses and accessories were on sale at Michaels for 70% off. My mom and I created a fairy garden for my niece for her birthday.
2. Finally mulching the garden with mulch that as on sale.
3. I Researched how to replace my fog light assembly on my car myself. A rock broke it. I was unable to get the part from a salvage yard so I had to buy the part new. I bought online with a 20% off code. My niece’s husband helped me replace if. The total was $145.00 compared to the almost $500.00 the dealer wanted.
4. Used my $5.00 staples reward to get back to school supplies for my nieces.
5. My brother took my mother and me out for dinner. I have eaten all other meals at home for the last three weeks. I haven’t been very inspired but I have managed to get mostly healthy meals on the table every day.
I went yardsaling today, I found
1. 3 rolls of shelf/contact paper for $1
2. 4 Naked by urban decay brand new makeup palettes. Gonna try my hand at reselling them. Only paid $2.50 per pallet.
3. One Disney Poncho that is one size fits all for $1. I may keep this since I am going to the world’s longest yardsale in a couple weeks.
4. Two cans of used Anne Sloan furniture wax for $1. I’m trying my hand at flipping furniture as a side hustle so this will be great for that with the shelf paper.
5. I had a yardsale a few weeks ago and my daughter forgot to bring the glass inserts for a coffee table. She told the customer to come by and pick them up later but she never came. I repurposed these inserts into paintings with biblical saying decal on them. I found a shelf at a yardsale to display one of the glass panel painting on for $1. There is a market coming up at my church that I am saving items up for to sell.
Only 4…
1. I sold some things on eBay, including some of my late mum’s beautiful shoes. She was tiny, so I worried if sent them to an op-shop they might just get tossed. I am glad they have gone to women who can appreciate them – the money I got for them does not matter really.
2. I am transitioning to home-made cleaning products in an effort to cut down potential allergens – so far they work just as well and they are so cheap to make. Bonus: less to cart home from the shops and store in the cupboards.
3. My son scored about 20 1.5.Kg bags of high end cat food and some dog food from a petshop next to him that was closing down. I will give the dog food away. The cat food is for Persians, but my short haired moggie is scarfing it down regardless.
4. I received some oranges from my boss – they were smallish and the skins were a bit blemished, but the juice was great. I’ll see if I can get more, because it’s a big tree and she says she can’t use them all. She has a dog, so she will be getting one of the aforementioned bags.
Let me tell you that my daughter hated the northwest blackberries that she had to remove in Washington state because they are seen as an invasive plant. She did this while working with AmeriCorps. Never wants to see a blackberry every again!
1. Dh made burgers on the George Forman grill rather than standing outside in the nasty heat. The nasty heat didn’t stop him and daughter from hiking though.
2. I was cold with the AC on in the house so I turned it up to 76 which is high for me. Save some money.
3. Dh needs hearing aids and called Costco today to make an appointment. He checked online and they sell the same brand that daughter wears. We’ll check those out and decide whether we want to go with Costco or a private audiologist. Big expense but thank goodness for the emergency account. We spent $7,000 on daughter’s pair 7 years ago.
4. I actually made dinner last night. Threw ravioli in a pot and heated up some sauce both of which were on sale as was the ground beef we had tonight.
5. I keep the curtains closed during the week but on the weekends hubs opens them up. Sigh…another way to let the heat in.
My DH does the same thing with our shades…sigh. They like more light maybe? I’m content to live like a vampire to keep the house cooler.
Not feeling too frugal lately. I feel like an Uber driver; some days I’ve been putting 175 miles on my new car, shuttling children all over the place! And I realize that while I’m very good at buying things at a discount, I need to work at just buying fewer things!
1. Said new car was making a clunking noise. I made an appointment and took it to the dealership, since it’s very new and under warranty. They tried to charge me a $100 diagnostic fee, to which I strongly objected. Then it turned out there was no charge anyway, as the car was fine. Apparently so many people bring their car in for this (non) issue, that I was out in 30 minutes and they even had a pre-printed handout for me explaining the noise!
2. Got a good deal and joined AAA recently for the first time in years. My car and my insurance have roadside assistance, but I decided the AAA discounts were worth the membership fee. Spent a few minutes in their lovely office, where a nice guy helped me with driving directions and maps and guidebooks for an upcoming trip, all free. No gps in my new car (my phone hooks in for gps etc), and while paper can be wasteful and old school, I’ve been caught in rural dead zones with no service and no idea where I’m going! Also, the hotel and attraction discounts seem to be paying off.
3. Happily accept offers of free water, etc whenever offered in this hot weather (at the car dealership, AAA, etc).
4. The wifi and phone service went out for a couple of days in our neighborhood (making my kids very anxious!!! — my son was reduced to binge watching HGTV. I think he’s about ready to start flipping houses). I took daughter to library to use their wifi for summer school homework. Her chromebook wouldn’t connect, and she didn’t want to use a desktop (sensitive subject matter). The head librarian told her they have laptops and chromebooks for loan while onsite at the library! She was the first person to use the chromebook, and she loved it.
5. I read magazines at the library while my daughter worked, and swapped out some at the swapping station to take home.
6. Drove my husband to and from airport, used gas and time but saved a lot in parking fees.
7. Daughter and I stopped in at charity thrift shop. We found a *huge* watercolor print/poster that was double-matted and framed to 30″x 36″, and is perfect for a large empty wall in our guest room. I cleaned the glass and frame and it looks great. Also brought home a beautiful black and white art photo of a landmark in our prior home city. It’s matted and framed to 16×20, and most importantly it’s numbered, titled and signed by the photographer. At $4 each, I only spent $8 for both pictures!!!
1) Even though it is HOT these last couple of weeks for our part of the world, our cold and wet spring made it a great season for greens. Enjoying beautiful Mesclun mix daily from our garden. (And kale, herbs, radishes, and early beets).
2) Another bonus from the spring is that it made for a late bumper crop of strawberries. I picked about 35 pounds this week at our local organic berry farm. Some went to my parents, some to a meeting and some to friends. The rest that didn’t get eaten immediately went into the freezer and we have 2 quarts left in the fridge. I have resolved to stop buying frozen organic berries from places far away to cut down on carbon footprint and plastic bag consumption. Blueberries cometh – that will be the next challenge.
3) Recently scored 5 glass Pyrex rounds (2 cup size) at Salvation Army for less than a dollar each. Also found a NIP set of blank CD’s. I still listen to CD’s – especially in my car. And I love to burn favorite albums and my own playlists. I am covered for a long while…
4) DS is apparently having a significant growth spurt based on the fact that we cannot seem to feed him enough. Also current me is so grateful to last summer me for buying a bathing suit for him in great shape at a garage sale as a “backup” for what I thought would be summer 2020. His current suit had a seam let go this week and the 2020 suit came to the rescue. And it fits just fine.
5) I asked for and received a clothes line for my birthday last month. It runs between two porches and is suspended about 15 feet in the air on a pulley. I didn’t know I could get such joy from doing laundry. And I think of all you fellow frugal folks whenever I am out there hanging up clothes!
I have an old fashioned umbrella type clothes reel and I agree with you…I find such joy in using it to hang my laundry! It’s just like the one I grew up with in the back yard of our old house.
1. Drove today back fast way to coastal County to see frail aunt and uncle. Needed to stop in Walmart and did that on way back. 2. Went to see son#1 granddaughter #1, and then drove 40 more minutes and saw son #2, yesterday after work. So, two visits in one. Would have seen son #3 but he was helping his dad. I also picked my mail up. Combo trips work well 3. I have a jury coming I. Monday and I have double checked my thrifted suits. They are good to go 4. I took a nap after getting back from seeing aunt and uncle. 5. I drove through pouring rain this morning…..free car wash.. lol.
Frugal fails: gave cash to my kids.. just keeping it real. ..lol
Frugal fail: the 2-for-1 Groupons I bought were two days for the price of one, not two people for one. So I ended up buying two more passes from Groupon at the gate, and we went a second day. We also forgot our lunch at home. Instead, we tided over with two soft pretzels, and went to dinner at Souplantation. We had promised this to my daughter as one of our vacation activities. We arrived early enough for lunch prices instead of dinner prices, and I found a 20% off coupon online. Still a lot of money to eat our!
1. The Groupons were paid for with my ebay sales. It’s not “real money” to my mind — just money from selling our old stuff.
2. Needed size 6-7-8 boys clothes for the shop, so I took my daughter to the thrift shop. More than I usually like to spend, but it will give us something on the shelf — we’re tapped out. Also included back-to-school shopping for my daughter. We went through her wardrobe before we left, identified what was worn out or too small. Saved a trip later!
3. Ordered library movies for the kids. Next week they both get their wisdom teeth out. I have leftover bananas (still!) in the freezer that will become smoothies, as well as free apples that are going bad on my counter (I don’t have the fridge space) that will become applesauce. I got pierogi at Grocery Outlet for later in the week when they are back on solids.
4. Found a new microwave at a garage sale. Ours is getting unreliable, and we will keep the new one until the old one gives out, but getting it for $30 is better than needing it last minute and not being able to find one. I looked it up, and it retails for $250. (I am also wondering if I should keep looking, and sell this on Craigslist.)
5. I think that’s it. I am practicing being grateful for dental insurance that covers a lot of the cost of wisdom teeth extraction, so I can get both kids done at once. My son’s teeth are starting to hurt, and I don’t want my daughter’s orthodontia to be damaged, so I’m really, really grateful. Even if it is expensive.
HOT and housebound version: (too hot to go anywere):
1. Friends in town looking for something to do. Outdoor music was a favorite option, but it was too hot. Opted for pizza in our home, with free Pandora playing. Great impromptu evening!
2. Friend brought an almost expired peach and some mozzarella, with my basil and balsamic vinaigrette made an amazing peach caprice salad! Yummy.
3. DH really wanted a monthly security system, I opted for Ring doorbell, as our doorbell was quite rusty. I bought gift cards at HT when they offered 4x fuel points for gift card purchases, then used the gift cards and DH’s veteran’s discount at Home Depot to buy the basic model of Ring. DH is happy with his new “toy” and monitoring system. So much cheaper than the monthly security system he originally wanted. Compromise is everything.
4. Enjoying the crossword in a puzzle section of our newspaper. I get the paper twice a week for the coupons. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy crosswords.
5. Back to the Ring. DH had no idea how to install it, so instead of calling an expert, he called a few family members to walk him through it. 🙂
He is 70 and still trying to catch up with all this technology.
Wrote to Chobani and they sent me a free product coupon as well as 3-$1 off coupons. Used them for products I was going to buy anyway.
Did a sleepover for some practically free summer fun for my daughter. Breakfast picnic at the park with 58 cent donuts and strawberries however much they cost.
My friend brought me a brand new Geography curriculum set. I already had my eye on the Geography songs, but didn’t want to spend out for it. Veritas Press accidently sent her two so they asked her to give it away.
Another friend at church commented on my weight loss. I told her that I got back into some clothes that had become to small for me at my highest. She said she’d bring me her too-small clothes.
Deep cleaned the master bath. My neighbor has a cleaning business and as tempting it is to use her services, I attacked it myself and saved $60.
1. Traveled to see a comedian we really like and met some friends for dinner before. While it would have been great to make a night of it, we drove the 1.5 hours home instead of getting a hotel. Worth it to wake up in my own bed and save $100+.
2. Met friends today for coffee instead of brunch. Had a delightful sandwich and made it out for under $30–which easily would have been one bill if we had sat down for an entire meal.
3. Similarly, had another friend’s birthday party today and the trains in our neighborhood were all messed up. We considered getting a Lyft to the restaurant but opted to drive instead. Removed the temptation of drinking a beer or two and made it in and out for under $11 in tolls. A one way Lyft was $45!
4. Eating leftovers out of the fridge for dinner instead of going food shopping in the heat. Pasta works just fine and the grocery store will be there tomorrow.
5. Planning for a long trip starting this Thursday. Beginning to think about what snacks and other items I want to bring with me to avoid being starving for meals and avoid paying for breakfast foods. I don’t want to upset group dynamics but also–I’m not trying to spend $50 in three days on sandwiches if I can avoid it!
I love your #3!
1. Planning to pay as much of our medical bills that were not covered by insurance, with our HSA as we can.
2. Helped ourselves to some sandwich meat and a coke that someone was getting ride of.
3. Enjoying a book I borrowed for free entertainment.
4. Got creative with veggies that needed to get eaten, I sauteed them up and used them as a savory crepe filling.
5. I also did not purchase a leer jet this week.
1. Yard Sale season! While spending money are yard sales isn’t necessarily frugal if you buy things you don’t need, but what makes yard sales frugal for me is purchasing clothes ahead of season for my kids. Who can pass up $1 sneakers for my 6 year old. While they might be too big for him now, he will grow into them.
2. The extreme heat kept us home this weekend and we tried to be as frugal as possible with the A/C. i kept the upstairs at 79 and the downstairs at 76. I’m afraid to see the electricity bill.
3. Used some lemons and limes (that needed used ASAP) in a drink that my MIL makes. Lemonade Koolaid & Limeaid Koolaid mixed together and then cut up all those lemons and limes….makes a bit of a tart drink..but tasty.
4. Hubby stays on top of the gas reward points at our grocery store. He learned that he could buy Home Depot gift cards and get a certain amount of points. He then took those gift cards and bought grocery store gift cards to go back and do our normal grocery shopping. Don’t worry, we didn’t make a separate trip to home depot just for that. we had a list of other items we needed to buy!
5. heading out on a week long vacation next week. we camp using our RV so we can take all of our own food and only go out to eat for a treat and maybe even ice cream!