Five Frugal Things
by Katy on October 25, 2019 · 53 comments
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I’ve sold nothing, although I did pick up a cool midcentury kitchen clock and quickly listed it on eBay. I have a big blue Ikea bag of miscellaneous thrifted items to list, and may start on that task this afternoon. I’m scheduled to help my mother clean out her rental cottage between tenants, so I’ll definitely bring in some side income.
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Yesterday was my mother’s 77th birthday, so we invited her and my step father over for dinner. I made meatloaf, mashed potatoes and peas, as well as butternut squash soup and an apple crisp. Nothing to impress an elite gourmand, but all perfectly satisfying for a crisp (aka “soggy” as I do live in Oregon) fall celebration.
I gifted my mother with a hand written voucher for a “Birthday Day of Adventures,” as well as a tin of stroopwaffels, which are her absolute favorite treat. We’ll figure out a date to venture out and experience what the Portland area has to offer, but for now I’m busy digesting a particularly heavy meal.
At this point in my life, I’ve transitioned to giving consumables and experiential gifts instead of traditional store bought things. I may give a few thrifted items come the holiday season, but for family birthdays, it’s straight up experiences and food. Very few of us need more things, yet most of us would welcome an afternoon of indulgence, food and fun activities.
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I grabbed a huge bag of packaging air pillows from a local shop, but around half of them were too big to be practical. However, they were big enough to serve as dog poop bags, so I spent a few minutes cutting the tops open. My friend Lise has a small-ish dog, and was more than happy to give these items one more life. This delays her next purchase of brand new plastic bags, which would trigger the manufacture of ones made from virgin materials.
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I picked up a neighbor’s free framed poster, a old college friend came through town and gave me a half loaf of amazing bakery bread, (thanks, Diana!) a member of my Buy Nothing Group gifted me with a bag of bubble wrap and my daughter and I watched a library DVD of Hidden Figures.
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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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{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
1. How could I have accumulated 41 mugs that I did not purchase? For a time, mugs were in the goody bag of every conference I attended. Then friends gave me mugs. Then a moving friend pawned her mugs off on me. The thing is, I didn’t really like any of them. This week I finally packaged all of them up and took them to the soup kitchen, where they will be put to good use.
2. Attended a meeting and got a free breakfast of fruits and donuts. They offered the leftovers to anyone interested and only two of us wanted it, so came home with a full platter of cut up fruit and three donuts.
3. At the dump exchange site, where people put stuff they don’t want but too good to throw out, I found a set of expensive Fiskars scissors designed for card making and scrapbooking. I cleaned them all up and gave them to friend who makes cards and every year gives me a pack of her beautifully made cards for my birthday (50 of them!) and another 50 for Christmas. There is no way she will let me pay her for the cards, although I often drop off homemade bread to her, so these were a great way to try to repay her a little bit.
4. Exchanged two dozen of my hens’ eggs for a gallon bag of a friend’s homemade egg noodles. Yum.
5. Did not leave the house for four days, saving gas and aggravation.
Dang, that is a lot of mugs. You must have freed up a bunch of cabinet space.
Mugs breed. We seem to receive them as gifts etc as well. I’m actually really fussy about them because I am very picky about the tea and coffee I drink. Last year I got rid of a bunch of mugs I was never going to use and replaced them with mugs I wanted.
Somehow, we have bred yet more horrible mugs!!
I don’t understand.
I haven’t been very actively frugal. I’ve had the flu and been under the weather for the last week. I’ll see what I can do.
1. I’ve sold a few odds and ends on Ebay. I’ve scrounged boxes and was given some free packing material. I’ve ordered a USPS pick up along with my regular mail delivery making it free.
2. I signed up to be an election inspector for November’s election and once trained I can do it again in the future.
3. I went for coffee with a friend instead of our usual walk since I wasn’t feeling well. I purchased the cheaper brewed coffee and ordered a bagel for breakfast which was the cheapest option on the menu.
4. I gave my dog a bath with a hose hooked up to my laundry faucet saving me $10. Soon it will be too cold to do this but I’m taking advantage of it for now.
5. I found a cheaper option for softener salt. It’s only 50 cents difference but every little bit.
Sometimes, when you don’t feel well, it’s good to do things for yourself, like coffee with your friend. Hope you will feel better soon!
5FF+: Pre-Halloween Edition
1. While out on a grocery run, found a quarter left in a cart at Aldi when I was returning mine. Person had pushed cart into the group, yet simply did not attach the chain to push out the quarter.
Used coupon for dog food at big box store but new clerk stated it didn’t take after waving it twice over scanner. Used same coupon 1 week prior with no issue. Manager came & manually inputted coupon. After analyzing receipt afterwards, the coupon was deducted twice (system was trying to prevent mistake) making the dog food free. Retail errors in favor of the consumer are extremely rare in my experience.
2. In the spirit of fall cleaning, ran washer through deep clean cycle with washer cleaner. Trying to be kind to my appliance after many hard years of excessive use with a female teenager’s massive amount of laundry in hopes it will serve us at a more reasonable capacity for years to come…
3. DH & I enjoyed fabulous free steak & walleye dinners at retirement planning seminar. No food wasted as brought home my leftovers to enjoy with subsequent meals.
4. Enjoyed socialization at local coffee shop with friend for the price of a mocha. Relatively inexpensive socialization cost & made sure to garner loyalty points which put me in the range for a free beverage, any size on next visit. Have DH & DD using my loyalty account as well, since my purchases are few & far between.
5. In light of simplifying as empty nesters, decided to cease buying live Christmas trees. Have a 5’ tree purchased at neighbor’s garage sale that was less than optimal height & fullness. DD requested to use it at her rental home. Perused new trees at big box store but shocked at prices, even with plan to purchase on Dec. 26th for 50% off. Picked up a free 6-7’ tree listed on Next Door. Avoided manufacture of an artificial tree at best possible price: FREE!
6. Received 5th invitation this fall for free meal for retirement seminar at same upscale restaurant we just were at for another free meal. Noticed this one had an age requirement which I met. Wasn’t aware of all the perks following a birthday with a 0 for a 2nd digit.
7. My friend previously used a discount code from my Dad’s Friends & Family program (he is a retiree) for her DD’s tires. She asked for another code to purchase tires for herself. My Dad tossed all the codes as new codes are received each year. Called company who sent his available codes. Was shocked to discover he had a 45% bonus code! Would’ve used myself on DD’s tires had I known. My friend ended up with a very hefty discount.
My friend’s husband built a 2 ft stand to put their Christmas tree on to make it look right in their vaulted ceiling living room.
My Dad used to cut a stubby Cedar tree from the farm & it was placed on the coffee table in front of the living room window to give it the appearance of a taller tree… True story!
1. I’ve had some success selling thru Facebook market place a variety of items: vintage china, housewares and some decor
2. Took a bag of items to consignment store and viola $26
3. Have a box started for church rummage sale
4. Attended several events over the last few weeks and have won a variety of gift cards. Using one tonight for dinner out with hubby
5. Watching Netflix and college football for entertainment
I loved the movie, Hidden Figures. I can’t believe that we sent men to the moon with the use of a slide rule and human calculators. It’s amazing!
1. I continue to sell on eBay. I sold 3 items online since the last post bringing this month’s total to 14 items.
I also took two trips to the Bins this week since I was already going to be on that side of town. It is always such a treasure hunt and so much fun.
I did pick up something especially interesting. There was a large 11”X14” book without any markings and titles. When I opened it I found that it was a bound collection of Yank – The Army Weekly from the summer of 1945. The first issue celebrated VE Day and went on document the ending of WWII. It’s just an amazing account of history. So happy I saved it.
2. I went to the pharmacy fo my flu shot yesterday. There was not any co-pay, and I received a $10 gift card.
3. We have had some unexpected expenses this month and do not want to go into savings. Thus, I have really made a effort to stretch the food budget. I inventoried the contents of the freezer and pantry. I made an menu and a list before going to the grocery store. I bought approximately $70 in groceries, but spent only $36. I used a $7 rebate card that I had received earlier in the week, the gift card mentioned above, a $10 off a purchase of $50, and assorted digital coupons. I am proud of myself. I should still have grocery money left in the budget at month’s end although I suspect the freezer will be empty.
4. My husband and older so are season ticket holders for the local NFL team – not frugal in the least. However, the local team had a Tour & Treat night this week for ticket holders and their families. My husband and son were out of town, but I brought my SIL, niece and my great nieces and nephews for a free night of games, face painting, pizza, balloon art, music and goodies. The kids loved it! I must say it is the most fun I have ever had in that stadium,
5. I have been doing all the usual things – drinking primarily water, brewing my own coffee, eating my meals at home, and cooking from scratch. Also walking the dog, enjoying the gym, reading library books, watching streamed television content, visiting with friends and wearing thrifted clothes. The frugal life really is enjoyable.
1. I gave DH a haircut. I don’t quite trust him with my haircut but I have found a local hairdresser who cuts hair for $12. With a $3 tip, she’s not only the cheapest hairdresser I can find but I think gives the best haircut for my wavy out of control hair. A boy once said he wouldn’t date me because I have messy hair and I took it to heart!
2. Using $5 in bonus points plus a B2G1 sale, I got 3 family sized bottles of Suave shampoo for $1.68. DH told me his two bottles will last him a couple of years. With his new buzz cut maybe he can stretch it a little further…
3. I worked an extra hour yesterday so next week’s paycheck will be a tad plumper.
4. I sold 2 items on FB Marketplace.
5. I borrowed the library’s state park pass to use at a nearby mountain. We’re packing a picnic lunch to have at one of their many picnic tables. With expected temps in the 50s we’ll bring a thermos of coffee too. BTW, if you have knee issues and find hiking rugged terrain difficult, if a mountain has an auto road. try hiking up and down that instead. Easier on the joints.
Your memory of what they boy said about your hair reminded me of something: We had been dating for about nine months and the guy proposed. I felt like it was too early and said no. His exact words, forever burned into my brain, were: “I think you should reconsider. There is not much of a market for fat ornery women.” I was a size 12 and, admittedly quite ornery. I later married a guy who told me once, “I just love how assertive you are.” Thirty seven years later I sometimes have to remind the husband how much he loves my assertiveness.
I laughed so much at this story. I read it to my husband. I too am very “assertive.”
I asked him if he loves my assertiveness. He said “of course! You have enough assertiveness for the both of us! Works out well for me.”
He thought SIZE 12 is fat?! And the fact that he thought assertiveness is being ornery said everything you need to know about him. Good call Lindsey!
Happy happy birthday to your mom! We took my grandmother to Leavenworth for her birthday last month for the third year in a row. SO much better and more fun than any “thing” we could buy her – or us.
HA!! I had not heard of Leavenworth the town so I looked it up because I could not believe you took your grandmother for a prison tour…for what, one of those scared straight programs?? Leavenworth the town sounds lovely…the prison, not so much.
1. Dd was forced to retire from gymnastics. I have been able to receive a refund for competition fees I had already paid, new leotard I had ordered but had not yet come in, and she “sold” her floor routine to another gymnast for $50. Yay, for no loss of money for me.
2. Dh has been riding his bike to work 2-3 days a week which is a pretty good savings in gas.
3. I have actually continued to track our spending for October – usually I start forgetting about 2 weeks in. I can’t wait to total things up at the end of the month to get a better idea of our spending. In the long run this should save us money.
4. Dd and ds have somehow been able to cobble together odd jobs and such around town and the neighborhood. This means I don’t have to fork over money for outings with friends and/or gas money.
5. First college visit tomorrow with 2 kids. We are just making a day trip of it to avoid a hotel stay. We will pack snacks and drinks for the drive. We borrowed items from the library for entertainment.
FFT, It’s Raining Teapots and Books Edition:
(1) The mother of one of my Literary Society friends gifted me a fancy teapot last Saturday: a Sadler Romeo and Juliet teapot, with lots of gilding and red paint. I do the mother and daughter a service by ferrying parcels from Mom to D every month when I drive over to D’s city for our Lit. Soc. meetings, and Mom guessed accurately that I collect teapots. This one had been given to Mom by a friend headed for assisted living.
(2) The Romeo and Juliet theme got me reflecting on my on-and-off boyfriend from junior high school to postgraduate years, who was obsessed with the 1968 Zeffirelli R&J film. In the end, he made it clear that I was no Olivia Hussey, which was the main reason I threw him over for DH. (And take it from me, he was no Leonard Whiting either.) Knowing 40+ years later that I married the right man in spite of everything = priceless.
(3) While DH was in his Friday cognitive care program today, I tootled down the hill to the Salvation Army superstore, where I found a blue Hall teapot in the Aladdin shape in pristine condition (including the original ceramic tea infuser) for $5. Prices for this one on eBay and Etsy vary wildly, but whatever it may be worth, it’s a lot more than $5. Keeping this puppy for myself, though.
(4) Also at the SA, they were having a “buy 10 books for $1” sale. (Looks as if too many people have been heeding Marie Kondo’s advice about getting rid of books.) It took a little time to put together 10, but I finally did–including Michelle Obama’s Becoming, several cookbooks, a book about Alzheimer’s prevention (hey, I’ve *got* to stave it off), and a 1984 reprint of my high school copy of Orwell’s 1984 (very appropriate at the moment). I may not keep all the cookbooks, but at this price, it’s “no harm no foul” if I pass a few of them on.
(5) And tomorrow after our weekly visit to the Regional Market, DH and I are taking a cruise through peak-color fall foliage to one of our excellent library book sales in a distant suburb. Mo’ books, mo’ fun!
Last but by no means least, happy belated birthday to Su Mama, Katy!
Your #2…Yay for love! Glad you found the partner you were meant to be with in your DH. Somehow in this big world you found each other…definitely priceless.
A. Marie, Thank you for sharing your love story with us. Love makes life worth living.
On another note, Zeffirelli’s Romeo & Juliet is my favorite version. It was my first exposure to Shakespeare as a child. I still remember going to see it all those years ago.
A. Marie, as usual your grace comes through. What a beautiful #2.
I feel the same way about mine, and miss him every day. So very grateful I had 31 years.
Patricia/Fl
1. i made some ebay and facebook sales. nothing big but every little bit counts.
2. i’ve eaten every meal at home this week, including leftovers. same for coffee.
3. my cat died recently, so i was able to donate some of his leftover items to my local buy nothing group. the woman who received the items has 4 cats, so i’m glad i could help another cat lover and that nothing went to waste.
4. i’ve been reading used books as well as library books this week.
5. i need a calculator for an upcoming test and was able to find one to borrow from my local buy nothing group.
I’m so sorry you lost your cat. They are true family members and our grief at losing them can be so profound.
thank you Alexandra, you are right. we have connections with them that are amazing. <3
My condolences on the loss of your cat. What a lovely thing to do in giving your kitty’s items to a fellow cat lover. Take care.
thank you! and yes it seemed like the right thing to do. i did keep a few toys for sentimental reasons of course 🙂
My condolences on your cat’s passing, Kate. Glad to see you’re passing on his worldly goods to other kitties. DH and I have seen two dogs and five cats cross the Rainbow Bridge in our four decades together, and we always try to pass on the “estate” to neighbors who are dog or cat owners. And, yes, it’s devastating every ***** time.
thanks for your kind words. it is truly difficult, and this one was one of the most difficult ones because i was very close with him, but i appreciate all that he taught me <3 that's so nice that you are able to pass things on as well. they have a special place in our hearts.
1. I found a fun red jean jacket in a give away basket where I volunteer. I often contribute items I don’t want but don’t often grab anything. i love when I add something new to my wardrobe that is secondhand.
2. I spent time with a friend at a local playground. My friend was watching a friend’s toddler when her daycare provider took the day off. It was a glorious fall day and we caught up while keep an eye on the toddler.
3. I am reading the The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. It’s an electronic book I borrowed from the library.
4. I received a green pepper from a neighbor, the last of the season. I have a few green tomatoes that I should pick before we have a frost.
5. I thought I saw a mouse scurrying in the garage Wednesday night. I bought a trap yesterday and tonight found a mouse in it. We’ll release it tomorrow. It’s a trap that can be reused. I know sometimes people have trouble with mice getting into engines and gnawing wires. I thought it prudent to spend for a good trap (less than $7.00).
Are you enjoying The Dutch House? Ann Patchett is a wonderful writer, but I haven’t pick that book up yet.
FFT, gorgeous days of fall edition:
1) We are facing some huge and unexpected expenses, the timing of which meant this past week was going to see a bank account with several fewer digits than is really desirable. Made it through to payday without spending the small amount we’d set aside for gas and groceries, thanks in part to cozy pantry meals like soup and pancakes.
2) Received an unexpected check in the mail from the mortgage broker we used to buy this house 10 months ago, and returned duplicate smoke alarms for a full refund. Discovered our middle son didn’t get the advertised rebate when he put winter tires on the car he’s borrowing from us, so will take the receipt to the shop tomorrow when we’re in the neighborhood.
3) One of the main freeways into town was closed for an accident during morning rush hour traffic. All zillion of those cars came instead down the quiet street where I catch the bus. The bus was stuck in that mess for nearly two hours – most of it before I got on, though in view. Also, it was the first really cold morning of the year. There is a delicious and expensive coffee shop across the street from the bus stop. I stood there all that time and spent nothing.
4) Drank free hot coffee, free hot tea, and free hot apple cider all day long at work after #3. Warmed up just in time to head home.
5) Some new acquaintances have been getting together weekly at a nearby wine tasting venue for a glass and a visit, which has the potential to add up fast. Hubs and I opted to buy into the “wine club,” which is an expense I would never have considered before. But it means a free tasting flight for the two of us and up to two friends any time we want. And it’s in walking distance. It has paid for itself five times over in six weeks! Not to mention all the calories burned walking to and from in the glorious autumn sunshine.
1. Continuing to get ready for 2 upcoming craft shows where I sell Christmas decor. Almost all my supplies are purchased from thrift stores or yard sales.
2. One project needed a doll chair for a snowman to sit on. I had a chair rescued from “the bins” which was missing all the slats in the back. I traced the empty space onto a styrofoam meat tray, cut out the piece, glued it in place and painted the chair, It works perfectly.
3. Watching movies from the library to entertain me while I glue and paint.
4. Went to a free art show with friends. We had lunch while out. Even though the server wiped down our table, there was strawberry “goop” all over the edge and my sweater was smeared with it. The server was nice enough to remove my drink and salad from the bill as an apology.
5. Stopped in at the grocery for a few things. Checked the reduced produce items. Was able to bring home 5 baking potatoes, a large avocado, 2 red, 2 yellow and 2 orange bell peppers all for $3.
Your #5…that’s a good buy on all that produce for $3. Wish our two local grocery stores would reduce their produce items to that degree.
My list:
1. bought 5 drinking glasses off the local swap and sell for $2. I needed some more glasses with the holidays coming.
2. Watching a lot of drugstore shopping videos on how to save money and earn points. One of these days I’ll get out there and try it.
3. Most meals at home. I did buy one take out meal. Made up for it tonight as I had a Lean Cuisine meal that was bought at 5 for $10.
4. Monitoring the heat in the house.
5. Dh was gone for two nights so I didn’t have to monitor the electric.
6. Dh brought me home a pair of pink slipper socks in awareness for Breast Cancer Month from his office.
You sound like me and the monitoring the electric when husband is home. Mine is terrible about leaving lights on everywhere in the house. I am constantly turning them off. He does a lot of good things, but is not great in this area, but he is getting a little better.
Another light monitor here. My husband is an angel but he never met a light switch he wanted to turn off. Each time I am about to bring it to his attention, I remind myself that he just quietly puts things back where they belong when I leave my clothes discarded all over the place. Sometimes that works to keep my mouth shut, sometimes not.
I have the opposite problem. My husband ALWAYS turns out the lights when he leaves the room — even when there is someone still in it. I cannot tell you how many times he has left me in the dark.( in the literal sense only)
Despite the fact that DH was a home energy performance rater/salesman/expert back in the day, I too was an electricity monitor even then. (I blame this on his mother, who always thought it beneath her to turn off lights: “We’re not that poor!” Mmmmph.) And now in Dementia Land, of course, it’s a lost cause. But National Greed just reduced our monthly budget payment from $165 to $134, so between the solar panels on the garage roof and my continued monitoring, I’m pretty happy at the moment.
1) Accidentally opened a can of diced tomatoes instead of kidney beans–the picture was red and I wan’t paying attention. I used it the following day in a new lentil soup recipe–very good and I froze most of the batch in 2 meal portions (in glass, not plastic) to use later.
2) Son hasn’t been taking a water bottle to school and decided to start again. I had been searching for his stainless steel bottle in boxes and was tempted to give up and buy another, but persevered and found it.
3) More library books and movies this week. A regular thing for us, but a frugal habit.
4) Husband and I have been painting the window and door frames, preventing damage and saving money by doing it ourselves. Just a few left, which he’ll be doing tomorrow (we’ve been working around the weather and one window required filler to dry).
5) Went to a thrift store I haven’t been to in a month and left with only one item, a mildly vintage fun cake pan I’ve wanted for a few years, for under $2.
Not a very frugal week, as I have traveled interstate for a family event.
1. I picked and froze three bags of cauliflower and broccoli from our garden.
2. I planted tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant, squash and basil in the garden.
3. I picked a bunch of beautiful carnations from the garden to decorate my home.
4. I’m reading library books (as usual).
5. I’ve had to spend extra hours at the airport due to flight delays (this has been somewhat the trip from…not hell exactly, but I think I’ve certainly earned karmic points). I spent $7.10 on a snack but resisted the urge to buy magazines, candy and books
You actually did well considering the travel. Travels add a whole new element. Good luck with the garden.
I loved Hidden Figures; probably more so, because I am mathematically NON-gifted!
Not as frugal as I should have been as my daughter was home for her time since going to school in August and we did a lot of playing. We also checked out movies from the library, ate homemade Indian food one night, leftovers form our lunch splurge another, got three meals form a full chicken I roasted, and I finally mastered a homemade pie with crust that cost pennies.
1. Took a side job doing seasonal work from home. Last year I put together a (hideous) makeshift desk. I kept my eye out for a slim size desk that would work in my small living room. Finally found a $10 sofa table at a yard sale that is the perfect size.
2. Happened across an unusually lamp shade at Habitat for Humanity. For $2, I was willing to gamble that it could replace the deteriorating silk shade on my antique floor lamp, and I was right.
3. Aldi has fiddle leaf fig plants this week for $12.99. I have always wanted one. Rearranged my living room furniture with the new sofa table, lamp, and plant and ended up with a MUCH nicer configuration! It feels like a completely different room.
4. My coffee pot has been leaking slightly. Limped along until I found a Cuisinart on Marketplace for $10 with nearby pickup.
5. Sold a bunch of books on FB, have 3 more scheduled pickups today, and a lot more to list this weekend.
1. My spring garden is mostly gone except for mild banana peppers, okra and some basil (I have a few tomatoes planted for the fall and a few more things will go in the ground shortly). My 2018 fall planted banana pepper plant is still producing but I have probably picked at least 60-70 peppers this spring and summer and now fall. Overwhelmed and a little tired of the banana peppers, I decided to pickle some and put in the fridge. We will see, but I do love them in small amounts on salads.
2. Going through clothes no longer needed, found a pair of pants that I probably last wore at work over a year ago. Put my hand in the pocket and out came $38 bucks!
3. Did an online survey and got a check for $40!
4. Husband did work around home to relocate sprinkler heads. Project only cost parts and time and saved us about $500 or so compared to estimated vendor costs.
5. Husband had to make a last minute trip to a family funeral. The r/t airfare would have been about $1000 but we were able get it for about $100 plus some points. We never use points with this airline, but will consider for the future, since it was such a great deal for him.
6. I do occasionally buy clothes, although not much, and usually buy off season. Found a pair of sweat pants in a drawer that were purchased for only $3.40 last spring. Great for our now chilly weather.
1. Hit grocery store after work last eve and bought groceries to fill in for coming week for only $59. Eggs on sale for .88/dozen so bought 4, will need to eat hard boiled eggs, deviled eggs, egg salad and huevos rancheros, eggs and chorizo etc. yummy and cheap meals! Still trying not to buy meat until we eat down freezer.
2. Wore several goodwill outfits to work this past week and received compliments.
3. Credit cards all down to zero after some MAJOR expenses, now need to just keep them there.
4. Submitted receipts to medical expense reimbursement account which helped to pay off credit cards (medical bills were a big factor).
5. Told daughter she can play club volleyball again this year BUT we need to find a less intense, less competitive and less expensive club. (Her last club was really designed for elite, college bound players initially but then added lower level teams at same cost, she is not at that level so a lower key club will be fine. Still expensive, but probably half the cost of the last club which was ridiculous).
1) I covered 2 of colleague’s classes and make an extra $158
2) I found two pennies
3) My colleague and I were yearning for a hamburger but we opted for the free dinner at work
4) I needed a fancy blouse for a fancy event. None looked good except for one that was more than I really wanted to pay. Resigned, I went to pay only to find out it was 50% off.
5) Using up the rest of the Swiss chard, carrot tops, and arugula from the garden to make spanakopita.
I shared this on the Facebook page, but I’ll mention it here too because I’m really excited. I found the perfect replacement couch at an estate sale. It matches my living room and it’s way retro cool with the tufted backing and the curved frame. In love!!!
Stopped at a church garage sale and picked up a sleeping bag we’re going to need in the spring for a camping trip, a couple shirts for my shrinking bod, a fitness piece of plastic that my kids have been begging for since they saw it on Shark Tank, and a new garden hose and reel all for $10.
Our real estate agents, that helped us purchase our home, hosted and invited us to a Halloween party. We got 3 free pumpkins, lunch, candy and pencils, and bounce house and face painting.
Rented Lion King from Redbox. There’s no cheap theater around here, so this is how we treat the kids.
After some car repairs and other required expenses, we’ve really paired down the credit card. It’s half what it normally is this month.
Not a lot of frugal things over here recently, but do have a few small ones:
1. BF’s birthday weekend was a smashing success! On your theme of experiences not things, I got him a gift card for a golf lesson at a fancy club and my family all gave experience gifts as well. No more things in our tiny apartment and gives him some excuses to get out of the house.
2. Instead of going out for brunch Saturday, I sacrificed a few eggs to learn how to poach one. Birthday brunch was avocado toast with poached eggs and coffee. Sure, the avocados were $2 each, but still less than the $15 the same meal retails for down the street.
3. Went to a 1960’s themed restaurant/bar Saturday night. Found a great use for a fun silk scarf I got as a gift from my mom as a headband. Otherwise wore a work dress and heels to top off the outfit! No new purchases and lots of compliments!
4. Bought a clothing steamer (not frugal) to make sure I wear all my clothes that wrinkle easily and give some stuff a second life before it gets washed again (maybe frugal?). Being able to refresh the fabric a little bit keeps it from taking a trip to the laundromat (definitely frugal!).
5. The quest for the perfect on-the go, no packaging, healthy, budget-friendly snack continues. Today’s attempt? Roasted butternut squash seeds out of the squash that’s for dinner and blueberries. Not sure it’ll be the easiest but definitely unique!
@your number four: it’s frugal for sure!
the less you need to wash your clothes
the less wear they get
the longer you can use them
stretching the time between purchases
if that’s not frugal, what is? 🙂
1. Celebrated a family member ‘s(my sister-in-law’s niece — is there a name for that relationship?) 21st birthday. I brought ginger ale that’s been in the cupboard for a long time, mint from the garden, vodka and copper cups I was given but which I don’t use. She enjoyed the Moskow mules so I left the cups for her. I made a card out of card stock and Pinterest inspiration.
2. Friday night I made pasta and watched a library movie, instead of getting takeout pizza. I was at least as happy with pasta as with pizza!
3. Renewed and returned library books to avoid fines. Picked up Bill Bryson’s The Body. It is fascinating so far!
4. Took my daughter to get her flu shot after school. Flu shots are free, and we do not have time to be sick!She was the last one in the family un-innoculatted.
5. I finally figured out how to keep my weighted blanket on at night. It had a bad tendency to slither off, and land on the floor, waking me up. I took the silky cover off, it stays put not (and I can sleep so much better!). I just checked ebay, and there is a market for extra covers, so I will be posting it on ebay to rehome it! So excited to get it out of the house, and for money!
1. Getting a lot of snow here in Colorado! Despite my hardest efforts to thrift new winter costs for myself and boyfriend, I’ve come up empty handed. We purchased new coats at a discount that should last us years and years. After living in the south for years, we were quite unprepared for cold weather.
2. Spent the second half of the day yesterday meal prepping tons of food for the week. Buddha bowls, breakfast egg cups, sandwiches for the boyfriend for lunch. Used chicken I bought discounted last week (my favorite way to save grocery money). I typically grab a handful of snacks at the dollar tree for boyfriends lunches. As far as food goes, there are a few things worth grabbing at there that workout cost wise which make nice treats for lunches.
3. Spent 14 dollars on diy hair toner from target. Hoping the product works well enough to push off my next hair appointment a little longer. I stopped dying my hair at home after too many uh-ohs, but the toner seems less risky.
4. Still cold and snowy, so today I’m making cornbread muffins to accompany the Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter I snag every year. Will probably make some hot chocolate and have an extra nespresso today, but still cheaper than Starbucks (which is walking distance and is very tempting today ha!).
5. Thrifted a Patagonia headband/ear warmer for myself, an arcteryx hat for my bf, and scarves for each of us. Hardly offsets the price of our new coats but spent about 12 dollars instead of 80+!!!
1. I sold a few items on eBay. I am trying to gear up for the holidays. I am listing items and collecting packaging for reuse. I have yet to find a good way to store these free packing boxes and bubble wrap. The clutter is making me a little crazy, but hopefully they will be gone soon.
2. October was my birthday month. I used my IKEA Family $10 coupon purchase new potholders. My old one had a big hole in it – someone caught it on fire. At least once a week a forgot that the hole was there and burned my hand.
My husband went with me and enjoyed the free meatball dinner that IKEA extends to customers during their birthday month. Sadly, I could not it because the meatballs are not wheat-free.
3. I finally had $20 in my Ibotta account, so I transferred it into my paypal account. It took me nearly 6 months to accumulate these funds – a dime here and a quarter there. However, I linked it to my grocery loyalty card, so it required no additional effort. I have banked $46 this year with Ibotta.
4. I stocked up on meat and coffee this week at the grocery store. The coffee that I usually drink was by one pound, get one pound. I bought 6 pounds. Chicken thighs were only $0.99 a pound, pork tenderloin was $1.99. I know in most parts of the country that is expensive,but that is a sale in a Florida. Food is expensive here.
5. I have done all the usual things – drinking primarily filtered tap water, brewing my coffee at home, cooking from scratch, and enjoying no-cost, low-cost entertainment such as reading library books, going to the gym, walking the dog, visiting friends & family, and watching streamed TV