Five Frugal Things

by Katy on October 28, 2019 · 50 comments

  1. My eBay sales perked up a bit. Not an avalanche of cash by any means, but most sales were higher value items, which makes my credit union account a wee bit happier. Sure, I get a serious dopamine hit with any little sale, but I’d rather sell a $70 pair of thrifted sneakers than a jumble of $15 tchotchkes.

    Here’s what I sold:

    – A pair of Chippendale-style brass drawer handles that I pulled from a free pile.

    – A like-new pair of of sample Adidas sneakers. (Portland is “Sneaker Town,” so it’s not unusual to find production samples at Goodwill.)

    – A studio art pepper grinder. (This went to Spain!)

    – A cross stitch kit that had been languishing in my “death pile.”

  2. I’m working with my 24-year-old daughter to convert her room from its childhood configuration to something more like a studio apartment. Step one was to upgrade her circa-1960s mattress set to something more modern. I’d been eyeing the brand new ones from Goodwill for a couple of years, and finally took the leap and bought a full-size set.

    I had enough Goodwill gift cards to cover most of the cost, and since my husband and I have held onto our soccer mom minivan, we were even able to transport it home with minimal fuss.

    I put the old mattress set up on my Buy Nothing Group, and got a reply from a neighbor who’s coming by for it this afternoon. I do try to buy nothing new, but since the mattress is made in the United States (and supports a nonprofit) I think I can file this under “J” for “justifiable purchase.”

    Bonus: It’s really comfortable!

    Check out my Instagram feed to read more about it.

  3. My daughter’s girlfriend showed up with a package of gourmet bacon which prompted a “breakfast for dinner” that used up a satisfying number of random refrigerator contents. Mashed potatoes, eggs and the end of a jar of gluten-free breadcrumbs transformed into potato patties; sautéed onions and peppers garnished each plate and the last of an 18-pack of eggs scrambled themselves up and were topped with the grated end of some hardened cheddar cheese. I also served everyone a tiny bowl of leftover butternut squash soup.

    I do love when a meal is able to incorporate the 10,001 tiny containers of leftovers that populate my refrigerator. And since the meal was delicious, absolutely zero sacrifice was required.

  4. I reset our programmable thermostat to better reflect my family’s current schedule, I once again set out the Halloween decorations that an old neighbor gave to me maybe 15 years ago, (without ever feeling the need to add to the collection) I renewed some Craigslist listings, I dropped off our ballots at the library which saved $1.65 (the cost of three stamps) and my friend Lise just texted to ask if I wanted a half-bunch of cilantro.

  5. 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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Disclosure: The eBay link is an affiliate link, which means that I earn a small percentage from any purchases you make through eBay within a few days of clicking over. This costs nothing extra to you.

{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }

Cathy October 28, 2019 at 12:21 pm

1. Found over $3.00 in change over the last week! ca-ching!!
2. Helped my son remove a huge paint transfer on the side of his car when he drove too close to a parking garage corner wall. Took a lot of elbow grease from the two of us, but it’s much improved. Did you know that if you gently scrub your car, you CAN remove paint transfer from these minor accidents? And, bonus: got to spend quality time with my son 🙂
3. Found 10+ collector’s plates at Salvation Army & Goodwill this weekend; listed them all on ebay. Each one was between $0.49 – $3 out of pocket. I just sold the first plate on ebay for $40 in less than 24 hours.
4. Taking public transportation to a work mixer tonight. Reimbursement for train + free food and drinks = a fun and frugal Monday night.
5. Getting prepared for CA emergencies this weekend. Packing go bags, with essentials. We had the strongest winds in memory + multiple fires within a 15-mile radius of us. Hate to think of the possibility, but we cannot bury our heads in the sand. Getting ready in advance is frugal and SMART.

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Katy October 28, 2019 at 12:28 pm

Huh, I see those plates all the time. I didn’t know they had resale value. Thanks for the tip!

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Marilyn October 30, 2019 at 7:46 am

Just yesterday I sold a collector plate (a child’s birthday plate) for $15. I listed it and it sold the next day to my surprise. I guess you just never know.

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Bee October 29, 2019 at 9:31 am

Sending good thoughts your way and hoping that the fires will be under control soon.

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Cathy October 29, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Yep, it’s crazy here in Northern CA. PG&E shutting down power, super windy (and VERY DRY) again today, fires burning all around. Thanks for the positive vibes!

@Katy – those plates were a surprise to me as well! A quick ebay search while standing in the aisles proved that they were worth the small investment. The first plate sold paid for all of them, plus extra. You never know!

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Lisa M. October 29, 2019 at 12:49 pm

Those fires are causing effects nationwide. I was scheduled to work 40 hrs. next week but my traveling boss learned that travel to CA is being discouraged for those with respiratory issues d/t smoke, so the CA leg of her trip was cancelled & instead she’ll visit Las Vegas only. I’ll be working 24 hours instead. Stay safe!

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A. Marie October 29, 2019 at 1:57 pm

Sending good thoughts to Cathy and all other Californians in harm’s way. My oldest sister and her DH are in the city of Oakland–not in the worst-hit areas, but still too close for comfort.

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Katy October 29, 2019 at 10:38 pm

Ain’t that the truth!

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AuntiAli October 28, 2019 at 1:53 pm

Those fires in CA scare the heck out of me. Very wise to have your go bags packed. Good luck to you and your family. Hoping you don’t have to leave.

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Cathy October 29, 2019 at 12:21 pm

Thanks! 🙂

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priskill October 31, 2019 at 3:02 pm

Yes, wishing you and everyone else a safe fire season. It is especially bad this year and we’ve had “smoke days” off from school — a first. Stay safe!!

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Kate October 28, 2019 at 2:04 pm

1. Got two medical bills in the mail and my husband called to see if they would give us a discount if we paid immediately – they said one was actually higher than it should have been and gave us 20% off what remained for paying right then.
2. Tried a new casserole similar to one I’ve made for years, but this one has cabbage as the bottom layer instead of pasta. A head of cabbage is MUCH cheaper than the gluten free pasta my husband has to have and he says he likes it better than the old recipe!
3. I keep taking sad little lunches and home-brewed tea to school on days I have to stay all day.(I’m getting my second bachelor’s degree and so my class schedule is a bit random.)
4. Started tutoring at the college – I make almost nothing and would have done it for free, but every little bit helps.
5. I’ll be chopping up and freezing a bunch of jalapenos someone brought to church when they cleaned off their plants before we had a freeze. Jalapenos are pretty cheap, but I always forget to buy them so it will be nice to have some ready to go.

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Lisa M. October 28, 2019 at 2:23 pm

5+FF: I Love Halloween Edition

Wow – rapid fire posting. Good thing that I think ahead on the next 5FF…

1. Enjoying the fall-winter holiday launch with minimal outlay of cash, so different from average amount spent/consumer. Expenses include:
$3.00 – Pie pumpkin from Aldi, seeds will be roasted for a snack & pumpkin will be baked, processed & frozen to become holiday pumpkin pies
$4.00 – Gourmet pizza on sale at local grocer for quick eating while dispensing treats
$8.00 – Reasonable amount of 2 treats (quantities: 25 & 18) from big box store that will not be wasted in event of low numbers of trick or treaters, as they are family’s favorites. Forecast calling for flurries, so leftovers likely
$15.00 – Total Spent vs. ~ $86.00 – Average US consumer

2. Talked Christmas gifts with DD. Avoiding purchase of “stuff” that she doesn’t want or need & instead opting to buy gift cards that a cash-strapped college student can enjoy & will come in handy at her favorite coffee shop, gas station & makeup store. Will do a few stocking stuffers just for fun.

3. Sent a friend a 2-minute old Next Door posting looking for a side gig that she provides. She responded to the post immediately so hoping she gets the gig. I receive emails quickly on my laptop, she does not on her phone, so time is of the essence.

4. Attending an all-day low budget CE 8 miles from home this week. Will pick up free gourmet coffee from gas station loyalty program on way, use complimentary parking, refill coffee cup with complimentary coffee at program & bring own lunch, snacks & other beverages.

5. Used a $2.50 loyalty reward at pet store & found 50% clearance matching Halloween cat toys for DD’s cat & her roommate’s new kitten. Bonus: Toys have feathers & catnip – their favorites.

6. DH getting together with old friend in town for business tonight, so picked up free junior cheeseburger via gas station loyalty program & loaded it up with variety of goodies from condiment bar.

7. Scheduled free tire rotation through tire manufacturer at local shop for next month, 1 year following last rotation.

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kathy October 28, 2019 at 2:45 pm

1. Friend’s were moving and I asked for their 2 lamps as I HATE the ones in our family room. Design on a dime..no more like FREE
2. Church potluck on Sunday. I used the leftover frozen shredded chicken and veggies and made a delicious chicken veggie soup in the crockpot.
3. Listed and sold a variety of items..some were mine, some I am selling for friends.
4. Decluttered the guest rooms as the kids will be here next month. Found an item I am able to donate to dog club for their silent auction
5. Also garnered FREE bubble wrap from the friends that are moving.

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Pattilou October 28, 2019 at 3:25 pm

1. I too, like Katy, cobbled together a meal with a few things in the fridge. I had left over Brussels sprouts, quinoa and asparagus. I found some shrimp in the freezer and tossed it all together to make dinner.
2. I had a $5.00 reward from the pet store. I used it to help pay for getting my dogs nails trimmed.
3. I’ve been enjoying the last of this nice weather to walk the dogs in a near by park. Free exercise.
4. I had to run to Aldi twice in the last few days and found a cart with a quarter in it each time.
5. I got a promo code from a local company for 20% off. I was planning on buying a few Christmas gifts from them so I ordered a few things. I not only got the 20% off but I got free shipping as well.

Question for those who sell on Facebook Market Place. I have had 3 decorative Christmas plates listed for awhile. The other day I refreshed the listing and I got a notice that I may have violated their policies. Of course, I can’t figure out why, especially since they were never flagged prior to this. The listing was for 3 Grasslands (the manufacturer) plates for $30.00 or individually for $12.00 each. We were joking that it may have been flagged for the word “grass”. I can’t think of any other reason. Anyone have any ideas?

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kathleen October 28, 2019 at 4:41 pm

It may have been due to refreshing the listing. I think our group has a rule against just relisting the same listing repeatedly. Ask your moderator.

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Pattilou October 29, 2019 at 10:19 am

Kathleen, how do I contact the moderator? Now I can’t even get on to that section of Facebook. I’m a bit of a Luddite with this stuff! Thanks for the suggestion.

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Bettypants October 29, 2019 at 4:36 am

Are there any animals on the plates? My listings get rejected if there my books have animals on the covers, which is ridiculous. I had a fake starfish get rejected multiple times, and I frequently have trouble with brand names like Nike. Marketplace has auto rejection set up and sometimes it’s so hard to get around it. Good luck!

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Pattlou October 29, 2019 at 10:20 am

Bettypants, nope no animals. That is so odd. Maybe it was the brand name in general. Now I can’t even get on to Marketplace at all.

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KJD509 October 28, 2019 at 3:28 pm

FFT, the kids are all right edition:

1) Middle schooler spent 8 bucks (of her sister’s money) at the thrift store for costume pieces. She looked fabulous for the school costume party, but had a terrible time, in part because so many kids were wearing gawdawful expensive costumes and had had their hair and makeup done professionally. It was so tempting to stop for pizza or treats on the way home to make up for the misery! But all she really wanted was to snuggle with Mom and Dad on the couch and talk about how much middle school sucks, so that’s what we did.

2) Middle daughter is sending pictures of her frugal dinners. Her roommate blew their combined monthly food budget on a couple of shopping trips for organic meats and veggies, so my daughter is stretching what’s in their (well stocked, fortunately) pantry for another few days until payday.

3) Younger son did the math and realized he wasn’t going to make enough to pay rent based on the number of hours available for the rest of the month, so he has picked up a couple of tutoring gigs. This is the first time in FIVE YEARS of living on his own that he has managed to do that math. Pre-frontal cortex! At last!

4) Eldest son went back to the job he despises while he waits for a kidney stone to move along, guessing – probably correctly – that it would hurt his chances to move into the job he really wants if he took more time off, even for medical leave. Plus he’d have to burn hard-earned vacation days first. Fortunately the stone has backed up a little, but it’s terrifying waiting for the pain to reappear.

5) Taking lunch, riding the bus with my work-subsidized pass, drinking free coffee and sparkling water at work, and not searching for the Halloween candy Hubs bought this weekend so we’ll still have it for Thursday.

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Emily October 29, 2019 at 6:45 am

Middle school is really the worst.

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Patricia Koernig October 29, 2019 at 11:42 am

Preach!

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Bethany M October 28, 2019 at 4:57 pm

Reheating leftovers for dinner.
Made a batch of sunflower seed oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Healthy-ish and cheap. Only cooked half and put the rest of the dough in the freezer.
Bought some pillows for my “new” couch at Homegoods but as soon as I paid, I was regretful. Going to return 3 of the 4 and found some better options on Amazon.
Carving up our free pumpkins tonight.
Hubby is still getting in the pool making use of our investment, but not even getting to a high of 80 that above ground pool is COLD!!!

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Mand01 October 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

1. I made a Mexican style chicken dish last night. I jointed two small chickens. I set aside the chicken breasts for stirfry tonight. I put the chicken frames immediately in the crockpot and made broth. Three meals plus two lunches.
2. I made spinach and feta pies as I have a lot of chard in my garden right now. My husband and I really enjoyed them. The kids did not. I should have known not to try something like that on them. We are still having them for lunch – yum and easy.
3. I’m spending an hour in the garden each morning before I sit down to work. I am getting fit and getting the endless gardening jobs done. And it’s free exercise and it’s making me happy.
4. My freelance business is still going really well.
5. Making a Christmas list and very happy to see how much it has pared down over the past two years. I love Christmas but I don’t enjoy the giving junk for no reason part of it. Now I’m not in an office, the obligatory Christmas party has also left my life. No gift for colleagues either. Bliss!!

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Carole October 28, 2019 at 5:34 pm

1. Asked my daughter if they had a can cozy they weren’t using hanging around. They did. Cut it in half and inserted them into two over-sized cup holders in our pickup truck console. Now our coffee cups don’t tip with every acceleration/brake.
2. I save 8-1/2 x 11″ junk mail that has one side blank. I reuse the blank side of those that lie pretty flat in my printer for things that don’t need new paper. With ones that have serious fold marks, I tear them into fourths and staple about 20 sheets together to make scratch pads to keep beside my computer.
3. When my kitchen hand soap dispenser took a crap, I decided not to buy a new one. I opted to use my dish soap (refilled from a bulk container) for both tasks. Saves room on the counter top and I’ll only need to stock one product instead of 2. Why didn’t I do this before?
4. Used white-out to touch up a fading silk-screened design on my favorite long-sleeved t-shirt. Looks like new! Maybe it’ll wash out, but it was so fast and easy to do I can keep doing it.
5. Instead of discarding envelopes and printer paper that’s used on both sides, I’m collecting it to start campfires when we vacation.

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priskill October 30, 2019 at 3:57 pm

1 — clever fix!

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Dicey November 1, 2019 at 9:46 am

I do something similar to your #3. I found foam pump dispensers at a thrift store for 50 cents. I fill them with water, then add about a tablespoon of Dawn. Shake it well, prime the pump and you have oodles of lovely foam to wash hands with. I keep it next a non-foaming dispenser of full strength Dawn at my kitchen sink. I also use the foaming dispenser trick in each bathroom.

Makes the sale-purchased Costco sized bottle of Dawn last forever.

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tracy October 28, 2019 at 5:43 pm

1. Was sick this past weekend so stuck close to home and spent almost no money (bought three bags of groceries Friday after work for under $60 that should get us through the week).
2. Eldest DD got engaged almost a year ago. I told her at the time that I would give her “x” amount of money for a wedding OR she could use it for a down payment instead. She and her fiancé are closing on their first house this Wednesday! Not frugal on my part but WAAAAY better use of the funds than a one-day celebration in my opinion.
3. DD and fiance came over yesterday to pick up a bed we aren’t using for their new house. I made a frugal dinner of things that needed to be used up and things from freezer which I am trying to eat down. Yummy and avoided food waste.
4. Made 4 loaves of banana bread with the frozen bananas I throw in freezer when they get too ripe to eat.
5. Thawed a chicken from freezer (detecting a theme here?) and made Greek Avgolomeno soup for dinner. Very delicious and filling, made entirely with things already on hand. Youngest DD is reading The Durrells of Corfu for school so thought she would the nod to all things Greek.

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A. Marie October 29, 2019 at 1:53 pm

Kudos on your and your engaged DD’s #2, Tracy. When DH and I got married (40 years ago tomorrow!), we applied the money my parents had put aside for a wedding toward big appliances and other things for our new house, and got married at the county courthouse instead. I think my folks were pleased, God rest ’em.

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priskill October 30, 2019 at 3:59 pm

#2 — I think that is great! These mega-weddings are out of control! good for daughter and you 🙂

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tracy October 28, 2019 at 5:45 pm

oops meant to say “thought she would LIKE the nod…”

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kathleen October 28, 2019 at 6:02 pm

1. I just turned 62. Husband is 66, and he would love to retire immediately. I am tired of feeling guilty that he continues to work just so I can have health insurance. I applied to go back to full-time (from part-time w/ no benefits) to get rid of the guilt, have group medical available to me if he retires and loses his dependent insurance, and increase my SS benefits at full-retirement age. I got the job! Together we decided to both work, save more to finance some home improvements (new roof and new floors both big budget and really needed) that will help eventual sale of house when we downsize, and put more into retirement.
2. New job is close enough to come home for lunch, and with time to put supper in the slow cooker while home.
3. Menu planned slow-cooker meals to take advantage of #2.
4. Finally cooler weather here. Put the 15-year-old flannel sheets and down comforter on the bed. The beauty of buying neutral colors instead of trendy designs is you don’t get sick of them.
5. We avoid buying Halloween candy as we never get trick-or-treaters, and don’t need the extra calories ourselves.

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Mary in VA October 30, 2019 at 7:57 am

Congrats on the job, Kathleen! And we never get trick-or-treaters, either, which means years and years worth of Halloween candy has NOT been consumed by me. lol

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Bee October 29, 2019 at 5:02 am

1. I have a friend who owns a small business. On occasion, when she has too much to do, I help out. I worked for her yesterday and earned a little extra money. I also sold a book thru BookScouter for $21. I had purchased it at the Bins for $0.20. I also sold two items on eBay.
2. I acquired a few free items from a neighbor who is moving — an unopened bottle of olive olive, a box of chicken broth, and a still-in-the-package work gloves. I also was given 2 silk scarves and a Starbucks Mug for resale. But most of all, I am thrilled with the packing materials that I was given.
3. Because I was following a super-tight budget this month, I have done a good deal of scratch and bulk cooking. On Sunday, I made a quiche and granola for breakfast this week. I made a double batch of enchiladas, white chicken chili, and shepherds pie. I also roasted several squash. The refrigerator is full so my family will not claim, “There’s nothing to eat!”.
4. I ran out of several personal care items over the last few days, but I have cut the ends of the tooth paste, face cream , and conditioner. I should make it to the month’s end. Also, I used Q-tips to use up all my foundation and lipstick.
5. I have done all the usual things – I have brewed my own coffee and have been drinking primarily filtered water. I have been reading library books and have finally gotten a copy of Educated. I waited a long time. I went down to the beach to watch the Blue Angels fly, walked the dog, and visited the YMCA.
Have a great week!!!!

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kris October 29, 2019 at 6:03 am

Mattresses are right up there with underwear, buy new! Shop around for the best deal but with bed bugs and regular bugs so common these days, I gotta bite the bullet and buy new.

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A. Marie October 29, 2019 at 1:49 pm

I’m with Kris on the “buy new” for mattresses. Even here in Upstate NY (to say nothing of NYC), bedbugs are no joke. Don’t take the risk.

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Lindsey October 29, 2019 at 2:17 pm

Last time we bought a used mattress it was 40 below zero, 60 below if you counted wind chill. We left that sucker outside for four days and nights, and when we brought it in and it thawed, we vacuumed every seam. Never saw any bed bug corpses but if there were any, they would not have survived those temps!

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LB October 29, 2019 at 7:13 am

1. I’m on the hunt for a work appropriate backpack and have been having a heck of a time. Went into goodwill with some time to kill yesterday and found a few options but nothing I was excited about. Walked back out with nothing instead of settling for something I won’t be happy with.

2. The affordable, portable, and healthy snack challenge continues today. Today’s attempt? Random fruit from the fridge: a red pear, handful of blueberries, and a banana. I’m hungry and the banana’s bruised, but we’re gonna make it to try again tomorrow.

3. My fitbit’s notifications are all screwed up, so I just took the darn thing off. Instinct said to look for a new one or start researching an apple watch, but humanity has made it this far without counting every step, so I think I’ll just accept its eventual demise.

4. Traveling for work a lot and making sure to be tracking expenses and mileage. Free dinner tonight at an event-Indian, yum!

5. Standard stuff as always-eating at home and bringing coffee to work, reconfiguring outfits to keep enjoying the clothes I have instead of caving to the seasonal sales, and only shopping secondhand. Keeps things more fun!

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Katy October 29, 2019 at 9:24 am

Is your fitbit still under warranty?

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LB November 1, 2019 at 6:33 am

Thanks everyone! It is not under warranty and I also bought it secondhand. There is an issue with it connecting to my iphone that is causing a lot of these issues. I’ve tried resetting, all the troubleshooting for the phone, and contacting fitbit but it seems to still be having trouble with the new iphone software. It’ll resolve itself–my thought here was to change my mindset of “it’s broken, get a new one” to “do you really need this? is this something that is helpful to you?”

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Bee October 29, 2019 at 5:50 pm

I had an issue with my FitBit and reset it. It was fine after that. Directions are online.

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Nancy from mass October 31, 2019 at 12:46 pm

If it is under warranty, contact Fitbit they will send you a new one. If it’s not under warranty, try resetting it. I’ve done both

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K D October 29, 2019 at 10:24 am

1. I made a big pot of lentils and vegetables soup. It used carrots I had cut and frozen, part of an onion lingering in the refrigerator, and spinach I’d frozen when it was getting “old”. It will be lunch and/or dinner for a few days. I also cooked a pot of rice to eat with the soup or other foods.

2. I’m trying to make healthy snacks to pack in my husband’s lunch. He seems to have problems with nuts and oatmeal. It made bars using seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, and chia) yesterday. I buy most of the seeds in bulk, when they are on sale.

3. The weather has been glorious. Not too hot nor too cold. I’ve been working in the yard and enjoying walking outside.

4. We have caught (and released) three mice in the garage. We don’t want them living in there.

5. I will take my car for an oil change this week. I believe regular oil changes extend the longevity of vehicles.

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Christine October 29, 2019 at 2:34 pm

1. DH and I went to McDonalds and using a B1G1 coupon for coffee and ordering off the Dollar Menu, we had a nice little meal for $3 and change.
2. Besides our venture out to McDonalds…lol…we’ve been eating all meals at home.
3. Reading a library book of true (supposedly) ghost stories in preparation for Halloween.
4. I’m making a raffle basket to donate to our church Harvest Fair. They do an A through Z theme and I picked the letter W. I’m making a basket named Warm & Cozy Winter Night In. I’m using all games and puzzles in their original wrapping that we’ve received a s gifts through the years. What can I say…we just don’t play board games and I’m a jigsaw puzzle snob in that I only like White Mountain Puzzles. I need only to shop for a basket at The Salvation Army Store and purchase a G/C for a nearby gourmet snack store and I’ll be set. Reusing a clear plastic bag and ribbon for full effect.
5. Bought all Halloween cards for grandkids at the Dollar Store and treats from my friend’s indie book store.

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Roberta October 30, 2019 at 7:07 am

1. I finally found a dress for my niece’s wedding! It’s gorgeous, and a little over-the-top, but I love it! Floor length chiffon skirt, velvet bodice and an empire waist. Fortunately, all the women on the groom’s side will be wearing floor length, so I won’t stand out as much.
2. I stopped by the scratch-and-dent store yesterday, and got a bunch of tea, a bag of dog food, and a couple of treats. The cashier completely screwed up my coupons, so I took the receipt to customer service and received a couple more dollars back. The dog food was $23 instead of the usual $32, so definitely worth the trip.
3. Subbed at my husband’s school. He brought leftovers for me, and an “emergency food pouch” for him. I pick up shelf stable items on sale when I see them, as leftovers are entirely too rare at our house with teens.
4. I did not realize yesterday morning that I was coming down sick. By the time I got home, I was not feeling up to make dinner. My husband cooked mac and cheese from scratch, which was yummy and filling. He tripled the batch, so we even had some leftovers for lunch today.
5. With the weather so incredibly dry (actually 0% humidity in the forecast), I will be washing towels and sheets. I need to mend my linen top sheet, as it has torn in a second spot, and I will do that as I sit on the sofa, drinking tea and nursing my cold.

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Jennifer October 30, 2019 at 5:46 pm

1. Feeling refreshed in the meal cooking department after having 2 nights of leftovers this week already and tomorrow I won’t have to cook because we will eat at the Halloween party.
2. Trying to help our dog through some allergy issues, so when we finished his old bag we made homemade for a couple of weeks to settle his system down. Then I found an allergy-friendly dog food B1G1 free. Seems to be working for him and I save $24.
3. Used a free reward at Starbucks for a drink this morning. I have been picking up extra hours at work and it made for 2 very long days. I needed a pick me up to get through today but I didn’t have to pay for it.
4. Did not purchase anything new for my Halloween costume (I work in an elementary school and have to dress up). Dd and I went through each other’s closets and pieced together costumes.
5. Ds needed some new hoodies. I found a like new NBA team hoodie for $10 on our local garage sale page.

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Jill A October 31, 2019 at 4:46 am

1. I’m dogsitting this week for my Mom. Frugal for her but also for me because she will return the favor in the future.
2. Bought a bag of dog food with a $15 off coupon with free shipping.
3. Continuing to list items on Ebay as well as sell a few here and there.
4. Went to my first dentist appointment without insurance. Paid the bill there instead of them mailing one and me mailing it back saving us both postage. I also used my HSA account.
5. Mostly staying home and enjoying time with my kids. Meals out here and there have been inexpensive or purchased with gift cards.

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Ruby October 31, 2019 at 2:38 pm

5 FFT, the left my job edition
1. Been making good use of whatever coupons and useful Buy One, Get One offers come my way since leaving my job two weeks ago. My best score was knocking $18 off the grocery total and getting a package of $4.99 thank you cards for 59 cents.
2. Although it’s late in the season for a yard sale, I am doing one Saturday after a pretty ruthless purge of cupboards, cabinets, closets and drawers. Spent part of today printing, in black and white, the manuals for several electronic gadgets so that they’d have a better chance of selling.
3. Returned two pairs of tights ordered before job leaving. I could not get a shipping label to print at home and showed the UPS store guy the notification on my phone. He printed it out in the store, saving me paper, ink and tape.
4. Mended a pair of work khakis for my husband.
5. Went through a pile of memory sticks found in various drawers and separated the ones with nothing on them from the now labeled ones with documents on them. Rocking the life admin chores here!

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Dicey November 1, 2019 at 9:49 am

I do something similar to your #3. I found foam pump dispensers at a thrift store for 50 cents. I fill them with water, then add about a tablespoon of Dawn. Shake it well, prime the pump and you have oodles of lovely foam to wash hands with. I keep it next a non-foaming dispenser of full strength Dawn at my kitchen sink. I also use the foaming dispenser trick in each bathroom.

Makes the sale-purchased Costco sized bottle of Dawn last forever.

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Dicey November 1, 2019 at 9:51 am

Ugh. This comment was in response to:

tracy October 28, 2019 at 5:43 pm

Must be leftover Halloween gremlins mucking in the comments!

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