Five Frugal Things — $658 Table for $25!
by Katy on September 21, 2025 · 7 comments
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My husband and I stopped into normally pricey New Seasons Market and happened upon an excellent sale on Portland Coffee Roasters beans. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but my husband is and this is one of his favorite brands, which is how we ended up buying eight pounds of coffee!
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My youngest just moved from a studio to a one-bedroom apartment, which is fantastic as they can once again enjoy a healthy amount of elbow room. However, they were a few furniture items short, specifically a kitchen table. Luckily they have a thrift savvy mother with an eye for bargains!
This drop-leaf table caught my eye, as it A) has a small footprint, B) is stylistically neutral; and C) was priced at $24.99, including two chairs! I texted a few photos and got the go ahead and made my way to the register. Our Goodwills have a “Plus” card, which gives you a 5% discount on purchases over $25, So I added a 49¢ Tootsie Pop, which earned me a $1.27 discount. Mama’s no fool!
Here’s a photo of the table and chairs, which currently sell at Lowe’s for $658.51!
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I stopped by a garage sale while my husband was running an errand across the street and came across multiple boxes of reproduction fruit crate prints. After leafing through the boxes I ended up spending a dollar for two different sets, one of which was “Tom Cat” brand and the other was a “happy,” umm “rooster.” I’ll let you click here to see what I mean. I think there were three of the Tom Cats and probably twenty of the Happy Roosters. I’ll try my luck with them on eBay.
Seriously, how cute are these old prints?
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My husband and I stopped into IKEA to check out their wall hanging hardware kit for our youngest’s new apartment. (Didn’t buy it.) I considered picking up this Trixit tool kit for our daughter’s birthday, but instead added a Facebook Marketplace alert to get a “push notification” if anyone in my area lists one for sale. This a great tool for finding second hand versions of specific items. Will it work? Maybe, but it can’t hurt to try.
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My friend Lise texted to ask if I wanted to walk with her to Fred Meyer and I was quick to answer in the affirmative as I’m currently obsessed with their produce clearance section. Hello, three packages of raspberries for $1.50! I grabbed two of them.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
1) My DH fished coins out of the washer that I accidentally left in my jeans pocket. I’m short, he’s tall. Thank you, dear. Added them to my coin jar. (Is that considered “laundered” money?”
2) DH dogsat our friends’ dog at their house (our landlord has a “no pets” policy). Saved on groceries this week as a result.
3) Spent from May until September crocheting an afghan I call “Ocean Waves” which is shades of purple, blue, and seafoam green with a touch of white. The white is to represent the foam as the water hits the shore. It has 11 colors and the chevrons (points) are not all the same size as is typical in this type of afghan. There are 11 different size chevrons. The afghan fits a KING SIZE bed and weighs an estimated 25-30 pounds. I am trying to sell it after the fair.
The afghan took FIRST PLACE in its category. The prize is only $10, but the recognition is worth it. I have $220 worth of yarn in it. (Some of which I got BOGO, so I really didn’t pay quite that amount for the yarn.) A friend who used to own a craft store told me how to calculate the price I should charge for it. Based on that, I should charge $660, but I am asking only $500. I’m willing to negotiate within reason. I’m just glad it’s finished. We only have a full size bed, so it is of no use for us.
4) FRUGAL FAIL: Went to the fair to see my blue ribbon. $16 admission (2 adults) and $5 parking. The only thing I purchased at the fair was 2 sodas at $1 each.
5) Continue snapping receipts into my money saving apps. Getting close to cashing out $50 on one of them.
Congratulations on getting first place. Your afghan sounds beautiful.
Thank you.
Your afghan sounds gorgeous. Congratulations on the win!
1. I sold another item on FB. Crap out, money in. Getting rid of things I don’t need is addicting.
2. I made a huge pot of minestrone which will be my lunch until it’s gone. I will share with family. I was able to use some mirepoix that I’d cut up and put in the freezer a few weeks ago.
3. I’ve cleaned enough out of my chest freezer that I’ll soon be able to transfer the rest to my refrigerator freezer. I’ll give the chest freezer to one of my daughters. I found a hamburger patty and bun which was last nights dinner.
4. I listed a couple more things on Ebay yesterday and I see this morning that I have a new sale.
5. I’m doing laundry and hanging my clothing up to dry. I’m reading a library book. All the usual things.
1. I bought an airline ticket yesterday to visit my son in Oregon. I went through Priceline and got a decent price. I considered a hotel stay the first night, because of late arrival and a lengthy drive for my son to pick me up, but he said the pickup time was fine for him.
2. One of my nephews was in town with his family, and the local relatives and I got together with them for pizza. It was a free dinner for me, as my contribution was not wanted.
3. Made carrot cake using a number of free ingredients.
4. Unearthed a quilt I have rarely used and realized it coordinates beautifully with my bedspread, so I have a new look in my bedroom.
5. Organized my jars and plastic tubs and realized I shouldn’t save any more for a while.
Oh my goodness, what an amazing find that table was!