Five Frugal Things -- Calling My Representatives
1. I took a couple minutes from my morning to call my Congresswomen and let them know I appreciate everything they're doing to fight Fascism and to keep it up. They're already on the right side of history, so I didn't have any criticism or suggestions. I'm sure they're both receiving angry calls, so my goal was to tip the scales a little bit.
Essentially "Keep up the good fight!"
Here's the link to find contact information for your senators and congresspeople.
2. My next door neighbor and I got together for tea and a cozy chat. She served Trader Joe's almond croissants and caught up on each others' lives.
I recently took care of their house while they went out of town and they'll bring in our mail when my husband and I head down to New Mexico. Neither of us have pets at the moment, so it's far from an imposition.
Social connection + frugal practices = my love language!
3. I saw an abandoned but like-new flannel shirt in the Goodwill Outlet parking lot, so I brought it home to launder. It's a child's size, so I'll offer it up in my Buy Nothing group.
4. My friend Lise and I carpooled to Trader Joe's and I succeeded in sticking to my shopping list, which I consider to be a yuuuuge accomplishment as that store is 90% impulse items.
Here's what I bought:
- Cabbage
- Frozen sliced peppers
- Bananas
- Foaming hand soap, as my last pump is no longer pumping smoothly. I reuse them for a year or two and refill with diluted dish soap.
- Sparkling white wine, you know . . . for when it happens!
Total cost was $16.47.
5. I kept getting notifications that my iPhone storage was full, so I went into settings and scouted the culprits. I deleted podcast downloads, unsubscribed to a few and then removed a couple of greedy apps. And whattayaknow . . . suddenly my phone is working just fine!
I still need to delete thousands of unnecessary photos, but that's a good task to do while watching dumb TV. (I'm looking at you, Veronica Mars!) I know I'll have to replace my nine-year-old iPhone at some point, but that day is not today!
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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Thanks for encouraging folks to call Congress. The only ice I want is in my freezer.
I was calling weekly since last January via the 5calls app, ever since ICE started taking over our cities and dragging people off streets - i've been calling daily.
Thanks for calling your Reps!
I, too have bubbly set aside. ideally for impeachment or 25th Amendment, but, whatevs.
I just went into my podcasts, turned off auto download and deleted over 500 podcasts. Thank you for the reminder.
1. Went to 2 thrift stores in the path of my errands and bought an expensive sun hat for $4, a blouse and a pair of linen pants. The blouse and linen pants will both be altered or used as fabric. This is a very cheap way to get some lovely fabrics.
2. I sent in a pair of Darn Tough socks under their warranty and received a email with a code for a new free pair of socks. This is pretty awesome in this age of disposable everything.
3. We picked up our new car ( not so frugal but necessary) but we got free coffee and two granola bars. I'll take all the wins I can get.
4. We have a run of days forecast in the high 60's and I already have my thermostat turned off. I'm enjoying the fresh air through the house, and the free warmth. Since we keep off thermostat at 64 in the daytime, anything over 65 outside is warmer. This also means my early seeds should germinate nicely. All of them free.
5. I had a stack of very ugly Christmas cards and yesterday when I was feeling tired but restless. I sat down and made over these cards. I had free to me scrap paper and I covered fronts, insides and backs. They turned out very cute, entirely free and made me happy. Just what I needed instead of watching mindless TV. I do plenty of that, especially since I've been sick, but at that moment I wanted to actually do something.
I like your idea of preparing for "it day." Your wine will be perfect! I was thinking I would want a big ol' cake to celebrate it over here, when that day arrives! Can't decide if I should make it or buy it, and what flavor, etc. I have some planning to do, I guess. 🙂 It's gotta be delicious so as to be the ultimate celebration!!
1. Had a doctor's appointment abutting a work call, so took the call from a cafe nearby to avoid being late. Ordered a small coffee and they were out of the milk I wanted - so instead they compensated me with a latte that definitely was worth more than I paid. What a treat!
2. Stopped into a local yarn shop to pick up some skeins for a project my sister wants me to make. The yarn was not cheap (but it is gorgeous!) but was the same price as ordering online, and the money went into the small business' pocket. Another day not lining Mr. Bezos' pockets accomplished. Worth it!
3. Brought a banana and protein shake to supplement work lunch to welcome a new team member and didn't eat it because the lunch was so satisfying.
4. Wearing my ski mittens with my parka to commute. The stylish gloves ain't cutting it. Very cozy!
5. Using up every type of lotion I have to keep my hands from cracking. I found a tube of lovely lavender lotion in my drawer and have been using it before bed. A great reminder to snoop around my own stuff before picking up something new.