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!!
We'll likely just have TACOs
Tacos! Oo yes, how perfect. hee hee I may have to steal your idea!! Thank you for sharing!
That is the BEST idea!
TACOs with a side of Orange Julius?
Orange Creamsicle Cake?
Wow, so many great ideas in this comment thread! hahahaha Thanks for the smiles.
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.
This is a good reminder to me -- I have so many little bottles, jars and tubes of this and that. I need to just use them!
1. The Spectrum guy just left. I called Spectrum and told them I needed my computer wire/modem/hookup relocated from the den to my once-and-future computer room. In phoning, I had to say "human being" about 1,000 times (to the stupid AI bot named Mary) before actually getting one on their 800 #, but LaTisha in Tampa, the CSR, was awesome. She not only scheduled a repairman to come out here the same day (a miracle!), but she also got me on a special plan that lowered my bill. When I mentioned the sad, sad story of my lost Spectrum cell phone, she discontinued the cell service and hooked me up to a special promo offer: a new Motorola cell phone for $48 + free service for one year. I will pay out the $48 at the grand sum of 4 bucks a month....although, given my history of losing things, I also opted for a not-very-frugal extra $10/mo. insurance plan that covers a lost/stolen/broken phone. (Wish I'd opted for it before.) Still, I'm getting internet, WiFi (didn't have it before), landline and cell phone for $20 cheaper than the internet and landline alone.
2. Had my car tires aired up for free at Firestone. (For all you Magnolia/ Fixer Upper fans, this is the same Firestone place where Chip and Joanna Gaines first met. Formerly owned by her dad.)
3. Used 2 AA batteries that were in a battery-operated faux Christmas candle to power up my wall clock. Also discovered, quite by accident, that the remote control that came with a box of Temu faux candles also operates the 2 candles I bought in November. Got the Temus on an after-Xmas clearance sale. (Have I mentioned that before?)
4. Finished off the gallon of milk that had been in the freezer. Thawed it out during our winter storm so I could avoid the grocery store.
5. Salted new gallon of milk so it won't spoil so fast. (Mary Hunt Tiptionary hint: put a few grains of salt in milk; this keeps bacteria from forming and causing the milk to sour. You can't taste the salt. Weird, but it works.)
I've also been calling. Like yours, my federal representatives have been pretty on the ball but my state has been slow to take action so I've also been calling my state and local reps. I've been leaning into frugality to donate more too. Tried a new lentils and rice recipe last night that was extra cheap and delicious.
1) I finally had some time yesterday to replenish my freezer supply of meals to bring in to work for lunch. I made a green curry in the instant pot that had a truly impressive amount of vegetables: 3 bunches of Bok choy, 1 bunch of Swiss chard, 2 carrots, 1 yellow bell pepper, water chestnuts plus a block of tofu. It fills the pot when it’s first put in but cooks down given that greens shrink so much. It is quite soupy so I also always make a grain to go with it. I made quinoa and portioned it out into 4 containers. I also made a loaf of “beer” bread (I make it with sparkling water though so no beer).
2) I bought my daughter’s Easter dress at Costco for $18. She loves the spring dresses they have(they are very lacey and frilly and the one I bought today has little unicorns all over it) and wears them for dress up and for other events so I don’t mind buying new and the price is pretty good compared to dresses I’ve seen elsewhere.
3) I’m the troop leader for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Girl Scout cookie season has started, and although it’s not frugal for the people buying the $7(!) boxes of cookies, it’s really helpful for our troop to raise these funds. We are a brand new Daisy troop so have $0 at the moment, this will help us fund our badges and activities.
4) I’m going to attend a conference in New Orleans in a few months which my work will reimburse me for using our training funds. A good way to travel for free (although I’ll be in the conference during the day so not as much sightseeing time as a regular vacation)
5) I added the March 28th No Kings day protest to my calendar. Hoping we won’t need it by then(ever the optimist!)
Went to a town hall meeting, in a neighboring County, with Senator Merkley, I'm a huge fan as he and his office have helped me several times over the years. I wrote thank you cards to my reps for showing up and working on valuable legislation.
Frugal #1 received a half load of gravel. The dump truck driver is here right now making it all pretty with my tractor and box scraper. He will be taking the box scraper home with him to do his driveway as barter.
Frugal #2 hiked with friends in a nature preserve.
Frugal #3 sold the LL Bean mens boots for $40. Yay!
Frugal #4 received 2 totes of beautiful fabric to make quilts for the VFW. To be given away in July and November.
Frugal #5 sold a personal pontoon fishing craft for $350.
What great barter for both of you! And your sales and received items - you are rocking the frugal world, Blue Gate Farmgirl!
I don't drink but I think I need to buy something indulgent for when happens. Don't want to be caught unprepared, and unable to get to the store because of all the parties in the streets.
Don't know why the word "it" didn't appear. Makes for a confusing post, but I am certainly waiting for "it "
Good for you! When “it” happens, I plan to bake a big cake with an Janey Godley quote emblazoned across it!
I sure hope it happens soon!!!!
What kind of quote will you put on it? (Looking for ideas!) I'm unfamiliar with Janey Godley.
The search engine terms for a relevant image are Janey Godley Trump Turnberry. But it's definitely NSFW.
Nothing like that particular Janey Godley quote!
Somber mood in our house today, we lost our sole source of income. Thankfully we just got paid and have 3 months of (tight) expenses covered in the bank. We'll make something work, it's just going to be a stretch for a bit.
Our youngest is sick so extra snuggles are needed all around today. She and her sister ate the last of the bread today as some toast to help settle their tummies so I rolled with the punches and have three loaves in the oven right now.
We also got down to our last muffin in the freezer so I used the last can of pumpkin puree to make a dozen pumpkin muffins.
Not exactly frugal, but rewashing an already very thoroughly washed load of laundry. My daughter's sheets and blankets still had a faint sick smell and I know I wouldn't want my bedding to be funky when I'm not feeling well. Back through the wash it goes. I did use vinegar and homemade detergent so it's not too awful.
Shyla, I'm sorry to hear your family is going through a tough time. Sending you good vibes and hoping that your littles feel better soon 🙂
I'm so sorry about the job loss. You're in a good place for information and support here.
Shyla, I'm so sorry to hear this and am sending all the best your way during the job hunt.
Hang tight - while it might be rough, the fact you are making bread and muffins means you a skill/knowledge some don't have. I have no idea what your sole income person does for a living but remember to network. While I really don't like that verb, a former co-worker put my name in for the job I've had for over 10 years. Caught me off guard (he didn't bother to give me a heads up) but it has worked out well.
Shyla, I add my sympathy on your current tough situation, and my hopes that things improve for you and your family very soon.
Shyla - I'm so sorry to hear of the job loss. A small tip that might help.. Have your partner go to the nearest FedEx facility or look at "driving jobs" in your area on Indeed or other job search sites. Most FedEx contractors (those who deliver the packages to your home) ALWAYS need good reliable drivers. They will train you. They just need bodies to show up. We owned several FedEx home delivery routes for several years and we were always looking for good people. They get paid weekly too! Could be an idea, even if its just temporary.. Take care
My heart goes out to you. My son recently lost his job, and he is the sole breadwinner. I am so worried, but also so hopeful that he will find a better situation than the one he had. I hope that for you, too. Hang in there, and keep on frugalin'!
Shyla, so hard to have a sudden job loss. Your resilience in choosing to bake to solve the bread and muffin deficit shows that you have depths of inner resources and skills that will help carry the family through.
Having a sick kid on top of the bad news just feels so unfair, doesn't it? And the annoyance of having to redo laundry!
Hang in there, we are rooting for you all
When "it" happens? What is "it"?
The much anticipated passing of orange hitler, I believe.
Ha! I have a bottle of bubbly chilling in my fridge for the same purpose!
I cooked my Thanksgiving turkey this week (we were out of town over Thanksgiving, but I got a turkey anyway because we like turkey). I portioned the leftovers for the freezer, then cooked the carcass in a big pot on the stove. I ended up with 10 pints of broth, which I canned, and a bunch of meat for the dogs -- they'll get a little each day for a while, on top of their regular food.
I traded with a friend for a ball of red yarn so I can knit a Melt the Ice hat. I wear a knit hat every day while walking my dogs, so I might as well wear one that makes a statement (and money for the pattern goes to a good cause.)
I have a bottle of Prosecco in the fridge with a note on it "open me when he is gone". I have had it since the election.
JC
1. Semi-frugal... I have several pairs of underwear that I bought new and ended up *hating*. Since they were used I could hardly give them away. I decided just to add 'em to the rag stack.
2. Planted a lot of vegetable seeds! They are germinating! I'm thrilled about this bc most of them are 5+ years old, but since they've been kept refrigerated they are hanging on well.
3. Made a calendar of garden actions so for ONCE in my life I can get things pruned, fertilized, and planted in a timely fashion.
4. Made a doctor's appointment for a recurrent issue. I don't want it to turn into a BIG issue. This is "a stitch in time" non-consumer action.
5. Took a free training about ICE. It was excellent information about the different agencies that make up DHS, how to recognize the different kinds of agents, what you can and can't legally do, and what to do if they stop you or someone else. Most communities have something like an "ICE Out of [Town]" group, contact them.
I live in NY and I called and emailed all my representatives. I called them and left a voicemail every day this. I have to do something. I am working during the no shopping day but I am not a shopper so it wasn't difficult.
I actually got a human on the line when I called my representatives.
I also have a bottle at the ready. C'mon Karma!