Five Frugal Things -- Free Flowerpots!
1. I accepted a $55 offer on the Tiffany & Co. glasses frames that I thrifted for the $100 Goodwill Gift Card Challenge, which is extra special as I sourced them from the pay-by-the-pound bins! I'd estimate that I spent 25¢ on them.
Remember when I thrifted three Tiffany items in a single bins trip?
After eBay fees, that's an extra $45.59 to be donated to the Oregon Food Bank!
Click HERE to see the listing.
2. Someone in my Buy Nothing Group offered up a smattering of ceramic flowerpots and I raised my digital hand for a large glazed one. (How "large?" Banana for scale.) The generous guy then added on three bonus ones! What's best is that the white pot is unglazed towards to bottom and has a drainage hole, so I'll be able to place it outside.
I'm not sure what I'll plant in it, but I'm excited to start putting my garden together.
3. My husband signed up for free trial of AMC+ so we can watch the fifth season of Dark Winds. (We'll make sure to cancel in time to not be charged!) I also downloaded a Tony Hillerman audiobook through the free Libby app for an upcoming car trip.
Tony Hillerman will always remind me of the very end of my first pregnancy, when I was large with child and I'd start one of his books, thinking I'd finish it in the hospital. I went two weeks past my due date and probably read four of his books with this mindset.
4. My husband and I were out and about running errands and were thisclose to driving across town to repeat our amazing taco lunch from the other day. Instead we headed home and I concocted a tasty meal of cheesy grits topped with sautéed peppers and spinach. It hit the spot and kept us from wasting a fair amount of gasoline.
5. I have a tendency to hold onto "good boxes," as they're great to have on hand when packaging up my eBay sales. However, this inevitably leads to an excess of boxes that exceed my actual need. Yesterday was the day to take a cold hard look at my box stash, which led to a satisfying box flattening session.
No one ever saved money by hoarding.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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I bought a marked-down, clearance pound of ground beef at the grocery store Tuesday that I needed to either cook or freeze. I planned to make sloppy joes for lunch but while scrolling online I saw a recipe for meatloaf using a box of stuffing mix as the bread crumb component. I have made many a meatloaf in my time but not using stuffing mix. I had a marked-down clearance box of stuffing mix in my pantry! LOL. It turned out quite yummy for little money.
Some of my favorite recipes comes from $100 dollar a month, a blog. She has one with stuffing mix, and another one I really like. Sharing a link to the recipe for meatloaf I use from her site (if it's ok to share?)
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/easy-freezer-meals-simple-meat-loaf-recipe/
I've tried that one too. It was good.
We just did this same recipe on Sunday! My teen son at all the leftovers from a double batch (!!) overnight and now we plan to make it again tonight. It was really good.
Used the one on one hundred dollars a month blog with ketchup not bbq sauce
When I roast potatoes, I par boil them ruffle a bit with a fork, dip them in beaten egg, and roll in stuffing mix. People coming to dinner ask if they can be on the menu! Great for coating chicken etc instead of bread crumbs
Funny, your mention of books you read while having babies...
It was Stephen King's MISERY for baby #1 -- I had her in Boulder, CO's Community Hospital, but didn't realize that his "number one fan" was accused of killing babies in that exact hospital! (It still is a remarkable book, especially for writers.)
Baby #2 (also birthed in Boulder) was accompanied by Tom Clancy's PATRIOT GAMES. I will always like this one, as well as RED OCTOBER and CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER.
I like "The Cardinal of the Kremlin". I just slogged through a 1400 page paperback of "Executive Order" from a library free shelf. I had forgotten how unquestioningly patriotic Clancy's writing was, in the best senses of the word. A lot of interesting parallels to modern current events.
(And though I read the occasional new book from the "Ryan-Verse", creator Tom Clancy was undoubtedly the best).
When I was pregnant with my first, I had heard that it was important to talk/read to your baby no matter what book it was as it was just the sound of your voice. I was on a big Patricia Cornwell kick, and I would read those aloud to her. My coworkers were aghast. But she turned out to be a huge reader, so that's a win in my mind.
Not having had babies myself, I can't comment from personal experience. But one of my dearest friends in JASNA--who died last October at age 94--always said that she read Jane Austen while she was in labor with all four of hers. (No surprise there.)
A.Marie,
Today on Jeopardy, the multi- day winner told host Ken Jennings that he was a member of JASNA. So, of course, I thought of you!
I was going to comment on that, too! I thought, hey, I know someone in that organization!
Beth, did you or Fru-gal Lisa happen to note the contestant's name? I'm pretty sure I'd either know him or know of him.
His name is Jamie but not sure of last name. I think he said he had only recently joined. In Atlanta he’s on Jeopardy right now.
1) This cost some money but will save more overall. I was supposed to attend a conference out of state at the end of next month. My work was not requiring me to go (if they were, they would have paid for everything) but I could voluntarily go and use money from our training fund, so they would reimburse me for the conference registration, flight and hotel but they would not pay for food and there was a cap on how much they’d reimburse for flight and hotel and the cost was over that cap so I’d pay the difference. I decided not to go, I was already regretting my decision, I feel increasingly uneasy about the environmental impact of flying plus some airports are a mess right now. The final deciding factor though was that open house for my kids school was scheduled for the same date and I don’t want to miss that. So I canceled everything, the flight gave me a credit (so I guess I’ll have to fly eventually, or transfer it to someone who will!) and the hotel said it was nonrefundable but when I called them, they did refund me everything except a smaller deposit. Fortunately I hadn’t yet paid the conference registration fee so no issue there. So I did spend some money unnecessarily but again I think it will be less than I would have spent on the trip and saves me the hassle of going.
2) Yesterday was my husbands birthday. I got him a hat he wanted from a local store and nothing else. This was big for me, as my mom always gave tons of gifts to us for every birthday and I have to fight against that mindset that I need a pile of presents for immediate family. My husband truly didn’t want anything else so that made it easier, and we went out to dinner and I got him a pie as his birthday cake since he doesn’t like cake. A good low key celebration.
3) I started another library book, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. Grim and a bit prescient, very opposite to the cozy Thursday murder club books I was reading but I’m really enjoying it. I’m also picking up our next book club read, The Names by Florence Knapp, from the library today.
I went to Goodwill and had just two items in my cart. I thought, Do I really need or want these? I didn't - so i put them back and left! Without buying anything. A first for me at Goodwill!
We started watching Dark Winds, which is excellent, and that set me off on listening to the books on Hoopla. I have thus far "read" 13 of the originals and have five more plus the ones by the author's daughter to enjoy as well.
Our local grocery store has put some varieties of Smart Ones and Lean Cuisine meals on discount, like two for $2.28, so I popped in this morning and scooped up four. I actually enjoy these because I don't eat very much, so one with a piece of fruit and a glass of tea is just right.
The chicken enchilada lean cuisine is very nostalgic for me (reminds me of college), so I grab them on occasion when they are on sale.
Oh, Katy, do I ever hear you on your #5. (And I know you can relate to the following.) As I've described in earlier comments, her other close friend (CF) and I are taking the first steps in cleaning out my 87-year-old next-door neighbor's (NDN1's) house, now that we've moved NDN1 into assisted living. The house qualifies for an episode of Hoarders in many other ways, but the staircase to the attic--which is steep and narrow--is almost completely blocked with boxes. CF and I, who are both 70 and not in the best orthopedic shape, are not going up there without a younger third party.
I feel for you. I have two neighbors who are hoarders and if they participate in a clean out it can be a painstaking and tedious endeavor for them and anyone who helps them. Sounds like you might want to have a younger person come and move a few boxes at a time. Good luck!
1. A neighbor replaced a falling apart raised bed garden with a larger one. I offered our four bags of yard waste (pine cones and branches) I've picked up in the past few months as fill for the bottom of the garden. He accepted. I dumped the yard waste into the bed and will be able to reuse the bags. Our county picks up yard waste April - early December and it must be in large paper bags.
2. A neighbor cleaned out her pantry of items they were not going to eat. We kept the protein bars and I offered the rest on Freecycle.
3. One of the produce drawers in our refrigerator lost a piece of plastic along the side so the drawer did not slide/glide well. I used duct tape to put it back together. It's duct tape purchased on 2001 after the 09/11 attacks when we were told to buy large plastic sheets and duct tape. The fix is working very well.
4. I walked the Trolley Trail with a friend.
5. I have short hair but waited more than 3 months between haircuts. I use a hair cutter that is an independent contractor and walked to/from my appointment. I do not pay for styling.
Tony Hillerman was such a talent. I think I read most, if not all, of his books set in the 4 corners. There was also a series on television...may have been PBS...which was based on those books.
1. DH found a nickel while out hiking.
2. I saved 53% of my purchase at CVS using ExtraBucks Rewards and a 15% off coupon. I spent $8.29 and saved $8.99.
3. There is a summary on the receipt that tells you how much you've saved year-to-date. I'm happy to see I've saved $69.76 just since January.
4. I've planned a meatless meal for tomorrow using up the vegetables I didn't need for our corned beef and cabbage meal on St. Patrick's Day...carrots, parsnips, frozen turnip plus the veggies I add: celery, a can of diced tomatoes, white beans for some protein and some macaroni. Grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.
5. No heat on in the house today as it's in the 60s. Spring is slowly creeping into New England...finally.
Nice pots. It is a most beautiful day here. I sowed more flower seeds. Listening to Freida McFadden's House maid series.
Giving the bald eagles and golden eagles a hard time (i scream at them like a banshee and clap my hands) as they are harassing my baby lambs and calves.
Hand washed/scrubbed the Adirondack chairs, will place their cushions when they are good and dry.
Steam cleaned the wool carpet runner that my ancient 22 yr old cat used as his litter box (once), I spit cleaned it and put it in storage, sprayed it with enzymes and lavender, it can dry in the wind on a couple of saw horses.
I just finished listening to The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden. Audiobook was the only option at my library. I'm looking forward to reading or listening to the next one.
It's out on DVD now too. Fredia McFadden is really hot right now. We can't keep her stuff in at my library.
I hang onto “good boxes” because I want to fill them with excess stuff that needs to be rehoused.
1. I drove my daughter to the airport and I stopped by the airport bins afterward. It was very crowded with kids who have the week off for spring break. There was a musky teen odor wafting about! Woof! I didn’t stay long. I spent 80 cents on future stocking stuffers.
2. I walked to Trader Joe’s to get an individually priced cauliflower that would have cost more if I’d bought it by the pound at Fred Meyer.
3. I finished a book on Libby and started a new book on Libby. Both were recommended here.
4. I donated blood at a neighborhood synagogue, and the woman who runs their food pantry offered the donors free onions because the pantry is closing for Passover. You can brag about your gift cards all you like, but did you get ONIONS?
5. I found two nickels in a crosswalk.
Yesterday I picked up a number of receipts from the ground as I took my walk. One was worth 1,000 points! And the others totaled 150. Today I went to Target for a few things, and there I found receipts worth 150. And my own receipt added another 25 points to the total. I have yet another receipt that I picked up this evening, but I haven't scanned it yet.
I mailed in my senior freeze application for a small break on property taxes.
I found a stocking cap, which I will wash and donate, and a long sheet of heavy white paper, which will be good for packaging.
At the little free pantry I picked up a can of tomato sauce and a can of applesauce.
I found a dollar!
I found dog tags, which I have returned to the owner. Not frugal for me, but helped out someone else.
I love when a found receipt scores big points! 🙂
Big frugal win on the eyeglasses sale, Katy! You rock!
1. The city came by and picked up 3 piles of brush that my new yardman/handyman and friend put at the curb after trimming hedges Tuesday. I was not charged for the special pickup service.
2. Ate an almost free lunch via taking a Long John Silver's survey, getting the code and using their receipt as a coupon. Just had to buy a large drink and they threw in the 1 piece fish and fries free.
3. Planted another hanging basket for the back patio, using items I already had.
4. Big frugal fail: found out I earned too much $$$ last year and therefore they taxed a lot of my Social Security income. They don't withhold your SS if you earn above a certain amount but they count it as taxable income along with pensions, dividends and paychecks. I made a major boo-boo working 2 jobs while drawing SS and getting 2 pensions. Not only am I not getting a refund this year, but it appears I will be financing some of the Orange Ogre's massively stupid ballroom -- I owe the IRS some fairly serious moola. The accountant said that Social Security doesn't tell people about this, and most of us old folks don't see the fine print telling us about earnings limits. So if you are about to start receiving SS, please read and heed the part about earnings limits!
5. Did not fanticize or lie about about working deals with alatollahs and winning wars.
1. My friend(I take care of her mom) is off this week and decluttering. I am helping with this large project. During Covid lockdown she ordered lots of coloring books and supplies. They haven't done it since. I am now the owner of 8 almost new beautiful coloring books. I left several there in my bin to do when her mom rests. I also took a book for my daughter. She is making a box of books that I will read and or pass on.
2. I did a free webinar from my doctor. It was very interesting and I took some notes.
3. Hubby taught a coworker how to make wine. He gave Hubby a bottle of the finished product.
4. Hubby ate a free breakfast at work today; a bagel, a banana and coffee. His office gets bagels every Monday and Thursday so he always eats at work. They always have fruit, snacks and drinks available for free. He does bring his own DF cream cheese. He had a free lunch yesterday at work, empanadas with rice and beans. His office gets lunch catered at least once a week but because of his dairy allergy he can't always eat it.
5. I had a no spend day. I drove straight to work and home again.
1. My husband found a penny! Not much but every bit counts.
2. I tweaked my right shoulder. After a few days I went to our local walk-in clinic. Insurance took care of the visit and the muscle relaxer they prescribed! Further injury is certainly not frugal so I'm taking it easy and resting until my shoulder heals.
3. We've been able to stick to our meal plan and knowing we're still on budget is making me less stressed.
4. My husband took the kids to the park today to play. They walked there and back and told me all about a cement truck doing some work up the road from the park. It was their Macy's Day Parade.
5. I accidentally made a double batch of waffles, apparently math is hard, and now I've got freezer waffles! Accidental wins.
I went to lunch at my brother’s today, and he gave me probably a hundred eggs. He asked that I share them. He must have found a great sale.
My hubby brought home a very large shelf. It went to my daughter’s for her to use as a bookshelf.
My friend and I have been able to restart our walks.
Maybe the Easter Bunny hid the eggs in his yard early?
I love the look of an eclectic collection of ceramic pots in the yard, great score!
Nice sale on the glasses. I also need to go through my boxes. I save too many and people give me boxes. I'm not selling like I used to so some are going to be recycled.
I went through my closet yesterday and pulled out everything I hadn't worn in quite some time, or that I had worn but felt 'meh' about. I boxed these up and put them in our basement. The idea is that if in a year I haven't missed them, I'll donate them. A couple of items did go straight into the donate bin, but I'm still not sure about the rest, so this was my solution.
I had a couple of t-shirts I really like, but they are too long, so I shortened them and am happy to have them back in rotation. I also added new elastic to a pair of shorts.
We did a Costco run last week and I picked up a large container of mushrooms for $6. I canned these -- 8 4-oz jars of mushrooms. These are $1.50 each at my local Walmart. We like canned mushrooms on our pizza. It took me about half an hour to do this, not counting time in the canner.
Hello, my name is Peg, and I hoard boxes (too).
Weekend again, yay!
1. I have been so busy at work that I come home exhausted. I sleep, get up again and do it all over again. Today, I did leave work a little earlier than usual and stopped at the thrift store near my house. I bought two Vans skater shirts I plan to list. I have set a financial goal to meet just using side hustle earnings. I also found a Madewell dress to wear to the office. Otherwise, I haven't been thrifting much.
2. Found a box of vintage half-gallon Ball mason jars (6 + 3 quart jars) on the curb. I have them soaking for a good cleaning and then I plan to use them to store rice and beans.
3. Drafted a short statement to read at our next village meeting. The trustees are proposing a 12% property tax hike (after two years in a row of 7 and 8% hikes). This village is 2 square miles and has about 3500 residents. We also pay the town and county tax. This village tax is 6 times the annual state property tax cap which means they will need 60% of the trustee votes to override the cap. There are 6 of them. Guess how this is going to go. I keep hearing the song 'Ghost town' by The Specials going through my head. (This tax does not include the school tax.)
4. Started seeds. Planning a much bigger garden this year. I might as well farm my expensive city lot.
5. This is not really a frugal thing...well, maybe it is. Yesterday, I saw two wild turkeys hanging out in the cemetery next to my house while walking the dog. It made me really happy to see these two colorful fellows. It's the little joys that support us in challenging times.
We have been seeing lots of turkeys too! My little one and I saw one at outdoor story time to which he said “gobble gobble” and cracked me up. They are funny creatures
Katy, I thought about you yesterday. My outside camp chair finally bit the dust after about 30 years of loyal service. Popped into GW and they had exactly what I was looking for plus it is a rocker. Paid 8.95. Looked it up when I got home and they go for $80-100!!! Happy me!!
Started my garden with an order from a hyper-local greenhouse combined with seeds I already have. With world events, I feel it's important to produce some of my own food, but I'm tired. So I bought starts to plant and threw seeds out in 'chaos gardening' style.
There are some herbs, some berry bushes, and a whole lot of butternut squash seeds because they grew really well last year. I just cut up the last of the squash from last year's garden that have been in the pantry!
I put some sprouted potatoes in a cardboard box with some potting soil. I've had good luck with potatoes even with neglecting them.