Five Frugal Things -- Free Rejuvenation Light Fixture
1) I went for an evening walk and quickly came across this unassuming "Free Box" that contained a Rejuvenation light fixture. I have no need for it, but am happy to rejuvenate clean it up to list on eBay. I couldn't find this exact model on their website, but it's similar to their Rose City pendant light that sells for $269.
Although Rejuvenation is no longer locally owned, they're still headquartered here in Portland, so it's not unusual to find their fixtures when thrifting or even garbage picking.
My Rejuvenation glass shade was a $2.99 Goodwill find and the porch fixture itself was a splurge from their seconds showroom.
2) I used the plastic polishing products I borrowed from my step father to buff out some of the scratches from my thrifted lucite table and accidentally bonded with it. It's the perfect surface for potted plants as you don't have to worry about water rings and I like how the seethroughiness (real word, I promise!) extends precious sunshine into the room.
We Oregonians live in darkness much of the year, so this is a real issue.
I then took the table it replaced and put it on the curb to be rehomed. It was gone an hour later when I thought to check back. (I don't like to leave furniture out overnight in case it rains.) It came to me from someone's curb, so it seemed fitting.
3) I noticed that a bit of the wool rug in my daughter's old bedroom was fraying, so I took a needle and thread to it for a quick repair to avoid further unraveling.
Perfect? Nope! No longer noticeable? Yup!
4) I sold a thrifted brass and glass vintage side table that I picked up at Goodwill a couple years ago. I forget what I paid, (maybe $7.99?) and sold it for $50.
I've listed it on Facebook Marketplace a couple times before without luck, but this time was the charm as I had inquiries from a couple different people. It's super high quality and gives me a 1970s Scarface vibe.
Say goodbye to my little friend!
5) I refurbished the Frye boots that I pulled from a free box a couple weeks ago. (Saddlesoap, baybee!) As a reminder, this is what they looked like:
Now I just need to identify the specific model and get them up on eBay.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
The lucite table and the boots both cleaned up so well. I don't blame you for keeping the table!
1) I gave my rosemary, thyme, and mint plants major haircuts. I dried the herbs for future use.
2) I cut alder poles (saplings growing where they shouldn't) to use as tomato stakes.
3) Getting creative with the rhubarb bounty from the discovered rhubarb patch! I made rhubarb candy -- sliced rhubarb tossed with sugar and chili powder, left to sit for a couple of hours, then dried in the dehydrator. The flavor is sweet & sour, reminiscent of Mexican chamoy candy. Great for snacking (and high in fiber!), and I think it will also be a lovely addition to salads instead of craisens or similar.
4) Our neighbor was away for the weekend, so we decided to surprise him with a clean driveway, as he had mentioned he hated how filthy it was, but he was getting too old to tend to it. It would have been quicker with a power washer, but we used tools we already owned -- a landscape scraper to scrape up the heavy layer of moss, and push broom and hose to finish the job. We then trimmed back the blackberries that were crowding over it. No cost but time, for us, and we hope he is pleased with the surprise!
5) We didn't do anything for Memorial day except catch up on chores around the house, cook and eat at home, and enjoy a couple of beers on the deck.
We have had a low key weekend. We usually go on an overnight trip to Parkersburg/Blennerhasett but decided to stay home. We've been busy getting our garden in and just wanted to slow down and relax instead.
1. We went out to eat Saturday. One of my favorite restaurants, Coopershawk, sent a promo for 2 free glasses of wine and I had a $25 reward for there. I also made the reservation through OpenTable so I could earn their rewards points. I am just one reservation away from a $16 off dining certificate. A splurge made frugal.
2. I made a marked down roast in the crockpot overnight. It will feed us for 3 or 4 days. I then turned the broth into vegetable soup to pack for work lunches.
3. I spent several hours listing items on eBay. Mainly just items from around the house. We are doing a serious declutter, and have a garage sale planned in a couple weeks. Two of the eBay items sold over the weekend.
4. The heat and the air are both off and the doors are open. Here in Ohio the weather has been a real rollercoaster ride. 47 one day and 86 the next.
5. The weather looks great this week so I plan to ride my bike to work everyday to save on gas.