Five Frugal Things -- Garbanzo Beans & Collectible Bells
1) My sister left her rain jacket behind, so I crammed it into an inside out used bubble mailer and used Pirateship.com for a discounted UPS mailing label. I'll drop it at the UPS store this afternoon while on my way out to run other errands.
She's lucky that I have a deep stash of shipping supplies and can bang out this task in a matter of minutes!
2) I rewarded myself for dropping off my daughter's state tax return with a quick stop into the Woodstock Goodwill store. Although I didn't buy anything, I looked up a dozen or so items, using both Google Lens and completed listings on eBay.
I took a good ten minutes or so to research this donated bell collection, as many of them were hand painted European porcelain. I suspected that these souvenirs wouldn't hold value, but I needed to see it for myself. After all, I did buy this sterling silver bell at this exact Goodwill for $4.99, which I later sold for $150!
I'm now more knowledgeable on the resell value of collectible bells, and you never know when that'll come in handy.
I almost bought this pair of Converse to resell, as they were the half-price color, which brought the price down to $7.50. They might look grubby, but they were actually in excellent condition and it would've been easy to make them look new.
Unfortunately the asking prices were all over the place, so I left them behind. If I'm taking a risk on something to resell, I'd prefer to only be out a couple of bucks.
The only thing I probably should've bought was this bag of random dollhouse items. Not for the kit furniture, but the assorted few items that I was able to identify. Specifically the teeny tiny stovetop espresso maker and hand crank coffee grinder. There were likely other gems in that jumble.
It was senior discount day, which would've dropped the price down to $3.59. Oh well . . .
Here's a previous blog post where I spell out my process for selling on eBay!
3) I took a container of home cooked garbanzo beans and added yellow curry paste, chicken broth, coconut milk and assorted veggies to make a yuuge pot of food to be served over rice. The garbanzo beans beans were at risk of being shoved to the back of the fridge, so I'm calling this a win.
The color isn't very appealing, but I promise that it was quite tasty!
4) I drove my daughter to Trader Joe's and grabbed a couple items for myself -- frozen edamame, scallion pancakes and bananas. I also asked the cashier for lollipops, which he gave us for free. I chose a pink one, as it's watermelon flavored and my favorite.
5) My husband and I finished watching Dark Winds on AMC+ using a fresh free trial, which we then immediately cancelled.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
I had to Google scallion pancakes as I have never heard of them and I thought it was missing a comma ha ha. Off to search for any local restaurants who might offer them.
A couple frugal...
I figured out how to dry and reuse my paper coffee filters.
A friend at my vet office made sure I knew that the tick med I use does not require a script and I get can cheaper at Chewy.
The vet also offers new payment plans, some with no interest. I won't use it but glad they offer it.
You also can now do some visits with just the vet tech which does not require paying for an office call.
Meijer had a lot of marked down lunch meats and other items in that section for $1 and $2 for 1# ham & chicken lunch meats. The gal stocking pointed out they are clearance due to Meijer no longer carrying them.
Hubs found 3 $10 off $10 off coupons from Meijer which was an offer from last week. He also came back from searching the parking lot with 4 ticks.
You could use some of your dog's tick medicine on the husband!
Over the years, I could have sourced various non-Rx/Rx items for my pets from other places. But I feel in the long run, giving my business to my vet is a good thing. If there would come the day I was strapped for cash, my vet would work with me. You can't get that from Chewy et al. Never mind all the excellent service we've received (even when you "count" the sad times).
I have the financial means to do this and will continue to do so.
I just made my first sale on Etsy! These were bookmarks that I had made for my daughter's baby shower last year, and I forgot that I even had them listed. I had to go track them down. I mailed using an envelope left over from my daughter's college graduation announcements (almost 7 years old) and stamps I already had.
My hubby and I are going away for a long weekend. We stay at our timeshare, so we get a reduced rate, and we cook every meal there with food we bring from home. It is just nice to relax away from home sometimes.
A coworker just ordered 9 paper roses for his wife, mom, and daughter. I'm taking my supplies to work on some this weekend, but I don't think I'll get to his.
Dollhouses seem to be a hot new hobby for adults all of sudden. And some of these hobbyists will pay up for what they want. Some of the dollhouse purchases shown on instagram are ridiculous!
That's interesting! I can see that being a new trend. Thanks for sharing.
About 40 years ago, dollhouses and doll making was a big thing.
1. Redeemed $40 in American Red Cross reward points for me and my husband. For years we did not claim any gifts but that's changed in the last year. And for a long time, I brought my own snacks. Now I look forward to the snacks, too!
2. Went to a free presentation at the library with my sister.
3. Brought empty containers to Tare Market, a local zero waste store, for other customers to use (pill bottle, little glass jar, takeout container and cottage cheese containers), along with a couple used up plastic gift cards for special recycling there.
4. Received a $5 coupon for an upcoming book sale since I am a Friends of the Library member. Will use it to stock up on reading material for our winter stay in Arizona.
5. Husband received an invitation to participate in a $100/time medical study. Waiting to hear if he's been selected.
Tare Market sounds wonderful. Bless you for contributing to their goal.
Nothing frugal here. I came to help with grandchildren, which means paying for Airbnb. But the time together is priceless. This stage of toddlerhood is so intense for young parents, and so short in the scheme of things. I'm thankful to have the money and the freedom in my schedule to visit often. It is made possible/balanced by reselling, eating in season and from our garden, mostly meatless meals, riding bike for errands, never buying new books, finding 90% of dh's clothes for free or used, growing a garden, not eating out, and a host of other frugal things, big and small. I realized yesterday as I drove for my visit that my trousers were the only thing I was wearing that coat money, and that I had altered the trousers, sewn my blouse from scratch from thrifted fabric and my jacket was free and also altered. It felt quite satisfying.
Kara, your frugalness and resourcefulness always inspires me.
Thank you! That means a lot.
1. I tried a new recipe, lentil potato fritters
2. I'm trying square foot gardening for some of my vegetables.
3. Picked some flowers for free decorating
4.Enjoyed a free park
5. Packed lunch for my husband.
Longer version and photos here: https://practicalwalk.com/2026/04/16/frugal-five-new-recipe/
Thanks for the link to the lentil potato fritters. Can't wait to try them!
The bells remind me of cleaning out my aunt's home. I concluded years ago that collections of any kind are not my jam! I'm looking at you, spoons, shot glasses, magnets, bells and miniature license plates.
Had to take my mom to an appt and stopped at Trader Joes for bananas.
Stopped at an estate sale and bought some gallon sized cleaners for $1 ea. Also picked up 2 beautiful sets of bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths for my welcome baskets in the guest rooms for $5 each. This was a very nice home. If it were closer to home, i'd go back on Saturday for a couple of things @ 1/2 price.
Making steamed bao buns filled with grilled pork, pickled onions and carrots.
Katy's bells reminded me that my mom collected bells. I used to say that she collected bells because her 3 daughters were "ding-a-lings."
Collections:
Dad - pen pals (had over 65 in as many.countries during his lifetime)
Mom - bells
Sister #1 - salt & pepper shakers
Sister #2 - thimbles
Me - dust
Melissa, I collect dust, too. It's such a frugal hobby. Thanks for the laugh!
And, there's a neverending supply!
I went to Goodwill yesterday, and I didn't buy anything either! I did spend a lot of time researching a French press, but it was priced too high in comparison to eBay sales. So I passed. I'm learning, slowly, what not to buy. I also rejected a vintage Hallmark ornament for the same reason.
Yesterday I was treated to lunch. I ordered a Reuben sandwich, which came with lettuce and tomato on the side. I ate half of the sandwich, and took the other half home, along with the lettuce and tomato. I ate the sandwich for breakfast this morning, and for lunch, I made a BLT from the lettuce and tomato, using bacon bits instead of sliced bacon.
I went to the library branch this morning to pick up a hold, and remembered too late that it was closed today for staff development. But I was able to pick up my season beach pass in the same building, so it wasn't a wasted trip. I live very close to a Lake Michigan beach, so I use the pass frequently.
On the way home I stopped at Jewel to pick up chow mein noodles. I had noticed on Fetch that Jewel receipts are currently worth 200, and chow mein noodles are something I can't get at Aldi. I eagerly picked up four receipts in the parking lot, but those were only worth 25 points apiece. Well, one was from Burger King, and I assume the others pre-dated the promotion. Still, 300 points -- I'll take it!
That's about it!
1. I remembered as I was passing a Sunoco gas station that my credit card was offering 5% back on a purchase there. I uploaded the receipt to Fetch and received 350 points. I'll take it.
2. I stopped at a couple estate sales and a few thrift stores. I purchased several great items to sell on Ebay making it worth the trip.
3. I bought my daughter eight place settings of a vintage flatware set with flowers which is what she wanted. I got her approval before purchase and it was only $11 at one of the estate sales.
4. I stopped into the grocery outlet which is not like the ones out west. Just an independent store. I purchased mostly junk food. It was all steeply discounted and if I'm buying empty calories I'd like to pay as little as possible. I really, really needed some chocolate.
5. Frugal win/fail? I made a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner instead of picking up take out. I managed to burn the sandwich on both sides. How??? I don't know. I'm tired. I ate the whole thing and barely noticed. Thanks to my old worthless taste buds.
That is a nice find. It is hard to find a set of used flatware that has all the pieces. My colleague gave me her parent's set when they moved to a facility. Otherwise, I'd likely still be looking for a set.
Good news: Got a 10 pk of Ivory (Bar) soap for $3.99 (regularly $7.99). Will last a long time.
Bad news: Broke down, took the cover off the A/C and turned it on. Our part of PA goes Winter - Summer - Winter - Summer... Spring and Fall are non-existent (except for fall colors...we still get those).
I’m in Pa too. It’s in the 80’s but Sunday night and Monday night it might freeze. This is why we own so much clothing.
Inspired by your goal-setting, I set myself a huge goal for the year of funding my and my husband’s Roth IRAs with thrift $!
Today was a boon, I resold three times and profited $190!
What a great idea! Wish I'd thought to do that back years ago.
I am still recovering from eye surgery. I have very little vision in one eye and that is making me whiney and grumpy. It should get better with time. I have not felt like being frugal.
1. I picked up 2 audio books at the library. I am currently reading an excellent book, The Antidote, borrowed from a friend.
2. The spinach I planted is growing faster than I can eat it. I shared some with a friend.
3. Last fall I bought 4 elephant ear bulbs on clearance for .25 each. They didn't look like there was a bit of life left in them but I planted them anyway. Three have sprouted.
4. I won't buy any tomato plants this year since so many babies have come up from compost and from last year's garden.
Katy, I make a version of scallion pancakes. It's probably not the same but they are very easy and tasty. Beat a couple of eggs and add lots of chopped green onions, salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a skillet and put in a flour tortilla. Pour on some of the egg mixture and spread it to the edge of the tortilla. Top with another tortilla. When the egg has set enough to stick the two tortillas together, flip it and brown the other side. Cut in wedges. It's a good way to use up extra tortillas.
It may not be the same, but it sounds good! I think I'll try it with red onion, which I have on hand.
1. I finished The Book Club for Troublesome Women on Libby and have requested another book by the same author. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
2. My husband took our kids to play group today. He enjoyed the lunch provided and our daughters had plenty of snacks while there, and made crafts.
3. After play group they went to the library to drop off a book and picked up a movie, a box of five puzzles, and a book.
4. Dinner tonight was meant to be chicken enchiladas with black beans and rice, but I forgot to make the enchiladas because I was focusing on trying a new method to make the beans. A bag of shredded chicken saved is a bag of shredded chicken earned, right?
5. An old friend called and we spent about an hour catching up while I folded laundry and picked up the house. Cheap date since she lives several states away!
Ok, in a video on YouTube about 10 depression era recipes I want to make the stuffed potato pancakes. They are really stuffed hash browns and look so good. You make a seasoned ground beef mixture and make a shredded potato hash brown mixture then in hot oiled skillet put layer of potatoes, smash onto that a layer of meat almost to edge then top with another layer of hash brown and fry each side till golden brown. They topped it on the plate with a drizzle of ketchup but I’m thinking home made ranch.
I dream about making these.
1) I bused to a doctor's appointment using my free university bus pas, thus saving gas and wear & tear on the car. I brought a sandwich with me since I would be wrapping up after lunch and knew I'd be tempted by all the delicious cafes around the clinic.
2) I combined the trip to the doctor's with a visit to the library to return a stack of books. I found a nice cookbook of Irish soups on the Friends of the Library "free books" shelf.
3) unfortunately, I missed my bus back home. No worries, I had my Ipad with me so I went to a park with a view of the bay. I enjoyed a solo picnic and got a bunch of work done, as well as soaked up a bunch of free vitamin D.
4) I gave the 21 year old a haircut. He has to renew his driver's license photo since he is now on a fully adult ID, and his hair was quite shaggy. Fun side note -- this kid has only had one professional haircut in his life, when he was 2. The hairdresser accidentally cut his ear, giving him a fear of haircuts for awhile and thus being the catalyst for me to learn how to give home haircuts. Now I cut everybody's hair, including both grown sons, my own, my wife, my son's girlfriend, the other son's boyfriend, and my landlord's. I should set up a salon!
5) Dinner was a pot pie made of all the veggies that were on their last legs mixed with a single serving of lentil stew I froze some weeks back when no one wanted to eat it. I made a simply drop biscuit crust instead of using a pie crust.
Bonus:
It's supposed to be sunny this weekend, so I am going to spend the day sanding, staining, and assembling the four raised garden beds I picked up from a Buy Nothing neighbor last week. I'm really excited about it!
My cleaning lady friend is moving so I emptied out some old moving boxes and took them to her. In the process, I found my old kindle that I thought I had lost at a school -- no wonder no one could find it in the Lost and Found! Also decluttered a lot more items.
Brought her a case of bottled water -- our store sells (full size) individual bottles, 24 for $1.99 -- and a 12 pack case (cans) of her favorite Big Red soda pop for $5.99 since she is doing a DIY move. We lunched on Whopper burgers, although I took half of mine home and had it for supper. (I usually get Whopper Juniors, plenty of food for me.)