Five Frugal Things -- I Sold Another Goodwill Gift Card Item!
1. I sold the bins-purchased Peugeot salt grinder for the $100 Goodwill Gift Card Challenge. I think the reason it took awhile to sell is that I had the box dimensions completely incorrect, which made the shipping look like it would be oddly expensive. Oh well, I accidentally made a few extra dollars on the sale and it's off to her new owner.
Click HERE to see the listing.
I still have $54.15 on the gift card, so maybe I should go to some Goodwills today!
2. My friend Lise and I hit Trader Joe's to pick up staples and catch up. I bought milk, bananas, salmon, lettuce, green beans and a package of green scallion pancakes. I always give myself a huge pat on the back when I leave T.J.'s without impulse items, as that instinct can easily double your bill!
I have a theory that Trader Joe's would boil down to a single aisle if all impulse items were removed.
3. I didn't buy any traditional souvenirs while on vacation, but did come home with:
- Two $1 used pillowcases.
- Two flattened pennies. One of which was 51¢, the other just popped out of the machine for free!
- A pretty pinecone from the University of New Mexico campus.
- One $1.50 Goodwill paperback novel.
Thrift store shelves are crowded with standard souvenirs solely manufactured for the tourist trade, such as wooden clogs from The Netherlands, miniature Eiffel Towers from Paris and Union Jack tchotchkes from England. My theory is that people buy these things as gifts, which get quickly donated or find their way to thrift stores through decluttering sessions or estate clear outs. Anything that features prominently in thrift stores is both overmanufactured and under appreciated.
4. I turned two bubble mailers inside out and used them to mail out two eBay sales. This gives the packages a nice clean outer surface while delaying their journey to the landfill.
5. I gave my garbage picked Diane Von Furstenberg suitcase a good scrub before putting it back into storage, as it was looking a bit worse for wear. It's kind of goofy looking to begin with, but there's no reason for it to also scream "fllthy!"
I found the photos from when I pulled the suitcase from a Goodwill dumpster HERE!
Remember when I thrifted the LL Bean duffel bag and picked out the name "Eleanor?" Ahh . . . that was fun!
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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The blog post includes an eBay affiliate link.
Using birthday freebie at Red Robin with hubby for late lunch.
Will use my Black Bear Diner freebie for breakfast on Saturday
Picked up a Chicos blouse for $4.50 at Presbyterian church thrift store.
Sold a couple and packaged up a couple of sales using upcycled packaging
1. I have two hopeful pickups for Facebook marketplace sales today
2. Went to the thrift store and did not buy anything. This is right. Next door to Trader Joe's and I bought only the things on my list!
3. Worked on my Spanish learning for free online. Also, with the free version of Duolingo, though I am solely tempted to upgrade to the paid version to avoid all of the ads.
4. Gift wrapped Valentine's gifts for my grandchildren ( items were zero out of pocket) with free wrapping paper. Made their cards from free scrapbook materials. Their gift is useful and will give them many hours of pleasure. No Dollar store tchotchkes.
5. The heat is off and the doors are open to passively warm my house.
I collect various size pine cones wherever I go! They sit in a row on my window sill.
Frugal minded people think alike! I collect pinecones as well. I found 2 (unique to me) short and wide ones in Italy. I have them on display in my living room. The best souvenirs in my opinion, are found in nature.
Love the suitcase though! It's so easy to spot!
1. The gear backpack saga has come to a close by finding a company that resells outdoor gear. I found the backpack I wanted at 50% off and previously used.
2. The company also sells a lot of other gear, including fleece gloves for outdoor sports which I was in desperate need of. Found a pair new for 70% off.
These two items will make my enjoyment of the outdoors better and I am glad to not have bought them full price! Patience pays off.
3. Some stomach bug had me in its clutches yesterday. Fended it off with medication already in the bathroom, peppermint tea, and chicken broth. Being sick to your stomach is a great way to avoid takeout or shopping, although I do not recommend it as a strategy.
4. Booked ski accommodation for a trip out to british columbia in March. We are splitting a cute spot with some friends and were able to book using a gift card from christmas, bringing the total for 3 nights per person down to $150. This may still seem like a lot, but given that we are used to holding our noses and paying up to $100 per night usually this feels like a steal.
5. Agreed to not get valentine's day gifts this year. Feels good in advance of a lot of travel this spring. I'll get DH a card since I'm a sap and enjoy time together.
1. Gas station had cream cheese 8oz on sale for $0.29, but I only paid $0.25 because it is a “penniless” business, so they round down to $0.25 for the cash purchases.
2. Name brand cereal of pb puffs on clearance for $0.32 12oz. Paired with discount 1 gal milk at $1.50. Kids are happy, & my pocketbook, too.
3. Continue to shovel out fire hydrants on our street that kids & I adopted this winter. Helping hands for the community, fresh air & fun. We’ve received over 13ft of snow so far this season. Will be recognized at local posh cookie store at event in March with local fire department & city officials.
4. Found nice plaid gift bag on street walking kid to school. Just wet, hanging to dry & then reuse many times.
5. Continue to use local trails for ski, snowshoe & hiking adventures right from home. No fees & no fossil fuels used to get there.
On the theme of holiday souvenirs. I saw someone keep coins from their trip and attach them to magnets with hot glue. I have kept a few coins back from our RTW big trip to try this. I am looking forward to seeing them everyday.
I brought scrubby sponges in Istanbul, I can think of the trip whilst washing my dishes!
I donated the items from amenity kits to our local emergency preparedness. Our community centre acts as a hub when SARS are working or there's some other disaster. Hoping a a fresh pair of socks and a toothbrush will help an emergency worker get through the day.
Gave a neighbour some other coins and a grocery store card to save them on their upcoming trip. They were happy for the small gift.
Happy to be home in our little house.
That is a good idea for coins. I have a smashed penny like Katy got. Mine is not from NM but I could glue to a magnet to use on fridge.
1. I took both cats last Sunday to get a free rabies shot & tag. The clinic allows teachers, police, and fire fighters to get their pets vaccinated for rabies for free. My cats live indoors but if they need to see the vet they must have a current rabies vax.
2. Had my annual physical. I will get a $25 dollar reward added to my insurance card.
3. The facility to which I will accompany my students has free beverages for employees and students. I checked out the coffee machine (all sorts of coffee beverages & the soft drink machine) this week. That is a nice perk for me & my students. I helped myself to a French Vanilla coffee for the drive home.
4. Frugal Fail: I took a preliminary trip to my assigned facility which burned gas & time. However, it will prevent stress on the 1st official day I have to go. I like to know ahead of time where to go and to park so as not to be late.
5. Found a couple of receipts to scan for Fetch.
6. Husband rehabilitated the cat scratch post with heavy rope. They are good cats who will use their post and not the furniture.
7. Enjoying warm weather in north Texas w/ the central heat turned off.
8. Staying home for Spring Break. The airline prices are too high. I'll wait for the summer when I can get a better price & there is no rush to return home.
I thought I was the only who picked up unusual souvenirs! Thrift store finds, pretty rocks I find, locally made art and jewelry are my only purchases. T shirts wear out and the other stuff just gathers dust.
Paid a hospital bill in full, getting a 25% discount for doing so.
Paid property taxes by check, avoiding the $25 in fees to pay online.
Had our semi-annual maintenance on our heat and air unit. Preventative care over responsive care just as with people when possible. I do not want to be without a/c during TN summers.
We decided to have a day away from home after being cooped up with winter weather plus my husband recovering from shoulder surgery. Went to Ollie’s to pick up several seek a word books for my mil who does them for hours each day. They are much more expensive at other stores. While out we had lunch at a vegan restaurant to help support them after they were closed a few days due to the ice storm. Also took 3 old laptops and cords to Best Buy to recycle since we were in the area.
Mil also reminded me she likes to do crossword puzzles so I ordered her a pack of 10 from eBay that should last her quite a while. $2.99 each was a great price.
Hi Susan!
If you have a Dollar Tree near you, they also have Word Search books for about $1.50. I get my MIL a lot for Christmas 🙂 Have a great day!
U can also go to PennyDell puzzles and get a good deal on outdated puzzles.
FFT, Neighborhood Business Edition:
(1) Having persuaded NDN1's PCP to tell her that a move to assisted living is "doctor's orders" (see my Thankful Thursday comment today on The Frugal Girl), her other CF and I are taking her tomorrow for lunch and a tour of the assisted living facility CF and I visited back in January. May the Force be with us all. (Note: A neighbor down the street told me this morning that she found NDN1 attempting to bust ice off her front steps with her lousy plastic shovel in our recent 5-degree weather. We need to get her into assisted living yesterday.)
(2) The Bestest Neighbors and I are very glad that Dr. BN was able to put out the fire quickly when the pork ribs he was grilling for last night's dinner went ablaze. The grill's a complete mess, of course, but both it and Dr. BN came away unscathed. And the three of us crunched down on the ribs and reflected that charcoal is said to be good for the stomach. 🙂
(3) The BNs and I agreed over the charred ribs, plus the salad and the half-loaf of bread I brought, that our "serene, historic cul-de-sac" (I'm quoting a recent real estate listing) is considerably overdue for both an update of the neighbors' contact list and a block party. Several new young families have moved onto the street, and we old'uns need to do some outreach.
(4) "King James," our indispensable snow wizard, turned up today for a complete plow-out despite having had a tooth pulled yesterday, heaven bless him. In chatting with him as he was taking a break, I happened to mention the 1/4 steer I've bought for the last decade or so from friends who raise the animals. I ended up selling him 10 lb. at my cost ($2.57/lb. this past year), and he's all in on being a member of my "beef club" as long as the aforementioned friends are in the beef business.
(5) And I haven't sat in the White House and done anything that's just @#$$%!! self-serving and stupid (you name it, the Orange Julius has done it). This is both neighborhood business and world business.
Took a broken tv, rusted out microwave and ancient vcr to GW for recycling. Also donated a box of tools from the rental clean out that the kids did not need for their homes. Got a 20% off burning a hole in my pocket, didn't find anything. Will try again before the end of the month.
Pruning my fruit trees. I do the semi- dwarf ones and pay someone to do the big ones.
The neighbor's 3 oldest kids are coming today to plant zinnias, sweet peas and pea pods. I gave their dad a shower door to build a cold frame. Should be fun! I made them coloring pages to explain germination and zinnias.
Picked bouquets of Daphne for the laundry room, foyer, bathrooms and kitchen window.
My theory is that a lot of the souvenirs I see in thrift shops, are things people feel obligated to bring back to family and friends. I used to work with a crabby lady who seemed offended that I’d go on vacation to a foreign country and not bring souvenirs to the entire office. Ridiculous. No one really wants a Budapest fridge magnet. It’s not like she was bringing us all souvenirs from her trips to Branson, Missouri!
My day was a frugal one. I had homemade soup and homemade bread for lunch. I went for a walk while listening to a book on Libby. I found 6 cans (same as yesterday). I got a free Big Gulp from my 7-11 app.
The Red Cross is dangling all sorts of rewards in hopes that I’ll share some of my useful plasma, but all the donation centers are so far away! I’ll wait until I can walk to a donation center, even if I don’t get a reward for it.
It was back to the community center for my walk today. Yesterday's outdoor walk gave me a serious runny nose. I actually found a receipt today on the indoor track, which is unusual. Even better, it was worth 400 points! That's two in two days!
I stopped at the library branch to pick up a book on hold. It's Let Them, which I said I couldn't put on hold because the list was too long. Not so! Apparently I just couldn't put it on hold TWICE! I've been reading it, and I'm getting a lot out of it.
I thawed spaghetti sauce for lunch, adding a little extra tomato sauce from another meal. I was planning on throwing in sausage also, but the sauce already had meat, so the sausage is saved for another day. There was quite a bit left over, so I froze the remains again in a smaller container.
Tomorrow I will be eating bits and bobs, because I'm leaving for about a week, and I want to leave the fridge free of perishables.
I was all ready to tackle my medical group about what appeared to be a double copay charge for the CT scan I had last month, but when I looked at the online record this morning the second charge was gone. I charged the copay to my flexible benefits card, so no money out of pocket.
The promised $300 my insurance company is reimbursing me for using Drivewise appeared in my bank account this morning. Tomorrow I'll send it to my son to help with his COBRA payment.
I'm about 2/3 of the way through Let Them with more reading later tonight. A most opportune time to be reading it as a family situation has arisen which requires me to remind myself to LET THEM.
1. I resumed seem ripping away at my husband's coat. I broke my damn seem ripper! I'm babying it along until I'm done with the coat but I told him I'm not sure if it'll last through the shirts he also wants salvaged.
2. While taking advantage of some sunshine, my husband took our lawn mower to our much needed lawn. While he was outside, a man came up and asked if we had sold the house yet lol he ended up buying the smoker/grill combo we had sitting in the backyard! It wasn't a massive sale, only $25, but still something we don't have to worry about now! He also let us know he would be interested in buying our wheel barrow but would have to come back another day.
3. I made strawberry, peanut butter, and spinach smoothies for my kiddos and husband. I didn't realize that I had bought whole frozen berries and it took forever. I let them warm up a bit on the counter and diced up the strawberries so I wouldn't have the same issue later.
4. We had a visit with our healthy kids outreach today and scored a small snack, playing in the sunshine, and a handprint craft for one of the kiddos, the other one wasn't interested in participating. While there, I let them know I had a ton of size 1 diapers just sitting in a closet that won't be used and a few other baby items. They said they would happily take what they could get their hands on to share with their community members! I'll be bringing the goods by another day when I drive that direction.
5. I cashed out my Microsoft Bing points and have a lovely $25 Kroger gift card in my email for the next time we go shopping!
Shyla, I've never had a seam ripper; my little pair of scissors seem to work just fine. If you have a pair, maybe that will help salvage the shirts so you don't have to buy anything.
The embroidery on the jacket is microscopic but if it becomes unusable I do have a pair of small scissors I could try! I'm hoping it's less tiny on the shirts, but I've been too preoccupied with growling at the jacket to look. Thanks for the advice!
1.Last night I wanted some potato soup for supper. Canned, not made from scratch. Discovered it requires milk and we were out. Found a can of condensed milk a few years old, left behind by roommate and used that. Probably well past it's exp. date,but I ate it anyway and didn't die. LOL.
2. Began spring cleaning early. Goal is to declutter 10 items per day. Only counted things that will be donated, and made my goal yesterday. Today I am halfway there. Will make it into a Lenten sacrifice....ten items a day x 40 days =400 items outta here. I did not count things thrown away or recycled but 3/4 of a 96 gallon trashcan is full of recycling paper and cardboard.
3.Frugal fail: can't locate curtain clips for bedroom window (did I use them all?), so had to buy more.The first Walmart didn't have the kind I needed/ that matched what's already up there, so I had to drive to another Walmart across town. Got the last pkg they had. Decided to hang another quilt at the window to make it look fuller.And yes, that entails buying a 2nd quilt.
4. Not frugal for me but good for the environment: Picked up some litter that was a bundle of plastic shopping bags, taking it to HEB to recycle since they make 100% post consumer waste plastic garbage bags. Did this the other day with dry cleaner bag blowing around on a on a parking lot. Then I found more plastic waste, so am doing it again. Also collected plastic wrappers and etc. from my decluttering project to take in. Early Earth Day good deeds!
5. Unearthed some old clothes during my closet excavation and wore them to work today. Classic fashion never goes out of style!
1. I bought a pack of dried bean soup mix. $1.70. I used two cups of ham broth from making green beans, water and ham in the crockpot, tossed in a handful of barley, some chopped frozen onions, salt, pepper and some rosemary I dried, and got 10 cups of soup. I’ve eaten 4 servings so far and froze 10 individual cups for later.
2. Picked up a bag of clothes a friend with similar taste listed on Nextdoor. Got some sweaters and some long sleeved tops to perk up my winter wardrobe.
3. Thawed and served leftover spaghetti for dinner. Served w green beans
4. Stopped to pick up free outer leaves of cabbage for the chickens.
5. Enjoyed one of my BOGO Starbucks small coffee. A nice treat.
I have a cute, smaller LL Bean bag that I bought at a yard sale for next to nothing that is monogrammed. Unfortunately, the monogram is next to impossible to get off. Possibly because of the style of lettering. But it is on a floral fabric and can barely be noticed anyway.
I. I made beef stew in the insta-pot with a chuck steak I bought on clearance. This used up to some old sad carrots and two partial bags of frozen peas. I took it to my mom's house for dinner. She provided the rolls. There were enough leftovers for each of us to have another dinner.
2. I took a friend to breakfast to celebrate her birthday. It was a better gift than more stuff. I did give her a magnet from my trip. It was a very "special" magnet, LOL. Magnets are small, useful and don't take up a lot of space in your luggage. I intended to bring her home some pasta or something similar but didn't.
3. I repaired my dogs new toy with a needle and some dental floss. It's holding up well. She's hell on toys.
Valentines for two of my grandsons are partly from Savers: a Yoda tee for a Star Wars lover and a like-new puffy vest for a snow-loving boy. A few chocolates and some conversation hearts finIshed those out.
Instead of buying an expensive dessert for tomorrow, I am making huckleberry cheesecake with ingredients from home (except for 3 8-oz. bars of cream cheese). Hubster and I will both be very happy!