Five Frugal Things -- Library Books & The "ICE Out" General Strike
1. I logged into the American Red Cross website and scanned through the area where I've earned "points" which can be redeemed for their branded merchandise. I've never been interested in these items, but saw that I had enough points to redeem a $10 gift card. I'll use it for Fred Meyer, which is our regional Kroger grocery store.
It looks like these points expire quickly, so I'll make sure to use them as I earn them in the future. It looks like I've been leaving them on the table.
2. I stopped by the library to pick up my hold copy of The Book of Lost Hours, by Hayley Gelfuso. I don't remember putting it on hold, so it must've had a long wait list. I've fallen out of the daily reading habit, but this book should give me the nudge I need.
3. My friend Lise texted me from Winco this afternoon to ask if I needed anything. I had her pick up a can of the blue cap oven cleaner, as it's apparently the magic solution to clean the baked on crud from my thrifted Wagner Ware pan. (At least that's what all the YouTube dudes claim.) I saw that online prices were all over the place, but Winco seemed cheapest at "four something," which is what Lise paid.
I was able to clean the lid using Barkeeper's Friend, but it didn't work whatsoever for the bottom of the pan.
As a reminder:
4. My husband stopped by with a co-worker and I served a packet of biscotti from my recent Red Cross donation.
Who me, cheap?
5. Today is the national "ICE Out" national strike and I plan on supporting it with no shopping. Not even Goodwill.
However, now that I think about it, I may walk over to spend money at the neighborhood taco truck that's been struggling lately. I read that their core customers aren't taking the risk to be out and about. These are the businesses I care to support.
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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1) Also called my representatives & they are also similarly aligned, but expressed support.
2) Used a $10 CVS reward to purchase some Valentine's Day cards + treats for the teens.
3) Dug around & found a stamp in our stationery area in the hall closet. Walked to the mailbox to drop off DS18's Valentine's Day card. I have previously done fun treats + a small Starbucks gift card, but given the cost of mailing said treats, I opted for a small check instead, with a note to buy himself dinner.
4) For DS19's birthday gift, wrapped a couple of things in re-used gift boxes that have probably been used 10+ times for various events. They are really nice boxes from "Birch Box", which I received as a gift during COVID.
5) Once again made dinner without a plan, which is not a frugal endeavor & I don't recommend as a standard practice, but this has been a week & I managed to get everyone fed with four freezer meals, plus last night's salmon (freezer) for DH & TJ's ravioli (picked up a couple of days ago) + meatballs (freezer) for myself & DS19. Bonus that we used some of the leftover cheese from the Costco street taco meal on the ravioli.