Five Frugal Things -- London Flea Markets & Eleanor Oliphant
1) I accepted a $25 offer for the alpaca sweater that I picked up at the Goodwill bins a couple weeks ago. That's another $19.33 for the Oregon Food Bank through my $100 Goodwill Gift Card Challenge.
Click HERE to see the listing.
I also listed two pair of shorts on eBay that I picked up at the bins a few days ago.
2) I found two more ponytail elastics at my kid's soccer game, plus a Powerade bottle to return for 10¢.
3) I spent an hour or so sweeping the back patio, weeding, rearranging the outdoor furniture and fiddling with the potted plants. Everything looks great and it's extra satisfying as almost everything was curb picked. We had a really mild winter, which meant that my annuals wintered over.
Specifically my barrel of fuchsia plants that I got for free at last year's neighborhood cleanup event.
4) I've passed the halfway mark for Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which is not the book I expected it to be. The protagonist is a difficult character to slip into, but once I got an hour or so into the story I knew I'd be finishing it. Of course I'm listening to it through the library's free Libby app.
5) I watched a few YouTube videos from a high end interior decorator, explaining what he looks for when shopping at flea markets. Seeing things through his perspective helps me expand my knowledge for unrecognized treasure when I thrift.
There's always more to learn in life.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
I apologize to Katy for hijacking the thread at the outset with this news, but I thought that her many fans here would want to know: Our dear, dear Lindsey in Alaska has left us. I knew her real name because she was kind enough to send a few Alaskan goodies to me via USPS "mystery shops" back when I was caring for DH at home. Here is an Alaskan blog post on her passing, which includes a link to her inimitably self-written obituary. Farewell to one of the bravest and kindest people I've ever known, online or IRL. And much love to Ted, "the husband, always the husband."
https://www.dermotcole.com/reportingfromalaska/2026/4/17/q4jmucdky2avmbtilefxdshsaom5ss
Thank you for sharing this, A-Marie.
A life well-lived!
Oh no. I'm so sad. Thank you for sharing A Marie.
Lindsey will be missed. An amazing life and an amazing woman, and she wrote an amazing self-obituary.
Thank you so much for sharing about Lindsey, my mother and I were just talking about her the other day. Her numerous stories about "Clobber Paws" kept us all entertained for many years. (I checked and there are 70 references to "Clobber Paws" in the comments section!) I loved her obituary and wish I'd had the pleasure of meeting her in person.
She left 1604 comments through the years and was an important member of The Non-Consumer Advocate community. Dearly missed from those who knew her personally and virtually.
A. Marie and Katy - thank you both so much for including this update. I am so grateful to have read the post and her obituary and to know, as I suspected, that Lindsey was much beloved in all the circles of her life. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of this NCA circle during her time.
A. Marie, many thanks for sharing this albeit sad news. Lindsey was a force of nature and one of the many commenters here and on The Frugal Girl who made me want to be a part of these blog communities. It's nice to have the curtain peeled back to learn more about her amazing life. If you'll be in contact with her husband (always the husband), please let him know how much she is missed and that I mourn her dying and rejoice her being. Rest in peace, Lindsey, wherever you are.
Thank you, A.Marie! She was a dear commentariat. Thank you so much for the links.
Thank you A. Marie. I've been thinking about Lindsey, as we knew her. I'd always hoped she would write a book about her life in Alaska but I can see now she actually did by what she wrote on the NCA blog. Thanks again.
Thank you, A. Marie. I hope Lindsey would not be offended that I burst into tears reading her obituary. How wonderful to hear her again, and so sad that it's the last time.
"She brightened our corner of the world." And then some.
Thank you for letting us kbow. I had wondering since she sent her “goodbye” to the commentariat a few weeks ago. Her comments were so interesting - informative, humorous and practical. One fond memory is when she and her (adored) husband took their trip of a lifetime a few years ago and she shared about the magical dance they experienced on the cruise ship. Her wonderful obituary was so “her” - it brought tears to my eyes. She touched a lot of people. RIP to a remarkable woman.
Does anyone recall the name of the song they danced to on the cruise ship?
I also recall the description of that trip well.
Thanks for letting us know, A. Marie. I’d been thinking about Lindsey and always said a prayer when I did. She was a remarkable lady. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to know her vicariously through this blog and The Frugal Girl.
Thanks for sharing that, A. Marie.
I had my tears under control until I foolishly followed the YouTube link in her obituary: youtube.com/watch?v=JV7c8V5XLk8.
What a lovely way she had with words, particularly how she expressed the love she had for her husband - always the husband.
I feel blessed to have 'read' her in this blog. She will be missed, and her memory treasured.
I finished Eleanor Oliphant last week and thought it was excellent!
I too loved this book. Thanks A. Marie for sharing the news of Lindsey’s passing. The obituary was awesome. My condolences to Ted.
Eleanor Oliphant is one of my favorite books.
I love your outdoor living room! It looks like a wonderful spot to enjoy a relaxing lunch in nature!
Your patio looks great. What a cozy, hospitable backyard you have.
Agreed. Love the pop of spring-green moss!
I knew that alpaca sweater would sell quickly. It's lovely. I'm home today mostly. I've been listing items on Ebay. I haven't sold anything for a while but I'm sure it will pick up. I've been getting inspiration and motivation by watching videos of other sellers.
I did my most dreaded jobs first-Costco, Trader Joe's (same complex) and a return.
1. Wine barrel rings are in abundance for free here in the wine country of N. California. I bend them into hearts and sell them for $25 for 3. I have a buyer coming today. Also have a buyer for a curb picked basket. None of it will make me rich, but it all sure helps
2. We have enough kale in the garden to have kale in some form every day for the near future. Easy and the price is right .
3. Walked while I chatted with a friend on the phone. Exercise, early morning light and good company are a great combo.
That's all I've got. I'm still taking care of our daughter as she recovers. Time and energy are in short supply.
Love your back yard! Your fuchsia wintered beautifully. My BFF is on the lookout for one for my front garden (a frugal one, of course.)
The birdies have finally found the feeder attached to my bedroom window and offer me free entertainment.
Reading Second Honeymoon by James Patterson 49cents at Salvation Army. Returned box of books for someone else to enjoy.
Used planters on hand for cocrosmia (yellow) and Texas hibiscus.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy week.
Katy, you have such a welcoming and beautiful backyard.
1. Friend brought over a lightweight transport wheelchair that I use to help me get up and down, push in front of me for balance, and schlep things around (using a wooden tray on the seat). She also brought a pasta dish that we'll enjoy for many meals. I'm disappointed that I'm not able to help her clear out her recently deceased mom's home in person, so she consults me on what to do with various items, which helps me feel useful.
2. Neighbor gave me a beautiful bouquet of orange tulips that I put into two mason jars for the bedroom and living room.
3. Another friend made comfort food: gouda bread, vanilla espresso scones (OMG), asparagus quiche and gourmet mac 'n cheese. Along with several books and magazines as I'm doing A LOT of reading.
4. This same friend also brought over several pairs of billowy bottoms that fit over my full-leg splint and are easy to pull down for going to the bathroom. I can't wear regular underwear, so I'm going commando - sorry for that image! She also brought a cute top to go with one of the bottoms for when I have my next x-ray in a month. This appointment will likely be the only time I'll leave the house, since I don't want to risk getting down our scary stairs and steep driveway, and I'm not relishing car rides either as I can only sit sideways in a vehicle's backseat.
5. As long as I'm yammering away ... Considering the alternative (surgery), things are pretty good here even though my leg splint weighs me down literally and figuratively. It's a knee mobilizer contraption that surrounds my whole leg, contains several metal rods, and is held in place by six Velcro belts cinched to make sure I don't bend my fractured knee one iota. It's both a comfort and a burden. I can feel it's weight even when laying down, and the rest of me is getting free weight-bearing activity as I get up, down and around. I'm sleeping well, too, with the magic of drugs. I even take naps now (taking a page out of the playbook of Cindy in the South).
Wow, MB, this sounds like a nasty fracture--but it also sounds as if you're coping with it as well as possible. Best wishes for as speedy a recovery as possible.
Thank you, A. Marie!
Feel better MB. I hope you heal quickly and your ordeal is over soon. It must be frustrating to be so immobilized.
Oh my!! I hope you heal quickly & are able to rest & enjoy the help you’re getting from family & friends. Take care
Thank you, Jill and Diane!
I love your patio! Sitting outside is the best!
My son's MIL has some vintage baking dishes with lids and she can't find any family to take them. I told her all about you and how you make money on things like that. I may have convinced her to sell them on Ebay.
Your backyard is so welcoming. I haven't set up my sit spot under the big apple tree as it is still blooming and dropping petals. Can't wait!
Took the guest bath lace valance down to clean as the Spring spiders like to make a condo out of it. Used the new-to-me soft broom to sweep the ceilings and light fixtures.
Bought a motorcycle helmet at a garage sale with tags on it, listed it and someone is meeting me at the sheriff's office to pick up.
Mixed up hummingbird nectar, scrubbed their feeders.
Enjoyed a bright sunrise yoga stretch with the neighbor, by the time I brewed a pot of tea, it was perfectly high cloudy day. We enjoyed our tea and jam toast next to the woodstove.
Have a happy Monday!
1. I went to work jet lagged but did remember to pack a pbj sandwich!
2. I made a salad with lettuce and onions that I grew in my front yard. Also added avocado, grape tomatoes, cucumber, mushrooms, and made a homemade dressing that consisted of mayo, plain yogurt, garlic, spices and pickle juice.
3. I walked an hour VERY early this morning before work in an attempt to get rid of the jet lag.
4. I groomed my eyebrows outside in the sun bc I hate our power company and will do anything I can to slash my power bill. I also raised my windows to let the breeze flow through the house.
5. I hope to sit out in my yard tonight because I paid for this place, still pay taxes on it, and I am going to enjoy it!!!!
1. I recently salvaged hydrangeas from a dumpster at Aldi. Only five or six plants made it. The rest were not going to make it. I have slowly loosened most of the dirt to salvage. I have about a tote of nice potting soil now.
2. My vincas went to seed and I have slowly collected the seeds and thrown some in my Summer flower bed. I also received free zinnia and sunflower seeds from some giveaways from businesses and have incorporated them in my Summer flower bed as well.
Last Summer I was very tight on money and sowed everything by hand and had an amazing turn out in my little flower garden. I hope this years is just as colorful.
3. I went to Target and bought clearance meat including steak, pork roast, and chicken thighs. I froze the pork. We will eat well this week with steak and chicken.
4. I received a $20 digitial gift card for the Walking Spree app on my phone from work. Trying to decide if I want to do a Walmart or Target card for groceries, or get a restaurant card and treat myself and my son for a cheap eat out night.
5. The book bag drive I run is coming up in July. We are working on collecting donations of school supplies. I keep an eye for great clearance finds. I got a $20 off $100 or more online purchase from Staples coupon in my email today. I found they discounted wide ruled paper at .74 a package. I was recently given $100 gift from a neighbor for the drive. I did the math with the discount and am able to order 163 packages of paper total for $100 after the $20 discount, with free shipping. It's a bit less than half the paper we need but puts a huge dent in the number. I'm excited for it as a win.
I’m also sending good thoughts to Ted and the rest of Lindsay’s family at the loss of her. May their memories help them through their grief.
I had 3 friends come from three states (one was WV but still about an hour away) to spend the weekend. One stayed in a hotel, but two stayed with me. I made a ham dinner on Friday night, and my husband made a delicious pasta dish on Saturday. We all went out for brunch on Saturday and had doughnuts and toast for breakfast on Sunday. Two of my friends sprang for pizza on Sunday afternoon as it is a local place, and all my college friends want it when they come back to visit.
One friend brought a bag of hand-me-down clothes to share that had already been through her SIL, her niece, and her. I found about 10 items to keep, including some nice pants for work.
I have been trying to do better about actually eating real food for breakfast and lunch, but I hated the thought of making lunch today. But I managed to make lunch out of some leftover chicken heated up with some shredded cheese on it and some blackberries.
We visited my friend’s bookstore on Saturday, Independent Bookstore Day, and my bestie won a gift card for audio books. I used the last of my store credit to get three books for myself and three for my granddaughter. We walked around our college campus, and they purchased things at the bookstore. I bought two postcards to send to friends who collect them.
I am so sorry to hear of Lindsey's passing. I am fairly recent here, but I did have the pleasure of reading some of her wonderful posts.
Katy, your yard is so warm and welcoming. A very good place to spend a summer evening, I am sure.
I was treated to lunch today, along with my visiting son. Tomorrow we will be going up north to my brother's house (just for a day) and I'll be treating while on the road, but I'm sure my brother will have a nice supper for us.
I visited a new little free library today and scored a copy of Lessons in Chemistry. I've been wanting to read it, but forgetting to put it on hold at the library.
When I told my ex I couldn't fit ice cube trays in my small freezer, he insisted on ordering a tabletop ice maker as an early Christmas present. He insists it's hard to choose presents at Christmas and would prefer to buy them when he sees a need. I'm not complaining. (We do exchange Christmas presents even though we are divorced, as we both celebrate together with our children).
Having leftover stir fry for dinner.
Nice to hear you and your ex put your differences aside to celebrate Christmas with your kids. I can tell you with certainty your kids will always remember this. My divorced parents did the same and I can tell you, it has made all the difference. I'm so grateful they put the past aside and were friendly and respectful to each other. Your kids will feel the same.
A. Marie thank you for sharing the news about Lindsey. She was a remarkable woman and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of her posts (I am a longtime lurker on this blog). I cried while reading her self-written obituary knowing those were definitely her last words. Truly a life well lived!
I’m sad to learn of Lindsey’s death. I so enjoyed her comments.
In today’s list of frugal things:
1. Had my routine teeth cleaning today. Keeping the old chompers healthy is frugal.
2. Stopped at WaWa on the way home as I had an offer for a sub for $1! I split it w hubby for dinner and added chips, apple slices and raw veggies with dip
3. Spotted a free pile a few blocks from my house. Scored two small pet carriers (I will donate them to a local cat rescue), a nice heavy sauce pan, three storage baskets, three collapsible storage boxes, a few small wooden boxes for storage, and I got a really nice small metal end table for a friend and she is also taking the stack of flower pots I picked up.
4. Spent the beautiful afternoon spray painting our deck furniture. It was all free and after we have used them for several years they were in need of some sprucing up. Yea for spray paint!
5. Let our god daughter and her friends use our hot tub. She really wanted to go swimming but didn’t want to pay to do that. So using the hot tub saved her and her friends money and I’m siesta happy when the hot tub gets used!
Love the Libby app! I am a non-fiction reader. I recently finished “Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans,” about the band’s road manager and jack-of-all-trades. I recommend. I retired a year ago so I have a lot more time for one of my favorite free hobbies now.
Well it appears that there were many more than 3 or 4 ppl who would have honored her. People who have never even met her were touch by her. She sounds like she has a full life and touch many. Peace to you and your husband
Lindsey must have been an extraordinary person. Her self-published obituary is so insightful. When my husband died last year, we had decided on no obituary and no service/memorial. I did post on his Facebook page for his many friends and coworkers. We're not religious, so there was no service there either. I have taken his ashes to our favorite places here in N. California, Bodega Bay, New Brighton State Beach( by Santa Cruz), and of course, Lake Tahoe.
I hope there are just good memories for her husband of their life together.
I'm so sorry to hear about Lindsey's passing - what a lovely obituary & a life enjoyed & celebrated. Peace to her family & friends.
Frugal things:
1) A woman on Buy Nothing is clearing out her parents home. She offered a bunch of things & for everything without takers in the initial round, she added that she was fine with people taking & reselling. I picked up four items. No clue how easy it will be to resell any of them, but I did some research, so will try this free experiment.
2) Made lunch for myself & DS20, and had leftovers for dinner.
3) Reading library books for free on my Kindle.
4) Realized we were out of toilet paper (this has never happened to me in my adult life - I'm pretty confident that I added it to the digital shopping list, as I always do when we use up the second to the last package & it got accidentally deleted) & went to the grocery store. While the prices were more than Costco for sure, found two digital coupons to apply, making it half of the originally listed price. I am not a fan of digital coupons that you have to clip, but hey, definitely going to do it to save $4.
5) Continuing to plan our energy usage around peak/non-peak hours, including using the dishwasher delay setting.
*Bonus - helping DS19 look for summer jobs, helping DS20 with additional applications.
Posting anonymously for privacy... if allowed.
My on again off again significant other decided to contact me this Friday after a month long break up with no contact. I waited but contacted him with a text Sunday, no response. Then I called yesterday. We spoke for an hour. Not much has changed. He did however finish refinancing his house and offered to help me out financially with things as I've been in a legal battle with family for three years over my mother's care and now her estate. I could be in court for years to come as my siblings are challenging her will.
I sought legal guidance about bankruptcy but was told that no filing would proceed until the estate closed, so I would essentially just freeze my credit and not be able to utilize it anymore until a judgement was made. I was told, just wait this out and file afterward if you still need to.
I'm in about 70k of debt. He could substantially help me. But he is not saying, let's get back together, let's work it out. The relationship has been very rocky for the last year as I found he had p*rn addiction and was crossing the line online with several women including buying them gifts and giving them money. I am deeply in debt and considering bankruptcy. He refinanced his home to cut his consumer debt and interest rates. I dont believe he ever gave up his addiction even though he says he did. It breaks my heart because for about a year of the two year relationship I thought he was my forever.
He is mysterious and untrustworthy. On Christmas we had a fight where he got physical with me. He's not asking me to get back together with him, but strangely offered to help me financially. He was very invested in helping me with things with my mother and son before and did financially put a lot into what I had going on. I am tempted to say help me, because it would alleviate some stress from my life. I have been running after 0% interest cards for 3 years, working part time jobs, dumpster diving, and buying food on clearance and coupons. I dont qualify for financial help due to my income of about 50k a year. I drive a 24 year old car. I cant keep up wtih things. I'm financially drowning. But I dont know what strings would be attached with his offer. And even if there are no strings attached, I dont know that this would be morally right. On the other hand, because of his addictive personality, if he didn't spend money on me, he would still spend it on someone else....
What would you do? Take him up on the financial help, or walk away? He offered to make my monthly credit card payments so I could breathe. He asked about helping pay for my attorney as well.
Dear Anonymous:
I am not a trained counselor, and it sounds like you could use someone for personal and financial help. I am so sorry you are in these situations.
Read what you wrote again in a few days. Is he worth it? He got physical with you? He is mysterious and untrustworthy? What are you and he demonstrating to your son? You are worth more than this.
Whatever you do, including with the estate, document EVERYTHING. Keep emails, texts, records of meetings and phone calls that discuss what is planned, and keep written receipts. If you tie yourself to this man with finances, even if he says it is free money, get signed statements that say you are under no obligation to him. Do not let him access your accounts directly. That he will spend the money on someone anyway is irrelevant. You are not responsible for him.
Take time and know that it took a long time to build up debt, it might take a long time to get out. But you can.
Dear Heidi, Thank you. In the last two years I have had three legal trials and multiple other court appearances related that have accrued about 200k in legal bills. I was debt free before this except my mortgage. It's a terrible place to be in and I didn't want to be here.
Dear Anonymous,
The fact that he has gotten physical with you, even once, should be a deal breaker. You said he was mysterious and untrustworthy. I would add dangerous to that. I believe he may be trying to "buy" you with the offer of money, that you will accept his behavior because of the cash. For your own safety, end it now. If you keep going with this guy, not only your physical safety is in danger, but he will ruin your self-esteem and self-respect.
As to your money issues, many of us have been right where you are now or still are. I would say: stay on this blog for ideas on managing your money, go to other blogs...the Frugal Girl is great...read The Tightwad Gazette and call a free credit counseling service. I did and they gave me lots of good ideas. I wish you the best.
I would kick his butt to the curb. He is unsafe, not trust worthy and creepy. You can do this on your own. Yes seek counseling for yourself and your finances.
Anon, I think the "interest" that would come with any financial help from this man would be too high a price to pay. He does not sound like a positive part of your life, and while I understand that the mental weight of debt is heavy, the thoughts about it can be pervasive, you don't want to exchange some of that for a different challenge. Someone who is abusive in any form is not someone you want to invite back into your life. You got a gift when he left. A lot of people have to work hard to cut an abuser from their life.
Don't consider the aspect of he'll be spending the money anyway...that is a irrelevant to your situation. Walk away. You don't need this kind of "help", strings or no strings attached. This is him trying to edge his way back in as a hero and that's bull----. If you're still struggling with this decision and situation, keep posting here as Anon and get the support you need each day.
You got this. It may seem like the debt is just crushing you, but you will make it through this without his so-called help. It raises alarm bells.
He refused to meet with me yesterday and claimed I was pressuring him regarding seeing each other in person. Then wouldn't return my calls. This has been the last year of the two years I have known him. I blocked his number and social media. When he's bored he will find a way...
May Lindsey's memory be a blessing to those who knew or knew of her...