Five Frugal Things -- My Name's Not Blake!
1. I thrifted this adorable hand knitted Christmas stocking for just $2.99, even though my name is most definitely not "Blake!" Unlike a needlepoint stocking where the stitching can be picked out, this name was imbedded into the structure.
Luckily I have multiple bags of embroidery wool and a lot of free time.
I ended up chain stitching some Christmas trees over the lettering, which accomplished my goal of obscuring the personalization. We've invited our daughter's girlfriend over for Christmas morning, so this extra stocking will be put to good use. I know it turned out lumpy, but I still think it's cute.
2. I woke up to this nice little $75 eBay sale, which is fantastic since I thrifted the backgammon board last week for just $4.50. I'll definitely need to create a Frankenbox, but that's okay since the profit margins on this one are where I like them to be.
What's interesting is that this stone game board was next to an equally lovely chess/checkers stone board, which I didn't consider buying it as it was priced at $19.99. Additionally, backgammon is a more unusual game and it's better to be the seller with the rare item.
3. I baked the second pumpkin from my next door neighbor, which resulted in ten full cups of pumpkin puree for the freezer. Mind you, this is after draining off the extra liquid.
4. My youngest painted a memorial stone for where we buried Zelda in the backyard. They used a stone and art supplies we already owned.
5. I gave $9.99 tins of Trader Joe's Jingle-Jangle mix to both my mail carrier and the local LGBTQ+ health care clinic. I know that many people won't eat homemade food from strangers and I wanted to make sure to thank these people who serve their communities in the very best way.
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. I listed a whole bunch of stuff brought back from my son's house. Not only have they recouped a lot of money from stuff I've sold for them, it has also inspired them to do some selling of their own. I love seeing the frugal practices filter down the generations. All 3 of my adult children are pretty frugal. We thoroughly enjoyed our no-gifts-for-the-adults Christmas celebration last week.
2. Celebrated our daughter's promotion last night. Meal at home and a movie.
3. Made sure I listed all the toys that my son's family were passing on. This is the time when families may be looking for toys as gifts. I have 2 buyers lined up to come today. It makes me happy because I only list things in excellent condition and I know someone is getting a bargain and giving their child much joy.
4. Asked for a puzzle board on buy nothing. Waiting to see if anyone replies...
5. Picked up a small bag of new menstrual supplies offered on Buy Nothing. I have no need, but I like to be prepared for anyone visiting.
My husband asked for a particular book in a series for Christmas. He had no idea about the price. Turns out the cheapest I could find it for (used) was $110. No thanks! He's getting a Nook card instead since he can get it for $9.99 that way.
Redeemed my Fetch points for $50 Chewy. Free cat litter and food once again.
I used my Thriftbooks credit and only paid .24 for some Christmas gifts. TB doesn't give as much credit as the big used book store 2 hours away, but I'm sitting on a bunch of credit to that store already because they don't often have the books I want.
This year we gifted my sister a paid off medical bill. The only frugal part of that is we went to the hospital in person and paid it in full, so they gave us 25% off, which was a significant amount of money.
I bought a new garbage disposal for my mom's Christmas gift. It's something she wants so I'm happy to get it. I went across the border to the next state (just a few miles) and got the item for the same price as here but less sales tax. While there I also did my Kroger shopping since there's no sales tax on groceries.
Susan,
You are a gold medal gift giver with a black belt in frugality! Santa has nothing on you! Paying your sister's medical bill will greatly improve her life, as not having to worry about affording that awful hospital bill will no doubt help her health. I'm sure your Mom will thank you every time she uses that disposal. And you saved a lot of money on both, along with the books and Nook card! May God bless you and your DH for your generosity.
That’s so kind of you to say. I was so happy to be able to do it for her!
What wonderful gifts you give. I can't imagine how grateful your sister is and how wonderful that you saved by paying the hospital in person.
I add my loud cheers to the other commenters' for your paying off your sister's medical bill. I bet a **lot** of folks would be over the moon to get a gift like that instead of the usual holiday junk. Hands across the miles to you!
I'm with the other posters - well done, you! What an awesome gift for our sister.
That stocking redo is as cute as it is clever! From the photo, you can't tell a name was ever on there. The row of Christmas trees are just perfect for the design. The gal pal ought to feel right at home!
Yesterday, I strolled around the new arts & crafts "mall." I didn't buy anything, but saw several good things I can create at home, with items I already have and don't need. My goal is to make gifts for the young couple who invited me to hang out at their place on the 25th. They like vintage items and I have plenty. Leftover from my ill-fated biz venture at being an antique mall vendor. Hope it's not illegal to "shoplift" ideas! (Oh, and I scouted out some holiday earrings that I will look at again, when I go to their After-Christmas sale....)
I have given up on trying to find my lost cell phone. A coworker tells me she buys used/refurbished phones from Schmeff Schmezos on that big website. I may also look at what Wallyworld has to offer. Any advice as to what model to get? Which service provider to use?
Just as long as 'strolling through the arts & crafts fair' doesn't mean commenting loudly, "I could make that much better/easier/cheaper!" My mom used to do that regularly -- including telling the table person just how she would do it. I tried and tried...but she often insisted that she was "helping" the boothholder by doing it.
Embarrassing...but I still miss her and her wonderful sugar cookies and banket this time of year. Mine just don't taste the same.
No, I kept my mouth shut.
Remember, I used to be a vendor myself.
Frugal Lisa and Cindy Brick, re: keeping one's thoughts on price/ability to make the product @ craft fairs. I once saw the BEST sign displayed, by an artist @ a craft fair, "Yes you can, but will you?"
Recalling the sign has helped me keep my mouth shut many times.
Hi Fru-gal Lisa, I don't have advice on a phone make or model, but I have had good luck buying refurbished phones from backmarket.com as an alternative to the Schmeff Schmezos website. They have a good warranty and return period and are reputable. Best of luck!
Oh-- I do have a strong recommendation for the MVNO phone providers, depending on where you live as the service coverage varies. But things like Mint, Ultra Mobile, Pure Talk, etc. are all much cheaper than plans through the big carriers, and they use the same networks so the coverage is similar (you can check online). I think you need an unlocked phone to do this option, but in the long run it saves a ton of money.
Thank you, Lindsay B.! I will definitely check out Backmarket!
I really like Samsung products. I had my first phone for 13 years. Can you tell I am not a techy? When I had to replace it, I decided to try a refurbished phone. Have had mixed results. I live in Arizona. My phone keeps thinking I live in Nevada or California. Nothing catastrophic, mostly quirky and annoying. As far as carriers go, I have a beef with T-Mobile. I used to have Verizon. Had great service and loved it. Just couldn't afford it. I went with Mint Mobile and have regretted it since day 1 and every day since. I was assured by the reps at the Asian call center that my city is 100% covered by the T-Mobile towers which Mint Mobile uses. Reality is that I live in a dead zone. T-Mobile customers get the tower "power" first. If there is any left it is shared by the Mint users. My calls are constantly dropped. Texts routinely are not sent immediately, but minutes to an hour late. I can sometimes, not always, get on the internet between 10 and 4 or 5 at night. I was kind of planning on sleeping then. That is not all, but broad strokes. FG Kristen loves Mint. But where I live is more rural. My city is between Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. So do your deligence about nailing your coverage. Good luck!!
1. A friend had mentioned the optometrist's office in town has an AARP discount on lenses and frames, not appointments, and that saved me a couple hundred dollars on my new glasses, (very strong prescription and trifocals, nothing I would ever trust to an online glasses store because they rarely come out right the first time).
2. Continuing my mission to keep USPS in business, I sent out Christmas cards. I have enough left over, (from sales, yard sales, etc.) for next year.
3. Used return address labels with, um, enthusiastic holiday drawings from children at the regional children's hospital. Free to me because I don't know how they got my name and don't donate, but I will advertise for them by using the stickers.
4. Still haven't brought out much for holiday decorating. Have an artificial wreath that I add scrounged greenery to, to fill it out, that I will get outside now that we have a lull in the wet weather.
5. Listening to "Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack by the Vince Garaldi trio on YouTube while I check in online. Tried George Winston "December", but that was too somber for today-- the sun is out!
Apologies: The correct spelling is Vince Guaraldi, the jazz pianist for Peanuts. I love what I call "Peanuts Walking Music!".
I love that Peanuts music, too!
That stocking looks great. I would have never thought to do that.
1. I sold several things on Ebay including a Christmas stocking with the name DAD stitched into it.
2. I clipped my dogs nails which is a frequent flier frugal win.
3. My car got run over by a deer. The deer walked away, thankfully. I have a couple dents and a nick in the paint. I am having it repaired since it's a new car. The deductible is only $100 since it falls under comprehensive and it won't raise my rates.
4. I borrowed my old car from my son-in-law for the week that I am without. I'll wash it and fill it with gas before I give it back. It's cheaper than a rental.
5. I purchased some nice bath towels at an estate sale for my daughter. She had a need for some. The two items I purchased to flip will more than pay for what I spent.
Also, I love the memorial stone your youngest made for Zelda.
Me too, Jill A. If Katy's youngest ever wants to start a sideline in pet memorial stones, I think they'll do very well.
1. We had snow and ice on the ground for much of the week so I didn't run errands/spend money until today. Shoveling and dealing with an icy driveway added to my free exercise this week.
2. I listed some items on Freecycle in hopes others can enjoy some frugal items this holiday season.
3. I made a pot of tortilla soup using the remains of a rotisserie chicken.
4. DH has the day off so we stopped in Grocery Outlet and grabbed some cheap healthy-ish snacks.
5. An older friend needs to gain weight. I asked him if he has a favorite cookie. I will bake him some sugar cookies before I see him on Tuesday.
Love the stocking revamp and the memorial stone.
1. Installed baseboard in a bedroom closet using remnants from a remodeling project.
2. Received 10 Christmas cards from Buy Nothing. Used one as a thank you card and will save the rest for next year.
3. Used a $10 gift card from Red Cross for dog medications from Chewy.
4. Stopped at the consignment shop and received the final payout - 95 cents. I'm rich!
5. Friend treated me to a belated birthday lunch where we talked for four hours (it was a slow day at the restaurant). As we were leaving, the staff offered us free baked goods, as they would not be selling anymore that day. We limited ourselves to one croissant each, knowing that the rest would be given to employees and then charity.
Love the stocking, Katy. It turned out so well.
1. Trying to eat down the fridge before I head to my parents' for the week - means lots of random meals.
2. I participated in a cookie exchange for the first time ever. I made lemon shortbread cookies with ingredients I had on hand (flour and sugar were bought on sale, and butter is from my partner's job at a steep discount), and got a really nice variety to use for the holidays.
3. A friend and I wanted to get together for Christmas. I decided to host her here instead of going out. We finished off a bottle of wine that had been opened over the weekend during a party (and had been gifted to us), and ate Christmas cookies.
4. Adding things to a wish list in my notes app instead of buying them as things come up that I want, or feel like I need (a really nice winter wool coat being one thing - I have a full on parka, but nothing nice to wear to nice events). I review the list every few months and usually end up deleting most of what I added. The things I keep on the list, I work to source used or on sale from a small business.
5. Crocheting Christmas presents for my nieces (a specific request from them!) and using yarn and tools that I have on hand. I do need 2 pairs of safety eyes, which I sourced from my Buy Nothing group. I'm going to pick them up this weekend.
Inventoried the non grocery items today. We should make it thru first quarter of 2026 as we have ample cleaning supplies, paper products, personal care, detergents. We had our nurse house call visit so well each get $50 incentive from United Healthcare which will be great to buy groceries post holiday. Mailed a few more cards and will do the balance tomorrow
I love the kitty memorial stone.
Do you know about Martie's? They're offering a bunch of your Bonne Maman fruit spreads at half-off. I couldn't help but think of you.
https://martie.com/collections/bonne-maman?utm_source=klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12192025_email_brand-spotlight_pantry_engaged-30-daily-deal-recipients&utm_pid=01GCWVXVF1F0V2Y0JYG2Q6JS82&_kx=WZSa0CbidII3naTCiGLK7iwTNr0KOfy-eLJoRjqH4IA.T8mapc
My sister invited me to the Nutcracker in a big city capitol tomorrow. This morning, she posted a picture of the very fancy dress she's planning to wear to the ballet *tonight.* Egads, wrong day, plus I wasn't planning to dress nearly so formally. A new med I'm in means I can avoid chemo and radiation, but I've gained 20 pounds!
I needed to stop by the thrift (I forgot my jacket there after my shift yesterday). I poked around and found a red jeans jacket for me ($7.50 - brand new) and a lovely gown -for my sister- as it was too tight for me - for $9.00. I did find my sentimental jacket before someone priced it and put it out for sale. I decided to shop my closet. I have blisters on the soles of my feet from wearing the wrong socks on a long walk, so fancy heels aren't in the cards anyway.
I am going with my sister and three of her friends. From supplies I had on hand, I made up theater kits: a travel pack of facial tissues, three cough drops in paper, not crinkly plastic, and three Hershey's Kisses. I placed the goodies in recycled organdy pouches. My sister doesn't eat chocolate or refined sugar, so I put sugar-free cough drops, tissue, a mini sunscreen and a new roll of scotch tape in hers.
Off to go shop the closet!
Your Son is very talented. I love Zelda’s memorial stone!
Hi Sandy, Yes, I agree Katy’s youngest is a fantastic artist! I’m not sure you noticed in #4 above but Katy’s youngest is non-binary so using the term “son” to refer to them is insensitive at best. I’m sure you did not intend to be offensive when complimenting their Zelda’s memorial stone which is why I am bringing it your attention.
It's okay, we're all doing our best.
Zelda's stone is so sweet! And that is such a clever revamp of the Blake stocking.
I went grocery shopping with a bunch of good digital coupons and saved around $10 off the total. Mended a little hole in a fitted sheet with some very thin sewing thread, so as to avoid the mend being stronger than the old fabric around it and ripping out. DH helped with cat grooming by holding her while I clippered her back end for hygiene reasons. Read a couple of $1.99 books for book club.
@Ruby also known as the sanitary trim.
I managed to erase my comment again! lol. Let me try again.
1. Drive up and put flowers on my mom’s grave. I bought gas for $2.21 a gallon in college town which is much better than where I live where it is $2.99 a gallon.
2. I packed my breakfast so I would not have to stop and eat.
3. I walked in my neighborhood when I got back.
4. My uncle used to bring family large bags of unshelled pecans for Christmas. Piggly Wiggly (The Pig) had a huge bag for $3.99, so I got some small paper bags to divide them out and that is what I am distributing to family in honor of our uncle.
5. The independent contractor my town has hired to fix our sewer lines was around the side street and I politely ran up and asked when could they come fix my sewer bc I am having issues now. They called and put me on the emergency list and are supposed to fix it tomorrow ( Saturday) and fingers crossed it happens!
I love the pecan idea! What a great way to honor and remember him.
I love Zelda's stone. I have a stone for my sweet kitty that passed in Sept, but I am not an artist...just his name and dates.
I picked up my 50 lbs of cracked Gilbert's from the dryer. Family will get 1 gallon bags. Last year it was gleaned walnuts.
Not glad to be out in the horrible no good torrential rains on Thursday. We got 3 3/4 inches. I have a weather station in the back yard, it said over 4 inches. This old enamel pot was placed away from any trees and I think it is more accurate.
All of my townie friends brought loads of branches and debris all day, it was a full day!
Such a clever fix for the knitted stocking.
Was one of 20 chainsaw operators to help community members clear trees from their yards. We cleaned up 15 properties.
Tomorrow we are volunteering for toys for tots. Wrapping. I've been making bike bows for a week at night while watching movies. I pick up ribbon at estate sales.
I rescued a 70 ft stretch of cedar fencing that got obliterated by huge pine tree boughs. Enough kindling for next year's give away fire starter bundles.
Your stocking fix is super cute!! Love it!
Kitchen stuff: I have processed a rotisserie chicken to the fullest, making several lunches, freezing some meat, and making broth, which is also in the freezer.
I made dip from sour cream and mayo which needed to be used, and chopped pickled artichokes and pepperoncini.
I bought sushi at Sam's -- not terribly frugal, but certainly cheaper than restaurant sushi.
Bad weather is keeping me inside, safe and sound and not spending.
1. Biggest frugal thing for us is that my lovely 90 year old father paid for my winter tires. He insisted, and said that since we have to drive an hour to see him, on what is considered by some to be a treacherous highway (it isn't really), then he wanted to make sure I am safe. As he is approaching the end of his life, he is enjoying gifting his children things where he gets to see their appreciation.
2. Bought two gorgeous Hawaiian shirts at my favourite thrift store for a total of $6, and sold them both very quickly for $50. Who new those shirts were so popular with middle aged men?
3. My younger sister had my older sister and me over for a holiday lunch. She made lovely baked salmon and a kale and beet salad. We enjoyed gingerale and some goodies for dessert.
4. Sold a beautiful pair of Joseph Seibel boots to a friend for my cost, as I had bought them to resale, but they hadn't gone, and I knew she would love them. Frugal for her, and something out of my house.
5. Not doing any gift giving at all, except for the two grandchildren. I feel weird about not buying for DD and DSIL, so I have bought consumables like coffee, chocolate, maple syrup, nuts, some foreign beers, crackers, cheese, etc. She'll probably be mad at me, as we said "no gifts" but I'll say its food to celebrate the holidays. She and I will roast a chicken on Christmas day for dinner, and it will only be me, DD and DH as DSIL will be working. I look forward to spending time with her cooking together, and not having to travel anywhere.
Hawaiian shirts are popular again? Thanks for that tip!
I love that your father is wanting to treat you to a big expense, that's so sweet.
I know right? There were a lot for sale on Marketplace. I think it helped that they were really good quality, appeared to be new, and were in XXL and 2XL sizes. I haved learned from a reseller on Youtube that clothing for men is even more desirable when its in the larger sizes.
My dad is very sweet, he has always been generous to us. He is even more so, I think, because he is so appreciative of all the help he is getting from family, which in fact enables him to remain in his own home.
We did a south Caribbean cruise out of Puerto Rico last month (frugally of course!), and most of the guys were in Hawaiian style shirts. I had no idea they were popular again either! But so colorful and fun in that climate.
Well done on the sale of the backgammon board. That's a nice win.
1) Bought a rotisserie chicken, which will become at least three dinners. Froze the bones, which I will use to make broth & then chicken noodle soup.
2) Was able to change DS18's flight back to college for $15, which was worth it, as he will likely get to work an extra day.
3) I didn't quit my job in a rage of frustration & did a lot of deep breathing & walks around the block to stay employed.
4) Moved money around so we can add funds to the boys IRAs as part of their Christmas gifts, and I will put money in my IRA as well.
5) Continued to feed many, many, many teens at our house, which saves them a lot of money.
Bonus: the teens are working a lot of shifts at the restaurant, which means more money for them.
That stocking is adorable! What a great glow up. I think it would look even cuter if you did the same to the other trees that are lower down. They look boring in comparison to their fancier upper tree friends now.
Sweet tribute to your sweet Zelda. I'm sorry for your loss.
A few frugals:
My 16 year old wanted to go thrifting yesterday, and I actually found 2 items on my mom's potential gift list that were new in box. One of those is a kitchen unitasker, she has went back and forth on whether she should get it or not, but for $6 at the thrift store she can try it and give it away if she decides she doesn't like it.
I found two 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles (my oldest is home from college and he and the middle schooler have been hanging out and gossiping over puzzles.) The kids started one last night, and the other is holiday themed and we will save for Christmas Day.
I try to pay $5 or less for puzzles, and when we're done with them I list them on Marketplace for $5. To paraphrase Katy, it's hard to get ahead when all your money is tied up in jigsaw puzzles!
The 16 year old has been thrifting for a stained glass lamp for his room, and has no idea I found a Tiffany style one 2 months ago that will be under the tree on Christmas morning. He already got his other 2 gifts when he found them at estate sales last month (he collects uranium glass and depression glass), but I can't wait for him to see the lamp!