Five Frugal Things -- Sushi Bowls & Cheap Wine
1) The above ad for Powell's Books came across my feed, so I tapped the link for fresh reading ideas. I probably put five of their books recommendations on hold at the library, which'll start to trickle in over the next few months. As long as I regularly put random books on hold, I always have something to read.
By the way, Emma Straub's This Time Tomorrow is one of my favorite books, so her new book was the first to put on hold!
2) I dropped a check at the credit union and helped myself to a couple of hard candies from a bowl.
3) I started reading a library copy of Charlotte McConaghy's Wild Dark Shore, which took a few chapters to take hold, but is now under my skin.
4) I assembled a yummy sushi bowl-ish lunch, which used up a bag of "crab" and leftover rice. The green at the back of the bowl is wasabi, which gave this meal a zesty kick.
Perfect hearty lunch that'll keep me sated until dinner.
5) My sister bought some random five buck wine to bring to a neighbor's game night, but it turned out to be a big hit. She later learned that her neighbors went to her liquor store with the specific purpose of buying up the rest of their stock.
Everyone involved thinks this is hilarious and now I want to meet her neighbors.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
1. I made another pot of lentil soup. It used up part of a can of crushed tomatoes, the dregs of a jar of marinara sauce, and some quinoa. It is being stored in glass jars that originally held sunflower butter.
2. It's hot and we've been waking up early so have walked before sunrise. Yesterday was trash day and we brought home a couple of weighted hula hoops . We were not sure what they were but they didn't look like they should go in the landfill (thank you Google images). They are in very good shape though the premise, that they help you get fit and lose weight, I find questionable. If we won't use them I will give them away.
3. I had my annual physical, with blood work, on Tuesday. Everything is fine. I had my annual mammogram yesterday and everything is fine. Keeping on top of health can be frugal.
4. I have been listening to digital audio books borrowed from the library. I am currently listening to Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg. So far I am enjoying it. I am reading Yin, Yang, Yogini which I borrowed from a Little Free Library.
5. I bought a Zift Zillions gift card at the grocery store. The promotion provided 8 reward points for every dollar spent. The card can be redeemed for some useful gift cards. I also found $.35 in the Coin Star, a very rare occurrance these days.
I find that no matter how I space out the holds, they all come in at once!
There is a book on hold for me right now, but I did not leave my condo today, except for a brief walk to pick up a package, and then I went around to the basement to retrieve my pedestal fan from my storage closet. It's been hot the last few days, but now that I'm armed and ready with my fan, a cold front is moving in. We are under a tornado watch until 11 pm. The trees are starting to sway right now, but I'm not hearing any sirens. I'm definitely keeping watch.
I had chicken broth to freeze today, but didn't want to freeze a large chunk, so I froze cubes. I have since bagged them, and now I'm ready to make homemade soup one bowl at a time.
I received the furniture risers I bought from an eBay seller, and they look just right. I won't know for sure until my son comes to help, however. I can't tip a refrigerator by myself. (The plan is to level the fridge by using two risers in front).
No real frugalities today, except that by staying home, I'm spending nothing. I'm enjoying my library book, The Astral Library, by Kate Quinn.
That Hold Avalanche gets me, particularly since my library (ahem) 'upgraded' their online system and it is very annoying to view holds 5 books at a time. With a lot of wingeing I succeeded in getting the link for the 'simple' online catalog, however I think I have to search for that link again so I remember to USE IT!. The simple one lets me freeze the books in batches, making it much easier to peruse my holds and unfreeze those that are getting close to the availability window.
1. Redeemed points for a free medium pizza at Domino's.
2. Using up the bag of Dr Elsey's cat litter left behind after DD2 and her husband visited with their two kitties. They didn't want to schlep the remaining litter back home and my kitty isn't fussy about her litter box "dirt".
3. Redeemed Fetch points for a $50 gift card. DH wants a specialty HBA item and this will more than cover the cost.
4. Checking the Coin Star at the grocery store netted $2.01 So yes, I came into money!
5. Cleaning out the freezer and using up various cuts of meat (most purchased at from the discount bin at 50% off).
I actually have 5 things to share today!
1. Scheduled a small grocery delivery for early this morning. Technically frugal because delivery is free over $30 & within 5 miles of the store AND it prevents me from picking up a ton of random impulse buys. (It also meant tht I *had* to get up & dressed, which keeps me from sleeping all day)
2. Chose 5 new recipes from my collection to try this weekend/next week. I had most of the ingredients for them already, so the missing items were part of my grocery order. (Did this at 2 a.m. which kinda makes it today) Happily, several of them had a missing ingredient in common and that meant I'll use it up with no waste.
3. Had to run a string of errands and plotted my route to make a loop instead of darting around.
4. Resisted the urge to stop and grab a quick bite while I was out. Came home & made a tuna sandwich and ate it with some grapes. Have enough tuna left for lunch tomorrow.
5. The odd layout of my apartment complex means that I have natural light most of the day but am not in full sunlight. I'm on the bottom floor and only need to run the ceiling fan to keep cool. It hit 90 here today & my goal is to NOT run the a/c for as long as I can!
Your last comment about the "cheap" wine your sister brought to a party brought to mind a Facebook post on our neighborhood page. The neighbor said that he and his wife had purchased a case of wine that they thought was very good when they did a tasting at a local winery. They had finally decided to just give the rest of the case, eight bottles, away since they thought the wine was terrible. He even said that he wondered if the winery might have switched bottles because he couldn't believe that it was the same wine they had enjoyed at the tasting. One neighbor offered to take all eight bottles, another said that she would take two and I offered to take two. The wine owner split it up between the three of us, 4,2, and 2. Personally I was really curious so opened mine up that night and had my daughter and her husband, both red wine drinkers, taste it with me. We all agreed that it was a delightful, full bodies red with a hint of smoke. There are a lot of possibilities as to why it tasted different to the neighbor offering to gift them to others, but it's also true that wine tasting can be a very individual experience.
This morning I went to the expensive grocery store and bought a $1.99 box of Rit laundry whitener to revive my non-cotton underclothes and socks, which pick up a dingy gray color over time. It smells like old timey perm solution but works great.
The hardware store gave me a $15 coupon and a couple of other small discounts on stuff for the garden. When I planted the tomatoes, peppers, basil and thyme today, I used my dad's trick of shading the baby plants with leafy twigs clipped from privet and other trash shrubs so that they aren't damaged by the sun.
Went to silent book club today, which is a fun, free activity for introverts and includes tea and snacks provided by the library. Bought a complete outfit at the homeless initiative thrift store for $8 earlier this week.
Ugh, the smell of perm solution is up there for one of the worst smells on earth!
Nowhere near a rotting potato, cat urine, decaying wildlife, or fresh skunk aroma (which is the worst). Perm is more in the ammonia category.
1. I went for my morning walk. Today I found an unused zip tie, 2 hair scrunchies, a dime and a Jansport backpack. It was garbage day and the backpack was layed on top for people to see. Nothing is wrong with it. The scrunchies and backpack are in my washing machine waiting for the next load.
2. I got a pair of Adidas marked down to $18. They were originally $80.
3. Hubby is keeping some of the wood from our old deck for future projects.
4. We are going on a cruise soon. We have been trying on our summer clothes to make sure we are good. Most of mine are from thrift stores or my sisters. Dresses for dinner are not a problem. My sister gives me so many dresses. I have my good flats from my daughters wedding last year. The one thing I did buy is a UV swim shirt. I have a lot of family members that have had skin cancer. The $30 is worth it to me. Everyone should get a full body check from a dermatologist.
5. We had leftovers for lunch and dinner. Hubby was still hungry so he made a hot dog.
Did the neighbors know it was cheap wine, or was it a pleasant surprise when they got to the liquor store?
1. I continue to be disenchanted with the meat in grocery stores around here, so we had tofu for dinner. It’s cheaper than meat!
2. I found 7 redeemable cans when I went for a walk.
3. I followed Katy’s example and went on eBay to find a duplicate pair of pants I love (but that I’ve worn out).
4. I’m reading a book on my Libby app.
5. I have a snag in my jeans, so I used an embroidery needle to pull it through to the other side so no one can tell.
They knew it was cheap wine, which was part of why they ran to her wine shop, which is also in their neighborhood.
1. The frugal-expenseive birthday dinner. I was able to hit my target to pay for a very pricey birthday dinner for my partner and his parents using only mystery shop proceeds. I was $8 under the total amount with tips, but since it was (gulp) over $400, I'll take that as a win (it is my partner and in-laws favorite restaurant - Fore Street in Portland, ME). In addition, I got another $400+ in free food, as the mystery shops that I focus on are grocery stores and restaurants. (One fail, thought, as I did a shop on the wrong day.... so not only did I not get paid, but I had to pay for a burger and fries out of pocket). So over $800 in 5 weeks, but it was a lot, in addition to my full-time job.
2. My partner and I have been grabbing lots of free receipts for Fetch, and in the last month, we cashed out 3 $25 gift certificates, which I use to purchase our coffee beans.
3. Partner had deli meat on the shopping list, but I checked, and there were mystery shops for deli meat, so today, I did two, and got $10 in free deli meat for his sandwiches, and pocketed a sweet additional $12. The grocery stores are within 2 miles of my house, and I had to go to my beloved Market Basket, which was located between them.
4. At Market Basket, they also had rotisserie chicken from yesterday, on sale for $2.99. It was 3.5 pounds. Grocery for the week is under $24.
5. Monday night's dinner at the in-laws (mid-coast Maine): leg of lamb stuffed with shallot, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, and anchovy, served with farro with shitaki and leeks, and a pea tendril and carrot ribbon salad (dressed with blood orange vinaigrette), sauteed summer squash. Dessert was pistachio ice cream with rosemary shortbread. The entire meal was $5 as it was cobbled together from free farm share, mystery shopping, my mom gifted me the lamb (she bought it on clearance and realized she is the only one who likes lamb). Even the oil and vinegar for the dressing was a Christmas gift. We did splurge on 18 oysters, but we bought them from the oyster farm (not included in the $5).
Bonus: we can bring out cats when we stay with them.
And, when I was in line at the grocery store, I checked my email, and there was a coupon for a free garlic bread at Stop & Shop, so I swung by on my way home. Served homemade meatballs and sauce over it for dinner.
Congratulations on reaching your goal for the special dinner! I've been following you in your journey toward the $400. Patience, determination and work really paid off for you. Glad you all enjoyed yourselves too!
1) A frugal fail first, I thought the cauliflower was priced per item when the price was per pound so it went from what I thought was cheap cauliflower to a bit expensive! I did make curried cauliflower soup with it so at least it didn’t go to waste.
2) I’m listening to an audiobook from the library that I think was recommended in the comments here, The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. I’m really enjoying it!
3) Safeway very sporadically offers coupons for free items. Mostly for energy drinks which I don’t drink so I don’t bother getting them. Today they had a coupon for free English muffins so I did pick those up. I also saw the giant Easter egg my daughter had wanted when she saw it before Easter was marked down to 75% off so went from $12 to $3. Not a necessity but she was so excited when I brought it home.
4) My friend wants to meet in the big city for her birthday on Sunday. I’m going to take public transit into the City and then walk or use a bike share if needed. Should save money in parking and gas but also save me the aggravation of driving in congested city traffic.
5) I have an excessive amount of tea so this week rather than have a 2nd cup of coffee each day, I made tea instead to start using more of it up and save on coffee costs.
I loved The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio! I really enjoyed reading how her "jingles" helped her family so much at a time when it perhaps wasn't such an acceptable thing for a wife to be working outside the home. She found her own way of working from home.
I am currently reading Yesteryear, from that list you have displayed. Not very far along but liking it so far.
1. We needed a new mailbox. Our scrapping friend found us one while doing his rounds. It took a bit of time, but saved us over $200. It's a rural Step 2.
2. A friend gave me a gallon sized bag of asparagus. I repaid her with 2 dozen of my eggs, which she said was unnecessary, but I could tell she was pleased!
3. Lettuce is ready in our greenhouse, which is a real money saver since my husband and I eat salads about 6 days a week.
4. Started 10 veggies from seeds which is way cheaper than buying plants.
5. Sold 5 items on eBay this past week. It's great because it's free stuff or random items we are decluttering.
Your #2 is a swap made in heaven!
I was on a work trip, and definitely don't spend any money (see minor caveat below) on myself on a trip I don't want to be on & isn't for "fun".
1) Used my credit card to pay for all expenses, so I'll get a small amount back in rewards.
2) My outlet adapter wasn't working, which was a real PITA, but I persevered and figured out how to juggle charging without buying a new one. I will see if DH can fix it, or if I'm missing something, because it's very nice quality & I've had it forever. If not, I will buy a new one before my trip to Greece.
3) Wore my capsule wardrobe while on said trip. It's pretty "boring" looking (lots of neutrals), but I don't care & it helps me pack efficiently & is business appropriate.
4) Came home to no food in the fridge (DH is out of town), so I made myself popcorn. Did buy some ice cream & considered getting delivery using a gift card, but fell asleep before that was a reasonable proposition. Slept for 11 hours!
5) The only money I did spend on the trip was meeting my friend for dinner on Thursday at one of my favorite places (Dishoom, if you know London). I only get there 2x/year, so consider it a treat. We shared a bottle of wine & the rest of the meal, and it was over my cap. I'll pay the difference between the cap &how much I spent. Haven't added it up yet, but I'm guessing ~$15. Nothing too crazy. Plus, catching up with a friend was worth it!
Dishoom is the best! like the Kings Cross branch the best but went to the Manchester one yesterday and it was delightful too! My friend and I meet there all the time - it’s our thing and we almost always have the same things.
1. Hand-washed all the winter woolies—mittens, socks, hats, scarves. Used the same soapy water for the sixteen items. Washed the whites first, then the blue, the greens, and the reds. Many rinses for each group. Dried them on a slipcover suspended between my two clothes lines.
2. Offered to repair a cashmere sweater a stranger bought from the local thrift shop. It turned out that I knew his mother. He offered to bring by extra heirloom tomato starts when it’s a little warmer and suggested I start basil instantly.
3. Asked a friend if she had basil seed. She did a germination test and found them lacking. I bought seed and offered her some. While at the seed store I looked at mint. 5.98 for a plant, 2.98 for a packet of seed. Instead, I got clippings from a friend. Mint wants to grow roots.
4. An acquaintance was given three Green Chef meal kits that she didn’t expect to use. We had meals of stuffed salmon, quinoa/kale/chicken salad, and loaded flatbread. The flatbread was so much better than my pizzas that we’ll be subbing flatbread for pizza dough.
5. I found a tube of Carmex a couple of years ago. Ten weeks ago I couldn’t squeeze any more out. I cut it open and am still using it.
6. Quilting Daily had quilt patterns on sale. I bought three for four dollars each (ten to fifteen more usual price.) It seems worth rewarding the designers who had such interesting ideas.
1. We finished sanding/oiling the raised beds I got from Buy Nothing last week. They are now assembled and on our deck, looking lovely!
2. We fetched over all the bags of soil our neighbor/landlord offered us. There was just enough to fill the beds (with the addition of some compost from our compost pile).
3. It was "at-home" date night. I put together a charcuterie board and we sat outside on the newly cleaned up deck to enjoy a beer, followed by a couple of games of darts.
4. Picked up 6 zuchinis, 6 cucumbers, a bag of apples, two loaves of bread, and a block of Parmesan from the clearance tables at Fred Meyer. Spent a total of $10.50 on the haul. Oh! And I snagged my free tube of toothpaste from the monthly coupon pack they send out.
5. "Fixed" our 17 year old Prius. It was making a weird rattling/grinding sound by the front passenger wheel. I was worried it was an axle rod or similar about to fail, so was planning to take it in on Monday. Popped the hood just to look, and found that the little metal rod that holds the hood up had come out of its clip and was rattling against the top of the air filter housing. Popped it in place and the rattling is gone!
Goldie Fawn looks interested in the book too.
1. Had my procedure done at the hospital yesterday. Still a little tired presumably from the anesthesia so I'm making myself take it easy today. That equals a no spend day in my book.
2. I had leftover tacos heated in the microwave for lunch. Supper will be grilled cheese as they require very little work.
3. Outdoor temps cooled down from our 3 days of 80 degrees and above to the 50s but I didn't turn the heat on. Instead I put on a sweatshirt.
4. We watched "Hud" on TCM which comes with our basic cable. I loved the characters of Hud's father, nephew and the family's housekeeper but boy oh boy, that Hud was a miserable man!
5. I'm reading a library book, a memoir by Patti Smith "Bread of Angels" along with this month's book club choice "Raising Hare" by Chloe Dalton. I bought Raising Hare, a paperback, from my close friend's indy bookstore. Our town needs her bookstore so I am happy to support it.
I used a cheap jar of curry sauce with some parsnips and onions to make a really good soup. The ingredients for the sauce were surprisingly almost entirely recognisable as food, so I may be tempted to stock up!
Recently acquired a soup maker. I wasn't sure if it would be very useful, so bought used, with the plan to sell on, if not right for us. Happily, it has been used a fair bit and produces a nice, smooth soup. Not tried making nut milk yet, but it's on the list.
Bought lots of firewood this week. I feel like, as fuel prices rise, wood is sure to follow, so getting ahead by a year seems like a plan. We will need to have a tree removed this year, so that will add to the pile, too.
Had groceries delivered this week, we didn't need much, so I took the opportunity to stock up on some stock cupboard foods. I feel like shortages may be on their way.
Purchased a couple more rechargeable lights, some with solar charging and others that can be recharged from the big power bank (with its solar panel) if needed.
Our village has free first aid training tomorrow. It's been a while since I did a course so I am happy for the free refresher.
I also stocked up on some basic cupboard foods. From what I’m hearing grocery prices will most likely go up. I would rather be prepared than caught paying more down the line.
Cheapo grocery store and aldis run.
Wrapped a gift in newspaper because the bag I bought was too small, grrr!
Ate leftovers.
Hung out laundry.
Bought bowls and mugs at g.w. to replace the ones we are constantly breaking. Bowls are indestructible Correll. Mugs were discounted and have real, live, intact handles!!!!....
My,my aren't we boosie!!!
Turned off the heat and wearing slippers.
Hoping diesel comes down soon. 10 gal. Of off road (no tax) was $50, barf!!! My tank is 50 gal very low.
Girls are getting sorted and going to grass this week!
1. Neighbor just got home from rehab, called me needing ace bandages and I didn't have any but I did have a $5 off 25 DG coupon, went to the one an couple of blocks from our house, and snagged her one. I was also needing a few other things so I am glad she called bc I was so busy cleaning I let time get away from me! Coupon for the win! She will reciprocate bc we do have a mutual mooching relationship.
2. I trimmed my eye brows in the sunlight today.
3. I had to get my tires rotated (free) so walked an hour at a local park there while I was in the University town. It was nice to walk in a newly renovated park.
4. I made potato salad and baked bbq chicken legs with ingredients I had at home.
5. I am sitting outside in my front yard enjoying the sunset bc I pay for this place and I am going to enjoy it!!!
I always get a kick out of your #5! A great mantra for any homeowner.
Mutual mooching relationship for the win hahaha love it!
1. Last year my husband dug up a free prickly pear cactus from Nextdoor Neighbor. (Yes, he got attacked by the thorns.) The cactus got divided into 3 pieces. The 3 pieces are flourishing & blooming w/ yellow flowers in the flower bed. Sometimes you suffer to be frugal.
2. Got a 2.5 lb pot roast that was on sale for $5/lb. It is boneless & after I add veggies I think it can be stretched for many meals. I don't buy beef often but once in a while I like a change from other meal choices.
3. I made some pancakes using milk that was slightly off. I also made some breakfast sandwiches. I have to get up at 4:30 for work on some days. It is nice to have something premade.
4. Last week I found 3 large bottles of Starbuck's coffee drinks in the Dol Gen dumpster. I washed the bottles thoroughly w/ soap & water before putting in fridge. They have a lot of calories but I am using them in small amts w/ coffee to make iced coffee.
5. I got my husband a pair of heavy denim shorts at the thrift store for $4.00. The denim is so thick I don't think he will destroy them.
Your #5...yes! I feel the same way. I pay for this place so I'm going to enjoy it.
This is intended for Cindy in the South.
5 Frugal Things:
1. Coffee/all meals at home. I prefer mine anyway and it’s so much healthier. Good health is true wealth!
2. Used paint I already had and free labor (mine) to paint the hall bathroom.
3. Loaned out my electric mower to neighbor as their gas mower is giving them fits.
4. Didn’t buy anything when I went to donate goods at the local thrift.
5. Walked my doggo at the local park for exercise. It was beautiful out today!
6. Enjoyed my home, including having coffee on my deck. I just spruced it up for spring and it’s making me happy.
Susan, good health is true wealth!!
Went to our local fish market where they sell lobster bodies for 4/$1 While I was there she dropped a bag of shrimp on the floor (frozen) and went to throw them away as bag split open about 6 fell onto floor. I told her I'd buy the bag but she gave it to me. I figure I'll wash them all anyways.
Is this something others in the group would do? Just curious.
I would do the same! We usually have no idea where our food has been before we buy it anyway.
I would do it too! Especially since they were frozen and will also be cooked at a high temperature.
Yes, for sure. My son was given a case of fresh strawberries. Apparently, they didn't like them, and said we'll feed to the chickens.
Heck, no. Husband spent Saturday getting them ready for freezer jam.
I now have six containers of kinda runny freezer jam in my freezer
1 I went Saturday morning grocery clearance shopping and got some clearance meat and produce. Target and Walmart often reduce prices on these, Aldi does too but not so much.
2 When at Aldi I saw an employee throwing a cart of plants out. I asked if I could take the. He said not to pull my car into the loading area and shut the dumpster when done. I took as many as I could reach home. Then brought my son and a step ladder back. I now have enough hydrangea plants for a Forrest and got free bananas, potatoes, cheese sticks, and a cake as well. When we went back an employee told us we had to go and we did. Into experience.
3. I had company over and we made clearance steak with green beans and left over rice. It was better than a restaurant for a fraction of the cost.
4. Went on a four mile bike ride with a friend. Who then helped figure out a noise my bike was making.
5. Received my tax refund. Used AARP for free at the library to file.
Yes, AARP tax aide for the win!
I also. loved The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio and there is a movie as well. It is easier to enjoy if you read the book in any format. It’s an older movie easily borrowed from the library.
For Those of not wanting to buy a new Kindle since the older ones won’t work in May I follow block oriented blogs to win books, Amazon gift cards, Visa gift cards and Kindles. Right now the website Celebratelit Lit is hosting Jodi Wolfe’s new book, Hannah’s Quest and she is giving a prize of a Kindle. Just for a daily comment you can win a Kindle. Other bookish blogs. I follow are JustRead Tours, LitRing, Contest Girl, Suspense Sisters just to name a few. M. I would also ask on Buy Nothing as well
Those are my kind of neighbors!
If I drank wine, I would have done the same thing! 😉