Five Frugal Things -- The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a $3 Billion Dollar Endowment, Why are They Fundraising?
1) My husband and I wanted to go out for dinner and chose The Heist food carts. (Located in a former bank that was once robbed, hence the name.) It's a fun choice for when you want a food cart meal, but would prefer to eat indoors.
Because, yeah . . . Portland hit a record high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday!
We corralled the bill by sharing a tray, similar to the above photo, although we chose brisket and ribs; with mac n' cheese and cole slaw as our sides.
When I eat in a restaurant, I prefer to choose something we don't cook at home and this certainly checks that box!
2) I went to Trader Joe's for lettuce and bananas and walked out with . . . $3.49 romaine hearts and 23¢ bananas! This is always an accomplishment in a store 90% stocked with impulse purchases.
Please, hold your applause.
3) I also got two free lollipops from the cashier.
4) My youngest is out of town, so my husband and I are enjoying a visit from Mama's Little Meatball. It doesn't save us any money, but it saves them from hiring a pet sitter.
You know my "love language" (ick, gag) is helping other people figure out how to spend less money. Especially when it's one of my own kids!
5) Like Mayor Mamdani, I chose to skip the Met Gala this year. Some might chalk this up to joining those protesting it being sponsored by Jeff and Lauren Bezos.
The gala is an annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute. I need to point out that the museum's endowment is currently estimated to be three Billion (Billion!) dollars, and as such does not require a fundraiser!
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Not a frugal thing, but this Facebook post made me snort-laugh while drinking coffee this morning -- "Can't we just put all this aside for ONCE and get lost in the beauty of the mind-blowing fact that a BASEBALL TEAM continues to put on such an iconic fashion forward event year after year? GO METS!"
You know, that may explain the Mets' performance so far this year. Too much fashion, too little focus on baseball.
ROFL!
My bestie and i went dumpster shopping at a major university this weekend! There were so many rolloff dumpsters that we were able to get into and get some good stuff. We were super bummed that Goodwill had tractor trailers in every parking lot, selfishly, though I know they'll save so much from the landfill. We were really hoping to come across bags of discarded clothes but they mustve all been donated. I got a shoe rack for my son, a nice area rug, full length mirror, and snacks still in date. My friend did better than me because she was really willing to get deep into the dumpster. We are already looking forward to next year.
Also, there is an independent thrift a mile from me. They throw away a LOT of good stuff because they dont have room for it all and I have been going on Sunday nights and pulling out lots of good stuff from their dumpsters. We had a massive yard sale in March and did phenominally well, and I plan on doing it again in Oct. I live off a busy road and we get a great turnout.
1. Thank you for pointing out the needless fundraising by Jeff Bozo (not a typo) and his fake looking wife. Since I have despised Amazon ever since the movie and book, I gleefully take this opportunity to say I don’t patronize Amazon unless it is almost a life or death emergency. That is frugal in itself.
2. I am walking an hour in my neighborhood later this evening.
3. I repaired my kitchen chair with duct tape. Not pretty but it worked, at least for now.
4. I took my breakfast and my lunch (which consisted of a pbj sandwich and an apple) to work. I am eating my homemade gnocchi soup for supper which has lots of spinach, mushrooms, and green onions.
5. My air and heat are off (high of 80 here today) and my windows are up so it is very pleasant.
Google USA today and covid era relitax refunds that may allow
millions of Americans get an extra refund this year if you are or middle income. I read the article just now but can't seem to copy it here. There were scant details but it may be worth checking with a tax expert. The deadline is July 10,2026.
If only the Met just asked the celebrity guests to donate the cost of their attire in return for taking that night off. But that makes too much sense.
Your grandcat is such a lovely girl. I have a longhaired dilute tortie kitty who is my darling.
My husband is volunteering tomorrow as a poll worker, so I went to the grocery store to get him a few gluten-free goodies for his lunch bag. I had already cooked hosin pork and veggies with a GF sauce and a GF apple crisp, which used up an open bag of frozen veggies and most of a bag of apples.
Also used the last register rewards coupon for cat food, which knocked 75 cents off. These rewards routinely appear when the canned food is on sale, so double win.
I love a good business pun!
1. My mom spent the night with us on Saturday night and I sent her home Sunday with a mega sized shampoo and conditioner set that I have had in the cabinet for quite a while and won't use up.
2. Our discounted order of Old Navy shirts arrived and fit perfectly! The colors are better than I was hoping as well. It's the little wins in life.
3. One of the kiddos had an accident the floor prompting a quick change of clothes and starting a load of laundry. I had been putting off starting a load of bedding due to a headache so that got my priorities straight right away.
4. I finished "A Single Thread" by Marie Bostwick, she also wrote "The Book Club for Troublesome Women", and it made me very sad but also enjoyable! Thankfully, I finally got my copy of the second book in the Thursday Murder Club series so that'll cheer me up!
5. My husband is picking up an order from Fred Meyer (Kroger) on the way home tonight which will save us a trip to town and another 60 miles of gas.
The Thursday Murder Club books are so fun. All good, but the first was my favorite.
1) I bought an eggplant at Trader Joe’s last week (biggest one they had since it’s priced per item not weight!) so yesterday I made ratatouille in the Instant Pot. I also made a cauliflower millet mash to serve it over since it’s quite liquidy. Really good, and it made 6 servings so I froze a few for later lunches.
2) Rather than buy hummus, I’ve been making a variety of different bean spreads since I have a lot of dried beans on hand. So far they’ve all been very good and taste great spread on toast with veggies piled on top and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
3) I finished another audio book from the library, called We Solve Murders, by the same author as The Thursday Murder Club series, I really enjoyed it! I also had a physical copy of a book come in that I’ve had on hold for a very long time, This Is Vegan Propaganda. I’m already eating almost 100% plant based but I still like to know as much as I can and this book is highly rated.
4) Going to walk the kids to school on Wednesday, I don’t do it very frequently, because it’s about a mile away and I then need to walk home and then go to work so it adds about 40 minutes to the morning drop-off routine but they enjoy it and it saves a small amount of gas and gets us all a bit of exercise.
5) My son lost a beloved water bottle. I found a new one on eBay, that cost less than buying directly from the company. I was surprised at the number of used ones (that were dinged up/chewed on) that were priced at the same or higher than buying new directly from the company. Not sure how that pricing strategy works out for sellers!
I had a doctor's appointment today at 12:15. Knowing that the office is positioned among a number of tempting restaurants, I was sure to eat lunch beforehand at home.
I took the free-to-me train to the appointment, so I wouldn't have to use gas.
The doctor ordered a lab test for me, and I made an appointment at the hospital for Wednesday. The hospital is also on the train line. And my PT appointment on Thursday is at a facility that is easy walking distance from the downtown train station.
I will, however, have to drive to Aldi tomorrow because it's time to get a few things, and Aldi is nowhere near the train.
If you want to see an icky photo, go to Robert Reich's blog, the entry he titled "Bezos' Ball" and see Schmezos with Madame Schmezos in her low cut evening gown. It looks like she had 2 huge bowling balls installed for boob implants! She does not even look human. I'm reminded of the cantina scene in the original Star wars movie...and May the 4th be with you
Hahahaha!!!
Re: Madame Schmezos: I'm with Anonymous.
And my FFT, Met Gala Edition: (1-5) I didn't pay an obscene amount of money for a costume that makes me look as if I just dropped in from outer space (even if I didn't look like that to begin with).
Finally, happy late Star Wars Day to all who observed it. Among those of us who are fans of the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice, May 1 is Colin Firth Day ("May the Firth be with you").
How she or the designer who dressed her could think this is an attractive look is beyond me. More of a sad attempt at attention, I believe. The words What the H E double toothpicks went through my mind.
I find it incredibly sad when a woman feels she needs to alter her lips, face, breasts and body to be more attractive (to some) when her previous self was more natural-looking and attractive (to me anyway).
At long last, I'm typing this on a real computer, not a cell phone. Months ago, I'd bought a refurbished desktop CPU unit, but had delays in setting it up. Finally decided to go for it.
As previously reported, I got a new monitor from GW this weekend, cost me $9. This morning, I got, the correct cord for it from Office Depot (after all the thrift stores and Wallyword didn't have what I needed.) But after working on it a couple of hours the setup still wasn't working, so I broke down and called a tech guy.
Bad news: he says the computer I bought is not supported anymore and it seems I got ripped off.
Good news: my supposedly dead old computer was sitting there and he discovered it could be fixed using the "new" computer's innards. After he worked his magic, I have a "new" desktop computer; it's even faster than the one I bought. His fee wasn't frugal but totally worth it, as my friend who had promised me months ago that he'd come by and help me has never shown up.
Tech Guy also figured out how to set up the other computer, an $85 refurbished laptop. Turned out that it had some kind of special software on it for disabled people (so that it talked and you were supposed to type from the sound, not the screen). That didn't work for me at all. But now, thanks to the techie, the thing is (at long last!) working like it should so I have two fantastic new-to-me computers. And I only had to pay for a single house call for both computers.
My friend was dog sitting her friend's dog named Meatball but goes by Meme. I take care of her mom so I got some Meme love too.
1. I have been helping my friend clean out her in laws house. She is a widow and doing it mostly by herself. He BIL lives in Florida. I have been given a crazy amount of alcohol already and will probably be taking more. I have already passed some on to my adult children. Hubby says it is probably worth over $300. I got some new white boards, 3 baby blankets that her MIL crocheted, an Islanders puck and hat(gave to son), and 2 elephant statues. I passed a book onto my friend that I got from a Free little library.
2. I garbage picked after a yard sale. I got 3 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, new Halloween and fall decorations, a basket, and a lazy Susan.
3. I had leftovers for BL&D. Hubby had a free banana, bagel, and coffee at work for breakfast. He had leftovers for lunch and dinner.
4. The weather was high 60's today and was beautiful. I went for a walk before work. The heat is off.
Made it home from Iowa late Saturday night. The trip was a success- I signed a lease for a large 1 bedroom apartment for literally 1/4 of what my Louisville rent has been! It's not the Hilton, but I can make it feel like home.
My entire body was screaming at me after that drive, so Sunday was spent mostly sleeping off the pain & eating whatever odds & ends I found in the kitchen.
Today I made a meal plan for the week & ordered groceries for pickup. I found a free coupon for a pint of the new-to-me Nutella ice cream, so I gave it a shot. That may become a frugal fail if my willpower weakens. I find it hard to justify $4.99 for a pint of ice cream though, so maybe I can resist it.
I just don't understand the Met Gala. Nearly every celebrity that goes posts complaints about the food, crowds, atmosphere, etc. WHY spend so much money on outfits to make yourself uncomfortable AND pay to attend on top of that?!? (Don't get me started on the stupidity of starving & torturing yourself to fit into the aforesaid stupid outfits)
Cute cat!!
1. Helped my daughter meal prep for her work week.
2. Snagged some hand-me-downs
3. Went to Goodwill and made a few purchases for us, and 3 for reselling.
4. Didn't water the garden, as the rain did that for me.
5. Husband purchased a bunch of sale plants
Longer version and pictures: https://practicalwalk.com/2026/05/05/frugal-five-meal-prep-goodwill-garden/
Love your blog, first time to see it!
I tried leaving a comment but it would not post.
But the bear sweatshirt you pictured was adorable.
1. Made a large amount of coffee and stored it in a large mason jar to pour from all week.
2. Neighbor recommended a professional electrician for our rec room light woes. Side hustle for him so a more reasonable rate. We were bracing for bad news about our electrical problem, so we were relieved to spend just $200.
3. Due to my fractured knee, I had to cancel my non-refundable flight to Sacramento, where I was going to stay with my niece and her young family this week. I requested and received an eCredit from Delta to be used on a future flight within 10 months, so I'm happy not to be out $700. Delta was very accommodating. With the recent price increases, that same flight is now over $1,000.
4. Received a large vase of gorgeous flowers from my sister-in-law and family. Later I will return the vase to the local florist for them to reuse. Our florist is happy to take any vase, which is a nice alternative to donating them to the thrift store.
5. Made a big batch of mashed potatoes for economical meals (as a side, as a base for sauteed veggies, and with an egg on top a la The Frugal Girl). Used half of a $2.89 5-lb. bag.
In light of how so many young families in my area are truly struggling with commuting costs (gas!!!!) and groceries, health care costs, child care costs,and the stresses of..well, living in America, It is quite difficult to watch or be interested in fancy people,fancy clothes, or un necessary “FUNDRAISERS.” Wow.that money could go a long ways in a food bank….
1. I gave my husband a haircut. It turned out much better than last time when he ended up with a shocking near bald spot in the back.
2. We have a graduation to go to this weekend, thus the haircut. I wanted to get a pedicure before but the beauty school is on break. I was able to do my toes with a $3 bottle of polish. It's not a great job but will pass from a distance.
3. I have been working on cleaning and organizing the pantry. I found yellow split peas that I will likely never use. I cooked some for the dogs and they were very happy. I will continue to mix some in with their food.
4. I completed a project with a very mixed bag of frugal and non frugal steps. I am not sure how to feel about it. I thrifted a leather purse about a year ago. I really like this purse but the straps were wearing out fast. I ordered replacement straps from a VERY large, VERY well known seller. $16. The color is a perfect match, but the clasps were too small to attach. I then bought adjustable rings from the jewelry makings section of a hobby store. $5 . These were perfect to connect the rings to the purse. So the purse actually looks better and should last for years. But I ended up spending $21 to make a $6 purse usable. I am not sure that was wise but I like the purse even better now.
I’m on the committee for my son’s Grade 8 graduation and I’m trying to be a “team player”. One of the mom’s suggested we order decorations from Temu (nooo!!!!!) and they are all excited about balloons (noooo!!!) and individual bags of chips (nooooo!!!). I bit my tongue so as not to be a weirdo, but then remembered that the school had a bin of leftovers from last year’s grad. I went through all of it and there might be enough that we can limit what needs to be bought.
I was also horrified by their retelling of last year’s ordering $235 worth of pizza and only tilling the driver $10z. Really?!?!
Brenda is trying really really hard to fit in, which means I held my tongue a lot. Yikes!
We are working really well through our new grocery system and the fridge is almost empty on every Sunday, say for a few lemons and a soy milk or two. We have lots of freezer stock at the moment which means I am filling in with fresh stuff from the farmers market. It is pure joy to go there on Saturday mornings!
I am so grateful for the other frugal folks in this group who I know are also screaming “nooooo” at the through of drop shipped decor made by slave children and balloons that will almost certainly kill a myriad of fish and fowl.
Brenda, I feel your pain! In my working days, whenever my department was planning large events, the default was always buy more crap. I did what I could.
My son was a pizza delivery for a couple of years and hated school events because they did not tip him,when delivering to a school is way more work than just driving up to someone's front stoop.
Saturday, May 9, is the postal service food drive in my area. The gods of couponing blessed me lately and we have a nice big bag of lovely shelf-stable food to share. I consider it "beans and pasta" for justice this year.
OK, this is a day late and a dollar short but I just had an inspiration: While the Met does not need any fund raising, many worthier causes do. Your area food bank, for example. Or any charities that help people put out of their jobs thanks to these billionaire a-holes.
Here is my devious, anti-social, anti-high society idea: hold a NON-Met Gala party. If you want to raise money, charge admission, or otherwise you can do this just for fun. Have attendees come dressed as their least-favorite snobby member of royalty/celebrity/billionaire/oligarch/politician/Kardashian. (I'm sure Katy and her DH would like to go as the Schmezoffs). Participants should wear trash-picked items or worn-out clothing scrounged from their home or elsewhere. Perhaps a mop head could become a blonde wig, a cardboard egg carton a crown (as seen in the Tightwad Gazette), etc.
The idea is to be horribly CheapAF. Make sure everyone looks as tacky and tightwad-y as possible. You can hold this event on Friday the 13th, Halloween, New Year's, during the Kennedy Center Honors if Trump presides over same and/or names the Kennedy Center after himself) , at next year's Met Gala, or just any old time.
Have the event in a terrible place like your garage, basement, barn or alleyway and call it either the Met or the Trump White House Ballroom.
Collect pennies, thrift store donations or aluminum cans to take for recycling, and donate the funds to the charity of your choice.