Five More Tiny Frugal Things
by Katy on May 22, 2025 · 58 comments
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My husband and I drove across town to help my mother move some furniture and were greeted by her chicken planter, which was last year’s Mother’s Day gift. I was happy to see that the hens and chicks are still thriving in their environs.
You may remember when I curb picked these planters. I kept the other two for personal use.
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My husband wanted to stop at The Focacceria, which was excellent timing as it turned out to be their happy hour and our lunches were priced at just $4 apiece!
Seriously, check out this massive square of delicious focaccia, piled high with arugula, hiding the house made ricotta and mushrooms. An entire meal for just $4? A rare unicorn in today’s troubled times. I’ll definitely be timing any visits back to hit their happy hour!
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I’ve been aware that I’ve been taking more than giving from my Buy Nothing group, so I got my mother to give me a handful of Oui yogurt jars from her personal stash. I propagate spider plants and pothos on my kitchen windowsill in cute sake glasses, but need jars that can go by-bye. These were quickly claimed and I can now breathe easier that my Buy Nothing karma is back in balance.
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My mother also gave me a pair of large baskets to offer up in my Buy Nothing group. Same reasoning and they were claimed within a couple minutes of listing.
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I didn’t buy this Stanley tumbler from the Seattle Goodwill. Not a fan of viral overconsumption trends, even when they’re waning.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 58 comments… read them below or add one }
1. Old Mother Hubbards Cupboard.
We’ve eaten down the feezer meats. Still have plenty frozen veggies, some fresh fruit. However $45 on United Healthcare rewards we can use at Walmart.
2. I’ve been applying for a Part Time job. 24 applications submitted. So far 3 interviews, multiple no responses and thanks but no thanks.
3. I have a coupon for $1.99 milk shake from Arby’s that I’ll drown my sorrows in.
4. I organized my car and used the vacuum. It needs a wash, however thunderstorms are derailing that chore.
5. Utilizing the many streaming subscriptions we have to entertain ourselves.
I’m so sorry that you’re job hunt has been frustrating. Big virtual hug.
Thanks Katy
I drive a special needs school van in Pennsylvania. You do not need a CDL license to drive a van…only a 40 ft school bus. I know the bus contractors here will help you get your CDL. School bus/van drivers are in DESPERATE need everywhere in the country. Although it’s only part-time and no insurance, it’s truly the best job I’ve ever had. (Spent most of my working life doing secretarial work.) I would recommend looking into becoming a driver in your area. You do have to pass background checks (criminaĺ, child abuse, drug test and fingerprint). Subject to random drug screens throught the year. Very easy to get a job as school transportation drivers are in great demand.
At 72 years I can’t imagine driving special needs van.
Kathy, although I am technically a “special needs van” only 2 of my 11 students are “special needs.” 1 Autistic, 1 seizure disorder. 6 were Amish that required transportation to their Amish school and the other 3 were “out of district.” For example, the Catholic school in town only goes to 8th grade. Grades 9-12 are in a neighboring district. We provide residents of our district to the neighboring district.
Kathy, I’m sorry you’re on the receiving end of a tough job market. Wishing you all the best as you continue searching.
If you have Publix in your area I see lots of older workers at our local stores
Kathy, that sounds really frustrating. I hope something comes available for you. I have a 73 year old friend who works part time as a receptionist at a nursing home (not sure of all of her duties, but I suspect it’s more than just answering the phone). Just suggesting to look beyond retail, though maybe you already have been. Also, I think AARP has a list of companies on their web site that hire “older” employees? If you’re a member, maybe take a look?.
FMTFT, Passive Frugality Through Rain Edition:
(1) We’re getting a slow soaking nor’easter throughout most of the northeast US, so no gardening is possible. However, this is a blessing in disguise as far as my still-somewhat-sore rib on the right side (the one I popped mildly last week) is concerned. I tried to do a little easy weeding with my scuffle hoe on Tuesday, but had to stop after half a bucket’s worth, since I wasn’t as far along as I thought I was. So the longer it rains, the longer the rib has to recover–although the weeds may be higher than the intentional plantings by the time I can finally get out there.
(2) I’ve also left the Element outside for a frugal car wash. Even the bird poop on the hood is gone by now. 🙂
(3) Apart from a quick run to the nearest Aldi to take advantage of the loss leader boneless/skinless chicken thighs at $2.49/lb., the rain has deterred me from making a few trips out where I would have spent money.
(4) I’m starting yet another round of decluttering. Rainy days are good for this.
(5) And I think that with the plants I already have on hand (the three tomato seedlings I bought from Dr. Bestest Neighbor’s Master Gardener colleague, and the zinnias, basils, Greek oreganos, marigolds, and kales I’ve started from seed myself), I have enough to fill the garden beds this year. No need to go to the Regional Market on Saturday morning–which no sane person does on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend anyway, unless the need is dire.
1. I entertained my Mom and myself today by going to several estate sales. I found an outdoor extension cord to replace my old one. I noticed the ground prong had broken off.
2. I dried berries on my baking racks instead of paper towels which saved a few pennies.
3. Not frugal for me but my daughter sent a photo to the family chat of the table she hauled home from a free pile while also walking the dog. I’m so proud.
4. I sent my youngest home with the drying rack I trash picked. Hers had just broken. It was meant to be.
5. I saved the water from my shower heating up to flush the toilet.
I have a silly question. Why do you need the shower water to flush the toilet? Is it not hooked up to the plumbing? I have never heard of that. Just curious.
I believe, she’s using the shower water to refill a normally functioning toilet. By placing the reclaimed water in the back immediately after flushing, she can refill the reservoir for ‘free’.
Sophie, what Laura said. I get a few flushes for free. It doesn’t save much but waste not, want not. Also it comes in handy in an unexpected power outage.
Love the chicken planter! So unique.
1. During a walk, I found a poop bag, dime and electrolyte salt in a tube.
2. On another walk, I found a granola bar, lip balm (unopened), and two pairs of kids’ tennis shoes. The shoes had been left in the park for more than a week, so I took them home, washed them, and donated to the thrift store.
3. Brought my reusable steel bottle to an event. At the end, I filled it with strong leftover coffee. When I got home, I mixed it with water and put it in a very large mason jar. This was my morning coffee for a week.
4. Went out to lunch and ordered a bowl of soup, the least expensive thing on the menu. It came with a huge biscuit that I brought home in my trusty stainless-steel container. Sister’s leftover omelet and hash browns went in another container, and her unused jam went in a small glass jar that I keep in my take-home kit.
5. Received a dried floral arrangement from Buy Nothing which had items I wanted for our outdoor winter pot.
I like your take home kit idea.
I too bring home coffee for the next day. Last week I got coffee at the car dealer when I picked up my car from getting serviced and also a cup from the veterinarian when I took my dog for his annual visit.
1. I ran errands with a friend yesterday. She always drives because that’s a thing for her.
2. It cost me a little money but I sent off my wedding dress to an organization that uses them to make infant burial gowns. After languishing in a closet for 35+ years I think this was a good move. I paid postage online which saved a few dollars.
3. We’ve had a few wet days. When it finally starts to dry out I’ll pull weeds and vines. No chemical weed killers for us.
4. I have some cans of sardines that I don’t love eating. Today I ate a canful with pasta and cheese which greatly covered up the taste.
5. I made another batch of Katy’s Red Lentil Soup.
@K D – there are times when chemical weed killers are the best choice. So don’t know yourself out if you occasionally use them. We do on invasive plants/”brush”. I do hand pull if in an area of “keeper” plants.
We do spray poison ivy when we see it. I just don’t think most people realize how toxic Round Up is given how cheap it is and easy to purchase.
We have lots of invasive plants on the farm. We use the stump and paint method. Cut the plant, paint the stump with full strength trickopyr brush killer (aka Remedy) within 15 mins. No spray exposure to us or environment. Very effective… chemical goes to the roots. Lots of leaves, especially poison ivy have a protective coating. I haven’t allowed glyphosate/ roundup on my farm for over 20 years now.
What do you do with the plants you cut off? Especially the poison ones?
Burn the non poisonous in a 20 foot deep burning hole
Poisonous ones get bagged as they’re cut and put in the trash
Sugar Cat Farm,
Would Remedy work on honeysuckle? that stuff shows up EVERYWHERE. frowny face.
@Liz B. it should as same active ingredient.
@Heidi Louise – I’ve had good luck spraying poison ivy. It takes three forms on my property – low height growth, bush like from 3-5 feet tall, and vines on the trees. Cut the vines then clean whatever used with a degreaser (some have required use of a chain saw). Never burn poison ivy of any flavor – into black garbage bags and to the landfill. When on a down tree, I don rubber gloves to cut up the vine (then into the black plastic bag).
I’d be leery of composting (separate pile). Winters here aren’t as cold as they were so it takes the vines longer to dry out these days.
Yes ma’am
It will kill privet, and horrendous callery pear trees that are the offspring of Bradford pears.
Be sure to paint immediately after cutting
Before the stem has a chance to start scabbing over. We use small foam brushes to paint with.
Round-Up is the most effective herbicide on garlic mustard (and a pox on to whoever brought it here). Remedy type herbicides just aren’t as effective.
Remedy type herbicides are for woody plants. Round up is for soft stemmed plants. The remedy will work on some soft stemmed such as thistle but it still needs to be stumped. Sometimes the herbicide will kill the top of the plant if it’s not stumped before the chemical has a chance to travel to the roots
We use the painter coveralls when dealing with poison ivy, and I get OB gloves that go up to your shoulder from my vet. Disrobe very carefully, and it all goes in the trash. If you do get it on your skin, use rubbing alcohol first, in copious amounts, before washing with soap and water. And yes, degreaser or rubbing alcohol on all tools.
IF you suspect you’ve been in contact with poison ivy (oak, and/or sumac) NO HOT WATER. It opens your pores and lets the urishol in.
When I use to have poison oak in our yard the first thing I did when I came in the house was wash my hands and arms with fels naptha soap. It was a great help.
K D, I think your #2 was a very sweet thing to do.
I spotted a Stanley brand tumbler at one of the thrift stores I frequent, priced at $14.41 (minus 25% off for it being Monday). This is the first Stanley brand name tumbler I’ve spotted, whereas I see generics all the time. I have a 32 oz. Hydroflask version because it’s easy to drink from while driving (no fiddling with flipping up the straw lid) and easy to fill with ice — we’ve been Hydroflask fans for at least a decade now. But I also realized the trend must be slipping, as last week I received a free 40 oz. Hydroflask tumbler from my Buy Nothing group (I just needed to buy a replacement straw, which we needed anyway). The same person also gave me a 40 oz. Hydroflask water bottle, which was in great shape except for the cap. I’ll go ahead and replace the cap and keep the bottle in circulation. My young adult children lose bottles now and then and it’s nice to help them out with a replacement.
Hi, Kimberly,
I am now a fan of Hydroflask, too. I wanted a bottle I could take apart and clean (even the silicone parts), and I can do that with the bottle I got. I choose a 16 oz. model because it’s smaller and fits in my purse. So far, I haven’t lost it!
Beth Ann
Being super sick is sort of frugal. Though there was a trip to ER and some needed supplies, they are all covered by FSA. And since I haven’t eaten since Monday, there’s money saved on food. Also no gas used.
Food being attempted today- a few bites of pureed soup (broth from freezer, kale from garden, one potato and one carrot). That’s pretty cheap and will make 4 meals for me since I can only eat a few bites.
I gathered the strength to submit receipts to FSA.
My husband’s carpool friend was giving away wire trellis and wine barrel rings. My husband said yes to both. I make hearts out of the wine barrel rings and sell 3 for $35. It takes about 5 minutes to make each one. I just sold a set last week. The trellising I was waiting to come into my life. I need some for growing loofah plants on.
I had never heard of wine barrel ring hearts, so I googled it. Very cool!
Kara, sorry to hear of your latest health struggles. I hope you attempt more food and gain more strength.
I had a routine colonoscopy first thing Wednesday morning, and thus did not go anywhere except to it for two days. Other than a bottle of apple juice, I used supplies we had on hand for prep day.
Repaired the pull bobble thingy on the living room blinds with a length of waxed twine from my sewing kit, sewed up rips in the cuffs of my husband’s socks, watched a lot of PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery while stuck at home, ate toast with peanut butter while recuperating.
Minor frugal fail: We’ve had a lot of rain, which makes earth worms come out. My tiny Demon Puppy ate a few of them and made herself violently sick, to the tune of $164 at the vet’s office today.
Hey! I was the first one to recommend hens and chicks a year ago.
Nothing much exciting going on here. Tons of rain, which is good for the garden, which means more weeding soon. It does make me feel good to see my baby fruit trees doing well. And now, beause of my landscapers SIGH, I know why the shrub roses I planted a year ago are gone.
I guess I didn’t list my Five Frugal Things:
1) I had some errands to do, so I filled an insulated bottle with homemade iced tea. I’ve found that sometimes we get tempted when we are out on really hot days and only have water. Switching the water to iced tea (unsweetened) or homemade lemonade (when the neighbors give us lemons) eliminates the temptation completely. The errands were done in our electric car, which we charge at DH’s place of employment for 1/3 the cost of charging it at home — a nice perk.
2) I stopped at the Assistance League thrift store because they have a 10% discount on Thursday for the 55+ set. I’ve been looking for zippers and they came through with a variety of vintage zippers priced at $1.25 each. I went through them and only bought the colors and lengths I needed.
3) I baked 3 huge loaves of 100% whole wheat bread today — each loaf had nearly 3# of dough. I use 10x5x3 loaf pans.
4) I repurposed 3 prescription pill bottles today. A large one is now holding hair accessories in our campervan (replacing a very worn out plastic zipper bag), one is holding quarters (the gifted cork coin purse that was holding the quarters finally disintegrated), and one is holding some very specific shims for a bike that would likely get lost otherwise.
5) For breakfast I made a batch of cornmeal mush using the rice maker (set it last night). We have a bit of cornmeal in the freezer I’d like to get used. I made it without the recommended vanilla extract so DH have leftover mush with beans (leftover from last night’s dinner) for lunch.
Veterinarians will often take used Rx bottles
Despite being thoroughly untrendy, I have a Stanley tumbler. I found it lying in the street on trash day about five years ago. Alas, no lid. It does, however, keep a quart of cold water cold when parked in the car on errand days.
1. Last full day of substitute teaching, actually two half-days: morning at one school and afternoon at another. Packed a very light lunch and sure enough, they had goodies for us. Got a slice of pizza, a piece of cake and 2 cookies. Saved my sandwich for supper.
2 Glad I took a can of soda pop in my lunch bc the Coke machine (or rather vending machine co. servicing it) in the teacher’s lounge has just raised the price to $1.25. Third price increase this year. Highway robbery! (One of the coaches said, “I don’t make enough money to afford the vending machines!” ) My drink cost me 35 cents; bought it at my other job, in the store’s break room. Where they sell the soda pop to us at their cost.
3. Filled up with gasoline before the holiday price hike. (OK, this was a few days ago, but I haven’t listed it yet.) Ever notice that on 3-day holiday weekends, the price of gas skyrockets?
4. Instead of paying for streaming, have been watching PBS News Hour on the computer. (We don’t have a PBS station where I live.) Why didn’t I think of this before?
5. Staying in town instead of traveling for the holiday. Will work some shifts at the store.
Seems like a routine week – some savings and a bit of spending. Feels like a Friday today for some reason. I think because a few friends are off tomorrow and have been checking in.
1) DH is sick and his sleep schedule and therefore mine (I’m sleeping in the living room to try hard to avoid getting sick and am apparently the couch mountain that must be climbed by our cats…which I like if they just sit still.)
2) Professing my love for Chewy customer service as they again went above and beyond. I turned to them on advice of my vet tech for syringes for my diabetic cat. Walmart brand was inexpensive and good but they stopped making them, so had to hunt around. They went above and beyond on my last order and this time I was aiming to order enough to get free shipping. A Rx didn’t allow for multiple boxes of 60 and they knew I wanted free shipping so they emailed me and told me they wouldn’t charge me for the shipping of one box! So kind. I wrote them a thank you note and they wrote a thank you note in return that I made their day to hear kind words. That, in turn, made my day. Long note here but I’m still smiling about it.
3) Frugal fail I just realized from last time DH was sick… I’d picked up the dual DayQuil/NyQuil set and he only uses the NyQuil so have this extra unsealed bottle that I’ll see if stepdaughter wants. I’m not in Buy Nothing groups – I never signed up for Facebook. This is the only time I wish I did to have that option to pass items on quickly.
4) Grandson’s awards ceremony was this morning so met at the school an hour away and (first grader) … Saved money skipping on breakfast invite with his parents. I often end up picking up the tab and it’s way more than we’d spend normally and hard to eat vegan out at places of their choice unless just a fruit bowl. It’s out in the middle of nowhere so not many options.
5) Made large pot of veg soup this week as a quick reheat option. Haven’t cooked much with him sick. Using up bits here and there.
Chewy does have stellar customer service. When a friend of mine called them to cancel the autoship of dog food after her dog died, they sent her a bouquet of flowers.
That is truly kind of Chewy! In an age when customer service is diminishing, it’s great to hear the good stories.
Chewy helped me get medicine for my cat and I included a picture of my cat in an e-mail thank you note. A few weeks later they sent me an acrylic portrait of my kitty!
How fun it must be to work in a place where employees are allowed (or even expected) to do kind things.
Oh my gosh I didn’t realize how long I went on and on. Future posts will be much shorter. Apologies.
Bonnie, longer is better! Keep ’em coming!
Length of your post never crossed my mind. Nicely spaced I might add.
I absolutely love the chicken. Say hello to bubbles for me…
1. I had some minor surgery on my hand yesterday and it always makes me think about waste in the medical world. They gave me a toothbrush to brush my teeth as part of the prep. They told me that they would dispose of it, but I kept it and don’t see why I can’t make more use of this new toothbrush.
2. I came home with my belongings in a plastic bag, plus a couple of other plastic bags that I can reuse. I also kept the nonslip socks that they gave me, for once in a soft gray, instead of hideous purple or yellow.
3. I harvested the first strawberries of the season, enough for a bowl of cereal or yogurt. Many of these strawberry starts came free from NextDoor.
4. Because I have to keep my hand iced and elevated, I have a couple of reusable ice packs from the freezer, and a pile of pillows, plus my Kindle. I have been doing a lot of free reading today.
5. Husband is cooking dinner tonight, although he is disabled and rarely cooks. Dinner includes frozen fish fillets that I got as a Bogo, and a chopped cabbage slaw. He did the chopping and I made the dressing one-handed. This kept us from ordering DoorDash.
I smiled at your comment about gray socks. Hope you heal promtly!
Medical waste is rampant. I used to inject a medication that was in a auto inject tube. In the hospital they ordered one for me. I was in for three days. They would have disposed of it when I was discharged. I asked about taking it home. They let me. Waste avoided.
I picked up 4 fence posts from a free pile while driving home from work. They have surface rust but are otherwise sturdy.
A coworker gave me 3 pairs of jeans that no longer fit her. They are a little big but will be fine for work jeans. They are much appreciated, my work jeans were getting to be few and scruffy.
Working o.t. composting, and trying to be thoughtful,.
1. Went to the hospital for an ultrasound yesterday. Took the train, so I wouldn’t have to pay for parking (the train is free with my ride-free card). I went early so I could do my prep there, which was drinking 24 oz. of water one hour prior to the procedure. I read my library book while waiting to be called. Afterwards, I ate the apple I’d brought instead of succumbing to lunch-out temptation. Altogether, a frugal morning, though the copay was quite expensive.
2. Made a frugal lunch today from leftover ramen, sauteed peppers, shredded cheese and an egg.
3. Did my $20 shop at Aldi, actually spending $21 — got milk, crackers, spaghetti sauce, biscuits, yogurt, peanut butter and three bags of frozen vegetables. I’m done for the month now, must stretch what I have.
4. Winding up my picture-sorting project — I broke down (for recycling) a number of random boxes I used for sorting, none of them purchased. I did buy one archival box with a gift certificate for my historical pictures, and I bought one photo box from Goodwill. I already had another photo box. Many photo groups went into manila envelopes. I threw a ton away — dups, blurries, the unflattering and embarrassing. I’m not quite done, but pleased with my progress and pleased I didn’t spend much.
5. Gave up trying to find cheesecloth and ordered it from Amazon, but I had credits, so didn’t spend anything.
Many grocery stores have cheesecloth in their kitchen supply area.
Hmmm. post re: don’t be considered cheap must have hit a nerve.