Five Tiniest Frugal Things
by Katy on November 3, 2024 · 44 comments
My “frugal things” are getting progressively narrow, as I post daily in the lead up to Tuesday, aka “the day that shall not be named.”
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I heated up the last of my homemade butternut squash soup, which provided two small servings for my husband and I. I’ll assemble a new soup this afternoon, probably a chicken variety as my husband picked up a $4.99 Costco rotisserie chicken last week and it needs to either be processed or thrown into the freezer.
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I realized that our old Wii Fit balance board works perfectly as a barrier to confine the robot vacuum cleaner to the kitchen. Unlike the stool that I’d previously used to corral the vacuum, this solution doesn’t make it difficult for humans to access the kitchen. I always pat myself on the back when I somehow figure out a solution to an annoying everyday(ish) problem. Even when it’s a silly little solution to a silly little problem.
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I raked the front sidewalk and the backyard using hand tools, (a rake and a snow shovel which serves as a dustpan of sorts) instead of a leaf blower or a lawn care service. I also spent a few minutes raking for a neighbor as it’s no extra work once I’ve got the momentum going. Most people in my neighborhood manage their own yards, but I’ve seen an uptick in landscaping service companies as property values have increased.
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I dropped my son’s ballot at the library near my mother’s house, as I was going to pass by it either way.
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I didn’t self medicate my anxiety with retail therapy. I checked and the last thing I bought new was a replacement refrigerator door shelf, after the last one fell developed a huge crack. Hardly an impulse purchase.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
1. My husband picked up books from the library, and returned a moldy unopened packet of cheese to Safeway.
2. I have 2 other returns in my entryway to be done tomorrow.
3. Sold an item on FB marketplace today. Listed 2 items for my kids.
4. Up-potted a houseplant into a larger pot I already had.
5. I’m contemplating a big rearrange of furniture, no purchase necessary. I also re-did my small gallery photo wall in the hallway, putting many little photos into a large frame I already had. I like that it looks less busy than all the small frames. It’s not magazine worthy, but it’s real life worthy. I have space on that wall to put another large frame-needed as the family expands.
I don’t think anyone actually lives in a “magazine worthy” house. Good for your husband for getting his money back on the moldy cheese!
Mine’s been in Coastal Living and Domino. Though right now it looks like the cover spread for Abandoned Crackhouses Quarterly. “It’s not a crack house. It’s a crack home.”
1. We’re on tornado alert. The shelter is ready if needed
2. Cooked Mississippi chicken in crockpot. Will serve with rice. All from things on hand
3. Gathered up to take to assistance league which will become raffle baskets at upcoming gala
4. Watched a variety of programs on Netflix ((The Territory is excellent)
5. Took a much needed nap
Okay, I had to go look up “Mississippi chicken!” Looks yummy.
Thanks for the Netflix recommendation.
My “pro tip” for the Mississippi chicken or pot roast – I combine the packets of au jus gravy mix and the ranch dressing mix in a glass jar and use HALF of it in the recipe – its too much sodium for DH77 and I. I also use half the amount of butter – four pats of unsalted butter is fine, for us. I’m more generous with the peperoncini. The recipe tastes terrific. And then I have enough of the dry mix for the next time.
1. Received soy milk, pasta and yogurt from Buy Nothing. No one else wanted them.
2. Husband either mowed or raked up leaves, twice in the last week, and there’s still more coming down. Last year, just before we moved into this house, we paid the owner’s lawn crew $380 to do the fall cleanup.
3. Husband subscribed to a sports network to get hockey games. $21 a month. He’ll cancel when the Stanley Cup is over.
4. Found a tube of lip balm on the ground. Cut off the top portion and thoroughly cleaned around it. There’s a lot left.
5. Had popcorn and fruit for dinner.
I appreciate your desire to be no waste, but some things should not be salvaged for re-use from a stranger and lip balm cannot be sanitized.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-stop-sharing-your-lip-balm/
Alexia, thanks for the info.
I’ve salvaged a lot of lip balm.
Defrosted and inventoried our little upright freezer today, which led to cooking six chicken legs that had been in there a while with some frozen rice to make kibble topper for the dogs. Store-bought topper is $2 per day and this is 50 cents . There also was some salami and pepperoni that had been in there a while, so I made two pizzas for our supper to use it up. The same size and toppings would be a whopping $56 at the nice pizza restaurant.
I also went through the vegetable drawer in the fridge and concocted a big salad for us to eat up in the next few days.
Tiny frugal things are what makes the bigger frugal picture complete.
1. We too raked our own leaves and we have a huge yard. Leaf pick up is this week and they are almost all at the street. What is left on the trees we might be able to mulch with the mower even.
2. We hiked for free entertainment today.
3. I made nachos for our dinner using up the remains of an onion, stale chips and tomatoes on their last leg. I also used ground turkey and the last of some cheddar cheese. We don’t normally have nachos – like ever – but sometimes something different is what you need to keep meals just exciting enough.
4. I listed a few things on ebay – hopefully I will get some sales leading up to the holidays as we need the money for travel.
5. Working hard on a budget – I used to be so good at making a budget and sticking to it. I’ve been watching videos and reading articles and started tracking our spending. I am determined to get back on track.
1. checked FlashFood and had partner swing by to pick up 2 pounds of bacon for $3.25 each.
2. Checked with friend with whom I’m having dinner tomorrow night and we agreed that I should pick up the $.68 dessert that is also on FlashFood. It is ultra-processed, but greatly nostalgic, and I think we are all in need of extra-comfort this week!
3. Made coffee (from Aldi’s) in the Mr. Coffee that I got free from my Buy Nothing group, while wearing a hand-me-down sweater from my mom. My insulated leggings are 10+ years old
4. Confirmed that an acquaintance wants to use my work apartment for the weekend in a couple of weeks. I charge her $30 per night, which is a bargain for her and it will cover the cost of my electricity and internet for the month.
5. I still haven’t turned on the heat, although it will be in the 30s tonight. Luckily, my heated mattress pad is on the bed and ready to go!
Heated mattress pad? That sounds like pure heaven!
I’m in Scotland and electric underblankets are very common during the winter and as I don’t like a warm bedroom but do like a warm bed it is very comfy.
Katy, my heated mattress pad has been a game changer. I can keep the bedroom much cooler (and therefore less arid as well) while snuggling down in my little nest. Of course the cats have caught on and run to join me, for even more warmth. (My giant Anatolian shepherd is relieved to have the heat turned down. He would sleep on a snow pack.)
1. My car battery conked out. Hubby took the car to AutoZone as the battery was still under warranty. The salesman wanted to charge him for a prorated battery. Hubby talked him out of it & got me a new battery with 14 months left on the warranty. The new battery is rated for 3 years.
2. Went to a party this weekend. We had food & drinks there for dinner. Our homemade costumes went over well.
3. My appetite is finally returning after GI illness. I have been eating bland food. Not much sounded appetizing so that ruled out expensive food items.
4. I have an offer on my AmEx CC. If you purchase 50$ at WalMart you get 10$ credit on your CC bill (if your use the AmEx CC). I pay off my balance every month. I can buy cat litter, cat food, and other necessary items to make the 50$.
5. My October paycheck contained extra $ I earned for subbing for another teacher at the 1st of the month.
Thanks for the comment about Am Ex refunding $10 for a $50 Walmart purchase. The only time I shop there is mystery shops, and I have one coming up, so will be sure to use my Am Ex.
Lindsey, if it is like my AmEx, you have to sign up for the discount/refund/whatever fancy name/offer online. It isn’t automatic.
Be sure to add the offer to your CC before you shop like Heidi Louise posted.
Hooray for companies that stand behind their products, even if it takes a bit of persuasion.
Yesterday I cooked ahead. I have 2 huge boys left at home (out of my original 7 kids). I cook way, way less than I used to, but still like to have a weekend cooking session which helps me get through the first part of the week. I made tuna noodle casserole, pizza rolls (I roll out like cinnamon rolls, fill with a bit of cheese and pepperoni) , and for my work lunches, a huge pot of minestrone soup. I also made muffins. Then for dinner I made meatballs (ground chicken) on rice for dinner, but tripled them so I had some for freezer.
Dawn, weekend cooking sessions are the best! And to go from feeding 7 kids to 2 must feel quite different.
MB in MN- it really does. Before, it was almost constant and the grocery trips were huge.
While waiting for Tuesday, how about some music? https://monalisa-twins.com/i-bought-myself-a-politician-duo-session-new-video/
1. We have our driveway shoveled or plowed, depending on the snowstorm, but ice still builds up. Periodically, we throw quantities of gravel down on the ice to make it less lethal to walk on. Every spring we sweep up the accumulated gravel and put it back in the bucket we keep on the porch. This is the fourth winter we have reused the gravel from one bag we bought in 2000.
2. I will spare you the story but husband needs a pair of gloves with the tip of the index finger open. Found a suitable pair at Salvation Army and he snipped the end of that finger off (on the glove, not his hand). $1.00 spent vs. $15 for new.
3. A friend moved and gave me a HUGE bottle of a shampoo that has a lavender scent. I do not like lavender at all; I would rather smell raw onions. However, it retails for $50 a bottle. I use the cheapest shampoo around and although I know we all splurge on certain things, I don’t understand caring that much about shampoo. Anyway, I finished the bottle this morning. Six months it has taken me!
4. Someone gave us a box of Alaska/Pacific wild salmon. There are five species of them and this box had King (the large silver ones with a red color and deep flavor), Sockeye (smaller, very red and more fishy in flavor) and Keta or humpback, (which are the ones usually used in commercial canning). (Atlantic salmon are an endangered species, so if the store or restaurant tells you a salmon is wild-caught in the Atlantic, they are lying.) He is going into assisted living. This is enough salmon to last us all winter, although Ketas are likely to go to the dogs because they are so delicate in flavor as to be unidentifiable as salmon, if you ask me. They also are low fat and don’t have the omega 3s that make salmon especially good for you. This is our third friend going into assisted living, which sort of gives me the willies.
5. Seeing my many glass pumpkins put out for autumn/Halloween, I decided I could do with far fewer. I sold a box of them for $30 within 20 minutes of listing them on FB. I now have my six favorite left and am happy.
After I posted this I felt embarrassed at going on about salmon species. Sorry. My only excuse is that I took a minor in Wildlife Management for my undergrad degree and no one wants to hear about my tiny bit of expertise about salmon and polar bears, so when I have a semi-captive audience…
Lindsey, I thought it was fascinating as I love learning new things. Do share about the polar bears, too!
@Lindsey – don’t apologize about salmon 101 – most of us are in the lower 48. Better half likes salmon more than I do – lox is my preferred “salmon”. Knowledge is just that – knowledge. And one never knows when salmon might come up during trivia night!
Lindsey,
I would also like to hear your knowledge of polar bears.
I appreciate your enthusiasm about salmon. For any Canadians reading this,Skipper Otto is a co-op of 45 fishing families in B.C. And 2 in Nunavut that supplies sustainably caught seafood to members( it’s a CSA) across Canada.
Lindsey, I think your salmon knowledge is fascinating and your lifestyle in Alaska as well. I’m also very fascinated with Alaska in general. I’d love to hear anything you have to say about polar bears. Also, I am relieved to hear your husband cut the finger off his glove and not himself.
Lindsey, when I suggested recently that you write a book about salmon and moose, I was thinking a cookbook–but, heck, go ahead and do a book about salmon species too!
Okay, the gravel reuse is kind of amazing and a commitment to not wasting — I love it!
I’m sorry about your friend need to go into assisted living, but thank you for salmon lesson, very interesting.
I had an office manager who wanted to invent a machine to sweep up the sand used on local roads in the winter. She said the Zamboni cleans the ice–she would want the sand sweeper named after herself–the Kowalczyk.
A frugal weekend:
1. DD came for a visit Sunday afternoon and we looked at extended family photos on CD and DVD that DH unearthed the other day. They were from 2005 and 2007 so it was a blast from the past.
2. We attended a White Elephant sale at a local church. DH bought some nice puzzles for $2 each. I picked up a few books for a couple of little kids in my life.
3. We extended a Kevin’s meal by adding chicken. The Jerk Chicken is spicier than we like so we added some already cooked chicken and will have four meals instead of two. I cooked enough rice for lunch yesterday and another day. I also made enough vegetable for leftovers as I’ll eat them when they’re ready to eat.
4. I dropped off a Buy Nothing offering. There was a miscommunication about the packaging and then a missed pick up. Since I could easily walk past the house of the recipient I dropped it off. She was grateful and no time or gas were used.
5. I am ignoring the fact that my brother, in CO, and my neighbor reported Santa sightings over the weekend. Ridiculous.
Thank you again for the post.
1. I combined errands and my daughter dropped off her ballot, I dropped off a package at USPS and my daughter dropped off a phone at Verizon and ended with a visit to my mom.
2. We walked to the coffee shop near my mom. I used the remains of a gift card. We enjoyed a warm coffee while the dogs and humans got some exercise.
3. I popped the rest of a casserole in the freezer to be eaten later.
4. I used discounted gift cards from Costco to buy my daughters dinner at Olga’s. It’s a family favorite and my oldest likes to go when we’re in town. I’ve been taking her there since she was a toddler.
5. I sold one of my daughter’s old Tamagotchis on Ebay. She is slowly emptying her room since she has her own home now.
Thank you for these daily posts. I’ve been contemplating whether or not I can keep myself from checking the news for a week starting tomorrow. Probably not but it would be good for my health.
1. We used up leftovers for lunch yesterday although neither of us was excited about them.
2. A large shrub in the front yard died so we agreed on a different variety. After Hubby planted it I went to look at it and found it was infected with a fungus. He dug it up, returned it and found one we both like even more that was less expensive!
3. Our patio rug got rained on by an out of season storm so I am carefully drying it in the garage before storing it. Rainy season come soon so it would have been put away soon. It came with the house but has been useful so trying to avoid mildew.
4. I made blueberry pancakes and froze them for future breakfasts.
5. And the rest of the usuals!
1. It was my job to bring lunch down to hubby at the farm on Sunday. I was out of bread. I used a Chipolte card that I had been given to order him a burrito. I made Hibiscus tea from leaves that have been hanging around for about ten years. I made a simple syrup of one part sugar and one part water. I put it in a water flask. I packed a tupperware of kale, walnut salad. The burrito would have been $15.00 I couldn’t get over my sticker shock.
2. I picked 10 pomegranates from the River House tree. After I use the last of my dates I was going to by dried cranberries for my salad. i will use these instead.
3. I picked 30 fuyu persimmons from our tree. Last year I was working and let most of the fruit be eaten by the deer. I will be more attentive this year.
4. I took pictures of the redundant appliances and cabinetry to be listed on Facebook. I don’t like facebook because I don’t want to do anything in person but here I go. There are a pair of custom made giant armoires that are beautiful. I don’t know how much to list them for so I have much research to do today.
5. I have a meeting at my bank to roll my matured cd into my checking account in prep for making the final payment for our Antartica Cruise. At that time I will revert my checking account back to a none premium. I made the original change to get free checks. Now I need an account that does not require a minimum balance.
1. Free entertainment Sunday night! Got to watch the mini-series about The Temptations (Motown singing group). It was broadcast over the air on Bounce (TV network). I had seen the first part several years ago while at an out of town work conference but had to go to a meeting and missed the rest. Got to see the rest last night! Binged until around midnight, but totally worth it. Hearing their music all over again — priceless! And the actors re-created the choreography.
2. Frugal fail: the tall and skinny shrubs I transplanted a couple of weeks ago are both dead. But, hey, they made good and spooky Halloween decorations. Will lop them off this afternoon.
3. Took some cuttings from the same type shrub to the county extension office. Free info: found out what they were (Ligustrum) and that I can probably plant them from seeds. Which the larger shrubs are producing. They grow fast.
4. Found a girl’s hair elastic on the parking lot by my car. Used it to fasten the garage door opener to its holder. No more lost openers!
5. Kept Kamala and carried on-a-lah! (As per the SNL skit with the VP in the mirror. Totally worth watching if you haven’t already!) And, yes, I voted. Hope you do, too.
Dang – I’ll have to check Bounce’s schedule in case they show it again. A bit before my era but not much after my folks and definitely during my aunts/uncles eras. Good music is good music. And the choreography of the 50s/60s era is awesome.
Election Eve Edition:
(1) I hope today to have reached a final resolution of a problem with the exhaust system that my go-to garage installed in my Honda Element at the end of August. Fortunately, the installation is still under warranty, so this hasn’t cost me anything except aggravation. And in the spirit of “leave ’em laughing,” I said to the guy at the counter as I left, “Nothing personal, but if I don’t see you again till my state inspection next August, that’ll make me very happy.”
(2) I continue to occupy myself with JASNA work: proofreading papers for the upcoming edition of the electronic journal, and starting preparation for a discussion I’ll be leading on 11/16 for my local region. Thank goodness for constructive distraction.
(3) I spent part of this morning putting together an Election Eve chili–an improvisation based on (a) several online recipes for turkey chili and (b) canned goods and a jar of “meh” salsa that I needed to use up. I thought that the turkey (insert name of your un-preferred candidate here) and the other ingredients were appropriate for the occasion. And this made a nice small batch of chili–just enough to share with the Bestest Neighbors.
(4) I’ve started breaking out my Windham Hill Winter Solstice, Celtic Christmas, and other seasonal CDs. Most of these aren’t overtly “Christmasy,” and they serve for me as a nice segue into the holiday season. And this year in particular, they’re very soothing. George Winston’s “December” is a particular favorite of mine.
(5) After I’ve voted on Tuesday (and I plan to arrive at my polling place just around the corner well before the polls open at 6 am), I plan to spend as much of the rest of the day as possible raking up more leaves from my own yard and various neighbors’ piles for my new compost heap. As the other gardeners among you know, there is no such thing as too much compost.
Make sure to rake the forest, as they do in Finland!
You’ve inspired me to cook up a batch of chili instead of the soup that I’d planned to making. Crossing fingers that your mechanical issues are fixed for good!
I have, or had, those CDs as well!
Five frugal things
1. I ate a bowl of mixed vegetables from the back of the freezer and then had 2 eggs over easy on a toasted hamburger bun for lunch. Not the most fun lunch but it got the job done.
2. I ran out at 8:30 to vote at my polling place while it was raining to beat the rush and was in and out in 3 minutes.
3. I am burning fall candles I bought on clearance last year.
4. I have been patiently selling a few old pairs of shoes that my daughter and I have hardly worn since we sorted through our closet to only keep what we really need and wear. I only have 2 pairs left and one should be picked up today
5. I am heading over to my goodwill today to browse around for any cute baskets or items it good condition I can put together as gifts for Christmas.