Five Tiny Frugal Things
by Katy on July 10, 2025 · 24 comments
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My free garage sale rug has proven itself to be a keeper, so I hauled the old one out to the curb and stapled a “Free” sign onto it. I checked back a few hours later to find it gone. It’s the circle of life!
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I fell prey to a pair of yellow jackets, so my sister took pity on me and pulled a dinner together from a variety of random bits and bobs. She titled it “Hearty Peasant Food” and I was more than happy to accept her silly meal. By the way we dined on cole slaw, cucumbers, hamburger buns and Tillamook cheddar cheese. It would’ve been easy to order a pizza, but I’m glad we didn’t.
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We added another out of town guest to the house today, but did so without buying anything to ready the room. A lot of people look around their houses and imagine how it’s perceived by others, then use that imagined criticism to fuel unnecessary purchases. Please don’t do this to yourself.
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Our guest beds are set up with thrifted mismatched sheets, but rich with welcoming spirit.
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I didn’t go on Amazon.com to browse for false “Prime Day” deals.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
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It’s the welcoming spirit that counts!
Prime Day is just a normal day. Or should I say Prime days are normal days (here in Europe Amazon has several Prime days from 8.-11. July).
1. I saved the bulb and root end of a bunch of spring onions after cutting off the green parts and planted them in the garden. So far the success rate is 100%, all of them are growing!
2. I usually do the same with “living lettuce” that comes with a small square of roots and compost, but the success rate is lower, maybe 70%, the odd one just rots away.
3. Replaced two broken cabinet hinges and remounted the cupboard door. It took a while to source the hinges (I could not get them locally but a very helpful local shop pointed me in the right direction and I then drove 20 minutes to a store that stocked them). Don’t get helpful advice and a lovely friendly chat with Amazon!
4. I needed a power bank for a road trip and was able to borrow one from my son.
5. Recent favourite library read: Say You’ll remember me, Abby Jimenez
Re: not worrying about what guests will think: The proper selection of guests is also important. I tend not to invite ones who might look down their noses at my furnishings, and I don’t think Katy does, either.
And I’ve said it often before, but I’ll say it again anyway: I haven’t had an Amazon account in over two years, and I’m doing just fine, thanks. In fact, I’m probably saving a lot more money on not being tempted to make impulsive purchases (especially of books) than I was saving on purchases.
That is spot on! Proper guests are also super important!
Our most frequent houseguests are my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. This last visit, she realized she’d been sleeping with a fan at home because the breeze helps her sleep better. So she picked up an inexpensive fan, but then asked if she could leave it in the guest room closet. In the past, she’s contributed a hand-me-down bedside lamp (still needs a shade, though) and a thick foam mattress topper. So, favorite people plus guests who help the room function better for the win!
1. My grandson is back from vacation, and we are sharing my car again. Last night he returned the car by 8:30 and texted me about where it was parked (we live in a dense urban neighborhood with street parking, so you grab a place wherever you can). I’m so glad we can do this. FYI his parents pay for the gas he uses.
2. My son picked up their cat yesterday, so I brought the plants back inside. One was lost, as well as the pot — it was knocked off the ledge, either by the wind or a neighbor. But it was worth keeping them away from the cat, who can’t resist chewing on plants even though they may make her sick. So the frugal part — saved most of the plants and no emergency vet visit!
3. The doctor I visited yesterday wants me to buy a blood pressure monitor to use at home. There is a wide range of prices. The recommended brand, of course, is pretty costly. But I want something that is accurate and easy to use, so I probably won’t cheap out. Going to spend the next few days researching prices and reviews.
4. It’s time to make granola again. The recipe I use calls for maple syrup. I have decided not to use my expensive real maple syrup, but to get some cheap artificial stuff. Since there is not too much in a recipe, and it’s baked, I think it will do fine.
5. Today I’m getting a blood test at the hospital. I’ll take the free ride on the train again. Also eat first (it’s not a fasting test) so the restaurants in the area don’t look so tempting.
Beth, a syrup made with brown sugar and water is a frugal substitute for maple syrup in granola.
1. Prime Days are meh to me as I never buy from Amazon. But I’ve noticed a lot of things online that say “Walmart is selling this terrific X, regularly at [$$$ amount of money] for only [$ amount].” I’ve been ignoring those ads, too.
2. Instead of buying them on Amazon or at a “new” store, I got some closet door handles for $3 apiece at Habitat ReStore. Brand new and in the package, and they look terrific. I needed 16 more in order to have enough for all my bifold closet doors! But better $48 than $160 or more, as I figure they’d be at least 10 buck each elsewhere.
3. Instead of buying new bookshelves, I am re-using the shelving I bought at Aldi. They’re going into my “new” computer room (newly refloored bedroom that used to be a computer room before it was former roommate’s bedroom). When I had them set up in the den, the shelf boards looked gray, but in this room, the tan color is coming out and it looks like they match the floor. They have a wood look finish that has some gray and light beige/tan in the coloring.
4. Re-using the name tags printed with my first and last name as book plates. Our church has this attendance system: when you come in they print out a name tag for you to wear. Each Sunday when I get home, I take it off and save it. I’ve labeled all my vintage Britannica encyclopedias with these name stickers inside the cover, and I’m doing the same on all the reference and other books I want to keep. They stick to the pages just fine and look professional.
5. I did not trivialize the tragedy re: the Guadalupe River flash flood by comparing it to — of all things! — a football game, the way our not-so-illustrious Texas governor did when he tried to shush the press and others from asking the hard question “why weren’t there any warning sirens?” (Answer: because when they applied for a grant in 2018 to install sirens, this was denied. Can’t blame this one on Biden, because 2018 was during the Orange Ogre’s first term. Also, the DOGE cuts resulted in a National Weather Service position — the job San Antonio-based where they work all night and warn of disasters — was axed. Less government = less lifesaving services. We should all be furious over this one!)
I could not believe the governor’s idiotic response to the flooding tragedy. That was appallingly insensitive.
I love that you were able to shop for what you needed at a Habitat ReStore, thank you for reminding us to consider them.
I wrote this blog post a few years back:
https://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/lets-go-shopping-at-the-habitat-for-humanity-restore/
I haaaated the bifold doors on my laundry closet, so I took the hinges off one piece, put them on the other side, added handles in the middle and voila, French doors.
I call him Bozo the clown. Yes, I know calling people names is ugly. I have an irrational loathing for the man. He did nothing to change my feelings with that over the top wedding with over the top guests. Imagine how many homeless people that could feed and house for what was spent on that tacky party. My dearly departed momma, who could squeeze a dollar out of a dime, would have heartily disapproved of his wedding and she would have said he made a spectacle of himself. Yes, I know it is his money. So I am being ugly and I know it. Rant over.
1. I walked in the neighborhood for thirty minutes for free.
2. I cut the air off (It is 94 here, with a heat index of 104) turned on the fan with an old frozen water bottle and several frozen glasses in front of it. I opened the screened windows but kept the curtains pulled to avoid letting the sun shine into the house. It was ok, although I would have preferred to be running the air conditioner. I just don’t like the air conditioning bill.
3. I ate watermelon and a tomato sandwich so I didn’t have to turn on the oven during the hottest part of the day. Again, the electric bill bites. My other pet peeve is how tied in to the electric company are the members of the public utility service commission, which is supposed to regulate our rates. Our state legislators also have passed protective measures protecting the executives of the state electric companies. Second rant over. State politics sucks.
4. I washed out my dresses in the bath tub and hung them out to dry.
5. I do keep the outside lights on at night but use LED lights. I also have solar lights.
4.
It is not irrational at all
I am 100% with you about Bezos the Clown. Thank you for speaking out!
I do not envy the South’s summer weather! Stay cool, my friend.
Ohhhhhh, Katy, I am so sorry to hear of the yellow jacket stings. Those take me out so bad I have to go on steroids for the swelling and the itching. I look like I need to go on Lasix when I get stung.
So, I am sending you lots of sympathy!
We enjoyed our roast chicken in solar oven very much last night.
I love your hosting philosophy. It is the same as mine though you seem to be more at peace with it than I am sometimes.
1. Eating gifted plums and figs, cucumbers and tomatoes and green beans from our garden. Rhubarb cake made in solar oven from my own rhubarb.
2. After much looking and waiting we found a decent price place to stay in S. California. It’s not a good price, but it’s decent for the area. Everything is relative. We are staying there because we get to spend a week with kids and grandkids and that make it worth a lot.
3. Friend dropped more vintage things for me to sell and keep the money.
4. Participated in the summer library reading program and was entered for the raffle prize of a grocery gift card. I also did the program with my grandson so he is entered for the grocery gift card.
5. Sold $35 worth of kids clothes on FB marketplace. Someone came to pick up one lot and I mentioned I had more items for sale, she asked for the link which I sent and she came back and bought the rest. Plus she asked me to let her know when I have more! A ready buyer is pretty sweet.
I had another serving of Dollar Tree Dinners’ rice and beans burrito bowl for lunch. Topped it with a chopped up sausage patty and a small tomato from the garden. Great eating for pennies.
Pulled some frozen bananas out of the freezer and made one and a half dozen banana walnut bran muffins for breakfasts. Bought a large container of smoked paprika from the Latin American food aisle at the grocery store for half the price of what’s on the baking aisle.
Ruby, this is something else I’ve said before, but it’s definitely the international grocery stores (or the international aisles at supermarkets) for the win on spices. My India Bazaar is my go-to for spices, and I divvy up what I can’t use with the Bestest Neighbors and my Sunday walking buddies.
Started my very part time job as church receptionist
I’m impressed with the assistance we provide to the community: utilities assistance, big food bank, and community dinners
Everything old is new again. That’s my wardrobe as I’m wearing summer dresses I’ve had for years
We’re eating down the refrigerator and pantry to save $$ and not leave any perishables as we head to MD Anderson in Houston for younger son’s extensive surgery and hospital stay. Daughter in law has rented a VRBO about 2 miles from
hospital
Best wishes to your son on his surgery, Kathy.
Thanks
Yes, best wishes to all of you, Kathy.
1) First off, I never was a “girly girl.” One thing I hate is jewelry. My husband and I both decided we should be wearing medical alert bracelets (psychological issues, allergies, and I’m diabetic). I shopped around and around and can’t find anything that will fit my 11″ wrist. The closest I can get is 10″, which will fit DH. Broke down and got an inexpensive elastic bracelet kit (in the clearance section to boot) and I will make my own. Just need to order the faceplate for me.
2) Today was the day to take my sister for groceries and errands. Saw a chair on the street that looked like the type we were seeking; however, it had rained last night and only the back of the chair was covered with plastic and the seat was wet. There was a sign that they had more, so DH went in to check. Came out with one REALLY NICE chair for $25, and, my sister paid for the chair AND paid for our lunch. Free lunch. Free chair. Happy me.
3) Baked a coconut cake and made a frozen peanut butter pie w/ chocolate chips to donate to the fireman’s carnival. Eating dinner before we go to drop off our donation and going to splurge on a scoop of the fire company’s homemade ice cream. Not staying for the carnival. I can make my own funnel cakes at home from scratch. Lead me not into temptation…
4) Brought our own coffee from home this morning. 5 hours later in our insulated cups – still hot.
5) Turned off the AC before we left home. Our landlord put in a “smart AC” when he replaced the old one. I used my phone to set it to turn on about 15 minutes before we get home.
1. My oldest sister came over yesterday for a concert. She slept in our guest room. The bed, sheets and comforter were from sister #3, the dresser was curbed picked, the shelving unit was from a Habitat Restore that I refinished, the curtains were from sister #5, the clock was one of my kids, the charging cord was from college move out and the painting were made by my youngest daughter.
2. We only got drinks at the concert as no food or drinks are allowed. We got one each and my sister treated since we drove. Hubby and my tickets were my birthday gift from Hubby. We didn’t buy souvenirs. We ate dinner at my house before the show.
3. I took the day off since my sister was staying over. My sister wanted to get Italian bread and pastries. I didn’t buy anything. We had leftovers for lunch and then she headed home.
4. I picked a quart of raspberries, 11 white figs, spinach, lettuce, and basil. I love when I don’t have to buy fruit and vegetables.
5. I went to Aldi the other day. There were lots of carts in the lot so I turned in 3 carts( 75 cents). 1 of the carts had a box of muffin mix and I found $10 in the parking lot. I also returned $1.40 in bottles and cans.