Five Tiny Frugal Things
by Katy on November 6, 2024 · 66 comments
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I used the final frozen bag of last year’s homemade puree to bake up a pair of pumpkin bread loaves. I brought warm slices to my neighbors and they gave me their uncut Halloween pumpkin, which I’ll turn into enough puree to last until Halloween 2025.
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I finished reading my library book and then drove over to the library to grab two new “Lucky Day” books, which are the only books available at the otherwise holds only pickup location. (They’re remodeling the neighborhood library.) I returned Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead without even cracking the spine, as I currently need my books to be undemanding of intellect.
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My neighbor brought me the last of her chocolate Halloween candy bars and wrote “Election Therapy” on the bag. I’m lucky to live in a neighborhood where my friends and neighbors didn’t vote against this country’s human rights. In case you’re wondering what the bag contained, it held a dozen or so small Hershey bars plus Reese’s peanut butter cups.
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I listened to the newest episode of the Office Ladies podcast while puttering around the kitchen this morning, as I wasn’t enjoying my own devastated thoughts. I’m thankful for this free podcast, which helped distract me through the pandemic and now through whatever the hell this is.
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I didn’t buy a vulgar gold plated apartment in the sky.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
So grateful that you posted again today. Love the relationship you have with your neighbors, and it just shows how important and worthy it can be to reach out and foster that sense of community. Love how you share tools and water each other’s plants and save jam jars for each other … and show solidarity on dark days like today. It is what will get us through … right?
Thank you for the new post. This reminds me of the children’s book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”-We can’t go over it, we can’t go under it, we can’t go around it, we have to go through it. May we have strength to endure.
1. Volunteered at the community garden where it was good to see people doing good. Had a free persimmon as a snack, and another to bring home.
2. Sold an item on FB marketplace. The $250 sale did happen yesterday, so that was great.
3. Picked another 3 pounds of green tomatoes, which will become chutney. The recipe I used tastes like the Branston pickle of my childhood in England.
4. Had an appointment with my therapist. This is frugal for both my mental and physical health.
5. I am rearranging my bookcases, a great undertaking as I will be unloading and moving 5 bookcases. But I just want to and something needs to be right in the world today. And I won’t spend a penny.
I also needed something to be right in the world today, so washed two loads of laundry, wrote up a reference check, and paid some bills, watched a Hercule Poirot, and started reading for an Advent study.
Katy, I’m devastated today too. But, like you, I’m trying to do what I can as therapy. It helped me today to clear out a lot of fall-sprouting dill from the bed where I needed to plant garlic; to give the dill to three other majorly bummed-out neighbors and friends; and to plant the garlic. I count on Mother Nature, as usual, to carry me through.
Katy, the Election Therapy bag gave me a much needed smile today.
When I saw your pic, I thought it was a barf bag as I’m utterly sickened by what my fellow Americans have signed up for. I wept at Trader Joe’s today, and it had nothing to do with prices.
Sending hugs to you, MB!
(I was also looking forward to Minnesota having the first Native American woman as a state governor. Not this time).
Heidi Louise, thank you. I’m ashamed to admit that I briefly entertained the thought that a terminal diagnosis would be welcome right now as I have less than zero desire to witness the multiple upcoming train wrecks for which we’ve already been told the gory details.
Oh I intend to weather this better than 98% of his cult members (the other 2% are much richer than I). I owe this to my relatives who fought in the Revolutionary War and almost every war there after (WWII made them stay home and keep farming). This country has made it through tough times – this may be the worst one. Too may need to blame others when their lives are not to their liking. No one told you to have kids, not go to college or learn a skilled trade, not to bother to save money for retirement – I could go on and on and on.
Keep track of the promises and keep an eye out – farms whose crops will end up rotting on the ground due to no one to pick them. Domestic meat may skyrocket due to no one to work in the processing plants. I *think* I kept a link to an article where a supervisor at a meat packing plant in texasistan said Hispanics could do the physical work. Hardly any Caucasians could.
Good time to clean, organize, take inventory and restock as needed. Rx prices likely to skyrocket with tariffs (and don’t think the “tariffed” countries won’t tariff us right back).
I’m heartbroken. I’m giving myself a few days to mourn and then I’m going to move on. Hopefully I can find a productive way to deal with the fallout.
1. I drove my oldest daughter home to Cleveland which is a four hour trip, so she could vote. Long story. I stayed in a hotel with my youngest that didn’t provide breakfast this time because it was considerably cheaper.
2. I took individually packaged Belgian waffles to eat for breakfast. Costco had a container of 12 on clearance for $4. I drank the free coffee the hotel provided.
3. I filled up my gas tank at the station across from the hotel for
$2.59 a gallon which was the cheapest I saw.
4. My mom dog sat for me.
5. I found $2 in the Goodwill bins. I only spent $1.03 so I’m up by 97 cents.
With people like you to be there you’ll find it next time-if not before.Life has strange turns.Bonne Chance from the UK to you.
Thank you for posting today. I am still in shock and still want to vomit. I work a couple hours and then just took sickleave.
I just watched Kamala Harris’s concession speech. What a classy lady.
I feel so angry that she is so mature, professional, and playing by the rules. He would never do any of those three things.
Like others have said we grieve today. Maybe a few days. But then we roll up our sleeves and get back to work. And a lot of that work is building community big and small.
Thank you for your example of sharing your connection with your friends and neighbors. It’s an excellent example.
Devastated today. But thank you for the spot of light in my day that your post was!! I love hearing about your caring neighbors. It is the little human to human interactions of kindness and love that are helping carry me thru today.
1. I brought lunch to work like I do everyday. I already made my lunch for tomorrow a salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, celery ,carrots and sunflower seeds. Homemade dressing too.
2. I walked again this morning . How many days does it take to make this a habit?
3. I got a we miss you email from Chick fil a for a free sandwich. I will give it to my husband since I will want fries with it and I am trying to lose weight.
4. I went to Walmart for a few items that are cheaper there then Aldi. I get most of my pasta there since they have the 3 pound boxes. They had canned corn and string beans on sale for 50 cents each. I also got Halloween candy that will go in Christmas baskets and stockings for 75% off.
5. Hubby and I are having leftovers for dinner.
Sigh.
Absolutely disgusted by what happened last night. This is very much what the USA is now.
1) Had tea and admired the sunrise this morning. To be in good health and see another sunrise is a priceless gift.
2) Went right back to work- fortunately I am working from home today, so the commute was 30 seconds!
3) I went for a long walk during my lunch break. To see the beautiful leaves and breathing deep was so very restorative.
4) I began a list of subscriptions that I have, and I will be cutting them off today.
5) I have a small house in Portland that is connected to water and power, and I think that is enough.
I am so disgusted by what “these Americans” have chosen. A vile, vulgar, liar, adulterer(sp) and a convicted felon. I cancelled all news subscriptions since I am too sensitive to news . I took all apps off my phone. I can hardly stomach him back in the White House and Melania as first lady. She is the antithesis of Jill Biden. A self absorbed creature who cares for nothing but herself. Then you have to consider Elon, Bannon, Miller and JFk and I start losing it.
I didnt do anything today but stare out the windows and sit outside. We live in the beautiful Sierra Foothills and everything is golden and yellow.. Tomorrow I go for my monthly chemotherapy and then I’ll go to the library for my holds. Life will go on.
I am devastated too. I went for a long walk today, hoping it would help, but it didn’t help much. I got text messages and phone calls from my 2 sisters, a high school friend, a college friend and a work friend. Talking with them was the best therapy for me.
I, too, felt sad last night, but this morning I decided to turn the page. I have made a vow to stop reading news that pulls me down. There are so many good books to read and hopeful things to concentrate on. I started by inviting some friends for lunch next week. Everyone I called was delighted and I am looking forward to planning our get together. I also got out for a walk which was so uplifting with all the beautiful fall colors in my neighborhood. I came home to start a pot of stew and have enjoyed prepping the vegetables, browning the beef and smelling the delicious simmering aroma. Life is good and I will carry on.
I didn’t even feel like getting out of bed today after the devastating news last night but I put my feet on the floor and resolved to not watch any news today. Mentally and physically exhausted from working 16 hours at the polls only to be greeted with bad news in the form of the electoral college. I feel it’s such a sad commentary on our country that the majority of voters would prefer a felon, rapist, thief, liar…need I say more…as the leader of our country. So many job applications ask if you are a felon…guess the presidency doesn’t have that box to be checked. To keep my mind occupied, I read on the deck. Weather wise, it was a beautiful day. I had to put down Mary Trump’s new book about him with the realization that no matter what the public knows about him, it doesn’t compute in the minds of the cult members.
Christine – thank you for contributing to a free and fair election, even if the result is devastating. I’m grateful that we’ll never have to “wake up” to the shame some voters will.
Kim, I’m also glad- but in the minority in this group. Which is okay. Everyone has the right to their opinions.
I decided that I am going to try and save $500 per month from now until June. I’d like to take the summer off as a teacher (vs tutor all summer, which I find lovely (the students) but tiring. If I save that much, and am very frugal, I think I can stay home and do things to save money all year, like can and freeze produce, cook from home all the time, garden, sell extra flowers/produce/baby rabbits (I breed Holland lops) and things like that. Still busy but a different busy. I love teaching but having 2 months off would be a great reset.
With respect, the graceful thing would have been to sit this day out. Your “opinions” bear on the safety and the legal and civil rights of people I love. There are many, many frugality sites and groups more friendly to the politics of grievance.
As for your savings: hopefully he was lying or delusional about his tariff plan, as about virtually everything else, and it won’t really cost the average American household $2500 a year.
I had asked if I was welcome a few days ago. I read others posts- even though assume I disagree as strongly as you about many issues. I think it important to hear others voices, not just ones that I agree with, and I take time to think about what people write.
But, that said, I think you’re right. You and others in this group don’t really welcome having someone with different values and beliefs (like myself or the other poster above). I have appreciated all the fun frugality for many years, Katy! Thanks for all you do for the frugal community. You have a fantastic blog and so many of us learn SO many little ways to save!
These “issues” are *my family.*
Dawn, don’t let one person run you off.
Dawn, we breed Netherland Dwarfs and we also love and have a few Holland Loops. They are such sweet rabbits. The Netherlands are a bit more mischievous!
The caring, respectful way to share today would have been to leave off the minority comment, but you knew that.
Thank you for the chuckle. I am working on decluttering my apartment as it’s likely I’ll move soon, the election is accelerating my plans.
I filled the little free libraries near me with books and left houseplants and a few other things out as a free pile. It was all taken by the end of the day. I live in the gayborhood of my city and the idea that someone might have had today brightened a bit with a free book or plant gave me a much needed moment to reconnect with humanity. This election has really hurt my faith in people and as a result my compassion.
A – I also live in the gayborhood, and it’s been the best experience of community I’ve ever had. Those who sold out my neighbors for cheaper eggs have so much to answer for.
@Mati – alleged cheaper . A bit tiring of eggs used to cost X. Well TVs used to cost a heck of a lot more but don’t. Mostly due to cheap labor (who have no benefits or safety protections). Selective memories but I doubt any of them would work for the same wages they made years ago.
Anyone remember bird flu? That affected the flock sizes and production– don’t know if that’s still affecting the prices we see.
We survived orange pox once, we’ll do it twice. It won’t be without a bit of pain but remember mid-terms 2018. Most of us are frugal by choice, not necessity. Most of know that inflation will not go away day one. Plenty of other lies won’t happen either. Maybe do as I plan to do – keep track of the lies (and I may reverse my aversion to social media), spend no/as little as possible money in states/areas that don’t deserve your hard earned dollars. Laugh at all the voters who voted orange cuz they can’t handle a woman in charge – trust me, it will be therapeutic. Our pocketbooks are our greatest weapon. Yep I need new tires but I can’t think of much else I need new (or used frankly). Plenty of work to be done around the house – inside and out. Might expand the garden as better half ain’t particularly happy either.
Remember your sisters in states hostile to their health – help if you can (which might not be just be financial). Watch out for friends who will be targets based on their skin color or who they choose to be.
Well said Selena! Expresses how I am feeling after Tuesday.
I’ve spent a couple of days “counseling” friends that good living is the best revenge. Doesn’t have to be eaten cold however!
I’m really just numb. I’ve been in a vortex dealing with a mentally ill family member. They were discharged from the hospital yesterday and moved to assisted living, so that distracted me for most of the day. We tried watching some election returns, but gave up. I haven’t looked at any news or read anything other than Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters From An American” daily post. I feel like we can keep moving forward through the end of Biden’s presidency, then all bets are off. Whatever people think about T&$)p, he is malleable. It’s the people behind him, those who will end up in his administration, that you have to really watch out for. His election is a threat to freedom of the press, it will continue to erode women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies, and for anyone who has paid any attention to what the Nazis did during WWII, this should be a wake up call. The wartime attacks on Jews, Catholics, Gypsies, gays, and anyone else considered “other” isn’t at all different from the MAGA efforts to deport thousands of people of color, to target transgender people for what is a medical issue, and to become a white, Christian nation at a cost of anyone who isn’t a Conservative Christian. I really don’t think many Americans who voted Republican fully realize what they’ve signed up for. Personally, as a non-Christian, mother of a trans kid, I’m terrified. These people mean business and no amount of sunshine or voting with your dollars will make a dent in it.
Thank you Katy. Just …Thank you. As for everything else….
Patricia
I’m English and my extended family and I are utterly devastated and horrified by the Orange Pox’s victory (great name for him btw,Selena), and we’re in England. I truly feel for you and your wonderful country. JD Vance is the poison to watch, as well. But you know that. I’m so, so sorry for your suffering and sorrow.
1. I rescued pumpkins. I saw three uncarved pumpkins on top of a trash barrel in the neighborhood yesterday. They were still there in the evening so DH drove over to pick them up. We’ll use them as decoration the next three weeks then will figure out what to do with them. If I am not as ambitious as Katy I’ll put them in our composter.
2. I gave away dresses on the Buy Nothing group. They formerly belonged to DD and my mother. Clutter out/peace in.
3. I paused our Hulu subscription since we’re not using it.
4. I vacuumed using a cordless vacuum a neighbor was getting rid of. It is sometimes easier to use the a stick vacuum rather than the canisters vacs we have.
5. I’m off to meet a friend for a walk on the local Trolley Trail.
Look for Hulu .99 a month deal during November
Thank you.
Thank you-
I am very grateful for this online community today. Given we are from all over and certainly do not agree on everything, it is a marvel to see us come together in our core beliefs.
Many choices were not frugal yesterday (I ordered $50 in takeout and stand by my decision) but some were:
1. Instead of doom scrolling after seeing results, I went on a walk around my neighborhood to confirm that my world was, indeed, still there.
2. My work team went on a field trip to a museum yesterday afternoon on the company’s dime for some bonding and a little relief from the news. It was so lovely and at no cost to us.
3. I am throwing myself into hosting friends and family for the holidays. Beginning to try and find deals and order early where I can, particularly for items that will make hosting easier (for example, a friend is vegan and gluten free. It will save all of us strain to order thanksgiving desserts from a bakery to avoid time squeezes making pies to accommodate everyone). I have found a local spot that has discounts for ordering before November 10!
4. Post-marathon recovery continues. Got a gift card for a massage and used it last night. I was so grateful for how much better I feel!
5. Redoing my Libby book holds to items that similarly do not challenge me intellectually for the next few weeks at least. Puff piece recommendations are welcome.
1. I made a list for my weekly Publix haul and saved 2/3 of the original cost of items with sales, promotions, coupons, and rebates.
2. I earned $10 on Shopkick, $25 on Swagbucks, and more that I have to build up to redeem at a later date on Checkout 51 and ibotta. However, I’m excited to get some money back and re-loop it into my grocery budget.
3. I have been driving as little as possible and looping all errands into my daily commute. I have been averaging 1/2 to 3/4 tank of gas a week. This is great as when I don’t loop things in I end up using a full tank a week.
4. I sold a microwave on marketplace that a neighbor gave to me for free. I made $40 and used this toward groceries as well.
5. I did a tree and plant giveaway in my neighborhood in January. I realized that not everyone wants to plant trees in their yards but still were interested in receiving a plant for a gift. I have decided to branch out with frangipangi and received many cuttings after hurricane Milton. I also received a lot of plastic pots from neighbors for free. I will work on getting reduced priced dirt. I am also planning on doing jade cuttings and spider plants. One neighbor offered my palm seedlings as well. It’s interesting to see people reaching out to try and rehome plants. It gives me a lot of hope for the future as my neighborhood has lost about 50% of it’s tree cover in the last several years since hurricane Irma, then Ian, and a half mile wide tornado that came through my neighborhood during Milton.
@Ashleybananas – your #5 is a reminder to me of why I love so much what you post
– you are doing what you can with what you have, to make your corner of the world a better place.
You are showing up and noticing where there is a need, and finding ways to address that need, and you are doing it IN COMMUNITY – engaging with others and inviting them in to join you in taking concrete action for today and the future.
According to what I see, “Hope” is an action word in your world. May we all have more Hope-as-action and do what we can, where we are, with what we have.
I’m so sorry about the losses in your area – we were in Tampa in May, and it took getting used to the lush growth of plants we have to baby here. It’s so hard to think of the damages.
Projects like yours do so much to bring normalcy and connection.
Katy,
Thank you.
I have been alternating between sick and numb.
I have been frantically cleaning anything that doesn’t move and avoiding the news as much as possible. I have been doing as much walking as possible and just trying to regain my peace. It feels as if it has been missing for too long.
I sit in a red enclave in a red state and feel very much alone except for a few like minded friends.
I can’t figure out what they keep saying the “he” did for anyone when he was in office before. He accomplished nothing.
I am just going to hunker down and try not to implode.
JC
You’re not alone, I’m so sorry you’re feeling that way. Big virtual hug!
So, so sorry about that awful man becoming your leader for the next four years.
My family, friends and co-workers are all astounded that such a vile individual has been voted for by women in particular, his ‘speech’ late Tuesday evening your time which we watched open mouthed at breakfast was inane and made literally no sense.
Frugal habits are going to be needed even more going forward for both sides of the pond.
Forgot to say I read JD Vance’s book years ago and now feel really dirty!
I’ve yet to hear anything positive about his “book” from people who actually grew up in the area he claims to have grown up. I particularly love how one person who knew him from his “burb” said step-dad and mom brought in $100k. Good money back then.
His mammaw was nothing like my mammaw. For that I am glad.
Thank you, it’s just devastating that so many people would vote for him.
Than you for all you do
As your Canadian neighbor, I am crying for you………. I just don’t get it. At all.