Five Tiny Frugal Things
by Katy on January 30, 2025 · 32 comments
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I drove across town to pick up an $85 West Elm loveseat that my kid wanted for their minuscule studio apartment. They’d held off from this purchase until the coffee table sold, and began scouring Facebook Marketplace the moment the money hit their account. It’s very handy to have a mother who still drives her twenty-year-old minivan.
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I thrifted another $4.99 Goodwill dining chair, oddly similar to the one I bought last week. (Reproduction is on the left, actual midcentury one to the right.) I’ve listed it on Marketplace for $40, but will hold onto its vintage twin.
Edit: I sold the dupe for $40 within a couple hours of listing it!
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My sister sent me a hefty “Chutzpah” mug as a belated birthday gift, which triggered getting rid of a few extras. My cupboard was already at peak capacity, so I pulled out three dull colored Fiestaware mugs and offered them up in my Buy Nothing group. My chutzpah now has the breathing room it deserves and “Melissa” gets three new mugs!
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I was hungry and close to IKEA, so I stopped in to use their clean bathroom and grab a $1.15 veggie hotdog. These come with fried onions and pickled beets and are damned tasty. I also grabbed some cookie samples and enjoyed my meal in the car with some tap water from home. When I say I’m “cheapaf,” I literally mean it!
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I didn’t buy an election.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice looking loveseat. I miss my van, it was so handy.
1. I took a short walk with my mom & dog. It was a little too icy still, so we turned around. Not breaking a hip for either of us is frugal. Afterwards she fed me some cheese and crackers and I helped her with her puzzle. I mention my mom a lot. She is 85 and I know I won’t have her forever. After the death of my husband, I try to spend as much time as I can with the people I love. Life is short and I know what’s important.
2. I had lunch with my friend who I normally walk with, again because it’s a little too icy to walk. She picked me up and we checked out the tea shop downtown beforehand. I didn’t purchase anything. I also had water with my lunch.
3. I ate leftovers for dinner last night and my daughter picked herself up some takeout.
4. I’m finishing up the book a friend lent me. It’s Never Lie by Frieda McFadden. It’s very hard to put down. I’ve also downloaded a library book to my kindle to read next.
5. I also didn’t buy an election. I’m limiting my news since the election. My desire to be informed is at odds with my need for sanity.
Jill A,
Be thankful your mom is still with you, and send her my love. My momma would’ve had her 100th birthday on Jan. 6 (which is yet another reason I am furious about what happened on the infamous Jan. 6, 2021) and the anniversary of her passing is coming up in Feb. There’s still a very empty place in my heart.
Meanwhile, I’m also mega-depressed/upset about what’s going on in the news since the inauguration. How could this have happened???? You expressed it very well: need to be informed vs. sanity. How we are going to endure the next 4 years is beyond me.
Jill A,
I 100% understand what you mean about not having our loved ones in our lives forever. I lost my dad 26 years ago, and because of the way he was, I never really got to know him, and I regret that. My mom will be 91 in April, but lives in Colorado (I live in Ohio), so there’s not much opportunity to spend time together….plus, we’ve always had a bit of a fraught relationship, so it’s difficult at best.
I’m at an age where I’m seeing friends and loved ones lose parents, siblings, and extended family, so I am trying to spend more time with the friends and family who are geographically (and emotionally) close to me.
Jill, I love it when you mention your mom and enjoy reading about your multi-generational activities.
yes, what MB said.
I have been reeling ever since I lost my mom last year–apparently Michelle Obama is the same. I have missed work and social occasions and it just seems so lame to say “I’m sad because I miss my mom.” Dad has been gone for 9 years now, which I can hardly believe, he was such a force of nature.
All good things. I love the mug!
1. Packed my lunch every day this week for work. Today my fiancé packed my lunch for me, which makes me feel very loved. It’s the little things!!
2. Canceled my Spotify subscription. It is a luxury, not a necessity.
3. Had the “dumpster spot” parking at the local library… didn’t even have to spend a quarter to park to pick up my holds!
4. Planned my bachelorette party… we are going to a (free) Nature Reserve and having dinner at a fun restaurant after. I don’t need a big weekend bash.
5. Spending more time at home. I don’t need to go places and spend money. I pay for a mortgage and I’m going to take advantage of every second of it.
Autumn, your #5: that’s a great way to look at a mortgage and time at home!
P.S. Kudos on a normal bachelorette party outing.
Nice score for your kid! I appreciate how much you look out for both of your kids, especially as adults.
1. It’s been the hardest week my family has had in a long time as our beloved dog passed away on Tuesday. She was only 6 yo and we have a huge hole in our hearts. I’m doing my best to stay afloat, but it’s tough since I work from home and was with her all day, every day. Dogs really are the best. That said, we have the kindest friends and my closest ladies sent a large donation to the rescue where we got her. We also received flowers from my mom’s good friends who are dog people. This has brought a bright spot to a hard week.
2. In an attempt to keep busy and not drown in sadness, I worked from the local branch of our library yesterday. It was great — and free! I had a (zoom) client meeting in the afternoon and was able to reserve a “study pod” with enclosed glass doors for the meeting. I also found a new book to read – Long Island by Colm Toibin.
3. I’m donating high-quality dog food to the rescue where we got our sweet girl. They do amazing work in our area.
4. Rain is due to arrive this weekend and we need it after a beautiful, yet dry, January. I am getting a walk in today while it’s still relatively dry.
5. And lastly, I just want to echo the sentiments of many in this group in saying that I’m grateful for this space to share, learn, and grow. Thank you, Katy and all the commentariat for providing a “safe space” in this ever-growing s*it storm.
I am so very sorry to hear about the death of your beloved pup. Dogs really ARE the best. Your thoughtfulness to her shelter is a loving tribute.
Oh Lindsey G., I feel your sadness and am so sorry about your dog.
I’m so sorry to read about your dog, what a terrible loss. Sending all my love and a virtual hug.
My kid used to get afterschool Japanese tutoring in a library pod and it was such a great resource for them.
yes, what MB said.
I have been reeling ever since I lost my mom last year–apparently Michelle Obama is the same. I have missed work and social occasions and it just seems so lame to say “I’m sad because I miss my mom.” Dad has been gone for 9 years now, which I can hardly believe, he was such a force of nature.
I don’t know why that comment posted twice. But sorry about your pup, Lindsey. My sweet darling 6 year old dog died in October and it’s still hard. I don’t even know what she died from. She was such a good girl.
@Rose @Katy @MB in MN @Susies Daughter – thank you for your kind words. You all get it, I know.
I’m so sorry about your dog. That’s heartbreaking.
I love that you’re close with your grown kids. Gives hope to this soon-to-be empty nester!
1. Found $10 under a car while picking up my dog’s poop!
2. Repaired my dryer myself with a combination of error codes, Internet sleuthing, and elbow grease.
3. Spot-cleaned, steamed, and pressed my son’s wool suit pants. I consider “Dry Clean Only” a challenge!
4. Stocked up on sale cucumbers. My teens go through a LOT of produce.
5. Did the math when buying tea and determined that the intermediate size was a significantly better value than the smallest or the largest, so that’s the one I bought.
Claudia, your #1 made me LOL. My late MIL used to say that when she dreamed of money, she got s**t, and vice versa–but you seem to have gotten both at the same time!
1. Had to drive my husband a few hours away to catch a flight. I made pizzas and teas ahead of time to take with us. I didn’t have my usual pizza toppings, so instead made chicken bbq (using up bbq I had) and Mexican chorizo pizza, which I think I’d make again. I also used some mint leaves from my windowsill garden in the tea.
2. Since I was up by an Aldi (don’t have any local), I stopped in and bought some groceries. I was tempted to stop in somwhere and buy coffee on the drive home, but didn’t.
3. Went on a walk yesterday…free exercise.
4. I helped my daughter dye her hair with a clearance hair dye. I think it was $4. I no longer dye my own, but let my silver highlights shine instead: https://practicalwalk.com/2024/11/25/bye-to-the-dye/
5. Last night was our first night of free electric rates. I put the laundry in, but didn’t set the dryer for long enough, and it wasn’t dry this morning…I’m used to just setting it for a little bit and checking it. All well, I’ll get used to it
1) I happily took home a carafe of extra coffee from church on Sunday and reheated it Monday.
2) I also happily served leftover chili and chips Monday night from our AFC championship viewing party on Sunday. Chili was made with canned beans and canned tomatoes with green chilis – both on sale. Poor Bills…
3) I twice talked myself out of buying a red tablecloth or runner for Lunar New Year and instead used our already on hand decorations and some red carnations. Dinner included homemade fried rice and soup with homemade broth.
4) Exercise is walking snowy paths or skiing on equipment I already own. Time with friends and dogs outside is very good for my mental health always, but especially these days.
5) I am continuing my commitment to collect more open space and went through the top of the coat closet yesterday. Several things went in the trash, a few to the donation bag and a couple to friends. We have enough head lamps to outfit our whole household twice and enough vacuum cleaner bags (they are stored there) for six more months. Good to know!
I love the inspiration of a commitment to collecting more open space!
1. I got my free birthday sandwich from McDonald’s before the offer expired!
2. I bought my eggs at Trader Joe’s. The price went up 50 cents, but they’re still the cheapest eggs in town. I think everyone else has discovered the deal, because I got the last dozen yesterday.
3. I found a nice frame on a free pile and now I’m looking for art to put in it.
4. I’ve been improvising soups lately, to use up random pantry and freezer items. Cheap eats!
5. I don’t have to pay my spouse to appear in public with me.
1. We had all the kids and grandkids visit for a late Christmas weekend. I really wanted to cook for everyone. I estimate we spent about $200 on food for dinner for 11 and breakfast for 10 . For dinner we had lasagna, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Breakfast was bacon and ham, hash brown casserole, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and fruit salad. All homemade. It sounds like a lot of money, but that was 21 meals. Plus, two people took home cake, one took home lasagna, one grandson took breakfast foods for two meals, and husband and I had 2 or 3 meals from left overs. The price per meal kept going down.
2. A bonus of the visit was that we were able to rehome with family members some items that we weren’t using and weren’t going to use. Our visitors took away a large dehumidifier, 2 beautiful vintage glass trays, 2 blankets, 2 storage jars and a plastic pitcher.
3. I trimmed down my items listed on Etsy. A few went into the craft supply closet. Most will go to a friend’s yard sale. Now I have more room for things that might actually sell.
4. We were given a great chair that is more attractive and comfortable that the one it is going to replace.
5. We had a friend over for movies and leftovers. We had a lovely time with no money spent.
1. Gave away a pair of almost new winter boots on local buy nothing group. They are so cute, but impossible to get on, due to no zipper. Hopefully someone else can have better luck.
2. Found Simple Truth plant based egg replacer on clearance for $2,49 instead of $4,99. Equal to 35 eggs and usable for baking. I tested it Sunday with muffins and could not tell the difference, so returned today and bought the last two bags. I’ll stick in the freezer. 105 eggs for $8? Yes!
3. Growing spouts on my counter in a jar with netting on top.
4. Air drying laundry on rack after a 15 minute quick load.
5. Started reading Prophet Song, a Christmas gift from my son. It won the Booker Prize in 2023. The first chapter is reading like January 2025 in America. Anyone else read this? We’ll see if I can continute.
Jenni, thanks for putting the egg replacer on my radar.
I have not read Prophet Song, and after reading the description, I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to as it feels like we’re already living in a ghastly fictional dystopia.
@Jenni in Utah – thanks for the egg replacement tip! I’m going to see if I can find that in our local store.
I noticed the spices in your obtained-from-the-neighbors Bonne Mamon jars. They look cute, all lined up there together, beneath your coffee mugs. (See? I pay attention!)
1. Took a loaf of bread out of the freezer for sandwiches instead of buying a loaf. It’s about time I ate the frozen bread up.
2. Even though my substitute teaching job didn’t start until 3rd period yesterday, I made sure to arrive in the morning before 1st period in order to get paid for the whole day. And as a bonus, they didn’t need me for a morning class, but didn’t send me home. So I ended up reading my paperback novel (gleaned from a free pile) in the library during 1st and 2nd periods. Sitting on a comfy sofa, no less! With my buddy the librarian looking the other way as I sipped my morning coffee from the faux Stanley cup I bought from Aldi. Nice!
3. The coffee was brewed at home, no Starbucks for me!
4. Collected rainwater and put it in gallon jugs for my houseplants. Rainwater has nitrogen but lacks chlorine so it’s great for plants.
5. Did not make an a$$ of myself ranting and raving about tragic aircraft collisions being caused by DEI policies. (How sick can he get?)
Fru-gal Lisa, answer to your #5: Sick and sicker (with intended riff on dumb and dumber).
That mug is so incredible!!
1. Made two nights of dinners out of the freezer to avoid takeout and grocery shopping when we aren’t home much right now.
2. Found a lunch special near my office that is within the realm of reality (midtown Manhattan is littered with $23 lunches) and was so relieved. $13 for soup and a half sandwich in most of the country is insane but I am just happy to have a backup plan if I don’t bring lunch that won’t bankrupt me.
3. Found our favorite protein shakes for buy-one, get-one 50% off so we stocked up.
4. It’s SO DRY. Suddenly remembered how effective boiling water on the stove is for increasing humidity. Put a pot on and the apartment suddenly feels like a tropical oasis.
5. Same elements as always – heat is low, coffee is brewed at home, tap water is drank. Keeping on, keeping on.
1. Reused foil, plastic bags, and 50 lb. dog food bags (for garbage) several times this week. Used rags instead of paper towels several times. Small things but I keep doing them.
2. Library for books and puzzles.
3. Mailed two eBay sales for free, using two USPS mystery shops that paid the postage plus $15 for doing each one.
4. Was offered two dozen eggs for free when the food bank got so many expired eggs that they could not give them away. Eggs last a lot longer than folks think so I snatched them up before they were sent to the pig farm.
5. Didn’t ruin my clothes by swallowing instead of vomiting when I watched Jabba the Hutt used his press conference about the crash to talk about how he restored the highest standards of air traffic controllers, overturning the Obama and Biden standards. Then went into a rant on DEI standards encouraging mentally ill and intellectually challenged folks to become air traffic controllers. He has no shame.
Lindsey, re: your #5, of all the s**t DJT has pulled on Jan. 20 and since, this was among the worst. I’m doing all I can do vs. Voldemort at the moment by donating to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU Foundation, and various environmental charities–but it still feels like spitting into the wind.
Lindsey, “did not throw up on my clothes” may have to be my #5 for the foreseeable future.
The Fiesta mugs are so cute, but those round handles are hard for me to actually hold onto, so I’ve sold most of mine, and the remaining ones are used as pen and toothbrush holders.
1. My super handy husband did a huge favor for the neighbors and refused payment, so they brought us a loaf of fresh baked sourdough as a thank you.
2. Cooked a repeat of Thanksgiving dinner the other night, everything came out of the freezer or pantry – boneless turkey roast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, and baked the Frugal Girl’s crustless pumpkin pie.
3. Taking advantage of free outings with friends – attended a free “learn to play Mahjong” class at the community center with one friend today, and am hitting the gym with another friend tonight. Her gym is fancier than mine, and she can bring a friend anytime, so we workout and then visit in the hot tub and sauna. I’ll shower there and use their hot water instead of mine at home.
4. We have good weather in the forecast this weekend, so I’m taking the kids to the amusement park using the discount season passes we picked up last fall. We plan to get there right after they open, play around for a few hours until we get hungry, and then go eat dinner at an inexpensive local restaurant outside the park. The cost to eat inside the park is insane, and the food isn’t that great.
5. Just the usual – making coffee at home, drinking tap water, eating leftovers, avoiding food waste, reading library books, batching errands to save gas, etc.