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My husband had the day off yesterday and it was miraculously not raining, so we planned a walk along the Washington side of the Columbia River. Unfortunately we had a sluggish morning and realized that our timing couldn’t be worse, as we’d be hitting the Portland-to-Vancouver traffic during the beginning of rush hour, which would be a big mistake. Huge! Instead we pivoted and strolled through the Alameda neighborhood, which has gorgeous old houses, as well as postcard worthy views of Portland.
Quality time with my husband without spending a penny. Priceless.
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I treated my daughter to lunch to celebrate an accomplishment and she chose locally owned Pho Hung on S.E. Powell Blvd. Not only is this restaurant consistently delicious, but I saw on social media that they’d brought steaming bowls of pho to the striking nurses a few weeks back. (It’s like they knew how to earn my loyalty!) I chose a large bowl of their brisket pho and ate the vermicelli, some of the broth and most of the brisket. I then brought home the broth and added my own vermicelli noodles into the leftovers, which was enough to feed both my husband and myself.
Three meals from one entrée, I call that a frugal win!
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Today’s forecast is for a lovely 62°F/17°C and then tomorrow we’re supposed to see 64°F/18°C! I took this as an opportunity to turn off the furnace and open windows to welcome a breath of fresh air in the house. I know that this “false spring” is just a blip on the radar, but I’ll take it and enjoy a couple days without the cost of heating the house.
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• I did my Winco grocery shopping today, as I won’t be spending any money tomorrow to participate in the Economic Boycott. I plan on continuing the boycott in some way beyond this single day, but am still processing how to make that happen.
• I stopped by Goodwill to return last week’s droopy-crotch jeans and browsed the store without buying anything. I did take a moment to snap a “Best Mom Ever” photo to send to my kids. -
I was a good human being. I did not try to overthrow the American government. Did not belittle and humiliate Federal workers. Did not needlessly create chaos. <– Thank you to “Zoe” for this quote.
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
I once sent a similar “Best Mom Ever” pic to my kids and my son responded, “I thought the injunction prevented you from owning anything like that?”
Ha!!!
We are trying to pay our mortgage off this year so we really aren’t doing any extras. We live very frugally to begin with.
1. I made a big batch of onion soup in the crock pot. The onions were BOGO. I cook the onion skins and ends and make onion stock. I will use it next time I make another batch of soup. I dropped off a quart to my friend who lost her husband last year. It is tax season and she is working crazy hours. Cooking is the last thing on her mind.
2. I met with 2 friends for dinner at Panera. I suggested it because I have several gift cards there. They had gift cards too. We spent 2 hours socializing for free.
3. The lady I help lives with her daughter and 2 granddaughters. They fed me pizza on Tuesday and lots of homemade cookies this week. I ate the lunch I brought with me Tuesday on Wednesday.
4. My son’s car needed work on it. Good thing he is a mechanic. He worked on it today since it was his day off. I only worked a half day so I stole his cat. I mopped his kitchen floor when I went over to get the cat. I am typing with a cat in my lap and a dog at my feet. My son will get the cat later when he comes for dinner.
5. Saturday we went to CT to see my family. I brought Italian bread. We made a huge batch of Norwegian donuts. We get together once a year to do it. I vacuum sealed most of them and put them in my freezer. I got to see my oldest daughter for the day since she came for the weekend. Bags of stuff were swapped among us. I got 3 books, a puzzle, coupons, soap, jars returned and treats for the dog.
Marybeth–I did post my Airbnb but Katy removed the comment. (As is her right.) But–you do know what town I’m in, right? Look for a two bedroom cottage with a large navy and white wall hanging in the living room! (I love that thing–it’s fab.)
Thanks I will look.
Rose,
I was curious, and tried to find your cottage on airbnb, but I couldn’t find it. Mostly, 3 bedroom places came up. Does it have a specific name?
Crabby Cottage. Because I’m crabby, obvs.
1. Made four birthday cards from cards I received from people in the past. one trick is to cut the picture you like off the front and then use an uneven burn technique that gives it a nice antique look before you glue it onto new card stock. I have received some lovely cards and while I don’t want to display them forever, I don’t want to just throw them away so I recycle them this way. One of my friends never writes on the card, just on a piece of plain paper she sticks in, knowing it will be easier for the card to get another life if she does that. As expensive as nice cards are now, this saved me about $30.
2. Food bank had gallons of milk that were on their sell-by date, and they were begging people to take milk home at the end of their volunteer shifts because the boxes have gone out for the week. Took home two gallons and froze one and made yogurt out of the other.
3. Did a mystery shop at an Asian restaurant. The portions were so large I ate lunch and then brought home enough leftovers to feed us both for dinner!
4. Neighbor’s chickens are back to laying, now that we have more sunlight. She offered me half a dozen for free. yes, please!
5. Made out a list for seed ordering for this summer’s garden. Before sending it out, organized my leftover seeds from prior years. Turns out all I need are carrot seeds and I can get those locally so saved myself about $70!
Is Winco on the “big greedy corporation” list? I’m never sure. I’m caught up on spending for tomorrow’s big protest.
I have every window in the house open, and someone in the neighborhood must have a honeysuckle blooming, because my house smells great! Free smells!
I went for a walk and found a can of tomato sauce in a free pile. I was hoping for something more substantial, but this saved me 89 cents. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for other end-of-the-month free piles.
I’m thawing various freezer treasures that will become dinner.
I haven’t catered to the redneck audience by striking any macho chainsaw poses.
I looked around for the source of the lovely smell, and my neighbor informs me that it is Daphne!
I’ve heard from someone that Winco is NOT on the list. Hopefully that information is correct. I also did not see it on a list shared by a friend.
Winco is employee owned, so not a big greedy corporation.
Winco is very much NOT on the naughty list, as they’re employee owned and tend to position themselves in low income neighborhoods, (at least here in Portland) which make them an important resource for Portlanders.
Good to know!
1. Sitting outside next to my laundry that is drying in the sun. What a beautiful, false spring day!
2. I used my Birding app (Merlin/Cornell) to identify an unknown bird in my backyard. I get so much pleasure identifying birds, and it is all free on this app. It was a ruby crowned Kinglet, in case you’re curious.
3. I’m on day 44 of my German lessons on Duolingo. I’m using the free version of the app which does have a lot of commercials and ads but so far I don’t feel like spending money on the subscription.
4. My husband doesn’t like chicken thighs. He only likes white meat. I find it dry and tasteless. I should’ve known better than to buy the bulk pack of thighs. When he didn’t like the lemon pepper chicken I made, I made my own garam masala spice mix using spices I already had, and I smothered the chicken in a chickpea masala recipe. He liked that all
5. On the other hand, he’s very good with leftovers. He has a bad cold and although I invited him to use the reusable handkerchiefs, he prefers a roll of toilet paper. Luckily, I had purchased a bunch of cold medicines before the chairs began, and I think we are well stocked for a while. I also have all the ingredients for chicken noodle soup between the freezer and the pantry.
6. Even though I’m a queen, I don’t put on a fake crown.
before the TARIFFS began, jeez.
1. Found a dime in the coin return slot of a soft drink machine. It pays to look!
2. Processed a lot of on-sale fresh produce for the freezer, including a butternut squash, which involved my biggest knife, a rubber mallet and a lot of patience. However, the three bags of roasted squash cubes it created would have cost $10 if Birdseye had made them. The squash cost $2.24. Pretty nice return for the work.
3. We had a lot of small apples that were getting wrinkly, so I peeled and chopped them and added them to a pan of baked oatmeal for breakfasts.
4. Inventoried the freezer and figured we can get through March without buying any meat, cheese or frozen vegetables.
5. My favorite brand of cheap but excellent cat litter is made in Canada. Every time the Orange One says something nasty about Canada, I go buy a couple of bags. This time I had a 10 percent off coupon to use.
Bonus: Used drugstore rewards for a free four-roll pack of toilet paper. Found what I thought was a defunct gift card in my desk that turned out to have enough on it to pay for a year of PBS Passport, so now I can watch lots of great television programming.
Ruby,
I’ve never tried it, but I’ve heard/read somewhere that if you microwave a butternut squash whole before trying to cut it open (I think maybe you use a fork to prick the skin first before microwaving?), its much easier to cut into (or in half, or whatever). I’m not sure long you microwave it, but I’d guess the interwebs would have the answer. 🙂
I will have to look that up. It’s got to be easier on my arthritic hands than peeling it raw.
Last fall, my local farm was giving away 10-14 POUND butternut (Yes) squashes. I brought home a few, washed them, stabbed them a few times and roasted them whole. Much, much easier than trying to cut them raw.
Hi, Nancy from mass
How long did it take to roast those big butternuts? Very intrigued by your method, as cutting and peeling them are such a chore!
Beth Ann
1. A power outage hit our community after fierce rain and wind a few nights ago. The power was out all night starting at 7 pm and did not come on until 5:30 am the next morning. I had a box of candles which I bought at a yard sale years ago. I also remembered that my former employer had given me an emergency road kit which contained a working flashlight. So I was “frugally prepared.”
2. I had to order checks from my credit union yesterday, something I have not done for years since I don’t pay by check very often. When I looked at placing the order online, I found there would be a charge of $24 for 60 checks. Since the credit union is only about 2 miles from my house, I decided to make a personal visit to find out if this was their new policy. It turns out I am actually entitled to order checks once a year free of charge. So I saved $24 by visiting in-person.
3. A personal note: As a now-retired federal employee (retired in September 2023), I really appreciate Katy’s statement that she is a nice person who will not be belittling civil servants.
I think we need a national day of appreciation for civil servants. And to keep fighting like hell to restore the cuts.
1. Spent some time this weekend painting. Years ago my daughter was into painting and we bought her paints, brushes, canvases, etc. She hasn’t been into it in years but I’ve recently started painting. I’m just using the stuff we got for her so no money out of pocket to take up this new hobby.
2. Our cable offers different channels that aren’t part of your package for free each week. This week is Starz and I’ve been watching “The Couple Next Door” which I wanted to see because I read the book.
3. Our insurance offers some cool additional perks. One is an online PT service called Hinge where you choose what joint you want to work and they guide you through exercises. They also sent me resistance bands to use as well.
4. That just reminded me that I also get a subscription to Headspace, the meditation app, for free through my insurance. Going to add that to my list to do today as I’ve gotten out of the meditation habit lately.
5. Both my kids have decided to come home for spring break this year. Last year they both went on trips that we paid for so I’m so thankful they are coming home this year – I’ll get to see them and save money. Their breaks overlap by a weekend so they’ll be able to see each other for a couple days too.
1. Like you, I also opened all the windows yesterday and turned off the heater in order to enjoy the unseasonably warm day, it was lovely, I can feel my mood elevate with that type of weather.
2. I needed to make copies for a fundraiser at the kids school. Our library allows 25 free copies/day for patrons. When the librarian found out it was for a school fundraiser though, she let me make 50.
3. Continuing with my free exercise regimen, which includes walks on my lunch break (both when working at home or in the office), runs on the weekends, and weightlifting and HIIT videos on YouTube throughout the week. Looking forward to there being more daylight though, so I can do some early morning or evening walks and runs.
4. I’m hosting my book club tomorrow and am trying to keep it simple. I’ve gone all out previously and bought way too much food and drink, usually everyone attending brings food and drink too though so I really don’t need to provide much. I already have unopened wine left from the last time I hosted so didn’t need to buy any. I’m going to put out tea I already have and make some lemon water as well. I have some puff pastry in the freezer so bought a brie to make a baked Brie and I already have some hearty crackers to spread it on. I also have the ingredients for hummus so will make some of that to serve with veggies I already have.
5. I bought a small rosemary plant for $2 that I will plant in our yard. I love fresh herbs but we don’t have any growing in our yard right now. We had a huge rosemary bush in our yard when we bought the house but my husband tried to move it and it died. So I’m starting with a rosemary plant because I know they can do well here.
1. I made a large pot of vegetable soup with navy beans for protein and whole wheat store brand pasta to give it some oomph. Very filling.
2. While gassing up the car today, I found two pennies on the ground near the pump. Into the found change jar as soon as I got home. The gas was $2.99 a gallon. Anything under $3 per gallon I consider low for my area.
3. I used a 15% off coupon on a case of cat food at the pet supply store. The kind of cat food my two kitties will eat is the same cost there as at Market Basket, the cheapest I can find it anywhere.
4. I saved $4 off my order at CVS with a coupon I received in the mail.
5. Whenever I leave my house and get into the car, I take along a to-go cup of tea or iced tea (seasonal choice). I’m reading the pre-released book about a woman lost on the Appalachian Trail given to me by my indy bookstore owner friend. Today I batched going to CVS, buying gas for the car, grocery shopping, the pet store and a visit to the bookstore. The bookstore hosts a mental wellness/socialization group weekly on Thursdays. Any food or drinks people in the group consume while at the meeting is paid for by the organization that heads up the group. I always get a cup of tea and sometimes a pastry. I make sure I leave a good tip for whoever serves the refreshments. My electric bill went down by over $10 since last month. Yay for longer days and less electric lights! Meteorological Spring is this Saturday. You just can’t stop it.
1. I made chickpea tikka masala which we’ve eaten for dinner three nights in a row. It gets better each day. A very inexpensive meal.
2. My daughter was craving a tea latte so she figured out how to foam milk using my French press.
3. I found a penny on the ground.
4. I combined errands and dropped an Ebay package at the post office and washed the salt off my car at the cheap DIY car wash. Both places were on the way to the hair salon.
5. I took my friend to breakfast for her birthday. Neither of us needs stuff. We had a nice time catching up. Money we’ll spent. I brought half my entree home for my daughter. I ordered water with my meal.
1. Went to my favourite thrift store today which has 50% off everything in the store the last Thursday of the month. I got a couple of things for me (a Jones New York jacket, very classy for $6, and an Anne Klein raincoat in fuchsia for $6). I also got a couple of purses to flip, for $5 and $6. Plus some cereal bowls, 4 for $1.50.
2.DH bought some things for the house from Canadian Tire, and used $28 worth of store points we had accumulated.
3. I used $10 worth of store points grocery shopping.
4. Was hungry after thrifting and really wanted MacDonald’s fries as I hadn’t eaten anything yet (I NEVER go to MacDonald’s) but I went home instead and made a tuna sandwich.
5. Wanted something to brighten up the front of the AirBnb cottage, and almost bought a ready made planter with primula, daffodils, etc for $10. Instead I bought one primula for $1.99 and planted it myself in one of my many pots, in soil I already had.
1. Made a summer hat for my grandson. I have a free pattern that has multiple sizes kid through adult. I make a new one any time he needs a new size.
2. I found a game at the thrift store, new in box, that I’ll give to a nephew for Christmas.
3. I picked up my birthday freebie at Panera. Also bought a couple things on sale at Joann’s going out of business sale. I only got things that were truly on a good sale that I know I use all the time. Some things were actually more expensive, like most of their fabrics because there were offering none of their usual sales and coupons and making most fabric a flat 20% off. Did not purchase any of that stuff.
4. Sold a higher value item for my son on FB marketplace today.
5. I have decided this is an overall low-spend year. I have switched to a local farm store to buy produce, and to a local home improvement store for things I used to buy at Home Depot. Any gifts not thrifted will be handmade. Clothes will be mended. I will continue to participate in my local Buy Nothing group and local time bank as well as volunteering at the community garden and food bank. I never was a big consumer, but everyone needs things that they don’t make/produce themselves and so for these things I am focusing on buying them from local or independent businesses. I am also looking out for, and participating in, activities and events that make my community more resilient. And I am unashamedly taking about my frugal ways. Not in a bragging way but because I think other people will need some of the knowledge and skills that I have and I’d be really happy to share them. I have educated myself on some key rights and have a few more resources that I’m thankful to have.
1. Hens are back to laying well so have been able to share eggs with family and friends.
2. My door knob/lock bit the dust (25 years old) so after watching some youtube videos I felt almost confident in replacing it myself. I bought one and changed it! This may not sound like much but I can read directions and they just don’t make sense. But if I can see what someone else does I can usually handle it.
3. Had a major hunger for Lo Mien but our favorite Chinese place went out of business…so I made a bucket of Lo mien at home and it hit the spot! I didn’t have to buy anything special to make it.
4. Fixing and repainting various pieces of outdoor decor in prep for Spring.
5. wood stove going on low and windows open on the really nice days has done wonders for my psyche.
6. Lighting incense and meditating on the daily for my own peace of mind.
1. I knitted another hat (this time for my son’s boyfriend) using 2 sock yarns held together. I also made a Pom Pom for it, realizing how long it’s been since I made one. I made 2 since the first one fell when I was tying it and I had little pieces of yarn everywhere. ♀️ it made me laugh though.
2. Made a batch of crock pot yogurt last week, and froze some of the gallon of milk for when I finish using what’s in the fridge.
3. Because I have a quart of milk frozen, I shouldn’t need to go to the store for another week or so.
4. A new Costco is opening up next month a town away. I am thinking of applying for a PT job there for 10 hours or so a week. Extra money and free membership, yes please.
5. I am not trying to take away Medicaid coverage or snap benefits for the country or letting people buy their residency.
That symbol was supposed to be the “slapping my forehead”symbol. Was surprised to see what showed up.
I’m happy you clarified! I was wondering what you were saying about women!
(I’d add a laughing emoji, but who knows what I’d get?)
1. My friend gave me a mushroom growing kit that she hadn’t had any success with. I did some creative experimenting to moisten the sawdust block, and yesterday harvested 5 shitake mushrooms. Not sure if I am going to get more but it looks promising
2. Finally found the energy to START with sorting my seeds and saved seeds. I have bins all over the place with random seeds, or packages.
I have already started some seeds from the cheapo packages I got at the dollar store, but I really do need to look at my supplies before I go wild online at my favourite suppliers, and buy something that I still have from the last couple of years. I had saved a number of different bean seeds, so taking the time to enjoy and fondle them could help me keep my bean addiction to a dull roar.
Currently the kitchen table has been cleared of all old clutter (sorting and putting away as I went) and now it is covered with seed clutter, sorted by type into square yogurt containers. I now get to sort each container to determine what I have, and how much, and contemplate what I actually want to plant this year. The process has begun, however, and I am pleased with myself for getting off my duff.
No buy day conversations have helped me to look at what I have, first, even if there is a bit of work involved.
3. I pulled two tofu packages out of the freezer, and once thawed I sliced into squares 1/3” high. Marinated them in soya sauce, sirachia, sesame oil, garlic and ginger for a couple of hours, then shook on a goodly amount of cornstarch and laid them out on a tray, then air-fried in my toaster oven. #2 son came home and proceeded to eat half of his dinner’s worth off the tray – which was resting in the toaster oven. He had a big grin before he headed back to his place.
Winner winner tofu dinner. They are delicious snacks, why don’t I do this more often? Healthier by far than chips, lots of protein, overall quick to make (waiting time to marinade then to cook, but hey) and (I just re-affirmed) delicious eaten cold.
4. Finally arranged for Wonder James to come next week. I will help him to tear down the remaining plastic on my big greenhouse, and we will clear it up as much as possible before “we” re-cover it. The frugal win is that I bought the plastic last year, so no $ outlay this year, although there will be several days of labour costs.
The fail, of course, is that climate change is bringing very unusual huge winds to my neck of the woods, so we will need to be vigilant to ensure I get 12 years out of THIS plastic.
5. My delay in purchasing a reflective dog coat so my very black dog is visible has paid off. I had no luck on Marketplace (well, was gifted coats but they are too small) but my girlfriend just offered me one she has put in her give-away pile. WHOOT. I picked up a reflective fluttery leaf during our Coldest Night of the Year event – one of the display booths had some safety gear out and the leaves were free, so the dog gets to be flashy as the leaf hangs from her collar.
As an aside, I have forgone fashion for safety myself, and have taken to wearing my (très chic – NOT) dayglow reflective vest at all hours when walking, not just at dusk/dark. I noticed that the cars give me a wider berth, so I will take this for a frugal win as I am keeping myself safe.