Four Frugal Things -- Can Buying Stuff be Frugal?
Normally my "frugal things" veer towards selling my thrifted finds, stretching a dollar or making do/upcycling something I already own. Today I'm sharing how I bought a few things. However, I did so in a (mostly) nonconsumer fashion.
1. I have a pair of thrifted Ralph Lauren "Chaps" pinwale corduroy pants that fit me better than any pants I've owned in recent memory. I've been wearing them for at least five years and they're now at death's door.
They're finally worn out, to the point that the fabric in the nether regions is thin enough to see through and tearing with the slightest of breezes. Please pause for a moment of silence.
I realized that I could use the "RN number" on the tag to source a new pair off eBay, so I grabbed them and got to work. I have a faint memory of trying this trick in the past without success, but this time I struck gold! A single pair in my exact style and size and the seller even had "make an offer" turned on. I am now $29.74 poorer, but am getting exactly what I want and supporting an independent seller! Woo-hoo!
2. I have a specific purse that I love, from the sadly defunct Queen Bee Creations shop here in Portland. It's cute, durable, the perfect size and I've owned three of them through the years. I think they cost around $175 new, but I've been able to find secondhand ones here and there.
The above listing showed up on Facebook Marketplace yesterday and I immediately messaged the seller, as I wanted to buy the two ones on the right in the "trucker" style. I've been carrying the wing one in black and burgundy for maybe five years and am excited to have a backup. I drove over this morning and am now two purses richer, one of which will be gifted to my sister.
3. My sister and her kids are coming for spring break, so I've been readying the house for their visit. You already read about how I thrifted a pair of comforters last week, but I began thinking about how our backup bed pillows are less than stellar. However, bed pillows are not something that I thrift.
I recently saw something about how some people can be "vegetarian except for bacon" and it stuck in my mind. I don't "buy anything new," except for mattresses, underwear, perishables, etc. You can read HERE about my exceptions.
I choose to not support that Scheff Schmezos guy, except for the occasional item here and there. Apparently bed pillows is on that list, because I ordered eight new pillows for our guest bedrooms. I used my sister's Prime account for free shipping and am not going to beat myself up too badly. This my is "vegetarian, except for bacon!"
4. My husband had the day off from work, so we ventured out of the house in search of some of Portland's world famous cuisine. (This is not a joke, Portland is lauded as a prime foodie destination!) I'd recently sent him an Instagram reel about a Mexican food cart on Killingsworth Avenue, which became our destination.
I have a general policy that I don't bother eating out if it's something I can easily make in my home kitchen. So . . . $3.50 al pastor tacos -- yes! $15 Sandwiches -- no! Especially when they have six freshly made sauces to choose from! Plus, do you see how our tacos came with an extra plate of onions, cucumber, lime wedges and a seared jalapeño pepper?
We definitely could've eaten at home for less, but it was worth the money to enjoy a delicious meal out with my husband.
Spending money, but in a deliberate and thoughtful manner.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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The blog post contains an eBay referral link.
I love that you found your favorite pants in a reseller fashion.
My mom's bestie changes her pillows and towels at all their vacation rentals yearly, she donates them to our cause. I use them for the furnished apartments that our family Foundation runs for kids who age out of foster care and need a safe place to land and figure next steps.
Today I picked up 2 upholstered club chairs, 1 dresser, one leather couch and one queen bed frame on FB market place for $0.
What an excellent cause! There is such a gap in care for children aging out of the system, it's so unfortunate and unfair to an already difficult start in life. I'm sure they greatly appreciate the donations!
Ah yes, I buy my pillows new. I used to buy my kitchen utensils used until the meth epidemic and I, and an equally thrifty friend who works in law enforcement, gave up pots and pans used, as a general rule.
1. I walked an hour today broken up into two segments, before work and after work. I simply headed out the door so no driving to a walking trail.
2. Sadly, gas is now $3.74 a gallon at the cheapest station in the town where I work. So I topped off my fuel since it seems to be rising constantly.
3. Across the street from the gas station is the Piggly Wiggly so I stepped in to buy two jars of 30 fluid oz of my favorite mayo at $3.00 a piece. I remember when it was $2.00 a jar when not on sale… sniff, sniff. I bought a 2 Liter bottle of Piggly Wiggly brand Diet Coke for $1.27. Yes, I know WM sells their brand for $1.00 but I am not driving 40 miles round trip to Walmart. I also know I don’t need the soda physically… lol. I also picked up a package of lentils for $1.32. Not as cheap at Dollar Tree but it is 20 miles one way also.
4. I am trying to lower my house taxes so I made phone calls to the assessor’s office. Fingers crossed.
5. I ate deconstructed cabbage and chicken egg roll I made from leftovers for my evening meal and I took my breakfast and lunch sandwiches, along with an apple, to work. I shall sit out in my yard this evening and enjoy the birds. The weather is beautiful and I pay for this place so I am going to enjoy it.