1. A friend and I joined a walk at a local trail. It is sponsored by a yoga studio a couple suburbs away but they invite the public to join these free walks. We car pooled and each met some new people.
2. I met up with a friend for an evening of crafting. She was worked on a scarf for a seafarer and I worked on a chemo cap.
3. Today I will meet up with a friend for a long walk. I'm trying to enjoy each and every fall day before the onset of cold winter days.
1. I spent several hours yesterday listing a small stockpile of items on Ebay. Crap out and hopefully more money in.
2. I used a discounted gift card last night to buy dinner out with my daughter.
3. I will be walking with a friend today for free exercise.
1. I opened a new savings account as my old one expired (it’s a type of savings account that has a good rate for one year, then it expires and is automatically converted into an account with zero interest).
2. Our espresso machine randomly stopped working. We had bought it on Amazon 18 months ago. I contacted Amazon and they offered a return for a full refund which I gladly accepted! I then looked for non Amazon local options and ordered a new one on an Irish electrical goods website. I googled coupon codes and found one for free delivery for the first order. Unfortunately it did not work. I called the company and they told me I ordered with them before (which I have no recollection of!) but could use a different phone number and the code would be accepted. This did not work, however, when I also changed the email address it did work! Happy days & free delivery 🙂
3. My daughter gave me a Simon’s Cat desk calendar for Christmas last year. I have cut the part with the dates/notes off each calendar page (up until November so far with the November and December pages yet to follow) and will be using the cartoon cut offs as birthday cards, they are just the right size, approximately postcard size.
Hej, congratulations to the great revamping of the blog! Looks great! Will look even greater to me, when there is an archive thingie I can use to chronologically read your posts.
Hi Katy,
The new format looks great. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your blog, I appreciate it and always look forward to your posts. Like several others have posted, I miss the ability to easily go back to the previous post and forward to the next post.
Frugals lately: 1) I used a coupon for $79 for my annual Furnace inspection. Not so frugal- the furnace was developing a Crack and it was time for a new system. We could limp it along for an $1,800 fix but decided to change everything during this slow time ( for the HVAC company). The AC portion had 2 be repaired twice in the past 3 years. So instead of throwing more money @ an old system (almost 20 years old) we bought new. While it hurt to write the check ($14,000) we had saved for this repair. Keeping warm in winter and cool in the summer is SO worth it.
Halloween savings/ good neighborhood vibes. I make cupcakes for the children that live near me. The week of Halloween, I deliver them to their door and say, "Happy Fall". I explain that the lights will be out @ our house on Halloween, but I wanted to give them a treat. The kids are always happy to enjoy some cupcakes. We are fortunate that, weather allowing, the kids can play outside, and ride their bicycles on our block. They see me gardening, mowing the yard and doing outside work, so I'm known to them, and the families don't have to be afraid of my baked goods.
Of course, the frosting, sprinkles, cupcakes liners, and cake mix were purchased on clearance and in the pantry.
Watching a FB "reel" gave me a teen Christmas present idea. They love to receive money, but I like to give a small gift so they have something to open. Dollar tree, currently, has candy themed socks. I'm asking the teens favorite candy, finding socks and the candy that goes along with it, and including $20 - $30. For example, a box of Reese's pieces candy,the themed socks, and an envelope with cash taped to the box of candy before I wrap it.
I'm delivering the gifts, at Thanksgiving, to save on postage. Their Mom's are good about setting the presents aside till Christmas.
Thanks for everyone's encouragement to practice frugality where we can.
I gasped when I saw how much you spent on enchilada sauce. It’s so easy to make from scratch! No worries. I have some non-frugal moves in my food budget too. (I’m looking at you, Trader Joe’s simmer sauces!)
The only notable frugal thing I’ve done since I last posted was to bake my own bread to go with some homemade soup. A good activity for a rainy day.
I did the same; enchilada sauce is something I never, ever bought again after I learned how simple it is to throw together. But yeah, sometimes you just need that quick dump-and-go ingredient for emergencies! We all have our versions of those. 🙂
Received beef fat in my Buy Nothing group, rendered it, washed it, dried it, and whipped with jojoba oil to make moisturizer. Filled up washed prescription bottles with the tallow and gifted back to people in the group.
Floor mats are losing their sticky bottom, but the tops are good. Asked for rug gripper in Buy Nothing and a neighbor had a big one I could cut up into smaller pieces. So I didd not need to buy new rugs.
Hubby brought home leftovers from church breakfast, but we don't eat that sort of meal, so offered on Buy Nothing and someone happily came to pick up.
The new look is fine except that I personally hate change. LOL I want everything to look like it has always looked. But that's a "me" issue!
My hubby had a dermatologist appointment yesterday, so I tagged along. They had boxes of samples sitting out, and we grabbed 2 of everything, except body wash, that they told us to take all we wanted of that.
I listed an item on ebay. My daughter had given it to me, but I am not going to use it. It's a high quality wall tapestry that still sells new for $160 on the website. I listed it for $100. My thought is to give my daughter the money if it sells.
I think I have narrowed down what I want to give as gifts to my coworkers. I like to make a little something every year. I have found a pretty easy pattern for bowl cozies that I think will work nicely. My aunt says she adds a cheap bowl from the Dollar Tree and a can of soup, but I will probably just gift the cozy.
We are doing a gift grab game at my in-law's this year, and I could not think of what to give. My kids have asked for a "goody basket" of handy household items, and I decided to do that for the gift grab, too. I'm shopping CVS sales and getting stuff cheap, so I think that will work out great.
CVS is only cheap if you use the digital coupons and deals, then roll their extra care bucks over. I follow a couple people who show the exact deals to do, so that is what I'm doing. I got 4 body washes, 2 hand soaps, 2 packs of sponges, 2 detergents, and 2 mouthwashes for $28 the other day. Since I have 2 kids, this works out great. LOL
I spoke to our home insurance company about cover during a possible extended trip. They agreed to waive their usual limit of 45 days. It's reduced coverage, but enough to cover the big things. I guess this might be a bonus of living in a close knit village and it's low crime stats.
Called to govt department and filled in a form to pay "missing years" to a pension. It can be cheap to top up, and has the potential to increase my weekly amount by about £80 a week. I wont get it back for over 10yrs, so there is a bit of a gamble in living that long/what the govt is up to then. If I live that long, it wont take long to be in profit on my payment I make now. Am encouraging my husband to do his, too.
Started eating our main meal at lunch time. Seems to help with husband's diabetic control, and we seem to be snacking less.
1. Picked up a neighbor’s pumpkin someone smashed on the side walk. I fed it to my chickens. They got a treat and no one had to walk through pumpkin guts.
2. Helped with the carrot harvest at a friend’s farm. She has a harvest festival every year. She got free labor, we get potluck lunch and fresh pressed cider, a beautiful fall day and a chance to catch up with friends. Many hands make light work.
3. Sorted my thrifted clothes I’m trying to sell into categories. I will be taking a batch to Plato’s Closet on Saturday. First time so we will see what they buy. I did make a few bags to donate and have decided to donate all the coats to a local coat drive.
4. My pantry shelves collapsed. Nothing broke and we have decided to just replace them with two extra bookcases we have on hand.
5. Was given a huge box of leafy green carrot tops at the harvest party. My rabbits and guinea pigs are so very happy!
1. Walked with friends at the nearby lake. The cost is an annual membership of $69. I walk there minimum twice a week.
2. Sold a hoodie yesterday on Facebook marketplace.
3. Picked up free compost at our city compost hub. I got four bags.
4. Harvested, the last of my garden tomatoes. Pulled out all the plants ahead of tomorrow's rain. We have the water barrels that have collection ability empty so we can catch the rain coming. We use a small sump pump and a hose to move water from the barrels that are under downspouts, into barrels that have no downspout and are purely for storage.
5. I'm about to admit defeat on selling a bike trailer/ jogging stroller for a neighbor. I have relisted it so many times and have had almost new interest in it. Does anyone have any tips on selling one of these? I called our local Play It Again sports store but they do not take those.
In our town, the girlfriend of a high school classmate of mine owns a shop called "Repeat After Me." Most of the stuff is kids stuff, but she also has adult items, too. She only buys big name brands (Aeropostale, Old Navy, Coach, Gymboree, Fisher Price, etc) in very good, no stains condition. She also purchases things that show signs of "normal wear." Then, she resells the items at a profit (more than what she paid the person she bought it from, less than price to buy it new. This would be an item she would most likely buy for resale.
You have to PAY to walk near a lake? I live in Brisbane , Australia, and I’m guessing there is something I’m not understanding? Looking forward to being educated! It constantly amazes me how different our countries are in so many ways, large and small!
The lake is in a regional park. Which has a $69 annual fee. One can walk into the park for free, but if one wants to park a car in the park, then one pays for a parking pass. I like the convenience of parking inside the park, and I like to support my regional parks. The fees pay for maintenance and park rangers that maintain the park beautifully. This regional park is right next to a state park, and the scenery is just lovely.
Kara, would the local Play It Again store agree to let you post a little card on a bulletin board saying you have one of those trailer/strollers for sale? (Some stores, carwashes, Mom and Pop eateries and BBQ joints have bulletin boards where people leave their cards or notices that something's for sale.) Are there any daycare centers, apt. complex offices or laundry rooms, big worksite break rooms, teacher's lounges, preschools, student center/community bulletin boards, etc., that'd let you do that? Supermarket bulletin boards? Y's? What about places near bike or jogging trails -- could you post a flyer there, or on the board at the rangers' office? Your would-be buyer would be someone who is a parent (or grandparent) and who likes to exercise by walking, biking or jogging, so you need to find places or websites where they would see it. If you're posting on craigslist, also see if there are sites such as NextDoor or a local "shopper" publication or maybe even the college's site. Some colleges not only have faculty who are young parents, but also (somewhat older) students who may have babies. Ask around at churches, schools, pediatricians' offices, clinics, Jazzercise classes, gyms/workout places, etc.
I like the new look of your blog, especially seeing the previous three posts to the right of the newest post, no need for scrolling. It helps me remember what I've already read.
Regarding frugal things, I resisted the urge to wander around the mall in a nearby town while I was there for an appointment. I don't come into money in malls.
1. I put up my Christmas tree and some decorations. I decided since it’s a lot of work to haul my decor out of the crawl space and put it up and I might as well enjoy it for 2 months.
2. I started a new book using my 3 month free trial of Kindle Unlimited.
3. We made chicken fajitas and used up some leftover sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, and guac to top them off.
I dropped by the blog earlier in the morning and the posts were gone. I sent positive thoughts to Katy in blogLandia and called the backdoor neighbor to go for a walk. I have seen very big trucks with bigger trailers hauling huge excavators to her home and I figured she needed an ear and a walk. Bag in hand, we walked our country road wearing our safety vests and gloves as most people drive too fast on our narrow road. We picked up a dozen energy drink cans and a filthy $5 bill. I told her to use it as seed money. I brought her to my home to give her some cookies to share with the contractors and gave her a loaf of artisan bread and a quart of minestrone to thaw on her woodstove.
I think I'm going to come to Portland is to shop GW, our mugs are not as fun! Still dreaming of the Bigfoot mug you showed last week.
For those of you in rural areas where hunting is a religion (here in PA, most schools have the Monday after Thanksgiving off school for the official unofficial "Deer Day Holiday" as it's the first day of hunting season), if you happen to curb pick, buy nothing or dumpster dive a plastic child's playhouse that child has outgrown or doesn't use, here's something for you...
My DH saw on Facebook where people are taking them and doing a "home remodel" by painting them in camoflauge and using them for "hunting blinds".
There you go all you DIY-ers who have friends, relatives, neighbors, etc who hunt. You could probably make them over and sell them on Ebay or Etsy.
As for me, personally...I got nothing. Well, almost nothing. I'm using yarn leftover from the mega afghan to make scarves. The church I was raised in (and my sister attends now) does a "Mitten Tree" every year during the Christmas season. They put up an artificial tree and people "decorate" the tree with hats, scarves, mittens and gloves which are then distributed to schools and shelters. I'm going yo give the scarves to my sister to donate to the cause.
1. Drove down to the used bookstore and turned in the 2 books I bought from them last month. Already read both books. They were definitely NOT keepers! So I'm happy to get the $5 credit. Also gave the store a couple of big bundles of plastic shopping bags, which they reuse. (Most of the time, I glean books from their free giveaway basket, a shopping cart of books they can't sell, out front. But every once in a while, I feel I need to buy something so they don't think of me as a leach.)
2. Still looking for replacement drapes for the ones I ruined in the master bedroom. So far the thrift stores don't have any and neither did the consignment furniture and clothing store. I went into Dillards, a very high end dept. store, wondering if perhaps they had drapes and matching bedspreads/comforters on clearance. Per sales clerk, they no longer sell window treatments. I am very proud of myself that although I looked around, I was not in the least tempted to buy anything. And no wonder: A long flimsy pleated bright red rayon skirt was over $100, and the fancy holiday top to go with it was $168. Good grief! (Give it a couple of years, and I may see the same ensemble for sale secondhand. For considerably less! Assuming the flimsy skirt holds up that long. It definitely was not made to last!)
3. Although I taped up a busted rod on my folding clothes drying rack, I noticed that several of the rods had place where my clothes could snag on them. Well, it was a street find, I paid 0 for it, so I got my money's worth! (I think I found it on the curb, but I could've bought it for next to nothing second hand many years ago.)But lo and behold, the Salvation Army store had a new one for $3 (Actually $6, but it was half-off day). So I bought it. I figure it's a win-win: I get a new-to-me rack while donating a little something to the charity.
4. Ate up the food in my fridge before it went bad, instead of getting my usual $3 Whopper Jr.
5. Did not throw an elaborate Great Gatsby party, totally oblivious to the hardships faced by 42 million people struggling to put food on their families' tables.
I tweaked something in my neck/shoulder and today was supposed to be my big meal prep and baking day, go figure.
I still managed to bake three loaves of bread that I'll slice up tomorrow and throw in the freezer so we can pull it out as needed, as well as three sub sandwich loaves that we're going to use for my daughter's birthday party this weekend.
My husband made a sale on Facebook marketplace and has plans to meet the buyer later this week. Fingers crossed.
I accidentally scanned an Ibotta receipt that I've already submitted but they accepted it so I have another $6.25 in rebates whoohoo!
We had a fairly lazy day since my shoulder was in such pain and my kids invented a game using their two mini pumpkins from our trip to the pumpkin patch. My oldest is calling it "pumpkin patch" but they walk around and hide the pumpkins and then look for them like a self inflicted Easter egg hunt, or run around semi chasing each other and then exchange pumpkins and take off giggling, the rules are blurry but they were happy.
I had an eye exam last week and decided against getting new frames with my new prescription while I was in the office. I have a previous pair of glasses that I liked and decided today that I'll go in when it's convenient next and have them order lenses for the old glasses. Saves a little bit of money on the frame allowance as well as keeps one less pair out of production.
Hey Katy, I'm loving how you are changing things up as the new look is being critiqued by your ever appreciative fans!
I just thought of another request - Can you see if there is an option (like before) where we can simply ADD a new comment, rather than needing to scroll to the bottom to add one?
1. I planned and packed for our family weekend away, almost everything at my end came from the pantry or fridge. My adult children created a WhatsApp group chat specifically for the trip and I then created a shared google doc with a suggested menu.
Some of the adult children got right on it, writing suggestions and what they would do/bring. Others were in states of overwhelm and not able to jump in. I decided to take what anyone could offer, and give grace to those who are more challenged. It gave me a sudden sense of relaxation, and is a habit that I will cultivate. Why ask more than they can give?
2. My roommate cared for the sheep, chickens and dog while we were away, saving me from having to hire someone to stay at the house.
3. My roommate excitedly brought home (and froze) lots of bread from her Artisanal Bakery job, for us to take on the trip. These are loaves that sell for $7.50 - $9.50! It is fabulous that she is so generous with what she is gifted by her job – one of the ways she is trying to pay me back for having a place to stay (and lots of loving meals to eat).
In the end most of her bread came back home as we, as usual, over packed (and my Niece brought her own homemade sourdough...) However not a fail as the bread is back in our freezer for future lunches for her and #2 son
4. I visited a physio last week and got 'needled' for the first time. Most of the cost of that visit was covered by my 3rd party insurance, and my second and third appointments were both completely covered! I also recently saw the eye doctor and that visit was completely covered.
I was reminded to investigate how much more money is in that specific yearly account – and clearly I should be making some more massage and chiropractic appointments as I have NOT used up my $1500 allowable. As I am paying a monthly fee for the benefits, I'm looking for a great return on my investment!
5. I just flipped into a new age bracket with my benefit insurance, and my pittance of a pension no longer covers the monthly fee. This has revealed a small challenge in how the whole thing is going to be paid, and I have already invested 2 ½ hours in telephone hold time (and conversation time with 'agents') to only be less informed than before. I used the hold time to sign some protest petitions and send some letters to various groups regarding some issues close to my heart, so there is that.
6. While at the physio on my second visit I was scrolling instagram and learned that I had won a small contest that the physio office was running. The ladies behind the counter offered to bring my 'prise' (an aching muscle rub and an exercise band) from the other office for my next visit. Sweet!
1. A friend and I joined a walk at a local trail. It is sponsored by a yoga studio a couple suburbs away but they invite the public to join these free walks. We car pooled and each met some new people.
2. I met up with a friend for an evening of crafting. She was worked on a scarf for a seafarer and I worked on a chemo cap.
3. Today I will meet up with a friend for a long walk. I'm trying to enjoy each and every fall day before the onset of cold winter days.
How fun to go on a trail walk to meet new people!
1. I spent several hours yesterday listing a small stockpile of items on Ebay. Crap out and hopefully more money in.
2. I used a discounted gift card last night to buy dinner out with my daughter.
3. I will be walking with a friend today for free exercise.
Crap out of the house, money in!!!!!!
I also only have 3 things today 🙂
1. I opened a new savings account as my old one expired (it’s a type of savings account that has a good rate for one year, then it expires and is automatically converted into an account with zero interest).
2. Our espresso machine randomly stopped working. We had bought it on Amazon 18 months ago. I contacted Amazon and they offered a return for a full refund which I gladly accepted! I then looked for non Amazon local options and ordered a new one on an Irish electrical goods website. I googled coupon codes and found one for free delivery for the first order. Unfortunately it did not work. I called the company and they told me I ordered with them before (which I have no recollection of!) but could use a different phone number and the code would be accepted. This did not work, however, when I also changed the email address it did work! Happy days & free delivery 🙂
3. My daughter gave me a Simon’s Cat desk calendar for Christmas last year. I have cut the part with the dates/notes off each calendar page (up until November so far with the November and December pages yet to follow) and will be using the cartoon cut offs as birthday cards, they are just the right size, approximately postcard size.
I'm impressed that you were on top of moving that savings account on time.
Hej, congratulations to the great revamping of the blog! Looks great! Will look even greater to me, when there is an archive thingie I can use to chronologically read your posts.
I agree about the archives option and will try and figure that out.
Hi Katy,
The new format looks great. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your blog, I appreciate it and always look forward to your posts. Like several others have posted, I miss the ability to easily go back to the previous post and forward to the next post.
Frugals lately: 1) I used a coupon for $79 for my annual Furnace inspection. Not so frugal- the furnace was developing a Crack and it was time for a new system. We could limp it along for an $1,800 fix but decided to change everything during this slow time ( for the HVAC company). The AC portion had 2 be repaired twice in the past 3 years. So instead of throwing more money @ an old system (almost 20 years old) we bought new. While it hurt to write the check ($14,000) we had saved for this repair. Keeping warm in winter and cool in the summer is SO worth it.
Halloween savings/ good neighborhood vibes. I make cupcakes for the children that live near me. The week of Halloween, I deliver them to their door and say, "Happy Fall". I explain that the lights will be out @ our house on Halloween, but I wanted to give them a treat. The kids are always happy to enjoy some cupcakes. We are fortunate that, weather allowing, the kids can play outside, and ride their bicycles on our block. They see me gardening, mowing the yard and doing outside work, so I'm known to them, and the families don't have to be afraid of my baked goods.
Of course, the frosting, sprinkles, cupcakes liners, and cake mix were purchased on clearance and in the pantry.
Watching a FB "reel" gave me a teen Christmas present idea. They love to receive money, but I like to give a small gift so they have something to open. Dollar tree, currently, has candy themed socks. I'm asking the teens favorite candy, finding socks and the candy that goes along with it, and including $20 - $30. For example, a box of Reese's pieces candy,the themed socks, and an envelope with cash taped to the box of candy before I wrap it.
I'm delivering the gifts, at Thanksgiving, to save on postage. Their Mom's are good about setting the presents aside till Christmas.
Thanks for everyone's encouragement to practice frugality where we can.
I gasped when I saw how much you spent on enchilada sauce. It’s so easy to make from scratch! No worries. I have some non-frugal moves in my food budget too. (I’m looking at you, Trader Joe’s simmer sauces!)
The only notable frugal thing I’ve done since I last posted was to bake my own bread to go with some homemade soup. A good activity for a rainy day.
I did the same; enchilada sauce is something I never, ever bought again after I learned how simple it is to throw together. But yeah, sometimes you just need that quick dump-and-go ingredient for emergencies! We all have our versions of those. 🙂
Great Blog!
Received beef fat in my Buy Nothing group, rendered it, washed it, dried it, and whipped with jojoba oil to make moisturizer. Filled up washed prescription bottles with the tallow and gifted back to people in the group.
Floor mats are losing their sticky bottom, but the tops are good. Asked for rug gripper in Buy Nothing and a neighbor had a big one I could cut up into smaller pieces. So I didd not need to buy new rugs.
Hubby brought home leftovers from church breakfast, but we don't eat that sort of meal, so offered on Buy Nothing and someone happily came to pick up.
The new look is fine except that I personally hate change. LOL I want everything to look like it has always looked. But that's a "me" issue!
My hubby had a dermatologist appointment yesterday, so I tagged along. They had boxes of samples sitting out, and we grabbed 2 of everything, except body wash, that they told us to take all we wanted of that.
I listed an item on ebay. My daughter had given it to me, but I am not going to use it. It's a high quality wall tapestry that still sells new for $160 on the website. I listed it for $100. My thought is to give my daughter the money if it sells.
I think I have narrowed down what I want to give as gifts to my coworkers. I like to make a little something every year. I have found a pretty easy pattern for bowl cozies that I think will work nicely. My aunt says she adds a cheap bowl from the Dollar Tree and a can of soup, but I will probably just gift the cozy.
We are doing a gift grab game at my in-law's this year, and I could not think of what to give. My kids have asked for a "goody basket" of handy household items, and I decided to do that for the gift grab, too. I'm shopping CVS sales and getting stuff cheap, so I think that will work out great.
I was gifted bowl cozies several years ago and I love them! Use them all the time!
But I don't know that I would want one odd bowl with the gift, unless it was somehow unique and personalized.
I agree! I was gifted a couple of bowls as well, which I ended up giving away. They didn't match anything I had and I have plenty of bowls.
My problem is that odd bowls don't stack with the others, so they are fussier to dig out of the cupboard.
First world problems....
Never thought of CVS as cheap or frugal. Good luck there.
CVS is only cheap if you use the digital coupons and deals, then roll their extra care bucks over. I follow a couple people who show the exact deals to do, so that is what I'm doing. I got 4 body washes, 2 hand soaps, 2 packs of sponges, 2 detergents, and 2 mouthwashes for $28 the other day. Since I have 2 kids, this works out great. LOL
If you stack coupons there can be some great finds at CVS.
If you stack coupons there can be some great finds at CVS.
I spoke to our home insurance company about cover during a possible extended trip. They agreed to waive their usual limit of 45 days. It's reduced coverage, but enough to cover the big things. I guess this might be a bonus of living in a close knit village and it's low crime stats.
Called to govt department and filled in a form to pay "missing years" to a pension. It can be cheap to top up, and has the potential to increase my weekly amount by about £80 a week. I wont get it back for over 10yrs, so there is a bit of a gamble in living that long/what the govt is up to then. If I live that long, it wont take long to be in profit on my payment I make now. Am encouraging my husband to do his, too.
Started eating our main meal at lunch time. Seems to help with husband's diabetic control, and we seem to be snacking less.
1. Picked up a neighbor’s pumpkin someone smashed on the side walk. I fed it to my chickens. They got a treat and no one had to walk through pumpkin guts.
2. Helped with the carrot harvest at a friend’s farm. She has a harvest festival every year. She got free labor, we get potluck lunch and fresh pressed cider, a beautiful fall day and a chance to catch up with friends. Many hands make light work.
3. Sorted my thrifted clothes I’m trying to sell into categories. I will be taking a batch to Plato’s Closet on Saturday. First time so we will see what they buy. I did make a few bags to donate and have decided to donate all the coats to a local coat drive.
4. My pantry shelves collapsed. Nothing broke and we have decided to just replace them with two extra bookcases we have on hand.
5. Was given a huge box of leafy green carrot tops at the harvest party. My rabbits and guinea pigs are so very happy!
1. Walked with friends at the nearby lake. The cost is an annual membership of $69. I walk there minimum twice a week.
2. Sold a hoodie yesterday on Facebook marketplace.
3. Picked up free compost at our city compost hub. I got four bags.
4. Harvested, the last of my garden tomatoes. Pulled out all the plants ahead of tomorrow's rain. We have the water barrels that have collection ability empty so we can catch the rain coming. We use a small sump pump and a hose to move water from the barrels that are under downspouts, into barrels that have no downspout and are purely for storage.
5. I'm about to admit defeat on selling a bike trailer/ jogging stroller for a neighbor. I have relisted it so many times and have had almost new interest in it. Does anyone have any tips on selling one of these? I called our local Play It Again sports store but they do not take those.
Kara, does your area have a Once Upon a Child store or a similar operation that buys and sells kids' items?
In our town, the girlfriend of a high school classmate of mine owns a shop called "Repeat After Me." Most of the stuff is kids stuff, but she also has adult items, too. She only buys big name brands (Aeropostale, Old Navy, Coach, Gymboree, Fisher Price, etc) in very good, no stains condition. She also purchases things that show signs of "normal wear." Then, she resells the items at a profit (more than what she paid the person she bought it from, less than price to buy it new. This would be an item she would most likely buy for resale.
You have to PAY to walk near a lake? I live in Brisbane , Australia, and I’m guessing there is something I’m not understanding? Looking forward to being educated! It constantly amazes me how different our countries are in so many ways, large and small!
The lake is in a regional park. Which has a $69 annual fee. One can walk into the park for free, but if one wants to park a car in the park, then one pays for a parking pass. I like the convenience of parking inside the park, and I like to support my regional parks. The fees pay for maintenance and park rangers that maintain the park beautifully. This regional park is right next to a state park, and the scenery is just lovely.
Kara, would the local Play It Again store agree to let you post a little card on a bulletin board saying you have one of those trailer/strollers for sale? (Some stores, carwashes, Mom and Pop eateries and BBQ joints have bulletin boards where people leave their cards or notices that something's for sale.) Are there any daycare centers, apt. complex offices or laundry rooms, big worksite break rooms, teacher's lounges, preschools, student center/community bulletin boards, etc., that'd let you do that? Supermarket bulletin boards? Y's? What about places near bike or jogging trails -- could you post a flyer there, or on the board at the rangers' office? Your would-be buyer would be someone who is a parent (or grandparent) and who likes to exercise by walking, biking or jogging, so you need to find places or websites where they would see it. If you're posting on craigslist, also see if there are sites such as NextDoor or a local "shopper" publication or maybe even the college's site. Some colleges not only have faculty who are young parents, but also (somewhat older) students who may have babies. Ask around at churches, schools, pediatricians' offices, clinics, Jazzercise classes, gyms/workout places, etc.
I like the new look of your blog, especially seeing the previous three posts to the right of the newest post, no need for scrolling. It helps me remember what I've already read.
Regarding frugal things, I resisted the urge to wander around the mall in a nearby town while I was there for an appointment. I don't come into money in malls.
1. I put up my Christmas tree and some decorations. I decided since it’s a lot of work to haul my decor out of the crawl space and put it up and I might as well enjoy it for 2 months.
2. I started a new book using my 3 month free trial of Kindle Unlimited.
3. We made chicken fajitas and used up some leftover sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, and guac to top them off.
I dropped by the blog earlier in the morning and the posts were gone. I sent positive thoughts to Katy in blogLandia and called the backdoor neighbor to go for a walk. I have seen very big trucks with bigger trailers hauling huge excavators to her home and I figured she needed an ear and a walk. Bag in hand, we walked our country road wearing our safety vests and gloves as most people drive too fast on our narrow road. We picked up a dozen energy drink cans and a filthy $5 bill. I told her to use it as seed money. I brought her to my home to give her some cookies to share with the contractors and gave her a loaf of artisan bread and a quart of minestrone to thaw on her woodstove.
I think I'm going to come to Portland is to shop GW, our mugs are not as fun! Still dreaming of the Bigfoot mug you showed last week.
For those of you in rural areas where hunting is a religion (here in PA, most schools have the Monday after Thanksgiving off school for the official unofficial "Deer Day Holiday" as it's the first day of hunting season), if you happen to curb pick, buy nothing or dumpster dive a plastic child's playhouse that child has outgrown or doesn't use, here's something for you...
My DH saw on Facebook where people are taking them and doing a "home remodel" by painting them in camoflauge and using them for "hunting blinds".
There you go all you DIY-ers who have friends, relatives, neighbors, etc who hunt. You could probably make them over and sell them on Ebay or Etsy.
As for me, personally...I got nothing. Well, almost nothing. I'm using yarn leftover from the mega afghan to make scarves. The church I was raised in (and my sister attends now) does a "Mitten Tree" every year during the Christmas season. They put up an artificial tree and people "decorate" the tree with hats, scarves, mittens and gloves which are then distributed to schools and shelters. I'm going yo give the scarves to my sister to donate to the cause.
The mitten tree is a brilliant idea!!!!
1. Drove down to the used bookstore and turned in the 2 books I bought from them last month. Already read both books. They were definitely NOT keepers! So I'm happy to get the $5 credit. Also gave the store a couple of big bundles of plastic shopping bags, which they reuse. (Most of the time, I glean books from their free giveaway basket, a shopping cart of books they can't sell, out front. But every once in a while, I feel I need to buy something so they don't think of me as a leach.)
2. Still looking for replacement drapes for the ones I ruined in the master bedroom. So far the thrift stores don't have any and neither did the consignment furniture and clothing store. I went into Dillards, a very high end dept. store, wondering if perhaps they had drapes and matching bedspreads/comforters on clearance. Per sales clerk, they no longer sell window treatments. I am very proud of myself that although I looked around, I was not in the least tempted to buy anything. And no wonder: A long flimsy pleated bright red rayon skirt was over $100, and the fancy holiday top to go with it was $168. Good grief! (Give it a couple of years, and I may see the same ensemble for sale secondhand. For considerably less! Assuming the flimsy skirt holds up that long. It definitely was not made to last!)
3. Although I taped up a busted rod on my folding clothes drying rack, I noticed that several of the rods had place where my clothes could snag on them. Well, it was a street find, I paid 0 for it, so I got my money's worth! (I think I found it on the curb, but I could've bought it for next to nothing second hand many years ago.)But lo and behold, the Salvation Army store had a new one for $3 (Actually $6, but it was half-off day). So I bought it. I figure it's a win-win: I get a new-to-me rack while donating a little something to the charity.
4. Ate up the food in my fridge before it went bad, instead of getting my usual $3 Whopper Jr.
5. Did not throw an elaborate Great Gatsby party, totally oblivious to the hardships faced by 42 million people struggling to put food on their families' tables.
I tweaked something in my neck/shoulder and today was supposed to be my big meal prep and baking day, go figure.
I still managed to bake three loaves of bread that I'll slice up tomorrow and throw in the freezer so we can pull it out as needed, as well as three sub sandwich loaves that we're going to use for my daughter's birthday party this weekend.
My husband made a sale on Facebook marketplace and has plans to meet the buyer later this week. Fingers crossed.
I accidentally scanned an Ibotta receipt that I've already submitted but they accepted it so I have another $6.25 in rebates whoohoo!
We had a fairly lazy day since my shoulder was in such pain and my kids invented a game using their two mini pumpkins from our trip to the pumpkin patch. My oldest is calling it "pumpkin patch" but they walk around and hide the pumpkins and then look for them like a self inflicted Easter egg hunt, or run around semi chasing each other and then exchange pumpkins and take off giggling, the rules are blurry but they were happy.
I had an eye exam last week and decided against getting new frames with my new prescription while I was in the office. I have a previous pair of glasses that I liked and decided today that I'll go in when it's convenient next and have them order lenses for the old glasses. Saves a little bit of money on the frame allowance as well as keeps one less pair out of production.
Hey Katy, I'm loving how you are changing things up as the new look is being critiqued by your ever appreciative fans!
I just thought of another request - Can you see if there is an option (like before) where we can simply ADD a new comment, rather than needing to scroll to the bottom to add one?
1. I planned and packed for our family weekend away, almost everything at my end came from the pantry or fridge. My adult children created a WhatsApp group chat specifically for the trip and I then created a shared google doc with a suggested menu.
Some of the adult children got right on it, writing suggestions and what they would do/bring. Others were in states of overwhelm and not able to jump in. I decided to take what anyone could offer, and give grace to those who are more challenged. It gave me a sudden sense of relaxation, and is a habit that I will cultivate. Why ask more than they can give?
2. My roommate cared for the sheep, chickens and dog while we were away, saving me from having to hire someone to stay at the house.
3. My roommate excitedly brought home (and froze) lots of bread from her Artisanal Bakery job, for us to take on the trip. These are loaves that sell for $7.50 - $9.50! It is fabulous that she is so generous with what she is gifted by her job – one of the ways she is trying to pay me back for having a place to stay (and lots of loving meals to eat).
In the end most of her bread came back home as we, as usual, over packed (and my Niece brought her own homemade sourdough...) However not a fail as the bread is back in our freezer for future lunches for her and #2 son
4. I visited a physio last week and got 'needled' for the first time. Most of the cost of that visit was covered by my 3rd party insurance, and my second and third appointments were both completely covered! I also recently saw the eye doctor and that visit was completely covered.
I was reminded to investigate how much more money is in that specific yearly account – and clearly I should be making some more massage and chiropractic appointments as I have NOT used up my $1500 allowable. As I am paying a monthly fee for the benefits, I'm looking for a great return on my investment!
5. I just flipped into a new age bracket with my benefit insurance, and my pittance of a pension no longer covers the monthly fee. This has revealed a small challenge in how the whole thing is going to be paid, and I have already invested 2 ½ hours in telephone hold time (and conversation time with 'agents') to only be less informed than before. I used the hold time to sign some protest petitions and send some letters to various groups regarding some issues close to my heart, so there is that.
6. While at the physio on my second visit I was scrolling instagram and learned that I had won a small contest that the physio office was running. The ladies behind the counter offered to bring my 'prise' (an aching muscle rub and an exercise band) from the other office for my next visit. Sweet!