July Frugals....I am back so I will start!!

[SteveinMN]

We have a college friend of DW's and his toddler (!) son visiting this weekend, so the schedule and budget will be a little off. The day's entertainment should be a free-/low-cost local park/zoo. Tomorrow is a free concert at the same park, featuring a jazz band run by a former co-worker of mine. I just hope the rain holds off....

So we had fun with a toddler (and his dad) at the zoo. Dad drove, so yesterday was a no-drive day for both of us. We packed sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, so there was no need to partake of concessions. We did make the recommended contributions to the zoo for all of us; considering we were there for at least three hours, it's cheap and educational entertainment; well worth it. We all came back to nap. Dinner was lettuce wraps (eat with your hands!!). We enjoyed ice cream and a bonfire outside (branches downed by recent storms) and watched fireflies, which neither DH nor I can remember seeing in St. Paul in a loooong time. Pretty cheap FFF even if we're F in only an informal sense.

Our guests depart today so we can clean and rest up. Being our age and having a three-year-old around is work! Though it probably would be less work if we were better set up for it as far as what the kid can reach and damage (or hurt himself with). We're learning!

[Kat]

Sounds like a fun weekend, Steve!

Most of my recent frugals have been in the way of shopping. There were some things I've been hoping to buy, but I didn't want to pay full price for any of them!

The first thing is new undergarments. I really, really needed them. Mine are so old and just falling apart. I had some picked out, but they were pretty expensive. Then they went on sale for 66% off, so I bought a bunch to replenish my stock. They are good quality and should last a long time.

The second things is new cookie sheets. I had two, and they were second hand when I got them ten years ago. I budgeted $20 for two new ones...and then the ones I wanted went on sale for $5 each! I was able to get 4 for the same amount of money, which made me really happy since two never seemed to be enough while baking cookies.

The third thing is some new dishcloths. Again, I've had mine for over a decade, and they are more holes than cloth! I really wanted some nice microfiber towels, but holy cow! They are expensive. I had some highly reviewed ones on my Amazon wishlist...and then yesterday, the Gold Box Deal of the Day was those exact towels! I was able to get 36 towels for $16 instead of $40. Free shipping, too! Originally priced, $15 only got you 12 towels. So I am pretty stoked. They come in 3 different colors, so I can use one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom, and one for general cleaning. Sweet!

Finally, I bought some clothes for DS for next summer from the Children's Place yesterday. Shipping was free, and after the coupon code I had, each item (either T shirts or shorts) were $1.19. Even Goodwill is $2.38, so stocked up! The clothes are mix and match, too, which is nice. I also ordered a Yo Gabba Gabba shirt for DD's birthday. She has been asking for a Brobee cake; this shirt has Brobee sliding down a rainbow. I think she will like it, and it was only $3.

Other than that, same old boring stuff. I've talked DH out of eating out twice now, though he did take me on a proper date Monday. I'm not gonna lie--it was pretty nice to eat hot food and get through a conversation! :-) So $35 well spent, IMO.

[Tussiemussies]

We had a staycation and DH worked on the house the whole time so we didn't go anywhere. We decided on the last day to go to our favorite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, which is not frugal, but we just love their food. And we enjoy the service too.

I hardly ever drive my car anymore. I have not been going out much. I went to meet a friend at a diner awhile ago and in leaving my car wouldn't start. DH and I thought it was from the battery not getting any charge from driving it so little. so we have the AAA service, which has saved us enough times to pay for it. They are pretty prompt too. This person really knew what he was doing and was able to tell by some testing that there was some corrosion on one of the hook ups. He brushed it all off with a wire brush and my car was fine. Have not driven it since then though so we will see if it starts.

Have been trying to make a big effort to eat all the food we buy. Unfortunately I just had to throw out some strawberries which were organic. They don't last to long since no one buys them much.

On his vacation DH refurbished the front deck. He saved the bottom decking and used paint that was meant to fill in cracks and then put up white railing, the deck is dark brown. It looks fantastic, actually more like a porch now. DH is so good at fixing thing and working on house projects. He is a DIY all the way!

Chris

[larknm]

Mixed up my first batch of shampoo and rinse from the book Plastic-Free (each is 1 c water to 1Tbs baking soda and apple cider vinegar respectively, with a few drops essential oil lavender to keep dandruff from coming). I was using perfect shampoo for me before, but it came in a plastic bottle and that's not perfect. These new batches I keep in glass bottles. DH and I have accumulated enough plastic and metal over the last month or so to take to the recycling place, which also pays for the plastic things. DH is really on board now with many SL things, so we are not looking to things that cost anything to keep ourselves amused--meaning no eat out at all and Netflix keeps us from no movies at all ever. "Ever" means this year which is our last on, while he still works part-time, to save for retirement.

[try2bfrugal]

We went to Mimi's with a coupon for brunch. It was a nice date, but the food wasn't that good. The potatoes were just some weird processed, vaguely potato-like weird goo. We decided we'd rather eat at our favorite mom and pop brunch place next time and support the local economy while eating real food.

Our entertainment over the weekend was looking at new downsized houses, so except for gas that has been frugal and will be a long term money saver. We also watched a couple of Netflix movies.

I changed Netflix from 3 to 2 DVDs out, so that will save a bit of money each month.

[Kat]

We've had some food-related frugals here lately.

DH set up a new personal computer for one of his co-workers. She offered to pay him, but he refused payment as he just wanted to help her and her husband out. She said she couldn't let him go without any payment (though that would have been fine with us), so she brought him several packages of meat in exchange for his services. 1.5 pounds ground beef, 4 butterfly pork chops, 5 enormous brats, a seasoned cut-up chicken, and 6 ground beef patties. I put most of it in the freezer but did use the ground beef to make two meals--a cheesy noodle casserole and some taco meat. DH is planning to grill the burgers and brats this weekend.

That same day, our neighbors brought us a bag of produce from their garden. They brought cherry tomatoes for DD, jalapenos for DH, and cucumbers for me. I used some of the tomatoes and the peppers for tacos last night. The rest of the tomatoes and some cucumbers will make a nice snack. I plan to chop and freeze the rest of the peppers for use in chili later; the rest of the cucumbers will be used for cucumber salad.

Bought 20 pounds of ground beef for 1.79/lb--as low as it goes here. I had to buy it in bulk to get that price, though, so I'll need to bag it up for the freezer soon. Now I just have to watch for a sale on chicken!

I hope to get some baking done this afternoon. I'll make a loaf of bread to repay my neighbor's kindness and will make some bread for our family, too. I need to chop up a couple of green peppers before they go bad, too, and try to use up some salad fixings. I also have some returns to make to the store and some phone calls that will hopefully result in refunds/credits. We'll see how those pan out!

DH received his profit sharing check yesterday. We will have to think about how to best put it to use. I know for sure he will be getting a treat--maybe a season of his favorite show on DVD or a couple of comic books. That guy works so hard and never complains. Can't wait to pick something special out for him! :-)

ETA: Forgot to mention that I claimed 2 free $3 credits for Amazon Instant Video--one for DH and one for me. Along with some popcorn, it should make for a nice cheap date night at home in the future!

[Selah]

A petsitting client I just started a lengthy assignment for left me a big ol' bag of food and drink that she didn't want to throw out or let get rotten during her absence. Very helpful and delicious...she left a big container of homemade gazpacho. Yum!

Saw a post on an Israeli English teachers Facebook group of a lady who'd left the profession and wanted to get rid of her old (but still current in the eyes of the Education Ministry) EFL textbooks. Picked up a bunch of them today, and took the remainder for a friend who is setting up a volunteer EFL program for Ethiopian Jews who have moved to the area.

Went to a local thrift store and picked up two blazers (one linen) and a beautiful top, all for about $15, which are perfect in terms of the modesty requirements for my job teaching at the religious school this year. Woot! Seriously, those items would have cost me at least $120 brand new, so I'm very pleased.

[try2bfrugal]

Our big frugal this month was selling an extra car we weren't using. It was old so we didn't get a lot for it but we will also save annually now on insurance, repairs and registration.

[Kat]

Oooh...nice frugal, try2befrugal. Must feel great to get that unused car outta there!

Yesterday, a friend of mine came over for a visit. She brought a small gift for each of the kids and a big box of clothes and shoes her kiddos had outgrown. She helped me with the kids all morning and then proceeded to buy me lunch with enough leftover for dinner. (I know, great friend, right? I am truly blessed). I am already thinking of some ways I can repay her kindness. I might make her a couple of things off her "to make" Pinterest board.

So DH and I had leftovers for dinner and then had family movie night with DD. We watched a movie on Netflix and improvised for movie treats. DH wanted to run to the store and get popcorn, but we had mini marshmallows instead, which DD loved.

It is really hot here--like 100 degrees. We've been staying home as much as we can but do need to get a light bulb for our fridge. While we are out, I think I might ask DH if we can take DD to Burger King for an ice cream cone. They are only 50 cents this summer! I also have three things to return. Hopefully we can get that done, too.

[SteveinMN]

I think it's been a long time since I recounted frugals. I'm not sure if that means we've been busy or there just haven't been many new frugal activities.

- The air conditioning went off last night and the windows were opened so we could enjoy nature's air conditioning. The excessive heat is gone. Until the next wave arrives.
- We've been using things we've unearthed as we declutter and reorganize. One is plastic designed to go on car headlamp lenses to prevent breakage. I bought it a couple of years ago, but procrastinated because I had to clear up one set of cloudy headlights before applying it, autumn arrived (have to install at 70* or higher), the kit was in the garage and I was not, one car was here but the other wasn't, blah blah blah. I do need to get to a dollar store to get a spray bottle (we don't have enough of them that I trust in the house) but the temperatures are right without being ridiculous and I'm letting myself be -- er, driven -- with the notion that if I don't get the film on and a headlamp is damaged, I have blown both the cost of a replacement headlamp and the opportunity of avoiding the damage. Sooner is better.
- I had a home-maintenance purchase to make at Menard's. This time I remembered to bring the merchandise credit from an earlier purchase and a gift card we received. That saved me $85 on the purchase.
- I'm just saying 'no' to tempting purchases. I've started year 4 with my mobile phone. I passed on buying some software on sale; I saved more money not buying it at all and I really didn't need it. Last time I was in a thrift store, I didn't even leaf through the LPs. Besides, it makes little sense to bring stuff into the house when we're trying to get stuff out of the house.
- I've been feeding us out of the refrigerator and freezer again. I really want to empty the fridge so I can give it a good scrub and declutter. But that makes a lighter grocery bill.