A Cultivated Nest

Helping You Manage Your Home and Life on a Budget

Frugal Doings This Week

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I want to share some frugal tips – just some things I’ve done this week. First I’d like to share what happened to a friend of mine.

Frugal Tips Dug up the last of my potato crop

First, one of my friends lost her house that she bought 5 years ago. She’s a single mom of two boys – one in college. She bought this house as an investment and got one of those adjustable rate mortgages. Not unusual at all for the Atlanta area because buying and flipping houses was quite the thing up until about a year ago. Everyone’s house appreciated tremendously in this area and I guess few people saw that it would all come to a crashing halt one day. So her intention was just to refinance or sell her house. She knew the type of mortgage she was getting, but frankly, people have always been able to refinance or sell their homes around here. Her house was on the market for a year – no buyers. As a matter of fact, she was in a new subdivision and they never got around to finishing Phase 3 cause the builder ran out of money! Her mortgage payment ballooned to $2500 a month this summer. She has a steady job but there’s no way that she (or many of us) could afford that kind of mortgage. She tried 3 different organizations that are supposed to be set up to help with this situation but it came down to the fact that her mortgage lender just didn’t want to work with her. Even up to a few weeks ago with so much media coverage about how banks are re-writing mortgages. Her mortgage lender didn’t want to work with her – so she lost her house and now she has a foreclosure on her credit report. A friend is letting her rent a townhouse for the time being because it’s almost impossible to rent a decent apartment around here unless you have passable credit. Her son has to start a new school in January because the townhouse is in a different town and he was having problems in school as it was. It’s all very sad. She’s very discouraged. She really feels like a failure. She said it’s hard trying to do everything on your own. You only have yourself to depend on should something happen financially.

I can’t stress enough the importance of having an emergency fund! These are scary times. Recession, depression, whatever…..I’ve never lived through such turbulent times. Since my husband is in retail (and we all know how well that sector is doing), we’re really not sure what the future holds. Will he still have a job after the holidays? Will his company be able to survive in this economic climate (we hope so)? I’ve loved being a stay at home Mom but it’s times like this when I wonder if it wouldn’t had been better if I worked also. At least if one of us loses a job at least the other would hopefully still have one. If he loses his job – that’s it! So our only safety net is to have a savings nest egg built up to tide us over.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.

 

Frugal Tips - cut and sorted coupons
clipped and organized this stack of coupons

Frugal Things I’ve Done This Week

I think most of us are doing the really big things to save money like shop with coupons or buy generic, turn down the thermostat, hang laundry, cook from scratch. But little things here and there can add up, especially when you’ve taken the main things as far as you can go. Here a few little things to try to save money:

  1. Keep taking things down a bit, try two eggs instead of three, 3/4 of a stick of butter instead of the whole stick (I’ve never noticed the difference), reduce the amount of dishwasher detergent, shampoo etc.
  2. I cut open all tubes and bottles to get that last bit out. You’d be surprised how much is left!
  3. Use your imagination before you use your money!
  4. When a fruit or vegetable is sold at a flat price say $3 a bag I always weigh several bags since they don’t all weigh the same. Some will weigh more than others. Same if lettuce is by the head I look for the biggest one. Bananas I usually buy the smaller bananas because the large ones don’t get all eaten.
  5. Be careful about paying for bank fees. Know which ATMs you can use without charge
  6. Know when your library books & movies are due back so you don’t have to pay a late fee.
  7. Save your change and either roll it yourself to deposit into a savings account or take it to a Coin Star machine and then deposit it.
  8. Look at what you can sell to make some extra cash. Can you make something to sell on Etsy or ebay? I sold a few things about a month ago on ebay and made enough money to buy some Christmas presents on ebay. Do you have a collection that you could sell? I have some Mackenzie-Childs pieces I’m thinking about selling and you know I have tons of transferware that I could sell.
  9. Take advantage of those drugstore gift cards if you transfer a prescription. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve changed my prescriptions from pharmacy to pharmacy. They don’t seem to care. Deposit the money you save by using the Gift Card.
  10. Try to stay healthy – WASH YOUR HANDS! In addition to the usual hand washing I wash my hands when I come home from any kind of shopping . I’ve gone so far as to wipe down my groceries before I put them away when I’ve had a bagger or checker that obviously has a cold! Get some exercise and drink some water. Our medical co-pays have gone up considerably from last year. So even though we can go to the doctor if we’re sick – it’s money saved if we don’t.
  11. All those little trips to the thrift store, Target and Wal-Mart add up. No matter how cheap you’re getting something, if you don’t have any savings -that should be your first priority!

This week I also took the leftover turkey in the freezer and made turkey soup for dinner (we’ll have the leftover soup for lunch today even though it’s not our favorite soup – it’s food). I baked some pumpkin bread and oatmeal cookies for afternoon snack. We’ve put out our outdoor lights but we’re only lighting them from 5-9 instead of until midnight like we used to. We had a huge discussion about the lights – I didn’t want to do them at all but my husband really felt that it would be a benefit to our community to do so. People always tell us how much they love the lights and bring their kids to see the animated deer and all. So that was our compromise 4 hours instead of 7 and we turn them off the day after Christmas instead of leaving them on into January. Can’t say I had a marvelously frugal week, what about you?

What small money saving things have you done this past week?

 

Comments

  1. Kelly says

    Those are such great tips, Thank You. We are really big on having an emergency fund too.

    I’m sorry to hear about your friend. That would be incredibly hard to handle especially on your own.

  2. Vee ~ A Haven for Vee says

    Wonderful tips. We’ve made the decision not to run outside lights, but I so appreciate those who do. I think that your hubby is correct to think that they bring a lot of cheer. Good compromise!

  3. Rue says

    Hi Manuela 🙂

    This year my mom, me and my brother, along with Rich’s sister and her family have all decided to just buy presents for the kids. As adults we all have enough already and sometimes it becomes a contest of who buys what. We’ve all just had enough of that and Christmas morning is more about children anyway. Now the food… that’s for us 😉

    Aside from that, I’m using what we have in the house to decorate for Christmas this year. I have bought a few things at stores like Michaels because it’s fun to do crafts with Annie, but for the most part I’m re-purposing what we have. It’s so tempting to run out and buy a bunch of things right now, but I’ll wait until Christmas is over this year and buy a few things for next year, that way, I’ll be able to change it up a bit next time and still save money 🙂

    I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. It’s happened to a great deal of people we know too. I hope things get better for her very soon.

    hugs,
    rue

  4. salmagundi says

    I actually went shopping in the city this week and didn’t buy a thing!! Had a cheap lunch, enjoyed my time alone, and came home. It cost me a little gas money, but I now feel like I’ve enjoyed the “retail” part of Christmas. Sally

  5. This Little Hen says

    Thank you so much for these ideas. as a SAHM married to a teacher “eeck” we have a tight budget one thing I do so save money is search the circulars for which gracery store has the best price on a meat. For example one week it was roast at publix (I had a giftcard) I cooked it in the crockpot. We had roast one night, sandwiches for lunch the next day, we used the leftover meat to macke roast quesadillas, and finally as we were running low on roast it went into a stew that last 3 meals!!! We do that atleast 3 times a month, I will buy the cheap meat special that week and turn it into several meals! It has saved us a TON!

  6. white o'morn cottage says

    Well, what we have done this week is…to just use a certain cup each, rinse it out and leave on the drainer and use it again through the day.
    The result is that we are running the dishwasher three times a week rather than 7!
    we used to just take a clean cup and then put it into the dishwasher and were running it once a day to wash “almost” clean cups.

  7. Laurel MacD says

    We have stopped going to lunch – no more McDonalds, Sonic, Chick-fil-a, etc. No more sodas – it adds up!

  8. Susan says

    Those are great ideas. I think we all need to be more thrifty. We have just gotten into the habit of being wasteful by not being careful about the “little things.”

  9. Lyn says

    Hi Manuela, 🙂
    I love your “frugal doings” posts – it’s nice to be reminded of the little things we can do to save money.

    We’ve been striving for our emergency fund but we’ve had a tough year (like so many). Since my dh’s extra hours were cut it’s been harder to find $$ to put towards an EF. Seems like when we do, something comes to take it away.

    We keep striving though – it’s all pretty much any of us can do. We do our best and trust God with the rest.

    I wish brighter days for your friend.

  10. AJ says

    When my husband lost his job this summer we kicked into high gear. The biggest changes we have made are not eating out and me just being very aware of what I buy. If we don’t need it, I don’t buy it. It took me a little bit to get used to that but now it’s firmly entrenched! That doesn’t mean it’s easy, I’m a shopper, but it’s what I have to do for my family right now. I like your tips and now that I can use some of them!

  11. Sue says

    Hi Manuela…Very good frugal tips…I follow most of them especially the coupons. My husband used to complain whenever we were out and I would pull out a coupon. He also complained that I always brought in those papers they throw in your driveway on Thursday UNTIL….the day I found a Home Depot ad for garage doors and storm doors on sale…We had just bought both a few days before I saw the ad…I took the receipt and the ad back over to the Depot and we saved an additional $250. and got free installation on the garage doors…He has not said a word since……

  12. glorv1 says

    Hi Manuela. You know, the first thing you should do is not worry. Worry tends to lead to other problems and you don’t need that. Have faith and you do, one day at a time. Thank you for all the hints, they do help. I’m so sorry about your friend losing her house. Take care and have a good Sunday.

  13. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    Hi, M! Your mantel looks SO pretty. I'm really love the mercury glass too & got a few pieces after Christmas last year. Your glittery star turned out great.

    This economy is so very scary and I'm sure there are going to be more horror stories going on before it's all over. My hubby stays on top of all of this stuff & he says we have not hit the bottom yet. Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but I'm afraid it's probably the truth.

    We do have to remmember WHO is in control!

  14. Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks says

    I just recently complained to my husband that having to stomp on the toothpaste tube to get the last of the toothpaste out may be going a little bit TOO far, hehehe.

    Great ideas.

  15. Susie Homemaker says

    Hi Manuela,
    That is so unfortunate your friend has lost her home…is there a fund for her and her family that one can donate to? Is there something any of us can do to help make her Christmas brighter? Please let me/us know…
    Thanks too, for your message to save and have a fund in case of emergency…I too work in retail as you know and the uncertainty is very unsettling…
    Blessings to you and your family,
    Susie

  16. Linda's Blue Gate says

    You are so right ….. it is very important to have a savings in these days….. my husband is a truck driver he hauls paper products out of Arkansas and there are days when there is no work…. thank the Lord we have back up and Blue Gate is doing well and helps out….
    Thanks for all the great tips….. I am driving less and that has cut a couple hundred $ a month…
    HUgs
    Linda

  17. Rhondi says

    Hi Manuela
    Those are all great tips. The funny thing is that is the wya everyone used to live not too long ago. Thanks for the reminder!
    Hugs, Rhondi

  18. tami says

    I live just over a mile from my job so I try to walk or bike when it’s not raining. I pack a lunch for everyone and eating out is for special occasions, not because we are on the run and we have to. Clipping lots of coupons and stepped back with Christmas. Kids are getting one gift and stocking stuffers.
    Using what I have in the house to decorate and to make a few gifts.
    With extended family we are playing BINGO with small prizes instead of buying gifts.
    Always giving thanks to God for what we have and the jobs we have. So blessed, just want to be a good steward and give back this year.

  19. Sher's Creative Expressions says

    So sorry to hear about your friend losing her house. Here is Michigan it is rampant right now with the auto jobs. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life either. Thank God my husband does not work in the autmotive industry and never has ~ but so many do.

    Great tips you gave for saving money. I have been cooking home and from scratch much, much more than before!!

    Blessings,

    Sher

  20. Lady Katherine says

    Love all your tips, after living in a motor home for 5 years working, and company paying for food, gas, just everything. You have to learn how to go back to life at home. You have some great tips!!! Sorry about your friend, I been thinking of people that we all know are going through this, I think the best you can give them is Keep on trying, what brings you down, pull up those boots straps and it will make you stronger! Best Wishes for her and her children.

  22. Williams Arena says

    Great tips. I try to watch for sales at the grocery store. I’m finding better deals on meat at the local butcher store and the small mom and pop grocery store in our town. Today I bought a pork roast for 99 cents a pound. I bought 4 to put in the freezer.

    I’m getting better about using leftovers. I have a bad habit of sticking the leftovers in the refrigerator and forgetting about them. I need to be more conscious of the food I’m wasting.

  23. Ali says

    There’s nothing new about whats happening now. Just that its impacting millions more people than at any time in the past. We’ve never been wasteful, whether we had two incomes or one, and its paying off now. My husband has gone indie as a software engineer. You’d think now is the worst possible time to run your own business, but his employer has downsized anyway so it was coming, regardless. He has contracts, there’s money in the bank. Not a lot, but its there. I feel bad for anyone who’s facing losing their job or homes.

    It would be easier to deal with if at least some of the people responsible were facing the consequences of their actions. Instead, hard-earned tax money is being used to bail them out!

    Well, I’m a great believer in Karma. What you do in this Life will catch up with you eventually.

    In the meantime, I hope everyone here is secure and remember, no one can take away the love of family, friends and Faith.

    Ali

  24. Suzanne says

    These are all wonderful tips! We had many “turkey-something” dinners after Thanksgiving, and then froze the rest.
    I really love tip #3!

  26. Dena ~ swaddlecottage says

    Wonderful tips and I am so sorry for your friend. That touches my heart and I will be praying for her.

    Hugs,
    Dena

Frugal Doings This Week

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Just so you don’t think I spend all my time shopping at Goodwill — Here are some frugal things I did this week.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.

A friend gave us a pair of velveteen green drapes that she had made about 6 years ago (remember when velvet drapes were all the rage) and I hung one panel in the opening between our family room and the stairs leading up to the foyer in an effort to keep the cold air downstairs. The dog is usually down there and he goes in and out all the time plus we use the door to the garage to get in and out of the house so it’s always colder on that level than it is upstairs.

I used to buy about 90% organic before my husband’s salary was reduced. Now I buy only a few things organic (and cut my grocery bill almost in half). So I was happy to find some marked down organic onions and green beans at Kroger this week.

I blanchedthe green beans to prepare them for freezing. Ideally I think you should preserve food in various ways in case one fails. Like if your freezer dies, you would still have canned or dried foods available. I don’t know how to can. I can’t really say why I haven’t tackled learning how to do it? When I see people do it on their blogs it doesn’t really seem that hard. So I don’t know what it is. Anyway, I freeze everything or else I dry it.


We had fresh beans for a couple of nights and I froze the rest for later use. I do have one of those vacuum sealers but I couldn’t be bothered with getting it out so I sucked the air out of the bags with a straw (made myself quite dizzy – it might have been better to make the effort to get the vacuum sealer)!

Most of the onions I chopped up and put in a freezer bag. This is a time saver also. It’s so much easier to get some chopped up onion out of the freezer when you need it than to spend time chopping it as you need it.

I got a few free samples from Walmart this week. Go here Walmart Free Samples. They ask for your email but it’s optional. I’ve never filled that part in and I’ve still gotten all of the samples I’ve asked for.

Even though it was freezing cold here this week (it was 19 this a.m.!) I still hung some laundry out to dry (freeze) since it was sunny in the afternoons. I used a coupon to buy some new sneakers at Sports Authority and of course when I went grocery shopping. I sold a few things on ebay for some Christmas shopping money. I’ve tried not to have the heat on higher than 72 when I’m home and 69 at night (we all have electric blankets). Stuck to my menu plan even though we’ve had Taco Soup three times this week (I made a lot and I’ve been busy). Those are the major frugal things I’ve done this week.

What frugal things have you done this week?

Comments

  1. Shilo says

    Kudos to you! This week I only grocery shopped in my pantry, except for milk! I’m always amazed at what we can come up with when we discipline ourselves to use what we have!
    Blessings!

  2. ShabbyInTheCity says

    Cut the boys’ hair! Made sandwiches when I wanted to go to a drive thru. Free things from Wal Mart???
    Love your pillow makeover below!!!
    Are you doing my Portable Studio challenge? Hope so!

  3. Peach says

    Thanks for sharing! Our electric bill has slowly been decreasing…we are at that great point of the year where we don’t need the a/c, but we don’t need the heat yet either! Add to that the fact that we disconnect EVERYTHING we’re not using {except the fridge and cable/dvr} our bill was $20 less this month than in October and $40 less than in August!

    I know you’ll appreciate this little bit…I haven’t bought a single magazine in like…a month! I’ve been visiting the magazine’s websites instead, and re-reading some old issues. It’s been hard! 🙂

  4. salmagundi says

    The really big thing this week is that I informed our adult kids that we would not be exchanging presents with them this Christmas. Now, this is really BIG; because for my entire 70 years of life I have been part of huge Christmases as far as gifts go. So, this year it will be only for the 2 grandkids. It is going to be the hardest on me, because I always love to shop for all of them; but we will save over $1000. Sally

  5. Betsy says

    I like your idea of freezing chopped onion! I buy ground beef in bulk at Sams Club and brown the whole thing when I get home and freeze it in 1 lb. divisions. It’s so quick and easy to make tacos, chili, spaghetti…just 2 minutes in the microwave right in the ziplock (vented!) and it’s ready to go! I think I’ll go chop some onions! 🙂

  6. glorv1 says

    Hi Manuela. I also freeze my vegetables. This week I froze a lot of chile that were still growing in the backyard, I separated hamburger meat and froze, I went to a thrift store and found some goodies for only five dollars and other little things. Have a great Sunday.

  7. Lyn says

    Love hearing about your frugal week! You got some great bargains. I keep hearing such good things about Kroger.

    We’re having to pinch a bit harder here (didn’t think it to be possible) due to a few unexpected bills; not the best time but it is what it is. I’m hoping until Christmas we can eat mostly out of our pantry and freezer. We’ll need a few regular weekly items, but the list is short. On the positive side, I won’t miss the crowds!

    Finished Christmas shopping early by shopping mostly online with free or reduced shipping. Used a drugstore GC to buy stocking stuffers and treats. Planning a special date dinner at home instead of going out. Grocery shopped and saved $30 in coupons; spent $40. I’m signing up for samples too. Keeping busy with projects so I’m not so tempted to want to spend.

  8. Susie Homemaker says

    Hi Manuela,
    I worked 57 hours this week…blogged ??? and slept 10…so, I was too busy to go anywhere and spend anything…I gassed up the car last week and because of not having time to go anywhere I still have half a tank…this will probably get me throught til payday…there you have it…I still have most of my paycheck! But, if you look at my latest post…I will probably have to go to the hairdresser and blow the whole thing! LOL!

    Your posts are so helpful!
    Thanks,
    Susie

  9. Glenda says

    I’ve had to do the lower price and store thing myself many, many times.

    My mother and grandmother did canning, and it is not hard, but there are steps to take, to insure there sealed and stored properly. My mom and dad where still eating canned goods that were made in the 1980’s and they were still good.

    So, you might me able to learn it and know it isn’t hard. I use to help my mom. but don’t can myself.

    Ciao

  10. Kathleen Grace says

    I bought $24 worth of batteries at CVS, and with coupons and CVS bucks back they paid me to take them. Our thermostat is set at 64 during the day and 60 at night. I discovered large boxes of very slightly bruised apples at Meijer the other day and dried most of them for snacking. A 25 lb. box cost $2! Slightly over ripe grapes cost 74 cents a package and we made grape jelly by cooking them down and adding just sugar. Thanks for the link to Walmart freebies!

  11. Cindy ~ My Romantic Home says

    I suck the air out bags with a straw too! It’s quite hilarious but it works well!

    I came by to say thanks for your wonderful comments you just left on the lookiloos site…you are so nice!

  12. Storybook Woods says

    You are a busy, frugal girl. I bough a huge organic banana squash and have been roasting it, purring and putting it in the freezer. Also made pie crust for the freezer. Added water to the hand soap to make it go father. xoxox Clarice

  13. Lady Katherine says

    You are so clever, I love the ways you save money, Yes, I was beginning to think you stalked the Goodwill store. lol I wish we had one here. But Gateway Mission is still in Pearl, so when we go down that way, I going to check it out. Oh, Hubby got me a NEW sofa, for $0.00, But I could not give up my old one, so on went the slip cover. Put the wing back chairs in dining room. Added new sofa. Rug 3 times taken back, hubby wants this one, Maybe I can use fabric paint?

  14. Lady Katherine says

    Talking about Frugal, in the country we use propane, which cost over $300.00 ever 3-4 weeks. All the trees fell from a storm. We are heating with wood. No propane until it hits in the teens. Its been 27 degrees. I think we gone back in time and grandma house with tons of blankets! I did not want to get up! I have pleeded my case, for the bath room. I get to have an electric heater, so I can bathe in warmth! Think I will just move into the bathroom, its large enough. 15×16. Cook me a few green beans. I going to start looking more when we go to grocery! I freeze everything too, except tomatos I can those and jellys. Too scared of the other,for we need a new pressure cooker. They say stove does not get hot enough. I called everyone, while we were putting up peas and green beans this summer. I just don’t see why, if you total cooked the veggies and canned in jars, would it work? Maybe some one would know.

  15. Sher says

    Manuela, canning is easy but can be expensive the first year if you can’t find canning jars (check out yard sales!) or get a good buy on a canner. I agree with you – the best way to go is to use more than one method for preserving veggies. I’ve never canned meats but know people who have done it. I’m proud of young people like yourself who have and are learning to do things like this. It’s not just a way to save, it’s a part of culture and continuation of history.
    Hugs,
    Sher

  16. mrsjones6 says

    Manuela, You stay so busy and are just too practical! It amazes me at the things I have learned from you.

    As for being frugal this week, this was about the most of it:
    I keep our heat set on 63-65 during the day (or cut it off if it gets above 55 and sunny outside) and set it on 67 at night. It has drooped our electric bill over 100.00 from the last winter bill I received here nearly three years ago. I also had the kids gathering kindling for firestarter and pile it all up in one area. I went through several weeks worth of coupons and separated the “special” items needed for holiday cooking and then went to Publix (where they double coupons) for my holiday grocery buying. I was able to save a lot as many of those items were also on sale in the store as well. We used the last of our autumn lettuces this week, so now I will have to start buying lettuce again. Instead of throwing out leftover soup and chili, I have begin freeing it. I can use the chili later on hot dogs and the soup makes a quick lunch for me. And instead of going out to eat when we had multiple events in one night, I broke out the crock pot for several nights.
    My biggest frugal move of the week (and the one that has emphasizes my role as the “mean” mom) has started a war in the house and that would be the removing of light bulbs from the girls closets because they leave them on without fail EVERY morning and often at night after they are asleep.

    Hope you have a fabulous Sunday!
    Jen

    I was going to mention if you are interested in canning I can give you a hand. I always thought it was hard, but it really is quite easy. Just a little expense at first, then everything is reuseable.
    J.

  17. CookinsForMe says

    Manuela, you’ve been a very busy girl! This week I pretty much just worked and kept my spending down. I did gas up the truck (I’m thrilled gas is “cheap” now!) but that’s a necessary evil here.

    I also went grocery shopping a couple of times but it was my normal clearance/great deal shopping so I don’t feel bad about it.

    And I dehydrated a few pounds of ground beef and will dehydrate about 15 more pounds over the next few days. I keep hoping to find a really good deal on ground beef so I can dehydrate a more substantial quantity but it hasn’t happened in at least a year.

    We don’t do christmas so its easy for me to not spend money on all those bargains out there. 😉

  18. Rosemary says

    Hi Manuela,
    Just got back from the flea market with Jamie.
    You are a very clever shopper!!
    You have great ideas.
    That sounds a bit cold for these California girls.
    Have a great week ahead,
    Rosemary

  19. Sue says

    I can picture you sucking air out of a Ziploc bag using a straw…that must have been a site…I was very frugal today, went to Publix and saved $71.67 using coupons on all the BOGO stuff…they had everything on sale, it was a red letter day…And I keep the house cold…60 during the day and 57 at night. Gotta keep the dog cool…I wrote about our unusual weather on the blog….I thought all my Jersey friends would appreciate it….

  20. Tracey McBride says

    Hi Manuela! As always you're an inspiration! The green beans look yummy!! I freeze everything too! I only can jelly and applesauce. Even though we live in southern California, the weather does get a bit cool in the mornings (especially when the fog comes in off the ocean in the A.M.) but I haven't wanted to turn our heater on…so I use one of those electric oil–circulating heaters in our north facing kitchen which gets really cold compared to the rest of the house. (We bought it from Target several years ago when we had our workshop). It never gets hot to the touch (just warm) and doesn't use much electicity. I also went on a "money diet" this week…and tried not to spend any…I did pretty well except that I ran out of coffee on Friday, so splurged on my favorite frugal luxury and went to a nearby Starbucks and bought their $!.90 vente (large) drip coffee with extra cream and splenda Saturday and Sunday (spent $5.00-incling tips). Tomorrow I'll go to Trader Joe's and get a few things for our Thanksgiving meal. We'll go down to my Dad's and he supplies the turkey and potatoes and we bring the treats, pies, veggies, and other goodies…so won't be dieting in any way this week!! I will use the fresh pumpkins from my porch (cut, roasted & pureed) to make pumpkin pies. (Will try to post those on my blog on Tues? or??). Also, had to thank you for the tip on onion freezing! I am definitely doing that!!! They always make me cry…so… less crying. Thanks so much for the great post.
    Warmly,
    Tracey
    P.S. I missed the WalMart freebies post…would it be too much trouble to repost the link? xo

  21. Betty says

    Manuela,
    We are so fortunate that we know how to be frugal…I was reared by older parents who had lived through the depression..

    My husband taught school when we married and teachers were certainly underpaid..we were paid once a month and that last week was rough…

    My mother-in-law taught me how to can and had a big garden so I canned all our vegetables…not so much now because of the empty nest….

    I enjoy thrifting…so many blessings just waiting to be gleaned…

    I always enjoy reading your blog…Betty

  22. Suzanne says

    Freeze dried laundry?, Light-headed after green bean bag sucking? :)…you’ve had quite a week!
    Let’s see, it’s cold here too and we all have down comforters and/or electric blankets. Shopped at Goodwill for “new” winter clothes. (thankfully, a lady my size must have been tired of wearing ‘last years’ winter fashions, and I now have a “newish” winter wardrobe).
    Shopped at Walmart for other things, ie food. Thanks for the free samples link, I’ll have to check that out!

  23. Diana says

    Sounds like you’ve been very productive! I don’t think I’ve done as much frugal stuff lately as I should be doing, but I did heat up some frozen soup for dinner this past Sunday, instead of buying new food. Yesterday, I wanted to do a little treat for my hubby and stopped by a chocolate shop. Instead of buying several things, I just got him a slice of Peanut Butter Choclate Fudge and instead of buying a card, I made one with craft supplies I had at home. 🙂 I posted photos on my blog if you want to see the card and surprise. Oh, and today, I am eating some of the leftovers from Sunday’s frozen soup for lunch. 🙂

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