6/29 Expressions

I discovered 3 small pears growing on the tree my daughter and I planted last year. I will try to get a picture of them later. Unfortunately, one grape plant and the apple tree did not make it. Note to self - save and file those receipts when there is a 1 year guarantee. In other good news, I got several large refund checks today and some nice freebie samples. I am also taking a load of stuff to the consignment store - need to rekindle that decluttering feeling!

6/27 Expressions

This hot weather is energy sapping. Anyway, we went to the cheap outdoors museum even yesterday - and although hot, it was a nice time. We also ate out with a gift certificate. Today, I shopped at Kroger, armed with coupons and was pleased with my haul and expenditure. There should be no excuse to eat out this week. I did get in on several 1/2 priced gift certificates from the various local television/radio stations. I got an annual family pass to the local art museum, another cheap entertainment avenue - plus it is air conditioned. I got some gc's for 1/4 priced (clearanced) for hair cuts. And of course, I got several for local eateries :)

6/25 Expressions

Today only, I ordered a free quart of Gliddens paint a few moments ago. Also through mypoints, I finally had enough points to order a $25 GC and a $5 Amazon e-card from Swagbucks. Oh, and we got selected to attend a cheap event at a local museum on Saturday.

6/20 Expressions

We ate out for Father's Day today to avoid the crowds. We had two dad's with us today, my husband and father. My daughter made the cards. We ate at a chain restaurant that sent us a 10% off the meal offer. I have noticed many places are offering discounts and freebies tomorrow for dads. I have started receiving rebate checks again :) Much nicer than a bill.

6/14 Expressions

Not much happening in the frugal-shpere - but I am proud of the tomato plants you see in the picture. I started them from free seeds in that freebie planter - an extra for buying mayo I believe. Also in the "planter" are sage and basil plants I started from seeds. Now, if I can get a few tomatoes to grow, I will have a nice salad. Oh, and what did I use to "support" the tomato plants - yup, ruined panty hose legs. I read that hint somewhere - and so far, so good.

6/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds as of late: Yesterday, my husband and daughter ate the fish she caught at the fishing tournament, as part of their dinner. I stayed within our grocery budget and sent in two rebate forms. At Kroger, there was a demonstrator giving out coupons and samples for California Kitchens and Digiorno Flatbread sandwiches. They were on sale too - but the best part was on the freezer door was a holder for a full rebate on a box. I also separately purchased (needed the receipt) the Swiss Tea - not something I would normally buy, but stuff my daughter enjoys - especially since I had a $1 off coupon and a rebate form. But these last couple of weeks, I have been faithfully been using my buzz agent bounty, Loreal Revitalift Deep Set Winkle Repair, SFP 15 Day Lotion and Night Creme in place of my normal regimen of more expensive department store stuff (remember, I am a forty-something, so fine lines and wrinkles are a bit of a concern). I have to say, that I am well pleased with the products as they appear to be doing the job of my more expensive products for about a third of the cost. So, for me, I give the products a "thumbs up" as a frugal alternative.

6/5 Expressions

Tomorrow, the roofers are coming to replace the shingles and gutters - finally. Also, my daughter will attend a free fishing rodeo. We switched management companies for 2 of our properties. An inexperienced rental manager can let things turn messy quickly. Our former rental manager passed away just under a year ago - and her estate recommended this person - who originally was a real estate sales person. She must have thought the skills were easily translatable - NOT. She had no sources for repairs, advertising, checking credit scores, etc. She tried to push every thing back on us - to get quotes for repairs, etc. Hello, why is she collecting 10% of the rent? Getting rid of her/her management "company" was a weight off my shoulders.