7/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: I packed "leakable" toiletries in my soft sided lunch bag (freebie for donating blood). Now it goes with us on road trips to carry cooled water and drinks. The other frugal thing we did today was talk to a very interesting lady at the botanical gardens. She gave us the "scoop" on "must see" places. She also clued us in to the nearby nut factory. Although we did buy some "gifts" - they had lots of samples of different flavored macadamia nuts, mixes, and Kona coffee. Also, reading the paper (delivered free Mon-Fri), it seems all of the grocery stores offer "freebies" for bringing in receipts totaling "X" amount. Good thing I kept my receipts. One close store had a small ad in the store. The "local" grocery store had nothing in the store - but there was an ad in the paper. Also, I printed out a coupon from the "Coach" store - for a free pack of pencils in the new "Poppy" design. It was a "while supplies last" deal - I wss surprised to be able to get in on it - and it is a nice freebie - much cheaper than the bags :)

7/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: We are still on vacation and we have free wifi. My daughter brought her refurbished laptop we bought her last year from Overstock. As mentioned earlier, we used our airmiles to upgrade to first class. It was well worth it. We had one leg of the trip in which our seat reclined to sleeping position. The food was marvelous and of course it is all you can drink. Snacks are great too - no peanuts :) We did a timeshare stint and got a $50 GC and a discount card. So far, the card has "saved" us $90 on a luau. Oh, the other saver of flying first class on American - you can check in two pieces of luggage each at no additional charge.

7/19 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: Since we will be on the plane a long time, I asked my family if anyone wanted a sleeping mask and neck pillow to make resting a bit more comfortable. No, they didn't - but I do. I have 1 sleep mask free, courtesy of Tylenol PM, and I just made myself a neck pillow. I took an old t-shirt that I no longer wanted, cut a pattern out of newspaper, and used the batting inside of an old pillow (after washing/drying). I am now thinking of taking slippers too. Will I be too comfy. I have heard people lament that more and more people are under-dressing for plane flights. I am not talking about wearning pajamas - just getting comfortable.

7/17 Expressions

"Good today only" - I just linked through ebates (6% back) to the "Cross" website. I received an e-mail earlier today that a pen & pencil set that retails for $30 is now $10 a set - and if you place an order for $50 - shipping is free. The set is the "Spotlight Deal" - and the shipping "came off" at the last screen. I ended up ordering 5 sets of the AT Cross sets and they will go into the gift closet. My daughter and I discussed how we could pair them with a journal and give them as gifts at last minute invites to birthday parties, graduation gifts, etc. That 6% rebate will get me to just over $5 - so, I will be getting a rebate check eventually too.

7/17 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: I need to think about using up the perishables before next week. I plan to buy very little in the way of groceries this week. I may buy the Tyson Skillet Creations (with $1 off coupon and the rebate form) just for some variety. Anyway, tonight, we enjoyed a smoothie from a variety of previously frozen fruit and the last yogurt. Also, my husband and daughter went to see Harry Potter today using the 1/2 priced tickets and food certificates I got from one of the local tv stations' 1/2 priced gift certificates deal. I am thinking of letting my daughter invite a few friends over tomorrow to enjoy the community pool ("free" - part of our very reasonable annual HOA fee)and may order a pizza with another 1/2 priced gift certicate I got earlier in the year. I found a small spool of cotton yarn/thread and wooden knitting needles. I will knit a dish clothe. I have started it and will finish it during my trip.

7/16 Expressions

Frugal Deeds for the day: Good thing I haven't spent my CVS extra-bucks yet. Today in my e-mail box I got a coupon for $4 off $20 - further stretching what I have. We bartered the care of our pet. The dog is a picky eater - and we don't want to keep her in the kennel too long. So, my dad has agreed to babysit her for the price of her food (which we are freezing in individual lunch size baggies) - since we have had him over plenty of times for home-made meals. I am trying to stay positive about this economy - but it is like "one step forward, two steps back" :( Perhaps I should quit listening to the news.

7/15 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: One of our suitcases had a tear in the seam. I hand stitched it with dental floss. I printed out a rebate form for a free Tyson Skillet Creations Meal Kit - and also a $1 coupon. I will be receiving a bonus at work in my next paycheck - I thought about ways I might want to spend it - but have decided to "save" it. Nice to get one in these times. Deposited a bunch of checks today - mostly "small" rebate checks - but I also included a roll of quarters and pennies for an additional deposit of $10.50. We are leaving on vacation next week - everything is paid for - except food and entertainment. I have some CVS extra-bucks - I am thinking of "spending" them on breakfast bars, convenience food, snacks for the trip since food seems to be expensive in Hawaii - and in the airport too.

7/12 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day. We enjoyed a free movie at the IMAX theater, courtesy of our museum membership. Also, my daughter was able to get most of her school supplies free - after using giftcards I earned frm mypoints - or using extracare bucks at CVS. Right now, my daughter is at the mall with a coupon and a $50 giftcard, earned from mypoints to buy some clothes for our vacation - and the starting of school.

7/10 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week? I got a horrible neck crick and was able to make an appointment at the local technical college, massage school. I feel much better. The price of a 1 hour massage - $25 (plus tip). Lots of flowers on my tomato plants, no tomatoes yet. I need to start planning ahead . . . we leave for our Hawaii vacation in less than two weeks. A co-worker suggested buying a Costco membership - since Costco's prices are universal? Making groceries a bit cheaper in Hawaii. In distressing news, my account with Swagbucks was disabled. I am still awaiting a response from them. I did do a google search, and like I suspect, others are suspecting that they may be going "under". Yup, I have $10 worth of Amazon gift certicates stored there and was well on my way for another $5. Hardly a "big" winner - but whatever.

7/3 Expressions

Above is a picture of a lily I got from freecycle last year. Also this past week, I took 2 loads of "stuff" to the consignment. I was also able to give a nice gift from the gift closet.

7/2 Expressions

Above is a picture of a pear growing on the tree we planted last year. I also got my free can of Glidden paint. Since I have tomorrow off, I plan to use the paint to give the small guest bathroom a fresh new coat.