2/27 Expressions

Frugal Deeds for the day: My husband and I went out on a "cheap" date. We used a 1/2 priced $25 GC to a new chic restaurant for lunch and the food/atmosphere were great. Then to the $1 movie theater to watch, "It's Complicated" - and we enjoyed it. My husband also sprang for the $1 popcorn - about the size of those individual servings - I am not complaining - it was enough. Then we stopped at Walgreens with the intention of renting a free DVD - but we didn't see anything we wanted. So, I went inside and used my free Excedrin coupon (from becoming their fan on Facebook) and paid tax and got $2 back in register receipts. I turned around and used that for a bag of shreaded Italian cheese and paid under $1 for tax and what wasn't covered by the receipt. Then we stopped at Kroger - the lady standing in line behind us said she was impressed with our "haul". We were in the under 15 items express line - so - it wasn't much of a haul. But, I got a free 1/2 gallon of Silk Soy (catalina coupon), yogurt, manager special items and paid just over $12 after coupons and shortcut virtual coupons. When we got home, I started a crockpot of soup with stuff from the fridge/freezer/pantry - I had the beans soaking since early this a.m. I also found a never used soup thermos in the cabinet and next week, I plan to take soup and a corn muffin (I froze some last month) for lunch. I also made a dessert to use up the cream cheese I got on sale a couple of weeks ago and the Pillsbury croisant dough. I came out like a bar recipe - used the dough on the bottom and top with a cream cheese filling. And although not really frugal, my daughter placed fourth in the individual competition at the math tournament today :) Oh, and we dug up a bunch of English Ivy and they are planted - I even planted one rooted vine inside. We deposited several "checks" - rebate/mystery shopping, etc. and paid off a nice chunk of the HELOC.

2/26 Expressions

I can't believe March is already here! A "cheap" entertainment option is now available to us. One of our movie theaters has converted to a $1 movie theater. In addition, that VISA card I signed up for with the $100 for first time use bill came today - and I will be calling in to redeem my points for a check. Tomorrow, my husband and I will be digging up English Ivy from a freecycler. I did donate 2 boxes of "stuff" to the Purple Heart - but did not make it to the consignment store. So, that will be my goal for next week - take some stuff in to get those consignment checks rolling.

2/23 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: I made an arrangement with a freecycler to dig us some English Ivy this weekend. My goal is let it take over a shaded spot in the backyard. The renters who were behind are now caught up. Have the boxes for Purple Heart almost filled - I have until Thursday morning to get his done.

2/20 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week: Was finally able to cash in $200 in Chase rewards for a $250 check. We finally got air tickets for our next trip by bidding on Priceline.com. Were the tickets dirt cheap? - no, but better than anything else we could find. The "help desk" did convince the hotel to let us use our points - so, we've got lodging, breakfast, drinks/snacks throughout the day. We also purchased a few event tickets in advance. Other frugal deeds this week: I darned some more clothing and made an ugly/but comfortable/warm pair of slippers. Today, I am going to the "beauty school" to get my hair highlighted. My daughter is going to get some coupons together and we are going to have some retail therapy - I know we have a $10/$10 J C Penney coupon, free Ben & Jerry's single scoop cones, etc. Oh, I picked up 3 small checks from the consignment store this week and also had a few checks from surveys. Also cashed in for 2 more mypoints gift cards. Picked up consignment forms to drop off some more stuff to keep the decluttering effort going. We've had a few more sales on half.com. A bit of a money magnet week for us - which is good!

2/13 Expressions

Frugal freebies for the week: free Doubled Stuffed Oreos with coupon, Gillette Fusion razor in the mail, free Artisan bread with coupon from Kroger, free Cottenelle wipes refill with coupon,4 sample sized viles of cologne from Victoria's Secret with coupons, and a small box of Godiva Chocolates with purchase from Victoria's Secret. Yesterday, we had a nice lunch at an Italian restaurant with 1/2 priced gift certificates, then to the movies to see "Valentines Day". It was a good movie and a nice break from being couped up in bad weather.

2/6 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week: The insurance company deposited the first round of $ for the roof repair job into the checking account. After the roof and laundry room are repaired, we will need to submit the receipt/certificate of completion to the insurance company for any additional amount - up to the amount of the "recoverable depreciation". The reason we don't have to hassle with the mortgage company is: there is no mortgage company - so, chalk that up to another plus for having no mortgage. I redeemed points that "cleared" in mypoints for two more $10 gift cards and received one of the $25 gift cards I had ordered previously. Still waiting for the other one, which was mailed a day later. Hope it arrives soon. After working 1/2 days last week, I am going back full-time Monday. I am fortunate to be able to take the time-off to recuperate. We are trying to book a hotel for our vacation using hotel points - having a bit of trouble - but we have the "help desk" assiting us and we hope to find that we are "booked" in a week or less. Next, the air fare - can't find any really "cheap" tickets and tried priceline - even though it says "up to 40%" - we were disappointed that our bid was not accepted and they suggest 14% off to be the best they can do. while the 14% is better than "full cheapest price" - still isn't enough to make us jump yet - since we still have more time. We have enough miles fo 1 free ticket - so, we may have to come up with a plan "B". We are looking at spending the least amount out of pocket on these two items. Since we are planning to go to a "big city", we will probably purchase a "City Pass" to get the most of the sights and fill in from there. The main reason we want the particular hotel is: they offer a "free continental breakfast" and finger foods/snacks/drinks through-out the rest of the day. That means, we will probably only eat lunch out while seeing the sights.

2/2 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week: We contacted the insurance adjuster regarding the roof on one our rental properties - and a resulting leak in the laundry room. We've had hail several times this year, high winds, heavy rain, etc. Sure enough, the damage is covered. In the mail, I received a coupon for a free package of Oreos (facebook freebie). My husband finished the flooring in the bedroom - he did an excellent job.