10/31 Expressions

I am waiting to give our a few treats this evening.  But I spent 10 minutes on the phone, my husband spent another 5 and we made $40 :)  How you say?  Uh remember a couple of months we said we were switching our internet/phone provider because they doubled on us?  The representative told my husband the gaining company would take care of disconnection.  New to us - but okay.  We figured they told us that so that the losing company wouldn't get a chance to meet or beat our new rate.  Well, apparently, they can disconnet the phone - but not the internet.  So, we got a bill for $116.XX for 2 months of internet service from the losing company.  Yup, I got on the phone - and worked my up.  Even asked for the president of the company's address - they gave me the chief customer relations person . . . and another supervisor would be calling.  In any case, they would not credit this amount because we did not call them.  Next call, the gaining company, they apologized - and gave us a $40 credit - and also said they would send us a print-out that shows we were using their internet service and not the losing company's.  Okay, no call back from the manager and I am tired of talking.  So, I have my husband call the losing company to give them one more chance stating that we have proof we did not use their service, that their business practices were deceptive and that we would be writing not only to their customer service representative - but also will copy the attorney general of our state - uh, hold the phone - they credited the entire $116.XX - and we will have 2 months of credit from from our gaining company :)  Oh, tile has been grouted - and we get the hot water heater, washer, dryer, stove back tomorrow . . . may be a temporary sink because the cabinets have not been refinished and probably won't be until the end of the week.

10/30 Expressions

Pictured is the tile that got installed today.  Tomorrow, is the grout.  So, it looks like a few more days without appliances.  What we miss the most is the hot water heater.  The water was so cold, it practically knocked the wind out of me when I hopped into the shower.  My daughter and I have our treats ready to take to our respective places and we are ready for any treaters that may come by.  I got a large bag of mini candy bars from Rite Aid almost a month ago for next to nothing.  I also have 4 10 counts of Wendy's Frosty Jr. coupons.  I brought the pumpkin in.  As soon as the oven gets install, that pumpkin is going to turn in to puree.  The last time I left my pumpkin, someone took it and placed it in my neighbor's yard.  We picked up a few more microwavable meals this evening and some cheap socks at the Dollar Tree.  Oh yeah, we miss the wash machine and dryer too.

The real 10/29 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I am try to get some frugal motivation :)  When emptying cabinets, drawers, and shelves, I came upon some old cookbooks.  I have never been much of a cookbook reader - but I have started reading one - $5 Meals - has some interesting tips and recipes.  Maybe I will get some inspiration when the kitchen is back up and running.  I didn't leave the house.  My husband and daughter and made a run to the bakery - we got 2 dozen petit fours - according to the baker - if we freeze them and take them in Monday, they will still taste fresh.  So, they are in the freezer.  Now, they are out and about looking for a Redbox movie - we have free codes from McDonald's Monopoly game.  They ate the last free breakfast sandwich this morning too.  They did swing by Starbucks and got some more grounds (and coffee).  I probably have the best smelling to me compost :)  I watched an on-line video with Amy Dacyczyn last night - and was inspired by her use of fabric scraps for place mats.  The Queen of Frugal is still frugal :)  I need to get motivated and start working.  Also looked up ways to get rid of popcorn ceilings.  I may slowly start removing ours.  Thank goodness our home was built in the late 80's - so, no worry about asbestos.  Lowes, here I come.  I think I will buy a large scraping tool, re-use a spray bottle - and the worst cookie sheet and start out slowly.  Oh, and while I was dumping my coffee grounds into the compost - near my "garden" the tomato plants that really didn't produce this summer have small green tomatoes and a few more buds - maybe a good present of a few cherry tomatoes?  I'll take them :)

10/29 Expressions

I am writing tomorrows post today - because I want to relax most of tomorrow.  Anyway, keep your eyes open for fun free entertainment.  I just RSVP'd us for a free event for members only at our art museum.  I purchased our membership at a discounted price.  Anyway, we will get to preview the new display before it is opened to the "public".  Also, they will have live music, and free refreshments :)  Also, on Monday, my office is having a snack day, and my one of my daughter's classes is having the same.  So, since we don't have an operational stove/oven, I am going to use my $20 bakery groupon - originally, I was thinking of using the whole thing for the office - but now, I think we will split it and maybe add a few more dollars and be done with it.  This bakery specializes in delicious petit fours - a baker's dozen is around $11 - so, 2 boxes will be just over the groupon value.  My daughter is going to take some more clothing to the consignment store.  She is trying to think of ways to come up with $ to buy a professional quality camera.  I suggested saving aluminum cans.  I saw a recycling place near where we went to pick-out our tile - in an industrial place - much closer than the last place - and I am thinking the price per pound is up.  Actually, may be she can take all of our scrap metal.  Like our old water heater.  I noticed the the items the neighbor put out - rusted items were trashed picked - apparently no wanted old carpeting or pillows - because that was what was left for trash pick-up day.  I am also thinking about taking my Lowes giftcard and checking out the plants - hoping to find edible plants I may be able to plant before it really gets cold?  I noticed one of my neighbors has planted a bunch of fruit trees in their back yard.  Apparently, they still own several fruit orchards in their "old" country which they visit in the summer to work/visit.  I am hoping to stay home tomorrow and let my daughter and husband do any errands.  I have had enough for the week.

10/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My $5 Amazon e-card has activated from Swagbucks.  The tiling people just left - and will be back tomorrow.  I hit a milestone in retirement account - I printed the statement - because I am not sure what will happen today - or any other day for that matter.  We got our electricity bill and it was the lowest.  They switched to a new system - hmmmm, maybe they mistakenly calcuated the ones in the past.  Other bills are low too - so, those Wal-mart giftcard helped out this month :)  Added:  Updated the link to our beach condo on the sidebar :)

10/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I entered a few more codes into the McDonald's Monopoly game - and won an EA game.  Yippee!  We are going to sell it - and put the money towards my daughter's savings goal for a new camera.  The kitchen is moving along fairly quickly.  They put the sheetrock and flooring in and painted.  Tomorrow, the tile will be installed.  I took a couple of hours off from my day job to let the contractor's in this a.m.  This evening, my daughter and I are heading to Wendy's for our dinner - and to see if they are selling the Halloween coupon booklet for the frostys.  I will keep a book myself :)  They are small servings - but probably more appropriate.

10/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got a sample of Infusium 23 leave-in conditioner - and I sure needed it today :)  The $1 coupon was nice too.  The contractors are here ripping up my floor.  Oh, and by the way, did I know they were painting my kitchen too?  Nope - I need to pick-out paint colors.  I am going with the same colors, except a tad lighter - and matte finish - because those colors are still "in" this year :)  But, if I want my pantry and laundry room painted - it is another $250 - have at it.  Oh, and they are going to refinish the bottom cabinets.  Not the top ones - so, my husband only has to finish up half of the cabinets now.  But, my water has been off all day - really an inconvenience . . . the fridge is in the dining room.  Cold coffee with creamer is still tasty :)  I ate leftovers in the fridge for lunch.  I was really tempted to take the dog and leave for a moment.  But thought the better of it.  I wonder if they are working tomorrow?????  I need to go back to my day job - although I have Friday off -with lots of appointments - dental for my daughter, grooming for the dog.  So, my day "off" from my day job is tied up with lots of errands.  I pick my husband up from the airport, so, he will be around to help a bit.

10/25 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  That stock market jinx :(  I was so close to a second milestone - and now I am back to playing paddle ball again - back and forth, back and forth, in.the.same.range :(  In other news, we own some beachfront property with 73 other people.  Long story, when the hurricanes tore through, our building was heavily damaged.  Then a big talking investment group came through and they were going to pay us 4X's what we paid :)  By the time the deal came through, the second hurricane further damaged the building and the economy.  We got earnest $ from them twice - and finally, they walked :(  So, instead of fixing the building with the insurance money, we tore it down.  Anyway, sneaky BP used our property for staging equipment - and claimed they didn't.  Turns out, some photos were published in the local paper, clearly showing the equipment on our land.  So, without a lawsuit, they handed over $12,500 for the use - each owner is getting a check for $171 - just in time for the holidays!  Not much - but better than nothing.  I am thinking an attorney has been contact for other damages?  Sure glad I don't have to deal with them any longer  . . . I am not going to my day job tomorrow.  The kitchen demolition crew will be in to take the floorng and cabinets out and either dry the subflooring - or get a determination to tear it out.  I will be up late - finishing up the emptying of the cabinets.  Oh, and my daughter and I got paid for our restaurant mystery shop :)

10/24 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I forgot to mention, yesterday, when my daughter and I drove through Starbucks - they had a large bag of coffee grounds.  They said it was so big - they could not put it through the drive thru window.  So, I also got a large bag of grounds.  Not only for my compost - but I sure love the smell - the car smelled of coffee for a bit :)  Today, I got a facial cleanser sample  A nice rent check - always exciting if there are no additional costs taken out.  I am going to defrost some of my pumpkin puree - and make pumpkin merangue pie sometime this week.  I have a recipe from my freebie Martha Stewart magazine.

10/23 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  The picture with bad lighting (artificial since it was taken this evening) is my frugal project.  I mentioned I "won" a box of vintage linens.  Included were the 4 embroidered tea towels (I believe they were made from feed sacks?).  And the middle one was made from some fabric - because the edges were sewn under.  Anyway, the "flower" hanger I got about 6-8 years ago for my daughter's room when the internet deals were flying.  I doubt I paid more than $5 for thing shipped.  Anyway, she no longer wanted it.  So, I found a spot for it in the kitchen for those towels to be displayed.  I used leftover craft ribbon to tie them to the flower peg - I had enough green for the 4 feed sack towels and had a bit of pink for the leftover? fabric towel.  People "back then" turned ordinary "stuff" into useful and beautiful to me towels.  I am happy to have found a place to hang them.  I hope my daughter learns a lesson from them - back them it really was waste not, want not, reduce, re-use, and recycle at its best :)  For 'frugal fun" - my daughter and I decided to go to our local tv station's open house - because my husband wanted to watch his beloved Bears play in London.  We really must be in a recession because the place was jammed packed and the line went on forever.  We finally got in and saw the studio.  It is true, somethings should be left to the imagination.  The anchor desk, weather map looks much more impressive on tv.  It looked like a warehouse set-up for a play or something to me.  Anyway, my daughter and I put our names in for a drawing of 200 tv antennaes.  Hope we win one - maybe we will get a call tomorrow.  We each also got a free adult sized rain poncho - it was that or an ice scrapper.  My neighbor, who is moving is still setting stuff out on the curb.  Today, my daughter asked if I would go with her - she wanted to trash-pick about 10 wooden picture frames in varying conditions.  Some will definitely need some paint - other looked nice as they were.  And finally, after we took my husband to the airport, we went to Michaels to get some scrapbook supplies for her English project.  We saved $10 by waiting until today, after 4 to use coupons.  We also stopped at Wal-mart and gassed up the car - using the WM giftcard.  Then went inside and picked up a few things - including the yummy La Creme coffee creamer which has a rebate on it.  I will be mailing that out tomorrow and will also be enjoying the creamer.  Then we stopped at Rite Aid.  I had $3.99 in UP rewards.  They have that X-tra detergent on sale - 3 for $6 and get $2 UP rewards.  My husband likes the stuff - and since he refuses to use homemade - the least I can do it try to get him the commercial stuff for a "cheap" as possible.  So, I spent a few bucks and since my daughter was with me, I used the $2 UP rewards from the detergent for her favorite Kettle corn.  For just over $3 - we got a family sized bag of "Indiana Kettle Corn", 3 X-tra liquid detergent - I believe each bottle is suppose to do up to 44 loads of laundry - so, that should last him several months.  Added:  we almost put in an offer for a foreclosed beach condo yesterday.  Until we found it - it cannot be rented out.  Strange - but the association voted to become non-rental - those already renting were grandfathered - but once sold - no renting.  That is probably why the unit went into foreclosure and is selling for approximately 1/3 of the high price.  Sure isn't worth even that to us if we can't rent it.

10/22 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My daughter and I went to our facial appointment and had a great time.  We also stopped at the Dollar Tree - no pie crusts on the shelf yet.  I did get a few more items for the condo - pancake turner, muffin pan, veggie peeler.  We stopped at the thrift store - and found not one thing we needed or wanted.  Then to Applebees - the gift card I purchased about a month ago with the Murphy's Oil $1 off any gift card coupon - had $0.  Good thing I kept my receipt and the cashier remembered me - so, we paid for our meal today w/a CC.  Tomorrow, we will be ordering take-out with that giftcard - and that will be it for Applebees.  The cashier had forgotten to activate the card with the veriphone - but as soon as he swiped it - the $25 appeared.  The manager at Applebees made me feel like I was trying to pull something on him - he said there was $0 - and it looked like there was never $ on the card.  Maybe he thought I was a total dufus and stole the card from a retail store - thinking there was $ - when everyone knows you have to activate.  I guess these days, it is hard not to think that - but still, it is rather insulting.  He said do you want me to throw this card out.  I said no.  Because I knew I kept the receipt somewhere in my purse - and I was taking the card back.  We also stopped at Kroger for a few items - and watched a free Dvd yesterday and paid $1 for Brides Maid today.

10/21 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My husband and I picked out the tile for our kitchen/laundry.  We went slightly over the allowance given to us - but, it would be worth it.  It would be less than $100 for better quality - but the line is being discontinued.  Then we went to the new Aldi.  I spent just over $11 in there and ended up with a lot of food.  I just picked up the lost leaders.  Three of the four envelopes my daughter and I sent out for free McDonald's game pieces came in the mail.  Yippee - they each had 4 game pieces.  Just out of this bath - we received a free sandwich, free breakfast sandwich, free fries, 30 Cokerewards points, and 20 free snapfish photos :)  Plus, I have 8 codes to load on line tomorrow.  I am thinking the gifcards I ordered came today - as we have certified mail awaiting us.  We will buy the hot water heater tomorrow with the gift card and 10 percent off coupon.  I have a free redbox code - may see a free movie tonight.  Tomorrow, my daughter and I will be getting our 1 hour facial with our Groupon certificate.  Added:  I redeemed 450 swagbucks for another $5 Amazon.com gift card.  I may use my Amazon $ for the condo inventory.  I found a foreclosed condo that caught my eye . . . just need to do some research.

10/20 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  the project manager came today.  He gave us a store to pick out the tile for the flooring.  We will do that tomorrow afternoon.  Seems it depends on when they can get the tile before they will begin the process of drying out the floor boards.  Iritating, the inventory list for items we need to replace in our condo was posted this evening.  I will surely be looking for this stuff at the thrift store for the next month or so.  Examples are - 2 wine glasses, veggie peeler, cooking tongs, a salad fork, a dinner fork, casserole dish :(  I think I have some items in my pantry.  The rest will come from my new favorite thriftstore - need to find out when their 50% off days are.

10/19 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I received a "Bag of Beauty" from Target.  The zippered bag is so cute, and the samples inside so useful.  Several Shampoo/Conditioner samples, Youth Code Sample, Facial Wipes (the smell really good - White Tea), and a Burts Bee moisturizer.  Sure can use every bit of it.

10/18 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I am going to make a large batch of salad to get me through the next lunches.  I am also going to color my own hair.  I also got the Aldi ad - .99 grapes/lb, .99 Cauliflower, $1.69 boneless, skinless chicken, and a few more .99 deals I can price match at Wal-mart and use my giftcard :)  Mail was pretty zzzz today - and I am hoping the stock market had a wonderful day :)

10/17 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I have four sandwich size bags of pumpkin puree in the freezer and will probably be able to get one more.  The realtor e-mailed back on the property we were interested in.  He thinks the bank will want to see about the listed price.  No thanks.  We sold two items on Listia :)  We hope to sell our junque and get something we want/need.  Seeds, coupons for things we use, etc.  So, we are on our way.  Sure wish some of my daughters games would sell on half.com.  My sweet husband is going to try to come home one day earlier this week to help out with the driving duties.  The weather is really suppose to cool off tomorrow.  So far, my daughter and I have kept the heat off :)  We have worn jackets in the house first thing in the morning - but it usually has been warming up by the middle of the day.

10/16 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today was such a nice day - it sure was hard to think about much.  I did mainly relax and take a nap.  I just recently cut up the pumpkin - it did have a few "bad spots" that are now in the compost.  The seeds have been roasted and are great tasting - just put a bit of EVOO and a dash of sea salt on them.  The pumpkin "meat" is cooking with the 2 apple pies.  I also put the big eggplant in a baking dish with some baby carrots - with a bit of EVOO and salt.  They will become part of some kind of salad.  I have enough salad for the next 2 days - and then will have the eggplant with whatever else looks good for the rest of the week.  I found another condo short sale . . . I have an e-mail into the realtor to find-out if a contract has been accepted.  If not, we may make a quick trip down and look at it/make an offer.  Added:  Since we have a little bit of time, my daughter said she needs to do a school project that will require a purchase at Michael's.  Also, we will need to buy a water heater when the flooring gets replaced.  So, I just ordered 2 discounted gift cards.  We will use coupons at both places to stretch our $ even more.  In addition, we need a few more "Hilton Honors" points for a stay at a hotel, so, we used my husbands credit card.

More 10/15 Expressions

My daughter consigned some clothes - but only had $14 in sales - the new rule is you have to wait until you $20 or more to take cash or a check.  At Best Buy, she got $18.75 - and half of her games they would not take because they don't sell the system.  So, she will have to try another alternative.  Pictured are the flowers I got for $2.50 at Kroger.  Originally $12.99 with Kroger cards.  I had to stop and get pie crusts because the Dollar Store was out of them.  May be I should not tell people.  I told some co-workers and they were excited that the Dollar Tree had pie crusts/tins and Nature's Own bread.  I just bought 1 pack - which was $2.65 for the Kroger brand.  I also found a rebate form for spend $14 and get $7 back on a number of items to include deli items - so, my daughter and I picked out some items in the deli section.  First time I tried Baba Ganoush - it is wonderful.  We also got stuffed grape leaves, rotisserie chicken, etc.  Now, I just need to mail in the form.  Added:  Freebies received in the mail the last couple of days:  Lotion sample from Dial, 3 Chai Latte tea bags from Twinning, 2 samples of body wipes from Playtex Sport, coupon for a free pair of underwear from Victoria's Secret, and a free Martha Stewart Living magazine.

10/15 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured are my $1.99 each price matched pumpkins.  One will be a decoration for a while and the other will probabaly become puree and the seeds roasted shortly.  I was hoping to keep both of them out as decoration for a while - but one has a bit of a soft spot - so, might as well get to it before it goes bad.  Today on the agenda, my daughter has steamed clothes to take to the consignment store and to find out if she has any $ from her previous consignment.  We also plan to take her no longer played electronic games to Best Buy and hope she can trade them in for Best Buy gift card $.  Across the street from Best Buy is the Dollar Tree that has frozen foods for sale.  Will stop in there to get some $1 for 2 ready to go pie crusts.  The potatoes, onion, sausage concoction I made in the crockpot was delicious.  I didn't make much . . . but it is gone.  So, I have a second batch going.  Used up the rest of the potatoes, 3 packs of the all natural chicken sausage - 2 sweet because they have blueberries mixed in - that were on sale at Publix, this time, I snuck in 2 organic carrots that I want to use up, a few apples and two onions that I sliced and carmelized.  That should be dinner for the next couple of nights for us.  This afternoon, I plan to make some apple pies, and roast the pumpkin and its seeds.  Tomorrow, I plan to make a large tub of salads for lunches - I have a large eggplant, an onion, and will see what else sounds like it should be mixed in to stretch and use up what we have around here.  I am thinking maybe some brown rice.  The dishwasher and washing machine are running, we hope to tackle some cleaning chores today.  Oh, I scheduled a 1 hour facial for both my daughter and myself for next week.  They were $29 a piece though Groupon. 

10/14 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I drove my daughter to school this morning.  On the way back, I stopped at McDonald's to redeem my Monopoly game piece for a breakfast sandwich - so many to choose from - except the McMuffin (which has a game piece).  Then I purchased 6 hashbrowns - 2/$1 - $3 plus tax.  Those will be frozen for future breakfasts since my husband and daughter both like them.  I enter 10 of 12 codes in on-line - of course my daughter wants us to win the "Z".  Anyway, I won 60 Cokerewards points to get over the 175 points needed today to get the instant $5 off at TGI Fridays.  Will give it to my geographical bachelor husband so that he can enjoy lunch there for pretty cheap after the $5 off.  I also "won" another breakfast sandwich and a breakfast parfait/ice-cream drink tickets.  I am going to put potatoes, onions, and the cheap natural chicken saugage I got from Publix into the crockpot for easy meals the next couple of days - and to use up what we have.  Of course I am going to go to my day job for a few hours.  Then to Wal-mart to gas-up with my gift card and get a few groceries.  There are a few rebate forms - so, I'd like to go ahead and purchase the items and send in for the rebates.  Also plan to price match a few produce items with the Aldi ad :)

10/13 Expresssions

Today, I got a copy of Aldi's new ad.  Now I can price match some items at Wal-mart.  Most exciting for me - the $1.99 Pumpkin.  We can use it for decorations - and then roast the seeds and make pumpkin puree to freeze for pies later.  I am "off" tomorrow - but will go into work for a few hours to finish up a project.  I think I will stop at the Dollar Tree to buy 2 pie crusts for $1.  I am overloaded with apples.  There's a recipe in my free Woman's Day for apple pie with an oatmeal/crumble topping.  Seems frugal, healthy and delicious.  We can eat one now and freeze the other for later.  The neighbor lady said the house that sold in 1 week had several people interested in it.  One couple really loves this neighborhood.  So, since the realtor knew my neighbor was planning to sell their house eventually, he asked them - and they sold it.  So, technically, the house was never listed.  The neighbor is retiring next summer - so they are downsizing to a townhouse somewhere else.  Hope interest in our neighbor picks up.  I may still list this summer . . . or then again, wait for a few more years.  Today, I deposited $20.50 in rolled change and a few checks.  My husband needs to chase down the closing costs on our foreclosure - they keep asking for additional information :(  It has been 3 months.  The next couple of months are going to be expensive for us.  Replace kitchen/laundry flooring and water heater.  Townhouse will be re-roofed.  All property - except for the foreclosure house is later on 1 Jan of next year.  I want to increase savings for my daughters college education.

10/12 Expressions

The insurance adjustor called today.  He said the insurance company will not cover the flooring in the laundry room.  Vinyl flooring continues from kitchen into the laundry room.  Well, we wanted to replace our water heater anyway - either with a tankless - or at least with one with a larger capacity as only one person can shower/bathe at a time - and has to wait for the water to re-heat.  Also, when we had a home inspection done, the inspector said the heater only had about 5 years of life left and we have been here 5 years.  So, including my $1,000 deductible, it will cost $1,6XX to install tile (we get to pick) this includes the tile price and also to do the laundry room.  If we provide the water heater, they will install it at no additional costs since they have to remove it and the washer/dryer to do the tile installation and re-install the appliances.  Works for us.  These things were in the "plan" anyway.  And, while I was thinking about not listing our home for sale this summer - before the 2 years is up for my husband's new employer to pay for selling expenses because property prices dropped and houses seemed to be sitting forever; when we drove home today, we noticed the neighbor has a "pending" sign in her lawn.  She must have had an "exclusive" sales agreement because we never saw a "for sale" sign out.  But there were tale tell signs - she had granite installed a few months ago.  She cleaned out her garage and updated her landscape.  I believe her husband is retiring and none of their daughters live in the area.  Perhaps they are moving to be closer to a daughter.  Anyway, seems homes are selling faster - one up the street sold in a week - not sure what the sales price was.  So, I wil not make any hasty decisions - and perhaps this updating/upgrading for us is coming at a good time.  As for mail, I have not been getting any freebies worth remembering - but my husband has been getting a few at our "new" home ;)  I even sent him 2 cards for free, including postage from an on-line deal.  I rolled .50 in pennies.  So, my next visit to the bank - that will get deposited.  Hoping some rebate checks roll in too.  I am keeping my eyes open for one more property at the beach.  Nothing extremely exciting yet.  Perhaps in November when we will probably go down to do our annual maintenance trip.

10/10 Expressions

We are "off" today.  The "Y" representative called and said even though our membership should end on the 15th of this month, she has added 2 weeks and we can use the "Y" until the end of the month.  So, my daughter and I went today and used the machines and watched trash tv.  We stopped at Rite Aid and I will do one rebate - all items were free - tax only.  Then to Wal-Mart for a few items and rebate item to mail off for.  I listed 2 items on Listia.  We need to get rid of a some clutter.  My husband took a few things to the "other" house.  My daughter dug up some games she no longer wants, so, I need to do some research to figure out the best way to get rid of them and make her a few bucks.  I had enough change to make another $10 quarter roll.  This will be a really short week for me.  Sadly for dinner, my daughter and I were enticed to head to McDonald's to play the McDonald's Monopoly game :)

10/9 Expressions

What a mild weathered day.  We bbq'd and my dad brought over a pumpkin pie.  He was grousing about the size of the pie - he seems to think the size has shrunk and the price is a bit higher.  I do remember reading about a pumpkin shortage :(  We have leftovers to last a few more meals - so, no cooking for a while.  We got in a bit more cleaning.  I finally used my batenburg lace table cloth - with my $1.98 Wal-mart plastic sheet - off the roll in the fabric department.  It is nice to change-up the look every once in a while.  I went to Publix yesterday afternoon and got $25 worth of P&G products (actually it was more like $28 worth - and spent $10 after coupons - and $3 of that was taxes.  I want to mail in for the "pink" bake ware - looks like a great set with a $40 value.  Most of my bake ware is starting to look pretty shabby.

10/8 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got the pecan saplings planted - sure hope at least 1 makes it.  My daughter and her friends are having a scary movie evening . . . so, she is at the library to find one to bring.  I made a Shrimp  and Corn Chowder in the crockpot - recipe in ALL YOU magazine.  It is delicious.  We stopped at Publix because my husband wanted Brats to BBQ tomorrow too . . . we ended up buying a bunch of 1/2 priced Natural Chicken Sausages - several flavors.  I have boiled a pot of potatoes and eggs for tomorrow - potato salad, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs.  We got some cleaning in today too :)

10/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got in on the free lunch at Macaroni Grill - but I went to "work" for 1/2 a day - so, my husband and daughter went there for lunch - and they really enjoyed it.  They also stopped at Michael's so that my daughter could buy some art supplies.  She had a gift card and a 40% off coupon.  Then they went to the grand opening of an Aldi.  They ended up getting fresh produce and a couple dozen eggs.  I left work without eating lunch.  Stopped at Publix and had a nice meal. The demonstrator wanted to get rid of the stuff because otherwise, she'd have to dump it.  I had salmon w/capers, beans and key lime pie.  I also got just over $30 in groceries for around $9.  I went ahead and splurged - but still have a bit of credit on my credit card.  So, no additional charges to pay.  I also stopped at CVS and ended up getting 2 ALL detergents and 2 Suave 2'n1 shampoo/conditioner for just over $3 after coupons and ecbs.  I paid with the cash in my wallet.  Mailbag:  I got a portion of my acupuncture payment paid back by my insurance company.  The rest of the mail was junque.  Tonight, I will eat leftovers and my husband and daughter can enjoy a meal at Applebees with a giftcard I have.  My husband is not as serious as I am about not "spending" any extra cash.  He even forgot to put one of his Wal-mart giftcards in his wallet.  He borrowed mine to get a few items.  Then he tried to keep it.  Uh, no.  Added:  instead of 2 small pecan trees from a Freecycler - I ended up with about 10 saplings.  I need to plant them - but, I am feeling lazy.  I will water them and get them planted tomorrow.

More 10/6 Expressions

If you like Domino's Pizza and can pick one up now, check-out their facebook!  I just ordered my FREE Spinach and Feta Artisan pizza and will pick it up in 10-20 minutes!  Dinner is almost done . . . just add a salad and drink :)

10/6 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I gave blood at work today.  So, I got to come home early to recuperate.  Today, they enticed us with free t-shirts (sports teams), a re-usable bag, coupons, snacks, and bottled water.  I came home and called the dishwasher installer and he installed the dishwasher so we can use the sink and the washer while the flooring repair person submits his estimate to the insurance company.  The installer left me samples of dishwasher tablets, and the liquid rinse, and 3 $1 off coupons.  Then I called the rental agent about the re-roofing work.  She said it would be better to wait until after the 7th when the tenant moves out.  The low quoter said he could wait until then.  So, that is a relief.  I had deposited some $ into my daughter's education fund and was a bit nervous about additional unexpected expenses popping up.  Looks like I did a little bit of worrying for nothing.  Today in the mail, I got my $10 Publix gift card from the rebate I did last month?  Anyway, combined with coupons, especially the $5 off of 20 - I should be able to get quite a few groceries for very little extra out of my pocket.  I asked for 2 pecan trees on freecycle and my husband and daughter will be picking them up today. 

10/5 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Got a sample of Unstoppable clothes washing crystals.  An invite to our condo home owner's association - free seafood meal - yummy - which we will have to pass on.  And the insurance adjustor came - yup, they will have to repair our cabinets and flooring - he said good thing I called.  Well, I guess we were going to do the flooring anyway, so, might as well get it done.  He said we can put whatever we want - but the insurance will only pay a certain amount.  Which is fine - plus we have to pay a deductible - $1,000.  I wonder if they can finish sanding the cabinets and stain them for us too.  He said they can save our granite counter-tops.  I need to call the dishwasher installer and ask him to install the dishwasher so that we have access to the sink.  He said they will pull it back out when they make repaire.

10/4 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  In the mail, I received a sample of Frizz Eaze . . . and believe me, my hair can use it :)  I finally made it to the gym.  Need to clean up a bit, the insurance adjustor is coming to see what the damage the leak under the dishwasher was caused by/est. to fix.  Boy am I missing a dishwasher - so easy to take modern conveniences for granted.  Rental agent for the townhouse e-mailed.  She got 3 quotes for re-roofing the property - we picked the low.  It was the quote we got ourselves with a coupon.  Also, the tenant gave notice and will be out by Nov. 7 and would we like to re-rent - of course.  Sure would have been nice to keep the same person - but he is a graduate student and needs to move on.

10/3 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail was fun today:  I received a Swiffer 360 duster from Proctor & Gamble, sample of Dove body spray, coupons from Kroger, and my free samples from Lancome (my purchase is on back-order) - so nice of them to send the sample early.  I replaced my mascara and lipstick and got a few anti-aging products to try and my daughter kept the lip gloss.  Today, I took her to acting lessons - we got 4 lessons for 1/2 priced on livingsocial.com.  The dishwasher installer came today - and there was mold under the old unit.  He suggested I call the insurance company before proceeding.  Lo and behold, the insurance agenrt told me our deductible is 1% of our home value . . . which is still slight inflated.  My husband called them back to let them know it was unacceptable that we signed up for the $1,000 deductible and based on the county tax assessor - they over-valued our property by $45K - so, we are back to the $1,000 deductible and they lowered the value by $35K.  So, it pays to be persistent.

10/2 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today we shopped at Wal-mart and got groceries, a bag of mulch, and a bag of potting soil.  Used a WM gift card - so, no money to be "paid" out of any future earnings.  We got some cleaning/laundry done.  I finally got around to planting the discounted plants - about time :)  We have Columbus day off.  We have decided to do a final bbq this weekend.  (We only did one this year).  I did some bulk cooking to cut down on some cooking time and to keep from being tempted to eat out - or stray from healthy eating.  I used up the bok choy I got from the Asian market last week - in the crockpot.  Used up some organic milk before it went "bad" to make 2 buttermilk pies.  Also baked some salmon fillets with the pies.  The heat from the oven was wecomed - it was a bit chilly today.  I used up some spa samples to wash my hair - nice smell green tea stuff.  Also gave myself a facial.  I was very tempted to head to ULTA to get one there - so, I saved myself $35 :)

10/1 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today was the community yard sale.  It was cold and windy, and there were several events scheduled for today.  Meaning, very few shoppers.  So, it was a bust.  My daughter made $8 - which she contributed toward a take-out pizza and wings.  She also stopped at the consignment store and picked up a check - with better results.  She dropped off more items too.  I went to CVS today and "rolled" my extra-care bucks and got several products for next to nothing.  Last week, I showed my 3 receipts from Rite Aid to a co-worker.  I introduced her to "rolling".  Doing several transactions in one trip.  It never occured to her that you can split your purchases up and use the UP bucks on your next transaction.  I try not to walk out with any "store bucks".  She was pretty intrigued that you can end up getting quite a bit for taxes only after coupons and the inital UP bucks.  I did use a credit card - but it is one that has a credit on it - so, no additional charges to pay for out of pocket.  We are hoping for very little in variable expenses this month as we got the last of our property tax bills today.  They are late on 1 January.  So, we pay them in late December.  In the mail, I got a coupon for a free Gatorade from Coke Rewards when they were having their 1 day special - 3 Coke Reward Points for 1 free bottle - value up to $1.79.