2/29 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I purchased a $20 Groupon for $10 to a local Thai restaurant and I have $20 in opentable money (check).  So, I made a reservation through openable and made a reservation for dinner on Saturday - we have $40 plus tip we will spend between the three of us.  Other than that, the weather has been really odd today.

2/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, my daughter got her Novartis check.  I took her for an hour of tutoring - and we used a bogo drink coupon at Barnes and Noble.  While she was being tutored - I walked the shopping complex and stopped at Victoria's Secret and got her a pair of panties and a free pair of flip flops for a grand total of .54 after my $10.00 coupon.  How about the stock market today :)  We went to "International Day" at my daughter's school.  For a $5 ticket, we got food, entertainment and a fashion show.  She gets bonus points for being in the fashion show for her language class.  And, I am tired.  Called and made an appointment with Bathfitters - called the livingsocial lawn person.  Need to clean - but am going to sleep.

2/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail was great today.  Got my Excedrin refund, BathFitters certificate, and my BoA CC for the dentist this Friday.  I took my daughter for a 2 hour tutoring session and ended up reading for 1 hour and knitting the rag rug.  Still have a way to go.  Long, tiring day, I just need to hit the hay.

2/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Maybe not so appetizing - but that's my compost overflowing with coffee grounds.  Next, leftover "apple turnovers" I made last night.  The other 5 got eaten between snack and breakfast :)  Other frugal deeds, I have started re-organizing the gift closet.  After I collapsed all the gift bags and put them and the tissues and ribbons in a basket - I probably have 2 shelves left to work with.  I also found some "stuff" I want to use now.  I found 4 votives to use in the metal decoration in the bathroom.  I found deoderant.  I was going to make some facial scrub - I found small samples of some "good stuff" to use.  So, I used the scrub, put on some sample spf moisturizer and took the dog for a walk just now.  I also made my daughter a large bath of Thai red curry and brown rice.  For the rest of the day, I'd like to finish organizing the closet, make some vegetarian egg rolls, make a large salad for lunches, and chop some of the onions and freeze for later use.

More 2/25 Expressions

2/25 Expressions

The lake, the beach, and some cactus.  Pictured above are some scenes my daughter took with her new camera. (Sorry, the "system" would not upload all 3 pictures).  We live near a "lake" - some would call it a large pond.  But, we have some ducks, turtles, and fish that provide entertainment.  Usually in the summer, if we have leftover bread, we take it to the ducks - and the fish, I am sure.  The beach is where our condo is - and she took a neat shot of the sunsetting.  The cactus is what our neighbors brought to us when they moved - a nice reminder of them.  They were always taking care of plants.  As for frugal deeds today, unfrugal, we stopped for Starbucks - but frugal, we got a very large bag of grounds.  I sure hope I have a wonderful and abundant garden this year that I can attribute to the grounds.  We also went to the dentist and my daughter got her teeth cleaned - so of course, we got free toothpaste, a toothbrush, and floss - and bleach since we are both under the lifetime whitening plan.  Then we went to Lowes.  I was going to use the $20 off $100 coupon and my discounted gift certificate planter boxes.  Instead, we got a new toilet for her bathroom - might as well change it out when we get the Bath Fitters to "remodel" the tub/shower area.    So, I still have about $20 left on my giftcard.  I also made a mystery soup in the crockpot.  In an attempt to free up freezer space and reclaim some of my containers, I decided to dump the contents in the crockpot.  The soup turned out pretty good - fortunately, it was a mix of 3 soups and curry - so, they blended well.  Right now, in the oven, I have "apple turnovers" - I used croissant dough and put some of my defrosted apple crisp in the dough and baked them with some sweet potatoes.  The weather has been so odd, we were too "hot" the other evening - and this morning, coat weather cold.  So, having the items in the oven will be much appreciated by heating system.

2/24 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Got our free take 'n bake pizza for lunch tomorrow.  We did end up going to the movies and out to eat with friends - we split the tab.  It was a fairly frugal and fun evening.  We to Aldi for fresh produce - .69 for 2 lbs of red onion and several other good deals.  I also stopped at the International store at lunch time for Thai curry paste - .99 a can to mix with coconut milk and a few veggies for a fast vegetarian meal.

2/23 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  At lunch, deposited $ and mailed my Listia items.  Took my daughter to tutoring and stopped at Publix on the way home.  Used my $25 giftcard (win) - and spent $5 out of pocket.  This has been a long week.  This weekend, I hope to start and finish a few projects around here.  We did "win" the Bath Fitters gift certificate.  Perhaps we can get ambitious and landscape ourselves .  . . I know it is a lot harder than it looks - and it is hard work.  I order some more herbs and seasonings from this place:  http://www.herbnrenewal.com/ and it arrived today - it is wonderful stuff.  I am not being paid to say this :)  Since I am not very creative when it comes to mixing spices - this stuff is a good way to compensate.

2/22 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Currently, I am bidding on a Bath Fitters local deal.  I would love to win it for a bath tub makeover for my daughter's bathroom.  Still a few more hours to go.  I also am eyeballing a landscape deal.  If I can get it for 33% off - I may just go for it.  We need to slowly or quickly? update this house as we want to eventually sell it.  Mail was fun - free Better Homes & Garden magazine and a rent check.  So, now I can reduce the amount the "house" owes me.  

2/21 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I received my opentable.com reward of a $20 check at any opentable restaurant.  I worked on my rag rug a bit.  Started back to healthy eating again - and I hope to get some exercise in today too.  So hard after a 4 day break :)

More 2/20 Expressions

Finally finished embellishing the rest of the "Black Friday" towels for my daughter's bathroom.  Next, I am going to cook a few meals to cover the next couple of days - and finish relaxing :)

2/20 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above is our "new shoe station".  I repurposed a former toy box (now a shoe storage box) and a pillow and a cushion - and now we have a place to put shoes that aren't worn on a daily basis and a place to sit to put our shoes on.  Note - unfinished cabinets - yup, we plan on getting to them eventually.  In other news, I went to Office Depot, through ebates, and ordered $61.XX worth of coffee plus tax through the "work life" rewards program.  So, although the coffee is "free" - the fact is, I spent $61.XX for coffee.  Here's the plan, so, I will get 1 percent back from ebates, 1 percent back from my credit card company, and I got free shipping, my husband and I will be stocked with coffee for the next couple of months.  When the rewards becomes available, we will spend it on office supplies that we need at that time, usually printer ink or school supplies.  So, in the end, the coffee if very cheap.  I also listed 2 more items on Amazon.Com for our France Fun fund :)  And while I am mostly going to be relaxing today - there are a few more towels from "Black Friday" I want to finish embellishing so I can place them in service :)  My husband is mowing the weeds that have sprung up in the front yard and I will be calling the lawn service (from the livingsocial deal) to weed 'n feed it.  We just have the front yard treated - even though the company claims to be environmentally friendly, we really don't want to put anything that might not agree with the pooch in the back yard.

2/19 Expressions

Pictured above is the metal artwork I picked up at the consignment store for just over $12, including tax and after the $4.XX credit we had.  My husband hanged it in our masterbath - it adds a bit of interest to the wall.  Now I just need to find some votives - I am sure I have some from some great deal at Bath and Body Works/Candle Barn.  Yesterday, I finally signed up for the credit card offer from Bank of America - use the card and get $100.  So, when I get my crowns in a couple of weeks - that's what I will charge my portion on, get reimbursed through FSA - and earn 1 percent plus $100.  We stopped at Starbucks last night and got another large bag of coffee grounds.  Also stopped at Aldi and got a bunch of produce and baking ingredients - just over $16.  For lunch today, we invited my father over.  I put the ham I purchased during the holiday season with a rebate in the crockpot with some mustard/brown sugar.  Side dishes included spinach salad (remember the $1 tub of organic baby spinach), apple crumble (before the apples went "bad"), guacamole to use up the .49 avacado and some fresh salsa, and scalloped potatoes (from a box).  While those things baked, I also put the sweet potatoes in the oven, and roasted some red/orange/yellow peppers from Aldi for meals later this week.  Tonight there is a "party" going on at Victoria's Secret - door prizes, finger foods, and additional discounts.  Since tomorrow is a holiday, we may stop by.  I am trying to come up with another recycled project.  We have an old trunk type toy box - and an old seat cushion.  I am thinking of refurbishing them and putting them in the foyer to hold/hide shoes and a place to sit to put our shoes on.  I am thinking I just need to find some fabric to sew for a new seat cushion - and it will be ready to go.

2/18 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  For our 23rd Wedding anniversary, my husband purchased the colorful bouquet of flowers - much to my chagrin, he paid full price - $10.  The second flower picture is what is left of the $3 bouquet I purchased 3 weeks ago.  Also as an anniversary present, my husband is handwashing the vehicles :)  As mentioned earlier, we have a few things planned for today.  I am hoping to list a few items on ebay for our "France fun fund".

2/17 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I made breakfast smoothies this morning and for lunch, we picked up our Little Caesar's deal that cost $0 out of pocket for lunch with leftovers.  We also stopped at our favorite thriftstore and purchased nothing.  Then to the mall, with coupons, we got 2 pairs of underwear from Victoria's Secret for free and my daughter also got a nice shirt for free.  Then to Ulta to pick up our free quarter reward and my daughter got a really nice hair product - normally $13 plus tax for free.  Then to Bed, Bath & Beyond for a lap desk - with coupon and gift card - no additonal money out of our pockets.  After we came home - I took a nice long nap - and was glad to see the stock market did okay today.  My husband and daughter ran the rest of the errands - went to view the professional photos - we are getting the CD in the mail - they suggested my daughter sign-up with a modeling agency . . . we shall see - we do not want it to interfere with her education.  They also picked up the drycleaning - sure miss the coupons.  They went to guitar lessons and for the first time in a long time - they did not stop for a take 'n bake pizza (even though we get a free one) because we still have leftovers.  I just made a reservation through Open Table (worth 1,000 points - need 2,000 for a $20 gift certificate) to our favorite restaurant to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary - and the restaurant sent us a $20 gift certificate for a small break in the price too.  I redeemed my previous 2,000 points from opentable.com for a $20 gift certificate - but it has not arrived in the mail.  Tomorrow for lunch, it will be just the "girls" - my daughter, her BFF, and her BFF's mother and I going out for lunch with a restaurant.com 80% discounted gift certificate and the "girls" will be spiffed up with a deeply discounted beauty pamering session from the beauty school - too bad they had an age limit - it is $25 for 2 people (plus tip of course:) for hair, make-up, facial, mani-pedi - I am sure not in that order :)  Added:  Oh, and I just redeemed some mypoints for a $10 Barnes and Noble giftcard to help feed my husband's and daughter's nooks.

2/16 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Took my daughter to the Dr. and had to pick up 2 rx's.  While we waited, we scoured Kroger for Manager's Specials and we found some great deal - including for $1 - large tub of organic baby spinach, .99 organic hummus, and a few others.  When we got home - more of the daffodils have bloomed as pictured above.  So nice to have a loong weekend.  We watched a chick flick - Redbox is $1.20 per night now.  Inflation?  Still cheaper than the movie theatre. 

2/15 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I picked up my "lifetime" supply of teeth whitener from the dentist and made a deposit to my account.  I ready every magazine I wanted to and perused a bunch of books while my daughter got tutored.  While she liked the tutor, she does not feel she will get great benefit from it - so, she wants me to cancel - and I have 5 days left to do it.  I am so glad for the long weekend - so much to do.  I also got in on a livingsocial gift certificate for a weed'n feed service and $25 toward the next/another service from a lawn care company - they are suppose to be environmentally friendly - and although my husband tried to kill the weeds in our lawn - they are still out there - so, time to call in the big guns - for a small price of course.  My beet seeds arrived in the mail - had to mail the tomato seeds seller and let them know - still no seeds :(

2/14 Expressions

Happy Valentines day!  At lunch today, I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned - no money out - but I got a free toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste.  I also used a 50% off of a drink coupon for a vanilla latte at the coffee stand next to the dentist's office.  Today was a festive day at the office - lots of goodies - and fortunately, I did not over-do it.  Rent money in.  Got in on a $2 Restaurant.Com gift certificate - and went through mypoints for 20 points.  So, when my daughter and her dear friend get finished with their pampering session, the two girls and their mom's will head out for lunch with the gift certificate.  We have also made tentative plans to spend an all girl's couple of days at the beach.  Mainly to hit the outlet mall and relax on the balcony.  Watching and listening to the waves is so peaceful and relaxing.

More 2/13 Expressions

I decided I wanted to make a cake to use up 2 eggs and get some frozen bananas out of my freezer - and fast.  So, just a while ago - I found this recipe:  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/banana-nut-coconut-cake/detail.aspx  We tried a small piece - delicious.  I did some modifications - I did not have 4 cups of powdered sugar - more like 1 cup, I did not have buttermilk (I was going to use the vinegar/milk trick) - so I used sour cream/milk.  I did not have pecans - so I used chopped walnuts - and also used half the coconut.

2/13 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictued above is the bag dispenser I crafted last night - hanging with my vintage dish towels.  Exciting mail - I called in on a Publix sweepstakes in December - 1 call per household - and today - I received the $25 Publix giftcard I won - whoo hoo - "free groceries".  I also got a free magazine in the mail - "Good Housekeeping" - and I need it :)  And another wonderful surprise - I won beet seed on Listia a couple of days ago - normally I only bid on "free shipping" items - the seller said they are shipping free because they didn't realize they hadn't marked it for free shipping!  And in case you might have forgotten - tomorrow is Valentines day - since my daughter decided to buy a bag (they used to only come in a box) of chocolates (Russell Stovers) for her classmates - I thought I'd take one into the office - like in elementary school ages ago when we gave out cards.  Sadly, I have a dental appointment at lunch - so, I probably won't partake until after I get back.

2/12 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Found entertainment that doesn't cost a lot:  the local symphony orchestra is playing for free for the public in two weeks - and there will be a little party too - appears geared toward children.  Noticed condo bookings are picking up.  I hope to finish one "craft" today - I found a really cute dress of my daughter's when she was toddler - I want to turn it into one of those plastic bag holders.  I did batch cooking this afternoon - green curry with lots of veggies/tofu, brown rice, large salad, and made buttercream frosting for a defrosted pumpkin bread to give it more of an appeal . . . and it did. 

1/11 Expressions

PUREX Triple Action Laundry Detergent Coupon Winners are:  Tracey, Lauara, and Mimi!  You have an e-mail - please respond and I will get your coupon in the mail!

Frugal deeds for the day:  Just had my hair done at the beauty school - and they had a flyer out for a "Princess" for a day for my daughter and her friend's age group.  $25 for 2 people and all of the money goes to charity.  They will get a facial, hair put in an "up do", and a mani-pedi.  What a deal :)  I headed to Publix and used a gob of coupons - haven't done that in ages.  So, my grocery bill was $38 - and I saved more than $38,  I got 10 Morningstar Farms products for the vegetarian in the family, rotisserie chicken for the spoiled puppy, etc.  Combined Kroger coupons, manufacturers coupons, and a $5 off $50 coupon from the school coupon booklet :)  Oh, we sold our listing on Amazon.Com - how fast was that?  Oh, and my husband is finally getting on board with looking for great deals!  He has gotten over his shyness about using coupons, etc.  Anyway, he took the dog for her hair appointment (with discounted giftcard) - and a new men's barbershop was open - sports theme - and new concept.  He got his hair cut clean - and since that was his first visit - he got the "MVP" package for free.  He got to watch ESPN while getting his hair-cut, then they gave him a massage (chair), and a "facial" - hot towel and some kind of "cream".  Very proud of him - of course he did pay a tip.  He looks pretty handsome - and we will be going out for our Valentines dinner shortly with the 1/2 priced gift certificate.  Oh, and I got my emigrantdirect credit card - need to use it once so I can get my $200 :)  Money magnet day today :)

2/10 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Don't forget - tomorrow is the last day to enter my giveaway for a coupon for a full-sized bottle of Purex Triple Action Laundry Detergent:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JHWJM5  Today, my husband and I ate lunch with the $10 off $15 freebie Restaurant.Com gift certificate.  We had leftovers for another meal.  When I got home, he presented me with a 1/2 dozen roses for Valentines day - we celebrate early since he will be heading to our foreclosure house in a few days.  Yup, they are beautiful and they were $3.99 from Aldi :)  Tonight, he is getting a take 'n bake pizza - free cheese pizza and our punch card is full - so, he will get a coupon to get our next pizza free.  I got my discounted giftcards.  Listed one item on Amazon.Com (they sure take a bunch for commissions, etc :(

2/9 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today my husband and I ate lunch at Brueggers with a BOGO coupon and a gift card.  And, we each got our free 3 bagels today.  Dinner was the free pizza from Papa Johns and a 2ltr Rootbeer.  Good news, my husband called the tax assessor's office in the county where our foreclosure house was purchased - no taxes are due until July since the first half was paid at closing last year :)  And we are hoping that the second installment in July is reduced substantially based on our tax protest.  In addition, seems we over paid the condo rental management office -and they are sending a refund check.  Sadly, the current renter called in the dryer - and it needed work to the tune of $200 - so, it will pretty much be a wash.  But it will be a nice refund anyway :)  So, instead of having to pay-out more $ in bills this month - we are pleasantly surprised to find out we don't have the big bill we expected.  So, hopefully, we will send more $ to savings :)  I also received a batch of seeds from my listia winnings.  Don't forget - if you need laundry detergent that cleans well and is economically priced - enter my giveaway!  Thank-you!

2/8 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I received a free Martha Stewart's Living magazine.  I also was e-mailed a code for a $10 credit to a local "groupon" like site.  I got a certificate for $8.50 of my credit ($0 out of pocket) for a large 1 topping Little Caesar's pizza (Large), breadstick combo, and a 2 ltr. Pepsi.  I also printed out 2 coupons for 3 free bagels from Bruegger's tomorrow - 1 for myself and 1 for my husband and we will eat lunch there with a BOGO sandwich coupon/gift certificate.  He also has free deal for a 1 large topping Papa Johns Pizza and a Pepsi from the big game deal.  We are also going out to dinner with a 1/2 priced gift certificate - and I made reservations at opentable - and once we eat - will get credited 1,000 points - enough for us to redeem for a $20 toward dinner giftcertificate.  Last night, I won 20 seeds for Bok Choy. I have gotten a nice variety of seeds from Listia.com - peppers, tomatoes, spagetti squash, cucuzzi, etc.

If you are so inclined, there's still time to enter my giveaway :):  http://frugalmomsfinancialexpressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/24-expressions-purex-triple-action.html

Thanks!

2/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My daughter and I attended a tutoring center's open house this evening and ate some finger foods/drinks - and signed up for tutoring services.  Hopefully, in the long run, the services will pay off :)  So, I will put it in the frugal column.  I gave myself a french manicure at lunch time - and bleached my teeth at the same time - what a multi-tasker.  Still trying to win another package of vegetable seeds on Listia - I have so few credits - I keep getting outbid - need to find something I can "sell" this weekend so I can can get all of my seeds - plant to spend my $ on planter boxes.

Just want to remind anyone interested - I have a giveaway going on - and there's still time for you to sign-up to win a coupon for a free full sized bottle of Purex Triple Action Laundry detergent!

http://frugalmomsfinancialexpressions.blogspot.com/2012/02/24-expressions-purex-triple-action.html

2/6 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mailbag - Jackpot!  Pictured above are the freebies I received in the mail today:  Kikkoman coffee with soy milk, fish oil tablet, 10 stamps for being a mail decoy, and a freebie magazine.  At lunch today, I tore more old fabric into strips so I can finish my rag rug.  After exercising this evening - I plan to fold a whole load of laundry.  Still trying to win some more seeds on Listia.com.

More 2/5 Expressions

Whoo hooo - my husband signed up for Papa John's Rewards card and since the "coin" landed on heads for the big game - he won a large 1 topping pizza and a 2 lt Pepsi . . . not often that my husband signs up for these kinds of deals :)  Years of training have finally sunk in :)

2/5 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I won more vegetable seeds on Listia.com and hope to win another batch in an hour or so.  I also ordered a discounted Lowes giftcard to go with my $20 off $100 coupon.  Other than that, most of this afternoon has been spent mopping, doing laundry - mainly linens, etc.  I still have that 2 hours of cleaning services GROUPON looking at me - it's on days like this I wish I could just call.  Oh, for lunch, we stopped by another Burger King and got free onion rings - and a treat.

2/4 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above are the Daffodils that have decided to bloom.  The weather has been so odd.  I was going to spend most of the day cleaning - but I picked up my daughter from a sleepover and then took her to the beauty school to have her hair "done".  Then I stopped at Wal-mart and picked up a few more grocery items and headed home to clean.  But instead, I took a short nap.  I then picked up my daughter and we headed for Burger King for their free onion rings.  Much to my daughter's delight, they now serve Veggie Burgers - I opted for a vanilla iced coffee.  Then rain started and it started to get cold.  So, instead of turning the heat up, I decided to do some cooking for meals to cover today and the next couple of days.  I ended up making coconut macaroons - yummy - and half are in the freezer - the other half for this week - if they last.  I used the Thai Curry sauce with tofu, mushrooms, spinach and carrots.  Also cooked a batch of brown rice.  To use up my Glen Muir organic tomato paste and sauce, I used the last (I found another bag in the freezer) of veggie crumbles, mushrooms, spinach, a bit of basil pesto.  I made a big batch of wheat pasta - part of it got mixed with a bit of EVOO, basil pesto, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.  I baked the rest of the pasta with the sauce with a bit of mozzarela on top.  And to use up some apples - I used the rest of macaroon batter, added the sliced apples, topped with a bit of butter, brown sugar, and oats.  Tomorrow, I will make a salad - have lots of asparagus, artisian lettuce, spinach, carrots, etc. left.

2/4 Expressions PUREX Triple Action Laundry Detergent Free Coupon GIVE AWAY!

Purex has provided me with three coupons for a full size free bottle of the new Purex Triple Action laundry detergent.  I have used my bottle of the detergent - and am very happy with the results.   My opinions are my own, I am not being paid to provide any statements.  In honor of Purex in providing me with the coupons, and to give three readers the chance to try the detergent for themselves with no obligation, I am holding my first "Give away".  So, if you like to try the detergent with the free product coupon, click here to enter:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JHWJM5
I will take entries until  1 p.m. CST on 11 February and will generate 3 numbers on a random generator and announce the winners later that day.  Good luck - and hope you enter and win! :)  P.S., I swear I won't sell or use your e-mail address for any purpose other than to contact you should you win a coupon.  Thanks!

2/3 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I received a free copy of Forbes in the mail.  Stock market was nice - hope I don't jinx it :)  I took a nice long nap.  For exercise, I did a lot of mopping today - multi-tasking :)  I also decided to apply for the emigrantdirect credit card.  Chase Ink requires $5000 in purchases in 3 months - emigrant just requires 1 use . . . and I was going to ask my husband to apply.  Sadly, it appears it is by invitation only - my own "code" - pre-fillled data . . .

2/2 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I was productive at lunch time today - I finished the scarf - and my daughter plans to wear it tomorrow and I finished off the dish cloth.  I plan to do some batch cooking this evening - and then a lot of cleaning tomorrow.  Added:  Hmmmm - INGdirect sent me a credit card application - use it once and get a $200 statement bonus.  But then, I looked on-line and see Chase Ink Business has a $250 bonus.  Nothing like last year - bunches of miles and gift cards for us.  It is like "free" money to us since we do pay our credit cards off every month - so, why not a bonus?  I will sleep on it.

2/1 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured are the baking pans I won on shopgoodwill.com - $20.XX for the pans including shipping.  They were wrapped in a bunch of bubble wrap that I will be re-using too.  I am trying to decide if I should sell one to help defray the "cost".  Ran my errands at lunch today.  I bring home compost materials from work - today - tangerine peels and egg shells.  After work, I drove to Aldi for .69/pint of fresh mushrooms, .49 avocados, and .99 for packages of 2 crowns of brocolli - ended up spending $6.XX.  Then to Kroger, got Odwala Protein drinks for .15 on manager's special, organic asparagus for 1.00 a bag - got 3, organic baby spinach $1.00 a bag and some strawberries - which were $1 cheaper at Aldi :(