More 3/31 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I did end up picking some dandelion leaves before leaving for my hair appointment.  I also picked a sprig of of rosemary and thyme.  They are a bit wilted for sitting about 4 hours - but I plan to wash them up and stirfry them in olive oil with some fresh garlic - all for me since my husband and daughter are not interested in even try them.  More for me :)

3/31 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above are a couple of figs the new fig tree is producing!  Below, two of my planter box "gardens".  See my plant identification sticks - recycled chopsticks, clear postage tape and recycled envelopes :)  Also wanted to note, the basil seeds I "won" on Lisa are budding out between my two store bought herbs (thyme/rosemary) and the lettuce seeds I "won" are really starting to go to town.  I still have plenty of seeds left and will plant until they are all gone - so, hopefully, I will have my own fresh lettuce for some during the summer/fall?  This morning has already been a flurry of activities.  My husband, daughter and I picked up the car at the dealer - and got a nice cup of "free" coffee/orange juice.  Donuts were already devoured by the time we got there - no problem - because we had bagels from yesterday.  Dropped my daughter off so they can start her "do" at the beauty school - and now I am trying to get a few things done - like check on my Office Max rewards - looks like we need ink again.  Wow - and Steinmart sent me a 50% on red dot savings in the "Home" department - my favorite - so, may have to check that out.  That's where I get bedding, etc. for the condo.  This afternoon, after my do - I plan to stop at Aldi to get a Peace Lily and stop at Publix for a nice box of bakery cookies and we are planning to "welcome" our new neighbors to the neighborhood.  We are a bit behind . . . and my husband is going to give the lawn a much needed cut.  P.S.  If I can beat my husband to the backyard, I may pick some dandelion leaves for some free green - our backyard is organic . . . and I have noticed some restaurants are evening starting to serve the stuff.  My husband did not win the big prize in the Mega Lotto - he bought 10 tickets and won $7 - but he sure was thrilled with a least a miniscule chance of winning :)

More 3/30 Expressions

In other news, my husband just informed me that just before he left our house (foreclosure), he had mail from the Tax Assessor's office.  They dropped the valuation $20K - we asked for a $50K reduction - closer to the price we paid.  So, we will be asking for an additional reduction - perhaps splitting the difference on the $30K and ask for an additional $15K reduction which will save us a pretty penny in property taxes in that state.  Oh, and I "won" a necklace on Listia - "real pearls and green crystals" - my two favorite combinations.

3/30 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: We took our Civic in for its 100K miles check-up - wow - Honda has a nice waiting lounge - tv, toys, coffee machine, fridge stocked with juices and water, and candy. I had a coffee - but when they told us the car needed new tires - suddenly, the bill would be a whole higher :( Oh well, my husband says they have donuts in the mornings . . . this time, I reminded him to use our frequent customer card - it saves us 15% - and in this case - it will be worth more than a sneeze and plus, it kicks out coupons - last time there was one for a free something. Tomorrow, my daughter and I both have appointments with beauty school - plus we both get a free service - a brow wax for me and a manicure for my daughter. Although I may switch my brow wax for free manicure since I just got them waxed last week. I had a doctor's appointment this morning - and my husband took me out for a late birthday lunch at Steak 'n Shake. Across the street was a Pier 1 import - and I just happen to have a giftcard. So, while my husband is finished his milk shake and went to pay - I waked across the parking lot to Pier 1. I found a rug - originally $49.99 for around $12 - my kind of rug for the foyer and then there was a metal wall hanging - of fish - mostly browns - great for the condo since the floral design is okay - but the fish will pop. They were $59 - and I got them for $19. So, the cashier convinced me to sign up the new Pier 1 credit card - I will

get a $20 giftcard and a 20% off coupon she says - in about a week.  I still have my giftcard since I had to change something on the new card and will get 4 points per dollar.  So, when I get coupon and giftcard - I plan to purchase a fireplace screen - was $99 - and with the gift card I have - should be less than an addtional $10 out of my pocket.

3/29 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got my Listia New Ralph Lauren Nightgown - it is nice and no money exchanged.  Sadly, my guitar tuner thing person was a dud and Listia refunded my credits.  Now I just have shirt for my daughter and a rug hook outstanding.  Tonight, after tutoring - we stopped at the grocery store to buy ingredients for a chocolate cream pie - for her science class tomorrow - they are celebrating "pi day" - and whichever group brings the best tasting pie gets a "pass" on their lab report - so, my daughter is busy making a pie.  My husband and dog return tonight :)  Lots of cleaning and maintenance to do.

3/28 Expression

Frugal deeds for the day:   Tutoring for my daughter is paying off - she was the top scorer for her school taking the local science exam.  She moves to the next level.  Her insructor said no one from her school has ever made it to level 2.  If she gets to level 3 - she gets a paid trip to the 3rd level and they win gift cards - that's all I know :)  My husband said he gets a day off for doing such a good job on an inspection :)  Me, I am almost done with my throw - which I will have my daughter the photog take a picture of when I am finished.

3/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, to use up some apples and the last of my lemons today - I made apple/walnut cake with lemon marmalade and whipped cream topping - pretty tasty - if I do say so myself.  I worked a bit on my throw - and that is it.  I can't believe how fast this month has gone by.  I watered my "garden" and can't believe how fast the lettuce is coming up.  Oh, and a lady at work gave me her Sunday's coupon and her free panty coupon from Victoria's Secret for my daughter - she doesn't like the "boy cut" - I guess.  I graciously accepted the coupons :)  I just completed credit card maintenance and cashed in for a $10 CVS gift card and a $5 Starbucks card.  So, in addition to those 2 gift cards, this month I earned $300 in credit statements and 2 nights at the Hyatt for our Paris trip.  And my husband is still trying to figure out the best way to do our taxes - married/jointly or married/separately since he lives in another state most of the time, etc.  Good thing he has tax software :)

3/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  So, what was I doing yesterday?  My daughter and I attended an auction.  Pictured above are two of our "winnings" - Eastlake chairs.  I have always wanted them - but never liked the price - they must be out of favor right now - I am going to attempt to re-upolster (sp) them myself - someday.  We also "won" two pictures (mainly for the Victorian frames), two lamp bases, a nice "Secretary" desk/cabinet, and 4 art glass vases.  I did some major cooking, worked on my "throw", and am still pooped today.  So, I will be hitting the hay early today to try and recover.  I had a short to do list today - but really didn't get much done, guess I am giving myself a break today - and hopefully, I can pick-up the slack tomorrow.

325 Expressions

The following is a guest post.  Enjoy!

How to Save Money With Kids






If you have kids, you are likely aware of how important it is to them to have the best and newest items on the market. Unfortunately, keeping up with the Jones' is becoming increasingly difficult. While you are now likely telling your children “No” more often than ever before, there are still many items you will inevitably need to splurge on. Purchasing kid’s items, whether clothing or toys, can always be expensive, but there are definitely ways to minimize the damage! Follow these tips to keep your wallet as fat as possible.



1. Consignment Shop

Have you ever purchased something and kept it in your closet with the tags still on until you could no longer return it? Well, these are the items that make up many consignment shops. Consignment shops are not only a good place to purchase new or gently used items though. They are also a great place to go when you need to unload some stuff. Why not turn your unworn clothing into cash or at least store credit?



2. EBay

You can pick up many of today’s hottest fashions for next to nothing on EBay. Why spend more at the local department store, when you can hop online and find exactly what you are looking for for less, and have it delivered to you? Plus, shopping online helps to decrease impulse spending, because you aren’t walking through a retail establishment being enticed by everything that you see around you.



3. Yard Sales

You may think that you’re only find trash here, but yard and garage sales may just yield some really great finds. Targeting the better areas will help you find the best deals, so don’t just go to any sale that you see a flyer about. Don’t forget that the early bird always gets the worm, so don’t plan on sleeping in on Saturdays anymore!



4. Auctions

Lots of valuable items can be picked up at auctions or estate sales well below market value. Always keep your eyes open for these events in your community (try the newspaper). Attending one, especially during winter or during inclement weather, can provide some treasures for any kid’s room, or perhaps a new car. You may even be able to get an entirely new wardrobe in your child’s size for just one low price.









Camilla Ford likes to write, save money and visit http://www.backgroundcheck.org/ (Camilla Ford's referral link).

3/24 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My daughter captured the above photo of the cherry blossom tree in our front yard.  It is beautiful - but the blossoms fade eventually.  I was hoping for a quiet, productive Saturday.  We got up early and I made cheese omelet and a strawberry smoothie for us . . . and then my daughter and I headed to the local university so she could take a competitive science exam.  Mainly, she and a lot of her classmates took the exam as their science teacher promised them some bonus points.  It would be nice if she or her classmates win.  While waiting for her, I headed to Stein Mart armed with my coupons.  I ended up getting my daughter galoshes - with colorful polka dots - regular retail $40 for $13.XX, a pair of sandals, 2 blouses, a rug for her bathroom, a really neat water bottle, and a very large framed tiger print cork board to hang in her bathroom so she can pin her necklaces, etc. to keep them organized and hopefully untangled and not not stuffed somewhere to be "lost".  Then we had big plans - finish planting the bulbs, seeds, etc . . . but we took a nap instead and it started raining cats and dogs.  So, hopefully, we will get to that tomorrow.  I noticed my lettuce has sprouted :)

3/23 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Went to Aldi this a.m. and got fruit and veggies for just over $5.  Then to get my eye brows "done" for tip only.  Pictured is my Sephora bag - free lip duo.  Victoria's Secret - used my $10 toward a bra and ended up getting a secret reward card worth at least $10.  Got a little more done on my throw.  Nice mail day - rent check and .16 check from Tim Horton's :)  I am hoping to stop by Steinmart tomorrow - I have a $10/25 coupon and an addition 40% off Red Dot clearance (hoping to find something in the "Home" department for the condo.  Added:  Other "frugal" things I did.  My husband wants to take me out for a birthday dinner next weekend - one of the local deals site gave me a $10 credit - today's special was $20 for a $40 gift certificate - so, I got it for $10.  Also, got my Emigrant Direct Statement today - cashed in for a $200.45 statement credit.  It will be my card of choice when that credit hits.

3/22 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I had the best intentions - and that's about as far as I got.  At lunch, I took the dry cleaning in and ate a salad at home.  Then left work early to take my daughter to the dentist.  She made me a cake/butter cream frosting from scratch - and it is delicious.  Then we were to go to the tutoring session and I was going to do a bunch of cheap and frugal things - like, get my brows waxed for tip only, pick-up another purse size cologne from Victoria's Secret with a $10 off coupon, and get a free Lip Duo from Sephora.  But you know what, instead, I slipped into very comfy (read not passable for street wear) and took a nap.  By the time my daughter woke me up - I did not have time to change - so, I ended up crocheting in the car - although my daughter did bring me a drink with the BOGO coupon that expires on the 25th.  So, I am "off" tomorrow - and will do those things after a good night's rest.

3/21 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Took my daughter to tutoring session and I went to Victoria's Secret to get a free spray cologne.  We used a BOGO drink coupon again.  I got quite a bit done on my "throw" during lunch today.  I also cut-up some rags for the throw while waiting for the bus. 

3/20 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I finished my $1 scarf to wear tomorrow - pictured and gave myself a manicure.  Other than the normal - took lunch to work, ate leftovers for dinner - and taking my daughter for tutoring sessions at Barnes and Noble where we used a BOGO drink coupon again with the discounted gift card - that was the extent to my frugalness for the day :)  Oh, and I got up the nerve to water the fig tree and herbs we planted - I took a broom just in case I had an encounter with our resident snake.

3/19 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail was excellent - got a coupn for a free Starbucks and 2 $10 off $10 or more from Victoria's Secret.  Got a birthday card and check from my dad.  Oh and another .16 dividend check.  I stayed home today - a bit under the weather - so, I got some bills ready for my husband to pay and worked on my throw.  Nice. Relaxing. Day!

3/18 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  We were just starting to make progress on our gardening efforts when my daughter spied a snake.  After our initial fright, my daughter called my husband who doesn't want harmless snakes killed.  We called animal control and they sent someone out.  By then, it had gone into hiding.  Anyway, the police officer, a snake fancier said it is probably a non-poisonous snake (main concern).  He said if it comes back, call again and they will be out to get it.  So, since the fig tree and the herbs are planted - we will finish the rest off tomorrow evening.  It is hot and sunny today.  While at Wal-mart to get a few items - we stopped to get some gas.  The man at the next pump over came and asked for a few dollars to fill his car.  I said I would pre-pay for some gas inside - asked for 1 or 2 dollars.  As I was going in - he said I could swipe my credit card at the gas pump (uh, I am sympathic - but not crazy) - I went in and pre-paid for 3 and that was that.  So, hopefully, he really needed it and wasn't try to scam me.  Anyway, on our way home, we stopped at Burger King for some St. Pat's french fries with green ketchup - we asked for a serving each in the drive through - of course I ordered a cone and my daughter ordered a sundae - too bad they only gave us one serving - and no green ketchup.  My daughter enjoyed the fries anyway and I was satisfied with a cone.

3/17 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Happy St. Paddy's Day!  Pictured above, The Bath Fitter's tub.  Pictured below, I purchased 1/4 yards of clearanced fabrice at $1 each - and they will be turned into scarves to brighten up my work clothes - cheap way to add some color.  This is what my daughter and I did today to cap off spring break:  we went to a new restaurant and used my opentable.com gift certificate and spent $3 plus tip extra - and the meal was delicious.  Then we headed to Bath and Body Works - and spent just over $10 each and for buying a $5 room spray, we each got a free tote and strawberry foaming hand soap.  Then I bought a car freshener thingy and my daughter bought some refills and we used our coupons for a free Signature item - we each got bubble bath, retail $12.  Then on to ULTA.  I ended up getting 45 minutes worth of facials for $20 plus tip and my daughter bought $50 worth of make-up and got a free brow wax plus tip.  The to Barnes and Noble to use a BOGO latte coupon with a giftcard and thumb through a magazine.  Then to the car to shop at Forever 21 - my daughter found a few pieces of clothing.  Then to Hancock Fabrics where I got the above yardage, but we also got some patterns on sale for .99 and 1.99 (Mc Calls and Simplicity - I mainly bought craft patterns and my daughter got clothing patterns) and since felt was on sale, I picked some up - spent just over $20 - we had around 12 patterns and according to the receipt - I saved over $200.  Then we headed to another new restaurant for dinner - the Thai place with my groupon and ended up spending $15 plus tip extra - but the meal was fabulous - we split an appetizer and dessert and each got an entree.  Then, on the way home, we stopped at Aldi again and I purchased 10 quarts of fresh strawberries that were .49 each plus tax - and they are all in the freezer ready to be made into smoothies - of which we had one this morning for breakfast and it was yummy.  And now we are home - tired from a fun day :)

3/16 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I was turning my rags into riches.  Pictured is my rag rug and the start of my Anthropologie-like bed throw.  All of my yarn came from Listia - purchased with credits and the rags are recycled clothes.  Since Bath Fitters showed up and did a wonderful and quick job - may take a picture tomorrow - we pretty much stayed around the house today.  They left just in time for us to mail off the last of my Listia "sales", make a deposit at the bank, stop at Starbucks :), stop at Aldi - .49 for quarts of fresh strawberries, .39 for 2 lbs of yellow onions, and .99 for a 5 lb bag of red potatoes - oh, and .99 for a small log of honey goat cheese.  Then to the Take 'n Bake for a $4 pizza (groupon) and free cookie dough (courtesy of my blood donation).  I still need to get around to planting and listing stuff.  Another birthday freebie - my favorite local restaurant sent me a $20 Gift Certificate.  My daughter and I are planning to have some "fun" tomorrow - and keep it fairly frugal . . . I need to make a reservation at the Thai restaurant where I still have my Groupon and opentable.com check.  Today in the mail - I got DHC samples (anti-aging), a $10 American Express gift card - from the holiday Amex deal - better late than never and I got my Hyatt credit card and have already used it - hello 2 nights in Paris :)

3/15 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got some crafts item I "won" on Listia.  Also, tomorrow, Bathfitters will be installing a tub/wall/new fixtures.  I gave blood today - and they gave me a lunchbag, re-usable shopping bag, a coupon, and drinks/snacks.  I have a long weekend ahead of me and that makes me happy :)

Added:  This is my birthday month and freebies are already showing up.  Today, I got an e-mail from Starbucks letting me know that a coupon for a free drink is on its way.  I got a $5 off $5 coupon from a deli.  Very nice freebies indeed.  I am sure more will pop-up.  Oh, and on my birthday, I need to make my way to Ulta for a free brow waxing.  Oh, and I just dumped some more frozen/fridge "stuff" into the crockpot for some more mystery soup:  pumpkin puree, home-made vegetarian spagetti sauce, saffron rice, broccoli, and water.  Still to do sometime soon:  get my plants in the garage into the ground and get some more "stuff" listed on ebay and listia.  Our community bi-annual yardsale is in a few weeks too - good time to get rid of some more stuff and fatten the France fun fund.

3/14 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Lemons, lemons, everywhere.  Last week or the week before, I purchased a bag of lemons for .99 at Aldi.  Didn't want them to go "bad" - so, used up all but 1.  Pictured is a "refridgerator lemon marmalade" - have another 1/2 jar and a crustless "Shaker lemon pie" ready to go in the over after the scones come out (for the lemon marmalade).  Today, I am hoping to list 2 items on ebay as today is a "free" listing day.  The stock market was so nice yesterday - I almost hit another milestone in my retirement accounts - too bad today was a bit stinky :(

3/13 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above are two "scrubs".  Scrubbing salts for cleaning our hands.  I used what I had and got 3 $1 ingredients from the Dollar Tree.  I got the idea this past weekend - we went to a swanky restaurnt and in the bathroom - instead of soap - they had the scrubbing salt and next to it was a sign that said we could purchase some.  Small canning jar was $28 plus tax - no thanks!  Plus, it was a bit greasy.  I figured they used sea salt, baby oil/mineral oil/and coconut fragrance.  I used the cute bowl/plate/spoon I got as a lot from the auction last year.  It needed a good cleaning - so, used the pictured "scrubber" formerly a potato sack.  Then just mixed in some creamy baby oil, epson salt, vanilla essence oil, and some coconut bath salt.  Works just as well - but a lot less greasy feeling - and more just moisturized feeling.  Got a bunch of errands done.  Tonight, for my guilty pleasure,while my daughter attends a tutoring session this afternoon at the bookstore, we will use the BOGO latte coupon and I will browse a bunch of magazines.  I need to get out there and plant my fig tree and herbs - they've been in the garage long enough.  It is such a beautiful day outside :).

3/12 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week:  Saturday, my daughter, her friend and her friend's mother (my friend) and I went to our beach condo for a whirlwind vacation :)  We shopped at the outlet mall and got some bargains - at American Eagle, my daughter got several pairs of shoes for under $10.  I went to my day job today and will take tomorrow off.  I plan to do some mega-cooking and plant the plants that have been patiently waitng for me.  My daughter and I also went to Aldi for a few great deals - 1 quart of strawberries .79 was the best deal.  Got some other produce that were priced well and some eggs and cheese.  Also stopped at Kroger for some manager specials and we were not disappointed.  We watched the Bachelor - the finale . . . and now I am getting addresses, etc. for the items I got rid of on Listia.Com.

3/9 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Got my hair cut and styled at the beauty schools for $15 plus tip.  Mail was pretty good - coupn for a free single serving of M&Ms and 10 postage stamps for being a "mail" decoy.  Ate from the freezer today.  Gassed up the car - $3.51 per gallon. 

3/8 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got a rebate check.  I also won a guitar tuner on Listia for my daughter.  I got paid today and beefed up my savings account.  The weather has been really odd - today, thunder and lightening.  I am so far behind.  Tomorrow, I have an appointment at the beauty school for a hair cut and style and a free brow wax.  Can't wait until my yarn gets here.

3/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Saving money is not always an easy job.  And coming up with new and creative ways to save are not always easy.  I am back sliding on coupons - maybe because I am shopping for more bargain fresh produce and rarely any meat.  So for now, the best way for me to save money is to not spend it :)  So, I can say trading my junk for someone else's on Listia has been fulfilling - although, since I offer free shipping - I do "pay" some money out.  I want to grow fresh fruit and veggies this year - flower/planter boxes are expensive - I will have to come up with a cheaper alternative.  Mainly, this week, I am just treading water.

3/5 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  The Bathfitter representative came and was done in about 10 minutes.  He said instead of a silicone lining - we will be getting a new tub, etc.  I paid less than 1/2 the regular price by bidding through an auction.  We sold another item on Amazon.Com and I listed a few more items on Listia.  I won the yarn that I wanted - now I just need to tear strips of fabric and start crocheting an "Anthropologie-like" throw - hope it turns out like the ones in the store that are oh-so expensive.  I knitted on the rag rug a bit more - hopefully, I will have it done shortly - and will have my darling photographer (daughter) take a picture :)  I also have some plants from Lowes calling my name - and the weather was so gorgeous - I was very tempted to do some seed planting - but I know we are not out of the woods with cold weather.

3/4 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  This afternoon was spent finishing up the yard (which turned out to be unfrugal - my husband had a mishap with the limb trimmer - ended up breaking his two front teeth - good thing we have $ in the checking account because the dentist required a $200 check for the "emergency fee" - the two crowns are another $750.  Also got some cleaning in, need to do some grocery maintenanct - bake some sweet and white potatoes - roast some red bell peppers and chop and freeze some onions and bell peppers.  The tag pictured is the one from our new fig tree from Lowes.  I also got a light fixture for my daughter's bathroom - so, that should really be it as far as items to update it.  Of course, they will need to be install.  At Lowes, I also got a rose bush, several flower bulbs, rosemary and thyme plants too.  I "won" a brand new bra on Listia - no money out and no shipping costs.  Now I am trying to win craft items so I can just exchange items we no longer want for items we want.  I listed two more items and have several more to go - but only 2 items listed qualify for listing bonuses every 24 hours - so, I will space them apart.  We did pick-up 2 take 'n bake pizzas - spinach topping - and I carmelized some onions and used up the rest of the fresh mushrooms, garlic in olive oil to bulk them up.  We have plenty of leftovers to get us through the week.  I will be making some salad for work lunches.  A co-worker asked if I'd be interested in some frozen strawberries she purchased - but did not like - why sure :)  She also asked if I would like another individual sized blender - I stated another co-worker could probably use one - but I am fine with my one.  So, nice to share - the three of us share coupons also.  Hoping for a less eventual week.

3/3 Expressions

Frugal deeds:  Yesterday was a wild day - weather-wise.  School got cancelled mid-day; Bathfitters reschedled; and guitar lessons were cancelled.  But, my husband and I each applied for the Chase Hyatt credit card (again, we pay ours off, don't carry a balance - and ymmv) so that we can get 2 nights free in Paris - "free" - we each will be paying $75 annual fee and we have to use the card once.  We are not sure if we will parlay the nights into 4 nights our trip - or 2 nights with 2 rooms - either way - a great savings on hotel rooms.  Also, we sold another item on Amazon.Com - so, our Paris fun money account is growing.  And on Listia - I "won" (with credits) a 4 pack of votives for my bathroom wall-decor which included free shipping - so, no money out from the household - and now my wall-hanging will get its final remaining votives.  I found 4 while going through a closet - I though I needed a total of 5 - but it has a holder for 6.  I also found long kitchen matches to light them.  Great for a relaxing bath - frugal way to reduce stress :)  Today, I will finally get around to making some bulk meals - use up the free shrimp from Earthfare in pasta with some veggies for my husband and me and veggie curry for my daughter.  This evening, our cheap meal at the Thai restaurant and I will stop at Aldi for some produce.  My husband will trim a few shrubs and hopefully, the HOA issue will be totally straightened out.

3/2 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Prior to leaving for my dental appointment this morning, I wrote a letter to the Board of our HOA - and the President did call my husband and apologize and stated that their actions were unwarranted.  I just don't get the bad manners - especially by a group of people who should check and monitor each others actions.  So, one annoying problem out of the way and the threat of a $100 fine is out the window.  So yup, sometimes a letter calling out those who should know better works.  We are experiencing bad weather.  Today, I plan to cook ahead some meals - but today, dinner will be a coupon for a large take'n bake and tomorrow, dinner will be the combination of a check and a groupon that cost $10 and tip.  I still plan to keep cleaning the closets and look for organizing resources from around the house.  So far, I have saved 2 egg cartons - I was thinking of painting them - but will probably leave them as they are - to use for desk drawers to organize small items.  My husband has been a big help in helping to declutter, etc.  Other than gassing up the car, and stopping at Aldi for some great produce deals - and the aforementioned meals out, that should be the extent of our spending this weekend.

3/1 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I received my discounted giftcrds - saved $80 on the lot of them.  I'd also like to scream.  We got another one of those annoying letters from the HOA - said we need to trim the bushes on the side of our yard or pay $100 in a fine - where's that roll my eyes icon.  I have already called and left them a message - in my kindest of voices - really.  Now, hopefully, DH can trim them and have them leave us alone until next year.  Note to self:  next time, do not move into a HOA neighborhood - anyway, I read they have become unpopular and I know why.  Tomorrow, I have my dental appointment.  We also have an appointment with the Bathfitter guy - maybe I should speed up renovations and sell the place while I am annoyed.  DH will also install the new toilet.  Other than that - I just want to fall asleep and start a new day :)