10/30 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Woot - I got another Target make-up bag full of nice samples.  Has got to be one of my favorite freebies.  Got my Marriott Credit Card statement - it has got to be the best deal ever - I spent $24.XX on it and have 50024 Marriott points already - as promised.  No hassles - and a free room just for being approved - already booked.  I am just trying to keep on a Hot Yoga schedule and eating plan - and still get whatever else I need to be doing done.  We have unseasonably cold weather - thanks to Hurricane Sandy. 

10/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My daughter and I donated school supplies we had already stockpiled - to walk around the local botanical gardens.  Nice to donate stuff - and be able to enjoy a nice afternoon look at others' creativity - scarecrow displays.  I plan to finish the dog's jogging suit this afternoon as the weather is turning cold.  Hopefully she will appreciate it when the weather is cooler.  I also made a nice crockpot of curried potato stew - it turned out delicious.  We are set for the rest of the week and should not have any reason to eat out :)  This month has flown by.  My husband gave out trick or treating candy last week in the town w/our foreclousure home.  He said he had about 80 Treaters - and was glad he bought a large bag of chocolates to give out - in addition to the free bag of candy we got at Earthfare - and a couple of packs of chocolate I got at Rite Aid with UP dollars.  This week we will have Treaters visiting.  We used to get a handfull - last year about 20 - not sure what this year will bring - but I have 6 packages of snack sized chocolates using UP dollars from Rite Aid and 2 bags of organic suckers my daughter and I got for "free" at Earthfare. 

10/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  We received 3 coupon packets in the mail from Victoria's Secret - 3 free panties and $ off coupons.  Today, my daughter and I went to Bath and Body Works and each used an internet coupon for a free small candle.  I returned several items from Coldwater Creek outlet to the store and got immediate credit.  No hassle at all!  Got our grocery shopping in - best deals at Aldi got a spagetti squash for $1.29, etc.  I picked a small pepper and one okra from my "garden".  To keep the rest of the potatoes from going bad, I peeled them while watching a Redbox movie and now they are cooking in the crockpot.  I am going to try to make the curry potato stew - like the stuff sold at Costco.

10/24 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Made a small deposit to try to get the savings account to where I had set a goal and of course I got a nice cup of coffee from the credit union.  I may have been a bit too aggressive - but I have a couple more months to catch up.  I received my order from Lowes - 2 black-out drapes for the condo.  I also received "The New Three-Legged Stool" that I won from a giveaway at http://www.myretirementblog.com/ .  The good news is:  this year, maintenance-wise, we have very little to do - other than hang some drapes and pictures (our choice) and replenish some inventory.  However, it was suggested that we replace our cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom - not because there is anything wrong with them - but because they are "outdated".  So, we got our third quote in.  The first quote was $2,900 to replace the doors and hardware.  The second quote was $3-7K for veneer to be placed on the existing cabinets with new hardware.  And the third quote - $1,800 to replace the doors and hardware!  So, we will be going with the third quote since this contractor actually went to the condo to prepare his quote - and he was recommended by a reputable counter store.  So, it took several weeks - but, that's at least and $1,100 saving!

10/23 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My daughter got a part-time job tutoring pre-cal - $10/hr :)  I am just trying to keep up with the Hot Yoga classes and eating from home - taking lunches everyday - and it has been healthy. 

10/21 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:   My daughter and I redeemed 3 coupons for 3 pair of panties at Victoria's Secret.  She discovered  shopkicks - and now is 1/2 way to her first gift card.  Since I don't have a smart phone - it is not something I can partake of.  We also stopped at CVS - they have Quilted Northern 12 double rolls on sale for $6.99 plus a $1 ecb.  Kroger sent me a $2 manufacturer's coupon off the TP - and I had a few bucks left on my discounted CVS gift card, and then used the $1 ecb for the $1 snack sized candy bars (for Trick or Treaters later this month).  I also scanned my ecb card and got a coupon that will double my quarterly earnings toward ecbs, a $2 off any CVS lotion - so got one for just over $2 - cocoa buttter, and a $1 off any cvs dental product - got a CVS toothbrush for .19 and a $2 ECB. 

10/19 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I received a rebate check in the mail.  My husband and I had a date for lunch - and each used a coupon at KFC.  Then he kindly ran errands.  He purchased tilapia with my $20 freebie coupon - but spent $3 - he bought a bunch, and it is in the freezer.  Then he stopped at Aldi and picked up some produce.  I stopped at Kroger to use my $5 coupon, $3 off $15 in frozen coupon, and a few other coupons and was able to round out my shopping for the rest of the week - I mainly wanted TP - don't want to run out of that - and I had a TP coupon coupon too.  So, I got 12 double rolls, and 3 vegetarian frozen pizza's for $12 after coupons.  I was really hoping to the Betty Crocker deal one more time - but they were out of the $1 boxes of potatoes - then I could have cut the $12 down to $10 - and would have had $5 boxes of potatoes to boot. 

10/18 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I am making very good use of my hot yoga groupon - so, not much extra time lately.  I also got a $20 Livingsocial coupon for seafood for free - it was $10 off $20 and they sent me a code for $10 off - so, completely free.  I plan to get the seafood tomorrow to spice up my grocery repetoire.  I also got some coupons together today and shopped Kroger - saved 50% - spent $42 - but got a $5 off coupon for buying 5 Betty Crocker products with coupon.  My free items were:  Suave Body Wash, courtesy of Kroger, 2 bags of Lindor Truffles - courtesy of my husband and my facebook accounts.  The place was teaming with manager's specials also.  I got lots of markdowns on meats - which rarely happens.  Now, I plan to round out my shopping at Aldi as they are having a great sale on produce this week.  I also forced myself to fill out a bunch of papers for a law firm to file a small claim against BP for our sandlot at the beach - hope we recover some $ - and "find" a few more dollars this year. 

More 10/14 Expressions - The Unhappy Dog Issue

 

Finally, I am able to make some progress today - I am almost finished with the dog's jogging suit made out of scrap material.  Sadly, she was in no mood to pose for a picture - so, I had to hold her.  Just need to do some touch-up work and add some snaps to the front.  Instructions said velcro - but I am using snaps I inherited from my mom's sewing stash.  Hopefully she will appreciate the hooded jogging suit when the weather turns cooler.

10/14 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Since I had $2 on my Rite Aid loyalty card and my daughter loves Butterfingers - I purchased 3 snacks - each pack on sale for .97 - for $1.16 in total - and I paid with change to lighten my load.  I made a nice veggie soup in the crockpot - after I roasted a chicken in it.  I fell asleep for a nap and didn't wake up until this a.m.  So, I did not get the cleaning I wanted to get done - so, will need to do some catching up today - and try to get the dogs jogging suit done (scrap fabrics) - as the weather is getting cold and she does not like going out when it is cold

10/13 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Well, the results of our condo inspection have been uploaded.  And while there are no snively suggestions - like move the dining table to align with the overhead light fixture, there is one major one - replace the cabinets in the kitchen and the bathroom.  So, I have been researching alternatives - because "A", the cabinets are in good condition - even if a bit outdated, and they aren't bad enough to bother us.  So, I have e-mailed a contractor for a quote on "refacing" the cabinets.  I have looked at ordering cabinet doors to reface the cabinets ourselves - windsor cabinet doors - and others, and I have looked at peel and stick wood/veneer options.  I do not want to replace the countertops as we just had those replaced about 2 years ago.  I have savings goals for the end of the year - uh, I'd like to retire as soon as I can - and college expenses may crop up.  So, I will wait to see what the contractor's quote is, plus we will call the bldg manager to find out what other's have done - and go from there.  It has done well this year so far in rentals - it actually slightly surpassed last year - which was a banner year.  So, that is my research project of the week.  We are awaiting for the foreclosure property's tax commissioner to refund our overpayment - can you tell, they are taking their sweet time since they won't be paying us interest - but if we owe, we have to pay interest - why is that.  I think they should have to pay interest to keep them honest.  Okay, off my soap box, anyway, I am hoping we can reface, resurface the cabinets for the refund amount.  That is my goal.
UPDATE:  I stopped at Rite Aid - my 20% sadly does NOT apply to gift cards.  Mail was great though.  I received coupons from Kroger - free Suave bodywash, and a bunch of $X off $X coupons - like $4 off of $15 spent on XXX.  So, I will be combining those for the best deal.  Also got local coupons and a freebie magazine.

10/12 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  To beef up my work wardrobe, I placed an order at Coldwater Creek today using code NFA7657 in the Outlet.  So, not only did I get an extra 50% on each item, I also got $30 off for spending $100.  I went thru ebates for an additional 2% back - on my AMEX card so that I can get the $500 bonus.  Today, I went to the beauty school and got my hair cut styled, facial, and free parafin hand wax.  I also made a trip to Rite Aid - as we needed saline solution for our contacts.  I have a discounted RA giftcard - so, just used it.  Since I fill all of our RX's at RA - I have enough points to get a 20% discount on everything.  I was looking at my receipt and was marveling at that discount.  Now I am wondering if I can get a 20% on giftcards there and use my AMEX card for further benefits.  And if the 20% works on giftcards - that would be a great way to buy them since it seems people in my daughter's age group seem to like giftcards for birthday gifts.

10/10 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I finished a pair of pajama bottoms to wear this winter.  I also did my weekly shopping at Publix.  I saved $36.XX and spent $41.  Then I spent $3.XX at Aldi for a 3 lb bag of sweet potatoes, some bananas, and a bag of pears.  For our dessert tonight, we had a banana, pear, natural peanut butter, flax seed, greek yogurt, milk smoothie.  Very tasty indeed.  On the personal finance front - hmmm, not liking this bouncing market.

10/9 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  During lunch today, I ordered plastic film for our house windows - either for here or in the foreclosure house.  I had $5 from swagbucks, free shipping and paid $20.XX out of pocket from Amazon.  I am hoping to cut heating costs.  In the mail, I received a .20 dividend check, and 10 first class stamps for being a mail decoy.  I also ordered a pass for unlimited yoga at a new place - and hope to make maximum use of it.  This week, I have an aroma-therapy (lavender) 60 minute session at the massage school - $40 plus tip.  I also have a hair cut, facial, and parafin hand dip session made at the beauty school.  Oh, and I got in on the Lindor Truffles freebie on Facebook :)

10/8 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  This is the first year my daughter did not get Columbus Day off . . . so, my husband and I had a date day.  We started with watching "Trouble with the Curve" as a matinee - 10:40 this morning.  It was a good movie - especially for someone who normally doesn't like to go to movies.  Then, I purchased a groupon last night - for lunch out.  I also purchased a groupon for self serve yogurt - yum.  Then we headed to Target - I got 4 .99 Archer Farm coffee - great to take to the condo - or to try different flavors - using the $1.50/2 Target coupon.  I also ended up getting 2 Nestle Refrigerated Cookie doughs for just over .50 each after sale/coupons - and they went into the freezer.  My daugher has had a need for a snack for a class - this will make it easy - and no need to run to the grocery store at the last minute.  I also did some sewing and have a project to work on during lunch tomorrow.  I have also been thinking about "Trick or Treating" - I am wondering if I should offer stuff instead of candy - trial sized Bath and Body Lotions I got for free, extra packs of Bic Pens and Pencils I got for next to nothing, etc.   I was thinking it would be a great way to declutter, and perhaps give things that might be a treasure to others.  I was thinking of having some candy on hand for those that would rather have candy - but not go overboard.  I heard from the claims attorney regarding our other property at the beach.  Seems it may be possible to collect a bit.  It would pay about 1/2 of our property taxes we plan to pay at the end of December.  I am also awaiting a refund of property taxes from our foreclosure property.  It would be nice if we could pay it all with "unexpected" money :)  Still waiting to see if the IRS will refund a bit of our $ too - should know by the middle of November.  And the nice thing about November for me - is that it is an extra paycheck month.  I am also hoping to get a small bonus at work.  So, perhaps the taxes will be covered.  Also, we are working on a couple of credit card deals - hopefully, we will earn the $900 by then too.

10/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured is my "monkey" rug.  I love the tiled kitchen floor - but I am not a fan of the cold.  So, since the shelf liner I was using as a rug (before that - a yoga mat) would not stay "down" and would get stuck to my feet while I was loading dishes in the dishwasher, I took an old t-shirt my daughter can no longer wear - and now it is a part of my washable rub.  I also have a bunch of orange piping from ages ago - that I purchased for next to nothing - so, thought I might as well use it up too.  Next, pj bottoms that are warm for the winter.  The weather seems to be turning cold quickly this year.  So, I have a fleece blanket I got for free from my credit union, some fleece fabric I inherited from my mom's stash - so, I almost have 1 pair of pants cut out.  With the leftover, I have a pattern for a doggie coat.  So, I will several sewing projects to keep me busy this week.  I am off tomorrow, so, I will continue to sew, do a bit of cleaning, and give myself a manicure.  I want to continue to declutter and get projects done.  My husband made a trip to Rite Aid - on his way to return the dvds that we rented.  Anyway, for pretty much no additional $ out, he was able to get a bottle of baby oil, witch hazel, and a Therma-care back strip.  With the in ad coupon - the Therma Care was free, we had $4 in UP bucks that were loaded on the card from last week's purchase and I gave my husband my discounted Rite Aid gift card.  The amount he charged to the gift card was just over $2 - and I believe my discount on that card was just over that amount.  The witch hazel is for my daughter - a cheap astringent.  I wanted the baby oil to mix with the peppermint extract that I used to massage into my dry feet.  It feels and smells pretty nice.  I put the concoction in a small spray bottle that I recycled.  This will be a really short work week for me - well my out-of-the home job anyway.  I have plenty of work to do around here.

10/6 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today was a nice mail day.  Notification that rent from one property was paid early :)  I am on track to meet our savings goal for the end of the year.  Of course there's three months left.  After my daughter and I attended our hot yoga class, we stopped by Aldi for a few produce items.  We had a nice lunch at home.  Then we headed to self-service yogurt bar with our Groupon - and spent nothing extra out of pocket there.  We stopped at TJ Maxx and my husband and daughter got a few items to supplement their winter clothes wardrobe.  We used the TJ Maxx gift card I had purchased at a discount.  Then we headed to Homegoods - and spent the rest of the giftcard plus just over $1 - mainly on food/spice items.  Then to Earthfare - we each did the $5 deal for 5 breakfast items.  Natural eggs, almond milk, granola, a breakfast bar, and orange juice.  Definitely a great deal.  My husband signed up for his own account - so, he got a coupon for a free natural chicken with an additional $10 purchase.  He purchased some desserts with pumpkin in them, and a few deli items for the vegetarian.  We stopped at Publix and got another $1 movie to watch, and I spent the $1.60 on my rebate giftcard for a dessert at Publix - .32 out of pocket.  Then I helped my daughter upcycle a leopard print vintage shirt.  The only thing we did was take the shoulder pads out - so, another fashionable item to add to her winter wardrobe.

10/5 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  This morning, I went to the massage school for a Swedish massage.  Then, I popped into Kroger right next door and purchased a few "manager's special" items for this weekend and of course - I picked up my free pound of shredded cheese with the coupon Kroger sent me.  When I got home, my husband and I headed out for a lunch date at a diner with our Groupon.  When we got home, I picked the last 2 okra, browned some corn, okra, vegetarian crumbles, etc. from the fridge - added to the vegetable broth I made earlier - and now we have a hearty soup cooking in the crockpot.  I also have some macaroni boiling - and plan to make some mac 'n cheese.  To use up bread in the freezer - I am making a nice bread pudding.  In the mail, I got my Everyday with Rachel Ray (freebie through Recyclebank) and a rebate check.  I've got no complaints there :)  Then, we got a notice that our condo HOA meeting is next month.  We've gone to 1 - in all the years of ownership - they have a wonderful seafood buffet - but the meeting itself is a bit zzzzz.  But anyway, since we need to replenish some inventory (already purchased/gathered), and are still awaiting the results of the evaluation to determine what repairs we may need to make - we have decided to attend the HOA meeting since the condo is open that day.  However, we have guests in the condo the night before, so, since I recently got my Marriott Visa Card, I had a certificate for one night free - and the certificate expires in a couple of months.  So, we will be staying at the Marriott the night before.  So, free breakfast and lunch that day :)  what could be more frugal.  We have 2 Redbox DVDs to watch - one was free from McDonald's Monopoly.  The weather is very comfortable - so comfortable, that my husband and I took a walk around the neighborhood for a bit of exercise.  I plan to go to hot yoga this evening as my trial pass expires Monday - but a new hot yoga place has opened up and they have a trial pass too.  It is a lot closer to me.  Here's to health improvement whatever way it can be achieved :)

10/4 Expressions

Whoot - long weekend for me.  I was planning to take a quick drive to the condo - but someone beat us to it.  Extra rental income won't hurt.  Now I need to come up with plan b.  That will be going to the condo next month when the owner's meeting is held.  Free seafood buffet after listening to some zzzz stuff.  Of course, DD now thinks it is interesting.  Today, I cut up an old t-shirt and will sew it to some shelf lining to make a "rug" fo the kitchen.  Tomorrow, I head to the massage school for a massage.  I thought I had an appointment at the beauty school too - but alas - that is not until next week.  I want to get in a few yoga classes because my unlimited pass runs out on Monday.  I will need to decide if I want to try another school - or just take walks - now that it seems too cold for the mosquitos to swarm.  I may sew my daughter something this weekend  - just for fun.  It will keep my hands busy - and possibly keep her from getting he urge to buy clothes.  I am hoping my husband will help me pick-out some wood laminate or engineered wood for some of the upstair rooms from Lowes since I have a 10% coupon.

10/3 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  The newspaper carrier left today's paper for me - for free - I guess to let me try it out.  It had a 1 cent Publix mystery item coupon - whoot - it was for Publix brand ground coffee.  So excited about the long weekend.  Haven't figured out how I am going to effectively use my time!