Monday, April 30, 2012

4/30 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above is my Target Freebie bag.  I have to say, Target gives out the nicest freebies.  My daughter pretty much claimed the entire contents plus the bag.  I dropped her off for tutoring since it is a long session.  Ran an errand on the way home.  Have the washer going, plan to get the dish washer going shortly and - I save a tub full of water from last night.  I will be getting my exercise by lugging the water from the tub outside to the plants.  Need to get my lunch packed for tomorrow - prepare some frozen strawberries for smoothies at work - and will call it quits before I have to pick her up.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

4/29 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured are the two end tables I won at auction - I think the pair cost me $27 - anyway, I believe they are from the 1960's.  I purchased the teal spray paint today at Michael's with an internet 40% off coupon and my discounted gift card - the can of paint was $11 before discount.  Next to the paint is box of teal fabric dye - I will be dying the white curtains a light teal color - hopefully to give the room an update.  The dye was less than $3.  Just completed my weeding for the week.  The city pick-up will have a small pile of brush/weeds to pick-up tomorrow.  My daughter treated me to a frappucino today - and it was a nice treat in the hot temps we seem to be experiencing today.  After Micheals, we went next door to Target with a handfull of coupons and I signed up for the Target Visa - why - because now you get 5% everytime - I let my old card expire.  I sold one item on Listia. 

Saturday, April 28, 2012

4/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above are my organic soybean sprouts - just planted them a few days ago.  I also planted some free flower seeds and lavender in the front yard planter boxes.  I did some pruning and weeding - and still have some more to do - but it was fun being the gardener for the day.  My husband did not hang the wall hangings - but promises to do so tomorrow.  Today - he sanded down 2 doors that are "scraping" the floor - nice to have a "free" handyman :)  We also filed/mailed the tax amendment and hopefully, we will get a bit back from the amount we paid to the Feds.  I sold 1 item on Listia - and completed a few freebie offers to earn a few more points.  I should be earning a bunch of points shortly because I just completed a Yves Rocher order - that's my Mother's Day gift from my husband :)  I ordered a bunch of hair shampoos/products and bath products - and I love the freebies - a foot "spa" kit and a fresh water pearl set - necklace/ring/earrings.  Tomorrow, my daughter wants me to take her to the bookstore and is buying a coffee for me on her - with her gift card that she won for doing so well on the science test.  I am hoping Michaels has a few nice coupons out tomorrow so that I can get a few supplies with my discounted gift card - push pins for jewelry cork board, etc.

Friday, April 27, 2012

4/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Wow - that was fast - we got one of our state tax refunds today.  I called to find out if I could get a discount for our condo rental because the building is not under an "all in" insurance plan - too bad - we don't.  I had fun shopping at Pier 1 with a coupon and discounted gift card - no additional monies out - may take a picture of the stuff tomorrow.  Lots of grocery shopping - Aldi, Kroger and the Dollar Tree.  We are stocked and should not be tempted to grocery shop.  The cleaning service came out today (livingsocial coupon) - they did a great job :)  So, to stay out of their way - I went to Barnes and Noble - read a magazine and picked up Bogo drinks.  I listed two more items on Listia - and I purchased a shirt for my daughter - used all my points - but no shipping.  Need to do some more arranging and cleaning - just in case we decide to sell the place this summer.  I have started applying for jobs out of state - in states that my daughter wants to attend college.  It will help to be in-state - and I think it would be a wash as far as cost of living.  I am hoping by the sale of this house and downsizing - we can beef up her college fund even more and still be able to retire eventually :)

Thursday, April 26, 2012

4/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail call:  Free sample of Gevalia coffee - yum and a rebate check.  I am "off" tomorrow - and will be going to lunch - and maybe do a little bit of shopping with a friend.  The lunch out will be a cheap, but healthy place.  The maid service will be here (livingsocial deal) tomorrow while I am out.  Hope I come back to a nice surprise!  I need to plant some more seeds - I especially want to get the lavender into the soil - I love the stuff :)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

4/25 Expressions

Mail call:  I got a sample of Ojon hair serum - for the frizzies - just in time with this humid weather.  I also got $7 in coupons from Crest - on dental floss, tooth paste, and tooth brush.  I also want to downsize in case we decide to put the house up for sale this summer.  A co-worker mentioned someone close to her needs a chest of drawers - we have one we can give up.  Sent a picture - hope they take it.  In a couple of week - our neighborhood is having a yardsale - can't wait to get rid of more stuff.  Since my husband and daughter are in charge - I asked that they price stuff to "go" - not what they think it is worth.  Nice to have $ in the pocket, but also nice to get rid of junque - hopefully a treasure to someone else.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

4/24 Expressions

Frugal and unfrugal deeds for the day:  In my husband's haste, he overlooked my credit card bill.  Called Customer Service and they took the $25 service charge off - and I paid proto out of my checking account - and they charged no additional fee to do that :)  Imagine my surprise - no graveling, screaming, crying necessary.  Other than that - I am going to find another piece of fabric to rip to shreds for my daughter's throw - my lunch project . . . and after my bath this evening - I will not drain the water. I will save it water the plants.  The weather people have been predicting rain for the last X days - and so far, we have gotten not a drop.  Oh, and our adoptive grandmother visited today just to hug us and chat - she is a very sweet lady.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

4/22 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Happy Earth Day!  My daughter and I each took an old moisturizer and exchanged for a brand new one from Origins.  I also got back to trying to mindfully do my grocery shopping - and saved 50% at Publix.  Now I am trying to get motivated to plant the rest of my free seeds.  My lettuce is looking good.  Also moved the cactus outside.  My husband and I moved the bamboo framed sofa I "won" at the auction upstairs.  I have several projects in mind . . . just need to find the time and motivation to do them.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

4/19 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today I stayed home and took my daughter to the Dr.  While she rested, I shopped at Aldi and came in under the cash I had in my wallet.  Lots of good deals on produce this week - and I even purchased 3 pots of 3 Asiatic Lilies for .99 each - originally 2.99.  Those are planted with the Petunias I got from Lowes this past Friday (yes - a bit slow).  She had a tutoring appointment this afternoon - so, I gook her and pictured above are my shopping bags.  At Coldwater Creek - I got a nice shirt I can wear to work for $1.34 - original price was $49.95 plus tax.  Free panties from Victoria's Secret.  I also got a free tall vanilla latte from Barnes and Noble - we used a BOGO coupon - my daughter "paid" for her drink with a freebie gift card.  Not a bad haul.  I also got a bunch of cooking done.  I baked/roasted potatoes and red peppers and apples/oatmeal before they went "bad".  Also cooked up a batch of brown rice.  Vegetarian Curry and Spring Rolls were cooked on the stove.  Oh, I also mailed out my half.com and ebay sales.  I hope to leave work early tomorrow and catch up on some cleaning - yup - boring I know - but it needs to be done.  Next Friday - I get 1 hour cleaning by two people - yippee!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

4/18 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today I looked through the catalogs in my mail stack.  Wow - I checked the coupons in my latest Coldwater Creek catalog - and there was a $25 off any coupon in it and it expires at the end of the month.  So, tomorrow, I will take my daughter in for tutoring and then head to Coldwater to see what kind of goody/goodies I can find for $25.  Also, my daughter got a gift card for Barnes and Noble (not sure what the value is) for placing the highest in her school on the science exam.  I sold another item on half.com and ebay today.  More junque out - and a bit of money in to lessen the sting of gas prices - atleast. Last night, my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a restaurant I got a $40 gift certificate for - for $10 out of my pocket.  We also brought home a dessert (canoli) for my daughter.  Added:  I also redeemed my Rite Aid points for a fashion magazine subscription.  Guilty indulgence for my daughter and I :)

Monday, April 16, 2012

4/16 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Got rid of another item on Listia today.  HOST sent us a .30 dividend check.  Got my Wal-mart giftcards with the ebay money.  They are fast, and it will take a little sting out of gas budget.  Worked a bit on my daughter's throw.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

4/15 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, my husband did the grocery shopping and managed to use a $5 off $30 coupon.  He helped me make potstickers and brown rice - because I made two batches of potstickers - one vegetarian and one for non.  Oh, and I made a batch of macaroons with the egg whites we had leftover from the creme brulee that my daughter made.  Next, I am going to shred up some fabric to crochet - although, I am in no hurry since my husband has driving duty this week and we will be eating lunch at home together.  He is in town for training :)  Nice to have him home.  Last year for us to have driving duty as she will be able to drive on her own in a few short months.  I have 1 item listed on ebay and 1 listed on Listia.  But since I don't have to any estra driving duty this week - I hope to get some projects done - like fold up a mound of laundry, get my bedding plants planted, etc.

Friday, April 13, 2012

4/13 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  One of the best freebies I have received in the last several - just got it today - is a sample pack of Craisins and a coupon for a free full sized bag. Now that is generous - and the recipe looks great too.  Today was a busy day - even though my husband and I were "off" from our day jobs.  We mailed out tax returns, 3 ebay'd packages, and used coupons to eat breakfast and lunch out.  Also used a discounted Lowes giftcard to get our staining supplies for the kitchen cabinets.  I bought a few annuals for the planter boxes.  Made a deposit - rolled $11 in coins - and some small rebate checks :)  It is nice to do things at your own pace :)  Stock market stunk :(

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

4/11 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I sold 3 out 4 items listed on ebay and the item I listed on Listia.  Will be mailing everything out, plus our tax payment to the IRS on Friday even though we could wait until Tuesday - but who wants to stand in line forever?  I see tax day offers this year - but they aren't as good as last year.  First, the PF Chang 15% doesn't apply to happy hour not the 2 for meal :(  Even though not a a tax deal, last year I got in on the free fondue from Melting Pot - all 25,000 certificates are gone :(  Oh well, guess I need to cook a good meal at home.  Had our free environmental lawn treatment today - although I did pay $19 on livingsocial or something.  Lucky for me, my husband will be here over a week straight - and I hope he can get the kitchen cabinets finished so we can sell the house if we want to this summer.

Monday, April 9, 2012

4/9 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail was lovely - notification that condo rental check deposited.  Got my Pier1 card with 20% off coupon - so, where's my $20 gift card - it is coming with my statement.  I took my daughter for a tutoring session - and we had a BOGO Latte . . . and then to get some exercise in, I walked to Bath and Body Works to see if I could find a sheet set for my daughter.  Found a set that was 25% off, used my $5 (expired - but in reality - they never do) coupon, the rest of my gift card and spent just under $5 additional out of my pocket.  Listed another item on Listia.  Lamented the stock market - that's all of the frugal/financial stuff I did today.  (Other than brown bag and fight my temptation to eat dinner out :)

Sunday, April 8, 2012

4/8 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  More auction finds.  Pictured above is the picture we got for $20.  It is a nice sized one and we think the scale, color, and theme will go better with the new furniture we added at the end of last year.  Other than that, I took a walk to the lake this afternoon for exercise, and am still trying to motivate myself to do some cooking/salad making to prepare for the coming week.  I can believe how time is flying.  My husband is coming home for an extended stay this week.  Hee, hee - I asked him to bring home 3 quarters and 3 pennies so I can finish those rolls out.  I really need to get outside - it is gorgeous - and plant a few more seeds.  But I think I will wait until my husband can drill a few holes in the planters so I don't end up with root rot.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

4/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above are more of my auction winnings.  Forgot what I paid for the art glass off the top of my head - I know it was under $40 for all 4 pieces - but for sure, I know I got the two lamps for $5.  The brass one needs painting and I need to find them some sort of shade.  As far as being frugal this week - all I could do was keep up.  Today, my daughter and I are going to Platos - and hopefully, she will earn some cash.  We also plan to take our Victoria Secret coupons with us and get some free underwear while we wait for Plato's to determine what they would be willing to buy and for what price.  My husband finally finished up the taxes and determined that filing jointly was still the most cost efficient.  Refunds from the States - payment to the Feds.  Other than that, I plan to do some laundry maintenance, auction stuff maintenance, and may be a batch of cooking.  Still trying to get a hold of the cleaning service for my 1 hour of cleaning by 2 people - good way to get some cleaning done - and not by me.  My daughter had the day off yesterday from school - so, she did do a bit of cleaning.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

4/4 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today's photo is a picture of the lone Iris that bloomed - but as you can see, plenty more will follow.  Irises are my favorite flower - and I got the bulbs for shipping only.  Such a frugal bargain :)  I took the day off - and for a day off - I kept pretty busy.  Of course I am behind in housework - don't know if I will ever catch-up, but I got some done today.  I also started to do some auction item maintenance - namely, washing the cushion covers for the cushions that fit on the bamboo couch I got at the auction.  I also "sunned" the cushions outside - great weather for that.  I also put the carpet outside and got most of the dust out of it with my swiffer pole.   I listed 4 items on ebay - out with the junque - and in with some cash for the Paris fun money - I hope.  I also listed another item on Listia.  I cooked up a storm - my daughter loved the vegetarian burritos I made, more curry, and brocolli/chicken/rice dish for myself.  Nothing exciting came in the mail - my husband should be happy as he will have purchased shares at a lower price that I did for our retirement funds.  Why did we decide to go a little less conservative - because, we are hoping we have lots of years to live and won't need the money for a long time.  Did I mention I went to CVS to get paper products for my husband with the $10 Gift card I earned and some coupons - hmmm - I got sucked into some coconut M&M's and Russel Stover Coconut creme eggs - there are atleast two people in this family who love coconut .  . . out of pocket was $7.  Then over to Kroger to pick-up a few things and I was going to go to Wal-mart because a few items are a bit cheaper there.  When I saw that gas prices went up another ten cents in less than a week - I didn't think it was worth it to drive to Wal-mart to save a few cents - so, I got my items at Kroger - found a few great manager's specials - like .25 Greek Yogurt, etc. But I also filled up the tank at Kroger since they usually have the same price as Wal-mart - and who knows how much it will go up in the next few days. :(  Okay - I know gas prices are higher outside of the US - but still, this steep climbing is alarming.  Just saw - I think yesterday that the big 3 auto makers made a good profit - hmmm, wonder how this gas climb will affect that?  Oh and yippee - I just brought my cushions and carpet in, and now there is a big thunderstorm - free lawn watering :)

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

4/3 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I rebalanced my retirement funds and my husband gave me the okay to rebalance his too.  I followed his advice earlier this year - but we went waaaay conservative.  We are still conservative - but less so now.  Nothing exciting in the mail :( and the stock market was a disappointment (except my fund transfers at todays prices - so hopefully, I am buying more shares).  My husband promises to mail out any tax returns for refunds by Friday and the protest to the property tax assessment (means you have to face the assessor in person . . . uh, well worth it).  Tax returns in which we have to pay will be postmarked the 16th or 17th . . .

Monday, April 2, 2012

4/2 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail was wonderful - I finally got my 2 free knives from Cuisinart for buying the pots and pan set over the holidays.  I also got the organic soybeans I won on Listia to plant.  I watered my plants and the bok choy are realling starting to show-out as are the basil.  Picked up the rest of the auction stuff at lunch and my daughter unloaded them after school.  I can believe it is already April - tax time is just around the corner.  How can I tell - freebie deals for that day are showing up.  Maggie Moos sent me an e-mail - a free scoop of yogurt ice cream on April 17th.  I listed one item on Listia today.  It is fun to get stuff I need for stuff I don't need.  Next month is the community yardsale - I thought it was this month - sure hope we get rid of some junque.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

4/1 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  We attended another auction.  This was the "leftover" stuff.  I got the carpet and bamboo couch (cushions are elsewhere in the garage) and a few other goodies.  They need to be washed and cleaned up - but are gorgeous - great for outdoor furniture - the rug will go in the foyer area - I think it will be a better match than the the one I got from Pier 1 Import - that one can go in another room - after I put silicone on the bottom so it won't slip.