2/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail call:  free box Nescaffe Dolce Gusto pods - chai latte, shampoo samples - L'Oreal, and a coupon from Bath & Body Works for a free PocBac.  All useful wants for free :)

2/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Not so frugal - someone left a light on in my car.  I called my insurance's roadside assistance - I think we pay $3 per year for it - cheaper than AAA - and an hour later, I get assistance - "free" of charge.  I also finally went to the Dr. I filled 2 rx's for under $4 - waaay less than the OTC I took that didn't help.  And, I stopped for another BK .25 iced coffee - yum.

2/24 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Next month is my birthday month - and coupons have already started rolling in.  DSW sent me a $5 off coupon - and my daughter and I went to check-out the clearance section - my daughter found a pair of Madden Girl shoes on 80% off clearance - and with my $5 off, she got a really cute pair of shoes for under $4 including tax.  Then to Victoria's Secret - who sent me a $10 coupon.  We also had one for a free pair of panties.  So, my daughter found a really cute sweatshirt on clearance - with the coupon, she got the panties and sweatshirt for $11.  And, since I used my VS card, they gave me a secret angel card (worth a minimum of $10) early for spending more than $10.  Then to Kroger, got another Dolce Gusto pod box, and entered the code, and redeemed for a free box that will come in the mail.  I forced myself to go to hot yoga - even though I have been under the weather.  Breathing in the humid air did me good - and I actually feel a bit better.  I had a low savings goal this month - after the disasterous January - that we save a big goose egg.  I am happy to report that I made the goal.  I even deposited some change, small rebate checks, etc. to get there - but get there we did.  I sure hope we go a bit better next month.  I have decided to lower my expectations - and make a yearly goal - instead of monthly - and hopefully be happily surprised at the end of the year.  Oh, and on the way home, we again enjoyed a small iced coffee at BK - just .25 plus tax until March the 10th.

2/22 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got a $10 gift certificate from Victoria's Secret.  My discounted paid with ebay earned pal gift cards:  Wal-Mart, CVS, H&M.  This week with $1 internet printed coupons, I got 2 boxes of West Soy Milk and at Target, I got 2 bags of frozen veggies - I also got the soda addict a free 12 pack of diet Coke with a coupon I redeemed at mycokerewards.com.  Nice to have the weekend to relax to get over this cold.  I also have a rebate check for Costco - so, will stop and get a few items tomorrow.  Although I got almost everything at Aldi at lunch today - in my cold driven stupor, I forgot a few items.  So, I will make a stop there also.  I already have a plan.  The dog will go the livingsocial groomer, Costco, Aldi, then home.

2/20 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  So, I am not feeling well - and although I took a frozen meal for lunch to work - while rummaging through my wallet - I found my last $5 off bounce back gift card from Macaroni Grill.  So, off I went, I got the pick any three combo for $10.50 and hot tea.  Yes, without tea, it would have been a lot more frugal - but, like I said, I wasn't feeling well.  I ordered 2 lovely 1/2 paninis and a chopped salad.  I asked for a to go box up front.  As soon as the meal came, 1 panini and 1/2 the salad went into the box.  So, for $10, I got 2 nice meals and a hot tea.  With my receipt was a code to take a short survey - 2 questions - and get a $5 coupon code.  So, I took the survey and will probably give it a whirl some time in te next couple of weeks. 

2/19 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today's mail was rebate day.  I got checks from:  e-bates, organic hair conditioner company, and Costco credit card.  I got a refund from Groupon (Groupon credit) for the massage I booked - but the place appears to have shut-down.  (This is my first bad experience with a Groupon vendor).  Stock market was nice to us today :)  I stayed home as my coughing kept me last night.  I ended up going to Wal-Mart today to stock up on some OTC and tissues.  Am planning to drag mysef in tomorrow.  I think I am past the contagious stage.

2/18 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I am "off" today and I had many good intentions.  Sadly, a cold, or something along those lines has set in.  Good thing I have a few cold remedies I got "free" after ECB or some sort.  Throat losenges are comforting right now.  Yesterday, I started sewing on the quilt I am making for my father - 1/3 finished with the sewing - I am hoping to make more progress today.  I planned to go to yoga this morning, but decided to rest instead.  I went yesterday evening and the humidity in the room actually made it easier to breath - so, I may try for a later time today.  I wanted to stop at the library to check-out a book - but they are observing President's Day.  So, I took my Lean Cusine coupons and stopped at Wal-Mart - I finally had enough points to redeem for a nice lunch bag and kitchen towel and scrubbie.  I sold 1 item on ebay last night and have 1 more item listed.  Looks like property values are rising as a neighbor just listed their house for a decent price.  I will keep my eyes open to see how long it takes to sell.  We may try to sell our's this summer, if not, next summer for sure.

2/16 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I ordered 2 giftcards to get my Kroger Credit Card to $200 so that I can get a $75 statement credit next month.  The giftcards were discounted - and to store where I buy household staples - Wal-mart and CVS.  I treated the family to frozen yogurt and toppings with a 1/2 priced Groupon  - we each had a nice treat for a gift certificate that cost me $6.  It is next door to Aldi - so, I ran in and got a 2 or 3 lb bag of lemons for .99 plus tax.  My daughter called the consignment store and made an appointment for next weekend.  She also has some $ she can pick-up. 

2/15 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I went to Wal-Mart and did my grocery shopping.  Even though a few items are cheaper at Aldi - it wasn't worth the drive to me.  Seems gas prices jumped another 20 cents in a week.  Also, my Wal-Mart giftcard was purchased with paypal $ I earned selling items we no longer wanted.  So, no additional $ out of my pocket.  I also gassed my husband's car up.  So, I used up the Wal-Mart giftcard and a bit of the $25 VISA card I won.  I still have $ on the VISA card and will use it to round out groceries next week.  I did a stock-up shop today - so, we really shouldn't need much next week.  The Demo lady at Wal-Mart was giving out .50 mfg coupons for 2LT Diet Pepsi - my husband has cut way back - but still drinks the stuff.  I asked the lady for a few coupons and she was generous.  I did get 1 free 2 LT Pepsi Next with a coupon that made it free - but the .50 coupons will go to a grocery store that doubles - and  hopefully, the stuff will go on sale for $1 or less - so more free Pepsi for my husband.  My husband is working on the flooring - we are making progress.    Added:  Shortly, I plan to make a big pot of Chili and Triffle for dessert - I have some dried out cake and scones - and plan to add a few other ingredients so that they don't go to waste.

2/14 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Happy Valentine's Day!  Freebies in the mail:  coupon for a 2 lt of Pepsi Next - guess who will love that :)  Also, a free razor.  Credit card bill with $0 owed - trying to recover from the expenses of January has "paid" off.  I will make a simple dinner for my family - their favorites.  I also made butterscotch covered strawberries - I am out of chocolate.  Hope they like it!  Oh, I was shocked when I received my pay stub - when I finally figured it out - my direct deposit diversion went to the bank I soon hope to get a Kindle Fire HD from.  Direct Deposit - check.  Now, I just need to pay 3 bill over $50 - may be a bit difficult this month :)  That's a good thing!

ADDED:  The Fed-Ex truck just pulled up and brought me The Money Code and a $25 gift card I won at:  http://firefinance.blogspot.com/  Such a nice gift today!

2/11 Expressions

Freebies for today:  I got 10 Forever stamps for being a mail decoy, cashed in for $34 in statement credit, cashed in for a 20oz Coke.  Yesterday, I listed another item on ebay.

2/9 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I sold 2 items on ebay and 2 on Listia - more "junk" out, and money and credits in.  I also got a free pizza at Kroger - courtesy of Kroger's generous coupons sent via mail.  However, I was suppose to get a Pepsi Next free - 2LT - but it is not showing free on my receipt.  Good thing my husband loves the stuff.  Anyway, I purchased 2 "Annie's" Mac 'n Cheese and will be sending in for the "herb garden" - can't beat that.  I also think I won a giftcard and a book from a blog give away - will post the link once I receive it :)  I think the book will be interesting - especially since it is personal finance related.  And because the weather is cooler again - I made a crockpot of soup - frugal and healthy.

2/8 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I received my discounted Wal-mart giftcard purchased with ebay paypal.  I also redeemed Coke rewards points for a coupon for a free 12 pack of Coke for my husband - and of course with the points on the pack - I can start saving for another coupon.  I also redeemed recyclebank points for 2 magazine subscriptions.  I activated my Kroger Visa Card - spend $200 in 30 days and get a $75 statement credit.  While $75 is not as high an amount as other card bonuses - the "spend" amount is fairly low.  I still think it is a distant second to the Marriott Credit card where the approval triggered a nice reward, then, just 1 use triggered an even nicer reward.

2/5 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My daughter and I won the coin toss for a free Papa John's pizza.  My husband did not.  So, my daughter ordered a pizza for us and I sent my code to my husband so he could enjoy one in our "other" house. 

2/4 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I have been using samples up these past couple of days:  shampoos/conditioners, toothpaste, and body wash.  I got a $10 code from JCP today and ordered 2 towels to be delivered to my local store for free shipping.  I ended up spending $4 out of my paypal account.  Since I am taking hot yoga, I use a lot of towels.  Added:  Earned 100 easy recyclebank points and when added to my balance - was able to order 2 magazine subscriptions.  I upcycled an animal print scarf to make it look more whimsical.

2/2 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  This morning, we spent some time discussing our retirement accounts.  We've had most of our funds in the second most conservative index fund and new contributions going to a stock fund and a small-cap fund.  With this recent run-up, and our desire to definitely retire in the next five years or less - we decided to move all of our funds and new contributions to the second most conservative index fund.  We decided we are not going to beat ourselves up either way, if the market takes a big dip or jump.  We just want to manage our risk to what we are comfortable with.  We hope we won't need the funds for a while - and we know people generally live a lot longer - so, don't want to go so conservative to be losing buying power - so, although not my natural inclination - and without any arm twisting, I followed in my husband's footsteps.  I started working on the quilt.  We were going to go out for lunch - but with the weather not cooperating a bit of hail?snow?sleet? - we decided to stay in.  So, in the crockpot is a nice soup and I will heat up my free pack of Naan.

2/1 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  January flew-by.  Today, I went to yoga, and for completing the January Challenge, I got a certificate and a very nice re-usable shopping bag.  Then, off to the bank to sign-up for the account to get a free Kindle Fire HD.  Then my husband and I shared a Venti Carmel Macchiato at Starbucks paid for with my free drink reward.  Oh, the cashier at Kroger made a mistake - and we got 1 item free (NAAN) - it was on manager's special and apparently when it was re-priced, the sticker did not cover the UPC and so, the regular price scanned.  I mailed another ebay sale out.  We are going to work on the flooring tomorrow.  I may work on the quilt for my dad on Sunday.  I also need to list a few more items on ebay.  My basil is sprouting :)  Oh, and wasn't the stock market nice today :)  Whoot!