5/17 Expressions

This is the season to keep your eyes out for fun, free/cheap entertainment. Yesterday, my husband took my daughter and her friend to a fishing rodeo. They had a great time - caught no fish - but were presented with prizes. The friend, a goodie bag with fishing supplies and my daughter got a badmitton set. Both girls placed in an essay contest and will have an event to attend tomorrow. I on the other hand, have not been very "frugal". But perhaps I have been? For a long time, I skimped on "me time", "personal care" - but this month, I have been taking advantage of those types of things, especially now that they are being discounted. Perhaps I am a contrarian?

5/9 Expressions

In a couple of weeks, I am buying something I really want. So, I have asked that nothing be purchased for me for Mother's Day. In years past, sometimes my husband and daughter listen, sometimes they don't. So, to ensure no flowers were bought, before the rain this morning, I gathered the photographed flowers from the yard. Perennials really are frugal - in that they keep on giving :) Happy Mother's Day!

5/8 Expressions

Today, I met my husband for lunch at Captain D's. They sent me a coupon for a free platter or dinner for Mother's Day. They also had a deal to get a free fish sandwich if you buy a giftcard valued at $20 or more. So, my husband got the giftcard and free sandwich. Then I ordered my meal (we split the meals) and paid for our drinks with the gift card. We were going to go to KFC with the free meal coupons - but, apparently the local KFCs have been overwhelmed and have restricted hours of 1-4PM. So, we will have an early dinner tomorrow (hopefully). I received my $10 giftcard for Barnes & Noble today from Mypoints. Still waiting for the $5 Amazon card from swagbucks - but, I have been earning at least 1 Swagbuck a day - when I can play. I am hoping to have enough Amazon GC's by the end of the year to buy a decent gift. Tomorrow, I plan to start experimenting with the anti-aging creams - Revitalift - sent to me because I am a buzz agent :)

5/6 Expressions

We have had some weather related damage to our home. Our insurance company was very quick to respond. Unfortunately, we are now having trouble trying to get quotes for the work that needs to be done. Everyone we have called is "backed up", one cancelled after making an appointment - but finally, we got one that is suppose to be here Friday. We had a wonderful, frugal business trip (for my husband), awards ceremony (for my daughter), and vacation (for me :). We flew to Washingon, D.C. - paid for one roundtrip air fare. One fare was covered by "bump bonus $". Our hotel included free breakfast and two lunches were provided by organizers of various events. We enjoyed museums which were walking distance and made use of the Metro for our trip to and fro from the airport. Economically, it feels like we are slowly coming out of a funk.

4/29 Expressions

Wow - another month almost gone! In the last couple of days, I redeemed some mypoints for a $10 Barnes & Noble gc and Swagbucks for a $5 Amazon.com gc. We will shortly be taking that trip for my daughter to get her poster contest prize - so, I haven't made time to try my buzz agent Revitalift products yet. I have peaked around the yard and some seeds have started to sprout. I see pea plants, beans, and lettuce . . . and flowers, mainly roses and wisteria.

4/25 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: I enjoy sewing - so, I did some alterations on my daughter's clothes (hem, fix hole, etc.). Then, I went to Kohl's w/my $10 GC. I got a realistic looking orchid - originally marked $29.99 (before tax) for $2.15 total. Then to the grocery store with coupons. I wanted to stay under $35 - and with a meat rebate - I did. I stuck to a list and mainly got fruits and veggies. This morning for breakfast, I used up 1 egg, left over onion, and spinach from indoor "garden" and a bit of cheese for a delicious meal. I did a few unfrugal things today also - but, I will keep them to myself :)

4/22 Expressions

To save a bit of $ on eating out or entertainment - I have several local T.V. stations website links to weekly 1/2 price gift certificate deals. After all this time, I paid attention to a radio ad - and they have one too. So, now I need to "check-out" all of local radio stations to book mark them. I have found that more and more types of gift certificates are being sold. It used to be mainly eateries. Now there are garden center gc's, movie theater gc's, etc.