5/7 Expressions

We celebrated Mother's Day today since we didn't want to get caught in the crowds.  My husband mowed the lawns, trimmed the trees, made breakfast, did the dishes, and re-mortered the brick hedging of the flower bed today.  He also arranged for knology to fix our phone.  After the bad weather, our phone only rang once and the line was very staticy (is that a word).  Initially, we were told we would have to pay $25 for a service person to come out.  When we stated it became that way after the storms, they said they would waive that fee.  We are happy our line is working again.  My daughter did a bit of baking, cooking, and cleaning today.  Very nice gifts indeed :)  I took some "me" time and went to Kohl's with the $10 GC they e-mailed me and bought a pack of nice underwear - I had an out of pocket expense of just under $10.  Then to Lowes with my Home Depot Buy 2 Roses, get one Free coupons.  Initially, the cashier balked - but she called the manager and he said they do match competitor's coupons - so, I got 3 new rose bushes for just over $20.  I used the last of my "tax refund" gift card plus just over $2 out of my wallet.  Then to the acupuncturist - it was very relaxing.  Next, I had an appointment with the eye dr.  It appears the reason my multi-focal lenses are bothering me is because my vision has improved - ha - I thought it would get worse with age.  So, he ordered a trial pair and I am to try them out for a week to make sure they are what I need.  I made a stop at Publix and picked up a few goodies.  Then to Kroger.  I wanted to cook my own mother's day meal.  While eating dinner, we watched the "King's Speech" a very good movie indeed.  Mail stunk.  Tomorrow, I will plant my rose bushes where I want them to be.  Oh, when I got my receipt from Kroger - a coupon for $3 off of flowers kicked out.  So, I went in and bought a fresh bouquet - after coupon and with tax, just over $2.

5/6 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Last night, I made scones from cranberries and lemon (zest) that I did not toss from the fridge.  The scones were very tasty :)  Today, I am going to put my hydrangea back and other plants back outside - they have been in the garage for over a week since the storm.  Tomorrow, I am hoping to go to Lowes and get the BOGO rose bushes with my coupon and giftcard.  Hopefully, I can get everyone on board to get stuff ready for the yardsale next weekend.  In today's mail - a free deoderant sample for my husband.  I am also half tempted to stop by Starbucks and get a Frapuccino for 1/2 priced with another giftcard I have . ..

5/5 Expressions

The short-sale agent called my husband and said it sounds more positive that the bank will accept our offer.  She had him come in and re-sign the papers - the original had expired.  Apparently they are sending out an appraiser.  And, they have accepted a closing date of NLT June 6, 2011.  I also contacted shopgoodwill about the returned order.  They said they authorized a return of my funds today - so, the credit should show up on my account in a 2 days.  One other administrative thing I need to do - sign-up for USAirs frequent flyer card and get our mileage credited.  Stock market has been a stinker :(  Mail was too.

Even More 5/4 Expressions

Networking/talking pays:  I will be going back to work tomorrow.  I was talking with a co-worker and she was lamenting the loss of her frozen/perishable foods - and commenting on how cheap her insurance company is.  I told her I did not even call the insurance company because I have a high deductible.  She told me to check on my policy - because she thought there was no deductible when you lose food due to a power outage.  Well, she was right.  And my insurance company, USAA, was fantastic.  In 5 minutes or less, the adjuster stated she would have my loss direct deposited into my checking account.  She said it would take 3 to 5 business days.  Wow - I learn something new everyday - and of course - that old adage, never assume.

More 5/4 Expressions

Mailbag!  Pictured are the freebies I received in the mail.  I forgot to report that yesterday, I got my free "Woman's Day" magazine and a coupon for Diet Coke (pictured - already redeemed).  Today, I got a coupon fr a free full sized bottle of Suave Professionals; a coupon for a free Pack of KRAFT Natural Shredded Cheese with a Touch of Philadelphia from Vocal Point (and a coupon for $1 off the same), from Kroger - a bunch of coupons and a coupon for a FREE 1 dozen Large Eggs, a Sample of SHOUT Color Catcher, and for some reason Uncle Ben's sent me 2 coupons for a free UNCLE BEN'S READY RICE and they also came with a .75 off the same.  Very useful freebies - will be great in keeping my grocery bill down next week :)

5/4 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I shut off the heating and cooling unit because we were asked not to overload the electrical system.  It should save me a some $ too.  I planned out my errand trip - Wal-mart's - got my free gum from Murphy's Oil, to the Credit Union to deposit - also included a roll of pennies (.50), then to Kroger - saved 50% with coupons and deals.  I spent a bit more than I had planned - but of course - we pretty much had an empty fridge/freezer.  I made a call to the Realtor handling our offer on the short sale - and let her know that not being able to get in touch with the "processor" at the bank was unacceptable.  I asked her to contact the person's supervisor.  She said she'd get on it.  We shall see.  The weather is sunny, but mild - a nice bonus :)

5/3 Expressions

Frugal Lessons of the week:  We were affected by the tornados this past Wednesday.  Fortunately, we had no damage - other than our power/phone signal was out - and apparently restored yesterday.  What I learned from that event - my daughter was bored - so we played board games during the day on Thursday and did some yard work (pulling weeds, taking tree limbs to the curb, etc.) on Friday.  We called the hotel at the airport for a reservation - and got one.  They were running on generator power.  We weren't very worried - because, we had been planning for our trip to Washington, D.C. since my daughter was a poster contest winner.  Our flight was scheduled for early Saturday a.m.  We were out of power since Wednesday evening.  Things were a bit "hairy".  Traffic signals not working; people panicing for fuel (fortunately I had 3/4's a tank) - and we checked on my dad (aka, dog sitter) and he was fine too - but without power.  Since we were going to D.C. - we had not purchased a bunch of groceries - I did lose some from the fridge - and I bit more than I would like out of the freezer - but, it was a pittance compared to many people.  Our flight was cancelled, re-routed, etc. but we finally made it to D.C. Saturday evening.  We stayed at the Capital Hilton because we have Hilton points - and much to our happiness, even though my husband's traveling has been reduced - and he droped a category in "status" - we were still able to use the conceirge room.  That was a wonderful benefit because we had free breakfast every morning - soda, water, and Starbucks coffee all day and on Monday - we had a free dinner - manager's something - with lots of fresh veggies and finger foods - and cookies and milk between 8-10.  Plus, the hotel was very convenient as far as the metro and very close to Capitol.  So, we did not use a cab once, the entire time we were there.  At the ceremony, they gave us each a goodie bag with lots of neat stuff - flash light, first aid kit, etc. - and they also provided a nice lunch.  So, our food expeditures were minimal.  Sunday night, around 11PM EST, we heard a lot of honking horns and yelling.  Our city has most of its power restored - but, there are still those without power.  My daughter is sad that she has to return to school tomorrow - and that I am "off" from work because my building is still without power.  Fortunately, the mail kept coming - and I got a nice pair of tweezers to try-out :)  Tomorrow, I plan to go through my coupons and do some grocery shopping and hopefully get back into the frugal mode.  Oh, and my daughter learned a lesson or two during this time too.  Another lesson she learned, that because we are frugal, we have money to spend on things we want.  An opportunity came up for her to go on a cruise this summer to Alaska - we are going to allow it.  But, she will have lots of chores.  And will have to earn her spending money - so, hopefully, she will sell a bunch of stuff at the upcoming yardsale.

ADDED:  I got a Jones of NY Pant Suit a Filene's Basement for $19.99 plus tax - they were having their take an additional 75% off clearance stuff sale :)