6/13 Expressions

Frugal happening for the day:  The bank countered on our counter-offer for the foreclosed property.  That was fast.  We decided to move slightly on our counter and let the bank know it is a final offer.  There are plenty of foreclosed properties in the area - and we believe we have offered a reasonable price.  Mail call:  Free - Neat t-shirt from a Whiskey Company - Batman like, and Free $10 Craftsman Tool gift card from Vocalpoint.  Regarding the double order of gift cards.  I got an e-mail from plasticjungle.com (they did not ask me to post this - nor are they paying me) - about the glitch we had with the credit card company.  They are canceling the first order.  I have ordered once before from them, and was very pleased.

6/12 Expressions

Financial musings:  We received our property assessment for the properties we own at the beach - 1 went down, the other stayed the same.  One more property in a different area - I suspect it will go up slightly like the properties we have in area we live.  I can honestly say I don't mind them going down - because that just means less taxes.  In the beach property area, the tax assessor has been replaced by a new one - he seems more realistic.  The only way I was able to get valuations dropped was by "protesting".  I realize cities, towns, need money too, but fair is fair.  They are quick to increase valuations, but not decrease them.  They get used to each level of spending, and then it is hard to make decisions when the budget is cut.  What's good for the goose, is good for the gander.  Off my soap box now.  As for the foreclosure my husband made an offer on, while the former owners left the property in "move-in" condition - they took all of the appliances.  So, in preparation, I signed-up for a Lowes 10% moving coupon via e-mail and received it yesterday.  I also ordered discounted Lowes giftcards.  My husband needed to "spend" a bit more so that he can earn his 100,000 British Airways miles.  Wouldn't you know it, when he placed his order, the credit card company declined payment and called us - as a fraud alert.  After speaking with my husband, they said go ahead.  So, we looked in the system, and the order was cancelled - so, he placed a second order.  We tried to call customer service - closed until Monday.  So, when we checked late last night - it is now showing both orders are about to ship.  We will probably keep both orders if they ship - as we still have some more home improvement projects - and might as well get them with the extra 10% off.  We may stop by Michaels this afternoon, my daughter has a giftcard and she thinks there are some great coupons in the paper.  Also in the paper, a silent auction next week for a charity - we missed last year.  But they always have great finger foods - and great items - so, we will probably stop there next week.

6/11 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  As far as buying anything to re-sell at Plato's yesterday - it was a bust.  But, my daughter purchased 5 pairs of jeans, 2 casual shirts and 1 dress shirt for around $25.  The jeans, she is going to cut-off for summer shorts and embellish, re-design herself.  The price of shorts are really high - especially ones made out of jean material.  From what we saw - they start at just under $20.  Today, I have spent most of the day catching up on sleep.  Shortly, my husband and daughter are stopping at Staples to use the $3/3 coupon and hopefully, each will get something free.  Then they plan to stop at the grocery store to get bleach - part of the re-design for a couple of pairs of jeans.  At one thriftstore, the jeans were $1, at the other, they were $4.  We know which one we will be going to in the future for jeans.  Mail call:  Garnier skin product sample, and free magazine.  Garden - I was excited to see that Zuchinis are forming - I know people complain about too many Zuchinis - but, I don't think I could have that problem :)

6/10 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  This morning, I made a frugal Omelet and entered the recipe into a contest.  I signed up with All-You (great web-site and magazine for the frugal - lots of coupons and money saving tips) to get a coupon for a free pack of the new Borden Singles - the offer asked if I was willing to create a recipe - of course :)  So, I got the 3-Cheese Italian.  First photo is of the ingredients - As you can see - I got the Manager's Special Cage free eggs for $1.29 a dozen, the EVOO - I got on BOGO at Publix plus coupon, used a dash of sea salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper, free 3-Cheese Italian Borden's cheese singles (note:  they did not ask me to post this, nor am I getting paid to do so) - and a pinch of fresh oregano and thyme from my herb "garden" :)  Easy, tasty and frugal :)  Since all three of us are home today - we are going to stop at thrift stores.  My daughter has an idea, to earn more pocket money for her Alaska trip, she is going to see if she can find current, brand name items and take them to Plato's and earn some cash.  We shall see.  She will learn about market demands, pricing, the cost of inventory, etc.  Hopefully, it will be a pleasant experience.  She will be spending her own money for inventory.  My husband and I will be there for transportation, advice, and entertainment :)

6/9 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My husband signed the papers to make an offer on a foreclosure - we like it better than the short sale.  My daughter and I went to ULTA and got our Fekkai Hair Blow-out and we each got a mini-facial - specially priced for new customers at $10.  Then to Barnes and Noble and got a B1G1 smoothie.  The only freebie in today's mail - Nissan sent me a "Popcorn" air freshener for the car. 

6/8 Expressions

Frugal Deeds for the day:  my husband looked at homes and he is making an offer on a foreclosure.  We are offering about 60% of the tax value - the price the records show the bank purchased it back for.  Hope we get it.  Mailbag:  Fee Zone bar.  I just finished paying for my "ebay" winnings.  I went through mypoints - and should get bonus points for making 2 or more purchases.  And, I earned some ebay bucks.  I probably haven't used ebay for more than a year.  Anyway, I got 3 summer suits, 2 pr of dress shoes, 1 white shirt, and 2 shells.  That should be it for the next 2 or 3 summers.  Tomorrow, my daughter and I will get our hair styled at Ulta for free - we do plan tip.  I am leaving work early.  I am "off" this Friday.  This hot weather has worn me out.  I haven't even checked my "garden" and plants.  I really need to water them.

6/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  for 1/2 price ($60), my daughter and I are going "Sip and Paint" this evening.  They will also be serving finger foods - should be fun.  In the mail, I got a coupon for a free pack of Bordens Singles and some Garnier Samples.  My husband will be looking at a few more foreclosed and homes for sale tomorrow.  We hope one of them works out . . .