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Frugal deeds for the day:  We got take-out today - but used my freebie $20 Mastercard - and had change leftover and food leftover.  Dinner was re-heated leftovers.  My husband and daughter painted primer on the upstairs bathroom - they needed a few supplies - my husband used the leftover $ on the Mastercard and his Wal-mart giftcard.  I wanted to get some hummus, free pizza, and a few other items at Kroger - so my husband picked up 4 hummus (2 $1/2 coupons), the pizza, appetizer, free gum with coupon - and used the leftover $ on the Amex Giftcard we had.  I finished knitting the scarf - now just need to finish the embellishments and it will be ready to wear.  So, no money out of our pockets today.  It was productive and peaceful as we all took a nap also.  Added:  on my to do list, listed 1 item on ebay and mailed in the recalled products.

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Frugal deeds for the day:  to get myself moving - I wrote myself a short "to do" list.  I want to list 2 things on ebay, 1 thing on listia, fill out the form and return the Novartis OTC I have for a refund - 3 bottles of Excedrin.  It is nice to have a long weekend again.  Great to have my husband home too.  We had bad weather last night - so, I asked him to stay in a hotel.  At first he tried to be tough - then logic took over and he stayed at one.  He didn't pick the most frugal choice - but oh well, he did bargain for a lower rate :)  That's a start.  I told him the best deal for last minute hotels while on the road seem to be those coupons found at the gas station.  He said he will remember that for next time.  After guitar lessons, the crew will pick up take 'n bake pizzas with a gift card we have.  Next month is Valentines day and our 23rd wedding anniversary.  He asked if we should go to a really expensive restaurant.  Nope - we have a 1/2 priced gift certificate to a nice, quaint, gourmet restaurant which will suit me fine.  The following month is my birthday - he promises to stain the kitchen cabinets (I will be getting cheap (discounted) or "free" (credit card points) gift cards for Lowes/Home Depot in the meantime and any coupons to get the rest of supplies he might need.  ADDED:  Since my daughter and husband had to wait more than 30 minutes to get their pizza order - they were compensated with coupons for 1 large 1 topping for free. 

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Frugal deeds for the day:  I got paid my bonus today - but because we had a few unintended bills - expecially when we did the condo maintenance, I had to move some bills.  I am almost to my monthly savings goal - but not quite there.  I also got a rebate check.  Today at lunch, just when I am starting to use less coupons, several office mates brought in some coupons inserts to share.

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Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I check my 12 month return for my retirement account.  Instead of lifetime funds - I came up with my own mix - my mix created a 2% return.  And while I am not totally exhuberant about that percentage - it could have been worse.  So, for once :) , I am glad I listened to my husband and went conservative for once.  He probably did a bit better than I did, because he went even more conservative. 

1/9 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mailbag:  freebie $20 Mastercard GC and a rebate check.  Took a brisk walk and stayed on my food plan :)  Was able to knit a few more rows on my scarf.  Got a few upcycle ideas from co-workers. 

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Frugal deeds for the day:  I won some seeds on Listia.  I still have a few credits from selling our "trash".  I hope to win some more.  I want to concentrate on plants that produce some type of food item.  Today, I made butternut squash soup - with extra for the week.  Also made a nice spinach salad for the week.  I stopped at Wal-mart and picked up my free Starbursts at the gas station - and also picked up a few items to make some desserts.  My daughter made cranberry scones and I made chocolate coconut bonbons.  I was totally out of sugar and milk.  I went ahead and topped off the tank - gas prices dropped .10 in 2 days.  We took my daughter's best friend and her family some of the desserts - they brought us some delicious creme brulee they made last week.  Next weekend, we are going to list a few items on ebay.  We are starting our France Trip fun fund. 

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Frugal deeds for the day:  Things I did not do.  I did not pick-up my daughter's contacts.  Since they gave her a free trial pair, she does not need them immediately.  I am going to wait until her glasses come in and pick them at lunch time.  Combine errands - save gas.  Mail was great today - got my free Good Housekeeping magazine (and boy do I need it :)  and 2 $10 AMEX giftcards from the promotion last month.  After taking a nice nap, my daughter and I headed to Barnes and Noble where she picked up a reference book she needed for one of her classes.  We also treated ourselves to a BOGO latte (printable on-line coupon) and split a  Reese's cookie.  I made a quick trip to Victoria's Secret with my $10 giftcard - and since they were having their clearance sale - ended up getting 3 pairs of underwear for $2.XX out of pocket.  I also had a $10 Barnes and Noble giftcard.  So, other than VS - which I paid cash - no extra out of pocket.  We browsed the magazines.  Before taking a nap, I made a brown rice/veggie stir fry, and vegetable tempura.  I am about to make a couple more pumpkin pies with my frozen puree.  I am going to try and cook ahead - which means healthier meals, frugal, and less stress during the week.