3/25 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got a small refund check in the mail today.  Oh, and got one yesterday too.  Nice to get unexpected $.  My husband finished up our Federal Taxes.  Now, we just have the State taxes to contend with.  The weather turned cold on us - and we are planning to take a trip up north shortly.  So, I decided to augment my winter clothes.  We had some luck in our favor - since it is suppose to be Spring - the winter clothes at my favorite thrift store were 50% off.  I got 3 really nice sweaters and my daughter got one - total price for the 4 - just under $12. 

3/23 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  We had a nice lunch at home with my dad.  He appreciates home cooked meals more than restaurant meals - and we kept it frugal.  My husband is going to donate blood today - and will get tickets to movie theatre - so, we have invited my daughter's adopted grandmother to go with us tomorrow.  She is such a sweet lady and we haven't visited with her for quite some time.  Afterward, we will take her out for dessert and coffee.  Frugal lessons:  Yesterday, while getting my hair "done" at the beauty school - the instructor started explaining how they charge - guess everyone is tightening up and trying to be more efficient these days.  Anyway, I brought a picture in - I wanted a shorter style - slightly shorter than shoulder length - about 5 inches of hair cut off.  And of course I wanted to get my dyed.  So, the instructor starts with the base price - but then starts with "your hair is thick and long" so, we will have to use 3 additional rations - and each ration is $13 since I choose an experienced student over a newbie.  I looked at her and said what if I get my hair cut first - she said - oh, yeah, that is a good idea.  So, I did have to get one additional ration - but getting my hair cut first saved me $26.  In this "economy" - it doesn't hurt to change the order of things, especially if it doesn't change the result of the process, to save a "few" bucks :)  On a side note, many of co-workers have been telling me that they have decided to get rid of their movie channels, changed their work schedule so their child doesn't go to after school care, etc.  So, while I though the economy was improving - seems it hasn't for many folks - or, are they finally feeling the effects.  We are a cable-less family - except at the beach condo - part of the maintenance fee.  But we relish it when we travel - it is a treat.  And truly, we would rarely have time to watch it at home.  We thought about changing the cell phone plans for my daughter and husband - my husband - on his own - decided we would not save any money :)  So, they will keep their 2 year old androids, and stay with the pay-as-you-go talk/text/data.  I still have a 8 year old basic cellphone - that I pay $ one-time a year - I think it was $100 - and I never use up the minutes in a year's time.

3/22 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today is my birthday and I plan to spend it enjoying my family and bargains - my two favorite things :)  This morning, my wonderful husband made cheddar cheese (freebie from Earthfare) Omelet and coffee for me - served on a tray.  Shortly, I have an appointment at the beauty school for a cut and color.  My husband will get the freebie lunch from Captain D's for the two of us to enjoy - we are both "off" from work today - an early start to Spring break :)  He will drop the dog off at Petsmart and pay for her cut with a discounted giftcard (tip in cash of course).  My daughter is treating us to dinner - since I get to pick - I have decided on a casual Asian place in the theme shopping mall - where I plan to first stop at Ulta and get my brows arched for the price of a tip only :)  I also plan to stop at Panera and pick up my free dessert to enjoy later - we may enjoy it there between the three of us with coffee?  After my husband drops the dog off at Petsmart, he will stop at Earthfare and pick-up $10 worth of individual desserts, use $5 in Tomato Bank points and get 2 pineapples for free - these will be used for the lunch we are preparing at home tomorrow to celebrate my birthday with my dad.  Less work for us - more enjoyment for everyone.  My husband will also stop at Kroger and use a few coupons I cut out - and also get a Redbox for us to enjoy this evening with the .50 off code they sent :)  Added:  Woot - CVS sent me a $3 off anything coupon - I will stop and get a few trial sized toiletries for a short trip we plan to take shortly :)  I also looked birthday freebies up - and just for showing my driver's license - today I can - but probably won't - although they are nice freebies - could have gotten a free breakfast - the GrandSlam at Denny's, and a free sub at Firehouse Sub.  ADDED:  Bust:  Brow Bar in the ULTA no longer does the birthday brows :(  But double thumbs up:  Panera not only gave me a free dessert for my birthday - I was informed that my card had a "coupon" for a free smoothie or espresso - my daughter asked for a chai latte - and we got that for free :) 

3/21 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  J C Penney sent me a $10 off $10 coupon - very nice of them.  Looks like they might have upgraded their merchandise.  I saw a nice pair of pants for my daughter - I might pick up.

3/20 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I redeemed for a $10 Amazon e-code through a survey site.  I also added my processed swagbucks $5 Amazon e-code to my account.  Now, if I can keep saving them - may be I can get it up over the $25 free shipping amount and use it for something I really need or a gift item.  Oh yeah, more birthday freebies - Captain D's sent me a coupon for a free meal - now that is generous :)  A couple of larger chains, moderately priced have sent me free dessert or appetizer coupons.  And Sharebuilder sent me a code for 1 free auto investment trade.

3/19 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Another birthday freebie - Panera Bread notified me that I have a free treat loaded on my card :)  My dad sent a nice card and a gift :)  I have been squeezing in chores and cooking so that we have no waste - and are not tempted to eat out - although I did drive thru at Burger Kind and tried a Vanilla Latte for $1 - meh.

3/16 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week:  This is my birthday month - and I signed up for a number of birthday rewards - of which I have been enjoying.  This week, I received 2 deli gift coupons of $5 off - so, one I used for a nice lunch and paid $2.XX after coupon.  The other, I used today for a sandwich/pickle/chips and paid .55 out of pocket.  A bagel place sent me a coupon for a free bagel and cream cheese - with the purchase of a drink - I got coffee.  Sephora sent me an e-mail letting me know I could pick my birthday present up from the cash register - I did - a free mascara and highlighter - both went to my daughter.  Swagbucks sent me 50 points - Arby's a free shake with any purchase off the menu (except value item) - which I have used yet.  Today, I cooked up a storm to use up stuff in the pantry/fridge/freezer - and also so that we have easy to prepare food items to decrease the temptation to eat out.  I boiled eggs, made lasagna, potato salad, Asian fried cabbage/onions/carrots/tuna, brown rice - made enough to freeze a sandwich bag full for fried rice later on, banana muffins, and oatmeal raisin cookies - oh and potato croquettes.  Just printed a recipe for oven baked pepper poppers - to use up my sweet peppers  but that will be for tomorrow.  While running errands today, I used a 40% off coupon at Michaels and a giftcard to buy quilt batting for the quilt I am making for my dad.  So, part of tomorrow will be used to work on the quilt.  In the mail, I got my lunch bag from Lean Cuisine - and it is gorgeous.