3/31 Expressions

Today, I was thinking about the frugal habits I have. I swished out the last bit of milk w/water for my coffee this afternoon. I take banana peels and the like and put them in a small compost I have. Sometimes I drop the banana peels around the rose bush - I heard they like them. I have noticed that at the gas station, I try to get the last drop out of the nozzle. I am sure there are more, but the milk incident got me wondering how many people actually do things like that?

3/30 Expressions

I read in the paper that County Library was sponsoring an event at a local mall. We had a lot of fun. We got to see a movie, free at the brand new theatre, and got in on a few freebies. I also printed out the coupon Victoria's Secret sent me for a free undergarment item. I also printed out the Bath & Body Works coupon for a free item up to $11 with any purchase - always nice to have around for teacher's gift. Also hit Kroger for a few good deals. If you have coupons, that buy 10 items on their list and get $5 is nice. Welch's Grape juice is on there and Vocal Point sent me $1 off coupons. Also, those $2 Kraft Live Active cheese coupons that were printable (still are?) are on sale for $2 and count toward the 10 items. It is fun finding combinations to increase the savings.

3/29 Expressions

The mail-lady brought Dove shampoo samples - always appreciated. We hit the school carnival fund raiser/book sale this morning. Then my daughter and I hit the stores. We did very well at Kohls - we each got a nice shirt and she and the hubby got a nice pack of socks. After gift certificates, I spent $5.06 out of pocket. We also went to Walgreens to spend the Walgreen bucks. We ended up with 2 grape plants to add to our "orchard" and some groceries. We also hit my daugher's favorite clothing store with a gift certificate and Publix with a bunch of coupons. I would say overall today, we save 50% with coupons, gift certificates, and sales. I have also noticed that drug stores are now always busy - and a lot of "good stuff" is usually gone. And the discount stores that used to be easy to get in and out of - always crammed with people too. I also see a lot more people using coupons. Instead of being in the minority (shopping-wise), people around here have caught on. I guess the economic woes have hit even this area - or perhaps the constant bad news has convinced everyone to pinch their pennies?

3/28 Expressions

Well, all I can say is TGIF! Walgreens came through. I purchased a full sized shampoo and some samples and was suppose to get $12 in Walgreen $ - but didn't. They told me to send in my receipt and gave me a xeroxed form. I was a bit leary - but the $12 came to today and I spent about 1/2 that on the shampoo - which I really like. My wonderful husband finished our taxes before April 15th. We ate lunch out with a b1g1 coupon and have enough leftovers for another meal for the family.

3/27 Expressions

Not much frugal going on today other than I took my breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks as usual. Mail was pretty good - I got a $5 GC from Kohl's and a 10% off for signing up for their newletter? Anyway, I will use it with the certificates we got last week and stretch them a bit farther. Not all that nice of a topic, but I am thinking of buying underclothes for the family with that $. Also got a rebate check and a sample of contact cleaner (no-rub).

3/26 Expressions

Today I spent money - but not out of my pocket. My daughter's school requested a 2 lt of Soda and a pack of snacks for a function. I was also out of milk and a few other items. Since I have CVS giftcards - that's where I headed with a $5/$15 coupon. So, I got everything I needed - and more to get to the $15, and spent no $ out of my pocket. The moral of the story: planning ahead paid off!

3/25/08 Expressions

I was thinking - another small stream of income we have started is recycling soda cans ourselves (remember Mr. Pepsi addict?). We have recycling pick-up service - but we have been keeping the cans. Mr. Soda addict claimed that it wasn't worth the effort to save the cans - but, he'd give it a try. When he took in his first batch, he said "If I don't get at least $15, I won't be saving any more cans." - I bet he was sorry he made that statement - because he made $16 - hee, hee. So, now we are saving cans for another haul sometime in the future. Mail was pretty good today: I got the $5 Sears GC for signing-up for their mailing list and Victoria's Secret sent me a $10 GC for my birthday - freebies are nice.