1/29 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  We have been getting home mailer coupons for quite a while.  But lately, I have noticed that the coupon deals are really entising.  We have a local diner that sends out coupons for b1g1 free breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I had never considered the place before.  But, my daughter and I went the other day and were pleasantly surprised.  For $5.50 (before tax and no drink), you get a choice of a meat and 2 vegetables and for .25 more, you can add a third veggie.  It also comes with Texas toast.  Even with tip, it is cheaper and healthier than a fast food meal.  The place was clean, and not very busy.  Sure hope they get more customers so the place will thrive.  Today, we are attending a seminar.  Then to Costco for gas and a few groceries.  They have a lot of sampling stations - and they sure are popular.  We hope to stop by Bath & Body Works for their free scented candle for this weekend for Facebook Fans.  I have been visiting the "Y" a little more consistently - and am starting to feel the impact.  Next month I have an appoint with the personal trainer to set-up an exercise program.  This "Y" has gotten popular quite quickly - sure hope they expand as at ":peak" times now - it is tough getting a machine.  Someone said this is the "New Year Resolution Crowd" - give it a month or two and the crowd should dissipate.  I hope not - I hope they expand and the crowd keeps coming for their fitness and the fitness of the center.

1/24 Expressions

Mailbag:  Today I got a coupon for free Yoplait and a rent check.  I was also able to get in on the coupon for a free Nice 'n Easy Foam Hair Color.  I also listed 2 more items on Craigslist.  Hope they sell quickly with very little hassle :)

1/22 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week:  We are celebrating our wedding anniversary early.  My husband's wish - to eat at Ruth Chris for once in his life.  We went to Costco and got discounted gift cards - $100 for $79 - plus Costco rebate, plus AMEX rebate.  Since we will be taking our daughter, we got 2 card packs (4 $50 cards).  Sure hope that covers it.  And on another note, I have to say I am very happy with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility - they are 110% better than BP ever was.  Oh, we stopped at BBW today and got the facebook freebie (travel sized lotion) and used the coupon for a free travel sized product with any purchase (got a 2 pack of wallflower refills for $5). 

1/20 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  This evening, after work, I stopped at the mall and picked up this Month's freebies for the Bath & Body Works club - I got to pick-out anti-bac soap, anti-bac pack, and anti-bac pack holder.  All would have cost $7 plus tax.  Then to Starbucks at Barnes and Noble - got a B1G1 Tall Latte with coupon, membership discount and a promo gift card - cost me $0 out of pocket.  I forgot to mention earlier this week, our neighbor brought over 1/2 of a small cake (her daughter is getting married) - the cake was yummy - and very bad for anyone on a diet :)  I cut out 4 pairs of underwear out of t-shirts we no longer want.  Tomorrow is my "off" day, so, I plan to sew them.  I think we need a clothes moratorium - while looking for the t-shirts - I found several items of clothing that my daughter bought with tags.  I also found a few things I was looking for too.  Next stop for decluttering - clothes.

1/16 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the weekend:  Today, I was notified that we will come into a small windfall . . . it will all be ear marked for my daughter's education fund.  I had a pretty hefty goal for this year - now we have breathing room - but, I still hope we save the goal amount and the windfall will still truly be a windfall :)  I cashed in Swagbucks for another $5 Amazon GC.  I think I will start "saving" them in my Amazon account for the next time I "need" to order something.  We did a bit of freebie shopping this afternoon with Rite Aid UP rewards and CVS Extra-care coupons plus regular coupons.  I know the Health Saver's Account rules have changed - but I am hoping Saline solution for contacts still qualifies. Tomorrow we are "off" for MLK's birthday.  My dad is treating us to lunch at a new buffet place in town.  Hopefully the frugal me won't overeat as the New Year me would like to lose a few pounds.  I know this sounds crazy - but I looked up ideas to recycle t-shirts - we have plenty of them and I have donated a bunch to Purple Heart, etc.  Just about everytime we donate blood - they give us a t-shirt.  I found an idea to sew underwear.  I think I will sew a few pair for myself. 

More 1/15 Expressions

I just headed over to Bargain Babe http://bargainbabe.com/   Her blog is turning 2 years old and she is having a give away.  Eleven prizes including a $250 Macy's Gift Certificate!

1/15 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week:  Yesterday we enjoyed a take-out lunch on the cheap!  My husband picked-up 2 appetizers from Applebees with the $10 promotional gift certificate we received and then he stopped at Frizzles with a $10 1/2 priced gift certificate and ordered wings.  Both places cost a few bucks more than what the gift certicate covered - but, it was a fun meal for the three of us and we had a bit of leftovers.  Yesterday, I did my grocery shopping at Publix - after sales, coupons,refunds and the $50 Visa Debit Card certificate, I spent no additional money out of my pocket :)  We are set for the week.  In other news . . . my frugal gene must have rubbed off on my daughter.  She and my husband went to the library because she had 2 overdue books and owed fines.  Smart cookie that she is, she went to the librarian that she does volunteer work for.  Without even asking, the lady told her - her fine is forgiven  - a perk of her being a volunteer.  Also, I sure hope my daughter keeps better track of when her books are due - because she was going to have to pay with "her" money.  The stock market has been doing so well, I am kind of sad that I moved our retirement accounts to a more conservative mix . . . but, we have resolved to stay there.  Of course we are still 100% in stocks for non-retirements.  Although the "economy" seems to be getting better - there is still so much uncertainty . . .