2/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds:  Last week, I just happened to check my health insurance's web site - there was a link to a "health" survey with the promise of a $50 credit toward my deductible - was worth it to me.  Well, today in the mail, the sent the family 3 pedometers.  Guess they are realizing if they can get us to stay healthy - costs for everyone will be lower :)  Sadly, I took my daughter to the dentist and she is going to need a crown.  Glad I have dental insurance - but the out of pocket still hurts.  Bank countered on the foreclosure - so, we rejected the offer and made an offer on a short-sale.  We will see how that goes . . .

2/27 Expressions

Frugal deed for the day - but very bad for the waist-line.  I looked thru the fridge and pantry.  I have not had Oreo Delight in years.  My daughter was whining that there was nothing sweet to eat.  We got sweet - Publix Sandwich cookies - 1 cent, Publix brand whipped topping - 87 cents, Cream Cheese 49 cents, Aldi brand instant chocolate pudding 38 cents ?, even with tax - under $2.  I put 1/2 into the whipped topping container and froze it to prevent us from eating it and regretting it.  It was scrumptious :)  Started doing some more kitchen and yard cleaning in preparation for the counter installation this week.  We were told we should hear back on our offer in 2 days.

2/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My daughter's guitar string broke.  She's never had that happen.  So, she called her guitar teacher and he told her to buy some string and he taught her how to change the string for free.  Nice teacher.  We also went to Plato's closet.  My daughter got rid of 7 items and bought 2 for almost an even exchange.  Then to the Art Museum to eat at the cafe and see the exhibit with our membership card.  We stopped at the public library and checked-out some books.  We stopped at Publix and got $45 worth of groceries for $5.  My husband looked at the cheaper houses - they were either already under contract or totally trashed.  So, we went up a bit and made an offer on a foreclosure today - hopefully it is accepted.  It is less than 50% of the tax value - the price of a brand new big SUV.  I also noticed I had a box at the front door from yesterday?  From Fed-Ex - it is my first package for being a PUREX INSIDER - sample of laundry softener/fragrance crystals and a coupon for a free one of the same.  I plan to try it shortly and report out the results.  So far, I have opened the bottle and the crystal smell wonderful - "Spring" scent.  I will upload a picture of it shortly.

2/25 Expressions

Mailbag:  Free granola bar from Quaker Oats - my daughter said it was scrumptious; a coupon for a free container of Cool Juice.  Frugal deeds:  While I waited for my daughter to finish her guitar lessons, I finished a pair of slippers - and they have come in handy already as the temperature has dropped this evening.  This weather is odd.  I went to Publix this evening for just over $8 I got, 2 Naked Juice bottles, 2 boxes of Kashi Waffles, 1 container of Egg Beater (chives/cheese flavor), 2 quarts of Lactaid milk, 1 bunch of bananas, 1 bag of butter lettuce/salad, 1 loaf of Pepperidge Farm Whole grain bread, and 1 20 oz bottle of diet Coke.  Found another house - according to the listing the house is 2,060 ft (ranch) and listprice dropped to $35,700 in the best public school district for the area.  My husband is going to look at it and make sure the pictures weren't fooling us - but that is about the price of brand new mid-sized vehicle?

2/24 Expressions

Mailbag:  Today in the mail, I received a rebate, 3 coupons for a free 20 oz Coke product,  and a coupon for free Eggbeaters.  I also earned points on recyclebank.com and printed out some high value coupons.  I also signed up for the savealot newsletter and was able to get a $5/$25 coupon that I can use at Publix.  I searched homes in the town we may move to - another house popped up and my husband is going to look tomorrow - weather permitting.

2/22 Expressions

Frugal Deeds for the day:  My daughter won a poster contest - and a savings bond - it will go toward her education :)  UPS delivered my painting supplies.  Now, I just need to find paint and stain on sale.  I think my daughter has convinced herself that sewing can be a good skill to have.  Some of the styles she likes are very simple.  She can make simple shirts cheaper than buying them.  Yesterday, I sent in a refund for Snapple 6-pack and the stuff tastes pretty good.  I used to do a lot more rebates.  Then quit.  Know they seems to be everywhere again.  Oh, and Publix has a good deal on the gelato (sp) that my daughter loves - it is BOGO and I have a competitor's coupon - making it $1.35 per container :)  So, tomorrow, I will go to Publix and get her gelato, the penny item, my free Coffee-mate and whatever else I may need to get the total to $10 before coupons to qualify for the penny item.

2/21 Expressions

Happy Presidents' Day!  I have the day "off" - so, I spent part of this morning mending and heming clothes.  I plan to make salads, etc. for lunch rest of the week.  Yesterday, I got deeply discounted cookie mix/cookie cutters from Le Gourmet - they will go into the freezer for use this holiday season.  I will give myself a mani' today too.