5/31 Expressions

This month has just flown by!  Mailbag:  We received a bonus check from the Traveler's insurance program we signed up for since my daughter is going on a cruise.  The offer was - submit any hotel receipt from the last 45 days and get 5% back.  We have receipts :)  Also in the mail, Tresemme shampoo/conditioner samples.  My new rx contacts from 1-800 and a mailer to return the old rx ones to get credit.  Also, I want to say it is good to sign up for bonus cards even though you might not think you will get enough points to use.  Case in point, my husband stayed at a hotel part of the time during the time covered by his per diem.  It is a hotel chain we just really don't use much.  My husband stayed this week at a different hotel, same brand this week - "won" on priceline.  My husband decided to sign-up for their bonus points program.  Then a lightbulb went off in my head when he showed me the enrollment information.  He stayed a month at one of the hotels - so, why not check to see if they'd credit him the points.  Yup - sure enough, they will and said they will post within 72 hours.  We are hoping he will have enough points to cover his stays next week - when our offer on the short sale ends - and we are hoping we can close asap.  The realtor said they were playing phone tag with the bank - she still sounds hopeful - but told my husband she would call later this evening.  So, just signing up, in this case, may net him a few extra nights at their most basic hotel.   Added:  My husband bought a pair of sneakers from DSW this past Sunday.  Today, he received a coupon for $20 off $49.99 - his shoes were $50.XX before tax.  So, he is going to see if they will refund the $20.  He also received a $5 off anything coupon because it is his birthday month - he will use that for cheap/free socks. 

More 5/30 Expresions

Frugal deeds for the rest of the day:  It is burning hot outside.  I planted my herb "garden" and now I am taking a break before I got out and pick-up at least 2 garden bags of leaves to place for pick-up.  I also did a bit of freezer/fridge maintenance.  I froze some of the meat.  I made a soup using l/o pasta salad, veggies, and a piece of chicken.    Just wanted to post a few pictures.  The cannas and lillies are from freecycle about two years ago.  My lazy-person's garden :)  One cabage plant is thriving - looks like I may get some spinach/lettuce - maybe some tomatoes and zucchini?  Also pictured are two of the three chairs I "won" at the estate auction.

5/30 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the week:  My husband's new employer quit paying per diem two weeks ago.  We had those two weeks covered with hotel points.  We are out of points now.  So, for this week, my husband used priceline - and got a good rate.  He checked around for furnished month-to-month rentals - they are about the same price.  The realtor thinks we should hear something on the short sale shortly (pun intended) - we sure hope so.  We prefer not to rent something in the interim.  This short sale business has been frustrating.  I plan to plant some more seeds - a herb "garden" - more like a mound. 

5/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, my daughter and I got our hair done at the cheaper beauty school.  The price is right, but if you go, be prepared for the "do" to take almost twice as long - because the instructor has check/grade everything - which is a good thing.  The dog is still at Petsmart.  We are having a family BBQ tomorrow.  My responsibility is dessert and side dishes.  Since I had most of the ingredients on hand, I am making pineapple upside down cake, macaroni salad, and veggies for the burgers.  My daughter is making apple pies and a trifle.  She is going to another BBQ in the evening and will take an apple pie and the trifle.  We also have bbq beans on hand.  My dad is bringing the breads.  I got the meat on sale last week - family pack of steaks in the manager special bin now defrosting in the fridge, bratwurst on sale, chicken breasts on sale, and ribs on sale plus sent in for a $5 rebate.  Got the BBQ sauce for pennies - on sale and a doubled coupon.  I also purchased furniture polish, I will be polishing up the table and getting home made placemats and napkins out.  Mailbag:  Coupon for a free tub of flushable Cottonelle - free tp is useful :)

5/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  It took two trips in two vehicles to get all of our "winnings" from the auction.  It was a tight fit, but we got it all.  The dining room table makes such a big difference in the look of the dining room.  My daughter loves her highboy too.  I thought I would want to change out the fabric on the seats right away - but, I think I will wait.  Mail was good - got our state tax refund - and deposited it with a roll of quarters and the lawn mower settlement check.  We ate lunch with the 80% off Restaurant.Com gift certificate - the meal was great!  We did some grocery shopping - mainly manager's specials on organic items - or sales and a coupon organic items at Kroger.  Cage free eggs were cheaper than the "regular" stuff.  My husband mowed the lawn and the plants have gotten a lot of free watering lately.  Tomorrow morning, my daughter and I have an appointment at the beauty school to get our hair "done".  Also, the discounted gift cards I ordered are all here.  Just in the nick of time, the dog will be getting groomed at Petsmart - and her discounted card is here too.  Also, we were e-mailed a coupon to get her an initial exam at the Petsmart vet clinic - Banfield (I believe) for free.  We are going to take advantage of it.  She has a great vet now - but it costs an arm and leg for just about any service.  Dog had an upset stomach, no problem, $330.

5/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Since I had to go to a meeting after lunch, I decided to stop at a few places during lunch to make it worth while.  First to Bath and Body Works - I got 3 items free since I am in the LUV club and it is Thursday.  The retail value is $10 - 1 small candle, 1 small bac pac, and 1 travel sized lotion.  Then to Victoria's Secret about 3 doors down:  I got a free pair of panties with any purchase - so, I bought 3 hand sanitizers for $5.  Then the new Bombshell Spray was $25, on sale for for $15, and I used my husband's $10 birthday giftcard - and got it for $5 plus tax.  When I got home - free in the mail:  sample of Seattle's Best coffee grounds, $2 off $10 Publix meat coupon, and a $10.XX settlement check for Lawn mower engine class action.  I now have 4 days off from my day job :)  I can now concentrate on my home job.  First order of business, pick-up the larger auction pieces I "won" last Sunday afternoon.

5/25 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I had two great customer service experiences today.  First was with 1800contacts - I order four boxes of contacts in March.  My rx changed this week - I was dreading calling them to ask for an exchange.  I thought if I could just exchange the sealed boxes, I'd be happy.  The Rep. went even further - she said they could credit me for the unused ones too - and they'd mail me a shipping label for returning them - and they have already sent out a box each of the new Rx.  Then, we flew on USAir when we went to DC.  I didn't remember if I even had a frequent flyer account with them.  So, I thought I would get a hassle - the Rep. was great.  She patiently tried a few alternatives - found my account, cheerfully credited me the miles from our trip, gave me my account number, signed my daughter up for an account and credited her account too.  Before this recession, I loathe to call to do anything that seemed tedious and mundane.  I don't know if people are greatful for their jobs, to get business or what - but these last two days have been wonderful in dealing with businesses.  During lunch today, I added $25 to my Starbucks card - and I get $5 free the week of June 6 because I used my Visa, I got an e-mail from Starbucks informing me about this deal.  I also did a receipt survey for a free burger or chix sandwich at Burger King with the purchase of fries/drink.  The other survey was for Rite Aid - got another $3 off $15 purchase that is good for a couple of weeks.  I am hoping they have lots of freebies? this week.