11/30 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, I picked up my order from Wal-mart - free shipping to the store.  I got a new blender and a $5 Statement Credit from Amex.  I also purchased 2 pizzas that were 3.49 each and I had a $2 off 2 coupon.  After I got home, I remembered that I had a store ad from a competitor where the pizzas were $3.  Could have saved myself some change.  I guess I have too much on my mind or am easily distracted.  Oh, and I got 2 cheeses and a box of organic pumpkin seed, etc. crackers for just over $10 and will be sending in for a $6 rebate.  I need to get organized.  Tomorrow will be a short day at my day job.  And, I will be off Friday.

11/28 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I won a Shop-runner membership, a $2 Dunkin Donut giftcard and a $10 statement credit from Amex today.  Of course I did a bit of Cyber Monday shopping.  I also ordered the P.I.N.K Method after watching Dr. Phil this evening.  I still have the same 20 lbs to lose.

11/27 Expressions

Because of the generosity of swagbucks this week - I got 21 swags several times this weekend - I was able to cash-in for another $5 Amazon e-giftcard :)  I found a few more pennies - and now have a .50 roll to cash in at the bank.  I stopped at Wal-mart and got 5 yards of light yellow fabric - to trim the window curtain I am planning on making for $3.21 in the remnant bin.  What I don't use, will be used for a pillow case or two.

11/26 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail call - more freebie magazines - even a financial one - Kiplingers.  We went out for breakfast with a 1/2 priced gift certificate; bought lunch items for my daughter at Target - I thought the giftcard had $5 on it - it had $15.  Went to the Art Museum with our pass and saw the new exhibits.  Then to the consignment store - they aren't taking anything - sure hope they aren't closing.  Then to Wendy's for free Jr. Frosty's.  Stopped at Aldi for a few vegetables.  Then to my dad's to drop off some desserts.  It has been nice to have a really long weekend.  Added:  I made a crockpot full of turkey white bean chili - turned out delicious.  Tomorrow, I will make a turkey salad and the carcass will go in the crock for broth.  My daughter found a rebate form for $6 back on a $10 or more purchase of turkey, ham, or deli platter.  Mailed mine in.

11/25 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Mail call - Starbucks gift card and rebate check from credit card companies.  Yes, I  did some "Black Friday" shopping with my daughter this a.m.  I have not shopped it for years - but today happened to be my "off" Friday - so, I gave my husband a break and headed out at 4:30 this morning.  We really didn't encounter crowds - a good thing.  I got my dad a discounted Nook for his gift this year.  My daughter got some great discounts - 50% off clearance items at Anthropologie to round out her winter clothing wardrobe.  I got my beloved Wallflower refills at Bath and Body Works and they let me use the $10 off $30 coupon - and still get the $20 tote w/products even though it brought my balance before the tote under $40.  We got a free accessory (scratch card) at one store, free muffins and hot apple cider at another - Anthropologie gave out treats while we were in the check-out line.  Then to Steinmart - we mainly got household items - heavily discounted and used a coupon on top of the discount.  Then to Brueggers - got the $25 gift card, get $5 free bakery items.  Got a half a dozen fresh bagels.  No crowds, no pushing.  So, either the media was wrong about record crowds, or we went to the "wrong" places - but it wasn't bad at all.  Oh, my daughter really wanted a $55 cologne for $10 at Sephora - she got it.  Last night I shopped at J C Penney.  I got a luggage set shipped for free to my brother - one for us for this summer's trip to France, and a donut maker ($9.99 after rebate - for my dad).  The luggage sets were $39 for a 4 piece set.  Our's are torn-up and the freecycle ones I got are too heavy.

11/24/11

Happy Thanksgiving.  We had a nice peaceful day.  No fuss, no muss.  A nice nap.  Hope the same for all.  Trying to stay out of the Black Friday fray.  We shall see . . .

11/23 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Yeah - I have a long holiday week/weekend.  Will I indulge in Black Friday?  I'd rather not - I like cyber-Monday better.  Although, I think I am pretty set when it comes to holiday gifts this year.  I have not even checked the stock market - I hope it was kinder, and gentler this holiday weekend.  I need to get cooking on some side dishes - and eat, laugh, and relax tomorrow.