More 3/31 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I did end up picking some dandelion leaves before leaving for my hair appointment.  I also picked a sprig of of rosemary and thyme.  They are a bit wilted for sitting about 4 hours - but I plan to wash them up and stirfry them in olive oil with some fresh garlic - all for me since my husband and daughter are not interested in even try them.  More for me :)

3/31 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Pictured above are a couple of figs the new fig tree is producing!  Below, two of my planter box "gardens".  See my plant identification sticks - recycled chopsticks, clear postage tape and recycled envelopes :)  Also wanted to note, the basil seeds I "won" on Lisa are budding out between my two store bought herbs (thyme/rosemary) and the lettuce seeds I "won" are really starting to go to town.  I still have plenty of seeds left and will plant until they are all gone - so, hopefully, I will have my own fresh lettuce for some during the summer/fall?  This morning has already been a flurry of activities.  My husband, daughter and I picked up the car at the dealer - and got a nice cup of "free" coffee/orange juice.  Donuts were already devoured by the time we got there - no problem - because we had bagels from yesterday.  Dropped my daughter off so they can start her "do" at the beauty school - and now I am trying to get a few things done - like check on my Office Max rewards - looks like we need ink again.  Wow - and Steinmart sent me a 50% on red dot savings in the "Home" department - my favorite - so, may have to check that out.  That's where I get bedding, etc. for the condo.  This afternoon, after my do - I plan to stop at Aldi to get a Peace Lily and stop at Publix for a nice box of bakery cookies and we are planning to "welcome" our new neighbors to the neighborhood.  We are a bit behind . . . and my husband is going to give the lawn a much needed cut.  P.S.  If I can beat my husband to the backyard, I may pick some dandelion leaves for some free green - our backyard is organic . . . and I have noticed some restaurants are evening starting to serve the stuff.  My husband did not win the big prize in the Mega Lotto - he bought 10 tickets and won $7 - but he sure was thrilled with a least a miniscule chance of winning :)

More 3/30 Expressions

In other news, my husband just informed me that just before he left our house (foreclosure), he had mail from the Tax Assessor's office.  They dropped the valuation $20K - we asked for a $50K reduction - closer to the price we paid.  So, we will be asking for an additional reduction - perhaps splitting the difference on the $30K and ask for an additional $15K reduction which will save us a pretty penny in property taxes in that state.  Oh, and I "won" a necklace on Listia - "real pearls and green crystals" - my two favorite combinations.

3/30 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day: We took our Civic in for its 100K miles check-up - wow - Honda has a nice waiting lounge - tv, toys, coffee machine, fridge stocked with juices and water, and candy. I had a coffee - but when they told us the car needed new tires - suddenly, the bill would be a whole higher :( Oh well, my husband says they have donuts in the mornings . . . this time, I reminded him to use our frequent customer card - it saves us 15% - and in this case - it will be worth more than a sneeze and plus, it kicks out coupons - last time there was one for a free something. Tomorrow, my daughter and I both have appointments with beauty school - plus we both get a free service - a brow wax for me and a manicure for my daughter. Although I may switch my brow wax for free manicure since I just got them waxed last week. I had a doctor's appointment this morning - and my husband took me out for a late birthday lunch at Steak 'n Shake. Across the street was a Pier 1 import - and I just happen to have a giftcard. So, while my husband is finished his milk shake and went to pay - I waked across the parking lot to Pier 1. I found a rug - originally $49.99 for around $12 - my kind of rug for the foyer and then there was a metal wall hanging - of fish - mostly browns - great for the condo since the floral design is okay - but the fish will pop. They were $59 - and I got them for $19. So, the cashier convinced me to sign up the new Pier 1 credit card - I will

get a $20 giftcard and a 20% off coupon she says - in about a week.  I still have my giftcard since I had to change something on the new card and will get 4 points per dollar.  So, when I get coupon and giftcard - I plan to purchase a fireplace screen - was $99 - and with the gift card I have - should be less than an addtional $10 out of my pocket.

3/29 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I got my Listia New Ralph Lauren Nightgown - it is nice and no money exchanged.  Sadly, my guitar tuner thing person was a dud and Listia refunded my credits.  Now I just have shirt for my daughter and a rug hook outstanding.  Tonight, after tutoring - we stopped at the grocery store to buy ingredients for a chocolate cream pie - for her science class tomorrow - they are celebrating "pi day" - and whichever group brings the best tasting pie gets a "pass" on their lab report - so, my daughter is busy making a pie.  My husband and dog return tonight :)  Lots of cleaning and maintenance to do.

3/28 Expression

Frugal deeds for the day:   Tutoring for my daughter is paying off - she was the top scorer for her school taking the local science exam.  She moves to the next level.  Her insructor said no one from her school has ever made it to level 2.  If she gets to level 3 - she gets a paid trip to the 3rd level and they win gift cards - that's all I know :)  My husband said he gets a day off for doing such a good job on an inspection :)  Me, I am almost done with my throw - which I will have my daughter the photog take a picture of when I am finished.

3/27 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, to use up some apples and the last of my lemons today - I made apple/walnut cake with lemon marmalade and whipped cream topping - pretty tasty - if I do say so myself.  I worked a bit on my throw - and that is it.  I can't believe how fast this month has gone by.  I watered my "garden" and can't believe how fast the lettuce is coming up.  Oh, and a lady at work gave me her Sunday's coupon and her free panty coupon from Victoria's Secret for my daughter - she doesn't like the "boy cut" - I guess.  I graciously accepted the coupons :)  I just completed credit card maintenance and cashed in for a $10 CVS gift card and a $5 Starbucks card.  So, in addition to those 2 gift cards, this month I earned $300 in credit statements and 2 nights at the Hyatt for our Paris trip.  And my husband is still trying to figure out the best way to do our taxes - married/jointly or married/separately since he lives in another state most of the time, etc.  Good thing he has tax software :)