Now that school has officially started all over the country, and stores want to make room for Halloween merchandise, this is the perfect time to start shopping for school supplies!
I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here, as my ten or so readers are smart about these things. But doesn't it blow you away how many people aren't?
At work the other day, some mothers were lamenting at the expense of school supplies. Of course, I told them that they should prepare for January by buying up what's on sale now. After all, we all know folders never last beyond the holidays. Why pay a dollar later when you can pay a dime now? I reminded them that they can store things in a closet or the attic, and they'll have a jump on new supplies. Pencils and paper don't go bad!
You would have thought I was a guru at the top of a mountain, with information no one else had,the way these young moms looked at me. Made me feel really good about being frugal. I love to share the wealth--the wealth of knowledge I've gotten from my on-line frugal friends, that is!
Showing posts with label frugality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugality. Show all posts
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
WFMW: Idea for 'gifts' box
Check out this week's "Works for Me Wednesday" over at "We Are That Family."
http://www.wearethatfamily.com/
Here's my donation. I actually posted this Monday, but don't tell anyone that, okay? Nobody stopped by so I'm editing it to fit in with WFMW.
Do you keep a gifts box? You know, nice things you find on sale and keep for future use as gifts? I have an idea for you.
Check out CVS or Walgreen's (or maybe even your local supermarket) and see if they have any of those pre-made Easter baskets left. Frankly, IMHO, at full price they are a ripoff. But I picked up the last basket at CVS today for only 79 cents! It was 90% off. Besides the cheesy little bags of candy (which I'll give to my boys), it has a nice jumprope and a ball-and-jacks set. I couldn't buy one of those toys for 79 cents.
So they go in my 'giftie box. My kids are way past the birthday party age, as you know. But I babysit sometimes, and have a three-year-old nephew. So I keep my eyes open for goodies to use as gifts that won't break the bank.
Oh, and speaking of saving money: if you have a Passover section at your grocery store, check it out. Now that the holiday is over, you can find some really good buys there!
http://www.wearethatfamily.com/
Here's my donation. I actually posted this Monday, but don't tell anyone that, okay? Nobody stopped by so I'm editing it to fit in with WFMW.
Do you keep a gifts box? You know, nice things you find on sale and keep for future use as gifts? I have an idea for you.
Check out CVS or Walgreen's (or maybe even your local supermarket) and see if they have any of those pre-made Easter baskets left. Frankly, IMHO, at full price they are a ripoff. But I picked up the last basket at CVS today for only 79 cents! It was 90% off. Besides the cheesy little bags of candy (which I'll give to my boys), it has a nice jumprope and a ball-and-jacks set. I couldn't buy one of those toys for 79 cents.
So they go in my 'giftie box. My kids are way past the birthday party age, as you know. But I babysit sometimes, and have a three-year-old nephew. So I keep my eyes open for goodies to use as gifts that won't break the bank.
Oh, and speaking of saving money: if you have a Passover section at your grocery store, check it out. Now that the holiday is over, you can find some really good buys there!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
CVS Trick
I can't believe it took me two years to figure this one out. Unfortunately, it won't work for everyone. But if you have a 'spending account' card, it will work for you.
In case you don't know, a spending account card comes from your insurance company. At the beginning of the year, you put a certain amount in the card. It's your money. This is like a debit card, except that it has a specific purpose. In my case, to buy medical things or services. Everything medical that is not covered by my insurance can be paid for with this card. (You have to use it up within the year or you lose it. And it comes right off the top as a tax deduction.)
That includes most OTC meds, which is where the CVS trick comes in. The other day, I used the card to stock up on some cold medicine, bandages, etc. One product gave me $3.00 in ECBs. I was also picking up some fabric softener that was BOGO (yes, I use vinegar and baking soda, but sometimes I just want something that smells nice), which made it 2 for 3.99. So I used the $3.00 ECB and got the softener for about 50 cents a bottle!
I hope this helps a few people out there to save a little money!
In case you don't know, a spending account card comes from your insurance company. At the beginning of the year, you put a certain amount in the card. It's your money. This is like a debit card, except that it has a specific purpose. In my case, to buy medical things or services. Everything medical that is not covered by my insurance can be paid for with this card. (You have to use it up within the year or you lose it. And it comes right off the top as a tax deduction.)
That includes most OTC meds, which is where the CVS trick comes in. The other day, I used the card to stock up on some cold medicine, bandages, etc. One product gave me $3.00 in ECBs. I was also picking up some fabric softener that was BOGO (yes, I use vinegar and baking soda, but sometimes I just want something that smells nice), which made it 2 for 3.99. So I used the $3.00 ECB and got the softener for about 50 cents a bottle!
I hope this helps a few people out there to save a little money!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Frugal Friday: Kraft Coupon Instant Win
It's Frugal Friday today: http://biblicalwomanhoodblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/frugal-friday-how-i-plan-our-menus-part.html
There are so many good ideas over there! Bloggers are just the smartest people on earth, IMHO.
I found an instant win contest on the Kraft site for $15 in coupons. You only get to play once a day...but I tried today and won! The coupons will come in the mail in a few weeks.
I'm always iffy about things like this, so I stick with reliable companies I know. Here's the link to the Kraft contest:
http://brands.kraftfoods.com/sogoodtogether/
This ends February 2nd, btw! (Sorry, I only just found out about it.) Good luck to everyone.
There are so many good ideas over there! Bloggers are just the smartest people on earth, IMHO.
I found an instant win contest on the Kraft site for $15 in coupons. You only get to play once a day...but I tried today and won! The coupons will come in the mail in a few weeks.
I'm always iffy about things like this, so I stick with reliable companies I know. Here's the link to the Kraft contest:
http://brands.kraftfoods.com/sogoodtogether/
This ends February 2nd, btw! (Sorry, I only just found out about it.) Good luck to everyone.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thrifty Thursday: Adaptation
I haven't participated in Thrifty Thursday for a while, so here I go again. My thrifty advice today is: 'adaptation.' Instead of running off to the store to get the ingredients you need for a recipe, look around and see what you can use instead.
I found a recipe for a Beef and Vegetable Bake in the January issue of Ladies' Home Journal. (Page 109). I have 90% of the ingredients. I'm only missing mushrooms, possibly red wine, and biscuit mix. Okay, I like mushrooms, but since it is only 2 of us eating tonight, they aren't practical. So I'll leave them out. I can increase the beef broth or add water to sub for the wine, if I need to do that.
As far as biscuit mix, well, I looked it up to make my own. But you need shortening, and I don't keep that in the house. So then I remembered I have a can of crescent rolls in the fridge. Instead of biscuits, I'm going to put the crescent dough on top. I think it will work. At the very least, I'm sure the meat part will taste good!
So, always think about what you already have that might be able to do the job. It will save you money!
For more great thrifty ideas, visit "Thrifty Jinxy" soon!
http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/01/thrifty-thursday-living-on-cheap_22.html
I found a recipe for a Beef and Vegetable Bake in the January issue of Ladies' Home Journal. (Page 109). I have 90% of the ingredients. I'm only missing mushrooms, possibly red wine, and biscuit mix. Okay, I like mushrooms, but since it is only 2 of us eating tonight, they aren't practical. So I'll leave them out. I can increase the beef broth or add water to sub for the wine, if I need to do that.
As far as biscuit mix, well, I looked it up to make my own. But you need shortening, and I don't keep that in the house. So then I remembered I have a can of crescent rolls in the fridge. Instead of biscuits, I'm going to put the crescent dough on top. I think it will work. At the very least, I'm sure the meat part will taste good!
So, always think about what you already have that might be able to do the job. It will save you money!
For more great thrifty ideas, visit "Thrifty Jinxy" soon!
http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/01/thrifty-thursday-living-on-cheap_22.html
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday
I found another awesome "Day" at a cool blog called "Beingfrugal.net." It is "Tightwad Tuesday." Head on over there to check out some great ideas from other bloggers!
http://beingfrugal.net/
Here is my donation. It is a recipe for the most tender, juicy roasted chicken you've ever eaten. I think it was shown on some morning show a while back, but don't ask me to remember where!
LEMON CHICKEN
You need a roasting chicken and one or two lemons. That's it. That's all.
Take a fork and stab the lemon a bunch of times and put it up inside the bird. If it's a big guy, you might need 2 lemons.
Roast your chicken exactly as you would a plain one. The lemon juice will leak out and will both tenderize and flavor the meat.
You can make a lemon gravy from the juices, if you'd like.
A caveat: do NOT put any lemons in the pan, outside the bird. Somehow, they work just fine inside, but I found that lemons outside make the drippings really bitter.
Enjoy!
http://beingfrugal.net/
Here is my donation. It is a recipe for the most tender, juicy roasted chicken you've ever eaten. I think it was shown on some morning show a while back, but don't ask me to remember where!
LEMON CHICKEN
You need a roasting chicken and one or two lemons. That's it. That's all.
Take a fork and stab the lemon a bunch of times and put it up inside the bird. If it's a big guy, you might need 2 lemons.
Roast your chicken exactly as you would a plain one. The lemon juice will leak out and will both tenderize and flavor the meat.
You can make a lemon gravy from the juices, if you'd like.
A caveat: do NOT put any lemons in the pan, outside the bird. Somehow, they work just fine inside, but I found that lemons outside make the drippings really bitter.
Enjoy!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Doll Dress
Here is Molly (with a bad haircut) in a crocheted dress I made for her. It just needs one more button on the back. The t-shirt is a blue knit with daisy print on it.Molly is only borrowing the outfit. It is a gift for Angelina's doll, Amanda. Amanda is also getting a crocheted blanket and pillow (lavender) and possibly a nightgown and jacket. I'm not sure I'll have time to finish the latter two, but I'll try.
Last night, I picked up a dowel at Michael's. I'll have Mike drill a hole in it, and cut it shorter, then I'll put some yarn or rat-tail in it, tie on a magnet, and it will become a fishing pole for the little fishing set I made for my nephew. The fish are done. I'll post a picture of the finished gift soon!
The best part of these? Most of my materials were things I already had on hand!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Oh, boy, and "O" blog!
Today's creativity lies in being frugal. After all, it takes a creative mind to make good use of 'just a little.' You will find yummy recipes and tips over at "Our Red House." http://www.ourredhouse.blogspot.com/
It is pouring rain and gloomy here on Long Island. Kate has a recipe for "Easy, Cheesy Potato Chowder" that would really hit the spot this afternoon--if only I had potatoes on hand, LOL!
BTW, thanks to everyone for all the nice comments on my dress on Sew Crafty Friday! I didn't get back to check out the posts and was surprised at how many people responded. You're all the best!
It is pouring rain and gloomy here on Long Island. Kate has a recipe for "Easy, Cheesy Potato Chowder" that would really hit the spot this afternoon--if only I had potatoes on hand, LOL!
BTW, thanks to everyone for all the nice comments on my dress on Sew Crafty Friday! I didn't get back to check out the posts and was surprised at how many people responded. You're all the best!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Good CVS Deal this week
Actually, there are several pretty good deals at CVS this week, but here's just one where you can actually make a profit.
Garnier Fructis Shine Burst and Strength and Repair Shampoo or Conditioner--3.99. You get 3.99 in ECBs back--which makes it free.
Look in your shampoo file, or in the Valassis (now called Redplum) circulars from either January 6th or today (February 3rd)--there is a dollar coupon.
Use the coupon and you make $1 profit!
If you look at page 2 of the CVS circular today, you see a deal where you get back $5 in ECBs with the purchase of $10 in products. There are coupons for ALL of these items in today's Smartsource Coupon circular.
Happy Shopping!
Garnier Fructis Shine Burst and Strength and Repair Shampoo or Conditioner--3.99. You get 3.99 in ECBs back--which makes it free.
Look in your shampoo file, or in the Valassis (now called Redplum) circulars from either January 6th or today (February 3rd)--there is a dollar coupon.
Use the coupon and you make $1 profit!
If you look at page 2 of the CVS circular today, you see a deal where you get back $5 in ECBs with the purchase of $10 in products. There are coupons for ALL of these items in today's Smartsource Coupon circular.
Happy Shopping!
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