Friends, I apologize for my silence on these pages over the past several weeks. Life has gotten rather busy and my time management skills took a minute to adjust! But I’m back now – just in time for a rousing rendition of Five Frugal Things. You’ll get more than your money’s worth this week – I’ve been saving a few extra for you!
1. I found 20 more euros under the dresser while decluttering.
OK, this is getting to be a bit much at this point – but I’m not complaining! I’m not sure where all these euros are coming from – we are not a money exchange around here – but I can only assume that after our international travels, when international currency loses its value day to day, things fall by the wayside. No more! As I collect these I’m putting them all in one designated place, and the next time we visit overseas we’ll live like royalty. ;)
2. Papa John’s sent me a 50% off promo code, and I snapped it right up.
I’m sure this promotion is all over the country, but here in the DC region when one of our sports teams wins a game by a certain amount, Papa John’s sends a coupon code out for half off. Well, in their last week of regular season play, the Washington Nationals won a game by five runs, and here came Papa John’s with their usual offer. I had a hankering for pizza when LeeLee was away for work, so I grabbed it at once!
3. I’ve renewed my focus on using cloth napkins.
I know I’m not alone here – it is SO EASY to fall into the habit of using paper towels for generally everything. But it’s not great for the environment, nor is it great for my wallet, so I’ve made a point to get back to using cloth napkins for meals. Bonus: It adds an air of festivity to the proceedings! :)
4. I dropped off my Old Navy returns before the deadline.
I recognize that this is a Frugal Thing that should be table stakes, but given the busy-ness of life it isn’t always so. So let the record show that I returned my Old Navy items, which were the wrong size, to the store before the deadline and got my refund with no problems.
5. I took myself on a date to the ballpark for a song.
After LeeLee and I went to the ballpark in mid-September for a Washington Nationals game, I had a hankering to go again! But as we remain on a bit of an austerity plan, I didn’t want to pay top dollar (or even middle dollar if I’m being honest). But a $15 ticket in the 100 level, just behind first base? Now that’s more my speed. I brought my own lunch along – a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with chips and Oreos, if you must know – as well as an empty water bottle for filling up once I got into the park. And the cherry on top? I had a $15 gift card for the park concessions, which I redeemed for a beer, costing me $7 with tip. Not a bad day at the ballpark, price-wise! We lost, but who cares? It was a fun afternoon nevertheless.
6. Our electricity bill was lower year over year!
Oh, happy day! I do love to see we’ve burned fewer kilowatt hours year over year, and this month’s bill absolutely delighted me. Our AC hasn’t gotten nearly as much of a workout now that the temperatures have dropped, and we’ve worked hard to do all the other energy-efficient things like turning lights off when we leave a room, etc. Evidently it’s paying off – I’ll take it!
7. I got several new dress shirts on Buy Nothing!
I’d been in the market for a new white long-sleeve dress shirt, and not one but THREE became available all in one week! Even better – they fit perfectly, and look pretty darn good I must say! So now I’m all set for the fall and winter seasons. Whoohoo!
8. I ordered four free covid tests from the government.
It’s that time again! Go to covidtests.gov right away to pick up four covid tests to add to your arsenal. It beats buying them for full price (or any price)!
Catch me up on what I’ve missed in the comments!
:)