Frugal Friday 373

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last Friday was over sixty degrees and Mark and Annabeth took advantage of the warm weather by camping out in the backyard with a tent. The kids really love one-on-one time with Mark and she loved this!

- Saturday my friend Angie and I hosted a fundraiser for Annabeth's dance company. We put together a fun paint canvas event that earned dancers 70% of each paint fee paid in their name. We were able to help dancers raise around $100 towards fees. We are hoping for a bigger event next time but I think everyone who came had a great time. 

- Saturday after the paint event, we drove through Compass Park and around downtown to look at Christmas lights as a family. We hadn't done much of that during the week and the kids, especially Owen, loved it.

- We were tempted, and begged by the kids, to eat out Saturday. We were good and came home for dinner. I had planned poorly though and had homemade lasagna on the menu so we ended up eating after the time that the kids usually go to bed. That being said we stuck to our menu and budget for the week by cooking at home. 

- Sunday we stayed home ALL DAY! It was lovely to be home, all four of us. We read, watched Christmas movies, Mark made chilli, and then we had family game night.

- I was able to finish out our Christmas shopping on Shutterfly thanks to a 50% off + extra 25% off + free shipping deal! I had put our vacation scrapbook in my cart and with shipping it was going to be $65 a few weeks ago. I waited and was able to get three photo books and a photo gift for just $80 this week! It was worth the wait!

- Tuesday night Mark had a meeting and the kids asked for a Mama-Kid Date. We got out to deliver something to friends, drove home a new way to look at Christmas lights, and each ate a piece of Halloween candy while we watched a Christmas Special on Disney +. Special does not have to cost money. 

- Wednesday we woke up to SNOW! The kids were out playing before the sun was really up, we made homemade hot cocoa, and they played another two hours after school. We only got an inch or so but they were so excited to show Oscar the snow (which he loved!) and to play all day!

- Wednesday evening Annabeth had her annual dance company Christmas party. The kids were able to play lots of fun games, she won a package of Oreos, and they received little goodie bags. Usually this party has all of the families, a big dinner, and more but it sounds like the masked, dancer only party was just as much fun as ever. Thank you SDA for making the kids' dance year incredible!

- While Annabeth was at her party, I picked up peppermint hot chocolate and surprised Owen with an outing. He had asked early in the day if he could have a date with Mark and me. We parked on Main Street and walked past all of the restaurants, the movies, and then spent about 45 minutes looking at Christmas lights on the square while drinking our hot chocolates. There was beautiful snow falling and it was just wonderful. I so love being able to give our kids little, perfect moments to treasure.

- My parents came for a short visit and brought us our Christmas gift early. We, especially Mark, have always wanted a Hoosier cabinet but either never had a place to put it and then even when we had the place we didn't have room in the budget. My parents found one in incredible condition, for a great deal and it's our Christmas gift! Thank you all for buying and trasnporting it! 

We had a great week, enjoying so many sweet, little moments. 

Happy Savings to All!