Frugal Friday 486

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Friday we had our best friends over. We served lunch and with five busy kids in the house I skipped cooking and just did Make-Your-Own-Lunchables. Between us we have over a dozen food allergies so I just offered an array of crackers, lunch meat, veggies, fruit, and safe dessert. The kids sat down to lunch for about 4.5 minutes and then were back to playing.I used to stress over cooking/serving a meal for play dates but have really let that go. It helps me be less stressed, the kids still eat, and it gives me more time to actually visit with my friends who come to visit too. 

- Last weekend the kids danced in Carmel. We loved being at a new venue with a new area around it to explore. Once again, our schedule worked out to drive back and forth saving us the cost of a hotel. We packed lunches and snacks vs eating out. We also walked and window shopped in the area we were in. No money spent and yet we had a great time!

The kids loved walking between dances.

The area had neat statues, a free little library, and more.

- Sunday evening we did splurge and each had a date with a kid. Mark and Annabeth ate at the Spaghetti Factory. It's difficult to find safe restaurants but she loves to eat out. Mark was thrilled to be able to have this special date with her. Owen and I picked up burgers and ice cream, his choice, and ate dinner at home to save Oscar after 8 hours in his crate.

- Last week we cleaned out our school room. We had some games that were still new in their boxes. We had planned to take the to the Kids' Sale but a local high school student left us a note asking for games, books, etc to be donated for her Senior Project to a local nursing home. We happily shared those games with her for her project.

- We gave several gifts this week as we celebrated birthdays and such. I try to shop small when I can so we gave gifts from Mary&Martha as well as PaperPie. 

- Wednesday the weather was gorgeous! We parked downtown, walked a few miles, played at one of the parks, and stopped in Hoosier Candy Cupboard for a gift for a party this weekend. For dinner, Mark and I had a date night at the Willard with dessert at Bakehouse 1823. (Gluten Free friends 1823 is a gluten free bakery/restaurant!) I love, love, love our small town!

We are so thankful that, at least for a few days, spring seemed to remember it was here. We enjoyed long, delicious afternoons and evenings outdoors. 

Happy Savings to All!