Frugal Friday 528

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Friday we had friends up to play. Each of the kids did bit of school work, we finished the rest of Saturday, and we all had a great time with friends. We were juggling many allergies so I did a nacho bar and prepackaged safe cookies for dessert. We celebrated the January and February birthdays in the group. 

- Friday night through Sunday evening Mark camped with his Scout Troop. Due to the unexpected snow on Friday afternoon, they all go safely to the school where they meet and spent the night there. They headed on to camp in the morning when the roads were clear and much safer. They had a great, cold weekend. Mark brought home an extra package of sub rolls so I worked those into the menu this week.

- The kids and I stayed home and enjoyed the snow. Saturday evening the roads had cleared enough to head over to church for a "Jesus Loves You Snow Much" event that our Children's Ministry Team put on. It is my pleasure to serve on this committee and we had a great time with the families able to come. Annabeth made oatmeal, double-chocolate chip cookies to take for the pot luck. We went to Saturday night service after the event.

- Sunday we stayed home and cleaned house and had a school day. This worked well as we took Monday off school to be with Mark since he was off for the holiday.

- Monday morning we attended a rescheduled Valentine's Day party at my friend Katelyn's. Katelyn always does a lovely job of hosting and we had a pitch-in for lunch. We took along a cheese ball and crackers and Annabeth brought her own safe meal. Katelyn had several crafts for the kids and then they all exchanged non-food Valentine's. Our kids took along bubbles and pencils as those were items I was hoping the other kids would use and enjoy. 

 - Mark and Owen both did HUGE cleanouts over the past couple weeks. We have taken more than 150 items to donate, many items went straight to trash or recycling, and we have some to save back for the kids' sale as well. Next week I'll check in with our February totals for our 2,024 in 2024 Challenge. 

- As Owen cleaned out a lot of clothing and baseball gear, I listed it for sale on Facebook. Sold baseball pants and heart guard. I also sold two shirts. Made: $23

- As we cleaned out we have taken two HUGE boxes of items to donate. I always make a point to load up and donate either the evening we clean out or the next day. This is your sign to do the same with a donate box you have sitting around - let it go!

- I had two things come in the mail that didn't fit as I had hoped. Since I knew Owen and I wouldn't use them - we took them to return right away. The items aren't in our house now and the money is back in bank account. Do you have items that need returned? Take it today!

- Owen got his haircut this week. This is one thing that we do hire out and it's well worth it. This week he sat still enough for some cool designs. He was thrilled!

Mr. O - Feeling SO cool!

- Yesterday, we took advantage of Butler's free educational series. We enjoyed the show Radium Girls. This was listed as a middle/high school performance but Owen did enjoy parts of it. 

- Last night was rom-com movie night with some of the moms from our co-op. I'm really thankful that this year's mom's night out committee has offered so many events at different days/times as I've been able to make it to several. I took along chips and dip and we all snacked and enjoyed a movie. 

We had an unusually warm week for February and as a result spent so many hours outside flying kites, walking, bike riding, and warming up for baseball season. I am so thankful for this lovely week!

We are looking forward to the kids' first dance competition this weekend. Good luck SDA Company!

Happy Savings to All!  

Frugal Friday 527

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Friday night we went to the Dick's Outlet for spring sports gear for the kids. We found a great deal on tops and tennis shoes for Annabeth. We did find new baseball cleats for Owen that were a good sale for the brand but still much more money than I had hoped to spend. I did a quick Google search and found a better savings online. We left those at the store, ordered online, and they arrived this week saving us $35 from the outlet sale price.

- On the way home, we made a last minute decision to eat out. The kids had been very upset last week when Mark was called out right as we sat down to eat dinner. I found a $25 coupon and we took the kids to Bucca Di Beppo for the first time. Obviously, we could have stopped somewhere much more affordable but the kids loved the decor, the food was awesome as always, and with such large portions we also had it for lunch and snacks on Saturday. 

- On Saturday, Mark and Owen volunteered with the Scout making Super Bowl Subs. Their troop and pack sell this every year as a fundraiser. Annabeth spent the afternoon with Nana and they took a coupon to Bath and Bodyworks for a free lotion. Annabeth also spent some of her own money on some new soaps and such.

- Saturday morning I had a meeting with fellow MVP Travel Advisor Kiki. We went over our goals from the last month, helped each other with some projects, and set new goals until we meet again in March. Monday evening we had our team Zoom where we share ideas and learn more about our vendors. Since we work remotely, I really love these in person opportunities to work together. If you have travel plans for 2024 or 2025 please reach out at a.riley@magicalvacationplanner.com - I'd love to help you.

- Sunday after church Mark's mom hosted lunch for my birthday. I got to choose the menu of pizza and cookie cake. I was spoiled with a gift card to a coffee shop I love and new Mickey/Minnie bags. Thank you Rileys! 

- Monday and Tuesday were both incredibly busy with appointments, meetings, and getting into the busy busy part of dance season. I planned ahead some very basic, easy, quick dinners so we wouldn't be tempted to go out. We had two kinds of pasta/veggie bakes this week as well as BLT's. Everyone was actually happier than when I make big recipes. 

- I received my quarterly Rakuten check. I deposited into one of the kid's savings account. 

- Yesterday on the way to co-op, we realized that while we had made lunches we had forgotten the lunch bag. We went to recreation with friends for about 90 minutes after class and then left early to go home for lunch. We could have eaten out but it really, really wasn't in this week's budget so I held firm. 

I had a wonderful birthday week. I was most thankful for a nearly hour long phone call with my Momaw on my birthday. I don't know many people who have the joy of having grandparents still at my age and I am so thankful for her! The kids and Mark made a lovely dinner of cheese bread and cookies for me and surprised me with the most wonderful gift - a new chromebook! Mine has been dying a slow death for about a year, I've limped it along with a dead mouse, broken keys, and without any more updates (it's 5+ years old). I was just blown away by the surprise of a new computer for work and the fact that the kids have kept this secret for many weeks! 

We are looking forward to a cold, busy weekend

One of the highlights of the week has been kite flying.

Our neighbor Ed, who is around 90, came out to help Owen.

I feel so blessed to have such dear neighbors!

.Happy Savings to All! 

 

Frugal Friday 526

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Thursday-Sunday the kids and I spent the weekend in Evansville for an early birthday weekend for me! Hooray! It was our first trip home since Christmas and much needed.

- Friday we went to Owensboro for the day to visit everyone. I picked bagels for lunch and received a beautiful new outfit from Momaw. I am so thankful for 37 birthdays with her!!!

So thankful for my dear Momaw and Mama

- Saturday Mama, Lu, Annabeth, and I had a Girls' Day. We went to Dwell Darmstadt for brunch and then went thrifting. We shopped two stores and I only brought home two items for myself! Their stores still have dressing rooms, unlike ours here in Central Indiana, so I was able to try on. I brought home a Madewell tank that I've had my eyes on forever on the website, paid $1.99 vs $38 new, and a dress. The dress is actually the same as one I already own, and wear many many times each summer, but in different colors. I know I will get good use from it! Mama and Lu found a few items but we really hit the jackpot with items for Annabeth and Owen. Thank you Mama for treating us all!

- After church on Sunday, Mama and I went to a grocery store that is local to her but not up north. She bought the kids lots of safe treats as a Valentine's Day gift. Thank you!! If you ever want to give a great gift to a young family - buy groceries! Such a treat!

- We continued our house cleanout. Listed many items for sale. Made: $30

- I wrapped up our Winter Cards for a Cause at the kids' dance studio. Families sold 50 card boxes and earned over $650 towards class fees! I am so thankful to be able to offer this with my book business. Ask me today if you have a group or nonprofit you'd like to raise money for! 

- Wednesday night we took dinner to some friends/co-workers who welcomed a new baby last month. We made chicken broccoli alfredo, cheese bread, and Annabeth made chocolate chip cookies. I always like making this dish as it's easy to double for us to eat that same night as well. 

- Last night was set for Family Date Night, we had plans to go to pizza and then take the kids out to get shoes for spring sports. As soon as the breadsticks arrived, Mark was called to a scene. We got the pizza to go and the kids and I went home and had dinner together. We'll hold off on the shopping for when Mark can come too. 

This was a busy week. I am thankful for the warm, sunny weather but we were very disappointed that Mark worked an incredible number of hours this week. We miss him and hope to have him home this weekend!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 525

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we've saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last Friday-Sunday we went to Fort Wayne for both kids to participate in the Refresh Dance Convention. Our studio requires one convention a year and the kids both LOVE this one! We booked a hotel through my travel business and saved over 50% the cost of hotels attached to the convention center. We did have about a 10 minute drive each day but the money saved was well worth it. 

Refresh Day 1 - Ready to dance!

- While the kids danced, Mark and I had a date day on Saturday. He really wanted to visit the Famous Coney Island hot dog stand so we went right at 9 AM when it opened at missed the long line of people it usually has. At just $1.95 for a coney dog it was a cheap breakfast out. We also did some antique browsing. For maybe the first time ever, we antiqued without buying a single item. We enjoyed many of the items we found but didn't feel like any of them needed to come home with us to add value to our lives. 

- Saturday evening we did eat a planned meal out. We always get Burger Bar in Fort Wayne as it's treenut/peanut free and Annabeth can have any item on the menu including dessert! We had planned ahead for this eat-out meal. 

- Sunday after we dropped the kids at dance, we drove down to the Morgan's house. Our friend Melissa's parents are kind enough to host us each Sunday of this annual Fort Wayne weekend. We split the cost of pizza with everyone and had a great day! We picked the kids up, exhausted and happy, and made the drive home.

- Our dear friend Lily was our house and pup sitter this weekend. We have had Lily house/pet/kid sit many times over the years and I just am so thankful for her! Oscar doesn't like many people but I always leave easily knowing he's happy with her. She always takes incredible care of the house too. We are so thankful for her! We also save a tremendous amount of money using a private house/pet sitter vs using a dog boarding business. 

- As we finished out January, we happily parted ways with 294 items as part of our "2,024 in 2024." The saddest items for me were two picture frames with beach pictures that I store in my closet in the winter as I rotate my decor through the year. They fell one day and both broke. One frame was from our wedding and one was from Mark and the kids for my 30th birthday. Both were very special items that I would not have parted ways with otherwise. Thankfully the pictures were fine so I saved those and let the frames go. The easiest item, was my student level flute. My nieces are both playing flute and I hope that it can be a blessing for them during their student years.

- Most of the items we let go of so far in the challenge have been donated, passed on, or just thrown away/recycled. I did list some of the kids' clothing and shoes items on Facebook. Total made so far in the challenge: $10. 

Yesterday, for the first time in weeks, we had a hint of sunshine! We cheered and ran outdoors to soak it in! I keep reading that the past 10 weeks have been the darkest weeks of the year - the sun, the light, spring is coming!!

Happy Savings to All!