Frugal Friday 318

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Saturday I had a rare in-home Usborne Books & More party. We had so much fun and my hostess earned an incredible $85 in FREE books! I also hosted my Third Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday.  I was pleased to open our home to four additional vendors who enjoyed the free table fee and business exposure.

- Annabeth has been working for a month or more on crafts - paintings, magnets, and some ceramics for the open house. She had her own table with Annabeth's Originals. Thank you to everyone who came and purchase, especially sweet grandparents and aunts/uncles who called and ordered over video chat! :) She is saving her money for next year's vacation.

- Sunday the kids both decided they wanted to be REALLY dressed up. Owen had to wear his new red tie from Grandmama-Mimi and Annabeth wanted to wear her fanciest dress for the Open House. They looked so sweet I had to make pictures.

In their Sunday Best.

Mark was so cute and decided to match Owen while

they went to Sunday lunch at Nana and PawPaw's. 

- Saturday and Sunday were both fun, but long, days. We resisted the urge to eat out and I cooked dinner at home each night. When I am tired or in a hurry is when I am most tempted to eat out or run through a drive-thru. We have worked really hard to break that habit. Mark has also been taking his lunch or coming home most days.

- Mark worked some overtime.

- Monday Mark was off for Veteran's Day. We splurged and took the kids bowling. We used a $5 coupon to save one shoe rental fee. We came home and Owen and I spent the afternoon curled up reading while Mark and Annabeth played Monopoly.

- Monday night we had our first snow, nearly 4 inches, of the year. Annabeth and I were at dance but Mark and Owen went out to play and had hot chocolate afterward.

- Tuesday we got out in the snow for a free bat lecture and regular P.E. class at Franklin College. Thank you to our friend Ben for allowing us to sit in on the bat lecture and for the openness of Franklin College to include learners of all ages.

- Tuesday evening Mark helps lead a cub scout pack and boy scout troop. This week they were making fruit salad so he took fruit from our Imperfect box. We had ordered more than we had used so that was a perfect way to ensure we're using all of the food that we buy.

- We spent two afternoons at the library, playing games and visiting with other homeschool friends. We also stocked up on books and movies for the snowy week.

- I had a bit of money from a fundraiser to help pay our dance budget this month. That allowed me to have extra money to go out to dinner with a friend/potential book lady last night.

We had a great week and the kids really enjoyed the first snow of the year. I held to my commitment to spend a minimum of 20 mindful minutes outside each day (not just walking from a car to a building) and I think we are ALL better for it. We have been doing this since last winter and it really helps to keep everyone happy even on dreary days or really hot or really cold days.

We are looking forward to the weekend with some special out-of-town company.

Happy Savings to All!