Happy Frugal Friday 371

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- We celebrated Thanksgiving with just immediate family that we see almost weekly. We enjoyed the leftovers through Sunday lunch! 

- Friday we decorated the house. We made a deal when we got married that excpet for the tree, we would only decorate with handmade or second hand/antique items. Our Christmas decor certainly would never make a fashion blog but we love it!

- I sold one of the last "little kid" toys on Facebook. Made: $20

- I ran several holiday book parties and even some book deals for my VIPs through my Usborne Books & More business. You still have time to shop with me and have books by Christmas: Amy's Book Business

- I shopped a Black Friday Deal (40% off) through Spiffy and Splendid. I sent pairs out as gifts to two of my Book Ladies as a prize fo completing the November Team Challenge. 

- I scored my ALL TIME biggest Black Friday Savings on Saturday. I had ordered an item at about 50% off thanks to a sale and coupons. I had nearly $10 cashback through Rakutan and free shipping. I felt GREAT about the deal. Then when the item came it had a clearance sticker on it for about half of what I had paid. That didn't make me happy! I took the invoice and item with clearance sticker over to Kohl's and they refunded me the difference! I was seriously impressed with their customer service and that they honored their price tag. Overall I saved almost 80% off the retail price!

- We were SO proud of Annabeth on vacation. Going in, since the kids had received money/giftcards, we asked them what one thing they really wanted. Owen mentioned both a Beast and Pluto stuffed animal and was able to get both with his money. Annabeth wanted an ice cream backpack she saw on a Disney video. We searched all week but couldn't find "the" one. Although the Disney stores offered many, many alternatives none were "it". We were able to order it online (thankfully on sale for 1/2 price) and she waited a week for it to come. I was so impressed that at age nine she was able to not seek instant gratification at the stores but to wait for what she wanted. 

Worth the wait!

She has been carrying it everywhere this week.

- Tuesday evening our neighbors surprised the kids with chocolate Advent Calendars. They have enjoyed a little candy as we read the Bible each day. 

- Wednesday evening another neighbor gave the kids with little Christmas trees to build and decorate with stickers. They had a good time working on those during read-aloud time one day.

- Thursday we had friends over, our first company in a month or so! The kids loved playing, I loved talking to a good friend, and we enjoyed having them stay for dinner. 

We had a nice, low key week and are looking forward to a fun weekend with some friends and family. 

Happy Savings to All!