Frugal Friday 402

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last week we went to St. Louis for a long weekend for the Applause Nationals. We had originally booked more nights in the hotel than we ended up needing. We were able to cancel several nights. Saved: $400+

- On the way down, the kids and I took the long way and dropped Oscar off at my parents' house. I was too nervous to kennel him and he LOVES being spoiled by the grandparents. I am not sure the cost of boarding but I know we saved a bundle. Thank you Mama and Dad! 

- We ate down a great deal of our fridge/pantry before leaving town but still had many fresh veggies that we wouldn't be able to cook in our hotel room. We took snap peas, corn on the cob, and tomatoes to my parents' house.

- The first morning we drove about seven minutes from the hotel to see the World's Largest Catsup Bottle. We saw it two years ago when we stayed in Collinsville for dance and the kids have talked about it ever since. It was just as exciting to them this time. 

- We only had one eat out meal on our trip. We met our dear friend Brianne for dinner at Fitz's Root Beer. It was wonderful to catch up and the atmosphere/food was great!

- Before meeting up for dinner we walked the Delmar Loop, St. Louis Walk of Fame, and stopped in United Provisions. It was such a fun, unique (to us) grocery and we allowed each of the kids to choose some international treats. We spent under $20 and felt like it was a good souvenir stop for the kids.

- Originally we had planned to drive an hour, both ways, for a mine tour on our off day from dance. That day the kids had zero interest in leaving the hotel pool. We had not made tour reservations so we stayed and swam. We saved about 120 miles in gas AND nearly $100 by not taking the tour. 

- We did spend around $50 at a Walmart near our hotel for fresh fruit, veggies, meat, and eggs for the weekend. We chose a hotel that served both breakfast and dinner but saved a ton by making our own lunches each day. 

- Annabeth danced nearly all day Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. We took our own food over and only spent $20 on a t-shirt for her. We do not buy any other competition gear during the year but she has always gotten one shirt from nationals.

- Thursday evening we met up with Mark's brothers' family at the Concordia Seminary in St. Louis where he is studying. We had not been to see their house there and enjoyed a tour of the beautiful campus! We especially enjoyed seeing the unique stained glass in the chapel. It was great to spend an evening with them.

- We spent less than half of what we spent on Nationals two years ago and I am proud of those savings! We are saving for a big trip, that the kids don't know about yet, so we tried very hard to let them do big vacation things without a big vacation budget. They had a great time and came home very happy!

- This week we came home to unpacking, school, and MANY trips to the fairgrounds to drop off 4H projects. We are looking forward to FAIR WEEK!

Happy Savings to All!