Frugal Friday 407

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- I spent Thursday thru Saturday in St. Joseph, MI with my best friend. We haven't gotten away together since 2012 so it was VERY much overdue! We spent 10+ hours on the beach, shopped, ate great food, and enjoyed life together! We split the hotel, gas, and food so the trip was very affordable for both of us. I took a cash budget for food/shopping and came home well under budget. 

- Mark and Owen enjoyed three days together. They took a spontaneous trip to the Albanese Candy Factory and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. They also went to Back to School Night for our new co-op. 

- Mark had been pricing sleeping bags for Owen and found that the cheapest one for the quality/weight he was wanting was at least $150. He bought the materials online, borrowed his mom's sewing machine, and he and Owen made their own for just $70 in materials. I am seriously so impressed as they even did a drawstring and zipper! 

- Sunday we enjoyed lunch at Mark's parents' house. Owen very much enjoyed having Nana and PawPaw all to himself! 

- Sunday evening we did a big pre-sale cleanout of Owen's room. He parted ways with several large items that he's outgrown and that we've replaced with older kid versions of them - namely a suitcase and sleeping bag. We also sorted his toys and shoes. I listed many items online. Made: $30

- Mark took that same time Sunday night to clean out his stuff in our room. He cleared a whole dresser which we passed on. He also bagged up many items for trash and to donate. Our room looks huge now!

- I purchased some dance wear from a friend. I LOVE finding good deals on dance items for our kids. Thanks Stacy!

- Owen and I really enjoyed a nice, quiet week together. He loved having the school day to himself and we had so many great read-alouds and chats. Wednesday we had his best bud over to play for the day and they had a great time playing with trucks in the mud. Last night, we did go out to dinner and got him a $5 craft at Hobby Lobby to finish off his week with just Mama and Daddy.

Today we are driving to pick up Annabeth! We left her with my parents LAST Wednesday and while we know that she's had the best time, we cannot wait to have her back!

Happy Savings to All!