Frugal Friday 418

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Friday, we babysat our niece. She needed to be home from daycare and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are just back from a trip so they didn't have days to use. The kids and I were MORE than happy to spend the day with her! The kids were so sweet and helpful and Little Miss learned all about long division and Ronald Reagan - things all babies should know. 

- I forgot to mention that last week my mama surprised Mark and Annabeth with a new-to-us sewing machine. They have been borrowing Mark's mom's this fall and have made many projects. Mama's friend mentioned cleaning out her house and that she had a sewing machine she didn't use/need. She kindly gave it to us to use and we are so thankful! Already the boys have made Owen a new pencil case and have begun teacher gifts for their dance teachers. 

- We are doing, FINALLY, a Homemade Christmas. I have talked about doing this for years but this year we're finally doing it! All of the adults in our family and many teachers will be receiving homemade gifts. We are SO excited for everyone to see what we've been working on! 

- Saturday was GORGEOUS and was our town's Holiday Open House. Mark's mom came down for the afternoon and we enjoyed Cans for Cartoons at our local Artcraft Movie Theater. (Where else can you still pay for movies with a can good, win prizes, and sing the National Anthem all before a movie?!) After the show, we walked downtown and Nana bought everyone treats at the Hoosier Candy Cupboard and dinner at Chicago's. It was hard to believe it was November in Indiana because it was so sunny and warm. 

- We are doing a pantry/fridge/freezer challenge. We are working to eat down what we have. One of my favorite ways to eliminate food waste is to pack out items that the kids have been passing over. When we head out to the park or on a field trip, I make a point to pack the pantry items the kids haven't been eating. When we are out and about, away from choices, the kids will happily eat non-favorite granola bars or pretzels. If items are unopened and no one likes them, I will generally donate but for open packages the pack-out is the way to finish them off!

- Wednesday I had an early morning appointment. Around 7:30, I stopped by Main & Madison Market for coffee and breakfast. I took a quick little walk around downtown and enjoyed watching the sunrise over downtown. That night Mark and I had dinner at The Willard and took an hour long walk as the sunset. It was fun to open and close the day downtown. We live in the sweetest small town and I am so thankful for it!

- This week was GORGEOUS! We spent a ton of time outside playing, biking, and walking. Mark went to his mom's house a couple of days and got some HUGE yard/deck projects completed for her. Yesterday it was rainy and after school the kids had the best time creating! They are in the process of turning a giant roll of packing paper into a Chinese Dragon. I can't wait to see it when it's done!

Oscar, of course, had to be right in the middle of the project!

I'll "see" you again here in two weeks - next week is my annual vacation from social media! :) 

Happy Savings to All!