Friday, May 26, 2023

Frugal Friday 495

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Friday the kids and I went to the park with friends. The kids had a great time creek stomping and catching crawdads. I had the best conversation with a dear friend and it was just the perfect summer afternoon!

- Saturday morning Mark and Annabeth headed over to his brother's house. He helped Luke disassemble their playset while Annabeth kept track of the kids for them. Luke and Cass are moving soon and we are out of town on the big moving weekend which we feel awful about because they have always been so good about helping us move, paint, etc at each place we've lived. Mark was glad to be able to help them last weekend. 

- When the project was done, two of them headed down to Nashville for the afternoon. They took a walk around lots of the shops and picked up some new magic tricks at the magic shop. This is always the #1 stop for the kids when we're in Nashville. They have learned most of their tricks there and also from this magic book.

- While they were out and about, Owen and I took a long walk downtown. We also stopped in Coffeehouse Five for a coffee. Mark had gotten a giftcard earlier this spring when he reviewed a doctor's office. The giftcard did cover most of the cost of the coffee which was so nice. 

- In the afternoon, we enjoyed two parties. Owen was invited to a friend's birthday. It was Harry Potter themed and he had a great time buying Harry Potter candy at our local candy shop and also gifted her a giftcard to the shop. After the birthday, we headed over to a graduation open house. We gifted the graduate a faith based gift as we pray that above all else she continues to pursue her relationship with Jesus. 

- Sunday after church we headed up to the city for the Indians game. We try to get to one game a year and we found out last year that the May games are still really nice weather wise. Sunday was 70ish and sunny. We always sit on the first base line, up in the shade and it was the perfect day for baseball. The kids enjoyed Kids-Eat-Free lunches but we did splurge on Dippin' Dots and Cotton Candy for dessert.

Indians Game 
We love to sit up in the shade!

- This week was picture week at dance. Over the years, we had opted to not purchase the pictures as a way to save money. The photographer does a wonderful job but we already have stage pictures from different competitions so it feels redundant to buy these as well. 

- Tuesday was our 14th Wedding Anniversary. We enjoyed dinner at home, Mark is eating a special diet and it felt easiest to just cook it at home, took Annabeth to dance, and did loads and loads of laundry. It was the first year that we haven't been out to a special dinner or something but we are saving for something big for #15 so it felt like a great year to keep it small. 

#14

- Wednesday afternoon the kids and I parked and walked downtown. We shopped small for two upcoming graduations - shopping at a local boutique for one and a local restaurant for the other. When we do spend money, we work very hard to spend it in small shops, locally owned places, or with family/friends businesses. 

We spent hours and hours outdoors this week. We cleaned up the yard, watered our little bucket garden twice a day, rode bikes, and walked for miles. It's just starting to get hot in the afternoons so we are trying out best to get out in the morning and evening.

We are looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend with family and are so thankful for all those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

Happy Savings to All

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