Frugal Friday 511

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Friday night we celebrated Annabeth's birthday with one of her best friends. Annabeth had debated back and forth about a party theme, guest list, etc and in the end I felt like maybe she really didn't want to even have a party. Instead, we picked up her friend and shopped at Claire's, got Starbucks, and then picked up pizza on the way home. I am SO thankful that Annabeth has such a wonderful friend in Sophia and that her mom Melissa is one of my best friends. All four of us had a great night!

- We selected the girls' duet costume for the year. I have scrimped the past two years on solo costumes, spending $70 total across the two years, so we were able to spend more on a duet costume this year. We chose catalog over costume and plan to make our own enhancements. This saved us $80 over the last custom one that we purchased. 

- Saturday it was Owen's turn for birthday fun. He went to a Cub Scout friend's party and enjoyed Urban Air for the first time. He LOVED it and was excited to give J the books he had selected for him. 

- Saturday evening Mark did a handyman job for some neighbors. Made: $60

- Sunday after church we visited a new orchard to us, Anderson Orchard, with the Indy Rileys to celebrate Annabeth's birthday. We spent $20 on apples and pumpkins and enjoyed a packed picnic lunch near the petting zoo. The kids loved the animals, live music, and pumpkins. Annabeth received a CD player from Kristi and Disney coloring book from L+C so she has been holed up in her room every spare moment to listen to books on tape and to color. 

- We passed on ballet shoes, leos, and sports bras to a family that has younger daughters and a son. It was great to be able to pass along our very gently used items to them.

- I switched Owen's dresser out from summer to fall. I took some Camp Lakeview and character items that Owen has outgrown to my nephew. We also took his old Style Company jacket, which had been handed down to us, to a younger friend at the studio. 

- I did a quick sort of my own dresser. I eliminated 15 items as well as several unmatched socks. I had been hanging on to three belts "just in case" which is just crazy because with the exception of one tunic top in 2010, I have never worn belts. I was happy to pass on many items and to have space in my drawers! 

- We had remained committed to our every day evening walks. The kids and I typically walk in the morning or during the day but it's been nice to walk as a family in the evenings as well. This is a free, low commitment habit that benefits all of us!

- Wednesday morning the kids and I enjoyed a free showing of Light Wire Theater's "The Tortoise and the Hare." Butler University has an educational series that is free to schools and homeschoolers. We just had to pay $4 for parking.

- Wednesday evening Mark and I had a coffee date. We joined a couple's connection challenge through M+J's Illinois church. We're joining virtually and one of the date options this month was a coffee date. We used a Starbucks gift card, then walked downtown, and naturally ended up having some nachos as well. The kids' evening schedules have shifted this year and we've lost our weekly date night from last year. We're really feeling that missed connection time but are also trying to optimize the night that we have just O with the two of us.

We are looking forward to a busy weekend of learning, birthdays, and more fun! Praying hourly for peace in our world and for the lives so tragically lost. We are certain that Light will triumph over darkness. 

Happy Savings to All!