Happy Frugal Friday!
Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:
- Last Friday night Mark's mom came and watched the kids for us. They had dinner and played games together. While we did provide dinner, we were so thankful for this as it saved us the cost of a babysitter. We went out to the Cheesecake Factory with a gift card, also from her, that I got for Christmas. She wisely purchased it during a deal where you bought a card and got a $15 bonus card. The bonus card had an expiration date at the end of February so we had to go. Thank you Kristi!
- Saturday was the kids' first dance competition of the year. I ordered a new dance comps and coffee shirt from my friend Melissa and also took along a Starbucks drink for her. I had a reward to cash in, making the treat free!
- We arrived at the high school at 8:30 AM and had events scheduled through 10 PM. I knew we would be tempted to buy concessions or run out for fast food if I didn't plan well. We put a roast in the crock-pot the night before and ran home for lunch. We took along Annabeth's duet partner and had air fried potatoes, green beans, and the roast. We packed out sandwiches for dinner and took those along to the high school.
- Sunday morning we had friends in from out of town. They were here over breakfast so I ran out to WalMart and grabbed mini donuts, bagels, cream cheese, and juice. I added some fresh fruit and it was a simple, no-cook, no clean up breakfast so we could just enjoy their company.
- We had dinners at home this week enjoying supreme pizza, chicken alfredo, chicken/potatoes/corn, bacon sandwiches, and chicken and fries. We had at least some of us out every single night so I went for quick, easy, and simple to reheat meals for zero food waste. By keeping fresh fruit and veggies on hand, I can always add to those to any meal quickly.
- This week Disney World 2025 opened so I was busy with my travel business. This was a surprise to all of us as it typically doesn't open so early but I already have clients booking into next year! Hooray! Are you looking to travel in 2024 or 2025? Let's talk soon!
- I babysat for a friend Wednesday night. It was such a joy to keep her sweet baby girl and they paid very well. This money went toward new shoes for Owen this week. The job came at the perfect time!
- Mark worked overtime this week and also did a handyman job for a family in our neighborhood last night. I believe this is the third time this family has had him out for a simple, at least simple for him, project or two. They pay well and we always welcome the extra money in the budget. He put it towards a new camping item for himself.
- As mentioned above, Owen was in need of new tennis shoes. This is always a very lengthy process so he and I took a few hours to do it last night. In the end, he wore me down enough that he got two pairs. Thanks to a sale and a coupon I spent $55 saving $100 over retail prices.
- Last night, Annabeth subbed for some dance classes. Since her birthday in the fall, Annabeth has been teaching 90 minutes of dance class each week. She is paid for her teaching and the money is applied to her dance budget. This has really helped us cut down on our out of pocket costs and we are saving those funds towards the kids' Nationals and summer classes.
- The kids did not approve any of this weeks' pictures for the blog so you'll have Mr. Oscar Chase to look at this week. Many have commented that they are seeing less of the kids on our social media. This has been at the request of the kids themselves. A few years ago, a Facebook friend of mine struck up a conversation with Annabeth and knew what all we had done the week before thanks to the blog. Annabeth was frightened by the encounter and couldn't figure out how a stranger (to her) would know so much. That conversation began a pull back of what and how much we choose to share here and on other platforms. Our kids do not have phones or social media but many, most, of their friends do. I realized in sharing whatever I wanted to share may have been putting more out there than they wanted. I know share each picture and post for approval from the kids first.
No comments:
Post a Comment