Frugal Friday 562

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon we were down south with my family. We were very excited that Mark was able to take Friday off to come along. My parents treated us to sushi dinner on Thursday evening and we caught up with our friend Helen there.

- Friday was our "Thanksgiving." Us ladies prepped the table, cooked, and such while my dad worked and Mark/Owen ticked three counties off of our count. They checked out Sullivan, Pike, and Knox counties.  Mark was especially excited to spend a long morning in Vincennes so he could show Owen where he spent his college years. For Thanksgiving my mama made turkey, rolls, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes two ways, and pumpkin pie. My sister made our family potstickers and dressing. I brought along apple dumplings. 

- Saturday we spent the day in Owensboro. We took a mini Thanksgiving to Momaw and enjoyed having the whole day with her. Some of the group went down to the river for an evening light show and holiday walk while others stayed back to visit with Momaw. I am so thankful for the precious gift of time.

- After church on Sunday, Mama, Mark, and Annabeth made a Costco trip. We did have a membership one year (we received it as a Christmas gift from Mark's mom) but did not renew it since several family members have one and we just tag along with them. Thank you to my mom for the gift of some groceries from this trip! She also sent home leftover marshmallows and stuffing mix from the weekend. 

- Monday morning we woke up without water. There was an issue in our town with the water. We went most of the morning without water and I was, at first, frustrated as I had hoped to knock out the weekend laundry. However, I quickly remembered a friend in North Carolina who just posted last week that they are finally not under a boil-water-advisory after the hurricane. They went more than a month without safe water - it was a good reminder that a morning wasn't any time at all. 

- Mark and I had a little date Monday evening while the kids were at a class. We used a buy one, get one free coupon to get sandwiches at Penn Station. We also picked up our library holds and ran into WalMart for a few items that had accidentally not come on our grocery order. It wasn't big or fancy but we didn't look at screens, held hands in the store, and enjoyed time together. 

- Tuesday my sister came to visit. She took Annabeth out on a special date for pizza lunch and to the Lego store. This was her birthday gift for Annabeth and she LOVED having a special day with just Aunt Lu. Annabeth chose a Harry Potter Lego set and they also cashed in free earring coupons at Claire's.

- While they had their date, my Dad, Owen, and I did Lawrence and Jackson Counties. In Lawrence Co, we had brunch at Magic Morning Bakery and the boys spent some time at the Army Surplus Store. In Jackson County we had lots of free fun at the Visitor's Center, John Mellencamp Mural, walking downtown, and then we visited the Reno Gang Graves. The Reno Gang committed the first train robbery in the whole United States just outside Seymour!

- Yesterday we hosted Thanksgiving for Mark's mom and us. Mark was on-call for the holiday for several agencies so we stayed home from a big family trip to IL to see the rest of the Rileys. Kristi brought turkey burgers and many sides. We made homemade Mac&Cheese, mashed potatoes, rolls, and the kids each baked their own homemade dessert. 

Mark worked the early morning hours and then

went out again after lunch. Thankful for part of Thanksgiving with him

and for all those who work holidays. He's been back to work this morning already.

- After a snacky dinner last night, I got a good outdoor walk in. It was just above freezing and gorgeous with all of the neighborhood Christmas lights. After my walk, we piled in the car to check "Look at Christmas Lights" off our Christmas Bucket List with a special stop at Christmas Acres. It was beautifully done and we loved that it was free! They do collect food for the InterChurch Food Pantry so we were happy to talk along cans for that. 

- Ahead of Black Friday, I did shop two sales. I was in need of winter boots (saved $20 on those) and also new tennis shoes (saved $40 on these). I typically buy tennis shoes every other year on Black Friday Sale. The new ones become my good walking ones and the old pair become my yard shoes. 

As today is Black Friday, it's a good time to remember that it's only a good deal if you need it. Don't need it? Don't even really want it? Don't spend the money!

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 561

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- On Friday, the kids went shopping for the Angel Tree at church. In the past, they have been able to shop for a toy, book, or game but this year our church is just doing giftcards. The organizer said that often times the teenagers get overlooked when people buy or they end up with gifts that are too young for them. SO this year our church is donating gifcards for teens to open. Each of the kids chose a restaurant giftcard. It wasn't quite as much fun as shopping for toys for others but they were each very throughtful in their shopping.

- I got an awesome coupon code in my e-mail from Shutterfly. I was able to make some photo items and only paid for shipping. Saved: $64.85!

- Saturday we drove down to Orange County and explored the French Lick and West Baden Resorts. It was the West Baden tree lighting and we enjoyed that along with a beautiful light show. I was looking forward to showing the kids these sights and it was it even more special at Christmas!

We had so much fun getting dressed up for the evening!

We walked to find safe dinner and it was great to explore the 

grounds while we walked. We can't wait to go back

to stay sometime!

The tree after the lighting duuring the light show

- Even though we got home late from the French Lick, the boys camped out in the backyard. They had a new tent they had been wanting to try and figured they should do it before the weather turned really cold later in the week. 

- Sunday after Sunday School and church we had lunch at Mark's mom's house. She served one of the kids' favorite meals and sent home lots of leftovers. Thank you Kristi!

- We had a busy week but I was reminded again and again how BLESSED we are to be busy! I am so thankful that this holiday season will be filled with get-togethers, family, and friends vs four years ago when we celebrated socially distant.

- One of us had a very expensive medical test run. We were both relieved and thrilled when the letter came that our insurance covered it in full! We are SO thankful for that! We have had many, many times when the bill would have come and been nearly full price so we are truly so grateful for good coverage from Mark's work. 

- After our Aldi shopping spree last week, I reigned in our spending this week with a $41 grocery bill. It helped that we had several meals with family/friends so we were taking a long just a few dishes or dessert. 

- While in Indy this week, we picked up some small gifts. The shop's profits all benefit the Riley Cheer Guild and we were more than happy to support that cause that we love.

We are looking forward to a week with family!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 560

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Saturday and Sunday the boys camped in Brown County. This was to make-up for the camping trip they missed earlier this fall due to the hurricane. They tagged along with some friends this weekend and chipped in for food. The group also needed firewood so Mark took our pile from the backyard. We cut down a tree earlier this year and just saved the wood - now we know why! It was great to chip in without having to spend any money!

- On the way home from camping, the boys picked up Monroe County for our count as they had lunch at Mother Bear's Pizza just off IU's campus. Owen loved the pizza, cheesebread, and writing on their walls!

Pizza!

- While the boys were gone, Annabeth and I had a Twilight movie marathon weekend. In the middle of watching the movies, we cleaned house, did the final lawn mow of the season, went to a meeting for church, and went to Sunday School/Church. 

- Owen has stopped taking a medicine that he has taken for several years. While it was only $10/month, we are excited to have that $120 a year back in our medical budget! We've had a very, very expensive medical year with more bills coming so I am thankful for every penny we can save towards those bills. 

- Mark had the holiday off on Monday and so he did a long needed project of replacing our water heater. He has been limping it along with little, inexpensive fixes since 2018 but it was finally time. Mark purchased the water heater and then had a friend help him install it. We saved hundreds vs having a plumber do all of the work. 

- Mark dragged the old water heater down to the street with the hope that someone would pick it up in a day or two for scrap. Someone did the next day! Since we didn't have to pay the transfer station fee we saved: $50

- We had another big expense this week as our main car needed new tires. We have known since the summer that it was coming so we have been saving. We ended up missing some good rebate deals over Labor Day Weekend and mistakingly thought they would reappear at Columbus or Veteran's Day. They did not so we went ahead with the purchase this week as it was absolutely time! We did save 10% thanks to a First Responder Discount. 

- My friend Cat told me how she and her kids shop for groceries "based on their vibes." I have been thinking about it since she told me and we did it on Tuesday. We stopped at Aldi, which we never shop at, and Owen was thrilled to learn about the quarter system. We roamed the aisles, made up a menu as we went along, and the kids thought it was great fun! We did spend $90 which is $15 more than usual but they had crab cakes that we couldn't resist. I did another small grocery trip at Kroger to pick up what Aldi didn't have safely for Annabeth. Our budget can't stand to do this often but it was a fun on a week when I had zero motivation to meal plan or prep.

- We cleaned out our winter wear tote. The kids had several sock hats and mittens that were too small. I washed them and we took over to a Little Free Pantry. 

- My friend Alisha and her boys brought a whole trashbag of clothing over for us. THANK YOU all!! Both kids ended up with new clothes that fit now and some to grow into. Some items were too small or passed over by Owen (who doesn't realize how cool Michael Jordan and Nike are) so we are taking them next month to friends who have three boys. 

- I booked a hotel stay for one of the kids' dance competitions next year. The last two times we've been in that town we've splurged on a condo with two bedrooms and a kitchen as we were there many days. This year the schedule should be a quick in-and-out with most of our time being spent dancing. We're saving $1000 off what we paid last year by doing a hotel vs condo! 

- Last night was our co-op's Friendsgiving. We had the most beautiful night of fellowship with great food and a Christmas ornament craft from the Mom's Christmas Party  Committee. I am SO SO SO thankful for friends who believe what we believe about education and that we can encourage and build each other up.

Tomorrow is our first Family Day since August!! The kids and Mark have been so incredibly busy that we've been many combinations of all of this fall but no days with ALL four of us together. I've planned a fun Indiana County surprise for everyone and I cannot wait to just be together!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 559

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Friday evening we made homemade sushi and had family fun night. I love that our kids love simple fun!

- Saturday morning we drove and picked up three more Indiana counties. We made quick stops in Floyd and Perry counties while on our way to Spencer County. When there we spent several hours exploring Santa Claus Indiana. We saw the original post office, explored the museum and old church, shopped at the Santa Claus store, and of course got candy at the Candy Castle. My sister met us there and she and Annabeth did their annual ornament shopping. 

Santa's Candy Castle

The world's first themed attraction - opened in 1935.

I loved that Annabeth wore her Christmas sweatshirt to be themed for the day.

- After a few hours in Santa Claus, we drove on to Owensboro to surprise Momaw with a visit. I was so incredibly proud of my kids for doing the very difficult task of visiting with someone in the hospital. I told them that can feel uncomfortable, even scary to adults, and they both did it with such strength and grace. I loved that Owen had brought along a rice krispie treat from his Halloween bag to give her. She keeps these at her house for all of the great-grandkids and I thought it was the sweetest gesture that he thought to take one to her.

- When we paid our electric bill, we were thrilled to see our conservation efforts have paid off and that we saved $30 last month! We've been working very dilligently to be the best stewards that we can be!

- I cashed out my Ibotta rewards. I was able to pay two bills with it! Hooray! Want to save money with Ibotta? Join here!  

- Since Annabeth asked to make the menu and cook last week, Owen, of course, had to do it this week. He chose corn dogs + Mac and cheese + veggies, homemade stromboli, freezer pizza, chicken Alfredo + broccoli, and black bean enchiladas. Mark's decided he wants to go next week. I am loving the mental breaking from planning meals and cooking on my own!

- Mark bought two freezer pizzas from a neighbor kid. She was selling them for something for school. They weren't much more than usual freezer pizzas and it helped her reach her sales goals. They worked well into our busy nights menu over the past couple of weeks and were actually pretty good. We love supporting neighbors' and friends' kids when we can. Ask us about your next fundraiser!

- Yesterday was our first co-op class in five weeks. While I had several board and committee meetings over that time, the kids hadn't actually gotten together with friends. They were excited to see everyone. We went to a park after class. We packed lunch so it was a free day for us. 

- Last night, Mark worked Purse Bingo to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. He's been on this board for several years and while it is not a frugal activity (it takes a great deal of time, resources, and finances) it is a sacrifice we are willing to  make in our time and money budget. Mark also took a long two items to donate for auction. 

We are looking forward to a busy weekend with some fun for the boys and around the house things for us girls.

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 558

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Friday we did a big five county circle in NW Indiana. We saw all free places - a park, college, cabin, library, and waterfall. All were closed, or dry, so it was quite the bummer of a day but we had a great time in the car together! The highlight was seeing a herd of cattle loose on their farm and in the roads. We ended up in Tippecanoe County to meet up with my sister for a weekend at Purdue. While we could have driven up very early for an event on Saturday, we decided to stay in a hotel. I found the most affordable one. When we got there, I realized it was $75 less than everywhere else because breakfast wasn't included, their pool had closed, and it needed renovations but it was fine for the night. Since I paid for the hotel, my sister treated us all to Mexican dinner. We took an after dinner walk on the canal and the kids played at a park.

- Saturday we enjoyed Purdue Space Day. The kids had a GREAT time and Lu and I enjoyed tagging along to the astronaut speech before having our own day. We walked campus and had a fantastic lunch at 8eleven on campus. Purdue has a great little hotel, coffee bar, and restaurant right on campus - I'd love to go back and stay sometime. 

- We packed along lunches for our Friday travels as well as the kids' Saturday lunch and dinner. Since we didn't splurge on eat out food, I did allow them each to pick an item at the Purdue gift shop. Gift shop shopping is a tradition with the Rileys and my kids have learned quickly that it's very fun. Annabeth chose a running jacket and O, of course, chose a stuffed animal. I was honestly okay with his choice this time as it was a NASA space bear in a Purdue shirt. 

Space Day!

Thank you to O's friend Kail who had just passed

down this NASA sweatshirt, perfect for Space Day!

- Sunday after church and Sunday school we enjoyed lunch with the Rileys. Due to fall travels and lots of sickness, it's been a while since we've been together in a big group. It was great!

- Annabeth asked to be the chef for the week. She made the menu, did the grocery shopping, and made all of our meals this week. She stuck to our $75/week grocery budget too! She made: spaghetti and meatballs + garlic knots, Italian Wedding Soup, homemade pizza and salad, taco soup, and tonight will be homemade sushi. 

- Mark and I had a quick little ice cream date at Millie's while the kids were at dance one night. They had a deal on their freezer meat (we live in a small town, ice cream and farm fresh foods come at the same place) and we saved 10% on some meat for our freezer. 

- Unlike the past few years, we have opted not to buy a beef or pig this year. While Mark really likes having the freezers full, upon doing careful math, I found that it didn't save us very much money at all over the course of the whole year. We decided instead to committ a certain portion of each week's grocery budget to meat and I think we will come out even, or ahead, on the year.

- For Halloween we had our friends and neighbors over for soup dinner before trick-or-treating. Growing up Halloween meant soup dinner and a big family night. To me it's a holiday about being with people and so we enjoyed having a group to trick-or-treat with. The kids dressed up with items from around the house. We did thrift a pair of pants for Annabeth's costume, but she will be able to rewear them in real life as well, for $5.99. 

We are looking forward to a fun weekend with more Indiana travels. 

Happy Savings to All!