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!