Happy Frugal Friday!
Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:
- Mark worked overtime and did some custom sewing work with his side business. I worked my travel business and helped clients plan last minute Christmas trips as well as Spring Break trips. Is travel on your 2025 plans? Let's plan together - a.riley@magicalvacationplanner.com
- Friday afternoon some of us had eye doctor appointments. We took a long an old RX set of glasses to donate. They were surprised and thankful for the donation.
- Friday evening we had "fun dinner" - nachos - and then went to the library's Merry Prairie event. This event was smaller and less crowded than other years which was great! As always, the highlight was seeing the live reindeer. This year though, we noticed the kids were truly too old for it. Thankfully they each ran into some friends to hang out with. On the way home, Mark took the long way and surprised us by driving through the Masonic Home and downtown to see all of the beautiful lights.
- I mentioned last week that we had purchased dance shoes on Cyber Monday. Unfortunately, the pair we ordered for Annabeth were too small. The company we buy them from requires us to pay shipping from them and also to return. Thankfully, I was able to sell them to another dancer at our studio for what we paid for them saving the $7 to return.
- Saturday we spent the morning volunteering at our church's Potato Drop. We helped give out a HUGE amount of potatoes. Before we volunteered at this event, I always thought it was kind of silly - how could just handing out bags of potatoes help anyone? You would be amazed at the stories and kindness we encouter each year.
- Sunday after church we drove down to Charlestown. We watched our Godson win his school league championship basketball game, celebrated Ebling-Riley Christmas, and saw the beautiful downtown Charlestown Christmas display. The Eblings hosted and cooked dinner so we brought fun coffee drinks, fruit cups, and dessert. I always help with dishes and clean-up. We are thankful to have officially kicked off our holiday season!
- Tuesday the kids and I made cut out Christmas cookies and decorated with icing and sprinkles. This was an item on our Christmas Bucket List. We make my friend Katelyn's amazing recipe and in honor of her we always give them away like she does. Owen took some to his Scout Christmas party, we served them at our Wednesday playdate, and took some to friends.
- We took a meal to a friend who just had Baby #4. We took pasta bake, bread, salad, and some of our Christmas cookies.
- The kids wrapped each other's Christmas gifts this week. I was so incredibly proud of the kids and their choices of gifts for each other! Owen chose to support two small, local artists in his gift for Annabeth and Annabeth opted to shop a used bookstore, vs new, and was able to get Owen three books instead of one new. They both stayed in budget and found things the others would love.
- We took our annual Hot Cocoa Walk with Owen. We prepare it at home from scratch and then walk downtown looking at lights together. It's such a special time together for Mark, Owen, and me.
- Mark had the Coroner's Office Christmas party last night. The Coroner always treats his staff to a nice dinner and small gifts. Mark enjoys the evening each year.
This week we had our final medical appointments, we hope!, of the year. One of which was a follow up to many appointments from the spring. One of us was awaiting news and test results. Last spring there was talk of surgery. I've been praying each day that the Lord would see fit to change that ending for us. This week we received the wonderful, amazing news that surgery will NOT be needed as the body is healing itself! Friends, I asked God for this specific thing every.single.day. It was a BIG ask but I knew I was talking to the One who could make it happen. Don't ever be afraid to take the smallest or biggest asks to God - he cares for them all!
Happy Savings to All!
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