Frugal Friday 476

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Friday, we took a field trip to the Historic Artcraft Theatre. This is a 100 year old theater in our town and truly a treasure! I enjoyed coordinating this for our homeschool co-op. We got a brief history of the theater and enjoyed Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. My ticket was free as a teacher and the kids' tickets were $5 each for their movie, drinks, and popcorn for Owen (Annabeth is allergic so we brought her own snack)

- Friday evening I drove down the French Lick Resort. Instead of buying each other Christmas gifts, my best friend and I agreed to give each other the gift of time. We spent one night at the incredible West Baden Hotel. While this is not remotely frugal - it was a wonderful special treat and made a wonderful end to the Christmas season. We split the hotel bill and I drank water/chose affordable menu options at each meal. We skipped the guided tour ($50/person - ouch!) and did the self-guided free tour of both hotels and the grounds. It was a wonderful 24 hours of relaxation and it was such a blessing to pour into each other's cups. I feel relaxed and ready for 2023! 

This was such a beautiful location for a getaway!

Thankful for precious time together

- Monday we dropped off two carloads of donations from our homeschool co-op to KIC-IT Franklin. They serve homeless youth ages 16-25 and we were thrilled to be able to bless them in this way. I also donated over $100 of PaperPie books. Thank you to all who supported this book drive. 

- We did our weekly Walmart pick-up order on Tuesday. Total Bill: $77.05 For breakfast this week we offered the choice of toast with jam/sunflower butter, yogurt, fruit. Lunches were sandwiches with fresh fruits/veggies. Dinners: Baked ham with veggies, BBQ pork chops/roasted potato wedges/fruit, Keto Meatballs+Rao Sauce with roasted zucchini and leftover potatoes from the night before, Bacon/Eggs/Homemdae Waffles, Chicken Nachos over choice of Pork Rinds or Quest Chips, and Chicken Alfredo Zoodles. I try to do one meatless dinner a week but this week we served meat each night without breaking the budget by eating from our pork/beef in the freezer. I also try to serve breakfast for dinner one night each week and then use the leftovers for breakfast the rest of the week. 

- We did a quick clean-out in the kids' closets. We donated two bags of clothing and listed nicer items for sale on Facebook. 

- We had friends over to play twice this week. This was SUCH a treat for the kids and I am so thankful to catch up with my own friends while the kids played. 

- I had my first Zoom with my team for MVP - Magical Vacation Planners. I am so thankful for this new, fun business and I love helping people plan their vacations. 

We are looking forward to a family weekend and especially to celebrating the birthday of our favorite toddler.

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 475

 Happy First Frugal Friday of 2023!

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

- We spent last Thursday through Monday in Evansville/Owensboro with my family. Dad/Mark took each of the kids out on dates which they all really loved. I was able to have lunch dates with Mama and Lu on both Friday and Saturday. Sunday we went to Owensboro and played games with the cousins all day. I am so thankful for the precious gift of time!

My dad and the kids love watching "Bluey" together

Mark surprised them all with matching shirts - on a funny note, Mom and Dad

had also looked at the shirts online! :) 

- One afternoon, Mama, Lu, and I went thrifting in Booneville. They have a store there they both love. It was pretty picked over thanks to the holidays so I was out the door for $0

- I worked many hours on my PaperPie (formerly Usborne Book & More) business as we had our first big release under the new name. I was so excited to reveal nearly 100 new books as well as the new SmartLab Products! You can shop with me here Amy Riley's PaperPie

- Disney World released its spring and summer deals so I also spent quite a bit of work time this week on updates quotes for clients. Interested in traveling in 2023? Message me here 

- From Christmas gifts and a bag of hand-me-downs from my sister I had 8 new items enter my wardrobe. I work very hard to follow the One In, One Out rule. I cleaned out my closet and 14 items left. Most I will let Lu look through before I donate but two items that I know she won't like will go into the Kids' Sale.

- One of our January Goals is to have a low spend month. Christmas means a lot of new, fun things so I always try to buy only groceries in January. We have also purposed to not eat out unless we are out of town on a trip. Looking forward to the budget reset this will help cause.  

We had a busy week at home completely unpacking from holiday trips and gifts and working to settle into 2023. We have some big goals to continue to "owe no man anything but love" and to work on a special project each month as our family's new year's resolution.

Happy 2023 and Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 474

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- A few weeks ago, Owen saw Miss Kari our dance studio owner vacuuming up a crumb mess from the night before. He took over so she could teach Annabeth's lesson. Not only did he clean up that mess, he moved the furniture/rugs and vacuumed the whole studio for her. She kindly paid him $5 and he saved it to purchase a Titus Painting from our church. Titus is the support dog and he has little pawprint paintings for sale to help offset costs for his care. Owen was so proud to spend his money in this way. 

- Last summer, our recliner bit the dust. It was a housewarming gift from Mark's parents in our old house! We have loved it well but it could no longer hold together. This week, Mark's mom generously passed on a new-to-us recliner from her house. We had looked some in stores/online but didn't feel we could justify the purchase as it was a want vs need. Mark and Oscar are both thrilled with it!

- We have had a wonderfully mild fall. This means we just pulled out winter clothes a few weeks ago. Annabeth is down to one pair of jeans and a few leggings. We hit up Goodwill and got 5 pairs of jeans for just $13. I love to shop used! 

- Mark had the 23rd off as his holiday. We had planned a couple of different things but with the blizzard coming in Thursday night we canceled all of them and stayed home. We all played piano, sang together, finished homemade Christmas gifts, and watched movies. It wasn't at all what we had planned but it was equally lovely.

- Christmas Eve we stayed home, finished some gifts, played Countdown, and then went to the Family Service at church. Mark had kindly suggested that we get Pizza King after church as it's my family's tradition. Ours was closed though so we picked up pizza elsewhere and enjoyed a movie together at home.

- Christmas Morning was perfectly lovely. We did a very small Christmas this year as we gifted some big experiences vs stuff. Every year I take one picture on Christmas morning with the kids' favorite gifts. We don't take any other pictures/videos and it's really helpful for me to stay in the moment. 

Owen LOVED his new toothbrush and Annabeth's favorite gift was this little mirror.

Total paid for both items: $3.99 

Christmas doesn't have to cost a lot to be special or memorable. It just needs to be thoughtful.

- After brunch with Mark's family, we spent Christmas Night at church. We enjoyed the free dinner and then helped serve meals and worked on the clean-up committee. Our church served 700+ free meals on Christmas Day and we enjoyed sitting and visiting with older people, lonely people, and church friends that night. 

- This week Mark's brother and his family were in town from Illinois. We all enjoyed exchanging gifts, catching up, the kids playing, and shared great meals. We took along ham, mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, deviled eggs, cupcakes, cookies, and a cheeseball/crackers. 

- We tend to lean on the side of practical for our wishlists. This year Mark's mom gave us all new bath towels and bathmats as our big gift. We were THRILLED! The last new towels we had were a housewarming gift from my parents when we bought this house - in 2013. Many of ours have been limping along since our wedding in 2009 and it was just time for new ones! So thankful for this gift! 

As I close out 2022, I reflect on this quote I read last week. I pray this year that I will live a life for Jesus sharing His Good News with everyone I meet. Here's my daily goal for 2023:

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone that can never repay you." 

- John Bunyan 

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 473

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Friday evening Mark and I enjoyed the Scout Leader Party. Mark has been a leader with his pack/troop since he turned 18 and the other leaders are his best friends. This is the first year that I have gone along for the party and it was good to see everyone. Thank you to Kristi for keeping the kids for the evening and for making them dinner.

- Saturday we had a long, slow day at home. We have been running for weeks on end, going to bed way too late, and just generally wearing ourselves down. The boys did a little Saturday morning run for a scout project, I caught up on some work for our homeschool co-op and my book business, and Annabeth enjoyed reading for the day. 

- Sunday evening we enjoyed a free country concert at our church. They played a great mix of Christmas songs, original country songs, some old Gospel songs, and a beautiful version of one of my favorites "The Nails in Your Hands." This was the song that at age 16 I sang as I quietly dedicated my life to the Lord. I had known for years that Jesus died for my sins but on a warm summer night, near a campfire, I closed my eyes and sang that song just to Jesus. I let Him know that "forever my heart, forever my life is yours..." That night was my "heartwarming" moment as I knew Who I lived for, Who I served, and why I would choose to spend my life living Acts 20:24.

- Monday was delightfully sunny! We took a prairie walk around the Trafalgar Library after school. It was great to get some sunshine in.

- Each year, since 2015, Annabeth and I take an annual dessert walk around our town square. A few years ago, she asked if the tradition could be to get Starbucks Snowman cookies for the walk. Monday was so wonderfully, winter warm (43) that we did our walk that night. It was one of our remaining Christmas Bucket List items and while it wasn't free I had built it into our December budget.

- This week I ran my Annual Giving Tree fundraiser with my book business. This year, we will be donating activity books to KIC-IT. We will donate them the first week of January alongside donations from our homeschool co-op as it is our annual service project. Thank you to all who supported this fundraiser!

- The kids enjoyed several Christmas parties this week. Owen had his Cub Scout party and tagged along to the Boy Scout party with Mark. They both also enjoyed a pizza and game night at dance. They took along their teacher gifts - hand painted cards and boxes of chocolate. 

The real cold came in last night and we are thankful for a warm house, time together, and a weekend to celebrate the Savior's birth. 

Happy Savings to All! Merry Christmas to all! 

Frugal Friday 472

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Friday night the kids and I enjoyed a free Christmas event at a local library. They got their faces painted, played games, looked at Santa and gingerbread houses, and met a live reindeer. We always love the reindeer from Silly Safari - such a fun tradition!

Free Fun! Thanks JCPL

- While we were at the library, Mark attended the Coroner's Christmas Party. They were treated to a very nice dinner and he received some thoughtful gifts from the Coroner's Family and some other deputies. 

- Saturday the kids and I had Christmas with the Eblings. We went to their house so they cooked the meals and we took sides and desserts. We made sure to pitch in with dishes and clean-up as a thank you. We took all the kids down to the Charlestown Christmas Square. They have the most beautiful, well done Christmas music and light show. We love that it's free too! 

- Mark was on call so he stayed home. He finished a HUGE homemade Christmas gift that he has been working on. We're all excited to gift it! He did take a break during the day and did a bit of shopping with his mom. 

- Sunday after church we had lunch at Kristi's. She treated us to pizza, ice cream, and sent home the leftovers. Thank you!

- Tuesday we made homemade gingerbread men. We've never done this before but the kids had it on their checklist so we made them. In the afternoon, we went to the JoCo History Museum for the Tree Walk. We do this every year and even at 11 and 7 my kids think it's a winter wonderland! I love that it's free! 

- Yesterday we enjoyed the Eiteljorg Museum. We got into the museum free with a pass from the library and that also got us access to the beautiful Jingle Rails Exhibit. The library pass saved us $38. We also got our parking validated at the museum saving us $20! 

This has been on my Christmas Bucket List for years but we've never made it

It was WELL worth carving out the day for it! The train part was beautiful!

We had a good, busy week. The kids are counting down to Christmas break and we have 7/10 of our Bucket List finished now. Looking forward to more holiday fun this weekend. 

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 471

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Saturday Annabeth and I headed to the library for an American Girl Holiday. The event ended up being cancelled but she enjoyed some board games with friends while I had a long chat with a dear friend. God knows best and gave us just what we each needed. The boys did some browsing, without buying, at an antique mall. They did enjoy breakfast out and purchased Annabeth's Christmas gift from Owen.

- Saturday evening we went to the Courthouse Lighting. Our little town is basically a Hallmark Movie town. We browsed some local shops and then walked downtown, stopping to chat with friends. It was a beautiful, clear night and we had a great time.

- Sunday evening we had the Rileys over for dinner. We made a big feast, even person at our house chose a menu item, we had ham and turkey, corn casserole, green bean casserole, and rolls. The little kids provided plenty of entertainment - I love filling our house with people.

- Monday afternoon Christmas came early. My parents are renovating their house and have gifted us the piano from their house. My kids will be the 4th generation to learn to play on it which is so incredibly special to me. I always make time to play when I go visit and it's been wonderful having it here already! For now, I am teaching the kids lessons each day after school. We may eventually graduate to paying a teacher but for now everyone is listening well and practicing their assignments. 

I love the light up tree. It's a family heirloom and this is the first year I have been 

brave enough to put it out since Annabeth was a toddler.

The Joy to the World globe was a special order from my friend's shop 

- The week of Thanksgiving we sat down with the kids and made a Christmas Bucket List. Because we live away from much of our family and because Mark often works the holidays, our Christmas season always looks different. I wanted to make sure that we checked off all of the "must do" items on the kids' lists. I was very glad I asked as they didn't even mention some things I thought they would have to do. They came up with 10 items so we're going to make them happen in December! 

- Tuesday we checked off "Make Christmas Tree Cookies"  The sugar cookies were free as our church gave the kids little Advent kits that included the cookie mix and I had clearance Christmas sprinkles from last year that I had saved.

The little mix was perfect - each kid got to make

and eat 3 cookies. Just the right amount for the week

- Wednesday we had a busy day of appointments so we did not do book work. Instead, the kids made gingerbread houses in the afternoon. I know that we could make some from scratch but it is a rare treat for Annabeth to have store bought items that are safe for her and she really wanted this fun, pink LOL Doll version. I waited until the kits were 20% off and we were able to get both for $17. The kids had a great time!

LOL Doll House

Owen's Puppy and Dog House

- Last night I enjoyed an evening out with the Ladies from our co-op. We each brought a dish to share and fellowshipped while making glass ornaments. It was a lovely evening out with a great message about finding peace. 

We had a busy, fun week! I'm trying to make the most of all of the free holiday fun that the kids chose for our December.

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 470

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- We spent Thanksgiving - Saturday in Evansville. We had a great visit with family there. I enjoyed a window shopping trip/coffee date with Mama, the kids each had a one-on-one date with their Aunt Lu, and Mark and I snuck in a coffee/shopping date on Shop Small Saturday. We enjoyed Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family and it was especially special for me to have our kids play with my cousins kids. It was the first time we've had all six together which was wonderful! 

- We had scheduled to put up our Christmas decor after church on Sunday. We got home and Mark said he didn't feel like getting the ladder out, getting the tree out of the attic, etc. So the kids and I put up the Advent calendar, Nativity, etc and then Mark came in from the garage to surprise us with a REAL tree! I often had one growing up and he has always wanted one. It was such a fun surprise for us! 

Our first real tree!
It's been such a treat!

- Last weekend was a big shopping weekend: Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and Cyber Monday. I always say that things are only a good deal if you NEED them. We did some window shopping Black Friday but didn't buy anything. We did Shop Small at Lula Mae's and Dwell in Darmstadt. We purchased two Christmas gifts and local coffee/breakfast. As for Cyber Monday, I did splurge on an item I've had my eye on forever! I was able to save over 50% so I decided to support their small business and finally buy it. It's Disney related so we'll just have to go back soon so I can wear it.

- Instead of donating to a charity for Giving Tuesday, we shopped for the Angel Tree at our church. Each of the kids had chosen tags that said "Craft Kit - Ages 10-14." They really enjoyed walking the aisles of the store and looking for the perfect kits. We also sorted through our Christmas decor and will also be donating gently used items to a project at church. 

- We ate our meals at home this week. It was a hectic week and it would have been MUCH easier to stop for fast food but we opted not to. Mark and I also chose to cook-in for our date night this week. Mark made pork chops, green bean casserole, and stuffing. It was great and obviously way more affordable than eating out.

- Yesterday was our co-op's Christmas party. As part of the celebrations, we had a Craft/Small Business Bazaar. Annabeth and Mark made scrunchies for her to sell and I took along some of my Usborne and Kane Miller books. Annabeth nearly sold out of scrunchies and I sold a good bit of stocking stuffer type books. The kids had the most wonderful time playing games, eating snacks, and completing STEAM Christmas activities.

Ready for Christmas!

Owen and I wore our Christmas shirts from our Disney Trip

Annabeth is on Year #4 for her sweater, a gift from Angie O'Leary 

and Year 2 for her dress which was thrifted.

- Last night Annabeth attended a Brick Bot class at a local library. She has loved this series of free classes. 

We are looking forward to a fun weekend with more free activities at our local libraries and time with family. 

Happy Savings to All!