Thrifty Wins for the Week

I might as well get used to the fact that my life has expenses. Some of these will pop up that I maybe didn't specifically budget for, but are part of our cash flow regardless. Take the $17 field trip to the Festival of Nations for DD2, plus food money. Sure, she could have packed a lunch, and did bring a snack, but it wouldn't have been much fun without sampling the various foods. She used some  birthday money and bought herself a large tote bag as well, but her money, not ours. I have a check engine light on. It could be nothing or it could be something covered under the warranty, but I won't hold my breath. I'm waiting for the diagnosis. We have a confirmation for our nephew so money for his gift, Mother's Day brunch and gift (hanging basket) next week, and contributions to end of year appreciation luncheons for the school staff to pay for. With DH getting called into work, DD2 having homework project, and me not eating, picked up deli chicken for the two of them instead of cooking. Sigh. At least they will get a second meal out of it. Such is the norms of life. This is why I'm glad I can find a few thrifty wins here and there, none of which alone are huge savings, but added up over time and considering the alternative, they do help.

1. I only had a 7 cents off gas coupon this week, but still over $1.00 savings on my weekly tank of gas is better than full price.
2. My procedure ended up being a consult and a new mode of treatment is going to be tried first. Apparently my GP was too eager to book the dilation. I learned there is a high possibility that the repeat blockages may be the result of reflux and an acid blocker might relieve the constrictions. We're going to try this for three months, then look at food allergies as the culprit if this doesn't improve the situation. So instead of  the high deductible for the procedure, I just have the office copayment. With prescription, we are out  $129.69 for two office visits and meds but will get reimbursed trough my pretax fund, saving roughly 30%. (On a side note, this whole business apparently has been stressful as my blood pressure shot up even higher than a few weeks ago. My best savings plan is to be healthy so need to nip this in the bud, breathe, and relax.)
3. DD2 had an early release then left for a track meet. She packed three little turkey sandwiches on dollar buns, a couple apples and an orange,  two granola bars, and some pretzel thins to eat after school and then later after she runs. Many of the kids were going to hit Chipotle before going to the meet, but her packed lunch saved at least $5. Teens are teens, and I don't want her left out to save money all the time, but since she spent money Thursday, she just made the lunches Friday without even asking about more money. 
4. I ate the same bean soup for lunch all week. I didn't mind a bit since I varied other items. 
5. I delicate washed and line dried several articles of clothing that supposedly were dry clean only. While I'm sure they would look crisper, I'm not seeing any harm,plus these were thrifted clothes to begin with that were most likely less than the cost to dry clean. 
6. I stopped at the thrift store after picking up my prescription and found a very nice pair of gray pants for $4.99. 

After the confirmation today, I hope to stop in a thrift store near my  brother in laws and see if I can find the white shirt and black jacket. My goal will be less than $24 for the lot and I've got a good start. It's a big garage sale weekend as well, so perhaps might stop at a few. But as I'm trying to declutter, I doubt I'll buy anything. If I can find replacement chairs for the porch bench, I would be pleased. There will be no eating out this weekend. We'll spend $12 on the high school play to see DD2's friends, and go home for a glass of wine tonight. Sunday will be another frugal day spent on our house, getting it pulled together to enjoy summer weather. What about you? Any bargains your way? Are you conquering the battle of  unnecessary spending while still allowing for the joys of life?