Do any of you remember that old movie/documentary That's Entertainment? I'm not sure why that popped into my head this week, but I had to Google and see if I could find the trailer or a clip. Thank you YouTube! It's the song I remember more than the movie and now that's an ear worm I'll have lingering for a few days.
I certainly did not experience entertainment to the likes of these fine people, but I had a good week of taking advantage of some opportunities to be amused without spending loads of extra cash. There were other little economies along the way as well. The first four were entertainment related.
- DD1 and I saved the $17 movie tickets and had movie night at her house.
- She and I also went to a free authors talk-it was nice getting out of the house. (Well, we splurged and bought the book and had it signed and my daughter has it to read. I read recently for book club.)
- Caught the tail end of happy hour when we went out with friends, so beers were cheap.
- Trivia was a small group. I just had the one seltzer and a Diet Coke. More than one in a shortish period of time is rough on my stomach the next day, but I sure enjoy that one.
- Taxes balanced so we're netting nothing- which if we avoid paying in, is a good thing for us
- I had to McGyver the vacuum again, but it's still going more than a year after I thought it was toast. I will get a new one for good spring cleaning eventually.
- No expensive Super Bowl party foods for us, since we stayed home, but I made chili with stuff from my own pantry and freezer and we used up buns for hot hoagies and saved any waste. We had leftovers of both for lunch, then froze a couple portions.
- I didn't leave the house on Monday other than to walk pup, but I did make a nice dinner-a made up recipe of a breaded chicken BBQ ranch cutlet, rice, and steamed vegetables. DH got me a card, some cheddar popcorn and potato chips-both of which I love! No expensive flowers here, but I promise to be indulged wh n they start showing up at the farmer's market
- Baked two vegan banana bread with the last of my flour, plus three past their prime bananas. I was shy on flour so added oatmeal.
- For DH's Sunday pastry treat craving, I baked a butter braid from the freezer bought back in November from a nephews fundraiser.
We've spent a lot more on entertainment in other Valentines/Super Bowl surrounding weeks, so I think we were quite thrifty, and still entertained. I'm not sure what we'll do this weekend for all the fun. The cruising sisters are back on Saturday. I've still got my sisters birthday present form January to get to her, so maybe I can lure her out for another happy hour on Sunday. How was your week of thrift?
That turkey went days feeding us and it was delicious. I used up a lingering can of sweet potatoes as well. Made a small batch of turkey rice soup and shared with my dad. I had a free coffee in my Dunkin’ app and enough stars to get my daughter a free drink at Starbucks, so we had a little date yesterday;) No grocery shopping this week! I’m seeing lots of empty spaces so things are getting used up. I started buying basics for DDs dorm and comparing prices between Walmart and Target apps. Wherever it’s cheaper I just put it in my cart for pickup. It’s nice to get the little things out of the way. Any must-have recommendations for freshmen? JoAnn
ReplyDeleteI let $2 go unused in Dunkin Money-shoot! I love the daughter dates and better when free coffee is involved. I knew the turkey would be delicious and good use to make soup. I bought stuff for my kids fall of their junior and senior years of highschool when things went on clearance-so much smarter. Put the word out that you are looking for carpet remnants. someone is bound to have a nice big piece that can be used and it makes all the difference in the dorm room for coziness. I'd say a body pillow is a must have. Don't over due the number of towels, but extra wash cloths for sure. I find my kids were better at reusing towels (clean hair and body) several times before washing, but for girls, having clean washcloths ready and available were essential. I had wo sets of sheets for the older kids, but they only used one-so one decent set is likely enough. If they change sheets, they'll just put the washed ones back on-save the storage and money. My son had a futon, and liked that, but my daughters had those round chairs-they liked better as they could move them. Either way is a good route, but futons really only work if both beds are lofted.
DeleteI think I want banana bread after reading about yours. We ate out of the freezer, bought little food for right now. I did get a dozen cans of Hunt's diced petite tomatoes for a stock up at a low price that I don't believe will last for long. There were no good sales, so I spent money on Hunt's. While we were in Cullman, we picked up the monthly free lunch and ate with friends at their home. The wind was too rough to go to the park and eat.
ReplyDeleteI read about your sale on tomatoes. I just haven't worried so much about chasing sales, no time, but if I see a good price, I'll grab extra. No free lunches here.
DeleteI've only been out of the house once this week, on Wednesday for a trip to our Value Village and Salvation Army thrift stores. I found a pair of jeans and three t-shirts for less than $15. The jeans in particular were much needed as my current few pairs are several years old, very worn, and getting thin in places.
ReplyDeleteI didn't watch the Super Bowl (I had curling to watch intead) and Valentine's Day is a non-starter here.
Great list of thrifty options.
The jeans hunt is on my list and think I'll hit Goodwill, and maybe the SA. There was a curling club right by the hotel we stayed at for our daughters concert back in December.
DeleteThis has been a thrifty week so far. The only thing I've spent money on was a hair cut.
ReplyDeleteYou remind me that I desperately need a trim and to color my roots before DC. I'll add to the weekend list.
DeleteI only know That's Entertainment as a song by The Jam.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever have a week of thrift, I always seem to buy something I don't really need! xxx
You do a good job rotating items though-not creating extra clutter unless you enjoy it. I guess when you have a vintage store, even wearing something then reselling it, your not really buying, but borrowing.
DeleteThe covid lockdowns really brought home to me how content I am to stay home anyway. Then when I realized how much I was getting out of Netflix/Amazon Prime compared to $25 for a cinema ticket in Geneva, I'm not sure I'll ever go to the cinema again. Who knows though, since I do enjoy going out for a drink beforehand too! But well done you on a thrifty week!
ReplyDeleteYou had a nice week with some fun!
ReplyDeleteTheHub and I went out to eat Saturday afternoon.
I did splurge and buy some nail polish. Other than a Costco run for nuts and a quick trip to The Pig was the extent of my purchases.
I can't even remember doing my nails-maybe back in May for the family weddings. good for you for that treat to yourself.
DeleteWe were having a thriftier week, but then Lovely Grey suggested an outing to London...you've done much better than me! Arilx
ReplyDeleteForget thrift-do London. That would have been a no decision choice for me. I look forward to reading about your outing.
DeleteGood for you. Use up what you have. We were wined and dined by daughter, and it was nice not to have to do it myself.
ReplyDeleteAs you should be, Kim. I know she can afford to do nice things for you. I know the other two are in different places and you tend to do the wining and dining for them, but I'm sure soon all three will be treating you like a queen.
DeleteYour Super Bowl cuisine sounds scrumptious.
ReplyDelete