Thursday, November 5, 2020

Thrifty Thursday-Preparing for Slow Down Again

      Blogging is good for calming the nerves. I don't think my immediate life changes too much one way or the other, but I am thinking of my kids, and the future generations, and my neighbors, and strangers, and how all of us in the US can move forward with the pursuit of happiness that doesn't impede on the rights or well being of others. It's more important that I concentrate my personal energy and mindset on where I spend my time, manage resources, and use money wisely. So in reflection, here's my results for the week. 

      Time 

  • It was nice seeing my daughter's friend and having a birthday wine and shop with them. We were fortunate we had some sun and could sit outside. 
  • I'm loving my daytime walks with pup. They are all at different times, fit in between meetings, but the stretch break is perfect for us both.
  • I've been moving outside at the end of the day-trying to take advantage of this unusual 70 degree plus weather. I pretty much have to end by 5:30, even with the porch lights on, but it has been a nice break from my desk. 
Resources
  • I  rescued I rescued a few handfuls worth of cherry tomatoes-bought nearly a month ago for our cabin week, in a mushroom ravioli dish. They were a little on the green side when bought and since in the refrigerator, they still seemed fresh, and were quite tasty in the meal.
  • We had some water issues  quite a few weeks back, and the rung in the family room was soaked. It has dried, but has a funny smell. I took advantage of the warm weather, took it outside and gave it a good  wash with Oxyclean and a hose, then let it dry outside. It will still take a day or two to dry, but it no longer stinks and I can leave it outside since no rain is expected.  
  • I shared last week that I reused an old monitor we had for my work laptop, but I couldn't get the extended screen to work. I was satisfied with at least having a bigger screen. My daughter played around with it, and figured out what was th eissue-now I have two useable screens.


    Money

    • CVS regular prices are ridiculously expensive but I was able to use a BOGO for Hershey candy, paired with ExtraBucks to bring the cost per bag to the same as it was at the big grocery store across town. It saved me having to go into a more corded store.
    • I also had a coupon in house for a feminine care product that basically saved me 2/3rd the cost of similar in a lower cost store so that was actually a win. I just do not take te time to cross reference coupons, extra bucks, etc. so when the little savings happen haphazard, I think it is a win. 
    • I did another Opinion Survey for a $5 reward. I had issues getting the choice to load so not sure where the reward can be applied yet. 
         We're moderately pantry stocked, and the freezer is crowded so it must be fine as well should  weird behaviors in this country erupt into anything unsafe, or shortages due to wild swings in production and delivery happen. I don't think this beautiful weather will extend into next week so taking it all in this week when I can. Fresh air and my feet are the best value for entertainment I can get. With two days left in the work week, I'm starting to think towards the weekend and opportunities to maximize these three areas. 

    19 comments:

    1. I'm watching the news and worrying for you all across the pond. As if this flippin virus wasn't enough to cope with right now. Hope You manage a nice relaxing weekend.

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      1. I will be quarantining myself form others as I decided I had enough symptoms that lingered so have ordered an at home test-done with an online consultant. Time to get my house cleaned if I feel well.

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    2. "...but I am thinking of my kids, and the future generations, and my neighbors, and strangers, and how all of us in the US can move forward with the pursuit of happiness that doesn't impede on the rights or well being of others."
      Well let's see, having a government that is bloated with regulations that imping on our freedoms and spending more than it has available on programs and a Fed that has us, our children and our grandchildren in debt for millions does nothing for MY personal sense of well being. Note-I didn't mention a particular party is at fault for this because be it left wing or right wing, it's the same bird that put us into this pickle.
      Most Americans will continue to bury their heads in the sand and/or be Scarlett O'Hara, not thinking about the real problem.
      Sorry to be a downer but, election or no, we have a serious problem in this country with an out of control national debt and eventually kicking the can down the road will blow-up at some point in our or our descendants future.

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      1. While I think this current time sucks completely, I have faith in the next generation-mykids generations. Who I think is responsible for the mess is those about my age and down to about 40-the majority are egotistical and don't think beyond their own nose. I'm appalled how the good of society seems to have turned to "I got mine and to hell with you".

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    3. Enjoy the beautiful weather and walks with Pup.
      I love when I salvage things that have gotten pushed back in the refrigerator. It seems like a bigger win that using them when they are perfectly fresh does.
      And I agree that CVS is sky high, unless you cherry pick their sale products.

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      1. CVS is convenient because ours is always empty, but if not layering sales, coupons and the few Extra Bucks I might earn, so expensive.

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    4. Sounds like you have done well once again. I sure hope we don't have many issues with shortages again. I've been trying to use up everything from the freezer before stocking up again. I'm down to the last couple of things. I don't want to restock yet since we have a tropical storm heading towards Florida. It would just be my luck to restock and then lose power for a few days!

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      1. Hopefully we won't have early snow storms as well as pandemic issues and I can keep my supplies well rounded with regular shops-or through sending my husband.

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    5. I do those Opinion Surveys for $5 too, which comes in handy.

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      1. I'm a data geek too, so like to participate in any studys or polls. I know poll's are a nasty word right now!

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    6. You're right - fresh air and your feet (plus a moderately stocked pantry) are probably going to be of the most benefit to you right now! Stay safe!

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      1. I'm waiting for my test to come and then to take and get results, but now I have self quarantined myself to be safe. I'll be the odd person walking with a mask on, just n case.

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    7. I’ve earned $9.40 on Ibotta this week and a few bucks and points on my other deal apps. I cashed out for a $10 Starbucks gc from my Shopkicks. Tomorrow they release their holiday flavors and are giving away a free reusable “Christmas sweater” cup. I’ll be up and out before 7 a.m. anyway, so I figured I would treat myself. The temps here don’t feel like Christmas and it’s nice to have doors open and the furnace off in November. Dandelions are still blooming and they happen to be my bunny’s favorite snack so I’ve been picking them daily for her. I also picked up a handful of branches littering the sidewalk in the little park across the street to add to our fire pit. Walgreens has free shipping today and some high value razor coupons so I snagged 14 razors for $3 shipped. Had an offer of free pretzel bites at Auntie Anne’s. Old Navy swim is on clearance for .97, daughter picked up three bottoms. Just some random odds and ends. Doesn’t take much to thrill me! JoAnn

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      1. IF you read othe rcomments or my post, you'll know I am going to take the Covid test, but I really am hoping my sore throat, cough, itchy eyes and muscle aches is allergies and just me. I am picturing your bunny enjoying his greens-I love rabbits. We don't need as pets as we are full of them in our yard.

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    8. One of the biggest benefits during this crazy year has been more outside time. I've loved it! We finally have rain in our forecast (which I'm grateful for, after nearly 6 months), so I need to get out & enjoy it while I can.

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      1. If it is warm or at least not windy cold, I love a walk in the rain. I'll grab an umbrella and head out. I think the air feels so good.

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    9. Watching with interest how your election develops.

      Outside times are wonderful.

      God bless.

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      1. This week is truly a weather gift. The only down side is how early it get dark, but I have flashlights and ahead lamp and can walk on the paths.

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    10. How sad is it that you have to prepare for potential "stay in place" measures? We're watching the election results up here in Canada - good luck!

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