Thursday, August 11, 2022

Thrifty Thursday-Treating People



     It's another Thrifty Thursday and I'm using DH's birthday meal to marvel at how even splurges on treating people well can be a frugal activity. I did make DH a banana cream pie, but no, I did not make my own crust. I splurged on the thick hamburgers with bacon and cheddar from the butcher and his favorite tots. We made coleslaw, his favorite thing to have with burgers. I shopped at the local grocery too, the expensive one. All total, including some vegan items for my daughter, I estimate that the four of us were fed for under $24, plus loads of leftovers. I know I could have spent less had I bought the burgers on sale, or made homemade bean burgers instead of the Morningstar, skipped the real whipped cream, etc. It was still probably 1/2 what an equivalent meal out would cost. So there's my humble brag. Not counting the whipped cream, DH's pie was $2.40, or 30¢ a slice. 

Other thrifty moves included the following.

  • Part of the reason the pie was so cheap us I bought the pudding back in May at 4 for $1 at the discount grocery store. It was one of the exceptional deals but the store is just too far away to go to unless in the area already.
  • DD1's boho chair was $19 less than when she first saw it, and less than any she saw in line. As Anne said, there were so many things for summer on clearance but I too am in a purging not accumulating mode. 
  • We treated ourselves to just cold drinks from the Aldi cooler instead of stopping for an ice tea or coffee. 
  • I made another batch of the blueberry muffins using the almond milk that I bought by mistake. (Sweetened version). I'm trying to use it up in baking. 
  • We car pooled to the ball game with family members sharing gas and parking costs.
  • Stacked coupons, anniversary Kohl's cash, and a gift card to purchase 4 sets of towels for DD1, and three pairs of jeans plus a Tshirt for DD2. We earned another $8 in rewards money and $20 in Kohl's cash. 
  • I think when my daughter stopped her mail and used our address, it identified as a new home. We got a packet of coupons under a Welcome Wagon. Most we won't use, but one was for a free meal at Culver's. DH can use for lunch one day. 
  • I loaded receipts in Fetch and got a whole 25¢ in Ibotta. I played the MS Rewards trivia for points. I've been forgetful in that. 
     I guess we had lots of little splurges through the week but maximized our funds. We had some cool nights so the air wasn't needed, but steamy days were back. So far, were not feeling the pinch and are grateful we have the means.  

     Our local family service posted a list of the items most needed for back to school so I plan to pick up needed things on Saturday to drop off ahead of their school supply distribution held in another week. DD1 is going to an event that's making care packages, donating to a program that helps women get out of domestic abuse situations. I want to get items ( personal care items, hard candy, tooth brushes, combs, brushes) to give her to bring as well. Being thrifty is about making ends meet of course, but it's about being able to do a bit more for others too. I have kind readers that do so much of the same and more. So that's my little soap box on thrift. Have you had any good wins this past week?

The whole pie. 


23 comments:

  1. That pie looks lovely. I used to enjoy making pastry but now? Nah, not so much. Life's too short to stuff a mushroom!

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    1. Your second line cracked me up. I can't disagree!

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    2. Unless you enjoy stuffing that darn mushroom! You're too funny.

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  2. The pie looks fabulous! Nicely done.

    No major wins this week, just the normal carpooling, driving our electric car, planning menus, etc. We've been giving away tomatoes, and people really do love receiving them. It's been fun to hear the reactions from people who don't normally have access to garden tomatoes - they are so thrilled & surprised by the taste vs store.

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    1. I'd be ecstatic to be fresh tomato recipient. Delicious! That alone is frugal in my book.

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  3. The pie looks delicious! Nothing particularly frugal sticks out at me. Same stuff. Used some birthday coupons throughout the week-free donuts, bogo free entrees at brunch. Using a bunch more tomorrow-free pretzel at the mall, free underwear at Victoria’s Secret (will give to DD), free wallflower from Bath and Body Works. Might treat myself to a new pair of vans. Do I need them? Absolutely not. But I have rewards and coupons and I’ve been obsessing over the checkerboard sunflower slip ons so maybe I’ll get them. I think I have a free pastry at Panera that hasn’t expired. Scanned all my receipts but can’t find the one with shampoo that I can get $2 back, grr. We’ve discussed setting a budget in September and I think we’ll be able to achieve it but haven’t hammered out the details yet. Paid off the paltry balances on my credit cards to avoid charges. Nothing earth shattering. JoAnn

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    1. Somehow, I no longer get the VS coupons. I'd love to get those for my girls. I'd feel no pressure to buy more, but sometimes their sales are comparable to other places. You say nothing earth shattering but it's the little things each day that really matter.

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    2. You’re not missing much tbh. I only go in for free things these days. The brand has really lost its popularity and the underwear quality isn’t great. Kohls, target and aerie are all better. I do have their credit card and I suspect that’s the only reason I get coupons but I can’t remember the last time I used it

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    3. No credit card here for VS so that probably explains. I'm the same with Bath and Body Works. Freebie stop if convenient but it's been a while since shopping there.

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  4. I split a lot of houseplants this week, and took cuttings from my devil's ivy to make more. I love plants, but buy when they're reduced, then grow them on a bit and split them. The devil's ivy is an exception to that, as I needed a large plant to fill a space. If I get more plants from it, that will make me very happy.

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    1. I want to split some too for my daughter. I've got some pots that I think actually were here.

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  5. I don't know if it is frugal or not, but one item I use regularly has been out of stock at 3 different stores when I have tried to buy it. I finally gave up and ordered 3 of them. I figure it was smarter than continuing to look at different stores and coming up empty handed. I have online accounts with a couple of stores that don't charge shipping fees, and I can always wait a bit before it arrives.

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    1. Mental thrift and not running around looking for something is important to me. It was nice shopping from m home with the girls, no shipping charges.

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  6. I was tired of searching from store to store for the size and style panties I can wear, so order them for less than in the store.

    For some reason, I developed a sudden urge for a chili-cheese dog from Sonic. Tommy would have gone if I kept wishing long enough...lol. But, I decided I had cheese, no beans chili. I just lacked hot dogs and buns. So, we are going to get a package of my favorite hot dogs, leave off the buns and eat at home. Besides, I hate the hotdogs at Sonic.

    Your meal does not seem expensive at all, even with buying some more expensive things.

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    1. My daughter likes a chili dog every so often. Considering home cooked, we still we're $6 a person, but it was too quality beef, his favorite tots.

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  7. But just imagine what you total would have been if you had gone out for that meal? Plus you have all the leftovers!

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    1. Yes, at least twice even somewhere like Applebee's. We ate leftovers for lunch.

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  8. I'm glad he enjoyed his pie!
    What a lovely gesture to contribute to the women's charity.
    Have I done anything frugal this week? Hmmmm....spent £3 on two Lidl veg boxes, the contents of which have made up most of our meals. Jon needed some swimming shorts (he's lost 10lb since we started our mile a week swims) and managed to find a pair of brand new Speedos in the charity shop for £2. We walked the four mile round-trip to the Greek place on Saturday night rather than get a taxi. xxx

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    1. No wonder Jon is losing weight, with all the swimming and walking and healthy eating from your veg box. My contributions will be so little compared to the unfortunate needs. But, I guess if lots help, it goes far.

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  9. Belated happy birthday wishes to your husband! The pie looks delicious, and I'm glad he enjoyed his yummy birthday meal.
    Sounds like a good week, and I hope you have a great weekend.

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    1. He finished the pie himself yesterday. Shocked me!

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  10. Lovely pie! When did I last have a piece of any pie I wonder?

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    1. He was quite happy. I think you should indulge yourself- just one slice not ,3/4 of a pie like my DH consumed.

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