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I was sucked in a bit to the half priced deals, and stuff I probably didn't need came home with me on Monday. But, it could be worse. I planned ahead and have a couple Christmas gifts, for 2023, plus parts of several fall birthday gifts. I was going to get some new window clings earlier, ours are no longer sticking, but never did. We have full glass doors in dining room and they look fun. I got two sets for just 50¢ so I figured that was an okay buy. The 1/2 price coffee too was a win. The Christmas Reese's? DH will be happy as he loves pb cups kept in the freezer. I need to avoid! I found two rolls of half priced paper that can be used outside of Christmas, but since I'm stocked up for years, skipped buying pure Christmas paper. I found twinkle lights for great nieces who graduate for their new college dorm rooms. That's my haul, $80 later. It could be worse, as for others, woah, carts were heaving.
Did I practice any other thrift though this past week? A bit. Savings of time, resources, and money fall here.
- My daughter picked up a few last needed items after her doctor appointment, saving me a trip out in the cold and trying to explain to DH the day before what spring mix salad is.
- We used broccoli and carrots that needed to be used, plus just frozen mixed vegetables for a delicious stir fry along with vegan spring rolls. I made a sort of sweet and sour chicken for DH and me as well using soy sauce, bbq sauce, and mixed berry jam. Not quite take out, but it was tasty enough and had enough flavor.
- We toyed with getting take out for Friday, but in the end we all just wanted to stay home and be cozy and did appetizer, fend for yourself type dinner. It helped clear out space and saved money.
- I've been maximizing all the items bought for Christmas meals, stretching the need for groceries until likely Sunday after church.
- DH filled up at the gas station that hadn't yet increased their pumps, plus used a 5¢ coupon. Every bit helps, and the two together saved nearly $3 on his fill-up.
- I froze a treat container for DD2 to take back to college, including Oreo truffles. This kept them out of my line of reach too.
- DD1 used her gym membership at the one near us when she was here. Friday, despite the cold, she needed a break from being cooped up and it was a good release for her. It's great her membership has reciprocating access.
- Loaded Fetch points and played MS Rewards.
- With us off work, I knew we'd go out to eat a bit Last night was a bar and grill outside of town that does a massive pizza. We'll have leftovers Friday night with the last of the salad greens, plus freeze slices for a future lunch.
- We combined the drive with looking at Christmas lights and were not disappointed. I particularly liked the candy cane pattern lights up the silo ladder at one farm.I couldn't get a picture, but itv as very clever.
I'm turning my attention to 2023 and how we can be thriftier, waste less, and maximize resources to improve both our bank account and quality of life. If you have any strategies, I'd love to read them.
Sounds like a very thrifty week. We stopped at a few places to kill a bit of time before our reservation but there is nothing I wanted or needed. I just am in the mind set of not bringing in anymore 'stuff'. Have a great day Sam!!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on that. Some was replacement, some future gifts. But, I need to now purge 2 items for each one new received. That's my motto.
DeleteSounds like you did pretty well. One thing I've started doing is when I have left overs I don't put them in the fridge. When I do that, we tend not to use them because we don't want the same thing multiple times in a row. So, I put things in freezor zip lock bags and that way I can pull them out a week or so later. I find we're doing better using left overs that way. Popped in from a mutual friends blog. It's always fun to meet new bloggers, hope you'll swing by for a visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping over and I hope you come back. I need to label things better, but the small bits are great for lunch.
DeleteI'm trying hard to not spend money on things that aren't essential. We are in a very expensive life season, saving for college & getting the boys prepared.
ReplyDeleteWith house projects coming, I need to skip nonessential spending too. We're at the not much time to save stage, plus purging stage so no need for things that aren't needed.
DeleteHit "publish" too fast. We're trying to do the regular stuff: menu plan, shop first from our freezer pantry, reduce food waste, eat leftovers, etc. None of it is super glamorous. If we are keeping our spending in check, the next most obvious place to make cuts is travel, which is high on our list of places we can optimize in 2023. That said, it's also going to be a very pricey travel year (Dubai, my sister's 50th, college trips), so it's going to need to be a year where we take advantage of every possible perk, point & credit, and make tradeoffs accordingly.
ReplyDeleteThe practical everyday stuff isn't glamorous or earth shattering, but it's where holes develop so well done on you!
DeleteI think you were to get some shopping done for gifts for next year. Please tell me more about MS Rewards. Do you have a referral code?
ReplyDeleteNo code needed, you just sign in and play, warm points, cash them in. I'm a trivia buff so a lot is trivia related. Here's the link:https://rewards.bing.com/
DeleteI am joining Lori in the not bringing in any more stuff parade. I would like to buy some more ribbon, but the kind I use is available year round and Michaels will have it half price later in the year.
ReplyDeleteI have decided I am going to try and make it through the entire month of January without going to the grocery store other than for produce and dairy. My freezer is filled to overflowing and I need to use inventory I have. The only exception I will make is if a store has a great stock up price on proteins and then I will buy for the future.
After my kids leave in the 11th, that'll be my January plan too. I hope my son will eat down the soups in the freezer. He loves soup with a great sandwich but doesn't make it as he doesn't have freezer space. I'm on the purge and plan bandwagon too.
DeleteI think your purchases sound quite thrifty actually, although I did have to google "window cling". Are they just for privacy or are they intended to keep the cold out too?
ReplyDeleteThe window clings are decorative,- little scenes or snowflakes etc. that cling to a window. They're just a little fun.
DeleteNo after Xmas shopping here as I'm under orders to keep my leg up for the foreseeable future. I am pouting but compliant.
ReplyDeleteAnd you need to listen to those orders! Take care and know the deals will be found once you're recuperated.
DeleteI don’t think you got sucked in if your purchases have a definite use. Buying things simply because they are a great deal is being sucked in and I definitely have done that in the past.
ReplyDeleteI have a self imposed no clothing purchase promise for the whole of 2023. I have too much, not enough space and above all no need. Megan.
The candy was not needed, but it keeps DH happy. He loves his ob cups. I will probably do a limited clothes shop- a few quality replacement pieces, maybe a bit for size. I'm going to keep on with my weight loss journey, even if slow.
DeleteToday, I found something on sale and immediately thought of you. It was colored fairy lights that had a button to set it to sync to music. Your college kids would probably like that. They are described as sound-activated mood lights. Tommy likes them. I think it is 15 feet long with 50 lights. And, it turns off after 6 hours and comes on after 18 hours. Of course, the control can override this function.
ReplyDeleteI also found wrapping paper and tags. I never buy tags, but these were 100 for $1. I will never need another tag!
Turkey breasts were still $1.49/lb, so I got two more and wish I had bought more.
They tend to like the white lights around their windows, but the lights you found sound cute.
DeleteI got two packs of tissue paper at the dollar tree and then two more at Five Below. Hubby bought some lights. I wish I could have found wine bags but it’s not a big deal. Got some groceries this evening after work. One more day tomorrow and then I’m off Saturday. Not planning to go anywhere or do anything:) but I do have $10 kohls cash that I’ll order DD some kitchen/hand towels for school. JoAnn
ReplyDeleteWine bags seem hard to find on clearance. I guess wine was popular. I love using a inexpensive dish towel to wrap wine. Two gifts!
DeleteWhat a great idea! JoAnn
DeleteI did comment on your last post but it seems to have vanished - better luck this time!
ReplyDeleteNot sure about thrift - I suppose the baths being closed means no Spoons breakfasts but, there again, we ate out on Xmas day and that wasn't cheap. No Lidl Waste Not boxes this week but our £34 Lidl shop wasn't too bad and thanks to generous birthday presents we've not had to buy rum and have found stuff to use up in the freezer. Diesel's at the cheapest it's been in months so Jon filled Patrice up yesterday. I've spent a lot of time this week crocheting with the wool I found going for a song in the chazza before Xmas and we took sandwiches and a flask of tea out with us on our National Trust trip yesterday. Then I blow all good intentions out of the water by treating myself to a dress! xxx
I bet you were the victim of the Spam filter! I love that you pack your own car picnic for your Trust visits. We'll probably do some day outings and will do this. I pack when we drive to the cabin for a day. I wish I could see it knit or crochet. I just never got the knack.
DeleteI can't resist, but end up buying lots of unnecessary stuff if they are on sale, esp. on 50%. So, you are not alone :-))
ReplyDelete