Friday, August 18, 2017

Frugal Friday Wrap Up 8/12-8/25 2017

 


   Don't you love it when God answers your prayers?  My hubby has been wanting a nice table saw for years now and I had it on my list of possible birthday gifts for him.  Guess what was waiting for us at our favorite local thrift store on Saturday?  Yes, the saw with all the attachments and guards.  We paid $57.98 for it and my hubby is such a happy camper right now.  I know he will get years and years of use out of it.  His birthday gift came a few weeks early. 😊  I'm so glad I asked him to stop there since I just had a feeling that there would be something really good there that day.  There was more also so onto more of my frugal doings for the week!


~Saturday's stop at our favorite local thrift store not only rewarded us with the table saw but also with a huge stainless steel colander (something that I had seen at one of the kitchen specialty shops about a year ago and wanted really badly but could not justify spending $80 on) for $2.99, 3 seasons of Beverly Hills 90210 (the original version) for $2.99 each with seasons 2 and 3 being brand new and never opened along with season 1 of the series Parenthood and the movie Guarding Tess, some clothes for Jeff, a dress for me, a Mulberry wallet for .98 (the closest thing I could find on their website currently is $360), a Coach checkbook cover for .79 and a Brighton purse that is perfect for this Fall for $3.99 (that one retailed for around $300 new also).  I also found some children's books, Jeff found some golf tees and there are a few other things that I can't remember at the moment.
~The company that Jeff works for had a catered BBQ picnic for all the employees and their families on Saturday.  They also rented out a waterpark with slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and some really fun kid's areas.  We all had a great time and the little boys and our son Chris loved the wave pool!  What a treat for us all!


~We stopped at a bread outlet store and got 3 loaves of bread and 1 package of bagels and some onion hamburger  for $5. We froze the bagels, buns and 1 of the loaves of sourdough bread for use later.
~Sunday I pulled some elk steaks out of the freezer and marinated them with some leftover wine and seasonings.  These were served with small buttered and parsley potatoes and a fresh green salad for dinner.


~We got finally got a bit of glorious rain which knocked the smoke out of the air and dropped the temperatures by about 30 degrees.  I took advantage of that to air out the house and it saved me from having to water the gardens that day.
~Monday I hung out the laundry on the line to dry since we had beautiful clear skies and a nice wind blowing.
~This weeks garden harvest included some blueberries, apples, a few raspberries (they are doing a second setting of fruit this year), cherry tomatoes, parsley, basil and some squash.
~I made more iced tea.


~We borrowed the movie "The Zoo Keepers Wife" from the library.
~Jeff and I took Caesar for a walk twice this week.  Great exercise for us all.
~I had a hankering for Mexican food so I went to the freezer and pulled out some leftover cooked rice and some chicken and green chili tamales.  I made some Mexican Rice out of the leftover rice.  I just added some sliced avocados for me and a salad for my hubby to round out our meal.  We had dinner out on the back porch since the weather was so nice.


~Steven spent most of the day with us on Wednesday.  He is so much fun!  He is really getting into watching our cat Doofy and loves videos with cats in them too. :)
~While Steven napped, I made Zuppa Toscana with things from the freezer and pantry along with some kale from the garden.
~I've been working my points programs quite a bit lately.
~Thursday I hung another load of laundry out to dry.
~I searched YouTube and found more exercises and stretches for people like me with Fibromyalgia.  I went ahead and did some too. 😜


~I received a coupon for a free product up to $5 from the Kellogg's company after calling them about another product that I had bought that was stale.
~We continue to watch some of our favorite currently airing tv shows online.
~Netflix put some new shows on that we are enjoying.
~Thursday I made a cookie sheet dinner with Italian Sausage links and sweet potatoes with a chipotle and sea salt seasoning.  We had this with watermelon chunks along with cherry tomatoes from the garden.


~I was craving some Fall like dessert wise.  I cored and sliced up 2 of the Summer apples from our tree and sauteed them in some butter.  I sprinkled a bit of salt on the apples and then added about 1/2 a cup of brown sugar to the pan and turned off the heat.  The residual heat cooked the brown sugar and butter into a nice light caramel sauce that coated the apples.  It was a huge hit with both my hubby and I. Next time I will add more apples.  I'm thinking I may core and slice a bunch more of the apples and freeze them so that I can make more of this later on and possibly even a apple crisp. These apples are the perfect apples for doing this with.
~It looks like we will be adding 2 new fur babies to our family.  Chris called last night and asked us if we would be willing to take 2 of their cats since they are moving and he is worried that they cats will be killed by coyotes or something else since they will have to be outside all the time.  I had offered to take 1 of the cats but he needs homes for 2 of them and thinks he already has a home for the 3rd cat.  Chris said they will help out with food for the cats and other expenses when I told him that we are trying to cut costs here and that Doofy is on a special and expensive cat food so the other cats would have to be on that too since we can't risk Doofy eating foods that he is allergic to.  I am going to have to pick up a second covered litter box since there will be 3 cats here.  Midgey and Patches will most likely be coming to join us sometime this next week and will stay with us for about 2 years until Chris and Heather build their new home and then will return to live with them full time.  Chris was so relieved.  He loves those cats and so do the grandboys.  This way they can still come and see their kitties.  I am hoping that the transition will be an easy one.  Doofy was raised with other cats but has been an "only cat child" here at our home. He does have Caesar though, who he bosses around like mad.  I have to admit, Jeff was really reluctant and did not really want any more cats, but he is doing this for our son and grandboys.


~Jeff cleaned up and photographed some things that we want to sell.  I'm cross listing them on several local buy and sell sites on facebook.
~Friday we headed into town after Jeff got up in the afternoon. We had to buy a second litter box since the 2 other cats will be joining us.  We went to Shopko to find one since Walmart is completely out of them.  We found it for $2 cheaper there than Walmart had them.  While we were there I went to see if they had any of the deep pocket sheets on clearance since we only have one set with the deep pockets.  We found a set on clearance for half price and it costs even less than the other set that I got such a great deal on ebay for.  We also picked up some of the elastic sheet "garters" to keep the bottom sheet in place.  They were also on sale.


~We used the coupon we got for a free product on a huge box of cereal for Jeff.
~Birthday cards were bought at the Dollar Tree for the upcoming family birthdays for .50 each.
~We stocked up on the 2 pound bricks of cheese for $5.99 each.  We bought 4 of them and that should last us a good long while.
~Jeff and I were both hungry while in town but waited until we got home to eat.  I really need to keep some granola bars in the car since I get light headed and cranky when my blood sugar drops.
~Caesar got up on both couches on Thursday night while I slept and got his hair all over them.  I used up an entire Scotch lint roller cleaning the couches off.  Luckily I had gotten the roller free.  I also washed the dog hair covered fleece throws with some of my homemade laundry detergent.  He knows better. 



   Not a bad week and I feel very blessed that we found things either at the thrift store or on sale at the regular retail stores that we needed.  The weather has been cooler so that has helped with my health and I am really trying to learn to pace myself better.  I need to tackle that bucket of apples that Jeff and I picked and get them processed.  I am hoping to get to that tomorrow or Sunday along with cleaning out the back guest bedroom so that the new fur babies can retreat there and feel safe.  Lots to do this weekend and then I hope to rest on Monday since I have a meeting to go to on Tuesday















21 comments:

  1. Looks like a great week! I just love it when I find something that we've been wanting in the thrift store. You guys had a good trip, for sure! How sweet of you and your husband to take your son's cats. That's how I ended up with the three dogs... lol. (my daughter) I love them to pieces, but have NEVER been a dog person before now. Now I seem to love them all!

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    1. Good Morning Penny,

      That was really sweet of you to take your daughter's dogs in too. Isn't it funny how we end up with our kid's pets? We got our Sasha dog (she has since passed) when Chris could no longer give her the attention she needed due to his crazy work schedule and after she passed Chris is the one who found us Caesar. He would have loved to have Caesar for himself, but was not in a position to take him and he knew we would love him and Chris could still come and see him. ;) My son Josh (who is in the Air Force) has a cat that we have offered to take when he goes overseas but he has friends that take her in while he is gone. I think Josh is afraid that if she comes here I will not give her back. ;) I would but still....

      Have a great weekend!

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  2. Hello!
    How very exciting!
    So happy you found the table!!!
    Doesn't that just make your heart happy?
    Enjoyed visiting with you here today.
    Have a cozy weekend!

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    1. Thanks Billie Jo. I am very excited about that table too!

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  3. What an amazing bargain to find that table saw! Isn't the Lord good! And all the other bargains and savings you had throughout the week, I love how the Lord provides us with all we need, and more! We too are enjoying the clear skies now, and cooler temps, soo thankful for them! Always a joy to visit with you Debbie, hope you are having a blessed weekend :)

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    1. Hi Marilyn,

      The clear air is glorious isn't it? :) It is so nice to be able to be outside on our back deck and enjoy the coolness of the morning and the evenings. I am enjoying my weekend. Jeff and I got the back guest bedroom cleaned and purged so much stuff in there. The back of my car is loaded with boxes of things to donate to charity thrift stores. We also decided to invite our oldest grandson to come and spend the night with us on Sunday to help his kitties that are coming to live with us feel more at home. ;) We have been wanting to have him spend the night for awhile, but life has been crazy for all of us. I hope your weekend is wonderful my friend!

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  4. Way to go on finding that table saw. And waiting for that collendar as well. It's amazing what happens when we're willing to wait.
    Had a chuckle - I had a similar bucket of apples sitting by my door most of the week. Finally cleared out a bin in the refrig for them. It's on my to-do list but not today.
    From the last post - so glad you had the energy to go walking. I'm glad your flare eased up.
    I'm taking it easy today - walked the dog around the block (our usual); went to the closest garden to water and pick strawberries. Took the dog in to get his nails trimmed - worth the $20 it costs.
    Yesterday, I thought of you as I made a trip to the non-profit grocery. For $5 - got bread, cookies and some veggies. Going there really helps me make the most of my $$. Also, haven't gone out to eat since getting home from my trip and I've been taking a thermos of water every time I go out. It really helps to stop going through drive thrus.
    Take care, SJ

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    1. Hi SJ,

      My bucket of apples are still waiting for me to process them too. Jeff and I got busy with another project that took hours to complete but the good news is that we filled boxes and boxes with stuff to donate and the back guest bedroom is ready for our oldest grandson to come and spend the night with us tomorrow and help his kitties adjust to life in our home.

      I had to giggle when you talked about getting the dog's nails trimmed. I looked at Caesar's yesterday and he so needs them done. That will have to be on my "to do" list here soon. As you know, I do it myself. Ever try to wrestle a 120 pound dog so you can trim his nails?

      Good for you on your smart shopping and taking water with you. I really need to get in the habit of taking something to drink with me whenever we leave the house.

      I hope you are having a lovely weekend my friend! Be blessed!

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    2. My guy is only 90# and that's too much for me. Truthfully, I never trained him to let me trim his nails so it's really on me for the situation. For me - I went a year between haircuts and can't remember when I had a manicure or pedicure or my eyebrows done. All of the latter I did at least monthly when I had a paycheck coming in. No whining, just facts.
      And as for the comment below about getting dog hair off furniture. I was chuckling. My recliner loveseat is the same color as my dog, by choice. On 'his' side, there's a pad made for dog kennels. I wash it weekly.
      Stopped by the grocery store that price matches. Got some canning jars on a great price match and the grocery store also applied their sales %%. Score!
      Good for you to get that project done today. I bet that felt good
      Take care of yourself. SJ

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    3. You are very smart to get a loveseat that matches your dog. ;) Caesar is all white and I would be so fearful between Jeff and the grandkids to have any white furniture in the house. :)

      Good for you for those deals on the canning jars! I love having them around for everything!

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  5. Oh my goodness Deb you are turning into the crazy cat lady LOL! I'm quite allergic to cats so I wouldn't be any good to ask to take them on. Naughty Caesar jumping up on the lounges. Our Cobber is a smooth coat Jack Russell. I have spent a good part of this morning with the vacuum trying to get her hair out of the chocolate coloured recliners and the red rug on the floor. I understand what you were going through. I may have used quite a bit of bad language in the cleaning process.
    Sounds like the cooler weather has helped with you not having the nasty flair ups. Here's hoping that your health continues to improve.

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    1. LOL Hane, why yes I am! ;) How do you manage to get the hair out of the fabric on the recliners with the vacuum? Maybe my vacuum is not strong enough but I swear those hairs have barbs or something on them that keep them from coming off easily.

      The cooler weather has definitely helped. I was able to help hubby with a big project today and even he was amazed that I was able to keep going for a few hours until it was done. I'm super sore now but getting it done was much needed and I feel so much "lighter" with lots of things cleaned out and being ready to donate.

      Be blessed!

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  6. What a busy, busy week - and so many bargains. Elk steak! I doubt that any shop in the UK sells that although I imagine it's a bit like venison ( deer) There is very little fat on that and I tend to cook it in the Slow Cooker.

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    1. Hi Blossom,

      Elk steak does taste very similar to venison, but I like it better because to me at least, it does not taste "gamey". The elk steaks were from the huge elk my son Chris got last Gall when he was out hunting. We are hoping he gets another one this year too!

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  7. Sounds like a great week. Wonderful finds! YAY for hubs on the saw.
    Thank you for agreeing to take the fur babies in. They will be loved with you.
    Have a great upcoming week!

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    1. Hi my friend! Of course we will take in the fur babies, they are part of the family too. ;) I am glad they are not asking us to take their dog though. He can lives out there with them since he spends lots of time there at the family ranch already. We would not be able to take him though since he will attack our dog.

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  8. So glad to hear you were able to find the table saw that Jeff had been wanting! Such a happy event when that happens, isn't it? And all the other bargains you got!

    Very nice of you to take the two cats. Dancer is supposed to be my daughter's cat, but she wasn't able to take him with her when she went to college, so I "inherited" him! LOL.

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    1. Hi my friend! Thank you and yes, a very happy event! We love these cats and so far so good with them. They got here last night and despite some hissing at our cat and god, they are doing well. :)

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  9. To help with the cost of cat litter I have switched to the silica litter. the best price I have found is $7.50 for an 8# bag at walmart.com. I have 4 indoor cats and I use between 1 to 1.5 bags per month. The silica COMPLETELY ABSORBS THE SMELL. I scoop out the feces several times a week. the silica drys out the feces completely so the litter is easily cleaned. You will see the white silica crystals slowly turn a yellow as the absorbs the urine. The litter stays dry. I rarely endorse a product but this works and is much less expensive than the clay types and we have no cat litter box scent ever!!!!

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    1. Thank you! I will have to try that and see if it is something that Doofy can tolerate. He has allergies to several things but with 2 cat boxes going now and the smell from just one becoming overwhelming quickly, this could be a lifesaver!

      Do you by change have a blog yourself? I clicked on your name and none came up.

      Be blessed and thank you again!

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  10. Your hubby will be SO happy with that saw! There's nothing like a tool to make those guys happy. How nice that you got one for such a low price.

    It looks like you had a wonderful, productive week. My Grandma used to make what she called fried apples, and they sound a bit similar to what you did--she did apples sauted in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Us kids used to love having them, since my mother didn't make that particular recipe.

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