Frugal Friday Wrap Up 12/14-12/20 2019

Saturday (a major shopping day):

~We went to Safeway and got 2 boxes of Ritz crackers for .99 each, a cheese ball that was half off and then and additional 20% off that, a free package of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 packages of Krab meat for half off.  I froze the Krab to use for salads, dips, sushi and wontons. Oh we also got candy bars at 2 for $1 to use for s'mores.

~Walmart  had 3 pound bags of mandarins for $1, a loaf of garlic bread for .71, some bagels for .71, a 6 count of donuts for .89, and a bag of 24 rolls for $2.62.  We also picked up a marked down sandwich there and had that for a late lunch.

~The Dollar Tree was our next stop and we got 3 jars of pesto, a Christmas towel, and a 2 pack of hot pads.

~While Jeff was in getting a gift for our DIL at a certain store, I went next door to the thrift store and found 2 books for .47 each and some elastic hairbands for .94 for a large package of them (brand new).

~Winco was where we did the majority of our shopping.  I am always amazed at how reasonably things are priced there.

~The Asian market was where I found my udon noodles and organic miso.  I use these for soups during the cold weather months.  They are comfort food for me.

~We watched the movie "Christmas Vacation" and I had a cocktail with some homemade raspberry gin and tonic.

Sunday:

~Jeff and I hot tubbed in the evening.

~I divided up the package of 24 rolls into 4 smaller packages and froze 3 of them for future use.

~With it being colder, I baked up a tray full of sweet and red potatoes.  I then diced some of them up and made some hash to go along with the Portuguese sausage for dinner.  I also scrambled up 3 eggs to go with that for Jeff.  The other potatoes will be used later in the week.

~We watched the movie "The Shakiest Gun in the West" on YouTube.

Monday:
~We borrowed 3 movies from the library.
~There is a family going through a rough time and a dear friends is trying to help make it a good Christmas for them.  She asked for help from her friends and I, along with many others, are gathering needed and wanted items to help this family.  I was able to drop off a bag full of fun and pampering items along with some much needed hygiene items for them today.  I had everything I needed in my gift and HBA closets.  We have been blessed in the past at Christmas when we were going through a rough time and it feels wonderful to be able to help another family going through a rough time also.
~Using what I had on hand and what needed to be used up, I made an enchilada stack casserole and a spinach salad with fresh mandarin oranges for dinner.  I took my time and enjoyed the process of making a nice and filling meal for Jeff and I.  I made a lot, so there are leftovers for later.
~I've been drawn to simple living and Christmas type videos a lot more lately.  YouTube has a great selection of these to enjoy and learn from.  It gives me inspiration and makes me appreciate and use what I do have.
~Spending some time each day just relaxing and looking at the lights and decorations on our tree while sipping a cup of tea and listening to Christmas carols has become a ritual this time of year that I am treasuring.  It has been several years since we have been able to have a tree and I did not realize just how much I missed it until this year.

Tuesday:
~Another rough night so very little sleep was had.  This made for a very low key day.  I watched more videos on ways to save more money.
~Walmart called and said I had a prescription ready so Jeff and I headed in to pick it up.  We also picked up lots of reduced priced breads, meats, and a cheesecake along with some bananas and an onion. I love when the students are gone and lots of stuff is marked down.
~Jeff took me out for our early Christmas date.  We both brought home half of our dinners so there is another meal to be enjoyed for each of us.

Wednesday:
~Jeff moved that last of the wood pellets onto the porch so that they are easy for us to get to.
~Today was my baking day.  I made 2 large loaves of sandwich bread, 5 small loaves of cranberry -orange bread, and 2 1/2 dozen cranberry-orange muffins.
~We packaged up the muffins and small loaves in pretty Christmas bags.  Some of them are for family and some are for friends.
~We had our leftovers from Tuesday night's meal out for dinner.
~I watched some shows online.
~My legs have really been acting up at night so I drank some Tonic water to help with that.

Thursday:
~Uncle Bob and Aunt Norma gave us a beautiful Christmas card and a gift card for Pizza Hut.
~We took muffins over to them as their gift from us and had a nice visit.
~I worked on laundry here using only half the recommended amount of detergent since that is all we really need and it actually saves on the wear and tear of the washer too.
~I was having trouble sleeping again (surprise, surprise) so I made some homemade candies in the early morning hours.  I knew that I was getting down to the wire since we are doing Christmas this weekend with our kids, grandkids and my cousin who live in this area.  I also could feel a big Fibro crash coming on so I also knew it was now or possibly not getting it done at all.
~After making the candies, I was a bit hungry so I made myself a cup of hot miso soup.  I buy my miso paste at the Asian store and it lasts me about 6 months for a container so I am able to make a cup of the soup for pennies.

Friday:
~Part of my Christmas gift came in from my mom.  She made me winter themed pillow sham covers and I love them!  She also sent us some Christmas towels because she had so many and decided to share the wealth.
~Jeff and I made and  packaged up 4 batches of homemade candies.  I think we are done with all of it now.
~We went to see our oldest two grandson, Bradley and Isaiah, along with their cousins and two little girls that I used to have in the MOPS program, in a dance recital.  Heather's mother, Tammy, is their teacher.  It was so much fun to see all the kids dancing and everyone having a good time.  I got to catch up with an old friend there too!
~We were able to deliver some Christmas gifts for Heather's side of the family while at the recital.
~I was craving something Asian inspired for dinner so I made some spicy Udon and Miso soup with Napa cabbage and green onions.

Praying that you all have a wonderful Christmas with your friends and family!  Be blessed!