Frugal Friday...the March 21st Edition

Here are the frugal wins for this past week....

*  I love finding marked down foods at Kroger(this really doesn't happen at Walmart).  I only did a small shop at Kroger so far this week...picking up 3 4-packs of clearance Activia yogurt, 2 marked down salad kits, a couple of sweet potatoes and strawberries.

*  We used up some pantry items as well.  I have had a craving for corn pudding.  It's not on my "diet" but I can splurge now and again since I haven't made and eaten it in 3 years.  We just needed sour cream(bought that at Kroger on sale)and I only had a small portion so no worries.  4

*  We also had no food waste last week.  We even used a rotting apple to catch an opossum in a trap.

*  There was no eating out this past week.  

*  We took a load to the food bank.  Maybe one more trip there before we leave Lousyana.  It all depends on what deals I can find that we won't use before we leave.  Part of the next food bank donation will be courtesy of reader Diane R. 8-)))

*  It's been warm here so the heat had been off during the day.  The "Cajun Pony Express"(which is what we call the mail service here)lost our electric bill payment for February, so we had to pay it again online(and pay a "convenience fee" for the honor.)  Eventually the mailed ;payment showed up so now we have a large credit toward March's bill and it should cover a piece of April's bill too.  

*  Entertainment last week was free tv, YouTube watching, sitting on the deck reading or doing genealogy.  I've got two books in process--a biography of Roger Daltery of the "Who" and a book on Jesse James, who is one of my ancestral cousins so watch yourself around me! ;-)  

*  I found money!

Two pennies found in the dryer on Sunday when I did laundry.  Finders Keepers, right? 

          

Found Money This Week.....02¢

Grand Total Found this Year.......$1.13

That's all I got.

Any frugal wins in your neck of the woods?  Let's hear all about them!

Sluggy    

Frugal Friday....the February 28th 2025 Edition

Here are our frugal wins for this past week....

*  I love finding marked down foods at Kroger(this really doesn't happen at Walmart).  I found 2 dented cans of crushed tomatoes(or double crushed if you count the cans lol)markes down to .09¢ each, a carton of oatmilk to use in my oatmeal was a $1.01 moneymaker,  some clearance marked Hummus and Spinach Yogurt Dip, 2 lbs. of Smoked Sausage for $1.99 total after sale and digital coupon, 2 1lb. packs of Ground Sirloin on clearance for $5.16 each, a 3/4 lb. of salmon  for $1.65 after clearance price and mega sale, 4 lbs. of strawberries for $1.88 each after digital coupon sale, 2 bottles of Panera Blueberry/Pomegranate Vinaigrette dressing clearance to $1.24 each after sale price and mega sale, and 5 packages of Jiffy cornbread mix marked down to .33¢ each.

*  We used up some pantry items as well.

*  We also had no food waste last week.   We cooked at home and then ate some leftovers this past week. There was no eating out.

*  I sold a length of fabric last week.  Of course I took an offer that was less than I probably paid for it and I hadn't updated my bank account info since the move so it went to an account that doesn't exist. lol  Stupid me.  Hopefully that bank returns it and I do finally get the cash.  

*  While grocery shopping I picked up some items for the food bank we donate to.  It wasn't much cash out of hand but helps folks struggling here out and makes us feel good.

Spending money on groceries not for us isn't frugal but it certainly is frugal for others.  Especially if it's toiletries or paper goods which they can't use EBT/Snap benefits on.

* It's been warm here so the heat has been off during the day.  Not "hang your laundry out to dry warm" but warm enough not to need the furnace days.

*  Entertainment last week was free tv, YouTube watching, doing genealogy or reading.

*  I found money! 

Between Aldi and Kroger I found .27¢ total-a quarter and 2 pennies last week.

Found Money This Week.... .27¢

Grand Total Found this Year....... .57¢

That's all I got.

Any frugal wins in your neck of the woods?  Let's hear all about them!

Sluggy   

Frugal Friday....Feb. 7 to Feb 20

 Here are our frugal wins for this past week....

*  I love finding marked down foods at Kroger(this really doesn't happen at Walmart).  I found 2 bag of fresh veggies with stickers, an individual salad, a piece of cod  marked down  as well as a bag of protein cereal AND both were part of the mega sale too, plus a container of tuna salad.

*  We used up some pantry items as well.

*  I sold a length of fabric this past week finally on eBay.  Basically after fees I may have broke even.  At least it's one thing out of the house.  I'll probably donate the rest and take the tax write-off.   That will be mush easier and quicker to accomplish. ;-)

*  We also had no food waste last 2 weeks.   We cooked at home and then ate some leftovers this past week. There was no eating out.

*  Even with our record cold temps here lately our electric bill wasn't much higher.  I'll take that as a win!  My brother in VA got 12 inches of snow which is very rare for that area and they are snowed in.

*  Entertainment last week was free tv, YouTube watching, doing genealogy or reading.

*  I found money! 

I found a penny in the parking lot of Kroger right behind our car 2 Friday's ago.  Since then it's been a big old dry spell.

Found Money This Week.... .01¢

Grand Total Found this Year....... .30¢

That's all I got.

Any frugal wins in your neck of the woods?  Let's hear all about them!

Sluggy   

This Week on the Dining Table....Feb. 2nd to Feb. 8th

The "Kroger Clearance" Edition........

We picked this item up on Friday at Kroger.  It's spicy(which Hubs likes)and not only was it on clearance for $3.36(reg $9.99)but it was part of the Mega Sale so cost $1.36.

Plus it's nowhere near it's Use By Date and Hubs has lots of rice leftover he made to have with last week's Lemon Pepper Chicken dish so it's a no-brainer to buy all around!

Onward to the meal planning!

Here is what was planned for the last week.....

1. Sunday--Leftover Chicken and Dumplings

2. Monday--Chicken, Green Beans

3. Tuesday--Leftovers(probably the Hamburgers and a Veg)

4. Wednesday--Shrimp, Baked Sweet Potato Fries

5. Thursday--Pasta in Mushroom Sauce with Meatballs, Salad

6. Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--Salmon or Chicken Burgers, Leftover Green Beans

And here's what actually happened....

1. Sunday--Leftover Chicken and Dumplings

2. Monday--Cheeseburgers(bun optional), Baked Sweet Potato Fries

3. Tuesday--Chicken Strips, Green Beans

4. Wednesday--Muffaletta Pizza

5. Thursday--Leftovers(Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zuke)

6. Friday--Shrimp, Roasted Brussels Sprouts

7. Saturday--Pasta w/Mushroom Sauce and Meatballs, Salad

Everything pretty much happened but not necessarily on the day it was planned, except the Salmon or Chicken Burgers.

What got taken out of the freezer.......

*  Chicken Strips

*  Meatballs

*  Shrimp

Last week we spent $32.89 on groceries and the savings rate came in at 53.17%. Spending for the month is $400.53 and the savings rate is 40.10% for January.

Rebates earned in January-

$162.31 on Ibotta

$10.00 on Checkout51

$78.20 on Aisle and Misc.

$250.51 Total in $$

10,372 Pts. on Fetch

707 Pts. on SwagBucks

513 Pts. on My Points

0 Pts. on ShopKick

0 Pts. on TaDa

(I don't count these until I cash out for a gift card or cash.)

Leftovers going into next week...Sweet Potato Fries, Green Beans, Beef Pie, lot of Spaghetti w/Meatballs.

Here is what was planned for this week.....

1. Sunday--Leftover Beef Pie

2. Monday---Rotisserie Chicken, Leftover Sweet Potato Fries

3. Tuesday--Thai Chicken w/Rice or Veggie Lasagna

4. Wednesday--Pot Roast, Onions and Carrots, Rice(optional)

5. Thursday--Salmon, Veggie TBD

6. Friday--Leftovers TBD

7. Saturday--Leftovers TBD

Just trying to eat down what is here when I'm not getting great deals.  I chose my meals by cherry picking the deals and building meals around those items, combined with what is in my freezer.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week? 

Sluggy  

This Week on the Dining Table Jan. 20th to 26th

The "Soup Smelling Candles?" Edition........

I saw these candles advertised the end of 2024.

Campbells Soup smells of Side Season?

I don't know if this is a gag or real but who wants a Cream of Mushroom or Cheddar Cheese Soup scented candle??

No thanks.

Onward to the meal planning!

Here is what was planned for the last week.....

1. Sunday--Cheeseburgers(bun optional), sautè yellow Squash

2. Monday--Stir-Fry Veggies w/Pork, Rice(optional)

3. Tuesday--Leftover Ravioli, Salad

4. Wednesday--TV dinners

5. Thursday--Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato Fries

6. Friday--Pasta w/Meatballs, Salad

7. Saturday--Chicken & Dumplings(if I can find a marked down rotisserie chicken at Walmart)

And here's what actually happened....

1. Sunday--Cheeseburgers(bun optional), sautè yellow Squash

2. Monday--Stir-Fry Veggies w/Pork

3. Tuesday--Leftover Ravioli, Salad

4. Wednesday--Leftover Meatloaf & Green Beans

5. Thursday--Leftover Pork Loin, Spinach Soufflè

6. Friday--Salad, Pizza

7. Saturday--Leftover Pork Stir-Fry

We had so many leftovers that half the meals didn't get made last week.

Got a bogo deal on pizza at Kroger on Friday so that got added to the meal plan too.

What got taken out of the freezer.......

* Ground Beef

* Pork Loin

* Spinach Soufflè

* Pizza

Last week we spent $132.37 on groceries(proving that eating healthier is more expensive)and the savings rate came in at 37.43%. Spending for the month is $291.37 and the savings rate so far is 34.31%.

Leftovers going into next week...1 slice of Meatloaf and 2 helpings of Green Beans.

Here is what was planned for this week.....

1. Sunday--Chicken and Dumplings

2. Monday--Beef Pie

3. Tuesday--Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zuke

4. Wednesday--Soup and Cornbread

5. Thursday--Leftovers

6. Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--Salmon, Sweet Potato Fries

Just trying to eat down what is here when I'm not getting great deals.  Got some reduced chicken thighs(hard to find them with skin on here but my recipe above requires that)as well as a marked down 3 lbs. of Ground Beef.  I made 3 hamburger patties and browned the rest.  Ate one pattie for lunch and the other two will become lunch this coming week for Hubs, while the browned beef will go into the Beef Pie and the other half will go into the freezer for a later meal.

I found a marked down Rotisserie Chicken on Friday and that became Sunday's Chicken and Dumplings.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week? 

Sluggy 

Frugal Friday....the Jan. 17th Edition

Here are our frugal wins for this past week....

*  I love finding marked down foods at Kroger(this really doesn't happen at Walmart). I found some salads this past week as well as a 2lb. bag of fresh green beans. And I did a little Ibotta shopping for the food bank too. 8-)

*  We also had no food waste last week.   We ate lots of leftovers this past week.

*  There was no eating out this past week.

*  I cashed out a total of $100.00 from Ibotta.

*  I received a $15 prepaid Visa card this week from P&G.

*  We bought groceries at Kroger on Friday after they reinstituted the 4 x points for Friday purchases here(it had gone down to 2 x points during the Summer).

These packages of salmon were marked down plus were part of the Mega Sale so an additional $1 came off each package.

*  Kroger also had select canned veggies for .44¢ per can.  We picked up 16 cans of veggies I use in various dishes.  I only use canned veggies in some recipes as we prefer fresh veggies.

*  I picked up 3 prescriptions at Walmart.  No charge as I hit the Catastophic Phase after filling my first Rx.

*  We turned down the thermostat 2 degrees as night.  Being under blankets we don't need it as warm when we are in bed. ;-)

*  Entertainment last week was free tv, doing genealogy or reading.

*  I picked up two freebies at Walmart on Thursday.......

Truvani had bags of protein and Bellway had super fiber full price rebates I sent for and receive.

*  I found money! 

I thought I was going to get skunked this week but I found a penny on Thursday in Walmart.

Found Money This Week.... .01¢

Grand Total Found this Year....... .21¢

That's all I got.

Any frugal wins in your neck of the woods?  Let's hear all about them!

Sluggy  

Frugal Friday....the Jan. 10th Edition on Saturday

Here are our frugal wins for this past week....

*  I love finding marked down foods at Kroger(this really doesn't happen at Walmart). I found some salads this past week. And I did a little Ibotta shopping for the food bank too. 8-)

*  We also had no food waste last week.   

* I cashed out a total of $75.00 from ShopKick.  Don't even ask about the massive Old Spice Deodorant debacle over there.

*  We bought gas at Kroger, using my points, when possible.

*  Entertainment last week was free tv, doing genealogy or reading.

* I changed Part D providers for 2025 since I was getting raped by United Healthcare with their insanely high premiums.  On a similar note I filled my Humira Rx so I am now in the Catastrophic Phase and now all my drugs will be free for the remainder of 2025.(It's truly sad that this one drug is so expensive that 1 fill puts you in the Catastropohic Phase.)

*  I found money! 

I found a dime at Kroger on 1/3/25.

Then we went to Walmart later that same day, 1/3/25, and I found another dime.

I guess having to bend over and pick up money keeps me limber. lol

We are off to a good start.

Grand Total Found this Year....... .20¢

That's all I got.

Any frugal wins in your neck of the woods?  Let's hear all about them!

Sluggy 

Frugal Friday....the Dec. 27th edition on Saturday Night

 Here are our frugal wins for this past week......

*  I love going to Kroger here as they usually have marked down salad kits and a small container of tuna salad.  I got 3 this week in Virginia but not too many to use up before we left town.

*  We also had no food waste last week.  We ate everything in the fridge or put it into the freezer before we left.

* Did 3 Flavorwiki taste testings and earned $4.28 over and above the cost of the items.  Plus we got to keep the items.

*  Traveling is not frugal, but I used hotel points for free or cheaper lodging, then stayed with family in Virginia.

*  We bought gas at Kroger, using my points.

*  We used gift cards when we had to dine out when traveling.

*  Entertainment last week was free tv or socializing with family.

*  I found money!  

We stopped at the Bu-cee's in South Carolina on our trip to Virginia and found a dime on the floor.

On the 26th we made a pilgrimage to Trader Joe's and found a penny in the back seat of the car.

Inside Trader Joe's I found a dime under one of the checkout counters.

Then my sister in-law found another penny while doing laundry.

Total Found last week..... .22¢

Grand Total Found this Year.......$9.94 & 5.30 Euros  I may hit $10 found before the year is out at this point. 6 more cents to go!

That's all I got.

Any frugal wins in your neck of the woods?  Let's hear all about them!

Sluggy

Frugal Friday...the Dec.20th Edition

Here are our frugal wins for this past week......

*  I love going to Kroger here as they usually have marked down salad kits.  I got a couple this week but not too many to use up before we leave town.

*  We also had no food waste last week.  We ate everything in the fridge or put it into the freezer.

* Did 3 Flavorwiki taste testings and earned $13.53 over and above the cost of the items.

*  I sold some gift sets this week locally on FB.  These are gifts I no longer need for people no longer in my life.  I plan to sell as much as I can before we move.  I have toiletries to unload after Christmas.  The less we have to cart out of here the better. 8-)  

$62 made so far.

Anything we can't sell I'll donate to the food bank.

*  Entertainment last week was free tv or playing with the dogs.

*  I found money!  

I went to Walmart and Dollar General on the 14th and  thought I had found 2 pennies and the former and 1 penny at the latter.  But once I got home and went to clean them I saw that all three had another penny stuck to them! lol  So I ended up with 6 cents total.

Then I found myself back at DG on Tuesday.  There was a dime in the parking lot behind my car and when I went back out to my car I noticed a penny next to my car.

Total Found last week..... .17¢

Grand Total Found this Year.......$9.72 & 5.30 Euros  I may hit $10 found before the year is out at this point.

That's all I got.

Any frugal wins in your neck of the woods?  Let's hear all about them!

Sluggy