The weekend is a rough time for me when it comes to not spending money. I spend a few hours during the weekend catching up on errands that I didn’t do during the week and sometimes default to my hobby, shopping, out of sheer boredom. But I’m really proud of myself because this weekend has flew by and I did a lot of stuff but didn’t spend too much money!
*Taking home leftovers from our potluck that we had at work on Friday
My coworkers recently found out about my intense frugality. I really don’t like to come out and tell randoms about how frugal I can be and how I love to save money but it came out with the question of the day at work. On our down time, someone will think of the question of the day and everyone has to go around and answer it. The first day the question was “What’s your claim to fame?” and everyone went around, mostly with celebrities that they have met. I of course took a different route and told everyone how I was in a USA Today article a few years ago about saving money and making ends meet in the tanking economy (if you want to read the article or see my beautiful face, let me know and I’ll send the link). My picture was on the second page of the newspaper and I feel like it’s been my biggest thing that I’ve done to date. Then one of the guys saw 11 or 12 of the International Delight creamers that I snagged from 7- 11 and the whole “That chick is really frugal” thing took off. So when some of the people were going to throw away the food they brought, I gladly offered to take it home with me. The cranberry loaf is wonderful and when you heat it up for 30 seconds and put a little cream cheese on it, it’s the ultimate sweet and tart combo.
*Instead of shopping, I got out of the house and walked City Park for an hour
*$25 off at Sports Authority
Ok, so I couldn’t stay away from shopping for long but I couldn’t pass up using this coupon. There were no stipulations with-just $25 off of any purchase, even if the purchase was only $25.01. My roommate got it in the mail but she wasn’t going to use so she gave it to me. After wondering through the store for the longest time thinking of what I need or want, I settled on a fleece and socks.
The final price for both items? $3.16. Like I said, I couldn’t pass up using that coupon.
*Free 6 inch sub when you buy a $25 gift card at Subway
Subway is across the street from work so I go there during the week for a cheap lunch. When I heard about the promotion they have running until December 29th, I couldn’t pass up getting a gift card. I know in the near future I will spend that money there regardless plus I got a free sub! Pair that up with a big bowl of chicken soup my roommate made and hello free lunch!
*Home spa night
A really cheap home spa night thanks to Ulta. I had a $5 off $10 coupon plus a coupon for the new John Frieda hair dye. Since grey hairs are starting to pop up more than I would like on the crown of my head, hair dye is essential. Especially since our trainer at work pointed out the grey hairs the other day (in the words of Stephanie Tanner, HOW RUDE!) and said that it was a good look for me. Um…..no. Female George Clooney I am not and if I’m going to go grey, I prefer a solid streak in the front of my hair.
I got both the dye and the mask for only $7.92 and had a relaxing evening along with painting my nails. Relaxing and saves me lots of money instead of going to a spa, I can dig that.
*Free birthday drink at Starbucks
The coupon expires a week after your birthday so I had to use this stat. On Saturday afternoon I was in need of either a nap or some activity. I was too mentally awake to take a nap so I did neither and went to Starbucks instead. I got a grande Skinny Vanilla-Raspberry Latte. Instead of getting the standard four pumps of sugar free vanilla, I got two along with one pump raspberry. I love their raspberry mochas but don’t love the calories that come with it so this is a lighter yet equally delicious and rich treat. And then I spent two hours at the Starbucks researching stocks, mutual funds and ETF’s for my personal portfolio because that’s my idea of fun (sad but true).
*Used dried beans instead of canned
It’s been almost a year since I’ve made dried beans at home. The last time I tried it didn’t turn out so well but in the name of saving money, I was willing to try again. Cans of beans usually run around $1-$1.33 but a 16 oz bag of dried beans only costs $1.23 at Wal-Mart. I found instructions to make them on Kalyn’s Kitchen and used half of the bag just in case another unfortunate incident occurred like last time.
I put it on high but it only took four hours before they were cooked thoroughly with minimal water left (I think it’s because the altitude here?)
I threw in some of the beans into my dinner on Saturday night along with brown rice, Johnsonville Chicken Sausage, jalapenos, grilled onions, cheese and salsa with the leftover salad from work.
And I will be eating beans for the rest of the week….and that’s ok with me. Just as long as this magical fruit business doesn’t hold true.
As for now-it’s almost #TebowTime! Which means I am going to the gym to get a workout in because no one will be there since everyone and their mom in this city will be watching the game. I’m a Florida girl so I am a fan of Tebow and want to start following the Broncos since they are my home team. Plus, he’s really not that hard on the eyes.
Thank God for that body!
Tebow-love him, hate him, don’t care?
What are some wallet friendly hobbies you have?
PS-Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes and nice words-you really know how to make a girl feel good 