The grocery store deals have been few & far between lately, so like many of you, it's been a good time to evaluate what we have on hand, and make the most of our fridge, freezer & pantry inventory. Here are a few frugal wins from our side.
Saving on things we buy
- Used a grocery store gift card to buy a few items we needed. Noticed pasta was $1/lb (my stock up price) & the store had a points multiplier on that brand, so bought a few packages. Made sure to sign up for the double rewards ahead of the purchase
- Uploaded receipts to iBotta & Fetch. Used iBotta's $.10 any item for the store.
- Picked up a very inexpensive cut of ham, that was on "manager's special". M doesn't like ham, but Sam & I enjoy it, so I've been looking for a small amount at a reasonable amount. I'll use some for a ham soup, and the rest for a ham, potato & green bean dinner.
- Picked up Costco pizza on the drive to Tahoe (we stopped for gas, as it's always the cheapest) & paired that with a salad for a very cheap & easy dinner on our arrival.
Earning money
- Cashed in $30+ worth of change at a machine, and got an Amazon voucher. I usually have between $10-20, so this was a nice unexpected amount.
Avoiding spending
- Made peanut butter & jelly sandwiches to take for ski lunches. Sam had his as a "snack", and then had a hot item. I had it as my main lunch, along with a fruit bar I'd packed. We also brought Gatorade that we purchased at Costco. We did buy a few things at the resort, but were able to be really selective, given we brought snacks, sandwiches & drinks from home.
Eating what we have
- I continue to make creative lunches (e.g. fruit smoothies - using lots of freezer items, cheese & crackers, soup, etc) to reduce what we have on hand & ensure we have no waste. The smoothies had the advantage this week of using up freezer bananas (we have so many, & they take up quite a bit of space) & the last of a bag of frozen mango
- Used up a bag of gyozas a friend gave us
- We're not big sandwich people, but I picked up a loaf of bread for PB&Js, and had leftovers. I made the boys grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch on Saturday, before we left home.
- Finished off the last of the coconut shrimp for dinner one night
- The boys used cream cheese (leftover from the chicken tacos & taquitos) on bagels this weekend
- Nick finished off the last of the Costco pizza for dinner, on a night when he didn't prefer the dinner I'd made.
For others
- Continued my volunteer & mentoring role
- Gave away things on Buy Nothing
- Made a financial donation
- Gave a soccer player a ride home (twice), when I saw he didn't have a ride & it was super dark & he was planning to bike.
That's it from my side. What about you? Any wins to share?
Sounds great! I made a large pan of lasagna that the middle son ate yesterday evening, and is devouring today because I so seldom make it. I have not had a pizza pan in years but picked one up in Target this morning, as well as a couple of their brand of pizzas for the weekend. We will see if I need to make chicken and potatoes for Sunday, it depends on my middle son. Otherwise, when I go back to my part time job next week, I will just eat beans and greens next week, since it is only me.I reserve the actual cooking for Thursday evening through Sunday now. Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteI cook just Friday-Sundays typically as well, Cindy. We eat leftovers the rest of the nights & eat creative freezer options otherwise.
DeleteSounds like another good week for you. The Costco pizza & salad do make for a cheap & easy dinner after traveling. It's a great price.
ReplyDeleteI've been busy dealing with medical bills this week, but have it all sorted for the moment just waiting to hear back from Insurance. I will consider it a win when I get a refund. :)
I hope you have a great weekend.
Tracking down the medical bills always seems to generate a ton of work, doesn't it? Fingers crossed for your refund!
DeleteEverything you do always inspires me to do better. I too have been making smoothies from applesauce and blueberries we have in the freezer. I need to use this stuff up.
ReplyDeleteI love smoothies, and they do use up a lot. If I add some protein powder & water, they make a great meal substitute for me, or a hefty snack for the teens.
DeleteI try to not even try and get deals anymore-just keep cooking basics and trying not to waste. Tonight is leftovers. Well done packing lunch and snacks for your ski trip. I'm sure a PB and J tasted really good on your break.
ReplyDeleteYeah, "deals" are so often not for things we need. I'm mostly focused on acquiring what we will use, at a good price.
DeleteGood for you on making sandwiches and taking your own drinks to the ski adventure. I try to do that when we need to use things up on our trips as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat frugal list.
God bless.
Thanks! It's a pricey family adventure, so it helps to make a few small tweaks to save money.
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