Frugal Friday

 I've had a busy week, with lots of job applications, interview prep, and getting ready for the course I'm teaching. 

Saving on things we buy

• We largely avoided spending this week, so no savings on things we buy to report. 

Earning money

• Earned $20 taking surveys
• I worked quite a bit on the course I'm teaching. It's a 10 week module, and you get paid at the end. You are paid for the time spent teaching, and for prep work, so I'm technically working on the paid prep work now, although I won't be paid until June for the work, when the course is complete. I'm hopeful that this will be a side hustle that drops in time commitment (once you've taught the course & prepped the first time, I imagine it will be infinitely easier for each subsequent delivery). 

Avoiding spending

• I couldn't think of any good lunch options one day, but I avoided grabbing lunch out. Instead, I made a very eclectic lunch of a grilled cheese (on the last of a hamburger bun), edamame from the freezer, and an apple. 

Eating what we have

• Nick hosted an impromptu poker party on Sunday, as he really wanted Sam to be able to join one. I dug through the fridge & freezer & served up: burgers leftover from our dinner, chicken nuggets, and leftover ski snacks. It wasn't a very cohesive assortment, but everyone got fed, and the teens had a great time, which is all that matters. 
• Used the last of the sour cream to make blueberry muffins for M.
• Nick hosted a second event last night to talk about the senior road trip he's taking with his friends. He made a huge batch of popcorn for his friends, and served that.
• Defrosted some taco meat yesterday, and turned that into our dinner. Bonus points, grated the last of the cheese to go with it. We're running low on almost everything!
• Including the above, I made some very interesting lunches this week, and have basically cleared out all of the obvious lunch additions, as well as snacks. The teens are begging for some new additions. ;-) 
• We've also polished off almost all of the fresh fruit & veggies, so a stock up trip is definitely in order.
• Cut the first of some volunteer lettuce, and used that in M's salad.
• Our herbs are also going crazy (thyme, tarragon, mint & rosemary), so I need to cut those back & dry them, and offer fresh cuttings to our neighbors. 

For others

• Had a call with one of my students I've been mentoring, and she got into so many good UCs, and they met all of her financial need! I'm thrilled for her. She's had a lot of challenges in her family & is a great & dedicated kid. It was so lovely to hear about her good news & help her navigate the decision of which college to attend. 

What about you? Any wins to share?