Last Week's Frugal Efforts

I reused some wrapping paper for my husband's Valentine's Day gift. (a stack of blank playing cards for 56 reasons why I love him that I got free thanks to a Swagbucks gift card.)

I purchased a used drying rack from the Amazon warehouse so I still get the great "warranty" in case something is wrong with it. I tried it out, and it works pretty good. I'm hoping it gets easier as the weather warms up. I'm shooting for a dramatic decrease in my power bill.

We turned the thermostat down by 1 degree, which is amazing because  my husband is dead set on a certain number.

I brought my toddler's uneaten leftovers to work for lunch so it wasn't wasted.

I unplugged three landline phones and a lamp that we don't use.

I started using Bing and InstaGC more frequently so I can use those earned gift certificates for upcoming gift occasions.

My son and I made some Valentine's Day crafts using scrap paper. We made paper chains, necklaces, bracelets, and pink snowflakes. He had so much fun. :)

We were finally able to return our Comcast modem because we bought our own, which is a savings of $10 a month.

What have you done to save money recently?

Recent Frugal Efforts

My husband and I attended a free Kindergarten prep class. They provided free materials and tools (toys) to help prep our toddler for Kindergarten. These free classes are from birth to age 5. Check here to see if there is a program in your area.

I put old toddler snacks outside for the birds.

I put up a huge mural in my son's room that cost nothing. (thanks to a reviewer discount and Swagbucks gift card) This will deter me from wanting to spend money decorating his room. It will be a useful tool to teach about the colors, animals, etc.

I got a new toddler pillow for free. (thanks to a reviewer discount and $1 Swagbucks gift card)

Instead of buying learning posters for my son (shapes, colors, etc.) I decided I'm going to make some.

I continue to bring food and coffee to work and reuse zip lock bags and glass containers.

I pack my husband's lunch and prepare coffee on the two days a week where I'm before he goes to work. This saves on him eating out.

While my toddler and I went for a walk my husband took two huge boxes and made a fort. We've been decorating it with markers, crayons, and stickers. Hours and hours of fun for cheap!

I'm trying to be diligent about keeping light off, devices unplugged, and the thermostat down after receiving our monster power bill this month. I've tried before, but I'm being more mindful now.

I've been trying to use up some of the foodstuff in our pantry and freezers. This results in a lower grocery bill and cleaner shelves that we can be more mindful about when we go to refill them. I'm still struggling with meal planning, so hopefully this "clean out" will help make it easier and more efficient. I've been bringing things we don't want to work to share with others, and I've given my brother some items too. He's like a garbage disposal, and he enjoys the random treats.

I'm on week 5 of online courses. (thank you, Pell Grant!) Already I can tell my time management skills have improved, and my outlook and views on life are changing. I feel more optimistic and open minded.

I set up the double hanging closet railing I got really cheap a few months ago in my son's room. I'm using it to hang the clothes he hasn't grown into yet. This will help me keep track of the things he has so I don't overbuy because of a good flash sale.