Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for an organization that will actually come out to do a donation pickup in my rural location. I've waited years for this! All I had to do was box and bag things up and put it outside. My house is lighter. My donations get to help people in need. I hope some kids get to enjoy the unopened toys I had hiding in a few of those boxes.

I'm already looking forward to scheduling my next pickup. I was able to get my son to part with an outside ride on toy that he outgrew. He was happy to give it up to make a baby somewhere very happy.

Moment of Pause #14

I was taking a morning walk with my toddler enjoying the fresh air and the greenery. There are trees and moss and bushes as far as my eye could see. It made me wonder how many people never get to take a walk in a surrounding like this. It made me thankful that I don't live in a desert.


What made you take a moment of pause recently?

Recent frugal efforts.

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I used the reward points from my Amazon credit card (that I pay in full as soon as the balance posts) to buy my mom a new mop. She couldn't fix hers, and she can't afford to buy a new one.

I entered Dave Ramsey's giveaway daily.

I read ebooks for free from my library and from Amazon digital credits.

I gave away a lot of new free toys I got that I didn't need. I was saving them for upcoming Christmas programs, but I feel good giving them away now. My house is lighter, and children out there can enjoy them sooner.

My son attended the free story time at the library and got to paint a picture. I haven't introduced him to paints yet. He had so much fun.

I've started actively Christmas shopping and planning. I will not go overboard this year.

I got a free video game expansion pack from my Amazon digital credits.

I bought a pedometer from a free Swagbucks gift card so I can take care of my health. It can be put in a pocket, worn on a belt, or worn like a necklace and still be accurate. I also started using MyFitnessPal to count calories, promote exercise, and lose some pounds.

I used the PayPal credit from Ebates to buy a half-priced cookbook and menu plan book from a (kind of) struggling Youtube family that I watch. The books are excellent and will help me meal plan and make better meals.

I received free/heavily discounted items to review that I was going to buy anyway.

I made foaming hand soap for the kitchen and bathroom.

I washed a plastic egg carton so we can reuse it when buying eggs from a neighbor.

I turned the oven and burner off a few minutes early. This doesn't affect the cooking time.


What have you done to save money lately?


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Moment of Pause #13

My toddler and I were going for a walk, and on the side of the road were a bunch of wild blackberries perfectly black and plump.

I could grab a handful of these for free, whereas at the store they would cost $2.99.

I remember last year on a walk there was a boy riding his bike along this road to collect all the berries in either a bowl, his hat, or his shirt I can't remember which. But I thought of him and decided to leave the berries in case he goes in search of more this year.

What moment has made you pause lately?

Last week's frugal efforts.

I gave my mom cash to look for dining tables at her neighborhood community sale. She found one for $25 without chairs. This is fine because my son can still use his high chair, and we already have chairs that we can use for now. The dining set I wanted at Target came to $165 after discounts so for $25 I can settle for this one. So I saved $140, I don't have extra chairs to store, and I have a big table to do projects on without the worry of ruining it.

I entered Dave Ramsey's $5k giveaway everyday.

I made an anniversary card for the inlaws. We bought them a gift card to their favorite restaurant for 24% off through Cardpool.

I redeemed my Swagbucks points for a $25 Amazon gift card.

I recycled cardboard and plastics when possible.

I brought food and coffee to work.

My brother did an emergency coffee creamer run for me, but he bought the wrong brand...but I am doing my best to suck it up and use it.

I always try to run the dishwasher and washer with full loads to save on water and electricity.

I've continued to watch inspirational YouTube videos and read motivational forums and blogs.





What have you done to save money lately?


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Moment of Pause #12

My husband went outside and brought in this purple flower. I can't remember what it is, but you can pull off the purple petals and taste the sweetness. (I did this a lot in elementary school) He then gave it to my toddler who then hurried over to hand it to me.

I remembered this tiny white magnetic vase I had, and it's perfect for a little splash of color and freshness to the kitchen.

The toddler was delighted to see "his" flower up on the fridge. Surprisingly, although it's full of water it doesn't spill when the freezer door is opened.


What made you take a moment of pause today?

Last week's frugal efforts.

I fixed my son's plastic bucket (used to store blocks) with decorative duct tape I had on hand.

I got a free 2017 calendar and goals planner from ReviewKick.

I took the survey on the Fred Meyer receipt for free fuel points.

My son attended a free game day at the library as well as story time. We also borrowed books.

I bought a bunch of fruit and prepared them right away so nothing would go to waste. The castoffs were put in the compost bin.

I cashed in my Bing points for a $5 Amazon gift card to get a book I've been wanting that my library doesn't carry.

I cut the special filter thing from a coffee bag to use on our coffee canister.

I watched free YouTube videos to be inspired and entertained.

I donated four huge bags to Donatestuff.com It feels great to get those clothing items out of my house, and it's really good to know that it's for an awesome cause. Among these bags were tons of baby clothes, baby/toddler shoes, purses, trench coats, and some of my unused clothing.