Dinner & the Movies - Day 4

Sunday - ahhh lazy Sunday's although NOT today! Today was a busy day!  I got a sleep in today which was nice and so already had a late start to the morning so then organised the house chore roster and spent the majority of the time walking up and down the house putting little things away.  Probably not the best use of my time but I'm finding these days when I just box stuff to 'go to another room' it stays in the box so this way if I physically go and put it away then it's done!

Some of the house chores got done today - other's didn't but that's ok because the children 'see' their pocket money on the fridge and that they dont' get it until they have 'earnt' it ... I think there are about to be some hard lesson's in the house!!!  I really enjoyed a conversation I had today with a girlfriend about her house runs and what chores the children do and how money is given etc and my daughter was standing right there at the time and I hope that she's taken note that her life isn't 'quite as hard'!

The best part about today though is that I got to go to the movies with said girlfriend and her daughter.  I won (yeah cause this is me I'm talking about frugal queen tee hee) tickets to go see Pitch Perfect - it was sooo funny.  And because I'm always thinking ahead last time we went to Cafe Primo for dinner I bought two movie money tickets at $12 each (beats paying $18 at the cinema) yes there are a few restrictions with using the tickets but I don't mind, it's not always easy trying to go to a movie on a saturday night when you have children these days!  

So as I promised my friends if I won tickets we would split the cost into 4's so it worked out to be only $6.50 for each of us to go to the movies!  We were happy with that.  Then like all good movie goers (or bad ones as I'm sure the cinema would expect you to give them all your movie) we bought drinks else where.  We DID go down to Hungry Jacks as they had a special of Frozen coke for only $1 but obviously they killed the machine with kindness and so it was no longer working... so rather than pay $5.50 for the same thing at the cinema I bolted down to the food court (racing my daughter tee hee) to go and get the same product from there. Saving $1.50!  Yeah I know it's crazy but we had time and pre calories to burn in a fast 5 minute walk!!

Dinner was lovely at Cafe Primo again (best meal in town for price) and we were joined by my hubby and son and also my gf's hubby and son so it was so nice.  The meals are so big for the price so we only got two mains and shared them.  Then we got even more lucky because after every main meal you get a FREE pancake per meal you have purchased now I expected to only receive two which I would have shared with my daughter but they brought us 4 so that was nice and also I ordered two children's drinks but because we ordered a main meal they seemed to only charge us $1 each so that was great.  So a total of only $40.60 for the 4 of us - hubby's beer was $6.80 for a scooner - a bit excessive I thought but I don't drink so I have no idea about prices!

Home now and feeling well rested for another busy day of cleaning tomorrow and hopefully eBay listing if I can get my act together!!!!  xoxo

In's & Outs - Day 3

Today I have been as a busy as a bee.  I packaged up all the 'pay it forward' items last night and put out for collection and then setted off on my own 'loop' to go and collect all the lovely things that other's are sending out to the world with much love.  It's a great group noone is greedy and everything just seems to work out at the end of the day.

I didn't get very far before the car started beeping I needed petrol so I checked my wallet and sure enough I only enough $49.99 worth of gift cards in my purse so I got $50.00 of petrol - they let me have 1c that was so nice of them.  I buy my WISH gift cards from RAA as I get 5% discount and then allocate them towards part food and petrol.  Good savings there.  So I didn't touch the credit card again today! Win for me!!!

I planned my route with the help of google maps but suddenly found that it keep doubling back on itself so I had the good old street directory in the car so used that as I was aware of a few addresses already.  It was lovely to meet and greet everyone and of course my 1 hour round trip took a lot longer than expected but that's ok!  (ps this is a map of NY city because I can't publically just display my route for today...)

Of the many things I collected  was a  glass chess set for my son who is a fan and has been pestering poor hubby for a game ever since.  I was able to drop off some items too so that's helpful.

So although I realise yesterday I said 'enough already' these are things that I probably would have 'bought' for the house or for presents, I have been quite strategic with what I am collecting nothing to contain more clutter.

I did manage to get a whole pile of coathangers which are ALWAYS useful especially in our house so a good saving there.

I went to Sam's Warehouse for those of you who know it while I was down south.  A discount shop and they had all their Xmas stock out for 75% off.  I didn't want to look knowing that I could have saved even MORE money on my wrapping paper but it's ok.  I'm all done I need no more.  I did for a few moments stop and look through their mountain of clearance items but decided I 'need' NOTHING so let's walk away.

On the way home I needed milk so luckily that's 'all' I bought because I can tell you there are times where milk could easily cost $30 for a quick trip to the shop - I should just buy the cow I know... LOL.  I resisted the urge for ALL the bakery items that were marked down because we simply do NOT need any more sugar post xmas and also the tempation for the sale of hot chickens because I already had meat defrosting for tonight's dinner and I RELLY need to use the food in the house first before I buy more.  (Going to try a $21 challenge later - more about that later).

So that's it from me... I'm home and pleasantly warn out but a successful day!!!

Enough Already - Day 2

Today I'm having a BIG clean out!

I am a sales consultant for a well known direct selling company and have collected many 'things' over the past few years - (if you are one of the few that haven't been an avid collector of things as I know that there are a few out there that have resisted the urge -  I'd call that success LOL)..  Bonus gifts, rewards and prizes all collect after a while and now I'm drowing in clutter - ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

As I mentioned yesterday I joined a local freecyle group on facebook which has been great as I can take pictures and list to give away.  People are lovely and not greedy and it's nice to know that they are going to people that would like it or need it rather than just dumping at the local op shop - plus if I go near there I might buy more stuff to come home.

So I need to ask the question... "do I want it..."? Yes ....but "do I NEED it...?"  No! Probably not!

I really admire Peter Walsh and have read his books and watched his decluttering shows on tv and he is so correct with many things that he states. Things like we wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time and if things aren't put away and looked after carefully then you have NO respect for them.  

Also if you haven't used or looked for something in 6 mths then chances are you won't need it and I know some of the things that I am getting rid of I haven't used or gone on the look out for in the last 12 mths so they are definately not needed in this house!

So following also in the footsteps of Flylady and other organising type groups I have been reading about I'm doing 'Home Blessing's' and freeing myself of the clutter and un-organised chaos and clutter that I no longer need!

I will see if I can find a few episodes on line to watch as they do inspire me as it's about organising and although an American Show they do have some good ideas.  

How's the organised chaos going at your place???

Day 1 364 to go ... LOL

Welcome to Day 1 -Today has been a busy day!!!

BUDGET - all good households need a budget and if yours looks anything like ours - you do it and then work out you can't afford to live and keep shopping LOL.  It's just because I am a dot all the 'i's type girl and cover for every possible 'what if' I might be doubled up in some areas so naturally at the end of the year I can go woo hoo I'm a legend I managed to save X amount of dollars!  Although I'm not sure that this year we ended up with a possible bank balance.... LOL  Santa went a bit overboard....

I'm just waiting till tomorrow for the bank to push through the last few transactions that we have on the credit card then I can pay it off and then we can 'start all over again' as they say.  Yes I'm that anal with numbers...LOL 

I did however decide to go back to the cash bags and allocate so much money for things that need cash eg fruit and veg, school adventures for the $2 here and there.

SHOPPING - today is the first day that the local suburb shops are open, the city and harbourtown was opened yesterday but I wasn't feeling brave enough to fight the crowds and they didn't have the shops I wanted.

Today I hit a shopping ctr about 20 min drive from me mostly for the post xmas stock.  All I needed was wrapping paper as I have enough cards to last 3 xmas's.  I was surprised at how price varied between shops.  With my trusty calculator I worked out that I was happy to pay 13c per metre at Kmart rather than 25c per metre at places like Cheap as Chips (yeah I was surprised too) and I'm sure that the quality is better.  So I some how ended up with 50 metres for only $6.50 - so I don't need any more paper maybe for the next two years and also some people's birthday gifts might be wrapped in some nice gold & silver colours this year LOL.

CLOTHING - we dance around this subject every year although this year is different.  As you know I've recently lost 22kgs and it's really great but can also be expensive LOL.  I have had a major clean out of all my clothes and so now a small restock is in order.  

I visited 'Saver's' today as they had 50% off all their clothing and I didn't find 1 thing that I loved so a good saving in there!  

I also visited Miller's as I got an email that said they had sale items starting at $3 but there was nothing in store except scarfes for $3 and everything else $16.95 - now I've lost some weight but I don't think a scarf is going to cover all of me ... $3 or not.... LOL.  I heard other's complaining too about the email so it seems we were all in the same boat.

GENERAL - I had to go pick up the family trailer today from down south hence why I visited the non local shops and did a bit of a loop on the way home.  I recently joined a freecycle type group which is going to help me declutter the house but also I picked up 2 lovely glass design necklaces that someone was giving away which will be great for my daughters birthday in Feb.  I start early with collecting presents!

Also had to drop off something to a friends house which was only around the corner so I was clever and mapped out my route. 

I've had a successful day!

A new Project - Frugal Project 365

Hello one and all!!! I'm back!!! What a busy year it's been I see the last time I posted was in July 2012 so figured that I should come back and touch base.

Do you like my new title - Frugal Project 365 - it's exactly what it states let's see how long I can keep this going for LOL.  I'm not aiming to be perfect or go that's it I refuse to spend any more money but it's more about the challenges and finding the best way to deal with things!

In the past year as many of you know I've become a Zumba Instructor and have been teaching classes which has been great, getting fit and healthy and inspiring other's to do the same!

I'm managed to loose 20kgs in the past year following the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation and adopt a fairly healthy lifestyle which I will have for the rest of my life!  I have seen many other friends take up the challenge too so I wish them all the best.  After being on her online program for 36 weeks I am taking it 'offline' and not being a paid member and doing it 'on my own' or at least with all the facebook friends I have met along the way.

Also yesterday was Xmas so with that came a mountain of presents and mess!  So I figured rather than wait for the new year I'd just dive in right now and get started.

Going to redo the budget today, make a 'plan of attack' for cleaning the house and setting up routines and schedules (I feel like sigh here we go again), organise parts of the house which are WWIII remains and just to remember to 'just keep swimming'...

So this blog is about the next 365 days of the year and my adventure! Being as frugal and organised as I can!  It could be the most funniest thing at times I'm not sure I know how to organise myself out of a wet paper bag!

 UPDATE: A CAN A DAY

I remembered the other day after I cashed in a whole boot of station wagon filled to the brim about ths challenge and can report back it was a SUCCESS!!! I KNOW that I cashed in at least 365 cans and probably by a loose count nearly at least DOUBLE that I do KNOW that  I would have gotten about $150 in cash over the past year for the all the cans and bottles that we did cash in - not bad for picking up the odd one here or there and helping the environment. 

 

Theif!!!

NOT HAPPY!!! Does the words private property mean anything????

As you all know I collect the odd can and bottle and there's a little patch of grass next to the car port - up near our shed that I had been putting the odd bottle as soon as I pull up for the night (especially if it's dark)  just so they aren't jigging in the back of the car!

I know that after the past week there was at least 12 there and this morning I got up to take hubby to work and there are 6 there.  So I give who ever their due they can do the maths but bugger you!!!!  There was a mixture of cans and bottles and most likely the bottles were bicardi breezer's and other more 'exclusive' drinks not just regular beer bottles - maybe they thought there was something still in them??

I didn't steal these from anyone and now your stealing from me.  I guess people will do anything to get a little extra $ these days.

I had been meaning for the past few days as it's holidays to pick them up and take them to the bottle shop with the other boxes full but now I'm really annoyed.  I guess it's my own fault for not doing it sooner but still! Grrr!!!!

The most annoying thing is that we have a security light that comes up once you get up to that area and every now and again it turns on and I swear I hear someone there but hubby said it's just my imagination!!!  Yes it possibly be the neighbours cat but still!!!!

I guess today I am going to be outside cleaning up some of the area to make sure that noone else comes looking for any opportunities!!!  I guess there's nothing like something 'happening' to make you make a move on what you should have done a long time ago!!!

Free Dental??? Not anymore!

When I was younger visiting the dentist use to be a fun thing mostly because the school dental clinic was on-grounds and it got you out of school for a little while and then you got to go to the class to collect the next kid so yeah you took a little detour - stopped on the loo and then eventually went to the classroom to give the teacher the note for the next sucker - err kid to go see the dentist.

Then slowly the clinics stopped being on school grounds and now there are only a handful.  It's all government run now and although they still say you can receive FREE dental health - there's always a catch isn't there....

For each set of treatment you need it now costs $40.  You also see students in the clinic and not a main dentist like in the olden days.  The students are very well taught and watched closely and they don't do anything without supervision or having their work checked off before moving to the next stage.  I was reading on the website and from what I understand as an adult -  it states that as a patient you have the right to deny seeing a student however you are then placed on a waiting list.  I guess it really is tough these days for the government to pay full time dentists.

You get a bill for the dental visit and have to go and pay it at a post office.  We have to go back in 3 weeks time for the 'treatment' so I wonder if there is going to be another bill for that or if the $40 cover's this round of 'treatment'?  $40 is a lot cheaper than what I would pay to go private but still 'nothing is FREE these day's is it'

Back Again

Well it's been a LONG time since I've been posting in my blog as you can see I've been busy doing my weight loss blog more so although I have still been frugal in some area's.  This blog has taken a back seat (woops).  I've had a few requests from friends to start it up again and now that it's school holidays I will do just that!

Firstly I want to make sure that you head over to my weight loss blog - wacky warrior adventures - there should be a link to the side here now ------------------------->>> 

Just a few things that I found (cause my frugal brain is always switched on)...  

Cans & Bottles are worth nothing over there so they are everywhere in the streets.  Looks like someone sat down and had a drinking party and then just walked away.

This then made me laugh 'have you forgotten something' gosh I hope not - would cost you a fortune!!!

Then finally my black dress that I got for a whole $6 from the op shop before I left which I wore to the party on the Saturday night.  It was a little snug so hopefully in a few more kgs it will be a bit looser.  Who knows I might even need another new dress by then!!!

NOW to the NOW of life!

My daughter had a special winter ball to go to as part of her youth group and we got her a dress from the same op shop for only $20.  It was marked as $25 but I found it outside on the $2 rack however I do agree there wasn't the 'crossed out' marks that all the others had there so someone's put it there by accident. So they marked it down to $20 for me.  On closer inspection it still had it's BRAND NEW tags on it for $79 from Target! Bargain thanks!

She already had a purple necklace to go with it and borrowed one of my black bags that I bought for a whole 20c about a year ago.  The only cost to us was new shoes as she didn't have any good black shoes but they were only $20 from kmart.  She had a great night!  

More posts coming.....

A Can A Day - Update

As I posted before I was going on a mission to find a can a day well maybe that should be "A Can An Hour" LOL.  Maybe I should also change it that it's just not can's we are finding but anything that has a 10c recycle image on it.

Although I have been finding the odd can here or there over the past few weeks, I've been noticing many others around the place especially left in our local shopping centre car parks etc.

So 3 days ago I decided to go for a short drive to the train station, park and the car and have a walk around and I found 5 items just in one place.  I then went over to the shops as I wanted to go to Coles and I found a couple more left in trolley's etc.  So I decided the next night to repeat it and found another 9 and then last night I took my daughter and we found 11. 

So when I posted on the 23rd Jan we had found 23 cans and now on 26th Jan our total so far is 70. 

So we have decided each night to go for a walk to see what we can find.  I realise it's not going to make us a millionare overnight but it's a fun game and also getting us out of the house and I figure as I say 'I'm helping clean up the environment" Tee Hee!

Happy Australia Day

Hoorah Australia Day today and for most of us the joy the having a public holiday.  However Rundle Mall Shops here in Adelaide were all open to trade for business today.  Great pay I bet but I feel sorry for those that had to work although I bet it was a 'put your hand up' choice.

We had a fab family BBQ with all the siblings and little kids.  It was good as it's been a long time since we have seen everyone!  However I don't think there was any lamb there... hmmmmm oh well noone tell that Sam K dude!  We ate and drank to be merry and then came home, we certainly don't need to eat anything else so that's a dinner saved we don't need to cook!

So what ever you are doing today have a great day and no doubt it's frugal as your all home and not at the shops!

ps I have just noticed that the dates are out of wack on this so here it is 26th January 2012 which is Australia Day but it's got the 25th LOL - still working all this blog stuff out!

School Stuff

School Stuff all happened today!  Paid the yearly school fee (ohhh that hurt that bank account) but I saved $105 as I paid cash and before the due date. I had put this money aside early in the year. (ps this is not my daughters uniform I just liked the picture)

Then had to get school uniforms I managed to get all second hand (except socks, hat and bag) and saved a packet.  It's a private school so naturally things are a bit pricey!

Dress - $56 savings

Pants - $19.00 savings

Polo Top - $37.00 savings

Jacket -$7.00 savings

Socks - $1 saving (as I got a packet of 3 instead of singles)

Stationary pack was included in the enrollment so at least I don't have to worry about getting more things although I will grab some more lead pencils as I don't think that 'two' will do for a full year!  In the pack was pens, pencils, coloured pencils, textas, folders, books - lined and grid, ruler, eraser, sharpener, glue stick and note paper. 

Also included in the enrollment is the camp fee and other bits and pieces so I guess it's good that it's all paid up front and not much 'hand into pocket' during the year, but we will see.  I save all year round for school 'additionals'.

SAVINGS

$105 - fee's

$120 - uniform

A Can A Day

I'm forever seeing cans and bottles on the side on the road and usually stop to pick them up I figure it's 10c in my pocket and I'm helping the envirnoment LOL.

So I thought I wonder if it's possible to find "A Can A Day' (or bottle, etc you know what I mean).

I'm out and about nearly every day so usually see a lot of stuff so we will see.  ow if only I got paid money for finding empty Macca's rubbish in the street - then I'd be a millionare!!!

So far I've already found 23 cans so I am on track and hopefully going to be well over by the end of the year!

Australia's Biggest Cheapskates

A Current Affair put out a search for who is Australia's biggest Cheapskate.  I didn't enter as I didn't figure I would have too much to contribute and was a bit embarrased but by watching these I don't see that I am any different from them.

From cashing in cans, buying discounts, doing online surveys and selling stuff on ebay I've done it all and still am.  A few of the things that they do which I also do is -

A variety of online survey's to get points and cash rewards and also gift cards for various shopping places.

I too will collect odd cans in the street that I see lying around.  I figure it's helping clean up the street.  I got 10 cans in a day so that's $1 in my pocket.  Ps "Matthew" you left your bottle... LOL

I always manage as I have posted before to spot a bargain while shopping.  Meat is good only if you look at the 'kg' price.  There's no point buying something that is $5 off if the price per kg is still $22.  I rarely pay more than $12 for a kg of meat.

The only thing I don't do is go through the side rubbish to get stuff to resell but I have picked up a few things to keep.  I remember only a few months ago saying to my mum outloud.  I'd really love a full length mirror on a stand I will start looking around for one.  10 minutes later as I drove her to the train station there was one on the side of the road.  She is probably still gobsmacked!

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8406370/who-is-australias-biggest-cheapskate

Today is ... Thursday!

Sorry I haven't posted for a while, been quiet at home (which I guess is saving money as I'm not at the shops)!  Also been busy decluttering!   Had a quiet day today.  The kids went with the inlaws for the day with the canoe so I stayed home to do some jobs around the house.  I ended up doing 4 loads of laundry and cleaning up a bit still lots more to do.  As I was rewashing I came to the conclusion that "I've washed all these last week.... hmmm" DD11 said yeah some fell on her floor so might be dirty - hmmm well if they were put away in the first place guess what no more dirty.... I think a plan of attack needs to be made when hubby gets home.  

 

I would like to only do 1 - 2 loads of washing per child per week (a bit ask I know but we will see how that goes).  Uniforms are their own wash so I'm talking general wearing clothes.  Towels are their own wash too.  Hubby usually does 1 - 2 loads depends what's happened for the week.  Underwear as one load and then general clothes.  He rides his bike a lot now so get's very sweaty! 

Received in the mail another parcel from ebay for DS8's birthday.  However it's a little carry case for his bakugan cards which I think would be really helpful if he had it sooner rather than later as his cards keep going all over the place.  It was only $5 and it's on a lanyard so he can wear it which is great!

Got this pile of crochet cotton from freecycle I cheekily asked if anyone had any spare and had two people give me all this only a minute drive from home.  How caring people are. So I made this knitting cloth as I recently saw a post for it on a cheapskates group.  DS8 keeps picking it up going ahhh fluffy.... I want to clean the tv he tells me.  Well if all I have to do is knit a cloth so he will help clean show me the cotton!!!  (ps this is meant to be blue and white - picture a bit funny -  I thought it would be funny as most chux clothes are that pattern)

As I had no children today for a short break nipped over to Big W to pick up a book for DD11's birthday in a months time and also some more underwear (yeah mums are boring at times i know) and also buy a Moshi Monster's Membership card as DS8 will be needing one in two weeks time anyway so I thought if I got it now he can pay me back with his pocket money because this week for a $30 or more spend at Big W you got double the Frequent Flyer Points so I was excited by that as well as the price for the book.  

I got this card from ebay I paid $69.00 the buyer sent it FREE Registered Post for the value of $72.69.  I realise it doesn't seem a lot but I can use the card at Big W, Woolies or Woolies Liquor so I'll take all the bonuses I can get!

With the children at the inlaws tonight for dinner I saved about $20 as we were thinking about going to IKEA for dinner - addicted to those meatballs. 

SAVINGS - $23.59

$3.59 - gift card

$20.00 - take away

Terrific Tuesday

Today is Tuesday - well that's what they would say if I was watching Play School!  My kids are too old for that now but sometimes I think I should watch it just to make sure I've got my days straight!  School holidays are all blending into one but It's still enjoyable.

Do you like my picture above - CONGRATULATIONS George on your award for Best Drama.  I'm coming to see you soon.  Got my tickets just waiting for my hubby to get home from his week away at work - he takes me to see all your films!

Today is in adelaide is going to be 39!  I can't work out what the weather is going to be.  I slept with the window open last night hoping for some cool air.  Was so proud of myself I resisted the urge to put on the fan.  I woke up to the room being stuffy and thought oh dear it's going to be warm.  Put the aircon on for a bit hoping to 'get ahead' of the heat.  Wondering if tonight I should try and wet down some of the outside of the house?  I could also just cheat and go to the inlaws for a swim that's a cooling activity!

Got the mail today and saw this and went OMG please don't tell me I forgot to pay it and I'm about to have no water.  Opened it and PHEW!!!! It's notice of a PAYBACK!  I bought mulch last year and got a $200 rebate which arrived today so that's great.  I could have gotten it paid off my next water bill but I choose money which will no doubt help to pay the bill anyway!

Here is my invention for the day - homemade iced coffee!  Was thinking hmmm I could do with some right now (I drink it very rarely - real coffee even more rare) so I made it and put it into my son's freezer cup (shhh) it's not bad it's chilled but no ice particles like other drinks you put in there.  I hope the coffee wakes me up - going to need it today!

Have a good one everyone!!! (ps when googling pictures for this and looking for a hot picture don't just type in the word 'hot' omg.... LOL)

Shhh Sunday

Quiet day in the house today.  Hubby's away, he did get there safely I know this because thanks to facebook he replied to a message of mine LOL.  I knew when he was nearly there as I saw he had done a transaction on the credit card for lunch!  

Down to my mums for dinner tonight as they are having my children overnight as I am working in the morning tomorrow.  A lovely Roast Pork.  I can never cook as well as she can!  I've been invited there for dinner tomorrow night too after I pick up the children so that's good!  It's lovely to have family support.  Mum also gave me 3 petrol vouchers - 8c each yay!

Saw this comic in the paper last week and was saving it for a quiet blog entry which is today lol.  I guess being quiet is being frugal!

I did however manage to sneak a peak at eBay tonight and get a Nintendo DS game for my son for $16.01 delivered - BRAND NEW which currently costs $40 in store.  His birthday isn't till May but when I see a bargain I have to get it and then also all his shopping is done.

S'Wonderful Saturday

Yes I stole the S'wonderful from a Gerswin Song I couldn't think of anything else hmmm - S'laxing? LOL Perhaps not!

Quiet morning here in the house.  Hubby get's a hair cut from the Barber before he leaves - that man always does a good job and is so nice.  That's a cash job so we always have a little ready for that.

I go food shopping at Woolies.  They have double frequent flyer pts on today so how could I not - also loads of specials.  Some I got were =

Chicken Breast - $7.99 a kg (got the last 2 kgs too tee hee - sorry lady waiting behind me...)

Hashbrowns $0.40 each BUT 10% if you buy 10 or more so I get the last 14 in the box (sorry to the SAME lady waiting behind me... woops but it's one of the limited foods my son eats so I'm happy to buy)

Gloves $2.00 the thick ones I can wash dishes with safely and DOUBLE points on those too!

Peaches - $1.49 for the big can (we all love these)

Apples - $2.98 (ok so prob not a great special but cheaper than everything else)

Notepads - set of 5 for $0.99 these are great for me now

Scott's Pies $5.30 (down from $6.35) - yes the same name as my DS8 I'm sure that's why he eats these!

I must be one of the few women that actually enjoy food shopping or I actual call it bargain shopping.

Got petrol today as we didn't have much left and I had been waiting and waiting for a cheap day and we haven't had one all week so I gave in.  The funny thing is that On The Run was $139.70 and Woolies was $140.90 (approx).  I had a 8c off petrol voucher but hubby saids I really only save 7.8c off I say 'stop talking' LOL!  

Went to the inlaws for dinner which was lovely as hubby is borrowing a car for the trip away and he puts petrol in the car using another 8c (or 7.8c sigh...) voucher. Hubby's work will pay him back for the petrol but we got the points on the credit card - YAY!

Oh MOST importantly I forgot I got to see my gorgeous friend Karen who runs http://www.facebook.com/NailCandySA - for a lovely manicure and a chat.  I pay for this out of my hard earnt pocket money LOL.  Well someone has to go and be pampered and play with the triplets that she has (these are her babies, here's a close picture without giving away their identity.. tee hee).  I think Karen's clients come to play with the dogs just as much as the pampering!!!

SAVINGS - $12.22

$3.37 - petrol

$2.91 for the chicken as I would have had to pay $10.90 as we were all out

$1.40 - hashbrowns

$3.54 - peaches (normal price is $2.08 a can)

$1.00 - notepads

Frugal Friday

Today is a good day to shop!  Sorry watching Star Trek as I type this (relating to the Klingon's 'Today is a good day to die'.  Well I could shop till I drop! Tee Hee

I was home most of the day but worked on the family folder a bit and started to organise next week as hubby is going to be away and I will be doing a few days work so time to start juggling things.

Did the food shopping tonight with calculator in hand and clever list.  Someone had given me a $5 off discount card for any shop over $100 so I took that with me - good discount there.  It wasn't working when they tried scanning it so in the end someone just pulled out their staff card and swiped it for the 5% discount which was great.  I got an additioal 2c off too LOL. 

Finally got my magazines from Kmart after two days who ever does the mag stocking hadn't done their job.  Good way to loose sales I had to ask someone and they said all they can do is leave a note for someone to follow up.  I found them on a rack near the checkouts but still what a hunt! I nearly forgot to swipe my flybuys card!

Took the family out to dinner too tonight before hubby goes away.  Spent a little bit more money than a standard Fast Food meal but it was nice to sit down. Had a Buy 1 get 1 free voucher and was able to also use a westfield gift card to pay for it so double bonus there!

SAVINGS - $5.02

Thrifty Thursday

Still school holidays here so naturally kids are getting a little bored so ask about 3pm can we go to the shops.  Sure I say let me get my lists..... Poor kids I think they are regretting going now - sure you can do 1 thing you want to do as long as you help me with my 5.  That's fair isn't it???  LOL

First stop the library where clever mummy has put on reserve some Glee Books for DD11 and a DVD for DS8.  Saved me some money there.... one Glee book DD11 turned her nose up at which I was about to buy on eBay so happy I didn't there.  I figured if I ordered in the others for her to look at and she still loves them I will go ahead and get them for her birthday.  Two others that I was going to buy are available to borrow and the way this little bookworm is going it's not worth buying the books so borrowing them is more cost effective.

We then head into the centre and go to Pet Shop to hand in a full bag of shredded paper.  Due to my business I can't really reuse the paper due to some of the info printed on it so I shred it for a second use elsewhere.  I don't have a garden as of yet for it to go on so until then it goes where it's most needed and not taking up space in my recycling bin.  They even give me a garbage bag to replace the one I filled so I can bring more back which is great.

Then it's onto Big W where the kids get their toys we put it all together on my card so we get Everyday Reward Pts and a fuel voucher and the kids pay me so I can use this money to repay the credit card.  

Kids are always hungry as you know so I use the 2 for 1 voucher I have for the Pretzel Shop - mmm yum.  I wouldn't really say I saved any money here as I really only bought it as I had a voucher otherwise I would have gone into Coles to buy them cheap donuts.  Yeah I know it's not the best health food but it's the only treat for the week they have had. 

Went around the corner to 'check out' Cold Rock as I had a buy 1 Regular with mix in get 1 free.  However a Regular is $6.20 and you know I can buy 4 litres of icecream for that!  I can also smash in a whole packet of M & M's for that!  OMG quick RUN away!  So we went into HJ's and got a 50c icecream each!

More shopping (poor children LOL... so how desperate are you for toys next time???) and we 'look' in Game Traders just so mum can do some research shhhhh.  DD11 wants to buy a packet of trading cards for $2.99 as they have a 20% discount day.  I tell her but if you save next week's money you can go to Big W and get 3 packets for $6.82.  Eye's light up over that one!!!

We go to Woolworths to do a very small food shop $30.98 and get Everyday Reward pts, BONUS points on some of the items we buy and a fuel voucher - thank you!  Going to come in handy next week!

Last stop the chemist where we get 16 bars of soap for $5 (do you like the photo - sneaky...) and 2 boxes of tissues for $1.59 each and a bottle of Morning Fresh Dishwashing Liquid for $1.79.  I'm not up to making my own just yet. 

Also this morning the letterbox was EMPTY!  Hello... what's up with that??? LOL

Hope you all had a great day!!!

SAVINGS - $49.14

$6.20 for the icecream (saved by the bell there LOL)

$41.91 - Glee Books

$ 0.82 - tissues

$ 0.21 - dishwashing liquid

$     ?  I don't know about the soap I haven't bought any for a long time and usually would buy only 4 bars for $2 when on special.  Certainly not 16 bars at a time!