Frugal Chick

It's here!

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Please come and join me over at This Thrifted Life--my new blogging home!

I am not importing this blog and will be taking it down in a few days. So please update your links if you'd like to follow me over there. This Thrifted Life will be quite different in style; it will be much more personal and will cover lots more topics, from simplicity to homesteading projects to remodeling our new home on a shoestring.

I'm very excited to begin a new blogging chapter and hope you all enjoy the change as well. See you soon!

TEASE

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Due to some technical difficulties with the domain name, we're not quite ready to go live yet. But when that is all sorted out, I will post the new blog address here, give you guys a week or so to switch over, then delete this blog and post lots of new content on the new blog for you lovely readers.

Don't you love how I'm stringing you guys along?

Everything really seemed to be a go yesterday, so I apologize for the delay.

It's almost time...

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:52:00 +0000

Check back tomorrow for the new blogging announcement--I am tweaking my new blog and trying to get the final touches ready for you guys. It'll still be a work in progress for a few days while I sort out how I want everything.

Hope to see you there!

Bargains galore

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Oh, I am so happy to live near a Big Lots again. For those of you who don't live close to this bargain store (or those who don't think it's worth their time), check it out when you get a chance! Yes, Big Lots contains lots of junk, as most any bargain mart does. But it also has plenty of gems: some Method products, organic snacks and teas, Ghiradelli baking chips, and lots of other name brand products at consistently 25-50% cheaper than the everyday price at the retail stores (in my case, Target or Publix). A few months ago, my friend even found a beautiful (moveable) kitchen island at Big Lots while we were out bargain hunting one day.

Love this store!

Telling

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Here's a clue as to how much clothing J and I have gotten rid of this year:

And that doesn't include the folded items we cleaned out. And we still have plenty of clothing.

Ouch.

Too...tired...to...think

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Our move this weekend was a success due to lots of help from friends and family. So far we've spent about $300 on cleaning supplies, repair materials, and eating out because we were too exhausted to cook. We spent the first 24 hours wiring up a new dryer plug (the one in the house was actually a range plug!) and ripping up carpet to find water-damaged hardwood floors that will eventually have to be ripped up. We also spent $110 on phone/internet installation.

When I get a little more organized, I will clue you guys in to what's ahead blogging-wise. And when the big change finally occurs, you'll get to see all the projects we're working on around here.

I hope everyone had a great (but cheaper!) weekend!

So far

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Well, we are closing on our house tomorrow and will write the big check to make it ours (er, the bank's). But what have I spent so far on preparing us for the huge transition?

$1000 in earnest money when we submitted the offer
$130 in electric deposits (2 meters, so we had to pay 2 deposits)
$75 water deposit
$6 for packing tape

And that's about it so far. I will be paying about $140 on Saturday to have the internet installed. I also plan on picking up breakfast and lunch for the awesome family and friends who are helping us out. We had lots of boxes left over from our last move, and a buddy at Target hooked me up with plenty more. My dad said he wanted to cover the $20 trailer rental, so we didn't have to pay anything there.

By request

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Here is a pic I snapped last night of Echo and her kittens. While it may look like she's the consummate mother, it is like pulling teeth to get her to pay attention to them for longer than five minutes. Hopefully she will get the hang of this soon! I spent $25 on formula and a new kitten bottle today, just in case I need to have reserves ready.

Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:51:00 +0000

This week I am crazy busy helping out my dad with his renovation job, getting everything ready to move into our new house this weekend, and dealing with a pregnant cat who doesn't seem to want to have a normal labor.

Plus, as soon as I have the time to put everything together, there will be big changes in store, blog-wise.

So stay tuned!

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

This week is short and sweet, as we are moving this weekend and all our meals will be up in the air (i.e., whatever is easy and inexpensive without being completely rotten for us).

Monday: black bean tortillas, Spanish rice
Tuesday: mini baked potatoes, veggie stir fry, corn on the cob
Wednesday: Mexican soup, Spanish rice
Thursday: veggie soup, sour cream biscuits
Friday: eating out at Cracker Barrel for a friend's birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Despite a cold and drizzly morning, our garage sale today was pretty successful. My rockin friend Brittany came to keep us company and found a couple things to take home. We had customers on and off right up until we closed at noon, and we netted $225 for the morning's work. Not too shabby.

After we closed, we took most everything left to a nearby thrift store. We have a few big items left, so I am going to post those on craigslist this week and try to unload them before we move. Hopefully they will sell quickly!

TGIF!

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:57:00 +0000

After a short trip to the vet this morning (nothing too serious, but ouch at $133), I am spending the day getting ready for the garage sale tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a sunny, pleasant day like the ones we have been having around here this week.

I'll report back as to how I do tomorrow!

Use your connections!

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:34:00 +0000

If you like hunting deals on craigslist (or even "pick up only" items on ebay), don't forget any friends and family members you have in different areas who might be willing to do you a favor. I check three different craigslist sites: my city, my parents' city, and my in-laws' city. If I see something I really like, they are all more than willing to help us put together our home by going and checking out items for me. You might even have some friends who would help you out with this. And remember to return their generosity however you can!

Since we decided to sell our current sofa and get a second sleeper sofa, I've kinda been dreading shopping for one. Sleeper sofas are expensive. Buying one was going to take a giant chunk out of our November paychecks, and we also need to put some new insulation in the attic that month. I started stalking craigslist obsessively, but J voiced the opinion that used sofa beds were gross and he didn't want one. Hrumph.

But I was blessed enough to come across this midcentury-style beauty in perfect condition with a brand-new mattress that had never been slept on just moments after it was posted. It's already been paid for (thanks to my mom for running that errand), and my dad is bringing it down in his truck this weekend. $100.

Branch out--you never know what you may find!

Letting go

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Here are just some of the items I am letting go of at the garage sale this weekend...boy does it feel good to downsize even more...

--breadmaker: I am going to force myself to learn how to make good bread the old-fashioned way
--kitchen cart: a wedding gift that has never been particularly convenient for me
--couch: I like our sofa a lot, but we really need another sleeper sofa
--cake stand: haven't used it once since I received it 4 years ago
--books: I culled my collection even more and pulled out some titles I didn't think I'd read again
--armchair: I have a not-so-attractive armchair I bought in high school at a garage sale because it is so darn comfy. But it is really time to let it go and get something that works a little better for us
--kitchen items: spice rack, knife set, etc. The basic spices in my cabinet and a couple of good knives are all I need.

I have been pretty diligent about taking my clothes and accessories to the consignment store, so I actually have very few of those kinds of things to unload. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I'll have a great garage sale!

Before and After: Side Tables

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I picked up these side tables awhile ago at a thrift store; I snagged them both for $14. Since we're moving in a couple of weeks, I decided it was finally time to paint them. I spent $13 on paint and primer, and I finished them off with a couple coats of polycrylic. All of my books and home decor items are already packed up, so I topped them with some recently thrifted Mason jars to jazz 'em up a bit for the photo.

Before:

After:

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Monday: leftover lentil spaghetti, sour cream biscuits
Tuesday: eggplant parmesan, mini baked potatoes
Wednesday: chicken noodle soup, garlic cheese biscuits
Thursday: lentil soup, roasted potatoes
Friday: pizza

I'm planning on having a big garage sale this weekend, so I'm not going to worry about meal planning then. I'll probably run to the market or store Saturday after I close up shop and pick up some things to eat for the weekend.

EDIT: Oops, I totally forgot our fourth anniversary is Wednesday and we've already bought some lamb from a local farmer to have for dinner that night. Early Saturday we met up with a friend and spent the the morning at a nearby dairy goat farm. It was a lot of fun (even though it was freezing) and very informative. Plus, we came home with fresh, organic cheese, lamb, peach jam, and sugar cookies for less than $20!

Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:49:00 +0000

If you have a moment today, head on over to Centsational Girl (one of my favorite home design blogs) for a chance to win a gift card from CabinetKnobs.com.

With all of the remodeling I have planned soon, contests like these are great!

Budget-friendly bedrooms from Rate My Space

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

While browsing HGTV's site yesterday, you know I had to click on "Bedrooms on a Budget." I just can't resist a line like that. While none were particularly my style, most of them had great budget ideas. Here are some of my favorites...

Notice that chic nightstand on the other side of that bed? $6 from Goodwill, plus new paint and hardware. You guys know I love a painted thrift bargain!

This couple decided to use what they already had and stained their existing furniture a gorgeous, dark shade. This is also something I've done to change up my home on a budget.

That amazing, substantial headboard? The owners/decorators of this bedroom made that out of a huge door. They also made the corniceboards themselves.

If you are doing any decorating, I hope some of these images inspire you to create a beautiful haven on a budget.

Just for fun

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:02:00 +0000

Since I'm nearly always talking about what I like to do to save money, I thought I'd post some items I don't scrimp on...

Minwax Polycrylic

I use this water-based finisher instead of traditional polyeurathane. I feel much better about the air in my home and any food that might go on a table I paint, and it's totally worth the nearly doubled price tag.

Claussen pickles

I had never had Claussen pickles until J and I were married. Now, I'd rather go without than go back to those shelf-stable imitations! These pickles are fresh, crispy, and definitely worth the extra dollar or so.

Puffs Plus

I have made the mistake of buying generic tissues a few times in my life, and I've always deeply regretted it once my allergies got going. This stuff is the best and a godsend for anyone with chronic allergy or sinus issues. But I am going to try to eliminate my tissue usage and use handkerchiefs when allergies strike, so these won't be in my rotation for much longer...

Anything you don't scrimp on in your life?

Family ties

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:46:00 +0000

We are laying out a chunk of change to get into our new home (down payment, pre-paids, etc), and we're trying to add to our furnishings at the same time. We've been selling things on craigslist (made another $75 last night!) and have been turning the money around at the thrift store, hunting for items that are more in line with our style. Since we have so many money balls in the air, I've been especially grateful for the breathing room our families have given us lately.

First, my dad performed our inspection for us, saving us at least $300. My father has been in the business his entire life (literally, since he was about 15); it is quite handy to have someone you trust be able to show you where problems lurk and how to fix them. He didn't have to get up early on a cold, rainy day to check out our house for us, but he totally did.

Also, my brother and sister-in-law bought their first home last year and were gifted with a fridge and other miscellaneous household items from J's parents. So my in-laws decided to do the same for us and order us a refrigerator! This gift saved us another $300-400. Since our families have been so helpful, we can now put that money to use buying furniture for our new home.

Before and After: Desk Chair

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

While browsing on etsy last week, I came across this chair that I just fell in love with. And, I must confess, I actually thought about ordering it for a few seconds. But then I came back down to earth. The leather looks great on it, but it would never hold up against my cats.

So I did the sensible thing: I found one at a thrift store! I paid $4.99 for the chair below, then stopped by Hancock Fabrics and picked up a $10 microsuede remnant.

After a couple of hours, this was the result...

The finishing's far from perfect, but I'm quite happy with my thrifted desk chair. And it was a heck of a lot cheaper than buying one on etsy!

(If you don't feel like performing your own makeover, I do think the etsy chair rocks)

Weekend in review

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a great weekend! While mine wasn't particularly frugal, it was a great one.

Friday night we took my dad out for his birthday; we went to a local southern-fare restaurant that is delish. Then we picked up a case of birthday beer and headed back to our house to watch Appaloosa. We spent $65 on dinner for three and $11 on beer. We decided to spend money on a fun evening rather than getting him a gift, and I'm glad we went that route.

Saturday was our inspection, and everything went swimmingly. We only found problems that we expected to find, like outdated wiring and some areas that need to be mudded. Nothing we can't handle. Since we were cold and wet from trudging around in the mud, we picked up local bbq for lunch and spent the rest of the day relaxing with Netflix dvds.

Yesterday we browsed refrigerators at a few different stores and picked up some groceries. We did a little packing and I am thrilled at how easy and simple packing has been since we cleared out so much stuff. I'm so stoked to clear out even more at my garage sale.

Menu Plan Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Monday: grilled cheese, tomato slices, sauteed zucchini
Tuesday: black bean tortillas, Spanish rice
Wednesday: baked Italian sandwiches, mini bakedpotatoes
Thursday: lentil spaghetti, sour cream biscuits
Friday: pizza
Sat. lunch: lentil soup, cheddar biscuits
Sat. dinner: eggplant parmesan, sauteed squash and zucchini

I'm planning to hit up the market on Saturday (only a couple left this year!) to get some fresh veggies for Sunday.

Sunday steals and deals

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:22:00 +0000

I love scoring razors and shaving supplies for super cheap, since they're a staple around here. Today I got the items below (plus a local newspaper) for $3.68, and I received $5 in ECBs. And I've already started in on the chocolate bar--yum, is it tasty.

Coming together

noreply@blogger.com (Frugalchick) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Back in the summer, J and I decided we didn't want to move anything we didn't absolutely love. So we cleared out the house, save for some pieces we needed to keep around for company (like our dining set). I'm planning on having another garage sale in a couple of weeks to clear out the rest. So that means we are not only moving, we are basically furnishing an entire house around the same time.

Luckily, J and I have finally decided on a style that satisfies us both: midcentury modern with some vintage miscellany thrown in the mix. So I am hitting the thrift stores hard. Yesterday I stopped by one of my favorite thrift shops and snagged a retro coffee table and lamp for just $28.80 (gotta love thrift coupons!). I also scored a desk chair this week, and you'll see that makeover in a few days. :)

(from HGTV.com)