* You are viewing the archive for November, 2009

Weekend: Thanksgiving Break

leslie November 30, 2009 Expenses, Restaurants, Weekend 3 Comments

Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

Since this was a long weekend, I’ll start by detailing Wednesday night (the 25th) through Sunday (the 29th).

Wednesday

I left work around 3p then went home, snacked on some vegetables and spent the rest of the afternoon beating Ratchet and Clank!

I made a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner then met up with a friend at a local bar to chat and listen to a cover band. She bought a round of shots and I bought myself a White Russian ($6 including tip). I lounged around some more at home after the bar then fell asleep.

Wednesday Total Cost: $6 Continue reading »

November Groceries

leslie November 25, 2009 Expenses No Comments

To provide examples of my grocery shopping habits, I have jotted down my monthly grocery store purchases.

College Inn Chicken Broth w/ Herbs $0.95
College Inn Chicken Broth w/ Herbs $0.95
College Inn Chicken Broth w/ Herbs $0.95
College Inn Chicken Broth $0.85
ShopRite Diced Tomatoes $1.50
ShopRite Diced Tomatoes $1.29
ShopRite Diced Tomatoes $1.29
Mom’s Natural Honey Nut O’s $2.79
ShopRite Whole Peeled Tomatoes $1.29
Chicken of the Sea Tunafish $0.89
Chicken of the Sea Tunafish $0.89
Chicken of the Sea Tunafish $0.89
ShopRite Cinnamon $2.29
Mom’s Natural Sweetened Wheat Squares $1.99
Arnold’s 100% Whole Grain Bread $1.99
Arnold’s 7 Grain Bread $1.99 Continue reading »

“But I’m hungry now!” Dealing with Convenience Foods

leslie November 24, 2009 Expenses, Food, Shopping 4 Comments

I can’t count the number of times that I have been hungry to the point I’m ravishing for anything to eat. This is one of the frustrating things about only buying ingredient-items. Sometimes I am just too hungry to wait even 20 minutes while I prepare a meal.

So, I make sure to buy and prepare a few convenience items ahead of time. This saves me from costly eating out and overpriced packaged foods. Continue reading »

Weekend: November 20-22, 2009

leslie November 24, 2009 Entertainment, Expenses, Weekend 2 Comments

Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

Friday

On Friday, I made myself a chicken quesadilla and just relaxed at home. I did some sewing and played more video games. Not too exciting, I know, but I worked late and just didn’t feel like going back out.

Friday Total Cost: $0 Continue reading »

Just ask!

leslie November 21, 2009 Tips 2 Comments

It’s your money. Yours! Don’t you care where it goes?

Customer service representatives (regardless of their bad reputation) really are there to serve you! You are paying for them already. Have you ever been charged for something you didn’t ask for? Ever have a late fee? Or an overcharge? Did you know you can just ask to have them refunded? It’s easy!

When I switched to AT&T, I took a look at my first statement and saw a $2.99 charge for “Roadside Assistance”. Since I already have AAA, I decided this was an unnecessary charge … Continue reading »

Things I Don’t Do: Shop Clearance Racks

leslie November 20, 2009 Shopping 1 Comment

The Appeal

Deals! Everyone loves a deal! You may not even really like the shirt but figure, “for 70% off, why not?” Unfortunately, this adds lots of clutter to your closet, takes up quite a bit of time, and leaves you feeling unsatisfied with your wardrobe selection. Continue reading »

The iphone: More frugal than it looks

leslie November 20, 2009 Shopping, Tips 2 Comments

I waited a while before finally sinking money into an iPhone. Not only was the price of the phone holding me back, but more so the monthly plan price. Before the iPhone, I was paying $53.62/mo for 400 rollover minutes and unlimited texting. I told myself that when I bought the iPhone I would have to cut out the texting plan. I saw this as reasonable since I mainly texted when I was bored and the iPhone has more communication choices (aim, facebook, email). So, last June I bought the iPhone 3GS. My bill shot up to $73.62. This includes 400 rollover minutes, 200 texts, and the unlimited data plan. I had budgeted for this and knew that I could afford it. I am fine with paying ~$75 for a cell phone. Continue reading »

A Frugal Closet

leslie November 17, 2009 Tips 2 Comments

In my post yesterday, I mentioned that all of my clothes fit in my closet. Earlier today I was asked how this was possible. So, here’s a picture. And an explanation. Continue reading »

Weekend: November 13-15, 2009

leslie November 17, 2009 Entertainment, Restaurants, Weekend 2 Comments

Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

Friday

On Friday night I made myself a quick pasta meal using the marinara I made earlier in the week. I had it three times last week so I just froze the rest for later in the month. My friend let me borrow his PlayStation3 for a week so he can write a paper without distractions. So, Friday night around 7p, I made the mistake of starting the game Uncharted 2…. and that was my entire Friday night.

Friday Total Cost: $0 Continue reading »

Frugal Inspiration: If it cant be displayed, throw it away

leslie November 15, 2009 Shopping, Tips No Comments

“If it can’t be displayed, throw it away,” was Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural philosophy. Continue reading »

Ditch the routine and make things special again

leslie November 13, 2009 Entertainment, Expenses No Comments

I created this blog to provide examples of how a frugal lifestyle, can also be a fun one. The way I do this is by considering my “fun” stuff as a treat for me!

Spend Less, Spend Better

I don’t make many purchases during the week. The only money I’ll spend is for bills that are due. I don’t eat out for lunch or dinner and I don’t go shopping after work. Sound boring?

Well, by not spending $50/week on lunches, I can instead spend that money on something really fun over the weekend! I can go out … Continue reading »

Weekend: November 6-Nov 8, 2009

leslie November 13, 2009 Entertainment, Expenses, Weekend 1 Comment

Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

It is amazing how much money you can save just by planning! And how much things cost when you don’t. Hrmph. Continue reading »

Quick Beauty Tip: Use disoposable seat covers…

leslie November 06, 2009 Beauty, Tips No Comments

I have already mentioned making your own face exfoliator. Here is another beauty tip that I live by. It might sound a little ridiculous but trust me on this one. Continue reading »

Recipe: Home-made Microwave Popcorn

leslie November 04, 2009 Food 2 Comments

Not only is microwave popcorn unhealthy, but it is also expensive! Using Wegman’s prices, their store brand microwave popcorn (19.8oz) retails at $2.59. To go brand-name, Orville Redenbacher’s 15oz. microwave popcorn is $3.59.

Now, compare both of these to a 2lb (32 oz) bag of Jolly Time Popcorn Kernels that sells for $1.59! Continue reading »

Weekend: October 30-Nov 1, 2009

leslie November 02, 2009 Entertainment, Expenses, Food, Shopping, Weekend No Comments

Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

Friday

I spent Friday evening just relaxing. I did some writing, played Call of Duty, and read for part of the night. I went to a costume party Thursday night so I didn’t feel like doing much Friday. Still, it was an enjoyable evening.

Friday Total Cost: $0

Saturday

I spent Saturday being oddly, though surprisingly, productive! I went grocery shopping in the morning. This was mainly to buy peanut butter to make brownies … Continue reading »

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