Welcome to Friday, our 19th week of staying home and avoiding crowds due to coronavirus. No grocery shopping, yard sales, or thrifting. Some days are hard mentally, some days are easier though.
In other news this week, my daughter received her stimulus check this week. She planned ahead on how she would spend this and managed to save part of it while also treating herself at the same time.
We did go out one day this week to pick up an RX at Publix, which was made contactless (paid online) through the drive through.
The last time I filled up my car was on July 6th. I still have almost a full tank since we are not driving as much. At that time I paid $1.79 per gallon.
This week I placed a Walmart.com order to be delivered free to our home. The order included freezer bags, probiotics, mayonnaise, tortilla chips, walnuts, and Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning, which I've been wanting to try.
This week I already received a call to sub for this upcoming school year.
Our dryer wasn't working correctly, so we called a repairman out on Tuesday.
Turns out the heating element burned out. Total cost of the service call and parts came to $189, which is cheaper than buying a new dryer.
So I'm glad we decided to repair this one rather than buy a new dryer. We did ask the repairman to wear a mask and disinfected after he left.
Entertainment:
Tuesday night movie we watched Bridge to Terabithia. My favorite parts of this movie involve Miss Edmunds, the music teacher. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every student had a music teacher like her?
In my Frugal Kitchen:
I emptied a spice container of Mrs. Dash and cleaned it up. I'm going to reuse it for another spice as I like the size of these bottles.
I stocked up on Chinese/Japanese oils and sauces this month. This week I'll be using oyster sauce in Sticky Pineapple Chicken and hoisin sauce in Chow Mein Noodles.
My mom had me order her 24 cans of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & Meatballs, but turns out she didn't like them. So, she gave them to us and now we have 23 cans on our pantry shelves.
Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay and it helps me to earn a living here at Frugal Workshop.
Hi Belinda, I'm so glad you were able to repair your dryer. I'm beginning to save to replace both of my laundry machines as they are quite old and parts are hard to find. It is always something, isn't it? I think you will like the Tony Chachere's seasoning. You will find that you will be able to use it in many dishes like beans. It is particularly good for red beans and rice as it has most off the typical herbs and spices in it. I also use it in Mexican dishes as I don't like chili powder. Tony's has a bit of a kick to it so imitates that Mexican flavor very well, I think. Congrats on already getting a sub call. Are you concerned about going back into the classroom? I'm sure your schools are putting many precautions into place just as mine is doing. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Frances. It's good planning on your part to start saving now for a new washer and dryer. I'm glad ours was repairable too. You make the Tony Chachere's sound so good, I'm going to put red beans and rice on my menu for next week. I can't wait to try it. I am very concerned about getting called to sub and did tell her it would depend on the circumstances. It's not until November, so I don't have to worry right now, but I know it's coming. They are doing a staggered start with only 25% of students each day the first week and leaving Wednesday open for teachers to contact students online.
You should like the Creole seasoning if you like spicy. It doesn't take a lot. My goodness I have a container that I have used for a few years! Sounds like you have been staying quite frugal. Good deal on the drier fix, it always beats buying a new one. Have a great and cool weekend.
We had a few frugal wins; used a couple of coupons, continued to use a gift card from the grocery store to buy non-essentials that make our lives easier right now. Sold things on eBay. Made (most) meals at home, despite current no kitchen.
Yes, that is a lot of Chef Boyardee. My Mom is very concerned about getting groceries, so she has been ordering a lot. If we don't eat it, I can always put some in the Little Free Pantry here. Sounds like you had a good and frugal week despite the no kitchen thing right now. Hopefully soon. :)
So I actually really like the canned spaghetti and spaghetti o type foods, though 23 cans would be over a years supply as I wouldn't allow myself more than once every couple of weeks. My daughter used her stimulus check as well to stimulate the economy, and she has really gotten a lot of use out of her buy and will for many year to come. It has helped her mental health so I am glad your daughter is using some for a personal joy. This has been so hard on everyone, but for young people, just really hard.
That's great that tour daughter used part of her stimulus check to help her mental health. It is hard for young people, my daughter has had a harder time of this than I have, so I'm glad both of them were able to do this.
Tony Chachere's seasoning is pretty dang good. I use it liberally in a lot of foods. I have been going through Mom's pantry (canned foods) and sharing them with my sister. Since I had gotten rid of all of her out of date foods a few months before she passed away everything is still good and edible. I figured we might as well use it to stock our food storage.
Oh, that is a great idea to replenish your own pantry with food from your Mom's pantry, Anne. I can't think of a better use for those items. Thanks for the Tony Chachere's tip. :)
You did get a great deal on your dryer,WTG. When I had 7 kids at home I bought a washer and dryer and they offered a free 5 year plan. I paid a little bit more for the set, about $200, Best $200 I ever spent. With 9 people I did 40 loads a week. That frist dyer broke down twice and they came out fast to fix it. The first washer had been repaired a few times. After 3 years it died they gave me a brand one and a full 5 year plan, that one died 4 years later and they gave me the full 5 year plan.I think out of saving money that was the best. I buy the canned pasta when its on sale, grand kids love it.I have step-daughter who is raising 2 teen aged boys so try to help her out, she tries so hard. I also read when food pantries need food they like the canned pastas.
I've heard that too about food pantries liking to have the canned pastas. They also like to ask for those for snacks packs at school. What a great plan for your washer and dryer. I need to think about those plans the next time we need to buy a washer or dryer, especially since they don't build them to last these days.
I hope you will be super safe if you are subbing. Educator's are in my heart this Autumn. It is so challenging one you want to go back and two you don't want to go back. :( I hope that parents will do everything to keep you protected when school starts back up again.
I am so glad Bailey treated herself to part of her stimulus check. Good for her. I always say part of frugality is buying yourself frugal treats. It is so important for our mental health. I have read a lot of frugality blogs where they discouraging treating and I can see the depression and anxiety in the way they post because of it. Did she get Animal Crossing? :) I noticed a lot of girls are buying Animal Crossing for their treat. I had mine pre-ordered before the virus.
I have been doing big orders at WalMart.com to. I have Amazon Prime. I never thought in a million years where I would ever think that Amazon Prime would be a lifesaver. There are some things that Amazon does not have or is more expensive that WalMart. I am so glad we have both of these online stores to shop at and be able to save money at the same time.
I did go thrifting this week. My thrift store is being stringent about protocols. You are not allowed to go in the store without a mask. They are enforcing social distancing. They have an attendant at the door writing the number of people who go in at a time and who goes out. Every time somebody checks out the clerks wipe down the counter, card reader & cash registers. Even the mannequins are wearing masks. :) I never thought I would say a thrift store is the healthiest and safest place to shop at now. It's the only place I can feel like I can relax when shopping.
I really just need to get out for my mental health. I was becoming agoraphobic. That is a terrifying feeling. I am naturally introverted and a homebody. I can stay at home like a pro, lol. When I went into "Stay At Home" I started two weeks earlier than when it was enforced. Didn't leave the home for almost three months. It was a toll. When I ran out of dental floss and tried to order some on Amazon and they wanted $6 for it I was like "No way!" I need Dollar Tree. When I went to Dollar Tree the first time it was heaven. I stood in the first aisle just touching all the pretty new Summer things like it was gold. I also wore gloves and looked like a crazy person, probably, doing this :). I felt so much better. I realized that the Stay At Home orders were what I normally do before virus days. I keep a hand washing station in my truck. I wash my hands and face at every single store I go to for my errands. That is only like 2-3 stores a week. I also douse myself with hand sanitizer, lol. I take wipes with me in the store.
Entertainment- I have a Roku TV. I love it so much. DH & I got a great deal on it during Black Friday last year. They were practically giving them away. It was the same price as a Ultra Roku. We were actually going to buy the Ultra Roku and got the TV instead. We now have all these free channels to find movies and TV shows to watch. It has been so much fun.
Thank you, Safyne. I am not going to sub right away but am waiting to see what happens. If I do sub, I will be safe for sure!
Bailey didn't get animal crossing, but bought herself some new essential clothing, essential oil, and a shelf. She was really into animal crossing when she was younger, but now spends the majority of her time on her business.
I am so with you on the Amazon Prime/Walmart thinking. Walmart definitely has the fastest shipping, but they are out of stock a lot of times. And Amazon prices can be high, you really need to shop and compare between them and even on their sites.
That is so funny that your thrift store has masks on the mannequins! I love that. It's good that you are able to relax when you thrift. I've had trouble being anxious when getting gas at the gas station. I do not like feeling that way, so it's good to hear that you were able to relax. I worry about that going forward.
I know what you mean about the mental health. It's why I miss yard sales so much this summer. Good for you for having the wash station in your truck. We carry a bag with us with spray, wipes, disinfecting cloths, etc. It's the new normal now, unfortunately.
Your Roku TV sounds neat! I'll have to read up on it. :)
Hi Belinda, I'm so glad you were able to repair your dryer. I'm beginning to save to replace both of my laundry machines as they are quite old and parts are hard to find. It is always something, isn't it? I think you will like the Tony Chachere's seasoning. You will find that you will be able to use it in many dishes like beans. It is particularly good for red beans and rice as it has most off the typical herbs and spices in it. I also use it in Mexican dishes as I don't like chili powder. Tony's has a bit of a kick to it so imitates that Mexican flavor very well, I think. Congrats on already getting a sub call. Are you concerned about going back into the classroom? I'm sure your schools are putting many precautions into place just as mine is doing. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Frances. It's good planning on your part to start saving now for a new washer and dryer. I'm glad ours was repairable too. You make the Tony Chachere's sound so good, I'm going to put red beans and rice on my menu for next week. I can't wait to try it. I am very concerned about getting called to sub and did tell her it would depend on the circumstances. It's not until November, so I don't have to worry right now, but I know it's coming. They are doing a staggered start with only 25% of students each day the first week and leaving Wednesday open for teachers to contact students online.
DeleteI hope you have a great weekend too. :)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteYou should like the Creole seasoning if you like spicy. It doesn't take a lot. My goodness I have a container that I have used for a few years!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have been staying quite frugal. Good deal on the drier fix, it always beats buying a new one.
Have a great and cool weekend.
Thank you, Cheryl. And thank you for letting me know not to use too much of the Creole seasoning. I hope you have a great weekend too.
DeleteThat's a lot of Chef Boyardee!
ReplyDeleteWe had a few frugal wins; used a couple of coupons, continued to use a gift card from the grocery store to buy non-essentials that make our lives easier right now. Sold things on eBay. Made (most) meals at home, despite current no kitchen.
Yes, that is a lot of Chef Boyardee. My Mom is very concerned about getting groceries, so she has been ordering a lot. If we don't eat it, I can always put some in the Little Free Pantry here. Sounds like you had a good and frugal week despite the no kitchen thing right now. Hopefully soon. :)
DeleteThat's a lot of spaghetti and meat balls. I tried them once and don't like them, either. Is the sub job long term?
ReplyDeleteYou and my Mom are kindred spirits. No, the sub job is not long term and will only be for two days.
DeleteOh my, I hope you like spaghetti and meatballs 😂
ReplyDeleteLOL, Rhonda. It's OK, we do and it will get eaten eventually. LOL
DeleteSo I actually really like the canned spaghetti and spaghetti o type foods, though 23 cans would be over a years supply as I wouldn't allow myself more than once every couple of weeks. My daughter used her stimulus check as well to stimulate the economy, and she has really gotten a lot of use out of her buy and will for many year to come. It has helped her mental health so I am glad your daughter is using some for a personal joy. This has been so hard on everyone, but for young people, just really hard.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that tour daughter used part of her stimulus check to help her mental health. It is hard for young people, my daughter has had a harder time of this than I have, so I'm glad both of them were able to do this.
DeleteTony Chachere's seasoning is pretty dang good. I use it liberally in a lot of foods. I have been going through Mom's pantry (canned foods) and sharing them with my sister. Since I had gotten rid of all of her out of date foods a few months before she passed away everything is still good and edible. I figured we might as well use it to stock our food storage.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is a great idea to replenish your own pantry with food from your Mom's pantry, Anne. I can't think of a better use for those items. Thanks for the Tony Chachere's tip. :)
DeleteYou did get a great deal on your dryer,WTG. When I had 7 kids at home I bought a washer and dryer and they offered a free 5 year plan. I paid a little bit more for the set, about $200, Best $200 I ever spent. With 9 people I did 40 loads a week. That frist dyer broke down twice and they came out fast to fix it. The first washer had been repaired a few times. After 3 years it died they gave me a brand one and a full 5 year plan, that one died 4 years later and they gave me the full 5 year plan.I think out of saving money that was the best. I buy the canned pasta when its on sale, grand kids love it.I have step-daughter who is raising 2 teen aged boys so try to help her out, she tries so hard. I also read when food pantries need food they like the canned pastas.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that too about food pantries liking to have the canned pastas. They also like to ask for those for snacks packs at school. What a great plan for your washer and dryer. I need to think about those plans the next time we need to buy a washer or dryer, especially since they don't build them to last these days.
DeleteThanks to you I rented the movie on Amazon prime can't believe it was 13 years ago it came out.was very good clean movie
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a good clean movie, Debbie. I didn't realize it had been 13 years either. Time just flies it seems like.
DeleteI hope you will be super safe if you are subbing. Educator's are in my heart this Autumn. It is so challenging one you want to go back and two you don't want to go back. :( I hope that parents will do everything to keep you protected when school starts back up again.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Bailey treated herself to part of her stimulus check. Good for her. I always say part of frugality is buying yourself frugal treats. It is so important for our mental health. I have read a lot of frugality blogs where they discouraging treating and I can see the depression and anxiety in the way they post because of it. Did she get Animal Crossing? :) I noticed a lot of girls are buying Animal Crossing for their treat. I had mine pre-ordered before the virus.
I have been doing big orders at WalMart.com to. I have Amazon Prime. I never thought in a million years where I would ever think that Amazon Prime would be a lifesaver. There are some things that Amazon does not have or is more expensive that WalMart. I am so glad we have both of these online stores to shop at and be able to save money at the same time.
I did go thrifting this week. My thrift store is being stringent about protocols. You are not allowed to go in the store without a mask. They are enforcing social distancing. They have an attendant at the door writing the number of people who go in at a time and who goes out. Every time somebody checks out the clerks wipe down the counter, card reader & cash registers. Even the mannequins are wearing masks. :) I never thought I would say a thrift store is the healthiest and safest place to shop at now. It's the only place I can feel like I can relax when shopping.
I really just need to get out for my mental health. I was becoming agoraphobic. That is a terrifying feeling. I am naturally introverted and a homebody. I can stay at home like a pro, lol. When I went into "Stay At Home" I started two weeks earlier than when it was enforced. Didn't leave the home for almost three months. It was a toll. When I ran out of dental floss and tried to order some on Amazon and they wanted $6 for it I was like "No way!" I need Dollar Tree. When I went to Dollar Tree the first time it was heaven. I stood in the first aisle just touching all the pretty new Summer things like it was gold. I also wore gloves and looked like a crazy person, probably, doing this :). I felt so much better. I realized that the Stay At Home orders were what I normally do before virus days. I keep a hand washing station in my truck. I wash my hands and face at every single store I go to for my errands. That is only like 2-3 stores a week. I also douse myself with hand sanitizer, lol. I take wipes with me in the store.
Entertainment- I have a Roku TV. I love it so much. DH & I got a great deal on it during Black Friday last year. They were practically giving them away. It was the same price as a Ultra Roku. We were actually going to buy the Ultra Roku and got the TV instead. We now have all these free channels to find movies and TV shows to watch. It has been so much fun.
Thank you, Safyne. I am not going to sub right away but am waiting to see what happens. If I do sub, I will be safe for sure!
ReplyDeleteBailey didn't get animal crossing, but bought herself some new essential clothing, essential oil, and a shelf. She was really into animal crossing when she was younger, but now spends the majority of her time on her business.
I am so with you on the Amazon Prime/Walmart thinking. Walmart definitely has the fastest shipping, but they are out of stock a lot of times. And Amazon prices can be high, you really need to shop and compare between them and even on their sites.
That is so funny that your thrift store has masks on the mannequins! I love that. It's good that you are able to relax when you thrift. I've had trouble being anxious when getting gas at the gas station. I do not like feeling that way, so it's good to hear that you were able to relax. I worry about that going forward.
I know what you mean about the mental health. It's why I miss yard sales so much this summer. Good for you for having the wash station in your truck. We carry a bag with us with spray, wipes, disinfecting cloths, etc. It's the new normal now, unfortunately.
Your Roku TV sounds neat! I'll have to read up on it. :)