Frugal Bugle

Not much going on today.  I haven't left the house because I have a cold.

Here's a brief list of my frugal doings-

I made bran muffins using off brand cereal from the Dollar Tree and some apple sauce that was languishing in my pantry.  Adding cinnamon makes it yummy and my kids will eat it up.
This recipe. 

I didn't go anywhere.  (because of said cold)

Yesterday my tiny baby princess turned 12.  12!!!!!  I gave her some spending money to buy decor for her room and we splurged on a pair of Aztec print jeggings from Kohl's using a 30% off coupon.  We got them for $10.  

I'm planning a Spring Break trip for the kids and myself.  To offset the cost of our hotel and activities, I'm putting a few no spend days in the calendar.   I'm also looking for deals and coupons for the things we might want to do.  I reserved a hotel that has a pool, serves breakfast, and has a refrigerator so we can have snacks if we don't feel like going out. 

I'm making dinner at home for the three people who will be here tonight.  It's probably just going to be mac and cheese with broccoli since I don't feel great. 

Our fridge is almost empty so I'm going to sit down tonight and make a list and look for coupons for what we need.  I have grocery circulars so I can price match at Walmart if I want to. 

Sick Kitty

The orange boy on the right will be 19 this year.  He's been with me since my first year out of college.  He's cuddly and lazy and has always been very mellow.  He's basically my favorite cat ever.  He hadn't been getting up and running to the food bowl with his sister when I fed them lately and yesterday his face was swollen on one side.  Anyway, he's at the vet today and will have surgery to remove any and all rotten teeth.  Poor thing.  I briefly debated spending the money on him because of his age.  But, he's my love and I want him to have a quality life for as long as he can.  I'll just have to tighten the belt in other areas. 

My daughter has to have some baby teeth pulled also to make room for her adult teeth.  I'm wondering who's dental work will cost more. 

Frugal OOTD- And some penny pinching beauty ideas.

With the exception of my undergarments (which I bought on sale), all my clothes and even my earrings came from thrift stores or the clearance rack.  I scored some Catherine's jeans on the $1 rack on Tuesday.  They fit great! 


Energie black and white sweater hoodie 2.99
Merona ribbed black tank top 1.99
Catherine's Jeans 1.00 (normally $60)
Black beaded dangle earrings (new on card) 1.00
Socks  Free after coupon
Converse One Star Gray tennis shoes 4.99 Target clearance

Now let's talk about the beauty regimen-

My Olay face wash was bought at a salvage store for 2.99.  Olay really is the only thing that does not break me out. 

My homemade soap was from the clearance/ugly bin at a soap maker's stall at a flea market for $1.99.  Not 100% frugal but I love it and I supported a small business.

Today was not a hair washing day.  I wash my hair every other day.  I also take navy showers to save water and heating.  I would have used products that my MIL gave me when she cleared out her stockpile of free after purchase items. 

I used some expensive Coola moisturizer from Birchbox that I had previously loved.  I earned points to buy socks for men in my family but I won't buy this again.  The cucumber smell is overwhelming. 

My deodorant came from Big Lots for $1.99.  I'm trying get away from aluminum deodorants so I'm using this Arm & Hammer Essentials.  

My body lotion was scraped together from three mostly empty hotel samples.  I've been adding a tiny bit of water to the almost empty bottle and shaking it to get at all the product.  I'm using stuff up from my collection too.  The recycling bin has been getting a work out.

My Cartier perfume was a free sample.

My makeup (and brushes) came from free samples with purchase from Lancome and Clinique,  Sephora Birthday Gift, Dollar Tree, and my favorite Clinique powder was bought during a free bag with purchase sale.   I only buy from Clinique and Lancome when they are having their free makeup bag with purchase.  Since I am trying to use up my stockpile, I haven't bought any in a few months.


I love to have nice things.  I love to wear make up and jewelry.  I don't always love spending a ton of money to do so.