Frugal Accomplishments for the Week of Christmas

To give the Santas proper height, I have some of them up on bits of
2x4 lumber....we are fancy like that! 

We, of course, hope you had a wonderful Christmas!  Ours was really nice - peaceful and restful.  Here are a few things we did this past week to spend less, save more and make do:

We did our usual things - the wood stove helped us stay warm and we used the drying racks to dry our clothing.

Husband changed the oil in the truck, which is more cost effective than hiring someone else to do it.  He and I also fixed a broken clip on the door lock of the car.  We used a small drill bit, some jewelry making wire from my craft room and about 5 minutes of our time, and it's as good as new!

Daughter has been home on winter break - I love having her home all day!  She...um....kept herself entertained without spending a lot of money.  And no...this is not allowed.  At least she has her in a bin.

We took issue with a decrease in service and increase in price from our internet provider.  When we called, it was made clear that they didn't really have any way to restore either better service or a better price...and they were kind of apathetic about the whole thing.  So, Husband made a few phone calls, and we found a local provider who will give us a better plan than even the previous one (before they lowered the speeds) for less money.  The new company has high ratings, we will save $80 a year, there is no contract or term, and installation is free.

I completed some Pinecone Research surveys.

I purchased a few items that were on sale, such as avocados for .48/ea.,  broccoli crowns for .99/lb., pineapples for .98/ea. and romaine lettuce for .99/head.  We bought a few candy items after Christmas when they were half price - some chocolate cherries and blueberries and some M&Ms.

I got out my rubber stamps and some other things I had on hand, to made thank-you cards to use this coming week.

I had not purchased any gift wrap or supplies (bows, ribbon, etc.) for several years.  After this year, we were low on some things.  I purchased one roll of gift wrap on the 26th, when it was half price.  It is a large roll (200 square feet) and will last us for quite a long time.

About 6 weeks ago, I bought two 'aerogarden' hydroponic setups second hand.  Actually...I bought one for $10, and the lady gave the the second one because it was working intermittently.  This means I have backup parts of everything except the water pump, so I was thrilled!  I set up one of the pods with kale seeds, and used some liquid plant food I picked up free from the hazardous materials dropoff site.  I purchased the growing medium in a 50 pack on Amazon, which was less expensive than purchasing pre-loaded baskets (one of the kits came with a set of baskets).  If this works well, it will be a fun way to learn about plant growth, as well as a way to grow some greens in the cold months.  I'll share photos once we have some sprouts!

I decided that I needed a wee table with a shelf where I could put away my tiny office when I am not working.  We had the perfect table, but we were using it in our living room.  When I was down in the basement, I brought up a wood tray table.  It works fine in the living room, and freed up the wee table for me to use.  Ultimately I would like to get something a little nicer for the living room, but this will work for now, and I can search for a thrifted table that suits our needs.  Also from the basement, I brought up a basket to store my headset, pen, sticky notes and a few other small items I need frequently when I am working.  I am really happy with the way it is all coming together.

Well, that was our week!  How was your week?  What did you do to spend less, save more and make do?