April Showers of Savings the sequel - 2015 Frugal Chatter

[thriftygranny]

Just popping in for a quick hello, I have been reading but not posting. Still waiting to see the vascular surgeon to find out the prognosis of the blood clot in my vertebral artery, my appointment isn't until June and I am not happy about the wait, we certainly have an overworked non efficient medical system. Trying to stay calm and positive.

[sweet sparrow]

-recalibrate budget and eliminate shortfall from January/Febraury (this is non-debt, debt; cushioned by other things, borrowing from Peter idea, we are not paying interest on this debt as it is debt to ourselves)...$400 paid off $600 to go

We're also living off of borrowing from ourselves for the time being. We have from December to catch up on and I hope to pay off up to the end of January by next week. April and May will be harsh months to catch up in though because of the doors and windows we're having done. I'm looking forward to cutting more than $15,000 in half. Mortgage, childcare expenses, property taxes, and DH's work expenses all add up this time of year.

hey all a little tired from watching "ashlyn" had her out twice yesterday -hey pushing on her little bike is good for me too as sing row row row your boat she is always saying row row and wants you to sing-ahh gotta love the little ones

Mine is singing row row row too. Now her favourite is mine when I was little - Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. She sings it out the window to the stars every night. Lucky stars.

Freezing rain warning in Ottawa are tonight....come on spring....and snow flurries later this week....however, I have found we spend less on stuff in the winter months, anyone else

I find we spend more overall in winter because of the increased hydro costs so it seems to all even out.

Just put $8000 down on my student loan!!!!!! It's still enormous, but I took a good chunk out of it.

Congratulations!!!

We put the corrugated metal on our roof years ago. Don`t expect to have to do the roof again in our lifetime.
Might not be something you want in the city but here in the boonies you see a lot of them.

@Crochetlady , out of curiosity, is it loud when it rains? Forgive me if it's a silly question, but I've always wondered.

DH and I spent the morning doing our quarter savings update. I started this last year and I find it is super motivating to look at all our saving & retirement accounts to see the growth. I do it once a quarter, looks like retiring at 60 is an option.

Congratulations!

I hate to say it but right now material supplies are rising as it all comes out of the states (it maybe manufactured in Canada but the raw material comes from the US) so our dollar tanking has a huge effect on pricing. Almost all suppliers have just put through increase.

@SassyAshley , thank you so much for the roofing advice. I have no idea what is a reasonable price for new gutters. I noticed that the ones in our area seem to be made of metal and are rusting. Would you recommend the plastic ones? DH has a price in mind as he used to sell them working through college at Home Depot, but he also thinks butter is $0.99. Would roofers also do gutters or is it better if you go with a company who does gutters and not roofing?

save money on moisturizers buy buying men's products, maybe
men's products are cheaper than women's and may have the same active ingredients
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/women-...care-products/

That's really interesting. I always thought men's products were a bit expensive and smelled a lot more like chemicals. The sunscreen in the mens line doesn't go high enough for me, but DH and I share the same cleanser. As a splurge, I get the Clinique moisturizer when there's a good gift with purchase, but haven't bought any in over five years. I watched this video and can see the inexpensive cleanser is Cetaphil, the moisturizer is Nivea, but haven't figured out the sunscreen. It's a Neutrogena tube like bottle with a pink cap. Anyone know what it is?

http://www.slice.ca/princess/video/s...princess/video

QOTD: Now that everyone knows my skincare regimen, what's yours?

Attachment 278678

Made some cards today out of supplies I already had. Estimated savings @ $3 card (nicer than dollar store cards, but not as expensive to make as Hallmark costs!) $24.

Very nice! I use an embossing gun I got for half price and paste a few pieces of paper together. I'm really impressed at how pretty they are!

We went to the re-use it centre today as it's closed tomorrow and I had a start the moment and I looked like this . I got 5 grocery bags and I mean full of all name brand clothing Columbia, Reebok, LL Bean, MEC, BARE, and on and on.....

Wow! Good brands and great deals!!

Took back the top mom bought me to Thyme and got shorts...had to pay an extra $10! Top looked horrid on, needed shorts. I would never pay $45 for a pair of shorts, but I figured return plus $10 isn't so bad. They did have some clearance too (no shorts though). Got two $40 tops for $7 each and $30 leggings for $10. Two coupons for spend $100 save $50 in May. Since both my pregnancies were winter babies and this is a summer baby I will need summer wear and will go back with the coupons...now if only mom will go with me...

You definitely need some pants that stay up. The bag of maternity clothes I borrowed when I had my summer baby were mostly drawstring pants. As the tummy grows, you can't put the drawstring on the bump because you can breathe out and lose your pants, and you can't put the drawstring on underneath your bump because eventually, that's too low for comfort. If $45 shorts keep your lower half covered, it's worth it!

My doc prescribed a new medicine for me today which he said would cost about $200 per month as it is not covered on my drug plan. I asked at Shoppers and they said it would be $320 for 3 months. Then the Dr gave me a free sample and a card to get another 3 months for free but the card had expired. I called the company and they said it was still good and if the pharmacist had any trouble filling it to have him call them. So he is now filling it and he said total cost to me would be $2.60 for 3 months so well worth the call to the company!

That's wonderful, lizzie!

LO was only up once last night, because the had thrown his sippy out of bed hours before and was now thirsty. He just needed his drink and was back to sleep. He hasn't thrown up in 33hrs, so I'm hoping it is over.

I'm not nearly as tired and am debating "working" through LO's nap time, instead of joining him for more sleep. I have put away dishes, washed more dishes, 2nd load of laundry is in the washing machine, folded and put away two other loads of laundry, requested J&J coupons, called for more info about another multiples sample program.

I still want to bake apple muffins for LO. He ran out over a week ago and I know they are great to pack for this weekend's road trip for him to eat. I also need to pick up and vacuum in the living room. More laundry is also in the plans. I also need to make tonight's supper and clean up the fridge some because we will be gone for three days. I think I am making sweet and sour pork with fried rice. There's other stuff that I wanted to get done this week, but it's not all going to happen.

Oh Angela, you make me want to help. I know that debate of should I nap or get much needed stuff done. The sad part is that I only have one. Hope your LO is feeling better and eating well again.

I had a look at the flyers and it seems that a few things here in there so we'll see, NF has chicken breasts on for $1.99, I need to decide if it's worth the drive (40 minutes) as this location tends to not have not stock or limits quanities so time will tell.

I posted a few more things for sale today, really hoping the stuff sells as it's taking over my storage room or should I say dh is taking over my storage room, geez that is 1 thing I regret is offering him to put some of his stuff.....it's out of control, I'll tackle that battle shortly

Is anyone stocking up on anything this week in the new flyers, incase I missed a bargain .

Is it possible to call the NF before you head out?

There's not much on my shopping list this week but there are more stops than usual. I think we need some soil and some grass seed from the home improvement stores. Apart from that, we need some cauliflower from Food Basics ($1.97), paper towels from SDM ($1.99)and Crispers for DH's snack craving from WM ($0.88). I think we also need some tofu from the ethnic grocery store for LO's meals.

Hello folks! Well, unfortunately, after 2 rounds of anti-biotics, dh is still not free of his symptoms. We've called the dr. and she is to get back to us. He'll probably have to see her tomorrow, but what he has is so infectious, it'll probably have to be at the hospital so they can take appropriate precautions.

This might mean that we are still confined to the house. (mostly)

I'm trying to produce meals that feature, low protein, no "fermented" food, no dairy, - can have starch - low to no sugar - no caffeine - no oils, no spices to speak of - DH is grudgingly saying they are "tasty" but I know that that is not true. (He is making some "fried" meals when I'm not around and then suffering for it.)

We have to beef up his probiotics and so lots of yogurt and probiotic pills.

Any ideas? I'm running out of ideas, and energy!

@avoncallingu , I'm sorry to hear about your DH. I hope he feels better soon. Is he allowed to have peameal bacon? I chop it up into little bits and add it to fried rice and you can add kale, corn or peas as a vegetable. Cook with garlic or ginger for flavour and you can prepare a big batch all at once. I think I found the original recipe in Gwyneth Paltrow's cookbook, which may have some healthy options your DH can eat too.

[lizzie bargain]

Avon-I sure hope your DH is well soon. TG-I was wondering whether you can call into the specialist and go on the cancellation list if you are able to go on short notice. Well so far today I have cleaned the fridge, gone out for groceries and gone for a walk with DH-now that the nice weather is back we are trying to get some exercise each day. Thankfully the new overseas nanny arrives for the double twins today so my hours should go down which is fine by me. I took my Mum back to the ortho surgeon yesterday-she was on the list to get her hip replaced before she fell and broke it last summer. Anyway she is motoring around pretty well without a cane or walker now and he said at 83 and since she can walk pretty well he feels the risks outweigh the potential benefits of another major surgery to take out all the hardware from the break and put a super long implant down into the bone which is fragile from osteoporosis-when I asked for a list of pros he said possible slight improvement in gait and possible slight improvement in pain, but no guarantees. The list of risks was very long so we are going to leave well enough alone and skip the hip replacement-he says the break and repair might have realigned the hip joint just enough that she can get by without another hip surgery which is a big relief for her.

[sweet sparrow]

I heard something recently that I thought was pretty funny. I called a manufacturer to ask about the expiry date on the coupon. It says 04/09 on the English side and 09/04 on the French side. When I asked her if it was April 9th or September 4th, she said "just use the French side". Would that be nice if it was a choose your own expiry date!

Unfortunately, I don't think the stores see it that way. It was a funny call though.

[momof5boys]

Popping in to say hi. A bit of a stressful week as my son has entered another project into the regional science fair. He spoke to so many judges that he lost count. He is so passionate about this project and loves the judging part while most kids are nervous. We find out how he did in a couple of days.

[Tweets77]

Argggg...it is snowing again!

[thriftygranny]

Avon-I sure hope your DH is well soon. TG-I was wondering whether you can call into the specialist and go on the cancellation list if you are able to go on short notice. Well so far today I have cleaned the fridge, gone out for groceries and gone for a walk with DH-now that the nice weather is back we are trying to get some exercise each day. Thankfully the new overeas nanny arrives for the double twins today so my hours should go down which is fine by me. I took my Mum back to the ortho surgeon yesterday-she was on the list to get her hip replaced before she fell and broke it last summer. Anyway she is motoring around pretty well without a cane or walker now and he said at 83 and since she can walk pretty well he feels the risks outweigh the potential benefits of another major surgery to take out all the hardware from the break and put a super long implant down into the bone which is fragile from osteoporosis-when I asked for a list of pros he said possible slight improvement in gait and possible slight improvement in pain, but no guarantees. The list of risks was very long so we are going to leave well enough alone and skip the hip replacement-he says the break and repair might have realigned the hip joint just enough that she can get by without another hip surgery which is a big relief for her.

Great news for your mom, I am sure she wasn't happy about facing hip replacement.
I am on the cancellation list for the vascular surgeon, crossing my fingers I get a call, this has been really nerve racking to say the least.

[jasperandchar]

@lizzie bargain , great news for your mom and such a relief not having to have surgery at her age and like you said the pros list is not very long and leave well enough alone is right. Great news for the overseas nanny

[jasperandchar]

@momof5boys good luck to your son with his latest project, proud mama

[avoncallingu]

avon, gee - that's awful he's having to go through this. Does he have MRSA?
Perhaps it's time he goes on IV antibiotics?

Hoping things get better for him soon!

Just finished packing up Babkas, blanched cabbage leaves, and cooked portioned barley to put in the freezer.

Tomorrow is Paska baking day.

Hi Natalka! Your kitchen smells wonderful even from here! Yes, DH has MRSA - that's why they delayed his surgery for over a month but he then picked up C. Difficile after his surgery. We're still waiting to hear from the Dr. about where to next.

[jasperandchar]

Evening all,

Dinner was bbq pork chops, rice and sweet peas.

DH & I are going to venture out tomorrow to a town I don't shop at often because they tend to not have great stock BUT I am hoping NF has the $1.97 chicken breast that has previously been frozen that's fine, at that price it's pretty well the cheapest meat at this time.

Then will go to GT pickup a few boxes of chicken wings $5 a box for a treat and some Cavendish fries as well that are on for $1.00, I'll put freeze everything for a later treat night, we all deserve a treat once in a while .

Then off to Independent grocers to get some pork chops on sale and Octoberfest sausages (3 day sale @ $1.88 for 375g) and a few other staples.

So a couple weeks ago I tried an experiment to see if it would work as some folks on the SDM thread said it worked as long as the cashier was willing to scan the coupon, I had a personalized offer for 8k wus $30 on food and snacks which I was credited instantly as well I had a coupon for a certain day let's say Monday that was spend $50 get 20x the points. The cashier didn't think I would get the 20x the points but said if I wasn't allowed the computer I'm guessing her cash would decline the coupon, since the points were to be awarded 2 weeks later I marked the calendar to see if the points were credited and yes they were, so I got 20x the points on my total before taxes plus the bonus 8k for food (so double the points technically on $30). I'm new to the whole sdm thing but I was glad that it worked so thought I would share with my financial frugal friends.

I posted some more items for sale today so hopefully they sell quickly as I need the room.

Well off to listen to the news.

[jasperandchar]

@avoncallingu thoughts and prayers for your dh & you, it's not fun playing nurse and the worries are the last thing you need right now, take care of yourself and hope your dh feels better soon (hugs)

[jasperandchar]

@thriftygranny hope you get a call quickly for your surgery, hang in there hun and listen to your body and your doctors

[Natalka]

I heard something recently that I thought was pretty funny. I called a manufacturer to ask about the expiry date on the coupon. It says 04/09 on the English side and 09/04 on the French side. When I asked her if it was April 9th or September 4th, she said "just use the French side". Would that be nice if it was a choose your own expiry date!

Unfortunately, I don't think the stores see it that way. It was a funny call though.

That's crazy! QC uses the European way of dating, apparently.

Well, one batch of Paskas baked today - it takes longer to get them ready because there are twists and dough decorations to make. I was so unhappy that one loaf just wouldn't release from the pan, so I had to use a knife to go around and even though I was careful, it cut through the crust. Oh, well - it didn't hurt to have a 'tester' loaf, lol! - and it's yummy!

Babkas have a coarser, richer texture than Paskas - which are a very finely crumbed bread. Each is different, but so good!

I'll make another batch of Paskas tomorrow.

Husband will go to tonight's Holy Thursday service - I won't go because it's a very long service with readings (well, singing) of the 12 Gospels.

Actually, as a child I found part of this service kind of scary - there are bells rung after each reading, then when the parts come which describe the suffering, they use this wooden clacker thing which kind of sounds like the nails driven into the cross, to show grief - and I always hated that sound, it's like I could feel it in the core of my body.

Oooh, sorry for oversharing - I've never told anyone other than family that....

[lilo0003]

Nat: that description unnerved me, I think I would have been scared alongside you.
I did a solo trip to the US today, zero issues at the boarder and I spent 130.00. It was not as much fun being alone but I was back early. It was 18 degrees there, 3 degrees at home. My big purchase was a bedding set I had wanted from Target that I could not find in King size. Thankfully it was on clearance at 50% off.