July 2023 Frugal Chatter Thread

[SassyAshley]

@lilo0003 , congratulations on your home purchase

[Ciel21]

I finally got the free Amazon prime subscription in order to get a couple of deals on things I had been looking for. I find it confusing that so many prime tv shows require a second subscription in order to watch it. It feels like having basic cable tv and having to pay extra to watch the shows you want. Is there something that I’m missing?

My tip to you is to ensure you cancel all those others subs before you cancel Amazon Prime just before the 30 days are up (set up a reminder *say on Day 27* to ditch the channels on your phone/calendar). Yes, it's a headache signing up for free trials with a new account on every site, but the account thing must mean the companies want data on what people are watching during their trial periods.

When I had a month of Amazon earlier (late Dec/early Jan), I made sure to watch AMazon Prime Video only on the computer at the library. A tv link would require a computer access for me to open the email with the code to enter on the tv screen...that jumped the shark for me after I gave away my laptop.

My issue with free streaming apps on TV-the channel based ones like CBC Gem and Global (and CTV)seem to require a cable subscriber log-in unless the apps offer free episodes on the streaming TV. I've had issues trying to access a second episode of a free program on Global in the past without a login and we don't have cable tv (just Internet).

[Ciel21]

I finally got the free Amazon prime subscription in order to get a couple of deals on things I had been looking for. I find it confusing that so many prime tv shows require a second subscription in order to watch it. It feels like having basic cable tv and having to pay extra to watch the shows you want. Is there something that I’m missing?

I was keen on certain Food Network shows and Project Runway. Basically if the other HGTV or whatever stations did not have shows of interest, I did not sign up for those channels. I really want to watch Project Runway-maybe an item for the August budget as my July Budget is almost at zero!

[SassyAshley]

Good Morning Everyone,
Oh my, I slept 10 1/2 hours last night. I went to bed late last night, total mistake, woke up at 7 and was still tired but planned to get up, thought oh it must be 8 I better get up, nope it was 9:30.

This has been a week, it has been a while since I had a week like this and if I repeat anything I already posted I am sorry, I have totally lost track of this week.

Monday I had a meeting, I went in for the meeting but the person I was meeting with did not show up, I blew it off but then became worried when they did not contact me. But they did reach out on Tuesday and rescheduled for Wednesday.

Tuesday was a work-from-home day, I was working away planning for next week and then got notified that we hired 3 new staff members in a day (well actually 2 but one new hire means an internal transfer will take place). So in one day, I gained 3 new trainees, in 3 different locations in one day. Luckily they have staggered start dates so as long as nothing else pops up I should have this covered, but I do have training plans to complete.

Wednesday I went in for my meeting but before my meeting, my boss needed to talk to me. There was a meeting the day before I was not part of but apparently, there were discussions that affected me. I am not sure what is up but apparently, everything myself, my boss and our regional manager agreed to a couple of months ago is now not the plan anymore, other agendas are being pushed and I am kind of in the middle. I am trying my best to stand my ground and so far I do have my boss and our regional manager on my side but I know these agendas are not coming from them. So the last couple of days have been kind of stressful as I continue to stand my ground and try to make others see my point of view.

After all of this, I still had to have my meeting, we have a lot of good things in the works but they all depend on me getting the background work done which has me a little stressed. It is not that I cannot do it, or that it is hard, it is all just time-consuming and most days is not my main focus so it is hard to set timelines and deadlines. Right now, it needs to be done but it is on the back burner because I now have 3 trainees who need my attention not these projects. But I really, really want to prove I can get these off the ground.

After work I went to Costco, on my gosh Costco was total insanity, it was a random Wednesday Afternoon but it was like Christmas. I had to circle the parking lot 7 times to find a parking spot. I would have given up except literally this was my only chance to go and we needed stuff.

Thursday was a work-from-home day where I got started laying out and organizing what I have ready for trainees and what I still need to do. Not going to lie, wish I was a little further ahead but it is what it is. I also did our grocery shopping and had a few deals I could stack so that was good.

Yesterday I was covering a manager, this was planned a few weeks ago. Kind of the cherry on top, I ended up alone as the assistant emailed they needed to handle a family matter. The manager was more upset than I was, as I told them "This is not the first time I have been alone in the office and let's be honest, it probably won't be the last." I was only alone until 1 pm and then the assistant came in. It was fine I had it all handled but I did not get my own work done since I was alone so I will have to do that this weekend as some of it is needed for Monday.

Plus well working alone some of the new agenda came up and I will admit, I had a moment but I took a breath, defended/stood up for myself and for the moment we are in a good place, But, all of this will need to be put on the back burner for the next week as I am completely booked next week.

So yes, it has been a week but weeks like just show you, you can get through it. Sorry for the long post.

Happy Saturday

[Ciel21]

@SassyAshley Your weekend is calling you! Do something randomly fun in-between work tasks! Splash in some puddles, smell some roses etc. Good for you holding your ground in meetings. If anyone is opposing you happens to be kin, ask yourself if you wanting to be dealing with them and opposition when you turn 40. That's a life milestone so maybe think of fun ways to mark that milestone (PINTEREST plans). Bear hugs (((()))) for a trying week

[Ciel21]

Yesterday was my Burlington daytrip date and let me say my impulse spending has removed any grocery shopping (funds were spent on other things and deposit refund was applied to a refreshing pop from Dollarama after a lot of hot walking) for a couple of weeks. I did treat myself to a new sewing magazine and I traipsed through about 5 TJX related stores in the quest of one thing that seems to be available only online (now ordered this morning) but I had a fun time poking around the sale stuff in 2 Indigo stores and some of Burlington Centre shops. By 3pm, I was ready to bus back to town and get some Internetting done but the Apple computer was not opening any pages I entered.

So here I am in the library-I managed to get here just as the raindrops began to drip-drop down. I had an early waking after 4am-cue the first load of laundry to be washed. Then I managed to return to sleep until 7:30. Did some branch collecting and mustering of two slices of bread with butter and jam for breakfast. I definitely will cook the Knorr Soup mix later for lunch (cream of vegetable) and some pasta pantry surprise.

I have $24 left to spend in my last debit of July without incurring service charges. There is a deal I wanted to chase (food) but I need some first aid supplies without which would curb my walks and explorations. However, the forecasted temperatures next week have me unimpressed-looks like I will be at home for most of it, as the humidity is accompanied by strong signs of rain/thunderstorms. There is usually one twist or obstacle that messes up the best plans. A little buttered popcorn should take the sting out tonight and there's a DVD movie to view too.

The Barbie movie outing will also have to wait. I did come across an Ocean Barbie in the Brant Power Centre Marshall's store on one clearance endcap...

I"m in my last hour of Internetting and there are those digital store flyers still to peruse before time's up. Have a great weekend wherever you are!

[walkonby]

Busy bees in here this morning!! @SassyAshley wtf? Oops I mean wow! You sure DID have a week! No wonder your body gifted you extra sleep today. I loved Ciel21's advice to you....splash in those puddles if you can find any! Sniff roses! Great distraction and it will fill your soul with giddiness.
Not much frugal news here, but 2 no spend days in a row counts as savings I guess? The weather is a tad gloomy atm but since we have no outdoor plans it can rain away!

Both the Argos and the Blue Jays won last night!! Our Argos are 4-0 for the Season so far!! Guerrero smacked a HR in his first at bat after winning the HR Derby!! This is the first time
THAT has happened. Almost a curse has been attached to past HR Derby winners once they return to their regular games where they hit either strike, fly or ground out.
I've always believed that they drain their HR batteries down too much during that competition.
Have the best weekend all!!

[harbie]

CONGRATULATIONS @lilio 0003 that’s so exciting! It helps slogging through the daily grind when you have something so sweet at the end of the retirement rainbow.

WOW, you definitely deserved the extra sleep @SassyAshley . Like everyone said, you need to take a some time for just you and do some self care.

[harbie]

It’s going to a a scorcher today and humid too (yay ).

So laundry day. Bedding and the odds I have leftover.

I need to get a proper shopping list together. I’m making it a priority to sit down with an actual list of what’s needed and stick to that. I’m pretty good but I need to tighten it up especially since prices are only going up.

Stay cool everyone

[coupon girl]

Hi everyone
Congrats on the house lilo.
We just arrvived back at 3.15 such a long drive up north ,but we had a wonderfull time at "deerhurst",it was not cheap but worth every penny to be with the small grandkids.They were on the lake canoeing ,paddle boarding (my daughter-in-law)etc.

We were suppose to have a cabin but alas they didnt have it ,so my daughter (booking is in her name)negotiated a 200.00 credit at one of their restaurants.As we had to stay in a lakeview lodge setting so we kept the doors ajar and the kids went back and forth between rooms.I played in the arcade with them (lol loved the skeet ball game )in the pool and beach area .
Such a fun time .We didnt bring up much food as i had the girls til 6.30 tuesday night ,so i will toss a bit of money to my daughter as she spent a whole grocery order up there(some to take home also).

Gotta go rest a bit as we have a 50th birthday to go to at 5.00 p.m

[lilo0003]

It’s been a long time since I bought a house and there is so much to do. The mortgage broker called today and said it’s likely going to be TD which I am totally fine with as we had out 1st and only mortgage with them and they are super easy to make extra payments. We are on on vacation next week and can do the walk through and see the house, then we need to decide if both of us go back for the close of just DH. DS1 is also try to decide if he comes home for a week sometime in August so lots to sort out. I spent today packing stuff we can take now because the more we take with each drive the less we buy or ship. At this point it will be a lot of thrifting to outfit the house until we are there full time.

[Angela273]

@Angela273 it seems like all the good shows require a subscription. I got rid of cable, bought an antenna that I use indoors (get about 15-20 channels depending on the weather) and have never looked back. Plus a lot of channels are available online to watch for free that cable covers like global, city tv, etc.

Unfortunately the antennas do not work in my area, rural Saskatchewan.

[Angela273]

Since we live in rural Saskatchewan, Amazon prime provides free delivery but it is not faster than their usual free shipping.

Twin girl enjoyed picking yellow string beans and cherry tomatoes this morning. Still waiting for the pea pods to fill out. We have a handful of raspberry plants that are producing. The cucumber plants are doing well, we’ll be able to eat the first cucumber next week. I think I’ll make apple rhubarb crisp next week.

We have a variety of cold cereals in our pantry, but some are certainly eaten more regularly than others. I’ve started looking for recipes that use the cereals as an ingredient….ie frosted mini-wheat cereal. I plan on halving the recipes and seeing what our family thinks of it.

[HermanH]

I’ve started looking for recipes that use the cereals as an ingredient….ie frosted mini-wheat cereal. I plan on halving the recipes and seeing what our family thinks of it.

What about using some cereal as a garnish over fruit? Normally, you would add fruit to a bowl of cereal, but you could reverse the order to use up excess cereal. Crushing or shredding some mini-wheat and sprinkling it over a bowl of strawberries or other fruit could make for a change of taste. I've used cereal as a topping for ice-cream.

[coupon girl]

Morning i went to a 50Th birthday party last night ,oh my goodness the tray of roast beef in gravy from zarkys was awesome on a small bun ,along with costco potatoe salad and 2 fruit and veggie trays .I took a fruit tray i bought from fortinos 13.99-10.00 in points =i paid $5 and change .The gift i got her was a timmies gift card ,everyone could use one of those.

Needless to say i am not a drinker but had 3 drinks and a shot ,so i am in slow or slower mode today even thou i have a ton of laundry to do.