Frugal Finds: July 2017 Edition

This month on our trip to the thrift store, TWICE!!!  We were able to score quite a few deals, and some needs.  Howard is always in need of shirts and now that the weather is getting super hot, shorts as well.  He is also loving his backpack and wants to take it everywhere.  I am so happy I was able to find another suitcase to add to Howard's room for storage - this one definitely has some blocks in it's future.  Below is the break-down for the two trips.

1 Backpack for Howard $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
1 Daniel Tiger Book for Howard $0.49 - 50% off Sale = $0.24
1 pair Black Cotton 5T Shorts for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 pair Gray Mesh Size 4/5 Shorts for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 XS Gray Short-sleeved Mario Shirt $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
 1 Gray Size Small Short-sleeved Shirt with Animals on it for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 5T Short-sleeved Green TMNT Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 Navy Short-sleeved Shirt for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
+ $0.13 Tax
Total OOP: $10.30!!
Saved $10.25 or 50%!!!!!

1 Mini Green Suitcase $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 Mickey and Friends Travel Trailer $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
3 Books for Howard $0.99 each - 50% off Sale = 3/$1.48
1 Long-sleeved 4T Button-down Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 Short-sleeved 4T Mickey Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
+ $0.21 Tax
Total OOP: $6.65!!
Savings of  $6.49 or 49%!!!!!!

Have you found anything great at the thrift store lately???
What are your recent frugal finds??
Share in the comments below!
 

Budget Update: April 2017

This month we were able to come in under budget again -- I LOVE it when that happens!!!  Under budget means that there is more money for deals the next month!  Below you can see how my spending broke-down throughout the month.  If you click on the week numbers you can see a more in-depth view of what I bought each week, and the deals I got.

• Week #1: $78.01 oop, Earned $0.20 Mobisave Rebate, and $0.50 Ibotta Rebate

• Week #2: $167.15 oop, Earned $0.35 Mobisave Rebate, and $0.75 Ibotta Rebates

• Week #3: $25.27 oop, Earned Zero

• Week #4: $88 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate

• Week #5: $79.67 oop, Earned $0.12 Find and Save Rebate

Total OOP for April: $428.10
Total Earned in April: $2.17
Total Remaining from April: $41.22
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Weekly Spending Report: 04/30-05/06/2017

I included this week in April's budget because I did most of my shopping this week on the last day of April.  After a LONG break from CVS, I was able to stop in and get a good deal on my Benefiber.  I have missed coupon shopping, and I hope that this summer I can get back into the swing of things.  Below is how my shopping went this week...

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $38.29 oop (included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O) 

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $12.37 oop, Earned $0.12 Find and Save Rebate

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $26.04 oop

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $2.97 oop (no picture, just Corn Chips and Peanut Butter Bars for Joe)

Total OOP: $79.67
Total Earned: $0.12
Total Remaining from April: $41.22!!!!!!!

Weekly Spending Report: 04/23-29/2017

This week I went back to Sunday shopping, but I am kinda of getting use to shopping later in the week instead of at the beginning.  I know it's only one day, but for some reason it just makes a big difference in my head.  

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $41.76 oop (included, but not pictured are 8 gallons H2O)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $29.40, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate (any grocery item)

• Wednesday's Dollar Tree Trip: $9.48 oop

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $7.36 oop

Total OOP: $88
Total Earned:$0.25
Total Remaining: $120.89
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Weekly Spending Report: 04/16-22/2017

This week I only made one stop!  I quickly ran into Giant just for some lunch meat and rolls, some waffles, and some clearanced Easter candy!

• Thursday's Giant Trip: $25.27 oop

Total OOP: $25.27
Total Earned: Zero
Total Remaining for April: $208.89

Weekly Spending Report: 04/09-15/2017

This week I did quite a bit of shopping, but events season is in full swing around here, and I have had to alter the way I shop.  Usually I do my weekly ALDI/Giant/CVS trips on Sunday with a quick stop into the Dollar Tree on Saturday (all as needed of course).  However, with things being so busy around here, I have needed to get more of my shopping done on Saturday, to keep Sunday more open for work.  All that to say that over the next few weeks, you will notice that shift.  Any-who, below is my BIG spending for this week in April...

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $45.37 oop 

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $37.62 oop

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $19.84 oop

• Saturday's ALDI Trip: $36.62 oop

• Saturday's Giant Trip: $27.70 oop, Earned $0.35 Mobisave Rebate (Beef), and $0.75 Ibotta Rebates ($0.50 Beef, and $0.25 and grocery item)

Total OOP: $167.15
Total Earned: $1.10
Total Remaining for April: $234.16
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Weekly Spending Report: 04/02-08/2017

New month, new budget, and a full grocery envelope.  This week I only made 3 stops.  Super easy, and good for the budget too.

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $49.06 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.20 Mobisave Rebate ($0.10 Celery, $0.10 Carrots), and $0.25 Ibotta* Rebate (for purchasing any grocery item)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $19.41 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta* Rebate (for purchasing any grocery item)

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $9.54 oop 

Total OOP: $78.01
Total Earned: $0.70
Total Remaining for April: $401.31
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Budget Update: March 2017

This month we were able to come in under budget again -- I LOVE it when that happens!!!  Under budget means that there is more money for stocking up on bargains later!  Below you can see how my spending went throughout this month.  If you click on the week numbers you can see a more in-depth view of what I bought each week.

• Week #1: $79.61 oop, Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate

• Week #2: $94.18 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate, and $0.40 Find and Save Rebate

• Week #3: $83.37 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate

• Week #4: $80.95 oop, Earned Zero 

Total OOP for March: $338.11
Total Earned in March: $1.00
Total Remaining from March: $129.32!!!

Weekly Spending Report: 03/26-04/01/2017

This week was quiet on the shopping front, which sometimes is just needed.  There are weeks that you're just like, "Yeah, I'm not shopping.  Like at all."  This week was one of those weeks for me.  We had huge back to back teas over the weekend, and I was just exhausted.  I did a major ALDI trip on Monday, ran into Giant for two things we buy name brand, and then, I was just done.  And it was a nice little break...

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $73.96 oop (Included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O)

• Monday's Giant Trip: $6.99 oop (No picture, just a tub of JIF peanut butter, and a large Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, nothing crazy...)

Total OOP: $80.95
Total Earned: Zero
Total Remaining for March: $129.32
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Weekly Spending Report: 03/19-25/2017

This week was all about stocking up - bleach, toothbrushes, vitamins, waffles - and getting some treats for Easter baskets.  Not only treats for Howard, but some candies for Joe as well.  Below is how my spending broke down over the course of the week...

• Sunday's Dollar Tree Trip: $11.54 oop

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $35.46 oop (Included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O)

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $12.67 oop, Earned $5 ECB's

• Wednesday's Dollar Tree Trip: $11.48 oop

• Wednesday's Giant Trip: $12.22 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate (for purchasing any grocery item)

Total OOP: $83.37
Total Earned: $0.25
Total Remaining for March: $210.27
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Weekly Spending Report: 03/12-18/2017

This week was a fairly simple shopping week.  I like simple sometimes...

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $58.72 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons H2O), Earned $0.40 Find and Save Rebate (for spending over $40 at ALDI)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $35.46 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate (for buying anything)

Total OOP: $94.18
Total Earned: $0.65
Total Remaining for March: $293.64
Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!    

Frugal Finds: May 2017 Edition

This month we stopped into a Dollar Tree after we went to the thrift store, and I found some amazing deals at both places!  I was super excited to find some interesting toys at the Dollar Tree for Howard to put in our rainy-day box, as well as some really cool microwaveable bowl cozies that I plan to give as Christmas gifts.  They also got the larger ice packs back in, so I stocked up for summer.  At the thrift store, I got the usual suspects - clothing and books for Howard.  But, I was please to find a bag of toys that had a huge amount of letter and animal magnets in it.  Those are one of Howard's favorite quiet-time activities, and with the 50% off sale, the whole bag was only $2.49?!  Below are the rest of my bargains for this month, and the price break-down...

 2 - 2 packs of Cosmetic Bags (these are great for little toys, and organizing craft supplies) $2
4 large Ice Packs $4
3 - 2 packs of 3 volt Batteries $3
2 Robot Toys (right now Howard is really into bot-bots as he calls them) $2
1 Racing Car $1
1 pack Mickey Mouse Playing Cards $1
1 LED Candle (this was broken, so I am going to try and return it) $0.25
4 Campbell's Bowl Cozies (these are going to be wonderful Christmas gifts) $4
+ $1.04 Tax
Total OOP: $18.29

1 Peter Cottontail DVD $2.99
1 Magic Pen Book for Howard $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
1 pair 5T PJ Pants for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 size 4/5 Blue Short-sleeved  Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 5T Short-sleeve Superman Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 4T Green and Gray Long-sleeved Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 5T Gray and Black Striped Long-sleeved Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 4T Blue Robot Long-sleeved Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 5T Snowman Long-sleeved Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
4 books for Howard $0.99 each - 50% off Sale = 4/$1.98
1 HUGE bag of Toys and Magnets for Howard $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
1 Bobbin Holder for Joe $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
+$0.51 Tax
Total OOP: $17.38
Savings of  $13.47 or 44%!!!

Frugal Finds: February 2017 Edition

We were able to swing into the thrift store twice this month and found a few nice things.  I have been on the hunt for skirts - I just find them so much more comfortable than jeans.  Joe has been in need of khaki pants, so I was very excited to find not only one, but two pairs for him.  I am also SUPER excited about the First Words book I found for Howard.  It has magnetic letters to use to spell out words within the book; he is gonna love it!!  Our second stop in, I was so pleased to find Howard a snowsuit for this winter.  It's a bit large, but I am hoping that we can use for the next couple of winters as well.  I also picked up the Mickey mouse look-and-find book to put away for his birthday.  Below you can see the price break-down - thank God for half-price day at the Thrift store!

1 Heavy Black Skirt for Me $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
1 Lightweight Beige Skirt for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
 1 Black and Blue Plaid Hooded 3/4 Sleeve Shirt for Me $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
1 5T Hooded Sweatshirt for Howard $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
1 pair of Khaki Dress Pants for Joe (new with tags!) $14.99 - 50% off Sale = $7.49
4 Ceramic Bunnies $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
3 DVD's for Howard $2.99 each - 50% off Sale = $1.49 each or 3/$4.47
4 Kids Books for Howard $0.49 each - 50% off Sale = 4/$0.98
+ $0.42 Tax
Total OOP: $24.31
Saved $13.14 or 54%!!!

1 Snowsuit for Howard size 5/6 $12.99 - 50% off sale = $6.49
1 pair Khaki Pants (New with Tags!) for Joe $12.99 - 50% off sale = $6.49
1 Henley-style Short-sleeved Shirt for Me $3.99 - 50% off sale = $1.99
1 pair 4T Monster PJ Pants for Howard $2.99 - 50% off sale = $1.49
1 pair size 4/5 Plaid PJ Pants for Howard $1.99 - 50% off sale = $0.99
1 Polar Express DVD $2.99 - 50% off sale = $1.49
3 Books for Howard $0.99 each  - 50% off sale = 3/$1.48
+ $0.18 Tax
Total OOP: $20.60

Weekly Spending: 03/05-11/2017

This week was another super easy shopping week.  We stopped into ALDI on Sunday for all the things.  Like literally a cartfull, which I normally don't do, but sometimes you just need everything at once.  I also found some cool things at the Dollar Tree on Saturday when I stopped in for my newspapers.  Below you can see the spending breakdown and what I purchased...

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $65.83 oop (included but not pictured are 8 gallons), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Pasta)

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $13.78 oop

Total OOP: $79.61
Total Earned: $0.10
Total Remaining for March: $387.82