Warm December Days and Frugal Accomplishments

Last week, I used a $3 off $30 coupon at Lowe's Foods.  Bought 3 bubble wrap rolls at Staples with a buy 2, get 1 free sale, using a gift card I received as a rebate.  The card paid for the bubble wrap, with a couple dollars to spare.  Gathered a few rose hips from the wild roses.  Made yogurt and kefir.  Reading a borrowed book from a little library box at Small B&B.  I tried a sweet potato smoothie with one of our homegrown leftovers, adding homemade yogurt, cinnamon, vanilla and leftover apple juice I had spiced to drink warm.  I took it with me as I ran out the door, & though it was good, it was a bit too thick for my taste.  Next time I will add more liquid.

I took my car in for a repair that was a recall.  The repair was free, but while there, I was told my front brake pads were getting thin.  J said if I bought the pads, he'd replace them.  I purchased them through ebates, and used a 20% off coupon code, saving me 27%.  Prepared a winter salad with our greens and garlic, served with crowder peas I had canned.  I baked chestnuts (not a frugal accomplishment, but a seasonal pleasure & one that brings back sweet memories of my Mom), & while the oven was hot, I baked 2 of our spaghetti squash and froze the "spaghetti".  We do have two chestnuts planted, but they are still little saplings.  Some day...  Gave the dogs chopped greens stems with their dinner, & gave the chickens the last of the smoothie, along with chickweed, dandelion greens & creasy greens I picked on the way to see them.

I received a $5 rewards from Staples, I believe from bringing ink cartridges to recycle on my last visit.  I took Guinness to the vet for his annual visit, and got a prescription for his heartworm med, as I can find it much cheaper online.  A local gardening friend recently spoke of a tomato that did wonderfully in their garden, from Seeds from Italy.  During a 20% off sale last week, I purchased the tomato seeds, plus a few others I'm excited to try.  I've heard about beeswax fabric wraps, and just read about a tutorial to make your own here.

I spent Friday evening and Saturday with Stephen Jenkinson of Orphan Wisdom.  A friend and I barely found a seat for the film screening about him, Griefwalker, on Friday.  Saturday was story telling and wisdom shared of his many years of work with the dying. It was obvious with the packed house for both events, I'm not alone in thinking his teachings are so needed in these times.  I made pasta using our tomatoes, oregano, parsley, basil and garlic.  Began baking cookies to share for the holidays.  Washed laundry with homemade soap and hung it on the line.  The days have been warm and beautiful for December.  I still have lots to do to get ready for the holidays.  How about you?