Frugal Accomplishments 4th Week of June

This week is all about summer fun for the family.  I have some professional development, but just one day this week.  That means that it's the boys day with my mom, and they've got some fun free things planned:  going to a local lake to walk and fish, and going to the public library for story time and checking out new books.  We're also planning some play dates with friends and spending some fun family time doing things.

Here are our accomplishments:

• I participated in a professional development opportunity, which included a $50 stipend.  It was training that will provide me professional renewal credits and some food was provided.
• The boys helped me clean out a lot of things for a group yard sale that we'll be a part of this week.  The back of my car is loaded with items, and we're hoping to bring home another $50 or more from that.  Whatever we don't sell will be donated to our church yard sale. (Our goal this summer is to make $1500 from side hustles like this, including eBay sales.)
• Used brown paper bags that we cut in order to drain meat, rather than using paper towels.
• Cooked chicken in a crock pot for mole chicken.  It was organic chicken from the food pantry and mole sauce from the food pantry, so there was no cost to us.  We used this for taco bowls using our CSA ingredients (greens, spring onions, squash, radishes) and refried beans, quinoa, and salsa from our pantry to make these.  This made enough for several meals of leftovers, which could be made into tacos or a casserole.
• Enjoyed a free meal at VBS last week, which yielded some free food.  We were able to take grapes and bananas.  I used these bananas to make banana nut chocolate chip muffins for a breakfast treat for the week.
• We chose to make a donation for the meal at VBS, as well as purchased a CD of the music from the week.  This music will sort of become our summer soundtrack.  It really helps us keep the boys entertained in the car and much more patient when trips are longer.
• Our pot of tomatoes had become water logged with the recent rains.  We realized that the drain holes weren't fully drilled, so we borrowed a drill and drilled the holes.  Hopefully, this will save the tomatoes, especially since they already had fruit.
• Used our laminated chore charts for the boys.  We use dry erase markers on these, so it saves the stickers.  These really help for summer routines and getting them going in the mornings.
• Used an earned Walmart gift card to purchase some needed groceries and a large pillow to replace one we had to toss.  I had a little left over on this card, so I'll save it for another purchase.
• I listened to a podcast for free while washing dishes.  I was getting a little disgruntled about having to do so many dishes (they multiply when we're home over the summer), and the podcast was about gratitude.  It helped me to reframe the opportunity to wash dishes and be grateful for the clean water and dishes we have.
• Enjoyed an "open house" at a community garden.  There were light snacks, and the boys loved the garden. We plan to go out and volunteer there this Friday.  It will give me a chance to do something with the boys outside, and is a free community event.
• Washed all laundry in cold water and hung to dry.  We find that this really saves our clothes, and electricity.
• Opened windows and used fans for cooling.  I also tried to be diligent about turning out lights when we're not in a room.
• I did some extra detox work at home for free.  This included Epsom salt baths, clay baths, and sauna.  I only do this once a day in order to not deplete necessary minerals.  I'm trying to do this at least 4-5 days a week.  It's nice that I can do all of this at home now, and it really is making me feel better.
• I resisted the impulse to buy some new flip flops.  They weren't expensive, but I knew it was $4 that we could save.
• Began planning a menu for next month focused on the things we have on hand and will be getting in our CSA.
• Planned free activities for the boys:  play date at a local park, children's council groups, use our membership to the local children's museum, activity at the community garden, picnic at a local park with live music in the evening.

What did you do to live and save green this past week?  I'd love to hear from you!

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