Friday, July 11, 2014

The Frugal Friday. Once upon a time in the elevator...

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When we arrived in San Fransisco two weeks ago, one of the first things on our to-do list was to buy a case of water. Because of my pregnancy, I knew I should stay away from water fountains due to possible bacteria contamination but, honestly, they are almost as rare as big box stores there anyway.

So, on the way to Muir Woods we stopped by Walgreens (yes, they do exist in the Fog City!) and got a 24-bottle pack for $3.99.

I got up to our hotel room first while my husband was following behind with some of our stuff including the water pack mentioned above. In the elevator there was a guy with a bottle of water in his hand going up too. With a chuckle the guy said to my Hubby, "You either love water too much or there is a big party planned in your room tonight". To that my husband responded that no, we'll just use it for our vacation, and that it's cheaper to buy in bulk. Still doubtful, the guy asked, "Well, how much did you pay for it, like $6??" With a smile, my sweet husband told him what we paid. The guy looked at the bottle in his hands and replied after a second, "Wow, you guys are smart! I paid $2 for the one in my hand!"...

I guess, it was a good lesson on frugality for him (and hey, don't stone me. I know that bottled water is not the greenest option but it was the best option for us!). It's funny, how sometimes we do things because we are used to it or just want it, without thinking twice. Since I started blogging, I was inspired so many times on how to cut corners and get the best deals that I didn't even think about before. Budgeting, menu planning and avoiding food waste are three examples that immediately come to mind. Refinishing furniture and developing DIY skills come close second.

This week I discovered Target all over again... I was never a big fan of Target, mostly because the closest store to us has the worst customer service I've ever dealt with. Most weeks, I casually look through their ad but rarely step my foot in. But this week I actually spent $112 there. On baby supplies :) There was a really good deal going this week on diapers. There was a $20 off $100 coupon off most of the baby things in the local paper. The big packs were $24.99, and if you buy two, you get a $10 gift card. I had a few coupons that made each box around $12-13. I spent a little more because I also got wipes. The deal on them wasn't as stellar but I still got $5 gc back for buying two boxes, and since it ended up being cheaper than the usual price even in Walmart (and a good deal on wipes is hard to find lately), I stocked up. So I spent $112 and ended up with $25 in gift cards. I used the gift cards to buy some shelves for the babies' closet. Going back to Target was the lesson on frugality for me :)

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So what was the last good deal you got or your latest "aha" moment on how to save money?


17 comments:

  1. I am an identical twin and my mom had us both in the same crib, we were happier sleeping together. My oldest daughter has twin sister -in-laws and their mother said the same thing. She bought two cribs but they cried when they were apart, so you might just start out with one and see how it goes. You could have two smaller basket beds until they are older. I am so excited.

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    1. I'm terrified of putting them together in one crib. I've heard about so many cases when babies will harm each other when they are not even supposed to move or scoot yet... But they will be in small bassinets next two me the first couple of months or so. I will actually sleep in their room during those months just like I did with my second child. But this time I'm getting a tiny folding bed, not sleeping on the floor again :)

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  2. We always take things like that with us on vacation. We haul along a cooler to the hotel that we bring drinks & snacks along for when we are sitting in the room at night & it saves so much money. Plus my hubby is diabetic so I feel better having orange juice & food right there in case he needs something quick. We are leaving tomorrow for a few days in the New York Finger Lakes & we even made our own ice so we did not have to buy a bag, yeah we are cheap like that!
    Rhonda

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    1. You are a super-woman :) But isn't it interesting how many people wouldn't even consider small things/changes like this??

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  3. I was recently reminded that planning is perhaps the most frugal thing you can do. I hadn't quite thought through some plans well enough, so I ended up going to the regular grocery and paying twice as much as I usually do for a few items. These things happen sometimes, but I never like it when they do.

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    1. It definitely is! I've done very little planning during those months when I was sick, and our budget was showing it. I'm glad to be back on the wagon!

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  4. Honestly, it has been far from "Frugal" here lately... i'm trying to save $$ but summer is just so expensive... I just bought a new folding bed for our summer homestay girl. So that's a small dent in our budget... I guess I simply try to spend low so we can have the extra $$ for summer! :) What colours are you going to do the babies room? :)

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    1. It's gonna be neutral, grey more than likely :) With colorful accents all over!

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  5. I did the same deal at Target this week! Couldn't pass it up! Have a great week!

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  6. I just scored some deals at Target today. I don't usually go there for 'bargains' and couponing but they had some good deals.

    I learn a tremendous amount through blogs too and I'm so grateful!

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    1. I think, I'm going to start checking Target more often now too :)

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  7. OMG! Congrats I am just reading you are pregnant. And TWINS?! Very exciting - I'm an identical twin and she is my best friend.

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    1. Thank you!! And you too are absolutely adorable!!

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  8. Great deals! I need to get some newborn diapers for my sister as well... And I didnt notice, but for our last 3 out-of-town vacations, we did end up buying cases of water too. We dont drink tap water even at home, so it made sense. I have no problem with it, but my parents...

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    1. We have a filter on our kitchen faucet, and it was worth ever penny we paid for it! But when we travel, especially by car, we always buy cases.

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  9. Well I tried to save $$ by getting internet on a seasonal plan but that didn't work out so well :( however I haven't had one restaurant meal since I left London on June 29th

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