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WilliamB is one of the most faithful commenters here and thus, was one of the top-most-requested readers for this feature. But WilliamB is also one of the most private internet people I know. So, I sent an email request along with full permission to be as private as desired, and yay! MORE
It’s a little too early to tell, but it is kind of seeming like going from a household of 5 to a household of 4 is making my grocery budget feel rather generous. Read on! What I Spent. It was another one of those weeks where we just made a few small stops and mostly ate from the pantry/freezer. MORE
Time to meet another reader! Joanne lives in the UK, so as I edited this post, I imagined hearing it with a British accent. ??. Tell us a little about yourself. My garden – with a very unusual blue and clear sky! MORE
We helped Lisey move out this past week, so lots of my thankful things have to do with her; I am practicing what I preach by looking for the good here. Did I tear up at the grocery store this week when I reached for the string cheese and then realized my string cheese eater moved out? MORE
If you’ve been paying attention at all while you shop for food, you’ve probably noticed that grocery prices have been going up in the last year or so. This is not your imagination! Groceries are actually, factually more expensive than they were a year or two ago. MORE
In my first post on this blog, I mentioned my frugal grandma. She lived through the Great Depression and I think that experience left a mark on her for the rest of her life. Anyway, I reshared that post recently because of my blog’s birthday. that baby is my dad). MORE
Some months ago, I mentioned that I’d been reading Below Stairs , a memoir written by a British kitchen maid/cook.I loved it, and I found it to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. And I have some rambly thoughts to share about it. Ready? MORE
I was delighted when Sonal emailed, offering to answer the reader interview questions. I just think it’s so fun to know that the community here is made up of people around the globe! The internet is a grand thing. Here’s Sonal: 1. Tell us a little about yourself. MORE
I sat here for several minutes trying to figure out if I phrased that title right. “A” doesn’t sound quite right, but, “an” also seems iffy. MORE
This week, I am thankful: for a cooler week. I have not needed to be thankful for A/C this week. That’s because this whole past week has been a wonderful break from the usual hot August weather we get, and I am super thankful! that this is my last year teaching math. MORE
Lisey introduced me to chia drinks some years ago; she loves their fruity flavor and seedy texture, so she buys them occasionally. And sometimes we buy them for her if she needs a little pick-me-up on a rough day. I’ve always been kind of surprised by the high-ish price ($2.79-$3.50 MORE
What I Spent. You know something? We don’t have any BJ’s receipts this week. This is probably related to the fact that Mr. FG has been back in the office for work a little more regularly of late! $27 27 at Harris Teeter. 140 at Aldi. So, $167 for this last July report. July Spending. MORE
This spring, I got a little seed starter pot as freebie from that gardening bundle I participated in. (I I just had to pay for shipping.). The free one is a factory-second, and that appeals to my waste-avoiding heart; I’m delighted to give a home to a less-than-perfect item at a discount. MORE
This week, I am thankful: that I took biology only one semester ago. This first part of Anatomy and Physiology feels kind of like a whole semester smushed into a two-week period. It hasn’t even been two weeks yet and poof! MORE
We are switching to Mint Mobile. We have been happy Ting customers for a long time, but we crunched the numbers and for us right now, it makes more sense to follow Lisey’s lead and use Mint Mobile instead. MORE
I made a use-it-up lunch bowl. I cut the bad spots out of two peppers and sautéed them with the last of a red onion. Then I added a sweet potato from Hungry Harvest and some black beans (the beans were free because there were extras at the food pantry). MORE
A reader recently sent me this email: I was wondering if you still use Ting wireless. My oldest son is 15, and we are considering getting him a phone at some point. MORE
This giveaway is sponsored by Vitamix, and the prize is furnished by Vitamix. Attention, frugal people! I have a delightful giveaway for you today; I’m thrilled to be able to give a brand spanking new Vitamix One blender to a lucky reader. MORE
Last week, I put out a call asking for some reader volunteers from outside the U.S. because I thought it would be fun to get a peek into the frugal life in other countries. Shelagh was one of the first ones to send the set of questions back, and I’m delighted we get to meet her today! MORE
See Saturday’s eats for my thoughts about Local Flavor. What I Spent. I did not get a Hungry Harvest box even though it was my week. MORE
This week, I am thankful: that I’m left-handed. As I was taking notes on my anatomy and physiology chapter this week, I was thinking how nice it is that I write with my left hand. I do so much mousing with my right hand, it’s nice to give that hand a break and use the other one instead! MORE
What I Spent. Last week, I wondered if my low spending weeks were a pattern or an anomaly. I’m leaning toward anomaly because my surprising string of low spending went out the window this week! MORE
This week, I am thankful: that Mediavine is going to fix a comment problem! A number of you have had a weird problem where, only on your screen, your comment appears multiple times, sprinkled randomly throughout the comment section. MORE
Earlier this summer, Josine promised she’d answer my questions, but she had a busy summer ahead of her and wouldn’t be able to get to the questions until later. Happily, I got her email this past week, so now we get to meet a reader from the Netherlands! Tell us a little about yourself. MORE
Reader Rose ( we met her, remember? send me this question: How do you deal with wistfulness about time passing with your children? My son turned 27 (!!!!!) MORE
I ordered makeup-removing cloths. Sonia told me about these and I was intrigued. They’re a type of microfiber cloth that promises to remove makeup with just water. I am very interested in reusable products that replace disposables (cheaper in the long run, plus they’re eco-friendly!), MORE
First, a note about the Vitamix giveaway! When I said, “One comment per household”, I was thinking of instances where people go to the work of leaving different comments with different names and email addresses. MORE
This week, I am thankful: for Lisey’s new housing arrangement. Lisey moved in with my aunt and uncle! There were several little kids in the house where she was renting a room before, and they were young enough that they were keeping her up at night. MORE
What I Spent. gratuitous kitten photo. I spent: $14 at BJ’s. $15 15 at Aldi. $16 16 at Weis. $7 7 at Giant. So, $52 total. I did not do this on purpose, but I realized my first three receipts are in numerical order, quite by happenstance! MORE
What I Spent. I spent: $64 at Aldi. $46 46 at Weis. $25 25 on my Hungry Harvest box. $10 10 at the produce stand (for peaches and corn). So, $145 total. It’s going to be interesting to see if Lisey’s absence has a large impact on my grocery bill. MORE
When I made a homemade chia drink, one of my first thoughts was, “I wonder how much less expensive this is than the bottled Mamma Chia drinks.” ” So, I got my receipt and calculator (ok, I actually just used my phone calculator, as we all do) and figured it out! Ingredient Prices. MORE
This week, we’re in the Mediterranean, meeting a reader who lives in Greece. I gotta say, I am having so much fun learning about readers both from America and from all over the world. It’s endlessly interesting to get a peek into other people’s lives! MORE
Hello, everyone! We’re back to America for this week’s reader interview. And next week, we’ll meet a reader from Finland. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Barrie and I’m a 36 year old stay-at-home mom of 2. My son is 6 and my daughter is 9. MORE
I repurposed a notebook wire. I don’t even know if this really is very frugal, but I wanted to tell you about it. So here we are. MORE
Hey everyone! We’re going north this week to meet a reader from Finland. (At At least, I think it will be north for most of the readers of this blog; it’s hard to live much further up than Finland. ). Here’s Kaisa: 1. Tell us a little about yourself. Hi everyone! MORE
Mr. FG’s costume finally sold. Remember how we did an Alice in Wonderland theme in 2019? Well, normally I sell our costumes the following year. But 2020 was…not a good year for costume-selling. 2020 was not good for a lot of things, let’s be honest.). MORE
You will see that there are only four items in the title, but that’s because I couldn’t think of an “s” word to use for#4, my towel purchase, and I didn’t want to break my alliteration streak. ??. MORE
The meet a reader series is on a bit of a hiatus at the moment because I have now published all of the submitted interviews I’ve received. So, if you’d like to be featured, let me know and I’ll send you the questions. MORE
When I make breakfast and lunch for myself, I almost always do so with an eye to using up odds and ends of food. And every now and then, I post a collection of these breakfast and lunch meals I make. However, I have not had a string of creative breakfasts of late. MORE
Since I have been sharing my words and life on the internet for over 13 years now, I sometimes forget to appreciate that doing so can be a little scary for people. MORE
I recently read Justine Bateman’s new book, Face (from the library, naturally). It’s a collection of essays about aging, and the premise is that our faces are not something that needs to be fixed. MORE
This week, I am thankful: that Lisey got a tool scholarship at school. She applied for this months ago, and she just recently found out that she was one of the people chosen for it. This means that she only has to buy a few tools for her time at aviation mechanic school, so yay! MORE
It’s been a minute since we did a Q&A! So I rounded up a few from my inbox for today. I’d love to hear what you thought about Unorthodox! spoilers ahead, just so you know. MORE
What I Spent. It was a week of serious randomness with our food spending. And it wasn’t a blue ribbon week for my cooking either! But despite the fact that I did not have a fantastic week in the kitchen, our food spending was actually a little below budget. $7 7 at BJs (for dishwasher soap). $8 MORE
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
This week, I am thankful: that Lisey got a tool scholarship at school. She applied for this months ago, and she just recently found out that she was one of the people chosen for it. This means that she only has to buy a few tools for her time at aviation mechanic school, so yay!
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
I ordered makeup-removing cloths. Sonia told me about these and I was intrigued. They’re a type of microfiber cloth that promises to remove makeup with just water. I am very interested in reusable products that replace disposables (cheaper in the long run, plus they’re eco-friendly!),
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The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
If you’ve been paying attention at all while you shop for food, you’ve probably noticed that grocery prices have been going up in the last year or so. This is not your imagination! Groceries are actually, factually more expensive than they were a year or two ago.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
In my first post on this blog, I mentioned my frugal grandma. She lived through the Great Depression and I think that experience left a mark on her for the rest of her life. Anyway, I reshared that post recently because of my blog’s birthday. that baby is my dad).
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
When I make breakfast and lunch for myself, I almost always do so with an eye to using up odds and ends of food. And every now and then, I post a collection of these breakfast and lunch meals I make. However, I have not had a string of creative breakfasts of late.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 17, 2021
We are switching to Mint Mobile. We have been happy Ting customers for a long time, but we crunched the numbers and for us right now, it makes more sense to follow Lisey’s lead and use Mint Mobile instead.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
This week, I am thankful: that I’m left-handed. As I was taking notes on my anatomy and physiology chapter this week, I was thinking how nice it is that I write with my left hand. I do so much mousing with my right hand, it’s nice to give that hand a break and use the other one instead!
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 30, 2021
Time to meet another reader! Joanne lives in the UK, so as I edited this post, I imagined hearing it with a British accent. ??. Tell us a little about yourself. My garden – with a very unusual blue and clear sky!
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 27, 2021
See Saturday’s eats for my thoughts about Local Flavor. What I Spent. I did not get a Hungry Harvest box even though it was my week.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 20, 2021
What I Spent. gratuitous kitten photo. I spent: $14 at BJ’s. $15 15 at Aldi. $16 16 at Weis. $7 7 at Giant. So, $52 total. I did not do this on purpose, but I realized my first three receipts are in numerical order, quite by happenstance!
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 19, 2021
First, a note about the Vitamix giveaway! When I said, “One comment per household”, I was thinking of instances where people go to the work of leaving different comments with different names and email addresses.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 24, 2021
I sat here for several minutes trying to figure out if I phrased that title right. “A” doesn’t sound quite right, but, “an” also seems iffy.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
A reader recently sent me this email: I was wondering if you still use Ting wireless. My oldest son is 15, and we are considering getting him a phone at some point.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
You will see that there are only four items in the title, but that’s because I couldn’t think of an “s” word to use for#4, my towel purchase, and I didn’t want to break my alliteration streak. ??.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 20, 2021
Since I have been sharing my words and life on the internet for over 13 years now, I sometimes forget to appreciate that doing so can be a little scary for people.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 18, 2021
This giveaway is sponsored by Vitamix, and the prize is furnished by Vitamix. Attention, frugal people! I have a delightful giveaway for you today; I’m thrilled to be able to give a brand spanking new Vitamix One blender to a lucky reader.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
What I Spent. Last week, I wondered if my low spending weeks were a pattern or an anomaly. I’m leaning toward anomaly because my surprising string of low spending went out the window this week!
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 16, 2021
This week, we’re in the Mediterranean, meeting a reader who lives in Greece. I gotta say, I am having so much fun learning about readers both from America and from all over the world. It’s endlessly interesting to get a peek into other people’s lives!
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
Earlier this summer, Josine promised she’d answer my questions, but she had a busy summer ahead of her and wouldn’t be able to get to the questions until later. Happily, I got her email this past week, so now we get to meet a reader from the Netherlands! Tell us a little about yourself.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 26, 2021
This week, I am thankful: that Mediavine is going to fix a comment problem! A number of you have had a weird problem where, only on your screen, your comment appears multiple times, sprinkled randomly throughout the comment section.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
This week, I am thankful: for Lisey’s new housing arrangement. Lisey moved in with my aunt and uncle! There were several little kids in the house where she was renting a room before, and they were young enough that they were keeping her up at night.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 28, 2021
Some months ago, I mentioned that I’d been reading Below Stairs , a memoir written by a British kitchen maid/cook.I loved it, and I found it to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. And I have some rambly thoughts to share about it. Ready?
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 25, 2021
It’s been a minute since we did a Q&A! So I rounded up a few from my inbox for today. I’d love to hear what you thought about Unorthodox! spoilers ahead, just so you know.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 13, 2021
What I Spent. I spent: $64 at Aldi. $46 46 at Weis. $25 25 on my Hungry Harvest box. $10 10 at the produce stand (for peaches and corn). So, $145 total. It’s going to be interesting to see if Lisey’s absence has a large impact on my grocery bill.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 10, 2021
I repurposed a notebook wire. I don’t even know if this really is very frugal, but I wanted to tell you about it. So here we are.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 12, 2021
We helped Lisey move out this past week, so lots of my thankful things have to do with her; I am practicing what I preach by looking for the good here. Did I tear up at the grocery store this week when I reached for the string cheese and then realized my string cheese eater moved out?
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 9, 2021
Hey everyone! We’re going north this week to meet a reader from Finland. (At At least, I think it will be north for most of the readers of this blog; it’s hard to live much further up than Finland. ). Here’s Kaisa: 1. Tell us a little about yourself. Hi everyone!
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
This week, I am thankful: that I took biology only one semester ago. This first part of Anatomy and Physiology feels kind of like a whole semester smushed into a two-week period. It hasn’t even been two weeks yet and poof!
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 4, 2021
When I made a homemade chia drink, one of my first thoughts was, “I wonder how much less expensive this is than the bottled Mamma Chia drinks.” ” So, I got my receipt and calculator (ok, I actually just used my phone calculator, as we all do) and figured it out! Ingredient Prices.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 5, 2021
This week, I am thankful: for a cooler week. I have not needed to be thankful for A/C this week. That’s because this whole past week has been a wonderful break from the usual hot August weather we get, and I am super thankful! that this is my last year teaching math.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 3, 2021
Lisey introduced me to chia drinks some years ago; she loves their fruity flavor and seedy texture, so she buys them occasionally. And sometimes we buy them for her if she needs a little pick-me-up on a rough day. I’ve always been kind of surprised by the high-ish price ($2.79-$3.50
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
The meet a reader series is on a bit of a hiatus at the moment because I have now published all of the submitted interviews I’ve received. So, if you’d like to be featured, let me know and I’ll send you the questions.
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 2, 2021
Hello, everyone! We’re back to America for this week’s reader interview. And next week, we’ll meet a reader from Finland. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Barrie and I’m a 36 year old stay-at-home mom of 2. My son is 6 and my daughter is 9.
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 3, 2021
What I Spent. It was a week of serious randomness with our food spending. And it wasn’t a blue ribbon week for my cooking either! But despite the fact that I did not have a fantastic week in the kitchen, our food spending was actually a little below budget. $7 7 at BJs (for dishwasher soap). $8
The Frugal Girl
JULY 7, 2021
Reader Rose ( we met her, remember? send me this question: How do you deal with wistfulness about time passing with your children? My son turned 27 (!!!!!)
The Frugal Girl
JULY 30, 2021
What I Spent. You know something? We don’t have any BJ’s receipts this week. This is probably related to the fact that Mr. FG has been back in the office for work a little more regularly of late! $27 27 at Harris Teeter. 140 at Aldi. So, $167 for this last July report. July Spending.
The Frugal Girl
JULY 27, 2021
I made a use-it-up lunch bowl. I cut the bad spots out of two peppers and sautéed them with the last of a red onion. Then I added a sweet potato from Hungry Harvest and some black beans (the beans were free because there were extras at the food pantry).
The Frugal Girl
JULY 12, 2021
Last week, I put out a call asking for some reader volunteers from outside the U.S. because I thought it would be fun to get a peek into the frugal life in other countries. Shelagh was one of the first ones to send the set of questions back, and I’m delighted we get to meet her today!
The Frugal Girl
AUGUST 31, 2021
Mr. FG’s costume finally sold. Remember how we did an Alice in Wonderland theme in 2019? Well, normally I sell our costumes the following year. But 2020 was…not a good year for costume-selling. 2020 was not good for a lot of things, let’s be honest.).
The Frugal Girl
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
It’s a little too early to tell, but it is kind of seeming like going from a household of 5 to a household of 4 is making my grocery budget feel rather generous. Read on! What I Spent. It was another one of those weeks where we just made a few small stops and mostly ate from the pantry/freezer.
The Frugal Girl
JULY 28, 2021
This spring, I got a little seed starter pot as freebie from that gardening bundle I participated in. (I I just had to pay for shipping.). The free one is a factory-second, and that appeals to my waste-avoiding heart; I’m delighted to give a home to a less-than-perfect item at a discount.
The Frugal Girl
JULY 26, 2021
I was delighted when Sonal emailed, offering to answer the reader interview questions. I just think it’s so fun to know that the community here is made up of people around the globe! The internet is a grand thing. Here’s Sonal: 1. Tell us a little about yourself.
The Frugal Girl
JULY 21, 2021
I recently read Justine Bateman’s new book, Face (from the library, naturally). It’s a collection of essays about aging, and the premise is that our faces are not something that needs to be fixed.
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