Friday's Five Frugal and Thankful Thoughts

Anyone else really thankful that it is Friday? We have friends from the US visiting this coming week; they arrived this afternoon and I am excited to play tour guide again. One of my favorite pass times in Hong Kong.  (It really is, friends, so feel free to come visit us!!) The Chinese New Year festivities just ended this past week. The picture below was a traditional dragon dance right in our neighborhood. So, so fun to be able to experience other cultures up close and personal. 

I decided I would try planting some herbs this year. I miss gardening so much, and any gardener knows that half the fun during January and February is ordering and starting seeds. Planning is so much easier than weeding...ha! So, here I go--cilantro is popping up. We'll see how works it out.

I am not a clothes shopper. I find it a necessary annoyance. However, Mike and I have a trip coming up in the spring, and I am in need of some summer dresses. I put the word out amongst a few friends via email, stating that I would pay money, home made goods or chocolate for some dresses. Today, one of these lovely ladies handed me this bag with a perfect little sundress. It never hurts to ask!! (Thank you, Friend!)

I also got a sweet thank you email this week from our friends who visited from the states a few weeks ago. I had told them that I have a hard time finding cheese here, and she ordered us a gift certificate to Classified, a store here in Hong Kong that is both a cafe and speciality shop for cheese, wine and bread. How nice is that?? (Thanks so much much Gayle!) Excited to check it out soon. 

And last but not least, I finished our US taxes. I use Turbo Tax, so it is not super expensive, but I first went through Ebates and got 7.5% back, and I also used my IHG credit card from Chase and got a $20 credit. Every little bit helps.

What are you thankful for this week? How did you save money? I love that we can all learn from each other. Have a wonderful weekend!