Frugal Friday August 7, 2026

 I have picked quarts and quarts of wild blueberries, many in the freezer, ready to top our oatmeal this winter. Last year, because of frost and drought, there were no blueberries at all, so I am most grateful.

Nearly every evening, I spend 15-30 minutes doing online surveys with the company Ipsos. I use the points to get monthly amazon gifts cards, which I redeem when I reach $25 worth-about once a month. If you are interested in doing surveys online, this is my referral link. I have been very happy with this company. 

I buy groceries with the survey money.  Generally speaking, the amazon grocery brand is the cheapest, and on par with Walmart prices. This month, I purchased 3 pounds of almonds for $18 and 24 k-cups for $5.  We don't have a Keurig at home, but I use them at work. 

Speaking of work, I was given a birthday voucher to use in the hospital cafeteria. Since I work nights and the cafeteria is closed, I used it to buy bagels and muffins on my way out of work one morning. 

I was helping plan a birthday party for a friend and searched for word games online. Specifically, I created a word search using her name and other words related to her. Ready & printed in about 5 minutes and completely free. The internet really has so many resources. 

Enjoying summer while I can.

As usual, I hung clothes on the line, made meals at home, and walked every day for exercise.

What did you do to save money this week?

My Frugal Birthday Week!

My birthday was on Wednesday this week. We decided to go hiking along the Bold Coast in Cutler. Not frugal, but for my gift, we did go out for lunch at a restaurant my son recommended. The Nook & Cranny, in Baileyville. It is actually rated one of the top 5 in Maine; highly recommend! At $32, it was quite reasonable, and the seafood crepe was delish. For gifts, I received cash, gift cards and a hand painted family tree from my artsy daughter. 💗

Isn't it lovely???

I did have a birthday freebie on my McDonald's app, which I used to pick up a chicken sandwich. Sadly, I no longer live in the land of loads of birthday freebies, but I still wouldn't trade locations!

On the way to our hike, we stopped at the Mardens in Calais, and I used the rest of my free gift card, so it felt like another little gift. I picked up some cereal, pasta, snack mix and crackers.

I cut my husband's hair, as I have for the last 34 years.

I picked more wild blueberries, green beans and zucchini.

We have a naturalized flower garden area on our property, which we have affectionately named "Aunt Hazel's Garden," since she started it over 50 years ago. (Free sign painted on an old cupboard door by my daughter, Abby). We have been trying to add shade loving wild flowers, which we find in the woods. Some of our neighbors have also shared some flowers with us, which we've planted in various locations. 

Morning Glory and Hollyhock from Belinda

My husband needed some stain for the outside of the sauna he is building on our property. On Amazon, it was $45 for 1 gallon or $180 for 5 gallons ($36/gal)  I searched for better online deals, and ended up finding a sale at Blaine's Farm & Fleet, and even paying for shipping (5.99), it ended up being $32/gal. It's always worth your time to search. 

How did you save money this week?