Chrispy's Cheapskate Tips

Ohhhh the cheapest thing I did this week!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:20:12 GMT

Oh I did the ultimate cheapskate move and I'm kind of embarassed - lol. I have been unemployed here in the Great State of Michigan since June so not that embarassed!

I needed parmsaen cheese for a recipe but only a 1/4 of cup. I was driving by a combination Taco Bell/Pizza Hut and quickly went into their empty drive thru. I got up to the window and said that my husband and son had recently went through and didn't get their parmasean cheese packets for their breadsticks and that they called me and asked me to get it on the way home.

The bad thing is, I don't have a husband or a son! They were very gracious at Taco Bell/Pizza Hut and gave me six packages and I had my 1/4 of a cup of parmesan cheese. I did base my whining husband part on my ex-husband. I do go that Taco Bell a lot so I don't feel too bad!

On the upside, I made this delicious pizza

Today I made a delicious pizza pie.

1 roll of phyllo dough
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 sliced red onion
3 thinly sliced Roma tomatoes
Melted margarine
Parmesan cheese

Thaw the phyllo dough per package directions.

Layer one piece of the dough, brush on some butter and the parmesan cheese, repeat layers for 20 sheets. I buttered every other layer of the dough.

Sprinkle crust with mozzarella cheese and then a layer of the onion and then a layer of the tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and the dough is golden brown on the edges.

Oh No I have BEAR Problems!

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:05:03 GMT

Oh Dear! I have statuary problems, I cannot quit taking bad pictures with them!

Beach Christmas Ornaments

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:32:26 GMT

Last week I was in Florida and checked out how cute all the starfish ornaments were. I was too cheap to buy any so I bought plain starfish and sanddollars for $.49 each. I came home and found some ribbon to glue on the back and I am going to find a ponseitta pick and take it apart and glue to the front of the shells. Much less than the $5.99 asking price at the gift shops.

Pink Sparklettes & Bento Boxes

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:40:39 GMT

After reading about Bento Boxes on many stay-at-home mom sites I decided that it would be a great thing to try with the Pink Sparklettes. They loved them, especially when I equated a bento lunch with a happy meal, that they understood.

We made rice krispie treat "sushi", butterfly shaped bologna sandwiches, pineapple/mandrin orange kabobs with yogurt dipping sauce.

They really enjoyed working on the their lunches for the next day, the girls were all planning on sitting together and eating their fancy lunches that were all the same.

As soon as I find my cord for my camera I will upload some pictures of their cute Bento Boxes.

Walgreen's Babbling Part Two GRRRR!

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:09:18 GMT

I've been to four Walgreen's on different days and different times trying to get some of their coupon items. All of the stock people never know whether they have any in the back, they won't even bother to look. This has happened four times to me this week!

On the other hand I did grab two of the Ragu Spaghetti Sauces at 2 for $3.00 with a $.50 off coupon and I did stack two coupons and the ad for French's French Fried Onions and got them for $.49.

This time I went to Walgreen's in a Foo-Foo area where people don't buy anything with coupons especially at a Walgreens, except I still can't find that $.39 chicken stock. Yes I make it sometimes, but I never seem to use it or it leaks so I like stocking up when it is a good deal.

I did the survey for Walgreens but they didn't allow a place where I could complain about their not having sales items, but they must be aware of it because it was one of the first questions on the survey. Maybe I'll win the $3,000 gift card - lol. I enter all kinds of contests and have yet to win one yet, sometimes I think I should send away for the list of winners just to make sure. LOL!

Walgreen's

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:09:04 GMT

It seems everytime I go to Walgreen's no matter what time of the sale or day of the week they never have the items! I've been to three Walgreen's since Sunday looking for some of the $.39 chicken stock. GRRRRR!

On the other hand, I did get two Colgate toothpastes (with attached new toothbrushes) and two taper candles for Thanksgiving for the grand total of $1.97 after my couponing coup!

Check out my savings receipt of $6.64 - lol. (Wow that would be geeky frugality at its highest)

That Bobo

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:10:02 GMT

Well that Bobo has come back to Michigan. He is staying with me. He has done a lot and brought me a lot back from Florida. It is really nice. I really missed him. Its like we weren't seperated at all. I'm holding out on some of the stuff for now, I'm afraid of being hurt again.

He brought me a rubber boat and paddles, something personal, he has fixed up my kitchen a little bit, bought and put in a new waterpic for my shower, has made me delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. We went on a "date" and took a walk along the river and went to a flea market.

He lets me keep control of the remote control!

Free Things This Week

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:37:44 GMT

$6.99 tin of popcorn

$2.99 Ghiradelli Chocolate Bar

$8.00 MJR Movie Ticket (had to donate 5 cans of food)

$1.06 Drink from Speedway

$2.50 Chicken Rings from White Castle

$.99 Combos

Total: $22.53 of free merchandise and services. That is great couponing if I do say so myself. I'm begining to love reward cards and bonus points!

My Great Couponing Coup!

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:41:03 GMT

Oh my little frugal heart is beating so fast today.

I got two coupons from juicyjuice.com and got two 46 fluid oz juices. I got the new kind with fruit and vegtable mix (grape flavored $3.19) and another grape ($3.09).

While I was getting my free coupons I walked by the 50% off rack and there was already cooked frozen shredded meat for $2.49!

I also got a free magazine for the guys at work today from Coke points. I walked by a grocery store bin and someone had 8 coke boxes with the coke points on them still. That was a free $8.00 subscription.

I also got a coupon from Kmart to get a free back of candy valued at $2.79 or less.

So all together I paid $2.74 and got $19.82 worth of free merchandise!

Pressure Cooker

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:58:46 GMT

I've been using a pressure cooker lately. I'm really enjoying. I like cooking fast and on high heat! I always was afraid to use one but loved it from my childhood when my grandma used it. I used to think it was dangerous cooking from watching it explode one time, but now they are totally safe!

This morning I put in a frozen piece of clearance rack meat ($1.19) added some sliced onions, green pepper, soy sauce, leftover 1/2 jar of salsa and spices. In about 1/2 hour while I was busy getting ready for work I made a delicious lunch. (I also had some rice going on the stove too).

It smells so good sitting here at my desk, maybe I'll have a little taste!

Why Didn't I Think of That?

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:25:58 GMT

I've moved into the townhouse and I love it!

One of the things I love that is so simple is that there is a second rod for the shower curtain liner. I always soaked the floor and the shower curtain for years. Why didn't I think of a second rod? It is so simple and convenient and keeps my bathroom clean! I guess the obvious does escape me sometimes.

I've only painted the kitchen so far. I want to live in it and see how I want to paint it, I want to see how the light plays out, etc.

That Bobo

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:57:18 GMT

I know my old posts about the Bobo have been deleted since they are old. Here is an update.

We were very happy here together in Michigan, but he got a mid-life crisis and moved to Florida. I went there a few times, but didn't really care for it. He wanted me to move there but I wouldn't so he broke up with me.

Months and months go by, but we still email at least once a week, and today I get this email message that says:

I would like to come visit in the fall, if I do, could I stay with you.

Then I wrote back about he would have to sleep on the couch.

He then wrote back he was thinking of moving back to Michigan.

I never got over him, I didn't date since we broke up. I've thought about him all the time. I'm kind of excited, but don't want to get my hopes up.

Open House Party

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:46:58 GMT

I want to have an open house so my friends and family came come see my new townhouse. There will be a 50th birthday celebration of the city I live in. I was planning to use the fact that there is a band from the 70's that will have a concert there to make tickets for the party. I mean invitations that look like concert tickets.

I figure that way people can come and go, I will have some drinks, food (appetizer and chips, etc.) It is within walking distance of my house, everyone will be able to hear the band then.

What other types of things can I do? Check out the picture of the invitation and tell me what you think, or give me some ideas on what to serve.

Rush Concert, Party

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:08:15 GMT

Tuesday night I used my Secretary's present from my work. They bought me tickets for Rush. I had to wait a long time to get to use it, but I had such a great time.

I went by myself and walked around and flirted. I love going to concerts by myself it is so fun to look around and dance like you don't know anyone!

I'm almost all settled into my lovely townhouse. I painted the kitchen and have most of that moved over. The furniture is in and a lot of boxes are unpacked.

I have to clean out the apartment tonight and get the rest out and I'm outta there!

The Simple Dollar

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:29:53 GMT

I have been reading The Simple Dollar blog for a while now. I read about it on someone else's blog and am now so intrigued by it, I thought I would share it.

It is a very well written blog with lots of financial tips. It is my favorite now!

I recommend this great web site. www.thesimpledollar.com

Lovin' Home Ownership

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:55:42 GMT

Well I love the townhouse. Everytime I walk in the door it is beginning to feel a lot more like a home. I slept great last night there, it was cold and rainy and great for sleeping!

I got the kitchen painted and repainted and repainted again after I tore off the painters tape. I spent $25 on canned goods yesterday to start re-supplying my pantry. Its nice to have a great big closet to have as a pantry.

I still have the storage closet and some other stuff to move into it though. Its been raining all weekend so I haven't moved much into it.

Painters Tape

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:13:11 GMT

This morning I pulled off the painters tape from off the very hard to paint soffit and some of my paint came right along with it. GRRRRR!

I kind of laughed at myself and will have to redo that again tonight. Even with the painters tape I still smuged places. I know that practice makes perfect but I haven't had to tape and paint in a long time so its like I'm starting over a new skill!

The other places look great. I didn't do that great of a spackling job either, but luckily I will be hanging pictures in the exact same spot that they did.

Paint Drying

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:46:11 GMT

Last night I painted my kitchen. The paint sample said it was Sutters Butte (which of course I immediately started calling it Sutter Butt). The color is supposed to be a nice tanish color, but my goodness last night it sure looked orangy-peachy to me. I hope it dries the color I want. It looks nice on my skin where, I missed places in the shower this morning. I must be the messiest painter, I hardly get it on the floor, etc, but I seem to be covered in it!

If not I'm sure I can get something to go with it. White goes with everything or a nice creamy color. My best friend didn't like it, but that is always true, we hardly ever like the same things.

I called my mom and asked what was for dinner and then asked if I could come over. Seems like I don't have time to cook this week. Tonight I am getting ready to go camping on Kelly's property in Gaylord. I need to grocery shop, pack, etc. Luckily now that I have my own washer and dryer all my clothes are clean!

Actual Townhouse Babblings

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:03:43 GMT

On Monday afternoon I finally closed on my townhouse, actually it took less than 30 days, but that was the longest 30 days in my life!

Today I notice I am flicked with Kilz. I already tore down the wallpaper in the kitchen and have started priming it. I've had a Coca-Cola kitchen all my life and am not sure if I want it right away here. I'm thinking maybe I can move the Coke stuff to the laundry room and have something more grown up and less corporate branding brainwashing.

My best friend Kelly came over on Monday and helped me wash the walls and our friend Tracy from Pink Sparklettes came over and helped me wash out the cupboards in the kitchen.

I mostly want that kitchen scrubbed and painted before I move anything in it. The appliances are so old they are retro cool now! I live across from the General Motors World Headquarters (Tech Center) and I noticed my old fridge is made by General Motors and Fridgedare. Its the kind that doesn't defrost itself, no crisper drawers, very old school!

I've Got My Closing Date

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:28:03 GMT

Monday afternoon I'll be a homeowner. A fancy, single woman with a swanky townhouse. Oh I sound fancy!

The first thing I bought today was cheap toilet paper, I went to the drug store where they have Angel Soft on sale for $.75 for a 4-pack. I got one for the upstairs bathroom and the downstairs bathroom. Oh my gosh I will have 1.5 bathrooms all to myself!

The mortgage man told me I'll be getting approximately $100 refund after I close. Woo Hoo! I'm going to buy Chinese Food and have my family over for an empty condo dinner!

Clear to Close

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:09:57 GMT

My loan officer said I'm clear to close and that she will call the realtor to set up the closing date. I'm almost there! I'm proud of myself!

I can't wait to get in and put on fresh coat of paint before I start moving all the boxes I have packed already.

More Mortgage Ramblings!

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:21:00 GMT

Wow I really am going to be a home owner soon. Last night I got a package from the mortgage company. They need a few items to finish up. My closing date should be next month!

I can't believe I'm actually going through with this!

Four years ago I left everything including a horrible drunken abusive husband! I left everything except some clothes and some other things I got out of the house before I left him.

Now I am so much happier and healthier. I used to be sick when it came time to go home. I hated it there and him so much! Now everyday is like sunshine and laughter!

If anyone is in an abusive relationship it is so easy to start over. Its just a little hard at first, but it is so worth it!

Words from the World of Chrispy

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 19:06:54 GMT

Let's see, Friday night was my father's 66th birthday. My mom and Dad along with some of their friends had a little backyard bbq for them. It was quite nice. My dad is a great bbq'er! Too bad he didn' t feel good and hardly ate, but by the next day he was much better.

Saturday I had to go to a memorial service my great-aunt who passed away, we also saw my up-north Grandma. I feel so bad for her. She can't hear anymore, doesn't really know why she is in the hosptial or where her stuff is. But she still manages to laugh and have some fun every day regardless. Actually right now she is in the hosptial, she also has an apartment in an assisted living facility.

It was such a long drive and a long way that by the end of the day I was so glad just to be home and by myself.

I walked around the complex last night where I bought my townhouse. It was very quiet and nice and relaxing. Everyone does their front areas so differently, it was good to look at for the all the ideas. Since I won't be moving for at least a month I'll probably just plant some mums and kale for the fall/winter. That looks nice all winter.

Today my mom and I went to the grand opening of a new dollar store. I got some Cover Girl mascara, which I needed and was going to buy at Meijer for $4.00. I saved me $3 - which is always so much fun for me. I love being frugal now. It did take awhile, but now it is almost automatic putting stuff back and telling myself I can find it cheaper.

Townhouse Babbleling!

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:22:24 GMT

I put in an offer on a townhouse and it was accepted. The townhouse is getting appraised this afternoon. After that it should only be a matter of a few weeks before I get my closing date.

I was having a bad case of buyers remorse, but I called my realtor and made him take me back in there. It is nice, and I got a great deal. I need to update the painting and wallpaper, but luckily I don't have to do much more than painting and cleaning up the rugs.

Now I need to start organizing my move! Any advice or ideas?

Whooo Hoooo, I'm buying a Townhouse!

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:17:15 GMT

I put in a really low offer on a townhouse, and I just found out it was accepted. I'm excited. I'm really getting a steal. The asking price was $72,000, and they took my offer of $57,000!

It has 1,053 square feet on two levels. It has one huge bedroom and bathroom upstairs and the living area with a 1/2 bath is downstairs.

I've been looking at paint and carpet samples since I found it.