We are officially more than halfway through Fall Semester and on Spring Break. Unfortunately, while we started break having fun with some friends who live nearby, then our poor little kitty got very, very sick. We had to take him to the pet ER and he was treated and sent home with orders to follow up with our regular vet. He was not doing well at home but it got us through the day and a half until our regular vet opened. He still had to be hospitalized but at 1/4^th the price of the pet ER. We are really hoping he will be okay!

Frugal Things

– I continued to bring my breakfast, coffee, water and lunch to work every day with few exceptions.

– I continued to wear my thrifted business casual wardrobe. I proudly tell my students that most of the items cost $2.

– I found a really nice pair of Nike running shoes for B at the thrift shop.

– We accidentally ended up at a farmer’s market we happened to drive past. We were able to purchase some produce and incorporate it into our meals to get us through the end of Feb saving us money on groceries.

– We have been buying minimal groceries and so far it’s going well. We still need to do a big grocery shop but we are doing well using up and eating what we already have here.

– I got too sick to attend a work event. This actually saved me money on gas and tolls to get there and back but I would rather not have been sick.

– B’s car was still not fixed after having the mechanics replace a $200+ part. The same auto shop wanted $300 more to *try* to fix the car again. Needless to say, we were not happy about it. B was able to purchase and replace the suggested parts for about $100. This was a $200 savings!

– I went on a work trip to IKEA and I was able to pick up some items for family members. I was also given a couple of gift bags each including organic coffee, a USB light, dark chocolate, a coupon and the bag itself. They also fed us free Swedish Breakfast.

– We wanted to get together with my brother when his wife was out of town but didn’t want to cook or go to an overpriced restaurant so we went to our local mall to hang out and eat. It was fun and we didn’t spend much on food or other items we didn’t need.

– Our friends had us over for a BBQ and we brought beer and wine but they fed us tons of food. It was fun to see them and play with their new baby.

– While we are spending time with family and friends over spring break but we aren’t going on a big trip which is saving us a ton of money but also has left time to rest and recharge and relax.

– We are taking advantage of the lovely Florida weather to take the dogs out and about for exercise.

Not So Frugal

– Our poor kitty is so sick.

– B finally fixed his car himself but it still cost us over $300 in the long run.

– I got a migraine so bad that B had to drive almost an hour to pick me up from work and go back with me the next day. This probably cost at least an extra $10 in gas and tolls.

– Our little pup needs a prescription refill for Trifexis. He is otherwise so healthy I do not want to take him to the vet but need the prescription. Hmm, what to do! There is a shot clinic that travels but all of their locations are at least 40mins away. If we can wait 2 months until summer we would probably be able to do the shot clinic.

Extra Income

– I have had some good sales on Poshmark in the past couple weeks. I am on track to my goal of $500 profit by the end of the school year.

– eBay has changed some of their policies lately that I’m still trying to figure out.

– I got good news about my second job. My boss left but it turns out I met his replacement at a social event.

Sustainability Living (Eco Friendly, Harmful Chemical Free, Reduced Waste, etc.)

– We don’t have much trash at the house but have a lot of recycling. We are trying to reduce both but it’s a long process. I am trying harder to decline plastic bags and straws when out and about.