tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post6684129816741028241..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: The Vicky Challenge. Saving with samples.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-18591615211060699332016-03-31T20:40:30.004-07:002016-03-31T20:40:30.004-07:00Hello Annabel. Those floors are stunning! What a f...Hello Annabel. Those floors are stunning! What a find! Also your blue heatpacks look very lavish, as always. Now these samples. You don't appreciate what a lovely thing they actually are, until you're the recipient of some. I received a gift today from a blog friend, that included samples from L'Occitane...one of my favourite stores. I was as thrilled with those as I was with the rest of her lovely package! So don't underestimate the pleasure they can give. And don't forget that some of the glossy magazines, often have a full sized product with purchase, that can mean it's actually worth buying the magazine! I hope your back is better today. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-15466071063052448622016-03-30T07:08:15.120-07:002016-03-30T07:08:15.120-07:00Hi Annabel, reading through the comments again mad...Hi Annabel, reading through the comments again made me think of something, a savings, and actually, it's kind of funny but some may think it's rather stingy. On special occasions, my husband buys me cards and I do appreciate them so much and the kind and loving sentiments he writes in each one. I've told him in the past that he doesn't always have to buy me a card, as I know he loves me. So when we had our wedding anniversary in January, he bought me a card. When Valentine's day was near, I still had the card on display. I told him that we could just use the same card... lol. We both looked at the card, re-read it, and talked about how we still love each other and this one (!) card could be used over and over as a frugal reminder. That might sound pretty 'cheap' and stingy, but we got a laugh out of it and saved a bit of money! Now, nearly two months later, the card is still on my kitchen counter, and when I look at it, I am reminded of our love and commitment to each other. It's a good deterrent to an argument also as I can point to it and remind him that he does love me... even if he is mad at me at the moment! Just a way to lighten things up and be reminded of what is really important in life.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15471639876072617577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-55921483314007660262016-03-29T17:06:14.905-07:002016-03-29T17:06:14.905-07:00The wood floors in the office are beautiful! And I...The wood floors in the office are beautiful! And I know getting rid of old carpet is a relief.<br />Blessings, LeighLeighhttp://achatovercoffee.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-46385330610143913582016-03-29T16:39:36.198-07:002016-03-29T16:39:36.198-07:00Dear Kelsey,
What good savings! I hope you had a g...Dear Kelsey,<br />What good savings! I hope you had a great time with your friends. <br />Also I hope this week is less hectic for you. It is harder when really busy. I keep finding that as then I just done get time to DIY and cook as much etc. <br />Glad to have you back! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-73794092573688445392016-03-29T16:37:12.811-07:002016-03-29T16:37:12.811-07:00Dear Gardenpat,
Sometimes you have to wonder... i....Dear Gardenpat,<br />Sometimes you have to wonder... i.e. why anyone would put horrible carpet over these floorboards or in your case why anyone would put shag pile carpet in a Victorian home! <br />You had awesome savings from your efforts. All sounded yummy too.<br />With a week to go still and how you are going it is looking like you may hit the $10,000 mark by the end of the year. Did you think of that? You are on track to be very close! That would be amazing! Thank you for telling me this! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-60706950448708417172016-03-29T16:33:38.415-07:002016-03-29T16:33:38.415-07:00Dear Millie,
Thank you so much! it is great you ar...Dear Millie,<br />Thank you so much! it is great you are so far ahead with cleaning supplies and toiletries. Each way you are ahead is a saver. Now you will only ever have to buy such things on specials. Also if you make Miracle Cleaner then many thing you will never have to buy again.<br />I think its lovely your husband will bring home all the little bits and pieces. They come in very handy!<br />Thank you for your encouragement to me Millie I really appreciate it! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-12775147359672625042016-03-29T16:29:09.810-07:002016-03-29T16:29:09.810-07:00Dear Jane, Thanks for re trying..sometimes I don&#...Dear Jane, Thanks for re trying..sometimes I don't get an email notification but still a comment is on blogger... but I checked and not there either. So thanks for having another go!<br />I hope your Dad gets on ok in hospital. An extra blanket might be good for him too.<br />Well done on the savings and the shawl! What a beautiful present for your Mum! Have a great week Jane, with love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-27782266698565258702016-03-29T10:44:14.599-07:002016-03-29T10:44:14.599-07:00That is so wonderful gardenpat!! You are doing a g...That is so wonderful gardenpat!! You are doing a great job and I am so glad you are seeing results from your efforts!!<br />XOXO<br />VickyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-48887040042138320792016-03-29T00:50:43.985-07:002016-03-29T00:50:43.985-07:00I really thought I had written a comment. Oh well ...I really thought I had written a comment. Oh well I must have forgotten to hit publish. Oops. Annabel I am so envious of those gorgeous floorboards. How could anyone cover such beauty in carpet? Your hard work in this room has really paid off. Well done. The heat packs look divine and once again I'm adding something you've posted onto my Christmas/ present making list. I have quite a few nephews and think some heat packs in suitably male fabric would be a great idea. Yep definitely giving that one a go. In fact Dad is off to hospital for some skin cancers removal and skin grafts. He always complains how cold he gets in hospital. I'm going to make him a heat pack to take in with him. Thanks for the great idea.<br />Last week was a busy one with it being the final week of the school term. I functioned on auto pilot at home. I'm glad I listed things as I did them as it all adds up. The highlight of the week was I finshed the shawl I was making for Mum for Mothers Day. In total, between hubby and I, we saved $316. Not huge but not too shabby. Life is good.Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06964345893499561504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-29214303471272912462016-03-28T22:12:16.811-07:002016-03-28T22:12:16.811-07:00Thanks for all the help from all of you. I will s...Thanks for all the help from all of you. I will start searching for samples a will cut up an old robe that is a fluffy pink. Shirleyyoung77https://www.blogger.com/profile/14523388053844339703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-79439915123531544612016-03-28T20:38:08.188-07:002016-03-28T20:38:08.188-07:00Dear Annabel,
Thanks a million for sharing photo...Dear Annabel, <br /><br />Thanks a million for sharing photos and ideas, especially on Vicky's Challenge. Love you both for this. I used to calculate my savings for a few years but only on grocery savings - i.e. when buying items on half price or specials. The total on differences were not bad but nothing like on this challenge.<br /><br />Though I don't comment much, I read your blogs and appreciate all you share. I felt nostalgic when you mentioned you were painting your home. I miss our home and yard so much. All I could think of was re-organizing and I took my time with it. It was an extreme cleaning session and taking inventories of certain things such as cleaning products and toiletries. I managed to put everything in order and now I know where almost everything is. I don't have to buy the above at least for another year and this would save me a lot. I too found lots of items which were great for 'presents' and put them in one place.<br /><br />I used to keep beautiful small bottles of hotel toiletries in a basket in the bathroom for easy access but not anymore. So I've forgotten what I had at hand. I don't have space for my basket and also thanks to Cath & Wendy I dilute my shampoos & bath gels now, so they have to be in bigger bottles. When I read this, I thought it's time to start using them up again along with sample sachets. Whenever my hubby goes away I always ask him to bring those bottles and slippers (which I use at home during winter). This is to get two birds with one stone. With limited space in his bag, he can't bring me store-bought presents as much as he wants. Saves money on free toiletries and not spending over presents.<br /><br />Just wanted to say thank you. Though I've been frugal as much as I knew how to with all the things I've learned from my family; you, Cath, Wendy, Patsy, Vicky and Rozanne have helped me a lot to change my attitude and ways of doing things. I'm very grateful to all of you and love you all very much.<br /><br />Lots of love and hugs,<br />MillieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-89005256388472840122016-03-28T19:34:12.608-07:002016-03-28T19:34:12.608-07:00Love your floor, Annabel! When we bought our old V...Love your floor, Annabel! When we bought our old Victorian home, there was horrid brown shag carpet on it that we had to pull out. After scraping the carpet pad off the wood floor, we discovered that the original white oak floors had been painted black back in the early 1900's! We had to sand down the floors to get the paint off and to restore the oak! Then several layers of polyurethane! Consider yourself very lucky!!<br />This week for our Vicky Challenge, I made dinner from leftovers on two different nights ($42), made 26 breakfast burritos ($62.14), filed state tax returns for our 2 sons for free instead of through commercial preparers ($72), canned 13 pints of Sweet and Sour Sauce ($20) , made 6 sausage McMuffins ($12) , made sweet potato fries from our garden storage ($3), made 6 homemade hamburgers ($18). Made another baby quilt top ($40), bought 2 boneless hams for half price - ($36). Put 5 packages of free shaved ham into freezer ($15).<br />A total of $343.64 for this week! I'll take it! I've been able to add an additional $2600 to my savings account simply because of the Vicky Challenge!!! Thank you, Annabel and Vicky!!!gardenpathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00401840113446791143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-85431509013348516762016-03-28T17:24:28.827-07:002016-03-28T17:24:28.827-07:00Dear Shirley, I forgot to reply about the fabric. ...Dear Shirley, I forgot to reply about the fabric. I never know it couldn't be synthetic so I have used all kinds of fabrics. This is a pinky, fleecy fabric. I have never had any trouble though and really have used a wide variety. Thickness and softness are my most important criteria. I hope that helps. Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-63024213027574827572016-03-28T17:21:27.327-07:002016-03-28T17:21:27.327-07:00Dear Gardenpat,
Here is a link you might find help...Dear Gardenpat,<br />Here is a link you might find helpful...<br />http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-microwave-heating-pad/<br />With smaller bits of fabric you could also make hand warmers. <br />Yes they heat in the microwave. It is important to establish how long to heat them. For larger ones I would start with a minute. It is very important not to over heat them. My larger ones are really big and heat for three minutes. Smaller ones maybe a minute. But you need to see and do it in small amounts until you know as each one may be different according to the size and filling. You can also look at commercial ones and read the safety instructions. I think those instructions should be included into any used for gifts. I really love these and wouldn't be with out them! With love and thanks, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-11583323723340577892016-03-28T17:08:15.343-07:002016-03-28T17:08:15.343-07:00Dear Joy, That is a really good idea. A friend is ...Dear Joy, That is a really good idea. A friend is in a group that collects handbags and purses. They fill them with feminine things for homeless ladies and ladies in shelters. Samples would be perfect for that!<br />Lovely suggestion Joy. Many thanks, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-54860658900250973902016-03-28T17:06:56.165-07:002016-03-28T17:06:56.165-07:00Dear Vicky,
We don't have a cold climate so it...Dear Vicky,<br />We don't have a cold climate so its easy to be without carpet. When we pull carpet up and even though I vacuums constantly it is dirty underneath! Floorboards I can keep clean there is no where for the dirt to go.<br />A new mattress is a massive saving! That was good! <br />Yes if this is your slow season I can't wait to see the fast season! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-39783918089897049912016-03-28T17:06:48.510-07:002016-03-28T17:06:48.510-07:00Dear Annabel, Those floors are gorgeous! What a bi...Dear Annabel, Those floors are gorgeous! What a big difference something like that makes, and even better they were already there all along. I also really like the trunks you have stacked in your fireplace.<br /> This week my savings included using gift cards and earned credit to make an Amazon purchase; used frozen bread dough to make rolls instead of running to the store for bread last minute; returned two bar stools that had a recall on them for full refund (this worked in our favor as we wouldn't be able to take them with us when we move anyway); made a necessary trip to the city after breakfast and lunch to avoid eating out as much as we would have for an all day trip; purchased a couple of craft items on sale; shopped grocery specials; did laundry at Papa's (husband's grandfather); cooked breakfast and packed lunches and coffee on work days; and made five cards. We also had some friends stay with us for the weekend and I cooked all meals but one to avoid going out. My total for the week comes to $418.07. I am very happy about that!<br /> It is so nice to be back visiting this lovely blog. It was very much missed this past week, but hopefully this coming week will be less busy and hurried. I hope everyone is doing well and has a wonderful week to come. With love, KelseyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-27344895416602982952016-03-28T17:03:46.314-07:002016-03-28T17:03:46.314-07:00Dear Laurie,
Yes use the samples up. They really ...Dear Laurie, <br />Yes use the samples up. They really add up to a good savings. Very handy for travelling and your purse.<br />My heat packs I use barley (from the soup section) but you can use wheat or rice. This is a link that might be helpful...<br />http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-microwave-heating-pad/<br />You can make a washable outer and a liner. I don't usually. I like a very soft feeling cover, thats important. <br />In the stores here the large sized ones are around $30. I can make them for under $5. (savings $25!)<br />Many thanks Laurie, Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-38035701913160517632016-03-28T16:59:05.729-07:002016-03-28T16:59:05.729-07:00Dear Lynette,
I know from friends the sanding and ...Dear Lynette,<br />I know from friends the sanding and polish is both a messy and expensive operation so we are so fortunate to have all that done for us already!<br />I didn't think of those dispensing containers but they might take over. I love the little soaps etc! <br />It is really good that your husband has many important projects to go on with. We are experiencing the same thing... once an area is painted and looking lovely it makes the not painted area look worse! lol and crying out to be done! Its never ending.<br />Avon is awesome for samples. They are really handy and some of their things are lovely. The face creams especially the syrums.<br />I hope things go well for you this week. You need a nice normal good week. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-7473787930561721032016-03-28T16:54:53.508-07:002016-03-28T16:54:53.508-07:00Dear Rachel, Your Dad sounds like he probably come...Dear Rachel, Your Dad sounds like he probably comes across many samples. Very handy! <br />The dentist usually gives out small toothpastes. These are great for travel bags. Keep your eyes out.<br />Have a good week! Autumn has really kicked in here, it is lovely! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-61828945819033479502016-03-28T16:52:39.105-07:002016-03-28T16:52:39.105-07:00Dear Jes, Yes I think if its a scent you like thes...Dear Jes, Yes I think if its a scent you like these are handy for all kinds of things. I love having a tiny scent in my purse too.<br />Have a lovely week! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-69393215301444058182016-03-28T16:51:09.611-07:002016-03-28T16:51:09.611-07:00Dear Janine,
The only way I have a hope of trackin...Dear Janine,<br />The only way I have a hope of tracking savings is to write down the obvious ones everyday. I keep a list on the fridge. Or I forget! But it is totally amazing to see it add up. Really keeping track isn't important if you are already busy and inspired. I just find keeping track very motivating.<br />Now I will add that things like your embroidered towel for the baby in a gift store would be more than double what you think! These are beautiful gifts and huge savings! Well done! Have a wonderful week! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-7461169454124199602016-03-28T16:36:06.713-07:002016-03-28T16:36:06.713-07:00Dear Vickie,
Hotels are great for all the little b...Dear Vickie,<br />Hotels are great for all the little bottles and samples. I love the little soaps. Knowing someone who travels is handy if they will collect them for us! <br />Have a lovely week! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-50907103927521034912016-03-28T16:34:07.633-07:002016-03-28T16:34:07.633-07:00Dear Shirley, Through Vicky and also reading If yo...Dear Shirley, Through Vicky and also reading If you do stuff, stuff gets done (see my side bar) I know there you can get not only samples but an enormous amount of free stuff with coupons. The free items are even better, many are full sized. They can be used, traded, gifted... very handy! We do not have coupons here but I am wishing we did!<br />My back is heaps better thank you! Good luck with this I hope you find a continuous supply of samples and freebies and they help your budget. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-32547278476173325572016-03-28T16:30:28.979-07:002016-03-28T16:30:28.979-07:00Dear Nanna Chel,
Well... cosmetic counters, magazi...Dear Nanna Chel,<br />Well... cosmetic counters, magazines, the Avon lady, motels, fb or email offers of samples and I then apply for them... shops like The Body Shop are very generous with samples. The dentist. Also sometimes small sizes come free with a purchase of something else...There are also clubs you can join online and tick all the samples you want... just search free samples Australia. I am not in one of those but I know they exist. There is a lot of free product to be had.<br />We had possums ruining our apricot tree. We tried the things they recommend i.e. sprays and it was a waste of time. So Andy set up a sensor light that stays on three minutes if set off. They hate light. Problem solved. After some time they also learn that the light is going to come on and stop coming. Meanwhile the light comes on and you see possums frozen as startled and babies and cute things then they turn around and move off. People get possums move into the roof. Its a simple as leave a light on in the roof for a while. If they bother you on the roof I would put the sensor light on the area where you think they climb up, if there is an obvious spot. I hope that helps. <br />Have a good week! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com