Magic of Decluttering - The KonMari method


I've taken to listening to audiobooks lately, and found a gem on Hoopla. Have you heard of the KonMari method of tidying? This book by Marie Kondo The Magic of Tidying is about decluttering and keeping only items that inspire and spark joy in you. Its a quick read or a quick listen, about four hours and you too will be motivated to declutter. The most important thing to figure out before you declutter is to determine your "Why?" by stating your reason you want to declutter and then asking Why. Do this three times to find the root cause of why you want to declutter. You will find it has nothing to do with getting rid of junk, but is probably a reason related to relationships or people or freedom or something.


For me, I stated to my DH that I wanted to declutter the pool table rec room so we could play billiards again. It is currently surrounded by excess stockpile bottles of shampoo and bounce and boxes of napkins and toilet paper. On top are piles of items we dug through boxes to find but then did nothing with. The room is a mess. Anyway, my second level Why question is Why do I want to play pool? Well, its a hobby both my DH and I enjoy and we never do it anymore. Why? Well we used to play pool with friends on Friday nights and party, but now we hang around the backyard by the firepit and listen to music or watch some sporting event on TV.  We have replaced billiards with hanging outside. Which is fine, but there are lots of times during the year when it is not very fun to hang around outside - like in July in Florida where we have gotten twenty inches of rain! Or in January when its near forty degrees which is cold even with the nice warm fire blazing.


Anyway, I've announced I'm going to declutter and follow the method in the book which states to start with the most non personal items which are clothes. Several years ago when we remodeled our bedrooms. living room, and family rooms we purged bags and bags of clothes, books, mimentos and papers. However, a good majority of them just ended up in boxes in the rec room and our spare guest room. Our guest room has become our stockpile room and it is too a mess. We probably have over a thousand rolls of TP and a 50 rolls of paper towels, over 100 toothbrushes, 100 shampoos, dozens of bottles of cleaning products and every other personal care item you could need or want. We undoubtedly will have to have a garage sale coming up in the fall to get rid of all the excess I plan to discard. And it will be a good one. Once its outside the house for a yard sale, it will not be coming back in - to the curb it will go.


my sock drawer before decluttering

So, the process of tidying will begin with my clothes, since DH has declined to participate even though he has dresser drawers of clothing which he has not touched since we moved to Florida over twenty four years ago! Literally, he has not opened the drawers on these dressers for many years. I have graciously agreed to leave his stuff alone, but I secretly hope that he will be motivated by seeing all the stuff I will discard. I personally have over two hundred tshirts alone. My drawers are overflowing with brand new pairs of socks, and underwear still in the cute little Victoria Secret package. That's another rule of the book, when you purchase something be sure to remove tags and packaging and properly fold it into the KonMari rectangle and find a place to vertically store it in a drawer or closet.


6 months later...
Wow, I need to get remotivated. I wrote this post 6 months ago and actually did a purge of clothing, we got rid of a dozen garbage bags of clothes. But I felt very little joy from my clothing. I actually threw out too much and didn't have any of those old grungy tshirts to do lawnwork, or painting in. So, I dug out some of my favorites that I had tossed and put some shirts on my shelf. I also didn't continue to other items beyond clothing. I'll have to start over and read the book again because I do have too much clutter.


If you're feeling to love and want to declutter, another blogger is having a challenge in January to declutter with a nifty calendar plan, check it out at Simply Stacie. The calendar is a printable pdf so you can print it out and hang it up to follow all month.

Make Money with Your New Fitbit, And Some Tips





































Today in the paper it announced that the Fitbit app was the most downloaded app on Christmas Day. That means lots of people are going to start tracking their steps and hopefully get healthier. I got a fitbit early this year and have enjoyed the confirmation of my daily steps and it is one of my apps I check almost daily. The cool thing is you can turn your daily steps into money by linking your fitbit with some reward programs and other apps.




If you've got a new fitbit, here are some tips.
  • Wear it and forget it. If you take it off, you may forget it and miss out on your tracking.
  • The unit charge lasts several days, it charges on a usb port on PC or wall charger. charge it while sedentary reading or watching tv, or overnight.
  • Track specific workouts by tapping twice. then you can check the data on your PC to see expanded view of your activity progress.
  • Log sleep manually if you forget to tap twice before you lay your head down.
  • Link your fitbit to My Fitness Pal app to automatically add your steps to that app. Go to settings on your MFP app and click add devices, it will take you to website to allow fitbit to access your account.
  • If unsure of accuracy compare to cardio trainer app, or Moves app to validate movement. Actually if you don't want to buy a fitbit, the moves app will track activity without an additional device, just have your phone with you. Won't work for swimming or yoga, but would work for biking. The Moves app also can be linked to your www.ShopYourWay.com account to earn you points and $2 each week at Kmart or Sears.
  • Join higi.com to make money from exercising, android app. Link your fitbit and moves app to higi to earn even more. There is usually a new Challenge every month where you can win gift cards by logging in at higi stations (blood pressure machines) in Publix stores and other retail pharmacies.
  • Join www.Fitstudio.com and link it to your www.ShopYourWay.com account (at Kmart and Sears) to earn 2000 points each week you walk 15 miles. The points expire quickly within the week, but we've used it to get stuff almost every week.
  • Download app and join Google Fit which you can link to GoodCoins to earn points. Not really sure how many points you need or what they are worth.
  • Fitbit comes with a small and large wristband. Its good to have spare. If you don't like your color you can buy a fashionable band. They even sell leather and metal ornaments to make it look pretty.
Enjoy!

My Publix Trip - Saved 92%, Spent $8.74, Saved $106


I haven't posted for a while but plan to get back at it and bring Frugalapolis back to life. I've still been couponing and saving money on groceries and household supplies. Of course with the changes in policies the last few years it is harder to find the deals, and then even harder to find the products in the store, but its still worth it.

My expectations have changed and my goal is simply to save as much as I can, rather than just get free stuff. My stockpile room has overflowing shelves and some of the foods I know I just will not get to before I decide I need to just toss it. As a former food scientist, I know that expiration dates are simply a suggestion and manufacturers use the date to rotate stock and try to ensure freshness. However, shelf stable products that have been stored at ambient temperature are good for many years, despite the expiration date. Anyway, I've been trying to scale back my stockpile and its really difficult. My three freezers are bursting and I have to pass many frozen foods deals because I don't have room.

So, onto this shop. I think this is a good sale week so I stocked up on a lot of dairy products. The unique thing I noticed about my coupons this week is that they were all printables. I think that's a good thing, since here in Tampa we don't get the Red Plum in our Sunday papers and getting multiples takes a bit more work from gathering from friends and neighbors.

The pork sausage rolls were a money maker with the raincheck from Thanksgiving time, and the International Delight creamer is a money maker. This helped offset the cost of the Kraft Cheese which is a good deal, but cheese is still expensive. I didn't read the TGIF coupon closely and the 1/1 mq from www.saveinstore.com is only good on 10oz or larger, so I had to pull out the $1.50/3 mq print from coupons.com that was good on any size to get the smaller potato skins snacks. I would have saved a couple more dollars by getting 6 larger size boxes and using all $1/1 mqs (it would  have been $0.39 for all 6 boxes). I also didn't have any $5 off basket coupons, deciding against using the $10 off Visa coupon in the ad this week because they're a hassle to use. So, in the end my total was $8.74, and I saved 92% which was $106.39. I paid using the $100 GC I won recently from a texting sweepstakes with Publix and Kelloggs.

Happy Shopping!

Uber Virgin No More - How Rideshare Works

 
So last night we tried out Uber. I had a promo code for a free first ride (you can get a free first ride too by using my promo code uberFPLS when you sign up at uber.com) so we wanted to try it out to see how it works. Its really simple, I signed up on the internet and provided my name, address, mobile phone # and a payment method and the promo code so my first ride would be free. I verified my email and phone number. Then on my cell phone I downloaded the free Uber app and signed in.

We decided to go out for chicken wings at BWW in Ybor City, a fairly close ride about ten miles from our home. When we had touched base with our friends I opened the Uber app and a map of my area showed with a marker for pickup area. I entered our exact home address and then down on the bottom part of the app I clicked UberX. There are three types of fares for Uber; UberX is regular 0.95/mile, and UberXL is for larger groups so you'll get a van or SUV to answer your request for a ride and this costs $1.35/mile. There is also UberSelect which is fancy cars like BMWs and this costs + $2/mile (not exactly sure of price). But for most people UberX will work just fine.

When I clicked the UberX I could see on the app that my request was picked up by a car less than a mile away from my home and it would be a Camry. It linked my pickup spot to the car and I could see it move on my map as it got closer. Within 4 minutes the dude was in our driveway. He was really nice and when we started our ride and he clicked his app on his phone to start the ride it showed our destination and gave him verbal and visual directions to Ybor City. We asked the driver a ton of questions being that we had never done a Uber ride before. We had an equally nice experience on the way home with another Uber driver.

It was an easy way to get around, and we'll definitely do it for the airport when we travel. The thing in Tampa is that Uber is not licensed to provide services at the airport so drivers take care to make sure a passenger is in the front seat to appear less like a taxi service; and to ask the passenger to not answer any questions from people who may question them upon disembarking from a vehicle about whether they just utilized Uber for their ride.

So, if you ever need a ride around town, I'd recommend you try Uber. And use my promo code uberFPLS to sign up for your free first time ride only. I am not being compensated for this blog post from Uber, I just like the service and think its a great alternative choice. The only benefit I get for sharing is if you use my promo code uberFPLS, I also get a free ride on Uber just like you do.

When Rays Score 6 Runs, get 50% off Papa Johns 2015

This weekend the Rays had two big games where they scored more than 6 runs, and you may not know they have an ongoing promotion with Papa Johns to get 50% off your order the day after a game when that happens. Just order online or with your Papa Johns app and enter promo code RAYS6 for 50% off. That makes a $14 Large Works pizza just $7.49. This promotion goes on all summer.

My Publix Trip Spent $6, Saved $78.35

 Well our shopping has changed since the end of Winn Dixie $5 off $30 coupons. Occasionally there are other competitors or gas card deals ($10 off $50) or even Publix coupons in the paper, but generally we've been eating more off our stockpile. For our produce, which is expensive at Publix we shop at Save-A-Lot. We can get a 4 lb bag of navel oranges for $2.99, when the same 8 oranges at Publix would be more than double that. So, we go to the store a lot less; one trip to SaveALot and one trip to Publix. I also have to watch the ads for Winn Dixie and Aldi to see if there is any produce deal we need. It costs about $6 a week to get lettuce and stuff for our salads.

This trip was about usual, spending a little more than $5. Our goal now this year is to spend $100 a month to feed the two of us. This trip was all coupon stuff, the craisins were free, and the vitamins and buddig meats were moneymakers. I did another similar shop with vitamin A which is cheaper than Folic, and the same basket of stuff cost me $2.48. The bacon was a good deal ($1 each) because we used the Publix coupon from last weekends paper for $2 off $8 of meat, and also some $2 off pork coupons we picked up at the state fair in the Florida Living Building at the Iowa Corn booth. In the end it cost $6, and we saved $78.35 - a 92% savings.

Here is the breakdown:

2014: Review of How We Lived On $34,000

Our household expenses for the year

Another year has passed us by and it is admittedly getting tougher to live frugally. I especially felt like spending money this Christmas season, and felt jealous of others my age (in their 50's) who have houses worth 3x ours, and fancy vacations, and some even retiring. Granted there are plenty of people out there who are also falling into poverty through no fault of their own from medical issues to just bad luck in their careers. We are thankful to be able able to stay the course and hope the stock market continues its steady climb.

We do not make a lot of money, but we both work. But we have managed to save over half of our income and invest in some dividend stocks, peer to peer lending with Lending Club, and ETFs through Wealthfront. As a result our money made more money than we did this year. We have no debt and our retirement portfolio increased by over twenty percent again this year. And it is because we save more than we spend. We also spend less than we make. Both frugal actions are necessary to plan a successful future.  But it is hard, even though the behavior is ingrained throughout life. There are always new temptations and desires so my defense is to always wait on spending decisions. I have to think it through, alot. I once read that you should take a day to think about every $100 you spend. So, it you want to buy a $500 dollar laptop, you need to think about it for 5 days before you spend to determine if you can really justify the purchase. Thats my trick anyway.

So, this year we spent about $34,000 maintaining our lifestyle and household. We track everything on Mint.com and categorize the expenses. Last year we spent $32K. One big expense ($2,125) this year was our dog. She is over 14 now and has developed a permanent case of vertigo due to chronic ear infections and being under anesthetic surgery this year. Our largest expense category this year is allowance and personal care ($4200). We each get $250 a month in allowance to spend or save as we please. If we both do something together it is considered a household expense, but if only one person wants the expenditure it is allowance. I usually buy computer stuff or victoria secret or clothing, my husband buys experiences like auto racing, or massages. Our next largest category is travel ($3661) and it was lower this year than previous years. The third largest expense category was Clothing, Electronics and Miscellaneous ($3611). This was a surprise to me since it didn't seem like we spend much on clothes but I guess we did. This is an area for opportunity to cut back since probably most of it was discretionary and unnecessary.

We did have a couple categories where we managed to cut expenses, one was cable and also phone. We played the mars movie moments sweepstakes and won hundreds of dollars toward our cable bill this summer. We essentially had free cable and internet for four months. We also changed my husbands smartphone to ringplus where he only pays $11 a month for phone, text and data. I pay $50 a month for the unlimited Sprint plan. We still coupon for our groceries and with the changes in Publix coupon policies it has affected our ability to stockpile.

We expect to see our grocery bill go higher in 2015 but still plan to do what we can with coupons. I still will get six newspapers on Sunday for coupons, but I think printing coupons is probably cheaper and there are many of the same insert coupons that available to print. I also want to investigate a way to decrease the insurance costs of our 17 year old truck. We have max coverage and we only drive it 1500 miles a year making it expensive per mile analysis. We need to separate the vehicles and get a separate policy with just minimum on the truck. There are other areas we could cut back but at this point we don't see the need.

#Pillsbury Peanut Butter Blosssoms Cookies

 
Nothing says the ‘holidays are here’ quite like warm baked cookies! This year, throw a special minty treat into your cookie jar with seasonal Pillsbury Ready to Bake™ Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. With a perfect mix of peppermint and chocolate these Pillsbury Ready to Bake™ Cookies are sure to be a holiday hit! In store for a limited time only, available at Publix.

Need to plan for a bake sale, cookie exchange or holiday party? Pillsbury’s Quick Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe makes it quick and easy to bake up this holiday classic.
Be on the lookout for exclusive savings on Pillsbury refrigerated cookies starting December 4, available at Publix!


Printable coupons available at www.ReadyPlanSave.com
 
Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

#ChexPartyMix Holiday Snack #Recipe @PlatefullCoOp


No holiday party would be complete without a delicious party mix to munch on while sharing laughs and fun. Fortunately, Chex makes it easy with over 100 Chex Party Mix recipes, including 50 gluten free recipes, with ingredients available at Publix. Visit http://chexpartymix.com/recipes to see all the recipes.

The recipe I made was the Mexican Hot Chocolate Chex Party Mix with cinnamon, chocolate, marshmallow and coconut, takes only 15 minutes to make and is sure to be a hit. Just measure the cereal, then melt the butter, chocolate chips in a separate bowl, add the sweetened condensed milk. Pour the chocolate sauce on the Chex mix while stirring and heating in the microwave. It is a crispy, sweet delicious snack.
 
Be on the lookout for in-store savings and digital coupons on the www.ReadyPlanSave.com website, and share the following sales info with your fellow Publix shoppers!

In-Store Savings
  • Chex Cereal $3.79 on BOGO from 11/20 – 11/26*, no coupon required for savings, available at Publix. *Dates might vary in certain markets.
Printable Coupons
  • Visit www.ReadyPlanSave.com to clip and print your coupons. Available while supplies last.
  • Save $1 when you buy 2 Chex cereals
 #ChexPartyMix and #paid
@PlatefullCoOp

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

Holiday Brownies with #BettyCrockerBakeCenter #Publix

frugalapolis.com
Holiday Baking with Betty!

Baking season is here and the Betty Crocker Bake Center has everything you need to create delicious goodies for your family and friends. Find exclusive savings on essential baking mixes and ingredients from brands such as Betty Crocker, Hershey’s and Ziploc® brand containers, available at Publix. Looking for new baking recipes to delight your guests this season? The Bake Center display will feature four exclusive baking recipes as well as coupons; find the Bake Center at your local Publix.

Save on all your favorite baking products, including:
 
Publix In-Store Savings
  • FREE Ziploc® brand container with the purchase of any three (3) Betty Crocker™ Baking Mixes, Hershey’s® Kisses/Baking Chips, or Betty Crocker™ Decorating Items. Look for coupon in the Betty Crocker in-store display at your local Publix. Coupon available while supplies last.
  • Betty Crocker Supermoist Cake any flavor on BOGO, available 11/13 – 11/19*
  • Betty Crocker Frosting any flavor 2/$3, available 11/13 – 11/19*
  • *Dates might vary in certain markets.
Printable Coupons
  • Visit www.ReadyPlanSave.com to clip and print your coupons. Available while supplies last.
  • Save 75¢ when you buy TWO Betty Crocker® Ready to Spread Frosting, Supreme Brownie Mix, Dessert Bar Mix, SuperMoist® Cake Mix. 
Let the holiday baking fun begin!

Here are the two coupons to get a great deal, and a scenario.

Buy (4) Betty Crocker Cake Mix (BOGO $1.99) + (2) Frosting ($1.50ea) + 2 Ziploc containers (free with coupons) = $6.98 - (.75/2) - $1/2 = $3.73 (thats 46 cents each item)

It's another great week of sale items for your baking needs. Last week we stocked up on cookie mixes, and this week it will be cake and brownie mixes. These brownies below are super easy to make and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect holiday touch to show of the green and red sprinkles.

#frugalapolis
 #BettyCrockerBakeCenter and #paid 
 @PlatefullCoOp
 Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.
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