At the Movies with Todd

I've been volunteering at Milwaukee Film so I can get vouchers for films. Now I just have to find time to go. :)

Todd goes to church...for free food!

I always pick Roger up from church on Sunday. Lately I've been going in to catch the end of their coffee hour. The coffee isn't very good and the cookies are store-bought, but it'e free. :) Today they're having a picnic, so the food should be better. We went to our neighborhood church's grand opening of their new school addition. The food was great. Via Downer bruschetta and pizza. Some decent wine, rum and bourbon from Great Lakes Distillery-I was in heaven. ;)

Pantherfest/Tosafest

Last night, Friday, we went to Pantherfest at Summerfest. Free food from Whole Foods. Beer/wine was $6.50, unfortunately. We also had free admittance to Indian Summer and their beers were $5.50. :) Parking was free-we parked on the street. Tonight we're going to Tosafest. Free, but will probably pay too much in beers. :) Tomorrow we plan on seeing a free movie at UWM and the popcorn is only $1.50. :)

Laborious Day

Today, Labor Day, we're going to a cookout. Went to one last night at my friend Dan's House, and Saturday at Hope's. Roger has been tricking me into going to the grocery store with him and then sticking me with the bill. I went to the gym today so he'd have to pay-he's very sneaky, I'll have to watch him. The MKE Film festival is coming up-I plan on volunteering so I get free tickets and also get invited to the volunteer party! Last Wednesday we went to a preview film for MKE film-part of my member benefits. I'm trying to use my memberships at Milwaukee Art Museum and MKE Film to make sure I get all the benefits in excess of the individual admissions-so far, so good. This week I start teaching at UWM-Monday through Thursday nights. It's extra cash, I like doing it, but I'm sure I'll be real tired. I'll let you know how it goes.

Spend less, have more!

I just listened to this week's installment on NPR of Kevin Mckiney. He always ends his show with those words. I listen to him and also Zorba Paster while taking my weekend naps-funny how I miss half the show however. :) They are both good common sense money and health shows. My New Year's resolution has been "fiscal and physical fitness" for many years, probably because I have trouble doing either! :) Now that I have a full-time job and get paid for the first time next week, I'm going to have to resist the urge to regain my spendthrift ways! Will I be able to do it? Stay tuned!

A New Beginning

I started a new job this week-it has benefits and a pension and health care. The pay is much lower compared to what I used to make, so my frugal habits of the past 2 years should come in handy. I spent too much at State Fair last night, including $5 for fried beer (which wasn't too good). I did use some half price tickets, so that's my rationale. :) Today we're heading down to the Third Ward for Summer Sizzle, which is free, but will probably spend some money on lunch snacks and a beer or wine, I'm sure. Tonight is a patio round robin in Brewer's hill. $10 for the two us and each of five patio stops will have drinks and appetizers, so I'll probably come out ahead with this one. :) Here's to my future frugality!

A Frugal Weekend

Friday night I went to a Brewer's game, for free, of course! A friend's law firm had a tailgate party. Lots of great food, and drinks, and the weather was great. After the game we went downtown and shared some sparkling wine on the rooftop of cafe Benelux-a great view of the third ward.


We had some great collaborative meals over the weekend. Lots of good food at a reasonable price. While shopping at Metro Market, especially on weekends, I take advantage of all the free samples. This weekend had free salad, wine tastings, cheese tastings, some great whole grain bread. Tonight, Monday, I'm going to a free screening at the Oriental. Not sure how I'm score a free meal out of this-may have to dip into a Groupon or find somebody I know to buy me some popcorn. :)