A gavel.. for class

I have a great respect for teachers. This respect has grown as I teach my own college course and try to find frugal ways to purchase classroom supplies.

In my current course, State and Local Government, we simulate committee hearings. With many students talking at once, we have had a need for a gavel. To fulfill this, I have been looking at Goodwill with no luck. I decided to try the outlet mall (someone suggested a meat clever but those have jagged edges - the thought of those scuffing the table was a bit too much for me) and had no success. Then, I went to Ax Man's supply shop and found a rubber mallet. Only $1.98. Ha! Next week, I am thinking of be-dazzling it and adding some bling from my already purchased craft supplies. Don't you think a be-jeweled rubber mallet/gavel would be something to talk about?!

Fun, fun, fun!

Money savers- toothbrush replacement

I use a sonic care toothbrush and always get annoyed at the $30+ for the replacement toothbrush heads. This time, I went in armed with a $5 coupon. However, when I was shopping at Cub foods, I found an equaline toothbrush head that works great. Two toothbrush heads were $19.99 compared with $30 for two sonic care replacement brushes. Even without the coupon, I still saved!

(I was a bit worried that this brand would fit my sonic care toothbrush base, but it worked great!)

A good deal -outlet mall shopping

I went to Albertville outlet mall with my friend Jacki this weekend. I was trying to be frugal-even while at the outlet mall! Anyway, I set my budget for $100 to spend. I got new black boots for $29.99 (rang up at $59.99 so I had to remind the clerk of the sale price; my current ones have a broken heel), a Ann Taylor shirt for $12.50 (orginially $50) and- best of all- a FREE grapefruit spoon! I have been on a quest to find a grapefruit spoon but to no avail. They had one at the outlet mall and after telling the great clerks how hard it is to find one- not at Target, not in the new silverware packages, not at Kohl's, JcPenny's, etc. - they gave it to me for free and said "Happy Valentine's Day!" That made my day!

Ah, the little things!