Violaceous_Bat's recent activity
-
Comment on Is there any online store where can I buy cheap STEM books in bundles ? in ~books
-
Comment on What’s the one item you make for get togethers that everyone loves that is secretly super easy to prepare? in ~food
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentYou can use your own white cake recipe too, just don't add any of the usual wet ingredients and sub in the sodaYou can use your own white cake recipe too, just don't add any of the usual wet ingredients and sub in the soda
-
Comment on Let's talk nostalgia in ~talk
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentThis is a good one, I hadn't really thought about why Tildes felt so familiar. I do miss "old" internet. Message boards, messengers, Yahoo groups, web rings. I spent an unhealthy amount of time on...This is a good one, I hadn't really thought about why Tildes felt so familiar. I do miss "old" internet. Message boards, messengers, Yahoo groups, web rings. I spent an unhealthy amount of time on role playing message boards and groups, and they looked simple and clean like tildes does!
-
Comment on What are some of your favorite cheap, easy and healthy recipes? in ~food
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentI came in here to see if anyone mentioned Budget Bytes. That site is a wonderful tool for finding simple easy and cheap meals. There are several that we enjoy: Lemon Garlic Shrimp - all in one...I came in here to see if anyone mentioned Budget Bytes. That site is a wonderful tool for finding simple easy and cheap meals. There are several that we enjoy:
Lemon Garlic Shrimp - all in one skillet meal
Sheet Pan Kielbasa and green beans -Throw it all on a sheet pan!
Oven Roasted Autumn Medley - I've done this one several different ways with different squashes and sweet potatoes, as well as add a bit of honey. Came in clutch with Flash Food always throwing squash into the produce boxes!As for doing soups, we definitely do that as well. They usually end up being "What do we have and what needs to go?" Style soups. Soups are king when it comes to cheap, easy, and healthy for sure.
-
Comment on What’s the one item you make for get togethers that everyone loves that is secretly super easy to prepare? in ~food
Violaceous_Bat LinkI've got two that I use frequently, the first is pasta salad. I feel like this can differ so much depending on region but I keep it simple. Tricolor Fusilli, zesty Italian dressing, packet of...I've got two that I use frequently, the first is pasta salad. I feel like this can differ so much depending on region but I keep it simple. Tricolor Fusilli, zesty Italian dressing, packet of Italian seasoning dressing mix, orange and yellow bell peppers, pepperoni, pepper jack and colby cheese cubed, and if I can a variety of cherry tomatoes from my garden but I'll settle for store bought if out of season.
The second is if I'm in a hurry and need a dessert. Orange soda cake. It's so dang easy. One box of white cake mix (the gluten free kind works too, just ends up more dense.) 12oz of your favorite orange soda (I like Stewart's orange cream soda) mix box and soda in a bowl until evenly mixed. Bake as directed on the box of cake mix. Let cool, then top it with whipped cream. Best served really cold. You can make it vegan with the right cake mix and vegan whipped cream too. I've also experimented with other sodas and root beer is fun as well. You can garnish it with colored sugars or mandarin oranges but it's yummy either way.
-
Comment on Show recommendations for my parents in ~tv
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentWhat a bummer, I assumed being a new show that the subtitles would be diverse. I didn't even think about access, so sorry about that!What a bummer, I assumed being a new show that the subtitles would be diverse. I didn't even think about access, so sorry about that!
-
Comment on What is your favorite TV show that you rewatch often? in ~tv
Violaceous_Bat LinkThe Venture Brothers Usually at least once a year, sometimes more. I've watched it since the pilot in 2003. It's bittersweet but it will be ending with the release of the movie in July. Despite...The Venture Brothers
Usually at least once a year, sometimes more. I've watched it since the pilot in 2003. It's bittersweet but it will be ending with the release of the movie in July. Despite not being "complete" just yet, the re-watchability is undeniable. I STILL find jokes or little Easter eggs I missed. Every character is lovable in their own ways. My husband and I quote it constantly. The music is amazing, all the retro futurism is fantastic, references so deep there's a whole site about them! (The mantis eye experiment for those wondering.) There are of course other shows I like to rewatch like Futurama, Frasier, Golden Girls, Star Treks, B99, Bobs Burgers etc. But I'll always watch VB. It's soothing, familiar and funny. It's like a comforting blanket at this point. If you like mature adult animation and never checked it out, you should. If you'd like and ep to try if you aren't sure? I always recommend season 1 episode 10, Tag Sale You're It. You meet many of the characters, doesn't give away anything major plot wise and gives a great feel for the style of humor.
-
Comment on Show recommendations for my parents in ~tv
Violaceous_Bat LinkWe just watched Poker Face, it's a peacock exclusive starring Natasha Lyonne. It's a fantastic show, but I'm telling you it's just a modern day Murder she wrote or Matlock. Sorta progressive but...We just watched Poker Face, it's a peacock exclusive starring Natasha Lyonne. It's a fantastic show, but I'm telling you it's just a modern day Murder she wrote or Matlock. Sorta progressive but not really in your face just some snappy comments by Lyonee's character here and there. There's a big story and she's on the run, but each episode she's trying to figure out a local murder kinda like a procedural. I really dig it, and Lyonne is always a treat.
-
Comment on What's your favorite cult classic movie? in ~movies
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentThe hunger, yes, but not trouble every day. Will definitely be checking that one outThe hunger, yes, but not trouble every day. Will definitely be checking that one out
-
Comment on What's your favorite cult classic movie? in ~movies
Violaceous_Bat LinkMines more obscure than classic but I fell in love all the same. Only Lovers Left Alive I love vampire flicks, and this one really feels like how modern vamps would be. Released 2013 and the cast...Mines more obscure than classic but I fell in love all the same.
Only Lovers Left Alive
I love vampire flicks, and this one really feels like how modern vamps would be. Released 2013 and the cast is stacked (Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, the late Anton Yelchin) yet I never see it brought up when talking about vampire movies. It's not a thriller, or horror...it's more of a journey. Get some comfy clothes, pour a big glass of red wine and enjoy the somber adventure. -
Comment on With rising costs of just about everything, what are some frugal things you do to save some cash? in ~life
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentI actually purchased mine from Maggard! I understand being intimidated by the skill curve but you'd be surprised at how many people have scoffed at the price I bought my handle, head, shave soap,...I actually purchased mine from Maggard! I understand being intimidated by the skill curve but you'd be surprised at how many people have scoffed at the price I bought my handle, head, shave soap, blade assortment and blade vault for (which was quite reasonable IMO.) Then they turn around and buy 5 blade cartridges. Crazy!
-
Comment on With rising costs of just about everything, what are some frugal things you do to save some cash? in ~life
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentThis is the route my husband chose, he just uses his electric razor daily. Still a money saver just different. I tried epilating my legs instead of shaving but had trouble with ingrowns otherwise...This is the route my husband chose, he just uses his electric razor daily. Still a money saver just different. I tried epilating my legs instead of shaving but had trouble with ingrowns otherwise I would have just stuck to that. I keep my epilator/electric razor for touch ups and the peach fuzz on my face so makeup applies better. Everything else is the safety razor.
-
Comment on With rising costs of just about everything, what are some frugal things you do to save some cash? in ~life
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentYes! I've definitely been trying to adopt a more anti-consumption mindset first then moving on to saving where I can. It's tough when everywhere you look you are being advertised to, and pressured...Yes! I've definitely been trying to adopt a more anti-consumption mindset first then moving on to saving where I can. It's tough when everywhere you look you are being advertised to, and pressured to buy.
-
Comment on With rising costs of just about everything, what are some frugal things you do to save some cash? in ~life
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentDo barbers shave legs lol? In all seriousness though this is a good tip for those who shave their face, I bet in some areas it can be cheaper this way.Do barbers shave legs lol? In all seriousness though this is a good tip for those who shave their face, I bet in some areas it can be cheaper this way.
-
Comment on With rising costs of just about everything, what are some frugal things you do to save some cash? in ~life
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentGlad it was helpful! I was very bummed that I can't use too good to go in my area, mystery bags of take out sounded so fun.Glad it was helpful! I was very bummed that I can't use too good to go in my area, mystery bags of take out sounded so fun.
-
Comment on With rising costs of just about everything, what are some frugal things you do to save some cash? in ~life
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentBeen trying to do this with my steam list! I think most people have have a small graveyard of hobby stuff laying around, definitely worth looking through it all before buying new stuff.Been trying to do this with my steam list! I think most people have have a small graveyard of hobby stuff laying around, definitely worth looking through it all before buying new stuff.
-
With rising costs of just about everything, what are some frugal things you do to save some cash?
I'm new to tildes and thought I'd start a topic about frugality, as it's something constantly on my mind. (hopefully ~life is the right place, apologies in advance if not!) I try to look at...
I'm new to tildes and thought I'd start a topic about frugality, as it's something constantly on my mind. (hopefully ~life is the right place, apologies in advance if not!) I try to look at spending a few ways; cost, environmental impact, and time. The time is important, because some frugal tips take up so much time that they end up not being very frugal in the long run. So here are some of the things I've done or started doing in the past few years to try and bring our monthly budget down without giving up much.
Started using Flipp, Ibotta and Flash Food.
These three apps aren't going to save you a ton but enough to make a difference without much effort. Flipp uses your location to gather all the circular ads for stores near you so you can compare prices on items more efficiently. Ibotta is a rebate app that is quick and easy, just claim anything you might buy and once you hit 20 bucks you can redeem for gift cards or cash. The key is to only buy things if it ends up being cheaper than the option you normally buy, or stuff you buy already. Flash Food is a new favorite and isn't everywhere but can be really beneficial for produce particularly. Participating stores list items that are overstock or near expiration for significant discounts. You buy right on the app, and head to the the flash food station in the store to pick them up. Mine is by the self checkouts, there's a big freezer with the logo stationed there. They have huge produce boxes often for only 5 bucks! The assortment of goods will vary by store and time of day so I check every so often if I know I'll be near or going grocery shopping anyways.
*If you don't have flash food, there's another called Too Good To Go, It's not in my area so I can't say how useful it is. However, it works similarly for stores but also includes restaurants.
Switched to a double edged safety razor
with a bit of practice, they are just as easy to use as a cartridge razor. The best part is after the initial cost they are CHEAP and you aren't throwing away plastic cartridges anymore.
Vacuum Sealer and Deep Freezer
I slept on a vacuum sealer for far too long, theses keep frozen goods better for so long without worry of freezer burn. Combine that with Flash Food, and you can really save without much effort.
Switched to a Menstrual Cup
I did this many years ago and never looked back. I will be upfront and say that it isn't going to be for everyone, we are all shaped different! However there are many more options for reusable products these days if a cup just doesn't work (discs, cloth pads, and period panties to name a few.) I have endometriosis and I'm a heavy bleeder so this has easily saved me thousands in disposable costs and worked better for me anyhow.
Gardening
This one is tough because it's easy to go over board with costs, but if you get creative with containers and boxes, buy loads of dirt instead of bags, and start from seed indoors and it can be a pretty cheap way to have fresh produce. Add in the vacuum sealer or canning and you can make it even more worth the time. To go with that, I collect rainwater. This is dependent on your local regs of course so find that out first!
Instead of going out to dinner with friends, host pot lucks instead.
This saves everyone money, you still get to see your buds and have a super nice meal. Throw in some board games and it's sure to be a good evening and only cost you the price of a dish.
Rotate your streaming services and other subscriptions
You can't watch them all at once, so why pay for them all the time? I'm sure they are all about to make it harder to share following in Netflix's footsteps so it's a good time to sit down and look at what you are paying for and what you are actually using. You'd be surprised how easy it is to shave off some costs.
Eliminate single use items where you can
I've already touched on this, but things like paper towels, paper plates, plastic storage bags etc add up if you are using them frequently. There are so many things that fill our landfills just for convenience and you are paying for the privilege! There are so many great reusable items these days, it's become more affordable for upfront costs. Coffee pods, makeup wipes, razors, swiffers, bottled water -- it's never ending and all cost more than their frugal alternatives. For instance, I drink tea and switched to a reusable diffuser and loose leaf as well as using an electric kettle instead of turning on the stove or microwave using much less energy and the used tea is good compost and breaks down faster than the bagged variety.
Use your dishwasher
It seems silly, and obviously not everyone has one, but a relatively newer dishwasher is going to use a lot less water than handwashing and it disinfects better.
Feeling like you need that decor item? Try moving decor around instead
You should be deep cleaning your home anyways, and if things feel stale and you are itching to spend try moving things around instead. You'll often find that you are just bored with the current layout of things. So while cleaning, switch it up!
Keep inventory of your freezer
Deep freezers are easy to lose things in, or forget are in there when you go shopping. I use a notes app shared with my husband with a list of stuff in the freezer so we don't buy things we already have and it's easier to figure out a meal at a glance at the list.
At least try to fix or mend things instead of buying new
It's certainly not feasible with some things anymore, and sometimes it ends up being more expensive but it never hurt to take a second look at something before rebuying. Mending clothing, buying a cheap part etc can save you some money and keep things out of the landfill.
I'm excited to read any ideas you guys have. My next venture is going to be meal prepping, so any tips for that would be extra awesome!
105 votes -
Comment on What is the oldest TV show you actually enjoy? in ~tv
Violaceous_Bat Link ParentDespite loving both, I've always preferred The Munsters over The Addams Family. Fred Gwynne was so lovable as Herman, and the general vibe of the show was different despite both shows being about...Despite loving both, I've always preferred The Munsters over The Addams Family. Fred Gwynne was so lovable as Herman, and the general vibe of the show was different despite both shows being about monster families.
I know this is an older thread, but I didn't see Thriftbooks.com mentioned. They do carry text books, not sure they'll have the ones you are after though. You can get some good deals there on used books, and they used to give a discount when you bought more but I'm not sure if they still do.