Yesterday was T-Mobile Tuesday, so I snagged two free “emotional-support” water bottles! Because I lose those faster than matching socks in the dryer. T-Mobile, feel free to send more.

@ShowcaseUS.

I’m trading my apron for a $5 movie ticket and letting someone else do the work. Freaky Friday at Showcase. I’ve got my seat, my snacks will be smuggled in, and my dignity is negotiable. Spoiler: I splurged for the fancy plastic Smurf’s bucket.

Broke gourmet tonight: Who says you need money to eat like a queen When life gives you deli ends and FoodBank blessings, you make a gourmet meal. Broke never tasted so good. #FrugalFeast #BrokeGourmet #FoodBankFinds #foodie

@SmithfieldRI @RIDeptEd @RIFoundation @RISenate @SenJackReed @SenWhitehouse.

Once a month, I hit East Smithfield Library or “serious” bingo aka laughing, sipping drinks, and side-eyeing cards. 🥤🎯 Snacks, prizes, and yes… sometimes your Christmas gift comes from my bingo winnings. 🎁

Santa’s out here raiding the back-to-school aisle because even he knows a good deal when he sees one. Here are a few Christmas gift ideas you can grab now while everything’s cheap. Shop smart, sleigh later. 🎄✏️ #BackToSchool #ChristmasHack

@wpri12 @StreetStories12 @CranstonPatch @RIMonthly @RhodyBeat @RIDeptEd.

Just dropped off books at one of my fave little free libraries—complete with a “Blockbuster.” (Yes kids, that used to be a thing. No late fees here.). 📍 Mayfield Ave, Cranston/Warwick line. A VIP spot for bookworms—go check it out & keep it going for the community!. #community

@Studio10WJAR @NBC10.

Corn, Peas, and Chaos: Rhode Island’s Grocery game. Welcome to the worst shopping week of the month in RI. 🤦‍♀️ Let’s talk sales, food banks, and why your pantry looks like a corn-and-peas apocalypse right now. #GroceryTips

What am I doing going out to eat & playing trivia at @proclamationale ? Doesn’t sound frugal… except it is. Free trivia, BYO food, a couple drinks = hours of entertainment. Add good friends & convo and you’ve got a low-cost night that’s fun and frugal.

@RIFoodBank @POTUS @SenWhitehouse @RepGabeAmo @SethMagaziner @SenJackReed.

Last night’s dinner: @Perdue thin chicken breasts, Knorr chicken rice, and canned corn, all courtesy of the food bank. The perfect balance of protein and pantry, aka the broke-budget chef’s special. Food banks keep comfort (and dinner) on the table in uncertain times. #recipes

Move over 5-star dining. My under-$17 Stop & Shop haul proves I’ve got gourmet on a broke budget down to an art form. Sale ends Thursday! You can be a broke-budget gourmet too.

@ShareWaste @foodrescueUS @FeedingAmerica.

Unexpected surprise a gift Party leftovers a frugal blessing. Last night’s free haul of pasta salad, bread & pastries filled my fridge and reminded me how resourceful sharing can be. Offering leftovers keeps good food from going to waste. #BudgetLife #FrugalWin #Community

@MarketBasket.

@DavidMoralesRI @FeedingAmerica @RhodyBeat @BostonGlobe @TheRhodeShow @projo @NBC10 @SenWhitehouse @thecampbellsco @wpri12 @ABC6 @FoodNetwork @Allrecipes.

Tonight’s masterpiece: potato soup, food bank edition 🍲 2 cans diced potatoes (drained), 1 can cream of chicken, 1 cup shelf-stable milk, instant potato flakes. Heat cans + milk low & slow, season (celery salt, pepper, minced onion). Stir in flakes until it’s the perfect soup.