Home Frugal Finds Frugal Friday 07/02/2020

Frugal Friday 07/02/2020

by InvisiblyMe

It’s that time again, another Friday! How’s everyone doing? I hope the week has been treating you well so far. Just a few Frugal Friday finds to share with you all today, with a few freebies and a couple of discounts. Enjoy!

 ♥

Free Audible Escape – Audiobooks

I recently discovered a new Amazon US service called Audible Escape. Anyone tried it? It looks like it’s for love / romance / ‘chicklit’ type audiobooks so if you like those you might want to check out the free trial!

Not a fan of these genres? Fear not, there’s also the standard free Audible trial for 30 days in the UK and for those in the US. You get a free audiobook to keep, and you can choose from the world’s largest collection of audiobooks. In the UK, it’s £7.99 p/month after the free trial, where you then get one audio book every month, but you can cancel easily any time, which is the great thing about these Amazon trials. Even after you’ve had one it’s worth checking further down the line whether you’re eligible for another or a week’s trial offer.


Medichecks Home Blood Test Offers

For February, Medichecks are offering 20% off 20 tests. A few of the bigger, more comprehensive tests on sale include :

Thyroid Check UltraVit Blood Test – Was £99, now £79.20
Well Man Check – Was £99, now £79.20
Well Woman Check – Was £99, now £79.20
Diet and Lifestyle Check Plus – Was £89, now £71.20
Hair Loss Check Advanced – Was £199, now £159.20
Ultimate Nutrition Blood Test – Was £299, now £239.20
TRT Check Blood test  Was £99, now £79.20

For more information on Medichecks, check out my review of their home thyroid test kit. Thyroid testing starts from just £29.00.

You can also save 10% on any order by using this link & adding the code INVISME10 at the checkout.

A pink and purple background with text overlaid that reads: Thyroid check UltraVit Blood test. Was £99 now £79.20. The image is clickable and takes you to the Medichecks page.

Free £5 With Curve!

The Curve Card is an interesting one! If you have a few credit/debit cards you can combine them while also getting extra benefits. The idea is this : You can sign up for a free card, then download the free app. Make sure you select the free card as there are other paid options available too with other added benefits. You enter all the cards you want to use (I just put on my debit card), which will be linked to the physical Curve Card. They’ll send the Curve card to you in the post and you can use this in stores, online and abroad. You use the app to flick between cards, or your Curve reward account, depending on which you want to use when you hand over your Curve card to pay. When you’re out, you need only carry your Curve Card and your phone if you want to flip between cards, as you’ll have access to all your cards and accounts through that one card. Pretty neat!

Other benefits include… Curve customer protection on all Curve card purchases up to £100,000. Enhanced card security for peace of mind. Real time spending notifications and currency conversions, along with email receipts for every purchase to keep track of your spending should you want them. You’ll be able to save on foreign exchange fees and get fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad, which is a huge plus for those going on holiday any time in the near future. You can lock your card immediately if it gets lost or stolen, and there’s 24/7 customer support.

New signs up… If you use my link to sign up you’ll get £5 free! Once you get the free card, download the app and get set up, you just need to make your first purchase or just check your balance at an ATM (something to first use and activate your card basically) to get the £5 loaded on your ‘Curve rewards’ section of the app. I did this myself and can confirm I got the £5 freebie without any problems; I used the card linked to my current account to pay for my Sainsbury’s groceries, then had the £5 on my app which I used the next time I was in the supermarket.

For the first 90 days there’s an additional introductory offer to earn a few more pennies. You’ll get 1% cashback at various outlets and retailers, like BP, Sainsbury’s, Booking.com, Shell, Boots and others. I’ve earned another £5 from this and they’ve emailed me other offers since, too.

I must admit, I was sceptical when I first got a Curve card earlier last year and I’m always weary of giving my bank details, but I’ve been really impressed with it. Plus, I like the freebies ???? It’s become increasingly popular since I signed up so that provides added reassurance. It’s also a great option for using abroad, and for those with several cards who can then carry just one in their wallet.

Order your free Curve Card here using this link for your free £5 (promo code DOXKO26D) and it’ll be delivered in 3-5 days!


Boots Mini Club Kids Clothing Up to 70% Off Sale

There’s currently up to 70% off the Kids Club range of kids clothing at Boots. The sale has been going a little while but there’s still plenty left at good prices, so if you’re in the market for little tops or baby sleeper suits then it’s worth a look. It’s also free delivery to store for orders over £10 (if something doesn’t fit it’s also free to return).


L’oreal Clay / Charcoal Face Masks

Boots (UK) have a great up to half price sale on lots of hair & skincare products. There’s also a sale on the L’oreal range of face care, including the L’oreal clay masks. Their masks and scrubs get some great reviews. I have one of the clay scrubs and it’s been fantastic for leaving my face feeling super clean and fresh, so I’m looking forward to trying out the charcoal mask next.


Kindle Offers

  • Blood In The Sand by Kelly Clayton (murder mystery) is currently free on Amazon UK & Amazon US.

Free Online Courses

FutureLearn (from the Open University) offer free short courses, whether you want to learn for the sense of achievement that it brings, broaden your horizons with something new, or brush up your CV. I’m in no way affiliated or paid by these sites by the way, I’ve just used FutureLearn myself previously and get updates on the new courses they release so I thought they might be of interest to others.

I’ve done a few of these myself over the years and they’re typically very straightforward and manageable. Best of all, they’re free, but it’s worth noting that if you want a certificate of course completion you’d have to pay for it. I’ve never done that and I don’t think it’s necessary to have the piece of paper to be able to put the courses on your CV or to be proud of what you’ve accomplished. There’s a wide range of subjects and new ones are routinely added, so it’s worth a browser. You can find all free short FutureLearn courses here. Much shorter courses and more bite-sized learning, along with TV / audio resources, can also be found on OpenLearn.

Have a restful weekend, everyone.

Caz  ♥

[ This post contains affiliate links ]

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54 comments

John Rieber February 7, 2020 - 4:53 pm

Great collection of bargains/great offers/cool stuff!

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:04 pm

Cheers, John! Hope you’re having a decent weekend & that you’ve not been blown away ????

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carol hannah February 7, 2020 - 5:04 pm

I love FutureLearn and Kindle free books. This is a great list.

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:06 pm

Glad you liked – free Kindle books are always great to find! xx

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Michelle February 7, 2020 - 5:41 pm

Great list! Thanks for sharing the Kindle books. I’ll definitely be checking out the free online courses, too. ????

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:08 pm

The free online courses are fab because they’re generally pretty straightforward to do at your own pace, whenever it suits you. Thanks for the comment, Michelle! xx

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Da-AL February 7, 2020 - 6:07 pm

Brilliant 🙂
A couple for you to add at another date? Breathe app & smiling mind app – I love them both! There are a few others too is you’re in the mode…

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:10 pm

Oh yes, the Breathe app is a good one. Hadn’t come across Smiling Mind before so thank you very much – will investigate and make a note for the next Frugal Friday ???? Have a great week ahead, da-AL! xx

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Tamara Yancosky February 7, 2020 - 7:57 pm

Thank you, dearest Caz, for all these great tips!

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:11 pm

Hope you find something of interest, Tamarrrrra. How’re you doing? I hope everything’s been going as well as possible with you and your latest adventures xx

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Sandee February 7, 2020 - 8:06 pm

Lots of great stuff and You Belong to Me is a great book.

Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:12 pm

I’m glad the positive reviews on Amazon weren’t wrong about You Belong to Me then – I’ve downloaded this for my mother as she’s a Kindle fanatic. Thanks for the comment, Sandee – I hope you & hubby are having a relaxing weekend ???? xx

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Carolyn Page February 7, 2020 - 8:26 pm

A fabulous list, Caz, there’s so much available online these days; it really is worth the investigation!
Yes, I’ve downloaded my first and ‘free’ audible book from Amazon some time past. Yes, it’s a gimmick to get you started, but hey: this type of introduction could be just the thing for those cozy down times we all experience throughout the year.
Hoping you have a great weekend…
xoxoxo

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:31 pm

It’s a good way to try it if you’ve not tried an audiobook before too because they’re not everyone’s cuppa tea. And you’re right, there really is a lot available online so it’s worth scouting around to see what gems you can find! Thanks for the comment, Carolyn. I hope the week ahead is a good one for you  ♥ xx

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Darnell February 7, 2020 - 9:42 pm

Love Frugal Fridays! Ive taken advantage of Audible books since forever. If you are on the go as me, you cant beat having a book read to you as you work.Enjoy the weekend Caz!

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:47 pm

Audiobooks are such a fantastic idea and pretty versatile, as you’ve found with being on the go. Thanks for the comment my friend, I hope the week ahead treats you kindly & that you get all of those ideas of yours out onto paper (or a Word doc ????) x

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Masha Ellman February 7, 2020 - 10:06 pm

Great stuff here. I love online courses, going to check out the place. Thanks Caz <3

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:48 pm

You’re welcome – the online courses are brilliant for general interest, a CV, a sense of achievement.. there’s a lot available online now so plenty of variety in terms of topics. I hope you find something that interests you, Masha. ???? xx

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Jay February 8, 2020 - 3:13 am

I wish we didn’t have to worry about paying anything for medical care. I know I’m lucky to be in Canada, even my province covers all but $80 of my monthly prescriptions.

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:50 pm

Paying anything can be tough on a lot of people and I agree, I wish nobody had to pay for medical care. It should be something openly available and achievable for all those who need it, not just those who can afford it as though it were a luxury. x

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Brigid Gallagher February 8, 2020 - 1:22 pm

Thank you Caz. These are all great tips. Happy Weekend. xx

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:51 pm

Thanks, Brigid – Is there anything you’d be particularly interested in seeing on Frugal Fridays in future?
Hope you’re having a restful weekend xx

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Alice February 8, 2020 - 2:59 pm

I love the Future Learn courses – they have some really interesting topics! xx

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:52 pm

Me too! They have a great variety and with new stuff routinely coming out there’s hopefully something for everyone ????xx

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Toni February 8, 2020 - 4:42 pm

Thanks for the book recommendations! Not really into romance novels etc, but have never listened to an audio book yet…I’ll probably fall asleep! ????x

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:52 pm

Hey, whatever helps knock you out is worth a try!! ????

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Lauren February 8, 2020 - 9:25 pm

Great recommendations! Thank you for sharing! Have a great week!

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 2:53 pm

You’re welcome – thanks, Lauren! Is there anything you might like to see in particular (health products, beauty products, day out discounts etc) in future Frugal Fridays? xx

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Terre February 9, 2020 - 12:27 am

My husband and I listen to Audible. So far I have listened 25 days, 20 hours, and 20 minutes. I think we get three books a month – I don’t like to call them “free” because there is a membership fee. One book is any book in the library and two are “Audible Originals”. We have enjoyed quite a few of the Audible Originals.

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 3:14 pm

You’re right, the ‘free’ thing isn’t the right word if you’re on the paid version rather than a free trial. It’s great you’re making the most of it and getting through plenty of audiobooks, Terre! Do you prefer reading physical books, Kindle eBooks, or listening to audiobooks?xx

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Katy February 9, 2020 - 12:18 pm

Really cool! Going to check out those free online courses. Thank You and Cheers!!! 🙂

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InvisiblyMe February 9, 2020 - 3:15 pm

You’re welcome – I hope you find something that takes your interest, Katy! xx

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Nikki - Notes of Life February 9, 2020 - 6:10 pm

I’ve done a few of the FutureLearn courses and they’re quite interesting.

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:55 pm

There are some pretty cool ones, glad you’ve found them interesting too. Thanks for the comment, Nikki! x

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Holly February 9, 2020 - 6:21 pm

Hot dang! These are some great offers, Caz! Thanks for sharing these because I had no idea. I’m particularly interested in the free courses with FutureLearn. That sounds really neat. I think any time we keep our brains sharp by learning something new in an area of interest is a great thing!

Audible is a lot of fun too. I recently signed up for their free trial and enjoyed it quite a bit more than I expected to.

Another perfect Frugal Friday my friend! ????

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:58 pm

Aw I’m glad you’ve found a few interesting bits and bobs! Free online courses are great – no pressure, lots of choice, flexibility to do it your own way. And free Amazon trials for stuff like Audible or Music are so good, and a great way to try something you may not have otherwise. I hope Amazon treats you with another free Audible trial one day (I’ve had Prime trial twice now) ???? Thanks for the comment lovely – I hope you’re having a restful weekend xx

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The Oceanside Animals February 9, 2020 - 10:19 pm

Chaplin: “We know how important it is to save green papers where you can.”
Charlee: “Yeah, especially since we don’t have any green papers of our own.”
Lulu: “You guys know that not all money papers are green, right?”
Charlee: “You mean we could maybe find some other color papers and spend those instead?”
Lulu: “No, that’s not what—”
Chaplin: “I found a stack of pink papers over here, Charlee! We’re rich!”
Lulu: “Those are Post-It notes.”

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Holly February 10, 2020 - 1:28 am

This is hilarious! ???? Sorry, couldn’t resist commenting! So cute!

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:54 pm

????You may be better off with Monopoly money rather than your pink post-its Chaplin! x

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Beth February 10, 2020 - 12:18 am

I am a HUGE fan of the generic charcoal pore strips they sell at stores like Rite-Aid (I don’t know what they have in other countries but I’m fairly sure the generics are more or less equivalent??); I have tried the REGULAR generics of different kinds and I can say there IS, at least in my mind, a big difference there, but I haven’t seen it so much with the charcoal ones. Your mention of charcoal masks made me think of this – if you’re someone like me who inevitably gets nasty nose pores no matter what, I highly recommend you try these because I have found them just as effective as the Biore ones and MUCH cheaper (and, again, pretty good across “generic brands!”). Great post! I will read more!!

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:31 pm

I’ve found pore strips (standard, not charcoal) to be utterly useless. Fun to use, but do nothing to blackheads. I’ve picked up the charcoal mask I mentioned in this post – do you think it’ll be effective? I’ll have to keep an eye out for charcoal pore strips! Thanks for the comment, Beth! xx

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Ellis James Designs February 10, 2020 - 9:55 am

Great post! And thanks for sharing your Kindle recs!

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:32 pm

Hope you liked the bargain finds – thanks for the comment! I hope you’re having a great weekend  ????

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Ar February 10, 2020 - 11:59 am

You’ve totally just reminded me to sign up for Curve! I keep forgetting to do it! I can defo vouch for the FurtureLearn courses as well, I’m doing one in online content creation at the moment and it’s great 🙂 x

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:33 pm

I’ve been pretty impressed with Curve, plus I’m a sucker for free monies! Ooo online content creation sounds interesting, I’ll have to have a browse for that one – enjoy! xx

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Kim February 11, 2020 - 4:02 am

Nice! Love the audible app at Amazon. I’ll look for the escape option… was it escape… I’d have to roll all the way back up, to your post, I’ll do it when I’m done. I can’t wait! Gotta go look, you know I love Frugal Friday’s!!!

I sent you a few emails. ????

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:34 pm

Escape won’t be everyone’s cuppa tea but it sounds decent for those that like the genre(s)! Thanks for the comment lovely – I hope the weekend is treating you kindly xx

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Kirsty February 15, 2020 - 4:26 pm

I’ve done a few of those free Open University courses – in fact I’m still in the middle of one, but it’s going to have to wait till TMA time is over! Still, they’re a good way to find out about something new or to see if the topic is something you’d like to learn more about some day.

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InvisiblyMe February 15, 2020 - 4:36 pm

I wouldn’t have been able to juggle as much as you do with your actual OU course. The great think with the free courses is they can be so flexible, so there’s no rush. Hope the TMA is going smoothly! xx

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James Best February 15, 2020 - 10:43 pm

Hello Invisible Me I have Nominated you for THE BEE LOVE AWARD. This blog is already on my page. Please , if you can come check it out I would like that. Thanks xx

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InvisiblyMe February 16, 2020 - 5:00 pm

Hey James, sorry, it’s been a bad few days so I’m behind (again!) on all things blog-related. I’ve just seen that award post though – thank you for the kind nomination, and I love your description of love! x

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Eliza February 17, 2020 - 9:31 pm

What is the difference between curve and revolut?

I’m going to look at future learn. Though really I first have to finish the course I am doing…

Love, light, and glitter

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InvisiblyMe February 19, 2020 - 10:25 am

I don’t have a Revolut account but I think that’s geared a little more toward budgeting. Curve is more about combining cards into one, and giving additional benefits (like cashback, the free £5 on signing up with that link I included, no fees on withdrawals abroad etc). I imagine they both have similarities. I might have to see if Revolut has any freebie for signing up too ???? I’ve been pretty happy with Curve though, so if you’re considering then I’ve found it to be good (obviously can’t say either way with Revolut as I’ve not tried it).
How’s your course going that you’re in the middle of at the moment? Hope you’re enjoying it! xx

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InvisiblyMe February 22, 2020 - 4:27 pm

I just spotted think – such a sweet award, thank you very much for your kind nomination, Gail!  ♥ xx

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