The land of frugality is overwhelming to newcomers. And sure, some people have great success with stacking coupons with deals and "buying" things for free from drug stores. And yes, some people love sending away for tons of rebates. But I always advise people to take baby steps. Try one new technique at a time so that it becomes a lifelong habit instead of a fad you tried for awhile and failed at.

Do you love learning new things?

Cooking in bulk, or freezer cooking, is all a-buzz in the bloggy world lately. I have been doing this for some time now and can't imagine what I ever did before I started!

I really like to entertain. I really hate disposable cutlery and dishes. Styrofoam? Retched for the earth. Plastic? Horrid for your health. Paper? Flimsy and makes so much trash.

Do you believe there is someone out there that could change the rest of your life? Just one person, someone you might not have even met yet? That is what happened to Ron Hall, a wealthy art dealer from Texas. He was a success story who wanted for nothing. But he was lacking in one area...relationships. Ron had drifted further and further away from his wife over the years without evening noticing. One day his wife got it into her head that they needed to serve others together since they had so much to be thankful for themselves. Before he knew it, Ron found himself signed up to serve hot meals to the hungry every Tuesday. And that was the day they met Denver Moore, sharecropper (they still have those?) turned homeless man. An unlikely friendship ensued between the two, who were living lives that were worlds apart. In spite of their differences (socially, racially, and otherwise) the two men learn that they have undeniable similarities.

This Saturday, February 27th, Target is celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday! An ode to the author and his zany children's books will take place at various locations from 9-11 a.m. Children will hear readings of Seuss stories, enjoy free drinks and snacks, games and activities. There will even be giveaways!

Yes, I sure did do link love already this week. On Sunday, my linky love day o' choice. However, I happened upon a neat little feature that I just have to share. I have to!

Don't let the title fool you, this isn't a health food article per se. You see, in my family eating "right" means shopping for and eating what is frugal. And it changes from month to month, and sometimes even week to week.

It never ceases to amaze me what an infinite resource the internet is! Especially when it comes to saving money...

My son has been allergic to soy since birth. And then last week we got exciting news...he has outgrown it! To celebrate we are digging out some old family recipes that call for soy (and most of them do, as my heritage is Filipino). The one I will share today is called Chicken Adobo and it is so simple, yet so delicious! The key is to marinate the meat as long as possible. Overnight is best, but if you just don't have the time then do it at least an hour before you start cooking. It makes all the difference!

One of the best ways to stock up on presents for the kiddo parties you attend all year long is to use manufacturer coupons. Yes, I said manufacturer coupons for TOYS. Where do you find them? Head straight to the source, of course!

I love learning new things. I love free stuff. So this offer just knocks my socks off because it pairs 2 of my very favorites!

I learned about Swagbucks from Money Saving Mom. All you do is register (it's free) and use their search engine for all your internet searching. Certain searches can win you some Swagbucks, in demoninations of 1-5, 10, 20, 50, or 100. Swagbucks can be traded in for gift cards to great places.

Since joining I have earned over $500 in gift cards! As a frugal gal I had to give up my guilty pleasure of overpriced java, but with free gifts I can indulge at Starbucks. I also like to redeem my 'bucks for Amazon gift cards to score cheap books. Whoo-hoo!

Click here to sign up today. And once you join up you can refer friends and earn even more Swagbucks. How great is that?

What would it be like if you could have a place to meet up with your friends and enjoy a hot, steaming cup of coffee and eat some breakfast (that did not include Fruit Loops, and no, you did not have to make it)?

Happy Valentine's Day! I love clothes. I love accessories. I love thrift stores. I love blogs.

Our gift closet is filled to the gills with plenty of presents just waiting to be given. Since I have a little boy, though, most of the kiddie things are for boys. Every now and then he DOES get invited to a girl's birthday party and then I have to think outside the box. This month we have an an unprecedented 2 girly parties to attend! What to do when you need a present and you are coming up empty-handed at home?
Today my son and I will go to the mall. Yes, you read correctly. A frugalista is headed to the mall. But don't think I am throwing in the towel and leaving my frugal ways! No way! I am a smart shopper, whether at the Goodwill or at the mall. I take advantage of every store's special offer programs. Thanks to that our first stop will be the Build-A-Bear Workshop. A long time ago I signed up for the Stuff fur Stuff program. Every time you spend a cumulative $100 you get a $10 gift certificate. Now I don't shop here regularly, but I am a fan of their store and their well-made stuffies that are asthma-friendly. Slowly, slowly, slowly our purchases have added up and now we can use our prize to buy one for a friend. We also got a $5 off coupon from one of the magazines I subscribe to for free. Nice gift for a lucky little girl. My wallet will never open!
Next stop will be J.C.Penney. I am on their mailing list. Several times a year they try to woo infrequent shoppers like myself into stores with a $10 off of $10 coupon. Score for present #2! I have no idea what it will be, but you can bet it will cost $0 for me!

Thirteen Frugal Things to Do on a Snow Day Have good ole fashioned fun and do some puzzles. We are always sure to stock up on new jigsaw puzzles at Christmastime. There is no time more perfect for gathering around the table and working together on something as a family. Is there a storm on the way to your neck of the woods? Get thee to a dollar store and fill up your basket! If you are looking for some independent activities to pass the day away, try printable mazes and puzzles. There are some great ones you can print our FREE of charge on sites like Print Activities, Krazy Dad, Sudoku Collection, and Internet Family Fun. You'll never throw money away again when once you see these massive collections of games and puzzles! Too blustery outside to make a snowman in your yard? Try these not-so-frosty friends. Build a fort in your very own living room! Gather up all the spare blankets and pillows you can find. Grab some clothespins and get going. Once inside read stories and drink warm cocoa. Get crafty. Check out these sites for inspiration for winter crafts for kids: DLTK, Kaboose, and Enchanted Learning. Okay. So your kids will NOT stop nagging you about playing in the snow. Bundle yourself up and dash out the door armed with a big bowl or other container. Fill up your sink with snow! Give 'em some measuring cups and the like and sit back and watch as your kids play in the snow without facing the frigid temps outside. Have a bubble bonanza! Draw a nice warm bubble bath for your kiddo. Cover the walls of the shower with shaving cream and let them fingerpaint the day away (cleans well, too!). And don't forget to whip out all your bubble blowing paraphernalia. I know my son has been begging me all winter to blow bubbles. Finally, his wish is my command! Snowball fight! Yes, I know. I said these would be indoor activities. And they are. Gather up all the cotton balls or pom-poms you can find and let them have at it. Or.................introduce your kids to a whole new kind of fight. The Q-tip fight! Arm everyone with a drinking straw (not the bendy kind) and an "artillery" of Q-tips. Insert them into one end of the straw and blow. See who can blow them the farthest! Or see who can get the most hits. Ice skate, sans ice. And sans skates. Give each child 2 pieces of wax paper slightly larger than their feet. Hit the carpet and get skating. This could be even more fun if you added some music and went all freeze dance on them. Just try freezing and staying still on "skates". Tired of winter anything? Forget the wintry weather and create a tropical getaway in your house. Turn up the heat and bring out the summer clothes! Whip up some tropical inspired beverages and snacks. Fill a plastic baby pool or shallow rubbermaid bin (think under the bed bins) with something sand-like. Try corn meal, rice, or oatmeal. Add some toy trucks and cooking spoons for "shovels". Stream some Beach Boys over your computer. Finally do that family project you've been meaning to do. Make that scrapbook or family tree you've always wanted! Use the 'net and call some distant relatives. Start your search at Ancestry.com When in doubt, bake! Find some kid-friendly recipes online at Family Fun or The Virtual Vine. Or simply whip up a batch of cookies or cupcakes and let the kiddos decorate 'til they drop!

It's getting better around here, little by little.

What do you love to do on snow days? I'm not one for playing out in the snow, and being shut up inside this house leaves me staring at the walls. And the accents. And the furniture.

Spend some time creating memories with your family this weekend!