Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010 | Posted by
Your Frugal Friend, Niki |
Use the code: WOW and get 90% off gift certificates. That means a $25 gift certificate will cost you $1. A buck. One clam. A one-spot.
These gift certificates make great presents for birthdays and holidays. I even buy them for myself, so I can save on dinners out with the family or date nights for me and hubby.
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Have you ever bought your kiddos those Lunchables or other brand lunch kits? They are a tad overpriced for this frugal mom, plus they are high in preservatives and sodium. And on a personal note, there always seems to be at least one item I need to remove because my kiddo is allergic to dairy.
But it seems like all the kids love them and bring them in a lot!
The solution?
The snacky lunch. I bought some of those plastic sectioned containers to use. Then I got my imagination going. I put the fixin's for a yummy lunch the kiddo can assemble as he eats in the container. Crackers, cheese (soy in his case), and pepperoni. All-natural luncheon meats cut into circles with a biscuit cutter and crackers. Homemade chicken nuggets with honey mustard.
Add in some baby carrots, celery sticks, raisins, applesauce cups, jello cups, and the like and you have a kid-friendly lunch that you can be happy with too. Using wholesome ingredients YOU make or buy and packaging it yourself is a win-win.
Would you like more points for Pampers Gifts to Grow?
- PUNTOSPARAMI123 (10 points)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Yesterday's tip got me thinking...if regular old cinnamon can help some plain old coffee out during brew time, what would happen if I sprinkled the coffee grounds with pumpkin pie spice? And THEN added in some pumpkin spice creamer? (Aldi is featuring it as their limited edition flavor, super-cheap!)
The answer?
It.
Is.
Fabulous.
Like Thanksgiving in a cup!
Goodbye, overpriced coffee shops. I can make my favorite fall weakness at home now. It was nice knowin' ya!
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
When you are cooking up delicious fall baked goods, what do you do with all those apple cores and peels? Throw them in the trash? I thought so!
Stop pitching them in the trash and get a good use out of them before chuckin' them. Toss them in a saucepan with some water and a cinnamon stick or two and simmer on low. Frugal fall potpourri!
Monday, September 27, 2010
I don't remember who told me to do this, but a few years back I started sprinkling ground cinnamon over the top of my coffee grounds before hitting the brew button. And it turns some ordinary old cup of joe into an aromatic and delicious mug of java.
Try it out! Who doesn't already have cinnamon up in their cabinets somewhere? Just a simple little thing perks up the plainest and cheapest coffee.
Breakfasts
*Vanilla yogurt with mixed berry granola
*Scrambled eggs, bacon, whole wheat toast with all-fruit spread
*Graham crackers with peanut butter, banana, milk
Lunches
*Tuna salad on whole wheat, pickles, fresh fruit
*Snacky lunch (crackers, cheese, pepperoni), olives, fresh fruit
*Chicken salad on whole wheat, lettuce/tomato, fresh fruit
*Soup and crackers, fresh fruit
Dinners
*Family night (pizza and a movie at home)
*Daddy sandwich night
*Spaghetti with meat sauce, side salad (Batch Cooking)
*Soft tacos, refried beans, chips and salsa
*Fried eggs and corned beef hash, rye toast with all-fruit spread
*Chicken nuggets and oven fries, corn, carrots & dip
*Dinner out
*Daddy sandwich night
Hungry for more recipes?
Head on over to Organizing Junkie!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
I am known to my friends and family as a frugalista. I love coupons, bargain-hunting in the clearance racks, shopping at thrift stores and scouring yard sales on the weekend. Dollar stores are my home away from home.
But one frugal practice I have never, ever done is make a budget.
Are you shocked?
My hubby and I have decided to try it on for size and have been shopping around for some good budgeting software (he is such a tekkie!) We settled on YNAB, which stands for You Need a Budget. They have a FREE 7 day trial and if you want to purchase the software for your home computer it costs $59.95. They have online help and even classes to help you fully understand how it works.
Many reviews we found online tout it as one of the easiest budget software programs out there. And it is designed to help you assign a"job" to every dollar you make. Then month to month, it makes suggestions on how to manage your money based on how you have spent it in the past.
I will keep you posted on how it works out for us.
Free 2 Be Frugal is now back on Twitter (with a new account!) Follow along for special offers, freebies, and more.
Cold and flu season is upon us!
Keep an eagle eye on ads for your local drugstores and start stocking up on the classic meds your family uses when the going gets tough (or runny, or stuffy..) Here's a glimpse at what I like to have on hand ('cause there's nothing worse than having to run out in the middle of the night and paying regular price for meds and whatnot):
- Fever-reducer, like ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) in a liquid form for the kiddo and capsule for us parents
- Serious headache meds, like Excedrin
- Robitussin, because if you're sick eventually you'll need an expectorant for all that phlegm
- Nighttime cold meds for grownups, like Nyquil ('cause if all else fails to make you feel better you can take this stuff and pass out LOL)
- boxes and boxes of tissues
- Gatorade (gotta get those electrolytes back up for vomiters)
- cough drops, I like them sugar-free
- tea bags, honey, a bottle of lemon juice (a must for sore throats)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Did you know that only a couple of times a year national parks go fee-free? Tomorrow is one of them! In honor of Public Lands Day all national parks have no entrance fee. Click here to find one to visit near you.
Have you tried Swagbucks yet?
What are you waiting for?
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 $700 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/free books. And with Restaurant.com gift certs I earn, I can take my family out to dinner on the cheap!
Click here to sign up today. And once you join up you can refer friends and earn even more Swagbucks. How great is that?
Now I can tell him, yes, they DO make coupons for toys!
If you plan on starting your Christmas shopping soon or maybe have a birthday gift to pick up, check out these toy coupons for Hasbro goodies over at PlaySaver.com
Smithsonian Magazine offers a ticket for 2 each fall to a participating museum.This year's event is set for September 25th, so mark your calendars and print your ticket.
Click here to find a museum near you! There are lots of neat places to check out for free besides the infamous Smithsonian in Washington D.C.!
Did you know that some stores with pharmacies offer reduced price generic drug programs? (I know, I know..two days in a row with the drug talk. But I cannot believe I never talked about saving money on medicines! And cold and flu season are a-comin'!)
- Target has a listing of $4 generics
- Walmart had a listing, too
- Walgreens has a Prescription Savings Club that helps you save on generics
- And people without prescription plans can benefit from the CVS Health Savings Pass
This post is linked to Frugal Friday.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Would you like more points for Pampers Gifts to Grow?
- 1FORMEGTGSEPT23 (10 points)
Get your own personal referral link today and start earning 10 points for every new member! Plus every new member gets 50 points when signing up for Pampers Gifts to Grow. After you login you need to go toSpecial Promotions and click on “Share Pampers Village today!” to get your referral link and start earning points for all those new sign-ups!
Take advantage of prescription transfer deals at stores! Many places offer gift cards to use for another purchase if you transfer your script from one pharmacy to another. They are all eager to get you to use their pharmacy. Learn and earn! Keep an ear out for when these stores are offering promotions for transferring:
- Target (usually $10 gift card)
- Rite Aid (can be $10 or $25 gift card, depending on time of year)
- CVS (typically $25 gift card)
- Kmart (typically $25 gift card)
Sometimes these stores will even let you transfer multiple scripts during a promo (i.e. maybe up to 2 or up to 4) which means your gift cards multiply too! Of course, some exclusions apply so always be sure to read the fine print and know if your health insurance is taken at the store you transfer to.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
As a member of MomSelect I was recently given the option to test out 2 products designed to cleanse and relieve the sinuses. As a sufferer of chronic sinusitis, I jumped at the chance! I have already tried the Neti Pot from Neil Med, but wasn't too impressed.
MomSelect sent me 2 different products from the Waterpik SinuSense line to try out. The first I tried was the Neti Bottle.
The Waterpik Neti Bottle is supposed to be similar to the traditional Neti Pot, but it has an ergonomic shape. No teapot, no handle. Just an interesting shaped bottle. Here are my thoughts:
- I was definitely excited to see that they made one without the whole handle. The shape of the traditional pot (think teapot) was very awkward to hold, all the while tipping your head at various angles to get the solution to pour through your nostrils.
- The idea behind the Flow-Control Valve is a good one. I'm just not sure I am coordinated enough to make it work. I was so busy concentrating on breathing with my mouth open, tipping my head correctly (downward, but not too far down) that I usually forget to work with the valve.
- The solution is much gentler than that from Neil Med. No burning! I like that.
- Overall I think this Neti Bottle beats out the Neti Pot, but I am excited to try the Squeeze Bottle. I have high hopes for it!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of my review, the Waterpik SinuSense Squeeze Bottle.
Today is the first day of fall. Officially, anyway. We won't discuss how hot it was outside today.
On the first day of fall I always make homemade apple sauce. Is there anything more fall than that? I cook it with my preschool class and I make it at home, too. The recipe is super-easy and simple. And frugal.
What more can you ask for?
Easy Peasy Applesauce
INGREDIENTS
- apples, any variety (I suggest a mix, but that's just me)
- water
- cinnamon
- that's it, seriously..no sugar!
DIRECTIONS
Peel apples. Cut them into wedges. I like to use my apple wedger/corer. Cut each wedge into smaller bite size pieces. Put them all into a pot and add water until it just covers the apples. Bring to a boil like you would if you were cooking potatoes. Let boil until apples soften. Use a slotted spoon to drain most of the water out of your apples and spoon them into a sturdy bowl. Use a handheld potato masher (or clean meat tenderizer thingy) to mash the apples up. Add a few shakes of cinnamon.
I love mind country style, which is fairly chunky. But if your kids like it soupier, add some extra apple-cooking water from the pot and toss it in the blender or food processor to puree it down more.
Your whole house will smell like autumn goodness!
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
Would you like more points for Pampers Gifts to Grow? It is an awesome program where you punch in codes you find on packages of Pampers products and earn points to redeem for gifts. Plus there are always plenty of codes floating around online that you can use to build up your points without buying a thing! Free 2 Be Frugal posts them regularly right here; subscribe to the blog and never miss another one.
Try entering this code today: PAMPERSTWITTER5
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Do your kids love to craft? Mine does! I am also a cub scout den leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a preschool teacher. But I don't spend a ton of money at the craft store. No siree! When I have to come up with a craft I always check DLTK's Crafts for Kids site first. It lists craft projects by type of materials needed, many of which are things you can recycle and reuse from around the house.
Monday, September 20, 2010
So with the kiddos just back to school you might not be ready for it, but Halloween - it's a'coming!
Store aisles are already littered with the spooky stuff. It's hard not to get all caught up in the moment, standing there amongst all the pumpkins and witches and ghosts...not to mention all the candy! But it can easily cost you a small fortune to outfit the kiddos for Halloween. Let me suggest Family Dollar. This year I was determined not to overspend (do we really need to buy a $40 costume and add on those costly but coveted accessories?) This year I have been talking up the classic Halloween costumes and got my 5 year old settled on the idea of being a skeleton. Family Dollar came to the rescue with its $6 skeleton jumpsuit costume. Add a skeleton mask and gloves for a buck each from my neighborhood dollar store and I had a whole ensemble at less than ten dollars!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
If you are thinking of adding a new member to your family (a furry one, that is) how about trying an animal shelter, rescue, animal welfare center, or Petsmart? Yes, they do charge an adoption fee but the fee beats "free to a good home" anytime.
Why?
The animals you adopt at those places will already be spayed/neutered, given their first round of shots, and many times be micro-chipped. So paying to adopt a furry friend will save you money in the long run.
![[DisneyMovie+Rewards.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pskVz_lpJ8w/S565wh5xBFI/AAAAAAAADIg/KmkkuKCpWzQ/s1600/DisneyMovie%2BRewards.jpg)
W7KY65NH3B
New to this program? Click here for past bonus codes shared right here at Free 2 Be Frugal and get started on racking up some points!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Do you want to check out some thrift shops in your area, but don't know where they are? Try using MapMuse. Search your area and start shopping!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Are you or someone in your family an avid reader? Then you have gotta find a paperback trader. I started frequenting them about 10 years ago and I cannot imagine a better way to score new books to read. Here's how they typically work:
- You take in a stack of books you are done with to trade in. The shop I've been using lately gives me a store credit of 25% of the suggested retail price of each book.
- Then you shop around and pick books you want to read. Using your store credit you buy the books as 50% off the retail value.
- You do usually pay a handling fee of 25 or 50 cents for each book, depending on the store.
- TIP: To get more store credit, pick up paperback books from people on Craigslist and Freecycle to trade in!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Stress. Everyone has it sometimes. And many of us try to buy our way out of it. Some people shop to feel better, some people eat to feel better. Some people even sign up for classes or coaches to help them get rid of the stress. Here are a few completely FREE proven ways to reduce stress.
- Take some deep breaths.
- Go take a walk.
- Pray.
- Read.
- Be sure to get you alone-time each and every day.
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Next time you need to call information, remember THIS number so you can look up that number for free:
1-800-GOOG-411
This awesome free service is brought to you by Google.
Home remedies are definitely a great way to save money! Why run to the doctor every single time a little common illness grabs hold of someone in your family?
As a kid my doctor told my mom to put me on the BRATT diet any time I (or anyone in the family) came down with tummy troubles, i.e. diarrhea. What does that stand for? Simple ingredients from the grocery store:
B - bananas
R - rice
A - applesauce
T - tea
T - toast
This combination of bland foods has a binding effect and puts the belly at ease. No copay, no overpriced meds. And chances are you probably have at least half of them at home already!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Ready to print out some of those digital photos taking up space on your computer? Be sure you head over to Free Photo Prints first to see if there are any free print offers. And don't be afraid to try a new service. Most places have free print deals available for first-time customers.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Would you like more points for Pampers Gifts to Grow? It is an awesome program where you punch in codes you find on packages of Pampers products and earn points to redeem for gifts. Plus there are always plenty of codes floating around online that you can use to build up your points without buying a thing! Free 2 Be Frugal posts them regularly right here; subscribe to the blog and never miss another one.
Try entering this code today: GIFTS2GROWBONUS (20 points)
Why do you shop at the grocery store that you currently do? Because your mother always shopped there? Because it is closest?
If you really want to see which store is best, do this little exercise. Make a quick list of what you buy in a typical week. Now pare it down to the top ten essentials or must-have products. Visit 3 stores in your area (a well-known supermarket chain, a local mom and pop grocer, and a superstore like Walmart or Target maybe). Now take a notepad with you and jot down the regular price on those items on your list. Compare. Who is the best?
This post is linked to Frugal Friday.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Have you heard about Disney Movie Rewards? If you have littles, you have to sign up for this! Anytime you buy a video you will receive a code to enter online. Let those points rack up and trade them in for prizes your kiddos will love.
You can also get FREE codes by subscribing to their e-newsletter and becoming a fan on Facebook. For all the latest codes check right here at Free 2 Be Frugal. I frequently find new ones courtesy of my readers, as well as Freebies4Mom blogger Heather.
And on your birthday you'll get 100 points FREE!
You can also earn 20 points for each friend you refer to Disney movie Rewards (up to 200 points)!
Not the menu planning type? Not everyone is. And that's okay. I promise you that you are not doomed to being unfrugal. The alternative?
A well-stocked pantry.
Stocking up on the things your family eats regularly and the basics that build meals when they are at a good price is not terribly difficult to do. Keep an eye out for good deals on
- dried pastas, rices, and beans (canned or dried)
- veggies (canned or frozen)
- cream of _ soups, tomato soup, gravies, sauce mixes or jars
- cans of pouches of tuna, salmon, and chicken
- "extras" like mushrooms, water chestnuts, french-fried onions that make great additions to casserole and stirfry dishes
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Amazon has the Kindle and B&N has Nook. There are typically thousands of free ebooks for them floating around on the 'net. Here are some free Nook books for ya!
You know how to download a free app to read those Kindle books without the device, but what about an app for those Nook books? No Nook? No problem! Click here to download the app you need to read Nook books on your iPhone, iPad, Droid, or PC.
I love me some ice cream cake! Unfortunately they are pricey. I've seen them run $20-30 a pop. Yikes! Here is a great alternative that you can make on your own.
You'll need:
-2 boxes of ice cream sandwiches
-frozen whipped dessert topping (think Cool Whip)
-dessert sauces you like (chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, butterscotch, etc.)
Super simple! Take a 13x9 pan. Make a single layer of sandwiches. Spread some whipped topping over it. Drizzle sauces over it. Make another layer of sandwiches. Cover with rest of whipped topping. Drizzle sauces again.
You might want to garnish it with candies, like peanut butter cups (my fave). Freeze it and eat it later!
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The stores are overcome with dorm goods right now. And they are pretty cheap, so don't discount shopping in those sections even though your college days may be long gone. Case in point...
Last week I was at Walmart shopping for an inexpensive desk lamp. You know, those gooseneck ones? Ours finally bit the dust after 8 years of use. I found one on the lamp aisle that I deemed sufficient for $10 and put it in my cart. But as I drifted a few aisles over I saw a display of the same kind of lamps in the dorm section, Yes, there were some pretty garish shades like hot pink, neon green, and the like. But I managed to find a black one which suited me just fine and it was only $6! They were the very same brand and type. Just in two different sections of the store, at two different prices.
So if you are needing sheets, towels, mirrors, organizing stuff, etc. check out the dorm sections of stores and see if you find anything that suits your fancy. You just might save a few bucks!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Working on a room re-do? Before you head over to one of those big home improvement stores check out your local ReStore. What are they? ReStore is a chain of outlets stores run by Habitat for Humanity that sells surplus building materials, furniture, home accessories and such at a fraction of the price you'd find them anywhere else.
Would you like more points for Pampers Gifts to Grow? It is an awesome program where you punch in codes you find on packages of Pampers products and earn points to redeem for gifts. Plus there are always plenty of codes floating around online that you can use to build up your points without buying a thing! Free 2 Be Frugal posts them regularly right here; subscribe to the blog and never miss another one.
Try entering this code today: LaborDayFB92010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Do you scrapbook? Do you avoid starting to scrapbooking because you fear all the costs for supplies? Here are a few of my favorite places to get supplies on the cheap!
- Target's Dollar Spot usually puts out a couple of themes of scrappin' supplies each season and you can pick up packs of printed papers, ribbon, stickers, chipboard decorations, etc. for a buck a piece!
- Also at Target, the scrapbooking aisle now has a value section with items that are just 99 cents, $1.50, and $1.99.
- Dollar Tree has their own line of scrappin' stuff called Miss Elizabeth.
- Closeout stores like Big Lots and Christmas Tree Shop often have scrapbooks, kits, and other goodies at a great low price. I recently bought some nice books their for $3.99 a piece. A steal!
Friday, September 3, 2010
The first weekend of each month marks a momentous occasion---Museums On Us! This awesome program is a way Bank of America gives back to the community and its customers. Simply flash a Bank of America credit or debit card and get in to participating museums free of charge.
On their site you can even sign up to get a text or email reminder when the weekends are coming up, but you can also be sure hear to about it hear at Free 2 Be Frugal!
I am such a stickler for this rule of thumb for shopping that even my 5 year old can recite it: mommy never pays full price! Our family doesn't buy anything unless it is on sale, marked down, or a closeout item at a discount store. My dear old mom taught me this one from a young age and it has stuck with me through thick and thin.
Time again for one of my favorite weekly memes, Frugal Friday, over at Life as Mom. The weekly question? How do YOU do to save money?
We used to be one of those eat out all the time couples. Then we started a family and money was tighter and we slacked off a bit on all that dining out. But when I started making some money I again I confess we started it up again (although in a much thriftier way). But it is a bad habit, all in all.
We have been working on battling the habit once again this summer. One thing we have done fairly successfully is replace the dining out for meals with cheaper outings. Now we enjoy a much simpler way of feeling like we are treating ourselves...a special snack to take with us on an outing or out for dessert. A trip to the soft pretzel store (yes, we live just outside the city and will be Philly pretzel fans forever) and off to explore a new park. Or pack up the dog and take a ride to try a new ice cream stand. These things cost only a few dollars for the outing and are still so pleasurable for us.
Being frugal doesn't have to mean giving up everything you like to do. Sometimes you just have to be creative and change things up a bit. And I'll bet you will even find some enjoyment when you simplify things.
Would you like more points for Pampers Gifts to Grow? It is an awesome program where you punch in codes you find on packages of Pampers products and earn points to redeem for gifts. Plus there are always plenty of codes floating around online that you can use to build up your points without buying a thing! Free 2 Be Frugal posts them regularly right here; subscribe to the blog and never miss another one.
Try entering this code today: SepFacebook2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
I was dismayed to find that all of the grocery stores in my area were giving Pillsbury's Reduced Sugar cake mixes and frostings the boot. I guess they weren't selling too well, but our family eats those mixes on a somewhat regular basis because
- I am diabetic and a good low-sugar dessert is hard to find
- my son is allergic to dairy and a good dairy-free cake mix is hard to find
Wondering if anyone was ever going to sell my beloved cake mixes again I wrote to Smuckers (owners of Pillsbury) and found out that they have a catalog that you can request for free and order all their products in bulk. Turns out I can order a case of any 12 cake mixes I choose for $32. Looking for a product you love? Get your catalog today!
Here's a tip that is an oldie, but a goodie. When you go to the store, take cash and cash only. Sure you can head to the store with your list you swear you'll stick to. But when you have other means to pay for the little extras that are calling out to you, you will need to REALLY REALLY examine that extra purchase before you put it in the cart if there is a way to pay for it. If you have only a certain amount of cold, hard cash it makes your shopping trip much less open-ended.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Would you like more points for Pampers Gifts to Grow? It is an awesome program where you punch in codes you find on packages of Pampers products and earn points to redeem for gifts. Plus there are always plenty of codes floating around online that you can use to build up your points without buying a thing! Free 2 Be Frugal posts them regularly right here; subscribe to the blog and never miss another one.
Try entering this code today: HangOn2Summer20
Need more convincing to shop there? Save-A-Lot has their very own printable coupons available on their web site. Print them and watch your grocery bill drop.
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