Don't Forget . . .

. . . my Yoplait Greek Yogurt giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight.  Enter now for a chance to win a neat gift pack and free yogurt!

We're headed out tomorrow morning to stay overnight with family for my cousin's First Communion.  I can't wait - I know I'll have a great time as soon as I get us all out of the house!

Hope you all have a wonderful spring weekend!

Bread Machine Sandwich Bread

The time has come to share my recipe for bread machine whole wheat sandwich bread!  I'm proud of this because I actually developed this recipe myself, using two different recipes as a base and with a lot of trial and error.  As you may know, I bake almost all of our bread from scratch; I only buy it if I can get it for pennies on the dollar.   This required having an easy bread recipe that I could make weekly or even more often for sandwiches and toast.

I developed it because I was having trouble finding a recipe that fit all my criteria, which are:
1) mostly whole wheat
2) soft and a little sweet, rather than incredibly dense like some whole wheat breads
3) risen high enough to be a good size for sandwiches
4) using regular ingredients, not making me have to purchse anything exotic or expensive

Here's the recipe I developed:
1-1/8 c. warm water
1 T. white vinegar
1 egg
1-1/2 T. oil
3 T. brown sugar
1 c. bread flour
2-1/3 c. whole wheat flour
1 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
1-1/2 t. yeast
Put everything in the bread machine in the order listed or in the order recommended by the manufacturer.  Set the machine to "dough" cycle.  When the cycle is finished, remove dough to a greased loaf pan and let rise (covered) in a cold oven for 45 minutes.  Remove cover from pan, leaving pan in oven, and set oven to 350 degrees.  Bake for about 30 minutes, including preheating time.  Let cool for a couple of minutes; remove from pan.

As you can see, there are a few unconventional steps or ingredients in the recipe.  The vinegar and egg help the bread to rise, despite the predominance of whole wheat flour.  I also found that leaving the bread in the oven while it preheats (violating every baking rule) prevented the bread from flattening when I moved it around after rising.

The bread is really delicious, especially on the first day it's made, although I often freeze some slices.  The one aspect I'm still working on is that it can be a bit crumbly, making it not as good for holding together a hearty sandwich.  I'm always open to suggestions for improvement!

Check out Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom and Mrs. Moneysaver.

Where I'm Shopping This Week: Stock-Up Deals!!!

It's the last few days of the month, and I'm pretty much right at the end of my $315 budget for April.  I probably could have made it these last few days without buying anything, but once again I let myself start on May just a few days early, considering all the awesome stock-up deals that are going on this week.

First of all, I've made two trips to Giant for the another amazing General Mills deal, which runs through Thursday.  Basically, if you buy 6 General Mills cereals (they're almost included) at regular price, you get $10 off instantly at checkout and you get two coupons for two free gallons of milk!!!

My first trip, going for the cereals with the best coupons, all of which doubled, made the cereal better than free after taking into account the milk coupons!

My second trip made all 6 boxes about $1.00 total after the milk coupons. 

 The coupons are worded "$4.50 off a gallon of milk" and some people are reporting getting a full $4.50 off their order with the coupon, even if the milk was less.  However, at my store, the coupons didn't scan and the manager manually entered the price of the milk.  That was okay with me - it is such a generous deal anyway!  (You can get all the coupon links and matchups over at Mrs. Moneysaver.)

Today I also couldn't resist stopping my Harris Teeter for the first day of triple coupons.  There weren't a ton of amazing free deals, but there some good solid deals on items that I regularly use.  I ended up paying $23.19 for all this; before coupons and sales it would have been $94.68.

I didn't make it to HT until about 12:30 today, and my store gets lots of ardent couponers.  So I was thrilled to find that they still had plenty of the Starbucks ice cream, which was just $.25 after coupon!  Maybe not the most useful deal, but definitely my favorite!

Harris Teeter triples runs through next Tuesday, and I got my coupon matchups from Southern Savers.

Are you planning or have you scored any great deals this week?

Review and Giveaway: Wonder Hanger

I jumped at the chance to review today's giveaway product: the Wonder Hanger.  My husband and I share a very small, non-walk-in closet, so I'm always looking for something that will maximize space. 

The Wonder Hanger® is an affordable tool that's great for any Spring Cleaning features. This cascading clothes organizer increases closet space by enabling you to stack clothes vertically. Each Wonder Hanger holds 5 wood, metal or plastic hangers. There are 8 hangers to a package – enough to hang 40 garments. The open-mouth design allows you to easily add or remove your jackets, skirts, pants and shirts. Supporting up to 20 pounds, it can hold up to 5 heavy winter jackets.

You can use it to group complete outfits or similar items, organize by color or season, and hang handbags or belts. It retails for $9.99 and can be purchased at major retail chains including Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and CVS and online at http://www.buywonderhanger.com/.

First of all, I liked that 8 hangers came in a package.  One specialty hanger, like my husband's multi-pants hanger, is nice, but 8 is enough to make a significant difference in the closet.  Here you can see one side of our closet before and after the addition of the Wonder Hangers:

You do need some room in your closet to initially hang the items on the hanger, otherwise they can get kind of tangled and wrinkled.  If your closet is very crowded, I would recommend taking some items out and then carefully rehanging everything on the Wonder Hangers.  The hangers definitely do save some horizontal space, and they are strong and easy to use. The regular hangers seem to stay on the notches well, instead of slipping off, like I thought they might.

However, the hangers are not a perfect solution.  For one thing, you could theoretically hang five times the number of garments in your closet using them, but that would still be five times the weight.  Our closet bar is already bowing, and I don't want to add too much weight.  Also, you have to have the vertical space to use them.  If you have anything  a huge stack in the bottom of your closet, your clothes are going to be dragging.  Even without items on the bottom of the closet, these would probably be better for shirts or pants than for dresses or long skirts.

Overall, I think this product is a good idea, although not perfect, and it could be very useful in the right setting.

One lucky Frugally Blonde reader can win a 8-pack of Wonder Hangers!  To enter, please leave a comment on this post telling me where you would use your Wonder Hangers.  (You must do this to enter.)  For extra entries, you may do any or all of the following, for a maximum of 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

1) Follow Frugally Blonde by rss feed.
2) Follow Frugally Blonde by email
3) Follow Frugally Blonde on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. (Leave a link to your tweet.)
4) Blog about this giveaway. (Leave a link to your post.)

The contest ends on Saturday, May 8, at midnight. The contest is open to residents of the US only, and the winner must provide a valid mailing address (no PO boxes).  I will choose the winner randomly and notify him or her by email, and he or she will have 72 hours to respond.  Good luck!

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product for review and giveaway prize were provided by Wonder Hanger.  The opinions are my own.

Giveaways Galore!

Just a reminder to remember to enter my giveaway for a great Yoplait Greek Yogurt Gift Pack.  I'm sure you've seen the coupons and have been interested in trying this new product - why not get a chance to try it for free and get some extra goodies as well?!  Hurry, this giveaway ends on Saturday.

Also, just a heads up that I'll be posting two more review & giveaways this week, one tomorrow and one Friday!  Stay tuned!

Wegmans Deals: 04/25-05/01

New Deals:

Ocean Mist Artichokes - $.50

General Mills Fiber One Bars - $2.50
Use $.40/1 printable coupons here, here, here, and here (doubled)
Final Price: $1.70
Yoplait Kids Yogurt - $1.99 (through 05/27)
Use $.40/1 printable coupons here, here, here, and here or $.35/1 from 3/21 & 4/18 inserts (doubled)
Final Price: $1.19-$1.29

Hot or Lean Pockets (9-10.8 oz.) - $1.69
Buy 3 and use $1.00/3 coupon from 04/25 RP insert
Final Price: $1.36 each

Wegmans Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Club Pack - 5 lbs. or more) - $1.99/lb.

Wegmans 90% Lean Fresh Ground Beef (Club Pack - 6 lbs. or more) - $1.99/lb.

Vive Pro Shampoo or Condioner (13 fl. oz.) - $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/21 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99

Degree Anti-persperant & Deoderant (Men's and Women's, selected)- $.99 (Limit 2)
Use $.50/1 Degree Anitpersperant, deoderant, or body mist from 04/25 RP insert (doubled)
Final Price: FREE
Shop with your reusable bag during April, and get a different coupon each week.  (You may need to ask for it.) The past weeks' coupons have been for $1.00 off organic meat, $1.00 off a greeting card purchase of $1.99 or more, and $1.00 off fresh seafood.


Ongoing Deals:

Produce -
Wegmans US #1 3 lb. Bagged Apples - $2.97
Wegmans US #1 Russet Idaho Potatoes (5 lb. bag) - $1.99

Non-perishables -
Honey Bunches of Oats - $2.00 (through 05/22)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 3/14 SS insert
Final Price: $1.49 each
Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix (18.3-19.9oz.) or Cake Mix - $.99
Nabisco Club Crackers - $1.99
Wegmans Canned Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz can) Cream Style Corn, Whole Kernel Corn, French Style Green Beans, or Cut Green Beans - $.39
Del Monte Canned Corn, Green Beans, or Peas - $.79 (through 05/08)
Buy 8 and use $1.00/8 coupon from 3/21 RP insert
Final Price: $.66 each
Bush's Baked or Grillin Beans (22-28 oz.) - $1.50
Buy 2 Grillin Beans and use $1.00/2 coupon from 04/18 SS insert
Final Price: $1.00 each
Goya Dried Beans (16 oz.) - $.99 (through 09/11)
Folger's Classic Roasted Coffee (10.3-11.3 oz., Excludes Decaf or Simply Smooth) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Folger's product from 02/21 insert
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Chunk Light Yellowfin Tuna (6 oz. in water) - $.69 (through 06/26)
Keebler Vienna Fingers, Pecan Sandies, or Rainbow Chips Deluxe Cookies - $1.99
Buy 2 Sandies and use $2.00/2 peelie coupon on package
Final Price: $.99 each
Wegmans W Pop - $.69
Doritos Nacho Chips (12 oz.) - $1.99

Refrigerated -
Stonyfield Farms Yogurt - $.60
Buy 3 and use $.50/3 printable coupon (doubled)
Final Price: $.27 each
Dannon Activia - $1.99 (through 05/01)
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/28 or 03/28 SS inserts
Final Price: $.99
DanActive - $1.99 (through 05/08)
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/28 or 03/28 SS inserts
Final Price: $.99
Tribe Hummus - $1.99
Use $.55/1 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.44
Ball Park Franks (1 lb.) - $1.50
Buy 2 and use $.75/2 coupon from 03/14 RP insert
Final Price: $1.18 each

Frozen -
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel (10-11.5 oz.) - $1.99
Use $.35/1 coupon from 01/03 or 02/07 inserts (doubled) or $.55/1 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.19-$1.44
Aunt Jemima Waffles (12.3 oz.) - $1.49
Healthy Choice Select Entrees (8.5-9oz.) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from ConAgra mailer
Final Price: $1.49 each
Stouffer's Red Box Entrees (8.375-12 oz., select varieties) - $1.99
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls - $1.99
Use $.75/1 coupon from 03/07 RP insert
Final Price: $1.24

Paper/Toiletries/Cleaning -
Wegmans Facial Tissue (65-160 ct. cube or flat) – $.79
Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel (7 oz.) – $1.88
Use $.75/1 Edge shave gel from 01/10 insert or $.55/1 Skintimate from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.13-$1.33
Irish Spring Soap (2 bars) - $.88 (Limit 2)
V05 Shampoo or Conditioner - $.77
Wegmans 8 pk. Paper Towels or 12 pk. Bath Tissue – $4.99
Tom's of Maine Toothpaste (4-6 oz.) - $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon recently available to print
Final Price: $1.99
Crest Toothpaste (3.5 oz.) - $
Pampers Cruisers Jumbo or Huggies Supreme Jumbo Diapers (Pampers 16-31 ct., sizes 3-7; Huggies 20-31 ct., sizes 3-6) - $8.99
Use $3/1 Huggies printable coupon or various Huggies or Pampers coupons
Final Price: As low as $5.99

My Wegmans deals are based on the Sterling/Leesburg, VA sales ad and deals that I find in the Leesburg store.

With thanks to the coupon database at Mrs. Moneysaver for help in compiling this.

My store doubles coupons up to $.50, but Wegmans' coupon policies vary by store. Find the policy at your store here.

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

Garden Update #3

Well, April has certainly flown right by, and the seeds that I planted in early March have now had some time to mature.  The seeds that we started in the basement seem to be doing well.  They all sprouted except the jalepenos that we had harvested from last year's plants.  That's not too big a deal, since I still had some purchased jalepenos seeds as well, which did come up.  All the other seeds, whether new, saved from last year, or harvested last year, germinated.

On the left here are our little cantaloupes; on the right are heirloom cherry tomatoes

The seeds in the basement do seem to me to be growing rather slowly.  They're still rather small almost two months after planting.  However, that might just be my impatience talking!  I'm assuming they'll speed up once they get outside.

I found conflicting information online about the exact last frost date for my area, so I'm playing it safe and waiting until about the second week of May.  I did plant some spinach outside this Saturday, which I actually meant to plant weeks ago.  (Spinach can be planted in the early spring.)  Oh well, this is fast-growing baby spinach, so I'm hoping to mostly harvest it before the other plants that I plant in between the rows need the space.

Also, we should have salads of the mesclun greens and radishes that I did plant in early March any day now!

How is your spring gardening or garden prep going?

Menu Planning Monday

We're going away this weekend, so I only have 5 days worth of meals to plan this week!  I'm really hoping that it stops raining by this evening, so that we can grill.  I'm reviewing a product relating to grilling this week, and I want to have a chance to try it out before publishing the review on Friday! Plus, I can't wait to taste the first grilled food of the season!

I'm also going to try to get a good bit of baking done early this week.  I didn't do a "baking day" in April, and we're overdue for some variety of homemade breads!

Here's what I've planned for this week:

Breakfasts:
granola, yogurt, onion bagels and cream cheese

Lunches:
hummus & veggie sandwiches, pbj, black beans w. chips, leftovers

Dinners:
Mon - Grilling - chicken & kielbasa - with corn and potatoes
Tues - Leftover grilled food
Wed - Pasta salad with grilled chicken
Thurs - Homemade pizza w. Italian sausage, salad
Fri - Frozen pierogis, salad
Sat - Overnight trip to Pennsylvania for my cousin's First Communion
Sun - ditto

Baking List:
- sandwich bread
- onion bagels
- hot dog/hamburger rolls

Check out Menu Planning Monday at Org Junkie.

Top CVS Deals: 4/25-5/1

Thanks to Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living for the best deals at CVS each week.  See her complete list here.

 

Softsoap or Irish Spring Body Wash 15-18 oz. $2.99 (get $2 ECBs) Limit 2
$.75 off Softsoap printable
$1 Irish Spring CVS Reinventing Beauty Magazine ($.99 at CVS)
$1 Softsoap Body CVS Reinventing Beauty Magazine ($.99 at CVS)
= FREE – $.24 each

 

Biore, Curel, John Frieda or Jergen’s Products including Jergen’s Natural Glow $8, John Frieda Collection Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler $6.49 Jergen’s Moisturizer, Curel Lotion, Biore Cleansers or Pore Strips $6 (get $5 ECBs wyb $15) Limit 1
$1 Jergen’s SS 4/11
FREE Biore Cleanser wyb Strips SS 3/7
= varies
Deal Idea: Buy two cleansers and two strips. Pay $1.75 each for all four products.

 

Crest 3D or Oral-B 3D White Vivid – 4oz or Oral B 3D White Advantage Toothbrush $2.99 (get $1 ECBs back) Limit 2
$2 Advantage Toothbrush P&G 4/4
B1G1 Advantage Toothbrush P&G 3/7
= $1.01 MONEYMAKER after ECBs wyb 2 (combine B1G1 coupon and $2 coupon)

 

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Jumbo Size $8.49 Limit 1
$1.50 P&G 4/04
$2 RP 3/14
$3 CVS Coupon printable (sometimes CVS pdf coupons have been pulled so print quick)
$3 CVS Coupon May Parents Magazine
= $3.49 – $3.99 (combine SC and MFR)

Fig Newton Cookies $1
$1 printable
= FREE (Thanks, This Frugal Life)

Wheat Thins $1
$1 printable
= FREE

There are a few good deals again this week.  I'll definitely go for the Pampers deal, since I have a subscription to Parents and have the $3 CVS coupon.   I'm trying to stock up on small size diapers for the new baby, since I'm planning to use disposables  at first.  There are also several quite cheap deals on various Nivea, Eucerine, Biore, and Jergens skincare products, if you need those.  See Ashley's complete list for full details.

Annual Earth Day "Frugal Green" Post

Last year I first published a list of "green" practices that both preserve the earth and save you money.  I think these types of habits are important to remember.  Too often we think of being environmentally responsible as being pressured to buy expensive products that are marketed as "green."  However, in reality, most often the the types of things that are best for the earth are also best for our pocketbooks, like things that reduce waste and recycle old items.

So for the second year in a row, here is my list of green and frugal ideas, updated and expanded.  Feel free to add your own in the comments section

Turning off lights and unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use

Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs

Using rechargeable batteries

Keeping the heat and air conditioning a little lower and using clothing and other methods to stay comfortable

Carpooling or walking or biking to your destination

Growing your own organic produce

Avoiding wasting food by using up leftovers and cooking with what you have

Composting your food scraps

Using reusable grocery bags

Reusing plastic grocery bags - e.g. as trash bags for small trashcans

Buying used items - clothes, baby equipment, furniture, etc.

Buying energy-efficient appliances when you have to replace what you have

Breastfeeding

Using cloth diapers

Using resuable food containers and water bottles instead of disposable wraps and bottles

Avoiding paper plates and napkins and using regular dishes and cloth napkins

Cooking and baking from scratch (saves on packaging and energy to produce prepared products and eliminates additives from your food)

What are other "green" practices that also save money?

Best Bloom Deals: 4/21-4/27

Thanks to Sarah at A Bookworm's Bargains for sharing the best Bloom deals with us each week.  See her complete list here.


Bloom Reusable Bag - $0.75

Meat
Pork Sirloin Chops - $1.79/lb
93% Lean Ground Beef - $2.79/lb

Produce
Cantaloupes - $1.50 ea
Russet Potatoes (5 lb bag) - $1.50

Grocery
Campbell's Soup (10.75 oz), Chicken Noodle or Tomato - $0.50

Keebler Chips Deluxe (12.5-18 oz), select varieties - B1G1
Final Price: $1.84/1

Kellogg's Bite Size Mini Wheats (14.5-18 oz), select varieties - $2.50
Use $1.00/2, found in 4/11 RP.
Final Price: $2.00/1
Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn (2-4 pack), select varieties - B1G1
Use (2) $0.75/1, found in 3/28 SS.
Final Price: $0.74/1

Lender's Bagels (10.8-17.1 oz), select varieties - B1G1
Final Price: $1.00/1

Coffee-mate (16 oz), select varieties - 3/$5
Use $0.50/1, found in 2/7 RP.
Final Price: $1.16

Small Packs of Huggies Little Movers Diapers - $3.99 (clearanced)
Use $3.00/1, found here.
Final Price: $0.99
Household
Home 360 Reclosable Bags (15-25 ct), freezer or storage - B1G1
Final Price: $1.00

Toiletries
Skintimate Shaving Gel (7-10 oz), select varieties - $2.50
Use $1.50/2, found in 3/28 SS.
Final Price: $1.75/1

Angel Soft Bath Tissue (9 mega, 12 double, 24 single rolls) - $4.99
Use $0.50/1, found in 2/14 RP.
Final Price: $4.49

Review and Giveaway: Yoplait Greek Yogurt

Recently I had the opportunity to review two flavors of the new Yoplait Greek yogurt.  I had seen all the coupons for this new product, and I was anxious to try it.  I don't think I've actually ever tasted Greek yogurt before.

"With 12 grams of protein -- twice that found in leading yogurts-- new Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out. Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain, the brand´s newest offering has a unique thick and creamy texture with the unmatched taste expected of Yoplait."

I sampled the Honey Vanilla flavor, and I gave the Blueberry flavor to my husband at work.  I could immediately tell that the yogurt was thicker and creamier than regular yogurt.  It  also didn't have the water on the top that regular yogurt tends to have before you mix it.  I thought the taste was delicious.  It was significantly less sweet that a typical flavored yogurt, which I liked.  It also had a bit of a bite that is hard to explain - perhaps a bit of a sour taste, like sour cream, which was not unpleasant.  My husband didn't like his yogurt quite as much; he prefers to stick with his traditional fruit-on-the-bottom favorites.  However, he agreed that the Greek yogurt had a more "natural" taste than regular yogurt.

If you're interested in trying Yoplait Greek Yogurt right away, you can print a $.30/1 coupon here.

To celebrate its new Greek yogurt and to encourage women to nourish their inner goddess, Yoplait has teamed up with actress Izabella Miko, who plays Greek Goddess Athena in the epic adventure new Warner Bros. Pictures´ and Legendary Pictures´ film "Clash of the Titans," in theatres April 2 in 3D.

Yoplait and MyBlogSpark gave me a "Nourish Your Inner Goddess" gift pack, and they'd also like to give one to a lucky Frugally Blonde Reader!  The gift pack is spa-themed, and includes everything shown below, including two coupons for a free Yoplait Greek Yogurt.  (Note: This coupon offer for a free cup of Yoplait Greek yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Tennessee. )

To enter, please leave a comment on this post telling me which flavor of Yoplait Greek Yogurt you would most like to try.  (You must do this to enter.)  For extra entries, you may do any or all of the following, for a maximum of 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each):


1) Follow Frugally Blonde by rss feed.
2) Follow Frugally Blonde by email
3) Follow Frugally Blonde on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. (Leave a link to your tweet.)
4) Blog about this giveaway. (Leave a link to your post.)

The contest ends on Saturday, May 1, at midnight. The contest is open to residents of the US only, and the winner must provide a valid mailing address (no PO boxes).  I will notify the winner by email, and he or she will have 72 hours to respond.  Good luck!

The free yogurt and gift pack I received, as well as the giveaway prize, were provided by MyBlogSpark.  The opinions are my own.

Wegmans Deals: 4/18-4/24

New Deals:

Nabisco Club Crackers - $1.99

Spice Islands Spices - 27% off (discountinued items) 

Del Monte Canned Corn, Green Beans, or Peas - $.79 (through 05/08)
Buy 8 and use $1.00/8 coupon from 3/21 RP insert
Final Price: $.66 each

Bush's Baked & Grillin Beans (22-28 oz.) - $1.50
Buy 2 Grillin Beans and use $1.00/2 coupon from 04/18 SS insert
Final Price: $1.00 each

Goya Dried Beans (16 oz.) - $.99 (through 09/11)

Stonyfield Farms Yogurt - $.60
Buy 3 and use $.50/3 printable coupon (doubled)
Final Price: $.27 each

Dannon Activia - $1.99 (through 05/01)
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/28 or 03/28 SS inserts
Final Price: $.99

DanActive - $1.99 (through 05/08)
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/28 or 03/28 SS inserts
Final Price: $.99

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls - $1.99
Use $.75/1 coupon from 03/07 RP insert
Final Price: $1.24

Tom's of Maine Toothpaste (4-6 oz.) - $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon recently available to print
Final Price: $1.99

Crest Toothpaste (3.5 oz.) - $.69

Greeting Cards - $1.00 off 3
Deal Idea:
Buy 2 greeting cards for $.99 each and one greeting card for $1.99.  Use $1.00 coupon from last week reusable bag promotion.  Get an additional $1.00 off 3.
Final Price: $.66 each

Shop with your reusable bag during April, and get a different coupon each week.  (You may need to ask for it.) The past two weeks' coupons have been for $1.00 off organic meat and for $1.00 off a greeting card purchase of $1.99 or more.  


Ongoing Deals:

Produce -
Wegmans US #1 3 lb. Bagged Apples - $2.97
Wegmans US #1 White Potatoes (5 lb. bag) - $1.99

Non-perishables -
Honey Bunches of Oats - $2.00 (through 05/22)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 3/14 SS insert
Final Price: $1.49 each
General Mills Cereals (selected, including Honey Nut Cheerios, Trix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Cocoa Puffs) - $2.50
Use $1.00/2 or $1.00/3 coupons from recent inserts or printable
Final Price: $2.00-$2.17
Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix (18.3-19.9oz.) or Cake Mix - $.99
Wegmans Canned Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz can) Cream Style Corn, Whole Kernel Corn, French Style Green Beans, or Cut Green Beans - $.39
Simply Asia Noodle Bowls (8.5 oz.) - $1.99
Use $.50/1 Simply Asia product from 02/07 RP insert
Final price: $.99
Folger's Classic Roasted Coffee (10.3-11.3 oz., Excludes Decaf or Simply Smooth) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Folger's product from 02/21 insert
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Chunk Light Yellowfin Tuna (6 oz. in water) - $.69 (through 06/26)
Wegmans Elbows Pasta (16 oz.) - $.69 (through 04/24)
Keebler Vienna Fingers, Pecan Sandies, or Rainbow Chips Deluxe Cookies - $1.99
Buy 2 Sandies and use $2.00/2 peelie coupon on package
Final Price: $.99 each
Wegmans W Pop - $.69
Doritos Chips (12 oz.) - $1.99

Refrigerated -
Tribe Hummus - $1.99
Use $.55/1 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.44
Ball Park Franks (1 lb.) - $1.50
Buy 2 and use $.75/2 coupon from 03/14 RP insert
Final Price: $1.18 each

Frozen -
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel (10-11.5 oz.) - $1.99
Use $.35/1 coupon from 01/03 or 02/07 inserts (doubled) or $.55/1 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.19-$1.44
Aunt Jemima Waffles (12.3 oz.) - $1.49
Healthy Choice Select Entrees (8.5-9oz.) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from ConAgra mailer
Final Price: $1.49 each
Stouffer's Red Box Entrees (8.375-12 oz., select varieties) - $1.99

Paper/Toiletries/Cleaning -
Wegmans Facial Tissue (65-160 ct. cube or flat) – $.79
Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel (7 oz.) – $1.88
Use $.75/1 Edge shave gel from 01/10 insert or $.55/1 Skintimate from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.13-$1.33
Always Maxi Pads (12-24ct.) or Liners (34-50ct.) - $2.75
Use $1.00/1 coupons from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.75
Tampax Tampons (20 ct) (excludes Tampax Pearl) - $2.75
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.75
Irish Spring Soap (2 bars) - $.88 (Limit 2)
V05 Shampoo or Conditioner - $.77
Wegmans 8 pk. Paper Towels or 12 pk. Bath Tissue – $4.99
Pampers Cruisers Jumbo or Huggies Supreme Jumbo Diapers (Pampers 16-31 ct., sizes 3-7; Huggies 20-31 ct., sizes 3-6) - $8.99
Use $3/1 Huggies printable coupon or various Huggies or Pampers coupons
Final Price: As low as $5.99

My Wegmans deals are based on the Sterling/Leesburg, VA sales ad and deals that I find in the Leesburg store.

With thanks to the coupon database at Mrs. Moneysaver for help in compiling this.

My store doubles coupons up to $.50, but Wegmans' coupon policies vary by store. Find the policy at your store here.

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

Menu Planning Monday

Breakfasts:
Special K granola, yogurt, strawberry oatmeal muffins

Lunches:
Homemade pizza, scrambled eggs, leftovers, peanut butter

Dinners:
Mon - Baltimore Hash (never made last week), veggies
Tues - Italian Pasta Florentine, salad, bread
Wed - Slow-Cooked White Chili, corn chips
Thurs - Leftovers
Fri - Pierogis (got on clearance deal at Wegmans), salad
Sat - Homemade pizza
Sun - Possibly the first grilling of the season - I have kielbasa, chicken, and hamburger meat

Baking List
- sandwich bread
- Italian bread

See many more menus over at OrgJunkie.

Hello, Dolly!

Yesterday my family went to see my sister's college production of Hello, Dolly!  I love musicals, but I didn't remember thinking that much of this particular one.  However, the school did a really great job, and I have a new appreciation for the show.

There are several reflections about money in the show, but one line in particular struck me:

"Money is like manure; it's of no use unless it's spread about making young things grow."

Of course, this is a somewhat humorous line, but in a way it's profound, too.  The money we save is of no use if it's just being hoarded.  I think "making young things grow" could refer to so many things: investing, starting a small business, or, most of all, the way we use most of our money right now: taking care of young people!

Best CVS Deals: 4/18-4/24

Thanks to Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living for the highlights at CVS this week.  See her complete list of deals here.

CoverGirl Volume Exact or Lash Exact Mascara $5.99 (get $4 ECBs) Limit 1

$1 P&G 3/7
$1 P&G 4/4
B1G1 RP 4/11
= $.50 each wyb 2 (use B1G1 and $1 coupon)
Note: Part of P&G Magazine Rebate HERE
Nivea and Eucerine Products (get $5 ECBs wyb $15) Limit 1
$1 Nivea Body Wash RP 4/11
$2 Nivea Lotion RP 4/11
$2 Nivea Body Wash printable
$2 Nivea Body Wash April All You Magazine
B1G1 Body Wash May All You Magazine
B1G1 Lip Balm May All You Magazine
= varies (at least 33% off after ECBs)

Deal Idea: Buy 2 Lip Balm ($3 online) and 2 Body Men’s Body Wash ($5 online). Use the B1G1 Lip Balm coupon, B1G1 Body Wash Coupon, and $2 Body wash Coupon. Total Price is $1 after ECBs. Thanks, Charlene.
Olay Products including Olay Regenerist or Total Effects Facial Care $18.99 or Olay Regenereist Kits, Treatments or ALL Definity Facial Care $24.99 (get $10 ECBs wyb $24.99) Limit 1
$1 Moisturizer or Cleanser 3/7
$1 Moisturizer or Cleanser SS 4/18
$3 Regenerist P&G 3/7
FREE Total Effects Body Wash wyb Moisturizer
FREE Total Effects Facial Cleanser wyb Moisturizer
$20 MIR wyb $50 HERE
= Varies

Deal Idea: Buy 2 Total Effects Moisturizers, Buy 2 Total Effect Cleansers ($8 each online). Use 2 FREE Cleanser coupons, and two $1 Moisturizer coupons. Final Price is $5.98 ($1.50 each) after ECBs and MIR.
Note: Part of P&G Magazine Rebate HERE (get $12 back if you opt out of the magazine making this a $6.02 MONEYMAKER)

Thermacare Neck to Arm Heat Wrap – 1 ct $2.49 (get $2.49 ECBs) Limit 2
$1 printable
= $1 MONEYMAKER

CVS/pharmacy Green Bag Tag $99 (get $.99 ECBs) Limit 1
= FREE after ECBs – use it 4 times and get $1 ECBs…this will slowly become a MONEYMAKER

There are definitely a few good deals this week!  Also, my CVS should have their Easter items at 90% off this week, so I'm planning to stop by this evening to see if they still have anything good.

Favorite Books on Frugal Living

Today I thought I would highlight a few of  my favorite books on frugality.  I'm always looking for more tips and inspiration, so I read every book and article on frugal living, saving money, and personal finance that I can get my hands on.  Here are three of my favorites:

1) The Tightwad Gazette - I first read this about a year ago, after a frugal friend couldn't believe that I had never seen it!  (Then I wrote a complete review of it here.) It is the bible of all things frugal and is brimming with every tip you can think of.  One of the things that sets it apart is an emphasis on DIY - fixing things, foraging, recycling - rather than on buying.  Since the Tightwad Gazette newsletter, from which the book is taken, came out in the '90's, some of the information and definitely some of the prices are a little dated, but that takes away very little from the usefulness of the book.  Since the tips in the newsletter and book come from "tightwads" all around the country, there is also great variety in the types of ideas you can find.

2) Miserly Moms - I received this book from Freecycle, along with its companion, Frugal Families and loved it.  (This link is for the edition of Miserly Moms that I have, but there is also an updated edition here.)  The author, Jonni McCoy, writes about her famliy's transformation from two incomes to one, while still living well in ultra-expensive California.  Since I live within a large metropolitan area with fairly high prices, I especially appreciated that.  This book has lots of great ideas in many categories.  It's always interesting and instructive for me to see how different families handle different things; I have picked up so many tips from different people, books, and blogs that I now incorporate into our frugal lifestyle.

3) The Total Money Makeover - I finally, finally got this book from the libarary recently, after being on the waiting list forever!  So many frugal bloggers, like Crystal and Jessica rave about Dave Ramsey, and I have been dying to know what the buzz was about!  After reading the book in one day, I can now report that the buzz is true!  Yes, I am blessed to not be in a terrible financial position or drowning in debt, but I still found the book highly thought-provoking and even life-changing.  The combination of the the author's very dynamic style and the true personal stories of people who's lives have been changed really gives this book its punch.  I am still mulling it over and pondering what changes it might make in our life.  Meanwhile, I highly recommend it!

Do you have a favorite frugal living or personal finance book or other resource?

Find more great frugal tips at Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom and Mrs. Moneysaver.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to review any of these books, nor did I receive free copies.  However, I am an Amazon associate, so if you buy one of these books through my link I will earn a small commission.  My opinions are honest and my own.

Best Deals at Bloom: 4/14-4/20

Thanks to Sarah from A Bookworm's Bargains for providing us with the best deals at Bloom.  Go here for her complete list.

According to this week's circular, you can text HAPPY to 467467 for $16 worth of free products and great savings! Also, I found Huggies diapers on clearance at our local Bloom (Purcellville, VA) - jumbo packs are $7.99, and mini packs (Size 3 has 14 ct) are $3.99. I printed off several $3/1 coupons, found here and was able to pick up 4 mini packs for $4, which comes to $0.07/diaper, definitely a Stock Up Opportunity! :)


Produce
Cucumbers - $0.79/ea
Red Grapes - $0.99/lb
Cuties (3 lb bag) - $2.99

Meat
Holly Farms Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs - $1.29
Top Round London Broil - $2.49/lb

Natural & Organic
Seapoint Farms Edamame (4 oz) - $1.00

Grocery
Hunt's Ketchup (24 oz) - $1.00

Wishbone Salad Dressing (16 oz) - $2.00
Use $0.75/1, found in 3/28 RP.
Final Price: $1.25

Wisk Laundry Detergent (50 oz) - B1G1
Use (2) $1.00/1, found in 3/14 RP.
Final Price: $2.50

Nature Valley Granola Bars (7.4-8.9 oz) - $2.50
Use $0.40/1, found in 3/7 SS or here.
Final Price: $2.10

Hunt's Manwich Sauce - $1.00
Use $1.00/4, found in 3/14 SS
Final Price: $0.75

Lay's (9.5 - 12.5 oz) - 4/$10
Use $1.00/1, found 3/14 SS.
Final Price - $1.50/1

Dairy
Bloom Sour Cream (8 oz) - $0.89

Yoplait Yogurt (4-6 oz) - $10/20
Use $0.50/6 found here or $0.40/6 found in 3/21 SS.
Final Price: $0.41 - $0.43/1
Health & Beauty

Benadryl (24 ct) - $4.99
Use $5.00/2 (4/11 RP), $1.00/1 (4/11 RP), $1.00/1 (3/14 RP).
Final Price: $2.49

Brawny Paper Towels (8 rolls or 6 big rolls) - $5.99
Use $0.50/1, found in 3/14 RP.
Final Price: $5.49

Pampers Diapers Jumbo Size - $9.99
Use $1.50/1, found in 4/4 PG.
Final Price: $8.49

Making Fruit Go Farther

My girls LOVE fruit.  They could literally eat pounds of it in a day, especially if it was one of their favorites, like strawberries or pineapple.  My older daughter loves every type of berry passionately; she will even eat less sweet raspberries and blackberries.

In many ways, this is a good problem to have; I hardly want to limit their fruit consumption or replace it with something less healthy.  However, sometimes it can be hard on the budget.  There are rarely coupons or free or almost-free deals for fresh fruit, and, especially at some times of the year, it can be hard to get any fruit for a good price.  However, I have come up with a few ways to save on fruit, while still keeping it an important part of our diet.

- Buy seasonally - This is probably the number one way that I save money on fruit.  I typically buy whatever fruit is the best price each week, which usually means whatever is most in season.  This is absolutely a no-brainer to me, since seasonal fruit is almost always better quality, and buying it is better for the environment, since it is more likely to be local.  It also saves a huge amount of money.  For instance, during the summer I can sometimes get a pound of strawberries for $1.25, while off season they run something like $3.29!

- Look for discounted fruit - In my area, Harris Teeter has a rack in their produce section where they sell overripe fruit for a steep discount.  We can easily eat 3 or 4 pears from a $1.00 discount bag the same day I buy them, or else I can go home and bake something.  I have also heard that if you go to a Farmer's Market at the end of the day, you can often negotiate a discount for the farmer's surplus, though I have never tried this myself.

- Think beyond fresh - While fresh fruit is the best, and I almost always have it in the house, we also eat other forms of fruit.  Sometimes I can get great coupon deals on canned fruit; I try to keep it healthy by only buying the ones packed in fruit juice.  I also love dried fruit, and while it can be expensive as well, there are also the occasional coupon or sale deals.  For instance, when I found orange-flavored "Craisins" on clearance for 50% off in Wegmans a couple of months ago I think I bought about eight bags!  Another type of fruit to look into is frozen.  I recently discovered that Wegmans sells frozen blackberries for just $2.49 for a pound.  I don't think I've ever seen fresh blackberries for anywhere near that good a price!  Another advantage of packaged types of fruit is that they don't spoil, so you can always keep them on hand.

- Learn a few tricks - To make the fruit that we have go a bit farther, I do have a few tricks.  For instance, when buying fruit, I try to look for the smallest individual pieces.  That way, I get more apples, for instance, per pound.  (I think I read this trick in The Tightwad Gazette.)  At home, I sometimes cut up fruit in a fruit salad and mix a cheaper or less favored fruit in with one that my girls love.  That makes the strawberries last at least one extra day!  I also try to waste nothing; fruit that is deteriorating automatically goes into bread, muffins, or apple or pear sauce.

How do you save on fruit for your your family?


Check out Works for Me Wednesday for more great tips.

Photo by chachu207.

Financial "Spring Cleaning"

 

I just found this video featuring Michelle Singletary, one of my favorite financial columnists.  I don't always agree with every single thing she says, but for the most part, I can really get behind her advice.  She is very anti-debt and pro-frugality.

I love how in this video she talks about "frugality for a purpose."  That's truly what I believe in and always try to advocate here.  Frugality is not just a game or a way to hold onto money; it is a means to live the way you want to live.

Wegmans Deals: 4/11-4/17

New Deals:

Broccoli Crowns - $1.49/lb.

Honey Bunches of Oats - $2.00 (through 05/22)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 3/14 SS insert
Final Price: $1.49 each
General Mills Cereals (selected, including Honey Nut Cheerios, Trix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Cocoa Puffs) - $2.50
Use $1.00/2 or $1.00/3 coupons from recent inserts or printable
Final Price: $2.00-$2.17

Tribe Hummus - $1.99
Use $.55/1 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.44

Doritos Chips (12 oz.) - $1.99

Progresso Soups - $1.25
Buy 2 and use $.50/2 coupon from 02/21 SS insert (doubled)  (exp. 04/17)
Final Price: $.75

Wegmans Elbows Pasta (16 oz.) - $.69

Wegmans Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Club Pack - 5 lbs. or more) - $1.99/lb.

V05 Shampoo or Conditioner - $.77

Wegmans 8 pk. Paper Towels or 12 pk. Bath Tissue – $4.99

Pampers Cruisers Jumbo or Huggies Supreme Jumbo Diapers (Pampers 16-31 ct., sizes 3-7; Huggies 20-31 ct., sizes 3-6) - $8.99
Use $3/1 Huggies printable coupon or various Huggies or Pampers coupons
Final Price: As low as $5.99

Shop with your reusable bag during April, and get a different coupon each week.  Last week's coupon was for $1.00 off organic meat, good until July.

Also continue look for significant discounts on Easter decor items.

Ongoing Deals:

Produce -
Wegmans US #1 3 lb. Bagged Apples - $2.99
Wegmans US #1 White Potatoes (5 lb. bag) - $1.99
Florida Grapefruit (5 lb. bag), California Navel Oranges (4 lb. bag), or Spanish Clementines (2 lb. bag) - $2.99

Non-perishables -
Kellogg's Special K Cereal (12-14 oz.) - $2.29
Buy 3 and use $1.50/3 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.69 each
Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix (18.3-19.9oz.) or Cake Mix - $.99
Wegmans Canned Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz can) Cream Style Corn, Whole Kernel Corn, French Style Green Beans, or Cut Green Beans - $.39
Simply Asia Noodle Bowls (8.5 oz.) - $1.99
Use $.50/1 Simply Asia product from 02/07 RP insert
Final price: $.99
Folger's Classic Roasted Coffee (10.3-11.3 oz., Excludes Decaf or Simply Smooth) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Folger's product from 02/21 insert
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Chunk Light Yellowfin Tuna (6 oz. in water) - $.69
Keebler Pecan Sandies - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $2.00/2 peelie coupon on package
Final Price: $.99 each
Wegmans W Pop - $.69

Refrigerated -
Wegmans Orange Juice from Concentrate (64 fl. oz. ) - $1.49
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Danish, or Dinner Breads (8-13.9 oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/3 coupon from 02/21 insert or $.40/2 coupon from various inserts (doubled) or $.95 coupon recently available to print
Final Price: As low as $1.09 each
Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt - $1.99
Use $.50/1 Fiber One Yogurt from 01/24 insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.99

Frozen -
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel (10-11.5 oz.) - $1.99
Use $.35/1 coupon from 01/03 or 02/07 inserts (doubled) or $.55/1 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.19-$1.44
Aunt Jemima Waffles (12.3 oz.) - $1.49
Healthy Choice Select Entrees (8.5-9oz.) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from ConAgra mailer
Final Price: $1.49 each
Stouffer's Red Box Entrees (8.375-12 oz., select varieties) - $1.99

Paper/Toiletries/Cleaning -
Wegmans Facial Tissue (65-160 ct. cube or flat) – $.79
Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel (7 oz.) – $1.88
Use $.75/1 Edge shave gel from 01/10 insert or $.55/1 Skintimate from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.13-$1.33
Suave Shampoo or Conditioner (15 oz.) - $.85
Always Maxi Pads (12-24ct.) or Liners (34-50ct.) - $2.75
Use $1.00/1 coupons from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.75
Tampax Tampons (20 ct) (excludes Tampax Pearl) - $2.75
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.75
Irish Spring Soap (2 bars) - $.88 (Limit 2)

My Wegmans deals are based on the Sterling/Leesburg, VA sales ad and deals that I find in the Leesburg store.

With thanks to the coupon database at Mrs. Moneysaver for help in compiling this.

My store doubles coupons up to $.50, but Wegmans' coupon policies vary by store. Find the policy at your store here.

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

This Week's Menu

I started off this morning planning my menu at the breakfast table.  Last week, with the busyness of the holiday and the abundance of Easter leftovers, I didn't really plan my menu in advance.  It was okay until the weekend, when I started to look around and wonder what we were going to eat!  This week I'm ready to get organized again.

Breakfasts
Special K granola (Target deal this week!), oatmeal, toast, muffins or bagels

Lunches
"Beanie Weenie" (made from canned baked beans and the Little Smokies that I got on clearance last week), fried/scrambled eggs, tuna, peanut butter

Dinners
Mon - Baked Ziti (using shells), green beans
Tues - Ham and white bean soup (based on this recipe, made with Easter ham bone), bread
Wed - Baltimore Hash (with remaining ground beef from Mon.), salad
Thurs - Leftover ham and bean soup
Fri - Black bean soup w. tortilla strips, fruit salad
Sat - Church auction dinner (leaving pizza or pasta for girls and babysitter)
Sun - tba

Baking List:
- sandwich bread
- muffins or bagels for breakfast

Check out more great menus at OrgJunkie.

Best CVS Deals: 4/11-4/17

Thanks to Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living for sharing the best deals at CVS with us each week.  You can go to her complete list here.

Nescafe Tasters Choice $1
Use .75/1 HERE
Final Price: .25

Buy $15 in John Frieda, Biore, Curel or Jergens products and get a $5 ECB.
{Deal Ideas}
Buy 3 John Frieda at $5 each
Use $2.50/1 HERE (Just take the survey)
Final Price: $2.50 for 3
or
Buy 1 Biore Pore Strips at $6
Buy 1 Biore Cleanser at $6
Buy 1 John Frieda at $5
Subtotal $17
Use Buy One Get One Biore from 3/7 SS
Use $2.50/1 John Frieda
Get $5 ECB
Final Price: $4.50 for all 3!

Dial Nutriskin Body Wash $5.49
Use $1/1 HERE
Get $4.50 ECB
Final Price: Free!

There are a couple of good freebies this week, including the Dial Body Wash and the Dove Shampoo and Conditioner (see complete list of deals).  Also, my CVS should have Easter items for 75% off this week, so I plan to make a trip early in the week to check those out.

This Week's Shopping

I got some good deals at Wegmans the beginning of this week.  I found Easter candy marked 50% off, and I still had coupons that had not expired.  I also found Pillsbury Easter Ready-to-Bake cookies for $.99 and Hillshire Farms Little Smokies for $.99!  (Not sure why the Little Smokies were marked down; maybe because they were about a week away from the expiration date.)  I had a $1.00/2 coupon for each of those items, so I got two packages of cookies and two packages of sausages for $.49 each!

In total, I spent just $22.51 at Wegmans for this week's perishables and a few deals.  I'm realizing that when I think about my monthly budget overall, I need to remember to save about $20/week for our weekly "necessities" -- for us, at least milk, yogurt, and fruit.  The rest of the budget can be used to stock up on various deals, but I need to have that $20 for even the last week  of the month to get us through.

With all the Easter food we still had in the house, the Wegmans trip was all I spent on groceries this week.   That brings my total for the month to $193.63, with $121.37 remaining.  There's still three weeks remaining in the month, but, especially after all the stocking up I did at the beginning of the month, I don't think it will be too difficult to stay in budget.

See how others this week did or share your deals at Super Savings Saturday.

And Speaking of Pictures of Daffodils . . .

I love daffodils!!!  They are so bright and cheery, yet so fragile.  They just say "spring" to me!  They also happen to be the first flowers my husband ever bought me. :-)

This is a picture of my mantel decoration for Easter.  As you can see, it is very, very simple, but I think it looked festive.  I have found that a great way to extend the money you pay for fresh flowers is to spread the bouquet out in a variety of vases and then to group them over an area.  It makes a big impact for little money; this was just $6 worth of daffodils from Wegmans.

The eggs are my Pisanki, of which I was so proud that I had to continue showing them off.

I opted for fresh flowers as my main decorations this Easter, since I don't have a lot of reusable Easter or spring decorations.  Maybe I'll pick some up on clearance sales in the next few weeks, but in general, nothing can beat fresh flowers.

I am sharing this as part of the The Nester's Mantel Party.  Check it out for many beautiful, creative ideas.

Spring, Spring

My latest article for Galtime was just published: Affordable Spring Family Fun.  In it, I share a few ideas for enjoying this lovely season without spending a lot of money.  You can even make money, by cleaning out and holding a yard sale or selling on Ebay!

In addition, I thought I would share our other frugal spring plans and projects that we're working on right now.

 - Gardening - I shared some of the things that we're doing to our start our garden here and here.  One of the things I am excited about this year is that I've planted some spring crops, which should be ready to harvest in a few weeks.  This should really increase the total output of our garden, and we won't have to wait until July for fresh produce.

 - Planning summer projects - Last year, the girls and I visited my parents in North Carolina for two weeks, while Michael stayed here due to work.  He used the in-between weekend to do a home improvement project: building shelves in our basement.  We plan to do something similar again this summer, so we're working on planning a frugal but useful project.  One of the ways that we're able to do this is by having some wonderful family and friends in the area who are willing to help with projects like this, and we in turn help them. 

 - Summer treats - Our temperatures actually got up to the '90's a couple of days this week!  Luckily, I had saved the juice from some canned fruit in my fridge, so I poured it into my popsicle molds.  A few hours later, the girls were enjoying popsicles on the deck (for free)!  Another favorite warm-weather treat I am looking forward to is pasta salad.  I use whatever pasta I've gotten on sale, and any assortment of veggies.  Add some homemade or great-coupon-deal Italian dressing and a protein (chicken, tuna, white beans, cheese), and you're set for lunch or a light dinner.

 - Planning for baby - Since this is our third child, we don't need a whole lot of gear for the baby.  (Although we'll need clothes if it turns out to be a boy!!!)  However, I have several items on my need/wish list.  I plan to spend the summer looking for these items at yard sales, on Craigslist, and on sale.  By planning ahead of time, I will save hundreds of dollars over making a trip to BabysRus when the baby's born!

What are some of the things you are working on or enjoying this spring?

Check out more great frugal ideas at Frugal Fridays on Life as Mom and Mrs. Moneysaver.


Photo by moderska.