Free Comic Book Day - May 1

Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.



Click HERE to locate a participating store near you!


Looking for "kid-friendly' comics? Click HERE.



Why not subscribe to my blog posts so you don't miss a single frugal living deal or steal? Have you stopped by my other frugal living venues? Stop by Richmond Frugal Family Examiner and Associated Content.

Track your lost WalMart Receipt

It's important to keep all receipts at least 30 days after purchases. I have a huge catalog size envelope where I just toss them. (I'd like to say I organize them by store, but I cannot tell a lie:-)

Now I have a backup plan for all my WalMart purchases (paid with a credit/debit card) You can call the WalMart Electronics Payment Hotline at 479.277.2643 and they will look up your receipt and then fax it to you.

I read this great tip at High Class Living on a Middle Class Budget

New coupons.com coupons loaded!

Coupons.com has new coupons! The coupons available to you will be determined by the zip code you enter and the offers you have already printed.

*NEW* Ace Braces & Supports, $2.00/1
*NEW* Ace Elastic Bandages, $1.00/1
Alaska Seafood, $1.00/1
*NEW* Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $1.00/1
Bayer Heart Advantage, $1.50/1
Betty Crocker Mix & Frosting, $0.50/2
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, $0.50/2
Betty Crocker Warm Delights, $0.50/1
Birds Eye Voila, $1.00/1
Big G Cereals, $1.00/2
Big G Cereals Honey Nut Cheerios $0.55/1
Big G Cereals Lucky Charms, $0.55/1
Big G Cereals Wheaties Fuel, $0.75/1
Boulder Canyon, $1.00/1
Bridgford, $0.55/1
Broadway Nails, $2.00/1
Campho-Phenique, $1.00/1
*NEW* CeraVe product, $2.00/1
Caribou Coffee, $1.00/1
Cesar Treats, $1.00/1
*NEW* Challenge Dairy, $0.55/1
Citracal, $1.00/1
Claritin $3.00/1
*NEW* Children's Claritin, $3.00/1
Claritin- D, $3.00/1
Cottonelle tubs or refills, $0.50/1
Cottonelle Toliet Paper, $0.50/1
Dannon Dan-o-nino, $1.00/1
Digiorno Deep Dish, $1.00/1
*NEW* Dove Ultimate or Clinical Protection, $2.00/1
*NEW* Dreyer's Dibs, $1.00/1
Enfamil Enfagrow, $5.00/1
Ester-C, $2.00/1
Flippo Berio, $1.00/1
*NEW* Francisco International, $0.75/1
*NEW* Fruit Chillers, $1.00/1
*NEW* Genesis Today Superfruit Juice, $1.00/1
*NEW* Genesis Today Superfruit Pudding, $0.50/1
*NEW* Glade Relaxing Moments Products, $2.00/3
Hamburger Helper, $0.75/3
*NEW* Heinz 57 Sauce, $2.00/1
*NEW* Heinz Relish, $0.50/1
Heinz Vinegar, $1.00/1
*NEW* Heinz Worchestershire Sauce, $0.75/1
Hillshire Farm Hearty Slices Lunchmeat, $0.55/1
Hormel Natural Choice, $0.55/1
*NEW* Jerky Treats, $1.00/1
Lactaid, $1.00/1
*NEW* Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce, $2.00/1
LiceMD, $1.00/1
Lighthouse, $1.00/2
Method Laundry Detergent, $1.00/1
Milk-Bone Essentials, $1.00/1
Milk-Bone Essentials Plus, $2.00/1
Miranel, $5.00/1
Morton Salt, $0.55/1
*NEW* Nature Source, $0.55/1
Nature's Bounty, $2.00/1
Neo-Synephrine, $1.00/1
Nestle Pure Life Purified Water, $1.00/2
*NEW* Natural Ultramix, $5.00/1
Newman's Own Product, $0.50/1
*NEW* Newman's Own Thin & Crispy Pizza, $1.00/1
New York Style Deli Snack, $1.00/1
Opti-Free, $1.00/1
*NEW* Organyc, $1.00/1
Phillips Product, $1.00/1
Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads, $0.40/2
Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough, $1.00/2
Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookies, $1.00/2
Pillsbury Savorings, $1.00/2
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands, $0.75/2
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, $0.55/2
Prevacid, $4.00/1
Purely Decadent, $1.00/1
Renu, $1.00/1
Right Guard Total Defense 5, $1.00/1
Schiff MegaRed, $2.00/1
*NEW* Scott Naturals Tissue, $1.00/1
*NEW* Scott Naturals Paper Towels, $1.00/1
*NEW* Scott Naturals Flushables Wipes, $0.50/1
Similasan Allergy Eye Drops, $2.00/1
Slo-Niacin, $2.00/1
Snausages, $1.00/1
So Delicious, $2.00/1
*NEW* Spot Shot, $1.00/1
Starbucks Ice Cream, $1.00/1
Stove Top, $1.00/1
Sun-Rype FruitSource B1G1 Free
Sun-Rype FruitSource Mini Bites, save $1.50
Sun-Rype Fruit Strip, B1G1 Free
Sun-Rype Squiggles, B1G1 Free
SunSilk, $1.00/1
Swanson Broth, $1.00/2
Swanson Stock, $0.75/1
TGIF Snacks, $1.50/1
*NEW* Viva Towels, $0.50/1
Welch's Juice, $1.00/1
Whole Body Cleanse, $5.00/1
Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner $1.00/1
Yoplait Go-Gurt or Kids Cups, $0.40/1
Yoplait Go-Gurt or Trix, $0.80/2
Yoplait Yogurt, $0.55/1
Zaditor, $2.00/1

Store Coupons:

Chuck E Cheese, save $30.00
*NEW* LensCrafters 30% off
Olan Mills Free Portrait Package
*NEW* Pep Boys save $10 on your $50 purchase
*NEW* Pep Boys save $10 on your $100 purchase
*NEW* Petco Organix or Natural Ultramix, $4.00/1
*NEW* Petco Organix or Natural Ultramix, B3G1 Free
*NEW* ProFlowers, 15% off
Rack Room Shoes, $10 off of $60
*NEW* Sears Optical, 2/$149.99
Sears Portrait Studio Free Portrait Collage + 25% Off
Sherwin-Williams Paints and Stains save 25%
Sherwin-Williams Plastic Drop Cloth B1G1 Free
Sherwin-Williams Plastic Roller Covers, $4.00/3 pack

Extras:

*NEW* Pearle Vision B1G1 eyeglasses
People Magazine, $1.00/1
Time Magazine, $1.00/1
Woman's Day, $0.50/1

Digital Magazines

Betty Crocker Easy Family Recipes
Bisquick Newsletter
Dinner Made Easy Casserole Magazine
Pillsbury Digital Recipe Magazine

DVD's/Blu-ray's

A Walk in the Clouds DVD, $2.00/1
In Her Shoes DVD, $2.00/1
Little Miss Sunshine DVD, $2.00/1
Rising Arizona DVD, $2.00/1
Some Like It Hot, $2.00/1
Susan Sarandon Star Collection DVD, $2.00/1
The Devil Wears Prada DVD, $2.00/1
The Family Stone DVD, $2.00/1
The Graduate DVD, $2.00/1
Under The Same Moon, $2.00/1

Free movies all summer long at Regal Cinemas!

Regal Cinemas offers their FREE Family Film Festival again this summer!

This promotion will run from 6/15/10-8/11/10 and selected G and PG movies will be FREE every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 AM during this time.

Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theater capacity.

Here are a few of the movies that will be playing this summer:

Charlotte's Web (G)
Astro Boy (PG)
Wallace and Gromit (G)
Night At The Museum II (PG)
Space Chimps (G)
Hotel For Dogs (PG)

To view a complete list of movies that are playing for FREE, read more here. Click HERE to locate a Regal Cinema near you!

I did this years ago when my children were young and I babysat children in my home--we had a blast!

Do you have a Regal Rewards Card? Join Regal Crown Club and earn rewards for going to the movies. Free movies, popcorn, soft drinks and more! Enter to win a trip for two to the Daytona 500!

Purchase a large fountain beverage, swipe your Regal Crown Club card and be entered to win! (If you don't have a Regal Crown Club card yet, click HERE for the rules to enter by mail.

Get a Free Red Gold Tote Bag!

To Receive a FREE Red Gold Tote Bag:

1. Register for the Red Gold online e-newsletter, Tomato Country.

2. Purchase at least one can of Red Gold Brand tomatoes.

3. After registering, enter the 12 digit UPC barcode on the back of the label and the 14 digit product code found on the top or bottom of your can.

OFFER VALID: April 19, 2010 to May 7, 2010 or while supplies last

Limit 1 Tote Bag per Household Address

Offer valid where Red Gold Brand Products are sold (see Rules, Terms & Conditions).

2 free Black and Decker LightsOut auto switches from ToysR Us and BabiesRUs

Receive 2 free Black and Decker LightsOut auto switches from ToysR Us and BabiesRUs when you purchase $45 worth of participating Proctor and Gamble products in one transaction at ToysRUs or BabiesRUs stores.

When you enter a room, the lights can turn on for you– as well as turning off when they leave. The Lights Out AutoSwitch covers any standard light switch-no wiring required-and integrates a simple motion sensor that turns lights on when needed.

Participating products include:
Always
Bounty
Charmin
Crest
Dreft
Duracell
Oral-B
Pampers
Tide

To receive your free Light Out Auto Switches, complete THIS original form, . include your receipt, dated between 4/18/10 and 5/1/10 and follow the directions for mailing.

Free Tote Bag from Kellogg's PLUS Enter to win a Ford Fiesta!

Get a free cloth tote bag from Kellogg's:

• Send in the completed Official Order Form
• 2 UPCs from any Kellogg’s® cereals (10 oz. or larger)
• $1.75 check or money order for each item ordered

Make payable to KELLOGG’S™ REUSABLE BAG OFFER

Click HERE to enter to win a 2011 Ford Fiesta!

$75 off any HP computer 4/21 - 4/24 at Staples!

$75 OFF

ANY HP computer.*
Limited time only!

Click HERE to redeem your $75 off coupon!

*Offer valid 4/21/10–4/24/10. Valid in Staples U.S. stores, by phone at 1-800-333-3330 or online at staples.com. Offer valid on all HP computers and laptops priced $359 and above. Offer excludes netbooks and item no. 848836, clearance products and Compaq brand items. Limit one per customer, nontransferable. May not be combined with any other coupon. Coupon must be surrendered. No copies/facsimiles. No cash/credit back. Not valid on prior purchases. Coupon value does not include tax.

New Cellfire coupons released--load 'em up!

Cellfire has a new list of over $20 worth of eCoupons to add to your grocery card here. Here are just two of the great coupons available:

Save $.50 when you buy TWO any variety Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables.





Save $.75 when you buy THREE any flavor Hamburger Helper®, Tuna Helper® OR Chicken Helper® Home Cooked Skillet Meals.




Lea Ann at Mommy's Wish List suggests: Print out your list of saved coupons right from Cellfire, so you have it handy to match to your weekly grocery sales ad.

New to eCoupons? Go here to read Lea Ann's comprehensive post on what they are, how they work, and where you can use 'em. It's so easy, my husband even redeemed 2 cell-fire coupons at Kroger last week with our Kroger card!

Thanks, Lea Ann for helping us all save time and money!

Eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day the frugal way!

Eating healthfully doesn't have to be expensive! I found these great tips and techniques to make it easier to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day. Not only are they quick and easy -- the don't cost extra!

These are offered by Laura Bofinger, Staff Writer for Sparkpeople.com.

• Add fruit to your cereal, oatmeal, waffles or pancakes at breakfast.
• Create your own yogurt flavors with plain yogurt and different combination of fresh fruit.
• Snack on raw vegetables or fruits instead of chips or pretzels. Keep sugar snap peas, raisins or carrot sticks in your car, your office or your backpack.
• Use chunky salsa instead of thick, creamy snack dips.
• Drink 100% juice instead of coffee, tea, or soda.
• Add frozen veggies to any pasta dish. It's an easy way to get in another serving of the good stuff.
• Keep fruits and vegetables in line of sight. Grapes, oranges, bananas, and apples make a colorful bowl arrangement on the table. If you see them, you will eat them.
• Dried fruit is just as portable as potato chips -- and less messy. It tastes especially good when added to basic trail mix.
• When cooking vegetables, makes 2-3 times more than you need and immediately store the extra away for tomorrow. It'll save you time later on.
• Add your own beans and vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, peppers, cabbage) to canned and quick-serve soups.
• If you must have pizza, load on extra veggies and pineapple instead of fatty meats and extra cheese.
• Try berries, melons or dates for a naturally sweet dessert rather than the usual candy bar, cookie, or ice cream sandwich.
• Frozen fruit and veggies are nearly as healthy as the fresh stuff, and only take minutes to prepare.
• Combine fruit with your main meal courses. Raisins, apples and tangerine slices add sweet, crunchy variety to a salad. Apples complement pork, pineapple is great with fish, and orange slices are perfect with chicken.

Besides being packed full of nutrients, fruits and vegetables can also be quite filling. They may even ward off any empty calorie snacking that might follow! Don’t be discouraged by the recommended 5 servings a day. The guide below shows that one serving is less than what you might think.

One serving equals:
1 medium piece of fruit
1/2 cup fruit (raw, canned, or frozen)
1/2 cup cooked vegetables (canned or frozen)
1 cup raw vegetables
1/4 cup dried fruit
4-6 oz. of 100% juice (serving size depends on the type of juice)
1/2 cup cooked peas or beans

Frugal Finds: $30 worth of coupons in the mail and kids eat free at iHop!

Click HERE to sign up to receive a free booklet, with over $30 worth of Proctor & Gamble product coupons from Home Made Simple. (The booklet can take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.)


Reminder: through April 30, you can get one free kid's meal for every adult meal purchased at iHop from 4:00pm to 10:pm every day. Kids must order from the "Just for Kids" menu and drinks not included unless otherwise specified on the kid's menu. Dine-in only, and at participating restaurants only. More details here.

Find your nearest iHop here.

What's your latest frugal find?

Free tote bag at Target - April 18 only

To kick off Earth week, Target stores are giving away 1.5 million reusable bags with any purchase on Sunday, April 18, 2010. Quantities are limited and there is a limit of one bag per customer.

Get more info about how to get a $5 gift card with purchase at Target HERE

Click HERE to enter the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sweepstakes!

Want to find out how you'll be rewarded for recycling? Click HERE and scroll down the screen to see how you can earn 5 cents for every cloth bag you use at checkout, trade in your old electronics for a Target gift card and more.

Frugal find: Free Coffee on tax day @ Starbucks!? I'm so there!

Here is a fun freebie that I just caught wind of from Marcy at Stretching a Buck:

Stop by your local Starbucks on Thursday, 4/15/10 and receive a FREE Starbucks Brewed Coffee if you bring in a reusable travel mug. Get more info here.

For a comprehensive list of Tax Day Freebies, check out my post at Examiner.com. You can eat and drink coffee, and even get copies of your tax forms for FREE all day long!

$5 Target Gift Cards deals

GIFT CARD DEALS

Get a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy any 5 Participating Kellogg’s Products:

Kellogg’s Special K Cereal and Snacks – $2.39/ea
Use $1/1 or $2/2 Special K Granola here
Use $1/1 Special K Granola or Fruit Crisps here
Use $0.75/1 Kellogg’s Fruit Crisps 10 ct+ 2/21/2010 RP Insert (exp 4/18/2010)
Use $1/1 Kellogg’s Special K Crackers 8 oz, Any Flavor (exp 5/3/2010)
Use $2/2 Kellogg’s Cereals 3/28/2010 RP Insert (exp 5/9/2010)

Get a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Starter Kit:

Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Starter Kit – $12.99/ea
Use $5/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Starter Kit 3/21/2010 SS Insert (exp 5/16/2010)
* Get $5 back via rebate when you buy 3 participating products

Get a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy any 2 participating Fusion manual or Venus Embrace Razors or Cartridges:

Gillette Fusion Manual Razor – $6.99/ea
Use $4/1 Fusion Razor 4/4/2010 P&G Insert (exp 4/30/2010)

Venus Embrace Razor – $6.99/ea
Use $2/1 Venus Razors 3/7/2010 P&G Insert (exp 4/30/2010)
Use $2/1 Disposable Razors any 4/4/2010 P&G Insert (exp 4/30/2010)

Get a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy any 2 participating Huggies, Scott, Viva, or Cottonelle product:

Huggies Big Pack Diapers (Snug & Dry, Overnites, Little Snugglers, Little Movers, Pure & Natural) or Pull Ups – $19.99/ea
Use $3/1 Huggies Diapers, any
Use $3/1 Huggies Diapers, any (FF) or $3/1 Huggies Diapers, any (IE)
Use $1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 3/21/2010 SS Insert (exp 4/17/2010)
Use $2/1 Huggies Diapers 3/21/2010 SS Insert (exp 4/17/2010)
Use $1.50/1 Huggies PullUps Jumbo pk+ 2/28/2010 SS Insert (exp 4/25/2010)
Use $2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants
Check out Target's other weekly deals at Stretching A Buck.

New Batch of Kellogg's coupons! Plus $5 Target Gift Card

Kellogg’s has released a new batch of printable coupons!

The following coupons are available at RedPlum:

• $1.50/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats, All Bran or Raisin Bran (11.4 oz or larger)
• $1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats (14.5 oz or larger)
• $1/3 Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and/or Frosted Flakes (10 oz or larger)
• $1/2 All Bran, Crispix, Rice Krispies, Smart Start, Raisin Bran, and/or Corn Flakes (11.4 oz)

And these are available on the Kellogg’s website:

• $1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats (14.5 oz or larger)
• $1/3 Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and/or Frosted Flakes (10 oz or larger)
• $1/2 All Bran, Crispix, Rice Krispies, Smart Start, Raisin Bran, and/or Corn Flakes (11.4 oz)
• $1/1 Kellogg’s Smart Start (14.7 oz or larger)
• $1/1 Special K Low Fat Granola, Raisin Bran Extra!, or Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites (14 oz or larger)
• $2/2 Special K Low Fat Granola, Raisin Bran Extra!, or Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites (14 oz or larger)
  
  

Why not match these up with the Special K Cereal and Snacks on sale at Target this week and score a $5 Target Gift Card in the process!TARGET GIFT CARD DEALS

Get a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy any 5 Participating Kellogg’s Products:

Kellogg’s Special K Cereal and Snacks – $2.39/ea
Use $1/1 or $2/2 Special K Granola here
Use $1/1 Special K Granola or Fruit Crisps here
Use $0.75/1 Kellogg’s Fruit Crisps 10 ct+ 2/21/2010 RP Insert (exp 4/18/2010)
Use $1/1 Kellogg’s Special K Crackers 8 oz, Any Flavor (exp 5/3/2010)
Use $2/2 Kellogg’s Cereals 3/28/2010 RP Insert (exp 5/9/2010)
Final Price = $1.39-1.64/ea; It’s like getting this for $0.39-0.64/ea with gift card

Frugal Finds: Big Savings Round Up!

Save 25% off during World Market's 25% Friends and Family Event, April 8-11. Click HERE for the coupon. Offer valid through-4/11/10. Discount valid on current selling price. Hurry on this one!

Receive a $25 coupon booklet for ConAgra Foods Products when you purchase $10 in participating ConAgra products! This offer is valid for items purchased between 3/10-5/30/10 and is available while supplies last.

Participating brands include:

• Crunch ‘n Munch
• Snack Pack
• Chef Boyardee
• Kid Cuisine
• Egg Beaters
• Fleischmann’s
• Reddi-wip
• Parkay
• Wesson
• Banquet
• Hunt’s
• Manwich
• PAM
• Peter Pan

Get more info and print your rebate form here.

Get a $10 Rewards Card by rebate when you purchase $20 in Swiffer Refills. The rewards card is accepted at over 100,000 retailers toward the merchandise of your choice. This offer is valid on purchases made between 4/1/10-6/30/10 and must be postmarked by 7/30/10.

Get more info and print your rebate form here.

New coupons available to print at coupons.com

Coupons.com has new coupons! The coupons available to you will be determined by the zip code you enter and the offers you have already printed.

Here are just a few of the coupons available:
Ball Park Angus Product, $0.75/1
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, $0.50/2
Betty Crocker Potatoes, $0.40/1
Betty Crocker Warm Delights, $0.50/1

Big G Cereals Wheaties Fuel, $0.75/1
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, $0.50/2
Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, $0.50/1
Hamburger Helper, $0.75/3
*NEW* Hills Science Diet Cat Food, $5.00/1
Hillshire Farm Hearty Slices Lunchmeat, $0.55/1
Huggies Diapers, $3.00/1
*NEW* Morton Salt, $0.55/1
Nestle Pure Life Purified Water, $1.00/2
New York Style Deli Snack, $1.00/1
Nivea Body Wash for Women, $2.00/1
*NEW* Osteo Bi-Flex, $5.00/1
Phillips Product, $1.00/1
Pillsbury Grands, $0.30/2
Uncle Ben's $1.00/2
Whole Body Cleanse, $5.00/1
Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner $1.00/1
Yoplait Yogurt Cups, $0.50/6
Yoplait Yogurt, $0.55/1
Yoplait Fiber One Multipacks, $1.00/1
*NEW* Zaditor, $2.00/1

Store Coupons:

*NEW* Jc Penney Optical, 2 pairs of eyeglasses $88
Pearle Vision Eyeglasses B1G1 Free
ProFlowers, 15% off

Extras:

*NEW* LeapFrog Leapster Learning Game, $5.00/1
LeapFrog Tag Reading System, $5.00/1
*NEW* Real Simple Magazine, $1.00/1
*NEW* Sears Portrait Studio, 20% off
*NEW* Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts DVD, $2.00/1
*NEW* Flicka DVD, $2.00/1
*NEW* Igor Blu-ray, $5.00/1
Legally Blondes DVD, $2.00/1
*NEW* The Black Stallion DVD, $2.00/1
*NEW* The Pebble and the Penguin DVD, $2.00/1

Revisiting My Pantry-frugal baking and cooking

This weekend I really got in a groove! The warm, sunny weather surely helped lift my mood. My new dishwasher didn't hurt either! Actually, it was new a year ago when we bought it (a friend had it for about 6 months and offered to sell it to us when they remodeled their kitchen). Between 2 hospital stays for my husband, 1 hospital stay, move to nursing home, then to assisted living facility of my mother-in-law, there was really no time to do home repairs or maintenance.

So, we are really enjoying our new, quiet, efficient, pretty dishwasher. That has probably also contributed to my desire to cook and bake more--and more often as well!

This weekend after I made a loaf of pumpkin nut bread, I also made 3 individual sized mozzarella meat loaves (used the French's onions and Cheeze-it cracker crumbs in the meat loaf). I also made a small "family sized" meatloaf that will probably serve as lunches for a couple of days (I love a meatloaf sandwich!)

Then I whipped up a batch of pumpkin muffins (24), a sausage/egg casserole that will serve as dinner tonight (and probably breakfast tomorrow). I had 2 lbs. of sausage so I sliced up the other pound and cooked up patties. I hard boiled some eggs and used up the rest of the dozen in the muffins, meatloaf(s) and finally, in a batch of brownies.

I'm not sharing all this to brag about what a great home-maker I am! For over a year my son as gone at trade school and my husband worked evenings so I really got out of the habit of cooking and baking. Then when my son came home, I was back at work full-time and my husband continued to work (different job) evenings, so we just grabbed whatever we felt like for dinner.

Now that we're all three on a similar work schedule, it's fun to cook and bake again! It's also much more frugal. Over the past couple of years we did a lot of "grab and go" at fast food and even quick, but not necessarily healthy foods at home. Now we're back on track for a more frugal food budget and eating more healthfully again.

I'm sharing all this to show that even those who don't have a lot of time to cook and bake from scratch, you can fit it in with a little planning. Start slowly - one or two items a week, making double batches of whatever you fix and ad more and more each week. Before long, you'll have 1/2 a week planned, cooked and baked in a couple of hours.

I'll be sharing a list of my favorite cookbooks and bulk cooking/baking recipes in the weeks to come, so stay tuned!

Coupon for B1G1 scoop of ice cream at Brusters!

Head to Bruster's Real Ice Cream and get a free scoop of ice cream with this coupon when you purchase a single or double cone or cup. Coupon is good thru April 30. Thanks, Crystal.

In addition to that you can sign up for Bruster's Sweet Rewards club. (And they asked for my birthday on this form, so you know what that means!) Not only that, seniors over 60 get cones for .25¢ every day!

Find your closest Bruster's here. They are located in AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WV.

Thanks for this yummy information form Lea Ann at Mommy's Wishlist!

Spring Cleaning My Pantry cont'd

I posted a couple of weeks ago that I was "spring cleaning" my pantry. I also talked about how I was going to use up some of the items -- to save money as well as clear out space.

This week I did, indeed, make a double batch of Chicken Enchilada Casserole (using previously hidden cream of mushroom soup, crumbled up tortilla chips). I froze a batch for later consumption. It was a hit as we had not had it in quite a long time. I'm going to make a double batch of macaroni and cheese tomorrow. My husband made a big batch of spaghetti and I even made he and my son a huge pan of Rice Krispy treats.

This evening I made pumpkin bread (using pumpkin that was frozen last fall and flour and chopped nuts formerly hidden in the pantry).

The weather has been so nice today I'm yearning to get my vegetables planted.

We have a winner!

Priscilla is the lucky winner of the tote bags! I'll be mailing these out to her on Monday! Stop by and congratulate her at Mom Stays Home With Me.


My 'Frugal Friday' post is up at Christian Life Coaching for Women. This week I wrote about living an extravagant life. Yes, you read correctly: extravagant!

Click HERE to see what I said.

Wow! What a lot of great coupons!

The makers of ARM & HAMMER® is introducing their first-ever line of gel detergents:ARM & HAMMER® Power Gel, designed to target stains – and get them out the first time.

Click HERE to print coupons. (I had to register with name and email address to get to the coupon page.)

Here are a few printable coupons and eCoupons you can use this week:

• $0.55/1 Sargento Cheese Snacks

• $0.75/1 Jell-o Gelatin Cups

• $1.50/4 ConAgra Brand Products (Peter Pan, Chef Boyardee, Healthy Choice + more) (Thanks, Give me Neither!)

• $1/2 Ortega Products

• B2G1 Free Skinny Cow Cups here (IE) or here (FF) (Thanks, Penny Pinchin Mom!)

• Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta coupons

• $1/1 Eight O’Clock Coffee

• Various Reynolds Wrap coupons

• $1/1 Snausages Dog Snacks

• NEW eCoupons at Cellfire.com (Kroger & Safeway family of stores)
  

Are you having trouble printing internet coupons? Marcy at Stretching A Buck has some great information to help! Read more here. Are you new to couponing and aren’t sure where to start? Check out Marcy's All About Couponing Series