Thursday, February 28, 2013

Aldi

We got an Aldis here is Southeastern PA
So, here is my personal experience from my one and only trip so far.

The prepackage foods seems to be around the same price for the brand names, and a tad cheaper for the no names.
Apple, and Grape juices, same prices.  The OJ from concentrate $1.89  cheaper than most stores' prices.

I didn't really look at paper products

The produce looked good and had good prices
Eggs are .69 for a dozen.  More than a dollar cheaper than regular stores.
Butter is 1.89 for 16oz.  So I bought three.
No bananas at all.

Can I/Will I do my monthly shopping at Aldis.  NO
They don't have all the variety I need.
They don't take Visa/Mastercard.  (Cash or debit)
And I can do better with sales and coupons at the ShopRite.

However, produce, butter and eggs are a good deal

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Skipping a week

Try extending you grocery shopping by a week.
Or perhaps a few days the first time, then a week.

Say you spend 100.00 per week
If you can stretch a few day one month, then a few days the next month
You can save 100.00 bucks that way

Organize your pantry during this time and see what you really have.
Be creative with meals.
There is nothing wrong with baked potatoes for dinner with a side of green veggies.

Breakfast for dinner always good too.
Have a big bag of rice, use it.

Check the freezer too.
If I have left over chicken, I cut it up and freeze it, even if it a small amount.  
I freeze our leftover veggies too.
One a month, all those lefts over become soup.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Perks of Being Frugal

We have not purchased paper towels or napkins since Aug 2012. ($70.00)
I have not purchased coffee or creamer since the beginning of 2013. ($20.00)
Not to mention all the other frugal tasks I do. ($$$)
That means, we can splurge.  And when do, there is no worry or guilt.
Being FRUGAL gives me peace of mind.

Hubby had 45th birthday yesterday.
I took him to the Capital Grille.  Yep the type of place where they scrape the crumbs off the table, give you a black or white napkin depending on what you are wearing and also a lemon soaked hot towel to clean your hands.
SWANKY and the food was good.  The dessert even better.

Happy birthday Hubby. 

No worry, no guilt.  We can afford it.
PS.  I put it on my credit card that earns me cash back .

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Frugal Birthday Party

Not as much frugal as it is...old fashioned, kickin it old school.
When I was young, you had your party at home, or perhaps a picnic/park

My son wanted rock climbing.
The cheapest package was 100.00 for my son and 4 friends to climb.
No party room or food.  You could get the room for another 100.00 and that is just the room. No food or anything.

My son had a decision to make, Rock climbing with a few friends...
Or Party at home with as many people as he wanted.
He opted for home.  (Whew)
(Plus, he is injured and can't climb now anyway)

So, good old fashion Party at home
I will make a cake
have snacks
play games
NO GOODIE BAGS, I will however bake cookies and wrap them up so everyone can take something yummy home.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Laundry- the Dryer

Ah laundry... up there with Death and Taxes
This post will be about what I Do, what works for me

Bounce/Laundry sheets
I cut them in 1/2
Also I reuse them...when I have 4 or 5 used 1/2 sheets, I throw them in the dryer

Dryer balls
I love my balls!
I got 2 about 4 yrs ago in my Christmas Stocking (Thanks Santa)
Don't get cheap ones.  Get the real, original ones.  They are blue, spikey and have a bit of give to them.
I tried cheap ones (2 balls were good 4 must be better) but they cracked and broke.
I hear tennis balls work too, I don't know

BEFORE the wet clothes go into the dryer, shake them out completely.
Nothing crumpled or wadded up.

I leave the laundry door open while the dryer is running, it warms up my hallway

I have made my own dryer sheets.  They work just fine.
If Bounce/dryer sheets are too expensive, not on sale or I don't have a coupon
I make them
I have a bottle of fabric softener (at least 6-8 yrs old now)
I use an old plastic container, fill it 1/2 way with 1/2 water 1/2 softener
Put sponge in
Whenever I need a sheet, I squeeze out the sponge completely and throw it in the dryer

I have also soaked washcloths in the the solution, hung them to dry and use them 4 or 5 times in the dryer

I have a gas dryer, more efficient that electric dryers

Also I try to hang at least 1 load a week to cut costs.  This also extends the life of the clothing and the color, and in wintertime it helps keep moisture in the air.

I have a drying rack and also an extra shower rod above my shower to hang clothes


Friday, February 1, 2013

Free Pancakes



Feb 5th at IHOP
http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/

Flip for Free Pancakes!

February 5, 2013

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $10 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 5, 2013, guests from around the country will once again celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes*. In return for the free pancakes, guests will be asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals© ** or other designated local charities.