INEXPENSIVE HOMEMADE LASAGNA

People have often complained to me that lasagna is an expensive dish. I do not experience that because as always, I buy when ingredients are on sale. Each recipe served 6-8 people and cost approximately $3.98. The meat and cottage cheese were both on sale. Pasta and remaining cheeses were pennies when I combined a sale with my coupons, while the canned tomato products were free. I was able to prepare four pans at one time, freezing three for future enjoyment.

COMPLETE WILLOW TREE NATIVITY FOR $100.

I have been admiring this set for a very long time, wanting to add it to my numerous nativity collection. Everyone knows how pricey these figurines are. Many people assured me that it would be impossible to get a bargain because Willow Tree never goes on sale. Really? I managed to pay only $100. for this 23-piece set. The creche retails for $95!

No, I did not buy at a garage sale...although that is fine. All were new and in their original boxes. I found part of the set half off, and later stumbled upon others marked down 50% with an additional 15% discount. I paid for the few remaining pieces with 'free' money by unloading clutter via Ebay.

HALF PRICE @ STARBUCKS

Save 50% on your favorite Starbucks Frappuccino^{®
through May 16.}

^{This promotion is good between}
3 - 5 pm daily.

Only one per customer.

Details on Starbucks Website

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

This weekend only:
Champps Restaurants is offering an excellent deal. A printable coupon from their site entitles Mom to a free entree ~AND~ a card for a free meal up to $15 (with $25 purchase) each month through April 2011. Click here for details and coupon.

$1 PER SERVING

I prepared this quick and healthy meal from everything conveniently stored in my freezer and pantry. Much of it was free, with very little paid for the remaining items and ingredients. You can easily do the same with savvy shopping. I consider this one of the more 'expensive' servings that I prepare.

'MAKE SACRIFICES WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG'

My nonfiction article of this title was chosen for Bluefield College's annual literary magazine. I will offer a reading presentation at their reception with other featured artists.

This event is open to the public on April 29, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

OUTLET STORES

Outlets may be overrated but must be considered. While some are not a good deal, these purchases were very worthwhile at an outlet and surrounding stores. If you have shopped Old Navy and Gap, you recognize the quality and price. This spending spree was only $36.

MILITARY CARE PACKAGES

Nonperishable items are a welcome treat for our overseas military personnel. The most economical way to mail is via the Postal Service's Large Flat Rate Box. The sturdy box is free and the postage is discounted $2.00 when sent to an APO/FPO/DPO address. The large flat rate is normally $14.50, but will cost only $12.50 in these circumstances.

I recently mailed this box to a wonderful man who is far from his wife, family and home. I love using my coupon skills to share with others. Incidentally, I paid only $1.49 for everything.

COUPON CODE ~ ENDS 4/2/10 @ MIDNIGHT (EST)

A good deal I wanted to share:
Use promo coupon code of SHIP1 for $1.00 shipping on any $25 or more Bath & Body order. Several good deals are on their site bathandbodyworks.com for Buy3/Get 3 Free, two candles for $20, etc.

LET IT SNOW

Stocking your pantry, freezer and fridge with foods that cost very little is a wise habit to form. I continue this practice when any item is a good deal. This will save money and reduce much stress. How many times have you been forced to pay an exorbitant amount of money out of necessity?

I have watched more snow fall this winter than I have in decades. It has snowed twice this week. I was saddened for the frantic people all winter, scrambling to the store. They grabbed the first thing, paying whatever it cost.

PLAN ACCORDINGLY

For the busiest of days, an inexpensive and hot meal is possible. I froze leftover chicken and broth because I knew it was not a matter of if, but when, I would need a fast and and simple dinner idea. The most expensive ingredients in my homemade chicken noodle soup were onions, celery and carrots. The noodles and canned milk were free, so the 12 quarts cost approximately 50 cents.

IT'S NOT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE~RATHER HOW YOU MANAGE WHAT YOU HAVE

I quoted my precious grandmother numerous times in my book. She was wise beyond measure. I was blessed to be one of her many grandchildren. She often said 'you know that you are old when your grandchildren are middle aged'! Grandmother never seemed old to us. I miss her especially today, on what would have been her 100th birthday.

I FEEL ALMOST GUILTY

I served shrimp originally priced at $25.35, yet I paid only $6.75. I combined a store's buy-one-get-one-free promotion with my coupons.

COUPONING 101

I visited a sweet friend who has not routinely used coupons. Her view was one that I often hear...the coupons are not for things that her family would use. Within minutes of her private grocery-savings field trip, she was convinced! I do not routinely have access to her grocery store and took advantage of this time. We returned each day for quick shops, as this store allowed a maximum of 20 coupons. My reward was getting $421. for only $68, a portion of which is pictured.

My friend spent $33. for $111. on her first trip! She is a couponer now!!

UNADVERTISED SPECIALS

These kinds of deals are frequently available and taking advantage of them is second nature to me. Anyone who routinely shops knows the regular price of a 48-oz. bottle of oil is at least $4.99.
Combining my coupons with the unadvertised specials, I saved at least 90%. I paid $2.49 for all of this!

TEA AND MUFFINS

I was grateful to pay 48 cents for everything. Yes, everything! I 'just happened' to have a coupon for every item. Seven packages of English Muffins and eight boxes of spiced tea cost less than 50 cents.

THE DRINKS ALONE WOULD HAVE COST WHAT I PAID

Everything cost only $8.76, for a savings of over 76% from the regular price of $36.75.

97% DISCOUNT

I 'splurged' and spent $1.45 on everything!

Yes, one dollar and forty-five cents. I paid 47c for the pancake mix and 49c for each detergent. The regular price was $43.28 before sales and coupons.

'ONLY' 60% SAVINGS

'Only' is how I automatically view any savings less than 75%! I typically buy at 80-90% discounts, but getting $213 in free clothing is a good deal. These nine items were $355 regularly priced; I paid $142. The ties and one pair of jeans alone would have totaled that amount.

DONATION SUGGESTIONS

Earthquake or hurricane victims, overseas military troops, local missions and food banks would welcome any of the pictured items.

I saved 94% when I paid only $2.39 for $38 worth of supplies.

DONATION IDEAS

Other suggestions that are always welcomed are any non-perishables. One way to contribute is by buying these for pennies (if not getting free) with sale prices and your coupons, especially if you are not in a position to donate cash. You may also discover that extra funds are available to help others in need when you save money within your own household budget.

An 88% savings here was made possible, when I paid $3.34 for items regularly priced at $26.82.

PAYING $8.10 = AN 81% DISCOUNT

At regular prices, I would have paid more than $8.10 for the yogurt drinks and one package of cheese.

Why pay almost $42.00?!?

THE AFTER-CHRISTMAS CLEARANCES

Within the last two weeks, I have purchased numerous gifts for birthdays and Christmas 2010. Obviously I cannot give details ... yet.

The deals are better than ever this year, which greatly benefit the frugal and savvy consumer .

I found this tiny ornament in a drugstore 28 years ago. It had been reduced numerous times. Even though it is barely 3", it was one of my children's favorite when they were small.

You never know what you will find. I paid pennies for this detailed miniature, which gave us priceless memories.

$3 MEAL

I found a store's unadvertised special and paid only $3 for this entire package of boneless chicken breasts. Since I had free pasta and sauce in my pantry from coupon/sale shopping, I knew immediately that I would prepare my mother-in-law's chicken mozzarella. I was able to triple her delicious recipe for leftovers. This always reminds us of her memory.

CHRISTMAS GIFT DEALS

On an earlier post, I mentioned the savings I found on Christmas gifts. Now that the big day has been celebrated, I can show some of the deals.
A few are shown here and below. A 60% savings made this gift only $44 from the original $110 price tag. The person did not have a coat of his favorite team...that is, until our gift exchange yesterday.

I RECEIVE FRUGAL GIFTS

I benefited from frugal Christmas shopping as well. This set was regularly $120, but my husband saved 75% and paid only $30. The savings went toward some beautiful jewelry!

:-)

I TAUGHT HER WELL

I am reaping the benefits in many ways. My daughter did her online research, found coupon codes that negated shipping/tax, and saved over 66% for this beautiful sweater for me.

SAVED 91% ON THIS CHRISTMAS GIFT

The recipient of this fleece jacket said that $42 was a good price.

Suuuuuure ~~~ I paid $3.97.

$34.99 SHORTS FOR BASKETBALL PRACTICE

Here is another great deal. I saved over 71% when I paid $9.99.

ANOTHER FRUGAL GIFT FOR THE SPORTS FAN

This licensed-apparel shirt was discounted 70% to only $7.50 from its regular $25 price tag.

SUPER DEAL

My son-in-law loved all his official sportswear and immediately used his new $60 hoodie. Being frugal also, he was glad we saved 70% and paid only $18. He was particularly grateful that all our savings resulted in him receiving many additional gifts!

LAST-MINUTE FRUGAL GIFT IDEA

I shared the easy-to-assemble 'Hearty Soup Mix' recipe in my book. This makes a perfect gift for practically anyone including teachers and neighbors. The cost is 50c or less per individual mix.

SWEET TREAT

I make these mints for numerous occasions. They may be made ahead since they freeze well. Ingredients are very inexpensive and depending upon the mint size, a yield of 200+ per recipe is possible.
When I made a delivery yesterday, she ate all of her mints immediately. She remembered my mints from last Christmas and was excited to have them again.

ONE MORE

My friend Catherine makes organic pure vanilla extract for those on her Christmas list. After she shared the recipe with me, I now give to many throughout the year and especially during this holiday season.

$5 MEAL

Another super cheap meal. The meat was on sale ~ everything else was free by combining *coupons* with sale prices.

100 CALORIE SNACKS

Do-it-yourself is one of the easiest ways to save money on snacks and packed lunches. I look at these pricey 100-calorie boxes, often $5.99 or more, with amusement.

You will save at least 75% even if you pay full price (which I rarely do) for the food and bags.

Yes, on occasion I have 'bought' the prepackaged product, if getting free counts as a purchase price.

FRUGAL GIFT IDEA

One of the easiest money-saving gift ideas is appropriate for any boy or girl on your list. Marked-down Halloween costumes will stock a child's dress-up box for hours of entertainment. I found numerous outfits this year, many reduced 90%, and paid less than a dollar for most. I could not wait until Christmas to give this one to my grandson. Have you ever seen a more adorable hippo?

PACK A FRUGAL SHOE BOX FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

My family has enjoyed contributing to this charity for a long time. These may be the only gifts the children receive at Christmas, if not all year. We typically fill numerous shoe boxes (or plastic containers) with free and clearance items. I begin to look for bargains as soon as we finish the current boxes, stockpiling them in preparation for next November.

I spent more on this container's contents than normal ~ a full $3.69.

The pajamas were regularly $16.99, reduced 90%, and the doll set was $2 on clearance. Everything else was free.

R & R

I recently enjoyed my annual trip, referred to as the sabbatical or mental health days by my family. I share in my book how and why this tradition began. The getaways have become lengthier and nicer over the last 18 years.

I worked a little and rested a lot. I shared laughter with a dear friend and her husband. I saw the apartment where we lived when our oldest child was born. I enjoyed fresh seafood every day. I found great deals for future gifts, which I cannot share for obvious reasons. Maybe later.

Yes, the restaurant of which I wrote still serves my favorite appetizer for a meal.

Did I mention I had fresh seafood every day??

SCRIMP WHERE YOU CAN ~ SPLURGE WHERE YOU MUST

I wrote about this in my book and teach at my workshops, but it cannot be stressed enough. Scrimping is not a good practice when safety issues, quality and priceless memories are the issue.

Baby cribs, car seats, medicine, and specific foods for a diabetic are just a few that immediately come to mind where safety and quality are concerned.

Hire the best photographer you can afford for those special moments in life. I love my (very!) dated but priceless wedding pictures.

SAVINGS OF 75%

There is no way I would want to pay $130 for this order! Paying $33 is an amount more in line with my shopping history.

PASS IT ON

Readers have asked me about many stories I shared in my book, especially the neighbor from so long ago. She taught me an invaluable lesson, appropriately told in the 'Pass It On' chapter. Her entire family was living all over the world at that time. Her hope was that someone would be there for her children, in-laws and grandchildren.

That sweet lady is now 94 years young, and I visited her recently. As always, we shared a wonderful time together. We reminisced about those days and our memories, both commenting how quickly the years have flown by. She reminded me that 'you don't have to take time out of your vacation'. SHE did not have to extend her love and friendship to that young military wife. I will never forget her kindness. The 'pass it on' philosophy has come full circle in our lives.

When I looked at the picture, I realized that it spoke volumes. It captured where she had reached out and held my hand...and my heart.

COUPONS TO GO

I used coupons for everything in this order. Some items even had coupons on them that I will use at a later date. :=)

I saved 75%, regularly priced @ $107, and I paid $27.

ALWAYS TAKE YOUR COUPONS

I saw this wonderful ad while traveling for book signings. For a second, I thought I must be dreaming. I quickly composed myself....thankful that I practice what I tell others to do. Always, always take your coupons.

I confess that I also get behind with my coupon binder. I updated it one afternoon, while watching a movie and the rain outside my windows. Even a bad day at the beach is a good day.

THE UPDATED COUPON BINDER

Once I discovered the ad (and updated my coupon binder!) I was able to take advantage of this particular store's policy of 20 coupons per day. The following five days, I spent $75 for $415 in groceries and household items...82% savings.

One day, I paid $2.49 for $70 in products.

This shows only a few of my deals. Practically everything pictured was free ~ I paid pennies for the remainder.

GROCERY SAVINGS WORKSHOP

This in-depth couponing workshop will show you how to routinely save at least 50% on groceries and household items. Typical results yield 75-90% savings with many free products. This system easily adapts to your individual needs.
Question & Answer Session will follow.

DATE & TIME

Saturday, October 24, 2009
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

LOCATION

Adventure World Skate & Fun Center
200 Midway Plaza Drive [behind Corning]
Christiansburg, VA

FEE

$10 payable in advance ~or~ at the door

GIRLS' SPA DAY

Getting a busy group together is always difficult. Organizing this day was particularly challenging because our circle had the disadvantage of several hours' travel time.

Everyone shared their specialty...facials, massages, manicures, pedicures,expertise in business, savvy computer skills, chef, etc. We each benefited from the others' successful experience.

Our spa menu was boiled shrimp, cocktail sauce [recipe in my book], baked potato, salad, and fresh fruit.

At the end of our wonderful day, one of the ladies commented that we had practiced frugal bartering~ which was not the plan.

We look forward to our next time.

OCTOBER BOOK SIGNINGS

10 - 17 -09
~ Saturday ~
12 noon - 2 p.m.
Dee Gee's Gifts & Books
508 Evans Street
Morehead City, NC

10 - 16 - 09
~ Friday ~
7 - 9:30 pm
Writers' Night Out
West Park Community Center
Cedar Point, NC

10 - 10 - 09
~ Saturday ~
10 am - 12 noon
Carteret County Public Library
1702 Live Oak Street
Beaufort, NC

FEED 4 FOR $4

A complete, balanced meal cost me only $4.

There were leftovers, making the total for

each plate less than 80 cents.

SEPTEMBER BOOK SIGNINGS/TALKS

Free & Open To the Public

Books Available For Purchase

• 9 - 29 - 09 ~Tuesday ~ 7:00-8 pm

Blacksburg Public Library

200 Miller Street

Blacksburg, VA

*****

• 9 - 17 - 09 ~ Thursday ~ 7-8:30 pm
  Jessie Peterman Memorial Library/Floyd, VA

****

• 9 - 13- 09 ~ Sunday ~ 2-3 pm

Christiansburg, VA Public Library