Going On Vacation!

We're headed out of town. I don't plan on shopping or posting anything while gone, but I'll be sure to get back in the saddle just as soon as we return next week! (So bummed that I'll miss Kroger triples this week! Oh well. )

Have a great one and happy bargain hunting!

Sourdough Bread Recipe - Wish Me Luck!

I'm hoping to catch some wild yeast! OK, I know that sounds weird, but it's true. I just found out that sour dough bread is made from a starter that "catches" wild yeast as it sits on your counter. Totally bizarre. However, it got my frugal brain thinking. "You mean, I can stop buying yeast for bread? Hmm...." I wondered if, here in suburbia, I could possibly get that to happen, so I've got a bowl of flour and water out on my counter right now and my fingers are crossed. : )

Here is the link for how to get started. Sounds like fun (or at least like a fun science experiment with the kids). Hey, if your starter doesn't work out, you can make some awesome paper mache masks or ornaments or something. For heaven's sake, don't throw it out! : )

Not Shopping Much Lately

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that I've not been shopping much in the past two weeks. I've spotted some OK deals, but nothing shout-worthy, so I've just opted to Pass for now. On weeks like these, I can always stock up at Aldi. It's very NON-glamorous, but it gets the job done!

I'm looking forward to the weekend, so I can (perhaps) pick up a few great deals at CVS or Walgreens. With gas prices climbing again, I'm getting pickier about what deals will get me out the door. In all this "down time", I've taken a little time to register for all the Walmart freebies to either use or give away. I LOVE to give things away!!!

Anyway, for anyone that's itching for a good deal, please check my blogroll on the righthand sidebar. All these are my FAVORITE blogs and are inspirational to me. There's plenty of action to be had. I'm just waiting for the right deals, that's all.

Happy Saving,

Jennifer

Nashville Parent Magazine

I LOVE this free publication, which is available at grocery stores, libraries and community centers throughout Middle Tennessee. This is a terrific source for free family activities, not only in the Nashville area but in surrounding counties and well. The May 2009 issue lists numerous Summer Camps as well as a small section for Vacation Bible Schools. In addition to the magazine, there is also a website for you to enjoy.

Walgreens Take Care Clinic - $30 Camp & Sports Physicals!

In a previous post, I mentioned the great medical services offered at Walgreen's Take Care Clinics. Not only are they conveniently located, but their fees are so reasonably priced - even for private pay patients!

In addition to this, for a limited time, Walgreen's Take Care Clinics are offering $30 Camp and Sports Physicals in lieu of the usual $59 charge. For details, please check out THIS flyer.

Propane Refills - Art Pancakes

It's time to break out your grills for some scrumptious outdoor cooking! Before loading those burgers onto the grill, make sure you've got a full tank of propane. In the past, my husband has run over to Home Depot to exchange the propane tanks at $21 a pop. After some research, he discovered that Wal-mart does the same exchange service for $17.99.

While standing in line at Wal-mart, another frugal Dad told him about Art Pancakes Party Rentals on Nolensville Rd in Nashville. They will REFILL your tank to the full 20lb capacity for $13.00. (as opposed to the exchange service which only fills their tanks 15 - 17lbs for nearly double the cost!)

** For those of you outside the Nashville area, check with your local feed store or gas station for a propane REFILL service instead of a tank exchange. : )

My Story

After reworking our budget for the millionth time, I became frustrated with our grocery and household expenses. It felt like we were CONSTANTLY running out of things and waiting until the next week to stock up again. Or worse -- we would run out to the corner drugstore and spend more than anticipated for milk or catfood or whatever.

I had tried clipping coupons, but gave up in a few months. As with most things, I knew that SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE knew more than me and I determined to search the internet under the tags of frugal living, coupons, and strategic shopping.

Lo and behold, I was right! In fact, there were lots of people that knew more than me. They rarely ran out of stuff and almost never paid full price for anything. I had found my tribe!

After reading up on all the cool strategies, I determined to make small changes. Baby steps, right? For me, here's how it all transpired:

1. Wrote out our basic weekly menu. Listed ALL ingredients needed.

2. Determined how much of a stockpile I wanted to build.

3. Organized pantry to accommodate growing stockpile.

4. Began by shopping at Aldi (here's the link to my 4-week shopping plan)

5. Subscribed HERE for 70% off the Sunday paper.

6. Filed coupon inserts by date -- did not clip anything until needed.

7. Joined CVS Extra Care program.

8. Looked for SALE and COUPON match-ups on my favorite frugal blogs (see side bar for list)

9. Began to shop the sales and "cherry-pick" the deals. Budget started to loosen!! Aldi list became smaller as I started to get several items each week for pennies on the dollar by using the sale/coupon match-ups.

10. Checked frugal websites daily for online deals and printable coupons.

11. STOPPED BUYING shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc. because I knew that I could get it FREE with CVS weekly or monthly deals and with grocery sales/coupon match-ups. (Crazy, isn't it?)

12. Started giving stuff away weekly because we have more than we could ever use. (unless I find another use for toothpaste)

13. Friends started asking how I did it. When I tried to explain all the little steps, I became overwhelmed at the many details. Decided to blog about it instead, so friends could digest a little at a time.

14. And here I am!

Hope that helps any of you who are looking to get started with all this. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm always glad to help!

Recipe For Homemade Laundry Detergent

Yes, I make my own detergent. I've also got a great tip for fabric softener that's chemical free.

For the detergent you will need:

1 large, deep pot
Borax Washing Powder
Baking Soda
Bar Soap -- I use all the remaining slivers of soap from the shower : ) Should equal a full bar.

First, shred your bar soap in the food processor (or just use the slivers whole.) Boil about a quart of water and dissolve the soap in the water. Lower heat to medium. Slowly add 1 cup of Borax washing powder. Stir until dissolved. Watch the heat as it tends to bubble over very quickly.

After this is dissolved, remove from heat. Add 3 TBSP of baking soda to this mixture -- one at a time. Stir quickly to dissolve.

After all soap and powders are dissolved, you can add fragrance, if you like. Essential oils are nice, but I actually add a sample packet of shampoo or detergent. These are always freebies that I get in the mail. Just makes it smell more "commercial."

I let it cool slightly, then pour the mixture into a 10 Quart bucket and fill with water. Stir. Allow this to stand overnight and firm up. ** It's not going to be as thick as commercial detergent.

After it sets, stir and dispense through funnel into clean, empty containers. This should be enough for 200 loads. Shake before each use.

To save money, I wash everything in cold water. To soften in the dryer, wad up a hand-sized ball of aluminum foil and toss in with the wet clothing. Works amazingly well and is reusable.

CVS Basics

If you're just getting started on frugal living, couponing, stockpiling, etc., it can be too overwhelming to tackle all at once.

My suggestion is to start with CVS. Their reward program is tops on my list and you can really get the hang of couponing and sale matching at this one store. In the meantime, your budget will begin to loosen as you no longer have to spend much for health, beauty and household items.

When I was getting started, I went Deal Seeking Mom, clicked on Drugstores and read through the How-To section. This blog contained the most concise and easy-to-follow plan description and deal scenarios.

Just tackle CVS and then, as you build confidence, branch out a little more. Most people who have adopted the frugal lifestyle did not make every change all at once. Don't worry -- the great deals will still be there! : )

Brand Name Prescription Drugs For Less @ Costco

I know, I know...there's a lot of offers for $4 generics out there. However, you don't always have a choice IF the medication is new and patented or if your physician has stated "dispensed as written" on your script. After calling around to all the local pharmacies and giant chains, I've discovered that Costco is, by far, the lowest -- I'm talking about prices for uninsured or "private pay" individuals.

Not only are they the least expensive -- in our case it was by a landslide -- BUT, that was the non-member price. If you purchase an annual membership for $50, your prices are even lower. And, if you purchase a business membership for $100, your prices are lower PLUS you receive 2% back on all purchases. Do the math here and you may find that this will be an even better deal, depending on the medications you may need.

Call your local pharmacy and they will price check your meds for you -- I found them very helpful.

Aldi Shopping Spreadsheet

I have revised my Aldi four week shopping list based on our consumption for the past few months. I do not buy every item each week, since I am able to find freebies or cheap deals from other grocery or drugstores. However, this list provides a great framework for me and I can get in and out of Aldi in less than 30 minutes. **This list is in order of items that I would find in my Aldi. YMMV.

Aldi Shopping List

Dispensary of Hope

For anyone who is uninsured and taking expensive maintenance medication, this may be of interest. The following description is taken directly from the Dispensary of Hope website:

"The Dispensary of Hope is a not-for-profit network of dispensing sites, sourcing partners and financial partners that assist people without prescription drug coverage.

Founded in 2003, the Dispensary supplies both short-term and long-term medicines to people who can’t afford them and lack the insurance to access them. The Dispensary collects and distributes medication from a variety of sources including: Physicians’ offices, distributors and manufacturers who send us their donated medication and excess inventory.

Our centralized inventory system processes these shipments and distributes medications as requested by our dispensing sites to uninsured patients with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines."

To see if you qualify or to find a location near you, click here.

** There are plenty of locations in Tennessee, one in Louisiana and one in Alabama.