Free Food -- It's out there people!

...And I'm going to tell you where/how to get it! Kathy suggested this idea when I first told her about some freebies I get and even if this isn't available to you in you area, maybe you can take some of the ideas and put them into action.

The first place is church--oh yeah! Now, I'm Christian and I go to a Baptist church, but this will apply to any religious group that gathers regularly. I get most of my breakfast right after/during morning bible study! Coffee, pastries, etc. Yum! After the church service, its time to go downstairs again for a light lunch (they usually have cheese slices, bagels, and fruit) and also to get some very important freebies. My church has a deal with our local Panera bread store that someone from our church will come in on Friday and pick up a huge crate of leftover bread. Then on Sunday this crate is put out during fellowship and people are invited to take bags of the bread, rolls, bagels, and other goodies. This has really helped my family save money and live more frugally in these difficult economic times. I am so grateful that someone thought of this idea.

Next freebie place: work. I work in an office and coincidentally (or not) I am a serious coffee AND tea drinker. This takes care of me all day, which means, not only do I not have to transport my own beverage from home, but I'm not tempted to buy one from the dining room when I'm tired of plain water. Besides this offering, I recently found out that my company allows employees to take one piece of handfruit (ie a banana, apple, or other) from the dining hall every morning for free! I usually bring this fruit home or have it at lunch since I've already eaten breakfast in the morning.

Other things I always keep an eye out for are special events at restaurants and other retail places. It's always fun to go out and also get a special treat!

Let us know where you find your free food!

Alison
If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Update!

Hi All!

So unfortunately, the reason I haven't updated is because there hasn't really been anything to update about... last Sunday, the coupons were so tragic that I didn't even clip any.

However, I have had a turn around of luck, which I'd like to share with all of you.  I'll be doing some couponing tomorrow and things to look forward to are: free SoyJoy bars ($.50each at CVS, buy either 5 or 6 for free w/ $3 off 5 printable online), free blockbuster movie rental (Bird's Eye Voila! Moms promotion--submit a paragraph and picture of your mom, receive a printable coupon via email about 1 month later), and hopefully 25 free picture prints at RiteAid!

Also, free ice cream social to benefit the "Make A Wish" foundation, tonight from 5pm to 8pm at Coldstone Creamery.

Alison
If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Fun, Frugal, and Retro Recipes!

Now, when I say retro, I don't exactly mean what everyone else does...I go way back. Think 1924 ala Fannie Farmer! For those of you who don't know, she was the legendary founder of the Boston Cooking school and author of several versions of her own cookbook. I found a totally free, online version at: http://bartleby.com/87/

See? You're saving money already--I saved you from buying a cookbook! My favorite recipes in here are the simplest. Pancakes, biscuts, and potato recipes are great for beginners. She just states everything so clearly. Well, except baking instructions...since she was working on a woodstove/oven you're going to have to guess.

Being frugal starts with being simple to me. That doesn't necessarily mean protein, potatoes, and veg every night! Being creative is important too. I just try not to get to bogged down in details.

My new motto: simple fun, simple finances, simple food.

Cheers,
Ali

If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Lessons: Don't buy what you don't need

On Saturday I went to Stop and Shop. Now, that in itself was a mistake, because shopping on the weekends is pretty much hell, but what can you do.  Anyway, the best deals I saw in the flyer were for lean cuisine (half price), Prince Pasta (I have so much pasta already), Thomas' English Muffins (I'm all set on breakfast food for months), etc.  Basically, instead of shopping we grabbed the few things we needed: Ground Beef, Pork Chops, Paper Napkins, Eggs, and Coconut Milk.  Now, the meat was on sale, so it was as good a deal as you can get at Stop and Shop, but we could have gotten a better deal on Napkins and Coconut Milk.  On the other hand, we didn't notice we were out of napkins until we were out, so we really needed them, and we use coconut milk so infrequently that buying it when we don't explicitly need it isn't the best idea.  I think the only thing we got that wasn't on our list was Cambell's tomato soup, but it was on sale and we had thought about buying it anyway.

I could have gotten more free pasta-roni, but I haven't eaten all the rest of the pasta-roni I got for free.  I could have gotten some relatively cheap pasta but I still have a ton from when it went on sale at Shaws.  I could have grabbed some English Muffins, which I love, but If I don't drastically reduce the number of cereal boxes in the top of our coat closet my roommate might kill me.  Sometimes the best thing to do is not to buy it, even if its a great deal.


What really good deals have you resisted lately?
~Katharine


If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Shopping Makes a Comeback!

Yes! After a seriously long vacation from shopping due to work related issues, I have been long overdue for a shopping trip. The first stop was Xpect Discounts. If anyone lives in Connecticut or Massachusetts, you know this store can be difficult when it comes to coupons. They don't accept coupons printed from online, so that is extremely limiting. Fortunately, they redeemed themselves this time with trial-size products! I found De-Frizz Sunsilk shampoo and conditioner in that size for $0.99 each. And, since I had 3 $1off coupons, that translated to two conditioners and one shampoo. I plan to send one set to my cousin who is starting her first year at college in Vermont. Anyone who's recently out of college or has a child in college knows that somehow within the first month things kept in the bathroom either disappear or are used up unexpectedly.

This mildly successful couponing trip, I headed over to Shop Rite. Now this is one of my favorite grocery stores. They take all coupons that you have and have the best variety of all the grocery stores in my area. For me, today, this translated into a bill that would have been $15.84 being only $5.23! Now that's what I call a good shopping trip. It broke down to this:

1 jar CoffeeMate, $4.39, Free with coupon
3 cans Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce, $0.99each, Free w/3 $1off coupons
1 Zone Perfect Meal Bar, $1.20, $0.20 w/$1off coupon
1 Half Gallon Silk Soy Milk, $3, $0.75 w/$2.25off coupon
1 5lb bag Gold Medal unbleached flour, $2.79
1 2lb bag ShopRite powdered sugar, $1.49

Total: $5.23

This is just the start everyone! I'm really excited that they're going to be putting in an Aldi's in my area, which should lead to some really good deals to be shared.

Alison


If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Credit!

Over the past few months, Kathy and I have touched on a lot of subjects—food, fun, fashion, finance, etc. But here’s an important subject of living frugally that we have not touched on: credit. Now, I’ve definitely heard about how a credit card is basically an all-expense not-paid trip to Debt-ney Land and tantamount to letting you wallet grow legs and walk around on its own. But luckily, this does not prove true for many frugal femmes! I’m going to get Kathy to weigh in with her experiences with credit cards later, but for now I’m excited to share with you all a great website that I came across that may hopefully help you if you’re trying to make a decision about credit cards.

I will never advocate doing anything that will change your green, financial, or life situation without you doing all the research you can. Speaking to friends and hearing about their experiences is a great way to start. But, once you’ve done that, you may want some supporting facts. To do that, I’d recommend that you start at www.creditcardflyers.com. When I found out about this site, I got so excited! It’s well organized, straight-forward, and so informative. No matter what place in life you’re at, student, rebuilding bad credit, or starting a business, this website can help direct you to some of the best options available. I, as a freebie-junkie, really liked that they had links to card rewards/perks/benefits. Credit Card Flyers also provides lists of low-interest credit cards and cards that offer instant approval for those who may be in a bind. I would definitely advise you to take a look at the credit card tips. I found that the article “Maximizing Credit Card Use” was very much in line with what I believe about credit cards. So take some time to check out this website!

I can’t tell you how often I’ve been told that building good credit is important. Having good credit can open doors for you, so please don’t dismiss credit as an option!

Ali

If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Menus: An Alison Example

There seems to be a significant issue in menu-planning, so to expand on this I'd like to share with you all an example of a one week menu (scroll down). Now, I'm only including three main meals--of course, there are little additions, such as snacks (homemade goodies, fruits, etc.). Please feel free to ask questions, and since this is a work in progress for me, I welcome all constructive criticism!




Sunday

1. Cereal, fruit, and coffee
2. Cheese/onion/lettuce sandwich, chips, and juice
3. Pasta w/tomato sauce, spinach, and milk

Monday

1. Muffin, scrambled tofu, and coffee
2. Pasta salad, yogurt, and juice
3. Hot dogs w/saurkraut on whole wheat bread, baked beans, and milk

Tuesday

1. Muffin, yogurt, and coffee
2. Chips and baby carrots w/hummus, milk and cookies
3. Rice, Chinese veggies, chickenless nuggets, and seltzer

Wednesday

1. Cereal, pineapple, and coffee
2. Hummus sandwiches w/lettuce, onion and tomato and iced tea
3. Ziti and cannolini bean sauce, mixed vegetables, and milk

Thursday

1. Muffin, scrambled tofu, and coffee
2. Cheese/onion/lettuce/tomato toasted sandwich and juice
3. Nachos w/beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and milk

Friday

1. Cereal, fruit, and coffee
2. Tofu salad sandwich and iced tea
3. Spaghetti w/tomato sauce, crumbles, and milk

Saturday

1. Muffin, yogurt, and coffee
2. Hummus sandwich w/lettuce, onion and tomato and juice
3. Burgers, mashed potatoes w/gravy, broccoli, and milk

Happy Frugal-ing!
Alison

If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Food Help: Menus, Katharine-Style!

My menu planning for the week is significantly different than Alison's, and for good reason.

• Alison lives at home with her parents, who have last say.  I live with my roommate, L, and we make our menu together.
• Alison's family is vegetarian, so their options are a bit more limited.  Now, I don't eat fish or shellfish of any kind, so I'm not exactly free as a bird over here, but we are mostly limited by my likes and dislikes... with notable the exception of L's dislike of snow peas... I mean of all things to not like..

Here is how L and I plan our menu for the week.

1. First, we use what we already have. We look in the fridge for things that have to be used in the next week.  We think of meals that incorporate those items.  We try to make a whole week's menu on what we already have in our fridge/freezer.
2. If we can't do that, we try to think of meals that won't require us to buy much.  An example would be...  If we have ground beef that has to be used, are we going to make tacos or hamburgers?  Well, do we have rolls or tortillas in the freezer?  Would we have to buy things for an appropriate side dish?
3. The next thing we do is throw in a meal that is 'vegetarian'.  And by this I don't actually mean, not containing any meat, but more, a meal where the focus of the dish is not meat.  Pasta with sauce is a good example.  Whether the sauce contains meat or not, its significantly cheaper than having steak for dinner.
4. If we have to shop, we make a list.  Now, we don't necessarily stick exactly to the list, but we are close.  Sometimes we pick up fruit juice in addition to the list, or another treat, but we limit is as much as possible.
5. When we go shopping, we go full.  We try to go right after lunch, before normal people are out of work.  Being a student has distinct advantages sometimes.  When we go to the farmer's market, we go right after breakfast.  We walk there, I'd say its about three miles, do our shopping, and treat ourselves to a slice of pizza for $1.25.  Then we take the T (that would be the subway system in Boston) back to our apartment.
6. We make sure to eat things that might spoil first.  Usually, this means things that have been hanging around in our fridge a while.  Heavy cream for making pasta sauces or vegetables that are getting questionable.

We keep our menu plan on our fridge, so that we know what we are supposed to be making for dinners.  We  sometimes switch meals around, but try to do it only for what won't spoil, and usually based on time constraints.

How do you plan your weekly meals?

Katharine

If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Quickie: Make your own Playdough!

The Hillbilly Housewife just had a great article about how to make your own playdough!  When I was a kid we never made our own playdough, but we did make our own Goo-ey Flarp-like thing.  We just mixed corn starch, water, and food coloring until it was a consistency we wanted to play with.

Homemade playdough is a great project to do with kids, and its great for the environment!  You eliminate all the chemicals and carbon costs of making and packaging playdough, and you don't have to worry (too much) about the kids eating it.

I might just make some myself...
Katharine
If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Food Help: Menus!

So, from time to time I've chimed in with little ideas or recipes meant to make the worry of providing for yourself and/or your family less stressful on you and your wallet. Lately, a project I've been working on for myself has been menu planning, which I share with my mom, who cooks for herself, my dad, and sister.
Probably my number one reason for having menu plans does not apply to many of you (unless you're a young twenty-something/college student on your own)--if I don't have a plan, I could frugal myself to death. A terrifying thought, but basically what I've been known to do is eat very small portions of food to stretch my budget. Thus, menus!

I'm going to recommend planning your menus on a weekly basis. Having two such menus is optimal. I, personally, do this in order to mix and match daily menus according to what I've bought and what my schedule is like. Lunch also generally derives from dinner of the previous night. Yay for time saving! Let me give an example:
Yesterday for breakfast I had a corn muffin, yogurt, and pineapple. My pineapple was the IGA deal (16oz pineapple for $0.50), the corn muffin was homemade, and I used a coupon on the yogurt ($2.79-0.50=$2.29/2lb Columbo yogurt). Lunch was ziti w/cheese sauce (cheese sauce from the night before, ziti from the day before) and salad. Then, dinner was with my family and my mom served homemade pizza with mushrooms and onions!

As you can see, I try to have protein, starch, and fruit/veg at every meal. It just helps me feel full longer and I think its generally healthier. If anyone would be interested I'd be happy to post full weekly menus and more recipes. I think you'd be surprised with some of the info--I love retro things, so I have recipes and menus from the 1920s-1960s. Lots of fun and new (sort of!) ideas puts a different spin on cooking. Also, I'm currently looking for a lentil soup recipe with a tomato base, so if I find a good one, I'll share it here (free Muir Glen tomato products + lentil--good source of cheap veg. protein = great meal!).

Happy weekend!
Ali

P.S. - Check back on Monday for coupon deals and steals of the weekend!
If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Another Frugal Failure

Having spent the last 2 weeks at my parents house, I cam back to my apartment on Saturday afternoon.  Having no wish to immediately go shopping, I missed my chance to go to Haymarket (the farmer's market in Boston) this week.  Instead I just got back from a run to Stop and Shop, where I had to go to buy produce this week.

Item                          S&S      Haymarket
Romaine Lettuce       $1.79     $1.00
1lb Strawberries        $2.88     $1.00
1 Sweet Onion          $1.08     $0.20 (maybe)
Bananas                    $1.50     $1.00
-----------------------------------------
Total                         $7.25     $3.20

Now, a difference of $4.05 may not be large amount, but the cost of my produce is more than double at Stop and Shop! Next week maybe I'll get off my lazy bum and go to Haymarket...

See you later!
Katharine

If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email

Frugal Quickie!

Hi everyone,

Yesterday in the P&G flyer there was a BOGO coupon for Cover Girl lip color. And, conviently, CVS is offering BOGO on most Cover Girl products! You following me? Because if you haven't gotten the picture, what I say next should clear it up: I went yesterday and got 2 Outlast Cover Girl lip colors (9.99x2=19.98+tax) for $0.60!! This is probably the best deal I've ever gotten my hands on--and will make for great Christmas present for my Mom and sister!

On that topic: Christmas is less than 4 months away! Haha, I know...but seriously, start shopping for gifts now! Money for me is really tight right now and couponing is a life saver. So far I've spent $2 each on my mom and sister, but I've gotten them $25 worth of presents. Granted, most of these are not that exciting (hair conditioner, razors, chocolates, and lip color), but I kind of like giving practical gifts and since money is as tight with them both as it is for me, they'll definitely appreciate them.

Also, I've gotten my dad chocolates and a book that he'll like, but I'm pretty much stumped on what to add to his pile. Any ideas? Unfortunately, it seems that most couponers are women and so they mostly coupon for themselves or kids...has anyone found anything good for fathers lately? I'd like to keep his presents around $2 also.

Happy couponing,
Ali

P.S.-The $2.25 off Silk Milk coupon is back! Print yours now! Its organic, vegan, and delicious (try the chocolate flavor if you're not a soy milk drinker)!

If you enjoyed this article please considering buzzing it on PF Buzz -

Also you can  subscribe to the Femmes Frugal by reader or
subscribe to The Femmes Frugal by Email