Happy New Year!

(Ok, I'm a little late.) 

There is this wonderful blog called Couponing To Disney.  The author teaches you how to save money by shopping wisely and how to put that money aside for a trip to Disney (or whatever else you want to save up for).  She also gives you some great tips on Disney World trips.  Two years ago in 2009, I decided to have a garage sale in the summer and I also kept track of all the money I saved from bargain shopping, etc.  Last year in 2010 I decided to try to double my efforts and we were able to go on a short Disney trip (mainly because of a large refund from the gas company).

This year in 2011 my goal is to save 2 and a 1/2 times the amount I saved that first year.  What I do is tally any extra money that comes in- rebate checks, gift cards earned, prescription reimbursements, gifts received (money or gift cards), anything won, any money made selling things (garage sale, etc.), and any other unexpected money that shows up.  I do not count regular paychecks or any store rewards credits such as Extra Bucks, catalinas, etc.  I have been doing Swagbucks for a little while and I have earned a few Amazon gift cards, but I'm not that into it.

So, let the games begin! (Oh and maybe we'll plan another little vacation if everything goes well.)

WFMW- Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers

Money is still tight with everyone this year so I was trying to think of some inexpensive but nice teacher gifts.  First of all, I have some teacher friends and they all say- no coffee mugs or apple-themed items please!  They get a lot of those.  Most teachers would really appreciate a handwritten note from your child more than anything.  Homemade ornaments or crafts are nice too.  In my opinion a gift card, even in a small amount like $5, makes a really great gift.  You can pair it with a candy bar or mints or gum.  I usually save some $5 Target gift cards throughout the year to use as gifts.  There was also an iTunes promotion on $10 gift cards a few weeks back.  In addition to her regular teacher, my daughter also has some other helpers, bus drivers, etc.  I usually give them candy or mints.  You can usually find stuff on sale around Halloween time- just don't get Trick-or-Treat packaging!  Different color M&M's look really cute in a plain jar with a bow.  A really easy treat to make is pretzel-kisses-melts.  Just put one layer of mini pretzels twists on a cookie sheet and top with one Hershey's Kiss (any flavor).  Melt in the oven on 250 for a few minutes until soft (watch closely).  Immediately top with one M&M- I use red and green.  Cool and store in a Ziploc bag or other container. Very yummy salty and chocolate snack!

More WFMW at We Are That Family.

Find a Farmer's Market near you

Use this website Local Harvest to find a farmer's market near you. Some farmer's markets we have visited this summer:

Munroe Falls Brust Park Rt 91 Tuesday 3pm-7pm
kind of small, found some good tomatoes here

Green YMCA Summa Health Parking Lot Tuesday 3pm-7pm
lots of Amish stuff, found good strawberries in June

Brimfield Town Center Rt 43 Wednesday 3pm-7pm
great eggs from Bowers farm

Twinsburg Rt 91 behind the Post Office Thursday 3pm-6pm
grass fed beef from Sirna Farms

Cuyahoga Falls 2nd Street next to City Hall Friday 3pm-7pm
kind of small, found some good corn here

Hudson Main Street Green Saturday 8am-12noon
kind of upscale- found good garlic here

Free Chocolate

It's free chocolate time! https://secure.realchocolate.com/

Frugal Friday: kid's activities

Here's a few free or nearly free activities we have done so far this summer- with more on the way. (Also check out my other blog.)

1. Check out a State Park or National Park- we happen to live right next to a National Park.
2. Go berry picking- fun for the kids to see where fruit comes from beside the grocery store.
3. Find a friend with a pool- bring your own lunch and snacks.
4. Arrange for a tour of your local fire station- they are happy to oblige.
5. Visit a farm- we are going to visit a local farm next week.
6. Have a picnic lunch on the front lawn.

Check out more Frugal Friday at Life As Mom.

Strawberry shortcake

Since we went strawberry picking today- I am making strawberry shortcake (Bisquick recipe) right now. Stay tuned...

Garage Sale Season!

Garage Sale season is in full swing here! Today I scored a bunch of kids toys for $5 total. A Little Tikes picnic table like this one-

and a red plastic kids wheelbarrow complete with little gardening tools, and a sack full of sand toys (shovels, pails, rakes, etc.) Did I say all for $5?

National Mom's Night Out- May 7

Are you participating? http://www.momsniteout.com/

Iced Coffee Day at Dunkin' Donuts

Get a 16 oz. Iced Coffee for $0.50 on Tuesday April 21 at Dunkin' Donuts in honor of Iced Coffee Day and support Home For Our Troops!

Free Kid's Books Downloads

Go to AudibleKids for free kid's books downloads- titles like Rapunzel, Gift of the Magi, The Emperor's New Clothes.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Cute Shamrock Toastie recipe from Family Fun magazine here.

Works For Me Wednesday

I got one of these- a Pampered Chef cut-n-seal for $4 on Ebay. Just about every day for lunch my 3 1/2 year old daughter makes herself a "round" PB&J sandwich for lunch- she thinks it's fun!

More "Works For Me Wednesday" tips at We Are THAT Family.

Free Mini-flashlight

Go to AgriGenius and take a quiz and win a free mini-Maglite flashlight. thanks Carol!

Sleep Number Bed

My husband and I had the chance to stay overnight at a Radisson Hotel and they have the Select Comfort "Sleep Number" beds. I have to say I was less than impressed. First of all, the beds make a noise like a vacuum cleaner when you are inflating the bed to your preferred sleep number. And the bed is not that comfortable. I'm glad we got the chance to try one out. I mean it was OK- but even set at 40 I thought it was very hard- and I usually like a firm mattress. Let's just say at about $1500 for their "economy" line king-sized bed, you would expect a little more comfort. So if you are even considering one, check out a Radisson Hotel first. The noise it makes was the biggest draw back to me.