Keeping A Price Book

How a Price Books saves money:
This works on the bulk buying principle.  When you find the very best price you can, you buy in bulk to "lock in" that price for yourself for as long as that price lasts you. For example, a few weeks ago Hy-Vee had a sale on shredded cheese, $1.00 per 8 oz. package. This was really a HELL of a deal, as I regularly pay $1.99 for 8oz of cheese at Aldi or on sale other places. I have payed upwards of $2.49 for 8oz of cheese when I was in a pinch and needed it right away for an event.

I bought TWELVE 8oz bags of shredded cheese. That seems crazy, right? Let me tell you why I did that. The expiration date on the bags were all August 2014 or later. So I calculated how much cheese I would use between now and August.  2 bags a month was my (conservative) estimate, so I bought enough cheese to maybe last us the 6 months, effectively locking in my cheese cost for the next 6 months at $1.00 per 8oz.

Had I not had a price book, I may not have realized what a great deal this was. I knew within seconds that I had been recently paying $1.99 or more for 8oz of cheese, so I could easily see this was HALF PRICE CHEESE and folks, it doesn't get better than that.

How I Keep My Price Book:
Since I've now got a 3rd eater at my house, it was high time for me to pick up the price book I started a few years ago and make it work. My original book was paper/pencil, though I've now advanced to an iPhone app: ValueTracker, which costs $0.99.  The buck was worth it to me to always have my price book with me (since I've always got my phone.)  The price book doesn't really work unless you always have it with you when you are at stores.

I put in prices using my receipt after I get home, and calculate the per unit (ounce, pound, whatever) price. I also update prices using the weekly sale flyers. If I used a coupon I note that (though really I don't use coupons often).  (I Plan to share my personal price book here soon!)


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Grocery Deals Round-Up: Produce & Dairy

Good deals on cheese this week- did you know you can freeze cheese? (Shredded freezes best, in my opinion.) Speaking of freezing- I blew my grocery budget this month by $50! Major, I know- but I can tell you that I spent $20 on 10 lbs of ground beef, $12 on 8 lbs of chicken breasts, and another $10 on 6 Smart Ones frozen meals- big purchases but were great deals for stocking up my freezer. Not sure what I spent that other $8 on.  Probably bags and bags of Cuties clementines (best price on these is at Aldi, btw.)- I love those things!
Annoyed with the HyVee ad this week- some pages arranged by COLOR rather than type of food. Seriously?

Apples (Organic Pink Lady)- $2.98 / 3lb bag @ Checkers
Asparagus- $1.48/lb @ Checkers
Baby Carrots- $0.99/ 1 lb bag @ Checkers OR Aldi
Bell Peppers (asstd)- $1.29 / tray of 3 @ Aldi
Broccoli Crowns- $0.79/lb @ Aldi OR Checkers
Clementines (Cuties)- $4.99/ 5lb box @ Target
Grapes (Red seedless)- $1.48/lb @ Checkers
Kiwi- 4/$1 @  Checkers OR 5/$1 @ HyVee
Lemons 3/$1 @ Checkers
Mushrooms- $0.79/8oz @ Aldi
Onions (Yellow)- $0.79/3lb bag @ Aldi
Pineapple (whole) - $1.99/ea @ Aldi OR Dillons
Tomatoes (Roma)- $0.58/lb @ Checkers
Yellow Squash or Zuchini- $0.48/lb @ Checkers

Balsamic Vinegar- $1.99/ 16oz @ Aldi
Butter - $1.98/ lb box @ Checkers
Cheese (block)- $1.79/ 8oz @ Aldi OR $1.66/ 8oz @ Dillons
Cheese (shredded)- $2.99/16oz @ Aldi
Chicken (split breast, thighs, or drumsticks) - $0.89/lb @ HyVee
Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream $1.99/ 24oz @ Dillons
Coffee (store brand)- $6.99/ 32 oz @ Dillons OR Aldi
Dog Food (Iams, Beneful, Pedigree)- large bags on sale @ Target OR HyVee
Milk (store brand)- $2.88/gal @ Dillons
Olive Oil- $2.99/ 17oz @ Aldi
Pesto sauce - $1.99/8oz @ Aldi
Soy Milk - $2.39/ half gal @ Aldi (regular price) OR $4.99/ 2 half gals @ Dillons
Tomatoes, Italian style diced (canned)- $0.59 @ Aldi
Tuna (store brand)- $0.48/can @ HyVee

DIY Dried Apples

This is an idea I found on the blog Going Home to Roost: DIY Dried Apples! And it was the perfect time to do it because there are such great deals on apples right now! It was pretty easy, by far the most laborious part was slicing up the apples, but that still only took about 15 minutes for 6 apples. Here is my version of DIY Dried Apples:

Pre-heat your oven- the original directions said to heat to 140, but my oven only goes down to 170, so that's what I did:

Then, you cut up the apples (I cut up 6 Gala apples) into slices/wedges about 1/4" thick:

As you are slicing them, put the slices in a bowl of water & lemon juice. I used about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per 2 cups water.

Once all your apples are sliced, lay them out on cookie sheets- no need to spray them, they won't get stuck (I cover my pans with foil to make clean-up easier!):

Then, put them in the oven to bake for 4 to 6 hours. About halfway through, flip them over. When you get to 4 hours, check on them occasionally. You want them dry, not burned up. The thickest pieces should feel slightly damp and bendy, and look something like this:

Let them cool, then place in an airtight container. They should be good for a few days. Or if you want to keep them longer, put them in the freezer for 2 days, and then after that they should keep up to 6 months in an airtight container.  Our dried apples didn't hang around that long, we ate them up. :)

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Stock Up & Save! (2/8-2/14)

Lots of good deals this week- not as many produce deals but lots of good prices on other staples, especially at Hy-Vee. Also I cannot recommend highly enough that people invest in freezers. You can usually find used ones at good prices, and they pay for themselves very quickly on your food savings, because you can buy in bulk when you get a good price.

Asparagus $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers (THURSDAYS)
Broccoli (Crowns)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers
Celery- $0.77/bunch @ HyVee (coupon*)
Cucumbers- 2/$1 @ HyVee
Grapes- $0.89/lb @ Aldi
Lettuce (Iceberg)- $0.78/head @ Checkers
Oranges (Navel)- $0.39/lb @ Aldi
Potatoes- $1.18/ 5lb bag @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes $0.68/lb @ Checkers
Zucchini & Yellow Squash-  $0.68/lb @ Aldi

Cake Mix (D. Hines)- $0.99/box @ HyVee
Beans (Kidney or Chili)- $0.49/can @ HyVee
Chicken (Whole)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Chicken (Boneless Breast)- $4.88/ 2.5lb bag @ Checkers
Cottage Cheese- $1.49/ea @ HyVee (coupon*)
Eggs- $1.18/doz @ Aldi (reg. price) OR @ HyVee (coupon*)
Lentils (dried)- $0.79/16oz @ Aldi
Peanut Butter (Peter Pan)- $2.18 @ HyVee
Pizza Crust Mix (Jiffy)- 2/$1 @ HyVee (coupon*)
Popcorn (Orville Red.) 2/$3 @ HyVee
Pork Loin (boneless)- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Soup (Tomato or Chicken Noodle)- $0.33/ea @ HyVee
SmartOnes frozen meals- 5/$8 @ HyVee (coupon*)
Sugar (granulated)- $1.99/4lb bag @ HyVee (coupon*)
Yogurt (Reg. & Non-Fat)- $0.39/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Whipped Mousse style)- $0.49/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Greek style)- $0.89 @ Aldi
@HyVee check if you need paper towels, plastic baggies, foil, laundry detergent, etc. because they are having good sales on lots of these types of items.

Wondering what to make with your bargains? My friend Betsy at Romance On A Dime (another Lawrence, KS blogger!) is posting a great recipe using deals from this week!  Roasted Potato, Sausage, and Veggies

*HyVee had lots more coupons in their weekly circular that usual, so make sure to grab one if you are headed that way.

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Fresh & Healthy

Here are the extra-great deals I noticed in the grocery stores this week, with a focus on fresh & healthy.

Prices good Jan 25- Jan 31

Avocados- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Baby Carrots- $0.49/16 oz bag @ Aldi
Broccoli Crowns- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Celery- $0.69/bunch @ Aldi
Grapefruit- $2.48/ 6lb bag @ Checkers
Peppers (Red)- 2/$3 @ HyVee
Pineapple (whole)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi
Radishes $1/ 2 bunches @ HyVee
Roma Tomatoes- $0.58/lb @ Checkers

Chicken Breasts (boneless)- $1.69/lb @ Aldi
Chicken Breasts (bone-in)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs- $0.97/lb @ HyVee
Hummus - $1.69/ea @ Aldi
Peanuts (In-shell, salted)- $1.69/16oz @ Aldi
Soy Milk (Silk)- 2/$5 @ Checkers
V8 Juice (Weekly pack)- $2.69/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Weight Watchers) 10/$5 @ HyVee

Also remember to check the January: Month by Month Guide to Sales before doing your shopping.

I looked at Aldi, Checkers, Dillons, and Hy-Vee. If you see great deals elsewhere, please comment! Also note these prices are all without coupons. I only rarely use coupons because I am specific about what I want, and there are infrequently coupons for those items that make them a better deal than store-brand or sale prices. Though I do always look at them to double-check.

Stay tuned for the next Grocery Deals Round-Up, typically posted on Wednesdays.

photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1206145

Grocery deals round-up: Let's Make Some Soup!

The holidays are over, and I don't know about you, but I am tired of cooking/baking for a while. I'm ready to get out my slow-cooker and make some easy soup, roasts, and casseroles! Frugal tip: make a double or triple batch and freeze the extra for lunches or future dinners. There are some great deals on ingredients this week that will make it worth your while. Frugal tip 2: Don't forget to use up the leftovers in your fridge.

Prices below good until 1/3/12 unless otherwise noted.

Beans (Kidney, Chili, etc.)- $0.59/can @ HyVee & Aldi

Bell Peppers (Red/Yellow/Orange)- $0.88/ea @ Checkers

Cabbage- $0.39/lb @ Dillons // $.038/lb @ HyVee

Carrots (whole)- $1.19/2 lb @ Aldi

Onions- $1.69/3 lb bag @ Aldi

Potatoes- $2.49/ 5 lb bag @ Aldi 

Sweet potatoes- $1.59/ 3 lb bag @ Aldi

Tomatoes (Roma)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers

Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce (large can)- $0.99/29oz @ HyVee

Chicken Breasts (Boneless & Skinless)- $1.58/lb @ Checkers

Chicken Breasts (Bone In)- $0.88/lb @ HyVee

Beef Sirloin Filet Bacon Wrapped- $1.88/5oz @ HyVee (12/29 only)

Beef (Ground 80/20)- $5.97/3 lb roll @ HyVee (12/29 only)

Pork Sirloin Roast or Chops (Bone In)- $1.38/lb @ Checkers

Pork Butt Roast (Bone In)- $1.99/lb @ Aldi // $1.79/lb @ Dillons

Sausage Roll- $1.98/lb @ Checkers

Milk (Half Gallon)- 2/$3.00 @ Dillons

Noodles (Yolk Free)- $0.99/12 oz @ Aldi

Onion Soup Mix- $0.79/2 oz @ Aldi

Salsa (Picante)- $1.98/24oz @ WalMart

Sauerkraut (canned)- $0.65/ea @ Aldi

Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1360604

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Fresh Produce and Nuts!

I can tell by the sales going on that the winter crops are coming in. It is usually the most frugal to buy in-season produce, plus it is the most fresh & tasty! Look here for what is in season now. 



Here are the best prices on fresh produce & nuts this week. (Prices good  through 12/20 unless otherwise noted.)

Apples- Royal Gala $0.99/lb @ Checkers, Washington Jazz $1.18/lb @ HyVee

Avocados- $0.79/ea @ Aldi,  $1.00/ea @ Dillons

Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers on Thursdays! (Not “in season” but a great deal.)

Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange)- $0.98/each @ Checkers (This is a great price! I got a bunch and cut them up and froze them. Perfect for homemade pizza, stirfry, enchiladas, etc.)

Bell Peppers (Green)- $0.48/each @ Checkers

Broccoli- $0.99/lb @ Aldi

Cabbage- $0.33/lb @ Checkers, $1.29/head @ Aldi

Carrots (Baby)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers, $0.99 @ Aldi

Clementines (Cuties)- $4.98/5lb @ Checkers,  $3.99 @ Dillons    

Cranberries- $1.49/12oz @ Aldi, $1.69/12oz @ HyVee

Cucumbers- $0.48/each @ Checkers, $0.49 @ Aldi

Grapefruit- $0.33/each @ Checkers, $3.99/10lb @ Dillons

Grapes (Red Seedless) $2.18/lb @ HyVee, $2.99/2lbs @ Aldi

Mangoes- $0.99/each @ HyVee & Aldi

Oranges (Navel)- $1.48/4lb @ Aldi

Pears- $1.99/2lbs @ Aldi, $1.25/lb @ Dillons

Pineapple (whole)- $0.99/each @ Aldi

Potatoes- $1.99/10lb @ Aldi, $1.99/10lb @ Dillons

Sweet Potatoes- $0.99/3lb @ Aldi

Almonds $4.99/16oz @ Dillons, $3.99/12oz @ Aldi

Pecans $6.99/14oz @ Dillons, $3.99/6oz @ Aldi

Walnuts $6.99/14oz @ Dillons, $6.53/16oz @ Target

photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1172300

$0.00: Talking myself out of buying a video game.

With all the focus of getting “great deals” on all kinds of things over the Black Friday weekend, I’ve been thinking about one of the most important tenets of frugality: No matter how great of a deal something was, you still spent money. You used to have that money, and now it is gone forever. The most frugal action is to not spend ANY money.

Here is my example: I really really really really want The Sims 3: Pets game. (I know, I’m a nerd.) I was thrilled to see that this game was 50% off today through EA’s Origin, making it $19.99 (regular $39.99). Wow, that is a great deal, I’m thinking. I'm going to buy it! Then I’m thinking some more... in my budget this month, I certainly did NOT include $20 for a new video game for myself. As a matter of fact, I’m more than $30 over my grocery budget for the month,  and besides that, Mr. Townie and I are taking our belated honeymoon trip in January and need to put any extra funds we’ve got towards that.

Sooo... even though finding the game that I have been wanting for months at half off is a great stroke of luck and it is a great deal, I made the most frugal choice and spent $0.00.  This is not to say that I will forever be a martyr and never ever get a video game again. I’m looking at this as delayed gratification- maybe I will get this game for Christmas.  Maybe I will get a giftcard for Christmas and buy the game. Maybe if I don’t get this game for Christmas, one of my friends will and I can borrow it.  Maybe if I still haven’t gotten my hands on this game after we get home from our trip in January, I can use money we have leftover to buy it.

Here’s the thing- I don’t have to buy that game today. That game will be available for years to come- why don’t I wait to buy it until I have extra money (and time to play it, for that matter?) I’ll just let Origin hold on to my game for me until I’m ready. Maybe it won’t be on sale then- but here’s another thought: video games and many other electronic toys continually go down in price the older they get. It could very well be that by the time I buy this game, it will have come down in price to the “sale price” of today. Or maybe by then I can find a used copy for much less than the price of a new copy.


If I would have bought this game today, you might think I would have "saved" $20 because that's how much it was marked down. But really, I would have saved $0.00 and spent $19.99 that I could have kept. So today, I saved $19.99 and spent $0.00


Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/

The Dollar Tree: goldmine!

I have recently been reminded of the glory of Dollar Tree (27th & Iowa) after a visit last weekend. I found a lot of great stuff there, including dried & fake flower bundles (lookit my centerpiece!), nice crackers, gourmet hot sauce, and great-looking metallic fabric placemats. All priced at $1! So I was able to get a dozen great placemats for Thanksgiving for $12 (cheaper than making them myself), plus 3 bundles of dried and fake flowers that I used for my centerpiece. (The vase is one I inherited from my Grandma Velma.)

Today I visited the Dollar Tree website and found that they have weekly ads! Here are some things I saw that are definitely worth checking out in the week to come, primarily holiday craft/decorating items.

15" and 18" wreaths
Wreath hangers
15' pine garland
6' extension cords
So many ornaments
Ribbon
Gift bags/boxes/wrapping
Indoor light strings

Black Friday and local Lawrence holiday sales

My conclusion is that a lot of "deals" on Black Friday are really not good deals, and I prefer to avoid the whole mess. That said, if you really want to do Black Friday, at least read this article from Lifehacker first.
How to Quickly Tell if a Deal is Really a Deal on Black Friday.

If you want to do some fun holiday shopping, I would recommend trying these local Lawrence holiday sales: 


Fair Trade Holiday Market is 11/25 – 11/27 from 8am – 7pm, 11/28 – 12/1 from 11am – 6pm, 12/2 from 11 am-7pm, 12/3 from 8am – 7pm at Ecumenical Christian Ministries. 
The market will feature the same great selection of handcrafted art, crafts, home décor, jewelry, clothing, personal accessories, toys and games that has made it so popular in years past, but this year Lawrence Fair Trade is hosting several fun events and educational activities in conjunction with the market.


Wonder Fair Holiday Market is Fri. Nov. 25 from 6p to 10p at Wonder Fair. 
Beginning Final Friday, November 25th, Wonder Fair transforms into a magical marketplace for your holiday gift-buying needs. All year we specialize in cleverly-designed functional art and original prints, and carry a carefully curated selection of affordable handmade goods. This special month, however, the Wonder Fair will host an expanded group of artists, and a greater variety of their thoughtfully handmade prints, jewelry, home goods, stationery, and unique art objects.


Adornment is Sat Nov. 26 from 7p to 10p at Van Go, Inc.
Let’s set the scene: wildly decorated warehouse and gallery….tons of unique art pieces made by JAMS artists…..200(at least) guests……food and drink…….what is it? Adornment! Van Go’s ‘Adornment’ art show has become their biggest sale all year. With the ever rotating inventory, every year is a must see! Always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, ‘Adornment’ celebrates Van Go’s young artists and invites the community to join! Free event, open to the public! Prices start at $3.

Bizarre Bazaar is on Sat. Nov. 26 from 9 to 5 at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Bizarre Bazaar is held annually on Thanksgiving weekend. It is located at the Lawrence Art Center at 940 New Hampshire. Come and enjoy all the Bizarre artwork!


Lawrence Art Guild's Holiday Art Fair is on Sat. Dec. 3 at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Join the Lawrence Art Guild  for the 17th annual Holiday Art Fair on December 3, 2011.  This annual art fair is held at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire and features over 50 artists.  Held on the same day as the downtown holiday parade this is a wonderful opportunity to purchase your Holiday gifts!


Lola Giant is Fri/Sat Dec. 10/11 10 to 4 and 12 to 4 at Van Go, Inc. 
Ladies of Lawrence Artwork (LOLA) hosts shows, featuring the handiwork of Lawrence, Kansas women. The participants provide an intimate boutique style shopping experience for the community to browse & interact with the creators themselves. 


Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/

Two Frugal Recipes (sweet potato pie and hot chocolate!)

Frugal Hot Chocolate from The Complete Tightwad Gazette (p 81) by Amy Dacyczyn

1/3c dry milk

1tsp cocoa

1c hot water

Marshmallows to taste.

How easy is that? And it only costs about 10 cents per serving. Mixed up in a pretty jar this would be a nice gift as well. 

This recipe is from my friend George. He brought this pie to our staff picnic and it knocked my socks off. I'm now completely obsessed and making it for Thanksgiving, plus a few extra to freeze. I asked if it is a secret family recipe, he says its from The California Cookbook from LA Times.

George's Sweet Potato Pie

1 ½ c mashed cooked sweet potatoes

½ c butter or margarine, softened

4 eggs

1 c granulated or brown sugar (I used brown)

1 ½ t nutmeg

1 ½ t vanilla

½ c milk

1 -9 inch unbaked pie shell

Mix all ingredients together until smooth.  Let stand in refrigerator overnight.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 ½ hours.

Photo courtesy http://www.sxc.hu/

My frugal Thanksgiving shopping list

Here is a shopping list for Thanksgiving (plus a few staples). I've researched the lowest prices in town (most good until 11/24).

• sweet potatoes, per lb   Hyvee $0.59, Walmart $0.28, Checkers $0.44
• white potatoes               Dillons 10lbs/ $1.88, Aldi 10lbs/$1.79
• frozen vegetables          Dillons Kroger brand $1.00
• green beans (canned)   HyVee brand green beans $0.39, Aldi $0.59
• stuffing                           Target Kraft Stove Top Stuffing $0.89
• rolls                                Checkers $0.99/dozen, Aldi $0.99/dozen
• cranberry jelly/sauce     Hyvee $0.95, Aldi $0.89
• butter                             Checkers 1lb $1.98, Aldi 1lb/$1.99
• sugar (granulated)         Dillons 4lb/$1.99, Checkers 4lb/$1.99
• sugar (powdered)    Checkers 2lb/$1.25
• flour                               Dillons 5lb/ $2.49 (but I suspect Aldi or Checkers will be cheaper)
• cream soup                   HyVee $0.67, Checkers $0.60
• french fried onions        Walgreens $1.50
• pie crust                        Aldi $1.89
• cream cheese              Aldi $0.89
• snack crackers    Checkers 2/$3.00
• egg nog    Checkers 1qt/$1.88
• pineapple, whole    Aldi $0.99
• Don't forget the turkey! My turkey entry.

To get my prices, I look at couponmom.com (you do have to create a free account), which is great except it does not include Checkers or ALDI. So I look at those weekly fliers separately: Checkers and ALDI. I also look at the price book I keep for non-advertised regular prices. (When the price book is a bit more complete you can bet I'll post it!)


My Totals:
I'm not buying everything on this list, because I already have some of it, and guests are bringing some things ( green bean casserole, stuffing, rolls, mac’n’cheese, a dessert, wine) but here are my totals:

Dinner for 10: Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, cheesy corn, cranberry jelly, plus guest contributions.

Appetizers/snacks: egg nog, crackers/cheese ball, pineapple.

My total cost = $27.53 (or $2.75 per person!)

Photo courtesy http://www.stockfreeimages.com/

Turkey deals round-up for Lawrence, KS

Readers, I confess that I bought a turkey yesterday without doing my research, but I was so convinced it was a great deal I just went for it. Now I'll do my due diligence and do the research, for you all! (I wonder if I can return the turkey I bought if I find a better deal... ?)




WalMart:
$0.74/lb for frozen turkey
$0.98/lb for frozen Honeysuckle White turkey

Aldi:
$1.08/lb for frozen Butterball

Dillons: (with card)
$0.79/lb for frozen Jennie-O
$0.99/lb for Jennie-O (fresh not frozen)
$0.99/lb for frozen Private Selection or Honeysuckle White

Hy-Vee:
"Buy a Hormel Cure 81 Whole Boneless Ham at $2.99lb., Get a Honeysuckle or Jennie-O Frozen Turkey 10 to 12 lb. average weight free." See coupon in ad.


Checkers:
$0.68/lb frozen turkey (with $40 purchase, regular price $1.18)
$0.98/lb frozen Honeysuckle White
$1.28/lb frozen Butterball

The final score: 
Well, looks like if you're buying groceries anyway, Checkers has the best deal. I bought the $0.74/lb (12lb turkey) at WalMart, so I could have saved $0.72 total if I'd gotten it at Checkers. I'm not sure I'll try to return the one I got for that savings.... I'm not sure I can dig it back out of the freezer. :)

If only a Butterball turkey will do, looks like Aldi has the best price on that one. The Hy-Vee deal is worth looking into if you also want a ham, but definitely check it out, it may be cheaper to buy them separately.

Did I miss any good deals??

A Frugal Thanksgiving

I think I might be doing that thing where I decide to do a huge thing and then later when I'm actually doing the huge thing, I'm like, why did I decide to do this huge thing?

That being said, I've decided to host a "mini-Thanksgiving" at my house the day after Thanksgiving Day for my close relatives that I won't see on Thanksgiving Day (since I will be seeing other relatives). I would like to publicly thank my husband for agreeing to this most exciting and possibly disastrous undertaking. This will be our first Thanksgiving as married people, and what could be more grand than hosting our own (mini) Thanksgiving meal at our own house?




Here's what I'm thinking for a menu:

-Turkey (something like a 12-pounder?)
-Dressing (hoping someone else can be talked into bringing this)
-Mashed potatoes (I am a master potato masher)
-Turkey gravy
-Green bean casserole (hoping my Mom will make this)
-Cheesy corn (don't actually know what this is called, but Grandma Gish makes it and its delicious. I'll post a recipe later.)
-Rolls
-Sweet potato pie (never made this before but had some recently and it was SO TASTY.)
-Cheesecake (certain I can get my Dad to bring this)
-Wine!

I think I can do this meal really frugally (I'll tally it up and report!), especially since guests will bring things. With one expception- I don't know where to get a good deal on a turkey! This is where I ask for HELP! Am I missing anything really important? And where can I get a good deal on a turkey?

**NOTE: I later did the research on turkey and Thanksgiving foods! Check out this entry: 

Photo courtesy of http://www.everystockphoto.com/

2 Frugal recipes

Tried 2 new frugal recipes this weekend.

Split-pea soup in the crockpot: It was SO GOOD, and really easy. Served with corn muffins.

Photo by Paula G

Purchased ingredients:
16 oz bag of dried split peas - $0.99 (regular price at Hy-Vee)
Smoked ham - $2.00/lb, used 2 lbs. (sale price at Hy-Vee)
The rest of the ingredients (onions, carrots, salt, etc. I already had on hand).

Betty Crocker corn bread mix - $0.33 (on sale 3/$1 at Walgreens)

Recipe here: http://www.food.com/recipe/slow-cooker-split-pea-soup-83008 (I omitted the celery, because I don't like celery. Ha.)

Easy fudge: also SO GOOD and SO EASY. I'm thinking this might be a good one to make and give to people for the holidays.

Purchased ingredients:
2 lbs powdered sugar (used 1 lb for the recipe)- $1.50 (on sale 2/$3 at Dillons)
The rest of the things I already had (cocoa powder, milk, butter, etc.)

Recipe here: http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1729,150161-231201,00.html (I used powdered milk, made following the directions on the package. I also did not use nuts.)

Weekend update: great deals!

Had a great weekend hunting down some awesome deals. Went to a rummage sale that was a fundraiser for the LHS marching band, and also to an estate auction. Got a lot of things for Christmas gifts, and a few other fun things too.

Rummage sale:
-Overhead projector - $1.00 - my friend Alena had been looking for one of these for a long time so I picked it up for her.
-Magna-doodle- $1.00 - looks brand new, going to give it to my little cousin.
-White ceramic picture frame - $0.75 - new with tags on it, going to put a wedding picture in it for a grandparent's Christmas gift.

Estate auction-
-Large bulletin board- $2.00 - going to paint & decorate it for a little cousin's Christmas gift.
-Box of 20 or so picture frames - $1.00 - going to use these for more wedding pictures for gifts.
-Old red wagon - $6.00 - thought this was too cute to pass up. Maybe I'll put plants in it.

-Wooden duck- $2.00. I don't know. I just love it.











-A thing that I think is an old-fashioned popcorn popper. $1.00. Can anyone verify this? I plan to give it to my Dad to use in his fireplace.

-Antique wall thermometer. $1.00 Already put it up in my kitchen.

- Two awesome granny-style crocheted blankets- $2.50 To use in my house.
- One other thing that I can't mention because its a gift for someone who reads this!

Did you hit up any garage sales or estate sales this weekend? What did you find?

What is your best ever treasure found at a garage sale or auction?

Save money on Christmas gifts by making your own-

This year I’m making most of the Christmas gifts I’m giving. I’m doing this for two reasons: to spend less money, and because I think homemade gifts can be better than store-bought (if done right).

For example, I think that Ugly Dolls are really cute, and I wanted to get one for my 2 year old cousin. Then I realized that even the “Little” dolls were $10 each. I did some searching and found this pattern for a DIY Monster Doll, and I am happy to report that the materials were less than $1, and I spent less than  4 hours on the project. (I am an abnormally slow sewer.)  For the body material I used part of a neon green sweatshirt from my fabric scrap box (free), and for the features I bought felt pieces at Michael’s for 5/$1, and I used only about ¼ of two of the sheets (about $0.05 worth). I also already had white thread, and the other sewing supplies I needed. For the stuffing I bought a (new with tags on it) ugly throw pillow at a Lawrence thrift store for $0.25 and cut it open and used maybe ¼ of the poly-fill. 

I am really pleased with how it came out, and I think it will be extra-special because I made it just for her (using colors she likes, etc.)

Obviously, a Monster Doll may not be the right gift for everyone on your list. I’m making some other gifts this year as well, but I’m hesitant to write about them here, lest I ruin the surprises! What I can offer is this list of my hand-picked favorite DIY gift ideas. 

A DIY Christmas: 34 Great Homemade Gifts You Can Make - from Get Rich Slowly (I like the Secret Hollow Book, Stationary Sets, and Teacup Candles. Also my family has done the Family Cookbook before and it was a lot of fun! These can all be made from things you already have, or cheap thrift-store treasures.)

16 Cheap Homemade Christmas Gift Giving [To-Make] from Tip Junkie (I like the Make Up Roll Up Bag, Hot/Cold Therapy Sacks, and the various Etched Glass items.)

DIY Christmas Gifts that Don't Suck from yes and yes (I like the Finger Puppets, Cat & Dog Treats, Silhouette Portraits, and Wool Mittens.)

And don't forget there are lots of books with DIY gift ideas at the Lawrence Public Library! For inexpensive materials, check out my list of Lawrence, KS thrift and bargain stores. And don't forget your frugal wrapping- ideas here. 

Driving slower saves $$ - told you so!

Proof that you do save money by driving slower! Finally. Now my husband should stop teasing me and telling me I drive like a grandma. Because, while I do drive like a grandma, its for a good reason.

One of my favorite money blogs, The Simple Dollar, did the math for us. Thanks!

This is why I'm not a fan of the increased speed (75 MPH!) on I-70. I typically go 65 or 70, but feel like people are going to run over me. Anyone else driving under the speed limit on I-70, or elsewhere?

You don't have to give up coffee, or bring it from home, to save money.

It seems like every financial advisor in the last 10 years has been promoting the idea that if you would just "stop buying expensive lattes" and invest the $50 a month you're spending on them, your financial woes will be over.

I'm here to tell you that no, it's not really a good idea to buy expensive lattes everyday. I can, however, tell you that you don't have to go without your good coffee.  One of my favorite blogs, The Simple Dollar, has finally done the math on just how much you can save by bringing your own GOURMET coffee from home. No Folgers for us, folks! The bottom line is that even with really nice coffee and expensive creamers, a 16 oz. coffee brought from home costs under $0.70.  So, keep that in mind.

But there is another option.

I brought my coffee from home for months. The coffee was delicious, but it created problems for me. Most notably:

• having too many things to carry across campus (not enough hands!)
• in the winter my coffee being cold by the time I got to my office
• and last but not least- spilling the coffee on myself repeatedly during my trek to the office. 

I have found a good compromise- it's still cheaper than the $4 latte, and only $0.27 more than bringing coffee from home. The refill! I am lucky enough to have a snackbar/coffeeshop in my building. I found out a few months ago that they charge only $1.00 plus tax for a coffee "refill", which means that you bring your own cup and get coffee from the pump pot. Then I found out that there is a free Coffee Club Card offered by Pulse (the company that runs the coffeeshops on the KU campus) that gives you a 10% discount on all purchases. So I've got my card, and a cup that I keep at my desk, and I get my coffee every morning for $0.97.  Besides, using a re-usable cup is good for the environment, too. I've had my trusty blue cup for years!

Now while you may not have a Pulse where you work, check out the "refill" prices at your regular stop, you may be surprised how cheap they can be. I know, for example, that Aimee's Coffeehouse has a cheap refill. Any other local Lawrence shops with a good refill price?

I hope you enjoy the cell phone photo of my cubicle with my coffee. :) And no, I did not pay full price for the No Coffee No Workee sticker!

Remember the library!

The value of checking prices- Here is my real life example.

For some reason, I have had a very strong urge to watch Cool Runnings. Don't ask me why. John Candy? Reggae music? 

 It is not on Netflix On Demand, but I still want to see it, so I started checking around. This took me about 10 minutes.

To buy online:

Best price was Amazon: $8.17 with shipping, used.

To buy locally (my preference):

Walmart - not in stock locally (checked online)

Best Buy- $12.99 in stock (checked online)

Half Price Books - not in stock (called local store)

Game Nutt - not in stock (called local store)

Hastings- $10.40 in stock (checked online)

To borrow:

Asked friends on facebook, no one has it.

Miracle Video (rental) - don't have it (called local store)

Lawrence Public Library -  HAVE IT, for FREE. 

(It feels pretty silly calling places and asking for Cool Runnings, by the way.) The point here is, when you have a whim to buy something, think about it a few minutes before you do. Think about how quickly you need it, can you borrow it, can you buy it used?

P.S. I also posted a "Want to Buy" ad on cragislist a few days ago, but no bites. I can't believe no one wants to sell their copy of Cool Runnings, which I would just bet they haven't watched recently.