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Free Bees--> October 2024

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  So far this year we have picked up 236 free items .  High inflation is making it more challenging to find free items.   However, I have set a goal to beat last year’s number (247). I am working towards finding the most items when I have more time and giving myself grace during the months when my time is limited.    My goal for next year is to find 264 FREE Items. This works out to 22 items per month.  This may be challenging because drug stores and grocery store deals have started to dry up. I rely on digital coupons, printables from the company when available, store coupons and reward programs, samples, and rebate apps such as IBOTTA.      As always, I can secure these items through Kroger incentives, Drug Store (Walgreens/CVS)  Rewards programs, sales, Smart Source, Meijer’s sales/store coupons, sample requests, and Rebates Programs (IBOTTA/SavingStar).    January 2024 (29 Items) February (19 Items)  March (39 items)  April (20 Items)  May ( 32 Items)  June (8 Items)  July (23 Item
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Living Large In The Cheap Seats--> FREE National Park Days 2024

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  I was first introduced to Living Large In the Cheap Seats by a college friend, Chris J., who introduced me to lawn tickets for popular bands.   We were able to see great concerts at a significantly discounted rate.   Later when reading Brokenomics by Dina Gachman, I revised this concept and decided to share it with you.  I have been doing this for years and have can enjoy wonderful experiences for FREE! FREE Entrance to National Parks   NPS Photo .     National Parks are one of America’s treasures and are enjoyed by many.     Although some parks are free to the public, others charge entrance fees.    However, our National Park Service offers Free Entrance six times per year to over 400 National Parks.  I like to take advantage of these days to see the parks which normally have entrance fees.  It offers me and my family a chance to widen our experiences.    However, if you use the National Parks multiple times a year, you may want to invest $80.00 for an American the Beautiful Nationa
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Menu Plan: #296

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  Menu Plan #296 NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      September  USDA Low Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $187.40 per week.  We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.    Here is what we did this week to make our week easier:   Baked Muffins on the Weekend Pre-cut fruit and vegetables Prepared Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Dinner Kits Packed Lunches for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Breakfast Options:  Banana Walnut Muffins Yogurt Lunch Options: Adult Bento Boxes Leftovers Sandwiches Monday Pork Chops Rice Green Beans Tuesday Tacos Salad Chips w/ Salsa Wednesday Leftovers Thursday Soup and Sandw
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Frugal Five: #95

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  The Frugal Five: #95 With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet keeps going down.    Therefore, we must be more careful with our money.   The Frugal Five is a series where we celebrate the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     I am exploring how to keep costs down during busy weeks. One strategy is to keep dinner on the table instead of eating out. Here are some of my tips and trips.    1- Pantry Cooking Once a Week    I noticed that my family tends to eat out when I work late.     So we need to eat dinner at home again.   One strategy to reduce our grocery bill, I am committing to putting a pantry-cooking meal on the menu each week.    My boys went to an out-of-town swim meet last Saturday, so I used up some goat cheese and tortillas to make quesadillas.  I paired it with a salad to round out the meal and it was delicious.  Later this week, I will use multiple cans from the pantry to make vegetarian chili with corn
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Crocktober==> Day 5

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  The leaves are turning colors and starting to drop.   In addition, the weather is turning cool and October is Crock Pot Month. So dust off your slow cookers and start using them to help get dinner on the table this month.     My slow cooker is a big asset and gets a lot of use over the fall and winter months.    When it is cold outside I use my slow cooker to make soups, stews, sauces, and one-pot meals.      Since school is in full swing, I can get my dinner going in the morning when I have more time.   Then, dinner is done when I am exhausted and this avoids the desire to eat out.    Crocktober is a challenge, to use your crock pot every day in October.    Although I will not use my crock pot daily, I will use it more this month and post several recipes.    Come along for the month and see what is cooking.    Day 5 Our fifth recipe is homemade Zuppa Toscana.  We love Olive Garden’s Tortillini Soup and enjoy it every time we visit the restaurant.    Over the summer I grew a lot of k
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