More tips (another pun!?) for dining out!

Here are a few more ways to save money and get the most value out of your dining experience:

* Compare lunch vs. dinner menus...meals are often quite a bit cheaper on the lunch menu...go for a late lunch instead of early dinner!

* Don't order bottled water...ask for a slice of lemon in the filtered or tap water instead.

* Consider splitting an entree or skip the meat and go for a less expensive pasta or salad option.

* Check out happy hours...a local favorite here is "My Wine Cellar" - during happy hour, all beverages and appetizers are $2 off. And often the appetizer is enough for a light dinner!

Other ideas? Let us know!

Dog Days of Summer?

So...with seven dogs (yeah, dumb I know, but they are loveable!)this is a topic close to my heart (and wallet!!!).

Some pet deal thoughts:

* If you are looking for a pet, check with a shelter or rescue group first. The pets need a good home and cost a LOT less and fees generally include spaying/neutering.

* Buy food in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam's Club or watch for deals/coupons particularly at Walmart and Target. While Science Diet and other well-known brands are considered better for cats and dogs, check with your vet and see if a cheaper brand or generic is ok for your particular pet. If they don't have allergies or significant diet problems, you may be able to go with the cheaper brand.

* Toys? Of course we spoil our pets, but trust me...buy the toys at the Dollar Store, Walgreen's or BigLots...somewhere they won't cost nearly as much and you won't be heartbroken when Fido loses the toy or destroys it one day later! And, if all else fails, rely on the old standbys: a Frisbee or a tennis ball!

* Pass on the pet beds and go with an old soft blanket (one of your own old ones or pick up one cheap at Goodwill.

* Check out local shelters or PetCo for discount vaccinations.

* For great deals on pet medications/prescriptions, visit:
www.1800PetMeds.com
I've used it and you can save quite a bit!

Fashion Makeover a la Goodwill!

Check this out! Just another testimony to the deals you can find at thrift shops!

Mini-Vacations without the Fees!

For years, we camped and the best destinations for that pastime are the National Parks! Well, it's gotten even better this year with two "fee-free" weekends - coming up in July and August! There will be no fees charged at over 100 parks that normally charge entrance fees (camping, reservation and concession fees are still charged so be aware of that when making your plans)!

The free weekends are: July 18-19 and August 15-16.

For more details and/or to find a participating national park near you or your destination site, check out:

www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

Here's to happy campers! (and how appropriate to post on July 4th!)

Cleaning up

Here are a few different ideas for household cleaning without paying for the brand name cleaners and supplies!

* Add equal parts bleach and Pine-Sol (about 1/8 cup of each) in a spray bottle and then fill the rest of the bottle with water. Use to clean bathrooms, kitchens and floors. It cleans, deodorizes and saves $$!

* Baking soda is the ultimate in saving and cleaning. You can use it to clean sinks, eliminate odors in the refrigerator and garbage disposal and clean ceramic stovetops with it. You can also use it to clean tubs and showers. Buy a big box and see how much you save!

* Save grocery store plastic bags to use as bathroom trash can liners.

Post your other ideas and share!

FREEBIES!!!

If you are not adverse to giving out your name and e-mail address, you can get lots of free product samples. Check out these sites:

www.JustFreeStuff.com

www.TheFreeSite.com

www.TotallyFreeStuff.com

You may get a bit of spam, but you need to weigh the value of what you can get against that...

Redecorating without refinancing

Our hometown paper suggested a list of ideas - each under $20 - to redecorate without going broke!

Here are a few:

* Use twin flat sheets (cheap from Target or Walmart!)as inexpensive curtain panels or shower curtains.

* New handtowels can brighten up a bathroom.

* Paint a table, a chair or accent a wall to add some color to a room.

* Use a spool of black or brightly colored elastic and wrap around an unframed mirror in a criss-cross patern...tuck photos and memorabilia behind the bands to create a unique wall-hanging.

* Replace lampshades!

* Rearrange furniture (and declutter)

Feel free to add your own comments and suggestions!