Around the Web 7/20/10
I’ve been surfing around the web and here are a few things I found to share with you.
Use fabric scraps and paper towel tubes to make these eco-friendly DIY napkin rings from Pear Tree Events. This is a great idea which allows you to inexpensively make color coordinated napkin rings for parties.
Someone at VBS made drop biscuits for the kids’ snack and they were so good. I was glad to find the recipe at Southern Plate. While you’re at it, you might want to make some crock pot apple butter to go along with it. Yummm.
I have some friends with ear wax problems, so I thought this information about Colace and over-the-counter drops was interesting and helpful. Just fyi, in case you have the same issue.
Sweeties Sweets has some Pampers Gifts to Grow codes for points. A few of them were expired, but there are still many that are good.
Money Saving Mom has info on how to get a free Wordlock Luggage Lock.
Enjoy!
image (c) Karen Weideman
June 17, 2010
How to Save Money on Food While Vacationing
School just ended here. It’s hot outside and I know many of you will be heading out on vacation soon. Hotels are expensive enough, but the cost of eating out can cost you as much or more than your accomodations.
Here are some tips for saving on food while on vacation:
1. Eat out only once each day. Try to pack something for the other meals. (Some ideas are listed below.)
2. Check the visitor’s center. Sometimes you can find half price coupons for restaurants.
3. Give Restaurant.com a try. I have used their gift certificates in several different cities. Browse their site for your vacation destination. Many times you can pick up $25 gift certificates for only $3. I post regularly on these so be sure to check out their sale info.
4. Try to find a hotel with complementary breakfast. Many times their rates are the same as other hotels. I have eaten as some hotels that offer bacon, eggs, sausage, cinnamon rolls, cereal, and the works. It really saves a lot on your food bill.
5. Consider staying in a room with a kitchenette. If it’s too pricey, try some of the ideas below.
6. Precook and freeze meals that can be reheated in the microwave. Some ideas are quiche, meatloaf, spaghetti, burritos, soup, homemade macaroni and cheese, pancakes and waffles, muffins, bacon, and casseroles. What dishes do you freeze that reheat well in the microwave?
7. Pack an assortment of snacks and convenience foods or stop by the local store. Granola bars, trail mix, apples, bananas, Easy mac, microwave popcorn, instant oatmeal, bagels, yogurt, cheese sticks, and precut veggies are good choices.
8. See if the hotel has a grill that you can use. You can cook all sorts of stuff on a grill. Some of my favorite grill sides are potatoes and cabbage. Simply cut up the potatoes or cabbage and wrap them in tin foil with some butter and seasoning. Yummy!
9. Eat out for lunch. For the most part, it is a lot less expensive to eat out at lunch than dinner.
10. Take a steamer, crockpot, or toaster with you. Depending on the hotel’s rules, you might be able to make your dinner in the crock pot or steamer. I have also heard about people using a coffee pot to cook their food. I have never tried that one before, so if you’re interested in that method, you might want to do some internet searches for information.
11. Check the grocery store for inexpensive precooked foods. Perhaps you could pick up a rotisserie chicken or fried chicken, some bagged salad, or potato salad.
12. Schedule at least one inexpensive dinner outing. I’m thinking of something like Cici’s pizza. If you get water, you can eat for about $5/person.
Well, I know that these tips only scratch the surface of ways to save on food while on vacation. Tell us your tips. 
April 12, 2010
10 Pairs Mudd Sunglasses for $9.99
For today only, you can get 10 pairs of women’s Mudd brand sunglasses for only $9.99. Woot! Shipping is $5.99 for the first set and $1 extra for the second set.
I just ordered a set for me. If you’re considering purchasing these, you’ll want to do it now before they run out. I don’t know about you, but I spend that much on one pair of sunglasses so getting 10 pairs for $10 is a real treat.
Enjoy the savings!
Thanks Smart Couponing!
