Vegetables Save You Money

It’s USA’s National Don’t Eat Meat Week!

We’ve heard from multiple sources that going vegetarian even just once a week can save considerable food budget dollars.  That fact alone is enough to give it a try if you haven’t already… and the tips on growing your own vegetables along with the delectably delicious  recipes featured below will keep your budget and your appetite happily satisfied.

Healthy Living Meal: Serve 4 for Under $40
- Christina Pirello, PBS TV Host of “Christina Cooks”

99 Cent Only Store Cookbook – Spinach Artichoke Tarts
- “The 99 Cent Only Store Cookbook” author, Christiane Jory

Healthy Gourmet for Less – Edward Hamann, Sur La Table
- Edward Hammann,  Sur La Table Culinary Instructor

Black Bean Dip
- Melissa d’Arabian, Host of The Food Network’s “$10 Dinners”

Grow an Organic Garden: Save Money
- Pam Ruch, Organic Gardening Magazine Research Editor

Garden Vegetables: Amazing Tricks & Tips!
- Creative and inexpensive ways to keep your garden thriving

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Free, Easy and Elegant

Luxury on the cheap… the little things can make a big difference!

I’ve seen several articles about decorating on the cheap by using found or recycled bottles.. and I’ve used this idea many many times and it always creates an array of delight and elegance.  But this time all the cuttings were taken from wild plantings, ie: weeds, to create a complete and total 100% free floral arrangement.

No cost easy and elegant.

STLV co-founder, Jamie

Videos on topic:

Freecycling for Free Stuff - Christina Salvi, director of Freecycle NYC

Free & Fresh Entertaining Decor –  Libby Langdon, designer, author, tv host

Repurpose Those Holiday Cards – 6 Easy ideas to make useful items from any type of card you’ve received

Low to NO Cost Decor Makeovers – 9 Simple and quick tips to instantly spruce up any room

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Dog Food, Shredders, Burgers, and Bed Linens

Dog Food, Shredders, Burgers, and Bed Linens: What do these things have in common?  Not much except that we were able to enjoy good deals on all of them!

How we saved over $111.55 with almost no  effort!

Busy Saturday, full of errands taking care of little odds and ends that I had been putting off for some time.  First, I  headed to Petco, to take advantage of a coupon I had gotten in the mail for being a Petco loyalty member,  and picked up a FREE 4-lb bag of their Nature’s Recipe dog food (normally $11.49).

On to Staples to buy a paper shredder.  There was a woman standing alone in the isle in front of the shredders, holding a flyer covered with coupons.  I asked which shredder she was thinking of and she said they were out of the one she wanted but the sales associate was bringing one from stock that he thought she might like, however she wasn’t sure if the additional 25% coupon she had would still apply.  I asked to see the ad, and I noted that it said: 25% off ALL shredders.  The sales associate came back back with his selection saying it normally was $139.99, but was on sale for $59.90, (savings: $80.09) plus the additional 25% would bring it to $44.93 (additional savings: $14.97).  I mentioned that if there was another in stock that I would take it and I asked if there were any coupons in the store that I could use, and the associate assured me that he could take care of that for me, and fetched the same shredder from stock.  I asked why it wasn’t on the shelf, and he said it was a discontinued item.  That was okay with me… so I was able to get a $139.99 shredder for under $45.00.  If I hadn’t asked that woman and the sales associate, I never would have gotten that deal.  When I returned home I noticed that the additional 25% had not been deducted on the receipt.  I called Staples, spoke to the manager, and she told me that she would be able to apply a credit to my credit card.  That’s what I call value and service!

Then, I just couldn’t resist looking into a brand new Five Guys Burgers and Fries which had just opened up right next to Staples. I’d never been to one so it was kind of an adventure to check it out.  I was pleasantly surprised to find some terrific items of note:  ALL toppings on burgers (besides cheese and bacon) are FREE; you can help yourself to all the fresh peanuts in the shell you want, for FREE; soft drink refills are FREE, and the regular-sized fresh-cut french fry order was more than enough for two people, actually it was enough for three people!  All of that speaks well for their customer consideration and product value.

Then to Bed Bath and Beyond for a mattress cover, where I asked if they would accept my $5.00 off coupon that was dated 2008!  Yep! So glad they honor ALL their coupons, no matter what the “date”…  In reality, don’t expiration dates discourage shoppers? After all, isn’t the purpose of coupons to get the consumer to come in and shop?

With almost no effort at all I saved $111.55 on items I really needed.  Sometimes it all just comes together, and it’s happy all around: happy to finally have a shredder; happy to have tried a new burger joint and have some free fresh peanuts, happy the bed will be cozier, happy the dog will be full, and happy that I was able to do it all without breaking the bank!  Now, that was a nice, and frugal, Saturday afternoon!

Jamie, SLTV co-founder

Disclaimer: We have no affiliation with the products, companies, stores or restaurants mentioned, and we do not receive any compensation in any way for any mention of them….(though… wouldn’t that be nice?)

Enjoy These Related Videos:

Street Food Smart – Daniel Delaney, host of vendr.tv gives pointers to find quality gourmet street food to enjoy on the cheap.

Money Saving, 5 Top Spend Less TV Tips – Finance author and radio show host, Garrett Gunderson, discuss easy ways to save throughout your day.

Coupon Stacking Explained - Julia Scott, aka: The Bargain Babe, reveals how coupon stacking works, so you can get the most out of  a deal.

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Xmas in July. . . Why?

What’s all this “Christmas in July” really about?

Some people might think that “Xmas in July” is nothing more than a sales ploy…an attempt to create more consume, consume, consume.  But we at Spend Less TV.com don’t look at it like that.  During the holiday season we find we’re often dashing around at the last minute frantically trying to pull something together for the inevitable friend or relative who was inadvertently left off the list, or the surprise out of town guest who shows up on gift-sharing day, or the grab-bag party that suddenly falls on your lap to host.  That’s where “Xmas in July” comes in.  Why wait for the last minute? What better time than now to snag that fabulous holiday outfit, plan for DIY projects,  stock up on accessories to set a festive party table  or create a welcoming front door wreath? And planning ahead means you can take advantage of off-season reduced prices, cut down on impulse spending, and have fewer parking space confrontations on Black Friday.

To celebrate Xmas in July and hopefully spare you some last-minute frantic grief, Spend Less TV has made these festive video links available now. We know you’ll love not only the savings tips in these videos, but also the creative ideas and festive mood they set…we can already smell the chestnuts roasting in an open fire….

What are some frantic last minute chores you’d like to avoid this next holiday season?

Use What You Have to Decorate for Holidays - Andie Huber, Editor, Good Housekeeping

Handmade Gifts - Kim Danger, founder of Mommersavers.com

Holiday Decorating on a Budget – Interior designer, Lisa Canning

Decorating Budget Tips – Designer, Kelly Edwards, from TV’s “Design on a Dime”

We originally wrote this entry for MidwestMom blog who had invited us to be a guest blogger for her Xmas in July event on July 14, 2009. We really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute our videos to her fantastic festive ideas. MidwestMom blog is no longer active and the author has retired to focus on other career pursuits and spend more time with her family. We know she’ll excel, and we send our best.

Winter Holiday Facts:  See an impressive List of World-Wide Winter Festivals

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Wallet-Friendly Fourth of July

Fourth of July

The Fourth of July…

What’s the perfect holiday for easy fun and easy on your budget, too? As The Frugal Yankee, Louise Sacco Reily, puts it, “The Fourth of July is a dream holiday for frugal people: no one expects you to bring gifts and the entertainment is free!”  Fireworks, parades, block parties – so much is available for a great celebration, and we here at SpendLessTV.com have brought you tips on how to make the most of this favorite summer holiday with videos full of money-saving and high-style July Fourth party ideas to put you in a festive mood and let your patriotic flags fly!  Wishing you a happy and safe July 4th!

Backyard Getaways and Parties – Martie Duncan, founder of Martie’s Parties, gives easy ideas for any budget in this clip

Watch Fireworks - Safe and free – over two minutess of nothing but fireworks!

Flowers, Festive & Easy – Decorate easily with these super tips from interior stylist, Janette Ewen

Flowers – Simple & So Elegant – International floral entertaining expert, Biggy Wolff, shows simple and festive ideas – great anytime, even for a July 4th party!

Fourth of July Frugal Fun – Louise Sacco, Reily, from the FrugalYankee.com, gives great pointers to make the most of free events in your community

Homerun Summer Parties – Clever baseball themed party ideas for less and perfect for July 4th, too!

Make a July Fourth Pinata, – Okay – we admit, we’ve posted this video before, but it’s a really fun idea for ANY celebration! And so easy to do!

Red White and Blue Party – Better’s shopping expert, Nicole Camarata, gives super pointers to make it great and on a budget!

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Father’s Day: Fantastic and Wallet-Friendly

iHeartDad

SpendLessTV.com knows you care, and your Dad will too!

You can show Dad you have real heart for him, and also hold onto your real savings at the same time with these videos loaded with easy budget-friendly or even free do-it-yourself gifts, gift baskets, recipes, entertaining and activity ideas Dad will love!


Father’s Day the Home Shopping Way – a Karen Alloy comedy

Father’s Day Artists Showcase, Live Performances –  Live web broadcast  from NerveDJs.com

Meetballs 3-course, feed 4, under $35 - Chef /Owner, Bill Poirer, from the Boston Restaurant, Sonsie

Summer Grilling , Serve 8 for $10 Each – David Joachim & Andrew Schloss, authors of “Mastering The Grill”

Cupcake Father’s Day Gifts – Clare Crespo, author of “Hey There, Cupcake!”

DIY Coin and Key Keeper – Crayola Creative Workshop

DYI CD Case Photo Frame – Crayola Creative Workshop

Origami necktie and Shirt Card – Easy to do!

Men’s Spa at Home – Lenny LaCour (yes, men like them too!)

For some great gift basket ideas, check this previous blog post:
The Gift… Basket?

These previous posts mention  great resources for nice discounts and even free fun local activities :

Hidden Deals! Ye Olde Telephone Book Bargains

End Cabin Fever For Free

Frugal Festival – In Los Angeles

Visit us on Twitter for more up-to-the-minute deals and ideas!

Father’s Day FACT:  Did you know:

Scholars claim the tradition of Father’s Day can be traced in the ruins of Babylon where a young boy called Elmesu carved a Father’s Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. Elmesu wished his father good health and a long life. The idea of a Father’s Day celebration in the U.S.A. originated in 1909 in Spokane, Washington, when Ms. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd was listening to Mother’s Day sermon.  Sonora pondered if there is a day to honor mother then why not for father and she began a rigorous campaign to celebrate Father’s Day in the U.S.  It wasn’t until  1972 that a permanent national observance of Father’s Day  was established by President Richard Nixon. More Father’s Day facts

The Frugal Festival – Los Angeles

SwapBargainFest

Shout out to our friends, Julia Scott, aka: Bargain Babe, and to Melissa Massello and Amy Chase aka: The Swapaholics!

Julia’s blog, bargainbabe.com, provides “daily tips for savvy spenders”.  And Melissa and Amy’s blog, theswapaholics.com is “hopelessly devoted to swapping.” Put them together and you get L.A.’s biggest clothing and merchandise swap, with over 300 savvy shoppers interacting at the North Hollywood Performing Arts Center. If you are anywhere near Los Angeles, Calif on June 19 – we encourage you to check out their Frugal Festival Summer Swap . This one-day swap of clothing, media, and housewares features free raffles with prizes like an 8GB iPod, a DJ spinning tunes, and each swapper also receives a free reusable bags stuffed with goodies like a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate!   This would be a super Father’s Day activity as well!

And don’t forget to tell them SpendlessTV.com says “Hello!”

Related videos from Julia Scott, the BargainBabe:

Coupon Stacking explained

Lunch: How To Find a Great $5 Meal

Frugal From Appliances to Cows

And  from Melissa and Amy, The Swapaholics:

Clothes Swap
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Ice Cream & Big Savings!

ice-cream cone

June 7 was National Chocolate Ice Cream Day in the U.S.

And we couldn’t resist – two of our favorite things:  Chocolate and Ice Cream.

We’ve found links to great coupons and deals, so you (and your budget) can enjoy celebrating!

And don’t forget about the Birthday Clubs that many ice cream shops offer. Sign up and you receive a free cone on your birthday!

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream – Save $1 on any two Pints of ice cream.  Expires 7/7/2010

Ben and Jerry’s Sundaes – Buy-1-Get-1 Free Every Monday through 8/31/2010

Cold Stone Creamery – (Van Nuys Cal. but maybe others) 20% Off Any Purchase coupon.  Expires 6/30/2010

Dairy Queen Buy-1-Get-1 Blizzard Treat coupon

Earth Fare Organic Ice Cream – Free Quart with $5 purchase.  Expires 6/8/2010

Healthy Choice – Save 50-cents on any one Ice Cream

Hopkins Farm Creamery – 25-cents off Hand Dipped Double Scoop.                 Expires 6/30/2010

Hopkins Farm Creamery – Coupons: 75-cents off Premium Banana split.            Expires 6/30/2010

Lactaid – Dairy Challenged? LACTAID Ice Cream – save $1 coupon

Marbleslab coupon $1 off any tasty creation ice cream combination. Expires 6/10/2010

Recipe: Chocolate Ice Cream Cake recipe (it’s not what you think…)

Nothing like your own fresh homemade ice cream! Into making your own?
Check this video for the real scoop on ice cream makers:

Ice Cream Makers – How to Pick the Right One

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Ca-Ching! A Money Saving Top Tip Follow-up

Ca-Ching - A Top Tip Follow-up

A True SpendLessTV Moment:  How Garrett B. Gunderson got a check in the mail -

A short time ago we posted a video of SpendLessTV.com co-founder, Michael Fishman, being interviewed on The 5 Tracks of Wealth radio program on the Producer’s Power Hour, which is hosted by  Garrett B. Gunderson. Garrett is a personal finance coach, author of the New York Times bestselling personal finance book, “Killing Sacred Cows”,  creator of the New Rules to Get Rich Program, and we’re proud to say, one of SpendLessTV.com’s top Exclusive Video Contributors, providing excellent free tips on growing your savings and keeping more money in your pocket.

During that interview, Michael revealed to Garrett  SLTV’s Top 5 Money-Saving Tips, one of which Garrett actually participated in during the interview while still on the air! He learned that there were funds being held by the U.S. Government that he had not been aware of and which he was entitled to receive.

Well, we’re happy to report that Garrett just revealed to us that because of this tip, he received  a check for $482.00 from the U.S. Government!  All it took was 2 minutes and his check was in the mail.  Our own Michael Fishman received $264 from the same tip!

What are you waiting for? Check out this short video and see what may be waiting for you!

—> Money Saving, 5 Top Spend Less TV Tips

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Give Mom the Best and Your Budget a Break for Mother’s Day!

iHeartMom

It’s easy to give mom the best!

From easy recipes, to beauty or spa gift basket ideas, to decorating ideas – we’ve got so many amazing affordable ideas for Mother’s Day we just couldnt single any out!

So let yourself go and create nothing less than wonderful for mom… you’ll be glad you did!

SpendLessTV.com’s categories are brimming with the best ideas to create a day Mom will love:

Food, Drink, Cooking

Health & Beauty

Holidays!

Entertain, Event, Party

For more specific gift ideas, check this previous blog post:
The Gift… Basket?

These previous posts mention  great resources for nice discounts and even free fun local activities :
Hidden Deals! Ye Olde Telephone Book Bargains

End Cabin Fever For Free

Visit us on Twitter for more up-to-the-minute deals and ideas!

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Mother’s Day Fact:  Mother’s Day started as part of a women’s peace movement dating back to the USA’s Civil War.

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