Frugal Tip of the Day 4/30/12 Maintain Your Dishwasher

Today's frugal tip is to save money by maintaining your dishwasher. Make sure you are cleaning out the food debris tray often. One way to clean out your dishwasher is to place a cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher dispenser and let it run while its empty. 

One problem that could be causing you to need to run your dishwasher more than once is not emptying your garbage disposal prior to running the dishwasher. Run some water and turn on the garbage disposal to make sure its completely clear before your start your dishwasher.

If you find you are still having to rewash dishes that have been washed once in the dishwasher consider getting a rinse agent like Jet Dry or Oxy Clean's Dishwashing Booster. If hard water is to blame consider purchasing Lemi Shine at the grocery store or at Wal-Mart.

Missed a Frugal Tip? April 2012 Frugal Tips

 

Missed a Frugal Tip? No Worries- Got You Covered! Here are the Frugal Tips of the Day for April 2012:

Sunday, April 29, 2012    Buy Two Newspapers

Saturday, April 28, 2012 Rent Don't Buy - Your Public Library

Friday, April 27, 2012 Get e-Books for FREE

Thursday, April 26, 2012 Save on Printing Costs

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 75 Uses for Baking Soda

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Keep a Budget

Monday, April 23, 2012 Cook Meals at Home

Sunday, April 22, 2012 Take Your Lunch in Reusable Containers

Saturday, April 21, 2012 Save Money on Gas

Friday, April 20, 2012 Read your receipts thoroughly- know the return policies

Thursday, April 19, 2012 Saving Money at the Nail Salon

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Use Cash for Every Purchase

Tuesday, April 17, 2012  Beware Buying in Bulk

Monday, April 16, 2012 Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Sunday, April 15, 2012 Coffee/Tea Ice Cubes

Saturday, April 14, 2012 Save money by having your home organized.

Friday, April 13, 2012 Testing for Water Leaks and Uses for Food Coloring

Thursday, April 12, 2012 Uses for Coffee (This was the first day I started posting the Frugal Tip of the Day)

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/29/12 Buy Two Newspapers

Today's Frugal Tip of the Day is to always buy two newspapers when there will be coupons in them. Why? Most Publix and CVS stores allow you to use one manufacturer coupon on every item you purchase even when they are on sale buy one get one free (BOGO).

So, let's say you are buying two packs of shaving razors and they are BOGO at Publix for $3. You get two newspapers because there is a manufacturer's coupon in there for $1.50 off one pack. With two coupons and the BOGO deal you just scored FREE razors.

Now, you may not always end up getting free items because of having two coupons, but having two coupons (i.e. two newspapers) will help you maximize savings during BOGO sales.

Obviously don't get two newspapers if there are no coupon inserts. To find out whether your newspaper will have inserts check out this AWESOME SITE that lets you sneak a peak into the paper each week. Thanks to this site I know that today there should be FOUR newspaper inserts in the Sunday, April 29, 2012, edition. I'll definitely be buying two today!

As a bonus...to save more money. Tampa residents should make sure to buy the Tampa Bay Times and St. Pete residents should buy the Tampa Tribune? Why? You will save $$$ simply because of where you live as Tampa Bay Times prices are lower on Sunday for Tampa residents and Tampa Tribune prices are lower on Sunday for St. Pete residents. This could change but for now its added incentive for me, a Tampa girl, to buy a Tampa Bay Times. Add to that the fact that I freelance for the Tampa Bay Times and I'm an extra happy camper!

One last thing and this is sad to have to type- make sure when you buy your newspaper that your inserts are there because people steal them :( Don't steal inserts! That is all! Have a great day everyone!

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/28/12 Go to the Library

Today's frugal tip is to save money by going to the library! Many libraries let you listen to music and rent movies for free in addition to checking out books for free. In Tampa at the Hillsborough County Public Libraries I've been able to rent older movies and even a few television series that I like. Why buy it when you can enjoy it for free?

Free in the tbt* 4/27/12 Edition

 

Below are the freebies from the tbt* 4/27/12 Weekend Edition

FREE
Dragons will be lurking in Garrison Channel on Saturday for Asia Fest . Dragon boats will be zipping through Channel District-area waters as paddlers from across the U.S. and Canada compete to be Tampa's top team. It's free for spectators as racers aim to paddle what is essentially a long canoe with a dragon head. The course is 450 meters; each team races three times, and heats run every 10 minutes, starting at 8:30 a.m. Meanwhile, Asia Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at nearby Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. Enjoy the tastes, sights and sounds of 15 Asian countries. There will be colorful dance performances, traditional music and a Miss Asia Fest competition. The park is at 601 Old Water St.; the race course starts behind the Marriott Tampa Waterside, 700 S Florida Ave., Tampa. For info, see asiafest-tampabay.com.

FREE
Blast Friday , a family-friendly street celebration in downtown Clearwater, this month includes a free concert by '70s radio kings Firefall ( You Are The Woman , Just Remember I Love You , Strange Way ). There will also be unique vendors, fun foods, family activities and contests. It runs 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday in the Cleveland Street District, Clearwater. 1-888-532-5278.

FREE 
Treasure Island's beach will stage 10 hours of dancing in the sand to live music by Lucky Peterson, Sarasota Slim and more at the Bikini Blues Bash. Other activities include a children's area, arts and craft vendors, food and beverage concessions, from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. (727) 547-4575.

FREE 
Come Saturday, Freedom Lake Park will look like a doggie singles cruise at Bark in the Park . A whole pack of dogs will be on hand, from Pekingese to police dogs. Activities include pet adoptions, craft and pet vendors and a K-9 police dog demonstration. Starts at 8 a.m. at 7770 52nd St., Pinellas Park. (727) 488-6321. Free, with contest entry fees benefitting the care for active duty and retired K-9 police dogs.

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/27/12 Get FREE e-books

Today's frugal tip of the day is to save money by downloading free e-books instead of buying them!

Before you shell out the $9.99 or whatever cost the book is head over to Amazon's Kindle store to see what e-books are free. Everyday there are at least 100 freebies available to download!!

Where do you find the list? Click HERE and then look for the Top 100 Free books on the right column. The PAID books are in the left column. Make sure you double check the price before you click to buy with 1-click!!!

Don't have a kindle? No problem! You can download free reading apps for PC, droid, Ipad, I phone, etc... Click HERE to download the apps.

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/26/12 Save on Printing Costs

 

Yes, I know today is April 27, but I didn't get to post yesterday :( 

So...a day late here is the Frugal Tip of the Day for Thursday, April, 26, 2012:

Save on printing costs at home by changing your printer settings. Change it to fast draft or economy printing and you can extend the life of your ink cartridge. I do not recommend doing this if you will be printing photos!!!

Save even more by changing the settings to only print from your black cartridge since color is more expensive.

Free Drinks for Ladies at Chase Club TONIGHT 4/26/12

LADIES NIGHT and KARAOKE show Thursday nights beginning at 9 p.m. at The Chase Club. Ladies drink Free 9pm to 11 and Half Price all night long. Come on out and enjoy the fun.

Address is
12129 W Linebaugh Ave
Tampa, FL 33626

More info on Chase:
Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 2pm-8pm
Sat and Sun Noon - 8pm
2-4-1 Drafts, Liquor and Wine



The Chase Club is Tampa's best friendly neighborhood cheers bar.

Best of the Bay Happy Hour.

Nightly drink specials

Happy hour 2 pm to 8 seven days a week.

Well over 150 Micro brews and Imports

Games and entertainment for your enjoyment including Golden Tee golf and Silver Strike Bowling

Live acoustic music Friday's from 6pm to late.

Hospitality industry welcome. 20% off for all hospitality industry people. Tuesday nights is Hospitality night and all hospitality workers get 30% off.

Free Pool Tournament Tonight at Peabody's! 4/26/12

 

FREE Pool Tournaments are held Thursdays at Peabody's

Pool Tournament begins at 9pm! Come play some free pool and shoot for your chance to win a bar tab at Peabody's! 

Other specials of the night: $3.50 Drink menu for Ladies Liquor Pitchers Starting at $6.50 1 Hour of Free Pool for Ladies and College Students (w/ valid student ID) and DJ Tommy Who will be spinning the beats

To find out about other FREEBIES at Peabody's click HERE !

Possible Free Groceries at Publix!! 4/26-5/2/12

I love free groceries! Who wouldn't right? There is one place I go every single week when I am looking for free groceries. My favorite store to shop at is Publix and the absolute best website I have found that is just plain awesome at telling you how to get free groceries is Addicted to Saving. Run by Liza Ford, Addicted to Saving tells you not only what is on sale at Publix, but also what coupons are available to match up with the sale prices getting you closer to that awesome FREE deal that couponers and freebie addicts crave!! Rather than just post exactly what Liza posts weekly, I choose to give you a link to her page with all her match-ups. So, check out Addicted to Saving's Publix Deals and Steals (and possible free grocery) post for this week HERE

Free drinks and Sushi at Blue Martini TONIGHT! 4/25/12

Did you know that Blue Martini has been offering free sushi and cocktails for ladies each Wednesday?  I didn't until tonight and now that I know I might have to stop by more often.

With the help of Play 98.7 fm each Wednesday from 4-8 ladies get free sushi and a their first drink free.  The best part? Half off cocktails the whole night for ladies and FREE COVER!!!
Does it get better than that? Yes! It does...there are also giveaways for everything from spa treatments to designer handbags to concert tickets!!!  Not to mention the free live show from whoever happens to be playing the Wednesday you stop by.

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/25/12

Today's tip is to save money by buying baking soda! There are all kinds of amazing uses for baking soda...You can replace many items with baking soda saving you money and helping you to cut back on the number of abrasive chemicals in your home.
Check out a few of the uses for baking soda found on Life Hackery and then click HERE to see the full list of 75 uses for baking soda.

1. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase.
2. Wash fruits and vegetables with it.
3. Make fluffier omelets by adding half a teaspoon of baking soda for every three eggs used.
4. Add a cup of baking soda to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.
5. Use it as a face and body scrub for exfoliation.

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/24/12

Today's tip is to save money by keeping a budget. Sure, budgets suck! However, I've learned the hard way that not budgeting (and not paying attention to my debit card usage) leads to the dreaded NSF fees at the bank. Budgeting allows you to not only see where all your money is going but also makes it crystal clear where things can be improved and adjusted.

Lost on how to get a budget started for your family? Check out one of my colleague's websites. Jeremy Vohwinkle is the Financial Planning Guide for About.com and here are his tips for how to create a Budget.

More About Creating a Budget:

• Basic Budget Worksheet for Setting Up Your Personal Budget
• Guilt-Free Budgeting: Set Up a Budget With No Blame, No Shame
• Financial Rules of Thumb

Budget Tips and Tricks:

• The Importance of a Budget
• 5 Tips to Cut Spending Leaks
• Why Do I Overspend?

Wednesday Come See Me @ Improv! 4/25/12

No turning back now! Wednesday, April, 25, 2012 is rapidly approaching. The jokes are written and I am trying to prepare the delivery of them for your amusement. I hope to see a crap load of people there to support me and keep the crowd from heckling me off the stage for my five minute act.
I am still trying to get approval to film my show. If for some reason we do not receive permission I will possibly film the act once the article goes live. Will keep everyone posted.
Showtime is 10p.m.-12a.m. I won't know what time I go on until the night of. Again, it is FREE to get into the show for open mic night and there will be drink specials throughout the event.
Looking forward to seeing all of you Wednesday night!!

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/23/12

Today's frugal tip of the day kind of goes with yesterday's tip. Save money by cooking meals at home instead of going out to eat. One place that several magazines I like prints recipes from is MyRecipes.com. What's neat about the site is that they have a section called Cheap Dinner Recipes that tells you the cost per serving. They have dishes that are less than a dollar a serving and full meal recipes under $10. For even more $10 meals check out Melissa d'Arabian from Food Network!

What are your favorite cheap dinners at home?

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/22/12

In honor of Earth Day today's tip will not only help save you money, it will also help save our planet. Save money and be eco friendly by bringing your lunch to work/school in reusable containers. Make more for dinner than you can eat and then throw some leftovers in a reusable dish! Even the Dollar Tree has some awesome reusable dishes and the best part is that if they break or get stained most of them are also recyclable!!

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/21/12

Today's Frugal Tip of the Day comes from Woman's World Magazine (issue 5/16/11)

Save money on gas by extending the amount of time between fill ups!
Here are some tips to increase your gas mileage:
1. Turn off the A/C: Turn it on for a few minutes to cool the car down then press the circulation button and turn off the A/C. Running the A/C shaves off one or two miles from your mileage.
2. Look for coupons: Sometimes there are coupons available via gas company websites, through grocery stores or the newspaper.
3. Consider a credit card: There are some credit cards that give you rebates on what your purchase in gas. However, beware the credit card. See my reasons to always pay cash!
4. Avoid topping off: Topping off the gas tank can result in your paying for gasoline that is fed back into the station's tanks because your gas tank is full.(source)

Check out this link to see even more ways to save money on gas.

Do you have a frugal tip to share? Leave it in the comments and it might become a frugal tip of the day!

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/20/12

Today's frugal tip was brought about by my new found frustration with the store Forever 21. Until recently I had never made a purchase there. Needless to say when I went to return the purchased item I learned I could not get my money back because of the store's (ridiculously STUPID) policy that refunds will NOT be made. EVER. No one informed me of this upon making my purchase. Yes, it was on my receipt...but STILL!!! I never in a million years would have expected a no refund policy. Store credit or bust is their policy...

SO...without further adieu...today's frugal tip of the day is to read the return policy of any store you are at BEFORE making a purchase there. Be sure you actually want the item you are buying just in case returning it is not an option.

p.s. I don't think I'll be shopping at Forever 21 ever again...I never really liked the store much as it was and now they have turned me completely off as a customer. As for my store credit card that I was given in exchange for the item I didn't want...I'm thinking it will be an awesome gift for my sister for her birthday.

Free HIV and STD Testing 4/20/12

 

 Original Source for this Content

From Hillsborough County Health Department:
The Hillsborough County Health Department will offer free confidential HIV and STD testing at our downtown location, 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd., on Friday, April 20, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in honor of National STD Awareness Month.

One in two sexually active people will get an STD by the age of 25. Most won't know it. The only way to find out is to get tested. Getting tested is about knowing yourself, and knowing your status, while carving your own path in life.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), HIV, and AIDS have not gone away and continue to affect every part of our community. Approximately 15 Floridians become infected with HIV every day. It's important to note that not all STDs have symptoms, making testing the only way to know for sure if you have been infected. So, why not come out and take advantage of this great opportunity to get tested?

Who is at risk for a sexually transmitted diseases? Anyone who is having sex. Genital herpes, chlamydia, HPV, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea affect men, women and teens from all walks of life.

If you're sexually active, make STD testing a part of your regular check-up.

Learn more about STDs at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctr /std/index.html, HIV/ AIDS at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/aids/index.html, and for more on testing at hivtest.org.

Free Drinks for Ladies at Chase Club TONIGHT 4/19/12

LADIES NIGHT and KARAOKE show Thursday nights beginning at 9 p.m. at The Chase Club. Ladies drink Free 9pm to 11 and Half Price all night long. Come on out and enjoy the fun.

Address is
12129 W Linebaugh Ave
Tampa, FL 33626

More info on Chase:
Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 2pm-8pm
Sat and Sun Noon - 8pm
2-4-1 Drafts, Liquor and Wine



The Chase Club is Tampa's best friendly neighborhood cheers bar.

Best of the Bay Happy Hour.

Nightly drink specials

Happy hour 2 pm to 8 seven days a week.

Well over 150 Micro brews and Imports

Games and entertainment for your enjoyment including Golden Tee golf and Silver Strike Bowling

Live acoustic music Friday's from 6pm to late.

Hospitality industry welcome. 20% off for all hospitality industry people. Tuesday nights is Hospitality night and all hospitality workers get 30% off.

Free Drinks for Ladies at Chase Club TONIGHT 4/19/12

LADIES NIGHT and KARAOKE show Thursday nights beginning at 9 p.m. at The Chase Club. Ladies drink Free 9pm to 11 and Half Price all night long. Come on out and enjoy the fun.

Address is
12129 W Linebaugh Ave
Tampa, FL 33626

More info on Chase:
Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 2pm-8pm
Sat and Sun Noon - 8pm
2-4-1 Drafts, Liquor and Wine



The Chase Club is Tampa's best friendly neighborhood cheers bar.

Best of the Bay Happy Hour.

Nightly drink specials

Happy hour 2 pm to 8 seven days a week.

Well over 150 Micro brews and Imports

Games and entertainment for your enjoyment including Golden Tee golf and Silver Strike Bowling

Live acoustic music Friday's from 6pm to late.

Hospitality industry welcome. 20% off for all hospitality industry people. Tuesday nights is Hospitality night and all hospitality workers get 30% off.

Free Pool Tournament Tonight at Peabody's! 4/19/12

 

FREE Pool Tournaments are held Thursdays at Peabody's

Pool Tournament begins at 9pm! Come play some free pool and shoot for your chance to win a bar tab at Peabody's! 

Other specials of the night: $3.50 Drink menu for Ladies Liquor Pitchers Starting at $6.50 1 Hour of Free Pool for Ladies and College Students (w/ valid student ID) and DJ Tommy Who will be spinning the beats

To find out about other FREEBIES at Peabody's click HERE !

Free USF Spring Football Game 4/21/12

From the USF Football Website:

TAMPA - The University of South Florida football team has been hard at work over the last month and it is now gearing up for the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 21 at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Fans should use Gate C, which will open at 5 p.m., to enter the stadium. Admission and parking is FREE, with Lot 6D opening at 3 p.m

As a convenience to season ticket holders, FREE tickets are available to be printed from your online ticket accounts rather than picking up a FREE ticket at the stadium on April 21. Additional FREE tickets will be available at the stadium if needed.

How to print your FREE 2012 USF Spring Game Tickets:
1.  Season Ticket Holders should login into their online ticket account using the "Manage my Tickets" link on the Bulls Ticket Central page
2.  Once logged in to the account, click on the "Print" link on the main page located under the heading "Manage My Tickets"
3.  From the print screen, select the number of tickets desired to be printed/used for the Spring Game by toggling the box located next to each individual ticket
4.  Once the tickets have been selected, click the "Print" button located below the tickets and proceed with the remaining steps to print the tickets from the online account (you may need to disable your pop-up blocker)
5.  Seating will be General Admission on the east side of Raymond James Stadium
6.  Free tickets will be available on game day at the stadium for any additional ticketing needs
Select a seat day will begin at 5 p.m. for first-time season ticket buyers to choose their season ticket location.  Fans should enter at Gate C and proceed to the USF Ticket Office table located at the top of the Gate C entry ramp.  A USF sales representative will be present to assist first-time season ticket buyers in the purchasing of their season tickets.
Make sure to stay tuned to GoUSFBulls.com for more information on the Spring Game and all the events surrounding the game as we get closer to Saturday, April 21.

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/19/12

Today's Frugal Tip of the Day comes from Woman's World Magazine (issue 11/7/11)

Save money by not having to visit the nail salon as often... Here are some tips to get the most out of your salon manicure:

1. Request a full bottle: Older bottles get thick and clumpy and the paint tends to chip off faster.
2. Choose a shimmery shade: The enamel of shimmery shades adheres to nails better and is less likely to chip.
3. Skip the soak: It may seem like you are being pampered but the nails absorption of water will make the paint more likely to chip and peel.
4. Say no to quick-dry: Quick-drying nail polish is more likely to dent.
5. Don't skip the base coat: The formula in base coats helps nail polish stay put.

Not frugal enough for you? Save even more money by doing your manicure on yourself at home. Click HERE to see an article on giving yourself a manicure at home. Interesting that EVERY article I found on how to give yourself a manicure at home says to soak your hands...hmmmm...

Possible Free Groceries at Publix!! 4/19-4/25

I love free groceries! Who wouldn't right? There is one place I go every single week when I am looking for free groceries. My favorite store to shop at is Publix and the absolute best website I have found that is just plain awesome at telling you how to get free groceries is Addicted to Saving. Run by Liza Ford, Addicted to Saving tells you not only what is on sale at Publix, but also what coupons are available to match up with the sale prices getting you closer to that awesome FREE deal that couponers and freebie addicts crave!! Rather than just post exactly what Liza posts weekly, I choose to give you a link to her page with all her match-ups. So, check out Addicted to Saving's Publix Deals and Steals (and possible free grocery) post for this week HERE

Free Comedy at Improv TONIGHT 4/18/12

Did you know that IMPROV hosts a free open mic night every Wednesday?

The Tampa IMPROV offers a free Open Mic Night in their Bar every Wednesday night starting at 10:00pm and you must 21 and up to enter (whether you’re performing or just watching).

I will be making my comedic debut on 4/25/12!!! Click here and see!!!



A sign up sheet will be at the bar at 9:30pm and they accept the first 20 comedians who sign up.

Comics are given up to 5 minutes of on stage (and given a light at 4). A lottery system is used to determine the order in which the performers will go on stage (their name is assigned a number that will be drawn to determine what order they will perform).

IMPROV also runs drink specials and does ticket giveaways during those nights.

For more information, call (813) 864-4000.

Free drinks and Sushi at Blue Martini TONIGHT! 4/18/12

Did you know that Blue Martini has been offering free sushi and cocktails for ladies each Wednesday?  I didn't until tonight and now that I know I might have to stop by more often.

With the help of Play 98.7 fm each Wednesday from 4-8 ladies get free sushi and a their first drink free.  The best part? Half off cocktails the whole night for ladies and FREE COVER!!!
Does it get better than that? Yes! It does...there are also giveaways for everything from spa treatments to designer handbags to concert tickets!!!  Not to mention the free live show from whoever happens to be playing the Wednesday you stop by.

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/18/12

Today's Frugal Tip is to pay with cash for every purchase. As easy as it is to reach for the plastic when it comes to paying for something, don't do it. Every time you use a credit card you are adding the risk of having to pay interest on whatever it is you're buying.

You may be thinking, "But I pay my bill off every month! I don't pay any interest fees." My argument to that is you are still gambling!! What happens the month that you don't have enough extra money to pay off that credit card bill in full?!? That $100 purchase you made on groceries just tacked on an APR of 5, 10, 15 or in some cases as much as 20% or more!!! Every time there is an interest charge it costs you money that you shouldn't have had to pay!

What about using a debit card? That to me is just like paying in cash only because you are only spending money you actually have. However, be aware of your bank's policy on debit card usage. Some banks will give you a courtesy limit that allows you to "spend" more than is actually in your bank account. Let's say your bank allows you to go $100 over...you can still have a $100 transaction but beware!! Not only will you owe that $100 back to the bank... you will also get an insufficient funds fee for every transaction over your balance. So, be meticulous in your record keeping to know how much is in the bank if you are going to use a debit card as your pay by cash method!

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/17/12

 

Today's Frugal Tip is to beware of buying in bulk. Sure, it sounds like a great idea but look at the nuts and bolts of it...

Let's say it is a bulk jar of pickles for $20. This jar holds the equivalent of 20 smaller jars of pickles that are normally $3 each at Publix. Sounds great. You are getting $60 worth of pickles for the bargain price of $20. However, let's say the pickles in the bulk jar expire within six months of opening. Do you REALLY think you are going to go through all those pickles in six months?!? Unless you are planning a cookout for lots of people and REALLY love pickles it is highly doubtful.

Also consider this...the pickles at Publix are frequently in the buy one get one free sales. Pair that with two coupons of let's say $1 off one jar and you are getting 2 jars for $1!! Bulk price without as much concern for having too many pickles AND you only have to open one small jar at a time so they will last longer.

So...when you see a bargain bulk price look closer at whether or not it is in fact a frugal buy.

Check out this list of items Forbes Magazine says NOT to buy in bulk! Also, check out this list of items Yahoo Finance says to ALWAYS buy in bulk! What do you think?

Tax Day Freebies 2012

 

My pal Camille sent me a link to all the awesome Tax Day Freebies that the Huffington Post reported will be available on April, 17, 2012. Check out the full list with links to coupons if needed HERE!!!

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/16/12

 

Today's Frugal Tip of the Day is brought to you by my Pinterest obsession. Save money by making laundry detergent instead of buying it already made! I originally found this pinned HERE and it was blogged about  HERE by a gal named Laurie.

I followed the same recipe that Laurie used for the most part with the following ingredients:

- one 4 lb 12 oz box Borax (2.15 kg or 76 oz) found in the detergent isle
- one 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (1.81 kg) found in the cooking isle
- one box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (3 lb 7 oz) found in the detergent isle
- three bars of soap grated with a cheese grater...One note on the soap...Laurie suggested using Fels-Naptha soap but another blogger recommended using Ivory soap instead for a better smelling detergent so I opted to use Ivory.
(Laurie also recommends adding two small containers of Oxy Clean or store brand Oxy Clean but I opted not to do this...)

Once you have mixed all the ingredients thoroughly you will end up with roughly 23 cups of laundry detergent for under $15 (at Wal-Mart costs as of April 2012). 23 cups of detergent at 2 tablespoons a load ends up costing less than $0.08 a load. This detergent mix will yield roughly 184 loads at 2 tablespoons a load!! That's a savings of  more than 50% per load compared to Tide according to the prices I have seen.

To use this laundry detergent use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load. (1 for simple loads and 2 for soiled loads) 
Laurie said, "I know that does not seem like enough but this recipe does not have fillers like the store bought detergent so you only need 1-2 Tablespoons."

She also said, "This detergent is fairly mild smelling, it is not over powering. If you love a strong scent you may have to add a fabric softener to each load."

This detergent is HE washer safe according to every blog I have read.

I have been using this detergent for two weeks now and love it! My clothes feel and smell cleaner. The image above is of the ingredient packages. The jar is a small amount of the detergent that I'm keeping in my laundry room and the big container under the packages is filled with the rest of the detergent!! Big tub I know!!!

Follow me on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook!!

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/15/12

Instead of pouring the last of your coffee or tea down the drain make ice cubes out of it. Use the cubes in the next batch of iced coffee or tea and you will have a full flavored drink that won't get taste watered down as the ice melts.

Today's Frugal Tip of the Day comes from Martha Stewart Magazine (issue July 2011)

Free Movie at Pier 60 Today 4/14/12

Bring the family to Clearwater's Pier 60 for a FREE film screening every Friday and Saturday. Bring a blanket or low sitting chair and watch a movie on the jumbo screen. Weather permitting.

Address: 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33767

Parking is not free and the fee for it varies depending on where you park.

Movie Schedule starts Approx: 7:45 PM

Remaining April Flicks:
Friday 4/13/12 – Johnny English Reborn/ PG

Saturday 4/14/12- Legally Blonde/ PG-13
Friday 4/20/12 and Saturday 4/21/12 no movies will be shown due to the Iron Girl Marathon
Saturday 4/27/12- The Smurfs/ PG
Sunday 4/28/12- Jack and Jill/ PG

For more information on Sunsets at Pier 60 visit HERE

Frugal Tip of the Day 4/14/12

 

 Save money by having your home organized. Personally, I have purchased five pairs of scissors and more than a dozen rolls of tape simply because I couldn't find my office supplies when I needed them. Having a place for everything and everything in its place will save you money because you won't need to buy replacement products unnecessarily.

One way that I have been organizing and decluttering my own living space is by doing it a little at a time. I found an awesome free Declutter Calendar and have been following it daily to not get overwhelmed. Check it out HERE and then head to My Simpler Life for even more ideas on making your life, well, simpler.

Reminder: FREE Event: Ecofest - April 14, 2012

EcoFest 2012 is a community event organized by Learning Gate Community School to celebrate the many businesses, organizations, and individuals in the Tampa Bay area dedicated to the principles of sustainability – Ecology, Equity and Economy.

EcoFest 2012 will be held on April 14, 2012 on the school grounds in Lutz, Florida. The event will be open to the public from 9:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Admission to the event is free.

There will be live music, workshops, demonstrations, informational booths, green living products and services. Some local artists, green businesses, environmental organizations, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists, organic farms and gardens with produce. All vendors must supply their own tables, chairs and tents.

In addition, we encourage you to become an EcoFest 2012 sponsor to highlight your green brand within the community.

See www.GoingGreenTampa.com for more information!
Thanks to Michele Northrup of Intensity Academy for sharing this information about this event with Tampa Bay Freebies!

Reminder: Free Movie at Pier 60 Today! 4/13/12

Bring the family to Clearwater's Pier 60 for a FREE film screening every Friday and Saturday. Bring a blanket or low sitting chair and watch a movie on the jumbo screen. Weather permitting.

Address: 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33767

Parking is not free and the fee for it varies depending on where you park.

Movie Schedule starts Approx: 7:45 PM

Remaining April Flicks:
Friday 4/13/12 – Johnny English Reborn/ PG

Saturday 4/14/12- Legally Blonde/ PG-13
Friday 4/20/12 and Saturday 4/21/12 no movies will be shown due to the Iron Girl Marathon
Saturday 4/27/12- The Smurfs/ PG
Sunday 4/28/12- Jack and Jill/ PG

For more information on Sunsets at Pier 60 visit HERE

Frugal Tip of the Day: Testing for Leaks

 

Today's Frugal Tip of the Day comes from Woman's World Magazine (issue 2/20/12)

Save water and money by checking for costly leaks in your toilet.
"Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and let it sit overnight. If the water has changed color by morning, that means the tank is leaking. The easy fix? Replace the rubber flapper (available at hardware stores) for a leak-proof seal!"

Other fun uses for food coloring from the article in  Woman's World Magazine (issue 2/20/12):
1. Tint your flowers bu trimming the ends of the stems on carnations, daisies and other flowers and dropping them into vases that have a few drops of food coloring in them.
2. Make colored pancakes by adding a few drops of food coloring to the batter before cooking.
3. If you are going to visit an area with snow add some drops of food coloring to a spray bottle of water and let kids spray the snow to color it.

Got the food coloring on your hands? Fastest way to get it off is to make a paste of 2 tbsp. of salt and vinegar and rub the mixture over the stains until they are gone.

Free Movie at Pier 60 4/13/12

Bring the family to Clearwater's Pier 60 for a FREE film screening every Friday and Saturday. Bring a blanket or low sitting chair and watch a movie on the jumbo screen. Weather permitting.

Address: 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33767

Parking is not free and the fee for it varies depending on where you park.

Movie Schedule starts Approx: 7:45 PM

Remaining April Flicks:
Friday 4/13/12 – Johnny English Reborn/ PG

Saturday 4/14/12- Legally Blonde/ PG-13
Friday 4/20/12 and Saturday 4/21/12 no movies will be shown due to the Iron Girl Marathon
Saturday 4/27/12- The Smurfs/ PG
Sunday 4/28/12- Jack and Jill/ PG

For more information on Sunsets at Pier 60 visit HERE

Possible Free Groceries at Publix!! 4/12-4/18

I love free groceries! Who wouldn't right? There is one place I go every single week when I am looking for free groceries. My favorite store to shop at is Publix and the absolute best website I have found that is just plain awesome at telling you how to get free groceries is Addicted to Saving. Run by Liza Ford, Addicted to Saving tells you not only what is on sale at Publix, but also what coupons are available to match up with the sale prices getting you closer to that awesome FREE deal that couponers and freebie addicts crave!! Rather than just post exactly what Liza posts weekly, I choose to give you a link to her page with all her match-ups. So, check out Addicted to Saving's Publix Deals and Steals (and possible free grocery) post for this week HERE

Free Pool Tournament Tonight at Peabody's! 4/12/12

 

FREE Pool Tournaments are held Thursdays at Peabody's

Pool Tournament begins at 9pm! Come play some free pool and shoot for your chance to win a bar tab at Peabody's! 

Other specials of the night: $3.50 Drink menu for Ladies Liquor Pitchers Starting at $6.50 1 Hour of Free Pool for Ladies and College Students (w/ valid student ID) and DJ Tommy Who will be spinning the beats

To find out about other FREEBIES at Peabody's click HERE !

Free Homework Help

 

Today's Freebie comes from Woman's World Magazine (issue 11/7/11) 

There are three websites that were listed in Woman's World Magazine for Free Homework Help

Cramster.com Geared towards students in ninth grade through college. You ask questions of tutors and they respond via email within hours.

Number2.com The idea behind this site is to practice for the SAT, ACT and GRE exams.

Cliffsnotes.com Study guides and book summaries are on this site for books assigned to all grade levels.

My trouble was always with math when I was in school. I found this website and wish I had known about it a long long time ago: FreeMathHelp.com- Assistance they offer:

Math Lessons - Looking to understand a subject better, or maybe you don't understand what your textbook is trying to tell you? They have a collection of algebra and geometry lessons that you can view online right now.
Ask your question on their math help message board.

Free Purex Sample

 

Many magazines including Woman's Day (where I got this ad) are currently running an ad that states you can get a free Sample of Purex Laundry Detergent if you visit FreeSamplePurex.com. To get your free sample head to the website today! Offer is only valid while supplies last according to the ad. Usually when you receive the samples you also get a coupon so here's hoping!

Free Drinks for Ladies at Chase Club TONIGHT 4/12/12

LADIES NIGHT and KARAOKE show Thursday nights beginning at 9 p.m. at The Chase Club. Ladies drink Free 9pm to 11 and Half Price all night long. Come on out and enjoy the fun.

Address is
12129 W Linebaugh Ave
Tampa, FL 33626

More info on Chase:
Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 2pm-8pm
Sat and Sun Noon - 8pm
2-4-1 Drafts, Liquor and Wine



The Chase Club is Tampa's best friendly neighborhood cheers bar.

Best of the Bay Happy Hour.

Nightly drink specials

Happy hour 2 pm to 8 seven days a week.

Well over 150 Micro brews and Imports

Games and entertainment for your enjoyment including Golden Tee golf and Silver Strike Bowling

Live acoustic music Friday's from 6pm to late.

Hospitality industry welcome. 20% off for all hospitality industry people. Tuesday nights is Hospitality night and all hospitality workers get 30% off.

Free Comedy at Improv TONIGHT 4/11/12

Did you know that IMPROV hosts a free open mic night every Wednesday?

The Tampa IMPROV offers a free Open Mic Night in their Bar every Wednesday night starting at 10:00pm and you must 21 and up to enter (whether you’re performing or just watching).

I will be making my comedic debut on 4/25/12!!! Click here and see!!!

A sign up sheet will be at the bar at 9:30pm and they accept the first 20 comedians who sign up.

Comics are given up to 5 minutes of on stage (and given a light at 4). A lottery system is used to determine the order in which the performers will go on stage (their name is assigned a number that will be drawn to determine what order they will perform).

IMPROV also runs drink specials and does ticket giveaways during those nights.

For more information, call (813) 864-4000.

Free drinks and Sushi at Blue Martini TONIGHT! 4/11/12

Did you know that Blue Martini has been offering free sushi and cocktails for ladies each Wednesday?  I didn't until tonight and now that I know I might have to stop by more often.

With the help of Play 98.7 fm each Wednesday from 4-8 ladies get free sushi and a their first drink free.  The best part? Half off cocktails the whole night for ladies and FREE COVER!!!
Does it get better than that? Yes! It does...there are also giveaways for everything from spa treatments to designer handbags to concert tickets!!!  Not to mention the free live show from whoever happens to be playing the Wednesday you stop by.

Reminder: FREE Pawfest Tomorrow 4/7/12

This first Saturday in April has gone to the dogs.  Kiwanis Club of Largo/Mid-Pinellas  co-sponsor's its 6th Annual Pawfest!

Bring your favorite pooch to this FREE event to participate in games, activities, lessons, and demonstrations.  Spoil him or her with the bounty of products offered by the many vendors specializing in pet related products.

Event Date and Time: April 7th, 2012 at 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

This is a family friendly event.

Event Location: Largo Central Park
101 Central Park Drive
Largo , FL 33771


Ticket Information:
Free Admission!
Free Parking!

Vendors dictate their own prices. Concessions will be available and reasonably priced under festival standards.

Source 1 and Source 2 for this post