Good Deals Archives - Sweet Frugal Life

Honest Review of eMeals

March 4, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Is eMeals worth the money and if it is right for you.

Are you looking for an honest review of eMeals? I’m excited to share my experience with this amazing meal subscription service with you today.

A few weeks ago I decided to try out eMeals when I ran into a major meal planning rut (have you ever had one of those???). My meal plan was feeling stale, and I felt as if I made the exact same dinners over, and over again. I was feeling tired of cooking, tired of trying to come up with fresh cooking ideas.

For years I have been hearing about a meal subscription service called eMeals. I finally decided to try it out. My hope was that eMeals would give me some fresh ideas and help me get out of my meal planning rut.

I am a member of online affiliate programs. I will be compensated for purchases made through links in this post.

What Is eMeals?

If haven’t heard about eMeals, I’ll give you a quick run down! eMeals is a meal subscription service that will send you fresh, new meal plans and dinner recipes each week.

These meal plans are catered to your family size, needs, diets, and food preferences. The goal is to save you time, money and to make it easier for you to get dinner on the table each night.

In addition to the meal plans and recipes, eMeals will also send you a shopping list for the meals you choose to make that week, which is so awesome! Plus! If you enjoy shopping for groceries online (hello, Walmart Grocery Pickup, my BFF) eMeals gives you the option to send your grocery list straight to your preferred store (Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, Instacart or Shipt), making online grocery shopping even easier than it already was!

How Does eMeals Work?

Signing up for eMeals is so easy! First, just head over to their website and make an account.

During this process you will be asked to choose your family size between two options:

1-2 servings
3-6 servings

And you will choose the food style your family prefers. The current options are:

30 Minute Meals
Budget Friendly
Clean Eating
Diabetic
Gluten Free
Heart Healthy
Keto
Kid Friendly
Low Calorie
Low Carb
Mediterranean
Paleo
Quick and Healthy
Slow Cooker
Vegan
Vegetarian

I chose the Budget Friendly option for my family (no surprise there, amiright????).

After you have your account you will then have access to the current recipes eMeals offers. When a new plan comes available each week you will be alerted through e-mail.

I loved using the eMeals app to browse the recipes and make my shopping list. It was so user friendly and easy to use!

When you have picked the recipes you want to make for the week just click “Add to List.” The ingredients you will need for that recipe will be added to your shopping list, easy peasy!

Take this list with you to the store to do your grocery shopping. Or! If you prefer to use an online grocery system, just send that list right over to one of eMeals grocery partners (Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, Instacart or Shipt) and done!

Now all that’s left to do is cook and enjoy the delicious eMeals recipes at home.

Click here to try eMeals FREE for 14 days.

What Type Of Recipes Does eMeals Provide?

Honestly, one of my biggest surprises when using eMeals was the huge variety of recipes available. There really is something for everyone, and I wasn’t expecting that.

You can choose the meal plan that works best for you and then you will be given 7 dinner recipes each week, including side dish ideas for each recipe, which I LOVED!

But, you do not have to stick to the same meal plan that you originally choose! I switched my meal plan category a couple of times, and it was SO easy to do! All you have to do is go into your Account, and where your Dinner Plan is listed, just click “Change”. You can then easily select the new plan you want. I started with Budget Friendly, and then switched to Clean Eating, and then to 30 Minute Meals.

Each of the plans I tried provided my family with delicious and easy to fix recipes.

We definitely tried a few recipes that we didn’t enjoy, but most of them have become new family favorites and will be going into my regular meal planning routine.

Related: How To Make A Meal Plan For Beginners

How Much Does eMeals Cost?

There is a price to using eMeals, but good news, you can try eMeals out for FREE for 14 days when signing up through this link. This is a great way to become familiar with the app, try out a few recipes, and help you decide if this is the right meal subscription plan for you or not.

If you decide to keep using eMeals you can get a 12 month subscription for just $4.99/month or a 3 month subscription for only $9.99/month.

My Honest Opinion

Now, that I have shared all of the eMeals details with you it’s time to give you my honest opinion.

Truthfully, my expectations were low when I first signed up for eMeals….but I ended up enjoying eMeals much more than I thought I would. I was worried that the recipes would require a lot of expensive ingredients and a lot of effort, but they really didn’t.

The meals I chose were all simple, basic, and quick to fix. Plus, I had most of the ingredients already in my pantry, which made these recipes great for my wallet.

Who Is eMeals For?

Although I think eMeals is a great service, it is not for everyone, but I do think it can be beneficial for many people. eMeals might be for your if:

You struggle finding time to Meal Plan.
You want to cook at home, but aren’t sure where to start.
You are looking for an easy way to try new recipes.

Who Is eMeals Not For?

I don’t recommend eMeals for you if:

You feel confident meal planning.
You have time to research new recipes to try.
Your budget is to tight to add an extra subscription plan to.

I enjoyed trying eMeals and the new recipes I received. However, I have decided that I will not be continuing using eMeals. I am very comfortable with meal planning and cooking, so I don’t think this is something worth spending my money on.

However, if you have been struggling cooking at home and making your meal plans, I do suggest trying this subscription service to see if it helps you or not.

In Conclusion

I really enjoyed trying this program and was so happy to find it not only useful and helpful, but a great resource for those looking for fresh meal ideas. My favorite part of the service is that it caters to your family specific needs and eating preferences, and it really did make meal planning a lot easier!

Let me know if you try eMeals. I would love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments!

Want New Recipes?

Are you looking for some fresh new recipes to add to your collection?

Make sure to check out my Mel’s Home Cooking Recipe eBook. These tried and true recipes are easy to make, cheap to fix, and delicious to eat!

Grab your copy here!

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I hope you enjoyed my honest review of emeals meals subscription service.

Cheap Farmhouse Decorations

March 3, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life8 Comments

Farmhouse decorating ideas on a budget.

I moved into a new home about a year ago and have been slowly trying to incorporate some cheap farmhouse decorations. You want to know what I’ve learned? Farmhouse decor is expensive! I’ve been searching trying to find the best deals to fit my budget. I was so excited to find some great budget friendly decorations on Amazon last night. Everything is under $20 (yay!).

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ”

Farmhouse Lantern

Lanterns are very trendy right now. I love the fresh look of this Farmhouse Lantern. It is under $15 and has a lot of great reviews.

Striped Pillow Cover

I have been needing some new pillows and loved this striped pillow cover. Using covers is such a great frugal way to redecorate. This pack of two pillow covers are under $15 and the perfect way to add a farmhouse style to your home.

Potted Plants

I might have a bit of an obsession with artificial plants. They are such a great way to add a little color and life to any room. Can you believe this darling potted plant is under $10??? Cause it is and I want a dozen of them!

Dish Towel

Adding a few French Stripe Dish Towels to your kitchen is an easy way to add some farmhouse charm. This pack of dish towels comes in a set of three and is less than $15!

Farmhouse Throw

Nothing says farmhouse like a comfy throw blanket over a couch. This farmhouse throw is beautiful and full of charm. I can’t wait to snuggle up in it! Right now it’s under $20, which is a fantastic price!

Serving Tray

You can never have to many galvanized pieces around the house. This round galvanized serving tray would look beautiful for a coffee table centerpiece. Add a little artificial plant and it’s golden!

Farmhouse Wreath

Start your farmhouse look at the front door with this beautiful wreath. Grab a few extra for multiple rooms around the house. At under $20 this is a great deal!

Glass Milk Bottles

I have these darling mini glass milk bottles sitting on my front entry table and I always get a lot of compliments on them. They give a good vintage look, but still very in trend. They are priced right at just under $12!

Vintage Sign

How fun would it be to have your very own personalized vintage farmhouse sign. To get your name and personalized year on your own sign it will only cost you $16.99. That’s a great deal! Wouldn’t this make for a great gift too, maybe for a wedding???

Wire Egg Basket

I am seriously obsessed with this rusted metal egg basket. I can not wait until it gets shipped to my house. It’s vintage, cute, rustic and total farmhouse. Basically everything I’m looking for! is sitting in my Amazon cart right now and I can’t wait until it gets here.

Let me know if you buy any of my suggestions! We can be home decor twins!

You might like these related articles:

8 Cheap Ways To Update Your Yard

10 Ideas for Date Night at Home

Pin this article for the next time you are farmhouse decor shopping on a budget!

What cheap farmhouse decorations are you shopping for?

How To Save Money On Kids Clothes

February 24, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Easy tips to spend less on children’s clothing.

One of the sure things about kids is that they keep growing (and growing, and growing and growing). It feels like my kids ALWAYS need a new pair of shoes, or a new shirt, etc. Any other mamas out there relate???? Constantly buying new clothes for your kids can get expensive fast! Fortunately, there are some secrets to spending less on children’s clothing. Here are a few tips to help you learn how to save money on kids clothes.

How To Save Money On Kids Clothes

I know how tempting it is to buy all of the cute, fresh, trendy kids clothing you can find at the mall, but I promise, with a little work and practice you can find JUST as cute clothing, for a fraction of the price. Here’s how!

1. Buy Gently Used Clothing

Gone are the days where the only place to get gently used clothing is from your Great Aunt Lucy’s attic. Now, we are so lucky to have many, many options to purchase used kids clothing.

Here are a few of my favorite places to shop for preowned kids clothing:

Garage Sales

Garage sales are one of my favorite places to buy used clothing for my kids. They seem to always have the lowest prices, I can easily walk away with a huge bag of kids clothing for less than $10.

Here are a few tips for buying kids clothing at garage sales:

Search Facebook Marketplace the night before you want to visit the yard sales (usually Thursday night or Friday night) to find a few listings that are advertising kids clothing. Only stop at the houses that have said they have kids clothes for sale.
Make a plan and map out which sales you want to go to first, and in which order.
Leave first thing in the morning to start yard sale shopping. A good rule of thumb is to get to your first stop 5-10 minutes BEFORE it was advertised to open. This gives you first pick of the clothing, which will also be the best quality!
Clothing at yard sales are negotiable. Never be afraid to offer a lower price than marked. The worst thing that can happen is they will say, “No”, but they almost always say “yes”.

Thrift Stores

Another great place to purchase preowned children’s clothing is at kids thrift stores. These stores are picky about what items they purchase, meaning that you can feel confident you will be buying high quality clothing for a fraction of the price.

My favorite children’s thrift stores are Kid To Kid and Once Upon A Child. Bonus! You can sell your used kids clothing to these stores to earn money!

In addition to the kids thrift stores you can find some great deals at multi-purpose thrift stores such as, GoodWill, Deseret Industries, and Savers.

Related: Legit Ways To Earn Money From Home

Facebook Marketplace

You can also find some great deals on used clothing on Facebook Marketplace. It’s so easy to search for the exact size and gender you are looking for on Facebook Marketplace with their search and filter options. If you don’t find what you are looking for when you first check, make sure to set up a notification so you can be alerted when it is listed.

2. Shop Clearance Racks

Get into the habit of going straight to the clearance racks at every store you go to. These racks are usually hidden in the back of the store or department, so make sure to look thoroughly for those wonderful yellow clearance stickers.

Clothing almost always goes on sale at the end of a season. This is a great time to stock up for the next year for a fraction of the price. For example, when my kids were wearing a 2T size, I would buy winter clothing for them in 3T size on the clearance racks in the spring. Their new winter clothing would be stored at the top of their bedroom shelf to bring out the next year.

3. Shop At Discount Retailers

Discount retailers is another great spot for budget friendly kids clothing. These stores sell name brand, high quality clothes for a huge discount.

My favorite discount retailers are Ross and TJ Maxx. I’ve found that Ross is a little bit cheaper than TJ Maxx, but they are both a frugal options for clothing.

4. Host A Kids Clothing Swap

Most moms are looking for a cheaper option for kids clothing. Find a group of moms, such as in your community, school, church, neighborhood, etc. and organize a Kids Clothing Swap together. This way everybody wins!

I’ve participated in a few of these before and love the concept so much!

Here’s how it works:

Invite moms to join you for a Kids Clothing Swap.
Plan a day and time that will work for most people.
Everyone brings any used kids clothing that they want to swap.
Organize the clothing by sizes and gender.
Let everyone pick a few new-to-them pieces of clothing to take home.

Everyone gets to clean out their closets of clothes they no longer need, and bring home new clothing for their kids….without paying any money!

5. Accept Hand Me Downs

Alright, I am going to be real honest here…..

When I was expecting my first baby my husbands very kind cousin offered me boxes and boxes of hand me downs from her kids.

But, I refused them all! In my stubborn, naïve, new mom attitude I thought that I wanted only new clothing. (I regret this decision!)

Years down the road (and way to much money spent on kids clothing) I realized my mistake. Ever since I have happily accepted hand me down clothing (and wish I could go shake my pre-mom self for a minute).

Related: Top Secrets For Living On One Income

7. Repurpose Clothing

Another tip for how to save money on kids clothes is to make your kids clothing last longer by repurposing them. Here are a few things you might want to do with clothing, instead of throwing it away:

Cut jeans with holes in the knee and turn them into shorts.
Let the hem out of a dress that is getting to short.
Add a patch to cover a stained shirt or pants.
Cut the feet off of footie pajamas that have grown to short.

Remember to be creative. If you can’t think of a way to extend the life of the clothing, repurpose the clothing into something completely new. Such as a toy, quilt, or rags.

8. Never Pay Full Price

Make a habit of only buying clothing if it’s on sale or discounted. Here are a few tips for shopping clothing sales:

Sign Up For Store Emails

Sign up for store emails so that you will be the first one alerted to the current sales. I am very picky about who I hand my email out to. But, I have signed up for emails at just a few of my favorite kids clothing stores (Target, Children’s Place, Old Navy) because their sale emails have been so helpful in knowing when the sales are happening.

Shop Off Season

Like I mentioned earlier, shopping off season is a great way to get brand new clothing for a fraction of the price. In spring, buy winter clothing for your kids to wear the next year and in the fall buy summer clothing.

Use Store Reward Programs/Cards

Many stores will offer points on purchases made through their store reward programs. My favorite store reward programs are:

Target: Sign up for their red card and get 5% off of each purchase made. This makes for an even greater deal when you use the card on clearance items!
Kohls: When you make purchases using your Kohls card you will be given 5% in rewards. These rewards will then be turned into Kohls Cash to spend at the store. You can use your Kohls cash with clearance items and coupons!
Children’s Place: Another great store rewards program is Children’s Place. When you sign up for the program you will begin receiving points each time you make a purchase. These points can be redeemed for cash rewards that you can spend at the store. Plus, they send out a birthday coupon each year!

Shop Online Deal Sites

You can find great deals on kids clothing when you shop at online deal websites. A couple of my favorite sites for cute clothes and good discounts are Jane, Zulily, and Burkes Outlet.

9. Take Care Of The Clothes

One of the most overlooked tips when learning how to save money on kids clothes is to take good care of the clothes you do buy. The longer you can keep your kids wearing the same clothing, the less you will have to buy, which means more money saved!

Here are a few ways to take good care of your children’s clothing:

Air dry clothes after laundering.
Wash clothing less often. I know this one is hard with kids (they can get dirty so quickly), but if an outfit looks clean after one wear, hang it up to wear again.
Treat stains as soon as possible.
Sort and wash clothes by color.
Wash clothing in cold water.

10. Earn Cashback

If you shop for kids clothing online, make sure to do it through the Rakuten website to earn some extra cash while shopping! It’s so easy too!

Just log into the Rakuten website (or app!).
Search for the store you want to shop at.
Click on the store name, you will then be redirected to the website.
Shop as you normally do, including check out.
You will then be given a percentage of cash back from your purchase.
Rakuten mails cash back checks every 4 months (and it’s my favorite piece of mail ever!).

You can then use this cashback to purchase clothing for your children to wear! This is such a fun way to get more bang for your buck!

In Conclusion

I hope this article gave you some helpful tips to figuring out how to save money on kids clothes. There are many different options available to us as parents, sometimes the secret is just knowing where to look! Let me know if you have any other questions or tips that I might have missed!

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I hope you enjoyed this article about how to save money on kids clothes.

The Best Deals At Costco

February 9, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

The best items to buy at Costco to save money!

Years ago I signed up for my very first Costco Membership. I had heard all about the best deals at Costco and how it could help save me money. The first time I walked into the store I was so excited to start saving money.

I spent an hour walking through aisle after aisle in the store filling my shopping cart with all of my new fun finds and couldn’t wait to see how much money I was saving. The beautiful organic produce, the cute kids clothing, and all those snacks! Oh, was it fun!

And then, I went to checkout.

My jaw about dropped to the floor when the cashier announced that I owed $300. “What about all those good deals I grabbed. I thought shopping in bulk would save me money!” were the thoughts that swirled in my head as I shakily swiped my credit card and the spending guilt set in.

After repeating this process for a few months I realized that my grocery budget was suffering, big time, and Costco was NOT saving me money. I cancelled my membership and never looked back.

Fast forward ten years, and a bunch of new frugal lessons learned, I decided I wanted to try out Costco again. But this time, I was going to be using my card with a new, better approach.

I am a member of online affiliate programs. I will be compensated for purchases made through links in this post.

The Wrong Way To Shop Costco

Here’s the thing, there is a wrong way and a right way to shop at Costco. If you want to spend less money at Costco, it’s so important for you to understand the differences.

Here are a few of the wrong ways to shop at Costco:

Shopping when hungry.

Don’t ever shop at Costco with an empty stomach (I learned this the hard way!). You will be much more tempted to grab more food than you really need.

Assuming that buying in bulk is cheaper.

The truth is buying your food in bulk CAN be cheaper, but not always. Always check the price per unit to help you decide which is the better deal.

Buying more food than you can eat before it spoils.

Before you buy anything at Costco, I recommend you think long and hard about how quickly you can eat the item you are buying. If you buy a huge pack of spinach, but your family can’t eat it before it goes bad, then unfortunately that spinach gets thrown away, meaning your hard earned money goes to waste.

Related: Best Ways To Store Produce To Keep It Fresh Longer

Shopping without a plan.

Going into Costco without a plan is a quick way to break your budget. Aimlessly wandering aisle after aisle is a huge temptation to many of us (ME!) and should be avoided as much as possible.

Assuming that the sales are a good price.

I LOVE most of Costco’s monthly sale items (hello cheap Premier Protein shakes), but I have learned that just because something is on sale, does not make it a great price.

Like I mentioned earlier, it’s necessary to always check the price per unit before buying something. I like to compare Costco prices to Walmart Grocery Pickup prices using their phone app. This helps me know if I can find the same item cheaper somewhere else.

The Right Way To Shop Costco

Alrighty, now let’s talk about the RIGHT way to shop at Costco. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your Costco membership and not have to leave the store with a mountain of guilt.

Set a budget.

If you don’t already make a regular budget, I suggest you start one now. A budget gives you permission to spend, without the guilt; but it also decreases the chance of impulse buying.

Give yourself a budget for how much you can spend at Costco each month. My personal budget is $100/month.

Feel free to grab my free budget cheat sheets below to help you learn exactly how to start budgeting.

Always shop with a list.

Make a list of items you want to purchase at Costco BEFORE going into the store. If you shop with a list in hand you will be much more likely to stick to it and avoid any impulse shopping.

Research the current deals, and what you need at that time. A good rule of thumb is to plan about $10/item. Of course this number varies based on what you buy, but it gives me a good goal to work towards.

Use a calculator.

Yes! I am totally *that* person walking around Costco with my calculator, adding up everything before putting it into my cart. And honestly, it has saved me from overspending so many times!

Add up everything as you put it into your cart to make sure you stay in budget and there won’t be any surprises when checking out.

Know what is a good deal or not.

Like I mentioned earlier, it’s important to check the price per unit of items before you buy them. I recommend grabbing my free Stock Up Price Guide here to help you learn the best deals of popular food items.

Take a picture of the price guide so that you always have it with you while shopping. Check it often to help you compare food items before buying them.

The Best Deals At Costco

Here is my list of my favorite deals at Costco. Most of these items I buy every single time I go to Costco. Other items I have just noticed that the price is great!

1. Rotisserie Chicken

I am so in love with Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken. It’s moist, delicious and a great deal for only $4.99. This rotisserie chicken is always at the top of my Costco shopping list.

Rotisserie Chicken at Costco: 10 cents/oz.
Rotisserie Chicken at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 15 cents/oz.

2. Gasoline

I always make a habit of filling my car up with gasoline every time I am at Costco, even if my tank is 3/4 full. It’s by far the cheapest gas in my town and I never want to miss out on it.

Current Gasoline Price at Costco: $1.92/gallon
Current Gasoline Price at Maverick: $2.14/gallon

3. Butter

Another one of the best deals at Costco is their butter. I always buy this 4 lb. pack of butter. I store 1 lb. in my fridge and the other 3 lbs. are kept in my freezer until I needed. Today my local Costco has their 4 lb. butter for $6.95, making it only $1.78/lb. Walmart Grocery Pickup Butter is priced at $2.98/lb.

Related: 19 Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze

We go through about 4 lbs. of butter a month, making it perfect timing for my next Costco trip!

Kirkland Sweet Cream Butter at Costco: 11 cents/oz.
Great Value Sweet Cream Butter at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 18.6 cents/oz.

4. Yeast

One of the very best deals that I have found at Costco is the Red Star Yeast. If you do any baking, make sure to buy your yeast at Costco.

Red Star Yeast at Costco: 14 cents/oz.
Red Star Yeast at Walmart Grocery Pickup: $1.16/oz.

*Frugal Tip: Keep your yeast in the freezer to help it stay fresh longer.

5. Cashews

The Kirkland brand cashews at Costco yet another fantastic deal. You can get 2.5 lbs. of cashews for only $13.99, which is much cheaper than at Walmart Grocery Pickup.

Kirkland Whole Cashews at Costco: 35 cents/oz.
Great Value Deluxe Whole Cashews at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 43 cents/oz.

6. Craisins

My kids love Craisins, but I haven’t bought them a lot in the past because they can be so expensive. I was so excited to find these Craisins at Costco for a great price!

Ocean Spray Craisins at Costco: 14 cents/oz.
Ocean Spray Craisins at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 24 cents/oz.

7. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Another great buy at Costco is the organic extra virgin olive oil. You can buy a 2 liter bottle (which will last a very long time!) for only $9.45. If organic, extra virgin olive oil isn’t a priority to you, and you are happy with classic olive oil than buying it at Walmart Grocery Pickup will be the better deal.

Kirkland Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil at Costco: 14 cents/oz.
Great Value Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 19 cents/oz.
Great Value Classic Olive Oil at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 13.6 cents/oz.

8. Buttermilk Kodiak Cake Mix

I may or may not have a *slight* obsession with Kodiak Cakes (ok, fine I totally am obsessed!). It makes me so happy to be able to buy it at Costco for a much better deal than I use to buy it. For only $11.49 you can get 4.5 lbs. of buttermilk Kodiak cake mix, which is much cheaper than at Walmart Grocery Pickup.

Buttermilk Kodiak Cake Mix at Costco: 16 cents/oz.
Buttermilk Kodiak Cake Mix at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 23 cents/oz.

9. Spices

Many of Costco bulk spices are much cheaper than you will find at most grocery stores. One of my favorites is this this 20 oz. chili powder from Costco for only $5.49.

Chili Powder at Costco: 27 cents/oz.
Chili Powder at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 32 cents/oz.

10. Nutella

We absolutely love Nutella at our house. I don’t buy it very often though because of the price. I was so excited to find it at Costco for a stealer deal.

These two huge (33.5 oz. each) containers of Nutella are only $12.39! If you buy Nutella regularly, I suggest buying it at Costco.

However! If you don’t mind buying off brands, the Great Value brand of Nutella at Walmart IS even cheaper!

Nutella at Costco: 19 cents/oz.
Nutella at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 22 cents/oz.
Great Value Hazelnut Spread at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 15 cents/oz.

Related Article: 15 Products You Should Always Buy Generic

11. Cheese

I buy one 2 lb. cheese loaf every time I go to Costco. It’s almost half the price of the cheese I use to buy at Walmart Grocery Pickup and lasts weeks at our house!

Mild Cheddar Cheese at Costco: $2.49/lb.
Mild Cheddar Cheese at Walmart Grocery Pickup: $4.22/lb.

12. 1% Low-fat Milk

I personally do not buy milk at Costco, but it can be a good deal for many people. My family are not huge milk drinkers, so we wouldn’t be able to drink the two gallons before it spoiled. If you go through a lot of milk and like 1% milk, than this is a good deal for you.

Kirkland 1% Low-fat Milk at Costco: $2.19/gallon
Great Value 1% Lowfat Milk at Walmart Grocery Pickup: $2.28/gallon
Great Value Fat Free Milk at Walmart Grocery Pickup: $2.19/gallon

13. Frozen Fruit

Another one of the best deals at Costco is the frozen fruit. I love buying a few packs of these to use in our smoothies. These organic frozen Mango Chunks are just one example of the great prices Costco has on frozen fruit.

Frozen Mango Chunks at Costco: 11 cents/oz.
Frozen Mango Chunks at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 13 cents/oz.

14. Organic Kirkland Creamy Peanut Butter

If you buy organic peanut butter, I suggest doing it at Costco. You can buy 2-28 oz. jars of organic peanut butter for less than $10! Which is a steal! However, non organic peanut butter will be cheaper at Walmart Grocery Pickup.

Kirkland Organic Creamy Peanut Butter at Costco: 18 cents/oz.
Great Value Organic Creamy Peanut Butter at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 22 cents/oz.
Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter at Walmart Grocery Pickup: 9 cents/oz.

Shop Smart At Costco

It is possible to shop at Costco while on a budget! I am so glad I have learned the tricks to shopping at Costco. It has helped our family stock up our pantry and save money on groceries. I hope these tips for the best deals at Costco will help your family too!

10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Cheap Foods to Buy For a Well Stocked Pantry

15 Easy Pantry Dinner Ideas

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What other items do you think are the best deals at Costco?

19 Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze

January 8, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Foods you can freeze to save money.

Have you ever wondered what foods you can freeze?? There are many common freezable foods, but today I want to share about a few food items you probably didn’t know you could freeze! These are all food items that freeze well, but aren’t talked about as much as the other common freezable foods.

Sweet Frugal Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed to Freeze Food

There are a few supplies you will need to help you freeze food. The initial investment is worth the amount of money you will save!

I use each of these products when freezing food, and they all work great! A vacuum sealer does the best job of getting all air out of the bag, which is important! So if you will be doing a lot of freezing, I do recommend getting the vacuum sealer. But, each of these products will work.

Benefits of Freezing Food

You might be wondering why it’s important to know how and what foods to freeze. Freezing food is a great way to save money on groceries.

Here are three of the most common times I freeze food to save money:

1. Freezing Leftovers

Have you ever had to throw out food from your fridge or pantry because it had past it’s expired date before you could use it?!?!?

This happens to me All.The.Time!

The trick???? I’ve learned to freeze my leftovers, rather than storing them in the refrigerator. This one simple change has saved me so much money and has prevented a lot of waste in the kitchen. Win, win!

You can easily freeze leftovers by putting them into a freezer ziplock bag or container and tossing them into the freezer! Most leftovers will stay good in the freezer for 3 months. These frozen leftovers are perfect for a quick meal on busy days.

2. Freezing Sale Items

Another reason to freeze food items to stock up on sale prices. When I find a great sale on perishable foods, I stock up on a few and freeze most of it to use for later. I just really love not having to pay full price for groceries (or really for anything!).

To find grocery items on sale in your area I recommend downloading the free Flipp app. This awesome app scans all of the local grocery sale ads so you can easily see what’s on sale each week.

When you find a good deal, stock up and freeze the excess!

3. Freezing Foods Before They Expire

If you have items in your pantry that are close to reaching their expiration date, you might want to stick these items in the freezer! The freezer will prolong their shelf date and give you more time to using it, preventing you from having to throw it away.

Foods You Didn’t Know You Can Freeze

Alright, now let’s get to the fun part! Most people know that you can freeze strawberries, onions, chicken, etc. Today’s article is all about foods you probably didn’t know that you can freeze.

1. Butter

Butter is a great item to buy on sale and freeze for later use.

How To Freeze:

To keep butter fresh for a few months you can easily freeze it in it’s original packaging. If you are wanting to store it in the freezer for longer, I would put the butter in a freezer bag.

Use the butter within 4 months for best results.

How To Defrost:

You can defrost butter in the refrigerator overnight, or set it on the countertop to let it thaw at room temperature.

2. Flour

Another great item to buy on sale and freeze for later is flour.

How To Freeze:

To freeze flour put it in an airtight container, like a freezer bag, or one of these storage containers. Fill the container as full as possible, the less air the better!

You can keep flour in the freezer for 6-12 months.

How To Defrost:

Let flour thaw at room temperature before using.

3. Eggs

Most people are shocked when I tell them that eggs are freezable! But, it’s true!!! You can freeze eggs.

How To Freeze:

To freeze eggs, just crack them into a bowl and whisk together with a fork. Next, you will pour the eggs into a freezer bag or container, get out as much air from the bag as possible and put them in your freezer. So easy, right?!?!

Eggs will stay good in the freezer for 6-12 months.

How To Defrost:

Thaw eggs in the refrigerator and then use them to make scrambled eggs, omelets, or in baking.

Related: 8 Foods You Should Freeze in an Ice Cube Tray

4. Avocados

Another great food to freeze is avocados! Frozen avocados can be used in dips, baking, or I like to put ours in smoothies.

How To Freeze:

You can freeze avocados by chopping them into small pieces and placing the pieces into a freezer bag or freezer container, and then putting the bag into the freezer.

Use your frozen avocados sometime between 3-6 months.

How To Defrost:

Let the frozen avocados sit in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.

5. Cream

Many recipes call for a small amount of cream, which is great except for it leaves us with a large container of leftover cream. Save this excess in the freezer to use at a different date.

How To Freeze:

I love to freeze cream using an ice cube tray. It makes it easy to pull out a few tablespoons for recipes! Learn exactly how to freeze cream using an ice cube tray here.

Frozen cream cubes will stay fresh for 3-6 months.

How To Defrost:

You can pull your cream cubes straight from the freezer and directly into your soups or recipes. They can also be defrosted by placing them in the refrigerator overnight.

6. Bread

Buy bread when it is on sale, and then freeze it to use later!

How To Freeze:

Bread is one of the easiest thing to freeze! All you have to do is put it in the freezer, and done!

The packaging the bread comes in from the store is enough to keep the bread fresh for a few months! See how easy?!?!

Bread can stay in the freezer for 3 months before using.

How To Defrost:

Your bread will taste best if you defrost it in the oven. Just warm your oven to 325 degrees, remove bread from packaging, and let it sit in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

7. Grated Cheese

Cheese is a great item to buy on sale, or in bulk and then grate to freeze for later. Cheese can turn a little crumbly when frozen, so it works best to grate it first and then freeze.

How To Freeze:

After grating your cheese, simply put it in a freezer bag, remove all of the air, and place in the freezer.

You can keep frozen cheese in the freezer for 6-9 months with best results.

How To Defrost:

Let the cheese defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using.

8. Milk

Yes! You can freeze milk! Shocked??? I was too!

How To Freeze:

You shouldn’t freeze a milk carton that’s full. So, use about 3/4 of a cup from the carton before freezing. This allows room for expansion.

Once you have a small amount of milk out of the carton, you can stick it in the freezer. That’s it!

Milk will stay good in the freezer for 6 months.

How To Defrost:

Defrost milk in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Related: Cheap Foods to Buy For a Well Stocked Pantry

9. Chips

Found a deal on chips? Buy a few and throw them into your freezer to save for your next party (or midnight snacking if you’re like me….).

How To Freeze:

Chips can be frozen in the sealed bag they came in. All you have to do is toss them into the freezer, bag and all!

Make sure to use your frozen chips within three months of freezing.

How To Defrost:

To use, just thaw them at room temperature! Easy peasy!

10. Pizza Dough

When I make our Friday Night Pizza Dough I always double the recipe and freeze half for the next Friday. This gives me something easy to pull out and use for a quick dinner (and it totally looks like I spent all day making it….when I really just got it from the freezer, win!).

How To Freeze:

To freeze pizza dough you need to put it in a freezer bag, get all of the air out, seal tightly, and freeze.

Use your frozen dough within 3-6 months.

How To Defrost:

When you are ready to use your frozen pizza dough, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

11. Cooked Pasta

Freezing cooked pasta is a great way to preserve any pasta leftovers you might have from dinner. You can freeze spaghetti, rotini, fetuccini noodles, and more! As long as they don’t have the sauce on top, they can be frozen.

How To Freeze:

To freeze cooked pasta, you will first need to let it cool completely and then lightly toss the pasta with olive oil.

Next, lay the pasta in a single layer on a cookie sheet. This doesn’t need to be perfect, but flash freezing does help prevent the pasta from clumping together in the freezer.

Stick the cookie sheet in the freeze and let the pasta freeze for about 1-2 hours (this is called flash freezing).

Once frozen, scoop the pasta off of the cookie sheet and put it in a freezer bag or a freezer container.

Place in the freezer and use within 3 months.

How To Defrost:

You can reheat your frozen pasta in the microwave or by boiling it in hot water.

Related: Easy Pasta Dinner Recipe

12. Sauce

While freezing pasta, you might as well freeze some sauces too! Right??? Right!

You can freeze almost any sauce, including: spaghetti sauce, enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, and more!

How To Freeze:

To freeze sauce just put it into a freezer bag or container, get all of the air out, and seal tightly.

Use your frozen sauces within 3-6 months.

How To Defrost:

Defrost sauces by placing them in the refrigerator overnight.

13. Herbs

Herbs are definitely freezable! If you enjoy gardening (like I do!) freezing your home grown herbs is a great way to save money!

How To Freeze:

I love to freeze my garden herbs in an ice cube tray. This gives me quick access to them when I need them.

To do this you will need to fill an ice cube tray cube with herbs to about 3/4 full, next add olive oil until the cube is full and freeze.

Once frozen, take the individual cubes out of the tray and place them into a freezer bag.

For best results use frozen herbs within 3-6 months.

How To Defrost:

You can put the frozen herb cubes straight from the bag into soups and stews.

14. Pancakes

Pancakes are my busy mom hack to less stressful mornings!

How To Freeze:

Check out this article for all the details on freezing pancakes.

How To Defrost:

You can defrost your pancakes using the microwave, which is great because the kids can do it themselves if they need to!

15. Sandwiches

I first heard about freezing sandwiches from Fun Cheap or Free! This is a great way to save your kids uneaten sandwiches, or to prepare for an upcoming busy day.

Be sure to check out their freezing sandwiches article here for all of the details!

16. Grapes

Frozen grapes are one of our very favorite snacks. They are juicy and delicious! My kids claim (and I have to agree!) that frozen grapes taste just like a grape snow cone! You must try this! When you find grapes on sale, buy a few extra bags to freeze.

How To Freeze:

The first step to freezing grapes is to wash them and then let them dry thoroughly. Once the grapes are dry place them into a freezer bag, take out all air, seal tightly and then place in the freezer.

Use within 3 months.

How To Defrost:

Don’t defrost your frozen grapes! Eat the grapes straight out of the bag for a delicious snack!

17. Nuts

To keep your nuts fresh for longer, freeze them!

How To Freeze:

Nuts are easy to freeze! Just put them into a freezer bag, get out all air, and seal tightly.

Frozen nuts should be used within 6 months.

How To Defrost:

Let your frozen nuts sit in the refrigerator overnight to defrost and then use.

18. Mashed Potatoes

I grew up on an Idaho potato farm, so I am alllll about the potatoes! My husband loves to make mashed potatoes at our house, but he always tends to make more than we eat (eyes bigger than the stomach thing…..).

Instead of throwing these extra potatoes away, we freeze them to use for another day!

How To Freeze:

Freeze your mashed potatoes in a freezer bag or freezer container. Remove as much air as possible, seal tight and put into the freezer.

How To Defrost:

To use frozen mashed potatoes, let them thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat in a small pot over the stove. While heating on stove add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream. This will give them a yummy and creamy consistency.

19. Frosting

Yep! You can freeze frosting! And it’s very easy to do!

How To Freeze:

Just scoop the frosting into a freezer bag, get all of the air out and seal tightly. Done and done!

The bag can then be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How To Defrost:

To thaw frosting, let it sit in the refrigerator over night and then it’s ready to use!

In Conclusion

These are just a few suggestions of the many, many foods available to freeze. I encourage you to start trying to focus on buying sales, and freezing for later, and freezing foods before throwing them away.

You will begin to see a huge savings in the amount of money you are spending on food if you start using your freezer more!

You Might Enjoy These Related Articles:

How to Freeze Raspberries

How To Freeze Fresh Corn

Best Ways To Store Produce To Keep It Fresh Longer

Don’t Forget To Pin For Future Reference:

I hope this helped you learn what foods you can freeze!

5 Times You Should Always Ask For a Discount

December 18, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

How to negotiate for a lower price when shopping.

While out shopping do you ever haggle for a lower price?? Because it is totally possible, acceptable and common to do in many situations. This is one of my favorite ways to help me save a few dollars. I know that bartering can feel a little intimidating, so today I thought I would share a few tips to help you know when and how to ask for a discount.

Why Ask For a Discount

I love asking for discounts because it is a great way to save money on items I was going to be buying anyways! If you had the option to pay full price for something, or get it for a cheaper price….wouldn’t you always choose the cheaper price??? I would!

Asking for a discount is a lot more common than many people realize, especially in a few specific industries. I always tell myself the worst thing that could happen is they will say, “No”, so I might as well just ask!

How To Ask For a Discount

Asking for a discount is really fairly simple. It takes a little bit of courage, a lot of kindness, and being willing to speak up! Here are a few other tricks I have found when trying to decide how to ask for a discount when shopping.

It Never Hurts To Ask

My rule of thumb is that it never hurts to ask. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll be told “no”, which really isn’t that bad of a thing to happen, right?!?! So, just ask!

I know that this can feel scary, but I promise it gets easier the more you try! So, the next time you start to wonder if you could get the price for cheaper….ask and find out!

Be Polite

My general rule in this world is to just be kind to everyone, and asking for a discount is no different. Kindness can go a long way when you are trying to negotiate a price.

Remember to never be condescending or pushy to a salesman. This will only turn them off and make them not want to work with you.

The best way to ensure you get that coveted discount is to smile, use the words “please” and “thank you” and look them in the eye. Try to be their friend and understanding to their position and job.

Ask For a Manager

Many times the sales person you are talking to is not authorized to give you a discount, which is totally fine! If you are told that they are unable to discount your item just politely ask to speak to a manager.

Most managers are able to give discounts, if they feel it is appropriate to do so.

Walk Away

If you are not given the discount you have asked for, be willing to walk away. Many times when they see that you aren’t willing to back down, they will come back and give you the discount.

Most stores would rather see the item sold for a discount than not sold at all.

When To Ask For A Discount

I honestly believe if you ever want a discount, to ask for one! But, there are some situations when you should ALWAYS ask for a lower price and I’m excited to share those times with you!

when to ask for a discount - how to ask for discounts when shopping

Ask For A Discount On Furniture

When you are shopping for new furniture keep in mind that the sales person is paid on commission. The more money you spend, the more money they will earn. Because of this commission furniture prices are greatly marked up. Which is actually great for everyone involved.

The marked up prices gives the sales person a lot of room when negotiating. I recommend to never pay sticker price on any piece of furniture you are buying. And yes! You can even negotiate the delivery costs!

Ask For A Discount On Vehicles

Another time you should always ask for a discount is whenever you buy a vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you are buying a used or new vehicles, both are negotiable!

One of the most important things when it comes to car negotiating is to be prepared and do your homework before coming to the car lot. The best way to prepare yourself is by researching online vehicle information, especially finding what a fair price point is for the vehicle you want. I love to use Kelly Blue Book to help me research any potential vehicles value.

Car salesman want you to make a purchase sooner rather than later, and this can work in your favor. If your suggested sales price isn’t well received let them know that you are willing to walk away and shop at other car lots. This will usually alert them to meeting you somewhere in the middle.

You do not need to be pushy during these negotiations. Simply ask them to cut some money off the sticker price, and wait to hear their offer. Sometimes less talking makes much more of a difference than more talking.

Ask For A Discount On Medical And Dental Bills

Did you know that the price you are quoted for your medical or dental work is not what you always have to pay? Because, it’s true! These are negotiable!

When negotiating your medical bills I suggest simply asking if there are any discounts available to bring down the cost. Many billers will work with you in finding a few things to cut out or a discount to apply.

One of my favorite ways to knock some money off the price of a medical or dental bill is to pay with cash instead of using insurance. This obviously can’t be done for all procedures, but if there are some you are having done that aren’t to expensive and you have the cash to pay for it, let the doctors office know! Every single time I have paid cash for a medical or dental procedure I have received a big discount.

Also, there are often mistakes on medical bills. Make sure to look through each bill closely to ensure you are paying the correct price. If you ever see any billing mistakes make sure to call the billing office to get them corrected.

Ask For A Discount On Damaged Items

I absolutely love finding damaged items at stores. Why??? Because it means I can buy it for a fraction of the price! Here are a few things I have bought for super cheap because they were damaged:

This cute sign from Hobby Lobby had a black smudge on the bottom. So, I asked if I could get a discount and they gave me 90% off! And then I use some white paint to hide the smudge!

Another item I got from Hobby Lobby was this white planter. It has a small chip in it, so again I asked if I could get some money knocked off the price. They gave it to me for 90% off! And no one ever notices the chip!

Lastly, I bought this dress from a local clothing boutique. It had some foundation on the front, so I asked the sales lady if I could get it for cheaper and she immediately agreed! I was able to get 75% off the dress and easily washed the foundation off before wearing it.

Like I mentioned earlier, it is often much cheaper and easier for stores to sell these items at a discount, rather than having to fix it themselves.

Asking For A Discount On Monthly Bills

Another great place you should always ask for discounts is on your monthly bills. Everything from internet, insurance, and credit card interest are negotiable.

All you need to do to ask for this discount is to call your service provider and request a lower rate. Most providers will be willing to work with you, especially if you have been a loyal customer for a few years.

Be sure to check out my article, 5 Bills To Negotiate, for more tips to scoring that discount on your monthly bills.

You Got This

The next time you are wondering when, if or how to ask for a discount, remember these 5 situations. They are all moments when I have asked for a lower price and have been successful, and I know that you can too!

Remember to brave, confident, and that it never (ever!) hurts to ask for a discount.

How To Stop Impulse Buying For Good

How To Save Money At Target

11 Things to do Today to Lower your Monthly Expenses

Pin For Future Reference:

when to negotiate a price - how to haggle with a salesperson

I hope this article helped you learn how to ask for a discount.

20 Things To Do In New York City For Free

December 3, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Enjoy these free NYC activities.

Did you see my post about our recent whirlwind of a trip to New York City? We had so much fun in the big apple! I fell in love with all of the beautiful buildings and delicious food. This is a trip I went on with my frugal sister and we both tried to keep costs low. Fortunately, we were able to find so many things to do in New York City for free. Yay!

20 Free Things to Do While in NYC

Explore a City Park

New York City has so many beautiful, unique parks to explore. We had so much fun visiting a few of them and can’t wait to see more the next time we visit.

1. Wander Around Central Park

You could literally spend DAYS in Central Park. There is SO much to see and do! We loved wandering around, enjoying the beauty and little sections of the park.

Be sure to visit The Mall, Belvedere Castle and Bethesda Fountain. They were all incredible!

2. Walk the High Line

The High Line is a beautiful elevated park. It was made from an old railroad no longer in use.

This unique park provides miles of walking paths and gardens. We were sad to miss it on this trip, but will be sure to visit it another time. I have heard such good things!

3. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park has over 9 acres of beauty located in Greenwich Village. It is well known for the landmark Washington Square Arch.

This park has many different things to see and do, so you can easily use up a few hours visiting it!

4. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is located right in midtown, making it a quick and easy stop.

We visited Bryant Park in late October and they had their Christmas Shops and ice skating rink set up. It was so fun to walk around looking through the cute little shops and watching the ice skaters.

It is also conveniently located near the library, for another free must do!

5. Battery Park

Near the entrance to the free Staten Island Ferry you will find Battery Park.

This is another large city park with paths, many statues and memorials. A visit to Battery Park will also give you a good view of the Statue of Liberty! Don’t forget to hop on the free Staten Island Ferry while you are there!

Famous NYC Landmarks

If you are a first timer to New York City, or even if you have been there before, make sure you check out some of it’s famous landmarks. You know, the fun spots you see in every movie! They are so fun to see in real life and get to experience them for yourself.

6. Take the Staten Island Ferry to View The Statue of Liberty

You may not be able to go visit the Statue of Liberty for free, but you can get a free boat ride that will take you right past Lady Liberty.

We decided to take the ferry to get a glimpse of lady liberty and I was impressed by how well we could see here! The Staten Island Ferry is a completely free round trip ride with fantastic views!

7. Visit Grand Central Station

It only takes a few minutes to pop in and visit Grand Central Station, but it is WORTH it! The architecture of this building is absolutely breathtaking! I loved ever minute we spent inside.

8. Walk Across The Brooklyn Bridge

We had so much fun walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, it is such a fun activity to do in New York City for free.

The architecture is absolutely beautiful and it only takes about 30 minutes to walk across! The best views are when you walk from Brooklyn into Manhattan, but either direction works just fine!

9. 9/11 Memorial Plaza

The incredible 9/11 museum is not free, but walking around the memorial is free! I really enjoyed the special reverence on the grounds and seeing the twin waterfall pools.

10. Times Square

There really is nothing quite like Times Square. A true melting pot of lights, colors, people and sounds. It’s loud, it’s busy and it is completely free! A must stop (at least for a few minutes!).

11. Rockefeller Plaza

Another thing to do in New York City for free is a visit to the famous Rockefeller Plaza. It’s a fun section of the city to walk around and explore for a few minutes.

We visited when the ice skating rink was set up and we loved watching the skaters for a few minutes and window shopping past the buildings.

12. Flat Iron Building

The iconic Flat Iron Building is a perfect spot for an Instagram photo! It is such a unique building and I am so sad we weren’t able to stop and see it this trip.

10. New York Library

I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t really believe a library was a worthwhile stop on our trip, but I was SO wrong! This building is absolutely beautiful!

We spent about 20-30 minutes walking around and viewing the different rooms (be sure to stop by the Rose Reading Room!). This was one of my favorite buildings we saw.

11. The Charging Bull

If you are in the Wall Street area, you must stop by and see the famous Charging Bull. It’s another picture perfect spot!

Free Museums

New York City is home to many amazing museums, and a couple of them are even free!! Hooray!

12. Bronx Museum of the Arts

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is the home to many unique art exhibits. It is large and open and rarely ever crowded. The best part is it is completely free! Be sure to stop by if you are in the area!

13. Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology

If you have any interest in clothing and fashion, you would probably enjoy the free Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The exhibits inside all showcase the history and workings of the exciting fashion world.

Visit an Old Church

The many old church’s in New York City are all breathtaking and free to visit.

14. Trinity Church

A visit to Trinity Church on Wall Street gives you not only a visit to a beautiful old church, but it’s also has an old cemetery on the grounds that’s fun to explore. In this cemetery you will be able to find a few historical figures buried there, including Alexander Hamilton and his wife (any other Hamilton fans?!?!?).

15. Cathedral of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the largest cathedral in the world and it just so happens to be in the big apple. With plenty of detail and beautiful stain glass windows, it is definitely worth stopping at!

16. St. Patricks Cathedral

St. Patricks Cathedral is a must see when in New York City. I originally thought we would only stop by for a few minutes, but the cathedral was so gorgeous with lots of details to look at, we ended up staying much longer.

Explore a New Neighborhood

One of my favorite parts of New York City was the new vibe around every corner. I loved that there was always something different and unique to see. There are so many fun neighborhoods with different attractions, so take some time to visit a few of them.

18. Walking Tour

Google “NYC Walking Tour” and you will find countless free guides that tell you exactly where to walk and what to visit in each neighborhood. One of my favorite parts of New York City was taking in the beauty and uniqueness of each neighborhood.

19. China Town

There is really nothing like visiting China Town. I love walking through the streets, browsing the shops and taking in all of the sights, sounds, and smells. China Town is a place you could spend hours in, or just walk through quick, it’s completely up to you!

20. Window Shop on 5th Avenue

We had so much fun walking down 5th Avenue and peeking in all of the different stores. This is not shopping for the cheap! But, it is free (and fun!) to look in all the pretty windows and buildings!

In Conclusion

There really is nowhere like New York City. You can enjoy this great city, without breaking the bank! Have I missed any other things to do in New York City for free??? Let me know in the comments if you have any other recommendations!

The Best Budget Travel Tips

A New York City Weekend

Our Budget Friendly Disneyland Vacation

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I hope this article gave you a few ideas of things to do in New York City for Free!

Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

November 8, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Budget Friendly Teen Girl Gift Ideas.

Are you needing a gift, maybe a Christmas present or a birthday present, for the teen girl in your life? Are you on a budget and don’t want to overspend? Well you have come to the right place! I have researched all of the best gift ideas for teen girls! The best part? Everything is under $25, so you can stick to that budget! Here are some of the best gift ideas for teen girls.

Gifts for Fun

Karaoke Microphone

This Karaoke Microphone would be so fun for a teen girl party or for anyone who loves to sing! It is compatible with both android and iOS and only costs $19.99!

Coloring Books

Maybe you are shopping for a teen girl that loves art. Coloring can be such a fun way to relax. I loved the inspirational sayings in this coloring book and think they are perfect for teens! It’s a great deal at just $6.99.

Phone Tripod

Let’s face it, teens love to take pictures! This phone tripod looks so fun for setting up cute group photos or selfies. It is currently only $15.98!

PopSockets

If you are shopping for a teen girl with a phone, she will probably enjoy a PopSocket. PopSockets make carrying the phone easier, and able to be propped up using the small stand. This one is a really pretty color and less than $15!

Accessories

Beanie

CC Beanies are all the rage right now with teen girls. These darling CC beanies are only $10.99, with dozens of colors to choose from.

Scrunchies

I never thought scrunchies would come back, but they did, and are super popular with the teen crowd right now! This 12 pack of velvet scrunchies are really cute and a steal at just $8.99.

Backpack Purse

These backpack purses are so cute and trendy right now. My teen daughter loves using her when she goes to the mall or for carrying extra items to school. This backpack is only $24.99!

Teen Girl Gift Ideas For Beauty

Bath Bombs

This set of bath bombs comes with 6 different scents and colors. It’s a fun “luxury” gift for your teen, especially if they love to take baths. The entire set is on sale for just $13.99

Makeup Mirror

This Tabletop Makeup Mirror is a perfect gift for teen girls. The reviews are all great and I was excited to see the price was only $24.49!

Makeup Kit

What teen girl wouldn’t enjoy a new makeup kit??? This starter makeup kit for teens is great for anyone who is new to makeup or just loves it! It includes everything they would ever want in makeup; concealer, eyeshadow, eye liner, lip stick creams, applicator and mirror. You can get it right now for only $22.99, a great deal!

Makeup Brush Set

Another great gift for makeup lovers would be brush set. This 20 Piece Makeup Brush Set is a great deal at only $7.99. They will never want for a makeup brush again!

Gel Nails Kit

I bought my teen girls this gel nails kit a couple of years ago and she uses it weekly. Not only is it very easy to use, but the result are salon quality nails that last for weeks (without chipping!). It’s a great price at just $16.99. You will need to buy the special gel nail polish to go with it though.

Curling Wand

Another fun gift idea for teens is a Curling Wand. This is a great curling wand with over 7,000 positive reviews and makes the most beautiful curls. It is currently only $21.73!

Ipsy Subscription

I have had an ipsy Subscription off and on a few years now. It is a fun beauty subscription service where they will send you 5 beauty products and a cute makeup bag every month for only $12!

When you set up the subscription service you will fill out a form detailing what types of beauty products you would prefer, your coloring and more. This would be a fun gift for a teen girl to receive, even if you only sign up for 2-3 months worth of subscription. It’s a great way to learn new makeup skills and try out new products. Plus, it’s Christmas over and over again with a monthly subscription!

Hair Styling Book

I bought this hair styling book for my daughter last Christmas. She loved it! It gives easy to follow instructions for fixing hair. If you are shopping for a teen girl that loves to experiment with hair, I highly recommend this book. It is currently $15.01.

Makeup Eraser

Help your teen girl erase her makeup with ease by gifting her this makeup eraser. Not only is it chemical free, but it also erases all forms of makeup with ease! It is currently priced at only $20.00.

Books

The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault in our Stars is a story of a sweet teen romance and really popular for most book lovers. The paperback is just $7.69

The Selection

Another great book for teens is The Selection. This book is full of romance, royalty, and a secret plot….basically all the good things! Plus, The Selection is a series so after reading this first book they will want more! You can currently get the paperback for $6.48.

Big Life Journal

I am so in love with the Big Life Journal for Teens. It encourages teens to reflect on themselves and their emotions. Doing this gives them the confidence they need to be themselves through and through. This hardcover journal is just under $25.

Room Decorations

Bluetooth Speaker

Teens love music, so a Bluetooth nightlight would be perfect for them to add to their room to listen to music. This speaker only costs $22.95!

Felt Board

Felt Boards are super trendy right now! Most teen girls would love having them in their room to be able to make fun and cute sayings. This one is only $21.95!

Marquee Letter Sign

Give the teen girl in your life a marquee letter sign with her initial. This makes such a fun room accessory! It is currently only $9.99.

Photo Clip Light Strand

A really fun gift for a teen girls room is this photo clip light strand. It comes with 20 light clips for attaching photos. These lights are the perfect way to add to their room and remember fun times with their friends through photos. You can buy it for just $13.90.

Teen Girl Active Gifts

Gym Bag

If you are shopping for a girl that plays sports, maybe she needs something to help carry all of her gear to/from practice or school. This gym duffel bag is super cute and has sections to keep her wet and dry items separate. You can buy it now for $23.99

Water Bottle

Another great gift idea for the active girl is a stainless steel insulated water bottle. It will keep her water ice cold while exercising or at practice. Plus, the colors are so pretty with a huge variety to choose from. These water bottles are currently $12.95.

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25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

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I hope this list helped you find some gift ideas for teen girls under $25!

25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

November 1, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Cheap gifts for tweens.

Tween girls can be so hard to shop for! They are growing out of the little girl toys, but not quite interested in the teen girl life. Fortunately, I have you covered! With a little bit of research, and discussion with my daughters I was able to make this list of 25 AMAZING gift ideas for tween girls. The best part??? They are all under $25! Yay!

Gifts for Reading

Many girls are interested in reading at this age. Here are a few book ideas for tween girls.

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities is a very popular series for this age group. Consider buying her the first book in this series, she is sure to love it! The paperback is only $9.99.

Wreck This Journal

I absolutely love the concept of Wreck This Journal. Each page gives different prompts of things you can do to the journal. It literally gives the kids permission to “wreck” the journal. It sounds so so fun and is only $12.00.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

The Tail of Emily Windsnap is such a darling book! Both of my daughters absolutely loved it; AND it is a series! That is a huge win for me! The paperback book is $5.99.

Big Life Journal

The Big Life Journal is one of my favorite things for kids. In a fun an interactive way it encourages kids to journal and teaches them how to understand themselves and their feelings better. In a confusing world such as now, helping kids to know themselves better is so important!! This hardcover journal is just under $25.

Tween Accessories/Jewelry/etc.

Tween girls are all about the accessories! Here are a few fun ones they might love!

Unicorn Slippers

Unicorns are super popular among the tween crowd! These Unicorn Slippers are so sweet and fun. They are currently only $20 with great reviews!

Scrunchies

I never thought scrunchies would come back, but they did, and I am actually not mad about it! These Scrunchies are darling and a steal at just $6.99 for a 14 pack!

Gel Nail Polish Kit

I bought my daughter a gel nails kit a few years ago and she uses it weekly. Here is a great starter kit with 4 colors, and portable nail lamp. Plus, it’s currently on sale for $23.99.

Caboodles

Caboodles are all the rage right now, and I love this marbled caboodle. A perfect place for tween girls to start organizing their makeup collection. The price is right at just $19.99.

Necklace

I adore this dainty initial necklace. It would make such a special gift! The necklace is a great price at $15.99.

Gift Ideas for Tween Girls Room

Felt Board

Felt Boards make for really cute room decorations for tween girls. This felt board is only $21.95 and has amazing reviews!

Marquee Letter

Another really fun room decoration is this Marquee Letter Sign. You can choose whichever letter you want for the initial and it’s less than $10!

Emoji Pillow

It’s no secret that tweens love emojis. This emoji pillow is sure to be a hit! They have all the emojis to choose from and only costs $8.19!

Lava Lamp

I always wanted a lava lamp as a young girl, and my girls have felt the same way. There is just something so relaxing about the colors in the lava lamp. This Lava Lamp is so pretty and only costs $22.48!

Alarm Clock

Check out this adorable Alarm clock! I love the retro look it has, and it includes other colors to choose from. It’s currently priced at $11.99.

Educational/Craft Gifts

Are you looking for something educational or maybe a craft for your tween girl to do? These make great gifts because they keep girls entertained, learning and busy…..without electronics!

Adult Coloring Book

If your tween loves to color, they might love this Inspirational Coloring Book. I love that the pages are focused on building confidence and self worth, which is so important for tweens! It’s very affordable at only $6.99!

Slime

Kids are all about the slime, and this Ultimate Slime Kit is perfect for letting them create, experiment, and make all things slime. This kit comes with enough items to make 100 different slime combinations, and it’s a great price at just $20.90!

Lip Balm Kit

How fun does this Lip Balm Kit look? It is a fun mix of science and glam, perfect for pre-teens. The reviews are all really positive and would be a fun activity to do together. It is priced at $24.99.

Cookbook

American Girl just can do no wrong! This American Girl Baking Cookbook is darling and looks so fun. It would be a great way for tween girls to learn to bake. You can get the hardcover for just $13.99!

Fashion Sketch Book

If you are shopping for a girl that loves fashion, check out this Fashion Sketch Book. It comes with stickers, stencils and sketch pages for her to experiment and get creative with different styles. You can get it for only $16.02!

Gel Pens

My daughters love gel pens! The more colors the better! This gel pens kit has 100 colors, including glitter and metallic! The price is great at only $21.99.

Piggy Bank

I think it is so important to teach kids how to save their money. This pineapple piggy bank is so cute and would make saving fun! Plus, it’s only $9.99!

Gifts for Fun

Girls just wanna have fun, right??? Here are a few gift ideas that your tween girl will love using daily!

Karaoke Microphone

This Karaoke Microphone would be so fun for girl parties or for anyone who loves to sing! It is compatible with both android and iOS and it is only $19.99.

Squishmallow

Squishmallows are not only cute, but they are cuddly too! They are the perfect bedtime addition. Your tween girl is sure to love this tabby cat squishmallow.

Gumball Machine

I always wanted my very own gumball machine as a kid. This cute Gumball Machine comes with gumballs already stocked and is only $24.99.

Sleep Over Party Game

This is a really fun party game for tween girls to play with their friends. It can be played at a party, or just for fun! You can buy it for $19.99!

Watch Ya Mouth Game

The Watch Ya Mouth Game is hilarious! It’s impossible not to laugh while playing! Tweens will love playing this with their friends and family. It’s a great price at $19.99!

In Conclusion

There are so many things you can buy for tween girls, that don’t cost a lot of money. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag!

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10 Valentine Gifts for Her under $10

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I hope you loved these gift ideas for tween girls!

How To Save Money At Target

October 9, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

10 secrets to stop overspending at Target.

Is there really a secret to spending less at Target??? The clothes are darling; the jewelry is affordable; the home decor is always on point. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the dollar section! No matter how hard I try to avoid that dollar section, there’s no going to Target without a stop at the dollar section (amiright?!?). There is only one downside to Target……I always spend more than I had planned to spend. If anyone can relate, this article is for you! Today, I am sharing a few secrets I have learned about how to save money at Target.

This article contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation for purchases made through links in this post.

Secret #1: Stay Out of Target

I know, (believe me I know), staying out of Target is a little easier said than done, but obviously is the most effective! If Target tempts you to impulse shop and over spend on your budget….stop going to Target.

A few years ago I decided to stop going to Target for at least one year. I lasted 18 months…and guess what! I survived! I bought what I needed at other stores, and my bank account grew because of it!

Habits are hard to break, and if Target is one of yours, know that you are not alone.

One way to make this easier is to give yourself mini rewards for staying away from Target. If you don’t go for an entire month, buy yourself a treat. And then change the reward for two months. The temptation to shop at Target will decrease as your habit is broken. I’m living proof!

Secret #2: Get a Target Red Card

Honestly, a Target Red Card is the equivalent of free money. I know many people tend to be scared away from the Red Card, it sounds to much like a credit card, and a credit card is not for everyone.

Fortunately, the Target Red Card is not a credit card (yaaay!)! It is a debit card. Instead of purchasing the items on credit, the money is being taken directly out of your checking account. This gives you peace of mind that you are not racking up debt.

But, the very best thing about the Target Red Card is the 5% discount you receive on ALL purchases. Let me say that again, 5% off on everything you buy when you pay for it using your red card!

Wait, but does this include clearance items? Yep!
Can you combine this discount with other coupons and cash back apps? You betchya!

The Target Red Card also gives you FREE shipping on all online purchases! I love this because online shopping is just SO convenient (the closest Target is 20 minutes away from my house) but I absolutely hate paying for shipping.

So, if I just need to buy my daughter a $5 shirt, I can do that and get it shipped to my house for free. Oh, and the 5% discount applies to all online purchases too. (oh how I love discounts!)

Secret #3: Skip the Cart and Use a Basket

Another way to save money at Target is to ditch the shopping cart and grab a basket instead. This keeps you from over spending, because you can only fit a few items in a basket!

Another thing I love about shopping with a basket is that it gets heavy. After adding a few items to my basket, my arms are begging me to quit shopping.

Secret #4: Use a List

A good rule of thumb is to always write out a shopping list before going to any store. And no, this isn’t only for grocery shopping. Lists are essential to saving money on all shopping.

If you only have one item to buy at Target, write it down.

Once it is written down you are much more likely to stay committed to what you need and to not give into any spending temptations that might come (and let’s be honest…at Target they always come!).

Secret #5: Follow the 48 Hour Rule

The 48 hour rule is simple, yet effective. When you come across something you really, really want to buy, but it’s not on your list…WAIT. Wait at least 48 hours before making the purchase.

This gives you time to come home, do a little research to see if you can find the item cheaper somewhere else, and time to decide if it’s really worth the price.

Most of the time this rule helps me realize I actually didn’t want it in the first place. Other times, I wait the 48 hours and then go back and buy the item. Either way, the 48 hours is essential in making the decision and always helps me to spend less.

At Target where the temptations are big (everything is just so pretty!) the 48 Hour Rule will save you from impulse shopping time and time again.

Secret #6: Use Target Circle

Target RedCard not for you??? That’s fine! You can still save money with Target Circle. This is Targets loyalty program and rewards all of us Target addicts (oh….is that just me…..???) with cash to spend at Target!

With Target Circle you can earn 1% reward on all purchases. These loyalty dollars can be redeemed at Target during your next transaction!

In addition to the 1% earnings, you will also be given access to coupons and other discounts. This even includes a 5% discount to use on your birthday each year!!!

Related: 34 Places That Will Give you a Birthday Freebie

Unfortunately, you can not use the Target RedCard and Target Circle together. It’s a one or the other deal. Which, is actually great, because it gives us the option to choose what is best for each of us personally.

To learn more about Target Circle, and sign up for the great benefits just click here.

Secret #7: Never Pay Full Price

Target has great discounts throughout the week, and my rule of thumb is to never buy anything unless it’s on sale!

Always check the clearance sections which can be found on clothing racks and at the end of aisles.

It helps to know the days each department is marked down. Below is the regular mark down schedule. If there is something you are shopping for, go on the day when it will be first marked down for the best selection and deal.

I like to make a note of these in my phone so that I always have it nearby!

Monday: Electronics and Kids’ Clothing
Tuesday: Women’s Clothing and Pets
Wednesday: Men’s Clothing, Toys, and Lawn and Garden items
Thursday: Home goods, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Movies, and Books
Friday: Cosmetics, and Jewelry

Secret #8: Price Match

Have you ever priced match at Target??? In my experience, Target is always willing to price match!

If you show the cashier at checkout that you found an item cheaper somewhere else on a competitors ad (or check on your Amazon app!) Target will price match that item for you and honor the lower price. A good rule to follow is, “It never hurts to ask.”

Secret #9: Take Advantage of Cash Back

Always, and I mean always take advantage of cash back rebates after shopping. It’s so simple.

Shop at Target by following the Secrets listed in this article. And then scan your receipt into the user friendly cash back apps. For a list of all of my favorite apps, click on this article.

Secret #10: Shop With Cash Envelope In Hand

Most people spend at least 10% less when they shop using cash envelopes, as opposed to a card. Cards are so easy to swipe that it can be hard to realize just how much money you are spending in the moment.

Ditch the cards and use cash envelopes instead! Cash envelopes are the secret sauce to keeping yourself accountable on your spending!

For example: if you only have $20 cash in your envelope to spend at Target, but you found a really cute sweater that you just have to have and it costs $35, you literally can not buy it….you do not have enough cash to pay for it. So, you will put it back on the shelf and walk away knowing you stuck to your budget!

In Conclusion

If you love shopping at Target as much as I do, try following a few of these saving tricks to help keep your budget and bank account happy! Forming new habits are not always easy, but I promise they are worth it!

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