How to Make Your Meals Stretch - For Under $10

I challenged myself this week and created a tuna noodle casserole to feed 4 people (plus leftovers). It was the perfect weather for this classic comfort food/casserole. I know tuna casserole may not be a first choice. However, you can still make a homemade casserole if you scout around for bargains and stock up for the rainy days. Casseroles are big hits with the kids and you can also eat the leftovers the next day for lunch or dinner.

Here's the break down of ingredients and cost. I found the ingredients at discount-type markets.

• 2 cans of Starkist tuna in water - $.89 each = $1.78
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup =$1
• Large pkg. elbow macaroni =$1
• 1 c. Milk, 1 c. grated cheese, 1/4 c. diced white onion, and 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms= approx. $2
• TOTAL = approx. $5.78 (which fed 4 people with leftovers)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness - Enter to Win a Pair of Cute Pink PJs!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a former fundraiser with the American Cancer Society who planned Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, I encourage all women 40 plus to get their mammograms and ALL women should perform monthly breast self-exams.

Please check out my friend Melanie's (super blogger, mom and fellow writer) free giveaway for a pair of cute pink pajamas and socks in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please take the time to check out her information on her blog (and enter to win the PJs!) http://sunshineisfree.blogspot.com/2009/10/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness.html

Wear a pink ribbon this month! Remember and honor those survivors and loved ones in the fight against breast cancer.

Discount $1 Stores - Good Finds!

It's a toss up these days between Dollar Tree and the 99 Cents stores. Obviously, the names say it all. Here are some of my favorite finds at both stores.

Dollar Tree - Can't beat name brand toothpaste for $1 (at supermarkets and drug stores, you're looking at paying $2 - $3 for Crest and other name brands). Hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial hand soap are great finds here too!

99 Cents Store - I stock up on my flavored mineral waters, juices and snack items (like chips and crackers). If you are up for a bargain hunting challenge, you can also find decent produce (fruits and veggies) and canned goods such as chilis, refried beans, canned veggies and miscellaneous items such as spices and baking items (baking powder, sugar, etc.) Just make sure to check expiration dates. Sometimes you will get lucky with name brands but don't turn your nose up at the "off" brands - they are just as good and your family won't know the difference. Remember to always check the expiration dates on all items (sometimes the bulk items they sell are expired).

If you don't live near a Dollar Tree or 99 Cent Store, you can find similar bargains at discount $1 stores across the U.S. They are great places to buy in bulk - napkins, paper towels and toilet paper - just don't go overboard. It's very easy to go crazy in bargain/discount stores - I'm proof of that!

Happy Bargain Hunting!!

Trader Joe's - It's Not Just for the Shi-Shi Shoppers

I've shopped at Trader Joe's for years and have argued with friends and family members about the prices. There are many items you can find at TJ's that are far more expensive at regular grocery stores. The wine selection can't be beat (yayyy for 2 Buck Chuck wine!)

Here are some of my favorite finds:

• Ready-made pizza dough for under $2 (who can beat that price?) - add their pizza sauce and their shredded mozzarella cheese and you have a cheese pizza for the kids' lunch.
• Baked blue corn tortilla chips with their fresh TJ's mild salsa - YUM
  
• My latest find was pumpkin waffle and pancake mix for the Fall season
• Frozen fish and fresh meats/poultry - great selection and reasonable prices

Trader Joe's is an adventure when it comes to shopping. It can be tough to find miscellaneous items,and you can't find everything there. Baking items are hard to find but they are getting better at stocking baking goodies, especially during the holiday season.

I am a HUGE fan of Trader Joe's and I highly suggest you check it out - I guarantee you can save a bundle and TJ's has a huge selection of organic and healthy items (especially for people who are diabetic or gluten-intolerant).

Happy Trader Joe's Shopping! :) With the holidays right around the corner, this is one of my favorite spots for stocking up on the holiday food goodies and WINE! YUMMMMIE!

The End of Summer Deals - Check Out WiseBuy$

The summer got away from me and I haven't done very much bargain hunting lately. However, I wanted to share one of my latest finds - Wise Buy$

The end of summer means great bargains. If you haven't checked out Wise Buy$, I highly recommend it. Wise Buy$ is a cross between Big Lots and the 99 Cents/Dollar Tree stores. I've found some great bargains. Wise Buy$ is a discount store that sells food/grocery items, household items, books, clothing, etc.

A few tips when shopping at discount/bargain stores: always check the expiration dates on food items (especially dairy products and beverages). Buy in bulk - for example, today they had a bargain on Brawny paper towels. Brand names can get pricey so take advantage of special deals.

Let's check out my "wise" buys for today. For $15.28 (including tax and CRV) I bought the following items. I got a few "2-for-1" deals which always makes bargain hunting fun!

• Two 12-packs of soda (name brand: 7-up an Diet Sunkist) 2 for $5
• One large can of Rosarita Spicy Jalapeno Fat-Free Refried Beans $1.27
• 2 packages, Brawny Paper Towels $.69 cents each
• 1 package brownie mix $.98 cents
• Freeman's Sea Kelp Smoothing Shampoo $2.47
• 2 packages of Dark Chocolate Peanut M&Ms 2 for $.88 cents
• Sara Lee - Hearty and Delicious Country White Bread$1.27

Happy Hour Deals at Chevys and Bra Shopping

Now that I have your attention, Ladies!

Ok, I must confess. I didn't drink a margarita and then SHOP for bras. I found some FABULOUS bargains this weekend - check out my latest FINDS!

Who doesn't love a good happy hour special? Chevys Fresh Mex offers a great happy deal Monday-Friday from 3pm to 7 pm. Margaritas are $3 each (and it's not a wimpy margarita either). They have a limited menu of appetizers which also run for $3 each. I had a huge Nachos Grande and a yummy Watermelon margarita for only $6 - what a bargain! The nachos were huge so I had to take my leftovers home (I had a vegetarian nachos with black bean so for vegetarians out there, you can skip the meat). The trick - make sure you order BEFORE 7 pm! They do cut you off exactly at 7 pm so don't be late!

I hit the outlets and stumbled upon the Hanes/Bali store and found a great deal for minimizer Bali bras (I even got re-measured for free!) Bali had a great deal - 3 bras of equal or lesser value for $15.99 each. Their outlet price: $22.99 and the original Bali retail price: $34 each. I saved a LOT! 3 great-fitting bras for a little over $50 (including tax).

I also got a cool discount Rewards Member card that I can mark off each time I shop at their store. For every $10 purchase, I get my card stamped. After I collect all 15 stamps, I receive a 20% discount off my total purchase! I already have 5 stamps - just 10 more to go! Another great bargain!

It was a great weekend for shopping and I treated myself to a Merlino's Freeze this weekend - for those who live in Sacramento, Calif. you can't go wrong with an Orange Merlino's Freeze to beat the heat - yum!

Happy Bargain Hunting, my Bargain Basement Babes!

How to Shop at Your Local Farmer's Market

I know what you're thinking. Farmer's Markets are expensive. Not always. You can make your dollar stretch at Farmer's Markets. If you think about the QUALITY you're getting compared to mushy, pesticide-sprayed fruits and tasteless produce at supermarkets, you will find winners at the Farmer's Markets.

Not only are you shopping locally but you are also supporting organic farmers in your town/city. I love Farmer's Markets. Every time I visit a new city, I always have to scope out the local Farmer's Markets. I recently went to a fabulous Farmer's Market in San Diego. Amazing stuff (and the food vendors were fantastic!)


Here are some tips on how to shop at your local Farmer's Market:

• Scope out all the vendors first and see who has the lowest prices (and the freshest, most appealing produce!) The vendors are usually competitive with their pricing but sometimes some are a bit more expensive
• Look for "eat now, must sell today" produce - the prices are usually marked down (but you need to throw them in your salad that day because the produce is very ripe!)
• Shop for the week - think about your menu for the week and buy based on your household
• Look for bulk deals - it's usually less expensive to buy a flat of strawberries compared to one basket
• Fresh flower bouquets - Fresh-cut flower bouquets make great gifts and centerpieces, especially if you are attending a summer party or event. The variety of flowers available at Farmer's Markets are far better than the supermarkets (and they look fresher!)
• Taste test and sample - many farmers allow you to sample their wares (check out the vendors and sample which vendor has the sweetest nectarines, etc.)

Also, if you ever run into bad produce at a Farmer's Market, bring the produce back the following week and let the farmer know. They will either give you a freebie or give you your money back (I've done both and they've been more than helpful).

Before you hit the Farmer's Market, set a budget and remember to bring cash. You won't be disappointed! I found I spent less money at my local Farmer's Market on produce than I did in the grocery store (and the Farmer's Markets' produce ALWAYS tastes better!)

Inexpensive Homemade Spa Products

It'd be great to go to the spa once a week for facials and pedis, but leaner times equates to fewer visits to the spa. However, Bargain Basement Babes, never fear - you don't have to go without your spa days!

You can still get those same FAB spa results by making your own homemade spa products (plus you save money!) The following are inexpensive spa products you can find and MAKE at home!

Olive Oil Sea Salt Scrub
Mix one cup Epsom salt (or coarse sea salt) with with 1-2 tbsp. olive oil. Epsom salt makes a great skin exfoliant and olive oil has been a long time skin moisturizer. Rub about 1-2 tbsp. over body in the bath and shower. Pay attention to soles of feet, hands and knees! These areas tend to get VERY dry.

Banana-Avocado Hydrating Face Masque
In a small bowl, mash one avocado and 1/2 banana into a creamy paste. Rub mixture over face and allow to dry for five minutes. Rinse completely with warm water and then rinse with cool water (to close pores). Avocada and banana are very hydrating and makes skin feel very soft and supple! If you don't have banana or avocado you can use just one.

Lemon Juice Hi-Lighting Rinse
Add natural highlights to blonde hair with lemon juice. Squeeze juice from one lemon into hair and rub into hair. After 10 minutes, rinse hair. Lemon juice makes hair shiny and brings out natural blonde highlights.

Olive Oil Hand/Feet Softener
Heat 2-3 tbsp. olive in the microwave (1 minute). Allow to cool before dipping hands (or toes/feet) into olive oil. Olive oil helps soften cuticles, rough hands and dry feet.

Rosemary-Lavender Tea Bath
Use either dried or fresh rosemary and lavendar. Put rosemary and lavendar sprigs inside cheesecloth or inside a small diffuser, and add to warm, steaming bath water. Very relaxing!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Jump Start Your Fall Wardrobe This Summer

For those Nordie's fans out there, check out Nordie's FABULOUS Anniversary sale. If you need a jump start on your Fall wardrobe, grab your bargains while you can this weekend.

The sale runs July 17, 18 and 19 - only a few days left! Check out a store closest to you!

Also, don't forget about Nordstrom Rack - lower prices but still the same high-quality as Nordie's dept. store. I'm a huge fan of Nordstrom's shoes and petite line. You can find some great bargains if you're willing to hunt!

Happy Bargain Hunting, Babes! :)

Hot Summer Shopping Deals - Where to Buy $50 Outfits for $20

Welcome to Bargain Basement Babes! So are you a bargain huntress like me who thinks shopping is an adventure?

My name is Therese and I'm a 37 year old single woman who LOVES to shop BUT but like everyone else, the purse strings are tight.We're all on tight shopping budgets these days.

Whether you are buying groceries for a family of four or need a work wardrobe that looks fab but doesn't cost hundreds of dollars, I'm here to pass along my inside bargain hunting secrets.

As a former fundraiser who begged large corporations for money and planned huge events for a living, I know how to cut those budget corners!

A Cute Summer Wardrobe on a Budget- How to Save a Few Bucks and Then Some!

I recently returned from vacation and found AMAZING bargains at Macy's and big department stores. When I was a busy fundraiser working in non-profit, I had to look the part and bought my work clothes from Macy's BUT I never paid FULL PRICE - NEVER!

I have clothes from some of the most fab designers BUT did I ever pay full retail price? NO and NO!!

Today's bargain - JCPenney (check out this weekend's sales - up to 60% off!)

• St. John's Bay Cargo Skort (Khaki) - Retail: $30 SALE PRICE: $10.39 (SAVED: $19.61)

• Liz & Co. (Yes, Liz Claiborne!) Lime Green tank w/lace - Retail $24 SALE PRICE: $9.59 (SAVED: $14.41)

TOTAL RETAIL SALES PRICE: $54.00

TOTAL SAVINGS: $34.02

I PAID THE FOLLOWING SALES PRICE (incl. CA sales tax) - $21.63

I could literally buy TWO outfits for the price of ONE!

So that's my FIRST OFFICIAL shopping tip to kick off Bargain Basement Babes.

Please feel free to leave comments!

I'll feature guest bloggers who will share their expertise and MONEY-SAVING tips including: clothes, hair/beauty and much MORE!!

Look out for special freebies and hot deals and information! Stay tuned, Bargain Basement Babes!