By planting your own garden starts you can save a lot of money! I started doing this myself last year and it is much easier than you would think. Last year I saved around $50 by doing my own starts instead of buying the plants at the nursery.

I save all the containers that I previously have bought with flowers, veggies, etc. and I use those for my seeds. I first plant them in the smallest containers (like you buy flowers in packs of 4 or 6) and then when they get to be 4-5 inches tall I transfer them to larger containers so they can grow to their maximum potential. These were my starts last year around the first of May:

I planted 4 tomato plants (2 roma, cherry, beefsteak) marigolds, watermelon, tomatillo, 2 green peppers, 2 kinds of jalapenos, basil, rosemary, and nasturtium. Everything else I plant I will do from seed. I may still purchase a few plants but with what I have done on my own here it will save me quite a bundle!

Do you plant your own starts? If so, what have you found easy or difficult?

• Check out the PYP Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along your shopping journey at Rite Aid.

• Read the Rite Aid coupon policy and keep it in your coupon binder.

• These are the BEST offers this week. Always check your local ad to verify prices as they change by region.

• Participate in Rite Aid’s Video Values to be able to print valuable coupons, like $4/$20 purchase!
  

• Sign up for the Wellness Program to get special discounts, offers and rewards.
  

Stayfree Maxi Pads $2.49Use Stayfree product, any $1/1 (6-30-11) RP-3/27 AND
Stayfree product, any Buy 1 Get 1 FREE of equal or lesser value, max. value $6.00 (3-31-11) SS-1/9

Get a $1.49 +Up Reward when you buy two

Final Price: FREE after coupons and reward!

Trident Vitality Gum B1G1 Free

Use Trident Gum, any single pack Buy 1 Get 1 FREE up to $1.69 (4-30-11) SS-3/6

Final Price: Both free after coupon!

American Greetings Cards 3 for $3

_{Use $1/1 printable coupon AND $3/3 in-ad coupon}
Final Price: FREE after coupons!

Carefree Pantiliners 2/$5

Use $2/2 printable coupon Get a $2 +Up Reward when you buy two

Final Price: $.50 each after coupon and reward!

I love using homemade mixes for my family instead of buying boxed mixes. It is so much healthier! Here is a recipe that I have been using for over a year…and my family simply loves it. And I love knowing that I am feeding them good food! And it seriously is delicious! Not to mention cheaper than buying mixes too. This mix recipe also works well for waffles. I always have it mixed up and ready in the fridge to use.

Notice how I taped the instructions to the lid? Then my oldest son and husband can’t say they don’t remember how to mix them up. 🙂 I found the original recipe here. What I have typed in red are some changed that I make when I mix them up.

Oatmeal Pancake Mix

*Makes approximately 10 cups of dry mix

3 1/2 cups rolled (quick) oats
3 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour (you can omit this and use all wheat flour)
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 cup vegetable oil

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a mixer with a paddle (or by hand). With mixer on slow speed (or gently by hand), drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl slowly while the mixer is running. When all the oil has been added, stop the mixer and squeeze a clump of mix in your hand. If it stays together, it is just right. If it is still crumbly, add another tablespoon of oil at a time until the consistency is correct (I’ve never had to add additional oil). Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature or indefinitely in the refrigerator or freezer.

To make the pancakes: whisk together 1 cup of mix, (I like to use 1 1/2 c. mix. I think it makes a nicer, thicker pancake.) 1 cup buttermilk (a combination of half plain yogurt and half milk will also work), and 1 egg. The mixture may seem thin at first but the oats will soak up the milk as it stands while the griddle preheats. Heat a griddle and drop the batter onto it. When the edges look dry and bubbles come to the surface and don’t break, turn the pancake over to finish cooking on the second side. As a sidenote, buttermilk can be frozen indefinitely for future batches of pancakes, so it’s worth keeping it around!

(no need to buy buttermilk…take 1 c. milk, mix in 1 Tbl. vinegar and let sit for at least 5 minutes.)

Do you buy fabric softener sheets like Bounce? I do. I like them better than using Downy in my washer. But did you know that there are so many more uses for fabric softener sheets besides using them in the dryer? Plus, each sheet is good for more than one use. Don’t ever just use them once then throw them away. Here are some additional ways I use my fabric softener sheets to help me get more for my money!

1. I put them in the bottom of my garbage cans (under the liners) to keep them smelling fresh & keep odors at bay. It really works!
2. After I have used one sheet in the dryer a few times I use them to dust electronics…like the tv and clocks in my bedroom. It helps the dust stay away longer.
3. Using the used sheets as "swiffer dry cloths" when I sweep my floor. (mostly in the bathroom)
4. I always use my softener sheets at least 3 times in the dryer before using them on something else.

Check out these links for many more uses for dryer sheets!

More uses for fabric softener sheets
Extraordinary uses for fabric softener sheets

How do you stretch the life of fabric softener sheets? Have any of you made your own dryer sheets?

• Check out the PYP Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along your shopping journey at Rite Aid.

• Read the Rite Aid coupon policy and keep it in your coupon binder.

• These are the BEST offers this week. Always check your local ad to verify prices as they change by region.

• Participate in Rite Aid’s Video Values to be able to print valuable coupons, like $4/$20 purchase!
  

• Sign up for the Wellness Program to get special discounts, offers and rewards.

Motrin IB PM $3

Use Motrin IB or Motrin PM product, any excluding trial sizes $1/1 (4-30-11) SS-1/9 OR
Motrin PM product, any except trial size $2/1 (5-15-11) SS-3/13 AND $1/1 Video Values Coupon

Get a $1 +Up Reward

FInal Price: FREE after coupon and reward!

Little Remedies Cold or Fever  $3.99

Use $1/1 printable coupon

Get $3 +UP Reward

Final Price: FREE after coupon and reward!

Purex Fabric Softening Crystals $3.99

Use Purex Complete Crystals Softener, any $2/1 (4-30-11) RP-3/13 AND $1/1 Video Values Coupon

Get a $1 +Up Reward

Final Price: FREE after coupons and reward!

Reach Floss $1

Use $1/1 printable coupon

Final Price: FREE after coupon!

Nivea Lip Care $1

Use $2/2 printable coupon

Final price: FREE after coupon!

What can you do with all the little leftovers of fruit and veggies you have in your fridge? You know….a few apple slices, half an orange, small handful of blueberries, a few leaves of spinach and some over-ripe bananas on the counter?

Don’t throw it away! These are the kinds of ingredients that make perfect smoothies! I have a VitaMix blender, which is amazing and can puree anything. I love to throw food together and make a nutirious smoothie for my kids as a snack or for part of dinner.

Here is my own recipe for orange julius. Keep in mind I never measure anything so this is just approximate.

Orange Julius
1/2 c. orange juice concentrate
1 c. milk
1 or 2 bananas
3-4 raw baby carrots
handful of fresh pineapple
handful frozen peaches
half apple cut into chunks
1 c. vanilla yogurt
honey to sweeten (optional)
ice if desired

Blend until smooth! I use frozen fruit so I don’t add any ice. If you use canned or all fresh you will want to add ice. Can also add pears or any other yellow or orange fruit or veggie.

And if there are smoothie leftovers, freeze it into a popsicle mold for a snack for later! GO HERE for a few more smoothie recipes I like to make.

• Check out the PYP Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along your shopping journey at Rite Aid.

• Read the Rite Aid coupon policy and keep it in your coupon binder.

• These are the BEST offers this week. Always check your local ad to verify prices as they change by region.

• Participate in Rite Aid’s Video Values to be able to print valuable coupons, like $5/$20 purchase! Additionally, you can watch videos to earn more $5/$25 coupons! AND, they now have a video you can watch where you will earn $1 off any purchase of $1 or more!
  

• Sign up for the Wellness Program to get special discounts, offers and rewards.

Keri Lotion $6.99

Use Keri Lotion, any $2/1 (4-16-11) KensSS-1/9

Get a $6 SCR

Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and rebate!

Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste $2.99

Use Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste only, any 4 oz. or larger $1/1 (3-26-11) SS-3/6

Get a $2 +Up Reward

Final Price: FREE after coupon and reward!

Comtrex $4.99

Use Comtrex Product, any $1.50/1 (5-31-11) SS-2/13

Get a $4 SCR

Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and rebate!

Thermacare, 1 ct, $3.99

Use $3.99 in-ad coupon

Final Price: FREE after coupon!

Snickers single candy bars $.88

Get a $.88 +Up Reward

Final Price: FREE after reward!

Mentos 2/$1

Use Mentos Item, any .50/1 (3-30-11) SS-2/6

Final Price: FREE after coupon!

Ester-C to-go packets $5.99 B1G1 Free

Use Ester-C Product, any $2/1 (3-23-11) RP-2/6 AND $2/1 Video Values Printable

Get a $2 +Up Reward when you buy two

Final Price: FREE after coupons and reward!

Airwick Spray B1G1 Free

Use Air Wick Spray, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE up to $1.39 (4-17-11) SS-3/6

Final Price: Both for FREE after coupon!

• Check out the PYP Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along your shopping journey at Rite Aid.

• Read the Rite Aid coupon policy and keep it in your coupon binder.

• These are the BEST offers this week. Always check your local ad to verify prices as they change by region.

• Participate in Rite Aid’s Video Values to be able to print valuable coupons, like $5/$20 purchase! Additionally, you can watch videos to earn more $5/$25 coupons! AND, they now have a video you can watch where you will earn $1 off any purchase of $1 or more!
  

• Sign up for the Wellness Program to get special discounts, offers and rewards.

Nivea Lip Care $1

Use $2/2 printable coupon

Final Price: FREE after coupon!

Stayfree Pads B1G1 1/2 off

Use Stayfree product, any Buy 1 Get 1 FREE of equal or lesser value, max. value $6.00 (3-31-11) SS-1/9  AND

$1/1 printable coupon

$2 +Up Reward when you buy two

Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and reward!

Halls Cough Drops, 30 ct, $1

Use Halls Cough Drops, any single bag 30 ct. or larger .50/1 (3-26-11) SS-2/6 AND
Use $.50/1 Video Values in Jan and Feb

Final Price: FREE after coupons and reward!

Have you ever wondered if shopping at Costco really does save you money?

Here at Pinching Your Pennies we have a thread in our forum consistently updated that gives you prices of items at Costco. A price comparison list. Print this out and take it with you the next time you go to the grocery store and compare….which is cheaper?

Now you can know!

Costco Price Comparison Thread

• Check out the PYP Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along your shopping journey at Rite Aid.

• Read the Rite Aid coupon policy and keep it in your coupon binder.

• These are the BEST offers this week. Always check your local ad to verify prices as they change by region.

• Participate in Rite Aid’s Video Values to be able to print valuable coupons, like $5/$20 purchase! Additionally, you can watch videos to earn more $5/$25 coupons! AND, they now have a video you can watch where you will earn $1 off any purchase of $1 or more!
  

• Sign up for the Wellness Program to get special discounts, offers and rewards.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Care Products $2.99

Use Johnsons baby or Johnsons Natural product, any excluding 1 oz. to 4 oz. sizes, Johnsons Buddies and Johnsons Hand and Face Wipes $1/1 (3-20-11) SS-1/9

Get a $2 +Up Reward

Final Price: FREE after coupon and reward!

Sucrets $2.99

Use Sucrets Product, any $1.50/1 (4-30-11) SS-1/23

Get a $2 +UP Reward

Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and reward!

Huggies Jumbo Pack diapers or training pants $8.99

Use $2/1 Pull-ups printable coupon OR

$2.50/1 Huggies mailer coupons (some are also $1/1 and $1.50/1) AND

$2/1 Video Values (was for January and must have already watched the video)

Get a $2 +Up Reward

Final Price: As low as $2.99 after coupons and reward!

Dove Shampoo & Conditioner 2 for $6

Use (2) Dove Hair Care product, any excluding trial size $1/1 (2-27-11) UnileverRP-1/30 AND

$1/1 Video Values (was for January, must have already watched it)

Get a $2 +Up Reward on two

Final Price: $.50 cents each after coupons and reward!

Playtex Tampons 2 for $7.98

Use (2) Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons, any 18 ct. or larger box $2/1 (2-28-11) SS-1/2  OR

(2) $1/1 Playtex Sport printable coupon

Get a $2 +Up Reward on two

Final Price: $.99 each after coupons and reward!

Dial Nutriskin Lotion $3.99

Use $1/1 printable coupon

Get a $1 +Up Reward

Final Price: $1.99 after reward!

Right Guard Body Wash $3.99

Get a $3 +Up Reward

Final Price: $.99 cents after reward!

• Check out the PYP Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along your shopping journey at Rite Aid.

• Read the Rite Aid coupon policy and keep it in your coupon binder.

• These are the BEST offers this week. Always check your local ad to verify prices as they change by region.

• Participate in Rite Aid’s Video Values to be able to print valuable coupons, like $5/$20 purchase! Additionally, you can watch videos to earn more $5/$25 coupons! AND, they now have a video you can watch where you will earn $1 off any purchase of $1 or more!
  

• Sign up for the Wellness Program to get special discounts, offers and rewards.

Dove Deodorant 2 for $4

Use (2) Dove deodorant or body mist, any excluding trial and travel size $2/1 (2-27-11) UnileverRP-1/30

Get a $2 +Up Reward on two

Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupons and reward!

Colgate toothpaste $3.50

Use Colgate Sensitive or ProClinical Toothpaste, any $1/1 (2-26-11) SS-2/6

Get a $3.50 +Up Reward

Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and reward!

Hormel Chili $1.50

Use (2) $.55/1 printable coupon AND $1/2 Video Values printable coupon

Get a $1 +Up Reward

Final Price: FREE after coupons and reward!

Maalox $4.99

Use Maalox Product, any $5/1 (3-1-11) KensSS-1/9

Get a $1 +Up Reward

Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and reward!

Chex Mix $1.50

Use Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, any flavor 4.5 oz. or larger .50/2 (2-26-11) GeneralMills-1/2 AND $.50/1 Video Values printable coupon

Get a $1 +UP Reward on each

Final Price: FREE after coupons and reward!

Valentine’s Day is only a week away! You don’t have to spend ANY money to have fun with your kids (or a spouse) and make memories. Remember, Valentine’s Day is about showing love to those around you…not putting on the best show of gifts. Keep it simple, thoughtful, and meaningful.

Vale Design has some adorable Valentine’s Day coloring sheets for kids.

Make your own sugar hearts! I ♥ this idea! Everything needed to make them you will most likely already have on hand.

Print off a free calendar template off google and do these fun games with conversation hearts. The kids will love it! You could even do this with paper hearts if you don’t want to purchase candy hearts. Use your imagination!

Print off a fun Valentine Memory Game to play with your preschooler.

What about free printable valentines for your child’s class at school? These are lovely.

Make and Takes also has some really cute printable Valentine coloring pages for your kids.

Have a fun Valentines Day!