Friday's Favorites

So, again this week, my favorite product for the day is something that spoke to my frugal heart.  I was having a wonderful conversation with a friend about our newfound love of green/organic products, but our hatred of the expense. She mentioned that she had just bought a wonderful new deodorant, but could no longer use it. She had recently begun experiencing the pregnancy side effect of a sensitive sense of smell. She said that even thought this deodorant had a very slight fragrance, but she couldn't stand it. So, lucky me! I got to try it!

Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant. 

This is paraben free AND aluminum free! It works so well, too. I thought surely it wouldn't work through my long days of 6 a.m. yoga, work, errands, cooking dinner, and an evening of whatever strikes my fancy. But, I was pleasantly surprised. It feels great and has a very, very light scent that is pleasant.

Try it while doing some yoga stretches and see what you think!

Happy Friday! Thanks to a fellow Coastie wife, Jenny, for the great product, conversation, and friendship.

Friday's Favorites: Dunkin Donuts

This Friday's Favorites post has less to do with any great, frugal deal and more to do with what it symbolizes to me these days.

If you know my husband, you know he is OBSESSED with Dunkin Donuts coffee. We even have to brew it at home. "It's still not the same," he often reminds me. However, after I did some quick math of how much he was spending each morning on a large coffee, I convinced him that brewing coffee at home would be best. However, we do treat ourselves to the "real stuff" every so often. It makes him so happy!!!

Anyways, here's the frugal deal:

He bought a refillable mug and can now get essentially a large coffee (plus cream and sugar) for just $1.05.  That is steal here in Florida. Everything is expensive, but thank goodness the lower sales tax takes some of the pain away.

My week at work had been more than stressful, so I thought I'd treat myself on my long commute this morning. I took the husband's cup and made my way to the Dunkin Donuts. Best $1.05 I had spent all week! It was delicious.

The best part of the whole venture was using his cup. I'm a big ol' mushy mess these days, so using something of his was a delight and a comfort. I got to enjoy feeling "closer" to him the whole tasty cup of coffee. If you haven't tried Dunkin Donuts coffee, you are missing out! Go grab yourself a refillable mug, and be kind to Mother Earth, yourself, and your wallet. 

Think of my Coastie, too, while you enjoy the coffee... and all the men and women who serve their country away from the comforts of home.

Friday's Favorites

This week's favorite product is one I include in most of the green cleaning projects. Can you guess? Oh yes... baking soda!

This week during my grocery store visit, I stopped on the baking aisle and began price comparing the brands of baking soda. I mean, it's all the same stuff, but I like to ask to research how can I get it for the least amount of money. I didn't earn the name "Penny Pincher" for nothing!

Okay, so back to the baking soda. I noticed this ad on the corner of the Arm & Hammer box. I usually ignore ads or "buy 2 get 1 free" gimmicks (after doing the math plus figuring in "Will I actually use all of this?" it usually isn't worth it). However, this particular box struck my fancy, made my skirt fly up, put the syrup on my pancakes, and caused my frugal radar to beep.

Arm & Hammer paired up with Better Homes and Garden magazine to offer a one year subscription to the magazine if you purchase two boxes of baking soda. I immediately picked up two boxes!

By quickly doing the math ($1.34 for 2 boxes at $.67/box) and prioritizing my love of cooking and making a home, I knew I had struck home-making-on-a-budget gold.

I filled out the mail-in form and included the receipt. It was that simple! I've already used some of the baking soda, so the deal is already working to my advantage.

I'm so excited to be getting my $1.34/year magazine. If you have this deal in your area, take advantage of it!