Tip: Tomato Paste Leftovers

Felt Tomato Slice Tutorial

Recipes always seem to call for 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Tomato paste is never purchased in 1 tablespoon portions, leaving us with the rest of a can of tomato paste.

Freeze the leftovers in little baggies. Put a heaping tablespoon of paste in each baggie and freeze (after labeling and dating) until you need it.

Eversave.com - Local Daily Deals

Save 50% - 90% at the best places to shop, eat, see and do in your own neighborhood. New places featured every day.

I know there are a lot of these sites out there, but the deals don't overlap, at least not in my area, and they are a great way to save on products and services you really do use.

Sign up and receive emails with the latest greatest doggy deals!

Another deal for dog lovers.

Stay in the loop on the newest DoggyLoot. Great daily deals for dogs.

This seems like such a fun idea! If you sign up please let us know what kinds of deals they offer; my imagination is running wild with images of doggy manicures and blinged out dog toys.

FREE Disney Cruise Line® Vacation Planning DVD

Cereal Deals

I came across these boxes at Target the other day and wanted to give a "head's up".

First, the Total Raisin Bran is free after mail in rebate. Look for the boxes with the rebate blurb on the front. Limit one rebate per household/person/address and you must have the receipt and a portion of the box. The rebate form is inside the box. I didn't see the offer on any other Total cereals, but you may have different results at your local store.

Second, the Cars gas deal on the Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats box. Collect five codes from various marked cereal boxes to receive a $5 gas card. I haven't seen any of the marked boxes in a while, so I was excited to see these. Like the total deal, I didn't see this offer on any other types of cereal, but YMMV.

Tip: Shout Color Catchers and a Free Sample

A reader tip:  Use Shout Color Catchers to keep clothes looking great. "They soak up any dye that might come off your clothes so it doesn't bleed onto other items. I've even mixed reds in with other items and not had a problem."

I have limited experience with these myself, having only used them once or twice when washing new quilts, particularly ones with red. I've been quite pleased with the results.

Of course, I searched for a "make your own" solution and found nothing. I did find a link for a free Color Catcher sample so you can try it yourself.

FREE Disney Fairy Tale Wedding and Honeymoon Planner

Save with Swagbucks (and have fun doing it!)

Search the web and earn Swab Bucks to redeem prizes. Get prizes for doing things you already do on the internet.

Swag Bucks is different. Following them on facebook, twitter, and through their blog will give you opportunities to enter random codes or participate in fun (but not easy!) contests to earn even more points.

Points are redeemable for gift cards, swag, and even cash.

Tip: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

These things are the bomb. They clean grout, walls, stoves, crayon, pen, paint, EVERYTHING. I can't recommend them highly enough for both everyday and off-the-wall cleaning tasks.

We cut our magic erasers into 1/4's. That's usually plenty for a quickie cleaning task and doesn't waste the rest of the eraser.

According to Homemade Mama's, Magic Erasers are actually just melamine foam, a soundproofing material and can be purchased at Amazon.com for much less than the original Magic Erasers cost, making them an even better frugal choice.

Curves Guest Pass $10

Canvas People - Gree 8x10 or Save $55

Saveology Daily Deals

Tip: Reading

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
― Albert Einstein

Read to your children.

When I was doing home daycare curriculum was not recommended for babies and toddler. A positive, open play area that allowed them to explore and create, music, arts and crafts, and reading to them was what was suggested. Always, in every article or class, reading was key.

Reading to kids directly affects their literacy development and success in school.

Not a money/home economics tips, but an important tip nonetheless.

The Biggest Loser Coach - Still Available

It's New Year's resolution time. One of my resolutions is to get in better shape and to continue to develop better eating habits -- basically to be healthier. Anyone else?

Right now you can sign up for the Biggest Loser Coach Network and receive a 14 day trial for only $1.95.

From their website:

The Biggest Loser Coach Network program gives you unlimited online and telephone access to Success Experts who will work with you step-by-step to uncover and focus on areas where you can make improvements towards a healthier lifestyle. With the help of the Coach Network experts, you will get the support you need to create the life you've always wanted.

The Biggest Loser Coach Network experts will help you make the lifestyle changes necessary to become successful and help you gain insight into the driving force behind the behaviors that have held you back.

• Discover and use the tools necessary to create a healthier lifestyle.
• Find out how to manage your time efficiently.
• Achieve a balance in your life by setting achievable weight loss goals.
• Develop a deeper self-awareness to help you stay true to your 'goals'.

***If you don't want to continue at a monthly rate of $59.95 you must cancel the program before the end of the 14 day trial.

Save on Handcrafted Items at BelleChic

You may recall that I also participated at BelleChic as a vendor. Great company, wonderful people. I purchased a Christmas gift through the site at substantial savings and was thrilled with the entire transaction (especially the product!).