Saturday, February 26, 2011

Enjoy A Stack Of Sweet Savings

This Tuesday, March 1st from 7:00 am to 10 p.m., IHOP is having their annual benefit for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. In return for a voluntary donation, you receive a free short stack of pancakes. It's a great opportunity to do some good and enjoy an inexpensive breakfast with friends at the same time. If you have an IHOP near you, why not get out and show your support!

If you don't have an IHOP near you, enjoy some pancakes at home. They are cheap, easy to make, and can be healthy if you use whole grain flours and top them with fresh fruit, or make savory pancakes and top them with vegetables and cheese. If you prefer your pancakes with syrup, here's a thrifty recipe:

Homemade Pancake Syrup

This recipe is taken from The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczn.

3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
3 tbsp. molasses
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. butter flavoring
1 tsp. maple extract

Bring all ingredients to a rolling boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Turn off burner but leave pot on burner until bubbling stops.

They are good for breakfast, or have breakfast for dinner once in a while! Good recipes abound on the internet. You can even make a few extra and freeze them, then reheat for breakfast on the go!

Have some pancakes today, and enjoy a sweet (or savory) stack of savings!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Enjoy A Few Laughs With Your Better Half

While watching the DVD of a well-known comedian's recent live performance on Netflix instant the other night, it hit me. This would be a fun idea for a frugal Valentine's Day "date night" at home. After all, laughter is an aphrodisiac!

If you don't have Netflix, you can rent a comedy DVD or find one at your local library. Prepare some appetizers like they would serve at a comedy club. Make a pitcher of cocktails, or mocktails if you don't drink. Wait until the kids go to bed, get cozy on the couch, arrange everything on the coffee table and crack up together. If you get a little tipsy, well at least you don't have to drive anywhere. You won't have to pay a big bar tab at the end of the evening either!

Happy Valentine's Day!