Frugal Friday: It’s June?

10 Jun

Happy Frugal Friday! Um, I don’t even want to start the conversation on how it’s June already so we just won’t. I just need to ask-seriously- where has this year gone??

A couple of months ago, I was perusing Groupon for the deal of the day. I started to look around at other cities to see what they were offering as well. Indianapolis’ sounded interesting—$8 worth of Mexican food for $4 at Bajio Mexican Grill . I am all about the Mexican food but cheap Mexican food, si papi!

 

I had some free time last weekend so drove over and ordered the Pineapple Shrimp Salad.

Bajio was just like Qdoba or anything other Mexican fast food restaurant. I loved the number of add ins and when it came out, it was gorgeous. Looks tasty right? Wrong. There was too much juice from the black beans and the salsa so what should’ve been a salad turned into cold Mexican soup. No bueno. It would have been fine if there wasn’t so much juice, add to the fact that the lettuce was shredded lettuce as opposed to bigger pieces, I wasn’t a huge fan.

Tip: If you know you’re traveling to another city and  know what part of town you will be staying in or have a card with you, check out Groupon or other discount sites in advance. It’s a great, cheap way to check out local cuisine!

My sister told me about a Sparkling Ice Water they sell at Kroger for $.99/bottle. She said it tastes better than Crystal Light all while being calorie free. I went to the local Kroger and stocked up, they had a number of flavors and even though I didn’t have a Kroger savings card because we don’t have Kroger here, found out that I could use my Bi-Lo supermarket card since they are affiliates.

I also bought some snacks for the road since I wanted to get back on track with getting my fruits, veggies and produce in my life.

Tip: If you’re in need of food or drink while on vacation, go to the grocery store instead of the convenience store or eating out every meal. You will save tons of money and possibly discover new products like I did!

 

On Memorial Day, we went to the local Salvation Army thrift store. They were having a huge sale with all of their clothes half off! I found some wonderful tops and skirts for super cheap.

All of this? $7 and some change. Can we say holla?  Where else can you find Nike and Adidas tops for under $.80? On another note, I don’t think I’ve ever had donuts for dinner but wouldn’t be opposed to the idea.

Tip: Retail stores have huge sales on holiday weekends but don’t forget your local thrift stores! They are usually packed to the gills with clothes and other items and have sales as well!

When I got back to Charlotte, I was looking through the circulars to see what was on sale. I saw Voskos Greek Yogurt on sale for $1. I’ve never tried that brand before but if I’m going to try something, it’s going to be when it’s on sale as opposed to regular price.

A possibility of winning a trip to Greece? Don’t mind if I do.

Tip: Some times you may not like the product you get on sale. I tried the honey flavor and wasn’t a fan at all. However, I refuse to let the other three go to waste. I like to throw greek yogurt in smoothies as a replacement for milk and for a little kick of protein.

Also while looking through the mail, I found this advertisement (with coupons!) for Einsteins’ Brothers

I don’t need a fresh baked treat but it’s good to know if I’m jonesing for one, I can get one for free at Einsteins in the afternoon with a drink purchase.

Tip: Don’t just throw out your mail, check out the advertisements. Often they are full of sales, discounts and coupons!

I went to Logan’s Roadhouse with my aunt and uncle last weekend in Indianapolis. When we sat down the server did their normal schpeal asking us if we’ve ever been there. I told them I’ve heard of Logan’s but never been to a Logan’s before. Before we were about to leave the manager came over and gave me this card for a free appetizer since it was my first visit since they hoped I would return. The best part is I can use it at any Logan’s location!

 

Tip: Sorry, I don’t have one this was total luck right here!

Do you shop for groceries while you’re out of town? Do you buy Groupons/ Living Social/ etc deals for cities you will be visiting?

17 Responses to “Frugal Friday: It’s June?”

  1. Ashleigh June 10, 2011 at 4:21 pm #

    I haven’t been traveling much otherwise I would def check out groupons for the area. Since RI and ME are so close to Boston I subscribe to their groupon deals too so I can head either place on a weekend and do fun new things. I noticed that their groupons aren’t as cool as the Boston ones though!

    Are you travels ever going to bring you to Boston?!

  2. vixter2010 June 10, 2011 at 4:34 pm #

    Yeah grocery stores are best for deals, Tesco is pretty huge over here 🙂

    • simplyshaka June 11, 2011 at 4:06 pm #

      I’ve never heard of them-are they just in the UK or other parts of Europe as well?

  3. 40daykedge June 10, 2011 at 4:57 pm #

    I don’t use groupon when traveling, never thought to do so. I pack snacks from home. I’ll pack oatmeal, you can boil water with the coffee maker it works like a charm. Fresh fruit, Mixed nuts, peanut butter are a must and sometimes I’ll pack boiled eggs. Everything except for the PB can go in carry-on. TSA confiscated my peanut butter, they said I can’t have any amount of PB because it’s a suspicious consistency.

    • simplyshaka June 11, 2011 at 4:06 pm #

      Interesting, I never knew they were anti PB. All of a sudden I’m liking the TSA more since I am anti pb as well.

      • Joanna B. June 11, 2011 at 5:48 pm #

        HAHA! I didn’t know you don’t like PB. Anyway same goes for hummus, almond butter and cashew butter. :)~

  4. Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt June 10, 2011 at 9:51 pm #

    Mexican food is my fave. I love all the beans and cheese that happens in that food miracle.

    Sparkling Ice looks fantastic! I’m addicted to seltzer water in the can. I love how cold it can get. There could be worse things to enjoy so much. 😉

    • simplyshaka June 11, 2011 at 4:05 pm #

      I’ve never been huge on seltzer water but now that I think about it, I’ve never really given it a chance.

  5. Rach @ This Italian Family June 10, 2011 at 11:12 pm #

    I need to definitely check out local groupon deals for when we travel! Thanks for the idea, Tiffany!

  6. diana@mymarblerye June 11, 2011 at 9:55 am #

    hell yeah i get groupons when I go out of town!!! And now that I live in a big city i’m so happy to get them!! Great tips!! Also remember to eat out at lunch instead of dinner on vacay!

    • simplyshaka June 11, 2011 at 3:59 pm #

      I forgot about that tip–you know I do that, it’s the smart thing to do!

  7. i agree! stacking up on food at the grocery store is totally the way to go when you are on vacation! those little convienance stores can get ya!!!! mm and that sparkling water looks divine! i wish i had a kroger near me!

    • simplyshaka June 11, 2011 at 3:53 pm #

      Thats a bummer you dont have them. We had one in Morgantown and I loved it!

  8. According to Gus June 11, 2011 at 9:36 pm #

    We’ve been buying Groupons and Living Social certificates like MAD lately – stocking up for our travels. It’s a great tip – and will end up saving us a ton – plus gets us to visit local businesses we probably would’ve otherwise missed!

  9. runeatdatesleep June 12, 2011 at 11:16 pm #

    OMG! You scored at Salvation Army! Those skirts are adorable. Thank you for the reminder to get my own butt there.

    • simplyshaka June 13, 2011 at 6:38 pm #

      Thanks, I saw them and grabbed them before even looking at the size before anyone else could get their mitts on them.

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