FREE lunch on April Fool's Day!

It's no joke. Tim Horton's is giving away their new Chicken Snack Wrapper on April 1, 2009, 11:30am - 2:00pm. Limit one per customer.

Toledo area locations:

1801 Laskey (Toledo)
3125 Glendale Ave. (Toledo, in Wal-Mart shopping center)
4735 Monroe St. (Toledo)
1011 Buck Rd. (Rossford)
5800 Alexis Rd. (Sylvania)
6815 Central Ave. (Sylvania)
161 W. Dussel Dr. (Maumee)
7140 Orchard Center Dr. (Holland)
2621 Navarre Ave. (Oregon)

Book review: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan, is a delightful look into the Ryan family during the 1950s and 1960s. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan had a full house with 10 children and lived in a very small income. To supplement her husband's modest salary, Mrs. Ryan made a career of entering all kinds of contests, winning everything from $1.00 to a new dryer to a shopping spree at the local grocery store.

In addition to detailing the various contests her mother won, the author gives us an insight into their family life, which wasn't always so rosy. Her anecdotes are endearing and heart warming, and I have found it difficult to put the book down. I highly recommend this one!

Toledo Grows Seed Swap - Saturday, Feb. 28, 12-3pm

5th Annual Seed Swap

TBG's Seed Swap was featured in Mother Earth News!

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Find-Best-Seeds-For-Your-Garden.aspx?page=2

5th Annual Seed Swap
Saturday, February 28, 2009

Seed Swap noon - 3:00pm, Crosby Conference Center

Workshop Schedule:

11 am Backyard gardening made easy

11 am Gourds

1:30 pm Gardening for maximum nutrition

2 pm Bugs & birds in the garden

3:15 pm Urban chickens

3:30 pm Edible ornamental landscaping

Come to the Garden on Saturday, February 28 to exchange seeds, learn new skills and diversify your gardens. No matter your gardening ability, you'll enjoy the chance to mingle with other gardeners and swap favorite seeds and bulbs. The Seed Swap gives gardeners the opportunity to enjoy new plants and to help preserve unique local and cultural strains, as many gardeners grow plants that are unique to their ethnicity or taste. Visitors are also encouraged to bring houseplants to exchange. There will be activities for kids, workshops, music and more so bring the whole family.

For more information, please call (419)536- 5563 or email michael.szuberla@toledogarden.org

American Girl doesn't have to cost a lot!

Lots of little girls have American Girl dolls. If your family is like mine, your daughter(s) received a doll for Christmas from relatives (in our case, a very generous uncle). My mom sewed the dolls a whole wardrobe of clothes, and my dad built them each a beautiful four post bed and a matching trunk where they can keep all the clothes. Great right? Of course!
But what happens now? We don't have extra cash laying around to keep buying more fancy clothes or books, let alone travel to Chicago to attend an American Girl Tea Party, which would set us back $51 (not including the transportation cost to get there). Are we out of luck?
No way! Look no further than your local library!

American Girl Super 70s Party (Sa) March 14, 2:30 p.m. Grades K-6 Maumee Branch
Celebrate the decade of flower power with American Girl flare! Boogie down to popular Disco tracks, get creative with some way cool crafts and scarf up some sweet snacks. Registration is required and begins 2/28/2009. Limited to 30. 419-259-5231
Cost? FREE!

We also have Vicki's Doll Cottage right here in Sylvania that sells clothes that fit Amercian Girls (they are not licensed American Girl clothes, but will fit most 18 inch dolls). Prices range $16 - $20. It saves you the shipping cost and you get the clothes NOW instead of waiting for them, if you need a last minute gift. And it's always nice to support a local business.

Do you have sewing, knitting or crocheting skills? There are thousands of free patterns online for doll clothes! For the knitters/crocheters, I recommend joining Raverly, a social networking site where you can post your projects and search for patterns.

Nickel and Diming

I know we all know this, but sometimes it's good to be reminded. When you find lose change around the house, put it in a certain jar and save it. I find that it helps if I save for something specific. In my house we have the "camping money" container. It's just a large yogurt container that my girls decorated for all of our "found" money. By the time summer rolls around, we'll have a nice little stash for camping trips. Heidi and Gretchen are even in on the fun. Whenever they find change, they yell "camping money!" and run right to the jar. In addition to teaching them a valuable lesson in saving, it eliminates arguments about who found what money and who it belongs to. :-)

Wild Wednesdays at Maumee Indoor Theater

Beat cabin fever and take in a show for cheap! Every Wednesday shows at Maumee Indoor Theater are just $1.25. Popcorn and sodas are also just $1.25 each.

Book review: Happy Birthday Kit! (from the American Girl series)

"American Girl? Aren't those dolls like a hundred dollars a piece? Why would Michelle being talking about those on a website for free stuff? Is she crazy??"

Answer: Yes, I am actually crazy. But that's not important right now. We're talking about a book, not my mental health, right?

If you are looking for an entertaining story that incorporates a wholesome message along with lots of great frugal tips for living, Happy Birthday Kit! is your book. One of many books in the American Girl series, this will appeal to young girls and women alike. I read it to my six year old twin daughters and I think I enjoyed it just as much as they did!

Kit, who is a 10 year old girl living during the 1930's, learns a lot about frugal living from her Aunt Millie, who comes to stay with Kit's family for an extended visit. At times Kit is embarrassed by her aunt's flagrant frugalness, but in the end she learns about living simply doesn't have to be a burden.

Here are some of the things I learned in the book:

* Collect dandelion greens from your yard while the dew is still fresh and have a free salad (don't do this if you put chemical fertilizer on your lawn!)
* When your bedsheets wear out in the middle, cut them in half down the middle (where the worn part is). Then sew the outside edges together. Good as new!
* You can remove the collar and cuffs from a shirt and sew them back on reversed to hide the wear.
* Go to the bakery right before they close and they will sell you the day's remaining goods at a reduced price.

You can find the book for FREE at the library. As soon as I return it, that is. :-)

FREE pancakes at IHOP on February 24, 7am-10pm

Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products…hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly two million dollars to support charities in the communities in which it operates. With your help, we hope to raise $1,000,000 for Children’s Miracle Network in 2009!

Marcy Kaptur Speaks to Support a “Fruit-Belt” Economy: Replacing Corporate Profits With “Capital Circulation” in Northern Ohio

Interesting article about Marcy Kaptur's visit to the Toledo Botanical Gardens this week.

Top 10 Free (or Almost Free) and Fun Things to Do When RVing (or even at home)

1. Take a walk in nature – breathe deep, walk softly, and observe your surroundings.
2. Take lots of digital photographs (works best as a freebie if you already own a digital camera) and share with friends and family.
3. Visit museums on their free days – most have at least one a month.
4. Take a factory tour – sometimes you’ll even enjoy bonus samples.
5. Visit wine country and sample some of your favorite – or new – varietals (but assign a designated driver – those “sips” can really add up!).
6. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at a local park relaxing, eating, talking, reading, exploring, daydreaming…did I mention relaxing?
7. Window shop a fancy part of town. End the afternoon with a cup of coffee, tea or other refreshing beverage in said “fancy part of town”.
8. Check the local paper for free community events including concerts in the park, lectures, plays, etc.
9. Shop a local farmer’s market and chat with the folks selling the fruits and veggies. Pick up something “new to you” and ask them how to prepare it – then go home and try it.
10. Visit your local library and check out a few movies, make some popcorn, set up the TV outside the camper and have a date night or family gathering under the stars.

List compiled by Evanne Schmarder at RV.net. Thanks Evanne!

Weekend events: February 20 - 22, 2009

January 2, 2009 - February 28, 2009

Frozentoesen

The Toledo Zoo

The Toledo Zoo has the cure for even the most acute cases as the season we call Frozentoesen returns!. With ice carving demonstrations and Cabin Fever Feeds, along with some special activities and performances returning to the Indoor Theatre this year. Frozentoesen is a great way to dig the cool. Best of all, these activities are free with half-price admission to the Zoo.


February 21, 200, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Ice-Carving Demonstration

The Toledo Zoo


February 21, 2009 - February 22, 200, 10:00am and 4:00pm

Cabin Fever Feeds

The Toledo Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays throughout January and February, experience exciting animal-feeding demonstrations at various exhibits throughout the Zoo. Our animals love chowing down, and you’ll love getting to see them in action!


February 21, 2:30pm
Main Library, Toledo

The Bees, the Wolves and Beowulf Grades K-6
The Little Wolves leave their cozy, wee den and travel to another part of the Forest. There they encounter the Bee Sisters, as they attempt to solve the mysterious - but not scary - Case of the Reading Bug. This play is presented by North Coast Theater and has been made possible by a generous contribution from Directions Credit Union


February 21, 2:30pm
West Toledo Branch Library

Mardi Gras Masks Grades K-6
Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and you can prepare for the celebration by making your own unique Mardi Gras mask! We'll be sure to provide some delicious treats so that you can keep up your creative energies.
Registration is required and begins 2/2/2009. 419-259-5290


February 21, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Maumee Branch Library

Cabin Fever Family Program
Celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday by building your own edible mini log cabin at this drop in program. We provide the building materials (pretzels, graham crackers and frosting) and you build it. Dress to get a little messy!


February 21, 2:00pm
Oregon Branch Library

Shaped Wood Jewelry Grades 5-12
Come in and make a piece of jewelry with wood shapes. All materials will be provided.


February 16 - 21, 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sylvania Branch Library

All Things Hollywood Grades 6-12
Celebrate the 81st Annual Academy Awards by answering questions about your celebrity faves. If you get them all correct, you'll be eligible to win movie tickets for yourself and a friend.


February 21, 9:15am
Holland Brand Library

February 21, 10:00am
Point Place Branch Library

Basic Internet
A hands-on introduction to the Internet. Learn basic Internet terms, how to browse pre-selected Web sites and search using a search engine. The ability to use a mouse is required.
Registration is required and begins 2/7/2009. Limited to 7. 419-259-5240


February 21, 11:00-11:30am
Lagrange Branch Library

Beat the Winter Blahs
Get yourself moving and join Cammie from The Body Factory for a 30-minute circuit workout. Enjoy a healthy snack afterwards.
Registration is required and begins 2/2/2008. Limited to 20. 419-259-5280



February 20-22, 2009, 8:00am - 7:00pm
Fallen Timbers Junior Rangers Program
Fallen Timbers Monument, Maumee

Kids can earn their Fallen Timbers Junior Ranger Badges by completing a booklet with several activities. Booklets can be completed at home or school. When complete, mail in the coupon in the booklet and your badge will be mailed to you. The Fallen Timbers Battlefield & Fort Miamis National Historic Site is owned and operated by Metroparks, and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. Call or email to receive your copy. Free.


February 20, 2009, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Winter Hiatus
Space 237, Toledo

Take a break from the doldrums of winter with this colorful, happy art exhibition. Opening night is Fri. Jan. 23, 7-9pm. Collage, paintings, & ceramics are by local artists Greg Justus, Kelly Lever, Adam Russell & Jules Webster. Free admission & free parking on the side of the building.

Cooking: lessons from Clara, a woman of the Depression era

I thought this would be a great first post. I stumbled across Depression Cooking with Clara while doing a simply Google search on "cooking depression era". I believe we can learn to much from our grandparents about living simply. Clara, the star of the show, is very charming as she tells little anecdotes about her childhood while showing us how to cook simple, inexpensive dishes. Once you watch one, I bet you'll want to watch all of her videos!

Time to revive this blog!

Who doesn't like free stuff, right? And we can all use suggestions right now, with the economy being what it is. So, look here every day for money-saving, or totally free ideas!