Check out my new Twin Cities area Summer Fair List for 2012 (Link Removed as list is no longer available). Also included are links to fair websites plus my tips for enjoying the fairs with kids. We went to the Ramsey County Fair this year, and had fun (& got lots of free stuff for the kids […]
It’s Strawberry Picking Time in Minnesota!
It’s strawberry picking time in Minnesota! As it states on the “Minnesota Grown” website, most Minnesota berry patches are opening earlier than usual this year. Many Twin Cities area strawberry picking farms are open now. Go to the Minnesota Grown website to find one near you. We went to Bauer Berry Farm in Champlin last Monday, June […]
Kelley Farm in Elk River
I took the kids to Kelley Farm in Elk River on Saturday, May 12th, the day before Mother’s Day, as moms could get in free (yay free!) with their kids that weekend. (See below – dads get in free on Father’s Day weekend, too!) We spent a couple hours there and the kids loved exploring the farm, […]
Garage Sales and Farmer’s Markets!
This weekend (April 28-29) kicks off a lot of Twin Cities neighborhood garage sales and local farmer’s markets. Here are some local great sites to help you plan all your spring and summer rummage sale hunts! Rummage Sale links Thrifty Minnesota has an annual Minnesota City Wide Garage Sales List. Add this to your web browser’s […]
Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove Review
I took my kids to the “new” Elm Creek Park Reserve play area in Maple Grove last Monday for the first time, taking advantage of an unusually warm day (temps in the 70’s) in March. Elm Creek Park Reserve is located just north of highway 81 and highway 610 at the Elm Creek Blvd. exit. I […]
Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground in New Brighton
What: Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground Where: New Brighton Community Center, 400 – 10th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112. How much: $5.50 daily admission for children ages 12 months to 12 years. $3.00 after 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. No charge for parents or caregivers. Youth punch pass for $55.00 includes 12 passes for the […]
Potato Pancakes Recipe
My 89-year-old German grandmother taught me this potato pancakes recipe. It’s a very frugal, tasty German recipe she’s known her whole life. Potato Pancakes Recipe For about 6 pancakes (2-3 servings): 1. Peel and cut up 2 large potatoes. 2. Put in a food processor with half a small onion, 2 eggs, and a teaspoon […]
Halloween Weekend Restaurant Deals in Twin Cities
There are many restaurant deals in the Twin Cities this Halloween weekend, but here are a few I’ve found: CARIBOU COFFEE: Get a FREE kids hot chocolate for your costumed child with each Caribou Coffee beverage purchased. Saturday, October 30th and Sunday, October 31st ONLY. Click here for coupon. APPLEBEE’S: Free kids meals for children 10 […]
Homemade Banana Bread
To me, banana bread is one of the most frugal yet tasty recipes you can make. I can’t count the number of times per year we have several overripe bananas sitting on our dining table – what better use for them than a loaf of fresh banana bread? Many of my earliest attempts at banana […]
Farmer’s Markets
If you haven’t yet been to a Farmer’s Market this summer, now’s a great time to go! I love the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market but there are plenty in the Twin Cities area you can find if you pick up a Minnesota Grown directory. Many Farmer’s Markets offer more than just produce – you can find […]
Garage Sales! It’s that time again!
Here are three great ways to find out about garage sales in the Twin Cities. Twin Cities Frugal Mom Map 2. The Pioneer Press newspaper has a new email newsletter you can sign up for, to find out about larger, group sales. 3. The Star Tribune has a yard […]
40 Ways to Survive the Recession
When the economy is in a recession and things like job security become uncertain, we need whatever control we can get over our lives. In order to survive the recession, we must think differently because we can’t control the job market, declining home values or increasing prices, but we can control how we spend money […]
Unique Thrift Stores
Great advice from my money-smart friend Marilyn on Unique Thrift Stores: Bargains galore await the thrifty shopper at Unique Thrift Stores, located in New Hope, Burnsville, St. Paul and Columbia Heights. The huge inventory of new and gently used items will attract those who are willing to comb the many racks and shelves for the […]