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Budget Friendly Meals Guestbook

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From the lens Budget Friendly Meals.

Cabaret Squidoo

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Please leave your comments and suggestions for saving even more money on dinner here.

  • mrsclaus411 May 23, 2012 @ 2:54 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing these tips. I agree with not doing the groceries when you're hungry.
  • bloomingrose May 21, 2012 @ 11:50 pm | delete
    Back to pin this to my thrifty living board and tweet it. I agree with Graceonline - throwing food away is one of our family's biggest mistakes. I was thinking today about ways that I can eliminate doing that.
  • Graceonline May 10, 2012 @ 11:24 pm | delete
    My number one tip for saving at the grocery store is this: Eat all the food you buy. Americans waste about one-third of the food we buy, dumping it uneaten into the trash. One-third of a grocery budget is a lot of money!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 4, 2012 @ 2:54 pm | delete
    Because I want to eat fresh, organic food, I am building my own greenhouse and setting up a system for growing food year-round. Now I can determine what's in season and spend far less on expensive organic products that are shipped cross-country.
  • AlphaChic Apr 30, 2012 @ 10:08 am | delete
    Great tips. I will have to implement some of them!
  • RobertZimmerman Apr 22, 2012 @ 6:07 pm | delete
    Great tips! Thanks!
  • shaheda Apr 10, 2012 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    Very good tips and suggestions.
  • MelonyVaughan Apr 1, 2012 @ 1:42 pm | delete
    Wonderful tips! Thanks for sharing!
  • flinnie Mar 28, 2012 @ 10:33 am | delete
    Hi great tips ,Thanks for all the good info. The best tips is eating less meat.
  • Steve_Kaye Mar 22, 2012 @ 12:52 pm | delete
    We save a lot on food by buying only what we will eat. As a result, we almost never throw away food. We have also started eating less meat. Right now, a small amount of meat may appear in two meals per week.
  • queenofduvetcovers Mar 19, 2012 @ 11:06 pm | delete
    Very helpful tips and links, thank you =)
  • bloomingrose Mar 19, 2012 @ 10:15 pm | delete
    I love the crockpot, that really helps. Also, if I shop for items such as toilet paper when it is on sale I find that I shop less frequently, which is good because otherwise every time I enter a store, I have found that I pick something up.
  • goo2eyes Mar 18, 2012 @ 2:21 pm | delete
    i also have a budget meal lens for real poor people. i visited this lens long time ago before i became an angel and now i am one, i fly back to share some blessings with you.
  • curious0927 Feb 28, 2012 @ 8:04 pm | delete
    Great Lens, Just awesome, Especially in our state of the economy! I need so much of this info, like right now! Thanks and Blessed!
  • Pangionedevelopers Feb 17, 2012 @ 11:10 pm | delete
    great lens,
    SHOW ME SOME" LIKE"
  • KitandCaboodle Feb 17, 2012 @ 10:25 pm | delete
    Great tips! I'll need to look into the recipes more. We eat less meat now and eat more pasta and rice dishes. It helps the budget.
  • BradKamer Feb 9, 2012 @ 6:47 pm | delete
    Great lens. There are those leftovers I am absolutely ecstatic to have a second time; then there are those that are dreaded......
  • cottagecrafts Feb 7, 2012 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    Great post, thanks for the information.
  • HarmonyArtMom Feb 5, 2012 @ 6:40 pm | delete
    With two teens and a hungry husband, I NEED a weekly plan, buy in bulk, and take advantage of leftovers. This combination saves me tons of money each month on food. Great lens!
  • canoz Jan 25, 2012 @ 9:20 am | delete
    I love turning my leftovers into a new meal too... it's a great for saving money and I also find it fun to create a whole new concept.
  • mamabush Jan 24, 2012 @ 10:43 pm | delete
    With 5 kids, eating budget-friendly meals is a necessity. No steaks in this house! One of the cheapest meals I make is breakfast for dinner. I scramble up a dozen eggs, bake up some biscuits or pumpkin muffins and make a fresh salad. Fruit is getting expensive, but I figured out that the entire meal costs about $10...not bad! :) I could make it cheaper, but I love to put fresh pineapple in the fruit salad...I can usually get one for $2.99. Another tip is to make more meatless meals. Buying less meat can really help your grocery budget!
  • goo2eyes Jan 21, 2012 @ 9:10 pm | delete
    i would go to a japanese restaurant and ask for the fish cut-outs. salmon stomach (lots of omega 3 in it) and heads are being disposed of. even if you have to pay some money, it is worth it. omega 3 is very good for the heart. it makes the heart become younger. for real.
  • SGlynn Jan 18, 2012 @ 6:02 pm | delete
    Good tips and links :) Thanks
  • Lindrus Jan 16, 2012 @ 2:46 am | delete
    Very good and informative lens! Thanks!
  • srioschavez Jan 8, 2012 @ 6:55 pm | delete
    Great lens lots of great ideas for dinner and tons of ways to save money
  • 2muchtrash Jan 8, 2012 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    Wow, some absolutely fantastic ideas here. As a non-cook I am always on the look out for recipes that are essentially so easy I cannot fail to make them come out okay, AND are quick to prepare. I used to cook meat, potatoes and vegetables every night in New Zealand, but cook maybe one a quarter here in California. Sooo different! Bookmarked for multiple returns!
  • gosssysas Jan 3, 2012 @ 11:41 am | delete
    Great job keep it up
  • Buchamar Dec 12, 2011 @ 4:56 pm | delete
    Great lens - Good Job!
  • pawpaw911 Dec 12, 2011 @ 3:23 pm | delete
    In today's world, this is a very good resource for trying to stretch those food dollars. Thanks.
  • WhiteSockGirl Dec 6, 2011 @ 10:39 am | delete
    Anything budget friendly is welcome right now!

    Great lens, love it!
  • themoneyways Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:51 am | delete
    Some good ideas for any budget. I didn't see any mention of beans in your lens (I may have missed it), but beans are extremely cheap (buy them dry) and are packed with fiber, flavor and nutrition. Although its hard to eat them every night, it makes sense to keep a large container and add them to your weekly routine.
  • RobinDM Nov 30, 2011 @ 3:46 pm | delete
    You are so right about leftovers! Using them can saves hundreds of dollars a year! Thanks for the lens!
  • tembrooke Nov 22, 2011 @ 9:55 am | delete
    Lately, I've gotten more aggressive about looking for coupons and deals. I look online for coupons and scour the grocery ads for buy-one-get-one and other super deals. It takes more time but the savings are worth it.
  • daphnedangerlove Nov 16, 2011 @ 11:23 pm | delete
    I think menu planning is probably the best way to save money and eat healthier. That means I use what I buy instead of tossing it because I forgot it was in the fridge. I also buy in bulk and use Amazon.com for some of my grocery shopping. Since we eat gluten free, we can save huge amounts of money and find products our local grocery doesn't carry.
  • CougarFolie Nov 14, 2011 @ 4:14 pm | delete
    great lens!
  • Beadsnresin Nov 14, 2011 @ 2:01 am | delete
    Great Lens!
  • Joie Nov 7, 2011 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    Excellent suggestions! In these troubled economic times, we all need this kind of practical help. Thank you!
  • ClearDebt Nov 7, 2011 @ 4:23 am | delete
    I wrote my own Food Budgeting tips-http://www.squidoo.com/food-budgeting-tips
  • AkaProfessorMike Nov 5, 2011 @ 1:12 pm | delete
    My Wife is a frugal shopper who seems to be on the same wavelength with you on this one!
  • ShirleySunshine Nov 1, 2011 @ 5:51 pm | delete
    Everyone needs to be careful with money these days, and great tips here to help.
    I try to grow something to help with food costs, but no garden really, so grow a few things in pots.
    One of the most attractive vegetables to grow is Swiss chard. Crimson stems with dark green leaves and red ribs. Often used in the flower garden.
    I have a few plants in large pots and that gives enough for two people. It looks good too, and can be used in salads if leaves are picked when small. Cover in the late autumn to keep it growing as long as possible into the winter.
  • cffutah Oct 26, 2011 @ 8:20 pm | delete
    enjoyed this lens indeed! 'thumbs up' from this reader.
  • diaperbagdiva Oct 24, 2011 @ 6:14 pm | delete
    Great lens! Totally appropriate for the current situation of many Americans. I have a big family to feed and have to get creative now and then :)
  • ClearDebt Oct 18, 2011 @ 3:18 am | delete
    Never shop hungry is a fantastic tip!
    I'm always tempted to buy more expensive quick meals and have eaten it by the time I get home.
    If you live with friends why not try cooking together- sharing the cost of ingredients is a good way to save.
  • sidther Oct 17, 2011 @ 7:40 am | delete
    I buy chicken in bulk and separate it when I get home- cutting it lengthwise and freeze all of the pieces to make one meal per package. I usually end up with 2-3 weeks worth of chicken (for 3 people) for about $12. This was really informative- I will have to try a slow cooker!
  • coffeebreak9am Oct 6, 2011 @ 8:16 am | delete
    Thank you for a great lens...
  • Bluemoongoddess Oct 6, 2011 @ 1:29 am | delete
    very informative, ramen has so many uses
  • redleafloans Sep 30, 2011 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    Awesome lens! Thanks for sharing...:)
  • ViolinStudent Sep 20, 2011 @ 11:59 am | delete
    Pasta and rice stretch our budget tremendously! Thanks for this page!
    -Art Haule
  • kiwinana71 Sep 18, 2011 @ 5:43 pm | delete
    Great lens with a lot of good advice. I like the idea Split the Bill, much try that with my family.
    Thanks for sharing, you are a great lens-master.
  • omgursostupid Sep 15, 2011 @ 1:40 pm | delete
    This is a great lens, ver comprehensive.
  • Staceysk Sep 13, 2011 @ 10:53 am | delete
    I wish there were more coupons here. I love that Airmiles now sends out coupons made for you though. Bonus airmiles plus savings is always nice. I use my airmiles to get Metro grocery certificates and Shell gas certificates so once in a while all my shopping and getting there is free.
  • sousababy Sep 12, 2011 @ 10:04 am | delete
    Rice and pasta-based meals heat up wonderfully in the microwave . . love the slow cooker too, meat just is that much more tender. Really wonderful ideas here - oh and yeah, don't shop hungry is a great tip. Thanks for sharing!
  • DLeighAlexander Sep 8, 2011 @ 6:15 pm | delete
    Great ideas! Thanks!
  • GonnaFly Sep 5, 2011 @ 5:26 pm | delete
    What a super-helpful lens! Blessed and added to my Frugal Living lens.
  • CarrieReikiMo Sep 5, 2011 @ 9:24 am | delete
    I love using coupons! It can be time consuming, but so worth it when you check out!
  • TheSoundofSettling Sep 4, 2011 @ 1:08 am | delete
    Im a new mom and this is great! Thank you :)
  • jc91583 Aug 29, 2011 @ 7:28 pm | delete
    I was going to say that this a valid lens considering the economy but when is not a valid time to eat budget friendly meals. Thanks so much for the great information!
  • partydepot Aug 26, 2011 @ 10:58 am | delete
    Love the ramen noodle recipes - Thanks!
  • Frischy Aug 25, 2011 @ 2:31 pm | delete
    Great ideas and links! I would add growing a vegetable garden & of course raising chickens! Even a tiny herb garden in a sunny window can help save money.
  • alwaysjules Aug 25, 2011 @ 10:57 am | delete
    What a terrific lens. And so timely. So many of us are looking for ways to cut back expenses, but not quality. This is really awesome. Thanks so much. And I also appreciate the interactive approach, asking others to share their expertise. Well done.
  • scarlettohairy Aug 19, 2011 @ 12:37 pm | delete
    You've provided some great tips for eating cheap. I try to buy what's on sale each week and cook enough for several meals.
  • gleken Aug 15, 2011 @ 4:30 am | delete
    Thank you for the really great information on how to make your food budget go further. With money so tight for alot of people this is the sort of information that is needed.
  • rr_flint Aug 10, 2011 @ 10:13 am | delete
    First, thanks for stopping by my lens about the Green Screen Kit Christmas gift. I REALLY appreciate the feedback. Second, your lenses, are amazing! This one about budget friendly meals is fantastic. The variety of ideas shown here is incredible. As I contribute to Squidoo, I hope to make such thoughtful, organized lenses. Again, thanks so much for the Squidlike!
  • GrinningFool Aug 8, 2011 @ 5:54 pm | delete
    I think we all can learn from this. I don't know about everyone else but my food budget is out of control. Yay for 3 teenagers in the house!
  • NZHarris Aug 5, 2011 @ 2:56 pm | delete
    Good info! Slow cookers are the best!!
  • TeacherRenee Jul 7, 2011 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    Awesome lens! So many great ideas!
  • Donnette Jul 5, 2011 @ 2:59 pm | delete
    I wish we had more in the way of coupons and budget stores here :( Sadly it's not often that you can actually get a really good discount on a grocery shop by using coupons - I find that generally coupons are offered on products that are considered "luxury" in our economic climate... Thank you for the great tips, as always your lenses are worthy of a revisit - or two or more :)
  • hysongdesigns Jun 30, 2011 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    very nice lens. Of course when you already do almost all of those things.....
  • Tolovaj Jun 15, 2011 @ 8:31 am | delete
    It is good to know being on the budget does not necessarily leads to less healthy or tasty food. You just have to use some common sense and a pinch of imagination:)
  • gonzalezdenise Jun 4, 2011 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    Awesome lenses, so much variety.
  • pimbels May 27, 2011 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    A really great lens. Bookmarked. Thank you for sharing.
  • UKGhostwriter May 19, 2011 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens - well done
  • darkk93 Apr 30, 2011 @ 10:11 pm | delete
    I will try to do all your tips. Thanks.
  • OrganicMom247 Apr 29, 2011 @ 7:49 pm | delete
    Nice tip. Very practical. I am doing some of it, and others are new to me. Thanks for the information that you given. It's very useful.
  • TheresaMarkham Apr 20, 2011 @ 1:58 am | delete
    As a full-time lawyer, homeschooling mom, and busy creative person, I tend to barely have time for shopping & cooking, never mind planning. Thanks for the great tips for saving & cooking! Looking forward to using them!
  • Blessedmombygrace Mar 31, 2011 @ 8:19 pm | delete
    Great tips and I appreciate all the links. My crockpot and my coupons are my best friends!
  • cheesebaskets Mar 29, 2011 @ 7:38 am | delete
    I'm so loving your ideas especially the beef with cheese and the the veggie pasta! Perfect for gatherings.
  • spritequeen Mar 14, 2011 @ 3:20 pm | delete
    Great ideas! Thanks for sharing - Angel Blessed!
  • Philippians468 Mar 4, 2011 @ 1:20 am | delete
    sound ideas you have here! thank you for sharing! cheers
  • ukgreetingcards Feb 27, 2011 @ 10:10 am | delete
    I think we all have to watch our money now thats all over the world so a really usefull lens
  • AnnsHomeDecor Feb 21, 2011 @ 5:18 pm | delete
    Great lens! Love the tips!
  • SereneSea Feb 15, 2011 @ 8:35 pm | delete
    Some of the tips are so easy and convenient, I did not realize till I read this lens and a great way of savings on the budget and the calories too.
  • JoanneOtt Feb 14, 2011 @ 1:19 am | delete
    This is a great resource. You are right that we shouldn't shop when hungry, it's too tempting to impulse shop! I'm lensrolling this to my food inflation lens since I think it goes with it very nicely.
  • akarki Jan 31, 2011 @ 7:47 am | delete
    i love your ideas - some of them already among my secret weapons. i would suggest the home made bread and pasta, with the bread and pasta machine, great quality, less preservatives, and good savings.
  • purplelady Jan 30, 2011 @ 9:14 am | delete
    Since I love to cook, eat what I have cooked and also love to save money doing it; I find this lens a marvelous resource. You have put together a giant list of tips with some great sounding recipes as well. Job well done.
  • jojokaya Jan 26, 2011 @ 1:39 pm | delete
    thanks for the tips. Nice lens
  • EdgeSavvy Jan 25, 2011 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    thanks for a nice lens
  • MortgagesByMark Jan 20, 2011 @ 12:35 am | delete
    Great stuff here. One thing my wife and I do is shop by the ounce when we're comparing different brands and package sizes for a different product. A lot of manufacturers have gotten sneaky and have been shrinking their packaging but keeping their price the same. What might look like a good deal from strictly a price standpoint might actually be expensive when you look at your cost per ounce.

    Another great way to save money is make your own laundry detergent. I wrote about it here: http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-make-laundry-detergent-at-home
  • Jan 17, 2011 @ 4:15 am | delete
    Your meal information is great. I like it.
  • LoKackl Jan 11, 2011 @ 8:22 am | delete
    Circling back to roll this great page to Cook with beans. Happy New Year Robin!
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Jan 10, 2011 @ 4:39 pm | delete
    We eat good but we do eat cheap. It's hard to eat healthy on a budget but not impossible.
    Thanks for sharing.
  • BunnyFabulous Jan 9, 2011 @ 6:13 am | delete
    Excellent tips! I've saved tons of money by couponing and doing a lot of these suggestions, but I still learned something new. Thanks!
  • wordstock Dec 30, 2010 @ 5:15 pm | delete
    I guess I could research all of this myself, but why? Angel blessed for doing the work for me. Thanks
  • MoneySavingTips@moneysavingtips.net Dec 29, 2010 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Wow! Amazing money saving tips - Thank You
  • TWOnline2 Dec 13, 2010 @ 4:41 am | delete
    great
  • mgassistant Dec 12, 2010 @ 12:53 am | delete
    Cool ideas!
  • JoyfulPamela Dec 9, 2010 @ 10:02 pm | delete
    Wow ~ thanks for all the fantastic suggestions to save a few dollars!
  • Dec 1, 2010 @ 5:18 pm | delete
    Fantastic....love it..
  • gtalan Nov 18, 2010 @ 11:51 am | delete
    Rice is another great budget friendly item. I prefer brown over white, and while brown rice is the more expensive, buying the bigger bag keeps the cost reasonable. Rice cookers are great and make having rice for dinner as easy as pushing a button.
  • Ener-G Nov 12, 2010 @ 11:30 am | delete
    Great resource lens! Blessed by an overweight angel.
  • Irenemaria Nov 10, 2010 @ 8:41 am | delete
    Oh so much I wish I liked cooking. There is so much joy in this lens and in the comments here. I am missing something .....
  • rwoman Nov 3, 2010 @ 7:39 pm | delete
    Thanks for the great tips
  • Enigmaa8 Oct 28, 2010 @ 9:38 am | delete
    this is my kinda meals meals in minutes that are friendly on the wallet. Fast food doesnt have to come from a box. Fresh meals can be had every day with just a little preparation and forward thinking. Big fan of Make one eat twice, stretching leftovers and meatfree days. I have kept meat as a treat on Friday's (have leftovers on Saturday) which encourages us to eat more fish and vegetables the rest of the week. Great lens, thumbs up :)
  • kt_glasses Oct 27, 2010 @ 10:18 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing the great informartion~
  • celebrate Oct 23, 2010 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    I forgot to give you my favorite site for slow cooker meals: http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/
  • celebrate Oct 23, 2010 @ 8:28 pm | delete
    Thank you for the many money saving links. I especially liked the article "An Ode to the Inexpensive Bean." What a healthy and low cost food.
  • TeamSTM Oct 23, 2010 @ 3:16 pm | delete
    I like this Lens, It's Informative and Useful, I give it Five Stars!!
  • mcochs Oct 19, 2010 @ 7:35 am | delete
    Awesome lens-loved it!
  • Mujjen Oct 7, 2010 @ 9:25 am | delete
    Very good suggestions, for me the most important one is- don't shop when hungry! Otherwise I come home with a lot of (expensive) junk.
  • jaktraks Oct 2, 2010 @ 12:54 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens. And thanks for the tips.
  • NealBeam Sep 29, 2010 @ 10:10 pm | delete
    With 5 kids, all help is wanted! Thanks for the information!!
  • WorldVisionary Sep 28, 2010 @ 11:35 am | delete
    Lots of great ideas for sticking to your budget while eating well.
  • funcook Sep 25, 2010 @ 7:48 pm | delete
    Great ideas. I like the quesadilla idea, because 1) it's cheap, 2) you can vary it thousands of ways and 3) kids love 'em!
  • MsNetta Sep 25, 2010 @ 4:19 pm | delete
    What a fabulous lens. So many resources and good ideas, especially in this economic climate. I would also recommend shopping at farmer's markets in season and incorporating what's available in your menu plan. Produce is usually a lot cheaper in season, and buying local is always a good idea.
  • JDWheeler Sep 23, 2010 @ 8:58 am | delete
    As a family, we are definitely budget-minded. This page will make it easier to stretch our food dollar. Thanks for you time.
  • Sylvestermouse Sep 22, 2010 @ 11:21 am | delete
    Great ideas and resource for wonderful recipes. When our children were little, we had to really stretch and save every penny to get by. For the first time in almost 2 decades, we find ourselves back in the same economic situation. I used to cook one meal and stretch it over 3 nights. I just did that again this week. I am back to finding ways to cut expenses and stretch every dollar. Thank you for the tips and suggestions.
  • hlkljgk Sep 21, 2010 @ 10:01 am | delete
    great ideas thanks. our fav budget meal has got to be rice and beans, so many variations. and nutritious. :)
  • Malcom Reynolds Sep 20, 2010 @ 8:16 pm | delete
    There are indeed many great money saving ideas in here. I am way excited to try some these. I love sushi though, and I love the Nijo Sushi Bar & Grill in Seattle! Delicious! My wife loves it too.

    http://www.nijosushi.com
  • WhiteOak50 Sep 20, 2010 @ 7:19 am | delete
    Fantastic lens idea. I am all for saving money especially with meal planning! Great job!
  • Momsbusy247 Sep 18, 2010 @ 1:39 pm | delete
    Great lens. I am not sure I could eat if I didn't have my slow cooker, I would say 80% of my meals come from the slow cooker. Love it.
  • blog_addict Sep 15, 2010 @ 9:23 pm | delete
    So well done! I love that your mother always served "leftovers" from whatever was in the kitchen...reminds me of my own mom growing up. That's a talent I haven't yet mastered! Truth be told, the biggest trick of all in keeping meals affordable is just keeping the family expenses as a whole on track! But having a supportive community of like-minded people really does help. Take care & happy eating ya'll! http://www.xpences.com/
  • elizajane202 Sep 13, 2010 @ 11:16 am | delete
    Loving this page. So what's your favorite places to shop at for your bargain meals?
  • JenniferAkers Sep 8, 2010 @ 10:20 pm | delete
    Fantastic ideas for budget friendly meals. To save 50-60% off my grocery bill, I shop with coupons, make a list, and try to combine coupons with a sale item. I tweeted your Tips on Saving Money - I think many people will find your lens valuable.
  • alteredkat Sep 8, 2010 @ 2:50 pm | delete
    Great ideas...lensrolled to my Shepherd's Pie lens...cause it's a budget friendly meal!
    Thanks for visiting my digital collage sheet lens...I always appreciate your comments Robin!
  • capriliz Aug 11, 2010 @ 12:31 pm | delete
    So many great money saving ideas! Thanks!
  • WordCustard Aug 10, 2010 @ 6:08 am | delete
    This is a useful resource indeed for everyone needing to save a bit of cash but still wanting tasty meals!
  • vallain Jul 26, 2010 @ 8:26 pm | delete
    Lots of proven tips here. I'm lensrolling it to my Stretch Soup into a Whole Meal lens.
  • 1dental Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:28 am | delete
    Great lens! Very helpful and informative. Thanks for sharing your insight. I have a healthy eating lens you might like called [url=http://www.squidoo.com/best-healthy-snacks]Best Healthy Snacks[/url].
  • BooJeeBeads Jun 27, 2010 @ 2:22 pm | delete
    Thanks for some great ideas. My step kids are here for the summer and are really picky eaters. It makes coming up with meals, especially budget friendly ones really hard to do.
  • auscause Jun 12, 2010 @ 6:14 am | delete
    Nice lens, the money saving suggestions given in this lens is so nice and useful for all of us. Thank you so much for these precious suggestions.
    http://www.auscause.com.au
  • totalhealth Jun 2, 2010 @ 3:43 pm | delete
    well done lens. during this tough times and the endless battle with obesity. its what we need, healthy and homemade recipes that are great tasting.
  • seashell2 Apr 19, 2010 @ 4:29 pm | delete
    Great lens... great tips!
  • eclecticeducation Mar 31, 2010 @ 10:00 pm | delete
    Lots of great advise! Thanks! :)
  • Kylyssa Mar 15, 2010 @ 12:29 pm | delete
    Excellent money-saving suggestions!
  • Jewelsofawe Mar 12, 2010 @ 10:44 pm | delete
    This is great! Blessed!
  • NoelWright Feb 10, 2010 @ 8:24 am | delete
    thanks for the suggestions.
  • mitchking Jan 26, 2010 @ 9:35 am | delete
    I think we all are trying to save some money on our food bill. Exellent lens!
  • jakealoo Jan 16, 2010 @ 2:07 am | delete
    As a college student, budget friendly meals is the name of the game. Trying to eat relatively healthy at the same time is the ultimate challenge.
  • lasertek Jan 12, 2010 @ 8:20 pm | delete
    Great tips! I will try each and every meal you have shared here. Thanks for coming up with this lens. 5*

    Hope you could visit my lenses and this fb page. Thanks again
  • OhMe Sep 2, 2009 @ 12:29 pm | delete
    Oh me, Robin. I was checking out the top lenses in the food category and it seems that your lenses keep popping up. You really have some wonderful food lenses.
  • Artemus-Gordon Aug 26, 2009 @ 4:09 pm | delete
    You do not have to spend a fortune on your food, and yet you can still eat good healthy foods. Thanks for these tips, ideas, and links.
  • MsSnow4a Aug 21, 2009 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Super lens, RMS, I am always into saving money. Thanks for sharing :)
  • BevsPaper Aug 5, 2009 @ 10:25 pm | delete
    Great lens! That "Eat Pasta Every Day of the Year" sounds intriguing to me...I believe I could do it.
  • poddys Jul 16, 2009 @ 10:43 pm | delete
    Lots of good ideas. I have to plan to eat cheaply, and between Walmart and the Farmers Market I do pretty well, mostly buying fresh produce and almost nothing pre-prepared.
  • Jul 16, 2009 @ 9:16 am | delete
    I'm a huge fan of using coupons. They save you alot of money. I also like the cook once, eat twice. Every little bit helps!
  • kjcandles Jul 14, 2009 @ 6:12 pm | delete
    Some good tips here. I especially liked the quote from Calvin Trillin, ha ha.
  • jura Jul 13, 2009 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    Great meals for a great price.
  • cookiefan Jul 7, 2009 @ 5:53 pm | delete
    What a great compendium of useful budget friendly cooking information. Have added to my favorites.
  • Tipi Jul 3, 2009 @ 10:46 am | delete
    Great tips! ... and I love your Best Panini Sandwich Recipes lens!!! :D
    Susie
  • Ecolicious Jul 1, 2009 @ 4:55 pm | delete
    Great tips. Just wondering....organic food is more expensive but I really believe it is important for the health of my family. Other than buying locally do you have any organic money saving tips?
  • only1bub May 25, 2009 @ 11:50 pm | delete
    Great lens! I'm building one right now on "Living off Ground Beef for a Week" - meals to save money. Will definetly have to lensroll to you when it's ready! I'm all about saving money and I've made a pricebook since last fall to help with that.
  • Temp_Girl Apr 23, 2009 @ 10:08 pm | delete
    I'm a comfort food/casserole gal myself, so a lot of the things that I make are naturally gonna be very cheap to begin with. Learning the art of making the Big Casserole (with leftovers for the next couple of days) is key!
  • kiwisoutback Apr 16, 2009 @ 3:06 pm | delete
    I spend a ton on groceries, these tips are well worth reading! My wife is big on coupons, so I'll have to forward this to her. Great work!
  • Swisstoons Mar 24, 2009 @ 11:12 pm | delete
    Lots more useful information, here. I think you must've created this one with freelance cartoonists in mind, Robin. I have been, of necessity, on a budget for as long as I can remember :) This is another natural for lensrolling to my Laftovers lens.
    Also for 5-ing and favoriting.
  • wayfarer Mar 23, 2009 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    Excellent advice! Using the slow cooker myself this week to make some meals and lunches. 5 stars!
  • Tennis-Storehouse Mar 12, 2009 @ 8:14 am | delete
    Pasta maniac myself :)
  • Damian Browning-Smith Mar 7, 2009 @ 1:05 pm | delete
    This lens is an amazing directory for buying food if you're on a budget. I especially liked your little post-it notes with the tips in them. I follow these tips every time I go out.

    Several other websites that are also helpful are http://steakmeatsushi.com and http://eatsushi.com. Steakmeatsushi.com is a relatively new site that provides low prices for seafood, steak, and sushi. Eatsushi is older and larger, and it provides massive information and videos pertaining to sushi.
  • enslavedbyfaeries Mar 5, 2009 @ 12:59 pm | delete
    Great tips for us all to think about these days. I've been making an extra effort to make lists and plan meals before I go grocery shopping to save myself from going back mid-week for ingredients I forgot the first time around. It's amazing how fast the grocery bills add up.
  • stargazer00 Jan 21, 2009 @ 11:39 am | delete
    Welcome to my group, Money Saving Tips!
  • KarateKatGraphics Jan 19, 2009 @ 10:35 pm | delete
    I agree with the earlier post about online shopping, because it does prevent impulse buys. Although the prices aren't so great around here. Wonderful info and very timely--5*****
  • DebtSolutions22 Jan 11, 2009 @ 12:23 am | delete
    Great lens.. Key is to learn to love leftovers :)
  • Celticozarkian Dec 3, 2008 @ 4:17 pm | delete
    I love using coupons, and I shop at a store with a loyalty card. We do a meal plan and cook enough chicken to use for several different meals. Great lens! 5 stars!!!
  • Jodi_k Nov 24, 2008 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    I shop through an online grocer. The prices are often lower, and no impulse buying.
  • poutine Nov 20, 2008 @ 12:34 pm | delete
    I find that the best way to save money on grocery is to
    do homecooking and shopping only once a week with
    a list.

    Poutine
  • BethErickson Nov 14, 2008 @ 6:14 am | delete
    Very nice idea! Very good source of info. 5* stars for a job well done!
    By the way, I favorited your lens.

    Please have a visit at my lens. I'm sure you'll find interesting topics in there.
  • James43302 Nov 11, 2008 @ 2:33 pm | delete
    Great ideas on your lens! I gave you 5 stars and favorited it. I really like the roman noodle and mac & cheese recipe websites.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Nov 8, 2008 @ 8:34 am | delete
    Do the work yourself! It does take a bit more time but when someone else greats the cheese or makes the meatballs, you pay a lot more. Also, in the produce section buy regular carrots and cut them up yourself -- this is way less expensive and safer. Read about baby carrots on my page and you will have two reasons to buy 'regular' carrots.

    Brenda
  • Oct 21, 2008 @ 4:04 pm | delete
    Very Good info! Thanks a bunch!!
  • 24websurf Oct 20, 2008 @ 11:16 pm | delete
    Excellent ! Thank you for the info! Welcome to "How Do You Save?" Thanks for joining!
  • seedplanter Oct 20, 2008 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    This is a lensroll! I am going to send the link to friends, too, because everyone is trying to cut expenses these days. Thanks for the work you put into gathering all this good info! (And YES, I love using my slow cooker this time of year, especially.)
  • RyanRE Oct 17, 2008 @ 9:54 am | delete
    I was looking for the Ramen Noodles. That is the classic budget food. When I go to Costco in the fall, see College freshman load them up by the case. Nice work on this lens, everybody likes a cheep meal :)
  • oneskms Oct 14, 2008 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    A great and appropriate lens in these current times
  • machelle Sep 30, 2008 @ 11:31 pm | delete
    Check out cheapfamilymeals.info!! Your one stop resource for cheap family meal ideas, quick and easy recipe's, and low budget menu's.
    Try my $5.00 or less meal menu's!!
  • TheNewGreenWayToHealthyLiving Sep 2, 2008 @ 5:40 pm | delete
    Another great lens! A huge fan of coupons!! Use these everyday!!
  • BradChamp Aug 30, 2008 @ 9:46 am | delete
    5 Stars for your lens : Fat loss 4 Idiots
  • CherylK Aug 24, 2008 @ 9:15 am | delete
    This is an excellent lens! I'm adding it to my favs, for sure. Good job, as usual!
  • Lizblueberry Aug 22, 2008 @ 10:19 pm | delete
    This is a 5 star lens!! Thanks for the great tips!
  • seedplanter Aug 7, 2008 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    With prices so high these days, thanks to the oil fiasco, I appreciate lenses like yours. Any way I can save money is a good thing. 5 ***** Fave.
  • alicesy Aug 1, 2008 @ 2:45 am | delete
    Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about Budget Friendly Meals. Keep up the good work.

    Please check out my Police Jobs Blog.
  • Jul 21, 2008 @ 7:29 am | delete
    what a great deal! thanks for the special offer!
  • BABYKITTY Jul 21, 2008 @ 12:28 am | delete
    Very good lens with a lot of good link sites!
    5 stars and have lensrolled you to my lens http://www.squidoo.com/use_leftovers.

    Keep up the great work!
  • alicesy Jul 2, 2008 @ 10:08 pm | delete
    Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about Budget Friendly Meals. Keep up the good work.

    Please check out my Police Jobs Blog.
  • thrivingmom Jun 28, 2008 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    5 stars. I lensrolled you on my Stretch that Dollar lens. Nice lens you have here.
  • anilg Jun 26, 2008 @ 8:10 am | delete
    Nice lens with lots of useful information. If you are willing to make money online, then please visit my lens
  • poddys Jun 21, 2008 @ 7:02 pm | delete
    Great lens, 5 stars. It's not easy to eat healthy and cheap at the same time. Takes a lot of planning to do that sometimes.
  • dyllen Jun 18, 2008 @ 1:41 pm | delete
    Glad to have your great lens in our group! Welcome to the 'Soups - Great Food - Recipes and Chefs' Group
    ( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/soups )
    5 stars for your great lens!
  • dyllen Jun 18, 2008 @ 12:35 pm | delete
    Especially in these times or rising prices, your frugal lens would be a super addition to the 'Soups - Great Food - Recipes and Chefs' Group
    ( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/soups )
    Please consider adding it, we would be pleased to welcome you!
  • chef_filipina Jun 13, 2008 @ 12:48 am | delete
    Very informative.
    Great lens. Rated it 5 stars.
    Feel free to visit Filipino Food Recipes.
  • fgsloan Jun 8, 2008 @ 6:47 pm | delete
    Thank You - what a wonderful job you have done! We are always on the look out for easy and cheap meal ideas.

    May I also suggest as a great source of crock pot recipes - http://www.a-crock-cook.com - all home cooked and delicious.

    Thanks for a great Squidoo.
  • Justbeachy Jun 4, 2008 @ 2:17 pm | delete
    great tips. 5 stars
  • EverythingMouse Jun 1, 2008 @ 9:54 am | delete
    I think it is going to be even more important to budget to save money on meals. With gas prices rising food is going to get more expensive. I never buy processed food and make everything from scratch. At least I know what is in the food!
  • May 21, 2008 @ 11:30 pm | delete
    Hi, you have great and very informative lens. 5 stars of course.
    60,000 Americans could die from colon cancer a year. Is Colon Cleanse effective against colon cancer?
  • Imogen_Crest May 7, 2008 @ 2:28 am | delete
    Great concept! Five stars and faved.
  • stargazer00 May 1, 2008 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    Nice lens! Good info here. I have access to 2 grocery liquidators and a deep discount grocery store so I always hit those and see what great deals they have. I can even get organic things there.
  • beachbum_gabby Apr 25, 2008 @ 2:09 am | delete
    a good tips esp now the prices are getting high. Budgeting is very important.
  • beeobrien Apr 14, 2008 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    Great idea. Thanks for rounding up all this information.
  • StephenC Mar 26, 2008 @ 11:28 pm | delete
    Cheap eating, I like it!
    Gas and Auto Expense Money Saving Tips
    StephenC
  • thomasz Feb 13, 2008 @ 9:28 pm | delete
    Interesting lens. Nice info.
  • rms Feb 12, 2008 @ 9:21 am | delete
    Hi Baby Kitty, Thanks for visiting. You'll find a place to share your favorite budget recipe links towards the top of this page.
  • BABYKITTY Feb 12, 2008 @ 4:05 am | delete
    Great lens. I love to cook too and am a recipe and cookbookaholic!
    Would love to share receipes--how about a place for that?
  • Donna_Fallon Feb 6, 2008 @ 10:16 am | delete
    Hiya
    5 stars!,Great Lens!Check out my lens on belly fat.
    Post Feedback :)
    Donna
  • Victoria_Neely Feb 4, 2008 @ 1:24 am | delete
    Planning meals is definitely how I like to do things. :) It helps us cut down on how often we go to the grocery store.
  • flowergardener Jan 29, 2008 @ 2:07 pm | delete
    Great Lens RMS! We all need to find ways to stretch our income, and I've started a series myself on this topic! Awesome!
  • Janet21 Jan 26, 2008 @ 3:40 pm | delete
    Wow! Another great lens, Robin! Any lens that says I should eat more pasta is okay in my book. :)
  • charlino Jan 25, 2008 @ 12:28 pm | delete
    This is a wonderful lens - and now a favorite in my book. (I have a recipe library, and have created many recipes with left overs.)
  • KimGiancaterino Jan 25, 2008 @ 11:58 am | delete
    I do my part by making lots of pasta. My sauce (or gravy) is usually from scratch. I don't eat meat, so we make everything vegetarian and serve meatballs or chicken on the side. We have a great farmers' market down the street too, and enjoy loads of fresh locally grown produce. Nice job!
  • Crystal_Booth Jan 24, 2008 @ 8:44 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens! Always on the lookout for ways to save money and your lens certainly has some great suggestions. Thanks for sharing.
  • Susan52 Jan 24, 2008 @ 7:42 pm | delete
    I love recipes and I love frugality, so I certainly do love this lens! Great job!
  • daoine Jan 24, 2008 @ 5:34 pm | delete
    1.Only go down the shopping aisles that contain items on your list (get a store map) - if you don't see it, you can't pick up extra items not on your list. 2.Plant your own veges - experiment; some are really easy and cheap to grow even in pots. 3.Learn to make meals from scratch - we make our own pizza dough and will soon try and make our own homemade pasta. Pizza delivery and even store bought pre-made pizza bases cost you way more than they would cost to make at home. It adds up if you eat a lot of it.
  • lisadh Jan 24, 2008 @ 3:40 pm | delete
    I confess - my favorite cheap food is ramen noodles. Who knew there were actually recipes to make them even better?? 5*
  • Clairwil Jan 24, 2008 @ 1:23 pm | delete
    Brilliant idea for a lens. If I spot a useful link I'll let you know. *****
  • blujeanmomma Jan 24, 2008 @ 12:46 pm | delete
    I love your lens. With today's economic situation you have to learn how to save money while giving your family good, wholesome meals and you've given us many.
  • bdkz Jan 24, 2008 @ 12:03 pm | delete
    Great lens, really helpful.
  • Music-Resource Jan 24, 2008 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Hi rms, Excellent idea that surely everyone can benefit from :) I like the interactivity and communal aspects of your Diner for Less lens. You mentioned all of the most useful tips I can think of. I wish I could add to the plexos! Hey, you might put up a sticky for Rice Pilaf with frozen peas or put it in with your Ramen sticky. Your stickies work well by the way. Nice job. ~Music Resource~
  • Roving_Band Jan 24, 2008 @ 10:08 am | delete
    What a truly helpful lens. And, you said my favorite magic words - ramen noodles.

by

rms

I love good food and finding new recipes. Don't you? You'll find more of my favorite recipes at my Squidoo recipe collection blog more »

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