Looking to celebrate the world's best mom? (Yours of course) It can be hard or overwhelming to celebrate holidays, birthday's and other special occasions while worrying about your nickels and dimes.

This year for Mom's day think like a kid again!

Can you make something for her? How about a poem, song, or write a letter-- long one-- just for her about your favorite memories growing up.

What about just taking some one on one time- pack a picnic lunch and go somewhere pretty together to eat and talk.

If you are shopping for just yourself, a spouse or a small family of 2-3 people there is a simple trick that will help keep food bills a little lower and limit impulse spending at the grocery store or market.

These days many/ most super markets or stores offer both large and small cards. You may not realize it but the cart you choose can make a difference. It if is small you are less likely to fill it with impluse purchases and you will be more aware of what you are putting in as the cart fills up. Obviously if you are doing bulk or monthly shopping this may not be practical but if you are just running in to pick up a few things, grab a smaller cart, or a hand held plastic basket and you will be much less like to throw in those extra items that can create sticker shock at the cash register.

Do you know any other grocery store tricks to shave off some pennies? Share them in the thread below.

During frugal times it is hard to do the little things that make us feel pretty and keep our spirits up-- but it is important to pamper yourself sometimes too and keep that smile power that helps you, your family, and loved ones.

PamperingBeki is a wonderful artist who sells jewelery on Etsy. She's got a special going on right now-- saw it on twitter--

The days of clipping coupons to bring down grocery costs are officially back- but with a new twist. Yes you can still scoawer the sunday circulars clipping and sorting. But these days you can also go online, search, plan and print just the coupons you need or want. Better on the budget as it makes you choose before hand. More customized as you can pick the items you need from the brands your family likes. It is all there and easily search-able at Coupons.com.

Homemade pizza and local small pizza places are better- but let’s face facts- we are all apt to save some time and perhaps money by pulling into one of those big chains to take the family out for pizza. It’s quick, it’s consistent, it’s common—after soccer, or band practice, or on the way home from somewhere, it’s going to happen.

What a lot of people don’t know is that since restaurants are hurting too in the current economy- loads of them are offering special deals, discounts and membership benefits.

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