Frugal Families: Five Deals to Stretch the Family Budget

Welcome back to our weekly rundown of five local deals to help with your family’s bottom line. Since we do the scouting, we save you time as well as money.

This week, we scoured our local sources and came up with some deals with an eye towards spring, with savings on farm market fruit; weeknight family meal deals (to go out or order in); beauty treatments and cosmetics; plus savings on baby needs-- including a deal for a free stroller!  Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions, if any:

1. Produce:  Takoma Park Farmers Market, Carroll & Laurel Avenue, Sundays 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

Deal:  Save on apples from two market vendors:  Twin Springs Fruit Farm offers a great deal on slightly blemished apples every Sunday (called "seconds"). They are priced at $1.49 per pound or $15.00 a half bushel (about 23 pounds, equaling 65 cents per pound).  Market vendor Black Rock Orchard has a deal on non-blemished apples for $15.00 a peck (about 12.5 pounds, equaling $1.20 per pound). 

Good through:  Ongoing; deal on seconds while supplies last.

2. Family Meal Deal:  Mamma Lucia's, 1302 East-West Highway, 301-562-0693.

Deal:  Save money (and cooking time) feeding the family, with their early-week specials:

Monday:  Pasta Night - Order one pasta entree and get the 2nd for $3.99 (between 5:00 and 10:00 pm, dine in or carryout. Ask about that day's offered selections).

Tuesday:  Pizza Night - Order one large pizza and get a second large pie for only $2.99. (Valid 3:00pm - 10:00pm, carry out only).

Good through: Ongoing. Check website for updates.

3. Beauty Treament:  Soleil Nails, 6861 New Hampshire Ave, 301-330-1978.

Deal: Pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure--both for $30--with their salon special.

Good through:  Ongoing.

4. Cosmetics:  Ulta, 914 Ellsworth Drive, 301-588-8744.

Deals:  Get $3.50 off a $10 purchase by using their regular bi-weekly coupon; and the Spring Beauty Event (now in progress), where for 21 days you can receive free gifts and daily offers by signing up online. (Tip: While online out their Special Offers page for more savings).

Good through:  This week's coupon good through March 12th; see website for Spring Beauty Event and special offers.

5. Baby Supplies:  CVS, 110 Carroll Avenue, NW, 202-722-7593.

Deal:  Save on baby products, and get a FREE stroller when you spend $25 on listed items; including Johnson's baby powder, wash, oil, lotion or shampoo for $3; assorted Huggies diapers, $20 box; and Playtex baby accessories $4.50.  (Other items also available).

Good through:  Sale ends March 12; must have CVS card for specials. See weekly ad for more products and details.

Happy Savings!