Frugal Family: 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 found a three-meal deal (for free!), happy hour specials on appetizers, beer and more (frappuccinos, anyone?). Plus, savings on washing that grime (and pollen) off the car; and a coupon deal on baby supplies. Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions, if any:

1. Three Meal Deal (for free!): , 7405 New Hampshire Ave.,     301-434-8204.

Deal: Three meals for free, when you sign up for IHOP's Pancake Revolution email club. Includes one free meal when you sign up; a meal on your birthday; and third meal on the first year anniversary of joining the club.

Good through: Ongoing; must be 18 or older to join.

2. Frappuccino "Happy Hour":  , 7690 New Hampshire Ave.,     301-439-5548

(and other locations).

Deal: Get a frappuccino beverage for half price, during their afternoon however-you-want-it Frappuccino Happy Hour (pick one of three flavors, or create your own).

Good through: Daily 3:00-5:00 p.m., through May 15.

3. Happy Hour (all week): , 1115 East West Hwy., 301-562-1115.

Deals: On weekdays get $2 off all appetizers and Bud Light or Miller Light beer for $1.95. Weekends, it's a free pool game from 12 pm-5pm with purchase of any entree.

Good through: Happy Hour Monday–Friday, 3:00–8:00 p.m.; weekend deal Saturday and Sundays from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

4. Car Wash: Mr. Wash Express, 7996 Georgia Ave., 301-495-9335.

Deal: Treat your car to their Ultimate Car Wash for only $6.99, with Valpak coupon (regularly $12.50).

Good through: Coupon expires May 22.

5. Pampers and Huggies: , 12012 Cherry Hill Rd., 301-586-8630 (and other locations, including Toys R Us).

Deal: Save $10 on Pampers, Huggies or Babies R Us diapers with coupon (72-count size or larger).

Good through: May 26.

Happy Savings!