I use a calendar to write down how much I spend eating out. After writing it down and tallying it up I noticed a dramatic decrease in spending. When I do eat out I order only water as the beverage and order an appetizer as the meal.
Thanks for this post. I've been sweeping for almost a year now, and I don't usually tell people about it. Then I won a trip (woo!!), and found that I was compelled to tell people I actually WON it. I was shocked by the response of many. They were convinced it was a scam... we were going to get there and they were going to try to sell us something, or make us pay for our tickets home (??). It's sad that we live in this world where people are so skeptical.
It was a fantastic trip, and we won it through an Orbitz facebook contest. I've also won several other small things. A $50 Williams-Sonoma giftcard arrived today (from a blog). I won $250 from Autozone ... it's just such a fun surprise when you get that email! :)
We share a salad or an appetizer ~ sometimes we even share the entree. We use coupons, if available. We sign up for frequent diner clubs at restaurants we frequent regularly. Generally we don't order dessert, but if we do, it's always shared.
We use two fabulous tricks: 1. We order one big meal and split it. and 2. We never order sodas. Restaurants grossly overcharge for soda, often up to $2.50 with endless refills -- this is their trick of padding up the bill. So we just order ice water, or maybe iced tea or coffee. But not sodas. The sodas tend to be way too big: I call them Bladder Busters. Who needs it? Using this strategy, we often save up to $15 that would have cost us easily $30. Remember, every price on a restaurant menu is carefully worked out to make you pay way more than you ought to. Splitting meals not only saves money but also keeps your weight under control. Restaurant meals tend to be much too large. And don't get me started on all the hidden salt, sugar and fat in these meals!
I can't afford to eat out very often, but if I want to go to lunch with a friend and don't have much to spend I'll just have something like onion rings or a side salad.
We usually eat a late lunch; somewhat smaller portion and lower price. Most of the time we drink water with a slice of lemon; however, we only do this when we have radio certificates, which we buy at 40-50% off; i.e. a $10.00 certificate bought for $6.00.
In addition to drinking only water, we are not drinking as much alcohol at restaurants and instead are choosing to have a nightcap when we get home. I find I appreciate the food more this way. Same goes for the nightcap. You really savor both individually. Plus, the cost of alcoholic drinks really adds up quickly. (But I do miss my cocktails from time to time!)
We use coupons, like Groupon or Living Social deals! We have also used Restaurant.com gift certificates. They often come with caveats and are lesser known places, but we've enjoyed trying some new places we wouldn't normally go to...for less!
I have an old beater car that I'll be looking to get rid of soon. The problem I had was that the car was worth more than the tax write-off would be and more than what a junk car buying service was going to offer me. If the difference wasn't too much, I would go this route, but the offers are for about $1,500 less than what it is worth. I'm going to end up selling it on Craigslist. I'm confident I'll find someone looking for a car for parts or for a project.
I try to only order water for my drink. Other than that, it's going to dinner during happy hour with friends, getting a bunch of half priced appetizers and splitting the bill. We can get a nice meal and have some leftovers for under $10/person.
i would love to volunteer in this way, some of us can't join the military. i.e. being PDQ'ed for prior medical history despite lack of interference in current lifestyle. for some people its the best available option to help out with our nation or others.
To save money on drinks, in particular wine during dinner, my friends and I will bring our own wine (unopened) to a restaurant that doesn't charge a corkage fee (they do exist!). Not only does it save money on wine, we also get to enjoy a bottle we either bought on the cheap, like from Trader Joe's, and we get to share a good wine with friends. (P.S. I also "liked" the post on fb)
My husband has found he is better avoiding wheat/gluten, so he and I have decided to eat gluten free, I have been doing a lot of reading about recipes, tips, etc. I appreciate reaping the benefits of what others have learned from their mistakes! I plan to get busy trying some of these recipes. We never were really big bread or pasta consumers, since we also try to keep fairly low carb. But, so far the gluten free bread I have tried has been not that great. I love to bake - so will be trying some things. I make a lot of apple pies in the fall, so would like to know if there is a good and flaky gluten free version of pie crust.
One thing I've been doing lately is this: Grand Lux Cafe gives a survey with every receipt that gives an automatic $10 git card back to Grand Lux. Then I can get a free meal that that gift card and receive another survey for a $10 gift card. It's an endless cycle of free food.
I use a calendar to write down how much I spend eating out. After writing it down and tallying it up I noticed a dramatic decrease in spending. When I do eat out I order only water as the beverage and order an appetizer as the meal.
Thanks for this post. I've been sweeping for almost a year now, and I don't usually tell people about it. Then I won a trip (woo!!), and found that I was compelled to tell people I actually WON it. I was shocked by the response of many. They were convinced it was a scam... we were going to get there and they were going to try to sell us something, or make us pay for our tickets home (??). It's sad that we live in this world where people are so skeptical.
It was a fantastic trip, and we won it through an Orbitz facebook contest. I've also won several other small things. A $50 Williams-Sonoma giftcard arrived today (from a blog). I won $250 from Autozone ... it's just such a fun surprise when you get that email! :)
I like Wisebread on facebook!
Stick to the entrees (no appetizers, drinks, or desserts). Bring it home if there's leftovers. But tip well! And bring good company.
We share a salad or an appetizer ~ sometimes we even share the entree. We use coupons, if available. We sign up for frequent diner clubs at restaurants we frequent regularly. Generally we don't order dessert, but if we do, it's always shared.
We use two fabulous tricks: 1. We order one big meal and split it. and 2. We never order sodas. Restaurants grossly overcharge for soda, often up to $2.50 with endless refills -- this is their trick of padding up the bill. So we just order ice water, or maybe iced tea or coffee. But not sodas. The sodas tend to be way too big: I call them Bladder Busters. Who needs it? Using this strategy, we often save up to $15 that would have cost us easily $30. Remember, every price on a restaurant menu is carefully worked out to make you pay way more than you ought to. Splitting meals not only saves money but also keeps your weight under control. Restaurant meals tend to be much too large. And don't get me started on all the hidden salt, sugar and fat in these meals!
We sign up for diner's clubs, frequent diners (free meals on birthdays usually), and go during happy hours.
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i like wisebread on fb
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/oshkoshbgosh123/status/189883242156007426
restaurant dot com gift certificates; get the full portion but split half to go for next meal
I can't afford to eat out very often, but if I want to go to lunch with a friend and don't have much to spend I'll just have something like onion rings or a side salad.
Save enough of my meal for lunch the next day, use a coupon and drink water.
We usually eat a late lunch; somewhat smaller portion and lower price. Most of the time we drink water with a slice of lemon; however, we only do this when we have radio certificates, which we buy at 40-50% off; i.e. a $10.00 certificate bought for $6.00.
Another app your dog might like: it reminds you of when to feed them or let them out to go potty: http://dogbellsapp.com
In addition to drinking only water, we are not drinking as much alcohol at restaurants and instead are choosing to have a nightcap when we get home. I find I appreciate the food more this way. Same goes for the nightcap. You really savor both individually. Plus, the cost of alcoholic drinks really adds up quickly. (But I do miss my cocktails from time to time!)
Already like you on Facebook!
We use coupons, like Groupon or Living Social deals! We have also used Restaurant.com gift certificates. They often come with caveats and are lesser known places, but we've enjoyed trying some new places we wouldn't normally go to...for less!
I have an old beater car that I'll be looking to get rid of soon. The problem I had was that the car was worth more than the tax write-off would be and more than what a junk car buying service was going to offer me. If the difference wasn't too much, I would go this route, but the offers are for about $1,500 less than what it is worth. I'm going to end up selling it on Craigslist. I'm confident I'll find someone looking for a car for parts or for a project.
I try to only order water for my drink. Other than that, it's going to dinner during happy hour with friends, getting a bunch of half priced appetizers and splitting the bill. We can get a nice meal and have some leftovers for under $10/person.
i would love to volunteer in this way, some of us can't join the military. i.e. being PDQ'ed for prior medical history despite lack of interference in current lifestyle. for some people its the best available option to help out with our nation or others.
To save money on drinks, in particular wine during dinner, my friends and I will bring our own wine (unopened) to a restaurant that doesn't charge a corkage fee (they do exist!). Not only does it save money on wine, we also get to enjoy a bottle we either bought on the cheap, like from Trader Joe's, and we get to share a good wine with friends. (P.S. I also "liked" the post on fb)
My husband has found he is better avoiding wheat/gluten, so he and I have decided to eat gluten free, I have been doing a lot of reading about recipes, tips, etc. I appreciate reaping the benefits of what others have learned from their mistakes! I plan to get busy trying some of these recipes. We never were really big bread or pasta consumers, since we also try to keep fairly low carb. But, so far the gluten free bread I have tried has been not that great. I love to bake - so will be trying some things. I make a lot of apple pies in the fall, so would like to know if there is a good and flaky gluten free version of pie crust.
We all know that a fresh start on cleaning things and making things look new really brings a lot of short term happiness to our lives!!
I like WiseBread on Facebook.
One thing I've been doing lately is this: Grand Lux Cafe gives a survey with every receipt that gives an automatic $10 git card back to Grand Lux. Then I can get a free meal that that gift card and receive another survey for a $10 gift card. It's an endless cycle of free food.