When any season hits, it’s so tempting to purchase all kinds of cool stuff the stores are offering up, especially if it’s new and improved from what we already have.  Some of us love to browse the colourful glossy flyers with all those alluring seasonal specials and in some cases, it’s tough to hold back from purchasing some things.

When it comes to seasonal items, some of the more experienced frugal folks out there will know when and where to shop for what. It becomes a game. I know it does for me.

For example, we’ve been wanting a nice patio set for about 4 years now. Two years ago we found a large white plastic table (seats 6) in the garbage, and down the street from there, six patio chairs with questionable cushions which we took anyways. The end of May is a great time to go garbage diving in my area. Students throw out really good stuff! We washed everything and ended up with a decent set despite the sketchy looking cushions.  We covered the table with an inexpensive vinyl table cloth that we found for $1, and added a nice fancy umbrella which we found used for $5 (worth $100 in the store). So for about $6, we had a decent useable patio set.

This weekend, we were grocery shopping, and noticed a nice metal table with 6 chairs and dark blue cushions in their seasonal section. There was only one box left. The manager was standing close by and I asked her the price of the set. She said it was reduced to $99! So we opened the box and checked to see if it was durable, which it was. She said the set sold at the beginning of the season for over $300.  So we bought it.  Sometimes, waiting is worth it.

I would suggest that if you do want to purchase something new, wait till the end of the season. For example, buy winter clothes and items in March, Summer items in July or August and Holiday items in January. I know some people who purchase halloween candy in November and use it for the following year. This can be applied for anything seasonal. I have my eye on a pair of Ilse Jacobsen Rain Boots which sell for $150. I live in a rainy place, so these would be handy and durable! Just waiting for that end of the season sale. *crossing fingers*

On another note, I found an interesting recipe which I haven’t tried yet but I am definitely open to experimenting with this: Crockpot Soda Cake. I found this on thriftyfun.com.  I’m very curious to see how this turns out. I might try a white cake mix with cream soda! Could be interesting….

Ingredients:

• 1 (18 1/4 oz.) box cake mix (your choice)
• 1 can (12 oz.) soda pop (your choice)

Directions:

Spray crock pot with nonstick spray. Combine cake mix and soda, pour into crock pot. Cook on low 2-3 hours or until a toothpick inserted in middle, comes out clean.

Different Combos:

• Orange cake mix and orange soda
• White cake with root beer
• Vanilla cake mix with orange soda
• Butter pecan and Sprite
• Chocolate cake and ginger ale
• Strawberry cake and sprite
• Chocolate Cake Mix and Diet Dr. Pepper 

I am h0ping to post a little more before I leave for vacation.