How to Feed Your Family For $20 This Thanksgiving *Giveaway*

November 22, 2009 by Caryn 

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Zelma and Cheryl F. Congrats!

My husband and I spent some time today putting the finishing touches on our Thanksgiving menu.  This year will be small and intimate.  I’m getting close to being “done” so we’re not traveling too far away from home this year.  It’s important to me that we have traditional Thanksgiving courses like turkey, stuffing, cranberries and potatoes (which is exactly what we’re having).  

If you have a large family, you know how menu items can add up when shopping for your Thanksgiving meal.  I recently heard that you could purchase the foods necessary to feed a family of eight this Thanksgiving for $20 at Walmart and I had to a. check it out to make sure it was legit and b. share it with all of you!  

So what does this Thanksgiving meal consist of?  (I wanted to know so I figure you do too!)

  • One 12-pound Grade A turkey*
  • Three 11 to 15.5-ounce cans Green Giant vegetables
  • Two 14-ounce cans Ocean Spray cranberry sauce
  • Three 6-ounce boxes of Stove Top stuffing
  • One 5-pound bag of red potatoes
  • One 12-count package of Sara Lee dinner rolls
  • One 22-ounce pumpkin roll cake

turkeyNow because I’m always honest with you, I have to say that this is a great deal if you eat any or all of the above items. Personally, I would eat *most* of the items above, but I would prefer whole wheat dinner rolls over white, a salad, and a pumpkin pie over the cake.  My dad’s rice pilaf is also a requirement!  So perhaps my final bill would be a little over $20, but it’s still a fabulous deal.  

smashPotatoesI don’t know about you,  but we’re always on the watch for ways we can save, without compromising.  Walmart wants to make sure that you and I have the opportunity to enjoy a Thanksgiving Meal at a price we can all afford.  I particularly appreciate the fact that the foods on the menu are healthy and traditional.  I highly recommend checking out Walmart’s Holiday Meals site for recipe ideas.  Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian offers tasty variations on traditional holiday dishes using ingredients found in Walmart’s Thanksgiving Basket.  The Herb & Garlic-Scented Turkey and Creamy Smashed Potatoes sound delicious!

Win It!  The price is so phenomenal that two of you will win $30 gift cards to Walmart to use for your Thanksgiving Meal (and you’ll have an extra $10 to use as you wish!).  Simply leave me a comment with a tip on how you save time or how you save money on your Thanksgiving Meal (I so enjoy reading your tips, by the way).  Comments will close on December 7, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  

One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

 

 I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of WalmartIn addition, I received a Walmart gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate and two to offer as a giveaway.”

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Comments

551 Responses to “How to Feed Your Family For $20 This Thanksgiving *Giveaway*”

    1 Judy Bradley on November 22nd, 2009 9:26 pm

    I save time and money by baking things together that require same temp and approx time.

    2 Barbara M on November 22nd, 2009 9:40 pm

    I save time by planning some dishes I can make the night before.
    Maybe a salad and potatoes that I can just reheat the next day.

    3 Barbara M on November 22nd, 2009 9:44 pm

    Twitter follower @JalapenoMama and a tweet.
    http://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/5967829121

    4 Barbara M on November 22nd, 2009 9:44 pm

    RSS subscriber

    5 tanyetta on November 22nd, 2009 9:51 pm

    I love Thanksgiving! I save time by planning out the meal, making and sticking to my shopping list and then I make sure to use coupons from my favorite store.

    6 tanyetta on November 22nd, 2009 9:54 pm

    i am subscribed as fishbone at hotmail

    7 tanyetta on November 22nd, 2009 9:55 pm 8 jerrica puckett on November 22nd, 2009 10:11 pm

    In order to save time, I start cooking a day or two ahead of time.. this saves me from being rushed. Saving money — buying in bulk.
    :)

    9 jerrica puckett on November 22nd, 2009 10:12 pm

    i follow you via twitter & tweeted.
    http://twitter.com/jerricapuck/status/5968429582
    :D

    10 jerrica puckett on November 22nd, 2009 10:12 pm

    subscriber via e-mail.:)

    11 jerrica puckett on November 22nd, 2009 10:14 pm

    subscriber via reader.
    :)

    12 jerrica puckett on November 22nd, 2009 10:17 pm 13 Genevieve Larson on November 22nd, 2009 11:35 pm

    I host Thanksgiving at my house and make it a potluck. I just provide the turkey and gravy. Super easy and super cheap.

    14 Eunice C. on November 22nd, 2009 11:35 pm

    saving time this Thanksgiving by not having my in-laws come so that means fewer dishes to prepare. thank God!

    15 Genevieve Larson on November 22nd, 2009 11:40 pm

    Just subscribed via email

    16 Eunice C. on November 22nd, 2009 11:42 pm

    I tweeted about the contest but still haven’t figured out how to get that tweet to post here. Still learning twitter.

    17 Noreen on November 23rd, 2009 12:50 am

    I save time and money by skipping a veggie. My stuffing is full of veggies so it does double duty.

    18 Jill Hayes on November 23rd, 2009 4:22 am

    To save money I cook some side dishes and desserts a day ahead

    19 Jill Hayes on November 23rd, 2009 4:23 am

    Following you on twitter (jillyrh) so you can reach me there if I win! LOL

    20 TheAngelForever on November 23rd, 2009 6:12 am

    We save time by buying some things ready to go – like cut butternut squash. Sure it is a little more $$, but time is money. Thanks for the opportunity.

    21 TheAngelForever on November 23rd, 2009 6:12 am

    RSS Subscriber

    22 julie cutshaw on November 23rd, 2009 6:46 am

    main entry: I try to save time on preparing the meal by having the diced vegtables like onions,celery,carrots, etc already cut up and frozen in ziplock bags so that they can easily be reached and used for the dishes like stuffing/deviled eggs/potatoes salad etc which saves so much time. The menu above sounds great & I have actually never tried rice pilaf which I will have to do, being from the country and TN mountains we eat potatoes for every kind of dish. happy holidays
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    23 julie cutshaw on November 23rd, 2009 6:48 am

    I follow you on twitter & tweeted the giveaway thanks
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/5976582382
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    24 julie cutshaw on November 23rd, 2009 6:50 am

    I Subscribe to your feed via email at
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    25 Wendy on November 23rd, 2009 6:53 am

    I save time by doing as much as possible the day before. I will chop the celery and onions for the stuffing and put it in the fridge, put together my sweet potato casserole so all I have to do is heat it up, make pumpkin pie and lastly cook the turkey. This makes things go so much easier the next day.
    wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

    26 Wendy on November 23rd, 2009 6:54 am

    I subscribe to your feed in a reader.
    wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

    27 Bev Casteel on November 23rd, 2009 7:02 am

    The best way to save money is to win a turkey so ya wont have to buy it.Other than that I need to learn how to save money on it too.Thanks for the chance to win this so I can save money.HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!
    stevebev2001@yahoo.com

    28 Bev Casteel on November 23rd, 2009 7:03 am

    I follow you on twitter
    stevebev2001@yahoo.com

    29 Bev Casteel on November 23rd, 2009 7:04 am

    I subscribe via email
    stevebev2001@yahoo.com

    30 Bev Casteel on November 23rd, 2009 7:07 am

    I tweeted ::: Thanks again for the chance to win.
    http://twitter.com/Bevie112233/status/5977005951
    stevebev2001@yahoo.com

    31 jennifer on November 23rd, 2009 7:30 am

    Making homemade cornbread dressing is very time consuming, so I do what I can in advance! I bake the cornbread and chop all the veggies the day before! I throw all of it in a bag and throw in the fridge. The next day, I just have to throw it all together and cook it up!

    32 jennifer on November 23rd, 2009 7:31 am

    I subsribe to rockin’ mama via e-mail!

    33 jennifer on November 23rd, 2009 7:32 am

    I subsribe to rockin’ mama via e-mail

    34 Sondra on November 23rd, 2009 7:43 am

    This year we are saving time and money by completely redesigning our menu. Instead of 10 different desserts we are only having pumpkin pie. Instead of so many side items just the basics. This year we are celebrating being together as a family (with my 8 siblings and their family) as our main focus.

    35 Sondra on November 23rd, 2009 7:43 am

    I subscribe via email.

    36 Sondra on November 23rd, 2009 7:45 am 37 Jackie on November 23rd, 2009 8:07 am

    I save time by cutting veggies and cooking what I can the day before Thanksgiving.

    38 Charity L. on November 23rd, 2009 8:07 am

    I always save time by cooking things I can ahead of time. There are lots of things you can cook a day or two ahead and they still taste good:) Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks!

    39 Charity L. on November 23rd, 2009 8:07 am

    I am also a subscriber through email:)

    40 Jackie on November 23rd, 2009 8:14 am

    I save time by cutting vegetables and baking what I can the day before. Thanks!

    41 Jackie on November 23rd, 2009 8:17 am

    I subscribe via email

    42 Carla Pullum on November 23rd, 2009 8:18 am

    This year I am doing the Walmart deal and thanks for the tip! i think this is the cheapest way to go! Even better with coupons! I always buy the All You magazine at walmart to get good recipes and coupons!
    Carla
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

    43 Melanie Pace on November 23rd, 2009 8:23 am

    I save time and money, by creating a menu and shopping list….and sticking to it. I also do as much prep work as possible the day before.

    44 Mami2jcn on November 23rd, 2009 8:32 am

    The best way to save money on Thanksgiving is to shop at Walmart.

    45 Mami2jcn on November 23rd, 2009 8:33 am

    Email subscriber

    46 Mami2jcn on November 23rd, 2009 8:33 am 47 Becky M on November 23rd, 2009 8:34 am

    I save money by using coupons on as many things as possible!

    48 Becky M on November 23rd, 2009 8:34 am

    email subscriber

    49 Melissa Barnes on November 23rd, 2009 9:16 am

    I try and save time by cooking as much as i can the night before and i also bake things together

    50 Melissa Barnes on November 23rd, 2009 9:18 am

    subscribe in email

    51 Winter on November 23rd, 2009 9:59 am

    I save time buy shopping for all of my shopping need in one place (Walmart)

    52 Nancy M. on November 23rd, 2009 11:31 am

    I try to make some things a day or so ahead of time.

    53 Nancy M. on November 23rd, 2009 11:32 am

    I tweeted!- http://bit.ly/7tq6Gj

    54 Nancy M. on November 23rd, 2009 11:34 am

    I subscribe via Google Reader.

    55 Elizabeth on November 23rd, 2009 11:48 am

    I save time by preparing desserts and other dishes the day before. I also use coupons to save money. My extended family also helps foot the bill by making Thanksgiving dinner dishes and bringing them.

    56 Stephanie V. on November 23rd, 2009 11:49 am

    I clip coupons and wait for things to go on sale but even better savings is we decided on potluck this year – spread around the cost and have lots of tasty dishes
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    57 Stephanie V. on November 23rd, 2009 11:49 am

    I subscribe as well
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    58 Elizabeth on November 23rd, 2009 11:52 am

    I stumbled it!

    59 Elizabeth on November 23rd, 2009 11:54 am 60 Jessie C. on November 23rd, 2009 11:59 am

    One tip on saving money on my Thanksgiving Meal is to buy on sale with coupons AND store promotion. Almost all stores around me have promo on buy $ get $ or get turkey etc. The minimum requirement is usually before coupons.

    61 Jessie C. on November 23rd, 2009 12:00 pm

    @tcarolinep follower and tweet http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/5984360269

    62 Jessie C. on November 23rd, 2009 12:02 pm

    I am a subscriber.

    63 Kristie on November 23rd, 2009 12:02 pm

    I save a bunch by going to family’s houses and just taking a dish to pass! Plus, only having to make one dish saves time too! LOL! :-)

    64 Jessie C. on November 23rd, 2009 12:03 pm

    Blogged.http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-rockin-mama_23.html

    65 Kristie on November 23rd, 2009 12:03 pm

    I subscribe via e-mail.

    66 Jessie C. on November 23rd, 2009 12:03 pm

    Dugg@tcarolinep

    67 Jessie C. on November 23rd, 2009 12:05 pm

    Technorati Favorites@tcarolinep

    Thank you for your Favorites Submission
    Thank you for using Technorati Favorites! Technorati is collecting Favorites information as usual, however not currently displaying them in the site. Your submission was just saved. We are working on an upgraded Favorites system we think you’ll like much better than the previous system. When we roll it out in the near future, all your previous favorite submissions will again be available to you. Thank you for your patience!

    68 Jessie C. on November 23rd, 2009 12:06 pm

    Reddit@tcarolinep

    69 Celestia on November 23rd, 2009 12:07 pm

    My family saves time by baking pies (and any other various desserts) the night before. If someone really wants a dessert to be fresh from the oven, we put it in while we are eating (so after everything else has finished cooking) and by the time people have room for dessert, the pie is finished.

    70 erika on November 23rd, 2009 12:47 pm

    In order to save time, I make the dough for my pies a week ahead of time and freeze them until the day before.

    71 erika on November 23rd, 2009 12:48 pm

    i subscribe to your blog feed

    72 Carol on November 23rd, 2009 1:38 pm

    I save money by asking everyone to pitch in and bring a dish. It surely helps with the food budget when it become a nice potluck type affair, and it saves me work!

    73 Carol on November 23rd, 2009 1:38 pm

    tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/5986818768 and I follow on twitter cdziuba

    74 Carol on November 23rd, 2009 1:39 pm

    email subscriber

    75 Carol on November 23rd, 2009 1:40 pm 76 Carol on November 23rd, 2009 1:41 pm

    Carol P Dziuba posted on my Facebook page using your Share button

    77 Katherine C. on November 23rd, 2009 2:30 pm

    I save time and money by going to my in-laws house. She enjoys cooking everything every year. I am very lucky!

    78 Sarah on November 23rd, 2009 2:49 pm

    I save time AND money by taking my family to my mom’s house! :) I do bring a dish (or 2) and help with clean up though. Mom loves to host, I could never take that away from her.

    79 Sarah on November 23rd, 2009 2:50 pm

    I subscribe on google reader

    80 Marci on November 23rd, 2009 4:45 pm

    I prepare my potatoes and brussel sprouts the day before and leave them in a bucket full of cold water in the garage. It keeps them fresh and the potatoes won’t turn brown.

    I also dole out jobs to all family members. That way we are all enjoying the dinner we all helped with.

    81 Marci on November 23rd, 2009 4:45 pm

    Subscriber!

    82 Dree on November 23rd, 2009 5:30 pm

    I buy things when they are on sale and shop with the store ads.

    83 Doreen on November 23rd, 2009 5:58 pm

    We honestly save time and money on our Thanksgiving Meal by not having many people over! It’s just the 4 of us here and that’s that, easy peasy!! :) purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com

    84 Doreen on November 23rd, 2009 6:02 pm

    Following you on Twitter & tweeted: http://twitter.com/luvscontests/status/5993712718

    85 Doreen on November 23rd, 2009 6:02 pm

    Subscriber via e-mail! purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com

    86 Doreen on November 23rd, 2009 6:06 pm 87 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:45 pm

    I save time on Thanksgiving by pre-preparing certain non essential dishes the night before so come Thanksgiving I just have to put them in the oven!

    88 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:47 pm 89 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:48 pm

    I’m subscribed by email!

    90 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:52 pm 91 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:54 pm

    I Stumbled you! (kidazy)

    92 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:55 pm

    I Dugg you! (kidazy)

    93 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:56 pm

    I technorati fave’d you! (kidazy)

    94 Amy on November 23rd, 2009 6:57 pm

    I tagged you on Delicious! (Kidazy)

    95 Steph on November 23rd, 2009 7:43 pm

    We save money on Thanksgiving by having each member of the family bring a dish…that way no one’s stuck paying for all of the food.

    96 Steph on November 23rd, 2009 7:43 pm

    E-mail subscriber

    97 Steph on November 23rd, 2009 7:45 pm 98 Karen R on November 23rd, 2009 8:45 pm

    I save money by buying bread for the stuffing from the day old bread store. It’s also good for bread pudding. I also buy rolls there.

    99 Karen R on November 23rd, 2009 8:46 pm

    I subscribe via email.

    100 Jenn Elton on November 23rd, 2009 8:59 pm

    We save money by having thanksgiving with other families and splitting up the food

    101 Jenn Elton on November 23rd, 2009 8:59 pm

    I subscribe via google reader

    102 judy brittle on November 23rd, 2009 9:04 pm

    To save money I try to stock up on a lot of the things I need for the meal a few weeks before using coupons of course. That way I don’t need to come up with so much money that week. Then I try to prepare a lot of the dishes the night before. Thank you!

    103 judy brittle on November 23rd, 2009 9:05 pm

    I follow on Twitter and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/5998319387

    104 judy brittle on November 23rd, 2009 9:05 pm

    I’m a subscriber.

    105 etirv on November 23rd, 2009 11:57 pm

    We always do potluck and end up with so much take home food!

    106 etirv on November 23rd, 2009 11:57 pm

    Google reader subscriber!

    107 Carol Lawrence on November 24th, 2009 4:08 am

    I save money by making a list and sticking to it,no impulse buying. jelly15301@gmail.com

    108 Carol Lawrence on November 24th, 2009 4:08 am

    E-mail subscriber. jelly15301@gmail.com

    109 Kimberly on November 24th, 2009 6:49 am

    I save money by combining coupons with sales. Our giant turkey only cost $4 and we’ll have lots of leftovers even after the boys take plates of food back home.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    110 Kimberly on November 24th, 2009 6:49 am

    I’m an email subscriber!

    111 Jingle on November 24th, 2009 9:29 am

    I make sure to collect coupons for things I know I will be using and I buy as early as possible (non-fresh items) because I’ve noticed that the week of the holiday prices often rise.

    112 Jingle on November 24th, 2009 9:30 am

    I subscribe in Google reader.

    113 Steph on November 24th, 2009 10:54 am

    I save tons of money by shopping for groceries at Walmart or their sister store Sam’s Club. As far as time goes, we always pre-cook a bunch of food the day before. Pre-cooking really takes a ton of stress away.

    114 Patricia Hill on November 24th, 2009 10:56 am

    I save time and energy by letting my guests bring a side dish or a dessert. That way they feel include and there is less work for me.

    115 Pat on November 24th, 2009 11:03 am

    At our house we plan ahead. We purchase food ahead of time when it’s on sale (canned food like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie filling). We clip coupons for
    groceries all year but especially at holiday times. Most
    of all we remember that being together is the most
    important part of any day. Thank you for the contest.
    Happy Thanksgiving.

    116 Bev Casteel on November 24th, 2009 11:06 am 117 Laura Lee on November 24th, 2009 11:13 am

    Having more friends and having everyone bring his or her favorite dish is the best way to make it an event.

    118 Nadine L on November 24th, 2009 11:40 am

    My favorite money saving tip is make a list before going to get the ingredients for your Thanksgiving meal and stick to it, no extra “impulse” buys.
    iheartsweeping@aol.com

    119 Nadine L on November 24th, 2009 11:42 am

    I follow on Twitter (eyzofblu63) and tweeted http://twitter.com/eyzofblu63/status/6015547640

    120 Cathy R on November 24th, 2009 11:55 am

    I save time and money by having Thanksgiving potluck style. We all coordinate which part of the meal we will take care of, so we can split the time and cost it takes to have a great meal.

    121 Margaret Smith on November 24th, 2009 1:20 pm

    I save time by making as much as possible ahead of time. I’ll start a few days before and cook a bit each day. THanks so much.

    122 Margaret Smith on November 24th, 2009 1:21 pm

    I’m a subscriber.
    Thanks again.

    123 MJ on November 24th, 2009 1:59 pm

    we save time by making things ahead of time and freezing them, like pies and cookies

    124 Vickie Couturier on November 24th, 2009 2:27 pm

    I save time by cooking a lot a head of time so im not spending the entire day cooking,I cook a lot the day before,getting my baked beans an dressing an whatever that can be prepared ahead of time,an then all I have to do is cook it,its saves me so much time so I can watch the parades an games with my family,an this year im using paper plates so im not washing dishes all evening!

    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    125 Vickie Couturier on November 24th, 2009 2:28 pm

    I follow on twitter an tweeted;
    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    126 Vickie Couturier on November 24th, 2009 2:29 pm

    I am a email subscriber

    127 Lauralee Hensley on November 24th, 2009 2:30 pm

    I’m with MJ above, I’ve froze some items ahead of time that I can just take out the night before and unthaw in the refrigerator and then warm either in the oven or microwave. When we have guests to our home or when we are guests to another family members home on Thanksgiving, either we (the guests) or our family brings a preplanned dish so the hostess has one less to cook or buy.

    128 Vickie Couturier on November 24th, 2009 2:30 pm

    I posted a blog on my facebook;Vickie Couturier http://rockinmama.net/2009/11/22/how-to-feed-your-family-for-20-this-thanksgiving-giveaway/
    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    129 Tamara B. on November 24th, 2009 2:42 pm

    I save alot of time prebaking the pies,cakes, dinner rolls the day before. I save money buy using coupons and shopping at Wlamrt because the price match other competitors prices.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

    130 Tamara B. on November 24th, 2009 2:43 pm

    I am an email subscriber
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

    131 Sharon B on November 24th, 2009 2:58 pm

    I save money by going through the supermarket flyers, making shopping lists and going to each store to stock up on their sale items. And, of course, I always use coupons. This means a little bit more driving and more effort, but the bottom line is I get my holiday meal items at the lowest possible price.

    132 Jill L on November 24th, 2009 3:36 pm

    I save time by using my crockpots. I make some of the stuff the day before so that the kitchen isn’t so busy.

    133 Laura DeLuca on November 24th, 2009 4:04 pm

    I go through the paper and look for sale items and try to combine that with coupons.

    134 Laura DeLuca on November 24th, 2009 4:05 pm

    email subscriber

    135 Laura DeLuca on November 24th, 2009 4:07 pm 136 Amber G on November 24th, 2009 4:43 pm

    I save money on my Thanksgiving meal by buying in bulk and splitting with friends and neighbors!

    137 Kiara on November 24th, 2009 4:50 pm

    I save money by using coupons and buying things when they are on sale.
    austma7@aol.com

    138 Doreen on November 24th, 2009 5:42 pm 139 Andrea H on November 24th, 2009 5:49 pm

    I save time by planning everything ahead. I also cook some things ahead of time and freeze them for later. Thanks!

    140 Andrea H on November 24th, 2009 5:50 pm

    I am an email subscriber.

    141 Andrea H on November 24th, 2009 5:52 pm 142 Cindy Merrill on November 24th, 2009 6:08 pm

    Our thanksgiving meal will be delivered- by a local charity. My husband and I are on SSI and our SNAP food credit won’t be arriving until Dec.11.

    143 Pat B on November 24th, 2009 6:22 pm

    I save money by stocking up on the items I will need throughout the year as they are on sale, especially if I have coupons for them.

    144 Angela on November 24th, 2009 6:31 pm

    Since there is usually only 4 of us, we decide what everybody enjoys most at Thanksgiving and only buy those items. Not everyone likes corn or green bean salad (though it is so delicious) so we don’t want to have corn or green bean left overs for weeks!

    145 Kendra on November 24th, 2009 6:52 pm

    coupons, compare prices, and simplify !

    146 Denise D on November 24th, 2009 6:54 pm

    I save money from buying things on sale

    heartsnflowers72@gmail.com

    147 Denise D on November 24th, 2009 6:56 pm 148 Denise D on November 24th, 2009 6:58 pm

    subscribe by email

    heartsnflowers72@gmail.com

    149 brittney on November 24th, 2009 7:35 pm

    we save time by cooking some ahead of time or using a crockpot and then having every house family bring something to help out since there is so many of us

    150 rob reilly on November 24th, 2009 7:39 pm

    I stock up on stuff thats good long term during the thanksgiving season, since Shop Rite gives you a free turkey if you spend $300 during a certain amount of time. I got a 22 pound turkey! My only other advise is COUPON COUPON COUPONS.

    151 stephanie fuller on November 24th, 2009 7:42 pm

    I save money by buying generic–most of the time the generic brands are as good as the national brands.

    152 tanya on November 24th, 2009 8:29 pm

    I save my coupons for the 2 weeks preceeding Thanksgiving. It’s the market’s version of Black Friday.

    153 dan on November 24th, 2009 8:30 pm

    I have my wife do everything! Well, I get the ice.

    154 Michelle Draveski on November 24th, 2009 10:13 pm

    I prep everything ahead and always make extra

    155 Jennifer on November 24th, 2009 11:03 pm

    I actually always eat at my grandmothers, but I know she saves money by buying some things ahead of time while they are on sale and saving them for Thanksgiving! She also shops around and finds the stores with the best deals on the items she needs!

    156 Jennifer on November 24th, 2009 11:04 pm

    I subscribe via email!

    157 Kristi C on November 25th, 2009 4:26 am

    I save money on my Thanksgiving meal by shopping sales and using coupons.

    158 merle on November 25th, 2009 4:38 am

    i always use coupons. and my neighbors and i trade side dishes.

    159 denise on November 25th, 2009 5:35 am

    I make as much as I possibly can ahead of time. I also shop on double coupon day at my grocery store to save money and stock up.

    denise_22315 at yahoo dot com

    160 denise on November 25th, 2009 5:37 am

    I am a new subscriber.

    denise_22315 at yahoo dot com

    161 April on November 25th, 2009 6:38 am

    I combine coupons with the sale items!

    162 lisa p on November 25th, 2009 7:15 am

    to save money on your meal dont be affraid to ask guest to bring a dish!

    163 Madeline on November 25th, 2009 7:26 am

    We try to make a few things ahead, and also have visiting family bring a few dishes.

    164 Kim N on November 25th, 2009 7:55 am

    I save time and money by going to my inlaws every year. All they ever ask me to bring is a pie ( I get the frozen ones) or a salad (which I get from a bag, and just add tomatoes and cucumbers).

    165 Brandon Ralston on November 25th, 2009 8:22 am

    I save money on my Thanksgiving meal by shopping at my local Save-A-Lot store. The prices there are even lower than Wal-Mart. Enter me please. Thanks.

    166 Tracey Byram on November 25th, 2009 8:54 am

    I shop the sale ads and use coupons. But I do that all year around.

    167 Laura on November 25th, 2009 9:19 am

    To save money, we make all our holiday meals potlucks. Everyone brings a side dish or dessert, we provide the main course and drinks. We end up with tons of yummy food and no one person gets stuck buying everything.

    168 Evelyn on November 25th, 2009 10:39 am

    sounds great

    169 Bacallsmom on November 25th, 2009 10:56 am

    I cook a really BIG turkey. You can make great meals out of leftover turkey–besides the “mandatory” turkey sandwiches and even freeze the leftover meat to use later. Turkey is a good buy as far as meat goes, and using the leftovers creatively saves me money. Thanks for the chance to win!

    170 AmandaK on November 25th, 2009 10:58 am

    This year it will be just the 4 o us eating, so instead of going crazy, we only bought a small turkey, minimal sides and 1 pie. We didn’t feel the need to spend over $100 if it will be just 4 people eating.

    171 Bacallsmom on November 25th, 2009 11:02 am

    I subscribed!

    172 Patrice on November 25th, 2009 12:21 pm

    In the months before the holidays, I look for coupons and sales of the non-perishable foods that I know I will be needing, and buy them when they are at a good price.

    173 Heather S on November 25th, 2009 12:51 pm

    I make a list and buy things at the lowest price to save money and I save time by fixing things in order so that they can be baked at the same time etc. Just staying organized helps alot.

    174 Cheryl on November 25th, 2009 1:04 pm

    I save time by making all the side dishes and desserts the day before. THanks!

    175 adrienne Gordon on November 25th, 2009 2:01 pm

    we start making meals and freezing them weeks before to make it less hectic

    176 Bev Casteel on November 25th, 2009 2:07 pm 177 cathiem on November 25th, 2009 2:26 pm

    We save money by divide and conquer. Split the meal up with everyone bringing a dish or two. Also use grocery store promotions. The ones around here have a free holiday item(turkey,ham,etc.) if you spend a certain amt over 6 weeks. Have not paid for a turkey in years.

    178 Brad on November 25th, 2009 2:32 pm

    Our family shares the responsibility for cooking. We all bring part of the dinner, so no one family has to do it all.

    179 Katie on November 25th, 2009 3:05 pm

    To save money go to someone else’s house for Thanksgiving! Seriously though, shop ahead of time for what you can and combine sales with any coupons you can find.

    180 Denise B. on November 25th, 2009 3:35 pm

    Everything is bought on sales combined with coupons, and everything is made from scratch.

    181 Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy on November 25th, 2009 4:40 pm

    We usually all chip in and bring a side or dessert. That helps to save everyone some money.

    crystal_reagan at hotmail dot com

    182 Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy on November 25th, 2009 4:40 pm

    I subscribe.

    crystal_reagan at hotmail dot com

    183 Linda Lansford on November 25th, 2009 5:08 pm

    I shop the ads and buy only what is on my list

    184 Denyse on November 25th, 2009 6:24 pm

    besides using coupons I save money by getting my turkey FREE at my local Shop Rite (they have the same promotion every year) and then I look through the flyers of all local food stores and get what I need where it’s cheapest.

    185 angie on November 25th, 2009 6:28 pm

    To save time, I cook as much as I can ahead of time. Semi-homemade is great. To save money, I buy the brands that I have coupons for.

    186 EMMA L HORTON on November 25th, 2009 6:51 pm

    SHOP THE SALES (EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO BUY AHEAD OF TIME) AND USE COUPONS

    187 Crystal Arcand (3Stairs) on November 25th, 2009 7:01 pm

    We save time and money by sticking to the basics and making homemade. We don’t have a huge gala meal – turkey, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade rolls – that kind of stuff. What the homemade stuff takes up in time, it makes up in money saved. Plus, it tastes so much better!

    188 Christine Jensen on November 25th, 2009 7:18 pm

    I save money by making most things from scratch and watching sales!

    189 Carrie on November 25th, 2009 7:33 pm

    I save time by baking ahead and then reheating or serving room-temp.

    190 Carrie on November 25th, 2009 7:33 pm

    I’m also a subscriber

    191 Alain on November 25th, 2009 7:34 pm

    Crock-pot cooking saves a lot of time. no need to stand over the stove.

    192 Carrie on November 25th, 2009 7:38 pm

    I commented on the Restore Home Water System

    193 Alain on November 25th, 2009 7:40 pm

    I commented on the Nintendo DSI

    194 Heidi Gail on November 25th, 2009 7:48 pm

    I save money and time by having my guests bring side dishes. This helps me out, but it also makes my friends and family feel like a bigger part of the celebration.

    195 Ginny on November 25th, 2009 8:55 pm

    My kids and I all pitch in at mealtimes and this saves a lot of time getting it to the table, thanks!

    196 LT on November 25th, 2009 9:05 pm

    I save money on my Thanksgiving meal by shopping my grocery ads for a few weeks before, so I can pick up on great deals while doing my regular shopping!

    197 LT on November 25th, 2009 9:06 pm

    I am a feed subscriber!

    198 LT on November 25th, 2009 9:06 pm

    I follow you on twitter, here is a tweet:
    http://twitter.com/coloradomommy/status/6071598718

    199 Elena on November 25th, 2009 9:58 pm

    Plan ahead!! It’s too late for tomorrow but make a list tomorrow evening while you’re digesting, and save it to your computer for next year. Planning ahead minimizes those last minute grocery trips.

    200 Chris T. on November 25th, 2009 10:20 pm

    I save time by buying a precooked smoked turkey. It’s less impressive – but more delicious and easier than I could make!

    chrisny2 (at) aol(dot) com

    201 Suzanne K on November 25th, 2009 10:46 pm

    I start watching the grocery ads a couple of months before, and making note of the lowest prices…. then as the holiday approaches and I see something at or lower than that, I grab it (and in fact, stock up to take advantage and be prepared for other holidays/everyday meals).

    202 Janna Johnson on November 26th, 2009 1:04 am

    I saved this year by waiting till the last minute to shop for food at Krogers for better sales, went in the middle of the night when nobody was around to irritate me, and used all my manufac coupons!

    Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

    Janna Johnson
    janna@FeedYourPigBlog.com
    jannajanna@hotmail.com
    http://www.FeedYourPigBlog.com

    203 Marilyn Wons on November 26th, 2009 4:14 am

    I save time on my Thanksgiving meal buy making all the side dishes and pies ahead of time and freezing them.

    204 CMC on November 26th, 2009 7:04 am

    How to save time? Make as many dishes ahead of time as possible – you’d be surprised how much it helps!

    205 CMC on November 26th, 2009 7:05 am

    E-mail subscriber

    206 Cynthia C on November 26th, 2009 7:50 am

    I like to choose menu items that can be made ahead to save time on the Big Day. Thanks for the chance.

    207 Jacob on November 26th, 2009 7:54 am

    My best tip is to make a list of the things you will need for everybody, including food, and that will help you get inand out of the store quickly and not make a bunch of impulse buys you don’t need

    208 Jacob on November 26th, 2009 7:54 am

    I am an e-mail subscriber

    209 Jacob on November 26th, 2009 7:55 am

    I follow you on twitter under the name JCHARRIES and tweeted this giveaway at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/6083004779

    210 vicky on November 26th, 2009 8:37 am

    I love coupons and use them all the time. With a coupon I was able to get out turkey for 5 dollars. It was great.

    211 Kelly on November 26th, 2009 10:47 am

    We save money by cooking most everything fresh, freezing corn cut off the cob from the summer, and buying the canned goods weeks in advance when they’re on sale. :)

    212 Carol G on November 26th, 2009 12:15 pm

    I watch the store flyers for the loss leaders, combine them with coupons and stock up on non-perishables during the holiday sales.

    213 Kate on November 26th, 2009 4:54 pm

    I save money by clipping coupons – matching it to sales and planning the meals of the week around it all

    214 Leona p on November 26th, 2009 5:53 pm

    I look to see whats on sale where and shop where i get the best deal

    215 Doreen on November 26th, 2009 7:29 pm 216 Emily R. on November 26th, 2009 8:52 pm

    My tip is to have everyone attending your meal bring a dish so you aren’t making it all.

    mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

    217 Michele C on November 26th, 2009 9:41 pm

    Thank you for the giveaway. We always check for the sales such as spend $10 your turkey will cost .37 lb. Another tip is to pick up an extra one for Christmas because, they don’t always have these excellent sales then.

    218 Holly B on November 26th, 2009 10:09 pm

    Buy everything when it goes on sale, and use coupons for them, things you can buy ahead of time

    like the canned stuff do it in the weeks before thxgiving!

    219 Erin M on November 27th, 2009 12:29 am

    I found out the hard way–
    It’s actually Cheaper (and tastier)
    to make the meal at home
    Then Buying those expensive Thanksgiving Platters
    at the Grocery stores!

    220 Erin M on November 27th, 2009 12:29 am

    now Following RockinMama on Twitter!::

    http://www.twitter.com/erinxduh

    221 Jennifer Miller on November 27th, 2009 9:22 am

    My family has always saved time by not only cooking the night before…but my Mom makes sure we each have some kind of job. One person to peel ALL of the veggies we might need, one to open cans, one to watch the stove, etc. We also save even more time by asking family to bring dishes and make a pot luck out of it. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    222 Jennifer Miller on November 27th, 2009 9:29 am 223 Jeff on November 27th, 2009 10:09 am

    Buy your products for the meal early.

    224 Stacy on November 27th, 2009 6:07 pm

    I save time by making as much ahead of time as possible. I save money by asking everyone to bring a side!

    225 Stacey on November 27th, 2009 7:08 pm

    I try to make a few dishes the day before- like mashed potatoes and veggies- so that I can just reheat them when I need them!

    226 Gail Crawford on November 27th, 2009 10:20 pm

    I save time and money by using leftovers to fix my thanksgiving meal.

    227 Ladytink_534 on November 27th, 2009 11:49 pm

    We saved money this year by actually picking our pecans for the pies from a neighbor’s tree.

    228 Ladytink_534 on November 27th, 2009 11:50 pm

    I’m a Google Reader subscriber

    229 Djp on November 27th, 2009 11:52 pm

    sign me up, i’d like this one

    230 Peggy Gorman on November 28th, 2009 6:46 am

    I wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and bake in the oven w/ the turkey,make side dishes and put them in oven proof dish so when the turkey comes out of the oven I put them in the oven to say hot.
    When everyone sits down to dinner everything is hot

    231 Peggy Gorman on November 28th, 2009 6:47 am

    subscriber

    232 Peggy Gorman on November 28th, 2009 6:48 am 233 Sarah on November 28th, 2009 11:46 am

    Me and my mom save money by having 1 big meal instead of 2.

    PS. I thought I already entered but don’t see my comments.
    Sorry if I entered again.

    sarahjd766 at yahoo dot com

    234 Sarah on November 28th, 2009 11:48 am

    I’m a Twitter follower & tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/miss_moneymaker/status/6147739747

    sarahjd766 at yahoo dot com

    235 Leslie Price on November 28th, 2009 5:04 pm

    I begin stocking up on items every week as I grocery shop in the weeks before Thanksgiving.

    236 Kelly on November 28th, 2009 7:27 pm

    I use coupons to save money, and everyone helps out with dishes. We always have leftovers for the days ahead. We grow our veggies fresh too! They are so tasty !!!

    kibbles0905@yahoo.com

    237 barbara wright ♫ on November 28th, 2009 7:27 pm

    As much as it kills me, I save money by doing my Thanksgiving food shopping RIGHT before the holiday. That’s when broth and stuffing and canned pumpkin and all that stuff is on sale!

    238 barbara wright ♫ on November 28th, 2009 7:29 pm

    I follow you on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/6158309282

    239 barbara wright ♫ on November 28th, 2009 7:30 pm

    I subscribe with google reader

    240 barbara wright ♫ on November 28th, 2009 7:30 pm

    I fave you on technorati – barbarawr

    241 Kelly on November 28th, 2009 7:31 pm

    Subscribe to email.

    kibbles0905@yahoo.com

    242 Kelly on November 28th, 2009 7:32 pm

    Follow on Twitter and Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/Sarafan2/status/6158356019

    243 Kelly on November 28th, 2009 7:33 pm

    Button on blog.

    Sarafan2

    244 Kelly on November 28th, 2009 7:36 pm

    Posted to FB

    Kelly Coleman

    245 Kelly on November 28th, 2009 7:41 pm

    Add as favorite.

    kibbles0905@yahoo.com

    246 elizabeth p on November 28th, 2009 11:00 pm

    I use my crockpots to cook side dishes and keep them warm!

    247 Maggie C on November 29th, 2009 8:45 am

    I save money by buying all of the ingredients when they’re on sale.
    weird chick online at gmail dot com

    248 Tamara on November 29th, 2009 10:22 am

    I match coupons to sales and that can save alot of money. Especially if the store doubles or triples the coupons.

    249 Susan Chester on November 29th, 2009 8:09 pm

    I watch the ads for the best deal on turkey-sometimes you can even get it for free!
    smchester at gmail dot com

    250 Gena on November 29th, 2009 8:19 pm

    You don’t have to subscribe to the paper, but if you get the Sunday paper (or go to the library for a free one) you can really find some good deals and coupons

    251 Gena on November 29th, 2009 8:20 pm

    I am an e-mail subscriber

    252 Ruby on November 29th, 2009 9:46 pm

    I save time by making things ahead of time. For a pie, I make it and freeze it a week before and bake it on Thanksgiving. No more being late!

    253 sito on November 30th, 2009 8:53 am

    Of course, I shop specials and use coupons to save in the first place, and then I plan meals to use up leftovers so nothing will go to waste. As soon as we are done with the man meal, I wrap up the leftovers in packages the size I’ll need for other recipes and freeze them.

    254 sito on November 30th, 2009 8:57 am

    Twitter follower & tweeted, http://twitter.com/sito50/status/6204940545

    255 sito on November 30th, 2009 8:58 am

    I’m an e-mail subscriber.

    256 Phil on November 30th, 2009 9:19 am

    We start buying staples early, clipping coupons and picking up store brand products.

    257 Sarah on November 30th, 2009 12:43 pm

    we always do a potluck every year, it’s usually at a different family member’s house each year but everyone brings something to throw in!

    258 AM GILSTRAP on November 30th, 2009 1:26 pm

    I match sales with coupons to save big!

    259 Monique Rizzo on November 30th, 2009 1:54 pm

    Not only do I double coupons with sales, but everyone also brings a dish, so no one is doing it all. Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

    260 Kathy on November 30th, 2009 7:52 pm

    This year, I finely chopped all of the ingredients the night before, after the kids had gone to bed, so that on Thanksgiving much of the meal prep was done.. just combined ingredients and cooked them.

    261 Jacob LaFountaine on November 30th, 2009 8:41 pm

    Buy non-perishables in advance when they are on sale

    262 Shannon on December 1st, 2009 6:32 am

    I save time by using absolutely everything throw away that i can, so once the meal is done everything gets dumped into a garbage bag and clean up is done!

    263 Selene M. on December 1st, 2009 7:10 am

    One of the biggest time savers is to get the turkey and dressing ready ahead of time. Bake the turkey the day before, carve it, then reheat it topped with broth or drippings. Assemble the dressing the day before, refrigerate, then bake after drizzling a little more broth over the pan.
    Both items can be heated and then kept warm in crock pots as can mashed potatoes, vegetables and lots of other dishes.

    264 Nicole Organ on December 1st, 2009 7:14 am

    Potluck Thanksgiving! Recruit guests to bring side dishes, drinks, appetizers, etc.

    265 Laura on December 1st, 2009 7:19 am

    great giveaway!

    266 Quinn on December 1st, 2009 7:25 am

    I save time by buying ready made items, usually rolls and pies.

    267 Jen on December 1st, 2009 7:27 am

    I love Thanksgiving dinner and I love cooking. This year I did as much as possible the day and night before and understood why everyone always suggests it! Everything was chopped, boiled, mashed and just about fully cooked through except the turkey. So, on the big day I concentrated on the turkey fully and just popped the other things in to finish cooking/reheat while the turkey rested. Yum.

    268 Cindy on December 1st, 2009 7:41 am

    I save money by going to my mother’s house and having her cook the meal. She usually asks me to bring something like corn or jello.

    269 Lori on December 1st, 2009 7:47 am

    I save time by doing prep ahead of time and money by using most of the leftovers for soup.

    270 Allison on December 1st, 2009 8:08 am

    I start my shopping super ahead of time, using coupons and sales. When all else fails, I go to Costco!

    allibob1(at)gmail(dot)com

    271 Dorothy on December 1st, 2009 8:20 am

    I tried to cut out any superfluous dishes and treats. I splurge on good ingredients for a great meal, but cut out anything that isn’t needed (like, two separate desserts!).

    272 Kristy on December 1st, 2009 8:21 am

    We do it potluck style so that one person isn’t stuck with the whole expense!

    273 Meredith on December 1st, 2009 8:30 am

    I save money Thanksgiving by buying local veggies at a nearby farm. It helps support local growers, is more cost effective for me, and helps the environment by going local!

    274 Sarah Mac on December 1st, 2009 8:31 am

    If we are having family or friends over, we potluck so everyone saves time and money!

    srm_macconnell (at) yahoo (dot) com

    275 sabrina on December 1st, 2009 8:33 am

    We save money by stretching the turkey as far as possible. Immediately after eating we go to work pulling all the meat off it and packaging it meal size portions for casseroles, etc. Then we make stock with the carcass, which gets even more meat off which can be used in soup.

    276 Rebecca on December 1st, 2009 8:36 am

    I save time on Thanksgiving by making as much as possible the day before.

    277 Carrie Thompson on December 1st, 2009 8:44 am

    I save money by looking through sales ads and using coupons!

    278 Kristy on December 1st, 2009 8:46 am

    Email subscriber!

    279 Ashley on December 1st, 2009 8:53 am

    I stock up on non-perishables throughout the year when they go on sale and I have a coupon.

    280 Alice on December 1st, 2009 9:04 am

    All year long when we buy roasted chickens at the grocery store, we make sure to make stock with the carcasses. When the holiday season comes we don’t have to buy any chicken stock and it tastes even better than storebought! We also let guests (who offer) bring all the wine :)

    281 jill watkins on December 1st, 2009 9:04 am

    I do what I cant the day before so its that much easier! And I always use my coupons!

    jill.watkins@gmail.com

    282 jill watkins on December 1st, 2009 9:04 am

    I sub via email!

    jill.watkins@gmail.com

    283 Anneke on December 1st, 2009 9:17 am

    I save money by buying WAY in advance when things are on sale. Excellent for canned items and frozen items. I love my garage freezer.

    284 Sarah on December 1st, 2009 9:20 am

    I save money by clipping coupons every sunday. We spend most of the day doing it and matching the coupons to the sales that week. I save coupons till the last day they are good, because alot of stores start sales the last day the coupon is good for. I also earn money by doing Inbox Dollars.com and My Points.com. I have earned over $50 for reading emails, and have won a $50 gift card from my points for reading emails. I love saving money and getting free stuff!!!!!

    285 Patricia on December 1st, 2009 9:22 am

    My biggest tip is to plan meals around those leftovers like Wild Rice Turkey Soup which is my favorite.

    286 Sharri on December 1st, 2009 10:21 am

    Great giveaway, please enter me!
    I save money on my Thanksgiving dinner by making everything from scratch, and by planning my meal early so that I can get the ingredients as they go on sale (and use my coupons). Including making sure that I shop at the same store frequently enough to qualify for a free turkey. :)

    287 Rachel O. on December 1st, 2009 10:26 am

    I shop ahead of time to shop sales on the food I need.

    288 Amy on December 1st, 2009 10:26 am

    I just did this this past Thanksgiving — pre-cooked the apples for our apple pie, which cut down the baking time for the whole pie (crust and all) by 40 minutes!

    petitefig at gmail

    289 Rachel O. on December 1st, 2009 10:26 am 290 Nadia @ ABC Frugality on December 1st, 2009 10:32 am

    I would save time by cooking multiple items in the oven at once!

    291 Nadia @ ABC Frugality on December 1st, 2009 10:34 am

    RSS subscriber

    292 Lauren C on December 1st, 2009 10:34 am

    I saved money by shopping around for my turkey ($0.60/lb) instead of getting it at my normal grocery store. I also make my leftovers into soup and pot pies to make them go further.

    293 Amy on December 1st, 2009 10:36 am

    I save money on Thanksgiving by buying sales and ad matching at walmart.
    creativechretin@hotmail.com

    294 Lyndsey on December 1st, 2009 10:45 am

    I save money by having a holiday potluck. I supply the main dish (turkey and ham) while everyone else brings 1-2 dishes/desserts. We always have a full table!

    295 Jessica DeLillo on December 1st, 2009 11:10 am

    Hello,

    I save time cooking for Thanksgiving by starting to prepare dishes the night before. The night before and the day of Thanksgiving preparation/cooking has become a family affair. The more the people, the more the fun, and the less amount of time needed for preparation.

    296 Dawn on December 1st, 2009 11:24 am

    I usually ask people to bring a certain type of item to create a full meal. I usually do all of the deserts because I can buy just a few ingredients such as flour, sugar, pumpkin, and butter to create many different types of deserts!

    297 Sky Wheeler on December 1st, 2009 12:11 pm

    I oly cook a large turkey breast, no one in my family ever eats the dark meat, so this saves a lot of money, clean-up and baking time. Sometimes I make individual cornish game hens, which are very fancy, but only $2 each (and we never have more than 4 people).

    298 Sky Wheeler on December 1st, 2009 12:11 pm

    posted to myspace

    299 kelly on December 1st, 2009 12:52 pm

    make as much ahead of time as possible and freeze it!

    300 Nicole on December 1st, 2009 12:58 pm

    My Mom, sister and I all decide what part of the meal we will bring. That way we can all enjoy a big holiday dinner without anyone having to shoulder all the time and expense, and we can all enjoy it much more!

    301 Patricia Merry on December 1st, 2009 1:19 pm

    I shopped at the grocery store with the cheapest turkey and got one for $5, plus $25 for the rest of my dinner! 39 cents a pound.

    302 Becca on December 1st, 2009 1:25 pm

    I shop at Aldi. That in and of itself saves a ton of money.

    303 Becca on December 1st, 2009 1:27 pm

    Dugg.

    304 Kelly on December 1st, 2009 1:30 pm

    I make the rolls from scratch. Takes extra time, but if you have the ingredients on hand, it’s cheap! Plus it’s so good!

    305 Kara on December 1st, 2009 1:34 pm

    I save money by using a lot of the vegetables in our garden to make the side dishes.

    306 Angela Lyons on December 1st, 2009 1:37 pm

    I save by always buying my items on sale with coupons and before the mad rush!

    307 Jennie on December 1st, 2009 1:48 pm

    I save time by starting early and save money by buying in bulk (but only if all the food will be used!)

    308 Cheryl Moore on December 1st, 2009 1:59 pm

    I save by going elsewhere and only being responsible for the pies!

    309 Kelsea on December 1st, 2009 1:59 pm

    In order to save time, we cook as many of the meals ahead of time as possible. Also, every guest brings their favorite dish, so it means less cooking for the host.

    310 Paige on December 1st, 2009 2:01 pm

    I use coupons, and then buy on the MAJOR sales right before the holiday. I got my turkey for only $8.

    311 Ann on December 1st, 2009 2:03 pm

    I try to use coupons to save money and shared/divided the menu with other family members so one person wasn’t doing it all.

    312 Erica C. on December 1st, 2009 2:42 pm

    We do a potluck dinner where each family member brings a dish. This saves everyone money, and it’s less work for the person hosting the dinner!

    313 Lindsay on December 1st, 2009 2:50 pm

    Well, Thanksgiving’s over, but we went potluck style. It’s so much easier if you only have to prepare a couple of dishes – saves money and headaches! I made mushroom risotto and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies – I could even make the cookies the day before.

    314 Roshni on December 1st, 2009 3:03 pm

    I try to use a coupon whenever possible and shop early.

    315 Elizabeth on December 1st, 2009 3:04 pm

    Before I go on my big shop for the week I know what I’m making for dinner that week. I also have found wonderful natural foods that my family loves but that are finally affordable. Mom’s Naturals makes the best cereal, my kids’ fave is Mallow Oats which is like Lucky Charms for green geeks like me. It’s only $2.99/a box and sometimes on sale for $1.99! I love my Kroger card too.

    316 Karen on December 1st, 2009 3:10 pm

    Our family always treats the Thanksgiving meal as a potluck so no one is responsible for the whole meal. It’s an excellent money-saver, and with so many great cooks in the family, there’s plenty of good food I wouldn’t even have thought to make!

    317 claudia on December 1st, 2009 3:56 pm

    we save time and money by shopping early for non-perishable goods. we also clip lots of coupons from the sunday paper . . . manufacturer coupons + store coupons = lots of saving!

    318 Mariesa on December 1st, 2009 5:06 pm

    My family does a potluck style dinner where each family member brings a dish. Then we all divide among the houses the f ood so everyone gets to eat yummy leftovers for days!

    319 Kristine on December 1st, 2009 5:17 pm

    We make everything homemade and that saves money. We went to my in laws with a homemade apple pie that cost us approx. 3.00 to make (probably less actually) and they had 3 pies, all store bought, all in the 9.00 range.

    320 Stephanie Bass on December 1st, 2009 5:35 pm

    I save time by buying frozen pies at the grocery store. This time of year they are also on sale and there are usually coupons for them. Everyone just loves them and doesn’t know that I didn’t make them.

    321 Kat on December 1st, 2009 5:42 pm

    To save time AND money on Thanksgiving, not to mention make what would be a lonely holiday away from my family (I can’t leave NYC b/c of work and relocated here from the Midwest) really fun, I invite other Thanksgiving “orphans” over for a potluck. I ask everyone to bring their favorite childhood Thanksgiving dish – so no one goes without their must-have, and it’s a great source of recipes for future years :)

    322 Jenny Dubinsky on December 1st, 2009 5:58 pm

    My tip is to make a list and stick with it! Buying unnecessary groceries can make an expensive shopping trip.

    323 Tara Farnsworth on December 1st, 2009 6:13 pm

    We get together with other families and split the food and the cost! Take the presure off and we can enjoy the food and eachother more!

    324 Michelle on December 1st, 2009 6:36 pm

    I always go to the store with a list. If its not on the list, I don’t buy it. I also never go shopping when I’m hungry….too many items look too appealing when you’re hungry.

    325 Abigail Sine on December 1st, 2009 7:24 pm

    I have a great recipe for cranberry sauce that can be used for lots of different things. So while I’m making the sauce for thanksgiving, i make extra and can it to give away as gifts for Christmas. :)

    326 Abigail Sine on December 1st, 2009 7:28 pm

    added it to Stumble! great site.

    327 John W on December 1st, 2009 7:44 pm

    there is nothing wrong with providing family members with a couple options to bring to the table, saves time and money!!

    328 Zelma on December 1st, 2009 8:04 pm

    we saved money this year by toning it down!! we cut the appetizers….minus 1 dip that everyone loves from my mom….and then also only had 2 desserts to choose from…also – one of the rules for coming was that everyone brought a dish…so no one had to do it all!!!! worked great!

    329 Linda on December 1st, 2009 8:12 pm

    I saved money on my meal by using coupons and checking all adds ahead of time and just buying what is on my list.

    330 Caitlin on December 1st, 2009 8:17 pm

    I always try to plan around what’s on sale and when and usually try to cook things at the same temperature, making conversions when necessary (since I am not as lucky as some to have a double oven).

    331 Megan M on December 1st, 2009 8:39 pm

    I save time and money by asking each part of the family to bring at least one piece of the meal. That way, I don’t have to do everything, and I still get to enjoy my favorite dishes that my grandma, aunts, and mom made when I was growing up.

    332 sarah on December 1st, 2009 9:23 pm

    I save time (and money!) by always doing our family “feasts” as potlucks :)

    333 Amy Tischer on December 1st, 2009 9:28 pm

    we always split up the meal which saves everyone time and money! Our family is usually in charge of the dinner rolls and the green bean casserole.

    334 Maggie Rossetti on December 1st, 2009 9:43 pm

    I stumbled and am an rss subscriber!
    Love the site!

    335 Maggie Rossetti on December 1st, 2009 9:43 pm

    I stumbled and am an rss subscriber!
    Love the site!

    336 kim on December 1st, 2009 10:34 pm

    I provide the turkey and everyone brings a side dish. It keeps the costs down for everyone.

    337 Carly on December 1st, 2009 10:40 pm

    Bake the pies the night before, and the savory stuff the day of! No good tips for saving money, except to buy in bulk if possible.

    338 Molly on December 2nd, 2009 4:41 am

    I look for great giveaways, have family bring the sides, and shop at walmart!

    339 Fiddledeedee on December 2nd, 2009 6:52 am

    This was the first year that I made our Thanksgiving meal for just our little family. I only bought a small Butterball turkey breast because we generally don’t like the dark meat of the turkey. I didn’t overbuy this year. That always saves me money!

    340 Serendipity is Sweet on December 2nd, 2009 7:19 am

    Cool giveaway! I’d love to win.
    We save money at Thanksgiving by everyone bringing a favorite family dish. We usually have extended family visiting. I also plan ahead and save coupons and shop sales. Plus, I try to stock up on wine at sales so we have it for special occasions. This year I got a 22+ pound turkey for $11 then saved another %20 on top of that. Not bad :)

    melissa b rich at gmail dot com

    341 Serendipity is Sweet on December 2nd, 2009 7:20 am

    I’m following on twitter @ptownmoofus. Here’s my tweet: http://twitter.com/ptownmoofus/status/6270232108

    thanks :D

    342 Serendipity is Sweet on December 2nd, 2009 7:21 am

    I stumbled this post :D

    343 Anne on December 2nd, 2009 7:46 am

    I save time by writing out a detailed schedule for the week leading up to the Thanksgiving which is an easy reference for when to iron the napkins and what time to preheat the oven.
    I save money by creating the Thanksgiving menu several weeks ahead of time and then shopping sales.

    344 lilshuga2001 on December 2nd, 2009 10:05 am

    Use a crock pot and roasting pan to free up the oven!!!

    345 Brittney on December 2nd, 2009 10:28 am

    I cook most things the day before so that I dont have to spend all my time in the kitchen on thanksgiving and can spend it with my family

    346 MelodyJ on December 2nd, 2009 11:16 am

    Make sure you have all your ingredents before hand. Use coupons and search for specials.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

    347 Jtephanie Jackson on December 2nd, 2009 11:19 am

    We save time and money by combining our families, each bringing a certain dish, so that one cook doesn’t have to do everyhing. It more fun that way too..
    emeraldrose63@yahoo.com

    348 Jtephanie Jackson on December 2nd, 2009 11:20 am

    I subscribe to your feed via E-mail and feeder..
    emeraldrose63@yahoo.com

    349 Lindy on December 2nd, 2009 11:20 am

    I ALWAYS shop at discount chains like Aldi for canned goods and boxed kits, first of all. Second, buy in bulk and always use coupons.

    350 Lindy on December 2nd, 2009 11:20 am

    I am now subscribed to your RSS feed.

    351 Jenny Hunter on December 2nd, 2009 12:24 pm

    Save time by having everyone pitch in food instead of me making it all!

    352 Alissa on December 2nd, 2009 12:32 pm

    To save $$ our family always does a potluck. I always try to find the best sale prices the week of Thanksgiving and use coupons on top of that. We’re usually in charge of the green bean casserole (which is a time-saver — super easy & quick to prepare).

    353 Beth Brady on December 2nd, 2009 1:51 pm

    I make everything from scratch–prepared foods are way costlier!

    354 Ashley on December 2nd, 2009 1:53 pm

    We save money by doing a pot luck Thanksgiving.

    355 Elizabeth on December 2nd, 2009 1:55 pm

    I save money by going to a family get together so we only have to bring one or two side dishes instead of cooking a whole meal.

    356 Classic Prep on December 2nd, 2009 3:38 pm

    I save time (and sanity) by completing what I can ahead of time.

    Monday = grocery shopping
    Tuesday = make creanberry sauce, cornbread and pumpkin pie, make dough for pies
    Wednesday = pick up fresh turkey, prepare green bean casserole, cut apples for pie and applesauce
    Thursday = bake apple pie, cook turkey, set table, ENJOY!

    Voila! Thanksgiving for 14; sanity intact!

    357 tornshoelace on December 2nd, 2009 4:46 pm

    My husband and I tag team.
    We’ll both do what we are good at, at seperate times.
    So, I need only 2 onions chopped, I’ll cut up 6, because I know he need 4 for his recipe. and he’ll premeasure items for my mise en place
    That way, we each have what we need, but don’t have to do all of the work for each item, over and over again.

    358 Beth on December 2nd, 2009 6:10 pm

    I save time by preparing as many dishes as I can ahead of time.

    359 sandra on December 2nd, 2009 6:14 pm

    i look for sales and try to use coupons when possible, a week or so before thanksgiving

    360 Julie on December 2nd, 2009 6:48 pm

    I put the turkey in the oven around 10 pm the night before and roast it slowly. It is always tender and delicious for dinner.

    361 Jennifer T. on December 2nd, 2009 11:49 pm

    My mom and I share/cook the meal together. We make out a menu and take stock of what’s in each others’ pantries/fridge so that we don’t buy things we don’t need.

    362 Lisa on December 3rd, 2009 12:28 am

    I save time and money but not having any bread on the menu. I love bread, but figure on Thanksgiving it just fills me up faster and I’d rather eat the once-a-year special menu items instead.

    363 Leslie on December 3rd, 2009 5:47 am

    I save time by doing a lot the day before and I look for all the sales at my local store.

    364 arielle on December 3rd, 2009 5:50 am

    I always do my baking a few days in advance along with anything else I can prepare ahed of time so that on Thanksgiving Day I have plenty of time to relax with family!

    365 Kara on December 3rd, 2009 7:36 am

    We split it up in my house — somebody is in charge of the turkey, I make a couple sides, my sister takes the others, etc. Makes it so much less stressful so it’s not just one person in the kitchen for hours on end!

    366 Jenn on December 3rd, 2009 8:39 am

    Get as much done ahead of time as you can. hat way, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.

    367 Kate on December 3rd, 2009 10:52 am

    I save time by cutting up all my fruits and veggies prior so theyre ready to go when i start cooking.

    368 Jill Myrick on December 3rd, 2009 11:20 am

    We have a large family that gets together for the holidays every year.
    Each year we each save time and money by dividing the menu amongst us.
    Each head of the family brings a main dish,a dessert and a side dish.
    It has worked out great for many years.

    Thank you so much for the chance to win.

    jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com

    369 Jill Myrick on December 3rd, 2009 11:21 am

    I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com

    370 Saeeda on December 3rd, 2009 1:04 pm

    I save money by having each guest bring their favorite dessert, that way I only have to make the main dishes, of which some I make the day before.

    I also try to extend/re-use leftovers as much as possible. I just made a cream of asparagus soup with leftover asparagus, potato croquettes with leftover mashed potatoes and sweet potato fries with leftover sweet potatoes. I try not to throw anything away – my daughter loved these items.

    371 tree on December 3rd, 2009 1:36 pm

    We are vegetarian, so we do not have a Turkey. i made a tofu-seitan turkey, that is very inexpensive. The rest of our meal was grown in my garden. We enjoyed mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut and acorn squash, swiss chard, fresh spinach salad, green beans and corn all grown at home. We also had a made from scratch blackberry cobbler, using home grown blackberries. It made the entire meal very inexpensive.

    enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com

    372 mickeyfan on December 3rd, 2009 9:43 pm

    Don’t feel you need to fix the whole meal yourself. Ask everyone to bring something. If you have a non-cook, ask them to bring rolls or maybe a bottle of wine.

    373 sarahprime on December 3rd, 2009 11:56 pm

    I use pre-prepared components whenever possible (love pillsbury’s pie crusts).

    374 contests 12-2-09 « Mom Blog-no time mommy on December 4th, 2009 9:35 am

    [...] Rockin mama-$30 walmart gift card/12/7/09 [...]

    375 Keitha on December 4th, 2009 12:45 pm

    I save money by cooking dinner items which I can purchase on sale! Thanks

    376 Keitha on December 4th, 2009 12:45 pm

    I subscribe! Thanks

    377 Autumn B. on December 4th, 2009 1:59 pm

    we do a potluck, so nobody has to spend a ton but we still get a great meal

    autumn398 @ yahoo.com

    378 Anna on December 4th, 2009 2:22 pm

    I shop at Wal-Mart all the time. Thanks for the contest!

    379 Sarah on December 4th, 2009 4:32 pm

    Save-up reward points at Giant to get a free turkey. Always make enough food for left-overs so I don’t have to cook again until Christmas…whoops (I wish), I mean for a few days. :)

    sarahjgarraty@gmail.com

    380 Sarah on December 4th, 2009 4:33 pm

    i’m an e-mail subscriber!

    sarahjgarraty@gmail.com

    381 Amanda on December 4th, 2009 4:35 pm

    I saved money on my thanksgiving meal by not going crazy…. I made less than usual and skipped all of the extras.
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

    382 Amanda on December 4th, 2009 4:36 pm

    tweet – http://twitter.com/oheeyore/status/6353071792
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

    383 Amanda on December 4th, 2009 4:36 pm

    email subscriber
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

    384 Amanda on December 4th, 2009 4:37 pm

    technorati favorite
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

    385 Sarah on December 4th, 2009 4:37 pm

    i’m a follower on twitter and i tweeted about this giveaway:

    http://twitter.com/sarahjgarraty

    sarahjgarraty@gmail.com

    386 Brandy Byrne on December 4th, 2009 5:52 pm

    One of our local grocery stores has a free turkey promotion every year. I shop there anyway so earning the pints is super easy. I use my coupons to get the other food to go with the turkey. Feeding a family of 7 can get expensive but this year I managed to only spend $32 on the rest of Thanksgiving dinner.

    387 Patricia Treskovich on December 4th, 2009 7:49 pm

    I use coupons and read the food ads to get the best prices

    388 Patricia Treskovich on December 4th, 2009 7:52 pm 389 H on December 4th, 2009 8:38 pm

    I have a group of friends over and we all bring a dish.

    390 Claire on December 4th, 2009 11:42 pm

    If something can be prepared ahead of time (pie, for example) then we make it a day or two before to reduce cooking stress on Thanksgiving!

    391 karena on December 5th, 2009 3:46 am

    i save money by eating thanksgiving dinner at my parents house lol….

    392 Denise Dion-Sullivan on December 5th, 2009 8:01 am

    I search for good make ahead recipes in early fall for my menu. I then make things ahead like cookie dough that can be frozen and then just sliced and baked a day before or applesauce that can be made in jars in the fall but taste fresh on Thanksgiving.” Homey – great tasting” touches to the meal!

    393 amy d on December 5th, 2009 9:03 am

    i save on time by making dishes the night before the holidays.thanks

    394 Karen M on December 5th, 2009 9:44 am

    I save money by watching the sales all year round. Some of the sales are really great deals on the basics that have a longer shelf life. Thanks.

    395 livingtheLOA on December 5th, 2009 11:12 am

    I come from a big family (3 sisters and a brother) and we always have thanksgiving together. We each bring a dish (and take turns hosting and making the turkey) so the holiday “work” is quicker, easier and less expensive for all. We make plenty of extra and everyone brings their gladware to take a little bit of everything home for leftovers.

    396 julieh on December 5th, 2009 12:20 pm

    I buy baking supplies in bulk at a warehouse store, then split the goods with my holiday baking buddies!

    397 Debra F on December 5th, 2009 1:04 pm

    I save money by shopping the sales and using my coupons. I do this all year too. I rarely pay full price for anything at the supermarket. It really does make a big difference. Most times, I cut my grocery bill almost in half.

    398 roseh2o19 on December 5th, 2009 1:39 pm

    we use walmart great value brand lunch meat – one slice each!

    399 Doreen on December 5th, 2009 3:39 pm 400 Ashley on December 5th, 2009 4:51 pm

    I do as much ahead of time as possible and delegate whatever I can to willing guests.

    ashaldridge (at) gmail (dot) com

    401 latisha depoortere on December 5th, 2009 5:25 pm

    My tip I shop at walmart to save money best prices and I buy on sale the things I use and use coupans. nice giveaway thank you.
    tishajean@charter.net

    402 latisha depoortere on December 5th, 2009 5:25 pm

    Im a subscriber too.
    tishajean@charter.net

    403 latisha depoortere on December 5th, 2009 5:26 pm

    Im a twitter follower too/ latishajean
    tishajean@charter.net

    404 heather on December 5th, 2009 5:37 pm

    I save money by shopping the weekly specials and clipping coupons. It can be time consuming, so I try to keep it as simple as possible by clipping for 10 minutes each night.

    405 Erika on December 5th, 2009 5:43 pm

    I buy whatever I can throughout the few months prior when things are on sale and I keep them in the pantry or freezer

    406 Aniela on December 5th, 2009 6:21 pm

    To save money on the big meal, I always keep the shelf stable ingredients I need in my mind and buy them when they’re on sale.

    407 Mandy H on December 5th, 2009 6:38 pm

    Buying in bulk and using coupons that’s how I do it. Thanks.

    408 JamericanSpice on December 5th, 2009 6:49 pm

    I saved by shopping for deals before Thanksgiving. I also use coupon. I saved time by doing bread and bake goods, the day before Thanksgiving.

    409 Daniel M on December 5th, 2009 10:00 pm

    coupons & sales and have sis/bro/uncle bring something

    410 Molly Capel on December 5th, 2009 11:20 pm

    The easiest way is by shopping at Walmart. lol I also watch for when things are on sale, to stock u pon them.

    411 Christie on December 5th, 2009 11:30 pm

    I save time on Holiday meals by making some things ahead of time and freezing them then baking them on the day of the dinner.

    412 Theresa DeRosa on December 6th, 2009 5:35 am

    I save money by shopping sales and matching coupons to sale items to maximize the savings.

    413 Erma H on December 6th, 2009 10:05 am

    I save money by buying off brand foods.

    414 Cheryl on December 6th, 2009 11:51 am

    Our family always has a potluck dinner, but we plan ahead who will bring what dish. If we know ahead of time then we can shop sales so we don’t have to break the bank to cook. Afterwards we all chip in to clean up and “divide the food” so everyone has left overs. No one is in the kitchen all day, no spends a bundle and we get to spend more time together!

    415 Susan B on December 6th, 2009 12:26 pm

    I make many dishes several days or weeks ahead and freeze or store them as appropriate. There is so much to do the night before and the day of the big meal, so is a big help and I get to spend more time with my family instead of in the kitchen.

    416 camille on December 6th, 2009 12:53 pm

    I save money by paying for groceries with cash and leaving my credit and debit cards at home. Thanks for hosting this great giveaway.

    417 Tanya R on December 6th, 2009 1:45 pm

    I save money on my holiday meal buy using coupons. And also buying some things in advance, like stuffing if it is on sale a couple weeks ahead.

    418 Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) on December 6th, 2009 3:42 pm

    I save money on our Thanksgiving Meal by taking advantage of store sales with coupons and freezing bulk items :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

    419 Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) on December 6th, 2009 3:43 pm

    Following on Twitter and Tweeted

    420 Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) on December 6th, 2009 3:44 pm

    Subscribed in reader

    421 Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) on December 6th, 2009 3:44 pm 422 Teresa on December 6th, 2009 4:01 pm

    I save money by getting items on sale and using coupons.

    :) Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! :)

    423 Anne G on December 6th, 2009 4:22 pm

    I save time by making things like bread ahead of time and freezing until Thanksgiving.

    424 Anne G on December 6th, 2009 4:23 pm

    I subscribe by email.

    425 Lisa on December 6th, 2009 4:28 pm

    I make sure to get everything ahead of time so that I avoide expensive last minute shopping trips.

    426 Lisa on December 6th, 2009 4:30 pm

    I subscribe in a reader.

    427 Lisa on December 6th, 2009 4:34 pm 428 christopher h on December 6th, 2009 4:51 pm

    i save money (and time) by cooking ahead- yams, mashed potatoes, & pies

    429 Carol on December 6th, 2009 4:59 pm

    I go to stores that accept other store coupons. I look for sales and if I need something, I buy in bulk.

    430 Carol on December 6th, 2009 5:00 pm 431 Walter Arnett on December 6th, 2009 5:05 pm

    I save money by eating at my moms

    432 Sherry Eckman on December 6th, 2009 5:09 pm

    I use coupons and watch for sale items! I also got a free turkey for redeeming my rewards points..so that helped out a lot as well!

    433 damon on December 6th, 2009 5:28 pm

    Have each guest bring a dish with them.

    434 Christy on December 6th, 2009 5:45 pm

    Coupons and not buying brand name items will save you a lot of money.

    435 Laura L on December 6th, 2009 5:57 pm

    I make my own croutons instead of buying them

    436 Nancy Sloan on December 6th, 2009 6:40 pm

    I saved money by buying walmart brands ( and they are good) and using coupons

    437 shawna on December 6th, 2009 7:19 pm

    I use coupons on everything that I can!

    438 Julie on December 6th, 2009 7:22 pm

    I use coupons and pricematch to save money. I put our turkey in the night before on a very low setting to save time.

    439 MelodicMom on December 6th, 2009 7:48 pm

    To save money, we have each person bring a covered dish. It saves time & money!

    440 MelodicMom on December 6th, 2009 7:48 pm 441 Arla on December 6th, 2009 8:00 pm

    I save time by preparing some foods ahead of time and you can save at the store when they put their reduced meats out on certain days, find ut what day that would be at your own particular store. The meats still good and you can get a nice savings sometimes.

    lighthousee27(at)gmail.com

    442 Arla on December 6th, 2009 8:01 pm

    Im subscribed!

    443 Nicole on December 6th, 2009 8:04 pm

    I save time by taking advantage of having multiple crock pots. There are a lot of apps that can be put in the crock pot in the fridge the night before and on Turkey day you just stick the bowl in and let the crock pot do it’s thing. Pre-prep is the most important time saver

    444 Crystal Allen on December 6th, 2009 8:41 pm

    i save money on our Thanksgiving meal by preparing a menu and shoppling list 3 weeks in advance. this gives me 3 weeks to watch sale adds and coupons so that i can buy my items on sale. thanks clallen at ntin dot net

    445 Crystal Allen on December 6th, 2009 8:42 pm

    sub by email clallen at ntin dot net

    446 Mimi the kitten on December 6th, 2009 9:01 pm

    I save $ by majoring in veggies (not meat)!

    447 Mir on December 6th, 2009 9:11 pm

    I save time by managing my time – preparing whatever can be prepared ahead of time and also we eat our dinner later in the day so we can all enjoy a nice relaxing morning (no early turkey-to-the-oven wake-up for this mommy!). I save money by eating up all the leftovers and making other meals out of turkey (pot pie, pita pockets and anything else I can think of).

    448 Elkaye on December 6th, 2009 10:12 pm

    I purchase store-brand items and use coupons when shopping for food.

    449 Elkaye on December 6th, 2009 10:12 pm

    I dugg on digg as Elkaye

    450 Elkaye on December 6th, 2009 10:13 pm

    RSS feed subscriber.

    451 Elkaye on December 6th, 2009 10:14 pm

    I follow on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/Elkaye/status/6422231736

    452 dawn on December 6th, 2009 10:59 pm

    try making alot of stuff rather then buying it already made to save money

    453 lovelife on December 7th, 2009 12:04 am

    I save money by paying close attention to the ads for the local grocery stores. Sometimes, the turkey is free with a certain dollar amount spent. I be sure to do my main grocery shopping during that time, so that I hit that mark by spending on what I needed anyhow.

    454 Michelle on December 7th, 2009 12:21 am

    I saved time this Thanksgiving by chopping and prepping vegetables ahead of time, and also by cleaning as I went – less to clean up at the end of the day, and less of a pile of dishes!

    455 Angela Winesburg on December 7th, 2009 12:50 am

    This year I did most of my shopping on Cyber Monday, great deals and free shipping. Much better than braving the crowds on Black Friday, thanks!

    456 Cynthya P on December 7th, 2009 1:05 am

    We save money by shopping the sales, which are always good around Thanksgiving, and using coupons. We also pick dishes with ingredients that aren’t too expensive which is pretty easy to do at Thanksgiving.

    457 Brandy on December 7th, 2009 3:20 am 458 Jennifer gersch on December 7th, 2009 3:56 am

    I google printable coupons to use on my meal

    459 Leslie S. on December 7th, 2009 7:47 am

    I save money by price comparing the different stores.I have learned that buy one get one fee deals are not always deals.Thanks!

    460 Kimberly on December 7th, 2009 7:50 am

    We save money on Thanksgiving by having a pot luck style meal. The person whos house we are at makes the turkey and then everyone brings some of the fixings.

    461 Kimberly on December 7th, 2009 7:51 am

    I subscribe via email.
    kirbycolby at gmail dot com

    462 Deborah Wellenstein on December 7th, 2009 8:16 am

    I make everything from scratch, including the stuffing! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    463 Iliana Blair on December 7th, 2009 8:36 am 464 Iliana Blair on December 7th, 2009 8:37 am

    I always shop with coupons and sales and go to stores that double the coupon value.

    465 uberVU - social comments on December 7th, 2009 8:44 am

    Social comments and analytics for this post…

    This post was mentioned on Twitter by rockinmama: Oops…Walmart GC giveaway link http://rockinmama.net/2009/11/22/how-to-feed-your-family-for-20-this-thanksgiving-giveaway/...

    466 Sandra Brower on December 7th, 2009 9:11 am

    I save money by cooking things together in the oven that require the same temperature and on the stove, if the items are compatible. For example, I put my eggs into the same boiling water as my skin on potatoes at the appropriate time when I am cooking potatoes for potato salad, one of my families favorites anytime. The quality is the same and I save money on electric and on water for clean up and cooking using only one pot. I also make alot of my ingredients from scratch to save on prepackaged foods. They are fresher, cheaper and taste better in the end product. It does take a little more time for me to prepare but I have helping hands in my kitchen so I have taught all my children to cook just like my mother did for me and my grandmother did for her..

    all_honey_here@yahoo.com

    467 Sandra Brower on December 7th, 2009 9:17 am

    I subscribe by email.

    Thanks for the contests!!

    all_honey_here@yahoo.com

    468 Sandra Brower on December 7th, 2009 9:34 am

    I shared your link on my Facebook page. ID is Sandy Brower.

    all_honey_here@yahoo.com

    469 Sandra Brower on December 7th, 2009 9:37 am

    I shared your link on MySpace. ID is all_honey_here

    all_honey_here@yahoo.com

    470 Kathy S on December 7th, 2009 10:23 am

    I find that instead of buying a whole turkey for the holidays, it works out better if I buy one of two turkey breasts. Everyone seems to want the white meat anyway, and if I have leftovers, it makes great sandwiches with a bit leftover to make a nice soup!

    471 tina reynolds on December 7th, 2009 10:38 am

    i stock up ahead on sale items and use lots of coupons thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    472 tina reynolds on December 7th, 2009 10:38 am

    i subscribe thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    473 Stephanie on December 7th, 2009 10:48 am

    I saved money on my Thanksgiving this year by shopping at Aldi. However, I usually shop at Walmart and I save money there by using coupons and buying store brands.

    Thanks for the chance!

    474 Brenda on December 7th, 2009 11:25 am

    I buy on sale! I plan my menu weeks ahead and then scour the local stores to be sure I get the best prices on everything I need.

    475 Brenda on December 7th, 2009 11:26 am 476 Erica G on December 7th, 2009 11:41 am

    We invite all our family and friends over for dinner. We make the main course and ask the rest of them to bring a side dish.

    477 Susan Smith on December 7th, 2009 11:46 am

    I save time and money by having other family members bring a dish

    478 Carla on December 7th, 2009 12:48 pm

    I make the desserts-pie, cookies, ect.-the night before. I peel the potatoes and set the table while watching the Thanksgiving parade on tv. I bake the cornbread and my veggies turkey loaf at the same time, and I can boil the potatoes and make the gravy while that is baking.

    479 katie on December 7th, 2009 12:54 pm

    We save by followign the sale papers and shopping early!

    480 katie on December 7th, 2009 12:56 pm

    I subscribe via Google Reader :)

    481 trixx on December 7th, 2009 12:57 pm

    To save money, we started doing potluck instead. It works out because there’s so much more variety of foods and no one is stuck doing all the cooking.

    482 Dddiva on December 7th, 2009 12:58 pm

    I save money by buying when things I know I use are at their cheapest and stocking up like butter, sugar & flour for baking.
    I save time by eating at my Mother in law’s house so I only have to make a few things. ;-)

    483 Dddiva on December 7th, 2009 12:59 pm

    I am a subscriber

    484 Lisa on December 7th, 2009 1:04 pm

    I save money on my Thanksgiving Meal by shopping for the things I need months in advance when the items are on sale like stuffing, gravy, etc

    485 Lisa on December 7th, 2009 1:04 pm

    I’m a subscriber

    486 Valeen N on December 7th, 2009 1:18 pm

    We eat together as a big extended family. We make assignments for all the food. this way it is not comopletely overwhelming for one person and we each get to bring our favorite dish!

    487 Susan Ledet on December 7th, 2009 2:17 pm

    I save money by shopping early, comparing prices and using coupons.

    488 Susan Ledet on December 7th, 2009 2:18 pm

    I subscribe.

    489 christina singer on December 7th, 2009 3:03 pm

    I prepare the green bean casserole and yams the day before and then just bake them off during the last 40 minutes of the turkey cooking time.

    490 Jennifer on December 7th, 2009 3:52 pm

    My first thought on saving money – Don’t invite anyone! Second (nicer) thought… Always ad-shop. Bring all the other stores’ ads to Walmart and they’ll price match a lower price.

    491 Courtney on December 7th, 2009 4:16 pm

    To save money I always use coupons and try to match them with the sales ads. That way you get more for your buck!

    492 reeva on December 7th, 2009 6:10 pm

    i save money by not over-buying food and i use coupons. I make just enough for everyone to eat hefty portions

    493 Melanie on December 7th, 2009 6:36 pm

    We cut coupons to save money! Which is reat because it means that we can afford to have as many sit down dinners as we like!

    494 hazel hunt on December 7th, 2009 6:37 pm

    Would love to win this!!

    495 kristy on December 7th, 2009 6:39 pm

    To save money I will use off brand products if I know that they are similar in quality and taste to the name brand ingredients.

    496 Annemarie on December 7th, 2009 6:43 pm

    I follow the sales and use coupons!!

    497 Annemarie on December 7th, 2009 6:46 pm

    I subscribe via email.

    498 Jimmy on December 7th, 2009 6:50 pm

    I buy things on sale and store them in the cabinet or freezer

    499 Naddez on December 7th, 2009 6:50 pm

    Multitasking is an efficient way to accomplish a lot in a little time.

    500 Naddez on December 7th, 2009 6:51 pm

    Follow on Twitter & tweeted @ http://twitter.com/Naddez/status/6449799959.

    501 Naddez on December 7th, 2009 6:52 pm

    Digg- Naddez.

    502 Naddez on December 7th, 2009 6:53 pm

    Fave this blog on Technorati- Naddez.

    503 Sonya on December 7th, 2009 7:45 pm

    Get your turkey for free from the grocery store (normally with a $99 purchase)

    504 Sonya on December 7th, 2009 7:46 pm

    Reader subscriber

    505 Heather on December 7th, 2009 8:00 pm

    I save money by using coupons!

    506 Derk Thomas on December 7th, 2009 8:17 pm

    Shopping the circulars and with coupons.

    507 Charity S. on December 7th, 2009 8:23 pm

    Time saving tip: Cook the day before Thanksgiving, and you can relax on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks

    508 Bridget Combs on December 7th, 2009 8:24 pm

    I try to make as many things as I can in advance so I’m not as hectic Thanksgiving day!

    509 Joanne Schultz on December 7th, 2009 8:24 pm

    shop sales, use coupons, and take advantage of any free ham/turkey offers by stores – spend a certain amount over a period of weeks and you get a coupon for free turkey/ham.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    510 Joanne Schultz on December 7th, 2009 8:24 pm

    I subscribe to your blog’s feed via google reader.

    511 Joanne Schultz on December 7th, 2009 8:24 pm

    i follow on twitter – js22222222 .
    tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/6452459860

    512 Charity S. on December 7th, 2009 8:26 pm 513 Charity S. on December 7th, 2009 8:27 pm

    email subscriber

    514 Justine Pierson on December 7th, 2009 8:39 pm

    I save money by buying a lot of premade items at Costco! They’re easy, cheap, and delicious too!

    515 Justine Pierson on December 7th, 2009 8:40 pm

    I subscribe via email

    516 CherylS22 on December 7th, 2009 8:46 pm

    I save money by shopping all the sales in the weeks leading up to the holiday – using coupons where I can. Thanks!

    517 CherylS22 on December 7th, 2009 8:47 pm

    I subscribe via Google Reader

    518 melissa on December 7th, 2009 9:08 pm

    I save money on my Thanksgiving Meal by buying some items at dollar stores, and having some members of the family bring a dish that is part of the meal.

    519 melissa on December 7th, 2009 9:09 pm 520 LindaW on December 7th, 2009 9:11 pm

    I save money by only cooking a turkey breast. Neither my husband or I like dark meat, so we get just the part we want. It also saves time, since the smaller mass means it cooks faster.

    521 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:17 pm

    In general, I try to save both time and money by spending a lot of time in the kitchen on weekends preparing lunch and dinner items for the week, freezing when possible (for example, preparing several types of sauce for noodle or pasta dishes). I find that I eat out for lunch and dinner a lot less if I have a week’s worth of meals prepared ahead of time. I also invested in a one-cup coffee maker to avoid that early-morning Starbucks run, which also saves me a lot of money as well as the time waiting in the drive-thru line. Thanks!

    522 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:17 pm

    I’m following you on twitter (@guettel78), and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/6453863240

    523 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:18 pm

    I’m an email subscriber: gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    524 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:19 pm 525 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:20 pm

    I dugg the giveaway: guettel78

    526 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:21 pm

    I stumbled the post: guettel78

    527 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:22 pm

    I faved the post on technorati: guettel78

    528 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:22 pm 529 Auriette on December 7th, 2009 9:25 pm

    It definitely pays to check all the sale papers for the grocery stores; you can look at them online. Make out a menu, so you know exactly what you need, so you’re not making double trips, then map out a route. Use coupons, too.

    530 DanV on December 7th, 2009 9:28 pm

    We save time at least on the day itself by trying to get things ready the week leading up to the dinner

    531 Brian E. on December 7th, 2009 9:28 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway…For big holiday meals we prepare most of the side dishes a day or two beforehand so we won’t be “chained” to the kitchen and can enjoy the company of our guests instead; 90% of your meal can be cooked ahead, almost everything except the turkey.

    532 Brian E. on December 7th, 2009 9:31 pm

    Following via Twitter: @brianpiero

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/brianpiero/status/6454202402

    533 Barbara Long on December 7th, 2009 9:35 pm

    I save money by buying items when they are on sale and/or I have a coupon.

    534 Geoff K on December 7th, 2009 9:35 pm

    I shared a link to the giveaway on Kirtsy: guettel78

    535 theodore esteghamat on December 7th, 2009 10:07 pm

    I save time by defrosting the turkey 3-4 days in advance otherwise it takes forever to cook.

    536 Karen on December 7th, 2009 10:10 pm

    We have everyone bring a dish so that no one is stuck buying and prearing all the food for a big family feast. We share the expenses and share the work, and frankly the meal is usally a lot more interesting that way anyway!

    537 Nancy S. on December 7th, 2009 10:15 pm

    I use coupons to save as much money as possible and try to make items ahead of time to save time.

    538 Jennifer Jozwiak on December 7th, 2009 10:19 pm

    i save time by getting prepared sides from the deli!

    539 Charlene Kuser on December 7th, 2009 10:27 pm

    I save money on Thanksgiving by planning ahead,make a list,shop
    the ads,the buy items when they go on sale.I also look for coupons on
    the computer or newspaper to use.I watch my gas and combine trips
    Also it is wise to let guests bring a dish and they usually don’t mind.I
    usually buy generic brands if it is cheaper

    540 Charlene Kuser on December 7th, 2009 10:39 pm 541 Charlene Kuser on December 7th, 2009 10:40 pm

    Subscriber via email

    542 Sarah Lehan on December 7th, 2009 10:47 pm

    I save time, money & enegy by having Thanksgiving at my friend’s house. I usually bring ice and help prepare (I’m not a cook). Thanks for the contest.

    543 Gianna on December 7th, 2009 10:47 pm

    I look at sale ads online weekly and then look for coupons online to save even more :)

    544 Sarah Lehan on December 7th, 2009 10:51 pm 545 Chrysa on December 7th, 2009 11:00 pm

    I save time by preparing as much as I can a day or two before so that on Thanksgiving I only have to worry about the turkey and heating things up.

    546 Chrysa on December 7th, 2009 11:01 pm 547 Janet on December 7th, 2009 11:01 pm

    I buy items on sale when I can:)

    548 Chrysa on December 7th, 2009 11:02 pm

    I’m subscribed to your RSS feed in my Google Reader.

    549 Lily Kwan on December 7th, 2009 11:42 pm

    I save money by combining coupons with sales when grocery shopping.

    550 Lily Kwan on December 7th, 2009 11:56 pm

    I subscribed to your email feed.

    551 Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) on December 10th, 2009 2:29 pm

    Thanks so much Caryn and Walmart! We’ll enjoy shopping with this gift card :)

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