Dearest Frugal Mom,

I am a single father of two healthy and intelligent children. At the supper table, my kids and I discuss the merits and global impacts of the meal we have cooked for ourselves. I grew up on school lunchees and junk food, and thank goodness that part of the eighties are over.

Today, packaged food (e.g. a bag of rice) will have “Nutrition Facts” printed right on the package. So, naturally, my kids will ask me questions ranging anywhere from why are Vitamins and Minerals so important to what constitutes a serrving size or how many calories are in a good diet.

My daughter, Madison, is almost nine; Noah, my boy, just turned six. I remember growing up asking my grandfather a thousand questions. He always took the time, no matter how long the explanation, to explain what I needed to know.

Today, I am blessed with two inquisitive Honor Roll children, healthy and happy. And thanks in much part to your Frugal website, my children do not have to have the same upbringing I did. Instead of having to choose between good eats or shopping for some useless expensive toy, I cook with their help, make a picnic of it, bring a ball to the park, and always end with a frozen treat in the cooler in my car’s trunk.

With the money I save, I can treat the kids to AMF “Rock ‘n’ Bowl,” a SoCal bowling facility with Rock and Roll music and gutter ramps so the children almost always hit a pin or two. Moreover, bit by bit, I save towards their college educations. By being frugal, you can give your kids some of the things you could not get as a child: extra attention, home-cooked meals, and the security of knowing that there will be an educational safety net there for when they graduate high school.

Finally, learning to be frugal, the learning process of understanding and incorporating value into family tradition teaches both parent and young alike the importance of conservation without compromising quality. Throwing away food is throwing away money. And with prices as high as they are today, I don’t think any family can afford to throw away money.

So, keep it real simple. Chocolate shakes, out. Fresh homemade smoothies, in! God bless you, Ms Frugal, for creating and maintaing this website. I am a college-educated man. Clearly my degrees and certifications show I am leared and a hard wworker.

But the best education I have came from a busy Mommy. You mean a lot to me, and inspire more than you know.
Thank you, Frugal Mom.

Your fans forever,

Shawn, Madison, and Noah

I like to add a dab of Becel margarine (or butter) and corn or green beans, red peppers and onions and then you have a really tasty dish.

The rice cooker is a good deal!

But I do still want one!