Double savings protein garden

A while back I wrote about how to saving money on seeds when starting a garden. Now, I can report even more ways to save money and to keep a healthy garden and bank account.

We were watching one of those survival shows on tv when we hit upon a great idea. We have been having a problem with bugs/insects in our garden and have been spraying without much success. However, we found the solution. My son and I go out back and pick the bugs off by hand.

I know that doesn't sound frugal but it is because.....we keep the insects and roast them. It may sound odd but they are really good with the right spices. Just put them in the toaster oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Insects are a great source of free protein.

(http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2004/51409/index.html)

So now we are getting free protein, saving money on bug spray and are getting better growth in our garden! I do have to report that my wife will not eat the bugs straight up but she does like them as a salad topping. She has always been a fan of crunchy toppings.

5 bucks off

I've been very good about not going out to eat.  My wife and I have probably saved a bunch of money by cooking at home.  However, the local diner is starting this program where if you eat there once a week they will take off 5 bucks per week.  The only catch is you have to bring in  your old receipt.   I figure we can save over 260 bucks this year if we eat there every week (52 x 5) for a year.

I'm always looking for ways to save money.  Have you found any ways this week?