Tis The Season- $5 Dinner Cookbook (GIVEAWAY!!)

Whew, you are really cutting it down to the wire huh? Well hopefully you have all your Christmas shopping done, but maybe you need a little something left for the cooks in your life. Or maybe you need an idea to hint about to the clueless gift shoppers in your life. Or maybe you just need to get on out of the house, throw on something other than yoga pants and buy yourself something that will make your life a little easier. True confessions: I shopped for myself today in my yoga pants with a sad little hat on so maybe you don’t even need to fancy yourself up.

I blogged a few weeks ago about my friend Erin’s new cookbook on pre-release. Well now it is out and I just happened to get a copy. It is wonderful. And not just a cookbook. If you have been trying to cut your grocery bill but unsure how, there is a whole section on how to coupon, shop circulars and stockpile. I have been doing all three for a year or two and have cut our yearly grocery budget by nearly a thousand dollars. Wish I could say that equaled more shoes, but somehow it didn’t work out that way.

Then there are just a whole pile of dinners that cost less than $5 to make. I made a beef stew a few nights ago that the hubby raved about. Even the kiddos tried a little which is beyond shocking. I can’t wait to try a few more recipes. My only complaint so far is that I wish the recipes had calorie counts and a few more pics, but that is only because I like pretty pictures and am trying to lose weight. But on the upside because they are frugal recipes they don’t contain many ingredients and a lot of the ingredients are healthy so I have a feeling many of them are low calorie. Plus I have seen Erin in person and she is skinny, so there is that.

This cookbook hits the shelves tomorrow. So you can run right out and scoop it up before the holidays. Perfect timing huh? You can even get it signed if you live in any of these areas. You could even name drop that The Diaper Diaries sent you. She would be way impressed. Or you can win one right here. Yep, I have a $5 Dinner Cookbook to give away to a lucky reader. To enter leave me a comment telling me you best money saving tip. You can also get extra entries by leaving a SEPARATE comment for each of the following:

• Subscribe to The Diaper Diaries by email or RSS feed and let me know you do so
• Follow $5 Dollar Dinners on Twitter
• Follow The Diaper Diaries on Twitter and tweet “Wanna win the new $5 Dinner cookbook over @DiaperDiaries? Head over here to enter: http://is.gd/5wSVs”

So you can get up to 4 entries for the contest. The contest will end next Monday, Dec. 28th when the winner will be drawn via Random.org. Best of luck!!

Disclosure: I was provide with a cookbook for myself and 1 cookbook to give away to 1 randomly selected winners. I did not receive any other compensation for this review. All opinions in this post are my own.

Tweet This Post

Jill is the author of The Diaper Diaries. She has been changing diapers for 6+ years as a stay at home mom of three children. She also has a devoted husband who graciously puts up with this little internet hobby. They all probably wishes she would exercise a bit more discretion as she shares their life's ups, downs and in-betweens with anyone willing to read it. You can (almost always) find her on Twitter @DiaperDiaries.

79 Comments »

1. Laura K says:

   I would have to say what saves me the most money is following thrifty blogs and getting in on the deals they advertise.

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 12:54 am

2. Laura K says:

   I also follow you in a feed reader. Thanks!

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 am

3. Britiney says:

   My best money saving tip – plan meals ahead. We eat out less and I spend less at the grocery store. Double bonus.
   Britiney´s last blog ..My new favorite Christmas song

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 2:08 am

4. Britiney says:

   I’m a subscriber through google reader!
   Britiney´s last blog ..My new favorite Christmas song

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 2:09 am

5. Britiney says:

   And I’m following her on twitter!!
   Britiney´s last blog ..My new favorite Christmas song

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 2:10 am

6. Heather d. says:

   I love saving money by stocking up on case lot sales and then “shopping” from my pantry

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 2:33 am

7. Heather d. says:

   I subscribe to your feed

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 2:33 am

8. Evelyn says:

   I give my email address or sign up for birthday clubs, etc. This year, I got a lot of $10 coupons good on $10 worth of merchandise…it came in so handy for gifts for people on my list. Then my kids get free ice cream cones on their birthday, or small gift cards to Toys R Us, etc. Some people don’t like the email but you become privvy to a lot of exclusive sales and special offers. (just set up an email exclusively for that purpose) I did save a lot of money this Christmas because of it.

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 8:51 am

9. lisa aka thebeadgirl says:

   ok…i subscribe
   lisa aka thebeadgirl´s last blog ..Everday Bracelet – Textured Bars of Silver and Gold on Triple Chain

   [Reply]

   December 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 am

10. lisa aka thebeadgirl says:

    i am now following your friend on twitter
    lisa aka thebeadgirl´s last blog ..Everday Bracelet – Textured Bars of Silver and Gold on Triple Chain

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 am

11. lisa aka thebeadgirl says:

    yup, i know how to tweet and i DID it!
    lisa aka thebeadgirl´s last blog ..Everday Bracelet – Textured Bars of Silver and Gold on Triple Chain

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am

12. lisa aka thebeadgirl says:

    Best money saving tip? Plan ahead, make a list, stick to it. Works for me!
    lisa aka thebeadgirl´s last blog ..Everday Bracelet – Textured Bars of Silver and Gold on Triple Chain

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am

13. mandi @ it's come to this says:

    Best money saving tip – never leave the house:) Ok, my real tip is that after Christmas I’ll buy red paper plates/napkins/cups for valentine parties
    mandi @ it’s come to this´s last blog ..Top ten tuesday … christmas day countdown

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 am

14. mandi @ it's come to this says:

    I follow $5 Dinners on Twitter.

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 am

15. mandi @ it's come to this says:

    I follow you on Twitter:)
    mandi @ it’s come to this´s last blog ..Top ten tuesday … christmas day countdown

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:24 am

16. mandi @ it's come to this says:

    And I subscribe to your blog:)

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:24 am

17. Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad says:

    I follow you on Twitter…3ladiesandadad

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:37 am

18. Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad says:

    Money saviong tip…Menu Plan!
    Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad´s last blog ..A Christmas Card For You!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:37 am

19. Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad says:

    I follow $5 Dinners on Twitter
    Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad´s last blog ..A Christmas Card For You!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:38 am

20. Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad says:

    I am subscribed!
    Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad´s last blog ..A Christmas Card For You!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:38 am

21. joanna says:

    Erin’s first stop on the book tour is just a few minutes from my house- so I need to get a hold of the cookbook before she gets here!

    My best money-saving tip: Make a budget.
    joanna´s last blog ..Adventures in Home Ownership: Burst Pipes

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am

22. joanna says:

    I follow $5 Dinners on twitter! @keepingfeet
    joanna´s last blog ..Adventures in Home Ownership: Burst Pipes

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am

23. Sarah says:

    One of my money saving tips…have a list – make a plan.
    Sarah´s last blog ..Frugal Friday #5 – a little late

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:44 am

24. Sarah says:

    I also follow you in RSS feedreader thing…
    Sarah´s last blog ..Frugal Friday #5 – a little late

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:44 am

25. Kari says:

    I subscribe to The Diaper Diaries via e-mail.

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 9:59 am

26. Kari says:

    I always shop with coupons! Always! And it has gotten to the point that my kids ask if we have a coupon when we are shopping!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:00 am

27. Jen-After the Alter says:

    Best money saving tip?? I have found that I can do a lot of shopping at the Dollar store! I love it there and the dollar tree in my area has a freezer section too! I’d love to win this cookbook! Easy and cheap meals sound great to me!
    Jen-After the Alter´s last blog ..Packing For Holiday Travel

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 am

28. Jen-After the Alter says:

    I already subscribe to the diaper diaries!!
    Jen-After the Alter´s last blog ..Packing For Holiday Travel

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:03 am

29. Jen-After the Alter says:

    I follow $5dollar dinners on twitter!
    Jen-After the Alter´s last blog ..Packing For Holiday Travel

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:03 am

30. Jen-After the Alter says:

    i tweeted abou the giveaway! http://twitter.com/afterthealter/status/6929546493
    Jen-After the Alter´s last blog ..Packing For Holiday Travel

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 am

31. Christy says:

    I tweeted.. #1

    http://twitter.com/Blaysmom

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:37 am

32. Christy says:

    I subsribed to your RSS feed #2
    Christy´s last blog ..HELP!!!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:41 am

33. jen says:

    well, i am an extremely cheap, er i mean, fragile person… so i have many tips. but i guess one main general tip, is dont spend what you dont have. (and dont buy it if you dont really need it. oh, and use coupons. combo them with sales.)
    jen´s last blog ..the weekend before Christmas!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:41 am

34. jen says:

    i follow you on bloglines, if that counts for another entry
    jen´s last blog ..the weekend before Christmas!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:42 am

35. Shana says:

    Plan a menu and stick to it! I would love to try this cookbook.

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:01 am

36. Amy @ Finer Things says:

    My tip? Don’t buy stuff. Be a minimalist. There is so much we can do without!
    Amy @ Finer Things´s last blog ..The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:28 am

37. Amy @ Finer Things says:

    You’re in my google reader.
    Amy @ Finer Things´s last blog ..The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:28 am

38. Amy @ Finer Things says:

    I follow Erin on twitter… and got to have lunch with her the other day!
    Amy @ Finer Things´s last blog ..The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:28 am

39. Amy @ Finer Things says:

    Tweeted! http://twitter.com/AmysFinerThings/statuses/6931842239
    Amy @ Finer Things´s last blog ..The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am

40. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect
    Twitter: givingupperfect
    says:

    Money-saving tip? Ummm…I need more of those. I guess shopping at Aldi or Super Walmart – because our grocery stores around here are WAY more expensive!
    Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last blog ..The Christmas Can-Can

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:38 am

41. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect
    Twitter: givingupperfect
    says:

    I subscribe.
    Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last blog ..The Christmas Can-Can

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:38 am

42. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect
    Twitter: givingupperfect
    says:

    I follow you on Twitter.
    Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last blog ..The Christmas Can-Can

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:39 am

43. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect
    Twitter: givingupperfect
    says:

    I tweeted about this, but not the exact phrase. Oops! (But seriously, like I tweeted, I need this b/c I bought a copy for my cousin and now I want to KEEP it!)
    Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last blog ..The Christmas Can-Can

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 11:39 am

44. Jen says:

    One of my money saving tips- never underestimate Goodwill and garage sales. I get some great deals on things I do need and get some great toys and books for my daughter (she doesn’t care if they have already been played with!)
    Jen´s last blog ..A different kind of holiday…

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 12:33 pm

45. Jen says:

    I subscribe
    Jen´s last blog ..A different kind of holiday…

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm

46. Marj M. says:

    The best money saving tip I can think of off the top of my head is washing and reusing sandwich bags or any zip top bag. Those little babies add up to big bucks.

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm

47. Marj M. says:

    I’m an email subscriber.

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 1:34 pm

48. Kate
    Twitter: ModernAMama
    says:

    Sounds like a good idea! I’m betting if the recipes include real foods (i.e. not canned or processed stuff) they are healthy. I have some real-food recipes at my blog if you’re looking to lose weight. I lost all my baby weight plus 5 lbs. on them, and my husband lost 40.
    Kate´s last blog ..God Working in My Life

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 2:21 pm

49. nicolerenae says:

    I think I save the most money by reading the Sarah’s Deals blog and matching up coupons with sales. I love that she can find so many coupons that I didn’t know were out there.

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm

50. nicolerenae says:

    I subscribe by email!

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm

51. Jerri
    Twitter: prov31grace(at)yahoo(dot)com
    says:

    My best money-saving tip is stacking coupons with sale items. If you have a store coupon, and a manufacturer coupon for an item that’s on sale, you can score!

    prov31grace@yahoo.com
    Jerri´s last blog ..Thankful Thursday – The Gift

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm

52. Jerri
    Twitter: prov31grace(at)yahoo(dot)com
    says:

    Also, I am a subscriber by email.

    prov31grace@yahoo.com
    Jerri´s last blog ..Thankful Thursday – The Gift

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 pm

53. Kendra aka The Meanest Momma
    Twitter: rardnek
    says:

    My best money-saving tip this Christmas season is to throw away the catalogs as soon as they come in the house!

    I already made my lists and did my shopping, but then these glossy rags kept tempting me to spend more money.

    By not looking, I removed the temptation to spend more.
    Kendra aka The Meanest Momma´s last blog ..Snow Much Fun

    [Reply]

    December 22nd, 2009 at 8:02 pm

54. Erica says:

    I subscribe via email!

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 12:41 am

55. Lora says:

    My best money-saving tip is actually two tips (couldn’t pick just one)…menu-planning and coupons!
    Lora´s last blog ..Honest Scrap

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 am

56. Lora says:

    I follow $5 Dinners on Twitter.
    Lora´s last blog ..Honest Scrap

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 am

57. Lora says:

    I also follow you on Twitter!
    Lora´s last blog ..Honest Scrap

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 am

58. Lora says:

    And I subscribe to your feed via Google Reader!
    Lora´s last blog ..Honest Scrap

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 am

59. Miriam says:

    I use coupons. My fav is when I need something from Walgreens (which is at least every week), I will buy an item with register rewards, then use the register rewards to buy what I need. You are only allowed one of the register rewards item in a purchase – so, sometimes, I make a couple of stops just to collect the rewards …. equals free products!

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 5:41 am

60. Lisa says:

    My best money saving tip is quite simple…develop a budget and stick to it. It’s a lot easier said than done, but it makes a huge difference! Also, if you budget for gifts monthly, you can shop for gifts when they’re on sale rather than waiting til the end of the year and paying full price for things!
    Lisa´s last blog ..Why I’m Reading The Bible in 90 Days

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm

61. Lisa says:

    I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted.

    @LisaAboutLife
    Lisa´s last blog ..Why I’m Reading The Bible in 90 Days

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm

62. Lisa says:

    I follow $5 Dinners on Twitter.

    @LisaAboutLife
    Lisa´s last blog ..Why I’m Reading The Bible in 90 Days

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm

63. Lisa says:

    I subscribe in a reader!
    Lisa´s last blog ..Why I’m Reading The Bible in 90 Days

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm

64. Lynnet says:

    I follow you on Twitter
    Lynnet´s last blog ..Not Me Monday – the Best Laid Plans

    [Reply]

    December 23rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm

65. Allison says:

    My best money saving tip is to shop sales. Never pay full price for anything!
    Allison´s last blog ..10 Ways to Get Fit After the Holidays

    [Reply]

    December 24th, 2009 at 12:50 am

66. Allison says:

    I subscribe via RSS
    Allison´s last blog ..10 Ways to Get Fit After the Holidays

    [Reply]

    December 24th, 2009 at 12:51 am

67. Allison says:

    I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/Alli_n_Son/status/6989257927
    Allison´s last blog ..10 Ways to Get Fit After the Holidays

    [Reply]

    December 24th, 2009 at 12:52 am

68. Roshelle says:

    My best tip for saving money is to meal plan and then write a strict list and stick to it. It’s the impulse buys that really kill a budget.
    Roshelle´s last blog ..Through the eyes of children

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 2:24 am

69. Roshelle says:

    I follow diaper diaries.
    Roshelle´s last blog ..Through the eyes of children

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 2:25 am

70. Lisa says:

    I save money by buying groceries on “double coupon” days at my supermarket. Or buying in bulk at Costco.

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 3:27 am

71. Lisa says:

    I subscribe via email

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 3:27 am

72. Christa says:

    Best money saving tip – only buy what I need!

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am

73. Christa says:

    I follow $5 Dollar Dinners on twitter

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am

74. Christa says:

    and I follow you on twitter!

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am

75. Christa says:

    I just subscribed for your blog via email.

    Happy New Year!

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am

76. trixx says:

    I save money by looking at store flyers and planning my meals around what’s on sale!

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 11:29 pm

77. trixx says:

    I’m an email subscriber

    [Reply]

    December 27th, 2009 at 11:30 pm

78. Amelia says:

    I am so excited about the cookbook; what a great resource!

    My #1 money saving strategy is to meal plan – while stocking up on items when I have a coupon or when they go on sale.

    [Reply]

    December 28th, 2009 at 11:48 am

79. Amelia says:

    I subscribe!I’m a new reader but looking forward to checking out your 1 Cor 7:5 Challenge (my husband doesn’t know it yet, but he’s happy I found your site, too! )
    Amelia´s last blog ..Noteworthy, I Tell You

    [Reply]

    December 28th, 2009 at 11:51 am

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

You can add a link to follow you on twitter if you put your username in this box.
Only needs to be added once (unless you change your username). No http or @ Twitter

Click to cancel reply