Here are thirty-three basic smart shopping tips that can be used anywhere you shop. Use them to save money, and as a guide to strengthen your purchasing power.

1. Plan your spending. Avoid impulse buys.

2. Advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest.

3. Watch for unadvertised specials.

4. Remember to ask for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out.

5. To avoid crowds, do not shop after work, on paydays, or just before holidays.

6. Buy items before you run out of them. Buy at clearance, or sale price, instead of regular price when you must have the item.

7. Know the sales cycle in your area.

8. Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good deal for your family. If you won't use it, don't buy it.

9. Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

10. Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I deserve it" mentality.

11. Buy at the end of the season.

12. Stock up when prices are low.

13. Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage stores, thrift stores, consignment shops, warehouse clubs, yard sales, and garage sales.

14. Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

15. Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.

16. Shop alone. Other individuals will only help fill your shopping cart.

17. Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.

18. Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

19. Know your prices, keep a price book.

20. About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how your price book helps you.

21. Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always cheaper.

22. Look at unit prices.

23. You pay more for fancy packaging. Beware.

24. Remember the "Rule of Three": If an item has three different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your money.

25. Never pay full price.

26. Shop defensively.

27. Try store and generic brands.

28. Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt.

29. Shop for gifts year round.

30. Return purchases that do not meet your expectations.

31. Complain if it is genuinely warranted.

32. Call before you go to confirm item is available.

33. If you must, leave the checkbook and credit cards at home or in the car.

Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2005.

You want to be a good parent - I don't doubt it for a minute. In fact, you spend all your spare time transporting your kids from one thing to the next, you read them bedtime stories, you make them snacks, you help them clean up messes you didn't create, you feed them, you answer their midnight calls and you help injuries become a manageable crisis.

Yet for all you do, you don't feel like a good parent. You feel frustrated with your children and you're ashamed that you're often upset with them.

It doesn't matter if you are happily married or a single parent, you can be a better parent.

Relax, there is no guilt ridden speech in here somewhere, just one practical bit of parenting advice - take a little time out for you. Hire a sitter, get grandma involved, try a babysitter coop, just find a time when you can get away. If you're married this could be a time when you get to date your spouse (when was the last time that happened?). If you're single it could be a shopping trip without toddler interruptions and demands or maybe a night at a local scrapbook class.

If you are a stay-at-home mom, you will find you need adult conversation and reading, ?The Life and Times of an Affectionate Purple Dinosaur? just isn't doing the trick. Some 'planned' time out will allow discussions that may center on something other than feedings, children's stories and a myriad of difficulties associated with wax, walls and artistic expression.

Lest you think I am condoning the abandonment of children let me say that this concept is not new, it's not original, yet it is a simple way to feed at a sanity buffet for just a little while in preparation for questions about why certain goldfish float, why grass is green instead of purple, and why air isn't wet.

It is possible to spend everyday with your child and come away looking like a picture I once saw of a lady with a decidedly nervous tick and a caption that read, ?Excuse me, Son, could you stop jumping on my last nerve?? A time away doing something constructive with a spouse or friends who share similar interests can go a long way in reconnecting the frayed nerves.

Your children may wail and bemoan the unfairness of being left with a sitter, but don't let them fool you - as soon as you're out of earshot those little rascals are doing the chicken dance. Being away from you for even a short time helps them appreciate you more and allows you a few moments with a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate.

Trust me - you'll be a better parent by giving yourself a time out.

This recipe is a delicious family favorite, given to me by a best friend. Guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters!

You will need:

French bread loaf

Tin foil

Spaghetti sauce (1 jar or can)

Mix together:

1 cup milk

1 lb hamburger

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 egg

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 tsp fennel seeds (optional)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1 tblsp mustard

8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix the previous ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Slice French bread lengthwise in half. Scoop half of meat mixture onto top of bread half. Repeat for second half.

Cover bottoms of bread halves with tin foil and wrap around to cover crust--not the meat. Place on cookie sheet and bake @ 350 for about 40-45 minutes or until meat is fully cooked. Meanwhile, heat spaghetti sauce in pan on stove.

Slice boats into desired size, and serve alongside a few spoonfuls of spaghetti sauce for dipping.

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