Who doesn’t love foamie soap?

We are all looking for ways to save money, and there are a gazillion lists out there filled with little ways to do it. Let's make it a gazillion plus one! Here are a few of my favorites that save a little cash, and in some cases, amaze the kids at the same time.

Make your own foamie soap. Save your foamie soap dispenser. Therein lies the magic. As far as the recipe, most websites recommend 1 tablespoon of liquid soap topped off with warm water for a normal size bottle. I must admit that this morning in a bit of a mad rush, I simply squirted 6 or 7 squirts directly from my kitchen liquid soap bottle, added water and ran back to the girls' bathroom. Success. Obviously, it's not a science! By using a clear soap to start with, you can eliminate all of those colorful stains from the back splash and sink. My 7-year-old thinks I’m magic.

Fake Mochas. Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate made with coffee. Side benefit: fewer calories and with most of the packets, 30% of your daily calcium intake. Extra bonus: No attitude from a Venti Peddling Barista.

Free Marinade and Rubs at Bel Air (or Raley's). Buy meat from Bel Air and have the butcher add a marinade or rub free of charge. They have at least 20 different choices, and then your meat is ready to hit the grill even on the busiest of weeknights. And while you are there, have them sharpen your knives, also free.

Google search: rice pudding with leftover rice I found this recipe after accidentally making too much rice. Now I sometimes cook too much on purpose! 2 cups leftover cooked white rice 3 cups milk (any kind) 1/2 cup sugar small pinch salt 1/2 cup raisins 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional pinch nutmeg, optional Combine cooked rice, milk, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the vanilla and raisins. Cook until just about all of the milk is absorbed (30-45 minutes, depending on how absorbent your rice is). Stir in cinnamon and/or nutmeg, if using. Divide rice pudding into individual serving dishes serve warm or chilled. Makes 4-6 servings. [NOTE: I doubled the rice but not the sugar and it was delish. And I skipped the individual cups. More dishes is a no-no!]

Fill the bubble machine for pennies. One part dish soap to ten parts water. Done. Some bubble experts prefer Dawn or Joy. I use what I have. If you add 1/4 part of Karo's Corn Syrup, the bubbles are stronger and their colors are more intense. Here’s to saving! More to come...