Frugal Family

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column will be dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family's bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. 

Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

This week, Frugal Family scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on meals, Lake Lanier lodging and activities, dress-up for kids, Dish network, and an ADT home alarm system.

Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions.

Click on name of deal to automatically be connected to online website.

1. Lake Lanier Lodging, Canapy, & Aqua Tours

Deal: $590 for $1,100 (50% value) on a 4-nights, 4-bedrooms with jacuzzi lodge.  Other deals include 2 nights, 2 bedrooms; 4 nights, 2 bedrooms; and 2 nights, 4 bedrooms, also all with jacuzzis. Redefining lodging on Lake Lanier, this property with its new log cabins offers individuals or groups a peaceful, relaxing weekend or vacation. Power boat and Waverunner rental and boat storage also available. 

Check the following websites for deals on Lake Lanier Aqua Rentals and/or Canapy Tours as well:  http://halfoffdepot.com/atlanta/lanier-aqua-rentals-ski.html or http://halfoffdepot.com/atlanta/lake-lanier-canopy-tours.html.

Good Through: Depends on number of buyers each day.

2. Power Capes

Deal: $17 for $35 (51% value) worth of Superhero necessities. Great for plays or year-round pretend play. Made with comfortable, quality fabrics that withstand wear and tear. As parents, we should encourage our kids to indulge their wildest fantasies. Add an emblem or monogram for a personalized gift sure to boost your caped crusader’s confidence. 

Good Through: Thursday, April 7, 2011. Limit (1) voucher per transaction.  Voucher must be used in full at once. Expires October 7, 2011.

3. Jw's Steakhouse

Deal: $10 for $25 gift certificates available at restaurant located in our very own Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett Place. Romantic but family-oriented as well. A neighborhood favorite offering a casual, friendly dining atmosphere. Ask about specials and chef's selections.

Good Through: Depends on number of buyers each day.

4. Dish Network

Deal:  $15 off for 12 months. Includes a $75 American Express gift card, too.

Good Through: May vary by location.

5. ADT

Deal: New customers receive $100 Visa gift card and free ADT Security System valued at $850. Protect your home and keep your family safe.

Good Through: May vary by dealer and location. 

BONUS: 

Deal: Several Blockbuster stores in Gwinnett County are closing this month, and although shelves are emptying there are still bargains to be had. Stores at 3750 Howell Ferry Road, 6575 Sugarloaf Parkway and 3780 Old Norcross Road in Duluth were closing April 10. The Blockbuster at 3640 Club Drive at Pleasant Hill Road in Lawrenceville is closing the same day. As closing day neared, previously viewed DVDs were on sale for $2.99, and new DVDs were deeply discounted. A selection of Blu-ray discs also were on sale.

Good Through: April 10.

Editor's note:  Nickie Sears-Schroeder is a busy wife and mother with two boys ages 7 and 6.  Nickie serves as a room mother and on a PTA art committee at the boys' school.  In addition, Nickie cheers for her sons at swim team, basketball and T-ball/baseball and for her husband's softball and baseball teams.  She also enjoys captaining her subdivision's C-level ALTA tennis team and has served as Community and Facility Social Director.  At Sugarloaf United Methodist Church, she is the Outside Events Coordinator and volunteers as a Greeter/Kids & Nursery Crew Leader.  For 14 years, she has been a meeting, conference and convention planner as well as a travel director.  She also recently started a professional organizing business for homes and offices called Peaceful Nooks & Crannies, which is also a co-op partner at FYI (Frugally Yours Interiors) in Historic Downtown Duluth.  A former president of the Moms Club of Duluth East, Nickie values the club as a source of friendship and support for her whole family.