Frugal Families: Five Deals to Stretch the Family Budget

Welcome back to our weekly rundown of five local deals to help with your family’s bottom line. Since we do the scouting, we're saving you time as well as money.

This week, we scoured local sources for deals to help de-stress your week. These include savings on speciality grocery items that could inspire a mid-week get-together; discounts for a new fitness or yoga class plus workout gear; and an inexpensive way to create a tropical "getaway" at home. Remember to check with the merchants for  additional conditions that may apply.

1. Gourmet Groceries - Rodman's, 5148 Nicholson Lane, 301.881.6253 (White Flint Plaza).

Deal: Have an impromptu get-together while saving on fruit, cheese, wine and more with Rodman's Weekly Specials. This week's deals include wine as low as $5.55 a bottle, blueberries at $1.69 box, and German sausages starting at $2.99. Check the weekly flier for discounts on produce as well as on unusual or exotic foods. (Tip: Join Rodman's "Rewards" online to receive special coupons and savings).

Good through: This week's deals good through Tuesday, March 1. Check website for new specials.

2. Fitness (yoga, workouts and more): Anytime Fitness, 4265 Howard Ave., 240-242-3053.

Deal: Save $50 and get your first month free with a new membership (or get a personal training session). Mention this offer when you call or visit the club. 

Good through: For a limited time. Contact club for more details.

3. Workout Gear: Sports Authority, 12055 Rockville Pike, 301-231-8650.

Deal: Get discounts on gear for that yoga (or other) workout. Save $10 when you spend $50, or $25 when you spend $100 with "cash card" coupons you can print from their website. Coupons can be used on already-discounted items for added savings. Don't forget to sign up and save for 10 percent off online purchases, too.

Good through: Cash card coupons good through March 5. Sign-up-and-save deals are ongoing.

4. Candles: Bath & Body Works, 11301 Rockville Pike, 301-816-9077 (White Flint Mall).

Deal: Enjoy the scent of an island getaway as you work out at home with savings of nearly 50 percent on new tropical-scented candles in fragrances like island colada, pineapple orchid and tropical spice. Large 14.5 oz jar candles are two for $20 (regularly $19.50 each).

Good through: March 6. Also available online (see website for more details).

5. See better, for less: Lenscrafters, 11301 Rockville Pike, 301-881-4334 (White Flint Mall).

Deal: Get 50 percent off lenses with frame purchase at the Semi-Annual Lens Event (includes bifocals, no-lines and prescription sunglasses). Also save 50 percent on kids glasses every day, or get 30 percent off glasses for AAA or AARP members.

Good through: Semi-Annual Lens Event goes through April 3. Other discounts are ongoing. See website for more details.

Happy savings!