Day to day, we pinch pennies. We eat most meals at home, my husband drives an 18-year-old car, we shop at thrift stores more than we shop the malls, and I make our own laundry soap.

Every now and then, we splurge. And it’s those splurges that make the frugal life worthwhile.

Our most recent big-ticket splurge was a weeklong trip to England to celebrate 30 years of marriage.

We budgeted $5,000 for my husband and I to explore London and take day trips to Canterbury, Stonehenge and Bath.

In the year leading up to our trip, we looked for ways – big and small – to save money without skimping on the experience.

Here are a few of the ways we economized without cheating ourselves out of a good time:

Here's the first of what I'm hoping will be many Mother's Day freebies.

Bath & Body Works is giving away free travel-size items from its Signature collection.

All you have to do is send your favorite mom -- or friend -- a message through Facebook and they'll receive your greeting along with a coupon for the freebie.

Head over HERE to get in on the freebie.

Bath & Body Works is giving away small bottles of its newest lotion this weekend.

The only requirement to claim a 2 oz. bottle of its new Pink Chiffon body lotion? You must be a Facebook fan.

Click here to go to the Bath & Body Works Facebook page. Print a copy of the coupon or simply show it to a store associate on your smart phone.

The giveaway starts today and runs through Sunday while supplies last.

No purchase is necessary.

Corcel claims its N°1 bathtub redefines form and function. They say only 51 of the carbon fiber tubs will be construced.

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