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Community Corner

Frugal Family Finds: The Spring Break Edition

Get your weekly Frugal on.

If getting ready for spring break has sprung a hole in your leaky wallet then repair the damage this week’s deals designed for springtime savings including delicious food, discounted iPods, baby pictures, kids meals and clothes and even free cupcakes.

1. College of DuPage  - Glen Ellyn

Deal: Feast like a king and pay like a pauper on food and desserts made by chefs-in-training at The Culinary Market at the College of DuPage. The menu changes weekly but recent offerings included hearty soups by the quart for $4, chocolate scones and croissants for 75 cents and more gourmet salad, bread and dessert selections. The Culinary Market is located on the east side of campus in 1744 SRC North next to Student Activities, near the bookstore and library entrance.  There is parking just north of the entrance doors to the market.

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Good through: Every Wednesday and Thursday from Noon to 2:30 p.m. through May 13.

2. Radio Shack - Wheaton

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How do you drown out the sounds of complaining children crammed into a car for a Spring Break sojourn of seemingly endless hours? Buy the 8GB iPod touch at $229.99 for Mama, the 8GB iPod nano at $149.99 for Brother, the 2GB iPod shuffle at $49.99 for Sister and you can reward Papa with the free $15 iTunes Gift Card for driving the caravan of fun. Visit Radio Shack online or at the Wheaton location on Main Street to find these deals.

Good through: Prices good through March 26.

3.  Whole Foods - Wheaton

Pint-sized portraits and prizes are on deck for Saturday, March 26, from 9-11 a.m. Tre Sorelle photography will offer free five-minute photo sessions for you and your baby at Whole Foods. Older kids can make an Earth Hour craft featuring a decorate-your-own mini-flashlight to take home and celebrate Earth Hour. There will be Earths Best samples, Happy Baby samples, and a raffle with several baby themed gift baskets. No registration required. For more information, call 630-588-1500 and ask for Carrie McKenzie-Bush.

Good through: March 26 only.

4. Taylor Street Brewing Company - Lombard

The Deal: It’s Sunday night and you are knee and elbow deep in spring cleaning. With chores galore, who has time to cook dinner? Haul your happy little helpers to Taylor Street Brewing Company where you can enjoy a dinner and a brew, and they’ll enjoy a free meal. Kids eat free on Sundays. Some restrictions may apply.

Good through: Every Sunday

5. Gymboree - Wheaton

The Deal: If you need your little lamb to look her Easter best or your baby bunny just needs a new blue tie, take advantage of an additional 25 percent off on previously marked down items and New Spring Break Deals on new spring styles including tanks and tees. You can earn $25 in Gymbucks for every $50 that you spend. Order online for only $5 flat-rate shipping or visit the Town Square Wheaton location.

Good Through: While supplies last, Gymbucks can be earned through April 3.

6.  Ali-Kat - Glen Ellyn

The Deal: Free cupcake alert: AliKat is celebrating spring break by offering a free cupcake from Honey Café in Downtown Glen Ellyn when you spend $25 at AliKat between March 27 and April 2.

Good Through: April 2.

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