Clearances, Special Buys, Free Things to Do With the Kids

We're all watching our family budget 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 helps us stretch our dollars.

This column will be dedicated to giving you five 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.

• 75  percent off all fabric at .The fabric has been moved near the Site to Store counter in the back and can be cut there.

• Kids eat free from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays with a paying adult at Mia Francesca  at 100 East Station St., Barrington. www.miafrancesca.com

• Workzone Storage Drawer Systems are a special buy for $9.99 starting today, Feb. 16, at ALDI.

• If you could use al little more chocolate in your life, Valentine's Day items are now on clearance (prices vary) at Target.

• Kids ages 3-10 can try to ice-skate for free at West Meadows Ice Arena (3939 Winnetka Ave, Rolling Meadows) from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, and from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, and from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.,, Tuesday, Feb. 22. New skaters and hockey tots only. Please RSVP in advance to Pam Matty at 847-398-2700, ext. 100. www.rmrenegadeshockey.com