My sister-in-law recently told me about a Panera restaurant that allows customers to pay their “fair-share” for their meals.

A sign at the entrance says: “Take what you need, leave your fair share.” Customers who can’t pay are asked to donate their time. The cafe opened Sunday and will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While the store does have cashiers, they don’t collect money. They simply hand each customer a receipt that says what their food would cost at a conventional Panera. The receipt directs customers with cash to donation boxes (there are five in the store). Cashiers do accept credit cards.

(Sorry about the ad before the video, I couldn’t figure out a way to get the video without the ad)

When she mentioned this to me my first thought was that who would pay full price if they didn’t have to? Maybe I don’t have enough hope in humanity anymore, but I wonder if this idea will really work. There are people who take lemons and packs of sweetener to make their own “lemonade” at restaurants in order to save a dollar or two on a drink. Are these same people going to pay what they can really afford at a place like this?

I really like the idea that those who can’t pay can work for food, and that this place might become a training place for at risk youth. This whole thing seems like a great idea, if it works. It kind of reminds me of the end of Acts 4 in the bible, where people sold what they had and distributed it to the poor.

Upon further thought, what I really like about this idea is that how much you give is your own choice. No one is forcing the the people with more money to give more and no one forces the people with less money to get it for free (or even get paid to eat there- do you see where I am going with this…)

I don’t know, but this article has definitely got me thinking this week about the money, giving, work, and a whole lot of other things…

This post is linked to Frugal Friday.

How Much Would You Pay for a Bagel at Panera?

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This past weekend my husband and I were enjoying a dessert date night at The Cheesecake factory and I noticed this sign.

Cheesecake Factory: Half OFF Cheesecake July 30th Apparently July 30th is National Cheesecake Day (they seriously have a day for everything!). Anyway, visit the Cheesecake Factory on July 30th and receive any slice of cheesecake for half off. Dine in orders only are eligible for this deal. If only we would have postponed our date night until this Friday!

Cheesecake Factory: Half OFF Cheesecake July 30th

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free backpack from Staples

My sister just told me about this awesome deal from Staples. From now until July 31st, buy ANY backpack and receive 100% back in a Staples Gift Card after easy rebate. This is a great deal because you can use your gift card to purchase school supplies! Certain laptop bags are also included in this promotion so this deal works for students and professionals alike!

Backpacks start at $49.99 and go up. They offer free shipping on purchases over $50 so add a pack of pens for $2.00 and you are set!

One rebate per household, and you can submit the rebate online.
eBates.comTo sweeten the deal, log into your ebates account (if you don’t have one this would be the time to sign up) and search for “Staples.” Then click through the cash back link and get 2.0% cash back on your purchase.  If you are new to ebates they give you a $5 bonus when you make your first purchase.

I know many public schools give a supply list a mile long, so this is one way to save a bit of cash in August.

FREE Backpack from Staples

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July 28, 2010

Changed Your Air Conditioning Filter Lately?

Summer has arrived here in Maryland and we have had numerous days above 100 degrees this summer. My frugal self is often at war with my melting self as I try to keep the house as comfortable as possible without paying my life savings to the electric company.
The air conditioner repairman told me that I [...]

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July 27, 2010

When Kids Dress Themselves…

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July 26, 2010

Better Breakfast – 110 Breakfast Recipes Cookbook

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Shelia, Ali, and Dawn. If you didn’t win you can purchase the cookbook for  $3.95. Hurry though, because the sale price ends Thursday!

This weekend I considered writing a post titled, “Giving Breakfast the Pink Slip.” Last week there were several days where my kids had cereal for breakfast. [...]

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July 26, 2010

Hooked On Phonics HUGE Sale

I have never personally used Hooked on Phonics, but it is a very popular product and has helped many (including non homeschooling) parents teach their children to read. Currently they are having a huge summer blow-out sale and the prices are super low. If you were thinking about trying this product now would be a [...]

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July 25, 2010

Menu Plan ~ Homeschool Planning

This is our second to last week of summer vacation! Can I just say, “Where has the time gone?!?!!” I started homeschool planning for the school year this weekend and I hope to finish by the end of the week. Three of my children are at sports camp this week so I have a little [...]

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July 23, 2010

Steak Stir-Fry and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

The winner of the first $100 Visa gift card is Lisa who’s survey showed she was a top round (like me).  Congratulations Lisa!
The next top round recipe is Sumptuous Steak Stir-Fry. I have to admit I was a little concerned when the beef people asked me to make this recipe because lately my kids haven’t [...]

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