The freshest fruits and vegetables,  the easiest meals, and the coldest beverages are what summer is all about.  While The Frugal Diva sips her Fresh & Easy  Ginseng and Honey Green Ice Tea , she notices the almost instant meals that can be made from this weeks specials.  Just throw the asparagus and already marinated chicken or pork on the grill, turn over, toss on a plate, and dinner is served. 

1.99/lb fresh&easy asparagus
2 for $8 fresh&easy Marinated Chicken or Pork (when you buy multiples of 2)

And here are my lunches to pack for work. 

2 for $5 fresh&easy BBQ Pasta Salad (when you buy multiples of 2)

And a few quick dinners.
20% off on assorted easy dinners and frozen treats 

For dessert add some organic strawberries for $2.99 or maybe some cherries for $2.99 a pound.  They also have all the ingredients for Smores, you can wrap them in foil and leave them on top of the grill for a gooey nostalgic sweet.

Try some of their every day specials like over 4 lbs of mixed grill for $9.99 including sausages, beef patties, and chicken. 

My favorite thing about Fresh & Easy, last year they donated $450,000 to California schools.  Shop for Schools and Donations to Neighborhood Groups are two ways they give back to their customers. And that makes them even more of a bargain.

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy sends The Frugal Diva occasional samples and gift cards plus her stepson works there as a buyer.

Just when I thought that everything had been done in the way of markets in comes a new kid on the block.  A little organic, a little convenience, a little gourmet grocery,  and a whole of savings.  There are so many wonderful Fresh & Easy products.  A bag of  frozen turkey meatballs this week for $5.99.  Add some tomato sauce, serve over pasta (99 cents this week), and open a bag of salad greens. That’s fresh, that’s easy.

Now if you want to get really, really easy and still stay really, really fresh.  We are talking about around $2.49 per person for lasagna with meat sauce to keep in your freezer. Cheaper then fast food and better for you.

Every week there are 98 cent produce packs.  Add a little excitement and use them in your cooking.  One week they had onions and red and green peppers. You can julienne slice them, saute, add some capers and olives. Set aside while you pan fry some tilapia and you have a nicoise style topping for your fish. Pick a pack of pears and pair with an interesting cheese for dessert. 

Yes I did say they are a little gourmet.  Pick up organic teas, fresh juices, fresh baked goods, wine (not at all stores), cheeses, balsamic vinegar along with fresh produce, fish, and meat on your way home.  And they have great sauces – Thai Chili Lime, Smokey Barbecue- and a good selection of spices.  Even pet food for your pooch.  So much good stuff in such a manageable size market.

You can also sign up for the email newsletter where you get weekly updates on specials and coupons. And please remember that all quoted prices are subject to change.

Smaller then a supermarket, more fresh food then a convenience store-this chain is a winner for the Frugal Diva.

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy occasionally sends The Frugal Diva samples of their products.

When it comes to food, join the club. You may not have gotten into the sorority you wanted, the country club you desired, or the hip night spot. However we can all join Costco, Ralphs, and Vons.

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