Frugal Family: Welcome Spring!

Happy happy joy joy! Spring arrives at 7:21 p.m. Sunday!

In honor of giving winter the (ski) boot, we're looking at bargains that will save you some green. Put the money you save towards summer vacation fun!

PANCAKES FOR KIDS

Deal: Free buttermilk pancakes at on March 21.

Treat yourself to breakfast out on March 21. Perkins Pancake Day will offer their buttermilk pancakes for free all day. In return, they are asking diners to make a donation at the restaurant to Give Kids the World, a non-profit organization that gives families of seriously ill children vacations at the group's retreat in central Florida.

Good through: March 21 only.

CHOCOLATE = HAPPY TIME

Deal: Chocolate Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m. daily, .

Some days, only chocolate's going to get you through. During Caribou's Chocolate Happy Hour, any chocolate drink (hot or cold) is $3 for a medium and $3.50 for a large. All cookies are $1 and can be warmed in the oven for you.

Good through: Indefinitely.

HIPPITY HOPPITY, EASTER'S ON ITS WAY

Deal:  Queen City Candy jelly beans, 79 cents for an 8.5-oz. bag, .

Get a head start on filling the kids' Easter baskets with a classic treat.

Good through: March 22

S'KETTI FOR DINNER

Deal: Giant Eagle store brand pasta or noodles, 10 for $10, . Midi's pasta sauce, buy one get one free, s.

As spring approaches, that brings back activities like soccer, baseball and lacrosse. Make busy nights easier by having the fixings for a simple pasta dinner on hand.

Good through: Pasta good through March 23, pasta sauce good through March 22.

OUTDOOR LIVING

Deal: Stacking outdoor chairs, $19, .

It's almost time to be power-washing the deck and firing up the grill. Be ready for springtime evenings outside with some comfy chairs made with an easy-care mesh fabric.

Good through: March 19.