Don't like using coupons??? Try this...

There is a great group called Angel Food Ministries. They get about $65.00 a month in food packages for $30.00. You sign up, pay for the food and get a package. It's a great deal! Find out what is in your area? Go to this LINK to learn more about it and to sign up!

MIlitary Families Free Admission to Over 700 Museums!

Blue Star Museums is a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, and more than 700 museums in all 50 states to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, through Labor Day, September 6, 2010.


If you are active duty military personnel and/or an immediate family member, all you need to do is show either a Geneva Conventions CAC Card, a DD Form 1173, or a DD Form 1173-1 at the museum admissions desk. Immediate family members under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an appropriate ID holder. Go to this LINK , find your state or a state you are visiting this summer and see which museums are participating!

Free Nivea Sample!

Go to this LINK and get a free Nivea Lotion Sample!

Free Smart Ones Frozen Food Coupon

Go to this LINK, fill out the forms, take the survey and get yourself a free Smart Ones FREE Cheesy Scramble with Hashbrowns.

Kraft Mayo Samples!

Great Freebies for those who have to pack a lunch!!  go to the LINK and scroll down to the bottom of the page on the left side. Click on that and fill out the form for 2 free sample size packages of their sandwich mayo!!

Vocalpoint has free sample of Crystal Light Pure Fitness!

Follow this LINK and sign up for Crystal Light Pure Fitness!! It's a great flavor packet that you add to water! If you aren't a member of Vocalpoint. You can register before you sign up for the sample!

Free sample of Ritz Crackerfuls!

Hurry over to facebook, here is the LINK and sign up for a free sample of Ritz Crackerfuls! You will get the sample of Cheese and Bacon! I can't wait to try this!

Special K Coupons!

Go to this LINK and get $1.00 off Speical K Low fat Granola!

Thanks Sabastian ( one of my readers) for letting me know!

Planning a summer trip to Six Flags!

Six Flags is an amusment park with rides, shows and games. The kids love it and they beg to go every year!! Every year we try to go and make it as cheap as possible! A daily ticket would be $34.99 each person. That is just too much! Then you have to add parking and food.  SO, here is the plan!

$34.99 Tickets for 4 people: $139.96
Parking: $15.00
Food for Lunch: $39.99
Food for Dinner: $39.99
2 unlimited drinks for the kids, $19.99
Total for the day: $254.93

Here is how we will actually do it:
My husband's ticket free from My Coke Rewards
My ticket: still waiting to see what kind of deal I can get ( I believe I will get one through my job)
My kids tickets: Free from the 6 hour reading deal from the schools.
Parking: $15.00
Food For Lunch: $29.99 for the chicken strips family meal ( I save $10.00 with the My coke rewards)
Food For Dinner: $29.99 for burger and fries family meal ( I save $10.00 with the My coke rewards)
2 all you can drink sodas, unlimited refills, for the kids $19.99.
Total: $95.00

Walgreens Trip!

This week Walgreens has hair clips free after RR. We were riding our bikes and we stopped.  I saw that Pepcid AC was on clearance for $3.00! My husband uses this medicine so I knew he could use this. So, when I got home, I grabbed my Pepcid AC coupons and headed back to buy the Pepcid AC. Here are my transactions.

First Transaction:
Goody Hair Barrettes
Total $3.15
Got an RR for $3.00 back

Second Transaction:
Good Hair Barrettes
Total $3.15
Got an RR for $3.00 back

Third Transaction:
8 Pepcid AC on clearance, $3.00, Minus $2.00 coupon
2 pony tail holders, on clearnace for .25 cents, fillers for the RR's.
Total before coupons and clearance prices: $43.27
Total after coupons and RR's: $3.85

So, I paid $10.15 out of pocket for 8 Pepcid AC boxes, 2 hair barrettes and 2 pony tail holders!!!

Don't you just love rummage sale season???

Well, the weather is warmer and the garages are open! Time for rummage/garage sale season!!!

We spent $29.90 and we got some really good deals. The best find was a NIB ( New in the Box) still sealed Star Wars Lego set. AND a big bag full of legos. We spent $3.00 on the two!!  Also, I got 2 playset for my son. I also found a video game for $1.00 that my son is happily playing with. Overall, it was a great morning! Now we are home for the day and enjoying the nice weather!!!

Have a frugal Saturday! I hope you all get a chance to enjoy it!

Quick Trip for some great deals!!

I wanted to pick up the toilet paper and I knew I was busy the rest of the weekend...so I ran out there tonight.

First Stop: Target
4 Kids Cuisine Meals, On clearance .94 cents
2 Healthy Choice Meals, On clearance .94 cents
1 3pk Razors, On sale $4.99, had a $4.00 off coupon and a $1.00 Target coupon
1 Word Search Book, on clearance
1 4pk of Disney Princess Pencils, on clearance
1 8pk of Disney Princess Markers, on clearance
2 packs of Iron man Stickers
1 pack of note cards
1 pack of sticky notes
2 gift bags
2 greeting cards
3 boxes of the Crystal Light teas, $1.97 on sale, had the $3.00 off 3 coupon and a $1.50 off 2 boxes Target coupon
4 packages of Oscar Mayer all beef hot dogs, on sale $2.54, had a b3g1 Target coupon and 2 $1.00 off 2 coupons.
Total before coupons: $44.40
Total after coupons: $20.35
Total after gift cards that I have: $10.35.
So, out of pocket $10.35

Second Stop: Woodman's
10 packs of Marcel Toilet Paper, $1.29, had 10 $1.00 off coupons
6 boxes of Kitten Chow, $1.79, had $1.79 FREE coupon
1 packs of Cat Treats, $1.39, had $1.00 off coupons
3 packs of Dinonino Yogurts, $1.79, had Free Coupons
2 packs of Hot Dog buns, on sale .89 cents
Total before coupons: $33.57
After coupons: $6.33

Total out of pocket is $16.68 and I have a nice stockpile of toilet paper now for a while. I am sure some of you are wondering why all the Disney markers, stickers, etc from Target. My children do not get an allowance but we still want to impress upon them the importance of saving their money, buying things, making change and taxes. So, we buy these small clearance items from the dollar spot at Target ( or other deals I find) and I have a little "store". My children earn play money for all different things they do during the week. Then, on the weekend, I open the store and they can choose to buy something, save their money for a larger item or whatever. I add the sales tax onto the item, just like a regular store would, to teach them that we pay taxes. I put things on "sale" so they get a flavor of what mom does.

Aquafresh IP coupons

Go here to this LINK and sign up for Aqua Fresh IP coupons!

Green Works Laundry Soap IP coupon

Click on this LINK to go and register with Green Works. After you register, it will allow you print 2 $3.00 off coupons for the laudry detergent. I have heard several people say that they have found this detergent on clearance at different Targets.  High Value coupon if you can find the right price on it!

Great Wisconsin Dells Deals!!

If you haven't visited Wisconsin Dells, I encourage you to do so! Beautiful Scenery and fun for the entire family. Right now, Wisconsin Dells has a great coupon book full of deals. Go to this LINK and sign up!

Attention Bzz Agents! New Campaign!

Hurry, there is a new campaign for Hair Stylers! got2b smooth operator hair care. I didn't sign up for this because my hair is ALWAYS straight but I hope a few of you get in!!!

Coupon for $10 off Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner

Follow this LINK to sign up and get a $10.00 coupon for Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner!

Arm and Hammer IP coupons and Free Pet Tag

The new May coupon are at Arm and Hammer, Follow this LINK to get there!

Also, follow this LINK for a deal for a free pet tag with the purchase of Arm and Hammer Cat Litter!

Kids Essentials Drinks IP Coupon

Go to this LINK and print a coupon for a BOGO Kids Essentials Drink Packs.

Groceries!!! Shopping trip!

I did some pet sitting and a small side job and had enough money to get to the double dollar event at Pick N Save. I had to make the money stretch as best I could. Here was my trip.

Transaction One:
10 pounds of sugar
2 loafs of bread
1 bag of kitten chow, Free after coupon
1 box of Kraft mac and Cheese, Free after coupon
1 bottle Kraft Mayo., Free after coupon
1 box of Cinnamon Graham Crackers
1 package of Completes Meal
2 packages of Cat Treats
3 10pks of Capri Sun Drinks, Free after coupon
1 package of Shoe Laces, Free after coupon
1 box of Sausage Links
1 pound ground turkey
1 package of Janesville Brats
head of Lettuce
Pint of Grape Tomatoes
1 tub of Butter
4 dozen eggs
1 Philly Cream Cheese, Free after coupon
4 cups of Yogart, Free after coupons
2 6pk of Kids Daninimo Yogart, Free after coupons
1 package of cheese slices
Total before coupons: $58.33
Total after coupons: $22.33

Transaction 2:
1 box Cinnamon Graham Cracker
1 package Kool Aid Fizzes, Free after coupon
1 box of Capri Sun Drinks, Free after coupon
1 butterfinger, Free After coupon
1 box of Sausage Links
4 Oscar Meyer Lunch Sandwiches, All 4 free after coupons
1 pound ground turkey
1 package Janesville Brats
2 cups Dannon Yogart, Free after coupon
1 package of cheese slices
Total before coupons: $29.04
Total after coupons: $6.38

Quizno's Free Kids meal!

I didn't find this on the website, but I did get confirmation of this from a co worker who did it! (Thanks Mickey!) Currently, with one adult entree purchase,  a kids meal is free!!! All Day, Every day!  Kids get a kids toasty sub or pizza, drink, and a choice of a chocolate chip cookie or applesauce. No coupon needed!

We have no idea how long this offer will last! So enjoy while you can!!!

Free Limeade at Taco Bell

Go to this LINK and print the promo coupon for a free Limeade drink. Enjoy a cool drink on Taco Bell!

Pick N Save Double Daze..Now on Saturdays!!

SouthEastern Wisconsin, Pick N Save is now doing Double Daze on Saturdays through June 26th. Same rules apply as to the Wednesday Deals. Only 5 coupons will double, you must spend $25.00. Since I mentioned last time that I haven't had a chance to get a big shopping trip,  I will be taking a "kinda medium size" trip there this weekend. :)

Recycle Bank new code

IF you collect codes on Recycle Bank, there is a new 15 point code. Code is from Marcal Small Steps. The code is TakeSmallSteps. Type that in and collect your 15 points!

If you aren't a member of Recycle Bank, you earn points ( depending on your area, some cities are in the program some are not) and turn them in for Free Coupons. Currently they have Cat food and Dog Free coupons for a free product. :)

Pillsbury Sweet Rolls .95 cents off IP Coupon!

Hot coupon! IP coupon from Pillsbury Sweet Rolls .95 cents off ONE!
LINK here to print! Will only print ONE!

Great Neilson Article about coupon users

I wanted to share this with you. I found it interesting that "Affluent" households are more likely to use coupons. :) Hummmm...This is from neilsen.com, it's not mine.

Consumer Coupon Usage

11/01/09
General consensus is that the current recession began in the latter part of 2007, with conditions worsening throughout 2008. It was during that time that coupon redemption began to level off from the downward trend it had been experiencing. With coupon redemption climbing 26% in the first nine months of 2009, when compared to the same period in 2008, coupon redemption is once again closing in on the 3 billion mark.

Historically, coupon redemption and economic conditions have been linked. There is an inverse relationship - as the economy worsens, coupon redemption increases. But with this renewed interest come reasonable questions about who is using coupons and how they are using them. Inmar's Advantage Update, "The 2009 Consumer Study" takes a look at these questions in light of today's economy. Following is a sampling of the statistics contained in the study.

The following key learnings regarding consumers and coupon usage were derived by combining data from the Inmar database with data from the FMI's "2009 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends" and Nielsen's "Manufacturer Coupon Sourcing" study:

• 29% of consumers reported spending more on groceries in the past year, while 28% reported spending less (FMI).

• In early 2009, consumers spent an average of $98.40 per week on groceries (FMI).

• The percentage of consumers who reported looking for cents-off coupons received in the mail or from newspapers and magazines and those who reported using cents-off coupons received in the store to plan their grocery shopping trips increased in 2009 (FMI).

• 75% of all respondents stated that coupons had at least some influence on their decision to purchase a new product (FMI).

• Consumers made an average of 2.0 trips per week to the supermarket or grocery store (FMI).

• 68% of U.S. households used a coupon in the first six months of 2009 (Nielsen).

• 81% of all units purchased with a coupon in the first six months of 2009 were bought by 19% of all households (Nielsen).

• 48% of all products purchased with a coupon in the first six months of 2009 were dry grocery products (Nielsen).

• As grocery spending shifts to non-traditional grocery outlets, coupon redemption has followed. One negative effect of this shift is that consumers tend to associate coupons with conventional supermarkets and may not think of using coupons in non-traditional locations (Inmar).

• Consumers who use fewer coupons spend more per shopping trip (Nielsen).

• Affluent households tend to be heavier coupon users (Nielsen).

• Large households tend to use more coupons (Nielsen).

• White households are more likely to be heavier coupon users (Nielsen).

• Hispanic coupon users are less likely to be heavy coupon users (Nielsen).

Quick Run To Sentry...

I wanted to use my free coupons I had, but several products they didn't carry. Here is what I did get:

Dannon Coolision Yogarts, Free after coupon
Dannon Yogart Cups, 4 of them, Free after coupon
Yoplai Greek Yogart, on sale and I had a .45 cent coupon that doubled
Kraft Homestyle Mac and Cheese, Free after coupon
10 cans of Friskie Cat food, .80 cents each on sale, I had BOGO coupons

Before coupons: $17.09
After coupons: $4.63 cents

I haven't been shopping much. Money is tight and the sales haven't been great. My stockpile is okay and we are living on that. My last big shopping trip was April 17th so I am due to go, but I am waiting until my husband's unemployement is sent. Right now it's frozen ( long story and we are trying to fight it) and so we are really tight with the money.  I will keep you posted of any good deals I find.

Stay frugal!!

Great Gift Idea on ArtsCow

Have you ever used ArtsCow before? Right now they have a great deal. Their customizable photo mousepads personalized to your standards are priced at $2.99 each including free shipping. This thoughtful and appreciative gift can be used for grads or Father's Day.

Go to this LINK and get this great deal!  Coupon code: MSEPAD299   Expires on: 05/26/2010

Please note: ArtsCow is a company in HongKong so shipping takes a few weeks. Their quality is great and their products are really nice!

Free BOGO Admissions and other deals on Tropicana

Today only, if you go on Tropicana Rewards, you can search through the rewards and find ones you like. Click through on the reward and you will see a button that says Reward for Free...but understand the reward has to be used in the next 14 days. go to http://juicyrewards.tropicana.com/ , log in and go through the offers.

Awesome Mail Day!

I got my CoverGirl Bzz pack, my Kraft Summer Sample Pack, my Aveeno sample and my Pear Tree Labels!! WOO HOO! ALL FREE!!

Einstein Bagels Free Friday Bagel Day!

You can go to Facebook and get on Einstein Bagels for a coupon for a free Bagel. Also, you can follow this LINK to get the to the print page of the coupon! Yummy!!

Nature's Bounty Free Pedometer

Nature's Bounty has a great offer! Sign up at this LINK for a free walking Pedometer!

$30 coupon book from Home Made Simple

Follow this LINK, fill out the form and they will send you a $30 coupon book fill of different cleaning products like Dawn, Mr Clean, Cascade and more!

Free Sauve Shampoo from Rachel Ray!

On Monday, Rachel Ray show announced they would give away 100,000 bottles of Sauve Professional Shampoo. The giveaway would start today, May 13th. You have to go to the Sauve website to get the coupon. I just checked the website, and nothing is there yet, but I will continue to check it throughout the day. Here is the LINK to the website. I hope some of you will get a free bottle today!!

TD Bank Summer $10 Kids Giveaway

There are no TD banks here where I live, but I had to post this for those living on the East or Atlantic coast. TD Bank ( LINK)  has a great summer program!! If your child reads 10 books they get a savings account with $10 for free!! This is a great way to get the kids to start to save and earn $10 while doing it! Follow this LINK for more information. 

I wish banks around here would have this!!!

Barnes and Nobles Summer Reading Program!

I just posted the Borders Deal, now there is a Barnes and Nobles deal too! Follow this LINK and print the form. Follow the directions and get a free book when you read 8 books this summer!!! Some conditions may apply, see the form for details!

Free Dove Deodorant

Another Walmart Freebie, Dove Ultimate Deodorant ..follow this LINK, fill out the form and wait for your freebie!

Border's Summer Reading Program!

Hey Kids! Get ready for a summer reading program at Borders! You read 10 books this summer, fill out the form and then go back to Borders and get a free book**!! Follow this LINK to get the form!
** make sure you read the fine print!

Walgreen's Deal on Schick Hydro Razor

This week there is a good deal on the Schick Hydro Razor. They are on sale for $7.99. Use the $5.00 off coupon from the Smart Source Coupon Section from last Sunday. Pay $2.99 and tax and get a $5.00 RR back!!

Free Sample of Old Spice Body Wash

Walmart has a free sample of Old Spice Body Wash. Follow this LINK, fill out the form and wait for it to come in the mail!

Happy Mother's Day

I want to wish all moms out there a VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Nabisco 100 Calorie BOGO coupon

Go to facebook and join Nabisco and get a coupon for a 100 carlorie box of snacks BOGO coupon. Follow this LINK to sign up!

Cheap-er Text Books ...and cheap toilet paper...and other frugal notes..

This week has been busy. First of all, my husband went back to a new job after 15 months of being laid off. It's a summer home construction job, which means if the weather is bad he won't work, but at least it will be some income. With that said, he also decided to go back to school. He starts online classes this week, the school wanted him to buy textbooks..2 books for over $200.00!! I told my husband I could find them cheaper than that and after some searching I found both books for $133 with shipping and I got $5.32 cents back from Ebates. :) So, he starts his classes on Monday and by Wednesday he will have the textbooks.  I am glad I saved a bit of money. This program is a 4 year bachelors degree, it will take my husband the whole 4 years, maybe 5 to complete.

Also, I got the cheap toilet paper that I wanted to pick up. I had 12 coupons for Marcal Toilet Paper. I paid $3.61 ( with tax) for 12 4 packs of toilet paper. I am glad to have a new stockpile!

Also, on the frugal side, I got a nice sample of shampoo and conditioner of Pantene. I also got a sample package from P&G, it had coupons, samples of Metamucil, Priolsec and several others. :) Good Mail days!!

Things around here are frugal and quiet. We just want to make ends meet and keep our heads above water. :) Happy Mother's day to all the moms out there!! I hope it's a happy one!!!

Free Address Labels at Pear Tree

Okay, Several sites have posted that there are free address labels at Pear Tree. There are but you have to order in a certain way to get the freebies. Follow these steps:

1. Go to https://www.peartreegreetings.com/index.jsp and click on the tab for stationery.
2. Go to address labels.
3. Scroll  through until you find the 24 piece address labels. Thye are the smaller ones, not the squares or circles!
4. Design the one you like.
5. Then check out but put 48 as the quantity and update the cart.
6. Then use code MOMSDAY10 and check out.
7. It will show a zero balance at check out.

Understand this website is being swamped with people right now, so the load time is slow, but address labels are cute...and FREE! :)  If you don't want to use them as address labels then make book labels or kids labels for their things! There is a million different ideas you can do with these!

Stay frugal everyone!

Free Fazoli's For Mom on Mother's day

New Kwik Trip Coupons

Kwik Trip just posted it's new coupons for the month. Go to this LINK and print!

Tide IP Coupons

Click this LINK and print IP coupons for TIDE.

Walgreens Free Mother's Day Collage Photo

Walgreens has another deal on the collage photo. There was another deal like this not to long ago and the photos turned out wonderful!!! Hope you can check this one out!!!  Walgreens.com

Free Nivea Lotion Sample from Ellen TV

Come sign up at this LINK for a free sample of Nivea Sample Happy Sensation body lotion. Ellen TV is offering this sample!

Sign up for the SELF challenge and get some freebies

The first 9,000 to sign up for this SELF challenge LINK get Nabisco 100 calorie snacks and other samples!

Free Sample Of Parent's Choice Baby Formula

Follow this LINK and go to Walmart and sign up for a free sample of their baby formula.

Awesome Shopping day....Walmart Clearance!

After work, I had an hour to get some shopping done.  So, I ran to Jones Meat Farm. Spent $16.82 and I got 18.57 pounds of ham steaks, canadian bacon and ham.  Then, I went to Walmart. I had 2 $5.00 gift cards. I found they were clearancing kids clothes!!!

My Walmart Transaction:

2 bottles of Benefiber, on clearance for $2.50, my son uses it with his medicine
2 packages of Crackers, for my kids snacks
3 pairs of socks, $1.50 on clearance
1 pair of socks, .75 on clearance
2 light up astro balls, 1.00 on clearance ( they charge $5.00 each for these at the Forth of July festival, so I will put them in my purse and be ready to give to the kids!)
1 disney princes pj gown, $1.00
1 3pk of boys underware, $1.00
4 henley long sleeve shirts, $1.00
4 Disney Princess Shirts, $1.00
1 white polo shirt, $1.00
1 long sleeve pink t, $1.00
4 pairs of boy jeans, $2.00 a pair
2 pairs of sweatpants, $1.00 a pair
1 sweatshirt, $1.00
1 pair of pants, $2.00
1 boys belt, $1.00

Total after the $10.00 in gift cards: $34.31!!!!

Retail, if I paid full price, would have been $198.92. My son is happy with new jeans. My daughter is thrilled with the Princess and the Frog Shirts!! Mom is happy to get such a great deal!!

Mother's Day Denny's Freebie!

Sign Up with Denny's on Faceboo at this LINK by making her a Mother's Day Card and get a coupon for her and yourself to get a free Pancake Puppies Sundae

.

Thank you Mickey for emailing this to me!

Dunkin' Donuts Free Coffee with a Perks Card

Join Dunkin' Donuts Perks Club and get a free medium Coffee!! Go to this LINK, Sign up and get a free coffee for joining and another free coffee on  your birthday! You will also get emails and coupons!

Kraft Food Savers Summer Sample Pack!

Cool Offer from Kraft!! Go to the Facebook Site ( LINK) and become a fan. Sign up for their sample packs. There are 4 packs to choose from and each comes with samples and coupons!! It also comes with a rebate deal!  This offer is only good until May 10th so hurry!

Thanks Dixie for letting me know about this deal!!

All You's Free Samples Everyday!

For the Month of May, Everyday is Free Sample Day!! All You Magazine is giving away a sample a day! Go to this LINK and see what they have today!!

Free Libby's Veggies on FaceBook!

If you become a fan on Libby's Facebook Page, you can fill out a form for a free can of Libby Veggies! Search Libby's Table on Facebook to find the page!!

It's May....

Time to clean out those binders, get your new monthly Hot Book from Hot Prints and enjoy the spring weather!!!

Great Freebie for Tweens

For those younger tween girls and boys, Radio Disney is giving away a free download of their popular songs everyday this month, Go to facebook and find Walt Disney Records , become a fan and do the survey, get free music for your MP3 Player!

Great Pet Food Coupons in yesterday's Smart Source

There are some great coupons in yesterday's Smart Source. BOGO Friskies indoor cat food, BOGO Mighty Dog canned food, and a Free Kitten chow  16 to 18 oz package.