Monday, November 30, 2009

$5.00 Magazine Subscriptions on Amazon

These might make really nice gifts!! Go to LINK to see the different magazines! This deal ends tomorrow!!

Last day of the month!

Print those IP coupons!
Clean out those binders!!
Time for the new coupons to come out tomorrow!!!

Tonight was the end of FPU..

My husband and I finished FPU ( Financial Peace University) tonight. We are more determined than ever to be debt free from our credit cards and car loans!! When we married, we started out with $52,000 in debt from my divorce, his credit cards, my credit cards and our medical bills. Today we have a balance of $4,882 between my oral surgery and credit card debt. We are almost to the end of this and we can't wait to get to baby step 3.

I encourage every single person in the world to take FPU. It will change your live and your mindset!!!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Logli's has some good deals this week!

Logli's has there 10 for $10.00 sales. This can make for some great deals if you use your coupons! Logli's is located in Southern Wisconsin and it's under a different name for Illinois ( so for my far away readers, skip to the next post!).

Logli's has .58 cents for a dozen eggs. (it's does not say a limit, but I am going to assume they have a limit! right???!!!) Also, they have Green Giant Steamers. If you got the sunday paper on 11/15, there was a .40 cent off Steamers coupon, which will double there. That makes the bag of veggies .20 cents a bag! Daisy Sour Cream is $1.49, use the .50 cents Daisy Coupon from the 11/15 Sunday Paper Smart Source and the sour cream is .49 cents after coupon.

Snapfish Deal!

If you are not a member of Snapfish, become one today and get a $10.00 credit to your account!! Go to this  LINK, sign up and get your credit. Then on 11/30 ( tomorrow) there is a deal for free shiping on all photo gifts! Use code NOV30.  You could get a snowflake ornament or the small mug or other items FREE!!! This could make a wonderful gift for a loved one!!

Staples Deal!!

Do you use batteries during the holiday season? Staples has batteries with rewards! You need to be a Staples Reward Member. Buy the batteries and get a $12.99 rewards. Follow this LINK for more information.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Just a Reminder..Swagbucks deals..

Now, through the month of December, Everyday swagbucks will discount their gift e-cards.  Today is Barnes and Noble. You can get a $10.00 gift ecard for 99 Swagbucks.

Did you go Black Friday Shopping?

I did go...I am pretty much done buying gifts except for the 3 men gifts and 1 woman gift. I spent $140, paid cash and can pretty much take a deep breath and not have to worry about Christmas.

Please post in the comments section if you went, what you bought and did you feel it was worth it?

Thursday, November 26, 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Enjoy your Turkey!!!

$5.00 off a Leapster Game

If you get the Family Fun Magazine, page 21 this month has a coupon for $5.00 off any one leapster game. use this in combination with the Black Friday Deals and you could score some great games at great prices!

Say Thank You to the Troops!

This holiday season, Xerox is allowing you to pick a card (made by children in the USA) and having it printed and sent to the troops. Follow this LINK to participate.  This isn't a freebie for yourself...but it will be wonderful to share with a fellow soldier.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Great Shopping trip today!!

My last big shopping trip was Oct. 29th, So, I haven't shopped in awhile. My budget was $200.00, I spent $107.21 between 3 transactions.

First Stop, ALDI's:


1 bag of Torilla Chips
1 bag of Corn Chips
4 containers of Cat Litter
2 bags of Hamburger Buns
1 bag of Hot dog Buns
3 frozen pizzas
3 chicken pot pies
3 loaves of bread
1 chunk colby cheese
1 chunk medium cheese
2 boxes of Salisbury Steaks
2 frozen grape juices
4 boxes of Mac and Cheese
1 gallon of milk
4 pounds of bananas
3 cans of speghettios

Total $48.54

Next stop Loglis:



2 boxes of Cake Mix ( on sale for $1.00, had a .55/2 coupon)
5 boxes of Stuffing ( on sale for .78, had a buy 4 get one free coupon)
3 bottles of Sobe Life water ( priced $1.19, had a .50 cents off coupon that doubled for each, .19 each after coupon)
2 boxes of Swiss Miss ( on sale for $1.00, I had .50/2 coupons)
4 rolls of Cresent Rolls ( on sale for $1.79, I had $1.00 coupons
3 bottles of Crisco Oil ( on sale for $2.00 each, I had coupons for .55 cents off each.)
3 Thai Noodles ( priced $.97, I had .50 cent off coupons that doubled, so free after coupon)
3 pouches of Tuna ( different prices, different brands, but I ended up paying .37 cents after coupon for the 3 pouches, 2 of the pouches were on sale for $1.00 and I had .50 cents off coupons that doubled, so at least 2 were free)
4 cans of Mixes Fruit ( on sale for $1.00 each, I had .55/2  coupons )
2 cans of Cranberry Sauce ( on sale for .88 each)
1 package of Cheese Slices ( not on sale)
1 box of Mashed Potatoes ( I had a .50 off coupon that doubled)
1 package of Flour ( on sale for .88)
1 package of Butter ( on sale for $1.68)
1 19.75 pound Turkey ( full price $27.45, but they were .39 a pound of you spent $25.00, I also had a $2.00 winetag off)
Total before coupons:$72.64
After coupons: $27.86

Second Transaction:
4 boxes of Hot Chocolate
4 bottles of Sobe Water
2 packages of Chinet ( on sale for $2.00, had $2.00 coupon from sunday paper, making them free)
1 Beef Strongnoff microwave meal ( on sale for $2.50, i had a coupon for $1.50 off)
3 cups of Stuffing ( on clearance for .67 cents, I had a buy 2 get one free)
2 Yakisoba Microwave meals ( on sale for .75, had a 50 cent coupon that double, so it made them free)
1 3 pound bag of apples ( on sale)
5 bottles of Sweet Relish ( on sale for $1.49, I had .55 cent off coupons that doubled)
6 4 pound bags of Sugar ( on sale for $1.17, I had .35 cent off coupons that doubled)
2 boxes of cake mix
1 5pound bag of flour
1 bag of shredded cheese ( on sale)
2 rolls of plastic wrap ( $1.10, had a coupon for 1.00 off when you buy two)
4 bags of cat treats ( on sale $1.00 each, I had $2.00/2, making them all free)
5 bags of steamed veggies ( on sale for $1.00, I had .35 cents off coupons)
1 container of sour cream ( on sale for $1.49, I had a .50 cents off coupon)
1 19.15 pound turkey ( full price $26.62)

Total before coupons: $82.10
Total after coupons: $30.81

The bad news...Logli's changed it coupon policy. Which they made me aware of tonight. They will now only accept 3 of the same like coupon per transaction...I guess I will be doing more transactions!

The good news... I got 2 more gallons of milk from the church...so I have 3 gallons. And I picked up 4 dozen eggs from my grandfather. He gets them from a local farmer so they cost me nothing.

Now, my menu plan. (about $35.00 a week at the $107 I spent) I am going to have this for 21 days...which will keep us until the 3rd week in December.  So that is 21 breakfasts and dinners. Lunches my kids eat at school and my husband eats left overs. I pack my lunch for my job. Remember, this includes my stockpiled items not just what I bought today.

Breakfasts ( 21+ meals)
Cereal ( 5 meals)
Crepe (1 meal)
Oatmeal ( 5 meals)
Eggs ( 4 meals)
French Toast ( 1 meal)
Fruit and Yougart ( 1 meal)
Pancakes (4 meals)
Frozen Waffles ( 2 meals), can add fruit from summer garden or syrup

Lunch
( 7+ no school days for the family)
Mac and Cheese ( 3 days)
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches ( 2 days)
Hot dogs ( 2 days)
Speghettios ( 1 day)
Soup ( 1 day)

( 14 work days for me)
1 beef strongnoff microwave meal
2 Yakisoba microwave meals
4 Mac and cheese cups
6 mini frozen pizzas
2 noodle soups

( 14+ days of lunches for husband)
4 Left overs from the dinner before
2 Tuna Sandwiches
2 Turkey Sandwiches
2 Bistro Microwave meals
2 frozen mini pizzas
1 can of clam chowder
1 can of cream of mushroom
3 thai noodle packs


Dinner (21+ meals and their side dish)
2 soppy joes, apple sauce
1 walking tacos
2 salisbury steaks meals, mashed potatoes and pasta roni
2 pizzas
1 chicken pot pie meal, steamed veggies
4 speghetti meals, steamed veggies
4 turkey meals, steamed veggies and stuffin
2 taco nights
1 London Broil, Veggies, pasta salad
1 hamburger helper, veggies and cranberry sauce
1 beef stew, ( use up the egg noodles!), cresent rolls
1 Boneless Chuck steak, veggies and mashed potatoes

Snacks
Popcorn
Halloween candy
Bananas
Apples with Peanut butter
cupcakes
fruit salad
wheat thins
popsicles
crackers, cheese and crackers
cookies

Drinks
Milk
Hot Coco
Grape Juice
Kool Aid
Fitness Water
Water
Coffee
Tea

Pink walking shoes $2.50!!

Shipping is $6.95 for these, so $ $9.45 for a pair of shoes. ...but I thought I would share this deal!!  http://www.6pm.com/propet-washable-walker-pink  pink walker shoes.  Sizes available 9 through 11. Different widths avaiable too.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Blockbuster Express...Free Rentals..

I don't have a BlockBuster Express in my area, but if you do..here are several free rental codes....

November Codes
NOVEMBER - Get a free rental. (exp 11/30)

9PM - Get a free rental. (exp 11/30)

December Codes
G29SA1 - Get a free rental (exp 12/3)
PUBLIX3 - free one night DVD rental (only good at Publix. Exp 12/21)
PUBLIX4 - rent one get one free (only good at Publix. Exp 12/21)
GT11A - Get a free rental. (exp 1/31/10)

In the Mood for some Christmas Music?

Amazon has an entire MP3 Album called Sample Claus you can download and enjoy! Follow this LINK to the music. It includes traditional christmas music! Enjoy!

Free American Greeting Photo Book!

This would make a great Christmas Gift!!
Go to this LINK and use the coupon code BONNIE. Limited to the first 25,000 people!

**** Just to let you know..this is the SLOWEST website I have had to work with when making a photo book! It took me almost 3 hours!!!***

True Value Hardware Stores have Free LightBulbs

Right now, True Value Hardware Stores has a great deal. Their GE Energy Savers light bulbs are .99 cents after instant rebate ( a rebate they give you at the register). Then this past sunday there were GE Coupons in the Smart Source Coupon Section for $1.00 off.  Use the coupon and the light bulb is free!! My husband picked up 6 bulbs for me, which is great because my stockpile on lightbulbs is pretty low!!

**********Update! My husband and I went through my Nov and Dec. coupons and found 19 coupons between the 2 months. We picked up 19 free light bulbs and only paid .81 cents for tax!)*****

Monday, November 23, 2009

Amazon.com is offering you to try their music downloads by giving you $3.00 in free music!

Get $3 in MP3s on Us!!

Go to http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_86123591_2?tag=**********&ie=UTF8&docId=1000455181&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=01CRM9R6HV6G359W7HWG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=500790611&pf_rd_i=2236008011 and follow the steps to getting $3.00 in free music!!

Fresh Batch of Kellogg's Coupons

Follow this LINK to a new batch of Kellogg's Coupons!!

9 Lives Boutique

This is a advertisment...sort of....I am not getting paid to post this...but I just love this store and wanted to share it with my local readers!!! 

If you live in Walworth County, anywhere near Lake Geneva, WI, and you want to save money but find great items, you have to visit 9 Lives Boutique!! 9 Lives Boutique is a second hand store like no other!!! It's a resale shop that has nice name brand, wonderful quality clothes!! Their prices are great!!! AND THE BEST PART??? 100% of their profits goes to Lakeland Animal Shelter!! Which means it helps animals every time you shop there! The ladies there have helped me ( I have no sense of fashion!) put outfits together. They have name brand kids clothes, mens clothes and womens clothes. I have gotten children's books in great shape for my kids. I have found a really beautiful teddy bear for my collection. And I know every time I buy something, I am also helping animals!! While I mostly shop at thrift stores and resale shops, this one is by far my favorite!!

If you are in Walworth County or in the Lake Geneva Area, go visit them!

Haven't posted alot lately....

I haven't posted alot lately...it's been quiet around here as far as shopping. I have been trying to figure out more ways to bring in INCOME and less ways to have it fly out the door. :)   I am picking up some odd jobs to bring in extra money. And believe it or not, I don't plan on buying much on Black Friday!!! First of all, money is tight. Second, I got most of my shopping done. Third, I am not a early riser and crowds are my favorite so there isn't the thrill there.

You can do Black Friday searches in your Swagbucks search, you will find lots of options. BUT, please remember so basic rules. Rule Number One: Quanities are limited, so don't expect to get the product! IF you do, GREAT! but be prepared to be disappointed. Rule Number Two: this year due to the economy, you may not find the best prices on Black Friday. As it gets closer to christmas, retailers will be scrabbling to make sales, and the prices may acutally drop! Rule Number Three: Do your research!! Know the fine print! If you buy something electronic, can it be returned after opening? Rule Number Four: Have you ever heard of model swapping? Retailers will have a model number on their product, then they will make a "lower" version of the same product without all the bells and whistles and sell that model on sale. Please make sure you know what you are buying.

I do plan on going to Walmart. They will price match all competers ads. Walmart will had kids jackets and boots on sale. Not a christmas item, but a good chance to get some nice things for my kids.

I hope all you Black Friday Shopping goes well!! I hope you shop smart!! Don't max out those credit cards!! Will it be worth it in July 2010 when you are still paying on interest?? Ugh!!

Stay Frugal!!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Night trip...Menards, ToysRUs and VS

Well, I was itching to get out and shop, so we went out tonight.

VS
Another pair of Free underware. Thanks to another mailing.

Toysrus
2 Lego Sets
$7.41 after my $20.00 gift card from my last shopping trip

Menards
8 crayola marker sets
5 6 pack of Crystal Light Bottles
1 indoor power cord
1 bird feeder
2 soy candles
1 box of cat liter
1 6pc. Towel Set
1 Hanna Montana Color and Cut playset

Total: 64.94
Used my $10.00 merchandise rebate card
After that rebate card $54.94, getting $33.25 back in rebates.

Also, 6 of the items are christmas gifts.
I am almost done shopping for christmas!! YEAH!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Target has $10 DVD's PreOrder

This may not be the most fantastic post, but if you have any of these on your christmas list, this may not be a bad deal. :) Target has 9 movies that haven't come out yet on a Pre Order $10 deal!
Here is the LINK!!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Make 50 photos cards for Free!

A new site called http://www.seehere.com/ has a deal right now. When you check out, use the code newbaby  at checkout. Shipping is free!!!

I just did this! I made 50 photos cards ($39.00 value) for free. Between these and the ones I got from Kodak! I am set for this holiday season!!! WOO HOO!!

Went to Walgreens

There wasn't anything on my list of things to buy, but I had $20.00 in RR's that I needed to spend or they expire tomorrow. SO, I decided to buy more treats since the kids can bring them for snack time at school.

I bought
7 2liter bottles of soda ( figured with the holidays we will need them, we had no soda in the house)
9 rolls of toilet paper
4 8 packs of cheese crackers
1 box of cheese gold fish crackers
3 cans of cranberry sauce
2 6 packs of raisins
1 box of clearance candy ( for my son's reward)

Total after RR's: $1.09


Then I got a refund check in the mail today and my husband got 2 bags of handme down clothes from family. :) Yeah!!

Stay Frugal everyone!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Free Sample of Lipton Tea

Go to this LINK and in the top right corner there is a sample button. Fill out the form and wait for the sample!

Good Frugal Day!!

Well, First of all, my school was doing there book fair and had a huge table full of clearance stuff. I picked up 5 gifts for $13.00!! WOO HOO!

Second, I got in the mail my Ebates check ($21.00 back!). Then I got my $15.00 Walmart Gift Card from Free Ride. Then I got a free coupon for a free Frosty at Wendy's and a Free pair of undies from VS. I also got a flyer with a coupon for $2.00 off one bottle of shampoo. Save that for next time.

Lastly, I went to Piggly Wiggly. they currently have a deal ( ends tomorrow) where you mix and match 8 items and you get them for $1.25 each item. Here is what I picked up:
2 blue bonnet magarines, on sale .49 cents each
1 container of milk, $1.99 on sale
2 packages of fudge shoppe cookies, on sale $1.25 when you buy 8 items, $1.00 off IP coupon
2 boxes of crackers, on sale $1.25 when you buy 8, $1.00 off of 2 IP coupons
2 packages of Pecan Sandies Cookies, $1.25 when you buy 8, $1.00 off each package IP coupons
1 box of Cheeze it Crackers, $1.25 when you buy ,.75 cents off IP Coupon
1 package of Rainbow Deluxe Cookie, $1.25 when you buy 8, .55 cents off one package IP Coupon

Total before discounts and coupons: $37.29
After coupons: $7.67
I bought a lot of crackers and cookies. I will use these for the upcoming holidays when my kids need to bring in snacks for parties and such. :)

Stay Frugal Everyone!!! I have $20 in Walgreens RR's that expire tomorrow...so I need to use those up....hum.what to buy?? We will see!!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

If you get a womans magazines....check this out...

If you look in your current Woman's Day or Martha Stuart Living or some other woman's magazines. There is a $5.00 off coupon for Hallmark. It's $5.00 off any order of $5.01 or more. So, you can find a $5.00 gift or a special ornament, you can use it to buy another Christmas Gift!!

Coin Star Gift Card Promotion

This is an okay promo if you are looking for gift cards this Christmas. Coinstar is offering you a $50 gift card if you cash in $40.00 in coins. If you are one of those people who collect change, this would get a great way to make $10.00. They don't charge any fees if you do a gift card option. This offer expires Dec. 6, 09. Follow this LINK for more details.

Download for Free...CMA Country Artist

Go to this LINK and Amazon will let you download a song from any of the CMA winning artists. Including Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and MANY MORE!!! Enjoy!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Buzz Agent Aveeno Shampoo Freebie

If you are a Buzz Agent Member, Currently in the BuzzScapes Section, you can go and find Aveeno Shampoo and Conditioner Sample.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Black Friday...Are you ready???

This website posts all the Black Friday Ads....Follow this LINK and find the stores you will be shopping. Plan a route and get ready!! Enjoy!

Kmarts New Frequent Shopping Card

Kmart is starting a new program with a shoppers card.  You can follow this LINK and get started.  It will give you exclusive savings and some other bloggers have reported that you can use it to double coupons!

Local Wisconsin Restaurant Birthday Club

This is for the local readers, I know I have readers as far away as Arizona, but I wanted to share this.

Popeye's Chicken in Lake Geneva ( not the Popeye's Chicken Chain) is a restaurant that has a great newsletter and birthday club. Sign up and on the first email you will get a $5.00 off your dinner coupon. After that you get a nice birthday treat on your birthday! If you are in Southern Wisconsin, this is one you want to sign up for!!  Follow this LINK to sign up!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

If you do Swagbucks....read this!

As you know, Swagbucks has plenty of Gift Cards that you can get for free with the web's premier digital dollar. What could be better than getting to save money without even spending money?! Especially during the holiday season. We've got a wide variety of Gift Cards in our Swag Store; from Amazon to Barnes & Noble to Starbucks to Sephora to CrazyDogTShirts to iTunes to PayPal to Target and more. We have these available in the Swag Store all the time and they're always free to you by using your Swag Bucks.


But, we're going to make what's already an awesome system even better. Here's how...

Every day of the week we will pick one Gift Card in our Swag Store and "blow it out"! Starting on Black Friday (November 27th) we'll drastically cut the price to much less than we normally have these cards at and you can scoop up as many as 2 for far less than their full price. We won't announce which gift cards are the blowout card of the day but if and when you find it, go to town. Some gift cards may be the blow out gift card of the day more than once and at different blowout prices. That means you should probably explore the Swag Store every day just in case we're blowing out one of your favorite online store's gift card. We will do this all the way up until January 1st, 2010.

Frugal Notes

Well, a couple of frugal things happened today. Since this is my blog, I am going to brag...So, skip this blog post if you don't want to hear it....LOL

I got a free car wash.

Then I went and used my free yougart and free uncrustables coupons, found a big bottle of tea on clearance for 25 cents. So, my out of pocket was .24 cents after tax because they do a bag credit at the grocery store which really lowered my cost. :) All of that will be saved for our water park trip for an upcoming weekend trip. It happens there is a conference in a nearby town for my career. We saved enough cash for me to attend the conference. One of the perks is that the water park is in the conference center/hotel. So, my kids get to go to the water park while I attend the conference. :) So, I told the kids I couldn't afford to eat out much, so I bought the uncrustables, yougart and the drink bottle for the hotel room so we don't spend a bunch of money on eating out. We will go out at least once. The kids have their McDonalds Free Happy Meal coupons, so we will "treat" them to those. So, spending .24cents will save us a bunch of money on eating out. :)

Then I got my new scanner today for Neilsen Home Panel. I will scan my groceries and they will pay me to do it. :) Gotta love that!

On top of it, we actually heard good news on my husband's job search. He got a call back on an interview and there is a chance he will have a second interview. Granted, it's not a job offer, but it means there is a chance, which is better than what has been the last 10 months!  :) He is really interested in the company and they seem very interested in him! YEAH!

We have sat down and figured out our debt snowball. We have 2 "snowflakes" coming ( if you know debt snowball lingo, you know what a snowflake is!!) One is on a savings account that we totally didn't realize we could have access too and in February we will have our tax refund. So, if you take those two "snowflakes" we can pay off the balance on the credit debt AND my car. We will be debt free from everything but the mortgage!! Time for baby step #3 ( Again, a Dave Ramsey thing and debt snowball thing!)

So, despite my husband not working much ( he is working part time, minimum wage at a fast food joint about 15 to 25 hours a week for about 2 months now), I have picked up 2 side jobs and still work my full time job. God has been abundant with blessing recently!!! We have been able to save up enought to get life insurance on both of us ( never had that before). And get both cars tuned up, and ready for winter, including brakes and tires for the van. Nothing put on credit card!!!

This has been a long journey that started almost 8 years ago. But knowing that soon, we will be debt free and able to save for our kids education, our retirement and protect our family with insurance, really gives me a huge piece of comfort. All this of this has been through God! WOW, in 8 years we have bought a home, have had 3 lay offs, a baby, husband had emergeny care on a spiral fractured leg, a car completely breaking down and so many other bumps along the way.

And it's taught me alot!!! It's taught me to make do with what I have, be satified with what I have, not to want, WANT, WANT!!!

Stay Frugal!!!!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Coupon Book from

Follow this LINK and sign up for a coupon book From Home Made Simple which is Dawn, Cascade, Swiffer and MORE!!

If you live in Southeastern WI, Free pancakes!!

McDonalds restaurant in Southeastern Wisconsin will offer all customers a free hotcakes and sausage platter from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 10th to celebrate 25th birthday of Milwaukee Ronald McDonald House.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Select Harvest Campbell's Soup Coupon

Follow this LINK to print a $1.00 off coupon for Campbell's Soup.

Menards Deal

Menards has Glade 2 oz Candles on sale for $2.49. If you printed the Glade BOGO coupon from my Oct. 27th Post, you can get 2 candles for the price of one and then mail in the $1.50 rebate from Menards.

$2.49 1 candle
$2.49 1 candle
------
$4.98
-2.49 BoGO Coupon
------
2.49 Total ( and then add tax)
Then get a $1.50 EACH rebate ( totally $3.00) from Menards

Toys R Us/ Hasbro Deal!!!!

If you have to buy for children this Christmas, this is a deal you can't miss!!

First of all you get a $10.00 Toys r Us gift card for spending $25.00 on Hasbro Games.

Then Hasbro has a rebate form LINK where you can get up to $69.00 back. The link only SHOWS the rebate, you need to find the rebate on a tear pad in the store. It's a tearpad on display with the games.

Finally if you look at my coupons.com bar on the right of my website, you will see some Hasbro Game Coupons. OR if you printed the coupons I posted last month (which are now unavailable), you could use those.

Well,
Here is what I got on my trip. I didn't like how they did the $10.00 back, but I guess it's to protect from fraud. They actually charge you for the gift card and take the amount off from the gift card on your purchases.

So, I bought
Musical Sit and Spin, $19.99, I had the $10.00 off coupon
T Rex Hatchling, $14.99, I had the $5.00 off coupon
Lullaby Glow Worm, $9.99, I had the $3.00 off coupon
Power Rangers Halloween Costume, $2.99 on 90% clearance
GAMES:
Memory $3.99
Scrabble $9.99
Connect 4X4 $19.99, I had a $5.00 off coupon
Gator Golf  $14.99
Chutes and Ladders $3.99
Then I had a $10.00 coupon if you spent $75.00
So, My total was $74.20 after coupons. I got a gift card for $20.00 and I am getting another $10.00 back in rebates.

Gift card must by used by 12/31/09, so I will use it for more christmas gifts for the kids!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Some IP Coupons and Rebates

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, $1.00 off on ONE
LINK

Nature Valley Granola Rebate
LINK

Sign up for these Eat Better America IP Coupons
LINK

Disney Rewards

If you got your Disney Rewards newsletter, look for the Rewards code and cash in the code. It's worth 5 points. The code was E389VNV23C.

Disner Rewards are great!! If you aren't a member, I can email you a referral email, please email me at frugalmommie22@hotmail.com

Thanks!

Walmart Freebies

Walmart has some new freebies listed.

DenTek Floss Picks

Pampers Extra Protection Diaper

Proilosec Medicine click on the picture frame.

Garnier Skin Renew

Dinners for Veterans!

As Veteran's day approaches, There are some great treats for Vets!! Thank you for serving our country!!

Outback Steak House is giving away their Blooming Onion to the Vets. Click HERE for information!

Also, Call your Texas Roadhouse, I heard that some of them are having free meals after 1pm at their resturants. You need to call you local resturant and ask.

Applebees: In recognition of your service to our country, all veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to eat free at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov.11, 2009. Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, or photograph in uniform or wearing uniform. For more information visit http://www.applebees.com/

Home Depot and Lowes: Have advertised that they will offer all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10% discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran's Day.

This year, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is honoring America's service men and women on Veterans Day by giving away free doughnuts to all veterans and active military personnel. Veterans and active military personnel are invited to visit any participating U.S. Krispy Kreme store on Veterans Day, November 11, and enjoy one free doughnut of any variety. Click Here for more information.

Freebie: Breathe Right Nasal Strips

Go here LINK and sign up!!

Great Freebie and Frugal Weekend

Well, It's been an nice warm frugal fall weekend. :)

First, we went to a hockey game last night. We were given the tickets for free from a friend who got them and couldn't go. Paid $10.00 for parking and ate before we went. Took snacks.

Second, My aunt had 3 big bags of clothes that she wanted to get rid of, asked my mom if I wanted them. My mom gave them to me yesterday. Name brand clothes for both me and my daughter! Yeah!

Then, today I got a $10.00 survey check in the mail. I also got a free bottle of Aquafresh new ISO active toothpaste. I will try it and tell the company if I like it! I also got a coupon trade today. I am so thrilled! More yougart coupons!! And I got in the mail my Uncrustables coupon for a free box of Smuckers Uncrustables. (from my Sept. post)

And finally, due to my husband being laid off, our church "gifted" us with some food. :) We were shocked to find 2 boxes of food to help with our Thanksgiving meal. I was shocked. We didn't expect to be included because I am working, this is truly a wonderful blessing right now!!

The rest of the time we have stayed home, played in the leaves with our kids, rested, relaxed and enjoyed the fall weather!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Victoria Secret Deal

Here is a decent deal with VS. TODAY ONLY, NOV. 6th, shipping is Free, just use code SHIPFREE. You can also order any PINK item and get a free PINK bag, use code VSPINKBAG. You can also do the code 20CLEAR for 20% off clearance items.

Right now, they have a Secret Card Promo, with every order they will add a gift card for $10 to $500 dollars.

So, you spend close to $10, get free shipping, get the card in your order for another ( at minimum) $10.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Thanksgiving meal for 8 for $20.00!!!??

Walmart just released a press realease that states they are going to have a complete 8 person meal deal for $20.00. The press release states
"Starting Saturday, Walmart stores will begin their first one-week electronics savings event with special buys and Rollbacks, including a new $298 HP notebook computer. In addition, as shoppers evaluate the impact of tight budgets on holiday meal planning, beginning today Walmart will feature select 12-pound turkeys for less than $5, helping families serve a complete Thanksgiving meal for eight this year as low as $20.*"

"According to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation, last year's
average cost of a turkey was roughly $1.19 per pound. Beginning today, select Grade A turkeys are available for 40 cents per pound at Walmart.* These gobblers are part of Walmart's $20 Thanksgiving menu guaranteeing family favorites will be on the dinner table this holiday season. Walmart's $20 Thanksgiving feast includes:

-- One 12-pound Grade A turkey*
-- Three 11 to 15.5-ounce cans Green Giant vegetables
-- Two 14-ounce cans Ocean Spray cranberry sauce
-- Three 6-ounce boxes of Stove Top stuffing
-- One 5-pound bag of red potatoes
-- One 12-count package of Sara Lee dinner rolls
-- One 22-ounce pumpkin roll cake"

You can read the press release here LINK

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Target and Walgreens trip...

Spent $22.00 but I got $30.00 back in RR"s and Gift cards! YEAH!!

First stop, Walgreens.
2 Halloween pencils ( .12 cent fillers on clearance)
2 Halloween Bags ( 12 cent fillers on clearance, will use for gift bags, they don't look halloween like)
1 Almay Makeup ( on sale for $9.99 and has a $10.00 RR back)
Total: $11.05 ( with tax)
Used my RR"s from the last trip, so after RR's it was $3.05
GOT $10.00 back in RR"s!

Second Stop Target:
Bought 10 Glade Oil Candles, On sale for $2.50, had BOGO coupon ( from newspaper and coupon spitter), then when you buy 5 you get a $5.00 gift card
Total: 25.00 - $12.50 in coupons and my $5.00 gift card from the cereal deal: Paid $8.46 (with tax), got $10.00 in Gift cards for next time. I will use these candles and candle refills for christmas gifts.

Third stop, another Walgreens:
Picked up another Almay Make up because I needed it;
$10.54 with tax, got $10.00 back in RR's.

SO, spent out of pocket $22.05 and I got $30.00 back in Gift cards and RR's for next time.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Question from a reader...

ON Eagle's Wings wrote: I really want to be better at finding deals and I come to you to see how you do it. I feel like I have to start off with a lot of money. To start to stock up on walmart rewards,target cards,andswagbucks, and whatever else. I have six hundred dollars a month to spend i can never seem to save any at the end of the month for fun stuff like candles,gifts, or what have yous. We have six people in our family. I'm not sure I'm asking the right question for you. If I can think of a better way of saying how I feel about it all I write again.


My response: Hi Eagles Wings, First of all, $600 should be plenty to live on for a family of 5. What is your menu plan? What are your price limits? How much stockpiling do you do?

If you are just getting started, the first thing to do is decide on a menu plan and price limits. Food that is inexpensive, fits with the budget and uses loss leaders.

Example, my target trip. I bought 4 boxes of cereal. Most people will buy one or 2 boxes each grocery trip, shopping 3 out of 4 weeks a month. If they pay the price of $2.66 each for 2 boxes for 3 weeks ( total 6 boxes) ...that's $15.96.  But if they buy 4 boxes on sale, then they have the Target coupon and $1.00 off each box coupon, then the total is $2.98 and they did this twice in the same week to add to their stockpile, you are then at 8 boxes at $5.96. Saving you $10 and getting 2 more boxes then the regular shopping trip.

I hope that makes sense.

Here is another example:
I went to my Walgreens. They had hang tags for .50 cents off one bottle of Sobe Flavored Water. I grabbed 3 ( typically I grab 3 coupons, not more so that others can have some too!!). Then when I went across the street to my Sentry ( who doubles up to 50 cents), they had the SOBE on sale for $1.00. I used the 3 coupons and grabbed 3 waters for free. So, instead of grabbing a bottle of soda at the gas station on the way to work. I just grab a free flavored water and I am on my way.

If you continue to do that again and again, adding those little extras to your stockpile, eventually you will build up such a good pile that you don't need to spend so much at the store.

Another example: Logli's had bags of veggies for $1.00 on sale, I had a 40 cent off coupon that doubles there. So I paid 20 cents a bag. I gathered up 13 of those coupons and stockpiled veggies. Now, I can make menus around those veggies and not spend full price on veggies for awhile.

So, I am sure you are asking HOW did I get 13 of those coupons. Well, I ask the ladies at church to save coupons for me. I get 2 papers at my home. My mom and MIL saves coupons for me. I also trade coupons if I can. :) I don't buy coupons!! I know many people who do, you have to decide what works for you!

How do I find the sales? Typically, after my kids go to bed, I spend about 45 minutes surfing different websites, store ads, and my email to find bargins. Some bargins are just by chance, others take a lot of planning.  Lot of this is a lifestyle change. We live without and make do without. I WILL never pay full price things. I just refuse.

An example: soda. We don't buy coke, pepsi or other high priced soda. We will, as a treat, once in a while, buy root beer or white soda. A 2 liter bottle is 79 cents at our Super Walmart. OR a 12 pack is $2.39. I will buy the 12 pack because soda at work is 75 cents a can and I get the "I wannas" every now and then. That is $9.00 a 12 pack. We only drink generic and I make that 12 pack stretch until my next grocery trip! Which means about 2 or 3 cans a week.

I hope this helps. I get lots of emails where they aren't quite sure what questions to ask. I will just keep posting what I do and pray and hope that it helps someone out there.  I really just want all of us moms ( and dads!) to be able to support our families, stop the debt cycle that is crushing us and enjoy our lives!!

Stay frugal everyone!!!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Target Deals!

I went to my mom's and she has a Target nearby, so I decided to stop. 

* 4 Boxes of Fruit Loops, on sale for $2.66 and it was b3g1. I had coupons for $1.00 off one box of Fruit Loops from the grocery store coupon spitter. So, I used those 4 coupons. Also, Target had a Target coupon for $1.00 off any Kellogg's Cereal. ( Follow this LINK for the Kellogg's coupon). That coupon says one per transaction. So, $2.66 * 3 is $7.98 and the 4th box is free. $7.98-$4.00 in coupons = $3.98- $1.00 Target coupon =$2.98 for 4 boxes of cereal. Basically 75 cents each box.

* Then I picked up my free Herbal Essance Shampoo, Free after coupon mailer

* then I checked the dollar spot, they had 75% off, so the items were 25 cents. I bought 3 lotions for teacher gifts and a pack of pencils.

* I then picked up the glade candle coupons. I had $2.00 off the purchase of 2 candles from inside the packages of Glade candles I had bought in the past. I also had a $1.50 off one candle from a tearpad I got at Kmart awhile back. When you buy 5 Glade Holiday Candles, you get a $5.00 Gift card back. So, $2.50 each * 5 = $12.50 -$5.50 ( amount of the 3 coupons) = $7.00 and I got a $5.00 gift card back. I will use the candles as smaller gifts for teachers and co workers. :)

* Finally, if you bought 2 kellogg's pop tart 12 packs you get a box of fruit snacks free. So, I had .55 cent off coupons on the pop tarts. So, $2.50 each - .55 = $1.95 each ( $3.90 total, plus a free fruit snack)

Total after coupons was $15.55, then I used one of my $10 Swagbucks Mastercard Gift Cards and the $5.00 Target Gift Card I had from the Cereal Deal back in September.  So, Out of pocket I spent .55 cents.

Frugalmommie as been on WITI FoxNews6 Television Milwaukee, WTMJ620 Radio, Several local newspapers, The Wisconsin State Journal, and is in a feature article in All You Magazine in the April 2009 edition.