Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Book Review:" Living Rich for Less"

Are you looking for a book to help you save the big money? Do you need a friend to help you understand the ends and out of the credit card game? Are you in search of the best ways to save for you children's college? Do you want to be able to take family or couples vacations, even in these times of recession?

Then "Living Rich for Less" can help you! In her latest book, author Ellie Kay helps you create the Lifestyle you want, by Giving, Saving, and Spending Smart (or smarter).

With her usual humor, Ellie shares loads of ways her family has saved on vacations, college, taxes, mortgages, all while helping you dig out of debt, re asses you priorities, and giving to others as well!

She teaches the 10/10/80 budget principle (work sheets/pages are included), and walks thru it each step to help you understand how to save your money, and spend money smarter. I especially appreciate the chapters on giving. I am afraid that after a few years of the save, save, save mindset, that the give, give, give got lost in me. I am thankful to have Ellie remind me of how important it is to use your savings to help others, and that you don't have to give money to help others either. Reading the section where she tells about how her family gave away a Suburban to a homeless shelter, well, it honestly made me teary eyed.

Are you confused with the different mortgage terms? How about types of life insurance? Ellie can help!

Do you want to learn some ways you can help the environment, with our footing a large bill for yourself? Ellie can help!


Do you need help in learning the safest way to put away your money for your future? Ellie can help!


You too can learn all these tips buy reading "Living Rich for Less" by Ellie Kay
Here are some places you can purchase this book:


In the spirit of giving, I am donating this book to my local library!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Free Classroom Energy CD!

Found this today!
Would you like to have your own copy of all the activities and lesson plans on this site?
To order a CD-Rom version of the Classroom Energy! site, please enter the appropriate information below:

http://www.classroom-energy.org/free_material.html

Looks like it will work for homeschoolers as well.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Check your emails!!

I got an email from CVS about a FREE gift!
I get to pick from CVS brand transparent tape or a bag of pretzels! (just bought tape at CVS tonight, hmmmm, I smell a rat)

Let me know if you got an email too! And let us know what your choices of free gifts were!

Redbox Free Movie Monday Code

Here is your Monday code:


EC22KP

I recommend Jeff Dunhams Christmas Special (very funny comedian)!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Ellie Kay Giveaway Winner!!

By random selection, post #3 was selected:

Mama2ce said...
I have not read those books, but they sound fun! BTW, I have a coupon giveaway at my blog right now :)

Mama2ce, you have 48 hours to contact me via email at: tightwadmom@msn.com

Congrats!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Jeub Family Products 1/2 Price thru 12/18

Wished I could get the pictures up, but no luck for me! I really love this family! The Jeub's are a Christian family that believe children are a gift from God and have chosen to accept as many gifts as God gives them. They have been featured on TLC's "Kids by the Dozen".They currently have 14 (I think) and one more on the way. Let me tell you, this family knows how to stretch a dollar! They are having a 1/2 price promotion, so head on over there and take a look. I really, really LOVE the cookbook! It is full of wonderful recipes, include healthy ingredients and has lots of great meal ideas, and money saving tips!

http://jeubfamily.com/products/

Monday Redbox FREE Movie Code

Here it is, the FREE code for Monday!

47J2L8

expires at Midnight tonight.

Win a Wii Fit!

www.parentspromo.com/wiifit

Chance to win a FREE Wii Fit! You can either go to the above website OR you can text 467467 and it will automatically text you back for your home phone # which will automatically bring up your address which you must verify.
NOTE the rules state entry per household OR it will invalidate all of the entries from that household.

You have until 12/30/08 and 3 winners will be chosen on 1/5/09.

Thanks to fellow Kizoodle member bishkids for this information!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

My Ellie Kay Giveaway!


Since I will be reviewing the newest book soon, I have decided to do a giveaway of 2 of my Ellie Kay books! The original, "Shop, Save and Share" and "A Woman's Guide to Family Finances"
These books are mainly for "beginning" couponers (they are pre-CVS) and probably won't help any of you advanced couponers,but they are a GREAT read, funny and uplifting)
How to enter:
1. subscribe to my feed
2.post a comment if you have already read these books
3.post about this giveaway in your blog
Make sure and leave a separate comment for each entry, and a random winner will be chosen December 18, 2008
Best wishes!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Duracell Power a Smile

There’s nothing better than seeing a smile on a child’s face as they power up a gift for the first time. Except, perhaps, giving that child the chance to share their joy with kids where they need it most: children’s hospitals. And that’s just what the Duracell® Power A Smile campaign was all about.
Last holiday season, Duracell invited parents and kids to power smiles around the country. When parents uploaded a photo of their child, Duracell donated a dollar to the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA and other children's hospitals across the country to power another child's smile. Every photo donation went toward the children's critical needs as well as batteries for their toys.
The season was one of the brightest thanks to those who care so much about kids. And after all, that’s what the holidays are all about. Of all the things a battery can power, nothing is better than powering a smile.
To share this site with family and friends, copy and paste this link!


http://powerasmile.com/

You can also use images from google or photobucket, if you are not comfortable using a photo of your child.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Must be my lucky day!

I had to run into Walgreens today (I had a $2 Huggies Q expiring today) to get snacks for childrens church. We were returning a Rebox movie when I saw a piece of paper on the ground at the back of the machine,it was a $5 RR!!!

So I got snacks ( enough for 15 kids) and diapers for $17, and got $5 RR back!

Yipee!!

Squeals of delight!!


I am so excited right now! I submitted my blog to the Ellie Kay Blog Tour Review, and I was choosen to read and review her newest book!
Here is a copy of the email I recieved:


Dear Michelle,

I’m thrilled that you have been chosen to participate in the Living Rich for Less blog tour. Please post your review of the book between December 29th and January 2nd.

It’s likely that your readers will be looking for ways to save money in the new year, and this book offers suggestions for saving up to $30,000 in just one year. I’m so excited to present to you the opportunity to not only read Ellie Kay’s Living Rich for Less, but to actively partake in changing your and your reader’s lives.

America’s Family Financial Expert® Ellie Kay will help the taxed-out, maxed-out achieve the lifestyle they want with simple principles to save, spend, and give smart. Includes Cha-Ching Factor™ tips to keep money in-pocket, golden questions to identify values and doable-rules for saving and spending to realize and live one’s dreams.
Summary:
You really can be rich in every way, every day.

So you want to own the home you love, make memories on wonderful vacations with family or friends, finance college educations, and help others too?

You can—starting here and now.

With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Living Rich for Less helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams. Ellie Kay’s entertaining and enlightening examples show you simple steps to save, spend, and give smart, and her three main principles are undergirded by dozens of effective rules and hundreds of Cha-Ching Factor™ tips that keep or put money in your pocket.

Ellie knows what it’s like to be financially-strapped or struggling, wanting to be the Joneses but feeling as poor in spirit as in pocketbook. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and within fifteen years able to pay cash for eleven different cars, give away three of those cars, buy two five-bedroom houses (moving from one to the other) and nicely furnish each, take wonderful vacations, dress her family in fine fashion; and support more than thirty non-profit organizations in more than a dozen different countries, giving away more than $100,000.

Isn’t that the kind of transformation to a rich life that you want?

Living Rich for Less helps anyone get there in our taxed-out, maxed-out times. Because financial security doesn’t mean just genuine prosperity, but being able to live luxuriously, give generously, and care for yourself as well as the others around you.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Redbox Monday Code

Here is Mondays FREE Redbox Movie Code!

23MJT7

Happy Viewing!

Friday, December 5, 2008

FREE Rebox Movies on Sundays!

Thanks to Alyssa @ http://www.kingdomfirstmom.com/ (she's one of the 11 Moms!)

Starting this Sunday, December 7th, and the 4 subsequent Sundays, you can enjoy a one night free rental from any Walmart Redbox location. Mark your calendars!Use these special codes to redeem the rental:

Week 1 (Sunday 12/7) - 11moms4uS (good for this day only)

Week 2 (Sunday 12/14) - 11moms4uA (good for that day only)

Week 3 (Sunday 12/21) - 11moms4uN (good for that day only)

Week 4 (Sunday 12/28) - 11moms4uT (good for that day only)

Week 5 (Sunday 1/4/09) - 11moms4uA (good for that day only)

So you could enjoy 10 FREE movies over the course of month using these Sunday codes, and then the Monday codes as well! Make sure and return your movie before 9 pm the following night to avoid the $1.00 fee!

Wal-Mart texted me the code for the first week and I noticed the code said 11moms, to I thought to check my favorite 11 moms site! If you don't know about Wal-Marts Eleven Moms blog roll, check them out! http://instoresnow.walmart.com/Community.aspx

Thursday, December 4, 2008

FREE Scott Towels for a Year!

Enter here: https://www.scottsweeps.com/Default.aspx?WT.mc_id=scsc_csc_email

Enter for your chance to win FREE Scott Towels for a year and CASH for the Holidays!
Good luck!
You can also play in instant game to earn additional entires and prizes!

Monday, December 1, 2008

RedBox Movie Code

Here is your first movie code of the month!

CC67M4

I have a feeling Redbox is doing well, they just put a machine up in front of our Walgreens!

Happy Movie Viewing!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Free Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake

Got this offer in the mail today!
Go to http://www.arbys.com/ and sign up for Arby's Extras and they will email you a coupon for a FREE Mint Chocolate Shake. Offer is good only to new registrations. Offer expires 12/28/2008.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Rebox Movie Code!

Here is the code for today:

2MNC92

Here is a friendly hint: Don't get "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" I usually enjoy Adam Sandler movies, but this was 2 hours of my life I will never get back, even though it was free,LOL.

Happy Viewing!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Check out JollyTimes Promotions

Hey, check out the promotions for Jollytime Popcorn! They have quite a lot of goodies and printable coupons too! These do go on sale at Kroger fairly ofter for 10/$10, so if you have some in your pantry already, start saving those UPC's!!
http://www.jollytime.com/promotions

Some of the items are: Re-usable Grocery bag, 10 Music downloads, Pedometer

Friday, November 21, 2008

Ahhh, I LOVE November!

Most of my family knows that once November 1st comes around, I am generally in a great mood! November is my favorite month of the year. Is this because it's the fall? NO
Is it because of Thanksgiving? Well, not exactly.
I totally live for Black Friday all year long! The anticipation of what will be on sale where, really gets to me! I even have that handy dandy countdown posted over there--------> and thought I would share a great Pre-Black Friday sales for you!
You can check out this site to see all the Black Friday ads that have been posted so far:
http://www.blackfriday.info/sales/

You can check out the forums at hotcouponworld.com to see what others are saying, and see some of the ads scan yourself! (I personally do better with pictures)
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/black-friday-deals-discussions-2008/

Unfortunately, I don't have that many store to choose from on BF*sigh* or I would be really broke. My husband has purposely worked overtime for 2 weeks now, because he knows about the great deals I find. I would have to say though, that I have about 80% of our family gifts already, and I have barely spent anything. These all came from Yahoo trading sites, Kizoodle(another trading site that I will highlight later) and Goodwill. I have been really lucky at Goodwill this year! And of course I have gift cards for my 3 oldest from My Points! $25 to Game Stop for my son, $25 to Wal-Mart for middle daughter, and $25 to Magazines.com for oldest daughter. Not too bad for reading emails all year! And I can not forget Disney Movie Rewards!

And here is the link to Wal-Mart's BF Ad!
http://www.blackfriday.gottadeal.com/

If I don't blog before then:

Have a fantastic Black Friday!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Redbox Movie Code!

FREE Movie Monday
Here is the Redbox Movie code for 11/17

57DRW3

ENJOY!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Join Stouffer's Dinner Club!

Thanks to Common Sense with Money for the posting about this deal!

Join Stouffers Dinner Club and you will get 100 points, if you donate 20 (or more) points to feed the Hungry, and they will send you a Tote Bag for FREE! Collect Codes in specially-marked package of STOUFFER'S® single-serve meals and accumulate Dinner Club Points. You can also earn points doing surverys.Use your accumulated points to bid on rewards. For the month of November auctions are on hold to focus on donations to Feeding America. Every 20 points that get donated translate into one meal donated to Feeding America.It's free to join, you get the free points to donate and help someone and in return you get a free tote.
Please remember, people still go hungry every day in out own country! Please do something as simple as signing up with Stouffers to help those less fortunate.

http://dinnerclub.stouffers.com/index.tbapp

Monday, November 10, 2008

Sweet Hersheys deal!

After my CVS trip today, I noticed the spend $10 get 5 ECB deal was still active. The register printed out my FREE Hershey bar (when you buy 10, carried over from last month I suppose), and even though I got it free, it counted towards my buy 20 get 5 deal. Hmmm, it made me think of this rebate deal I saw last night.

http://www.hersheys.com/megamovie/orderForm.pdf

Collect and send in 15 Mega Movie Bonus Points from specially marked packages of TWIZZLERS, HERSHEY'S MINIATURES, HERSHEY'S NUGGETS, KISSES, REESES'S and YORK products to receive one FREE movie admission valued up to $8.50.

Mega Movie 10% bonus bags of TWIZZLERS candies are worth 3 points each. Mega Movie 10% bonus bags of various Hershey's candies are worth 5 points each. Combine point values for a total of 15 points for redemption.

All submissions must be postmarked by 3/1/2009. At participating theaters only. Limit of 4 movie admissions per household.

This could be a sweet deal! You could eat your way to the movies! Think of all the ways you could use that candy too! Classroom parties, stocking suffers, church activities, or just eat it all for yourself (just kidding! please don't eat it all!).

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Ellie Kay invatation

Got this in my email, and since it doesn't apply to me, thought I would share with the readers. I LOVE Ellie Kay, and if nothing else you should check out her web site! She is one of the original coupon moms, she wrote the best selling book "Shop, Save and Share".

Join Ellie as she makes a national television appearance!

We're still looking for YOU
Are you a young family struggling with consumer debt? If you are over $20K in credit card debt and need support, there is an opportunity to work with me as I help you negotiate with your lenders and work towards paying down your debt. A national television show may follow you every step of the way.
Email us at assistant@elliekay.com if you are interested.
Ellie's Website
Check out www.elliekay.com to sign up for Ellie's newsletter!
Ellie Kay and Company
LLC 3053 Rancho Vista Blvd
Suite H-102
Palmdale, CA 93551

http://www.elliekay.com

-.22 @ Kroger!!

Yipee! I got my 20 $1 off any No Nonsense item coupons in the mail yesterday, and I ran to Kroger to get me some socks! Here is the reciept!
It says I saved 101%
PLUS, the poor girl didn't know what to do when it came up negative, and she didn't know how to zero out the registar, so they GAVE me the .22!! YAY! I MADE money on socks, which I needed cause I have been wearing my husbands!







Friday, November 7, 2008

Coupon Preview 11/09

As seen on http://www.taylortownpreview.com/

SMARTSOURCE
Basic 4, Chex, Curves, Fiber One, Total, Wheaties, etc. Cereal $1 on 2 (12-20-09)
Bic Luminere 3-Position Candle Lighter or any Bic Multi-Purpose Lighter $1 (12-31-08)
Campbells Condensed Cooking Soups, any .25/4 (12-31-08)
Campbells Gravy, any .25/4 (12-21-08)
Cheerios Snack Mix, 4.5 oz.+, Check Mix or 100 Calorie Chex Mix .50 (1-3-09)
Chex Cereals, any $1/2 (12-20-08)
Commit Stop Smoking Lozenge, any 72 ct.+ $7 (1-31-09)
Dannon Frusion Smoothie, 7 oz $1/4 or one 4 pack (12-31-08) .10 each
Depend Absorbent Product, any $1 (12-31-08)
Depend Guards for Men, any $1 (12-31-08)
Dr. Scholls Custom Fit Orthotic, any $5 (12-31-08)
Dukes Mayonnaise, any .75 (12-31-08) .10 each
Duncan Hines Carrot Cake $1 (1-31-09)
Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Frostings .75/2 (1-31-09)
Emerald Nut Product, any 5 oz.+ $1.50 on 2 (1-31-09) .10 each
Frenchs French Fried Onions, any .50 (3-15-09)
Fruit 2 0, any $1.25 on 2 (12-31-08) .10 each
GE Energy Smart, GE Reveal or GE Edison Halogen Product, any $1 (2-7-09)
Hamburger, Tuna, or Chicken Helper Skillet Meals, any .75/3 (1-3-09)
Hersheys Milk Chocolate Bar, w/ Almonds, or Special Dark B1G1F up to .79 (2-28-09) .20 each
Hersheys Miniatures, Kisses or Nuggets Special Dark Chocolates, 11 oz+ $1 (2-28-08)
Hormel Pepperoni Pack, any .55 (1-17-09) .10 each
Hunts Snack Pack FREE up to $1.25 wyb 2 Kid Cuisine, any (12-31-08) .10 each
Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage, any $1/2 (12-31/08)
Johnsonville Italian All Natural Ground Sausage, any .75 (12-31-08) .10 each
Kotex Lightdays Pantiliners, any .75 (1-4-09) .10 each
Kotex Pads, any $1 (1-4-09)
Kotex Security Tampons, any $1/2 (1-4-09)
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, any $1 (1-4-09)
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, any $1/2 (1-4-09)
Mazola Cooking Oil, 32 oz+/Mazola Olive Oil,17 oz/ Mazola Pure Cooking Spray $1(12-31-08)
Mrs. Smiths Special Recipes or Edwards Pies, any $1 on 2 (2-9-09)
Pedialyte, any 1-liter $5/2 (1-31-09) .25 each
Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls, any .25 (1-31-09)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough, any $1 on 2 (1-31-09)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands Biscuits, any .30/2 (1-31-09)
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls, any .40/2 (1-31-09)
Poise Pads, any $2/2 (12-31-08) .10 each
Poise Pantiliners, any $1.50/2 (12-31-08) .10 each
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, any .50/2 boxes (1-3-09)
Progresso Soups, any $1/4 (1-3-09)
Publix Reusable Bag FREE up to $1 wyb Healthy Choice Frozen Dinner (12-31-08) .10 each
Refresh Product, any $2 (12-31-08)
Refresh Redness Relief, any $3 (12-31-08)
Renuzit Adjustables, any .55/3 (12-31-08)
Renuzit Pearl Scents Air Freshener, any .50 (12-31-08)
Renuzit TriScents Starter Kit, any $2 (12-31-08)
Resolve Product, any $1.25 (12-21-08) .15 each
Reynolds Baking Cups, any .25 (1-4-09)
Reynolds Oven Bags, any $1 (12-7-08)
Reynolds Parchment Paper, any $1 (1-4-09)
Rold Gold Pretzel Waves, any 7 oz. $1 (12-31-08)
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids, Produce Saver, or Premier Container, any $1 (12-24-08)
Russell Stover Private Reserve, Internationale, etc, 3.95 to 4.95 oz. B1G1F DND (5-31-09) .25 Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Refill, any $1.50/2 (1-4-09) .10 each
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Starter Kit $5 (1-4-09)
Sunsweet Products, any $1/2 (3-31-09)
Swanson Broth, any .25/4 cans (12-21-08)
Swanson Broth, any $1 on 3 cartons (12-21-08)
Swanson Stock, any 26 oz .50 (12-21-08)
Totinos Rolls Snacks, any .35 (1-31-09)
FORM Zantac $5 Rebate (mail-in) (1-31-09)
Zantac Product, any $1 (1-31-09)
Zantac 75 Product, any $1.50 (1-31-09)
FOOD LION
Blue Bonnet Product, any .50 (12-31-08)
Egg Beaters Product, any .50 (12-31-08)
Reddi-Wip Product, any .50 (12-31-08)
PUBLIX
Cottonelle Toilet Paper, Aloe & E Toilet Paper or Ultra Toilet Paper, any 12 -pk.+ $1 (11-9-08 to 12-9-08)
RED LOBSTER
Dinner Entrees, any $4 on 2 (12-23-08) .20 each
Lunch Entrees, any $3 on 2 (12-23-08) .15 each
VALASSIS (RED PLUM)
Carbona Silver Wipes .50 (2-7-09)
Carefree Product, any 34 ct.+ $1 on 2 (1-31-09)
Crisco Product, any .45 (1-31-09)
Del Monte Orchard Select or Sunfresh Refrigerated Glass Jar, any $1 (2-7-09)
Del Monte Red Grapefruit Bowl, any 20.5 oz. $1 (2-7-09)
Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, any .55 DND (1-31-09)
Estracell or Clawth Sponge Product, any .50/2 (12-31-08)
Flex-A-Min Joint Care Product, any $5 (2-28-09)
Garnier Color Breaks Hair Color $2 (2-28-09)
Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatment, any $1 (2-9-09)
Garnier Fructis Style Product, any $1 (2-9-09)
Garnier Nutritoniste Cleanser or Moisturizer, any $1 (2-28-09)
Garnier 100% Color Vibrant Color Hair Color $3 (2-28-09)
Gatorade Powder Packs Box, any $1 (1-31-09)
Hungry Jack Biscuits, any $1 on 2 DND (1-31-09)
Hungry Jack Instant Potatoes AND Pet Evaporated Milk, any $1 DND (1-31-09)
Hungry Jack Pancake Mix or Syrup AND Pet Evaporated Milk $1 DND (1-31-09)
Jerky Treats Dog Snack, any 6 or 10 oz. $1 (1-3-09)
Jif Peanut Butter, any .35 (12-31-08)
Keebler Ready Crust Pie Crust, any .25 (1-4-09)
Kelloggs All-Bran Fiber Product, any $1 on 2 (1-4-09)
Kelloggs Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes, etc. Cereal 8 oz.+ $1 (12-21-08)
Kelloggs Pop-Tarts, any 8 ct.+ .55 (1-3-09) .10 each
Kelloggs Rice Krispies, Frosted Mini-Wheats, or Crispix Cereal, 10 oz.+ $1 (12-31-08)
Kelloggs Smart Start, Special K or All-Bran Cereal, 11.4 oz.+ $1 (12-21-08)
Lubriderm Body Lotion or Cream, any 5 oz.+ $1 (2-9-09)
Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair, any 16 oz Lotion or 5 oz. Cream $1 (2-9-09)
Martha White Baking Mixes, any .55/2 DND(1-31-09)
Marzetti Dip, any 11 oz.+ .55 (1-31-09)
Marzetti Dressing, any $1 (1-31-09)
Meow Mix Wholesome Goodness Dry Cat Food, any $1 (1-3-09)
Meow Mix Wholesome Goodness Wet Cat Food Single Cup B1G1F up to .89 (1-3-09) .10
Morton Natures Seasons Seasoning Blend, any .30 (1-31-09)
Morton or McCormick Season-All Seasoned Salt, any .30 (1-31-09)
Nexcare Cold Sore Treatment $1 (3-31-09)
New York Brand Frozen Garlic Bread Product, any .40 (2-9-09)
New York Brand Pizzeria Dip N Sticks, any .40 (2-9-09)
o.b. Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Pepcid AC Original Strength Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Pepcid Complete Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Pepcid Maximum Strength Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Pillsbury Brownie Mix or Frosting, any .75/2 DND (1-31-09)
Pillsbury Quick Bread Mix, any $1 on 3 DND (1-31-09)
Plus White Speed Whitening Gel $2 (1-18-09)
Promise SuperShots for Blood Pressure or Cholesterol, any $2 on 2 (2-1-09) .10 each
Rimmel Mascara, any $1 (12-31-08)
Rimmel Product, any $1 (12-31-08)
St. Joseph Aspirin, any 81mg except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Scotties Facial Tissues, any .50/3 boxes or one multipack (2-28-08)
Sister Schuberts Product, any .50 (2-9-09)
Smart Balance Milk, any .75 (2-28-09) .10 each
Smart Balance 1% Milk, any $1 (2-28-09)
Smuckers Jam, Jelly, Preserves or Fruit Spread, any .25 (1-31-09)
Smuckers Toppings, any $1 on 2 DND (1-31-09)
Snausages or SnawSomes Chewy Dog Snacks, any 9.75 oz.+ $1 on 2 (1-3-09)
Stayfree Product, any except trial size $2/2 (1-31-09) .10 each
Sun Maid Raisins or Dried Fruit, 6 oz.+ $1 on 2 (1-31-09)
Tylenol Allergy, Cold, Flu or Sinus Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Tylenol Arthritis Pain Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Tylenol 8 Hour Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels, Caplets or Gel Caps, any except trial $2 (1-31-09)
FORM Tylenol FREE 2009 Feel Better Calendar (mail-in) (1-31-09) NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
Tylenol PM Product, any except trial size $1 (1-31-09)
Vanity Fair Napkins, any .50 (12-28-08)
Vanity Fair Plates, any .50 (12-28-08)
HALLMARK
$2 off $10 or more purchase (11-16-08) .20 each
$5 off $25 or more purchase (11-16-08) .50 each
Copyright © 2008 Taylortown

Barbie Cares Event @ Wal-Mart!

Check out the official web site to see if your store is participating!
http://barbie.everythinggirl.com/barbiecares/

"For each doll received, a new doll will be donated to a local children's hospital. Each girl who donates a doll will receive a free pink sustainable shopping bag from Mattel. Bring your digital camera for a chance to take a photo with Barbie!"

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Wal-Mart run last night

Total before coupons was $30.33, after coupons, $11.18
so not too bad! The checker was amazed! LOL

Kroger Update

Well................it didn't go as great as I had hoped at Kroger Monday night, but I did OK. It takes me a long time to upload pics, even to photobucket, so no photo or scan on this one. Total was approximately $128.xx before Q's, $87.xx after Q's. I am still kind of mad because the did not scan one of my free dog food q's, and that great .65 off 4 Q I was so excited about? Didn't scan that one either! GRRRRRRRRRR
But didn't realize until I got home and really looked at my receipt. The cashiers here (and Wags especially) have been doing this a lot lately! Scanning the Q, knowing that it didn't take, and keeping it anyway! That is so wrong! I will have to watch them more carefully.
On a bright note, I did receive by mail a bunch of FREEBIES coupons from Kroger!
FREE 10-15 lb Turkey
FREE 12 ok Dr. Pepper
FREE Fresh Express Salad
FREE Private Selection Ice Cream
FREE Betty Crocker Cake Mix
2.00 off Prilosec
.75 off Fresh Express Salad
1.25 off Multi-pack Frito Lay chips
.35 off Kroger Fries
.25 off Kroger Buns( hot dog, or hamburger)
1.00 off Ozarks Natural Spring Water
1.50 off Green Cuisine Meal
1.00 off 2 Welches Jellies/Jams
1.00 off Sister Schuberts's Product
1.00 off Hungry Jack Potatoes
.40 off 2 Hunts' Snack Packs

Looks like we are going to have a Free Thanksgiving Dinner w/dessert from Kroger's! LOL

Sunday, November 2, 2008

So excited for shopping tomorrow!

I am gonna get some SWEET deals at Kroger! Had to share this one up front, the rest of my list is a work in progress.

I got a CAT from Kroger a few weeks ago, save .65 WYB 4 cans of Mighty Dog Canned food. Hence the FREE cans of Mighty Dog food in today's papers. As long as I have the Kroger CAT on top, I will get 4 free cans, and .65 overage.I say this because, if they take of the free cans first, I am afraid they will reject the other Q. The cashiers have been reading the Q's really well lately. But, YIPEE! I am so excited! Hope to scan my receipt and post it tomorrow night!

Ran into to Wal-Mart for a second today and I got:
All You magazine(2.24)
2 Kraft Bagefuls(1.98 used a $1 IP Q, printed from My Points, earned 20 pts.)
2 Progresso Clam Chowder soups(1.50, used 2 1.10/off IP Q's)
2 Always Infinity(4.97, used 2 $2/off Q's)
2 Green Giant Steamers(1.23, used 2 1.00/off Q's)
Garlic Chicken Viola(3.87, used 2.00/off Q from DVD insert)
total before coupons: 25.47
total after coupons: 13.27

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Check out the Festival of Frees

Be sure to look at The Thrifty Mama's site for a large list of Freebies! I wished I had to time or know-how to do all that she does! Thanks Crystal!
http://www.thethriftymama.com/search/label/Festival%20of%20Frees

Link is fixed, it is working now!

Tightwad Birthday Traditions

In honor of my sons birthday, I thought I would share some of our (cheap) birthday traditions!
First off, the birthday child gets to choose the menu for the whole day, anything they want!
Micheal chose pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs!



We have a tradition of hanging streamers or beads over the door of the birthday child for them to walk thru on on their birthday morning.

And I had a small gift for my young artist, the Color Wonder set I got FREE from Energizer for buying their batteries!



He also recieved thru email, 20 FREE token coupons from Chuck E. Cheese, a free Sonic Wacky Pac meal coupon, and special savings coupon from The Childrens Place. Thru the mail he received a $3 gift card from Toys R' Us, and a free hamburger kids meal from Burger King.

CVS Run 10/29




Here is the breakdown:
Transaction #1
Breeze Meter $30.00
4 Soy Joy Bars 4/$4

used: -1.98 ECB
2 BOGO Soy Joy Q's
-30.00 Breeze Q
total OOP: .02 (paid CASH, LOL)
earned 4 ECB
and I will get a $30.00 refund on the meter! SWEET!

Transaction#2
Theraflu Warming 5.50
CVS Digital Thermometer 5.00
Sudafed PE 5.00
Tylonol Cold 6.00
Dr.Pepper 1.39 (not pictured because I drank it)
Hershey's Candy Bar .79
Hershey's Candy Bar .79
Welches 100% White Grape Juice(forgot babies juice when I left the house) 1.69

used
-4/20 CVS Q
-4.00 ECB
-2.58 ECB
-2.00 Tylenol Q
-1.39 FREE soda when you buy 2 candy bars Q
-1.00 Sudafed Q (printed from My Points, get 10 pts for redeming)
-1.00 Sudafed Q same as above

total OOP: 10.19(on Gift Card)
earned 10.00 ECB
it was supposed to take one of the Hershey bars off as well since it was my 10th bar this month, but it didn't, boo!!!

Transaction #3
Tylenol Cold 6.00
Tylenol Cold 6.00
Tylenol Sinus 6.00
Sudafed PE 5.00

used
-4/20 CVS Q
-10.00 ECB
-2.00 Tylenol Q
-1.50 Sudafed PE Q
-1.00 Tylenol Peelie found on package

total OOP: 4.50 (on Gift Card)
earned 10.00 ECB

This actually was a great deal week for me, because my husband is always complaining when he gets sick that I don't have any "good" medicines in the house! I think I have him covered now.
But I think I am still going to go back and do the deal one more time to get some kids cold meds. My 10 ECB don't expire until the day after Thanksgiving, so I think I will save them to do some Black Friday Saving! I still have some smaller amount ECB from last weeks candy deals.
Oh, and I still have 10.13 left on my Gift Card!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Lunch today............89 cents for 5!

Today we had Spaghetti and Mixed veggies for a total of .89!
Both items were purchased at Kroger. Here is the breakdown on the costs

1 box of Ronzoni Smart Taste Thin Spaghetti 1.89
1 box of Green Giant Mixed Veggies Immunity Boost 1.00(10/$10 last week)

used 1.00 off of the Spaghetti, and a .25 coupon for the veggies that tripled to .75, AND I had a .50 coupon loaded on my Kroger card!

I wasn't sure how much one box would REALY make for my family of 6, but surprisingly it was quite a bit. Even after the 5 of us ate, there is plenty left for hubby's dinner later (kids and I are going to church) I just need to add some Ragu (that I got free @ CVS after coupons and ECB)and a few pieces of toast, and viola!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Redbox Movie Review

This week we got The Little Mermaid III: Ariel's Beginning

My girls liked it OK, the music was so-so, the plot quite thin as usual with most Disney Sequel/Prequels. Oh, and they show Ariel's mother being killed in the first 5 minutes or so. But, my kids found the games really interesting. Especially the personality quiz to see which character you are most like (from the film).

Another Great Wags Trip!

It took me a while to find the things that I needed, but it was worth it! The cashier even commented on my great coupons!

2 Pepsi 12-pks 3.34/each
1 Mt. dew 12-pack (hubby needed these for work, and the camping trip)3.31
1 Benefiber Kiwi Strawberry16 ct. single packs 7.99

-2.00 RR
-5.00 Manufacturer Q from Benefiber, any product
-5.00 ESQ Benefiber Kiwi/Strawberrry

total OOP $6.63 and I got 2 RR to use next time!

I was Tagged?? Who's next?

Ok, so I was tagged by Tosha @ http://savingsmakescents.blogspot.com! Thanks Tosha!
Hmm,ok, so I do read her blog, and a few others, almost everyday. My oldest daughter is sick with Scarlett Fever right now, so I am juggling a lot, and getting ready for a big camping trip tomorrow! Whoo-hooo! Now for those "facts" this is going to be hard yall!

1. I have two sisters, who are not related to each other, and I am an only child (HA, think on that one!)

2. I was editor of my High School yearbook, and I totally loved it! I was on yearbook for all 4 years, I think.

3. Hubby and I were set up by the mother of the girl he WAS dating, at the time!

4. My son was born at home, and delivered by my mother-in-law. He came before the midwife could get here.

5. I have never had wisdom teeth.

6. I am so disorganized, it isn't even funny. I can organize other peoples things, just not my own.

7. I am a born again Christian who surrenedered to Jesus in September 1999.

Now for the tagging:
JANE4girls $800 Annual Budget For A Family of 4

The Thrifty Bowmans

Savvy Saving Momma

The Frugal 5

BlogCoach

That's Just Nifty Thrifty

Mommy Managing


I know I probably didn't do this right, oh, well! LOL Wish I knew how to do this comuter mess better. Hopefully next week, after our "vacation" I will get caught up! If you were tagged again, sorry!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

WOWZA! Wags retraction!

Well, it looks as if my problems with Walgreens are only with the one store in my area! I had a chance to visit another Wags yesterday, with a barely legible printed 5/25 Q, LOL, I NEED ink!!

Anyhow, I first made sure that that store would take a rain check from another location (sometimes they won't).
They had 1 single Automatic Shower Cleaner! YAY! And the Arm& Hammer Detergent! YAY again! But, this was still only about $23, and I did have that 5 Q, I didn't want to waste the last few drops on my printer ink! (seriously, just the bar code and the line that said when you spend 25 printed) What to get, what to get.....then I saw some Special K bars that I love, and they were $3! So I was good to go! Total was about $28.
This is where it got fun! The manager that I had already talked to was so nice, and the cashier was above nice!
She gladly took my coupons, the 5/25 went thru, no problem! Then $1 off A&H, and then my 10 off of the shower cleaner. It beeped, she said, I don't know why it won't go thru! She said, don't worry hun, I know how to make it take it!
Then she punched it thru and hit the total......................................it was .22!!!
(and remember I get $11 back in rebate for the cleaner and the detergent)

The cashier said, how did you do that?? I was giggling and absolutely giddy handing her my quarter! ROFL

Now, those of you who know me, know that there is always a problem, right?
After looking at my receipt, the 10 Q went thru 2x's.
Sigh
My daughter asked me if that was wrong. I said, well, yes, it was wrong. Then she asked me if the mistake would come out of the cashiers pocket. (yes, my 12 yr old REALLY did ask me this, scouts honor)
So, yes, I went back.
They were absolutely floored that I would come back to PAY them money! LOL, the poor manager didn't even know how to fix it. He told me to consider it a gift from Walgreen's!
Before you call me stupid for going back, I would rather look at my kids and see pride in their faces from seeing me do right, than to look in their faces and see doubts about my honesty.
I know some will say I am crazy, so be it. I still got all my great stuff for .22!

I still went and bought some of their items marked as having Register Rewards, since I had told the cashier about my problems at my store, she said, ours always print right away! So, I tested them! Sure enough, they did.
So I guess it depends on the location, not the company!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Shopping Delayed

BOOOO! I forgot that I had Federal Jury Duty today, and I didn't get to go shopping! WE are going to go ahead tomorrow, but it won't be the same going on a Saturday. Surfing crowds with 4 kiddos isn't fun. I am excited to go though! These are all stores that I don't normally get to go to, and I have been collecting some great Q's to use! Thanks to my other bloggin mama's for all the links!

Hoping to do some sprucing up, and add some pictures and things here next week so I can host a Giveaway!
In the meantime, check out The Thrifty Mama for LOADS of other giveaways! http://www.thethriftymama.com/2008/10/link-your-giveaways-update.html

Thursday, October 16, 2008

I DO NOT heart Walgreens

So, after an almost great tip to Wags on Saturday, I thought I would go again and get some of the sale items, get some RR, and finish up on my Rebate items for this month. No such luck!
They were still out of the Automatic Shower Cleaner....GRRRRR
and I got 3 packages of Kotex, and 4 2-liter sodas (that were CLEARLY marked as 4/$5 and get $2 RR back), but after check out, I waited *almost* patiently for my RR to print out, and it finally spit one out. I take it and look, it is for $1....!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so mad! I am done with Register Rewards. I think I am just going to stick with the Rebate items until Christmas. Apparently, one of the Kotex items that I bought was the wrong count size to get the reward, and it cost $6.99. Can you say return?? LOL
So, the plan is to return the Kotex, get it on my gift card. I will be traveling to Longview tomorrow (about 45 miles away) for a shopping run, eg. Super Target, Sams, Hobby Lobby, possibly KMart, and Books-a-Million. There is a Walgreens right across from Sams Club, so I am HOPING that I will be able to use my Rain Check for the Shower Cleaner so I can finish up my rebates for this month.

Another GREAT Blog Makeover Giveaway!

That's Just Nifty Thrifty's AlanaJo is so graciously giving away another blog makeover!
http://justniftythrifty.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-makeover-giveaway.html

Check it out and see how to enter, she has some GREAT info in her comments, and updates very regularly.

Sweet Return @ CVS

Ok, so I went to CVS Monday night, got the Swiffer Starter Set, the duster kit, 5 Propels waters, used the BOGO Q, 4.98 ECB and 4 ECB, so total OOP was $6.81. I got 2 ECB back. Whaattt? Apparently the dusting kit (regular, they were out of the extended handle one) so, I knew I messed up. My favorite cashier was working (alone) and I didn't want to go back in to do a return. Apparently since they were out of the large Propels, I got the tall skinny ones, and they were more money, and a different ECB deal. BOOOOO! LOL

So, on to Wednesday, I took the Swiffer stuff back, explained I just wanted either my $$ back, or store credit. Ok, fine. Well, they siad they could only re-credit my Visa card, not cash. Ok, fine. So the Manager comes and says, we can only return 6.81 to your Visa.
I admit I got a little worried! LOL She then explained, because I used coupons, they would refund my coupons on a CVS card. So, they credited back to my Visa 6.81, and gave me 7.13 back on a CVS card. So I got most of my ECB back! I was excited! I was upset because I had used 8.98 n ECB, and only got back 2 in return! I decided to save my card until next week, and see how far I can make that 7.13 last!!!!!!!! Wahhh-haaa-ahhhhh!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Redbox Movie Review

Ok, so we got our FREE Redbox movie last night, and here is the rundown!

Dog Gone! starring Luke Benworth, French Stewart
Brief outline"
Owen(Benworth, How to Eat Fried Worms) is lonely after his long time companion dog dies. His family has told him another dog is not possible because of his older sisters allergies. Poor Owen get picked on a lot for having a paper route, and being an outsider (he is the sensitive type) after the bullies throw his bike into the stream, he finds a dog that he feels is in need, and manages to sneak it away from the people the dog is with. Turns out the dog is part of a 5 Million Dollar Diamond Smuggling operation!! Owen does his best to keep the dog, Diamond, away from the diamond smugglers, (Home Alone type stuff).
After a final showdown, and the poor dog is in pain, there is a surprise and touching ending!!
I think this movie was rated PG. I would not recommend it for children under the age of 6, because the smugglers refer to "cutting" the diamonds out of the dog, and some other off threats/phrases along those lines.
Overall it was a cute movie for older children and pre-teens. My ever sensitive child (Katie) cried at the ending, when our hero has to decide what is right for the dog, as opposed to need for a new pet.

Went shopping last night

SO, I did my regular shopping last night, and I did OK. I did have trouble at CVS, even though my favorite cashier was there. I got the Swiffer deal, but no ECB, so I will be taking them back. I really didn't even want them, because I won't use them. So, no tears here, LOL.
I also snagged 3 $1/2 Poweraide Q's from CVS to use at Kroger.

I did ok at Kroger too. I am beating myself for going "over" budget, but I did get stocked up on some items that I really needed, so, no tears there either! And I got some Catalina's for $XX off your next visit. Probably the best deal was the Fleishmans Yeast strips.
They were 1.89 on sale, I had a .35Q that tripled and I got back .50 OYNV cats. So total for each of these after Q's and Cats, was .34/a strip. Not too bad, and yes, you can freeze yeast. Now all I need is the one little part to fix my bread maker! I really want to start back making my own bread.

When I went to pay, I found the Poweraid Q's!! So my girls ran back and got 6. They were on sale for .79 a piece= 4.74-3.00 Q's=1.74=tax, total came to 1.88, I used a 1.00 off cat and paid a total of .88 for 6 Poweraides!
So, not too bad, and I am getting there.

Oh, totals for Kroger were $113.04
Total coupons 64.54
Number of items sold, 68 so average was 1.62 per item.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Thought for today....

Since today is Columbus Day (observed) it really got me to thinking about this somewhat over looked holiday.

Today (in theory) is the first day of American History. Think about it!
No one even knew the Americas were here, except the native Americans, of course. Then old Christopher Columbus runs aground, convinced he has hit India. So we are discovered, named and recorded all in a day! That is pretty neat! And we are still a young country, even by Columbus's discovery date, compared to the other countries.

Win a Swiffer Carpet Flick!

Saving Makes Cents is hosting a great giveaway! You can enter @ http://savingsmakescents.blogspot.com/2008/10/giveaway-1-swiffer-carpetflick.html

Good luck!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Wags trip today 10/11

Since this was the last day of the sale, and I had really good coupons, and I was in town, well, you get the picture! However, things didn't go as planned because they were out of the Glad Wispless Fan thing (5.99 and get 3 RR, BUT I have a $5 Q) and the Scrubing Bubbles shower kit. The manager gladley offered me rainchecks, and told me the truck would be there with these items on Tuesday. I am keeping my fingers crossed, but not holding my breath!

Sorry, no pics,just text.

Shout 2.50
Fantastick 2.50
WOW Pops .50
WOW Pops .50
Snickers 3.59
3Muskaters 2.50
Crunch 2.50
Glade Plug-Ins 1.99
Glade Plug-Ins 1.99
M&M's candy 2.50
Gillette Shampoo 5.99
Gillette Shampoo 4.01

Used (2)$2/off Gillette, BOGO Glade, 1.50 Q's for Shout and Fantastick, and 1/off candy Q.
total OOP was $22.82
AND I am getting $12 in rebates. I got the Shout and Fantastick for FREE after the rebates and coupons.
I was overall happy with this visit, but frustrated about the out of stock items. But, hey it was the last day, and it is Walgreens after all! LOL

Friday, October 10, 2008

Great info for Begginners!

Ok, so you want to start saving money, there are TONS and TONS of blogs, web site, books, newsletters, etc. etc. You feel like your head is going to explode, and you don't even understand most of the abbreviations used! AHHHH!

There is HELP! Money Saving Mom has the easiest to understand for beginners!

http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/


My sister better be reading this!!
Next step is to then look at the blogs on the blog roll to the right of this posting. These are very talented ladies who are more than willing to share their knowledge!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Win a Blog makeover!

AlanaJo over at That's Just Nifty Thrifty is giving away a Blog Makeover! Enter here:
http://justniftythrifty.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-makeover.html#links

Mail call for 10/8

Whoopsie! I forgot to add my AWESOME mail day!

Got my Peanuts DVD, and I must say I was surprised! Usually freebies come in a paper sleeve, blah, but this one was the "special edition", with outside sleeve cover, and hard DVD case! I was stoked!

and, duh, duh, da-dah! I got my Walgreens Easy Saver Rebate Gift Card! YIPEE! I was told to expect a long wait, but it took under 2 weeks to get here!

My mail has been cruddy lately, so this was a welcome change!

Oh, and my electric bill came, it was half of what it was last month! We are soooooo relieved! Hopefully all our electrical problems are behind us and now we can focus on cutting this bill in half for next month!

CVS this week

Ok, so I wasn't too excited about CVS this week, but I worked out what I wanted and went anyway,LOL. My store is very slow to mark/tag items, especially for ECB. I always make them check the price for me before we get to the totals,(yes, I am a pain) but since I now only get 2-3 items at a time, it doesn't hold up the line.
Trip on 10/6
.99 Colgate Toothbrush
4.98 Always Infinity
1.39 soda
1.39 soda
.79 candy bar
.79 candy bar
.79 candy bar
.79 candy bar

-5.79 ECB
-1.39 soda Q
-1.39 soda Q
-.99 Cogate Q
total 2.35
+.19 tax= $2.54 OOP
earned 4.98 ECB
Didn't earn anything on the toothbrush, even though I thought I would, but again, they didn't have them marked right, and I had a 1.00/off toothbrush Q, so I still got it free. *shrugs* so no big deal (but I secretly kicked myself for not earning back what I spent!)

Went by the mil's and she had a 2.00/off Soleil Q just laying there next to the door! I snatched it up and RAN to CVS, LOL

Trip on 10/8
5.99 Bic Soleil
-2.00 ECB
-2.00 Soleil Q
subtotal 1.99
+.16 tax
=$2.15 total OOP
earned 4.00 ECB

So not too bad! I stayed within my $5 challenge, and I got stuff we needed!
Razors and maxi pads are always in need here!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

How I got here!

Ok, so I guess I should begin with how I became a self professed Tightwad. And I am proud of that name,by the way.
Back in 1997, I had a young baby and I was a SAHM, and we had just purchased out first house. I had never had a house payment before, so we were really just in shock to own a home, then we had to pay for it too!
So somewhere along the way, thru divine intervention I am sure, I got the opportunity to order a sample copy of The Tightwad Gazette, which was at the time a newsletter. I quickly learned I was a few years behind, and most of the first year of the newletter had been combined into a book. So off to the library I went!

I can honestly say that this is one of two books that have changed my life! (the first being the Bible)

I had finally found my niche! I was a TIGHTWAD I just didn't know it! I started washing baggies, keeping a price book, and just looking and searching for ways to save. It was like someone removed the blinders and I saw so many ways to save, especially in areas I already thought I was saving!

Amy Dacyczyn has such a fun way of writing, and explaining. I really enjoyed this book,and I often go back to it for tightwaddery renewal.

For Christmas that year my mom gave me the complete 3 book set, autographed by the author! I stayed up all night reading (the library didn't have book 3) and it is still my favorite gift today.

So, here I am 12 years later, with more bills than I even thought I would have!And 4 children to care for. I am renewing my tightwad vows, once again, and discipline myself to spend less, and live better.
I learned about blogging at diaperswappers.com Thrifty Families Forum. I don't expect to do anything fancy, just record and post shopping trips.

Readers! Leave a comment with your favorite money saving book or newsletter!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Coupon Binder Giveaway!

Mommy Managing it hosting a Coupon Binder Giveaway! It is really great, because she has done over half of the work for you! So click on over and read about the giveaway, and sign up to WIN!
http://mommymanaging.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-first-giveaway.html