DVD's for Free?

This is a picture showing how much my 2yr old was excited to see Elmo under the paper this Christmas. I got that DVD from Swap A DVD for $0! This great site allows you to swap DVD's across the country!

Here is how it works:
*You have original, playable DVDs that you do not want to keep.

*You post those DVDs to your "DVD Tower" to offer to other members.

*After you have posted the first 10 DVDs to your DVD Tower, you get 1 "gift" credit from SwapaDVD to get you started swapping (limit one per household). After that, you earn credits by sending out DVDs to others.

*You may order available DVDs for 1 credit per disc (some DVDs do cost more than 1 credit)
If you want a DVD that is not currently available, you can place it on your Wish List and we will notify you by email when it is available for you to order. You can even have it sent to you automatically when it becomes available, with no email necessary.

*When a DVD is requested from you, we notify you by email, provide the address for you to send it out, and even provide a wrapper with postage printed on it if desired!

*Wrap and mail your DVD.

*When the requestor receives it, you earn 1 credit per disc mailed. Yes, you pay the postage to send out your DVDs, but when you request a DVD, the sender ships it to you and you pay 1 DVD credit (some DVDs do cost more than 1 credit)!

*The DVDs you receive from SwapaDVD are yours. We hope that you will repost them to share with other members when you have viewed them, but you can certainly keep them, or give them away.

Similarly, the DVDs you send out to others belong to their new owners.
SwapaDVD is a great way to share DVDs with people all over the country!

Here is the link again: SwapaDVD

So much for that!

Well, I just got word from my local CVS that the converter boxes came in yesterday, and sold out yesterday. My coupons expire today, so in an emergency attempt to save my coupons, I called Radio Shack and they have them in stock for about $54.00. Ugh, I really needed them to be free, but I don't want to waste the government coupons either.

AOL Reader Tips

Ok, so every once in a while, AOL News posts some "Money Saving Tips" or "Frugal Tips" etc. I usually read and scoff at them. Mostly because they are so basic, they are not worth sharing. This one however, did have a few bright spots, including how to save on home heating oil. Thought I would share it.
http://www.walletpop.com/economizer/your-frugal-tips?icid=200100397x1217021148x1201154443

And I also saw on AOL yesterday that the USPS is considering dropping a mail delivery day, because they are so in the red. And be prepared, there will be a postal increase in May. The amount will be announced next month.

A Little Find at Walgreens

So I finally found my camera! Bad news is they cracked the screen and now the pics are fuzzy and horrid. Sorry about that.
I took my daughter,Christy into Walgreens last night to get some of the things she needed for our Valentines party (update on that later) and we saw this.
It is a nice water bottle filled with samples. We got a 4pk of crayons, hand cream for dry and sensitive skin, a 7 day medication dispenser, hand sanitizer gel pin, chap-aid, and a pocket pack of facial tissues. Not bad for .99! I plan on going back for more soon.

Redbox Code 1/26

Here is the Redbox code for 1/26

57VH9L

Code is good at all RedBox locations until midnight tonight.

CVS...

I ran into CVS yesterday morning before church in the hopes of getting 2 converter boxes, BUT they didn't have any. My favorite cashier Athen was working and offered to write me 2 rain checks! I gladly took them, and she told me a truck was coming tomorrow (today) with the boxes, and wrote the stores phone # so I could call in advance! I LOVE Athen! My kiddos were begging for gum to take to church, so I got 2 Mentos, even had my .55/2 coupon with me, and my receipt had 6 CRT coupons! The most exciting one was $10/$50. I have never gotten one of these before. So, the wheels started turning and I came up with this scenario:
2 converter boxes $80
Huggies on sale for $10.00
2 Mento Gum BOGO $1.69
total : 91.69
-10.00 CVS Q
-80.00 Government Q's for the boxes
-1.50 Huggies Q
= .19
providing I can get the boxes, this is gonna be a sweet deal! I won't be earning any ECB though.

Well....

Well, the 7 days of turkey was a good idea! However by Tuesday, my husband was begging for a break! I still have a Ziplock quart bag full of turkey, and the bones and such to make broth with (which I will do this weekend). There are still so many meals I can make with just that!

Haven't been doing much shopping much except for the very basics and haven't gotten a great, or ever good deal, for a while. Sigh.

I did however find a trade in bookstore yesterday that my kids and I are in love with. Ahhh! I loved walking in there! I love the smell of books! I am such a weird-O.
My one treasure was a book, "Trash to Treasure", which has some amazing crafts to make from aluminum cans, plastic bottles, steel cans, etc.

My baby girls birthday is in 2 weeks, so I guess that will be my next challenge!
Hopefully it will be blogable!

Turkey Meal #4

Turkey Enchiladas and Spanish Rice



I used the above recipe from my older version of Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook, which is my favorite because it has the best, simplist instructions and recipes.



meal cost

turkey: $0

tortillas,cheese, sour cream and other fillings:$2.06

rice: $1.74



total cost of meal: $3.80

I did forget some of the topping

7 Day Turkey Forcast

We had a turkey in the freezer that hubby got at work for Christmas that we didn't use over the holidays. I felt a challenge in my tightwad ways coming on, so here is my plan for the turkey, the meals (and meal cost) we have made so far. I will update each day with recipe and meal cost.
I also have the advantage of a HUGE electric roaster my mom got me last year. I think the turkey was between 12-15 lbs, thawed it for 2 days then put it in the roaster on Thursday, it was done in about 5 hours. The only seasoning I did while roasting was some butter and salt and pepper. We began our turkey adventure Friday night. (remember turkey cost is $0)

Friday--
turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and toast.

turkey:$0
instant potatoes: $.60 + .20 for milk and butter=.80
green beans: $1.00
toast: about .50
total cost of Friday meal:$2.30

this night we basically ate the legs and half of one of the breast. Then I pulled as much meat as I could, filling 3 quart size Ziplock bags.

Saturday--
Turkey and Rice Bake

turkey: $0
rice: $.58 (about half a box of Minute Rice I got for $1.12 @ Kroger)
can of cream of mushroom soup: $.59

total cost: $1.17
This is a super easy, fast, and CHEAP meal! Just cook rice according to directions, add turkey or chicken, stir in soup, mixing well,sprinkle top with salt and pepper, bake in the oven for 10 min @ 350*, voila! Add a bag of steamed veggies for a healthier meal!

Sunday--
BBQ Turkey Sandwiches

turkey: $0
BBQ sauce: $.78
buns: $1.10
fries: $1.17

total meal cost: $3.05
I tried to use most of the darker meat for this one. Also made leftovers that I will be able to freeze for later use. Just use two forks to shred the meat, and cook with the BBQ sauce for about 10 minutes.YAY!

Looking forward to the rest of the weeks turkey meals!

hotSacks Giveaway!

Erin at http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/2009/01/hot-giveaway-from-hotsacks.html is hosting a great giveaway for a set of hotSacks, reusable grocery bags! Check it out!

Book Review "The Shack"

Every once in a while a book comes along that stirs and uplifts your very soul! "The Shack" by William P. Young is one of them.* Just as a note, this is a work of fiction* This is my review of the book, not a copy and paste document.

Three years ago Macks youngest daughter, Missy is abducted on a family camping trip. The only evidence left by her assailant is her bloody, torn dress in a Shack deep in the Oregon reserve. As most parents can imagine the effects of this tragedy are far and wide. Macks heart has grown cold toward God, and his other daughter, Kate, is withdrawn since her sisters disappearance.

Then one day, Mach receives a simple note in the mail.

Mackenzie-

It's been a while. I've missed you. I will be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together.

---Papa

Who would or could have sent such a note? Macks wife Nan often uses the affectionate name Papa for God, but God doesn't write notes. Does he? And why would He want to meet Mack at the place where Macks heart was torn apart?

Curiosity does finally get the better, and he prepares to go, telling no one in his family. After a long drive, and fighting many urges to turn around, he arrives at the shack to find it just as he had seen it three years ago. What was he expecting? Did he really think that God would show up in a shack in the wilderness?

What happens next, the journey ahead of him, will change his life, and those of the people around him, forever. And it could possibly change yours as well.

This book gave me personally, incredible insight into the wisdom, and over powering love of God. I HIGHLY recommend it. Since it is on the bestsellers list, most Public Libraries have at least one copy. (if you are unable to purchase one) If you local library doesn't have one, please consider buying the book yourself, then donating it.

You can read the first chapter online now at: http://theshackbook.com/

Lemonade Award

AlanaJo @ http://justniftythrifty.blogspot.com/ and Ms.Burrows @http://willowwinter.blogspot.com/ nominatied my blog for the Lemonade Award!


"If you are not familiar with what the Lemonade Award is, the Lemonade Award is given by a previous winner to 10 people who have shown a great attitude or gratitude this week. It’s a great way to show these people that you appreciate them."

10 Blogs I would like to nominate:

1. http://onefrugallady.blogspot.com/ just cause I enjoy Jenny's Blog so much!

2.http://makingdowiththenotsonew.blogspot.com/ That lady is a GENIUS!

3.http://nickels-n-dimes.blogspot.com/ Like her posts a lot.

4.http://mommymanaging.blogspot.com/ We have almost the same stores, so I know I can use her info.

5.http://www.thethriftymama.com/ The difinative blog as far as I am concerned!

6.http://justniftythrifty.blogspot.com/ Alana has a real talent for photography and graphics, and I feel blessed just reading her blog!

7.http://www.engineeradebtfreelife.com/ I like their pic by pic tutorials

8.http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/ Great match-ups, with a lot of deatils.

9.http://queenofmytrailer.wordpress.com/ What a great writer!! And you should see all the fantastic work she has done on her home!

10.http://adventuresoffrugalgirl.blogspot.com my fellow Kizoodle bloggin mama! Melanie I love your blog!

What to Do Now? Please share this opportunity with your favorite bloggers by doing the following:


1.Put the logo on your blog or post.

2.Nominate at least 10 blogs, which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude! Be sure to link your nomination to your post.

3.Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

4.Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Free Suave

In case you hadn't heard, Suave is giving away free shampoo to every woman in America today only!

Here is the link:
http://www.suave.com/nomics/index.html

Quick Wal-Mart trip

2 boxes of Arm&Hammer baking soda (.38 each)

Large can of tomato sauce (.84)

AuGratin potatoes (2.06)

Green Giant Steamers (1.23)



total before coupons: $4.91



total after coupons: $.83



Used: $1/2 Arm&Hammer, FREE AuGratin potatoes from Betty Crocker( got a bad batch), and $1.00 off steamers.

Redbox Movie Code for 1/12

Here is the Redbox code for today!

H48MX2

Enjoy your FREE movie tonight!

Random Acts of Kindness

I really enjoy helping people, whether they know the help came from me or not. In this day and age, it is getting harder to help others. Thought I would share with you a few ways to do Random Acts of Kindness that are easy, and basically free or very low cost.

Be a coupon fairy!
Leave non-expired coupons on the items (or on the same shelf) in the store. I did this the other day with $8 worth of Beech-Nut coupons. I do this a lot with diaper coupons as well, since I don't use most of them.

Leave your code behind
Every time I get a Redbox movie, I was sharing my code with the next person in line. I finally got smart and got some Post-It notes, and I leave the Codes on the machine for the next person(s) to use.

Give away multiple rebates
Have you ever bought more that one, and have the information for a duplicate rebate? Send it to some else! What a nice surprise for the recipient. I started doing this for my mom (but you could send to anyone you have an address for) by just filling out the form with her information. You would be surprised how wonderful it is to receive even a $2 check from out of the blue!

Freecycle(http://www.freecycle.org/)
Never underestimate the power of Freecycle! You may never know how much you have blessed someone by giving something away.

Clothes drop
Do you know someone in your church or community that has a child that can wear your child's outgrown clothes? Wrap them in a pretty bag, and leave on their doorstep. You will feel like Santa! Especially if you are able to add a small toy.

These are just small ideas. Do you have any others to share? Please share in the comments section!

Shopping totals: Wags, CVS,, Wal-Mart

Haven't been able to update a whole lot lately. So, just gonna throw my totals out there, no pics, my lovely seem to have lost my camers.

First stop, Walgreens

1 Electrosol $3.49
6 Reynolds Wrap Foil $6.36
1 High School Musical 2009 Calendar $1.00 clearance
3 drinks for the kids( after a failed trip to the movies, they were thirsty)$2.29

Used .99 Wags coupon from flyer, applied 6 times
6 $1.00 off Reynolds Wrap Foil
1 $2.50 Eletrosol Coupon

total after coupons=$4.57, on my Walgreens Rebate Gift Card, plus will earn 1.50 Walgreens Rebate

CVS
Started with NO ECB,following the $5 CVS Challenge(http://www.kingdomfirstmom.com/2009/01/cvs-5-challenge-january-4-10th.html?showComment=1231223760000#c1862536133088384953)

1 Garnier 2.99
used 1.00 off coupon from 1/4 insert
=$2.15 OOP
earned 2 ECB

2 Glad Plug-In Twin Refills
-2 ECB
-1.00 Glade Coupon (found in package)
-5.49 (BOGO coupon from insert a few weeks ago)
=$2.70 OOP
earned 4 ECB

Wal-Mart
they were out of most of the items I went in for, ugh

2 Arm&Hammer Baking Soda @.38 each
2 Rayovac batteries @ .94 each
SoftLips Vanilla 1.77

total after coupons .46

Goals for 2009

Thought I would share some of my financial and personal goals for the new year.

*increase my giving to my church
*keep up with the $5 CVS challenge, and include Walgreen's as well(when possible)
*create a more workable budget
*bake more from scratch
included in the above goal is to find the replacement part for my bread maker!
*create a gift box (we seem to be swamped with birthday parties in the spring time, so this will help a lot)
*cut energy costs! I have to get a drying line up this year!!!
*make my own laundry soap
*recycle as much as possible in my community (we don't have a recycling pick-up or program here)
*plant a garden
*post an item on Freecycle weekly, I really need to get rid of stuff
*get my house organized (I can dream anyway,LOL
*I need to get some serious help with this blog. I really, really only know basics, and I need to learn some things! I would love to have a blinkie, and post other ppls blinkies here too. Need a blog makeover,teehee.

*this is going to be the year that I finally learn to sew!

I can think of so many, many things I need to do, but I am sure no one wants to be reading this post for hours on end!
Hope you all had a safe New Years Eve!

Be blessed in this New Year!