thrifty tip Tuesday...

Haven't shared any good deals in awhile so I thought I'd give you a list of the things I've found...

Free value size Onion Rings at Burger King February 4th and 5th

$10 off $10 purchase at Shutterfly using code HAIR10 at check out (expires tomorrow, Feb 1!!!)
*This doesn't included tax and shipping but could still make for an inexpensive personalized gift!

2 Free Leather friendship bracelets from Sneakpeeq (see this post from Deal Seeking Mom for details)

$2 breakfast sandwich or wrap with beverage purchase at Starbucks (through Feb 4th)

Free sample of Purex Triple Action laundry detergent

Free card at cardstore.com with the coupon code MCSFREE112   (expires today!!)

thrifty tip tuesday...

Here are a few good deals I've found...

FREE 4x6 flip book from Snapfish (you just pay 1.99 shipping) with coupon code HPFREEBK  at check out.

$2 medium drinks at Caribou Coffee with this coupon  (tomorrow only!)

Very cheap Playtex sippy cup from Target with two coupons  (see this post from Totally Target)

Free item of your choice with a purchase of $10 or more at Bath and Body Works (online or in store)

Text discount rental coupon from Redbox for the until 12/24. Just text FUN to 727272

$10 off $20 purchase at Smokey Bones Restaurant with this coupon

Free sample of Nescafe Peppermint Mocha instant coffee (facebook sample, "like" Nescafe and fill out form)

Bzz Agent post #2: Truly Awesome Cookies!

Ok, another Bzz Campaign I'm in (see post below for further explanation) is The Truly Awesome Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies from Kroger. With my Bzz Kit (that they provide me to help me spread the word) I received two boxes of these cookies and let me just tell you....they are incredible. If you like Chips Ahoy (which are my fave store bought cookies), you would LOVE these cookies. What makes it even better is the list of ingredients...it's stuff you would use to make your own cookies! If you have a Kroger near you, buy a box of these.....you won't regret it!

An introduction to being a Bzz Agent and Meijer's photo canvas! :)

I've been meaning to write a blog on this for ages, so....

First, let me tell you a little bit about Bzz Agent. It's basically a community of consumers that spreads the word about new and/or upcoming products. It's something I volunteer to do and in the mean time I typically get to try new products and share new products/coupons for free :) (more info on Bzz Agents here.)

I'm a Bzz Agent and my latest campaign is kind of exciting as I love taking photos and love when I can find one good enough to hang on the wall. Have you ever heard of turning your photos into a canvas wall hanging? I've heard of it but never done it...and now I get to!

So if you have a Meijer near you and would like to try this as well, print this coupon  for 10% off and give it a shot.  Could make a great Christmas gift!! (let me know if you do, I'd love to hear how yours turns out as I try to pick the perfect photo for mine!)


Here's an explanation of how to do it...
Meijer's new Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print service makes it fast and easy to turn your photos into canvas works of art. Here's how it works:

1. Bring a digital version of your photo(s) to your local Meijer store, or scan your image in-store. The HP kiosks can take CD, USB, memory stick duo, MiniCD, RS-MMC, SD and XD
2. Upload your photos to the HP photo kiosk and select "Photo Products"
3. Select "Posters, Canvas, & Banners" and then Select "Canvas"
4. Choose a canvas size, add your image, and check image resolution (adjust or crop as desired)
5. Once you're finished, select "Add to Cart" and follow the "Checkout" process
6. Click "Proceed to Cart," order your print and take your receipt.
7. Present your receipt and a printout of the unique coupon on your Campaign Homepage to pick up your discounted 11x14 Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print the next day.

thrifty tip tuesday

Well it is one yucky day out today and the yuckiness is hanging around inside too as we're on day 3 of fevers with Sydney and just an all around not feeling great with her and I. Luckily Josh is still feeling good so hopefully we'll get past this soon....and hopefully soon enough to enjoy some Thanksgiving grub!!

Here are the deals I'm finding this week. Obviously there are TONS of Black Friday sales and deals so here are a few that are not in that category which will hopefully add to all the deals you get this week :)

- "Like" AMC Theaters on Facebook and click on the coupon tab on the side to print a coupon for free small popcorn valid 12/2-12/4

-GREAT deals at Bath and Body Works, including free item with purchase of $10 or more  (see this post from Deal Seeking Mom)

-"Like" Seattle's Best Coffee on Facebook and receive a free sample and $2 off coupon

- 5 free holiday cards from Mypublisher.com plus free shipping!  (offer ends tomorrow!!)

-Get Twilight Saga movie FREE from Blockbuster Express (click here to find one near you). Use code: TWILIGHTSAGA. (exp 11/30)

-Free Waffle coupon from Waffle House  (exp 12/16)

-Get cheap gift certificates from Restaurant.com by getting 80% off using the coupon code SHOP at check out!! AND you can give away $10 egift cards with their Feed it Forward program here

-$10 off $20 purchase at Smokey Bones restaurants   (exp 11/27)

-"Like" Hallmark on Facebook and receive a $5 off any $10 purchase at a Hallmark Gold Crown Store

-

thrifty tip tuesday

Here are a few good deals for the week....

FREE Curly Fries at Arby's  (TODAY ONLY)

Best deals this week at CVS      (from Deal Seeking Mom)
*Lots of Black Friday Extra Care Buck deals to look forward to next week too!!

Bath and Body Works $10 off $30 purchase (exp 11/20)
and Free gift with full size Signature series purchase this Saturday   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Buy one get one free holiday drink at Starbucks   (November 17–20 from 2–5 p.m)

20 free holiday cards from Staples  (Exp 11/19)

$10 off $25 purchase today and tomorrow at JC Penny or jcp.com      (exp 11/16)

5 free cards plus free shipping from Mypublisher.com  (exp 11/22)

thrifty tip tuesday

Here are a few deals I've found this week....

80% off Restaurant.com Gift Certificates with code PUMPKIN at check out   (code expires 10/31)

12 FREE $1 DVD rentals at Blockbuster Express Kiosks with the codes 22MAYB2, 52ABDP8, 22KRFT9, 33WHZS5, 63JRTW5, 53BPSP5, 64KJRD4, 33JBHG4, 73SGLM3, 37CDJS2, 73KWMR8. Codes expire on 10/28. You can also use the code 39HLG2 that expires on 11/4/11. Click here to find a location near you.    (from The Freebie Blogger)

 and 9 FREE $1 DVD rentals at Blockbuster Express Kiosks with the codes 56WHZS3, 58JRTW6, 68BPSP6, 74JBHG9, 23SGLM4, 74CDJS8, 34KWMR7, 75DABC2, 73CEHW9. Codes expire on 10/31/11. Click here to find a location near you  (from The Freebie Blogger)

Possibly free nail polish at CVS   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best deals at CVS this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best deals at Walgreens this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

thrifty tip tuesday

Here are a few deals for this week....

Free Starburst at CVS     (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Free photo shoot and $30 worth of portraits at Sears

Best deals at CVS this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

11 FREE $1 DVD rentals at Blockbuster Express Kiosks with the codes 9850BW2, 87DWTM2, 64MAYB4, 46ABDP6, 46KRFT7, 64WHZS9, 47NCCC3, 47KJRD8, 34BPSP3, 86JRTW3, 42JBHG6. Codes expire on 10/20. Click here to find a location near you.   (from The Freebie Blogger)

Free sample of Nescafe Peppermint Mocha   (Facebook sample: "like" them and fill out form)

20 free photo prints from Kodak  (Facebook offer: "like" them and upload 20 prints from facebook to print for free)

a week of no deals :(

So I'm scouring all the blogs I follow or the freebie emails I typically get and this is a slow week I guess or I'm just missing the good deals. Below are the few I found....

Free Scary Face Pancake for kids on Oct 28 at IHOP

Free $2 Extra Care Bucks for taking CVS pledge  (click on link and it will take you to facebook and form to fill out)

Free Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Gloss from CVS (after Rebate)

Best deals at CVS this week

thrifty tip tuesday

Lots of free samples and freebies this week....

Freebies:

Free Invisible Glass Wipes Sample

Free sample of Lactaid

Free baby food sample from Beech Nut baby food

Free Kids Emergen-C sample

Free sample of Green Mountain coffee (Facebook offer, "like" them and fill out form)

Free sample of Playtex Tampons

Free phone call from a Disney Princess (sponsored by Target)

Free candy or beverage at CVS (Facebook offer: "like" them and fill out form)

Free soft serve ice cream cone with the purchase of Value Meal at Burger King (now until 10/9)

Deals:

Best deals at CVS this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best deals at Walgreens this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

thrifty tips...

Here are the deals I've found this week......

Freebies:
Free sample of Dove body mist from Walmart

Possible free flowers from FTD todat only!!! (Sept 7) if you have a participating florist in your area

200 free photo prints, just pay $1.99 shipping  (See details here, from Deal Seeking Mom)

Free Vicks Vapo Drops  (See details here, from Deal Seeking Mom)

Free Mars Candy Bar  (See details here, from Deal Seeking Mom)

Free Breakfast at Chick-fil-a (this week only!!)

Deals:
Best Deals at CVS this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best Deals at Walgreens this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

80% Restaurant.com gift certificates using the coupon code RDSCALE  (exp today, Sept 7)

thrifty tip tuesday

Nothing too exciting this week, but here are the deals I've found....

Deals:
Get 50 photo prints for just $5 shipped from Snapfish (just 10 cents a print) by using the coupon code 50PRINT4U at check out

80% off gift certificates at Restaurant.com using code TASTY at check out (exp 8/31)

Best CVS deals this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best Walgreens deals this week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Freebies:
Free sample of Kashi layered granola bar  (and boy are they yummy!)

Free collapsible water bottle from SaveMore.com   (See details of this deal on this post at Money Saving Mom)

Free sample beauty bag from Target

2 free Blockbuster Express $1 rentals using codes: 38RMAQ2 and 57TPLD3  (exp 9/5)

thrifty tip tuesday...

Freebies:

Free Oikos Greek Yogurt (printable coupon) *also a coupon in this past Sunday's Parade

Kids eat free at Chili's  (TODAY ONLY!)

Five FREE custom photo cards from Snapfish. Just use promo code TRY5CARDS at check out (expires 8/31) and you just pay $2.49 in shipping

Free sample and coupons from Zantac heartburn relief

Free 20 oz candle at Value City Furniture  (Facebook offer: "like" them and print coupon)

Free Grandparents Day Card from Paper Snaps. Just use promo coed GDAY11 at checkout

***Update...a few more freebies I just found

Free sample of Downy Unstoppable (Facebook offer)

Free Blockbuster Express Rental Codes: 27PGAR6 (exp 8/29), 48KRVF2 (exp 8/29), and GORACETRAC (exp 8/31)


Deals:

40% off any one regular priced item at Michael's

Buy one get one free breakfast entree at Mimi's Cafe  exp. 8/25    (they have AWESOME breakfast!)

Best deals at CVS this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best deals at Walgreens this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Household tips.......
We have a clogged drain so instead of buying drain-o, I'm going to try this home remedy tomorrow since I already have all the ingredients on hand :) ....

A Simple Recipe for Unclogging Drains

• Remove all water from the sink or tub and pour about 1 cup baking soda down the drain.
• Then pour 1 cup vinegar down the drain, plugging it immediately (if you’re unclogging a double sink, plug both drains).
• When the bubbles have died down (about 30 minutes), chase them down the drain with some hot water.

Source: Green Living Ideas (http://s.tt/12GnB)

thrifty tip tuesday...

Deals:
Great coupons from Quiznos 

$5 off $20 at O'Charleys printable coupon   and   "like" them on Facebook and get coupon for a free appetizer with purchase of entree

Best Deals at CVS this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)
**The coupon machine is printing out freebie coupons for some this week. Some are getting free coupons for Hershey's Carmello Bar, CVS brand bandages, and Carefree Pantiliners

Best Deals at Walgreens this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

80% off Restaurant.com gift certificates with coupon code HOT  (Expires TODAY!!)

Freebies:
Free sample pack of Eco Garbage Bags

Free full size body wash from CVS (available again)   *Facebook offer, "like" them, fill out form and they will email you coupon!

Free Appetizer or Dessert at Chili's with printable coupon (expires tomorrow)

Free $1 rental from Blockbuster Express Kiosk with codes 26PBCG2  or 68TTDR5 good through 8/22

Around the House...
If you have WD-40 lying around, it can do a lot more than just solve the problem of your squeaky door. On the WD-40 website they have a section dedicated to it's multiple purposes...all 2000+ of them!!

thrifty tip tuesday....

Freebies:
Free Coffee Sample from Ava Coffee

Free sample of Splenda Essentials (plus coupons)

Free Atlantis Pen from Bic (Facebook offer)
*There will be 130 pens given away each hour (between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST), so if you don’t get one right away, you can always try again.

Free sample of Huggies from Walmart

Free sample of Kashi cereal or granola bar

Kids eat FREE at IHOP all of August (from 4 pm to 10 pm, every day)

Free sample of Zantac Maximum Strength (heartburn medicine)

Free sample of Super Sticky Post-it Notes

Deals:
Get a personalized Friendship Card or Thinking of You Card for 99 cents!!! Go to Tiny Prints and use the coupon code FRIEND99 (offer expires today!!)

Best Deals at CVS this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)
**And don't forget to scan your CVS card at the Coupon station when you arrive. Yesterday when I did my weekly CVS trip I scanned my card and got a coupon for free Kotex Liners and $2 off Gold Emblem snacks (which were under $2 and that made them free!!)

Best Deals at Walgreens this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Around the house tip...
Another object with mulitiple uses is the good old dryer sheet. Here is a link to Real Simple Magazine's suggestions for lots of ways to get the most out of your dryer sheets!!

thrifty tip tuesday...

Deals:
Best Deals at CVS this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)
Best Deals at Walgreens this week   (fro Deal Seeking Mom)

Freebies:
If you sign up for email alerts with Bath and Body Works they will send you a coupon for a free travel size item of your choice

Free copy of Crazy Love by Francis Chan (this is an awesome book.  I've read it and can't wait to read it again. If you'd like one of his other books you can choose them instead)

FREE can of Purina ProPlan catfood when you “like” them on Facebook

Free sample of Nivea Bodywash from All You Magazine

Free sample of Pearlescence Flora Reeds (for fragrant diffusers)

Free John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Care Sample

Around the house:
Another every day item that you can use for multiple purposes is vinegar! As I mentioned before you can use it in your dishwasher as a rinse agent. You can also use vinegar instead of fabric softener (I haven't done this, but I've heard there is no smell in clothes after). You can also mix a solution of 50/50 water and vinegar as a great window cleaner.  Or you can do 2 parts water, 1 part vinegar for an All Purpose cleaner. You can clean your coffee maker by putting in a few tablespoons of vinegar with water in the reservoir and running it as normal (just run another round of just water to remove the vinegar taste). Vinegar has a million more uses, but these are just a few to start with :)

thrifty tip tuesday

Freebies:
Free sample of NIVEA Touch of Cashmere Body Wash

Free Sample of Garnier Moisture Rescue

Free Sample of Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner

Kids eat FREE at Chili's tonight!! (coupon w/ purchase of adult entree)

Free Reusable Grocery Bag from Nursery Water (only 75 bags a day starting at 12 noon EST)

Deals:
20 4x8 photo cards from SeeHere.com for $1.49 shipped
Upload a photo, select 20 for the quantity,put in 25CARDS coupon code at check out and your total will only be $1.49 including shipping!! Great idea for invitations, baby announcements, thank you cards, etc.

Best CVS deals of the week    (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best Walgreens deals of the week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Around the house tip:
Use lemons as a natural disinfectant!! They are great for disinfecting cutting boards, just cut in half and rub and rinse (may want to let set overnight before rinsing to let it penetrate). Also, cut off a chunk of lemon (or lime) and put it in your garbage disposal to make it smell fresh and clean! You can clean your coffee pot by running water and lemon juice through as well (although some use vinegar for this, lemon has the same effect with higher acidity to kill bacteria). So many uses for that lovely fruit :)

thrifty tuesday tips...

Deals:
Best deals at CVS this week  (from Deal Seeking Mom)
*my fave deal this week at CVS is...
Kellogg's Cereals (8.7-15 oz.), 2/$5Get $1 ECBs wyb 2 (Limit 1)
$ .70 off Raisin Bran
Buy two and use 2 printable coupons making 2 boxes of Raisin Bran $1.30 each! (with ECBs)

Best deals at Walgreens this week  (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Restaurant.com is offering 80% off their already discounted gift certificates with the code SUN. This will make a $25 certificate just $2 after all discounts!! Certain restrictions apply, so read all fine print before purchasing (i.e. must spend certain amount, only valid at lunch, etc) Expires tomorrow!!

Printable coupons for Quiznos
Free Chip or Cookie and Regular Fountain Drink, Free Sub or Regular Salad, 2 Meals For $9.99
$1 Off Regular Sub or $2 Off Large Sub

Freebies:
Free Peroxide at Target (with this printable coupon)
*Their generic brand (up&up) is priced at $.62 and the coupon is good for $.75 off first aid item

Free bottle of Evamor water (Facebook offer... "like" them, print coupon)

Free Garlic Lovers Chicken Breast with any purchase at Panda Express (tomorrow, 7/13)

Household tips:
Another way to save a penny around the house, find different ways to use things you already have. This week....coffee filters!!! Coffee filters make excellent replacements for paper towels (and they are cheaper). They clean mirrors and windows better than the average paper towel (because they are lint free)! Also, they make great snack bowls for chips, pretzels or popcorn. And you can turn them upside down on top of a bowl of soup or something your heating in the microwave to keep it splatter free!

thrifty tip tuesday...

Below are this week's thrifty tips....
Deals:
You can get a killer deal on stuff at Bath and Body Works right now. They are having a 75% off sale on a lot of their items and you can combine that with this coupon for $10 off $30 purchase (or use the coupon code: TEN30 online) to make it a really good deal. Coupon expires today so hurry!!

99 prints for 99 cents from Snapfish (plus shipping)

Best CVS Deals this week   (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Best Walgreens Deals this week  (from Deal Seeking Mom)

Freebies:
Free Chips and Queso printable coupon (after signing up for email alerts)

Free Lettuce Wraps from PF Changs (Facebook offer, check their page tomorrow 7/6)

Free RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS starter kit with printable coupon. Just take it in to your Walmart Vision Center

Free Sample of Loreal Youth Code

Household tip:
Another way to stretch your dime around the house, here are a couple money saving substitutes or alterations to dryer sheets.....
Maximizing Dryer Sheets (from This Week for Dinner )
Inexpensive Fabric Softener Recipes  (from The Duggar Family )

thrifty tips for tuesday...

I decided that instead of making Tuesday's posts about the best deals, I'd make it just about thrifty tips in general. Whether it be a good deal, a freebie, or another way to stretch the budget around the house, I'd love to share with you my absolute favorite thing to do with money...SAVE it :)

Here are this week's thrifty tips...
Freebies:
Free sample of SHOUT Color Catcher

Free sample and coupons for Splenda

Free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios

Free sample of Carefree Liners

Store deals:
Best CVS deals (from Deal Seeking Mom )

Best Walgreens deals  (also from Deal Seeking Mom )
*they have a program called Register Rewards that is a lot like CVS Extra Care Bucks

Household tip:
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
When we were in PA not long ago visiting Josh's family, my sister-in-law was telling me about her new venture of making dishwasher detergent. I decided to go ahead and give it a try. I looked at a ton of recipes and reviews on line and I mixed and matched a bit so here's what I'm going forward with...
1 cup Borax
1 cup Baking Soda (Some use Washing Soda)
1-2 packets of lemon Kool-Aid (unsweetened)
Fill rinse aid area with white vinegar to help from having a film on glasses
Use 1-2 tablespoons per load!
I'm super excited for this because the amount of ingredients I bought will last a LONG time and I only spent about $8 (which will turn out to be just pennies a load vs. approximately 20 cents a load with the liquid detergent we were using)