Thursday, December 31, 2009

GIVEAWAY: MyBlogSpark & General Mills Cereal


Woo hoo! It's another GIVEAWAY! Details are below.

"This week General Mills announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain."

As a family who regularly eats cereal (babies, kids, & adults) it's important that our cereal be good for us.

It was interesting to read this information shared by General Mills through MyBlogSpark:

Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? ... Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets.

More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.

Studies also demonstrate the benefits of eating breakfast. A 1998 study showed that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better at school. Compared to children who skip breakfast, children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office.

More information about kids and cereals can be found here Cereal Health and Wellness. If you visit here you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Who can't use a little savings? In appreciation of my wonderful readers, I'm giving away a coupon for a FREE BOX of General Mills cereal (up to $6) to 2 lucky winners!

All you have to do is:

Leave me a comment telling me if you're a cereal eater and if so, which cereal you like best! That's it!

And...

If you're feeling realllly ambitious, post about my giveaway and receive an additional entry. Just send me the link!

I'll pick 2 winners via random.org on Friday, January 8th.

Thanks to General Mills Cereals for providing the FREE coupons through MyBlogSpark!

*Frugal tip- if you happen to be one of the lucky winners, save your FREE coupon until your store has a Buy One, Get One sale. That way, you will get 2 boxes of cereal FREE!

TIGI: FREE Beauty Products to Your Door!


I've seen these freebies before but the site was sooooo slow I gave up. Welll... I just tried again and.... I got through and checked out in less than 2 minutes!

Right now you can get:

TIGI lip palette (pictured above)
Wonderful Tonight hair product ($60 value)

100% FREE!

Yup, the items are FREE and shipping is FREE! Click here to claim your goods! No credit card info is needed.

You can also get a Dream Experience Perfum sample for FREE but shipping adds $6.

Thanks Mindi!

PETCO: $5 off $25 and Dog Whisperer Steal

It expires today (12/31) but if you're going to Petco, take this $5 off $25 coupon with you. To get the most savings, get your transaction right to $25 or maybe a little over. Present the $5 off $25 Petco coupon first and then all other manufacturers coupons.

I was at our local Petco 2 days ago. I got a ginormous candy cane rawhide for our dog Dahlia. A black lab/chow mix, even she was stunned by the size of this rawhide and stared at it for some time, not knowing where to begin!

I also stumbled upon a mega Dog Whisperer clearance! The products regulary retailed at Petco from $9.99 to $29.99 and were marked down to $.70 to $6! The Restore 16 oz. bottle was only $.70 (yes, seventy cents) and retailed for $29.99. If you use these products, this is a HUGE savings!

Walgreens: Bayer Glucose Meter Deal

On Tuesday I went to Walgreens to pick up the 2 Bayer meters for FREE and earn $13 in Register Rewards (a.k.a. FREE Walgreens money).

I don't need the meters. I'll just donate them to the nursing home. What I wanted was the $13 in FREE Wags money so I could get my ink refills for FREE!

Check out the scenario Mercedes posted here.

Target: After Christmas Steals


I went to Target on Tuesday to scope out the after-Christmas deals (and DS8 had to spend his $25 in gift coins from Aunt Aubrey!). The clearance items were still at 50%. Ehhh.

So, with just "ehhh" deals I didn't get much but I do want to point out a few things I found:

FREE Rayovac batteries. They are in the Dollar Spot and have a black dot. All black dot items are 50% off making them $.50 each.

I used the $1 coupon from here (key in code 74016761) to get the batteries for free. I used 6 coupons. I don't typically use more than 5 or 6 coupons for the same item in one transaction. I don't like to "push it."

$.54 Method Hand Soap. I found these mixed in with the regular hand soap pumps. The peppermint scent is marked down to $2.54. I used (2) $2 coupons from here.

$.30 Coffee-Mate liquid creamer. The holiday flavors are marked down 15% to $1.30. I used (2) $1 coupons from here.

Are there any other steals I missed?

Monday, December 28, 2009

Avon: 4 for $5 to Your Door!

Woo hoo! I just stumbled across a pretty good deal with Avon!

I purchased 4 hand creams (retail $15.96) and am having them delivered to my door for just $5!

I typically don't pay much for lotions; I generally get them FREE or nearly free with all my drugstore deals. BUT- it's winter and my hands are in desperate need of some hand cream so I splurged (YUP- $5 is a splurge when you normally don't pay anything!)

Here's what I did and how you can do it too:

Go to ebates.com and search Avon for 5% cash back.
Once redirected to Avon's site click on Special Offers on the left.
Then click the red skincare link near the top/middle of the page.
A little past halfway there's a link for Hand Cream Sale: 4 for $5. Click it.
Shop for your 4 items and then go through checkout.
Enter code CONFETTI for free shipping to your door!

If you are comfortable navigating the site, you can also shop under a local Avon rep (click icon at the top of the page). I always find a local rep. I think they might get credit for the order? Can anyone confirm?

Either way, happy saving!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

House Party: I WON!

Woo hoo! I won my 2nd House Party!!!

The first Party I won was for my son last year. It was Star Wars Clone Wars. My son had about a 10 friends over and they all watched the first episode of Star Wars Clone Wars from Cartoon Network.

The party pack I received was full of glow sticks, real full-sized "humming" light sabers, masks, temporary tattoos, stickers, and more!

This latest House Party is for ME! I won the new Fun, Fit, and Guilt-Free House Party featuring Jenny McCarthy's Your Shape Wii game and JELL-O Mousse Temptations.

I received my party pack the other day and whew! am I stoked! My box was filled with Wii games, JELL-O FREE product coupons, and many, many other giveaways!

To all my girlfriends reading this... stay tuned for your party invites!

ALL YOU Reality Checkers

Let me start by saying that I LOVE ALL YOU magazine. It's full of helpful tips and advice and... coupons!

Some time ago I received an email about becoming an All You Reality Checker. I'm glad I enrolled because since then I've completed several brief product and magazine cover surveys and have reaped the benefits!

I've received FREE product samples to try, FREE product coupons, and FREE magazines. All the surveys I've received have been verrrrry short (trust me, I'm not patient enough to fiddle around with anything longer than a couple of minutes).

To make things even better, on Friday I received a surprise box in the mail from All You Reality Checkers. It was a goodie bag filled with tons of loot! All You sent it as a holiday "thank you" gift!

If you have the time and are interested, check out All You!

GIVEAWAY: Fishful Thinking Program

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish has a unique (and FREE) program Fishful Thinking (check out the button on the bottom right of my page). It's a program for parents that helps them raise children who have positive attitudes and who can confidently tackle life's challenges.

As a parent, former pre-school teacher, and Fishful Thinking Ambassador, I thought I'd share this useful parenting resource.

The Fishful Thinking site has many great activities that you and your children can do. You can find the activities links under the tabs at the top of the page. I particularly like the Treasure Box.

What activities will you try with your children? Leave a Comment to let me know. On Friday, January 8th I'll choose one Commenter who will receive a Fishful Thinking tote bag of goodies!

I[2]Y Cancer Foundation

I generally don't write these type of postings but I'm going to make an exception...

This is about a friend of mine, Kurt Owen, and his "cause."

Kurt and I met at EVI in 2003. We worked together for a little over 4 years. He had a relaxed, easy-going personality but was also up beat and had an ambitious outlook.

During that time we played 2 seasons on the EVI co-ed softball team and sailed 2 seasons on boats Shadowfax and Unga Bunga.

Kurt was an awesome coach for the softball team. He gave everyone time on the field and was always there cheering everyone on (although for some players, all the cheering in the world wouldn't have made the difference!)

One of my funny memories about Kurt and softball were his black Reebok Pump football cleats. If you aren't familiar, Pumps were popular in the 90s.

I remember noticing Kurt's feet one day at softball and asking, "Are those Pumps?" Kurt smiled and nodded his head "yes." Kurt's Pumps were funny because at that time they were nearly a decade old. Kurt didn't care and neither did the rest of us. It was just funny he had shoes that old that were still in tact and functioning!

Another fond memory of Kurt was the time he grabbed my butt. Yup, tis true but let me explain! He, Jaime Davis and I were sailing one afternoon. The wind was picking up and the water was getting hairy.

I was leaning over on the side of the boat and fiddling with a line when the boat suddenly leaned in the direction I was bent over. Had Kurt not grabbed me by the back of my pants to pull me back, I would have went overboard. None of us on the boat cared to wear bulky life vests so who knows what would have happened had I been tossed into the river. I've never been more grateful for a butt grab!

Kurt was a great guy, full of life and eager to take on challenges. He left a positive impression on all of us. Unfortunately he left this world earlier this month, on December 13th.

Kurt's wife Jennifer shared on their blog the names of a few cancer organizations who were helpful to them this last year.

I was surprised to discover i[2]y. They support young adults who are diagnosed with cancer. According to Jen, there aren't many organizations out there who focus on people "my age" so it was nice to read about this support group.

SC Johnson $5 Mail-In Rebate

Ok, ok. I know... I'm realllllly late in posting this but better late than never!

Get $5 back via mail when you purchase any 3 SC Johnson products between 10/1/09 – 6/30/10. Read more and print your rebate form here.

Some of the participating brands include:

* Ziploc
* Glade
* Windex
* Scrubbing Bubbles
* Pledge
* Shout
* Fantastik
* Drano
* Raid
* Off
* Saran
* Nature’s Source

This offer would be really good with a CVS or Rite Aid deal. In fact, if you do Mindi's CVS/Glade deal this week, you are more than 1/2 way to your $5!

Another option, I think Target has small packs of Ziploc bags at checkout for cheap. Buy 3 and send in for your rebate!

Worthwhile Printable Coupons

Here are a few good printable coupons that I suggest. Print them out and keep them on you. When you are at a store that doubles coupons, these should make for FREE or Nearly Free items.

$0.75/1 No Yolks
My Acme store carries the Thin No Yolks Noodles for $1.88. The doubled $.75 coupon makes them just $.38 per bag.

$1/1 Muir Glen Product
I use these at my Weis store. The organic Muir Glen tomato paste is $1.29 per can. I hold onto the paste and use it when I make soup. The $1 coupon makes the tomato paste just $.29 cents per can!

$.75/1 Kleenex (last page)
I only know CVS pricing for Kleenex off the top of my head- $1.59 for a regular box. Print this and save it for your next grocery trip at a store that doubles. This should make for a FREE or Nearly Free box of tissues!

Remember, you should be able to get 2 prints of each coupon per computer!

FREEBIES!

Here's a rundown of some recent Freebie offers. Enjoy!

Free Stacy's Pita Chips
Receive a coupon for a free bag of Stacy's Pita Chips! Log onto your Facebook, become a fan of Stacy's Pita Chips, then click on "Free Stacy's" tab on the upper right section of the page. Enter your home address, and your free coupon should arrive in 2-4 weeks. Limit one sample per household, only available to the first 65,000 fans.

Take the Pledge & Get a Coupon for Wet Ones Wipes
Take the pledge to help stop the spread of germs. Each of the first 100,000 pledges will trigger a donation of one Wet Ones antibacterial wipes travel pack to the Kids In Need Foundation, a national organization that provides school supplies to children in most need. Each participant will also get an instant coupon for $1.50 off a Wet Ones product purchase and can download a Flu Prevention Plan.

Free Dove Shampoo & Conditioner Sample
Try Dove's new Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner. Fill out the form and your free sample will arrive in 8 to 12 weeks. One sample per household. Limited while supplies last.

Free Huggies Diapers Sample

Receive three free diapers from Huggies new Pure and Natural Diapers line. Fill in your name and address & answer a couple of questions to get your free sample AND coupon. One sample packet available per household. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery time.

SheSpeaks & Aquafresh Iso-Active

SheSpeaks recently sent me a free can of the new Aquafresh Iso-Active toothpaste to try.

WOW! Not just me, but my entire family, LOVES it!

Iso-Active comes in a new style of pump can. All you do is depress the top and out comes the toothpaste onto your toothbrush.

As you brush, your mouth gets all foamy and clean. Iso-Active has a nice minty flavor and left our mouth's feeling FRESH!

Click here to print out a $1 coupon to save on your purchase of Iso-Active.

Friday, December 18, 2009

$17 Acme Score with Pictures!

I went to my local Acme store last night and had a great time! I went with coupons and sale paper in hand and came out with all of this for just $17!

Check it out!








While yesterday was the last day of the sale, the concepts for saving money I outline below still apply. Here's what I did and how you can do it too!

I visited Moms Need to Know and got the list for coupon match ups. I subscribe to The Grocery Game but Acme isn't a list store. So if I shop at Acme, I go to MNTK.

I focused on the On Your Next Offer (OYNO) deal this week that was on the last page of the sale paper. If you spent $15 in qualifying products you earned a Catalina coupon for $5 off your next purchase.

I printed out the applicable internet printable coupons and also clipped a few from the Sunday paper inserts. I also had some matching coupons from Betty Crocker cooking magazines I received in the mail.

I did 4 transactions to roll the $5 Catalina coupons and pay the least amount of money out of pocket.

At checkout, I lined my items up on the belt, separated each transaction with a bar, and told the cashier I had 4 transactions. The cashier knows me well and didn't have a problem with my multiple transactions at all.

Trans. #1
(4) Progresso Bread Crumbs
(12) Green Giant frozen vegetables

Out of Pocket $7
Earned $5 Catalina

Trans. #2
(1) Chex Mix snack mix
(5) Betty Crocker potatoes
(3) Betty Crocker cookie mixes
(1) Pillsbury Cresent Rolls

Out of Pocket $4.08
Earned $5 Catalina

Trans. #3
(12) Progresso Soup cans

Out of Pocket $3.48
Earned $5 Catalina
Earned SURPRISE $3 Catalina that was Progresso Soup-specific

Trans. #4
(1) Gallon of whole milk
(1) 1/2 gallon of skim milk
(2) 2 pks of stuffed green peppers
(3) Bananas
(2) Pears

Out of Pocket $2.45

You might be thinking to yourself that this is a strange shopping trip. Where's all the meat, bread, etc. for the week you ask?

My answer- I don't need any! I am at a stage in my shopping now that most of my usual items are well stocked. I only pick up what I need each week such as fresh fruit & veggies, and bread and milk. Of course, I also pick up what's FREE or NEARLY FREE.

My family will easily consume the soup and frozen veggies. The other items I grabbed because they helped me get the most out of my dollar by generating the $5 Catalina coupons. What I won't use in the near future I'll delve out to family members or send in to school with my son for the needy families.

Moral of this post? Monitor the sales and stock up when you can. By stocking up on 12 packs of frozen veggies and cans of soup for example, I should be able to get by for some time before I get low again. By the time I need more, it will be time for another stock up sale. At that time I'll stock up again. Never, ever, paying FULL PRICE!

What good deals have you scored lately?

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Holiday Giggle Elmo: $10!

I didn't think this was bad at all! Get this cute Holiday Giggle Elmo delivered to your door for just $10.

Here's what you do:
Click on the Free Shipping icon on the top right (through 12/11)
Click on the Sale link at the top and choose Toddler
The Holiday Giggle Elmo is there on the left.

He's marked down to $10 (from $22!) and shipping is FREE!

Happy savings!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Barnes & Noble: 30% off Thomas the Train

Thanks to reader Jaime for sharing:

Earlier this week, the Barnes & Noble in Ellicott City (MD) had Thomas the Train items (located in the children's section) discounted 30%. This is a nice savings for Thomas the Train gifts!

Thanks Jaime!

Piggy Paint: 15% Off

A couple of months ago I introduced you to Piggy Paint. I'm back to say that they are once again offering 15% off EVERYTHING on their site, including sale items!

I'm a fan of Piggy Paint not only because they're a woman-owned company but also because their products are safe and all natural!

Enter code THANKYOU15L at checkout to receive your savings. Purchases of $25 or more ship FREE! You have until Valentines Day 2010 to take advantage of this offer!

To begin shopping with Piggy Paint, click here.

Macy's: 25% off In-Store & Online

Thanks to reader Jaime for sharing this HOT Macy's coupon!

Now through December 7th, take this coupon to Macy's and enjoy an extra 25% off your entire purchase.

Not into fighting the crowds this year? Make your purchase online at Macys.com and enter code MACYSFF at checkout.

Make this deal even sweeter by going through ebates for 5% cash back!

Thanks Jaime!

BGE: WinterReady Program

Here's a great money-saving program that reader Angela shared with me!

The BGE WinterReady program provides information to help you conserve energy and keep heating costs reasonable this winter season.

A BGE representative will spend about an hour in your house assessing:

  • insulation levels
  • air tightness
  • heating and cooling systems
  • windows and doors
  • lighting and appliances

The fee for BGE's assessment is $40. HOWEVER, should you decide to go ahead with 3 or more of their suggested energy-saving measures, the $40 fee is waived.

Angela reports that the energy-saving changes BGE suggests are at BGE's cost (uh, that means FREE to you!!!). She allowed BGE to install 2 low-flow bathroom sink spigots, a new lower-flow shower head, and 6 CFL lightbulbs. All for FREE! How cool?

For more details, be sure to check out the BGE WinterReady site here. Thanks Angela!

Kohl's: 15% off In-Store and Online

Kohl's email subscribers recently received a coupon for 15% off any purchase. Use this with sale and clearance items to save even more!

If ordering online, you can use coupon code SAVE4XMAS for 15% off. Valid through 12/5.

If you aren't already a Kohl's email subscriber, you can go here to sign up. By signing up you'll receive $5 off your next in-store purchase and 10% off your next Kohls.com purchase.

PETCO: 20% off In-Store Coupon

Click here to print your PETCO coupon for 20% off any regular-priced item. Valid through 12/6.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Chadwick's: $15 off $15

I just scored at steal at Chadwicks.com! I am having 1 fleece pullover and 1 monogrammed pen shipped to my house for a wopping $7.97!

Here's what I did and how you can do it too!
  1. Go to ebates.com
  2. Type in Chadwick's
  3. Select it as your store for 3% cash back
  4. Once redirected to Chadwicks.com start shopping
  5. Purchase at least $15 in merchandise
  6. Enter code CH15OFF at checkout
  7. Proceed through checkout and wait for your goodies to arrive!
Happy savings!

JCPenney: $10 off $10

I just scored at steal at JCPenney.com! I am having 2 shirts shipped to my house for a wopping $8.41!

Here's what I did and how you can do it too!
  1. Go to ebates.com
  2. Type in JCPenney
  3. Select it as your store for 3% cash back
  4. Once redirected to JCPenney.com go to their outlet section
  5. Shop
  6. Purchase at least $10 in merchandise
  7. Enter code GR8VALUE at checkout (select checkout+promocode)
  8. Proceed through checkout and wait for your goodies to arrive!
The GR8VALUE code is valid through 11/23. Happy savings!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Contadina Tomato Products $.75 Off Coupon


Click here to print a coupon for $.75 off any three (3) Contadina products 15 oz or smaller. Wait for these to go on sale at a store that doubles $.75 coupons for added savings!

Click your browser's back button 2 - 3 times to get multiple prints.

FREE Sample Stacy's Pita Chips

Click here to register for your FREE sample of Stacy's Pita Chips. These are tasty!

You can also go here and print out a $1 coupon for in-store savings!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

30% off at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy

Now through tomorrow, 11/15, take this coupon with you to Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy and get 30% off your purchase. Thanks Alice!

Victoria's Secret: Free Panty!

Victoria's Secret email subscribers- check your inbox! Yesterday I received an email for a FREE Panty with any store purchase. Just print out the email and take it to the store. Valid now through 11/25.

Frugal tip- any store purchase includes the $1.50 PINK lollipop you might purchase just to get the FREE undies!

(Hey- VS undies and a lollipop for $1.50 isn't bad at all!)

Target: Leap Frog Alphabet Pal STEAL!

I bought this little guy at Target last week. It's the Leap Frog Alphabet Pal. It was priced $19.99 and I had a $10 Target printable coupon from here. I thought to myself, "1/2 price, not bad..." And I was knocking one gift off my list.

There was a peelie sticker on the box for a FREE Board Book valued at $10.99. I registered the toy online and that was it! The registration took less than 3 minutes and as a result I've got another gift coming to me in the mail!

So, by now I was really pleased with my $10 investment! But... imagine my jaw drop when I read about getting this guy for just $.49! Yup, it's true and if you hurry you can still take advantage of this deal (today, 11/14, is the last day). Mindi at Moms Need to Know dishes out "the scoop" here.

And if you don't feel like running out to the store this morning, you can still get him for $10 through 11/25 using the printable Target coupon from the link above. Don't forget to go online and register him for your FREE Board Book!

Monday, November 9, 2009

FREEBIES for Veterans on 11/11

UNO Chicago Grill

This Veteran's Day (November 11th) Uno invites all members of the military, both veterans and active duty, to join them for a free entrée or individual pizza (with an entrée or pizza purchase of equal or greater value).

There's no coupon necessary, just show up in uniform, or with a picture of you in uniform, or with a military or veteran's ID, etc.

Outback Steakhouse

Also on November 11th all veterans and active duty military will receive a FREE Bloomin' Onion and Beverage at Outback Steakhouse. Just provide proof of military service. More details are here. Thanks Karen!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Office Depot: $10 off $50


Take this coupon to Office Depot to save $10 off your purchase of $50 or more. Valid now through 11/12.

Don't like Office Depot? Take the coupon to Staples! Our store honors competitors coupons. Yours may too!

FREE Johnson & Johnson's Baby Towel


Does anyone have a bottle of Johnson's Baby Bath or Lotion laying around? We need the UPC # from it! The only brand in my stash of baby toiletries is Huggies!

The fine print:

"Use your mobile phone to text a valid UPC code to 467467 from a receipt for any JOHNSON’S® Baby Bath or Lotion product dated 10/17/2009, through 12/11/2009 by 11:59 p.m., E.T., and you will receive one hooded baby bath towel, retail value $16.99, while supply of 250 towels lasts.

You will receive a return text message prompting for your name, shipping address and other required information. If you are not already a ShopText service registrant, you will be asked to provide registration information. Towel will be shipped to the confirmed address associated with your ShopText registration. For assistance, text “HELP” to 467467. You will be charged standard text messaging rates for each text message sent or received from handset according to your wireless carrier service agreement. ShopText has a no-Spam promise. Must be U.S. resident, 18 yrs or older. One towel per household.

Offer begins 10/17/2009 and ends 12/11/2009 or when 250 towel offers have been redeemed, whichever comes first. If more than 250 requests are submitted, requests will be fulfilled in the order received. Those who text after 250 requests have been fulfilled will receive notification text. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Meredith Corporation d/b/a American Baby magazine (“Sponsor”) reserves the right to verify identification. In all matters relating to interpretation/application of this offer, decisions of Sponsor are final/binding. Sponsor not responsible for network failure or incomplete text messages or text calls. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted."

Thursday, November 5, 2009

BAAC: Black Friday Break-from-the-Kids Special


The Bel Air Athletic Club (BAAC) is hosting a a special camp on Friday, November 27th from 8am – 3pm for children ages 5-12.

Whether you need to shop, wrap, take the 9-11 Master Class or pamper yourself, you will be able to drop off the kids for a fun-filled day. The kids will swim, do arts and crafts, have tree and rockwall time and play supervised arena games. Pack them a lunch they can enjoy while watching a movie.

The reasonable rates are: Members: $30 per child and Non-members: $35 per child

Call Patty Strawderman, KidSports Manager at 410.838.2670, ext. 297 if you are interested in registering your child(ren) or if you need additional information.

Thanks for sharing, Kim!

Hartstrings Warehouse Sale 11/9 - 11/11


Thanks to reader Kim for sharing that the Hartstrings Winter Warehouse Sale is coming up! It will be held at the Valley Forge Convention Center in the King of Prussia, PA. Dates of the sale are Monday, November 9th through Wednesday, November 11th.

Current season items are 50% off retail.
Past season items are on clearance.
Special surprise discounts will be at the sale.

Happy hunting!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

FREEBIES!

Here's a run down of some recent FREE samples. Thanks to reader Tim for helping get these together!

Dove Hair Care
Loreal Paris EverPure
Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers
Pampers Extra Protection Diapers
Betty Crocker Potatoes
Playtex Sport
Playtex Gentle Glide
Nestle Abuelita Granulado Hot Cocoa
Costic's Caffeinated Soap
Oust Freshen-Your-Home Gift Pack
Perpster T-Shirt
Nautica Oceans
PowerBar Gel Blasts
Head & Shoulders Shampoo
Prilosec
GoodNites Underpants
Carefree Ultra Protection

SheSpeaks & Wet Ones

As a SheSpeaks member, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to evaluate Wet Ones Antibacterial Hands & Face Wipes.

These days with all the germs going around, I find the Wet Ones wipes especially handy to keep in the car and diaper bag. I've used the wipes to clean shopping cart handles at the grocery store and high chairs at public establishments.

SheSpeaks has asked that I share the Wet Ones wipes and coupons they sent me with others. She doesn't know it yet, but the babysitter is going to get some Wet Ones loot tomorrow morning! I'm also going to send a pack in to school with my son for classroom use.

If you want to try Wet Ones, click here to save $1 on your next purchase.

Victoria's Secret Pink: Free Panty & Lip Gloss!

Victoria's Secret PINK members:

Sign into your PINK account and print out your coupon for a FREE pair of PINK panties valued at $7.50. No purchase required. Valid through November 9th.

While there you can also print out a coupon for $10 off a regular price PINK bra (not such a great deal but if you need a new bra...)

While you're at Victoria's Secret, present this coupon. You'll get a FREE Beauty Rush lip gloss valued at $7 with a free bra fitting. Valid through November 15th.

Playskool Diapers: 1/2 Price @ CVS

Our local CVS store had mega packs of Playskool diapers on clearance marked down 50% to $7.49.

I picked up a pack to give them a try. Not sure how "not-so-quality" they are yet but at a cost of about .12 cents per diaper I thought I'd give one pack a try...

Uno Chicago Grill: Kids Eat FREE on Halloween


Bring costumed kids 12 and under to Uno from 11 am - 7:30 pm on Halloween and they can fuel up with a FREE Kids' Make Your Own Pizza with the purchase of each adult entrée.

They'll also have pumpkin coloring, goody bags, and other treats!

Glade Candles: B1G1 Coupon

Print this Buy One, Get One FREE Glade coupon and hold on to it. Use it the next time the 2 oz. candles are on sale for BIG savings!

Remember to hit your browser's back button 2 - 3 times to print 2 coupons!

(I've tried the new Glade soy candles and must say, they smell wonderful! )

FREE Sample Rachel Ray Nutrish Dog Food

Click here to claim a FREE sample of Rachel Ray's Nutrish dog food.

Don't have a dog? Request a sample anyway... and donate your sample to a local animal shelter!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Boston Market: $1 Chicken Meal!

As a Boston Market email subscriber, I received an email today with a coupon for a $1 REAL Chicken Meal!

Boston Market, in competition with KFC's Unfry Day, reminded email subscribers that their chicken is never fried. In the email, they are quoted, "Always better than just a FREE piece of chicken." Man... they aren't joking, huh??? :)

Anyway-

The emailed coupon, valid now through November 1st, is for:

1/4 White or 3-Piece Dark Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Cornbread

If you contact me, I'd be happy to forward my Boston Market email coupon to you. Happy saving!

Dollar Tree: Gerber Puffs

I was at our local Dollar Tree yesterday searching for a couple of things. I don't typically shop at dollar stores because I can do better sale shopping or using coupons. I made the trip, however, because I was on the hunt for a couple specific items that I thought the Dollar Tree would have.

I won't bore you with the details of my Dollar Tree visit but I did want to share that my Dollar Tree had Gerber Puffs! This was a pleasant discovery because my 10-month-old daughter chows down on Puffs like crazy!

At our local stores the Puffs run from $2.19 - $2.59. At the Dollar Tree they are only $1. The Puffs don't seem to go on sale very often and I've never found a coupon for them so I was more than thrilled to find them at this price.

Happy hunting!

FREE Kentucky Grilled Chicken Today (10/26)

Hopefully this free KFC offer won't be a bust like the last one. Here's the scoop:

Today, October 26th, you can pick up a free piece of Kentucky Grilled Chicken.

The offer is valid at participating U.S. KFC restaurants and there's a limit of one free piece per person. The free piece selection is the manager's choice and may vary by location.

Restaurant.com: $25 Gift Certificates for $2!

Restaurant.com... Once again!

Now through Monday, October 31st, you can purchase restaurant.com $25 dining certificates for only $2. Enter code TREATS at check out.

For more details and to find a restaurant.com restaurant near you click here.

(Don't forget to go through ebates for 15% cash back too!)

DJ Liquidators & Savings... REALLY???

Marylander's may be familiar with the store DJ Liquidators. They are a closeout / liquidation store that seems to sell ANYTHING they can get. Items are varied (random) and range from candy, holiday decor, clothing, garden items, sports memorabilia, and much more.

I went to our local DJ Liquidators last week after not having been there for at least a year. I was looking for some decent-priced Baltimore Ravens items and some wicker baskets.

With this visit, it dawned on me why I don't frequent DJ Liquidators much. I may upset some by saying this but the prices there just aren't good! I can do a million times better sale shopping or using coupons.

I was looking for a good deal on Ravens items. They had tons of items but everything was so highly priced I felt like I was in a sports specialty store. One example of pricing is a silver Ravens travel mug that was $19.97. I checked out a 4-piece plastic toddler serving set (included bowl, fork, spoon, & sippy cup). It was $29.97! To me, these prices are just too steep.

I checked out the wicker baskets. The baskets that were even semi-decent quality started at $6. I can get GOOD baskets at the local craft stores on sale or with a coupon for that price!

I did wind up buying something but I left the store having spent only $7. I purchased a case of off-brand canned cat food for $6 (we needed it) and a .77 cent 4-pack of sour apple drinks that my son, the anything-sour-lover, said are disgusting...

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Desitin: $1 Coupon

Print this coupon and take it with you to the store to save $1 on your next purchase of Desitin. Remember to hit your browser's back button 2 - 3 times to get 2 prints!

Office Depot: $10 off $40


Take this coupon to Office Depot to save $10 on your next purchase of $40 or more. It's valid through 10/24.

Don't care for Office Depot? Take it to your local Staples store that accepts competitor coupons!

Horizon: $1 Coupon for New Little Blends

Save $1 on Horizon's new Little Blends yogurt with this coupon (goes right to printing). Considering the yogurt contains fruit & veggies, I'm curious to see how it tastes!

FREE Legal Help: Baltimore, MD

The Bar Association of Baltimore City is sponsoring Pro Bono Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 am to 2 pm, at Legal Aid’s Baltimore City office, 500 E. Lexington Street.

Volunteer attorneys will be on hand to provide one-on-one consultations and group presentations on a variety of topics including family, consumer, housing, and elder law.

This event is free and open to the public. Your assistance in getting the word out to your constituency, via the attached flyer, would be greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions or need further information, call Bobbie Steyer at 410-951-7737.

I have a flier that I can email. If interested, just leave a comment.

Carefree: FREE Sample and $1 Coupon

Click here to claim your FREE sample of Carefree Ultra Protection liners and $1 coupon for any Carefree Ultra Protection product.

The Wonderful Flu Season!

I've been M.I.A. again...

Earlier this week we took the baby to the doctor. She was put on antibiotics for an ear infection.

Today my son and I went the Target clinic. My son has the flu and was put on Tamiful.

I'm inserting a bit of disgruntlement here so bear with me. Each year our local school administers the flu mist to the children free-of-charge. As we do every year, we signed the consent form, and sent it back in to the school.

This year, things changed, however. We received notice a couple weeks later that the children would NOT be receiving the flu mist and that the school was waiting to administer the H1N1 vaccine. So... my son didn't receive the flu mist and he got the flu.

Anyway, I have a sinus infection as was put on antibiotics.

Now all I need is the hubby to get on a 'script and we'll be a perfectly sick bunch!

I've got a few steals to share so stay tuned...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Toys R Us: Stacking Coupons to Your Advantage!

Around this time every year, Grandma Debbie gives us a Toys R Us Friends and Family coupon for 20% off a $75 or more purchase. The discount applies to almost everything except gift cards, formula, diapers, video game hardware, etc.

With coupon in hand, I went to our local store last night and got all this, plus this wooden baby gate for....
Drum roll......


JUST $47.98!


Pictured above are:

(2) Special Attack Bakugan, sale 2 for $9.99 (reg. $7.99 each)
(2) Seventh Generation liquid fabric softeners, clearance for just $2.48 and I had (2) $1 Qs
(1) Juicy Juice Immunity juice, sale $2.50 and had a $1 Q
(1) Seventh Generation travel pack of baby wipes, $2.49 reg. price and had $1 Q
(2) Arm & Hammer Essentials cleaners, clearance $.98 each and had B1G1 Q
(2) Arm & Hammer Essentials cleaners 2pk refills, clearance $1.48 each and had B1G1 Q
(2) Koala Kids baby boy coordinates (for a shower gift), clearance w/ extra 25% off and had a Q for B1G1 50% off
(2) prs Koala Kids baby bear slippers, clearance w/ extra 25% off and had a Q for B1G1 50% off
(3) Stretch Island Fruit Co. Fruit Leathers, $.49 reg. price and had B2G1 FREE Q
(1) Sponge Bob Centrum kids vitamins, clearance $3.98
(2) Koala Kids baby girl coordinates, clearance w/ extra 25% off and had a Q for B1G1 50% off
(12) jars Earth's Best baby food, $.89 reg. price, promo buy 12 get $2.50 off instantly, and $1 Q
(2) Clif Kid Organic Twisted Fruit ropes, $.89 reg. price and had Q $.50 off 2
(4) Johnson & Johnson's safety swabs, sale 2 for $3 and had (4) $1 Qs
(1) Safety 1st wood baby gate, $12.99 reg. price and had 15% off Q

And don't forget that before any other coupons were applied, I received 20% off of everything by using the coupon Grandma Debbie gave us! Keep in mind that for many stores, you are able to use both a store coupon, and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. That's what I did at TRU last night.

I also swiped my Rewards "R" Us card so my purchases go towards earning FREE TRU money. I'm sure I'll earn even more R Us Rewards this holiday season too!

Product Review: Piggy Paint!


I must admit that I am thrilled to have the opportunity to sample Piggy Paint! I mean, how cool is it, as a mom to a little girl to be able to try out a fun, new NON-TOXIC product on my baby!

I first heard about Piggy Paint through DiPaola Momma. Due to Momma's rave reviews, I decided to contact Piggy Paint and let them know how unique I thought their products were. And so the story goes... I was offered a sample to try myself!

While the picture isn't the best (my little angel just wouldn't SIT STILL or unwrap her toes!) you can see Mia modeling our sample of "Girls Rule!" Piggy Paint on her piggies!
The color was pretty and it went on just like regular nail polish. It didn't have any harsh smell either.

We also received a sample of Piggy Paint Nail Polish Remover. This too DID NOT HAVE that infamous "nail-polish-remover-smell (errr... burn-off-your-nose-hair stench)." The remover, with some rubbing, did take the polish off.

Overall, we really like Piggy Paint and the remover! It really made me feel comfortable knowing that the fun product I was using on my 8-month-old daughter was also SAFE.

If you'd like to try Piggy Paint for your daughter (or grand daughter, niece, etc.) visit the Piggy Paint website here.

Now through October 31st you can take 15% off anything on the website with discount code STEALS15L. The code works on sale items too and shipping on orders over $25 is FREE!

Arundel Mills: Steals of the Week

If you know me well, you know that I LOVE Arundel Mills! I mentioned earlier this week that I'd share my shopping trip with you. Here goes:

I stopped at the Disney Store. Their red ticket clearance items were an extra 25% off. The baby needed a new bag and lunch box so here's what I scored for $11.23. I got both pieces for less than $12; I was happy!

I received two email coupons for mystery savings at The Gap and Banana Republic. The mystery savings for each store coupon wound up being $5. The mystery savings ranges anywhere from $5 to $500. Last time I got $10. I also had a 15% off Gap survey coupon.

I was in desperate need of new jeans and I usually get my jeans from The Gap. They fit me well and last me a long time. Armed with my Qs (coupons) I went to Gap first and got two pair of jeans for $68.68. This isn't by far the best I've ever done on jeans, but like I said, I desperately needed them.


I went to Banana Republic and purchased this polo style shirt. It was $12.99 with an extra 40% off. My $5 mystery savings coupon brought it down to just $2.79. Score!


Like I had mentioned here, I went to The Children's Place (TCP), and used my 20% off coupons. I LOVE going to TCP at Arundel Mills because their prices are ALWAYS sooooo low!

I always go armed with coupons. I'm also a member of TCP's FREE Place Perks program so I earn FREE TCP money everytime I shop.

My mom had wanted me to pick up an outfit for my nephew for her so here's what I got for just $11.57. They are navy corduroy pants and a coordinating long-sleeved cotton top.

I also picked up some things for my daughter. I spent $13.56 and got 3 pairs of socks, a pair of jeans, a pair of khaki pants, and a matching white top. That's less than the regular retail of the jeans alone!


For my son who was in serious need of some nice tops, I found six to get him through the season, and possibly part of next year.

I also found some solid short-sleeved shirts that are perfect for undershirts. I got 2 white, 1 gray, and 1 navy (you can't see the navy shirt well in the pic). They were only $2.49 each!

For only $32.30 I got him 10 shirts! I didn't pick up any pants because I stocked up a couple months ago when Old Navy had their $10 jeans promotion for back-to-school.


The main reason I made my trip to Arundel Mills last week was because the baby needed some "real" shoes. Her little Robeez slippers were nice but they were getting small. She was due for some walkers anyway so at the Stride Rite store we picked up her first pair of white leather Stride Walkers for just $29.99. I didn't have any coupons but we needed them.

I remember way back when in my much-less-money-savvy days I bought my son his first pair of Stride Rite walkers at the regular Stride Rite store. They were about $60 (GASP!!!).

I also picked up the lace-keepers that go over the shoe laces. At first I thought the sales lady was trying to "up sell" me on these $4 thing-a-ma-jigs. But seeing is believing- I hadn't put the lace-keepers on her shoes yet but only left the shoes on her feet as we left the store. No sooner we walked out, the baby had untied her right, double-knotted shoe, and was chewing on it! So now Mommy has wisened up and we use the lace-keepers!


This sums up my Arundel Mills shopping spree from last week. What good deals have you scored lately?

Friday, October 9, 2009

Local Readers: Bel Air, MD Giant CLOSING

Local Bel Air, Maryland readers-

The Bel Air Giant is closing.

My cashier told me this the other week and I just stumbled upon a news release indicating the same. So sad to see nearby grocery stores close...

Kohl's: 15% off In-Store and Online

Kohl's email subscribers recently received a coupon for 15% off any purchase or 20% off a purchase of $100 or more. Use this with sale and clearance items to save even more!

If ordering online, you can use coupon code OCTOBER15 for 15% off or SAVEMORE for 20% off $100+.

If you aren't already a Kohl's email subscriber, you can go here to sign up. By signing up you'll receive $5 off your next in-store purchase and 10% off your next Kohls.com purchase.

Restaurant.com: $25 Gift Certificates for $2!


Now through Monday, October 12th, you can purchase restaurant.com $25 dining certificates for only $2. Enter code FOUR at check out.

For more details and to find a restaurant.com restaurant near you click here.

(Don't forget to go through ebates for 15% cash back too!)

Dining Out Deals: KFC, Ruby Tuesday, Red Robin, Ikea +


Click here to register for KFC printable coupons. They have an offer right now for a $3.99 Grilled Chicken Meal. It includes 2 pieces of chicken, 2 sides, and a biscuit. Not bad!

Ruby Tuesday "So Connected" email subscribers were sent a Buy One, Get One coupon for their new 4-course brunch. Has anyone tried the brunch yet?

Now through tomorrow, October 10th, Red Robin email subscribers get a FREE Kids Meal with the purchase of any 2 Gourmet Burgers. Subscribers must print the email and take it with them.

Saturday, October 10th through Monday, October 12th enjoy FREE breakfast at IKEA. Limit one per customer. Offer valid for one small breakfast and one small coffee. Click here (red box at the bottom of the page) for details.

Auntie Anne's Pretzel Perks members- check your email for a coupon for a FREE Pepperoni Pretzel with the purchase of any Stix or Pretzel Dog.

Boston Market: Kids Eat FREE

Now through October 31st, kids eat FREE at Boston Market. Up to 2 kids eat free with each meal purchased by an adult. More details are on the Boston Market website here.

Chuck E. Cheese's: 20 FREE Tokens


Attention Chuck E. Cheese email subscribers! Check your inbox for a printable coupon for 20 FREE Tokens.

Check out this post to save even more on your visit!

The Children's Place: 20% off In-Store


Print out this bad boy and take it with you to The Children's Place to save 20% off your in-store purchase! It's valid now through November 1st.

I used this coupon at The Children's Place at Arundel Mills yesterday and got a ton of stuff for cheap! I'll be posting more on my Arundel Mills trip shortly...

The cashier told me yesterday that the coupon had to be used with a Place Perks card (duh- I'm already a member!) so if you don't have one I'm not sure you'll be able to use it. Reading the fine print however, it doesn't say that is MUST be used with a Place Perks card...

Either way, happy saving!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Office Depot: $10 off $40

Now through October 17th, print this coupon and take it with you to Office Depot to save $10 on your $40 purchase!

Remember, if you prefer shopping at Staples like I do, your store may accept competitor's coupons!