I Think I Have A Coupon For That

10 Boxes of Cereal for $10

2009-09-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

This morning my children informed me that we were out of milk and cereal so I had to make an early morning run to my local Albertson's. Typically I like to be ahead of the curve so I can scope out good deals...but life happens and today I was just going to do my best.

I was so excited when I saw they were running a special on Kellogs and Keebler products...10 items for $15.00. So I decided I'd just stock up on cereal since that was such a great deal...but then I saw $1off 2 coupons right next to the display. So I quickly grabbed 10 boxes and 5 coupons...and some milk...and was on my way. This should hold us over for at least a few days :)

For more great deals...

2009-09-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Follow me on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/creativealexis

Good Stuff For Teachers

2009-09-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

So, I just found out that Joann Stores offer a teacher discount card! I have been married to a teacher for 12 years and this is my 3rd year as a homeschooler! Where was this secret info?

It's a pretty amazing deal... 15% off your entire purchase! Everytime! Even on sale items! And with a COUPON! It really doesn't get much better.

Plus, when you sign up you get a 1 time 20% off.

To sign up and get all the info you can go here or sign up in store. I needed to show some sort of proof as a homeschooler but I just used an id card I have, so it wouldn't have worked for me to sign up online.

SwagBar

2009-09-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Did everyone download their new toolbar from Swagbucks yesterday?

It's a simple and unassuming little bar and has a few cool new features...my favorite being a little "From The Swag guy" box where you get direct info an SwagCodes (which are little bonus swagbucks!) And, rumor has it, there will be bonus codes every day in Sept!

Confused by all this SwagTalk? Get more info in this post. :)

Yummy Foodie Freebies

2009-08-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

August 30th Dave's Day at Famous Daves!

Every Dave’s a Famous Dave to us, but to celebrate Dave’s 15th, we’re giving a free entrée – up to $15 – to every Dave, David or Davy in the house!* And on Dave’s Day, close counts! If your middle name is Dave, David or Davy you’ll get your entrée for half price! Up to $7.50.

Click here for participating locations

The Cheescake Factory Drive Out Hunger event

The first 500 guests who attend an event and DONATE TWO CANS OF SOUP will receive a complimentary slice of our Stefanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake™.

Check the link to find out when and where the event will be held in your area

Old Navy loves to give fun stuff away

2009-08-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

This Saturday (8/29) get to ON early to snag a pair of adult jeans for just $19. That is an amazing deal on it's own...but they have sweetened the deal by throwing in a graphic tee for FREE! You can get a cute new outfit for just $19! That is pretty exciting.

I love the One Day Wonder deals at Old Navy and have found that when I have the time, it's best to try on and scope out what I need the day before. The lines get pretty long pretty fast!

Before you head to the mall saturday you might want to print out these fun freebies too:

Victoria Secret:
Free Lace Trim Thong with ANY purchase (exp 9/2)
Free Pink Travel Kit with ANY purchase (exp 9/24)
Free 1oz Pink Body Lotion no purchase necessary (WSL)

You will need to redeem these all in separate transactions, generally the associates don't mind as long as your polite about it. :)

Bath and Body Works:
Free Home Fragrance or Signature Collection Body Care Item with $15 purchase (exp 9/13)
Free Signature Collection Travel Size Item with any purchase (exp 9/9)

It must be the end of summer

2009-08-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Because I have time to blog again!

I was so excited to hear from my friend Lauren about LACMA's NextGen program. Of course this is local to me but anyone in the Los Angeles area can enjoy it!

"NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. This includes permanent collection galleries and selected special exhibitions"

Just fill out this form and mail it in. I'll be enrolling all three of my kids and will be able to have fun museum days for years to come. And I can even grab my favorite photographer to take with me as the adult with the kids doesn't have to be a parent!

And for those of you not local you can still enjoy a free museum day on September 26th. Head on over here to find a participating museum and download your pass. :)

I love pizza

2009-06-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

And free pizza is even better!

Become a fan of Pizza Hut on Facebook and watch for a code for a free pizza roll on July 4th!

Speaking of Pizza Hut click here for some other free pizza offers! I know where we'll be on Tuesday night...free pan pizza for kids under 12 with medium or large pizza purchased!

Still hungry? Sign-up for Rubio's e-club and get a nice BOGO coupon in your inbox :)

Make sure you print out a few of these Jamba Juice BOGO coupons so you are prepared when the smoothie urge hits... this one is available until July 12th...I love summer :)

Finally, there are about 6 days left to enjoy a free 12 oz beverage from Borders with this coupon.

I'm a Teacher!!!

2009-05-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Chick-Fil-A is giving teachers (some include homeschoolers) free 3 piece chicken strips tomorrow.

Call ahead and make sure your local store is participating.

FREE this week at Staples

2009-05-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

The mere idea of a label maker makes me so happy! A free one is just icing on the cake!

Head on over to Coupon Cravings to get the skinny on how to get a free after rebate label maker, paper pack, and accounting software!

Getting To Know My Sidebar

2009-05-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can read a blog for months before I even notice their sidebar so I wanted to let you know a few fun things about mine...in case you haven't checked it out.

*A while back I joined BzzAgent. It's pretty cool. The basic gist is that you review websites and things and just post your opinions. It's a great way to have a voice and find out about some new products as well. Well imagine my delight this week when I got a box filled with full sized shampoo, conditioner, detangling spray, coupons, and small samples of the shampoo and conditioner as well... all for John Frieda's new Root Awakening line! I opened the box and imediatly put the products to use and found they smell terrific and work really well. I'm looking forward to sharing with some friends.

And the only "catch" in the whole BzzAgent set up is that I have to share how I feel. Anyone who knows me in real life knows I love to share opinions on products.

*You will also find a link for My Etsy Shop over there. A few years back a friend and I had a thriving handmade jewelry buisness and I was so sad when life got in the way and we closed up "shop"...so now I have my own. :) Check it out and let me know what you think. Custom orders are available as well.

*Trusting God's Heart is the book version of my other blog that follows my journey with my sweet Baby Eden...there are several photos in there that are not on the blog.

*Cashbaq is a portal you log into before you do any online shopping and then get a small percentage of your purchase back...in cash :) The way I understand this is that there are several portals that feed to online retailers and all of them get a commision. Cashbaq just shares it with you!

In the interest of full disclosure you should know that I do get a referal credit if you sign up using my link...but even if you don't use that link you should sign up...because cash back is good stuff!

*And finally, my beloved Swagbucks! I just recently posted about exactly how this super simple search engine works here. Search and earn gift cards and all sorts of other fun free stuff!

Happy saving.

Freebies in the Mail

2009-05-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Free Crest Advanced Seal White Strips! My husband really liked the regular ones, I bet he'll love these!

Free sample of Caress Skinwear collection.

Free sample of Degree Women Fine Fragrance collection.

Free 2oz BabyGanics All Purpose On-The-Go Cleaner.

Free Halmark Card by mail...just follow the instructions and select "mail if for me" and use promotional code APRILCARD and you'll get a lovely card mailed for free!

Free Samples of Huggies Pure and Natural diapers available here and here. I can't tell you how many times a free diaper sample bailed me out of a just-ran-out-of-diapers emergency!

It's Alergy Season...get your sample of Zyrtec!

Free Sample of Avenoo Nourish Hair Care Collection.

Other Freebies:

Free 12oz drink from Seattle's Best Coffee (inside Borders)! One per customer valid until May 6th!

Christian Audio has a new Free Download each month, this month's pic is Foxe's Book of Martyrs. I've never read it but from this description I think I'm going to have to give it a listen:

Beginning with the story of Stephen from the book of Acts, considered the first Christian martyr, the drama builds to the passion of the early Church's persecution under the Roman Empire. The hardy and radical faith of those first believers spawned medieval missionary movements that spread the gospel across Europe and into England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Hungry?

2009-04-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today (April 27th) at KFC. Details here.

Tomorrow at El Pollo Loco. Details here.

Coupon for Free Pulled Pork Slider at White Castle, expires 6/30/09.

Free Scoop at Haagen Daz May 12th.

(Almost Free) 31cent Scoop Night Wednesday April 30th, at Baskin Robins.

Free Cup or Cone from TCBY for Moms on May 10th.

*Always check with your local store to make sure they are participating!

Coffee and Ice Cream

2009-04-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

That's right...the event that ignited my great love of FREE! Ben and Jerry's free cone day is tomorrow!

We can make an event of it and cruise by Dunkin' Donuts for a fifty cent Iced Coffee! You'll even be supporting Homes for Our Troops in the process!

Tomorrow will be a yummy day!

It's Tax Day...let's..um...celebrate?

2009-04-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Several retailers have good tax day freebies...

Deal Seeking Mom has several listed here:

My favorites?

Cinnabon – FREE Bites on Tax Day from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at participating mall locations. (While you're at the site sign up for a chance to win a $100 gift card!)

HydroMassage – Call ahead to schedule your FREE Tax Day massage.

Bath and Body Works Free With Purchase

2009-04-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Bath and Body Works gives out so many freebies it's hard to keep up...

$10 off any Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Purchase expires April 5th

Free full-size Bath & Body Works Body Care Item with $10 purchase, expires April 12th

Free 3-oz. Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Body Lotion with ANY purchase, expires April 22nd. This one is also redeemable at BathandBodyWorks.com with promotional code Welcome324

Thanks to Deal Seeking Mom for always having the heads up about B&Bw!

How Swagbucks Works

2009-04-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

I had a friend ask me a little more about Swagbucks today...seems she was under the impression it was either complicated or required a purchase, so I thought I'd give a quick "How To" on the subject.

Even if I didn't get credit for referals, I'd sing their praises. I love getting free stuff!

So here's how simple it is:

1. Sign up. Just follow this link and fill in your info
2. You can be done from here and then when you want to search something log into swagbucks.com and use the search box. This is easy enough but you can take it one step simpler by going to step 3
3. Download the swagbucks search bar. Depending on your settings this will either give you a new search bar in your toolbar or will just give you the option of using the swagbucks search in your existing toolbar.

And that really is it!

Also of note the swagbucks are awarded at random intervals but about every 3-5 searches. I try to earn myself at least one eveyday.

Minty Fresh!

2009-04-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

No sooner did I walk in from CVS than I read a comment on Facebook reminding me to share what I can do there...

So here is how this week went down for me, it wasn't particularly amazing as I have been sick and such so I have fallen behind. CVS shopping really works best if you are able to stock up before an urgent need arises...not when you run out at 6:30pm to get diapers because no one told you you were out.

So here's what I got....no picture tonight...

1Mega Pack of size 6 CVS Supreme Diapers
1 Pack Juicy Fruit Gum
1 Pack Big Red Gum
3 Packs Stride Gum
2 Packs Dentyne Gum
3 Packs Mentos Gum
1 Johnson Buddies Soap
1 Glade Sense and Spray Air Freshener

I am laughing even as I type up all the gum, the checker looked at me like I was a crazy person but my husband loves to have gum and it can be a slightly costly last minute purchase.

I don't have my receipt right in front of me but know that my total was in the ballpark of $50 before I scanned my cvs card, used my coupons, and paid with extra care bucks.

I ended up paying $5 out of pocket...and still walked out with $2.00 in extra care bucks.

So not amazing...but certainly not bad for a last minute trip.

And walked out wit

Spring Blizzard

2009-04-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

This past summer I sat outside a Dairy Queen in a small town in IL and laughed so hard I cried. It is one of the best memories of that trip... so when I head out to get my free Blizzard with my Buy One, Get One Free coupon I will smile for reasons beyond the delicious Buttefingery goodness!

Barnes and Nobel is good too

2009-04-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Lots of discount coupons for Barnes and Nobel... including a free cookie with any beverage purchase in the cafe!

Meet me at Borders!

2009-04-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

I'll buy you a Mocha...well, sort of.

Seattle's Best is running several amazing promos this month...not the least of which is a printable Buy One, Get One Free Mocha or Latte Coupon.

It's their 39th birthday and they want to celebrate with all these great offers:

Monday, April 6
Enjoy a complimentary small coffee

Tuesday, April 7 – Tuesday, April 28
All 39-year-olds receive a free medium cup of coffee. Limit one per customer.

Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12
Buy a pastry; get a medium cup of Anniversary Roast coffee

Friday, April 17- Sunday, April 19
Get a $.39 (plus tax) medium cup of Anniversary Roast coffee

Friday, April 24- Sunday, April 26
Buy any 12 oz or larger bag of coffee and receive a medium beverage on us

Great Deal on Legos!

2009-03-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

ETA: The free sets appear to be gone...but the $10 discount is still a good one!

But head on over to Deal Seeking mom for a great Lego bargain!

If You Are Looking for Me This Saturday...

2009-03-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Sephora...getting my free makeover and samples!

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Coupon

2009-03-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Online only... Save 40% off one item through 3/25/09 with Promo Code EEDO84 or TTE76.

Also, new accounts pay only 2.95 shipping!

The hardest part is finding something that is full price!

Nifty Gifties

2009-03-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Looking for an inexpensive way to treat someone you love and apreciate?

Check out these gems from Skip to My Lou.

Some of my favorites:

*“You are out of this world” tag attached to a Milky Way or Mars candy bar
*“You are ‘extra’ special” tag with a pack of Extra Gum
*“Thanks a ‘latte’!” tag with a gift card from local coffee shop, special coffees or travel mug
*“You are ‘tea’rrific!” tag with a selection of teas

Most of these can be done for next to nothing if not free.

Watch your sale adds and check your coupons for free gum and candy bars or save your swagbucks for a Starbucks gift card!

Food Freebies!

2009-03-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Also a few yummy bogos...

Free fries and drink from Jack in the Box, Tuesday March 10th.

Buy one, get one free Mocha or Latte at Seattle's Best Coffee (inside Borders book stores)

Buy one, get one free sundae at Baskin-Robbins thru March 28th

Yay for handbags!

2009-03-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

I was really excited this morning when I found a 30% off coupon for Old Navy! (Also use able at Gap and Banana Republic), because I have been eyeballing the bag above for a few days now, and thought I might spurge. Turns out the bag is not on sale anymore... but the coupon is still a great deal and coupled with some of the great clearance prices could be quite a steal, coupon is good Thursday thru Sat, so act fast!

Free Shoes...and then some!

2009-03-05T21:32:00.001-08:00

So I just redeemed some of my swagbucks for a Target e-gift card, with the intention of buying my little guy some much needed shoes.

Oddly enough the super cool, light up, Spiderman shoes were half-price online... so even with the ridiculous shipping of $5, I still came out about three bucks ahead. Plus, they were free with my gift card.

But you want to know what was even better? I earned 5% cash back using Cashbaq.com! How cool is that?

I just logged into cashbaq and clicked on Taget and shopped as usual!

If you haven't signed up for either, you really should... because free is so fun, but free with cash back? That's amazing!

Just had to share!

2009-03-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have just stumbled across TotLOL.

From the home page:

Totlol is a video website designed specifically for children. It is community moderated. It is constantly growing. It is powered by YouTube.

I just know my littlest one is going to love watching videos here.

Mmmmm...

2009-03-03T12:16:00.001-08:00

Coupon for Free Roast Burger with drink purchase. Expires March 9th.

Smorgasbord

2009-03-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Once the deals start flowing I just can't stop!

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this here or not... but one of my son's greatest joys is his monthly FREE Lego magazin e... and now they have Lego Club Jr for my little guy!

I am also excited about the $10 coupon to Home Depot just for attending a free Woman's How-To workshop. I love home improvement projects. Home Depot also has some pretty fun (free) kids' workshops too.

Not to be outdone, Lowes also has some exciting looking kids' workshops too.

And don't miss out on more free music from Amazon.

Raising Them Right

2009-03-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Every time I leave CVS my kids look at the bags and ask "So how much did you save?". Which always leads to a lovely homeschool math lesson, and a lesson on the merits of freebies!

So imagine my excitement when I read that Pizza Hut has a Free Pizza program to encourage young readers...and it's now opened up to homeschoolers!

I have already enrolled my two eligible kids for the next school year.

Crawling out of the illness pit

2009-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for a few weeks, down with a major ear infection that left me, not only in pain...but part deaf for a while.

Not Fun!

But free stuff always makes me feel better...

So let's start with some FREE MONEY

It's this simple... go to dilleyo.com and click "Ship it" and you are on your way to a free $20 gift card! Don't be afraid when it asks for your credit card info, once your address and all are filled the CC fields will disappear.

Dillyeo will email you your gift card code and then just check their site each day to see what the deal of the day is.

A few other fun things to note:

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is having a Tea Party! This Thursday stop in for a free Tea Latte over ice!

For the High School Musical fans or their enablers... Centsible Sawyer has the details on how to get a free copy of HSM3

And finally, a free sample of Degree Deodorant. I love these little guys and keep them in my purse for smelly pre-teen boy emergencies.

Also, I wanted to remind you once more of the joy that is swagbucks! This week I have received $20 in Target gift cards, $5 from Amazon, and $5 from Starbucks. They have also updated their store with tones of amazing downloads...including the entire 5th season of The Office on itunes! For just 60 swagbucks! All for using their search function!

Next on my list is an itunes gift card for my husband, :)

Poor Jack

2009-02-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

I have to admit it, Jack In The Box advertising often makes me giggle. And tomorrow it's gonna make my tummy full. Free Curly Fries Tomorrow, Feb 10th, with this coupon.

Cheep magazines with purchase.

2009-02-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

While looking up details for The Powerpuff Girls Anniversary set today I came across a nice little promo from Amazon.

Order a dvd in February and you can get s subscription to Rolling Stone, Men's Journal, or US Weekly for just a buck. Find out how here.

Other Fun Freebies and Deals:

*Order anything from Sephora.com and enter FREELOVE at checkout for a 10 day supply of bareMinerals make-up and a mini Kabuki Brush. Lots of inexpensive items here.

*Sign up as a first time shopper and get a $10 QVC credit! I might splurge and get these!

Good News for my Fellow Swagernaughts!

2009-02-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Swagbucks has revamped their store and added MP3s and TV Shows. I love free music but I decided to order a Starbucks gift card today...and should get the $20 target card I ordered this week! I love free so much!

Who's Hungry?

2009-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Free Grand Slam Breakfast tomorrow at Denny's

From the website :
Dine-in only. Offer limited to Tuesday, 2/3/09, 6 am to 2 pm in all Denny's restaurants in the United States*, Canada and Puerto Rico while supplies last.
*With exception of 350 Baker Blvd., Baker, CA

So...what time should we go?

Coffee Coffee Coffee

2009-01-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow stop by Panera Bread and get free coffee and breakfast samples!

(And then if you are like me you can also have a yummy cinnamon bagel! MmmmmMmmm)

Free Money...

2009-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

Head on over to Dilleyo today for a free $10 gift card! Yep...free gift card. When you checkout there is no need to fill out the credit card info, though it has plenty of asterisks.

And if you are wondering what Dilleyo is, it's an internet close out store, similar to Woot.com in that there is one great deal every day. Check often to find amazing deals!

A few nuggets

2009-01-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging and life has been getting in the way a LOT lately. But there are still some goodies I've found out there...

I love it so much when stores pay me to shop! I just found out that even Toys R Us/ Babies R Us has a customer loyalty plan and so I signed right up! I can't say I do a ton of shopping there but still, every bit I do shop gets me a little bit closer to some of the nice rewards.

Also, since I was raised on weekly tips to Big Lots way back when it was still Pic 'n Save, I'm pretty excited about this printable 20% off coupon!

Edit photos like a pro

2009-01-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

FOR FREE!

In my wildest dreams I am a photographer and editor so this site just about me jump out of my chair with excitement!

It's not going to turn me into Stacee Lianna, but it will be a great way for me to indulge my creative side.

I've joined a pretty interesting marketing program so expect to hear more about some of the fun stuff I have found. :)

Tea Time!

2009-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

Today, January 13, at 2pm Starbucks is hosting TeaTime and sharing freebies of tea and pastry to celebrate the launch of their yummy tea lattes!

Oh No!

2009-01-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

They have added a Sephora gift card to the swagstore...

Now I have to choose between being responsible and saving my points for a Target card or being indulgent and choosing the Sephora card. :)

Feel free to put yourself in the same position by joining swagbucks yourself!

Bring on the freebies!

2009-01-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

Free coffee or pastry at Seattle's Best (located inside Borders book stores). One of my favorite things to do when Steven and I get some time out alone is to go have coffee and browse the bookstore...so this will be great fun for us!

From the looks of it you can use them multiple times before 3/3/09! Wo-Hoo...date night here I come.

Mommy Snacks has the info on a free photo book! (just pay shipping for as low as $8) What a great way to preserve those holiday memories. Act fast the offer expires 1/20

And while it's not free... Deal Seeking Mom has the low down on a super cheap diaper deal at Rite-Aid

Sam's Club Membership Deal

2009-01-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

If you have ever considered a membership to Sam's Club but put it off Next week is the perfect time to sign up.

Print this coupon for a $25 gift card with new membership purchased Jan 15th - 21st. With membership as low as $35 this can be a real steal!

New Look for a New Year

2009-01-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

Sephora Beauty Insiders get up to 10 FREE samples with your order, just use code SKINTREATS while supplies last. Combine with clearance items and you can really get a sweet deal!

Oooorrrrrr

Head on over to E.L.F and get and 10 items for just $1 each and $5 shipping! You can't get one good liner for that in a store! Use code ECPICKZ

Things Sure Slowed Down The Last Few Weeks

2008-12-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

I guess the best deal around is time spent with family and loved ones.

*** Edit: I just read that this coupon is probably only available to subscribers. Sorry about that.

It's very important to me, in my attempt at frugalness, I also make choices to be honest. There are several ways to cash in on freebies that are questionable, and while they may not *technically* hurt anyone how can I ask God to bless my finances and be willing to lie to get ahead?

This current "economic downturn" is the first of anything like it to affect me, in my adult life. My dad was downsized back in the early nineties, but I don't remember much of a pinch as we weathered the very short time between careers. While this current season touches my family a bit more, we are blessed to be pretty stable and living without a lot of excess already. I feel strongly, that as a Christian, I need to do what I can to help others in even small ways. That is a big part of why I have this blog.

***Original Blog text and coupon link removed***

Free Peets Coffee

2008-12-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve brings free coffee from Peets! So while you are doing your last minute shopping stop by for a cup and donate what you would have spent to a local charity.

Bath and Body Works Loves Free!

2008-12-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

There are three different coupons for good freebies, or free with purchase items at Bath and Body Works this month. Some expire this week though so act fast.

Have your printer ready...

Free travel size item with purchase
Free 2oz Signature Collection Lotion with any purchase
Free item with $10 purchase

As far as I can tell these will all print at least twice. This could really get you some nice gift fillers or stocking stuffers...or personal treats ;)

Who Loves Make-Up?

2008-12-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

I know I do.

I love to play with new looks and new colors but make-up can be pricey.

But head on over here and you can get 15 E.L.F items for $7.50!

Only 13 Days Left Until Christmas!

2008-12-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Are you done shopping?

If Not Walmart has some great new rollbacks on great gifts... Deal Seeking Mom's got the whole scoop!

Why I Shop at CVS...

2008-12-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

Today this was in my inbox from my beloved CVS:

"Dear Alexis,

You received $826.98 in savings and rewards from ExtraCare.

See how below:
Extra Bucks® rewards received - Pharmacy $1.00
Extra Bucks rewards received - Front Store $15.50
Extra Bucks received on promotional items $103.79
Clip Free Savings from using ExtraCare card $321.65
ExtraCare coupons redeemed $385.04

TOTAL REWARDS FOR 2008 $826.98"

This is Crazy! Especially considering I have only been shopping there, with purpose, for a few months. Including my 12am trip Thanksgiving morning.

I have people ask me about how to make it work because it seems like it might take so much work...and really it doesn't. It's about watching ads, clipping coupons and a little math.

Crystal made it pretty clear for me.

The best way I know to really work the system is to work in separate transactions...and use the earned Extra Care Bucks earned on one transaction on the following transactions. That's how I walked in on Thanksgiving Morning with about $5 in ECBs and walked out with over $125 worth of products, $20 out of pocket expenses, and $20.53 in ECBs,

Fresh and Easy Canvas bag

2008-12-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

Sign up at Fresh & Easy and you can get a coupon for a free canvas bag.

I really like Fresh and Easy. I don't shop there all the time but for things I know I don't have any coupons for , and where they can beat my regular stores prices I like to go and use the weekly $6 off $30 on their weekly markdowns.

2009 Entertainment Book

2008-12-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

I remember once, early in our marriage, someone gave us an Entertainment Book and we loved it!

It's usually a little more than we want to spend but Money Saving Mom has the details on getting one for just $10, a great deal if you just use it for movie tickets!

We don't have to think about calories till after Jan 1st

2008-12-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

Yummy Yummy! Free Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! Just go sign up for Friends of Krispy Kreme and you'll get a certificate for a free doughnut!

Decisions, Decisions

2008-12-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

So I just earned 50 swagbucks and now I have to decide I want to cash them in or not. I'd be getting a $5 Starbucks card. I love free coffee. :)

But with the way these guys pile up so quickly I am not far from a Target Gift Card, or The Gap, or even, long down the road, an Apple gift card.

So do I go for instant gratification or wait it out?

What would you do?

Today Only!

2008-12-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Today, head on over to any Southern California Ruby's Diner and get their Original Ruby Burger for just $2.60 in order to celebrate their 26th burger-versary!

Clean Up with Coupons

2008-12-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

Literally!

If you go here you can print a $3 off 3 Johnson & Johnson items. Which is cool, but even cooler if you use it on Johnson Buddies Soaps which retail for about $1.oo. They are $1.19 at my local CVS and Target. You can print two for each computer you access by hitting the back button in your browser...I have a lot more luck with IE than Firefox when it comes to coupon printing.

I currently have enough Johnson Buddies to last me at least through the summer, purchased for less than the price of an average bar of soap or bottle of body wash. :)

The kids love them and I like them just fine...I haven't checked with my husband about how he feels about being watermelon scented, but he hasn't complained yet.

$12 Denim

2008-12-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

I am currently sitting at my desk in one of my three pairs of Old Navy jeans, purchased at their last $12 denim sale...and now they are doing it again! Tomorrow!

It was a mad house last time but well worth it.

I'm not quite down to the next size yet, but hopefully there will be a next time!

Free Music

2008-12-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

It always makes me laugh that my husband has such an arsenal of music that no matter what I am interested in, he probably has it. But even He is already missing one of the 25 Days of Music Downloads from Amazon!

What a great way to fill your holiday song list!

More fun and useful Freebies

2008-12-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

How about a free sandwich from Arbys? Just print this coupon and take it in.

You can follow that sandwich up with a homemade cookie. (I'm not sure you'll actually get these in time for Christmas this year) but get a free cookie cutter here. I got the house

And after your cookies you can brush your teeth with your free sample of Colgate Toothpaste.

For The Teachers

2008-12-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

Save 25 % on just about everything on December 4th, tomorrow, at Borders Book Store if you are a current or retired Educator! You just have to provide proof of educator status!

As a homeschooling mother sometimes I wonder what proof I need and have heard that you can make a pretty valid case with a bunch of school kids in tow on a school day, but I think it's a good idea to have some sort of ID...even if you make it yourself and laminate it at a copy center.

Or, order some fun business cards for free at vistaprint.com. You'll pay for shipping but you'll get that back times over with your teacher perks.

Magazines

2008-12-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Last year for my birthday I was given a gift magazine subscription. I have to say it was one of my most favorite gifts. I love having a magazine that is just for me come to my house every month. It feels decadent. Like a new "just for me" every. single. month.

I just don't buy magazines for myself. It seems I always have something that prioritizes over that small expense.

Maybe you feel the same or you know someone who does.

Head on over to Hearst Magazine and you can get any one of these great magazine subscriptions for only $5!

Cosmopolitan 6 issues
Country Living 12 issues
Esquire 12 issues
Food Network Magazine 5 issues
Good Housekeeping 12 issues
Harper's BAZAAR 12 issues
House Beautiful 12 issues
Marie Claire 12 issues
O, The Oprah Magazine 6 issues
Popular Mechanics 12 issues
Redbook 12 issues
Seventeen 12 issues
SmartMoney 12 issues
Town & Country 12 issues
Veranda 8 issues

Free Samples

2008-12-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's because I never got any mail growing up. Maybe it's because I love things that are trial sized. Maybe it's just because freebies are awesome... But I love all the free samples that companies give away!

On an average week I can get anything from free razors to free kids' DVDs. Once I got a full size Swiffer sweeper!

Here's a great link to several good samples. Song downloads, trash bags, and more.

Free Schick Quatro Titanium Trimmer. That's right, full size amazing razor.

Coupon for a free Mint Swirl Shake from Arby's.

A few tips for all the free samples. They almost all ask for your email address, I have a separate address just for these offers. Otherwise my inbox would choke. Also, occasionally they ask for a phone number, I don't give it. I don't want anyone calling so I often put random digits in. Finally, I am okay with leaving my name but if that bothers you at all, I have heard some people just like to put "Valued Customer."

Happy Sampling!

More Birthday Wonderfulness

2008-12-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

Well, my birthday is only two and a half months away, so it's a good time to start rounding up freebies!

I found a pretty comprehensive list here, these are my favorites:

Sephora - vanilla cupcake bath & shower bubbles

Baskin Robbins Birthday Club – free ice cream
Cold Stone Creamery Birthday Club – free ice cream
Dairy Queen- free Blizzard when you buy one

Buca di Beppo eClub - free dessert
Islands - free entree and dessert month after your birthday
Lone Star Steakhouse - $15 gift card
Mimi's Cafe - free food, free breakfast with sign-up

Have You Ordered Christmas Cards Yet?

2008-12-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

Every year we have the best intentions with Christmas cards but we never seem to get it together... and then cards or so expensive.

But with 30 cards for .48 cents and connections to an amazing local photographer... I might just give it a go one more time.

I love free stuff!

2008-12-02T12:28:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I posted on my other blog about Swagbucks, an online search engine that earns me free stuff and I am so excited because I just saw that with no effort at all I am almost at a free starbucks card! I am guessing it will be mine by the end of next week!

It's not a ton of money but it's still a free coffee or two!

Check it out.

Oh, and it's a great way to recycle your old cell phones!

Who Wants To Win $500?

2008-12-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

I do! So I just added my "tip" over at DealSeekingMom's Blog...

Here's what I said :

I think the best way to cut what adds up to a dollar a day is to plan a menu that uses leftovers.
Tonight, for example, will be a simple dinner that uses the left over 1 1/2 chicken breast from last night.
It’s a whole meal I didn’t need a protein for.

So how about you? Do you have a great tip to share? I'd love to here it...but don't forget to post it over at DealSeekingMom also and enter for a chance to win the gift card.

Disneyland/World Free on Your Birthday

2008-12-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

As a Southern California resident that lives about 40 minutes from Disneyland park I about did backflips when I found out that they were giving you a free ticket on your birthday in 2009! Just go to this link and join the birthday club... sign up your kids as well!

More Cyber Monday Deals

2008-12-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks Dana!

Todays the last day for free shipping at Urban Outfitters on orders $75+. The code is: (2% cash back with ebates) FREEBIRD08.

Tomorrow's the last day to receive a stocking stuffer from LUSH with orders over $50. The code is: (3% cash back with ebates) LLSTOCKSTUFFER08.

Cyber Monday Shipping Deals

2008-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Today's the dat. the internet shopper's answer to Black Friday! Only there are no crowds or long lines...

I love online shopping. It's convinient and quick. It's relaxing and I can shop in tem free minutes. Infact as soon as this post is finished I am going to buy the last two gifts I need online.

That all said, I hate to pay shipping. Especially if I am getting a really good deal on an item, I hate to pay shipping. So imagine my delight upon finding several fun free shipping options this morning!

Couple this with ebates and you could actual earn some money doing your shopping online today.

And for those of you who just said "Ebates? What?"

Ebates is just an online retail center. Essentially it's one site that lists about 900 retailers and, if you use their portal, Ebates earns a small comission and shares it with you in the form of a check!

You simply create an account and then when you want to order just about anything online, log in and click the link to the store you are looking for and Ebates keeps track of what you spent and cuts you a check every quarter that you have aerned $5 or more.

Combine that with some of today's great free shipping offers and it's an exciting day to shop.

If you haven't already signed up for ebates and you use this link I'll even get a referal credit. That's full of win for both of us.

http://www. ebates. com/rf. do?id=qgXvAag3pLO3aKj4pKT5Uw%3D%3D

Now on to the free shipping offers...

Free Shipping at Old Navy, Banana Republic and Gap: (6% back on ebates) with code ONEDAY

Free Shipping at Shutterfly: (8% back at ebates) with code ship25

20% off entire order plus free shipping with orders over $50 at World Market :(no ebates bonus) with code HOLIDAYFREE

Free shipping plus 15% off orders over $100 at Kohls (8% back at ebates) with code CYBER15

Free shipping at CafePress: (no ebates bonus) with code FEMHOL14

First Post! First Post!

2008-11-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

I read all these frugal bloggers and think about what a wonderful service they offer and just never considered that I might have the same skills to offer. And maybe I don't...but I sure want to try!

I have really become interested in simplifying and saving. Not just because we have a debt that makes us uncomfortable but also because it just makes more sense.

My husband and I are not 'spenders' by any stretch but we are a family of five, living in Southern California on one teacher's income. There are few places we can cut back, so I am doing what I can for our family and finding ways to do just that.

So I hope I am helpful. Hope I can maybe give you a few tips here and there that will help you out.