Wedding Day

Wedding Day
Enjoy EVERY moment in your wedding gown. You can't stay in it forever...SO UNFAIR!!!!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Thrifty Tips and Family Fun

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With back-to-school in full swing, mom and dad and the kids are going to have more demands on their time which makes it more important than ever to set aside time to do things together. That is one of the cool things about Hasbro Family Game Nights. Check out the Hasbro Family Game Night website where you can find really cool ways to make that together time even better. There is a printable page where you can print out polls to see what the family wants to play, tournament printables, winner certificates and lots more. On the same page you can also find great recipes and game recommendations. It really adds some extra fun to game night. Now mind you, you don't have to play just Hasbro games, but really look into having an evening a week where you can spend time together as a family doing something fun together.

LINK: Hasbro Family Game Night

Another cool thing to do with the kids is of course crafts. I found a really cool rainbow rice craft at The Life And Adventures Of The Forester Clan blog. They made a huge box of rainbow rice, but I was thinking this might also be cool as a different type of sand art for fun and then maybe gifts. There are great instructions at the site, and as a homeschooling family, you can tell it is kid approved.

LINK: Rainbow Rice

Cooking together as a family is another great way to share time together and fun. Family Fun has loads of easy recipes for homemade pizza that you can make with the kids. Look over all the great recipes with your kids. Write a shopping list and take them shopping for the night. All of these things will teach your kids valuable skills and create memories that will last beyond school years.

LINK: Family Fun Pizza Recipes

Start a family night this week in a fabulously frugal way. This Friday if you are in the Quad City area, get the kids together and head on over to the Chino Valley ball field for a showing of the movie "Soul Surfer." Chino Valley World of Life Assembly will be showing the film and providing hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn all for free. You just need to bring your family, and probably something comfy to sit on. If you know some overworked parents in your neighborhood, you might want to invite their kids along. We went last year and had an absolute ball. Learn more at our online calendar. Hope to see you there.


WEBSITE

See if you have any unclaimed property, accounts uncashed checks or wages, utility deposits and more by checking out the website missingmoney.com. All states are not included, but Arizona is!!!! Follow the link.

LINK: Missing Money


FREEBIES

I love trying new colognes. Samples are one of my faves, because I can travel with them. Sign up now to sample the new Mary Kay Eau de Toilette fragrances Free. The sample scents are Simply Cotton, Sparkling Honeysuckle, Warm Amber and Exotic Passion Fruit.

LINK: Mary Kay Eau de Toilette Samples

While supplies last, request a free sample of Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser. Bioré is definitely one of my favorite lines.

LINK: Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser

I just got my sample in yesterday's mail. If you haven't signed up yet, get your hands on the free sample of Shout Wipes. These look great to have on hand for those little messes. In my case it is those often messes. It seems that I haven't really gotten over the drippy spilly stage of my life. :)

LINK: Shout Wipes Sample

If you haven't signed up yet, don't miss out on your free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios.

LINK: Honey Nut Cheerios


Don't forget your free downloads at FreeCCM which is totally your source for great free Christian music downloads. This week you can download "All That I Am" from The Afters as well as songs from Caedmon's Call, Chris Rice, Fee, and Stephen Cole. Don't forget to check out their giveaways too. Right now they are giving away two signed Skillet t-shirts.

LINK: Free CCM


Thursday, August 11, 2011

Cleaning For Fun and...oh who am I kidding...Cleaning to keep on top

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MAINTENANCE

Cleaning is not in the top 100 of my favorite things to do. Yes, I totally understand the importance of having a clean home, but it just doesn't jazz me. Lately I have come to realize how important it is to keep up on my least favorite chores because of their impact on our family's bottom line. These are tips that I have kind of gleaned. Some I follow very well, and others I intend to from now on (thanks to a very unfortunate cantaloupe event in my fridge).

1- Keeping your refrigerator clean helps stave off waste.
It is really essential to clean your refrigerator once a week. This way you can keep a handle on what you have on hand in the fridge and keep food from spoiling. Don't clean, and it will clutter up like a dangerous closet, and most likely, leftovers will just slowly and silently make their way to the back of the fridge until the smell brings them to the forefront of your mind. Clean your fridge and make note of how many times you are dropping the leftovers way back. It may be time to start freezing some of those meals instead of letting them pile up.

2- Clean pantry
You probably will not have the left over issue with the pantry, but you can end up buying things you do not need if you do not keep your pantry under control. One thing I like to do is monthly clean out my pantry and make a list of what I have. This allows me to keep a good stock of those things I like to have on hand, and keeps me from running to the store to buy something I already have.

3- Clean your closets
A monthly or at least seasonal clean is a great idea. Put your clothes into perspective. Is there anything that you need to repair? If so take it out and get it done. Another great thing to do is turn your hangers around. When you wear an outfit, turn the hanger back. This will help you see what you aren't wearing and what you could bless someone else with.


WEBSITE TIP

Check out the site gofobo.com to get free passes to movie screenings. You have to register with the site, but you can search for screenings near you. If it is an open screening, you sign up and get your ticket. Always arrive early and make sure to not bring in electronic devices.

LINK: Movie Screenings via FOBO

QUICK TIP


This is something that actually happens to me. I am making a cake or cookies, and I cannot locate my measuring spoons. Now the problem is totally solved. Imaginary drum roll.............a 2 Liter soda cap holds 1/2 a tablespoon or 1 1/2 teaspoons. Pretty cool...no? Okay...maybe just cool to me. Either way, keeping a cap on hand is a great way to reuse.



FREEBIES

Have dogs? While supplies last, sign up for a free sample of Rachel Ray's Nutrish Just 6 dog food.

LINK: Nutrish Just 6 Dog Food

These codes are good for free $1.00 BlockBuster Express Kiosk rentals. They are supposed to expire on August 15th. Write them all down and see what works for you. :)
28PPLA9
98SGJC2
25JEAH6
92TGAF2
63BCRD2
76BRAB8
58ARDQ2

Those who run or do some serious exercising may like to sign up for a free sample of Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel. I didn't even know this was an issue until I spoke with a friend who does lots of runs.

LINK: Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel

If you haven't received your sample yet, they are still offering free samples of Miracle Whip. Sign up while supplies last.

LINK: Miracle Whip Samples

Set up your free Atkins account and get a weight loss kit and three Atkins bars. They are sooooo delicious! This is a summer offer so don't wait it out.

LINK: Atkins Kit

Sign up for a free sample of John Frieda's Root Awakening while supplies last.

LINK: John Frieda Root Awakening

Sign up for the 2012 Women's Health Calendar. I got this last year, and it is really handy to have around. The calendar usually ships in December so be patient.

LINK: Women's Health Calendar 2012

Sign up for your free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios. This comes in pretty quickly.

LINK: Honey Nut Cheerios

Like the Activia Selects Facebook page and get a coupon link sent to your email for a free single serve of Activia Selects yogurt. One coupon per household. VOID IN LA, NJ, AND CA

LINK: Activia Selects

I mentioned this free activity last week. Sign up now for the Lowes Build And Grow Clinic, and your kids can build a fabulous school house photo holder on the 13th. You can also sign them up for the activity on August 27th. They can build a cute little locker that is complete with a wee little chalkboard. Don't miss out on these free and fun activities for kids.

LINK: Lowes Build and Grow Clinics for kids

FREECCM has free Christian music downloads from Caedmon's Call, VOTA, Addison Road, Chris Rice, Out of Hiding, Fee and Stephen Cole.

LINK: FreeCCM free Christian music downloads

COUPONS COUPONS COUPONS

Don't forget to sign up for SavingStar for fabulous savings that come back to you! I talked about it a few months ago. The way it works is you log into SavingStar and register your shopping cards. After you register your cards, go through the coupons. When you buy those products, the coupons values go into the SavingStar account. You can cash in when your total reaches $5.00. The money can be deposited into your savings, used for an Amazon gift card, go into your PayPal. Check it out at the link below. Oh, I also recommend picking as many coupons as you want. You never know when you may purchase a product listed.

LINK: SavingStar

Cellfire has some more great coupons for you to load up on your loyalty card as well. It is definitely one of my faves. Again, I just pick what I like and let the savings surprise me. Cellfire also has great printable coupons

LINK: Cellfire


Monday, August 8, 2011

More Saving Tips From Travel To Organizing

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FABULOUS WEBSITE FOR TRAVELING

Yes, summer vacation time is over, but that doesn't mean you have to stop all your travel plans (besides it pays to plan ahead). Especially when there are some great new ways to travel. In the past I have talked about couch surfing. Today I would like to share Airbnb. Airbnb is seriously cool. Their website describes them as a community marketplace for unique spaces. And they mean it! You can rent a room with a host family among other people rooming, you can rent a whole cabin or home while people are away, and of course you might also be interested in sharing your own space.

You search the site for the place you want to stay. Put in the dates of your travel and enjoy reading and seeing different places. You can check out other people's reviews to help you along with your decision. There is an on-site messaging system where you can message your hosts and ask them questions. When you are ready to book, you book through Airbnb. Once your host accepts, you get all the important details. Travel, check in and after you are through, leave your own review. The host will review you too. This is nice for the hosts so they can become more secure with renters.

If you decide to actually host your own place to maybe make a little money to help offset some bills, register at Airbnb. You list for free, answer guests questions, and either confirm or decline when someone would like to rent your place. And the host gets paid 24 hours after the guest checks in. Hosts pay 3% when they receive a successful booking. Learn more at the links below.

Oh and if you want to stay in a really unique place, check out the selection of tree houses! STUNNING!!!!!!

LINK: Airbnb

LINK: Airbnb Host Information

FREEBIES

Free entertainment or close to it anyway. Here are some Blockbuster express codes that expire on August 29th:
27PGAR6
48KRVF2

Find A kiosk near you by following the link below:

LINK: Blockbuster Express kiosk


While supplies last, head over to the Walmart page for a free sample of Crest Complete. I love the Crest brand and especially like trying something new. Hurry and get yours.

LINK: Crest Complete Sample

Can it possibly be time to get Christmas freebies? Yes it is. Tinyprints.com has two Christmas cards that you can customize now, pick your card and customize it, select to have it mailed to yourself, and by using the code SANTA11 at check out, get totally free. I know it probably seems a little crazy to start thinking about Christmas, but it is NEVER to early. :) Remember you get ONE card.

LINK: Christmas Greeting Card - Checking it Twice

LINK: Christmas Greeting Card - Santa's Scroll

I have mentioned before how much I love My Coke Rewards. With My Coke Rewards, you earn points when you submit the codes on your Coca Cola product caps or the codes found in the multi-pack cartons. You can cash in your points for free items like magazine subscription, gift cards, movie tickets, MP3 players and more. I typically cash mine in for free magazine subscriptions (my latest is Good Housekeeping) free Coke products, and just last night I qualified for a free NCAA t-shirt. What you need to do is enter six 20 oz Coke product codes. Then enter in the code FOOTBALL or MYTEAM. Actually I used Football before I even entered all the codes. You do not have to enter the codes all at once, but once supplies are gone that is it. Once you have entered in six codes, you will have the opportunity to pick a NCAA college shirt. No points will be taken off of your account and it will be shipped for free. If you don't drink soda, ask a friend for their caps. You'd be surprised at how many people do not take advantage of this way to get free stuff. Register for My Coke Rewards at the link below.

LINK: My Coke Rewards

While supplies last sign up for a free Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt coupon. They will email you an e-coupon. The nice thing is you do not have to download any printer programs to print this up. I love that! Hurry up while supplies last.

LINK: Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt

Walmart has free samples for Huggies Snug and Dry. Sign up and get yours before they run out. Well...that is if you have the NEED for diapers. This is obviously for mommies and daddies. ;)

LINK: Huggies Snug & Dry Diaper Sample

Send your friends a free Redbox code today! Send yourself one too. Go to the Redbox Facebook page, and take advantage of a free rental code for tonight (8/25) only!

LINK: Free Redbox Rental For You And A Friend

I've been bringing these up just about every week. Don't forget that this Saturday's Lowe's Build & Grow project is a too cute locker with a chalkboard. Sign the kids up for this fun and free activity by following the link below. You may like to sign them up for the project for September 10th which is a police car that comes with a flashing light. Too cute! The project times begin at 10:00 am.

LINK: Lowe's Build & Grow

One of my favorite fragrances is Burberry Brit. Needless to say when I saw that Burberry is offering a free sample of their Burberry Body, I had to sign up. If you would like to give it a try as well, drop by the facebook link below.

LINK: Burberry Body Sample

Sign up for the Chili's Email club and get a coupon for free Queso and Chips and on your birthday a coupon for a...wait for it....brownie sundae! Oh man, oh man, oh man! Of course, I am usually dieting on my birthday.

LINK: Chili's Email Club

Rewards Gold latest subscription is for The Wall Street Journal. To get in on this deal, you need to join, refer some friends, do two surveys and some reviews. Seriously it takes no time at all, and if you like this paper, it will be well worth your time.

LINK: Rewards Gold Wall Street Journal

FREE KINDLE AND NOOK DOWNLOADS

A Time to Love (Quilts of Lancaster County Series #1) by Barbara Cameron
Amazon Kindle Download Barnes & Noble Nook Download

Steppin' Into The Good Life by Tia McCollors
Amazon Kindle Download Barnes & Noble Nook Download

School is in full swing. Wouldn't it be nice to get a good handle on managing the household? Go to Life Your Way. Life Your Way readers can download and print some wonderful household management sheets including a 2011 calendar, baby sitter info, Bible verses, to-do-list, homeschool planner, once-a-month cooking chart and more. Why not get in on the excitement of a new school year by getting in some new organization tools.

LINK: Household Management Printables from Life Your Way

Organized Home also has a great set of printables to make your own Household notebook. Whichever you choose, this is truly a great time to put a little time into getting your home in order. I know I'm going to look into it (I am especially interested in the printable chore list). :) PS - Now is also a great time to pick up some inexpensive three-ring binders to put all these lovely sheets in!

LINK: Household Notebook Printables from Organized Home

GREAT SALES

ALBERTSONS

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.67 pound
Boneless Pork Sirloin - sold in bag $1.77 pound
Petite Sirloin Steak buy 1 get 2 free $6.99 pound (one reward per transaction)
Sweet Corn Grown in Olathe, Colorado 6/$1.00
Roma Salad Tomatoes 77 cents a pound
doritoes Tortilla Chips 11-12 ounce $1.99 each
24 pack Crystal Geyser Spring Water 16.9 oz $2.47 (limit 2)
General Mills Cereal 8.9 ounce - 18 ounce Select Varieties $1.99
Langers Citrus Juice Cocktail 64 ounces 3/$5.00
New Crop Gala Apples $1.49 pound
Radishes or Green Onions 2/$1.00
Large Hass Avocados 2/$3.00

FRY'S

Fry's Milk Vitamin D, 2%, 1% or Skim 1/2 gallon 88 cents (limit 4)
Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna 5 ounce 69 cents
Cooks Shank Portion Smoked Ham $1.27 pound
Quaker Cereals Select Varieties 12.5 to 14 oz $1.99
Bananas 57 cents lb
Cantaloupe 2/$3.00
Annies macaroni & Cheese 10/$10
Silk Pure almond or Coconut Milk 2/$5.00
Buy 10 and Save $5.oo (There are a lot of good deals with this combo. Here are my faves.)
Spaghettios Select Varieties 49 cents
Sunny D Select Varieties 64 ounces 99 cents
Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix and Brownie Mix Select Varieties 99 cents
Marie Callenders Entrees or Pot Pies $1.99
Johnsons Baby Care Select Varieties $2.49

SAFEWAY

Dulcinea Mini Seedless Watermelon $1.48 each
Red Bell Peppers 99 cents each
Sweet Navel Oranges 99 cents pound
Ranchers Reserve Boneless Beef Top Round London Broil Steak $2.29 lb
Broccoli Crowns $1.49 lb
Buy 2 Coca-Cola product 12 packs get 2 free and two 8.5 to 13 oz bags of The Snack Artist Chips Free!!!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

A Few Frugal Sites and Freebies

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***This morning, I had a few items to share that I had not had the opportunity to post on our blog. I made sure to highlight those this morning, but now it is time to give you all the juicy details.

Teens' Closet at The Rock

The Rock which is located at 655 Talwatha (right across from Prescott High School) is opening the Teens' Closet. They have worked hard to turn it into a cute little "boutique-looking" closet where teens (both guys and girls) can make an appointment to come in and shop for clothing and shoes absolutely free of charge. In the future they also plan on offering snacks or full meals if needed as well as coupons for free hair cuts. To make an appointment call or text 602-677-0841 or 928-899-5637. Teens can also talk with their school nurse, counselor or principal or email ignite@americanlutheran.net. If you would like to check out the Teens' Closet and learn more, you are invited to attend their open house on August 12th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. They will have refreshments and activities for teens and an opportunity to learn more.

If you would like to donate new or gently used clothing, shoes, belts, etc., bring those items to The Rock or American Lutheran Church located at 1085 Scott Drive in Prescott Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Mark the items as "Teens' Closet."

COMMUNITY WIDE EVENT

Grades 6 through 12 are invited to a Block Party at the American Evengelical Lutheran Church parking lot located at 1085 Scott Drive in Prescott. There will be door prizes (grand prize is an iPod Nano), Minute to Win It Games, Cotton Candy, Nachos, Popcorn, Snow Cones, and Music by the American Evangelical Lutheran Church Worship Team. This event runs from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.


COOLNESS WEBSITE STYLE

Okay, the site I simply HAD to share with you today is Zilok. Zilok is an online marketplace that allows businesses and individuals the opportunity to rent items to others. It is seriously cool. You can rent costumes, evening gowns, kayaks, canoes, motorcycles, power washers, and even vacation homes. Seriously this service can be a great way to get a little cash to offset the cost of different items. It is also a great way to rent some awesome recreational vehicles while away on vacation. Get the details about this fun site by following the link below.

LINK: Zilok

If you have some used electronics that you would like to get off of your hands and make a bit of a profit at the same time, check out Gazelle. Gazelle will buy your game systems, cell phones, digital cameras, calculators, laptops and more. This is not a place to buy, but it is a great place to unload some items that are probably gathering some serious dust. Learn more by following the link below. Gazelle also has a branch where you can donate items to your favorite cause. They help you set up a page for the gadget drive, donors send their items to Gazelle, and the items go to your cause. Find out about that here.

LINK: Gazelle

FREEBIES

Here are some more great Christian ebooks for you to check out.

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Whitson (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble)

Miss Match by Erynn Mangum (Amazon) (Barnes & Noble)

Post-it Notes is inviting you to join their Super Sticky challenge. Where you can try their Super Sticky post-it notes that are, I guess, extra sticky so they will fulfill their purpose, but they also come off cleanly. Follow the link to join in.

LINK: Post-it Notes Super Sticky Challenge

Lowe's Build And Grow Clinics have a wonderful activity this weekend to sign up the kids for. Saturday, August 13th, they can build a schoolhouse photo holder. It is seriously cute! While your signing up for that fun activity, look into signing them up for the August 27th activity where the kiddos can build a little school locker complete with chalk, stickers and a chalkboard. This is a great way to celebrate all things back to school.

LINK: Lowes Build and Grow Clinics

One of my favorite companies is Kashi. They really know how to make good food...well, good. Kashi also has a totally generous free sample program. Just last week, they sent me a full-sized box of their pita crackers, and they were insanely good! They also often have great free snacks to be tried. Vickie shared this with me, and I had to share it back with you. Right now you can sign up for Kashi's 2-bite test. You can try their yummy Cinnamon Harvest cereal or their delightful Kashi TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate layered granola bar. Sign up while by August 28th or while supplies last. Oh and if you haven't tried it, I highly suggest their Go-Lean Crunch with some yummy yogurt, it is a great combo!

LINK: Kashi Samples

Mark your calendar for August 8th for a Monday, Life Saver freebie. The first 5000 to sign up on the 8th will get a coupon for an 85 count bottle of Life Saver minis. This is a Facebook freebie.

LINK: Life Saver Minis

GROCERY SALES

SAFEWAY

Green, Red or Black Seedless Grapes 77 cents a pound
Red Lion Nectarines 99 cents a pound
Green Bell Peppers 2/$1.00
Marie Callender's or Smart Ones Meals - Select Varieties 5/$10
Green Leaf, Red or Romaine Leaf Lettuce 99 cents each

FRY'S

Large Eggs AA 12 count 88 cents each (limit 2)
Kroger Coffee - 26-34.5 ounce - Select Varieties $5.99
Cantaloupe 67 cents each
Blue Bell Ice Cream 64 ounces 2/$7.00

ALBERTSONS

Albertsons Gallon Milk - Select Varieties $1.57 each (limit 2)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $1.67 a pound
New Crop Sweet Corn 6/$1.00
California Bartlett Pears 99 cents a pound
Red, Green Leaf or Romaine Lettuce 99 cents each

This weekend, I am going to tackle making my own liquid laundry soap...I am hoping to share the results with you so check back! :)