Wedding Day

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

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Savings With A Smile

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I have been thinking very seriously about Christmas lately. When you think about it, who isn't? Have you noticed more toy commercials are starting to play during prime time, and of course the stores are sneaking things out in a total war with Halloween. Because my husband and I have been trying to think of thrifty ways to celebrate Christmas, I have begun my hunt for gifts that I can make. Because my son goes through jeans like a typical teenage boy, I thought I'd look into what I can make with denim. I am not a crafty sewing dynamo, but in case you are...I'm sharing some with you. :)

Overalls Bag - Now this one in particular uses kid's overalls. You can definitely pick these up at the thrift store if you don't already have them on hand. This is from Craftbits.com.

Blue Jeans Denim Bootie Bag Purse - This utilizes the bootie of the jeans. :) A good pair of old mom jeans would probably make for a bigger bag (not because of big booties but because of the high waist), but thankfully they are kind of hard to find. I love the idea of making a clutch with some low rise jeans. This is also from Craftbits.com.

Boho Jeans Purse - I really like this one because it has a hippy look that I've been fond of (probably a side effect of being a child born in the late 60s. This is from eHow.com.

Denim slippers - These are seriously cute. This is quite possibly, no definitely is beyond my sewing abilities, but I am sure there are plenty of you out there who can whip this up in no time. I do have a sewing machine though. Maybe I should take the plunge. This how to is from Nancy Minsky and I picked it up from guardian.co.uk.

Demin Coasters - This is one of my faves. Arlette is a woman after my own heart, but way more talented. She saves jeans like I do, and has come up with lovely things to do with them. One of my faves is this amazing denim coaster that she makes by using the seams. Well follow the link and you'll see what I am writing about. It is genius! Again, this is from Arlette of the blog Polka Dot Pineapple. She has a lot of great tutorials on her blog, so prepare to spend some serious time.

Denim Christmas Tree Ornaments - These can make a great Christmas gift or even a great item to put on Christmas presents. This came from the talented Melissa of One Crafty Mumma.

Denim Christmas Stockings - There is a simple tutorial from Washington State University. The directions reminded me that if you are sewing denim...get a denim needle for your machine.

Coffee Cozy - Can you believe I actually found these online for sale from $6 up to $16? Actually after seeing $16, I had to stop looking. Make your own coffee cozy or make some for gifts by following the very simple tutorial at thriftyfun.com.

Denim Baby Bibs - I was going to stop with the coffee cozies, but when I stopped by Thimbly Things by Kristena Derrick, I had to share a link to her denim baby big tutorial.

FREE ACTIVITY FOR KIDS

Okay...I seriously am stoked to share something that is way cool. If only I were a child between the age of 6 and 14. I am sure that some of you out there may know one. Here is the skinny. Lego stores have a mini model build. Each month the kids can learn how to make an awesome Lego mini model and take it home for free. Of course this is while supplies last. They try to go with a monthly theme so November's theme is a turkey which is totally perfect for us here in the US. Lego stores in the UK and Germany are doing acorns. At first this threw me, but then I had that "aha" moment. Now we are here in Arizona, and there are only two Lego stores but if you live in Chandler or Phoenix, you should definitely look them up and find out more details. According to the Lego site, the builds are on November 1st. Follow the links below to learn more about the mini build and to find a store location in the US.

LINK: Lego Mini Build Details

LINK: Lego Store Locations


FREE SAMPLES

If you haven't ordered this before, sign up at Facebook for the NeilMed Neti Pot. We have one of these and they are great! They are especially helpful with allergies.

LINK: NeilMed Neti Pot

While supplies last you can head over to Downy's Facebook page and request a free sample of their Downy Unstopables Scent Booster. They work extremely well. I've tried them already. Follow the link.

Link: Downy Unstopables

Know any families with babys? Let them know that they can get a free subscription right now to American Baby. I don't know how long this will be around, but it has been a great magazine. I subscribed way back in the day. :)

LINK: American Baby Subscription

If you have a child who loves coloring and trains, why not order them this free Toby the Train coloring book.

LINK: Toby the Train coloring book

Like the Pampers Kandoo Facebook page and you can download their sweet little coloring book for the kids.

LINK: Kandoo Coloring Book download

Luvs is giving away free diapers! More details to come on Friday, October 28th on their Facebook page.

LINK: Luvs Facebook

An absolutely fabulous blog called Developing a Heart for Home has some fabulous turkey printables that will be great for homeschooling families or even for some extra activities to have on hand on Thanksgiving day to keep the kids happy. Follow the link below which will take you to their blog.



LINK: Developing A Heart For Home - Turkey Printables

REBATES

Get a $10 Rebate when you buy two L'Oreal Youth Code Products. The purchases must be made in one transaction between October 19, 2011 and November 21, 2011 and postmarked by December 12, 2011. Be sure to follow all the instructions on your rebate form.


REBATE: L'Oreal Youth Code $10 Rebate

Pick up one Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Neti Pot kit and you can recieve a refund check by mail up to $14.99. Purchase between 9/6/2011 and 7/31/2013.

REBATE LINK: Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Neti Pot

Crayola is offering you the chance to get over $30 in rebates when you purchase specific products. Make sure you include original cash register receipts and purchase these items between September 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Here is a list of the products:

1. Glow Dome – $4.00
2. Crayon Maker with Story Studio Bonus – $4.00
3. Glow Board Disney/Pixar Cars 2 – $4.00
4. Glow Book – $3.00
5. Glow Board – $3.00
6. Color Wonder Magic Light Brush™ with Metallic Paper – $3.00
7. Model Magic Jewelry Boutique™ – $3.00
8. Crayola Beginnings Color Me A Song™ – $3.00
9. Story Studio Disney Princess – $2.00
10. Story Studio Disney/Pixar Cars 2 – $2.00
11. Story Studio Spider-Man – $2.00

REBATE: Crayola

FREE FOOD


Take the kids to IHOP on October 28, 2011 and kids 12 and under can get a Scary Face Pancake for Free between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. Dine in only.

LINK: Scary Face Pancake at IHOP

More Block Buster Kiosk Codes. Sometimes these don't work so write them all down. I usually text them to myself. These are for the dollar rentals and expire on 10/28.

64KJRD4
33WHZS5
63JRTW5
37CDJS2
52ABDP8
53BPSP5
73KWMR8
22KRFT9
33JBHG4
73SGLM3
22MAYB2

These Codes expire on 10/31

DAMON (Valid only on Matt Damon Movies)
56WHZS3
58JRTW6
68BPSP6
74JBHG9
23SGLM4
74CDJS8
34KWMR7
75DABC2
73CEHW9

Locate a kiosk near you: Blockbuster Kiosks

FREE EBOOKS

I love eBooks. I love regular paper books too, but eBooks are just awesome for having on hand at any time. The readers are also amazing for when you are working out. Just push a button rather than hold a book and turn the page. It is wonderful on a treadmill! I don't know how long these books will be free so check them out, and if you are interested, download them fast.

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

Cookie Swap Cookbook by Gooseberry Patch (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

The Lord is My Sheperd (Psalm 23 Mystery Series #1) by Debbie Viguie (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

Autism's Hidden Blessings by Kelly Langston (AMAZON)




Thursday, October 20, 2011

Save Save Save

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I just kind of pictured a little cheerleader when I wrote the title of this post. It is a little mantra that has been going through my mind lately. Yes, truly I keep hearing "SAVE SAVE SAVE." It is quite insistent. Of course another little mantra that has been banging on my mind's door has been "Spend Spend Spend!" It is one of those things that pop up when I am at a store and see a crazy good deal. A deal that is so good I just feel like it is a crime to pass up.

Like today (well today as I write this but it will post in the morning of what will be tomorrow - confused?), I went to Family Christian Stores, and honestly, I could have gone crazy. They have lots of great clearance sales going on right now, and I have a very hard time passing up the awesome deals. I used as much restraint as possible, and I managed to purchase just a few things. I bought a great ornament for Christmas which was 50% off (not dated and way cute so why not?), and I also purchased two of their awesome $5 items for members. If you have not perused that little section, I strongly advise that you do. They have a couple of great DVDs and some seriously great CDs too which could make FABULOUS stocking stuffers. Still at some point, you must call it quits on even the best deals. I did this...and it was a STRUGGLE!


OHHHHH, and don't forget to take their online shopper survey when you get home. That survey will hook you up with a 30% discount on regular priced items. It does have to be taken within 7 days of purchase and the coupon is good for 30 days from the date of the receipt. Well worth the time.


TRAVEL DEAL

Southwest Airlines has a great travel deal going on right now...in fact today is the last day to get in on the deals. These deals are for travel November 30 – December 14, 2011 and January 4 – February 15, 2012. The deals are in blocks of mileage: 0-450 miles $35, 451 to 1000 miles $65, 1001 to 1500 miles $95, and 1501 plus miles at $125. Follow the links below to their site and click on the button titled Cities and Fares to see the prices from your favorite departure city.

LINK: Southwest

FREEBIES

Get a free sample of Garnier Fructis Color Shield by copying and pasting this link:

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/shieldcolor102000/

Get a free sample of Nescafe limited edition Peppermint Mocha by heading over to their Facebook page. Sign up while supplies last.

LINK: Nescafe Peppermint Mocha

Parents, sign up now for 7 free issues of Parents magazine.

LINK: Parents Magazine Subscription

Join Rewards Gold, refer two friends, complete a survey and do two reviews and you will qualify for a two year subscription to Entrepreneur Magazine.

LINK: Rewards Gold Entrepreneur Magazine Subscription

Seventh Generation is giving away lots of free samples of their dish washing liquid this month on their Facebook page. Head over and submit your email and they will send you an update on when those samples are up.

LINK: Seventh Generation Dish Washing Liquid

Sign up with the Land O' Lakes Simple Rewards Club and get a free 2011 Land O' Lakes Little Joys of Holidays Brochure (mailed to you or if you want it ASAP you can get the PDF) as well as access to printable coupons and other awesome printable items like coloring pages, baked gift labels, gift labels and plenty of fabulous recipes that are just perfect for the holidays.

LINK: Land O' Lakes Simple Rewards Club & Land O' Lakes Little Joys of Holidays Brochure

FREE ACTIVITIES

Lakeshore Learning has some free Autumn activities for kids on Saturdays. The closest one I know of is at 4727 E. Bell Road in Phoenix. Those who live nearby really need to head over to their activities page and see what you can sign up to do. The activities run from 11 am to 3:00 pm.

LINK: Lakeshore Learning

Michaels will have plenty of great crafting events coming up in this month and November too. Follow the link below so you can plan out your activity calendars now. Some crafts will be entirely free where others may require the purchase of an item that will be decorated for the holidays from Veteran's Day to Thanksgiving. Today's craft with the kids just may be tomorrow's gift.

LINK: Michaels Activities


REFUND REBATE

Liquid Plumr has a refund form that is good from now to June 30, 2012. It is basically your typical satisfaction guaranteed types of forms. If you are not completely satisfied by your product, print out the form, follow ALL the directions, and pop it into the mail for up to $9.00 back. :)

LINK: Liquid Plumr Refund Form



Christmas is about 65 days away, and yes, that may seem like a lot of time, but NOPE it isn't. Time to start planning and crafting and recipe gathering. I plan on making several yummy treats, and in November, I'll start sharing some recipes, but for now how about a link to a 40% off coupon to Hobby Lobby? This one is good until October 22nd. Print it now and get your savings.

LINK: Hobby Lobby Coupon

FREE EBOOKS

Load up your Kindle, PC, Nook and whatever else you use for e-reading with some fabulous free Christian ebooks. These come and go so pick yours up while they are available.

Code Blue (Prescription for Trouble Series) by Richard Mabry
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Prairie Rose by Catherine Palmer
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

The Brotherhood (Precinct 11 Series #1) by Jerry B. Jenkins
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Ransomed Dreams by Sally John
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Invisible (Ivy Malone Mystery Series #1) by Lorena McCourtney
Amazon

Terror by Night: The True Story of the Brutal Texas Murder That Destroyed a Family, Restored One Man's Faith, and Shocked a Nation by Terry Caffey and James H. Pence
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

The Holy Bible English Standard Version
Amazon

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

Have you heard the new song by City Harmonic called "I Have a Dream" (It Feels Like Home)? Well, if you have been wondering where you can get your hands on it? Here ya go...head on over to iTickets.com and sign up if you haven't already. Then head on over to the downloads page for your FREE download of this awesome new song.

LINK: iTickets Free Song Download

Not sure what I am talking about? Check out this video:




GROCERY DEALS

FRY'S
Pomegranates $1.00 each
Navel Oranges $1.00 lb
Jumbo Honeycrisp or Ambrosia Apples $1.00 lb
Jennie-O Grade A Frozen Turkeys 59 cents lb
Libby's Canned Vegetables Select Varieties 2/$1.00
Kroger Butter 16 oz $2.47
Fry's Milk $1.57 gallon (limit 2)
Rice-A-Roni or Pasta Roni 88 cents
Acorn, Butternut or Spaghetti Squash $99 cents lb
Raspberries 6 oz $1.88

SAFEWAY
Sweet Imported Navel Oranges 77 cents lb
Hass Avocados 69 cents each
Safeway Farms Russet Potatoes $1.99 10 lb bag
Ragu Pasta Sauce 4/$5.00
Marie Callender's or Healthy Choice Meals 5/$10
Yellow Onions 49 cents lb
Cluster Tomatoes on the Vine $1.49 lb
Bartlett, Bosc, Comice or Red Pears 99 cents lb

ALBERTSONS
Dole Bananas 39 cents lb
Fresh Whole Fryers 67 cents lb (limit 3)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.67 lb
Albertsons 12 count Large Eggs $1.00
Buy 10 Yoplai Yogurts for $5 plus get a coupon for free Albertsons 12 ct large eggs at your next visit
Michelina's Entrees 6-9 oz $1.00
Pict Sweet 10 oz Steamables $1.00
Banquet Value Meals 5-10.25 oz $1.00
Equaline Liquid Hand Soap 7.5 oz $1.00
Equaline Hand Sanitizer 8 oz $1.00
Bartlett, Bosc or Red Pears 99 cents lb
Raspeberries, Blackberries or Strawberries 6-16 oz 2 for $5.00

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Sharing Some Money Saving Tips

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NATURAL MONEY SAVING TIPS

Sometimes very simple decisions can save your family money.

Heating - The cooler temperatures are slowly coming on which means the heating bill is going to go up, but there are things you can do to combat this at home.

1- Dress warm when at home. When I lived in Rhode Island, we had an apartment with one heater which was located in the living room. We learned to dress warm in the winter, use draft stoppers, and take advantage of hot water bottles.

Remember that you save up to 5% in heating costs for every degree you turn down your thermostat in the winter. If you dress warmer when at home, you can keep that thermostat down.

Using draft stoppers can help you save more energy because up to 11% of your home's heat loss is through doors and windows, and according to the US Department of energy drafts can cost 5% to 30% of your energy! That is crazy! The nice thing is it takes next to nothing to make your own draft stoppers. If you have a little sewing talent, you can make your own draft snakes. Click on this link to get directions on how to sew your own draft snake from The Rusty Bobbin. I have never gone as far as sewing to make a draft stopper. I typically cut the sleeves off of old sweatshirts or even use the legs of old sweatpants and just stuff them with grocery bags and tie them with ribbon. No these aren't at country-cute as a draft snake, but I don't really care too much about being cutesy anyway.

And now the old fashioned hot water bottle. First, you have to find one. You can get them at Walgreen's for about $5.99. I tried to find them at Walmart and all they had were heating packs. Heat the water up in the microwave to rather than boiling on the stove (be careful when taking it out and also when pouring) and add it to your bottle. The water bottle will keep you toasty throughout the night and in the morning you can use the water to water a plant. Some hot water bottles can be put in the microwave, if your bottle can, then pop it in again next time. This is a good way to stay comfy in bed in the evening without using things like an electric blanket or keeping that heat up.

Shorten your shower. I found this little tip on a box of cereal. did you know that every minute in the shower uses four to six gallons of water? According to cereal box (don't laugh), if you cut your daily shower by just one minute, you can save about 1500 gallons a year!

For even more home heating tips check out treehugger.com.

WEBSITE LOVE

I always like to share a website that I have found especially helpful, and this week that site is Brads Deals. Okay it is actually BreadsDeals.com. Brad is a super duper savvy shopper who searches out the best deals for all of us. Kind of nice to know that there are savvy shopping dudes out there. Brads is a great place to stop when looking into your Black Friday shopping needs too. His style is very personable and right now, he even has a great contest going on where three of his readers will win an iPod Touch. October 13th (yeah today) is your last day to enter. I bet you really want to head there now. Follow this link.

FREE MAGAZINE

This could bed gone by the time this post hits our website, but just in case, you can sign up now for a free, no strings attached, offer for an eight month subscription of Working Woman magazine courtesy of ValuMags. These go fast, but give it a shot.

LINK: Working Woman Magazine

New parents, there is a great free subscription out right now to Baby Talk magazine. This is totally free. Sign up while supplies last.

LINK: Baby Talk Magazine

Sign up with Rewards Gold for a free subscription to Barron's Magazine (finance and investment magazine). With Rewards Gold you do a couple of reviews and surveys, and you are in. It is seriously one of my favorite magazine connections.

LINK: Barron's Magazine

Kmart has some free samples too. Head on over to their site to see what is up for grabs.

LINK: Kmart Freebies



While supplies last, you can get a set of free samples of Nescafe single serve coffee sticks. This is a Facebook offer and definitely a treat!

LINK: Nescafe Samples




FREE CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Free CCM is always my first stop for free Christian music, and they have some amazing offerings this week including songs by Sara Groves, Shane & Shane, Phil Wickham, Heather Williams, Derek Webb, and Darlene Zschech.

LINK: Free CCM Christian Music Download

FREE EBOOKS

Gooseberry Patch Thanksgiving Classic Cookbook ebook is available.
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE

Maid To Match by Deeanne Gist
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE

Prairie Rose by Catherine Palmer
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE

Ransomed Dreams by Sally John
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE

Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE

Prevention: Healthy Recipes - Chicken
BARNES & NOBLE





COUPON

Hallmark has a choice of two printable coupons on their Facebook page. There are only 10,000 available for each so get there while you have a shot. One coupon is for buy one card get one free at any Hallmark Gold Crown store and the other is for $5 off of at least a $10 purchase also at a Hallmark Gold Crown store. Follow the link below to the facebook link to print now.

LINK: Hallmark Coupons While Supplies Last

GROCERIES

ALBERTSONS

Albertsons Gallon Milk $1.57 each (limit 2)
Sanderson Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders Buy 1 get 2 free $4.99 lb (limit 2 rewards)
Red Seedless Grapes 88 cents pound
Ground Chuck 5 pounds or more $1.99 lb
Chuck, Cross Rib, or Bottom Round Roast 1/1 Free $5.99 lb
Ragu 16-24 oz 2/$3 buy 2 get 1 Barilla pasta free
Albertsons Taco Shells 12 count 10/$10
Albertsons Horseradish, Dijon or Spicy Brown Mustard 10/$10
Gala, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious apples or Bartlett Pears 99 cents lb
Hass Avocados 99 cents
Brussel Sprouts 99 cents lb
Roma Tomatoes 99 cents lb

SAFEWAY

80% Lean Ground Beef $1.99 lb
Red & Black Seedless Grapes 88 cents lb
Raspberries 5.6 oz 2/$3
Jennie O Turkey Store Lean Ground Turkey 20 oz 1/1 free $5.99
Hebrew National Beef Franks 11-12 oz 1/1 Free ($5.99)
O Organics Salads 5-7 oz 1/14 Free $3.49
Green, Red or Romaine Leaf Lettuce 99 cents each
Sweet Navel Oranges $1.49 lb
Green Seedless Grapes $1.49 lb

FRY'S

Boneless Pork Loin $1.97
Kroger Tomatoes 14.5 to 15 oz 2/$1.00
Fry's Large Eggs 1/1 Free (limit 2 Free)
Red Seedless Grapes 75 cents pound
Broccoli or Cauliflower 88 cents pound
Minute Maid Orange Juice 64 ounces $2.49
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup 10/$10
Gala Apples 5lb Bag $3.99
Nathan's Beef Franks Select Varieties 2/$6.00
Hass Avocados 99 cents
Celery 99 cents
Gala, Red or golden Delicious Apples 99 cents pound
T-Bone Steak USDA Choice Beef Loin bone In Family Pack 50% Off
Progresso Soup 8/$10