Goodbye...for Just a Little

Yes, I am taking a short blogging break. We are getting ready to leave to spend several days with my family in MD and since I want to be able to enjoy my time there, and since I won't have fabulous internet connection, I'm going to take a few days off. If I feel inspired to battle the slow connection, I just might post a couple of deals, but please don't count on it!

I hope you each have a wonderful New Year!

Earth's Best Diapers for $1.50 a pack!

This weekend (Jan. 1-3) Toys R' Us and Babies R' Us will have Earth's Best diapers on sale for $5 a pack. Use this $1.50 manufacturer's coupon and this $2 store coupon to get them for $1.50 a pack! Please note though that the store coupon expires 1/2/10 so you will need to shop either Friday or Saturday if you plan to use it.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Rite Aid: $5/$25 Printable

Go here to print a coupon for $5/$25 purchase at Rite Aid. Combine this with sale and rebate items and this should enable you to get some really good deals!

Wholly Guacamole and Salsa Printables

** Buy One Get One FREE Wholly Guacamole or Wholly Salsa

** $1 Off Wholly Guacamole or Wholly Salsa

The Wholly Guacamole and the Wholly Salsa are on sale for Buy One get One FREE this week at Giant/Martins. Use two $1 off coupons and you should be able to get some inexpensive salsa or guacamole. (You can't use the Buy One Get One FREE coupon because of Giant's internet coupon policy. They will not accept any printable coupons for FREE items.)

Thanks The Coupon Geek!

15% Off Payless Shoes

Go here to print a coupon for 15% off your entire purchase at Payless Shoes. Or you can use a $10/$50 coupon for your online purchases. Coupon expires 1/17/10.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Recycle Bank: $5 Huggies Coupon is Back

Pssst! The $5/1 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers diapers coupon is available once again at RecycleBank. So if you were waiting to redeem your points on this, you might want to log in and snag the coupon now before it is gone again!

What is RecycleBank? Read more about it here.

New Huggies Enjoy the Ride Codes

Here are more points for you to add to your Huggies Enjoy the Ride account. Never heard of this program? Read about it here.

BCSQDDNXQFBBPGB (5 pts. expires 2/28/10)
BCFRHSDWLPXFPGB (1 pt)
BCJHPHBTLLKDPGB (1 pt)
BCMJGGKLMJKJPGB (1 pt)
BCNTPWXTNLXKPGB (1 pt)

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

$1/1 Cheer coupon

Go here to request a coupon for $1/1 Cheer Bright and Clean Detergent. You will receive the coupon via mail in 6 to 8 weeks.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Sign up for Betty Crocker Newsletter Get Free YoPlus

New signups of the Betty Crocker email newsletter will receive a coupon for a FREE sample of YoPlus yogurt. Offer void in the following states: CA, ID, LA, MN, NJ, NV, ND and TN.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

More Printable Coupons

** $0.55/1 Velveeta Cheese (Firefox) or (Internet Explorer)









** $0.75/1 Shake 'N Bake product








** $0.50/1 Minute Rice product









** $0.50/1 Chex Mix











** $1/1 Muir Glen product

Tasty Tuesday: Strawberry Jam Spread

This is an amazingly delicious spread that we love in place of jelly or just for something different on bagels. If you are concerned about sugar content, you could very easily use sugar free jam.

Strawberry Jam Spread

Cream together:
1/2 c. butter
8 oz. cream cheese

Add:
1 c. powdered sugar

Beat above mixture, then add:
1 c. strawberry jam

Mix together. Spread on bread, bagels, French toast etc.

For other recipe ideas, check out Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday, Blessed with Grace's Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, and All the Small Stuff's Tuesday's at the Table.

New Home Made Simple Coupon Book

Go here to request the latest Home Made Simple coupon booklet. This is a coupon booklet from Proctor & Gamble.

$1 Wheat Thins Coupon Via Facebook

Go here and become a fan of Wheat Thins on Facebook. After you become a fan, click on the coupon link located on the left hand side of the page. This will print you a $1/1 Wheat Thins coupon.

Thanks Utah Deal Diva!

Printable Coupon Roundup

Please excuse the strange spacing...Blogger seems to be having some issues!

** $2/2 Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice (Firefox) or (Internet Explorer)
- usually marked down to 50% off or more after Christmas...especially at drugstores









** $1/1 Klondike product











** $1/1 Honey Nut Cheerios








** $0.75/1 Kellogg's Smart Start Cereal










** $1/1 International Delight Creamer (16 or 32 oz.)

Cheerios: Four $1/1 Coupons

Go here and sign up to receive four $1/1 Cheerios coupons. Plus, you'll also be entered to win a box of free Cheerios!

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Weekly Spending Summary

Once again, I feel pretty good about what I spent this week. Here's the breakdown.

Total Spent: $20.83

Wal-mart: $12.38

Also purchsed a frozen pizza, not pictured.

I had a coupon for everything but the pizza (for our own little "Christmas" supper), tortillas (only $0.94!) and the Heath toffee bits (bought to make this recipe).

CVS: FREE

I can't find my receipt for this transaction, but thanks to previously earned Extra Bucks and the CVS gift card that I got through MyPoints, my out of pocket expense was $0.

Rite Aid: $8.45

Also purchased another Olay body wash and Olay Quench lotion that is not pictured.

Although I spent $8.45 I will get $20.97 back after rebates! So really, I made a profit of $12.52. Have I ever mentioned that I love Rite Aid?

How about you. Did you find any amazing bargins this week? Or maybe you have a question about how to use rebates/coupons or would simply like to see a break down of what coupons I used etc. If so, feel free to leave a comment below!

Free Sample: Galaxy Granola

Go here to request your free sample of Galaxy Granola.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Freebie: Become Weekender Beauty Kit

Go here to request your free Weekender Beauty Kit from Become.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

ShopText: Free Gillette Fusion Razor

Call 1-888-778-3221 to request a FREE Gillette Fusion Razor. For instructions in Spanish, press 1, in English press 2.

You can also request this sample through ShopText by texting PRUEBA to 467467 (info will be in Spanish!). Don't have a ShopText account? Go here. Please note, standard texting charges apply.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

A Belated Merry Christmas!

Well, I guess this is life. I had planned to write a little Merry Christmas post on Thursday, but then my Thursday went nothing like I had planned. Not that it was all bad...it wasn't. I got to spend time unexpectedly with one of my best friends, and that was wonderful. But my well- planned day flew out the window and blogging was just one of those things that got left go. And I'm okay with that.

I really enjoy blogging. And I really enjoy helping you, my readers, find ways to save. But, there is always the tension of time...and how exactly is the best way to use it. And so, even though my day didn't go as planned and I didn't get you all wished a Merry Christmas before the 26th, it is okay. Maybe even good.

Celebrating Jesus birth is always an exciting time of year and I hope you all had a wonderful day and made lots of happy memories. I know we did! So here's wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS...a little belated.

Free Sample: Kashi Bar

Go here to request your free sample of Kashi Trail Mix Bar.

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Pampers: 10 More Gifts to Grow Points

Remember how I posted about the Pampers Gift to Grow program here? Well, Common Sense with Money just found another 10 points that you can add to your account. It is HappyHolidays10 and expires 1/2/10.

Taco Bell: Free Fresco Taco

Use this printable coupon to get a free Fresco Taco at Taco Bell. Coupon is only good for the first 1,000,000 people and expires in 7 days or when 1,000,000 people redeem their coupons.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Earth Fare: Free Ice Cream

For those of you with an Earth Fare store nearby, this is a good deal for you! Use this coupon to get a FREE 56 oz. Earth Fare Ice Cream with any purchase. Coupon expires 12/29/09.

Earth Fares are located in SC, GA, TN, and NC. Find the one nearest you here.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Freebie: Huggies Pure & Natural

Go here to request your free sample of Huggies Pure & Natural diapers. Apparently the offer has reset, so if you requested this offer before, it appears like you can request it again.

Even if you don't have a baby, you still might want to consider requesting the free diapers. They make great stuffers for baby gift baskets. Or you can donate them to a homeless shelter, women's shelter, etc.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Free Sample: Huggies Pull-Ups

Go here to request your free sample of Huggies Pull-Ups from Costco. You do not have to have a Costco membership to request this sample.

My little guy is not ready to potty train yet, but I've been getting all the Pull-Ups samples I can and saving them for when he is ready. They take up such a small amount of space and will save us some money in the long run.

Free Sample: Arm & Hammer Toothpaste

fType www.ahcleanfeeling.com into your browser and you will get a form that you can fill out to request a free sample of Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste. If you've requested this sample before, you will need to use a different email address this time.

Amazon: Free Movies

Did you know that you can rent movies from Amazon.com? Me neither. But you can. And right now, you can even rent some free.

First of all, you can get a $4 Video on Demand credit added to your Amazon.com account by going here and entering code AVODGIFT. You can then use the credit to "rent" a movie. Most of their movies run anywhere from $0.99 to $2.99. The code must be redeemed by Jan. 2, 2009.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Also, according to Suddenly Frugal, you can rent the movie "Scrooge" free this week from Amazon.com as well.

So grab your favorite blanket, a hot drink, and snuggle up and watch a good movie!

Del Monte: $1/4 Coupon = Inexpensive Veggies

Go here to print a coupon for $1/4 Del Monte canned vegetables.

According to The Frugal Girls, Walmart has these priced at $0.67 each (only till 12/24- SORRY!) which would make them $0.42 each after the coupon.

Pampers: 10 Gift to Grow Points

Have you joined Pampers Village yet? It's kind of like the Huggies Enjoy the Ride program. Basically you accumulate points, enter them at Pampers Village and then can redeem them for various things. The codes are found on Pampers products and occasionally at random other spots.

Right now there is a code that is worth 10 points. To claim it, go to Pampers Village, log into your account and then enter code welcome2village.

I personally rarely buy Pampers brand products and so far this program does not seem worth it to me. But if you are a frequent Pampers buyer, you really might want to check it out.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Tasty Tuesday: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Just looking over this recipe again is making me want to go whip these up! These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are the perfect thing if you are a cheesecake lover and especially if you want a cheesecake tasting food but don't have the time to make an actual cheesecake.

In my opinion, they are probably about the best bar I've ever eaten...and oh so moreish! When I serve them, even picky people come back for seconds. Oh and I really wish I had a picture of them; they look really amazing too.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
12 oz. chocolate chips

Filling: 16 oz. cream cheese
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream shortening and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Set aside 1/3 of dough for topping. Press remaining dough into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Meanwhile mix filling (see instructions below). Spoon filling over crust. Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Store in refrigerator.

Filling instructions: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.


For other recipe ideas, check out Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday, Blessed with Grace's Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, and All the Small Stuff's Tuesday's at the Table.

Maybe you have a recipe you want to share...feel free to leave it as a comment. Or link to your recipe blog post. I always love seeing new recipes!

Recycle Bank: Free Huggies Coupons, Seventh Generation Dish Soap and More

Wow, listen up folks! This is one amazing deal! You can get FREE coupons for Seventh Generation, Happy Baby, Cascadian Farms, Huggies and more when you create a free account at Recycle Bank. Here are the four simple steps:

1. Go here and click the "Get Started" button at the top left hand corner.

2. Click "Register" and fill out your information.

3. After you've signed up, go back to the homepage and sign in. Your account should have been credited 100 points.

4. This is the fun part! Click "Get Rewards" to spend your 100 points. (The coupons mentioned above are under the "Grocery and Food" category.)

Curious just what you might be able to get with your 100 points? Here are some ideas:
-Free Happy Baby toddler and baby food items- 40-50 pts
-$5/1 Huggies diapers coupon- 50 pts
-$1/1 off any Coke, Powerade, or Dasani product (should be able to get some drinks for free
after coupon)- 10 pts
-Free Seventh Generation dish liquid- 50 pts
-Free Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner- 100 pts
-Free Seventh Generation baby wipes (size not specified)- 75 pts
-$2 off any Cascadian Farm product- 20 pts
-Free Clean Well product- 100 pts

Note also that if you live in an area where Recycle Bank has curbside recycling programs, you can earn more points by participating.

Thanks to Mrs. Moneysaver for the heads up!

Jimmy Dean: $1 /1 Coupon

Become a fan of Jimmy Dean on Facebook and get a $1 coupon good on any Jimmy Dean product.

Walmart reportedly has Jimmy Dean sausage rolls on sale for $2 right now which would only make them $1 after the coupon.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Free Sample: Nature Made Triple Flex

Go here to request your free 10 day sample of Nature Made Triple Flex. You do not have to have a Costco membership to request the sample.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Freebie: International Delight Creamer

Well, it's yet another Facebook freebie! If you are one of the first 100,000 people to become a fan of International Delight, you will receive a coupon for one FREE bottle of International Delight Creamer. Simply click on the "Holiday Giveaway" tab, enter your information and you will be sent a coupon for one FREE bottle of International Delight Creamer!

Thanks Coupon Geek!

Weekly Spending Summary

This week was just what I needed...a week where I didn't spend much out of pocket! I'm really hoping to end the year with some extra in my grocery budget and this definitely helped out.

Total Spent: $11.83

CVS: $0 Out of Pocket
I actually would have spent $5.98 on this, but I have some CVS gift cards that I got through MyPoints which I have been using anytime I have any out of pocket expense. As usual I used some rain checks to get a few of these items. Seems "my" store is often out of things and so I'm forced to get rain checks.

What I was really excited about with this purchase though, was the fact that I got $23.93 back in Extra Bucks! So essentially I made $17.95 on this purchase. Wondering how you can do this too? Check out Michelle's blog for weekly CVS deal updates.

Giant & RiteAid: $3
I must have missed taking a picture of my Giant and Rite Aid purchases but it was rather boring since it was only three 16 oz. Daisy sour creams and a bottle of Prell shampoo (that I made $2 on thanks to Rite Aid rebates!).

Walmart: $9.64
I bought the candles to submit for the SC Johnson rebate. And the creamer was free...gave it to a friend since we never use creamer around here. Oh, and the Kotex were all free too after coupons.

BJ's: $0.99
Okay, so I am sure you are wondering two things. Since when did I start shopping at BJ's and how did I only pay $0.99 for all of the above? Well, I was sent a $25 BJ's gift card provided by BJ's and General Mills through MyBlogSpark and was asked to go shopping at BJ's and give them a try. (You'll hear more about that whole experience later!) I was pretty tickled to be able to get all of this for practically nothing. Sure helped our grocery budget out immensely.

So all told, I don't think I did too bad for this week. However, you might be thinking, "Sure, it's easy to say that IF you get $25 gift cards for BJ's and use MyPoints to get CVS gift cards, but I don't do those things." Fair enough. But, hopefully this can still inspire you to think outside the box to find ways to keep your grocery budget low. Maybe it means that you redeem Swagbucks for Amazon.com gift cards and buy diapers online. Or maybe you do online surveys and use your earnings there to boost your budget a bit.

The point is, anything you do- from using coupons, to mailing in rebates, to using CVS gift cards earned at MyPoints- helps you save money and be a more savvy shopper. And that is what this is all about, right?

Did you find any amazing bargins this week? Or maybe you have a question about how to use rebates or coupons? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Shutterfly Update

Remember the $15 Shutterfly credit I had posted about here? (It is no longer available.) Well, contrary to the 100 year expiration date listed on the credit, the fine print seems to suggest that you only have 6 days to use it.

Here is the exact wording from the special offer details:

This offer is good for a $15 discount on one qualifying order placed. The qualifying order must be placed during the promotion period, which starts on the day the promotional email is sent and ends 6 days later (at 11:59 PM PST). Offer does not include shipping and handling charges or taxes associated with order. Customer must enter a reward code at the Shopping Cart page to receive the offer. Merchandise must total $15 or more before tax and other charges. The entire $15 reward must be used in a single transaction.

So if you were able to get the $15 credit, I'd recommend using it within the next six days. Otherwise, I'm pretty suspicious it will no longer be available for you.

Free Sample: Mariani SuperFruit

Go here (if you get an error message, hit refresh), enter the code SUPERFRUIT, and fill out a short survey to get a free sample of Mariani Dried Plums. Remember, you only need to fill out the questions with an asterisk beside it.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Free Sample: White's Dog Food

Go here to request your free sample of White's Premium Dog Food.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Shutterfly: Free $15 Order Credit

Do you have a Shutterfly account? If so, you can add a $15 credit to your account by following these simple steps:

1. Login (or create) a Shutterfly account

2. Go to "My Account" and scroll down to the "Special Offers". Then click "Enter Special Offer Code".

3. Enter code FIFTEENOFF

And there you have it! You just got $15 to put towards your next Shutterfly order. How simple was that? Oh, and as crazy as this may sound, you have 100 years to use your credit. It truly doesn't expire until 2109.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Printable Coupon Roundup

** $0.55/1 Mission Flour or Corn Tortillas




** $2/1 Huggies








** $1/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatment









** $1/1 Lip Smackers







** $1/1 Campbell's Select Harvest Soup








** $1/4 Campbell's Cooking Soups









** $0.75/1 Mom's Best Natural Oats (fill out the form and click on the link in the confirmation email)

This coupon should make the instant oatmeal around $0.25 at CVS and Walmart.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!









** Buy One Special K Cereal, Get One Free









** $2/1 Gas-X or Maalox product