Free Sample: Bounce 4-in-1

Go here to request your free sample of Bounce 4-in-1 from Sam's Club (no membership required).

Thanks For the Mommas!

Household Tip: The 10 Minute Rule

I'm one of those people that often puts off a job because it simply seems overwhelmingly big. Or sometimes I'll get started with the task, but then I'm soon distracted and doing something else that needs to get done and soon end up having four things that I'm working on at once. And then I begin to feel like I'm not getting anything done!

One of my goals for this year is to learn how to be more efficient, especially as a homemaker. One of the things that I've started doing is following what I've dubbed "The 10 Minute Rule". When I have a task that needs to get done, I'll set the kitchen timer for 10 minutes and dive into it. Knowing that the clock is ticking helps me stay focused and stick with what I started working on.

And staying focused is something I need help with. It is so easy for me to be going about my work and then decide to just take a minute to check email, read a magazine article or post on Facebook. Next thing I know I spent 10 minutes doing something that was maybe okay to do but didn't really help me get anything done if you know what I mean.

"The 10 Minute Rule" is also a great way to get me motivated. For instance, this morning I was feeling lazy. It was snowing and overcast and those kind of days always make me feel like just sitting around. Nothing was desperately calling for my attention and so I meandered through several hours accomplishing little and feeling rather frustrated with myself.

Suddenly I remembered the "10 Minute Rule" and decided that was just what I needed to get me going. So I set the timer- this time for 20 minutes- and decided to see how much cleaning I could get done. Before I knew it the downstairs was organized and dusted and I finished just as the timer started to beep.

Then I set the timer for 10 minutes and tackled the dreaded chore of responding to emails. Next I'm going to set it for another 20 minutes and see if I can get the downstairs swept. I'm already feeling more motivated and probably won't even bother to use the "10 Minute Rule" to help me get the bathroom cleaned.

Have you ever used "The 10 Minute Rule"? What tools do you use to help you be efficient and get things done?

More Huggies Enjoy the Ride Codes

I have some new points to add to your Huggies Enjoy the Ride account. Never heard of the program? Go here to learn more.

BDTWBWZGNZKQPGB (5 points)

BGTRQWCSXXZRPGB (5 points)

BCSRMTKWNZZGPGB (5 points)

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Reader Joy left a comment on the last Huggies Rewards post saying that she recently won $10 when playing the interactive game on the Huggies Enjoy the Ride website. Has anyone else won anything with these codes?

Kashi: $1.50/1 Coupon

Go here (IE) or (Firefox) to print a $1.50/1 coupon for Kashi Heart to Heart cereal or crackers.

Thanks Frugal and Thrifty Mama!

For those of you that have Giants/Martins close by, check out For the Mommas post on how to use this coupon to get the Kashi cereal for $0.50.

Free Sample: Organic Bora Bora Bar

Go here to request a free sample organic Bora Bora bar and also be entered to win a trip for 2 to the island of Bora Bora (like you'll really win,!). Offer void in AK,FL, and NY.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Free Sample: L'Oreal Everpure

Go here and log in to request a free sample of L'Oreal Everpure shampoo as well as print some coupons too.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

New Huggies Enjoy the Ride Codes

I have some new points to add to your Huggies Enjoy the Ride account. Never heard of the program? Go here to learn more.

PQKXBRXMDTBWPGB (5 points)

BFCWDQLZKNPMPGB (5 points)

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Have you ever won anything from this program? I never have and so I'd love to know that someone somewhere is benefiting from these codes!

Ruby Tuesday: 25% Off Coupon

Wow! This is a coupon you don't see every day. Go here to print a coupon for 25% off your entire order at Ruby Tuesday. Coupon expires 3/2/10.

Thanks Frugal and Thrifty Mama!

Look What My Mailbox Gave Me!

Some of you that are new here may be wondering, as I once did, if requesting those samples that I post about is actually worth it. When I first started learning about product samples, I remember wondering if they ever even really came.

So I thought it might be fun to show you the free things that arrived in my mail the last two days.


* Kashi Heart to Heart cereal sample with four $1.50/1 coupons (only 2 shown because I already used some!) and 1 coupon for a FREE box! This was a sample from Vocalpoint, a site I highly recommend signing up for.
* Three Pampers Cruisers diapers
* Caress body wash sample with $1/1 coupon (no longer available)
* Uni-ball pen (which I love!) with a $0.50 coupon
* Coupon for a FREE box of Excedrin (up to $5.99 value)
* $5 Burger King gift card- from a blog giveaway that I entered

Yes, it is true that occasionally free samples don't come as promised, but the majority of the time they do and they nearly always have coupons with them. Look closely though, sometimes the coupons are not easy to spot. The Caress coupon for instance was tucked in the box in such a way that I nearly threw it out. Thankfully, I took a second look just to be sure there was nothing more there and spotted it hidden along the side.

Do you request samples? Why or why not?

Free Sample: Member Mark's Formula

Go here to request your free sample of Member Mark's Formula from Sam's Club. You do not need to have a Sam's Club membership to request this sample.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Free Sample: UnderJams

Go here to request your free sample of UnderJams. This is a different from the link I posted for them last week, so you should be able to request it again.

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Tasty Tuesday: Monterey Beef Rice Skillet

I love making this dish on nights when I am pushed for time and feel like I barely can squeeze in making dinner. Not only is this recipe simple and quick, it also uses basic ingredients nearly everyone always has on hand, and it is tasty besides.

Monterey Beef Rice Skillet

1 lb. ground beef
1 c. dry rice
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
3 oz. cream cheese
15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tsp. chili powder

Brown beef in 10 inch skillet; drain. Stir in rice, water, onion and salt. Cover and simmer 25 minutes or till water is absorbed. Stir in cheese, tomato sauce and chili powder. Cover and heat through.


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.

$5 Taste of Home Cookbooks

Wow! If you love Taste of Home or like to get gifts inexpensively, this is a great deal. Many of the Taste of Home Cookbooks are sale priced at $5.00 right now (you do have to pay shipping as well). Some of the titles include Ultimate Chicken Cookbook, 2009 Healthy Cooking Annual Recipes, Salads & Sandwiches, & The Ground Beef Cookbook.

Hurry though, the last time they had this sale, many of the titles sold out fast!

Also, don't forget you can save even more by earning cash back when you shop Taste of Home through Cashbaq (6%), Ebates (5%) or Shop At Home (10%). I even saw some free shipping coupons on these sites that might work as well.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: All Bran

Go here to request your free 7-day Promise Pack from Kellogg's All-Bran. If you haven't already created an account, you'll need to do so.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Free Sample: Olay Body Wash

Go here to request your free sample of Olay Total Effects Body Wash.

Free Sample: South Beach Bar

Go here to request your free sample of South Beach Living Fiber Fit S'mores Bar.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Weekly Spending Summary

After going over budget considerably last week, I was pretty happy to not have spent much this week. Yes, a did do a few deals, but I skipped a whole bunch that I just didn't have the energy to do. Sometimes you just need to take a break from shopping to kind of refocus. If you are a deal seeker, I'm sure you know what I mean! Anyway, on to the facts...

Total Spent: $21.36
Total Saved with Coupons: $25.55
Total Saved with Sales: $8.82
Total Saved: $34.37

CVS: $0
Saved with coupons: $11.00
Saved with sales: $0.78

Freebies: Crest & Cheerios

I would have paid $1.69 for these purchases had I not used a gift card I have. I used $8 in Extra Bucks and got back $9 in Extra Bucks.

Westfield (Local bulk food store): $11.56


I was so excited to find out about this place recently! While most of their bulk food prices are higher than my usual store, a few things are cheaper. AND they sell "seconds" of eggs for $0.79 a dozen! That is $0.60 cheaper than I can buy them anywhere else.

Rite Aid: $6.09
Saved with Coupons: $7.00
Saved with Sales: $7.00


Weis: $3.71
Saved with Coupons: $6.80
Saved with Sales: $1.04


I don't often buy Pillsbury rolls etc. because frankly, they aren't really that healthy. But I bought these because, by purchasing them I was able to get a $4 catalina coupon that I can use on my next store purchase. And we'll enjoy having them occasionally over the next several weeks.

Auntie Anne's: Free Pretzel Day 2/20/10

Auntie Anne's had emailed me about their free pretzel day a week ago and I kept forgetting to post it! So hopefully your Saturday isn't too full to stop by your local Auntie Anne's and get your FREE pretzel. You'll be able to choose between original or cinnamon sugar.

Unfortunately we are going to be gone over the weekend and as far as I know there will be no Auntie Anne's close by, so I guess I'll be missing out on this one.

Home Solutions: High Value Coupons

Sign up for the Home Solutions News here and you'll have access to some great high value printable coupons.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

New Swagcode Alert!

Do you love Swagbucks as much as I do? Well, then you'll love getting a code for a free Swagbuck. Simply login to your account, click "Ways to Earn" at the top left hand corner, then click "Special Offers". On the right hand side of the page, you'll see a blue box that says "No Obligation Offers". Click that then scroll to the bottom of the page and hit "See next offer" or "Skip Offer" until you get to the page with the free Swagcode. You do not need to sign up for any of the offers in order to get the Swagcode.

Don't have a Swagbucks account? No problem! Simply create one and start earning money searching the web. It's as simple as that. (My favorite thing to use Swagbucks on? Amazon.com e-giftcards. For only 45 Swagbucks, you can get a $5 Amazon e-giftcard! This is an excellent way to buy Christmas gifts!)

Looking for other ways to earn a few dollars? Check out some of the ways that I earn a little extra money.

Free Sample: Axe Shower Gel

Go here to request a free sample of Axe Shower Gel for men (Sam's membership not required).

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Roboform: Makes Requesting Samples a Cinche

I have mentioned this helpful tool before but since I have quite a few new readers I thought it was worth mentioning again.

If you do the sample requests that I post, or even if you frequently need to fill in your personal info online, I highly recommend Roboform. Roboform is free to download and makes filling out forms a cinche. You simply download it, plug in all your information, and then when you come to a form that requires say, your name, address, date of birth, and gender, it will automatically fill it out for you and save you the time it takes to type it in. I used to sort of inwardly sigh a bit when I went to fill out sample request forms, but now I just click my Roboform button and sigh with relief because it's as simple as that.

Roboform also remembers up to 10 site passwords for you. While I don't use that part of it nearly as often, it still comes in awfully handy!

Free Sample: Crest Whitestrips

Go here to request your free sample of Crest 3D Whitestrips.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Free Sample: Lemonheads

Go here to request your free sample of Tropical Chewy Lemonheads.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Plastic Wrap Tip

Please tell me I am not the only person who never noticed those two little arrows on the side of the plastic wrap box! I recently discovered it and wow, it saves a lot of headache!

Have you ever been trying to cover something with plastic wrap, only to have the plastic roll keep trying to hop out of the box? Yeah, me too. Well, if you simply push in those little tabs, your problem is solved. They sort of lock the roll in place and viola! No more rolling out of the box plastic rolls! It makes me wonder what other simple little instructions I am missing that would make my life easier.

P&G Year of Savings Promotion

There is a really great promotion from Proctor & Gamble right now called the "Year of Savings". When you purchase $50 worth of P&G products (the $50 is before coupons) between 2/1/10 and 4/15/10, you can submit your receipts to receive a $100 coupon booklet. If you are curious what coupons you'll receive and trying to figure out if this is worth your time, simply go here and look under "Featured Products and Savings".

Here's how to get your coupon booklet:

1. Purchase $50 worth of P&G products
2. Circle the products AND purchase price on your receipt(s)
3. Print and fill out the rebate form
4. Mail the rebate form and receipts to the address listed on the form

Want to see a list of all the participating brands? Go here.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

New $0.95/1 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls Coupon

Hurray! There is another link for a $0.95/1 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls coupon. This one expires in April and says DO NOT DOUBLE OR TRIPLE.

Thanks For the Mommas!

For those of you that have a Weis, you can use this coupon to help you get a really good deal- in fact, it could be a moneymaker. The Refrigerated Grands, Cinnamon Rolls (5 ct.), Crescents (4 ct.), or Grands Jr. Golden Layers (10 ct.) are all on sale for $1 each. Plus there is a catalina deal right now on Pillsbury items where when you buy 4 items you get a $2 catalina, 5 items you get a $3 catalina, or 6 or more you get a $4 catalina. Catalina coupons are good on your next purchase and because they are manufacturer coupons, most stores let you use them even if they have another stores logo on them.

If you are confused by now, leave a comment and I'll try to clear up any questions!

Tasty Tuesday: Easy Fruit Smoothie

This is one of those recipes that I've been wanting to share with you but thought it was more of a summer recipe and figured I'd wait until then. But as I was making it again this week, I decided I just had to share it with you now even if it is freezing outside!

I discovered this simple recipe last fall when my mother-in-law made it for us. The moment I tasted it I was smitten! I know, that sounds dramatic, but maybe this will help you understand. I am an ice cream lover and usually go crazy over shakes faster than I do smoothies. But these smoothies are so good that I frequently vote for them over ice cream!

Easy to make, delightfully refreshing and healthy ta-boot, what more could you want?

Easy Fruit Smoothie

1 qt. frozen fruit*
1 c. yogurt, plain or flavored**
1 c. milk
Sweeten to taste

Blend in blender on high until smooth.

Yields: 4 (8 oz.) glasses

* Our favorite is peach/blueberry. I know it might sound like a funny combo, but it really is incredible!

** Make this inexpensively using your own homemade yogurt.

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.

Free Sample: Underjams

Go here for yet another free sample of Underjams.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Weekly Spending Summary

I'm over budget this week by $27.30, partly due to a credit card bill from December that had some grocery purchases on. I'm thinking that my expenses for the coming week should be pretty low so hopefully that will counteract this week!

I was very happy to be able to stock up on diapers and wipes...one of those things that if you don't watch can cost you an arm and a leg!

Total Spent: $71.15 ($78.16 before returns)
Total Saved with Coupons: $53.32
Total Saved with Sales: $45.29
Total Saved: $98.61


CVS: $0
Saved with Coupons: $9.28
Saved with Sales: $8.54

Freebies: Stacy's Chips, Reach Floss

As usual I used a gift card (that we earned through our Discover credit cards rewards program) to pay for my purchase. Had I not used the gift card I would have spent a whopping $0.27. I used $11 in Extra Bucks and got $4 back. I would have skipped CVS totally this week but if I had those Extra Bucks would have expired on me. I used several rain checks to get me good prices on most of the products I bought.

Giant: $5.82
Saved with Coupons: $4.80
Saved with Sales: $9.40


Aldi: $6.13
Saved with Sales: $3.50


The cauliflower and carrots were marked down to $0.50- love when I can find reduced produce!

Rite Aid: $24.16
Saved with Coupons: $26.00
Saved with Sales: $23.50

Freebies: Carefree & Gillette Shaving Cream (not pictured)

I used $2.58 that I had left on a gift card as well as a $6.49 SCR check to pay for part of this purchase. I will get back $3 in SCR as well as a $15 Visa Check Card for the Proctor & Gamble purchase (Pampers) that I made.

I was so tickled to get Pampers so inexpensively! (By the way, even if you don't have kids, these sales are great times to buy pampers for baby gifts.) I figured I paid $2.70 for each pack of diapers! That is about the cheapest I've ever gotten them I think.

Giant, Walmart, & Babies 'R Us: $9.23
Saved with Coupons: $13.24
Saved with Sales: $0.35

Freebies: International Delight & Baby Wipes

I bought the wipes at Babies 'R Us using two $5 gift cards/coupons that I received from a Facebook freebie.

Dec. Credit Card Purchases: $32.82

I don't typically use our credit cards to buy grocery items, but if we can get bonus points for doing so, we feel it is worth it. In December that was the case and since we just now are paying the bill, I need to include in with this months grocery budget.

Misc.: +7.01

I returned a few items and so credited myself for that.

Freebie: Rogue Magazine (Includes Coupons!)

Well, I'm not so tickled about the magazine itself, but I'll take the coupons that come with it any day!

Go here for a FREE subscription to Rogue Magazine from Proctor & Gamble. Here's a list of the coupons included in the latest issue:

* Get a FREE Zest bar Package (up to a $5 value) when you purchase a Venus Embrace or
Breeze razor
* $1 off Secret Clinical Strength
* $1 off any Olay facial skin-care product
* $1 off any 2 Head & Shoulders
* $2 off any Natural Instincts product
* $1 off any Olay body wash product
* $1 off any Zest, Ivory, Safeguard product, Old Spice or Gillette body wash product
* $1 off any Perfect 10, Root Touch-up or Nice ‘n Easy Product

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Just How Much Do You Make By Clipping Coupons?

I thought you all might enjoy this interesting article from the Wall Street Journal titled Doing the Math on Coupons. You just might be surprised at how much your little hobby saves you!

Thanks to Common Sense with Money for the link.

New Swagbuck Code

Do you love Swagbucks as much as I do? Well, then you'll love getting a code for a free Swagbuck. Simply login to your account, click "Ways to Earn" at the top left hand corner, then click "Special Offers". On the right hand side of the page, you'll see a blue box that says "No Obligation Offers". Click that then scroll to the bottom of the page and hit "See next offer" or "Skip Offer" until you get to the page with the free Swagcode. You do not need to sign up for any of the offers in order to get the Swagcode.

Don't have a Swagbucks account? No problem! Simply create one and start earning money searching the web. It's as simple as that. (My favorite thing to use Swagbucks on? Amazon.com e-giftcards. For only 45 Swagbucks, you can get a $5 Amazon e-giftcard! This is an excellent way to buy Christmas gifts!)

Looking for other ways to earn a few dollars? Check out some of the ways that I earn a little extra money.

Free Sample: Aveeno Nourish

Go here to request your free sample of Aveeno Nourish shampoo and conditoner.

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Coupon for FREE Excedrin

If you are not an Excedrin user, take this survey and at the end you'll be able to request a coupon for a FREE Excedrin product.

Thanks For the Mommas!

$0.75 Nestle Morsel Coupon

Go here to print a coupon for $0.75/1 bag of Nestle Toll House Morsels. The great thing is this coupon doesn't expire until 6/30/2010!

Thanks Mrs. Buys More and Mr. Saves A. Lot!

Reynolds Wrap Coupons

Here are some great coupons for Reynolds Wrap. If I remember correctly, the $1 coupon should get you aluminum foil at Walmart cheaper than what Aldi sells it for.

* $1/1 Aluminum foil
* $0.50/1 Recycled Aluminum foil
* $1/1 Parchment paper

Print them all here.

Thanks Utah Deal Diva!

Free Sample: Full Sized Bottle Aveeno Lotion!

Go here to request a FREE full sized bottle of Aveeno Stress Relief Lotion. I LOVE Aveeno lotion so I am rather happy about this sample!

If you get an error message when you hit the submit button, keep refreshing your screen. It should go through eventually. I tried yesterday to no avail and finally got it to go through this morning, so just be persistent!

Thanks Frugal and Thrifty Mama!

Free Sample: Huggies Pull-Ups

Go here to request a free Pull-Ups Potty Training Kit. I know I've posted this before, but this one is a new link.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

$0.49 Ghirardelli Chocolate

Did you receive the Ghirardelli chocolate sample and coupons from SheSpeaks? If so, I discovered a great way for at least some of you to use the $1.50 coupons.

Aldi has Ghirardelli chocolates priced at $1.99- they had fliers at my store with the price listed. Since Walmart price matches, you can use your $1.50 coupon there to get Ghirardelli chocolates for $0.49.

Tasty Tuesday: Creamy Ham 'N Macaroni

We love this easy dish. It is very tasty and quick to make; from start to finish you only need about an hour. The chicken bouillon and Parmesan cheese add an interesting twist and even if you aren't a mac 'n cheese fan, I think you'll enjoy it.

Creamy Ham 'N Macaroni

2 c. uncooked macaroni
3 tbsp. butter
1/4 c. flour
2 c. milk
4 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 1/2 c. cubed fully cooked ham
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in the milk, bouillon and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese, ham, Parmesan cheese and macaroni. Transfer to a greased 2 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 6 servings

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.

Thriving Family Magazine: Free 6 month subscription

Go to the Focus on the Family website and click on the banner at the bottom of the page to request your FREE 6 month subscription to their new magazine, Thriving Family.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Denny's: Free Grand Slam Breakfast

Tomorrow, 2/9/10, from 6 am. to 2 pm. Denny's is offering their Grand Slam breakfast FREE. From what I've heard, you probably should expect a long wait!

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Free Sample: Burt's Bees Toothpaste

Go here to request your free 0.5 oz. sample of Burt's Bees toothpaste.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!