Heads Up: Blogging Break

I just wanted to let you know that I am taking a break from blogging this week. My husband wants to try to finish the inside of our fixer-upper house and that just doesn't work so well with an almost 2 year old under foot. So Logan and I are packing up and heading to my parent's place in Maryland for the week. I'm not anxious to be away from my sweetheart all week (the longest we've been apart since we've been married!), but I am excited about being at my parent's place and the prospect of coming home to a nearly finished/finished house.

Hope you all have a great week!

Weekly Spending Summary

Well, it was another week where I didn't do much shopping. The deals just weren't that amazing, I didn't really need anything, and I honestly didn't feel like going shopping. Kind of a nice break. :) The only store I hit was Rite Aid and I got some amazing deals there so that was fun.


Rite Aid: $20.95
Saved with Coupons: $41.00
Saved with Sales: $25.92

I was so excited about Rite Aid this week. I was able to stock up on wipes and diapers for some incredible prices- wipes for $0.01 a wipe and size 4 diapers for $0.07 a diaper! And on top of that since I purchased at least 5 packages of diapers I qualified for a coupon for a free package of diapers. AND then my area is part of a pilot area for something called +UP Rewards and so I also got an $11.99 coupon for purchasing the diapers which I'll use on a future Rite Aid purchase. So yeah, Rite Aid gave me my deal seeking high of the week! :)

I do want to thank one of my friends for printing off more $3 Huggies coupons for me. She doesn't like Huggies diapers and was sweet enough to offer to print out "her" coupons and let me have them. Thanks Susan!

Free Sample: Aveeno Hair Care

Go here to request a free Aveeno Hair Care sample from CVS.

Thanks For the Mommas!

New $2/2 Huggies Wipes Coupons

Well, just in case you actually need more $2/2 Huggies wipes (64 ct. or larger) coupons, here is another link for one.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

$2 Ovaltine Coupon and a Walmart Deal

If you like Ovaltine you know that you don't often see coupons for it. Well, Coupons.com has a $2/1 Ovaltine coupon right now which makes for a great deal at Walmart. Ovaltine is reportedly priced $2.72-$2.86 at Walmart right now which would make for some very cheap delicious chocolate milk!

In case you are wondering, I really like the regular Ovaltine. Personally I think it makes better chocolate milk than Nesquick or Hershey's powder. But my brothers never agreed...so maybe it's just me?

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

BJ's: Free 60 Day Trial Membership

BJ's is offering a free 60 day trial membership with this coupon. Membership must be activated by 7/5/10. If you've been considering trying a wholesale club, this is a great way to check it out without having the expense of a membership.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Mini Cliff Bars

Go here, enter your email and mailing address to receive a free sample of Mini Cliff Bars.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Sonic: Buy One Shake Get One Free

You know by now how much I love ice cream and anything ice cream related. Well, Sonic has this awesome new deal where when you buy one shake you get another one free (click on "What's Out There" if you can't see it). The deal is good until 6/27/10 but you have until 7/15/10 to actually use the coupon for the free shake.

I admit though, at first I wasn't too excited. I mean those shakes look great but even as much as I love ice cream I'm not enough of a glutton to drink two. And my dear husband isn't much of an ice cream lover unfortunately so I wasn't too hopeful that I'd actually even use this coupon. BUT then I saw the fine print that said this:

Buy one shake at regular price (plus tax) and get one free shake of equal or lesser value now or receive a coupon for a free shake on a future visit.

How cool is that? So I can get a shake now and then on another day when I am craving ice cream I can use my coupon for a free one! Sonic, me thinks that you are my new favorite fast food restaurant! :)

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Free Sample: Crest 3D Whitestrips

Go here to request a free sample of Crest 3D Whitestrips. I think this is a new link but am not sure since I didn't request it last time it was available.

Thanks Coupon Katarina!

Taco Bell: Free Limeade

If you are one of the first 500,000 to go here, you'll be able to print a coupon for a free Regular Size Cherry or Classic Limeade. Coupon expires one week from printing.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

Barnes & Noble: Buy One Frappuccino Get One Free

Use this coupon to get a free frappuccino at Barnes & Noble with the purchase of another frappuccino at regular price. The coupon expires 5/24/10.

Too bad we already had our date for the week! We love going to Barnes & Noble and hanging out, and frappuccinos only add to the fun.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Tasty Tuesday: Best Ever Asparagus

I've never been a fan of asparagus until I tasted this recipe. The brown sugar and chicken bouillon give it a much milder flavor than usual and I have found that people who typically don't like asparagus will enjoy it fixed this way.

Best Ever Asparagus

2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
4 c. asparagus, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 - 1 c. water
1 chicken bouillon cube

Heat butter & brown sugar until dissolved; add asparagus and saute 2 min.

Dissolve chicken bouillon in water and add to asparagus; cook until soft (8-10 min.)


For other great 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 15 Point Recycle Bank Code

There's a new code that you can use to add 15 points to your Recycle Bank account. Simply log in to your account, click "Earn Points", then enter TakeSmallSteps in the "Enter Points Code" box to the right. Be sure to use Marcal as the Points Partner.

New to Recycle Bank? Learn more here.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

General Mills: Free Sample

Sign up here for free sample(s) from General Mills. This page is in Spanish but if you use Roboform you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dog Coupon

When I was over at Coupons.com I noticed a coupon for $1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs. Depending on which Kraft Foods Sample Pack you signed up for, you may have gotten a coupon for a free package of Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs. You could combine the above $1/2 coupon with the free coupon and maybe/ideally even a Buy One Get One Free sale to score a great deal on hot dogs. (On further thought, I don't think using both coupons with a Buy One Get One Free sale would be legitimate. And I doubt that both coupons would even scan- see comments below.)

We recently tried the Oscar Mayer beef franks and really liked them. They tasted so "real" compared to the typical hot dog you buy. And they contained no artificial flavors, colors fillers or by-products. Don't know about you, but I rather like that!

More Huggies Printables

Wow, Huggies sure is putting out the coupons! Last week I posted about a $3/1 Huggies Snug and Dry coupon and now there are some more great coupons. Go here and click on "Healthcare" to find the following coupons more quickly.

* $2/2 Huggies Baby Wipes

* $3/1 Huggies Little Movers/Little Snugglers

$0.95/1 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls Coupon

Go here to print a coupon for $0.95/1 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls. Looks like the print limit is only 1. :(

Thanks For the Mommas!

Weekly Spending Summary

This was a rather typical week for me- nothing too amazing or unusual. After several rather dead weeks, I enjoyed scoring lots of great deals at CVS again .

Total Spent: $43.88
Total Saved with Coupons: $38.35
Total Saved with Sales: $9.75
Total Saved: $48.10

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $30.37
Saved with Sales: $9.23

Freebies: Bayer, Bar Soap, Shampoo, M&M's (and Stayfree, Right Guard, Crest, Reach floss after Extra Bucks)

Had I not used a gift card, I would have spent $1.32. I used $13.48 in Extra Bucks and got back $20.99 in Extra Bucks.

I suggest scanning your Extra Care card at the little coupon scanner machines if you don't already. Today mine spit out a coupon for a free package of Pretzel M&M's. Of course I didn't complain!

Walmart: $11.50
Saved with Coupons: $3.98


Giant: $8.14
Saved with Coupons: $4.00
Saved with Sales: $0.52

I forgot to take a picture of the 2 bags of Martin's Potato Rolls I bought. I needed them for a meal I was to make for this past weekend.

Centerville Bulk Food: $24.24

I know you can't really tell what everything is- the brown bag is new red potatoes, and the clear produce bags have apples and grapes in them. They had some grapes marked down to $0.59/lb! There are a few soft/rotten ones in the mix, but hey, I won't complain for that price!


How did you do this week? Did you stay under budget? Maybe you found deals too good to pass up and went over budget. Either way, I'd love to hear about it!

$3/1 Huggies Printable Coupon

Go here to print a $3 coupon for any Huggies Snug & Dry diapers (click "Household" to find it faster). Remember that they are on sale this week at CVS for $8.49 plus you get $2 Extra Bucks when you buy one. So in the end you'd be paying $3.49 for a pack of diapers...not a bad price at all!

Facebook Freebie: NeilMed Neti Pot

"Like" NeilMed Neti Pot on Facebook and you can then request a free NeilMed Neti Pot absolutely free.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Playtex Gentle Glide

Go here to request a free sample of Playtex Gentle Glide.

Thanks Frugal and Thrifty Mama!

New Link for Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet

Go here for yet another link for the ever popular Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet. This booklet is filled with lots of coupons, one of which is a $1 Dawn dish soap coupon that you can use to often get free dish soap.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Recycle Bank: 50 Free Points

Okay, so it's been a while, but remember Recycle Bank- that really cool program that you can get some great coupons from?

Well, right now you can get 50 points added to your account by doing the following.

* Log in or register at Recycle Bank

* Click "Earn Points" then enter 031604013028 into the code box located on the top right hand side. Also, make sure you select 'Nature Made' as the points partner. This will add 10 points to your account.

* Do this four more times to get a total of 50 points.

Then you can check out the "Get Rewards" section and hopefully get some great deals!

Thanks Mojo Savings!

JoAnn Fabrics: 40% Off Coupon

Use this coupon to save 40% off any one regular priced item at JoAnn Fabrics. Coupon expires 5/22/10.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

$0.50 Daisy Sour Cream Printable

Go here to print a $0.50 coupon for any 16 oz. or larger Daisy Sour Cream. Coupon expires 1 month from printing. (Coupon will go directly to printing when you click on the link.)

Thanks Frugal and Thrifty Mama!

Weekly Spending Summary

Well, there is more than way to keep your out of pocket spending low. This week I chose the no shop method. :) Honestly, I hadn't originally planned to only hit one store this week, but as the week went on I just got less and less excited about shopping and really, the deals were pretty pathetic. So I decided to take a break.

Total Spent: $1.06
Total Saved with Coupons: $7.00
Total Saved with Sales: $2.02
Total Saved: $9.02

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $7.00
Saved with Sales: $2.02

Freebies: Dawn (and the Depends after Extra Bucks)

Had I not used a gift card, I would have spent $1.93 on this purchase. I used $2 in Extra Bucks and got back $6.99.

Misc.: $1.06

Free Sample: John Frieda Sheer Blonde

Go here to request a free sample of John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo and Conditioner for Darker Shades.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Stayfree Pads

Go here to request a free sample of Stayfree Pads with Thermo Control technology. It appears this is a new link.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Free Sample: Secret Clinical Deodorant

Go here to request a free sample of Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Free Sample: Dove Deodorant

Go here to request a free sample of Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Deodorant.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Free Sample: Old Spice Body Wash

Go here to request a free sample of Old Spice Odor Blocker Body Wash.

Thanks Centsable Momma!

Buy One Get One Free & $1 La Creme Mousse Printables

There is a new coupon at Coupons.com for Buy One Get One Free on La Creme Mousse. There is also a $1/1 coupon here that you could pair with the BOGO coupon to make your out of pocket cost even lower and hopefully nearly nothing!

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Facebook:Free Dr. Scholl's For Her Insole

Go the Dr. Scholl's for Her Facebook page and click on the "Free Insole" tab to request a free sample insole.

Hefty One Zip Bags Coupon + Walmart Deal

Use the $1/2 Hefty One Zip Bags coupons here (click household to find it faster) at Walmart and you reportedly should only have to pay $0.49 per box! The One Zip storage bags are said to be priced at $0.99 each, but of course Walmart prices do vary per region, so I can't promise you this deal. But, I'm guessing the prices will be close at any rate.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

Starkist: Another $0.50 Coupon

Remember how I told you on Monday that you could print a $0.50 Starkist pouch coupon from their Facebook website? Well, it appears to have reset, because it just allowed me to print it twice again.

Go here to print it (click on the coupon tab).

Freebie: Pedometer from Nature's Bounty

Sign up for Nature's Bounty mailing list and get a free pedometer.

Thanks Frugal and Thrifty Mama!

New $0.75/1 Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta Coupon

Go here to print a coupon for $0.75 off any Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta. This pasta often goes on sale for $1, so if your store doubles coupons, you should be able to get this free. And even if it doesn't, you'll get some cheap pasta!

$1/1 Tropicana Juice Coupon

Send your mom an e-card and after you send it you'll have the chance to print a coupon for $1 off any Tropicana juice. Oh, and your mom will be able to print the coupon too when she opens her e-card!

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Walgreens: Free 8 x 10 Collage Print

Now until 5/8 you can order a free 8 x10 collage print from Walgreens when you use coupon code GOODTHOUGHTS at checkout. Be sure to select in store pick up so you don't have to pay any shipping!

Thanks For the Mommas!

*HOT* $3/2 Right Guard Printable Coupon

Print this hot coupon before it disappears and use it next week (5/9 to 5/15) at CVS to make some money! Here's how.

Right Guard Deodorants- $2.99 each
Get $2 Extra Bucks (Limit 2)
$3/2 Right Guard printable coupon (click on "personal care" to find this more easily)
After Extra Bucks $1 Moneymaker!

Thanks Cha-ching on a Shoestring!

Free Sample: Lever 2000

Go here to request a free sample of Lever 2000 bar soap from Sam's Club (no membership required).

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Free Sample: Depends

Go here to request a free sample of Depends. I hope you don't consider this TMI (too much information), but my midwife recommended using these instead of pads after my son was born. It's something I highly recommend, so I am going to dare to share it. Anyway, there, you now have another use for Depends! :)

Thanks Koupon Karen!

Facebook: Free Neilmed Sinus Rinse Bottle

"Like" Neilmed on Facebook, take a short survey and you'll be able to receive a free Neilmed Sinus Rinse bottle with 2 relief packets. I've never tried these, somehow they gross me out, but I know lots of people that love them!

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Free Sample: South Beach Living S'more Bar

Go here to request a free sample of South Beach Living S'more Bars. It looks like some people who requested this before were able to get it again, however I got a message saying I'd already requested it. But then I filled out the form with my husband's name and email address and it worked. So I guess he'll get this one!

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

Free Sample: Poise Pad Sample Kit

Go here to request your free Poise Pad Sample Kit.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Starbucks: Half Price Frappucinos (May 7-16)

Visit participating Starbucks from 3-5pm. May 7-16, and you can get half priced Frappucino blended beverages. This sounds like a yummy treat. I think I'll be making sure to take advantage of this offer at least once during that week!

As always, you might want to call your local store to make sure they are participating. I'd hate for you to get there only to find out that you have to pay full price.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Facebook: Free Libby's Can of Veggies/Fruit.

"Like" Libby's on Facebook and then you can fill out a form to receive a coupon for a can of Libby's vegetables or fruit. You have to love free food!

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Monthly Spending Summary (April)

Monthly Grocery/Household Budget: $190

Total Spent: $187.86

Week 1: $16.58
Week 2: $114.59
Week 3: $23.43
Week 4: $29.53

Misc. Expenses I missed recording: $3.73

Credits: $56.97
- this was all from rebates

Ending Balance: $130.89 (or $59.11 extra)

Balance Carried from Jan./Feb./March: $178.09

Well, here I thought I was over budget for the month but I must have just miscalculated! Just to be sure I double checked my math several times, but I always came up with the same amount, so I was happy that I was actually under budget by a couple of dollars even before my rebate credits.

I now have $237 of overage that I can put towards fruit and vegetables to can and freeze. I am thinking that should nearly cover the cost of the produce and fruit that I buy to preserve, but am not totally sure. So I guess I'll just keep saving away for a couple of months yet- if I can!

Vocalpoint: Free Sample of Pamper's Cruisers

Log in or sign up to Vocalpoint and request a free 3 pack sample of Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max technology. I love Vocalpoint- it's such a great way to get coupons and samples for free!