20 New Pampers Gifts to Grow Points

Add 20 Gifts to Grow points to your account when you use code HangOn2Summer20.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Free Sample: Kashi Cracker, Granola, or Cereal Bar

Go here to request a free sample from Kashi. You get to choose between granola bars, cereal bars, or crackers.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Freebie: Energizer Recharge Batteries

Remember on when I wrote on Friday about rechargeable batteries? Well, you have a chance to get a coupon for a four pack of Energizer Recharge AA batteries when you "Like" Energizer on Facebook. Offer is limited to the first 30,000 requests.

The site is running awfully slow, but if you keep refreshing, you should hopefully get it to work.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Monthly Spending Summary (August)

I went over budget again this month, but thankfully not by much. I honestly anticipated it being much worse. I am nearly all done with buying fruit to can/freeze but I do still have to do apples and I'd also like to do grape juice.

Last month I had mentioned that I had a boatload of rebates that I was hoping would come and help "bail me out" this month. Well, I still haven't gotten most of them! I thought I had requested my Rite Aid Single Check Rebates and hadn't, so I won't get them til this month. But the good news is that this month I should receive roughly $100 in rebates so that will really give me a boost.

Anyway, enough of all that.

Monthly Grocery/Household Budget: $190

Total Spent: $206.62
Total Saved with Coupons/Sales: $403.46

Week 1: $41.72
Week 2: $75.88
Week 3: $50.61
Week 4: $38.41

Other Expenses: $83.85
- 1 1/2 bu. peaches: $47.85
- 1 1/2 bu. beans: $36

Credits: $25.78
- Mostly from rebates

Ending Monthly Balance: $264.69 (over budget by $74.69)
Balance carried from Jan.-July: $77.82

Ending Annual Balance: $3.13
- In case you are confused, this is the amount I have left from previous months when I was under budget. I kind of tried to plan ahead for the extra expense of fruit and veggies that I buy to can and freeze. So basically I am ahead by $3.13 for the year. Such a small amount doesn't really make me feel very comforted, but at least I'm not over budget I guess!

How was your month? Feeling good about it? Or were you like me and went over budget once again?

Weekly Spending Summary

This was a fun, fairly good week of spending. I was really glad to be able to stock up on several items that I use fairly frequently.

Total Spent: $38.41
Total Saved with Coupons: $66.99
Total Saved with Sales: $47.91
Total Saved: $114.90

Rite Aid: $15.91
Saved with Coupons: $38.00
Saved with Sales: $26.02

Freebies: Royal Jello and the rest after SCR & +UP Rewards

Also purchased 2 boxes Kendall Bandages (not pictured)

Used $6 in +UPRewards and got back $8. I will also get back $17.99 in Single Check Rebates and $2 in manufacturer rebates.

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $10.99
Saved with Sales: $7.00

Freebies: All of the above after Coupons and Extra Bucks

Had I not used a gift card I would have spent $1.57. I also used $7.99 in Extra Bucks and got $11.99 back.

Giant: $9.50
Saved with Coupons: $18.00
Saved with Sales: $14.89


Okay, to try to explain this sale in detail would be REALLY confusing, so let me just say that I had a rain check for the JIF and Smucker's that involved a $5 catalina. I also had another $5 catalina coupon so $10 of my coupons were catalina's.

There were $5 rebates (when you buy 2) on the Sorrento cheese a while back and you could submit 5 rebates per household. So I plan to submit two rebates and get $10 back there.

Centerville Bulk Food: $13.00
My honey stopped and got me oatmeal, rolled oats, brown sugar and fresh fruit. I suddenly realized I was totally out of both kinds of oatmeal and almost out of brown sugar. So much for planning ahead! Seems I've been doing rather poorly at that lately.

How did you do this week? Get any amazing deals?

For What It's Worth: Using Rechargable Batteries

We don’t use batteries as much as many folks do, but it still always galls me how fast we can go through them. One of the main things that hogged batteries for us was our digital camera. Several years ago I decided to invest in an Energizer battery charger and let me tell you, it has saved us SO much money since then.

The one we have is like the one pictured above and charges 4 AA or 2 AAA batteries. It is super fast at charging and I love that I can have 2 batteries in my camera and 2 batteries in the charger ready to swap out when the batteries in my camera die. To me there is not much more frustrating when you are trying to take pictures only to have your batteries die and realize that you have none to replace them with!

And really, battery chargers are rather inexpensive when you think about it. Amazon has them listed for anywhere between $12-$20 and many of them come with batteries too. (And of course if you really want to save, you can always use your Swagbucks to pay for them.) Obviously, it would only take you several packs of batteries to spend that amount and then you just have to throw them out when you are done using them!

So there you have it, for what it’s worth.

Target Gift Card and Prize Pack Winner

Hurray! We have a winner for the $25 Target gift card and prize pack. Random.org said #24 was the winner and that was s_peachey who said she is a follower of this blog.

Congratulations Susan! Just respond to the email that I sent you within 48 hours and I'll work at getting your prize to you.

Thanks to all of you that entered. I know this is trite, but I really do wish I could give you ALL something!

$2/1 Ball Park Hot Dogs Coupon

"Like" Ball Park Franks on Facebook and get a coupon for $2 off any Ball Park item. I'm thinking paired with a sale this should make for a great deal!

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

25 New Pampers Gifts To Grow Points

Here are 3 new codes worth 25 points total to add to your Gifts to Grow account.

GTG5FREEPTS0810 (5 pts.)

GTGCOUPONPOINTS (10 pts.)

CAREFORNEWBORNS (10 pts.)

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Free Sample: Breathe Right Extra Nasal Strips

Go here to request a free sample of Breathe Right Extra Nasal Strips. (Click on the blue banner like the one you see above.)

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Free Sample: Aveeno Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner

Go here to request a free sample of Aveeno Nourish shampoo and conditioner. Or if you prefer, you can request a coupon instead.

Walmart: Olde Hearth Bagels for $0.28

Heading to Walmart soon? You might want to print out the coupon for $1/1 Olde Hearth Bagels since they are reportedly $1.28 at Walmart right now. Remember, Walmart prices do vary quite a bit so there is a chance you may not find them at this price at your Walmart.

Thanks Centsable Momma!

30% Off at Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic

Use this coupon to save 30% off at Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic Aug. 26-29. When you use the coupon 5% off all your purchase will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

Free Sample: U Kotex

Go here to request a free sample of U by Kotex.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Tasty Tuesday: Strawberry and Feta Cheese Salad

This is a deliciously different salad. No, it's not the cheapest salad on the planet, but it sure is fun to make it every once in a while for a special occasion or just for the anyhow. The strawberries and feta cheese give it a delightfully different taste and the dressing is really yummy too.

Strawberry and Feta Cheese Salad

1 head green or red leaf lettuce
1 bag baby spinach
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 c. feta or blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 c. sliced almonds, roasted
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1 c. sliced strawberries (I've also used mandarin oranges, canned)

Dressing*:
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. olive oil
1/2 c. cider vinegar
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. chopped red onion

Assemble salad ingredients in a large bowl. In a blender, place dressing ingredients; blend until smooth. Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss until well coated.

Yield: 8-10 servings

*We like lots of dressing, but I have found that there is still plenty of dressing with only using about 2/3 of this recipe.


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.

Weekly Spending Summary

Another week of kind of big spending. Sometimes I struggle knowing if I should totally stick with my budget and not buy things when I'm at certain stores I go to only every so often or if I should go ahead and stock up while I am there so I don't have to go so often. I've kind of decided it makes more sense to stock up, save the time and maybe go over budget a little than make multiple trips just for the sake of staying within budget. What do you all do?

Anyway, on to the breakdown of my spending.

Total Spent: $50.61
Total Saved with Coupons: $53.75
Total Saved with Sales: $32.26
Total Saved: $86.01

CVS: $o (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $36.75
Saved with Sales: $13.76

Freebies: Sobe's; Right Guard; and the rest after Extra Bucks

I used $9.99 in Extra Bucks and got $22.99 back. I think my challenge is going to be using them all up before they expire!

Rite Aid: $3.04
Saved with Coupons: $14.00
Saved with Sales: $18.50

Freebies: Nivea and the rest after Single Check Rebates

I'll get $8.99 back in Single Check Rebates for this purchase. Oh, and the Nivea was bought with a raincheck that I had.

Aldi: $19.37


I'm going through sugar like crazy with all the canning and freezing I've been doing. I still have applesauce to do so I thought I might as well start buying some for that. Oh and the feta cheese, strawberries, and spinach are for this awesome salad I'm planning to make for a get together with friends. Maybe I'll have to post the recipe and revive my Tasty Tuesday again. :)

Giant: $1.19

I purchased a dozen of eggs.

Walmart: $10.26


Target: $0
Saved with Coupons: $3.00


Dollar Tree: $2.00


I'm going to try making my own Windex with these ingredients plus dish soap and water. I've gotten really tired of using the Windex brand (and other brands too for that matter) and having streaks despite the streak free shine claim. One of my friends says this homemade version is the absolute best. Guess if I like it, you'll be seeing a recipe on here eventually.

Misc.: $14.75
Cash for produce at market.

Walmart: Free Dryel After Rebate

Purchase any Dryel Kit and/or any Dryel Refill Kit at Walmart before 8/31/10 and get your full purchase price back via a mail in rebate. Go here to see the details and claim your rebate form.

Want to turn this into a moneymaker? Use this $2/1 coupon.

Thanks Hip2Save!

$1/1 Wheat Thins Coupon (Reset)

"Like" Wheat Thins on Facebook and you'll be able to print a coupon for $1 off any box of Wheat Thins. The link is on the left side of the home page and it appears that even if you've printed it previously, you should be able to again.

This is a great coupon because the small boxes frequently go on sale for $1 at CVS which would obviously make them free.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

RecycleBank Code Update

You know that 15 point RecycleBank code that I posted yesterday? Well it looks like you can add it to your account up to 5 times for a total of 75 points!

You can also do this to earn additional points. And don't forget to check the "Earn Points" option. You might find some other good ideas there!

For What It's Worth: Freezing Cookie Dough

Did you know that you can freeze your own cookie dough? I finally gave it a try and am hooked. Simply mix up your favorite cookie dough, then roll the dough into the appropriate size balls and place in a freezer safe container. When ready to make, just pop the amount of frozen dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake as usual. The only thing you might have to do differently is bake them a little longer.

Two Tips:
1. Place the dough balls on wax paper to eliminate sticky dough residue in the bottom of your container. Also, place a layer of wax paper between each layer of dough balls.

2. Refrigerate the dough before rolling it into balls. It just is less sticky and makes the job much easier.

I love this for several reasons. (1) It keeps us from having a huge amount of already made cookies on hand or in the freezer, making it easy for me to sneak them throughout the day. (2) It is incredibly handy for those times you need a quick snack when someone stops by or even a quick dessert for dinner. (3) You get to enjoy warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookies whenever you want them!

So there you have it, for what it's worth.

Have you ever frozen cookie dough? Do you have any other tips that would be helpful? Please share!

Free Sample: Playtex Sport

Go here to request a free sample of Playtex Sport.

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

RecycleBank: 15 New Points

Remember the CVS and Rite Aid coupons I posted about recently from RecycleBank? Well, I have great news for you. You can add another 15 points to your account to use towards one of those coupons or hundreds of other rewards. Just enter THETHRIFTYFR15 at RecycleBank.com and select 'RecycleBank Insiders' before August 31, 2010 (upper right hand corner).

If you're not yet a member, register and you'll receive 25 points at registration plus the 15 points with this code for a total of 40 points to use towards rewards.

Incredible Amazon Diaper Deal

Some of you may have seen this on other blogs earlier this month, but there is an incredible deal on diapers at Amazon.com going on until the end of the month. (In case you are wondering why I didn't post this earlier, I had wanted to make sure it worked for myself and only today got my magazine with the 3rd code.) I just got 176 Pampers size 4 diapers for $2.44. That's less than 1 cent a diaper!! And if you want to save even more money and you use Swagbucks to get Amazon.com gift codes, you could use the gift code to apply towards your final total.

Instead of posting the whole deal, I just direct you over to Money Saving Mom's detailed instructional post. However, her link to the coupon section isn't working so here is a good one. Oh and please don't forget to cancel your subscription once your diapers arrive. Put on your calendar or something so you remember!

T.G.I.Friday's: $3/$10 Coupon

Go here to print a coupon for $3 off a $10 or more purchase at T.G.I.Friday's. Coupon expires 8/25/10 and does have a few restrictions.

Michael's: 40% Off Coupon

Go here to print a coupon for 40% off any one regular priced item at Michael's from now until 8/28/10. Remember some craft stores also accept competitor's coupons too.

Free Subscription: Parenting Early Years

Go here to request a free subscription to Parenting Early Years. Hurry, these offers usually go fast!

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: GoodNights

Go here to request a free sample of Huggies GoodNights.

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Free Sample: Tena Pads

Go here to request a free sample of Tena Pads.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Athenos Feta Cheese: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Coupon

Go to Athenos Facebook page and click on the coupon tab for a rare Buy 1 Get 1 Free Feta Cheese coupon. It appears that the coupon has about a one month expiration date.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

$25 Target Gift Card and Prize Pack Giveaway (Now ENDED)

My Prize Pack (the one in the giveaway is identical)

UPDATE: Giveaway has now Ended!

Do you like to help support your child's school by buying products with Box Tops for Education coupons on them? Then you'll be excited to know that from August 15-18 when you stop by your local Target you'll receive double Bonus Box Tops instantly when you buy 5 or more participating General Mills, Avery, Hefty, Juicy Juice and Welch's Box Tops for Education products. Visit GrocerySavvy.com to learn more.

And now for the giveaway. MyBlogSpark and General Mills has generously offered to give away a prize pack to one of my readers. The prize pack includes a $25 Target gift card, 25 Bonus Box Tops, an Avery Binder, Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers Variety Pack, Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, Hefty CinchSak Trash Bags, Honey Nut Cheerios, Juicy Juice 8-Pack Juice Boxes, Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, and Welch's Concord Grape Jelly.

c

Upcoming csnstores.com Product Review

Recently csnstores.com contacted me and asked if I would do a product review- any product of my choice within a certain price range. I was excited since they have everything from games, to toys, to crock-pots, to upholstered headboards, to bath towels. You name it, they pretty much have it.

The biggest problem is that I have spent WAY too much time browsing their site! But anyway, I think I finally am narrowing down my options and hopefully in a couple of weeks you can have fun reading a product review.

Oh, and stay tuned. Because later on this week I have a great giveaway coming up! I think you'll all like it.

Weekly Spending Summary

So I had another big week of spending. I really need to try to keep my spending down this week or next thing I know I'll be over budget for the month again!

Total Spent: $75.88
Total Saved with Coupons: $43.71
Total Saved with Sales: $14.91
Total Saved: $58.62

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $28.96
Saved with Sales: $12.82

Freebies: Schick razor and shaving gel and Dulcolax after Extra Bucks and coupons

I used $15.97 in Extra Bucks and got back $13.99.

Rite Aid: $1.69
Saved with Coupons: $1.00
Saved with Sales: $1.10

Freebie: Crest (after Single Check Rebate)

Don't you love my huge Rite Aid purchase?

Target: $1.32
Saved with Coupons: $2.00

My yogurt making has stopped for the time being. It just kept getting weird the last few times and I finally decided maybe the humidity had something to do with it. I don't know. But at any rate, we really miss it and until I start making it again I will probably be buying some.

Giant: $3.49
Saved with Coupons: $11.75
Saved with Sales: $0.99


Vince forgot to stop and get milk at the farm we buy it from so I had to purchase some at the store. Wow, when that happens I am always reminded how much we save by normally getting it for the $1.50/gallon that we do.

I had a $10 catalina from last week that I used to purchase these items. Then for buying the sour cream I got another $5 catalina.

Glenwood Foods (local discount grocery): $26.56

Had to stop here in a kind of emergency to get a few things that I needed for making pickles. But I also scanned a few of their other items that I know are usually priced really low and grabbed some of those things as well. My favorite purchase was the juice for $1.39.

Centerville Bulk Foods: $42.34
I was so busy the day I stopped here (had bought corn to do that day) that I didn't even bother to take a picture. So just think of lots of bulk food items and some fresh fruit and cheese. :)

Misc.: $0.48

Printable Coupon Round Up: Campbell's, Huggies, Muir Glen

* $1/1 Campbell's Select Harvest Soup (Thanks Money Saving Mom!)

* $2.50 Huggies Pure and Natural

* $0.75/1 Muir Glen Product (sold at Walmart for just over $1)

* $2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers

T.G.I. Friday's: $5/$15 Purchase Coupon

Now through August 18, you can use this coupon to save $5 off your purchase of $15 or more at T.G.I Friday's. As always, be sure to read the fine print to make sure you aren't ordering something that is excluded in the coupon!

JCPenney: $10 off $10 Purchase Coupon

I just received yet another JCPenney mailer with a coupon for $10 off any purchase of $10 or more. I have gotten probably at least four of these coupons over the last number of months and let me tell you, it's great. I usually use it to purchase something that costs right around $10 or else something that I've been needing like a gift, pillows etc. Nothing like "free" money!

Anyway, I finally figured out how others can sign up to receive these fliers too. Go here and sign up for the JCPenney list. This offer is through Eversave, so after you complete the JCPenney offer there will be a bunch of other offers that pop up. I'd highly recommend just closing the tab once you've completed the personal information for JCPenney.

I'm Up to My Ears

In corn that is. Yes, we are doing corn today. My sweet husband picked us about 400 ears this morning and now my mom, dad and I are working at getting it into the freezer. For those of you that never have frozen corn, it is quite a process. But it is one that is so worth it. There is NOTHING like homegrown frozen corn.

Anyway, I will probably be on here very little or not at all since we are going to be quite busy for the rest of the day. Hope you all enjoy your day doing whatever your busy with!

Free Sample: VitaFusion Gummy Vitamins

Go here to request a free sample of VitaFusion Heart One Gummy Vitamins.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Weekly Spending Summary

Whew! I did a lot of shopping this week. However, some of the places I stopped was because I suddenly realized I needed things for canning etc. And the Walmart and Target trips were because I needed to buy wedding gifts or other such things so I figured while I was there I might as well get some other things too!

Total Spent: $41.72
Total Saved with Coupons: $79.37
Total Saved with Sales: $64.56
Total Saved: $143.93

Rite Aid: $12.64
Saved with Coupons: $42.14
Saved with Sales: $26.32

Freebies: All of the above after rebates

I used $15.50 in +UP Rewards towards this purchase and got back $9.50. I also will get back $18.48 in Single Check Rebates and $7.29 in other rebates.

I didn't notice until I got home that the cashier missed using my one +UP Rewards coupon. I can't remember how much it was for either. But I guess I make enough money at Rite Aid I shouldn't complain, right?

Giant: $3.49
Saved with Coupons: $20.00
Saved with Sales: $32.09

Freebies: Some of the Eggo's and Keebler Crackers (all of it eventually, see below)

Okay, promise not to laugh at the huge quantity of crackers and waffles that I purchased. Here was the deal. There was a catalina and instant savings promo going on that when combined with coupons I was actually able to make money purchasing both the Keebler crackers and the Eggo waffles. I normally wouldn't buy Eggo's but since I could roll the catalina from the Keebler crackers I figured I might as well. They'll make a quick lunch when I'm in a pinch and Vince will enjoy them occasionally as something different in his lunch too.

Basically, the Cheez-It's and Twix were filler items (because I planned poorly and forgot about the overage I would have-had I planned I would have bought grapes instead). I used a $5 catalina that I had from last week and I still have a $10 catalina coupon to use on a future order, so really in the end, all of this will be free.

CVS: $0
Saved with Coupons: $6.77
Saved with Sales: $6.15

Freebies: All of the above

I had a rain check for the Skinny Cow ice cream and that combined with coupons made them free. The Sobe was on sale for Buy One Get One Free and I had some BOGO coupons so that was free too.

Aldi: $9.70


Walmart: $2.17

I had $10.17 on a gift card from a previous return and I used that to help pay for this purchase.

Target: $1.98
Saved with Coupons: $10.46

Freebies: All of the above

Okay, so you are probably wondering why I say all of the above was free when I show that I actually paid $1.98. It's a long, confusing story, but let's just try to keep it simple and say that the cashier missed some coupons and ringing some things and after it was all said and done they ended up giving me the $2 in cash. So I have to record the $1.98 since it was on a credit card and I'll put the $2 in cash in with my market money cash that I use to buy fresh produce at our local farmer's market.

Sharp Shopper: $4.98
Bought vinegar and cottage cheese.

Misc.: $6.76
Used to buy canning lids etc.