Free Sample: Shout Color Catcher

Go here to request a free sample of Shout Color Catcher.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Pampers Gifts to Grow Codes=30 Points

Add these two codes to your Pampers Gifts to Grow account to get another 30 points.

* gifts2growbonus (20 points)

* PUNTOSPARAMI123 (10 points)

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

$1/1 Nescafe Printable=Free at CVS and Target

Sign in or register to print a coupon for $1 off your next Nescafe coffee purchase. CVS and Target reportedly sell the 7 count boxes for $1, making them free after the coupon.

I love using this Nescafe coffee to make iced coffee- it's delicious!

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

Restaurant.com: $1 for $25 Gift Certificate

Today only (this offer was now extended through 10/1), use code WOW at checkout and get a $25 gift certificate for only $1 at Restaurant.com. These certificates often have restrictions, so be sure to read the fine print before you purchase them.

We recently used one of these for the first time and really enjoyed eating out at a place that we would typically never go to because of the cost. And the certificate was super easy to use, which impressed me to.

JoAnn Fabrics: 50% Off Coupon

Use this coupon through Sat., 10/2, to save 50% off one regular priced item at JoAnn Fabrics.

Thanks Saving with Shellie!

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

Use this coupon until 10/9/10 to save $5 off your purchase of $15 or more at T.G.I. Friday's.

Free Sample: Aleve

Go here to request a free sample of Aleve from Sam's Club- no membership required.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Free Sample: Parent's Choice Formula

Go here to request a free sample of Parent's Choice Formula.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Facebook: $0.50/1 Starkist Tuna

Head over to Starkist's Facebook page and print a coupon for $0.50/1 Starkist pouch product. As far as I could tell, you do not have to "like" Starkist to print this coupon.

The small pouches of tuna frequently go on sale for $1 or $1.25 so this would make for some very inexpensive tuna if you have a grocery store that doubles.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Monthly Spending Summary (Sept.)

I am always amazed at the things I learn when I do these monthly spending summaries. For one thing, I had no idea that I saved nearly $450 between coupons and sales this month! That's just crazy! I also didn't realize that the amount of rebates that I had deposited this month was so high. Of course, I was rather excited about that and was very amazed to see what that did to my annual budget.

I'm so thankful for the wiggle room I'll have now because I have a bunch of meat that I ordered for this month and that will take a chunk out of my budget. I'll also be buying apples to make applesauce, which will conclude my canning and freezing for the year. So hopefully from now on I will be able to stay under my monthly budget.

Monthly Grocery/Household Budget: $190

Total Spent: $175.40
Total Saved with Coupons/Sales: $446.32

Week 1: $77.31
Week 2: $28.71
Week 3: $44.20
Week 4: $25.18

Other Expenses: $41.86
This was for several different things including grapes that I made into grape juice.

Credits: $195.69
Believe it or not, most of this was from rebates that I received. I had a whole bunch of them finally arrive and wow, it was fun to see it boost my budget!

Ending Monthly Balance: $21.57
Balance carried from Jan.-Aug.: $3.13

Ending Annual Balance: $171.56
- In case you are confused, this is the amount I have left over for the year. This comes from being under budget in some previous months as well as this months huge credit. So basically I am ahead by $171.56 for the year. I'm going to love that wiggle room, let me tell you!

How did you do this month? I'd love to hear about it!

Weekly Spending Summary

Total Spent: $25.18
Total Saved with Coupons: $72.41
Total Saved with Sales: $32.26
Total Saved: $104.67

Rite Aid: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $41.42
Saved with Sales: $16.16

Freebies: Everything (after SCR and +UPRewards)

I used a gift card that I earned through the SCR program to pay for this purchase, otherwise I would have paid $2.02. I used $17 in +UPRewards and got back $8. I also will get back $6 and a $10 Rite Aid gift card via the SCR program.

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $25.99
Saved with Sales: $15.60

Freebies: Lumene and after Extra Bucks and coupons the Schick and Right Guard

I also purchased a 2nd package of Scott TP, not pictured

Had I not used a gift card, my out of pocket would have been $1.39. I used $17.99 in Extra Bucks and got $5.80 back.

Giant: $3.04
Saved with Coupons: $5.00
Saved with Sales: $0.50


Aldi: $22.14

$5 of this was cash back that I will use towards produce at the local farmer's market.

Free Sample: Dove Energy Glow

Wow, it's the day for samples and I'm loving it!

Go here to request a free sample of Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer with Self Tanners.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Curel Lotion

Go here to request a free sample of Curel Sensitive Skin Remedy Lotion.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Free Sample: Kleenex Care Package

While supplies last, you can send two free mini boxes of Kleenex to a friend. You're going to have to be patient though...the website is rather slow.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Free Sample: Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Go here to request a free sample for Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil from All You.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Wendy's: $1 Halloween Jr. Frosty Coupon Book

Wendy's is offering the $1 Halloween coupon booklet again. Basically, this is a little booklet that you pay $1 for and in it are 10 coupons for free Jr. Frosty's. I bought this last year and it was a great way to save money on something that we love. It made for some fun, inexpensive treats. If I remember correctly, the coupons had about a 3 to 4 months expiration date.

If you don't see these at your local Wendy's, just ask. They should all have them.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

Free Sample: U by Kotex

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

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

Free Sample: Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Sign up here for a free sample of Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff shampoo.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

My Unexpected Blogging Break

Okay, I think I am back into posting again today. Yesterday my computer was acting very strange- it was t.e.r.r.i.b.l.y. slow and I couldn't use Mozilla. Internet Explorer worked only about half the time and it was so slow it took forever to do anything. I tried all sorts of things to get it to work right to no avail. So I decided it was a sign that it was time to take a break from blogging. :)

But, I hope to get up to date with the freebies and stuff today. Hope you all are having a great weekend!

Vocalpoint: Free Crest Pro-health For Kids Sample

Vocalpoint is offering a free sample of Crest Pro-Health For Me (for kids) when you sign up here. Simply log into or create an account.

Thanks Michelle!

csnstores.com Product Reviews

Remember how I promised you a product review from two products I received from csnstores.com? Well here it is!

I was in desperate need of a mattress cover for our spare bed and so I ordered this one. Obviously I can't tell you how this cover has held up over a year's wear and tear, but so far I've been fairly impressed with it. It fits much more snug than the one that we use on our own bed, which I really like. It gets to be annoying when your mattress cover is loose and moves around! The only negative thing I noticed was that the material that the cover is made from is not very soft. But really, that isn't a big deal since you obviously put a sheet on top of it anyway!

So I'd give this a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

The other item I ordered was this little Melissa and Doug Cutting Food Box Play Set. I have heard great things about Melissa and Doug toys but so far we haven't gotten any for Logan. I had been eyeing this particular toy for a while and thought Logan might enjoy it. Was I ever right! He was tickled the moment he saw it and has played and played with it. I actually had put it away after a couple of days and thought I'd save it as a "rainy day toy" but he found my hiding spot one day and has since asked for it every day.

I love the bright colors and that it is made out wood. And Logan has fun trying to put the pieces together and also cutting them. It is recommended for ages 3 and up and I can see why. Logan just turned 2 and plays with other toys that are supposedly below his age level. And while he loves this Cutting Food Play Set, he does get frustrated with it too because he can't quite always get the pieces together and cut it correctly. I end up spending quite a bit of time helping him with it. But I am sure that in a couple of months as his coordination improves that he'll be having even more fun with it!

The only negative thing I've discovered is that some of the paint from the food rubs off onto the knife and or cutting board. It hasn't been a lot, but I was a bit disappointed with that. However, I still would give the set a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for your child or as a gift for one.

Chick-Fil-A: Free Spicy Chicken Nuggets (Select Areas)

Visit the Chick-fil-a website to make reservations to try an 8-count of their new spicy chicken nuggets free. This offer is only available in the following locations: Augusta, GA, Denver, CO, Dayton, OH, Cincinnati, OH, and Maryland. I know I have a number of Maryland readers so I hope at least some of you can get in on this!

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Free Sample: Cinnabon Cream of Wheat

Go here to request a free sample of Cinnabon Cream of Wheat and a $2 coupon.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Kraft Printable Coupons- High Value

Kraft just released a whole bunch of great new coupons and I'm sure they will go fast. Go here to print yours now.

Coupons include:

* $1/1 ANY Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Product
* $1/1 ANY Boca Product
* $1/1 ANY Kraft 2% Milk Cheese Product
* $1/1 ANY Breakstone’s 2% or Fat Free Cottage Cheese Product
* $1/1 ANY Kraft Light or Fat Free Salad Dressing
* $1/1 ANY Maxwell House Product
* $1/1 ANY Planters Product
* $1/1 ANY Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Product
* $1/1 ANY Crystal Light Product
* $1/1 ANY Sugar Free Jell-O Ready-to-Eat Product

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

$1/1 Pampers Wipes Coupon

Sign up here for a coupon by mail for $1/1 Pampers ThickCare Wipes.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Bridal Guide Magazine: Free Issue

Do you know someone who is planning a wedding? You might want to let them know about this deal. If you go here, you can get a free issue of Bridal Guide magazine.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

Weekly Spending Summary

Some of you may be wondering why I do these Weekly Spending Summaries. And really, it's been a while since I've answered that question. My goal in showing you my spending and savings is to help you see how much you really can save by combining coupons and sales. It really DOES make a difference.

I really hope that you don't find it discouraging. And please don't feel badly if you don't save as much as I do. (You can feel wonderful if you save more though!) Remember, even if you're only saving $20 a week, you are still stretching your budget. And don't forget that this whole couponing/drugstore/grocery game takes a while to get the hang of...and I've been doing it for over 2 years.

If you have thoughts or suggestions in relation to these posts, I'd welcome them.

This was a fun week- so many great deals and so much savings. I admit though, I'm glad there aren't this many bargains every week. I think I'd wear out pretty fast. Actually, I'd just have to be more picky and skip a lot of them.

Total Spent: $44.20
Total Saved with Coupons: $147.98
Total Saved with Sales: $58.61
Total Saved: $206.58

Rite Aid: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $90.50
Saved with Sales: $19.72

Freebies: Oreos and the rest after Single Check Rebates

I am still using a gift card that I earned through the SCR (Single Check Rebates) program. Had I not used it, my out of pocket would have been $1.96.

I split these items into 3 transactions so that I could use three $5/$25 coupons. That really helped me maximize my savings!

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $19.99
Saved with Sales: $4.70

Freebies: All of the above after Extra Bucks

I used the $4/$20 CVS coupon which sweetened this transaction even more than what it would have been! The Glide floss was purchased with a rain check. I used $14.99 in Extra Bucks and got $15.48 back.

Giant: $0.50
Saved with Coupons: $8.00
Saved with Sales: $8.11

Freebies: Ronzoni

I had a $3 catalina coupon from last week that I used towards this purchase. I also use the $2/$5 Giant Meat coupon for the bacon.

Weis: $20.61
Saved with Coupons: $27.49
Saved with Sales: $26.07

Freebies: Cheerios and One Feta Cheese

Okay, so I don't often shop at Weis and I got myself a little confused. They had a catalina coupon deal where when you spent $35 on certain items you got a $10 catalina back. Or you could spend $25 and get $5 catalina. I forgot that with Weis they count the $35 on the shelf price, not the sale price. So I was rather surprised when a $10 catalina printed instead of a $5. Not that I minded of course! I just would have done a few things differently such as not purchase the one box of Cheerios (since I didn't need that to get to my $35 total).

Anyway, I split this into two transactions. The first one I bought the items for the catalina promotion and the second one I paid for using the $10 catalina and a $3 catalina that printed for the Pillsbury rolls. I had a Buy One Get One Free coupon for the feta cheese and two coupons for free boxes of Cheerios from the manufacture (don't remember how I got them).

I decided to be brave and do something that Jen has said she often does. I found a bunch of Angus chuck roasts that had a sell by date for the following day and then I picked one out and went to the meat department manager and asked if they would give me a discount on it since it had a sell by date for the next day. (Weis often puts $2 or $3 off stickers on meats that have a close sell by date.) The manager said they don't often put them on roasts but since there were so many that were close dated she would. So I got a nice size Angus roast for $1.49/lb.. I guess it really never does hurt to ask!

Oh, and just in case you are wondering, I am not planning on keeping all 8 bags of flour. My mother-in-law wanted 4 of them.

Walmart: $6.95
Saved with Coupons: $2.00

Freebies: Gain dish soap

I also purchased a sippy cup for my son. He was playing with it and I forgot to put it on the picture.

Westfield Farm Store: $16.14


During the summer I don't get over in the direction of Westfield very often and I really missed being able to get inexpensive eggs. They have "seconds" of eggs that they sell for $0.70/doz. and regular large eggs for $0.90/doz. which is quite a bit cheaper than I can get eggs anywhere else around here anymore.

Free Sample: Mariani Cinnamon Raisin Bread Raisins

Go here to request a free sample of Mariani Cinnamon Raisin Bread Raisins.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Thomas' Gourmet Coffee

Go here to request a free sample of Thomas' Gourmet Coffee.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Free Sample: Wisk Detergent (ANOTHER link)

Yes, this is yet another link for the new Wisk detergent. Guess they really want us to have a chance to try this. Not that we are complaining right?

Anyway, head over here and click on the flashing hexagon to score a free sample of Wisk detergent from Walmart.

Thanks Deal Seeking Mom!

$0.50/1 Green Giant Veggies Coupon

There is a hot coupon here for $0.50/1 Green Giant veggies. If your store doubles coupons you should be able to get free or nearly free veggies when you combine this with a sale.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Swagcode Alert: Code Worth 7 Swagbucks

If you head over to the Swagbucks blog and look for the post with the above image in it you will find a swagcode worth 7 Swagbucks. This code is good until 9 pm. PDT on 9/18.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Free Sample: Cold-Eeze

Go here to request a free sample of Cold-Eeze.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Free Sample: Wisk Detergent (New Link)

Go here to request a free sample of Wisk Detergent from Costco-no membership required.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Pringles Offer- Illegitimate?

Remember that Facebook offer for free Pringles Extreme that I posted the other day? Well, there is some question about the legitimacy of it. Colin over at Hip2Save has a detailed post regarding the matter that you might want to check out if you did this offer.

Huggies Enjoy the Ride Codes: 41 Points

Here are some new codes that you can add to your Huggies Enjoy the Ride account and get 41 more points. Check them out:

BFZJXQLFCXQLPGB (5 pts.)

BFXRHQZZHCNLPGB (5 pts.)

BJLKLQJQFKQBPGB (5 pts.)

BJNDJSLLMDXJPGB (5 pts.)

BJKFTDXKFHCDPGB (5 pts.)

BJLTSTSFXCQMPGB (5 pts.)

BJNZKHMLTMXDPGB (5 pts.)

BJKNGQJRMBQRPGB (5 pts.)

BGNDNHQCDQBMPGB (1 pt.)

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Free Sample: Bio True Contact Lens Solution

Go here to request a free sample of Bio True from Costco- no membership required at this point.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Wisk Detergent

Go here (click on the flashing hexagon) to request a free sample of Wisk detergent from Sam's Club- no membership required.

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Free Sample: Crest Pro-Health

Take the two question quiz here and see if you qualify for a free sample of Crest Pro-Health. If you don't qualify for that, you may still qualify for another free dental product sample.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Freebie: Pringles Extreme

Head over to Pringles Facebook page to request a coupon for a free can of Pringles Extreme.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Weekly Spending Summary

This was a good week for me. I was really happy to stay under $30 even with buying a half bushel of pears. It gives me hope that this month will be better than the previous ones!

Total Spent: $28.71
Total Saved with Coupons: $59.53
Total Saved with Sales: $36.71
Total Saved: $96.24

Rite Aid: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $24.00
Saved with Sales: $14.37

Freebies: All of the above after +UPRewards and SCR

I used a gift card that I had earned through the Single Check Rebates (SCR) program to pay for this purchase, otherwise my out of pocket would have been $6.55. I had a raincheck for the Poster Lights and will get them free after SCR. I used $4 in +UPRewards and got $9 in +UPRewards back, plus I will get $6.59 back in SCR.

CVS: $0
Saved with Coupons: $17.95
Saved with Sales: $9.27

Freebies: Sobe and the rest after Extra Bucks

I used $5 in Extra Bucks to pay for this purchase and got $4.99 back in Extra Bucks.

Giant: $4.00
Saved with Coupons: $12.58
Saved with Sales: $8.42

Freebies: Campbell's soup; Holsum bread; Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

I had 2 coupons for free Pillsbury products that I got by calling the manufacturer when some previous cans exploded unexplainably in my fridge. There is a catalina deal at Giant right now where you earn a $3 catalina when you purchase 6 Pillsbury products. So I did that and got a $3 catalina to use on my next purchase.

Weis: $0.40
Saved with Coupons: $5.00
Saved with Sales: $4.65

Freebies: All the GUM products

I was excited to get all of the GUM items free! I also got some plain yogurt because I hope to start making my own yogurt again and needed some for starter.

Centerville Bulk Foods: $24.31

I bought 1/2 bushel pears and the above items.