Free Sample: Gas-X

Sign up here for a free sample of Gas-X Prevention

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Clorox Wipes

Sign up for the Clorox Clean Team newsletter and you'll get a free sample of Clorox wipes.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Monthly Spending Summary (Nov.)

I spent very little this month. As I said before, I really didn't need that much and we also have had meals coming in the last 2 weeks which means that I for sure don't need to buy as much groceries as normal.

If you look back over my Weekly Spending Summaries for the month though, you'll see that I did actually buy quite a lot of stuff. What really helped was the fact that there were some amazing sales combined with some great coupons which meant I was able to get a lot of food and cosmetics for free.

Monthly Grocery/Household Budget: $190

Total Spent: $60.88
Total Saved with Coupons/Sales: $398.27
Week 1: $26.18
Week 2: $19.82
Week 3: $9.63
Week 4: $5.25

Other Expenses: $26.18
- this was for some vitamins and an ink cartridge

Credits: $21.57
- this was a rebate as well as a return that I did

Ending Monthly Balance: $65.49
Balance carried from Jan.-Oct.: $52.73

Ending Annual Balance: $177.24
- 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 month. So basically I am ahead by $177.24 for the year.

Weekly Spending Summary

This was an interesting week. I got 20 candy bars free and also had what I'm sure was a record low week of spending for me. Seriously. Even if I had not used gift cards, my out of pocket would have only been $15.76. All I can say is that I am thankful for Black Friday sales and for people that are sharing meals with us right now!

Total Spent: $5.25
Total Saved with Coupons: $139.59
Total Saved with Sales: $82.39
Total Saved: $221.98

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $71.12
Saved with Sales: $18.18

Freebies: All of the above after Extra Bucks

Had I not used a gift card (earned through our credit card rewards) to pay for this purchase, I would have spent $0.98. I started out with $29.98 in Extra Bucks and ended with $32.24.

I used rain checks to buy the Cocoa Krispies & AZO and I had a free product coupon for the SOBE.

Rite Aid: $1.57 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $58.47
Saved with Sales: $59.76

Freebies: All of the above after rebates and UPRewards

I also purchased a 2nd pack of Scott that is not pictured

I used a gift card that I earned through the Single Check Rebate program to partly pay for this stuff, otherwise my out of pocket would have been $11.10. I started out with no UPRewards and ended with $5 UPRewards and will get back $17.97 in Single Check Rebates. I used a $5/$20 and a $4/$20 coupon which obviously helped me save quite a bit!

Giant: $3.68
Saved with Coupons: $10.00
Saved with Sales: $4.45

Freebies: Kashi

Okay, this was a fun trip. Because I bought 3 Kashi cereals, I got a coupon for $3 off my next purchase. And I was also delighted because I had coupons for $3 off any Kashi cereal. The Kashi cereal was on sale for $2.89 each but the coupons still took off $3 each! Love when that happens...and of course it made some of my other items free then.

Were you able to get some great Black Friday deals? Did you get free chocolate too? What are you going to do with it all?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. - Psalm 106:1

I wish you all a wonderful day as you reflect on the things that you have to be thankful for. I feel more keenly aware than ever this year of the many things that we have to be thankful for. Not only do I have a wonderful husband and son but we are all experiencing good health, have a cozy house, plenty to eat, lots of friends, the love of family, a God that has met us SO much in the last 2 weeks and given us grace and peace....and I could go on and on. Life is not easy, but we do have so much to be thankful for.

So again, Happy Thanksgiving! I'm looking forward to enjoying the day with my husband's family. Sounds like good times ahead!

Free Sample: Starbucks Natural Fusion Coffee

Go here to request a free sample of Starbucks Natural Fusion Coffee from Walmart.

Thanks For the Mommas!

$0.50/1 Bird's Eye Printable

"Like" Birds Eye on Facebook and you'll be able to print out a coupon for $0.50/1 Birds Eye vegetable. If you have a store that doubles coupons you should be able to score some free or nearly free veggies. Oh, and get this. The coupon doesn't expire until 12/31/11!

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

CVS: Free Toothbrush or Shampoo

Enter your CVS Extra Care card number here along with your email address and you'll receive a coupon via email for a free CVS brand toothbrush or Bioluxe trial size shampoo or conditioner. Offer is only available until 11/24/10 and the coupon expires on 11/27/10.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Weekly Spending Summary

I had another week of very little spending. This was due to just trying to take it easy and therefore not shopping much, to the lack of very good deals, and because I really don't need many groceries right now. I don't need many groceries because our church is providing meals for us 3 times a week for the next 4 weeks, so I'm enjoying the break from cooking and the boost to our budget. However, I have a feeling some of the grocery savings will end up going towards Eleni's hospital bills at the end of the year, so I don't know that it will really give me lots of extra wiggle room. Still it helps!

Anyway, here's the breakdown of my two shopping trips.

Total Spent: $9.63
Total Saved with Coupons: $33.50
Total Saved with Sales: $14.72
Total Saved: $48.22

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $18.00
Saved with Sales: $6.90

Freebies: Both Items after Extra Bucks

Had I not used a gift card to pay for this stuff, it would have cost me $1.98. I purchased the toothbrush with a rain check.

Giant: $9.63
Saved with Coupons: $15.50
Saved with Sales: $7.82

Freebies: Scotties tissues, Pillsbury Biscuits (after catalina coupon)

There was a catalina deal where you get a $3 coupon when you buy 6 Pillsbury biscuits. The little cans are only $0.53 and there were $0.75/3 blinkie coupons that I found so really I made $1.32 on them. I know that there are only 5 biscuits on the picture above, but that is because the cashier forgot to put the one in my bag.

How's your spending? Did you get any great deals this past week? I'd love to hear about it!

Hallmark: $10 off $10 or More for Moms and Moms-to-Be

If you're a mom or a mom-to-be, you can sign up here to receive a coupon for $10 off any $10 purchase at your local Hallmark Gold Crown store. It does say "valid at participating Hallmark Gold Crown retailers" so you may want to call your local store to make sure they are participating before you make a special trip.

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Tupperware Fundraiser

I was recently made aware of a little girl that is suffering from a very rare food allergy condition. In order to raise the money needed to do research on her condition, her parents are doing a Tupperware fundraiser. I don't usually post things like this, but I guess our experience with our little baby Eleni has made me feel more compassion for babies that are struggling.

So if you are needing some Tupperware or were thinking of buying some for a gift, why not head over here and read about Hannah's condition and help them out?

Ace Hardware: 50% Off Coupon

There is a coupon available at Coupons.com for 50% off one regular priced item under $30 at Ace Hardware on Sat., 11/27/10. I suggest printing it now if you want it, because there is no guarantee that it will stay available.

The coupon didn't show up for me until I put in my zipcode.

Krispy Kreme: Free Doughnut

Do you have a Krispy Kreme nearby? If you sign up for the Friends of Krispy Kreme email newsletter, you'll receive a coupon for a free Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

$0.55/2 Dozen Eggs Printable Coupon

It's not too often you see a coupon for eggs, but right now you can go here and print a coupon for $0.55/2 dozen eggs (any brand). If you have a store that doubles coupons, you'll be able to get an even sweeter deal!

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Staples: 15% Off Coupon

Here's a coupon for 15% off one item at Staples (some exclusions apply). Coupon expires 11/21/10, so you won't have much time to use it!

Starbucks: Buy One Holiday Drink Get One Free (11/18 - 11/21)

Want to enjoy a little treat and share with someone else too? Starbucks is offering their holiday drinks for Buy One Get One Free this weekend 11/18 - 11/21 from 2-5pm.

Holiday drink flavors:

• Peppermint Mocha
• Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Eggnog Latte
• Caramel Brulee Latte
• Gingerbread Latte
• Caramel Brulee Frappucino
• Peppermint Mocha Frappucino
  

Thanks Centsable Momma!

$1/2 Hershey's Kisses Printable Coupon

Head over here to print a coupon for $1/2 Hershey's Kisses bags (7.5 oz or larger). With the holidays approaching, I'm thinking we should see some good sales for these. I love using them to make Peanut Butter Blossom...those cookies that have Hershey Kisses in the middle. Anyone else love them?

$0.35/1 Hamburger Helper

Print this coupon to save $0.35 on Hamburger, Chicken or Tuna Helper. The coupon says "Do Not Double" but the bar code starts with a "5" so many stores will still double it.

$0.50/1 Scotties Facial Tissue

Go here to print a coupon for $0.50/1 Scotties Facial Tissue 60-264 ct. These go on sale fairly often for around $1 at Giant (and probably other grocery stores too), so since they double coupons, you should be able to get some inexpensive or free tissues.

$1/1 Kraft Shredded Cheese with a Touch of Philadelphia

Here's a coupon for $1/1 Kraft Shredded Cheese with a Touch of Philadelphia. Walmart is supposed to have these on roll back for $2. Remember though, that Walmart prices do vary.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Huggies Enjoy the Ride Codes= 12 Points

Sign up or log into your Huggies Enjoy the Ride account and use these codes to add ?? points to it.

BJQXHDKRRKGMPGB (5 pts.)

BJRGHJHZNFSJPGB (5 pts.)

BJXGGGWLZJMNPGB (1 pt.)

BJSMXWWNSTSBPGB (1 pt.)

Thanks Hooked on Bargains!

$1/1 Scott Toilet Paper or Paper Towels

This is a great coupon if you like Scott products. Go here to print a coupon for $1 off any size Scott Bath Tissue or Towels. The single rolls go on sale for close to $1 fairly often and Rite Aid has had the 12 packs on sale for a good price frequently. Coupon expires 12/1/10.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Family Circle: 2 Free Issues

Sign up here for two free issues of Family Circle magazine

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Weekly Spending Summary

I finally am getting my last weeks spending summary posted. I didn't spend much partly because I didn't really need much and partly because our baby's early arrival changed my plans a bit!

Total Spent: $19.82
Total Saved with Coupons: $53.35
Total Saved with Sales: $42.75
Total Saved: $96.10

Rite Aid: $18.58
Saved with Coupons: $28.36
Saved with Sales: $19.61

Freebies: All of the above except the Scott

I bought the above items and then later in the week my Mom went and used all of the UPRewards that I had and got a few other things I needed as a result of Eleni's birth. Obviously I didn't bother taking a picture of that purchase...that was the least of my worries. :)

Giant: $1.24
Saved with Coupons: $13.00
Saved with Sales: $21.58

Freebies: Wholly Salsa and all the Pillsbury products

This was an awesome week at Giant. They had the Wholly Salsa on sale for Buy One Get One Free and by using this $4 coupon I was able to get 4 for free! Plus there was a catalina deal where you got $5 off your order if you bought 10 Pillsbury products. I was lucky enough to find some peelie coupons on several of the cake mix boxes and by using them with other coupons I had, I was able to get all of the Pillsbury products free too. Hadn't had that much fun shopping at Giant in a long time!

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $11.99
Saved with Sales: $1.56

Freebie: Cold Buster

My Absence

I'm sure some of you are wondering just what happened to me that I suddenly stopped posting on here the last several days. Well, God brought an unexpected turn of events into our lives on Thursday, November 11.

Our little daughter Eleni Jo surprised us by arriving 5 1/2 weeks early on 11/11/10 at 8:25 am. Because of her early birth, we knew that she would knew that she would need to be in the NICU for at least a couple of days. We soon realized shortly after she was born though that things were more serious than we ever anticipated. Eleni was born with a form of dwarfism that basically left her with no chance of living due to underdeveloped lungs along with several other things. The doctors and nurses worked hard to help her survive, but soon realized that there was no hope. After living for 2 hours, she died very peacefully in our arms.

Her name means "shining light" and "sweetheart" and that really is what she was and is. She is our little sweetheart who is now a shining light in heaven. Her short life has impacted ours in so many ways and one of those is that we have an even stronger desire to serve God with all of our hearts and someday be able to be reunited with her in heaven.

The past several days have been hard and yet we have felt God's presence and the love of those who care for us too. Please pray for us.

I'll probably be back to posting at least some in the next day or two.

Giant: Free Wholly Products

I don't usually post store deals, but since I know I have quite a few readers that shop at Giant PA/Martin's and this is such a good deal I thought I'd post it.

Giant has the Wholly Salsa and Wholly Queso on sale for Buy One Get One Free and they are priced at $3.99-$4.99. Use this $4 coupon to get 2 for free or for $0.99! Sounds like a great deal to me!

Thanks For the Mommas!

Arquest Diaper Survey

I originally posted this back in January, but thought it was worth posting about again. I have done at least 6 or 7 surveys for them and have found them to be very easy to do, taking little time and they have always paid without any hassle. I highly recommend this program!

For those of you with children in diapers, I have a great program to tell you about. You can get paid to sample diapers. Seriously! There is this company called Arquest that pays you do to diaper surveys and they are super easy. I recently did one and got paid $10 to do the surveys (which took maybe 15 min.) and also received around 70 diapers free!

If you want to do a diaper survey and get paid $10 plus get free diapers, simply call 1-888-diaper2 and if you have a boy dial ext. 634, if you have a girl ext. 646. You will then be prompted to leave your name, your child's gender and the diaper size that you want to try and your phone number. Sometimes you'll have someone call you back immediately, but most often it will go up to several weeks. I think I waited three to four weeks before I got the call that they had a diaper survey opening for my son's size, so be patient.

And just in case you are wondering I was not asked to do this promotion nor did I get paid in anyway to tell you about this. I am just telling you because I think it is a great way to save and I know how you all love to save!

Free Flip Flops with Orbit Gum Purchase

Have you purchased Orbit gum lately? If so you may want to head over here and grab a free pair of flip flops. You will have to wait for the page to load before you see the free flip flop offer.

Thanks Hip 2 Save!

$4/1 Wholly Guacamole Coupon

Go to Wholly Guacamole's Facebook page and click on the "coupon" tab to print a coupon for $4 off one Wholly Guacaomle, Wholly Salsa, or Wholly Queso product. This should reportedly get you a free or nearly free product. Please note that this coupon is printing with an expiration of 11/14/10, so you will need to use it this week.

I'm told that Walmart carries this brand, but I have had no success finding any of their products there. Any idea what section I should look in? If I remember correctly I looked in the area where they have salsa previously, with no luck.

Thanks Cha-Ching on a Shoestring!

Weekly Spending Summary

There just weren't many good sales this week, so I took a bit of a shopping break. I rather enjoyed it to be honest. I had enough things to keep me busy and it was a fun breather.

Total Spent: $26.18
Total Saved with Coupons: $29.31
Total Saved with Sales: $2.66
Total Saved: $31.97

CVS: $0 (gift card)
Saved with Coupons: $29.31
Saved with Sales: $2.66

Freebies: Schick Razor and Shaving Gel, Extra Gum, Lumene & Nivea- after Extra Bucks

If I had not used a gift card, my grand total would have been a whopping $0.26! I had a bunch of Extra Bucks to use up, so I took the opportunity to also use some of the rainchecks I had. The ones I used were for the Nivea and the Schick Razor. I had a $2.50 coupon that printed out of the CVS coupon machine that I combined with a manufacturer's coupon to get the Huggies wipes for around $1.50. Figured I'll be needing even more of them in a couple of weeks, so I might as well continue to stockpile!

I used $12.99 in Extra Bucks and got $14 back.

Aldi: $26.18


$5 of this was cash back that I got to use on produce at local produce stands.

Giant Pa: $1/$5 Produce Purchase

Here is a new coupon for $1 off any produce purchase of $5 or more at Giant. This coupon is good until 11/20/10.

Thanks For the Mommas!

$1/1 Muir Glen Product Coupon

Print this coupon to save $1 on any Muir Glen product. Walmart has the fire roasted tomatoes priced at around $1.25 (which are incredibly good) and the tomato paste for around $1 if I remember correctly. Coupon seems to expire one month from printing.

Free Sample: Lactaid Fast Act

Request a free sample of Lactaid Fast Act.

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Free Sample: Nescafe Taster's Choice

Sign up here for a free 6 pack sample of Nescafe Taster's Choice instant coffee. I love using these for my iced coffee.

Thanks Michelle!

Freebie: American Baby Subscription

Go here to sign up for a free subscription to American Baby magazine.

Thanks Koupon Karen!

$0.55/1 Breakstone's Printable Coupon

One of my favorite coupons has reset again. Often my local grocery store has these on sale for around $1.25 and since it can be doubled, I can get some super cheap sour cream.

- $0.55/1 Breakstone's Sour Cream (16 oz. or larger)

10 Uses for Dryer Sheets

Picture: Real Simple

Jen over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam has a great post on how to get more life out of your used dryer sheets as well as some creative ways to use new ones. I love learning these kinds of things!

Burger King: Free Coffee Friday's in November

Stop by participating Burger King locations every Friday in November and get a free Seattle's Best 12 oz. coffee. Offer is good while supplies last and is only available during breakfast hours.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

7-Eleven : Free Coffee

You can use this coupon to get a free small coffee at participating 7-Eleven stores. This is an offer that Citibank is doing to promote their new at ATM's at some 7-Eleven locations.

Thanks Koupon Karen!

T.G.I.Friday's: Buy One Salad or Sandwich, Get One Free

You can use this coupon at T.G.I.Fridays to get a free salad or sandwich when you purchase one at regular price.

Tanger Outlets: Coupons and Possible $50 Gift Card for $25!

"Like" Tanger Outlets on Facebook and you'll be able to sign up for a free coupon booklet to use at the Tanger Outlets of your choice.

And on top of that, if there are 50,000 new “Likes” by the Magic of Midnight After Thanksgiving Sale (November 26), fans will receive 50% off a $50.00 Gift Card. That is a $50.00 Tanger Gift Card for $25.00! The day that they hit the fan amount, they will post a link that will be up for only 24 hours, so be sure not to miss it! I will do my best to post about it when I see it.

There is also a 20% coupon that you can print to use at participating stores until 11/21.

Thanks For the Mommas!

Free Sample: Purina Dog or Cat Food

Sign up here for a free sample of Purina One Dog or Cat food.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Free Sample: Tom's of Maine

Go here to request a free sample of Tom's of Maine toothpaste- this time from Walmart.

Thanks Mojo Savings!

Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe

A while back in my Weekly Spending Summary I mentioned buying things to make my own window cleaner. I promised that after I tried it out, I'd post the recipe if I liked it.

I personally have had a real dislike for Windex and other store bought window cleaners. I was always having trouble with my windows looking streaky and honestly, sometimes I felt like I had to scrub like crazy to get off the dirt- esp. when I was doing the outside part of my windows. I kept thinking of making my own, but wasn't sure which recipe to try and just never got it done. So when I had a friend tell me how much she loved this recipe, I decided to bite the bullet and try it.

I have not been disappointed. It cleans up mirrors and windows like a charm, without any streak either, let me tell you. And I tested it this morning on my smudgy, finger printed windows (think pretty stuck on and dirty) and it had them shining and clear without any hard scrubbing. Oh, and did I mention that it takes literally a minute to make and is very inexpensive? Yeah, well it does and it is. Personally, I'm sold on the stuff.

Okay, so here's the recipe. I'd love to know what you think of it if you try it!

Homemade Window Cleaner

1/2 c. rubbing alcohol
2 Tbsp. ammonia
1 tsp. dish soap
water

Put the first three ingredients in a 32 oz. spray bottle then fill with water up to the 32 oz. mark. Spray away!

Do you have any favorite homemade cleaner recipes? I'd love to try making more of my own things.

Tasty Tuesday: French Onion Soup

I've never been a huge fan of onions and so I always thought I wouldn't like French Onion Soup. Last year at a friend's birthday brunch, I had my first taste of French Onion Soup and realized how delicious it was!

Recently I was hungry for it again and decided to try making it myself. I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to recreate that rich, delicious flavor I remembered, but I wasn't disappointed. I used beef broth that I had frozen from when I made pot roast and it tasted wonderful! I really don't know if I would even try making it with canned broth. I'm just afraid it would miss that rich flavor that homemade broth has. But you do whatever you want!

Anyway, here's the recipe I used...easy as can be.

French Onion Soup

1/4 c. butter
3 c. thinly sliced Vidalia or sweet onions
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. flour
4 c. beef broth or 3 (10 oz.) cans
6 slices French bread
cheese

Place butter and onions in a large saucepan. Cover and cook slowly for 15 minutes. Blend in salt and flour. Add beef broth and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Pour into oven proof soup bowls or cups. Top with a slice of French bread and a slice of cheese. Broil for a few minutes until cheese is melted.

Yield: 5-6 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.

Recyle Bank: 25 Points and $3 Kashi Coupon

You can add 25 points to your Recycle Bank account by logging in, clicking on the "Live Green" tab then following the prompts to take a short quiz about green living. This only took me a couple of minutes.

Right now there is also a $3 coupon good on any Kashi product that you can get for only 50 points. You can find the coupon by clicking on "Get Rewards" then "Grocery & Food". I often see the Kashi cereal on sale for $2.50, so you should be able to score free cereal with this coupon.

Thanks Capitally Frugal!