FREE Bottle of Suave - January 14 Only!!

Click here for the details.

I will remind you again on the 14th.

New Year's Resolutions

I don't usually make resolutions but this year I have decided to make a list of things I plan to do/change/or improve on. Wish me luck!


1) Plan a menu each week. I think this will save money but also it will end pity disagreements between my husband and I. We waste so much time trying to decide what to fix for dinner.


2) Pay off bills. I am starting the Debt Snowball by Dave Ramsey. I am on Step 2 of the Baby Steps. This will be hardest I'm sure.

3) I received some cash for Christmas and I have started me a "New Stove Fund". Anyone who would like to contribute, please let me know. LOL I am in desperate need of a new stove and I am going save enough cash to buy one. My husband doesn't know I am doing this. It's going to be my surprise.

4) Exercise more and lose a few pounds.

5) Get to work by 8:00 if not 5 minutes early every morning instead of 3-4 minutes after. :)

Have you made any New Year's resolutions? If so, let me know what they are.

FREE Organic Cascadian Farm Chocolate Chewy Granola Bar

Click here to order.

Arby's Coupon

Free Medium Dr. Pepper with any Purchase. Click here to print.

Interesting/Useful/Fun Website

Pipl.com Wink.com Zabasearch.com - Looking for an old friends from school. Try these neat websites.

Thought of the Day

Think of anything you would like to change about yourself or your life in the new year. Figure out ways that will help you make those changes.

Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale

Bath & Body Works

Now through December 31 - Signature Collection Lotion $3 Each

Now through January 11 - Signature Collection $6 Each or 3 for $15

January 1 - 11 - Wallflowers Diffuser Starter SEts and Refills $5

January 5 - 11 - Select Aromatherapy & True Blue Spa Cleansers and Moisturizers -$5

January 8 - 18 - Anti=Bacterial Collection 5 for $15 or 7 for $20

You may also find gift baskets marked 75% off. They usually go fast.

What To Do With An Unwanted Gift Card?

Click here to read.

I personally don't think I would ever have this problem but incase you do this could may give you some ideas.

Maria's Italian Chicken Pasta

This is a quick dish that I make often.

Ingredients:
1 Bottle Italian Dressing
2 Chicken Breasts
1 Bag Pasta (Elbow, Corkscrew, etc.)

Directions:
Cook pasta until tender and drain.
Cut up chicken into bite size pieces and cook.
Combine pasta, chicken, and dressing and serve.

I like to serve this with garlic bread and a salad.

FREE Sample of Bausch & Lomb Lens Cleaning Tissue

Click here for your FREE Sample.

FREE Sample of Total Cereal

Click here to order your FREE sample.

Thought of the Day

Do something you enjoy - Read a book by your favorite author.

FREE Samples of Kerasol Foot Lotion

Click here to take the Kerasal Challenge.

- Fill out the form below to receive your free samples
- Use the samples we send you daily, and as directed, for 3 - 5 days on ONE foot only.
- At the end of the challenge, compare your “Kerasal foot” to your other foot.

A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words

Multi-Use Item - Plastic Cup

Punch holes in the bottom of a plastic cup to make a sifter to use. This will come in handy if you are wanting to sprinkle powdered sugar on top of a cake.

Thought of the Day

Go bicycle riding with a friend.

Thought of the Day

If you do it, do it well.

Thought of the Day

Choose positive motivators.

Thought of the Day

Happy Birthday to my sweet husband Matt!!!

He was almost a Christmas baby.

Thought of the Day

Merry Christmas to You!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with fun, family and lots of good food.

I will see you back online Monday!

Thrifty Tips to Prepare for Christmas

Katie at Three Blondes and a Redhead has a great post on some pre-Christmas organization tips. Click here to read. I am definitely going to find a few minutes in my busy Christmas Eve to prepare for all of Payton's gifts.

Interesting/Useful/Fun Website

Uexchange.com - Trade Anything, Pay Nothing. U-Exchange is the Largest Free Swap Site on the net that specializes in every type of trade. There are no membership fees, barter currencies or commissions taken on trades. It's Free to contact, post and trade with other members.



This site reminds me of the movie The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. The 2 girls exchange homes for a vacation and there lives completely change.

FREE Crock Pot Recipe Booklet

Click here for your FREE Crock Pot Recipe Booklet.

Thought of the Day

Don't forget to leave cookies and milk tonight for Santa.

TASTY TUESDAY - REINDEER COOKIES

I "made" these last night for Payton's play school Christmas party. They are so cute and so easy.

Ingredients:

Nutter Butter Cookies

Pretzels

Icing

Mini M&M's

Tube of White Icing

Use the icing to assemble the cookies as shown in the picture.

I found this in Family Fun magazine.

FREE Sample of Don Francisco's Gourmet Coffee

Click here for a FREE sample.

JCPenny's Trip - Christmas Present to Myself

I received another $10 gift certificate last week. I average about 6 a year and always look forward to what I can find for nothing. I think I did great on this trip.

Regular Price - $23.00

Mark Down Price - $ 11.49

JCP Gift Cert. - ($10.00)

Total OOP (including tax) $ 1.59

FREE Subscription to Prevention Magazine

Click here to order a FREE subscription to Prevention magazine.

Thought of the Day

Don't compare yourself with others.

THRIFTY CHRISTMAS FUN

Saturday was a fun-filled day that costed us a total of $10. First, we took Payton to see Santa at a specialty store downtown Mount Airy. She was so happy to see him. She went right up to him, crawled in his lap, told him her name and smiled for the camera. I took the picture so it made it free plus I got (4) FREE 8 x 10's from Walgreens using my account and my husbands. There was a craft area for kids so she colored her a picture. Free snacks was also available so she got a cookies and punch before she had to tell Santa bye. Then, we took a wagon ride through the downtown area. She loved that too. Her face just lite up when we took off. Afterwards, Payton got to pet the horses and she was extremely thrilled with that. We had so much and hopefully we have started a new family tradition.

Multi-Use Item - Christmas Garland

Every year I hang garland on my mantle. This year I came up with a new thrifty tip. I needed some napkin rings. I didn't want to buy anything so I started going through some decorations that I did not use this year. I came across some extra garland. This is what I came up with.

I got out my wire cutters and cut a piece of garland off to wrap around the napkin.

AND THE WINNER IS......

The winner of the $10 Papa John's Gift Card is:

#77 - Linda and Greg

Congratulations!! You have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Stay tuned for another giveaway next week.

Hallmark Coupon

Click here to print.

Thought of the Day

Give up trying to control others.

Thought of the Day

Do your share to save the planet.

Thought of the Day

When you're working towards your goals, expect to make mistakes.

FINALLY FRIDAY

It's Friday again and what a week I have had. Hopefully, everyone in my family is completely over the stomach virus now. We definitely do NOT want that again!

I plan to take Payton to see Santa and her picture taken tomorrow. We are also going on a carriage ride through our small town we live in. Something our Chamber of Commerce is doing this year for the first time. I also have a couple of Christmas get togethers with friends this weekend that I am looking forward to.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday!

FREE Prilosec OTC Sample

Click here for your sample.

FREE Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion Sample

Click here for your FREE Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion Sample from Sam's Club.

WALGREENS - 2 FREE 8 X 10's

A Christmas Gift from Walgreens - FREE 8 x 10 Picture with Coupon Code FREEGIFT - Expires 12/20/08.

Enjoy!!

Plus, Heather at Freebies 4 Mom tells you how to get another 8 x 10 for FREE here.

Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week

1) Sephora Mistletoe Makeover - Thanks to Brandy at Savin Some for sharing this. This is a great thing to do if you are looking to have a little bit of fun.

2) Paper Snowflakes - A thrifty idea to use to decorate this year.

3) Hot Mocha Mix in a Jar - An inexpensive last minute gift idea.

4) 3 Ideas for Upgrading Your Bathroom on the Cheap - Excellent ideas.

5) The Importance of Giving - A great list of things to think about this holiday season.

Thought of the Day

Put the past in the past.

FREE or ALMOST FREE Christmas Gifts

Below is a list of items that I featured on my blog for FREE or almost FREE that I am giving as Christmas presents this year.
Christmas Cards - I purchased my Christmas cards this year with this deal and was very impressed.
Nike IPOD Carrying Case - Gift for my nephew.
Bath and Body Works - I have posted several times about getting items on sale along with freebies. I am giving several BBW items to playschool teachers, co-workers, and my MIL.
Coupon List - 3 items at Gymboree for less than $15.
Mypoints.com - 4 FREE Gift Cards


Below is a list of items that I found on other blogs:
FREE Callaway golf balls
Aeropostale Deal - 2 items for less than $10
Coldwater Creek- 2 Carry Bags for less than $15


Have you found any other great FREEBIES that you are giving as gifts this year? As you can see, it does pay to have a blog and to read other blogs with saving tips and ideas.

What Did You Get for FREE This Week?

Since me and my family have been sick this week, I have not been shopping. I did get a couple of things in the mail and some nice hostess gifts last weekend.

In the Mail:
Parents Magazine
Coupons from Congra Foods
Colgate Toothpaste Sample

Hostess Gifts:
Christmas Ornament
Punched Tin Star Night Light
Soap Dish with Christmas Soap Bars

What did you get FREE this week?

Thoughtful Thursday - Christmas Edition

Review your gift list and schedule of get togethers/parties and make sure you have everything you need. Make sure you have hostess gifts. Christmas is only 1 week from today.

Thought of the Day

Have another getaway, this one in your mind. Make it a nice place to visit when the going gets rough and you need some time out.

Interesting/Fun/Useful Website

Freeshopping.org helps shoppers save money by showing them what stores offer free shipping and providing them with any necessary coupon codes. There are over 850 retailers on the site thatyou can get free shipping from including JCPenney, Kohl's, Macy's, Dell and Gap.

- FreeShipping.org has free shipping coupons to over 850 stores including JCPenney,Kohl's, Macy's, Dell and Gap.
- The site is very easy to use and well organized.
- You can locate free shipping coupons by store name, category, soon to expire andmost recent free shipping coupons.
- The site is free to use with no membership or fees.
- Free shipping is operated by the husband-and-wife team of Luke and Maisie Knowles.

Thrifty Tip - Redecorating

Everyone gets tired of the way a room looks. We wish we could spend money to buy new furniture, window treatments or paint. Try rearranging furniture. This is a thrifty way of giving a new look to a room without spending any money.

Thought of the Day

Find a getaway where you can enjoy peace and quiet, perhaps a garden or a lake near you. Go there often.

GIVEAWAY - $10 Papa John's Gift Card

Anyone needing a free dinner or lunch. By using this gift card and catching a great deal at Papa Johns you should be able to have a free or almost free dinner.

To enter, just leave me a comment telling me your favorite kind of pizza. Make sure you include email address.

The giveaway will close Sunday, December 21, at 9:00pm. A randon winner will be chosen and announced Monday.

Blog Break

My whole family has been hit with a terrible stomach virus. I hope to be back online soon. My new giveaway will be posted when I return.

Thought of the Day

You are where you are because you think what you think. If you don't like where you are, change your thinking.

AND THE WINNERS ARE....

The winners are....

Volumizing - Sona
Frizz Control - Kristen
Intense Repair - Silverhartgirl


An email has been sent to each winner. They have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Congrats!!! A new giveaway to be posted tomorrow.

Thought of the Day

Make friends with people who help you feel good about yourself.

Thought of the Day

Watch more comedies.

Thought of the Day

Send lots of postcards to keep in touch with friends and family.

FINALLY FRIDAY

It's Friday and I'm taking a vacation day!! I have a very busy weekend planned with so much to do. Saturday, I am having an early Christmas with my mom's side of the family at my house. There will be approximately 25-30 people. Did I say it was at my house? I'm not quite sure how I got talked into this.

Hopefully, I will get my to do list accomplished if I work very hard. I am going to post my To Do List. I am thinking maybe it will help motivate me.

Have a great weekend and see you Monday!

To Do List:
- Wrap Gifts (Not a single one has been wrapped)
- Bake Cookies
- Make Corn Salad
- Make Pasta Salad
- Clean Entire House (Vacuum, Mop, Dust, Clean Bathrooms)
- Address Christmas Cards
- Organize My Office/Computer Room
- Clean Out Refrigerator

Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week

1) Flash Cards Made From Wrapping Paper - A neat idea to do to keep your children busy while wrapping gifts.

2) How to Use and Where to get FREE Evergreens - Great ideas.

3) XEROX is doing something great - Thanks to Dr. Mom for sharing this awesome thing.

4) Paper Candy Canes - What a cute and frugal craft to make.

5) Let the Truth Be Told and Please Stay Safe - You have to read what happened while shopping at the mall. Thank goodness she reacted the right way.

FREE Krispy Kreme Donut

We invite you to join Friends of Krispy Kreme today and receive a coupon good for One FREE Original Glazed® doughnut (valid at participating stores only). As a Friend of Krispy Kreme, you’ll regularly receive information about exciting new products, special offers, and local events. Join today and enjoy an Original Glazed® doughnut on us! Think about it. Think Krispy Kreme.

Click here to join.

Thought of the Day

Stop criticizing your body. Decide that as long as your exercise a reasonable amount and eat reasonably well, that's GOOD ENOUGH.

FREE Subscription to Wondertime Magazine

Click here to subscribe.

Thoughtful Thursday - Christmas Edition

Stay on budget. Check your list often and keep your totals up to date. Always search online or your newspaper for coupons before shopping.

What Did You Get for FREE This Week?

Its been a slow week for me. My list is short compared to last week....


FREE Post-It Notes
3 - FREE Hot Chocolate from McDonalds
P & G Coupon Booklet
FREE Pretzel Coupons
FREE Family Circle Magazine
5 - Arm & Hammer Detergents
FREE Snausages Coupon (My doggie will be happy!)


What did you get for FREE this week?

Thought of the Day

If possible, never quit a job until you've already got another.

FREE Sample of Colgate Total

Click here for your FREE Sample.

Thrifty Tip - Christmas Decorations

Most everyone has pictures sitting throughout their house of their families and friends. Pull out Christmas pictures and Christmas Photo Cards from previous years and place in frames. This is a great way to remember wonderful times from the past but it will also add a little bit of Christmas decor to your home.

Interesting/Fun/Useful Website

Paperbackswap.com - Swap books for the cost of postage and its not for just paperback books. A great source for avid readers.

Thought of the Day

Have a movie night at your house, complete with popcorn and candy. Invite friends to join you.

GIVEAWAY - AVON ADVANCE TECHNIQUES INSTANT RECHARGE TREATMENTS

AVON GIVEAWAY - 3 LUCKY WINNERS

I have 3 Advanced Techniques: Advanced Techniques Instant Rechargers. These products won’t be available in stores until January so you are getting a very special sneak peak! I have an Intense Repair for Dry, Damaged Hair, a Volumizing for Fine, Limp Hair and a Fizz Control for Frizzy or Curly Hair.

I tried the Volumizing Instant Recharge Treatment. I noticed an immediate difference. I have short, straight hair and without using lots of hair products it is very flat. After the first treatment, I did not have to use as much mousse or hair spray and it was great. Each product has four treatments and they're both recommended for once a week usage.

To enter, please leave me a comment telling me which product you would like to try. I will choose 3 winners randomly, one for each product. Please make sure I have a way of contacting you. For an additional entry, follow this blog and leave another comment letting me know you signed up.

In addition to this great giveaway, between now and January 1st, you can use the code JINGLE30 to get free shipping on any orders of $30 or more when you use an eRepresentative.

The 3 random winners will be chosen Sunday, December 14 at 9pm. The winners will be announced Monday.

Tasty Tuesday - Christmas Cider

1 (12 oz.) frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 (12 oz.) frozen cranberry-apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 (6 oz.) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
5 sticks cinnamon
7 whole cloves
9 c. water


In 4 quart kettle, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon and discard.

12 servings.

Thought of the Day

Find a way to exercise that you can enjoy, not just put up with.

FREE Popcorn for any AMC Theatres

Click here to print.

Multi-Use Item - Avocado

Quench Parched Locks

To make a nutrient-packed hair mask, mash an overripe avocado and mix in an egg yolk and 2 Tbsp of Olive Oil. Massage into damp hair, wrap with a towel and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition hair as usual.

And The Winners Are.....

Diane

Catonine

Heather

An email has been sent to the winners. They have 48 hours to respond or I will chose another winner.

Congrats!!

A NEW GIVEAWAY TO BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW!!!

Thought of the Day

Instead of thinking of anything bad in your life today, be thankful for everything that is good.

Thought of the Day

Give your mind a lift everyday by reading something inspiring.

Thought of the Day

Be good to yourself.

Finally Friday

What a busy weekend it will be!! I need to decorate, wrap gifts, clean, organize, and whatever else pops up. I have 2 trees up already and I plan on putting up 2 more. I have a Christmas party next Saturday at my house. There will be 25 - 30 people. Why is there always things you need to do before a gathering. I ask myself often why haven't I already done this? Why wasn't it important before?? Do you do this to? I plan on getting everything done so I can at least have a fun, relaxing Sunday.

Does anyone else have Christmas parties coming up soon to prepare for?

Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday!!

Bath & Body Works Coupon

Click here to print.

Santa Came Early for One 3-Year Old Little Girl

You have got to watch this. I have seen it 3 times and cried every time.

Grab a tissue!!

Click here to watch.

Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week

1) Gifts that Give Back - Some great ideas.

2) Soap in the Crockpot - Stephanie always amazes me with the things she comes in with.

3) Photo Block Ornaments - How adorable are these.

4) Birthday Lanterns - What a thrifty idea for a party. I will have to remember this one.

5) Budget Friendly Gifts for Younger Kids - Amy has some great ideas here.

MY 1000TH POST!!!

I started my blog back in March. I can not believe I have reached my 1000th post. Time flies when you are having fun. I really enjoy finding the freebies, the coupons, and the deals and being able to share with you. Thanks to everyone who visits my blog and lets me know that I am not just typing for myself.

If there is ever any suggestions, comments, or questions you would like to share or ask, please let me know.

Have a great day!!

Thought of the Day

Start tasks well before the deadline. You won't feel rushed - and that'll leave time later for having fun!

12 Rules for Re-Gifting

Click here to read.

I admit......I regift. I think it is a great thing to do.

Do you regift??

What did You Get for FREE This Week?

As you can tell below I hit up CVS first thing Thanksgiving Day morning:


Hershey's Chocolate Bar
Aussie Shampoo
Johnson's Lotion
3 Gatorades
2 Bic Soleli Razors
2 Maybelline Foundations
2 Loreal Lipglosses
1 Covergirl Smoothers Foundation
1 Covergirl Smoothers Powder
Parents Magazine
1 Dawn Detergent
2 Bounty Towels
1 Peanut Butter
1 Doodle Pro
4 Great Items for Giveaways
Mens Degree Deodorant Sample



What did you get for FREE??

Thoughtful Thursday - Christmas Edition

Wrap your gifts as you purchase them. I hate to spend several hours wrapping gifts. I have also noticed that if I wrap as I go, my wrapping looks great and I even get creative.

Thought of the Day

Give your bedroom a facelife, complete with new curtains, sheets and a new comforter.

Upromise Now Offers eCoupons

If you have not signed up for Upromise, you need to check it out. They have now started a new eCoupon Program to earn extra rewards.

Every month Upromise offers a selection of eCoupons on everyday items such as toilet paper or light bulbs. And using them is as easy as 1-2-3!

1) Select the eCoupons you want.
2) Activate them so they can be linked to your grocery or drugstore card.
3) Shop for your products. At check-out, scan your registered store card the way you normally do and your college savings will be automatically credited to your Upromise account.