Purex Complete Crystals Softener Product Review and Giveaway!

Recently, I was chosen to be a Purex Insider again this year.  One of the first things I received was a free sample of a NEW product........ Purex Complete Crystal Softener.  You may not have heard of this product, starting today it is available at WalMart.  It will be available at other retailers in January or February! 

I have used other fabric softeners but not on a regular basis.  I have to admit this is one of a kind.  The other fabric softeners I have used came in powders or liquids but never crystals.  I have had a couple of problems in the past of the softener staining my laundry which defeated the purpose if I was going to have to wash it again.   It is very simple to use, just add it in at the beginning of the wash and your done.  Simple as that!  I loved the way it made my laundry smell.  I first used it on a load of towels and everyone loves their towels to smell fresh and inviting and Purex Crystals definitely did.  My husband knew I was trying a new product so he had to smell the towels when they came out of the dryer.  He also gave his stamp of approval. 

   

Here is a bit information about the product that I found great: 

- Purex Complete Crystal Softeners are 92% natural and not oil-based like many other softeners.

- Purex Complete Crystal Softeners is the first major fabric softener that is 100% safe to use on children's sleepwear as it does not impair these flam retardant qualities.  (With 2 small kids, this was great to hear.)

- Purex Complete Crystal Softeners does in inhibit wicking fabrics, making it safe to use on all of your active and athletic wear.

Purex Complete Crystals Softener is available in 3 scents:  Fresh Spring Waters, Lavender Blossom, and Tropical Splash.

I have (3) ecoupons for a FREE Purex Complete Crystals Softener to giveaway!!

How to Enter:  (5 entries per person)

- Sign up for the ShopItToMe newsletter as my referral and help me earn FREE gift cards. (Required)

- Follow/Subscribe to my blog (1 extra entry) and leave me a comment telling me you did. 

- Follow me on https://twitter.com/mariathriftyWAI and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- Tweet about his on twitter - @mariathriftyWAI, and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- "Like" Thrifty Ways and Ideas on Facebook.

  

The giveaway will close on January 9 at 9:00 pm.  The winners will be announced and emailed on January 10.  They will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!!!

Disclaimer: Purex Complete Crystal Softener provided me with a free sample, a coupon for a free product, information, and ecoupons by being a Purex Insider . My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thought of the Day

It seems like the "household" crashes when mom is sick!!  I've been sick since Sunday and I'm trying really hard today to catch up on everything ..... laundry, dishes, christmas gifts to unpack and put away for 4 ppl, etc.  Any help available is much appreciated.

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS IN CHARLOTTE, NC - DISCOUNT

Who doesn't love the circus?  It is one of my favorite childhood memories and this year I get to take Payton for the first time. 

The Greatest Show On Earth just got Greater with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum’s FUNundrum!. Featuring 130 performers from six continents, almost 100,000 pounds of performing pachyderms, cowboys, pirates, and mermaids, Barnum’s FUNundrum! is a super-sized spectacle so massive you just can’t miss it!

This monumental, once in a lifetime event celebrates the 200TH anniversary of the birth of the legendary P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth! and can only be experienced at The Greatest Show On Earth®, Barnum’s living legacy!

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson invites the audience to leap aboard the Ringling Bros. Express and go on a family FUNtastic adventure to meet exotic characters and witness thrilling performances that attempt to answer Barnum’s FUNundrum, “What special wonders create The Greatest Show On Earth?”

And one hour before show time, families can meet the performers, get autographs, and see an amazing elephant that paints at the All Access Pre-show – FREE with a purchased ticket!

For more information, show schedule or to order tickets - just click here.

When ordering, use the code ZEBRA to save $6!!

Disclaimer:  For this post, I will receive 4 FREE tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.  My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Giveaway - Chex Party Mix Prize Pack

For decades, savvy home cooks have been using crunchy Chex^® cereal as the starting point for their family-favorite party mix recipes. Many Chex^® Party Mix recipes can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes and call for ingredients you already have in your pantry. From holiday gatherings to impromptu get-togethers, Chex^® Party Mix provides a snack idea that will impress your guests in no time.

Whether you´re looking for sweet or salty, Chex^® Party Mix has something to offer every taste bud, making it the perfect go-to snack for entertaining this holiday season. Four gluten-free varieties of Chex cereal help ensure that even party guests with gluten restrictions can enjoy Chex^® Party Mix recipes like the NEW Chex Lemon Buddies! Remember Multi-Bran and Wheat Chex are not gluten-free.

Visit your local Walmart to find free recipe cards for Chex Lemon Buddies as well as the new Chex Apple Pie Snack Mix and Tex Chex^® Party Mix recipes! The blend of flavors in the new homemade mixes will help you create irresistible new favorites and wow your crowd!

Party Mix is a traditon for our family.  My mom always makes some for holidays and shares with family and friends. 

If you would like to enter to win a Chex Mix Prize Pack, like the following:

How to enter: (6 entries per person )

- Leave me a comment telling me what new Chex Mix recipe would you like to try. (Required)

- Sign up for the ShopItToMe newsletter as my referral and help me earn FREE gift cards.
- Follow/Subscribe to my blog (1 extra entry) and leave me a comment telling me you did. 

- Follow me on https://twitter.com/mariathriftyWAI and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- Tweet about his on twitter - @mariathriftyWAI, use hashtag #myblogspark and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- "Like" Thrifty Ways and Ideas on Facebook.

  

The giveaway will close on January 2 at 9:00 pm.  The winner will be announced and emailed on January 3.  They will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

Good Luck!!!

Disclaimer: General Mills provided me with the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark . My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thrifty Christmas Gift or Hostess Gift

Lowes Hardware currently has Amaryllis and Paper Whites marked down 40%.  They were originally 9.98 less 40% = $5.99 plus tax.  They come in a velvet gift box complete with bow. You can choose the color and kind you want.  The velvet gift boxes are available in gold, silver, or black.  Nice gift at a great price.

I picked up 3 yesterday.

Thought of the Day - Countdown to Christmas!!

4 days until Christmas!!

I can now say that I am officially done shopping and wrapping.  This week is busy for everyone.  I will blog as much as possible but not on a regular schedule. 

Ruby Tuesday Coupon - 25% off Entire Check

Click here to print your coupon for 25% off your entire check at Ruby Tuesday.  Coupon valid Sunday 12/19 - Monday 12/20.

Need to Buy Gift Cards for Christmas ?

Here is a great deal if you are needing to buy gift cards for Christmas.  Ruby Tuesday is currently offering $5 bonus coupon if you buy a $25 gift card and $15 bonus coupon if you buy $50 or more worth of gift cards. Click here for details.  Offer available until December 31, 2010.

Thrifty Christmas Gifts

Every year I stress over what to buy 2 teenage girls on my Christmas list.  I think teens/tweens are the hardest to buy for.  This year I came up with what I think is an awesome idea that I got almost nothing.  I really think they will enjoy it. 

"Date Night" Gift Basket
Includes:
$10 Pizza Hut Gift Card (Free - Ordered through Mypoints.com)
3 FREE Movie Rentals for $1 (Ordered through Groupon)
2 Popcorn Containers (Stacked Together, used as the "basket" - $1 Dollar Tree)
2 Bags of Popcorn (Pulled from my Popcorn order from the Boys Scout program that I order from my nephew every year - .90 per bag)
- Miscellaneous Candy (Pulled from Stockpile)

I made a card to include from my scrapbooking supplies that states:

"Date Night" Gift Basket
Enjoy a free dinner on us, movies and snacks!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
(Also included on the card was the redbox instructions for using their code for the FREE rentals.)

To make it look festive, I pulled a piece of tissue paper around it and added a bow.

Total Spent - Less Than $5


"Kitchen" Themed Gift Basket
Each year I always make my mother-in-law a stocking.  I usually just pull items from my hygiene products stockpile.  This year I decided to do something different.  I chose a "Kitchen" theme and this is what I came up with.

Basket - Purchased at the Goodwill for .50, brand new still had the tag on it
Grocery Bag - .50 Walgreens
Gain Dish Detergent - FREE
Scrubbing Sponge with Abrasive Side - FREE
These items came from a gift basket that I won from amother blog giveaway:
Recipe Card Box - FREE
Spoon Rest - FREE
2 Cooking Utensils - FREE
Rolling Pin Recipe Card Holder - holds recipe will cooking - FREE
Italian Dipping Sauce Mix - 2.50
Olive Oil - not pictured, still need to purchase - Under $5 with coupon
Basket Liner - Christmas cloth napkin that I bought a 4 pack last year on clearance (.50)  - .13

I will put this in a Christmas bag that I already have.

Total Spent - Less Than $8

Do you make gift baskets for Christmas gifts?  If so, what kind do you make?

(If the parents of the teenagers are reading this, shhhhhh don't tell what your daughters are getting!  LOL)

Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week

Here is a list of things I did to save/earn money in the past week:

- I read all of my Inbox Dollars emails daily to add money to my account.

- I read all of my MyPoints emails daily to add points to receive FREE gift cards.

- Didn't do any grocery shopping this week except for bread, milk, formula.  Only spent $15 OOP.

- Had leftovers for lunch 2 days this week. No food wasted and money saved by cooking something else.

- Continued trying to teach my 3 year old the importance of not leaving lights on or not using lights during the day when they are not needed.

- Cleaned out my coupon binder and filed new coupons for future shopping trips.

- Stayed at home all week most of the week due to the bad weather.  No gas money spent.

- Kept my thermostat on 68 and used my extra blanket on the bed.

- Watched 1movie for FREE saved on my DVR, thanks to Starz free weekend on Directv a couple of months ago. 

- Countinued countdown to Christmas with Payton.  I still haven't spent no money OOP.

- Made all meals out of stockpile.  No money spent on eating out.

- Reviewed a baby product and completed a survey for $10.

- Made a gift basket for Christmas out of my stockpile. I spent nothing OOP.

- Used another $5 coupon at the Hallmark store for a hostess gift and spent .88 OOP.  I have a family Christmas party tomorrow. 

What did you do to save/earn money this week?

AND THE WINNER IS .....

The winner of the Date Night Prize Pack is :

Here are your random numbers:

14

Timestamp: 2010-12-17 17:16:19 UTC

Nicole-Lynn has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  Thanks to everyone for entering.  Sorry I was late in posting the winner.

Thought of the Day - Countdown to Christmas!!

8 days until  Christmas!!

Dollar General Deals This Week - 12/12 - 12/18

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Dollar General this week.  Remember you can combine a mfr. coupon with a DG coupon.  Current DG coupons can be found here.  You can also print a $5 off $25 purchase for Saturday,
December 18th.


Coke - 2L - $1.00

Irish Spring (7 bars) - $3

Enegizer Max Batteries  - $3
Use $1/1 11/21 SS
Final Price - $2

Pedigree Canned Dog Food - $1
Buy 2 and use B1G1 Free coupon 9/19 RP
Final Price - .50 each when you buy 2

Garnier Fructis Hair Care - $3
Use .25 DG printable
Use $1/1 12/5 RP
Final Price - $1.75

Gain Laundry Detergent - $5
Use $1/1 11/28 P&G
Final Price - $4

Did you find any other great deals at Dollar General this week?

Sears Coupon - $10 off $20 Purchase

Click here to print your Sears coupon for $10 off $20 apparel purchase.  Valid Wednesday, Dec. 15th and Thursday, Dec. 16th.

Countdown to Christmas in the Scott Home

We are still counting down to Christmas each day.  I admit I think I am having as much fun as Payton.  So far I haven't spent any money except for Christmas pictures.  Mema also treated her grandchildren to a nice surprise last week (I got treated too since Bryson is so small). 

Dec. 7th - Payton and I made Rice Krispy treats shaped like Christmas trees.  She loves to help in the kitchen.
 

Dec. 8th - My mom took us and my nephew out to dinner and to Tanglewood.  My nephew is 14 and he got to choose where we go for dinner and I got lucky......he chose Red Lobster.  Dinner was great and then we went to Tanglewood to see the Christmas lights.  Going during the week is the trick, we did not have to wait in line.

Dec. 9th - Today we read Christmas stories.  Afterwards, Payton decided to read to Bryson.

Dec. 10th - I took Payton and Bryson and had Christmas pictures made individually.  Pictures to come.


Dec. 11th - Grandma Vicki came by and brought Payton and Bryson their Christmas ornaments.  This is a tradition she has began when Payton was 1.  She buys a new Christmas ornament and comes by to help hang it on her tree.  Bryson will get a tree next year. She also bought them a Countdown to Christmas Santa.

Dec. 12th - Payton and Bryson watched Frosty the Snowman.

Dec. 13th - Payton and I made some Christmas candy - Chocolate Covered Ritz Crackers.

So, we have completed 13 days of counting down to Christmas and so far I haven't spent any money except for pictures.  What a great thrifty way to get in the holiday spirit and I will be continuing this until Christmas and doing this next year.

Thought of the Day - Countdown to Christmas!!

10 days until Christmas!!

My Favorite Rite-Aid Deals 12/12 - 12/17

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Rite Aid this week:






Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste - $3.50
Use .75 coupon 12/5 SS
Receive $3.50 +UP Reward
Final Price - .75 moneymaker

Blistex Lip Balm - 2/$3
Use $1/2 any Blistex 11/14 SS
Receive $1 +UP Reward
Final Price - .50 after reward

What are your favorite deals this week?

FREE Sample of Pampers Underjams

Click here to request your FREE sample of Pamper Underjams.

My CVS Deals This Week - 12/12 - 12/19

Here is a list of my favorite deals at CVS this week:




Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste - $2.99
Use $1/1 coupon 10/31 P&G insert
Receive $2 ECB
Final Price - FREE
Limit 2

Xtra Laundry Detergent - $1.99

Infusium Shampoo - $5.99
$1/1 coupon 11/14 SS
Receive $2 ECB
Final Price - $2.99

What are your favorite deals this week?

My Favorite Deals at Walgreens This Week - 12/12 - 12/19

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Walgreens this week:



Jingle Cash - Get $5 for every $25 you spend.

Huggies Wipes - 2/$5
Use 1.00 coupon from 12/5
Final Price - 1.50 each

Huggies Diapers - 2/$18
Buy 2 and use 2 $2.00 coupon from 12/5
Receive $3 Jingle Cash
Final Price - $11.00 for 2 packs

Enfamil Formula - $21.99
Use $5 coupon mailer
Final Price - $17.99

What are your favorite deals this week?

$1.00 Coupon for Filippo Berio Olive Oil

Click here to print your coupon for $1 off Filippo Berio Olive Oil.

Thought of the Day - Countdown to Christmas!!

11 days until Christmas!!

Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week

Here is a list of things I did to save/earn money in the past week:

- I read all of my Inbox Dollars emails daily to add money to my account.

- I read all of my MyPoints emails daily to add points to receive FREE gift cards.

- Had leftovers for lunch 2 days this week. No food wasted and money saved by cooking something else.

- Continued trying to teach my 3 year old the importance of not leaving lights on or not using lights during the day when they are not needed.

- Cleaned out my coupon binder and filed new coupons for future shopping trips.

- Updated my Christmas list so I know who I still need to buy for.

- Watched 1 movie for FREE saved on my DVR, thanks to Starz free weekend on Directv a couple of months ago. 

- Continued our countdown to Christmas with Payton spent no money OOP.

- Made all meals out of stockpile.  No money spent on eating out.

- Installed electrical outlet and light switch insulators on the ones located on the outside wall of our house.  Since it has been so called here, I noticed cold air coming in around the outlets in the kitchen.  The insulators work great. We found them at Lowes for a great price.

- Received a $6 deposit in paypal for a survey payment.

- Purchased wrapping paper at the Hallmark Store - 4.99 for the 1st roll, .99 for 2nd roll, then used a $5 coupon, my total OOP 1.78.  I love their wrapping paper - very sturdy and easy to wrap with. 

- Printed several coupons to use when I finish my Christmas shopping this weekend.  I have to admit this is the first year that I have used so many coupons on toys.  It has been great.

- Cashed $10 in Swagbucks for Amazon credits.  I am already preparing for next Christmas.

- Purchased a $50 gift certificate to Kansas City Steaks for $15 (had a $10 groupon credit).  Can't wait for my order to arrive.

- Ordered my Christmas Cards and only paid $4.99 total.

- Trying to plan ahead for Christmas gatherings/parties so I will food on hand to prepare as well as hostess gifts to take.


What ways have you saved/earned money this week?

NEW Dollar General Coupon - SATURDAY ONLY

Click here to print your coupon for $5 off $25 purchase for Saturday.

Ruby Tuesday Coupon - $5 off $15 Purchase

Click here to print your coupon for $5 off $15 purchase.  Valid Sunday, Dec. 12th and Monday, Dec. 13th.

NEW Huggies Coupons

Click here to print your coupon for $2.50 off Huggies Little Snugglers and/or $2.50 off Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers.

Thought of the Day - Countdown to Christmas!!

15 days until Christmas!!

Awesome Groupon Deal Today

After reading the post at Frugal makes Cents last week, I have been on the look out for the next Groupon offer for Kansas City Steak Company.  I think this is an awesome deal - $25 for $50 worth of steaks plus free shipping.  It is still available. Click here to sign up for groupon, then click on the deal of the deal and search for St. Louis. If it doesn't pop up as the main offer, then it will be listed on the right hand side of the page.

FREE Sample of Dream Water from Wal-Mart

Click here to request your coupon for a FREE sample of Dream Water from your local Wal-Mart.

FREE Sample of Seattle's Best Coffee

Click here to request your FREE sample of Seattle's Best Coffee from Wal-Mart.

Mueller's Pasta Coupon

Click here to print a coupon for .55 off any one package of Mueller's pasta.

Thought of the Day - Countdown to Christmas!!

16 days until Christmas!!

GIVEAWAY - DATE NIGHT PRIZE PACK INCLUDING A $25 VISA CARD

Last week, I planned a thrifty date night at home with my dear hubby.  I cooked dinner, had a movie for us to watch, and a couple of cocktails to drink.  My dinner was Macaroni Grill Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta.  It was a box dinner and it was great.  I think I could eat pasta everyday.  It is one of my favorites and I was truly impressed with this dinner and so was my husband (he is the picky eater in the family). 

  I will be buying it again.

Here is a picture of the pasta before we dug in.

(Sorry for the picture quality but I have the hardest time taking pictures of food.)

If you too would love to have a date night at home, then sign up for this prize pack.  Each prize pack includes a Macaroni Grill Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken Dinner, a Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken dinner a $25 VISA card. 

How to enter: (4 entries per person )

- Leave me a comment telling me what you normally do for a date night at home. (Required)

- Follow/Subscribe to my blog (1 extra entry) and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- Follow me on https://twitter.com/mariathriftyWAI and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- "Like" Thrifty Ways and Ideas on Facebook.

  

The giveaway will close on December 15 at 9:00 pm.  The winner will be announced and emailed on December 16.  They will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

Good Luck!!!

 

Disclaimer: Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill provided you with the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark . My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dollar General Deals This Week 12/5 - 12/11

You can combine a mfr. coupon with DG coupons.  You can find current DG coupons here.




Gold Meal All Purpose Flour - $1.50 lb.

All Liquid Detergent 50 oz. - $4
Use $1/1 12/5 RP
Final Price - $3

Scott Bathroom Tissue - $3.25
Use $1/1 Printable Coupon
Final Price - $2.25

Christmas Ornaments - $1
(These would be great if you by co-workers small gifts.)

Fantastik - $1.75
Use .55/1 from 10/31 SS
Final Price - $1.20


If you are heading out to Dollar General today, you can print a $5 off $25 purchase here. Coupon expires today.

Hasbro Coupons

Some people had some Hasbro coupons in their coupon inserts on Sunday.  I did not but I did find these online to print.  You should be able to find some great deals by using these.

Click here to print.

My Favorite Deals at Rite-Aid This Week - 12/5 - 12/11

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Rite-Aid this week:






Campbell's Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup - 2/$1
Final Price - .50 each

Werther's Sugar Free Candy - 2/$3
Use $1/2 coupon 10/3 SS
Final Price - $1.00 each

Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste (4 oz.) - $3.49
Receive $1.50 +UP Rewards
Use .75/1 coupon 11/28 P&G insert
Final Price - $1.24

What are your favorite deals this week?

My Favorite Deals at Walgreens - 12/5 - 12/11

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Walgreens this week:



Jingle Cash - Earn $5 for every $20 you spend.

Cortaid Maximum Strength Cream - 1% - $3.00
Submit for $3 Manufacturer Mail-In Rebate
Final Price - FREE

Accu-Chek Aviva Blood Glucose Monitor - $14.99
Submit for $14.99 Manufacturer Rebate
Final Price - FREE

Royal Gelatin - 5 for $1 with in-ad coupon
Final Price - .20 each

Ragu Pasta Sauce - 2/$3
Buy $15 in participating products receive $5 in Jingle Cash
Buy 11 jars - Use (4) Buy 2 Get 1 FREE coupons 11/14 RP
Final Price -  .50 each after Jingle Cash and coupons


What are your favorite deals this week?

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

The 3 winners of the FREE Coupons for Renuzit Adjustable Air Freshners:

Here are your random numbers:

4 - Darrell

6 - Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug)

9 - Jay

Timestamp: 2010-12-07 18:35:08 UTC

Thanks to everyone for entering.  The winners have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

FREE Sample of Stayfree Pads with Thermo Control

Click here to request your FREE sample.

Restaurant.com - $25 Gift Certificates for $2

Buy any $25 Gift Certificate and use Coupon Code - JOY to receive 80% off = $2.  Offer expires 12/12/10.  Click here to order.

.55 Wise Snack Coupon

Click here to print your .55 coupon on Wise Snacks (6.7oz or larger).  Remember, you can hit your back button to print it twice.