Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week - How Did You Do?

- I read all of my Inbox Dollars emails for my account and my husband's daily to add money to our accounts.

- I read all of my MyPoints emails daily for my account and my husband's to add points to receive FREE gift cards.

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

- Continued to use my FREE samples this week including - toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, lotion, conditioner and shampoo.

- Only used my dishwasher once this week.

- No drugstore shopping this week.

- Planned my grocery store shopping using the sale ad and coupons.

- Stayed home alot this week which always saves money.

- Planned all my errands for one day to save on gas.

- Printed a few coupons for future shopping.

- Paid bills on line. No money spent on stamps.

- Requested a few FREE samples this week.

- Received a $10 Amazon Gift Card from Purex for Mother's Day since I am a Purex Insider.

- Did 3 sponsored posts this week.

- Purchased some new outdoor throw pillows for my screened in porch.  Compared prices and used a coupon when purchasing.



What did you do to saved/earn money this week? Please link up below. If you don't have a blog, that's fine, leave a comment and share how you saved/earned money this week.

Walgreens - FREE 8 x 10 Photo Enlargement

Today is the lst day to order your FREE 8 x 10 Photo Enlargement from Walgreens.  Use coupon code - FREE4ME.  Choose the option to pick up instore and you don't have to pay shipping. Enjoy!!

Couponing for Community - Today is the last day!!

I added 31 items to the goal tracker for Couponing for Community!!  I hope everyone has waited until today to add their totals.  The totals this year are low compared to last year.  Couponing for Community was even featured on the Huffington Post this week.  You can find the article here.

Visit the Couponing for Community Facebook page and add your totals.  You can also share a picture if you would like.

Thanks to everyone who participated and I look forward to next year!  

Thought of the Day

"Its not hard to make decisons once you know what your values are."

Roy E. Disney

Giveaway - Coupon for a FREE Bottle of Purex

I have two coupons to giveaway!!

How to enter: (5 entries per person)

- Leave me a comment tell me what is laundry detergent do you use most often.. (Required)

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

- Follow me on twitter - and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- Tweet about this giveaway (@mariathriftyWAI) and leave me a comment telling me you did.

Tweet this - Enter the giveaway for a Coupon for a FREE Bottle of Purex at Thrifty Ways and Ideas http://www.thriftywaysandideas.com/2012/05/giveaway-coupon-for-free-bottle-of.html @mariathriftyWAI

- "Like" me on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.

This giveaway will close on Friday, May 18 at 9pm. The winner will emailed and posted on Saturday morning . The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:  I was given these coupons from Purex for being a Purex Insider.

Sunday Coupon Preview

There will be (3) coupon inserts in this Sundays paper - 1 Smartsource, 1 RedPum and 1 P&G.  Below is a list of a few of my favorite coupons that will be available.  Click here for a full list.

Franks Save $.75/1 RedHot sauce
Franks Save $.75/1 RedHot Sweet Chili or Thick sauce
French’s Save $.30/1 Classic Yellow or Spicy Brown Mustard
Milk-Bone Save $1.50/2 dog snacks
Pantene Save $3/2 products
Bounty Save $.25/1 towels or napkins
Cascade Save $.50/1 Action Pacs
Charmin Save $.25/1 product

Famous Footwear - 20% off your Total Purchase

Click here to print your coupon for 20% off your entire purchase.

Today's Favorite Coupon - .50 off Suave

Click here to print your coupon for .50 off (1) Suave Everlasting Sunshine Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion or Body Wash.  If you store doubles, you should be able to get a great deal.

Daily Worth - FREE Personal Finance Email for Women

Sign up to receive a newsletter from DailyWorth.com - DailyWorth is a free daily personal finance email for women. They deliver practical tips, empowering ideas and the occasional kick in the pants.

Thought of the Day

Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places.

Giveaway - My First Crayola Gift Pack

My kids have had a wonderful time playing with all of the Crayola items that I received in my prize pack.  When you ignite the spark of creativity early in life, children go on to do magnificent things! The dots and dashes, squiggles and colorful, random marks young children make are the seeds of creativity -- a skill that´s essential for success in school and in jobs of the future. Creativity matters and Crayola can help your little one develop and express that skill from an early age.

Children grow and develop through their first art experiences.  Large and fine motor skills like hand-eye coordination begin to develop, as well as self-confidence and early literacy skills. A child’s first scribbles represent the beginning of their journey for symbolic communication that’s needed to develop reading and writing skills.

The My First Crayola line includes specially designed art supplies and activities for children as young as 12 months and features three inspiring ways through which little hands can create - with art tools, mess-free activities and creative activities that feature dry-erase crayons and music.




Special Offer
Crayola and Cheerios® cereal are offering up to $5.00 in coupon savings on My First CrayolaTM products, so you can enjoy a little colorful fun at the breakfast table! Look for My First CrayolaTM on original Cheerios cereal boxes

I have (1) prize packs to giveaway:

Includes: 

My First Crayola Washable Crayons

My First Crayola Washable Markers

My First Crayola Washable Stampers

My First Crayola Washable Dry-Erase Activity mat

One specially marked box of doriginal Cheerios cereal

You can find details on each item on the Crayola website!

How to enter: (6 entries per person)

- Leave me a comment telling me how do you display your childrens artwork. (Required)

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

- Follow me on twitter - and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- Tweet about this giveaway (@mariathriftyWAI) and leave me a comment telling me you did.

Tweet this - Enter My First Crayola giveaway at Thrifty Ways and Ideas http://www.thriftywaysandideas.com/2012/05/giveaway-my-first-crayola-gift-pack.html @mariathriftyWAI

- "Like" me on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- "Like" Crayola on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.

This giveaway will close on Tuesday, May 15 at 9pm. The winner will emailed and posted on Wednesday morning . Each winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:  The information, products, coupon, video and additional My First CrayolaTM gift pack was provided by Crayola® and Cheerios through MyBlogSpark.

My Favorite Deals at Lowes Foods This Week - 5/9-5/15

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Lowes Foods this week.

Remember, Lowes Foods doubles coupons up to .99.  You can use 20 coupons per transaction.


e-Offers
Cottonelle Bath Tissue, 12 giant or double rolls - $5.88
Limit 2

Strawberries - 1 lb. - $2

Jumbo Gold Pineapple - $3.99 each

Fresh Corn - White or Yellow - 5/$2

Hershey's Single Candy Bars - .39 with in-ad coupon - expires 5/29
Limit 6

Bulls- Eye BBQ Suace - .99 with in-ad coupon - expires 5/29
Limit 6

Snackwell's Bars - $1.70
Use .75/1 coupon - 2/5 RP
Final Price - .20 each

Planter's Bars - $1.70
Use $.75 coupon 4/22 SS
Final Price - .20 each

WhoNu?? Nutrition Rich Cookies - $2.50
Use .55/1 coupon 4/29 SS
Final Price - $1.40

A1 Steak Sauce - $2.99 with in-ad coupon
Use $1 coupon 5/6 RP
Final Price - $1.99

Lowes Foods tomato paste  - 2/$1

All Laundry Detergent - $3
Use $1 coupon 4/1 RP
Final Price $2

Mother's Day Flowers

Dozen Long Stem Roses Bouquet - $12.99

Calla Lilies - $5

Orchid Corsage - $3.99

Tulips - $4.99

New Quiznos Coupons

Click here to print your Quizno coupons!

- FREE Regular Fountain Drink with purchase of Sub, Salad, or Flatbread
- $1 off Regular Sub or$2 off Large Sub

If you don't have access to a printer at the moment, you can have them emailed to you!

Vistaprint - 250 Business Cards for $10

Today's Favorite Coupon = Great Deal on Jello Temptations

Click here to print your coupon for .90 off any (1) Temptations by Jell-o or Mousse Temptations by Jell-o.  This coupon will double so you should be able to get a great deal on these.

Wordless Wednesday

Another picture of my dogwood tree!  I look forward to it blooming every year.

Thought of the Day

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King Jr.

Giveaway and Review - The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing

The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Couponing includes:

- Understanding couponing basics
- Tips on finding and cashing in on coupons
- Advice on multiple savings offers, money-back coupons, and rewards programs
- The latest info on deal-of-the-day sites, rebates, and other online coupon options
- How to best plan and organize coupons

This is a great book for anyone who has just started using coupons.  It is filled with information to help you save money when shopping online, shopping in stores, and eating out.  The book is separated into 4 parts:

Part 1 - Couponing Basics
Part 2 - Using Coupons Effectively
Part 3 - Online and Mobile Couponing
Part 4 - Planning and Organizing

If you consider yourself an experienced couponer, this book is a great refresher or you can always share with a friend or family member who is interesting in saving money by couponing but not sure where to start. 

I have one copy to giveaway!!

How to enter: (5 entries per person)

- Leave me a comment tell me how long you have been couponing. (Required)

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

- Follow me on twitter - and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- Tweet about this giveaway (@mariathriftyWAI) and leave me a comment telling me you did.

Tweet this - Enter the giveaway for The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing at Thrifty Ways and Ideas http://www.thriftywaysandideas.com/2012/05/giveaway-and-review-complete-idiots.html @mariathriftyWAI

- "Like" me on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.

This giveaway will close on Monday, May 14 at 9pm. The winner will emailed and posted on Tuesday morning .  The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing  from Wilks Communications to review.  No other compensation was received.  My opinions are my own.

FREE American Family - FREE Cupcake eBook

Click here to download your FREE American Family Cupcake ebook!

AMF Summer Unplugged and Summer Pass Savings

Summer break begins in just a couple of weeks.  Are you looking for things to keep your kids entertained and have a little fun too?  If so, maybe this will interest you.

AMF's Summer Unplugged is this summer's best bowling deal for kids!  And adults can get in on the fun too with Summer Pass.

At select AMF centers, two free games of bowling per day for kids 15 and under. (Shoe rental not included.)

Time - Free bowling until 8:00 pm, 7 days a week

Dates - Monday, May 14 through Monday, September 3 (Labor Day)

If interested..
-  parents need to go to http://bit.ly/AMFfree to select a participating center (over 250 locations) and complete a simple registration form.
- Free game coupons emailed every week starting May 14 - it's that simple!
- $3.29 kids meals

Summer Pass: Great Deal for Everyone 16 and Over
  - 2 free games, per day for up to four people ages 16 and up (shoe rental not included).
- One $29.95 summer Pass is good for 2 games per day for up to four people all summer long, that's only $7.50 per person (Same dates and times as above.)

Available online at http://bit.ly/SummerPass.

Disclosure:  I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Today's Favorite Coupon - Savings on Ziploc Bags

Click here to print your ocupon for $1 off 2 Ziploc Brand Bags.

Family Fun Magazine - 3 Years for $9

Tue, May 8, Subscribe to Three-years of FamilyFun Magazine, for only $9.00 from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 8582

One of my favorites!

6pm.com - Clarks up to 80% off!

6pm.com currently has Clarks up to 80% off!  Here is a great deal on Clarks Canary Flight Flip Flops for just $14.99 - Regularly - $49.99.  Also, receive FREE shipping!!

These would make a great Mother's Day gift.  Click here to order!

FREE Sample of Propel Zero Powder Stick

"Like Propel Zero on Facebook" and request a FREE sample of Propel Zero Powder Stick.

Thought of the Day

Always remember someone has a problem worse than yours.

Giveaway - Cheerios Prize Pack - 2 Winners

Cereal is a great option for breakfast on busy mornings.  Cheerios is a cereal that everyone loves in my house.  Since I am always looking for the best price on cereals, I have purchased cereal in bulk.  The only thing I didn't like was the packaging.  Cheerios has definitely solved my problem.  The boxes now fit on my shelf in the pantry and I will not have to rearrange items to find a place for the bulky box.

The new 2 box Cheerios contains two individual boxes, making them easier to store and easier to pour!  By reducing the amount of air in each individual bag, these enhanced containers fit 10% more cereal than before and use less packaging.  While each box contains more cereal, packaging material has been reduced by over 200,000 lbs., saving 1000 trees and taking 130 Cheerios trucks off the road, decreasing CO2 emissions. 

Check out all the benefits of new 2 box Cheerios packaging.



New and improved 2 box Cheerios are now available on the shelves of Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's nationwide.

I have (2) prize packs to giveaway:

How to enter: (5 entries per person)

- Leave me a comment telling me how the 2 new boxes of Cheerios will benefit you and your family. (Required)

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

- Follow me on twitter - and leave me a comment telling me you did.

- Tweet about this giveaway (@mariathriftyWAI) and leave me a comment telling me you did.

Tweet this - Enter the Cheerios 2 box giveaway at Thrifty Ways and Ideas http://www.thriftywaysandideas.com/2012/05/giveaway-cheerios-prize-pack-2-winners.html  @mariathriftyWAI

- "Like" me on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.

This giveaway will close on Sunday, May 13 at 9pm. The winners will emailed and posted on Monday morning . Each winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: Cheerios® cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark

Week of Giveaways

Each day this week I will be offering a new giveaway. 

 Each giveaway will last 7 days. 

Be sure to check back each day and enter!

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 5/6-5/12

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



Mars Chocolate Singles - .75
Receive .75 ECB
Final Price - FREE after ECB
Limit 1

Children's Allegra Allergy - 9.99
Receive 4.99 ECB
Use $5 coupon 5/6 SS
Final Price - FREE after ECB and coupon
Limit 1

Kraft Easy Mac, Deluxe, Homestyle, Velveeta Skillets or Shells & Cheese - 2/$6
Receive $3 ECB wyb 2
Final Price - $1.50 each

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


Dickensons Witch Hazel - $4
Receive $4 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR

Complete Multipurpose Contact Solution - $7.99
Receive $8 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR

Lanacane Cream - $5
Receive $5 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR

Accu Chek Aviva Blood Glucose Monitor - $9.99
Receive $9.99 Mail In Rebate
Final Price - FREE

Renew Life First Cleanse - $18
Receive $18 Mail In Rebate
Final Price - FREE

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


Nothing jumps out at me this week at Rite Aid!

Still Available - Food on the Table - FREE for Life!!

Food on the Table - the better way to plan meals and save money. SPECIAL OFFER: Use promo code: SPRINGFREE, to get the Premium Service for FREE for life!

DealChicken - New Daily Deals

Hatching deals daily!!  Save up to 90% on local dining, shopping and more!

Click here to sign up.

Today's Favorite Coupon = .55 off Philadelphia Indulgence Cream Cheese Spread

Click here to print your coupon for .55 off (1) package of Philadelphia Indulgence Cream Cheese Spread.

Couponing for Community Week - This Week

Couponing for Community kicks off this week (May 6-12)! Thousands of couponers nation-wide are using our coupon skills to make a united effort to GIVE to a local food bank, rescue mission or friend in need.

Once you've made your donation, you can head over and enter your total number of items donated on the 'See Our Progress' tab beginning on Sunday, May 6.

We'd also LOVE to see pictures of your donations on the C4C Facebook wall. If you are able to add a sign to the picture with the number of items donated and location being given, we'd love to see the locations where our giving is taking place across the country.

Don't forget that Saturday, May 12 is also National Stamp Out Hunger day, so giving can be as simple as leaving a bag of non-perishable items by your mailbox that morning.
Our goal this year is 30,000 items donated in one week's time. With your help, we know it's going to be BIG!

Menu Planning Monday

Monday - Homemade Waffles, Sausage

Tuesday - Spaghetti, Salad, Bread

Wednesday - Pork Chops, Cream Potatoes, Corn

Thursday - Nephew's Ball Game, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Chips

Friday - Salmon, Rice, Salad

Saturday - Dinner Out

Sunday - I always leave Sunday open because my dh likes to plan our menu and do most of the cooking.

You can find other great weekly menus at Menu Planning Monday at Organized Junkie!

Thought of the Day

"Remember that wherever your heart is there you willfind your treasure."

Paulo Coelho

Virginia Beach - Love the Moment

When summer arrives, the beach is soon to follow.  Growing up, a trip to the beach was taken every summer and I have been fortunate enough to carry on that tradition with my family.  I just booked my reservations last week and I am already counting down the days. 

Virginia Beach has everything you could possibly think of to have a wonderful vacation.  Your vacation can be fun-filled from the time to you arrive until the time it is for you to leave.  Below is  a few of the things you can do in Virginia Beach.

- Beach - Endless things to do on the beach with your family. Swimming, searching for the perfect seashell, laying in the sun, a great spot to read a book, get some exercise by taking a walk on the beach or a run.  This is where we spend most of our time.

- Restaurants - A trip to the beach is never complete without a great seafood dinner for me.  There are plenty of restaurants to choose from if seafood is not for you.

- Parasailing - Something I have always wanted to do.  Trying new things is a great way to make a vacation memorable.

- Aquarium - Tour the aquarium and explore the different kinds of ocean wildlife.  Something enjoyable for all ages.  A great thing to do on a rainy day.

- Golf - Lots of golf courses for anyone interested in spending the day playing golf.

- Fishing - Take the family fishing on a charter boat, from the shore, fishing pier or do some inlet fishing. I find fishing a great way to relax.

- Shopping - Lots of stores and shops for any kind of shopping you like to do.  I love to find the unique shops to purchase that one of a kind item as your souvenir.

- Lighthouses - Go to Fort Story and check out the lighthouses.  A great way to learn a little bit of history.

- Ocean Breeze Waterpark - Be a kid again and spending your day at the waterpark.  You will have fun and your kids will too.

If you are considering a beach vacation this summer, Virginia Beach would be a great choice.  Virginia Beach has over 14 miles of public beaches, I'm sure you can find that perfect spot.  The water is warm and the waves are mild.  I often say there is nothing better than the sun on my face and sand between my toes.

About Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach entices visitors to “Live the Life” year-round! Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach is four hours southeast of D.C. by car and within a day’s drive or less for two-thirds of the U.S. population. For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800-822-3224) or visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for online trip planning.

More info on Virgina Beach:

http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com
http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/things-to-do/
http://www.beachstreetusa.com/
Virgina Beach on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaBeachVA
Follow @VaBeachCVB on Twitter



Disclosure:  “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach blogging program. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Let's Be Honest with Purex

Purex has launched a new campaign, Let's Be Honest featuring Second City Comedian Molly Erdman.  Purex has created a funny series of short videos sharing honest moments that reflect the ironic truths of everyday Life, Laundry and Whatever.

The campaign also offers a sweepstakes.  Everyday one lucky entrant will win a year's supply of Purex detergent.  Who wouldn't be happy to win that?

You can find the funny series of short videos here!  Enjoy!


Disclosure:  All information was provided to me by Purex.  I will receive coupons for Purex detergent for this post.  All opinions are my own.