Carmex Review and 48 Hour Giveaway - Ends 8/20

A couple of weeks before going to the beach, I received my Carmex beach tote containing 6 Carmex Sticks including the new Pomegranate.  What perfect timing I know.  I immediately opened the pomegranate stick and tried it.  I love the way it feels on my lips.  If going into the sun, my lips are the first thing that sunscreen is applied to.  If not, they will burn and blister.  I have carried Carmex in my purse all summer long for those unplanned moments in the sun.  Each of the Carmex sticks are made with an ultra-moisturizing formula and SPF 15 Water Resistant Sunscreen. 

The Carmex tote also made it to the beach with me.  I filled it full with beach toys for my children.

Carmex has provided me with 1 Carmex tote and 6 Carmex sticks to give away.   The six sticks included are Original, Cherry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Lime Twist and Pomegranate.

How to enter: (5 entries per person)

- Leave me a comment telling me if you have tried Carmex. (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 Carmex Beach Tote Giveaway at Thrifty Ways and Ideas http://www.thriftywaysandideas.com/2012/08/carmex-review-and-24-hour-giveaway-ends.html

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

This giveaway will close on Monday, August 20 at 12pm. The winner will emailed and posted on Monday afternoon. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:  The makers of Carmex provided me with the products to review and one to giveaway.  All opinions are my own.  No other compensation was provided.

Walgreens - FREE 8 x 10 Photo Collage

Get a FREE 8 x 10 Photo Collage Print from Walgreens when you enter coupon code GETONEFREE at checkout.  Select that you will pick it up at your local store so there is no shipping charge. Offer expires August 21, 2012.

Mott's Medleys Fruit Snack Coupon

Mott´s Fruit Flavored Snacks are made with real fruit & vegetable juice* and natural colors+ and flavors and available with year round Double Box Tops!

Click here to print your coupon for .60/3 Mott's Medleys Fruit Snacks.

Disclosure:  I received this information and the coupon offer from Mott´s® through MyBlogSpark.

Thought of the Day

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week

- 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.

- Continued to use my FREE samples this week including - toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, conditioner and sticky notes.

- Only used my dishwasher once this week.

- Printed a few coupons for future shopping. 

- Paid a couple of bills online. No money spent on stamps.

- Requested a couple of FREE samples.

- Read a three of FREE magazines that I received in the mail this week.

- Purchased Payton ballet shoes, tap shoes, and jazz shoes at Payless.  Took advanatage of their current coupon for $10 off $25 purchase.

- Did my grocery shopping at Walmart and priced matched over half my items.

- Watched a FREE movie DVR'd when Directv offered Free Movie Channels for the weekend.

- Used 2 boxes of sample cereals for Payton's breakfast this week.

- Stuck to my menu plan this week.  No eating out.

- Compared gas prices before filling up.

- Ran all my errands in one day while I was already out for an appointment.

- Completed my Christmas list this week.  I now know who I left to buy for after pulling out some gifts out of the gift closet.  I also checked out my supply of wrapping paper, tape, bows, ribbon, gift tags, and tissue paper to see what I needed to buy.  This way I can be on a lookout for some great deals.

What did you do to save/earn money this week? Please link up below or leave a comment and share how you did.

Walmart - Back to School Special - FREE 5 x 7 Photo

Click here for information on getting your FREE 5 x 7 Back to School photo for each child.  Offer expires September 30.

Sunday Coupon Preview

There will be 2 coupon insert in this weeks Sunday paper - 1 - Smartsource and 1 - RedPlum.  Here is a couple of my favorite coupons that will be available.  You can view a complete list here.

Dial Save $.35/1 liquid or foaming hand soap or bar 3pk
Dial/Tone Save $2/2 Dial, Dial for Men or Tone body washes
Save $1/3 Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper home cooked sillet meals (10/13)
Save $1/2 cans any flavor Progresso Recipe Starters Cooking Sauce

FREE Disney Planning DVD

Register for a Free Disney Parks vacation planning DVD!  Planning on a Disney vacation in the future.  This DVD will help you plan your trip.

Lowes Foods - Fresh Rewards Exclusive Offers for This Weekend

These offers are valid for 3 days - Friday, August 17 - Sunday, August 19.



Deli Meal Deal - $7.99
Select Entree Plus 2 Sides

Lowes Foods Sliced Meats - $2.97
Limit 2

Peter Pan Peanut Butter - $1.99
Limit 2

Hormel Spam Luncheon Meat - $1.97
Limit 4

Better Valu Tomatoes - $1.27
Limit 2

Lowes Foods American Cheese Singles - $1.47
Limit 2

French Bread - .99
Limit 2

Offer Good Through Tuesday
Merita Old Fashioned or Wonder Bread - .88
Limit 2

Personalization Mall - Personalized Back to School Deals

Getting your kids prepared for the upcoming school year has never been easier. You can choose from a wide selection of personalized school supplies to send them back in style! Find everything they will need to achieve success in the classroom this year in one convenient place. Backpacks, lunch coolers, notebooks, folders and pencil cases all can be personalized to fit your child\'s name and personality.

Great gifts for students and teachers!  If not for back to school, these would make great Christmas gifts.

MEGA SWAGBUCKS DAY

If you haven't signed up with Swagbucks, you definitely need to. It is a great search engine where you can earn swagbucks every time you search. I average 20-30 swagbucks a day. You can also download the Swagbucks Toolbar and Swagbucks will give you FREE swagcodes occasionally.

You can redeem your swagbucks for great prizes. My favorite prize is Amazon gift cards. With 450 swagbucks you can earn a $5 Amazon gift card. I apply my gift cards to my Amazon account and save them to use at Christmas.

You can sign up for Swagbucks here and earn 30 swagbucks just by signing up!

Thought of the Day

People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used.

My Favorite Deals at Lowes Foods This Week - 8/15-8/21

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Lowes Foods:

Remember Lowes Foods will double coupons up to .99 everday.  You can use 20 coupons per transaction.

eOffers
Merita or Wonder Bread - .88 each

Birds Eye Steamfresh - .94
Use $1/3 coupon August All You magazine
Final Price - .61 each

Tony's Crispy Crust Pizza - $1

Front Porch Ice Cream - $2.34

5 lb. Potatoes - $1.97

Cucumbers - .50 each

Gatorade - 32 oz. - .88

Powerade - 32 oz. - .79

Boston Butt Pork Roast - $1.77/lb.

Bone-In Split Chicken Breast - .97/lb.

Bar S Meat Franks, 12 oz. - $1

Wisk Laundry Detergent - $3.99
Use $2/1 coupon 8/12 RP or
Use $2/1 printable coupon
Final Price - $1.99

Today's Favorite Coupon = Great Deal on Hormel Compleats

Click here to print your coupon for $1 off any Hormel Compleats Meals.

FREE Healthy Recipes eBook

Free eCookbook: How to Cook Low Calorie Meals: 32 Healthy Low Calorie Recipes To Try, featuring 46 pages of tasty and easy low carb diet recipes + the FaveHealthyRecipes.com email recipe newsletter for FREE! Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection of crowd-pleasing low calorie recipes perfect for any meal. You'll find tons of tasty low cal foods, including low calorie chicken recipes, low cal snacks and so much more!

The eCookbook has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for favorites, including Turkey Sausage and Egg Breakfast Wraps (page 8), Better than Campbell's Tomato Soup (page 20) and Homemade Gummy Worms (page 32).

Save-a-Lot Coupon - $5 off $25 Purchase

"Like" Save-a-Lot on Facebook and print your coupon for $5 off $25 purchase.  Coupon expires 8/29/12.

I plan on taking advantage of this great offer and stock up on some meat.

NEW Carter's Coupon

Click here to print your coupon for 20% off a $40 purchase at Carters.  Coupon expires 8/22/12.

FREE Trial Issue to Over 5500+ Digital Magazines

Download a FREE Trial Issue to over 5500+ digital magazines!

Thought of the Day

"A year from now you may have wished you started today."

Karen Lamb

Wordless Wednesday

Thinking about our vacation this morning.  I loved being able to walk outside every morning and see this.  So relaxing!

Thought of the Day

Life is about using the whole box of crayons.

Christmas Is Less Than 5 Months Away!!

Its that time of year again.  Christmas is less than 5 months away. This is the time that I start planning for Christmas.  I feel like it is never to early to plan ahead.  Planning ahead helps keep me organized and on budget.   There are a couple of things that I do every year that helps me organize, stay on budget and plan ahead.

1) Make a Christmas list. I list names of everyone that I am buying for along with any gift ideas.

 

2) Make a Budget - Decide how much money you can or want to spend at Christmas.  I always add an amount of how much I can spend for each person on my list.   Add each total up and make sure it is under or equal to your budgeted amount.  Sometimes I have to adjust my numbers. 

 

3) List any gift ideas I may have for each person. If I find something during the year at a great price, I will go ahead and purchase it and save for Christmas.  This really helps me stay on budget. 

4) Think about any donations, toy drives, Shoebox Ministries that you are going to participate in. I always donate to toy drives and do (4) shoesboxes every year. With back to school sales currently going on, now is a great time to buy items for your shoeboxes. It is amazing how many things you can put in a shoebox for very little money.

5) Go through my gift closet. I buy things throughout the year that I find awesome deals on and place in my gift closet for birthdays and Christmas. I go through my items and see if there is anything that I can label for a certain person on my list. By doing this last year, I was able to make 5 people off my list immediately.

6) Gift Baskets - I make gift baskets every year for my mom and mother-in-law. I started out doing a stocking for them every year but the stockings never seemed to be big enough therefore the gift baskets began.  Last year I did theme baskets for each, kitchen theme and they both loved them.  I am still working on a theme for this year.

Note: If thinking of doing this, you can find awesome baskets at the Goodwill Store for almost nothing.

6) Gift Wrapping -  I checked my gift wrapping storage this morning.  I have enough wrapping paper, bows, tape, gift tags and gift bags.  I do need to purchase some tissue paper. 
7) Christmas Card List - I have a Christmas card list that I use every year but I always review it and see if there is anyone that needs to be added. This way I always know how many total cards I need to purchase. I always do photo cards with pictures of my children.  Since I have to order these, I usually try to have a picture ready by the first of December so I can order and have them back in plenty of time to mail before Christmas.

8) Plan a Menu - If I am having any get togethers or family functions at my home during the holidays I try to plan my menu ahead of time so I can take advantage of grocery store sales. There is certain things that I make every Christmas and then I also like to try new recipes. I have even planned my menu by the grocery store sales ad. This is another great way to stay on budget.

If you do anything else to prepare for Christmas early, besides what I have listed, please share. I am always looking for new ideas.

Shoe Lovers - This is For You!!

Take a Fashion Personality Quiz Answer a few fun questions about your fashion preferences Get handpicked styles Our Style Experts customize a collection of shoes and handbags to fit your fashion every month. You choose what to buy Buy only the styles you want for just $39.95 each. Shipping is FREE and exchanges are a breeze!

Still Available - YorkPhoto.com - $1 Grocery Tote Bag

Get a custom grocery tote bag for just $1 when you use code: YORKTOTEAD. Plus, get 40 Free photo prints when you register. Does not include shipping.

I think this would make a cute Christmas gift!

Thought of the Day

Work for a cause, not for applause.  Live life to express, not to impress.  Don't strive to make your presence noticed just make your absence felt.

Unknown

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 8/12-8/18

Here is a list of my favorite deals at CVS:



Colgate Total, Max Fresh, Max Clean or 2in 1 Toothpaste - $2.50 each
Buy 2 and Receive $1.50 ECB
Use .75 coupon 8/12 SS
Final Price - $1 each after coupon and ECB

Post Honey Bunches of Oats - $3 each
Buy 2 and Receive $2 ECB
Use (2) $1 printable coupon
Final Price - $1 each after coupon and ECB

Pepsi 12 Packs - $4 each
Buy 4 and Receive $2 ECB
Final Price - $2.50 each

Suave Deodorant - $1
Use .75 coupon  7/29 RP
Final Price - .25 each

Palmolive - .99
Use .25 coupon 8/12 SS
Final Price - .74 each

Here is a list of my favorite deals at Walgreens:

Renew Life Omega Smart Super Krill - $10
Receive $10 RR
Final Price - FREE

Revlon Nail Color - $4.99
Receive $3 RR
Use $1 coupon 8/5 SS
Final Price - .99

Palmolive Dish Liquid - .94 each
Use .25 coupon 8/12 SS
Final Price - .69





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

Nips Hard Candy - $1
Receive $1 +UPR
Final Price - FREE

Stayfree Pads - $3
Receive $2 +UPR
Use $2 coupon 7/22 SS
Final Price - FREE + $1 moneymaker

NEW Jamba Juice Coupon - Any 16 oz. Smoothie for only $2

Get a coupon for a sixteen size smoothie for only two bucks when you become a Jamba Insider!

Menu Planning Monday

Monday - Homemade Barbecue, Slaw, Hush Puppies, Oven Potatoes

Tuesday - Hot Dogs, Homemade Fries, Baked Beans

Wednesday - Homemade Stromboli, Salad

Thursday - Taco Ring, Spanish Rice

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday -  Dinner Out with a Gift Card and Coupon :)

Sunday - I try to leave Sunday open.  DH likes to cook!



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

Shoe Carnival Coupon - $5 off $39.98 or Higher Purchase

Break back to School with all the great deals at Shoe Carnival. Get your coupon now!
$5.00 off a purchase of $39.98 or higher before Taxes & Shipping.

Click here to print!

Parents Magazine - $3.50 Per Year

Click here to subscribe to Parents Magazine for only $3.50 per year.  Use coupon code 7068 at checkout!  Valid for today only!

FREE Travel Deal Newsletter

Sign up for Dunhill Travel Deals Newsletter and Save up to 70% on Vacations, Cruises, Airfare & More!

Who would love to take an end of summer vacation?  You may be able to find a great deal here!

NEW AC Moore Coupons

Click here to print this weeks coupons for:


- 40% off any one regular priced item
- 55% off Custom Framing plus an additional $10 off

I love to browse AC Moore.  I never know what great item I may find.

2 FREE Recipe eBooks - Back to School and Must Make Muffins

Free eCookbook: The ABC's of Back-to-School: 26 Kid-Friendly Recipes from Mr. Food Free eCookbook, features 31 pages of our very best kid-approved recipes sure to make the grade this school year + Mr. Food Recipe eNewsletter for FREE!

Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection full of triple-tested kid-friendly recipes, including grab 'n' go breakfast recipes, simple snack solutions, time-saving dinner ideas and extra-fun treats. Our free eCookbook is here to make the back-to-school season easier with fast, easy and kid-approved meal ideas. In true A-B-C fashion, we've got one recipe for every letter of the alphabet! The eCookbook has stunning colorful pictures and step-by-step instructions for easy recipes like Dirt Cups (page 7), Popcorn Lollipops (page 12), Mac and Cheese Cups (page 13), Itsy Bitsy Pizza Bagels (page 16), Buffalo Chicken Wraps (page 23), and lots more.



Free eCookbook: Must-Make Muffins: 12 Easy Muffin Recipes features 12 pages of our favorite easy muffin recipes + Mr. Food Recipe eNewsletter for FREE!

Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection full of our best breakfast recipes for the active family. In our latest eCookbook, the Mr. Food Test Kitchen has triple-tested these simple muffin recipes, ideal for whenever you're rushing out the door. From fruit-filled favorites to chocolate-y treats, this eCookbook is going to be a classic for years to come. The eCookbook has step-by-step instructions for easy recipes like Shortcut Blueberry Muffins (page 1), Blueberry Patch Muffins (page 2), Surprise 'Nana Muffins (page 4), Peanut Butter-Banana Muffins (page 6), Colossal Chocolate Muffins (page 7), Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins (page 9), Fresh Apple Cinnamon Muffins (page 11), Apple Nut Muffins (page 12) and lots more.

Toysrus Coupon - $5 off $5 Purchase

When I saw this coupon, I thought of FREE stocking stuffers or maybe a great deal on something on clearance.

Click here to "Like" Toysrus on Facebook and you can print your coupon there!

Silkies - Sign Up to be an Insider and Receive Discounts and FREE Shipping

Sign up to become a Silkies Insider and get 50% off summer capris and free shipping on your order.

Thought of the Day - Where Have I Been?

Thought of the Day - Treasure every moment you have with your children!!

Well it has been over 3 weeks since I have blogged.  I went on vacation, spent every moment possible with my children doing lots of fun things, and shopping for school clothes and supplies.

I had a great vacation at the beach.  Made lots of wonderful memories that I will always cherish. I have come to the conclusion my children have no fear, even my 2 year old.  That both love the water.  It doesn't matter whether it is the ocean, the pool, or on a water slide. 

This was my first year of having to plan and prepare for school.  I took advantage of some great deals on school supplies and clothes.  I was very happy that I was able to purchase everything needed and still had money left in my budget.

This past Thursday was a BIG day in my home.  It was Payton's 1st Day of School!!!  It was a big day for everyone.  She has been home with me everyday for over 2 years.  She was very excited up until Thursday morning.  She started to get nervous while eating breakfast and she did get a little teary eyed.  I assured she was going to be fine and she was going to love school.  After that, I wasn't sure how she was going to act when we got to school.  Needless to say, she did great!!  I was the one who cried.  I started crying as soon as I walked out of her class after walking her to class.  I continued to cry half the day.  I was so excited when it was finally time to pick her up.   

She had a wonderful 2 days of school.  She was excited to go back this morning.  I hope the excitement continues.

Here is a couple of pictures from her 1st day. (Sorry I had to share!)

Having breakfast before school!

Little brother walking sissy to class!

Sitting at her desk at school!

The whole family is getting use to our new schedule.  Everything will be back to normal this week!