Thought of the Day

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!  

I will not be blogging the rest of the week.  I plan on spending my time with family and close friends.  I will return on Monday.

U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Creating Better Moments with Apps

Its almost here!  Less than 24 hours to Christmas Eve!  Its that time to celebrate the season with your friends and family.  Make those memories that will last a lifetime.

I have been looking forward to using my Samsung Galaxy S4 apps to capture those special moments to cherish forever.  I can also share these moments with friends and family just by hitting a few buttons on my phone.  Mobile devices help us communicate more frequently, share experiences immediately, and generally enrich the quality of our relationships. Whether at home or on-the-go, U.S. Cellular is providing the tools needed to help consumers create, discover, enhance and share life’s Better Moments with their families.

I plan on taking lots of pictures and recording my beautiful childrens faces when they come downstairs on Christmas morning.  Their precious sleepy faces full of excitement seeing their new toys and gifts from Santa.   I will be using Vine and Instagram for all of my pictures and videos.

You can use can Vine and Instagram with friends and family to share the following:

• Share holiday recipes. Let your friends and family see the behind-the-scenes work as you whip up your favorite holiday meals or desserts. Recipes on Vine and Instagram often show preparation or presentation tutorials. You can take your followers through step-by-step directions so they can try it on their own. 
• Send holiday messages. Calling your loved ones is always important, but try mixing in personalized Vine or Instagram videos you can send and tag them in. With access to U.S. Cellular’s high-speed nationwide network, you can upload and share your greetings quickly, even if you’re away on a holiday vacation.
• Show off holiday lights. Bring the photos of holiday lights strung around your home or neighborhood to life by making a video of them. You could start a time lapse video of you putting them in place or showcase any special effects.
• Follow hashtags for promotions. There are a number of brands that utilize Vine and Instagram to promote their products or specials, especially around the holidays. Search for their verified accounts and see what they have to offer. Some brands even ask their users to create videos based on one of their hashtags, so they can select winners to claim prizes.

Holiday Gift Guide -

• Gift Under $25 – Accessories are essential for your smartphone or tablet. A case, shell, skin or travel charger makes a great stocking stuffer. Examples include the Ballistic LS Jewel Gel Skin in purple or grey.
• Gift Under $50 – Gift a U.S. Cellular Bluetooth Headset for the multi-tasker who’s constantly working to do more.
• Gift under $100 – Gift the Griffin TC Monster Truck for the adventurer in your life, you can control the truck with a virtual dashboard or tilt your device to steer. 
• iPhone 5s or 5c – the new iPhone is one of the hottest tech gifts this shopping season. U.S. Cellular offers iPhone 5s, the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world, and iPhone 5c the most colorful iPhone yet. Use your iPhone to connect with family and friends this holiday season by taking photos with the advanced iSight camera system and video chatting via and FaceTime.

Links that Help Facilitate Better Moments

• iPhone 5s: http://goo.gl/J3DbYW
• iPhone 5c: http://goo.gl/BWMRGp
• iPad Air: http://goo.gl/ZnaWJl

Disclosure:  I am a compensated member of the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade.  All opinions are my own.

Menu Planning Monday

Monday - Chicken Parmesan, Salad

Tuesday - Christmas Eve Dinner with my In-Laws!

Wednesday - Christmas Day Dinner at my moms!

Thursday - DH's Birthday Dinner at Home - We are having whatever he wants!

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Cheeseburgers, Homemade Fries 
  
Sunday - I try to leave Sunday open because DH likes to cook! 


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

Thrifty Christmas Gifts Series - Gift #5

People of all ages are wearing scarves including myself.  I found an awesome deal this year on nice scarves and purchased several for gifts and added a couple to my gift closet.

Dollar General has scarves for just $5.  I was able to find prints, stripes, and solid colors.  If you are looking for a last minute thrifty gift, check out your store.  I was able to purchase mine for $4 each.

Purchased:
5 - Scarves at $5 each = $25
Used $5 off $25 purchase coupon
Final Price - $4 each

Rudolph Foods Pork Rind Appreciation Day

Rudolph Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of pork rinds, has announced its Third Annual Pork Rind Appreciation Day campaign. Celebrated on the biggest football day of the year, and on the first Sunday of February, Pork Rind Appreciation Day was cemented as an annual event after the pork rind leader secured hundreds of thousands of consumer votes, as well as political designations.  Matched each year with charitable support, Rudolph Foods will again support the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides medical and financial assistance to former National Football League (NFL) players in dire need. 

Between now and the big game, $.10 of the purchase of all Rudolph Foods branded products will support the organization’s assistance fund (up to $15,000). The campaign is also matched with several opportunities for consumers to play along for chances to win football parties, pork rinds and other prizes to celebrate pig skins and pig skins together.

As part of the 3rd annual campaign, Rudolph Foods is further encouraging lovers of pork rinds to help make the six month campaign a success by visiting the brand’s web site at RudolphFoods.com/PorkRindDay. There, fans can vote for Team Spicy or Team Smooth as their favorite pork rind team. Team Spicy is lead by Super Bowl Champ, “coach” Dennis McKinnon and home to all the Hot & Spicy flavors of the Rudolph Foods family of brands. Team Smooth is lead by Hall of Famer, “coach” Lem Barney and home to all the classic and smooth flavors of the Rudolph Foods family of brands. Consumers will also be encouraged to vote for their favorite pork rind player. One winner will be chosen, at random, from the winning team and awarded the grand prize of $1,500 and one year supply of pork rinds and announced on January 7^th.

About Rudolph Foods:

Rudolph Foods Company, Inc., one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded and private-label snack products, is the world’s largest pork rind manufacturer. Awarded the title of 2010 Energy Saver, Rudolph Foods operates energy efficient plants in Ohio, Georgia, Texas and California, and is solely dedicated to providing its customers with sustainable, top quality products and the highest levels of customer service at the best price. For additional information, please call 1-800-241-7675, or visit www.RudolphFoods.com.

About Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund:

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF) is a non-stock, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing financial grants and ‘pro bono’ medical assistance to retired NFL players in dire need. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues, which include coordination of social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions. For additional information, visit www.GridironGreats.org.

PorkRindDay.com

RudolphFoods.com

Twitter.com/RudolphFoods

 Facebook.com/RudolphFoods

Pinterest.com/RudolphFoods

YouTube.com/RudolphFoods

Instagram.com/RudolphFoods

GridironGreats.org

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I did receive free product samples for sharing this.  No other compensation was received.

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 12/22-12/28

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

Gillette Venus Razor - $5.99 

Receive $5 ECB

Use $3 coupon 12/15 RP 

Final Price - FREE plus overage after coupon and ECBs

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

Colgate Dental Care - $3 

Receive 2000 points

Use $1 coupon 12/15 SS 

Final Price - $1 each after coupon and points

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







Select Sugar Free Candies - 2/$3

Use $1 printable coupon 

Final Price - .50 each 

Finesse Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers 2/$4 

Buy 2 - Receive $2 +UPR

Final Price - $1 each after +UPR

Limit 2

Nivea for Men Face Wash, Scrub, Lotion and After Shave - $4.99 

Buy 1 and Receive $2 + UPR

Use $3 printable coupon 

Final Price - FREE after coupon and +UPR

A. C. Moore Coupons

Click here to print this awesome coupon.

- 55% off any regular priced item - Valid 12/22-12/24

Thrifty Christmas Gifts - Gift #4

Sign up for email offers and mailing lists with department stores you shop at most often.   They often include great coupons in their emails and sometimes send you coupons in the mail.

My favorite coupons to receive from department stores is JCPenneys and Kohls.  Earlier this month, I received a $10 off any purchase from and Kohls and JCP in the mail.

The picture on top is an outfit for Payton that I got for absolutely nothing from Kohls.  It is a pair of yoga pants and shirt that she can wear to school or dance.  It was on sale for 9.99 (regularly $32.00) and with my coupon I paid nothing and also received free shipping (would have been $5.95).  Thats a total savings of $37.95.  

The second picture is a warm up suit that I purchased at JCP for Bryson.  The jacket was on sale for $7.99 (regularly 24.99) and the pants were on sale for $5.99 (regularly $19.99) plus I received an extra 20% off.   With my $10 coupon, I got his outfit for $1.27.  Thats a total savings of $ $43.71.

Thats 2 outfits I purchased as gifts for my children for $1.27!!

If you don't want these emails coming to your primary email account, set up a second free email account and use it for emails offers. 

New Coupons Available

Great coupons available and many more.  Print them while you can.

Thought of the Day

The code of the elves:

1) Treat everyday like Christmas.
2) There's room for everyone on the nice list.
3) The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week

- 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 away new coupons.

- Only used my dishwasher once this week.

- Printed a couple coupons to be used in the future.

- Requested a few FREE samples.

- Stuck to my menu plan.

- Continued to use my FREE samples this week including - lotion, toothpaste and dishwasher tablets

- Continued to cut my dryer sheets in half to save.

-  Planned my grocery shopping using sales and coupons. 

- Entered Coke Reward Points, Pampers Rewards and Huggies Rewards points to each account for FREE gift cards, coupons and gifts.

- Read a couple of FREE magazines = FREE entertainment.


- Cashed in Swagbucks for (2) $5 Amazon gift card.  I am already preparing for Christmas 2014.

- Paid a few bills online.  Money saved without having to purchase stamps.


- Received three samples in the mail that have been put to good use.



- Used my gas rewards when filling up and saved .10 per gallon.


- My Christmas shopping has officially began.  I had purchased a couple of things throughout the year.  I purchased 4 Christmas gifts this week using coupons and reward certificates.

-  Made another trip to the library.  Love reading great books for FREE!!

- Going to a Christmas family get together tomorrow.  I have to take a couple of dishes.  I decided what to take by looking in my pantry for items I already had to make. 

- Cleaned out Bryson's toys.  I have a lot of things to add to my consignment sale bin.  I plan on going through Payton's toys this weekend.  I need to make room for their Christmas gifts.

- DH purchased a new cell phone by using points we earn each month with our phone carrier - U. S. Cellular.

- Got my vehicle serviced this week.  Saved $10 with a coupon I received in the mail.

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

Walgreens - FREE 8 x 10 Photo

Click here to order your FREE 8 x 10 photo from Walgreens today with coupon code TODAY8X10.  Offer is valid until Sunday.  Choose in-store pick-up and you do not have to pay shipping.

My Favorite Lowes Foods Deals This Week - 12/18-12/24

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. They will accept 4 "like" coupons and 2 "like" internet coupons.

Also, you can earn .05 per gallon fuel rewards with every $100 spent.


Fuel Rewards
.10 wyb 3
Bailey's Coffee Creamer - $2

.25 wyb 3
Lowes Foods Cooking Spray - $2
Lowes Foods Orange Juice - $2.89


See ad for a complete list of gas rewards.

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Mt. Olive Pickles - $1.49
Use .75 coupon 11/17 SS
Final Price - FREE


Birds Eye Steamfresh - .94 each

Eat Smart Vegetable Tray - $5.98

Limes - .33 each

Oranges, Navel, Seedless - .50 each


Peppers, Bell, Green - .99 each

Dinner Rolls in the Bakery 12 ct. - $1.99

Green Giant Vegetables - $1.39 Buy 2 and Get 3 FREE
Final Price - .56 each

Cool Whip Whipped topping - .99 each

Smart Balance Butter Spread - $2
Use .50 printable coupon
Final Price - $1 

Heluva Good Chunk Cheese - $2

Heluva Good French Onion Dip - $2

Pampers Baby Wipes - $2.50
Use .50 printable coupon
Final Price - $1.50


You can find this weeks sales ad here!

Sunday Coupon Preview

There will not be any coupon inserts this weekend.



There is a lot of wonderful printable coupons available.  Be sure to check them out and print while they are available Coupons.com, RedPlum, and Coupon Network.

Thrifty Christmas Gifts Series - Gift #3

Payton wanted to give her classmates something for Christmas this year.  Thats a total of 20 kids.  I was able to give each a child a goody bag for only .61 each.  I purchased everything at the Dollar General Store.  Below is what each goody bag contained.

Goody Bag - .25 each
Snowman Straw - .20
Candy Cane - .08 each
Christmas pencil - .08 each
Tootsie Roll - FREE - Candy from Christmas parade
Sucker - FREE - Candy from Christmas parade

Total Spent Per Bag - .61 each = 12.20

I went to Payton's Christmas party at school.  All of her classmates were so excited to receive their gift.  I am so glad I did this and was there when she passed them out.  Once again, I was shown that its the thought that counts.   I loved seeing each childs excitement and smiling face.

Thrifty Christmas Gift Series - Gift #2

Teachers are truly a blessing.  Payton has 2 wonderful teachers this year.  I really wanted to give them a nice gift this year.  I saw something similiar to this on Pinterest and decided this would be wonderful.  Plus, I love to put together gift baskets.  Teachers spend so much money out of their pockets each year in supplies.  I hoped this would be greatly appreciated and it was.  They loved it and both thought it was a clever idea.  I was shocked with how much I was able to give for so little.  Below is what each basket contained and how much I spent total.

Basket - $1 Dollar Tree
Notebook - .15 each - Purchased during Back to School Sales
(2) Packs of Pens - FREE - Purchased with coupon last year
Crayons - .25 each - Back to School Sales
Glue Sticks - 5/$3 - .60 each x 3 -= $1.80
Post It Notes - $1 for a pack of 6 = .16 each x 3 per basket Dollar Tree
Kleenex - .67 each with coupon at CVS
Pencils 12 pk - $1 - Dollar Tree
Dry Erase Markers - $3.52
Erasers 40 pk - $1 Dollar Tree
Pack of Paper - FREE - This was given to me and I never have used it so I decided to include in gift basket.
Small Stocking with (2) Mechanical Pencils and (2) Highlighters - .25 each for stockings clearance last year and FREE pencils and highlighters that I had purchased for FREE during back to school sales
Personalized Notepads from Vistaprint - $3.86

Total Spent - $13.98 plus tax


What do you give teachers for Christmas gifts?

FREE Sample of Finish Power and Free

 

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New Coupons Available

Great coupons available and many more.  Print them while you can.

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

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year."

Charles Dickens

Thrifty Christmas Gifts Series - Gift #1

I have decided to share with you some awesome deals that I have gotten while Christmas shopping.  It never ceases to amaze me how much money I save each year.  I always make my Christmas list in July.  I list each name along with an amount and any ideas I may have for a gift.  The next thing I do is go through my gift closet and pull out any things that I have purchased throughout the year that I have found on clearance, on sale or even gotten for FREE with a coupon.  I usually find 2 or 3 gifts in my gift closet.  I update my list and place any gifts that I find in my Christmas tote box.  This way all gifts are kept together and I always know what I have.

This year I decided to do something new or at least new for me.  I have never given baked goodies before as gift.  This year I am giving small loaves of Omish Cinnamon Bread.  It is wonderful.  I am giving one as a hostess gift on Saturday.  I gave one to my daughters bus driver.  I gave three to the front office employees at her school.    I am also giving one to my mail lady.

I was given the starter from a friend and I already had almost everything needed to make.  I did spend right at $4 when for the remaining ingredients needed.

Do you give homemade goodies as gifts?

FREE Printable Holiday Tags

Click here to print your FREE printable holiday tags from Paper Coterie.

Blimpie - FREE Regular Sub

 

 Sign up for Blimpie E Club and receive printable coupon for FREE Regular Sub with Purchase.

New Coupons Available

Great coupons available and many more.  Print them while you can.