FREE Sample of Purina One Beyond Dog Food

Click here to request your FREE sample of Purina One Beyond Dog Food.

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.

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

- Only used my dishwasher once this week.

- Requested a couple of FREE samples.

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

- Compared gas prices before filling up.

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

-  No grocery shopping this week.  Just picked up milk, bread and fruit.

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

- Cashed Swagbucks in for a $5 Amazon gift card. 

-  It rained for 4 days and I wasn't able to do anything outside so I watched (2) movies I had recorded when Directv offered FREE Movie Package weekend.  I refuse to pay for movies. :)

- Did a couple sponsored posts for FREE products. 

- Besides carpool, stayed home 3 days this week.

- Sent gifts to Payton's teachers every day this week for Teacher Appreciation Week and spent less than $6. - Details here!   

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

- Printed a few coupons for future shopping trips. 

- Booked our vacation reservations.  Found a coupon code online to use plus I decided to call the reservations dept. just to see if I could get it any cheaper.  With coupon code and additional discount I received when I called, I saved almost $600.  I was sooooo excited!!!! :)

- My wonderful neighbors gave us several seeds and plants for our garden that they had left over.

- I got my Tahoe serviced and used a $5 coupon that I received in the mail. 

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

Bertolli Olive Oil Giveaway

I don't know anyone who doesn't use olive oil when cooking.  I always have it available.  I use it on everything from bread to grilling things on the grill.  I have tried several olive oils and Bertolli's is one of my favorites.  Some may say I am too picky but I am sure others may agree with me, if your olive oil doesn't have a great flavor then it can ruin a meal.
 
Would you like to try a FREE bottle of Bertolli Olive Oil?   If so, I am giving 2 bottles away.  Just register below. 

Giveaway - 2 Winners

-  Leave a comment and let me know if you have ever tried Bertolli Olive Oil.  (Required)

4 Extra Entries: 

- 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.

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

 

This giveaway will close on Sunday, May 12 at midnight (EST). The winner will emailed and announced on Monday morning .  You will have 48 hours to respond or a

new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer:  Bertolli provided me with a free bottle of Bertolli Olive Oil to review and two to give away.  All opinions are my own.

Zim's Naturally Based Products Review

Everyone seems to be working in their yards and planting their gardens.  Intense working in your yard can can cause sore muscles and pain.  Zim's has a wide variety of products to help soothe your sore muscles.  I received my free samples just in time since I have experienced some sore muscles from working outside.

Samples I Received:

Zim's Max Freeze Gel - Provides a cooling sensation and utilizes a topical analgesic formula to deliver temporary relief to aching muscles and joints.  Zim's Max-Freeze is formulated with naturally-based ingredients including aloe, arnica, Vitamin E and tea tree oil.

Zim's Max Freeze Roll-On -  Its the roll-on version of Zim's Max Freeze.

Zim's Maximum Heat Roll-On - Is a heat-based pain relief product with capsaicin for arthritis, stiffness, backache, strains and sprains.  Its is formulated with naturally-based ingredients including aloe, arnica, Vitamin E and tea tree oil.

Zim's products did provide me with the pain relief I needed.  I used the Zim's Max Freeze Roll-On.  It was exactly what I needed to ease my achy muscles.  I enjoyed the cooling sensation and knew that it was going to provide me with some relief.  I loved that I did not have to get my hands "dirty" when applying it.  All I needed to do was shake well and remove the cap to roll on the desired location.  I did like the scent too.  I have smelled some that almost took my breath away but not Zim's. 

The Zim's product line offers a variety of different solutions ideal for:
 - People seeking natural products as a healthy alternative
- Mena and women who are seeking a highter quality of life
- Individuals in need of temporary pain relief

The Zim's product line can be found in nearly every major retailer in North America.  You can also find a complete list of Zim's products and information on their website at www.zimsusa.com.

Disclaimer:  Zim's provided me with information and free Zim's products to review.  All opinions are my own.

My Thrifty Gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  Teachers are remarkable people who work long hours and do not get paid anywhere close to what they deserve.  To all teachers ..... thank you for doing what you do!!

To celebrate at Payton's school this week the principal had a theme for each day describing teachers and gifts suggestions to go along with the theme.

Monday - Compassinate - Be compassionate and send in a pack of unique and/or colorful sticky notes.
Tuesday - Loving - Show your loving nature by sending in a dessert or special treat for staff to enjoy.
Wednesday - Inspire - Inspire relaxation with hand cream, lotion, bubble bath, or other relaxation items.
Thursday - Motivate - Motivate staff for the long hours they work by sending an item to boost their energy.
Friday - BEST - Send the very BEST gift of all - your child with a handwritten note or card of thanks.

As with anything I do I was try to purchase gifts at the lowest price possible. I knew I wanted to participate each day so I started thinking last Saturday of things I could do for each day.  I explained to Payton about Teacher Appreciation Week and she was very excited to participate in the themes for each day.

I was able to send gifts every day for less than $6.   Here is how I did it.

Monday - Sticky Notes
I didn't have any sticky notes but luckily Staples had a 6 pk on sale this week for $5.  I had $7 in staples rewards so I purchased (2) 6 packs at $5 each = $10 - $7 Staples rewards = $3 total.  I was able to send sticking notes to office personnel, art teacher, media, music teacher, PE teacher, guidance, computer teacher, and Payton's teacher and teaching assistant.  The sticky notes were regularly - $7.97 so I saved $12.94.

Tuesday - Dessert or Special Treat
I ran by Lowes Foods on Monday while doing errands and found a box of Strawberry Turnovers (20 each) for $2 in the bakery.  I couldn't resist this deal.  There was plenty for the teachers to share if they wanted to.  I don't think I could have baked anything for $2.

Wednesday - Relaxation Items
I had Bath and Body Works lotions in my gift closet.  I sent one to Payton's teacher, teaching assistant and bus driver.  Nothing OOP.

Thursday - Item to Boost your energy
My fruit bowl was full so Payton decided to take an orange to her teachers.  Nothing OOP

Friday - Handwritten Note or Card
Payton made a card for each of her teachers last night.  She was very excited to make them and the cards turned out great.  I already had everything needed to make them.  Nothing OOP

Total OOP - $5.35 includes tax

FREE Sample of Garnier Fructis Fall Fight Shampoo and Conditioner

Click here to request your FREE sample of Garner Fructis Fall Fight Shampoo and Conditioner.

Hardees - Coupon for a FREE small fry and small drink

 

 Sign up for Hardee's e-Club and receive a printable coupon for a FREE small fry and small drink with purchase of any 1/3lb Thickburger®.

FREE eBook - Mother's Day Craft Ideas

 

 Sign up for the Crafty Kid Creations eNewsletter and receive “14 Mother’s Day Craft Ideas for Kids: Homemade Mother’s Day Gift Ideas” free.

Walgreens - FREE 8 x 10 Photo Collage

New Coupons Available

Here is a list of new coupons available. Print them while you can.

   $1.00 off on Real Simple Magazine

$3.00 off any Brita Bottle for Kids

$10.00 off Mega Bloks Barbie products

$1.00 off one Campbell's Go Soup

My Favorite Deals at Lowes Foods This Week - 5/8-5/14

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.

Fresh Rewards e-Offer
Viva Towels, 6 big rolls - $5.88
Use .50 printable coupon
Final Price - $4.88
Limit 2

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Campbell's Go Soup - $1.49 each
Use $1 printable coupon
Final Price - .49 each

Pepsi 2 Liters - .99 each

Strawberries - $1.99 each

Other Deals 

Barilla Pasta - $1

Borden Singles - $2

Sweet Corn - .40 each

Fresh Express Select salads - $2
Use .55 coupon 3/10 SS
Final Price - .90 each

Assorted Pork Chops - 1.99 per lb.

You can find this weeks sales ad here!

Sunday Coupon Preview

There will be 2 coupon inserts in this Sundays paper - 1 - Smartsource, 1 - RedPlumand 1 - P&G insert.

Here is a few of my favorites:

Frank’s $.75/1 Redhot sauce
Frank’s $.75/1 Redhot sweet chili or ketchup style hot sauce
French’s $.40/1 spicy brown mustard or horseradish mustard
French’s $.50/1 cheddar French fried onions
French’s $.50/1 classic yellow mustard
French’s $.50/1 French fried onions
Bounty $.25/1 towels or napkins
Cascade $.50/1 ActionPacs
Charmin $.25/1 product


You can find a complete list here!


You can also find lots of great printable coupons available from Coupons.com, RedPlum, and Coupon Network.

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

"A girl doesn't need anyone who doesn't need her."

Marilyn Monroe

Thrifty Tip for Flower Gardens

Every spring and summer I enjoy the beautiful flowers that come back every year around my house. I dislike spending money every spring for flowers to plant outside in my flower gardens. My thrifty tip is buy perennials when planting a flower garden. They come back every spring. They continue to grow and become larger then you are able to separate and move to other areas of yard, share with friends, or give as gifts. You do have to initially spend more on perennials but of course always look for a sale or a coupon to use with your purchase. In the end, the extra money is so well worth it.

Just this year, I separated 1 hosta plant into 5 and transplanted flowers that I grew last year from seeds (that were FREE) to 3 other areas of my yard.

There are thousands of perennials to choose from. Here is a few of my perennials.

NEW Coupons Available

Here is a list of new coupons available. Print them while you can.

  $0.50 off Heinz Ketchup Blended with Real Jalapeno

$2.00 off any TWO Kashi Cereals

$1.00 off HORMEL COMPLEATS meal

  $1.50 off any ONE (1) bag of Seattle's Best Coffee

  $1.00 off TWO Campbell's Slow Kettle Style soups

  $1.00 off (3) cartons of Swanson Broth or Stock

  $1.00 off any two (2) Litehouse Products

Wordless Wednesday

I love hosta plants!  Here is a couple pictures of some in my flower gardens.

 

Thought of the Day

Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.

FREE Sample of Finish Quantum with Power Gel

Click here to request your FREE sample of Finish Quantum with Power Gel.

Hallmark Coupon - $5 off $10 Purchase

Click here to print your coupon for $5 off a $10 purchase at Hallmark.  Coupon expires 5/12/13.

Freebies in my Mailbox Last Week

I love getting freebies in the mail. Last week I received several.  It so nice to see something free in my mailbox besides just bills.

- Family Circle Magazine
- Family Fun Magazine
- Carolina Country Magazine
- All Recipes Magazine
- Visit Orlando Travel Book
- Foundation samples
- JCP coupon
- (2) Huggies Pull Up samples

3 of my Favorite Thrifty Pins This Week

Here is a list of 3 of my favorite thrifty pins this week:

Cupcake Pizzas - My kids would love these.

 

Homemade Bird Feeders - Definitely going to make these this summer.

Refrigerator Picture Frames - Love these and I definitely need some.

NEW Coupons Available

Here is a list of new coupons available. Print them while you can.

  $1.00 off HORMEL COMPLEATS meal

$1.00 off any Rayovac Alkaline Batteries

  $1.00 off any ONE (1) Fruttare multi-pack
 

$1.00 off any TWO (2) Packages of Dixie Napkins

  $1.50 off any one (1) Starbucks K-Cup pack

  $2.00 off one pizzeria!™ Pizza from DiGiorno

$1.00 off Any One Nature Made Vitamin b

Thought of the Day

"Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."

Mary Anne Radmacher

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 5/5-5/11

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





Nivea Body Wash, Scrub or Facial Care - Prices Start at $3.79
Buy 2 and Receive $5 ECB
Use $3/2 printable coupon
Final Price - FREE after coupon and ECBs

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








Breathe Right Strips - $4
Receive $4 RR
Use $1 coupon 3/10 RP
Final Price - FREE plus overage after coupons and RR

Charco Caps Anti-Gas Formula - $7
Receive $7 RR
Final Price - FREE

Calagel Itch Relief - $5
Receive $5 RR
Final Price - FREE

Virmax T Double Strength - $8
Receive $8 RR
Final Price - FREE

Florax DS Diarrhea Relief Probiotic - $7
Receive $7 RR
Final Price - FREE

Walgreens Perfection Tampons - $1.49
Receive $1.49 RR
Final Price - FREE

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







Huggies Baby Wipes - 2/$5
Buy 2 and Receive $1 +UP Reward
Use (2) .60 printable coupon 
Final Price - $1.40 each after coupon and +UPR

FREE Sample of Arm and Hammer Sensitive Toothpaste

Click here to request your FREE sample of Arm and Hammer Sensitive Toothpaste.  These are my favorite.

AC Moore Coupons

Here is a list of current coupons for AC Moore:

- 10% off your total purchase of $30 or more on 5/7/13

- 40% off off any one regular priced item Valid 5/5 - 5/11
- 60% off plus an additional 10% off Custom Framing - 5/5-5/11

Click here to print!