Saturday, July 20, 2013

York Photo - FREE Grocery Tote Bag


 Get a free customized tote bag from York Photo. The bag has a retail value of $9.99, but you will get it free when using promo code MYTOTE.

Sales Tax FREE Weekend 2013

Tax FREE weekends are coming up in August.  Its a great time to stock up on school supplies.  In NC, the sales tax free weekend is August 2-4.

You can find a complete list of sales tax free weekends here!

Enfamil - Get up to $250 in FREE Products


Register Enfamil Family Beginnings and receive up to $250 in free gifts including expert advice and nutrition informaiton, samples and discounts, plus other goodies.

Thought of the Day

"The sea, once it casts a spell, holds one in its net forever."

Jacques Cousteau

Friday, July 19, 2013

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 and took a couple on vacation including - lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lip conditioner

- Won a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

- Received a Class Action Lawsuit check in the mail for $111.03.

- Only used my dishwasher once this week.

- Requested a few FREE samples.

- Stuck to my menu plan. No eating out.

- Used my gas rewards card from Save A Lot and saved .15 per gallon when filling up.

- 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.

- Took the kids to the movies on Thursday morning to see a FREE movie.  Part of the free summer movie program. 

- Stayed home 3 days this week.  Saved gas by doing so.

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

- Did a sponsored post.

- Payton and I are continuing to read our library books.

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

- Printed several coupons to use on future shopping trips.

-I needed to mail a couple of cards so I went to my card folder and pulled out what I needed.  Cards were purchased for almost nothing.  No money spent for what I needed.


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

What I Did to Save Money on Vacation


Last week, my family went to Myrtle Beach for a week.  Its a trip we look forward to every summer.   Traveling anywhere can be expensive but by planning ahead, I was able to save a lot of money.  Here is what I did.

- I booked reservations by comparing prices online.

-When calling to make reservations, I asked if their was a discount for return customers.  I had noticed online that there was lots of availability for that week.  I did receive a $600 discount for a weeks rental.  I was so excited.  Remember, it never hurts to ask.

- Our resort has awesome water park including a water slide, lazy rivers, numerous pools inside and out, and a kiddie pool play park inside and out.  I feel like this an extra bonus and no desire to go to a water park while there.  The indoor pools and play areas are great in case you have bad weather.

- There was a FREE kids day camp during the week.  The kids saw a magic show, went to animal show by the pool, and Payton made a bracelet one day. 

- I started a vacation grocery bag a couple of months before for nonperishable items such as paper towels, paper plates, snacks, condiments, etc.

- I saved samples/freebies that I received in the mail to carry on our trip - toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, shampoo, conditioner etc.  The small bottles work great for 1 week plus it saves space in your luggage.

- We always have breakfast and lunch in our room.  I took lots of items from home that I had purchased on sale with coupons that I included in our vacation grocery bag.

- When checking in I noticed several coupon booklets in their lobby for local attractions, restaurants etc.  I picked up a couple to use during the week.


- I won a $25 Kroger gift card a few months ago.  I saved it to take with us on vacation.  I found a local store there before leaving, checked out their sales ad and planned my shopping list of perishable items we would need to purchase once we got there.  I also took coupons with me to use on items we had to purchase. I spent less than $20.

- I ordered a $25 gift card from MyPoints for a restaurant that we had planned to have dinner at.  I also had a $5 coupon.  Our dinner was less than $25 for 4 people and that included 2 adult entrees, 2 kids meals, drinks, and an appetizer.

- We ordered pizza one night and had it delivered.  We searched the yellow pages for local pizza delivery places.  I picked 3, called each one to check out their specials and choose the best deal.

- Had dinner at Outback one night.  I received a free appetizer by saying "Bloomin Monday" to our server.  I saw this offer on their Facebook page.  I also had a $5 coupon plus a $10 gift card.  Great deal for a great meal.  I love Outback.

- We did not purchase any drinks or snacks while at the pool or on the beach.  I had everything we needed so I packed a cooler and snack bag everyday.

- We went to the yogurt shop across the street for dessert one night last year.  They were giving out punch cards.  For each yogurt purchase, your card was punched.  After 5 punches, you received a free yogurt.  My card was punched 3 times last year.  I actually had my card from last year in my wallet.  We took the kids in one night for dessert and I used my card.  We purchased 3 yogurts so my third one was FREE. 

- In my opinion, you can't go to the beach without going to eat at a seafood buffet which includes crab legs of course.  (my favorite) The buffets can be quite expensive and make sure you go very hungry.  One afternoon we had a rain shower so we decided to go eat a little earlier than than normal so we go the early bird pricing plus I found a coupon in the coupon book I picked up when checking in.  This saved us $12.

- I love to go to Broadway at the Beach. Browse the shops, feed the ducks and fish, check out their amazing candy store.  Build-a-Bear is also there so I decided to take the kids.  Payton had been before but Bryson hadn't.  I had (2) $25 gift cards.  One I won in a blog giveaway and the other one was a birthday gift for Brsyon.  I found coupons in the coupon booklets for $5 off a $20 purchase.  The kids had so much fun making their bears.  I did too!!  It was great family fun. Bryson just turned 3 and I was sure if this would interest him or not but he was all into it.  He made a Baseball Monkey and a Payton made a Cody Simpson koala bear complete with outfits and accessories.  Total saved with coupons and gift cards $60.

- We also took the kids to Family Kingdom amusement park.  This was something they were looking forward to on our trip.  They had so much.  I found a coupon in the booklet I picked up while checking in.  I saved $10 there.

- Payton has been saving her allowance, change, tooth fair money for months to take to the beach.  She had planned to buy something for herself but she decided to buy her friends and whole a small souvenir each.  She picked out each item herself. She had a budget to work with so this was a great learning experience on how much things cost. She did stay within her budget and purchased a gift for everyone.  I actually had a coupon for the shop so she receive a free sand dollar and t-shirt for herself with her purchase.  She was so excited.

The biggest thing I learned on our trip....ALWAYS check out the local coupon booklets.  You never know what you will find.  I saved a lot of money using a few coupons and Payton received 2 free gifts.

What do you do to save money on vacation?


FREE 3 Month Subscription to Ladies Home Journal

  
Sign up and receive FREE 3 Issue Subscription to Ladies Home Journal sponsored by JudysHealthySnacks.com.

All You Magazine Subscription for $19.95 Plus a FREE Gift

All You

Receive 12 issues (1 year) of ALL YOU for just $19.95, plus receive FREE gift.  This is the onlymagazine that I pay for each money.  I love their articles and each issue is full of coupons.

York Photo - FREE 5 x 7 Custom Softcover Photo Book


 Get a free 5 x 7 custom softcover photo book from York Photo. This item is generally $10.99, but you will get it free using promo code MYBOOK.

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!

New Coupons Available



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

  $1.00 off 1 Disney or Marvel Gummy Vitamin product



Thought of the Day

"Love is to the heart what summer is to the farmer's year - it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul."

Author Unknown

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Van's Natural Foods Consumer Panel and Receive Coupons





Join Van's Natural Foods consumer panel and you can print a coupon for $3.  Follow the directions below to join: 

1. Go to www.OpinionIt.com and fill out the join box
2. Verify your email address
3. Click on the "July Opinion It Survey" and use the password LOVEVANS
4. Complete the survey and you'll be able to instantly download a coupon good for
$3 off any Van's product!

You can also print a $1 coupon here!



Gifts for Hard-to-Shop-For Friends and Family



(This is a guest post by Heather Hewitt) 

We all know and love people who seem to have everything. But when holidays, birthdays and special occasions roll around, we hate them (just a little). After all, buying things for people who already have fantastic clothes, great gear and all the gadgets they could ever want isn’t easy – or anywhere near the vicinity of easy. So what’s a gift giver to do when you just want to send a little something special to someone you care about? 

The answer: Think personalization. From phone cases to handbags, golf clubs to yoga mats, when you give a gift that’s been personalized with pictures, monograms or special phrases, you can show the thought and care that went into your gift – and give them something that they probably don’t already have.  Need a few ideas to get you started? No problem! Take a look at these great options – and get inspired.

·         Custom iPhone Cases. Everyone and their brother seems to have an iPhone these days, but not many of us have custom iPhone cases featuring the people, pets and places we love. Not only are they special, but they’re also easy to make and so affordable, that you might even create a few that your recipient can swap out with the seasons.

·         Hometown Jigsaw Puzzle. Even if they’re not usually fans of puzzles, one featuring a map of their hometown, favorite vacation spot or even their current address will help you score big points for thoughtfulness and originality.


·         Custom Golf Accessories. From personalized ball markers to towels, shaft labels to balls, bags, clubs, and club links, the options are virtually endless – and always elicit oohhs and aahhhs.

·         Personalized Yoga Mat. Let them say “aum” in style. With a personalized yoga mat, they can get centered, balanced, strong and peaceful – on a mat that’s all about them. Plus, if Oprah and Dr. Oz seem to like it, it has to be good, right?

·         Custom Totes, Handbags and Gym Bags. Whether they’re adorned with favorite family photos, simple monograms or an important word, phrase or symbol, a custom bag is a great option for folks on the go. After all, they can use it for travel, trips to the beach, groceries, visits to the gym or just running around town.



Finally, don’t forget the power of personalized birthday cards and greeting cards. They’re simple, inexpensive things that can, when coupled with a heartfelt note, make someone special feel as though they are. Add in a gift card or the promise of a weekend getaway, movie money, or a gift certificate for an activity they love – or have always wanted to try – and you can easily create a fantastic gift they’ll cherish.

Shutterfly has some great special offers.  You can find them here

Author Bio: Heather Hewitt is a seasoned writer and guest author who enjoys connecting people with thoughtful products, services and ideas as they relate to crafting, photography, gift giving and personal expression.

Sunday Coupon Preview


There will be no coupon inserts in this Sundays paper.

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

Dollar General - $5 off $30 Purchase Saturday ONLY


Click here to print your coupon for $5 off $30 purchase on Saturday, July 20th ONLY!

New Coupons Available



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


York Photo - FREE 11 oz. Mug


 Get a Free customized 11 oz Mug from York Photo. The mug sells at a value of $9.99, but you will get it free using promo code MYMUG.

Thought of the Day

"Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people."

Nicholas Sparks

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

AC Moore Coupons




Click here to print these awesome coupons.

- 55% off one regular priced item - Valid Thursday ONLY
- $10 off your $25 purchase - Valid Thursday and Friday
- 60% off Custom Framing + an additional $10 off - Valid Thursday - Saturday

Shoe Carnival - $5 off $39.98 Purchase


Take $5 off of your purchase of $39.98 or more. Enter SAVE5 at checkout online or bring printed coupon to a store near you.

My Favorite Deals at Lowes Foods This Week - 7/17-7/23

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.

E-Offer
Bounty Basic Paper Towels, 3 Reg Rolls or 6 Big Rolls - $4.77
Use .25 coupon 7/7 P&G
Final Price - $ 4.27
Limit 2

Get .10 Fuel Rewards wyb 10 Participating Grocery Items - See Ad for Details

Get .30 Fuel Rewards wyb 4 Participating Frozen Items - See Ad for Details

Meats

Southern Style Ribs - $1.49 per lb.

Produce

Limes - .33 each


Blackberries - $1.97 6oz.

White Potatoes 5lb. $2.99


Other Deals

Tribe Hummus - $1.74

Kikkoman Soy Sauce - $1.29
Use .55 coupon 5/12 SS

Final Price - .29 each

Lowes Foods Toaster Pastries - $1.25

Coke 2L - .99

Lowes Foods Chunk Cheese - $1.39

Wisk Laundry Detergent - $3.49
Use $2 coupon 6/23 RP
Final Price - $1.49

Old Spice Bar Soap - $1.79
Use .75 coupon 6/30 SS
Final price - .29 each

Goody's Headache Relief Shot - $1.50
Use .75 printable coupon
Final Price - FREE

You can find this weeks sales ad here!

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 7/14-7/20

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






CVS Diapers or Training Pants - $6.99
Receive $3 ECB
Final Price - $3.99 after ECB
Limit 5

Revlon Nail Polish - $4.99
Receive $3 ECB
Use $1 coupon 6/23 SS
Final Price - .99 after coupon and ECB
Limit 5



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






Back to School Deals

2 Pocket Folders, Mini Highlighter - 8/$1 with in-ad coupon 

Wexford No. 2 Pencils, Crayons - .39 with in-ad coupon
Wexford Scissors, Crayola Posterboard - .49 with in-ad coupon 
Penway Markers, Colored Pencils - .99 each
Dawn Dish Liquid - .99 
Use .20 coupon P&G 7/7
Final Price - .79 each
Here is a list of my favorite deals at Rite Aid this week:







Reach Toothbrush - $2.99 
Use $1 printable coupon 
Receive $2 UPR
Final Price - FREE after coupon and UPR
Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner - $4.99 
Receive $1 UPR
Use $1 printable coupon
Use $3 Rite Aid Video Values Coupon
Final Price - FREE after coupon and UPR

Freebies in my Mailbox Last Week

I was on vacation last week.  When I returned, my mailbox had a few goodies waiting for me.  Sorry no picture available.


Country Living magazine
Garnier Shampoo and conditioner Sample
Mailing Labels
Coupon for FREE Drink at Dunkin Donuts
Rebate Check



FREE Fiber One Lemon Bar to Box Top Members

If you are a Box Top member, click here to request your FREE Fiber One Lemon Bar.  Only 10,000 are available. Hurry!!

New Coupons Available


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


Thought of the Day

"The struggle you are in today is developing the strength you need tomorrow."

Author Unknown

3 of My Favorite Thrifty Pins This Week

Here is a list of 3 of My Favorite Thrifty Pins This Week:


Summer Pineapple Strawberry Cooler - This would be great on a summer day. 







Italian Pizza Crescent Rolls - My kids would love these!

Menu Planning Monday




Monday - Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Grilled Zucchini

Tuesday - Homemade Pizza 


Wednesday - Grilled Chicken, Rosemary Oven Potatoes, Salad

Thursday - Waffles, Bacon
 

Friday - Spaghetti, Salad

Saturday - Family Cookout at the Park
  
Sunday - I try to leave Sunday because dh likes to cook!



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

FREE Sample of Herbal Essence Body Wash

Click here to request your FREE sample of Herbal Essence Body Wash.