Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week

It has been a few weeks since I have shared with you what I have done to save/earn money.  I have continued to try to save/earn money any way possible.The list below is for the past few weeks. 


 
- 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.

- Requested a few FREE samples.

- Stuck to my menu plan. I did pick up a $6 pizza one night.

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

- 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 (4) $5 Amazon gift card.

- Did several sponsored posts for free items, coupons and cash.

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

- Printed several coupons to use on future shopping trips.

- Received a couple of free item coupons in the mail for a sponsored post.

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

- We have enjoyed using our Keurig coffee machine that I received for FREE.  I shared that with you here.  We haven't had to purchase any kcups since we received it.  I have requested and received several samples in the mail. 

- Earned almost $300 selling my childrens outgrown clothes at a consignment sale.  I was very pleased.

- Purchased my children some winter clothes at the consignment sale.  Lots of name brand items in great condition for almost nothing.

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

- Staying almost as much as possible during the week to save gas.  We are still carpooling to school. 

- Payton was invited to a couple of birthday parties.  I had 1 gift in my gift closet but I did have to purchase one.  I already had gift bags, tissue paper and cards.  No money spent there.

- Payton's birthday was in October.  Here is how I saved money on her party and gifts.  I used a $10 Walmart egift card that I had earned by doing a survey when purchasing her gift.  I compared prices when ordering her birthday cake and went with the cheapest.  It was delicious.  I made her invitaitions and handed most of them out.  Only had to mail a few.  I used some items that already had and only had to purchase a few things for goody bags.  I also made thank you notes for her to mail.

- 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. 

- I have to send monthly classroom snacks to school for Payton's 1st grade class.  She also enjoys taking bottled water.  I purchased some on sale.  I also went through her Halloween candy and donated some to her class for specials treats, prize box for good behavior or whatever way her teacher feels is best.  We got way to much and I hated to see any go to waste. 

- Bryson is finally potting training.  So I haven't had to buy as many diapers.  Wohooooo :)   He had no interest until this past week.  Hopefully, no diapers by the end of the month.

-  I love to read and I hate to spend money buying books for myself.  I have been visiting the library every other week for a few months now.  I have been reading great books for FREE!!


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

JCPennys Coupon - $10 off $25 Purchase

If you are doing any shopping this weekend,  here is a great coupon for JCP that can be used instore only. Click here to print.  Coupon expires 11/11.

Hallmark - $10 off $30 Coupon

Click here to print your coupon for $10 off $30 purchase.  This weekend Hallmark stores are having their Christmas Open House.  They are a lot of great deals and of course there is a huge selection of Hallmark ornaments which I love. Coupon expires 11/17.

AC Moore Coupon - Friends and Family Event

Click here to print your coupon for 25% off your total regular price purchase.  Coupon valid 11/10-11/11.

FREE $20 Shutterfly Credit

Are you a Coke Rewards Member??  If so,  enter 3 codes by 11/30 and receive a $20 credit to Shutterfly. 

My Favorite Deals at Lowes Foods This Week - 11/6-11/12

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.

Gas Rewards 
10 for $10 items - See ad for a complete list of items
For every 10 items purchase receive .10 gas reward


Coke 2L - BOGO $1each

Bakery French Bread - BOGO $1.15 each

Mahatma Rice - .75 each
Buy 2 and Use .75/2 coupon 9/8RP
Final Price - 2 for FREE






Cucumbers .79

Mangoes - .99 each

Yellow Onions - 3lbs. - $2.50

Russet or White Potatoes - 5lbs. - $2.99

Florida Oranges - 4lbs. - $3.49

Sanderson Farms Boneless Chicken Breasts - 1.99/lb.


See ad for a complete list of gas rewards.

You can find this weeks sales ad here!

York Photo - FREE Desk Calendar

 

Order your FREE Desk Calendar from York Photo and only pay shipping and handling.

Sunday Coupon Preview

There will be 2 coupon inserts in this Sundays paper - 1 - Smartsource and 1 - RedPlum. Here is a list of a few of my favorites:

Classico $1/2 sauce
Dial $1/1 lotion 12oz
Dial $1/2 foaming hand soap or 3pk+ bar soap
Dial/Tone $2/2 dial, dial for men or tone body wash or bar soap mix and match 6oz+ body wash and 6pk+ bar soap
Colgate $.50/1 kids toothbrush
Colgate $.50/1 kids toothpaste
Colgate $1/1 360 manual toothbrush excluding plus, triple action, extra clean or classic (11/30)
Colgate $1/1 mouthwash 8oz+
Colgate $1/1 Total Advanced, Optic White or Sensitive toothpaste 4oz


You can find a complete list here.

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

Operation Christmas Shoebox

Its that time of year again.  Time for me to prepare my shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  This year has been has been so fun.  Payton was a huge help in putting our shoeboxes together.  It was also a great learning experience for Payton.  She loves to give and help others but this year she was really excited that she was going to be able to give a child some wonderful things that we take for granted everyday.

Everything we used I already had in my stockpile and my gift closet.  We had a wonderful time browsing our supplies and picking out items that we thought children would love to have.

We did 2 boxes - 1 for a girl 5-7 years old and 1 for a boy 5 - 7 years old

Here is what we included in our shoe boxes:

toothbrush                                                 toothpaste
wash cloth                                                 bar of soap
crayons                                                     pens
pencils                                                      pencil sharpener
paper                                                        coloring book
socks                                                        3 small toys for each box
sunglasses                                                 candy
cups                                                         

This year we decided to include a picture with address.  We are hoping to hear from the children that receive our shoeboxes. 

This has become a tradition in our family.  If you are interested in preparing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, you can find all the information you need here including dropoff locations and guidelines to follow when packing your shoebox.

New Coupons Available

Great coupons available.  Print them while you can.

Thought of the Day

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."

Dr. Seuss

Wordless Wednesday

I am definitely a spring/summer person.  I hated to see summer come to end but fall is beautiful here in the foothills of North Carolina.  I took these pictures last Friday morning on my way home.   I love the beautiful vibrant colors of the trees.

Fall in North Carolina!

Cash4Books - Earn an Extra 10% in November

Visit Cash4Books.net, sell your books, enter bonus code - HAMSTER to activate your 10% bonus.  Ship at no charge and get paid for your books and earn an extra 10%.

 Follow these 3 easy steps to get an extra 10% cash for your books:

1. Visit Cash4Books.net and sell 3 or more books. 
2. During checkout, enter bonus code HAMSTER to activate your bonus.
3. Ship for free & get paid for your books. PLUS your 10% bonus.

A great way to get rid of some clutter and make some extra money.

FREE Subscription to American Baby Magazine

 

Request your FREE subscription to American Baby Magazine.

New Coupons Available

Great coupons available.  Print them while you can.

Thought of the Day

Every day may not be good...But there is something good in every day.

World Vision Review and Giveaway

Whether it’s the first draft of a gift list, a photo idea for holiday cards, or a location for a family gathering, many of us are already thinking of and planning for the holidays. The giving season quickly becomes too busy and hectic. Many of us forget the true meaning of the winter holidays. But a little thought and advanced planning make it easy to keep your heart in the holidays.



As you plan your holiday blog post and gift guide, consider including a focus on unique, life-changing gifts that give back all year long. The World Vision Gift Catalog offers more than 250 items that help fight poverty and save lives here in US and around the world. With a financial contribution, donors can select one of the 30+ Handcrafted Gifts that can be shared with a loved one and at the same time help a person in need. We can offer the following Handcrafted Gifts in exchange for a review on your blog.




World Vision USA Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/worldvision
Twitter -  @WorldVisionNews or @WorldVisionUSA 
Video that explains how the Gift Catalog Works



                                                                GIVEAWAY

Colors of Africa Bracelet & Earring Set: This gorgeous Zakale jewelry set is handmade from recycled materials by Kenyan artisans reclaiming their own lives from poverty.  I have one set to giveaway.

-  Leave a comment and let me know if you have ever purchased a gift from World Vision.  (Required)

  5 Extra Entries: 

- Follow me on Pinterest. 

 

- 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 is valid only for residents of the United States.  This giveaway will close on Sunday, November 17th at midnight (EST). The winner will emailed and announced the following morning .  The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:  World Vision provided me with information and Colors of Africa bracelet and earring set to review and giveaway.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions are my own.

FREE 2014 Pillsbury Calendar

If you are a Pillsbury.com member, click here and request your FREE 2014 Pillsbury Calendar.  Hurry, they won't last long!

Chilis Coupon - Kids Eat FREE

Click here to print your coupon for a FREE kids meal with an adult entree purchase.  Coupon is valid 11/5-11/6.

2014 Entertainment Book Review

The 2014 edition of the ENTERTAINMENT^® book is now available to consumers who want to see their hard-earned money stretch farther, without sacrificing their desire to dine out, travel and shop.

Featuring more than 250,000 locations to save across the United States and Canada, the 2014 edition of the iconic ENTERTAINMENT^® book includes hundreds of 50% off and two-for-one discounts.  Members have access to thousands of dollars in savings from local merchants and leading national and regional brands. Savings are available for restaurants, groceries, shopping, services, movie tickets, travel, car care, local sports attractions and much more.

In addition to the hundreds of coupons printed in the ENTERTAINMENT^® book, membership also includes access to additional savings through the ENTERTAINMENT^® website and mobile app, which feature the addition of new merchants and coupons daily.

You know I love saving money.  I am constantly looking for new ways to stretch my dollar and do believe I found it with it with the 2014 ENTERTAINMENT

^® book.  I have several coupons that I plan to use in the next couple of weeks.  I highly recommend you checking out the new 2014 ENTERTAINMENT^® book. 

Purchase It:  Available in 120 different city editions featuring hundreds of high-value discounts, the 2014 ENTERTAINMENT^® Book Memberships can be purchased at www.entertainment.com, through a local fundraiser or retail partner, or by calling 888-231-SAVE (7283).  All of the coupons available in the 2014 edition are valid through Dec. 30, 2014.

 

Disclosure:  I did receive a free 2014 digital ENTERTAINMENT^®  book for this review.  All opinions are my own.

3 of My Favorite Thrifty Pins This Week

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

Thrifty Christmas Gifts 

DYI Dry Erase Boards - Cute thrifty gifts! 

6 Dollar Tree Christmas Gift Baskets from the Dollar Tree - Love these!! Great ideas and who doesn't love a gift basket.

Classroom Supply Gift Basket - I think this is what I am going to do this year for Christmas teacher gifts.  I may also include a personal gift for each teacher.

New Coupons Available

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

Thought of the Day

"Anything that gets your blood racing is probably worth doing."

Hunter S. Thompson

FREE Sample of Nectresse Sweetner

Click here to request your FREE sample of Nectresse Sweetner. 

Vistaprint - New Customers - $10 off $10 Order

 

 $10 off $10+ Purchase for New Customers + Shipping!

Menu Planning Monday

Monday - Chicken Parmesan, Salad

Tuesday - Taco Ring with Toppings

Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner - Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Toast and Hashbrowns

Thursday - Homemade Potato Soup, Sandwiches

Friday - Dinner Out using Coupon and Gift Card

Saturday - Homemade Pizza
  
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!

NEW Bath and Body Works Coupons

Click here to print your coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase.  Coupon expires 11/24/13.