FREE Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch Sample from Pillsbury

Pillsbury members can request a FREE Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch sample by clicking here.  Only 10,000 are available - HURRY!

Thought of the Day

"The first wealth is health."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - Valentine's Day Cards and Desktop Plaque Giveaway

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Not only is it a time for a celebration of love but it is also a favorite holiday of children.  Like most moms, I try to make every holiday special for my children.  A fun, unexpected activity for my children is always a great surprise.  It is also the time for my daughter to start choosing her valentine cards for her classmates and friends.

Shutterfly has everything needed to make your Valentine's Day special.  A huge selection of Valentine's Day cards is available.  They have over 50 new designs.  Terrific new classroom collection for the kids.  Fresh color stories and artistic typography.


Here is a couple of my favorite Shutterfly photo gifts.

Photo Water Bottles: Keep hydrated with a personalized BPA-free water bottle.

 Photo Cubes: Turn your favorite pictures into a decorative photo cube.

Giveaway - 50- 4 x 5 Stationery Cards and 1 - 5.5 x 5.5 Desktop Plaque - Enter Below! 

How to enter: (5 entries per person)

- Visit Shutterfly's Photo Gift page and leave a comment telling me your favorite. 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 -  Enter Shutterfly's Stationery Card and Desk Plaque Giveaway at Thrifty Ways and Ideas - http://www.thriftywaysandideas.com/2013/01/valentines-day-cards-and-desktop-plaque.html

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

This giveaway will close on Friday, February 1st at midnight. The winner will emailed and posted Saturday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Social Channels:

· Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shutterfly

· Twitter: http://twitter.com/Shutterfly

· Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/shutterfly/

· Instagram: http://instagram.com/shutterfly

· Google +: https://plus.google.com/+shutterfly

· Blog: http://blog.shutterfly.com/

Disclosure:  All information and pictures were provided to me by Shutterfly.  I did receive 50 FREE Stationery Cards and a Desktop Plaque for this post.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions are my opinion.

Vistaprint - 10 FREE Valentine's Day Note Cards

 

Who doesn't love something sweet on Valentine's Day? A personalized valentine with a piece of candy will definitely make anyone's day! This year, get away from the generic boxed cards and give extra-special valentines that will really make everyone smile.  Now at Vistaprint, you can create 10 personalized Valentine's Day note cards for FREE, plus shipping & processing! Choose from over 50 designs with even more new designs this year! Add a personal touch to your valentines this year with your own messages and photos for cards that everyone will love to receive.  Plus, you can even turn each note card into three valentines by cutting it into thirds to create three smaller cards. They're perfect for children's classroom valentines exchanges and parties! Find fun cards with playful designs like heart-shaped candies, sock monkeys, and even space dinosaurs. But this offer only lasts for a limited time, so get started at Vistaprint now and make your next valentine truly unique! Shipping & Processing: starts at $4.80.

Menu Planning Monday

Monday - Homemade Pizza, Salad

Tuesday - Taco Tuesday

Wednesday - Marinated Chicken, Oven Parmesan Potatoes, Salad (DH requested this again this week.)

Thursday - Broiled Flounder, Slaw, Husb Puppies
Friday - Soup and Sandwiches

Saturday -

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!

NEW Coupons Available

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

 $1.00 off one Advil or Advil Migraine product

$0.50 off any TWO (2) Pace products

$1.50 off twelve single cans of ALPO Dog Food

$1.00 off one Sparkle Towel 6 big rolls or larger

Buy 2 Large DIGIORNO Pizzas, Get any ONE free

$2.00 off one CARNATION Breakfast Essentials

$0.55 off any TWO (2) Bagel-fuls 4ct

Thought of the Day

"At some point, you have to realize that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life."

Author Unknown

Save Money on Car Insurance

As you know, I am always looking ways to save money.  I am constantly reviewing every bill and receipt to make sure I am being charged correctly for anything that I pay for.  When I received my car insurance bill last month, I was not very happy when I noticed an increase in my bill.  My husband nor I have had a ticket or an accident so I was not expecting an increase.

I immediately began to research and compare prices with other companies.  My goal - to find cheap car insurance.  I definitely don't want to spend more money this year, I am trying to cut back my expenses and save money.   

There are a few ways to save money on your car insurance.  When getting quotes for your car insurance, check and see if the company offers a discount if you choose a 12 month policy instead of a 6 month policy.  Guaranteeing the company that you will remain their customer for an additional 6 months makes you eligible for a discount.

Also, let the company know if you don't travel a huge distance everyday.  Having a short daily commute means you are on the road less with a lower chance of having an accident.

Another way to save is by having security devices on your vehicles especially if you live in a larger city.  Types of security devices may include alarm systems, air bags, antilock brakes, LoJack tracking systems, or blind-spot alarms.  These devices help prevent your vehicle from being stolen, help prevent accidents and also help prevent you from being injured in an accident.  All of these things can save the insurance company money.

Finally, paying your bill by electronic payments monthly qualifies you for a discount.  If the company knows your money is guaranteed to arrive on the same day every month from bank drafts or electronic transfers, the risk for late payments is diminished.

Hopefully, these tips provide will help you find some cheap car insurance.


Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I did receive compensation for writing this post.  All opinions are my own.

My Shopping Trip to Lowes Foods for Super Doubles

After I took Payton to school yesterday morning, I headed for Lowes Foods to take advantage of some great deals.  Needless to say, it did not turn out how I had planned.  For some reason, their registers were not scanning internet printable coupons.  How convenient, huh?  My whole purchase was a disaster but here is what I got.

Purchased:
1 - Coke 12 Pack - $3.66, Used FREE product coupon from My Coke Rewards = FREE
4 - Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls - $2.50 each, Used (4) $2 coupons doubled = FREE
1 - Hefty Garbage Bags - $6.99, Used $1 coupon doubled = $4.99
4 - Lowes Foods Potato Skins - $2 each = $8
2 - Kens Salad Dressings - $2, Used $1/2 coupon doubled = $1 each = $2
2 - Texas Biscuits - .88 each = $1.76
3 - Carolina Pride Hot Dogs - $1 = $3
2 - Herbal Essences Shampoos - $2.99 each, Used (2) $1 coupons doubled = .99 each = $1.98

Total OOP - Should have been $23 .25

Have I got home I review my receipt and noticed that 2 of my $2 coupons did not double.   So they owe me $4.

NEW Coupons Available

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

$1.00 off Two (2) DOVE Chocolate Large Bars

$1.00 off One PERDUE SHORT CUTS chicken

BOGO (up to $3.00) Edge Shave Gel

BOGO (up to $3.00) Skintimate Shave Gel or Cream

$2.00 off any ONE (1) Children's Mucinex Product

Thought of the Day

"Its not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Epictetus

Thrifty Tips to Stay Organzied and Save Money

At the beginning of every year, I always do 2 things to help me stay organized for 2 very important things.  The 1st thing is make me a folder for my taxes.  I pull everything out that I have saved throughout the year for my taxes and place it in the folder.  Then, I put this folder in a convenient spot so when something comes in the mail I can drop it in the folder until I am ready to do our taxes.  I first shared this tip with you here.

The second thing I do is update my bill paying binder.  I make a payment sheet for each month showing every bill and when the bill comes in the mail I can enter in the amount and when its due so that I can stay on budget and also make sure every bill is paid on time.  I DO NOT want to pay late fees.  I also clear out all the things that I no longer needed from the previous year.  This is where I store all bills, payment books, address labels, letter opener, and stamps.  When it is time to pay bills I can pull out my binder and I have everything I need.  I have used this binder for 2 years now and it helps me stay organized and I always know where everything is.  Also, if dh ever wants to see a bill he knows where to find it.  Yes, I keep up with everything.  I shared this tip last year here.  You can see pictures of my binder there.

Papa Johns Super Bowl Coin Toss - Possibly Win a FREE Pizza

Click here to vote for the Super Bowl Coin Toss and you could possibly win a FREE pizza!!

FREE Oscar Mayer Product - If we all give a Taste-A-Monial

Leave a Taste-A-Monial on Oscar Mayer's Facebook page and when there is enough, everyone will receive a coupon for a FREE Oscar Mayer product.  The meter is up to $4, we need to get it to $7.

You can also print a coupon for $1 off.

FREE Sample of Yogi Teas

Click here to request your FREE samples of Yogi Tea.

FREE Sample of Purina One Dog Food

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

Thought of the Day

"People inspire you or they drain you - pick them wisely."

Hans F. Hansen

FREE Tide To Go Stain Eraser

Click here to request your FREE Tide To Go Stain Eraser.  Hurry, while they are still available!

The Biggest Change I Made Last Week to Save Money

It has been 5 months since Payton started kindergarten.  It has been a change for everyone but a good change.  She loves school and is doing great.  The whole family did have to get on a schedule for school including me.  We have had to plan our evenings around homework, weekly word tests, and a strict bedtime schedule (she is like me, she loves her sleep). 

I have also found that I was spending a lot more on gas since I was taking her to school and picking her up every afternoon.  It is 30 miles roundtrip and I have been making 2 trips a day totally 60 miles a day for 5 days equally 300 miles a week. 

She has been begging since the 1st day of school to ride the bus.  After a lot of thought, I realized I am the only one stopping her from doing this.  It was time for moma to let go just a little bit more.  After talking with her bus driver, I let her ride the bus home last Tuesday.  We decided to use that day as a test day to see if she liked it.  She rode the bus home for the first time and loved it.  She is even more excited that several of her classmates were on the same bus. I am still taking her in the mornings because she would have to get up almost an hour earlier to catch the bus in the mornings.

So she is now riding the bus 3 days a week.  With this change, I have cut back my mileage by 90 miles.   I also have an extra 2 hours a day to accomplish any chores, errands, spend time with Bryson and have a little free time for me.

York Photo.com - FREE 11 x 14 Collage Poster, Desk Calendar, or 4 x 6 Photo Book

 

 Choose one Free Offer: 11x14 Collage Poster, Desk Calendar, or 4x6 Photo Book. Use code: SPECIALHOLIDAY. Does not include shipping.

Fresh Ideas Online Community - Your Chance to Join

 

Fresh Ideas is an exclusive online community of food lovers who like to share opinions about food through surveys and discussion forums. If you qualify to join this community, you will be entered into drawings to win prizes, have the opportunity to meet likeminded women who you can share ideas and thoughts with, and be able to share your valued opinions and ideas to help shape the food industry. 

Click on the link above for the chance to join.

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 1/20-1/26

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




Palmolive Dish Liquid - .99
Use .25 coupon 1/20 SS
Final Price - .74 each

CVS Diapers or Training Pants - $6.99
Receive $2 ECBs
Final Price - $4.99 each after ECB
Limit 1 

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



Flexaid Joint Formula - $20
Submit for $20 MIR - Rebate in Savings Book
Final Price - FREE after rebate

Phase + Diabetic Foot Therapy - $14.99
Submit for $14.99 MIR - Rebate in Savings Book
Final Price - FREE after Rebate

Phase + Diabetic Foot Therapy - $14.99
Submit for $14.99 MIR - Rebate in Savings Book
Final Price - FREE after Rebate

Cracker Jack'D - $1.49
Receive $1.49 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR

Palmolive Dish Liquid - $.99
Use .25 coupon 1/20 SS
Final Price - .74 each

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






CFL Light Bulbs - $3.99
Buy 1 and Receive $3 UPR
Use $1 coupon 1/6 SS
Final Price - FREE after coupon and UPR

Purex Laundry Detergent Liquid, Ultra Packs, Purex Softener, Suavitel Fabric Softner - $2.50
Buy 2 and Receive $1 UPR
and Use (2) $1 coupon 1/6 RP
Final Price - $1 each after coupon and UPR 

NEW Coupons Available

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

$0.75 off any ONE (1) Wrigley's Gum Car Cup

$5.00 off any Weight Watchers Scale by Conair

$0.75 off one Welch's Light Grape Juice Beverage

$3.00 off two JOSE OLE products, 16oz or larger

$1.00 off on any TWO Keebler Crackers

$1.00 off two Johnsonville Sausage products

$0.85 off ONE Truvia Natural Sweetener

$1.00 off TWO 3 Big Roll Brawny Paper Towels

Menu Planning Monday

 

Monday - Leftovers from the weekend

Tuesday - Taco Tuesday

Wednesday - Marinated Chicken, Oven Parmesan Potatoes, Salad

Thursday - Salmon, Grilled Shrimp, Rice, Corn - I have been trying to fix this meal for 2 weeks.

Friday - Soup and Sandwiches


Saturday - Dinner out with a gift card I received for Christmas.  I also have a coupon to use.

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!

Thought of the Day

"The trouble is you think you have time."

Buddha

Old Navy Coupon - $5 off $25 Purchase

Are you heading to the mall this weekend, if so click here to print your coupon for $5 off $25 in-store purchase at Old Navy.  This coupon is valid until January 30.  Enjoy!

New Coupons Available

Print these great coupons while they are available!

$3.00 off Step Up Revolution Dance Workout Dvd

$3.00 off Jane Fonda AM/PM Yoga for Beginners

$0.50 off 2 Campbell's Chunky soup or chili

$2.00 off Almay Smart Shade mousse makeup

$2.00 off Bausch & Lomb renu solution

$3.00 off What to Expect When You're Expecting

Sunday Coupon Preview

There will be 1 coupon insert in this Sundays paper - 1 Smartsource.

Here is a few of my favorites:

Colgate $.50/1 4oz+ Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive toothpaste
Colgate $.50/1 adult or kids manual toothbrush excludes Plaus, Triple Action and Extra Clean
Colgate $1/1 adult or kids powered toothbrush
Franks $.75/1 Red Hot sauce
Reynolds $.50/1 slow cooker liners
Reynolds Wrap $.50/1 pan lining paper
Reynolds Wrap $.75/1 35sqft+ foil excluding Wrappers


You can find a complete list here!


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

Thought of the Day

"The toughest part of letting go is realizing the other person already did. "

Author Unknown

My Favorite Deals at Lowes Foods This Week - 1/16-1/22

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 $50 spent.


Fresh Rewards Offer

Nabisco Saltine Crackers - .99
Buy 2 and Use .75/2 coupon 1/6 RP
Final Price - .24 each
Limit 2

FREE Item
Colgate Toothpaste - $1
Use $1 coupon 1/6 SS
Final Price - FREE

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Items

Aunt Jemima Pancakes - $1.65 each

Goldfish Crackers - $1.19

Other Deals

Lemons - .69 each

Cucumbers - .79 each

Blackberries - $1.99 each

Split Chicken Breast - .99 per lb.

Tennessee Pride Pork Sausage - $ 3
Use .55/1 coupon 11/4 RP
Final Price - $1.90

Campbell Soups - Chicken Noodle or Tomato - .75 each
Buy 3 and Use .40/3 printable coupon 
Final Price -  .48 each

Finish Jet Dry, Gelpacs 20 ct. or gel - $3.99
Use $2.15 coupon 1/6 SS
Final Price - $1.84 each

Tony's Pizza - $1
Buy 3 and Use $1/3 coupon 1/6 SS
Final Price - .67 each

You can find this weeks circular ad here!

Papa John's - Online Orders 50% Off

Do you need a night off from cooking?  If so, order Papa Johns online and receive 50% off your order with Coupon Code PAPA50.  Valid at participating locations through January 23rd.

NEW Coupons Available - Hormel, Digiorno, and More!

Print these coupons while they are available!!

Buy 2 Large DIGIORNO Pizzas, Get any ONE free

$1.00 off 1 Smucker's Jam, Jelly, or Preserve

$1.00 off ONE NEWTONS Fruit Thins Crispy Cookies

$1.00 off LLOYD'S Barbeque product

$3.00 off 1 HORMEL Party Tray

$1.00 off 2 HORMEL Chicken Breast products

$2.00 off any NEUTROGENA Cosmetics item

$1.00 off 2 HORMEL Bacon Toppings

$1.00 off 2 HORMEL Pepperoni packages

$0.55 off 2 HORMEL Chili products

Thought of the Day

One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

FREE L'Oreal Paris Total Repair Sample

Click here to request your FREE sample of L'Oreal Paris Total Repair Sample.

FREE 7 Day Clear Shampoo Sample

Click here to request your FREE 7 Day Clear Shampoo Sample.

Wordless Wednesday - Rain, Rain, Go Away!!

 

I pass this river everyday taking Payton to school.  It was almost 2 foot higher than normal this morning. 

 

Morning fog due to the rain.

I know we need rain but ........ its rained for 3 days and they are forecasting more tomorrow.   The kids and I sung the song Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come Again Another Day this morning on the way to school.

New Coupons Available

Print these coupons while they are available!

$2.50 off 1 bag Purina ONE beyOnd Dog Food

$2.50 off bag Purina ONE beyOnd Cat Food

$2.00 off Rich's Ice Cream Cake or Dessert

$1.75 off 2 Wonka or Crunch Candy & Card Kits

$0.75 off 1 Wonka or Crunch candy & card kit

$1.50 off any ex-lax item 24ct or larger

$1.50 off any Gas-X item 18ct or larger

$2.00 off TWO (2) KOTEX Natural Balance Products

$2.00 off TWO (2) packages of U by KOTEX Tampons

$4.00 off any Glade Oil Diffuser Starter Kit

$2.00 off any Glade Expressions Starter Kit

$2.00 off any Simple product

$1.00 off one package of Angel Soft Bath Tissue

$3.00 off bag of Purina Pro Plan brand Dog Food

$3.00 off one Purina Pro Plan brand Cat Food

Thought of the Day

Apologizing does not always mean that you are wrong, it just means that you value your relationships more than your ego.

Unknown

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 1/13-1/19

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




Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup - .77 each
Limit 8
Buy 8 and Use .40/3 printable coupon
and Use $1/5 printable coupon
Final Price - .60 each

Clear Shampoo Trial Size - $2.49
Use FREE Trial Size Clear Shampoo printable
Final Price - FREE 

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



Lipton Pure Leaf Tea (18.5oz.) or Iced or Green Tea (20oz.) - $1
Receive $1 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR
Limit 1

Mangodrin Extreme Weight Loss Supplement - (30 ct.) - $10
Receive $10 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR
Limit 1

Estroven Nighttime (24 ct.) - $10
Receive $10 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR
Limit 1

High-T Testosterone (30 ct.) - $10
Receive $10 RR
Final Price - FREE after RR
Limit 1

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






Therma Care Back Patch - 1 ct. - $3
Use $3 in-ad coupon
Final Price - FREE
Limit 1

Quiznos - Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Small Sub

Print your coupon for a BOGO Free small sub.  Small subs start at $2.99.  This would make a perfect cheap lunch today.

$1 Cepacol Printable Coupon

 

Click here print your coupon for $1 off any Cepacol sore throat product.  Flu season is running wild here, this may come in handy.

FREE Chicken Recipe eBook

 

 Free eCookbook: 12 Top Rated Chicken Casserole Recipes, featuring 20 pages of quick and easy Chicken Casserole recipes!

Menu Planning Monday

Monday - BLTs, Tater Tots

Tuesday - Taco Tuesday

Wednesday - Skillet Chicken Parmigniana, Salad (Didn't get to this last week!)

Thursday - Soup and Salad

Friday - Salmon and Grilled Shrimp, Rice, Corn

Saturday - Dinner out using a gift certificate we received for Christmas! 

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!

NEW Coupons Available - Newman's Own, Hormel, and More

 

Print these coupons while they are available!

$1.00 off ONE Newman's Own Complete Skillet Meal

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Newman's Own Frozen Pizza

$1.00 off 2 HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE product

Buy 2 Purina Cat Food, get 2 Purina Cat Food free

Buy 2 Purina Pro Plan brand Dog Food get 2 free

$0.75 off one Welch's Light Grape Juice Beverage

$1.00 off (2) Pepsi Multi-pack Plastic bottles

$4.00 off one Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

$2.00 off one Campho-Phenique Product

$0.75 off the purchase of any one Wasa

$0.55 off any 1 Weight Watchers Sweet Bakery Item

Thought of the Day

"Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking."