FREE Sample of L'Occitane Divine Eye Cream

Head over to Facebook and "like" L'occitane to grab your FREE sample of L'Occitane Divine Eye Cream.

(Thanks, CouponPro!)

New Campbell's Soups Coupons!

Check out the new Campbell's Soup Coupons available HERE!

They will be great paired with the ACME sales this week:

Campbells Condensed Chicken Noodle or Tomatoe Soup $.39 (limit 6)

Campbells Condensed Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup $.79

YAY for FREE soup!!

FREE Sample: Wisk Detergent

*UPDATE*: This Sample has updated their requirements and is now requiring a membership number and will only be available to Costco members!

There is another FREE Sample of Wisk Laundry Detergent available. This time from Costco. There is NO membership number required. Sign up HERE to get your FREE sample!

(Thanks, CouponPro!)

FREE Sample: Cold-Eeze

Head to the Cold-EEze website to get a free sample of Cold-EEze.

(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)

BOGO Athenos Feta Cheese Printable Coupon

Stop by the Athenos Facebook page and "like" them to print your  BOGO Athenos Feta Cheese Coupon.

Mega Swagbucks Day!

Its Friday again, which means Mega SwagBucks Day!

Today you'll be rewarded in higher increments! If you haven't signed up yet go here to sign up!

Also, after you sign up go to the daily poll under "ways to earn" tab and win 1 swagbuck for each day you give your opinion.

Ramblings from my Kitchen Sink

I am forever reminded how important it is to try and learn something from each and every experience. We can not grow without reflection, reflection of both other and ourselves. I try to at least once a day step back from myself and try and view things from an outside perspective (normally much easier said than done - and usually attempted while washing dishes, oddly I find it relaxing).

I have found that as I have gotten older (my mom hates me saying that, because I'm still "her baby") I have developed more of my own view points, become slightly more set in my ways and have grown in my own self assurance. Sometimes it is now harder to look at things objectively, to keep my personal opinions, well personal, and to give advise without passing judgement.

I practice patience daily. I have developed many forms of relaxation, coping skills and distraction. I have become hardened in some ways, but am able to more easily disguise my emotions which in my line of work in many ways is nothing more than self preservation.

Step back, take a breath and reflect. The shop keeper may have seemed rude and although you were obviously rushing, the man in the grey suit did not hold the elevator door for you. But remember, you know as little of them as they know of you. Although it may seem like there is no excuse for their behavior, they may have been having a worse day than you can even dream up. We can not control other people, only our reactions towards them.

So chins up, smiles on and think positively. Positive thoughts, whether real or faked eventually yield positive outcomes. You are only as limited as you allow yourself to believe you are.

Test Your Fashion I.Q.

I found THIS QUIZ from the New York Times. Test your knowledge of the current fashion industry...you'll have to compare styles and decide which look is old and which is new for fall 2010.

I surprisingly scored a 6/6! Apparently I'm "up to the moment" in fashion haha!

Comment and let me know how you do! 

Head over here to request your FREE Sample of BioTrue Contact Solution!

I'm really excited about this one - I recently tried this solution and it is by far my favorite. Makes my contacts feel so refreshing! I definitely recommend it!

 This sample is from Costco, but membership number is optional.

(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)

Today's Rite Aid Trip

I felt pretty good walking out of Rite Aid today shopping bags in hand. Here's what I ended up with...

2 x Single Serve (6ct) packs of OREO Cookies - 2/$1
4 x Single Serve packs of Combos Pretzels - 2/$1
2 x 18ct Playtex Gental Glide Tampons - $4 each
2 x Crest Toothpaste 6.2oz - $2.49 each
1 x Crest 3D Whiting Toothpaste 4oz  - $2.99
2 x Clearasil Facewash 6.5oz - $5.49 each, on sale BOGO 50% off

I used:
1 x $1/2 Oreo Cookies Coupon from Rite Aid Video Values
2 x $1/2 Combos Coupons
2 x $2/1 Playtex Gental Glide Coupons
3 x $1/1 Crest Toothpaste Coupons
1 x $2/1 Clearasil Coupon
1 x $5/$25 purchase coupon from Rite Aid Video Values
PLUS - I handed over my $8 in  UPRewards from last week!

Total = $2.20 which I paid for with the RiteAid Gift card I got in the mail from a previous SCR.

I got back:
$2 SCR on Crest 3D Whiting Toothpaste
2 x $3 UPR from Playtex
3 x $1.50 UPR from Crest

$12.50 Money Maker!

Michael's 50% Off Printable Coupon

Go HERE to print your 50% off any regularly priced item Michael's coupon - valid through 9/18

High Value Toys R Us Coupon Available

Head HERE to print a $5/$25 Toys R Us Coupon!

This may be good paired with the Hasbro Coupons available HERE.

I think this will help to jump start some early Christmas Shopping!

(Thanks, MOJOSavings!)

FREE General Mills Samples & Coupons

There is a FREE sample of General Mills products available HERE.

*This website is in Spanish, but the form is pretty straight forward even in your only know the basics*

(Thanks, TheKrazyCouponLady!)

FREE Pringles Xtreme

Head over to Facebook to sign up for your FREE sample of Pringles Xtreme HERE!

(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)

My BIG Purchase

I was fortunate to grow up with an interior designer for a mother who had every type of sewing machine you could think of, which did every type of stitch you could ever wish for and thus, I was able to complete many a craft with great ease. Then I moved out and I was sewing machine-less. (It was a sad day.)

With little money to spare for a machine of my own I looked for inexpensive options and when I read a post on Freecycle for a sewing machine I jumped all over it. About two years ago I was generously donated this machine (below) from a very sweet woman who also hooked me up with many a clothing pattern and spools of thread! 

My FREE sewing machine!

 It even came with the original registration from 1970!

My FREE machine lasted me almost two years and saw me through many a project. Sadly about 3 months ago it seized and I was unable to fix it. Lately I have been overflowing with creative sewing ideas and itching to get back to it. So much so that I have even begun to create a new "inspiration book" filled with pictures, notes and ideas! 



The beginnings of my Inspiration Book!

My lack of a working sewing machine was really beginning to bring me down. So today I decided it was time to suck it up and spend the money on a new machine of my own. I did some research and followed the recommendations of some wise friends and so just shy if *gasp* $700 later, I would like to introduce you all to my new partner in crime....Bernina Activa 220!

Isn't she beautiful!?!

So now I can begin all of those alterations I have been dreaming up. Get ready for the crafty side of frugal people - the wheels in my head have been spinning. Remember this dress??



With my brand new machine loaded with all its glitz and gadgets, I plan on completing this alteration within the week so stay tuned!

3 Free Issues of Seventeen Magazine

Head over to Valuemags.com to grab your 3 FREE Issues of Seventeen Magazine.

No strings attached - they will not ask for a credit card and guarantee you will never receive a bill.

(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)

FREE Sample: Quaker Life Soft Baked Bars

Head HERE to grab your FREE sample of Quaker Life Soft Baked Bars - while supplies last!

(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)

FREE "Gifts In a Jar" Downloadable Ebook

Head HERE to download your FREE ebook of Gifts in a jar Recipes!

These are tasty, frugal and easily personalized for house warming gifts, hostess gifts and more!

(Thanks, I'mAfrugalGirl!)

FREE Blockbuster Express Rental, Today Only!

Today Only (9/13), you can get a free one Night Movie Rental at Blockbuster Express by using promo code START at checkout.

(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)

What I want now...

These super modern outdoor lights are to die for! They are made by a Spanish company called Vibia. Check out there product line HERE.

These lights have an almost fell from the sky feel, aiding them in helping you create the perfect outdoor dining atmosphere! They are so unique, so modern, and so cool! If only I had an outdoor space for them (I stuck with a measly 7 x 4 ft. balcony).

FREE Combos and Oreos at Rite Aid!

Did you find the $1/2 Combos coupon in this weeks RedPlum insert? Pair this coupon with the 2/$1 Combo deal at Rite Aid to get both FREE!

Rite Aid also has Orea Cookies (3-3.5oz packs) on sale this week 2/$1. Print the $1/2 coupon from the September Video Values to get 2 of these FREE also!

New BOGO Uncle Ben's Coupon Available

Head HERE to grab a Buy One, Get One FREE Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Rice Coupon. Use promo code BOGOWGW to print yours!

(Thanks, MoneySavingMom!)

A Beautiful Friday & Fashion's Night Out in NYC

Mom and I both had Friday off from work and decided to spend the day in NYC scouting out the best deals and thrift stores we could find. I spent countless hours the week prior researching thrift stores in Manhattan and planning a route to those with the best reputation, only to forget it on the way to meet my mom Friday morning. Thankfully the lengthy amount of time I put in paid off and I was able to recall the general area of most of the shops despite my forgotten list, so off we went!

Once we arrived at Penn Station NYC mission number one was coffee! We hit up starbucks, grabbed two lattes and we were on our way to hunt down deals. We headed over to East 23rd street. Our first stop was Housing Works Thrift Store.

Housing Works has multiple thrift shops located all over Manhattan. They sell fashion, furniture, art and more. All proceeds go toward fighting AIDS/HIV as well as homelessness. Their selection was great, organized and clean. The prices were more than reasonable and the staff was friendly! We picked up a beautiful pair of dress pants marked down to $5 and a head turning beaded dress marked at $15. At the checkout counter we were offered to pick a coupon out of a fish bowl and scored an additional 50% off our purchase bringing our total to only $11 for the two designer pieces!

Continuing down East 23rd street we stumbled upon more thrift shops (East 23rd between 5th and 2nd is a neighborhood of thrift shops). We stopped in a few but didn't spot any must have pieces.

We peeked into Salvation Army, where we did find a few cute pieces, but due to their lack of dressing rooms to try things on, we left them in the store. Next door we hit up the very busy Goodwill shop. Again this store was well organized, however as most Goodwill shops they organize clothing by color rather than size. Personally I find this to be a more difficult way to shop, however it is great if you are looking for a specific piece. Despite the extremely full racks and mobs of people I did manage to find a great eggplant colored skirt that fits perfect and was marked 50% off making it only $3!!

Our feet still in good shape at this point and determined to walk off the second latte we had each picked up by this point we headed down the 12th Street to take a peek in Cure Thrift Shop whos proceeds benefit diabetes research.

This shop was very cool. It is three stories with the top floor for offices, the ground floor for furniture(very unique and eclectic) and knick-knacks, and the basement which is packed with great second hand and vintage clothing. This store was well organized, clean and had a great vibe. We did find some cool pieces, but unfortunately they weren't in our sizes, but this is definitely a store I'll be returning too.

We continued south to SOHO in search of more great bargains and unique finds. Now remember, it was Fashion Week in NYC so there were designer sample sales EVERYWHERE! We stopped into a few and Mom managed to find this adorable gray winter coat that will be a great addition to her winter woredrobe!

We also hit up Screaming Mimi's on Lafayette Street which is THE place to go for high end vintage.

The racks are divided into decades and each rack is topped information about the organization in which the proceeds will benefit. The pieces available here were designer, much of the inventory is donated by the designers themselves or celebrities, and the price tags are reflective of this.

We of course stopped into Zara (one of my all time favorite clothing stores!) where Mom found a fantastic black drape sweater and I found an adorable multi-season sweater dress both off the $10+ sale rack!

Then it was off to Little Italy where Mom and I found a bench (first time sitting down all day) and people watched while we waited to meet up with my brother for dinner.

NYC is never without its oddities....

Hot pink panties, matching hot pink heels and purse with a TOTALLY sheer dress! Only in NYC people - but what was I to say, it was Fashion's Night Out afterall!

Doesn't everyone knit a sweater for their car? and a matching one for their bicycle?

We soon met up with my big brother for dinner...

My big brother and I in Little Italy, NYC

...and shortly after dinner he lead us into the chaos and mayhem of Fashion's Night Out!!!

I have been to events in NYC before, but this was bigger than even New Years Eve! But why wouldn't it be, fashion is one of the city's leading industries! Stores stay open later than normal, there are parties everywhere you look, live mannequins in store front windows and free drinks around every corner! Needless to say it was an experience!

We stayed as late as possible - not truely wanting to leave - I arrived home at 1:30am and fell into bed, only to wake up 5 hours later again with aching toes to head into work. The trip was fun! I was happy to spend time with my family, live the hussel and bussel of NYC for a day and find some great deals!!