25 September 2010

A.C. Moore 50% off coupon TODAY ONLY!


It's SUPER SATURDAY at A.C.Moore!
So come on people - Get Your Craft On!!

I think I'm going to try and score some new sewing scissors!


BonTon Goodwill Sale Going On Now!

Goodwill Sale! Goodwill® coupons are valid on everything!

BonTon's Goodwill Sale is going on now until 9/29! Get 20% Off ANYTHING in the store - no exclusions!
Also, sign up for email alerts and you'll be able to print a 25% off coupon to get you started!

I'm very excited about this. I know I have said before that I am not at all a brand specific person. I'll use any shampoo, any soap or any laundry detergent. This is all true, however there is one exception. I am completely loyal to Estee Lauder Take It Away Make up Remover! This stuff never goes on sale and normal coupons always exclude the cosmetics department, but at $22 a bottle for make up remover I'm glad to be able to use a coupon on it!
WAH-WHO!

80% Off Restaurant.com PLUS Free Gift


Restaurant.com currently has great Fall Savings!
SAVE 80%
Get a $25 Gift Certificate for only $2 using promo code: AUTUMN
PLUS, for a limited time (ends 9/26), get a FREE $10 Restaurant.com gift card with every order!

That's $35 worth of restaurant gift certificates for only $2 - WOW!

24 September 2010

FREE Sample: Garnier Fructis Anti Dandruff


You can go HERE to request a free sample of Garnier Fructis Anti Dandruff Shampoo from Walmart.


(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)

FREE $10 Gift Card to Your Local Mall on Your Birthday


Sign up for your local mall’s email club and be entered for a chance to win a $5000 shopping spree. You’ll get a $10 gift card for your birthday! They’ll send you an email and you just print it out and bring it to your local mall’s customer service desk to get a free $10 gift card.

(Thanks, BargainShopperLady!)

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.

J.C.Penny Trip

I made a late night trip yesterday to J.C.Penny. I had received a coupon in the mail last week for $10 off a purchase of $10 or more. I love getting these coupons and digging through the racks for the best prices to get my total to over $10 but under $11. This is usually easy to do with sale items, but difficult to do finding items you actually like and are your size. Yesterday I succeeded at my challenge!


I managed to find these items above. I LOVE the little black sweater blouse on the right. I don't know how well you can see the chiffon detail about the neck line so here's a close up....
So the break down looked something like this:
  1. Black sweater blouse with chiffon trim by Worthington. Originally $44.00 - marked down to $2.97
  2. Tan Sweater with dolman sleeves by Worthington. Originally $36 - marked down to $3.97
  3. Solid black tank top by Degree. Originally $20 - marked down to $3.97
My total came to $10.91. I handed over my $10 off coupon and paid only $0.91 for all three tops!!
The total savings off the original prices was $99.09!
WOW - What a deal huh?! 

23 September 2010

New Printable Hasbro Coupons Available


New printable Hasbro coupons available HERE at PlaySaver.com!
These will be great if you're starting your holiday shopping for any little ones on your life!

Coupons Include:
  • $5.00/1 Spider-Man Triple Battle Truck
  • $5.00/1 Marvel Super Hero Squad Headquarters
  • $5.00/1 Iron Man 2 Rocket Boost Iron Man Toy
  • $1.00/1 Marvel Universe Action Figure
  • $1.00/1 Marvel Super Hero Squad Action Figure (2pk)
  • $1.00/1 Spider-Man Action Figure (some exlusions)
  • $5.00/1 Iron Man 2 Helmet
  • $5.00/1 Iron Man 2 R/C Iron Man
  • $5.00/1 Iron Man 2 Rolling Battle Headquarters Vehicle
  • $5/$20 Purchase of Tonka Mod Machines System
  • $5.00/1 Playschool Weebles Treehouse
  • $5.00/1 Playschool Sit N’ Spin
  • $5.00/1 Playschool Explore ‘N Grow Musical Gear Center
  • $5.00/1 Playschool Busy Ball Popper
  • $2.00/1 Playschool Lullaby Glowworm
  • $2.00/1 Playschool Weebles 2pk Figures
  • $2.00/1 Playschool Mr. Potato Head Classic
  • $5/$25 Purchase of Chuck & Friends
  • $2.00/1 Playschool Wheel Pals Mini 4pk
  • $2.00/1 Playschool Wheel Pals Playset
  • $5.00/1 My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Plane or Mommy & Pony Vehicle
  • $1.00/1 Iron Man Action Figure (some exclusions)

(Thanks, ForTheMommas!!)

Repurposing Newspaper

As kids my brother and I used old newspaper as mats to keep craft projects contained. My parents used it to help get the fireplace going in the winter time before they switched to gas. I have used it as packing material on multiple moves and furthermore, I have been saving the comics section of the Sunday newspaper to use as gift wrap for as long as I can remember. I love how colorful the comics section is and it works for any occasion if you have the right color ribbon.

We always recycle our weekly newspapers (minus the comics section which I save) so it's not like its going into the trash exactly, but I was recently feeling that there must be a better use for it. I did some searching and soon became very inspired to use my old newspapers (and cereal boxes, which you'll soon see) as more than just wrapping paper. Instead I made gift bags!

Here's how I did it:

First, pick some newspaper with print that you like. I used some with flowers, produce and comics (which are still my favorite).
Next cut a large rectangle. Mine started out as approximately 25 x 17 inches. Also, I doubled mine making it two-ply for more stability.
Next fold down about 2inches from the top and 1 1/2inches in on the side.

After that measure the length of your paper minus the 1 1/2inch side fold. Mine was 23inches. Then divide into four sides. I wanted my bag to be more rectangular than square so I divided my sides into two 4 1/2inch sides and two 7 inch sides. I marked this on my paper in order to know where to make my next folds.

Fold on each of the measured points and then connect the two ends by gluing them together. Also fold the inside edge underneath the top fold (see pictures below).



At this point I folded my bag flat creating creases that will make it easier to fold and store later.

Next I decided how deep I wanted to bag to be and folded there. I then measured down 2 inches (this will be folded to create the bottom in a moment) and trimmed off the excess.
Then fold the bottom in like you would a present and glue into place.
One of the last steps was to reinforce the bag slightly. I grabbed an empty cereal box and cut two 1 1/2 x 7 inch pieces. I slid these under the top fold on the long sides of the bag. I also cut another rectangle to reinforce the bottom of the bag.

Finally punch holes and add cord, ribbon or even shoelaces as handles. TA-DA! You've got a homemade, recycled, no cost gift bag!

FREE Sutter Home for Hope Gift Pack


If you head over to the Sutter Home Facebook page you can sign up for a FREE Hope Gift Pack. Just click on the "Night of Hope" tab.
The gift pack includes Sutter Home for Hope pink Chico Bag, pink ribbon bracelets, pink corkscrew, wine tasting skirts, recipes and more! While supplies last.

(Thanks, CouponKatarina!)

22 September 2010

Fashion Meets Humor



This bag is crazy! A great mix of fashion and humor!

FREE Sample: Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Chocolate


This Freebie is all about giving! Go HERE to send an “I CARE” message to your friend and Ghirardelli will send a coupon to them for a free Ghirardelli Luxe Milk chocolate product!

Who wants to be my friend?

(Thanks, SavvySpending!)

Free samples of O.N.E. All-in-One Skincare



(Thanks, MoneySavingMom!)

FREE Sample: WOOLITE® Dry Cleaner’s Secret


Quantities are limited, but there is also a $1.50/1 printable coupon available.

(Thanks, SavvySpending!)

Snapfish: Spend $10 Get $5 Back

What a deal!

Currently at Snapfish, if you purchase $10 in photo gifts, they'll give you $5 back in credit to your account. Just enter code CREDITFIVE at checkout. This offer is good through Sept. 26th.
Head HERE to get started!

21 September 2010

Sept. Food Shopping Trip #2

I popped into ACME real quick today on my lunch break and picked up the following:



2 x Bisquick 20oz box
2 x Cheerios Original Cereal
Cheerios Multigrain Cereal
Malt O Meal Honey Nut Scoopers Cereal
Betty Crocker Choc. Chip Cookie Mix
Betty Crocker Cake Mix
Betty Crocker Warm Delights Desert
Betty Crocker Ready Serve Frosting
4 x Spaghettios

Total Before Savings = $33.36
Total After Savings = $3.04

After work I swung over to GIANT and completed the rest of our shopping. Here's what else I came home with:


Caroline White Rice, 16oz
3 x Del Monte Cans Diced Tomatoes
Del Monte Canned String Beans
Del Monte Canned Sweet Peas
College Inn Broth
Bread
Welch's Blueberry, Pomegranate, Grape Juice (yes that is all one flavor)
3 x Shake & Bake (bf loves this stuff)
Ronzoni Garden Delight Pasta, 12oz
2 x Starkist Tuna Pouches
1/2lb Deli Ham Lunch Meat
1lb Clearfield American Cheese
Bananas
Turkey Hill Ice Cream
Florida Natural Orange Juice
4pk Activia Yogurt
8 x Yoplait Single Serve Yogurts
Milk, 1 gallon
Eggs, 1 dozen
2lbs Tilapia Fillets (on sale but still over $10, but the bf REALLY wanted fish!)

Total Before Savings = $72.85
Total After Savings = $41.85

GRAND TOTAL TODAY = $44.89

That brings our total for September to $87.86 - still $12.14 under budget!

Target Coupons

I got my new Target Mobile coupons texted to my phone today....did you get yours?


If you haven't signed up for Target Mobile coupons yet and are interested, go HERE to sign up now!

Here are some of the coupons that were made available today:
  • $7/1 Crest 3D Professional Effects Whitestrips
  • $0.50/1 Up & Up Facial Care Item
  • $2/1 Revlon Beauty Tool or Cosmetic
  • $1/1 Tums Antacid
  • $0.75/1 Classico Pasta Sauce
  • $1/1 Archer Farms or Market Pantry frozen foods
  • $1/1 Pizza Hut Menu Item
  • $3/1 Fan Central Item
  • $5/1 Kodak Picture Movie DVD or Photo Book

New Sample of Crest Toothpaste from Vocalpoint


I think this is the prettiest toothpaste tube ever!!!
Vocalpoint has a new Crest Toothpaste sample available. Head HERE to get yours!
Note: You must be a Vocalpoint member to qualify.

What I want now...

aa cell

How handy are these? I think they are GREAT!
These are AA batteries that are rechargeable through the USB slot in your computer. 
You can go HERE to learn more. Currently AA is the only size available to buy, but they will soon be releasing additional sizes and battery types!  

Super HOTT New Kraft Product Printable Coupons!


Kraft has released some SUPER hott coupons on their site.
Go HERE to print them! These won't last long.
Note: You will have to create a myKraftFoods account to print.

Coupons include:
  • Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Product, Any $1/1
  • Boca Product, Any $1/1
  • Kraft 2% Milk Cheese Product, Any $1/1
  • Breakstone’s 2% or Fat Free Cottage Cheese Product, Any $1/1
  • Kraft Light or Fat Free Salad Dressing, Any $1/1
  • Maxwell House Product, Any $1/1
  • Planters Product, Any $1/1
  • Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Product, Any $1/1
  • Crystal Light Product, Any $1/1
  • Sugar Free Jell-O Ready-to-Eat Product, Any $1/1

(BIG Thanks to ForTheMommas!)

20 September 2010

Testing Out My New Sewing Machine = Dress Alterations

One month ago I posted here about how I picked up a beautiful bridesmaid dress at one of my local thrift stores for only $15. It was really a steal because I late found that the dress originally retailed for $250! Although beautiful in it's original state, I had some other plans in mind for this dress!


The dress before any alterations.
For the most part this dress fit me pretty well. Which thankfully meant I didn't have to do any taking in. However, it was clearly a bridesmaid dress with it's extreme length, HUGE sash and mounds of excess fabric. So first things first, take off some length...


Then into the sewing machine it went to hem the new bottom....

Next was to get rid of the oversized sash....

One gone, one to go
I also needed to shrink the almost 4 inch waistband that looked very unbalanced after the dress lost so much length. 
Look at the size of that waist band!

Pleats basted in place

After some manipulating, pressing, manipulating again and many a pricked finger while hand stitching the pleats into place I finally finished. Paired with some pearls and these perfectly matched heels I found one week after I found the dress for only $5 at another thrift shop, this was my final product...



So, what do you think?!


Getting the most out of FREE samples


Nothing beats FREE and I love FREE samples! I get excited each time I find them in my mailbox and I sign up for every one I can find!  But if you're new to this, it can all seem a little overwhelming. Here's a few suggestions:




EMAIL: When signing up for FREE samples online you almost always have to give your email address. This can end up filling your email inbox with junk mail you don't care to read. So create a separate email account on a free email site such as Yahoo, Hotmail or GMail to use when signing up for freebies and coupons. This will help prevent your personal and professional emails from getting mixed up in the advertisements.

TIME: Many people ask "is it worth the time?" All in all I probably only spend about 5-10 minutes per week signing up for freebies, but I receive at least 3 products in my mailbox each week. To make things easy to find, I store all of my toiletry freebies in gallon size Ziploc bags divided by product type (shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.). These little guys are great for throwing into a suitcase on a weekend away, keeping in your gym bag, sitting out for guests when they visit, and tiding you over until another great sale on shampoo comes along.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Freebie are usually sample items - aka travel size items (although I have been known to score full size products as well).  I have received everything from toothpaste to scrubbing bubbles, shampoo to laundry detergent, tampons to Wheat Thins and the list goes on. Currently I get 3 different year long magazine subscriptions (Bloomberg Businessweek, Time Magazine and MarieClaire) that are sent to my door that I scored by signing up for freebie. Also, freebies usually come accompanied by high value coupons with extended expiration dates. These are great to hang onto a pair with killer sales!

DONATIONS: I sign up for all freebies I see. You may or may not choose to do this. The freebies I will not use I donate to local charities. A great example is diapers. I don't have children and thus no need for diapers, but companies frequently send 1-2ct packs out for people to try their product. I request these samples and donate them to our local women's shelter or the church nursery. (You can also write off such donations on your taxes!)

So GO HERE to my Freebie posts to get started signing up and in 4-6 weeks you'll begin to see your freebies rolling in too!

FREE Sample: Crest Outlast Toothpaste


You can head over HERE to snag your FREE sample of Crest Scope Outlast Toothpaste!

(Thanks, MojoSavings!)

80% OFF at Restaurant.com = $25 Certificates for ONLY $2

SAVE 80%: Get $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for only $2!

Head HERE to score $25 restaurant gift certificates for only $2!
Just use the code "SHARE" at checkout.

This is a great way to inexpensively try out a new restaurant in your area or just stretch your dollar on a night out on the town. Just head HERE and search by area code for participating restaurants in your area!

19 September 2010

What I want now...

With Fall fast approaching I'm loving these mittens. I actually love them so much, they may inspire me to learn to knit. Or maybe I'll inlist the help of my love K.T.  - I'll owe you big time K! :)

Check them out HERE at Kelbourne Woolens - there is even a free downloadable pattern.



FREE Sample: Cinnabon Cream of Wheat




FREE Sample of Cinnabon Cream of Wheat available HERE after you watch a short video. There is also a $2 off printable coupon available. I did not give my phone number when filling out the request form and was still about to submit for it!


(Thanks, ForTheMommas!)