Free Sharpie to first 260 each day!

Reminder: If you're still up for awhile tonight, enter to win a Sharpie or Uni Ball pen!

Enter to win the Caddy for a Cure Sweepstakes with Office Depot and Sharpie. The first 260 to enter the sweepstakes each day (12 am CDT- 11 pm here in EST) between 4/15/10 and 6/30/10 will receive a free Davis Love III Uniball Pen or Sharpie.  You may also win the chance to caddy for Davis Love III or one of MANY other prizes. You can see all the prizes and read the official rules here. This offer is available to U.S. residents only.
I'll remind you once in awhile about this deal- with 260 given away for the next 2 1/2 months, you should be able to score one of these!

Free Sharpie to first 260 each day!

Rite Aid 4/18-4/24

Here is what you can get for free or cheap this week at Rite Aid.
New to Rite Aid shopping? Check out my 101 guide HERE. Also, don't forget about the $5/25 coupon here.
Rite Aid has a new Wellness+ program starting 4/18. You can read more about it here. When you enroll for free, you'll get a $5/25 coupon. You earn points for dollars spent, get bonus coupons, and get extra % off items.

U By Kotex Pads 14-18 ct., Pantiliners 50-60 ct., Tampons 18 ct. $3.49
Use the $1/1 coupon from here or from the 4/18 SS
Use with the $1/1 Video Values coupon here
Get a $3.49 Single Check Rebate #36
Final Cost: free plus a $2 moneymaker!

Hershey’s Candy Bars 4-4.5 oz. $0.99
Use the $1/1 Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate Bar 3.5oz and larger coupon from the 4/18 SS
Final Cost: free

TGI Friday’s Snacks $0.99
Use the $1.50/1 coupon found here
Final Cost: free plus overage

Sea Breeze Astringent 10 oz. $4.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 4/11 SS or from the April All You Magazine
Get a $3 Single Check Rebate #50
Final Cost: $0.99

Everlast Supplements and Energy Shots B1G1 FREE
Use the $10/1 Everlast HERE
or use the B1G1 free coupon HERE
Final Cost: 2 for free
IF your cashier will allow a coupon on the free item, you could use (2) $10 coupons and get $10 overage.

Claritin Assorted Formulas 10 ct. $8.99
Deal Idea:
Buy 3 Claritin Formulas 10 ct. $8.99 each
Use the $5/$25 Rite Aid coupon from joining the Wellness program or here.
Use 3 $2/1 coupons from the 3/28 SS or 4/18 SS
Use the $2/1 coupon found here
Pay $13.97
Repeat the above again!
Then submit for Allergy Rebate #552 and get a $25 Rite Aid gift card
Final Cost: $0.49 each

Zyrtec $26.99
Use the $6/1 coupon from 4/18 RP
Stack with the $2/1 Video Values coupon HERE
Use the $5 off $25 from here
Final Cost: $13.99
Deal Idea:
Buy (3) Zyrtec's in three different transactions and use all of the above coupons each time.
You'll spend $41.97 roughly.
Then, submit for the Spend $75 in Zyrtec or Benadryl, Get a $20 Rite Aid Gift Certificate rebate AND submit for the Allergy SCR #552 Buy $50, Get $25 Rite Aid Gift Card rebate
Total cost after both rebates: $3.03 moneymaker!
**I'm going to call or email Rite Aid tomorrow because they have some new wording in the rebate terms about the price being "after all coupons". So, stay tuned or if you attempt this deal, let us know how it works.

Rite Aid 4/18-4/24

Free Arby's Curly Fries TODAY only- MI readers

Did you watch the Detroit Red Wings last night? My husband was watching and it was pretty tense at times, huh? This morning he reminded me that because there was a HAT TRICK in last night's game, we get FREE CURLY FRIES today! (Michigan readers only)

All you have to do is take the box score from last night's game to your local MI Arby's, and you'll get a free curly fries- no other purchase required! Go here to print. One per person, TODAY only!

Free Arby's Curly Fries TODAY only- MI readers

Free Metromint- first 2,000!

Register here for a chance to win a FREE bottle of Metromint (via snail mail). The first 2,000 to fill out the form will win! Not sure if this number has been reached yet, but it's worth a try.
(Thanks, My Price is Right!)

Free Metromint- first 2,000!

B1G1 for a quarter DQ Blizzards!

I received an email from Dairy Queen with some great news! You can enjoy ANY Blizzard next week for B1G1 for $0.25 beginning Monday 4/19 and running through next Sunday 4/25-- and the best part is, you don't even need a coupon! Pay regular price for the first Blizzard and get the 2nd one for just a quarter!
If you aren't in DQ's fan club, you should sign up- you'll get 6 B1G1 free coupons throughout the year. Go HERE to sign up for this.
To find your nearest DQ, click here.
Now we just need the weather to warm back up here in MI... wait, what am I saying? Blizzards are perfect any time!

B1G1 for a quarter DQ Blizzards!

Free Hood Sour Cream- select states only!

Become a Facebook fan of Hood and they will mail you a coupon for a Complimentary Hood Sour Cream!
*I was super excited about this deal until I read that it is only good for those in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont! Hopefully some of you can benefit from this- or email your friends in those states my site so they can get this freebie.
(Thanks, Mojosavings)

Free Hood Sour Cream- select states only!

Two ways to get a free reusable bag at Target 4/18

Reminder: Here are two ways to get a free reusable bag at Target in honor of Earth Day!

Thanks to Target's partnership with Terracycle, you can turn five plastic bags into $1 toward a reusable one. Look for details in your Target ad on April 18th for more details. Or you can send 5 bags to:

Terracycle
121 New York
Avenue Trenton, NJ 08638

Also on April 18th, Target with give away 1.5 million reusable bags with purchase in collaboration with Tide, GE and Coca-Cola. Go here to read more. You have to make a purchase, but it doesn't state any restrictions on what to buy...
(Thanks, Good Deal Mama!)

Two ways to get a free reusable bag at Target 4/18

Pampers GTG code for 10 points

Here is a new Pampers Gifts to Grow code: getstartednow10. It is worth 10 points.
If you're new to Pampers Gifts to Grow, you should really join! You will find codes in Pampers diapers, wipes, and training pants. You enter the codes online and save them up until you see a reward you'd like to cash in for! There are often free codes (like this one), so even if you're kids are out of diapers, you could still join and rack up some points to get a reward for free!

Pampers GTG code for 10 points

Free Pouch of Uncle Ben's rice!

Here is a great freebie! Get a FREE Pouch of Uncle Ben's Rice Product! Just go HERE (will work with Internet Explorer only!) and fill out the form for your freebie. You can even choose from Ready Whole Grain Chicken Medley or Roasted Garlic Product. One pouch per household. Allow 8 weeks for delivery.

(thanks, Amy)

Free Pouch of Uncle Ben's rice!

bTrendie free $10 credit!

Remember a while back when I told you about bTrendie? They are an online boutique that has daily deals from different companies and designers. The sales only last a day or so and usually sell out quickly, but you get the items at deeply discounted prices. Right now you can sign up for a FREE $10 credit. Just go here to sign up. You can shop right away, or wait for a sale that interests you (you'll be emailed). So, may as well sign up while they are offering the free $10 so you can shop when a great deal comes along (you know I'll tell you when I see something for super cheap!) Shipping starts at $6.95, but your $10 credit can also cover shipping if there is some left over.
Here is an example: the pictured sunhat is just $4.94 shipped after the $10 credit!
(Thanks, She Saved!)

bTrendie free $10 credit!

John Frieda Sample

Here is a NEW Walmart sample of John Frieda Root Awakening. Just go here to request it and allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.

(Thanks, Free Stuff!)

John Frieda Sample

Free $10 Gift Certificate from World Market

Get a free $10 Gift Certificate on your birthday via email for World Market when you join the World Market Explorer Reward Program. You can use the Free $10 on anything you want!
Don't forget about the Free Airline Ticket through World Market I told you about HERE.
(Thanks, Freebie Blogger)

Free $10 Gift Certificate from World Market

Free samples in one week's worth of mail!

Today was a Great Mail Day!

Do you ever skip the free sample or freebie offers because you don't think they are worth it? I know some people think it's a waste of time, but it only takes seconds and it gets me a lot of great items! I LOVE checking the mail and seeing what little freebies have come! I usually have at least one thing (sample, free product, or coupon) each day, but today I received a week's worth of mail because we had the mail stopped while we were on vacation in Florida. It was fun to be able to really SEE how many freebies I get in a week!

I received: Free pack of Stride Gum, sample of Bounce dryer sheets, Free Glade product from Right@Home, Free Febreeze Wood Diffuser coupon from Modern Mom, Free Puffs sample and lots of coupons, Free Ritz Cracker sample and coupon, Free sample of Enfamil (will donate), free SunChips coupon, free sample Degree deodorant, Free Arm & Hammer shaker, Rewards card from Dunkin' Donuts for free coffee on Mondays.
I'd say that was worth about 2 minutes total of my time!

Free samples in one week's worth of mail!

Macy's $10/25 coupon!

Today and Tomorrow you can Score $10 off your $25 Sale Purchase at Macy's! Go HERE to print your coupon!

(Thanks, MoJoSavings)

Macy's $10/25 coupon!

Party City: $10/30 purchase!

My girls and DH both have spring birthdays, so here is a coupon I'll be needing! Party City has a new $10 off $30 printable coupon HERE.   The coupon is only valid through 4/18/10!
Thanks, Saving Addiction!

Party City: $10/30 purchase!

Free sample of Cascade Action Pacs!

Get a FREE sample of Cascade Action Pacs from P&G Everyday Solutions! Just go HERE and sign up or log in to request it.You'll receive two ActionPacs plus several coupons! There are also other free coupons you can request as well. Your freebies should arrive in 4-6 weeks.

Free sample of Cascade Action Pacs!

Free Quaker Oatmeal Express at Target!

There is a great $1/1 Quaker coupon HERE.  You can use this coupon at Target to get FREE Quaker Oatmeal Express cups!  They're on price cut through 4/23 for just $.93! Print as many as you can now before they are gone!
Thanks, Totally Target!

Free Quaker Oatmeal Express at Target!

Barnes & Noble Summer reading program

Barnes & Noble has announced its 2010 Summer Reading Rewards program.  Children who read 8 books over the summer will be rewarded with a FREE book from Barnes & Noble! 

You can download the form and find the rules HERE.

Thanks, Baby Good Buys!

Barnes & Noble Summer reading program

M&M Pretzel freebie is back on Facebook!

The Free M&M Pretzel sample on Facebook is back, so if you missed it last time, GO HERE and get yours now.  If you get an error message, or a message saying you already requested it, check your email. You may get a confirmation that your samplei s on it's way anyway.

Become a Fan, then request your sample.
(Thanks, Money Saving Madness)

M&M Pretzel freebie is back on Facebook!

Rite Aid: Pure & Natural soap for $0.25

If you are headed to Rite Aid before Saturday night, print this $2/1 Pure & Natural product coupon!  You'll get it for just $.25 each this week when you combine two coupons with the B1G1 FREE sale!

Buy 2 Pure & Natural liquid hand soaps–on sale Buy One, Get One Free (2 for $4.50)
Use (2) $2/1 printable coupons
Final cost: Just $0.25 each!

Thanks, My Frugal Adventures!

Rite Aid: Pure & Natural soap for $0.25

Tesoro Gas stations: Gift Cards for good grades!

Tesoro gas stations are offering gift cards to students with A and B average grades.
Students aged 13 to 23 (at the time of submission) who are enrolled at a qualified academic institution. Junior or Senior High School, or a College or University can earn a free Tesoro reward card for getting good grades. The higher the grades, the higher the value of the reward card! Participants must reside in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington or Wyoming. This promotion is for Grade Reports issued between August 15, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

Go here for all the details and to sign up!
(Thanks,Good Deal Mama)

Tesoro Gas stations: Gift Cards for good grades!

RedBox: rent 3, get 1 free through 4/30

When you rent 3 movies between April 14th and April 30th, Redbox is going to give you a code for a free rental on May 7th! You must use the same credit card and email address in order for it to count.
If you haven't used these codes for free rentals, they may still be available:
DVDONME
BREAKROOM
(thanks, Couponing to Disney)

RedBox: rent 3, get 1 free through 4/30

Free Companion Airline Ticket at World Market

If you are looking to make a big purchase for your home, first check out Cost Plus World Market online shopping! Through 4/17 when you spend $100 online at WorldMarket.com you'll score a FREE companion airline ticket! This does not apply to the purchase of online gift cards. Click here to see all the details.
(thanks, All Aboard Deals)

Free Companion Airline Ticket at World Market

Free things to do this weekend! 4/16-4/18

Here are some FREE things to do this weekend!

*Lowes: Saturday April 17 10 am. Kids can build a free See It Grow Planter! Kids will also get a free apronl, goggles, patch, and certificate of completion. Register first by going here!



*Toys R Us: Saturday, April 17 11am-1pm  Thomas & Friends Play Date! They will have some free gifts as well as storytime, coloring, and other special offers. You can also bring this coupon to get $5 off Mega Bloks Thomas & Friends Busy Day at the Quarry Playset. It is good on 4/17 ONLY!


*Borders: Saturday April 17 11 am. Fancy Nancy, Poet Extraordinaire event with the release of the newest Fancy Nancy book! Dress your little ones in their "Fanciest" and she'll get the chance to parcipate in poetry writing, word games, giveaways, and more! Click on the link above to see if your local store is participating.





*Lakeshore Learning: Saturday, April 17 11am-3pm. Kids can make an earth day bag.

*YMCA Healthy Kids Day: Saturday, April 17. Contact your local YMCA -Go here for more info.

*National Park Week: April 17-25. You can get FREE entrance to all of the 392 U.S. National parks! Just go here to find locations of all U.S. national parks.

Many stores are also promoting Earth Day this weekend. Here are some of those deals that fall on this weekend:

*Here are two ways to get a free reusable bag at Target in honor of Earth Day! Thanks to Target's partnership with Terracycle, you can turn five plastic bags into $1 toward a reusable one. Look for details in your Target ad on April 18th for more details. Or you can send 5 bags to:

Terracycle

121 New York

Avenue Trenton, NJ 08638
*Also on April 18th, Target with give away 1.5 million reusable bags with purchase in collaboration with Tide, GE and Coca-Cola. Go here to read more.

*The Home Depot: Sunday, April 18 will be giving away free faucet aerators to the first 250 customers in the store in honor of Earth Day.

Free things to do this weekend! 4/16-4/18

Mega Swagbucks Friday!

 
It's Friday, which means you can win some major Swagbucks today on this Mega Swagbucks Friday! If you haven't signed up yet, use my referral code by clicking here to start off with 30 swagbucks!
I sure missed scoring lots of Swagbucks while I was away on vacation!

Mega Swagbucks Friday!

Nabisco Facebook coupon= $0.50 cookies!

There is a $1/1 coupon for Nabisco Cookies if you become a Fan of Nabisco cookies on Facebook. Because there are no size restrictions on this coupon, you could use it at Target or Walmart to get the snack size bags for just $0.50! Remember, print two!
(Thanks, Money Saving Madness!)

Nabisco Facebook coupon= $0.50 cookies!

Two POSSIBLE clearance finds to check for.

Clearance items can vary widely by store, so don't make a special trip for these deals. I just wanted to alert you in case you are headed to these stores, so check for these items.
*Walgreens may have the IdeaStream Vaultz Cash Boxes on clearance for just $5.37 (previously $20)! You can also price check them in case it isn't marked. If so, use the $5/1 bonus Walgreens coupon from here to get one for just $0.37! These would be great for garage sales!
(Thanks, Deal Finding Chik!)



*The other clearance deal is at Target. Some stores have the Purple faux suede ottoman on clearance for just $4.98! Use the $5/1 Ottoman coupon from here (click on the “Home” category on the left hand side) to get it for free! We have the brown one in our living room, and we love it. The purple one may go well in a kid's room or playroom, or you could donate it to your children's teacher, local library, church, etc. Let me know if you find either of these in your area!
(Thanks, Hip2save)

Two POSSIBLE clearance finds to check for.

Tropicana Juicy Rewards: B1G1 Free Movie Ticket!! Today only!

Here is a HOT new deal with Tropicana Juicy Rewards, but it is good for today 4/16 only!
If you are a member of Tropicana Juicy Rewards (if you're not, you can still join for free), you can get a Buy One Get One Free Fandango movie ticket today for just 2 points! Just go HERE to redeem today- quantities may be limited, so go now! Once you redeem, you'll be given a unique promotion code which can be used at Fandango.com to purchase a ticket and get one free. Free ticket will expire June 16, 2010. If you don't want to redeem your coupon code now, it will be saved in your Tropicana account and will also be emailed to you!
If you haven't joined Tropicana Rewards yet, become a fan on Facebook and they will give you some free codes for points- you'll have to enter them within 6 hours though, so go HERE to become a fan and then HERE to register with Tropicana.

Tropicana Juicy Rewards: B1G1 Free Movie Ticket!! Today only!

Can you guess where I was?

I don't know if you noticed the lacks of posts this past week, but my family was away on vacation! We took a wonderful trip to St. Pete Beach, Florida! I hope you enjoyed the guest posts I lined up and the few posts I was able to write when I wasn't busy playing with my kiddos on the beach. ;)
After I make a big shopping trip to Meijer and finish laundry, I'll be back to posting all the great deals as usual!

Can you guess where I was?

Tax Day Freebies!

TAX DAY TREATS!

This tax day, April 15 from 6-8pm, Cinnabon will be giving away 2 free Cupcake Bites per guest while supplies last.

This tax day, April 15, participating MaggieMoo’s will be giving away free slices of their new MaggieMia’s ice cream pizza from 3-7 pm. Click here to find a store location near you.

Taco Del Mar is offering a printable coupon for a free taco on tax day, 4/15/10. Find a restaurant near you here.

Boston Market is offering customers a Tax Break! Buy One individual meal, Get One free. Valid April 15-18th at all participating Boston Market locations.

Starbuck’s Coffee is giving a free coffee to anyone who bring is a reusable travel mug to have it filled in on April 15th.

Mr Jim’s Pizza is giving out free small 1 topping pizzas to their Facebook fans on 4/15. Go here to become a fan and get the coupon.

Tax Day Freebies!

Earth Day Freebies! 4/22/10

Just like Tax Day, on 4/22 EARTH DAY, you can also get some freebies!

*On April 18, The Home Depot will be giving away free faucet aerators to the first 250 customers in the store in honor of Earth Day.

*Babies R Us is giving out free reusable bags with this coupon now through 4/22, or while supplies last.

*The EPA is offering a free Earth Day Coloring Book, Garbage Gremlin Comic, Wetlands Coloring Book, Save Our Species Activity Book and more. Only available to people in IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI, (if you aren't in those states, you can still print out the freebies). To request an item by mail, check the box beside the item and then fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Go here to request yours.

*Many 1800-Got-Junk offices are offering free electronic waste removal(computers, TV, printers, ect. and free shredding of documents). Find a store near you in the link and contact them for more info.

*On Thursday, April 22, bring in 6 empty water bottles or pop cans to any Disney Store and receive a FREE baseball cap! One per guest!

(Thanks, Miami Mommy Savings!)

*Here are two ways to get a free reusable bag at Target in honor of Earth Day! Thanks to Target's partnership with Terracycle, you can turn five plastic bags into $1 toward a reusable one. Look for details in your Target ad on April 18th for more details. Or you can send 5 bags to:

Terracycle

121 New York

Avenue Trenton, NJ 08638
*Also on April 18th, Target with give away 1.5 million reusable bags with purchase in collaboration with Tide, GE and Coca-Cola. Go here to read more.
(Thanks, Good Deal Mama!)

Wegmans is hosting an Earth Day Event on Saturday, 4/24/10 from 11 am to 3 pm. Bring in Wegmans plastic bags to recycle and you'll get a free tote bag. There will also be free coloring sheets and a free project handout. Go here to read all the details.

I'll update this list as it gets closer and remind you again as we approach 4/22!

Earth Day Freebies! 4/22/10

Reminder: Enter the giveaway for Theater tickets!!

REMEMBER: You can still enter to win a pack of 4 tickets to see the show "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler"! This is a popular children's book and is a Newbery Award winner! The play will be on Saturday, April 17th at 11 am at the Cherry Hill Village Theater in Canton, Michigan.

Go here to read all the details and enter to win! Two winners will each receive a 4 pack of tickets!

Reminder: Enter the giveaway for Theater tickets!!

Walgreens $1 Ink Refills on Earth Day 4/22!

Have you been printing lots of coupons and worried that your ink is getting low? Well, never fear, because Walgreens will refill your inkjet cartridges for just $1 on Earth Day 4/22/10! That is a GREAT price! You'll see details in that week's ad, and not all printer models can be refilled. Here are the included brands and models.
Dell
Models: 7Y743, 7Y745, J5566, J5567, M4640, M4646, N5878, N5882, T0529, T0530, MJ264, MK990, MK992, JF333, KF868, MK991, MK993

HP
Models: 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 33, 41, 45, 49, 56, 57, 74, 74XL, 75, 75XL, 78A, 78D, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 110-04, 110-05

Lexmark
Models: 1, 2, 3, 16, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28a, 29a, 32, 33, 34, 35, 48, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 71, 75, 80, 82, 83, 85, 88

Okidata
Mdels: 52109301, 52109302

Primera
Models: 53020, 53304, 53305, 53318, 53319, 53321, 53330, 53331, 53332, 53335, 53336, 53376

Sharp
Models: AJC50B, AJC50C, UXC70B, UX80B

Xerox
Models: 8R12591, 8R7879, 8R7880, 8R7881, 8R7882
 
(Thanks, Money Saving Madness)

Walgreens $1 Ink Refills on Earth Day 4/22!

Walgreens: Keebler Sandies for $0.50!

There is a great deal on Keelber Pecan Sandies Cookies at Walgreens going on. They are priced at $2.50 each. Use (2) $1 off coupons from here AND use the $2/2 Walgreens coupon from the April Coupon book (found in the front of the store with the weekly ads). Final cost: Just $0.50 a package when you buy two!
(thanks, Couponing to Disney!)

Walgreens: Keebler Sandies for $0.50!

Free Tech Wash sample

You can get a free bottle of Nikwax Tech Wash Travel Gel if you answer all the questions correctly in their web quiz. Just go here to get started. (hint: You can "check your answer" under the questions and then select the right answer.) You'll receive your free sample of Nikwax Tech Wash Travel Gel within about 4 weeks. You can request one per household every 3 months.
(Thanks, Free Stuff)

Free Tech Wash sample

Free Samples 4/14

Red Gold Tomatoes is offering a free reusable tote with purchase. Just go look in your stockpile for a Red Gold Tomato product and then go HERE to register (or login), fill out your info, and enter the UPC from the product. You'll be mailed the bag! I have two of these bags, and they are great! They are large and open up with a sort of square bottom, so they can hold a lot of groceries! *Only valid in the following states: AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, OH, OK , NC, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, and WI.


Go here to get a free sample of Carefree Ultra Protection Pantiliners Sample from Walmart! Plus, the sample will come with a $1 coupon– which will make the small packages of Carefree Pantiliners FREE!
(Thanks, Good Deal Mama!)
 
Go here to get a free sample of VitalAid Energy Drink Mix! You even get to choose your flavor too!
(Thanks, Mojo Savings!)

Become a fan of Beveri on Facebook and click on the free sample banner (lower left hand side) to score a FREE sample of Beveri Flaxseeds!

Free Samples 4/14

Waste Not...

Enjoy this guest post by Laura (a.k.a. The Sharp Scissors Lady) at Sharpen Your Scissors. She was very thought-provoking in her article on using less... even when what you're using was free and you've got plenty more! 

I believe that as an American, I live in the land of over-abundance. Endless opportunities and options force us to make choices all day long. While savvy shopping and coupon spending skills are amazing tools to help ourselves and our families to shell out less of our hard earned incomes, we can also be doing ourselves a disservice, maybe without even realizing it!

Isn't it easier to donate an item of clothing that you purchased from the clearance rack rather than a really nice designer pair of jeans that you can still remember exactly how much you spent on them? I think that it is completely normal to have the price tag value of an item dictate how we care for an item.

Obviously I take better care of my pots and pans (by hand washing them) than I do my spatula that I also use to cook with. The truth being the replacement value is higher for the pots and pans, and I'm not interested in replacing them anytime soon!

But how does this mentality translate into our everyday consumables? How about when we factor in purchasing everyday essentials for pennies on the dollar when we make our purchases with coupons?

Personally, I have found myself guilty of over-using products simply because of the purchase value. Many items that I purchase are either extremely minimal in cost or FREE! I have found myself not really caring how much shampoo I squeeze out of the bottle, or how many baby wipes I use in changing dirty diapers... as long as I have a back up product in my arsenal that I call my stockpile, did I really care?

For the last several months I have begun reading the recommended dosage on product containers... kind of like Weight Watchers for over-consumers... wink!
I began experimenting...

I have heard that breaking dish detergent tabs in half, and just washing dishes with half of the recommended dosage works just as well as the full tab. In all honesty, I needed to decide if I really cared enough to break a tab in half- seeing that I purchased a box of 20 tabs with a coupon and only paid $.50 for the box. Was the breakage worth my time?

I already was experiencing a great deal every time I washed my dishes with a $.025 tab... but I tried a half tab load of dishes and realized that they came out just as clean as a full tab. Now I happily clean my dishes for just over a penny per load.

I also have taken the laundry soap challenge by washing a load of laundry on just half a large load's worth of detergent. We have sensitive skin in our family, so I am a stickler for my favorite laundry soaps, which includes Tide Free and Clear. This jug was actually purchased for FREE with store reward money (ECB's) at CVS. So by the typical standard, I really shouldn't care how quickly the bottle is emptied, especially since I have more bottles of Tide awaiting their turn for use in my arsenal.

The cup on the left has the recommended dosage for a large load of laundry, the cup on the right is the amount that I personally add to my large loads of laundry. I've used the smaller quantity and been just as happy at the result as when I had used full strength.

I've personally decided that I can no longer bypass consumption recommendations and abuse my privileges of owning nice products simply because I have purchased them inexpensively.

Being a savvy consumer, in addition to purchasing wisely, also means consuming wisely. The less I over use, the longer my family will benefit from my wise spending habits and the more I will have to give away when someone that I know is in need.

**In what ways do YOU waste not and use less? Toothpaste, soap, dryer sheets, etc? Share your tips to avoid wasting in the comments below!

Waste Not...