CVS 8/14-8/20

Here is what you can get for free or cheap this week at CVS. Don't forget to stop by the "magic coupon machine" to scan your ECB's card to see what great coupons you get!

Spend $5 on G Series Fit 11.16-16 oz or energy bites, get $5 ECB's (limit 1)
Buy 1 of each type for a total of $5
Final cost after ECB's: Free

Revlon Nail $4.99, get $3 ECB's (limit 6)
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 8/14 SS or the 7/17 SS

Final cost: $0.99

Trident gum single packs $0.99
Use the $2/3 coupon from the 7/24 SS
Final cost: $0.32 each wyb 3

Gain dish liquid $0.99
Use the $1/2 coupon from the 8/14 RP or the $0.25/1 coupon from the 7/17 SS
Final cost: as low as $0.49 each

Spend $10 on Participating Candy and get a Free M&M’s Popcorn Box
Buy 10 Mars Chocolate King Size assorted 5/$5
use (3) $1.25/3 coupons from the 7/10 RP
Final cost: $0.62 each wyb 10 plus a Free Popcorn Box!

Huggies Jumbo Pack diapers $8.99
Use the $3/1 Huggies Slip-On coupon from the 8/14 SS (regional- your region may receive a different value)

OR use the $2/1 CVS store coupon here (it says it cannot be combined with any other offer... so I'm not sure if it can be stacked)

Final cost: as low as $5.99! (or just $3.99 if you're CVS lets you use both coupons!)
*Plus, through 12/31/11, when you buy 6 Pampers or 6 Huggies Jumbo Packs of diapers (no mix and match), you'll get 1 package FREE (coupon will print from coupon machine a few days after your 6th purchase)

 

The Huggies Diapers are a participating brand in the $10 Gas Card promo this week, so if you're looking to stock up on diapers, this week would be a great time to do so!

CVS 8/14-8/20

Famous Dave's: Eat free on 8/14 if you're name is Dave!

Reminder: This is Sunday, 8/14!

Famous Dave's is once again giving all DAVE's a FREE MEAL on August 14th! If your name is Dave, David or Davy, you'll get a free entree (up to $15) on Sunday, August 14!

And if your middle name is Dave, David or Davy you’ll get your entrée for half price (up to $7.50)!

For dine-in and TO GO orders. You must be a Dave, David or Davy and you must present a photo ID to receive your entrée. Sorry, last names don’t count. Only one offer, per Dave, per day. Participating locations only.

Go HERE to find locations and all the details.

Famous Dave's: Eat free on 8/14 if you're name is Dave!

Walgreens 8/14-8/20

Here is what you can get for free or cheap this week at Walgreens, thanks to "Saving Addiction". Below are my favorites; see her site for the rest.

Expo Dry Erase Markeras Washable 6ct $3.99

use the $2/2 coupon that was previously available here or here (no longer available)
use with the $3/1 coupon in the August walgreens coupon book
Final cost: Two for FREE

Revlon Nail Polish $3.99, get a $3 RR
(excludes: Top Speed and nail treatments)
use the $1/1 coupon from the 8/14 SS
Final cost: Free

Pert Plus 2 in 1 25.4oz $3.99, get a $3 RR

use the $1/1 coupon from the 8/14 SS
Final cost: Free

ReNew Life Omega Smart Super Krill Oil $10.00, get a $10 RR

use the $2/1 coupon HERE
Final cost: Free plus a $2 Moneymaker

Degree Travel Size Deodorant $0.99, buy 1 get a $1 RR; buy 2, get a $2 RR, buy 4 get a $4 RR
use the $0.75/1 coupon from the 7/31 RP
Final cost: FREE + $3.04 Moneymaker wyb 4

Keri Lotion $6.99, get a $5 RR

use the $2/1 coupon from the 7/17 SS
Final cost: FREE

Aussie/Herbal Essence Hair Care 6-14oz $3.00, get a $1 RR

use the $1/1 coupon from the 8/7 RP
Final cost: $1

Colgate Sensitive Pro-relief toothpaste or toothbrush $4.99, get a $3 RR

use the $1.50/1 coupon from the 7/31 RP (regional)
use the $0.75/1 coupon from the 7/24 RP
Final cost: as low as $0.49

Reach Dental Care (Floss 30yds, Total Care Toothbrush, 72pk Listerine PocketPaks) $2.50, get a $3 RR wyb 2

Final cost: $1 each

Oral B Complete Advantage Toothbrush, Crest Complete Deep Clean Toothpaste 5.8 Glide Floss 32-55yds $2.50, get a $2 RR wyb 2

use the $1/1 Oral B coupon from the 7/31 PG
or the $1/1 Crest coupon from the 7/31 PG
Final cost: $0.50

Oral B 123 Complete Toothbrush, Crest + Scope Toothpaste 5.8oz $3.00, get a $3 RR wyb 2

use the $1/1 Oral B coupon from the 7/31 PG

or the $1/1 Crest coupon from the 7/31 PG
Final cost: $0.50 each

Sure or Brut Deodorant $1.50 (w/ in- ad coupon)
use the $1/1 Sure coupon from the 8/14 SS
Final cost: $0.50

Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick 2.3-3.25oz  $2.50, get a $3 RR wyb 2

final cost: $1 each

Brach's Autumn Candy 12oz $1.50, get a $1 RR wyb 2

Final cost: $1 each

Trident 18pc Gum $0.79 (w/ in-ad coupon)
use the $2/3 coupon from the 7/24 SS
Final cost: $0.12 each

Twizzlers 11-16oz  $1.33
use the $1/3 coupon from the 6/26 SS or the  8/7 SS
Final cost: $1 each

Royal Gelatin $0.20 (w/ in-ad coupon)

Mars or Dove Candy $0.49

Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel $1.99 (w/in-ad Coupon)
use the $1/1 coupon from the 7/24 SS or here

or use the $1.50/1 coupon here

or the $0.75/1 coupon here 

or the $1/1 Edge coupon from the 7/24 SS
Final cost: as low as $0.49

Dove Hair Care, Deodorant 2.6-3oz, Body Mist 3oz, Body Wash 12 or 13.5oz, Shower Tool $3.75, get a $5 RR

use the Buy 1 Dove Ultimate Deodorant, Get 1 Dove Men+Care Deodorant FREE coupon from the 7/31 RP

use the Buy 1 Dove Shampoo Conditioner, Get 1 Dove Treatment FREE coupon from the 7/31 RP

or the $1.25/1 Bodywash coupon from the 7/24 RP

Deal Idea:

Buy 2 Womens Deodorant
Buy 2 Mens Deodorant
use (2) B1G1 FREE coupons
Final cost: $0.63 each

Huggies Little Movers Slip On Diapers $9.49, get a $2 RR

use the $3/1 coupon from the 8/14 SS
Final cost: $4.49

Cottonelle 12pk Toilet Paper $5.00
use the $0.75/1 coupon from the 8/14 SS or the 7/17 SS

use with the $1/1 August Walgreens Coupon Book
Final cost: $3.25

Bounty 8 roll Paper Towel  $6.99
use the $1/1 coupon from the 7/31 PG
Final cost: $5.99

Lysol Healthy Touch Soap Dispenser 8.5oz $11.99, get a $5 RR

use the $3/1 coupon from the 8/7 SS
Final cost: $3.99

Playtex Tampons 36pk $7.49, get a $3 RR

use the $2/1 coupon from the 8/14 RP

Final cost: $2.49


SCHOOL SUPPLIES

5PK BIC Brite Liners Highlighters - $0.79

(Select) Binders-B1G1 FREE

MEAD Five Star Notebooks -B1G1 FREE

Penway 24pk Crayons, or 12in Ruler - $0.29 (w/ in-ad coupon)

Crayola 24pk Crayons - $0.99 (w/ in-ad coupon)

Crayola Markers 10pk, 48 sheet Construction Paper - $0.99 (w/ in-ad coupon)

Elmers Glue 4oz, Glue Stick 2pk - $0.79 (w/ in-ad coupon)

Pilot G2 or Frixion Pens - $1.99use the $1/1 Frixion coupon HERE
Final cost: $0.99

Mead Envelopes 40-100pk - $0.69 (w/ in-ad coupon)

1-Subject Notebook - $0.49 (w/ in-ad coupon)

Texas Scientific Calculator - $9.99

Sandisk 2GB Memory Card - $7.99

Backpacks or Messenger Bags (reg $19.99) - B1G1 FREE

Walgreens 8/14-8/20

Rite Aid 8/14-8/20

Here is what you can get for free or cheap this week at Rite Aid, thanks to "Cents"able Momma. Below are my favorites; see her site for the rest.

All Rite Aid Video Values coupons can be viewed and printed HERE.

Veet Depilatories, psa $5.99, Get $1 +UP Reward (Limit 4)
use the $3/1 Veet Depilatories printable or the $2/1 Veet Hair Removal Product printable or printable Use withe $2/1 Veet Product (in-ad coupon) - possibly AND - not typically allowed, but it states to use both in ad $1/1 Veet Product August Rite Aid VV coupon
Final cost: as low as FREE
**Qualifies for Free Glam Camp Bag SCR #571 wyb $15 select items

Carefree Pantiliners (18-22 ct.), 2/$2
use the $0.50/1 Carefree Product coupon from the 6/26 SS
use with the $1/2 Carefree Product August Rite Aid VV coupon
Final cost: FREE

Mentos Gum (50 ct.) or Mentos (6 pk.), 2/$4, Get $1 +UP Reward wyb 2 (Limit 2)
use the $1/1 Mentos Bottle coupon from the 7/10 SS
or the $1/3 Mentos Bottles coupon from the 7/10 SS
Final cost: as low as $0.50 each


Select Oral Care Products, 5/$10, Get $5 +UP Reward wyb 5 (Limit 4)
--Colgate Regular Toothpaste (6.4 oz.)
--Wisp (4 pk.)
use the $0.50/1 Colgate Wisp printable
--Colgate Wave Toothbrush Manual (1 ct.)
Final cost: as low as $0.50 each
**Qualifies for $5 +UP Reward wyb $25 select Oral Care Products (Limit 1)

Select Listerine or Reach Products, $3.99, Get $1 +UP Reward (Limit 2)
--Listerine Fresh Burst, Original, Cool Mint, or Vanilla Mint Rinse (1L)
use the $1/1 Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash or Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash printable or printable OR the $1/1 Select Listerine Mouthwashes coupon form the 1/9 SS
use with the $1/1 Listerine or Listerine Pocket Pack August Rite Aid VV coupon
--Listerine Toothpaste (4.2 oz.)
--Listerine Smart Rinse or Cool Blue (500 ml)
use the $1/1 Listerine Smart Rinse Mouthwash, Listerine Agent Cool Blue Rinse, or Reach Kids Toothbrush coupon from the 7/31 SS
use with the $1/1 Listerine - Kids August Rite Aid VV coupon
--Reach Toothbrush (2 ct.)
use the $1/1 Listerine Smart Rinse Product or Reach Toothbrush Product coupon from the 7/31 SS
use the $0.50/1 Listerine Mouthwash, Reach Toothbrush, Reach Floss or Reach Access Flosser coupon from the 7/31 SS
Final cost: as low as $0.99 each
**Qualifies for $5 +UP Reward wyb $25 select Oral Care Products (Limit 1)

Select Playtex Personal Care Items, $3.99, Get $1 +UP Reward (Limit 1)
--Gentle Glide or Sport Tampons (18-20 ct.)
use the $1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
or the $1/1 Playtex Sport Box printable
or the $2/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons coupon from the 8/14 SS
--Personal Cleansing Cloths (40 ct.)
Final cost: as low as $0.99 each


Select Oral Care Products, $3.99, Get $2 +UP Reward (Limit 1)
--Crest Complete Extra White Toothpaste (5.8 oz.)
use the $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel coupon from the 7/31 PG
or the $0.50/1 Crest Toothpaste coupon from the 7/31 PG
--Oralb Complete Fresh Scope Scent Toothbrush (2 ct.)
--Scope Dual Blast Mouthwash (750 ml)
use the $0.75/1 Scope Mouthwash coupon from the 7/31 PG
Final cost: as low as $1.24 each
**Qualifies for $5 SCR # 35 wyb $25 Crest/Oralb/Scope (Limit 1)

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent, $3.99, Get $2 +UP Reward (Limit 2)
use the $1/3 Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent or Fabric Softener Sheets printable
or the $1/2 Arm & Hammer Laundry Product coupon from the 7/24 SS
Final cost: as low as $1.49 ea. wyb 2

Trident Layers Gum, $1
use the $2/3 Trident Gum Single Packs coupon from the 7/24 SS
use with the $0.50/1 Trident Layers Gum Aug. Rite Aid VV Coupon
Final cost: $0.17 each wyb 3


Gain Dish Liquid (10.3-11 oz.), $0.88
use the $1/2 Gain Dishwashing Liquid coupon from the 8/14 RP
or the $0.25/1 Gain Dish Detergent coupon from the 7/17 SS
Final cost: As low as $0.38 ea. wyb 2

Rite Aid 8/14-8/20

SaveMore.com: Coosh Earbud Combo Headset for as low as $5 shipped

SaveMore.com has a deal today for Coosh Earbud Combo Headset with Free Shipping for $15. This is a $35 value! You can sign up for a new account HERE and get a $10 credit, making this deal just $5 shipped!

This would be a great stocking stuffer to tuck away until Christmas!

• Balanced, full-bodied stereo sound quality
• Ability to detach earrings & wear just buds
• In-line headset mic with push-to-answer & mute buttons
• Choose from 3.5mm white set for iPhone, Blackberry & Android, or 2.5mm black set for other music phones

Details
Expires November 15, 2011. Free shipping included. May not be combined with other offers. No cash back. Valid only on LowerTags.com. May purchase unlimited vouchers for yourself and as gifts.

SaveMore.com: Coosh Earbud Combo Headset for as low as $5 shipped

Bath & Body Works: Free Charmed LIfe Lotion and Bag wyb any signature collection item today!

Today between 11 am and 4 pm, Bath & Body Works is having their Paris Amour Launch Event. With any signature collection purchase, you can get a FREE Charmed Life full size body lotion and a cosmetic bag ($17 value)!

Bath & Body Works: Free Charmed LIfe Lotion and Bag wyb any signature collection item today!

Meijer: Huggies Slip On Diapers for $3.97 after coupons

If you are in need of diapers, here's a pretty good deal at Meijer:

Huggies Slip On Diapers $8.97

use the $3/1 coupon here (it's a manufacturer's coupon, so it should be allowed anywhere)
use with the $2/1 Meijer mPerks coupon
Final cost: $3.97

Meijer: Huggies Slip On Diapers for $3.97 after coupons

New $1/1 Earthbound Farms coupon (free at Walmart)

You can go to the Earthbound Farms website and take a 12 question quiz about Organic Farming. If you answer all the questions correctly, you'll be able to print a $1 off any Earthbound Farm product coupon.

Walmart sells them for $0.88, so free plus $0.12 overage after coupon. Meijer sometimes has the 1 lb. baby cut carrots on sale for $1 too!


(Thanks, Coupon Katarina!)

New $1/1 Earthbound Farms coupon (free at Walmart)

On My Bookshelf...

I just "pinned" this saying on Pinterest (I'm newly addicted to this site).

(photo source  Etsy)

I love to read. L-O-V-E it. I was an English major in college. If I were given a choice between taking a TV or a stack of books with me to a deserted island, I would most definitely pick the books.

However, I don't always seem to have the time to read as much as I'd like, but during the summer time, I try to cram in as many books as I can! When we're on vacation, my hubby usually likes to guess how many I've read in the time we've been gone. You know it's a good week if I've read at least 4 books!

I really love to read books and then hear that they are being turned into a movie! I read the book The Help a year or so ago, and I cannot wait to see the movie that just came out yesterday! If you're looking for a good book, I highly recommend it. If you like historical fiction, you'll love it.

Unfortunately, I usually forget the name of a book or even what a book was about shortly after I read it! Does that happen to you? I wish I had the foresight to start a list years ago of all the books I've read, what I would have rated them, and maybe brief synopsis. Oh, to have such a list now would be amazing.

I thought I'd start posting some recommended reading lists. I'll either post what I'm currently reading or, if I'm between books, I'll post about some of my all time favorite books or authors. Keep in mind- these are just recommended by me; it's sort of my unsolicited advice on books you should read! Feel free to skip these posts if you have no interest! But, I personally love to ask my other "book worm" friends what they are reading- it's the best way for me to find out what great reads are out there!!

Feel free to leave comments or email me if you have books to recommend as well!

On My Bookshelf...

Top 10 Signs You're a Couponer

My Top 10 Signs You're a Couponer

1) You "grocery" shop in your own basement stockpile more often than the actual supermarket.

2) It's painful for you to eat at a restaurant without at Buy 1, Get 1 Free coupon.

3) You have more toothpaste stashed in your bathroom cabinets than there is in the entire state of Rhode Island.

4) Your understand what "wyb", "psa", "ecb", "ymmv", "oyno", "wags", "mf", "cat", "rr", and "moneymaker" mean.

5) You profile your cashiers and you prefer the young teenage boy to the elderly female. (Admit it!)

6) You spend more time cutting and filing coupons than you do cutting and filing your children's
photographs.

7) You check that the catalina machine is working on your checkout lane before you begin loading your purchases on the belt.

8) Instead of asking how much you paid for things, your family begins asking what items did you have to pay for at all?

9) You (hopefully) spread the wealth of your stockpile with others now more than you did before coupons.

10) If you were to win the lottery, you'd still be a couponer (...probably)

Top 10 Signs You're a Couponer

Free Edy's Slow Churned Shakes or Smoothies at Walmart with printable coupon

Print this coupon for $1/1 Edy’s Slow Churned Shakes or Smoothies!  Walmart has these on Rollback for $1 each, so free after coupon!
(Your area may sell Dryer’s instead of Edy’s; get that coupon here)

(Thanks, Rose knows Coupons!)

Free Edy's Slow Churned Shakes or Smoothies at Walmart with printable coupon

Free Ball Fruit Pectin with coupon at Kmart, Target, and Walmart!

Print the $1/1 Ball Fruit Pectin coupon or clip it from the 6/12 SS and get the 4-oz. packages of Ball Fruit Pectin FREE at Target, Walmart, and Kmart!

They are priced at just $0.99, making them free after this coupon. If you use this product, this is a great opportunity to stock up on it!


(Thanks, Coupon Connections!)

Free Ball Fruit Pectin with coupon at Kmart, Target, and Walmart!

Taco Soup: A recipe that feels like home...

Home is where the.... food is.

Frito Lay asked me to share a recipe that reminds me of home, and my first thought was of my Mom's famous Taco Soup. Okay, maybe it's not exactly "famous", but this recipe was and is a favorite of mine, and I remember eating it throughout my childhood. Every kid get asked what their favorite food is when they are young, and my answer was always "soup"!

You know how when you recall certain memories, there is sometimes a scent or taste that goes with it? Like when I think of summer with my kiddos, I smell sunscreen. Or do you ever get a whiff of something and it just takes you back to a moment in time? Cuddling my new baby niece and smelling that clean baby skin smell takes me back to when I was a new mommy! And, for some reason that escapes me, the smell of cherry chapstick reminds me of being a kid!

photo source

My memories of coming home from college are somehow intertwined with this Taco Soup recipe. It seems like after a stressful Fall Semester, Mom just knew that this would be a nice, warm, and comforting meal to welcome me home for Christmas Break. I can't say for sure that this happened each of the 4 Fall semesters I endured enjoyed, but it was enough to make an impression. Especially after living on Ramon Noodles and PB&J, having a heaping and steaming bowl of Taco Soup was, well, like coming home! 

I have made this recipe for my own family, to take to friends who've just had babies, for when we've had guests over... I even made it in college myself once when I was in my apartment. I remember one time I bumped into a former youth pastor from my home church at the church I was attending during college. He looked like he was going through a tough time, so I invited him over for some Taco Soup. I remember he said something like, "Sure, I'm not above soup." I just thought, "Buddy, you've never tasted this soup."  But... that's a whole 'nother story!

It is still warm and sunny here in Michigan, so it's not quite Taco Soup weather yet. But as soon as the air turns a bit brisk and the leaves start descending from the trees, this will be one of the first "Fall Meals" I make.

And I'm sure it will still feel like coming home.

Mom's Taco Soup Recipe:

You will need:

2 lbs. ground beef
1 C chopped onion
2 cans stewed tomatoes (16 oz each)
1 can garbanzo beans (16 oz)
2 cans whole kernel corn (16 oz each)
2 can tomato sauce (28 oz each)
2 taco seasoning packets
hot sauce or salsa to taste

Directions:

Brown beef and onion together; drain. Add tomatoes, beans, and corn (don't drain corn), then add tomato sauce, seasoning mix, and hot sauce or salsa if desired. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 1/2 hour.
Serve with bowls of toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips or Frito's, sliced avacados, etc.

Serves 12-15 (you could cut the quantities in half if needed). Freezes well!

Disclosure: this post is an entry into the Frito Lay Taste of Home Contest. They are providing me with a sample pack and will also be providing a prize for a giveaway coming this weekend.

Taco Soup: A recipe that feels like home...

Guest Post: Coupon organization- a new "hybrid" method!

A big thanks to my friend Janel for sharing her "Hybrid" coupon organization method! I love it!

Coupon Organization TipsSo if you have been getting some good deals in the stores lately you probably have been using coupons. So what do you do once you have all those coupons?
There are two major ways to organize your coupons: the binder method and the file method. This is my hybrid method of the two. 

File Method

Let me start off my saying that I used to organize them by date, put them into a file folder and then just file them in a file box. I would cut as needed. It was super simple and time efficient. The only downside to this method was if i am in the store and see an unadvertised or clearance sale, I didn’t have all my coupons will me.

Binder Method

I also know I do not have the patience or time to cut every single coupon out of my newspaper inserts. And if you have been “couponing” for some time you know you should never throw away any coupons because a coupon you think you would never use could get you “overage” on items you need! So having all of your coupons in a binder cut and ready to go is definitely the best way to make sure you have coupons on hand at all times, but it is very time consuming.
So what’s a Good Deal Mama to do?!

The Hybrid Method

It is a way of organizing your coupons into two groups: cut coupons you know you will use and whole inserts for the rest

So this is my personal Coupon Binder, I got it on clearance recently at Walmart for just $5.  I believe it is made for scrapbooking but always be on the look out in the clearance or sale sections for items you can use for other things!

I then put baseball card holders in the front with plastic tab dividers in between. The plastic tabs have different categories on them. Produce, Cereal, Snacks, Frozen, etc.

Each “slot” of the baseball card holder holds coupons I know my family will use, or really HOT coupons that I know will get me FREE items or overage. So each week I just have to cut out a limited number of coupons, and then sort those and put them in the necessary slot.  So not as time consuming as cutting every coupon out.

Behind the baseball card holders I placed page protector sheets, separated by plastic tab dividers by month and then post it tabs by date. I just place each weeks full newspaper coupon insert inside. About 5 of each fit and I just placed a paperclip on top so they don’t “fall out”

Keeping whole insets inside my coupon binder allows me access to every coupon I have in my collection, without having to cut them all. Now you may be wondering, if I am shopping and find a sale, how would I know if I have a coupon to match?!

I just head right over each week to Sunday Coupon Preview, and print out each weeks “preview“, it’s in alphabetical order and includes expiration dates! So I also highlight each week what is the longest expiration date is, that way at a glance I can see if I should keep the coupons, or if its time to donate them to the troops!

I also place coupons I print or coupons I get from home mailers or magazines into the page protectors, so they are readily available as well. If its a coupon I know we will use right away I can always file into the baseball card holders.
I also put store coupon policies in the back inside a page protector as well, so they are always handy!

So what do you think? Which way do you use? Do you like this or is your way better?

Guest Post: Coupon organization- a new "hybrid" method!

Mega Swagbucks Friday and August Bonus code for new members

If you haven't joined Swagbucks yet, NOW is the time to do so! They are offering a BONUS 50 swagbucks for new members who enter code AUGUSTBONUS during the registration process. That's on top of the normal 30 swagbucks you start off with... for a total of 80 swagbucks!


Today is also Mega Swagbucks Friday-- so you definitely need to try to win big today by simply searching the web!
GO HERE to sign up now!

Mega Swagbucks Friday and August Bonus code for new members

Free things to do this weekend

Here are some free things to do this weekend!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, Hands-On Demo: Cricut Autumn Celebrations Cartridge! They are also having Free Make & Take kids crafts on Wednesdays from 3-5pm all Summer long.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-1pm, Crayola Owl Bookmark Make It-Take It. 1-3pm, Classes Open House: Meet instructors & see class samples! 50% off selected classes all day. 3-5pm, August Demo: Buy a base & embellish for FREE with Wrights & Jacquard!

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Dinosaur Puppets: kids decorate puppets with horns, scales and foam claws.

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday 10am-Noon, Kids build a School House Photo Holder! Be sure to sign up for this event here.

Michaels – Saturday 10am-Noon, Clay Pot Event: Create a crafty bookworm from a clay pot. Make-It Take-It with purchase of clay pot. Noon-2pm, Duck Tape Folder Event: Create a stylish and sturdy folder to keep you organized. FREE Make-It Take-It.

Pottery Barn Kids – Saturday 10am, Decorating Class – Planning Your Nursery: get advice on designing a warm and welcoming space for your baby. Attendees get 10% off select products. Call your local store to RSVP.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area. My store is featuring: Brach’s Favorites Candy Sampling Event, Snickers Peanut Butter Squared Sampling Event and Beneful Dog Food Event.

(thanks, keepingcents)

Free things to do this weekend

Possible B1G1 free Flipz Chocolate Pretzels coupon

If you "like" the FLIPZ® chocolate-covered pretzels Facebook page, you can get a great coupon! The coupon value will depend on the number of fans! You'll have to wait until 9/1 to print. Here are the possibilities:

• 5,000 fans we will give out a $0.50 coupon
• 10,000 fans we will give out a $1.00-off coupon
• 15,000 fans we will give out a $1.50-off coupon
• 20,000 fans by August 31 we will give out a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE coupon!

(Thanks, Frugal Living and Having Fun!)

Possible B1G1 free Flipz Chocolate Pretzels coupon

Five new Blockbuster Express Rental codes

Looking for some free rental codes?? I have FIVE new ones for ya to use at Blockbuster Express! These codes are vaild through August 15 and can be used once per account.


25JEAH6
92TGAF2
63BCRD2
76BRAB8
58ARDQ2

 



(thanks, Michelle)

Five new Blockbuster Express Rental codes

Sign up for JC Penney coupons!

Sign up for JC Penney Savings Newsleeter email and receive special offers and coupons! You'll get great store/online offers including new brand launches and coupons delivered directly to your inbox.


I'm not sure if this is how you get on the mailing list for coupons by mail (including the incredible "free money" coupons), but it's worth a shot!

Go HERE to sign up!

Sign up for JC Penney coupons!

New $0.50/1 Starkist Pouch coupon= $0.12 at Meijer

Print a new coupon for $0.50 off one Starkist Pouch! The pouches at $1.12 at Mejier, so if your store doubles...just $0.12 a pouch!
This coupon is available until 8/31/2011!

 

(thanks, OneMommaSavingMoney)

Thanks One Momma Saving Money

New $0.50/1 Starkist Pouch coupon= $0.12 at Meijer

Sun Drop B1G1 free coupon

Print a coupon for Buy One Get One Free (up to $1.49) 20 oz of Sun Drop (Reg. or Diet)! Use zip 53207 if you don't see it!

(Thanks, Rose Knows Coupons!)

Sun Drop B1G1 free coupon

Guest Post: Save money on Back To School Physicals!

 

 Enjoy this guest post from my friend Rita from Chi--Town Cheapskate! This is a great post to read NOW and hopefully it will save your some money.

It’s that time of year again! If you are like me you start the Summer with every intention of getting those physicals and booster shots taken care of early then run around like a crazy person because you got so busy and kept putting it off until the week before school!
Here are some tips:

1. Determine what shots, physcial, dental, or vision tests if any are required for your child to start school. You can do this by calling the school nurse or in some cases checking your schools web site. Keep in mind if you have not been keeping up with your child’s shot schedule you may have to “play catch-up” Make sure and ask if there is a “timeline”….they won’t always like to advertise it but some school districts will give you a small “grace period” on some of the requirements. So worse case scenario you may have a little lee way…but it is usually only on dental and vision.
    
2. Get a copy of your childs immunization records, if you don’t have one already. You really should have a copy of this anyway as you’d be suprised how often a doctors office loses these. Your doctor should be able to provide you with this.
    
3. Call you doctor to find out how much they charge for the boosters your child needs…..then check with insurance and find out what is covered!
    
4. One option you have is to call your County health department/clinic and find out if they offer the boosters you need. If they do you will usually pay a nominal fee. You will need to find out the dates they offer the boosters, times and locations. The earlier the better as the closer you get to the start date of school the more people will show up and they may run out of boosters! You’ll need your child’s immunization records to bring with you! You may also be able to get a FREE physical, dental and or vision test through your health clinic…it would not hurt to ask!
    
5. Call your School District and County Health Department to find out if the have a “FREE” Day. Last year our school district had a one day health fair, I was able to get my daughters booster shots, physical and dental screening all for free. That saved me hundreds of dollars as my insurance company would not cover most of the shots she needed! If you are lucky and your area is offering one, plan on getting there early as standing in a long line with a child seriously sucks, especially if they know they are getting a “shot” at the end of the “long line”.
    
6. Is there a dental school in your area? Or does your local community college offer dental classes? If so they may offer FREE or cheap dental exams….call to find out. Warning….they may already be closed for the Summer!
    
7. If you need a vision screening Walmart and Target often have vision centers in their stores and are pretty moderately priced. Call your insurance company or your HR department if you are not sure if you have coverage for vision expenses! If you do they will usually partially cover a vision screening.
    
8. If you decide to get your physical and dental done at your own child’s doctor and dentist…..schedule now as the dates will be filling up quickly the closer we get to the start of school! You don’t neccessarily need to go to a pediatric dentist as most family dentists are happy to do a screening.
    
9. Make sure to have the proper paperwork for your pediatrician, eye doctor and dentist to fill out. You will need to hand this in at your child’s school! You can often find a copy to download right on your schools web site!
    
10. In a pinch you may be able to utilize a “Minute Clinic” for a physical. Call ahead to ask if they perform these! There are many Walgreens and CVS stores that have minute clinics! It should run you about $15 or so.
     
11. Call your local hospitals some offer FREE back to school physicals….couldn’t hurt to ask!

Remember: Bring your paperwork with you! You do not want to go to the trouble of taking your child in and not having the form with your for them to fill out!

Guest Post: Save money on Back To School Physicals!

Guest Post: Saving Money on Ink and Paper! A must read for those who print coupons!

Enjoy this guest post from my friend Katie and Coupon Katarina on how to save money on INK!



It’s my job to print coupons. I need to print most coupons before I post them to let you know the specific details of the coupon such as if there is a size restriction, etc. I also WANT to print coupons – how else am I going to get all those HOT deals? So needless to say, I go through a LOT of ink and paper!! Even as much as it costs to print all of these coupons, I still believe it’s worth it considering how much I save at the store!

Here are my best tips on saving on paper and ink:

Adjust Your Print Settings. If you go into your printer properties, you can adjust it to only print in black and white or some have a “draft” setting. I have NEVER had an issue redeeming a coupon printed in black and white as opposed to color. Just make sure your print setting still prints the “watermark” which is the faded image and wording that echos what’s on the coupon.

Buy Refurbished Ink. My “old” HP printer did just fine using a refurbished cartridge that was available on Ebay for only $5.00 shipped. These don’t hold as much ink as a brand new full size cartridge, so you’ll have to do the math and figure out if it saves you in the end. Sometimes it is better to just go to Staples, for example and use coupon and/or earn rewards. **be sure to check your printer warranty to make sure using other brand ink does not void the warranty**

Refill your own Ink. I have NEVER done this, but I know it’s successful for those who are brave enough. Ink refill kits are far less expensive than a brand new cartridge.

Recycle Your Ink Cartridges. Staples accepts your used cartridges up to 10 per calendar month, and rewards your with $2 back in Staples Rewards per cartridge. .

Take advantage of “FREE” Paper Sales. Staples is notorious for offering FREE after Rebate or Rewards paper! Keep your eye out for those and you may never have to pay for paper again!

Cancel Print. Some coupons print with a big ad, which is a great advertisement for the manufacturer, but a big waste of ink for us! Assuming you have no other print jobs in your queue, just hit the cancel button on your printer after you see that the coupon has printed. Coupon prints – no wasting of ink! If you’re printing your second copy, simply put the same piece of paper back in the printer so that the second coupon prints on the other end. Just make sure you hit the cancel button again after you see the coupon print.

Reuse Paper. Even if a piece of paper has been printed on, if the other side is blank – it’s usable! I have been known to print coupons on scrap paper. I just make sure I put big X-marks on the scrap side, to ease confusion. If a cashier gives you an issue, a good come-back is: “Well, this coupon I clipped from the newspaper insert also has something else on the back of it. Does that void this coupon too?” (oh snap!)

Buy a Printer that uses lower priced ink. I recently purchased the Kodak 5250 All-In-One Wireles Printer. Now, let me warn you – the reviews on this printer are not the best. But, I think some of these people have unrealistic expectations. I have not had ANY problems with my printer and just love it. The best part is, the black ink cartridge is only $10 at Walmart!! I only use it to print my coupons (and other random things)…so I don’t know what the “photo quality” is. I get my photo prints for free, why would I print them myself?


(Thanks, Katie!)

Guest Post: Saving Money on Ink and Paper! A must read for those who print coupons!

Guest Post: Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Recipe

Enjoy this Guest Post from my friend Sarah at A Thrifty Mom! Mexican food is my all time favorite, so I'll be trying this out soon!

Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Recipe

You will need:

• 2 large chicken breast frozen (or 6-8 chicken tenders)
• 7 oz can Salsa Verde
• Water (fill up empty 7oz can)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (save some for top)
• 10 – flour tortillas 9 inch
• Salt and Pepper
• Crock pot
• 9×13 inch pan

In a crock pot add frozen chicken breast, 7oz can of Salsa Verde.  Then fill the empty can up with water and add it to the crock pot as well.

Put the lid on, and cook over Medium heat for 4 hours.

Take the chicken out and shred with a fork. Make sure you save the liquid it cooked in.

In a bowl add 1 cup sour cream, can of cream of chicken soup, liquid from crockpot that the chicken cooked in, and salt and pepper.

Whisk till  lumps are gone and it is well mixed. Once it is well mixed pour half into a greased pan, set the rest aside.

Add shredded chicken to top of a flour tortilla, and sprinkle top with cheese.

Roll tight and place seam side down in prepared pan. Repeat this process with all 10 tortillas

Once you have all 10 tortillas in pan, cover with rest of cream sauce, cheese and salt and pepper.

Cover with foil and bake on 350 degrees for 35-45 mins.

Hope you enjoy, serves 8-10

Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Recipe

You will need:

• 2 large chicken breast frozen (or 6-8 chicken tenders)
• 7 oz can Salsa Verde
• Water (fill up empty 7oz can)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (save some for top)
• 10 – flour tortillas 9 inch
• Salt and Pepper
• Crock pot
• 9×13 inch pan

Directions

• In a crock pot add frozen chicken breast, 7oz can of Salsa Verde. Then fill the empty can up with water and add it to the crock pot as well.
• Put the lid on, and cook over Medium heat for 4 hours.
• Take the  chicken out and shred with a fork. Make sure you save the liquid it cooked in.
• In a bowl add 1 cup sour cream, can of cream of chicken soup, liquid from crockpot that the chicken cooked in, and salt and pepper.
• Whisk till lumps are gone and it is well mixed. Once it is well mixed pour half into a greased pan, set the rest aside.
• Add shredded chicken to top of a flour tortilla, and sprinkle top with cheese.
• Roll tight and place seam side down in prepared pan. Repeat this process with all 10 tortillas
• Once you have all 10 tortillas in pan, cover with rest of cream sauce, cheese and salt and pepper.
• Cover with foil and bake on 350 degrees for 35-45 mins.
• Hope you enjoy, serves 8-10

Guest Post: Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Recipe