Frugal Activities

Mom On Dealz shows you oodles of ways to have fun with children.

My girls are looking forward to making this!

Gift Idea - 60% off Jewelry at Green Girls

Jennifer over at Green Bay Consumer has posted about an awesome deal currently available online through Green Girls.

Read all of the details of the sale here.  There are some really beautiful items available in both adult and children sizes.

Did you print your Mac & Cheese with Veggie Pasta coupon?

I hope so, because the ladies at TheKrazyCouponLady have posted a deal scenario at Target, making it $.54 for the final price!!

$1 Rootbeer Float - today only!

The gals over at Green Bay Savers posted about an awesome sweet treat available today only!

Amazon Deal of the Day - July 4, 2011

Today's deal of the day: EPIC MICKEY for Wii.


Amazon has an original list price of $39.99.  Today's deal has this game on sale for $17.99.  This may be worth picking up and stashing in the gift closet for Christmas!

Road Trips with Little Ones

Stacie over at Motherhood on a Dime has some great suggestions for maintaining your sanity when traveling longer distances in the car.

Crystal over at MoneySavingMom shares her simple yet ingenious packing tips.


Be sure to read the comments on both threads for additional suggestions.

4th of July Food and Fun

The team at Green Bay Savers has shared a link with readers for area 4th of July events.



Click here to learn more.


Lorie at be different act normal has compiled an amazing assortment of 4th of July recipes.  She's so incredible, she's even categorized them for easy viewing.



Go here to see so many Red, White, and Blue options!

9 Blockbuster Express Rental Codes

Kristin over at CouponingToDisney has posted 9 Blockbuster Express rental codes.



The codes expire July 8th at midnight.

1SaleADay Deal: $1.99 for Olympia Tools 17-pc Drill & Driver Bit Set and Case

Today's deal is pretty sweet.  According to 1SaleADay this set is originally priced at $29.99.  Today it's going for $1.99.



For those of you looking for something extra to include in a wedding gift or a housewarming gift, or a stocking stuffer during the holidays, this is a great stock-up price.

Coming July 13th ~ Dairy Queen BOGO Blizzard Coupon!

Members of DQs Blizzard Fan Club will receive the Buy One Get One Free Blizzard coupon e-mailed directly on July 13th.

If you haven't signed up for DQs Blizzard Fan Club yet, here's an even sweeter deal for you!  When you sign up, you receive a "Welcome to the club" Buy One Get One Free Blizzard coupon.  If you sign up before July 13th, you'll also be able to receive the July offer coupon.

$.75 off 1 Kraft Mac & Cheese Veggie Pasta

Thanks to Crystal over at MoneySavingMom for sharing the link for this high value coupon!



$.75 off 1 Kraft Mac & Cheese Veggie Pasta

Generally when new products are released, high value coupons are available.  Watch for a sale or a promotion to make the savings go even further!

Free Shout Wipe Sample

I don't know about all of you, but at least one of us is always dripping something on our clothes.  And for sure that happens when I put the girls in white.  Shout Wipes are a lifesaver!



Go here to request a sample.

Pure Joy for Couponers!

Double Double Days at Copps

Saturday May 28th
Saturday June 4th
Wednesday June 8th
Saturday June 11th
Saturday June 25th

Free Shout Color Catcher

Go here for a free sample of Shout Color Catcher.  Historically, samples from Right @ Home include high value coupons with the samples, so it's doubly worth it to request it.

Free Rental at Blockbuster Express

Kristin over at Couponing to Disney has 2 free rental codes: 1 is good through 5/15; the other is good at Blockbuster Express kiosks located at Publix stores through 6/30.

Mail Call

When I first started couponing, I was reluctant to participate in requests for freebies.  I assumed it would generate a lot more junk mail, making my trips to the mailbox that much more unpleasant.  To my great surprise, it's been nothing like that.  I actually look forward to getting the mail each day.

Here are a few of the things I've received in the last 2 weeks:

 Bath & Body Works: Free item on Thursday card
Kohl's: 15% off entire purchase card
Free Uncle Ben's Ready Rice coupon
Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2 in 1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner
2 packages Taster's Choice single serve coffee samples with $1.00 off 1 coupons in each package

 Purex Complete with Zout sample with $1 coupon

Disposable travel coffee mug with 5 $.55 off 1 International Delight coupons


Not pictured: $10 off a $10 purchase at JCPenney coupon, $3 gift card to Toys R Us, InStyle Magazine, and so much more.

For those of you who haven't signed up for free samples, here are a few resources worth checking out:
Vocalpoint
Walmart
Hip2Save (Colin has an entire tab devoted to freebies!)

Operation Christmas Child

A few years ago, our family was introduced to Operation Christmas Child (OCC) through our church.  We brought home our first shoeboxes filled with excitement over the treasures we were going to share with someone, maybe even halfway around the world!  Little did we realize that the greatest impact was going to be on us.

On the rare occasions we treat the girls to kids' meals, they animatedly gush over the trinket discovered from within the food.  But it's been a long time since they've torn open the packaging.  Instead, they protectively guard that toy or book or hair pretty, keeping it safe until we return home.  With smiles on their faces, they eagerly drop it in their OCC shoe box bag.

Stickers earned for braving shots; travel size toothpaste and dental floss after a teeth cleaning; extras from a birthday party goody bag; it's all saved with tender loving care.

As the year progresses, and their bags are filled with more items, their smiles just get bigger and brighter.  My heart beams with pride as my girls truly recognize the joy of giving.  And it all started with 1 green shoe box.

The other day, I discovered a wonderful blog called Clip With Purpose.  Jessica has an amazing heart, with a mission to share with those less fortunate.  She has an incredibly creative vision, and sees sales in the weekly inserts as a source for abundantly blessing OCC.

A reader of Clip With Purpose shared with Jessica just how impacting OCC is for the recipient AND the giver.  When a Simple Gift Changes a Life


This morning, the girls and I had a few more things to add to our shoe box bags.  Then I got an idea thanks to Jessica's blog.  She shares each month her progress for building shoe boxes.  I'm challenging my girls (and all of you!) to add something to your shoe box each month as well.

The area churches have shoe boxes available starting in November.  Until then, the girls and I keep our items in a 2-gallon size zip top bag.  For the sake of tracking our progress, I emptied out a toy bin roughly the same size as the containers the church provides.  What we have so far is definitely a start, but I'm looking forward to seeing it stuffed!

Contents:
American Girls Paper Doll Book (Source: McDonald's Kids' Meal = free)
Sticker (Source: Doctor Visit = free)
My Little Pony (Source: McDonald's Kids' Meal = free)
Small Stuffed Animal (Source: McDonald's Kids' Meal = free)
Hairbrush with 6 pony-tail holders (Source: ShopKo after Christmas Sale = $.15 clearance price)
2 Dental Floss and 1 Toothpaste (Source: Dentist Visit = free)
Nexcare bandages (Source: Copps = free thanks to double coupon day)
SpongeBob Squidwort posable toy (Source: Burger King Kids' Meal = free)
Tube of Chapstick (Source: Copps = free thanks to double coupon day)


For those of you not sure where to start, please visit Samaritan's Purse.  You'll find inspiring life-changing testimony, encouraging experiences, and all of the information you'll need to get started, including gift ideas for your shoe box.

Coupon Booklet

Check today's newspaper for a new COPPS coupon booklet

Free Admission to Green Bay Botanical Garden - May 6th

Visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden today from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Green Bay Botanical Garden is celebrating the 3^rd Annual National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 6, 2011 with FREE Admission for everyone. The Garden will be open from 9 am to 5 pm.
National Public Gardens Day is a national day of celebration to raise awareness of America’s public gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation and education in communities nationwide.
Come celebrate with us!

Go here for complete details, and directions to GBBG.

Mom's Nite Out at Bay Park Square

Bay Park Square Mall will host its second annual "National Mom's Nite Out" event on Thursday, May 5th from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CST in Center Court and throughout the mall.
"National Mom's Nite Out" is a nationally organized celebration for motherhood that plans to unite moms across the country.  This free event will provide moms with the opportunity to enjoy social networking, fun interactive activities, live demonstrations, food, prize drawings, shopping incentives, and more.
Recognizing the importance of moms and how they control 85 - 90% of household spending on everyday items, Simon Property Group is hosting "National Mom's Nite Out" at a number of its leading malls across the country.

More information about Mom's Nite Out can be found here.

Saturday May 7th

Word on the street is that Copps is having another DOUBLE DOUBLE coupon day this Saturday May 7th.  Double up to 10 coupons up to $1 in value or less instead of the regular 5.


Who's excited?  Who's in?

FiberChoice - Free Sample

Click here to request a free sample of FiberChoice.  It will take 8 - 11 weeks to deliver, but in the meantime, you can access the $2.00 off a 90 count FiberChoice product.

Graveyard.com - Deal of the Day

I've purchased some products from GraveyardMall and have been very pleased with everything I've ever received.  For those of you who pledged to lead healthier lives, this is a great way to continue or kick start your exercise routine.

Click here to get everything in the above picture for only $7.99 + tax.  This is originally priced at $39.99 so a savings of $32.00 before tax or shipping is a pretty great deal!

Free Comic Book Day - May 7th

Free Comic Book day is the 1st Saturday in May.

Click here to find participating locations near you.

For those in the Green Bay area, Powers Comics and Collectibles on Ridge Road is participating.

For those in the Appleton area, RedHammers Gaming & Collectibles, Chimera Hobby Shop, and Power House Comics are participating.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Couponing to Disney: Free Blockbuster Rental Codes

Kristin over at Couponing to Disney posted about 2 free Blockbuster Rental Codes valid on 4/22 and 4/23, plus she found a code that doesn't expire until 4/30.

Chance to get FREE Carmex!

Go here to be entered for a chance to win free carmex.

Complete this form to enter the weekly drawing. Each week Carmex draws 50 names and send samples to those people. Once you have entered, your name will remain in the drawing so you only need to enter once. Entering the drawing does not guarantee that you will win and receive a sample.

2 FREE Skittles Blenders at Target

Use $0.50 off 2 coupon available here

PLUS

$1.00 off of 2 printable avilable at Target.com

Buy 2 at $0.69 = $1.38 - $1.50 in coupons = better than free!

Seventh Generation - New Coupons

Seventh Generation has 4 new coupons available.  They don't expire until 5/21, so I encourage you to print and save them for the next sale.

Copp's puts these items on sale around once a month, so chances are favorable you can do a double daze match up.

Target frequently offers Store coupons for Seventh Generation products that can be stacked with these manufacturer coupons to score a good deal.

Go here to get the coupons!

Kellogg's Coupons

Kellogg's has many coupons available here.

You will have to register to access the coupons, but it's worth it if you like Kellogg's products.  In addition to alerts when new coupons are available, you'll also receive recipe suggestions that include conventional and unconventional ways of using Kellogg's products.

$.75 off 1 Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice Product

Go here to print a coupon for Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice.  The site limited me to 1 coupon.

The pouches frequently go on sale for $1 at Copp's.  Combine this coupon with a sale price, and you'll get rice for $.25.  Do it on a double day, and you'll get it for free!

Read It First - New Book

Enter here for a chance to win this book!

Preview:
It is the last decade of the 19th century. The Wild West has been tamed and its fierce, independent and often violent larger-than-life figures—gun-toting wanderers, trappers, prospectors, Indian fighters, cowboys, and lawmen—are now victims of their own success. They are heroes who've outlived their usefulness. But then gold is discovered in Alaska and the adjacent Canadian Klondike and a new frontier suddenly looms.

Saturday Success

Here are the stats from last Saturday's shopping trip:

3 Transactions - Double Double Daze (10 coupons doubled/transaction)
Total Value of all 3 transactions: $127.76
Total Out of Pocket: $28.98
Total Savings: $98.78
Savings Value: 77%

Not picture - 6 cards (3 birthday, 3 Easter), and there are actually 2 bags of Dole Frozen peaches, but one slipped down behind the bag in front, so you can't see it.

Nescafe Taster's Choice Freebies

Follow this link to get the sample packet pictured above, along with a $1 off 1 coupon.

Thanks MoneySavingsMom!

LOVE the VIOLA Birds Eye Meals!

Here is a great coupon if you do too!


$3 off 1 Family Size Meal

SUPER COUPON!!

Incredible high value coupon!!!

$2.00 off any Heinz Ketchup

Seriously, print yours today!  Matched with the right deal, you can score yourself some FREE ketchup!

Swagbucks

I started using Swagbucks as my search engine, mainly as an experiment.  I'm curious how many points I can accumulate before our Disney vacation, which will hopefully be in 2 more years.  For those of you not familiar with Swagbucks, it's a search engine site that awards "bucks" at random on the searches you perform.  You can also earn "bucks" by answering the daily poll, or watching videos (around 2 - 3 minutes - you have to watch 10 to be able to bank the "bucks" but you can spread that out over time or do it multiple times a day), playing games, and several other options available on their site.

To make my "bucks" add up quicker, I came across a SwagCodes site that shares active codes.

For those of you who do SwagBucks, save this site to your favorites if you haven't already.  For those of you who have begun yet, I encourage you to sign up, and set a challenge for yourself.  It may be worth it to earn "bucks" to cash in for gift cards at Christmas time.

SwagBucks
SwagCodes

Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day

For today only, April 6, 2011, and while supplies last, get 40% off select Princess Soft Toys by Melissa & Doug. Applies only to purchases of products sold by Amazon.com, and does not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site.

Melissa & Doug animals are adorable and so soft.  This could be the perfect addition to an Easter basket or baby gift.


Go here to see all of the stuffed animals included in the sale.

My DVR is set, is yours?

Extreme Couponing premieres tonight as a series on TLC.  You may have caught the initial episode several weeks back.  TLC received so much feedback from that one show, they turned it into a series.

Enter the world of bargain shoppers who have mastered the art of saving!  In Extreme Couponing, meet the everyday people who save hundreds of dollars in a single trip to the store.  Tune in to TLC to see the savings!

Tonight, there are two new episodes at 9:00 p.m. EST and 9:30 p.m. EST.  Next week, the show begins it's regular schedule - 1 repeated episode from the previous week at 9:00 p.m. EST, 1 new episode at 9:30 p.m. EST.

Click here for more information and to get a sneak peek.

Wednesday Freebies!

Free admission every Wednesday from 6 -8 at the Neville Public Museum.
Check out their current events and exhibits here.



Free admission every Wednesday from 4 - 6 at the NEW Zoo.
Check out their current events here.

$2.00 off any Aleve product

Click here to get your $2.00 of Aleve coupon.

Land's End - Extra 20% off Spring Sale & Clearance Prices

Go through UPromise to get 3% cashback for college savings.

Scrapbookers!

April is Tim Holtz month at Archiver's! 
Get ready to see tons and tons of inspiration!  Come to Archiver's every weekend in April to see free demonstrations of cool techniques using the latest Tim Holtz products.  We'll feature new techniques and new products each weekend, so you can't miss a single one!


This weekend (April 6th - 10th) it's all about adding layers of color and distressing.  Learn how to use stamps, new Distress stains, and new kraft resist papers to achieve amazing results.


The website is currently displaying an error message, but I know our closest Archiver's is in Appleton:
4629 Michaels Drive
Appleton, WI 54913
920-749-4710

Green Bay Living Social Deal of the Day

$10 to spend on Candy and Gifts at 

Some holidays -- like Valentine's Day and Halloween -- were presumably established so that humans could consume countless quantities of candy without guilt. Bridge the gap between your favorite candy-filled holidays and your passion for the sweeter things in life with today's deal from Beerntsen's Candies. For $5, you'll get $10 worth of award-winning candy and gifts. Pick from decadent chocolate meltaways; luscious caramels; crunchy nuts; buttery toffee; and the house-specialty angel food, a treat so yummy you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. If you're not already buzzing with joy, Beerntsen's uses only all-natural ingredients and every mouthwatering morsel is made in-house. Delicious deals like this don't stick around forever, so sink your sweet tooth into this chocolaty opportunity -- tout de suite.


Get more information here.

Biore Skin Care

On Tuesday April 5th, Biore will have a special offer on their Facebook page.

Click here to like them.

Redbox Offer

Rent 2 movies at one time, receive a code via e-mail for one free rental.

Offer valid thru 4/11/2011.

Super Glue Coupon

I think I'm raising a tribe of superheroes whose prime ability is mass destruction.  My husband is constantly swooping in and restoring whatever item has succumbed to the as-yet-unmatched strength of our destructo-babies.  Fortunately, this coupon allows for multiple printings, which means I can arm my husband with temporary super powers of his own!

$.75 off 1 Scotch brand Single Use Super Glue

Click here for coupon!

Cheez-It Crackers

Click here for a $1.00 off 2 Original or Baby Swiss Cheez-It Crackers coupon.

$1 off 2 ziploc brand storage bags

Click here for a number of coupons, including:

$1.00 off 2 ziploc bags
 
$2.00 off 1 Brita Water Bottle

$.75 off 1 box Cinnamon Burst Cheerios

$.75 off 1 box of Kix, Berry Berry Kix, or Honey Kix



I encourage you to print the General Mills coupons while they are available.  Copp's has the Kellogg's cereals on sale this week.  These coupons are printing with an expiration date of 5/4/2011, which should allow for plenty of time for the next great GM cereal sale.  And this site allows you to print each coupon twice!

PEEPS $1 off 2 Coupon

Like PEEPS on Facebook, and you'll be able to print the $1 off any 2 PEEPS Chocolate Items coupon twice.  This is another good Easter Basket item.  If you find a great deal, be sure to share in the comments.

Thanks Hip2Save!

Walgreens - ColorWonder Deal

GREAT EASTER BASKET ITEM!!!



Certain ColorWonder items are on sale for $1.50 each.
There is a $1.00 of 1 ColorWonder in the 4/3 SmartSource insert.

Final price (before tax) = $.50.


Thanks MoneySavingMom!

SHOPKO: Seniors Day

Wednesday, April 6th Seniors (age 55 and older) will receive an additional 15% discount off total purchases.

NOTE: Discount does not apply to prescriptions, doctors fees, eye exams, Shopko gift cards, digital music or retail gift cards, disposable baby diapers, baby formula, gasoline, alcoholic beverages, household supplies, or eletronics & home entertainment (music, movies, & video games).  Rainchecks issued on day of event will not include Senior discount when redeemed.

Copp's Coupon Match-ups Week of 4/3

First of all, Saturdays during the month of April are Double Double Days.  Every Saturday in the month of April, Copp's will double up to 10 manufacturer coupons $1.00 or less in value.  All other coupon rules apply.


Smart Balance Milk $2.00 each - 3/27 Smart Source $2.00 off 1 coupon = free milk (before tax)
Click Here for a $1.00 off 1 Smart Balance Milk.  This coupon will double up to $2.00 making the milk free.

Stayfree Maxi Pads 2/$3.98 (found in last Wednesday's Copp's coupon booklet)
3/27 Red Plum $1.00 off 1 coupon
Use 2 to get 2 packages of pads free

Tide 36 oz Stain Release $5.98 (in ad coupon)
4/3 P&G $3.00 off 1 36 oz or larger Tide Stain Release
Final Price = $2.98


Here is the rest of my grocery list so far.  I apologize but I don't know the week of the inserts for the remainder of my match-ups.  Feel free to leave a comment if you've found more or know the source of the coupons.

Birds Eye SteamFresh Frozen Veggies 5/$5.00
1 $1.00 off 3 doubled = 3/$1.00
1 $.50 off 2 doubled = 2/$1.00

Birds Eye Freshlike Frozen Veggies 2/$2.00
1 $.50 off 2 doubled = 2/$1.00

Yoplait Vanilla Yogurt 6/$3.00 x 4 = 24/$12.00
4 $.40 off 6 doubled = $4.80 = 24/$7.20 (final price = $.30/each)

Softsoap Refill bottle $2.78 (found in last Wednesday's Copp's coupon booklet)
1 $.50 off 1 doubled = 1/$1.78

Ken's Dressing $1.66/each
1 $1.00 off 1 doubled = free

Mrs. T's Pierogies $1.99
1 $1.00 off 1 doubled = free
(This is a manufacturer's coupon included in last Wednesday's Copp's coupon booklet)

Suave Kid's Shampoo $1.48 (found in last Wednesday's Copp's coupon booklet)
1 $.50 off 1 coupon doubled = $.48

Seventh Generation Laundry, Dish, or Cleaning Product on sale 20% off
$1.00 off 1 Seventh Generation Household or Personal Care Product coupon found here

Yoplait

Go here.  You'll be happy you did. 


(I'd give more details, but this is really as much as I can say.)

Tortillas for pennies!!!!

I know that it is wonderful to be able to go to the store with our coupons and save a ton on things.  But there are also things that we can make at home that are great for us and save us a ton of money!

We love tortillas at our house, and go through quite a lot.  But they are so costly!  Generally I find that eight ten inch tortillas are up to $3.50, which in my mind makes it a delicacy.  I have threatened to learn to make them at home and today gave it a spin!  It was actually quite simple and didn't take very long.  I likely spent about an hour on the project, that includes the time that the dough had to rest before I started dividing it and rolling it out.  I bought a ten pound bag of flour for $4.60, not likely the best price I could have gotten, but I wanted to get a figure on how much this could cost me overall.  I made 45 six inch tortillas (I will try to make bigger ones later, but this was how it worked out this time).  Figuring in the six cups of flour I used, the one cup of shortening, the smidge of salt, and the two cups of warm water (okay that really cost me nothing), we did the math and figured out that it cost us about four cents for each tortilla!  Wow.  Compare that to the full price for a package of eight ten inch tortillas at 35 cents a tortilla!  I saved 31 cents a tortilla!  Times 35 (since they are different sizes, I adjusted - if I had made them ten inches I figure I could have made 35) that means I save $10.85!!!!  And we had fresh warm tortillas, and many put away!  I can easily see making these by the hundred or more and freezing them.  The recipe said that they will last about a week in a ziploc in the fridge, which is what I have done. 

To check out the blog where I got the recipe (with many other recipes there too!) go here: <a href="http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/flour-tortillas-light-thin/">Chickens in the Road Tortillas</a>. 

Now of course I am imagining what it would have cost me if I had gotten my best savings on the flour and shortening - I bet I could get it down to just a penny or two!!!  Hee, hee!
Best wishes!

Read It Forward - New Book Giveaway

Erik Larson has been widely acclaimed as a master of narrative non-fiction, and in his new book, the bestselling author of Devil in the White City turns his hand to a remarkable story set during Hitler's rise to power. The time is 1933, the place, Berlin, when William E. Dodd becomes America's first ambassador to Hitler's Germany in a year that proved to be a turning point in history.

Read It Forward on Facebook

The entry form is below the book image and review.