Redbox: Rent 2 Get 1 Free

Now through June 12th whenever you rent two movies at the same time, Redbox will send you a code by email good for one free rental.  Just be sure to enter your email address at checkout.  Details HERE.

Thanks,  MomsbyHeart!

Reset $1 Off Rayovac Coupon = Free Batteries!

Great news!  Visit the Rayovac Facebook page where you’ll find a coupon good for $1 off alkaline batteries.  If you printed it already, you should be able to print it again, as it has recently reset.  Walmart has the 4-pks of AA or AAA for $1, so FREE after coupon.
thanks, Eeendeavors!

UPDATE: If you live near a Menard’s, head over to Chitown Cheapskate to see how you can get a 20-pk of Rayovac batteries for $.99 after coupon and rebate. Menard’s coupon acceptance policy is HERE (near bottom of page).

Monday's Menu

This is a busy week as this is my kids last week of school.  Both boys graduate on Friday (Jacob from 5th grade and David from 8th grade).  Jacob has baseball practice 2 evenings this week, I'm chaperoning the 8th grade dance on Thursday night and I have a coupon class to teach Friday night!  I'm making very simple meals the rest of the week just to keep some of my sanity!

Monday:
Grilled Hamburger and Hot dogs
Broccoli Salad
Pasta Salad
Sweet potato fries

Tuesday:
Taco Pie
Salad
Leftover Pasta Salad
Birthday Cake for Hubby!

Wednesday:
Tuna Casserole
peas
Dinner Rolls

Thursday:
Fried Rice w/Chicken (chicken is already cooked and in the freezer)
Corn
Leftover Broccoli Salad

Friday:
Spaghetti
Homemade bread from the bread machine
Green beans

Saturday:
Homemade pizza
Salad

Series: Becoming Debt Free...the 5th and 6th years.

In the last post we left off where 4 pound 1 ounce, Jacob was born on October 26, 1998...two months earlier than his due date.  Once again, the Children's Miracle Network stepped in and helped us out with some finances.  They paid for our meals while we were at the hospital visiting him.  We also had several family members and friends help us out during this time by donating money, providing meals and taking care of our 3 year old son, David, while we were back and forth to the hospital.   Jacob stayed in the NICU one month and just barely made it home in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with us!  He was 5 pounds the day we brought him home.  Such a tiny little guy too!

Jacob continued to grow and do well over the next few months.  In late February I noticed that he wasn't feeling well.  He had a cold and his breathing seemed to be a little labored.  It was a weekend and I took him into Urgent Care for the doctor to check him out.  The doctor that saw him said that he was "Very sick, but not sick enough to be hospitalized, but that I should take him to his regular pediatrician on Monday to have him looked at again.

Well, long story short....because trust me, this is a long story and I'm sparing you all the details........I took Jacob (who continued to get worse over the weekend) early Monday morning to the pediatrician.  Our pediatrician was SHOCKED that Jacob was not admitted to the hospital over the weekend!  Jacob had RSV and pneumonia and was really having a hard time breathing.  He told me to immediately put Jacob in the car and to drive over to the hospital.  He said to go up to the pediatric floor and that they would know that I was coming!  I was scared to death!

Jacob continued to get worse as the days passed by.  The hospital staff was starting to show concern with his lack of improvement.  Jacob had been in the hospital about 3 weeks when the pediatrician came into the room and told me that he just wasn't sure if Jacob was going to make it.  They were doing everything they could do, but Jacob just wasn't improving.  Brian had to go back to work and I was spending most of the time in the hospital with Jacob, but on this particular day my pastor just happened to be visiting when the doctor came in with this news.  From what I was told, our Pastor had the church pray that entire evening for Jacob's healing.  I'm not kidding when I tell you that the next morning Jacob made a turn...for the better!  It was very evident that the Lord was being gracious to us and was answering our prayers.  Jacob was discharged just one week later!

The next several months he continued to grow and recovered from such a frightful illness.  We did find that he got sick easily as his lungs were still weak from the RSV and pneumonia.  He was eventually diagnosed with asthma as a result of scar tissue on his lungs.  He got pneumonia again later in the year, but was able to fight it off much better.

Here we were again with money being tight.  Still no savings due to medical bills.  I took on a full-time babysitting job to help make ends meet.  Brian changed jobs in hopes of making a little more money too!  Thankfully, we were able to pay our bills and put food on the table, but we still lived paycheck to paycheck....

If you missed the beginning of this series you can go to the following links:


 The 1st and 2nd Years.
 The 3rd and 4th Years.

*HOT*.75/1 Oscar Mayer Hot Dog coupon

Head over to Oscar Mayer on here and grab your .75/1 coupon under the
taste-a-monials tab

*HOT* .75/1 Ball Park Franks Coupon

Print this *HOT* coupon for $0.75 Off ONE Package Of Ball Park Franks! 

These are on sale everywhere right now, and if your store doubles, then you'll score a home run on savings!

Thanks Family Friendly Frugality!

End of Month Coupon Print Reminder

Go print any coupon that you want because it may be gone at any moment since they start changing coupons at the end of the month (sometimes before the very end)

Redplum

Smartsource 

Coupons.com 

CouponNetwork

Good Deal on Purex Baby Detergent at Walmart

Purex Baby Laundry Detergent $2.97
Coupon:  $1/1 any Purex 50 oz+ in 5/1 RP
Final Price: $1.97

Thanks Cents Saved

Free Baseball Tickets w/ Kraft Cheese Purchases

The Kraft Singles BOGO Baseball ticket promo is back again this year.  Every Tuesday through Sept 6, bring a Kraft Singles package wrapper to a Minor League baseball game and get BOGO tickets. 

Ticket offer not available in Allentown, Dayton, Frisco, Indianapolis, Lansing, Montgomery, Oasco, Reno, Spokane, Tacoma or Vancouver. Tickets subject to availability.

Thanks savingwithshellie

Ace Hardware Memorial Day Sale

Visit the Ace Hardware Facebook page and “like” them, then click on Ace Offers.  You’ll get a coupon good for a free Grill Brush with $20 purchase (limit 1).  There are also tons of free or cheap (after rebate) items you can pick up through 5/30:

Home Defense Max Perimeter Insect Killer $5.99
-$5.99 Mail In Rebate (look for Memorial Day rebate form)
Final Price: FREE

Enviromentally Friendly Car Care Products $3.99
-$3.99 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: FREE

Microfiber Automotive Cloth 3-pk $1.99
-$1.50 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $.49

Ace Hardware Motor Oil $2.29
-$1.30 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $.99

Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer $5.99
-$4.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $1.99

Ortho Bug B-Gone Max Insect Killer Granules $9.99
-$8.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $1.99

Windex Outdoor Window & Surface Cleaner 32-oz $6.99
-$3.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $3.99

Ace Home & Garden Sprayer 1-gal $7.99
-$5.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $2.99

Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer Sealer $14.99
-$5.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $9.99

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder $15.99
-$10.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $5.99

Cutter Insect Repellant Backwoods Insect Repellant, Ultra Light, Spray or Skinsation $4.99
-$4.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $.99*
*some stores accept mfr coupons – if yours does, use the $1.50 couponHERE or from 5/22 RP to get this FREE

US American Flag 2 1/2′ X 4′ Nylon with pole & brackets $14.99
-$5.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $9.99

Miracle Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix $8.99
-$5.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $3.99*
*some stores accept manufacturer’s coupons – if yours does, use the $1 printable HERE

Scotts 3-lb All Purpose Flower & Vegetable Food, Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub or Rose & Bloom $3.99
-$3.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $.99

Shop Vac 6 Gallon Pro Series Wet/Dry Vac $39.99
-$10.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $29.99

Wireless Weather Forecaster with Barometer $29.99
-$10.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $19.99

Black & Decker Electric Hedge Trimmer $49.99
-$20.00 Mail In Rebate
Final Price: $29.99

thanks, Family Frugal Fun!

*Hot!* Five free cards from TinyPrints!

Go to TinyPrints and create and add five cards to your cart. Choose to have the cards shipped to you and use coupon code OKL5CARDSFREE and you’ll get the five cards completely free!

Thanks, MoneySavingMom!

Free sample of Huggies Pull Ups Wipes

Hurry over and request a FREE sample of Huggies Pull Up Wipes from Walmart!

No coupon inserts for 5/29

Reminder....there will be NO inserts in this Sunday's paper.  It's a holiday weekend so take some time to relax and have fun with your family instead of couponing!

Savings By The Room.... 4 Ways to Save Money in the Master Bedroom

We're already looked at ways to save in the laundry room and Bathroom..  Today we're going to look for ways to save in the...


MASTER  BEDROOM


I admit that this isn't a room that I often think of ways to save in.  However, I sat in my bedroom and thought long and hard as I was preparing for this post.  Here's what I came up with...


1.  Limit how many sets of sheets you purchase.  Most of us really only need 1-2 sets of sheets per bed.  Invest in quality sheets in neutral shades to match your comforter/quilts and stick with those for awhile.  I know many people that have way too many sheets stored away in their linen closets.  They take up space so just cut back.  You really don't need that many sheets for one bed!  


2.  Limit how many comforters and quilts you have.  I like to change things up from time to time and that's okay occasionally.  However, if you're wanting a way to cut back on your spending don't feel like you have to change your bedding every season.  I know people that do this!  Bedding is expensive.  Challenge yourself to see how long you can go with the same comforter/quilt set without buying a new one.  Don't fall prey to advertising!

3.  Limit the numbers of items in your wardrobe.  Purchase clothing in neutral colors and try to make sure that everything will mix and match to some degree.  This keeps your wardrobe more versatile.  Purchase clothing at thrift stores or with discounts such as clearance racks when they are off-season.  I've saved TONS of money over the years doing this.  Again...don't fall prey to advertising and trends.  Trends come so stick primarily with the basics that don't go in and out of style.  Also, don't have too many clothes.  Do the hanger trick:

• Start by hanging all of your clothes on hangers facing one way in your closet.
• Every time you wear a garment, launder it and get ready to put it away, hang it up with the hanger facing the other way.
• At the end of six months, do a walk through of your closet and see how many articles of clothing you never touched—meaning the hangers never changed direction.
• Have everyone in your family try this approach in their closet.

This technique is a surefire way to identify clothes that has fallen out of fashion in your mind, and it should make your decision to donate or consign clothes easier at the end of six months. This will leave you with fewer clothes in your closet, less laundry to do and, if you consign, more money in your pocket.

4.  Furniture and Decor....just like sheet sets and comforters we can get carried away with furniture in this room.  I do believe that the Master Bedroom should be a room that's inviting, relaxing and of course romantic.  Furniture and decor can help create that atmosphere.  My only caution would be to watch your finances in this area if you're on a tight budget.  Furniture is expensive and if you fall prey to the "buy now pay later" advertisements you could find yourself in a world of financial trouble later on down the road when the bills start coming.  Instead of using credit to purchase your furniture make a plan with your spouse to save X amount every week or month to put toward the Master Bedroom furniture.  How rewarding to walk into the store and purchase the bedroom set you want with cash!  :)  
Better yet....look for furniture at garage sales, flea markets, Craigslist, etc.  You just might find what you're looking for there!


Do you all have any suggestions for saving money in the Master Bedroom?  This is a room I kind of struggled with as I was thinking through things.  I'm hoping you have some insight that I don't have.  I would love to hear your suggestions!  Leave a comment below!


Did you miss my previous posts?  Read them below:

13 Ways to Save Money in the Bathroom

13 Ways to Save Money in the Laundry Room

Nivea Body Wash and a little "rant"

A few weeks ago a coupon for $3.00 off 1 Nivea Body Wash (men's and women's) came out in the Sunday paper.  I love Nivea products so I made sure to order extra coupons.  It's taken me a few weeks to gather all of these, but I finally used my last 3 coupons this week making a total of 17 very inexpensive body washes.  Some of these cost me .79 cents each while others were completely free depending on which store I purchased them at.  

The stock supply on these was very low in my area due to people buying several of these at a time.   While I'm obviously all for stockpiling I also want to encourage those of you that read this blog to consider others while you're out shopping.  There are a lot of us "couponing" now days and although it's nice to stockpile a large quantity of an item it's also very frustrating to show up at the store and the shelves be empty.  I'm running into this "problem" more and more so I just thought I'd put a friendly reminder on the blog about this.

Also, while I'm addressing this...I went to a yard sale this week of a person that obviously coupon shops and saw case after case of products for sale that I know for certain she got for free or cheap with coupons.  I did a rough figure in  my head and determined that she was making at LEAST a 100%-200% profit on her items.  

I was curious as to how my readers feel about this somewhat controversial topic.  Please feel free to leave a comment below and remember you can comment anonymously if you wish!

By the way, just in case you're wondering what I'll be doing with all this body wash...we'll use some, donate some and make gift baskets with some.  

Dillon's Trip 5/25/11

Went to Dillon's yesterday as I had several coupons and rain checks to use.  They were still out of items I have rain checks for.  Guess I'll get them later!  Here's what I got:

1 box Purina Tiny Cat food (.49 cents after coupon) Will give away/donate
2 pkgs Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies (.99 cents each after coupons)  :)
6 pkgs Oscar Meyer Hot dogs (.79 cents each after coupons)
10 packets of Kool Aid (FREE w/coupons)
15 bottles Santa Cruz organic juice (.25 cents per bottle after coupons and NO, I did not clear the shelves)
2 boxes Wheat Thins Stix
3 bottles Nivea Men's body wash (rain check item..FREE after coupons)
9 pounds Ground Round (rain check item...$2.33 per pound)
1 bag Ore-Ida Sweet Potato french fries (FREE with coupon)
Zyrtec 5 ct.  (FREE with coupon)

Total BEFORE coupons =  $124.82
Total I PAID w/coupons =  $35.91
71% Savings (would have been much more if they would have had the other rain check items in stock)
Do you see why rain checks are awesome???

80 Bonus Bucks for New Swagbucks Account

If you haven’t joined Swagbucks yet, then today is a great day to start.  New members will get 80 free bonus bucks when they use code:MEMORIALDAY during sign-up.

Swagbucks is a site that awards you digital bucks redeemable for free Amazon gift cards, among other things.  It’s a search site – just like Google.  Except that you are rewarded for your searching.   You can also earn by referring friends, taking surveys and downloading the Swagbucks toolbar.

If you’re already a member, then keep an eye on your toolbar today for tons of high value Swagcodes during the Swagbucks Extravaganza.

If you're planning on taking our new class "Beyond Coupons" go ahead and sign up for Swagbucks today and we'll teach you how to use Swagbucks to your benefit in that class!  

Half Price Redbox Rental Code

Just for today, you can use code: MAY26 to get $.50 off any first night rental at Redbox.  Limit 1 use per debit card.


Thanks, MomsbyHeart!

Macaroni Salad w/ Tomatoes and Bacon

(click on photo to enlarge)

I grew up on this pasta dish.  It's one of my favorites that my Nanny (Grandma) used to make in the summer time.  I love that it only requires 4 ingredients too!  It's a great side dish to take to a picnic as well.  I like this served cold, but you can also serve this warm.

Macaroni Salad w/ Tomatoes and Bacon

2 C. uncooked macaroni pasta

1 can diced tomatoes (or 2-3 fresh tomatoes diced)

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 C. crumbled bacon

Cook pasta according to directions and drain.  

Put drained pasta in a large bowl

Add tomatoes (do not drain), sugar and bacon

Mix everything together

Chill or serve warm

(Some of my family members add tomato sauce to this too)

On a side note:  Do you see the green plants growing in my garden?  I'm so excited to have fresh tomatoes and peppers again I can hardly stand it!  I absolutely LOVE fried green tomatoes!  :)

Humane Society...donations and a visit!

Emalee and Jacob visiting the Humane Society

Remember all that free kitty litter and free/cheap dog food we were able to get with coupons?  Well, we finally made time to do something with it.  My son and daughter LOVE animals.  We're not able to have a dog or cat due to our extreme allergies, but we were able to donate 2 bags of kitty litter and 4 bags of dog food to the Humane Society yesterday.  We walked around and visited all the animals and Jacob enjoyed holding the puppy pictured above.  Of course he woke up this morning wondering when we could go back!  I think we'll do this more often!  It was a wonderful experience for the kids to put "giving" into practice and also for them to have the opportunity to love on a few animals!  

Price Cutter Deals 5/25-5/31

A big thanks to Frugal Fritzie for taking the time to compile these deals!  Stop by and visit her blog HERE.


View Price Cutter's coupon policy HERE


Note: In all my coupon match-up posts from now on, you’ll see be seeing {Donate} next to select items. These will be items that would be great to donate to those in need and that can be purchased cheap or free after coupons. And don’t forget, Price Cutter haspartnered with American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter through the end of June.

MEAT/POULTRY/SEAFOOD

Bar-S Hot Dogs (12 oz.) - $0.59
Buy 2, Use $1.00/2 Bar-S Franks or Bologna coupon from the 5/22 RP insert
Final Cost $0.09 ea.

Johnsonville Brats (16-20 oz.) - $2.99
IF included in the sale, Use $1.00/1 Johnsonville Italian Sausage coupon HERE
Final Cost $1.99

Chicken Leg Quarters (10 lb. bag) - $5.90

Hormel Always Tender Filets or Tenderloin (1.15-1.17 lb.) - $5.00
Use $1.00/1 Hormel Always Tender Flavored Meat coupon from the 5/8 SS insert or fromHERE
Final Cost $4.00

Eckrich Smoked Sausage (14-16 oz.) - $2.50
Buy 2, Use $1.00/2 Eckrich Smoked Sausage Products coupon from the 5/15 SS insert
Final Cost $2.00 ea.

Land O’Frost Premium Lunchmeat (1 lb.) - $3.99
Use $0.55/1 Land O’ Frost Premium One Pound Lunchmeat, any coupon from the 5/15 RP insert
Final Cost $3.49

Hebrew National Franks (12 oz.) - $3.50
Use $1.00/1 Hebrew National Beef Franks (12 oz. or larger) any coupon from All You Magazine, April issue
Final Cost $2.50

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Lunchmeats - $3.19
Buy 2, Use $1.00/2 Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh or One Pound Shaved Lunchmeats, any coupon from the 5/15 SS insert
Final Cost $2.69 ea.

Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs (16 oz.) - $2.00
Buy 2, Use $1.00/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, any coupon from the 5/15 SS insert
Final Cost $1.50 ea.

PRODUCE

Florida Sweet Bi-Color Corn - 5/$1.00 (Limit 10)

DAIRY/REFRIGERATED

Athenos Greek Yogurt (5.3 oz.) - $0.89
Use BOGO coupon HERE
Final Cost $0.44

Sabra Hummus (8 oz.) - $3.00
Use $1.00/1 Sabra Item, 8 oz. or more coupon from the 5/22 SS insert
Final Cost $2.00

BEVERAGES

Ozarka Spring Water (3 Liter) - $0.99

7Up (2 liter) - $0.89

FROZEN FOODS

Banquet Frozen Dinners (5-11 oz.) - $1.00
Buy 2, Use $0.50/2 coupon from HERE, enter code 63829897 to print (limit 2 like coupons on doubling)
Final Cost $0.50 ea.

Boca Burgers (10-12 oz.) - $2.50
Buy 2, Use $1.00/2 HERE
Final Cost $2.00 ea.

Edwards Dessert Single Serve (5.2-9.38 oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Edwards Singles 2 Pack, any coupon from the 4/10 SS insert
Final Cost $0.99

Ore-Ida Frozen Potatoes (16-32 oz.) - $2.69
Use $1.00/1 Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries, any bag coupon from the 5/22 SS insert
Final Cost $1.69

Red Baron Pan Pizza (26-30 oz.) - $4.99
Use $1.00/1 Red Baron Pan Pizza or Pan Pasta coupon from the 3/27 SS insert (expires 5/29)
Final Cost $3.99

Freschetta Pizza (15-28 oz.) - $4.99
Use $1.00/1 Freschetta Multi-Serve Pizza coupon from the 4/10 SS insert
Final Cost $3.99

SNACKS/BAKING/SEASONINGS

Nabisco Crackerfuls (6 oz.) - $2.69 (If you shop at Walgreens, these will be FREE there 5/29-5/30, will post details when I get a chance)
Use $1.50/1 RITZ Crackerfuls Filled Crackers, any 6 oz coupon from the 4/17 SS insert (some areas got $1.00/1 coupon)
Or Use $0.75/1 coupon HERE or HERE
Final Cost $1.19-$1.94

Nabisco Snack Crackers (5.5-10 oz.) - $2.19
Use $1.00/1 Nabisco Wheat Thins Crunch Stix coupon from HERE
Final Cost $1.19

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (12-16 oz.) - $2.00
Use $0.50/1 Lawry’s Spice Blend, Any coupon from the 5/15 RP insert (doubles, limit 2 on doubling)
Final Cost $1.00

CANNED/RICE/PASTA/CONDIMENTS

K.C. Masterpiece (17-18 oz.) - $1.09
Use $1.00/1 KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce or Marinade, any 8.5 oz or larger coupon form the 5/15 SS insert
Final Cost $0.09 {Donate}

Vlasic Pickles (16-32 oz.) - $2.00
Use $0.55/1 HERE
Final Cost $1.45

Lawry’s Marinade (12-16 oz.) - $2.00
Use $0.50/1 Lawry’s Marinade, any coupon from the 5/15 RP insert (doubles, limit 2 on doubling)
Final Cost $1.00

Heinz Ketchup (40 oz.) - $2.00
Use $0.50/1 Heinz Tomato Ketchup, any coupon from the 5/22 SS insert (doubles)
Final Cost $1.00

Kraft Salad Dressing (16 oz.) - $1.79
Buy 2, Use $1.00/2 Kraft Dressing, 14 oz. or larger bottles coupon from the 5/15 RP insert (some ares got $1.50/2 coupon)
Final Cost $1.04-$1.29 ea.

NON-FOOD

Hefty Plates, Bowls or Cups (20-60 ct.) - $1.50
Use $0.55/2 Hefty Plates or Cups, any coupon from the 5/22 RP insert
Final Cost $1.23 ea.

New Listerine Printable = Freebie at Walgreens

Hurry over to Coupons.com (zip 90210) and print a coupon good for $1 off any Listerine Whitening Rinse.  Use it at Walgreens this week to do the following deal:

Listerine Whitening 16-oz $5.99
-$3 with in-ad coupon
-$1 printable HERE or HERE
-$4 RR wyb two
Final Price: two for FREE

thanks, Wild for Wags!

Walgreens: Rimmel Nail Polish for $0.19

Walgreens has Rimmel Nail Polish on sale for $2.19 this week. Use the $2/1 Rimmel product coupon available on Facebook to get it for just $0.19.

Thanks, Single Mom Saving Money!

$1/1 of Snuggle (+ Walmart deal)

Head over to Snuggle and get your $1/1 coupon on their Facebook Page. Use this coupon at Walmart to get a box for just $.87. This price might vary by location.

Aldi Deals 5/25-5/31

Here's a few things you might want to grab at Aldi this week:


Large size Cantaloupe  .99 cents each
Seedless Watermelon  2.99 each
4-pack Sweet Corn  .99 cents
1 pint Blueberries  1.69 each
1 pound Strawberries  .99 cents


Check out the Aldi Weekly Circular HERE.
Go HERE to view this weeks current Special Buys


If you've never shopped at Aldi here's some things you need to know:


Bring a quarter with you to "rent" your shopping cart.  You'll get your quarter back after you return your shopping cart.  I always have a quarter in my car for this purpose!  :)

• Bring cash or a debit card to make your purchases with.  Most Aldi's do NOT accept credit cards.  
• Bag your own groceries.
• Bring your own bags or boxes to load your groceries in.  They do have bags for purchase at the register and sometimes there are empty boxes at the store you can use.

Almost forgot something....IF you're not happy with the produce one you get to Aldi take the ad to Walmart and see if they'll price match the ad.