More Monday Freebies

Sign up for a $20 Nestle planning calendar. (If you've done this before, you cannot do it again)

If you're on Facebook, join Herbal Essences Gorgeous Giveaway. When you RSVP and return on 10/2, you get the chance to receive a shampoo or conditioner you've never tried, or your favorite. It only says that on 10/2 a link will be provided and you must be 18 or older to participate.

Do you have dry feet or will the cold weather bring it on? If so, Keresal is sending out an Exfoliating Foot Ointment sample.

9/27 CVS Run, Saved $138

I did several transactions yesterday at CVS. I had all my ECB expiring, so I had to put them to use! There were some great deals that I wanted to do. I needed the Bounce/Tide and am low on mascara. The other things were just thrown in there because they were good deals. I also bought 2 itmes which were not planned, but I was parched and saw a new Reinventing Beauty magazine.

I really thought I was going to spend like $1.50, but with the way CVS changed the ECB paying towards tax, it messed me up as I forgot. I have been to one CVS where the manager made it so it paid for tax, so I'm not sure how they can do that and why they don't! It's ok though, I saved alot and still used a gift card and have money left on it for next time.

#1
2 Accuview Aviva Monitors @ $14.99 ea
1 Reinventing Beauty @ $0.99
-$5/$25 Flu coupon
-$10 MQ
-$10 MQ
-$5.97 ECB (was 6.99 and brought it down. The tax thing threw me off and I didn't want to mess up my further plans. Better to use and lose some than all with it exp!)
=.00 + 2.08 tax
$2.08 on gift card
Saved 40.97
Received 10 ECB

#2
Dawn @ $1.00
3 Bounce Bars @ $4.00 ea
3 Tide Stain Release @ $4.00 ea
Dasani @ $1.39 (ouch)
-$5/$25 Flu coupon
-$10 ECB from previous transaction
-3/$1.50 Bounce from Vocalpoint
-3/$1.50 Tide from PG mailer and Parents magazine (with the Gymboree coupon in mag)
-$1.00 Dawn
-$1 MQ (Not sure what this was??? Just noticed it - wasn't ECB)
=$0.39 + $1.71 tax
$2.10 on gift card
Saved 32.93
Received 10 ECB

#3
2 Colgate Max Fresh @ 2/$5.50
2 Crest w Scope Outlast @ $3.49 ea
1 Almay masacra @ $5.99
1 Vaseline Sheer Infusions @ $7.99
-$5/$25 Flu coupon
-10 ECB from previous
-3.79, 2 ECB
-2/$1.00 Colgate
-2/$1.00 Crest from 9/27 PG (ours were $1!)
-$1.00 Almay
=$0.67 + $1.72 tax
$2.39 on gift card
Saved $30.67
Received 7 (vaseline), 1.50 (colgate), 3 (scope), 3 (almay) ECB
**Forgot about the Vaseline Q because a huge line was forming behind me and my papers got shuffled around

#4
1 Fusion Razor @ $9.99
1 Loreal Mascara @ $7.99
1 Covergirl Foundation @ $6.19
1 Covergirl Mascara @ $8.99
-7, 3, 3, 2, 1.50 ECB
-B1G1 Covergirl (8.99)
-$1 Covergirl
-$1.00 Loreal
-$4 Gillette from 9/27 PG
=$1.67 + $2.65 tax
$4.32 on gift card
Saved $33.49
Received 5 (Gillette), 5 (Covergirl), 2 (loreal) ECB

Grand Total $10.89 on gift card
Saved $138.06
Have 12 ECB to roll

Free Kotex Sample

Go here to get a free sample of Kotex Overnights with Wings.

Also, there is a sample of Emergen-C available.

Free Box of Smuckers Uncrustables 9/28

Starting 9/28, when you go online here, register, and submit an after school organization tip (not sure exactly what that would be), you will receive a coupon for a free box of 4 pack Uncrustables. Max value $3.00.

This promotion runs through October 30, while supplies last up to 20,000 coupons.

I recommend doing this early on in the day if you are interested, because I'm sure the site will get bogged down quickly!!

Printable Coupons Refreshing Soon

Make sure you print any coupons you need from Coupons.com, Redplum, or Smartsource. They will refresh on Thurdsay the 1st.

There are some good coupons, including the new Sensodyne and Aquafresh coupons, Huggies, Johnson and Johnson bandages, Pullups Wipes, many snacks and cereals, and much more.

Lowes Build and Grow Clinics

Today, our local Lowes sponsored a Safety Awareness event. We attended to visit my dad at his weather booth, but there were loads more booths. There were Fire trucks, Rescue trucks, Police cars, Search and Rescue boats and the search dog, and other local EMA groups.

We had the opportunity to participate in the Build and Grow clinic that was going on today. They opened it for all attendees due to the event. Today, we built a fire truck. Ian loves that little truck and enjoyed 'helping' daddy build it.

There are more events planned for the month of October. The list can be seen here. On the 10th, the event will be a Ball Toss and the 24th the Frankenstring Magic Trick. You must register online ahead of time to get the activity, apron and goggles. There is no cost. It is recommended for grades 1-5, but it doesn't mention they won't let a younger child participate with supervision.

If Ian cooperates, I'll get a picture up of his truck.

Emerald Mountain Yard Sale

Saturday, October 10 6-11am.

I have not been before, but hope to go, if I'm not busy. I've heard great things about the deals to be found!

Sunday Coupon Inserts

There will be 3 inserts this weekend, one of which is P&G. Make sure you get the bigger paper! I'll be getting 3 Bham and 1 MGM.

For the list of what coupons will be in the booklets, go here.

Publix Baby Coupons

I found a link forPublix baby coupons on a website I was visiting. I saw the deals advertised in the store for the diapers. I'm not sure if there is a coupon booklet or not. I didn't see one, but wasn't really looking. This would be a good time to combine some of those Publix and Manufacturer coupons.

You can print the bubbled items at home. Just click the picture and below it, you can print the coupon.

Publix Coupon Alert!!!

The other day, I posted how I couldn't find any of the coupon booklets we've been hearing about, locally. I inquired and got some mailed to me and also found some in Atlanta last weekend.

Today, I went into the Publix at Dalraida. They had most of the books that I received through the mail. Some of the packages were unopened in the plastic wrap. They were all by the entrance. I did not see any Toss for Cash books, but have seen those at Vaughn Rd.

Just wanted to let you know, so if you can't find them at your usual store, you might be able to find them at another.

It Pays to Inquire

I have been getting so frustrated with my local Publix's lately. I read on Southern Savers about all the great coupon booklets that come out. Lately, they have been abundant. However, every time I go into one of the stores, I always look for them, and can never find them, with the exception of the Toss for Cash booklet. One time, I even saw one of those cardboard display stands that holds chips or cereal or something and on the actual board, it said, "Grab your booklet now!". I walked around the thing twice and didn't see any booklets attached to the display. That made me kind of mad.

I was reading many of the comments about how people aren't finding them and have been contacting Customer Service regarding the issue. Some said they were mailed the booklets they questioned about, others said the store manager contacted them directly and they were there the next time, etc.

I decided I wanted to try and see what would happen if I contacted CS regarding my concern. Well, I received a telephone call one day from some company saying they got my request for booklets and were sending them. I had no clue what that meant. While I was in Atlanta, all the booklets I mentioned, plus some other ones came! I was so happy (although, of course I was able to find some in Atlanta's Publix stores). I now have a nice collection of the booklets. Of course I don't use all the coupons, but at least I can see what is available and take my pick.

It never hurts to email Customer Service regarding your complaints, concerns, or praises. You may get a simple thank you, but you never know what you might get in return! :-)

Free Shutterfly 7x9 Softcover Photo Book

If you are a member of Shutterfly, and have created a share site for your photos, you may be able to get a free 20 page, 7x9 photo book.

When you log in, go to your share site, under 'My Shared Pictures and Projects'. If you haven't created one, create a site and get up to 40 free 4x6 photos for creating the site and uploading pictures. Upload a video and you can get 20 more free photos. (This offer exp Oct. 7)

Once you have gotten to your site, scroll down and click 'View Photo Book'. This will generate a premade book for you. It seems like it just takes the photos in order and throws them in there, but you can make adjustments and changes by clicking 'Customize'. It also shows you a price for the book. REMEMBER, 20 pages are free, but after you pay! When you have finished editing, click add to cart. Once in your cart, you will be enter a promo code. Enter 'MYBOOK' in the box. This should bring your total to zero and all you have to pay is S&H. This code expires Sept 23.

I hope it works for you too! I'll be getting this one.

Also, there are tons of other deals, including free shipping when you spend $30 and free shipping on 50 prints or more.

Weekend in Atlanta

My mother, sister, Ian and I went to Atlanta this weekend. My sister had a conference she was attending and I went to accompany mom. It was an interesting weekend, full of shall I say, adventures?!

We left at 4pm and didn't get there til 730pm. In the mean time, it was raining and horrible driving weather. When we got there, the GPS took us on a wild, back roads chase to the bus stop so we could pick up my sister's friend. In the process, more rain, huge potholes and somewhere in there a lost hubcap. Finally, we made it to the bus stop and I realized I had to get gas, or we'd be stuck. The GPS took us on another hunt for a gas station and then back to the back roads to the hotel.

Thank goodness the hotel was nice! We basically parked the cars and got someone to bring our bags up. We were on the 12th floor and so thankful, because that little cart was jam packed to the brim with bags! Not to mention, it was so busy. We would stand about 5 minutes waiting for an elevator to ride down.

Ian was a typical 2 year old, not wanting to cooperate and being overtired and sick of being in the car. Friday we didn't do any shopping because he was so ornery. Saturday, we did get to go shopping and found a few things, but nothing really different than home. Ian cooperated much more that day. We even went to a Publix that had the coupon booklets!!

Needless to say, it was a long, somewhat stressful weekend. I don't regret going though. Next time, maybe I can leave Ian behind with daddy!!

I love vacation, but am so glad to be home and will hopefully stay put for a few weeks at least!

Blessed to be a Mother

I am so amazed at Ian. Watching a child grow from being able to do nothing, to being able to watch and repeat what you do exactly, is just mind blowing. How great is our God that he created us like that?! I am so blessed to be able to experience motherhood and the challenges and rewards it entails, however difficult it may be at times.

Ian is into everything lately, but it's more of the wanting to know how everything works, not just getting into everything.

He wants to sit on the counter and watch me cook. He know that the eggs get cracked into the bowl, we stir them, they go into the pan, get stirred more and then he can eat them. He knows that they are hot when the come off that pan and automatically blows them.

While we were at the beach, there was alot of fishing going on. He wanted to do what he saw everyone else doing. He found my nephew's rod and started acting like he was casting it. When my father in law was fishing, he wanted to know exactly what every part was and what it did. He can't communicate that verbally, but he pointed at everything and we explained and he made little noises like he actually understood in return.

Ian's favorite thing is to get on the tractor (with or without daddy!) which, for now, is in our garage. He knows to climb up there, acts like he is putting the key in and then tries to push the gear handles and steer the wheel.

As impressionable as he and other children are at this age, it is so important for us to be examples and set the ground rules for them. This age is difficult in the discipline and communication aspects, but they understand way more than we give them credit for. I pray that I can lead him in a positive way and be the best example that he could have, not only in the physical aspect, but the spiritual as well.

Target Clearance

Target has put tons of items on clearance. At the Eastchase store, I found tons of stuff...I didn't buy it all though!

Pools are clearanced 50% off from 4.98-17.98+. I got a 3 ring pool for 4.98 and a bigger family size one for 14.98.

Tons of household items including paper plates, Ziploc, plastic cups were on sale. Some of these items were Up and Up, the new Target brand. If you got the coupon booklet, you could save more. Housewares had dishes and other items on sale. Loads of candles were on sale, but not really brands that have coupons.

Palmolive Pure and Caring 1.49
-.75 Palmolive Pure and Clear or Pure and Caring exp 9/20
=.74

Bounty 2pk 3.38 (not sure about this)
-.25 Bounty exp 9/30
= 3.13

Pledge Fabric Sweeper 5.58
-1.00 Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair exp 10/18
=4.58

In the beauty section, I found:

Crest Whitening Expressions Vanilla Mint for 1.72
-.75 Crest Premium Paste 4.2 oz or larger exp 9/30
=.97

Fusion Power 7.58
-2.00 Fusion Manual or Power Razor (not the greatest price - cheaper at CVS) exp 9/30

Off Spray 3.42
Old Spice Deck Scrubber w bonus wash 2.00

Prilosec 6.15
-1.00 Prilosec OTC any exp 9/30

There were a good bit of little toys that would be good for party goody bags if you are having a girl/boy themed party.

It's worth going for a browse and seeing what goodies you can find and what coupons you can use to make the deals sweeter!

Free Breakfast Tuesdays at Chickfila

Every Tuesday in Sept, the Montgomery Promenade, Eastchase and Midtown Chickfila's are offering a free breakfast item until 10:30. I'm not sure if this is anywhere outside of Montgomery...I couldn't read all the print driving by. They are enforcing this! If you are there and waiting in line after 10:30, they will turn you away....or make you pay!

Sept 22 - Sausage Biscuit
Sept 29 - Chicken Biscuit

Limited to one per person, regardless of number in party. Just ask for the free item. ALL persons must be PRESENT to get the item. You cannot go get a bunch for your fellow coworkers too.

If you add hasbrowns and an OJ it is $2.31 total.

Thanks Melissa for sharing!

Stonyfield Yogurt Giveaway

The Thrifty Mama is hosting a giveaway of the YoBaby 3 in 1 Meals Yogurt. It is a new product, so make sure you enter for a chance to try it!

This is the only brand of yogurt we buy in our household because of the organic, natural ingredients.

Horizon Organic Panel

I just received an email about joining the Horizon Organic Panel. You get to voice your opinion and help influence the Horizon brand.

Join the panel here. Also, sign up for coupons, here.

Hosting a Clorox Greenworks Party

I have been chosen to host the Clorox Greenworks Children's Clothing Swap party! The kit will include product samples and more from Clorox Greenworks, Burt's Bees and others. If you come, you'll get some! I'll also have a box of coupons for everyone to rummage through and take what you need.

I am not sure of all the details yet. Since the consignment sales are running this week, I think we may do something like bring a few items for donation along with the swapping, just in case some don't want to participate.

More details to follow. In the mean time, you can check out more info here:

Sign up for House Party and get the opportunity to host product parties as well! Examples include Juicy Juice, Hunts, Ford, Canon, Martha Stewart, and many more!

Home Sweet Home

We are finally home from our vacation. We got back Saturday afternoon, but the rest of the weekend was kind of a sit back and do nothing weekend. Isn't it weird how you feel exhausted after you've been away??

We had a wonderful time at the beach with family. It was an interesting week. Our nephew was sick part of the week, but recovered. The weather didn't cooperate at first, but for most of the week it was good, until the last two days. However, we did enjoy a few beach days and a couple trips into the cold (to me!) pool. We did some shopping and went out to eat as well. The fishermen/women of the family caught some nice fish. We learned the last day a possible way to attract bigger fish, but were unable to find the bait that we needed. My sister in law and I went looking for it and people were looking at us like we were crazy! It was kind of funny, but we were bummed we didn't get it.

Unfortunately, because of the torrential downpour the day we left, we weren't able to get a family picture like we'd planned. I had wanted to post one here for everyone to see.

Ian was way out of character the whole week. We have discovered a screaming problem. When he doesn't get what he wants, can't communicate, or just gets frustrated, he screams. Hopefully that phase will end soon! He enjoyed the time playing with cousins, but sleeping was an issue as he is basically the size of the pack n play. This caused a problem, but was remedied by a vacant twin mattress. The whole nap and sleep routines were way out of wack. I think he is starting to make up for it now, thank goodness. The child loves a routine, and so does his mommy!!

I'll be posting regularly again, so keep looking out!

Razor Review

With all the cheap deals on razors at CVS, I usually tend to buy them. I can always use razors and like the fact that I can stock up on them and give them away to family members too. Why not share what you can get for free??!!

That being said, I think I have found the best and worst razors by doing this. I usually prefer mens razors, because they seem to get so much closer than women's and don't leave behind a nasty razor burn.

Being a BZZAgent, I got to try the Soleil Bella razors. They were decent. I liked them at first, but then after one or two uses, it felt like it was tearing the hair, not cutting it.

I have also tried the Schick Intuition and Quattro. I really like the concept of the Intuition, but the soap bar runs out fast and the razor isn't all that sharp and doesn't seem to cut the sensitive areas without leaving some kind of inflammation. The Quattro was a decent shave, but I absolutely do not like the way the head is and the fact that it doesn't pivot.

I would have to say that my favorite woman's razor is the Venus line. I haven't tried the disposables yet though. The Breeze is amazing. It gets a super close shave in all areas, and doesn't irritate or leave behind razor burn. It also has the pivoting head, which to me is important around the knees, because that is a hard area to get all the hairs without doing multiple attempts at every angle!

After using the Venus for several weeks, I went back to the Intuition, with extremely bad results. The lack of a close shave and severe irritation from changing to a lower blade razor was so not worth it!

I think I'll be donating the razors I don't like from now on!!

Away

I finally finished my consignment clothes! Yay, that is such a weight off my shoulders. Now to packing.

With the holiday, I'll be gone and probably won't be posting unless I see something good or have something interesting to share.

I will be going to CVS at some point for Huggies diapers. I got a $3 coupon the other day, so they'll be $5.xx. Other than that, I'll be taking a week off from couponing and shopping!! I'm kind of glad. I need a break from it every now and then.

Have an awesome holiday weekend with your family!

Huggies Samples and Programs

Go here for a sample of Huggies Little Movers diapers.

Get a sample of the Pure and Natural diapers too.

Also, sign up for the Huggies reward program. You earn points by buying diapers or wipes, taking polls and watching videos on the site. These points can be used for sweepstakes (win a trip to Disney), instant win games (gift cards and coupons), or the interactive game in which you get a chance to win up to $35,000!!

Join the Huggies Baby Network to get valuable coupons in the mail. I got one pamphlet the other day with $1.50/pack and then another pamphlet today with $3.00/pack!!! Awesome coupons to use at CVS!

Disney Mom Panel

Walt Disney World has a mom panel! I think it is such a cool idea.

When you go here, you can apply for the panel starting September 10 at 9:00 AM EDT. You must be 18 years or older and not affiliated or employed with any travel agencies or amusement parks. You must have internet access as your job will be via online feedback and opinions on a weekly basis. The commitment is for 12 months. To qualify, you must have taken a visit within the last 12 months.

The awesome thing is, that if you get picked to be on the panel, you get a trip to Walt Disney Dec 4-8 for training!

Unfortunately, we have yet to go and I don't qualify. Maybe sometime in the near future!

House Party

Do you like to host and plan parties at your house? Do you like free products and samplings? If so, this website is for you!

Houseparty is a company that gives you the opportunity to host parties for your family and friends involving certain products. There are a ton of opportunities that include: food, cars, sporting events, tv premiers, baby products, etc. They send you samples and goodies for yourself and those that attend in order to promote their product and get the word out.

Now is the time to sign up! There are a ton of events on the list and since we are nearing the holidy season, they will only get better!

Consignment Sales

Don't forget the consignment sales start next week! There are 3 of them.

CCE starts Wed Sep 9 @ Old McLendon Furniture Building
Kids Carousel starts Sat Sep 12 @ Old Sam's Building
MKA starts Sat Sep 12 @ Eastbrook

This is a great opportunity to get clothes for your little one at great prices. I like to stock up through the next sales which will be in the spring.

I'm working on selling some stuff and boy is it going slow (and only from 1 child!!)! That's why I haven't had much opportunity to post much lately. Getting clothes out, sorting, laundering, hanging, inputting and tagging is very slow going this time. Hopefully I will get my motivation going and be done by Friday!!