My Princess turns 5 today. At 8:30am at this time 5 years ago, I almost died in childbirth. Not pleasant. I'm not letting it ruin my day, though. We had Gabrielle's birthday party and we had a blast! Lots of friends and family showed up and she got her Barbie Princess Corvette. God, I remember when she was in diapers! That link will give you a $5 off coupon on Pampers and wipes! Now, the beauty of it! Click on this link too and it is an additional $5 off of the Pampers and wipes! That's $10 off at all Target stores. That's an awesome deal.

Do you KNOW what kind of a mess a house full of small children can make? It looked like someone threw an atomic bomb inside of my house and ran..lol. So, I got out my Pledge Wipes free sample from filling out the questionnaire and no more fingerprints on the TV. It works well!

I get this thing in the mail that says "Celebrate Your Beauty Every Day." Ok, let's be realistic here for a minute. I work from home, I have 2 small kids, my clothes rarely match, I don't know if I remembered deodorant, and my husband filled up my Calgon Body Spray bottle with that Chloraseptic stuff that numbs your throat when you're sick. Wanna guess how I found THAT little gem out? Sign up there for a free sample of Ambi Skincare.

I was reading Woman's Day the other day and realized my free 1 year subscription was running out. So, I hopped online and found out if I join RewardsGold that I get another free year. I'm in!

I love free razors. Here's a free Schick Quattro. Just upload a picture, click on the razor, and it's yours. I love those razors. Or maybe I love the free part of it.

Gabby and Nick both love gum. They chew it for 3 tenths of a second and then swallow it. Starting July 1st you can text EXTRA to 467467 to get a sweet package of all four new Fruit Sensations flavors.

Is anyone in my audience getting married? I already took the plunge so this one isn't for me. If you join The Knot you will get a free wedding music CD.

I have normally dry skin. Here's a free sample of Clean & Clear for your skin! Here's a sample of Perfect 10 by Nice 'N Easy. It comes with coupons!

Do you have a Wet Seal store near you? I've never even heard of it but I have a coupon for a free tank shirt!

Now for the usual Walmart samples. They have BeneFiber, Creme Serum from Frizz-Ease, Multi-Grain Cheerios, Playtex Cloths, and Playtex Gentle Glide tampons.

I have a free sample of True Lemon. I bought this once in the grocery store. Love it!

As always, you need to join StartSampling.com and get in on their awesome coupons. There are coupons for Windex, Chex Mix, juice, Yoplait yogurt, Wisk, you name it, there's a printable coupon there for it. I saved $41.25 on groceries last week just by using coupons. They even have a buy one Dove ice cream bar, get one free. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about!

I have a free No Fear bumper sticker. My husband doesn't let me put bumper stickers on my car. Too bad, I think the Caddy would look sharp with some of them. If I put one on my car he'd make me scrub it off. Good thing I have a coupon for Scotch-Brite!

I even have a coupon for Spike today..lol! I have a free tube of Advantage Multi for the dog. Bring it to your vet to redeem!

Well, that's all I have for now. I didn't want to bore you with funny kid stories this time. Oh ok, don't twist my arm. Nick hates chicken with a passion. Last week my Mom is sitting at her desk eating a bowl of ice cream. He says to her "What are you eating, Grandma?" She says, teasingly, I promise you, "Oh, it's chicken, Nick." He says "That's not chicken, it's ice cream. I want a bite." So, she gives him a bite. Gabby comes into the office and says "Nick, do you have ice cream?" That boy looks her straight in the eye and says "No Gab, it's chicken. Yuck." I don't think she was buying it..lol.

Remember, dial 1-800-2ChaCha to ask your free questions or text ChaCha at 242242. It's the best money you'll never spend for the best service you'll ever get. Until next time...Happy Saving! Happy Birthday My Beautiful Princess. I love you!

$4.11 a gallon. Helllllllllllloooooooo, that's a lot of gas. Now, imagine if you're ME and you own around 40 cars that are driving 20 hours per day. Anyone want my gas bill? No? I thought not. It's robbery. In my business though, it's a necessary evil. I hate to see my hard earned..well, if I worked hard it would be hard earned..cash going out of a tailpipe. Nothing to show for it after except for a stack of gas receipts that the IRS hates to get from me. I thought I'd share some tips on how to  make your car run more efficiently and in turn, get better gas mileage.

First and foremost, make sure your car is in good running condition. Have your oil changed. Here's a $5 off coupon for Jiffy Lube. It's good until January of 2009. Print it every 3,000 miles.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. The better condition they're in, the better gas mileage you'll get. Here's a bunch of coupons for tire stores around the US. I decided to link directly so as not to leave out one region.

Make sure your air filter is clean. They get so dirty and it really adds drag to your motor when the clean air isn't getting in.

Going on a long trip? Consider leaving your big ole bad ass SUV home.  Rent yourself a smaller and more fuel efficient car. You'll actually save money on this deal. Here's a bunch of coupons for different offers.

Empty the trunk of the car and insides too if it's a mess. For every 250 pounds there is in the car, you lose 1 mile per gallon of gas. It's also dangerous to have a bunch of stuff crammed into your car. It can become a projectile if there's ever an accident.

Carpool! Save money and time by taking turns with other parents or co-workers. If you had to drive only twice per week you're saving 3 days worth of commuting gas. There's got to be savings in there.

If your car manual doesn't recommend higher octane gas, don't buy it! Buy the cheapest octane available.

Just stop driving so much. Sounds painful, right? I thought so too. Me, the Queen of "I must go out and shop today." Instead, I'm making lists and shopping every few days. I've got half a tank more of gas left over this week than I did last week. Now, on to the more fun things...FREEBIES!!

Ok, I recently hooked my printer back up. It was $200 and I got it on sale for $34 over Christmas last year. I used it twice, it hogs up space on my desk, so I put in on the floor under a big picture window I have. BIG mistake..big big big. It's a nice HP All in On. I hooked it up last night to use the scanner and it's not working. Lo and behold, Princess Less Than Charming comes into the office and goes into a snit because her "Stand ta see out da winnow" is now on my desk. She's got a $200 step stool and my printer isn't working. Coincidence? I think not! Regardless..head over to SmartSource.com. They have TONS of printable coupons.

Here's a free sample of Dove Mist. I love Dove products. The ad is in Spanish but that's ok. Por Favor, check it out! For the man in our life I offer you Vaseline Men. It's a free sample.


I love books, I love to read. I am very pleased and proud that both of my children simply adore books. When they're given the option of a toy or a book they usually always choose a book. Here is a free book for kids! Speaking of kids, when Nick wakes up in the morning he has what we lovingly refer to as "Death Breath." It's SO bad. He has perfect teeth, goes to the dentist regularly, and he's enough to knock me off my feet! Enjoy the $1 off printable coupon for Listerine Kids. I also have a free Klean to Go sample. It's a disinfectant.

Ever since I worked the Sundance Film Festival for ChaCha I'm interested in Utah and Nevada. Seems like a beautiful area. Click here for a free travel brochure and CD about what Nevada has to offer!

Do you know someone who has been touched by stillbirth, infant death, or miscarriage? Here is a free bracelet. Please, if you don't truly qualify for this, don't sign up for it. Thanks so much.

How about a free sample of..uh..well..lubricant? I am not talking for your car either..lol! Playtime Lubricants is offering a free sample. In the spirit of offering full circle freebies, I give you a free lambskin condom. Don't look at me to order it though. I have a crush on the Serta Sheep. I think they're totally cute. If you suffer from Catholic guilt over ordering all of these freebies, sign up and get your free rosary.

Here's a free sample of Sinuclean. Honestly, my allergies get worse and worse every year until I feel like I'm a prisoner in the house. I can barely stand it. AaachhhhOOOOOOOO. See what I mean? I know it's hard to find inexpensive and fun things to do with the kids over the summer. It's much easier and cheaper to cage them up in an institution of learning..lol. Check out the Kids Bowl For Free Program. We took the kids bowling once. The operative word being "once." I figure when someone has to scream "DUCK" and we're not in a restaurant, bowling may not be their sport. Enjoy it though!

Free sample of Gold Bond Powder. It's good for so many things.

Ok. I was serious when I said I know it's not cheap with kids over the summer. We went to Water Country last Sunday. It cost us $148 for 4 tickets. Darn my son for getting taller and needing a big boy ticket this year! One of the great women at CafeMom put this together and I am going to cross post it.

5 Awesome Amusement Park Deals                               

BUSCH GARDENS
Whether you visit the African themed Tampa Bay, Fla. location or the European themed Williamsburg, Va. park, there are lots of ways to cut costs. Show your AAA card at the gate for an automatic $5 off up to six tickets. And once you've purchased a ticket, you can return a second time completely free as long as it's within seven days. Active duty military and National Guard members can take up to three dependents to any of the Anheuser-Busch theme parks, including Busch Gardens, Sea World Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Sesame Street Place, Water Country USA and Adventure Island, completely free. All you have to do is pre-register on Hero Salute and show your Department of Defense ID at the park's gate.

SIX FLAGS
Buy your tickets online for one of 11 park locations, including the flagship Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J., to get the biggest breaks. Tickets are slashed by $20 online to $39.99. If you're willing to stand in line, bring an empty can of Coca-Cola to the ticket booth to purchase two tickets for $24.99 each. Six Flags.  Get the scoop on rides, events and entertainment. Receive discounts and special offers exclusively for Team Six members. All delivered right to your inbox. Want an easy way to stay on top of all things Six Flags? Join Team Six now.

CEDAR POINT
Trying to figure out if you can squeeze a family vacation into your summer? Cedar Point says YES, you can – with their family four pack of admission tickets for only $132! Stimulate your inner thrill-seeker (and the economy) with this money-saving deal. And by the way, you can use this four pack during any day of the 2008 season. Hurry, it’s only available online through June 15, 2008.  Families of four can buy a package of four tickets for $132, leaving an extra $40 in your pocket. http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/admission/tickets/deals.cfm

Pay Once, Visit Twice
You can’t conquer the thrills and family fun at Cedar Point in just one day…so why not come back for a second day of fun? Here’s how this special ticket works: pay one price of only $52.95 online through June 15, 2008 and visit on the operating day of your choice. Then come back for another visit on any other operating day of the 2008 season*. That includes HalloWeekends! Two-visit tickets must be used by the same person and are non-transferable.  http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/admission/tickets/deals.cfm

WALT DISNEY WORLD
See&Do Orlando offers the deepest package discounts. Hotel and park admission deals are upwards of 50% off retail with four nights accommodations at hotels like The Best Western, The Radisson and The Mystic Dunes Resort &Golf club. If you book a Magic Your Way package directly through the Disney Resorts between August 24 and September 20, not only do you get your hotel room and admission tickets, but your entire group will eat for free. (Must be booked by June 22, 2008.)

HOLIDAY WORLD
It might be summer, but that doesn't mean you can't visit Santa Claus. For the 2008 season, Holiday World and Splashing Safari (yes, located in Santa Claus, Ind.) are offering tickets to both parks for $39.99, including inner tubes and all-you-can-drink fountain soda. Bring an empty Pepsi can or Bunny Bread wrapper to the gate for an additional discount between $2 and $11 off, on up to eight tickets.

No matter where you choose to spend your summer, don't forget the deals that already in your back pocket. Both AAA and AARP often offer discounts like free parking, hotel and restaurant coupons, so check with your state's website to start saving.

Ok, I'm done! At least for today. I have a trazillion things to do today. I have to watch the grass grow, observe them putting up my new pool, watch my husband put up the screen house, and play with Gabby. For those who have asked, thank you. My husband Chris is doing much better. It's taking time, of course, but I am feeling good that I may have him with me for another 41 years. God willing. I put my faith in God again. Sometimes, I forget. Not to get all religious on  you but prayer is free. My friends and ChaCha family all prayed for us when we needed it. I thank you all.

Happy Father's Day to all of my male readers. Happy Father's Day to all of the women who are Moms AND Dads.

Until next time...Happy Saving!

I want to apologize. I seem to be doing that a lot lately. It seems as though by the time my posts make it up, many of the samples and coupons are closed. I will notify my editor and let him know that this is an issue and hopefully we can work together to avoid this. My blogs are usually long and time sensitive. My editor, bless his soul, is a very busy man. Now, if he were a woman, this wouldn't happen. She'd manage to juggle it all. (Sorry Justin!!) LOL. Seriously though, I will bring this to their attention and hopefully we find a resolution quickly. No one should be left out in the cold on these savings.

Sammi Sue, my English bulldog, hates the heat. She actually dug a hole to lay in out in the backyard. It was so funny just to see her head poking out of a hole. I have a free Pet Safety Kit for you.

Here's a sample of John Frieda Sheer Blonde. I'm not a blonde and can't benefit from this freebie but I'm sure someone else can.

I love J&J Snack Food. They send tons of great coupons for items like Italian Ice or Minute Maid. I also have a cool cookbook from Jiffy! Who doesn't use Jiffy products in their home?

Walmart has a free music download. They're offering one per week. I also have a free Mindy McCready download. She's the country singer that got sent to jail for violating her probation. She's also the one alleged to have been with Roger Clemens..lol. I'm supporting HER for dragging HIM through the mud. Rock on Red Sox.

I have a printable coupon for a free pair of panties at Macy's Department Store. Just print out the coupon and take it to the store.

Enter here for a chance to win a CoverGirl Lash Blast Eye Enhancer Kit. 10,000 winners! You need to enter July Seventeen for the code. Good luck!

As you all know, I love the Red Sox. I think golf is probably THE boringest game in the world. Every day, Staff gives out 50 balls or tees. Check in early to get yours.

How about some free samples from Edge. Fill out your info and they'll send you cool stuff. I have to laugh at their slogan of "Shaving Gel (not shaving cream). Learn from girls."

I don't get to the movies too often. Here's an odd one for us..lol. It's a movie called "CUD." They'll send you a free copy once it's been released. I signed up for it. I don't know why!

Got any basketball fans in your family? Here's a free subscription to Dime Magazine!

Here's a free sample of Tena. It is for pantiliners, pads, & overnight protection pads.

Here's a $2.50 printable coupon for Bertolli Frozen Dinners. That's a really good savings.

It's BBQ season. My absolute favorite. Most people gain their weight in the winter during the holiday season. Not me. I gain it all summer long. There's nothing I love more than grilling outside under the hot sun. I love homemade potato salad. It's my weakness. But, I only like my Mom's. She's the best. I have a gas grill but lots of people still like charcoal grills. Here's a $2 off coupon for Kingsford Charcoal.

I am a bad Mommy. My daughter is 4. She had waist length wheat colored hair. She cries and screams every single freaking day when it's time to brush it. So, in a fit of temper I took her to the salon and had them cut it shoulder length. Don't despair, she loves it. Me on the other hand..what was I THINKING? I cried when she wasn't looking. My nerves just couldn't take it anymore. So, if you need a haircut for your baby (24 months and under) you can use this coupon for a free cut from Magicuts.

Sign up here for free RemedyLife samples. I get their magazine every month, free of course, and I truly respect them. My husband is 22 days smoke free! I am so proud of him. He couldn't have done it without the patch. Here's a free sample of Nicoderm CQ and a $7 off coupon.

Yummy! Free sample of Better Crocker Warm Delights! Just sign up. I love those things.  Here's an awesome page of printable coupons from Start Sampling. There are some for Chex Mix, Taco Bell, Mott's, Cheerios, and Betty Crocker brownies. Did I say yummy yet??

Ok, I'm going back to the grind. I hope you've enjoyed these freebies. I'll talk to Justin and see if I can't coerce him into approving my posts quicker.

Today is my 7th wedding anniversary. It's an amazing feeling to still be in love with my best friend. We went to Bugaboo Creek for dinner. We took the kids and my Mom with us. It's not a party unless the gang is all there! Until next time....Happy Saving!

Warm weather is upon us! So, I've been busy. I needed to have my driveway paved. It was gravel and it played havoc with my beige carpet in every season. It's trashed! The kids are good. Nick is doing wonderfully. Gabby is....Gabby. She still thinks she's royalty but hey, I think I'm funny. We all have our dreams. My sister-in-law came over last Saturday with my 13 year old nephew. It was really strange..and nice. Amazing how the older we get, the less desire for revenge we have. Well, mostly. ::evil smile::

Let's get to these freebies and sample. My mailbox has been overflowing lately with offers!

How about a free sample of John Frieda Frizz. I kind of have fuzzy hair. Can't wait to try it. I also have a coupon for a free 2 oz bottle of Head & Shoulders.

 How about a sample of On-The-Go Drink Mix? You have your choice of Crystal Light, Hi-C, or Country Time Lemonade!

I have a fabulous offer. A free pair of panties and matching bra from Stock 23.

Ok, you all heard how last year I planted flowers and not 10 minutes later the dog and kids dug them up. Must have looked like fun. This year, I was SO smart. I did it while no one was home. I planted a whole veggie garden, rose bushes, strawberry and raspberry plants, and flowers. Yesterday I asked Nick to help me water and put out the rest of the wildflowers. He was so excited he ran to the back and dumped about 2,000 wildflower seeds in my vegetable garden. ::sigh:: At least he watered it after..lol. I'm destined to live my life in the produce aisle. Here is a cool site. They give you $20 worth of trees, plants, shrubs, or bushes and you only pay for shipping! Head over to Spring Hill Nursery for this deal.

How about a free book! There's nothing so great as a book. Add to it that it's free and you can't go wrong. The EPA is giving them away. You just have to call in. Call 1-800-490-9198!

Register with Pond's and get free samples and coupons.

For help with gardening you can get a free pair of Nitrile Gloves.

I have a new Planet Heroes DVD. My kids love these!

Here's a coupon for a free pink water bottle from Victoria's Secret.

For some free magazine subscriptions  you can sign up here! There's a subscription to TokyoPop and Marriage Today. I also have a 34 page cookbook titled "Feed Your Kids Well." That is a growing concern in this economy. Millions of families depend on Food Stamps. The amount given to a family of 4 is approximately $375 a month. It may sound like a lot but it works out to be about $10 per meal per month that they have to spend on something healthy and nutritious for the kids. Making our dollars stretch is most important right now!

Even Fido needs a break now and then. Take the Purina challenge and get a free 30 day supply of dog or cat food! That's so awesome. I'll tell you a secret. I sign up for every piece of dog and cat food there is. I usually donate it to our local animal shelter or feed the stray cat that's been coming around my house for 3 years now. The jerk next door moved out one day and didn't take his cat. It won't come in the house but I feed it 3 times a day..lol. I don't think it likes me.

Ok, this is so totally cool that I had to share it. You can submit your name and it will be put on a microchip and it will go and orbit around the moon! For years to come. Thank NASA for this very awesome tidbit!

Here's a couple of freebies if you're over 21. They are from tobacco manufacturers. If you're morally opposed, that's great, don't sign up. First is a free keychain from L&M. Enter code: LNM5964. For a free beach towel, enter code: PMT2379. The cool thing about the towel is you get to design it with colors and logos. There is nothing on it to advertise it comes from a cigarette company.

Well, that's about it for today. I'll do some food and coupons later this week for you. I just love seeing a full mailbox and it's not stuffed with bills. I got my free Charmin toilet paper holder..lol. My husband thinks I'm nuts for signing  up for everything. It makes up for when HE forgets to send me something..lol. Until next time...Happy Saving!

It's that time of year...Spring Cleaning! I can't wait. I hibernate as much as possible in the winter. I hate snow, cold, and dampness. Living in New England is not conducive to a shiny, happy Kerry. But, today I see sun. It's in the low 60s, which is practically a heat wave here! I have the heat off (Yay, at $4 a gallon I'm thrilled), and the windows open. Now it's time to attack the dust bunnies with a vengeance.

Cleaning supplies are pretty expensive. Most of them are exactly like their competitors and the only difference is price due to name brand. I can go to the Dollar Store and buy the same effective supplies for $1 each. Sometimes though, when I"m in the mood to splurge, I get all feisty and buy all name brands. I never do it without a coupon though!

Here's some goodies for you. You can have a $1 off Windex coupon, a $1 off Scrubbing Bubbles coupon, and a $1 off Pledge coupon. You should sign up for CleanHomeJournal.com. They send me these things all year long. I also get free gifts like Glade plug ins and refill reminders.

Along with Spring cleaning I start to plant flowers. I am not a good gardener. Last year I spent 3 hours digging holes, making sure it was all evenly distributed, and I planted gorgeous flowers. About 3 minutes after I was done, the kids and dog came outside and dug up every single seed. I just stood there laughing. I now have wildflowers growing out of the base of a big tree I have. It adds character, I guess. This year I'm waiting until no one is home.  Jackson & Perkin is having a huge sale on gardening supplies. Go to Park Seed for some unusual seeds and flowers. Use code 10Spring for 10% off!

Here's a free sample of AquaFresh toothpaste!

Free sample of Icy Hot Medicated Patches. For the boo-boo in your life!

Free sample of Prilosec OTC. For the heartburn in your life. I happened to marry mine.

Free sample of John Frieda Sheer Blonde or Brilliant Brunette shampoo & conditioner. I, of course, am a brilliant brunette.

Free sample of Huggies diapers. Gotta tell ya, I love my kids, I don't miss those days for anything. I miss itty bitty clothes, 3am feedings, dressing them up like a doll, & warm bottles. Diapers? Nope.

Ok, this is neat. Get a 2 week supply of Clinique mascara. I love love love Clinique. Scroll to the bottom left, download a widget, and an envelope will pop up. Click continue and it will give you the sign up form for your free mascara.

April is National Cheese month. Fill out a quick story about your favorite grilled cheese memory and get a coupon for a free 16 slice pack of Kraft Singles! I love cheese.

Here's a free Juicy Juice sippy cup. Kind of miss those.

Free samples of Folger's Latte coffee when you sign up for their email club!

Well, that seems to be about it for today. 2 posts in one week, it's almost a record. Enjoy the sunshine and until next time...Happy Saving!!

Families are strange. Every last one of them. Mine probably more than others. Let me rephrase. My husband's family, that I married into, is probably stranger than most. I call them my out-laws. They're actually very well-to-do people. Which only provides more evidence that you never really know someone unless you live their life. My 6 year old has autism. Not the end of the world. My mother in law & father in law decided that when Nick was 3 years old he shouldn't be allowed in their home because "he could break something." He was allowed to play in the yard. My husband decided that enough was enough (Rock on, Chris..love you, babe!) and made the decision not to speak with his family anymore. It's been 3, almost 4 years, since we've spoken to a single one of them. Strangely enough, we all live in the same town and I've had the good fortune not to run into them. It would be awkward for me. They never liked me anyhow. They thought I was too abrasive. Can you imagine? LOL! A few days after we came home from our honeymoon, my mother in law says to me, "Chris is a tough guy, I always said he'd need to marry a bitch to keep him in line. You're perfect for him." Gee, thanks, Mona. Don't miss you, either! Well, my luck ran out on Friday. I had to run to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in the next city over. Doesn't it figure? I don't see them in our town but in a city with over 1 million people. I'm done with my business, I'm walking out the door and I hear "Kerry, Kerry." I turn around and there is my sister in law (another one who couldn't stand me). She bursts into tears and the whole "How is Nick, how is Gabby, Chris? I heard your Dad died, blah blah blah." Sobbing all over my new Coach bag. I felt so bad for her..an emotion I'm unfamiliar with. I brought her to the car to meet Gabrielle. She was less than a year old when the argument took place. She begged me to get Chris to call her. I promised to try. I tried. He said no. He said he's not ready. I told him that tomorrow's are not guaranteed and to stop burning bridges. Move on and get over it. Fall's on deaf ears. Either way, that's my lesson for today. For the low price of a free phone call you can speak to someone you've lost touch with, someone you should forgive, someone you should allow to forgive you, etc.  It sounds corny but it's true. My kids have a full set of grandparents that live 6 miles from me that they don't remember. They have Aunts and Uncles and cousins they barely know.  I don't care that they don't like me. My husband loves me, my kids love me, I have friends and family that love me..not everyone is going to love me. As odd as that concept is to me..lol. So, do something nice for yourself for free. Reconnect with someone in your life that you don't speak to anymore.

Take a survey and receive a free hypoallergenic pillowcase.

Printable coupon for FREE Scotch Brite toilet scrubber. Woohooo. Love it.

Free Duracell hearing aid batteries. Batteries aren't cheap. I think they were invented by toy companies.

Free Sunsilk gift cards will get you free samples!

Free MaxPro condoms. No need for them here (Mom is watching). I actually DID get my kids from a Cabbage Patch.

Free magnet from KinderStart with completion of brief survey.

Free BioFreeze Med Gel with completion of survey.

Do you know who Hannah Montana is? I had no clue..lol. My 4 year old told me "Mommy, dats uh Hanna Monnanna." Love her Dad, Billy Ray! Here's a printable coupon for a free Hannah Montana Karaoke CD from Club Libby Lu.

Do you like Women's basketball? I'm about basketballed out right about now. However, sign up quick and get 2 free pre-season tickets to see the WNBA Seattle Storm.

Here's a neat one! Design a free "green" bag for Kroger. They'll not only send you a free bag, but you'll be entered to win $500 AND you may get to see your bag nationwide in stores. We don't have Kroger here. I'm going to design one anyhow!

Pull-Ups has a free DVD for "How to Potty Train Your Toddler." Ok, where was this 2 years ago? I thought the answer was Gabby (my stubborn one) and I sleeping on the floor in the bathroom for a month. Go figure.

Ok, this is a little off topic (what in my life isn't?)..I love to play instant win games online. I have won $100 from Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, hundreds of dollars in awesome prizes, free airline tickets, etc. Go to MyInstantWin.com and check it out. It's a great site and she organizes it so well. If you need codes to play, she provides those, too! I once won, I kid you not, 40 coupons for free Banquet Chicken and Banquet Crock Pot meals. It was a riot!

Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Hope you enjoyed yet another peek inside of my insane life. Until next time...Happy Saving!

::singing to the tune of "I Want Candy":: I found freebies...woo woo woo. I sing out loud a lot here in my office. I'm not good at it. Gabby always covers her ears and says "Mommy, no sing." Rude child, isn't she? LOL!  I always have some stupid commercial music stuck in my head. The other night I actually woke myself up humming "F-R-E-E that spells free, credit report.com, bayyyy bee." I hate that commercial. Go to Freecreditreport.com to see what it's about. Many people actually worry about their credit. Not me. Can't be bothered. Either you have it and it's good, you have it and it's not good, or you just don't have it. I'm not losing sleep over my credit. There's enough things in this world to stress out about without thinking "Oh no, I may never get to buy that Italian yacht because I was late paying my monthly minimum payment to Wal-Mart. Darn them!"

I also don't like doing laundry. It's bad enough I have to earn the money to buy the clothes, go to the store to buy the detergent, then I come home and have to put it away. Then I have to gather up the dirty clothes, wash them, dry them, fold them, put them away, and empty that lint trap. How about a free sample of Tide with Dawn StainScrubbers? I love Tide but I won't usually spend that much money on detergent. I have one of those fancy schmancy washer/dryer sets that needs HE detergent. I also managed to get my greedy little hands on a free sample of Lysol Sanitizing Wipes. I love them. Then again, I have enough germs from when the kids were sick to start my own science lab.

Health & Beauty can't be beat. Here is a free sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue. Haven't tried it yet, ordered the sample though! Every Tuesday when I watch "The Biggest Loser" I decide I'm going to get serious and drop this "baby weight." Keep in mind that my "baby" is going to be 5 this June. I have less than zero will power though. Here's a free sample of Dexatrim Max20. I wish you better luck than I have! I also don't have an eye for "size." Thankfully, Hanes is offering a free KidFit tape measure. I live in Massachusetts, home of the cranberry. We have cranberry everything here. So, to honor my heritage I will give you the 3 day supply of TherCran. Enter to win the sweepstakes and you get a free sample of Degree deodorant. I abhor cheating. With that said, lol, the answer to the quiz is Salazar.

I'm looking out my window today. It's snowing and raining. My Christmas decorations are still under about 2 inches of snow. It's so sad really. The first day of Spring is only a day away. I have started to love planting flowers. They cheer me up out of the winter funk I'm in. Here's a free sample of Bentley Seeds Wildflowers.

I don't write traditional letters anymore. Email has taken the personalization out of communication. I also love history. I'm a big history buff. John Adams is offering a free greeting card! They will contain a special postmark to commemorate the Power of the Letter campaign!

Sometimes I come across a freebie that just cracks me up. I'll be sitting here at my desk just giggling. That's how I felt about joining the "Pork Chomp Club." It's for dogs so I had to sign up for it for my Sammi Sue. I just get a kick out of names like Pork Chomp.

Ok, by today's standards, I am old. I remember TV that had 5 channels (4, 5, 7, 38 & 56), I remember when reference material had to be found at the public library. I remember Dirty Dancing when it came out, I remember wearing jelly shoes and leg warmers. I do NOT get the fascination with Webkinz. I mean, what do they DO? My 8 year old niece is addicted to them. Every weekend she has my poor Mom out shopping for a new Webkinz. My Mom has no clue what they are. She just dutifully hands over her debit card and says "Is that the one you want, Sam?" It's really kind of funny. My Mom is the best Grandma around. She obviously learned a trick or two from my own Grandma. Let's hope it doesn't skip a generation and that I too can be an awesome Grandma. Don't get me wrong, I'm not rushing it, I'm only 37! OHHH, the whole point of this conversation, though one sided, is that Limited Too is having a Buy One Get One Free Webkinz sale!

I decided to poke around and see what kind of coupons and freebies I could find in the food department. So, here's a $1.00 off printable coupon for SmartOnes frozen dinners. I have a $1.00 off printable coupon for Organic Sensible Sippers juice. I just filled out the application to host a Hershey Bliss party! YUMMY! You can also sign up for a free coupon ($4.50 value) of Coffee Mate. I love that stuff. The vanilla cinnamon is downright evil. Check every day for a limited supply of Honey Bunches of Oats. Sign up for Qdoba email club and they'll send you a free coupon for chips and salsa. Vamanos! Need energy to sign up for all of these freebies? Get a free sample of LiftOff, a new energy drink that enhances the mind. Remember how I once said that any day is a good day for cake? Sign up at Cake Mate and get a birthday surprise! Make sure that you click on the tab in the middle that says "Join Now" and then choose the Birthday Club.

Well, this was all an unexpected pleasure! Plenty to keep you all very busy..and your mailman, too. I tip my mailman during the holidays and leave him a bottle of cold water in the summer. It's the least I can do. He brings me tons of free things daily and he is a good sport about it. He always laughs at me when he has to drive up the driveway because it's too much stuff to fit into my mailbox. Hats off to our mailman for making it all possible. I'd also like to wish you all a very Happy Easter! May you find all of the chocolate eggs! Until next time....Happy Saving!

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Scary, isn't it? I'm glad to be back. I miss finding freebies and coupons and discounts for you. It was quite the long week. Seems as though the flu is running rampant through my house. I haven't caught it yet but I'm pretty sure it's because I locked the kids up in the shed.  Don't panic, I remembered to feed them just the other day. They weren't hungry though..poor things..just a bit cold. I hate being sick. I don't have time to be sick. When my husband is sick everyone knows it. Through the house you can hear "Honeyyyyyyyyy ::insert whining tone here:: have you seen the remote? My juice? Is it hot or is it just meeeeeeee?" Now, when I have the downright gall and audacity to get sick, I hear "Hey, honey?  Just a quick sec, sorry to wake you, where do we keep the juice boxes? Nick's backpack? Where's the dishwasher?" Such is the life of a wife and Mom. Let's move on to our freebies....

Well, we'll start with food..as usual. Chips are part of the great American diet. I love 'em all. I have tried the Flat Earth fruit crisps and the veggie crisps. Personal opinion, fruit is better. That is a printable coupon for a free full sized bag. Enjoy. Do a real quick survey for J&J Snack Foods and get a free gift. I did the survey, can't wait to find out what the gift is. The also send great coupons for Italian Ice. For those of you that are still doing the healthy thing..congrats! Here's a coupon for free Yoplait Kids Yogurt. Truth be told, my kids love that! I am also a huge fan of Betty Crocker products. It even sounds warm and fuzzy. I love my comfort foods. Sign up for a huge list of printable coupons! Want more samples? Me too! here is one for Betty Crocker's Chocolate Turtle Chex Mix, some free taco seasoning and recipes and a  Hamburger Helper sample.

We can't forget the kids and freebies for them! How about a free 1 year subscription to Disney's Family Fun Magazine? Sign up for the email notifications at Party City and get your free subscription! My kids love Star Wars. Take a very brief survey and get a free Star Wars Miniature as a gift! We have a Cooking with Kids free cookbook. Join Clowndergarten and get tons of cool freebies for the kids. Includes an award and stickers!

Moving on to health and beauty! Sign up here for a free Schick Titanium Quattro razor. How about a free sample of L'Oreal Skin Genesis. We also have a free sample of Dove Pro-Age. Ever have a nagging headache? I get them frequently from eye strain. Here's a free sample of Advil LiquiGel Pain Reliever AND you get a $2.00 off printable coupon! We also have a Dove Love Your Hair free sample. How about a Dove Cream Oil Body Lotion? I actually use this lotion and it's fantastic!

Well, phew, that looks like about it for today. That's some really great freebies and coupons for you. OH wait. Don't go just yet. One thing that always had me hesitate when signing up for things is the tediousness of having to continuously  fill in my name, address, etc. So, what I did was sign up for the FREE version of Roboform. It saves all of your passwords and fills in all forms with your information in only one click! NOW I think I'm done for the day. I'll be back soon..much sooner than I was this time. Until then...Happy Saving!

I'm back with some freebies, samples and coupons..You missed me, didn't you? I know you did..it's okay, you can admit it..my blog can be your secret guilty pleasure. Kind of like my secret passion for flavored Tootsie Rolls. I love those things..anyhow..let's get on to some rockin' savings!

We'll start with coupons. Here's a bunch from Baker's Square for free pie! Delish. Just print it out and you're good to go. Someone let me know how it is, we don't have that around here. Bummer, I'm always up for free pie. We do have an Auntie Anne's and that's great news since they're giving away a free pretzel, no strings attached! If you spend money at Office Depot then you can use this coupon for $5 any purchase over $25. I'm not a big fan of Target, I rarely shop there. However, I just found some great printable coupons for their store. Definitely check it out. I don't shop in bulk because I tend to forget what I bought, it goes bad or I don't like it by the time I get to it. I do love shopping at BJ's though. They have some really great deals. You should print out this free one day shopping pass and see what they have to offer.

I love to read..I am a voracious reader. I love Borders. Here is a 20% off coupon for you! I also love to take the kids to Build-A-Bear. Have you seen their prices? I think they build 'em with solid gold. So, here's a $5 off $25 purchase. That's as good as gold. If you like Carter's and you sign up for their site you get a 20% off coupon good for one item. Sweet! After we build our bear we head on over to Baskin Robbins for a hot fudge sundae. Coupon is good for buy one get one FREE..YUMMY! So, if the kids were good we can go hit KB Toys. If you sign up here you get a $5 coupon. If you're tired from spending the day with the kids you should stop and grab dinner. My first choice for fast food is KFC. I heart KFC. Put your zip code in and it will give you all available printable coupons in your area. Join the T.G.I. Friday's online club and get a printable coupon for a free appetizer. I love appetizers, too. Ok, a few more food printable coupons for you. I can't help myself, I am SO hungry now. Coldstone Creamery is buy one get one free when you join their email club. Free ice cream is just..dreamy. Little Caeser's has a coupon for a combo for $1.99 when you sign up and buy a pizza. Ok, I gotta get out of the food section, there's nothing to munch on here and I'm going to eat my monitor. Let's talk cars.

Here are some printable coupons for Goodyear Tires. It's a $10 off coupon for any service over $100. I personally don't like Goodyear, got lousy service once, but savings are savings.  Midas has a printable $10 off any $50 service. Or you can take advantage of $5 off an oil change.

Valentine's Day is coming so around here that means...Picture Time! Yes, it's that time of year where we dress up the lil darlins and pretend that they are normal and well-behaved kids. We send the pictures to Grandma and she thinks they're the sweetest kids in the world. Poor, misguided Grandma. Sears has a free wall portrait or a sheet of wallet photos for $2.99 with coupon. There's also JC Penney. Sign up here and get portrait coupons. If you want to suprise your honey with a photo of you, head on over to Glamour Shots. Sign up online for the appointment and get a free $175 package. The words Kerry and Glamour just don't go together. They don't even sound good in the same sentence. Hope you can use it though! I love Picture People! Here is a Valentine's special. Free 8x10 or 11x13.  Big savings!

Quick Brylane Home update: Use code BKSET and receive a free 10 piece salad set with ANY purchase. I ordered something and it's so summery and pretty. Well worth the cost..oh wait, it was FREE. Definitely worth the cost! I'll throw some free samples in, too. I love free samples. Here's a free sample of Caramel Fiber One cereal. Just sign up. If you sign up here you get a free floater keychain. The price is right. Free kids show dvd from Mom's World. I got this freebie and it's awesome! It's a free laptop or tower skin from HP. I am a big fan of HP products so this was a particularly great score for me.

So, again, we've had a ball and found some super savings! I certainly hope this is beneficial for all of you. I thought my vacation blog was boooorrrring. I mean, yeah, we saved money, but it doesn't come in the mailbox every day like our samples and coupons! I will post again this week and keep you all up to speed. Or feel free to call me at 242242! Until then...Happy Saving!

One of the fastest ways to watch your money become separated from you is to plan a family vacation. They love to take advantage of the one week a year we don't work and make it as costly as possible. In our infinite wisdom, my husband and I have decided to take the children to Disney World this year. I'm going to plan out my entire vacation in my blog so that you can save as much as I will save and have access to my resources also. What makes a vacation great is spending uninterrupted time with your family, what makes it even more fantastic than that is not going into debt to do it! So, as I always say, my way isn't for everyone. Some people like to contact a travel agent, give them the dates that they're looking to vacation on, and sign off with a credit card. I actually prefer to do my own planning because I know I can do this cheaper than a travel agent. I'm going to do it in two parts though (ohhhhh, a series!) because after awhile, your brain turns to mush. So today I'll cover transportation and lodging. I know our ChaCha guides write a blog for Disney also so you should most definitely check those out, too!

One of the best ways to save money on vacations is pick a time when you're are flexible on dates. I am self-employed so it's nothing for me to change my travel plans by a day or so in either direction in order to get a better rate. Do not try to go during a school vacation, it's twice as expensive and it's beyond crowded...Ok, let's get down to planning this vacation. All prices are going to be based on 2 adults and 2 demons..lol!

Transportation is the most expensive part of any trip. I have my choice of plane, train, bus or automobile. Ok, we're not even going to attempt automobiles. One of my deep, dark secrets is that though I own 6 taxi companies, I get violently car sick after half an hour. How's that for your daily dose of irony?

Greyhound:  For all 4 tickets round trip it is $632 and that is with a 7 day advance purchase. Not a horrifying price but the length of travel time is 1 Day, 7 Hours & 5 Minutes. I'm thinking that being trapped on a bus with 2 small kids for that length of time would make me wish I were dead.

Amtrak:  Ok, with the exact same info as used above, I got a price of $843! Now, to me, that's kind of steep. It does offer more amenities than the bus. Travel time is 1 Day, 3 Hours, 40 Minutes. It offers a dining car and more space than the bus but again, I think we can definitely do better for our money.

Skybus:  I absolutely LOVE this site. It has limited routes and I happen to live near one of them. They have fares as low as $20 per person round trip based on availability! Let's see what they can offer me. Ok, for 4 round trip tickets it will cost me $748...not bad but still...I know I can do better. They're definitely on my list of possibilities though. Total travel time: 2 Hours, 21 Minutes. That alone is worth the money!

SpiritAir: The ultimate in deals. Every so often they will offer fares for a nickel per person. I once bought us 4 tickets to go to Myrtle Beach for a needed weekend getaway for less than $40! And they don't disappoint! WOW..$664 for 4 round trip tickets from Boston to Orlando. Can't beat that..and, I found an online coupon for a free upgrade to their version of first class. We have a winner! It may not be the "best" price but it's the most practical. I spend $20 more but arrive 24 hours earlier. Yep, a definite plus.

On to hotels. Now, I'm not picky about a hotel. It has to be clean and since it's Florida, must have a pool. I don't care too much about amenities here because on vacation you'll spend relatively little time in your hotel room.

Radisson Worldgate Resort and Convention Center: It's a 4 star hotel. It has 2 swimming pools (YAY!), a refrigerator in my room, FREE shuttle service to Disney (which is only 11 blocks away), Starbucks in the lobby and a fitness center. All of this for $65 per night! WOW..not bad at all. I wonder if I'll find something comparable at a better price.

Country Inns & Suites:  Nice. They offer free breakfast as an amenity. They have a pool and a gift store. Nothing about free shuttle service though. The rate is $83.66 per night. Not so great, although the free breakfast is kind of a hook. Where else can you get breakfast for 4 people for $19? That's the price difference between here and the Radisson. I'm not convinced though.

Mike Ditka Runaway Beach Club Resort:  This is a different twist on a hotel stay. You can get a 1 bedroom suite with a full kitchen for $99 per night. Now, that may seem high, but ultimately, it will save you a ton of money. I'm no stranger to cooking. I have picky kids and eating in restaurants isn't that much fun. I'd rather grab a box of Eggo Waffles and a dozen eggs for breakfast than to go sit in a restaurant with the kids. Dinners could be done much more cheaply also. The amenities are incredible. Free shuttle, pool, fitness center (like I need to care about THAT), a sun deck overlooking a man made lagoon. How incredible does that sound? I think that's what I'm going to choose. I get free transportation, a DVD player in our room (great for small kids), a lagoon, a full kitchen, all for $99/night.

Knights Inn Escape: This truly fits the bill for frugal! It has a free continental breakfast, free shuttle, mini-fridge and they offer mini-suites for additional fee. The price blows me away..literally! Off-season is $32.95/day and regular season is $39.95/day. This may actually be the best deal out there. They offer a weekly rate of $199. I can't stay in my own house for $199/week. My mortgage is triple that every week. So, what I'd save at the Runaway Hotel with a full kitchen, I'd probably save just as much, if not more, at this hotel. Now I'm on the fence. I'm seriously going to have to sit down and figure out what I would spend on meals and see what my savings would be.

Ok, that's enough for today. I'll let you know what I've decided on my hotel in my next post..which won't be far behind this one. Must keep your interest! I'm off to the casino tomorrow, with enough luck, I can buy Disney! Until then...Happy Saving.

Welcome back, my Frugal Friends! Have you been doing the right thing and saving money? I've been trying oh so hard to pinch my pennies. Every penny I save can go right into the piggybank. I did a little bit of online scouring and found a bunch of free samples to share with you.

Let's start with a free Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Kit. Just sign up and they'll send you valuable info. You can never be too careful and a heart attack can strike even the healthiest of people. Warning signs are different for everyone, so read up about it!

In the Health and Beauty section I came across a free sample of Eucerin Calming Cream . I am a huge fan of Eucerin products. I live in the Northeast and we have very dry weather. The Eucerin keeps my skin from cracking. What else, what else? Remember I said that I haven't had to buy shampoo or deodorant or toothpaste for a  year? Well, here's why. Stop in here to get your free sample of Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner. I love their new scent. If you don't have dandruff (does anyone ever admit that?) then you can sign up here for the Dove Hair Care sample. I never got into that whole "Beckham fever" that took over when they moved here to the US. I do, however, love free perfume samples. I put them near the heat vents in my car and voila, free air fresheners. So, I signed up to try intimately Beckham. I also stopped in at House of Gosh for some more free perfume samples. Gotta love those freebies.



As always, food. My favorite. I found a free sample of Meyenberg Goat Milk. I am not lactose intolerant so I haven't ordered this. It looks pretty straight-forward though. Besides, it's healthy. Not exactly up MY alley. I also found a free sample of South Beach Granola Clusters from Wal-Mart. I also found a free sample of NutraSweet. Not for me, I'm a sugarholic, as if you didn't know.

I love cookbooks. I kind of collect them and they're sort of a running joke around  here. Whenever I need a recipe I go right online..lol. I just cruise right by the shelves that are stuffed with cookbooks. I found the Gooseberry Patch Raisin and Dried Fruit cookbook. For free. Super-Savings! I also found a free downloadable eCookbook from Nancy's Kitchen here online. For you healthy people, a free downloadable cookbook from Vitalita chock full of vegan dishes and desserts.


I have savings and coupons and freebies for every member of our household today. Even our loyal fur friends. Let Fluffy try a sample of Dine With Your Canine. You can also sign up here to get a free sample of Flint River Ranch Pet Food. There's also a free sample of 
Cyberdog food available! If Fido's been a good doggy (aren't they always?), then he deserves a treat! Let him try a free sample of Yappy Treats. Go Fido, Go Fido, Go, Go, Go! Let's face it, our pets are like children to us, so we want to make sure that they too are getting the best that they can get. Of course, if we can get it discounted, even better. Fido's worth full price but why pay it if you don't have too?

OH, here's something to add to your free services list. If you have a question that you need answered and don't have the time to find your own answer, grab your cell phone and text 242242. That will bring  you to a live textChaCha Guide who will answer your questions FREE OF CHARGE..um, hellllooooo...free. The free trial period is for a limited time but enjoy it! I am having a blast with it! Until next time..Happy Saving!

I spent all day thinking about this. How to live the "simple" life. There's nothing wrong with the simple life. We all get so caught up in being able to afford the most expensive toys that we forget to enjoy the toys. By the time we remember, it's too late. I came up with some tips to share on how to simplify our lives and save some money in the meantime. I always said my husband should have been an adult in the 1950s. He's so old fashioned. Doesn't think his wife should work, women shouldn't swear, and I should never contemplate getting a tattoo. I guess my point to that statement is that he thinks that back then, life was much more simple. I agree with him.

Remember when I said I needed to cut out the premium channels in my cable package to save some money? I thought about this all day and realized that I need to cancel my cable package altogether. Just call up and tell them "No, thank you." I'm going to invest in some board games for me and the kids. Too many Americans spend too much time in front of the tv. I rarely watch television and the kids could do without it. Just say goodbye to it and don't look back. Don't panic, you'll still have basic cable if you have a cable ready tv, but you won't have to go crazy with a $190 a month bill for channels you never watch. Invest in a VCR or DVD player and sign up for Netflix. I was spending $2.99 to rent movies from Comcast's On Demand service. At Netflix, movies are $1 each and they deliver them to your home with no shipping charges. That's a 200% savings right there.

Which brings me to family vacations. The last family vacation I went on is a blur. 3 or 4 days in Maine which was such a nightmare I think my subconscious has blocked out, to spare me more pain. The kids were 2 and 3, Maine broke a record that week for rainfall, and we stayed in our log cabin (pictured) in a town in the middle of nowhere. The closest hospital was 60 miles away. I'm from just north of Boston..NOTHING is 60 miles away. Buying that log cabin was not one of my smarter purchases. Either way, sometimes we don't truly "see" what is right in front of us. I was born in the first city in the United States to use water power. Lived here all of my life. Last year was the first time I ever took one of the free tours they offer. We took a boat down the Merrimack River, walked around inside of mills that are hundreds of years old, rode the trolley, and truly experienced history. The tours are offered by the National Park Service and are free of charge! Sometimes we don't see the beauty and history that's right under our noses. Check with the Travel and Tourism department in your state and see what hidden gems it has to offer. I just read that in Dillsburg, PA on New Year's Eve, instead of dropping a ball, they drop a huge dill pickle. I'd drive to see that. I don't need a plane ticket or a rental car or a limo to the airport if I'm staying in relatively close proximity to my home. All I need is my car and a hotel room. Huge savings. We all dream of these really exotic vacations..we daydream about Paris and Italy and Rome and Switzerland and the Caribbean and Aruba. What we don't daydream about is Mass and NH and ME and VT and NY. Which is a shame..because there's just so much here to see and do.

Family entertainment is no longer cheap..unless you're doing it right! I am a huge Red Sox fan (don't hate me, now). To take my small family of 4 to a game it would cost me about $300 between tickets, parking, food and souvenirs. Instead, look for things to do with your kids that are free or discounted. Boston Children's Museum is just an amazing place to take your kids. The regular price is $10 for adults and $8 for kids. It would cost me $36 for admission for us to take the kids there. On Friday nights I found out that it is $1 admission for everyone after 5pm. Now, we go on Friday nights. Nothing is different, you don't miss out on things because it's Friday night, you just save a lot of money. On Thursdays at the local library they have story hour. The kids love it and it's free. We have a Quilt Museum that has shows and exhibits and it is all free of charge. You just need to do a little bit of research on what you have near to you that you'd enjoy exploring. How about some bowling? I signed up with Brunswick Bowling for their newsletter and they send me some great coupons. Free bowling for an hour, highly discounted lane rates, etc. It's so funny to watch my kids learning to bowl. Don't forget library hour, either. Every Thursday at noon our local library has story time and cookie time. The kids all gather around while someone reads them a story and then they socialize and have cookies and punch. It's free. Doesn't cost anything and it's so great to see your kids interacting with other kids. Instead of an expensive meal at a restaurant with your kids, how about planning a picnic? My kids adore that. We have a lot of fun packing our picnic basket with foods we all love and finding a great spot to sit and eat. Sometimes, it's as simple as sitting on the big rock in our backyard. We lay our blanket out, unwrap our food and have a fun lunch. We don't disturb other patrons (a big no-no) and they learn how to help make their own lunch. Doing fun things doesn't have to cost anything. You can take half a loaf of bread (cost of about .50 cents) and go to your local pond or lake and feed the ducks. Saving money isn't about sitting in your home with the lights and heat off while you remember the "good ole days" of when you spent a quarter on a bag of chips. Being frugal just means being aware of where your money is going and how well you are spending it!

One quick tip on how to save on your electricity bill is laundry. Probably the chore I dread the most. I do love the smell of clothes that were hung out to dry. When we moved into our new house a couple of years ago, our "old" washer and dryer didn't have the newly required 5 prong plug. Instead of having my brother put a new plug on, my husband surprised me (Oh yes, yes he did) with a new front loading washer and dryer. I want to get as much mileage out of this as I can since he doesn't shop on sale and I almost fainted when I saw the price. So, during the spring and summer months I hang most of our clothes out to dry on a clothesline. Some of my best memories are helping my Nana hang out her clothes on the line with the basket and the clothespins. No one in my neighborhood hangs their clothes out..lol. I always make a remark like "Oh look honey, it's that nice young Boure couple hanging out their clothes. How passe." I save money on my electricity bill, it doesn't heat up my house in the summer making the a/c work harder and I'll get more life out of my dryer.

Thanks for all of the support and great comments you all leave! They are truly appreciated. Until next time....Happy Saving!

Happy 2008 my frugal friends!

     As the New Year approaches, why not make some changes for  you and your family that will result in saving  serious money?                                                   

     Now most people cringe when you mention living on a budget. It can be tough, it takes discipline and you have to be willing to commit to the change. But there are some simple money saving techniques that you can use and still enjoy your life. You can save money, be thrifty and still have fun! You don’t have to give up on restaurants and eating out. You don’t have to give up on movies, travel, fun and other forms of entertainment. You just have to do it the right way, you can eat cheap, travel cheap and most of all still enjoy your life! Now then… let’s save some CASH!         

 

Coupon Offers

 

Your biggest resource is at your very fingertips, your computer. The internet has made it possible to research 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether or not you like to shop, you still have to, so get the best discounts before you do.

 

If you shop online, make sure you have a coupon code to enter at the end of your order  for a discount and check for  FREE shipping codes.

Never pay for shipping unless you absolutely have to. If you have to buy a minimum amount it pays for you to do so, rather than pay for shipping.

 

These are a few websites for coupon codes.

Simply look up the name of the store to see all current discount offers.

www.couponmountain.com

www.couponheaven.com                                     

www.keycode.com

 

     If you shop in a store make sure you have a printed coupon that you either got in the mail, or printed from the store’s website or the links above. Think of the stores that you regularly visit. Sign up on their websites with your email address. You will get advanced notice of sales, and exclusive money saving coupons that do not go out to the public.

     I have two favorite food groups. The first is chocolate and the other is "free." I spend a lot of time online searching for things and I invariably come across lots of free things that I can use. Companies love to send you their product to try it out so that you will then become one of their habitual consumers.

     So, I read a couple of newspapers online every day. I would have them delivered  to my house but the last time I did that I spent more time routing around the trash cans and snow banks trying to find my paper than I did reading my paper. One that I read on a fairly regular basis is The New York Times. Right now they're offering a free 3 month subscription. Use code NYTE-XYZ4 to redeem this offer. Restrictions apply.

     I love free food. Oh, who am I kidding? I love food. Buffets are pretty cool, too. We don't have too many around here but when I go to Foxwoods Resort and Casino I always take advantage of their buffet meal. There used to be an Old Country Buffet  around here, but it's gone. Either way, click that link and it will take you to a sign up page. Sign up for their email list and they'll send you a coupon for a free buffet meal. Sounds like a great deal to me....Free AND all I can eat? I'm so there.

     I found that I love free samples. I haven't had to buy toothpaste or deodorant for over a year. I'm not picky about what kind I use, I'm not brand loyal, and I have enough free samples to last for quite awhile. So, today I found some free Clean and Clear Morning Burst Facial Scrub. I signed up for it. There's nothing like pampering yourself at home for 100% free.

     We should all be eating more healthy. That's always one of my New Year's       Resolutions. Of course, I tend to make this promise to myself as I am chomping on Chinese food, watching the ball drop in Times Square, and chasing it with a slab of chocolate lava cake. Here's a free sample of Fiber One cereal. If that's not appealing to you, maybe you'd like the free introduction kit to the South Beach Diet.

     I love to play Texas Hold 'Em. I'm actually a very good player. I  rarely give myself away and lots of people underestimate how well a woman can play. I found a link for a free set of playing cards. You have to take a brief survey, but hey, it's free! I did it, in case you're wondering. You can never have enough cards when you're trying to teach the kids the wonders of Go Fish.

     In order to play cards well, you need stamina. If you don't have stamina, you need coffee. Sign up for the Folger's Coffee club and they send you a whole bunch of samples in a multitude of flavors. It is SO good! Perhaps you're not a Folger's person and you're a Nescafe lover. Head on over there and sign up for their free sample. If you're already a die hard fan and buy their product, you can print out this coupon and save some extra money!




     Well, that's about it for today. I'm sure there are many more steals and deals and coupons out there. After Christmas Day I'm sure we'll be able to find a great amount of freebies, coupons and tips. It's like my own little personal mission. I almost never pay full price. I just can't bring myself to do it..and now you won't have too either! Until next time...Happy Saving!

     Ok, so the title isn't very unique..but it's true. I never did the coupon thing. I found that I was buying more stuff at the store or online than I would typically because now I had a coupon. I'm sure you recall an earlier post about me finding out that shopping online is so much FUN..and I have found that I save a decent chunk of change because these retailers want me to buy online, so they offer us discounts.

     I have this "thing" about household items. I tend to over shop and buy everything that I want. I'm a total impulse shopper and I work hard to curb it. I wanted new bedspreads last month and went shopping. I hit Kohl's and Wal-Mart and didn't find what I really wanted. So, I happen to open up my email that day (like I don't check it 500 times a day) and there was an ad for 40% off. Hmmm, 40% off of WHAT, may I ask? So, I open it. I have found my new home away from home. You have simply GOT to check this site out. It's called Brylane Home  and they are always offering a coupon. Right now they have FREE (ding ding ding) FREE Express Shipping, 25%-60% off of regularly priced items, and the quality is really decent. I bought a new bedspread that is usually $89 and with the coupons and sales, I got it for $14.99 with FREE shipping. This is something that you just don't want to miss. They have bedding, kitchen items, and lots of really neat things. I've now placed 5 orders with them and they send me their catalogs and even MORE coupons!

     Lots of people don't know what to get their tweens or teens. Most of that generation owns an iPod of some type. When I made my first pay at ChaCha.com the first thing I bought myself was a video iPod. Oh, don't panic, I certainly didn't pay full price. I hit the Apple Store  and checked out their certified and refurbished section. I got my iPod, that is regularly $399 (at the time) for $173.99 plus free shipping! Right now they're running a sale on selected iPods with $100 off. Some people are leery about pre-owned. Let me tell YOU, it was like brand new. It's now over 1 year old, and runs like I paid full price. Then I needed accessories. Of course, right? Well, I found this great site that sells iPod accessories and they're always running an online sale with a coupon. I signed up for their email and they sent me a sweet pink skin for my video iPod...for free. Right now they're offering 40% off of every single item in stock. So, I totally recommend you hit the iFrogz store! Great gift ideas for people that own an iPod. Matter of fact, I think I could use a new skin for mine.

     There are so many people that I never know what to buy for them. They have "everything" or they want "nothing." I found this deal and thought I'd pass it along. It's a wine club. You buy 6 bottles at $4.99/each and you get 6 bottles free. You DO have to pay for shipping (usually a no-no in my book) but with your order they are offering a free Vintner's Reserve Opener with Table Stand (value $135!!), free tasting notes and binder. You MUST remember to cancel after your first order though or they will continue to send you a case of wine every 3 months. So, for around $70 you get a case of wine and a $135 free gift. Head on over to 4 Seasons to take advantage of this offer. If holidays are particularly painful with your in-laws, get them wine. You may have to spend time with them, but you'll be too drunk to care.

     I already posted about Restaurant.com but I wanted to update! They're now offering $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $4 each! Can't beat that with a stick. Take advantage while you can. 

      I love to buy clothes. I have zero taste but I love to buy them anyhow. I usually look like the Partridge Family bus threw up on me, but I love bright colors. Come On, Get Happy! So, I found this online close-out catalog. Right now they're offering a 25% off coupon, free upgrade to express shipping, and fantabulous prices. Women's Apparel prices start at $1.99! So, check out CCO for some great money saving clothing. Uh, you may not want to tell them I sent you, I'm not exactly the poster child for "well put together" clothing!

     Do you like to give flowers? I do. Especially in the cold and dreary weather. There's nothing more spirit lifting than someone knocking on your door and saying "These are for you" and they're just gorgeous flowers. They brighten my day just to see them...I wish my husband would read this blog...I digress. Florist.com has an online coupon for 15 stunning tulips, with FREE vase, that are usually $45.99. Even at $45.99 I'd buy them. They're so pretty. Oh, their sale price? Hurry over there now and get everything for $19.99. You save more than 50%. Don't they just LOOK cheery? They also have a dozen red and white roses, free vase (do you say vAse or vahz? I'm a vAs person) and Godiva chocolates for $29.99, marked down from $48.99. Did I mention that I wish my husband read my blog?

 

     Well, those are my deals of the day. If I gave them all to you today you wouldn't have a reason to head back over here to visit me, now would you? I hope that these offers come in handy for some of you. Quite honestly, I've purchased from every single one of these retailers (except for wine) and been quite satisfied. I love all of your comments. I saw that the AOL Penny Pinching Board weighed in! Nice to see you here. Come more often. To answer the question in my comments about the photographer and videographer. NEVER skimp on the videographer. Pay full price. Pay double. Whatever it takes. Did I get those pre-wedding candids and photos? Alas, I did not. My way isn't for everyone. Now that I've been married almost 7 years (and he doesn't read my blog?), I find that the memories in my head are more important to me than any material thing I can reach out and touch. Maybe I will post some of my own wedding photos at a later time...My advice for the day? Don't be skimpy, be savvy! Until next time...Happy Saving! 

I don't like to eat out. It has nothing to do with the cost, but at this stage of my life, I don't care to be served my meal by a mouse that is singing songs in a style that Weird Al Yankovic would be proud of. It's just not good for the digestion.

One of my favorite sites is Restaurant.com. Right now they are offering $25 gift certificates for $10. That's a huge savings. It is so great. You buy them online and then print them out right from your computer. The best part is that they're also offering a $20 off coupon for Dale and Thomas. For those that don't know, Dale and Thomas is gourmet popcorn. It's a little on the pricey side but it is fabulous. Dale and Thomas are also offering 20% off which sweetens the deal. I have bought Dale and Thomas' for myself and as gifts. They have some really nice holiday tins on sale now, also.

Another way to save money on dining out is to invest in the 2008 Entertainment Book . The book retails for approximately $47. I found this site that is offering a $10 off coupon and free shipping if you order by December 31st, 2007. The book has coupons for Buy 1 Get 1 Free, 50% off coupons for casual and fine dining, sports events, shows, hotels, etc. They claim to have $10,000 worth of coupons inside. The best thing about this site is that they say that if you receive the book and you aren't satisfied with the caliber of coupons, they will refund your money.

Another great way to save money and get discounts and free items is to go directly to a restaurant's website and sign up for their online newsletter. I have two favorites. My first favorite is the Insider's Club at Pizzeria Uno. They send me online coupons for free appetizers, free pizzas and invitations to private parties. I als