Shopping with Julie - Dollar Tree

Sorry for the sideways picture.  Just tilt your head to the left and you should be fine!

Anyways, this is my trip to the wonderful store known as Dollar Tree.  I'm on a very tight $50 budget for the groceries this week.

  DD is a wonderful little cook. helper, crafter, etc.  I honestly think she will be the next Martha Stewart. I've been checking out all kinds of recipe books from the library for sloe cookers, less fat - blah, blah, blah.  I have been a Hungry Girl fan forever. She has these yummy, but diet friendly, recipes (check her out!) I found some recipes that I want DD and me to try out.  Hence, the not quite so normal ingredients.

Here's my totals:

A box of Oat & Honey Granola Bars (for my hunny)
Garlic Bread (for tonight's dinner)
Chocolate Syrup(actually chocolate flavored it says)
2 Boxes of Dark Chocolate Raisinets (for recipes)
Bag of Honey Smack type cereal (also for a recipe)

Total: $6.60 with tax.  Sounds good to me!

20 Extra Swag Bucks + 100 for Signing Up

2 Easy Ways to Earn 20 Swag Bucks   Easily!


     *  Add a picture to your profile = 15 more Bucks
     *“Like” Swagbucks on Facebook = 5 more Bucks

See yesterday's post about how to get 100 Swag Bucks for signing up.

50% Off at Pac Sun, FREE Shipping, + 5% Cash Back

Borrowed from Hip2Save.com


Currently, Pac Sun is having a 50% Off Clearance Sale and offering up some great bargains on their already reduced merchandise (discount applied automatically at checkout)!  Even sweeter, today is Free Shipping Friday which means that every order ships FREE!  I spotted this Essential Double Scoop Cami in the Sale section marked down to only $4.99 (reg. $12.50), so only $2.49 shipped after the 50% discount!




I also spotted these cute O’Neill Patricia Sandals in the Sale section marked down to $14.99 (reg. $32.50), so only $7.49 shipped!  Not too shabby!  There are a lot of items on sale, so be sure to look around and come back and let us know what you score!

Go through Ebates to get 5% cash back!

AVON Clearance on Christmas Items - Order Quick!

My beloved AVON has 39 items in their Christmas Clearance.  Items range from $1.49 to $69.00. Here's a few of my faves: 

SAVE 25% While Supplies

Holiday Bath Time Body Paint   

SAVE 60% While Supplies Last

3-Piece Enchanted Holiday Nailwear Collection

Reg. $9.99

Sale $3.99

Reg. $1.99

Sale $1.49

SAVE 40% While Supplies Last

mark Juicy Details Lemon Sugar Gift Set

Reg. $9.99

Sale $5.99

Click on the widget below to browse or my web page http://julieking.avonrepresentative.com/

Also like my page on Facebook for updates on specials, promos, and giveaways.  Coming soon!
                                          Facebook

P.S.  I don't know why my typing became so tiny during the middle of this post.  Hmmm?

90% Off Gardening Supplies at Big Lots

According to Birmingham Bargain Mom,  Big Lots has their summer garden and patio items marked down to 90% right now.  I went last week and the mark downs were at 75%.  Wish I had a little extra money.  Going to start organic garden #3 and hopes it will be successful for once!

How to Use Freecycle

I signed up for Freecycle about six months ago when a dear friend told me about it. Below is an article from The Krazy Coupon Lady



Freecycle: A Fast Way to Free Stuff

May you receive many free items! 

Wise Advice From One of America's Top Moms: Michelle Duggar

I absolutely love 19 Kids and Counting.  The Duggar Family is such an inspiration to myself and millions of others.  Below is an article she wrote for TLC's Parentables:



Parentables.howstuffworks.com

You can buy their latest book, A Love That Multiplies or their first book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America's Largest Families--How they Do It from Amazon.com.  Click on one of the Amazon banners on the right side of this page to order.  I've read both and they are very inspirational.

New Swagbuck Members get 100 Swagbucks For Signing Up Today

     One of my favorite ways to earn a little money, Swag Bucks, is awarding new Swag Bucks members with the normal 30 Swag Bucks plus you can use the code: BIGTIMEBUCKS to get an additional Swag Bucks.

     As I've mentioned before, Swag Bucks is a great, easy way to earn gift cards or prizes.  I'm saving mine to use towards Christmas!
     To sign up, click one of the links or the button on the right side and click on Sign Up.

Happy Searching!

Extreme Couponing Done Right

Borrowed from: A Few Short Cuts

When it comes to couponing there is a right way and a wrong way to save money.  While grand expectations are painted on the television.  Things are not always what they appear.  Like many things, the T.V. exaggerates reality.  Couponing is a great way to save your family money in this economy, but it isn’t in this extreme fashion that we all benefit.  Here are some tips to “Extreme Coupon” the right way.

• Match Coupons with Store sales- This is the key to maximizing your savings. If Dole Salad is on sale for $0.99 and you have a $0.75 Coupon. It makes that just $0.24!

• Look for coupons- Coupons are everywhere. In your Sunday paper, store circular, store shelves, packaging, online and more.  Keep your eyes out for savings.

• Buy Multiple Papers- If one $0.75 off coupon gets you a $0.24 bag of salad.  Two coupons would get you two bags.  The rule of thumb is one paper for each person in your household.  Obviously on a bad coupon week you would not buy 5 papers.

• DO NOT Clear shelves- Do not clear shelves.  Just because you have 10 coupons for toothpaste that makes it free does not mean you need to purchase every tube the store has.  Leave some for others, or special order large amounts with the store manager.

• Be Friendly- Please be considerate of others.  If you have a large pile of coupons warn others behind you in line.  Be friendly to the cashier and please be patient.  Bad attitudes are a stereotype of couponers for a reason. Also if you plan to use coupons alot make friends with your store manager.  This helps…trust me!

• Donate- Once you start saving with coupons you will find you have more than your family can use. Please donate extra items to local churches, and food pantries.  These items can be used by many!

• Share- You are so excited about learning how to save.  Share the knowledge, share your coupons, and share your savings.  I love leaving coupons on the shelves at the grocery store!

90 % Off Restaurant.com Certificates + 15% Cash Back From Ebates

Above, some healthy tips for dining out.  Back to the subject, going through Ebates, you can get 90% off Restaurant.com gift certificates. That means a $25 certificate for $1.00!!  My family and I use these frequently and it's nice to eat at local restaurants for a huge discount.

Also, when you sign up for Ebates, you will receive a $10 gift card to Target, Barnes & Noble, The Home Depot, or Magazines.com.  Another option is $5 deposited in your Ebates account.

Click one of the Ebates links in this post or click on the Ebates button on the right side of this blog under the Christmas tree!!  Hee, hee!

FREE Samples Delivered to Your Inbox Everyday

The greatest couponing magazine ever, ALL YOU, give away free samples and/or coupons delivered to your inbox every single day!  I have gotten some really nice samples from ALL YOU but you have to be quick because sometimes they go quick!

ALL YOU Daily Free Samples

3% Cash Back from Aeropostale through Ebates

Another great Ebates deal.  3% Cash Back at Aeropostale !  They have amazing clearance deals like $9.99 jeans and $5.99 tees.  Stock up now at these great prices!

Happy Shopping.  Also, when you sign up for Ebates, you will receive a $10 gift card to Target, Barnes & Noble, The Home Depot, or Magazines.com.  Another option is $5 deposited in your Ebates account.

FREE Greeting Card & Shipping - 1st 10,000 - Hurry!

Free Greeting Card + FREE Shipping

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Amy Arndt

Here’s a great greeting card freebie that you get to personalize! Use coupon code FBFC929 at the checkout to get a free greeting card and free shipping from The Card Store. You can create a fun Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthday card, the possibilities are endless. First 10,000 only.

Source:  Mommy Saves

FREE Cookie This Saturday 10/1 from 10 AM to 2 PM

October is National Cookie Month (Yay!!!) and National Book Month (Double yay!!). Great American Cookies is celebrating by giving away a FREE cookie when you bring a new or gently used book to participating locations.  Check the link below for more information and locations.


Great American Cookies

Happy Eating!

Possible 6 Inserts in This Sunday's Paper

Just a heads up, it is rumoured there will be 6 coupon inserts in this Sundays paper!!  I hope it contains oodles of good coupons.  Haven't seen any really good coupons in a while.  Curse Extreme Couponing!

FREE Sample of Bee Pollen

My DH has terrible allergies.  Bless his heart, he really suffers this time of year.  I don't know much about the power of Bee Pollen but it is reported to: contain all essential amino acids, Vitamins A, B Complex series C, D, E, K and Rutin, 28 Minerals, and more. Below is a link for a free sample of Bee Pollen.  I hope it helps!


Pollen Power

God Bless You!

FREE Coffee at Krispy Kreme Today!

Today's National Coffee Day.  In honor of this grand occasion, Krispy Kreme is giving away a FREE 12 oz. cup of House Blend Coffee today 9/29.

Happy Dance!!

FREE $2 Amazon MP3 Credit

Get a free $2 Amazon.com from Amazon.com  when you type in coupon code FALLMP3S.

Just click Amazon on the right side of this page and take it from there!

New Blockbuster Codes!

Here’s a new FREE rental code for Blockbuster Express machines. You might want to reserve your movie online so you can test this code to make sure it works for you.

Valid through 9/28:
FERRELL (Valid on Will Ferrell Movies Only.)

Valid through 9/30:
87RMAQ9
36AGSF2
65MMKC7
67JMMF5
43CHAH5
3250BW4
92DWTM3
58HLG9R

Valid through 10/3:
56JMMF4
57MMKC8
29KRFT2
4250BW5
39DWTM4
79ABDP2
97MAYB9

Plus you can also register for Blockbuster Express emails and get a code for a free rental!
Remember these codes are limit 1 per credit card. Movies are due by 9 pm the following day to avoid having to pay an additional $1 to rent the movie another 24 hours.

Source:  Couponing to Disney

Weekly Publix Trip

Here's my totals for today!

Publix Kettle Corn & Butter Popcorn B1G1 Free     -2.19
Kraft Pudding Packs (Chocolate & Vanilla)              -1.98
Publix Skim Milk                                                      -3.99
3 Lbs. Gala Apples                                                  -2.99
Sundown Vitamin D                                                 -2.99
2 Chef Boyardee Whole Grain Beefaroni                  -1.49
2 Fage Greek Yogurts                                              -2.50
Armor Lunch Kit                                                      -1.34
2 Pillsbury Simply Biscuits                                         -2.50
2 Pears                                                                     -0.90
Idaho Au Gratin Potatoes                                          -1.34
Hunt's Ketchup                                                         -1.23
2 Snackwell Cereal Bars                                           -2.99
Publix Vanilla Wafers                                                -1.85
4 Apple & Eve 8 pack Juice Boxes                           -10.00

Minus Store Coupons                                               -10.99
Vendor Coupons                                                      -6.98
Special Price Savings                                                -15.06

Grand Total with Tax                                                -25.24

                         SAVINGS $33.03
Yay!!  I'll write a post later telling you why I need some of the different ingredients I bought.

1/2 Price Boots at Target

75% off all over the store!!  Womens, Girls, what's left of the back to school items.  Saw some Green Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner for $1.74.  Would be an amazing deal if there's a coupon somewhere to be found.

Order Now for Weekend Delivery - AVON

Order now for weekend delivery and stock up on Halloween treats!

Publix Deaks starting Wednesday September 28th

Publix - One of my favorite stores.  I love stacking my coupons, buy one get one free deals, using competitor's coupons.  Oh, I could go on and on.  Listed below is a link to Passionate Penny Pincher's website highlighting the best deals starting tomorrow.

Passionate Penny Pincher Mission-Minded-Deals

Happy Shopping!

FREE Movie Rentals

There are a couple of new Blockbuster Express Movie Rental codes. They are:

These codes expire September 23 and are valid on the $1 dvd rentals:

87PGAR9
62KRVF3
65RMAQ7
56AGSF4
43MMKC5
85JMMF7
23CHAH3
64HLG5P

LAS993 -this one expires 9/25


These expire Sept. 26th:
2950BW3
22DWTM9
Source  Mojo Savings

Menu for the Week

Having a menu printed last week really helped me stick to my guns.  I ran my errands today.  Didn't have too many deals so I decided not to post what I got.  Here's what I'm having next week:



Saturday

Chili

Fall is here and it finally feels like it here in Alabama.  It's also football time and nothing goes better with football and cooler temperatures than chili.




Sunday

We always eat out on Sunday after morning and evening services.  Living about 30 minutes from church, it's the most convenient way to eat for us.



Monday

My favorite, Greek Chicken
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans



Tuesday

Lentil Casserole - recipe from The Tightwad Gazette (I highly recommend this book)



Wednesday

Dine out - Headed to church, save time by grabbing something quick




Thursday

My husband's favorite (Ha! Ha!)  Leftovers

ADD, Me?

I had my well awaited doctor's appointment yesterday.  It took almost three hours!  Her diagnosis: ADD.  If you know me, I am very laid back unless I'm stressed out.  It didn't make sense.  Till I read this:

Adults with ADD/ADHD often have difficulty staying focused and attending to daily, mundane tasks. For example, you may be easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds, quickly bounce from one activity to another, or become bored quickly. Symptoms in this category are sometimes overlooked because they are less outwardly disruptive than the ADD/ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity—but they can be every bit as troublesome. The symptoms of inattention and concentration difficulties include:

• “zoning out” without realizing it, even in the middle of a conversation.
• extreme distractibility; wandering attention makes it hard to stay on track.
• difficulty paying attention or focusing, such as when reading or listening to others.
• struggling to complete tasks, even ones that seem simple.
• tendency to overlook details, leading to errors or incomplete work.
• poor listening skills; hard time remembering conversations and following directions.

Source:  http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_adult_symptoms.htm#signs

Then it really made sense.  Notice how one day I'll post 5 entries and then two or three days will go by before I post a snapshot.

Was prescribed Vyvnase. As of right now, my insurance won't cover it because I'm too old (Ha, Ha!).  After a manufacturer's discount, it will still be $80.  80 dollars.  $5 a pill.  Will have to do without for a few days.  I'm just ready for all this to end.  Keep praying, friends.

Your Fairy Godmother

Flylady is my hero!  If you have never heard of her fabulousness, click here and be amazed.
http://flylady.net/

She offers simple ways to get your house clean and organized in little as 15 minutes a day.  Plus it's free!

FREE Pizza!!

Go to Domino's Pizza Facebook page, click on New Artisan Pizza tab on the left of page, and follow the directions.  I just noticed all the free pizzas are gone today but try again tomorrow!  I actually won.  Yay!!

Snapshot #7

Lock Keeper's House - Washington DC

Walmart Deal!

24 pack of Pepsi Products are $6.98 with a $1 peelie on the outside.  Makes it $5.98 or 25 cents a piece!

My Apologies

I haven't been feeling well this week so I apologize for not writing.  I'll update soon.  I promise!

Snapshot #7 Elvis the Cat

New Blockbuster Express Codes

There are nine new Blockbuster Express movie codes available!  Enter the code during checkout at the Blockbuster Express kiosk.  Return your movie by 9 pm the next night to avoid the $1 charge for an additional day.

Expiring 9/23
87PGAR9
62KRVF3
65RMAQ7
56AGSF4
43MMKC5
85JMMF7
23CHAH3
64HLG5P

Expiring 9/25
LAS993

Making $$ with InboxDollars

 
It’s free to create an account with InboxDollars, the free online rewards club where you always earn cash, not confusing points or virtual currency. InboxDollars is a rewards club that lets you earn cash by reading emails, playing free online games, watching videos, and participating in other special offers. InboxDollars has paid out more than $10 million to it’s members since it’s opening in 2000.
Here’s how to start earning with InboxDollars:How Your Readers Can Earn with InboxDollars:

• Create your free InboxDollars account. New members get a $5 bonus when they sign-up.
• Choose among multiple ways to earn cash – fill out simple surveys for leading market research companies, play popular card, arcade, strategy, word and sports games, do web searches with InboxDollars and/or read e-mails.
• After earning $30, you can request your first check. You’ll then become a Gold Member, entitling you to even greater rewards.

Just click the above banner or the one on the left upper side of this blog to start earning today!

Guilt

I seem to be dealing with a lot of guilt lately and the majority of it has to do with how I feel physically.  What do I have to feel guilty about?  The following:

     *I no longer have the energy to clean my childrens room, put away their laundry, make their breakfast or lunches.  Playing games with them or even filling out parent's paperwork is a daunting task.  I feel like the worst mom in the world.  I do not want them to look back at me and think I was always tired and/or selfish.

     *I cannot even make myself stay in touch with my friends.  This makes me incredibly sad because they need me sometimes and I'm just too fatigued to stay in touch.

     *I arranged a date night for me and DH.  I told him I wanted to get out of the house.  It was my choice what to do.  Ate out, made myself walk a lap around Railroad Park, grabbed a Frosty, and came home and watched a movie.  Doesn't sound like much, does it?

     *Most importantly, I don't have the ability to focus on Christ.  I space out during sermons, tell myself I'm too tired to read the Bible but pick up and read The Six Wives of Henry the 8th for 30 minutes.  I also fall asleep during prayer time.

A wise woman told me last night that Moms have to take care of themselves so they can take care of others.  However, why do I feel like I'm being so selfish?

Snapshot #6 (I Think)

I'm in Love....

With Nutella.  Oh my gosh!  The first time I bought it, I ate the whole jar, by myself, at one time. Lack of self control, I know, but it is so good.  Yesterday I bought some more and have shared this time.

Just wanted to confess my love...

What's Cooking?

Got a yummy menu planned for the next 6 days.  Really going to utilize my Crock Pot this week.





TONIGHT

     BLTs (For the rest of my family, BLCs)
     Baked Chips
     Grapes




SATURDAY

Chicken Nachoes





SUNDAY

     Birthday Lunch for My Sister at Mura's!!  Heck yea!

     Out for Dinner




MONDAY

     Oven Fried Chicken
     Green Beans
     Mac & Cheese



TUESDAY

     Crock Pot Lasagna
     Corn
     Salad
     Bread Sticks/ Garlic Bread

WEDNESDAY

     Dine out before church

THURSDAY

     Leftovers


I need to be held accountable that I will make the above recipes!