Getting all my Ducks in a Row: 2009-07-26

Friday, August 7, 2009

Random Thoughts and Blog Hops

I really enjoyed blog roll hopping last week, so I am going to try and do this once a week. I will provide the links to the things and tips that I find.

Thanks to this post I know that Target has Fancy Nancy dress up items....I read these books to my daughter a lot!! I can't wait to get to target for tax free weekend. Maddy's b-day is next saturday...how cute would she look wearing the butterfly crown!!

Thanks Buck Daddy!!

Thanks to Nicole's Nickels I entered to win $100.00 in free groceries...read all about it here!!
Thanks Nicole!!

By the way --
I used the free milk and free chocolate milk coupons today-- got overage!! Which was awesome as we had the whole family in tow. Which means that we spent way more on groceries than if I had been by myself and able to think. As it was - we were the loudest family in a very packed store.

3 really yummy recipes that I am going to try next week...have to get more groceries!! The pineapple cookies look so yummy!!
Thanks eatathomecooks!!

First 200 twitter users receive a free sample of tea here!!
Thanks Tea and Thee!!

I love this blog. I love the way that this blog is written...here is what I do to be frugal. I am going to use the envelope idea. I throw envelopes away that come with bills. NOT ANYMORE!!
Thanks Frugal Makes Sense!!

Free redwood creek moose poster here!!
I got the last one of these...it looks pretty cool...think I am going to frame them for my downstairs living room.
Thanks Madame Deals!!

New Welch's Coupon-- Check out Frugal Girls to get yours!
Thanks Frugal Girls!!

Found out about how to get 2 free packages of pen's from Walgreen's for every paper that I buy!!
Thanks Moms by Heart!!

I really love all the great frugal blogs that are out there!! It really pays to follow them...so if you find a good deal make sure that you sign up to follow them or get e-mail from them!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

EXPIRED!!!

Swag Code Alert...find a widget and check for code!!!

If this helps you find the code...let me know by commenting!!

BUYER BEWARE!!! Update on my Seattle Coffee Direct Offer

The first pic is the new offer-- I clicked on another one to get the 2nd pic's stuff for $2.00...it has not cost me a total of $79.88. I received my first shipment on july 26th...checked my credit card online...already charged for the next shipment. So I called customer service and asked that my account be canceled. They said that a shipment was already on the way. Really 3 days after I ordered the $2.00 offer? They said just send it back for a refund. Which I have done...then yesterday I was checking my credit card again...and there was another charge for another shipment. The day that I canceled they shipped another package of coffee. So I am supposed to send that one back to.

I will keep you posted about whether or not my credit card gets refunded. Be very careful about what offers you do online!!! I think that it was very sneaky of them to ship the 2nd batch 3 short days after I signed up for the banner offer...beyond belief for them to send out another package the day that I canceled!!!!

Kashi Connect

Click on pic above to sign up!!

Got an e-mail this morning asking me to update my address on Kashi connect...looks like they are getting ready to send some stuff out...get yourself signed up!! I love these programs....got free product coupon and coupons to hand out to friends from Vocalpoint (free rice Krispies) and Pssst(free yogurt) this week!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

My $7.00 back from Wal-mart...making my Healthy Choice meals 4/$1.00
Enough Said.

So I got all this for a total of $3.00!!

I used the Vocalpoint coupon for a free Rice Krispies,
2 $2.00 Healthy Choice,
and 2 $2.50 Healthy Choice (that I found last night on a banner!)
and a 1.00/2 Bic coupon, and a free diet coke coupon from coke rewards.

I didn't get this for $3.00 at first...they wanted me to pay 11.60!

I had to fight to use my coupons.

I sent Greg...who didn't go willingly...but did none the less. The cashier at Wal-mart not only told him that he couldn't use all the healthy choice coupons in the same transaction but that he also couldn't do separate transactions because it wouldn't really be different trips! So he bought the other 3!!!! So I took everything back to Wal-mart and explained to customer service what had happened...and I was thinking that the Assistant manager would say that this was some sort of mix up -- some sort of mistake, but no - she says the cashier is right.

So then she refunds my money and proceeds to ring them up separately...I thought the cashier was right?
Also on a separate note...I think that there are Bic pens for .50 at Wal-mart...I am going to take the pens back and get those if they are still there tomorrow. That would make my total for everything above 2.00...which is basically paying for the marshmallows!

I know that there are some out there that wouldn't have gone back for 7.00-- which was the difference basically...but that is what I pay for a package of pull-ups with coupon, and I wouldn't have bought the Healthy choice frozen dinners normally.

EXPIRED

Swag Code Alert

Look closely at the blog posts of the last 3 days for swag bucks for the code...The polls were very rewarding this week...no need to click!

If this helps you get the code -- come back to my blog and let me know!!

Contests I enter everyday

Click on any of these images to see if you can win. I have won the pace salsa game once. I got to print 2 $4.00 pace coupons...made for a ton of free salsa!

Thanks Hip 2 Save and Free Sample Freak and Nicole's Nickels for telling me about them!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Healthy Choice---ALL GONE

Click on the pic above to get your too!!
I saw these on an end cap today...for $2.50!! I am going to take my coupons to wal-mart tomorrow and try and get 2 free frozen dinners!!

We got our Princess Bike from Amazon!!

Thanks so much to http://hip2save.blogspot.com/ for posting this great deal!!

We got the Barbie Princess Tough Trike 50% off!! It was originally $34.99!
We paid $17.51, and got free shipping by getting our order up to $25.00. I ordered a juice box holder to make up the difference.
Maddy loves her bike. I think her favorite feature is the fact that the seat opens. She piles all her beanie babies in there!! Amazon deals don't last long at all...if you see something like this that you know you want...get it fast!!

So we have a moratorium on spending...until we get a few things paid off...so I shouldn't be buying anything but I couldn't resist.
Free Mocha from McDonald's, Free diet coke...had a coupon for bogo for Blockbuster, and used the 3.00 pull-ups coupon at Walmart to get these wipes for 44 cents!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

EXPIRED!!!

SWAG CODE ALERT

LOOK IN THE SWAG STORE

UNDER ------> SWAGSTAKES

GOOD FOR ONE SWAGBUCK
This code expires at 6:30 pm pdt; 8:30 cdt; 9:30 edt; 2:30 GMT.

If this helps you get the swag code come back and let me know!
:)

Hormel Always Tender Pomegranate Basil Tenderloin

My husband Greg made lunch for our family today! It was really good. Basil and Pomegranate Pork Tenderloin from Hormel's Always Tender line. It was really good. I got these at Wal-mart...trying to use a 2.00 coupon that was going to expire on me. I am so thankful that I did. I usually make pork loin in the crock pot but Greg roasted this one, it only took about 35 to 40 min for really well done. It had a much better texture and flavor when cooked in the oven...I will have to remember this when I make it myself.
We had baked potatoes, cottage cheese, rice (i know 2 starches) lol, and a romaine salad with creamy Italian...that we are trying to use up. Gotta love that .09 salad dressing!

I would suggest that you try one of these! The basil was really prominent while the pomegranate was there but a whole lot more subtle. We put out some sauces on the table just in case...but not a single one of us touched them! The pork was so flavorful all by itself!

One pork loin was enough for our family of 6...we have three growing boys and have had to start doubling up our recipes to make enough for everyone.

I will definitely be buying more of these when they go on sale!!

Here's what I learned from blog hopping today!

Some of these blogs are on the blog wall @ we use coupons and some were links from those blogs!

Cell phones numbers are going or have already going public...click here for the do not call #
thanks Genesis Moments!!

40,000 Americans are injured by toilets every year!
Click here to enter a Giveaway for a great potty training system!!
Thanks Buck's Daddy!!

My two favorite tips!!

When refrigerating celery, green onions, carrots and even lettuce, try wrapping them in foil to keep them fresh longer. When you are done with

the foil, wipe off and use again.

Click either link to see a whole bunch of frugal money saving ideas!!

Put soap slivers, small gift soaps and hotel soaps in a nylon and hang it around your outdoor water spigot to wash up with.
Thanks Frugal for Life!!

That staying IN is the new Out.

Click here for a great post about frugal ways to have a good time!
Thanks Frugal Bunny!!

A great post about being nice. Click here.
Thanks Right Brain Thinker's Frugal Findings!!

A great recipe for Texas Caviar.
Thanks to The Hungry Housewife!!

A great recipe for Fruit Pizza...it looks really really good!! A little further down on her page is a another great recipe for grilled pizza!
Thanks Controlling My Chaos!!

An eye opening article about personal finances.
Thanks Free from Broke!!

I watched a great video on how to make your own baby wipes!
Thanks Broke Family!!

A great recipe for Chicken Pita Wraps!
Thanks Momstoppable!!

Read a great review for Nature Valley Nut Clusters -- and signed up for MyBlog Spark!
Thanks Tea and Thee!!

Get a free subscription to Kiwi magazine when you sign up for Moms Meet - an online community for parents who want to lead a greener lifestyle. In addition you'll also get $5 in Earth's Best coupons.
Thanks Northern Cheapskate!!

Found the perfect gift for my daughter's 2nd b-day!!
Check out this great post!
Thanks The Buzz!

Check out this blog...it combines scrapbooking and blogging! I love this!!

While looking over this wonderful blog I was pleasantly surprised to hear music!! I already had a play list for my myspace page -- so I added it to my blog! If you are not fond of country music just pause while you are here! If you are come and listen while you check out my blog! :)
Thanks All Because Two People Fell In Love!!

Watch this video My top 5 savings strategies.
Thanks Little Miss Know It All!!

Wonder if any of the products in your kitchen and house have gone bad? Click here for a great list of how long things last!
Thanks Coupons & Craziness!!

Found a great post about keeping snacking under control-- and keeping kids busy!! Click here to read it too!
Thanks Making Life Sweet!!

Motherload of Frugal Blogs

I love Frugal Blogs...

I love to see what people are getting for free and cheap...I love the frugal advice they give. The recipes that they give to use all the food that you can get on sale!!

So this morning I was blog hopping...just going from blog to blog - using the fabulous blog buttons that everyone has these days...and came across the mother load of blog rolls!! I am on blog 4-- with many more still to visit! I can't wait to see what fabulous frugalness I find!

Don't forget to sign up to get e-mail updates or follow through readers for the ones that you really like!!

Check it out here!

Come Back and leave me a comment telling me your favorite!!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

It Pays to Follow Blogs

It was a really good week for Freebies at the my house!
All this came this week in the mail.
2 cookie magazines- actually paying for this...think it was 7.00 but getting a really cute bag for it!
Carefree purse bag
14.80 in Staples Rewards
Toys r us Happy B-day card for Maddy with a $3.00 gift card
Goodnight's sample and 2.00 coupon
rebate check from Organix $6.99
rebate check from Ghiradelli $3.99
Free Venom coupon
8 free coke coupons 20 oz from coke rewards
Nivea active 3 body wash sample and coupon
Splenda flavors for coffee- 2 samples and coupons
Nescafe Taster's Choice samples -6 flavors
$2.00 Korres gum with free samples
a girl's guide to grilling for pork
Teeccino herbal coffee sample and coupon
Tide stain release coupon 1.50
Stetson sample
10.00 gift card for Victoria Secret
issue of Dog's life
issue of Horse Illustrated-- my nephew will enjoy that one!
Dole nutrition news
20 % off Payless coupon
Babies r us flyer and coupons
Business week
Golf warehouse Catalog

Missed a freebie...Vocalpoint sent me a coupon for a free box of Rice Krispies
and 5 1.00 coupons for Rice Krisipies

So my mailbox made me 51.47 this week!!!
YAHHH!!

Sign up for the blogs that are listed on my blogroll!
Thanks FreeSampleFreak and Hip2Save!!!

Artist that Swag Bucks featured in their last blog post!

World-famous artist David Garibaldi does a live portrait of Barack Obama at the Sacramento for Obama "Art, Wine, and Cheese" event, June 21, 2008 at the BrickaBracka art gallery in Sacramento, CA.

I want one of these paintings!!!

I have a blog button!

This was a hard won battle for me. While I am good at surfing the internet...um making up my piece of the internet is really hard! I couldn't have gotten this done without some help from this site! If you are in the market for adding a blog button....go here...very simple!

So come by and check it out! Add it to your site if you so wish! Thanks.