Carolina Frugal

New Survey Panel Opportunity: Scripps Network

2010-01-26T12:23:00.005-05:00

Go here to learn more about Scripps Network's (HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network) new survey panel. You will receive email invites (but not too many) to participate in up to 4 surveys forums or discussions per month. You will earn survey dollars for your participation!

Remember, this is a opportunity to see new products, shows, or people that are included in their network. You won't earn a lot of money doing this, but you will see what's new. I love the shows on these networks and would love the opportunity to try products or participate in conversation.

Organizing Your Emails!

2010-01-25T22:14:00.004-05:00

Do you love getting freebies in the mail, freebie coupons to your email, but hate all of the junk mail that your inbox has to endure? There is a simple solution to the constant request for an email address when you sign up for free samples, coupons, and other great deals you see offered on the blogs. the solution- a "deal" email address!

With the Internet being as advanced as it is, we have the ability to create multiple email addresses for free. I sure love signing up for all the deals, and want to have access to the free things that are emailed to me, but I don't enjoy all the junk mail in my personal inbox. I find it is more efficient to have a separate email account in order to organize these things, and then you aren't giving out your personal account!

Before you go hunt that next deal, sign up for a free account for your deals. Gmail, hotmail, and yahoo have easily accessible emails for free.

Happy Deal Hunting!!

--Savvyteacher

Bruegger's Bagel FREE with Email Sign-up

2010-01-22T12:00:00.003-05:00

Bruegger’s Bagel is sending emails with a coupon for a FREE bagel with cream cheese when you sign up for their email list. Go here and sign up for emails and to get this freebie and more offers!

--Savvyteacher

Internet Printables

2010-01-19T08:43:00.001-05:00

How is your coupon stash looking? If you are not into getting the Sunday paper and clipping coupons, or are looking to add more to your stash, check out coupons.com for printables. There is always LOTS of coupons to print off. I know it can seem overwhelming at how many pages there are, but just spend a few minutes and sift through them and I promise you it will pay off!

Several new coupons are now on there, including coupons for Glade candles, cereal, tea, and diapers! Also check out the Red Plum website for other great printable coupons!

--Savvyteacher

Cooking From the Pantry January Update

2010-01-18T16:41:00.006-05:00

Ok, so I haven't been the best at keeping you all posted about my pantry challenge I started a couple months ago. If you have been following me on my journey, you know I challenged myself to "cook" and "eat" from my pantry and freezer and gave myself a $20 per week budget. That budget is done monthly and I use the cash envelope system in order to track my spending. In December I was able to stay under budget, and because of a week trip to my parents up north, I was extremely under budget! Because of this, I decided to donate the rest of my monthly budget to my little sister who is 23 and trying to start cooking and couponing for herself, so I took her shopping!

This month I have been "tracked out" and return to work/school this week. My pantry was getting depleted, until Super Doubles at Harris Teeter last week stocked me right back up for under $20! I have kept under budget so far this month, and plan to continue "cooking from the pantry" as I am highly stocked up again!

Stay tuned for more updates, and my February grocery budget plan along with more recipes! You can also join me in my challenge and post your recipes and ideas for eating well, creating recipes, and staying on a budget.

--Savvyteacher

Site Showcase Sunday: Feed Readers

2010-01-17T02:49:00.004-05:00

Are you currently using a feed reader? I use Pageflakes. Many use it or others like Google Reader or Netvibes to name a few. Feed readers are an opportunity for you to organize the many blogs or other websites you view on a regular basis (feeds). Feed readers allow you to subscribe to your favorite websites so new content comes to you when it is posted. Feed readers keep track of what you have read and organize what you have not read. On my Pageflakes page I have several blogs, the weather channel, news, and a couple other sites. I prefer to use my feed reader instead of clogging up my email. Consider it your free homepage.

Coupon Crazy!

2010-01-14T19:26:00.006-05:00

Does this scene look familiar? Ok, I admit it. There are quite a few times (like now) where my coupons get out of control. Especially after a huge week like Super Doubles at Harris Teeter where I bought extra papers and was rummaging through them all week. Do you find yourself getting overwhelmed at how to organize your coupons, or coming across that awesome coupon for that item you wanted, just to find out it already expired? If so, no worries, I am here to help!

Stayed tuned for Show Me Saturday: Coupon Organization! I have used several different methods of organizing over the past year and a half of couponing and want to share my tips and tricks for coupon success! I will also have taken care of that coupon crazy mess you see in the picture!

--Savvyteacher

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Trips!

2010-01-11T18:19:00.004-05:00

This week at Harris Teeter, Super Doubles was extremely successful for me! My pantry had just started to dwindle in the stockpiling, but not anymore! I teach at a year round school so we have what we call "track breaks" after every quarter instead of a long summer. Currently I am on one of those wonderful breaks, leaving me lots of time to stock up on deals.

The pictures above are just a few of the trips I made this week, and I plan to run out tomorrow for one last trip! My favorite deal has been the FREE Special K cereal and cereal bars and the FREE Wet Wipes. I have 20 boxes of Special K cereal and 12 of the bars!

If I haven't convinced you to make sure you participate on double and triple days and learn to stockpile, hopefully this will! For all of the groceries purchased in the pictures, the total I paid for them was around $6!

Those who have a Harris Teeter nearby still has time to cash in on these deals!

Happy Shopping!
--Savvyteacher

Site Showcase Sunday: Recycle Bank

2010-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Go here to check out Recycle Bank! I became a member of this website about a month ago. I sent 2 old cell phones for recycling and gained some points! Each time you participate in something ecofriendly you get points. You can trade your points for valuable coupons and other rewards. You won't get rich quick by using this site, but it does motivate you to think about the environment and that is a good thing. I ordered several Coke coupons last week (we don't see coupons for Coke products often so I was excited).

Kohl's Online Savings

2010-01-05T16:14:00.004-05:00

Kohl's is offering quite a few discount codes and FREE shipping on orders over $100 today and tomorrow only!

To save 15% off any order, enter the code JANSAVE15 when you checkout. This is an additional discount on already discounted merchandise. If you order over $100, you will not only receive FREE shipping, but if you enter JANSAVE20 you will get an additional 20% off your purchase as well. Hurry, remember this is only through tomorrow, January 6!

Happy Shopping!
--Savvyteacher

Old Navy Clearance!

2010-01-05T16:10:00.003-05:00

Old Navy online is offering some amazing clearance items right now on their website. Do you have a giftcard or money you got for the holiday, or want to stockpile some cute shirts for friends or family? Head on over here to check out the clearance items! I found items as low as $2.99 for shirts!

--Savvyteacher

Medco Members: $10 FREE at Medco Health Store*

2010-01-03T14:54:00.007-05:00

The online Medco Health Store is currently offering $10 free via code MHS10 and free shipping. Plus, earn Reward Dollars on each purchase.

Combine the code with other sales and specials on the site to sweeten the deal. For example, all Aveeno Active Naturals products are currently 20%. Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing lotion with SPF 15 is regularly $9.59, marked down from $11.99. Apply the $10 off code, combine with free shipping and the total is zero.

* The Medco Health Store is an online retail pharmacy that offers non-prescription items to Medco members (pharmaceutical plan) and features many of the same items you'd find at neighborhood pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid.

Site Showcase: Bzzagent.com

2010-01-03T13:28:00.009-05:00

About a month ago I became a BzzAgent. BzzAgent.com is a website that promotes word-of-mouth marketing networks that allows you to try new products and spread the word about what you like (and don't like).

About 2 weeks after joining BzzAgent's site I received notification that I was choosen to participate in a Loreal campaign for Lash Boosting mascara products pictured above. A week later I received a box with this product inside. I received it free (and saw it for $25 at Target last week)! My only obligation is to tell friends what I think in a couple weeks and take an online survey about my experience with the product.

If you like to try new products, this is a chance to do so FREE! Depending on the campaign you will also receive high value coupons to use and share with your friends. BzzAgent sends several emails each week with surveys and notifications of new campaigns. (I have a seperate gmail account for emails like this.)

Go here to sign up to become a BzzAgent! The process is quick and you will likely get emails regarding campaigns quickly.

Oprah Magazine for $5/year

2009-12-13T16:16:00.002-05:00

Here is another amazing Amazon magazine deal! Oprah's O Magazine is currently just $5 for an entire year subscription here at amazon.com. I have already got so many great $5 magazine deals this year I am excited for another one! The deal is good through December 19, and remember to check out the other great magazine deals while you are there!

--Savvyteacher

Surprise Deal for Walgreens Fans!

2009-12-06T23:14:00.003-05:00

Have you become a fan of Walgreens on Facebook yet? If not, head over here and become a fan to be able to take part in a special fan only deal tomorrow. They aren't saying what it is, but it doesn't hurt to fan for a possible deal! Many companies have given away great rewards, so maybe Walgreens is jumping on that same bandwagon!

--Savvyteacher

$10 off $50 Purchase at Pier 1 Imports

2009-12-06T14:29:00.003-05:00

Go here to get your coupon for $10 off your next $50 purchase at Pier 1 Imports. This offer expires on December 24th so you have a few weeks to use it.

Site Showcase: PriceGrabber

2009-12-06T12:54:00.003-05:00

PriceGrabber is a website that allows to comparison shop quickly and efficiently. The information you can get about various products includes consumer reviews and Bottom Line Calculators that quickly tell you what something costs including shipping and tax. Many people use PriceGrabber because it is reliable. You can sign up for updates on their website.

I always check PriceGrabber before making a purchase to ensure that I am getting the best deal.

~Thriftynester

Kohl's Deal with $10 Coupon

2009-12-03T22:33:00.014-05:00

I talked about the $10 Kohl's card I received in the mail last week here. Tonight I went to Kohl's to see what I could find. I found 2 necklaces and a pair of earrings that were 80% off. The total came to $10. I used my $10 card and assumed I would be paying the tax which was 86 cents. The total rang up $0! I was so excited because it was all completely free!

I saved $60 on the total purchase. As cute as these beads are I still can't imagine paying $60 for all of it! Check your junk mail pile and see if you received this coupon too.

Coupon Trivia: Why do coupons expire?

2009-12-03T13:05:00.001-05:00

Each Sunday I clip coupons and sort them in my binder. A few nights a month I take a few minutes and remove expired coupons during the advertisements of my favorite shows. It can be rather time consuming! Sometimes I wonder why coupons expire so fast? Is it really worth a manufacturer's time to generate a coupon that expires so quickly?

The answer is YES.

A decade ago coupons were generally good for at least six months. Today, the average coupon expires in about six weeks. Are you wondering why? Let's consider a few things. Coupons are often for new products and manufacturers want us to use new products as soon as they hit the market. Manufacturers pay good money for shelf space at grocery stores and there is quite a bit of competition to get it. Manufacturers use coupons to showcase these new items and introduce us to the product and/or brand hoping that we will come back for more and tell our friends to buy it.

Manufacturers are hoping that we will feel compelled to use our coupons before they expire. This means we might pay more then we should if we aren't watching the sales. Manufacturers are fine with that! 25 cent coupons can be very useful, but you have to watch for a good sale to pair them with or you might be wasting your money!

So remember that it is worth your time to cut and organize coupons. It is also important to watch for sales and only use a coupon when it is truly a deal.

Thanks Grocery Coupon Guide for the info!

Free Wi-Fi onboard American Airlines

2009-12-02T19:15:00.002-05:00

Travelling this holiday season? American Airlines boasts 165 aircraft in their fleet are now equipped with Wi-Fi internet connections, but at a cost: $10-$13 depending on the length of your flight. The good news is there are two codes available that will give you one-time complimentary access.

Users must create an account with Gogo, the internet service provider, and enter promo code Promo Code #1: AATRYGOGO or #2: 1939Admiral70aa when prompted. The first code has an unknown expiration date, and the second code expires December 31, 2009. Happy flying, and surging!

Entertaining on a Budget!

2009-12-01T15:13:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is to entertain. I am a very social person and love to go out with my friends, explore new places and enjoy our local favorites, but I also enjoy having people over for an evening of good food and fun. More and more I realize how much everyone saves when we take turns entertaining at our houses, and we always have just as much fun, if not more!

Last weekend was no exception. Last Saturday night I hosted a dinner party and thriftynester and her hubby came over to eat dinner with us. I love cooking as you might know if you are a frequent reader, and I love to find frugal ways to make more upscale and interesting meals. I wanted to challenge myself to utilize things I already had in combination with a quick trip to the store, to make a great meal for less while still being impressive!

We had a lovely meal, and spent less than $8 total for the whole meal! That is about $2 per person, plus the cost of dessert and wine. Going out for an evening dinner with friends usually runs about $20 a person, and while I sure do enjoy a night out, dining in is just as fun plus we enjoyed great food!

I cooked what I call "Tuscan Pasta" which includes a variety of vegetables and chicken and a homemade roasted red pepper sauce. If you enjoy cooking, this is a way to enjoy an evening out while saving money. If you have a group of friends and you trade off cooking and hosting, it can become a more frugal way to add to your social life.

--Savvyteacher

Site Showcase Sunday: Free Film Screenings

2009-11-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

Go to the movies often? It can be SO expensive! Check out filmmetro.com and gofobo.com to find free film screenings in your area. Plan to arrive at the theater early as showings are typically on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you read all the details when you print your tickets.

I signed up for email from these sites several weeks ago when I found out about them in All You Magazine. I'm looking forward to a free movie night very soon!

Black Friday Deals: Spent $26, Saved $100!

2009-11-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

I was excited to be in town for Black Friday deals this year! Last year we were out of the country and didn't get any deals. We left early and hit up several stores. My best deals came from my favorite stores. Imagine that! I shopped at Walgreens, CVS, Target, Petsmart, World Market and Costco. I can't believe everything in the picture above was so cheap!

Total OOP - $26.46
Total Value - $126.10

*Earned $8 ECB to spend at CVS
*Earned $5 Register Rewards to spend at Walgreens
*Received $5 Hallmark Gold Crown store coupon

*We didn't spend anything at Costco. We picked up 2 free recipe books!

Yummy Frugal Pecan Oatmeal Pie

2009-11-28T06:55:00.000-05:00

I have never enjoyed a pie so much in my entire life! I made a pecan oatmeal pie for Thanksgiving. It was delicious! It was also VERY inexpensive to make. It only required 1/2 cup of pecans, which are about $1 at Walmart. The recipe is here. I plan to make another one in the next few weeks because we loved it so much!

Free Christmas Stocking

2009-11-25T17:24:00.003-05:00

Here is a great opportunity to get a free stocking. It will take 2-4 weeks to get here (bummer), but it is free so you can always save it for next year. Go here to get your stocking. Mine is on the way. I left the field blank that says "organization" and it worked fine.