Featured Blog Posts - CoolSavings Community

5 Must-Do's for Winter Hair Care! Save $18.75 with shampoo & conditioner coupons too!

2014-01-13T22:19:39.000Z

Most parts of the country have been hit with a brutal winter to date. Protect your precious locks from the cold and wind by following these 5 essential rules.

1.) Condition! Condition some more! The dry air in your house right now and the cold weather outdoors are sapping your hair of its natural moisture. This makes your hair dry and as a result, it breaks more easily. The number one protective measure you can take for your hair during the winter is to use a deep conditioner regularly and use a more intensive daily conditioner. Pantene has some great options.

2.) Turn down the heated tools. If you use heated styling products such as blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons, turn the heat down. Any heat related damage these cause on hair tends to be worse during the dry air of winter.

3.) Avoid perms, highlights and colors that contain heavy peroxide, as these tend to dry and weaken hair. If you need your highlights, have less of them put in during winter. Or, try a natural hair color recipes you can make yourself.

4.) Don't over-brush your hair. Vigorous brushing can cause breakage. Rather, gently smooth you rhair with a brush to remove tangles and leave it at that. I have the Wet Brush and I swear by it as a great way to comb out your hair after stepping out of the shower!

5.) Trim often. If you want to keep your long hair long, trim off about half an inch a month. If you're looking to grow your hair longer, only trim every other month during the winter. Trimming is essential as it prevents any existing breakage from moving up the hair shaft and getting worse!

Save, save, save! CoolSavings has $18.75 in printable coupons from Pantene, Garnier and L'Oreal! Get 'em while they're hot because lots of these go quickly! Why not treat yourself to a new hair care product that you might end up loving? Sometimes a brand new formula of shampoo can do wonders to add body and life to your hair. Happy hair care savings!

Speed Clean Your Laundry Room + Save $3.85 on Tide, All & Clorox

2014-01-11T14:00:00.000Z

It's Saturday morning and you're likely doing laundry. Give your laundry room the same TLC as you give your folded and fresh-smelling clothes. Here's how to do it in 15 minutes – and here's $3.85 in detergent coupons!

Step 1: Toss out all trash in the laundry room, pick up the rugs and shake them outside.

Step 2: Use wipes to clean the sinks, shelves and outside of appliances.

Step 3: Remove the dryer's lint trap and clean it out. (This should actually be done every time you finish drying clothes, if you're not doing it already.)

Step 4: Sweep and/or vacuum the floor, including and especially behind the washer and dryer.

Step 5: Mop the floor.

Step 6: Replace the lint trip with a fresh one. Fill the washer with hot water and a gallon of white vinegar and run a rinse cycle to remove odors.

Now that your laundry room is sparkling clean, you'll enjoy doing laundry at least a little bit more!

Print laundry coupons and save $3.85 on Tide, All and Clorox!

Kick start your kid's winter reading with these page turners!

2014-01-08T20:26:24.000Z

The holidays have come and gone, and school is back in session. Looking for some good winter reading? Here's a list of books I highly recommend for 2^nd through 8^th graders. These are books your child will enjoy reading independently, or your whole family can have fun reading them together. And here's a secret: As a mom, I love to read middle school level books! So many great works have been written at that level, and can be devoured by eager adults as well! Who knew?

Justin Case

Lexile: 790-920

Synopsis: There are two Justin Case books to date and my kids have enjoyed both thoroughly. These illustrated, diary-format stories told by a sensory-challenged, worry-prone 3^rd grader will keep you laughing and have you rooting loyally for poor Justin. From being unwillingly elected to student council -- to receiving the dog he both hoped for and dreaded -- to making it through the most athletic of summer camps, Justin does come out of it all stronger and shining bright. These light-hearted yet realistic books about the struggles of a young boy will leave a lasting impression.

Geronimo Stilton

Ages: 6 to 12

Lexile: 450-750

Synopsis: These heavily illustrated, colorful books are quick reads both that my boys have enjoyed very much over a several-year span. The title character is a talking mouse who tells the stories in first person. As publisher of "The Rodent's Gazette", Geronimo prefers the quiet life yet becomes involved in exciting adventures around the world with sister Thea and others. (Check out the separate series told by Geronimo's sister Thea as well.)

Carl Hiaasen's kids' mysteries

Lexile: 760-810

Synopsis: These four separate books are "Scat", "Hoot", "Flush", and "Chomp". All take place in different parts of Florida and involve different protagonist kids who play a role in battles for animal rights. The tropical settings combined with the plots make these real page turners. We've read all of these aloud together, and enjoyed the many suspenseful parts. These are great books to read as a family.

James Patterson's Middle School series

Lexile: 640-700

Synopsis: With his adult books and his Maximum Ride kids' series, James Patterson is constantly on some best seller list. What I love about his newer Middle School series is how well these books address bullying and real life problems for kids this age. Any middle-schooler (I'd say even 4^th grade up) will be able to relate to at least some of the trials and tribulations of the story-teller, Rafe. And of course his stories are told with a fun enough spin. My son anxiously awaits the next one. (Check out the books told by Rafe's sister Georgia as well.)

The Creature from My Closet

Lexile: 820-860

Synopsis: This is a fantastic, illustrated series (three books to date) about a middle-school boy who encounters all sorts of adventures when odd creatures emerge from his closet. Readers will learn a thing or two about friendship. My kids and I love this author's witty, off-the-wall sense of humor. If your kids enjoy Wimpy Kid, they'll love these.

Origami Yoda

Lexile: 760

Synopsis: Told in diary form by a boy named Tommy, this series of books will put you right into the throes of middle school with a group of not-so-popular, yet oh-so-real kids as they apply the advice of Origami Yoda (and other paper Star Wars characters) into their school and social lives – all the while debating the wisdom of a talking piece of folded paper. Tommy gives the other kids turns at writing in the diary, which makes it all the more entertaining as readers are treated to the sarcasm and wit of each different member of the group.

Please note: I tried to keep this list gender neutral but you definitely will not find anything very girly as I only have boys!) Parents of girls and/or boys, please comment below with any other children's books you have to recommend.

Get ready to watch Season 4 Downton Abbey premiere tonight 8:00 CST!

2014-01-05T22:00:00.000Z

Who's excited about tonight's return of Downton Abbey? Are you planning to watch? Stop by CoolSavings for grocery coupons before shopping for your viewing party!

Whether you're snowed in or free to hit the grocery store, CoolSavings has lots of new coupons for your next shopping…

Beat the cold this weekend with warm, homemade brownies! Save $1 with a Hershey's coupon.

2014-01-03T15:21:39.000Z

Nothing beats the taste of a soft, homemade brownie along with some milk or ice cream. Now that the holidays are over, baking is a fun way to pass these cold winter months.

Yesterday was my husband's birthday, and he asked for brownies and ice cream for dessert. The kids and I whipped up a batch of these Hershey's Fudgey Dark Brownies.

Be sure to save with a Hershey's coupon for $1 off 2 Baking Pieces.

We topped our brownies off with a scoop of Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream for a heavenly birthday dessert!

What are you baking this weekend?

Need warm PJ's? Treat yourself to P.J. Salvage and save 33%!

2014-01-03T14:00:00.000Z

Beat the cold when you save 33% on cozy P.J. Salvage pajama sets, pants, tees and robes during the Nordstrom Clearance & Sale. I could live in these!…

Oh the weather outside is frightful! Get deals on grocery delivery here.

2014-01-02T16:25:55.000Z

It doesn't show signs of stopping. Let someone else bring the corn for popping! Stay in and let these online grocers deliver right to your door. Here are a couple of options.

Peapod: New to Peapod? Use code PPCJ15 and get $15 off your first order. Peapod delivers to the following markets:

Chicagoland

Milwaukee

Southeast Wisconsin

Indianapolis

Connecticut

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Southern New Hampshire

New York

New Jersey

Maryland

Virginia

Washington DC

Philadelphia

S.E. Pennsylvania

Shop the Peapod weekly grocery specials here.

Safeway Grocery Delivery:

New customers can get free delivery on the first order from Safeway. Safeway delivers in many major U.S. cities and suburbs. To find out if your area is covered, enter your zip code on the Sign In / Register page.

Want to find out more? Visit the Safeway Grocery Delivery Q&A page.

Happy savings. Here's to a safe rest of the winter!

Happy New Year!

2014-01-01T15:30:00.000Z

May every day of 2014 glow with good cheer and happiness for you and your family!

Host a Kid Friendly New Year's Eve Party!

2013-12-31T13:30:00.000Z

No sitter? No sweat! Enjoy some fun time with the kids tonight! Whether you're celebrating only with immediate family or with friends and their own kids, here are some great kid-friendly party ideas!

Don't Forget the Finger Foods: Finger foods are easy to serve and are enjoyed by kids and adults alike. I'm reaching for my Taste of Home Tailgating Cookbook for some easy recipes to put together this afternoon like this Kickin' Snack Mix which is a fun twist on Chex Mix.

This easy Guacamole doesn't get any easier to make. Just mash the avocados, stir in the remaining ingredients, and serve with a big bag of your favorite tortilla chips.

Bake these Party Pretzels in the oven with just a few ingredients (think garlic and lemon pepper seasoning) and put them out in a few bowls for an easy snack everyone will munch on.

Or, speaking of pretzels, try this fun Auntie Anne's pretzel copycat recipe. Put out different dipping sauce options and these are sure to be a hit!

Enjoy some good old-fashioned Coke floats with the kids. This is likely a treat they don't have too often. Adults will be brought right back to their childhood! Print CoolSavings' Coca-Cola coupon and save $.50 off a mini 8-pack.

It's all about the Games: Break out some board games and everyone will have a blast: Try Apples to Apples, Sorry, Sequence and more.

For another game, insert a slip of paper listing a fun activity into blue and silver balloons, then blow them up and hang them around the house. Every hour, another kid will get a turn to select one and pop it. Then, everyone has to do the activity listed. Ideas would be to sing your favorite song, do a one-minute dance, tell your favorite moment of 2013, etc. Or, fill each balloon with a small prize or candy to be kept by whoever pops the balloon.

Want more ideas? Stop by CoolSavings' New Year Ideas Pinterest board for easy appetizers, drinks, resolution ideas and more party ideas.

Happy New Year! Have fun and be safe!

Keep your kids safe on their new iPod. Here's how.

2013-12-27T12:10:24.000Z

Did your child receive an iPod for the holidays? Keep him safe when using it with these 4 steps.

My child received the latest iPod for Christmas and couldn't be more excited. He's happily joining his friends who've already been hanging out on Face Time and sending each other messages. After doing some research, I have put together a list of important safety measures you can take with your child's iPod, iPhone or iPad:

* Install a safe browser. These apps are alternatives to Safari, the iPod's default browser which does not filter Internet content. Safe browsers Net Nanny, Mobicip and Ranger are found in the iTunes Store. To use one, follow the steps below.

1.) Choose the browser you'd like to use and download it to the iPod, iPhone or iPad.

2.) "Enable" Restrictions to set the safe browser as the default one. To do this, tap the "Settings" icon on the device's main screen. From there, tap "General" and then "Restrictions".

3.) When prompted, type a 4-digit passcode that your child does not know. This will initiate the "Restrictions" menu.

4.) Then in the Restrictions menu you can disable Safari. To do so, select "Off" next to Safari. (You can re-enable it at any time by coming to the same place and clicking "On".

* Require passcode entry for installation of apps. This will ensure both that your child cannot download any other non-safe browsers, and that he cannot download any apps without your approval. To set this up:

1.) Similar to the steps above, go to "Settings", then "General", and then "Restrictions".

2.) From there, tap "Off" next to the option "Installing Apps".

The passcode will also ensure that if your child loses his device, a stranger will not have access to his information or be able to purchase apps using his funds. More on dealing with a stolen device directly below.

* Set up a passcode to lock the phone. Similar to the step above, you can set up a passcode to prevent unauthorized users from unlocking and using the device. To set this up:

1.) From the Home screen, go to "Settings", then "General", then "Passcode Lock".

2.) Here, enter a passcode of your choice. You can go with a four-digit code, or opt for a more complex one by moving the Simple Passcode slider to off.

A word of caution: Do not forget your passcode! If you do, you'll most likely need to delete all your data fully and restore from backup. Also note that passcodes simply make it hard to access the phone; they do not provide any encryption of data.

* Set up Find My iPhone. This is not an app, but a handy web-based Apple service (which works with the iPod, iPhone and iPad) which uses the device's built-in location service features to track it. You can also go online to remotely lock the device or delete all its data. To set this up:

1.) Go to your iCloud account. If you don't have one, set one up. Tap "Settings", then "iCloud", then "Account" and sign in.

2.) On the iCloud screen, scroll down to the bottom where you'll see the "Find My iPone" slider. In iOS 5 and 6, move it to "On". In iOS7, move the slider so that the green appears.

When you do the above you'll get a message making sure you understand that your GPS tracking of your device is being turned on. You might need to tap "Allow" here to turn on Find My iPhone.

The above are some good starting points. Please chime in with what other steps you've taken to ensure your child's iPod safety, in the comments below. This is great information to have and share to help keep our kids' iPod experience safe and fun.

Helpful resources:

The First 9 Things You Should Do When You Get a New iPhone:

12 Things to Do Before Giving Kids an iPod Touch or iPhone

Find frugal fun over winter break!

2013-12-26T17:00:00.000Z

The gifts are opened and now it's time to fill up the rest of your kids' winter break with some fun. How to do that without breaking the bank? Here are five ideas.

Play Board games: Did the kids receive board games for Christmas? Don't put them on the shelf to collect dust. Open them up and spend a day or evening playing! You'll likely have more laughs than you imagined and wonder why you don't do this more often! My kids received Rack-O and Sequence as gifts and we're looking forward to a game night by the fire!

Read, read, and read: My second grader brought home a reading challenge on the last day of school. It contains a couple dozen reading options to be done for 20 minutes each: reading with mittens on, reading by the fire, reading with a grandparent, reading in the car, etc. Whether or not your child has received such a challenge, be sure to incorporate reading time into each day. Looking for books? Here are some recommendations:

Big Nate series (Lexile 300-500)

Geronimo Stilton series (Lexile 450-750 -- my kids have enjoyed these at any age)

James Patterson's Middle School series (Lexile 640-700): What I love is how well these books address bullying. Any middle-schooler (probably even 4th grade up) will be able to relate to at least some of the trials and tribulations of Rafe!

The Creature from my Closet series (Lexile 820-860). This is a fantastic illustrated series about a middle-school boy who encounters all sorts of adventures when odd creatures emerge from his closet. My kids and I love this author's witty, off-the-wall sense of humor. If your kids enjoy Wimpy Kid, they'll love these.

Cook together: Have the kids help with dinner. My boys are sometimes picky eaters but I've noticed they will readily eat any meal they've helped cook! Plus, when you cook at home you'll enjoy the lower cost of meals eaten in peace, rather than in a noisy, crowded restaurant.

Browse the daily deals: Check out CoolSavings' Daily Deals to save when you venture out for dinner or other activities in your neighborhood. You'll find half off or more on dining, skating, bowling, shows and more. I grabbed up a Sonic deal and my kids can't wait to go to a drive-in restaurant for the first time.

Play in the snow. Is it snowing? Bundle up and build a big snowman, and don't forget the sledding!

For more ideas on family activities year-round, I highly recommend the book Family Fun Night which contains inspiration for 300 great nights with your kids – many of which involve activities that cost next to nothing or less.

How will YOU spend break? Chime in below with any fun, frugal activities of your own!

Get 25 days of FREE holiday songs from Amazon.

2013-12-23T12:30:00.000Z

Want FREE holiday music? Visit Amazon for their 25 Days of Christmas FREE MP3's.

Right now you'll find free songs like Nutcracker, O Tannenbaum, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and more. These are fun to play when doing your last minute wrapping and baking. Enjoy!

Need last-minute gifts? Head to The Body Shop for 40% off store-wide. Print this coupon too!

2013-12-20T12:20:59.000Z

Through 12/24, The Body Shop offers 40% off store-wide. Plus, be sure to print this $10 off $20 coupon!

Wish them a dog-gone Happy Holiday & save 50% on 3 sets of photo cards!

2013-12-16T22:10:42.000Z

It's snowing again here! I'm ordering my cards without leaving the house! Here's a deal: Save 50% on 3 sets of photo cards from Walgreen's with code: 2013CARDS…

Save on your cereal! Print coupons for Cheerios, Chex, Kellogg's, Cookie Crisp & more.

2013-12-13T11:00:00.000Z

Cereal is great for breakfast on busy Saturday mornings before we rush off to soccer, errands, and so on. Print a variety of cereal coupons on CoolSavings before hitting the grocery store. Don't forget the milk!…

Start your holiday baking with these Chocolate Candy Cookie Cups. Save $.75 on the frosting!

2013-12-12T15:00:00.000Z

Kick start your holiday baking with simple yet irresistible recipes like these Chocolate Candy Cookie Cups.

They hide a delicious secret – a mini candy bar inside! Here's the recipe and a frosting coupon.

Be sure to check out CoolSavings' Holiday Baking Pinterest board for more out-of-this-world recipes! Caution: Don't go there on an empty stomach!

Busy Week? Get these 5 Easy Dinners on the table in no time. Coupons included!

2013-12-11T12:26:03.000Z

We're in the throes of a cold, snowy week in many parts of the U.S. Here's a simple dinner plan for the rest of the week to avoid any extra last-minute trips to the store. Of course, you're at CoolSavings so you'll find coupons below too!

Classic Baked Mostaccioli

Ground beef, noodles, sauce and cheese baked for 20 minutes make up this hearty, easy Classic Baked Mostaccioli. This dinner is a favorite stand-by in our house especially on cold winter nights. Feel free to add chopped onion, garlic, basil, or any other favorite veggies or spices for extra flavor.

The coupons:

$1 off 2 Barilla Blue Box pasta

$.75 off Barilla Plus pasta

1.50 off 4 Classico sauces

Easy Tuna Casserole

Tuna, noodles, soup, cheese and French fried onions are you need to make this simple Tuna Casserole. Just cook the noodles and mix everything together, then bake for 25 minutes. Add the onions and bake another 5 minutes. The leftovers are great for lunch the next day too! (Feel free to substitute crushed butter crackers for the French fried onions.)

The coupons:

$1 off 2 Barilla Blue Box pasta
$.75 off Barilla Plus pasta

Easy Garlic Chicken

Here's a Garlic Chicken recipe you'll have on the table in 20 minutes. Just sprinkle the chicken with garlic and onion powders and salt, sautee and enjoy. Goes great with a side of potatoes.

The coupon:

$1 off 2 Ore-Ida Simply products

Kielbasa with Peppers and Potatoes

This tasty dish has no more to it than kielbasa, potatoes and peppers. Even my picky eater asks for seconds of this. Just dice everything up and cook on the stovetop. Favorite add-ins (think garlic) are welcome, but not required.

Hormel Compleats microwave meals

You deserve a break one night, so serve up a Hormel Compleats microwave meal. There are more than 30 delicious varieties, from the traditional Mac and Cheese to the zesty Smoky Bacon Parmesan Rigatoni. Have dinner on the table in mere seconds. Oh and of course CoolSavings has a coupon for these. Click here to get $1.50 off 3 Hormel Compleats meals.

Reach for easy, quick dinners to get you through the rest of the snowy, cold week and into the weekend. There's nothing like a little menu planning! Happy cooking and be safe!

Save with Green Monday Deals and Forget the Bunny Suit!

2013-12-09T22:32:56.000Z

In "A Christmas Story", Ralphie teaches us a thing or two about holiday gifting. Skip the bunny suit this year and choose gifts they'll love. Today is Green Monday and here are some great cyber deals.

Express:

Now thru Wednesday, shop Express and get $15 off $30, $30 off $75 or $60 off $150 with code 9632. There's also a printable coupon for those wishing to shop in-store. Here are some great button down tops that would be perfect for the holidays.

Kohl's:

Through today, shop Kohl's and save 15% on orders up to $100 with code SCARF. Save 25% on orders over $100 with code MITTENS. You'll find deals like Crocs for $25 and up.

Claire's:

Today only, get free shipping on any order from Claire's. You'll find $5, $10 and $15 gifts. You'll find jewelry, leggings, cell phone cases and more for the accessories lover in your life. Check out these knee socks for $5.

Bass Pro Shops:

Get free shipping from Bass Pro Shops on any size order with code CYBER13. Shop Bass' Countdown to Christmas sale and get deals like this water-resistant, medium weight men's Redhead Tourney II jacket starting at $23.99.

Office Depot:

Save $150 on a Dell Inspiron laptop computer from Office Depot. You'll also get free delivery on qualifying orders over $50, as well as more deals on laptops, speakers, headphones, cameras, teacher gifts and lots more.

Restaurant.com:

Get $25 gift certificates for just $6 from Restaurant.com with code SANTA.

Get some Holiday Baking Pinspiration! Coupons too!

2013-12-06T12:06:05.000Z

Think Hot Cocoa Cookies, Easy Snowman Cookies, North Pole Cupcakes, even a Cake Pop for Elf on the Shelf! Stop by for some baking Pinspiration!

Also be sure to save before you bake with our printable coupons.…

Save Money and Time with these 6 FREE Apps!

2013-12-05T22:00:00.000Z

If you have an iPhone or Android, here are six apps you definitely want to check out. Not only are they free, but each of them will make it easier for you to save time or money. Who couldn't use a little help there?

Gas Buddy

The cost gas usually eats up a chunk of your household budget. This app makes it easier to save at the bump by showing the cheapest prices near you. Available for iPhone and Android.

Out of Milk

Out of Milk provides you with a shopping list and to-do list. A third list that I use and find exceptionally helpful is the pantry list, whereby you can see what you have in stock with the tap of your finger. The app also provides a barcode scanner. Available for iPhone and Android

Price Check by Amazon

Tired of seeing things in stores and wondering if you can get a better deal online? Online retail giant Amazon provides this barcode scanning app that allows you to scan prices in stores and compare them with Amazon's prices. The app also provides product descriptions and customer reviews. Download for iPhone and Android.

Key Ring

This one's really a keeper! Store all your loyalty cards right here, all together in this one app on your phone. Enroll in new loyalty programs directly through the app as well. Key Ring also provides exclusive coupons to users.

CardStar

Similar to Key Ring, this app enables you to consolidate your loyalty cards. You'll also have access to daily deals, sales and coupons from various retailers. Available for iPhone and Android.

USA Today Portfolio Tracker

This app lets you consolidate your IRA, 401(k), stocks and mutual funds all in one place, in real time. It's read-only, so no one (not even you) can use the app to actually move your money. The app sends you detailed analytics and the closing prices of your stocks. Available for iPhone and Android.

20 Free Kindle eBooks: Here's our hand-picked list.

2013-12-04T21:07:41.000Z

Take a break and indulge in a good book. Better yet, it's free! Below is our hand-picked list of 20 of the best FREE Kindle books available right now. Prices are subject to change anytime, so jump on these now.

Cooking and Food:

The Hot Cocoa Recipe Book

Circle of Friends - 25 Pie, Crisp & Cobbler Recipes

Easy Appetizer Recipes

Food Storage Secrets: How To Stock and Organize Your Kitchen with Delicious and Nutritious Ingredients

Saving Money

925 Ideas to Help You Save Money, Get Out of Debt and Retire A Millionaire So You Can Leave Your Mark on the World

Home and Crafts:

The Green Crafts Lifestyle - Christmas Edition - Make Christmas Decor, Cards and Gifts

Welcome to Our Home - Knit and Crochet Ideas from Red Heart

Quilting Techniques for Beginners: Learn How to Quilt

Household DIY: Save Time and Money with Do It Yourself Hints & Tips on Furniture, Clothes, Pests, Stains, Residues, Odors and More

Homemade Christmas Gifts: 14 Gift Ideas & DIY Home Decor

Health and Self-Help:

Sugar Detox Challenge

Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss - 30 Delicious Detox, Cleanse and Green Smoothie Diet Book

Aromatherapy Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Healing with Aromatherapy!

Discover The Power Of Forgiveness: How To Forgive Yourself And Others To Find Your Inner Peace (Forgiveness, Self-Help, Meditation)

True Crime:

Bulger On Trial: Boston's Most Notorious Gangster And The Pursuit Of Justice

Books for Kids:

A to Z of Silly Animals - The Best Selling Illustrated Children's Book for All Ages by Sprogling

Princess Diadora: Just an Ordinary Ballerina
Young Adult:

Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter

Drama and Mystery:

Christmas Diamond, a Novella (The Jewel Series)

An Involuntary Spy: A GMO Thriller

Giant Cinnamon Roll: The recipe, a coupon, and a way to get one FREE!

2013-12-03T16:07:27.000Z

To make this Giant Cinnamon Roll, just open a can, unroll, then drizzle with icing and bake. Here's the recipe and of course, our coupon!

Here's the full Pillsbury Giant Cinnamon Roll recipe. For savings on this yummy treat, be sure to print our $.50 Pillsbury Grands Sweet Rolls coupon.

And, if you live near a 7-Eleven, you can get a Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll FREE if you have or download the 7-Eleven app for Android or iPhone. In the app, click on the dollar sign for the offer for a Free Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll, valid today only! Note: Once you tap "Redeem Offer", you have 15 minutes to redeem it at the store.

Grab up some HOT Cyber Monday deals!

2013-12-02T19:00:00.000Z

We're in the throes of Cyber Monday, the day to finally sit back and shop from the comfort of home. Some great deals are just clicks away. Here we've rounded up some exceptional deals you might like.

New Balance: In the market for new running shoes? Get these New Balance Women's 320 running shoes for $28 shipped! That's the lowest confirmed price yet on these.

Macy's:

Speaking of shoes, shop the Macy's Cyber Monday sale, where if you buy one pair of shoes, you'll get the second one free!

http://dealnews.com/Womens-Shoes-at-Macys-Buy-1-get-2-nd-free-free-shipping-w-99/922008.html?eref=coolsavings-fb

Best Buy:

Shop the Best Buy Cyber Monday sale for big savings on tablets, notebooks, TV's and more. Earn a $10 savings code for every $100 you spend at BestBuy.com when you choose Store Pickup. See Details.

Taste of Home:

Looking for a holiday gift for Mom, Grandma, a teacher -- or yourself? Get 40% off and free shipping on cookbooks from Taste of Home.

In search for a great Holiday Cookbook this season? Try Taste of Home Christmas 2013, full of over 350 recipes for an amazing holiday dinner from start to finish, as well as craft ideas like fun-to-give food gifts and creative keepsakes.

Shutterfly:

Save up to 50% site-wide plus an additional 20% off select items on Cyber Monday at Shutterfly. Get a customized photo book, a set of holiday cards or an iPhone case. Use code CYBER20 for the extra 20% off site-wide.

Here's a 12x12 calendar you can fill with your photos. Makes a great grandparents' gift!

Omaha Steaks:

Get 55% off site-wide at Omaha Steaks (some exclusions), plus door busters up to 64% off, plus free shipping on selected combos.

The Grand Gift Pack shown above contains two 5-oz. filet mignons, two 5-oz. top sirloins, four boneless chicken breasts, six 4-oz. burgers, four 4-oz. boneless pork chops, eight 3-oz. gourmet jumbo franks, and eight potatoes au gratin. The price for Cyber Monday is $89.99, marked down from $208!

Here's your Black Friday checklist, and some terrific turkey leftovers recipes.

2013-11-29T14:00:00.000Z

Now that the turkey is eaten and leftovers are put away, many are looking to shop for great bargains. Be prepared with this handy list of what to bring on your Black Friday shopping trip.

* List of items you plan to buy and where

* List of store hours. (Click here for our Black Friday Store Hours 2013 list.)

* Water and a snack

* Bring a buddy for company!

* Store ads may be helpful if you need to ask employees where to find items.

Shoppers headed to malls and big box stores in droves last night to take advantage of Thanksgiving Day sales. Did you head out after the turkey was eaten? If you're shopping today, be safe and make it enjoyable.

Turkey Leftovers

You worked so hard on that turkey, so don't let the leftovers go to waste! Check out this tasty-looking recipe for Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with a Cheddar Biscuit Crust. I can't wait to give it a try this weekend.

This Turkey and Stuffing Casserole also looks a like a great way to incorporate many of your leftovers into a dinner this weekend. You'll use up turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. This sure is making it hard to decide which recipes to try!

Be sure to check out the CoolSavings Thanksgiving Pinterest Board for more ideas on what to do with your Turkey Day leftovers.

Whether you're shopping, cooking with leftovers or both, be safe and enjoy your post-Thanksgiving weekend!

Get the Black Friday Store Hours Here!

2013-11-27T12:10:05.000Z

This year's shopping season has six fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You'll see more retailers competing for your dollars with hefty bargains and markdowns.

While plenty will open their doors on Thanksgiving, others will wait until Black Friday – so rather than assuming, be sure to know the hours for stores you want to shop. Below we've listed out the major stores' schedules for you.

Note: Since it is possible for some store hours to vary by location, be sure to double check online or with a phone call.

Best Buy:

Opens 6 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 10 p.m. Black Friday

Bloomingdale's:

Opens 7 a.m. Black Friday

Closes 9 p.m. Black Friday

Costco:

Opens 9 a.m. Black Friday

Closes 8:30 p.m. Black Friday

Disney Store:

Opens midnight Black Friday

Closes: TBD

Gamestop:

Opens midnight Black Friday

Closes: TBD

JCPenney:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 9 p.m. Black Friday

Kmart:

Opens 6 a.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 11 p.m. Black Friday

Kohl's:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 10 p.m. Black Friday

Macy's:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 9 p.m. Black Friday

Meijer:

Opens 6 a.m. Black Friday

Closes: TBD

Michaels:

Opens 4 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 2 a.m. Black Friday

Reopens 7 a.m. Black Friday

Closes 10 p.m. Black Friday

Office Max:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes: TBD

* Don't forget to ELf Yourself while there!

Office Depot:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 11 p.m. Thanksgiving

Reopens 8 a.m. Black Friday

Old Navy:

Opens 9 a.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 4 p.m. Thanksgiving

Some stores reopen 7 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 10 p.m. Black Friday

PetSmart:

Opens 7 a.m. Black Friday

Closes: TBD

RadioShack:

Opens 8 a.m. Black Friday

Closes: TBD

Sears:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 10 p.m. Black Friday

Sports Authority:

Opens 6 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes: TBD

Staples:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes midnight Black Friday

Reopens 6 a.m. Black Friday

Closes 9 a.m. Black Friday

Target:

Opens 8 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 11 p.m. Black Friday

Toys R Us:

Opens 5 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 9 p.m. Thanksgiving

Reopens 5 a.m. Black Friday

Closes 10 p.m. Black Friday

Walgreens:

Some locations open 24 hours on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

Walmart:

Opens 6 p.m. Thanksgiving

Closes 11 p.m. Black Friday

Turkey Talk: 10 Tidbits for Conversation at Thanksgiving Dinner

2013-11-26T18:30:00.000Z

Once again, it's the day to indulge in our favorite fall comfort foods without an ounce of guilt! Here are 10 Thanksgiving Day facts that might make for interesting dinner conversation!

1.) Number of turkeys eaten on Turkey Day: 48 million

2.) Three most popular Thanksgiving pies: Apple, Strawberry and Pumpkin

3.) Stuffing: Best from a box? About 50% of Americans stuff their turkeys with stuffing. The Stove Top brand was introduced in 1972 and now around 60 million boxes are sold during this season.

4.) Cranberry trivia: 20% of cranberries eaten in the year are eaten on Thanksgiving. A cup of fresh cranberries contains around 50 calories while a cup of the sauce is around 400. (But it's oh so good to dip your turkey in!)

5.) Thanksgiving is also celebrated in Canada, on the second Monday in October.

6.) Football games on today:

* Packers at Lions at 11:30 a.m. CST

* Raiders at Cowboys 3:30 p.m. CST

* Steelers at Ravens 7:30 p.m. CST

7.) Specials on TV:

* "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" airs Thanksgiving night at 7 p.m. CST on ABC.

* A Harry Potter Marathon airs Friday on ABC Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This will be the first time the last episode has ever aired on TV.

8.) Shoppers who find Black Friday fun: 57%

9.) Projected Black Friday Weekend Online Sales: $82 billion

10.) Check out the CoolSavings Thanksgiving Pinterest board for last minute Turkey Day Pinspiration!

Here's your Black Friday Video Game Roundup!

2013-11-21T21:00:00.000Z

Looking for video game deals for Black Friday? Sifting through all of the ads can take a lot of your precious time, so here's a round-up that cuts to the chase.

First off, the bad news: Don't expect great deals on either of the next gen consoles, Sony Playstation 4 or Microsoft Xbox One. Historically, these are never marked down for Black Friday the year they are released. If anything, you'll be lucky to find one of these consoles in stores for regular price! If you want one, grab it up anywhere you can!

Here's what _is_ on sale for Black Friday in the world of video games.

Consoles:

* Xbox 360 250GB Black Friday Bundle:

Price: $189.99

Where: Best Buy

Includes: Tomb Raider, Batman Arkahm City, Halo 4, Darksiders 2

Basic Xbox 360 4GB:

Price: $99

Where: Walmart

PS3 Slim 250GB Bundle:

Price: $199.99

Where: Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop and Toys "R" Us

Includes: The Last of Us and Batman Arkham Origins

Basic PS3 12 GB:

Price: $149.99

Where: Walmart

Wii U Deluxe Bundle:

Price: $319.97

Where: Best Buy

Includes: Super Mario U, New Super Luigi U, Nintendo Land, and Mario or Luigi Wii Remote Plus

Handhelds:

Nintendo 3DS Bundle:

Price: $149.99

Where: Best Buy, Toys "R" Us

Includes: Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

Nintendo 2DS:

Price: $99

Where: Walmart

Services:

Playstation Plus 1-year subscription:

Price: $29.99

Where: GameStop
Note: With this service, you get access to free and reduced-price games. It's likely this deal will only be available on Black Friday, so jump on it if you want the best price around by around $20!

Xbox Live Gold 3-month membership:

Black Friday Price: $10

Regular price: $24.99

Where: Target

Games:

Walmart:

Walmart will have games on sale 6-7 p.m. If any of them sell out, they will be giving our Guarantee Cards which ensure the game will be shipped to your Walmart before Christmas. Here are the games on sale at Walmart:

Call of Duty Ghosts: $39.96

Batman: Arkham Origins: $34

NBA 2K14: $34

Grand Theft Auto V: $34

FIFA 14: $25

Last of Us: $25

Beyond: Two Souls: $25 (

Toys R Us:

Disney Infinity Starter pack: $37.49

Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack: $37.49

Best Buy:
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag: $29.99

Gamestop:

Battlefield 4: $29.99

Give that terrific teacher a holiday gift she deserves! Here's how.

2013-11-19T16:00:00.000Z

Nothing shows a teacher how appreciated she is like a thoughtful holiday gift. Why not give her a fun, practical gift that stands out in a crowd? You can do it without breaking the bank! Here are some ideas.

Find out the teacher's interests. My son's first grade teacher loved Bruce Springsteen and was wowed when one of the moms (also a big fan) gave her a framed, autographed photo from backstage! While not all of us will be lucky enough to meet a rock star in person (and make a gift out of the experience), this is a great example of matching the teacher and the gift perfectly. Based on the teacher's interests, items that might make great gifts include cookbooks and recipe cards (be sure to write some of your favorites on the cards!), scrapbooking supplies, gardening tools, sports paraphernalia, and so on.

Buy her a cup of coffee. Or ten. Is the teacher a coffee drinker? Treat her to her morning cup of joe for a week or two with a gift card to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Include the card in a gift bag with another item or two, such as cookies, a magazine or a novel. You can save by purchasing discounted Starbucks gift cards and discounted Dunkin Donuts gift cards.

Get crafty. If you're even semi-crafty, look for ideas of fun gifts you and your child can make. Just search for "teacher holiday gifts" on Pinterest for plenty of ideas. Be sure to stop by CoolSavings' Holiday Crafts Pinterest board to get started.

What teacher gift are you most proud of from over your child's years? Do tell!

Still planning your Thanksgiving? Get a little inspiration right here!

2013-11-18T18:31:56.000Z

Thanksgiving is around the corner. What hostess couldn't use a little inspiration right now? Visit CoolSavings' Thanksgiving Pinterest board for fresh takes on sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, corn casserole, delicious turkey and of course, luscious pie!…

Can I find feeding supplies for my baby that are not plastic and not from China?

2013-10-22T23:26:17.000Z

I am a new Mom. My baby is just about 4 months old. In anticipation of her starting on “real foods” I have been researching different spoons, plates, bowls, cups, etc. The problem is that my husband is a big believer in the “no plastics” and “no products from China” movements. Nearly EVERYTHING is made in China and the most logical product for baby items is plastics. I thought it would be helpful to share my research with other moms who are looking for non-plastic items that are not made in China.

Green Eats (http://www.greentoys.com/greeneats/) - “Made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers; our colorful, reUSAble divided plates are ultra-safe and contain no BPA, melamine, or phthalates. Dishwasher safe. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials. Each divided plate has a 9 1/2" diameter. Available in packs of Blue, Green, Orange and Yellow. Each color sold separately. Dishwasher safe no melamine, BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings Saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. All green toys products are 100% made in the USA. To be more specific, they are produced in California, a state known for strict toy safety and environmental laws. It's cool to buy USA, but also think about this: transportation is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gasses. We all know driving less is good for Mother Nature, but did you ever think about how many miles a toy logs before it ends up in your local store? Our toys are truly local creations. Every step in the process, from milk container recycling to toy production to final assembly, occurs in California. Our raw materials and toys aren't shipped from overseas, which saves a lot of energy and reduces greenhouse gasses. It also guarantees your toys won't get seasick before they get to your home.”

ThinkBaby (http://www.thinkbabybottles.com/) - “Thinkbaby's complete BPA free feeding set furthers thinkbaby's mission by providing safe, sustainable, functional and elegant products for little ones. In the development of the BPA Free Feeding system, thinkbaby created a set free of potentially harmful chemicals such as: BPA, phthalates, nitrosamines, lead, PVC, and biologically toxic chemicals. Our feeding set is also free of melamine. Early laboratory research has shown melamine based tableware to leach melamine at various temperatures and when combined with other chemicals (such as formaldehyde and cyanuric) have the potential to pose a risk. As thinkbaby expects the debate to begin on the safety of this chemical, the research they reviewed led them to ask a simple question. Does the product have to have melamine. Nope. So they built our set to be completely free of it. The Feeding Set was designed for a wide range of feeding ages. Starting from the moment your doctor green lights solid food feeding to school days, the set is perfect for feeding and food storage. For traveling in the baby bag or in lunch boxes the Bento box is the ideal, no leak solution. thinkbaby included the children's cup for when your child grows out of the sippy cup. And there is no reason for the set to be only useful for your toddlers. Fork and spoon is currently not included in the set. We know parents are going to be using the sets for children of all ages and for themselves. The other advantage of the Complete BPA free feeding set is that the interior of the set is made from medical grade stainless steel. This ensures that the product lasts and doesn't quickly become gummy and break down like other plastic based table ware. Makes a perfect long last gift as well. The BPA free feeding set is easy to clean. Simply place in dishwasher (top rack recommended). Interior, food grade stainless steel. Exterior, number 5 safe polypropylene.”

ThinkBaby is made in Taiwan it doesn’t really pass the “not made in China” test but still worth mentioning. Also the outside of their containers are plastic but the part where the food and drink sits is made from medical grade stainless steel.

Boon Swap 2 in 1 Feeding Spoon (http://www.booninc.com/products/Swap/297)- “Swap 2-in-1 Feeding Spoon. We've got a couple of tips. Literally. Swap is a dual-ended spoon with a soft end and a rigid end. Perfect for first time eaters. (Your baby will let you know which side of the spoon works best). Both sides have a flat tip perfect for wiping off the food that inevitably ends up all over your baby's face. Dual-ended spoon offers two texture options. Flat tip is great for cleaning up around baby's mouth and inside container. Perfect size for tiny mouths. Angled to easily scoop baby food out of jars. Hygienic food-grade silicone and stainless steel. Dishwasher Safe, BPA, phthalate and PVC-free.”

I have had the Boon Spoon recommended to be from other mom’s. Unfortunately it is made in China. It does pass the “no plastics” rule with one end being made of silicone and the other made of stainless steel.

In conclusion we have decided to go with the Green Eats products for plates, cups and bowls. There are also other brands made of stainless steel but I felt they might be a little dangerous for the baby with the additional weight and also hurt our hardwood floors if the baby tossed them out of her high chair. The recycled milk jugs seemed the most “green” and still safe. For spoons I went against the “rules” and purchased the Boon Swap 2 in 1 Feeding even though it is made in China. As any parent knows it is hard to find products NOT made in China and sometimes the “rules” need to be broken.

One final item, isn’t it great that Sofie the Giraffe Teether is made in France out of rubber!