Money Saving Canadian Mom

Do you know how to use coupons properly?

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:24:00 PST

I have a few rules that I stick to when using coupons and here they are:

Don't buy a product just because you have a coupon. If it isn't something you usually use you are actually spending more! Check the price of similar items on the shelf. You may find a comparable product that is cheaper then your coupon item.

Combine coupons with sales! This method can really save you money. I recently purchased same brand name cereal. Regular price was $4.99 on sale for $1.77 and I had 75 cent off coupons. So in the end the $5 cereal cost me $1.02 a box.

Donate excess items you get with FPC (Free Product Coupons) Sometimes when companies run promos or have a new product they send out free product coupons. If it isn't something I would use or I have a few coupons I like to donate some excess. Your local humane society would gladly accept paper towels, cleaners, dog/ cat food and litter. Personal care products like razors, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant can be donated to a woman's shelter or food bank.

Organize! If your coupons aren't organized then it is really hard to know exactly what you have. I purchased a cheque size accordion file folder at Dollarama for $1.25 and it is the best ones I have ever had! I take about 15 minutes once a month and pull out expired coupons. Another handy tip is to paper clip similar coupons together. I have a "personal care" section and paper clip together all the tooth care, hair care, and soap to be able to find coupons quickly while shopping.

Trade coupons A lot of money saving forums have coupon trading sections. The way it works is people list extra coupons they have and what they need. I have also done trades where I have traded coupons in exchange for Canadian Tire money and stamps. You can also trade coupons with friends and family. For instance I may save some diaper coupons for my sister and she saves me dog food or coffee coupons. You may even have neighbors who don't use coupons and recycle their coupons inserts from the newspaper, just ask if you can have them.

Happy Couponing!

Mmmm..Frugal Valentine Goodies #LMDBlogger

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:51:00 PST

It’s been busy at my house. My husband’s been working a lot and the kid’s are busy with school and activities On a recent cold, windy and snowy Sunday I was trying to avoid the inevitable, “Mom, I’m bored”. Now it was time to put my plan into action!

I sent the kids to their room for a bit of quiet reading time so I could quickly bake up a batch of Betty Crocker Gluten Free vanilla cupcakes. A few days prior, I purchased fancy cupcake liners, candies and icing to bake and decorate these fun treats.

I set the table up with all the goodies:

• Betty Crocker Fluffy white icing
• Betty Crocker Decorating icing that came with 4 icing tips(this totally intrigued me)
• Red Cinnamon Hearts
• Conversation hearts
• White and semi sweet chocolate chips
• Coloured course sugar and assorted sprinkles
• One dozen vanilla cupcakes

Once I was set up I gave them a shout and they both came running! It was pretty funny because they both fought over who was going to use the can of blue Betty Crocker decorating icing first. I have to admit, I was a bit frightened for my white dining chairs but it worked out fine. Whew!

I also gave them both a plate to work on. Other then a few run away sprinkles that the dog ate we were mess free. I let them loose to decorate and have fun. They really like activities that require them to use their creativity. They even let me decorate a few.

I think the cupcakes turned out wonderful and they thanked me several times because they had so much fun!

Money saving tips- I always pick up a few boxes of Betty Crocker cake mixes and icing when they are on sale. It makes a quick, fun and versatile dessert. I purchase my coloured sugars and sprinkles at my local bulk store and refill my own bottles. It’s much cheaper then purchasing sprinkles at the grocery store and the bulk stores usually have a better selection.

Disclosure: I am a blogger for Life Made Delicious and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Frugal Tip: How to get rid of dry chapped lips

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:18:00 PST

Dry lips.......I hate it. Irritated, uncomfortable and flaky. I think I had read about this treatment in a magazine when I was a teenager and have been doing it ever since.

You will need a soft toothbrush, a washcloth and some Vaseline or unflavoured/uncoloured lip balm

First I wet the washcloth with warm water and hold it to my lips for a minute to soften the dry flaky skin.
Next, gently rub the wet toothbrush on your lips to exfoliate. Be gentle! If I am doing this on the kid's lips I just use the washcloth to exfoliate as it's a bit more gentle.
Follow up with a good coating of Vaseline.

I find when my lips are sore and irritated any lip balm with colour or a lot of flavouring adds to the irritation. I never buy the kids highly flavoured lip balms like Lip Smackers because I find that it encourages lip licking that leads to more irritation and dryness. We also had an issue years ago with a certain person in my house EATING her lime Jello lip balm and her sister's Hershey's Chocolate lip balm!

My personal favourites are:

Aveeno lip balm with SPF 15 (this was the best freebie from Livingwell!)
Nivea Hydro Care. This one dosen't have SPF so I use it before I go to bed.

Hurry! Free Marcelle BB Cream From facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:46:51 PST

Marcelle is offering you a BB Cream! Fill out the form on their Facebook page. Share this offer with your friends. Once 10 of your friends have registered, we'll send you a free Marcelle BB Cream. (value of $22.95 + shipping (included)) Hurry, limited freebies are available!

Chocolate Custard Cheerios Pie #LMDBlogger

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:28:00 PST

I’m the type of person who loves a challenge. When I was asked to create a recipe using Cheerios my brain immediately starting churning. My first stop for inspiration was my pantry. I spied a full box of chocolate Cheerios and a box of regular Cheerios. Then, I started to think about what ingredients go hand in hand with Valentine’s Day.

• Chocolate
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

Chocolate Cheerios it is! Now I just had to come up with a way to put it all together. I remember my Mom making a pie that I loved every Victoria Day that had a graham crust, custard and fresh sliced strawberries.

Off I went to the grocery store, kids in tow on the hunt for some fresh berries. I was thinking of using strawberries but the raspberries looked so good I couldn’t pass them up. My older daughter also suggested whipped topping instead of whipped cream so we picked up a container of that too.

Ingredients

Crust
3 cups chocolate Cheerios processed until fine
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melted

Custard filling
Milk
Custard powder
Real vanilla extract
Granulated sugar

Topping
Whipped topping or whipped cream
Berries of your choice

Directions
Chocolate Cheerios crust

Heat oven to 350ºF
• Place cereal in a food processor and process until fine.
• In medium bowl, mix crushed cereal and 1/3 cup melted butter until well mixed.
• Press in bottom and about 1” up side of 9-inch glass pie plate. Bake 12 minutes.
• Cool completely
• Once the crust has been baked and cooled brush the melted chocolate to cover the crust evenly.

Custard Filling

Prepare according to package directions using milk, sugar, vanilla and custard powder.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes before adding to prepared crust.
Top with whipped topping or whipped cream and fresh berries.

I love how the kid’s made a heart out of raspberries! I think the next time I make this I will opt for whipped cream piped on top instead of whipped topping. As you can see, the whipped topping didn’t stand a chance in my warm kitchen. But…there were no complaint’s about the melted whipped topping and also no leftovers!

Looking for more food inspiration? Visit LifeMadeDelicious.ca

Disclosure: I am a blogger for Life Made Delicious and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Free Disney Valentine crafts & recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:30:01 PST

Free Disney Valentine crafts from FamilyFun.go.com. There are plenty of Valentine printable colouring pages, crafts, party ideas, recipes and games.

My kids have a PA day today so I printed out lots of fun activities for them to do. I LOVE free fun!

Freebie Alert-Garnier Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:59:51 PST

Hurry over to Garnier Canada's Facebook page and grab yourself a sample of their new BB Cream. They are giving out 25,000 samples and I think they will go quickly!

UPDATE FEB 3/12

Promo update from Garnier Canada's Facebook page- Many of you are worried that you'll miss out on our BB Cream promo. So we're letting you know that we will be working throughout the weekend to ensure the form is fully functional by next week. And rest assured that we will announce to all of you when the promo is back online! Enjoy the weekend!

Looking for more freebies and samples? Check out WomenFreebies.ca and MySavings.com

Free Philly Cooking Creme** Limited Quantity Available

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:11:14 PST

Philly is giving out Save.ca Free Product coupons for their new Cooking Creme.

You must visit Real Women of Philidelphia and register.
After you register and verify your email, log in to the site.
Visit the "HOME" page
Click on the link for the free product on the right hand side.
You will be redirected to Save.ca to order your coupon

Remember there is only a limited number of coupons available!

Tasty new products from Kashi

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:50:33 PST

I was shipped a box of new Kashi products recently and I was excited to try them out. In my parcel were the new Kashi Pita crisps in 2 flavours; Zesty Salsa and 7 Grain with sea salt.

These pita crisps were a great accompaniment to my Weight Watchers guacamole and hummus when I wanted a crunchy snack. Kashi Pita Crisps have 10g of whole grains and 5g of tasty fibre!

I also received 2 kinds of Kashi Snack Crackers; Toasted Asiago and Fire Roasted Vegetable. The kid's gave a big thumbs up to both kinds. These were really crunchy and flavourful. They also contain zero grams of the trans fat .

I made sure to save a couple points for the end of the day so I could have these as a crunchy snack while watching TV at night!

I'm saving the best for last. Kashi's newest cereal, Toasted Cinnamon Crisp. It has crunchy clusters of cinnamony goodness, 10g Protein, 19g Whole grains and 9g of Fibre per serving.

I like to measure out a serving and leave it on the counter. I then add it to my usual afternoon snack of yogurt and fruit which gives it a nice crunch. If I have a bit of a hunger going on I grab a bit to snack on too. Yes, it's that good!

All of these products I mentioned are new and if they are not in your local stores now they will be available soon.

Disclaimer- I was provided with samples of these products to facilitate in the writing of this review. No other form of compensation was received. As always, the opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Buy 1 Get 1 Free Harvey's Burger Printable Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:51:16 PST

Here's a great deal from Harvey's. Purchase a burger and a 20oz drink or a burger combo and get a second burger free! (equal or lesser value)

I just love Harvey's Veggie burgers; they are the best. I get mine with mustard, onions, pickles, tomato and extra hot peppers. I might have to treat myself this week!

BTW- Vegggie burger= 7 Weight Watchers points plus, Original beef burger= 10 Weight Watchers points plus)

Get your Harveys Burger Printable Coupon here

Give While You Get – Fundraising Platform to Drive Change World-Wide

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:57:41 PST

Here's some info about how to purchase daily deals and make a difference!

If making a donation to your favourite charity, getting a great deal and keeping money in your pocket sounds like a good idea you’re not alone. GettingGives.com, which launches this month, is a fundraising platform capitalizing on the rampant success of the group buying market.

GettingGives.com combines daily deals from popular sites like Groupon and Living Social in one easy location. For every deal bought, 50 per cent of GettingGives’ profits are donated to the charity of the user’s choice. “We wanted to find a way that would allow people to give back, despite their busy day-to-day lives… and without having to spend a lot of money,” said GettingGives’ president Matt Miller. “People are able to get the exact same deal they could get somewhere else, at the exact same price, and they get to give back to their favourite charity.”

While the group buying market is competitive, Albert Bitton, Principal at Group Buying Canada, says GettingGives stands out from the pack. “GettingGives is first and foremost a fundraising platform that is leveraging the success of the daily deal market to make giving easier than ever before. The notion that you can save your money and support a cause is very exciting,” said Bitton. “It’s not simply just another daily deal site.” Several charitable partners are already on board, including Plan Canada, Compassion, Teach for America, Save the Children, Pencils of Promise and To Write Love On Her Arms.

To Write Love On Her Arms is the recent winner of the American Giving Awards $1 million prize, as featured on NBC. “We’re excited to have this opportunity to connect with online audiences and to raise awareness and support for our work of helping children in developing countries,” said Jeff Cornett, vicepresident of donor marketing with Plan Canada. “I think people will appreciate knowing they’re making a difference in people’s lives around the world, while still saving money. Miller founded GettingGives with his wife Sydney. The couple first met at the age of 8 in their hometown and started dating when they were 14.

The couple was inspired to launch GettingGives after watching an episode of Ellen DeGeneres and seeing her commitment to giving back and using her platform to make a difference in people’s lives. GettingGives plans to build the first-ever global online community of giving back, where people can save their money and support a cause.

The above was provided by Jennifer Stewart: jennifer (at) jscommunications.ca

Disclaimer. I did not recieve any form of compensation for this post and was glad to spread the word about GettingGives.

Red Velvet Cupcakes Belong on a Pedestal #LMDBlogger

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:40:57 PST

One of the fun perks of being a General Mills- Lifemadedelicious.ca Blogger is that I get to try out new products! When I walked to the end of the road to gather up my mail on Monday I received a "mystery parcel". The kids gathered round while I opened it. (I know you are wondering what was in it too!) It was the brand new Betty Crocker Red Velvet cake mix!

I've never made red velvet cake before so I was excited. In the box was the red velvet mix that makes 1 dozen cupcakes (or one 8" round) and 2 packages of cream cheese icing.

The next day, I baked up my very first batch of red velvet cupcakes. Just like other Betty Crocker cake mixes I just needed to add oil, water and eggs. 18 minutes later I removed the cupcakes from the oven. I let them cool then decorated the cupcakes with a Valentine theme.

I think they turned out great! My husband told me these were the BEST cupcakes he has ever had, hands down. This new Betty Crocker Red Velvet Cake mix kit is available in Canada for a limited time so get yours now! It would make a perfect Valentine's Day dessert.

You can pick it up at: Longo's, Giant Tiger, Sobeys Ontario, Sobeys West, Co-op Atlantic, Pratts, WalMart, Federated Co-op, H Y Louie, Northwest Company, Overwaitea, Associated Grocers, Buy Low, QF Caseco, Safeway/ Mac Con, London Drugs and Thrifty.

PS- Yes, I'm still on Weight Watchers. 1 cupcake =5 pts

Disclosure: I am a blogger for Life Made Delicious and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Sears.ca Warehouse sale ends Jan 27/2012

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:23:37 PST

Incredible discounts on now at the www.Sears.ca Warehouse Sale. Only 3 days left to shop, sale ends Jan27th

(gulp) Weight Watchers update time

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:59:12 PST

Here's my Weight Watchers ~~confessional~~ update for the past week. For those of you who haven't read about my Weight Watchers journey you can read about it here.

I've been on the new 2012 Weight Watchers program since Dec 26th, so a bit shy of 1 month. This morning I am down 7lbs! I am almost at my half way mark of 7-1/2 lbs! Am I happy? YES!! (jump and clicks heels)

On other diets this is typically my," I've lost some weight so I can relax a bit mode". NOT this time. I am eating real food,( lots of it) and exercising. I feel great!!

What's a healthy weight for you? Find out at WeightWatchers.ca

Here's the "skinny" (LOL) on what I've been eating. BWT, I was ill this week so I didn't eat much for about 2 days. Once I felt better I made up for lost time. I ate 3 days worth of points in 2 days. At the end of the week I was down 1 lb and still had 16 points left (plus my exercise points which I don't trade for food points)

Homemade marmalade. This recipe is on the Equal Canada website

Homemade guacamole on crisp bread instead of chips (waaaay too many points in tortilla chips)

Dillicious Salmon with scalloped potatoes and green beans

Harvey's veggie burger(YOU WOULD NOT KNOW THIS WAS MEATLESS!) with mustard, lettuce, pickles, onions and hot peppers. (vegggie burger 7 points plus, original beef burger, 10 points plus)

Pot roast with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes. Yes, that is REAL butter on my potatoes.

A new family favourite! Weight Watchers Chicken Paprikash

Weight Watchers Recipe- Asian beef burgers with onions, steamed carrots and romaine salad with mango chipotle dressing.

Breakfast is usually coffee with cream, Egg, ham and cheese english muffin or a small bagel with butter. Mid morning I usually have yogurt and fruit.

For lunch I usually have a large salad with 1 tbsp dressing (1 point) and a cheese and chicken quesadilla or Weight watchers beef barley vegetable soup. This soup is really filling and only 4 points for a 2 cup serving. I cooked up a double batch of this soup and froze some for next week's lunches.

Snacks have been crisp bread with Weight Watchers guacamole, Kashi pita crisp zesty salsa crackers, Quaker mini spicy rice cakes, fruit, yogurt and low fat cheese.

As you can see, I'm not feeling deprived in the least. I'm 1 month in and almost to my half way mark of 7.5 lbs. I'm actually looking forward to eating and have been cooking up flavorful food that the whole family has enjoyed. Even hubby is down a few pounds!

Right now when you sign up for a 3 month on-line program, Weight Watchers will wave the $39.95 registration fee. A regular 1 month on-line program is $61.90 but with this deal you get 3 months for $65.85. This works out to about 70 cents per day. Are you worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Offer ends 2/29/12! Visit WeightWatchers.ca for details.

I'll be back next week with my latest Weight Watchers Points Plus update. Now I'm off to work out, have a great day!

PS- Curves gym for Women is offering trials for only $10 (for new customers) Click Here to check it out!

Hurry, Free Lean Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:21:07 PST

Hurry and print off your Free product coupon for a Free Lean Cuisine product from their Facebook page. To get the coupon "Like" them on their Facebook page, click "I'm In" then click on "Get your free Coupon now" and print off your coupon!

Freebie Alert, Aveeno freebie Jan 24th

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:48:40 PST

Livingwell is giving out Aveeno Lotion freebies again. 10,000 Aveeno freebies are going to be available ~sometime~ on Jan 24, 2012. Remember, you need to join Living well first to get your freebie!

Awesome Deals and Bulk Barn printable coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:08:10 PST

Here are a couple of Saturday/Sunday deals on this weekend!

I shopped this great Sears Outlet sale this morning and picked up a new bathing suit for myself (thanks to Weight Watchers!) for $14, some stretchy pants for my daughter for $4, hand towels for $3.50 and a beach Cover-up for $7.
If you have a Sears card use code 941612020 for 40% off. If you don't have a Sears card use code 941612018 and save an additional 30%.

The Deets
Offers valid January 21 - 22, 2012 on men's, women's & kids' apparel, footwear, luggage and selected home décor products only. Excludes major appliances, mattresses, sewing, vacuums, home furnishings, nursery, fitness, hardware, home improvement, electronics, sports and recreation, toys, lawn, garden, jewellery and cosmetics. Exclusive to sears.ca/outlet purchases. Cannot be combined with any other bonus offer numbers. Offer not valid in-store.
†Excludes clocks, seasonal décor, home organization, rugs, vanities and bathroom mirrors.
Save an extra 40% on selected Sears.ca/outlet items when you use your Sears Financial™ Credit Card. Jan 21 & 22 only! Click here to save!

Beyond the Rack is celebrating their third anniversary with some great sales this weekend only. They are also offering $3 shipping!

Please Mum has a Warehouse Blowout sale on now. Warehouse Blowout Sale All Prior Season Fall / Winter Fashion & Sleepwear Buy 3 get 1 free use Coupon code GET1FREE. 70% off Deep winter Parks and 50% off Spring and summer.

Bulk Barn is offering a $3 printable coupon on their website right now. It's valid Jan 20/2012- Feb 2, 2012 on purchases over $10 or more before taxes. This coupon can not be used in conjunction with Seniors/student discounts.

Surfers who sign up to take surveys for MySurvey Canada and earn points, which can be redeemed for cash, prizes, or online gift certificates. Take online surveys, earn points, and redeem your points for Paypal cash, MP3's and other prizes. Sign up today!

Some great deals, don't miss out!

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:50:52 PST

Shopper's has Multibionta vitamins on sale for $11.99 (starting Jan 20) after the $10 Printable Multibionta Vitamin coupon pay only $1.99 per bottle!

There are a lot of stores this week that have the Hunts Tomato Sauce (original 680ml) on sale for $1 per can.

If you happened to pick up the VH coupon booklet (I got mine at WalMart) there is a "Buy 4 cans save $2" coupon in it. Regular price is $2.29, on sale for $1. After coupons pay only 50 cents per can!

Curves is offering a trial for only $10 until Feb 18, 2012. Start your weight loss success story today! Click Here to view this deal.

Cooking with Equal- Dillicious Salmon and Sunshine Marmalade

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:31:30 PST

A few days ago I headed out to Walmart in search of the Equal canister that is $9.97 on sale for $7.97. Today I’m cooking with Equal. I made 2 recipes. The first recipe is on the Equal Canada website, Sunshine Marmalade. The second recipe Dillicious Salmon Saute is on the Equal Canada Facebook page,

This marmalade was very easy to make. I started Weight Watchers a few weeks ago and was looking for a something to put on my toast that was flavorful but wouldn't blow my daily Points Plus allowance. 1 serving of this Sunshine Marmalade is 0 Points; I like that! You can view the recipe here.

We fish a lot in the summer so I am always looking for new salmon and trout recipes. We vacuum seal the fillets to prevent freezer burn with 3-4 portions in each bag.

Sometimes I add seasoning to the fish when we vacuum seal it and it marinades while the fish is defrosting in the fridge. It makes for a quick and easy dinner on a busy night.

To simplify my life I try to plan my meals in advance. First I scan the flyers to see what's on sale, then I check out my fridge and freezer.

If I get into a cooking rut and am looking for some inspiration I usually check out Lifemadedelicious.ca or CanadianLiving.com

Dillicious Salmon Saute

- Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/2 pounds salmon fillets, cut into 6 pieces
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons Equal® Spoonful or Granulated*
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon stick butter or margarine
1 tablespoon capers
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill OR 1 tablespoon dried dillweed* May substitute 3 packets Equal sweetener

Preparation

Heat olive oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add salmon and cook 5 minutes, turning once. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon from skillet to serving plate; keep warm.

Add lemon juice, Equal®, mustard, butter, capers and garlic to skillet. Cook over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.

To serve, spoon sauce over salmon. Sprinkle with dill.

It was really good, no leftovers at my house!

If you would like to find out more about Equal Canada or more recipes please visit their website here or the Equal Canada Facebook page. You can also connect with Equal Canada on Twitter

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. As always, the opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Clean your Mac and AVG Freebies

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:48:30 PST

Technology, It's great when it works. I myself am having quiet a time setting up a new modem today(GGRRRRRrrr)

Here is a Freebie called "Mackeeper" 911 for your Mac. "Users can download the #1 system utility for MAC in the world that helps them scan for errors, boost performance and increase speed!"

Clean your Mac

MacKeeper will safely remove gigabytes of junk from your Mac.

Secure your Mac

MacKeeper will protect your Mac from spyware, data loss and even theft.

Protect Data on your Mac

MacKeeper will prevent unwanted access to your confidential files.

Optimize your Mac

MacKeeper will boost your Mac's speed and keep your apps up to date.

Get Expert Assistance

MacKeeper's expert customer support will solve any technical issue 24/7!

If anyone reading this has tried MacKeeper, please let us know what you thought of it.

I've been using AVG for about 6 months now and I really like it. I find it isn't a big resource hog like Norton. An added bonus with the AVG 2012 is that they give you a free 30 day trial. A full 30 days to test drive it out for free!
The free 30 day trial of AVG 2012 also comes with a trial of AVG 2012 PC Tuneup. I took avantage of this and I found that my old desktop is running more efficiently now. Download your Free Trial of AVG Internet Security 9.0 today.

New $1 coupon for Multigrain Cheerios #LMDBlogger

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:10:31 PST

New coupon available from General Mills. $1 off Multigrain Cheerios (265g, 390g, 560g). (These coupons are only available through this Websaver.ca link)

There is also a $1 off Chex coupon that will be available Jan 30/2012.

Disclosure- I am a blogger for General Mills Canada. All opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Earn money and prizes while watching TV

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:13:06 PST

As most of my readers know, Winter sometimes draaaaags on forever. When it gets dark out at 4:30PM the nights seem so long.

After the kids are in bed and you are sitting around watching TV why not take some surveys to earn cash and win prizes? I do belong to a few survey groups and find most surveys take between 5-15 minutes to complete.

Here is a list of survey companies that are accepting Canadians to do their surveys!

Ipsos Canada. Join us and have your say. Earn points for every completed survey. Take more surveys and earn more rewards. Other great prizes too!

Nielsen is one of the most respected survey companies out there(and one of my faves). You usually hear on TV,"The Nielson rating are...ect" With Nielsen Earn you points that can be used toward great prizes and enter into their monthly sweepstakes. There is a great variety of prizes to choose from, something for everyone.

Harris Interactive- Share your opinions and get rewarded with Harris Online! By joining, you'll be enrolled in their appreciation program, Harris Poll Online Rewards, where you can redeem points for rewards that include a variety of merchandise and gift certificates.

The NDP reserch group is one of the largest and most trusted market research companies in the world, with over 40 years experience! For every survey you complete you will have the opportunity to win cash and prizes

Snap Dollars-SnapDollars is now offering a FREE $5.00 credit to all new accounts! To get it, simply open your account. Next complete your profile and Snap Dollars will add 5 bucks to your balance. Remember, there is no cost to join, so create your account now to collect your bonus!

Toluna People, Opinions and PollsShare your thoughts on products and services of today and tomorrow and get rewarded up to $20 for every survey you take (you may also have a chance to test products).
SwagBucks- Swagbucks is pretty popular. I know a lot of people who participate. Search the web and earn Swab Bucks to redeem prizes. Get prizes for doing things you already do on the internet.

Looking for Equal on sale at Walmart for #cbias

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:51:19 PST

I’m out on the hunt again for Equal sweetener as part of a shoppertunity for Collective Bias. This time I’m heading out to Walmart in search of the Equal canister that is on sale for $7.97. Do you know what I really like about Walmart? They never give me a hassle about printable coupons and I can price match sales from other stores which saves me time and money and gas! I usually shop here at least twice a month, sometimes more depending on the sales.

Time to get ready to shop!

Being Money Saving Canadian Mom, I MUST browse through my local flyer first to match up sales with coupons I have. I'm like Santa! I’m making a list and checking it twice. Other items I’ll be scooping up while I’m there-Oranges $2.77 4lb bag, lemons, cheese $4.44 500g brick, avocados 67 cents, Dempster’s bagels $2, Herbal Essences $2.37 (I have 50 and 75 cent coupons). I’m sure other items will make their way into the cart because the whole family is coming with me!

Load ‘em up and head on out

Brrr, It’s cold out there! First we are going to Harvey’s for supper to use a gift card we received for Christmas. Once the troops are fed, we will head to WalMart.

When we arrived at Walmart my husband fetched the shopping cart, daughter #1 had my coupon binder and daughter #2 had my shopping list; off we go.

First stop Herbal Essences. I need a styling product with super mega hold for my new flippy hairdo. I found some “set me up” maximum hold gel that is suppose to hold your hairstyle in a hurricane so it will do. Next stop Equal. I was looking for the Equal in the yellow canister this is on sale right now. Regular price is $9.97 and the sale price is $7.97. If you have an Equal coupon this deal will be even sweeter.(pun intended ;o).

I found the sale priced canister of Equal in the aisle by the pharmacy where all of the sweeteners are. The canisters definitely stand out being a cheerful yellow colour and there were 4 facings of it. It looks to be selling well as I had to pull 3 canisters to the front so my picture above looked pretty.

Next we were off to pick up a few things from the grocery section. We had to make a pit stop along the way to pick up some puppy/kitty Valentine's day cards that were on an end display. I could tell the kids were getting tired and I scooped up the last few things I needed quickly. At the checkout I let the kids pick out a treat because they were very patient. Yes, they think I'm a cool Mom.

If you would like to find out more about Equal Canada please visit their website here. You can also connect with Equal Canada on Facebook and Twitter

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. As always, the opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Hallmark wants a Mom's Opinion

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:14:51 PST

Hallmark is looking for your opinion! In exchange for your opinions you have the opportunity to win cash prizes for your participation. If you are a mom between the ages of 18-34 check out the Hallmark Connection forum and join today!

Once you join you will be able to participate in surveys and express your thoughts. Your opinions can make a difference, influencing the products and programmes Hallmark Canada offers.

My girls and I love going to Hallmark! We like to read the cards, check out the Webkinz animals and look at their terrific Christmas ornaments.

Free Aveeno Lip Conditioner Jan 10/12

noreply@blogger.com (Deanna) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:23:22 PST

Yeah! Livingwell is giving out 10,000 Free samples of Aveeno lip conditioner with SPF 15. These will be available Tuesday January 10/2012 "sometime" during the day. You never know when these freebies will be going live and you have to be quick to get one.

They gave this freebie away last month. I was surprised when I received my free sample that it was a full size tube!

Looking for the latest freebies? Check out The Freebie Fix's Free Samples Newsletter.