Saving, Surviving & Thriving

And the Winner Is........

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:42:02 PST

The winner of the giveaway is chlives! Thanks for participating everyone!

I have sent an email to the winner. If I don't receive a response within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

Happy New Year and a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 11:28:12 PST

This post is a bit late but I have been dealing with an incredibly busy and frazzled holiday season so I apologize for not getting to it sooner!

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and new years celebration and to kick the year off right I have a giveaway for you!

I was contacted by Safeway, Glad and Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark to host a giveaway for a holiday cookie exchange event (now do you see why I'm late!) Well They sent me a "Happy Holiday Treats" prize pack that includes a package of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, a GladWare sample pack and a $25 Safeway gift card (also valid at Dominick´s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Vons, and Genuardi´s). I was also provided with an additional prize pack to give away to one of my readers.

It´s that time of year again! Spread holiday cheer to your friends and family with the gift of freshly baked Betty Crocker^® treats. From a Snowman Coconut Cake to Classic Gingerbread Man Cookies, sharing the warmth and sweetness has never been easier.

This year, why not start a new tradition? With a little help from Betty Crocker, GladWare® and the Safeway Family of Stores, you can keep your loved ones´ hearts and homes filled with holiday spirit and homemade goodness of Betty Crocker. Whip up a plate full of cookies using a recipe from BakeSweetMemories.com and host a cookie exchange. What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season than inviting your friends and family over for a night of swapping cookies, recipes, and memories?

Once you´ve finished baking, share it in GladWare! Glad® food storage products are the perfect solution for preparing, storing and transporting holiday goods. They´re also great for gift giving too, so count on Glad® products to help keep your holiday foods fresh and festive and ready to serve

For great holiday recipe ideas, how-to videos, and tips for hosting your very own cookie exchange, visit BakeSweetMemories.com. While you´re there, be sure to play the new Sweet Memories game that gives you the chance to instantly win free Betty Crocker products! To enter this giveaway and win one the Happy Holidays Treat Packs please leave a comment on this post and I will choose a winner on January 5th. Again, I apologize for posting this givaway so late but cookies should be exchanged all year long if you ask me! :) (Please note that the coupon, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to me from Safeway, Betty Crocker, and Glad through MyBlogSpark.)

Amazon Lightning Deal- 50% off KitchenAid's Most Powerful Stand Mixer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 09:56:08 PST

50% off KitchenAid's most powerful stand mixer at Amazon Hurry, This is a lightning deal and they will go FAST!

Thanks Coupon Connections NW!

Free Sample of Dole Fruit Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 10:41:59 PDT

Get a Free sample of new Dole Fruit Bites when you like Dole on Facebook.

Thanks Thrifty and Thriving!

HOT FREE bakeware from One Kings Lane!!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:29:27 PDT

One Kings Lane, the deal site I told you about the other day, has fabulous deal going on today for BIA Cordon Bleu stoneware bakers. They are priced from $15 to $18 but if you are a new customer, when you sign up for a free account you will instantly receive a $15 credit to your account!!
That means you can get the stoneware shown above for FREE or

the larger bakers for as little as $3 plus shipping ($7.95).
These would make awesome Christmas gifts (hint, hint to my hubby!)
Hurry if you are interested, these kinds of sales tend to go quickly!

Thanks Frugal Living NW!

Printable Coupon Round Up

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:38:49 PDT

Here is an overview of the newest coupons on Coupons.com and the ones that will soon be unavailable to print, make sure to print the ones you need before they are gone.
Newest Coupons to Print

Last Chance To Print
(Date is when coupon will no longer be available to print, but may return at a later date)

$4.00 off on Zegerid OTC™ 42 count
9/18/2010
$3.00 off Any ONE (1) HUGGIES Snug & Dry Diapers
9/20/2010
$1.50 off any OXY Clinical product
9/21/2010
$1.00 off Glade Sense & Spray refills
9/21/2010
Two Like It™ Size Create Your Own for $5.00
9/23/2010
$1.00 off On Your September Issue of REAL SIMPLE
9/24/2010
$1.00 off the September Issue of HEALTH Magazine
9/24/2010
$1.00 off any 3lb or larger Reser's Deli Salad
9/26/2010
$3.00 off on ONE (1) Rug Stick Kit
9/30/2010
$5.00 off On Snuggie Varsity Blanket only
9/30/2010
$88.99 for 2 Pairs of Eyeglasses
9/30/2010
$1.00 off on Any Revlon Nail Enamel
9/30/2010
$4.00 off any Tag™ book over $9.00
9/30/2010
FREE Expressions Montage & EXTRA 20% OFF
9/30/2010
$0.50 off on one (1) Egg Beaters
9/30/2010
$1.00 off Energizer batteries or flashlight
9/30/2010
$0.50 off Fiber One Frozen Muffins
10/1/2010
$1.00 off Good Earth™ Restaurant Favorites
10/1/2010
$0.50 off YoPlus Yogurt
10/1/2010
$0.50 off Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters
10/1/2010
$0.75 off Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit
10/1/2010
$0.75 off LÄRABAR, JOCALAT or JamFrakas™ bars
10/1/2010
$1.00 off Pillsbury Savorings products
10/1/2010
$0.50 off Yoplait Delights™ Yogurt Multipack
10/1/2010
$1.50 off Wanchai Ferry™ Frozen Entrée
10/1/2010

FREE Can of New Pringles Extreme

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:29:58 PDT

Head on over to the Pringles page on Facebook to get a coupon for a FREE can of new Pringles Extreme. I love trying new products for FREE!

Thanks Thrifty NW Mom!

3 Free Issues of Seventeen Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 07:49:16 PDT

Value Mags is offering up 3 complimentary issues of Seventeen Magazine. There are no strings attached and you will never receive a bill. I have gotten freebies from Value Mags several times before and I love it.
My daughter gets Seventeen magazine and she loves it. They have tons of giveaways and we have gotten exclusive freebies from the mag too like a tee from Aeropostale and leggings from Sears, just for showing her copy of Seventeen at the store!

If you want more than just 3 issues, Amazon is offering up a 2 year subscription to Seventeen for the price of 1 year through Sept. 18th. That's just $10 for 2 years of Seventeen Magazine or $0.50 an issue! This would make a great Christmas gift.

Thanks Coupon Cravings!

Hot deal on Magellan GPS at Amazon- 2 to Choose From For Less Than $60!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:02:23 PDT

Right now on Amazon there are two hot deals on Magellan GPS units.
The Magellan RoadMate 1210 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator is priced at $54.63 with free shipping, that's 61% off the original price of $139.99.
There is also the Magellan RoadMate 1340 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator priced at $56.88 with free shipping, a savings of 68% off the original price of $179.99.
I'm thinking these would make excellent Christmas presents and this is a very good price. If you are interested I would grab them because Amazon's prices can change from day to day so when you see a good deal like this you need to grab it.
Plus, if you have been gathering Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks you could save even more or possibly get this for FREE!

Thanks Because More Is More!

FREE Chips & Queso Plus a FREE Brownie Sundae at Chili's

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 10:00:01 PDT

Sign up for Chili's e-club to receive updates from Chili's and you can print a coupon for a FREE order of chips & queso. Plus after you print the chip coupon you should see a coupon for a FREE Brownie Sundae on the right side of the screen.
I love these kinds of restaurant coupons, it means you can a little extra splurge to your night out like an appetizer or dessert without killing your budget!

Join One Kings Lane and Get a $15 Credit in Your Account Instantly!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 09:58:58 PDT

One Kings Lane is a new sample site that offers exclusive sales on designer home accessories at up to 70% off retail. For a limited time One Kings Lane is offering everyone who signs up and instant $15 credit in your account, no purchase necessary!
Membership is free and sales change daily. Right now you can get a set of Erin Condren personalized labels for just $12 or FREE with your $15 credit!
There are also book labels, mailing labels and address labels. You can also check out all the fabulous home decor too.

Thanks Steals and Deals!

Your Chance to Help Out One of the "Fabuless" Bloggers Who Has Helped Us Save So Much

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:57:39 PDT

If you read my blog regularly then you have probably noticed one of the blogs I link to often, Fabulessly Frugal. This blog is run by a great group of gals who have helped so many save so much. One of the gals from Fabulessly Frugal is in need of some assistance and her friends have organized a fundraiser to help her out.
Note: Even if you don't live in Idaho you can help out by purchasing Fundraiser tickets and noting that you would like them to donate the tickets to a local family instead of mailing them to you. Please check out the fundraiser details at Fabulessly Frugal and help out if you can!

You can read Cathy's story here.

HOT $2 Hidden Valley Farmhouse Coupon on Coupons.com

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:50:35 PDT

There is a hot new coupon out for $2 off any Hidden Valley Farmhouse dressing. This should easily score you some free salad dressing and they are sure to go fast so I would print right away!

Thanks The Coupon Project!

Get 3 Portable Vases for $12 at Eversave

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:41:44 PDT

Today's Eversave Portland deal is $12 for 3 reusable, portable vases from Say It With Vases (a $24 value). These are adorable and I love that they fold flat. I have a whole cabinet full of nothing but vases, what a space saver these would be! I also love that these are a convenient, eco-friendly way to give flowers.

If you want to grab this deal just head on over to Eversave and purchase your voucher.

Vouchers are valid until Sept. 1, 2011
Voucher is valid to use beginning at 12pm EST the day after purchase
You may purchase up to 5 vouchers for yourself or for gifts
Standard shipping rates apply

FREE Popcorn From Regal Cinemas Today Only (9/10)

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:22:30 PDT

Going to the movies tonight? How about some FREE popcorn then! Just head on over to Regal Cinemas Facebook page and "like" them to print a coupon for a free small popcorn.
(This offer is valid for today only 9/10)

Thanks Coupon Cravings!

I LOVE Local Farms!!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:18:14 PDT

Look at all the yummy fresh produce I got yesterday from Thistledown, a local family farm. Yes, you can buy tomatoes and green beans from the grocery store but these taste so much fresher and you are stimulating the local economy.

Check out what I got for $29:

Big bag of Green Beans
Celery
8 large Tomatoes
2 green Bell Peppers
1 Eggplant
2 large Sweet Onions (they are really big! the picture doesn't do them justice)
1 large Red Onion
5 Early Golden Apples
1 pint Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
8 Pluots (Plum & Apricot hybrid in case you didn't know-I LOVE these!)
8 Pears
6 Lemon Cucumbers
2 Limes
6 Jalapenos
2 Green Tomatoes
1 bulb of Garlic
1 Chili de Agua

Can you tell that we're making salsa this weekend?! I am also blessed with 2 children who love their fruits and veggies so I will be lucky if the fruit lasts through the weekend but I think that's a good thing! :)

FREE Triscuits and Wheat Thins From Kraft First Taste

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:44:43 PDT

You may wanna check your Kraft First Taste account and see if you have an offer for FREE Triscuit Thin Crisps and Wheat Thins Stix. I just checked mine and it was there, Yay! I love coupons for FREE items. A great way to try out a new product.
If you don't have a Kraft First Taste account sign up today. It's Free and you get coupons and offers to try all kinds of FREE products, I love it!

Thanks Coupon Connections NW!

Fabulous & Inexpensive Fall Hurricane Vases You Can Make Yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:04:56 PDT

(Photo courtesy of My Blessed Life)

Check out this awesome tutorial on how to make your own Hurricane Vases at My Blessed Life. Aren't they beautiful?!

I can't wait to try this myself. I already have all the things needed around the house.

This is an awesome way to decorate for fall without breaking the bank!

Most of you probably already have everything you need to make one of these.

Today's Groupon Deal- 20 Page 8x8 Hardcover Photobook From Shutterfly For $10

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:38:18 PDT

Today's Portland Groupon deal is for a 20-page, 8"x8", hardcover photobook from Shutterfly for just $10. This is an on-line deal so everyone is eligible, you don't have to be in Portland.

Photo Books make great gifts for Birthday, Christmas, New Baby, Weddings, or just about anything. How about a Back to School book for memories of the kiddos first day. Such a great alternative to random, loose photos laying around (I am so guilty of this!).

To grab this deal for yourself head on over to Groupon to snag one before they're gone.

Fred Meyer 6 Hour and 1 Day Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:55:20 PDT

Sorry I didn't get this up sooner for you but well, you know, life...

6 Hour Sale
Prices valid 7am to 1pm today only

50% OFF ITEMS

Garden Decor
Foodsaver Storage Bags
Bean Bag Covers & Bags of Beans
Everyday Living Bath Towels (reg. price $4.99)
Mattress Pads & Bed Pillows
3-Tier Folding Bookcase (reg. price $49.99)
Everyday Living Mission Computer Desk (reg. price $129.99)

OTHER 6 HOUR SALE ITEMS

$199.99
Black Nintendo Wii with Sports Resort + FREE DJ Hero w/in-store coupon ($79.99 value)

$599.99
40" 1080p LCD HDTV (after $250 instant savings)

6 Hour Door Buster Coupons

Additional 15% off Apparel & Accessories for Men, Women & Children
(Coupon valid 7AM-1PM Monday, September 6, 2010 only. Excludes Cosmetics, levi's®, Under Armour, Shoes and Clearance. limit one coupon per purchase. Coupon good at time of purchase and for in-store purchases only. Not valid on prior purchases. May not be combined with another bonus coupon.)

$5 off Men's, Women's or Children's Shoes priced $19.99 and up
(From Today's Prices With This Coupon * Limit 1 Pair * Coupon valid 7AM-1PM Monday, September 6, 2010 only. Excludes Skechers, Reebok Toning Products and Clearance. Limit one coupon per purchase. Coupon good at time of purchase and for in-store purchases only. Not valid on prior purchases. May be combined with a bonus coupon.)

$5.00 off Men's, Women's or Children's Apparel or Accessories Item 14.99 & Up
(From Today's Prices With This Coupon * Limit One $5 Savings * For your best value, combine with 6-Hour 15% OFF Doorbuster Bonus Coupon * Coupon valid 7AM-1PM Monday, September 6, 2010 only. Excludes Cosmetics, Shoes, Under Armour and Clearance. Limit one coupon per purchase. Coupon good at time of purchase and for in-store purchases only. Not valid on prior purchases. May be combined with a bonus coupon.)
To view the 1 day sale items GO HERE.

Fred Meyer Deals 9/5-9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:02:53 PDT

Here are some of the highlights I see in this weeks Fred Meyer ad:

MEAT

80% Lean Ground Beef    $1.79/lb
3 lb. flavor seal package

Foster Farms Fresh Fryer Breasts    $1.48/lb
Jumbo pack, Bone-in

Fresh Fryer Drumsticks or Thighs     $1.19/lb
Jumbo pack

Fresh Wild Alaska Whole Silver Salmon    $5.99/lb
so yummy if you're looking for a splurge!

PRODUCE

Organic Peaches or Nectarines $0.98/lb

Gala Apples   $0.98/lb

Leaf Lettuce   $0.88 ea

Organic Red or Green Grapes   $1.48/lb

Large Hot House Tomatoes    $1.29/lb

Broccoli or Yellow or Zucchini Squash   $0.88/lb

GROCERY

Hunt's Canned Tomatoes   $0.89 ea
use $0.45/3 from 8/1 SS
Final Price = $0.74 ea

Hunt's Snack Pack Pudding   10/$10
use $1/4 from Aug All You magazine
Final Price = $0.75 ea

Banquet TV Dinners   $0.88 ea

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 2/$1 w/in-ad coupon
should start to see soup on sale for fall soon- if you need some this is an ok price but you should be able to get these for $0.25 or less in the next month or two.

Hunt's Pasta Sauce   $0.79 ea w/in-ad coupon

Fred Meyer Frozen Veggies $0.88 ea

Cow Pals String Cheese 2/$5
12 oz package

Skintamate or Edge Shave Gel   $0.99 w/in-store $1/1 manufacturers coupon

Fred Meyer Peanut Butter, Preserves or English Muffins 10/$10 w/in-ad coupon
You can usually find deals on name brand Peanut Butter for $0.75-Free but it's a pretty decent price for preserves if you don't make your own.

Also be sure to check out the additional 60% off clearance for any great deals to be had. There is also a 1 day sale Tomorrow, I will highlight those deals in a separate post this afternoon.

Home Depot Free Weekend Workshops

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:42:36 PDT

Check out these FREE weekend workshops available at Home Depot

Fall Face Lift: Interior & Exterior Painting
- Learn about patching, prep and maintenance for refreshing your home’s interior and exterior
- Find out about some of the basic tools and accessories to make your project easy, fast and clean
- Locate the best quality paint and products for the job
Decorative Flooring Solutions
- Explore the range of laminate, tile or carpet flooring options that make your projects easy and affordable
- Discover the many products exclusive to The Home Depot, designed especially for easy décor coordination and installation
- Learn about the range of colors, textures and innovative benefits like stain resistance and warranties
Save Energy. Save Money

Identify several exclusive Eco Options and Energy Star–rated products that can help you start saving on energy costs in the fall

Begin weatherizing your home with a range of low-cost sealants and insulation that make your home more comfortable and save you money

Learn about other easy-to-install products that help you get lower electricity and water bill
Fall Planting and Maintenance
- Maintain your yard year-round with the right products for the right climate
- Learn tips for eco-friendly gardening and weatherizing your yard
- Find out tips for maintaining curb appeal year-round

Every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:16:43 PDT

If you haven't signed up for Swag Bucks yet you are missing out on the chance to win prizes and earn gift cards to places like Amazon, Target and Starbucks all for just searching like you normally would. There are also other ways you can earn extra Swag Bucks everyday like answering polls, taking surveys, and browsing offers. Plus every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day, which means better odds of winning BIG Swag Bucks denominations! Simply search naturally, and with a little luck, you'll be winning large bills starting at 20 Swag Bucks and up.

I will be doing a large portion of my holiday shopping with Amazon gift cards I have gotten FREE with Swag Bucks and you can too! Just go here to sign up and start searching!

Sunglass Deal is Back- Get 9 Pairs of Men's or Women's Sunglasses for $9.99!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:58:58 PDT

The Graveyard Mall Deal of The Day is $9.99 for 9 pairs of sunglasses. You can choose from 9 pair of Women's including brands like Cosmo, Revlon, Panama Jack, Apostrophy, Jaclyn Smith, Beauty Solutions and more or 9 pair of Men's including brands like ESPN, Panama Jack, Eagle Eyes, George and more.

Shipping is right around $6. So that comes to just $1.78 per pair. Pretty good price for sunglasses if you ask me!

I ordered this deal in the spring and I was a little apprehensive since you don't know exactly which glasses you will be receiving, just a general idea of brands. I have to say that when they arrived I was very pleased! Between my daughter and I we found 6 pair that we liked, gave 1 to a friend and put the other 2 in our yard sale. All in all, very much worth $9.99 considering these came with price tags attached for $19.99 and up on each pair.

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:57:15 PDT