The Frugal Life of a Mom

Winner of the giveway.....

2011-12-21T19:14:00.003-08:00

Sorry it took so long, but trying to get ready for Christmas has been something else.

Here is the winner for our recent giveaway........

Angie Bevacqua said...
Hey Cheryl you know I am your biggest follower! lol jk
I am a subscriber (bevac79@hotmail.com) and read your blog every night from my email.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!!!! Angie you will need to contact within 24 hours or we will have to pick a different winner.

Thanks again!

Cheryl

Giveaway

2011-12-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Totino's through MyBlogSpark I am able to give this away.....

Update: I have not forgot about. I will annouce the winner today. I have been over-loaded with work and having a hard time getting caught up. Bear with me and I will get our winner annouced today. :)

Now, you will not get the FREE Redbox rental, which I 100% apologize for as the Redbox rental promo has ended (my fault), but you will receive the popcorn bucket, FREE Pizza Rolls, FREE Party Pizza, the two plates, and the pizza cutter. Not too shabby!

Anyway, this is going to be easy peasy to enter.....

1. Follow my blog (tell me you do and leave your name and e-mail).
2. Subscribe to my blog (tell me you do and leave me your name and e-mail).
3. What do you do for "family time?"
4. Tell me what kind of Christmas traditions you and your family do.
5. Share with me a "frugal" Christmas idea that you and your family do.

That's it! You get a separate entry for each of the things you do above.

I am starting this giveaway now and will end it on Monday, 12/19/11, at 8 pm. I will announce the winner Tuesday morning.

Okay, thank you all and good luck!

Cheryl

♥ Albertsons=Coupon Policy Change ♥

2011-12-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! I had heard about this a few days ago, but wanted to kinda wait and see what was actually going to happen. All I can say is WOW Albies, I can't believe you. I am so so so excited with lots of delight.

Here is what Coupon Connections is reporting....

"Current Policy: Coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will be adjusted to provide the maximum value, notexceeding the price of the item

Changing to: Allowing Overage for Coupons:
“Manufacturer coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will have the remaining amount applied to the balance of the transaction. In the event the transaction balance results in a “credit”, additional items WILL be added/suggested to the order to utilize the remaining value of the coupon. Albertsons does not provide “cash back” on coupons, but provides full redemption value”

What does this mean?

If you have a $1.00 coupon and your items is $0.50, you will now be able to roll that into other items into your cart. So instead of the coupon being adjusted down you will now have to apply that to the other items in your cart

I am also excited to say that they will be addressing the Buy One, Get One Free Offers and using multiple coupons. Once the official policy is public yet, so I can’t share everything, but be sure to stay tuned."

Thanks Coupon Connections!

Cheryl

40% Printable for Hobby Lobby

2011-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

You can go on over here to score a coupon for 40% off at Hobby Lobby!

Thanks!

Cheryl

Rite Aid Secrets

2011-12-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

I came across a couple of deals that I think are secrets. Don't tell.....:)

Okay, so here's what the scoop that I confirmed.....

I can't remember the deal off of the top of my head, but here's whatcha do.....

Soft Lips
Buy the single packs for $1.99 (plus your discount will come off)
Get back (1) $4+ Up Reward!! (Limit 1)
If you have a 20% discount you can make some money on this one!!! I did do this yesterday and it worked like a charm. The singles were on an side end-cap towards the front of the store.
Revlon Beauty Tools 40% off sale
Buy 2 nail files at $1.25
-40%
Get back (1) $3+ Up Reward!!- AND you can submit for $2 ($1 each, SCR #34, Limit 2) = FREE
I smell money......

Ricola Cough Drops $1.50 (19-24 ct) X2
-use $1 printable X2. Go like them on Facebook , then you will need to click on the "Get Well" tab to send a friend a coupon. I just sent it to myself.
= $0.50, PLUS get back (2) $1 +UP, making them FREE!!!

Good luck!!!

FYI.... I did do the Centrum Vitamin deal (thanks Raking in the Savings), but one of my $10 +Ups did not print, so I will be calling customer service this morning. Also, my points did not go up. I'm trying real hard to hit 1000 before the end of the year so I can keep my 20% discount. :o

Good luck!

Cheryl

FREE 1-Year ShopRunner Membership

2011-12-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I have heard so much about ShopRunner! It usually costs to join them, but TODAY they have FREE membership for a year!!!! Just go on over here to their Facebook page and like them, then you will be able to "activate" your year's membership. From what I hear, it is really awesome to have. I have heard of people opening their e-mail and getting freebies JUST for having ShopRunner. If you have been following me for long, then you know I LOVE freebies!!!! :)

Anyway, I guess ShopRunner is great if you do some shopping online as I heard that ShopRunner will get you FREE 2-day shipping at quite a few online stores! That is PERFECT for Christmas!

Thanks!

Cheryl

Tomorrow

2011-12-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

I will update you on the Secret Santa Mission tomorrow. I had a rough day today. Got in the van to pick my little man up from school; I was running five minutes late and the darn thing wouldn't start!!!! Yep, dead battery. So had to think in a panic of someone to go get him. Thankfully my in-laws were home and went and picked him up, and so therefore I was unable to get my Zumba on (I don't usually like missing my Zumba, but actually it didn't bother me today. I was happy not going. I'm sure it does not help that I am feeling a bit under the weather.) Sooooo....I stayed home and made cookies with my Blakey. So...... $100 later I have a van that will start now and hopefully will be on the road to take the kiddos to school and whatever else the day brings me.

Nighty night all! Sleep well......

Cheryl

Stay tuned......

2011-12-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have to go get myself ready for the day. Gotta go pick up my little man from school, get ready to go shake it at ZUMBA, but then watch out 'cause I have a giveway that I'm ready to post AND details on my 2nd Annual Secret Santa Mission! Yes, we are going it again friends!!! This time we have two families were are seeking items for.

I can't wait to share all this news with you. So, I will be back in a bit and share!

Thanks!

Cheryl

P.S. Any of you locals coming to FREE Zumba this afternoon? You should come! It is soooooo much fun! Nothing but ladies! It is in the valley, off of Broadway and McDonald, from 1:30 to 2:30. They EVEN have FREE childcare!!! The childcare girls are AWESOME!!! Seriously, they volunteer their time JUST to come and watch the kiddos so the mommas can get a little time to have fun and workout at the same time!

Kmart=$5/25 on purchase of toys

2011-12-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, here's a nice coupon for save $5 on a purchase of $25 or more of Fisher-Price Laugh&Learn, Dora, Little People and Imaginext toys at Kmart. Just go on over here to print it.

P.S. I was in zip 90210.
Thanks!

Cheryl

Victoria's Secret

2011-12-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Have you been trying to win the Victoria's Secret gift card that they are giving away each morning? If you haven't and you are up at 6 am (our time/Spokane), then you should go "like" them on Facebook and then click on the link that says VS gift card (or something like that). You could win a $10, $50, $100, or EVEN $500 gift card. I have won a $10 gift card. You can only win once per FB account. So, if you have multiple Facebook accounts in your home, you may be able to play this more than once. ;) You do have to be very patient as there are a lot of errors (a lot of traffic), but if you keep refreshing you just might win.

Anyway, if you have already won, here is a deal that RHC has come across......

Perfume Set ($39 Value)
Cotton Panties ($7.50 Value)
Body By Victoria Bra ($32.50 value)
Cami top ($20 Value)
All for just $25.49 (+ tax) shipped!! The total value is $99.00!!!

Here’s how to do it:
-Go here (ebates) and search “Victoria’s Secret” then click “Shop Now” in orange (you will get 2% cash back and a $10 gift card if you are new to Ebates).
-Add item number SG-280-617 to your cart (just search for it)
-Add item number SG-277-475 to your cart
-Add item number SG-241-075 to your cart (be sure to choose a SOLID color or it won’t work)
Then use codes FA1128033, SHIP25, PERFUME at checkout.
Use your Secret Rewards code worth at least $10 (maybe you won more).
Your total will be right around $25.49 + tax shipped right to your door!!

How's that for a deal? That is SAWEET!!!

Thanks Raining Hot Coupons!!!

Cheryl

Local-Christmas Fun

2011-12-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

You know I love this! I plug this every year! It really has become a family tradition of ours to go down and ride the FREE horse and carriage ride that STCU puts on every year (they did it this past summer too). My children look forward to it now. So, we wait closer to Christmas, when my dad comes up and we drag my dad down there, freeze our butts off and wait in line to ride the carriage ride through downtown for FREE!!! A word of advice, the location is kind of in the shade, where you have to wait in line sooo take blankets and wrap yourself, your kiddos, your neighbor, whomever in blankets. Your bottom and your feet get real cold. Well.....mine do....Here are the details....(you can go on over here to get more details)
Experience the wonder of an old fashioned holiday season Downtown with free holiday horse and carriage rides presented by the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District and STCU. Riders will receive free candy canes and coupons for coffee and hot chocolate specials at participating Downtown coffeehouses.

Horse & Carriage Schedule:
•November 25th through Christmas Eve
•Fridays, 3-8:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 12-5:00 p.m.,
•Christmas Eve 12-3:00 p.m.
•Pick-up on Wall Street at Main Avenue
•First come, first serve -no reservations required

FREE ICE SKATING
November 25-December 24 – Riverfront Park, with coupon from participating Downtown retailers (I'm not sure which retailers. If you know, would you share please. Also, you do have to pay for the skate rental. Just the admission is free.)

FIRST NIGHT & FIRST DAY

December 31 & January 1 - Celebrate the New Year & First Night Spokane's 10th Anniversary with art, live entertainment, ritual and festivity at the family-friendly First Night Spokane celebration! FirstNightSpokane.org

Also, not-so-frugal, but fun is the (I have incldud the times of departure and prices)........

"Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole" Holiday Light Show Cruises in Coeur d'Alene

Departures are scheduled several times each evening beginning Saturday, November 26th and continue through January 2nd. These 40 minute cruises offer spectacular views of the holiday light displays. The most memorable point in the journey lies across the lake, as Santa awaits your arrival at the North Pole Toy Workshop!
Nightly cruise departure times: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
"Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole" Tickets are on sale now.
Adults - $16.95
Seniors (65 yrs. & over) - $15.95
Children (12 yrs. & under) - Complimentary

This cruise is so much fun and the kids really really LOVE it (mine do). You can go on over here to get more info on the cruise....

Have fun!

Cheryl

Kohl's=Cheap Jewelry

2011-12-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, lot's of jewelry clearance right now. Just go on over here to browse what Kohl's has to offer. Here are a pair of hoop earings that are marked down to $1.20.

Check out how you can get it EVEN cheaper.....(This is from my friend Carie at Clippin' with Carie) Now through 12/11 there is a new 20% OFF Code that you can use sitewide at Kohls.com!! Use code CHEER20 to get an extra 20% off your online purchase PLUS stack code XMASFREE for Free shipping (no minimum)!

Just go on over here to see what deals you can find.

Thanks Clippin' With Carie!

Cheryl

Forever 21=Cheap Jewelry

2011-12-08T05:52:00.000-08:00

Goodness, I cannot remember where I found this deal originally, but thank you so much to who had it posted. I wrote it down and forgot to write where I got it from.

Anyway, right now you can score some CHEAP jewelry from Forever 21! They have items starting at $1.50, plus you can score some FREE shipping with this code.....3DAYSHIP !

Here is a picture of just a few of what they have.....

Happy shopping!

Cheryl

Albertsons deals, 12/7-12/13

2011-12-08T05:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a few highlighted deals that I got from my friend Karrie over at Happy Money Saver! She's AWESOME!!!

Chex Cereals 12.8-14 oz. 3/$5.00 (must buy 3)
-use $1/2 printable coupon

Deal scenario:
Buy 6 Chex Cereals
- $1.10/2 printable, or $1/2 printable coupons X3 (you may need two computers if you try to get more than three prints of the same coupon, as there is a limit of only two prints per computer)
= $7.00/6 boxes or only $1.17 each!

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup $0.50 each (limit 8)
-$0.40/4 Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup, exp. 2/1/12 (SS 12/04/11) OR
-$0.40/4 Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup, exp. 12/15/11 (SS 10/02/11 R)
= $0.40 each when you buy 4!

Kotex Pads, Pantiliners or Tampons; Stayfree, Carefree or o.b. Feminine care - $2.99
$2/1 Kotex Pads, exp. 12/31/11 (SS 10/23/11 R)
$1.50/2 Kotex Tampons, exp. 12/31/11 (SS 10/23/11 R)
$1/1 U by Kotex Pads, Liners, or Tampons printable (If you have already printed, I don't believe it has been reset)
$1/1 Stayfree Product, exp. 12/31/11 (SS 11/06/11)
$0.50/1 Carefree Product, exp. 12/31/11 (SS 11/06/11)
$1/1 O.B. Product, exp. 12/31/11 (SS 11/06/11)
= as low as $0.99 for Kotex Pads after coupon

Navel Oranges $0.69 lb

These were just a few of her deals that she has posted. Go on over here, to check the rest of these AWESOME match ups that she has put together for us!

Thanks so much Happy Money Saver!

Cheryl

FYI.....I have not personally confirmed that our area got the coupons that are posted in the above deals, so there is a chance that maybe one or two of the coupons posted in the above deals are regional and we did not get them.

Safeway deals this week, 12/7-12/13 (Plus, 4-day sale)

2011-12-08T04:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a few deals that Safeway has going on this week.....

Good sale on some meat:

Safeway Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, $1.69 lb (Sold in 4 lb page for $6.76)
Rancher’s Reserve Beef 7 Bone Pot Roast, $2.49 lb
Pork Shoulder Blade Roast, $1.69 lb

Lucerne Eggs 18 ct, $1.49 With In-ad Coupon (Limit 2)

-$0.55/2 (NLA) Do you still have it?
=as low as $1.21 each

Arrowhead Sparlking Water 1 Liter, $1.00
-$1.00/1 Printable Coupon (NLA)
Final Price: Free!

3-Day Sale Friday 12/9-Sunday 12/11

Safeway Turkey Frozen 10-22 lbs, $.59 lb While Supplies Last
*Availability May Vary No Rainchecks
5 lb box Satsuma Oranges, $3.99 (We love these)

These are just a few of the better deals there this week. For the rest of these AWESOME match-ups, go on over here.

Thanks so much Raking in the Savings! (for these AWESOME match-ups)

Cheryl

HOT $1/2 20 oz Mountain Dew

2011-12-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

QUICK, HURRY, RUN.......If you have a Mt. Dew lover in your house, here is a HOT coupon. I have NEVER seen one this good for Mt. Dew....$1/2 (20 oz) Mountain Dew Bottles!

Better hurry before these babies are gone!

Thanks!

Best Buy=CHEAP Photo Paper

2011-12-05T05:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, check this deal out! Right now, you can score some HP-100 Pack 4X6" Everyday Glossy Photo Paper for ONLY $2 with FREE shipping OR choose store pickup and get it the SAME DAY!

Just go on over here if you want in on this deal. I have a feeling that you'd better hurry though, before it's gone! ;)

Thanks The Brainy Buyer!

Cheryl

Alert Locals.....

2011-12-02T14:04:00.001-08:00

This is not a deal or anything related to a deal, but for safety purposes of our local community.

I just got this alert on my personal Facebook page from KHQ........

Louise Zimmerman
just got this note from my sister
PLEASE READ AND BE SAFE JUST IN CASE THEY COME TO YOUR DOOR!
This morning we had a gentleman come in to the Post Falls Windermere office to let us know there are two men going door to door stating they are with Windermere conducting a survey and would like to come in. Please be advised these men are not affiliated with Windermere, and the Police have been notified.

Just want to put the word out there, just in case. This could be some scary stuff!

Stay safe!

Cheryl

Safeway Deals Confirmed.....

2011-12-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

Look at what I got today......

Cocoa Puffs, Golden Grahams, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch are all part of the Buy 5 Save $5. So, they are priced at $1.79 each when you buy 5. So, here's what I did.....

Cocoa Puffs @ $1.79 X3
-$0.85/1 printable X2
-$0.75/1 printable X1
= $0.94 each for 2 and $1.04 for one (for a total of $2.92) (STOCK UP PRICE)

Golden Grahams @ $1.79 X2
-$0.85/1 printable X2
=$0.94 each for two (for a total of 1.88) (STOCK UP PRICE)

Here's the other part of my transaction.....

Bad picture I know, but I was in a hurry. Arrowhead Sparkling Water 5 for $5!!!

Arrowhead Sparkling Water @ $1 each X4

-$1/1 printable from here X4 (used two computers)

=FREE!!!

Happy shopping!

High-Value Cereal Coupons

2011-12-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

Look at these high-value cereal coupons! You can use these on the cereal sale at Safeway this week!! You will either need to sign-in or sign-up. It is really easy.

Thanks!

Cheryl

JcPenny=Kids Real Camcorder for ONLY $14.99!!!

2011-12-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

Wow! Check this baby out!!! JcPenney has a SWEET deal on this Kids Real Camcorder, with night vision! It is on sale for ONLY $14.99 (reg. 79.99)! After the code below it will be just $12.75 shipped (choose ship to store).

RHC is reporting that these are currently selling on Amazon for $64.99 + $4.49 shipping so $68.98!!

If you have a Shopathome account you can do the deal this way (or if you don't quite yet and are interested in signing up, just go on over here to get signed up. It is really easy and it is a great way to make a little extra money back from your purchases that you make online. Plus, if you are new, they will add your $5 to your account. I use Shopathome and I really like it.)......
1. Go here and click “Shop Now” – you will get 3% cash back from Shopathome
2. Go search “FC655-0112“
3. Use code BUY4KIDS at checkout. You can score 20% off whith a JcPenny card or if you don't have one you can still score 15% off.
4. Choose in-store pick up to save on shipping. (This really is a great option to score some cheap shipping or possibly free if you just signed up for ShopRunner???)
5. Complete checkout!

If you are not at all interested in Shopathome, just go on over here. This should take you straight to that page for the camcorder.

Thanks Raining Hot Coupons!

Cheryl

FREEBIE Alert at Bath & Body Works this weekend only!

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ooooooh I am sooooo excited!!! Looks like Bath & Body Works is offering up a freebie this weekend (no purchase necessary)!!! Just go on over here and "like" them on Facebook first, then you can print this coupon out OR you can show it to them on your smartphone! It is for a FREE Be Enchanted 2 oz. Body Lotion ($3.50 value). This is going to be available in-store ONLY!

Thanks Hip2Save!

Cheryl

P.S...Gonna call my best shopping buddy ever and see if she wants to head out.......(I'm sooo excited)

Bath & Body Works B1G1 FREE

2011-12-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

I, myself, have just recently falling in love with Bath & Body Works AND their coupons!!!! It's bad. :o Anyway, I was super excited to see this coupon again for B1G1 FREE (up to a $13 value) with a purchase of $10 or more! Even if that's too expensive for your taste (was for me), take a friend and split it with a friend and then you are only spending 5-bucks! That worked well for me! The only problem was getting to pick out ONLY one. ;) Anyway, just go on over here and print out your coupon OR you can use this online with the code of.....FREEGIFT50

Thanks again Mama Cheaps!

Cheryl

$5/25 Michael's Coupon

2011-12-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

I love Michael's and I love Michael's even more when I can money there! :) Here is a coupon that starts out at $5/25. This is valid from 12/2 (TODAY) through 12/3.

Thanks Mama Cheaps!

Cheryl

Yoke's Facebook Fan Appreciation Today

2011-11-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Yokes!

Do you "like" Yoke's on Facebook? Well, if you don't and you are local and have a Yoke's nearby, I highly suggest that you go "like" them. They often have a "Facebook Fan Appreciation" and give their Facebook fans a code that they can use that day ONLY, in the store, to score something REALLY cheap. Well, today is it for some CHEAP Pepsi products. A 12-pack for ONLY $1.99 (limit 1 per family)!

Go on over here to "like" their page so you can take part in this AWESOME deal!

Thanks Yoke's!

Cheryl