Motherload @ Target!

Here's the best deal I've gotten in a long time:

First, before you even read on (you'll be frustrated if you do), go over to Kroger and go down the candy isle. There is a $1/1 Starbucks candy bar coupon on a tear pad. Take as many as you can. I probably have over 50! Next, go over to the candle isle and pull yourself off at least 4 $2/1 Glade candle coupons. Now, get yourself over to Target!

On some obscure isle at the end where they usually put there clearance merchandise ( mine was near the pharmacy, go figure?) I found Starbucks dark chocolate candy bars marked down to .64 - amazing! I cleaned them out; taking 25 candy bars with me.

25 Starbucks candy bars @ .64 each = $16

use 25 $1/1 coupons

Total: $9 overage

Now, $9 overage is definitely enough to buy yourself a cute shirt, which is what I did to reward myself for finding such a good deal. But....it gets better.

Before you do this deal got to glade.com and print off 2 BOGO coupons for Glade oil candle holders. Then print off 2 BOGO coupons for Glade plugins. Target is running a deal where you buy 4 Holiday Glade products and get a $5 gift card (some stores say you have to buy an inStyle magazine, but it is ringing up without having to buy it).

4 Glade oil candle holders @ 2.50 each

use 2 BOGO coupons

use 2 $2/1 coupons (from Kroger)

Total: $1.38 and you get a $5 gift card

***Note: I just noticed today that you could print off two BOGO coupons here as well as the Glade site itself, meaning you could do this deal twice with the oil candles.***

You can do this with the plug ins, too (my Target was out of almost everything)

Now you've got $9 overage from the candy and a $5 gift card - that $14 to spend at Target- I got an adorable sweatshirt, what did you get?

By the way - I am planning on using these candy bars as a party favor. :) I'm not going to eat 25 Bars of chocolate, although I wouldn't put it past myself.

Yummy Free Sample

30 Days of Thanks...

For the next thirty days I am going to highlight something for which I am thankful. Too many days go by where I forget to even acknowledge that which I am so blessed to have. I rarely live in the reality that 99% of the world lives on less than what I have. I spend too much time focusing on that material things in life, which will all pass, and not enought on those things that God says are eternal.

________________________________________________________

"Life isn't about learning to weather the storms; it's about learning to dance in the rain."

Today I am thankful for:

The storms in my life

Looking back over the difficult seasons in my life brings me joy. Why? Because I know God ordained them to make me more like Him. I am thankful that I've not only weathered them, but I've learned from them, and become better person. With each trail I go through, I am becoming a person who reflects God's image a little more clearly. No, life is not about getting through the storm. It is learning to dance when it pours.

You know the deals...here's some tips for the CVS run

I'm not going to bore you with the deals you already know. There aren't that many this week so it seems silly to post about the same ones everyone esle already has posted. However, I did learn a couple of things this week.

#1: Make sure you use those ECB's on things you actually need, too. That's why we do this whole thing - to save money on the things we need. If you've got some ECB's stocked up than use them for things like, tampons, milk, wipes, diapers - that's what they are there for! Combine with a coupon and you are not "wasting" those ECB's you are using them for a good purpose.

#2: Scan your card on the scanner as many times as it will let you! I scanned mine 3 times in one visit! The first time I got a $5/30 and a $5/25, the second I got a $5/25, and the third I got $1/2 Gold emblem candy and $1/1 CVS vitamin (which you could use on the Vitamin ECB this month).

Hope that was helpful!

Starbucks Chocolate for Eight Cents!

I noticed that my Kroger had coupons you could pull off a pad in the candy isle. They were $1/1 Starbucks chocolate coupons. I pulled off four. Today at Target they had their Starbucks candy bars marked down to $1.08 each. I have heard of several other grocery stores that have these coupons. So, stock up! These candy bars made great add-ons for gifts or stocking stuffers!

30 Days of Thanks....

For the next thirty days I am going to highlight something for which I am thankful. Too many days go by where I forget to even acknowledge that which I am so blessed to have. I rarely live in the reality that 99% of the world lives on less than what I have. I spend too much time focusing on that material things in life, which will all pass, and not enought on those things that God says are eternal. Today I am thankful for:

My Church

I am thankful that I have the privilege to freely attend church and freely praise God. I am thankful that not once has anyone ever tried to stop me from going, and not once have I felt fear before leaving for church. The idea that so many others in different parts of the world live this way is not as real as it should be to me.

I am thankful that the church I attend truly loves one another. I feel so blessed by the people I get to worship next to each Sunday. I am thankful that I am taught from God word whether it's difficult to hear sometimes or not. I am so thankful that I can trust the leaders God has put in place at my church.

I am thankful that this institution of the Church has withstood 2000 years. I am thankful that the church, the body of Christ, is such a clear demonstration of the Divine nature of God. Nothing else has survived like the Church, and it is only because she is protected by God that she does continue on (Lord knows we would have destroyed a million times by now).

I am thankful that I have a place to go each Sunday not only to see God, but see him in others, too. If you've been missing this incredible blessing in your life, maybe it's time to start partaking again.

Shameless Plug for ThirtyOne

Okay - I admit it - this is a shameless plug for the awesome company that I sell beautiful products for. I honestly started selling for ThirtyOne because I love the merchandise. The embroidery is goregous and so unique. I love the unique bags, cute purses, and everything else they have to offer - especially the ruffled aprons. :) I am having an October Online Party. Come take a look. I promise you won't find stuff like this anywhere else. Christmas is just around the corner and it's never too early to start shopping. Have fun and if you're interested in selling for this faith based company (yes, the name is from Proverbs 31) than let me know. Go shop!

Free stuff @ Old Navy!

Today Old Navy is having a great event! Each (adult) customer will receive a peel-off coupon when you enter the door. From what I hear, some of them are high value ($100). Mine was for $5, but they had tons of stuff marked down to less than $2. I got each of my kids a pair of socks ($1.99 and $1.49) and I got an adorable skirt for next summer ($1.99). Including tax I spend a whole $.50! Get over there and maybe you'll be a lucky $100 winner! I am going back when my husband gets home. We are fortunate to only live about 2 minutes from an Old Navy.

Kroger keeps them coming!

I went to Kroger yesterday and realized right away that a ton of stuff was being marked down because of the "sell by" dates. Hopefully you will find some of these deals, but if not, here's a tip: keep a mental note on some of the "sell by" dates on produce packages, deli items, and meats. Come back early on that day and I'm sure that you'll find some of these good deals! Here's what I snagged:

Make sure you load your coupons at P&G eSaver, Shortcuts, and Cellfire. You can combine manufacturer coupons with these coupons. They will automatically be deducted from your total at checkout. Keep in mind, the ecoupons DO NOT DOUBLE.

Tyson heat and eat meat: Original price: $5.00 Sale: $2.49

Use recent coupon: $.55/1

Total: $1.94

John Soules Food Fajita chicken strips: Original price: $4.99 Sale: $2.49

Use peelie on package: $1/2

Total: $1.99 each

Kroger deli pizza: Orignal price: $7.99 Sale: $3.99

use cellfire $1.50/1 coupon

Total: $2.49 (gives at least 8 slices)

Dole Distinctively Dole Salads: Original price: $3.99 Sale: $1.99

Use recent coupon: $.55/1

Total: $1.44 (these are fabulous, by the way!)

Fresh Express Salad: original price: $2.99

Use recent coupon: $1/1

Total: $.29

Laura's Lean Ground beef patties: $1.99

Use $1/1 printable here (it can be printed twice)

Total: $.99

Nestle Nesquick: $1.00

use recent coupon: $.50

Total: Free

Green Giant Frozen vegetables: $1.00 (buy 4)

shortcuts ecoupon: $.50/1

shortcuts ecoupon: .50/2

use printable .60/2 here (you can print two)

Total: Free with overage!

Nestle fun size candy bars bag: $2.00

Use $1/1 printable here (you can print this twice)

Total: $1.00

Cottonelle Toilet paper 4pk.: .99

use cellfire ecoupon: .50/1

use shorcuts ecoupon: .50/1

use .50/1 printable here (this can only be printed once a month0

Total: Free with $1.00 overage

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish: $1.00

use .50/1 cellfire coupon

Total: .50

Betty Crocker frosting: $1.50

use shortcuts ecoupon .55/1

use recent coupon: .50/1

Total: Free plus overage

Active Living oatmeal: $2.08

use free cellfire coupon

Total: Free

H2o Naturally Free water (buy 2)

use cellfire free coupon

use recent BOGO coupon

Total: 2 Free

There may be other deals at your store, but my Kroger didn't have all the $10/10 items that others said they found.

Chocolate is a little piece of heaven....

Haydee Chocolatier is giving away 8 chocolate truffles as a free sample here. I assume they are only giving away so many so grab some quick. If you're like me you have a secret stash that no one in your family knows about. These are perfect for that - NEVER waste expensive chocolate on men or kids!

Free Burgers from Omaha Steaks! Best Deal EVER!

***UPDATE***

As of this morning this deal is no longer available for orders under $50. I hope some of you were able to snag some free burgers. Sorry for those of you that were a little late! Maybe there will be a next time.

Okay - you really have to try this. Don't give up. It seems tedious, but it really doesn't take that long and it is so worth it. Here's the deal:

1. Go to this link here and register in the top right hand corner. This is a Geico website, but you are not signing up with them or switching insurance. You are just obtaining a user name with their website. After you've registered they will send you an email with a gift card code (this took about 6 hours for me, but others have gotten it in an hour - be patient).





2. Go to this link here and type in your email address. You should receive an email back from Omaha Steaks rather quickly.





3. After you receive your gift card code from Geico go back to your email from Omaha Steaks and clink the link to start shopping. Continue to click start shopping.





4. Look on the left side bar and click on the link for burgers. Scroll down and select 8 5oz. burgers for $12.99 (its about half way down). Continue on to checkout.





5. Fill in all your address and credit card information. In the gift card section type in the code that you received in the Geico email. And then click apply. The total should now be $1.98 (for shipping) and you will be receiving 20 amazing burgers! That's .36 cents a pound!





Thanks Catherine for showing me this deal!

Speaking Lizzy's Language...

I thought I would highlight a very thoughtful, and unique blog today:

"Shake the Salt" is a savvy blog written to help women find good deals, get reviews on products, and learn more about being a good mom. The appearance of "Shake the Salt" is feminine, fun, and easy to maneuver. This site definitely speaks "Lizzy's Language."

If you'd like your blog highlighted on my site just shoot me an email or leave a comment!

CVS - Diapers! Wipes! Pull-ups!

Today was a practical run at CVS. I used a bunch of ECB's but got some things we really needed, which actually is the point of using the ECB method - up until now I've been getting lots of cool, free, and not very practical things. :) So, next week will be focusing on building my ECB's back up.

Sun. & Mon. only
Transaction #1

Pumpkin pail: .99
ECB's earned: .99
Total: Free


Fun flashlight: .99
ECB's earned: .99
Total: Free


Brach's candy corn: $1.29
ECB's earned: $1.29
Total: Free

Weekly deals

GUM toothbrushes: $3.99

use recent insert .75/1 coupon

Total: Free plus .75 overage

***NOTE: "GUM Plus Series, Technique +" "Soft Full" with the number "590" on the front (upc 7094212391) is reported as ringing up $1.25 w/ $3.99 ecb back!***

Touch of Grey hair color: $7.99
use $2/1 printable here
ECB's earned: $7.99
Total: Free plus $2 overage
Get the $8 mail in rebate here

Powerade: $1.69
ECB's earned: $1.69
Total: Free


Excedrin Express gels 20ct: $1.99
use $2/1 printable here
use $3/1 CRT
Total: Free, plus $3 overage!

Colgate Maxfresh toothpaste: $2.99
use $1.50/1 All You magazine
or use $1.50/1 printable here
ECB's earned: $2
Total: Free plus $.50 overage

Revlon nailpolish: $4.19
use $2/1 recent insert
use $1/1 CRT
Total: $1.19 (needed filler to use $5/25 coupon)

Transaction #2

Huggies diapers: $9.99
use $1/1 recent insert

Huggies Pullups: $9.99
use $2/1 recetn insert

Huggies wipes wipes: $2.79 each
use .50/1 recent coupon

(**note the large bags of huggies wipes and Playskool wipes are not included in this deal! I made that mistake. You won't make your ECB's if you try to use them - get 2 smaller packages for this deal)

ECB's earned: $10
use $5/20 coupon
Total: approx. less than $3 each (great deal!)

What deals did you find this week?

Free - Nothing better (okay, there's stuff better, but free is really good!)

Enfamil - free baby samples

Planningfamily.com - free baby samples, too

Remedy Life - free health samples

Nature Made vitamins - free 2 week sample in a little cute bottle & other health samples

Recipes- free healthy recipes

Neutrogena and Dove - free facial cleansing cloths (love these!)

Home Depot - free women's clinic

Betty Crocker - free potatoes

Betty Crocker - Dinner Made Easy newsletter (great dinner ideas!) plus lots of coupons

Ideal Bite- cute Eco friendly ideas

Folgers - free coffee sample

Garnier Nutritioniste- free ultra lift sample

Barnes & Noble - free Starbucks cappucino

Featured on BeCentsible!

The team at BeCentsible asked me to write an article about how my family saves money and journey it took to get there. Click here to take a look!

Don't Touch a Fireman!

My son had fire safety at his preschool today. I asked him what he learned and he said, "Don't ever touch a fireman because they are really hot."

Cashing in @ Kroger!

Kroger has some deals to be had this week:

Kellogg's Fruit Loops (damaged) $1.29

use $1/1 coupons.com coupon

Total: $0.29

Cottonelle 4 pack TP $.99

use shortcuts coupon here $.50/1

use Internet printable here $.50/1 (will double)

Total: Free with $.050 overage!

Huggies diapers $9.99

use $1/1 shortcuts coupon here

use $1/1 recent insert coupon

Total: $7.99

Hartland pasta $1.25

newspaper coupon for FREE pasta

Total: FREE!

Yoplait yogurt $0.64 each x 8

use 2 $1/4 Internet coupon (see my earlier post)

use 2 $0.40/6 (will double)

Total: $1.32 for all eight!

Pillsbury crescent rolls $2.28

use $.50/1 from shortcuts

use $.35/1 from recent insert (will double)

Total: $1.08

Progresso soup $1.67 x 2

use $0.50/2 shortcuts coupon

use $0.50/2 recent insert coupon (will double)

Total: $2.74 for both

Mucho Savings @ Meijer!

Great deals this week. I really needed to be able to stock up on some meat!

Jello boxes $0.64 x 8 (Check out some recipes with these - great for the holidays!)

use $1.50/2 from mealbox

Total: Free plus overage!

Taco bell Taco shells 12ct. $1.30 x 2

use 2 $1.50/1 from mealbox

Total: Free plus overage!

Taco bell salsa $1.85 x 2

use 2 $1.50/1 from mealbox

Total: $0.35 each

Orville Redenbacher Nautral popcorn $1.59

use recent insert coupon $1/1

Total: $0.59

Bertolli Alfredo sauce $2.32

use recent insert coupon $0.60/1

Total: $1.72

Danactive yogurt $2.00

use recent insert coupon $0.50/1 (will double)

use brochure store coupon @ pharmacy counter $1/1

Total: FREE!

Tyson frozen boneless chicken breast bag $4.99 x3

Tyson frozen breaded honey chicken tenders $4.50 x1

use recent insert for $1/1 tyson chicken bag

use 2 $1.50/2 mealbox coupons

Total: $4.25 for the bag of chicken breasts, and $3.75 for the bag of tenders

Deals to Meals

Deal: Jello - FREE @ Meijer!

Meal: My grandmother's pretzel jello

This dish is something my grandmother would make all the time for her grandchildren. There isn't a holiday meal for our family that you didn't see this dish somewhere on the table. I'm really not a "jello" kind of girl but something about the sweet and salty combination is just delicious!

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 cup melted butter

3 Tbs. sugar

1 (60z.) strawberry jello - 2 cups boiling water

20 oz. unsweetened frozen strawberries

1 (8oz.) cream cheese

1 (80z.) cool whip

1 cup sugar

Mix crushed pretzels, butter, and sugar together and press into a 9x13 dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes and let cool.

Combine cream cheese, cool whip, and sugar. Spread on cool crust. Mix jello with water then add frozen strawberries. Stir until berries soften and jello starts to thicken. Gently pour and spread mixture on top of cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set.

What is in a Name?

I told my son to get in the car because we were going grocery shopping. He asked me if "the 5 brothers" could come, too. We only have a son and daughter, so I asked him who the five brothers were? He proceeded to introduce me to "the brothers". He said, "Mom, this is Ben, Micheal, Jack, Blooded-half, and me. We are the five brothers." You can imagine my horror when he named the fourth brother. I said, "Honey, I don't think I like the name Blooded-half." My son said, with his hands out to his side and his head shaking from side-to-side, "Mom, that's his name, you can't change a name." Ever since then, "Blooded-half" has been a part of our family. I often forget how horrible that name is until he introduces him to our pediatrician, or the cashier at the grocery store, or some unsuspecting parent. What is in a name, anyway?