Happy New Year's Eve Everyone

So, are you making your resolutions yet?
Honestly, I have so many pots on the fire right now that I haven't really had time to sit down and think about them. But here are some of the one that I do have:
1. Get into Hill College and complete most of my basics so I can get into nursing school. I have been so frustrated with this school I could scream, I applied and had my transcripts sent the week of Thanksgiving and they still haven't updated them in their system so I still can't register for classes. They are closed this week, so I will be on the phone first thing Monday morning trying to get this resolved.
2. I want to make $100 a month online to add to my special savings account.
3. I want to be a better mother, wife, and friend. This year has been so great. We are back in church, I've had three of my children get saved, my relationship with my husband is stronger than ever, and I have made some wonderful friends this year.
4. I want to grow my blog.

These are the top of my list, but probably not in that order. What are your new year's resolutions? Post them here and I will help to keep you accountable. Please help to keep me accountable.

Merry Christmas!

I hope that you are all enjoying your families and friends this holiday season!

Wishing you all a Very Merry CHRISTmas!

No COUPONS!

Just a reminder, there were no coupons today and there will be no coupons next weekend. So take a break for the clipping and sorting and filing, and enjoy some down time with your families.
Or if your like me, get caught up on the clipping and filing and sorting!

What I've Won This Week!

This was a great week! I have won 4 giveaways...

• A One Subscription to Emealsforyou.com - $36 Value
• A 4oz Bottle of Skin MD Natural Lotion - $18 Value
• A Avon Gift Package - $20 Value
• The Guardian by Dee Henderson - $12.99 Value

*To top it off, the Lotion arrived with 7 additional unused postage stamps - $2.94 Value

TOTAL WINNINGS = $89.93, not a bad week!

Free Fruit Roll-Ups!

A Neat New Way to Earn A Little Cash!

Today.com is a neat little way I have found to earn money online! If you like to blog this is definitely something to check out. It's easy, just go to Today.com, open a free account, pick a category, and name a blog. It's that easy, I'm was approved in less than 24 hours. After being approved you just log on and make a post of at least 100 words (bu the way I am already at 69, so it doesn't take much) and hit publish. Today.com will pay for 1 - 100 word post per day! So you could easily make $30 a month just writing about what every you like! I am actually using mine as a journal and they are paying me for it. Even better, they pay you when people read your post, not much, but something!



This is incredible easy, anyone can do it! Get Paid to Blog At Today.com!

Circumstances Change

For those of you that know me personally, you know that my niece that I truly adore has been living with us. It saddens me to say that the circumstances around her being here have changed and she will be moving back to her mother's home.

Please keep her in your Prayers!

I Miss My Grocery Deals Too!

I thought thiscomment was valid and really needed to be addressed:
Anonymous said...
"I miss your great grocery deal blogs!!! Any good deals lately??"

Honestly, I miss my grocery deal blogs too. Things have been pretty crazy lately with hubby out of town, kids being sick, friends needing me, and well the sales have been horrible, so I just haven't been doing any grocery shopping. I am in full blown gotta get Christmas together and I should have started a lot sooner mood. Not to mention there are just so many wonderful giveaways right now that I can enter from the comfort of my warm and cozy home, I HATE the cold weather, part of the reason I live in TX.

I promise as soon as Christmas is over, the grocery deals will be back. Cuz, well, while I had a great stock pile, things are getting a little low. Hopefully the sales will pick back up, I'm asking Santa for another Mega Sale for Christmas!

Which store deals are the most beneficial to you. I mean, I love sharing all of my deals, but I want to make sure that I am prioritizing what helps everyone else out. So, let me know.

Tales of A Tightwad is hosting a GiveAway!

Tales of A TightWad is hosting a giveaway for the two pictured books:

The original "Shop, Save and Share" and "A Woman's Guide to Family Finances", this is a giveaway that I really like to win, I just love books like these.

Free Entertainment Book!

For those of you not familar with the Entertainment Book, let me tell you, this book is packed full of great coupons. The one for my area has over 240 dinning coupons alone. My family likes to eat out so paying the full price is well worth it for these books, but you can get one for free or almost free.

Want to know how to get yours?

Cashbaq offers a $5 bonus when you sign up with them. Right now they are offering $10 payment when you purchase the Entertainment book. The Entertainment book is on sale for $25 (in my area) using a $10 coupon = $15 with free shipping. Less the rebate from Cashbaq = Free for ME!

This is how it worked for me:

Purchase Entertainment Book through Cahbaq $15

Earn sign up bonus -$5

Cashbaq Entertainment Book Cash Back - $10

= FREE

If you sign up for the automatic renewal you will get an additional $5 credit, however they will charge you full price next year. I don't recommend you doing this, but they will send you a reminder card.

Thanks SlickDeals.net

Give Me More GiveAways!

I have found some really great giveaways available this week!

Days Like These is hosting three seperate giveaways!
1. Poingo Starter Set (retail value $39.99) - ends 12/15
2. Avon Holiday Boutique (2 Pockets Galore Bags, stuffed full of fabulous stuff) - ends 12/15
3. SkinMDNatural Lotion - ends 12/15

Blogmania is giving away Progresso Gift Baskets - ends 12/13

Savings Chatter is giving away a handstamped silver pendant - ends 12/14

Nickels-N-Dimes is giving away Estee Lauder products ($100 value) - ends 12/17

The Thrifty Mama is hosting two giveaways!
1. Set of 4 Charlie Brown DVDs - ends 12/14
2. $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Card - ends 12/14

Looks like a Great Coupon Weekend!

For a preview of what coupons will be available this weekend click HERE or HERE!
Looks like the $.50 cottonelle and the $.50 daisy coupons are back! Some of my favorites.

Well, Things Have Been A Little Crazy!

Ok, so things have been a little crazy around here! I know, I know, where are all of the grocery deals and the cvs and walgreens deals. I promise those are coming back. I have just been super busy trying to get myself set up for the new year.

I hope to have some really great things to bring you in the way of earning online, in addition to creative ways to save.

I hope to share posting a week update on my progress, how much I have saved, how much I have earned, what I have one, and what I have done tohelp my families finiances in the future.

But I what to know what you what to see. So please leave a comment and tell me what you really what me to post. Do you want to see frugal meals, or maybe survey sites that I participate in? Do you want to see how I budget my finances or what my coupon binder looks like. Please let me know and I will work on sharing that information with you!

Are You Ready To Advertise?

Blog advertising is all the rage right now and rightly so! There are hundreds of thousands of blogs that everyday people visit everyday. While people used to sit and browse through magazines, they are now sitting in front of a computer looking at blogs that interest them. This is why blog advertising has become so hot, after all, where would a companies advertising dollars be better spent, in a magazine sitting in a doctor’s office collecting dust, or on a blog that has the potential of being seen repeatedly by people that are already interested in the niche of the product or service the company has to offer? As a blogger, I am constantly offering reviews of products that I think my readers will enjoy or that I personally love and just need to tell someone about, who knew that advertisers would actually pay me to do this. Bloggers, like me, are literally leaving thousands of advertising dollars on the table until now.

If you have a blog and have readers, blog advertising is a great way to generate some extra income and possible earn a living. You are already writing about services and products you love and think your readers will enjoy you might as well get paid for it. Right? Right! There are several great companies out there that make this super easy for you.

Paying Post is one of my favorites. They have just launched the second version of their web-site. The new site was designed for easier navigation and faster loading, so even if you aren’t seasoned this site is very easy to use and understand. This company is still relatively new so there is plenty of time to get in on the ground floor and a great place to get started in the world of blog advertising. They offer opportunities ranging from $5 - $35 and with a low $50 payout it doesn’t take forever to receive a payment. Another feature that I like is that they offer things that I haven’t seen before. Like; they offer a $25 bonus to best post per period. What a great incentive to put your best foot forward. Within 24 hours of signing up I had an opportunity available to me. And, in addition to all of that, they have a blog packed full or resources and information to help you. Oh, and did I mention that they offer an affiliate program? Every time I think I have Paying Post all figured out I find a new little gem that they offer.

So, if you are looking to get into the world of blog advertising, Paying Post is a wonderful company to work with. Signing up is very easy and I heard back from them within 24 hours with my approval. Like I said they are an amazing company, so take a few minutes and go sign up today and start making so extra money!

JCPenney Sale Saturay Dec 13th

6am - 1pm Door Buster Sale! Look Here to see the AD! They have over 250 doorbusters!

Can't make it early? Use this coupon for additional savings 3pm - midnight, use this coupon in store only. (save $10 off $50, $15 off $75, or $20 off $100).

With promo code DOOR, you will get free shipping for all online orders of $25.00 or more.

And earn 4% back when you shop through ebates.

Thanks Nickels-N-Dimes for sharing this deal!

Circuit City has Free Digital Frames

Circuit City has two (yeap two) digital frames for free after MIR right now.

Royal Travel Clock / Digital Frame - $19.99 (HERE)

On sale for $9.99

-$10.00 MIR

= FREE

Royal Carabiner Clip Digital Photo Frame - $19.99 (HERE)

On sale for $9.99

-$10.00 MIR

= FREE

For Extra savings shop through ebates (2% back) and have items shipping to the store nearest you for free.

Thanks to Nickles-N-Dimes!

KB Toys is Going Out Of Business

I heard announced this morning that KB Toys has filed bankruptcy and are going out of business. Liquidations sales have already begun. What does these mean for us the consumers. We'll if you haven't finished your Christmas shopping you might find a good deal or too, but honestly I don't expect to see any of those rock bottom prices until after Christmas. But after the holidays, I plan to get a big jump start on birthdays and Christmas for next year, and what better way than with a liquidation sale at the second largest toy store in the US.

They do have some sales items already listed on their site.

They are offering free shipping on orders over $100.

They are offering a free Mr. Potato Head when you spend $50 or more on Playskool or Tiger Electronics.

And don't forget to shop through Ebates, they give you $5 just for signing up and then you will earn 2% of your KB Toys order.

Aeropostale Coupon Code Today Only...

I have been needing a new jacket that wasn't dressy that I could wear everyday. So, this morning when I learned that Aeropostale is offering a one day coupon for $10 off Any outerwear, I just had to check out their deals.

This Hoodie is regularly $89.95

On sale for $34.95

Use Coupon Code Out10 to make it $24.95

To sweeten this deal, I shopped through ebates and will receive an additional 2% off back.

Free Winter Health Samples!

Free Winter Health Samples!

I like to sign up for these kinds of offers, first because I like free samples, and second because they generally include great coupons.

The Winner of My First GiveAway Is......

Drum Roll Please...

And the Winner is....

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:15
Timestamp: 2008-12-11 16:27:02 UTC

Traci said...
How fun, I have not heard of this book...looking forward to reading it!! :)I love all that Christmas means, this year it will mean that both of my boys will be home!
December 4, 2008 12:10 PM

Congratulations Traci.... I am so happy your boys will be home this year. I will be sending you an email shortly.

Thanks to all that participated. Wishing you all a very BLESSED CHRISTmas.

A New Look!

I have been busy working on the look and design of my site. I have added some exciting buttons that should benefit many of you.
On the right tool bar you will find links to sites to request free sample and coupons. I recommend making an email account just for these purposes because you might get spam mail, but you will get some greta coupons and samples to try.
On down towards the middle of my blog onthe left you can sign up for free purell hand sanitizer.
And the on the left there are several links to surveys sites that I am using to make some extra money online. Again, I suggest making an email account just for surveys, that way they all go to one place and when you have time to work on them, you just open that email account and check to see which surveys you want to participate in.

Walgreen's Deals 12/7-12/14

Reynolds aluminum foil
walgreens coupon $0.99
+ $1.00 from 11/16 insert.
Final Price FREE

Dove Beauty Bar
walgreens coupon $0.99
+ $1.00 from 11/2 insert.
Final Price FREE

Maybelline Lipstick and liner is BOGO, that should be about $6.99 for two.
If you have two of this weeks 12/7 paper this is a coupon for $4 off one maybelline lipstick of liner!
Final Price $1 overage!

Nickelodean sponsors $500 Walmart GC Giveaways

Nickelodean has teamed up with the Eleven Walmart Moms to host money saving tip contests. Each of the moms has been given a $500 giftcard to give to their winner.
What that means for us, lots of chances to win a $500 giftcard to walmart. Just visit the links below and enter to win, make sure you read the rules for each contest as they do vary a bit.
Good Luck!

My best money savings tip! Stay out of the Stores. You can't spend money in the stores if you don't go in the stores.

Elevenmoms are: (and yes, there are really 20)

A Cowboy's Wife
Beingfrugal.net
Classy Mommy
Common Sense with Money
Consumer Queen
Coupon Cravings
Deal Seeking Mom
Frugalous
From Dates to Diapers
Frugal Upstate
GeekMommy’s WebLife
Green Your Decor
Jessica Knows
Keeping the Kingdom First
MomAdvice
Mommy Brain Reports
Skimbaco - The Lifestyle
The "Cent"sible Sawyer
The Domestic Diva
To Think is to Create

Aeropostale Online Sale Today Only

Aeropostale is having a one day only online sale today!

I was in their store on Saturday for their 50% off sale, and I can honestly say that these prices are even better than the 50% off.

To sweeten this deal, shop through ebates to get 2% back (they also give you $5 just for signing up), they are also offering Free Shipping on orders over $100

I will update with some of the great deals in a bit, I need to finish shopping!

Freebies at Target!

Target that the Airwick Lumin Airs on sale for $4.99. Use the $5/1 coupon from the 12/07 inserts to get these for free!Many Target stores have Rayovac 4-packs of batteries in their Dollar Spot section (the bins usually found just inside the entrance) for only $1 per pack.

Use this $1/1 printable coupon here or the $1/1 coupon in the 12/07 insert to get these free!

Free Maybeline Lip Products

Both CVS and Walgreens have Maybeline lip color products on sale for B1G!

At Walgreens they are $4.99.
So, buy 2 @ $4.99
Use 2 $4 off coupons from 12/7 insert
= Free with possible overage depending on your cashier

I'm not sure of the pricing at CVS, as I haven't made it out yet
But buy 2 products that are less than $4 and use 1 coupon, or buy 2 products that are over $4 and use 2. = 2 free plus possible overage

In most cases I get the overage, however, if you store doesn't want to give you overage just ask them to adjust down the coupon and you still get two products free.

Free RedBox Movie Code

Today's Movie Code is : 23MJT7

*Please note that these movies are generally $1 each, you must return them by Tuesday at 9pm or $1 will be charged to your credit card. The code is only good for the first night!

Enjoy your free movie!

GiveAway Reminder!

Just wanted to remind everyone that my giveaway ends on Wednesday night, so you still have time to enter!
Just go to this post and leave a comment!

Sweet Online Deal At Blair!

Blair.com has a coupon code available right now for a FREE umbrella and Matching Tote plus Free shipping with any order using coupon code QK2.
This coupon can be used in combination with the purchase of any item including their clearance selection. They have a large selection of $2.99 items.
To sweeten this deal, sign up for Ebates! Get $5 for signing up, then 5% of your total making this a really sweet deal.

I need your feedback

As most of you know I love giveaways, and I enter at least one or two everyday. Some days, I enter up to 40 or 50 if I find a carnival.
Starting the first of the year, I will be tracking all of the giveaways I enter and what I won. My goal is to win most of Christmas for next year, but we'll see what happens. I have won so much stuff in these last few months that I think it will be well worth my time to continue to enter giveaways as I find them.

My question to you is, do you want to see my progress along with the giveaways I enter on this blog, or should I start a new blog just about giveaways!

Either leave me a comment or email and let me know what you think.

Get your Chevron Gift Cards

I won a $5 gift card this morning! This was the third day that I tried, but my efforts paid off. You can enter once a day so go try to win your gift card. Click Here for your chance to win.

* You do have to confirm your prize by clicking on a link that they email you.

I'm Frugal, Not Cheap!

Last night I received this comment and feed the need to clarify my position:
" Anonymous said...
I thought this blog was about frugality until I saw your Christmas lists. Ha! I suppose everyone's "frugality" is different that's all. Did you mean that your lists was just what they wanted or that you actually intend to deliver?"

Yes, that was their wish list, they will get some of those items, but not all of them.

I want to clarify that I frugal but I still like and enjoy very nice things. I just don't want to pay retail for them. I live in a very nice home, drive nice cars, I have nice jewelry, the big screens, ect... I'm not giving up my lifestyle style, I'm just obtaining the things we want or need in the most frugal manner possible.

I'm not furgal because I have to be, I furgal because I choose to be. In the past people who were frugal were thought of as poor or lower middle class, and that just isn't the case any more. We are normal everyday people that are choosing to keep more of our money in our pockets.

Before I left the corporate world, I was a Purchasing Agent. It was my job to get the product or service at the lowest possible price without giving any on the quality. I have adapted this to my family life and am teaching others to do the same thing. Anyone can be frugal. By being a smart confuser you are keeping more of your money in our own pocket so you can afford those nicer gifts. Last night hubby and I were in WalMart picking up a few gifts, I was behind a lady purchasing groceries using coupons and price matching, she was carrying a Coach purse, had on True Religion jeans, and some killer boots, and I noticed in the parking lot that she was crawling into her Lexus SUV. Did she need to use coupons and price matching, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say no.
I like to think that I am a smart consumer.

Budgeting - Getting Started

Budgeting – Getting Started

The first step I took to organize my finances was to open multiple checking and savings accounts. Today, we are going to start looking at the different checking accounts I have and why.
I have four separate checking accounts.
1. His – Hubby pay check gets directly deposited into his account. Every Friday morning, I log in and transfer his paycheck less $150 into my account. The money left in this account is his to do with as he pleases no questions asked.
2. Mine – My account is where our grocery money, field trips, gifts or anything that is not a definite set amount, including my spending money is kept. As long as our needs are meet and there are groceries in the pantry/freezer this money is mine to spend as I see fit.
3. Bill Account – We deposit the same set amount into this account each Friday. All of our bills are then paid electronically through this account. More on this in a future post.
4. Online Offer Account – Because we have done away with all of our credit cards, I need a debit card for the online offers that I do. I keep a very small amount of money in this account and it is only used for online offers. More on those later.

Why do I need so many accounts? I have found that our money is better managed when we aren’t both dipping from the same pot. I don’t have to stress that he will go by an ATM and pull out a few hundred $ and see a large balance and start spending not knowing that I just mailed off the house, car, and truck payment.

This works for us, but may not work for others. In our home, hubby isn’t involved with any of the bill paying. He knows what the big ticket items are and realizes that everything else cost money but has no idea who I need to pay and when. He just knows that it gets done. The burden of the sole responsibility was very stressful to me until I set up separate accounts and felt I had better control over our spending habits.

Save Money Avoid Late Fees

While this may seem like a no brainer to some, others simply do not realize how much money they are throwing away every month by not paying on time. I learned the hard way. I was very bad about not paying my bills on time back when I was younger. Mostly because I couldn't remember to buy a stamp so the envelope would lay on my desk for two weeks until I remembered, but there were times when money was tight and I choose to put off a payment for a week. I had since forgot how much money I used to throw away unil I opened my electric bill today. I am not used to the new format so when I first looked at the bill, I thought it was $335 but after sitting down at the computer to schedule my online payment I noticed that it is only $319.
That's right, if I don't pay by the due date, I am charged a late fee of $16. While $16 isn't a lot it does add up.

Let's take a look at my bills for example:
Truck Payment - $35 late fee
Tahoe Payment - $35 late fee
Electric Bill - $16 late fee
Water Bill - $7 late fee
Phone Bill - $8 late fee
Rent - $5 a day late fee
So, if I were to pay my bills late this month it would cost me an additional $106, I'm not sure about you, but I could do a lot with $106.

Back when I was regularly paying my bills late we also had several credit cards that were $29 a pop if they were late. I know some people look at it in a way that as long as they pay before day 30 then it doesn't effect their credit, I no longer see it that way. You have just added $29 to your statement, if you couldn't afford the regular payment, can you afford to send in an additional $29, probably not. So now you are paying interest on the $29, so you loss again.

The moral of this post is that it can be very costly to pay your bills late.

RedBox Movie Codes

I love free movies and RedBox is very generous with their promo codes that enables my family to watch free movies weekly.

Every Monday their is a New Free Code that is good for Monday only.

RedBox has just teamed up with the Eleven Walmart Moms, to offer free movie codes for the next 5 Sundays.

Week 1 (Sunday 12/7) - 11moms4uS
Week 2 (Sunday 12/14) - 11moms4uA
Week 3 (Sunday 12/21) - 11moms4uN
Week 4 (Sunday 12/28) - 11moms4uT
Week 5 (Sunday 1/4/09) - 11moms4uA

So rent you free movie Sunday and before you return it on Monday check for their weekly Monday code for 2 free nights of movies.

*Just a Tip, you can only use each code once per account. Per RedBox, an account is each individual debit or credit card that you use.

And I would add these codes to your planners now so when you are out you will have them with you.

Thanks The Centsible Sawyer for Sunday Codes.

Sorry, Things Have Been A Little Crazy

I just wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that I am working hard to get caught up. ATT suspended my sbcglobal accounts on Wednesday so I have lost all of my emails. I should have seen this coming, afterall, I stopped using their DSL services in August, but I never thought about them suspended my email accounts without any notice. Live and Learn!

So, if you are trying to email me and I'm not responding I didn't get your message.
Email me at myfrugallifestyle@gmail.com

Free Johnson's Buddies Bar

Free Johnson's Buddies Soap
Click HERE to get a Johnson's coupon for $3/3.

* Remember - Hit the back button and print a second one.

Save $3 on Disney DVDs

Click Here for a $3 off any Disney DVD Coupon. Print yours now these won't last long!

Another Free Razor

Click Here to get your free razor!

Saving Money in the New Year

Saving Money in the New Year - With the new year upon us, I am giving more and more thought to ways that I can build my savings in the new year. Most of us make a resolution every New Year's to save more, well, this year I actually want to save more. I am trying to come up with ideas that I will actually do to save.
I think the most important thing to do to keep my motivated to savings it to have a goal that I am saving for. I'm not sure yet if I want a certain dollar amount goal, or a "I want to buy that and it's $X" kinda of goal. I am trying to decide what will be more motivating for me. The key to savings is to find what works for you and do it your way.
To keep me even more motivated I will be postig my progress here for you all to see! Yikes! I am hoping that this in itself is enough to keep me motivated.
I hope to have the details worked out soon, I have to talk a few things over with hubby, as I will need his support to accomplish my goals.
So what works for you? Do you have any saving goals?

New Blinkies In Stores This Week!

I just got a reminder from a friend of mine that works for Smartsource, that Smartsource is releasing new coupons this week! So depending on the person who updates your blinkie machines you should see new coupons in stores this week!

Free $10 From Coinstar

Now through Dec 7th Coinstar is giving away an additional $10 holiday bonus when you cash in $40 in coins for a gift card. This is a great way to stretch your holiday cash if you will shopping at any of their featured stores.

Cheap Pork Chops For Dinner

We are eating out of the freezer and pantry this week, because I didn't make it to the store last week with the holidays. Remember when I bought 30 lbs of bone in pork chops at $.99 at Albertson's a few weeks back. Well, I brought it home and deboned it and put it in the freezer in 2 lb packages.

So tonight we are having Oven-Fried Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes, and Corn
Pork Chops = $1.98
Scalloped Potatoes = FREE
Frozen Corn = FREE
butter, milk, pepper, egg, and bread crumbs (for Pork Chops) = $.75 or so

TOTAL = $2.73

Tackle It Tuesday!

What's on your Tackle It List?

Well, among other things on my Tackle It list today is to get all of the lights on my Christmas tree so the kids can decorate it tonight after dinner.

BEFORE

AFTER

Nevermind, that my tree is pre-lite. It just didn't come with enough lights, and I really like the pearl lights that I add, I admit that during the day they don't do wonders for my tree, but I am very much a tree light snob and refuse to leave them off!

Oh, and did you notice that it looks like my tree is going through my ceiling? Well, it kinda is. You see last year, I purchased my beautiful 9' pre-lite Christmas tree that retailed for $600 for $200 during Black Friday and at that time I had 12' ceilings. This year is another story. My new home only has 8' ceilings so my poor hubby had to do some tuggin and pushin to get my tree up this year, I just could bring myself to purchase another one. I plan on making a very large bow for the top of my tree so hopefully it won't be that noticable.

Now, I need to go work on the rest of my Tackle It Tuesday list: wash the sink of dishes, turn over the laundry, make my bed (shh don't tell hubby, I don't make it as soon as I get out of it), sweep the floors, and wrap some gifts before it is timet o pick up the kids from school.

My New Free Knives!

Last night while shopping at Sam's with my hubby, an announcement comes on over the intercom about a display giving away free knives. While my hubby generally would not evey think twice, he could tell I wanted to check it out. So we quickly grabbed the things we had come after and a few others and then headed to the display. The guy doing the demo was trying to sell me a wonder knif that will never have to be sharpened again ect. ect. I listened to his 2 1/2 minute spill (yes, this guy was quick) and then got my two free knives and left.

Do I feel bad about getting the two free knives and not purchasing the other one? Not at all, I listened open mindedly to his spill, and he had the opportunity to convince me his product was worth the price, but in the end, I just couldn't justify spending $40 on a knife I didn't need, even if he was throwing in an addditional $200 worth of product.

I need ORDER!

With the new year upon us, I am really starting to take a look at my blog and I think it needs a bit more consistancy. So, through out this month, I wil be working on different features I want to offer to my readers. I thought I would make a set schedule of a few things that I want to share weekly and then continue to post great deals and ideas as I come across them.

So far this is kinda what I have in mind:

• Money Making Mondays: I will post about something I do that earns my family a little extra income or feature a site with money making ideas
• Grocery Deals - The highlights of the grocery sales
• Giveaway Roundup
• Freebies
• Saving and Budgeting ideas

I am also hoping to start doing a few reviews to share with you.
I think these changes will benefit us all. I will have a routine, in addition to my regular post that I should be able to keep up with, and you will know when you can visit to find the information that you are looking for.

I Win AGAIN!

I just love opening my inbox to find out that I have won one of the giveaways I have entered. Today was no exception. This is what I found in my inbox today.

"Hi Deane,
Good news! You won my first giveaway on The Nifty Thrifty Homemaker! Krisi from Krisi's Kards will be contacting you shortly to discuss the design of your card. Enjoy!
Christina
The Nifty Thrifty Homemaker"

Thanks Christina for hosting such a wonderful giveaway! I have been shopping for Christmas Cards and know I know they will be great!

You can't win if you don't enter, make sure you enter my giveaway!

My First GiveAway!

I just love giveaways! I love entering them, I love winning the, and I love hosting them. That's right I am hosting my first every giveaway here at My Frugal LifeStyle. Thanks to the people at Center Street Books, they are providing one of my readers a chance to win a copy of the book "The Paper Bag Christmas". See my previous post for my review of this book, it is wonderful. I just can't say enough good things about this novel. I am cherishing my copy.

So, how do you win:

-It's easy post a comment below, telling me what you cherish most about the holiday season. Be sure to include a way for me to get in touch with you if you aren't a blogger.

-What an extra chance to win, simply blog about this contest and provide a link back for your readers and then leave a seperate comment telling me you did so.

-And for a thrid entry you can subscribe to my blog.

A Winner will be announced on Dec 10th.
Easy enough right! Good Luck!

Be sure to stop by Internet Cafe Devotions for tons of other Giveaways.

* This giveaway is now closed! Thanks to all that participated.

The Paper Bag Christmas

I have a gem to share with you today. I was recently asked by Center Street Books if I would like to review a book entitled "The Paper Bag Christmas", of course I agreed I just love Christmas stories. I can honestly say that this book is like no other I have ever read. The author Kevin Alan Milne truly reached out throw this book and touched me. I was moved to tears on several occasions through out this story. As I finished this story I was inspired to teach my children the gift of giving through acts of kindness.

"The Paper Bag Christmas" is a story of two little boys whose parents insist on taking them to the mall to visit Santa even though they aren't sure they believe in Santa any longer. As they wait in a never ending line they are given a wish list to fill out. The boys fill in every line on their Christmas wish list to give to Santa and when they final get the chance to give Santa their list he informs them that they won't be getting anything on their Christmas wish list, but that they will receive something better. You see, the Santa at the mall is Dr. Chris Ringle a pediatric oncologist that through the help of the boy's parents have the boys help him as elves at the local children's ward. On the night they are to show up to help they learn that they will be helping on an ongoing basis until the Christmas party, and Dr. Ringle assigns each of the boys a special task. Aaron the older brother has been asked befriend and get the Christmas wishl ist from Madhu (a little boy waiting on a kidney transplant) who is not Christian and does not believe, but is very curious about our holidays. Molar the younger brother has a bit more difficult. He has been asked to befriend and get the Christmas wish list from a little girl named Katrina she to is a patient of the hospital. She has recently lost all of her family and suffered from cancer. Previous surgeries have left the little girl badly scarred and she has shut herself off from everyone around her. Through the actions of these two little boys true Christmas miracles do happen.

This story will touch the lives of all who read it. I can't wait to share it with my children. I encourage each of you to get a copy today. It will change and redirect your focus this holiday season.

Black Friday was a Bust

I am a bit dissapointed this year. My hubby was up sick most of the night so I didn't get out of the house until 9:oo this morning. I missed out on most of the big items that I wanted, well mainly the trampoline that was $140, so my shopping this morning was very limited.

This is all I managed to find worth buying this morning:
2 pj bottoms - $4 each
2 pr PJs - $4 each
2 Track Suits for hubby - $8 each
2 Littlest Pet Shops VIPS - $7 each
1 Fisher Price Walker to Wagon - $10

So needless to say, I still have the majority of my shopping to do. so keep checking back for lots of hot deals.

You can check out my updated Christmas Budget and List Here!

Limited Too B1G1F plus 30% and $5 shipping

For all of us with adorable little girls that just LOVE Limited Too here is a deal for you!

Right now online Limited Too has a B1G1F sale (entire stock, and I don't believe they have to be like items), even the WebKinz are included.

To make the deal sweeter use code 572 or 758 to get an additional 30% off.

Orders over $75 get $5 shipping!

And don't forget to log onto Ebates and then go to Limited Too to get an additional 4% back.

*For those of us that shop this store often now this deal is one of the best they ever have.

Edited to Add that clearance is included and they have several Webkinz on clearance.

Give Me GiveAways! 11/25

We all know how much I like give aways so I thought I would share with you all the Giveways that Stephanie is hosting a Confessions of a Coupon Junkie.

GiveAway #1 - $200 worth of misc. coupons, for those of you just getting started this is a great way to build up your coupon stash.....

GiveAway #2 - a pair of Lia Sophia earrings

GiveAway #3 - a slide from Lia Sophia

These are some great giveaways so go enter!

What a Wonderful Day to Start The Day!

The first thing I do everyday after logging on, is check my email. It is always so nice to get a little surprise when reading them. Today, I received this message:

"Congrats Deane, you have won the Personalized Novel by BookbyYou. The information they need is, your email address and your first and last name. They will be in contact with you as soon as I send them the info.Congrats again. Check out other great contest I have going on.

:)Happy Thanksgiving,Sassy"

I am so excited! Bailey is going to love this. She has just taken a true interest in readng for the pleasure of reading so I am hoping this will be a pleasant suprise for her, as I won't be telling her she is the Star of the book until she reads it.

Thanks Sassy for hosting such a wonderful giveaway!

This is another $30 gift that has cost me nothing! Yeah ME!!! Now if I can just win that shirt!

*Edited I received my gift certificate from BooksBy You and it was for $44.90! I was able to get the book, have it upgraded to add her picture and have it shipped to my home for free!

A Few Great GiveAways Worth Mentioning!

The Sassy Southener is currently hosting two giveaways!
First a Bookby You novel giveaway where you are the star character.
And Second, a Hardworking Woman shirt giveaway!
Both would make awesome prizes for you or gifts for loved ones. Be sure to check them out. The BookbyYou ends tonight so don't wait!


My Junk Drawer is currently hosting a Mia Bella Candle giveaway valued at $32.90.
Here's what you'll get if you win the contest:
16oz. Hollyberry Balsam scented Mia Bella Gourmet Candle (Fruit & Spice combine with the fresh forest scent of balsam to bring you this intriguing aroma.)
Mystic Melon scented Bella Bar Gourmet Cleansing Bar
4 candle votives in misc. scents

Black Friday Shopping!

I have to say that I shop Black Friday every year and am very surprised at the number of people who feel it is not worth the trouble. There are several reasons I shop Black Friday.
1. The Prices - have literately saved thousands
2. The kids are still asleep and aren't whinning to go with you - mine are often still asleep when I get home so it makes it easier to get things put up without them spying them.
3. I get the bulk of my shopping sone within a few hours.

I was going to write some tips to share with you but Thrifty Mama just posted hers and well, why reinvent the wheel? Check out her tips here!
I would add that a lot of retailers will also have their sales available online so read those flyiers carefully, it could save you a lot of stops since most of the sales go into effect at midnight on Thanksgiving.
When shopping online, shop through ebates. Not only do they give you $5 for signing up, they yu also get a % of all of your purchases.
Check for online coupons and codes. Many will have a free shipping online code available. So take the time to look for them. RetailMeNot.com is a great place to find them, I also run a general search before making a purchase.

Now I am also being asked how I know what is going on sale. Here are some of the awesome sites I am using to find the Black Friday Deal.

Wal-Mart Black Friday Ad Here

Hot Coupon World has always been my most reliable source! So far they have tons of ads up and I'm sure more will be added daily as they become available.

Don't Forget Those Budgets

This will be a very hectic week for me. Generally by this point in my Christmas shopping I have bought most of our smaller gifts only holding out for the Black Friday Sales for the large gifts. Well, I haven't done so hot this year with Dallas being out of town. See, I like for Dallas and I to do the Christmas shopping together so he knows exactly what I'm spending where and on who. It makes it so much easier on me to, when I have a sounding board.

With that being said, Dallas flys home tommorrow night, my birthday is Wednesday, Thursday is Thanksgiving, and Friday is Black Friday. I am exhausted already, but I am really excited to get the tree up and get the gifts under it.

Here is my original Christmas Budget with gifts that I have already purchased.

Chelsea wants a new iphone/ipod thingy (I have no idea what this is just that it is $300), new bedding, and lots of clothes.

Hannah wants a Kitchen, a Jumper (trampoline), Snow White and a Leapster.

Bailey wants a DS and an electric scooter.

Jered wants a DS.

And little Colt is just along for the ride.

Oh and my dear husband wants a new pair of ostrich boots ($450) with matching belt ($150) and buckle set ($250). I just not sure he's been this good this year! LOL! However, I know that in addition to whatever else he gets me this year, I will be getting a new laptop and I know that he will spare no expense so I will only get the best of the best (it's a thing with him, he is not very frugal, he is definitely a bigger is better kinda guy). With that being said, he doesn't ask for much. He travels most of the time to provide well for our family, so I'm sure Santa will be generous to him this year as well.

So that leaves me to the shopping!
I haven't found a killer deal on the kitchen yet, which by the way Colt will love as much as Hannah. I plan on putting it in my office so they can play while I work on the computer. And because my office is downstairs and the gameroom is upstairs, and I'm just not ready for my little man to be out of my site yet.

Walmarts BlackFriday deals include:
The Leapster @ $30
The Trampoline with security net @ $140
8" digital picture frames @ $39 (I'm thinking grandparents)
They also have kids jeans for $4 a pair and PJs too, so I will be buying some of these, not for Christmas particularly but because we can always use a few more pair of jeans and jammies.
Their 2 day sale includes:
Mario DS system @ $129 (I think)

None of the kids have mentioned a Wii lately, so Santa might be changing his mind and bringing them something else. I think the Trampoline will probably be a Santa gift as well since it will be a family gift and I won't have to wrap it.

If you don't have a budget yet, sit down and take a few minutes to get a game plan. The holidays should be fun and exciting not stressful because we overspent and will struggle to get them paid off. And controll those impulse purchases. Don't be afraid to return something that you bought that you probably shouldn't have.

Wishing you and your families a blessed Holiday season!

Give Me My Money Back

While looking at my receipts I noticed that 2 of the P&G eSaver coupons I had loaded didn't come off. I thought I had done everything right so I contacted the P&G eSaver customer service help desk via email and told them that I had purchased both the Herbal Essence and the Gilette Razors and after looking at my receipt the loaded coupon did not come off. They responded very quickly asking for specific info including my receipt number and the exact product purchased ect. I responded with the necessary information, and within just a few hours, I get a response. This was the email that I got:

"Hi Deane-

Thanks for contacting the P&G eSaver help center. We've added a $5 coupon off your total order to your card since the Herbal Essences and Mach 3 Coupons did not work. We apologize for the incovenience. This $5 coupon will be applied on your next shopping trip."

That is $5 to spend on anything I want. For just a few minutes of my time, they were able to credit me the missing coupons, so it is always worth it to contact customer service. P&GeSaver was very professional and responsive to my questions.

Free Olay Ribbons Body Wash

$3.99 Olay Ribbons Body Wash (10 fl oz)

$3.99 Olay Ribbons Body Wash (10 fl oz)

-B1G1 Free $3.99 PG Loadable Coupon http://pgesaver.com/

-$2.00 (Olay Bar Pack, Body Wash, or In-Shower Body Lotion, any ONE) 11-2 PG

-$2.00 (Olay Bar Pack, Body Wash, or In-Shower Body Lotion, any ONE) 11-2 PG

= FREE (well actually you make 1 cent )

*Thanks to HCW

You Get What You Pay For

As most of you know we are currently leasing our home because our lease payment is about half of what we would expect our mortgage payment on this home to be, and we have the option of purchasing it when our lease expires.

Well, one of the great things about leasing a home is that we aren't responsible for the repairs, unless of course we cause the damage. On the down side of that we are at our landlords mercy on how timely the repairs get made. We have an unusual clause in our lease that states that we are to contact a thrid party to handle repairs, not the owner.

Anyway, as of today, we have been in the house for 3 months. Wow, where does the time go?? Within the first week of us moving in, actually the first time I filled up my big Jacuzzi BathTub I realized that it wasn't working and called the thrid party. It took multiple phone calls and then a strongly worded email to the landlord before anyone came to look at it 8 weeks later. Well, when they came out they took the pump from the tub and left everything disconnected leaving the tub inoperatable.

Well, yesterday was three weeks that not only has the tub not worked but that I haven't been able to use the tub at all. So I am quite feed up with the third party repairman, and take the liberty of calling my landlord. I explain my frustrations and request that she offers some type of allowance for us not having this ammentity. She said that she didn't set the rental price based on the ammentities but on her expenses. So I explained to her that I didn't agree to the price of the rental based on her expenses, but based on what I was getting for my money and I didn't feel that I was getting all that I was paying for.

The outcome: She offered me a retroactive $100 a month allowance for each month that the tub is inoperatible. So the December's payment will be short $300, and if it isn't fixed before the end of the month, I will deduct another $100 in January.

So, long story short. If you aren't getting what you are paying for it is your responsiblity to voice your concerns and to ask to be made whole. I did not request $100 but some form of credit. She could have easily said no, but after hearing my arguement offered the $100. If I would not have taken the time to call and ask, I would have received nothing.

Now, I have an additional $300 in my budget to spend. Wherever will I spend it??

Only 1 insert this Weekend

It looks like there will only be one insert of coupons in the paper this weekend. You can check the TaylorTown Preview to see which coupons will be included.
And just a note to all of you new couponers, next weekend is a major holiday weekend so there probably wn't be any coupon inserts in the paper.

Coupon Party Today!

Today's the DAY!!
Ok, so I'm a little overwhelmed this morning and I didn't get everything together that I wanted to, but I am still really excited about tonight. I hope that what I have to share will save all of you some money!

100 Posts

Wow! I can believe that I have already made 100 post on my blog! It isn't quite 3 months old yet, so I am a pretty happy! I hope that all of this posting I am doing is saving someone a lot of $$$$!

Betty Crocker Coupon Book

Sign up here to get a coupon book worth $10 from Betty Crocker. These are generally very good coupons.

Yoplait Kids Yogurt Coupons

$1.50 Printable Coupon

Good when you buy any flavor Yoplait Kids Cup Yogurt or Yogurt Drink

This is a great coupon get yours before they are gone, remember to hit the back button and refresh if necessary to print two.

Albertson's Shopping Trip 11/17

*not pictured is 1 Gallon of Milk and 2 double papers

9 Dial 3pk Bar Soap Reg. $2.99, Sale $1.67

used $.30 mfg tripled & $.75 store q = $.02 each

8 Dial Liquid Soap Reg. $2.29, Sale $1

used $.30 mfg tripled = $.10 each

1 Country Bob BBQ Sauce Reg $3.19

used FREE mfg q = FREE

4 Allen's Canned Veg All Reg. $1.39

used $.35 mdf tripled = $.34

4 Kellogg's Rice Krispies Reg $3.79 Sale $1.89

used $1 mfg q = $.89 each

8 Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Reg $3.79 Sale $1.89

used $1 mfg q = $.89 each

8 Worchestershire Sauce Reg $1.99 Sale $1.67

used FREE mfg q = FREE

4 Cheezit Crackers Reg $4.29 Sale $2.50

used $1 mfg q = $1.50

4 Kellogg's Crispix Reg $3.39 Sale $1.69

used $1 mfg q = $.69 each

4 Kellogg's Mini Wheats Reg $3.69 Sale $1.84

used $1 mfg q = $.84 each

1 Albertson's Gallon Milk Reg $3.79

2 Double Star Telegrams Reg $1.99

Total Value $168.63

Total OOP $32.91

Savings of 81%

A Quick Trip to Target

I have been sorting and organizing coupons all weekend trying to get ready for my couponing class, when I found a stack of coupons that I had set aside to use and forgot about.

Well, one of the coupons was the $3/3 Johnson's Buddies

So, while on a quick trip to Target last night for alarm clocks for the kiddos, I snagged:
18 - Buddy Bars - $.97 each less coupon $-.03
So I used the $.54 overage towards the purchase of alarm clocks.

*Dana I saved plenty of coupons for you!

Just a note for those with Super Targets: Target has reactivated their AcherFarms Coffee Coupons for $1 and the $2 Steak Printable Coupons.
There are $.99 Archer Farm coffees in a variety of favors, I have been told they were good, but I honestly don't know since I don't drink coffee. But they will make nice little thank you gifts for teachers and such sitting in a cute mug for the dollar store.
And if you look for the small or individual steak packages, those $2 coupons could make for some really cheap steak. Just a thought, since there isn't a limit on how many you can print.

Kroger Shopping Trip

This was my Friday's quick run to Krogers (sorry it has taken so long to get it up) I don't have the receipt in front of me, but if I find it I will come back and include reg. prices.

2 - Tortilla Chips $2.29 ea (need for party)
4 - Cans Campbell's Nacho Cheese Soup $1.50 ea (needs for party)
4 - Tubes Cologate Toothpaste - FREE
4 - Hefty Storage Bags - $.45 ea
3 - Qauker Oatmeal - FREE
9 - Tubs Betty Crocker Icing - $-.75 (they paid ME)
9 - Packages of Bic Razors - FREE
1 - 19lb Turkey - FREE

Total OOP: Less than $6

Before Shopping at Kroger

Before you begin shopping at Kroger you need to do a few things:
First you need a Kroger Savings Card, you can get this by going to Customer Service and requesting one. They are free to you and save you tons of money, you don't get the sales prices without it.

Next you need to register your Kroger Card with the following sites. They allow you to load coupons directly to you Kroger Card, and can be used in combination with a paper mfg q and/or a store q. Which gives you even greater savings.

Shortcuts
P&G eSaver
Cellfire
Upromise

Free Pillsbury Coupon Booklet

Free Pillsbury Coupon Booklet
Pillsbury just came out with a great new offer that you'll want to take advantage of if you like Pillsbury products. Sign at Pillsbury for their newsletter HERE and you'll receive a free $10 coupon booklet in the mail!

Make sure you get yours today, these won't last long!

Kroger Sneak Peek 11/19 - 11/25

Kroger 10 for $10 Sale

*you don't have to buy 10

*remember when printing coupons to use the back button to print each coupon twice,

also you can print twice per computer

Krogen Frozen Vegs = $1

Green Giant Boxed Vegs = FREE

$.50/1 GG boxed veggie loadable at www.shortcuts.com
$.50/2 GG boxed veggie loadable at www.shortcuts.com

$.50/1 Printable won't double

$0.50/2 Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables, Any - 10-05-08 GM

(so, if you load all of these qs and have the $.50/2 insert q = 3 boxes for free vegs, with inserts $1 for 3)

Birds Eye steamfresh = FREE

$0.35/1 Birds Eye Steamfresh Frozen Vegetables Or Frozen Rice, Any - 10-12-08 SS (Insert x11/22/08)
$0.35/1 Birds Eye steamfresh, any bag (Blinkie x11/17/08)

FREE with $.05 overage

Stove Top Stuffing = $1

Heinz Gravy = $.67 each wyb 3

$1/3 Printable Q

$1.00/3 Heinz Homestyle Gravy, Any Jar Insert x11/18/08

Duracell 2 ct AA or AAA = FREE orOverage on 1

P&G Saver $.50/1 loadable q

$0.50/1 Duracell Insert Q

Cool Whip Tub = $1

Sprite = $1

Sierra Mist = $1

7-up = $1

Duncan Hines Cake Mix = $1

Del Monte Pineapple = $1

McCormick Grinders = $.25

$0.25/1 McCormick Spice or Extract Insert Q

Kroger Black Pepper or Paprika = $1

Pasta/Rice a Roni = $1

Libby's canned Pumpkin = $.50 each

$.50/2 Printable

$1/2 Printable

$.50/3 Libby's Veg Printable

Le SeuerPeas = $1

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce = $1

Hot Wheels = $1

GiantCandyBars , Hershey's, Cadbury, Symphony or Nestle's = $1

Other Sales Items:

Boneless Strip Steak super value pack $4.99 lb limit 2 w/add'l $10 purchase.

Jennie-O Grade A frozen Turkey $.39 lb limit 1 w/ add'l $20 purchase

Angus Ground Chuck $1.99 lb

Kroger Spiral Ham $1.99 lb

Jennie-O Fresh Turkey Grade A .99 lb limit 1 w/add'l $10 purchase

Del Monte Gold Pineapple $1.97

Kroger Shredded, Bar or slices $1.67

Springdale milk 2.99 limit 2 2/add'l $10 purchase

(on sale for $2.50 this week go tomorrow and bu for next week)

Driscoll's Blackberries $1.25

Fresh 12 oz bag of Cranberries $1.88

Pepsi or Dr.Pepper 12 pk 5 for $12 = $2.40 each wyb 5

Kroger Broth 2 for $.88

Kroger canned veggies 2 for $1.09

Kroger Mandarin Oranges $.75

Kroger Foil $2.29

Jiffy Corn muffin mix $.39

Morrison Corn Kits $.39

Campbell's Cream of Chicken or Mushroom 4 for $3

$0.35/4 Campbell's Condensed Soups Insert = 4/$1.95
$1.00/4 Campbell's Condensed Soups Insert = 4/$2
$0.25/4 Campbell's Condensed Soups Insert 4/$2.25

Peppridge Farm Stuffing Mix $2.69

French's Fried Onions $2.99

$.50/1 Printable

Ozarka 24 pk or 12 pk sports bottles $3.99

Pillsbury Frozen Rolls or Biscuits $1.99

$1.25 Printable = $.74

Pillsbury Crescent or Cinnamon Rolls 8ct $1.52

$0.35/1 Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls Insert

$.50/1 loadable

Ok that's all I have time for now, maybe I'll get some more up later.

If you see a deal you really want you have time to get qs, look at couponclippers.com or ebay (where I get a lot of mine)

Free Ensure Shake Coupon

Special Offer on Ensure® Shakes

Coupons for a Free Shake and Savings on a Six-pack!

For those of you new to couponing, I would have this coupon mailed. A lot of stores have stopped taking IPs for free products.

And these are great for donating if you are interested in them for yourself!

Free RedBox Movie Rental

Today's Movie Code:

57DRW3

*Movie must be turne back in by 9pm tomorrow our your cc will be charges $1 a day!

Coupon Party This Thursday!

I have a very busy week ahead of me! I am hosting my first every coupon party on Thursday night and well I still have a lot to get together. I am planning a few games with prizes along with a few door prizes to keep things interesting. I am very excited about sharing the information with so many of you that are truly showing an interest in saving money and cutting your grocry bill back.

So just FYI, between preparing for this party and Wednesday being booked solid with dentist, helping friends out, and church the my postings mught be few and far between.

I also want to mention my dear friend Dana! Those of you who know me personally more than likely know Dana as well. Dana is the friend that convinced me to "teach a class". She has literatelly been my guneia pig and my support. She is already scoring some awesome deals, so hopefully after the party you will all also be able to achieve her success.

Thanks Dana, I really do appreciate you!

The Couponing Party is:

Thursday Nov 20th

at 6:00 pm

at my home

Let me know if you need directions! I look forward to seeing you all here!