Common Cent$

Temporarily Away ~ Again

2009-09-03T18:41:00.002-05:00

Our family friend has left us today after a long struggle. We had hoped he would get up enough strength to be able to go through the chemo drugs, but that never happened and unfortunately we lost him sooner than we had all wanted.

It has been alot of running around and has been more hectic than would can imagine, but we are glad (as was he) that he got to spend his final weeks at home instead of the hospital.

He will be sorely missed.

Thus, it will be another week before I get back in here.
I have decided, based on recent offers just to do this blog more as a product views study and also keep the freebie listings as an added bonus. I will encourage anyone to comment or email me with their views on any love it or hate it product - new to the market or been around awhile.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Become a Purex Insider!

2009-08-19T23:22:00.002-05:00

Taking a moment to pass along a tidbit:

For those interested in getting an inside scoop check this out:

http://www.purexinsiders.com/

Let me know if you are one of the lucky ones accepted!

--------------------------------------

On a personal note -- I have still been away from my blog because our family friend is still touch and go at the hospital. It seems every time we think they are close to going home, something else happens and we're right back where we started.
Please send some healing thoughts to our friend. And many thanks!

Used a Few Coupons at Walmart Today

2009-08-09T20:43:00.002-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

Sorry for no pic, but its late and boy what a weekend its been. For once I wore my 16 yr old out from shopping!

I'll spare you the whole expenditure, but here were the highlights:

Fancy Feast 16 oz was $2.12, used $1 off cpn - pd $1.12
Friskies 3.5 lb bag was $$3.58, used $1 off cpn- pd $2.58
Beneful Dog Food 15.5 lb bag on sale for $13.50 (from $15.50), used $3 off cpn - pd $10.50

Hormel Compleat Meals bought 3 at $1.98 each, used two 75 cent off cpns - pd $4.44
( I remember when these used to be $1.25 each before they "caught on" with the public).

Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecans $2.12, used $1 off cpn - pd $1.12
4 pks pf Bic pens (2 black, 2 blue with 10 in each pk) $1 each, used two $1 off cpns - pd $2 total.

Bunny Bread and Buns on sale for $1.50 each, used two 25 cent cpns - pd $2.50

Glade Soy Candle 2 oz size FREE with cpn - saved $2.97

Ended up saving about $14.50 with the coupons.
Not too bad.

Have a great back to school week!

More Pix of the Space and Rocket Center

2009-08-09T00:11:00.004-05:00

More pix of the Saturn V Exhibit. This is the smaller scale model showing the inner workings of this rocket. This particular display as well as many others in this exhibit used to be in the main Museum as far back as the early 1970s. (ask me how I know!) Too bad the monkeys couldn't still be here with us. I really miss seeing them. (yes, real live monkeys, study up on your space history)

Don't know if your state issues the Saturn V rocket car tags, but if they do PLEASE ask for it. For a few dollars more, but less than a vanity tag, you can help restore this rocket as well as many other rockets in bad need for re-painting. The Space and Rocket center is another one of our history museums that we must try to preserve in order to keep educating and inspiring our youth. They are now our future.

U S Space and Rocket Center

2009-08-08T23:42:00.003-05:00

Kroger Splurge

2009-08-08T23:09:00.005-05:00

Yes, I have been away for quite awhile. Aside from having a nasty stomach bug, I recovered from that (Thank Goodness!) and then had to tackle school orientation stuff, back to school shopping, you name it! Whew!

Ok-- This is just one photo, I left out all the meat, milk and frozen stuff, as I didn't have coupons for those, but I will list some of those sale items anyway without the pic.

Here goes: For this Kroger sales week (Aug 2-8)

Charmin $4.99 (after kroger buy 4/$4 off and $1 off mfg cpn)
Bounty $4.99 (after Kroger buy 4/$4 off and $1 off mfg cpn)
Always 99 cent (after Kroger 4/4 and 50 cent doubled mfg cpn)
Tampax 99 cent (after Kroger 4/4 and 50 cent doubled mfg cpn)
Tide $3.88 (after Kroger 4/4 and $1 off mfg cpn)
3 boxes Puffs $1.37 (after kroger 4/4 and 70 cent doubled mfg cpn)
2 Covergirl compacts $7.58 (after kroger 4/4 and $2.50 off mfg cpn)
2 Covergirl compacts (different) $8.18 (after kroger 4/4 and $2.50 mfg cpn)

Dollar items (10 for 10)

6 Chef Boy-ar-dees (had one extra because of two 35 cent off 3 (mfg cpns) - also doubled= pd $4.30 instead of $6)
8 Banquet frozen dinners
2 Kroger liquid soaps
1 VO5 Shampoo
2 Hunts Pudding 4pks
2 Idaho Potato instant pks

2/$7 Hillshire Farms Select Deli - minus two 35 cent cpn doubled = pd $5.60
Post cereal on sale for $1.88 each - minus $1.00 off 2 cpn = pd $2.76
Rice Krispies = FREE with Vocalpoint cpn. YEA VOCALPOINT!!!
Finish Dishwasher gelpks was $4.39 - minus $2.50 off cpn = pd $1.89 each or $3.78 instead of $8.78!

The rest was milk or hamburger meat that needed to be in the fridge asap and didnt have a coupon for.
Total Splurge was $90.76.
Total Mfg cpns and Kroger savings this trip $64.63.
Total annual Kroger savings $146.97.

PS- The missing cereal, dishwashing detergent and 2 covergirl compacts went to my mom, as well as 2 off the Bounty paper towels out of the big pack. (fyi)

Can't wait for Sunday's coupons and to match up with Krogers new ad!

See ya there!

OMG Peanut Butter Fudge!

2009-07-27T17:37:00.002-05:00

Image by urtica via Flickr

Seeing as how I haven't made it in almost a year and I have received numerous requests for it, I FINALLY got the ingredients today and made it. I always make two batches, the first is more experiment so I can improve the final batch. And because my house is always the hangout place for all the teenagers in the neighborhood, they don't mind one bit being my guinea pigs for anything I am baking.
Oh, and its called OMG Peanut Butter Fudge because everyone that's ever tasted it for the first time says that!
My kids are trying to get me to market this stuff.
I wonder if it will ever make it out of the kitchen without everyone eating it all!

3rd Installment FREE COUPONS from my Coupon Overload!

2009-07-27T16:47:00.003-05:00

Image by rbatina via Flickr

ready for another round?

I've got alot to catch up on at home so I will be shortening the typing as much as possible, so if it says $1 or 75 cent it means the coupon is for that much off.

Here we go!

pedigree dog snacks two $1 coupons exp 8/23
wishbone products 75 cent and $1 exp 9/19
hellmans mayo 60 cent exp 9/20
dove and degree body mists two $1 coupons exp 9/20
degree deo for men and women $1 and $1.25 exp 8/23
rubbermaid pitchers $1 exp 9/27
lipton tea 50 cent exp 9/20
kroger coupons for natures bounty $1, sundown naturals $1, flexamin and osteo bi-flex two $3 coupons exp 8/12
coffeemate coupons two 50 cent exp 9/28
naturally fresh dressing, vinagrette, and toppings three $1 coupns exp 9/30
Van camps beans 30cents off 3 exp 8/31
Loreal revitalift skin products three $1 coupons exp 9/13
Bryan lunch meat/hot dog $1 on 2 exp 9/30
bryan smoked sausage 50 cent exp 9/30
Minute rice ready to serve $1 off 2 exp 9/12
eaglebrand can sw milk 35 cent exp 8/31
lever 2000 75 cent exp 9/6
eggland best eggs two 35 cent and one 50 cent exp 9/30
kiwi shoe care $1 exp 9/12
bicycle playing cards $1 off 2 exp 10/12
scotch brite $1 off 2 exp 8/31
advil pm $1 and $2 exp 8/31
Buy 1 Venus Embrace get one FREE satincare exp 8/31
olay facial product $1 exp 8/31
scotch tape two $1 coupons exp 9/30
nutra joint $4 and $6 exp 8/26
BALL canning jars or lids 75 cent and $2.50 exp 9/30
underjams $2 exp 8/31
benefiber two $2 coupons exp 10/31
more lysol product coupons from 50 cent to $1 exp 9/7
yoplait for kids 35 cent to 75 cents exp 9/5
macaroni grill dinner kit $1 exp 9/5
foot roll up, by the foot, gushers, etc 50 cent exp 9/5
Wanchai ferry dinner kit $1 exp 9/5
nature valley granola bars 70 cent off 2 exp 9/5
fiber one yogurt $1 exp 9/5
grands biscuits can 35 cent exp 10/3
pillsbury simply cookies 55 cent exp 10/3
ritz crackerfuls $1 exp 10/11
jointflex $2 exp 8/31
Genteal $1.50 exp11/30
kleenex 50 cent/3 50 cent/2 exp 8/31
Oster grooming products two $1 and two $5 exp10/15
Nexxus hair products $3 exp 8/15
$1 /2 general mills cereals exp 8/22
skintimate $1.50 exp 9/5
shout 55 cent exp 9/5
depends two $1 coupons exp 8/24
mens right guard $1 /2 exp 9/30
raid two $1 and one $1.50 coupons exp 8/22

More tomorrow. (Yes, there is plenty more! I have another stackful to go.)

Remember to send request with SASE to:

Saphir
P O Box 636
New Hope, AL 35760

2nd Installment FREE COUPONS from my Coupon Overload!

2009-07-27T14:49:00.003-05:00

Don't be afraid to ask for any specific coupon. I have several of each coupon listed below because I have friends and family who give me all they don't need. So just because it may be listed like I have one, I tend to have several.

Loreal Paris Excellent creme hair color $2 off exp 9/13
and Couleur Experte express $3 off exp 9/13

Mentos Gum two 55 cent off coupons exp 9/30
Sarna itch relief $2 off exp 8/30
Dulcolax products two $1 off exp 9/30
Centrum ultra $1 and $3 off exp 8/31
Degree MEN deodorant with silver ion technology $1 off exp 12/1
Premium M&MS $1 off exp 9/15
Del monte products two $1 off coupons exp 9/6
Beggin strips $1 off 2 and Bonz $1 off 2 exp 10/11
Nivea for MEN $1 off exp 8/31
Duracell batteries 75 cent and two $1.50 off coupons exp 8/31
Nivea products for women $1 and $3 off exp 9/30
Butterfinger fun size $1 off exp 8/31
SPAM B1G1 exp 8/31
Viva paper towels 40 cent off exp 8/23
Heluva Good sour cream dips 50 off exp 8/31
Benedryl products two $1 off coupons exp 9/30
Bengay $2 off exp 8/31
Bandaid, neosporin and cortaid all 50 cent off exp 9/30
Stayfree B1G1 exp 8/31
carefree $1 off exp 8/31
O.B. $1.50 off exp8/31
monostat or EPT $3 off exp 6/31/10
tucks, ky $1.50 off exp 9/30
monistat soothe & relief pack $5 off exp 9/30
Planters nuts $1 off exp 9/13
Swiss tea $1 off exp 8/31
Glass plus 50 cent off exp 9/20
Smithfield boneless ham or porkchops two $1 off coupons exp 8/31
Blue Plate mayo $1 off exp 9/30
Chinet products four $1 off coupons exp 9/14
OFF repellant products $1 and $2 off exp 8/22
Savannah classics (hushpupppies, sweet corn or jalapeno cheese) 50 cent off exp 8/31

Send your requests with SASE to:

Saphir
P O Box 636
New Hope, AL 35760

I will list more coupons again later tonight! See you then!

Coupon Overload! Get your FREE COUPONS HERE! Installment ONE!

2009-07-26T23:32:00.002-05:00

There are just so many to list so I will have to list them in segments.

Here goes:

From the SmartSource Insert dated 6/7/09

Tonys Pizza $1 off 2 and 50 cents exp 9/15/09
Ban deoderant $2 off clinical defense and 40 cent off regular exp 8/8
Fisher Nuts $1 off exp 12/31
Tyson Skillet Creations kit $1 off sxp 9/7
Lysol products coupon assortment 75 cents to $1 off exp 8/3
Mop & GLo $1 off exp 8/30
Purity Ice cream $1 off 56 oz sz exp 9/7
Neutrogena Men products $1 off exp 9/30
Hot Shot products $1.50 off exp 8/31
Inspector Hector products $1 and 75 cents off exp 11/30

Smart Source 6/14/09

Deli Creations $1 off 2 exp 8/9
Midnite products $1 off exp 12/31
Lanacane $1 off exp 9/14
Edwards Singles $1 off 2 exp 8/30
Maalox $1.50 and $3 off 2 exp 9/30
Loreal products $1 and $2 off exp 9/6
Beneful, Purina Rollhide, and purina busy bone coupons all $1 off exp 9/14
Kotex $1 , and two 75 cent off coupons exp 8/8
Nestle Ice cream,Edys, and Ha*agen Daz all $1 off 2 exp 8/14
Listerine and Reach products 50 cent to $3.oo off exp 5/31/2010
Midol $1 and $2 off exp 9/14
One a day products $2 exp 9/30
Zone products 75 cents off exp 8/31
Digiorno $1 and $1 off 2 exp 9/30
4C tea/drink mix B1G1 and
4C Parmesan Cheese or Crumbs $1 off coupons 9/30
Redi Whip 50 cents off exp 8/31
Pam 35 cents off exp 8/31
Van Camps beans 30cents off 3 exp 8/31
Pace products $1 and 75 cents off 2 exp 8/22
Frenchs mustard 50 cents off exp 9/10
Land O Lakes w/olive oil 55 cents off exp 8/15
Carolina Pride $1.50 off 2 exp 12/31

I will post more available coupons tomorrow.

These are first come first serve.
Send your SASE with request to
Saphir
P O Box 636
New Hope, AL 35760

BTW - this is only a mailing address and not where I live. lol

Coupon Overload! Get your FREE COUPONS HERE!

2009-07-26T11:35:00.003-05:00

Because I am getting into Coupon Overload here and I hate to see any of these coupons go to waste, I wish to offer them to anyone who desires them. I have various ones from the Red Plum and Smart Source (Sunday) inserts dated as far back as 6/7/09, but many of the coupons do no expire until 9/09. (of course, many expire later on than that). My friends and family also give me all their un-needed coupon inserts, so yes, I have more than I need.

I will try to post what I have by tonight or tomorrow morning, and they are up for grabs first come first serve. All I ask of you is a SASE (stamps are now 44 cents btw) and send it to:

Saphir
P O Box 636
New Hope, AL 35760

If you are wanting more than just a few coupons, send a legal sized (not the smaller) envelope.
You can wait until I post what coupons I have, or just send me a list of what you like or use.
I have one other request though of great importance. I have done this one other time in the past and as much as I hate to do this, I will return any mail that does not have enough or any postage on it. With the rate of postage now (but still cheaper than a newspaper), and the number of requests I usually get, I simply cannot afford to pay the extra postage because someone forgot to add a stamp or apply enough postage to their request letter. Also, any SASE without the stamp will be ignored. Sorry, but I think you understand.

So get your SASE ready and watch for my coupon list post later!

Back Again!

2009-07-26T11:11:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have neglected my blog. But our family friend has made it once again to the rehabilitation place across from our hospital. Lets just hope this time, no more strokes after the hip surgery!

Be sure to check out my Twitter Page http://twitter.com/SaphirSkorpion or click on one of the tweets that should be displayed to the right of this blog.

I see our Kroger (southeast area) has presented us with the 10 for $10 specials again and on the inside of the ad there are even a new Buy 4 get $4 off, and they are having a One Day Only sale on July 30th on certain Kellogg's cereal and Keebler products for 50% off!
Save and match up those coupons!

There are alot of 25 cent deals at Staples if you are looking for school supplies.

K-mart has a coupon for Free crayola 12 ct colored pencils when you buy $15 or more in school supplies.

Target is advertising alot of 50 cent and $1 school supply items as well.

Wow! Office Depot has Protractors for 5 cents, 4 pk stick glue for 20 cents, and 1 inch binders for 75 cents each!
Lunch totes and Backpacks are as low as $4.99 each.
B1G1 50% off 24 pk crayola crayons (reg. 99cents ea)

Ok -- I have a separate post to make. See you there!

Walmart & Kroger Trips

2009-07-19T19:30:00.003-05:00

Walmart - A little disappointed. That Breyers coupon for $1 off 2 was supposed to be good for yogurt too, but NO, they said. Got it anyways for my son who loves this stuff. Otherwise trip would have been approx. $1.22 less.

Hair color - $2.97
Walmart brand stuffing $1
Breyers yogurt $1.12
Marie Callendars frozen dinner $1.93 after $1 off coupon
Better than Ears BOGO $2.94
Friskies treats BOGO $1.42
ALPO BOGO 67 cents
Air Wick 2 pk $2.17 after $3 off coupon
2 Glade 2 pks $3.94 each after 2 $1 off coupons
FREE Glade Lasting Impressions
2 Glade Lasting Impressions $2 each after $3 off coupons
Total OOP $29.95

Kroger --

Didn't use but one coupon this time. (shame on me)
It was for
Suave shampoo FREE after 50 cent coupon DOUBLED!
The rest was a 10 for $10
or
$5 off the 10 Mega Event items
88 cent hot dog and hamburger buns
and
59 cent medium eggs.

Total OOP $35.74
(total coupon and kroger savings $13.54 and total year-to-date kroger savings is:
$101.34)

I will try to do better next time when my mind focused better instead of on our family friend in ICU again. ;)

Common Cents 2 CENTS WORTH

2009-07-18T23:18:00.003-05:00

Urine Test -- This guy has a point!

This was written by a construction worker.

I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes, and the

government distributes my taxes as it sees fit..... In

order to earn that pay check, I work on a rig site for

a Fort McMurray construction project. At any time I

am required to pass a random urine test, with

which I have no problem. HOWEVER, what I do

have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes

to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a

welfare check because I have to pass one to earn

it for them? Understand - I have no problem with

helping people get back on their feet. I do on the

other hand have a real big problem with helping

someone sit on their ass, drink beer and do drugs.

Could you imagine how much money this country

would save if people had to pass a urine test to get

a public assistance check?

If you agree, please pass this along, or simply delete if you don't. Hope you will pass it along though, because something has to change in this country.

Freebies in the Mail

2009-07-14T17:40:00.002-05:00

I have just a few minutes before we can go visit our friend in ICU again, so I won't be posting a pic with this post yet.

So, what have you gotten in the mail lately?

In the past few days, my family and I have gotten:

Popular Science magazine (GREAT magazine!)
Horse Illustrated
Good Housekeeping

Sunbutter Sunflower Seed Spread
Vasoline Aloe Lotion
Mario Badescu skin care samples
Pureify Shampoo & Conditioners
Scott Toilet Tissue and Moist Towelettes
Charmin Coupon
Free Chocolate Coupon
Playtex Sport tampons
Alexia Waffle Fries coupons

Ok- spill! Its your turn!

Temporarily Away

2009-07-13T23:26:00.002-05:00

A very close friend of the family - like a dad to me and a grandfather to my kids, has had a stroke recently and they don't give us but 20 minute intervals a few times a day to visit. So, between trying to work, tending to my own family and trying to get in some visit time, I may be temporarily away for a few days. I will however return and try to post some good stuff.

We don't really know what the outcome of this may be, although we are all very hopeful, so right now you could say we are just "on call" for the next few days where our dear one is concerned.

;)

Actually Saved a few at Target

2009-07-12T21:22:00.005-05:00

I won't bore you with the non-savings items, but just know they were needed and helped also as "fillers" to qualify for Target's $5 off $50 GROCERY purchase. (note: food items only to qualify on that coupon - fyi)

Saved on:
Kashi Waffles - 3 boxes, each with $1.50 off coupon (1.04 after coupon)
Charmin Ultra Strong - had $1 off coupon (they were out of the Ultra Soft - bummer!) (6.00 after coupon)
Jennie-O Turkey slices - had $5 off coupon (99 cents after coupon!)
Milky Way candy bar (for my teenager NOT me!) FREE after coupon
Oscar Meyer BEEF franks - $1 off (1.54 after coupon)
93% Target ground beef - $1 off (1.49 after coupon!)
Seedless Watermelon - $1 off ($4.99 after coupon - still a bit high for my blood)
Target Hamburger buns - 50 cents off (59 cents after coupon)
Organic strawberries 1 lb. - $1 off ($2.99 after coupon)
Febreeze Noticeables unit - $4 off ($1 after coupon)
Glade 2 pk refills - $1 off ($3.49 after coupon -- still a bit high to me)

They also had the picnic pack of HEINZ (ketchup, mustard, and relish) on sale for $4.24 and we are always needing those. (I love hot dogs!)

I got my $5 off on my grocery purchase too. So I still saved $28.63 with the savings and coupons. Not too bad.

Catch any good deals today?

SIGH

2009-07-09T23:01:00.003-05:00

Why does it seem to take longer to get ready for bed than it does to get ready for work in the morning?
So many things to do, so many more things you know you need to do (when you take a good look in the mirror!), and of course, you are too tired to accomplish all of them, so you just go with the short list, which really, is still a long list.

***SIGH***

More updates tomorrow evening. Don't forget to catch the tweets. ;)

2009-07-09T18:33:00.002-05:00

There are some new printable coupons from Keebler for $0.55/1 any Keebler Cookies (8.5 oz. or larger) and $1/1 Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies (8.5 oz. or larger).
Coupon here

6-packs of Nestle Pure Life Water are on sale for $1 this week at Walmart.

Get a dollar off coupon for Orange Julius’ new light smoothies- sweetened with Splenda
Coupon here FYI This is a PDF version.

$2/1 ANY Angel Soft bath tissue and Starkle Paper Towels - there are no size restrictions on this, so if you were to get a single roll of paper towels and the small 4 count of Angel Soft it could be close to FREE
Coupon Here

Kmart is having a huge toy clearance. 50% off already clearance prices. Check your ad for details or call ahead as promotions may be regional. Time to start stocking up for Christmas gifts!
Coupon Here for $5/$20 transformer toy purchase at K-mart. (FYI this is also a PDF format coupon)

$5/$25 purchase at Rite Aid stores (also PDF format) Coupon Here

As always, if you find any broken or expired links, please feel free to let me know. ;)

Funny Cartoon time!

2009-07-09T18:19:00.003-05:00

While waiting on the weekend sales ads to come out, how about a few good laughs.

I get these on my yahoo home page. Would just like to share. What do you have on your home page?

ENJOY!

2009-07-06T15:05:00.002-05:00

https://www.hcdsurveys.com/panel/join.cfm?refer=222781&source=Facebook

I have been signed up with this company for a short while, but have already gotten free samples, product study trials, and a few dollars pd thru paypal. Please check them out. Its definitely worth a look. They pay and/or reward you! Not the other way around!

;)

Freebies in the Mail

2009-07-06T14:18:00.003-05:00

My camera decided today to die on me. My fault being I haven't charged it in say , hmm... over a week?

I'll post pix later.

Today I received a Byetta (diabetic) pen holder case, a Sunbutter sunflower butter sample!, and a product trial study from Consumer Insights! I'll let you know how that went After I do the study. I'll also post a link to their website so you can sign up for studies like these. ;)
Another Horse Illustrated Magazine, Organic Gardening Magazine, Playtex tampons samples, a coupon booklet for 3 $1.00 off Alexia Waffle Fries (chips), and a coupon for $1.00 off Charmin! Woohoo!

What did you get today?

OH! And did you leave you mail carrier a nice treat today? I gave my carrier a bottle of ICE COLD water and a 100 calorie snack bag. (My mailbox was full of these samples today!)

Last week grocery scores at the stores!

2009-07-06T14:11:00.002-05:00

These pix are from last week -- Walgreens 15 pk water for $1.99 with coupon!

Walmart -Had $2 off coupon for Joint Juice, Aquafresh trial size toothpaste - free with coupon, $2 off the Noxema razors, $1 off two bush's baked beans, and 2 $1.50 off coupons for the salad dressing.
Kroger - didn't have any coupons and was a little miffed over them upping the milk price from $1.99 to $2.19 (I got too used to getting it for $1.99, what can I say!), but still got out of there for under $15.

How'd you do?

2009-07-06T09:13:00.002-05:00

Image by Smithsonian Institution via Flickr

Remember to be extra nice to your mail carrier today!
Saturday is usually heavy and now they have Mondays mail on top of what wasn't delivered Saturday due to the holiday, so EXPECT them to be running at least an hour or so later. You can add a special touch by leaving them an ice cold bottle of water in the box with the flag up!
A little kindness goes a long way, especially for those of us who get alot of freebies in the mail, hmmm??

2009-06-28T13:18:00.004-05:00

Image by Sven Cipido via Flickr

Finally! Huntsville is starting to come out of the dark ages!
Its about time!

At least someone has decided to spice things up a bit with some historical facts, and you can see the inside of some of these historical mansions!

Check them out and plan a trip or evening to go on a ghost walk!

http://huntsvilleghostwalk.com/index.html

Freebies in the Mail

2009-06-28T12:48:00.002-05:00

Dont have a pic this time - as my boys took off with some of the goods, but here's the list:

Axe Shampoo (think this ended up being a 2nd sampling?)
Degree Mens Absolute Protection
2 different copies of Horse Illustrated
One copy of Organic Gardening
One copy of Women's Health
Amari Cream (protects against any STDs)
3 free samples of VCF (vaginal contraceptive film)

{thank goodness the last two samples came in an envelope addressed to just me! My boys are started to get real excited now when samples come in the mail with their names on it. Some of the trials have come in real handy lately because one of my boys has camp coming up!}

Funny Pic I made with a generator!

2009-06-25T15:48:00.000-05:00

Gone Shoppin!

2009-06-23T18:51:00.004-05:00

This was just a short trip, more for necessities.

Walmart --

Flour $1.88
Boneless chicken breasts $8.68 (ouch at the current meat prices!)
Ray-o-vac AA batteries for my 16 yr old DS junkie .97 cents
Sweet Oil (for same 16 yr old who got swimmers ear over the weekend) $3.82
A-1 Steak sauce $2.08 - pd .08 cents after $2.00 off coupon
Purina One kitten food for (spoiled) Tiger $5.98 - pd $2.98 after coupon
Total for 6 whole items $20.28

-----------------------
Next we have Kroger - and this one gets a little complicated.
Their strange ad this week had certain items for a lower cost if you bought 10 - which ended up being $3 off of 10 items in that group.
These were in that group: (and how they first rang up)

2 pks Oscar Meyer hot dogs $1.79 ea
2 Kraft barbeque sauce .99 cents ea
6 Banquet entrees .88 cents ea
2 Breyers Ice Cream $1.99
2 Ragu $1.69 ea
18 oz (huge!) box of Cheerios $2.49 (cheaper than the smaller boxes!)
Betty Crocker brownie Mix $1.99
2 Purex Laundry detergent $2.49 ea
2 Country Crock (the bigguns!) $1.99 each

Now take off $3 twice for those.
Then a carton of eggs for $1.09
and a box of Kroger pop tarts $1.00
Now take off the rest of the coupons (some doubled)
25 cents off Country Crock (doubled)
35 cents off Country Crock (doubled)
2 of the 75 cents off Kraft BBQ sauce
$1.oo off 2 Breyers Ice Cream
$1.00 off 2 Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs
55 cents off Cheerios!
75 cents off 2 Ragu sauce
2 of the 35 cents off Purex laundry detergent (doubled)
50 cents off Betty Crocker Brownie mix (doubled)

Total cost for 22 items : $26.18

(total of kroger plus card and all coupon savings was $29.87!)

That little splurge will hold us over at least until next payday - I hope. ;)

Image by LVCHEN via Flickr

Grab these Freebies!

2009-06-22T15:53:00.003-05:00

By the way-- be sure to right click on the links, then click "open in new tab" so that you can come back to this page and continue down the list of freebies! ;)

Walmart Carefree Liners and Stay Free

Free Tanning Butter

Dove Free Sample

Free Vaseline Sample from Costco -- need to have a costco membership # (sorry to those who dont yet)

Free Chik-fil-a Meal!

Free Sample Cellnique Skin Action Sebum gel

Free Nescafe Samples -- look for the "try it on us" button

Free Coffee Club coin Purse -- Hurry this one may run out soon!

Have one to share? Let us all know! ;)

Happy Freebie surfing!

Funny Cartoon Time

2009-06-22T15:41:00.003-05:00

I am playing catch-up because I have been putting in long hours outside in the exhausting heat 6 days a week lately and I have needed a good rest up as of late.

Don't forget to subscribe to your fave cartoons on your homepage!
This came from http://news.yahoo.com/comics/momma

Enjoy!

Its Mailbox Freebie Time Again!

2009-06-22T15:28:00.002-05:00

Hello again!
Since Saturday, we have the Vocal Point Bounce dryer bar (I LOVE this thing! No more forgetting dryer sheets!)
A "Feel Your Boobies" magnet (can't wait to offend other drivers - lol)
A Horse Illustrated mag (my weakness- I love animals)
A carrots seed packet
Smart Mouth gum with coupon
Dove heat defense shampoo and conditioner
Jenny-O Turkey recipe book and coupon
A sampler of Boogie Wipes!

and some helpful info from our government offices in Pueblo, Colorado on Diabetes,Stroke, Cholestrol, High Blood Pressure, and Heart Disease in Women.

Also- wanted to share another button from a (new to me) blog I LOVE -- if it will post right-- I have been having trouble getting some things to post lately. If not, you can always click the web-link to check her blog out!

http://afrugalfriend.blogspot.com/

2009-06-16T14:59:00.006-05:00

Image by McBeth via Flickr

We went grocery shopping later in the day Sunday trying to avoid the mass crowds. Besides being diabetic, I have a touch of claustrophobia that sometimes turns into panic attacks. (You freeze in place, can't think straight, heart starts racing, short of breath, that kind of thing.)

Despite going later, there were still a few of "those people" out there that make one pause.
These are the kind of people that despite having places like Walmart or Target where you can pretty much get everything in one location instead of fighting for whatever is left in a shipment of shoes to some foreign country market, these people have either all come from one of these foreign countries or they were NEVER taught any manners and will literally fight you or shove you out of the way while you are shopping or looking at something. These kinds of people usually also fall in the category of lane hogging (and they KNOW you are standing there).

That being said, I was diggin through my purse for yet - the obvious - that ellusive cell phone, and asked my son to wait a minute while I tried to park my cart at the end cap of an aisle that had numerous shelves FULL of the same product : "Identity Theft Protection Kit for Dummies".
It was all paper shredders. (yes, all with that title on the box). You'd think not a high commodity item no less, unlike say - milk or eggs or BEER!

Sure enough, while I am digging in my purse, here comes this woman who at first seemed to be making a beeline for the registers until she saw me parked there, then abruptly stopped, and had an almost absolute cow trying to get to these shredders to "see them". (I am like all of 5 feet tall, and I am positive she could see three shelves of these things ABOVE my head). She COULD have accessed them from either side of me because it WAS and end-cap mind you.
She got very impatient and then rude, then after we moved out of her way (me still digging in purse), she huffed and buzzed off again to the registers.

At that moment, I finally figured it out!
The reason these types of people do this is because they are AFRAID they will miss out on something! Oh heaven forbid! The horrors!

I guess I will always be that person who misses out- because if you are the one stopped in an aisle to look at something or you are busy doing something and DUH I can see that, I will come back to that aisle later (if I don't forget). I am not in THAT a big hurry to obsess over that particular item, and chances are, I probably didn't need it anyway or need it that bad that I had to be rude or pushy.

Pretty bad when that day comes when we may have to bring tasers with us when we go shopping! LOL!

Look out! That woman's got the last coffee creamer! Let's get her now!!!!!

Look at my Mailbox Freebies!

2009-06-16T14:44:00.004-05:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Wow! This is just Monday and todays mail.

Another Kotex combo from Walmart in a cute little resealable package, with coupons, of course!

Garnier Ultra Lift, from Walmart.

Bodycology in Brown Sugar Vanilla (yum) from Walmart.

(Not pictured from Walmart: Hawaiian Tropic Body Butter and Loreal Revitalift.)

Two Bayer Aspirin Quick release crystals samples.

And from Shopper's Voice mailed coupons:

$2 off another Coffee-mate creamer!
$1.50 off Nature's Source Cleaners
$3 off Tylenol PM
$3 off Afrin
$1.50 off Pledge Multi-Surface cleaner
$5 off of OFF Powerpad lamp or lantern
and
$3 off Opti-Free Replenish Contact lens cleaner.

SCORE!!!!

Funny Cartoon time!

2009-06-15T17:40:00.004-05:00

These cartoons can be found or send to you from http://news.yahoo.com/comics/momma

All of us have or will have at least one child - grown or almost - that fits in the "Francis" category - which only makes this comic funnier. (Hey- its either laugh or cry- so lets laugh about it!)

Enjoy!

Look At My Mailbox Freebies!

2009-06-12T15:09:00.000-05:00

Wow! This is just in the past two days. Actually I forgot about the Organic Gardening magazine that came yesterday (another freebie subscription).

Besides the free mag not pictured, we have (in pic) the Mighty Dog membership Club goodies with a coupon for a free 5.5 oz can with purchase of four or get $1.00 off a 12 or 24 ct variety pack. (I'm thinking variety pack - my dog is a fatty).

One coupon for Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce - Free 13 oz bottle!
Exuviance Skin Transformation cover-ups and lotion samples!
Naturally Savvy samples of Realfood organics Women's Daily Nutrition vitamin samples
and PGX Daily Supplement samples!
Then we have Kellogg's All Bran Strawberry medley cereal, Strawberry Drizzle fiber bar (yummo btw), and Red raspberry drink mix samples! along with a $2 off coupon forany one pkg of All Bran cereal and $2 off coupon for one pkg of All Bran Fiber bars, drink mix or fiber wafers.

So- what's in your mailbox??

$12 in Betty Crocker Coupons!

2009-06-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

If you are not already a member, sign up to receive money saving emails and be able to print out all the coupons!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/coupons/default.aspx?WT.dcsvid=MjA5MzYxOTY4OQS2&WT.mc_id=Newsletter_BettyCrocker_06_11_2009&rvrin=550C2665-4766-4563-965F-0393510908C3

Vocalpoint

2009-06-11T17:58:00.000-05:00

Here is another favorite site for news, helpful info and even coupons!
Make your opinion heard too on new products and creating new ones that we can really use!

Check it out and sign up!

http://www.vocalpoint.com/index.html

Zemanta

2009-06-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

Image by chucks via Flickr

Hey you guys! Has anyone ever paid attention to the Blogger Buzz tab on your Blogger Dashboard?
You must check out Zemanta! Just click on it or the links and I will let you judge for yourself. I think this is just the greatest tool! Everything you need relevant to your own blog, right at your fingertips! Woohoo!

http://www.zemanta.com/

Make a little extra cash online!

2009-06-11T17:12:00.000-05:00

I will have to vouch for this company personally. I use them and make a few extra dollars each week. Be sure to keep your profile and surveys up to date to keep receiving more ads to view and keep earning! Super easy way to earn a little extra! So- in the interest of the company's letter, here's the scoop:

Dear Friend,

I found something that I think you will like. The company's name is YouData . They are trying to convince consumers like us that we should be the ones controlling our own data and selling our own attention, not third parties like broadcasters, newspapers, and spammers. By creating a MeFile at YouData.com, I now control what ads I see and when I see them. Best part - I am selling my attention directly to interested advertisers, for real money. That's right, I get paid for giving them my attention. I can use the funds to buy music and video online, donate to charities, give to my favorite blogs and websites, or keep the change myself and do whatever I want with it.

It's real. They pay. You should check it out.

Click this link to sign up. My MeFile ID, mehrgeldbitter, in the "Referral Code" will tell them I sent you.

http://www.youdata.com/join/mehrgeldbitter

Take care,

Saphir

Tiger Update

2009-06-07T21:02:00.000-05:00

Our baby kitty Tiger is 10 weeks old now.
This is where our Walmart splurge went.
She is such an active kitty and definitely needs something to contain her during down time for us! She is also such a joy to have and keeps us eagerly entertained. Of course, she plays with cardboard boxes and grocery bags just the same, altho- the grocery bags are not safe for her unsupervised.
We are wondering how long before she tackles this kitty play set and we have to piece it back together! She does get rambunctious!

Gone Shoppin!

2009-06-07T19:11:00.000-05:00

I decided to list my Target goodies first, because I had the most savings here. I don't particularly care for target because I have had bad previous experiences with them and coupons, among other problems, but I did pretty good today, plus I had both my teenage helpers with me! Woohoo!

Savings:
Afrin $6.14 > had Free Coupon up to $6 off
Cascade $2.99 > Had free coupon (no maximum)
Joint Juice $.99 >Had B1G1
Glade Sense & Spray $5.99 advertised price > $5 off coupon.
Splurges:
Market Pantry (generic store version) French vanilla coffee > $3.29
Sunkist soda (was having a MAJOR diabetic moment) > $1.39

Total spent after coupons and tax : $10.01

{Footnote: When I have a major low, I am totally unable to think straight and even thought I misplaced my cell phone during this shopping trip! Luckily one of my teens located it in the car! (go figure!) This is why I always bring at least one of them with me, simply because I cannot keep focused during these episodes. Thank goodness for the kids!}

Walmart:

Savings:
Joint Juice $3.18 > $2 off coupon (I usually have a buy one get one with me)

Afrin $5.76 > had coupon up to $6 off and it rang up as $6 off! Woohoo! (even cashier was surprised!)
Coffee Mate $1.68 > had $2 off coupon and it rang up $2 off! Woohoo!
Oscar Meyer Jumbo Beef Franks $2.50 > coupon for a free pack!
Snickers bar (devoured by one of my teens before I could get it in picture!) $.50 > had coupon for a free any Mars brand chocolate.

Splurges:
Cat litter :Walmart brand $4.96
Cat playhouse : $17.74
Great value (walmart brand) water: $3.48
Great value (walmart brand) vitamin water flavor pkts. $1.76
Walmart Brand pantiliners : $3.82
Crest 360 2pk toothbrushes : $4.97 ( I'm sure there was probably a coupon out there somewhere on these I missed, but oh well, when your teens tell you they need a new one, you just buy it no questions asked. Healthy teeth!)

Total spent: $41.38

Kroger:

Sales:
2 loaves Natures Own bread 2 at $2 each
Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & meatballs $1 each
Kroger brand fruit (mandarin oranges, peaches, pears) $.88 each
DOLE brand pineapple chunks $.113 ( Kroger! brand was $1.29!)
Kroger brand milk $1.99 gallon
Kroger brand Big K cola, root beer, and their 7-up versions $1.77 each 12 pk cans
Meat Department Huge ground Chunk patties! $8.15

Total Kroger splurge: $29.07

Look at my Mailbox Freebies!

2009-06-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

LMAO! I just had to share this! I got so tickled because all this just happened to arrive the same day. Aside from the cleaning products coupon booklet from Home Made Simple ($1.00 to $2.00 off coupons for Swiffer Kits, refills, Dawn Detergent, Cascade, and Febreeze products), and Aveeno Shampoo & Conditioner, I received a coupon for a
Free Chocolate candy bar
Free Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs
and
One Trojan Ecstasy for her!

HAHAHAHA! Chocolate, weineys and condoms all on the same day! Who could ask for anything more?

Care to share your loot?

Just a few of my favorite blogs sites.

2009-05-31T13:53:00.000-05:00

2009-05-31T13:22:00.000-05:00

This is a pic of a typical pantry or food storage, and below are more pics of ideal storage and even more realistic versions.

We are not pack rats, well maybe some of us are haha, but we all store food. I grew up in a house that had a pantry something similar to a walk in closet. It had deep shelves and even room for an upright freezer.

When we have the extra money (for most of us its always during tax refund time) we stock up on food and cleaning or hygiene items and store them away for that inevitable rainy day.

I have discovered also why most pantries are hidden away like closets or that some people even use their own walk in closets for storage for such things like extra toilet paper, soap, shampoo and such.

You will end up with that occasional new neighbor or 'friend' who comes upon your rainy day storage (the same one that snoops through your medicine cabinet), and then thinks its acceptable to mention to you that they are out of things at home and seeing as how you have all the extras, they could really use some of what you have.

of course, you learn to never let this person come back into your home again or you are just asking for it. And rest assured, this personality type is also like the hobo marking the street. Be sure they will tell all their friends too.
So I do advise that you really know your 'friends' or neighbors before letting them into your home. And when you do, make sure your rainy day storage is tucked away from prying eyes, because remember "Charity always begins at home!"

Well, I hope you got at least a small chuckle out of that one, because I know you have all been there, and for those of you who don't have any weird moochers friends at all, either you are very young or are very sheltered and I envy you!