Get the FamilyFun Activity Calendar for only $5.99 with free shipping and handling.  It’s chock full of creative crafts, instant boredom busters, holiday recipes, and entertaining activities for each month of the year.

Gilden Tree is having a sale on gift certificates. From now until Christmas, order an email gift certificate for $50 or more and receive a $10 gift certificate for yourself; $100 or more and receive a $20 gift certificate for yourself.  Enter code GIFTPROMO at checkout.  They will email the first certificate right away and send a separate email with the free certificate.  Gilden Tree specializes in natural, organic foot and body care.  This sale ends December 25, 2009.

Save 80% at Restaurant.com. Get $25 gift certificates for only $2.  Simply enter the discount code SANTA at the checkout and hit apply. This sale ends December 25, 2009.

Save 30% off everything at Avenue.  Excludes clearance. Online shoppers use code AV91172.  Valid through Monday, December 21, 2009.  Shop Sunday and get a free Bedford shirt or cosmetic bag slipper set with any purchase when you use this printable coupon.

Receive $5 off your online Sears purchase of $50 or more with coupon code SEARS5OFF50.  Expires December 24, 2009.  Some restrictions apply. 

Belk is having a big sale (you can read about it in my previous post).  They also have some printable coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase, $20 off a $100 purchase, and $30 off a $150 purchase.  The coupons are good on sale or regular priced merchandise.  Online coupon codes can be used.

What deals have you found lately?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

These are a few of my favorite purchases from today.  My hubby and I have been wanting some new sheets but I have been waiting around for a bargain.  These Wamsutta 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets are normally$195.00 but I got them for only $58.19. Oh yeah!  The dry erase/cork board was regularly $40. Not sure who would paid such a crazy price. I got this for my little girl’s room for only $5.99.  I have also been wanting some pilgrim figurines but really didn’t want to spend the money this year.  These were regularly $40, but on clearance for $9.59.  I know it’s hard to see from the picture, but these earrings are really cute. The steriling silver was 70% off so I got these $30 earrings for $9. (These were a doorbuster sale which has now expired.)

A few other highlights from the Belk sale:

• take an additional 40% off red dot clearance
• 60% off sterling silver jewelry
• 30% off slippers
• 25% off New Directions tights and trouser socks
• 25% off Liz Claiborne New York jewelry
• 25% off Napier jewelry
• 50% off New Directions neckwear
• 40% off handbags from Nine West, The Sak, Kristin Davis, & Liz Claiborne New York
• 40% off wallets and clutches by Etienne Aigner, New Directions, Rolfs, and more
• 40-50% off entire stock boots
• 40-50% off select jewelry
• 25% off select watches
• 50-60% off Big & Tall select sportwear and outwear
• 50% off select suit separates
• 30% off select men’s wallets
• 50% off men’s giftable sweaters, loungewear, and robes
• 50-60% off select men’s sportwear
• 40-50% off select women’s jackets, dresses, pantsuits, sportwear sweaters, active and velour sportswear, New Directions sweaters, coats, sleepwear, robes, and more 
• 40-50% off throws
• 60% off pillows including memory foam
• 60% off Home Accents flatware
• 40% + extra 10% off Anchor Hocking portable bakeware sets
• 50% off Wishes and Wonder holiday decor

This sale ends Monday, December 21.  Happy saving!

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Build-A-Bear Workshop – CyBear Monday Savings (online only)
select 5 animals will be $5 each
limit 5 $5 animals per person
Plus, free shipping on orders of $35 or more. Enter code 94620 at checkout.

Kmart
6 qt stainless steel roaster with porcelain cookwell $29.99 (reg $54.99)
extra 10% off diamond jewelry already 70% off
50% off 20 pc gold or platinum banded dinnerware set, $14.99 sale
free standard shipping on orders of $29 or more
Other online specials available.

Family Christian Stores
Take an additional $5 off any purchase of $50 or more with promotional code 1268629.
The Flow Show Creates a Buzz dvd $5 (reg $14.99)
The One Minute Collection $7.49 (reg $14.99)
The Bible Experience – audio $81.24 (reg $124.99)
Believe cd from 33 Miles $6.97 (reg $9.99)
Abe and the Amazing Promise from VeggieTales $5 (reg $14.99)
God’s Green Earth dvd $5 (reg $9.99)
More Cyber Monday sales available at FamilyChristian.com.
Also $.99 shipping available.

Kohls
Take an extra 15% off everything. Enter code CYBER15 at checkout. OR
Spend $75, take an extra 15% off plus free shipping. Enter code CYBER15. OR
Spend $100, take 20% off, plus free shipping. Enter code CYBER20 at checkout.
Other sales available.

Have you found any other great Cyber Monday sales?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Get 3x the points in the Pampers Gifts to Grow program with your Pampers wipes purchases.  This offer is good through 11/5/09.

Mommy Snacks has a free Pampers Gifts to Grow code for you to use.  This will give you one point in the Gifts to Grow program.

Save 20% on Christmas cards at Dayspring.  Use the coupon code PREVIEW20 at the checkout.  Also they offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more.  This is the final week to save.

Get a free tote at Avenue stores with a purchase of $60 or more.  Click here for the coupon.  Online shoppers can use the code AV91135.  This offer ends Sunday, 10/24/09.

My son wanted to be a Ninja for Halloween.  I told him I wasn’t spending $20 on a costume.  I was happy to find this easy DIY solution.

Save 70% at Restaurant.com plus get a free gift.  Get $25 gift certificates for only $3.  Use the code PUMPKIN at the checkout and hit “apply”.  This sale ends Sunday, 10/25/09.

Do you have any sales or links to share?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

According to a new study, savers are attracted to spenders.  How can this be?  With all of the fussing, arguing, and disagreeing over money, why would spenders and savers be attracted to one another?  Most people say that they would rather marry someone with similar views on money management.  Who wouldn’t? Despite this logical reasoning, people seem to marry their financial opposite.

Could it be that deep down we are longing for someone to bring out a balance in us?  Without realizing it, could I be glad that someone encourages me to buy things and have a free attitude?  Or did all of this just happen by coincidence? 

What are your thoughts on this?  Did you marry your financial opposite?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Use the coupon code MOM and you can purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows.  Any additional tickets beyond the 4-pack for the shows during the week are still priced at $11.  Or if you prefer to go on the weekends, you can save $4 off weekend tickets. To receive the savings, go to TicketMaster.com and enter MOM in the “MC promotion” box when purchasing the tickets. 

This offer is not valid on Rinkside or VIP seating and it cannot be combined with other offers.  Service charges, facility, and handling fees will apply.

Show dates:

Charlotte: October 8-11, 2009
Philadelphia: October 14-18, 2009
Atlanta: October 14-18, 2009
Oakland/San Jose: October 14-25, 2009
Fairfax: October 21-25, 2009
Sacramento: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Baltimore: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Uniondale: November 10-15, 2009
Houston: November 11-15, 2009
NYC: November 17-22, 2009
East Rutherford: November 24-29, 2009
Denver/Broomfield: December 3-13, 2009 *available for purchase on 9/12/09
St. Paul: December 9-13, 2009
Los Angeles: December 17-20, 2009
Toronto: December 18-27, 2009
Anaheim: December 22-27, 2009
Philadelphia: December 23 – January 3, 2010 *available for purchase on 10/12/09
Boston: December 26-29, 2009 *available for purchase on 9/3/09
Ontario: December 30 – January 3, 2010
Cleveland: January 8 -18, 2009 *available for presale on 10/2/09

Enjoy the savings!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

In case you plan on making a trip, check out these coupon match-ups.  You can find more coupon match-ups from my first shopping trip.

Martha White Muffin Mix
$1.19 reg, buy 1 get 1 free
$.55 q 8/9 RP = FREE

Betty Crocker frosting
$1.99 reg, $1.50 sale
$.50 q SS 8/9 = FREE

Duncan Hines muffin mix, $2.65
$.75 q = $.40

5 star pocket folder
$2.99 reg, $.94 clearance

2 kids’ metal golf sets (not pictured)
$6.49 each, $1.62 each clearance

Grands biscuits $1.99, buy 1 get 1 free
SS 8/9 $.40 q on 3 = $.60 each

Totinos pizza rolls $2.19, buy 2 get 3 free
SS 8/9 $.40 on 2 = $.64 each
or SS 9/13

Ortega (buy 2 products) – prices vary
refried beans $1.39, taco shells $2.29
$.75 off 2 = $1.43 for 2

10 cans Green Giant vegetables
$1.39 each reg, buy 2 get 3 free = $.56 each

2 Swanson canned chicken
$2.15 each reg, $1.79 sale
$.75 off 2 = $.67 each

Sweet Sue canned chicken (large can), $2.99
$.75 SS 9/13 = $.74

Bumble Bee Tuna
SS 9/13 $.55 = FREE

Mentos, $1.49
$.55 SS 9/13 or 8/16 = FREE

Blue Diamond Almonds (splurge item for hubby), $4.15
$.75 q = $1.90

Campbell’s condensed soups
$.50 off 2 = $1.24 for 2

Lysol cleaning wipes
$3.49 reg, buy 1 get 1 free
$1 SS 9/13 = $1.25 each

Ziploc storage containers
$3.29 reg, $3 sale
$.55 SS 9/13 = $1.35

Spray ‘N Wash (not pictured)
$3.25 reg, buy 1 get 1 free
$.50 SS 9/13 = $.13

HT marshmallows $1.19 reg

6 pk honey buns
$1.79 reg, $.79 sale

12 pk swiss rolls
$1.79 reg, $.79 sale

red seedless grapes
$2.99/lb reg, $.99/lb sale

Pepperidge Farm bread
$3.29 reg, buy 1 get 1 free = $1.65 each

Pillsbury Toaster Strudels
$2.99 reg, $2 sale
$.75? off 2 = $.88 each

Smuckers Uncrustables, $3.19
$.50 or $.75 q? = $1.69

Grands Biscuits
$1.99 reg, buy 1 get 1 free
$.40 q = $.60 each
or use $.75 blinkie coupon on shelf (does not triple)

Pillsbury cookies, $2.79
$.75? q = $.54

Pillsbury Savorings
$4.59 reg, $3 sale
$.55 q? =  $1.35

Pillsbury pizza crust
$2.55 reg, $2.19 sale
$.40 q = $.99

Welch’s juice, $2.79
$.75 q = $.54

HT milk, $2.59

HT 2.5 lb bag boneless breast chicken
$9.99 reg, buy 1 get 1 free, $4.99

Sorry, there were a few coupons that I could not remember the exact coupon amount. As you can see, with triple coupons, you can save a lot on your grocery bill by buying ahead/stockpiling items while they’re at their lowest prices.  I hope that I’ll have time to shop one more time before the triple coupon sale ends on Tuesday.

Did you shop at Harris Teeter this week? How’d you do?

images (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

I was able to pick up some packages of Hormel bacon. They were buy 1 get 1 free. These will be good for when we have breakfast for dinner or for quiche.  Also, I like to have some brownie mix on hand for those last minute desserts.  For a bit of healthier options, I chose multi-grain tortilla chips and pretzels instead of chips.  The Nature’s Valley bars are a good snack.

I ended up spending $20 and saving $55.  Here’s what I did:

Betty Crocker Warm Delights (x2)
$2.19 reg, $1.67 sale
used 2 $.50 q SS 8/9 = $.17 each

Betty Crocker brownie mix (x2)
$2.49 reg, $2 sale each
used 1 $.75 q = $.88 each

Glass Plus glass cleaners (x2)
$2.79 reg, bogo 2/$2.79
used 2 $.50 q = FREE
*There were pull off coupons on the bottles.
or use $.50 q 8/23 SS

Little Debbie Cupcakes (splurge item)
$3.09 reg
$.40 pull off coupon = $1.89

Ziploc storage containers (needed these!)
$3.29 reg, $3.00 sale
$.50 q = $1.50

Reese’s candy bars, 8 pk
$1.65 reg
$.55 q SS 8/23= FREE

Kellogg’s Poptarts, 12 pk (Saturday breakfast)
$2.99 reg, $2.50 sale
$.50 q = $1.00

Utz pretzels
$2.99 reg, $2 sale
$.75 q = FREE

Shout Gel spray
$2.99 reg, $2.50 sale
$.50? q = $1

Fantastik spray
$3.19
$.50 q = $1.69

Mentos Gum (x2)
$1.49 each
$.50 q (x2) SS 8/16 or 9/13 = FREE

2 Grande Tortilla Chips
$3.49 reg, $2.50 sale each
$.75 q (x2) = $.25 each

5 Totinos pizza rolls
$2.19 reg, sale buy 2 get 3 free = 5 for $4.38 (limit 5)
$.40 q off 2 (can only use 1 q) = 5 for $3.18 or $.64 each

3 Grands Biscuits
$1.99 reg, sale buy 1 get 1 free = 2/$1.99
use $.75 blinkie coupon on shelves off 3 rolls = $.75 each (coupon does not triple)

2 Hormel bacon
$4.99 reg, sale buy 1 get 1 free = $2.50 each

I hope to list more coupon match ups tomorrow.  Saving 70% on my grocery bill really helps my family.

Have you shopped at Harris Teeter yet?  How much did you save?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

While many items are still good for a while past their best by date, it’s important to get fresh products so that they’ll last longer and taste better.  If you like to stockpile groceries while they’re at rock bottom prices (or buy ahead), it’s especially important that you pay attention to the dates.  It doesn’t really help to save money if the products you buy go out of date before you can use them.

One way to get the best date is to look around on the shelves.  If you find an item that’s soon to expire, move the items around and look towards the back of the shelf.  Stores put the newer items at the back so that they can sell the older items first.

Honestly, there are some products that I don’t check the dates on.  These items are usually things with a long shelf life such as cereal, cookies, and canned goods. 

Items you should definitely check the dates on are:

• mayonnaise/Miracle Whip
• salad dressing
• cheese
• coffee creamers
• coffee
• premade foods
• medicines
• meat
• dairy products

Do you check the dates on the food while in the stores?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

You can probably find savings on the following items:

• summer shoes – sandals, flip flops, water shoes
• summer clothing – shorts, short-sleeved shirts, bathing suits
• pools
• pool equipment
• life jackets
• lawn furniture
• play toys – water guns, buckets, sand toys, floaties, goggles
• gardening supplies – plants and pots
• school supplies (back to school promotions)
• charcoal and gas grills
• yard decorations

This is the time of year when I shop for clothes for our family for the following year.  I typically save 75% or more on shoes and clothing.  It’s a lot easier on my pocketbook to pay $5 for a pair of children’s flip flops, rather than $20.  I just can’t rationalize paying $20.  Generally, I buy one size bigger than what my children are wearing this year. So far, this has worked out very well.  There have only been a few items that didn’t work out.  The huge amount of savings was more than the waste and I can usually consign or find a good home for those items.

Today while I was out taking the kids to school, I stopped by CVS. Their summer merchandise is 50% off.  Although these types of items are usually overpriced at their store, I was able to pick up some nice sand buckets for the kids for only $2 each. 

If you have the extra cash, now it the time to save.  Do you shop end of summer sales?

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy