Thanks, Mother in law! =)

Just want to give a shout out to my husband's mom for getting some great bargains for Connor (our 3 month old) today. I have two older boys (ages 3 and 4) and I'm learning that it's going to be slim pickin's for hand-me-downs. She called me today and wanted to know if Connor needed some onesies and I said sure! She got everything in the picture for $.34 each!! Way to go, Mom! He's going to be one cute kid this summer! :)

Home Depot: Cheap Charcoal and Mulch...sale ends tomorrow!

We just got back from a trip to Home Depot and I thought I'd share these two GREAT deals they have going on right now. These prices are good through tomorrow.


The Kingsford Charcoal 40 pound bundle (two 20 pound bags) is on sale for $10.97. We go through a LOT of charcoal especially now that spring is here, so we were excited to be able to take advantage of that great price.

The mulch is on sale for $1.37 a bag (reg. price $2.75)


There were two guys working outside and they were cracking up that I wanted to take a picture so one of them posed for me. Way to go the extra mile, home depot employees! :)

Walgreens: Upcoming deal on Nestle Toll House Morsels

You may want to print this coupon while you can and then hang on to it for a deal at Walgreens. (week of April 17).

Nestle Morsels $1.79 (with Walgreens in ad coupon)
Buy 3
Use one $1.10/3 printable coupon
Final cost: $1.42 each

This is the best deal we've seen on these in a while....and I'm excited because I used the last few I had making the Peanut Butter Bars! =)

Sam's Club open house NEXT weekend!

Mark your calendars for a fun family outing next weekend. My husband LOVES Sams and often wants to just go stroll around. Well, next weekend you will get to try tons of fabulous samples while strolling. See all the details here.

FREE sample of Happy Me Skincare

Head over here to score a free sample of Happy Me Skincare...offer is only good while supplies last so act quickly if interested. :)

Holiday Stations: $.29 Coffee or Cappuccino

Get a coffee or cappiccino to start off your morning for just $.29 at all participating Holiday Gas Station Stores....just click on the coupon pictured above, print and go! (Since I'm not a coffee drinker they've let me use this coupon for hot chocolate before...doesn't hurt to ask!) ~expires 4/21

$4 worth of printables for Tyson products

Go here to print 4 different $1/1 coupons for Tyson products:
$1/1 any one box of Tyson Chicken Mini Sandwiches.
$1/1 any bag of Frozen Tyson Grilled & Ready Fillets or Strips.
$1/1 any one bag of Tyson Any'tizers Snacks.
$1/1 any on bag of Tyson Chicken Nuggets.

Just starting out: Where do I get coupons?

So many people ask me where I find all my coupons. It's a question that can often have an overwhelming answer because there are MANY places. It's always easier when something's in writing. So here is a list of the places that I personally find my coupons.

1. The Sunday Paper - For those of you reading my blog in my neck of the woods (MN/WI) the best choice is the Star Tribune. While the Pioneer Press DOES have coupon inserts...there are always less coupons in their inserts.

2. Magazines - after following my blog for a while you will see that there are TONS of magazine subscriptions that you can get for FREE or for under $5 a year. There are often great coupons to be had as you thumb through the pages. The one that is the best for couponers is the "All You" Magazine. It is literally loaded with coupons. They are sold only at Walmart. (I will post more about this at a later time)

3. Samples/Freebies in the mail - you will see TONS of opportunities to sign up for free samples of new products. Very often these come with some high value coupons. (AND it's very fun to get something besides bills in the mail!)

4. Printable coupons online - Sites like coupons.com, red plum, and smart source have many coupons available to print at home.

5. Feedback - when I truly like a product (or truly do NOT like a product) I go to the company website and find the "contact me" tab and email them directly. Nearly all of them will send back coupons because they are glad to hear HONEST opinions from you, the consumer.

6. Friends!! - Not everyone out there wants to coupon, so lots of coupons end up in recycling on Monday morning. That thought just makes me cringe! What they don't know is that's like throwing money in the trash to a couponer! So, ask around....see if any of your friends are recycling those valuable inserts and ask them if you can "recycle" the inserts for them. :)

Hope this helps some of you out there as you begin hunting for those coupons! This is not an exhaustive list, but it will at least help you get started.

Recyclebank: earn up to 100 more points!

Here's an opportunity to earn up to 100 more points taking the "green your home challenge". Simply click on a room then answer questions in areas that are marked with the "x". For each question or pledge a different amount of points will be added to your account. It's that easy!

*For those who are new to Recyclebank, it is a great program that rewards you for recycling by working with a variety of partners. You can add points in many different easy ways, answering quick questions, purchasing specially marked products and trading in your old electronics. It doesn't take long to sign up here and earn some GREAT rewards!

(Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here)

FREE sample of Dove Deodorant

Head over here to sign up for a free sample of Dove's Men+Care deodorant courtesy of CVS.

FREE t-shirt from Affinity Plus Credit Union Revolution (this post is for you, Uncle John!)

Do you want a free t-shirt? Hurry over here and fill in your info! I like getting these to use as work shirts for my husband who does construction in the summer. This is only available for people in the following states: CA, IL, IA, MI, MN, ND, SD, WI

Borders: FREE tote for teachers and 33% off coupon for everyone else =)

Teachers, grades K – College, can get a FREE recycled Borders tote with any in store purchase on Saturday until 1 pm. You must show proof of educator status in order to get yours.

You can also use this coupon (not just for educators) to get 33% off any one item (expires April 11th)

ATTN Local Readers: Christopher & Banks Warehouse sale!!!

For those of you readers that live up here in MN/WI...here's a great deal for you!!

These are the details....

"All garments and handbags are $5 and all jewelry and gift items are $2. We will have thousands of items available in missy, petite and 14 & more.
The sale will be open the following days and times.
Friday, April 8 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 9 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 10 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Attendees of the sale are encouraged to donate one personal care item (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc.). These items will be donated to a local domestic violence shelter.

There will not be rest rooms or fitting rooms available so please dress appropriately.

All sales are final. Cash or check will be the only accepted forms of payment.

The sale is located at our warehouse in Plymouth near the intersections of 494 and Hwy 55 (2400 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth).

Entrances are at the Northeast and Southeast entrances of the building (furthest doors from the road)"

Target Trip ~4/8~

Sorry about my finger being in the picture...a certain three year old (who shall remain nameless) got a hold of my camera and you now have to hold the battery in place while taking the picture. I didn't realize that my finger was in the picture and as much as I want to I am NOT getting everything back out for a retake! =)

This trip was good except I had one coupon for $3 off benefiber which expired and I missed that one. I'm horrible at "letting it go" when I mess up like that but my husband is helping me to calm down. LOL


Total before coupons: $62.17
Total after coupons: $17.71
(paid with $10 in gift cards from this shopping trip so total OOP was $7.71)
Total saved:$44.46

Total time spent prepping coupons: 20 minutes
Total time spent shopping: 30 minutes

Tanga: Parent's Magazine subscription for $3.99

Tanga is offering a one year subscription to Parent's magazine when you use coupon code PARENTS at checkout! This offer is only valid today, or while supplies last. The 24-hour Tanga Deal could change at any time. Act fast if you're interested!

Cheap Mascara at Target and Walmart

Buy one Rimmel Mascara: $2.24-$2.99
Use one $2/1 printable coupon
Final cost: $.24-$.99!!

Tuna for $.28 at Walmart!

Starkist Tuna: $.78 each (on rollback)
Use one $.50/1 printable coupon (have to "like" them on Facebook)
Final price: $.28 each

Target: Yummy treats for the weekend!

Buy 2 Breyers Blasts (not sure of price at Target)
Use two $.75/1 printable coupon
Use one $1.50/2 Target coupon
Final cost: ? - you will get $1.50 off each!

That's bound to make a yummy deal! =) (I'll try and find out a price for you guys!)

(Thanks, Hip2save!)

Mall Coupon Central:

JC Penney - $10/$50 purchase here. (expires April 10th)

Gap - 40% off one regular priced item when you mention "Glamour 40"...details here. (expires April 30th)

Bath and Body Works - Free travel sized item with any purchase here. (expires April 20th)

Sears - $5/$50 purchase here. (expires April 16th)

Old Navy - $15/$75 purchase once you "like" them on Facebook...details here.

Payless Shoes - 20% off your entire purchase...details here.

Maurices - Print coupon below for 20% off your entire purchase. (expires April 24th)

I will try and update as I see more deals! ~~ Happy Shopping! =)

FREE sample of John Freida Shampoo/Conditioner

Head over here and "like" them on facebook, then find the SMOOTH STYLE tab, and sign up to get your free sample!

Walgreens trip ~4/7~

Had to be creative with my "filler items" this trip...so we got some Easter basket goodies and sandwich bags. Normally don't spend that much OOP, but we needed the razors and the paper towels.


Total before coupons: $66.68
Total after coupons: $17.45 (and received $3 RR)
Total saved: $49.23

Total time spent preparing coupons: 20 minutes
Total time spent shopping: 30 minutes (It took 4 transactions to do this deal so that takes some time) :)

Swagbucks = Amazon gift cards = free peanut butter = fun treats for school! =)

Have you all joined Swagbucks yet? Are you using their search engine? If not, you should! It is a great way to earn free gift cards. My favorite rewards are the amazon.com gift cards, because you can get a $5.00 gift card for only 450 swagbucks.

Earning swagbucks is super easy! You simply go the the swagbucks homepage and do your usual searches for things on the web (use it just like you would use google). Every once in a while you will earn Swagbucks with your search. It's always exciting when those swag buck dollar bills pop up on the screen! =) There are other ways to earn swagbucks, but this is the only way that I do it and I can usually get enough swagbucks for an Amazon gift card every couple of weeks. :)

That being said...I was able to use those gift cards to score FREE peanut butter on Amazon.com. I was so excited that these came in the mail today! Here's a recipe that I often use...especially when I get cereal FREE (or close to it). Riley (our oldest- age 5) is having a "fun day" tomorrow at school so I will be making these bars tonight....I will post a pic of the finished product later.

Peanut Butter Bars:

1 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
4-5 cups corn flakes (I use whatever left over cereals I have in my pantry!)

Heat corn syrup and sugar until bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Add cereal. Toss to coat. Spread into greased 9x13 pan and top with chocolate chips (I kinda tap them to "secure" them.) Cool, then serve. =)

(The above Swagbucks link is an affiliated link, view my full disclosure policy here.)

Target: Nice deal on Pond's Cleansing Towelettes

Buy one 30ct Pond's Cleansing Towelettes ($4.39 - $4.79)
Use one $1.50/1 Target printable
Use one $1.50/1 printable coupon
Final cost: $1.39 - $1.79!!

Walk with Walgreens...and get rewarded!

Spring has been a LONG time coming up here in Minnesota and I'm so excited to be able to get out on family walks again! Here's a fun (and easy) way to treat yourself for getting those walks in!

Right now Walgreens has a "Walk with Walgreens" program that allows you to track your steps and get rewarded with coupons! It's a win, win!

Check out all the details and sign up here.

Then strap on your shoes and head out the door to enjoy some fresh air...or just get on your treadmill! LOL =)

Target: Cheap Wishbone Dressing

Right now you can score some cheap Wishbone dressing and/or spritzers at Target! (We LOVE the Creamy Caesar dressing at our house!) =)

Buy 2 Wishbone Salad Dressings ($1.60-$1.89)
Use $1.50/2 Target printable
Use two $.40/1 printable coupon
Final cost: $.45 - $.74 each!!

OR

Buy 2 Wishbone Spritzers (price cut $1.43)
Use $1.50/2 Target printable
Use two $.40/1 printable coupon
Final cost: $.28 each!!

(Thanks, Totally Target!)

Walgreens: 8x10 Photo collage for $.99 (today only)!

As part of Walgreens "7 days of photo deals" today they are offering 75% off all collage prints, which start at just $0.29 for the 4×6 prints – so just $0.07 after the discount! An 8×10 collage print would only be $0.99! Plus, you can choose in-store pickup to save on shipping.

Here's how to do this deal:
1. Log in or register at Walgreens
2. Upload your photo(s)
3. At checkout use promo code COLLAGEDEAL
4. Chose "in store pick up" to avoid shipping charges
5. Go pick it up at your chosen location. :)

The Dick Van Dyke Show - the complete series for $66.99!

Okay...so I'm super excited about this deal on Amazon.com. Right now you can get ALL the seasons of the Dick Van Dyke Show (25 disks, 3,950 minutes) for $66.99! (reg. $249.98) I LOVE this show! I think I'm heading to Amazon to snatch this deal up for myself right now! =)

FREE sample of Flix Sticks toothpicks

Head over here to score a sample of Flix Sticks toothpicks...they will also send you a coupon! :)

Rare Velveeta Coupon

Head over here for a $1/1 coupon for the NEW Spicy Buffalo Velveeta! What a fun way to add a little more kick to your usual Velveeta nacho dips! :)

$1/3 Birdseye Vegetables Coupon

At our house we can never have too many frozen veggies. It's so easy just to pull a bag out to complete a meal around here! I'm excited about this new coupon....stores often have these on sale for around a dollar. :)

Deodorant for $.19 at Target!

Buy 1 Degree Deodorant: $2.19
Use $1/1 Target printable
Use $1/1 from the 3/27 RP
Final Cost: $.19!!!

(Thanks, Thrifty and Thriving!)

FREE Snickers Easter Eggs at CVS

You can get free Easter candy with this coupon this week at CVS.

Buy 2 Snicker Easter Egg Candies for $.50 each
Use $1/2 printable coupon
Final cost: FREE!! =)

(Thanks, The Frugal Find!)

$10 off $50 purchase at JC Penney's

Just print the coupon and go! Let us know if you find any good deals....offer expires April 10th.

Earn 50 pts with Recycle bank = FREE Aveeno lotion at Target

1. Either log in or join Recyclebank
2. Find the "Earn Points" tab
3. Scroll down to the "Aveeno, Discover the Power of Active Naturals" offer
4. Take the three pledges on FB (publish to your wall)
5. Follow the link on each pledge BACK to Recyclebank to apply the points

Your done! You now have 50pts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now look under rewards then under health and beauty to find the Aveeno coupon ($2/1)! It's a printable so you can print it right away!

Aveeno Daily Moisture Lotion = $2.97
Use $1/1 Target printable
Use $2/1 Recyclebank coupon
Final cost: FREE!!!

Recyclebank is a great program that rewards you for recycling by working with a variety of partners. You can add points in many different easy ways, answering quick questions, purchasing specially marked products and trading in your old electronics.

(Thanks for the deal info, Totally Target!)

(The Recyclebank link is an affiliated link, read the disclosure policy here)

Cheap Nail Polish!

NYC Nail polish - $.97 (target price)
Buy 2 nail polishes
Use $1.50/2 printable coupon (look in personal care category)
Final Cost: $.44 for two!!

FREE Visine at Target

You can currently print a coupon for $2/1 Visine. (look in the personal care category) Use this to score free travel size Visine at Target!

But 1 travel size Visine: $1.97
Use $2/1 printable coupon
Final cost: FREE!!

*no longer available* FREE sample of Degree Deodorant (facebook offer)

Head over here on facebook to score a great little freebie. I LOVE getting deodorant samples. They are perfect for those quick trips out of town!

(Thanks, Hip2save!)

FREE Explore Minnesota Getaway Kit (includes B1G1 Caribou Coffee coupon)!

Right now you can order a Explore Minnesota Summer Getaway Kit complete with a State Travel Guide, a state highway map, and a B1G1 free Caribou Coffee coupon! Just check the box for the travel kit then scroll down to enter your mailing info. (I'll find someone who can use the coffee coupon!)

$1.50/1 Wholly Guacamole Coupon

There's a high value coupon for $1.50/1 Wholly Guacamole coupon available on facebook after you "like" them. This would go well with a B1G1 sale in the future!

(Thanks, Spend Freely and Hip2save!)