My Best Money-Saving Holiday Tip

Holidays are busy. They're rushed. They're sometimes insane....full of parties & dinners. Full of gift-exchanges & unfortunately, sometimes, hurried impulse buys.

And that's my BIG tip. To try to avoid that last one. Never pay full price for something...ESPECIALLY during the holidays. Retailers know you need it, but they also know that there are tons of other big box stores selling the same item. So what do they do?, they put it on sale.

And that's what you wait for. For that sale.

But waiting means being organized, planning, & being patient.

You didn't have to be one of those people waiting in the walmart parking lot at 4:30 am (did you see me there?). There are still deals to be had! Just be sure you plan, make lists a'plenty, & be on the look out for sales (& online coupon codes!).

Now, another tip is to head over to this fabulous contest, at frugal.net. They're giving away a $500 giftcard to Walmart, which is sponsored by Nickelodeon. You must blog about your best holiday money-saving tip OR include it in your comment (at frugal.net). Good luck!

What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

Another Giveaway! And because I need help in this department (I need some kitchen inspiration), I want (read: need) to win this. Go check it out.
And if you win, will you cook me dinner?
(even if you don't win, will you still cook for me?)

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Cute & Whittle

I might be partial, as we hosted one of the most fabulous birthday parties there, but The Whittle Railroad is a train-lover's paradise.

The lower level of this very-old Victorian-looking house, is a train shop which carries their own line of wooden train cars & accesssories.

It also has the largest train table I've ever seen. Guaranteed to make your train-obsessed tike drool.

Go check them out, sit on the pew while your little conductor plays at one of the train tables.

Hours: Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Get on their mailing list & find out about FAMILY NIGHTS. Here's what their website says about them:

Don't forget to join us on our next Family Fun Nights!

When: The 2nd Friday of every month!
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Admission: $4.50 children 18 months & up.
Adults are FREE!
Face Painting, Train Cookie Decorating,
Paint Workshops, Raffle every 1/2 hour,
Discounts & MORE!!!
Call for more details!!! (636) 861-3334Prices subject to change and availability.

K.E.F. (kids eat free!) *revised*

I'm updating my Kids Eat Free post to include Twisters, which have kids eating free on Wednesdays, Thursdays at Rich & Charlies, & B Donovans on Fridays.

Bounce-U Gift Certificate, 1/2 Price

I stumbled upon some good deals, on St Louis' channel 5's website. You can get a $50 gift certificate to Bounce-U for only $25.

But just like everything else, always read the fine print...for example, I noticed it HAS to all be used at once. Also, not good with any other offers or specials.

Don't Forget the Giveaway!!

Win a pair of tickets to see LITTLE WOMEN!
Be sure to register for the drawing, simply by leaving a comment!

Go here. Then click on comments. Leave your name. Then cross your fingers & hope to see your name!

Free XBox @ Walmart

This is an incredible deal. Free Xbox 360 Arcade Console with purchase of wireless card (there is an asterick of course with certain terms & conditions). Here is the cellphone (electronics) home page, where hubby (finder of free gadgets) found this phenomenal deal.

Here is some fine print I did find:
Receive a free X-Box 360 Arcade Console ($199.99 value) with the purchase of select devices through Letstalk.com. This offer is only available on line 1 of new activations, and does not apply to lines 2-5 of new activations, nor does it apply to upgrades, phone alone purchase, or contract extensions. A new activation is defined as: a new phone and plan on a two-year service contract where you are either obtaining a new phone number from the carrier or porting a phone number from a different carrier. What's the catch? After you place your order, you will receive a link to download a pdf of a redemption form. Simply complete the form, and enclose the required documents, and $19.95 shipping and handling 30 days after your phone has been received and you will receive your X-Box console in the mail shortly after. Read below for complete details on submission. The following actions will invalidate your submission:
Disconnecting this line of service;
Transferring this equipment to another line of service;
Changing your service rate plan to a lower monthly service rate;
Deactivating the email/data feature if one was required at the point of purchase;
Porting an existing phone number from another account with this carrier to this new line of service with the same carrier; or
Replace an existing account with the carrier you selected with this new line of service with that same carrier. Directions for submission of your certificate:
Provide your US shipping address (no PO boxes);
Enclose a copy of your service agreement showing you purchased a qualifying new phone or data card with a new service plan;
Enclose a copy of a valid picture ID;
Enclose $19.95 S&H fee (cashier's check or money order payable to Mpell) plus any applicable upgrade fees; and
Mail the original certificate to: Mpell, PO Box 230820, Encinitas, CA 92023-0820 Offer is only valid with a purchase of select devices with a new service plan from this online dealer while supplies last. Offer valid only in the fifty United States and the District of Columbia and is void where prohibited by law. Offer participants must be legal, permanent U.S. residents and 18 years of age or older. Letstalk.com reserves the right to cancel or modify this offer at anytime. Certificate may only be redeemed 30 days after receipt of the purchased equipment. Submitting your certificate prior to 30 days after receipt of the purchased equipment will invalidate your certificate, and a replacement certificate will not be provided.

What's Your Sleep Number?

I really really need a new bed. I hope I win one. But if I am not the winner, I hope you win it. And if you do, can I come take a nap in it?

Free Bees

Get a free Crest hairband. You must register on vocalpoint.

Get a free forceflex trashbag from Glad.

Get free holiday tunes from Oprah.
(act fast, Oprah's site says '48 hours') going, going, GONE

Are you braving it on Friday?

Here are some freebies for black friday:

Sams Club -Free continental breakfast from 5-8AM

JCPenney -Free Mickey Mouse 2008 snow globe and $10 coupon for Saturday

Ikea -Free breakfast until 10:30Am -Friday through sunday (I wish we had an Ikea in STL!!)

Feed It Forward

I've fed it forward to a few people, in hopes it's a legitimate, no strings-attached $10 gift certificate. It's found on restaurant.com, where I have bought several certificates. You can
feed it forward too!

Santa Claus

is coming to town Walmart.

Details here. Of course, like with any event, always check with your local store.

*My very first Giveaway!* -- LITTLE WOMEN TICKETS!!

I am so excited to be hosting my very first giveaway!

If you are anywhere close to the St Louis area (OR if you don't mind a little drive!), you could be the lucky recipient!



AND be enjoying Little Women on DECEMBER 7TH @ 7:30 PM!

How do you win?

Easy-Peasy! You have the opportunity to throw your name in the hat THREE TIMES!


1. Comment below. Just give a shout out!

2. Post about this contest on your blog or website.

3. Subscribe to TIGHTWAD MOMMA (it's easy, click on one of the subscriber buttons on the right!)


Contest ends on the day I consider to be the official beginning of the Christmas season, Monday, December 1st @ 5 pm while my family is enjoying the free Christmas parade in town. I will announce the winner on December 2nd @ 7 am! Just wait til you see how the winner is chosen!!

Inviting a Plumber Over for Thanksgiving?

This might seem like common sense to you, but yesterday, I almost put my peelings from the potatoes RIGHT DOWN THE DISPOSAL.

In the spirit of not tossing money out on repair bills, I thought I'd share this (thanks Mom!):

Thanksgiving Day is the busiest day of the year for plumbers, and it's easy to guess why. With the amount of food going down the garbage disposal, something's bound to break. So do us all a favor and don't stuff corn husks, grease, bones, potato skins, egg shells, lettuce, or metal (really hoping you already knew that last one) down the disposal. Put a small amount of approved refuse down there at a time, and you can enjoy your Thanksgiving without a kitchen flooded with sewage, which is always a good goal.

Flippin' Sweet!

For details on how to win a FLIP CAMERA, go here!

For Your Lil' Sprout

For fun games for your preschooler to play online, go to Sprout.

Vintage Find

I guess I could be partial to this piece because it's dated my birth year.

Or because of the sweet little old lady, who owned the home, where I got this yard sale find.

Maybe it's the orange.

Maybe it's the green.

Maybe it's the cute little animals hiding behind each letter.

Whatever the reason, I knew this little piece of material, for which I paid 25 cents, would have a new life in my girl's room. I contemplated framing it but wall space is limited & I knew little hands would enjoy being able to rub the stitching & trace the animals.

We backed it & trimmed it with a flat orange fabric.

It's just waiting for a pillow to be slipped inside & to be laid on the white wood bed.

Stay tuned for the project's completion...

Black Friday

I'd rather look at the deals online than in the paper.

Bass Pro Santa

Free photos with Santa! At BassPro in St. Charles. Bass Pro offers a free 4"-x-6" photo with Santa along with nostalgic holiday sights and activities such as a Red Ryder Laser Arcade and model trains running throughout Santa's Wonderland.

And BassPro is just a fun field trip anyway!

It's Magical

One of our favorite St Louis museums, The Magic House, has - get this - FREE NIGHTS. No kidding!

The Magic House holds Target Free Family Nights every third Friday of the month from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The "free'ness" includes a family (no more than two adults and four of their own children) to enjoy the more than 100 hands-on exhibits in the museum.

The next (& last one of the year) FREE night is December 19th. Hope to see you there!

K.E.F. (kids eat free!)

Here is a list of St Louis area restaurants who celebrate participate in a KIDS EAT FREE night (or more). note: to my friends in other states, some of these restaurants are in your area too, so read on!

Like all your discounts & freebies, always call ahead & double check, as things change or vary from restaurant to restaurant!

America's Incredible Pizza Company: Kids under 3 eat free every day with an adult purchase

B Halls: St. Charles, Kids eat free on Tuesdays, with the purch of an adult meal

B Donovans: At the Chesterfield location, kids eat free - one child per adult entree purchased off our $4.00 children's menu - on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Wildwood location does kids eat free only on Tuesdays, not Saturdays

Bacana: Chesterfield, Kids 5 & under eat free everyday

Bellacino's St. Peters - not sure of the details, website link not working

Bob Evans: 4 pm to close on Tuesday nights (with purchase of and adult entree). Valid for kids 12 and under, dine in only.

Boston Market: This from their website: ALL WEEKEND - Two free kids' meals with 1 adult purchase of $6 or more. Four free kids' meals with purchase of a Family Meal.Offer available to kids 14 and under for dine-in, carryout and at drive-thru. No coupon required, but kids must be present to claim their meals. Promotion ends 1-31-10 and is not valid with any other discounts, coupons or special offers.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Mondays, KIDS EAT FOR 99 cents (excludes FENTON location!!)

Café Brasil: Kids eat FREE, Tues.-Sun. (5 & under)

Captain Ds: KIDS EAT FREE after 4:00 on Thursdays... Includes the drink

Chevy's: on Tuesdays, KIDS EAT FREE with the purch of an adult

Chic Fil A: W County location...kids get a 4-pack combo with an adult purch, Tuesday evenings 5-8 pm

Chimicanga Mexican Restaurant: Kids eat free SUNDAY evenings, one free child's plate per adult entree.

Cici's: KIDS 3 & UNDER ARE FREE EVERYDAY

Culpeppers: Monday nights KIDS EAT FREE

Dairy Queen: Kids Eat Free (dining only, like most restaurants) 4-9 pm

D Dooley's: KIDS EAT FREE ON TUESDAYS...Fenton & Eureka

Denny's: Tuesdays & Saturdays

Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Kids Eat Free every Wed. & Sun. (15% off Seniors everyday!)

El Azteca: O'Fallon, Sundays children free (1 per each accompaning adult entree)

Ethyl's Smokehouse - (O'Fallon, MO) has free kids meals on Mondays

Emperors Palace - Tues nights, one kids meal per adult

Fazoli's : Tues nights, kids eat for 99 cents

Fortel's Pizza Den: KIDS EAT FREE ON TUESDAYS

Fraileys: Kids eat free on Mondays

Fuddruckers: Kids 12 and under eat 99 cent meals on Monday and Tuesday after 4:00 pm, up to 2 kids per parent. They get an entree, side, drink and cookie

Golden Corral: Kids 3 & under eat free everyday with adult purch

Growlers - choose up to 2 free kids meals for each adult entree purchased. (Creve Coeur and Sunset Hills locations.)

Honey Baked Ham - On Saturdays, "Small kids meal" (with purchase of adult entree). Ballwin, Kirkwood and St.Peters locations.

IHOP: *KIDS EAT FREE ON SATURDAY*

Kriegers Sports Grill: KIDS EAT FREE ON TUESDAYS

Lazy River Grill: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, kids eat for $.99, beverage included and no limit on the number of kids.

LoneStar Steakhouse: KIDS EAT FREE, 11 am - 4 pm on Saturdays

Mallone's: Kids eat free with adult purchase...Ferguson everyday, Crestwood Tuesdays, O'Falloon Tuesdays & Sundays

McAlister's Deli: Kids eat free on SUNDAYS

Mike Duffys - Kids eat free on Tuesdays with each paying adult

Nicoletti’s Steak and Pasta - One free kid meal with each adult purchase

O'Charley's: KIDS UNDER 10 EAT FREE *EVERYDAY* (doesn't include drinks)

Pasta House Company: KIDS EAT FREE SUNDAYS [Cave Springs Pasta House in St. Peters kids eat free spaghetti everyday 2 per adult, and you can use it on Sunday with the any free kids meal 1 per adult]

Ponderosa: Kids Eat Free on TUESDAYS (Tues AND Thurs at Eureka, MO location)

Pujols 5: Kids eat free Sundays after 5 p.m.

Pirrone’s Pizzeria Everyday from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

Pizza Street Kids ages 4 to 9, every Tuesday night from 5- 8 p.m.

Qdoba: Fill out form & print coupon for your kiddo to eat free when you buy an adult entree.

Red Robin - On Tuesdays, Kids get a free milkshake with kids meal with purchase from 5-7 pm. (check first to make sure your location participates!)

Rich & Charlie's: Kids eat free on Thursdays (possibly just the Eureka location?)

Ravenelli's: Kids 12 and under eat free on Monday's from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Ruiz’s Mexican Restaurant: Kids eat free on Tuesdays after 4 p.m.

Smokey Bones: Every Monday in October from 5-7pm, kids meals are free with the purchase of adult entree

Sonic - NOT FREE but, all single patty burgers without cheese are ½ price after 5pm AND kids meals are $1.49 on Sundays from 4-8 pm

Steak n Shake: Kids eat free all weekend; accompanying adult must spend $9

Sweet Tomatoes: Kids 2 & under free EVERYDAY

TonyRoma's: Kids 12 and under eat free on Tuesdays

Twisters: Kids eat free on Wednesdays (possibly only Weldon Springs location)

Whats Smokin: Kids under 10 eat free Tues through Thurs with each adult meal (from kids menu and dine in only)

Yellowstone Cafe: Tues., Wed., & Thursday (99 cents other days); kids considered 10 & under

Ho, Ho, Holiday Movies

St Louis area Wehrenberg theaters

Can We Fix It?

Yes We Can!

At Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics, your kiddo can fix it AND build it! Last Saturday, my kiddo got to build the truck you see. The clinic also provided her with her new Build and Grow apron. Add to that, each kiddo gets a patch, unique to that clinic, each time they attend the clinic.

You must register ahead of time on their website. They had a really neat Gingerbread House clinic coming up December 13th, check it out.

And not wanting to be outdone by their competitor, Home Depot also has a kid workshop. And my kiddos can't wait to make an art easel on Dec. 6th.