I Smell a Giveaway!...

I'm just sayin'!

Idea for a HS Graduate, Going to Mizzou

I could think of anyone who is Mizzou-bound, but if you know of someone, there are some great things to be bought (on the cheap, of course) for their high school graduation party.

In the CLEARANCE aisle at WALMART, there are several party-type of things that would be perfect for a casual party.  There is a veggie/dip (or chip/dip) plate, there is a bowl, & a few other things that would be perfect for party-serving, all for $5 each.  Also, some decor, again, $5 each!

On sale at DOLLAR GENERAL, there are can MIZZOU coozies, for a few bucks each.  Perfect for sitting next to your beverages, for those cold bottles or cans (avoid cups!, bonus!).

Or if you aren't planning the party, but buying the gift, for that graduate headed for Mizzou, I recommend getting a tote or even better (more practical) a backpack, stocked w/ some Mizzou stuff (car flag, coozies, etc.).

Want Some More Coupons?

Go get $10.50 worth of coupons from Arm and Hammer!

Friday Free Bees

Garnier Ultra-Lift Pro deep wrinkle cream from Walmart

DVD & Pedometer from Tylenol
All American Stetson for men
Kotex Overnight Walmart
Lactaid Sam's

Mars Free Chocolate Friday (I've won 2x now -- you can do it EVERY friday, as long as it's going on, but hURRY!)

OB Product sample

Paul Mitchell register for free samples

And woot, Arby's is getting organized with their good deals:

May 27th - Free Regular Roast Beef sandwich with any soft drink purchase

June 3rd - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase

June 10th - Free Roast Chicken club with any soft drink purchase

June 17th - Free Regular Sidekicker with any sandwich purchase

June 24th -Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase

July 1st - Free Regular Beef ‘n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase

July 8th - Free Orange Cream Swirl shake with any sandwich purchase

July 15th - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
July 22nd - Free Roastburger with any soft drink purchase
July 29th - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
August 5th - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
August 12th - Free Roast Chicken Club with any soft drink purchase
August 19th - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
August 26th - Free Regular Beef ‘n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase

No coupon is required.  If you haven't yet, text ROASTBURGER to 27297, and when you receive your coupon, reply back with your zip code.  Then you'll be all set.

What Are You Doing This Weekend?

It's a 3-day weekend!  And altho your fam might be busy with backyard bbq's & family picnics, there is fun to be had around town.

Whatever you do, enjoy your family & HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

FRIDAY

Goodness Snakes Alive. Kids can learn if snakes are really slimy and how they move, smell, hear, and catch their food when they attend a workshop all about the slithering creatures. Activities include observing (and even touching!) live snakes found in Missouri and a short hike to search for snakes in their natural habitat. For ages 4-6. 9:30 a.m. August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Highway D, St. Charles. Reservations required: 636-441-4554.

Storytelling in the Galleries.  The Missouri History Museum, each week has a different theme and includes crafts or other activities for kids. Ages 2-6.  10:30-11:30 am. 

Rib America Festival.  The 10th annual Rib America Festival gets underway at Market and Tucker in St. Louis on Friday, May 22 and runs through Monday, May 25.  Admission is free if you get there before 5:00 p.m on Friday and before 1:00 p.m. Saturday - Monday.   Adults normally $5, Children 12 and under are free.  Performers include Bret Michaels from Poison, Warrant and more.  Soldiers Memorial Downtown.  11 am-11 pm.

Backyard Games.  Play some great outdoor games as we celebrate National Backyard Games Week! Ages 3-12. Registration requested.  Jefferson County Library, Arnold Branch.  4:30-5:30 pm.

Jungle Boogie.   5-8 pm at the St. Louis Zoo.  The Jungle Boogie Fri Nite Concert Series runs thru Sept. 4th (no concert 6/19). Scheduled this Friday is Ralph Butler Band (Motown/Pop).

Public Astronomy Night. Come spend the evening viewing the cosmos with your family! Please take note that the dome is neither heated nor cooled, so pay attention to the weather and dress in a manner that is appropriate. If it is raining or cloudy, a planetrium program will be presented instead. Pattonville Heights Middle School. 9-11 pm.

Friday Night Flicks in Frenchtown.   Bring and chair or blanket and enjoy a free movie under the stars. Music and refreshments start at 8 p.m. This month's movie: Bedtime Stories. 1800 North 2nd Street, St. Charles.

SATURDAY

Free Morning at MoBot. Admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden is FREE every Wednesday and Saturday morning. From 9am - Noon, St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents (bring proof of residency) can get into the garden for free all year. Free admission may not be available during special events.

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic.  Register online & show up between 10 & 11 am to make your READY TO GO kit, perfect for Safety Month!

Storytelling in the Galleries: Smile with the Crocodiles.  1 p.m.   Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. 

St. Louis African Arts Festival. Includes an African marketplace, children's activities, hands-on activities, performing artists, African and African-American artifacts, ceramics & textiles, guided art tours, cultural demonstrations and more.   At the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.   More information: 314-935-9676.

African Arts Festival.  As part of Forest Park's African Arts Festival, the Zoo will feature special activities on a different African animal each day.   10 am-3 pm.

Decorate Your Own Sugar Cookie. Visit the bakery and decorate your own cookies. Noon - 4 p.m. Whole Foods Market, 1160 Town and Country Crossing Drive. More information: 636-527-1160.

Rib America Festival.  The 10th annual Rib America Festival gets underway at Market and Tucker in St. Louis on Friday, May 22 and runs through Monday, May 25.  Admission is free if you get there before 5:00 p.m on Friday and before 1:00 p.m. Saturday - Monday.   Adults normally $5, Children 12 and under are free.  Performers include Bret Michaels from Poison, Warrant and more.  Soldiers Memorial Downtown.  11 am-11 pm.

Time Twisters:  The Old West with a New Twist.  Through this comprehensive collection of humorous stories, living history unfolds before the audience's eyes.  Highlighting fun facts and anecdotes such as how the buffalo served as a walking grocery and hardware store for the Plains indians.  Bobby Norfolk skillfully captures children's imaginations and makes history compelling to the audience.  Recommended for ages 7-12, but everyone is welcome.  2 pm @ Cliff Cave Branch of the St L County Library.

SUNDAY

Faust Village Open House.  Tour Faust Historic Village.  Faust Park, Chesterfield.  Visitors will be able to tour the 1850's Conway House, the 1848 log cabin, Hock German brick house and the exterior of the Alt Schoolhouse.  1-5 pm.

Rib America Festival.  The 10th annual Rib America Festival gets underway at Market and Tucker in St. Louis on Friday, May 22 and runs through Monday, May 25.  Admission is free if you get there before 5:00 p.m on Friday and before 1:00 p.m. Saturday - Monday.   Adults normally $5, Children 12 and under are free.  Performers include Bret Michaels from Poison, Warrant and more.  Soldiers Memorial Downtown.  11 am-11 pm.

African Arts Festival.  As part of Forest Park's African Arts Festival, the Zoo will feature special activities on a different African animal each day.   10 am-3 pm.

Speaking of Baskin Robbins

because we WERE,

Go HERE for a BOGO of their new yummy Softserved 31 Degrees Below.

Free Changs Wrap

To celebrate the chipping skills of PGA tour pro Briny Baird, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro will offer everyone in America a free order of the restaurant’s signature lettuce wraps with the purchase of an entrée.
Go HERE to enter your email address & get your coupon!

Happier Hour

Arby's Happier Hour includes 1/2 priced drinks & shakes! That includes refreshing beverages like the New FruiTeas or a delicious Jamocha Swirl Shake.  From 7 pm-close.

Fine print:

NO COUPON NEEDED. OFFER NOT VALID W/ COMBOS, KIDS MEALS, PICK 5 & COUPON OFFERS. Happier Hour available at participating Arby's in AR,IL,KS,MO & OK for limited time. Offer expires 7pm-close. Cannot be combined with any other offer.  Limit one coupon per order. Any alterations to this coupon will make it non-redeemable. Please print and present this certificate to the server when placing your order. Offer valid at participating locations only.  This offer is non-transferable. Steak N Shake has theirs from 2-4 pm.  Get shakes/drinks 1/2 price. Sonic's Drive-in from 2 to 5 pm and get 1/2 price drinks

88 cents at Baskin Robbins

Baskin Robbins is offering 6 oz. Soft Serve cones for just $0.88 from now until May 25th (call first to make sure yours is participating!) !

Shopping at Target, wk of 5/17 (FREE!)

Nabisco 100 Calorie Snacks (Cookies & Crackers), $1.93
-$1/1 Target coupon in the Afullcup.com Target Coupon Generator
-$1/1 manufacturer's coupon HERE 
=FREE

Kraft Salad Dressing, price varies (buy TWO)
-$1/2 Target coupon (use the Afullcup.com Target Coupon Generator or Target's GIFT REGISTRY coupons)

-$1.50/1 in 3/29 & 5/10 Smart Source inserts (use 2) or $1/1 HERE
=FREE or almost free

Hershey's Bliss Candy Bar, $0.99 (by registers?)
-$1.00/1 Target coupon (use the Afullcup.com Target Coupon Generator or Target's GIFT REGISTRY coupons)
=FREE

Ritz Crackers, $2
-$1/1 Target coupon (use the Afullcup.com Target Coupon Generator or Target's GIFT REGISTRY coupons)
-$1/1 manufacturer's coupon HERE
=FREE

Kraft BBQ Sauce, $1
-$1/1 HERE
=FREE

$1 Flip Flops

MAY 23rd Old Navy will be selling their solid colored flip flops for just $1/pr.

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! (so get there early!!)

Wags Shopping List (free!) for this week

Colgate Visible White Toothpaste, $4.99
-$4.99 RRs
-$1/1 Colgate printable
=free

Bayer Quick Release Crystals (4-ct.), $2.49
-$2.50 RRs!
=free

Right Guard Antiperspirant/Deodorant Professional Strength, $5.99
-$5 RRs
-$1/1 Right Guard, exp. 6-30-09 (SS 4/19/09)
-$1/1 Right Guard, exp. 5-31-09 (SS 3/8/09)
=free

Shouts Out to the Cornbread Listeners

Thanks for listening!

Today I talked about ideas for gifts for teachers.

Go here to read more about it.

Catch ya next week!

Just in time for Memorial, Free Ice Cream

Buy any Blue Bunny Aspen or Sedona Frozen Yogurt between 5/23 and 5/25, and you can receive a full refund of the purchase price (mail it by 6/10).  Get all the rebate details here.

My Bologna Has a First Name...

It's O-S-C-A-R.

Oscar Mayer is giving away $1 million worth of hot dogs.  All you have to do is register here to receive your FREE coupon by mail!  But hurry, giveaway ends at midnight.

And that's no baloney.

Super (& super cheap) End of the Year Gifts for Teachers -edited to include Audra's ideas

I am a teacher.

Tightwad Daddy is a teacher.

Why do you think we're such Tightwads? (we have to be)

So, if a family knows about teacher gifts, it's us.

It's the end of the school year & lots of families bless the person who has spent more time w/ their kiddos all year, than they themselves have.

There are a lot of things you can give the educator(s) in your kid(s) lives.  And yes, there are lots of cheap things you can give (hello Dollar Tree).  But do you want it to be something practical & useful? (teachers LOVE practical & useful)

My BF Amy (also a teacher) & I brainstormed tonight, and came up with some swell ideas that beat out a mug anyday...

• Candles... they might get them for each occasion, but you can't beat a good candle & if you play your cards coupons right, you can get a high quality candle for less than a buck.  Don't have time to coupon? -- Walmart has some great smelling scents for less than $5.
• Water bottles/can coozies/bottle covers... these can be found at Michaels (& probably other craft stores as well) able to be personalized.  Have your kiddo put some finishing touches to give it a personality.  Definitely less than $5.  Also, put that 40% off coupon to good use & really get it cheap.
• Gift cards... there is a common misconception that in order to gift someone a gift card, it must be a huge amount.  Not so!  Tightwad Daddy got a stellar gift from a stellar student, a $5 QT giftcard wrapped with a candy bar.  Score!  Other gift card ideas:  DQ, Target, McDs.
• Fresh flowers... Just saw beautiful bouquets at Aldi, for less than $5.  When I was a teacher, I was always thrilled to get these.
• Fill a container (think shoe box sized rubbermaid) with snacks & maybe a movie rental card.
• Offer a service for the teacher... one of my favorite students came up the last day & helped me pack/clean my classroom.  WOW, what a gift!
• Are you a hairdresser, a florist, etc?... give the gift of a free haircut, etc
• Think outside the box... one year, a student gave me an Easter lily, roots & all.  I took it home that very day & put it in the ground.  Each spring it blooms into a beautiful plant & I think of CJ, my third grade student (who is finishing up his freshman year, where does the time go?).

Get to know the teacher, think of what they like, avoid cheap/pointless gifts, splurge if you can, let your kiddo be a part of the process.

And leave the apples at home. 

 

Thank you Reader Audra for some more great ideas:

Thanks for the great ideas for teachers gifts.  I usually make a Summer Survival Kit for each teacher. I take a inexpensive tote bag and fill with all kinds of goodies, from a book , koozie , refillable mug with gc, towel, sunscreen,....whatever I can find that is inexpensive and usable. The teachers love it .......

 

Audra

No Super Kmarts in StL

As a matter of fact, I don't think there are any Supers in Missouri.

If you'd like to see where the closest superK is to YOU, go back to yesterday's post about doubles & click on the link (provided by Miguel).

I actually emailed them to ask specifically if the St Louis area is participating in doubles. But I didn't really get a real answer.

Sorry if I got your hopes up Missouri peeps.

Kmart...

ugh!

PS You can tell Miguel what I said about their carts.

Wags Coupon

Get YOURS here!

Kmart, Doubling Up Again!

Get your coupons organized Tightwad Friends! Kmarts going at it again. Here is their letter that just popped in my inbox...

Dear Tightwad Momma*,

Thank you for contacting Kmart regarding the Kmart Double Coupon Event. We appreciate your interest in this promotion.

Our next scheduled Double Coupon event is being held at all Super K-mart stores (excludes Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands) from 05/20/09 – 05/26/09. Please note, Michigan Super K-mart stores are participating from 05/17/09 – 05/23/09 only. You may use the link below to find the Super K-mart store nearest you.

http://www.superkmart.com/component/kmstoresinusa

Once again, we appreciate your interest in saving money by taking advantage of our Double Coupon promotion.

Sincerely,

Miguel G
Retail Customer Care
Sears Holdings Corporation

*names changed to protect the frugal

PS Please don't tell Miguel what I said about their carts. ;)

Menu Monday

I've slacked lately when it comes to giving you my menu for the week.

I try to keep our meals at $5. Some nights the meal exceeds that amount... but usually we have enough leftover for lunches for the next day, BONUS!
Remember, for me, time means almost as much as money (or time is money!); so I do a lot of cooking ahead (cook my meat for three nights on the first night, etc.).

MONDAY
grilled chicken (season w/ whatever & throw on the grill, make enough for tomorrow night too) with hot dogs (for Wed night) (click HERE for a coupon for Kraft bbq sauce)
green peppers / zuccini (season w/ cheap italian dressing & grill) (click HERE for a Kraft dressing coupon, which probably makes it free!)
Jimmy John's 50-cent day-old bread (slice & brush open face w/ butter & garlic salt)
strawberries (ours were 'clearanced' down to 99 cents at our farmer's market)

TUESDAY
tossed salad (altho a little pricier, we prefer darker greens) with yesterday's chicken
JJ's day old bread (slice yesterday's other 1/2 & top w/ cheese of your choice, throw in toaster oven)
Aldi's fruit bars

WEDNESDAY
Daddy has dinner plans elsewhere, so we're doing a kid-dinner...
Monday's hot dogs
frozen green beans (aldi)
apple sauce

THURSDAY
stir fry (aldi)
crescents or rodes bread (coupon HERE)
graham crackers with icing (coupons for BOTH of those HERE!)

FRIDAY
pizza night
homemade pizza for our allergy kiddo
California Pizza Kitchen pizza for us! (coupon for a CPK pizza OR a DiGiorno pizza HERE)
leftover strawberries topped on ice cream

Shopping at Wags, wk of 5/17 (FREE!)

Right Guard Antiperspirant/Deodorant Professional Strength $5.99

-$5 RR wyb one
- $1/1 coupon from 4/19 SS insert
=FREE

Colgate Visible White Toothpaste $4.99

-$4.99 RR when you buy one
-$1/1 printable HERE
=FREE

If I've missed something, let me know so we can share!

Inbox Goodies

$4 in CHEERIOS coupons, starting in JUNE... go HERE

Kerastase is offering a free treatment and blow dry service! Not too shabby!

THIS SATURDAY (call ahead of time to make sure yours is participating!!), get a dozen original glazed Krispy Kreme Donuts for just $0.99

Free Chocolate, every friday all summer long. You can request the coupon 4 times this summer per household

Go HERE for Free Pickholder & Five Black picks

College Grads, go HERE for 10,000 free United Airlines miles

Lunch on DiGiorno

Go HERE to get your details on DiGiorno's "free lunch". Hurry!

Shouts Out to ProActive

Chiropractic -- Arnold location (Dr Mayfield & Dr Seaver).

Here's some of what I've heard about this great place:

• "They have such a gentle approach."
• "They're so personal with their patients."
• "If you're in pain, they'll get you right in...you'll never have to wait."
• "The doctors are great with my kids."
• "The whole staff is so friendly."

Remember, I posted HERE about their Kids Weeks. Which is a perfect opportunity to have your kiddo seen.

Go to their website for more info. Or give them a call, 636-464-8360.

Thanks again ProActive for treating one of the Tightwad readers to a 60-minute massage (& congrats again Michelle!).

Redbox Codes

Boo hoo, the Monday codes are now bye-bye.

BUT, starting June 1, Redbox will send a free movie code to your cell phone the first Monday of each summer month (June, July & August) but you'd better let Redbox know how to reach you via text message!

And, in the event I hear of a code, I'll be sure to let you know!!

WINNER!...

True Random Number Generator
Min: Max:

Result: 36

Congrats to Michelle!:

Michelle said...
I have and LOVE your button
May 16, 2009

Michelle, email me your address so I can mail you your gift certificate!!! Enjoy!