GAIN detergent sample HERE
Use $1 off printable coupon here for Chef Boyardee & use it for some free lunch! (Walmart & Target should have them on sale for less than a buck)
Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention sample HERE
Free movie rental at Blockbuster Express (very limited locations), use code: CKVPX9A7 (expires Monday)
Origins Mini-Facials HERE
Hugo Boss fragrances sample HERE
Bodycology body lotion sample HERE
Free pair of Goodnights HERE
Tampax sample HERE
Playtex sample HERE
Carefree & Stayfree sample HERE
7/25/09
7/24/09
Planning a Vacay
The Tightwad Family is getting geared up for our summer vacation to Orlando.
I wanted to be sure to share with you, the great money-saving tips & ideas I've found to not only help the vacation more memorable, but even the car trip there.
Road Tripin'...
I have so many fond memories of a drive "out west" just before my fourth birthday. Here's some things we have ready for our long drive.
TOTE BAGS*. Each kiddo chooses a 'reasonably-sized' tote bag. The weeks leading up to the vacay, I'm on the lookout for things to toss in each tote. Dollar store finds, garage sale goodies, freebies, toys forgotten in the back of the closet; you name it. Something new (or forgotten), no matter how 'cheesy', will be an instant hit when you're bored.
I highly recommend creating your own scavenger hunt or 'travel bingo' based on the region(s) where you'll be traveling. You can do this on the computer (just place clip art on a grid) or hand make it...you can even use stickers. Some pictures on ours include TRAIN, HORSE, MOTORCYCLE, 18-WHEELER, BRIDGE, RIVER, GAS STATION, LAKE, etc.
In my girl tote=note pad, pen set, magic pad, activity pad/board (a traveling gift from her aunt), party favors, magnetic dress up dolls, paper dolls...
In my boy tote=dinosaurs, "new" (garage sale) spiderman coloring book, activity book, bag of markers, new car, party favors...
STOP BAGS. Bubbles, jump rope, hand sanitizer, & sun block for the rest stops.
POTTY SEAT. Had we not traveled with one of these in our past road trips, our drives would've been significantly longer. This not only keeps us from having to search for a restaurant or gas station, it keeps our kids from tinkling in their car seats (which would be awful!), AND saves them from being exposed to extra (nasty) public germs.
COOLER. Keeps us from stopping & paying for overpriced snacks/drinks. Which also wastes valuable drive time.
MOVIES. Thank the LORD for dvd players. Movies can burn hours on those car trips. Borrow movies from friends. Borrow them from the library (just be careful of heat warp!) Or like us, cash in coke reward points for blockbuster coups & rent those movies you've never seen.
Stopovers...
A modest but clean/safe hotel is a load off a road-weary mind. In the past, we've used priceline.com as well as other sources. If you plan ahead, packing some muffins, bagels, etc., along w/ juice & water, save breakfast money & some time in getting back on the road.
Be sure that if you plan to stopover, you pack those things separately so that it's easy to grab & saves time 'digging through' the rest of the bags.
Amusement Parks...
Disney tickets are cheaper, the more you buy. For example, for 2 days of Disney, we're paying 74.50/day...but had we had the leisure of spending 5 days in the parks, we'd only be spending 44.40/day.
With our research, we found that the best deals for tickets were part of travel 'packages'. If circumstances were different, we would've most likely taken advantage of a package. Go HERE to check out packages & even 'on sale' trips!
Souveniers...
Like all things our families do, at places that sell overpriced souveniers, I buy ahead of time. I can find Disney 'what-nots', at the Dollar Tree, at the Dollar Spot at Target, at Walmart in the clearance aisle, for dollars. Where as, I'll be dropping $20 on an Aerial necklace for my girl if we buy it at the park.
My friend Erica was smart about her kiddos' autograph books... she bought hers ahead of time at Michael's (in the dollar section) & decorated them with Disney stickers. Team that up w/ the 50% coupon & you've got cute autograph books for 50 cents a piece.
Meals...
Staying in a hotel/condo/suite/resort with a kitchen is your best bet. Then you have some control over when you're eating out. Breakfast is the cheapest meal to eat out. Also, my in-laws found this card: http://www.kidseatfreecard.com/ which is a fabulous deal.
I have to admit that if we didn't cut corners, our vacation might not happen... or at the very least, wouldn't be near as enjoyable. Two-teacher households don't exactly equal enormous wealth & frequent elaborate trips. Our frugality has paid off. And we'll have a great vacation as a reward!
Think of any tips I've missed out on? Please share in the comments! :)
Don't Forget to Snag Your Free Chocolate This Morning!
Go HERE & fill out the form... then wait a few weeks for your coupon!
What Are You Doing This Weekend?
My favorite part of the site is sharing this info with you!....
PS Most of these ideas are linked...so if you want more info, just click on the title & it should take you to that particular website. (i.e. Movie in the Park)
FRIDAY
Naturalist Hide and Guide Fridays. Families can take a walk through Powder Valley Nature Center and trails to look for the naturalist, who will be waiting to guide families through a mystery activity. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Powder Valley Nature Center, 11715 Cragwold Road, Kirkwood. No reservations are required. More information: 314-301-1500.
Safety Street. Bring the whole family for interactive fun that is good for the mind and good for the body. St. Louis Children's Hospital rolls out Kohl's Safety Street, an interactive "town" where children learn important safety messages that include pedestrian safety and how to deal with strangers and neighborhood animals. Safety Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Louis Galleria in Brentwood at Highway 170.
Wildwood Movie Night: Journey to the Center of the Earth. Take in a free movie with the family at Wildwood's Town Center. No reservations required; bring lawn chairs or blankets. Movie starts just after sundown.
Movie in the Park. Watch Jaws while lounging on the lawn at the St. Peter's City Centre Park's amphitheater (behind City Hall). The movie will be played on a large screen, and the show starts at dusk.
Starlight Movie Series. The city of Eureka is hosting a summer movie series on the lawn at City Hall. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Community Center.
This week's movie is Footloose.
Movies on the Plaza. The city of Chesterfield is hosting Movies on the Plaza. A series of family-friendly movies will be shown on the fourth Friday of each month thru August. The movie will begin at sunset on the plaza in front of the Chesterfield City Hall. There will be FREE popcorn! The plaza area is concrete, so bring lawn chairs instead of blankets. Showing this month is Kung Fu Panda (PG). Starts at sunset.
Live on the Levee. Enjoy live music, great food, kids activities. Starts at sunset, but the AmerenUE/Schnucks K-Town Kids Zone will be open from 6pm - 8pm.
Summer Movies in the Park. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs, coolers, kids and enjoy some family-friendly movies. 8:30 pm. Schroeder Park. Showing this month is ET: The Extraterrestrial.
Jungle Boogie. At the Zoo & runs through Sept. 4. This Friday is Mighty Big Band, 5-8 pm.
Making Music Concert Series. 7 pm. Presented by The Kirkwood Area Arts Council and the Kirkwood Parks and Recreation Department. Live music from Alvin Jett & Phat Noiz.
Friday Night Flicks in Frenchtown: Grease (sing along). Enjoy a family movie under the stars. Bring a blanket. Music and refreshments start at 8 p.m. in the historic Frenchtown district of St. Charles. If we were in town, we'd be doing this one!
SATURDAY
Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic. 10 am. Learn to build a helicopter at this activity for kids. Visit the Lowe's website to register.
Kohl's Safety Street. Bring the whole family for interactive fun that is good for the mind and good for the body. St. Louis Children's Hospital rolls out Kohl's Safety Street, an interactive "town" where children learn important safety messages that include pedestrian safety and how to deal with strangers and neighborhood animals. Safety Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Louis Galleria in Brentwood at Highway 170.
Discovering Nature: Families: Beginning Birding. Parents and children will learn basic bird watching skills and take a short hike to practice finding featured friends. 10-11:30 a.m. Reservations required. For families with kids ages 5 and up. August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Highway D, St. Charles. Reservations required: 636-441-4554.
Live on the Levee. Enjoy live music, great food, kids activities @ the St Louis Riverfront. The AmerenUE/Schnucks K-Town Kids Zone will be open from 6pm - 8pm. 6-10 pm.
SUNDAY
Hummingbird Festival. See hummingbirds up close, and learn about them through the Illinois Audubon Society. You can also adopt a hummingbird. Free admission. 1-4 p.m. Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center, 13653 Lodge Bld., Grafton, Ill.
Musical Nights in Oak Knoll Park. Concerts are scheduled for the fourth Sunday of the month through September. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Live music from Javier Mendoza. 5-7 pm.
Art Museum Family Sunday. 1-4 pm. Hands-on art activities and a family tour through the galleries.
My high school friend Shannon has this to add:
"Local Harvest Grocery & Cafe, 3148 Morgan Ford Road, has a deal on Sunday nights: Ride your bike to the shop, get a buy-one-get-one deal on sandwiches. Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m. also offer Happy Hour where you can get $2 craft beers, $3 glasses of wine and 1/2 price sides and appetizers."
ALL WEEKEND LONG
Go check out CITY GARDEN. Citygarden is a 2.9-acre expanse bordered by Eighth and 10th streets and Market and Chestnut streets. Been there?....a multi-faceted park divided almost seamlessly into themes representing river bluffs, flood plains and a cultivated urban garden. Citygarden is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Thanks to Carol for telling me about the City Garden. Can't wait to check it out.
Whatever you do, have fun!
Some Stellar Coupons
$10 off a purchase of $10 or more at Christopher Banks. Go HERE.
Some super coupons sure to help you pack those lunches when school kicks back in! Go HERE. (thanks More than Cents!)
And a printable coupon to Save $1.50 on any two Ziploc products (print it twice!), to put those great school sandwiches in!
Speaking of school lunches (& I was!), I need all the help I can get on some healthy ideas...so I was thrilled when I read about the chance to download a free Healthy Lunch Box Ideas 22-pg book just by entering two Ziploc UPC's (thanks Freebies 4 Mom!). I have about 3-4 different sized ziplocs in my cabinet, so it shouldn't be hard to find some UPC's.
Speaking of school (& I was), we can use all the school supplies coups we can get our hands on, so how about a coupon to Save $1.00 on any two BIC stationery products from Abundant Food Savings.
T.G.I. Friday’s has a superb thing going... through August 31st, take $5 off each additional entrée. I'm thinking that you could invite your friend to dinner & split the difference! (you save $2.50, she saves 2.50!)
Some super coupons sure to help you pack those lunches when school kicks back in! Go HERE. (thanks More than Cents!)
And a printable coupon to Save $1.50 on any two Ziploc products (print it twice!), to put those great school sandwiches in!
Speaking of school lunches (& I was!), I need all the help I can get on some healthy ideas...so I was thrilled when I read about the chance to download a free Healthy Lunch Box Ideas 22-pg book just by entering two Ziploc UPC's (thanks Freebies 4 Mom!). I have about 3-4 different sized ziplocs in my cabinet, so it shouldn't be hard to find some UPC's.
Speaking of school (& I was), we can use all the school supplies coups we can get our hands on, so how about a coupon to Save $1.00 on any two BIC stationery products from Abundant Food Savings.
T.G.I. Friday’s has a superb thing going... through August 31st, take $5 off each additional entrée. I'm thinking that you could invite your friend to dinner & split the difference! (you save $2.50, she saves 2.50!)
7/23/09
PF Changs Discount Card
Go get a "Warrior Card" & get 10% off everytime you dine, through '09. At PF Changs.
MovieCube Code
What's almost as good as a free movie? -- a rent one get one free movie.
Go to moviecube & use the code: ETUX9B7 to get your 2nd movie for free.
Go to moviecube & use the code: ETUX9B7 to get your 2nd movie for free.
7/22/09
Hurry! For the next 40 minutes!....
http://shopsixflags.accesso.com/twitter/SL.html
Go there to get tickets for $15 for any day before Aug. 16th.
Thanks Kristy!
Go there to get tickets for $15 for any day before Aug. 16th.
Thanks Kristy!
7/21/09
Entertainment Book
Cashbaq will score you a sweet deal on the big bad coupon book, the Entertainment Book. Right now, you can get it for $7.99 and get $8 cash back! Then you just pay $1.99 for the shipping.
I've bought 2 of them... some of my favs are the coupons for chic fil a, magic house....also included are things like Shop N Save total purchase coupons and other stores, restaurant coupons, etc., etc.
Just log into your Cashbaq account or sign up HERE (at which point you will see the offer at the top). If you are new to Cashbaq, you will also get a $5 sign-up bonus (which will make your entertainment book free...and then some). Cashbaq is free to use AND is an opportunity for you to make moolah while you shop (which I refer to as having my cake & eating it too).
Thanks to Moms by Heart for the heads-up!
I've bought 2 of them... some of my favs are the coupons for chic fil a, magic house....also included are things like Shop N Save total purchase coupons and other stores, restaurant coupons, etc., etc.
Just log into your Cashbaq account or sign up HERE (at which point you will see the offer at the top). If you are new to Cashbaq, you will also get a $5 sign-up bonus (which will make your entertainment book free...and then some). Cashbaq is free to use AND is an opportunity for you to make moolah while you shop (which I refer to as having my cake & eating it too).
Thanks to Moms by Heart for the heads-up!
Shouts Out to Cornbread Listeners
Today until 10:30 am, you can print a coupon to receive one free pastry with the purchase of any beverage at Starbucks.
Ace is the place for the helpful hardware man free after rebate items.
All Purpose Adhesive Calk $2.99
-$2.99 rebate, limit 1
=FREE
Biodegradable Car Wash $3.99
-$3.99 rebate, limit 1
=FREE
Organic Automotive Glass Cleaner $1.99
-$1.99 rebate, limit 1
=FREE
Automotive Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners $3.49 each:
22 oz. Carpet Stain and Spot Lifter, Foam Upholstery Cleaner or Foam Carpet Cleaner; or 8.7 oz. Upholstery Stain and Spot Lifter.
-$3.49 rebate, limit 1 of each
=FREE
Sweeten your deal by joining the Ace Rewards Club.
Tomorrow, head to Arby's to get a FREE Roastburger with any soft drink purchase.
7/20/09
Little Lego Lover
Have a little lover of legos?... If he/she is 6 or under, this is the mag for him! Free 2-yr subscription to Lego Jr. Go HERE to get yours!
All You, GET IT WHILE YOU CAN!!
The subscriptions for the magazine, FILLED with awesome coupons, All You, has changed. The subscription, which has been TWO years, will be changing (effective Aug 1), to ONE year. I suggest you cash in on this while you can...TIGHTWAD MOMMA READERS can get a TWO-Year subscription for only $16.95. But you must order by July 30th in order to get this special.
Interested in getting a subscription to this fabulous magazine full of awesome coupons?
Here's what you need to do:
1. Go to www.southernlivingathome.com/karenallison.
2. Click on ALL YOU SPECIAL under FEATURES & there will be directions there, just for TightwadMomma readers - you will see the ALL YOU specials feature on the home page.
3. NOTE--the subscript IS only $16.95, unlike the usual $19.95 -- Consultant Karen is cutting us a sweet deal!
4. For questions, contact me (tightwadmomma at gmail dot com) or Consultant Karen (kallison0 at yahoo dot come).
Having Savings!!
Shopping List at Walmart (wk of 7/19)
Pull-Ups flushable moist wipes (48 count), $1.64
-$3/2 SS 7/19
=.14 (for 2 packs)
-$3/2 SS 7/19
=.14 (for 2 packs)
Tuesday Mornings Aren't Too Shabby Either
On Tuesday until 10:30 am, you can print a coupon to receive one free pastry with the purchase of any beverage at Starbucks.
Meow-Meow....In the Market for a FREE Kitten?
Okay, you need to move fast on this one, he's being taken to a pound first thing tomorrow morning.
Here's the story...
A friend/co-worker of my mom's (Tightwad Sr.) has a son who has been helping his mechanic-dad. A car was brought to them from IL. Low & behold, there was a sweet little kitty, that had taken the trip across the river, IN THE MOTOR.
The son took said kitten to the vet, perfect bill of health (aside from a mild case of ear mites).
The kitten is SO sweet, good disposition, great w/ the other cats in the household, has done well w/ kitten chow & even POTTIED IN THE KITTY LITTER.
If you're interested, PLEASE email me ASAP. If I hear from you BY 9 pm tonite, and no one else has claimed him, he's YOURS. If not, he'll be headed for the pound. :(
If my hubby weren't allergic, he'd be joining our family. And I would be naming him Otto (AUTO, get it?!).
EMAIL ME at tightwadmomma at gmail dot com . And I will put you in touch with the kitten savers. And HURRY!
Here's the story...
A friend/co-worker of my mom's (Tightwad Sr.) has a son who has been helping his mechanic-dad. A car was brought to them from IL. Low & behold, there was a sweet little kitty, that had taken the trip across the river, IN THE MOTOR.
The son took said kitten to the vet, perfect bill of health (aside from a mild case of ear mites).
The kitten is SO sweet, good disposition, great w/ the other cats in the household, has done well w/ kitten chow & even POTTIED IN THE KITTY LITTER.
If you're interested, PLEASE email me ASAP. If I hear from you BY 9 pm tonite, and no one else has claimed him, he's YOURS. If not, he'll be headed for the pound. :(
If my hubby weren't allergic, he'd be joining our family. And I would be naming him Otto (AUTO, get it?!).
EMAIL ME at tightwadmomma at gmail dot com . And I will put you in touch with the kitten savers. And HURRY!
Kids Eat Free, more restaurants to add...
Like Capt D's, who has KIDS EAT FREE on Thursdays, go HERE to learn more.
Qdoba, kids eat free Saturdays & Sundays through summer with purchase of entree. Participation STL Metro locations. (thanks Melissa!)
Qdoba, kids eat free Saturdays & Sundays through summer with purchase of entree. Participation STL Metro locations. (thanks Melissa!)
7/19/09
Shopping List at Wags (wk of 7/19)
If you're at Wags this week, hit these deals!:
Mentos Gum, $0.99 (use the coupon in the ad)
-$1/1 Mentos Gum, exp.9-30-09 (SS 6/21/09)
=FREE
Excedrin Tension or Migraine, $6.99 (BOGO)
-$5 RRs wyb 2
-$1/1 Excedrin Migraine printable
-$1/1 Excedrin, exp. 8-23-09 (SS 7/12/09)
=FREE
Dove Bar Soap, $0.99
-$1/1 Dove Face Care Product, exp. 8-30-09 (V 6/7/09)
=FREE
And this isn't free, but a darn good deal:
Dasani (24 pk), $3.99 (regularly 6.99!)
Mentos Gum, $0.99 (use the coupon in the ad)
-$1/1 Mentos Gum, exp.9-30-09 (SS 6/21/09)
=FREE
Excedrin Tension or Migraine, $6.99 (BOGO)
-$5 RRs wyb 2
-$1/1 Excedrin Migraine printable
-$1/1 Excedrin, exp. 8-23-09 (SS 7/12/09)
=FREE
Dove Bar Soap, $0.99
-$1/1 Dove Face Care Product, exp. 8-30-09 (V 6/7/09)
=FREE
And this isn't free, but a darn good deal:
Dasani (24 pk), $3.99 (regularly 6.99!)
Back to School Shopping part 3
Let's go to walmart for these sweet deals!:
Crazart colored pencils (12-ct.), $0.75
Crayola Washable Markers (8-ct.), $0.75
Crayola Colored Pencils (12-ct.), $1
RoseArt Paint (8-ct.), $1
BIC Cristal Pens, $1
Crayola Crayons (24-ct.), $0.15
Elmers Glue or Elmers Glue Sticks, $0.15
Black and White Composition Notebooks, $0.35
Crazart Washable Markers (11-ct.), $0.70
Scissors, $0.74
Crazart colored pencils (12-ct.), $0.75
Crayola Washable Markers (8-ct.), $0.75
Crayola Colored Pencils (12-ct.), $1
RoseArt Paint (8-ct.), $1
BIC Cristal Pens, $1
Crayola Crayons (24-ct.), $0.15
Elmers Glue or Elmers Glue Sticks, $0.15
Black and White Composition Notebooks, $0.35
Crazart Washable Markers (11-ct.), $0.70
Scissors, $0.74
Huggies Points for Ya
BGRKP RDLZJ SQPGB (2 pts, expires 8/15/09)
BGSTD HNGXC WZPGB (2 pts)
BBGMP BFWFB FZPGB (1 pt)
BCPLN XKNKB XBPGB (1 pt)
BBCZD ZXLMN QDPGB (1 pt)
BGNPP KQFXZ BLPGB (1 pt)
BCPJC JBXGD PCPGB (1 pt)
Go HERE to learn more about Huggies points program.
BGSTD HNGXC WZPGB (2 pts)
BBGMP BFWFB FZPGB (1 pt)
BCPLN XKNKB XBPGB (1 pt)
BBCZD ZXLMN QDPGB (1 pt)
BGNPP KQFXZ BLPGB (1 pt)
BCPJC JBXGD PCPGB (1 pt)
Go HERE to learn more about Huggies points program.
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