Saturday, April 23, 2011

Computer Issues...blog on hold

We're having some technical issues with our computer, so your patience is appreciated!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

This Week's Grocery Deals


A slow week in the world of groceries, in my opinion.  Here's what jumped out at me from the grocery ads.  (Remember, grocery stores' weeks run from Wednesday through Tuesday.)

Top Foods: $.99 tomatoes on the vine

QFC: $.99 Cool Whip; 4/$5 milk (these prices are only good Wed-Sat)

Safeway: $.99 whole pineapples (thus only); $3.99 for 3lb of strawberries (Winco has them for $1.13/lb, I think)

Albertsons: $.50 canned veggies; cheap diapers...check it out here!

Talkin' Trash

A new issue of "talkin' trash" arrived in my mailbox and here are some upcoming dates to save:

Got Hazardous Waste?  The WasteMobile will be at Yelm Middle School on 4/30 and 5/1 from 10am-4pm to collect items such as oil-based paints, motor oil, fluorescent lights, batteries, and pesticides.

Garage Sale!  May 7th will be the Community Garage Sale and Reuse Fair from 8am-3pm at the Thurston County Fairgrounds.  Sign up to sell your stuff there or stop by for $2 (earlybird admission) or $1 (after 9am).

Need Lawn Care Help?  A FREE workshop is coming up soon!  May 7th from 11am-12:30pm at SPSCC.   Register HERE.

Wanna Learn to Compost?  Master Composters is providing FREE workshops to help you learn all about composting.

FREE Tree This Saturday!


This Saturday (4/23) you can stop by any Lowe's store and receive a FREE tree in honor of Earth Day!  Thanks, Money Saving Mom

ALSO, if you're in need of tomato or pepper plants they are on sale this week for $.50 each (regular price $1.67).  And if you need energy efficient light bulbs they are $1 each when purchased in a 6-pack for $6 (regular price $8.98).  Red Sunset Maple Trees are about half off for $12.98.

Yesterday's Shopping Trip Deals

Yesterday I stopped at Albertsons and Winco and these were the deals I picked up.  (Note: I also purchased other grocery items at Winco, but I won't bore you with that)


2 Rhodes Sticky Buns (YUM!) $2.50 each - $1 coupon each - $1 double coupon each = $.50 each
3 Cliff Bars $1 each - $1 off three coupon - $1 double coupon = $.33 each
4 Budding Lunch Meat $.50 - $1 off four coupon = $.25 each
Hillshire Farms Lunch Meat $.99 on clearance
Wisk Detergent $5.99 - $1 coupon - $1 double coupon = $3.99*

*A $2 off your next purchase at Albertsons catalina printed out at checkout, so I used that on buying the rest of the items in a second transaction.

TOTAL: $5.97 for all the items pictured

Need A Fun Family Outing or Birthday Party Adventure?


For $50, you can get ice skating, mini golf, and batting cage passes for FOUR people!  Plus $10 worth of concessions!  This package is valued at $102.  It's a Groupon deal, so you've got to buy it soon and it's for the Kent Valley Ice Center.

$375 Worth of Boot Camp Classes for $55


Need to get in shape?  Live near Tacoma?  Well, today's Groupon deal is for Tacoma Fitness BootCamp!  You get 6 weeks of boot camp classes (valued at $375) for only $55!  That's 85% savings!  You must start your classes by the end of this year.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

BOGO Ice Cream!


Print this coupon from Baskin-Robbins and get a free cone when you purchase one.  Not valid on waffle cones or with soft serve.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

Monday, April 18, 2011

FREE Sample of GoodNites!


Target is offering a FREE sample of GoodNites Underwear.  Answer a few questions and your sample will arrive in your mailbox in 4-6 weeks.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

Great DOUBLE deals at Albertsons!


Through tomorrow there are some great deals at Albertsons.  Check them out here and see if you have the right coupons to make this worth a trip!  The Double Coupons came in your Sunday paper Albertsons flyer...and then a bunch of the coupons mentioned are printable, so no excuses!

Thanks, Fabulessly Frugal

FREE Cinnabon, anyone??


YUM!  Look what's happening at Cinnabon today!

"What's tastier than a tax refund? Cinnabon Bites!
On Monday, April 18, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., participating bakeries will give away two free Cinnabon Bites to each guest.


Interested in a $100 Cinnabon gift card?We all know how stressful Tax Day is, but Life Needs Frosting, so let Cinnabon put some frosting on your day.
Enter our tweet contest by telling us how Cinnabon put frosting on a crazy or stressful day you've had.
Be sure to follow and tag
@CinnabonInc to be eligible! Click here for more details."

From http://www.cinnabon.com/goodies/tax-day-bites!.aspx

Oops.  I thought there was a Cinnabon at the Westside Mall, but apparently not?  Guess you'll have to head to Tacoma for this deal.  Tacoma Mall, South Hill Mall, or Ft. Lewis.  Call to make sure they are participating.

FREE Pet Exam at Petsmart!


Oh boy!  Need a new vet?  Have a new pet?  Fill out this form and your pet will get a FREE exam at Banfield Pet Hospital (located inside Petsmart).

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

Need Something At Coldwater Creek?


At Groupon today you can buy a $50 voucher for just $25The catches: you total must come to $50 or more; valid in-store OR online; not valid on shipping; expires July 20, 2011.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Family Fun: Charlie's Safari!


Have you and your kids checked out Charlie's Safari in Lacey yet?  It is a great family-fun establishment that, at least for the little kids, isn't a terrible drain on the wallet.  They have lazer tag and bounce houses and other fun structures to play on.  There's also a place to buy food and an arcade as well.
 

To make this a good deal, head over on a Monday-Thursday and bring along 3 cans of food...this will make their $9.95 combo play deal a buy-one-get-one-free.  Split the cost with a friend or let your kid bring a friend for free!  This deal is only good through the end of May, 2011 and only one free deal per family.  Avoid the arcade and buying food there and you'll come end up with one tiiired, happy kid for about $5.

General Admission (per child playing)
Tykes Village~ (exclusively for 1-4 yr old 'tykes')......$5.95
Bounce & AAA Reserve Combo Play......$9.95
Lazer Tag (1 round).........$6.95
"Stryker" Wristband~
(unlimited rounds Lazer Tag ONLY)......$18.95
Unlimited Wristband~ (includes: Bounce & AAA Reserve Combo Play, & Unlimited rounds of Lazer Tag).......$21.95

Other things to know:
-Don't forget to wear socks.
-Shoes are required for lazer tag.
-Parents jump for free in the little kid Tykes Village!
-Discounts for military/law enforcement/firefighter/EMT families!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

FREE Healthy Kids Day TODAY!


Grab your family and head over to your nearby YMCA today for Healthy Kids Day.  Here's the description from their Facebook page: "April 16 is Healthy Kids Day at the Y. We have free activities for the community from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Briggs Community Branch, Olympia Downtown Branch, and North Thurston High School. Healthy Kids Day is full of activities designed to bring families together to engage in active play and learn healthy habits that help them grow and thrive. Activities include a bouncy obstacle course, crafts, face painting, kids Yoga and Tai Chi, and fitness testing. You won't want to miss the fun!"

Friday, April 15, 2011

FREE Earth Day Bag!


On Sunday April 17 you can stop by your local Target, buy something, and receive a FREE Earth Day bag!  Quantities are limited, so get there in the morning if you don't want to miss out.  Limit one per guest.

Thanks, Fabulessly Frugal

"Moore" FREE Paint!


Print this coupon and take it into your local Benjamin Moore paint supplier store and you will get a FREE 2oz sample of paint.  You might want to call in advance to make sure the store you are going to will accept this coupon.  If you haven't already requested your FREE sample from Valspar I'd suggest doing it!  It's a better sample package (includes a $5 off coupon, roller, and paint tray) AND it comes right to your front door!

Local Benjamin Moore stores:

WEST OLYMPIA ACE HARDWARE
400 COOPER POINT RD, OLYMPIA, WA 98502


NORTHWEST PAINT & SUPPLY
7263 MARTIN WAY E STE D, OLYMPIA, WA 98516


There are also many in Tacoma, one in Centralia, and one in Chehalis.

Thanks, momsbyheart.net!

$10 off $25 at Macy's


Are you a fan of Macy's?  Need to buy something there this weekend?  Click here for a printable coupon that will give you $10 off a purchase of $25 or more.  Coupon good through April 17th at 1pm.

Thanks, Slickdeals

Will you be near a QFC this weekend??


Don't forget that QFC is having some SUPER deals this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only!  Unfortunately the Olympia area QFC isn't "just on the way" to a lot of things for a lot of people, so factor in gas $ if you don't need to be out that direction. 

Here's the deals to grab:
Ground Beef - $1.59lb (sold in 3lb rolls for $4.77 each, 80% lean, limit 4))
QFC Orange Juice - $.99 (half gallon, limit 4)
Kroger Peanut Butter - $1 (smooth, crunchy, honey flavors, limit 10)

Other sale items this week:
Grapes - $.99lb
Ketchup 40oz - $.99
Organic Oranges - $.99lb
Pillsbury Cake Mix - $.88

FREE "Into the Wild" Lotion


Bath & Body Works is giving out FREE 2oz samples of their new lotion 'flavor' called Into the Wild.  This deal is only good through tomorrow 4/16.  Print this coupon and take it in with you.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

FREE Arby's Fries Today!


Head over to the Arby's Facebook page and "Like" them and you will get to print a coupon for FREE FRIES.  This deal is good today only 4/15.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Shutterfly Mother's Day Card for $.99!

Head on over to Shutterfly and create your own Mother's Day (or any other important upcoming occasion) card!  It'll get shipped to your house for just $.99!  Here's how: log into your Shutterfly account and create a 5×7 Folded Photo Greeting Card or 5×7 Flat Stationery Card and then at checkout enter the code: MOMCARD

Offer valid through April 28, 2011.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

Today's Grocery Outing: Spent $4.50


I stopped at Safeway, Grocery Outlet, and Albertsons today - all were on my way to/from where I needed to go, so no extra gas $.  While I didn't end up buying a ton, I did get some good deals.

8lbs of oranges* - $1.50 (combined sale price with a coupon)
Crackers - $1 (normal price @ Grocery Outlet...my daughter requested them)
Peaches - $1 (normal price @ Grocery Outlet)
Yogurt - $1 ("overstock" price @ Safeway)
Milk - FREE (used the 'free gallon of milk' catalina I got last week @ Albertsons)
TOTAL: $4.50

Orange cream smoothies, anyone??

*I actually took the time to weigh the bag and it was just over 7lbs, so the friendly grocery guy happily added another orange to my bag to make it closer to the 8lb promise on the label.  Guess I'll do this more often??  I always assume the bags are weighed correctly.

Safeway Oranges Deal TODAY!


Today's Safeway deal on oranges just got better when I found out there's a $1 off coupon that can be used!  This requires you to sign up for their 'Just For U' program, but all they need is an email and your Club Card number (address is optional).  I think you even get a free dozen eggs for signing up.  Unfortunately some parts of 'Just For U' aren't yet available in our area, but the coupons are!  Once you are signed in head to the COUPON CENTER and click on the Fruits & Vegetables category.  There you will find the $1 off an 8lb bag of oranges coupon.  Click on it and it will automatically be added to your Club Card - so easy!  No printing!  This deal is good TODAY 4/14 only.  Final price $1.49 for 8lbs of oranges!!  Not sure what to do with all those oranges?  Check out this Orange Cream Smoothie recipe using frozen oranges.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Free Febreze Facebook Offer!

Head over to the Febreze Facebook page and nominate your favorite teacher and apparently you AND that teacher will get a FREE Febreze Home Collection Flameless Luminary and a Wooden Wick Candle.

Safeway Excursion

I hit up Safeway this morning for to stock up on their frozen chicken deal they have going today.  Here's what else I found:

 Spinach $1
Salad $1
Carrots $1
Dented Tomato Can $.39
Dented Tomato Can $.39
Clearance Brown Rice $1.09
Frozen Chicken $5.96
Croutons $.50*
Croutons $.50*
TOTAL: $11.83

*The croutons were on sale for $1 each, but the bags had peelie coupons on them for $1 off two.  I didn't need croutons, but $.50 a bag sounded like a good deal to compliment my bags of salad, plus they won't go bad for quite a while.  Yum!

Only $.50 for a Redbox Rental Tomorrow 4/14


I love Redbox! It's cheap and convenient!  Tomorrow only you can enter the code: THURSDAY and get $.50 off your rental, making your total just $.50! Redbox locations.

Thanks, ThriftyNWMom

Grocery Highlights for the Week!

Wednesdays mark the 'new week' for grocery stores, so be sure to check your mailbox for their new ads that cover the 'week' of 4/13-4/19.  Here are the items that jump out to me:


Safeway is advertising HOPPIN' DAILY DEALS this week (no coupons needed!):
WEDNESDAY 4/13: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Wings only $1.49/pound!
(Frozen, sold in a 4lb bag)
THURSDAY 4/14: Oranges only $.31/pound!
(Sold in 8lb bags for $2.49 each)
FRIDAY 4/15:  2-Liter Pepsi or 7-UP for only $.69 each!
(Limit 2)

Other deals happening all week (no coupons needed!):
Grapes $1.28/pound (not a bad price, cheaper at QFC this week)
Fresh Express Salads $1 each
Baby Carrots 1lb $1 each
Organic Oranges $1/pound
Coca-Cola 2-liters $.99 each (limit 2)


Albertsons' big sales this week revolve around getting free eggs with certain purchases.  None of the deals jump out at me but if you need to buy any of the products anyway, then certainly getting free eggs out of it makes it a good deal!  In-ad coupon needed.

Free eggs for purchasing the following: 2 Mission Flour Tortilla Packs, or 2 Tropicana Orange Juice, or 2 Spams, or 2 Martinelli's Sparkling Cider, or 2 Mott's Medley Juice, or 2 Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Packs, or 2 Mark Kitchen Beef Hash, or 2 Hershey's Easter Chocolate, or 2 Kellogg's Snacks, or 1 Wright Bacon, or 2 Colgate Tooth Products, or 1 Finish Dishwashing Products.  Max value of the eggs is $2.00.

Other Deals:
Quaker Cereals $1.50 each when you buy 4
Pepsi 2-liters $1 each (cheaper at Safeway this Friday)
Del Monte Canned Veggies $.50 each

Top Foods has some great in-ad coupon items this week!
Potatoes 5lbs for $.69 w/ad coupon
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden Salad $.67 w/ad coupon
Valu Time Milk 1 gallon for $1.99 w/ad coupon
Turkey Franks (hot dogs) $.50 each w/ad coupon

Other Deals:
Fuji Apples $.59/pound
Oranges $.59/pound (cheaper st Safeway on Thursday)
Frozen Chicken Breasts $1.99/pound sold in 2.5 bags for $4.97 (cheaper at Safeway on Wednesday)
Life/Cap'n Crunch Cereal/Quaker Granola bars $1.50 each (when you buy 4)
Hamburger/Hot Dog Buns $1 each (grab some of the turkey franks mentioned above to go with them!)


QFC has some great deals this Friday/Saturday/Sunday:
80% lean ground beef $1.59/pound (sold in 3lb pack)
QFC Orange Juice $1 each (half gallon)
Kroger Peanut Butter $1 each (18oz size)

Other deals this week:
Grapes $.99/pound
Organic Oranges $.99/pound
QFC 32 oz yogurt $1.50 each

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Free Scoop at Ben & Jerry's Today!


Do you live near a Ben & Jerry's, or know someone who does?  Looks like the closest one to here is Gig Harbor, but there's a few in the Seattle area and the Portland area.  Here's the Ben & Jerry's free scoop day details.  Noon-8pm today only!  Store locator.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Great Deal - All You Magazine


Today there is a great deal on a subscription to All You Magazine.  While I personally don't receive this magazine (yet :-)) all the couponing sites rave about this magazine because it is packed with great coupons each month.  Check out the deal explanation at Fabulessly Frugal or Queen Bee Coupons.

Free Duck Tape Offer


Waddle on over to the Duck Tape Facebook page and starting at 3pm today you can request a free sample of a Duck Tape Sheet.  Only 50,000 samples available.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom

My Hero!



Wow!  Need some couponing inspiration?  Check out this story called Mondays with Mavis.

Thanks, Fabulessly Frugal!

Baja Fresh Bowl for $2


Heading out for lunch today?  Why not stop by a Baja Fresh and get a Baja Fresh Bowl for $2?  Apparently these are normally $6??  Just print off this coupon.  Coupon valid until 4/24/11

Thanks, Slickdeals!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Need shoes? $29 for a $60 credit!


Groupon has a great deal on shoes today.  You pay only $29 and you will get a credit for $60 worth of product (shoes, accessories, and apparel) from Shoebacca!  You can use this on sale items (sweet!) and they offer FREE shipping!  Your credit will be good until October 11, 2011.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Don't forget! QFC $1 cereal through tomorrow!

Tomorrow is your last chance to pick up Life, Cap'N Crunch, or Mom's Best Naturals Cereal for only $1 a box!  NO LIMIT!  I was there today and it was slim pickings, but I got a raincheck from the cashier that is good for 60 days.  GREAT deal!!  That also have all natural whole fresh chicken for $.69 a pound (I hear that's a good price) and Tostitos and salsa for $1.79 each.  Strawberries are $2 a pound.  Half gallons of milk are 3 for $4 to help with all the cereal overflowing from your pantry.

Franz Bakery Outlet - a great place!


I had never been to the Franz Bakery Outlet in Lacey, but I was in the area today and thought I'd check it out.  Despite it being in what I would call a 'sketchy' area, it was a great store to find a deal!  The store itself is quite small so it wasn't hard to find their WALL OF VALUE which consisted of shelves of almost-expired bread products for 5/$5 and 5/$6.  I was very excited to see that their quality loaves of bread (many of which do not have high fructose corn syrup - yay!!) were on these carts.  I promptly picked my 5 loaves and paid $6 for them, but then was pleased to find out from the friendly cashier lady that I could then pick any item for FREE off the "V.I.P" cart by the door!  Yippee!  So I got 5 loaves of great Franz bread and a pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls for $6.  My pantry and freezer are stocked for quite a while!

 

7028 Martin Way
Olympia, WA 98516
360-491-1900


April 24-29 is Customer Appreication week...not sure what will be happening, but it might be worth a visit.  Keep in mind, this place is super close to Winco, so you can stop there too and get even more great deals.  I love Winco!

A Trip To Lowe's

So I went to Lowe's today to check out the $.88 annuals deal I wrote abut yesterday.  I was hoping to find some in full bloom to add instead color to our yard for some guests who were coming over for dinner.  Unfortunately none were blooming, but I went ahead and got 4 trays anyway!  I also found an azalea on sale for $2.50 that definitely was blooming!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Spring is here! FLOWERS!

I noticed Lowe's and Fred Meyers have sales on their flowers this weekend.  Lowe's has 6-packs of annuals for $.88 each (normally $1.76)...a good price for some quick color!  They also have some '4 for $10' items that might interest some of you, as well as a lawn care workshop from 10am-2pm tomorrow (April 9th).

Fred Meyer is having their annual FUCHSIA SATURDAY tomorrow (April 9th).  You can bring in your own pots and buy some fuchsia plants from them (5 plants for $3) and they will plant them for you for FREE (yep, they even provide the soil!).  This will take place from 9am to 4pm.  You can also bring in your old plastic nursery containers and they will recycle them for you!

Save Money: Use Your Connections

One great way to save some cash is to utilize your friends and family.  (No, I'm not advocating you take advantage of them!)  Here are two recent examples:


1) After our water bill went through the roof (figuratively) this winter, we realized that somewhere outside our water line was leaking.  Sigh.  Immediately thoughts of $$$ ran through our minds as we recalled paying a plumber $500 last year to replace a leaky shower drain.  Fortunately my dad came to our rescue!  He enjoys helping out with house projects and loves the chance to visit his favorite granddaughter.  Between he and my husband the job was done in a day and a half and lots of money was saved in the process!


2) Yesterday my father-in-law stopped by with a goody bag full of dental care items!  Wahoo!  He's a dentist and receives a lot of samples of toothpaste, floss, etc, so he said he was happy to share with us.  Again, I think he was content with some quality time with his favorite granddaughter in return :-)

FREE Travel Size Item w/ Purchase

If you're already heading to the mall this weekend to pick up something at Bath & Body Works, then print off this coupon to pick up a FREE travel size item!

Thanks, My Frugal Adventures!

Value Village Sale!

Oh boy!  I just found out about this one: 50% of winter clothing at Value Village this weekend!

Thanks, Queen Bee Coupons!

FREE Sample from Kotex

Sorry guys, this one is for the ladies.  Click to signup for your FREE sample pack from Kotex!

Thanks, Freebies 4 Mom and Money Saving Mom!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

What to do with your kids' old clothes


If you have kids you have undoubtedly at one point or another said to your child, "gosh, didn't this fit you just yesterday?!"  Kids grow fast and unfortunately their clothes don't grow with them.  Buying new clothes can be a big drain on your budget - getting 'pre-loved' clothes can be a budget saver!  While I'm partial to Goodwill and Value Village, I'm intrigued by the website thredUP.  You can send off your used clothes to thredUP free of charge (just like how you drop them off at Goodwill, only this saves gas money) and you can browse through the already listed boxes of clothes to purchase for yourself.  You pay $5 + shipping to get a box of 'new' clothes delivered to your door.  Exciting, huh?  Right now there is an awesome deal going on for all you skeptics: sign up using the referral/invitation code EARTHDAY and you will apparently get $15.95 added to your account - that's a box of kids clothes for FREE!  It looks like as you browse through the available boxes you can sort by size, gender, and key words like GAP or Gymboree.

A 'Cheep' Outing!


I love providing entertainment for my daughter without having to pay for it!  Today the sun was almost out (well, at least it wasn't raining!) so we ventured out to Lattin's Cider Mill.  Naomi loves everything about being there, and I love that it's getting us out of the house and teaching her about animals, etc.  Currently there's quite a variety of feathered friends (chickens, guineas, peacocks, roosters, ducks), goats (including some super cute babies!), rabbits, and a sheep.  Inside the barn there's fresh produce and all kinds of other 'local' goodies.  Oh, and did I mention that they make DONUTS? :-)  Yep, and pies and jams, too!  The bottom line is that this a great place for families and the only cost involved is gas money to get there.  Purchasing donuts and produce is up to you.  Naomi and I splurged on a bag of 1/2 dozen cinnamon/sugar day-old donuts for half price (at the front counter they often have reduced price produce and baked goods) and a few HUGE honey crisp apples from Yakima - only $.79 a pound!!