Host a House Party...

I know several of you have been to one or both of my House Party's but I wanted to share with everyone how you can get in on the fun too...

House Party is a company that promotes products (new, up and coming, etc) by having you share with your friends in your home.  I've had 2 house parties (Gerber and Artisan Flat breads) and they have been really wonderful. 

House Party sends you freebies, coupons, fun games, party materials and anything else that you will need to host a party that will publicize the product. For more information on how it works, click here. 

All you have to do is apply for the party that you are interested in hosting and they will review your application to see if you are a match for what they are looking for.  You won't get selected for every party, but it doesn't take too long to apply and it is totally worth it.  Over the last 2 years, I've applied for 9 and gotten to host 2.  Right now they are accepting applications for:

 

Anyways, I just thought I would pass this fun site along to my followers and hope that you can get in on the fun and enjoy trying out new products for FREE!  Check out my House Party Page to look at some of the free stuff I got with both of my parties. 

Happy New Year!!!

2011 is coming to a close...

Hope you had a wonderful year and that 2012 brings you everything you want and need - and of course saves you a little money at the same time.



Lady G driving in her convertible Cho Chooo at Safeway!!!
By Far the coolest one we ever found.



Thursdays at the Mall... 12/29 edition

Wow, so it has been quite some time since I've posted about my mall trips.  It wasn't because I wasn't going, because I was (up until last week), Lady G loves her Story Time at Barnes and Nobles... I just didn't think to get it done.... So now that Christmas is over and some of the craziness is done, hopefully I can help someone out who is going to the Mall.

My friend Allison told me that the Mall was packed on Wednesday and that she only braved Target, but I had a few returns to do and thought it might be better today.  As soon as I pulled up to the light that over looks the mall (where the crazy construction never ends) I immediately was second guessing myself.  The parking lot was crazy crowded and people were everywhere. I guess it doesn't help that school is out as well.  I convinced myself to drive around to Target and at least take a look, at this point, Lady G was super excited about going to the playground and I didn't want to let her down :(.  Luck was on my side.  I found a relatively close parking spot at Target, got all of my things in the stroller... convinced Lady G that if she let me do some quick returns (no shopping) and I gave her some M & M's to keep her busy she could go play. It worked....

• No Line at Target Customer Service
• Stopped in Michael Kor's to look for something for my mother (trust me, not in my $30 budget)
• Really short line at Ann Taylor
• Really short line at Macy's

30 minutes and a trip to the potty later, G is at the playground which had also settled down since our first passing.  Anyways, here are somethings I thought I'd pass along:

• Non-refrigerated Meats and Cheeses (my friend always says this) at Hickory Farms were 75% off.  Lots of people waiting in line for their meat sticks...
• Tomorrow, Victoria Secrets is giving away a free pair of panties with any purchase.  Click here for their facebook page, more information and coupon - Thanks, Hip2Save
• Target had their Christmas Items marked down to 50%.  I was hoping for 75%, maybe by the weekend. 
• Don't forget if you haven't picked up your free piece of chocolate from Godiva this month, you only have 2 more days...
• The Christiana Mall website has tons of info and coupons as well... click here for more information. (Build a Bear, Aeropostale, The Body Shop, etc)
• If you got a Mall Gift Card for the holidays, be sure to go here and see if you won an instant prize.

OK, that's all for now... enough rambling... happy Thursday!

New e-coupons for Martins...

UPDATE - I POSTED THE CURRENT PRICES, HOLD OUT THIS WEEK AND HOPE FOR BETTER SALES NEXT WEEK!!!

Check your online Martins Accounts... there are new e-coupons to upload to your card.  Go here and log in and upload your coupons.  Here is what you can expect:

  

 On Sale for $2/6 - Wait till next week to combine e-coupon and paper coupons for a better sale. 

  

  Not on Sale this week - Regular price is $2.59 with $.35 off coupon from 11/13 SS and e-coupon your looking at paying $1.29 per dozen - isn't bad, but wait till they are on sale for a better deal if you can!!!

  

 Not on Sale either - Regular Price $2.39 and I couldn't find any coupons either.  Wait for a sale for sure! 

  

 Not on Sale either.
Regular Price $2.29 and no coupons. 

 Remember, you can stack these with paper manufacturer coupons as well.  I'll keep you posted with any good deals as soon as I go through the weekly add!!! 

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Martins Coupon Match-up for this week here and store coupons here.

25 Free 4x6 Prints at Walgreens...

Through the end of the year, you can get 25 free 4x6 prints from Walgreens. 

Choose in-store pick up for free shipping. 

Go here to up load your photos and then use promo code PRINTNOW during check out.

Thanks, Hip2Save.

The $30 Challenge!!!

As most of you know, I am a stay at home mom and I love the challenge of saving money, trying to save money, and doing all of the fun things with my daughter and family but just less expensive....

I've shared with several of you in person that I challenge myself to spend only $30.00 per week on groceries, eating out, shopping, errands, etc.  The only thing that I do not include in my $30 challenge is gas and the house hold bills. (And my $50 trip to Martin's today to make dinner for my in-laws)

I have been doing this for over a month now and it really isn't all that hard to do.  Some of you may think that you couldn't possibly do anything fun and buy all of your groceries for only $30.  NOT TRUE!!! It does take a little creativity and pre-planning but it is totally do-able.  I start my week on Mondays and any money I have from the previous week just gets added to my weekly pot. 

Still not convinced?  Follow me this week as I show you how I spend my $30.  It shouldn't be that hard considering the grocery stores aren't enticing me in and neither are the drug stores... Might be an entertainment type of week.

Lasagna in the Crock Pot???

Warning, this post has nothing to do with saving money or dreaming of saving money....

Tonight I made dinner for my father-in-law and his wife and I was trying to make something semi-healthy after the last week of fat laden cookies, fudge, pies, food, food and food.  I came across a recipe for Slow Cooker Lasagna... yeah, that's right, lasagna in a crock pot. 

I had my serious doubts about making this dish and after reading all of the reviews about how good it was and how easy it was to make, I decided I would give it a try.  (So after going to the grocery store and shopping without any coupons, I was crushed but really wanted to make this dish) I put it all together and put it in the dish and turned it on.  After an hour, I peeked in, it looked and smelled really good.  I was getting excited because this was going to work out after all and I WAS GOING TO LOOK LIKE A GREAT WIFE AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW...

Family gets here, dinner is served.... and wah-lah!  IT WAS A HIT!  (Even Mr.B liked it and he doesn't like much that I make). It really was great and so easy to make.  So I wanted to share the recipe with you all.  Now before you start thinking it can't be good because it is a Weight Watcher recipe, it really is great!!!  I just wish I took a picture of it to show you!

If you need an idea for dinner this week and have some of these items laying around, make it.  I promise it will be so worth it.  I think the next time I try it, I may slip some extra veggies in there like shredded Zucchini, Carrots or Spinach...

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 12/26...

Here are the coupons from the coupon machine at Martins for the week:





Careone hand soap on sale for $1.00 - $.50 after store coupon!!!


• Save $.50 on your next purchase of any Care One Item
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Floral Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $7 or more from our Deli Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Produce Department



For the Care One coupon - think of items that are relatively inexpensive such as cotton balls, q-tips, tooth brushes, hand soap, travel toiletry items (check out my post here).

Aside from the Dan-a-nino yogurt $1.89, I don't see any wonderful after Christmas deals at Martins...

Maybe next week.  Have a great week!

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 12/25...

Here are sites on where to find the best deals at grocery stores in the county:

• Martins - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - This states that it is for Stop and Shop but Stop and Shop, Giant and Martins are all owned by the same company. I did notice that some items are a little more expensive in her match-ups than in ours. Not really seeing anything worth jumping for... slow week!
• ACME - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons. And... another slow week!
• Food Lion - Thanks afrugalchick.  Celery for $.88... not bad... not worth going either!!
• Redners - Thanks forthemommas.  Not yet posted...

90% off Restaurant.com - $25.00 gift certificates for $1.00 - WOW

Restaurant.com is offering 90% off gift certificates... making a $25.00 gift certificate only $1.00.

AND... if you go through Ebates, you can score an additional 30% off.  So now, that $25 gift certificate only costs $.70.... say what???? 

Here's what I'm thinking... AMAZING CHRISTMAS GIFTS.....

Find a restaurant near where your recipient lives and pick out a nice place for them to try and at such a great discount.  My parents (who I can safely say will not read this) live in PA, so I picked out a couple for them for Christmas. 
Who do you still need a gift for?  Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, Kids, Grandparents, In-Laws...
There is something for everyone.  
Also, I think I figured out something great... Bucks in Rising Sun, MD, has an amazing breakfast buffet on Sundays, however if you purchase the $25 gift certificate, you can't use it on the breakfast buffet.  But if you get the $10 gift certificate YOU CAN; and it is only $.50 - Sweet!

To take advantage of this deal, click on the link below and start shopping.  Use the promo code JOY to get the discount.

Martins Double Dollar Days Update...

So I stopped in Martins this morning to check out any fun, exciting deals with the double dollar deal.  Here is my shopping trip:

Bounty - Regular Price $2.09

Used $1.00 off coupon from mailer -doubled to $2.00

Paid $.09 for a roll of paper towels (NAME BRAND)

Lysol Wipes - on Sale for $2.00

Used $1.00 off coupon - can't find which newspaper it was from - doubles to $2.00

Paid $0 - FREE

Halls - on sale $1.00

Used $1.00/2 coupon from 11/6 SS - doubles to $2.00
Paid $0 - FREE and then gave them to a friend who needed some for her stock pile
Cooked Perfect Meatballs - on sale B1G1F at $3.99
Used 2 $1.00 off coupons from 11/13 RP - one doubles the other does not - $3.00 off
Paid $1.00 for 2 bags of meatballs
Pepperidge Farm Artisan Rolls - on sale $2.99
Used $1.00 off coupon from 10/16 SS - doubles to $2.00
Paid $.99
Duncan Hines Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix - on sale for $2.00
Used $1.00 off coupon from 9/25 SS - doubles to $2.00
Paid $0 - FREE
Cuties Tangerines - on sale $4.99
Used $1.00 off coupon from 12/4 SS - doubles to $2.00
Paid $2.99 (normally 7.99 -who would pay that?)
Coke Zero - Regular price $1.89
Used Facebook Coupon for $.99 off - doubles to $1.89 (looks like this coupon is still available)
Paid $0 - FREE
Dole Frozen Fruit - Regular Price $2.19
Used $.75 coupon from October All You Magazine- doubles to $1.50
Paid $.69 - I wanted to try them out

Total for the items in the picture: $5.76

Now I did purchase 2 gift cards for the holidays so I didn't have to worry about the minimum $15.00 purchase and I needed them.  Also, I did this in 2 different orders because you can only double four $1.00 coupons per order.  I separated the Cokes and Duncan Hines in two orders (1 in each) so that I could double both coupons.  Martins will only double 1 like coupon.  I plan on going back to see what else I can find.  Hope you find some great deals too.

Here is my earlier post on the Martins deals for the week!

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 12/19...

I stopped in Martins today to check out the coupon machine and to see what quick deals I could pick up... Here's what I found:

• Save $.50 on your next purchase of any book or magazine
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $7 from our Health and Beauty Care Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $5 or more from our Carry Out Cafe
• Save $1.00 on your next purchase of $10 or more from our Meat Department

And then, here is what I picked up today...

Kibbles and Bits Small Bag of Dog Food on Sale $3.99 (needed it!!!)
Use $1.00 off coupon from the 11/13 RP - doubles to $2.00 off
Paid $1.99
Turkey Hill Ice Cream - B1G1F at $4.09
Use $1.00 off from November Shape Magazine - doubles to $2.00
Paid $1.05 per carton
Smuckers Snack-n-Waffles - Reg. Price $2.69
Use $1.00 off coupon from 9/18 RP - doubles to $2.00
Paid $.69
Halls Throat Lozenge's on sale $1.00
Buy 2 and Use $1.00/2 coupon from 11/6 SS - doubles to $2.00
Paid $0 - FREE

Don't forget, you have to spend $15 minimum in order to double your dollar coupons.  Think of items that aren't normally on sale(YOU CAN'T FIND COUPONS FOR) like MILK or MEAT or PRODUCE to help you get to $15.00.  Also, you can only use 4 dollar doubles per order.  So break up your orders. 

Check back soon to see what I else I stumbled upon.  I'm hoping to stock up this week with the dollar doublers. 

Free Batteries and USB Flash Drive from Staples...

Here are two great deals from Staples... Awesome stocking stuffer for the techie person in your life and who doesn't need free batteries. 

Click here for more information.

Herr's 12 Day's of Christmas

So, I know it is kinda late, but I stumbled upon Herr's this weekend and found the calendar of events for the 12 days of Christmas. 

You might want to give a peek here and see if there is anything you might be interested in doing.  At the very least, definitely drive up and admire the lights.

My girlfriend and I took our daughters up on Saturday to visit with Santa.  It was wonderful.  Walked right in, Sat with Santa, Took our Picture and done... Definitely doing that again next year.

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 12/18

Here are sites on where to find the best deals at grocery stores in the county:

• Martins - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - This states that it is for Stop and Shop but Stop and Shop, Giant and Martins are all owned by the same company. I did notice that some items are a little more expensive in her match-ups than in ours. This week is dollar doubler's with a minimum $15.00 purchase.  Check back tomorrow to see what I found on my Martins Monday Post!!
• ACME - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons.
• Food Lion - Thanks afrugalchick. 
• Redners - Thanks forthemommas.

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 12/12...

Here are the coupons from the coupon machine from this week:

• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Frozen Food Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of any Natures Promise Item - Good One
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $5 or more from our Bakery Department
• Save $1.00 on your next purchase of $10 or more from our Seafood Department

I haven't seen a lot of great deals lately in the grocery stores, but here is the only thing I think worth noting this week:

Green Giant Canned Veggies 3/$2

Use the $0.50/2 Green Giant Canned Corn, Peas or Green Beans, from the 11/13 GM

Pay only $.16 per can - Woah Stock up if you have the coupons...

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 12/11

Here are sites on where to find the best deals at grocery stores in the county:

• Martins - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - This states that it is for Stop and Shop but Stop and Shop, Giant and Martins are all owned by the same company. I did notice that some items are a little more expensive in her match-ups than in ours. Awesome deal on Green Giant canned veggies, check back for my Martins Monday Post!!
• ACME - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - I don't see anything just yet...
• Food Lion - Thanks afrugalchick. 
• Redners - Thanks forthemommas. - Yummy Smuckers Snack n Waffles - only $1.29

Free Admission to the Delaware Children's Museum for Military

The Delaware Children's Museum is providing free admission for active-duty and veteran military personnel through January 2nd.  All you need is your military ID and that will get you and one guest in for free. 

Go here to see the Delaware Children's Museum Website or here for their facebook page.

Thanks, Carri

OMG My Favorite MyCokeRewards - Free 12 Packs for 30 Points

Ok, go now and use those points you've been saving up.  In my opinion, THIS IS THE BEST DEAL THEY HAVE - and it will sell out. 

 

Today, you can get a coupon for a free 12 pack for only 30 points.  You can only get 2, so definitely get them both.  It does take a couple of weeks to get them, but totally worth the wait. 

Go here MyCokeRewards and sign in.  On the main page click on the Wednesday Deal and then submit for your coupon.

Thanks, Hip2Save for the early morning reminder.

Free 8x10 Kodak Photo Collage thru 12/11

Just in time to decorate your house or make a cute gift.  Kodak is giving away a free 8x10 photo collage coupons to use at one of their kiosks.  You can make them at CVS and print them out right then. 

Go here and like them on facebook and on the left hand side look for the tab about free 8 x 10 photo collage.

Have fun.

Thanks, Hip2Save

Santa is coming to Rising Sun Tuesday 12/6

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL SING

Please come and join us for the annual Christmas Carol Sing to be held in Town Square on Tuesday evening December 6, 2011 @ 7:00 PM

In addition to kicking off the Christmas season with caroling, light refreshments and holiday cheer, we will also have a special quest appearance from Santa Clause 

 

Thanks, Rising Sun

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 12/5

Here are the coupons from the coupon machine for this week:

• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Floral Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Produce Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $7 or more from our Deli Department
• Save $.50 on your next Care one purchase - check out my pic below

Look in the travel, trial section in the HBA aisle.

I didn't really find any great deals this week at Martins... but here is my trip from today:
Velveeta Cheesy Skillets - $2.00
Used a $.75 off coupon from a previous box - doubles to $1.50
Paid $.50
Meatballs - $1.00
No Coupons
Paid $1.00
Seviroli Frozen Pasta $1.00
No Coupons
Paid $1.00
Giant Cool Whip $1.00
No Coupon
Paid $1.00
Care one Soap Box $.55
Used $.50 coupon from coupon machine
Paid $.05 (I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it just yet, its the perfect size for crayons or cards.  When I was coaching Field Hockey the girls used these to hold their mouth guards)  Get Creative for $.05

Total Spent $3.59

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 12/4

Here are sites on where to find the best deals at grocery stores in the county:

• Martins - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - This states that it is for Stop and Shop but Stop and Shop, Giant and Martins are all owned by the same company. I did notice that some items are a little more expensive in her match-ups than in ours.  Nothing is jumping out at me, but check back tomorrow for my Martins Monday Post!!
• ACME - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - Yikes... another dull week. I'll let you know if anything comes up.
• Food Lion - Thanks afrugalchick. 
• Redners - Thanks forthemommas. - She doesn't have them listed for this week and I can't find another site ANYWHERE that does Redner Match ups.  Crazy, just like Food Lion I guess. 

Free Dunkin Donuts Dark or Mint Hot Chocolate and Subway Subs

Ok, check your coupons this weekend in the paper for these 2 great coupons to use:

In the 12/4 SS, you will find a coupon from Dunkin Donuts for a free Medium Dark or Mint Hot Chocolate.  No Purchase Necessary.  Exp. 1/7/12.

In the 12/4 RP, you will find a bunch of coupons from Subway for a B1G1F 6" sub deal.  You need to buy one 6 inch sub and a drink and you get another 6 inch sub for free.  I just love these coupons.  This makes for a really inexpensive meal out and split the total cost with a friend, works out to be like $3.00 for each of you.  These coupons expire on 1/15/12 and you can use them with the free cookie coupons that I posted about here.  Also, I just realized that December is $2.00 customer appreciation month and you can get a regular 6" meatball marinara or 6" cold cut combo for only $2.00.  You cannot however combine the coupon deal and the monthly deal.  Oh well, either way, you're making out great for a healthy meal (granted, your sub is the healthy one).

25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family

So this year, Lady G is starting to pick up on Christmas and Santa Clause and I found a schedule of the 25 Days of Christmas in my Entertainment Magazine (that I got for free with my coke rewards points) and am super excited to watch or DVR some of these shows for her.  Plus some of them are running more than once so hopefully you can catch it before the season is over. 

Go here to ABC Family's 25 Day's of Christmas to see the schedule. 

Here are some of my favorites:

• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - 12/5
• The Polar Express - 12/5
• Twas the Night Before Christmas - 12/6
• Frosty's Winter Wonderland - 12/8
• Mickey's Christmas Special - 12/20

Plus lots of Disney Movies and Pixar Films... Definitly check it out. 

Free Lotion from Bath and Body Works

Here is a coupon from Bath and Body Works Facebook page for a free lotion December 2 - 4.  No purchase necessary.  If you haven't liked them on facebook yet, you should.  They often offer freebies like this.  Go here to see them on facebook.