Northern Cheapskate

Money-Saving Monday: Freebies and Coupons

2010-03-15T20:02:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday, everyone!

The new design here makes me feel like a girl who keeps spinning around to see her dress swish... I almost forget that I'm supposed to write things!

Here's my round-up of goodies for you - Enjoy!

Students can get a free lip care item with any purchase at Bath & Body Works. You must show your student ID and show the coupon.

Subscribe to the FaveCrafts Quick and Crafty email newsletter for free and receive the Simple Scrapbook Layouts eBook as a welcome gift.

Get a free reusable tote bag from Nursery Water. They're giving 100 bags away a day, so keep trying. Looks like it resets at noon (EST).

Save $1 on any McCormick spice, herb, extract or food coloring.

Get a coupon for buy one get one free Meaty Bone dog biscuits.

Sign up for Blue Bunny's e-mail list, and get a coupon for $1 off any 1.75 quart of Blue Bunny Ice Cream or frozen novelty carton.

Save $3 to $16 on select DVDs including The Twilight Saga and AstroBoy.

Save up to $32 on select Hasbro games. Game nights are a great way to have a fun time without spending a lot of money!

In case my list of rebates wasn't enough for you, I've got new rebates posted at Deal Seeking Mom and Freebies4Mom has some great Office Max rebates.

Does Paying For Bags Change Your Shopping Habits?

2010-03-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

One of my New Year's resolutions was to try to be more environmentally friendly than I have been in the past.

So far, that's meant making a more concerted effort to recycle, use CFLs, and disconnect energy-sucking electronics.

I'm also trying to use reusable totes when I shop, but it's been a struggle. I often forget my bags at home or in the car, and end up hauling home plastic or paper bags instead.

I recently read that the Washington DC area is now requiring customers to pay 5 cents for each grocery bag they use. Apparently the new law has resulted in less waste.

And some stores, such as Target, have started rewarding customers who bring their own reusable shopping bags with a nickel discount for each bag.

But is it enough to change people's habits?

I know that when Target first started its discount policy last year, I was very excited about it. But the reality is that after a few weeks, it's quite easy to slip back into those old bad habits. It's easy to say, "It's only a nickel," and take the plastic bag.

If I had to pay for bags, would I be tempted to say the same thing? Maybe I would be, especially if I'm distracted by trying to keep my three boys from destroying the candy display during check-out.

I also don't like that both the rewards and the pay-as-you shop policies seem to discriminate against those who may not have a lot of disposable income for reusable shopping totes. Sure, it's just a nickel now. But those little amounts add up.

Unfortunately, the reality is that we must do something to reduce the amount of paper and plastic bags into landfills. That could mean better educating people about the environmental impacts of grocery bags, encouraging more recycling of paper and plastic bags, and creating better incentives to encourage reusable shopping bags.

For now, I'll just keep on doing my best with my reusable shopping bags. They say it can take 21 days to form a habit, so I'd better start on it now.

A New Look and New Features at Northern Cheapskate

2010-03-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled to show off our wonderful new design at Northern Cheapskate!

This has been a work in progress with Sashwhy Studio for some time now, and my hope is that the new design will make it even easier to find the information you need to help you save money.

I've added drop-down menus to help you navigate the site better. You'll find info on coupons, freebies, deals, frugal living, giveaways, and much more.

I've also added a Coupon Database courtesy of Deal Seeking Mom. I'm really excited about this new feature because it will save you a lot a time and money as you plan your shopping trips.

The Coupon Database is a searchable list of coupons from the Sunday papers, magazines, and online sources all in one convenient location so that you can save on every shopping trip. And don't forget, you can always print coupons directly from Northern Cheapskate.

I'd really like to thank all of you who took the time to give me their feedback on Northern Cheapskate. Your positive comments and constructive criticism were extremely helpful, and this redesign is just one of many things I'll be doing here to improve this site.

Speaking of that survey... I'd also like to announce the winner of the $10 Starbucks Gift Card: Angela!!! I've e-mailed Angela with details on how she can claim her prize.

I really hope you enjoy the new look and functionality at Northern Cheapskate.

As always, please feel free to contact me at any time. You can also find me on Twitter or on Facebook.

Happy Saving!

Free Espresso Shots at Caribou Coffee

2010-03-13T13:10:00.001-06:00

Recharge with a free espresso shot at Caribou Coffee on Sunday and Monday.

Caribou Coffee has deemed themselves the "Official Coffee of Daylight Savings Time" and to help you survive with one less hour of sleep this weekend, they'll add a free espresso shot to your favorite beverage on Sunday, March 14 and Monday, March 15.

Free SXSW Music Sampler from NPR

2010-03-13T08:15:00.005-06:00

I don't know about you, but I love free music!

Download a free 11-song sampler of the artists featured by NPR Music and public radio stations at this March's South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. Click on the graphic to get the code, which is redeemable on iTunes through April 30 while supplies last.

The collection includes performances by Spoon, Broken Bells, Local Natives, Freelance Whales, and many more.

March Mail-in Rebates Round-Up

2010-03-12T08:02:00.000-06:00

Rebates are a great way to save money on the products you purchase and to try some great products for free.

I'd like to share my list of the top mail-in rebates that I have found this month.

I've tried to include the rebates that have printable forms so that everyone has access to them. Keep in mind that you can find more rebates in the Sunday paper, magazines, and on tearpads at your local stores. In addition, many products offer money-back guarantees so if you're not happy with your purchase, you may be able to get your money back.

If you know of any other printable rebates not on this list, please send me an e-mail and I'll try to add it.

If you're new to rebates, be sure to check out my post Simple Tips for Getting Rebates for more information.

Current Rebates Available
Note: This list is organized by earliest known expiration date first.

Jennie-O Turkey Store. Get up to $5 back via mail-in rebate when you purchase any one Jennie-O Turkey Store product. Offer good to the first 25,000 redemptions, so don't delay.

Aveeno. Get $15 in savings on an Aveeno Ageless Vitality Elasticity Recharging System product. Sign up at Aveeno and you'll receive a $5 savings coupon and a rebate form for $10 back on your purchase.

Filtrete. Save $3 by mail-in-rebate when you purchase a Filtrete Air Filter with a 1000 micro particle performance rating (MPR) or greater. Offer expires 3/15/10.

Kotex. Sign up to take the 7-day Kotex panty challenge for one week. If you're not completely satisfied with Kotex, they'll buy you a new pair of panties ($4 rebate). There is a limit of one rebate per person. Offer ends 3/20/2010. When you participate in the challenge you'll also be entered into a contest to win a $100 panty shopping spree.

Hasbro/Star Wars. Get 3 FREE Star Wars Saga Legends Figures by mail when you purchase select Star Wars toys by 3/20/2010. Many of the qualifying items have been seen on clearance.

ConAgra. Spend $10 on select ConAgra products, and you can mail in the form to receive a booklet with $25 in coupon savings! Offer ends 3/28/10.

Energizer. Get a FREE 80-page Keep Going Journal when you purchase any combination of (3) of the following products: EnergizerMAX, Energizer Ultimate Lithium, or Energizer Rechargeable batteries. Note: Only select size packages qualify for the rebate, so read the small print. Offer ends 3/31/2010.

Bissell. Get $10 via mail in rebate when you purchase a Bissell Steam Mop (model 31N1) between 12/29/09 and 3/28/10. You can also save up to $30 via rebate on your purchase of other Bissell products between 2/20/10 to 3/31/10.

Sure. Try Sure for Men, Sure with Natural Extracts or Sure Max for FREE after mail-in rebate (rebates vary between $2.99 and $6.99) You must buy the specially marked packages of these products that have the "Try Me Free" sticker on it and have an original cash receipt dated between 1/1/10 and 3/31/10.

Pert Plus for Men. Try the new Pert Plus for Men FREE after mail in rebate (Up to $3.99). You must buy the specially marked Pert Plus for Men that has the “Try Me Free” sticker on it and have an original cash receipt dated between 1/1/10 and 3/31/10.

Dannon/Activia. Try Activia yogurt for free (up to $12) after mail-in rebate . Offer ends 3/31/2010.

Febreeze. Get a coupon for a FREE Febreze Flameless Luminary two-pack refill when you send in 6 used Flameless Luminary Shades. You have until 4/01/2010 to collect your used shades.

Diapers.com. New customers who make their first purchase of $15 or more at Diapers.com also have their choice of a free subscription to Parenting Early Years Magazine or a mail-in rebate of $14.97.

Proctor & Gamble. Receive over $100 worth of P&G coupon savings by mail when you buy $50 worth of P&G products. You can either print the form, or find yours in the February 21 Sunday newspaper. Offer ends 4/15/2010 and is not valid in Maine.

For Dummies Series. Buy any "For Dummies" Book or Audio Set that costs $6.99 or more between 3/01 and 4/30 and get $5 via mail-in rebate.

Neutrogena. Purchase any Neutrogena Clinical product by 4/30/2010 and get $15 back via mail-in rebate. There is also a $5 off coupon available, too.

Physician's Formula. Get a $5 mail-in rebate on your purchase of Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Makeup Remover. Offer ends 4/30/2010.

Dr. Scholl's. Buy one Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic product between January 15, 2010 and April 30, 2010 and get $10 back via mail-in rebate.

Hillshire Farm. Get a FREE Hillshire Farm 75th Anniversary Cookbook when you buy any (3) Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage products (links, rope or cocktail links) between 10/04/09 and 5/14/10. The cookbook has a $10 value.

Intuit Software. Looking to save on TurboTax, Quicken or QuickBooks? Check out the wide variety of mail-in rebates available from Intuit. Read the fine print: some of the offers listed exclude stores like Target, Walmart, Sam's Club or Costco, so be sure to check before you shop.

Reynolds Wrap. Get a FREE Reynolds Wrap Foil 1:64 die-cast car when you purchase (2) rolls of Reynolds Wrap Foil (excluding 20, 25 and 30 square feet) in a single transaction between 6/1/09 and 4/30/10.

SC Johnson and Company. Buy any 3 SC Johnson products and get $5 back via mail-in-rebate. Products include Ziploc, Glade, Windex, Pledge, Shout, Scrubbing Bubbles, Fantastik, Drano, Raid, Off, Saran, and Nature's Choice. You have until 6/30/10 to make your purchase.

Sun-Maid. Get $4 via mail-in rebate when you buy Sun-Maid Raisins and Hannah Montana: The Movie on DVD or Blu-Ray. Purchase must be made between 7/15/09 and 6/30/10.

Feline Pine. Try a 7-pound bag of Feline Pine Original Cat Litter or a 3.8 or 4-pound box of Feline Pine Scoop forFREE after mail-in rebate. Offer ends 6/30/2010.

General Mills. Get a FREE movie ticket when you collect codes from any (2) specially marked boxes of General Mills cereal. Offer ends 6/30/2010.

Liquid-Plumr. Get a rebate of up to $9.00 for Liquid-Plumr Gel 80 oz or up to $5 for Liquid Plumr Gel 32 oz and Liquid-Plumr Foaming Pipe Snake. This is a money-back guarantee, so only request this rebate if you’re truly unhappy with the product. You must request your money back within 60 days of purchase. Offer expires 6/30/2010.

Oral-B. Get a $15 refund by mail on your next dental visit when you buy buy any Oral-B Pulsonic, ProfessionalCare or Sonic Complete rechargeable toothbrush. Offer valid between 9/01/09 and 6/30/10. You can also get $10 back via mail-in rebate when you purchase any one Oral-B ProfessionalCare or Oral-B Pulsonic rechargeable electric toothbrush before 6/30/2010.

3M Post-It Note Labels. Buy $20 worth or more of any 3M Permanent Label and/or Post-it Removable Label products between 12/15/09 and 6/30/10 and receive $10 back by mail.

Pyrex. Got a bridal shower to shop for? Get 30 FREE music downloads when you purchase $30 or more of Pyrex products between 7/01/09 and 7/31/10.

Kellogg's. Buy (3) specially marked Kellogg's cereals and get $10 bonus bucks to spend on electronics, toys, sporting goods, books, concessions and movies. Your certificate must be used by 11/30/10. Click here to see a complete list of participating retailers. Offer ends 9/30/2010.

Physician's Formula. Get the Physician's Formula Bamboo Wear Compact Mirror and Brush free after rebate (up to $6.95 value) when you purchase the specially-marked package with the "Try Me Free" label. Offer ends 12/31/2010.

Physician's Formula. Try the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Mascara Duo product for FREE after mail-in rebate (up to $10.95) when you purchase the specially-marked product with the "Try Me Free" label. Offer ends 12/31/2010.

Lowe's/Blue Rhino. Planning on moving and not sure how to move your propane tank? Get a $20 rebate when you purchase a Blue Rhino propane tank from Lowe's. To qualify for the rebate, drop your current propane tank beside a Blue Rhino tank exchange display at a participating Blue Rhino retailer before December 31, 2010. Then after you move, purchase a Blue Rhino propane tank from Lowe’s and complete the rebate form. You must buy a Blue Rhino tank with no exchange.

World's Best Cat Litter. Get a 7 or 8-lb bag of World's Best Cat Litter for free (up to $12.99) after mail-in rebate. Purchase must be made between 2/01/2010 and 12/31/2010.

Just for Men Touch of Gray. Try Just for Men Touch of Gray for free after mail-in rebate (up to $9.50 back). Offer expires 12/31/10.

Just for Men. Try Just for Men Hair Color or Color Gel Product FREE after mail-in rebate (up to $9.50). Offer ends 12/31/2010.

Jolly Time. Get a FREE reusable grocery bag by mail with 3 UPCs/Proof of Purchase from any Jolly Time Microwave Popcorn product. The tote bag holds up to 22 pounds and can carry the equivalent of 3-4 plastic grocery bags. Offer good while supplies last.

Langers Juice. If you drink a lot of Langers Juice, you can earn a FREE Wii game, GI Joe toy and more via mail-in rebate.

Old Orchard Healthy Balance. Collect 10 UPC barcodes from any Healthy Balance juice product, and redeem them for a coupon good for 1 FREE Healthy Balance 64 oz. juice (any flavor).

Acuvue. If you're in the market for new contact lenses, check out the Acuvue brand contact lenses rebates. There are a variety of rebates for both 2009 and 2010 available ranging from $20 to $75 off your purchase. Contact lenses must be purchased within the eligible time frame and within 90 days of an eye exam. There is a lot of fine print to these deals, so make sure you know exactly what you have to purchase ahead of time.

Gold ‘n Plump. Save up those Gold ‘n Plump chicken UPCs and receipts and select from one of several free after rebate items: A free Our Family’s Best Chicken Cookbook, a free soup bowl, or a stuffed chicken. Be sure to grab the $1 off coupons from Gold ‘n’ Plump, too.

Clorox ToiletWand. Buy any Clorox ToiletWand System in a single transaction and get a $5 mail-in rebate. Offer ends 2/01/2011.

I'll update this list of my top mail-in rebates monthly, but if you can't wait that long, head on over to Deal Seeking Mom each Monday for a weekly round-up of my favorite picks.

Win SunBird Asian Spice Mixes and a $25 Gift Card

2010-03-11T08:41:00.003-06:00

I think I've mentioned how cooking at home is a real challenge for me (oh, maybe a few dozen times). It's not that I don't like cooking, it's just that sometimes I get so busy that the lure of eating out is just too great.

Chicken Stir Fry

Since I'm always on the lookout for a way to make great tasting food without a lot of effort, I was happy to have the opportunity to try SunBird Asian Seasonings.

SunBird has more than 20 different spice mixes to choose from, including General Tso's Chicken, Fried Rice, Kung Pao Chicken, Stir Fry, Egg Drop Soup, Sweet & Sour, Honey Sesame Chicken, and much more!

My family tried the General Tso's Chicken, and we were impressed! In about 20 minutes, we had a tasty, take-out quality meal on our table, for a fraction of the price of take-out. We're looking forward to trying the other varieties soon!

The SunBird Asian Sauce Mixes include all the spices you need and easy to follow instructions on how to prepare the dish. You still need to purchase the meat, vegetables, rice, and other ingredients (like sugar, soy sauce, or cornstarch) to complete the meal. I liked having control over these parts of the meal because - being a Cheapskate - I've learned to find great prices on those things. I also like that I can select the best quality vegetables and meats at a great price so that we can really enjoy our dinner at home.

The spice mixes cost around $1 and the SunBird has a coupon for 25 cents off a packet. Watch for those sales, and you'll be eating a great meal without a lot of hassle or cost!

Want to try SunBird Asian Spice Mixes for yourself?

I'm giving away a case of SunBird Asian Sauce mixes (24 spice packets valued at $25) and a $25 Visa gift card to help you buy the groceries needed to create some wonderful meals at home!

To enter this giveaway, please fill out the form below by Wednesday, March 17 at 8 p.m (CT). If you're reading this in a feed reader or in an e-mail and you can't see the form, please click here.

You must be a resident of the US age 18 years or older. Please only one entry per household. Duplicate entries will be deleted. The information I gather will only be used to notify the winner on how to claim their prize.

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I will randomly draw one winner and notify that person by e-mail once the contest is over. The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize, or I will draw a new winner.

While you're welcome to comment on this post, please note that comments are not considered a valid entry. You must fill out the form to enter!

Disclosure: SunBird provided me with four SunBird Asian Sauce mixes to try and provided the prize for this giveaway. I was also compensated for helping them with this campaign. Please know that the opinions in this post are my honest thoughts on this product and were not edited by SunBird or their affiliates or influenced by any compensation.

Winner of the Huggies Pull-Ups Giveaway

2010-03-11T07:53:00.000-06:00

As the mother of twins, I was really sorry that I only got to pick one winner for the Huggies Pull-Ups giveaway - because I know any mom who is trying to get her kiddo out of diapers will appreciate this prize.

Unfortunately, only one reader wins a pack of Huggies Pull-Ups.

And thanks to the Random.org's true random number generator, that person is #124.... Sandy B!!!

How do you know if you've won? I've sent Sandy an e-mail on how to claim her prize.

I'd also like to remind you that Huggies Pull-Ups has some wonderful free resources to help you on your quest to be done with diaper changes.

Visit the Pull-Ups website to read articles and tips on potty training, get a coupon for Pull-Ups, and sign up to get a free potty-training DVD.

Download a free copy of Ralph's Potty Dance song, video, and dance steps to get your child interested in the process.

Become a fan of Pull-Ups on Facebook and ask one of several potty-training experts for their advice for free!

Thanks to all who entered this giveaway and be sure to enter my other giveaways!

Things Celebrated by Cheapskates

2010-03-10T07:56:00.015-06:00

Earlier this week, I wrote about things that frustrate cheapskates.

I don't want you to think that I spend my time being bothered by life's money-wasters. So today I've come up with a list of things we cheapskates love.

Here's my list of things celebrated by cheapskates:

Coupons for free products. (Did you see last week's Sunday paper? Free Frank's Hot Sauce!)

A great clearance sale.

Frugal bloggers and deal forums. These hardworking folks make it easy to be frugal.

Being able to fix something you thought you couldn't fix.

Cars that are paid for.

Garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales, and Freecycle.

Money in the bank.

Good health.

Simplicity. I don't need diamonds or flowers or fancy dinners. Just the funny handmade cards my husband gives me are enough.

Love. It's all you need.

Okay, Cheapskates - Your turn! What are some things you love?

Free Lowe's Build & Grow Workshop: Tabletop Basketball

2010-03-09T09:00:00.001-06:00

Too cold to play outside? Your child can build a tabletop basketball game for free at Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic!

The free workshop will be held on Saturday, March 13 at 10 a.m. at participating Lowe's stores.

You should sign up in advance for these free workshops, and a parent must be present at the workshop with the child.

Each workshop runs about an hour and is geared toward kids in first through fifth grade. Many of the projects are completed in much less than an hour. My son has gone since he was 4 and does fine with dad's help. They always have a blast at these workshops and it is fun to see how proud my son is of his projects!

The first 50 kids to sign up for each workshop will get a kit, work apron, and safety goggles for free. Kids also get a badge and certificate when they complete their project.

Can't make this workshop? Check out Lowe's Build and Grow to see what other projects are being planned.

Money-Saving Monday: Book Deals and More

2010-03-08T20:07:00.003-06:00

No, I didn't forget... It's money-saving Monday! Time to share some money-saving tips with all of you!

Head on over to Barnes & Noble this week where you can get 100 Former Adult Bestsellers for $3.99 each! You can also get 100 Former Kids Bestsellers for $3.99 each.

Get a free sample of John Frieda Luxurious Volume Full Splendor Shampoo and Luxurious Volume Full Splendor Conditioner.

Save $5 on Hasbro games when you buy $25 or more in qualifying Hasbro Family Game Night games at Amazon.

Get a free sample from Kashi. You get a choice of GoLean Crisp! Toasted Crumble Cereal, TLC Dark Chocolate Coconut Fruit & Grain Bar, or GoLean Crunch! Honey Almond Flax Cereal.

Into heavy metal music? Download the Amazon Metal Sampler with 20 heavy metal songs for free.

Sam's Club members can get a free sample of Glad Force Flex trash bags.

I've got another round-up of fabulous mail-in rebates at Deal Seeking Mom - including one for a free Clorox ToiletWand.

Frustations of Cheapskates

2010-03-08T09:45:00.001-06:00

I usually consider myself a pretty positive person, but I am human. There are a few things that do frustrate me from time to time. I thought some of you might relate to this list, or at least find it amusing.

If nothing else, you'll develop some pity for my family members....

Here's a list of something of the things that frustrate this cheapskate:

Not being able to get the last little bit of (lotion, detergent, ketchup, etc) out of the bottle.

People who leave all the lights and television on long after they've left the room.

Leaking faucets.

Fast food restaurants that force you to pay more money for less food. It drives me crazy that in order to get the best price I have to buy a "value" meal with ginormous portions when I'd rather just buy the smaller sized items.

Folks who steal the coupons off packaging in the store or take all of the coupons from the tearpads at the supermarket. Do you really need that many coupons?

Clothing that wears out prematurely. Actually, anything that wears out prematurely. They don't make stuff to last anymore!

Coffee shops that keep the room temperature near freezing so that you want to buy more hot beverages. (Can you tell I'm writing this at a coffee shop?)

Rotting food in the back of the refrigerator.

Waiting lists for the book you want to read at the library.

Forgetting to bring your coupons. Or forgetting to use a coupon. Or just having to pay full price for anything.

So, fellow Cheapskates - What things frustrate your frugal personality?

What the Cheapskate Is Reading

2010-03-07T09:10:00.001-06:00

Have I mentioned how little time I've had to do any reading? Where does the time go?

Anyway... here are a few posts I've been reading over the past week or so:

Looking to trim from your budget? Money Saving Blog challenges you to Quit the Gym in March.

I enjoyed Frugality and Moving On to New Values at The Simple Dollar. It really makes you think about the stuff you're hanging on to.

I'm so guilty of over-complicating things. Just ask my husband. I always over-analyze to the point where it is hard to get things done, so I really enjoyed Stop Making It Complicated at mnmlist.com.

The largest city closest to where I live (Duluth, MN) is competing for a chance to be a test site for Google's new Fiber Optics program - which would mean getting an ultra-high speed fiber optic network 100 times the speed of current U.S. internet connections. Even though I'm 90 miles away from Duluth - I'm psyched about the prospect of super fast internet... and I LOVE the competitive good humor the City of Duluth is showing. Please show some support for Duluth!

Get $5 Rebate on Dummies Books

2010-03-06T08:56:00.001-06:00

March is Dummies Month, and the publishers of the "For Dummies" books and audiobooks are celebrating!

Buy any "For Dummies" book or audio set for $6.99 or more between March 1, 2010 and April 30, 2020, and you'll get $5 back via mail-in rebate.

Amazon is having a sale on Dummies books right now - and there's free shipping if you spend $25 or more.

There are plenty of titles - more than 1,400 - to choose from, so if you're in the market for a new reference book, you may want to check this offer out.

Free Bag of SunChips on Facebook

2010-03-05T10:36:00.000-06:00

Become a fan of SunChips on Facebook and you will receive a coupon for a FREE bag of SunChips.

Note: This offer is limited to the first 100,000 people who sign up - so don't delay!

The coupon is for a free 10.5 oz bag. There is a limit of one coupon per address while supplies last.

(Thanks to Common Sense with Money for sharing this yummy freebie!)

Free Stuff for Kids

2010-03-05T08:52:00.001-06:00

It doesn't matter if you're a kid or a grown-up: It's good to break out of the old routine once in awhile!

It's even better when you can find something free, too! Here are a few freebies for younger kids:

Do your kids enjoy Highlights Magazine? Then they'll love all of the free games and printables at HighlightsKids.com.

Download more than 30 free songs from Sprout.

Nick Jr. has an extensive collection of printable charts, calendars, and certificates to motivate and encourage your child.

MEGA Brand toys (maker of MEGA Blocks) has a great collection of free activities to inspire the builder and artist in your child. I love that you can search the collection by type of activity, estimated amount of time needed and age group.

If Legos are more your kids' thing, sign them up for a free subscription to Club Lego Magazine. There is also a Club Lego Jr. Magazine for kids ages 6 and younger.

Looking for an Easter-themed craft? Check out these adorable Easter projects from Living Locurto.

If you're looking to learn some simple sign language to help your child communicate better, check out the American Sign Language browser from Michigan State University. This site was recommended to me by a speech therapist and I've found it to be helpful.

Jane4Girls just shared that kids in Indianapolis and Chicago can see a free screening of the movie How to Train Your Dragon.

Potty-Training Tips from Pull-Ups And a Giveaway

2010-03-04T12:31:00.004-06:00

This giveaway is now closed. See who won here.

I've got twin two-year old boys still in diapers. I know that the frugal thing to do is to jump right in and get these boys potty-trained so I can kiss that diaper expense good-bye!

But I have some reservations. While the boys are starting to show some signs of readiness, I'm intimidated by the thought of training two more. Potty-training our oldest boy was a challenging, long, drawn-out ordeal, and I worry about what it will be like with the younger two.

So when I was asked if I wanted to chat with Huggies Pull-Ups potty-training expert and blogger Jen Singer and Grammy-nominated children's artist Ralph Covert (of Ralph's World fame), I was definitely interested.

Singer has served as a potty-training expert for Huggies Pull-Ups for about five years. As she says, "It's the one product we want you to stop using!"

And Covert has recently recorded a fun new "Potty Dance" song to help kids and parents get excited about the potty-training process.

What I learned in our conversation (which included several other mom bloggers, including moms of triplets and quadruplets!!), was that I'm way over-thinking this process. Singer and Covert's top advice: Follow your child's lead and try to have fun with it.

Of course, they also recognize that sometimes that is easier said than done.

Fortunately, Huggies Pull-Ups has an amazing amount of free potty-training resources available:

Visit the Pull-Ups website to read articles and tips on potty training, get a coupon for Pull-Ups, and sign up to get a free potty-training DVD.

Download a free copy of Ralph's Potty Dance song, video, and dance steps to get your child interested in the process.

Become a fan of Pull-Ups on Facebook and ask one of several potty-training experts for their advice.

Pull-Ups would like to help kick-start your child's potty-training success.

One lucky reader will win a free jumbo pack of Pull-Ups Training Pants.

To enter this giveaway, please fill out the form below by Thursday, March 11 at 9 p.m (CT). If you're reading this in a feed reader or in an e-mail and you can't see the form, please click here.

You must be a resident of the US age 18 years or older. Please only one entry per household. Duplicate entries will be deleted. The information I gather will only be used to notify the winner on how to claim their prize.

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I will randomly draw one winner and notify that person by e-mail once the contest is over. The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize, or I will draw a new winner.

While you're welcome to comment on this post, please note that comments are not considered a valid entry. You must fill out the form to enter!

Disclosure: Huggies Pull-Ups provided the prize for this giveaway and compensated me for participating in this promotion. Please know that this post reflects my own, honest opinions and was not edited in any way by Huggies or their affiliates.

Taming the Mail Clutter

2010-03-03T08:39:00.001-06:00

I was having a little problem with my mail. I would pile it on my kitchen counters, shove it into a bill holder I had on the wall, and then finally cram it into a filing cabinet.

It was disorganized and it was a constant source of frustration in my kitchen. I knew I needed to try something different.

So when I saw Amy's post Boosting Energy by Transforming Paper Clutter, it felt like she was speaking directly to me. (I think I actually thought she might even mention me by name!)

The next time I was out shopping, I found a great little bamboo file holder (on clearance) and some pretty file folders for my project. I now have a folder for bills to pay/things that need a response, one for coupons and sales flyers, and one folder for things that need to be filed away in our file cabinet downstairs. I have a folder for the boys for school (eventually they'll get their own folders, but for now, one folder works.) Since I see the mail first in our house, there's also a folder for the day's mail that my husband may want to see (kind of like a pre-file file) such as magazines and letters.

Check out the before and after photos:

The new system is working so much better for us. It's helped us keep better track of our important papers - which has not only saved us time, but money as well. (No more lost gift cards, dear Hubby!)

This really only took a few minutes of my time and I wish I had done it ages ago. I highly recommend finding a system that works for you and do it today! Don't wait!

Of course, I don't want you to think that I'm being smug. Our downstairs file cabinet is still bursting with papers that we need to shred. I'll be using this list of what papers to purge and what to keep as a guideline for that clutter-clearing process.

How do you tackle your paper clutter?

New Printable Coupons Available

2010-03-02T09:00:00.002-06:00

It's the start of a new month, which means that there are some great new printable coupons available.

Here are a few of my favorites from Coupons.com:

Save $1 on two bags of Nestle NestEggs.
Save $1 on two Hillshire Farm Hearty Slices lunchmeats.
Save $1 on Crisco olive oil.
Save $1.50 on two boxes of Kashi TLC bars.
Save $.75 on a 5lb bag or larger Gold Medal Flour.
Save $5 on the LeapFrog Tag system.

Here are my top picks from SmartSource.com:

Get a free grilled chicken tortilla roll at Pollo Loco when you spend $5 or more. (Note: not available in all areas.)
Save $3 on World's Best Cat Litter. You can also get a free bag via mail-in rebate.
Save $1 on any two Langer Disney juices.
Save $1 on any one Marzetti Veggie Dip.
Save $1 on any one Jose Ole product (16 oz or larger).

And these are my favorite coupons at RedPlum:

Save 55 cents on Sara Lee Soft 'n Smooth bread, buns or mini bagels.
Save 55 cents on Earthgrain bread or thin buns.
Save $1 on two boxes of Keebler Flipsides crackers.
Save $1 on any 3 boxes of Kellogg's cereals.

Happy Saving!

:

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop: Rain Gauge

2010-03-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Home Depot will be hosting a free Kids Workshop Saturday, March 6 between 9 a.m. and noon at all of its stores.

This month your child will be able to make a rain gauge. A perfect way to settle all those arguments about how much it rained at your house!

The workshops are geared toward children ages 5-12. The goal is to teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety while building confidence, and of course, having fun!

Each child receives a free project kit, kid-sized orange apron, and, upon completion of their project, an achievement pin.

The Home Depot Kids Workshops are offered the first Saturday of the month. For more information on the Kids Workshops visit Home Depot.

Money-Saving Monday: Freebies Galore

2010-03-01T17:47:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday, everyone!

Here's my round-up of goodies I've stumbled across during my surfing. Hope you enjoy the list!

Get a free sample of Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste.

Get a free kids greeting card from Hallmark's new kids collection. Offer valid until 3/14/2010 while supplies last.

Get a free sample of Breathe Right Extra Strips. (Thanks, Deal Seeking Mom!)

Find out how to get a free movie rental from Redbox.

Doing some freezer cooking? Grab these free planning worksheets from Money Saving Mom.

Get a free sample of Olay Total Effects Body Wash.

February Budget Review: A Regression

2010-03-01T10:00:00.005-06:00

We did so well with our finances in January. We saved some money and our efforts even resulted in some weight loss.

So how could we have gone so wrong in February?

In a word: Laziness. We ate out a lot more. I wasn't as diligent about meal planning. We had a round of sickness in our house that made it easy to just sit on the couch all day.

So I gained back a couple pounds, and we spent more than I would have liked. I'm so very disappointed in myself after my big talk last month.

For those of you who have followed these little monthly reviews, I'm sure you're starting to see a pattern. I know I am.

It seems like whenever I have a month of extreme discipline and success, it's followed by a month of gluttony and excess. I suppose it's probably just human nature to feel like you need to kick up your heels a little once in awhile - especially when you can afford to do it.

But I don't like it. Perhaps the way to deal with this is to realize that in order to achieve your financial goals, you need to constantly keep your eyes on the prize. You must always be planning and striving toward those goals.

I think the key to avoiding this huge sways in our budget is to plan for periods of reward - to always keep the end in mind, but to allow for smaller celebrations of our successes along the way.

What do you think? Are you good at staying on budget every month or do you swing back and forth between good and bad months? How do you deal with it?

Get a Coupon for Free Nabisco Cookies

2010-02-28T13:09:00.004-06:00

Buy one package of Nabsico Cookies and one gallon of milk, and you can get another package of Nabisco cookies free with a coupon.

To get this great coupon, head on over to Facebook.com/NabiscoCookies on the first Monday of every month starting March 1.

Throughout the month of March, Nabisco will give away 500,000 of these coupons, so you've got pretty good odds of grabbing this great coupon.

There is a limit of one coupon per household.

Book Review: On a Dollar a Day

2010-02-28T10:03:00.005-06:00

Could you feed yourself for just one dollar a day?

Two high school teachers challenged themselves to do just that and the result is a compelling look at our relationship with food, poverty, and the world around us.

Christopher Greenslate and Kerri Leonard share their story in their new book On A Dollar a Day.

The book outlines their trials and tribulations with living on a dollar a day for a month, then living on a food budget equivalent to the food stamp allotment (with personal contributions), and finally on just focusing on eating a healthy, affordable diet.

What started out as a simple experiment in response to outrageous food costs, ended up revealing some incredible lessons on the psychology of what (and how) we eat, the art of self-disclipline, and a greater awareness of the issue of hunger and poverty in the world around us.

This isn't a book that will teach you how to do this. This is an emotional account of their very personal experiences during their experiments. It outlines the challenges people on a limited budget face every day when it comes to eating healthy. Living on a dollar a day or on a food stamp budget can be done, but even people who are extremely careful planners and try to follow healthy eating guidelines will find great challenges in doing so.

What I loved about this book was that it really made me think about the food we eat and where it comes from. It made me question the unfairness of a society in which unhealthy processed foods often cost so much less than their healthier, wholesome counterparts. It made me do a lot of thinking about whether it is better to buy cheap food or local food - an issue that I must admit, I haven't given much thought to before.

The book does include some great information on how to save money on food, but in a completely different way than I have ever seen mentioned in a frugal living book. Instead of the usual "clip coupons, watch the sales" advice, there is no mention of coupons. Instead there is a focus on buying natural foods, growing your own foods, buying locally, menu planning, and not wasting food.

I enjoyed reading about this couple's determination, the challenges, and the triumphs to live On a Dollar a Day. Their efforts to make more people aware of the issue of hunger and poverty were very touching and inspiring.

Disclosure: Hyperion Books provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The opinions reflected in my review are entirely my own, honest thoughts on this book, and were not edited by the book's authors, publisher or distributors. This post contains affiliate links, which help support this blog. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Organize Your Shopping Trips With ZipList

2010-02-27T09:00:00.002-06:00

One of the best ways to save money and time in the grocery store is to shop with an organized list.

I'll be quick to admit that while I usually shop with a grocery list, it's not always organized.

But I've discovered a new service that will help you manage everything from menu planning to grocery shopping, and, best of all, it's free!

ZipList is a free online service that helps you manage your grocery shopping list. You can add or delete items from your list with your computer, smartphone, text message, or e-mail. You can share your shopping list with family or friends, too, so that they can help you shop.

ZipList has a universal recipe box so you can save all of your recipes in one place, and you can easily create your shopping list from the recipes you've selected. Ziplist has an extensive database of recipes from MarthaStewart.com and Everyday Food, so you'll never have to wonder what to make for dinner.

ZipList helps you organize your shopping list by store and by aisle. It's easy to add notes to your list (for example, to make sure your husband picks up a particular size or brand) and you can also make note of any coupons you have.

You can access your ZipList via text and instant message, e-mail, your home (or work) computer, and via a smartphone. There is even an iPhone app!

I've always been the gal who keeps the magnetic notepad on the fridge, but after checking out ZipList, I think this might be a way for me to get out of the store even more quickly and to plan my menus around what's on sale.

The site is very simple to use, and I'm also enjoying the shopping tips (written by one of my favorite bloggers - Erin from Coupon Cravings) I found on the ZipList blog.

Check out this video for more info about how ZipList works.

If you're looking for a free, convenient way to better manage your menu planning and shopping lists, I think you'll find Ziplist well worth a look.