Swag Bucks Code Hunt on the Home Page


There is another code out worth 18 until 5:30 CST.  You will find this one hidden somewhere on the Swag Bucks home page.

$1 for 3 Redbox Rentals Plus 80 Swagbucks!


**This deal is still available plus if you go through Swag Bucks to get this deal you will get a bonus of 80 swagbucks.  When getting a $5 Amazon.com gift card 90 swagbucks = $1!**

If you rent movies from Redbox there is a great deal on Groupon that you can get until the end of the day Tuesday.  You can get three one-night DVD rentals for only $1.  Just click on the yellow box under the deal city.  This deal expires 6/1/11.

If you are new to Groupon you can sign up HERE to receive the daily deals for your city.

Sweepstakes of the Day - Almond Joy & Mounds Tropical Cruise


Head over HERE to enter to win a your choice of a six night/seven day Caribbean cruise or $10,000 cash from Hershey's Almond Joy & Mounds.

Free Sample of Shout Color Catcher

Head over and "like" Shout on Facebook to receive a free sample of Shout Color Catcher.  There is a short form to fill out.  You can also request a $1.00 off coupon.

5 Free Cards from Shutterfly

CELEBRATE EVERYTHING WITH FIVE FREE CARDS†
Right now you can get five free photo cards from Shutterfly.  Just enter promo code 5FREECARDS at checkout.  This offer ends March 7th.

Swag Bucks Code on the Blog


**The code has moved to the Swag Store - check the widget for the clue and search for birthday***

Swag Bucks is celebrating its 3rd Birthday today.  That means lots of codes headed our way.  You can get the first one on the Swag Bucks blog that's worth 10 until 11:00 CST.

If you are new to Swag Bucks you can join HERE.  You will get 30 swagbucks just for signing up and it only takes 450 for a $5 Amazon gift card!  This is the easiest way to earn in my opinion!  Plus right now if you are new to Swag Bucks you can sign up HERE and enter code 3rdBirthday10 for a bonus 50 swagbucks!

Purex Crystals Review and Giveaway!

**Entry Period is Over - Announcement of Winners Coming Soon**

Product:  Purex Complete Crystals Fabric Softener

Product Price:  from $3.99 to $5.99 depending on retailer and is available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide

Product Description:  Purex® Complete Crystals Softener is a purer way to get laundry that smells clean and fresh for weeks. 92% natural, this product’s unique crystal form works differently than traditional oil-based softeners that coat fabrics with oily residue, because it infuses fibers with long-lasting fragrance. In addition, since you add it directly with your laundry, this means no more waiting for the rinse cycle, no messy residual gunk in your washing machine, and no more stains from spilling liquid fabric softener.  Visit Purex.com to learn more!

How to Use It: Simply add Purex Complete Crystals Softener directly with your laundry at the beginning of every wash cycle to infuse fabrics with long lasting freshness.


My Review:  I was excited on Friday when I got the mail to see I'd received a sample of Purex Crystals just as I was starting my weekend laundry duties.  I have to be honest I have only used fabric softener sheets my whole life.  I have never tried liquid fabric softener so just adding softener to the wash was a new experience for me.  It's so easy to use - measure the product using the cap & pour into your washer.  I like scented fabric softener and this product smells really nice.  I tried the fresh spring scent and love how clean and fresh my pillow cases smell.   The most noticeable difference in using these crystals vs. my traditional sheets was on my favorite tank tops.  I have several tanks that are a nylon, spandex mix and are usually quite clingy to the dryer sheets and each other when I pull them out of the dryer.  With Purex Crystals I didn't have the static issue and my clothes felt softer.  I'm definitely anxious to use this product again.
The Giveaway:  Purex has provided me with coupons so you can try this product for yourself! 
3 Readers will each win 1 coupon for a FREE full-size bottle of Purex Complete Crystals fabric softener.

To Enter the Giveaway you must be a follower of this blog.  You can enter one time or multiple times (up to 5 entries) - just be sure to enter a separate comment for each of the ways you follow. Make sure to leave your email address in the following format so I can contact the winners!  JulsB20(at)aol(dot)com

1. 
Subscribe to Confessions of a Frugal Mind by email.  You must confirm your subscription.  Leave me a comment and let me know that you subscribe.


2.  "Like" Confessions of a Frugal Mind on Facebook then leave a comment letting me know you have liked the page.

3.  Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect then leave a comment letting me know.

4.  Follow me on Twitter @JulsB20.  Then leave me a comment with your Twitter handle.  I will try to follow you back!

5.  Follow this blog on Networked Blogs then leave a comment letting me know you do.

6.  Vote for my blog at Circle of Moms Money Saving Blogs.  Go HERE and click on the yellow thumbs up to vote.  Leave a comment letting me know you voted!

This giveaway will end Monday, March 7th at 11:59 pm CST.  Must be a US Resident to win.  Winner will be chosen using random.org. 

Disclosure: I received free product as a member of the Purex Insiders program. No further compensation was received.

Simple Shoes up to 75% off at 6pm.com


6pm.com has some of my favorite shoes on sale today.  I ordered my first pair of Simple shoes this past summer in preparation for our Disney trip.  I needed a pair of shoes that would be comfortable for all of the walking and these shoes worked perfectly. You should check out the product information for these sustainable shoes.  Shipping at 6pm.com is a flat rate of $6.95 regardless of the order size.

80% Off Restaurant.com Certificates Ends Today

Restaurant.com Weekly Promo Offer 468 x 60

Today is your last chance for the month to get Restaurant.com gift certificates for 80% off.  That means you can pick up a $25 gift certificate for only $2!  Be sure to enter code DINE at checkout to get the discount.  The code is valid through the end of today 2/28.

Some Des Moines area resturants you'll find on there include Gino's, Felix & Oscars, Dos Rios, Christophers and many more.  Be sure to read the stipulations for each deal as they might be a little different.

Save $3 on Eversave Deals Until 11 AM CST

Eversave's  Facebook Fan Appreciation Week is coming to an end today.  THANKYOU is a promo code that will save you $3 off any save today only until 11am CST.

You could get a subscription to Working Mother magazine for only $2 after using the promo code!  Go HERE to get this deal.

Weekly Menu Plan

Here is what my family is having for dinner this week:


We typically have leftovers at least once during the week and we'll be going out to dinner this weekend.

If you need some more ideas check out the many blogs that participate in Menu Plan Monday over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.


What's for dinner at your house this week?

Recipe - Bowtie Pasta w/ Garlic & Grilled Chicken

Bowtie Pasta w/ Garlic & Grilled Chicken

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package bowtie pasta
5 T olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 c chopped tomatoes
1 c green onion
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 can chicken broth
1/4 c cilantro

Grill chicken, let cool then cut into bite size pieces.  Cook pasta.  Heat oil in large skillet.  Cook and stir garlic, onions, red pepper flakes and tomatoes.  Add broth, simmer to reduce slightly.  Add chicken, pasta and cilantro.  Heat through.

Recipe - Cheesy Brunch Bake



Cheesy Brunch Bake


1 lb. pork sausage (or bacon)
1 med. onion chopped
12 large eggs
1/3 c. sour cream
1 can diced tomatoes
2 c. cheddar or colby jack cheese

Cook sausage & onion.  Drain.  Beat eggs and sour cream in medium bowl with wire whisk.  Add salt & pepper to taste.   Pour into greased 13x9 baking dish.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes until softly set.  Reduce to 325.  Spoon tomatoes over egg mixture.  Top with sausage mixture.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Bake an additional 30 minutes.

Recipe - Oven Fried Chicken



Oven Fried Chicken

3 chicken breasts cut in half
1 c crushed corn flakes
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 T canola oil


Mix corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oil in a small bowl.  Toss in chicken and coat each piece well with mixture.  Place chicken on cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Recipe - Teriyaki Pork Roast

Teriyaki Pork Roast

3/4 c apple juice
2 T sugar
2 T soy sauce
1 T vinegar
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
2-3 lb. pork loin roast
3 T cold water
1 1/2 T cornstarch

Combine apple juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and seasonings in a slow cooker.  Mix well.  Add roast and turn to coat.  Place fat-side up.  Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. 

Shortly before serving make gravy.  Remove roast from slow cooker into a small saucepan.  Skim fat if necessary.  Bring to a boil.  Combine water and cornstarch to make a paste.  Stir into boiling liquid.  Cook and stir until thickened.  Serve gravy with sliced roast.  We like to serve with rice.

(Thanks Kristy for sharing this recipe with us!)

Birthday Freebie from Texas Roadhouse


If you enjoy Texas Roadhouse (and from the crowds at the one in our city - it seems most people do!) you may want to sign up to be a Texas Roadie VIP.  You will receive various email offers and you can enter your birthday and kids' birthdays to receive some birthday freebies!

$1 for 3 Redbox DVD Rentals Groupon Deal


If you rent movies from Redbox there is a great deal on Groupon that you can get until the end of the day Tuesday.  You will find this deal under Abilene, TX, but anyone can take advantage of it.  You can get three one-night DVD rentals for only $1.  This deal expires 6/1/11.

If you are new to Groupon you can sign up HERE to receive the daily deals for your city.

Valspar Paint Sample on Facebook


If you haven't requested your free sample from Valspar Paint yet you can do it right now.  Head over and "like" Valspar Paint on facebook and click on the color wall tab.  Your sample will include a $5.00 off coupon you can use at Lowe's.

Free Sample of Secret on Facebook

This is live again!  Hurry and head over to Secret on Facebook to request your free sample of Secret Natural Mineral deodorant.

Sweepstakes of the Day - Honey Nut Cheerios Non-Challenge

Enter Honey Nut Cheerios Non-Challenge to try to instantly win a year's supply of Honey Nut Cheerios cereal.  I haven't won this one, darn it!  You should give it a try though.  You can enter HERE once daily until 6/28/11. 

Swag Bucks Code on the Widget


Check my Widget on the right hand side of this page for a code worth 8 good until 5:00pm CST.

If you are new to Swag Bucks you can go HERE to sign up and start earning swagbucks to redeem for things like Amazon gift cards.  You'll get 30 swagbucks just for signing up!

Free Sample of Natural Nibbles Dog Treats

Head over HERE to request your free sample of Natural Nibbles dog treats.  Just click on free samples then fill out the request form.

Over 50% Off Baby and Toddler Gear from Kitsel.com


Today's deal on Deal Pulp will save you over 50% on cute baby and toddler items from Kitsel.com.  You pay only $12 for $30 worth of items.  The deal does not include shipping and shipping starts at $6.99.  There are a lot of cute shirts, onesies and many other things over at Kitsel. It's worth checking out to see what you could get.  You must use your deal by 8/27/11.

Free Sample of Secret on Facebook

Hurry and head over to Secret on Facebook to request your free sample of Secret Natural Mineral deodorant.

(Thanks hip2save!)

Sweepstakes of the Day - Hilton Gift Card from Woman's Day


Here is another sweeps you can find over at Woman's Day.  You can enter to win two “Be My Guest” cards for a weekend (2-night) complimentary stay at any Hilton Garden Inn hotel worldwide. (Approx. retail value: $400 and up depending on location).  You can enter this one daily HERE until March 19, 2011.  Good luck and let me know if you win!

Kraft Coupons Still Available


These great Kraft coupons are still available to print on Coupons.com

$5 for 1-year Subscription to Disney's Family Fun Magazine

Today on Plum District you can get a one-year subscription to Disney's Family Fun Magazine for $5 ($10 value).  To get this deal sign up for Plum DistrictYou will start receiving either the national daily deals or the daily deals for your district.  You can get this deal until 3/5/11.

What I Earned in 2011 - Week 8


One of my goals for the year is to keep track of all the extra money I make from reading emails, taking surveys and collecting Swag Bucks.   Now I know this will not seem like much, but keep in mind the little things really do add up over the course of a year and $5 or $10 here and there can pay for some of the fun stuff.  Thank goodness for Swag Bucks this week or it would have been hard to have anything to write about!

Here's what I earned this past week: 

$5.00 Amazon e-gift card from Swag Bucks (on track to earn over $250 this year!)
$5.00 Amazon e-gift card from Swag Bucks
$0.30 PayPal deposit from You Data 

Total for the week $ 10.30 (My lowest week so far this year - hope you did better than I did!)

Total for 2011
$ 263.23

Did you earn any extra "fun money" this week?  How did you do it?

What I Earned in 2011 - Week 1
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 2
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 3
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 4
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 5
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 6
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 7

Free Sample of Kirkland Diapers from Costco


Head over HERE to request a free sample of Kirkland Signature Supreme diapers from Costco.  You are not required to be a member to request this.  

(Thanks Mojosavings!)

Pampers Gifts to Grow - New 10 Point Code


SEP3PGW7NRKYWXK is a code that will get you 10 more points in your Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards account. 

If you are new to Gifts to Grow you can sign up HERE.  Gifts to Grow is a Pampers rewards program where you accumulate points with every Pampers purchase you make.  There are great rewards offered including children's books and toys and Shutterfly products.  I have earned free photo books and prints through this program.

Swag Bucks Code Hunt on Facebook


Check out Swag Bucks on facebook to find out how you can get a code worth 6 until 1:55 CST.   

If you are new to Swag Bucks you can join HERE.  You will get 30 swagbucks just for signing up and it only takes 450 for a $5 Amazon gift card!  This is the easiest way to earn in my opinion!

Sweepstakes of the Day - Pop Secret Pop! Camera! Action!


Today's sweepstakes is from Pop Secret.  You can enter to win the grand prize of  an Ultimate At-Home 3D Movie Theater.  You could also instantly win a Netflix gift subscription.  I actually won a 2 month subscription to Netflix yesterday.  You can enter daily through 3/31/11.  Enter to win HERE.  Good luck and let me know if you win!

Menards Crazy Days 2/25-2/28 Several FREE Items


Are there any Menards shoppers out there?  I don't really shop there, but it is my husband's favorite store and he visits the store at least once a week.  He made a trip to the store today for their Crazy Days Sale that started today and goes through Sunday 2/27. 

There are several items you can get for FREE right now after mail-in rebate.  Keep in mind your rebate will be in the form of Menards credit, so if you shop there it's a good deal.  He picked up a 4 pack of LED nightlights for FREE after $5.00 mail-in rebate.  Here are a few of the other deals.

Insulating Foam FREE after $2.50 mail-in rebate
2 Pack Super Glue FREE after $1.50 mail-in rebate
7 Pack MyKidz Comfort Patch FREE after $5.00 mail-in rebate

They also have all liquid laundry detergent 110 load bottle for $6.97 after $4.00 mail-in rebate.    (Use $1.50/1 All Laundry Detergent 1/16/11 SS Insert)

$50 to Red China Bistro for $25 on Living Social

I'm trying to decide on this Living Social deal for myself.  You can get $50 to spend on food and drink for only $25.  I would love to try Red China Bistro on Ingersoll.  We have never been and always loved Cafe Su.  I've read a lot of great things about it.  I wish there was a little more time to use this deal though.  We don't get out to eat without the kids very often.  It expires on 8/28/11.  Has anyone been there?  You can get the deal HERE.

If you are new to Living Social you can sign up HERE to start receiving daily deals for your city.

Mamapedia Deal - $16 Worth of Kids Products for Only $8


Today's Mamapedia deal will get you $16 worth of family games, toys and kids cooking sets for only $8 from Chocolate Cake Club.  I checked out the site and there are tons of different items you could use this for.  Taxes and shipping aren't included in the deal and you have until 8/28/11 to use it.

Right now thru 2/28 you can use code FRIENDS20 to get 20% off any Mamapedia Sweet Deal!  That would make this deal $6.40 for you.  If you are new to Mamapedia you can sign up HERE to start receiving their daily deals.  I love that Mamapedia gives 5% of your purchase to the school of your choice.  Be sure to select your school when completing the purchase.

Today is Mega Swag Bucks Day


Every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day which means better odds of winning our BIG Swag Bucks! Search normally through your toolbar or the Swag Bucks site and with a little luck, you'll be winning large bills starting at 20 Swag Bucks and up.  There is no guarantee that you'll win high value Swag Bucks, but I have noticed I tend go get 11 and 12 SB for searches on Fridays more than other days.

Swag Bucks is a search engine that rewards you for using it.  If you are new to Swag Bucks you can join HERE.  You will get 30 swagbucks just for signing up!  It only takes 450 swagbucks to get a $5 Amazon gift card!  This is the easiest way to earn Amazon gift cards in my opinion.  And since Swag Bucks is celebrating its third birthday on Monday new members can sign up HERE and enter code 3rdBirthday10 for a bonus 50 swagbucks!  This code is only good through 2/28.

Save $10 on Bambi Blu-ray or DVD Combo Pack

You can sign into your Disney Movie Rewards account to print a coupon for $10.00 off your purchase of Bambi on Blu-ray or DVD Combo Pack.

If you are new to Disney Movie Rewards you can sign up HERE.  New members get 25 bonus points by entering the code THUMPER within 72 hours of registering and printing this coupon.

Free Subscription to Digital Photo Magazine


Head over HERE to request your free one-year subscription to Digital Photo Magazine from freebizmag.com.

Free Kids Events Saturday at Target & Borders

Target is having a Dr. Seuss story time at all stores Saturday morning 2/26 from 9-11 am.  Stop in to enjoy giveaways, coupons and hear your favorite Dr. Seuss stories. 

Saturday afternoon you can head over to Borders at 2:00 to celebrate Elmo's 3rd birthday with stories, crafts and music.

Swag Bucks Code on the Widget


Check my Widget on the right hand side of this page for a code worth 5 until 12:25 CST.

If you are new to Swag Bucks you can go HERE to sign up and start earning swagbucks to redeem for things like Amazon gift cards.  You'll get 30 swagbucks just for signing up!

Free Sample of MiO Water Enhancer

Head over and "like" MiO on facebook to try a free sample of liquid water enhancer.

Sweepstakes of the Day - Lindt Perfect Match


Have I confessed my love of chocolate to you yet?  I enjoy it on a regular basis and one of my favorite brands to indulge myself with is Lindt truffles.  You can enter the Lindt Perfect Match Sweepstakes daily.  You could instantly win Lindt gift cards or gift baskets.  The grand prize is a trip to Switzerland which doesn't sound too bad either.  I would be happy with just the chocolate though.  You can enter to win HERE once daily until 4/8/11.  Good luck and let me know if you win!

$25 Worth of Family DVDs for $10 (or Less!)

Today's Mamapedia deal will get you $25 worth of family friendly DVDs from Cookie Jar for only $10.  Deal is not valid on taxes or shipping and expires 4/30/11.  If you are new to Mamapedia you can sign up HERE and use coupon code DVD3A to get $5 off. Making it only $5 for you!

If you are new to Mamapedia you can sign up HERE to start receiving their daily deals.  I love that Mamapedia gives 5% of your purchase to the school of your choice.  Be sure to select your school when completing the purchase.

$17 for 1-Year Subscription to Newsweek Magazine


Today on Living Social you can get a 1-year subscription to Newsweek Magazine for $17.  This includes 54 issues and is regularly priced at $39.  You may buy more than one to lengthen your subscription term and this deal expires 6/25/11.  Although this deal is being offered in Des Moines it is an online deal being fulfilled by Blue Dolphin and anyone can take advantage of it.

If you are new to Living Social you can sign up HERE to start receiving daily deals for your city.

$25 for 1-Year Membership to Des Moines Botanical Center


**After reviewing the list of reciprocal botanical gardens - Reiman Gardens in Ames is on the list making this deal even better!**
I'm considering today's Groupon deal for Des Moines. You can get a one year family membership to the Des Moines Botanical Center for $25 ($50 value).  Honestly I haven't been there in years and we've never taken my son.  He asks about it when we drive by downtown though because it reminds him of the Omaha zoo.  This deal is good for new member of the Botanical Center only and the Groupon expires 4/26/11.  This includes free unlimited admission to the Des Moines Botanical Center and also admission to more than 200 gardens and arboretums in the U.S.  If you are traveling in the next year you might want to check out the list.  It would be a cheap activity to add to your itinerary.

If you are new to Groupon you can sign up HERE to receive the daily deals for your city.

$20 Worth of Reusable Bags for $10 (or Less!)


I like today's Mamapedia deal because these reusable bags from BlueAvocado are so cute!  Today's deal will get you $20 worth of the bags for only $10.  If you are new to Mamapedia you can use promo code AVOC3A to save $3 and score this deal for only $7!  Deal is not valid toward taxes or shipping.   You can get this deal through Saturday (2/26).

If you are new to Mamapedia you can sign up HERE to start receiving their daily deals.  I love that Mamapedia gives 5% of your purchase to the school of your choice.  Be sure to select your school when completing the purchase.

Swag Bucks Code on the Blog


Another big swagbucks code is out now!  Head over to the Swag Bucks blog and check out the 12 PM post to find a code that's worth 15 until 4:00 CST.

If you are new to Swag Bucks you can join HERE.  You will get 30 swagbucks just for signing up and it only takes 450 for a $5 Amazon gift card!  This is the easiest way to earn in my opinion!  Plus right now if you are new to Swag Bucks you can sign up HERE and enter code 3rdBirthday10 for a bonus 50 swagbucks!