Menu Plan for the Week ~ July 31 - August 6

Here is what my family is planning for meals this week:
  • Grilled Pork Chops, Packet Veggies and Texas Toast
  • Pioneer Woman's Butter Chicken
  • Bacon, Turkey Melts
  • Pork Fried Rice
  • BLT's w/ guacamole (just saw this on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and it looked really good! Must try it!)
We'll probably have leftovers once or twice during the week and may go out to eat over the 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?

Swag Bucks Code on the Blog until 6pm CST


Head over to the Swag Bucks blog and read the 2pm blog post to get a code worth 6 swagbucks until 6:00pm CST.

If you are new to Swag Bucks you can sign up to start earning swagbucks to redeem for things like Amazon gift cards.  You'll get 30 swagbucks just for signing up!   This is the easiest way to earn in my opinion! 

(Note: My referral link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

My Weekly Walgreens Trip

There was a little more work involved in my weekly Walgreens trip this week.  My usual store was having register problems which meant no register rewards were printing out so we made a visit to another store this morning. I was really hoping to get some of the Crayola markers since they are on my son's school supply list and our church is collecting school supplies as well.  Once my store had their registers fixed I made a second trip.  Here are my transactions:

1st Trip:

Bought:  2 Cottonelle 12 packs $5.00 each
Used:  2 Save $0.75/1 Cottonelle (SS 7/17)
Used:  Save $1.00/1 Cottonelle (Walgreens August Coupon Book)
Got:  $3.50 Register Rewards (only available today 7/31!)
Final Price:  $1.50 each

Bought:  Kids Smart Hi DHA-Omega-3 Fish Oil, 30 ct $7.00
Got:  $7 Register Rewards
Final Price:  FREE!

Bought: Allegra 24 Hour Allergy Relief, 5 ct $6.99
Used: Save $2.00/1 Allegra Product
Will submit for $6.99 rebate from (SS 7/31)
Final Price: $6.99 before MIR plus $2.00 money maker

Bought:  Crayola Washable Markers, 8 pack $2.00
Got:  $2 Register Rewards
Final Price:  FREE!

Bought:  Goody Colour Collection Snap Clips, 6 ct $2.00
Got:  $2 Register Rewards
Final Price:  FREE!

I also used 11.00 in Register Rewards this trip and spent $13.17 out of pocket.  I got back $14.50 in Register Rewards!  I'll also be submitting for the Allegra $6.99 rebate.

Trip #2

Bought:   Revlon Tweezers $2.49
Used:  Save $1.00/1 Revlon Beauty Tool
Used:  Save $1.00 /1 Revlon Tweezers (Walgreens August Coupon Book)
Final Price:  $0.49

Bought:  2 Cottonelle 12 packs $5.00 each
Used:  2 Save $0.75/1 Cottonelle (SS 7/17)
Used:  Save $1.00/1 Cottonelle (Walgreens August Coupon Book)
Got:  $3.50 Register Rewards (only available today 7/31!)
Final Price:  $1.50 each

Bought:  Crayola Washable Markers, 8 pack $2.00
Got:  $2 Register Rewards
Final Price:  FREE!

Bought:  Fiskars Pointed Scissors on sale $0.79 (with in-ad coupon)

Bought:  Penway Folder on sale for $0.11

I also used $8.50 in Register Rewards on the trip.  I spent $2.31 out of pocket and got back $5.50 in Register Rewards!

Last Chance for Gaggle of Chicks Giveaway


Today is your last chance to enter the Gaggle of Chicks giveaway.  Be sure to head over and enter!  There will be 5 winners who will each receive a $50 credit in their Gaggle of Chicks account!  And be sure to check out all of the other Christmas in July giveaways that are also ending tonight!

Sweepstakes of the Day - Bagster Summer Home Improvement

Enter the Bagster Summer Home Improvement Project Sweepstakes from Waste Management for a chance to win $10,000 towards your next home improvement project.  You can enter once per day through August 14, 2011.  We are starting a big home remodeling project soon so this extra $$ would definitely be put to good use!  Good luck and let me know if you win!

Love to enter sweepstakes - find more sweeps here!

25% Off at Old Navy Today ~ Online Only


Today only (7/31) you can take an extra 25% off your OldNavy.com purchase by using promo code ONHAPPY25 at checkout.  Discount excludes everyday steals and uniforms. 

Be sure to shop through Upromise to get 5% cash back on your purchase or Ebates to get 2% cash back.

80% off Restaurant.com Certificates Ends Today

Restaurant.com Weekly Promo Offer 125 X 125

Right now you can get gift certificates at Restaurant.com for 80% off.  That means you can pick up a $25 gift certificate for only $2!  Be sure to enter promo code SAVE at checkout to get the discount.  The code is valid through the end of today 7/31/11.

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

Parents Magazine Subscription for $5 (or Less!)


Today from Mamasource by Mamapedia you can get a one year subscription to Parents magazine for $5. If you are a first time buyer you can use coupon code 1YRPARENTS to bring it down to only $3!  Or, you can get a two year subscription for $8. First time buyers can use coupon code 2YRPARENTS to bring the price down to only $6.  I love that Mamasource gives 5% of your purchase to the school of your choice.  Be sure to select your school when completing the purchase.

If you are new to Mamasource you can sign up to start receiving deals for your city or national offers.

(Note: My referral link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

Free Sample of Kirkland Diapers


You can request a free sample of Kirkland Signature Supreme Diapers from Costco.  Membership is not required.

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

(Thanks Frugal Living and Having Fun!)

Free Charmin Extender

You can request a free Charmin Extender Toilet Paper Holder.

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

Sweepstakes of the Day - Quiznos Summer Cycling


Enter Quiznos Summer Cycling Giveaway for a chance to win $10,000 or hundreds of other prizes including cycling gear or free lunch at Quiznos.  You can enter once a day through August 28, 2011.  Good luck and be sure to let me know if you win!

Love to enter sweepstakes - find more sweeps here!

Shutterfly: 40% off Photo Books


Shutterfly is offering 40% off photo books now through Wednesday, 8/3 when you use promo code BOOK40 at checkout.  You can also take advantage of free standard shipping if you spend $30 or more and use code SHIP30 at checkout.  My weekend goal includes making a photo book for my son for 2010.  I'm a little behind in some of my projects!

Free Sample from Kashi

You can request a free sample from Kashi kid friendly foods.  You can choose between Cinnamon Harvest Cereal or TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bar.    I'm trying the granola bar!

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

Free Sample John Frieda Precison Foam Colour

precision foam colour Free Sample John Frieda Precison Foam Colour (working again)

You can fill out the quick survey to see if you qualify for a Free Sample John Frieda Precison Foam Colour.

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

What I Earned in 2011 - Week 30


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. 

Here's what I earned this past week: 

$10.00 Amazon e-gift cards from Swag Bucks ($175 for the year so far!)
$10.00 Brinker (On the Border, Chilis) gift card from MySurvey.com

Total for 2011: $ 706.28


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

What I Earned in 2011 - Week 25
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 26
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 27
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 28
What I Earned in 2011 - Week 29

(Note: My referral links are used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

New Kraft Coupons ~ Save $0.75 Ritz Crackerfuls

There are some new Kraft Foods coupons available on the Walmart website available to print.  The Milka chocolate bars coupon is still available plus I really like Ritz Crackerfuls so I printed the Save $0.75 on any one package of Ritz Multigrain Crackerfuls product.

Mail Call Friday

It was a great mail day!  The mailman delivered several magazines for the hubby we have gotten FREE subscriptions for plus a couple samples of Seattle's Best Coffee, Colgate for Kids Toothpaste and a coupon for a free bottle of Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner.  What was in your mailbox today??

Save $1.00/1 Reach Floss Coupon = Free Floss!

There is a new coupon available to print on Coupons.com to Save $1.00 on any Reach floss.  You should be able to score some free floss with this one, so definitely worth the print!  You can get Reach floss for $0.97 at Target.  You'll find this one under the Personal Care category.

You can also grab these new coupons available today:

Sweepstakes of the Day - Clorox Seasons of White

Enter the Seasons of White Sweepstakes from Clorox for a chance to win a family cruise or washer & dryer.  You can also enter daily for a chance to instantly win.  Yesterday's instant win prize was a Nook eReader.  Sweepstakes entry period ends 9/30/11.  Good luck and be sure to let me know if you win!

Love to enter sweepstakes - find more sweeps here!

Pampers Gifts to Grow - 100 Points for New Members


If you aren't a member of the Pampers Gifts to Grow program yet now is a great time to join.  When you sign up you will receive 100 free points to get you started.  This offer for new members is ending 7/31/11.

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.  Head over and join Pampers Gifts to Grow to get your 100 free bonus points!

You can also check out these posts to collect some more Pampers Gifts to Grow points!

BOGO Coupon for Johnsonville Brat or Italian Burgers


You can print a coupon for Buy One 32 oz. package of Johnsonville Bratwurst Patties or Italian Sausage Patties Get One Free.  Coupon expires 8/20/11.

(Thanks Hip2Save!)

Coupons in Sunday's Paper


You can head over to Sunday Coupon Preview to find out what coupons will be in this Sunday's paper.  There should be at least 3 inserts this weekend -P&G, Smart Source and Red Plum.  We'll probably want an extra paper this weekend so we'll fill up with gas at Kum and Go. 

Enter to Win $50 Credit to Gaggle of Chicks #ChristmasInJuly


Have you entered my Gaggle of Chicks giveaway yet?  There will be 5 winners who will each receive a $50 credit in their Gaggle of Chicks account!  Be sure to get your entry in ~ this giveaway ends Sunday night.  I wish I could win!  Also be sure to check out all of the other Christmas in July giveaways that are taking place this week!

Free Prints from Snapfish with Purchase


Snapfish is offering 200 4x6 prints for free with a purchase of $15 or more when you use promo code BONUS200 at checkout.  You can also grab 100 free prints with a $10 purchase when you use code BONUS100.  Shipping fees still apply.  This offer expires August 2.

Month End Reminder ~ Print Your Coupons!


Be sure to print your favorite coupons that are still available on Coupons.com before the end of the month.  They will likely disappear by Monday.  My favorite coupons to Save $0.75 off 1 Breyers Blasts ice cream and Save $0.75 on any one Dole Blend or All Natural Salad Kit are still available if you haven't printed them twice already.

Save $1.00 on Milk Coupon!

Hurry over and enter your information to receive a $1 off Milk Coupon in the mail.  I missed this one yesterday, but I got a confirmation message today so it looks like it is available again.  I would not wait to do this!

$25 Boston Market Gift Card for $12.50


If you are a first time buyer at Saveology daily deal site you can grab a $25 Boston Market gift card for only $12.50 today.  Limit of 1 per person, household and credit card.  After you receive your voucher in your Saveology account you will have 60 days to redeem your voucher for a gift card that will be mailed.

Time for Mega Swagbucks!


Swagbucks is a search engine that rewards you with swagbucks for using it to do your normal day to day searches on the internet.  You'll randomly be awarded between 7 to 12 swagbucks (sometimes higher!) once or twice a day.  You can then redeem these swagbucks for rewards like Amazon and Starbucks gift cards.  

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.

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.   There will be a swag code extravaganza on Monday which means many chances to earn swag bucks throughout the day.

(Note: My referral link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

Free Sample of Honeysuckle Breast Milk Storage Bags


Here is a nice sample for all of the nursing moms out there.  Head over and "like" Honeysuckle Breast Milk Storage Bags on Facebook then click on the Free Samples tab to fill out a form with your info. 

While on Facebook please head over and "like" Confessions of a Frugal Mind!

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

(Thanks Hip2Save!)

Swag Bucks Code on the Widget


Check the Swag Bucks widget on the right hand side of this page for a code worth 7.  Hurry!  I'm not sure how long this code is good for!  Just copy & paste to enter the code. 

If you are new to Swag Bucks you can sign up to start earning swagbucks to redeem for things like Amazon gift cards.  You'll get 30 swagbucks just for signing up!   This is the easiest way to earn in my opinion! 

(Note: My referral link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

Save $0.75/1 Skintimate Shave Gel

Print this coupon to Save $0.75 off of 1 Skintimate Shave Gel.  Get it on sale at Walgreens this week with the in-ad coupon.  Coupon doesn't expire utnil 10/7/11.

Free Sample of L'oreal Eversleek Products


You can request a free sample of EverSleek Intense Shampoo, Conditioner and Humidity Defying Leave-In Creme.  There are also coupons available for other L'oreal products on their special offers page.

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

Sweepstakes of the Day - Aruba Getaway


Enter the Aruba Getaway Giveaway at WomansDay.com for the chance to win a five-day, four-night stay for two in a Superior Room at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts on the island of Aruba.  You can enter once per day through August 3, 2011.  Good luck and be sure to let me know if you win!

Love to enter sweepstakes - find more sweeps here!

$10 Papa John's Gift Card for $6 from Saveology


If you are a first time buyer at Saveology daily deal site you can grab a $10 Papa John's gift card for $6 today.  Limit of 1 per person, household and credit card.  After you receive your voucher in your Saveology account you will have 60 days to redeem your voucher for a gift card that will be mailed.

Last Chance for Dinner is Ready Book & Software Giveaway

Be sure to head over and enter to win the Dinner is Ready Book & 30 Meals in One Day Software Combo.  Giveaway ends tonight!

Up to 70% off Keds at 6pm.com


Keds are on sale at 6pm.com today for up to 70% off.  I love Keds shoes for kids.  My daughter wore a pair of Keds all summer long last year that held up really well and we got many compliments on them.  Shipping at 6pm.com is a flat rate $6.95 regardless of your order size.

(Note: An affiliate link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

$50 Worth of Kids' Toys & Gear for $20

Today on Plum District you can get $50 worth of toys and products from Zoolu.com for $25.  Zoolu carries tons of name brand products including things from Melissa & Doug, JJ Cole and BabyLegs.  You can use promo code inwithnew to get 20% off your purchase to make this deal only $20.  Taxes and shipping aren't included in the deal and shipping starts at $5.95.  There is free shipping for orders over $75.  Deal must be used by 10/28/11. 

Plum District is a deal site that offers a new deal every day.  Des Moines is not a current deal location, but we can get in on national deals like this one.  You can sign up to start receiving deals.  If you are new to Plum District and would like to get $5 to use toward this purchase send me an email to JulsB20@aol.com and I will send you a personal invitation to Plum District so that you can receive $5 in Plum Dollars to use toward your first deal if done in the next 7 days.

(Note: My referral link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

#DesMoines Deal ~ Save 53% at Angelo's Pizza


Today's Groupon deal for Des Moines will get you $30 worth of pizza or pasta at Angelo's Pizza on Grand Ave. in West Des Moines for only $14.  Deal must be used by January 31, 2012.  Fine print states you can use it for both dine-in and carry-out.  I've still never tried their pizza, but I've heard some good things. 

If you are new to Groupon you can sign up to receive great daily deal offers for your city.

(Note: My referral link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

Free Samples of Poise


You can request free samples from Poise.

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

Free Sample of Honey Nut Cheerios


You can still request a free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios.  Mine just arrived today along with a $0.75 off coupon!


Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

Free Sample from Depend

You can request a free sample from Depend.  You'll be able to choose gender and size.

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

My Coke Rewards - 50 Prints from Snapfish for 6 Points!

My Coke Rewards has a special offer valid only for today 7/27.  If you have 6 points in your account you can redeem them for 50 4x6 prints from Snapfish!  This reward usually costs 50 points.  Your coupon code can be used through December 31, 2011.  Limited quantities are available so grab this one soon if you are interested!

Sweepstakes of the Day - Living Room Makeover


Head over and "like" Pottery Barn on Facebook then click on the Sweepstakes tab to enter to win a $10,000 Living Room Makeover Sweepstakes.  You could win $10,000 worth of Pottery Barn home funishings and design services.  You can enter once a day through August 24, 2011.  Good luck and be sure to let me know if you win!

Love to enter sweepstakes - find more sweeps here!

Save $1.00 on Dannon Vanilla Light & Fit Yogurt


Hurry and head over to Dannon on Facebook to be able to print a coupon to Save $1.00 off 1 Vanilla Light & Fit 4 pack or 6 single-serve cups!  Coupon is limited to first 24,000 prints.

Quiznos Groupon Deal - $6 for 2 Regular Subs


Today on Groupon you can get two regular subs or salads from Quiznos for $6 (Avg. value $12.98). Deal is valid at any of the 2200 Quiznos locations that accept Groupon.  All the Des Moines metro locations do.  Deal must be used by 10/30/11.

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

You can also still print 4 coupons from Quiznos.

Reminder - Collect Your Daily Swagbucks


This post is for those of you who are new to Swag Bucks so you know all the ways you can earn easy swagbucks every day.  I primarily earn by searching with the toolbar, but I also go the the Swagbucks homepage everyday because it all adds up!  Here are easy ways to earn 6 swagbucks a day:
  1. Toolbar - Once you have installed the Swag Bucks Toolbar you will get 1 swagbuck a day just for having it
  2. Daily Poll - On the left side of the Swag Bucks home page go to Daily Polls to participate in the daily poll and receive 1 swagbuck
  3. No Obligation Special Offers - Click on NOSO on the left side of the Swag Bucks home page and keep skipping offers until it rewards you with 2 swagbucks
  4. Surveys - Visit Trusted Surveys on the left side of the Swag Bucks home page.  Just for clicking on it you will receive 1 swagbuck
  5. Invite & Earn - You can now earn 1 swagbuck a day by inviting one friend to join who isn't currently using swagbucks.  You can do this once a day.  **An added bonus - you will earn matching swagbucks from searches up to 1000 per referral**
Remember it only takes 450 swagbucks for a $5 Amazon gift card.  Check out the Swag Store for tons of other rewards you can redeem your swagbucks for. 

Any questions on Swag Bucks?  Let me know!

(Note: My referral link is used in this post. View my disclosure policy.)

Save $1.00 on 3 Keebler Products

Keebler Printable Coupon
Kellogg's has a new coupon available to print Save $1.00 on 3 packages of Keebler Products.

Free Kind Snack Bars


***This offer is back, but will probably go very quickly again!***

When you sign up at Kind you can send an invitation to two friends to receive a FREE Kind Bar.  You can send to friends, spouse or anyone with a different email address.

Check out all the these ways to score more freebies!

Frugal Tuesday Tip ~ Week 27 ~ Link Up Your Frugal Tips!


What is the Frugal Tuesday Tip?
The Frugal Tuesday Tip is a linky blog hop, dedicated to encouraging the frugal lifestyle. It is hosted by:
Anyone with a frugal tip can share. Just post a frugal tip on your own blog, then come here to add your post with the linky tool.  Your post will appear on all of our blogs!  Be sure to link directly to your blog post and not the main page of your blog.  Your post may be deleted if you do not link directly to the page you want to share.   Everyone can follow the submitted links and find new ways to embrace the frugal life. Not a blogger? Just leave your frugal tip in the comment section.

Please use our Frugal Tuesday Tip button on your post to link it back. Just copy and paste the code below the button and add the button anywhere in your post in the html view. You could also put a “text” widget (WordPress) or an HTML gadget (Blogspot) in your sidebar. Thank you for spreading the word! 
Confessions of a Frugal Mind