10/31 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I found the $5 off $5 or more Hallmark Stores coupons in my free subscription magazine Mid-West Living.  I am hoping to find more because my daughter loves the candy cane flavored candy bark sold this time of year.  She can get two small boxes with that coupon for just over $1 - which she did yesterday.   I am hoping the coupon will be in more of my freebie subscriptions.  I did some grocery maintenance - I froze some left-over chocolate cake.  I am hoping it will be good crumbled in a trifle later on this month.  I have a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup cooking too.  I have cornbread muffins in the freezer that will can accompany the soup.  My neighbor brought me a bag of of apples she picked from one of those "U Pick" places.  I cored, peeled and froze them - hopefully, they will be good in future apple pies - one of which will be going back to her.  I am ready for the few Trick or Treaters that we get - I got several packages of "free" candy from Rite Aid this month - using the UP reward coupons. 

More 10/30 Expressions

Yesterday, I got the dreaded letter from Chase, Freedom Card.  Yup, they are changing the terms of my rewards structure, 1% and no more cashing in $200 for $250.  So, I cashed out $100 yesterday, and have $5 left - I may just let them keep it - cuz at this point - I am really not interested in using the card :(  End of rant.

10/30 Expressions

Last night, I stopped at Rite Aid to purchase the 3 12 Pack of Pepsi for 8.XX and get a $2 UP coupon.  With the UP $, I planned to add to my Halloween candy stash - 2 more $1 packs of 8 candy bars.  The $2 UP did not print, but the manager was kind enough to adjust the price of my candy to free :)  My husband just stopped by the feed store to get the free Nutra dog food.  The stuff is normally $13.XX - a very freebie indeed.  He and my daughter will use up the rest of the used book store credit this afternoon.  My daughter and I each have the Bath & Body Works coupon for a free full sized lotion with any purchase and one for any lip item with any purchase.  Normally we purchased the $1 gift bags, but recently, we have been able to get travel sized lotions for $1.  We may stop there and their sister store, Victoria's Secret because we also have free panty coupon.  I used a bunch of coupons on my groceries and mailed in for a $10 rebate - so, I stayed within my budget.  The weather has cooled.  This morning was the first in which we turned the heat on.  Tomorrow is Halloween here.

10/26 Expressions

Somedays I feel like the luckiest person in the world - or perhaps I am just easily entertained.  Anyway, I played the "Million Morning Smiles" instant win http://strudelsmiles.pillsbury.com/?cid=p1core%2Dtbx07%2Ef%2E1800%2Fae3bd%2F5fb%2F8da13c38%2Ec2e8a4a2ca3787762a06c1385f4290fa and won a month's worth of Toaster Strudels.  I ordered shoes for my daughter and myself a couple of days ago from 6PM.com when the shoes were under $20/pr and a flat $6.XX shipping - I went through mypoints to earn a few points too.  The shipment came quickly - and we are very pleased with our choices.  I am not being paid by either company to say these things - the opinions are all my own :)

More 10/25 Expressions

We got the $150 Visa card for buying our refridgerator a couple of months back.  Part of it was luck and part of it was over-coming a bit of laziness.  When the State announced the rebates - I reserved a rebate.  Well, sales came and went and my fridge had not actually quit.  So, then it was announced how the program was a success - and it was over.  Then our fridge did finally give-out, and we bought a new one - good thing it was during a holiday sale - so, we got a great price anyway, and a rebate on the delivery/pick-up.  Then I read about once all of the claims were processed, there was money left as many people (me included) had not followed through.  So, with a few pieces of paper, envelope and stamp - we filed for our rebate - and we are happy to report - we got it today!  The UPS guy also rang the door bell - he brought me the 3 bamboo cutting boards that gave the $15 credit - I think I spent just over $6 for the 3.  They are nice and I appreciate it.  But, shipping/receiving seemed kind of slow . . . I wanted to take the largest one to the condo.  We aren't planning on going down anytime soon - may be we will change our minds.

10/25 Expressions

Today is the home-made chicken noodle soup edition :)  Both my daughter and I are home with something.  Mine is a sinus infection and hers is a cold.  To help us along - I took some home-made chicken broth out of the freezer, a couple of cans of chicken breast meat out of the pantry, carrots and onion from the fridge, noodles from the "Italian" basket we "won", a bit of mashed potato flakes, and "Good 'n Garlicky" spice from Herb'n Renewal - I sweated? the diced carrots and onions in olive oil also out of the basket.  The entire concoction is now simmering on the oven - and hopefully, we will both be eating an early lunch and then take a nap.  Not a frugal tip as I understand electricity and water costs more during "regular business hours" - but I have my washing machine running and hopefully, I can catch up on laundry too.  This weekend, we went to the German restaurant and enjoyed their festive atmosphere - but it seems their 1/2 priced gift certificate rules have changed.  Only 1 gift certificate per visit - even though when you purchase $50 in giftcertificates - and they used to send a $50 certificate - now they send 2 $25 ones - so, that was a bit of a bummer.  I realize it is better for them and their business.  We were able to get a few good deals at Rite Aid combining sales, UP rewards, and coupons.  Saturday, I used a home-mailer coupon for a free 6 pack of Pansies with any purchase at a local nursery.  I purchased a pack - so, it was a BOGO deal for me.  So, my front planters now look a bit festive with the Pansies planted - well worth the $2.50 out of pocket.  Still trying to convince myself to get a few mums.

10/22 Expressions

This week I feel like a money magnet :)  The realtor called, she has approved new tenants for the house vacated by the divorced couple - so, we are "out" less than a month's rent - since the couple moved out late and were paying a daily rate.  UPS just brought me the $200 Petsmart giftcard for buying our Honda Element - good thing I looked on-line for that one because the dealer did not mention it.  Then, as I was leaving work today, I was notified that I was approved for a small bonus.  The mail box held a few goodies for me too:  Johnsonville Sausage samples, a coupon for free 20 oz Pepsi, and a coupon for a free can of Pringles Exreme.  What didn't work this week - yesterday I tired to use the $5/$25 Dollar General coupon at Publix because we have a Dollar General Market down the street - Publix claims they are not a competitor because the Market does not provide custom meat packages - a bit hokie for me - but I went with it.  I still saved quite a bit with coupons.