Monthly Archives:

January 2015

My 12 Goals for 2015

GoalsIn2015

 
Hello again, savvy savers! After bombing at half of my 2014 goals (post to come), I have decided to revamp my goals for this year. I went back to the proverbial drawing board to simplify my new yearly goals, in order to make each goal more of a soul-searching, learning-able experience. For the past two weeks, I have been contemplating these goals which will be outlined below. This year, unlike previous years, I wrote out a rough draft of my goals and then went over them with husband, Daniel, re-tweaked, tweaked, and then tweaked again. 

 I’m very excited about these goals for 2015! Each goal is challenging, yet realistic, and at the end of each season have been designed to leave me motivated, in lieu of tired and regretful.  I am posting my goals to my site, both as a way to inspire others, but to keep myself more accountable this go around.

So, here are my 12 Goals for 2015:

Marriage

  • Spend 1 hour a week having coffee with Daniel, and discussing out goals, dreams, and weeks with one another.
  • Write at least 1 love note to Daniel each week in his lunch.

Motherhood

  • Continue with my PCOS diet to help with expanding my family.
  • Continue tweaking the rooms of my home in preparation for a family.
  • Finish stockpiling the items needed for nursery by Fall.

Myself

  • Read a devotional daily.
  • Finish my Motivated Moms planner sheets daily.
  • Read 1 fiction book per month, for myself.
  • Work on my crafting for 1 hour per week.
  • Begin working on the manuscript of my book. 
  • Paint 1 hour per week.

TheLadyPrefers2Save.com

  • Write 1-2 personal posts per week.
  • Be more proactive with linky parties and networking.
  • Start new coupon classes locally (slated to start this spring).
  • Revamp my social media accounts.
  • Replace 10% of national deals with more local/regional deals weekly.
  • List 10% more DIY posts, crafts, and upcycling posts to the blog.
  • Start my new weekly YouTube video series, on savings and DIY tips. 

ETSY & Shadow Cat Crafts:

  • Attend & Set-up Booths at  1-2 Craft fairs locally.
  • Launch Shadow Cat Crafts Website & Facebook Group.
  • List 1-2 new crafts on ETSY per month.
  • Increase regional advertising for ETSY for 10%. 

Money

  • Eat out of pantry, freezer, and utilize Meatless Monday-fair for 75% of weekly menus. 
  • Start funding for our first family joint venture, Rental House #1 Savings Account.
  • Donate 25% of couponed stockpile to local homeless pantry and women’s shelter in 2015.
  • Snowball and pay-off last 15% of debt in 2015.
  • Earn rewards cards, gift cards, and/or use cash for holiday purchases in 2015 only.
  • Start hideous spending months (post to come) in February, April, June, August, October, and December.

So there you have it! I’ll post updates at the beginning of each month to let you know the progress I made from month-to-month.

What are YOUR goals for 2015?

If you set goals for this year, I’d love to hear about them! Leave a comment listing them or linking over to your blog post about them. I’m pulling for you all this year! 

Here’s to a year of living with purpose, 

free-christian-valentine-clipart

DIY Organic Grapefruit Counter Top Cleaner!

1221-624x499

 

Good morning, savvy savers! Happy New Year! So this past week at my home, albeit low-key, have been jammed packed with DIY projects and freezer cooking sessions! With all that cooking, comes a whole lot of cleaning, and for me that means whipping out my commercial for keeping my counter tops cleaned, Method Grapefruit Spray! That spray rocks!

As much as I love the cleaner, I am also looking to further cut my bankbook strings in 2015, so I decided to try a DIY version this year! With that said, for the past few days I have been using apps savings from Snap by Groupon, to save on Scarlet Grapefruits at my local Sam’s Club (shopping scenarios to come in the next few days), and instead of composting the Grapefruit peels, I started the first steps to making Homemade Grapefruit Counter top Cleaner!

With the outrageous cost of commercial glass cleaners, I created an organic, non-toxic, child and pet-safe all purpose cleaner which can be for under $5.00 for a years worth of cleaner! As the average cost of a bottle of store-bought orange cleaner is 3.89, and I use a bottle of spray a month, that’s a savings of $48.68 a year! Here’s how to make this!

 

unnamed (1)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 Clean, dried mason jar
  • The peels of 3 grapefruits
  • 2 Cups Distilled, white vinegar
  • 10 drops Essential Grapefruit Oil
  • 1 Empty Bottle
  • 1 Funnel
  • 1 Plastic Bowl
  • 1 Sifter

Instructions:

  1. Obtain a clean mason jar, and fill it with 16 ounces, 2 cups, of distilled white vinegar.
  2. Place the peel of three grapefruits in the mason jar with the vinegar.
  3. Add the 10 drops of essential oil to the top of the jar.
  4. Secure the cap and ring on the mason jar.
  5. Store the jar in a cool, dry place for 14 days; I have stored the jars in both my pantry and garage without issues.
  6. On the 15th day, open the jar and strain the contents into a sifter, over a plastic bowl.
  7. Return the solution to the mason jar with a funnel; label your jar as cleaning concentrate.
  8. Open a spray bottle and add 1/4 cup of the solution, 2 ounces, to 5 cups water.
  9. Seal the bottle and shake gently.
  10. Use in conjunction with newspaper to clean most glass surfaces, including counters.

This is an awesome cleaner! I hope you will think so, too!

Enjoy the clean!

free-christian-valentine-clipart

 

 

As Featured on:

 

HappyandBlessedHome.com

10 Things To Not Pay For In 2015!

wedndsday

Hello again, savvy savers! If you are anything like me, than you are always looking for extra ways to widdle down your family budget. I myself am always looking for the next steal-of-a-deal out there, and sometimes I get so bogged down by looking for the best deals that I forget to keep my eyes peeled for the stuff out there that’s completely free. Fear not–that stuff still exists, and there is a lot of it! So for this weeks Wednesday Ways To Save, here is your ultimate guide to the top 10 things in 2015 that you should be getting for free.

  1. Kids eat free: As the average American family has three children, going out can be a drain on the wallet; this is also the reason so many financial gurus, such as Dave Ramsey, advise against going out. Thankfully, there are about 78 restaurants that offer nights where kids can eat completely free! I have complied a list, here, where kids eat free with any adult purchase. So, if you take into consideration the cost of two cheaper adult options, with water as a drink, free meals for the kiddos, and gratuity, than its often cheaper to eat out than to cook at home for higher ticket meal items such as ribs, steak, seafood, and buffets.  
  2.  Shipping: Many of the best deals don’t require you even stepping foot inside a store, and the cost of shipping should not be a deal breaker this year for you. Before you place an order be sure to check sites such as RetailMeNot, get a 30-day pass from ShopRunner, or call your stores customer service line, which usually will give you free ship codes for your trouble! 
  3.  Free access to warehouse clubs: Warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s all make you pay to shop at their locations, and often times the memberships are well worth the investment; especially if you throw a Living Social or Groupon membership deal into the mix. However, anyone can shop at these warehouses for free simply by requesting a day pass at the customer service desk! Please note that as you are not a member, you will be required to load the funds you will pay to a gift card that is specific to the store you’re shopping at; this is also a great tool to keep your budget while shopping in-club! Consider using a portion of tax returns, and a free one-day pass, to attend your local warehouse club, and buy a years worth of meats for freezer cooking meals, upcoming holidays, and the like! 
  4. Amazon Prime: Everyone can get a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, so everyone should be taking advantage of it! Sign up for your free Amazon Prime trial, here!
  5. Free eBooks and audiobooks:  More and more eBooks are becoming free. Audible.com offers one free audiobook and a free 30-day trial of their service for first-time users. You can also access a ton of free audiobooks on Librivox. Also checkout this post for 101 free Amazon e-books, here!
  6. Free gift cards: There are so many ways to earn free gift cards, so why not take advantage of all of these ways to get them? Applications like Ibotta, Snap by Groupon, and Checkout51, will all allow you to earn gift cards just for uploading your receipts. You can also earn gift cards easily with Bing. You can also earn points for cards by taking online surveys, using Swagbucks, Viggle, ExpoTv, Recyclebank, or Crowdtap, too! 
  7. Free video-streaming: Last year I decided to cut the cable and it’s been such a great decision, as I’ve been able to save my family $1,344.00; you can read about this journey, here. If you’re still unsure about whether this should be your next move or not—then you should give it a try for free! You can do a trial of video-streaming services for free like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime Instant Video. In fact, I actually prefer streaming, can customize my shows, and not expose my family to unnecessary commercials! I also use savings from iBotta and Checkout51, by way of paypal account earnings, to pay for my subscriptions monthly, too! 
  8. Free magazine subscriptions: I never pay for magazines, with the exception of All You, which I purchase through offers listed when subscribing to free magazines! Be sure to check out my Free Magazine Section, here
  9. Free photography sessions: Need to send photos to the grandparents of your newborn baby? Getting married this Spring? Photography can be so expensive, but you don’t have to pay to keep those memories. You can search Craigslist, local Facebook groups, or check your local college and university’s arts department for photographers who need to build a portfolio. For smaller engagements where you will be taking the photos yourself, checkout Groovebook for 100 free prints with the code, LADYGROOVE!
  10. Personal hygiene items: If you follow many of my daily deal and weekend drugstore shopping scenario posts, you know that there are many personal care items that can be scored for free! Just as a reminder—oral care, travel size items, glucose meters, printer paper and other personal items can be completely free.

So, be sure to join me this year and vow to not spend unnecessary funds this year on the above mentioned items! Your pocketbook will be happier, your stockpile stocked, and your home running smoother than ever before!

Here’s to saving,

free-christian-valentine-clipart

Happy 32nd Birthday To Me & Birthday Freebie List!

happy-birthday-cupcakes

 

Hello, savvy savers! Today I am celebrating the big 3-2, and as a child, we had a tradition of always giving back a gift to those around you on your birthday, as thanks for those celebrating your life. So, for you all, I give you my list of my favorite birthday freebies! Please note, that some deals and freebies may be regional to different parts of the country.  As well, if others have some other great birthday freebie ideas to add to the list, please share in the comments section!

  • Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Sign up for the e-Club and receive a birthday and anniversary gift.
  • Acapulco Mexican Restaurant: Sign up for emails and get a coupon for free guacamole upon sign-up and a free entree on your birthday.
  • American Eagle: Sign up for AE Rewards and get 15% off the month of your birthday at AE or Aerie, Free Aerie Bras (buy 5 Bras Get the 6th Free) and access to members-only sales and events.
  • AMF Bowling: Join the e-Club and receive exclusive monthly offers and a special birthday offer.
  • Applebees: Sign up for Applebee’s emails and you’ll get a FREE dessert on your birthday.
  • Au Bon Pain: Sign up for the e-Club and you’ll receive valuable offers and coupon for a free birthday meal.
  • Auntie Anne’s: Sign up for Pretzel Perks and get a different coupon every month.
  • Aveda: Sign up for the Aveda Birthday Program and you’ll receive an offer for FREE shipping and a FREE sample trio with a $25 purchase.
  • Backyard Burger: Join the e-Club and get a free burger plus a special offer on your birthday.
  • Backwoods: Has a birthday program for customers that have spent at least $50 in the last 12 months…you will receive a Birthday card asking you to come in for your complimentary Birthday gift. To snag this birthday freebie, you MUST provide your name, address and birthday next time you shop at Backwoods and then they will add you to their database.
  • Baker’s Square Restaurant & Pies: Sign up for the e-Club and get a FREE piece of pie on your birthday.
  •  Baskin Robbins Birthday Club: Sign up and get a free ice cream email on your birthday and a special discount on a birthday cake. Plus a BOGO scoop offer when you sign up and additional offers all year long.
  • bd’s Mongolian Grill: Join Club Mongo and get something special for your birthday.
  • Ben and Jerry’s: Sign up for Chunk Mail and get a FREE Ice Cream Treat on your birthday and a discount coupon for an ice cream cake.
  • Benihana: Join the Chef’s Table and you’ll receive a $30 Benihana gift certificate to use during your birthday month.
  • Benefit Cosmetics: Sign up for email offers including a special birthday offer; one reader reported receiving a coupon for a free eyebrow wax.
  • Bennigan’s: Join the e-Club and get a coupon for a free Brownie Bottom Pie with the purchase of any entree upon sign-up. You’ll also snag a coupon for a FREE burger, salad, and sandwich with the purchase of a burger, salad, or sandwich on your birthday.
  • Black Angus Steakhouse: Join the BA Prime Club and a free Cowboy Cookie on your birthday.
  • Bob Evans: Sign your kids (ages 12 and under) up for the birthday club and they’ll get a FREE kids’ meal on their birthday. Also be sure to join BE-Mail and you’ll receive a Buy One Get One Free Breakfast Coupon plus exclusive monthly offers.
  • Boston Market: Join the V.I.P. club and receive a special coupon on your birthday.
  • Bravo Cucina Italian: Sign up for the My Bravo Rewards program and get special rewards throughout the year including a Birthday reward.
  • Brio Tuscan Grille: Sign up for the My Brio Rewards program and get special rewards throughout the year including a Birthday reward.
  •  Bruegger’s: Sign up for Fresh News from Bruegger’s and you’ll snag a coupon for a free bagel with cream cheese upon sign-up and you’ll receive a little something on your birthday.
  • Buca di Beppo: Join the e-Club and get a free appetizer just for signing up, a free brownie on your birthday and a free dessert of your choice on your anniversary.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar: Join the Buffalo Circle and get a coupon for a FREE dessert on your birthday (or possibly a coupon for a FREE bottle of Wing Sauce!)
  • Burger King: Sign your kiddos up for Club BK and they’ll snag a FREE kids’ meal on their birthday.
  • California Pizza Kitchen: Register for the monthly newsletter and you’ll have the option of registering your kids (ages 10 and under) for the CPKids Birthday Club so that they can snag a FREE CPKids meal during their birthday month.
  • Cantina Laredo: Join the e-Club and get special offers.
  • Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen: Kids 12 and under can sign up for the Captain D’s Kids Birthday Club and get a special offer on their birthday. Adults can join the D’s club and will snag a welcome email with a coupon good for a FREE Fish & Fries or a FREE Chicken & Fries, just for joining! Plus, you’ll receive a coupon for one of 3 select free dinners of $5 off any dinner or platter on your birthday.
  • Caribou Coffee: Sign up for their email newsletter and snag a coupon for a FREE drink on your birthday!
  • Carino’s Italian: Join the e-Club and get access to specials, promotions, and a birthday surprise.
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Join the Amici Club and receive offers for complimentary menu items and a special offer on your birthday.
  • Carrows Restaurants: Sign up for the e-Club and you’ll snag a coupon for a FREE dessert for joining and a free dessert on your birthday!
  • Cattlemens: Sign up for the e-Club and you’ll get a free dessert on your birthday.
  • Champ’s Sports: Sign up for the email newsletter and receive special offers including a birthday offer.
  • Champp’s: Join the Champp’s Fan Club and get a free cheeseburger or dessert of your choice upon sign-up and a special birthday gift.
  • Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse: Join the Handshake Club and you’ll receive a FREE gift on your birthday and anniversary. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on food purchases and two $10 vouchers when you accumulate 300 points.
  • Charming Charlie: Sign up for the email club to snag special offers throughout the year and on your birthday.
  • Cheeburger Cheeburger: Join the Fan Mail club and receive special club discounts, coupons and more.
  •  Cheeseburger in Paradise Bar & Grill: Join the Board Member Club and get exclusive offers and fun stuff on your birthday.
  • Chevys Fresh Mex: Join the Compadres Club and get a special birthday gift.
  •  Chicken of the Sea: Join the Mermaid Club for a chance to win prizes like sample products, coupons, and Chicken of the Sea memorabilia. Plus, you’ll receive a money-saving coupon on your birthday.
  • Chili’s: Sign up for the email club and receive a welcome coupon as well as a birthday coupon and subsequently a club membership anniversary coupon.
  • Chuck E Cheese’s: Join the email club and receive coupon offers, free tokens for your kid’s birthday and more.
  • Claim Jumper Restaurants: Sign up for their e-Club and get a small bite dessert for joining plus a coupon for a free entree (up to an $18 value) on your birthday. Sign up kids 12 and under for the Little Jumpers Club and they’ll snag a free build your own sundae just for joining and a free Little Jumpers meal on their birthday!
  •  Coldstone Creamery: Join the Birthday Club and you’ll get a Buy 1 Get1 free ice cream creation on your birthday.
  • Corner Bakery Cafe: Join the Corner eCafe and you will receive a coupon for a FREE fresh baked cookie in your welcome email plus a special birthday offer.
  • Cost Plus World Market: Join the World Market Explorer Rewards Program…New members will get a 10% off coupon, $10 reward for every $100 in food purchases, and a surprise birthday gift.
  • Country Buffet/Ryan’s/Hometown Buffet/Fire Mountain: Join the e-Club and get a coupon for a Buy 1 Get 1 Free buffet meal just for joining plus a coupon on your birthday.
  • CVS: Register your CVS ExtraCare card online and you’ll receive an ECB (typically $3 in value) via email on your birthday.
  • Culver’s: Join the e-Club and receive coupons and a special offer on your birthday.
  • Dairy Queen: Join the Blizzard FanClub and get a coupon for a FREE 16 fl. oz. Blizzard Treat with the purchase of another 16 fl. oz. Blizzard Treat plus an extra special coupon on your birthday and anniversary.
  • Dave and Buster’s: Sign up for the rewards program and $10 in free gameplay will be emailed to you; plus get $5 in free gameplay on your birthday.
  • Del Taco: Join the Raving Fan e-Club and get a coupon for 2 free chicken tacos at sign-up and a coupon for a free premium shake on your birthday.
  • Denny’s: Sign up for Denny’s Rewards and get a FREE Grand Slam on your birthday.
  • Designer Shoe Warehouse: Sign up to be a Rewards Member and you’ll snag a $5 birthday gift certificate.
  • Driscoll’s Berries: Sign up for the Rewards Program and get exclusive access to special offers, coupons, and giveaways including a special berry offer for your birthday.
  •  Dunkin’ Donuts: Sign up for Dunkin’ Perks and get a free medium beverage upon sign-up and another free medium beverage on your birthday.
  • Dutch Bros. Coffee: Many of their locations offer a special or free drink for birthdays…ask your local Dutch Bros. for more details.
  •  El Torito: Join El Torito’s Bull Ring email club and a coupon for a free guacamole upon sign-up plus a free entree on your birthday.
  •  Express: Sign up to be an Express Next member to receive special Rewards Certificates throughout the year based on your purchases. If you are an A-List Member, you will receive a coupon for your birthday with up to a $40 value that can be used towards the purchase of products at Express stores. If you are an EXPRESS NEXT Cardholder Member at the Base Level, you will receive a coupon for your birthday with up to a $10 value that can be used towards the purchase of Express products at Express stores.
  • Famous Dave’s: Sign up for the P.I.G. club and get a special birthday offer.
  • Famous Footwear: Sign up for the free Famous Footwear Loyalty Program, achieve Gold Status if you spend more than $200 annually and then receive a special birthday offer.
  • Firehouse Subs: FREE medium celebratory sub on your birthday when you come with a valid I.D. that has your birth date.
  • FirstWatch Daytime Cafe: Join the Sun e-Club and you’ll get a Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon just for joining and a free entree on your birthday.
  • Friendly’s: Sign up for the Friendly’s Best Friends Club and you’ll get a FREE 3-Scoop Sundae just for enrolling (with purchase of adult entree) and a special birthday offer.
  • Fuddruckers: Join the Fudd’s Club and you’ll snag a gift for joining and a FREE burger on your birthday.
  • Furr’s Buffet: Join the Furr’s e-club and you’ll snag a 30% off coupon.
  • Genghis Grill: Join the Kahn’s Klub and snag a free birthday bowl.
  • Gigi’s Cupcakes: Join the Cupcake Lover’s Rewards Program and receive a special birthday and anniversary gift.
  • Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard: Join the Good Times e-Club and you’ll snag a free Deluxe burger just for signing up plus you’ll get a birthday gift on your birthday.
  • Great American Cookies: Sign up for CookiE-mail and get exclusive offers and a birthday surprise.
  • Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Join the VIP newsletter and you’ll snag a coupon good for $5 off your next purchase plus a special gift on your birthday.
  • Hard Rock Cafe: Offers complimentary birthday ice cream and will announce your birthday to the entire restaurant!
  • Houlihan’s: Sign up for the email newsletter and get a free appetizer upon registering and a free entree on your birthday.
  • HuHot Mongolian Grill: Sign up for the HotClub and receive perks like a free appetizer for joining and a free grill meal for your birthday.
  • IHOP: Sign up for the Pancake Revolution and receive a free meal upon signing up and a free meal on your birthday.
  • Jamba Juice: Become a Jamba Insider and get special offers and more.
  • Joe’s Crabshack: Sign up for Joe Mail and get a coupon for a FREE appetizer with the purchase of any adult entree upon sign-up; you’ll receive this same coupon on your birthday as well.
  • Johnny Rockets: Join the Rocket e-Club and get a coupon for a free hamburger with a purchase and also snag a special birthday offer.
  • Juice it Up: Sign up for the Smooth E-Club and get a special welcome offer, birthday gifts, an anniversary present and more.
  • Justice: Sign up your for Justice emails and you’ll snag discounts via email and a special discount/coupon on your birthday.
  • Kmart: Sign up your kiddos for the Kmart Birthday Club and they’ll receive $5 Birthday Bucks, a birthday crown, a Happy Birthday certificate AND a birthday fun pack!
  • Kohl’s: Sign up for the Kohl’s Rewards program – for every dollar, you spend on qualifying purchases, you’ll earn 1 point – and whenever you earn 100 points, you’ll score a $5 reward in your inbox. Plus, you’ll snag a special Birthday Offer!
  • Krispy Kreme: Each Krispy Kreme store offers a different birthday promotion (some stores even offer a free dozen doughnuts and coffee on your birthday) so be sure to call your local store for more details. You may also want to join Friends of Krispy Kreme to receive special offers.
  • Little Tikes: Sign up for the Birthday Bonus Program and you’ll receive special discounts, promotions and offers approximately 30 days before your kiddo’s birthday.
  • Lofthouse Cookies: Join Club Lofthouse, enter your birthday, and you’ll snag a free cookie on your birthday.
  • Lonestar Steakhouse: Sign up for the e-Club and you’ll get a coupon for a free appetizer with any entree purchase upon registration and a special gift on your birthday.
  • Longhorn Steakhouse: Join the Western Hospitality club and receive special offers plus a coupon for a free dessert on your birthday.
  • Luby’s Cafeteria: Sign your kiddos ages 9 and younger up for the Luby’s Kids Birthday Club and they’ll snag a free birthday meal; Sign yourself up for the e-Club and you’ll receive a coupon good for Buy 1 Luann and Get 1 50% off upon sign-up. You will also get a coupon for a free slice of dessert on your birthday.
  • Maggiano’s Little Italy: Sign up for the email list and receive a welcome coupon as well as a birthday coupon.
  • Maggie Moo’s: Join the Maggie Moo’s official fan club and you’ll receive special offers and a birthday surprise.
  • Marie Callender’s: Join the e-Club and you’ll receive exclusive email offers on your birthday and anniversary.
  • McAlister’s Deli: Sign up for deligrams and receive a coupon when you sign up and on your birthday.
  • Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: Join the birthday fellowship and receive one free admission with the purchase of one regular-priced admission of equal or lesser value.
  • Melting Pot: Become a member of Club Fondue, you’ll receive a complimentary box of Signature Chocolate-Covered Strawberries with the purchase of any Big Night Out, Four-Course Classic or the combination of any two individual entrees and a cheese fondue. You’ll receive this same offer when your birthday rolls around.
  • Mimi’s Cafe: Join Mimi’s e-Club and you’ll snag a coupon for a free breakfast with purchase of a breakfast entree upon sign-up. You’ll also receive a coupon for $10 off your purchase of $20 or more on your birthday.
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: Join Moe’s e-World and get a coupon for a free entree on your birthday.
  • Noodles & Company: Sign up for Noodlegrams and get a Buy 1 Get 1 Free dish coupon when you sign-up and get a coupon for a free bowl on your birthday.
  • Not Your Average Joe’s: Join the email club and receive a special welcome offer and a free birthday entree.
  • Novica: Sign up for the Rewards Program and receive a unique savings code on your birthday.
  • Oakhurst Dairy: Kids ages 12 and under can join the Oakhurst Acorn Fan Club and every year, they’ll receive a birthday card with a coupon for a free pint Oakhurst milk or juice along with other fun freebies throughout the year.
  •  O’Charley’s: Join the e-Club and receive a special offer just for signing up and a special birthday offer.
  • Olan Mills Portrait Studio: Sign up for the birthday club and get a free package on your child’s birthday ages 3 and younger.
  • Old Chicago: Sign up for the OC Connection for special offers throughout the year; one reader reported getting a coupon for a free medium pizza during their birthday month.
  • Old Navy: Sign up for Old Navy emails (all the way at the bottom of the Old Navy website) and you’ll snag a coupon upon sign-up and a special birthday treat.
  • On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina: Join Club Cantina and get a coupon for a free Dip Trio or Brownie Sundae on your birthday.
  • Orange Julius: Join the OJ Quench Club and get a special offer just for joining plus an email coupon on your birthday.
  • Outback Steakhouse: Join Outback Rewards and get a FREE Aussie-tizer with the purchase of 2 entrees at sign-up and something special on your birthday. Note that this program is ending in August 2013.
  • Panera Bread: Get a MyPanera card from a Panera associate, register the card online, and you’ll start to receive special discounts, freebies, and a birthday reward!
  • Papa Murphy’s: Join the e-Club and you’ll get coupons for pizzas, appetizers, salads and desserts and FREE cookie dough on your birthday.
  • Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant: Join the VIP club and receive coupons for a free birthday dinner and anniversary appetizer. Kids ages 4-10 can join the Pepitos Club to receive special offers, coupons and more.
  • Perkins: Join the e-Club and get a coupon for a FREE adult entree upon sign-up PLUS get a special birthday offer. If you have kiddos 12 or younger, be sure to sign them up for the Perkins Kids Birthday Club and they’ll snag a greeting for a FREE Kid’s Meal during the week of their birthday and occasional additional special offers via email.
  • PF Chang’s: Sign up for Warrior Rewards for special rewards throughout the year.
  • Pick Up Stix: Sign up for the Dragon Club and you’ll receive $5 off any purchase of $10 or more AND a birthday coupon at the beginning of your birthday month.
  • Pinkberry: Sign up for the Pinkcard Loyalty Program and get a free small yogurt after every 10th purchase and a free yogurt on your birthday.
  • Piperlime: Sign up for emails and get a coupon good for $15 off any purchase of $60 or more during your birthday month.
  • Pizza Hut: Sign up for the Hut Lovers Email Program and receive FREE Cinnamon Sticks or Breadsticks with your online order during your birthday month.
  • Pizza Ranch: Join the birthday club (you must sign up at your local Pizza Ranch) and kids 11 and under will receive a free kid’s meal certificate by email.
  • Planet Smoothie: Sign up for the newsletter and get free birthday goodies.
  • Ponderosa Steakhouse: Join the e-Club and receive a special offer on your birthday, as well as other offers throughout the year!
  • Prime Shine Car Wash (California only): Sign up for a Free Car Wash on your birthday.
  • Qdoba Mexican Grill: Sign up for the e-Club and receive a gift on your birthday.
  • Quiznos: Sign up for the Q-Club and receive a coupon for $2 off a regular or large sub plus get a coupon for a free cookie on your birthday.
  • RaceTrac: Become a RaceTrac Insider and get coupons, insider information, and more.
  • Radio Flyer: Sign up for the Birthday Club and Get a $10 gift card every year for your child’s birthday.
  • Rainforest Cafe: Sign up for the Safari Club to get special offers throughout the year including a birthday coupon.
  • Raising Cane’s: Join the Caniac Club and get free food on your birthday and anniversary.
  • Red Lobster: Join the Fresh Catch Club and get a special birthday surprise.
  • Red Robin: Join the Red Robin e-Club and get a gift for signing up and a FREE burger on your birthday.
  • Rita’s: Join the online birthday club and receive exclusive offers all year plus a special birthday treat.
  • Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: Join the Rock Bottom Mug Club and get a special gift on your birthday (note: you must have a Mug Club card to register; if you need a card, you must join at your local Rock Bottom restaurant).
  • Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Sign up for the email newsletter and you’ll snag a coupon good for $5 off any 2 entrees plus a special birthday gift.
  • Round Table Pizza: Sign up for the Pizza Fanatic email club and you’ll snag a coupon upon sign-up.
  • Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill: Sign up for Rubio’s Beach Club and receive information on specials and future items or promotions, including a coupon celebrating your birthday.
  • Ruby Tuesday: Join the So Connected Email Club and snag a coupon for a free sweet treat on your birthday.
  • Scooter’s Coffeehouse: Sign up for Scooter’s e-Club and get a coupon for a free drink upon sign-up plus a birthday offer.
  • Sephora: Become a Beauty Insider and get a free birthday gift (i.e. Sephora Collection Beautiful Eyes Kit).
  • Shoney’s: Sign up for the email club and choose the option to add your kid’s ages 12 and under…kids will then snag a coupon for a FREE birthday meal.
  •  Smoothie King: Join the Kingdom and receive discounts, promotion, and a birthday offer.
  • Sonic: Sign up to be a Sonic Cruisers member and you’ll snag a surprise on your birthday (choice of a FREE medium Tots, a regular CreamSlush Treat or a medium drink). Kids ages 12 and younger can sign up for the Birthday Club and snag a coupon for a FREE Wacky Pack Kids meal on their birthday.
  • Souper Salad: Sign up for the Souper Fresh Club and they’ll email you a special discount on your birthday.
  • Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes: Join Club Veg and get a coupon for a free buffet on your birthday.
  • Spicy Pickle: Join the Pickle Club and get a coupon for a free entree on your birthday. You’ll also receive a coupon for a free bag of chips with the purchase of any entree upon sign up.
  • Starbucks: Get a FREE Handcrafted beverage or one free food item of your choice on your birthday + many other perks!
  • Steak n’ Shake: Sign up for the e-Club and you’ll snag special offers, money-saving coupons, and something special on your birthday.
  • Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet: Join their email list to get special offers, free food and something special on your birthday.
  • Sunglass Hut: Create a free account and receive special offers throughout the year; one reader reported receiving a $20 gift card during their birthday month.
  • Taco Cabana: Sign up for the e-Club and receive a free fajita taco at sign-up and a birthday gift.
  • Taco Time: Kids ages 12 and under can join the Taco Time Kids Club…they’ll snag a coupon for a FREE kids meal on their birthday.
  • TCBY: Sign up for the TCBY Email Club and you’ll snag a coupon via email for a FREE treat with ANY purchase (coupon will arrive within 12-24 hours). Plus, you’ll also snag a coupon for a FREE Treat during the week of your birthday!
  • Ted’s Montana Grill: Sign up for Ted’s email and you’ll receive special offers, a complimentary dessert on your birthday and anniversary and will automatically be entered into a monthly drawing to win a $50 Ted’s Montana Grill gift card.
  • Texas De Brazil: Sign up for the eClub and get a special gift for joining, a complimentary birthday dinner, and exclusive deals throughout the year.
  • Texas Roadhouse: Join the e-Club and get delicious gifts and other fun stuff!
  • The Old Spaghetti Factory: Kids 10 and under can sign up for the kids birthday club and will get a free kid’s meal on their birthday.
  • The Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant: Sign up for the e-Club and get a coupon for a free appetizer with an entree purchase upon sign-up and snag a coupon for a FREE spaghetti dinner on your birthday.
  • T.G.I. Friday’s: Sign up for the Give Me More Stripes Guest Recognition Program and you’ll snag a coupon for a FREE dessert or appetizer upon sign-up, an $8 coupon good for free food when you spend $100 or more on food, and a special treat on your birthday.
  • Tony Roma’s: Sign up to be a Roma Rib Expert and get a coupon for a free entree on your birthday.
  • Toys R Us: Sign up your kids 10 and under for Geoffrey’s Birthday Club and you’ll snag a free party planner with a special offer, a birthday greeting card and gift, an in-store celebration (including a birthday crown, a balloon, and an in-store announcement), and even a birthday call from Geoffrey.
  • ULTA Beauty Store: Sign up for the Ulta Rewards program for special offers throughout the year and on your birthday.
  • Unilever: All registered MakingLifeBetter.com Online Members will receive an email during their birthday month to enter the MakingLifeBetter.com Online Birthday Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of ten shopping totes, filled with Unilever products worth over $50. Note you must be a registered member at least 14 days prior to the start of your birth month in order to enter the sweepstakes.
  • Vera Bradley: Register for a free account to receive exclusive offers and discounts; one reader reported receiving a $20 Vera Bradley Gift Card during their birthday month.
  • Village Inn: Sign up for the e-Club and immediately receive a coupon good for a free entree with the purchase of another adult entree and 2 drinks, plus get something for your birthday.
  • Wendy’s: Sign up for Wendy’s email and get a $1 coupon in your inbox within one week of signing up and other coupons and promotions throughout the year.
  • Wienerschnitzel: Join the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Lovers Club to get in on exciting news and offers all year long plus you’ll receive a coupon in your welcome message for a FREE Chili dog with ANY purchase coupon.
  • Zaxby’s: Kids 10 and under can join the Zax Kidz Club and receive a free cookie club in the mail just for joining and a free kidz meal card mailed on their birthday; Adults can join the Zaxby’s Mail club and will receive via email a members-only FREE Meal Deal coupon to the address you provide within six weeks of joining.
  • Zio’s Italian Kitchen: Sign up for Zio’s emails and you’ll receive a coupon for FREE Pepperoni bread upon sign-up and a coupon for a free dessert on your birthday.

So friends, that’s my list of dozens of great freebie you can score for your upcoming celebrated birthdays at home! If you have birthday traditions you would like to share or know of other freebie offers for others, I’d love to hear about them below! 

10 Items To Start Saving in 2015!

20140329160620!Recycle_Bin

Hello again, savvy savers! Today finds us with a new list of the things we should all be saving in 2015. Not only will reducing the amount of stuff you throw away make you a champ in the eco-consciousness, Greener Living category, it’ll also save your wallet a bundle!

The following is a list of the top ten items you should be saving this year:

  1. Plastic ice cream tubs: These buckets are incredibly handy, and just the right size and durability for a lot of outdoor uses. They’re perfect for storing rock salt, fertilizer, under-the-sink compost bins, supplements, pet food, and more. For long trips, consider putting an individual portion of ice in each one, then add your food and stack in your cooler. They hold up and keep your food organized and cool to boot!
  2. Mesh Popsicle bags: Storing garlic, onions, apples, and potatoes in these bags will provide you with a great storage bag, and will help your produce last twice as long! 
  3. Plastic Deli Meat Containers: I have one word for you, leftovers! These make the best containers for leftovers! An added bonus is that these tubs are dishwasher safe; mine have been through the dishwasher dozens of times and still seal tight. Plus they’re exactly the right size for a meal-sized portion of food! 
  4. Plastic grocery bags:  Use them to line bathroom wastebaskets, as padding in fragile packages, or as a fabulous and reusable way to package up delicate holiday decorations.
  5. Old Sheets: They make fabulous drop cloths for house-painting projects and art projects. They also make great furniture covers to protect your stuff when moving!
  6. Old Socks: Socks make perfect dusting rags. Old socks can also be cut at the ends and used as pads on your Swiffer. Mark these socks with a permanent red marker in a large X to easily identify them when you run them through the wash later.
  7. Milk Cartons: Cut the top half off, and have an awesome scooper for just about anything. Also, freezing water in milk jogs during the summer, placed in front of fans on a towel, will help cool your room by as much as 10 degrees! 
  8. Holiday wrapping paper: Use cheap rolls after the holidays to line drawers or shelves!
  9. Metal Hangers: Hangers can be used to make cheap, inexpensive wreath forms! Hangers with clips, can give the hanger detached, and use the clips for chips! 
  10. Corks: Corks can be used to scour delicate pots and pans. They can also be glue together to make inexpensive trivets, and can also used as small, cheap pin cushions in your sewing drawer or basket. 

These free, fun ideas are sure to save you money, and time, this year!

Here’s to Greener Living,

Birthday_Cake22

Beauty On A Budget: Under Eye Bag Fix!

teabag

Hello again, savvy savers! For this weeks Beauty on a Budget Post, I wanted to share with you my favorite fix for under eye puffiness, and that is with used tea bags! To help ease that under eye puffiness, simply brew two bags of tea, then wring them out slightly, and allow the bags to cool for a few seconds.  Then just  apply one teabag to each eye, pressing slightly.  Leave the tea bags on for 15-20 minutes – you should notice brighter eyes immediately afterwards! This hack works because of the tannic acid within the tea helps reduce external puffiness! Used tea bags can then be placed in the compost bin for easy cleanup! 

Here’s to beauty,

Birthday_Cake22

Weekly Menu: Feeding A Family of 4, For Only $23.61 & Weekly Stockpile Shopping Trip!

january menu picture

 

Happy Sunday, savvy savers! This week is starting off to a sunny, yet chilly start here in Dixie. Thankfully, this weeks menu is going to be a breeze, and consists of Cupboard Clearing ideas, so stepping out to the market is not necessary! I am cooking and prepping solely from what is in my deep freeze pantry, and stockpile this week! Without further ado, here is my weekly menu, for which was derived from couponing deals, freebies, and cupboard cooking; I will be feeding a family of four this week for only $23.61!

This week we will be having:

Monday
Breakfast: Turkey, low-fat Mozzarella, and Spinach Omelette, with Green Tea.
Lunch: Turkey and Cheese rounds, with celery, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Almonds, Gala Apple Slices, and String Cheese.
Dinner: Crockpot Three Bean Chili, cooked with Boca Crumbles, with Diet Cola.
Dessert: Sugar-Free Dulce de Leche Cups.

Tuesday
Dining Out for my Birthday with Gift Cards from the holidays!

Wednesday
Breakfast: Baked Frittata Cups, with Unsweetened Almond Milk.
Lunch: Taco Salads, with crystal light.
Snack: Grapes and apple slices.
Dinner: Crockpot Chicken Curry, steamed peas, and crystal light.
Dessert: Homemade Gluten-Free  Truvia brownies.

Thursday
Breakfast: Homemade Greek Yogurt, with fruit cup, and Unsweetened Almond milk.
Lunch: Tossed Salad with Turkey, light vinaigrette, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Grapes and apple slices.
Dinner: Grilled Turkey Burger Patties, Bakes Squash Slices,  with Crystal Light.
Dessert: Brownie flurries with leftover brownies; we use Edy’s Sugar-Free Ice Cream.

Friday
Breakfast: Turkey, Cheese, and Egg Scramble, with Unsweetened Apple Juice.
Lunch: Tossed salad, with walnuts, grapes, and  homemade Greek Yogurt dressing.
Snack: Strawberries and two pieces of Sugar Free Chocolate; candy is used as melted drizzle for berries.
Dinner: Barbecue Pork, Steamed Green Beans, Quinoa, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Diet Coca-Cola slushies.

Saturday
Breakfast: Omelettes with sausage, and milk.
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, and Crystal Light.
Snacks: String Cheese and grapes.
Dinner: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, Quinoa, and lemonade.
Dessert: Sugar-Free Dulce de Leche Cups.

Sunday
Breakfast: Bacon and Eggs, with Unsweetened Almond Milk.
Lunch: Grilled Andouille Sausage, Steamed Broccoli, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Grapes and walnuts.
Dinner: Crockpot Orange Chicken with Almonds, Steamed Snow Peas, and crystal light.
Dessert: Frozen Stockpile Fruit Smoothies.

 

As well, here is my weekly stockpile shopping trip; all goods which are used in my pantry, blanched, frozen, or used for freezer meals! 

Here’s what I purchased:

 

unnamed

 

Walmart:

Total Spent: $8.65, Plus Applicable Tax
App Savings: $3.00
Final Price: $5.65

 

unnamed (2)

 

 

Sam’s Club:

  • (2) Granduoli Panettoni Bread, $1.49 each; this is a savings of $5.99 per box.
  • 10 lb. Bag of Scarlett Ruby Red Grapefruits, $3.98; I saved $1.00 on this purchase using the Snap by Groupon App.
  • Driscoll’s Raspberries Pack, $3.98; submitted for $1.00 saving on this purchase using the Snap by Groupon App.
  • Bananas, $1.49; submitted for $0.25 savings with Checkout51 app

Total Spent: $12.43, Plus Applicable Tax
App Savings: $2.25
Final Price: $10.18

 

unnamed (1)

Winn-Dixie:

  • (2) Matzos Packs, $0.92 each; this is a savings of $2.30 per pack!
  • (5) Striet’s Matzo Ball Soup Jars, $0.50 per jar; this is a savings of $2.89 per jar.
  • (4) Wolff’s Kasha Boxes, $0.34 each; this is a savings of $1.89 per box.
  • (9) Manischweitz Matzo Meal Breading Crumbs, $0.34 each; this is a savings of $4.01 per canister.
  • (3) Manischweitz Potato Pancake Mix Boxes, $0.34 each; this is a savings of $1.00 per box.
  • Sugar-Free Sour Strips, $0.25 each; this is a savings of $1.75 per pack. 

Total Spent: $10.03, Plus Applicable Tax

So this week I paid $23.61 for $149.78 worth of groceries and home goods, all of which went to replenish my stockpile, freezers, and pantry! 

Here’s to saving,

Birthday_Cake22