Sweet Savings

Free books for military families!

2011-05-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day! Here's a special free book deal for spouses and military members.

From MilitaryOneSource: "Each service member or military family/household will be limited to 10 paperback and/or Playaway books in a one year time period. The year will begin when you order your first paperback or Playaway book. We will not be able to guarantee any titles will be replenished or available."

To get started, make an account on MilitaryOneSource Once you log in, make sure to select your branch and status on the homepage, otherwise you will not have full access to the site's content.

Once your page is redirected, click on "Library Resources" under the "Popular Links" box on the right side of the page. From there, click on "Playaway and Paperback Books" and select Fiction or Non-fiction. Choose the titles you want and add it to your basket.

Your order confirmation email will state that it takes 7-14 days, but mine came in less than 48 hours! Shipping is free too! Happy Reading!

Coupons & Deals for Newbies!

2011-04-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been MIA lately. I've been busy chasing my wild infant around and there are just way too many coupon/deal blogs out there to compete with!

This is a special post for all my friends that have come to me in the past months with questions on saving money and finding deals. Instead of replying back individually and sharing the same info time and time again, I decided it's best to compile it all in a blog post! So lets get started, shall we?

Helpful couponing tips

-Subscribe to the Sunday paper.
It's the easiest place to begin! You'll usually get 2-3 inserts of coupons each week as well as coupons to department and drug stores. You'll also get a preview to each week's sales.
-Know your local stores' coupon policies.
Publix, for instance, accepts all competitor coupons. Target allows you to use one Target store coupon and one manufacturer coupon per item. Here's an extensive list of store coupon policies.
-Combine coupons with buy one, get one free sales.
-Search for store match-ups before you shop.
There are people out there with wayyy too much time on their hands that research what items are on sale each week (flyer ads) and they tell you which sale items have coupons on the web or in the paper. Some of these lifesavers even post direct links to the coupons, which makes life easier for the rest of us! Here's an example
-Request free samples online
The companies usually send you coupons with your sample! Here are some places to start: All You,Walmart
-"Like" your favorite companies on Facebook
Many of them now offer coupons for free products and samples just for being a "fan"
- Search for coupons online
Google is a great tool! Before you head out to shop, just google the product you want to purchase followed by "coupon" to see if there are any online printables you can bring along. Otherwise, Coupons.com and Smartsource are great places to start.
- Follow coupon blogs
In my opinion, this is the BEST way to find deals. Here are some of my favorite blogs that I follow on a daily basis: Couponers United, Freebies 2 Deals, Thrifty Wifey, Nifty Thrifty Savings. Those should be enough to get you started..believe me..they all link to other great blogs and you will become addicted to deal searching!

And here are some pictures of some recent freebies (some were free samples, some were redeemed by coupons, and others were free deals I found on blogs) Just click on it to make it larger!

Free Holiday Cards!

2010-11-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Shutterfly is offering tons of specials and new products this holiday season!

I normally order 4x8 flat photo cards to send out to friends and family, but this year, I might just have to upgrade to their new folded Christmas holiday cards. I received 6 free just by using coupon codes (valued at $15)

The print quality is amazing and they are printed on new premium cardstock. There are over 800 designs, the hardest part is picking one!

Luckily, Shutterfly offers a toolbar that helps refine a search. You can narrow your decision down by colors, prices, card sizes, and even card designers.

And while you are there, pay attention to your order confirmation. I received a special offer from Shutterfly. If you share the card or project you made on your blog or website, Shutterfly will send you an email with a $25 coupon code! (Once confirmed)

Happy Holidays!

aiden card

2010-11-14T18:27:00.001-08:00

Cheery Year Powder 2010 Christmas 5x7 folded card

Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Free Photo Book, Birth Announcements, and Cards!

2010-10-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a die hard fan of Shutterfly, a site where you can order photo gifts and prints.

In my email today, I received an offer from my weekly Target email subscriptions to the Kodak Gallery at Target Photo site with a hook for a free 5 x 7 photo book ($10 value)

Just visit the site and enter TARGBOOK for your free book (expires November 6, 2010). While you are there, there's also a free offer for 20 birth announcements ($17 value)

Finally, you can also get 50 free Mommy Cards ($13 value) and 50 free Contact Cards ($13 value)

Hint: You have to pay for shipping in order to receive these free offers! Unfortunately, if you select the "pick up in store" option, you have to pay for the announcements. Don't worry! Shipping isn't that expensive. Plus, you are saving soooo much!

280 Free Pampers Gifts to Grow Points!

2010-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know it has been a while since my last update! An internship, pregnancy, baby, and move across states has kept me quite busy these last few months.

So here's a special treat for all you moms out there to make up for my lack of blog posts!

As a new mom, I've been testing out different diaper brands. So far, I'm a huge fan of Pampers! And of course, I also try to save money and find deals. Even more so now...

I created an account on Pampers and have been entering Gifts to Grow reward points (found on diapers and wipes) Until I found these codes, I had 63 points. Now, I have 333 thanks to Deal in USA

If you don't have an account, create one! You'll be one step closer to free stuff! The rewards catalog features items such as potty seats, calendars and photo gifts from Shutterfly, toys, magazines, gift cards, and coupons for diapers!

Here you go ladies!

Promotion Code GTGGETREADYSOON 10
Promotion Code CAREFORNEWBORNS 10
Promotion Code GTGFIVEMONTHS10 10
Promotion Code GIFTS2GROWBONUS 20
Promotion Code GETSTARTEDNOW10 10
Promotion Code GTGCOUPONPOINTS 10
Promotion Code WELCOME2VILLAGE 10
Promotion Code WELCOME2GTG2010 10
Promotion Code WELCOME2PAMPERS 50
Promotion Code PUNTOSPARAMI123 10
Promotion Code 10PTSFREECODE4U 10
Promotion Code GIFTSTOGROW4MOM 50
Promotion Code JOINNOW4REWARDS 50
Promotion Code GTGTENMONTHCODE 10
Promotion Code FACEBOOKOCT2010 10 ( expires 10/31/2010)

Yankee Candle anyone?

2010-05-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend! It's been quite a while since my last post hasn't it? Things have been busy between papers, finals, interning, graduating, and visiting FL for 2 weeks! Now that I'm free for the summer, you can count on more money saving posts :)

Today, I perused the mall and happened to see a huge SEMI-ANNUAL CLEARANCE SALE poster at..no not Victoria's Secret (can't wait for that!)...but at Yankee Candle!

I went in with the intent to "just look"..but c'mon! that never really works does it?

After smelling some new scents (Root Beer Float, Tutti Frutti, Garden Cucumber), I stumbled upon the most amazing scent ever...Key Lime Pie. I'm a huge Yankee Candle Vanilla Lime fan, but Key Lime Pie blows it out of the water. It's tart and refreshing and the moment I smelled it, I knew I had to have it.

$24.99 for a large jar? ehh...luckily, it was on sale 2 for $25.

Now for the good part.

After receiving my receipt, I learned that you could register for coupons on Yankee Candle Coupons If you sign up NOW, you get $10 off a $25 purchase. If you buy two large jars using that coupon, you would be paying $7.50 per jar (2 for $15). That's a savings of 70%!

Now..go take advantage of this sale and be glad that you didn't have to purchase anything to find out about this great $10 off coupon! :)

Save money by making your own Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits!

2010-04-01T18:35:00.001-07:00

Okay, so this isn't my typical blog entry. I've had lots of requests for this recipe(after posting food photos on Facebook). So now I'll post in a centralized location!

Who doesn't love Red Lobster's biscuits? And what better way than making them at home so you can eat as MANY as you want? Besides, you probably have MOST of the ingredients at home! It's quick and easy enough for your kids to help. I've made this numerous times...so I've included my tips in the parentheses.

Ingredients:
2 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix

¾ cup cold whole milk

4 tablespoons cold butter

¼ teaspoon garlic powder (I usually put a bit more! Garlic powder isn't that strong)

1 heaping cup grated cheddar cheese (Put about a cup and a half!)

Garnish ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter, melted

¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Combine Bisquick with cold butter in a medium bowl using a pastry cutter or a large fork. You don't want to mix too thoroughly. There should be small chunks of butter in there that are about the size of peas. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and ¼ teaspoon garlic. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix.

3. Drop approximately ¼-cup portions of the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet using an ice cream scoop. (For CRISPY golden bottoms, brush the pan with butter!)

4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the tops of the biscuits begin to turn light brown. (I always have to bake my biscuits longer! After the initial 15-17 minutes, take the biscuits out, rip one in half to see if it's cooked. Keep baking for 3-5 minute intervals)

5. When you take the biscuits out of the oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter is a small bowl in your microwave. Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder and the dried parsley flakes. Use a brush to spread this garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits. Use up all of the butter. (I usually take the biscuits out 5 minutes before they are ready and then brush the buttery mixture on top--they are crispier that way. Broil for 1-2 minutes if you don't have the time) Makes one dozen biscuits.

Enjoy! I am getting hungry just writing about the recipe!

Free Chick-Fil-A meals for a year

2010-02-02T06:33:00.001-08:00

I've known about this promotion for months, yet I always seem to find out about openings AFTER they've already opened! And I've missed out on two! Hopefully, you will have more luck.

Anyways, here's the scoop.

If you are one of the First 100 people at the grand opening morning of a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, you get a Chicken Sandwich, Waffle Fries, and a Drink each week, for a year (That's 52 meals)

There are some rules set in place, due to large crowds and the popularity of the event.

Check here for upcoming restaurant openings and dates.

P.S. If you live in Jacksonville, FL...there's one opening up this week :)

Good luck!

Denny's and Free Food Days!

2010-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

At my last university, I discovered the trend that many huge corporations choose one day out of the year and give you free food. For broke college students and anyone working in today's economy, you can't beat that.

In the past, I've participated in Free Cone Day with Ben & Jerry's, Free Iced Coffee Day with Dunkin' Donuts, and Free Slurpee Day with 7-Eleven. Tropical Smoothie also celebrates National Flip-Flop Day (yes, there actually is one!) and gives free Strawberry-Banana Smoothies if you wear flip flops in :)

So, HOW do you find out about promotions?
-Follow the news
-Look for official press releases
-Look for television/print ads
-Check Food Corporations web sites frequently
-Join email lists
-Facebook--social media marketing is changing the world. I usually find out about 75%of these promotions through facebook groups. If you don't know if they are legit, call the local store or check the official web site of whatever company is claiming they are giving free food away.

DENNY'S----------------------------------------------------------------------------

This year, I found out about Free Grand Slam Breakfast Day (2/9/10 from 6am-2pm) at Denny's through my PR professor, and I'm sharing that news with all of you! Here's the link if you don't believe me:

Free Breakfast!

And while you're at it, sign up for their Rewards Club so you can receive ANOTHER free breakfast on your birthday. (If you haven't checked my blog post on e-clubs, scroll down a few posts!)

ALSO, according to their recent press release, the first 500,000 people who sign up for Denny's Rewards Club starting TODAY, will get a FREE burger & fries entree! Now go!

Restaurant E-clubs

2010-01-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Want a better excuse to visit your favorite restaurant? Have you been yearning to try the new place in town...but want to score some freebies along the way? One of the easiest ways to score free food is to join restaurant e-clubs. Many offer free memberships in exchange for a few emails a month (or every few months).

Aside from valuable coupons, many restaurants will email you first about new promotions and specials...before the general public finds out!

Here are some suggestions and what they offer:

-Papa Murphy's e-club: A coupon for buy one get one half off pizza (immediately after you sign up) and free take 'n bake cookie dough on your birthday
-Bruster's Sweet Rewards: coupons about once a month for ice cream! And a heads up on new seasonal flavors...with a coupon to try them!
-Atlanta Bread's VIP e-club: offers about once every month or two.
-Coldstone Birthday Club you get a free creation on your special day!
-Moe's e-worldoffers you a free entree on your birthday, as well as a coupon for a free cup of queso that is normally worth $3
-Firehouse Subs will give you a free cookie with any purchase as well as a free cherry lime-ade with any purchase. I've also gotten a coupon for free chips.
-O'Charley's eclub offers a free appetizer with any purchase.

And don't forget about local restaurants that aren't a part of chains.

For instance, Hyman's Seafood Company (a local Charleston, SC favorite), offers a mailing list (you sign up after you eat) that lets you know when specials are! Some are email inclusive.

For a place that charges between $10-20 an entree, you get quite the savings. For instance, my latest email from Hymans offers an email only invitation for all you can eat snow crab and shrimp, plus one side, coleslaw, hushpuppies, AND homemade potato soup for only $19.95. Imagine what you would normally pay for a meal like that!

In addition to the emails, Hyman ALWAYS has a link to their website for free crab dip

So take a look around and ask local businesses if they offer special mailing clubs or e-clubs. You might find a hidden treasure.

Retail me NOT!

2010-01-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gotten those special coupon codes for free shipping or $5 off an order in your inbox or in your mail..just for being a valued shopper? How would you like to have access to ALL of the codes..the ones that everyone else get! Wouldn't it get even better if you were part of a network that SHARED the codes?

Retail Me Not is an online resource that does just that.

And even better...other users (as well as yourself) can RATE whether or not the coupons work.

Just think...electronic coupon! It saves paper and computer ink :)

It's about time you check it out if you haven't already!

I always check the site before I submit any online order. To date, I have utilized codes for victoriassecret.com, thinkgeek.com, half.com (yes, $10 off textbook coupon codes exist!), shutterfly.com, target.com, and even theknot.com.

There are coupon codes for over 40,000 stores. Just try it! You never know what you'll find...and you can almost always enter more than one code in :)

Walmart's Free Samples

2010-01-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

I have been getting free samples from Walmart for years!

It's great because not only do you get free trial size (sometimes full) samples..you get coupons too!

All you have to do is fill out an information sheet (don't worry, it takes like 30 seconds!) and be patient. Some arrive in 4-6 weeks.

Check every few weeks because samples rotate in and out. Samples are great because many of them are "travel size" Just pop one in your bag before your flight, hotel stay, or family visit!

Among items I've received over the years:

-Free Kotex/Always Pads of all sizes
-Free roll of Scott toilet paper & disposable wipes
-Shampoo/Conditioner from all major brands like: Pantene, John Frieda Collection, Dove, Aveeno, Sunsilk, Pert, Head & Shoulders, etc.
-Scope mouthwash sample
-Travel size toothpaste
-Lotion from Vaseline, Eucerin, Bodycology
-Dove Deodorant
-Gillette Body Wash & Shampoo for Men
-Old Spice Body Wash
-Skin Degenerist Face Cream
-Biore Face Wash
-Garnier night cream

There are so many more to list, but I think you get the idea. To get these sweet savings, there's no money spent, just time.

The $39 Experiment, or $5, or $100

2010-01-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago, I stumbled upon a fascinating site. Tom Locke, an average guy, decided to write to companies and ask for free stuff. At the time, stamps were only 39 cents, so he decided to write to 100 companies. He ASKED for free samples and ended up getting about $272 worth of free stuff.

I decided to fashion my experiment differently. Instead of ASKING for stuff, which sounds needy, I raved about products I like or mentioned products I would love to try.

And with the advent of technology, many websites now feature comment sections online. A handful still require handwritten comments, but my few minutes of scribble was worth what I got in return.

Before you begin, check out who Tom wrote to for ideas

My suggestion is to think about what you use often, think about what you'd like to try, and think about expensive expenses when brainstorming.

Here's my results:

-Nutro (dog food company) sent me $20 worth of coupons. Granted, each bag costs about $50, so this was helpful!
-Nivea sent me two 2oz samples of their NEWEST body wash products after I raved about how great one smelled and how I desperately wanted to try their body wash that featured "diamond powder." Nivea also sent me 3 sets of $2 off coupons!
-Bath & Body Works sent me a 20% off entire purchase coupon
-Sally Hansen sent me $18 worth of coupons for nail polish and beauty supplies!
-Glade sent me a coupon for a free Lasting Impressions start up kit ($7 value) and a free Glade Candle ($2 value) after I wrote in about how much I love their products
-Busy Bone (Purina) sent me several $1.00 off coupons for dog treats

The possibilities are endless. And most of the time, you don't even have to spend any money. Sweet Savings, huh?!

Baby on the way? Friends with infants or toddlers? Read on!

2010-01-15T16:18:00.000-08:00

For those of you expectant mothers, new moms, and experienced moms...if you haven't already, you need to sign up for the
Publix Baby Club Babies are expensive, and what better way to start saving then logging online, filling out a 30 second form, and clicking submit? Even if you aren't expecting anytime soon, fill one out for a friend who you know is! They'll definitely appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Most importantly, they will provide valuable coupons for free items (trial size and full size) Hello, Diapers?

Among the FREE coupons I received:

-Free 16oz Publix Brand Cocoa Butter
-Free 16oz Publix Rubbing Alcohol
-Free 2oz Publix Hand Sanitizer
-Free 8oz box of Beech Nut Rice Cereal Baby Food
-Free 14 day supply of antibiotics

Some of the BOGO (Buy one, get one) deals:

-Buy Huggies diapers, get wipes free
-BOGO Kotex Maxi Pads
-BOGO NUK Pacifiers
-BOGO Custom Baby Announcements
-BOGO Playtex Nursing Pads

And finally, among the value saving coupons:

-$10 off when you buy ANY two Huggies Boxed Diapers
-$1.00 off Lysol Disinfectant Spray
-$3.00 off Ensure High Calcium Formula

These are only some of the coupons I received, there are about 22 in total.

Did I mention you get a FREE book ($20 value) The parenting books if from the American Academy of Pediatrics and covers birth to age 5 of your child's life.

You also get a newsletter about every three months with tips and information about family life and baby care.

And don't forget, you will still receive coupons for up to 2 years!

When your child is a preschooler (they grow up fast, don't they?), you can register them for Publix Preschool Pals. Your little one will receive birthday cards, newsletters, prizes, and a CD-rom full of educational games.

So remember, free stuff is only a click away and the savings are always sweet!

Sweet Savings

2010-01-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

Finally.

I've been thinking about it for months. I need to start a blog about saving money and teach others how to get free stuff. Little things YOU can do that will add up in the long run.

I'm usually the "go-to" person when anyone wants to know about coupons, deals, and savings. And I've decided it's time to share that experience with the world.

Now granted, yes, I'm only 20 (almost 21), but I guarantee you I can help you save and get a lot more (in the long run) than some of those older folks who speak at conventions and seminars. And believe me, my advice will be a lot easier to comprehend (and more fun).

So now, brace yourself, as I drive you into the world of coupon clipping, how to get free stuff from Walmart, baby stuff from Publix, free samples from companies, and coupons for free products. And if you're an online shopper, I have good news for you too.

I'll also tell you how to save on textbooks, prom dresses, and more :)

I told you I had lots of ideas built up. Look out!