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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Free Pantene

 

I've mentioned VocalPoint before.  Right now, for registered members, they are giving away a sample of Pantene.  I've noticed that when they send out samples they are typically full size AND I get great coupons with the samples.  Normally, you don't get an email letting you choose which sample you would like to try but this time we did.  I chose the one for color treated hair...since mine is.  :-)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

End of Month and Year To Date Totals



Total before coupons and sales:  $513.33
Coupons Total:  $151.31
Deals/Sales Total:  $218.89
Total Spent:  $143.13

That is a savings of 72.12%!  Not bad, not bad.  Not as good as in the past but I definitely won't complain.  This breaks down to $35.78 a week.  Just over the amount I have budgeted but I had a little extra wiggle room from February's totals.  Here are the numbers since January 1.

Total Before Coupons and Sales:  $1587.11
Coupon Total:  $533.68
Deals/Sales Total:  $659.01
Total Spent:  $394.42

That is a savings of 79.82%.  Last year I would have spent $1020 by now and would have nothing to show for it.  This year I have more food and toiletry items in our cabinets than I ever thought possible.  I won't have to buy soap for Bubba for a year, maybe more.  I haven't bought toilet paper in 6 months or so and I still have a couple months supply left.  On top of all the surplus in our home I can't even remember how many products we have given away!  If you haven't started using coupons then now is the time to get started.  You too can save a lot of money and still have plenty to give away.

As for our saving up for the Israel trip, that got an extra boost since we received unexpected tax returns from both Federal and State.  It is just a tiny bit over 70% saved up for.  We are so very excited about this trip even though it doesn't happen until October!


Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Mail Call

This week I received:  sample of Lever 2000 bar soap, box of GoLean Kashi cereal, box of Kellog's All Bran cereal, 2 coupons for the Kashi, a packet of Marigold seeds, small packet of All Bran crunchies, and a sample of Bounce dryer sheets.  I also received a $20 rebate check for an electronic device we purchased a while back.  It's been Christmas around here!  Have you received any samples or freebies in the mail lately?

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Printable Coupons-Print Tonight

Head over HERE and follow the link to access printable coupons.  Print the coupons you want tonight because at the first of the month they typically put new coupons up, pulling the ones that have been there all month.
Other sites to visit:  redplum.com and smartsource.com

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Coffee-Mate Creamer

 Save $1.00 on your next purchase of one(1) 15oz. or larger package of COFFEE-MATE® Powder or Liquid of 10.2 oz. package of COFFEE-MATE® Powder Sugar Free
Coffee-mate sent me an email letting me know that there are printable coupons available on their site.  I enjoy the Vanilla Caramel flavor of Coffee-mate liquid creamer.  Go HERE to print yours.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

New Scrubbing Bubbles Coupons

There is a new kind of spray bottle for Scrubbing Bubbles.  They have, on the Right @ Home site, printable coupons.  Head over HERE to get yours. You may have to register with the website.  Remember to use that alternate email address.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Free Samples from Dove

Have you signed up to receive your free samples from Dove yet?  If not, then head over HERE to get yours.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Freebies/Coupons From Other Sites

Scroll down and on the right hand side you will see a box with that title over it  "Freebies/Coupons From Other Sites".  If you check back often, I will continue to update it.  I am able to update it from my fabulous phone.
 

 

So I took our computers to the PeachMac in Macon and entrusted them to the young man behind the service counter.  I LOVE the fact that I don't have to drive all the way up to Atlanta to have anything done to my wonderful computers!!!  Also, the folks that I have met there the couple of times that I have been in have all been very friendly and informative.  When I went in to inquire about speeding up my 2006 MacBook the young man behind the service counter probably spent 20 minutes with me explaining all the things he could do to help me out.  One of my favorite things about folks who work for or with Apple products is that they speak "normal" language instead of techno-jumbo.  When he was explaining things to me he didn't hardly mention one single technology word.  I am not computer illiterate but when it comes to the inner workings of a computer, I haven't got a clue.  I still don't completely understand the difference between hard-drive RAM and memory.  If you own an Apple or are considering the jump from PC to Apple, head up to the PeachMac store in Macon's Riverside Crossing Shopping Mall.  The folks there will take the time to walk you through anything you want to know.  You can also play with the items you might be considering switching to.  We switched over to an all Apple home in late 2005, early 2006 and I haven't regretted it since.  No viruses, computers that just work, effortless wireless networking, customer service, etc., etc., etc.  One of my favorite reasons for switching to Apple has been the fact that I don't need or want to "upgrade" to a new computer every 2-3 years.  We will have the desktop for 10 years if we take care of it.  The laptop will last us just as long (but I will be getting a new one in the next couple of years because I am getting older and would like a larger screen).  :-)  I am not an artist of any kind so I didn't get a Mac so I could do graphic design or anything like that.  I got it because they just work.  If you are a die hard Windows fan but want the reliability of a Mac then make the switch because you can run Windows on a Mac.  Now, what is your excuse for not making the switch?!?
Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Monday, March 29, 2010

Going Offline

Alright folks: I'm unplugging my life for the next few days.  No personal computers in our home for 72 hours or so.  IF I get a chance I will update from my job on Tuesday and Wednesday but my first priority when I am at work is....WORK.  :-)  That IS what they pay me for.

When I am back online I will tell the world my monthly totals for both grocery shopping AND Israel.  I will also give a Year To Date total for the grocery challenge.  I would really, really, really like to hear how some of you have done this month or maybe this year so far.  Leave me a comment so that I can celebrate with you or encourage you to keep up the good work.

Maybe Baby Sam's Mama will tell you where to get the best diaper deal this week with all those $3 off Huggies coupons!?!  :-)

Have a blessed few days and keep clipping those coupons so you can give more stuff/money away!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Olay Mail In Rebates

Olay.com

Since I've been couponing one of the companies that has caught my attention is Olay.  I've mailed in 3 or 4 rebate forms over the past 6 months or so.  Every time I've mailed on in it has made the product free and I really enjoy Olay products but can't afford them unless they are free or nearly free.  I've found out about the rebates through emails from Olay after I joined "Club Olay".  So, if you enjoy Olay products and would like to know when there is a mail in rebate in order to have some for free or nearly free then go HERE and sign up.  The most recent free product because of a mail in rebate is a large bottle of Olay Quench Body Lotion.
 weird skin soft natural love oil olay quench body lotion
Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Arm & Hammer Coupons


Arm & Hammer sent me an email claiming "$11.50 off Arm & Hammer products" so I headed over HERE to see what they had to offer. You must register so I used my alternate email address.  There are printable coupons for kitty litter, dryer sheets, spray cleaners, carpet deodorizers, etc.  Looks like a decent selection of coupons if you are an Arm & Hammer fan.  :-)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Magazine Deals

If you go through Ebates and head over to Best Deal Magazines and use code: DELIVERY17, you can get a super cheap magazine subscription.  Why go through Ebates?  When you sign up and shop through Ebates, first you get a $5 sign up bonus and then you will get varying % cash back on your online purchases when you go through the site.  Best Deal Magazines has several subscriptions for under $5, use the code that gets you 17% off, but go through Ebates first and with the $5 sign up bonus, you get a free magazine subscription!

I use Ebates because it's like getting a rebate for shopping only I don't have to fill out a form, cut out the UPC code, or mail anything in!  Sometimes they will run a deal where they will double the % back from particular stores.  It especially great when there is a free shipping code floating around on the internet, so you go through Ebates, shop the clearance section, use your free shipping code and you are talking about some seriously inexpensive items!  I did that around Christmas time for Bubba.  He desparately needed jeans and his favorite are Old Navy.  They had his jeans on sale, there was a discount code to make them cheaper, there was a free shipping code, AND I went through Ebates and got even more money back!!!  I bought him 5 pair of jeans and paid around $9 each for them.  Not bad at all for brand new, Old Navy, painter jeans.  :-)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Possibly No Posts For a Couple of Days

I will be without personal computers from Monday-Thursday.  We have wonderful, glorious Apple computers and there isn't a thing wrong with them.  However, it is good policy to take your wonderful computer in for a tune up once every....I don't know.  We've owned our desktop since 2005 and the laptop since 2006 and they run like a dream but I guess it's good for them.  We ARE going to give both of them a boost in memory, a tune up, AND upgrade to the latest (and most awesome) OS!  Excitement doesn't even cover it however, I will be personal computer-less for a few days.

IF my job is slow then I will update while at work but if we are busy then you may not hear anything from me until I get my "babies" home from the Mac store on Thursday.  Just in time for Month-end totals!  :-)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Free Jiffy Recipe Booklet

Head over HERE for a free recipe book by Jiffy.  I make cornbread with their cornmeal and folks just love it!  I like my cornbread to be fluffy and sweet.  I didn't even know there was any other kind of cornbread out there until I got married!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

A Couple More Contests

Take the Ronzoni Smart Taste Challenge!

Go HERE for a chance at $15,000 scholarship but first you have to taste Ronzoni's Smart Taste...the noodle that is good for you.  Spaghetti is a staple around here and I don't use regular "white" noodles and the whole wheat does have different taste.  Ronzoni Smart Taste, to us, are a little in the middle of the 2.  I would love to win this because I want to get my Master's Degree but I can't justify the expense since I only work outside the home 2 days a week.  :-)



Go HERE for a chance to win: personal concierge service, maid service, or gourmet meal delivery and a year's supply of Aussie products.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

$1 Million Sweepstakes

Go HERE to enter but as I was reading the fine print, it looks like the largest payout (if you want a lump sum...for all the Dave Ramsey-ites out there) is $500,000.  I always take a look at the fine print just to see what is going on.  You might want to as well.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

A Beautiful Day

Bubba and I met my Dad, his wife, and 2 of our nieces in Macon to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival.  It was a beautiful day and I think all had a good time.  Because Dad had his 2 favorite (and only) Granddaughters with him, he came out of pocket a little more than he probably intended.  :-)  They wanted their faces painted and to ride some rides and Papa wouldn't tell them no.  My favorite weekend is the Mulberry Street Arts & Crafts weekend and that is what we went to.  I always enjoy the vendors and seeing all kinds of handmade crafts.  The girls were great and took in all the sights and stayed close while we were in the crowds.




World Famous Cherry Blossoms

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba




 




 Uncle Bubba & Niece Haley













Haley with her Hello Kitty face painting












Cori and her sparkley butterfly













Both beautiful nieces with the Gieco Gecko

Another Instant Win Game

I was pleasantly surprised at how successful I was with the Kroger instant win game.  I won a free full size (33oz) container of Maxwell House Coffee and a package of Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs (any flavor).  So, when SmartCouponing mentioned another instant win, I just had to tell you about it!  Head over HERE to play.  Let me know if you win anything.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Walgreens Photo Deals

Walgreens just keeps pumping out the photo deals.  Use coupon code EASTER and get 50% off prints (minimum 30).

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Coupon Inserts for Middle GA

SmartSource 3/28

.25/3 Campbell’s Condensed “Great for Cooking” soups (exp 5/31)
$1 off Energizer Brand Batteries or Energizer Brand Flashlight  (exp 5/1)
.75/1 French’s French Fried Onions (exp 6/30)
$2/2 Glade Sense & Spray Refills (exp 5/6)
$3 off Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit  (exp 5/6)
$1 off Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swimpants  (exp 4/25)
$1 off Huggies Little Swimmers Suncare product (exp 4/25)
$5 off Lysol No-Touch Hand Soap System, starter kit (exp 5/25)
$2 off Pull-ups Training Pants, jumbo pack+  (exp 4/24)
$2 off Schick Quattro Titanium Razor, Trimmer, or Refill (exp 5/9)
$1 off Zantac product (exp 6/30)

SmartSource #2 3/28

$5 off Accu-Chek Aviva Blood Glucose Monitor (exp 7/31)
$1 off Air Wick Aqua Mist  (exp 5/9)
$1 off Air Wick Scented Oil Refill twin pack or (2) single refills (exp 5/9)
Free Air Wick Warmer wyb any Air Wick Scented Oil Refill (exp 5/9)
$2 off Bic Disposable Shaver (exp 5/9)
.75/1 Colgate Total, Max White, Max Fresh, or Sensitive Toothpaste, 4 oz + (exp 4/17)
.50/1 Daisy Brand Sour Cream, 16 oz +  (exp 5/31)
.50 off Any size, any variety Duke’s products (exp 5/31)
$1 off Halls Cough Drops, 20 ct + (exp 5/30)
$1 off Kool-Aid Fun Fizz product (exp 4/25)
$1/2 Land O Lakes Half & Half 32oz (exp 4/30)
.45 off Land O Lakes Half & Half 16oz (exp 4/30)
.50/1 Murphy Oil Soap product (exp 4/17)
Free Olay Total Effects Body Wash wyb Total Effects Facial Moisturizer  (exp 4/30)
Free Olay Total Effects Facial Cleanser wyb Total Effects Facial Moisturizer (exp 4/30)
.50/1 Sister Schubert’s product  (exp 6/30)
.50/1 Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick Deodorant (exp 4/17)
$1 off Ziploc Brand Vacuum Pump or Refill (exp 5/22)
$1 off Ziploc Zip’n Steam Bags (exp 5/22)

RedPlum 3/28

$1 off Caress Daily Cream Whipped Souffle Body Wash 12 oz + or 6 bar pk (exp 4/25)
$1 off Caress Tahitian Renewal or Cashmere Luxury Body Wash, 12 oz + (exp 4/25)
$1.50/2 Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee, 11 oz + (exp 4/30)
$1 off ERA, any size (exp 4/30)
$1 off Folgers Gourmet Selections product (exp 4/30)
.50/1 Folgers Instant Coffee Crystals (exp 4/30)
.25/1 Folgers products, 7 oz +, includes Singles and Pods (exp 4/30)
-.50/1 Lever 2000 Bar Soap, 2-4 bar pk (exp 4/25)
$1 off Lever 2000 Bar Soap, 6 bar pk + (exp 4/25)
.75/2 Lipton Tea Bags, or Iced Tea Mix (exp 4/25)
$1 off Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (exp 4/28)
$1 off Scott’s Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner & Preservative and Wood Wash (exp 6/30)
$3 off SlimShots Liquid Portion Control, excludes 2 ct (exp 6/30)
$1.50 Strap Perfect Bra Strap (exp 6/30)
$1 off ThermaCare, 2 ct + (exp 6/30)
$1 off Tide Stain Release (exp 4/30)
$3 off Tide Stain Release, 26-50 oz  or 15-34 ct (exp 4/30)
Lowe’s Store Coupons
$3.25 off Any Tide Total Care (exp 4/30)
$1 off Any Method hand Soap Bottle or Refill (exp 4/30)
$1 off Any Arm & Hammer Dryer Sheets (exp 4/30)
$1 off Any Green Works Natural Cleaning Items (exp 4/30)
$1 off Any Lysol 19oz Disinfectant Spray (exp 4/30)
Free Simple Green Naturals Hand Soap w/ any Simple Green Naturals Purchase (exp 4/30)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Hobby Lobby Coupon

I receive the Hobby Lobby e-newsletter so every Sunday I get the new weekly ad in my inbox.  This week included a 40% any one item coupon.  Head over HERE to print yours.  We adore our Hobby Lobby down here in Middle GA.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Friday, March 26, 2010

FYI-Computer Tune Up

I will be without personal computers from Monday-Thursday.  We have wonderful, glorious Apple computers and there isn't a thing wrong with them.  However, it is good policy to take your wonderful computer in for a tune up once every....I don't know.  We've owned our desktop since 2005 and the laptop since 2006 and they run like a dream but I guess it's good for them.  We ARE going to give both of them a boost in memory, a tune up, AND upgrade to the latest (and most awesome) OS!  Excitement doesn't even cover it however, I will be personal computer-less for a few days.

IF the job is slow then I will update what I can but if we are busy then you may not hear anything from me until I get my "babies" home from the Mac store on Thursday.  Just in time for Month-end totals!  :-)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Another Shopping Trip

I went to Kroger and spent $0, literally.  I bought a big thing of Maxwell House Coffee because I won a click and win contest on the internet and they automatically loaded a free thing of coffee to my Kroger card.  I also bought a box of Kroger brand tampons because I had a catalina coupon to get a box free.  For some reason, there was no tax so my receipt literally says $0.  Crazy!

Then I went to Publix (Baby Sam's Mama told me about this deal and she say it at iheartpublix.com or Publix Penny Pincher).  I bought a new fangled Scrubbing Bubbles Starter kit priced at $7.99 and had a $3 off Publix coupon and a $3 off manufacturer coupon so it made it $1.99.  I also bought 2 Finish Starter Kits (the dishwasher contraption that you load and leave IN your dishwasher) and they were $6.99 each.  I had a $3 off Publix coupon and $3 off manufacturer coupon making them $.99 each.  Total before coupons and discounts $27.51.  Total after $5.51.

I was a little curious about the Finish Dishwasher (contraption) so I'm glad I was able to pick up a couple with those great stackable coupons!  I also wanted to run into Publix anyway and see if any new coupon booklets made it down to our neck of the woods.  We get to hear about all these coupon booklets but rarely ever see them.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Rain Checks

Have I mentioned these before?  They are GREAT and I just started asking for them in the past 2 weeks.  There was a Trident Gum deal at CVS and every time I went to the store that week they were completely gone!  So I got a rain check for 5 packs and a couple weeks later went back and got all 5 packs with my coupons.  Two weeks ago I got a rain check for Renu contact solution from Publix.  This week I picked up a rain check for AirWick Ultra imotion Kit from CVS.  They are $4.99 each and I have coupons for $5 off!  Now, seriously, what am I going to do with 6 scent sprayers in my little house?  I have options:  I'll keep the smelly stuff and throw out the device or I'll yard sale a few of them for a few bucks each and make money off the deal.
The point is:  if there is a deal going on and the product is completely gone from the shelves, ask for a rain check and go back at your leisure (before the coupon expires) and get what you were after!  I'm lovin' this concept. 

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Coppertone Printable Coupon

 

Head over HERE and get a $1/1 coupon.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Neutrogena Sun Care Coupon



Head over HERE and sign up for the e-newsletter or access to their site (always use that alternate email address so your regular inbox doesn't get full of stuff you don't want).  Once you are signed up then print the $2 off Sun Care coupon.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Chili's Restaurant

If you head over HERE and sign up to receive Chili's e-newsletter then they will send you a coupon good for a chips and queso appetizer.  I just received an email that said if you print it out and eat there on a specific day that they will make a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Pillsbury Coupons

Go HERE, sign up and then print out Pillsbury coupons.  :-)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

What Do You Think?

Mrs. Bubba $ave$ has a new look.  What do you think?  Is it easier to navigate or harder?  Can you find everything you are looking for?

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Reminder

Don't forget to check out the links to the right.  There are deals and local links over there.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Hasbro.com

Hasbro has really gotten into this whole coupon thing.  I know I'm slow sometimes but I just saw a printable coupon site that had nothing but toy coupons on it!  Head over HERE and check it out.   I was just going over there to print out the My Little Pony BOGO coupon to (hopefully) use at WalMart so I could put Ponies in our Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.  It's crazy the things you stumble upon when you don't mean to.  I hope you parents out there find lots of goodies for super cheap for your munchkins!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Battery Giveaway

CouponGeek is having a giveaway.  Duracell gave her $105 in batteries to giveaway to one lucky reader.  Head over to her site and sign in.  If you win, I would love to hear about it!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Coupons & Samples

 
 Go HERE to print a B2G1 coupons for Skinny Cow Cups (a new product).

Go HERE for a $1/2 Cheez It coupon and you must have or register for an All-K-Pass (Kellogs registration).

WalMart.com has free samples that you can sign up to receive.  Go HERE and check out the possibilites!  I've received several from them:  Crest Whitestrips, Tide w/ Febreeze, Olay Body Wash, and a few others.

Click HERE for AirWick, Lysol, and Finish printable coupons.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Sweepstakes to Check out

Win a getaway where you get a dance lesson with one of the professional dancers from "Dancing With The Stars".  Go HERE to enter.
Easy Home Meals $10,000 Sweepstakes Entry Form
Go HERE to enter to win $10,000.  Mr. Food (a familiar face from 13 WMAZ) is a part of Easy Home Meals.


Playtex® Gentle Glide® | Custom Comfort Room Makeover Sweepstakes
Enter HERE to try and win $3500 for a room makeover.
http://www.funbeaches.com/new-house/washer-dryer.jpg
Enter HERE for a chance to win a MayTag Washer & Dryer.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Update In an Hour or So

Mom and Grandma have hit the road headed back to the ATL area.  I'm running an errand with my hubby and then I will sit down and update everyone on the best deals around!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Discounts on Pet Supplies

Have you signed up for PetSmart PetPerks?  I did and I just got an email that sent me 3 printable coupons.  One of the coupons is for $5 off $25 purchase.  Combine that with pet food coupons and you are looking at a pretty good deal on pet supplies.  Go HERE to find out more.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Baking Printable Coupons

 

 Go HERE to print out a few coupons for Nestle baking products.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Coupon Booklet

Eat Better America: Simple Solutions for a Healthier You




EatBetterAmerica has a coupon booklet with $10 of coupons in it.  If you haven't signed up to get one then go HERE to get yours.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

End of the Month Totals

It's just a week until I give out the end of the month totals!  I think that, next to His Word Wednesdays, the monthly totals are my favorite posts.  Seeing, in black and white, what God has done for the past month through coupons and our finances has been encouraging and exciting.  I think I'll do a "Year to Date" kind of thing to go along with the monthly totals.

Is anyone else tracking their savings?  Has anyone started using coupons that wasn't before?  Maybe some of you have been using coupons for years and would like to share one of your favorite shopping experiences?  I would love to hear from you!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

A Week of Shopping

I feel as though I've shopped and shopped and shopped this week.  Today I spent time at Kohls, Target, Hobby Lobby, Cato, and I got to walk around the BX on Base for a little while.  I've got to say that I am so glad that there are still companies that honor our Military families.  I know the prices aren't always lower at the Commissary or the BX but there are still some deals to be had at both places.

The Target in Warner Robins has not put the beach towels in the dollar deals section.  I've seen the price tag and know where they should be but they aren't there.  I was looking forward to picking up a cute beach towel for only $.50 but I guess it's not going to happen.

I have 2 mail-in-rebates headed out the door in the morning.  I am mailing in the rebate for the Olay Quench Lotion that I purchased at Walgreens this week.  Also, I revisted the P&G spend $50 and get $100 in coupons rebate.  Evidently, Gillette and Dawn are 2 of P&G's line of products and I bought $50 worth (BEFORE coupons) in the past 2 weeks!  So, I filled out the form, circled the products on the receipts and stuck it in an envelope.  I'm looking forward to going through $100 worth of coupons when I get them in.

This week isn't just a week of shopping but my Mom and Grandmother will be visiting with me tomorrow afternoon.  My Grandma is the one who sends me the coupons from the AJC (Atlanta newspaper).  :-)  I will be showing both of them my "shelf of freebies" when they get here.  Saturday my Dad and his wife will be visiting.  We will be heading out to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon!  The Third Street arts, crafts, and the food court is one of my favorite events during the 10 days.  I'm glad they are coming then because Dad likes to look around at the arts and crafts since he makes custom knives.  So, I'll be spending time with family this week.

Check out the Freebies/Coupons down and to the right!  I'll keep those updated and I don't want you to miss out on any deals.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

His Word Wednesday

The Jewish people.  There have never really been a huge population of Jews yet they are the most feared and hated people throughout history.  Hitler isn't the only one that attempted to wipe the Jews off the face of the planet, we can read about Haman and his plan to kill all the Jews in 127 Provinces from India to Ethiopia in a day.  Look at the news today as the Arab countries rant, rave, and rail against the people in a tiny sliver of land known as Israel.  The Arabs are plotting and planning the demise of the Jews in that land for what?  Why, throughout history, have kings and nations hated, with such venom, the nation of Israel, the Jewish people?  They aren't exactly Napoleons or Ceasar Augustus or any other world conquering people.  They are a small people, in a small sliver of land who wish to live, and back in the day, serve their God.  Which brings me to my next question:  are those who hate the Jews so much honestly afraid of the people OR the God they worship?  "Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one!  You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."--Deuteronomy 6:4-5

"The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples:"--Deuteronomy 7:7 (emphasis is mine)  God chose the nation of Israel because they were the weakest and possibly one of the smallest of all the nations.  You know, God is still in the habit of choosing the weakest or least likely person or people to call His own.  Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a lowly teenaged girl from the middle of nowhere.  Joseph, the step-father of Jesus, was a carpenter from the middle of nowhere.  David, the little shepherd boy whose father and brothers barely noticed when he was around, became the greatest king that Israel STILL talks about today.  Moses was content to watch his father-in-laws flocks on the backside of some desert.  Look at Daniel and Joseph, they were second in command under the mighty king of land.  Daniel was taken as a pre-teen or teen from his family but remembered all he had been taught and stood up for what he knew was right.  Joseph was ripped from his family by his own brothers. 

This leads me to one of my all time favorite historical, Biblical heroines, Esther.  God used her in a mighty, mighty way to rescue/redeem a remnant of Jewish believers.  Esther is an orphan, raised by a loving Uncle.  She is uncommonly beautiful but other than that she is "average" and probably less so since she is an orphan.  She is ripped from the only family she has left as the king's men gather up the beautiful women of the land.  She goes on to steal the heart of the king and becomes queen of the land just in time to save the Jews, her people, from being mass murdered.

There are so many lessons that we can learn from Esther:  obedience to authority, trust in God even when it seems like He's not listening, ask for help (she asked the Jewish people to fast and pray for her), courage and boldness in the face of adversity, self-sacrifice (she didn't know if the king would chop off her head or allow her to live), patience and timing, and the right words at the right time.

"And Mordecai told them to answer Esther:  'Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews.  For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish.  Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'"--Esther 4:13-14

There are 2 things that stand out to me as I read this passage, yet again.  One: "relief and deliverance will arise...from another place".  God will accomplish His goal whether you are a part of it or not.  Either you get to be in on what God is doing or get out of the way.  God accomplishes His goals on this earth through His people!  I desparately want to be one of the people He uses and not one who is left on the sidelines.  This is a constant prayer: here I am, use me!  The joy that comes only from doing the will of God is comparable to nothing else I have ever experienced.  Two: "who knows whether you have come...for such a time as this?"  Why am I here?  What is my purpose?  I am here, right now, to serve Him.  To stand up for what is right even when it isn't popular.  My purpose is to love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and all my strength.  If I do that, then circumstances will be just that: circumstances.  I am determined to keep my eyes on the Lord, to not see the waves and the lightening or to hear the thunder, and to walk on the water towards my Savior.  Serving Him, no matter what comes and no matter the cost.  Just like Esther, I pray for the courage to enter the "king's" presence not knowing if I will have my head cut off or if he will extend his scepter to save my life.  As Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."--Philippians 1:21

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Campbell's Coupons



Head over HERE for printable Campbell's coupons.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Right At Home Coupons

 

 Right @ Home has printable coupons available on their site.  It is usually cleaning supplies.  Head over HERE and print yours out.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Today's Shopping Trip(s)

Today I ran into Target, Walgreens, CVS, Publix, and CVS (yes, 2 different CVSs).  I got:
5 Dawn Hand Renewal Dish soap
1 Cadbury Egg
1 Reeses Peanutbutter Egg
1 Olay Quench (it was BIG) Lotion
1 Olay in shower Lotion
8 Gillette Men's body wash
2 Satin Care Shave Lotion travel size

I spent:  -$.27  (I made $.27!!!)

Here's a short break down of how:

* Dawn Hand Renewal (CVS for $.96 each) coupon $1 off
* Buy Olay Quench Lotion get Olay in shower lotion free (Walgreens) $1 off each PLUS mail in rebate for the original cost of the Olay Quench Lotion
* Gillette Men's Body Wash (Target for $1.79 each) $4/2 coupon
* Satin Care (Target for $.99 each) $.55 off coupon

I let the cashier know that the Gillette coupons would need to be adjusted to $3.58 each since the body wash didn't cost $2 each which was how much the coupon was for.  It took 3 people to do that and they still messed it up.  I should have owed Target $.88 plus tax (for the shave gel) but I ended up paying the tax only.  The point is:  I tried to do the right thing.  The floor manager is the 3rd one who helped and he basically shooed me out of the store while I attempted to tell him I owed them money.  So, today at Target was a fluke really.  Instead of paying them $1.14, I really owed them $2.02.

While at Target, I had a .... God moment.  One of those divinely orchestrated encounters.  I was in the travel size section looking for the shave gel and there was a lady there picking up a few things for her son who is going on a mission trip.  She was picking up shampoo and body wash.  I watched her putting them into her buggy, adding up that she was spending $4 on shampoo and body wash that he would only use while on this trip.  As I thought that, I looked into my basket and felt God nudge me!  Now, I'm pretty thick in the head so it took me a moment but I realized what He was trying to get through to me.  I had in my hand a coupon for $4/2 Gillette body wash but when I was picking them up I noticed that there were 2 kinds!  One was body wash only, which is what I picked up for Bubba.  The other was a body wash/shampoo all-in-one!  So, I told the lady about the Gillette all in one and told her where it was located.  I watched as she put the shampoos and body washes back in the travel section then she drove her buggy off thanking me for the information.  I picked up the shave gel and realized what a fool I was!  I hurried BACK to the body wash, hoping she was still there, and saw her standing there looking a little confused.  I handed her a coupon for $4/2, pulled 2 out of my basket and put them back and handed her 2 of the shampoo/body wash combo.  She now had in her hand 2 nearly full size bottles of soapy stuff for her son for FREE instead of 4 wimpy bottles that she paid $4 for.  I left her alone after that.  I'm so thankful that I got to be at Target right at that moment so that I could run into that lady so God could encourage her by showing her how to get free body wash for her son who is going on a mission trip!  That was SO MUCH FUN.  I am now praying for more opportunities like that (the hard part will be for me to recoginze them).  Woohoo, go God!!!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Excitement at CVS!!!

I've heard about them.  I've wondered when we were going to get them.  I've heard wonderful stories about them.  THEY ARE HERE!!!

Okay, okay, enough with the drama already.  On a serious note I am excited!  CVS has this thing where, somewhere near the entrance to the store is a red scanner box thing.  You walk in, scan your CVS card and out pops coupons to all kinds of things in the store!  From what I've heard, a lot of times it will be stuff that you probably won't buy (if you are a serious couponer) but there will be times when it will print out a beautiful coupon to something you need/want/were going to buy anyway.  I've even heard that sometimes it will print out a coupon for a free item!  Doesn't that word just make your heart thump!  :-)

The young man at CVS today told me that it will "reload" once a week for the most part but I would scan your card every time you walk in.  If it doesn't give you coupons today, it might tomorrow!  You never know.

I will try and take a picture of it and post it here so you can see what I'm talking about.  Tonight the magic machine printed out 2 coupons for me:  $1 off any CVS hair care item and $1 off any CVS allergy item.  I might actually use the hair care one.

Go check it out!


Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Deals I Hope to Get In On

Walgreens:
Buy Olay Body Wash & Olay Lotion.  Get the Body Wash Free, use 2 $1 off coupons, then send in for the rebate of the full price of the Lotion.  Small money-maker after mail in rebate.

Target:
Small Gillette Body Wash, using $4/2 coupons to get them free.  Hopefully there will be beach towels in the dollar section to get a beach towel for $.50 with $2 off coupon.

CVS:
AirWick Ultra Freshmatic...... on sale for $4.99, use $5 off coupon to get them free.  Dawn liquid dish soap for $.96 each, use $1 off coupon to get them free (I got these coupons from "Home Made Simple" that I've told you about).

RiteAid (maybe):
Kotex Tampon deal

Kroger (maybe):
More Powerades for Bubba and if I can find more cheese coupons I will pick up some more shredded cheese for the freezer.

This week will be a fun week because last week I did some serious grocery shopping to stock up the freezer and pantry.  Although, if Publix has a good deal on cereal, you know I'll be all over that come Wednesday.  I can't have enough boxes of Frosted Flakes when the weather turns warm.  Bubba will go through a box a week in the summer time.  :-)  I faithfully eat Frosted Shredded Wheat or Honey Nut Cheerios nearly year round so cereal is a huge staple around our house.  Although I do have several boxes of oatmeal to tide me over if I run out of cereal.  ;-)

Is there a deal out there that you saw that I missed?  I would love to hear about it.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Monday, March 22, 2010

Coupon Booklet

Home Made Simple has another coupon booklet out.  Go HERE, click on the Dawn coupon button and it will take you to the sign up page.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Mail Call

I can't even remember all the free stuff I got in the mail in the past couple of weeks!  It's almost like Christmas every day in my mail box.  :-)
I got a travel size:  Axe Body Wash, Olay Body Wash (anti-aging)
Tampax Tampon samples...I can't even remember the rest.

Today I received MyKroger Magazine with coupons in it, Unilever/Publix sent me 2 sheets of coupons, Eat Better America sent me a booklet with $10 worth of coupons, and BoxTops for Education sent me a booklet with about $10 worth of coupons in it.  Now, all of those are on top of the $1000s worth of coupons I already have!

Did anyone else get any free stuff from Publix, Kroger, or Target last week?  This week is looking good at Kroger again as they are running the same deals as last week.  I might go see if Target restocked the Gillette Men's Body Wash (small size) so I can stock up on a few more for free.  I'll probably hold onto them so that Bubba will have soap for the next year.  :-)

If anyone sees a great deal out there I would love to hear about it.  Have a great day!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Instant Win From Kroger

Do you have a Kroger card?  Have you registered it with kroger.com?  If you have then follow this LINK and play the instant win game.  This morning I won a free 39 oz. can of Maxwell House Coffee!  A friend of a friend won $5 off her next trip to Kroger.  It is loaded up on your Kroger card so there is nothing to print.  You can play once a day and win up to 2 prizes.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Easter Traditions

Bubba and I don't really have anything that we do every single Easter other than going to church (but I really don't consider that an Easter tradition since we are there every week).  We don't have a particular meal or dress up and get our picture taken.  In years past we have spent time with our friends that have a bunch of kids and took Easter pictures for them.  Last year I went through all the trouble of putting together coordinating outfits for Bubba and myself only to find out Saturday that we weren't going to get to wear them.  This year a friend wants me to make chicken and dumplings, she will buy a volleyball net and invite a bunch of folks over to play.  I think that will be fun!
What do you do?  Do you read a particular Bible passage?  Eat a favorite meal?  What is your favorite Easter memory?
I know this is silly but my favorite Easter memory is when I was growing up.  After I turned 16 and was fortunate enough to have received a vehicle, mom still put together Easter baskets for us.  Easter was more like another day of Christmas at our house but I'm not complaining!  Our Easter baskets had candies, chocolate, a Cadbury Egg, Peeps, and other odds and ends in it.  My favorite "odd and end" was the Annual Pass sticker that went on my car and allowed me to come and go from Stone Mountain all I wanted (or was allowed to go by my parents)!  I enjoyed visiting Stone Mountain often and that sticker was my ticket to all the visits I could muster.  :-)  One year I saw the Laser Show no less than 10 times!
Anyway, this has nothing to do with saving money but I am curious what you do.  I am looking for a couple of traditions that Bubba and I can do to focus our minds on what Christ did for us on that first Easter morning.
Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Enter to Win $50,000 Nest Egg

Enter for a Chance to Win a $50,000 Nest Egg!


Head over HERE and enter to win $50,000 from Twentieth Century Fox.  Remember to use that alternate email address!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Coupon Inserts for Middle GA

These are the coupons you should expect to see in your Sunday Paper in the Middle GA area.  This includes:  Milledgeville Union-Recorder; Macon Telegraph; Dublin Courier Herald; Thomaston Times; Eatonton Messenger; Perry Houston Home Journal; Warner Robins Sun News.

Smartsource 3/21

.75/1 Alouette Soft Spreadable Cheese (exp 6/30/10)
$1 off Alouette Brie Cheese (exp 6/30/10)
.50/1 Alouette Crumbled Cheese (exp 6/30/10)
.35/1 Birds Eye Vegetables, excluding Steamfresh (exp 4/17)
.35/1 Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables, Pasta or Rice (exp 4/17)
$1 off Buddig Deli Cuts 12 oz or 16 oz (exp 6/30/10)
$1 off Crystal Light Drink Mix(exp 4/18)
.55/2 Dole Canned Fruit (exp 5/22)
.75/1 Fantastik Cleaner (exp 5/16)
.30/1 French’s Classic Yellow Mustard (exp 5/31)
.50/1 French’s Spicy Brown, Honey Mustard, Honey Dijon (exp 5/31)
.75/1 General Foods International (exp 5/31)
$1 off Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator (exp 5/1)
$3 off Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder (exp 4/10)
$1 off Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Twin Refill or (exp 2) Single Refills (exp 4/10)
.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes, 64ct+ (exp 4/17)
$1.50 off Huggies Diapers (exp 4/17)
$2 off Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers diapers (exp 4/17)
$1/2 Lay’s brand Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, 8.5oz+ (exp 4/20)
$1/2 off Maxwell House Coffee, 10.5oz+ (exp 5/31)
$1 off Ore-Ida Hash Browns, 28oz+ (exp 4/18)
.75/1 Oscar Mayer Bacon, any (exp 5/16)
$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables Lunch Combinations (exp 5/16)
$1.50/2 Pledge products (exp 5/16)
$1 off Pledge or Armstrong Floor Cleaner (exp 5/16)
.25/2 Reynolds Baking Cups (exp 5/31)
.50/1 Reynolds Oven Bags (exp 5/31/10)
.75/1 Reynolds Wrap Foil (exp 4/30)
$1.50/2 Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Refills (exp 5/16)
$5 off Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Kit (exp 5/16)
$1 off Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 kit or refill (exp 5/16)
$1 off Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel (exp 5/16)
.75/1 Scubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner (exp 5/16)
.55/1 Shout Stain Treatment (exp 5/1)
$1.00 off Starbucks Coffee, 12oz+ (exp 5/31)
.40/4 Swanson Broth Can, 14oz+ (exp 5/2)
.75/3 Swanson Broth Carton, 32oz+ (exp 5/2)
.50/1 Texas Toast Croutons (exp 6/30)
.50/1 Texas Toast Tortilla Strips (exp 6/30)
.55/1 Velveeta, 1lb+ (exp 4/18)
$1/2 Windex products (exp 5/16)
$1 off Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner (exp 5/16)
$1/2 Ziploc Brand Bags (exp 5/15)
.40/1 Ziploc Brand Bags (exp 5/15)
$1.50/2 Ziploc Brand Containers (exp 5/15)
.55/1 Ziploc brand Containers (exp 5/15)

Redplum 3/21

$10 off Alli 60 ct +
$1 off BC Fast Pain Relief 18 ct +
$10 off Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips
$1.50 off Crest Pro Health Paste
$1 off Cooking Light Magazine
$1 off Goody’s Extra Strength 16 ct +
$1 off Smart Balance Milk
$1/2 Success Rice Products
$1 off Sundown Vitamin or Supplement Products

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Budgeting Help

For Bubba and I, one of the toughest things to do was organize our finances.  That is why being introduced to Dave Ramsey's website and then his Financial Peace University was such an answer to prayer for us.  Dave has it all laid out and makes it as easy to follow as 1-2-3!


Now, Bubba and I did it at home with no guidance or help from anyone other than the DVDs, the workbook, and each other.  It was all good but it would have been way BETTER if there had been someone we could talk to on occasion.

In the course of life happening, I was re-introduced to a former acquaintance of ours.  Guess what he does?!?  He is a certified Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Counselor and he's right here in Middle GA!  The only people who can carry that title are the ones who have been trained by Dave Ramsey and his staff at their home office in Tennessee.    Now, before you guys start emailing and calling him with every single little question consider this:  are you SERIOUS about changing your financial situation?  Do not call this gentleman and have him invest his time and energy into your life and financial situation if you aren't SERIOUS about making changes.  His time is just as valuable as yours.  Also, this gentleman has a business (by the way, he is an EXCELLENT photographer...he took our wedding photos) AND a family.  Okay, I said my piece about being considerate so here's how you get in touch with him:

Hal Clower-Personal Finance Coach
478-987-9510
hal@c-cphotography.com

The crazy thing about getting out of debt and organizing your finances means you have MONEY available!  Money to go and do as God guides you. Giving becomes a blessing!  Folks, you can do it!  Get out of debt and stay out!  For most of you it is only a couple of years away.  I would love to hear your story if you have already used Dave Ramsey's plan or are currently using it.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

PS-This is a re-post but I thought it worthy of being brought up again.

Not so Hot-Diaper Deal!!! (Publix)

I almost forgot to tell you guys about this...there is a diaper deal going on at Publix. There is a coupon booklet (I've seen it at the Publix on Russell in Warner Robins) on a cardboard set up a little bit like a small tepee in the store. It is "One Stop One Store" and has $61 worth of coupons in it.  Now, I've told you about the $3 off Huggies coupon that you can print (go to the Money Saving Links to the right and click on Coupons dot com link).  I don't know if it's still there or not but it was earlier this morning.  Then grab a couple (I got 4) of the coupon booklets because right inside is a $3 off Huggies Publix store coupon; however, even after I read it several times I still had it wrong.  It is on the big box of diapers.

This means that you can take the printed manufacturer coupon and the Publix store coupon in the booklet and use BOTH to buy diapers.  I hope this is a good deal as I have no idea how much diapers are at Publix (or any where else for that matter).  Typically, stacking coupons at Publix and Target is definitely to the customer's advantage so that is why I'm telling you.

Since it's on the big box it's probably nothing to get excited about.  I thought it was going to be a great deal.  I'm glad Baby Sam's Mama read the coupon too.  Sorry guys!  :-(

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Another Trip to Publix

In the Spring and Summer Bubba will eat sandwiches for lunch and dinner.  The Buddig lunch meat was on sale for 2 for $4.  There was a Publix coupon for $1/1 and a manufacturer coupon for $1/1.  I grabbed 7 packages and paid only tax on them!  They are in my freezer until I break out and buy Bubba some bread (he likes Captian Durst and I've never seen a coupon for that so I will have to "suck it up" and buy him some).  :-)

I also bought 2 bottles of saline solution for my contacts.  Thank goodness I got a rain check because the sticker price is $8.99 but last week they were BOGO.  There were $2/1 coupons right on the box so I paid $2.50 each.  You really can't beat that for good saline solution!

Now, I'm going outside to sit in the sunshine for a little longer.  Have a beautiful Spring day!!!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

FREE Trip to Target

I had a good trip to Target yesterday, thanks to Baby Sam's Mama.  I have been looking for the half-size Gillette Men's Body Wash and was unable to find it so she told me where it was!  While there I found some small Gillette Men's Deodorant and walked out with a ton of free stuff for my favorite ministries (and a couple for the hubby).  Here's what I got for free and how:

Quatity    Product                                    Shelf Price                 Coupon(s)
2    AirWick iMotion Ultra Freshmatic    $6 each    $5 Manufacturer &  $1 off Target Q
6    Gillette Sport Deodorant                    $1.79 each    $2 off (adjusted down to $1.79)
4    Gillete Men's body wash 12 oz          $3.34 each    Buy Deodorant Get Body Wash Free
4    Gillette Men's body wash 8.4 oz        $1.79 each    $4 off 2 (adjusted down to $3.58)

Total before coupons=$46.66
Total after coupons=$0 + tax

The AirWick will stay in our home (we have a litter box and one cat that smells like 10).  The deodorants and body washes will be distributed among 2 ministries.  Some will go to Breaking Free and others will go to the Christian Social Ministries/Migrant Workers Ministries through Second Baptist Warner Robins.

The reason the coupons were adjusted down to the actual price is becuase unlike Kroger & Publix, Target does not allow overage that can be credited toward your other purchases.  Always let the cashier know BEFORE you start your transaction that the coupons will need to be adjusted...even if it is just $.01!  Remember, couponers should be calm and kind to the cashiers who handle their transactions!!!

If you are in the Middle Georgia area and know of a food bank or half-way house or some other ministries that you have a heart for, I would love to hear about it.  Not everyone wants to give to Breaking Free or Migrant Ministry but that is what I know about so it's all I can recommend!  If you let me know about your favorite ministry that takes non-perishable donations and I use it in a post I will mail you a stack of 10 random coupons to help boost your coupons stash!  This will be for the first 3 people who comment on the BLOG, not FaceBook.  :-)  Do not leave your address, I will contact you through email.  Leaving the comment on the BLOG will help me know who was first!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Kraft/Publix Team Up

Kraft

Publix and Kraft have teamed up to bring you some savings.  Check it out HERE.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Stacy's Pita Chips

 

HERE is a link to a coupon for BOGO of these pita chips.  The people I know who eat them, absolutely adore them.  I've tried one and it was good.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Cereal Coupon

Go HERE and print a $1 off coupon for MultiGrain Cheerios.






Click here for a $1 off coupon

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

SwagBucks-Is it legitimate?

I was asked by a friend if I was really the one posting about SwagBucks or if it was like on FaceBook when you when a game and they automatically post your score or something like that.  Well, I AM the one posting about this website and what it is about.  There is not much on the internet that I am absolutely sold on but SwagBucks is one of those few things!  I am beside myself because I already have 3-$5 Amazon electronic gift cards and am quickly approaching enough points for my 4th one.  Honestly, I am asking:  why haven't you signed up for this yet?!?  Here's the link.
This is what I did, I signed up and created my account.  Then I downloaded the "toolbar" for my internet browser (I use FireFox 75% of the time and Safari the other 25%).  I downloaded toolbars for both versions.  This is how I "earn" points:
1)  Searches-I use the search box and do ALL of my searches through it because it will randomly award me with points throughout the day.  However, I will search for things I already have links for such as Facebook, gmail, SouthernSavers, IheartPublix, etc.  I don't do a whole lot of internet searching so in order to give myself more chances to earn points I search for things I already know by heart.
2) Ways To Earn tab-If you go to the SwagBucks homepage and look up near the top there is a "Ways to Earn" tab.  Supposedly, on a daily basis you can earn about 3 points.  This is how you do it.  Click on "Special Offers" then click on "View our no obligation offers".  I always click "skip" at the end of every offer and then when the last one is gone I am awarded my points.  You can do this daily but I don't always remember.
3) Follow them-SwagBucks is on Twitter, FaceBook, and they have a blog.  I, personally, do not do this because I don't have the time but you may.  Weekly, they will do a "contest" or a type of scavenger hunt for something called a SwagCode.  A SwagCode is typically a phrase that is mixed capital and lower case letters.  If you guess the SwagCode or find the SwagCode then you must enter it on the homepage exactly how you found it (they are case sensitive) and then you will be awarded the appropriate number of points.  Sometimes these are worth a lot of points but like I said earlier, I don't have the time.
4) Messages-After you download the toolbar you will see a little red box with a letter inside it and beside it will read "From TSG [0]".  On occasion you will receive a message from TSG (The Swag Guy/Gal) and the message will give you a hint on where you can find a SwagCode or will straight out give you a SwagCode.  Take the SwagCode to the homepage and enter it to be credited your points!  The messages typically have deadlines so keep your eyes peeled for that one.
That is all the information I have at the moment but I can tell you, this is legitimate.  I am half way towards my FOURTH Amazon gift card.  Now, I know that is all I talk about is the Amazon GC but when you check it out go look at all the stuff you can get with your SwagBucks, there is more than Amazon GCs!  That is just what I want because I want that great Nikon camera I have my eye on at Amazon.  :-)  So, stop procrastinating and head over HERE to sign up and start searching and earning!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba
I don't know much about diapers but this looked like a great deal.  This is courtesy of SouthernSavers and Jenny (one of my fav bloggers):

If you printed those Huggies Coupons earlier and now have a ton of $3 off coupons here is a great plan.
If you are new to Diapers.com and/or Ebates you can get  (5) packs of diapers for around 91¢ ea!!
First: Mail them (5) $3 off printable coupons.  Include your order confirmation email printout and your Name, Email Address and Mailing Address (more details here). Mail to:
Diapers.com
P.O. Box 1564
Montclair, NJ 07042
They will send you an email as soon as the coupons are in your account.
Then To Order:
1.  Go to Ebates and sign up for a new account or log in.  (You get $5 for signing up and 1% cashback)
2.  Find Diapers.com in the list of stores, click on it.
3.  Order (5) packs of Huggies jumbo pack diapers $9.99 ea
4.  Your (5) -$3 off coupons will come off
5.  Get $10 off using code AFF10 (only good for new users).
Total Paid: $24.95

Now to get the rest back!
1.  Submit for a $14.97 Rebate from Diapers.com for new users!
2.  Get your $5 Ebates bonus and 1% cashback in your Ebates account!
Total After all rebates and coupons: $4.59 or 91¢ ea!!
(note:  if you aren’t new to Ebates that’s okay you’ll still get them all for $1.91 each!)
(thanks BittsofWhitt!)


Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Friday, March 19, 2010

 
I've shared this coupon with you so I wanted to share with you the information that I read about it most recently.  I did not make the phone calls, this post is courtesy of BeCentsAble:
 
Many people are reporting the Kmart $10 off $20 coupon is not working and some have even been told this coupon is fraudulent!


This coupon came from the Kmart website and when I printed my coupon it said that it was valid at ALL Kmart locations and it did not have a list of stores! I decided to called Kmart to find out what is going on! I was told the coupon is fraudulent and is only valid at certain locations. They claimed that someone had hacked their system and apologized.


I suggest that you call your Kmart to find out if they are taking this coupon before you try to use it.


Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba
starbucks1
Starbucks FREE Pastry Day is March 23rd.  From open till 10:30 am bring in this coupon and get a free pastry with the purchase any handcrafted, brewed or iced beverage.

Thanks Terri & Michael for letting me know about this one!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Hurry and print this one!

From Jenny at SoutherSavers.com:

$3 off any Huggies
huggies2
Yep that’s right!  It’s a $3 off any Huggies printable coupon!!   Hurry, and I do mean hurry, and print this one if you have kiddos or know someone who does.  A $2 off  is great but $3 off is unheard of!
Click on “Household” on the upper left to find it faster
I’m so excited… the printer is in the trunk and we might have to stop at the next exit…


Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Super Deals This Week

I just got back from my 2nd trip to Kroger this week.  Tuesday I ran into Kroger and then Publix.  While in Publix I saw a blinkie for $2/2 Kraft Cheese.  I grabbed my customary 4 coupons out of the blinkie knowing that I would be using them this week at Kroger!  Kraft cheese is part of the Buy 8 get $4 off your purchase.  If you buy 8 items that are part of the promotion then the Kraft cheese (I purchased shredded because it freezes well) is $.99 each.  With the coupons and the promotion I bought 8 bags of Kraft shredded cheese and made $.01 each!  I also stocked up on Powerade.  At $.49 each I couldn't pass that up because we are used to paying about $1 each.  I am looking at my mountain of Powerade and I'm already thinking that it's not enough!  Bubba will breeze through them far too quickly.

Today I also ran into Publix for a few things and walked out with free Sure Deodorant for men that will be a money maker.
Here's the deal:
$2.39- 2 Sure Deodorant for Men (my store had "Try Me Free" stickers on the deodorant I was looking for so I grabbed those)
-$2-2 $1/1 Sure Deodorant Publix Green Advantage coupon (in the Green Advantage Flyer you find at the front of the store
-$1.50/1 Manufacturer coupon Smart Source
-$1/1 Manufacturer coupon Smart Source
-$2.39 Try Me Free Rebate
Here's the math:
$4.78-$2=$2.78-$1.50=$1.28-$1=$.28-$2.39= They paid me $2.11 to buy their deodorant!!!

Unfortunately there is only 1 rebate per household.  So, if you bought Sure for Men and would like to mail in your receipt for the rebate I have an extra "Try Me Free" sticker you may have!  HERE is the link for the rebate form.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Free Sample Kotex

 Go HERE to sign up for a free sample and you get to choose what combo you would like.  :-)

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

His Word Wednesday

Today has been a struggle to get this post done for several reasons.  One reason is because I really had to work today.  I have a part time job and most of the time it is relaxed and laid back and I am more of a warm body to answer the phone than an actual "go getter".  Today, the phone rang off the hook!  :-)  This is a good thing but it prevents me from updating the blog.  The other reason is because all I want to talk about is the Operation Christmas Child Conference I went to this past weekend!  I am fired up and would love to motivate all of you to get involved in this great ministry.

I was privy to numerous testimonies of shoe box encounters as well as stories from folks who got to distribute shoe boxes.  I kept thinking, "Seriously, it's just a shoe box...isn't it?!?"  The answer is no, no, no, no, no.  It is definitely NOT just a shoe box.  It's not just candy or socks or school supplies or whoopee cushions.  The shoe box, even if you get the nice plastic ones, will tear up and become useless.  The candy will be eaten.  The toys, school supplies, and toiletry items get used and eventually discarded.  There are only 2 things that remain: the memory of receiving the shoe box AND the Gospel that is shared with each recipient.  So, here is the question:  why give a shoe box anyway?

Answer:  because it brings peace.  Her name is Gabby and she is 5-6 years old.  She lives somewhere in Mexico and was invited to a Christmas Celebration that included receiving a shoe box.  Her whole family are death worshippers and have been for years.  Where they whorship the people dress in all black and some wear clothes with the skeleton on it.  Just black clothing with the white skeleton.  Gabby is afraid of the dark because she is beginning to see spirits and shadows lurking around the house.  She has slept with the light on for quite awhile.  Gabby and her family went to the Christmas Celebration and she received her shoe box.  As most of us know, she also received a booklet telling her about Jesus Christ and how He loves her and wants her to trust Him so she can be with Him for eternity.  At that celebration, the Gospel was explained to her, in her own language, by her own people.  That day, she accepted Christ and His gift of eternal life through His sacrifice.  She told the pastor of the church that, that night she slept with the lights off for the first time in a long time.  She said she was no longer afraid of the night.  She is filled with hope and now has peace!  All because of a simple shoe box and an invitation from a friend.

Answer:  because it gives answers.  I don't know his name but he is 9 years old and lives in Kiev, Ukraine.  On Christmas Eve he prayed for a Christmas present because he had never received one.  However, he didn't know who he was praying to, he was just praying to the ceiling hoping that someone would hear him.  The next day, he went to a shoe box distribution and received a shoe box gift.  His gift came with a booklet telling him about God's gift to him, Jesus Christ and how to have eternal life...in his own language.  He told the pastor of the church that he was SO excited because now he knew Who he was praying to!

Answer:  because it lays the ground work for restoration.  Somewhere in the Dominican Republic is a young lady named Pamela.  She is 16 years old.  Her mom and dad were separated and on their way to divorce.  Pamela was invited to a shoe box distribution, received her shoe box gift, and a Gospel booklet in her own language.  She accepted God's free gift of salvation that day and went home to tell her mom about it.  She told the pastor of the church about her parents being separated so he visited them individually to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.  They both accepted God's free gift of salvation and got back together.  Then the family shared Jesus Christ with Pamela's 2 brothers and they also accepted God's gift of salvation!  Now, Pamela's mom and dad are back together and the whole family is a part of the family of God, all because of a shoe box gift.

These are just 3 examples of why we pack shoe boxes each year.  Three examples of why we will pack shoe boxes again this year.  I haven't heard of a more simple or effective way to share the Gospel with the world.  I want to take as many folks with me to heaven as I can!  This year, Bubba and I will be putting together ONE MORE SHOE BOX than last year.  When I think about shoe boxes I am reminded of this:  "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neighter moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6: 19-21  I am also reminded that as Christians it is our job to:  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"  Matthew 28:19  I will take as many people with me as I can!

Would you like to be the one to bring Operation Christmas Child to your church or organization?  It is not difficult to organize and it's not time consuming either.  I have been doing it for many years now and of all the ministries that I have been involved in Operation Christmas Child has been one of the least demanding.  You can contact me through this blog, on Facebook, or you can head over to their website to learn more.  It would be my JOY to partner with you to bring this to your church or organization!  :-)  There are places where the whole town does this...I can dream, can't I?!?

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Kraft Printable Coupons

 Kraft
Head over HERE for some printable coupons from Kraft.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Glade Coupons

 
Right At Home has some great coupons on Glade products for you to print out.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Formula Coupon

At my wonderful trip to Kroger this late afternoon, the catalina machine spit out several coupons...one of which will do me absolutely no good.  I received a Buy One Get One Free Enfamil RestFull (powder) coupon.  Now, I don't know how much this stuff is but if this coupon is of interest to you then leave a comment and I will email you to get your address so I can mail it to you.  The expiration date is 4/27/10.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Freebies/Coupons Updated

Look to the right and down a bit to see the list compiled from all the blogs I follow.  :-)  Passing on the savings to you without having to go through 100+ blog entries a day!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Coupon Ethics & Attitudes

I had quite a trip to Kroger and Publix tonight.  I can't stand shopping in the early evening but it's when I could go this time around so I went.  I'm an early morning, get in there before or around 7am kind of grocery shopper.  I know, not for everyone, but that is my favorite time to be in the grocery store.  The shelf stockers are there and they, nearly every single one of them, greet you with a big smile and a warm hello!  Anyway, I digress already.

When I was checking out at Publix on Hwy. 96 in Warner Robins the only coupon I had with me was one of the $3/$15 from Rite Aid.  That Publix no longer considers Rite Aid to be a competitor so they will not be accepting those coupons anymore.  I handed the cashier my lonely coupon and she handed it back to me with that explanation.  I thanked her for letting me know and continued my transaction with a smile on my face.  She apologized for the change in the coupon policy so I gave her a big smile and said, "Don't worry about it.  Publix still has one of the best coupon policies out of all the grocery stores."  The look of surprise on her face caught me off guard but her comment gave me the warm fuzzies AND saddness.  She said, "You are the most laid back, easy going lady with coupons that I've met."  Now, that is a credit to Jesus who lives in me but it was sad commentary on the other couponing folks out there that she has met.

I know that those of out there who use coupons seriously, take every last penny that we spend VERY seriously, HOWEVER there isn't a coupon out there that is worth being ugly to anyone about.  No matter what coupon situation you find yourself in there is a polite and considerate way to handle it.  I look at it this way:
1)  the store has the right to refuse to accept coupons at any time and from anyone
2)  in order for the stores I shop at to continue to accept coupons I will be a polite and cheerful ambassador with my coupons
3)  $3 or $1 or $.50 of savings isn't worth losing my cool over or hurting someone else's feelings with insults or hollering

So, to those of you who read this blog I am asking you to pass the word on to your coupon buddies; be polite and courteous when you shop with your coupons!  If you run into a BIG issue with coupons and the management won't help resolve it then cancel your transaction and leave the store with the intention of not shopping there again.  Being polite and courteous will get you further in those sticky coupon situations than being ugly to someone.

I have been in the situation where a cashier just didn't understand how the coupon worked or if it applied in a particular situation.  I was patient and showed the cashier the product it went with and the wording on the coupon that showed I was allowed to use it.  I have found that if your first response is kind and patient that cashiers are more willing to put coupons through the system, even if they are questionable to the cashier!

A few other things to take note of as you coupon:
1)  Expired coupons WILL scan, the ladies at Time2saveworkshops.com said it well when she said, "I don't allow the cash register to be my conscience."  Just because an expired coupon will scan doesn't mean we should use it.
2)  It's YOUR responsibility to read the fine print on the coupon and use it only on the product(s) it is intended to be used on
Let's stop here for a second and talk about why these are important things to remember as we use our coupons.  With the first item, expired coupons, even though the cash register will accept them, the store will not be reimbursed for them so using them is almost the same as ripping off the store.  You see, the grocery stores are reimbursed the face value plus $.08 for each coupon by the manufacturer of the product.  However, the coupon has to be unexpired in order for them to be reimbursed.  Also, if a coupon is for a particular size of a particular product and the store sells 50 of that correct product but has 60 coupons, they will only be reimbursed for the 50.  This is why it is our responsibility to really look at the coupons in our hands to make sure that everything is on the up-and-up.  A cashier doesn't have the time to carefully look over every single coupon!

So, my fellow coupon friends, lets keep the coupons coming and help to keep the stores accepting them.  Let's do our part to make sure we are using current and correct coupons.  Let's also be courteous and polite to the folks we deal with as we use our coupons so they look forward to us coming in instead of dreading it!

You guys are great!

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Sample of Puffs

Ladies, have you signed up for Vocal Point yet?  Well, if you have then you can log in and get a sample of Puffs.  Now, I'm not saying that you will get a full sized box of Puffs but most samples I have received from Vocal Point have been full sized.  Just the other day I received a full size bottle of Pantene Nature shampoo and it came with 3 coupons for $2 off 1 bottle.  Combine that with Kroger's deals this week and I will be getting 3 bottles of Pantene Nature for $.97 each!  Yeah for Vocal Point!  Head over HERE and sign up.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Dove Hair Care Sample

 Go HERE and get a free sample of Dove hair care products.  I signed up to receive both of them.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

$3 Off Tidy Cats

Go HERE and print this coupon for PetSmart $3 off Tidy Cats Kitty Litter.  This link is for FireFox.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba

Monogram Mania

A friend of mine is just crazy about monogramming.  Just about everything she has either has her monogram or last name on it somewhere!  I haven't told her about this site yet but I'm sure she will love it when I do.
This past Christmas I did 75% of my shopping at this one site: HERE.  It's called Wholesale Accessory Market and they have ADORABLE things.  However, there is a minimum purchase requirement and you will be paying shipping for the items.  The ideal thing to do would be to get a few friends together and place a big order between all of you and split the shipping costs.  All of you will get great items and it will reduce the cost of shipping on your individual budgets.
I purchased a few things for myself and have been pleased with them.  Read the descriptions very carefully!  Somethings look larger in the picture than what they actually are.  I go through the website with a ruler in my lap so that I can get a visual of how big something is, or how small.

Standing on His promises,
Mrs. Bubba