These giveaways are so much fun, I just can’t stop!
Since the last two were food-related, I want to move in a different direction. This giveaway will be Fashion/Beauty, consisting of two Got2B hair products (Spiking Glue & Volumizing power) and some super cute earrings from Majestical. All 3 prizes will be awarded to 1 winner.
Simply use this link to enter before 3/18. Good luck!
This was a Shop-til-you-drop marathon week! Tons of stores; tons of freebies! I was exhausted but happy.
Walgreens: 2 Almay Eye makeup removers, on sale Buy One, Get One 50% off at $5.99. I used a $5.00/2 Manufacturer’s Coupon and a $2.00 store coupon (takes off twice.) Total: Free!
2 Almay lip gloss, on sale Buy One, Get One 50% off at $5.99. I used a $5.00/2 Manufacturer’s Coupon and a $2.00 store coupon (takes off twice.) Total: Free!
2 Reese’s candy bars, on sale for $0.59 each. I used a Buy One, Get One free Manufacturer’s Coupon. Total: 2 for $0.59!
CVS: Because I usually have enough Store Buck to roll week-to-week, these items cost me nothing out of pocket:
Fixodent, on sale for $4.99, used a $2.50 Manufacturer’s Coupon. Total: $2.49, with $2.49 ECB!
Reese’s egg, on sale for $0.87. Total: $0.87, with $0.87 ECB!
Jelly Beans, on sale for $0.99. Total: $0.99, with $0.99 ECB!
Market Basket: I found a great sale on split-breast chicken at $0.99/Lb! This is usually on sale for $1.79 in my area, so I stocked up with four packages. It was an unadvertised Manager’s Special. Typically, a package of 3 breasts will be at least 2 meals, which will make tons of dinner around here. Total: $9.73!
Shaw’s: 2 Pineapple, on sale for $1.88. Total: $1.88 each!
4 Limes, Manager’s Special reduced produce. Total: 4 for $0.25!
3 Thomas English Muffins, on sale Buy One, Get 2 Free at $4.19. I used 2 $1.00 Manufacturer’s Coupon. Total: 2.19 for 3!
Walmart: My biggest score of the night! 9 bags of free onions and green peppers. They are $1.00 and I had 9 $1.00 Birds-Eye Ready Recipe coupons.
Did you use any coupons this week?
Everyone needs to have some fun in their life, but it seems like most activities cost a fortune. Just a simple afternoon at the movies can be $50 or more for many families. Sports events can be hundreds! Free fun is available, provided you know where to look.
1. Start at the library
Books, DVDs, and music are free for the taking (renew online to eliminate late fees). I enjoyed watching House of Cards and Under the Dome, courtesy of the library. There are adult book clubs and tons of activities for kids. Many libraries have lectures and book signings and art exhibits. Also, check into free museum passes. There are so many available at mine. Last Fall, Hungry Bear (my guy) and I went to an aquarium, a farm museum, and Castle in the Clouds. It didn’t cost us a cent!
2. Take a free class
Most communities around the country have free classes. Check your local city hall for a list of events and a bulletin board. Next week, I’m taking a 3-part Organic Gardening class. I’ve read many gardening books, but hands-on learning can’t be beat.
3. Commune with nature
Do you live by the mountains? Ocean? A National Park? Hiking Trails? If so, enjoy them! Being outside and experiencing trees, flowers, grass, birds, and other wildlife enriches the soul. There’s nothing I enjoy more than taking a walk on a warm summer evening. Start with a picnic and you have a perfect experience.
4. Shop for free
I love to shop, but I hate to spend money. I can shop as much as I want, without incurring any big bills, thanks to couponing. Every Saturday, I post my best deals of the week.
5. Low cost hobbies
Do you enjoy art projects? http://www.michaels.com/ always has coupons for cheap supplies. Buy in bulk, store properly, and they should go a long way. A pan of watercolors can be shared among many. Try Origami.
Do you like music? Instruments can be bought used or traded. If you like to perform, join a local band.
Want to learn a new language? Tons of web resources, from dictionaries, podcasts, and tutoring.
6. Play games
Like old-fashioned games? Try puzzles, Monopoly, cards, bridge, Mah Jong or chess. For the gamers, play online or at the console. Rent before you buy.
7. Volunteer
An equally good activity for the individual or families. There’s no shortage of good causes and needy people. I like any charity that promotes literacy, Judaism, or Women’s issues. Spend a night helping at a Soup Kitchen or Homeless shelter. Be grateful for every blessing and mindful of the less fortunate.
8. Politics
Go to the School Board meeting, see a candidate in person, join a committee, work on an election, fundraise. Vote!
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but should get the ball rolling (gosh, I do love puns).
Can you have fun for free?
Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? I discovered it through Facebook of all places! I love the idea of a month dedicated to good food! The focus should be on nutrient-dense foods, over the quick, tasty junk. Here are my top tips for good nutrition:
1. Balance Calories
An easy formula is to split your plate into 25% protein, 25% whole grains, and 50% produce. Fats and sweets should be kept to a minimum.
2. Switch to Lower-Fat Dairy
Whole milk and ice cream are calorie-bombs! Switching to 2% milk is a great start. Swapping cow milk for almond milk is even better! I almost never use dairy in my own home.
3. Reduce processed foods
If it comes in a box, jar, or can, it’s processed—often with tons of sugar and sodium! Fresh is best, then frozen, then canned.
4. Fill up on Produce
The recommended serving for fruits and veggies is 3-5 cups daily! Most people get no where close to that amount. Try adding extra lettuce, tomatoes, and sprouts to your sandwich. Bulk up breakfast cereal with berries. Eat salad with dinner.
5. Skip the Drive-Thru
Anything from a fast-food place is usually a mistake. Yes, they sell salads, but most of us are ordering burgers and fries! Don’t make this your daily fare.
6. Bring snacks
I find that junk food doesn’t attract me as much when I come prepared. Pack a container of mixed nuts, carrot sticks, or a banana.
7. Stay hydrated
Many times, we confuse hunger with thirst. The best (and cheapest!) thirst-quencher is plain water. I try to always have a water bottle in my car.
8. Try vegetarian options
Meat is delicious, but it shouldn’t be abused! A serving is only 3-ounces, not a 16-ounce sirloin! Take a periodic break from the beef and chicken. Try replacing it with beans or tofu. Healthy for the heart and the wallet!
If you slip up and binge on pizza, don’t beat yourself up. Every meal is a fresh start. We can only change the future, not the past.
Are you interested in nutrition?