Thursday, October 29, 2009

Date Night Deals

There are many Halloween events to participate in this weekend--probably more geared toward a family outing instead of just a date night, but still fun anyways. Here are some local trunk or treats going on:

1. The District at Green Valley Ranch is having a "GhostWalk" on 10/31 from 5-8pm. This is what their website says about it: "Bring your little ghosts and goblins to The District for trick or treating fun at the 4th Anual GhostWalk on Main Street! We've got more than 500,000 pieces of candy! And new this year: Audi of Henderson presents "Trunk or Treat", with additional trick or treating from the trunks of several Audi cars parked along Main Street. We'll have a DJ playing fun music, and the kids will marvel at 'The Big Guy', a ghost towering 20 feet over Main Street! "

2. Metro's Trunk-or-Treat events on 10/31 from 5-7pm. There are 2 locations: Convention Center Area Command, located at 750 Sierra Vista near Swenson, and Southeast Area Command, located at 3675 E. Harmon Ave near Pearl. Children can trunk or treat to the different squad cars and interact with the different officers. There is also a costume contest for those 12 and under. This event is free.

Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure


If you were planning on purchasing the new Disney movie Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure, you may want to head over to Smiths this week to do so. The movie is on sale for $19.99. Use the $10 off coupon found here to get your price down to $9.99.

Plus, Smiths is deal this week includes a free box of Kelloggs Rice Krispies or Froot Loops and a free free box of Kelloggs Fruit Snacks. You get a movie, box of cereal, and box of fruit snacks for $9.99.

If you have any Kelloggs coupons for those cereals and fruit snacks you might be able to use them too to get your price down. I don't know if Smiths will accept them or not considering that the cereal and fruit snacks are "free" with purchase of the DVD.

There is also a $5 mail in rebate when you purchase the DVD and a Leap Frog Tinkerbell product. The rebate can be found here. If you hear about any good deals on the leap frog product, let me know.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Weekly Shopping Trip

I've been sort of MIA this weekend with posting deals. I've had a busy time making cakes (my other hobby). If you want to see what I've been up to, check out my other blog here.

I finally did a little shopping today. Smiths was having a great deal on their Nature Valley products and I had some great coupons. There are some great little tricks with Smiths shopping that I will post about later this week, but I just wanted to post a quick picture with my savings for this week.

I went to Smiths, CVS, and a quick stop at our local Walmart Neighborhood Market for some price matching while picking up a prescription. This is what I came away with today (plus another banana that got eaten before the picture was taken :)

Total spent: $22.46
Total value: $72.16
Total saved: 69%

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Date Night Deals

Here is a free event this weekend that would be perfect for an evening out. The Henderson Symphony Orchestra is having a free concert tomorrow evening (Friday Oct 23) at 8pm at the Henderson Pavillion (200 South Green Valley Parkway). There is also a pre-show discussion from 7:15-7:45.

Some of the songs they will be performing are J. Adams' "Short Ride in a Fast Machine," Copland's jazz-inspired "Clarinet Concerto," and Schumann's "Symphony #3." It should be a great performance!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Emergency Essentials Food Storage Analyzer and free $10 gift card

I have been working little by little to accumulate what we need for our short-term and long-term food storage. There are many resources out there to help with this goal. A new one that I came across today, thanks to Utah Deal Diva, is the Emergency Essentials Food Storage Analyzer. It is a free program to use. Once you set up an account and log in you can input the different food items that you already have as well as the different ages of everyone in your family. It calculates the caloric value needed per day for your family and then how many days your food would last given the caloric need of your family.

I tried it this morning and enjoyed trying this out. It was interesting to see just how long/far our current food storage would last. My only frustration with it is that most of the items they list for you to check off as having are their different canned food in their sizes. I had estimate some things that I have since some of my food is packaged in smaller quantities or weights. There was one section for grocery store canned food which helped, but not for other normal grocery-store-purchased items. With my estimations that I made, for our family of 3, it says that our food storage would last 69.6 days. Not quite where we need to be, but we are well on our way to our goal.

You can try it out for free and even earn a free $10 gift card for trying it out. Details can be found here.



Gift Card Giveaway






Sunday, October 18, 2009

My Walgreens Trip 10-17-09


I usually don't wait until the last day of their ad date to do my Walgreens shopping, but this past week just worked out that way, so at 9pm last night I headed out to snag some diapers and pick up a few more deals (the sippy cup was clearance for $0.10 at my Walgreens, so I couldn't pass up picking up one to see if my daughter liked it).


Here is my trip in a nutshell:

Invested $2 Register Rewards from previous week's purchases

Used $26.50 in manufacturer's coupons

Used $9.60 in Walgreens coupons

Spent $9.64 pretax out of pocket ($12.16 with tax)

Got $59.09 worth of items ("MSRP"--but let's be honest, would we actually spend the retail value to get these items--probably not--we wait for a sale.)

Saved 79%

Earned $6 Register Rewards for next time

Can submit for a $1.50 mail in rebate on the diapers

I was happy with that considering it was the last day of the sale and some of the things that I wanted were already sold out.


Friday, October 16, 2009

Build-A-Bear Coupon



Go here to get a coupon good for $5 off a $10 or more purchase at Build-A-Bear. Coupon is valid through 10/31/09.


Thanks, The Thrifty Mama

Homemade Jam


Albertsons had a great 3-day sale on strawberries last week, and I figured this might be the last sale on strawberries of the season, so I probably should make more homemade jam for the next few months (growing up on homemade has made me really picky about jam and I just don't like the store bought stuff).

If you think making homemade freezer jam is probably too complicated, well, it's not. You can totally do it. The key to freezer jam is to simply follow the directions and measurements to the T (although they aren't really complicated and don't have many steps). If you change the measurements then it won't set up.

All you need is a few pounds of strawberries (or whatever fruit you want to use), a pkg. of pectin, sugar, and maybe lemon juice. I am partial to the Certo (blue box) type of pectin, but lately I have been buying the Sure-Jell in the pink box. It makes a lower sugar version of freezer jam and still tastes great (one box usually requires about 2.5-3lbs of strawberries). The Certo doesn't have any stovetop steps while the low-sugar Sure-Jell does. If this is your first time trying, then I recommend the Certo pectin.

If you can't find strawberries for a descent price then check out the $0.99 Store. Ours here on Marks in Henderson frequently carries frozen bags of strawberries (usually 12 oz) for $0.99. You can just thaw those and use them since they are purely frozen strawberries--no syrup.


Mmmmm...there's nothing quite like homemade jam on a piece of homemade bread...I'll have to make some of that too soon.

Cheap Mac n Cheese


Vons is having a great sale tomorrow only (Saturday) on their Kraft Macaroni and Cheese--3 for $1.00. If you are partial to the name brand on this, then now is when you want to stock up. There is a limit of 15. If you don't have a Vons close by, then take your ad over to Walmart to price match.

Diaper and other Baby Deals

1. There is a great printable coupon here for $3 off 1 Comforts for Baby Diapers (Kroger brand). You can find these at your local Smiths. You should be able to pick up a pack of diapers for $3-4 after using this coupon, or even lower if you wait for a good sale (they don't expire until 12/31/09). I was able to print mine twice.

2. Also, there is a pretty good deal at Walgreens this week (ends tomorrow) on Huggies diapers:
Buy 2 packs of Huggies diapers at $9 each, get a $4 RR.

Here's a scenario:
Buy 2 packs = $18
Use 2 $2/1 coupons found here
Use $1/1 Walgreens coupon found in the Children's Activity Book (will take $2 off total)
Pay $12 out of pocket and submit for the Caregiver's Marketplace Rebate (get $1.50 back total)
Pay $3.25 per jumbo pack after coupons, rebate, and RR earned.

3. There is a printable coupon here for a free Happy Baby Organic Product

Thanks Money Saving Mom

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Date Night (or Day) Deals

There are 2 different activities you might want to consider for your date night/day or family time this weekend:

1. To get in you the Halloween mood, head on over to the FunTown Frightfest located at either the Galleria Mall in Henderson (across the street) or at Boca Park Shopping Center in Summerlin. Tickets seem reasonably priced: $4 for adults, $2 for kids 12 and under, $12 for a family fun pack, and children with disabilities get in free (Summerlin rates are slightly different). Proceeds benefit the Peoples Autism Foundation

Here is a list of activities from their website:
"10 acres of spooky fun, food and frights!
Carnival Rides
Midway Games
Haunted Houses
Inflatable Bouncy Rides
Bungee Jumping
Scary-As-Heck Adult Rides (I may have edited that a bit :)
Not-So-Scary FunTown Kids Park
Runaway Train
Haunted Hayride
Pumpkin Patch
Pony Rides
Live Entertainment
Creature Feature Movies for Kids
Spooky-oke (Karaoke)
Spirits & Boos Bar
Local Food Vendors
Raffles and Much More!

For more information and to print off a coupon good for $1 off any child admission go here.

2. If Halloween isn't your thing, then you may want to head over to the Black Mountain Recreation Center for their annual Holiday Craft Show. Admission is free and the show runs from 9am to 4pm. Tis the Season. Happy shopping.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Kraft Foods First Taste Program

Have you joined Kraft Foods First Taste yet? If not, I urge you to do so. Periodically they have special offers for members offering high value coupons or even coupons for free products. I just logged into my account this evening and there was a $2/1 Wheat Thin coupon waiting for me (printable) as well as one for a Free California Pizza Kitchen pizza (that coupon will be mailed to me).

There's no charge for joining. They just give you great offers and then ask for you to fill out short surveys on the products you try to help them find out if people like their products or not (sort of their research and development). Go ahead and give it a try.

Del Monte Peaches Deal


Big Lots is having a really good buy on their Del Monte Peaches this week. Select varieties are 5 for $1.00 of the 8.25 oz variety. They usually run around $1.00 at Walmart, so this is a steal of a deal. These have the pop can type top that you can open easily without a can opener, making them perfect for a husband's or kid's lunches, or to throw in your diaper bag with a plastic spoon in case your toddler gets hungry.


If your Big Lots is already sold out of them, you can always try price matching them at Walmart if you have an ad from Big Lots (it was in Sunday's paper). I have a couple of extra if someone needs one for price matching. I don't know if all Walmarts will price match Big Lots ads, but the few that I go to have never given me any problems.
This sale ends Saturday October 17.

Free 8x8 Photobook from Shutterfly


Now through Nov 15, 2009 you can get a free 8x8 hard cover 20 page photobook from Shutterfly. Here is how to get it:

1. Log into your facebook account

2. Go here, then scroll to the bottom of the page to where there are ads.

3. Keep refreshing your screen until the ad for the free Shutterfly book pops up, then click on it and follow their instructions

4. You will get a unique code to you. Just log into your shutterfly account and enter in this code to save this promo to your account.

You can then make a photobook and use it to get a free book (you still pay shipping). Offer expires November 15.


Note: you do not need to sign friends up for the Family Tree on Facebook to get the code. If you have an ad blocker you may need to disable it temporarily to have the ad appear.


Thank you, Money Saving Madness, for the info on this deal

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Lehi Roller Mills Wheat


My friend Stephanie told me about this deal last week. The Costco on Marks St. in Henderson has 45 lb buckets of Hard White Wheat that they discounted from $18 to $14.99 last week. I picked us up one last week and they still had a bunch left (it was located way in the back left corner when I went there). This is a great price for the wheat and bucket and a great item for your long term food storage.

Monday, October 12, 2009

New Kohl's Coupon

I hope that you didn't miss the Kohl's coupon on the front page of yesterday's paper. It is another $10 off $20 or more purchase. These coupons are like gold to me (I'm a big Kohls fan). This coupon is good through the end of this week.

They are having some great sales this week that you can combine this offer with. Their sales/ad change on Wednesdays, but right now their toy section is having some great deals (30-40% off). (I was excited about this--I got a birthday present for my little girl plus a couple outfits for less than $10 after my coupon and a 15% off coupon I had).

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Date Night Deals


Another weekend is fast approaching, and there are a few great activities you can do this weekend for free.

If you are a BYU fan (we sure are--Go Cougars!), then you don't want to miss the tailgate party taking place Saturday Oct 10th at 4pm at Sam Boyd Stadium. The cost is free, although there will be food there for purchase if you like (meal ticket is $10). Wear your blue and white and come on out for a fun afternoon.

There is also a pre-game fireside put on by the BYU football team Friday night at 7pm at the Green Valley Stake Center, located 410 N. Valle Verde in Henderson. Sunday dress please.

If football is not your thing, then you may want to head over to Lake Las Vegas instead. This weekend is the St. Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Festival, raising money for breast cancer. It is free to watch, although donations will be accepted. The festivities begin at 10am Saturday Oct 10 and go until 4pm. There will be entertainment running all day and venues set up where food and drinks can be purchased.

The info on the races says, "Each 44 foot, solid teak, Chinese war canoe accommodates a full 22-person crew, consisting of 20 paddlers, a drummer, & a steersperson. Don’t miss the excitement as each crew competes in three 500-meter race heats. The competition is friendly & should prove to be a great time for everyone." Sounds like a fun event to watch.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Printable Playskool Coupons

There are some great high-value printable coupons at coupons.com right now for a variety of Playskool toys. The best part is that these don't expire until January, so they are bound to go on sale sometime in the next 3 months before Christmas (any day-after-Thanksgiving shoppers out there?!). I recommend printing all of them up and hanging on to them until you come across a sale.

For your convenience, you can go over to my coupons.com side bar and scroll through them until you come across the toys and then do a quick print.

Here are the different coupons they have. I was at Target today and priced a few of them that I could find. I've put these prices in paratheses next to the coupon value:

Save $10 on 1 DinoRoars Stompers toy
Save $5 on 1 DinoRoars Hatchlings toy
Save $10 on 1 Dance Cam toy
Save $5 on 1 Swing 'n Score Baseball toy
Save $5 on 1 Tumble 'n Twirl Top toy ($15.99)
Save $3 on 1 Lullaby Gloworm toy ($9.99)
Save $10 on 1 Musical Sit and Spin toy ($21.99)
Save $5 on 1 Busy Ball Popper toy ($19.99)
Save $5 on 1 Step Start Walk 'n Ride toy ($19.99)
Save $5 on 1 Activity Ball toy ($19.99)
Save $2 on 1 Mr. Potato Head or Mrs. Potato Head toy
Save $5 on 1 Mr. Potato Head Spud Buds toy
Save $5 on 1 Mr. Potato Head Silly Suitcase toy

Monday, October 5, 2009

Free Redbox Code


It's the first Monday of the month which means it's free Redbox movie day. The code for today is QNGJ7KD. This code expires at midnight tonight.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Printable Coupons

Here are a few great printable coupons to get some great deals this week:

$1.00/2 Campell's Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup coupon -- use with in-ad coupon (2 for $1.00) at Walgreens this week to get these for free, or use them at Smiths through Tuesday (10/6) to also get them for free (there are also $0.40/4 coupons in the 10/4 SS or 9/13 SS--Direct TV issue to get some others for $0.40 each)

$0.75/1 Trident Layers Gum -- use this all month long at Walgreens with their monthly register rewards deal of buy 2 get $1 RR -- use 2 coupons and essentially make $0.50 after coupons and register rewards (You should be able to print this coupon a total of 5 times instead of the normal 2, so you can do this deal a few times, just make sure you only buy 2 per transaction because only 1 register reward will print up per transaction).

$0.50/2 Jell-O Gelatin -- use this with in-ad coupon (2 for $1.00) at Walgreens this week to get boxes of Jell-O for $0.25 each.



Target Weekly Gift Card Deal


One of Target's gift card deals this week is for Mott's Apple Juice or 6-pack Applesauce. They are priced at $1.75 each and when you buy 5 you get a $5 gift card essentially making these just $0.75 each. The applesauce tubs are great for putting in lunches.

There might still be coupons for Mott's Applesauce available here at the Lunchbox builder. I already printed mine last month, so I am unsure if it is still working for others, but it's worth a shot. If they are still printing, and you can print 2 per computer then you can buy 5 items, use 2 coupons, and only spend $1.75 total after coupons and gift card.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Date Night Deals

I decided to try doing a new weekly post on cheap or free things you can do for a date night or family night on the weekends. My goal is to post my Date Night Deals on Thursday every week, sharing at least one thing that you can do. Most things will be mainly for those of you down here in the Las Vegas/Henderson area, although at times I will give suggestions of things you can do that can be done in whatever city you live in. I feel it is very important to have some time each week to spend with your husband/wife, and I hope that these posts will help some of you out there to make that time each week to go out with your spouse. It doesn't have to cost a lot to have a fun evening out!

Here is my suggestion for a free date night for this weekend:

The City of Henderson is putting on their annual Shakespeare in the Park with performances of Taming of the Shrew. Admission and Parking are free, and this event is suitable for the entire family.

Location: Henderson Events Plaza: 200 Water Street
Time: 7pm
Dates: Friday and Saturday Oct 2-3

Grab some pillows and blankets and head on over this weekend.

Snow White DVD for $4.96


My friend Lisa emailed me today asking me if I knew of any deals to get Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for a good deal when it comes out next week. I looked into it and this is what I was able to find to get it for a great deal:

The DVD combo pack will be on sale for $19.96 during the release week (next week) at Walmart

Use the $10 printable coupon found here to get your price down to $9.96 (this is a limited time coupon so print yours soon)

Also purchase 1 Hefty Plate, Easy Grip Cup or Baggies product and submit for the $5 Snow White/Hefty rebate using the rebate form found here taking your price down to $4.96 after rebate.

You can also use the Hefty coupons found in the 8/30 or 9/27 Red Plum Insert to get that cost down too.