The Friday Finish

Another week has come and gone…and so it’s time for the Friday Finish ….

~ Looking for frugal Christmas gift ideas? Consider a tasty, homemade gift from your kitchen. There are several great ideas that may inspire you! (@ “Cents”able Momma)

~ Interested in ways to decrease your energy costs this winter? With home heating prices expected to increase this year, you don’t want to miss these 10 easy steps to make your home more energy efficient. (@ BeCentsAble)

* Still haven’t tried out cash back shopping? My favorite cash back shopping resource is Ebates. New sign ups usually get $5 credited to their account when they join, but right now through 10/31, all new members get $10. Ebates is my favorite cash back shopping website and I’ve been a member there for years. When you sign up, I also receive an incentive…your support is appreciated. If you haven’t already taken the plunge, you’ve got a week left to get an easy $10 simply by joining Ebates!

* I’m always on the lookout for great resources that help us help our environment. If you’re committed to recycling, I’ve discovered a great place you can turn to for recycling old CDs and DVDs. Did you know it’s estimated that it would take over 1 million years for a CD to completely decompose in a landfill? That alone is reason enough to check out CD Recycling For Free

* Here’s another great printable coupon for Bath & Body Works. You can get either a Wallflowers or ScentPorts start kit FREE with any purchase until 11/23.

* Surely you all have heard about how much money one can save on energy costs by simply unplugging or powering down devices which use standby power. Many energy experts now advocate using a Smart Strip Power Stripfor your computer and all of its peripheral devices (monitor, printer, etc.) If you only use your computer for a few hours a day, but keep it powered up for 24/7, you’re probably spending $200 more annually on electricity costs than you need to. Want to get a better idea of the operating costs of each electronic and appliance you use? Check out the Kill A Watt Energy Meter. This handy little device calculates electricity costs in the same measurement units that your electrical company uses, kilowatts per hour. Energy costs can be estimated on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis with this handy gadget!

* Get your FREE tall-sized latte, cappuccino, espresso, freshly-brewed coffee, or hot tea (up to $3.20 in value) at Barnes & Noble. This printable coupon expires October 31, 2008.

* Check out the super clearance at Hanes right now! Simply click on “Clearance” to view all the deals in women’s, men’s, and kid’s wear. I’ve highlighted a few of the great deals. There are several items in all departments for $1.99. You can save even more with the coupon code offers just below.

* Save $1 on two bags of Mars/M&M’s Candy. This coupon is good through 10/31.

*Right now through 11/1 you can get FREE shipping on orders of $50 or more at Boscov’s with no exclusions. it’s been my experience that the best deals are usually found in bedding.

* Don’t forget the great sale going on over at Overstock.com….shop now through Noon on Monday, 10/27, and get 7.5% off your entire purchase. Click on the banner below to take advantage of this offer.

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Happy Friday! It’s once again time for my frugal round up…and a few shopping deals as we head into the weekend.

~ Winter heating costs are projected to be very high this winter. Follow David’s 10 great money-saving tips for lowering your bill…and putting more money back in your wallet. (@ My Two Dollars)

~ Looking for even more tips on keeping warm this winter? Kelly shares her 5 frugal tips on staying toasty warm. (@ Almost Frugal )

~ Want to keep up to speed on all the great deals at Walgreens each week? From Wags To Riches is dedicated to frugal shopping at Walgreens and keeps you up to speed on all the great weekly deals! You’ll find everything you need to know about the EasySaver program, Register Rewards, and all the great money-saving scenarios that can be had each week. This site is one of my new favorites for sure!

~ Looking for a great site to catch up on all your favorite TV shows? Visit Fancast to watch episodes of some of your favorite network and cable television shows for FREE! Many network websites allow you to watch episodes, but what’s great about Fancast is that they’re all in one spot. You can also view full-length movies and it won’t cost you a cent! Fancast launched just a few weeks and should prove to be a family favorite.

On to some shopping deals….

* If you already save money shopping through Ebates, you’ll want to check out their Spooky Double Deals offer they have running right now. These Spooky Double Deals will give you double the cash back at 7 select stores for Halloween decor and costumes, including Sears and PetCo. These offers run through Sunday, 10/12. If you haven’t already joined Ebates, now is the perfect time to do so since they’re offering new members a $10 sign-up bonus through the month of October!

* October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you can get FREE shipping on the special jewelry collection at Limoges Jewelry. Simply enter code SHIPBCA9 to take advantage of this offer.

* One of my favorite gifts to give around Christmas is Christmas decor. What better gift than one that can be used each holiday season? You’ll find quality seasonal decor at Fitz and Floyd. Right now, they have several BOGO deals running in their outlet, as well as other items 50% off, so now’s the perfect time to grab a great deal and knock two names off your Christmas shopping list. Once you visit the site, click on “Winter & Christmas” and then click on the special “Rake In The Savings” banner, that will show you the current specials running until 11/3. This Santa tealight lamp is one of the BOGO deals and it’s now priced at $25, so you’ll get two for $25 (just be sure to add 2 to your cart to get the BOGO offer).

Shop the Official Fitz and Floyd Outlet

* Staying on the topic of Christmas, there’s still time to get in on the calendar deal at Shutterfly. Make those digital photos more memorable on a calendar gift.

Shutterfly – Buy 1 calendar, get 50% off additional calendars. Offer valid 9-25-08 to 10-29-08.

* Photoworks also has many great photo gift items, including Christmas photo greeting cards. If you’re new to Photoworks, you can get FREE shipping on your entire order of $10 or more…definitely worth checking out.

* Right now you can get additional savings at Fashion Bug, including clearance items, when you use the following coupon code: 776236705

This coupon will save you $10 on $50, $15 on $75, or $20 on $100 purchases.

* Lastly, are you interested in a FREE 3 year subscription to Remedy Magazine ? This is a great little magazine that I’ve received for some time now.

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It’s time for my Friday roundup of some of the best posts in the frugal blogosphere…and a few deals. Some of you may have noticed I’ve been a bit scarce lately. I took a little mini-vacation last week and camped at the Big South Fork River near the Kentucky border….you won’t find a prettier place to commune with Mother Nature. We were just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Highway 127 Sale, aka “The World’s Longest Yard Sale”, which runs from Ohio to Alabama. We picked up a few things, mainly used books, and the weather was superb with low humidity and cool nights. Have any of you tackled the Highway 127 yard sale? It’s really quite the thing to see! Anyway, my mini-vacation paired up with my T.V. addiction to the Summer Olympics has certainly impacted my blogging activity. Is anyone else following and watching Michael Phelps’ quest for 8 gold medals?….6 down and 2 to go! If you’re not tuning in to the Summer Olympics, you’re missing out on some thrilling competition! On to the “Friday Finish”….

~ Frugal Dad blogged about how the food industry continues to change product sizes on many food products to reduce their costs…yet the prices for consumers remain the same (if not higher). (@ Frugal Dad)

~ J.D. posted about 40 great money tips that were recently featured on CNNMoney, where participants shared the greatest piece of financial advice they had ever received. There is some great advice for sure. What is the best financial advice you’ve ever received? (@ Get Rich Slowly)

~ David shared 25 frugal tips to re-use household items. If you’re committed to saving our environment (and living a frugal lifestyle), you’re likely practicing some of these tips already, I know I do! (@ My Two Dollars)

Now, on to some deals…..

* Right now at Yankee Candle, you can get a FREE concentrated room spray with a purchase of a 22 oz jar candle. You can also take advantage of this offer in-store when you print this coupon. There’s a limit of five free room sprays and this offer is good until 8/24.

* I’m a birdwatcher and have enjoyed feeding them for many years. If you’ve dabbled with cheap, plastic birdfeeders that are often destroyed by ambitious squirrels, you really need to check out the quality birdfeeders made by Duncraft. I’ve used several of their feeders over the years and they certainly stand the test of time. Right now you can get FREE shipping on any birdfeeder order. Be sure to check out their clearance items too.

* You’ll find some great clearance deals on newborn clothing at Kohls, like this Flamingo Turn Me ‘Round Set now marked down to $4.80 (reg. $12)

You’ll find several available colors for this Carter’s sleeper in the preemie size now priced at $2.80 (reg. $14)

* You won’t find a better deal on a 2 GB SD card than this one at Buy.com!

* If you love to browse Overstock.com, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s $1 shipping weekend again. This offer is good through Monday

Interested in some coupons?…

* I’ve stumbled upon another great online coupon site. When you visit FindSavings.com you’ll find the latest online coupon codes and money-saving deals. You’ll also find coupon offers categorized by free shipping, percentage off, as well as those offering rebates, making frugal shopping a breeze!

* Coupons.com has added some new printable coupons, including $1 off a Glade oil refill and a coupon for $1.10 off of the new Romano’s Macaroni Grill pasta dishes. You can scroll through and instantly print all of the available coupons via the purple banner you see in the right-hand column

* Many of you already know that you can print Betty Crocker coupons at Betty Crocker, but did you know that Pillsbury offers TONS of great printable coupons too?

* You can find three $1 Blue Bunny coupons HERE

* Save $1 at Wal-Mart on Malt-O-Meal Cereals Some Wal-Mart’s have the cereal for $1, which makes your price nada after coupon.

* Save another $1 on cereal when you print a coupon for Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats HERE.

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It’s time for my Friday wrap up of all things frugal…..

~ Many of us are frugal on several levels, but does being frugal feel like a chore at times? Kristine blogged about the five benefits of a frugal lifestyle…in case some of us need a little pick-me-up! (@ A Frugal Housewife)

~ Want even more frugal advice? David blogged about how friends encourage friends to be frugal…this is an amazing roundup of some the best posts in the frugal blogosphere and there’s something for everyone. (@ My Two Dollars)

~ Do you love getting the freshest fruit and vegetables out there?….as well as the best prices because they’re in season? Thursday shares with us an extensive reference list of seasonal fruits and vegetables by the month which will keep you in know on your shopping trips. (@ Wise Bread)

~ Jennifer blogged about one of the best kitchen items to own and its many frugal uses. Very clever tips for sure…I especially liked the tip for herbed ice cubes. (@ Simply Thrifty)

Now, on to some deals and coupons….

* Want a FREE box of Cheerios? The Cheerios Challenge begins on July 28th and you can sign up to get your free box.

* Did you know you can get a full year (17 issues) of Woman’s Day magazine at Magazine Deals Now for about .21 cents an issue? I’ve subscribed to this for years and it’s one of my favorite magazines. They offer great household advice and money-saving tips. I’ve discovered quite a few new frugal blogs specifically because they were featured in Woman’s Day. Use my exclusive coupon, Frugal10, to save 10% off the everyday low price of $3.95. Check out all the other great deals too

* Need to get some digital photos printed on the cheap? New customers can get 25 FREE prints from PhotoWorks.com …Gotta love FREE

* Barnes & Noble is still having a great clearance sale going on. A few weeks ago I was able to grab four really nice hardcover children’s books for $3.99 a piece, which I was able to use as gifts. There is a huge variety of books to choose from….and not only do you get FREE shipping when you spend $25, but you can also get 15% off of one item when you use the following coupon: F3A3U4A (expires 7/28)

* If you love Hanes products, you owe it to yourself to check out their clearance sale. I bought some comfy lounge pants a while back at a super price. While you see Hanes products featured at stores like Wal-Mart, you won’t find nearly the selection that you’ll find on their website. There’s lots of colors and styles to choose from….more than I knew they made until I happened on their website. The links below will show you the way to even more savings.

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I’m still trying to get in the swing of things after a week-long trip back home to Nebraska for my sister’s wedding. The weather did not cooperate for my sister’s outdoor wedding, but the weather overall was much more tolerable than it has been in Tennessee. Yes, it was actually less hot and humid there than here, so that was a nice break. While I try to still free myself from vacation mode, here’s my Friday roundup featuring frugal bloggers, a few shopping deals, and some of the latest coupons.

~ Speaking of hot weather, Linsey shared 6 easy and inexpensive frozen treat recipes that will take some of the heat out of this already-too-hot summer. (@ Wise Bread)

~ Cathy blogged about how coupon fraud can cost everyone. Many of us are crazy about coupons and use them wisely, but sadly a few rotten apples can spoil potential savings for the rest of us by abusing coupons. When fraud does occur, retailers and corporations often take measures that can penalize honest coupon users like us. (@ Chief Family Officer)

~ Would you like to eat more organic food but feel your budget doesn’t allow for it? Organic Mommy provides some useful information about eating organic while on a budget. (@ Organic Mommy)

~ J.D. had another great post this week about knowing your true electricity costs and how you can trim those costs. Find out the top two ways to cut your electricity expenses too. (@ Get Rich Slowly)

Deal Time….

* There’s still time to get a FREE subscription to Successful Living magazine. I ordered this magazine only a few weeks ago and I received my first copy earlier this week

* Shopping around for a new cell phone and plan? A little birdie recently told me about Let’s Talk.com, where you can compare prices on cell phones and calling plans to find the most affordable plan for your family. There are many great deals which offer you free shipping as well as free phones. Check ‘em out…

* Want a super FREE deal on photo software? Right now at Buy.com,
you can buy PhotoPlus X2 Digital Studio software on sale for $68…which comes with a $68 rebate. Add FREE shipping and you’re looking at absolutely zero, zilch, for this product. The rebate offer is good for purchases made through 7/13. Search for item # 207643271

* Barnes & Noble is having a great summer clearance right now with up to 80% off on many items. You’ll find books priced as low as $1.99 & $3.99. Use the following coupon through 7/21 to save 15% off of one item: N7N3V9B

* Best Buy has too many specials to mention, but here are a couple…

$6.99 DVDs at BestBuy.com Valid 6/29-8/23

Free shipping on all iPods and MP3 players at BestBuy.com. Valid 7/6-7/19

And now, some coupons…..

* Save $3 on Nair Like Never Before, the newest product from Nair.

* Here are just a few of the coupons that you can instantly print right now by scrolling through the coupon banner at the top of this site: Save $1 on Fiber One cereal, $1 on Dannon Light & Fit 4 pack, .75 on Cheerios, and $1 on Yo-Plus yogurt 4 pack. I love the “Quick Print” feature that Coupons.com now offers…you can print all of these coupons and many more without even leaving this page

* Save up to $2.50 with two Coffee-Mate coupons.

* You can save $1 on produce when you buy Kellogg’s Smart Start, Special K, All Bran, or Mini Wheats cereal

One final tidbit…..Today, July 11th, is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A restaurants. If you’re creative and/or happen to have a cow outfit handy, you can dress like a cow and be rewarded with free Chick-fil-A food. Hmmm….I wonder how many customers actually help Chick-fil-A celebrate Cow Appreciation Day….

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Happy Friday! It’s once again time for my frugal round up…and a few shopping deals as we head into the weekend.

~ It’s summer vacation time for many people and RC has posted 10 money-saving vacation tips. This is great advice for those of us watching our pennies! (@ Think Your Way To Wealth)

~ Considering cutting back on your cable/satellite bill? David blogged about 35 ways to watch TV without paying. I had no idea there were so many sites offering programming. I myself need to consider cutting back, but I already know that I can’t bear to part with HBO! (@ My Two Dollars)

~ Trent posted a very informative piece on how ceiling fans can help you save on energy use. I’ve got mine running and they really do make a difference…oh, and it promises to be another ridiculously HOT summer in Tennessee.
(@ The Simple Dollar)

Now, some frugal savings…

* Walgreens has another $5 Off $20 Coupon good for today (6/27) only. Remember, the coupon can only be used on an after-other-coupon(s) total of $20 or more.

* Starting today and through Monday, Overstock.com is doubling their regular $5 off of $100 coupon, so now you can save $10 off a $100 purchase. As many of you already know, Overstock has just about everything under the sun. Great deals can always be found throughout their site…I’m fond of looking for steals on bedsheets.

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