Free Holiday Sampler from iTunes

Get a free holiday sampler, 20 songs in all, from iTunes.

O Come All Ye Faithful – Amy Grant
The First Noel – David Archuleta

Silent Night – Sarah McLachlan

Carol of the Bells/Jingle Bells – Barry Manilow

It Snowed – Meaghan Smith

Above the Northern Lights – Manheim Steamroller

Baby It’s Cold Outside – Lady Antebellum

We Three Kings – Toby Keith

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Rascal Flatts

Silent Night – Wynonna

12 Days of Christmas – Mexicani Marimba Band

We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Weezer

A Snowflake Fell (and It Felt Like a Kiss) – Glasvegas

Another Christmas Song – Stephen Colbert

Greensleeves – Vince Guaraldi

Dream a Dream – Charlotte Church

The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: Character Dances – Kirov Orchestra & Valery Gergiev

Angels We Have Heard on High – Aretha Franklin

O Holy Night – Musiq Soulchild

Auld Lang Syne – The Lonesome Travelers

Click here download your Holiday Sampler.

Walgreens Mid Week Sale 12/9-12/12

Spend $25 & get $5 in RRs

Neutrogena Men’s Skin Care - $4.99
You Earn - $4.99 in RRs
Use - $2 off coupon from the December All You Magazine
FREE plus $2 in overage after coupon and RRs

Just For Men Touch of Gray Hair Color - $6.99
You Earn - $6.99 in RRs
Use - $2 off printable coupon
Send in for the TOG Mail-in-Rebate (up to $9.50)
FREE plus up to $9 in overage after coupon, mail in rebate and RRs

Renu Multi-Purpose Plus Solution Twin Pack - $9.99
You Earn - $9.99 RRs
Use - $2 off printable coupon
Free plus $2 in overage after coupon and RR

Stayfree Feminine Care 16 or 24 pack Maxi or 16 pack Ultra Thin Pads - $1.99
You Earn - $1.99 RRs
Use - $1 off printable coupon
Free plus $1 in overage after coupon and RRs

Select Conair Brushes or Scunci Hair Accessories - $2
You Earn - $2 RRs
FREE after RRs

Stim-U-Dent 100 pack - $2
You Earn - $2 in RRs
FREE after RRs

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic this Saturday

Kids can make these ornaments free at your local Lowe's this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Free Make & Take at Archivers this weekend

Make this gift card holder free at Archiver's this weekend.

Get a Photo Mug for $6.46 shipped from See Here

Go to SeeHere, create your photo mug & use code nicolesnickels at checkout to get 50% off your photo mug. This mug also qualifies for free shipping!

Free Download - An Entire Concert by Mercy Me!

Click here, sign up for Mercy Me's newsletter to download an entire Mercy Me concert for free!

A Great Deal on Townhouse Flipsides Crackers at Target!

This week you can get a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy 5 boxes of Flipsides. After coupons & the gift card, you can get these for less than .50 a box!

Here's how -

Buy 4 boxes of Flipsides - $2 each

Buy 1 box of Cheez-its - $2 each

Use 2- $1 off 2 Flipsides coupons here

Use 1- .75 off 1 Cheez-its coupon here

You will pay $7.25 & get a $5 Target Gift Card!

Thanks to Money Saving Mom

Flip Book for $1.99 shipped from Snapfish!

Now through December 13th you can get a free flip book from Snapfish, you just pay $1.99 shipping! The deal is for a 4x6, 10 page book.

Click here to go to Snapfish's homepage & then click on "Gifts under $10 as seen on Good Morning America". If you are logged in, you may need to log out in order to see the link. You can then create your flip book - use code GMAFREE.

Also - if you are a new member to Snapfish you can get a $10 credit when you sign up! After you sign up click on "My Account" to redeem your $10 credit. This can be used to get some great photo gifts for free or almost free! The credit is only good for 5 days after you sign up, so be sure to use it quickly!!

Get Free Duracell Batteries from Staples!

Buy a 20 pack of AA or AAA Duracell Batteries at Staples for $12.99, get $12.99 back in Staples Rewards, now through December 26th. Offer is available to 2 per week! Click here for details.

Get 40% off any item at Hobby Lobby!

Use the printable coupon found here to get 40% off any 1 regular priced item at Hobby Lobby through December 5th.

Tasty Tuesday - Pumpkin Cream Cupcakes

This recipe comes from Kraft - I'll be making these for Thanksgiving! Yum!

1 pkg. (2 layer size) spice cake mix

1 pkg. vanilla flavor instant pudding

1 C. pumpkin (fresh or canned)

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 C. sugar

1 egg

• PREPARE cake batter as directed on package. Add dry pudding mix and pumpkin; mix well. Spoon into 24 paper-lined muffin cups
• BEAT cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Blend in sugar and egg; spoon over batter. Swirl gently with small spoon.
• BAKE on 350 degrees 18 to 21 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool 5 min.; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

3 Free songs from Amazon!

Amazon is offering 3 free songs of your choice! Click here & enter code MP34FREE by November 30th to get yours!

Free 2010 Calendar

For a free 2010 Betty Crocker calendar, click here.

You do need to be a member of Betty Crocker to receive this & subscribe to one of their newsletters. I actually love their newsletters, they have tons of great recipes.

This has been my favorite free calendar. It is a nice size with fairly big "squares" to write our entire family's schedules!

Free Dryer Sheet Sample

Click here for your free sample of Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets.

Walgreens Deals 11/22-11/27

Coffee-mate, 16oz
BOGO Free - 2/$2.49
Use two $1 off printable coupon
.49 for two after coupons

Campbells Tomato Soup - .59 each after in-ad coupon
Use .50/2 printable coupon
.68 for two after coupons

Triaminic Cold and Allergy Relief - 2/$10
Earn - $5 RR when you buy 2
Use - $1.50 off coupon from 10/18 Smart Source or
$1.50 off printable coupon
Use $2/1 Walgreens coupon from Healthy Savings Coupon Booklet (will deduct $4)
Pay $3 out of pocket and get $5 RR back

Monthly Deals -

Buy 3 Lubriderm Body Lotion Fragrance Free, 6oz at $3.79 each
Earn - $8 RRs
Use 3 - $2 off coupons from 10/11 Red Plum
Use $1 off Walgreens coupon from Diabetes and You Winter Issue (will deduct $3 at once)
Pay $2.37 plus tax out of pocket and earn $8 RRs!

CVS Deals 11/22-11/27

Complete Contact Solution - $8.99
You Earn - $8.99 ECBs
Use - $1 off coupon from the 10/25 Red Plum insert
FREE plus $1 overage after coupons and ECBs

6x8 Photo Books - BOGO Free

Kleenex Facial Tissue - .99
Use - .50/3 from the 11/1 Smart Source insert
Use $1 off coupon from the $100 CVS Flu Booklet
FREE after coupon

A few free samples

Click here for a free sample of Always Infinity.

For a free sample of Tampax Pearl, click here.

Free Coffee Sample

I love getting coffee samples! First off, I can't tell you how many times we found ourselves to be out of coffee & a sample has saved our morning! Plus, they are GREAT gifts to give to a coffee loving friend!

Click here to get your free sample of Millstone coffee.

Free Shower Gel from Philosophy!

To get your free Gingerbread Man Shower Gel from Philosophy, become a fan of Philosophy on Facebook, then click on "Go To Application". That will bring up the form to fill out to receive your free shower gel!

Coupon for Trio Building Set

Click here to get $5 off a $10 purchase of a Fisher Price Trio building set.

Free Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic

Kids can build this Garage at Lowe's this Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. for FREE!

Taste of Home $5 Sale!

Taste of Home has 28 of it's cookbooks on sale for only $5 each! These make great gifts! Use any of these codes to save even more -

LST02 - Free Shipping on orders of $20 or more

LST11 - Save $10 on your purchase of $45 or more - expires 1/26/10

Today's Shopping Trip

Here is what I was able to get today from Target & Walgreens.

6 packs of Marshmallows

1 package Huggies Diapers

1 Johnson's Buddies soap

2 packs Trident Layers Gum

4 Reach dental floss

4 boxes of Tylenol Sinus, Cold, & Allergy

1 box Children's Benadryl

3 packages Up & Up wipes

5 packages Up & Up Toddler Wipes

2 Glade Scented Oil Candle Tins

3 Glade Scented Oil Candle refills

1 Almay Pure Blends foundation

My total after coupons - $24.34!

FP Little People Nativity Set

Family Christian has the Little People Nativity Set on sale for $29.97, with .99 shipping. Use any of the following codes to get an even better deal!

1265036 for an extra 30% off, expires 11/15

1256898 - Take an Additional 20% Off Your Entire Purchase, including sale items - Expires 11/20/09

1268529 - Take an Additional 20% Off Your Entire Purchase, including sale items - Expires 11/29/09

1256899 - Buy One Item, Get One Item 50% Off (second item of equal or lesser value) - Expires 12/03/09

Pre Owned Video Games

I just discovered that Walmart has pre owned video games starting at just $1.39! Get free shipping to the store for some great prices on video games! Just do a search for pre owned in video games.

$10 off $10 at JcPenney

Use promotion code GR8VALUE between 11/16 & 11/23 to get $10 of your purchase of $10 or more at JcPenney.

Get a $50 Gift Card for only $40!

Now through December 6th take $40 in change to a CoinStar machine, choose to get your cash back in a Gift Card & they will give you $10 more! Click here for details & click here to find a Coinstar machine near you. You will need to find a machine near you that offers Gift Cards back as an option.

Target Deals

This week Target is offering a $5 GC when you purchase 5 Glade candle tins, refills, or jar candles.

Buy 2 Glade candle tins at $2.50 each
Buy 3 Glade candle refills at $2.50 each
Use 2 free refill when you buy a tin printable coupon &
Use $1/1 refill printable coupon
You will pay $6.50, plus tax out of pocket & receive 1 $5 Target Gift Card
Then submit $5 SC Johnson rebate
Making these FREE!

Bumble Bee Tuna (3 oz.) - $1 each
Use $1off printable here
Free after coupon

Arm & Hammer Toothpaste (travel size) - $1.07
Buy 2 and use $3/2 coupon from the 8/16 Smart Source insert
Get both free after coupon

Johnson’s Buddies Soaps - .99
Use $1 off coupon from the 9/13 Red Plum
Free after coupon

Mr. Potato Head Spud Buds - $5.99
Use $5 off Spud Buds coupon here
.99 after coupon

Musselman's Totally Fruit - $1.54
Use $1 off coupon here
.54 after coupon

Select Reach dental floss - $1.02
Use $1 off coupon from 6/21 Smart Source or
10/18 Red Plum insert or
$3/3 coupon from the 3/15 Smart Source insert
.02 each after coupon

Archer Farms Artisan Bread mini loaves, Brownie Bites, Macaroons, Rice Krispie Treats, Muffins, Chocolate Chip cookies - .99 each
Use $1/1 Archer Farms Bakery Purchase coupon here
Free after coupon

All Laundry Detergent (travel size) - $1
Use $1 off coupon when you sign up here
Free after coupon

Rolaids (3-pack) - $1.57
Buy 2 and use $4/2 in 10/4 Red Plum insert
Free after coupons

Dove Deodorant (travel size) - .97
Use $1 off coupon from 10/4 Red Plum
Free after coupon

You can find a copy of Target's coupon policy here.

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for complining these!

Making Holiday Gifts

This was one of the 1st gifts that my kids were able to make all on their own. My son was 2 (almost 3), & my daughter had just turned 2 when they made these. I bought canvas tote bags, I believe they were around $5 for 3 of them. We used fabric paint & I just taped off a rectangular area & let them paint! You can see, my daughter only "scribble painted", but they turned out really cute. We also made a few aprons for the grandma's using the same method. These were made in 2002 & I still use my tote bag! It is the perfect size to carry my bible, notebook, & pen.

Free Song Download from Amazon

Amazon is giving away 1 free song download by any CMA Nominated Artist, priced at $1.29 or less. Just use code CMAAWARD to get your free download! Click here to get yours.

Download Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving cookbook - FREE!

Click here to download Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving Hotline Recipes for free.

Free Taste of Home Thanksgiving Issue - October/November 2009

Get the free digital issue of Taste of Home's Thanksgiving issue, along with several others! Click here to get them. I love this link, I have used it several times already, it is very user friendly. You can click on whichever issue you'd like, then pull down the contents menu to find the recipe index. Once in the recipe index you can easily seach through tons of recipes, click on the page number of the recipe you'd like to see & it takes you straight to the recipe.

Tasty Tuesday - Easy Pumpkin Pie

This recipe was taken from the Taste of Home October/November 2009 Digital issue. Be sure to click here for several more Taste of Home digital issues.

3 eggs
1 C. canned pumpkin
1 C. evaporated milk
1/2 C. sugar
1/4 C. maple syrup
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. maple flavoring
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 unbaked pie shell (9 inch)

• In a large bowl, beat the 1st 10 ingredients until smooth, pour into pie shell.
• Cover edges loosely with foil.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes
• Reduce heat to 350 degrees, bake 40-45 minutes longer, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove foil & place on rack to cool.

Save 30% at Old Navy, Gap, or Banana Republic

Click here to print a coupon for 30% off in store at Old Navy, Gap, or Banana Republic this Thursday through Sunday - November 12th-15th. Plus, they will give 5% of your total purchase to charity.

Get 4 Preschool Games from Toys R Us for almost FREE!

This is a great deal to get some free or almost free gifts. If you don't buy for little ones you could donate these to a classroom or use them as Angel Tree & other charity gifts!

Here is how the deal works -

• Buy 4 boxes of Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Ants in the Pants, Don't Break the Ice, or Memory - each on sale for $3.99 this week.
• Buy 1 box of Connect 4 or Scrabble, each on sale for $9.99 this week.
• Your total will come up to $25.95 for 5 games.
• If you get the Connect 4, you can use this printable coupon for $5 off.
• You will receive a $10 Toys R Us Gift Card for purchasing $25 worth of Hasbro games.
• Then submit this rebate form. (Each of the $3.99 games are eligible for a $2 rebate each & each of the $9.99 games are eligible for a $3 rebate!)

You will get 5 games for free or almost free after the coupon, gift card, & rebate!

50 Photo Cards for Free, with Free Shipping!

Click here to get an exclusive coupon code from Freebies 4 Mom. You can get 50 free 4x6 or 5x7 photo cards & it includes envelopes. The code doesn't expire until Nov. 30th, which gives you plenty of time to hunt down or take the perfect pictures for your Christmas cards!

Get $40 in Free Flowers from 1-800-FLOWERS

To get $40 in flowers from 1-800-FLOWERS -

• Click here & sign up for their free Fresh Rewards Program.
• Once you are signed up for the Fresh Rewards Program, sign up for 10 gift reminders. You will receive 40 points for each gift reminder, up to 400 points. Once you have 400 points, you can redeem those points for a $40 Fresh Rewards pass!
• You must sign up for Fresh Rewards & put in your 10 gift reminders before Nov. 30th to be eligible for this promotion.

CVS Deals - 11/8-11/14

EARinse - $7.99
You Earn - $7.99 ECBs
Free after ECBs

NovaMax Blood Glucose monitor - $9.99
You earn - $9.99 ECBs
Free after ECBs

All 2x, 64 loads - $9.99
You earn - $3 ECBs
Use - $1 off printable coupon
$5.99 after ECBs & coupon

Clairol Natural Instincts - $6.99
You earn - $3 ECBs
Use -$2 off from 11/1 P&G or
$2 off from 10/11 P&G
$1.99 after ECBs & coupon

Arm & Hammer detergent - BOGO free
Use - $1 off 2 printable coupon

Crest Pro Health, With Scope, Vivid White or Sensitivity - 2/$6.98
You earn - $4 ECB when you buy 2
Use - (2) .75 off coupon from 10/11 P&G or
(2) .50 off coupon from 11/1 P&G
.74 each or .99 each after ECBs & coupons, depending on coupons used

Buy $20 worth of Children's allergy or cold medicines, get $10 ECBs
Use any of the combination of these coupons -
$1 off Benadryl
$2 off Claritin
$2 off Robitussin
$3 off Zyrtec
$2 off Zyrtec
$2 off Dimetapp

Free Sample of floss picks

Click here for a free sample of DenTek Floss Picks from Walmart.

A Great Deal on LED Christmas Lights at Home Depot

Through Nov. 15th - trade in your used or broken incandescent light strings & get $3 off a set of LED lights! Making them just $2.97. You can trade in up to 5 strands.

Inexpensive gifts for kids to make

If you are anything like me, you have had Christmas on your mind for a while now. Coming up with ideas for gifts for everyone, thinking of things the kids can make, coming up with a budget....

Each year my kids make gifts for their grandparents & a few close aunts. I'll be posting some of those things in the next couple of weeks, in hopes it can give you some great ideas! If you have anything your kids have made & would like to share it, please send me an email. If you have pictures, send them too!

Last year, we made our way to each of the Home Depot & Lowe's kids workshops. The kids had a great time at each of them. Nov. & Dec. can get crazy busy & this was just one of those things the kids new was going to be their time. And when we were all done, we had a slew of gifts to give away - FOR FREE! Both Lowe's & Home Depot allowed each of my kids to make a project, yes, even my 1 year old at the time! The kids often spent a day or 2 at home, painting & decorating their projects. I then let them decide who they were giving what to, put them in a room with some gift bags & wrapping paper & they had a blast wrapping presents. Even though I knew what they had made, I was still surprised by what they chose to give to me & how they had decorated it.

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Kids can make this Tile Trivet for free this Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. - noon.

Free Ebook - Thriving on Less

Click here to download a free Ebook, Thriving on Less, Simplifiying in a Tough Economy.

Black Friday,is it worth it?

Oh it is SO worth it! Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is one of my absolute favorite days of the year! There is just something about getting up before the sun to find a bargain! To be honest, in recent years I have found better deals on some things before or after Black Friday.

So, why do I love it so much then? First and foremost, it has become our tradition. My grandmother lives in Springfield & we spend Thanksgiving night at her house. My husband, my mom, my sister & I get up early to shop. "Gee-Gee" (Great Grandma) stays home with the kids while they sleep. Yes, my husband goes, and LOVES it! We go knowing that lines will be long & people will be rude, to me, knowing (I mean REALLY knowing) that is key to having a great time. We love to people watch, we love the camaraderie that forms with others while waiting in line in freezing cold temperatures. And, we do love the ridiculousness of some people! I love the thrill of grabbing the last one off the shelf, or finding something that we thought we were to late for stuck in another aisle. It is the thrill of the hunt! Some years I go with something specific to get, some years I just go because I love it!

How can you know you are getting the best price? Over the last several years the internet has played a huge role in knowing if you are getting a deal. Beginning about now, Black Friday ads begin to leak out. You can do a Google search to find them. I use the website, BFads.net, they send me email notices any time a new store is posted. Knowing what is going to be on sale ahead of time, helps you to know if something is a great deal now. And the other thing - ALWAYS KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS! If I find something at a better price after Black Friday, I buy it & return the Black Friday item.

Free Kashi TLC Bar

For a free sample of a Kashi TLC Bar, click here.

5 Free Samples of Taster's Choice Gourmet Coffee Singles

Click here to receive 5 free single serve packs of Taster's Choice Gourmet Coffee. These are great to tuck into a small gift bag!

Free Breathe Right Strips

Click here for 2 free Breathe Right Nasal Strips. If you've never tried these before, they are wonderful! I've used them when I was sick & nothing would help me breath out of my nose.

Free Audiobook

Each month Christianaudio.com offers a free download. This month's is Desiring God by John Piper. Click here to download. Simply add it to your cart and use coupon code NOV2009. You must use the coupon code to get it for free!

2 Free Issues of Family Circle

Click here to get the November & December issues of Family Circle for free.

Halloween Treats

Several places are offering great "treats" for Halloween! Grab yourself some freebies or great deals! Always be sure to check if your local establishment is participating.

Taco Bell - Saturday, October 31st, 6:00 p.m. - midnight. Come in to get 1 free Black Jack Taco per person.

Sonic - Saturday, October 31st, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 50 cent Corn Dogs!

Meijer Neighborhood Halloween Event - Saturday, October 31st, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Trick or Treating, contests, free treats & giveaways!

Micheal's Free Halloween Event- Saturday, October 31st, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Kids will receive a trick or treat pail, candy, coloring activities, & balloon. Click here for details.

Toys 'R Us - Saturday, October 31st from noon to 3pm. Participate in Geoffrey’s Trick “R” Treat parade. Children age 3 and up will receive a complimentary reusable bag which they can fill up with goodies and giveaways as they parade around the store.

Bass Pro Shops, October 30th & 31st - Trick or Treating, Mask Making, Marshmallow Roasting - all Free! Click here for times & details.

50% off your entire purchase at Payless - Today Only!

Click here to print a coupon for 50% off your entire order at Payless. This coupon is good only through today, Friday, October 30th.

Thanks, Katie!

JCPenney - $10 off $10

Use code SWEETS4U to get $10 off any order of $10 or more.

Tasty Tuesday - Pasta with Cream Sauce

16 oz. bow tie pasta
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 TBS olive oil
3/4 C. chicken broth
1-1/2 tsp. basil
1-1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 C. heavy whipping cream

1. Cook pasta according to directions
2. Saute garlic in olive oil until tender, stir in broth, basil, oregano, salt & pepper.
3. Bring to a boil & cook 8 minutes.
4. Stir in cream & cook 8-10 minutes longer, or until reduced to about 1-1/4 C.
5. Drain pasta & toss with sauce.

Free Sample - Pampers

Click here for your free sample of Pampers Extra Protection.

Free Photo Calendar

Click here for a free photo calendar from Vista Print. What a great freebie, right before the holidays, this would make a great gift for the grandparents!

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic

Kids can make this Frankenstring Magic Trick for FREE this Saturday, October 24th between 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Click here for more details.

Free Cookie & Hot Cocoa from Barnes & Noble - Sat., Oct. 24th Only!

Click here to print a coupon for a Free Small cookie & Kids sized Hot Chocolate at Barnes & Noble. Coupon is valid this Saturday, October 24th only!

Pizza Hut - possible free Personal Pan Pizza for kids under 12

Many Pizza Huts are offering a free Personal Pan pizza to kids who come in costume on Halloween, October 31st. Be sure to check to see if your local Pizza Hut is participating.

A great deal on some air freshner at CVS

This week CVS has Glade Sense & Spray or Lasting Impressions on sale for $5 each - use this $4 off printable coupon to get it for only $1!

I am currently "buzzing" the Glade Sense & Spray (check out my badge on the left). We really like it, it is motion activated & only sprays when it senses motion. It also has a lockout feature so that it will only spray once every 30 minutes in highly trafficked areas. We are currently buzzing the Clear Springs scent, which is a nice scent, it is not to strong, but can be smelled in several rooms after it is sprayed. I also have several $4 off coupons, if you'd like one to take advantage of the CVS offer this week, send me an email & I'll get one to you.

Pinecone Research - Get paid for doing surveys!

A few months back I posted about a survey company that pays you $3 per survey you complete, plus offers you a chance at trying free full size products from time to time. Pinecone only accepts applicants every once in a while & some of you who wanted to join, got in to late. Well, they are accepting applicants again. Click here for details & to sign up.

On a side note, I saved several of my checks from doing surveys & cashed them in right before we left - my total - $188!! $3 here & there really does add up!

Free Subscription to Parenting Early Years

Click here to get your free 11 month subscription to Parenting Early Years.

Kodak - A Million Thanks Giveaway

Kodak is giving away 1 million free gifts, now through Nov. 13th. Click here & click on the 1 Million Thanks Giveaway. Enter your email address & they will send you a code via email for your free gift. From what I hear they are giving away $15 off any order or a 40% off code (I got the $15 off any order). This can make a free or inexpensive Christmas gift!

An inexpensive treat!

McDonald's is currently selling "Tricks & Treats" coupon books, they were $1.50 each at my local McDonald's. Each booklet contains 12 coupons. Coupons are good for a free bag of Apple Dippers, Free small Apple Juice or Milk Jug, Free small cone, or Free Hamburger. Coupons are good through December 31, 2009. What an inexpensive & great way to treat your kids!

Tasty Tuesday - Pumpkin Muffins

3 1/3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
3 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Mix dry ingredients and add:

1 c. oil
4 eggs
2/3 c. water
2 c. pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Lightly spray muffin tins.

Fill muffin tins three-quarters full and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Domino's

For a limited time Domino's is offering a large one topping pizza for just $5.99

Free Grilled Sandwich from Jack in the Box - Oct. 20th Only!

On Tuesday, October 20th Jack in the Box is offering a free grilled sandwich with the purchase of a large fountain drink.

You can choose from Grilled Turkey Bacon Cheddar with roasted turkey, cheddar cheese and bacon, and the Grilled Deli Trio, with salami, sliced ham, roasted turkey, provolone cheese and pickles.

Limit 1 sandwich per person.

Disney Movie Rewards - Codes for 100 pts.

If you are a member of Disney Movie Rewards - here are some free codes - all the codes add up to 100 pts!

light
tina
gobloon
graveyards

Target Deals

Don't forget to take your coupons with you to Target! Here are some great deals & freebies.

Pond's Towelettes (travel size) - $1.05
Use $1.50 off printable coupon
Free after coupon

Arm & Hammer Toothpaste (travel size) - $1.07
Buy 2 and use $3/2 coupon from the 8/16 Smart Source
both free after coupon

Buy 1 Degree for Women Fine Fragrance Deodorant at $3.29
Buy 1 Degree for Women Fine Fragrance Body Mist at $3.29
Use 1 $3/2 Target printable
Use 2 $1.50/1 manufacturer's printable coupons
.29 each after coupons

Johnson’s Buddies Soaps - .99
Use $1 off coupon from the 9/13 Red Plum
Free after coupon

Head and Shoulders Shampoo (travel size) - $1
Use $1 off coupon from the 8/30 P&G insert
Free after coupon

Free sample - Arm & Hammer Fresh Ins

Odor Eliminating Vacuum Scent Packs

As you vacuum, Fresh-ins neutralizes odors in your home, leaving a fresh, pleasing scent in the air.

SAFE FOR ALL VACUUMS
SAFE AROUND PETS

Fresh-ins are small white pouches packed with the natural power of ARM & HAMMER® baking soda that are emptied into a vacuum bag or dust cup. The crystals inside each packet neutralize odors inside and outside the vacuum and add a fresh, pleasing scent to the room.
As dirty air passes through the bag, ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda particles neutralize odor bearing chemicals. The result is clean, odor free air released into your home.

To get your free sample, call 1-888-800-2302 or e-mail armhammervac@speedymail.com.

Making Halloween Affordable - some inexpensive costumes

Halloween costumes can get expensive to buy, especially when you are buying for 4! Below are some of the costumes I have made over the years. All of which are made with NO sewing required. As you read, you will see, I do use alot of the glue gun! I try to use as much as we have on hand for our costumes & get a lot of stuff from the thrift store. I also save each piece, many can be used again for other costumes. And of course I reuse them with each child - this year Aiden gets the bigger duck costume & Camden gets the lion!

One other thing - each year after Halloween, I scour the costume dept. and get tons of stuff at 75% off. This is how I got the fireman costume, along with so much of the cowboy stuff. My kids love to play dress up & will play with these costumes all year long. I've also been able to use many of them as Christmas & Birthday gifts, since so many other kids love to dress up as super heros.

Strawberry Shortcake/Raggedy Ann

This was one of my least favorite costumes, it just didn't turn out as cute as I thought it was. She was going as Strawberry Shortcake, but so many people thought she was Raggedy Ann. Maybe you can take this idea & turn it into something better!

The pinafore was made from a pillowcase, I cut 2 strips off the pillowcase to make the straps & hot glued it all together. She already had the red shirt. I bought the red pants at a thrift store & hot glued white strips of felt to them.

I took a red stocking cap & glued red yarn all over it. I found it easiest to cut the yarn & tie 15-20 pieces of yard together to make a grouping, then glue the groupings to the top of the hat. I then put the hat on Ally to cut the yarn to the correct lengths.

Cowboy/Cowgirl

Of course, we've got to be a cowboy/cowgirl for halloween! This was by far, the absolute cheapest costume I've ever done. The kids love playing dress up & already had everything in their dress up box for this! The only thing I didn't have was Ally's jean skirt, but that is something she continued to wear to church & school after Halloween. We made Colton a lasso from some rope. If you don't already have cowboy hats, you can get these same ones at Walmart for $2-$3.

Fireman/Firetruck

We already had the fireman hat & coat (I had bought it on clearance from the previous halloween). We then transformed a box into a firetruck.

Scarecrow

This costume, Ally wore the same year as Colton was the lion (below). They were going to be a lion & a lamb. Ally's lamb costume just wasn't turning out the way I had envisioned it & I couldn't let her go out in any thing less cute than that lion costume! So, this scarecrow costume was thought of & made just 1 hour before trick or treating. I used the felt I had left over from the year before's costume (Ally's ladybug & the duck) to make the shirt & pants. I just drew out a shirt on the felt, cut out 2 pieces & glued them both together, I did the same thing for the pants. I then cut out triangles, to make the jaggedness. I glued on some scrap fabric to make the patches, glued some raffia to the underside of the shirt, pants & straw hat. The raffia was something I already had on hand & is much softer than straw. I tied some twine around her waist. I found this straw hat in our basement, glued some scrap fabric on it & a crow I found.

Lion

This Lion costume was my favorite - along with the duck costume below. I took a hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants, and the $1 one size fits all kind of gloves, and dyed them all brown. I used 2 different colors of brown yarn, cut several stands & grouped about 10-15 strands together tying them. I then took all of my yarn groupings & hot glued them all over the hood of the sweatshirt. Once they were glued to the sweatshirt, that is when I cut them, I had Colton put on the costume & gave him a haircut! I also hot glued ears to the top. For the gloves, I just took felt & glued his paw prints onto the gloves.

Duck/Ladybug

This has been one of my favorite costumes! It is the first costume I had made & all of my kids have wore some form of it.

For the body - Cut several strips of felt (I think I cut 6), the strips need to be wider at the bottom than at the top & rounded. I don't really know how big they are, I probably made the strips as long as my children were tall. Hot glue all the strips together, long ways from top to bottom, until you have all the strips glued together, making a complete circle. Make a hem along the bottom of the circle using hot glue, put elastic inside the hem. Along the top, cut slits all the way around the neckline & lace it with some ribbon. Measure about where you think your child's arms will need to be & cut large slits for arm holes. I also cut a slit about half way down the back, to make it easier for the kids to get in & out of the costume. At this point, put the costume on the child - The bottom will be about to your child's feet, tuck the bottom up inside, so that it comes about to your child's waist & cinch up the elastic, tieing it off. Tie the ribbon at the top in the back. I tried to give you a sketch to hopefully explain this a little better.

Duck - My kids wore a yellow long sleeved shirt underneath - it actually has Pooh on it, but you can't see that with the costume over it. I took a white pair of sweatpants & dyed them orange.

For the Duck hat - I took a regular ball cap, I was able to find a yellow one, but you could dye a hat as well. I took orange felt & glued it to the bill, glued white felt to the front & made eyes out of black felt to glue onto that.

Duck Tail & head feathers - You can't see the tail feathers, but I cut out feather shapes in orange, white, & yellow. To make them stand "up" a little better, I glued 2 pieces together. I then glued pieces to the top of the hat & the back end of the costume.

I also made some web feet out of orange felt, I traced their shoes & made the webs a little larger. I cut slits in it & slipped it onto their feet, before putting on their shoes.

At the last minute, I made Aiden an "infant" duck costume. I just took an infant hat & made it the same way I did for Cam's costume, put him in a yellow sleeper, & made some small web feet for him.

Ladybug - The body was made the same way as the duck body, I hot glued black circles on it & made wings. To make the wings, I took a wire hanger to make the shape of wings & glued black felt onto it. Ally wore black pants, black long sleeved shirt, & black shoes. I also made her some antenna by glueing pipe cleaners & black pom poms onto a black headband.