May this time of year bring out the giving spirit in all of us. May you also find the wonderful deals this season has to offer :)

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

Simple Tastes - favor boxes and other thoughtful gifts

Aren't these just the cutest boxes? I entered another contest (yes, maybe one day, I'll win the lottery :) on Angilyn's FaceBook page and won these cute favor boxes. (Sorry it's a bit fuzzy, my camera isn't the best these days).

This is the full set of 8 favor boxes. These will make such cute gifts to set out around my Thanksgiving dinner table. I can't wait! Now, I just need to think of something fun and unique to put in them.

This is how the box looks when it's open. The box is about 2" x 2 " (approx). Hmmmm....maybe a fine chocolate or two would fit in this cute box.

Wouldn't these be wonderful at a wedding or as a bridal/baby shower thank you? There are so many fun things you could do with these little boxes. You can check out all of Angilyn's designs at Simple Tastes, etsy shop. She also does other cute and thoughtful gifts. You can also check out Simple Tastes on Facebook.

Angilyn - Thanks again for sending me such a fun gift - can't wait to impress my family at Thanksgiving :)

Bountiful Baskets A to B weeks and Royalty Services Group

You may not have heard, but most sites for Bountiful Baskets are switching to the B week schedule to avoid problems with the upcoming holiday (weekends). If you'd like to order it will be open today until 10:00 pm - hurry spots are filling up fast!

I go to the Syracuse Site (West Point and Syracuse are at the same Winter/Indoor location) to pick up my basket and volunteer. I just wanted to send a special thanks to Royalty Services Group for allowing us to use their warehouse for the winter months - free of charge :)

They are a certified cleaning firm. You can get your Air Ducts, Carpet, Chimneys, Construction Clean-up, Dryer Vents, Odor Control, Pressure Washing, Stone & Masonry, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Water Extraction and Window Washing services through Royalty Services Group. You can reach them at 866-971-7801 or info@royaltyservicesgroup.com

Here are a few pictures of our site.

Lots of empty baskets - we were waiting for the truck to arrive.

Volunteers distributing yummy fruits and veggies - participants get 2 white baskets (one basket is wet and the other is dry)

Wow! That's a lot of baskets!

These are our wonderful volunteers who came to help out early on a chilly November morning. That's Bryan from Royalty Services Group in the back on the right - call him when you need help :)

This is where the line starts....participants are anxiously waiting to pick up their fruits and veggies.


Don't forget to order your basket today. There are a lot of locations available to choose from. First time baskets cost $19.50 (they will be $16.50 after the first order). You can also choose from lots of yummy extras too (pumpkin bread, a citrus pack as well as a holiday box - loaded with lots of Thanksgiving trimmings).

Free Sample of Stacy's Pita Chips

I've tried these before and they were good. Get in on the sampling today!

Stockin' up with Winegars triple coupons!

I love this sale! I look forward to it every year. I don't necessarily go after the free items, I try to buy things that my family uses and that I can get at a better price than normal. My original cost was $138.32 and the end result was $84.31. This is a savings of $54.01!!!

Here's what I got and the coupon source (if not coupon source is listed it was a random coupon I had, or I failed to write it down).

6 boxes General Mills Chex (Pillsbury 11/15)

2 Reynolds Wrap tinfoil (80 ft)

2 bags of Don Julio corn chips (these were only $.78 - store price)

1 dozen eggs

3 bags Nestle chocolate chips (RP 11/1)

3 boxes Nabisco Ritz Bits

2 Tide 2 Go pens

3 boxes Playtex tampons (ss 10/11)

2 pkgs Cascade dish tablets (P&G 11/1)

1 box Mr. Clean magic erasers

1, 2pk Lever soap (RP 11/15)

3, 4pk Energizer batteries (ss 11/15)

3 Hormel Compleats meals (ss 11/1)

1 bag C&H brown sugar (RP 8/30 and RP 11/15)

3 bags Hershey kisses (ss 9/13)

1 Blistex chapstick

3 bags Wonderful Pistachios (ss 11/15)

(1 Zone bar and 1 pkg candy Mento's not pictured). Everything highlighted in red will go into storage. This is why I love this sale. I can get these necessities for sooooo much cheaper than I'd normally pay. Good Luck - hope you find some great deals too :)

Winegars Triple Coupon day

Tuesday, November 17th

Winegar's will triple manufacturer's "cents off" coupons up to $.50. Coupons for $.51 or more will be redeemed at face value, plus $1.00. Maximum store discount amount is $1.00 per coupon. NO CASH BACK.

Triple coupon policy does not apply to: Free coupons, cigarette or tobacco coupons, coupons identified as other retailer's coupons. If the triple coupon total exceeds the retail price of an item, that item will be FREE to you (No cash back). All items subject to all applicable tax laws.

The Following Exceptions Apply:

• Limit 1 coupon per item
• limit 3 coupons of like item per customer
• Good only on items Winegars stocks

So what are you waiting for????......start clipping!

Veteran's Day Deals

I'm sure there are many deals being offered. Here's a few that I thought you'd like:

Applebee's Veteran's and active-duty men and women are entitled to a free entree at Applebee's on Veteran's Day. Just stroll in, identify yourself as a vet or a member of the military, and order off the menu.

Krispy Kreme To honor America's service men and women, Krispy's giving veterans and active military personnel who visit any participating U.S. Krispy Kreme store on Veteran's Day one free donut of his or her choosing

Outback Steakhouse If you're active duty military or a veteran you can grab a free Bloomin Onion and drink at Outback Steakhouse.

~ I just personally wanted to thank anyone that is a Veteran or in the military for keeping me safe and preserving the freedoms I enjoy daily! You men and women deserve a day of recognition!~

RedPlum's largest coupon book is coming....

I got an email from RedPlum this morning stating that their 11/15 coupon book was the biggest of the year. I got mine in the mail yesterday. Lots of great savings....did you get yours?

You can check this link to see if it will be coming by mail or newspaper.

E-coupons on your Smiths/Kroger card

I've blogged about this before, but it's always worth repeating! Now that Albertson's has officially closed their doors in Utah (except for a few locations - here's a link to a friends blog for exact locations that are still open) the options for grocery shopping are limited. If you're like me, I always want a good deal.

Smith's sells Kroger brands. Did you know that you can automatically load coupons onto your Smith's card?

Here are a few links where you can load your Smith's card number into the system and fill it with coupons so when you go shopping and scan your card, it automatically gives you the coupon discount. No cutting, clipping or headache at the register. Easy Peasy!

P&G eSAVER

Shortcuts.com

Happy Shopping! If you want to learn a few shortcuts and savings tips - let me know, I teach a great FREE coupon class :D) (callmestacy@yahoo.com)

Best Online Coupon Sites

A fellow reader (Adrienne C.) contacted me the other day. She's posted the "Top 15 Sites to find Legit Online Coupons." I read through the article and it's a great resource. She directs you to a variety of sites - printable coupons, blogs, freebies, online codes etc.... You can check out her blog for all the details. Her blog also offers a wealth of information on going back to school, online classes, grants, and student resources. (You can print coupons from one of the biggest online coupon rescoures - coupons.com, right from my blog - upper right corner).

Remember, you can also check out Pinching Your Pennies for blogs, coupons, freebies, online coupon codes, local sales or even post questions about things you may be needing answers to.

If you live in Utah, Idaho, Eastern Washington, Las Vegas or S. California, you can also use the Grocery Smarts (this link is for Utah) website for local grocery deals. When you pair your coupons up with local sales, you always come out a winner! Watch your grocery bill shrink and your pantry bulk up! If you'd like codes you'll need to access Grocery Smarts website for any of these states/locations let me know (callmestacy@yahoo.com) and I can hook you up with those codes and a teacher in your area that will teach you the basics for FREE and show you how to use the FREE website.

~Thanks Adrienne C.

Snow White movie - coupons

Do you love Disney or have a little princess that loves Snow White? Make sure to get your coupon for $10.00 off either the Blu-ray or DVD Combo pack. The coupon expires 10/31/09. You can print 2 coupons - this would make a great Christmas gift for someone special :)

~Thanks PYP!

Kohls deals, layaway and smart shopping

I have to admit, I am a Black Friday shopper - I love a good deal. It's interesting that in the last week, I've started to hear some predictions on how the Christmas season will play out. I found this article on CBS News Early show. The news article basically stated that if you see a good deal now, you may want to get it now because retailers aren't ordering a lot of inventory due to the recession. It's a pretty interesting read anyway.

So with that in mind I saw a Kohl's deal that I couldn't pass up today. Knowing that my son loves Geo Trax (and has asked for this for Christmas, not to mention his birthday falls in January....) , Kohl's is offering 50% off certain Fisher Price toys. Here's a link to PYP for all the details.

This is what I ended up getting.

Fisher-Price® GeoTrax™ New Train In Town
Color: Multi/None
Size: NO SIZE
SKU 90354010

Regular Price: $99.99
Sale Price: $49.99
1 $39.99 (I paid with the 20% code SPECIAL20)

Fisher-Price® Imaginext® Batman's Batcave™
Color: Multi/None
Size: NO SIZE
SKU 90354021

Regular Price: $89.99
Sale Price: $44.99
1 $35.99

Carter's® Princess Nightgown
Color: Pink
Size: LARGE
SKU 90323776

Original Price: $26.00
Sale Price: $10.40
1 $8.32

Transformers™ Revenge of the Fallen™ Pajama Set
Color: Multi/None
Size: 6
SKU 90358831

Original Price: $38.00
Sale Price: $15.20
1 $12.16

Carter's® Dinosaur Fleece Pajama Set
Color: Multi
Size: 3T
SKU 90402188

Original Price: $20.00
Sale Price: $7.49
1 $6.00

My total came to $109.12. I got 20% off, free shipping and I'll get $20 in Kohls cash back.

Also, don't forget that Kmart and Sears are offering layaway plans. It's a great way to only have to pay a little at a time.

Toys R Us is also offering a layaway program for certain items this holiday season. Here's a link to their online information.

Don't forget to also checkout the Hasbro toy coupons on the blue coupon bar in the upper right corner of my blog. These would be great to pair up with a sale out there!

Be smart, shop savvy, use coupons and be happy!

Kents may be my new Albertsons

I don't know about your circumstances, but we've had the flu at our house. We were told by the doctor, it wasn't the piggy flu, but it was definately the flu (my guess it was the piggy flu - that's what's going around). Anyway, I seriously haven't been shopping in weeks. It hit us at the beginning of October and really took me down (thus - the lack of posts....sorry).

After I started feeling better, I wanted to catch Kents sale this week because of the General Mills cereal sale. I was pretty happy with what I got. Check it out.

1 bag of breadsticks

1 gallon Western Family OJ

2 bottles of Western Family apple cider

18 boxes of General Mills cereal

1 bag of Dirty chips (new brand - wanted to try them out)

3 bags of Don Julio tortillas (great for freezing)

4 cans of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup

15 cans of Swanson beef and chicken broth

2, 6pks of Trix yogurt

6 cans of Spaghettios

6 pears

6 Yoplait yogurts

2 boxes of Betty Crocker fruit snacks

2 boxes Nature Valley granola bars

3 pkgs of Kraft cheese

1 bag of Clover Club chips

I bought 75 items and paid $61.13, thats about $.82 for each item. The bottom of my receipt says I saved $71.96 this shopping trip. Not bad.....you may see more of these shopping trips. Stay tuned

Kents is located in Roy and Brigham City. Here's a link to their online ads. You can also check out PYP for updated grocery lists.

Crafty Halloween Wreath

I basically have no decorating talent whatsoever. Those of you who know me, know this about me. Yes, it's pretty sad.....I know.

Anyway, last year I did manage to make a really fun Halloween wreath that I saw in a magazine. The best part about this wreath is that all those hot glue strings you get? - well the more this wreath has the better. So, I'm reviving an old post (click here for instructions)to show you that yes, once in a while I can accomplish something crafty.

Happy Halloween!

Another Kent's Earlybird Sale (YEA!!!)

I love it when Kent's puts on their Earlybird sales (usually the same weekends as the LDS conferences April/October). You can also check out their regular ads here. It's Saturday 10/3 from 6 am to noon.

Once again here are their great deals.

Golden Ripe Bananas $.39/lb

10lb bag of extra, extra, extra diet lean ground beef $1.79/lb

20lb box of boneless skinless chicken breasts $29.80 each or $1.49/lb

One dozen pumpkin chocolate chip cookies $2.99

24 oz asst. Granny's Delight old fashioned bread $.99

2.6 oz Armour asst. lunch makers $.79

Family pack, boneless extra lean beef stew meat $2.29/lb

Rogers one dz medium eggs $.79

2 liter bottles of Squirt 2/$1.00

25# bag of yellow onions $3.99

1 gallon Farr's ice cream $4.88

6 pk asst. jumbo muffins $1.99

Tony's thin and crispy pizzas $.88

COW (Cream O' Weber) gallon Chocolate milk $1.99

Asst. Lays chips 2/$3.00

6 pk, 24 oz asst Pepsi products 4/$10

10 oz asst Don Julio chips $.79

6 pk, 12 oz cans, Strawberry Country Time, Sunkist, Hawaiian Punch, 7-Up or A&W Rootbeer $.89

Family pk boneless center cut pork loin chops or roast $1.69/lb

Boneless beef cross rib roast $1.79/lb

9 ct. C&B Maddox turkey steaks $7.99

2lb WF med cheddar cheese $3.99 each

Milford Farms 5 oz, asst. Cordon Blue $.79

Family pk boneless beef ranch steaks $1.99/lb

16 oz COW sour cream $.79

Sliced to order deli style roast beef $4.29/lb

Asst. 6oz Armour sausage links or patties $.79

Sliced to order Kretchmar maple ham $2.49/lb

Remember, it will be busy and there may be a few lines. Kent's always stocks well and are fully staffed during these sales. Hope you find some good deals!

BzzAgent Freebies...

I don't know about you, but I love to open the mailbox and find fun little goodies inside. Last week I opened it to find this:I've gotten many things from BzzAgent, but this will definately be one of my favorites. I got a full bottle of Aveeno Nourish + shampoo and conditioner. It also came with coupons, literature and samples.

I've blogged about BzzAgent before and I'll do it again. All you have to do is sign up to participate in their campaigns. You can sign up here. The only requirement is that they want your feedback on the product. You try it, decide what you think about it and log back into BzzAgent and let them know.

I can't wait to try it out this week. I'll let you know what I think. If you're interested in other websites that offer similar benefits, check the left side of my blog under Favorite Sites to Visit and look for the sites that say product trials. Who doesn't love a freebie in the mail????

My latest Albertsons shopping trip

I haven't taken a picture of a recent shopping trip in so long! I thought it was about time. I went to Albertsons a few days ago and this is what I got.

I actually did 3 transactions to pay for what you see above.

Transaction #1

1 case of Campbells Tomato soup (24 cans)

2 cans of Campbells Select Harvest soup

1 bag of Pepperidge Goldfish crackers

2 loaves of Albertson's French bread (free with survey coupons)

I spent $5.82 and saved $28.16. I had $7.50 from a prior shopping trip to use towards this purchase as well as coupons that I had clipped. I also earned another $5 to spend on my next purchase with their Campbells promo.

Transaction #2

4 cans Campbell's Select Harvest soups

4 bags of Goldfish

4 bottles of V8 juice

I spent $10.54 and saved $27.88. I used the $5 from the previous transaction as well as more coupons. I also earned another $5 with the Campbell's promo.

Transaction #3

6 boxes of Kelloggs Poptarts

1 bag Cheetos

1 bag Santitas corn chips

2 loaves of Granny Smith Bread

1 Albertsons sour cream

1 Albertsons OJ

1 Meat tenderizer (tool)

2 pkgs Chips Ahoy cookies

I spent $34.78 and saved $17.53. I had a few coupons left for this transaction as well as the $5 from the previous purchase.

Total spent $51.14, Total saved $73.57!!!! I was pretty happy with this shopping trip. This sale lasts through Tuesday night - take advantage if you can!!!

Love, Love, Love the new look!!!!

Okay, so the coolest thing happend to me the other day. I actually won a contest. It seems like I can enter to win a million times and never get picked, but today is my lucky day. I entered a drawing for a free blog makeover and won!!!!

If you haven't checked out Give Away Today you need to. Everyday (except weekends) they have a drawing for some of the greatest things. You can see this blog by scrolling down the right hand side of my blog. Who knows - you may be the next winner of something fun.

I love the colors, the pigs and the fonts on my new blog design. I worked with Erin at Designer Blogs. She did a fabulous job!!! She was so easy to work with and gave me so many options to choose from. She really made it simple for me. Check out her blog to see all the neat designs she's already done. If you're in need of a great "Blog Makeover," I'd definately recommend Erin at Designer Blogs.

I'm tickled "piggy" pink. Don't forget to add my new button to your blog!

Papa Murphy's Customer Appreciation Days Sept 14, 15, 16 and 17

Get a large Pepperoni Pizza only $4.99 each, limit 3, no coupons needed! (May only be valid in Utah).

Thanks PYP!

$999 Emergency Fund Giveaway - Dave Ramsey

I've been an avid listener to Dave Ramsey over the years. I love his good money advice and fair opinions. I've had several opportunities to take his class and I haven't. I have another opportunity coming up and I'll think I'll jump on it.

In honor of 9/9/09 he is giving away $999 every day for 9 days. If you're familiar with his philosophies, the first baby step is to have an emergency fund of $1000. Winning would (almost) complete this first step.

Make sure to enter every day through this link.

Don't forget if you're in Utah you can hear Dave on 105.7 KNRS from 7 pm to 10 pm (KNRS recently became an FM station as well).