Freebies

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 5 – 11, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   This week they are doing a big sale with a lot of great 10 for $10 products for you to stock up on.  You can mix and match any number of the 10 for $10 items and you are not required to buy 10 items in order to get the products for $1.      Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Eckrich Franks (16 oz) – $1.00

    Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00

    Ocean Market Fish Fillets (4 oz) – $1.00

    Gwaltney Rolled Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00

    Chicken Breasts – $1.49 per lb

    Ground Beef (73% lean) – $1.99 per lb

    Pork Roast – $1.49 per lb

    Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99

    Boneless Chuck Roast – $2.99 per lb

    Schooner’s Pollock, Whiting, and Tilapia Fish Fillets (2 lb package) – $5.99

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Eckrich Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00

    Budding Deli Cut Lunch Meat (3 to 4 oz) – $1.00

    Fisher Boy Fish Sticks (6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
    $0.25 each after coupon

    Oscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00
    Use $0.55/1 coupon from tearpad found in stores
    $0.45 each after coupon

    Hormel Sandwich Sliced Pepperoni (3.5 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.55/2 printable coupon from Hormel
    $0.73 each after coupon

    Schooner Imitation Crab (8 oz) – $1.00

    Colburn Farms Grade A Large Eggs (1 dozen) – $1.00

    Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza (Pepperoni or Supreme) – $1.00

    Pillsbury Grands Flakey or Buttermilk Biscuits (16.3 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
    Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
    Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
    As low as $0.67 each after coupon

    Banquet Brown & Serve Sausage (6.4 oz) – $1.00

    Tropicana Fruit or Berry Punch (64 oz) – $1.00

    Mr. P’s Pepperoni Pizza Bites (9 oz) – $1.00

    Banquet Dinners (4 to 10 oz) – $1.00

    Borden American Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.99

    Produce

    3 Pack Tomatoes – $1.00

    Carrots (2 lbs) – $1.00

    Celery – $1.00

    Red or Yellow Peppers – $1.00

    Caramel and Candy Apples – $1.00

    Red and Gold Delicious Apples (5 pounds) – $2.99

    Klondike Rose or Goldust Potatoes (5 pounds) – $2.50

    Yellow Onions (3 pounds) – $1.49

    Household

    Puffs Facial Tissue (100 count) – $1.00
    Use $0.25/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    $0.92 each after coupon

    Angel Soft Bath Tissue (4 count) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    $0.50 each after coupon

    Bounty Basic – $0.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
    As low as FREE (or with OVERAGE back if your store allows it) each after coupon

    Bounty Select A Size – $1.79
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
    As low as $0.79 each after coupon

    Mardi Gras Paper Towels (3 count) – $2.49

    Sparkle Paper Towels (6 count) – $4.49

    Luster Facial Tissues – $0.99

    Quilted Northern Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $6.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon peelie from packages found in some stores (Expires 11/30/11)
    $5.99 each after coupon

    Angel Soft Bath Tissue (12 rolls) – $3.39
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    $2.89 each after coupon

    Charmin Basic Bath Tissue (4 rolls) $2.39
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/1 coupon found in some packages  (Expires 8/31/12)
    Use $0.35/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    As low as $1.39 each after coupon

    Save A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 rolls) – $0.89

    Grocery

    Hampton Farms Roasted and Salted Peanuts (10 oz) – $1.00

    Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00

    Kaskey’s Family Size Condensed Chicken or Tomato Soup (26 oz) – $1.00

    Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta (14.5 to 15 oz) – $1.00

    Use $0.50/2 coupon found in package (Expires 5/31/12)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (Expires 11/15/11)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Toast Em’s Toaster Pastries (14.7 oz) – $1.00

    Mrs. Freshley’s Sugar Mini Donuts or Brownies (6 to 16 count) – $1.00

    Very Fine Juice Drinks (Fruit Punch or Pineapple Orange) (32 oz) – $1.00

    Chex Mix (8 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from peelie found in some store (Expires 1/30/12)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    M&M and Mars Candy (3 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (10/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 10/31/11)
    As low as $0.25 each after coupon

    Pasta Roni (Assorted Varieties) (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00

    Rice A Roni (Assorted Varieties) (6 to 7 oz) – $1.00

    Betty Crocker Seasoned Mashed Potatoes (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
    Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
    As Low As $0.67 each after coupon

    Heinz Gravy (Beef or Turkey) (12 oz) – $1.00

    Red Gold Ketchup (32 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/4 printable coupon from Red Gold
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Kraft Marshmallow Creme (7 oz) – $1.00

    Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Assorted Varieties) (13 to 15 oz) – $1.99

    Welch’s Juice Cocktails (Concord Grape or Orange Pineapple Apple) (64 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
    Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As Low As $0.99 each after coupon

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Travel & Vacation: Great Parks in the Charleston, SC Area

    Cool moving bridge at Center Park

    We found a cute little park on Daniel’s Island, SC with a lot of shade and water fountains (thankfully since it was over 107 and humid that day) only a couple miles down the road from where Jake was working.  This was the most entertaining part on the whole jungle gym!  It was a moving bridge!  You could get on it at one location of the jungle gym and either have someone push you across or you could stand at other side and spin a wheel that pulls you across to the other side of the jungle gym.  The girls (and Mommy) where fascinated by this cool moving bridge and it provided quite a bit of entertainment for all of us!

    Karlie sitting on the wall!

    Karlie thought this wall in the park was awesome!  She would climb up, sit for a few minutes watching everyone and talk anyone nearby then get down.  I think she liked being up higher and over looking the park!

    Brina coming through the blue tunnel at Center Park.

    She thought it was hilarious going through the random tunnels and would giggle when she “caught” me watching at her!  So sneaky!

    Brina saying "hi" to her new friend

    These bubble blowers were such a HUGE hit!  It was so cute seeing Brina just checking out it’s face, it really was a bug friend to her!

    So....when I blew through here bubbles come out?!

    I tried to find these again this year but they must have sold out.  When you blow through the tail of the dragon fly the silver wings spin and a lot of bubbles come out of the dragon fly’s mouth.

    Mommy's about to get blasted with dragonfly bubbles

    This was shortly before a wave of bubbles came my way.  Brina thought it was awesome blowing dragonfly bubbles my direction!

    Karlie on the run at Waterfront Park under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge

    The Waterfront Park under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge is one of our favorite parks to hang out at in Charleston.  It always has shade from the bridge and has very clean restrooms and a cold water fountain.

    Brina playing at Waterfront Park in Mt Pleasant / Charleston, SC

    The Waterfront park is a great place to hang out before going into Downtown Charleston.  You can play in the park, walk on the pier, enjoy ice cream from the snack shop or watch free movies in the evenings during the summer months.

    Sitting on the slide at Waterfront Park

    Brina and Karlie taking a few minutes to cool down and talk while sitting on the slide.  They thought it was such a cool place to sit!

    Karlie relaxing on the boat's railing

    Karlie content to relax for a few moments against the boat’s railing.  This little park is in front of the Information Center for Daniel’s Island right next to a pier.  The girls really liked this park even though it did not have a lot of shade, a restroom or water fountain they still requested to go to this park to walk the pier and “pet” their turtle friends.

    Karlie and Brina driving the little white boat

    The girls thought it was very cool having the boat in the park.

    Hanging out with Daddy on the boat.

    Karlie is laughing at Daddy, while Brina and Daddy look at the camera.  The girls thought this park was so much fun that they had to take Daddy by to check it out too!

    Talking about the boat.

    An inside shot of the boat.  The girls and Daddy were having a fun decision about boats by the time I got their.  Jake had to be melting that day, it was well over 100 degrees and he was in pants and a long sleeved shirt.  Thankfully he was okay going to the “turtle park” to have a picnic with his girls over lunch despite the heat.

    One of the turtles

    They named each turtle and every time we go back they catch on their friends.

    My two little monkeys on top of the jungle gym!

    Karlie and Brina on the top for the jungle gym at a park across from one of the Daniel Island schools.  I was thankful for the higher railings at the top since they one was a good distance up.  They thought it was so funny how little Mommy looked from WAY up high!  It was over 108 degrees that day and no one else was brave enough to play on the jungle gym (or maybe they were smart enough to stay inside).  This park had really nice restaurants but the water fountain was broken.

    Brina bringing their flip-flops over

    This is the Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park.  It has a wide area with the rubber padding.  The girls loved playing at this park.  You could also rent paddle boats, go to a Water Park or go on a hike.

    Caught Karlie sneaking down the long slide.

    The girls loved being “big” enough to climb up to the top of the tallest jungle gym and go down the long slide.  It took them several tries to work up enough courage to get up the climbing wall or pole but it was well worth it!

    Spinning in the yellow tire swing.

    The girls liked spinning and spinning in the yellow tire swing.  It made me sick just spinning and watching them after a few minutes.  They thought it was hilarious to jump off and run across the playground after spinning for several minutes!

    Karlie riding on another one of the spinning items at the park.

    She could spin herself but her preference was to have me stand beside her and spin until she said that was good.

    They literally wore out their flip-flops on this Charleston trip.  Since we were staying in a different location we were able to visit several parks and they girls played hard.  We tried to meet Daddy over lunch most days to take him on a picnic to one of the cool parks the girls have discovered, if we didn’t get a chance to go with him over lunch they would insist he check out the parks after dinner in the evening.  The girls were very good despite the heat during our visit to Charleston that week!  Although they would crash by the time we got back to the hotel at night, they were ready to head back out at the break of dawn!  What amazing memories we made during our park explorations in Charleston!  We are already looking forward to our next trip together!

  • Free Audio Book: “Think” by John Piper

    FREE Audio Book Download

    For the month of October Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book .  This month the audio book is “Think“  by John Piper.

    John Piper’s newest book will help Christians think about thinking. Focusing on the life of the mind helps us to know God better, love him more, and care for the world. Along with an emphasis on emotions and the experience of God, we also need to practice careful thinking about God. Piper contends that “thinking is indispensable on the path to passion for God.” So how are we to maintain a healthy balance of mind and heart, thinking and feeling?

    Piper urges us to think for the glory of God. He demonstrates from Scripture that glorifying God with our minds and hearts is not either-or, but both-and. Thinking carefully about God fuels passion and affections for God. Likewise, Christ-exalting emotion leads to disciplined thinking.

    Readers will be reminded that “the mind serves to know the truth that fuels the fires of the heart.” insert from Christian Audio

    If you have been wanting to listen to a book from John Piper throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to listen to the book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in October.   Make sure to submit your order by October 31, 2011  to get your free audio book.  Thanks Christian Audio!

  • Giveaway: $10 Lowe’s Gift Card

    I am doing another giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!   The winner of this giveaway will receive a $10 Lowe’s Gift Card!  As a Mom, wife and homeowner I am always looking for ways to save a little extra when buying items for around the house and the yard.  It is a great time of year to pick up some fall flowers, pumpkins, mulch, or many other home or garden items from Lowe’s.  Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  You can sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing one of your favorite supplies you like to get at Lowe’s!

    All comments must be made by October 31st at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.  On October 31, 2011,  I will randomly draw a winner from those who have entered the giveaway.

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Our Walmart Gift Card Winner!!!

    The name has been drawn for the giveaway!

    CONGRATULATIONS to Carmen Q.

    for winning a

    $10 Walmart Gift Card!

    Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!

    An email has been sent to you with more information*

    Enjoy Your Next Trip to Walmart!

    Don’t forget to enter our next Giveaway (the next giveaway will be announced tomorrow morning)!!!

    *Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced.  Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.

  • Swagbucks: Mega Swagbucks Day PLUS 100 FREE Swagbucks for New Members

    Today (Friday, September 30th) is Mega Swagbucks Day for current and new members!  You can earn some large swagbucks today.

    If you have not sign up yet this is great time!  NEW Swagbucks members can get 100 Free Swagbucks just for signing up!

    When you Signup enter the Code:  BIGTIMEBUCKS

    Bonus 100 Swagbucks Code Expires on Monday, October 3, 2011.

    It’s a great time to sign up to Swagbucks and get started.  I have been a Swagbucks member for awhile now and have earned a variety of  FREE Gift Cards and a variety of other gifts through Swagbucks.  My favorite way to redeem my Swagbucks is with their Gift Cards including Amazon, Restaurant, and Store Gift Cards.  You can use the gift cards to buy something for your family or use as a gift.

    If you want to learn a little more about Swagbucks and how to get started or examples on what the Swagsbucks can be used for check out the posts below:

  • CVS: Spent $0.41 and Got $4 ECB’s Back

    CVS Deals

    I have taken a few weeks off from shopping at CVS, but since I had some coupons expiring this week I decided to make a quick trip to CVS.  The trip was primary to use up my Free Product Coupons that were expiring at the end of September, use up a couple ECB’s that were about to expire and see if they had anything on clearance that we could use.  I was able to get the items for $0.41 including tax and received $4.98 ECB’s to use on my next CVS purchase.  Here is what I purchased this week.

    • 6 – School Sanitizer Wipes (20 count) on clearance for $0.25 each (total of $1.50) These are perfect size packs to stick in the girls lunch boxes for school so they can wipe their hands / table area before eating
    • 3 – Foam Felt Sticker Crafts on clearance for $0.50 each (total of $1.50)
    • 2 – Flexible Drinking Straws (100 count) on clearance for $0.50 each (total of $1.00) These are perfect for after school smoothies!
    • 2 – Blue Plastic Tablecloths on clearance $0.50 each (total of $1.00)
    • 2 – Mini Tablets (1 Orange / 1 Blue) on clearance for $0.50 each (total of $1.00)
    • 1 – File Folder Binder (Plastic and Blue/White) on clearance for $1.01 We keep all our receipts in these binders so I am ready for 2012 receipts.
    • 2 – Excedrin Migraine for $0.99 each (total $1.98) Free after ECB’s this week
    • 1 – Pantene Pro V 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner Classic Clean 12.6 oz for $3.49 (this item was free because I had a free product coupon, see below)
    • 1 – Pantene Pro V 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner Curly 12.6 oz for $3.48 (this item was free because I had a free product coupon, section below)
    • 1 – Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Wipes for $2.99 (this item was free because I had a free product coupon, see coupon section below)
    • 1 – Raspberry Skintimate Women’s Shaving Cream for $1.99 (this item was free because I had a free product coupon, see below)
    • 1 – Herbal Essence 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner for $3.99 (this item was free because I had a free product coupon, see below)
    • 1 – Playtex Sport Tampons for $5.29 (this item was free because I had a free product coupon, see below)

    Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Used $1.99 Skintimate Free Product Coupon
    • Used $5.00 Playtex Free Product Coupon
    • Used $3.99 Herbal Essence Free Product Coupon
    • Used $3.49 Pantene Free Product Coupon
    • Used $3.48 Pantene Free Product Coupon
    • Used $2.89 Cottonelle Free Product Coupon
    • Used $3.00 CVS Kiosk Coupon
    • Used $6.00 CVS ECB’s

    I received $4.98 ECB’s back today:

    • $1.00 ECB’s for Pantene Products
    • $1.00 ECB’s for Green Bag Tag Rewards (every 4th visit you get a free $1.00 ECB)
    • $1.98 ECB’s for Excedrin Products

    Today I was able to save $32.98 at CVS by purchasing these items and using coupons.

    When you shop the CVS sales regularly and have ECB’s that you can roll over toward future purchases the bonus ECB’s start adding up (Green Bag Tags and Beauty Club).  As you can see from my shopping trip today you don’t have to purchase a lot to save money when shopping at CVS.  Plus you can use the additional ECB’s you receive towards your next purchase.  You can pick and chose what is best for your family.

    I would love to hear your CVS shopping story for this week!  For those of you who shop regularly at CVS please share how you were able to save this week!  Although the weekly ad sales are similar every family and situation is different so you may have found items better suited to your household.  In your comment please feel free to share a link to your blog article showing us how you were able to save shopping at CVS.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Pears from our Neighbor

    Fresh Pears from our Neighbor! Thank You!!!

    A few days ago the girls and I were walking back from the bus stop when a neighbor stopped to talk with us.  She generously offered us some of her pears.  A couple of the other neighbors had picked some pears and she wanted to make sure we came over and got a few as well.  Her tree was producing a lot of pears this year and she didn’t want them to go to waste.

    The girls begged me to pick some pears so the next day after school we went over and picked a few pears.  It has been wonderful eating fresh pears for breakfast, lunches at school and snacks. We even made an awesome Strawberry Pear Smoothie for an after school treat and Pearsauce. I am thankful for our neighbors and their generosity.  It is the little things in life that can make a really big difference.

     

  • Book: “You Were Born for This” by Bruce Wilkinson

    I recently finished the book “You Were Born for This”  Seven Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles by Bruce Wilkinson.  In his book Bruce shares several stories of how God was able to use him to encourage believers as well as lead others to Christ.  He goes through ways that you can be guided by the Holy Spirit to deliver a miracle to another person.  There are four main parts to the book:

    • Welcome to Everyday Miracle Territory
    • Four Keys to a Life of Miracles
    • How to Deliver a Miracle
    • Three Keys to Special Delivery Miracles

    Bruce Wilkinson puts in a number of examples and stories of how he was used to deliver a miracle.  Included in the back of the book is a Epilogue with more stories from readers of his book.  If you want to go through the book with a group he provides discussion questions for either a four week or seven week study.

    I thought the book had a lot of great reminders of how important prayer is in our life and to be in tune with the Holy Spirit because you never know when you have the opportunity to share with someone.  Bruce also addresses that we often fear speaking directly to a stranger about something personal and will question the prompting we feel or justify a reason for not stepping up with excuses such as “Who Me?” or “Do What?” or “What Will They Think?”

    The author gives several step by step ways to learn how to act on these miracle missions from prayer, having the heart for people, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you, and taking risks of faith.  I think we all have those moments when out of the blue we think of someone and fail to act on that prompting only to find out later that the person was going through a tough time; what an amazing blessing of encouragement we could have been if we had just called, written that letter, emailed or stopped by to see them.  Wouldn’t it be great living a life full of sharing blessings with those around you.  We do not know what the person next to us is going through at the moment.  A simple question like “I really want to help you.  What can I do for you?” can open the door for you to encourage someone.

    A handful of my favorite  quotes from the book:

    “I’ve noticed something reassuring. When we ask to be sent by God, He matches each of us with people we can help.”

    “A nudge is an inner push that directs us toward a person, a place, or an action.”

    “During a God arranged encounter you will know what God wants”

    “Knowing that we are sent, we take deliberate risks that place us in complete dependence on God for a miracle.”

    Rate my review & be entered into a giveaway: I reviewed this book for “Blogging for Books.”   By rating my review, it allows me to choose another book and enters you in a GIVEAWAY!   The rating is a two step process.

    Step 1:  Rate my review below (select the number of stars, enter your email, and hit submit).

    Step 2:  Check your email account for a message from Blogging for Books and click their link to verify your email.

    Once you rated my review AND confirmed your email, you will automatically entered in a giveaway for this book by WaterBrook Multnomah!!!  They will pick one person to receive a copy of the book for themselves!  WaterBrook Multnomah will contact the winner directly.

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher through the Waterhouse Multnomah.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”