Living on a Budget
Book It! Reading Program for Elementary Kids & FREE Pizza!
Book It! was a program I participated in when I was in elementary school! Book It! is a National Reading Incentive Program that was developed to help elementary age children improve their reading skills.
Students earn a Free Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut when they meet their reading goals each month.
The Book It! program is open to ALL students who are in Kindergarten through 6th Grade at public schools, homeschools, private school, or parochial schools.
Register your child by September 1, 2011 and Book It! will send you the program materials and coupons.
Check out their website for printable charts, reading lists and certificates to keep the kids motivated and help you track your children’s reading progress.
Walgreens – FREE Photo Collage (8×10)
Get a FREE 8×10 Photo Collage from Walgreens just in time for Mother’s Day!!!
- Log in to Walgreens Photo Store
- Upload a Few Favorite Pictures
- Create Your Collage
- At Check Out Enter Promo Code – FREECOLLAGE
- A Second Promo Code You Can Use Is (you may have to do separate transactions) – FORMOM
- Select to Pick up your Collage at your local Walgreens Store.
- Coupon Code Expires May 7, 2011
Great gift for Mother’s Day that is personal and within the budget!
Fresh & Healthy: Downtown Farmer’s Market (Saturdays) Fresh Produce & More!
It is the beginning of produce harvest for a lot of local farmers which means the Farmer’s Market is opening. Many local communities will host Downtown Farmer’s Markets to help connect the farmers with the local people who want to purchase fresh fruits and veggies for their family.
Families in the Greenville area who are looking for some fresh in-season vegetables, fruit, local honey, gourmet foods, seafood, fresh flowers, diary products, coffee, nuts, baked goods, handmade crafts, woodworking and a wide variety of other goodies from more than 50 vendors can come to downtown Greenville on Saturday mornings starting May 7th through October 29th.
Downtown Greenville Farmer’s Market Details:- What / Where – Downtown Greenville’s Saturday Market (Main Street at McBee Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601 )
- When – Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM ( May 7 to October 29)
- Cost – Free Admission (the only cost is for the items you purchase from the local farmers / vendors)
- For More Information / Activities – Saturday Market Live / 864-467-4494
Downtown Greenville has music and special events during the Saturday Farmer’s Market. Please go to their events section for more information on upcoming musicians, cooking demonstrations, and special events.
Easley just started a Downtown Farmer’s Market a few years ago. It is smaller than the one in Downtown Greenville but for a small community it has a lot of amazing produce to offer. Each year it has grown bigger with more vendors offering their fresh produce and goods to the local community.
Downtown Easley Farmer’s Market Details:
- What / Where – Downtown Easley Farmer’s Market (205 North 1st Street, Easley, SC 29640)
- When – Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (April 9th to End of Season)
- Cost – Free Admission (the only cost is for the items you purchase from the local farmers / vendors)
- For More Information / Activities – Easley Farmers Market / 864-855-7900
2011 Special Calendar of Events – Easley’s Farmers Market:
- May 7 – Smoke House & Sparky
- May 14 – Parent Magazine & Fun Kid Activities
- May 21 – SunLit Moon Entertainment
- June 11 – Parent Magazine & Fun Kid Activities
- July 2 – 2nd Annual Pie Baking Contest & July 4th Celebration.
- July 23 – Square Root Entertainment
- More activities being scheduled check back often
Photo by Natalie Maynor & Swami Stream
Family Outings: “Moonlight Movies” Series starts Tonight at The Peace Center Amphitheater
Looking for a fun family activity tonight and you live near Greenville, SC? The “Moonlight Movies” Series Starts TONIGHT at The Peace Center Amphitheater sponsored by Fidelity Investments!Event Details:- When – 8:00 PM (at sundown) on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
- Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater & Wyche Pavilion (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
- What’s Showing – “Father of the Bride”
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity (movies will be rated G or PG or family friendly Not Rated)
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or you can buy a wristband
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- Not Allowed at the Event – No Pets / No Smoking
- For More Information – Greenville Moonlight Movies / Phone: 864-467-5741
If you cannot make it out to the movie tonight there will be more “Moonlight Movies” events coming!
Future “Moonlight Movies”:
- Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Batman”
- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Winchester”
- Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM – Viewer’s Choice
Even if you do not live in the Greenville area I encourage you to check out events in your local city. Many towns offer free events that your family can enjoy.
Photo by Metromix Greenville
Family Outings: 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby (Greenville, SC)
Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend with your family? If you are near Greenville, South Carolina and want to participate in a fun activity with the family you should check out the 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby.
Specific Date / Time Information:
- Event – 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby
- Date – Saturday, May 7, 2011
- Time – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Falls Park on the Reedy River, Greenville, South Carolina
- Duck Race – 2:30 PM
- Starting Point for Duck Race – Main Street Bridge
- Duck Prices – $5.00 each or 6 for $25.00
What is the Reedy River Duck Derby?
- The Rotary Club of Greenville puts on a great event to benefit local charities such as Mauldin Miracle League, Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, EarlyAct FirstKnight, and other local charities. You can adopt a duck(s) for your family for $5.00 each or 6 ducks for $25. You can cheer for your duck(s) as it races along with thousands of other ducks down the Reedy River, over the falls and to the finish line. The winning ducks will be awarded prices.
How many ducks can I buy?
- As many as you want. It is $5.00 per duck or $25.00 for 6 ducks.
What are the Prizes for winning?
- Grand Prize – 1 Year Supply of Groceries at Bi-Lo
- 2nd Place Prize – Painting by Kavita Ball sponsored by Urban Peacock
- 3rd Place Prize – Child Care Tuiton Fees sponsored by Park Place Children’s Center
- 4th Place Prize – Greenville Charm Bracelet sponsored by JB Lacher Jewelers
- Plus Over 30 Additional Prizes to be awarded sponsored by local businesses (here are a few)
- Theater Ticket Packages – Camelot Theaters
- Park Passes – Greenville County Recreational District
- Pottery Lessons for 12 – Vitti Tile and Pottery
- Photography Sessions – White Blaze Photography
- Guest Package with golf 2 Guests for 2 Nights and 2 Rounds of Golf – Embassy Suites
- Gift Package – Hampton Inn Riverplace
- Weekend Gift Package with Breakfast – Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
- And Many More Great Prizes!!!!
What other activities are going on downtown Greenville during the Duck Derby Event?
- The Duck Derby Activities begin at 10:00 on Saturday, May 7, 2011
- Games
- Activities for Kids
- Entertainment
- Local Artist Exhibits
- Mauldin Miracle League Game
- Balloon Artists
- Face Painting
- Magicians
- Hoola-Hooping
- Musical Groups
- Demonstrations & Interactive Activities for Kids
The Reedy River Duck Derby is a fun filled day with activities and entertainment for the whole family, plus it benefits many wonderful local charities. For more information about the upcoming 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby please visit the Reedy River Duck Derby website.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of May 4 – 10, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Fresh Bone-In Split Chicken Breast – $0.99 per pound
Pork Spare Ribs – $1.79 per pound
Sugardale Bratwurst (14 oz) – $1.99
Bone-In Assorted Pork Chops – $2.49 per pound
Sugardale Super Dogs – $3.99
Hillshire Farms Sausage – $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from Hillshire Farms
$0.99 each after couponHolten Beef Patties – $3.99
Hillshire Farms Lit’ Smokies – $2.59
Use $1/1 coupon from Hillshire Farms
$1.59 each after couponPick 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
Fudgsicles or Popsicles – $1.00
Borden Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.50
Wylwood Mini Corn on the Cob – $1.69
World’s Fair Ice Cream (1 gallon) – $4.99
World’s Fair Round Top Sundae Cones – $2.49
Crisp Premium Orange Juice – $2.69
Take & Bake Pepperoni or Supreme Pizza – $5.99
Take & Bake Cheese Pizza – $5.49
Stouffer’s Party Size Lasagna (90 oz) – $8.99
Use $1/1 coupon from Nestle Family
$7.99 after each couponHousehold
Colortex Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $2.99
Wrightware Foam Plates (100 count) – $2.00
Solo Plastic Cups – $0.99
Wrightware Napkins – $1.55
Kindle Charcoal Lighter Fluid – $2.49
Royal Oak Charcoal (8.3 pounds) – $2.99
Produce
Fresh Strawberries (1 pound) – $1.50
Extra Large Green Peppers – $0.33 each
Grocery
Gatorade (1/2 gallon) – $1.69
Cowboy Billy’s Pork & Beans (16 oz) – $0.50
Senora Verde Tortilla Chips – $1.29
Senora Verde Mild or Medium Salsa – $1.49
Senora Verde Taco Dinner Kit – $1.99
Senora Verde Refried Beans – $0.79
El Monterey Steak & Cheese Taquitos – $2.99
Kurtz Yellow Mustard – $0.69
On the Side Pasta Salad – $0.99
Kurtz BBQ Sauce – $0.99
Portmann’s Real Mayonnaise – $2.29
Kurtz Ketchup – $0.87
Kurtz Sweet Relish – $1.29
Save A Lot Brand Soda (12 Pack) – $2.29
Crystal 2 0 Drinking Water (24 pack) – $2.49
Frosty Flakes, Circus O’s or Captain Choco’s Cereal – $2.99
Toast Em Strawberry or Brown Sugar – $0.99
Malt O Meal Cereal – $0.99
Ralston Crisp Crunch Cereal – $1.99
Ralston Essentially You with Red Berries Cereal – $2.49
Pebbles Cereal – $1.79
Velveeta Cheesy Potatoes – $1.99
Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese – $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from insert 4/17 Smart Source (Expires 5/17/11)
$0.99 each after couponBakery
Bakery Fresh Cherry or Apple Pies – $2.99
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.
Summer Activities: Kids Bowl FREE
Are you looking for some fun family activities you can do with the kids now that the warmer weather is here and summer break is approaching?
Starting on Sunday, May 1, 2011 you can take your Kids Bowling Free at Bowling Alleys across the nation.
- Kids Bowl Free Information
- Kids will receive 2 free games of bowling every day all summer
- Check to see if local your bowling alley is participating
- Register your kids and they will start sending you tickets each week for them to use.
There is a fee for shoe rental, however, you can bring your own bowling shoes! The nearest bowling alley to us is participating from May 2011 to September 2011.
Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards: 10 Free Points
Receive 10 FREE Points from Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards Program with the following codes!
These codes are different from the previous codes I have given.
Use Code: BKKDNLKMKHRHPGB
Use Code: BKLCDQSHXRLTPGB
The codes don’t have an expiration date listed so don’t wait to use it just in case! Make sure to separate the letters out into 3 sets of 5 when you enter the code.
You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts, diapers, and many more great items!
For more information about the Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards Program and how you can start earning Rewards for your family go to Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards!
Mailbox Goodies: Free Glade, Secret, Eggs, Lotion & More!
Mailbox Goodies! One of the best parts about getting the mail is when the mailbox full of goodies, especially when they are free! Last week I was only home for a few days but we received some great coupons and stuff in the mail. Most of these deals are no longer available but I will try to keep you posted of some of the new ones coming up.
Here are some items we received in the mail:
- $5.00 off Coupon at Publix – Sign up for Publix Deals at your local store
- Free Secret Scent Expressions “So Very Summer Berry” Deodorant – Received from Secret’s Facebook Fan Page
- Free Jergens Day Ultra Healing Lotion & Night Overnight Repair Lotion Samples – Received from Jergens Website
- Free MiraLAX Packs – Received from MiraLAX Website
- Free Glade Spring Collection Product Coupon (worth up to $3.99) – Received from Right at Home Website
- Free Southern Home Grade A Eggs – Received from Bi-Lo, make sure to scan your Bi-Lo Bonus Card each time.
- Free $20.00 Off Coupons at Bi-Lo – Sign up for Bi-Lo coupons at your local store
If you are like me it is nice when you get a mailbox with free coupons and samples in it. The bills will come as well but when you get a mailbox full of free items it helps make the day a little more enjoyable. Plus the coupons and samples are a great way to stretch your budget or share with others!
CVS: Spent $3 and Got $11 ECB’s Back!
CVS has a few good deals this week. I was happy to get some items this week for free with ECB’s plus I was able to utilize a few of my coupons. It was nice have a couple weeks off but I am now back into the routine schedule again this week. This week I was able to get the items for $1.25 plus tax ($2.20) making my out of pocket $3.45 and received $10.77 ECB’s to use on my next CVS purchase. Here is what I purchased this week.
- 1 – Bounty Paper Towel Rolls (8 Pack) – $7.99
- 1 – Bic Mini Lighters – $3.19
- 1 – Colgate Smart Foam – $2.77
- 1 – All Small & Mighty Laundry Detergent (40 Loads) – $4.99
- 1 – Gum Ez Thru Dental Floss – $2.00
- 1 – Maybelline Volume Express Mascara – $7.49
- 1 – Right Guard Total Defense Deodorant – $2.99
Here are the coupons I used on the items.
- Used $3.19 BIC Lighter Manufacturer Coupon (Free Product Coupon)
- Used $1.0o All Laundry Detergent Manufacturer Coupon
- Used $3.00 Maybelline Mascara Volume Express CVS Kiosk Coupon
- Used $1.00 Right Guard Manufacturer Coupon
- Used $0.25 Bounty Manufacturer Coupon
- Used $22.73 ECB coupons from prior purchases
I received $10.77 ECB’s back today:
- $2.00 ECB’s for GUM Products (had a rain check from a sale last month)
- $2.00 ECB’s for Maybelline Products
- $2.77 ECB’s for Colgate Toothpaste Products
- $2.00 ECB’s for Bounty Paper Towel Products
- $1.00 ECB’s for Right Guard Products
- $1.00 ECB’s for All Detergent Products
This week I was able to save over $37 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.
