Weekly Deal Round-up

I usually only work at 2 stores Meijer & Kroger, but that is not to say that other stores around Midland don't have great deals that I partake in. Here are some other great deals for national chains this week from other great sites!

Target by Fiddledeedee!
Walmart by My Frugal Adventures
Walgreens by Southern Savers
Riteaid by Southern Savers

Staying Motivated

Today I'm writing about something that is very personal. I know that at times everyone has felt this way, so I thought I would share.

Sometimes it is so hard to go on, and you feel like you are getting nowhere. I feel like the Israelites wandering in the desert, wondering how long I will have to wonder and if I'll ever get into the Promised Land.

I've not had to wander 40 years ... yet. I still get beat down at times. I wonder if I'm doing the right thing or if things will ever get better. I think it's hard when times are tough and you don't know what's around the next corner. It's difficult to stay motivated.

That's my problem right now, motivation. If I knew how long this would last it would be easier, but all of the uncertainty makes everything feel like all of these hard times will stretch out into eternity.

To all of my friends out there struggling through hard times. Keep the faith, and keep hope. We all go through these times and it's important to stay strong.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10

Photo Credit to Josh Sommers

FRUGAL LIVING: Spring Cleaning

A frugal person's best friend for Spring cleaning are: Vinegar and Baking Soda!

I am not a person who never uses any chemical cleaners but I try to only buy them on sale and with coupons. I like my Clorox Bleach, Windex, Lysol (my BFF), and others.

Homemade cleaners are very cheap, though!


Here's a site with 1001 Vinegar Tips. Some of my favorites:

• Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
• Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes.
• Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.
• Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.
• To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.
• Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda.

Photo credit to G & A Sattler

Meijer Deals for Midland Michigan April 26-May 2

Meijer has some pretty good deals this week (especially their 10 for 10) but most are Meijer brands. Remember at Midland Meijer you can use coupons and they will be doubled up to 50 cents!

DEALS

Milk $1.98

Bread $.98

Dole Classic Iceberg Lettuce $.98

Eggs $.98

Ears of Corn $.30 cents each

Boneless Skinless Chicken $1.79/lb

Boneless Chuckeye Steaks $1.99/lb

Bagged Cereal $2.66

MEIJER BRAND STEALS

Meijer Shredded Cheese $1.50

Meijer Chips $2

Meijer Pop $2.25

Meijer Franks $1.66

Meijer Honey $1.89

Meijer Ice Cream $2.50

Meijer Ice Cream Sandwiches $2.50

Meijer Polish or Smoked Sausage $2

Meijer Pasta $.50

Meijer Canned Veggies $.60

Meijer Butter $1.79

Meijer Frozen Hashbrowns/Potatoes $2

10 For $10 (Get the 11th Free)

• Meijer Liquid Dish Soap
• Meijer Skillet Basics
• Meijer Frozen Veggies
• Meijer Soft Cookies
• Meijer Pound Cake
• Meijer Canned Fruit
• Meijer Applesauce
• Meijer Pastry Treats (like Pop Tarts)
• Meijer Pretzels
• Meijer Cheese Puffs
• Meijer Pizza Crusts
• Meijer Cinnamon Rolls
• Meijer Biscuits
• Meijer Crescent Rolls
• Meijer Facial Tissues
• Meijer Chicken or Tuna Chunks
• Meijer Salad Dressing
• Meijer Croutons
• Blackberries
• Avocados
• Meijer Heat & Serve Sausages
• Meijer Microwave Popcorn
• Meijer Gravy
• Meijer Bread Crumbs
• Meijer Spring Water 6 Pack
• Meijer Concentrate Drinks
• Kellogg's Cereal in a Cup
• Alpo Prime Cuts
• "M" Plastic Spoons or Forks
• Meijer Essential Paper Towels

5 Best Tips to a Successful Garage Sale

Photo Credit to angusf

I've been working on my garage sale for next weekend, but I'm an avid yard sale shopper. I was thinking about what makes a good garage sale.

There are tons and tons of tips to have a successful garage sale. It can be a lot of work, but if you plan it right you can make quite a bit of extra money. I think my BEST advice comes from seeing what others do wrong! Here are my 5 best tips! Good luck

1. Advertise. Definitely utilize every free site you can. There are tons of places where you can tell everyone about your upcoming garage/yard sale without costing you a dime. On top of that I would recommend that you invest in your local paper. It might cost, but it will be worth it!
2. Signs are important! This is one of the most important things because if people can't find your sale they won't come to it. Firstly, signs should be large, easy to read, and have all important information. Make sure you can write in wide stroke big block letters on preferably white background (with possibly a bright colored border ... I do like those fluorescent colors for accents). It sound have an arrow pointing the way to the sale (very helpful), say Yard/Garage Sale, Address, and Times. Make sure it is readable/noticeable while you are driving by (everyone else will be driving!). Put a sign (possibly consider ballons, flags, etc) in front of your house, at the end of your block, and on all corners to the next main road. Consider making more paths if you live in a sub division with multiple entrances. Remember to check your city for any rules concerning signs. Take them down when you are done!
3. Organize your items. Organize your items so that they make sense and are easy to see and clearly marked with price. Make items look attractive and clean them up as well as organize your tables, hang up your clothes if possible, etc. You can either make a big sign that says something like 'All Books .25 cents' or you can individually mark each item, but NOTHING makes a potential customer walk away faster than having to ask about a price! Big items need big price tags, and small items can have stickers (they even make pre-printed ones) that are visible without picking the item up.
   
4. Don't overprice it! Remember that even though you liked something that it is still old junk. You will sell a lot more stuff if you price your stuff reasonably. Remember that your stuff is not unique and a person can go down the street to the next garage sale to get some old sneakers for half the price of yours. You don't need to underprice, but the key here is quantity and to get rid of stuff while making some money. If it's something you still can't bear to part with...don't sell it!
5. Bigger is better! People are drawn in by big items, so the more you have the more you can attract people from the street. Put them up front so everyone can see them and beckon people like a beacon of trash. Also, the more people you can get involved the more it will draw in people. For instance, try to organize a block sale, or a sale with a few neighbors, or friends. You can share costs, and people love to stop at one place and get multiple household sales.

I hope these help. Here are some resources that may help you.

• Garage Sale Pricing Guide
• Garage Sales Tracker
• Craigslist
• Yard Sale AD
  

Great Deal: $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certs for $3

$25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for $4.00

60% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates with code BONUS and pay $4 thru 4/26/09. PLUS $15 Dale & Thomas Gift Certificate FREE.



This is a good deal. Unfortunately for those of us in the mid-michigan area there is not much to choose from in the restaurants. In Detroit I know there was a lot more when I lived there. Hurry, offer ends soon!

FREEBIE: Free Chicken at KFC

Stop into KFC on April 27th to try their new Kentucky Grilled Chicken. KFC wants you to unthink the way you think about them and realize they have more to offer than just fried food. Because of this they are offering everyone who comes in that day a free sample of their new fare.

No coupon necessary...to learn more visit the site:

http://www.unthinkkfc.com/

Enjoy!!

FREEBIE: Reusable Bag from Walgreens + 15% Off

Walgreens has a special promotion called GO GREEN, SAVE GREEN for Wednesday, April 22 (Today) Earth Day.

Just print the coupon HERE and you will receive a free reusable bag with any purchase plus 15% off all of eligible store purchases, or 20% off of Walgreens brand purchases!

If you are unfamiliar with how to save money at Walgreens, check out one of my favorite sites: Southern Savers. This will give you a good idea of the deals and how to save money even before you get your 15-20% off!

Good luck and Hurry in...offer is only good today for the free bag and the 15-20% off!

Disney Flicks

I finally had a chance to view 3 recent Disney flicks, and I have seen them all in the last couple of weeks. I am usually the first person lined up to see a new Disney movie, but lately it seems that they fall by the side, and I don't get out the the movie theater very often with the high costs.

This is what I thought of them (from my favorite, to least)

Bolt

Wasn't expecting Bolt to be my favorite but I really liked it. It's cute and it's funny and pretty much everything I expect when I watch a Disney animated film. It had heart and it had laughs. I especially loved the cat and the hamster as the sidekicks to Bolt. Together they formed an unlikely friendship. The premise is a bit far fetched but Disney pulls it off this time.

Wall-E

Wall-E was one I've wanted to see since it came out and never got around to it. I thought it would be my favorite and I will say it is a very, very close second to Bolt, and that may only be due to the fact that I didn't expect much from Bolt and I had high expectations for Wall-E. In any case, Wall-E is super cute. It has a TON of heart. Wall-E might be the best Disney character ever. There is a not-so-subtle message about how we all rely on too much technology and are fat and lazy, but other than that it was a nice story about robot love <3. style="font-weight: bold;">

Ratatouille

I heard from lots of people that this movie was good, but a little long. I agree, but I was a bit disappointed. It was cute, but in my opinion it lacked something. It was a bit too much and it tried to have the heart but didn't quite make it. It tried, maybe too hard, to fit the cookie cutter film, and just was missing. I feel like it meandered in the middle, and I can't explain why but I just felt it the most mediocre of the 3 films (though kids will love it!).




Swagbucks Challenge Update: 53/220 Swagbucks (to earn a $20 Target Giftcard) so far!

AFFILIATES: Best of the Lakeside Collection

I have a new affiliate! This is one of my favorite stores on the web and I seriously buy so much stuff from them that I'm excited to be featuring their products. I was a little sad because a couple things I wanted to buy from them are no longer featured (cupcake holders that look like ice cream cones and that Topsy Turvy tomato planter thing)

Here are my favorites.


Candlelit Outdoor Table $24.95

• The base of this glass-topped table, consisting of stylish scrolls covered with mesh, contains candleholders for 5 of your own candles.
• A small door, that looks just like one of the design elements, opens and closes with a hook to give you access for lighting the candles.
• Measures 24" dia. x 24"; constructed of weather-resistant metal.
• Great mood-setter for late night dinners on the patio!

Lighted Mickey & Friends Figurines $16.95

• Stacked Friends features Mickey, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Pluto forming a 9" high, tree-shaped pyramid so Minnie can stand on top to hold a lighted star!
• The Noel figurine spells out N-O-E-L in 4" high letters highlighted by lighted stars with Pluto, Mickey, Donald Duck and Goofy.
• Both are made of cold cast ceramic and require 2 "AA" batteries.

What's Due $6.95

• What's Due? helps you pay bills on time and avoid the late fees.
• Keeps all your bills in one convenient place, along with store receipts and other proof-of-payment documents.
• Files tax-deductible receipts and other paperwork for hassle-free tax preparation.
• Records monthly expenses for use as a valuable budgeting tool.
• Each of the 12 months has a humorous saying to make you smile while paying your bills.

Check out these and a lot of other great deals at the Lakeside Collection.

FREEBIE: Redbox Monday Code

Get a free movie at Redbox by using the free coupon code:

M6FR97

1. Go to any Redbox movie kiosk (usually found at grocery stores, etc)
2. Click 'Rent with Promo Code'
3. Type in Code above
4. Select your movie
5. Check out
6. You have the movie free for one day!

RANT: Credit Card Fees!

Everyone hates credit card fees, of course, but what about when they are truly unfair! Please let my story be a WARNING for all of you still using credit. Credit card companies and banks have become VERY devious lately.

I opened a statement for Credit Card X last month to find a surprise. I had to pay a late fee of $39. I wasn't late, when in fact I had paid early. I was very irritated. Let's put aside the fact that $39 is ROBBERY for a moment considering my minimum payment each month is $12. Credit cards are out of control and we all know that.

I search my bill and notice that they had raised my payment amount from $12 to $21. I pay $20 each month (a little extra to pay it down) loyally from my bank account (automatic Bill Pay). So I was being charged a $39 late fee for $1 (which they conveniently are charging me all of a sudden).

I was fuming, but I let it go and made sure I paid $25 this month and paid it early around the 6th of this month (my bill is due the 12th every month since I've had this card).

I opened my statement yesterday and 'lo and behold I have another late fee! This time it says my payment was actually late. My payment was due on the 5th, apparently, even though it had been on the 12th for years. They changed my payment date and charged me $39.

I was steamed and called the company and they gave me back my close to $80. I still think, despite the refund, and their weak reasons for why they changed the date that it is another way to trick card holders into paying late and getting more money and fees. Now my date fluctuates every month (the man on the phone said).

I've been done with credit for awhile (just paying this off and then closing it) but I think people need to know that the banks and card companies are being...well in my humble opinion they are no better than loan sharks.

Keep on the lookout for any extra charges, and DO remember to call and complain!

FREEBIE: Free Audio Books

One of my favorite sites is a great place to get lots of free audio books of public domain books (which include many classics). It's a great, free, LEGAL way to get something to read!

LibriVox volunteers record chapters of books in the public domain and release the audio files back onto the net. Each chapter is read by another reader which can be annoying at times, but hey...FREE!

http://librivox.org/

Check it out!

Swagbucks Challenge Update: 44/220 Swagbucks (to earn a $20 Target Giftcard) so far!

FRUGAL FUN: Picnic & Ice Cream

Firstly, Happy Easter...Christ is Risen!

I'm always on the lookout for things I can do with my family of 4 that costs under $20 or so. It's starting to get warmer out so I decided it would be a nice day for a spring picnic yesterday.

I decided to buy a pre-made sub sandwich at Walmart for $5, because it was very large and I could cut it into 4 pieces easily -- by the time I made my own I would have surely surpassed the price of the sub. TOTAL $5

I got some Meijer brand chips (by the way I LOVE Meijer brand chips -- especially kettle cooked) for $2, and 4 cans of Meijer brand cola (we call it pop in Michigan) for roughly 75 cents for all. TOTAL $2.75

I made some pasta salad with rotini pasta ($1), tomato ($1), cucumber ($1), mayo, mustard, seasonings (on hand). TOTAL $3

We went to a little park in the area and had our picnic which was very nice. It was a bit ruined by some obnoxious spring breakers, but otherwise the sun was shining, the food was delicious and I had the company of my wonderful family. The Cuddly Carpenter brought a soccer ball (football to him) and kicked it around with my Baby Sister. Fun was had by all.

After some time we headed over to the local ice cream shop. Each had a scoop of whichever ice cream he or she enjoyed most. TOTAL $9.47

All in all, it was a bit over $20 but very cheap day. Having fun with the family doesn't have to break the bank!

TOTAL FOR THE DAY: $20.22

CHEAP EATS: English Muffins

So, I tried making English Muffins from scratch to save a few $$. We already make our own bread from scratch about 50% of the time (although to tell the truth I don't think it saves money but it tastes so much better than cheap bread).

At this point I am thinking it would be more beneficial to buy them from the store than to make my own. They simply didn't turn out right.

• There were no nooks and crannies
• It was too dense
• It didn't seem 'done' all the way through

I will try Alton Brown's (from the Food Network's Good Eats) recipe as I have heard that it is far superior at a later date.

I was very excited but the muffins were very time consuming and just not right. Very disappointing. If I ever find a good recipe I'll let you know, but right now English muffins are not worth the time vs. the money saved.

Swagbucks Challenge Update: 31/220 Swagbucks (to earn a $20 Target Giftcard) so far!

FRUGAL LIVING: Garage Sales

Garage sale season is here again for us Michiganders! For those of you who are blessed enough to be somewhere warm you get them all year round. I went out for my first group of yard sales yesterday before my library day. There were 5 total, and I didn't find much to be honest, but I'm still excited.

I found a just like new edition of the hardcover book The Regulators by Richard Bachman (Stephen King). I got it for $2, and it's a first edition, first printing which is the kind I want for my collection. I highly recommend looking for books at garage sales. You can get THE BEST deals...and it sure beats paying $18+ at a book store!

I picked up a couple of soft covers for 10 cents apiece and a really lovely metal tray, also for 10 cents. Those will all be going on eBay as part of my side business. There will be more on that later.

Swagbucks Challenge Update: 25/220 Swagbucks so far! Earned a $2 Swagbuck today!

FRUGAL LIVING: Library Day

Going to the library does not have to be introduced as a great aid to frugal living. The movies, the music, and all of the books = tons of free entertainment! I just go for the books, more or less. Do I still buy books? Yes, I do (mostly at garage sales, more on that later). I went to the library today and got tons of great stuff. Some I will read, and some not.

Currently reading/Just finished:

Duma Key by Stephen King: (4/5)

It was a decent read, but definitely in the category of Stephen King, post retiring, which means that it takes a while to get into and at times meanders and moves slowly. Lately, I have a hard time getting into his stuff. This book was a bit angry, but it was good, too. My favorite character is Wireman who has an interesting story to tell. The gist of the book is that a man gets into a terrible accident and loses most everything in his life and moves to Duma Key and learns he has a special artistic ability....but is there something to this talent that is more sinister?

I recommend it to people who are patient and don't mind waiting for a story to unwind. It was unusual and enjoyable but had some anger and slowness at times.


Sleeping with the Fishes by Mary Janice Davidson(2/5)

To tell you the truth I haven't finished it yet. I have so far dubbed it 'Twilight under water' for its very strange and fluffy writing. It seems very juvenile and is definitely adult fiction, which is a bummer to me because I was looking really forward to the Undead and Unpopular series and now I'm thinking that it will be too fluffy and silly for me. I can go for a good fun, cute book but this seems very shallow and just falls flat. I am about halfway through and it's getting worse not better. Basically it's about a girl who is half mermaid named Fred who all of a sudden has 2 handsome lads (one a human and one a merman who is also a prince) falling all over themselves to woo her. Fred (aka our Mary Sue) must find a way to work out all of her life problems (of which I'm not sure why they are even important). The main character isn't likable...and neither are the supporting ones. The first scene is just disgusting and unnecessary. I don't know why I'm still reading, to tell you the truth. I expected so much more.

I don't recommend this book to anyone unless they want a really easy and fluffy read with one dimensional characters and a plot that falls flat.

Looking for Alaska by John Green (4/5)

This is a young adult book (which I do read from time to time) and I do really like John Green as an author and as a Brotherhood 2.0 Nerdfighter. I read An Abundance of Katherines a while ago and I will admit I liked it better than Looking for Alaska (although overall I think Alaska is a better book). I was intrigued through the entire thing. I guess my only qualm is that it seems so strange for there to be sexuality in a young adult book and it always weirds me out. I don't know if I'd want my young teens to read it (if I had any). On the other hand, that's really hypocritical of me considering what I read as a teen. Yet, that's the way it is.

The story is around a boy at the first time away from home in school who meets an unusual group of friends. It deals with a lot of emotional issues and a lot of feelings that young people have to deal with, and maybe don't know how. I especially liked how Miles memorized people's last words. I definitely recommend this to any adults, though I don't know about the young ones.

On the Reading List: The Time Traveller's Wife, Dean Koontz' Frankenstein, Lizzie Bordon Bio, Pimsleur Japanese Series, and many more...

CHALLENGE: Swagbucks

I decided to give myself a goal on Swagbucks and see how long (for your edification and amusement) it would take for me to earn. I browsed the many prizes and landed upon a $20 gift certificate to Target. I chose it because I like Target and it's not as easy to get as, say, a $5 cert. + much more useful.

For anyone who's never learned of Swagbucks, you can read more about it here.

Anyway, a $20 gift cert costs 220 Swagbucks. I am currently at 20 dollar Swagbucks (April 4, 2008). Let's see how long it takes me to get to 220! My own rules are as follows: I can ONLY do searches or swagcodes (which I never find in time, anyway *sigh*). I won't participate in any offers, or such.

Wish me luck!

Want to join? Click Below!

FREEBIE: 1¢ Appetizers at T.G.I. Fridays

There's a great deal out there for you T.G.I. Friday fans, and if not this may cause you to become a fan.

Until the end of the month if you sign up to their Give Me More Stripes card program (which is totally free, by the way). Members who sign up by April 30th will get Appetizers for 1¢ with the purchase of a bar drink OR entrees for $1 with the purchase of another entree.

T.G.I. Friday's Site

In addition to this you will get a coupon for a free appetizer and also a jump the waiting list pass just for signing up. Sounds like a delicious deal to me!

FREEBIE: Redbox

So, one of my favorite money saving things is Redbox. You find them everywhere -- Walmart, Grocery Stores, truck stops... The thought behind it is that you rent a movie from the box and have 1 day to return it to ANY other Redbox. You put in your e-mail and a credit card and it only costs $1. That's a really good deal for me, since I'm at my local Walmart all of the time anyway. Plus, if I am across town at Meijer I can pick up a movie and know I can return it right across the street from my house at Walmart.

In March they were giving away a free movie every Wednesday. All you have to do is punch in the promo code and you get a movie absolutely free (just turn it in on time). It's very easy. They are continuing into April (today) but I don't know for how long. The code today is mmm401. Just check out their blog on Wednesdays.

http://blog.redbox.com/

You can also receive free promo codes to your phone for free movies on Mondays. Just sign up for the SMS alerts here

1. Go to your local market, place with a Redbox
2. Hit the button 'Rent with Promo Code'
3. Type in promo code (mmm401 today)
4. Pick your movie
5. Swipe your card
6. Fill in your e-mail (they confirm you rented and returned it)

Redbox is great and cheap! Enjoy your free movies, and even at a buck you really can't beat it. They have pretty much all the new releases, and I've not been disappointed. Also, a tip is that it's good for road trips if you are lucky enough to have one of those car DVD players you can return them down the road at a different Redbox!