Couch Critics Pop Up and Win Sweepstakes

So, remember earlier this year when I shared with you all about the new Orville Redenbacher's Pop Up Bowls? Since then, they are seriously the only type of microwave popcorn we buy! We love them and even have some of our friends hooked on them too! ;)

 

So, I just thought I'd share something a little fun going own right now-- a facebook sweepstakes for Orville Redenbacher Pop-Up Bowls on the Couch Critics page! They're giving away a prize every week (up to a $500 gift card!) and you get an extra entry for EVERY friend that you invite who enters!! 

Here's the scoop:

Prize Details (cause that's the BEST part, of course):  

Retailer gift cards will be given once per week over the course of 6 weeks to one random winner. FOR EVERY FRIEND YOU INVITE THAT ENTERS, YOU'LL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL ENTRY! 

Instructions for Entrants:

Like the Couch Critics page and tell them at which Walmart you found your Orville Redenbacher's Pop Up Bowls for a chance to win shopping gift cards every week! Store numbers may be found at the bottom of your Walmart receipt or here http://www.walmart.com/cservice/ca_storefinder.gsp 

Remaining drawing dates are:

•   Monday, August 1st
•   Monday, August 8th
•   Monday, August 15th
•   Monday, August 22nd

Find the sweepstakes on the Couch Critics page, here: http://www.facebook.com/CouchCritics?sk=app_209421179072491

Full sweepstakes rules are here: http://apps.facebook.com/orvillepopupwin/contests/102849/rules

Do YOU like Pop-Up Bowls?

Disclosure: This post has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Free Chick-fil-A Friday: Dress Like a Cow Day

Who doesn't love FREE Chick-fil-A?! 

Friday, July 8th is Cow Appreciation Day! If you celebrate by wearing a cow costume from "head to hoof" to your local Chick-fil-A, you'll earn yourself a FREE meal! If you're feeling a little "chicken" to embrace the full-cow, then just go in partial cow costume and get a free entree! 

You can check out all the details on the Chick-fil-A website (even download a cow costume kit) and get some good cow costume tips! 

We've never done this before, but I'm sure the kiddos would LOVE it!! Sounds "utterly" fun, doesn't it?! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

Have YOU ever participated in Cow Appreciation Day?

Free weekend event: The Walmart Ice Cream Social!

Big Brother loves his ice cream, do YOU?

If you do and are out & about this weekend, you can check your local Walmart's Ice Cream Social Event from 5-9pm on Saturday, May 28th. During that time you can enjoy a free sample of Edy's (known to us here as Dreyer's) ice cream topped with Reddi-Whip & Nesquik syrup while supplies last.
You can check Walmart's events listings by zip code to see if your local store is participating!

Have fun this weekend!

Disclosure: This project has been compensated as part of a campaign for Nestlé.  All opinions and experiences are my own.

FREE Travel Alaska Book!

One of the states noticeably absent from the staycation round up list is Alaska. I've had the pleasure of traveling to Alaska twice, both trips to visit good friends living there at the time. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Here's "Mr. Mom Endeavors" and I there in the summer of 2006, all geared up to do some salmon fly-fishing. What an experience! A brown bear cub and its mom even showed up at the water's edge--amazing (and a bit scary)!

 

If you're planning a trip there or just daydream about going there someday, there is a great free offer that runs until the end of the month!

Click HERE to request your FREE travel Alaska planner! 

Even if you don't plan to visit anytime soon, this would be a great free resource to get for activities with the kids--for crafts, homeschooling, etc. That's what we ordered ours for! :) If you'd like a copy though, make sure you act soon as I've been told the offer is up at the end of the month!

Disney-Pixar's Cars 2: "Agents on a Mission Tour" presented by State Farm

In keeping with the frugal family fun/staycation theme this week, there's a fun (free) event coming up for those Disney-Pixar Cars fans in Charlotte, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco! 

 

In case you didn't know, CARS 2 races into theaters in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D on June 24th. To celebrate, "Agents on a Mission", a multi-city tour presented by State Farm, kicked off at the Mall of America on March 22nd. The tour runs through June and will hit the U.S. red-carpet premiere in Los Angeles! 

Here's some tour information:

“The ‘Agents on a Mission’ tour lets fans get face to face with ‘Cars’ favorites Lightning McQueen and Mater, plus the very cool, very savvy spy Finn McMissile, a new character on ‘Cars 2’ roster,” says MT Carney, president of marketing for The Walt Disney Studios. “This movie is filled with fun, action, heart and a lot of laughs—we want to get everyone geared up for ‘Cars 2.’”

State Farm brings Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” adventure directly to fans with the “Agents on a Mission” tour, showcasing cars modeled after their big-screen likenesses. The cars will be outfitted in Goodyear tires and transported from coast to coast (and back again) by Mack Trucks, Inc. Visitors can check out the cars and take part in a variety of “Cars 2”-themed activities, including a video kiosk, e-photo opportunities, games and giveaways. They can also enter the “Agents on a Mission” sweepstakes, which features 18,000 prizes, including a new car.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE CARS FROM THE STATE FARM “AGENTS ON A MISSION” TOUR:

• The replica cars are the largest production radio-controlled replica cars ever built!
• Because of the unique scale of these vehicles, all the exterior pieces had to be fabricated from scratch. No actual “off- the-shelf” car parts could be used. The sculpting process for each vehicle’s body took 6-10 days, totaling 1000-1600 man hours. After the cars were carved in foam, a fiberglass mold was created, and from that the final bodies were produced.
• The cars are all electric powered. Each runs on four automotive-style batteries at 48 volts and can run for 30 minutes at full speed. 
• The cars can travel up to 10 miles per hour. 
• Lightning McQueen’s tires are one of a kind due to their unique size and were fabricated by Goodyear specifically for the “Agents on a Mission” tour.

Big Brother LOVES the movie Cars and we'll definitely be enjoying the Phoenix tour stop in a few weeks. He will be SO excited to see the big versions of some of his favorite characters!! I can't wait to see his reaction! Here's the info on the Phoenix stop:

For information on the rest of the cities, visit: http://disney.go.com/cars/#/events.

Do YOU have a little "Cars" fan in YOUR house? Have you been to one of the tour events or are you planning on going?

For more information about the movie, the tour and a list of cities, check out Disney.com/cars. Like “Cars 2” on Facebook: facebook.com/pixarcars, and follow “Cars 2” on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar. To enter the “Agents on a Mission” sweepstakes, go to Disney.com/agents. For more information about State Farm and the “Agents on a Mission” promotion, like State Farm on Facebook: facebook.com/statefarm or follow State Farm on Twitter: twitter.com/statefarm.

Staycations Across the Nation: 85 U.S. cities to enjoy on a budget!

Yesterday I shared all sorts of great things to do this summer in Phoenix and Omaha--on a budget. However, many of you don't live in those areas (and aren't planning a visit anytime soon). So, I teamed up with over 75 bloggers from across the nation to bring you a fabulous list, with inexpensive and fun things to do in cities all over the USA! We've got something from the majority of the states, so whether you're planning a staycation in your own backyard, taking a trip someplace fun, or just want a little virtual vacation, you should find some good budget-friendly ideas here!
Enjoy!

New England

Western Maine - Bubblegum and Lollipops
Connecticut - Parenting Miracles
Boston, Massachusetts - ‎ Maven of Savin'
Manchester, New Hampshire - Common Sense with Money

Mid-Atlantic

Erie, Pennsylvania - Growing Kids Ministry
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - Somewhat Crunchy
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Family Balance Sheet
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York - Coupons, Deals and More
New Jersey - Oh! Diane
Washington, DC - The WiC Project
Baltimore, Maryland - The Happy Housewife

South Atlantic

Virginia Beach, Virginia - The Singley Fam Blog
Richmond, Virginia - Daily Dwelling
Hampton Roads, Virginia - A Home Made by Kiki
Charlottesville, Virginia - How to Have it All
Blackwater Falls State Park/Davis, West Virginia - Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling
Ft. Bragg, North Carolina - Military Wives Saving
Charlotte, North Carolina - The Carolina Clipper
Greensboro, North Carolina - Mrs. Happy Homemaker
Lake Norman, North Carolina - Stretching Pennies Saving Dollars
Charleston, South Carolina - The Tween & Me
Alpharetta, Georgia - Cuponeando
Atlanta, Georgia - See Jamie Blog
Augusta, Georgia - Hyperactive Lu
Athens, Georgia and Mississippi - Tractors and Tire Swings

Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia - Teri Lynne Underwood

Jacksonville, Florida - Saving The Family Money
Orlando, Florida - Orlando's Best Deals
Treasure Coast, Florida - The Cardamom's Pod
Saint Augustine, Florida - Jypsie Visions

Midwest

Mansfield, Ohio - Live the Adventure
Cincinnati, Ohio - Savings Lifestyle~Cincinnati
Mount Vernon, Ohio - Living Better One Day at a Time
Dayton, Ohio - Savings Lifestyle~Dayton
Grand Rapids, Michigan - Kitchen Stewardship
Metro Detroit, Michigan - "Cents"able Momma
Oakland County, Michigan - Bargain Shopper Mom
Warren, Michigan - Saving Dollars and Sense
Indianapolis, Indiana - Bargain Briana
South Bend, Indiana - Excuse The Mess
Chicago, Illinois - Chicagoland Homeschool Network
Champaign, Illinois - Chambanamoms
Rochester, Minnesota - Everyday Notions
Madison, Wisconsin - Many Little Blessings
Oshkosh, Wisconsin - A Little Bit of This and That
Grand Forks, North Dakota - Frugal Front Porch
Black Hills, South Dakota - Little House on the Prairie Living
Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Indoor Garden Musings
York, Nebraska - Heavenly Homemakers
Omaha, Nebraska - Mom Endeavors (Yours Truly) ;)
Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri - Kansas City Mamas
St. Louis, Missouri - The Pickledpigsfeet
Branson, Missouri - Getting Freedom from Debt
Springfield, Missouri - I Think I Can

South Central

Checotah, Oklahoma - Blessed With One Income
Tulsa, Oklahoma - Lynn's Kitchen Adventures
Dallas, Texas - Funky Faith Girl
Dallas, Texas - Grocery Shop For FREE
East Dallas, Texas - Surviving The Stores
Fort Worth, Texas - Smockity Frocks
Austin, Texas - Stetted
Houston, Texas - Moms Travel Tales
McKinney, Texas - Wisdom Begun
East Texas - The Full Pantry
Murfreesboro, Tennessee - Life in a Barn
Nashville, Tennessee - The Country Chic Cottage
Gadsden, Alabama - Aint Mimi
Mobile, Alabama - A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
Birmingham, Alabama - iGoBOGO
Little Rock, Arkansas - It's Real Life

Mountain

Phoenix, Arizona - Mom Endeavors (Your truly again) ;)
Tucson, Arizona - Saving with Pam
Albuquerque, New Mexico - The Chou Life
Salt Lake City, Utah - Just the 2 of Us
Denver, Colorado - Denver Bargains
Colorado Springs, Colorado - Colorado Springs Bargains
Thermopolis, Wyoming - The McDonald Family
Kalispell, Montana - Our Family Adventures

Pacific

San Diego, California - Life As Mom
Yosemite National Park, California - Handbook of Nature Study
Portland, Oregon - Frugal Living NW
Willamette Valley, Oregon - An Oregon Cottage
Seattle, Washington - Queen Bee Coupons & Savings
Whidbey Island, Washington - Manning the Homefront
Olympia, Washington - The Coupon Savant

Frugal Vacation Tips

Vacation or Stay-cation: Eating without Busting the Budget - Eat at Home


*Special thanks to Carrie of Springs Bargains and Toni of The Happy Housewife for organizing everything!

Staycation: Enjoying Omaha on a Budget

"Mr. Mom Endeavors" and I are college sweethearts--we met at the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red!)! 

He grew up in Omaha and his parents still live there. Although we live in the Phoenix area now, we're rather familiar with (and quite fond of) the largest city in Nebraska! And, yes, there is A LOT more to do than just hang out in corn fields! :)

With the rising gas prices, many are looking for summer fun that's affordable and maybe a little bit closer to home. So, whether you're local to the Omaha area (or will be visiting sometime in the near future, like us), here's a highlight of some of the great family-friendly things to check out:

If you don’t live in the Omaha area (or aren’t planning a trip in the near future), then check out the HUGE Staycation list with 85 cities featured!! 

STATE PARKS & RECREATION AREAS:

 

Summer is prime time to enjoy the many state parks and outdoor recreation facilities around Nebraska! Whether it's hiking, camping, fishing, boating, or just a nice picnic, there are numerous possibilities--many of them FREE or very inexpensive!

In Omaha: 

Some of my husband's favorites are Zorinsky Lake and Wehrspann Lake/Chalco Hills. Growing up, he spent many hours biking, fishing, and playing soccer in these areas. There are also playgrounds and now Zorinsky has an aquatics area!
Near Omaha: 
There are quite a few areas along the Platte River that are great for family fun. Some of our favorites are Platte River State Park and Mahoney State Park (both located between Lincoln & Omaha).
A little further...

If you're looking for something a little farther from home, but still within a couple hours of Omaha, Ponca State Park and Indian Cave State Park are great options. These options take you closer to Nebraska City where you could also stop by and check out Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge, and/or Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Arboretum.

 

FREE ENTERTAINMENT:

There are numerous options for catching some FREE summer entertainment! At Aksarben Cinema and Great Escape Theater you can enjoy family movies free! If you're looking for a more cultural, musical experience, then there is Jazz on the Green! A fantastic way to spend a summer evening! 

My personal favorite though is Shakespeare on the Green, which is celebrating it's 25th season!! It's such a great atmosphere and even more amazing that it continues to be free!!

MUSEUMS, ZOOS, ETC: 

Fontanelle Forest (and Neal Woods) is great!! Big Brother loved it on our trip last fall! Science and nature together in one place, which is great for this biology-nerd family! :)

And, if you become a member of Fontanelle Forest or any one of 12 participating organizations, then you will get a Metro Arts Pass for special deals at all of the participating organizations. Some of the other great Metro Arts Pass organizations include the Omaha Children's Museum, Durham Heritage Museum, and the Joslyn Art Museum which offers FREE admission on Saturday mornings!
Of all the activities in Omaha though, our absolute favorite place is the Henry Doorly Zoo!!

 

While it's certainly not the most inexpensive, it is well-worth the price! Of all the zoos I've been to, I think Omaha's Henry Doorly is second only to the World-Famous San Diego Zoo. With the indoor rainforest, aquarium, butterfly house, desert dome, and IMAX theater, it's a MUST see!!

DOWNTOWN/RIVERFRONT

You can find a lot of great things to check out in the Old Market. For a great free thing, check out the Omaha Farmers Market. And, if you're looking for a special treat or some yummy eats, stop by Ted & Wally's for some premium homemade ice cream or Vincenzo's Ristorante. 

Down in that general area, you can have some fun at Heartland of America Park, Lewis & Clark Landing, or take a stroll along Gene Leahy Mall and slide down the slides! 

And, if you're a sports fan (specifically a college sports fan), then Omaha is extra great in June as it's home to the College World Series! You can often find very reasonably priced tickets to make it a great family fun event! 

What inexpensive/family-friendly places do YOU like to visit? 

If you have any favorite inexpensive Omaha/Lincoln-area places, please comment & let us know! 

*Linked to the "Creating Really Awesome Free Trips Party" on C.R.A.F.T.

Staycation: Enjoying Phoenix on a Budget

With gas prices steadily approaching $4/gallon here in Arizona, many families will be looking for ways to save money on vacations or may even find themselves staying closer to home this summer. In a large city like Phoenix (and HUGE when you consider the entire "Valley of the Sun"), there is a wealth of family fun to be had--from pro sports team, to zoos and museums, golf courses, waterparks, and a huge variety of outdoor activities. In the summer though, pleasant summer activities typically need to involve at least one of two things: 1. water 2. being indoors! 

Thankfully, there are many good things to do around the Phoenix area that not only fit those requirements, but are relatively inexpensive (many even FREE)! So, whether you're local and planning a true staycation or will be visiting Phoenix this summer, here are some family fun things to consider:  

If you don’t live in the Phoenix area (or aren’t planning a trip in the near future), then check out the HUGE Staycation list with 85 cities featured!!

STORES/FACTORIES:

 - The Stuffington Bear Factory  

At 1:00pm, every Monday-Saturday, you can drop-in and tour the factory for FREE! There are additional touring/field-trip options, including the addition of stuffing your own bear (for a fee). Get all info on the Stuffington Bear Factory tours here.

 - Cerreta Candy Company

This long-time, family-owned business in Historic downtown Glendale offers FREE tours Monday-Friday at 10am and 1pm! I remember taking tours there as a kid, seeing how the fabulous candy is made, enjoying some delish samples, and then sometimes getting to make a Chocolate Pizza at the end (for an additional fee). Educational and yummy! A win-win!

- Wildflower Bread Company

With "Wildflower Kids", every Wednesday at 3:30pm, kids can enjoy a complimentary cookie, milk, and activity.      

- Peter Piper Pizza 

 

Every Tuesday from 10am-12pm, kids can enjoy pizza, drink, tokens for play, and a themed make-n-take craft for only $4.99. Contact your local Peter Piper for more information!

- Cabela's

 

We call the Cabela's here (at Westgate) "the indoor zoo". There are hundreds of animals on display in different locations of the store (albeit no longer living)--very much like a museum and store all in one! We enjoy having a piece of fudge and walking around the store checking out all the animals. There's also an aquarium and every Saturday at 1:00pm, the Aquarium Manager does a short presentation during the weekly in-tank fish feeding. This could be a great (FREE) educational & fun activity for your budding fisherman, ecologist, or general animal lover.

- Interactive Disney Store at Chandler Fashion Center

 

Disney fanatics will LOVE this new store, with quite a few fun & interactive things for the kids. The only trick is getting out of the store without spending a lot of money! :)

MUSEUMS:
- Children's Museum

 

We LOVE the Children's Museum here, but it can get pricey. So, on the first Friday of every month, you can try it FREE!!! 

- Culture Passes  
Members of the Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe public libraries can check out a Culture Pass good for FREE admission for 2-4 people (depending on the venue). Participating venues include some great summer destinations like the Children's Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Arizona Science Center, Arizona Museum for Youth, and more! 

CHASE FIELD

 

Baseball is the sport of the summer and Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks, offers some relatively inexpensive family fun. Single-game tickets can be purchased for less than $10 each and each year there are various family package deals that include food & drinks and/or other special promos. Many night games also include a fireworks show following the game.

Chase Field is very family friendly, especially with the St. Joseph's Sandlot. Features include a kids' playground, toddlers' playground, batting cage, future field, Baxter's Den and more! Additionally, kids under 15 can become a member of the "No Chew Crew" and receive a punch card for FREE admission to any one of 13 Sunday home games. On Sundays, kids can also run the bases after the game!

For the baseball enthusiasts, this summer is extra special as Phoenix is home to the MLB All-Star game. Fans can visit the All-Star Fan Fest (held at the Phoenix Convention Center). For a sweet deal, "Fan Friendly Friday" will be "Buy One, Get One Free" Admission.

If you're looking for a special thing for baseball fans that is less expensive, then take a take a tour of Chase Field! (And, if baseball isn't your thing, University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the AZ Cardinals, also offers tours for about the same price!)

WATER PLAY AREAS:
While there are some fantastic waterparks around town, those can certainly get pricey. So, instead, here are a few of the bigger & better inexpensive splash areas around town:
- Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park
- Aquatic Playground Splash Pad at Western Area Regional Park
- Rio Vista Splash Park in Peoria
These splash pads are all FREE. In addition, many of the local malls & shopping areas also have FREE splash pads for the kiddos. Some include: Westgate, Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, Desert Ridge, and SanTan Village.
If you're looking for something a little more "amusement parky" without those kind of prices, then check out the Enchanted Island's Splash Zone (at Encanto Park). For just $3, you can get a splash zone wrist band.

WATER PLAY RESORTS:

If you're looking for to spend some money on a desert oasis-type staycation, remember that the summer is "off-season" for hotels & resorts here. So, you can often score great deals of $149 or less per night at some really high-class places (plus sometimes resort credits & other bonuses too), like these:

 -  Arizona Grand Resort (formerly known as the Pointe at South Mountain)

 -  The Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak

 -  JW Marriott Resort at Desert Ridge

What inexpensive/family-friendly places do YOU like to visit? 

If you know of any favorite inexpensive Phoenix-area places, please comment & let us know! 

*Linked to the "Creating Really Awesome Free Trips Party" on C.R.A.F.T.

Chili's: FREE chips & queso!!

Right now, when you join the Chili's Email Club you will receive a coupon for FREE chips & queso! YUM!

Hurry as this offer may go quickly!

Taking Baby Pictures and a FREE Photo Canvas

With a newborn around, it can be so easy to forget to take pictures. Or, to not feel up to doing them. Things were much more difficult than I had anticipated when Big Brother was born (more details on that to come) and we didn't get any newborn pictures done. I definitely regret not really thinking about it or wanting to at the time.  So, if you are able to afford it, I strongly encourage you to have some type of "professional" newborn shots done within the first 2 weeks or so. That newborn look is so precious and so fleeting.
If you're not able to, at least remember to take LOTS of pictures at home. We at least did this, but they are still a far cry from professional shots.(If you're interested in learning how to make your photos look better, I suggest entering to win this photography book!)

 

Things were so different with Little Brother and there even were professional photographers that came to the hospital (something set up that the hospital does)! So, we have much better newborn shots of him!

Another baby photo tip I strongly recommend (whether professional or just at home) is to remember & agree to be in some of the photos! It's so easy to forget to ask someone else to take the picture (if you're the one always behind the camera like so many moms), or to not want to be in them--whether it be exhaustion, pain, swelling, still looking pregnant, not having showered in days, or all of the above--the excuses for not feeling photogenic with a new baby are endless.  

When the photographer came to our hospital room 36 hours after delivery, I never even considered being in a picture. She was there to photograph our new little Easter bunny.  So, when she wanted us in a couple of photos, I didn't want to...and I told her that. I had showered, but felt like I looked terrible. But, she gently insisted and assured me it would be fine. So, we did and I am so thankful for listening to her! They are two of my favorite photos and hang in our room!

If you have a favorite precious baby photo (or any photo for that matter), having it turned into a photo canvas is a great idea! I LOVE the look of the gallery wrapped photo canvases! And, right now, Canvas People is offering a FREE 8x10 canvas (or $50 off the size of your choice)!! All you pay is the $14.95 shipping charge, but even at that, this is a FANTASTIC deal!! And, this would be a PERFECT gift for Mother's or Father's Day!!

 

Here's how to redeem:

1. Head over to Canvas People through this link

2. Select & upload the photo you want for your canvas

3. Choose you size (remember 8x10 is free + shipping, or you can get $50 off the size of your choice)

4. Enter your info & pay $14.95 for shipping

5. Patiently wait for your beautiful canvas to arrive! :)

What picture would you like to have a canvas of?

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support Mom Endeavors. For more information, see my disclosure policy.

FREE Picaboo Photobook ($39.99 value)!!

 

Have you tried Picaboo yet for making photo books? If not, this is the PERFECT opportunity!! Right now new customers can, create their own photo book FREE at Picaboo.

To get yours:
1. Click here to head over to Picaboo and sign-up! 
2. Design your large Classic Custom photo book 
3. Use coupon code FRECC at check out to save $39.99! (Just pay shipping!)

$3 off Kibbles 'n Bits Coupon

A few weeks ago, I shared with you our shopping experience for Kibbles 'n Bits dog food. Sadie has been enjoying it immensely. The whole trip was documented in yet another cool social media site called Whrll. Once there, you can join societies/groups that interest you, including the I Love My Dog Society. 
And, thanks to them, there is a high value $3 off coupon for you to print off! Just click the maroon box on the top, right sidebar of Mom Endeavors and you'll get your coupon. The Kibbles 'n Bits Bistro Meals is already a great price, so with this $3 off coupon you can get a really good deal!

Disclosure: I was compensated by Collective Bias, but all opinions and experiences are my own. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

The Joy of Love-FREE Online Photography Class!

In my photography post the other day, I realized I failed to introduce you to the key player in my latest endeavor....

Meet Rebel...

We've become fast friends! And, we'll be getting to know each other this next month as we "take" a free class together... 

Willette Photography is offering this free online class the entire month of February! So, if you're looking for some tips (or motivation) to enhance your photography skills, this class would be great! Just head over to her site, sign up, and enjoy some daily "joy of love"! :) 

Star Wars Deal @ Williams-Sonoma

Awhile back, I told you about the Star Wars "obsession" at my house. And now, even Little Brother has joined in this fandom--wielding light sabers at 8 months! A talented young Padawan to be sure! ;) 

So, if you are like me and have any Star Wars fanatics in your life, then you may just want to head over to Williams-Sonoma and check out their cute Star Wars products!

Right now, you can apply the code 20STARWARS at checkout through Jan. 23rd & get 20% off the Star Wars line. (*I experimented with putting different items in the cart and it worked for all!) And, according to Dealusional, the prices are good in-store too!

There is a certain 3-year old (and 30-year old) who I think would love to have a Valentine's  Cupcake made with these!

Happy shopping! And, may the force be with you! ;)

$50 Worth of Safeway Groceries....FREE!

Thanks to one of my favorite deal sites, The Frugal Find, groceries from Safeway were delivered to my door this morning...and it end up costing me NOTHING!  In fact, I MADE $2.56 in doing so.


Here's what I did:
Special note:  For this to work in the same way, you must be a new delivery customer and a new Shop At Home customer.


1.  Head over to Shop At Home.  If you've not signed up yet with Shop At Home, you'll get $5 when you sign up at Shop At Home through this link and it's your first transaction.  Then do a search for Safeway through Shop At Home and click through to Safeway's website from there.  This will give you another $12 once you make your Safeway purchase. (Even if you already have a Shop At Home account, you can still get the $12!)

2.  Once at the Safeway site, register for an account and shop for Buy One, Get One Free items.  (At Safeway's website, go to Grocery Delivery and click the on the online savings tab.  Then shop for BOGO savings by department). 

 

Add BOGO free items to your cart in quantities of 2.  Continue adding items until your cart is just over $50.  


3.  Also, take note of any other special deals.  For instance, I saw one on the side bar for a "HAMDEAL".  When you purchase any of the hams they had listed, you get a bottle of Grey Poupon free.  They had some hams for only $.99/lb!  So, I opted to do that deal instead of all BOGO items since we always have ham at Christmas.
4.  Once you have your cart full at just over $50, schedule your delivery and add promo code: CJSAVINGS.  Also, add any other codes for special deals you found (this is where I added my "hamdeal" code).


5.  Your new total will reflect the promo codes taken off, but will not reflect the BOGO.  Those will be reflected in your final bill when the groceries are delivered:

Here's what my order looked like:

All the items listed with quantities of 2 are BOGO items in my area.  So, the price of one of each of them comes off at delivery.  That takes my total down to $13.55**!!!  Now, $13.55 for $52.56 worth of groceries is a good deal in itself--especially when it is delivered to me!  But, by using Shop At Home, I earned $17.  So, that means I got paid to have all those groceries delivered to my house!!!

A few things to remember:  
* to get this level of savings, you must be new to both programs 
* the deals & prices in your area may differ
* there is the possibility that the delivery total will differ slightly if a different sized item was added/they were out of something/etc. (**my total was actually $14.44 because the ham they brought was slightly larger than the one I ordered, which was fine by me!!).

Thanks again to The Frugal Find for alerting me to this awesome deal!!!

You can head over there to see a couple other grocery cart scenarios and experiences from readers!