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Friday, April 30, 2010

Shelf Reliance - Emergency Planning


Looking for a summer project? Consider spending a few hours or days getting your emergency plan up to snuff. Emergency plans are one of those things that need constant maintenance, whether that means refreshing the food in your 72-hour kit, changing out clothes your kids have outgrown, or practicing how to get out of the house safely in case of a fire.

Take a look at the following steps, then decide what you can do to prepare most effectively. As you start next week's shopping, keep an eye out for deals on supplies that will keep you safe and comfortable when the circumstances are less-than-ideal.

Preparing for an Emergency

Step 1: What are you at risk for in your area?
- Contact your local emergency management office of local American Red Cross Chapter to gather the information you will need to create a plan.
- Ask what types of disasters are likely to affect your area.
- Find out if your community has warning signals. If so, learn what they are and what you should do when you hear them.
- Check with your schools, workplaces, and other places you frequent about their disaster plans.
- Educate yourself about community evacuation plans.

Step 2: Make a Plan
- Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
- Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
- Pick two places to meet:
1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
- Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Step 3: Complete This Checklist
- Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
- Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
- Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
- Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
- Train each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher and show them where it is kept.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
- Conduct a home hazard hunt. Check to make sure heavy objects on walls are safely secured.
- Stock emergency supplies and assemble an Emergency Kit.
- Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
- Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
- Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
- Establish a “family password” with your children. This password will help your children know who can and can't be trusted in an emergency; if you ask a friend or family member to pick your child up from an event, they'll be able to share that password and indicate to your children that they are safe.
- Complete a Family Communication Plan. You can find a great form online at www.ready.gov.
- Put all vital records and documents in a fire and water proof safe box. This would include birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deed, and financial, insurance, and immunization records. They may be also kept in a safe deposit box at your local bank. A fire and water proof safe can be purchased at most large retailers.

Step 4: Practice and Maintain Your Plan
- Quiz your kids every six months or so.
- Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
- Replace stored water every year and keep your stored food rotating by cooking with it often.
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
- Review first aid and CPR training.

Walgreens deals for the current week 4/25- 5/1 and next week 5/2-5/8


The following links can be used to access the GrocerySmarts Walgreens lists in the designated areas. Some sale prices may differ slightly from area to area, but all coupon information is specific for your area.

*Please note that these lists are created using the smaller version of the ad. You may find additional deals in your area. Feel free to post additional deals you find!

CHECK THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR MORE PRINTABLE COUPONS

Arizona
*Arizona Walgreens PREVIEW List*
Arizona Walgreens CURRENT List

California - North
*California North Walgreens PREVIEW List*
California North Walgreens CURRENT List

California - South
*Californa South Walgreens PREVIEW List*
California South Walgreens CURRENT List

Idaho
*Idaho Walgreens PREVIEW List*
Idaho Walgreens CURRENT List

Nevada
*Nevada Walgreens PREVIEW List*
Nevada Walgreens CURRENT List

Oregon
*Oregon Walgreens PREVIEW List*
Oregon Walgreens CURRENT List

Utah
*Utah Walgreens PREVIEW List*
Utah Walgreens CURRENT List

Washington - East
*Washington East Walgreens PREVIEW List*
Washington East Walgreens CURRENT List

Washington - West
*Washington West Walgreens PREVIEW List*
Washington West Walgreens CURRENT List


**************************************************


ADDITIONAL PRINTABLE COUPONS TO USE:
-Kotex U Products $1/1 HERE (FINAL PRICE: $1.00 AFTER PROMO)
-SoftSoap Nutri-Serum .75/1 (if this variety is included) HERE (.24 AFTER PROMO)
-Aveeno $15.00 Mail-In Rebate HERE
-Sure Deodorant .75/1 HERE (FINAL PRICE: .75)

Free Comic Book Day on May 1st


Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.

Keep a Freezer Inventory


Keeping a freezer inventory a vital step in getting the most out of your freezer cooking experience. It you don't know what is in your freezer than you won't be able to properly rotate.

You want to be sure you are getting a great value for all the hard work you go to in shopping, saving, and making your freezer meals.

I don't like finding a chicken meal that I made a year ago or ground beef meal that has been there for 3 years. How do you keep track of what is in the freezer and how long it's been there?

Creating a freezer inventory is a great way to ensure your food is still good quality when you eat, it should be a well organized, simple to follow and update. It's a great way to remember what is in your freezer without even opening it.

My freezer inventory sheet is divided into 3 columns:

Item:
Your freezer inventory should include the item that was frozen and make sure you list how you did it. Did you freeze hamburger patties raw or cooked? Are they seasoned?

Quantity:

Not only do you need to know how much is in each package (like pounds or how many beef patties are in the package). You need to know how many like packages you have in your freezer. Don't forget to include on your inventory the freezer meals, meats, vegetables, desserts and juices.

I my inventory form I put a little tick mark for each package and then when I use it I cross it out.

Date:
Make sure not only do you write the date on the inventory sheet but also on the package itself. I always try make sure I am using the oldest of the items first to insure great quality and to keep my frozen foods in proper rotation.

I like having the date on my inventory sheet so that when I am making a meal plan I can easily see what needs to be used first, without having to dig through the freezer to figure it out.

With keeping an inventory sheet you can also easily know what you are using the most and you can make an appropriate shopping list.

I have some freezer bins that I try to sort like items into. (Can you tell I hate digging in my freezer?)

Don't forget to update!
After you go to the work of organizing your freezer and creating your inventory sheet, keep it up! Update your sheet eat time your go shopping. Mark off what you use each time you remove something. The initial task may seem overwhelming but once you have the basics down it is VERY easy to keep up with. The trick my be making sure that each of your family members remember to mark off what they take out.

A few free activities this weekend for kids at national chain stores!

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Click for Details
- This Saturday, May 1st, bring the kids to the Home Depot to create a Picket Fence Planter. *If it's your first time the kids also receive a Free Home Depot apron to wear and display collectible pins from each project.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic - Click for Details
- This Saturday, May 1st, bring the kids to Lowe's to create a wooden School House. *If it's your first time the kids will receive an apron and googles.

Michaels - Click for Details
- This Saturday, May 1st, Free Mother's Day Bead Event from 1-3pm.

Free Cacique Panty from Lane Bryant


Click here to request your coupon for a Free Cacique Panty from Lane Bryant. Valid while supplies last or 5/31/10.

Free YoBaby Yogurt at Whole Foods Market on May 1st



Visit select Whole Foods Markets to try a free sample of YoBaby Meals on Saturday, May 1st. Also, bring a non-perishable food item to the sampling event and you will receive a coupon good for one FREE YoBaby yogurt 4-pack. Each donation supporting the Stonyfield & Whole Foods Nourishing Communities initiative.

You can also enter for the chance to win free tickets to the pre-release screening of the new movie BABIES.
Thursday, April 29, 2010

Home Depot Garden Club! Sign up for this great newsletter and get HOT coupons!

Home Depot Garden Club

 This is a HOT one!  The coupons they send are great.

Join now for FREE and get:
  • Exclusive members only coupons and savings delivered right to your inbox.
  • Timely regional tips and advice, delivered biweekly.
  • Expect answers to your gardening questions within 24 hours.
LINK TO SIGN UP

Here is a sample of the coupons they've sent in the past:
  • Buy one Tree, get one FREE (of equal or lesser value)
  • $3 off 5M or $6 off 15M TurfBuilder with Summerguard Lawn Fertilizer and Insect Killer
    $3 off Cutter Bug Free Backyard Hose End or Concentrate
    $1 off 32 quart or $2 off 64 quart or Miracle Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
  • $3 off a Propane Exchange or $4 off any New Tank purchase.
    $2 off any Clorox ProResults Outdoor Bleach 32 oz.
    $4 off Weed-B-Gon Ready-To-Spray concentrate of any Quart concentrate

100 MP3 Albums - Just $5 Each!

Amazon has 100 MP3 Albums on sale for just $5 each! Everything from classics like Don McLean to Coldplay to Radio Disney. There is a new selection of 500 albums each month so hurry before this month's selections are gone! 
100 $5 MP3 Albums LINK

40% off code for FlirtyAprons.com - Think Mother's Day!

Great Mother's Day gift idea! Works on girl's aprons too! So cute!
40% off any apron with code: FA-4110 - 40% off any apron with code: FA-4110 Expires 5/12

FlirtyAprons.com LINK
Cute Aprons like this!
Women's Apron Scalloped Cherry Blossom
Was $29.95
Now $28.50
After code: $17.10

Fox 13 Deals 4/29/10!

1. Children's Educational Books and Workbooks .99 each at Bookcloseouts.com!




More info HERE

2. Offer still good! $20 off $20 order SpringHillNurseries.com!


More info HERE

3. Taste of Home Cookbooks $5 plus free shipping codes!

More info HERE

4. FREE Shipping on $10 orders at Avon.com!



More info HERE

5. Box of 100 Laminating Pouches for $8.99 at Amazon.com!



More info HERE

6. 40 Free AA or AAA Batteries with Staples Rewards!




More info HERE

7. $10 off a $10 order at Jcpenney.com!!



Link to JCPenney.com

Code for $10 off: 4BESTMOM


8. Get a $5 Child's ticket with every Adult ticket purchased at Sea World!



More info HERE

9. Enter to win a Mixed Veggie 6-Pack package from Shelf Reliance and Pinchingyourpennies.com!



More info HERE
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sign up for Home Made Simple newsletter! Be the first to get Extra Savings!

Sign up for Home Made Simple newsletter and be among the first to know about special offers, samples, coupons, and sweepstakes offers from brands like Cascade®, Dawn®, Febreze®, Mr. Clean®, and Swiffer®.

Home Made Simple newsletter Sign Up LINK

InkOrbit - Save up to 85% on ink!

Need printer ink? Get yours now and get a great deal without compromising quality. Inkorbit backs all of their inkjet cartridges & laser toners with 100% Quality and Satisfaction Guarantee. Save up to 85% off your ink purchases! Free shipping on $50 orders!

InkOrbit LINK

Home Depot Home Improver Club - Get Extra Savings and more!

It takes just a minute to register for a FREE Home Improver Club membership, and you'll be so glad you did. You'll get:
Home Maintenance and Upkeep E-mail Alerts
Projects Based on your Local Weekend Weather
How-to Video Tutorials
E-mail Newsletters

LINK to Sign-up for Home Improver Club

Save a bundle! Use our printable shopping lists at the grocery store!

Just one of the awesome tools here at PYP...ready-made shopping lists.  We scour grocery ads to find the best deals at many of your favorite stores, and match them with available coupons.   Check the list below and see if you find your favorite store!
Idaho
Albertson's


Idaho
Fred Meyer


Idaho
Smith's


Utah
Albertson's


Utah
Associated Foods Stores


Utah
Bowman's


Utah
Dan's


Utah
Dick's


Utah
Harmon's


Utah
Kent's


Utah
Fresh Market


Utah
Kohler's


Utah
Lee's


Utah
Lin's


Utah
Macey's


Utah
Ream's (Salt Lake & Davis counties)


Utah
Ream's (Springville)


Utah
Smith's


Arizona
Fry's


Arizona
Albertson's
Arizona
Basha's


Arizona
Safeway


National
Walgreen's


National
CVS


Nevada
Albertson's


Nevada
Smith's


Nevada
Von's


California
North Raley's


California
North Safeway


California
North CVS


California
South Albertsons


California
South Ralph's


California
South Von's


California
South Stater Brother's


California
South Pavilions


California
South Food For Less


Washington
East Albertsons


Washington
East Fred Meyer


Washington
East Safeway


Washington
East Walgreens
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Children's Educational Books and Workbooks up to 95% off!



BookCloseouts.com LINK

$5 off $35 with code: courage and password: bookcloseouts.com


Women in 19th-Century Europe
List Price: $17.95
Sale Price: $0.99 (94% OFF)


The Living Tomb (Magnifications)
List Price: $18.95
Sale Price: $0.99 (95% OFF)


Prehistory (Art and Civilization)
List Price: $16.95
Sale Price: $0.99 (94% OFF)


2-Digit Equations & Big Numbers (Grade 1)
List Price: $3.99
Sale Price: $0.99 (75% OFF)


ABC (Flash Cards, Sesame Street)
List Price: $2.95
Sale Price: $0.99 (66% OFF)


Challenging Equations (LH, Grade 4)
List Price: $3.99
Sale Price: $0.99 (75% OFF)


Challenge Puzzles & Mazes (Homework Helpers, Grade 3)
List Price: $2.99
Sale Price: $0.99 (67% OFF)


Divide, Measure & Multiply (LH, Grade 3)
List Price: $3.99
Sale Price: $0.99 (75% OFF)


Math (Leap Frog, Grade K)
List Price: $3.95
Sale Price: $0.99 (75% OFF)

Lots more!

BookCloseouts.com LINK

$5 off $35 with code: courage and password: bookcloseouts.com

Win a Mixed Veggie 6-Pack from PYP and Shelf Reliance!

Our friends at Shelf Reliance are helping us give away a Mixed Veggie 6-Pack (Retail value $95.67) to one LUCKY PYP member.

The Mixed Veggie 6-Pack package from Shelf Reliance includes 242 total servings of delicious and long-lasting THRIVE Foods. This package offers a great solution for families and individuals who wish to sample some of our most popular and useful vegetables at home.

LINK to contest entry instructions
The THRIVE line of food storage is known for its outstanding quality and extended shelf life. Kept in dry, mild conditions, many of the items in this package will last 25 years, ensuring that your food storage supply will be ready whenever you need it. We know you’ll love the taste and reliability of the Mixed Veggie 6-Pack package from Shelf Reliance.
Monday, April 26, 2010

Vistaprint - 140 FREE address labels, just pay shipping!

Vista Print


Get 140 FREE address labels from VistaPrint! Design your own custom address labels and get 140 of them FREE, just pay shipping which is around $3.00.  They have some really cute designs!


This is today! Free pretzel on National Pretzel Day - April 26th!

Pretzelmaker®/Pretzel Time® will once again host a day-long National Pretzel Day celebration on April 26 at participating stores across the country. This year the company is putting a new "twist" on the holiday by asking customers to "Sing for Your Snack." Visit your local Pretzelmaker on National Pretzel Day, sing a snippet from a song of your choice and receive a FREE pretzel (with or without salt). Patrons who prefer not to sing won't go hungry - they can simply mention "National Pretzel Day" and receive their free snack.
Sunday, April 25, 2010

Walgreens 4/25- 5/1



Heres a few transaction scenarios for you, you can also check out the walgreens thread for more great ideas.



I try and arrange these Transactions so as to spend as little cash out of pocket as possible. That explains why there are sometimes several single order transactions and sometime I list just a couple of multiple order transactions. Were lucky because this week we have a $10 money maker right off the bat.


Transaction #1
:
Get: Bayer Contour or Breeze2 Blood Glucose Monitor 19.99
Use: Breeze 2 or Contour meter from Bayer $30/1 Expires (4-30-10) RP-10/25
Pay: Tax
Get: $10 Register Reward

Transaction #2
: (This on is one of those multiple order ones I talked about)
Get: 1x Stayfree Maxi Pads 16 or 24 ct. $2.99
1x Plackers Dental Flossers, 90ct. $2.00
1x Skintimate Shave Cream 6oz. $2.99
1x Tone Body Wash, 18oz. $3.99
1x Filler item at least $0.53
Use: 1x Stayfree product, any $1/1 (6-30-10) SS-4/25
1x Plackers Dental Flossers, any 60ct or higher .50/1 (7-31-10) RP-4/18
1x Tone Body Wash $1/1 At This Link
Use Register Reward: $10 from Transaction #1
Pay: Tax
Get: $3 Register Reward from Stayfree, $2 Register Reward from Placers, $3 Register Reward from Skintimate, $3 Register Reward from Tone Body Wash

Transaction #3
:
Get: 1x Clio Beautytrim Personal Hair Trimmer $4.99
1x Cheap filler item (Walgreens wont let you use more coupons then you have items, so in order to use 2 register rewards you need two item. It doesn’t matter what the price of the “Filler” item is.)
Use: $3 and $2 Register Rewards from Transaction #2.
Pay: Tax
Get: $5 Register Reward

In the end you walk out paying only tax and $11 in Register Rewards in your pocket!

I am also willing to bet that the Stayfree, Plackers, Skintimate and Clio runs all month, so there will be even more good deals to come.


Questions about how Register Rewards work?
Go here for the answers.

Rite Aid 4/25-5/1: Free Dove!

If you are new to shopping at Rite Aid, check out my Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along you way! Remember, you can use a Rite Aid in-ad manufacturer coupon with a manufacturer coupon from the newspaper or online. Read the Rite Aid coupon policy HERE.

Also, this list was made with the Idaho ad. Please verify prices in your area before shopping.

I am only listing best deals at Rite Aid this week here. If you want to see the complete list or sale items this week, head on over to the PYP Rite Aid forum thread. You will also find helpful discussion on this weeks sale items.

Additionally, you can use this $5/$25 printable coupon or use the $5/$20 coupon from Rite Aid Video Values to save you more this week!

Dove Hair Care 2 for $6
Use (2) Dove Hair Care Product, any excluding trial size $1.50/1 (4-25-10) RP-3/28
Get a $3 SCR
Final Price: FREE after coupons and rebate!

Stayfree Maxi Pads or Carefree Pantiliners $1.99
Use $1/1 printable coupon OR Stayfree product, any $1/1 (6-30-10) SS-4/25 OR Carefree Product, Any $1/1 (6-30-10) SS-4/25
Final Price: $.99 after coupon!

Listerine Smart Rinse or Reach Total Care toothbrush or floss 2 for $6
Use (2) Listerine Agent Cool Blue, any or Smart Rinse, any 500 mL $1/1 (5-31-10) SS-6/14 OR Reach Dental Floss, any excluding trial sizes or any Reach Access Flosser $1/1 (5-31-10) SS-6/14 OR Reach Toothbrush or Value Pack, any $1/1 (5-31-10) SS-6/14
Get a $3 SCR on two
Final Price: $.50 each after coupons and rebate!

Schick Men's Hydro 3 blade or 5 blade razor $8.99
Get a $6 SCR
Final Price: $2.99 after rebate!

What 10 things do you always have in your freezer?

Everybody has a list of staples they can't live without. Here's my list of staples to keep in the freezer.

You can also share your own list.

1) Ice cubes! I don't use them a lot BUT it is nice to have some on hand when we have guests over. If you have a bag (even a small one) of ice cubes you can look at it to be able to recognize if your freezer is working properly. I keep a small bag in the deep freeze - if the cubes melt and then freeze together in a big clump you will know that there has been a problem, like a power outage.

2) Cooked Turkey. I typically buy 4 or 5 turkeys when they are on sale at Thanksgiving. They are kept in my deep freeze. I cook one about every other month and freeze it in small bags so it can quickly be reheated and used for casseroles or soups.

3) Cooked Ground Beef can be tossed into a sauce and served with pasta or mixed with taco seasoning for quick tacos or burritos. It's ready to be assembled in a casserole, dropped into a soup, seasoned for sloppy joes or mixed with beans for chili.

4) Cooked Rice is a huge time saver. Frozen rice can be reheated in minutes to serve as a healthy side dish or use as a ingredient in another recipe. My family definitely prefers eating regular rice over the quick rice products so having some in the freezer is great for nights when I need something quick.

5) Juice. I love the convenience of frozen juice concentrate. I think it has a longer shelf life than bottled juices.

6) Chocolate Chips -- not only for baking but for a quick mommy treat!

7) Homemade waffles or pancakes. I am not a fan of the ones from the grocer's freezer. Every few weeks I make a BIG batch and freeze them. They can be put into the toaster or microwave for a quick weekday breakfast.

8) Frozen Fruit is perfect for smoothies and desserts. Use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit and you don't have to add ice to your smoothie.

9) Meatballs can be made into a million other meals. They are small so it's easy to grab just as many as you need and they thaw and reheat fast. My kids LOVE meatballs so I buy a big bag from Costco. They are precooked and quick to reheat. I make a spinach meatball soup that my family loves.

10)Homemade Broth or at least the item necessary to make it. I have broth frozen in sour cream and cottage cheese containers. I also have a bag of cut vegetable pieces (like the tops of celery and carrots) and I have a bag with leftover chicken trimmings and chicken bones that I will be making broth with soon.

Want "FREE" Batteries? Buy Duracell Batteries - Get 100% back in Staples Rewards!


Purchase 20-pk Duracell batteries (Item #703715 AA and Item # 846026 AAA) and receive 100% Staples Rewards. So, if you purchase 2 packs, your total will be (pre-tax) $19.98 and you will receive a Staples Reward check for $19.98! (exp 5/1) - FREE shipping to your local store!

Staples.com LINK

*Valid for purchases between 4/25/10 and 5/1/10. Offer good on item nos. 703715 and/or 846026 only (size AA or AAA, 20/Pack). Limit 2 per customer. Purchase price paid for batteries will be credited to customer's Staples Rewards® account. Must be a member of Staples Rewards. Valid in store, by phone or on staples.com.

2.00 off Heinz 57 or Lea&Perrins Worcestershire sauce

With summer's barbecues upon us, it's time to start thinking about marinades and steak sauce, and coupons.com is giving us a head start. They have 2.00 coupons for Heinz 57 and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce. Hit Wal-Mart with these beauties, and you'll get the Worcestershire sauce for .50 and the Heinz 57 for around a buck. Pair it with a great sale and you'll do even better.

Print quickly! Hot coupons like this don't last for long.

LINK to Coupons.com
Saturday, April 24, 2010

Free Kindle books! Or download to a PC or Mac!

Here are a few examples of free Kindle books you can download:


When Night Falls by Margaret Daley
Emma by Jane Austen
Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
Dancing in the Moonlight by RaeAnne Thayne
Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
Serial by Jack Kilborn and Blake Crouch
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Hunters by Jason Pinter

MANY MORE!

LINK TO FREE KINDLE DOWNLOADS

LINK TO APPLICATION TO DOWNLOAD TO READ KINDLE BOOKS ON A MAC

LINK TO APPLICATION TO DOWNLOAD TO READ KINDLE BOOKS ON A PC
Friday, April 23, 2010

2 hot new coupons!


Sign up to receive your coupon good for $1 off any one (1) Marie Callender's Asian Recipes or Pasta Al Dente.



Sign up to receive your coupon good for $1 off any one (1) Banquet Family Size Entree.

Living a little on the green side


I have read so many stories of green living: Family eats wheat grass and organic fruit, weaves their own clothing from home grown hemp, and considers the carbon footprint before making a move.

The truth is, it is difficult for many of us to even stretch the food bill at (insert the name of the cheapest place to buy anything), much less buy organic.

Green living seem to be for the wealthy, just like the best private schools, hybrid cars and solar panels.

Going green does NOT mean going broke. Green living can be doable at any income level. It is a matter of letting go of the things that advertisers say you must have and learning to see what you actually need. My clothing priority is clean, not too frumpy, sturdy clothing that I can do chores in, wash well and are comfortable enough to wear for too many hours a day.

Here are 10 ways go green on the cheap:

* Go green by going home to the kitchen. Make some simple things that your family will eat, that you can pronounce, and that are healthier for everyone. Look at your grocery list(you do make a grocery list, don't you?) do you have the staples on it? Flour, sugar, salt, yeast, baking powder, baking soda, fruits and vegetables, simple meats and grains? Make the time to cook at home.

* Go green by staying in with the family. Take a Staycation. Plan for time off of work to simply be with your family, in your home.

* Go green by trading and buying used - Most people have a bag of clothes laying around that their kids can't wear anymore. They might be miss-matched items but for a few dollars you can replace missing pieces.

* Go green by going out into your community. There are many fun events in our communities that are inexpensive and bring families and neighborhoods together. There is Scouts for boys and girls, multiple 4H groups, soccer, bowling leagues for any age, and that is just off the top of my head. Once you tap into these free or nearly free resources, you will have a hard time choosing from them all.

* Go green by planting a seed - Remember organic? There is no reason you can't plant a few seeds and grow your own organic food. Plant a few seedlings in containers on your deck. I usually plant a few squash plants in my flower bed in my front yard. They fill the space and produce yummy food and great jack-o-lanterns.

* Go green by doing some good - Find something useful and helpful to do in your community. Become a contributing member of your little slice of life. Teach your kids to volunteer. Each spring the kids in our neighborhood go plant flowers at the park. Our city provides the flowers - we just do the work.

* Go green by doing it yourself - Instead of buying something new, fix something you already have. Fix up something you find at a yard sale or thrift store.

* Go green by going online - There are many things we can find online! Have you ever watched TVor movies online? If money is tight in your home you can cancel the cable or satellite and watch TV on the computer. You may be able to hook your computer up to your TV and watch some of your favorite shows with little commercial interruption.

* Go green by researching what you need to know - shop around! Make decisions for yourself. Don't take the salesman's word for everything.

* Go green by doing less - take time to meditate -


A final note: You can save money by checking out the deals posted on Pinching Your Pennies everyday!

Shelf Reliance - Food Storage to Fit Your Pace and Budget

There are some expensive things out there that we want and might even need. Examples might include a home or a sensible car. Traditional wisdom suggests that you can either save your pennies and dimes to eventually buy what you need, or you can go into debt and pay smaller amounts on a regular basis until, eventually, the item is paid off in full.

Food storage, like your home, is something worth investing in. It provides you with security in uncertain times. However, many people are leery of going into debt for their food storage, and understandably so. In this economic climate, who wants to spend more money than necessary? For this reason, it can be incredibly easy to put off this important part of preparedness.

Are you caught up in trying to decide between spending a huge chunk of money on a food storage package or going without altogether? If so, then stop right where you are. Lucky for you, Shelf Reliance has completely eliminated the need for this dilemma.



The THRIVE Q was created about a year ago, and the number of customers who enjoy the benefits of this program has been growing steadily. The THRIVE Q allows you to pay for your food storage a little at a time, much as you would in a layaway program. The difference here is that you’re able to receive your food storage products as you pay for them.

What does this mean? In short, the THRIVE Q helps you build a food storage supply at a speed and price that is perfectly tailored to you. Debt and overspending never enter the equation! As a THRIVE Q customer, you can choose to spend anywhere from a lot or a little each month on food storage. You can choose the amount that works for you and your family.

The THRIVE Q works very simply. Start by creating a list of the food your family needs; you can make a list from scratch or get some suggestions from Shelf Reliance, using the THRIVE Planner, our food storage calculator. (If you ever change your mind, you can add items to or take items away from that list as you wish.) The next step is to choose the Monthly Shipments payment option. All of the food from your list will be divided up into monthly shipments, and when you're ready to start, you’ll be asked to select a monthly budget and the day of the month on which you’d like your card to be charged and your food to be shipped. Once you finalize all of these selections, your plan will be ready to go. A new package of food will arrive every month without any further attention, as convenient as your daily newspaper.

Here are some other fantastic benefits of using the THRIVE Q for your food storage:

You can alter your budget and individual shipments any time you want.

For example, while $150.00 may be a great budget amount for you most of the time, if you ever want to increase it to $175.00 or decrease it to $50.00, you can. You can also change the date of your upcoming shipments, moving them to an earlier or later day in the month. Each month, the THRIVE Q system will automatically select some of the items on your list to include in that month’s shipment, but the system will also allow you to change those items if you wish. In short, the Q is built to fit your needs, no matter how they may change.

You can pause your shipments temporarily or stop them indefinitely – no penalties, no problem.

At Shelf Reliance, we understand that life is not always predictable. That’s why we never ask you to continue using the THRIVE Q if it doesn’t make sense for you. If life circumstances change, you can stop receiving shipments. If you’ll be out of town for the month of May, you can delay your next shipment until June. You’re under no obligation to complete your THRIVE Q within a certain length of time or, in fact, to complete it at all. As a courtesy, we’ll keep track of the items left in your THRIVE Q in case you’d ever like to start it again.

You can use coupon codes to get your food at the lowest prices possible.

If you’re using a coupon code for your THRIVE Q that’s good for 5% off regular prices, but the can of strawberries in your next shipment is on sale for 15% off, the system will automatically deduct an extra 5% from the price. You don’t have to worry about missing out on the best sales; in fact, you'll be receiving an even better deal!

You’ll have a THRIVE Q assistant to help you all along the way.

The THRIVE Q concept is unique to Shelf Reliance. Something so new is bound to have small glitches and confusing aspects, so we’re learning as we go! If you ever have a question or a problem with your THRIVE Q, you’ll have a team available to give you some direction and get the problem solved.

Want to try the THRIVE Q for yourself? You can get started by visiting this page.

As a special offer to PYP readers, you can use the code QPYP to receive 5% off all the products in your THRIVE Q. Remember, that's an extra 5% off of sale prices!

If you seasoned Q customers have any tips or suggestions for other readers, don’t hesitate to leave a comment! I hope you’ll take advantage of this fantastic program in the near future and that you’ll have success with food storage. Thanks for reading!

The Latte Factor - It's Not Just About Coffee


The Latte Factor is simply the idea that frequent, small dollar purchases add up quickly. We don’t notice them because the purchases are small, like a $3 cup of coffee each morning, but over the course of the year that adds up to serious money. This is nothing new but something to seriously consider and it does not always have something to do with coffee.

I have really been looking at this in my life. What are my purchases that seem so small but add up so quickly?

Confession: Everyday after I leave the gym I swing through the very convenient window at the gas station and get a 32 oz Diet Coke and a "Bug Juice" (10oz flavored sugary drink) for my son. It costs me $2.26 each day. Wow! I go to they gym 20 days a month -- that's over $40 a month! I would be much better off to make a 2 quart package of Kool-Aid and refill an empty Bug Juice bottle -- I could get 6 bottles for PENNIES rather than dollars. And what about my Diet Coke? Of course I would me MUCH better off if I just stopped drinking it - but I could could also buy a 2 liter at the grocery store and use the empty bottles for water storage....

Consider the money your family may spend on eating out. Sure it is easy sometimes, but with a little planning you can really save money and improve your health by planning and preparing your meals at home.

Think about what you could do with the money you can save by just redirecting a little bit of the money we are spending each day.

To reveal your Latte Factor, get a notebook and carry it with you for one day. Write down every penny you spend, including cash, checks, credit, and debit cards. This may seem simple, but this exercise can be life changing.

You can invest in your future
Pay off debt
Plan a vacation
Replace the washing machine that is on it's last leg

What would you do?

Hold that cereal!

I love finding a great deal on cereal - it's an easy breakfast, stores well with a decent shelf life, and with the right sale and coupon matchup, can be purchased for cheap!

But I often wonder just what exactly I'm trading in nutritionally for that convenience. So recently I've tried to make an effort to choose "healthier" cereals for my family. I thought I was doing so well! Little did I know...

Yahoo! Health and Men's Health Magazine published an article this morning on the best and worst breakfast cereals, ones you might think would be good for you but really aren't. Guess what I found? I'm an offender on almost every count! Here I was so proud of myself for picking up the Raisin Bran cereal instead of the "sugary kid cereals"...WHAT A SHOCK! And I'm a big proponent of reading the nutrition labels, and I STILL missed this one!

To see what they found, check out the full article HERE. Looks like I have a lot more studying to do... ;)

Become a fan of Wheaties on Facebook and get a $1 coupon!


Become a fan of Wheaties on Facebook and get a $1 coupon!

LINK TO OFFER
Thursday, April 22, 2010

$10 off ANY purchase at Aeropostale this weekend only!

 $10 off any purchase of $10 or more at Aeropostale.  Print your coupon at the link below and use if from 4/23-4/25.


PRINT YOUR COUPON AT THIS LINK.

Earth Day Promotions

Hanes Buy 3 Hanes® products and the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree, up to 20,000, on Hanes behalf. We'll also send you a free Earth Day T-Shirt. Offer good from April 1, 2010 - May 15, 2010.

Here is the link to this offer

BBC Planet Earth – From now through April 26, you can download the first episode of the BBC’s landmark series, Planet Earth, for on iTunes.

Disney Hats – If you are lucky enough to live near a Disney Store you can take advantage of this offer: Visit any today with six empty bottles or cans and you can get a free Disney “youth baseball cap.”

Babies 'R' Us - Reusable shopping bags make an appearance every Earth Day, but this year Babies 'R' Us is going one step further. With an online coupon that's valid through April 22, (loads slowly) customers can get a free tote bag and 25 percent off all clothing and shoes that fit inside.

REUSE Jeans

Think it's impossible to be fashion forward and eco-friendly? Think again. REUSE jeans offer the season's trendiest styles in sustainable denim constructed from 80-percent recycled fabric. The company's motto: step into a smaller carbon footprint one leg at a time. In addition to skinny, straight and boot leg jeans, REUSE sells denim skirts and shorts on its Web site, REUSEJeans.com. In honor of Earth Day's 40th anniversary, everything on the site is half off through April 25 – punch in the promo code EARTH to refresh your closet and help the environment without hurting your wallet.

$1.00 Ink Refills at Walgreens with code: $6365

Make sure you check out your local stores for more Earth Day specials!

Whole Foods printable coupons!


Coupons currently available:
  • $1.00 off any ONE (1) 18-oz jar 365 Everyday Value® Organic Peanut Butter
  • $1.00 off any ONE (1) Lightlife Product
  • $1.00 off any ONE (1) 4-pack of Stonyfield YoBaby Meals Organic Yogurt
  • Buy any FOUR (4) Brown Cow Yogurt Cups, Get ONE (1) FREE
  • $1.00 off any ONE (1) 4.25 oz. Box of Blue Diamond® Nut Thins®
  • $1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature’s Path Organic Cereal items
  • $1.00 off any TWO (2) 32 oz. Helios Kefir Products
  • 50¢ off any ONE (1) LUNA® Bar or LUNA® Protein Bar
  • $1.00 off any ONE (1) Organic Valley Cheese 6oz or larger
  • $1.50 off any TWO (2) Nasoya Products
  • 75¢ off any TWO (2) flavors/varieties LARABAR® or JOCALAT® bars
  • $1.00 off any ONE (1) Michael Angelo's Frozen EntrĂ©e or Pocket Calzone
  • $1.00 off any ONE (1) Seventh Generation Disinfecting Product (Sprays and Wipes)
  • $5.00 off any ONE (1) Vitamin Code Raw Multivitamins

LINK TO PRINT COUPONS


You can also get these and additional coupons in the store in their The Whole Deal guide.

They also usually have the Mambo Sprouts coupon booklet in the store.

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