Have a fantastic weekend!
Want to have gifts for relatives and friends this holiday season, but you do not want to break the bank? Host a party like Pampered Chef, Usborne Books, Mary Kay, or Premier Jewelry to earn credits with which to shop for gifts. Last year I had an Usborne Book party and was absolutely amazed at all of the free books I received for being a hostess. Little is required other than inviting friends, tidying up your home, and putting out a few foods and beverages. I try to only do one or two of these types of parties each year and to vary what company so that what might not appeal to one person would appeal to another. For instance I have a friend who has no interest in Pampered Chef but enjoyed the Usborne Book party. I do not pressure others into attending and make it clear that I’m happy for them to attend whether they buy anything or not. I also try to reciprocate whenever possible, attending friends’ vendor parties when they invite me.
At the last party I had, the start time was 7pm. Because it was after supper, I served a dessert buffet, iced tea, and water. I spent less than $10 on the food because of baking from scratch and using coupons. Again, there was no pressure on friends to buy, but many were happy to pick up items for Christmas gifts. Because of the total of the show, I earned over $300 in free items! Talk about a rate of return on your investment!
Go here to view the books available and to place your order. These would make fantastic gifts!
A reader left a comment today asking about any food co-ops or CSAs that are present in Grainger County, TN. If any of you know of one, will you please leave a comment to this post with the information? Since she mentioned a limited weekly budget, I thought I’d post the information on Angel Food Ministry below. They have a number of options for families, and they recently offered a Thanksgiving box. My guess would be that they would offer another holiday box option in December for Christmas and Hanukah. The Angel Food Ministry often is hosted by local churches in both rural and urban settings. This is some information I posted earlier this year:
Do you know about the Angel Food Ministry? Local organizations and churches serve as host sites where people can place and pick up orders each month. The food items in each box vary from month to month. Those ordering this month have a choice of a regular, senior/convenience, allergen-free, and/or seafood box. In addition, there are special boxes of which you can choose whether or not to add to your order. Since the boxes vary from $25-$30, and the specials range from $21-$23, Angel Food can be a very economical way to feed your family. While the website says that the food will feed a family of 4 for a week, you could stretch it further if you have a smaller family or one with young children. Angel Food Ministry is open to anyone, and they now accept food stamps along with other payment options.
For more details about the Angel Food Ministry in general go here Faith United Methodist, our home church, is a host site, but you can search based on your zip code for other locations. Orders are due by noon on Monday, May 11th. Pick up is Saturday, May 16th from 10:30-11:30am. It is recommended that you bring a basket, cooler, or large box to help carry the items home.
I hope this is in some way helpful. If I hear of any more options, I’ll post them as an update here. Thanks!
Have you signed up for this $1/1 Puffs Coupon yet? Since Puffs are often at or under $1, it should help you score a free box of tissues! Click here to request your $1 Puffs coupon. Your coupon should arrive in the mail in 4-6 weeks. Thanks Moms Need to Know!
Go here to print your coupon.
*Valid in Walgreens stores from Sunday, November 22 thru Monday, November 23, 2009 only, during regular store hours. Excludes alcohol, postage stamps, tobacco, prescriptions, prescription copays, gift cards, pre-paid cards,transportation passes, charitable contributions, Prescription Savings Club memberships and items prohibited by law. Must reach purchase amount of $25 or more before taxes and after all manufacturer and Walgreens coupons and discounts. Limit one coupon per customer per offer. Cash value 1/100¢. No cash back.
I saw this first on Knoxmoms.com Since I am not on Facebook (I know, I know, I’m not hip like everyone else), I have not verified this deal yet. Give it a try and if you have any problems, please let us know.
Free Sample of Philosophy Gingerbread Man Bubble Bath and Foaming Shower Gel. You have to go to the facebook page link here, become a fan and click on the application link.
Common Sense with Money reports that the Neiman Marcus Monogrammed towel deal is back this year. I’ve contemplated getting in on this deal the last couple of years. My sister could use some extra towels at her house and they’d make a nice gift for her. The only problem is that we decided to only buy for the children this year at Christmas. Hmmm, am I willing to store them until her birthday next year?? Let us know if you’ve bought these towels before and what you think. All of the reviews I’ve seen thus far have been positive. See the info from Mercedes below:
Neiman Marcus is offering Monogrammed Ralph Lauren Towels for 50% off. You can get free shipping on your order by using the code NMSHIP and gift wrap is free as well!
Just to give a bit of background, this is the third year I share this deal with my readers. In the past readers have loved this deal because it is been an affordable way to give what most would seem a luxurious gift (personalized towels) for less than $16.50. I have bought some of these towels, my mom has bought these towels. I love the huge bath sheets and can say I have been satisfied with them. If you have bought these in the past please share your experience with other readers.
Butterball to the rescue! Check out their Thanksgiving Guide page here full of tips, conversion and baking charts, and how-to information. If you are in a bind this holiday season, also know that they have a holiday hotline ready to help. Their “Butterball Turkey Talk-Line” information is included below:
E-mail talkline@butterball.com now
Call: 1-800-BUTTERBALL
Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CST (Central Standard Time)
I phoned the hotline years ago when I was in college. The staff were helpful, informative, and patient with me. They do a great job!
Here are some ideas for making your produce last longer:
Preserve your favorite memories with gorgeous photo prints. They’re fun to frame and easy to share.
Come back to Shutterfly and enjoy your 50 free 4x6 prints.**
Promo code: PRINTS4YOU
Offer ends
November 23, 2009.
| * Free standard shipping on orders of $30 or more, shipped within the US only. Enter promo code SHIP30 at checkout. |
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The Knoxville area Mobile Meals are collecting donations for their 2009 Christmas Gifts to participants. Julie of Coupon Newbie sent me the information and thought that many of the local couponers might be able to glean some of these items from their freebie stockpiles. In particular the personal care item list would be easy for most of us to fill a gift bag for donation. Go here to view the complete list and details on dates and locations for drop off. I worked with Mobile Meals as a volunteer in Athens, TN, and I can attest to how important this organization is to the lives of so many seniors. I hope you’ll consider making a donation this year! Thanks again Julie for helping to get the information out to the community!
Go here for more information on the local Mobile Meals program and how you might be able to volunteer there.
I'm posting this with the Frugal Friday Posts at Life as Mom. Enjoy!
I think that the “I wants” should be added to the newest edition of the diagnostic manual. Can you tell that I walked in the mall this week???
Diagnosis—the “I wants”
Diagnostic Criteria—Two or more of the following symptoms lasting for at least 2 minutes
Subcategories--
The “I wants” Childhood type—symptoms are exaggerated and seem to be exacerbated when watching commercial television, when cartoon spokespeople and characters are used to sell items, and when child witnesses other children with symptoms of the “I wants”. Enablers include grandparents and Santa Claus.
The “I wants” Adult type—symptoms are exaggerated and seem to be exacerbated when menstruating, when under extreme stress, and when feeling blue. Enablers include shopping buddies and celebrity endorsers.
The “I wants” Seasonal Disorder—symptoms are exaggerated and seem to be worsened at or near the holiday shopping season.
The “I wants” Late Adulthood Onset—also known as “mid life crisis”, characterized by unusual dress for the patient, purchasing of expensive automobiles, flashy jewelry, and trips to exotic locations.
The “I wants” Pastry Shop type—symptoms are exaggerated and seem to be exacerbated when menstruating, when under extreme stress, when feeling blue. Very similar presentation as Adult type. Differential diagnosis based on items purchased. Pastry Shop type more present when near pastry shops, candy stores, ice cream shops, and near any of Grandma’s famous goodies. Enablers include grandmothers and Betty Crocker.
Recommended Treatment Regimen--
Early placebo and drug based studies are inconclusive, though some early data shows that indulging in one Hershey’s kiss, letting it melt in the mouth slowly, will reduce urge to buy for the Pastry Shop type.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—Patients are encouraged to become more self aware of triggers, thoughts, and feelings related to spending.
Avoidance Therapy—Patients are encouraged to stay out of stores (especially malls), cancel catalog mailings, and turn the television channel during advertisements. Shopping networks are strongly discouraged for these patients.
Budgetary Therapy—Patients are encouraged to use the cash envelop system further developed and researched by therapist Dave Ramsey. Patients are also encouraged to use shopping lists to avoid impulse purchases.
Prognosis--
Prognosis is especially good for those patients with a baseline personality of budgeting and discipline. Instruction and reinforcement are especially helpful when working with Childhood Type. With early intervention for all types, prognosis is excellent.
This week has introduced many new printable coupons, many of which are making buzz in the blogging communities. Couponing 101 has a comprehensive list of the newest ones available. You might want to check them out and see if any are interesting to you.
Thanks to Common Sense with Money for this freebie info:
Get a free sample of Best Foods/Hellmans mayo from Vive Mejor. Vive Mejor is a website owned by Unilever the manufacturer of the brand. Even though the website’s name is in Spanish, the offer is in English and it is open to ALL U.S. Residents.
In addition to this sample they are also offering the following three samples:
Have you updated your Cellfire account lately? There were some new coupons released this week.
Click here to order gift cards or purchase from any Abuelo’s location.
Offer valid through December 31, 2009.
VIP cards redeemable January 1 - March 31, 2010.
Abuelo’s does not charge transaction fees.
World Market—BOGO olive oils priced $8.99-$9.99 750ml. Choose from Greek, Italian, Spanish or ORGANIC.
Prices good 11/19/09 – 11/22/09. Offers good while supplies last. Prices and selection may vary by state.
Select items available online. IL: Items not available at Orland Park location.
Go here to find a location near you.
UPDATE—It was so nice to walk into the store, pick up a pound of shrimp and pay nothing out of pocket! At the Bearden Knoxville location, the store even had some 1 lb bags ready for customers to make the entire process easier. Don’t forget that when you are at the store to pick up a copy or two of their Holiday Savings Coupon Booklet. There are some great manufacturers coupons included inside which could be used at any store.
Here is the latest FREE coupon from Earth Fare! Outstanding coupon—FREE SHRIMP!! I’ll definitely be picking these up this week! Thanks to Frugally Farming Family for the links below:
Free Scoop your own Shrimp! Get your first pound of scoop your own cooked shrimp free!
You can watch a video about it here.
Get on the HEALTH JOURNEY and get a FREE Pantry Makeover!
Go here to find a location near you!
The latest deals and coupon match-ups are here.
Reserve Your Bird here.
You can also follow Earth Fare on Twitter here.
Follow me on twitter here.
