The Challenge Begins...

Don't forget that tomorrow starts the 30-Day Giving Challenge...

What do I have to give?

Going, Going, Gone (Temporarily)

Wanted to give you, faithful readers, a quick heads-up:

Our family is having some extensive work done on our home over the next week. Due to the fact that there is a LOT of lead in our home, we have to evacuate to have this work done. We will be living in a hotel for the next week-10 days.

Because of this, my posts may be sporadic at best. Please bear with me. I am commited to posting the BEST DEALS that I see while I am gone. I also will have two guest posts...

Never fear, I am still here. I will be back. (And, we will have new windows, doors, and garage doors when we return!)

Got Cereal?

Check out this post on how to get 4 boxes of cereal for 1.98 total at Target this week!

http://myfrugaladventures.com/2009/10/target-preview-cheap-or-free-kelloggs/

Thanks to My Frugal Adventures!

$4 a week for 6 people!?!?!

Seriously, ya'll need to watch the clip from Good Morning America about this lady. I am in awe!

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/2009/10/woman-feeds-her-family-for-4-week.html

My New FAVORITE Place to Buy Birthday Supplies

Hi Friends! Wanted to share with you the horrible time and customer service that I've had trying to find Toy Story party supplies for my son's 5th birthday party... Let's just say our local stores were less than helpful.

Then, a light shined down from Heaven (ok, so I am exaggerating a little) and I found the BEST website ever!!! I ordered everything we needed from Birthday Direct and will receive it in 1-3 business days with only a $6 shipping charge. (If my order would have been over $65, shipping would have been free!) Ordering was fast, easy, and I was pleased with the selection.

I highly recommend Birthday Direct when buying party supplies in the future. So thankful for this site today after running around for hours with a crying 4 year old who "just wants a Buzz party!"

Lots of FREE food for Halloween!

Thanks to Queen of Free for a great list of freebies for festive trick or treaters! Go HERE to see here complete list which includes Taco Bell, Chipolte, and Texas Roadhouse (among others).

(And, by the way, I am loving the human burrito idea...)

I WILL ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE!

I have accepted the 30-Day Giving Challenge at kingdomfirstmom.com!!!

Please prayerfully consider how you can join us in this challenge for the month of November. Make this a family project and have a month that you will never forget...

Ideas for ways to give: cookies to a neighbor, crafts/cards to a nursing home, donuts to the firemen, toys to a toy drive, invite someone unexpected over for a meal, leave change at the car wash for the next person, give to the Salvation Army, donate to Goodwill, clean up a park, buy the next person's fast food in line behind you at the drive thru, teach someone something new, give a coupon to someone in the grocery store, volunteer your time at a food pantry, rake your neighbor's leaves, etc...

The ideas are limitless - what can you do for someone else?

Top Ten Homemade Gifts

In the spirit of Christmas, I give you my personal Top Ten Homemade Gifts! Hopefully this will inspire you to create something for someone you love this year...

10. Coupon Booklets (I have done a pizza of the month book, a baked good of the month book, babysitting, housecleaning, backrub books, etc.)

9. Soup in a Jar/Coffee in a Jar (Many forms of dried beans can be layered in mason jars for a nice gift as well as gourmet coffee mixes.)

8. Embroidered Tea Towels or Bread Cloths (Does anyone realize how much TIME goes into cross-stitching? If that doesn't say love, I don't know what does!)

7. Personalized Notecards/Notepads (Using computer or stamping skills you can make adorable gifts for friends and family to enjoy.)

6. Homemade Ornaments (Go beyond pasta angels and let your creativity flow using paper products to create masterpieces that will be treasured for years - need inspiration - hit the library!)

5. Fresh Baked Bread (Wrapped in a tea towel and tied with a bow, fresh bread makes a thoughtful and useful gift!)

4. Felt Food for Kids Kitchens (Use felt to create: fried eggs, pancakes with butter, sandwiches, etc. for your little friends play time.)

3. Scrapbooked Calendars (Everyone needs a calendar; why not one filled with photos of great memories?)

2. Hairbows/Headbands for Little Princesses (These are the rage right now and can be super easy to make and enjoy.)

1. Heartfelt Words (Absolutely NOTHING beats a well-written letter or poem about how much or why you love/admire/respect someone. Need to get a little classier? Have it printed on parchment paper and framed for a gift. I received this for my birthday and it beat out anything bought in a store.)

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...love the ones you've been blessed with well...

Get Motivated Monday

This week your challenge is two-fold:

1. Clean out your expired coupons to get ready for a new month. (Did you know that the troops can use expired coupons at their commisaries?)

2. Make a meal plan for the upcoming month. Check back later this week to see our family's November meal plan!

Have a fun week!!!

FREE FOOD

Today only: get a piece of KFC's grilled chicken for free all day.

On 10/31: get a Black Jack Taco from Taco Bell between 6pm-midnight!

Coupons for Candy!

Just an FYI that coupons.com has $2 off coupons for both Nestle and Wonka candy. This should make for some cheap treats for your trick or treaters!

October Budget Updates

This week my budget was $55 (like always).

Week 3 (last week): I made 2 Trips. 39.66 at WalMart and 15.45 at Meijer.
Total $55.11 or $.11 over proposed budget.

Week 4 (this week): I made 2 trips. 3.64 at Aldi and 11.74 at Kroger.
Total $15.38 or $39.62 UNDER proposed budget.

OCTOBER FOOD/HOUSEHOLD BUDGET
Week 1 $55, spent $61.23, $6.23 OVER
Week 2 $55, spent $41.58, $13.42 UNDER
Week 3 $55, spent $55.11, $0.11 OVER
Week 4 $55, spent $15.38, $39.62 UNDER

Extra Week (use leftover money of $46.70 or less)

Total for October $220

The Word

Psalm 19: 7-10 (The Message)

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.

God's Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You'll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.

What is God's Word teaching you today?

Loving my Husband Friday

Go here to see three new ways to love your husband this week!

Thanks, to Megan, from Daily Essentials and Deals for offering this every week...

How do you love your husband?

Send in Your Old Baby Einstein DVDs for a Refund

Go HERE to see how you can send in up to 4 Baby Einstein DVDs for refunds of 15.99 each. So sorry to hear that this company is having some publicity problems but glad to get a rebate offer.

Old Navy Weekly Updates Today

Don't forget that tonight's the night for Old Navy Weekly to update. Hope you get a good coupon!

Today's Target Shopping

Here is an itemized list for what I was paid to purchase at Target today!

2 Skippy Peanut Butters 1.99/each
*used 2 $1 off cpns = .99/each

Travel Game: Hungry Hungry Hippos 4.99
*used $4 off cpn = .99

Travel Game: Connect Four 4.99
*used $4 off cpn = .99

4 Chex Mix .99/each
*used 4 $1 off cpns = FREE

3 Glade candles 2.50/each
*used 3 $1.50 off cpns found in tin = $1/each
2 Glade refills 2.50/each
*used 2 FREE cpns from internet = FREE
EARNED $5.00 Target Gift Card!!!

Subtotal $6.96
Tax $1.22
Total $8.18 (paid with a gift card)

EARNED $5 gift card
NET $3.18

PLUS, I am submitting SC Johnson rebate to earn back $5.00

TOTAL PROFIT $1.82!!!

Per my receipt I saved $28.46.

Let's Go Krogering!

Here is what I will be buying at Kroger this week.

Post Cereals, Nature Valley Granola Bars, FiberOne Bars - 4 for $10
Get $4.00 off at checkout when you buy 4.
Use $.40 off FiberOne coupon from 10/4 SmartSource insert (doubles to $.80 off)
Use $.40 off FiberOne coupon from 9/13 General Mills insert (doubles to $.80 off)
Use $.40 off Nature Valley coupon from 9/13 General Mills insert (doubles to $.80 off)
Final Price: as low as $.70 per box or $2.80 total for all 4

10 for $10 Sale
You can get as many or as few of these items as you would like for $1 each. But if you buy 10 of the 10 for $10 items, you get the 11th one FREE!

Kroger Brand Milk or Orange Juice, includes chocolate
Kroger Brand Cottage Cheese
Kroger Brand Buns, Bread
Armour LunchMakers
Dole Canned Mandarin Oranges
Pepsi Soft Drink 2-Liters
Kroger Corn Puff Poppers
Caramel or Candy Apples

Also, if you have a little one: Gerber Graduates are also on the 10/$10 sale.

Enjoy this sale!

Milestones...

Not sure if you realize this, but I've hit my 100th post this week! Da-Da-Da-Da!

I'd like to thank: the Lord for filling my mind with things to write about, my hubby for attemptting to help me become a "techie," my kids for watching movies on busy blogging days, my friends who call when they don't see a new post and encorage me to keep on keeping on, and YOU for being my loyal readers and faithful friends! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Please invite your friends and family to subscribe to this site. As we reach 50 followers, we can start more GIVEAWAYS where you can WIN prizes. That, my friends, will be OUR next milestone...and we can do it together!

God bless you as you journey with me to "living like no one else*!"

*Read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover if you are questioning this reference...

Free Movie, Anyone?

Get a free redbox now through 10/22 at Meijer with this code: CMEJR22

Popcorn, here we come!

Make Money on Holiday Gifts!

Read Kristen's GREAT post on how you can make money buying candles for holiday shopping! These candles are not only great to enhance your holiday season, but use them for gifts for friends, coworkers, teachers, etc. I wish I could run to Target now....

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/2009/10/5-target-gift-card-when-you-buy-5-glade.html

New CVS Info - Get More Coupons Today

See Charlene's post on the coupon scanners at CVS. My CVS doesn't have one yet, but you'd better believe I will be asking about it! :)

http://myfrugaladventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/quick-cvs-tip-coupon-scanner.html

Get Motivated Monday

So, did you catalog all of your Christmas gifts last week? I did and Santa has an issue over here. 11 gifts for the son and 4 for the princess. What to do? Shop, of course! :)

This week's challenge is your LINEN closet... Go through it. Organize it. Pitch yucky towels. Make it look pretty. Get your linens ready for the holidays - find your Grandma's tablecover and your extra guest sheets.

This seems like a simple challenge. Maybe it is for you. But for us hoarders it is a good time to clean out and re-evaluate.

An extra note - if you find blankets to get rid of, consider a homeless shelter. As the cold seeps in, there are many folks who would love that old orange afghan that Aunt Sally made. Pass along the blessing and teach your children to give!

Let me know how it goes, ok?

Free Calendars for Christmas

Just ordered FREE 2010 Calendars titles "God is in the Details" for my in-laws and aunt for Christmas. Go HERE to see how you can get yours also! Thanks, Moms by Heart!

CVS Deals this Week - Meds and Gift

Its always a good idea to stock up on meds this time of year. And I think I may be giving the diffuser to my mon-in-law for Christmas! :)

Trans 1

Glade candle/diffuser $6.99

Earn 6.99 ECB = FREE

If you have the $3 MQ, this is a moneymaker!

Trans 2

2 Dimetapp $5.50/ea

2 Advil PM $4.50/ea

Subtotal is $20

Earn $10 ECBs when you spend $20 in these meds

Use 2/$2 off dimetapp and 2/$2 off advil MQ's (printed online)

OOP pay $12, but earn $10 ECBs = $2 for all medicine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Total OOP $2.00 for $26.99 worth of items!

Five Fab Finds on Friday

1. Go HERE to see how you can get a free subscription to Baseball Digest. Shhh…don’t tell my hubby that I ordered it for him – it’s a surprise love gift! Thanks, Savings and Stewardship!


2. Go HERE to get a list of Target deals from Kristen at Couponing to Disney! There are 17 FREE items on this list! You rock, Kristen!


3. I have this Red Gold tote bag and I love it! Register HERE to get a free reusable tote and hook your CVS bag tag to it for an even better deal! Thanks, Saving and Giving!

4. I just love to read “Loving Our Husbands” every week sponsored by Megan at Daily Essentials and Deals. Go HERE to read 3 new ways to love your hubs today!


5. It’s Friday! It’s Friday! I will be doing a small dose of freezer cooking tomorrow and maybe hitting a pumpkin patch with the kiddos! I just ADORE FALL!!!

2 Quick Things

1. Old Navy Weekly resets tonight!

2. How are you doing on this week's challenge? Personally, I am waiting until Saturday AM to hide the toys in the attic and actually see what I have (I'm making the hubby take the kids out for a donut to give me some time :)

Not a lot of great happenings in blog world today. Hoping for more fun stuff tomorrow. Maybe the blog fairies knew I needed a day to get stuff done around here ;)

Top Ten Easy Items That Freeze Well for Beginning Freezer Cookers

Is anyone thinking about trying freezer cooking? Here is a list of my favorite easy things that can be frozen without a lot of hassle.

A great way to get started is to simply double your recipe when you cook. Ex: If you are making lasagna for dinner, double your recipe and freeze the 2nd for later. This is easy to do on a regular basis and really saves on your drive-thru trips for busy nights.

Top Ten Easy Items That Freeze Well for Beginning Freezer Cookers

10. Pancakes - make the whole box of mix at once and freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick breakfasts.
9. Chunked Chicken Breasts - crockpot, boil, or grill extra chicken and cut it up into quart freezer bags to be used for chicken alfredo, BBQ chicken pizza, chicken helper, or in salads.
8. Lasagna - make 2 instead of 1 and freeze the 2nd for an easy, satisfying dinner later in the month.
7. Cooked Ground Beef - cook extra and freeze in quart freezer bags to get a jumpstart on pasta sauce, tacos, or hamburger helper on a busy night.
6. Chili - make a huge pot and freeze the leftovers for quick lunches or a simple supper.
5. Muffins and Quick Breads - when you bake, make an extra batch or two for the freezer. Simply wrap in foil (breads) or put in freezer bags (muffins) for quick breakfasts on the go or to serve with coffee hour.
4. Tator Tot Casserole - ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, frozen veggies, tots, and cheese make a comforting supper. Make 2 - 1 for dinner and one for the freezer and have NO prep work next time around!
3. Twice Baked Potatoes - think about this, if you can buy it in the freezer case at Kroger, you can make it yourself and freeze it for later. Its healthier and cheaper this way too!
2. Meatloaf - when mixing meatloaf for tonight's dinner, mix a 2nd for later in the month. Put it in a loaf pan and freeze uncooked to save you time, next time.
1. Baked Ziti - my favorite recipe for baked ziti makes a TON. I fill a 9x13 for today's meal and freeze the rest in gallon sized Ziplocs for later. All I have to do is: thaw, dump, and add cheese for an easy family-favorite!

Hope this inspires you to put something away for a rainy day...or a hectic day...or an "I don't feel well" day...or a "company's coming" day...or a "help someone in need by providing a meal" day.

God bless you as you feed your families!

FREE Frog Bath Toy from Johnson & Johnson

Thanks, Kristen, at Couponing to Disney for THIS great idea on how to get a frog bath toy for free from Johnson & Johnson!

I'm thinking Christmas 2009...yet another way to lower our Christmas cost!

CVS New Program - Bag Tag

Buy a new bag tag at CVS for .99, attach it to your favorite reusable bag, and earn ECB's! Have your bag tag scanned every time you shop at CVS and for every 4th visit you will ean $1 ECB. That's $12/year if you shop weekly! If you shop twice a week, that's $24/year!

The catch: you have to remember to bring and use your reusable bag and scan your bag tag...

I think this is a great way to promote CVS, acquire less waste, and earn money at the same time. Way to go, CVS, for joining the "green team!"

(You should be able to find your tags at the register; shaped like a green leaf.)

NEW Printable Coupons for CHEESE

Follow this like to print $1.00 off coupons for Kraft cheese. Did you know that you can freeze shredded cheese when it goes on a good sale to add to your stockpile? Never buy cheese at full-price again! Thanks, Saving and Giving :)

http://savingandgiving.blogspot.com/2009/10/kraft-cheese-printable-coupon.html

My Guest Post Posted

Follow this link to see my 2nd guest post and get an idea for weekend fun. *
http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com/2009/10/guest-post-10-things-to-do-for-cheap.html

*This is a similar post to one I have done before with a few adaptations...

I'm Earning FREE Cash for Christmas

Now is the time to cash in your "points" to earn FREE cash for Christmas. Help your budget stretch without breaking the bank!

I cashed in points through Pampers Gifts to Grow program for $10 to Barnes & Noble Bookstores.

I also cashed in points through our National City debit card to get $10 to Old Navy, $10 to Target, and $10 to CVS!

Today, I earned $40 by cashing in my points - Santa is comin' to town, folks! ;)

Saving = Giving More

One of the many reasons I love to save, is that it enables my family to be able to use our resources to give more freely. I love filling the food pantry basket at church with freebies or nearly-frees and helping out our local community. I also like to be able to use the money that we save to give to families in crisis that we know. There is nothing more rewarding than leaving an anonymous gift of cash, gift cards, or a sack of groceries on a friends porch!

This year, one of the ways that I plan on including my children in giving this Christmas season is through Operation Christmas Child. I think that they will have fun filling their boxes for little boys and girls just like them... I like to use these moments as "teaching moments" for my kids, to foster life-long giving, self-sacrifice, and appreciation for what we have been blessed with. Following is the link for how you can help fill a box for a child in need and spread a little Chritsmas cheer around the world! Will you join us?

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

Get Motovated Monday

I just read that Christmas is 74 days away! Can you believe it?

If you are like me, you have little gifts hiding around your home already. (Check the closets and garage here...)

This week, make a list of people you need to buy for. Plan a proposed budget. Then, log any gifts that you already have on hand and PUT THEM ALL IN ONE PLACE (like your attic...)

I like to use the Holiday Planner from Cynthia Ewer found at Organized Christmas. I made mine with her printable pages and use a 3 ring binder to keep it all together. I have used this system for the past 3 Christmases and I love it. It keeps everything nice and tidy and helps me stay sane in a busy season.

Let me know how you do with this. You mau be surprised at how many gifts you already have!

Planning a Pregnancy?

Here's a great freebie for those of you who are planning to have a new tax deduction...

FREE pregnancy tests and ovulation kits HERE!!!

Thanks, Queen of Free for this great tip!

Stacking Coupons Tutorial

Follow this link to read a GREAT article on stacking coupons from my friend, Megan at Daily Essentials and Deals. This is one of the best articles I've ever read on this topic - great for beginners!
http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com/2009/10/reader-question-stacking-coupons.html

Budget Update - October, Week 2

This week my budget was $55 (like always).

I made 3 trips.

Meijer $22.04, Aldi $10.79, and Target $8.75 (for the Mott's juice deal; earning $5 gift card back.)

Total $41.58 or $13.42 under proposed budget. It was a good week!

OCTOBER FOOD/HOUSEHOLD BUDGET
Week 1 $55, spent $61.23, $6.23 OVER
Week 2 $55, spent $41.58, $13.42 UNDER
Week 3 $55
Week 4 $55
Total for October $220

What is your motivating factor?

After seeing this blog called Couponing to Disney, which I love, I wondered what is your motivation for couponing? Mine could be Couponing to a Debt-Free Life, or Couponing to Give More, or Couponing to a College Eduction for my Kids, or Couponing to a Camper! :)

Why do you coupon? Write it down. Look at it. When you don't feel like clipping, there is your motivation...

Remember, "I can do all things (even coupon) through Christ who strengthens me."

WalMart Deals

For my friends out there who are WalMarter's... Here is a link to $1 or less deals at your store. Hope this helps! Thanks, Couponing to Disney!

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/2009/10/walmart-50-items-under-1-17-are-free.html

The Good Old Days - Bartering

In early America, settlers bartered with each other and the Native Americans for everything that they needed to survive. It's an old practice that is renewing popularity again. In this economy, its important to save what we can, use what we have, and give openly. Bartering is a great way to do all of these things.

I am currently in a bartering relationship with my dear friend, Kelly. She cleans for me twice a month (doing the things that I can never get done, like my floors and my fridge) and I clip, sort, and organize coupons for her to make her shopping trips better. I also am planning on giving her some freezer meals too, but shhhh, don't tell (anyone who scrapes out my fridge with a butter knife is worth a few meals, don't you think? ;)

I wanted to share some ideas for potential barters with you below:

Do you/Can you:
Cut Hair?
Sew or Mend?
Scrapbook?
Babysit?
Clean?
Run Errands?
Garden?
Paint Walls or a Mural?
Organize?
Throw a Yard Sale?
Give Mani/Pedis?
Iron?
Cut Grass?
Clip Coupons?
Tutor?
Give Music Lessons?
Decorate?

Now, what do you need done? Find someone that can do what you need and BARTER, BABY!

Set a few ground rules: be clear of each others expectations, set a trial period, have a timeline, respect each others space and privacy, etc.

If both parties don't enjoy the barter, stop. There is no written contract here. Just take a break. Find a new person to barter with. You will be surprised how many people want to barter, but are afraid to ask.

As for me, I have the best of both worlds. I don't have to scrub my floors and I get to play with coupons all day Monday! :) Love you, Kelly! Here's to a great bartering future...

Target Deal of the Week - Stock Up Mamas and Dadas

Have you taken advantage of the Mott's Target deal this week? Here's how it goes:

Buy (5) Motts Apple Juices @ 1.75/each = 8.75 OOP
Earn 5.00 gift card

Each apple juice ends up costing .75/each or 3.75 total!!!

This is a GREAT time to stock up on juice for the winter...I'm just sayin'...

Surprise Deal at CVS Today

Imagine my surprise when I found this deal at CVS today.

Dr Pepper 2 liters 2/$3.
Earn $1 ECB when you buy 2.
Peelie coupon for save $1 NOW when you buy 2.

That makes a total of 2 Dr Peppers for $1.00!!! Fantsatic savings on soda!

SURPRISE!

The Best of my Box Today

Here are 5 things that I see today that are worth your time and mouse clicks:

Go here to see how you can get a FREE subscription to Town and Country magazine! Thanks, Moms by Heart!
http://www.momsbyheart.net/2009/10/free-3-year-subscription-to-town.html

Print a coupon here for a BOGO Sunday brunch at Ruby Tuesday’s. Thanks, Savings and Stewardship!
http://savingsandstewardship.blogspot.com/2009/10/b1g1-free-brunch-ruby-tuesdays.html

Go here to get a FREE subscription to Business Weekly! Thanks, Saving and Giving!
http://savingandgiving.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-one-year-subscription-to-business.html

Stop over here for your chance to win Little Debbie’s chocolate cupcakes. Sounds like a win-win situation to me! Thanks, Moms by Heart!
http://www.momsbyheart.net/2009/10/chance-to-win-free-box-of-cupcakes.html

Old Navy Weekly updates today. Head over for a 50/100 coupon :)
http://www.oldnavyweekly.com

Don't fall off the Wagon - Keep Clipping

A note of encouagement to all of you out there who are discouraged about couponing...Keep clipping!

• You don't have to save 70% on your trips right away; shoot for an attainable goal of 25%.

• You don't have to have the most organized coupon stash; an envelope system works just fine for many.

• You don't have to go to 3 stores every week; pick your favorite that doubles coupons and shop their sales to save.

• You don't have to buy 10 papers; use the coupons from yours and ask a neighbor for the ones that they won't use.

• You don't have to change brands; use the coupons available for the brands that you love.

Do you get my point: YOU DON'T HAVE TO! But, you WANT to: save money, pay off debt, shop smarter, purchase a home, stay at home with your kids, etc. We all have choices. You don't have to be SuperWoman. Just pick up the scissors and KEEP CLIPPING!

Beautiful Fall Decor/Treats

See Thrifty Decor Chic's fabulous outdoor décor for some fall inspiration. http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/10/fall-decor-for-outdoors.html
I just love her mums/pumpkin flower box!

Also, see Bakerella's ADORABLE cookies here. http://www.bakerella.com/trix-out-your-treats/
Who would ever guess to do something so cute with cereal?!?!?! Bakerella, that's who!

Hot cider anyone? I feel a crafty fall coming on...

Welcome, New Friends!

A HUGE WELCOME to all of our new friends from the Daily Essentials and Deals blog! We are so glad to have you here... Feel free to browse around and see what I am all about.

Also, this weeks Get Motivated Monday challenge is your guest closet. I would love to hear your thoughts on how you organized yours!

Again, WELCOME, here's to hoping that you love Hope-Filled Home as much as I do!

Guest Blogging this Week

Be watching for my guest posts on Daily Essentials and Deals this week! I am excited to welcome Megan's readers to our blog.

dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com

Get Motivated Mondays Challenge - Week 3

This week's challenge is (da - da - da - DA!):

Clean out your guest/coat closet. Hunt for gloves that match. Pitch odd-balls or recycle them into a craft project. Organize whatever is in there (in ours there are: coats, purses, gloves, hats, scarves, games, craft stuff...) Give away what you don't need. Inventory what you have so you don't re-buy.

Use rubbermaid boxes, over-the-door units, hanging storage or bags to organize. Get creative with your storage solutions. Enlist help from your kids.

Above all, have fun!

We Have a Winner!

Our winner of the Goodwill contest is KELSEY with 10 bags!!!

Watch your mail, KELSEY, for a sweet treat from me!

Redbox Code - Monday ONLY

Free #RedBox movie rental, good today only. Use code: QNGJ7KD.

Contest ends tomorrow

Just a reminder that the "garbage bag" contest ends tomorrow (see the original post on this weeks Get Motivated Monday if you don't know what I am talking about). I am at 4. Kelsey is at 10. Anyone want to try to beat her? There is a sweet surprise offered to the winner. Leave a comment by Sunday at midnight to win!

Thanks for helping others while getting ready for fall!

Hope

CVS Deals - RUN, FOREST, RUN!

These deals start Sunday, so, run to CVS! (I'm thinking nail polish for Christmas stockings and to make "play" makeup for my 2 year old...)

Colgate Total 2.99

Earn 2.00 ECB

Use 1.00 MQ

FREE

Revlon Nail Polish 3.99 (limit 6)

Earn 3.00 ECB

Use 1.00 MQ

FREE

Pantene 4.99

Earn 2.00 ECB

Use 1.00 MQ

Pay 1.99

Combine with your $5/$25 purchase from taking the flu iq for an even sweeter deal!

Budget Update - October

This week my budget was $55 (like always).

I made 2 trips.

Kmart $36.09 and Meijer (no photo) $25.14.

Total $61.23 or $6.23 over proposed budget. I should be able to make this up over the rest of the month by being under a few dollars each week. I did have to get Pull-Ups this week which could have put me over the top :) Let's just see how the rest of the month adds up!

OCTOBER FOOD/HOUSEHOLD BUDGET
Week 1 $55, spent $61.23, $6.23 OVER
Week 2 $55
Week 3 $55
Week 4 $55
Total for October $220

My KMart Super Double Deals

My total before coupons was around $108 (I didn't see the exact change.)

I used a $5/$50 coupon first.

Then used a TON of other coupons. The Special K ended up being .50/box. Ziplocs were $1.00/box. The candy bars were FREE. The Hormel entrées were .50/each. The Crystal Light was .75/each. The Pert shampoo was .25. The break and bakes were .99.

My total after coupons was $36.09.

I saved around $70 or 70%!!!

Five Fab Finds on Fridays

Sorry that this is a day late. I have been busy with blogging for Megan at Daily Essentials and Deals. Watch for my gust posts next week!

5. The Works Fall Harvest Festival - Saturday 5-8 (free for members, $2 for non-members, children 2 and under free!)
4. New coupons on coupons.com and a full cup (its a new month, people)
3. Programmable crockpots, need I say more?
2. ELF Cosmetics: Promo now for $2 shipping, Free Vogue subscription w/$25 order (Christmas gift possibility)
1. Devine Farms - local, fun, frugal family time. Welcome Fall!

Don't Forget! You Could Win!

I haven't seen any comments from you about this week's challenge. I guess I'll have to keep the treat for myself. As of this morning, I have 3 garbage bags for Goodwill, but have another box to go through this afternoon.

See Monday's post to be reminded of the challenge. Contest ends on Sunday.

Thanks and happy cleaning!