Halloween Restaurant Freebies!

Planning to catch a bite to eat while your out and about pre- or post- trick or treating? Check out these Halloween day deals (click on the restaurant name for a link to the deal):

• TGI Fridays: kids eat free if they show up in costume
• Chili's: snag a free kid's meal with this coupon
• Chipotle: If your costume happens to be a processed food item you can get a burrito for $2
• Boston Market: free kids meal with this coupon
• Applebees: free kids meal for kids in costumes with purchase of adult entree (call your local store first, appears to be regional)

Free Whole Living Subscription

Rewards Gold has a new magazine subscription up for grabs! Sign up here to get a one-year subscription to While Living Magazine. I love Whole Living magazine (but hate the price tag) so I am super excited about this freebie. It is a really wonderful read.

For those of you who are skeptical, you just fill out a short review for Rewards Gold to earn your magazine. They never ask for your credit card info and in all the years I've used them I have never received a bill (and I've received a LOT of magazines through them!).

Enjoy!!

Free Shipping Day!

For those of you doing your Christmas shopping online, you should know about Free Shipping Day. Hundreds retailers, including most of your favorite big names, are participating. Retailers are offering free shipping on December 17 with delivery by Christmas Eve.

Check it out at www.freeshippday.com

Betty Crocker Calendar

Calling cooking lovers, get a FREE Betty Crocker Calendar when you sign up as a Betty Crocker Member. Says that calendars will ship in 6-8 works, but hurry because there are only limited quantities available!

Also, when you sign up you will get their newsletter and extra Betty Crocker coupons.

7 Rules for Sale Shopping

I am always scouring the sale racks at my favorite stores for good deals and more often than not I find something that made the trip worth it. I remember I was always a deal hunter. When I was a freshman in high school I went shopping at the local mall with my mom. We went into Deb, one of my go to shops when I was a teenager, and I wandered over to the shoe racks. Deb always had amazing sales and that was where I got most of my shoes (I'm pretty sure I never paid more than $10 for a pair). That particular day they were doing a promotion where you got an addition 25% off all clearance items. As I rummaged through the shelves looking to see if there was anything good, I found the simple, white, thick-soled sneakers that my mom always wore. I looked at the price and took them over to her and asked her if she wanted them. She asked me how much they were. I told her 75 cents and she didn't believe me. I then proceeded to show her that the shoes had been marked down to only $1 and with the additional 25% off they were only 75 cents. That day we walked out of Deb with 2 pairs of sneakers for only $1.50.

Situations like this are the epitome of my shopping experience. I refuse to sacrifice quality, workmanship or style in lieu of better priced items, but I learned how to shop the items I wanted with a budget I could afford. Sale shopping has become a lifestyle for me. It allows me to get the clothes and fashions I want without breaking the bank or racking up credit card debt. But it's not always easy. Here are some simple rules to follow if you're looking to score great deals.

1. Know the stores: You should know the stores you are hoping to score deals from. Have an idea of when they put things on sale. Are they a store that always has a stocked sale rack or do they only have special sales? Are there times when their clearance is marked down an additional percent or is it always the same? For example Old Navy knocks a percentage varying from 30%-50% off their clearance items on a regular basis. Banana Republic also had 25% off their clearance last weekend. Department stores like Sears and JC Penny also do this too.

2. Approach it With an Open Mind: You have to approach major sale shopping with an open mind. You will not always find what you're looking for at a price you're willing to pay. BUT you may also find an amazing deal on something that you know you will need in the future. I remember one year I was school clothes shopping and for the life of me I could not find a basic white button down shirt that I need, but I did find a beautiful formal gown on super clearance for only $3!!!

3. Don't Buy Things You Don't Want or Don't Need: I know, it's hard. Sales can be alluring and when something is an awesome deal it's almost two hard to pass up. However, no matter how low the price, nothing is truly a good deal if you don't need or won't use the item. Before you buy something on sale ask yourself: Will I wear it? Will I use it? Does it work with other items in my closet?

4. Use Sales as an Opportunity to Try Out New Styles: Sale shopping can be a great way to try out new styles. If you are the type of person who is pants only, try scoring a couple skirts of the clearance rack for New York and Company (they tend to drop down to less than $8 when the season changes over, I've gotten them there for as little as $4.99). I know that I was very hesitant when the decorative scarf trend started and I didn't think it was for me. I then was at the mall one day and found a clearance bin of scarves for only $1.99, I got a couple in colors that would complement my closet to try out. I ended up loving them and now I almost always have one on.

5. Shop Off Season: If you have the money and the closet space to store some clothes until you're ready to wear them, try to shop off season. Get your summer clothes in the fall and your winter clothes in the spring. This is when you will find the best deals as stores try to clear out their old inventory for the new season's arrivals. This is an especially great time to score wardrobe staples: solid color camis, scarves, jeans, etc. Also, be on the lookout for sunglasses in the winter. I cannot tell you how many nice pairs I've scored for under $10 shopping them in the winter (even though you wear them all year).

6. Be Patient!: This is one that I cannot stress enough. If you can wait to buy an item, be patient. It will likely go on sale and you probably won't have to wait until the end of the season. Stores are always promoting their latest trends. Express, for example, tends to mark down their dresses about 30% midway through the season. Most store will have sales at some point, so if there is something you are really eyeing that is new on the racks, try to hold out for it to go on sale and be sure to check the stores website and circulars. Also, be sure to check the circulars for discount coupons. Macys and JC Penny periodically provide one day shopping passes where you can get a certain percent off your entire order.

7. Shop Online: In addition to shopping your favorite stores, be sure to check their shops online. A lot of times you will be able to find items that were previously in the stores at very low prices and in many circumstances you can find free shipping. Be careful though, sometimes sale shopping online carries with it the final sale policy that most stores have in their brick and mortar equivalents making it somewhat risky to buy something you can't try on. However, for stores you are familiar with and know your size well, go for it! Be sure to check out websites like Rue La La too for find low prices on many designer items. Also, don't forget to check out auction websites like Ebay and Bidz to find great deals on jewelry and accessories. On Ebay, you can usually find items under the Buy it Now feature for great prices without the hassle of bidding and many sellers offer free shipping in the U.S.

November P&G Brandsaver Review

Be sure to pick up this Sunday's paper to get the P&G Brandsaver. If you live in NW DC you can get it early in the Northwest Current. This month's has over $118 in savings, including some great high value coupons!

Here's what you can expect (my copy was from the Northwest Current):

• $2/1 Tide Stain Release Product
• $1/2 Charmin
• $1/2 Charmin Sensitive
• $1/2 Bounty 6 roll count or larger
• $1/1 Bounce Dryer Bar Product
• $1/2 Duracall Ultra Advanced Batteries 10 pack or larger
• $5/1 Duracell Instant Charger
• $10/1 Duracell MyGrid Starter Kit
• $2/1 Febreeze Home Collections Diffuser
• $1/2 Pringles Multigrain
• $5/1 Align
• $1/1 Any Tampax Pearl or Compak Pearl 18 ct. or more
• $2/2 Head & Shoulders Shampoos and Conditioners (excludes trial sizes)
• $1/1 Olay Bar, Body Wash, In Shower Body Lotion or Hand & Body Lotion
• Buy 1 Venus Cartridge and Get 1 Secret Clinical Free
• Buy 1 Secret Product and Get $5/1 Olay Body Bar, Body Wash, In Shower Body Lotion or Hand & Body Lotion
• $1/1 Covergirl Product
• $2/1 Clairol Family
• Buy 1 Olay Total Effects, Definity, Regenerist, Pro-X Facial Moisturizer and Get 1 Olay Ribbons Body Wash FREE
• $10/1 Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips
• $5/1 Crest 3D White Vivid, Advanced Vivid 14 ct, Stain Shield, or Gentle Routine Whitestrips (excludes 2 ct. trial size)
• $1/1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz. or more, or liquid gel (excludes Crest Cavity Protection, Baking Soda, Tartar Protection)
• $1/1 Oral-B 3D White Pulsar or Vivid Manual Toothbrush
• $1.50/1 Vicks Nyquil
• $1/1 Any Vicks Product
• $1.50/1 Vicks Dayquil
• $3/1 Prilosec OTC (any size)
• $1/1 Glide Flosee 35 m or more or Glide Floss Picks 30 ct. or higher
• $1/2 Crest Toothpastes 4 oz. or more, or liquid gels
• $1/1 Oral-B Stages or Zooth Power Toothbrush
• $3/1 Oral-B Battery Toothbrush
• $1/1-2 any ONE Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage, or any TWO Indicator or Cavity Defense Toothbrushes
• Buy 1 Crest Rinse (946 ml or larger) and Get 1 Crest Rinse Product (500 ml or smaller) FREE
• $2/1 Gillette Deodorant
• Buy any 2 Secret Deodorants (excludes Secret Original) and Get 1 Old Spice Body Spray FREE
• $1/2 Pantene Products (excludes trial size)
• $1/1 Olay Facial Cleanser or Facial Moisturizer
• $1/1 Febreze Fabric Refresher
• $1/1 Febreze Air Effects
• $1/1 Febreze Noticeables Starter Kit or Warmer
• $1/1 Febreze Noticeables Refill
• $2/1 Febreze Candle
• $1/1 Febreze Set & Refresh
• Buy any 1 Febreze Flameless Luminary Starter Kit and Get 1 Febreze Flameless Luminary Refill FREE
• $2/1 Febreze Home Collections Candle
• $0.75/1 Glad Trash Bag product, including Glad Odorshield bags with Febreze Freshness
• $1/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants
• $1/1 Pampers Wipes 180 ct. or larger
• $1/1-3 Off any 3 Puffs Singles or 3 Pack
• $1/2 Dawn Hand Renewals
• $1/1 Tide Detergent
• $1/1 Downy Liquid Fabric Softener or Sheets
• $1/3 Pringles Cans (180g or larger)
• $1/2 Pringles Snack Stacks or Stix
• $1/2 Pringles Fat Free (165g or larger0

Rite Aids Deals

Scored some great deals from Rite Aid this morning as we are stocking up for winter:

• Rite Aid Hydrocortisone Cream = $1.04
• On sale for 4.49
• Rite Aid Coupon for $3/1 (get this by signing up for your wellness card online, you'll get a pdf document with $50 in coupons for Rite Aid brand products)
• Phillips Wild Cherry Milk of Magnesia = $1.29
• Original Price $6.29
• - $3/1 Coupon from Rite Aid Circular 10/24
• - $2/1 Any Phillips Product MFQ from 10/24 Red Plum
• Rite Aid Antibiotic Cream = $3.29
• On sale for $6.29
• - $3/1 Rite Aid Q from Wellness Card
• Bayer Aspirin 50 ct = $1.49
• Original price $5.49
• - $3/1 Rite Aid Q from 10/24 Circular
• - $1/1 Bayer MFQ from 10/24 Red Plum
• Lady Speed Stick Deodorant = $1.25
• On sale for $2.99
• - $1/1 Rite Aid Q from 10/24 Circular
• - $0.75/1 MFQ from Lady Speedstick Website
• Rite Aid Whitening Rinse Mouthwash = $1.50
• On sale for 2 for $5
• - $1/1 Rite Aid Q from Wellness Card Registration

Free Neti Pot!

If you have ever had really bad sinus problems or severe congestion you probably already know what a neti pot is, but for those of you that don't a neti pot is a way to rinse out your sinuses. It basically looks like (and well kind of is) a teapot for your nose. Right now NeilMed is giving them away for FREE if you like them on Facebook.  You just have to fill out a short questionnaire (doesn't take more than a minute or two).

Thanks Cyn's Coupons 4 U for posting this awesome find!

A Couple Superfresh Coupon Matchups

A Couple Good Superfresh Coupon Matchups Good Through 11/4:

• Idahoan Potatoes = FREE
• On sale for $0.99
• Get $1/1 Coupon when you "like" Idahoan  on Facebook
• Air Wick Scented Oil Twin Refill Pack = $2.49
• On sale for $3.49
• - $1/1 MFQ from 10/24 SS
• Air Wick Warmer Unit = FREE
• MFQ for Free Warmer Unit when you buy your favorite Air Wick Scented Oil Refill Fragrance from 10/24 SS
• Colgate Total Toothpast = $1.74
• On sale for $2.49
• - $0.75/1 MFQ from Colgate's Website

Awesome Deal on ESPN Magazine

If you know someone who loves sports, but hates the price tag of sport magazines this is an awesome deal. Right now at Tanga you can get a 26 issue subscription to ESPN Magazine for only $2.99!!! Use promo code SPORTS at checkout. This is over $100 savings off the cover price. This would also make a great holiday gift. I know my hubby is pretty excited about this deal.

Note: not entirely sure how long this deal is good for so act fast!

Second Note: In the confirmation email it says it can take up to 12-14 weeks for your first issue to arrive, so expect there to be a bit of a delay. Honestly though the savings is totally worth it!

Free Sample of Axe Deodorant for Your Man

Get a free sample of Axe Deodorant from Sam's Club here. You do not have to be a Sam's Club member to request this, just skip the membership number box!

Free Dove Deodorant Sample

I love Dove deodorant. This is one especially is my daily go to. You can get a free sample of it through Costco here. You do NOT need to be a Costco member to request this freebie. The membership number field is not required so just skip it and your on your way to the free sample!

Target Trip 10/26

Went to Target today and scored some awesome deals for around $29 total!

Got the following:

• Up Fresh Cleaning Wipes = 1.24
• 2.24 - $1/1 Target Online Coupon
• Trident Layers Gum 3 pk = $2.99
• Had a coupon for $1/2 single packs, but single packs were priced at $1.42/ea so it worked out better per pack to get the 3 pk with no coupon
• Hershey's Carmel Hershey Kisses = 1.49
• 2.49 - $1/1 Target Online Coupon
• Baked Lays Potato Chips = 1.79
• On sale for 2.79 - $1/1 Target Online Coupon
• 2 Birds Eye Lightly Sauced Steamfresh Packages = 1.97
• 1.97/ea - BOGO MFQ
• Jimmy Dean Light Breakfast Sandwiches = 4.00
• On sale for 5.00 - $1/1 MFQ
• 2 Totino's Pizza Rolls = 2.94
• 1.69/ea -$0.40/2
• Market Pantry Cookie Dough Ice Cream = 1.99
• 2.99 - $1/1 Target Online Coupon
• Reach Dental Floss = FREE
• 0.97 - $1/1 MFQ
• Garnier Fructis 3 Minute Recovery Conditioner = 1.82
• On sale for 2.82 - $1/1 MFQ
• Advil Liquid Caps 20 ct = FREE
• Coupon from Advil promotion for free bottle
• 2 Packages of Ziploc Storage Bags = 43.08
• On sale for 2.33/ea - $1.25/2 MFQ
• Ziploc Storage Containers = 1.83
• On sale for 2.33 - $0.55/1 MFQ
• Cottonelle Flushable Wipes = FREE
• Coupon from Cottonelle Promo I posted earlier this month
• Tums 3 pk of rolls = 1.14
• 2.14 - $1/1 MFQ

I even surprised the cashier with how much I saved and she started asking me where I got all my coupons. I think I am starting to get the hang of this =)

Free Bag of Chips from Food Should Taste Good

The first 100,000 fans who "like" Food Should Taste Good on Facebook will receive a coupon in the mail for a free full-size bag of their chips! Check it out, there are already over 80,000 likes.

Pumpkin Patterns

On our way home today, the hubby and I picked up our pumpkins to carve for Halloween this weekend. I never know what to carve and wanted to be (somewhat) creative this year. Pumpkin Glow has lots and lots of free pumpkin carving patterns that you can download in pdf format and print out. They have patterns for everything, traditional and not. Something that's also really cool about this website is that it offers patterns that can be carved on Watermelon rind for the rest of the year! I'm thinking that maybe I'll try the wizard this year.

Free Pack of Extra Dessert Delights Gum

Go to the Extra Gum Facebook Page and like them, then there will be a button to click that says "check for samples." Fill out the form that pops up, pick your flavor, and you gum will be on its way!

Get Slipper from Cloud 9

Cloud Nine Spa is giving away free sample pairs of their handmade white spa slippers. You can request your pair by signing up here. It says that they should ship within a week. I am really excited about this one so I will be sure to update when they arrive!

Free Travel Mug from Au Bon Pain

Get a free travel mug from Au Bon Pain when you sign up as part of their e-club. After you sign up you will receive a confirmation email with a coupon for your free mug that you can redeem at your local Au Bon Pain location. To make this even better, you'll get a discount on coffee on future visits when you use your Au Bon Pain Mug!

Avoid Spam!

If you're a freebie hunter and coupon-er like me I'm sure you HATE getting spam emails and unwanted phone calls.

To cut down in this be sure to create a separate email address that you use for offers, giveaways, etc. You can get one free through Gmail (plus Gmail is awesome at sorting out spam emails from legitimate ones -- although it does make mistakes now and then so be sure to check your spam box if you don't see something you were expecting).

Also, many offers require you to provide your phone number. Most offers from legitimate companies do not sell your information and use it for demographic purposes, but every once in a while you end up getting annoying calls from unknown you would rather do without. To cut those down be sure to sign up for the Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov . Once you register, you can file complaints against telemarketers who call after 31 days of your being listed. (Note: be careful though that your filing complaints against unwanted third party telemarketers and not against the company whose offer you signed up for with your phone number).

Try Breathe Right Strips

Get a free sample of Breathe Right Strips by requesting it here. (Especially good if your husband is snoring a lot because of allergies with the change of the seasons).

Free T-Shirts!

Ever wonder what happens when printers make minor errors on promotional tshirts? You can get them for free that's what!

From their website http://petrix.com/shirt/:

"T-Shirt Outlet provides a distribution channel for promotional t-shirts with printing imperfections. All garments are quality-inspected before printing; they have no fabric/construction defects. The printed message has a slightly different-than-specified color shade, size, location, etc. While these items are still usable for promotional purposes, the client prefers not to distribute them directly to its customers since they are not exactly as specified. Companies (software, beverages, etc) who intended to distribute these items agree to pay only the manufacturing costs in exchange for the manufacturer arranging for distribution through alternative channels like T-Shirt Outlet."

Check it out here!

Entertainment Book Savings

One of my biggest saving methods is the Entertainment Book that comes out each year. If you don't know what an Entertainment Book is, it's basically a giant book of coupons for everything from restaurants to retail stores to flower and gift delivery services and everything in between. It costs about $20-35 each year depending on when you buy and where (and whether or not you have a coupon -- one was in the sale papers of last weekends Washington Post for $5 off), but this book pays for itself in just a few uses. It is wonderful to have all those great deals right at your fingertips. My favorite coupons are all of the buy one get one free dinners at local restaurants. It lets us be able to eat out at places we would never be afford to go to otherwise! You also get access to many more coupons online with things like 10% off your target online order, Best Buy outlet access, and discounts on your favorite team apparel. The books are also tailored to your geographic area, so you'll get coupons to places local to you that you wouldn't normally find elsewhere.

Check out the Entertainment Book website here.