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Home > Blogs > Here's the Deal: Bargains in Hamilton and Middletown > Archives > 2009 > December

December 2009

Quick ways to trade in your old electronics for cash

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 31, 2009, 02:10 PM

Your old electronics have a present for you.

If you got new electronics this year for the holiday and you weren’t quite sure what to do with the old ones, there are a couple of no-fuss options available that pay off.

Walmart has started a new program where they will send you a Walmart Prepaid Visa gift card if you give them your old electronics. How much you get is determined by the category and condition of the device. The retailer is also offering free shipping when you send in the items.

Categories include: Cell Phones and PDAs, Camera and Photo, Computers and Peripherals, Video Games, GPS Devices, MP3 and Audio Players and Movies and Media. Check it out yourself here.

I did a couple tests on the site and it looks like they will only take certain items if they are in working order. A short survey tells you if the item qualifies.

Another Web site offering similar services is Nextworth.com. Shipping is also free and this site also accepts video games. Payouts are similar to Walmart, however after plugging some new games in to see their value, trading them in for credit at a place like GameStop might get you more.

At Nextworth, you can choose an Amazon.com or Target gift card, to have the funds transferred via PayPal or to receive a check in the mail.

If you’re not the type who is savvy with online classified sales or auction sites, this may be the way to go.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings tips

Free TIGI lip palette, dog treats, pet exam, granola bar and more

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 31, 2009, 10:37 AM

There is not a lot of freebies being posted right now, but here are some items I am finding that are up for grabs.

Click here for a free sweetener sample from Sweet Leaf.

If you can get the site to load, there is a free lip palette up for grabs from TIGI. People are reporting a 4 hour wait to get the site to load, but this freebie has a value of $60 so good luck if you manage to get it! Also, a sample of Dream Drops is available. Click on the offers tab on the right sidebar and pick your freebies.

Another freebie for Fido, this one is dog treats from Natural Nibbles.

If you or someone you know is expecting, click here for a free pregnancy journal. It looks pretty cute. At the end of the form after you submit it, you will also get an offer to print free address labels. If you have some for your printer (you can get Avery $1 packs at Dollar Tree) these are pretty cute as well.

Click here for a free coupon for Yoplait YoPlus yogurt. If you have an account already with Betty Crocker, you will not qualify unless you have a different e-mail address. The coupon will be mailed.

Get a free subscription to Motor Trend magazine here.

Redwood Creek wine is offering free vintage posters here.

If your pet needs an exam, get a free one at your nearest Petsmart by using this coupon. Looks like the one at the Dayton Mall will take this coupon for sure.

Get a sample of Nicorette Gum from Costco here.

This would be a cute gift if it comes. I am not sure it will since there was some ad pop-ups after you submit, but click here if you want a free tiger plush toy.

Galaxy Granola is offering a free granola bar here.

Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Freebies

Ways to save on your New Year’s resolutions

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 31, 2009, 10:19 AM

This New Year, get more bang for your resolution buck.

The weak economy has had a ripple effect on several industries, making 2010 the year to start easily cutting costs on infamous New Year’s resolutions like losing weight, eating healthier, quitting smoking, going green or saving more money.

#1: Lose weight

Gym memberships can end up being a money pit if you don’t use them, but if your serious about losing weight, there are some serious deals to be had. According to a survey by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, 49 percent of gyms and fitness centers are reporting year-to-date decreases in membership dues.

The month of January tends to be the best time of year to sign-up for a membership, according to industry analysts, as most centers offer specials. To get the best deal, analysts suggest checking online message boards to see what rates people are reporting the quality of the gym. Also, check with employers and schools for any discounts. Visit some clubs, get their rates and compare. Armed with that data, negotiate with gyms to get the best price.

Local YMCAs are waiving the joiner’s fee ($125 for families, $75 for individuals) to draw in clients. Also, both the Atrium YMCA and Downtown Middletown YMCA will be running a citywide competition, Choose to Lose, to assist residents with their New Year’s weight loss goals, said Grace McIntosh, membership coordinator. From Jan. 10- March 20, residents can get the help they need with weigh-ins and health and wellness seminars. Each participant will receive a T-shirt. The person to lose the most weight at the end of the program will receive a two-month membership to the YMCA and $50 gift card to Walmart. Second-place receives a one-month membership and a $20 gift card. The cost of the program is $10 for YMCA members and $20 for nonmembers, McIntosh said.

“We are trying to make it a little easier and give a little incentive to start. It’s a great program,” she said.

Take a jog around the neighborhood.
Use 8-ounce soup cans instead of free weights to work out arm muscles.
Find a free fitness channel using your television provider
Do yard work a couple times a week to increase your heart rate. Your neighbors will benefit, too.

#2: Eat healthier

According a report by the U.S. Department of Labor, food costs have been rising an average of 5 percent per year. Low-calorie food options also have increased about 19.5 cents per year, according to a report by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

An easy way to eat healthy and keep grocery costs down is to focus on vegetables and fruits, said Robert Murray, a faculty member at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Buying frozen or canned food can save money. These items are often on sale at the local grocery and coupons can make them even cheaper. Find coupons in the Sunday newspaper, on Web sites and even on your cell phone. To find out how to get coupons, check out some of my other entries here.

#3: Quit smoking

Puffing on a cigarette can have negative effects on your health and your wallet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking costs more than $193 billion annually and second-hand smoke adds more than $10 billion in health care expenditures.

Free resources are available. Right now at Walmart, receive a free sample of Nicorette gum on their Web site. For free tips and counseling on how to quit, visit SmokeFree.gov.

#4: Financial strength

According to the U.S. Treasury, consumers today have a whopping $2.5 trillion of debt and the average household in 2009 carried nearly $5,100 in credit card debt alone.

Patrick Harris, spokesman of the Ohio Credit Union League, said a first step to building financial strength in 2010 can be taking control of credit card debt by paying the card with the highest interest rate first. Once paid off, keeping the account open will improve your credit score.

Also, create a budget to know where your money is going.

“Tracking your spending identifies unnecessary expenses such as excessive cell phone usage, eating out, movies, and other forms of entertainment. After tracking a month’s expenses, most people are shocked by where there money is going,” he said. For a free resource on tips for saving money and avoiding debt, visit www.moneyandstuff.info.

#5: Go green

Balancing a budget and going green really goes hand-in- hand. In fact, simple tricks like buying in bulk, using less paper towel and installing a programmable thermostat can save $762.30 a year according to Earth 911.

For more ways to save the environment and money, visit earth911.com.

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Get free items with coupons at area stores

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 03:51 PM

Check out the deals this week at some local stores thanks to Andrea Deckard at mommysnacks.net. Look below for the coupon match-ups and the items available for free or especially low-prices and click here to find out how to get them.

A tip I recommend in my Beginner’s Guide to Saving is about the importance of understanding sales cycles. This week is a perfect example of how this is important. Kroger is running the P&G Savings Promotion again. The same exact sale occurred last year at this time. Knowing sales cycles and promotions from manufacturers can help you buy products at the lowest price possible and keep more of your money where it belongs - in your wallet!

Money-Maker on Bayer Contour Glucose Meter after ECB with Printable Coupon!
Money-Maker Colgate Toothpaste
Check out the scenarios in my post to purchase $37 in products for just $2.20 out of pocket!

Pay $12.50 after coupons and RR for two packs of Pampers!
$.50 Chex Mix with Printable Coupon
$1.99 Gillette Fusion Razor after RR

$1.69 Grandessa Signature Hummus
$1.89 Happy Farms Deli Sliced Cheese
$.79 Rice and Sauce

$1.19 Jimmy Dean Sausage with Printable Coupon
$1.50 Healthy Choice Frozen Entrees
$.49 Healthy Choice Soups

$2.99 Freschetta Pizza with Printable coupon
$.88 Dannon Yogurt
Many great deals with the P&G Promotion: Buy $25 get $5 off Instantly! Use coupons to get that total even lower!

$1.54 Archer Farms Tortilla Chips with Printable coupon
FREE Tide (travel size)
FREE Green Giant Fresh Broccoli

$.48 Kikkoman Soy Sauce with Printable coupon
$1.88 Florida Natural Orange Juice
$1.98 Del Monte Orchard Select Jarred Fruits

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Deckard Deals

Save on P&G products this week at Kroger

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 28, 2009, 08:04 PM

Kroger is having another Procter & Gamble sale this week. Buy $25 in participating items and save $5 instantly. This is a great way to stock up on P&G products as well as use up those e-saver coupons that will expire Dec. 31. Check out the coupon match-ups below.

$1.50 Cantaloupe

$1 Avocados

$1.89/pound Tyson chicken breast

$1 Kroger sauerkraut

$2.75 Coca-Cola, Pepsi or 7-Up when you buy 4

$4.39 Bob Evans Sausage buy one get one free

25 cents in the 11/15 SS
35 centshere and here and here
Price: $1.84 - $1.95

$4.29 Hillshire Farm Lil’ smokies or weiners buy one get one free

55 cents printable here (IE) or Printable (FF)
Price: $1.15 - $1.65

$3.99 Freschetta Pizza

75 cents in the 11/1 SS Insert
$1 in the 11/15 SS
$1 printable here
Price: $2.99

$1.78 Lean Cuisine

$1 on 3 in the 9/13 RP Insert (exp 12/31)
Price: $1.12

$1.99 Keebler Town House crackers or Nabisco snack crackers

$1 on 2 in the 12/13 SS
$1 on 2 in the 12/13 RP
Price: 99 cents

$2.49 Cheez-Its

$1 on 2 in the 12/13 RP
75 cents printable here
Price: $1.49

$1.49 French’s mustard

50 cents printable here
Price: 49 cents

$1.88 Dannon Yogurt

$1 in the 9/27, 10/4, 10/25, 11/1, 11/15, 12/6 SS
Price: 88 cents

$2.49 Land O Lakes Half & Half

$1 in the 11/8 SS
Price: $1.49

Here are the match-ups for the P&G sale. Buy $25 in participating P&G products, get $5 off Instantly at checkout before coupons. There are no limits on rewards.

$1.33 Pringles

$1 on 4 in the 11/15 RP
50 cents on 2 e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $1.08

$11 Tide laundry detergent

35 cents in the 11/27 P&G
$1 in the 12/27 P&G
$1 e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $10 - $10.30

$5 Bounce fabric softener dryer sheets

25 cents in the 12/27 P&G
50 cents e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $4.50

$5 Downy liquid fabric softener

50 cents in the 12/27 P&G
50 cents e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $4

$7 Bounty paper powels

25 cents in the 11/27 P&G
25 cents in the 12/27 P&G
$1 e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $6.50

$11 Charmin toilet paper

25 cents in the 11/27 and 12/27 P&G
$1 e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $10.50

$4 Swiffer refills, furniture polish or duster kit

50 cents e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $3.50

$2 Dawn dish detergent

25 cents in the 11/27 and 12/27 P&G
50 cents e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $1.50

$6 Head & Shoulders shampoo or conditioner

$2 on 2 in the 12/27 P&G
Price: $5

$2.77 Herbal Essences

50 cents in the 11/27 P&G
$1 in the 12/27 P&G
Price: $1.77

$2.50 Crest toothpaste

75 cents in the 11/27 P&G
75 cents e-coupon at P&G Esaver
Price: $1.50

$3 Ivory, Safeguard or Zest soap

$1 in the 12/27 P&G
Price: $2

$19.50 Pampers

$1.50 in the 11/27 P&G
$2 in the 12/27 P&G
Price: $17.50 - $18

CoverGirl Cosmetics 25 percent off

$1 in the 11/29 P&G
$2 in the 12/27 P&G
- 50 cents in the 11/22 SS
- $1 in the 12/13 RP
- $1 e-coupon at P&G Esaver
- Price: $2
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Use $5 magazine subscriptions as last-minute gifts

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 24, 2009, 05:30 AM

Amazon.com has some more $5 magazine subscriptions, and these would make a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer. Or maybe just enjoy them yourself.
- Health
- Sunset
- Southern Living
- This Old House
- InStyle
- Coastal Living
- Golf
- Essence
Get them all here.

*Update: This was a holiday promotion, readers, and it looks like it is over. Hope you signed up while it was available!

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Having a pistachio bug situation

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, December 23, 2009, 12:17 PM

This is more of a call to readers than anything. Curiosity has gotten the best of me and I am putting your knowledge and experience to the test.

During the holidays, I am fond of cracking open some pistachios for snacking. I have been wary of the little green nuts for some time as I had a bad experience where I bought a jug of them from a large bulk grocer and found several nuts with dead bugs in them. Yes, it appeared the little insects had nested in there or laid eggs and then died inside the shell. It was not a very appetizing experience and turned me off to pistachios for some time.

But while shopping at a different grocery this week I came across bags of pistachios, different brand, and thought how much I enjoyed them and bought a bag. I figured the bug situation was maybe an issue with the brand I purchased before. This was a higher quality brand, so no bugs, right? Wrong. While cracking open some nuts today there inside was another dead bug.

Now, there has been a lot of hype about how these “skinny nuts” are healthy and a good snack, but I much prefer not getting an extra serving of fiber with my snack in the form of insects.

So I am asking readers, have you had this buggy situation with pistachios? I wonder if this is a common problem with all brands, bad luck or an unrealized issue. Please share your nut and bug advice!

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Get a free sample pack from Aveda

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, December 23, 2009, 09:36 AM

I love trying new hair products. There is nothing like that pampered feeling you get in the shower using a new salon shampoo.

Right now at Aveda if you click here you can get a coupon for a free three piece sample pack of their Smooth Infusion shampoo, conditioner and styler. You have to take it to an Aveda salon to redeem.

Hurry, this coupon is only available until Dec. 31. This would make a nice stocking stuffer!

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New P&G coupons will donate to the Special Olympics, too

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, December 23, 2009, 08:42 AM

The P&G brandSAVER coupon booklet in this Sunday’s newspaper, Dec. 27, will offer a unique opportunity to donate to a good cause while saving money at the store.

According to an e-mail from Procter & Gamble, for every coupon you redeem from that booklet, 3 cents will be donated to the Special Olympics.

Through these type of programs, P&G says it has donated more than $37 million in support of the Special Olympics.

For more information on this savings campaign, click here.

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Find out how to get your free breakfast sandwich

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 03:52 PM

Here’s a decent food freebie up for grabs. Right now if you click here you can get a free printable coupon for a sausage biscuit at Waffle House.

Waffle House is open 24 hours a day and will be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day, so get it now or later when you may be out and about and in need of some food. The coupon is good through Jan. 8 and there does not appear to be a limit on the number of times you can print it.

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Get an iPod Touch for $175 plus a $15 gift card

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 03:44 PM

It’s time to scoop up those last minute gifts. I hope you don’t have too much shopping to do. Here is a deal I thought I would share with you.

Right now at Target, the Apple 8GB iPod Touch is on sale for $195 with buyers receiving a $15 Target gift card with purchase. This is a fairly good price (and if you see a better one somewhere, remember Target will price match) but a 10 percent coupon makes it even better!

If you click here you can get an exclusive 10 percent off coupon on the purchase of an iPod. This is a Target only coupon. Find the coupon by clicking on the electronics link on the left hand side where the coupon categories are.

After the coupon, that makes your new iPod Touch just $175.50 PLUS you get a $15 gift card. Snatch it up for yourself or get it for someone you love.

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IKEA recalls high chairs

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 10:51 AM

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with IKEA, today (Dec. 22) announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed:
- Units: About 600
- Distributor: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa.
- Hazard: The snap locks used to secure the seat to the frame can break and allow the seat and child to drop through the frame, posing a fall hazard to young children. Detached snap locks can pose a choking hazard to young children.
- Incidents/Injuries: IKEA has received 11 reports worldwide of failing snap locks, including one report of a child falling through the frame and suffering bruised legs. In addition, the firm has one report of a child mouthing a detached snap lock. No incidents have been reported in the United States.
- Description: This recall involves all colors of the LEOPARD highchairs sold as a seat and a frame individually. The seat and tray has an adhesive label affixed to the underside with the words LEOPARD and “Made in Italy,” an eight-digit article number and a five-digit supplier number (19589).
- Sold exclusively at: IKEA stores nationwide from October 2009 through November 2009 for about $60. The frame sold for $40 and the seat for $20.
- Manufactured in: Italy
- Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the highchairs and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund.
- Contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ikea-usa.com
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Get last minute holiday meal deals

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 21, 2009, 09:41 AM

There are some last minute grocery deals to be had. Check out the comprehensive list compiled by Mommysnacks.net blogger Andrea Deckard. Get the scoop below and all the links you need here:

Just a few more days to get all the final items for Christmas dinner. There are many items to cover the dinner on sale this week. Both Meijer and Kroger have ham on sale for $1.49 a pound. There are a few good deals on candy to help finish filling the stockings too!
- Money-Maker on Nivea after ECB with Printable Coupon!
- Money-Maker on Listerine
- Money-Maker on Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
- $1.49 Colgate Total Enamel after RR!
- $1.25 Poppycock
- $.34 Campbell’s Tomato Soup
- $.89 Stuffing Mix
- $.99 Sweet Potatoes (3 Lb)
- $1.49 Pineapple
- $1 King’s Hawaiian Rolls with Printable Coupon
- FREE Jell-O
- $.49 Land O Lakes Butter
- $1 Nestle Bagged Candy with Printable coupon
- FREE Dole Canned Fruit
- $3.99 Quilted Northern Toilet Tissue (12 Rolls)
- FREE Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa with Printable coupon
- FREE Rolaids
- $1.49 Hershey Kisses
- $.70 Lunchables with Printable coupon
- $1.50 Wonka Candy Canes
- $.42 Blistex
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It’s super sale time at IKEA

By Jessica Heffner | Friday, December 18, 2009, 02:49 PM

Beginning today, Dec. 18 through Jan. 10, IKEA is launching a special super sale where they will offer 20 percent to 60 percent off of special items throughout the store. Since IKEA rarely runs sales, this is a great opportunity to pick up items on the cheap.

There are also several one day only specials. On Dec. 26 they are offering IDBYN champagne flute glass for 25 cents each, down from 99 cents. This is a great time to stock up for New Year’s Eve celebrations and the like! That is a great price!

Some other good one day deals is the POANG chair and cushion for $49, down from $89 on Dec. 27. Check out all the daily deals and find out more about the sale here. Some of the items have limits, like one per person, so check it out before you head to the store.

Also, IKEA is offering a free breakfast to customers who come to the store before 11 a.m. Ikea from December 27 - January 3. Yum!

Just a side note, the last time I went to IKEA they had a time of Last Chance items, meaning products they are liquidating and will not be selling anymore. Seems IKEA will be rolling out some new products soon. Look for the yellow signs in stores for the clearance products. Also, the retailer is phasing out its EKTORP sofa cover in red, it is $100 off plus if you buy a new EKTORP sofa, they will give you the red cover AND a white cover free. This adds up to a savings of $150, so not too shabby. I am not sure if the free white cover applies to other sofa purchases if you don’t get the red cover, but it is something to consider.

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More free food for Fido

By Jessica Heffner | Friday, December 18, 2009, 02:32 PM

I blogged earlier about freebies for your dog and I wanted to add these to the list.

Click here for a free sample of Whites Premium Dog Food. It’s all natural.

Request a sample of Life’s Abundance pet food here.

Readers, if you ever see any other great freebies please comment here and share with others.

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The end of P&G eSaver coupons as a new savings option emerges

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 12:52 PM

I was put yesterday and found a sad e-mail in my inbox this morning. Procter & Gamble will be ending its e-coupon program effective. Dec. 31. This means no more P&G coupons that can be loaded directly onto your shopper’s card at Kroger.

The company did not indicate why it is ending the program, although my guess would be it has something to do with double-dipping, where people were using a paper coupon and an e-coupon on one transaction, which is not allowed. Whatever the reason, this just means there is one less way to save. Too bad.

So if you want to buy any P&G products with your e-coupons, get them now!

There is a new option emerging for e-coupons. Kroger has launched its own digital coupons site. Sign-in or register your Kroger Plus card and load coupons directly to it. If you want to learn more about electronic, or e-coupons, read a blog I wrote about it earlier this year here.

Kroger launched a similar program in June to raise money for food pantries but has apparently continued it. There are a lot of good ones on this new Kroger site so check it out and start saving!

The interesting thing about this Kroger site is that I can view the coupons I loaded from P&G on there, too, so maybe they will be partnering on this site? I am not sure, all I know is I have tons of great coupons to use!

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Tons of dog-gone freebies for Fido and more

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 11:47 AM

Here’s some of the latest freebies up for grabs. There are a lot of freebies for your dog right now!

Click here for a coupon for buy one get one free Special K cereal. There are often sales on Special K so this could be a good way to get two boxes of cereal.

Get a sample of mocha-flavored or hazelnut-flavored Splenda for your coffee here. You can also choose two packet samples, but you can only order one sample at a time so choose which one you want wisely!

Click here for free baby items and magazine subscriptions from Babies Online.

Treat your doggie with these free dog treats from Hill Science here. There is an ad that pops up after a few seconds with a link to the sample.

Here’s another freebie for Fido. Click here to sign up for the newsletter and free dog treats from Halo. Sign-up is in the top right corner of the Web page. I think you get a printable coupon sent to your e-mail for this.

It’s your dog’s lucky day with ANOTHER free sample, this time for Bubbles ‘N Beads shampoo. Click here for your sample. Make sure you check the box at the end of the form.

Get a free ring sizer here.

Submit this form for a free copy of the new book, In God We Still Trust, here.

Get a free EAS Myoplex nutrition bar here. Click in the top right hand corner for the sample.

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Get the iPod Touch for $170

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 14, 2009, 02:16 PM

If you have an iPod Touch on an Christmas list this year, this may be a deal you want to check out.

Right now at Best Buy, you can get a $30 gift card with any iPod Touch purchase. The retailer has 8 GB version listed for $199. With shipping just 99 cents, that makes this iPod just $170 after the savings. Get the scoop here.

If you see any other great deals on the iPod Touch, please post a comment below.

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Get Disney G-Force on DVD for less than $10

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 14, 2009, 02:10 PM

I found this printable coupon online for anyone interested in purchasing the new Disney G-Force DVD movie. With the coupon, you can get this movie at most retailers for $9.96 or less.

The coupon may work differently for different browsers, so I am including two links in case you have issues. To get your $10 off coupon, click here or here.

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Kroger savings this week

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 14, 2009, 01:00 PM

Kroger is advertising there are savings in every aisle this week. Well, that is especially true when you add the coupons (have you been using your coupons?!). Here are the savings with coupon match ups this week at Kroger.

99/pound Organic Red or Golden Delicious Apples

$1.68 jumbo russet potatoes 8-pound bag

$1.49/pound Cumberland Gap Boneless Ham

$1.50 Kroger 4-count butter sticks
- 55 cents in the 11/15 RP
- 50 cents printable here
- Price: $1.50
- 55 cents in the 11/15 RP
- 50 cents printable here
- Price: free
- 25 cents in the 11/15 SS
- 35 cents printable here, here and here AND here
- Price: $1.80
- 35 cents in the 10/11 SS and 11/8 SS
- 50 cents printable here
- Price: $2 - $2.30
- 75 cents on 2 in the 11/15 GM and 12/13 GM
- 75 cents on 2 printable here, here and here
- Price: $2
- 35 cents in the 11/15 SS)
- Price: 30 cents
- $1 on 2 OR 50 cents on Steamers here, here and here
- 50 cents e-coupon here
- Price: Free - 50 cents
- $1 in the 9/27 RP
- Price: $1.50
- $1 in the 10/11 SS and 11/1 SS
- 50 cents on 2 printable here
- Price: 99 cents - $1.50
- $1 on 2 Kellogg’s in the 12/13 RP or
- $1 on 2 printables here, here and here
- Price: $1.69
- 75 cents on 3 printable here
- Price: 67 cents
- $1 on 3 printable here
- Price: 67 cents
- 25 cents on 4 in the 11/8 SS
- $1 on 4 printable here
- Price: 50 cents- 60 cents
- $1 in the 11/8 SS
- $1 on 2 in the 12/13 SS
- $1 on 2 printable here
- Price: 99 cents - $1.50
- $1 printable here
- Price: 99 cents
- $1 in the 11/1 SS
- $1 printable here
- Price: $1
- 40 cents on 2 printable here, here and here
- 55 cents on 2 in the 9/13 GM
- 30 cents on 2 in the 11/22 SS
- $1 on 2 e-coupon here
- Price: $1.17 - $1.37
- 75 cents on 2 printable here
- Price: 50 cents
- $1.50 in the 11/15 SS
- $2 in the 11/15 SS
- $1 e-coupon here
- Price: $6.99
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Retailers offer free shipping on Thursday

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 14, 2009, 12:48 PM

If you still have Christmas shopping to do, don’t worry. You don’t even have to leave the house to get it done thanks to Free Shipping Day.

Thursday, Dec. 17, is Free Shipping Day. On that day, 601 online retailers will be offering free shipping with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve, according to the Free Shipping Day Web site. Sweet!

Some sites may have minimum order restrictions, though, so check before you place an order. To get a complete list (which is still growing) of participating retailers, click here.

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Schedule a free phone call from Santa

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 10, 2009, 11:29 AM

Maybe you don’t have time to bring the kiddies over to the mall to sit on Santa’s lap this year (or the money) but that doesn’t mean they can’t get a nice message from the big man in the red suit!

Kroger is scheduling free phone calls with Santa, Sammy the Snowman, or Tony Stewart and the Coca-Cola Racing Team. Simply sign-in with Kroger online here and enter the day and time you want to receive a call as well as the phone number. You can select a name from the list or no name, and it will be a more generic phone call.

The selection of names is not that great, there are some common names I couldn’t find for people I wanted to schedule calls for, but it’s a cute thing to do for your kids or other children you know. It’s basically a prerecorded message from Santa, so they won’t be able to ask what they want for Christmas but they will be reassured that St. Nick will be making a stop at their house.

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Save 50% at Yankee Candle with this coupon

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 10, 2009, 10:43 AM

I just love Yankee Candles and even though they can be pricey I think the amount of burnable time and the scent selection makes them worth it. I especially love it when there is a coupon I can get!

Well, if you click here you can get a printable coupon for $10 off a purchase of $20 or more. That’s a great deal! But hurry, this coupon is only good through Dec. 13. You can use this coupon with online purchases as well,

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Get free samples and coupons from P&G

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 10, 2009, 05:00 AM

There are always a ton of sales at Meijer and Kroger on Procter & Gamble products so I like to stock up on their coupons for just such an occasion.

There is a great P&G site that offers free samples and coupons for their products. There are several new freebie samples and coupons for fabric softener and pet food there as well. The site, P&G Everyday Solutions, is one you should bookmark!

You have to register to use the site. The coupons are sent in the mail. To check it out, click here.

It’s just another way to save!

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Use your cell phone to get freebies

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 12:01 PM

Freebies have gone mobile.

There is a new age of freebies I am trying out now via a Web site called ShopText. For those who are behind the times (like me) ShopText is a cell phone texting service that allows you to receive free samples and coupons via text messages. You can even make purchases directly from your phone if you enter in a credit card.

This is how it works: visit ShopText here and click on the top link where you can log in and click register. Put in your cell phone number, wait for the confirmation text to come in, type that into the Web site and create a password. It then loads up your name and address for confirmation. After that, you can enter in a credit card for shopping. Now, I do not plan to be making purchases via phone, so I just skipped the part where you put in your credit card.

That’s it! Now you are registered. Save the number that sent the confirmation code, 467467, into your phone and use this to text for any freebies. Remember that standard text messaging rates apply, so if you are a person who has a low limit of texting on your plan you may want to up it as in my experience it takes at least two text messages per freebie request.

The Web site does not tell you what freebies are up for grabs, you have to find them yourself. Thanks to Andrea over at Mommysnacks, she has rounded up a couple available now. I would use a web search to find these offers.
- Betty Crocker Recipe Booklet and Coupons: Text the word BETTY
- Always Infinity Pads: Text the word ALWAYS
- Holiday Recipe Booklet from Unilver: Text the word COOKING
- Folgers Gourmet Coffee Sample: Text the word COFFEE
- Nestle Morsels: Text the word NESTLE
- 7-Up 2-Liter or Canada Dryer 2-Liter: Text the word FREE7UP
Now, those last three are for Food Lion, but the texts said they would mail them so we will have to see if these are samples or coupons. If it is coupons, hopefully they are manufacturer coupons and therefore can be used at any store. All the other codes I found online are expired so these appear to be the only ones still up for grabs so get them while you can!

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Get $5 magazine subscriptions at Amazon.com

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 11:17 AM

This is a great offer for an inexpensive stocking stuffer or just a nice deal for a new magazine subscription for yourself.

If you go here to Amazon.com between now and Dec. 12, you can get several magazine subscriptions or renewals for just $5. I signed up for one for a family member.
- Cosmopolitan
- Country Living
- Esquire
- Good Housekeeping
- Harper’s Bazaar
- House Beautiful
- Popular Mechanics
- RedBook
- Smart Money
- Seventeen
- Town & Country
- Veranda
Make a certificate and stick it in a stocking or just enjoy some good reads later this year. It should take 4-6 weeks to receive the first magazine.

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Get free dog food, cleaner, Splenda samples and more

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 10:48 AM

Here’s a couple more freebies available now.

Click here for a free sample of Gas-X Thin Strips.

Get a free 2-oz. sample of Mean Green cleaner-degreaser here. Click that you want a free sample in the left side bar.

I can never get enough free samples of dog food for my pup! Grab this free sample of Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Dog Food here. You can choose from a $3.50 off coupon for a 6-lb. bag or to get the free sample, which will come in 4-6 weeks.

Get a free sample of Splenda sweetener here.

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Get 60 gifts under $6

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 7, 2009, 03:56 PM

Right now at Old Navy, they are running a special on 60 gifts under $6 each. Items include shirts, scarves, gloves, flip flops and more. Get the scoop here.

This could be a good opportunity to get some low-cost stocking stuffers! Old Navy offers flat rate shipping for $7 or get free shipping for orders $50 or more by using the code ONSHIP50 at checkout.

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Free water bottle, music downloads, Burt’s Bees samples and more

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 7, 2009, 03:22 PM

Click here for a free water bottle.

This isn’t necessarily a freebie, but click here to get $5 off your purchase at Hallmark. Buy some cards and keep your total low and this could end up being a sweet freebie.

Get a free music download of Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Pow” here.

It’s cookie time! Get a free cookies recipe book here.

Get a free sample of Burt’s Bees Acne solution here. If you have already gotten this freebie, you will not be eligible. This was available earlier this year.

Download a free holiday post card to mail yourself from Google here. Earlier Google was mailing it for you, but they ran out.

Get a free mini Christmas tree here.

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Kroger savings this week

By Jessica Heffner | Monday, December 7, 2009, 11:26 AM

The 10 for $10 sale is still on at Kroger so stock up! Check out that sale and the other savings available this week below!

$1.75 Kroger Gallon Milk

$1.25 cantaloupe

$1 cucumbers

$1 Fresh Selections salad

$1 Kroger sweet onions 2-pound bag
- $1 in the 11/1 RP
- Price: $1.50
- $1 on 3 printable here
- Price: 67 cents
- 50 cents printable here, here and here
- Price: 67 cents
- $2 in the 10/25 SS
- $1 in the 12/6 RP
- $2 printable here
- Price: $3.99
- $1.50 on 2 printable here
- Price: $1.69
- 50 cents in the 11/1 SS
- Price: $1.19
- $1 in the 11/1 SS
- $1 printable here
- Price: $1
- $1 in the 10/4 SS
- $1 printable here
- Price: $4.99
- 75 cents in the 11/8 RP
- Price: $1.87
- $1.50 in the 11/1 P&G
- $1.50 in the 11/29 P&G
- $1 e-coupon here
- Price: $7.50
Here is the 10 for $10 sale coupon match-ups.

$1 Kroger half gallon milk

$1 Kroger cottage cheese, sour cream and dip
- $1 on 4 in the 11/8 RP
- Price: 75 cents
- $1 on 4 printable here
- Price: 75 cents
- 75 cents on 2 in the 11/15 SS
- Price: 50 cents
- 55 cents in the 11/15 RP
- Price: Free
- 50 cents on 2 in the 10/25 SS
- 50 cents on 2 in the 11/8 SS
- 50 cents on 2 in the 11/15 SS
- 50 cents on 2 e-coupon here
- Price: 50 cents each
- 40 cents on 2 printable here, here and here
- 55 cents on 2 in the 9/13 GM
- 30 cents on 2 in the 11/22 SS
- $1 on 2 e-coupon here
- Price: 60 cents
- $1 on 2 in the 10/11 SS
- Price: 50 cents
- 75 on 2 printable here
- Price: 50 cents
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Use your iPod as a phone- for free

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 3, 2009, 11:10 AM

Scoping the Web today, I found this great article about how to make your iPod Touch work like the iPhone. My hubby has an iTouch and it really does have all the great apps and functions of an iPhone without being a phone. I like it because you don’t have to pay a fee each month to access the Internet, send e-mails or anything else. AT&T can be a bit pricey if you want the iPhone and as you readers know, I’m not “into” frivolous spending!

So if you want an iPhone but are having trouble coughing up the $30 per phone just for DATA that AT&T charges, get the iTouch instead and get going! As the article says, the iTouch’s WiFi allows it to use Voice-over-Internet Protocol, or VoIP, applications to make phone calls without paying carrier fees. Sweet!

Check out carriers like Fring and Skype to get free phone service on your iPod.

And for techies with questions, I have not tried this myself, I do not have an iTouch, my husband does but it is a first generation and has no speakers, so would not work well for this application. Plus we just bought him a new phone and he loves it so we are sticking with that.

While yes, you would need to buy an external mic, those are small in cost compared to the iPhone and a service plan. Also, the 3rd generation of iTouch just released comes with a mic and has voice recording applications, making it even more adaptable, according to this article.

While I am not necessarily saying this is the BEST option for a phone, as a deals blog I am pointing out a good deal. Since my husband has had his cell phone die before when he was stranded on the road, this also makes a good back-up phone option if you already have the iTouch anyway. Read the articles and decide for yourself if this makes sense for you.

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Free tote, migraine meds, make-up and more

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 3, 2009, 10:46 AM

More freebies to fill you mailbox!

Click here for a free tote bag from Aveeno.

Walmart is giving away a free sample of Benefiber here.

The first 500 who sign up here on Allure.com’s Web site will get free mascara. Sign up starts at noon, so ready, set, GO!

Get some free pain relief with this free sample of Execdrin Migraine here. You do not need an account with Sam’s Club, just leave the member number blank.

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Enjoy a smorgasbord at IKEA for $15.99

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, December 3, 2009, 05:30 AM

Get all you can eat at IKEA next Friday. Check out the release they sent me:

It’s that time of the year again. The occasion to celebrate. Some good laughs. Friendly gatherings. And gastronomic pleasures. This year, why not take a road less traveled. Try something different. Go Swedish! Try the IKEA Julbord - all you can eat Smorgasbord - for only $15.99. And Kids 12 and under, eat for only $2.49. Most IKEA stores will have Julbord buffets December 11.

The IKEA Julbord buffet is a scrumptious, endless food offering. So go hungry…very hungry… and bring your family and friends to the IKEA restaurant. There is Swedish holiday ham, smoked salmon, roast beef, potato casserole, Swedish style meatballs with ligonberries, assorted cheeses, crisp bread, gravid lax with mustard, sautéed sausage, poached salmon, liverwurst pate, assorted desserts, and so much more.

What exactly is the Julbord? It’s a special type of smorgasbord which is the standard Christmas dinner in Scandinavian countries. Julbord is a word consisting of the elements Jul, meaning Yule (synonymous with Christmas) and Bord, literally table. The classic Swedish Julbord is the highlight of Swedish cuisine, a traditional smorgasbord starting with bread dipped in the ham broth continuing with the many offerings on the table. And it’s yummy!

The traditional Julbord is eaten in three courses. The dishes include local and family specialties. The first course would typically be a variety of fish. The second course is cold sliced meats; the most important being ham. And the third course includes warm dishes such as Swedish meatballs, sausages, roasted pork ribs and more.

But at IKEA you can have any item you want, when you want it, and then go back for more. And where else can you feed your little ones for a mere $2.49. Check out IKEA-USA.com for your store details. We know you won’t leave hungry!
- Christmas Ham
- Potato Casserole (Jannsson’s Temptations)
- Liverwurst Pate
- Swedish Cucumber Salad
- Whole Poached Salmon
- Red Beet Salad
- Swedish Potato Salad
- Gravid Lax with mustard
- Smoked salmon with Horseradish Sauce
- Assorted Cheeses
- Meatballs and Lingonberries
- Crispbread
- Roast Beef
- Sauteed Sausage
- Assorted Herring
- Hard boiled Eggs with Shrimp or Lumpfish roe
- Red Cabbage
- Boiled Potatoes
- Glogg
- Lussekatt
- Assorted Desserts (Swedish Rice Pudding included)
- Coffee, tea, Fountain coverage
Get it all Dec. 11.

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Free photo with Santa, Christmas music downloads and more

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 01:54 PM

Here’s the latest round of free merchandise up for grabs. There are some great holiday freebies available.

Click here for one free issue of Get Married magazine.

Get free Christmas song music downloads from Oprah.com here.

Kids can get a free photo with Santa this weekend, Dec. 5 & 6, at their local Walmart. Get all the details here.

Be one of the first 500 to sign up at Allure.com at noon tomorrow, Dec. 3, and get a Bodyography Waterproof Mineral Mascara in Stiletto. Also, get a freebie Dec. 4 at noon if you are one of the first 500 to sign up, this time it’s a Pureology Super Smooth Relaxing Serum. Get it all here.

Get a free sports sticker from Fox Racing here.

It’s cold sore season, so get a free sample of Canker Melts here.

Get a free sample of Huggies Naturals diapers here. Available for newborns and babies that are size 1 or up to 14 pounds.

Request your free Christmas 1GB USB flash drive with FlyingShare Downloader software here.

Get a free T-shirt here.

Amazon.com is offering a free download of the Lady Gaga song, Christmas Tree, here.

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Kroger savings this week

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 12:45 PM

I absolutely love the 10 for $10 mix and match sale at Kroger and it is back again this week! Take advantage of some of the very awesome savings up for grabs this week. Check it all out below.

$1.49 ground beef

$2.50 red potatoes

$1 Kroger sour cream, cottage cheese and dip

$1 Kroger half gallon milk
- 50 cents in the 10/4 SS
- Price: varies
- 35 cents in the 11/15 RP Insert
- Price: $2.30
- 75 cents in the 11/15 SS
- Price: $1.75
- $2 printable here
- Price: free
- 75 cents in the 9/27 RP
- 55 cents e-coupon here
- Price: 89 cents
- $1 on 2 in the 10/18 RP
- Price: $2.80 each before instant savings
- $1 Body Wash or Deodorant in the 11/1 P&G
- $1 Body Wash in the 11/29 P&G
- Free Body Wash when you buy deodorant in the 11/1 P&G
- Price: $1.50
- 75 cents in the 11/29 P&G
- Price: 50 cents
Here is the 10 for $10 sale coupon match-ups.
- $1 on 3 in the 10/4 SS
- Price: 67 cents
- $1 on 4 in the 11/8 RP
- Price: 75 cents
- $1 on 4 printable here
- Price: 75 cents
- 75 cents on 2 in the 11/15 SS
- Price: 50 cents
- 55 cents in the 11/15 RP
- Price: Free
- 50 cents on 2 in the 10/25 SS
- 50 cents on 2 in the 11/8 SS
- 50 cents on 2 in the 11/15 SS
- 50 cents on 2 e-coupon here
- Price: 50 cents each
- 75 cents in the 9/13 RP
- Price: free
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