Salt Lake City Christmas Carol Sing Along

Are you already for Christmas? I can't believe it is only 4 days away! If you are all caught up and ready to do something fun with the kids be sure to check out the annual Larry H Miller's Christmas Carol Sing Along at the Energy Solutions Arena tonight. The event is FREE and open to the public. This year they are going to have a special appearance by Jon Schmidt. No tickets are needed to attend the event and seating is general admission. The doors will open at 6pm. Printed programs with lyrics will be handed out so that the audience can sing along. Each person who attends will also get list of FREE things:

• a hot dog and and soft drink
• a free Utah Jazz game ticket (January 4th vs. New Orleans, January 6th vs. Memphis, or January 29th vs. Sacramento, while supplies last)
• a 2010 Salt Lake Bees game ticket (FREE reserved seat for any April 1st- May15th home game, while supplies last)
• popcorn at any Mega Plex Theater
• A B1G1 FREE coupon for the super Go Karts at the MillerMotor Sports Park.

They are also offering a FREE ticket for UTA Trax on December 21st from 5-10pm to and from the Energy Solutions Arena.

FREE Ride, dinner and singing! Pretty cool! See you there!

The Lights at Thanksgiving Point

Looking for something fun to do? Head over to Thanksgiving Point for a drive through their Holiday Light display, open from November 28 - December 27. Update* The coupon that had been posted here ealier was for last year! I called Thanksgiving Point to find out where coupons available for this year were and she mentioned that there were $2 coupons available in, The HomeTown Values Magazine (mine came in the mail), the Kid to Kid store in Lehi (I called and they said they still had TONS and they mentioned it was good fo use any day) and the Comcast booth at the University Mall.

My kids are young and had a great time looking at the lights, but the highlight of their night was feeding the reindeer and seeing Santa, oh and who could forget the FREE cider. My advice is to get there early to see Santa. Last week they closed the line early and there was still over an hour long wait. Oh, and I heard he is only there on Tuesdays. You may want to call ahead to confirm that.

Mega Swag Bucks

A few weeks ago I shared with you about a new way to search the internet called Swagbucks. You get paid in "swag bucks" to search the internet the same way you already search for things. After you earn your swagbucks you can redeem them for gift cards and other prizes from the swag store. You can read my post about swagbucks here for all the details.

As if it was already sweet enough to get rewarded for doing something you are already doing, how about having a MEGA swag buck day!

"Every Friday, Swagbucks gives you a chance to win huge, gargantuan, oodles, tons of....Mega Swag Bucks with your searches. From 3 to 100 Swag Bucks, we give away up to 10,000 Swag Bucks in Mega Bills every Friday!"
Taken from Swag Bucks official blog

So, make sure on Friday's you do some MEGA searching to win MEGA swag bucks! Be sure to check out our Swag Bucks tips here.

If you don't already have Swag Bucks go here to sign up. After you sign up check your e-mail and they will let you start searching!

Check out the SwagBuck store and share with us what you are saving up for! I can't believe how fast my account is growing!

Shutterfly B1G1 50% off

At Shutterfly they are offering photo books for buy 1 get 1 50% off. I ended up making a book for my kids great-grandparents for Christmas. They treasure them every year and look forward to them! You also get FREE shipping when you spend $50 or more dollars. If you order yours before the 19th it will make here in time for Christmas too! Be sure to check out the Holiday shipping guide for your order. Make sure you shop through your e-bates account and you'll get an extra 10% back on your purchase! Ebates is a FREE website that gives you cash back on your online purchases. It is FREE to sign up and then they mail you a check with your e-bate. I received a check for $15.00 last month.

Mega Swag Bucks

A few weeks ago I shared with you about a new way to search the internet called Swagbucks. You get paid in "swag bucks" to search the internet the same way you already search for things. After you earn your swagbucks you can redeem them for gift cards and other prizes from the swag store. You can read my post about swagbucks here for all the details.

As if it was already sweet enough to get rewarded for doing something you are already doing, how about having a MEGA swag buck day!

"Every Friday, Swagbucks gives you a chance to win huge, gargantuan, oodles, tons of....Mega Swag Bucks with your searches. From 3 to 100 Swag Bucks, we give away up to 10,000 Swag Bucks in Mega Bills every Friday!"
Taken from Swag Bucks official blog

So, make sure on Friday's you do some MEGA searching to win MEGA swag bucks! Be sure to check out our Swag Bucks tips here.

If you don't already have Swag Bucks go here to sign up. After you sign up check your e-mail and they will let you start searching!

Check out the SwagBuck store and share with us what you are saving up for! I can't believe how fast my account is growing!

DownEast Scarfs

Express Coupon

Here is a coupon for Express Clothing stores. And right now when you log on to their homepage and you sign up for their e-mail you get 15% off your next purchase.
Expires Dec. 13th

Free Shipping at Land of Nod

Looking for some stocking stuffers or last minute Christmas gifts. Check out Land of Nod. They are offering FREE Shipping from now until December 14th when you enter in the promo code, SNOW. In the fine print it does say that most furniture is excluded from FREE shipping, but that children's table and chairs are included.

$3.99 plus FREE shipping

$24.99 plus FREE shipping

$5.95 plus FREE shipping

Free She Shops Smart Class Tonight

Just a reminder that She Shops Smart is having a FREE class TONIGHT at 7pm.

We can't wait to meet you all and teach you to shop BIG on a small budget!

In our class we will be going over the following:

• Shop at only one grocery store- no running around town!
• Buy all your families’ groceries, household, and personal care items (including diapers) all for about $200 for a family of four- while building massive food storage at the same time!
• No clipping and filing individual coupons- Quick and easy! A HUGE way to save money!
• Eat a healthy, well balanced diet, and have ease in meal planning!
• Use the FREE website- There is no cost to attend and no cost to use the website
• Get a newspaper subscription at a great price

In addition we are going to be having door prizes and raffles during the class. The class is going to be a ton of fun and it will help you start saving money for the upcoming holidays! E-mail us at sheshopssmart@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

See you soon!

Tori and Emily

Hooked on Phonics 50% Off plus FREE shipping

Hooked on Phonics has their Learn on the Go 4 pack on sale for $18.95. After you put it in your cart add the promotional code HOP50 and it will take 50% off and give you FREE shipping. With tax it ended up costing me $10.08 vs. the $39.95 retail price. Thanks to PYP for this great birthday gift for my soon to be 3 year old.

Free 7-11 Hot Beverage

Is this weather making you want to cuddle up with a blanket and sip a hot drink? Print off this coupon and pick up a FREE 12 oz hot drink at 7-11. Thanks to the ThriftyCouple!

Neighbor Gift Ideas

One of the reasons I buy "extras" throughout the year is to plan ahead for gifts. I have bought birthday presents, neighbor gifts, baby shower gifts, wedding shower gifts, and so many more gifts for less by using coupons. With Christmas right around the corner I thought we would compile a list of items that are on sale this week to use for neighbor gifts!

• At my Smith's Sprite was on sale for .79 and when you bought 4 of them you got one for FREE. They also had hanging tags on them for $1/2. Each Sprite ended up costing me .23!!! I am going to give them to my husband to take to his co-workers (whom I have never met) and put hanging tags on them that say, "We wish you a Merry and SPRITE Christmas". Another idea was to tie a roll of Scotch tape at the top and hang a tag that reads, ""Holidays can be stressful. Sit down and have a scotch and soda!"
• A package of Hostess Donuts are on sale at Smith's for $1.67. Add this saying on to a little card and you have a cute gift for a close friend, "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!"
• Progresso Soups are on sale for .63 cents at Smith's this week. Grab a couple of soup bowls from Tai Pan Trading (I love these and always buy a couple extras with gifts in mind. I think they cost me $1.25 and they come in a couple different colors. And did you know they opened a store in the University Mall!) I put the soup in the bowl, wrapped it up in clear cellophane tie a bow on it and Viola....you have a great teacher gift! If you feel like you need a little more...add a box of Ritz crackers for .99 cents at Smith's this week.
• Freschetta Pizzas are on sale for $2.87 after coupon at Smith's. Add a tag that reads, "Warm up to a wonderful Holiday Season "Topped" with Christmas cheer!" and you have another gift off your list.
• Smith's has cream cheese on sale for .88 cents and Ritz crackers on sale for .99. Whip up a Cheese Ball and some Crackers and say, "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!", or "Have a "ritzy" Christmas season and "spread" around the joy!". Last year when we received one of these from my husbands aunt she added these adorable chocolate covered mice on the plate. Can I tell you how cute it looked!
• A 12 pack of Dad's root beer is on sale for $1.67 at Fresh Market. Add, "We're "Root"ing for you to have a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!" and you've got another GREAT neighbor gift idea.
• Brownie mixes are only .48 after coupon at Fresh Market. Add, "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" or maybe "Christmas is Jolly, Christmas is sweet. I’m stressed out so make your own darn treat!" or maybe even "We're trying for BROWNIE POINTS this season!" Consider adding a wooden spoon for the $ store for an extra touch.
• Macey's has the Rhodes Warm and Serve rolls on sale for .88 cents after coupons. Use, "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you" and you have another person off your list.
• Reams has light bulbs on sale for .99 cents. Add, ""Have a bright and radiant Christmas" to the package.
• Krazy Coupon Lady gave a great scenario for how to score wrapping paper for only .49 from Hallmark. I was able to score 4 rolls. Put a little card on them that says, "Wrap" yourself up in a wonderful holiday season!". It seems like last minute people are always a little short on wrapping paper on Christmas Eve. I am going to add a scripture that says, "And they found him WRAPPED in swaddling clothes in a manger." on my rolls.
• Utah Deal Diva found dessert sized paper plates for FREE at Winco. Add a tag that reds, "Don’t let your dishes pile up this busy holiday season. Let our family ‘do the dishes’ this week! Merry Christmas!"
• Chex Mix is on sale or only .49 cents after coupon at Walgreens. Wrap a bow around the package and slip in a tag that reads, "Santa ‘chex‘ his list twice to see who’s been naughty or nice. So be good for goodness sake!". Also consider trying one of the homemade chex mix recipes that I showed you.

This list should help you get started, but be on the lookout for more to come soon!

Free Shipping at Walgreens

This offer is only good today, December 7th.

Go here to become a fan!

Coupons in Sunday's Paper

In Sunday's Daily Herald newspaper I received:

1 SS Insert
1 RP Insert


In the SLT/DMN newspaper you should have received:

1 SS insert

To read about how the Red Plum coupons are distributed click here!

To start your newspaper coupons right away, learn about the awesome newspaper deal we can get you here.

Just a suggestion, we recommend holding on to the stores weekly ads for the week in case we find deals that require price matching. Want to know how to keep these ad's organized, check out our post here.

*If you ordered the paper and you didn't receive your paper or didn't get the correct number of papers please call the newspaper company first and let them know. Their numbers are on the left side of the blog. Occasionally if you are new to a route your carrier may miss your home. The newspaper companies are super easy to work with and will make sure your papers are delivered.

Online Coupons Reset

It is the first of the month, so you know what that means! The online coupons, Group A-Group C have reset. Some of my favorites were $1/2lbs of any cheese, $1.50/1 Box of Wheatables, $1/1 Muir Glen. Here are some tips about online or Internet printable coupons:

The IPS

• Manufactures set limits on the amounts of coupons printed. When the limit is reached they pull their coupons off. That means occasionally you will go the print a coupon and it will be gone unless you printed it off at the beginning.


• This is even more important toward the end of a month. Coupons group A-C are reset at the first of the month, so on the FIRST, when the coupons reset, they start out at zero.


• Sometimes manufactures will reset their coupons after the limit is reached, but don't count on it. Just consider yourself lucky if they do.


• I know some people are having problems with IPS. I wish I could help out in that area, but I am not tech savvy enough. I have heard that switching browsers can help. Example: On Internet Explorer and they won't print try Fire Fox or vice virsa. Another great resource is pinching your pennies. They have an entire forum to troubleshooting your IPS.

Some questions to commonly asked IP questions answered:

• Where are online coupons located? All over! You can see over the the left hand side of this there are online coupons, group A-Singles . You can also find coupons on manufactures websites, you can receive them via-email and sometimes websites will give them to you after you join their mailing lists or take a survey for them. When the Grocery Smarts lists are up you will see links that take you to online coupons. The best part about those lists are that if there are coupons online, they are on the lists. You will never have to search for coupons for items on the list yourself! Grocery Smarts lists do all the work for you.
  
• "Are IP'S worth it? It seems like a lot of paper and ink to be wasting." My answer is it depends. I think after you have a couple months worth of newspaper coupons its hit and miss. I only print ones of that make things close to FREE or if it is something I really like or know I will need. You'll never catch me printing of cereal coupons or toothpaste coupons. That is because I have DOZENS of them from my newspaper.


• Now, if you are staring out and only have a few coupons from the paper on the list then I definitely recommend using IPS to maximize your savings. My sister in law started out and only had a weeks worth of coupons, but wanted to start saving right away, so she maximized her coupons by using IPS. She told me her husband was frustrated by all the paper in ink she was using, but after she shopped she had saved over $50. That paper and ink WAY over paid for itself. IP'S are a great way of subsidizing newspaper coupons, but not a great substitute! Newspaper coupons will benefit you way more in the the long end.


• "How long do IP'S last". IPS have expiration dates on them the same way other coupons do. Most times they expire WAY faster than the ones in the paper. That's why I only print the ones off from the list that week. Otherwise they tend to expire before I have a chance to use them.


• "Can we print them off in black and white?" It depends on your store. Some stores will take black and white, some will not. Be sure to ask if you are planning on trying black and white. There reason behind that is they are trying to protect themselves from illegal photocopied coupons.


• Do all stores take IP's and the answer is no. Not all stores do take IPS. I do know that Albertsons and Smiths DO and as of August first Associated Foods started accepting IP's again. My suggestion with other stores is call ahead and ask if you are planning on using them on your shopping trip.

Also don't forget the two IP's per HOUSEHOLD rule! Have fun printing!

Where are the Grocery Smarts Lists?

Have you tried to go grocery shopping the last couple days and found no list to use? Thanksgiving is on a Thursday and as most of you know the sale ads generally run until Wednesday. To accommodate Thanksgiving they ran the ads a couple days longer, but now there are NO ads to run. The stores take a little break and will resume the regular sales this coming Wednesday.

I enjoy this little break each year. This is one of the times that a giant food storage is nice to have and all I do is run in for my fresh food items. Take advantage of this little break and start making your holiday baking list and figure out what you have on hand and what items you'll need to find at the upcoming sales!

Cyber Monday

Did anyone else make it to Black Friday? I had so much fun and scored some HOT deals! Here I am at Toys R Us with 10,000 other people. The store had no idea that so many people would be there at midnight and it was INSANE! I ran into so many of you there and had a great time chatting with you! If you are disappointed that you didn't make it to the sales on Friday your okay because today is.......Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is known as the busiest online shopping day. I have to admit I love Cyber Monday because I can sit at home and score all the deals with just a simple click. No crazy hours or long lines. The only thing I worry about is that the item is what I really want without seeing it in person. If you are interested in shopping the Cyber Monday deals be sure to check out, CyberMonday.net.

Coupons in Sunday's Paper

Yesterday in the paper you should have received one P&G insert. Normally we don't see any inserts on holiday weekends, but sometimes we see a surprise! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Ours was beyond busy and wonderful at the same time!

Free Grocery Smarts Class in Utah

She Shops Smart is having a FREE class for ANYONE! Many of our readers have been invited to a class and couldn't make it, or would like to attend a class without hosting one! This is your chance!

The class will be on Tuesday, December 8th at 7pm near South Jordan.

There is limited seating, so e-mail us now to get your ticket!

In our class we will teach you to:

• Shop at only one grocery store- no running around town!
• Buy all your families’ groceries, household, and personal care items (including diapers) all for about $200 for a family of four- while building massive food storage at the same time!
• No clipping and filing individual coupons- Quick and easy! A HUGE way to save money!
• Eat a healthy, well balanced diet, and have ease in meal planning!
• Use the FREE website- There is no cost to attend and no cost to use the website
• Get a newspaper subscription at a great price

In addition we are going to be having door prizes and raffles during the class. The class is going to be a ton of fun and it will help you start saving money for the upcoming holidays!

E-mail sheshopssmart@gmail.com to reserve your seat! We will e-mail you the directions and a ticket to bring with you.

Packaging tape for CENTS!

Michellyn from PYP found a sweet deal on packaging tape at Walmart. You can use it to help seal up the packages you may be shipping off to family for Christmas.

She says: "Walmart has 1.88 inches x 50 yard rolls of Duck brand packaging tape for $1.08." Use this coupon: Duck brand packaging tape, any $1/1 (1-31-10) SS-11/22 

Final cost is only $.08! If you want a dispenser for the tape, they have 30 yard rolls in refillable dispensers for $2.44. I bought one of those with the coupon, and three of the plain rolls to refill it--together they cost $1.68 plus tax".

Sweet find Michellyn!, Thank you to her and PYP for the info.

Coupons in Sundays Paper

In the Daily Herald Sunday Paper you should have recieved:

1 Smart Source

No Red Plum Insert this week.

In the Salt Lake Tribune and Desert Morning News you should have received: 

1 Smart Source Insert 

*If you ordered the paper and you didn't receive your paper or didn't get the correct number of papers please call the newspaper company first and let them know. Their numbers are on the left side of the blog.

Want to know what to be expecting next week? Check out the coupon insert schedule column on the lower left hand side of the blog. 

For Everybody Sale

For Everybody Candles is having a BIG sale from November 19-21.

"Recession-Proof Giving For Every Body offers up to 75% off on their soy-based specialty topper candles in customer favorite fragrances -- Sugar Cookie, Pumpkin Pie, Holiday Pine, Gingerbread and more – and on candle accessories like warmers as well as everything from Halloween to Christmas home décor items and gifts. Prices start at .10 cents with all candles under $9. Please visit either the new For Every Body holiday location in the University Mall in Orem or the For Every Body Geneva road outlet in Lindon. "

For more information about new store or about For Every Body products, please call

(801)443-1961

Plus be sure to use this 83% off coupon when you go! I was reading about this sale and yesterday they had a family come in who was able to buy everyone on their 17 person Christmas gift list a gift at For Every Body and it cost them under $82! Be sure to check out the story here!

See you there!

Mega Swag Bucks Friday

A few weeks ago I shared with you about a new way to search the internet called Swagbucks. You get paid in "swag bucks" to search the internet the same way you already search for things. After you earn your swagbucks you can redeem them for gift cards and other prizes from the swag store. You can read my post about swagbucks here for all the details.

As if it was already sweet enough to get rewarded for doing something you are already doing, how about having a MEGA swag buck day!

"Every Friday, Swagbucks gives you a chance to win huge, gargantuan, oodles, tons of....Mega Swag Bucks with your searches. From 3 to 100 Swag Bucks, we give away up to 10,000 Swag Bucks in Mega Bills every Friday!"
Taken from Swag Bucks official blog

So, make sure on Friday's you do some MEGA searching to win MEGA swag bucks! Be sure to check out our Swag Bucks tips here.

If you don't already have Swag Bucks go here to sign up. After you sign up check your e-mail and they will let you start searching!

Check out the SwagBuck store and share with us what you are saving up for! I can't believe how fast my account is growing!

Buy One Get One Free Del Taco

Click here to print off your coupon.

Thank you to She Shops Smart reader, Whitney for letting us know about this coupon.

A Lot for Less

I got so busy putting my groceries and things away last week that I forgot to post my show and tell and show how much I was able to buy with coupons, and using Smiths Mega Event that was going on. Here is what I came home with last week.

1 Tylenol

10 Gatorades
2 V-8 Juices

1 Welches Juice

2 Heinz Ketchups

6 Boxes of Kleenex

3 Boxes Swiss Miss

8 Carnation Evap. Milk

4 Boxes Uncle Bens Rice

6 Cans Del Monte Tomatoes

6 Tombstone Pizzas-husbands fav

4 Boxes Zesta Crackers

2 Bags of Fritos-another one of hubbys fav

2 Duncan Hines Frostings

Spent 51.50

Saved 91.21

I also had to buy a couple of things that were not all on sale but we had to have like:

milk, bread, and some fruit and veggies. That night my total including those things (which are not in the above picture) came to 68.09 and savings of 98.45. I get so excited every week that I shop when I see that I was able to save so much money on the things that I was buying for my family! I love it!

Real Savings

Where are your savings? No, I dont want you tell me where you do you banking or hide your cash. ;) I mean, are the savings just numbers on your receipt in the "you saved" section or are you putting it away? When I started using grocery smarts I was accustomed to spending much much more at the grocery store. When my budget first started to cut down, I was very excited and would take the money that normally would have been spent on groceries and save it for something else. Then recently I was looking over some of my more recent receipts and realized that after I looked at how much I have saved, I don't always remember to take that "saved" money out of the wallet and into the savings account. This means that I havent actually saved the money. I purchase something for less than full price but the savings are real till the money that would have been spent is used on something else. We all know that you havent really "saved" $100.00 unless you take that money out of the wallet and put it into savings. So, here is my question... are your saving tangible? or are they just another line on the reciept? What are you doing with the money saved?

HOT deal on Demdaco Nativity

Want to score this 6 Piece Nativity for $34.98 with shipping! Follow these directions: Go to here to Family Christian Stores

Add the Nativity to your cart (the total will be $67.99)

Use this code to take half off, 1256899

Shipping is .99

Your total will come to only $34.98

Thank you to PYP for sharing this deal!

*Update, it appears this deal is over now. These offers usually go VERY quickly. I know several of us ended up being able to purchase one. We will let you know if we ever find another deal like this.

Scentsy Giveaway Winner Announced

Thank you so much for everyone who commented in our Scentsy Giveaway this week! Our winner is

"Infertility Goddess said...
Too many good smells to choose from. I think I would have to pick two, key lime cookie and baked apple pie."

You have won a FREE Scentsy plug in and a bar of your choice!

Please e-mail us at sheshopssmart@gmail.com with your contact info so we can send your info over to Erin.

Be sure to place your Scentsy orders in time for your holiday gifts! I can't wait to give my Scensty warmer to my mom this year. She will love it. It is also a great time to stock up on all the new holiday scents for your own home. There is nothing better than walking into a sweet smelling home. It makes such a good impression on your guests too!

Thank you Erin for hosting this awesome giveaway!

Campbells Printables

Save $1.00 on any four (4) Campbell's Condensed "Great for Cooking" soups.
Save $1.00 on any two (2) cartons of Swanson Stock.
Save $0.50 on any one (1) French’s French Fried Onions.
Save $1.00 on any two (2) bags of Pepperidge Farm Stuffing.
Save $1.00 on any four (4) Campbell’s Gravies.
Save $1.00 on any one (1) Pepperidge Farm Cookie Collection, Holiday Cookie Bites or Pirouette® Rolled Wafers.
Save $1.50 on any three (3) can or microwavable bowl varieties of Campbell’s Chunky soup.
Save $1.50 on any three (3) can or microwavable bowl varieties of Campbell’s Select Harvest soup.
Save $1.00 on any two (2) packages of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Turnovers.
Save $1.00 on any two (2) packages of Pepperidge Farm Frozen Bread.
Save $1.00 on any two (2) 64 oz. V8 100% Vegetable Juice or V8 Splash beverages.
Save $1.00 on any one (1) 46 oz. variety of V8 V-Fusion Juice.
Save $0.50 on any two (2) cans of Campbell’s Condensed Tomato soup.
Save $0.50 on any two (2) Campbell’s Condensed soups (excluding Tomato, Chicken Noodle & Creams).
Save $1.50 on any three (3) Campbell’s Healthy Request soups.

Go here to start printing.

Free Kashi Granola Bar

Go here to request a FREE Kashi Granola bar. A lot of the times these FREE offers seem so frivolous, but can be worth it when they come with high valued coupons. My kids LOVE getting treats in the mail and sometimes I just throw my freebies into my 72 hour kits.

Free Toilet Paper

"Go here to print a coupon for a FREE 4-pack of White Cloud Green Earth toilet paper wyb a 12-pack or 24-pack regular White Cloud tissue! Hurry! Only the first 50,000 get this HOT coupon! {Click the "Promotions Page" link under number one!}
Also, you can pair that FREE product coupon with the $2 off 24-pack coupon they have on the site as well! Nice!"

Thank you Utah Deal Diva!

Scentsy Giveaway

Just a reminder that our Scentsy Giveaway ends tonight! Be sure to enter here!

New Poll

By now you have found that you are bringing home TWICE the amount of groceries for HALF the cost. With all those extra groceries we end up with twice the amount of bags we use to.

What do you do with all those plastic grocery shopping bags?

1. Keep them in a giant pile underneath my sink
2. Use them as garbage bags
3. Recycle them

Be sure to include your answer in this weeks poll in the upper right hand corner!

Black Friday Ads

Do any of you go to the store the morning after Thanksgiving? I have in the past and have found it to be just as crazy as everyone tells you it is. Over the next week we will be sharing some tips with you on how to make the most of that Black Friday morning, but in the meantime here is a website that shares with you the ads that are expected to be valid that morning. As you look at the ads please remember, they could change. These ads are not official yet. I still enjoy looking at them and making a list of what I would like to purchase that morning. This last weekend as I looked through the ads I also noticed that over the last couple weeks we have been able to score WAY better deals on toys, games and DVDS then they have advertised for that morning. Using coupons at the right time really does pay off!

Here is a link that will take you to the "unofficial" ad scans, courtesy of BFADS.

If you find something that you think is an awesome deal let us know! At Target I have my eye on the seasons of Friend's for only $8.99!

Here are is another popular post we made about making preparations for Black Friday and Christmas presents.

Coupons in Sunday's Paper

In Sunday's Daily Herald newspaper I received:

1 SS Insert
1 RP Insert
1 coupon booklet with $12 worth of General Mill's products

In the SLT/DMN newspaper you should have received:

1 SS insert

1 coupon booklet with $12 worth of General Mill's products

To read about how the Red Plum coupons are distributed click here!

To start your newspaper coupons right away, learn about the awesome newspaper deal we can get you here.

Just a suggestion, we recommend holding on to the stores weekly ads for the week in case we find deals that require price matching. Want to know how to keep these ad's organized, check out our post here.

*If you ordered the paper and you didn't receive your paper or didn't get the correct number of papers please call the newspaper company first and let them know. Their numbers are on the left side of the blog. Occasionally if you are new to a route your carrier may miss your home. The newspaper companies are super easy to work with and will make sure your papers are delivered.

The Results are In

Do you use coupons at self check out?

41% of you said YES

58% of you said NO

I personally do not like to use coupons at self-checkout. It seems like someone always has to come over and help me with them. I feel like an amateur when they walk over after the self checkout beeps to let them know that I need "assistance." I do however, use them if I only have one or two items and the checkers line is long.

Here are a couple tips I have for when you do check out with coupons:

1. After you scan the coupon and you stick it in the "coupon slot" BLOW hard on the slot. Self checkout machines have to actually WEIGH the coupon before it lets you scan the next item. For some reason when I blow on the coupon it detects it much quicker.

2. Be sure that you are NOT using expired coupons

3. Be sure that you are buying the size the coupon specifies

4. Be sure that you are only using one coupon per item

Numbers 2-4 are abusing coupons and is clearly stated on each individual coupon.

Emily and I recently took a shopping trip and we thought we would see if self checkout was faster than going to the line with a checker. It turned out self check out took MUCH longer than going to a checker. We weren't surprised.

The reasons I go to the actual checker

1. It saves me time

2. If I need a rain check they will write it for me right then

3. I make FRIENDS with the employees. I promise it makes shopping a much easier experience. Read about my making friends tips here.

4. If there is a problem, like I didn't get all 10 items, or there is an unadvertised deal, there is someone there to help me.

5. If I have an item for a FREE item it makes the checkout process smoother

6. I don't like to check out with an entire cart full of groceries using self checkout. I like to think of the self checkout lane is for those who only have a couple items.

7. The people that are in front of me using self check out usually have problems, making the checkout time EVEN longer

Be on the lookout for this weeks poll later today!

Santa Mr. Potato Head .99 cents

Target has these Santa Mr. Potato Heads priced at $5.99. Use this $5/1 online coupon and you'll score him for only .99! My Target has been out of them my last 2 visits, but an employee told me they plan on getting more of them because they are a holiday item. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

My kids would love this!

Mega Swag Bucks Friday

A few weeks ago I shared with you about a new way to search the internet called Swagbucks. You get paid in "swag bucks" to search the internet the same way you already search for things. After you earn your swagbucks you can redeem them for gift cards and other prizes from the swag store. You can read my post about swagbucks here for all the details.

As if it was already sweet enough to get rewarded for doing something you are already doing, how about having a MEGA swag buck day!

"Every Friday, Swagbucks gives you a chance to win huge, gargantuan, oodles, tons of....Mega Swag Bucks with your searches. From 3 to 100 Swag Bucks, we give away up to 10,000 Swag Bucks in Mega Bills every Friday!"
Taken from Swag Bucks official blog

So, make sure on Friday's you do some MEGA searching to win MEGA swag bucks! Be sure to check out our Swag Bucks tips here.

If you don't already have Swag Bucks go here to sign up. After you sign up check your e-mail and they will let you start searching!

Check out the SwagBuck store and share with us what you are saving up for!

An extra 50% off all Clearance at DownEast Outfitters

You all know how crazy I am for Down East clothes!

Unadvertised Deals at Fresh Market

Last night I did my weekly shopping at Fresh Market. It is the first time I have been in there since they made the switch. Here are a couple deals I found that weren't on the list.

McCormick Turkey Gravy is on sale for .58
Use McCormick Gravy, any .50/2 (12-6-09) RP-11/1
You'll end up paying .33 cents for each packet

When you spend $25 at Fresh Market you can buy your turkey for .38lb! If you buy a turkey that is over 10lbs you get a FREE 2 liter 7-Up bottle. At my store the 7-Up bottles had hanging tags on them for $1.00/2! I ended up paying $4.56 for my 12lb turkey and ended up with 2 FREE liters of 7-Up with my coupon factored in! Sweet deal!

Del Monte pineapples are on sale for .89lb this week. Use this .75/1 online coupon when you buy your pineapple. Mine ended up only costing me $2.23!

Also be on the lookout for these Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil signature recipe booklets. They have coupons for :

$1/1 Reynolds Wrap

.75/1 Parchment Paper

.25/2 baking cups

.50/1 oven bag

Have you found any other unadvertised deals? Share them with us!

Old Navy Weekly

So, did anyone luck out and score a high valued Old Navy Weekly coupon? Remember that various times throughout the week the coupons reset. Be on the lookout and be sure to let us know if they do. If they happen to reset here is a list of all the hiding places, thanks to the Thrifty Northwest Mom!

• 65/$100 - Put the white cardigan on the modelquin Amy (in middle); then click on the dog behind her in the picture frame (dog is blurry until you click). Catch the stars when they fly out.
• $45/$100 - Put the gray striped cardigan on Amy and click "Pre-Style It". Move your cursor quickly over to the modelquin's right ear and wait for the green light and click it when it's moving (it's hard but if you position your mouse right near her ear, you'll have a better shot)
• 20% off any purchase when you buy a party cardigan - Put the yellow cardigan on Amy and click the red dot to the left. Then click on Amy's lips.
• $10 off $50 - Put the purple cardigan on Amy and move the 3 yellow stars (by the "Pre-style It" blue button) and move them onto the small white dot in the sky (behind Amy on the right). They will form a star for the $10/$50
• 15% off any purchase - You'll need to refresh your screen and then click Amy's fingernail (don't move any cardigans yet)
• 10% off any in-store purchase - Put the pink cardigan on Amy and then click the "Pre-Style" button

Hot Deal on Games at Target

Have you been trying to score those games at Toys R Us this week and been unsuccesful! Here is a HOT alternative to the higher priced games!

Take the Kmart ad from Sundays newspaper. On the front sleeve it lists the following games for $14.99:

• Picturkea Flipper Game
• Connect 4
• Cranium
• Clue Secrets and Spies.

Go here to Harsbro's online game coupons. You can print off a $5/1 coupon for each game!

Use (4) $5/1 Target Harsbro game coupon (also found in the Target Toy Coupon booklet)



Take the games and the ad up to Target's customer service so they can price match the games for you! You must have the ACTUAL K-mart ad with you for them to price match.

Hand them your coupons and you will end up paying $19.96 for all 4 games.

Each games end up only costing $4.99!

Now that is a HOT deal!

Toys R Us Doorbuster Sale- HOT

Tomorrow afternoon Toys R Us is having an HOT doorbuster sale. The Thrifty Couple made a list of some hot deals that also have coupon match ups with them!

"Toys R Us Doorbusters sale starts tomorrow November 13th at 3pm until midnight and then again Saturday, November 15, from 7 am – 1 pm!
They are also having a 2 day sale that runs both Friday and Saturday!
Toys R Us Door Busters Best Deals and Possible Scenarios to get an even better deal!

There are a few great door busters, these are deals matched up with extra savings from price matching at Target and using their coupons! I did include one item that is an absolute steal even without a coupon!

• LeapFrog Alphabet Pal Sale for $10.49 – Price match at Target and use $10 off Target coupon HERE or in the big Target Toys ad (middle section) = FINAL $0.49 Doorbuster HOT DEAL





• Nintendo DS Games Imagine Fashion Designer, Babyz Fashion, Detective, Zoo Keep for $20.99 – price match at Target and use $10 off two games Target coupon HERE or in the big Target Toys ad (middle section) = FINAL $15.99 each Doorbuster
• Kota the Triceratops for $79.99! (save $200) Doorbuster HOT DEAL

• Wii Music and Wii White Snowboarding games ($14.99- $24.99) – Price match at Target and use price match at Target and use $10 off two games Target coupon HERE or in the big Target Toys ad (middle section) = FINAL $9.99 – 19.99 each 2-day sale
• Xbox 360 game Resident Evil sale for $34.99 – price match at Target and use price match at Target and use $10 off two games Target coupon HERE orin the big Target Toys ad (middle section) = FINAL $29.99 each Doorbuster
• Play Station 3 games (ad show pictures of Bionic Commando Starwars Force) for $24.99 price match at Target and use $10 off two games Target coupon HERE orin the big Target Toys ad (middle section) = FINAL $19.99 each Doorbuster
  

Have Fun Saving a Ton!"

Thank to the Thrifty Couple for sharing this deal with us!

Tonight I ran into a two super cute She Shops Smart readers at Target! They shared with me about these AMAZING deals. They also shared with me that when they went to Toys R Us to pick up the ad, it was no where to be found. Target does require the actual ad. Printed off copies of the ad are NOT accepted. These deals are worth checking out, but be aware that price matching at Target might be tricky. The ad also states that the prices are only good for the hours listed above. Be sure that you are price matching during these hours. If you do end up going, PLEASE share with us how it went. It will be good to know for future "doorbuster" sales!

*Update- Thank to the Thirfty Couple for finding the ad in today's newspaper!

Old Navy Weekly

Old Navy Weekly is expected to reset sometime between today and tomorrow! Be on the lookout. Sometimes it seems like you are looking for a needle in a haystack, but when you find a $75/100 coupon it is totally worth it!

Have no idea what I am talking about? Be sure to check out our post about Old Navy Weekly here!

Wii Games for $5

Check out this post from TheThirftyCouple on how to score Wii games for only $5 this week!

Stocked and Rotatated

My husband was teasing me, that about every time he starts to know where things are in the kitchen pantry they get moved to make room for more things. When I bring home a bunch of bags from the grocery store I usually have to figure out how the things are all going to fit. Its like

a little doing a weekly jigsaw puzzle or sorts. :) Besides making all items fit I try to make sure that I am rotating the items on my shelves. Since we are basically have our own little store in our cupboards it is important to me to make sure that I am using things before they go bad. This is pretty easy to do as long as I remember to put the new items in back so old gets used first.

I have wondered sometimes how important or exact expiration dates are on items.

I found an article I liked by Star Lawerence that was featured on WebMD. Here are a few clips I thought were interesting.

"Sell by" date. -The labeling "sell by" tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires. This is basically a guide for the retailer, so the store knows when to pull the item. This is not mandatory, so reach in back and get the freshest. The issue is quality of the item (freshness, taste, and consistency) rather than whether it is on the verge of spoiling.

"Best if used by (or before)" date.

This refers strictly to quality, not safety. This date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date. Sour cream, for instance, is already sour, but can have a zippier, fresh taste when freshly sour (if that's not an oxymoron!)"

"Guaranteed fresh" date. This usually refers to

bakery items. They will still be edible after the date, but will not be at peak freshness.

"Use by" date. This is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.

"Pack" date. You will find this one on canned or packaged goods, as a rule, but it's tricky. In fact,

it may be in code. It can be month-day-year-MMDDYY. Or the manufacturer could revert to the Julian calendar. January would then be 001-0031 and December 334-365.

Do you follow dates or do you use the "honey will you smell this?" method?

Leave a comment!

Chex Mix Recipes

Associated Foods Stores have a HOT deal on Chex right now! Depending on which store you pick they are .75-.98 a box. Be sure to stock up and try some of these recipes using all those boxes!

Muddy Buddies

9 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex®, Wheat Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2.In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3.Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Substitution Peanut butter and chocolate are a favorite flavor combo, but peanut butter lovers can substitute peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips to intensify that flavor.

White Candy Fantasy Clusters

4 cups Rice Chex® cereal
2 cups pretzel sticks, coarsely broken
1 cup cashews, coarsely chopped
1/2 package (16-oz size) vanilla-flavored candy coating (almond bark)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Spray with cooking spray or grease 13x9-inch pan. In large bowl, mix cereal, pretzels and cashews.
2. In 2-quart saucepan, melt candy coating over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Press in pan; cool slightly.
3. In microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High about 1 minute or until chocolate can be stirred smooth (bowl will be hot). Drizzle chocolate over snack. Let stand about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. Break into clusters. Store in airtight container.

Chex Brittle


8 cups Rice Chex® cereal
1 cup salted peanuts
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Spray two 15x10x1-inch pans with cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, mix all ingredients until evenly coated. Spread in pans in single layer.
3. Bake 12 minutes. Spread on waxed paper to cool, about 15 minutes. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Heat oven to 300°F. Bake 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

Success Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated. Evaporated milk is thinner and does not contain added sugar, which is needed for this recipe. Substitution No baking pans with sides? Line 2 large cookie sheets with heavy duty foil and fold up all the edges so the mix doesn’t slide off.



Mexican Chex Mix


1 bag (3.5 oz) butter-flavor microwave popcorn, popped
8 cups Corn Chex® cereal
4 cups corn chips
2 cups bite-size cheese crackers
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix

1.Remove and discard unpopped kernels from popped popcorn. In 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag, mix popcorn, cereal, corn chips and crackers. Drizzle with melted butter.
2.Seal bag and shake until well coated. Add cheese and taco seasoning mix. Seal bag and shake until well coated.

For extra cheese flavor, use Cheddar-flavored popcorn. Cute, animal shaped crackers are a fun substitute for the square cheese crackers.

Favorite Chicken Nuggets

3cups Corn Chex® cereal
1/2cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2teaspoon salt
1/2teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4teaspoon paprika
1/8teaspoon garlic powder
3tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1tablespoon milk
1lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1x1-inch pieces

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with foil. Crush cereal. (To easily crush cereal, place in plastic bag or between sheets of waxed paper, and crush with rolling pin.)
2. In medium bowl, stir together crushed cereal, cheese, salt, seasoned salt, paprika and garlic powder. In small bowl, stir together melted butter and milk. Dip chicken into butter mixture, then roll in cereal mixture to coat evenly. Place on cookie sheet.
3. Bake 9 minutes; turn nuggets over. Bake about 8 minutes longer or until coating is light golden brown and chicken is no longer pink in center.

Also be sure to check out this page on Chex.com for GIFT giving ideas using the Chex Mix you will make! These would make way cute neighbor gifts!

Cupboards too Full?

Being close to Thanksgiving I must say I am so thankful this year for my full cupboards of food. I got home from the store last night and had to do some major rearranging to make the things I purchased fit. If your cupboards are very full as well, or if you have items that you wont be able to use before they reach expiration dates, keep in mind the food banks are always looking for donations. If there are items on the Grocery Smarts list that end up being free sometimes I will pick them up, even if its not something my family likes. I am then able to donate things without even having to pay for them. How cool is that- I get to help someone else just by using coupons! I love it. Many grocery stores have donation boxes for the food banks that you can just drop items off in. This makes it even easier!

Click here for a link to the Utah Food Bank to see what items they are currently in need of.

Click HERE for a list of Smiths Stores that serve as drop off locations.

If you don't have a Smiths nearby click HERE to see a list of Food Pantry and Regional Food Bank County Listings

Lots of the items they are currently in need of are things that are on sale or have been in the past weeks. I love that by using coupons I am able to not only save money for my family but help other people without feeling any financial burden from doing so.