Steal a Base Steal a Taco! Free Taco on 10/28/08

Due to a stolen base being scored in the World Series tonight, 10/22/08, Taco Bell will give everyone in America a FREE crunchy Taco! here are the details! Enjoy :)

HOW TO OBTAIN A FREE TACO: If an eligible base was stolen during the Games, Taco Bell will make an announcement through selected media channels, including a press release and its Web site (www.tacobell.com), that eligible consumers can obtain their free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 (if base is stolen in Games 1-4 on October 22, 23, 25 or 26), OR Monday, November 3, 2008 (if base is stolen in Games 5-7, October 27, 29 or 30), ("Redemption Date") only. To obtain the Free Taco, consumers must visit any participating Taco Bell® restaurant in one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (local time) on the Redemption Date only and request a Free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco. Free Tacos will not be offered on any other date or time, regardless of circumstance. Limit one (1) Free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco per person. Participating Taco Bell restaurant manager reserves the right to deny Free Taco to any person he/she reasonably believes has already received a Free Taco or has engaged in any other fraudulent activity. All eligible consumers: Everyone in line at a participating Taco Bell restaurant before 6:00 p.m. local time will receive a Free Taco, even if it is provided after 6:00 p.m. Free Taco offer is subject to store availability and Taco Bell reserves the right to substitute an item of equal or greater value if due to unavailability. All restaurant managers’ decisions are final regarding to Free Taco offer

Free Jellybeans

Check this one out - I found this on "The Frugal Mom" 's blog at www.al.com....

couldn't resist - who doesn't love jellybeans - especially when they are FREE!!!

http://beta.candydirect.com:8222/Sample/SampleForm.aspx?id=3

fill out the form and they will come in the Mail - enjoy :)

Would you like to be a Nike Shoe Tester?

I came across this interesting site also on fatwallet.com... I had NO idea that Nike or any other shoe company would use average testers for their new shoes!!! This was so interesting for me to see..... I did start the process to become a "Nike Product Tester" until I came to the 3rd page that said they were only accepting for 1. Golf 2. Tennis or 3. Soccer - which I do none of.

But if you do any of these things - you might want to check into this! The interesting part I found was that it had to be a secret. Yes, a secret that you were testing for Nike....in other words, you are not allowed to wear them in public places, allow anyone to try them on, talk to anyone about them and a list of other things that are just crazy. Enjoy :) Check it out!~

Cash for your OLD Laptop!

I got this off fatwallet.com... sounds interesting and the prices that are paid for used laptops seemed pretty good... the discussion link at fatwallet.com is http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/deal-discussion/861523

Read On! :)

Get cash for your old laptops at the below 2 websites. You can do an automatic quote on their website without entering any personal info (at least at cashforlaptops), then if you decide you want it, you enter your mailing info and the protective packaging arrives within a few business days, easy, hassle free! Once you receive your confirmation email you must sign into the website and under my transactions click confirm on each laptop before they send you the packaging.
Cash For Laptops

There is also another website which works similar here, and may offer better pricing => Laptops Into Cash

Free Bounce Dryer Sheet

It might not be much, but Free is always good (and they probably drop in a coupon)... check in at www.bounceeverywhere.com and click on the "free sample" ! Enjoy :)

Free Video Trade with Goozex.com - Thanks

Thanks Paul for referring me on the goozex website - I now get another video trade! Nothing like a free video game (instead of buying them) :)

Free Chick Fil A Chicken Strips

Check out Chick Fil A's website.... www.chickfila.com ... wear any football logo into Chick Fil A on Monday, Labor Day, September 1st and you will receive a FREE 3 count "New Chick-N-Strips" !!! I Always love free food! Enjoy :)

Another Free Chicken froom McDonalds

I might be too late, but just saw this on Monday AM - check your Sunday "Punch" on 8/17 - there was a coupon sticking out for a FREE McDonalds Southern Style Chicken Sandwich or Biscuit with the purchase of a Med or Large drink.... save a few dollars and get a free lunch, dinner or breakfast! Enjoy :)

Free McDonalds Southern Style Biscuit or Sandwich

I love free food - how about you? visit the McDonalds website and print out a coupon for a FREE Southern Style Biscuit or Sandwich with the purchase of a medium or large drink (which are only $1.00 for either size).. You must print the coupon in Color - says the coupon.. ENJOY :O

www.facetheglory.com

$5.00 off coupon at Target

http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=d1c32e4551&attid=0.1&disp=vah&view=att&th=11b5caea3d618da4

This link should get you a $5.00 coupon usuable at any Target Store. The best part is you can print as many as you want and use them as often as needed. Exp. date is not until October :)

Walgreens has .10 cent prints thru 7/19

If you haven't used Walgreens picture downloading system, you should try it sometime. It is very easy to download the pictures to their site, they keep them online for you and you can have them printed and shipped to your mailbox or simply printed at the store and you pick up there and pay there!

I like the pick up option - so I don't have to put any credit card information into the site (I never have that info handy). They are constantly sending out coupon codes that save you money on everyday pictures and posters. The lastest is the code "FUN" that will work until Saturday, July 19th and will get you ten cent pictures for 50 or more pictures printed! Pictures are usually .16 - .19 cents to print - so this is almost 1/2 off! Enjoy :)

Free Chick-fil-A Combo Meal - July 11th

If you are willing to dress up like a "COW" ...... HA!!! Yes, this is true!
July 11th - If you come into Chick Fil A dressed as a cow you will receive a FREE Combo Meal - breakfast, lunch or dinner!

The website is www.cowappreciationday.com

FROM THE EMAIL - "Dress like a cow from head to hoof for our 4th annual Cow Appreciation Day® (July 11, 2008) and get a complimentary combo meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) from Chick-fil-A.

Not up for sporting the full cow look? Partial cow attire will still get you a complimentary entrée. Request a tall, cool Dr Pepper with your Chick-fil-A and complete your meal.

Send this email to your friends and come dressed as an entire herd - Chick-fil-A for everyone! Cow up and get free Chick-fil-A on July 11th at your nearest Chick-fil-A.

Free Starbucks Coupon

It is easy - all you need is a "loaded" Starbucks Gift Card. If you already have one with a balance on it you are set - if you don't - simply purchase a $5.00 gift card that you can use at any time.... then visit the Starbucks website at www.starbucks.com - register your card with the gift card number and pin - create a profile and you will recieve a coupon for a FREE hot or cold Starbucks drink of your choice. I received my coupon in less than 2 weeks! WOW - Free is always GOOD! I think this offer is only good until July 14th - so GET IT NOW!

How often do you change your oil?

I have been a long time user of this theory - since I don't change my oil until 8,000 - 10,000 miles on my vehicles - but this article made me feel better about doing just that - AND it saves my money along with the environment!!!

I took this article from Yahoo.com - read on

It’s been a misconception for years that engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles, even though most auto manufacturers now recommend oil changes at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 mile intervals under normal driving conditions.
Greatly improved oils, including synthetic oils, coupled with better engines mean longer spans between oil changes without harming an engine. The 3000 mile interval is a carryover from days when engines used single-grade, non-detergent oils.
For several years, automakers like General Motors, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have installed computerized systems that alert drivers via an instrument panel light when it’s time to change oil. As an example, the General Motor Oil Life System (GMOLS) analyzes the engine temperature, rpms, vehicle speeds, and other driving conditions to calculate the rate of engine oil degradation. Then, software calculates when the oil needs to be changed. Other systems work similarly.
Because of the many external conditions and parameters that have to be taken into account, calculating the precise maximum service interval using mathematical models alone is difficult. Now, Daimler AG has developed a more direct and precise way to monitor oil quality directly on board a vehicle.
Daimler uses a special sensor integrated into the oil circuit to monitor engine oil directly. Oil doesn’t wear out, but rather dirt and impurities cause oil to lose its ability to lubricate properly, dictating the need for a change. Daimler uses the oil’s “permittivity,” that is, the ability to polarize in response to the electric field. If the engine oil is contaminated by water or soot particles, it polarizes to a greater extent and its permittivity increases.
To evaluate the quality of the oil, permittivity is measured by applying an AC potential between the interior and exterior pipes of an oil-filled sensor to determine how well the oil transmits the applied electric field.
Because not all impurities can be measured with sufficient precision via the electric field method, Daimler also measures the oil’s viscosity to detect any fuel that may have seeped into the oil. Daimler researchers measure viscosity while the vehicle is in motion by observing the oil's side-to-side motion in the oil sump. The slower the oil moves, the higher its viscosity. This movement is registered by a sensor and the viscosity is calculated on this basis.
A single sensor, along with the information already monitored by on-board computers, is sufficient to determine the various parameters of the engine oil. Daimler will likely use the technology first on its commercial vehicles. Here, large oil reservoirs mean larger quantities of oil can be saved. Plus, a predicted 25 percent increase between service intervals and reduced downtime will be of interest to fleets, and thus justify the added cost of installation.

Free room for a night w/ Couch Surfing

OK, now this would not be "ME" but I thought it would be worthy of telling you guys about! I read about this in the Birmingham News Today - as they were talking abour folks who were coming to town for the City Stages Weekend Concerts - and staying with strangers - on their couch - for FREE!

The website is www.couchsurfing.com and here is part of the article from AL.com

"Tim Leong, 25, wouldn't dream of reserving a hotel room while visiting Birmingham from Wisconsin. He'd rather sleep on a stranger's couch.
Leong is one of more than 575,000 registered CouchSurfing members of www.CouchSurfing.com. There, people from all regions of the world can chat, view profiles and arrange trips based on who's couch is available for a night.
Wanting to volunteer for the weekend's music festival City Stages, Leong needed a place to stay in the Birmingham area. Via the CouchSurfing Web site, Leong met Jon Paolone of Hoover and asked if his couch was available for a two-night stay, to which Paolone replied "yes."

go to www.al.com and search couchsurfing for the entire story! This is too cool - for those who are single I guess?

Save on Groceries

I wanted to bring this post back up to the TOP - I think it is more important now that gas has jumped so much since this first post!

ALDI - my favorite grocery store! go to www.aldi.com to find the closest one to you! They sell cheaper than anyone else! I have copied my first post and pasted below... Check it out!

Do you price shop at the grocery store - or coupon shop? I have found the greatest savings without the coupons and without price shopping! Have you heard of ALDI? It is a grocery store that has discounted / warehouse type prices. They do not accept any coupons, they do not accept mc/visa/discover - but only accept debit cards or cash. You have to pay a quarter for a buggy - but get that back when you put your buggy back and they do not sack your groceries - you have to bring your own bags.. so now you are wondering why you should visit this "do it yourself" store...... THE PRICES ARE AWESOME! They do carry mostly their own brands - which are double price guaranteed - if you don't like them - they will refund your money - no questions asked! I have been told (even at checkout by an unassuming gentleman) that their own store brands are JUST as good if not BETTER than most brand name foods that you have previously used (even the ketchup)! So now you are wondering if the prices can be that good? I paid 44 cents /pound for granny smith apples (Publix charges $1.99/pound) - they looked and tasted the same. I paid .38 cents a can for canned vegetables and .99 cents for a big bag of pretzels, tortilla chips and Doritos chips!Milk is only 1.99 for a gallon - you can't find that price anywhere these days!that is just a portion of the savings I found.....their website shows 3 stores in the Birmingham Area - I visited Homewood (near Mazers on Greensprings hwy) - there is also one in Trussville and Bessemer. For me - this was definitely worth the drive - feeding 3 kids plus neighbors really puts a dent in my food bills! Check it out and let me know what you think - share your favorite bargains!

A little birdy told me that there was one being built in Pelham - for those of you in the Birmingham Area :)

Gas is TOO high! Find the cheapest

I know most of you guys have heard of this before - but just a reminder - especially since gas jumped another 10 cents / gallon today - www.gasbuddy.com put in your zip and it will tell you where you can find the cheapest gas. Check it out today!

FREE KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUT

JUNE 6TH IS NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY!!!!! KRISPY KREME IS CELEBRATING WITH A FREE DOUGHNUT!

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE

WWW.kripykreme.com

and ENJOY^!

one Free Starbucks Drink

I found this on Fatwallets.com

Register an existing Starbucks Gift Card online and receive a coupon for a free drink from Starbucks.... here is the link - Enjoy!

http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=874

Feed the kids for $3.24??

How much does it cost to feed 3 children a well rounded meal with 1 meat, 2 vegatables, desert and a drink? HOW ABOUT $3.24???

On Thursdays and Saturdays - Kids eat for .99 cents each - includes all the above... at PICCADILLY CAFETERIA. I take the kids while DH is working - I can eat a vegatable plate with drink - feed all three kids with Jello - they have different activities for the kids on Thursday evening - tip the waiter/waitress and leave with only spending about $12.00!! WOW!!

Piccadilly is a chain -so check for a location near you by going to www.piccadilly.com and make sure they have the same times as the Hoover Location.

go "GREEN" with Weed Killing

This just in from my thrifty sister!

I haven't tried this - but some of you guys might - READ ON!!!

I have found that pouring boiling water on unwanted weeds is a great way to kill terminate the life of them.It’s a nice alternative to a)back-breaking hands and knees/pulling and digging, b)expensive store-bought chemicals, and c) a yard full of weeds.And as a bonus, you are adding water to your soil, which will fuel existing grass and other foliage!

10% off at LOWES

Just saw this in the circular today for Lowe's

10% off for Military Personnel and Immediate Family

Now through Monday, May 26Offer available for all active, reserve, honorably discharged, and retired military and immediate familyMust show valid military ID or other proof of serviceDIscount limited to purchases up to $5000Excluded from the discount are on-line sales, previous sales, Special Order items, installation and delivery fees, extended protection plans, gift cards, select Fisher & Paykel applicances, all Electrolux major kitchen appliances, and John Deer products.

What do you do with your USED coffee grounds?

Have you ever "googled" uses for coffee grounds? Neither had I - until my sister told me of ALL the items that come up! WOW - this is another "green" idea - here is the quickest and easiest to cut/paste for you - but this would be best for you to try yourself!

Ten Ways to Recycle Coffee Grounds (oops, I added #11)
I'm always amazed at the information I find online. Today I discovered numerous ways to recycle coffee grounds, along with some rather unusual ideas as well. Enjoy!
1. Mix the grounds with water to provide your houseplants with an "energized" drink. Plants need the nutrients found in coffee grounds, including nitrogen and potassium, both common ingredients in store-bought fertilizer. Using organic grounds will provide a healthier and happier plant environment!
2. Sprinkle used grounds on your outdoor plants.
3. Sprinkle a ring of used grounds around a tree or plantings to deter ants.
4. Use slightly damp grounds on icy steps and sidewalks. The grounds stick to the ice, creating a safer walking surface.
5. Pour a few grounds down your drains to gently scrape the sides of the pipes. Do not use if pipes are already slow draining or clogged.
6. Use to scrub gunk off surfaces such as grills and greasy pans. Use wet or dry grounds.
7. Keep a container of dried coffee grounds in a shaker near the kitchen sink. Use to scrub strong odors such as fish, garlic and onion, from your hands.
8. Wet your face and scrub with one tablespoon coffee grounds. This is a gentle exfoliating wash for your face.
9. Use steeped grounds and a cotton swab to touch up furniture scratches.
10. Coffee grounds are a great addition to any compost pile. Just throw them into your compost bin, filter and all.
11. Use Coffee Grounds For An Inexpensive Shower Scrub. Coffee grounds make a wonderful exfoliating scrub for your skin. A fantastically cheap way to give your skin a renewed, healthy glow.

a FREE refreshement from Chick Fil A

Chick Fil A near Wal-Mart in Alabaster - at the new Colonial Shopping Center at Exit 263 on I65 - is giving away 50 milkshakes between 2:00 and 5:00p.m. every Thursday in May.

What a great refreshment!

Thanks G

Free from Arby's

Arby's answer to McDonalds FREE items... you have to print this coupon - but you get free regular sidekickers with the purchase of a drink item..... good until JUNE 8th. This is better than McDonalds - you can get more than one and every day :)

http://coupons.shopping.yahoo.com/arbys/

Free Iced Coffee at Dunkin Donuts

go to www.dunkindonuts.com and follow the directions for a FREE iced coffee! WOW - everything is better when it is "free"!

Free Chicken Sandwich from McDonalds

May 15th - with the purchase of Medium Fry and Medium Drink - make sure you ask for the free southern fried chicken sandwich!

Only at McDonalds :)

Got Gift Cards ? Use Them!

I think GIFT CARDS are a wonderful choice for a gift. Businesses also think so! BUT, if you have the following gift cards in hand - you will want to go ahead and use them or you might just loose the value at some point.

The following companies just filed for Bankruptcy:

Hollywood Video (Movie Gallery)
Levitz
Sharper Image
Performance Team Freight
Linens n Things
Circuit City
Bed, Bath and Beyond

If you have gift cards from the above list, use them ASAP. They will not be valid for much longer.

Thanks to dear friend Gwen for the information below:

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Rave theater, in Lee Branch and
Patton Creek, will have free Kid movies this summer. They are every Tuesdayand Wednesday at 10am.
Below is the schedule. Dates Feature
6/10-6/11 Alvin & the Chipmunks (PG)
6/17-6/18 Bee Movie (PG)
6/24-6/25 Shrek the Third (PG)
7/1-7/2 Fire House Dog (PG)
7/8-7/9 Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
7/15-7/16 Charlotte's Web (G)
7/22-7/23 Surf's Up (PG)
7/29-7/30 Veggie Tales (G)

If you are not in the birmingham area - check with your local movie theater for their summer schedule.

Feed The Poor - Free

… just wanted to share an amazing website with all of you if you haven't already heard about it. It's called FreeRice.com, and it's a fun vocabulary-building site. For each question answered correctly, the organization and it's sponsors donate 20 grains of rice to poor villages all over the world. In just a few minutes each day, you can build brain power AND feed hungry children. CBS Evening News just did a follow-up story on the charity, and it was heart-warming to see the children benefiting from this organization. Fun, educational AND feeding the needy - you can't beat that. Enjoy! www.freerice.com

Unclaimed Money from the State

I would think that most of you guys have already heard of this - but in case you haven't and in case you have a few minutes to waist one the computer...

If a company is holding your money and they can't find you - they turn it into the state. This can be an overpayment of a power bill or water bill after you move, a stock certificate that you didn't realize you had or even a bank account that you forgot to close down. Lot of different reasons.

So how do you claim money that you never knew you had? Go to www.unclaimed.org

Here you can look up any of the US states and go directly to their website to search their records. I always have fun finding money for others also.

I would think if you have ever moved from one state to another - you would want to check out all states you may have lived in.

Check it out and let me know if you find any unclaimed money!

Free Hamburgers

This probably won't affect you unless you have a child playing baseball or softball in the Oak Mountain League - but I had to pass it along anyhow..... I don't want anyone to miss out on a great opportunity to get a free Hamburger Heaven - they are YUMMY!

Also, this might some extra business to them - it is just a glimpse of what a wonderful company they are.

Read on:

Due to the huge turn out this past weekend at Hamburger Heaven, the offer to enjoy free hamburgers for all Oak Mountain Baseball and Softball players has been extended until the end of the season on May 24th.OMYBS has teamed up with Hamburger Heaven on Hwy 280 to offer FREE hamburgers to all players of Oak Mountain Youth Baseball and Softball.All players, IN UNIFORM, that visit Hamburger Heaven on Hwy 280 from now until May 24th will receive a Free hamburger!Please make sure you thank Bob Henderson and the management staff of Hamburger Heaven for their continued support of Oak Mountain Baseball and Softball Programs!

Free Treats on YOUR Birthday

I love birthday gifts - doesn't everyone? Thanks to my friends Tammi - here is a website that tells you just what all free things you can get on your birthday.... looks like fun - it covers Adults, Kids and Pets.

See what you think :)

www.freebirthdaytreats.com

FREE Emission testing TODAY

Today at Vulcan. (yes, the big man who stands on the hill). Take your car and in minutes they will run a few test to make sure your emissions are OK - or whatever that means...(I am a female and don't really understand all that - but I do know that too much IS BAD!).

Let me know if you try this out....

Go GREEN

I found this article headlining on yahoo.com today. More about freecycle.com READ ON!


written by Sam Silverton Fri Apr 18, 2008 4:02pm PDT
I'm sure my family would enjoy our backyard campfires just fine if we'd paid for our fire pit. But the fact that the hammered-copper disc landed in our backyard for free adds luster to those starry evenings. I also get a warm feeling when I see the same model for sale at Smith & Hawken for $300.

Getting stuff through a Freecycle group is satisfying that way. It's like a shopping buzz without the hangover — or bill. You get the same thrill of the chase, the same satisfaction of telling the story behind your discovery. Each Freecycle item is one less deposit to the local landfill, which is good.
And it's free. All that's required is effort. And not much at that.
Instead of throwing out unwanted furniture, dishes, bikes, or electronics, people in "reuse groups" give them away to other people in their community who want them. The givers and takers find each other online. The first step is to sign up for the reuse group nearest you (minimizing travel time when spot something you want).
The granddaddy of all reuse groups is Freecycle.org, with more than 5 million global members the globe and counting. Search here to find the Freecycle group nearest you.

Other reuse groups are less well known, but are just as successful in putting perfectly good stuff in people's happy hands. Yahoo! has compiled a master list of reuse groups around the world and plotted them on a map. Use it to find a reuse group near you.
The next step? Check your email.
Stuff you want to give away, you post as "offered." Whoever wants it responds to you directly, and off you go.
For stuff you see offered and want to go get, it's the same process in reverse. Let the giver know you're interested, and set up a time and place to make the handoff. Yes, the whole thing is based on trust. It also works.
Reuse groups keep an estimated 300 tons of waste out of landfills every day, according to a University of Iowa study. This profile of an online-flea-market-where-Freecycle founder Deron Beal further illustrates the power of the idea in words and pictures.
In our own home, we've given away golf clubs, children's toys, and outgrown bicycles, clearing space in our garage. We've added: the fire ring, a garden hose, and a guitar that works fine but sounds awful. Talent is harder to pass around.
Sam Silverstein is the editor of Yahoo! Green.

Free Samples

I figured out something fun today - Walmart.com gives free samples via website.

you can go to www.walmart.com and click on "in stores now" and in the drop box you will find "free samples" .... lots different things listed and they change on a daily basis I think. You have to fill out your name and address and they will be delivered in your mailbox in 4-6 weeks. This all goes back to "free stuff in your mailbox" ! I LOVE IT!

enjoy and let me know if you do too

Free Southern Style Chicken from McDonalds

Mark you calendar - I am not 100% positive that this is at all McDonalds locations - but been told that some were giving away a FREE Southern Style Chicken Sandwich with the purchase of a Mickey D's Sweet Tea ($1.00)... only on April 27th.... it would be worth the try.

Free Information

I hate calling information on the phone (411) and being charged for the call - I think it is up to .75cents per call now - or even more.... even cell phone carriers charge you on your bill for this... I CAN TELL YOU HOW TO GET IT FREE!!!

You can call 205-870-1411 from anywhere in the US - you will get a person - not a computer response - they will look up any number for you - and they don't charge you for it! They can even connect your call for no fee!

What is even better - they will look up movie times at a theater for you - or start times for different events - or addresses - anything they can get off the internet for you they will do.

Try this and SAVE those dollars spent talking to a computer that can't understand you anyway..

Dave Ramsey would be proud

Ok, so i told you how I love deals and bargains... did I tell you how I got a 32" HDTV that hangs on the wall - NEW IN THE BOX - for only $400.00. ($150.00 less than the sale price).. I was so proud of hanging in there and not purchasing without price shopping first... I found it on www.craigslist.com ! It was NIB and being sold by gentleman that lives near me - he delivered it and everything. Now, I was a bit skeptical and made sure I asked all the questions I could think of to make sure this was legit and that it wasn't walked out of someones back door..

The part Dave Ramsey would be proud of was the way I paid him... He wanted $450.00 and I am not a good haggler or negotiator - so I simply made sure I had a check ready to write for $450.00 and only $400.00 in cash and gave him the option of which one he wanted - he took the cash! So, I was extremely pleased with my bargain for the day on an item that I WANTED badly and didn't want to pay $650.00 to purchase... not to mention that I had no sales tax to pay... So, check it out - www.craigslist.com and search out the items that you might be looking for.

Free things in your mailbox?

I LOVE free samples in my mailbox! I am a "mail junkie" - it can be my home mailbox or my inbox - I love MAIL! So.... every now and then when I am looking for something to search on the web - I go to www.fatwallet.com . There is lots to do at fatwallet - and the site is just what it means - they try to make your wallet a bit fatter! My favorite (to keep you from getting overwhelmed) is the forums. In particular is the "Free Stuff" and "Hot Deals" Forums.

Don't worry, you don't have to sign up to read all the posts in the forums - the entire site is free to read.

A bit like this blog - in the Free Stuff forum, individuals give you bits of information that they have learned and hear of or tried - you can click on links that will get you FREE things in your mailbox! too cool! Check it out!

Save on Groceries w/out coupons!

Do you price shop at the grocery store - or coupon shop? I have found the greatest savings without the coupons and without price shopping! Have you heard of ALDI? It is a grocery store that has discounted / warehouse type prices. They do not accept any coupons, they do not accept mc/visa/discover - but only accept debit cards or cash. You have to pay a quarter for a buggy - but get that back when you put your buggy back and they do not sack your groceries - you have to bring your own bags.. so now you are wondering why you should visit this "do it yourself" store...... THE PRICES ARE AWESOME! They do carry mostly their own brands - which are double price guaranteed - if you don't like them - they will refund your money - no questions asked! I have been told (even at checkout by an unassuming gentleman) that their own store brands are JUST as good if not BETTER than most brand name foods that you have previously used (even the ketchup)!

So now you are wondering if the prices can be that good? I paid 44 cents /pound for granny smith apples (Publix charges $1.99/pound) - they looked and tasted the same. I paid .38 cents a can for canned vegetables and .99 cents for a big bag of pretzels, tortilla chips and Doritos chips!
Milk is only 1.99 for a gallon - you can't find that price anywhere these days!

that is just a portion of the savings I found.....

their website shows 3 stores in the Birmingham Area - I visited Homewood (near Mazers on Greensprings hwy) - there is also one in Trussville and Bessemer. For me - this was definitely worth the drive - feeding 3 kids plus neighbors really puts a dent in my food bills!

Check it out and let me know what you think - share your favorite bargains!

Dave Ramsey would be proud!

TAX DAY

April 14, 2008
Don’t Forget to Sign Your Tax Return!
This is just a quick reminder to all of you who are filing a hard copy of your taxes…
Don’t forget forget to sign your tax return!
According to the IRS, your return is not considered to be a valid tax return unless you sign it. And if you’re filing jointly, your spouse will need to sign it, as well.

Get lots of free financial information at www.fivecentnickel.com - great website full of information on money matters!

15 Free Digital Prints

www.walgreens.com order digital prints and add "taxday" to promotional codes and you will get 15 FREE 4x6 prints .... this offer is only good on April 15th - you guessed it - tax day!

Walgreens online is really great for digital pictures. You don't have to fumble for credit card infomation to order and pay online - you can simply pick the "pick up and pay in store" option - then simply pick your favorite and most convenient store then pay when you pick them up! tooo easy!

Extra Cash for non working items?

I came across this a few weeks back - I haven't tried it but it sounds like fun... www.secondrotation.com - pays cash for non working cell phones, pda's, camera, video cameras, laptops or other electronic devices. They will estimate the cash they pay before you send it. Sounds like a great way to keep electronics out of the dump and out of the environment and get a little gas money in exchange... let me know what you think!

EASY crock pot recipe

This is another thing that I LOVE - cooking EASILY! I came across this recipe this past week and it was not only EASY - but VERY GOOD!!! The flavors were wonderful together - but don't let the name confuse you - it is not as chineseeee as it sounds.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak:

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips
garlic powder to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

This would be good served over rice, mashed potatoes or egg noodles....... very yummy and exceptionally easy.

I get LOTS of my recipes from www.allrecipes.com - if you have never been there - check it out - you can set up your own recipe box and keep the ones you like... - you can even sign up for a new recipe every day in your inbox - which is where I get so many of my favorites from.

Video Game Trading

try the link to the right - I think if you join with this - i will get the 100 bonus points for referral!

Video Game Trading

Do you have a gamer in your family? I have run across this cool website where you trade video games. It is based on a point system - you simply list the games you have and don't play anymore and when someone wants it - they trade you for points. You then use your points to trade for a game you wish to try out.... the cost to you is postage plus $1.00 trade fee! My kids love this and they have been trading out lots of older games - which have seemed to go first. This SURE BEATS PAYING RETAIL PRICES or even used prices. You can trade any type games, PS2, WII, PC, GAMEBOY, etc and receive any type - you don't have to stick with one media form.... check it out! www.goozex.com BUT - if you decide to join - tell me so I can send you a link - I RECEIVE 100 BONUS POINTS FOR A NEW trader!!! I will send you the bonus link - just respond below and give me your email address :)

Mazers Tent Sale

I just bought a new bed - I have been thinking of a new bed for at least a year now... and just couldn't find the right bed for the right price... I happened on Mazers tent sale on Wednesday! I saw this tent in the parking lot of their Homewood store and LOTS of cars - so I couldn't pass the party up! I was amazed at all the STUFF. There were lots of broken items that were really cheap and LOTS of new and still packaged items that were in perfect condition - really cheap. I bought my king size sleigh bed for only $300.00.... i attempted to buy a chair for $200 that would have been perfect for the bedroom but Chris talked me out of it as did the lady who also wanted it... if you can fix something or have an eye for changing an item into something else - this is a GREAT bargain tent. Some items with broken mirrors would have been easy to fix - but I am not that creative.... I did find out that they restock with new merchandise every morning at 10am - they said that is when you need to be there for the best selection! I am not sure how long this tent sale goes on, so try it out soon!

Freecycle.org

Discounts don't get any better than free..... how about free and Saving the Earth ? subscribe to www.freecycle.org ! This is an email based organization that is TOTALLY GREEN! You post any items that you don't want - as free and someone will pick them up from you. no need to worry with filling the landfill with useable (and sometimes unusable) items. you can also RECEIVE items - all free! It works pretty easy and you would be surprised at what is your junk - is someone else's treasure! All items must be FREE with no charge and there are a few other restrictions - all pretty simple and understandable. Check it out - I received a practically new set of golf clubs for my 4 year old - bag and all... new cleats for the boys in baseball, and lots of other items - all free... I have also gotten rid of lots of items that were no worth to me and have someone pick them up and be happy about getting them! I even cleaned out all the unused hair products, sacked them up and had a HAPPY receiver of them! WOW! it doesn't get any better than that... check it out and let me know what you think....

First Post

This is my first post - my first OFFICIAL Post :) I have never blogged before so this is just a test! Are you wondering why I started a BLOG? so am I! I have all these ideas running around in my head - all the time and it is hard to remember who I told and who I wanted to tell and repeating the entire story several times drives me crazy! So..... here it is - I told my sister, I can at least type it once and feel like I have told the WORLD! even if no one reads it! HA! I am a 40 year old learner who loves her LAPTOP! I can sit for hours on my pc - what do I do though? well, I play solitare, check the stock market, check my ebay sales, search weird things on ebay and check other's websites! I am an official internet junkie!

The most enjoyable things I can do in a day - besides my prayers, my kids and my job, is search out the weird things in life, the free things and the bargains! I LOVE bargains and getting something that I need for less or free - so I hope to pass some of these things along to others as I learn about them. You should find lots of these ideas helpful in your life if you love a bargain..