Cyber Monday

Who's ready for Cyber Monday?  Are you the type who hates standing in long lines, fighting crowds, building your stress level up while trying to grab that one last deal from others wanting the same thing?  Well, Cyber Monday may just be the way to go.  Cyber Monday is perfect for those wanting to just stay at home, yet still get those great sales.

You don't have to get up and get dressed.  You can shop online right from the comfort of your own home, in your P.J's.  I, personally, hate crowds.  I don't like waiting in long lines.  I don't like all the pushing and shoving while I'm shopping.  Here are a few Cyber Monday shops you can check out. 


TEA COLLECTION




Tea Collection is an online store that sells children's fashion clothing from worldwide cultures and modern design.  Tea Collection just recently had 20% of select winter clothing and now, on Cyber Monday, they are offering 30% ALL TEA fashions with TOTALLY FREE SHIPPING.  Check them out.




AMAZON

Amazon already has great deals on a lot of their merchandise.  I shop Amazon quite frequently and shopping Cyber Monday is only going to get better.  They have anywhere from DVD's to electronics plus much more you can check out.  The DVD, A Fault in Our Stars, is currently 70% off, only $9.00 on Amazon as well as other great savings.  Explore and see what you can find on Amazon.
AMAZON CYBER MONDAY




OVERSTOCK.COM

Overstock.com has a variety of merchandise that you can search for, including: furniture, home furnishings, jewelry, watches, clothing, men and women merchandise, electronics, bed & bath and more.  Check out Overstock.com now.



CYBER MONDAY SALES-SALES.US

Are you a name brand person?  Do you not mind spending a little more on high demand and elite name brand items?  If this is your taste, then check out Cyber Monday-Sales.us.
Cyber Monday-Sales.US offers merchandise by the names of Gucci, Prada, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Chanel, Dior...well, you get the picture.  Some of the Prada purses are on sale, running around $189.87, more  or less, while a certain Louis Vuitton purse I spotted is only $132.13!  This Louis Vuitton purse is normally $303.90.  Go check out Cyber Monday-Sales.us now.


These are just a few Cyber Monday online shops you can check out.  By no means, is this all of them.  Other stores you can check out include: Target, Kmart, Bath & Body Works, Walmart, Best Buy, Sears, LG, JC Penney, Gamestop plus any store that you normally shop.

Organic Ceremonial Grade Green Tea Matcha Review

I was proud to have received the #Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea this past week.  This #Organic tea came in a small round tin can that had a sealed silver bag inside.  The Organic Ceremonial Matcha Green Tea is a dark mossy green powder, that once whisked with 4 oz of hot water, made a smooth and pleasant tasting green tea!

At first, after looking at the mixed green tea, I was skeptical about it.  It looked like a green spinach colored tea, that I was hesitant to drink.  After taking my first sip, I will have to admit, it tasted pretty good.

The #Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green tea is a powder that claims the following:

*Mild Steady Energy
*Metabolism Boost
*Improved Skin Health
*Up to 137x the Antioxidants of Brewed Green Tea


The Mild Steady Energy acts as a stimulant and a relaxer...to get you through your day

The Metabolism Boost is said to increase your normal metabolism of 8-10% to an amazing 35%-43%! This alone was enought for me to try this remarkable #Organic Green Tea!

Improved Skin Health benefit is said to prevent harmful UV rays to the skin and help protect it while at the same time, improving the blood flow and oxygen levels. 

I have used this product this week and I could tell I had a little more energy throughout the day as well as falling in love with this #Organic Tea.  And that's another thing I like about this product...that it's ORGANIC!  So many people are interested in going organic, which is a good thing and this #Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea is just another perfect addition to add to your organic routine.

If you are interested in trying the Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea, you can visit KissMe at Amazon-KissMe Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea

  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

REVIEW: Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion

I received the Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion about a week ago and have been using it faithfully, everyday.  This lotion comes in a 1.75 oz bottle, with cap and has a push button type dispense.  The Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion contains natural ingredients such as: Aloe, Jojoba Oil and Organic Herbal Infusion.

The lotion is not thin and not too thick and has the perfect consistency of what a lotion should have.  When I received the lotion, my hands were already beginning to show dryness from the wind and cold.  After using the Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion, I could tell a difference within a few days of how my hands felt.

The Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion can not only be used on your hands, but can be used on the face and body as well.  I found that the biggest difference I felt, was when I used it on my face.  My face felt soft, supple and the lotion seemed to almost give me a slight tightening feeling to my face.  
 
The lotion did not have any greasy or oily feeling and blended in very well.  Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion is also perfect for men...not just for the ladies.  The Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion does not contain, that I could tell, any smell or girly scent that would offend the men from using it.

 To use: it only takes a dime size amount for your face.  And let me tell you, a dime size is plenty!  This lotion goes a long way and doesn't take an enormous amount.  I can honestly say, that my hands and face felt smooth, even after an hour of using it.

Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion can be found on Amazon along with other Foxbrim products.  I was very pleased with how fast I received my Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion once ordered.  Very prompt and great communication from the seller.

I would highly recommend the Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion, mainly because I know how my skin felt after using it and how I've tried other lotions that were either too thin, too thick or left greasy feeling behind.

Benefits of Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion:

*Reduce Wrinkle formation and existing wrinkles
*Refine and even skin texture
*Promote skin cell turnover 
*Effectively lighten spots and discolorations

MAIN INGREDIENTS:

*Vitamin C - 15%
*Jojoba Oil
*Green Tea
*MSM
*Shea Butter

If you want to experience the benefits of this Vitamin C Lotion, head on over to Amazon.com and get yours today

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thanksgiving Dinner...What's On Your Menu?

Thanksgiving, in our family, is about being with friends and family and being thankful for what we have.  This is the holiday, where we all eat, enjoy each others company and just chill with each other. Of course, the week before, I'm stressing over what I'm going to cook, how many people to feed and figuring out every ingredient that I'm going to need to make everything.

If you are the one responsible for cooking, you know how stressful it can get!  Tom like pecan pie, so gotta make that, Stephanie likes ham...not turkey, Nick likes green beans, but not green bean casserole...all of this can be overwhelming!

I've decided this year, that if anyone wants something on the menu, Asian Wrap & Roll  ...that I'm not planning on making, then they can bring what dish they want.  I've also decided, that I'm going to have to SLOW down, take my time, and not make Thanksgiving day/dinner, such a stressful event.  This is, after all, about being with friends and family, and when dinner gets done, it gets done.

A few things that I take care of myself is: Turkey, ham, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, at least two pies, gravy, garlic bread or rolls and dressing.  This doesn't seem like a lot, but when you get to preparing everything, timing when certain things need to go into the oven or out on the grill, it can become a lot.  AND...whatever other side dishes are brought by other family members, that's just an added bonus!

I'm thankful for the family and friends that I have, that they are the reason why we can sit down and have a family get together, especially on this special day.  I vow, not to let this day stress me out.  After all...it IS about being with the ones you love and being thankful, that each day, they are here with us.

What is on your menu for Thanksgiving?
 

Delicious Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

If it's getting a little cooler in your neck of the woods, here is a simple, yet delicious, soup you can make...Loaded Baked Potato Soup.  This recipe takes a few extra steps before adding to your crock pot, but it is well worth it.  Your family will love it!


INGREDIENTS:

6 - 7 large baking potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1/2 to 3/4 inch
9 slices of bacon, cooked & chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 1/2 TBS flour
1 box (32 oz) broth ( I normally make my own and freeze it until needed)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (8oz) pkg Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh chives

Begin with cooking bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, leaving at least 2 TBS of the bacon drippings and place on paper towels to drain and then refrigerate until ready to use. Add onions to the pan and cook approx. 5 minutes, then add the flour, cooking another minute. Add 1 cup of broth and cook until mixture comes to a boil and thickens (approx 2-3 minutes).

Add this to the crock pot along with the potatoes and the remaining broth.  Place lid on crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low 6-8 hours.

Remove about 4 cups of the potatoes with slotted spoon and smash until you get a smooth consistency in a medium size bowl.  Add 1 1/2 cups of cheese to the remaining soup, in the crock pot and stir until it's melted.

Stir in the milk and the potatoes you just mashed and cook an additional 6-7 minutes.

Remember that bacon you stored away until ready to use?  Place the bacon on a microwave safe plate, lined with paper towels and microwave for approximately 30 seconds, just until it's heated.  Top your soup with the chopped bacon, sour cream, cheese and chives.

Frugal Living, Tips and DIY Recipes

My attempts at becoming and living a frugal life has not been easy.  With 4 adults living in the house, including myself, the attempts are somewhat difficult when you have 2 adult children.

Between making my own household cleaners, detergent and trying to make more frugal decisions on meals, seems to take some time on a couple of members in the household.  I think the toughest is trying to make more meals, but cutting down on the cost.  Not everyone likes the same things when it comes to meals and I have one adult child (20 years old), who we took into our home about 3 months ago, who is used to eating totally different types of food, hence: trying to accommodate that as well.

I figured, the least I could do, was make my own household cleaners, as well as laundry detergent to cut down on some of the increased costs.  Even my Walmart is making it hard to use what coupons I do find and use, but either discontinuing the product or not keeping it in stock.  It seems like everytime I get a coupon, that will give me overage or cost little to nothing to purchase the item, Walmart miraculously, no longer has the item.  What's up with that?!

So...here are a couple of DIY recipes for household items you can make yourself, that will not only cut down on the cost, but last you longer than that one single item you may be used to purchasing from the store.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT (dry)

1 Cup Team Mule Borax
1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (not baking soda!)
1 Bar Fels-Naptha soap

All of these can be found in the laundry aisle at Walmart. 

First, grate the Fels-Naptha soap on a grater, using the smallest grate.  Combine the grated soap with your 1 Cup Borax and 1 Cup Super Washing Soda.  Mix well to incorporate everything.  

That's it!  There are other DIY laundry detergent recipes if you are looking for the liquid type and they can all be found on Budget 101 
The cost of all ingredients cost me around $8.00...BUT this recipe only calls for 1 TBS of laundry detergent, per load.  The reason for the 1 TBS only, is that this is more of a stronger version of laundry detergent AND the box of Borax and Super Washing Soda will make TONS AND TONS more of laundry detergent, enough to last about a year, depending on your wash loads.  You will, of course, have to purchase more of the Fels-Naptha soap, for each batch, but that is only $0.97 at Walmart.

 *The Oxi Clean shown in photo is optional.  I did not use this.

SCUM REMOVAL CLEANER

1/2 Cup Vinegar
1/2 Cup Dawn Dish washing liquid (just the plain version)
1 Spray Bottle

Heat the 1 Cup of Vinegar in the microwave until it's hot.  Add your Dawn dish washing liquid and mix well with a spoon or you can add to bottle and shake it gently.  Don't shake too hard or you will have soap bubbles near the top.  I find that mixing it with a spoon, in the measuring cup, does just fine and will prevent all the bubbles.

This doesn't make even half a bottle, but you can make more, as needed.  You can, however, make a batch at a time and add it to the spray bottle, but the vinegar has to be hot each time.  I personally used this recipe the other day and was very pleased with the results. 

Just spray on your shower door or bath tub, let set for at least 25 minutes and then go back and wipe. 

*This recipe is courtesy by Liss of Budget101.com

 

 

 

 

 

GLASS CLEANER

 

1 Cup Vinegar

1 Cup Warm Water

1 Spray Bottle

 

Either warm the water in the microwave or use the hot water from your faucet.  Add the cup of Vinegar and mix well, gently rotating the bottle back and forth to incorporate the vinegar and water.  The Vinegar provides a streak free finish, but it's best if you use newspapers to clean your glass instead of paper towels, which can leave behind fuzz or a cloth.  I found that newspapers are WONDERFUL in getting that streak free look. 

 

 
 

Ott's Poppyseed Dressing - Personal Review

On occasion, I like to have a small salad with my meal, or just as a meal alone.  There are many, many types of dressings out there to top off a salad and one that I have become to love is Ott's Poppy Seed Dressing.  Ott's Famous Dressings are in a sort-of-a-unique shaped bottle, not your average salad dressing shaped bottle.  It takes on a more perfectly rounded shape and the salad dressing is AMAZING!  I normally don't use Poppy seed dressing, but after trying Ott's Poppy seed dressing, I was hooked!

The dressing is a yellowish color with a bit of a mild sweet taste...And of course, has the infamous poppy seeds distributed throughout the dressing.  Ott's Salad Dressings are pretty reasonable in price, around $1.89 to $2.99, depending where you buy it and if it's on sale.  The Poppy Seed dressing comes in 16 oz bottle, but you can get other Ott's Dressings up to 18 oz, such as their Famous BBQ sauce.

If you've never tried the Ott's brand of dressings, you are missing out!  The dressings, especially the Poppy Seed Dressing, has a taste of it's own and you won't be able to get enough of it!  Do I use other salad dressings?  Of course I do, but I can honestly say, that Ott's Poppy Seed Dressing is my favorite!

*Ott's has never contacted me to do a review on the above product
*All opinions are based on my own and I have not been compensated for this review. 8974751d256094ba21bb94413142ab39

November Winds

I know the time is coming and I've enjoyed the warm weather so far, but I am NOT ready for this cold November season!  We've not had a terribly hot summer, kinda mild and not-too-hot, but getting used to the winds, temps dropping down in the 30's, is not my cup of tea...Coffee anyone?

November winds can be harsh, but not as harsh as December's.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I'm wondering how the weather will be then?  I don't know if it's because I'm getting older, but I can't recall last November being this cold!  On the bright side, the best thing about cold weather is snuggling up with a warm fuzzy blanket, grabbing a nice hot cup of coffee or cocoa and just staying inside watching movies (when I'm not working).  

And...I don't know if it's just me, but when cold weather hits, and for long periods of time such as into winter, I tend to get kind of on the lazy side.  NOT GOOD!  Bikini and swim suit weather are no longer hear and are long gone (at least in my part of the country) and now is the time to think about getting back into shape before next summer!  I KNOW I CAN, I CAN DO IT! At least that is what I keep telling myself.  Do you find it hard to get motivated to workout during the cold months?

Best meals to prepare for the upcoming cold months in my household include: Chili, stews, soups and anything considered comfort foods.  What are some of your comfort foods you like to cook on these cold winter days?  

How is the weather in your part of the country?  Warm, hot or getting frigid cold?  Drop me a line, I want to hear!  Happy NOVEMBER to you all!



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National Sundae Day!

When you think of a Sundae, you probably think of a sweet ice cream treat with a couple scoops of ice cream, with a chocolate or caramel topping, topped with a bright, red, juicy cherry!

Today, November 11th, is declared the National Sundae Day and what better way to celebrate Veterans Day with a Sundae!  You can top that Sundae of yours with many toppings...nuts, caramel, chocolate, colorful sprinkles or bits of broken pieces of candy bars...AND DON'T FORGET THE CHERRY!  The cherry is what finishes the perfect Sundae!

Here is a recipe that you can try at home:

2 scoops of ice-cream - your choice
whipped topping
cherries 
nuts
fudge or caramel topping
strawberry topping (fresh or strawberry glaze topping)
caramel 
pineapple topping
Topping are endless!  If you don't like pineapple, omit it and use bananas instead.  Get creative and create your perfect Sundae!

Grab that perfect glass dish for your ice cream and layer first, the caramel or chocolate topping, ice cream (one or two scoops) or go wild and add more, drizzle it with more chocolate or caramel topping, whipped cream and sprinkle with nuts.  If you like cherries, add the cherry to the top of your Sundae to top it off!

I want to hear what your favorite toppings are!  Do you have specific toppings you top your Sundae?  Let me hear them!!

RESETS On Previous Coupons Plus Deal Scenario

If you missed your favorite coupons or let them expire, I'm pleased to announce that some of these coupons have RESET!  One of the coupons that I am happy to see reset is the Oxi Clean Laundry Detergent, which is currently $5.97 at Walmart, is only $2.97 with the $3.00/1 Oxi Clean coupon!  Below is a list of not only RESET coupons, but other coupons that may leave you with a great deal at various stores.

$3/1 Oxi Clean Laundry Detergent
Use this coupon at Walmart - price $2.97 after coupon OR
Use this coupon at Rite Aid (60oz) - price $1.99 after coupon & $2 +UP (monthly reward - limit 4)

$1/1 Xtra Laundry Detergent (1) 75 oz or (2) 45 oz
Use this coupon at Rite Aid - price $0.99 after coupon (Rite Aid will have this on sale for $1.99)

My Country Mart occasionally has the Reser's Deli Salads on sale for $0.99.  If you have a Country Mart or Town and Country, look for this to go on sale.
$1/2 Reser's Deli Salad 1lb

$0.55/1 Hungry Jack Syrup

Free Manwich (up to $1.25) when you buy 1 King's Hawaiian Hamburger or Sandwich Buns.  These usually run around $3.68 at my Walmart.

$0.40/1 Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa
This could be a sweet deal if your grocery store doubles coupons!

BOGO Free Tai Pei Single Serve Entree or Appetizer (14.2 oz)

$1/1 Post Alpha Bits Cereal - NO SIZE RESTRICTIONS!

You will have to set your coupons.com zip code to 77477 in order to see this coupon.  Just go to your profile and change the zip code with the matching state.  

WALGREENS:  This cereal MAY be free at Walgreens if your Walgreens carries this cereal.

National Vanilla Cup Cake Day (and recipe!)

Today is National Vanilla Cupcake Day! You don't have to have a special occasion or reason to bake and enjoy cupcakes, especially today! What is your favorite Vanilla Cupcake recipe? Here is a Vanilla cupcake recipe for you to try, courtesy of Budgetbeans3 on Budget101.com

You'll Need:
1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 Tsp salt
2/3 cup milk

Preheat your oven to 350*F.
Mix butter, sugar, vanilla, milk and eggs together and mix until it is creamy and all chucks have broken up. In a separate bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients.

Slowly mix that into your main bowl until everything is nicely blended together. Pour your batter into your cup cake liners in the pan and set your timer for 20-24 minutes

While your cupcakes cook get the ingredients you will need for your frosting.

Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup softened butter
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 tablespoons milk

Mix in your powdered sugar, butter and vanilla together. Stir in 1 tablespoon of milk with this and gradually add more until your frosting has the constancy that you are looking for. The less milk you use the thicker your frosting will be consequently the more milk you use the thinner your frosting will be.

Once your cupcakes come out of the oven let them cool for a few minutes then frost them. Don’t hesitate to decorate them with candies or sprinkles.

What is your favorite Vanilla Cupcake Recipe?  Let me know and you may see your recipe here, on Not Just Another Southern Gal's blog!!

Easy No Fail Peanut Brittle

Holidays are rolling around and if you are like me, and a lot of us, you will probably plan on making some sweets, candies or desserts.  One of the candies or sweets, that my family loves, is the peanut brittle.  There are many recipes out there, and you may have your own, but this super easy recipe will have you making more (and save you time in the kitchen for other baked goodies!)

Directions for a 1,000 Watt Microwave

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup light corn syrup
1 Cup raw peanuts
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp butter
1 tsp baking soda

FIRST:      Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray or lightly butter
SECOND:  Mix the sugar and corn syrup in a large, microwave safe, bowl
THIRD:     Microwave on  high for approx. 3 1/2 minutes
FOURTH:  Add the peanuts and microwave another 3 minutes
FIFTH:      Stir in vanilla and butter til butter melts and microwave 1 minute
SIXTH:      Stir in baking soda, mixing well

You should have a mixture that it is light, foamy and light tan in color.
Pour this mixture onto your lightly sprayed or lightly buttered cookie sheet and gently roll or tip back and forth the cookie sheet around to spread the mixture.  DO NOT SPREAD WITH SPOON OR BY HAND! (doing this will cause the bubbles to break, which you DO NOT want. This allows the peanut brittle to be lighter). 

Allow the Brittle to cool completely before breaking into pieces.



Directions for an 800 Watt Microwave

Microwave 4 minutes first time, 3 1/2 minutes second time and 1 1/2 minutes the last time.

This should all take no more than 10-12 minutes to make!

A Few TARGET Deals

If you have a Target store near you, then you are lucky!  My nearest Target is probably an hour away and they seem to have some pretty good deals, with coupons and sales.  Here are a few deals you can score at TARGET:

FREE Candy Corn M&M's - use $1/2 Mars Candy Target coupon found here:
http://coupons.target.com/?utm_expid=22810341-0.hu_2jCVaR9Kv0AtQM0xWVg.0&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0003&afid=99685&clkid=1085360632&lnm=8-9651
AND $1.50/2 M&M's Chocolate brand candies..here:

$1.50/2 M&M's Chocolate Brand Candies
Target now has their candy marked down, up to 50% off and may be more than that if your Target has any left.

DEAL:  POSSIBLY FREE
_____________________________________________________
ALWAYS DISCREET LINERS...here is the deal you can get at TARGET:

Purchase ONE ALWAYS DISCREET LINERS, 26 ct for $2.99
Use one $2/1 Always Discreet Incontinence Liner printable coupon at coupons.com and go to profile and change the zip code to 68130 - State Nebraska and print the coupon

YOU CAN ALSO USE ALONG WITH THE ABOVE COUPON:
$1/1 Always Discreet Adult Incontinence Product, Target Mobile Coupon (text DISCREET to 827438)

DEAL:  FREE!
______________________________________________________
PURE VIA SWEETENER PACKETS - 40 CT.  $1.79

Use $1/1 Pure Via Sweetener40 or 80 ct Target printable coupon (you can go to Target's website and print coupons) AND if you get the Smart Source (SS) inserts, You can use the $1/1 Pure Via coupon (which is found in the 9/28 SS insert)

DEAL:  FREE

Acquiring High Value Coupons

Did you know, that you can acquire even more coupons by writing to your favorite brand companies?  Most of us get our coupons from either the Sunday paper inserts or from online (printable).  These are not the only ways to get coupons.  I occasionally will purchase coupons online, from Coupons Clipped Cheap and Klip2Save.  These sites usually have coupons that you can't normally get out of the Sunday paper (well, not everyone, due to certain coupons being available in certain areas).  BUT...Did you know...that by writing your favorite brand companies, you may receive coupons that may be valued HIGHER than what you normally will find?

I've been writing to companies, on and off, for about 2-3 years.  If I love their product (and sometimes if I have a problem) with their product, I write.  9 times out of 10, you will receive coupons that are DOLLARS OFF or sometimes, FREE!  Yes, I have received coupons in the mail, just by writing to these companies, for FREE products.  Let me explain....

One of the free product coupons I received was the Cascade Dishwasher tabs.  I used Cascade faithfully in my dishwasher and never had any really, major concerns or problems, until one day.  I opened my box of Cascade tabs and noticed that a lot of them were sticking together, some even tore while I was trying to get them apart.  I sent Cascade an online letter, a nice one, that I was a faithful user of their product, loved their product, but the last box I purchased, I had problems with and told them exactly what happened.  They apologized and sent me a coupon in the mail for a FREE Cascade product, ANY SIZE.  Well, of course I bought the largest size of Cascade I could get my hands on...a pretty good size tub.

You don't always have to send a complaint letter, most of my letters are compliment letters, stating how much I love their product, how much my family and I enjoy their product and sometimes, if it's the first time I've used their product, I would tell them that.  I NEVER ask for coupons while writing these letters.  WHY?  Because, I've found out, that if you write to a company and praise their products, they will more than likely turn around and send you HIGHER value coupons, sometimes for a FREE product.  This is what happened when I wrote to De Wafelbakker's.  I've never purchased their frozen pancake products until one day I decided to give them a try.  I loved not only the value of the product, but the quality and taste and even the packaging.  I let De Wafelbakker know this as well.  In return, they were so generous and sent me out at least 3 coupons for FREE De Wafelbakker pancakes!

Now, I'm not saying that this will happen to everyone, but I'm letting you in to how I receive a lot of my good coupons.  I just recently wrote De Wafelbakker's again and they are sending me more coupons, without me even asking for any!  I can't wait to see what I get!

BUT, you also have to remember, once you write to a company and either praise, complain or request coupons, they will have you on a mailing list for at least 6 months, so if you are trying to get more coupons or sending another compliment letter....wait at least 6 months before contacting that same company again.

Here are some of the companies I write to, that are pretty good about sending out higher value coupons:

• De Wafelbakkers 
•  Mt. Olive Pickles
• Vlasic
• Mario olives
• Chicken of the Sea
• John Frieda (hair color)
• Country Bob's
• Mezzetta (peperoncini peppers)

These are just a few, that I can think of off the top of my head, that have sent really great coupons.

Don't forget to LIKE the companies Facebook pages of your favorite companies as well.  Some of them offer coupons ocassionally!

FREEBIES!

Mothers and Gift Givers can grab a FREE sample of Huggies Little Snugglers by vising the link HERE.  You will be asked to fill out a short form.  You will want to check that you are a Gift Giver. Once the form is submitted, you should receive your FREE Huggies Little Snugglers in approximately 5 weeks.

NOTE:  The picture shown is NOT the sample. 






Here is a new freebie for all you freebie loving people!  You can text MOVIENIGHT to 727272 (REDBOX) and receive a free 1-day movie rental.  I just texted Redbox and got my free movie code within seconds.  Offer expires 1 week of issuance of the code.

Good morning everyone!  I love scouring the web for not only great deals, but for freebies!  You can find tons of freebies on the web just by searching 'freebies' in your search engine.  This freebie is actually one that I found, thanks to GimmieFreebies.com. For a limited time only, you can visit this link: The Daily Hoot and grab a free oven mitt.  All you have to do is visit their page, Like their page and fill out the very short form to receive this freebie.  Once you submit your info, it will take 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Now, I know that a lot of you will be doing some Thanksgiving cooking, and what better way than with this Thanksgiving oven mitt...and need I remind you...IT'S FREE!  I don't believe anyone can have too many oven mitts, pot holders or towels in the kitchen.

HURRY on over to The Daily Hoot Facebook page and get yours now before they are all gone.

What Should You Buy in NOVEMBER?

November is finally here and when we think of November, we think of Thanksgiving!  Each month, there are items that go on sale at your local grocery stores, which is called sales cycle, and this is the time to start stocking up for the holidays.  Some of the items on sale in November, can also be used for the Christmas holiday in December.  Take a look at the items below to see what you need to grab in November.

Canned Pumpkin
Spaghetti Sauce
Canned Soups
Broth
Gravy
Ham
Turkey
Boxed Potatoes
Frozen Pies
Cranberry Sauce
Cocoa
Coffee
Tea
Butter
Evaporated milk
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Chocolate Chips
Cake mixes
Coconut
Lemons
Oranges
Apples
Kiwis
Cranberries
Pears
Broccoli
Celery
Tomatoes
Brussels Sprouts
Marshmallows
Gelatin
Del Monte fruit

These are just a few things you can expect to see go on sale in November.  It's always good to remember to stock up for three months if your goal is stocking your stock pile.  Most items go on sale every 3 months or so and if you stock up for 3 months, you will have purchased items at their lowest prices and won't have to purchase them at their full non-sale price