75% off Hooked on Phonics Sale!

They're running an Overstock sale at Hooked on Phonics, and the deals are pretty amazing--up to 75% off select programs and toys. Sneaky inside tip: currently, you can use coupon code SLICK50 at checkout and you'll save an additional 50% on your order! http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3558483-10661799

Free Trees and Plants!

The Coupon Project's got a GREAT post on how you can get free trees or plants--just by paying for shipping! We live in a desert climate, so I REALLY value trees...free trees? That's better than free cupcakes! (Just barely, but it is.) http://www.thecouponproject.com/the_coupon_project/2009/09/free-trees-and-plants-for-your-yard-just-pay-shipping.html

BOGO free Grand Slam Breakfast

Denny's is offering a buy one get one free "Build your own" Grand Slam Breakfast--take in this coupon--it's good through the 6th. http://www.dennysallnighter.com/images/upload/8-31BOGOBYOSlam.jpg

$30.00 coupon book at Walgreen's

I picked mine up near the Pharmacy at Walgreen's, there's $30.00 in coupons in the new Healthy Living coupon book, check here for your closest location! http://www.walgreens.com/default.jsp

Home Depot Free-Bee Kid's Workshop Saturday...

...there's still room at several stores for your little ones to make this beanbag toss game: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Free-Crafts this weekend...

...no big Labor Day plans? I'm with you, sister! Lakeshore Learning has a cute, free craft to make while you scout for interesting homework options. http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/storeCrafts.jsp?f=m

50% off at Gymboree!

Gymboree.com's holding a 50% off Labor Day Sale, and if you buy $50.00 worth of merchandise, they'll also hand over $25.00 in Gymboree Bucks to use later. Not bad, eh? http://links.mkt2170.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MjI0MTczOQS2&r=MTEyMzEzNjAzMTgS1&j=MTU2NzczOTEyS0&mt=1&rt=0

What I am NOT getting "Just in time for Christmas!"

This is no joke. I found this from one of my favorite mom sites, and it's actually being marketed for little girls. This classy little gal's name is "Gizmo" and the box says it all: "Style." "Interesting." "Music." "Flash." "Up and Down." "Go Round and Round." Yep, that's the description of the latest in shocking doll designs -- the "Pole Dance" doll!

Seriously? SERIOUSLY?

Little MissMatched at 25% off...

...I discovered this site courtesy of The Frugal Girls, and the stuff's so adorable that even my picky niece loves all her gifties from there. (Editor's note: seriously, how do mothers of little girls DO it? I thank my lucky stars daily that I have boys. I know that every day, they will get dirty. Or wet. Or some ideal (to them) combination of both. But girls--they have NUANCE. I am totally unprepared for my nieces.) Their Labor Day Sale is offering 25% off all their merchandise! Shop away. http://www.littlemissmatched.com/Catalog/girls

How Cool Is This?

Home Depot's offering women's-only workshops on home repair, remodeling, etc. This month they've got a nifty workshop session on kitchen remodeling. Ever wondered what you could feasibly do yourself? Here's a free workshop to show you! http://www.homeimproverclub.com/workshopsdetail.aspx?Type=1&id=212&utm_source=dih_ola_dedicated

Free-Bee Chocolate Friday!

Apparently, the Mars Candy Co. will be running this promotion through September 25th. https://secure.realchocolate.com/

Bless them.

Old Navy Weekly.com site navigation answers!

Old Navy Weekly, the most diabolical site in history, updated with some new offers this week. The $65.00 offer is new and generous. It's already out, but there's plenty of bargains left. Sneaky inside tip: several of the most savvy girlies practice the "big ones," because Old Navy often resets in the middle of the week. Just to mess with us. I've gotten gloating emails from at least 16 friends and followers who snapped up the coupons after the initial rush. Happy hunting!

$65 off $100 - GONE - Top left, Click on the necklace that the girl with brown sweater is wearing. Then quickly click on the open compact she is holding in her hand.

$45 off $100 - GONE - Click on Wesley's picture in the bottom, to the left of where it says "Wesley's Winning Looks" - hearts will appear above the picture. Click on the first heart that appears (which is the biggest) - they will go fast!

$10 off $50 - Go to top middle picture and take ketchup bottle and move it to the hot dog sign. Put the ketchup bottle on the hot dog.

20% off when you buy a men's and women's item - Click on the striped shirt of the guy on the left.

15% off when you buy any men's item - In the upper right hand corner, take the red cube of chalk in the background and put it on the end of the tall cue stick on the right.

5% off with yellow item - Click on the black/orange/grey striped shirt in the bottom picture

Once again, thanks to Thrifty Northwest Mom, who does all the work so we can save!

Office Max, I SHUN you!!!!

I posted a great deal from Office Max about three weeks ago, about a pretty computer armoire on sale for $29.00, down from $250.00. Yow! Except...they happily took my money, said that it was backordered and they'd contact me when it was ready to ship. Three weeks later, I get this cheesy email:

"Dear OfficeMax Customer, Please accept this letter as a cancel confirmation for item number 21203975 on order 583011689. This cancellation is the result of depleting inventory of a clearance priced item on our website. As this was clearly marked ''While Supplies Last'' and "Clearance" we have cancelled all orders that we do not have stock to fulfill the order. We truly apologize for this inconvenience and hope it has not caused you undue hardship. If you have questions about this canceled item please phone us at 1-877-OfficeMax. We value your business and hope to see you back at OfficeMax.com."

No...I don't think you'll be seeing me again. Seriously, that's SO sleazy! If you advertise, good business sense dictates that you fufill orders you took money for. I apologize too, to anyone who took this deal off the blog and wasted their money and time.

That does it. Office Max, I shun you.

Free-Bee pair of contact lenses

Sign up here to pick up a free pair of disposable contact lenses: http://lm.logicalmedia.com/z/11898/CD6638/

Nestle back to school calendar

There's $20.00 in coupons in the Nestle "Back to school savings" calendar, you can send for it here: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid75438.aspx

Free-Bee Chick Fil A sandwich on Labor Day!

Wear your favorite sports team shirt and get a free chicken sandwich on Monday! I'm sure there's some logic to this promotion, but I don't really care. There's free food involved. That's all I need to know. http://www.chick-fil-a.com/#home

Free-Bee Land's End shipping!

Click HERE for details: http://email.landsend.com/servlet/website/PersonalizedForm?sLENlgLPl_TCTVTC_rpKlEyLJpipLgmbK_EACZTTZELtHpsElopgLpgTCFntHpsDJhtEIkhPlLkE5ELtHpsElopgLpgTCFntHpsDJhtELtHps_hMMLk_gNtILkEXTVUAZAUVAEikhthmphglkJLJKLEz.26w0UEikhthmphgipggNtILkETTTTUUXY Use code: SEPT1 and pin: 00001145 to get free shipping with no minimum order!

Hormel coupons

Save $2 On One Pkg Hormel Refrigerated Entrée

Save $1 On any One Pkg Hormel Microwave Ready Bacon

http://www.hormel.com/updates/coupons/

Free Canker Sore Treatments...

This was the first coupon I printed off last night. Anyone who's endured canker sores knows EXACTLY how sucky it is. Free box of canker melts! http://www.orahealth.com/images/2009_0902_RA-WagFreeCMCpn.pdf

Another $35.00 in coupons from Proctor and Gamble

They're calling this one "Refresh your nest," with $35.00 in coupons for all the brand name fellas: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100880/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100880&pk_guid=127.0.0.1.13370124943714878&source=FEBSO

Got a Giant Foods nearby?

Print this one off: $2.00 off a $5.00 meat purchase: https://www.giantfoodstores.com/shareddev/sharedcontent/Email/Sept2009/CouponAB.cfm

Cheap Cheerios!

Here's another weapon in your battle against ridiculously high cereal prices, sign up with General Mills and they'll send you $4.00 in coupons for Cheerios. Sneaky inside tip: here's an extra $1.00 off coupon if you shop at Target: http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/forums/view.php?pg=coupon_generator

http://www.cheerios.com/promotions/10in1/Default.aspx

Borders 40% off coupon

...You need to be a Border's member to use it, but it takes a moment to sign up, and there's discounts and goodies every month. If they're willing to bribe you, why not be willing to accept it? http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/coupon40book0903.asp?cmpid=SA_20090903_REW

$2.00 Degree Ultraclear

...I like this stuff, no messy white smears! $1.00 off coupon for Degree Ultraclear for Women. Sneaky inside tip: be sure to refresh and print twice for $2.00 in coupons!http://degreewomen.com/women/ultraclear-coupon-signup.aspx

Free Huggies Samples

...for Huggies Little Movers: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid77406.aspx

Eukanuba $5.00 off!

Plus, I really like saying "Eukanuba" over and over...hah! $5.00 off their Probiotics dog food: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100893/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100893&source=&key=216bcb605635bb53fa6b6a2f1df8ff4f

Winner! Winner! Winner! Winner!

Congratulations to Caroline H.--our winner for the $50.00 Limited gift card. Caroline, this one is an actual gift card and needs to be mailed. Will you please inbox me with your email address (so that I know it's you...) with your mailing address? Have fun shopping!

I think this wins the free photo offer contest...

...I just learned about Artscow, courtesy of Mummy Deals, and they're offering a whopping 1,200 prints for free when you sign up. That should wrap up everything you've taken since, like, 1982. Sneaky inside tip: they've got the 5x7 hardback scrapbook--30 pages!--for only $4.99 w/ shipping. For someone who managed to scrapbook only through the first 18 months of her twins' life, (they're nine now) this could save me from being The Suckiest Mommy On The Planet. Here's your code: Coupon code: 7X5HARDCOVER499 Expires on: 9/27/2009 http://www.artscow.com/

(Editor's note: got a comment from beloved girlfriend Keri P about Artscow: "Keri P. said...
I found out about them a few months ago. The free prints are rationed out over a period of a few months (100 free one month, 50 the next) and you need to pay shipping.Apparently they are shipped from Hong Kong, so I'm told the wait is a bit long, but hey - free is free. :)"

Not going anywhere this weekend? There's bargains aplenty!

Babies R Us and Toys R Us are having a huge Labor Day Sale starting September 4th-7th! Sneaky inside tip: here's a preview of some of the best deals: here.

There's some great deals, especially on baby gear:

$5 coupon on your baby purchase of $25 or more.

$2 on ANY 3 baby lotion wash, shampoo, powder or diaper rash items

Free $10 gift card when you buy any 3 24-pk Similac Advance Early Shield

Free $10 gift card when you buy any 3 Pampers Mega Packs of diapers, Easy Ups, Under James or Extra Protection diapers.

Pick up a picnic dinner at Boston Market for 50% off!

Here's another way to avoid cooking over the holiday weekend: this printable coupon It's good for 50% off any Family Meal or Market Feast at Boston Market from September 5th - 7th!

$15.00 in Proctor & Gamble coupons

...sign up here: http://save-a-lot.com/p-and-g-booklet-sign-up Do read the fine print, these could be specific to the Save A Lot stores.

Coupons!

$2.00 off Gain with Febreze: http://www.expotv.com/coupons-gain-laundry-detergent

$2.00 off any Hormel refrigerated entree, plus several more: http://www.hormel.com/updates/coupons/

$10.00 worth of Lysol coupons: http://www.lysol.com/

$2.00 off Huggies flushable wipes: http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3278587-10421874

$3.00 off Green Works laundry detergent: http://bricks.coupons.com/Install.asp?tqnm=qiaxccx24226891&bt=wg&o=58304&c=GW&p=1i7ASYJR

Free-Bee Veggie Tales DVD

I always hesitate before offering these kind of free-bees, because I know what's in store for you. "Veggie Tales" on an endless audio loop as your little one plays it over and over. And over. And over. With us, it's the "Geo Trax" dvd. My Zachie's burned through two free ones. If you're up for it: https://bigidea.com/other/free_dvd.aspx

Free-Bee Scrubbing Bubbles

For the first 10,000 who sign up HERE! You'll get a Fall Cleanup Gift Pack shipped to your house for free! These tend to fill up pretty quickly, sign up now...

Free-Bee skin care samples!

Click HERE to request your sample of Exederm Ultra. This is a pretty generous helping--the kit includes:

FREE 0.5oz tester pack of Exederm Intensive Moisture Cream
12 Page Booklet on Eczema Management
Valuable Coupons for the Exederm Store.

$5.00 coupon for Sally Beauty Supply...

...when you shop online. The coupon is good for $5.00 off a $25.00 purchase. http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3394343-10662273

More magazine savings at Amazcon.com this month

Get "Seventeen" magazine--a year's subscription--for only $2.95! Sneaky inside tip: for all magazine offers, Amazon.com takes the discount off at checkout. Don't panic if you don't see it right away. Click! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005N7SM?ie=UTF8&tag=frugir-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00005N7SM

Save $130.00 on Quickbooks today!

Office Max is offering a "Deal of the Day" feature that's offering some pretty impressive savings--today's is a Quickbooks program for only $69.99. Since it usually runs $199.99, that's not too shabby! http://officemax.com/catalog/sku.jsp?productId=prod1800032&EDID=XGSD1N-3OQ2T-QL79A9-S3QQOM-85PKQ-v1&cm_mmc=Email-_-promo2-_-wk36-_-Hero_DD_QuickBooks

Get Your Hands Off My Fear Body!

When the economy first tanked and there was emotional pandemonium everywhere you looked, The Todd and I called one of the smartest therapists we knew to appear on our radio show and address what everyone was feeling. Teri Holleran is a tiny thing with huge eyes and an even bigger laugh--which she made us do several times doing the interview. But she said something interesting: that nearly the entire nation was inside what she called our "Fear Bodies."

Fear Bodies. You know that feeling you get at three in the morning when you can't shut your mind off and you're picturing your family homeless on the street? Fear Body. When you scream at your husband for buying a $50.00 shirt and tell him that "I hope you're happy! Now we won't be able to pay our mortgage and we'll lose the house and your children will STARVE!" Fear Body. When someone hits you up for a charitable donation and you're suddenly, unreasonably furious at them because "dangit! Maybe YOU can throw money around but I have a family to feed!"

Fear Body.

All of our secret terrors and horror of deprivation rise to the surface and we can no longer think any further than our own little island. Unfortunately, this only separates us all even more from the support and encouragement we can offer each other.

I've been thinking about this a lot this week because I've received some angry comments here about my posts. When picking up school supplies, I've suggested getting more for your school, or maybe buying more sleepers and diapers when on sale and dropping them off at the local homeless shelter. One Mrs. Anonymous (ALWAYS my favorite kind of correspondent) accused me of being "holier than thou--stop trying to make us feel less than you because you can afford all this charity crap (her words) and we can't!"

Mrs. Anonymous, you are totally in your Fear Body, sister. Not mad at you, because we've all been there. I've lost my job in radio just once, and 20 years later I still can feel that sick sense of terror and inadequacy. While I searched for a new one, I volunteered at a homeless shelter for women and children for 2 months. I'd like to tell you that I have NEVER EVER complained about my lot in life again. This of course, would be wildly untrue. But I did learn what those on the fringes figured out long ago. They've been there before. They might be there again. But they WILL climb out and do everything they can for those left behind. Any charity will tell you the most generous benefactors are those on the lower economic levels.

Why would they risk their limited funds? Why would they offer when they have so little themselves? They've left their Fear Body. I know everyone's funds are tight. I juggle bills every payday and try to figure out what I can pay in two weeks and not today. But the clutching of whatever meagre means we have to ourself lead to something worse--a paucity of the soul. I have a former radio partner who who used to scoop the tip money off the table when we'd have lunch together. (Editor's note: I found this out after noticing a marked cooling in the attitude of our regular server and watching him in action when I went back for a forgotten sweater.) Would that 5 bucks really make the difference in the life of a man who made $75,000 a year? I dunno, but he was very fond of saying that HE was his favorite charity.

In the end, I believe that emotional deprivation and lack of generosity will cause us far more harm than the financial sort. I pitched into one of my ranting moments during our last bill-paying and The Todd tried to calm me with an arm about my shoulders. I reared back, hissing, "get your hands OFF my Fear Body!" He laughed himself sick. But maybe we ALL need to be shaken out of our Fear Bodies. Give what you can, even if it's just a smile or a joke. Give every day. I am the LAST person on the planet morally qualified to tell anyone what they can or can't afford to do for their fellow man. But I will tell you that this little practice of daily sharing has made me leave my Fear Body. Hopefully, for good.

New Coach Factory Outlet Coupon!

There's another sale running this week (through the 7th) at the Coach Factory Outlet stores, and here's an additional 20% off coupon. This makes for some amazing savings, because they'll let you add this on top of the 20-65% off sales they're already offering. Have fun... https://e.coach.com/servlet/website/PersonalizedForm?JhHJoEVTTCTBWU_XUZUW_.40HJmhkRE.26f7be_7.2e.2ey.26zzEHsVYANFHmmDJhtEikpgmwHnLEmkNL

Coupons.com has reset!

Even for non-coupon clippers, it's worth a stop to http://www.coupons.com/, they're re-set for the first of the month, and there's piles of great savings on staples like milk, bread and cheese. Sneaky inside tip: refresh the button, and print every coupon twice. You can almost always get two that'll scan at the checkout line!

If you're shopping for a birthday or early holiday goodies, there's New Leapster Coupons: Save $5 when you purchase any Leapster Learning GameSave $10 on the Leapster 2 Learning System.

Free Brainy Baby dvd--with shipping

Pick up Brainy Baby for free--just pay the shipping for $5.95. Nice gift! http://www.myfreebrainybaby.com/

It's like Netflix for books...

...and it's called "Bookswim." I heard about it from my girl over at the Coupon Project and spent about two hours playing on their website last night. Bookswim is an online book rental service that sends books directly to your home. Because there's never any due date, there's no late fees. Plans start at just $9.95 per month and you'll always be sent pre-paid mailing envelopes to return your books.
To learn more and to sign up, go here.

2 Free-Bee Victoria's Secret Undies!

Just click to become a fan on Facebook for Victoria's Secret, and they'll send you a coupon good for 2 free undies with any purchase! Mind you, it has to be used TODAY ONLY, but I'm scampering down to my closest one. http://www.facebook.com/victoriassecret#/victoriassecret?v=app_7146470109&viewas=0

$20.00 in Star Fine coupons!

Fill out a form and you'll get 5 $4.00 coupons for Star Fine products. This is good for stocking up on pantry staples, like olive oil. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s_thankyou.aspx?sm=UHz7YNcpErAL0mDGpUYild69oK%2bTtXdOhH%2b6ywnpy2A%3d

Free Country Bob's Barbeque Sauce!

This caught my eye, because my entire family searches for new steak and barbeque sauces to send to my brother, Kelly. My towering 6"5 brother exists only to char meat on the grill and then consume it. Fill out a form and a free bottle is yours! http://www.countrybobs.com/try-a-free-bottle.html

Yoplait Delights

$1.25 off your next 6-pack! http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qh3ueet60199849&bt=xs&o=58135&ci=1&c=GM&p=V6gHk2E5

Kids Eat Free at Marie Callender's

Your delightful offspirng eat free at Marie Callender's on Tuesday and Saturday with every adult entree purchased! Nice, eh? Here's your info: http://www.mcpies.com/kiddos/

Free-Bee Betty Crocker Potatoes

Request your box here: http://freesample.bettycrockerpotatoes.com/BCPotatoes/Default.aspx