Keeping it Frugal on Vacation

We are headed out for a mini vacation to celebrate our anniversary, and of course I like to keep it frugal even when we are out of the house and on vacation! One major cost that adds up when we are on vacation is dining out. So to limit our costs, we did the following things:

• We only considered places of lodging that included breakfast. Even if you can only find a place with continental breakfast, it's still free!
  
• We made homemade snacks to bring along with us. Boo and I spent the day yesterday making all sorts of baked goodies to bring with us on the trip. That way if we are hungry between meals, we won't have to purchase anything.
  

The first thing we made was Granola Bars. A fellow mommy shared this recipe, and they are truly delicious! The best thing about the recipe is that you can customize it to what your family likes or doesn't like. In this batch we added chocolate chips, almonds, and coconut

The next thing we made was Pumpkin Muffins. I stumbled across this recipe years ago and it is so easy and one of the kids favorite treats. I had to hide them on top of the fridge or they would have been demolished! With only 3 ingredients, you can't get must easier! The link above is for Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins, but we much prefer substituting the chocolate cake mix for spice cake mix.

And just for fun, here's a picture of my cute little helper!

• We went to our local Farmer's Market and stocked up on fresh fruit for dirt cheap. I spent a good bit of time today cutting up strawberries and grapes for the kids to enjoy. I put them in big tupperware containers and also packed small bowls with lids, so we can easily dish out servings to the kids. We also stocked up on bananas and apples.
  
• We went to the distributor and liquor store and got all of the necessary beverages for our trip. Yes it's a family vacation, but Hubby and I do enjoy a cold beer at the end of the day. And seeing as how it's our anniversary, some wine is in order. In buying the beer/wine ahead of time to drink at our cabin, we won't feel the need to purchase any drinks with dinner, where the price is WAY marked up.

I'm hope those tips were helpful! We are blessed that we are able to take little family vacations a few times a year, and I really think the way that we are able to do so is because we continue to be frugal in choosing our location, lodging, and cutting back where we can along the way =)

I hope you all have a great weekend. I'll begin posting again mid-week after my much needed vacation!

Coupon for BOGO Frosty at Wendy's

It should come as no surprise that I love me a Frosty. And I love two Frostys even more, especially when I only have to pay for one. Click here to get a coupon for a FREE Frosty with the purchase of another =)

FREE Havaianas Flip Flops - 6/9

Thanks to Free Sample Freak for posting this great freebie! At 12:01 a.m. on June 9, the first 3,000 registrants will receive a pair of FREE Havaianas Flip Flops. All you have to do is register here at 12:01 a.m. on the 9th for the Havaiana giveaway, and use the code: flipflops. Also, you have to be between ages 13-29 to qualify. Good luck!

TGIFriday's BOGO Entree Coupon

Print this coupon and enjoy an entree for FREE with the purchase of another entree! This coupon is good until June 22, so you have lots of time to use it. We just went to Friday's last weekend, and this coupon sure would have been handy then. Oh well, just gives us another excuse to go back!

FREE Ice Cream at Friendly's Tomorrow - 12 to 5 p.m.

Just a reminder that tomorrow from 12 to 5 p.m. you can get a FREE single scoop cone or dish of ice cream at participating restaurants. Click here for more info =)

Another reminder: you can register to be a Best Friend of Friendly's, and you will receive a FREE 3 scoop of ice cream just for registering!

Reminder: National Doughnut Day Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that you can score a FREE Krispy Kreme doughnut tomorrow in honor of national doughnut day! Dunkin Donuts is also having a free doughnut promotion but only with the purchase of a beverage. The closest Krispy Kreme is 80 miles away so we will not be partaking in this awesome freebie promotion, so eat a doughnut for us!

Acme Weekly Ad, 6/5 – 6/11

There are the best deals that I spotted!

McCormick Grillmate Marinades - $1
- $.50/1 MC doubled to $1/1
= FREE

Kraft Bagel-fuls – 2/$5
- $1/1 printable from coupons.com
= $1.50

Over the Moon milk – 2/$6
- $1/1 printable
= $3/1

Ragu Pasta Sauce – 2/$3
- $.60/2 MC doubled to $1.20/2
= 2/$1.80

Heluva Good Chunk or Shredded Cheese – 2/$4
- $.50/1 printable doubled to $1/1
= $1/1

Jell-O Pudding and Gelatin Snacks – 2/$5
- $.60/1 printable doubled to $1.20/1
= $1.30/1

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni Dinners – 2/$4
- $1.50/2 printable
= 2/$2.50

Wishbone Salad Dressing – 2/$3
- $.75/1 printable doubled to $1.50/1
= FREE

Chex Mix – 3/$5
- $.50/1 coupons.com printable doubled to $1/1
= $.66/1

Skippy Peanut Butter – 2/$4
- $.40/1 MC doubled to $.80/1
= $1.20/1

Victoria’s Secret Freebie!

Become a fan of Victoria’s Secret on Facebook and you will then be able to print a coupon for a FREE Victoria’s Secret Panty. This coupon expires TOMORROW, and there is no purchase necessary!
(Thanks NWA Deals!)

FREE Gift from Juicy Juice!

Click here to register to become a Juicy Juice member and you will receive your choice of a FREE gift. You have the choice of either a guide to children's nutrition, sippy cup, or water bottle. I registered a few months ago and received a sippy cup in the mail - we can never have too many sippies in this house!

FREE Summer Scents Gift Pack - First 10,000 Only!

Hurry and go register here for a FREE Summer Scents Gift Pack from Glade and Right at Home. The first 10,000 registrants will receive one New Glade Scented Oil Candle Tin.

(Thanks Dealicious Mom!)

Bruster’s Coupons and Promotions!

There are two great offers right now at Bruster’s! Click here to print out a coupon to get $.99 Kid’s Dino or Dirt Sundaes. This offer is valid Tuesdays and Wednesdays only during the month of June. You can also print out a coupon for a FREE Pint with any cake purchase.

Also during the month of June, Bruster’s will be offering a free kid’s cone to all children who are under 40” tall. I know where the kids and I will be hanging out this month =)

Collection of Promotional Codes and Store Coupons!

Sephora: Score a bag filled with 14 FREE skincare and scent samples for men with any online merchandise purchase. Use promotional code: HANDSOME.

Victoria’s Secret: FREE shipping on orders of $100 or more. Use promotional code: VSFRSHIP.

JCPenney: FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more. Use promotional code: 49APPREC. Also get an extra 15% off sale & regular priced purchases with this coupon =)

Disney Outlet: Use the following promotional codes to save big!
Take an additional 15% off electronics with promotional code: OUTLET15.
Take an additional 25% off kids apparel, adult apparel, sleepwear, toys, home & décor, and holiday décor with promotional code: OUTLET25.
Take an additional 30% off graphic tees and fleece with promotional code: OUTLET30.

Michael’s: Register to receive emails from Michaels and you will receive a coupon for 50% off any regularly priced item. This coupon is good until June 15th.

Reminder: FREE Root Beer Float at Sonic Tomorrow, 6/3

Don’t forget that you can score a FREE Root Beer Float from 8 p.m. to midnight tomorrow! Click here to find a location near you =)

My Top Five Printables

Here is a round-up of the best five printables I’ve come across =)

$1/1 Raisin Bran Extra cereal – this is one of Bubba’s favorite cereals. He demolishes cereal, so this coupon will come in handy.

$.50/1 Chex Mix from my coupons.com widget on the right side of my blog – if you use this at a grocery store that doubles you can get some seriously discounted Chex Mix

$1/1 Skinny Cow Truffle Bars – I love all Skinny Cow products, and anything involving the word “truffle” I will automatically love as well.

$.55/1 Famous Amos Cookies – if you use this coupon at a grocery store that doubles, you can score a great deal!

$2/1 Post Trail Mix Crunch Cereal – I have posted this coupon multiple times but it just reloaded for me, so I was able to print out more. This cereal is seriously awesome!

FREE Sample Round-Up

I love getting freebies in the mail! I just received my coupon for a FREE package of Oscar Mayer hotdogs today, and got my Aveeno Nourish Hair Care samples yesterday. Can’t wait to see what comes tomorrow! Here are some more samples you can register for =)

Carefree Ultra Protection Liners w/On-the-Go Carry Case -
copy/paste this: https://secure.startsampling.com/sm/100830/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100830&source=&source=

Lea & Perrins Thick Classic Worcestershire Sauce and Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Sauce –
copy/paste this: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100803/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100803&source=
(Thanks Freebie Blogger!)

Target Deals, 5/31 – 6/6

Another exciting week of free/cheap items at Target! A lot of these are repeats but worth mentioning again. All of the Target coupons mentioned below can be found here =)

FREE Items:

Hershey’s Bliss Bars - $.99
- $1/1 Target printable
= FREE

Kraft Barbeque Sauce - $.99
- $1/1 printable from coupons.com
= FREE

Kraft Mayo - $1.99
- $1/1 printable
- $1/1 MC
= FREE

Banana Boat Sunscreen, trial size - $.99
- $1/1 MC
= FREE

Aquafresh Toothpaste - $1.99
- $1/1 printable
- $1/1 Target printable
= FREE

Dove GoFresh Deodorant, trial size - $.97
- $1.25/1 MC
= FREE

Degree Men’s Deodorant, Artic Edge and Intense Sport - $2.49
- $1/1 MC
- $1.50/1 Target printable
= FREE

Dove Face Wipes, 5 ct. - $.99
- $1/1 MC
= FREE

Axe Shower Gel, trial size - $.97
- $1/1 MC
= FREE

Johnson & Johnson Soap Buddies – buy 3 at $1 each
- $3/3 printable
= 3 for FREE

Johnson & Johnson Red Cross First Aid Kit, travel size - $.99
- $1/1 MC
= FREE

Other Deals:

Del Monte Fruit Chillers - $2
- $1/1 printable
= $1

Oscar Mayer Lunchables – buy 2 at $1.25 each
- $1/2 Target printable
= 2/$1.50

Post Trail Mix Crunch Cereal - $2.69
- $2/1 printable
= $.69

A1 Steak Sauce - $2.09
- $2/1 MC
= $.09

Kashi Frozen Waffles - $1.85
- $1.50/1 printable
= $.35

Edge Shaving Gel - $2.24
- $1/1 or $.75/1 MC
- $1/1 Target printable
= as low as $.24

Skintimate Shaving Gel - $2.24
- $.75/1 MC
- $1/1 Target printable
= $.49

Dry Idea Deodorant - $2.24
- $2/1 printable from coupons.com
= $.24

Acme Markets, 5/29 – 6/4

Here are the best deals I saw for this week. Click here for the weekly ad =)

Swiss Tea and Lemonade – 10/$10

V8 Fusion - $1.99
- $1/1 printable
= $.99

Ken’s Steak House Dressing - $1.49
- $1/1 MC
= $.49

French’s Mustard - $1.69
- $.50/1 MC doubled to $1/1
= $.69

Pringles – 2/$3
- $1/2 MC
= 2/$2

Quaker True Delight and Simple Harvest Bars - $1.99
- $1/1 MC
= $.99

Chi Chi’s Snackers – 2/$4
- $1/2 MC
= 2/$3

Tyson Any’tizers - $3
- $.55/1 MC doubled to $1.10
= $1.90

Genuardi’s, 5/31 – 6/6

There are some good deals to be had at Genardi's this week! I might have to make a rare trip there this week =)

General Mills Cereal – 4/$6 w/in-ad coupon
- (2) $1/2 printables
= 4/$4

Nature Valley Granola Bars – 4/$6 w/in-ad coupon
- (2) $.75/2 printables from coupons.com, 1 doubled to $1.50/2
= 4/$3.75

Horizon Organic Milk - $4.29
- $1/1 printable
= $3.29

Jell-O Pudding Snacks – 2/$6
- $.60/1 printable doubled to $1.20/1
= $1.80

Daisy Brand Sour Cream - $1.99
- $.60/1 MC doubled to $1.20/1
= $.79

Smart Balance Spread – 2/$5
- $1/1 MC
- $1/2 printable
= $1.50/1 or $4/2

Land O Lakes Butter – 2/$6
- $.55/1 printable doubled to $1.10/1
= $1.90

Skippy Peanut Butter - $1.49 w/in-ad coupon
- $.40/1 MC doubled to $.80/1
= $.69

Giant, 5/31 – 6/6

Not the hottest week at Giant but here are the best deals that I saw =) To view the ad online, click here

Apple & Eve Juice - $1.99
- $1/2 MC
= 2/$2.98

Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels – 2/$5
- $1/2 MC
= 2/$4

Celeste Pizza for One – 10/$10

International Delight Coffee Creamers - $.99
- $1/1 printable
= FREE

Heluva Good Sour Cream - $1.29
- $.50/1 printable doubled to $1/1
= $.29

Upcoming Freebies this Week – 5/31

6/3/09 – FREE root beer float night at Sonic from 8 p.m. to close only at participating locations. Click here to find a location near you.

6/5/09 – FREE doughnut at Krispy Kreme. Every customer will receive one doughnut of their preference at participating locations. Click here to find a location near you.
(Thanks Deal Seeking Mom!)

6/6/09 – FREE ice cream at Friendly’s from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Click here to read my original post

Samples/Freebies Round-Up!

Here are some great samples/freebies that are currently available =)

FREE gallon of NAPA Washer Fluid from a NAPA Auto Parts Store. Click here
(Thanks Freebie Blogger!)

FREE sample of men’s product at participating Aveda Salons. Click here

FREE sample of Dunkin Donuts original blend coffee. Click here

FREE reusable shopping bag from Riesling. Click here

FREE Target Sponsored Events

Target is sponsoring numerous events in 17 states in an effort to make the arts available to everyone. I was very excited to see there is an event being offered in Pennsylvania, and it’s at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia! Every first Wednesday of the month, entry to the Please Touch Museum will be FREE from 5 to 7 p.m. How awesome!

Click here to see the list of events and whether Target is sponsoring any in your area =)
(Thanks Attention Target Shoppers!)