More Halloween Food Freebies

Chick-Fil-A: free ice cream for costumed kids from 3-9.  Check here to see if your local store is participating.

Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes: costumed kids eat free (one per grown-up purchase) on Friday and Saturday 30/31.  Info here.

Taco Bell: free Black Jack Taco per person from 6pm - midnight. Details here.

Papa Murphy's Pizza: each constumed kid can get a personal-sized pizza! This is supposed to be nationwide, but some of the stores are franchised, so I would definitely call ahead.   Check out the store locator here.

Also - don't forget the round-up of fast food deals and booklets! And free drinks at 7-eleven until the 31st. 

Free Food on Oct 31!

Come into any participating Chipotle's dressed like a burrito, or similar, and receive any one of the following for free: burrito, taco, bowl, or salad.  If you have a "foil blanket" in your emergency supplies - bust it out and wrap up in it. Just a thought. 

Free Halloween Activities for Kid's

(1)
Bring the kids - in costume, to any participating Sears store with a Toy Shop on Oct. 31 to receive a free toy from Mattel!  Details and money-saving coupon here.

(2)
Toys R Us - Halloween Parade
"Customers can visit any Toys"R"Us store – dressed up in their ghoulish garb – on Saturday, October 31 from noon to 3pm to participate in a spooktacularly safe Halloween celebration. Toys"R"Us store employees will also be dressed in costume, showing off their spooky best. Children ages three and up who attend Geoffrey’s Trick "R" Treat Parade will receive a complimentary, reusable bag, which they can fill up with goodies and giveaways (while supplies last) as they parade around the store with everyone’s favorite mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe."  Details here.

Supposedly, all locations are participating, but I would still call your local store before you get the kiddos all dressed up.


(3)
Now for the grown-ups: The first 100 Macy's customers on 10.31 will receive a free $10 gift card!

(4)
Check out this great list of local Halloween activities posted by Parents Connect.

(5)
Free Craft event at Michael's from 10am-noon. And one at Lakeshore.

(6)
Haunted Bowling on Friday 30th from 5-8pm at Weber State University, Ogden campus.  I was told this will not be too scary for little ones - they are simply turning on the exuipment for Cosmic Bowling (light show etc). In addition there will be a caricature artist and magician performing.  Click here for directions.


(7)
Halloween party and Monsters vs. Aliens movie showing at Weber State, Davis Campus, rooms 110/111 from 3 - 5:30pm (movie starts at 4:00). Click here for directions.

(8)
Lee's Grocery stores are having their annual Trick-or-Treat walk through from 1-4 on 10.31.  This may not seem like the most fun, but I take me son every year - he gets a little overwhelmed at some of the bigger and more chaotic events.  Lee's is an associated foods store, so I wouldn't be suprised if their affiliates were puting on something similar. 

Sorry about the not posting...

For the third time in almost two months I am running a fever and feeling that sweet stench of death caress me like an icy hug.  Really, I think winter's gonna kill me this year.  Caught the flu a week before the vaccine was available, H1N1 two weeks before I got inoculated for that one.  Now, who knows what the hell I've got, but let me tell ya - it's super fun being nauseous and fatiged from the pregnancy and then be ravaged by "this weeks virus!". 

Yes, I'm bitching.  But you're still reading.  This is what I get for being around kids all the time!! No matter how many times I wash my hands in a day (maybe a million?), there's only so much I can do when a toddler comes up to me during music class (I'm singing mind you) and sneezes right into my open mouth.  I can't tell you how many times that very thing has happened to me.

If I am again among the living in the coming weeks, I promise to be a more devoted blogger.  Cross my heart.

PS I didn't forget about the giveaway.  I found out I am having another boy! I'll make a decision on the winner tomorrow.  Become a follower so I can more easily contact you if you win.  Enter here.

Potential Free Pizza

Certain Papa Murphy's locations are offering a free individual-sized pizza to kids in costume on Oct 31st.  Get the number for your local store here to see if they are participating in this fun promotion.

$2 Old Navy Costumes

Oct 30th and 31st - any remaining Halloween costumes are just $2 at Old Navy! Never hurts to plan ahead for next year or stock up on fun dress-up costumes.

(Go to class or go to the sale Friday morning... hmm?)

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Honk's Teacher Discount Program

Seriously? "Honk's $1.00 is implementing a new Teacher Discount Program. All teachers qualify, please contact us at: cs@honksonedollar.com to get your discount card."  Check it out here. 

My Favorite Meal Right Now

So, this recipe is ridiculously easy and I'm embarassed to say we have it at least once a week (my husband and son love it too). 
It doubles easily if you want to make a big batch and freeze poortions.  Also, the original recipe calls for ground turkey.  I don't include it because it's already high in protein from the beans and we don't seem to miss it. 

1 can corn (yellow and white, regular or hominy work)
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans (light or dark)
1 can diced tomatoes or tomato/green chili blend
1 envelope taco seasoning

Don't drain! This keeps more nutrients and flavor in, plus you don't have to worry about measuring the liquid.  (But, when you don't rinse beans they have more flatulance-inducing chemicals so slip a Beano onto your husband's plate... trust me.)

Heat and serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and corn chips.
*feel free to substitute any kind of beans you have on hand.  (pinto, garbanzo, navy etc. they all work well)

Smith's Closeout

The Smith's store on 40th and Harrison in Ogden is remodeling.  I went in last night for sour cream and came out with my arms full.  (Luckily I had my coupon binder in my purse!).  I scored and $8 Air Wick i-Motion for...free:) and got some other fantastic markdowns!  The sale bins at the back of the store have been relocated to just behind the checkout lanes - and every dept. is getting a shakedown.  I would check this out frequently because I'm sure the best deals will go quickly.

Last night I noted the following in the bins:
Comforts infant formula in the big cans, hot chocolate, panty hose, Halloween paper plates and napkins, electronics, and chips (can't remember what else there was).  Check it out - most of these were marked down at least 80%. 

ps - last day to use your Albertson's Double Coupons! and it's Double Coupon day (up to .50 on coupons .50 and under) @ Family Fresh grocery store (by Ogden Regional hospital). 

Halloween Ideas

Throwing a costume party?  Whether you have kids or not - check out FamilyFun.go.com for some fun and inexpensive food, costume, and decorating ideas. 

Dull 'Do?

To turn your regular shampoo into the ultra-clarifying kind, try this: add up to 1 tsp. baking soda to your usual amount of shampoo and apply like you normally would.  Rinse in cool water to seal your hairs' cuticle and bring out the shine.  After drying, hit the cool button on your blow dryer to "reset" the shine!

Bonus tip: for even more shine, add a drop of lemon juice or lemon oil to your final rinse or if it's available - use a pitcher of snow you've let melt.  The higher acidity of both mixtures makes your hair crazy shiny. 

Just don't do it everyday - it can strip if used too often.

You might also like: 20 Uses for Baking Soda

$2 off $5 @ Fazoli's

She Shops Smart just posted this great deal! Coupon is available for the week, but the deal is good until mid-November.  Pair this with joining e-club for free Spaghetti and Fazoli's Kid's Eat Free discount (check with your local store - nights and hours vary by location).

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

Can't say I've been to this particular one, but I go to the Weber County Library book sale every year (last Sat. in Aug. @ 10am).  Friends of the Library Fall Used Book Sale runs:

October 17 - 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

October 18 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
October 19 - 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
October 20 - 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
 
Hardcovers max price: $1, Paperbacks: .50 max
 
I would go early to this one!!
 
More info available on the library's web page.
- Thanks One Cheap Chick!

Another reason to steal your kids' Halloween candy

Send your kid's candy wrappers from 10/31 - 11/13 to: 
Shaina Zalma 
YoCrunch
9507 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste 300
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

And receive a free YoCrunch coupon! (One offer per household)
Get more info here or here. 

- Thanks City Mommy

Getting Married?

Value Mags is offering a free subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine.  Get yours here!
- Thanks Freebie Blogger!

A Few New Samples

• Aveeno shampoo and conditioner
• Special K sample 
• Carmex lip sample and weekly drawing entry
• Soft-Sheen hair care
• Juicy Juice - free water bottle
• Abuelita chocolate mix

Help me out...

When I was expecting my son, my husband and I had a game where we would try to come up with the most ridiculous baby names.  We would then tell these names to people, in all seriousness, just to see their faces.  NO ONE will tell you you've chosen a hideous name for your child! (This is especially fun at church... "Oh, you're naming him Hildegarde? Cuu-uute!)

I will give away a two-pack of passes to an Ogden area attraction to whoever comes up with the best (fake) baby name - boy or girl.  So far I've got Adolf if it's a boy and Minerva for a girl. 

Update: we're having another boy! Leave a comment and don't forget to let me know if you'd prefer the movie tickets or rock climbing passes.

Free Hot Drink(s!) @ 7-eleven

Free12-oz hot drink (excluding espresso items) through 10/31 by printing off this coupon.
The fine print says it is limited to one coupon a day per customer.  Um, so I can use one every day until the 31st? This might even be better than Free Slurpie Day.  Call ahead to make sure your store is participating.

*If you encounter an error when loading the coupon, right click the link and select "save target as" to your desktop; then open and print it from there.  (Thanks for the tip Jessica!)

- Thanks Utah Deal Diva!  

Another Bitchin Deal from e.l.f.

Score this 27-piece (!) mini-makeup kit from e.l.f. with ANY purchase! Kit includes:

-9 eyeshadow shades

-1 cream eyeshadow shade

-1 blush

-1 bronzer

-10 lip gloss shades
-1 brow powder
-1 eye liner pencil
-1 dual ended eyeshadow applicator and brush
-1 face brush
-1 lip brush

Use promo code LOYAL when you check out and the kit will be automatically added to your order.  eyeslipsface.com

I have bought from this company several times! They have high-quality makeup starting at just $1!  Not a huge fan of their mascaras or basic line lipglosses, but I love the Studio line face products and all the full-sized brushes.  (My two-year-old niece "borrowed" by powder blush for a week when I babysat - it went everywhere with her and totally survived it unscathed!) 

Sign up for their emails to get great coupon codes - I don't post them all here.

50% off @ Build-a-Bear Workshop

Fan of Build-a-Bear?  I had a roommate who's boyfriend actualy proposed to her via oneof these things...(hurk).  That's all I can think about when I see one! Anyway, for those myriad of fans who aren't me - get $5 off any bear priced $10 or above!  Print off this bad boy and take it with you through the end of October.

$5.00 Rebate

Purchase and five participating items, get five bucks back! Print your rebate form here.

Haha... I like that it says "Make the Holidays Special" at the top.  Okay, brownies can make it special, but Hungry Man dinners?  Thanks for coming to our special holiday dinner everyone! We're serving up Hungry Man fried chicken!...

- Thanks Todd and Erin!

New Walmart Sample

Sample of Carefree Ultra liners available at
Walmart.com. 
These are so great to keep in the car! Also great for 72-hour emergency kits.

Rockstars of Food Storage

So, I don't usually watch Studio 5 (local cable-access style morning show).  There is one female anchor who I think is really talented but frankly, the rest of the show feels like a train wreck.  But it was on yesterday in the nail salon and there was some interesting info on food storage.

Read the program transcript here.
And you can check out the "Rockstars of Food Storage" on their blog Fun with Foodstorage.

Yet Another Free Magazine

Free 1 yr subscription to Travel and Liesure mag from Rewards Gold.  If you are sceptical about getting these magazines, don't be! I am currently getting Marie Claire and Business Week and I haven't paid a dime.  I don't seem to be getting any extra junk mail either. 

Click here for the offer!  (Or try going here to skip the survey questions)

Another Pink Nation Freebie

Are you a member yet? Over the past 60 days or so Victoria's Secret's Pink line has had some killer deals! (Lots of gift w/ purchase etc.) 
Log in to your Pink Nation account or register as a new member to get in on the latest offer - free chones and $10 off any bra no purchase req'd!

Free .5 oz Sample Dog Cookies (seriously)

Free sample of dog treats from Exclusively Dog available here.  Even if you don't have a dog, I think these would be cute to stick in a family's Christmas gift basket.

- Thanks Hip to Save!

Cheap Thomas the Train (Just what you always wanted!)

Just when I think the Thomas the Tank Engine Days are coming to an end in our house, my son invariably renews  his interest (resulting in a 20-minute search for character toys he hasn't touched in six-months).

But, I also have a slew of little nephews who are big fans so I'm excited about this one:

$1.99 Thomas w/ Free Shipping! They are claiming it normally retails for $10.99.  I'm getting a few for stockings! (No, it is never too early! haha)

Check it out here.   - Thanks Mojo Savings!

Little Duck Sample

Request a free sample of Little Duck Organic snacks for toddlers here!

Free Aquafresh

Click this link to get a coupon for a free travel-size Aquafresh toothpaste! Go here for some other good Aquafresh coupons. 

Thanks Coupon Geek!

Rule to a flat stomach - obey!

Have you been tempted to click on these inceasingly prolific ads? Don't give in... read this post by the folks at Cranky Fitness.

Need a laugh?

So funny, this was a Blog of Note today: facesinplaces

Aaaaand, while we're feeling obnoxious, check out engrish.com

Hee hee...

Rebates... Why Bother?

In the last two weeks I got rebate checks totaling more than $65!!! Woohoo! It may seem time consuming, but it's not, once you're in the habit.  Save all your receipts - you never know what products you've bought will be eligible for rebates.

Here are some current deals:

Kellog's Toy Rebate
Rite Aid Tote Rebate
Rebate Site
Walgreens Rebates
Staples Rebate

5 Under 5

Are you checking the costume wideget on this page? Buy Costumes.com offers five complete costumes under five dollars each daily! The site updates at 9:00am Central, and the costumes are usually sold out within the hour (sometimes w/i the half!). 

Kid to Kid Bookclub

Are you getting in on this? Join Kid to Kid's Book Club (free) and you can select a free book from their shelves once a month!  Hint: This works with any priced purchase! I usually buy a pair of .25 socks if I don't need anything else.  Also: Kid to Kid stores are franchised, so you can belong to multiple clubs if there is more than one store near you!

BOGO Free Carton Eggs

Click here to print off a coupon for BOGO free dozen eggs! (Not brand-specific). 

Access your coupon by taking the "Pleadge to Eat Good.  Do Good Every Day."  For every pledge made, the Good Egg Project will make a food donation to Feeding America. 

Thanks That Went Well!

Free Bath Toy Set

Mail in your receipt for a Johnson's Bath or Lotion product a receive a free bath toy frog set for baby (a $10 value)! Send in your receipt for any Johnson’s Bath or Lotion product dated 9/28/09 to 12/1/09.  Include your name and complete mailing address and send to:

Johnson/Parents GWP
375 Lexington Ave. 10th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Get offer details here, and print off your Johnson's coupons over here. 


Thanks Mojo Savings!

BOGO Free Herbal Essence

Teaser...

Buy One Get One Free coupon for Herbal Essence in upcoming Sunday paper. 

(For free styler)

Free hair product sample

Get a free sample of Triple Silk Moisturizing Shampoo/ Triple Silk Deep Penetrating Conditioner from Perfect Results!

- Thanks Freebie Blogger!

Free Breakfast @ Ikea

I  love love love this store.  Can't get my husband to go (even with prospect of a free meal) because we spend way too much money in there! (But honey - they've lowered prices on thousands of items
!) 

Anyway, free plate of food and cup of coffee from Oct 10th through 12th. 
To find your nearest store click here.

- Thanks One Cheap Chick!

Free @ PF Chang's

Free lettuce wraps TODAY only (Oct 8th).  Say "I acknowledge the craving" to your PF Chang's server (hahaha) and they will be added to your meal.
- Thanks It's Hip to Save!

Breast Health Awareness

Oct 9-16 is national breast health awareness week.  Go to this site to get your free sticker. I think these are so funny!

- Thanks Free Snatcher!

HOT Coupon

Good only October 11th and 12th!!
Check out this sa-weet coupon deal from JC Penney:

• Save 30% on regular priced items.
• Save an extra 15% on sale items
• Save up to 75% on clearance prices.

If shopping online, use code 37VIP.
Click this link to print coupon. 
Thanks Mojo Savings!

Loreal Freebies

Visit WalMart.com - (in stores now, samples and tools) to get a sample of Vive Pro Nutri Gloss

Go to LorealParisUSA.com to score two free samples: Revitalift Deep Set Wrinkle Repair & Ever Pure Shampoo/Conditioner

Baking Day?

Money Saving Mom just posted some great info on having a "Baking Day" - making a few bulk items and then freezing portions for later.  I remember my mother doing this with waffles; she'd make hundreds in an afternoon and then we'd pop them in the toaster in the mornings (Eggo Shmeggo...). 

Read about it here. 

I've also heard of casserole exchanges - where a small group of friends (or mortal enemies) gets together and cooks.  Each person makes one or more dishes, doubling or trippling (etc) the recipes.  Then you swap and each have a variety of ready-to-bake meals.  You save money this way by buying bulk too.  Tip:  You can pick up foil baking pans w/ lids at Family Dollar on the cheap. 

  

Free w/ Purchase

Buying batteries? I am so excited for this because I actually just bought a whole bunch of Energizer batteries.  Get this cute journal free by mail w/ qualifying purchase - Energizer will also make a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for every one given away!

Go here for more info.

Free Magazine Round-up

I am already getting Marie Claire and Business Week.  These are legitimate offers, and you don't need to worry because they never even ask for your credit card info.

• Motor Trend Magazine - (includes a ticket to Orange County Autoshow, use promo code OCCERRACUfriend) I'm getting this as a gift for hubby  - Thanks Mojo Savings!

• Town and Country - (link function not working!) http://www.rewardsgold.com/mags/tnc_em/sg_towncountry_pg2_1a.htm - Thanks Moms by Heart!
  

• Metropolitan Home - This one is for my sis. in design school - Thanks It's Hip to Save!

• Car and Driver - This kinda sounds like spam to me, but I could be wrong. 
  

Donate your expired coupons

Check out this post by The Happy Housewife on donating your expired (and current) coupons to military families.  Who would have thought? And I've just been throwing them out all this time....

Thanks for the tip, Money Saving Mom! 

It's just not going to happen!!!

So, I just made a lovely video for this blog aaaannd... can't upload it.  A little frustrated and I'm kind of pissed becasue I broke the egg perfectly.
(sigh) Well, here's the info anyway:

Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies:
(Preheat oven 350 degrees)
Betty Crocker (don't use store brand for these) Yellow Cake Mix
One egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 C white flour (optional - I'm at high altitude so I add it)
1/2 package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients (if dough is too dry add a few T. water or milk)
Shape into golf-ball sized mounds and place about 12 per cookie sheet
Bake 8-9 minutes until cookies look dry in the middle (not very golden)
*I like to freeze half the dough on a cookie sheet and transfer frozen cookie blobs to Ziplock bags so I can take out one or twoo cookies at a time and bake them. 

So, I tried hard and made a super-amazing video, but no harm done, at least I have a batch of yummy cookies now! (and no career prospects in the field of video editing)

OH! I almost forgot -
SUGAR COOKES: use white cake mix (exact same directions as above, but no choc. chips).  Add a packet or two of Kool-Aid mix to the frosting (if using) to make it a little tart - otherwise the sweet is a little overwhelming
CHOCOLATE SANDWICHES: use chocolate or devil's cake mix, follow directions above (minus chocolate chips) but increase oil to 1/2 cup.  Squish two cookies together using cream cheese frosting for glue.

Giveaways...

Money Saving Mom has several giveaways available on her blog.  Some $25 grocery store gift cards, Cake Bakery and Candy Factory (toys), Bugaloo shoes, and 2010 Entertainment books. 

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Get a free (RED) campaign badge here.  Show the love.

Burt's Bees Sample still Available

I got mine last week - the serum.  It's for acne but it's made with tons of natural oils. Crazy, but it was amazing on my skin! I am buying some full-sized!
Go here for yours. 

(Thanks Freebie Blogger!)

Pumpkin Fest Tomorrow

10/2 @ the Gateway Mall - from 1:00- 4:00.  Pick out a pumpkin to paint and take home with you.  This event is sponsored by Radio Disney. Yay Fall!