Kelly's Thrifty Tips -

This is how I feel. Not really how things are though. I am just dramatic. :)

I apologize for not getting this posted at my usual time, but I have been kind of in non-stop mode. We are heading off to the Women of Faith conference today. I had to pack this morning, put laundry away, get my son set for school, and inform him of what he needs to do for tomorrow (as he will be heading off on his own to the bus). My husband will be home for backup, but as a mom, I worry. And as a mom, I will probably be calling or texting my son tomorrow to make sure he is okay. Ahhhh me...such is life. :)

For the past few weeks, I have kind of dabbled in prepping for Christmas. Last week, I talked about getting some seasonal jobs. This week I thought it would be a good idea to bring up one of my favorite Christmas links. Organizing Your Way has a free Christmas Planning ebook as well as some fabulous printable planning sheets that can really take the edge off of your Christmas planning. There is a To-Do list, a Christmas Card List, a Shopping List, Budget Planner, Baking Planner and more. I mentioned this fabulous resource last year, and I wanted to give you the heads up again. All of these will really help you get it together for Christmas. I highly recommend checking these out. The holidays go so much more smoothly when we take a little time to just plan.

LINKS: Organizing Your Way Christmas Planning Printables

FREEBIES -

FREEBIES TO NOSH

ZonePerfect is giving away Cookie Dough Nutrition bars through their facebook page starting at 3pm ET (we are talking noon in AZ) to their first 40,000 fans to sign up. :)

LINK: ZonePerfect

You can get free chips and a regular fountain soda at Quiznos when you buy a regular sub, large sub or a regular chopped salad! Follow the link to print your coupon which also has all the details. This coupon expires 10/10/2010.

LINK: Quiznos Coupon

DOLLARS OFF

Check out the Dollar General's facebook page for a printable for $5.00 off the purchase of $25 or more! This coupon is only good for 9/30, 10/01 and 10/02.

LINK: $5 off $25 Dollar General

FREE PRETTY

Get a free 10-day supply of Get a free 10-day supply of your ideal liquid foundation shade from Estee Lauder starting October 1st to October 31st. The offer is of course good while supplies last so I wouldn't hold out too long. For locations go here: http://www.esteelauder.com/storelocator For more info check out their facebook link below.

LINK: Estee Lauder

RANDOM FREENESS

Okay this is a freebie you give. You can send a friend, loved one, or even a co-worker a package of Kleenix. I suppose this may seem kind of silly, but let's face it, cold season is hitting, and who wouldn't like a little box of Kleenix on hand. Again this isn't a freebie for you, it is a freebie to give. Of course you can ask someone to send you one. :)

LINK: Kleenix Softness Worth Sharing

Earth's Best Organic has a free sample of their baby formula. Just like them on facebook to get the deal. This is again the kind of freebie that comes in handy for say...the diaper bag. Follow the link below.

BABY CUTIE FREEBIES

LINK: Earth's Best Organic Formula

Get a Beechnut Stage 4 Toddler Welcome Kit when you sign up for Beechnut's newsletter.

LINK: Beechnut Toddler Welcome Kit

MUSIC

FreeCCM's new download for the week is "Sometimes A Begger" by Caedmon's Call. And you can still get free downloads from Bart Millard, Disciple, The Afters, Phil Wickham and Sara Groves.

LINK: FreeCCM

iTickets.com has a download of "Real Life" from Lincoln Brewster and Jesus Is My Denomination by Mike Abrams.

LINK: iTickets

Sign up for the Hear It First newsletter and get free music downloads every week. This week I got Michael W. Smith's "You Belong To Me" and "Children of the Light" by Lecrae.

LINK: Hear It First


LISTEN FOR FREE

Want to check out Michael W. Smith's new CD "Wonder"? You can listen now at New Release Tuesday.

LINK: New Release Tuesday

PICTURE PERFECT FREEBIE

Head on over to Walgreens website to order a free 8 x 10 Collage Print. Use the code FBCOLL at checkout and set it up to pick up at the store so you pay no shipping. :) This is good TODAY only (10/01). Well it was good yesterday, but I'm not on the air on Wednesday. This can make a really cute gift for grandparents. :)

LINK: Walgreens 8 x 10 Collage

That is all for today folks. I have something special cooking up for next week though. See you then!

Kelly's Thrifty Tips

Okay. We are definitely nearing the big back to school countdown. Last week I talked about getting a total inventory of all the kids clothing. If you haven't done it yet, seriously do this. Figuring out what your children need can keep you from over spending. This week I highly recommend doing the same thing with your kids school supplies. In fact this is something to keep in mind for next year. On the last day of school. Separate the pencils, pens, papers and folders and put away what you think is in good enough condition for next year. We do this every year which usually makes going through all the school supplies pretty easy. I like to box them up if possible. It keeps us from looking around the house for things like the special calculator that my son had to have for Algebra. :)

Now for shopping. Shop around because there are deals everywhere. If you have a computer look around online at the online fliers. If you have a good idea of size, check the online clothing sales too. When it comes to clothes, take advantage of thrift stores, yard sales, rummage sales and consignment shops. Now is a great time to pick up some great items at these outlets as people are thinning out closets and making donations in preparation for back-to-school shopping. Hit those clearance racks at the retail stores. I have been continually stunned at the amazing deals I have been finding at retail stores. I went to a GAP outlet about a month ago and was quite literally stunned by the great deals out there in the clearance sections.


School supplies can be purchased all over, but it is important to get going while the sales are in full swing. Shop at the grocery store, office supply stores, drug stores and mass merchandisers like Walmart and Target. The important thing is to know your prices again, and do not be afraid to shop at more than one store for the best sales. If you take the time to plan your route, you can usually take advantage of the sales without wasting gas. When buying school supplies don't forget things that might not be on your child's list now but your child will need in the future like report covers and index cards. You can find these items for a seriously good price now so take advantage while they are inexpensive.


PS I have noticed lots of great deals on hand sanitizer and tissue too. You might want to pick up some of these deals for your child's classroom. I know my son's teachers have appreciated it.


And don't forget whether you are shopping for school clothes or school supplies, bring your lists!

FREEBIES

While supplies last get your hands on a sample of Oxy Skin Care. The sample will arrive in two to three weeks!

LINK: Oxy Skin Care Sample

If you like Estee Lauder, you may want to head to their counter today (July 22nd) between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm to get a ten day supply of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye or Face Serum. No purchase necessary!

LINK: Estee Lauder free 10-day supply Advanced Night Repair Eye or Face Serum

For the time being YOU can get a sample of Nexxus Therappe Shampoo, Humectress Conditioner and the new Humectress deep conditioner from Walmart.com. I love this stuff! I have no idea how long this Walmart free sample will last so hurry on this one!

LINK: Walmart Nexxus Samples

Walmart also has a free sample of Schiff Mega Red Omega 3 Krill Oil. Check out the details at the link below.

LINK: Walmart Mega Red Omega 3 Krill Oil

Nature's Bounty is offering a free pedometer again! We got one a little while ago, and my son loves it. If you have wanted an easy way to monitor your steps and walking this is a cheap way to get at it.

LINK: Nature's Bounty Pedometer

Choose You is a movement created by the American Cancer Society that encourages women to put their own health first in the fight against cancer. Choose You challenges women to make healthier choices, and supports them in their commitment to eat right, get active, quit smoking and get regular health checks. Register now and you can get your own Choose You flower pin. A pretty little reminder of how you should do things to improve your health.

LINK: Choose You Pin

FreeCCM has a free download this week of Todd Agnew's "Give Me Jesus." They also still have songs by Chris Rice, Laura Story and Jeremy Horn.

LINK: Free CCM