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

Kelly's Thrifty Tips

Good morning!!!! Let's get started!

First, I was talking this morning about my tomato growing progress. It is slow, but it has definitely gotten me excited about the possibility of growing a more substantial garden next year. Five tomatoes is nothing to sneeze at for me. Actually a live plant is pretty awesome for me. I am not usually too good with plants. Until I get a handle on growing my own luscious tomatoes and yummy veggies, I have decided to avail myself to the Farmer's Market in Prescott. Did you know that there are 53 Farmer's Markets in Arizona? I found a great site to share with you so you can look up the one nearest you! Keep in mind that these do not all run, but many do! Go to the United States Department of Agriculture site for Agricultural Marketing Service. Here is your link: Agricultural Marketing Service. Click on the line that says "FIND A FARMER'S MARKET IN YOUR STATE." With this site, you can really narrow down a search for your state and city.


Birthday freebies are the best freebies, and thanks to the 10 o'clock news I discovered another site that lists great birthday freebies by state! You can even narrow down categories. It is FreeBirthdayTreats.com! You can search for adults, children, and even pet birthday treats! This isn't all about just swinging a free dessert so be sure to check it out! Here is your linkage: Free Birthday Treats

Definitely do not forget to hook yourself up with the awesome free music opportunities at freeccm.com! This week, you can download Phillips, Craig & Dean's song "Your Name" from their album Top of My Lungs, Todd Agnew's "In The Middle Of Me" from Reflection of Something, Bart Millard's "My Jesus I love Thee/'Tis So Sweet" from Hymned 1, and Derek Webb' s "A Love That's Stronger Than Our Fear" from The Ringing Bell. This is a great site from INO Records with great Christian music news, contests and free legal downloads! Here is your linkage: Free CCM Remember you do have to register.

Top Ten Sale Faves:

Safeway (need customer card):
1- 80% Lean Ground Beef - $1.47 lb (This is definitely the time to stock up!)
2- Yellow Nectarines - 79 cents a pound
3- Sanderson Farm Whole Chicken - 69 cents a pound

Safeway also has a great sale on Oscar Mayer products. Buy 5 and save $5.00! This is an optimal time to pick up some of their fabulous lunch meats for back-to-school lunch deals. After the buy 5 save $5, Oscar Mayer sliced beef bologna adds up to $2.49, sliced bacon $2.99, beef franks $2.00, fun pack lunchables $1.99 and Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved lunchmeat $2.49.

Safeway is also offering coupons in their flyer. My favorites are:
Lucerne Butter $1.49 (limit 1)
Barilla Pasta 69 cents (limit 1)
Lucerne 18 count eggs 99 cents (limit 1)

Don't forget that you can also go to Safeway's website and load coupons onto your loyalty card or even print some to bring into the store. Linkaroonie: Safeway Also remember that you can load even more coupons onto your loyalty card via cellfire.

Top Ten Sale Faves (cont):
Albertsons (no loyalty card needed and Wednesdays are 10% off for senior citizens!):
4- Boneless skinless chicken breasts $1.57 lb (THIS is AWESOME!)
5- Cooks Shank portion ham (bone in) 99 cents a pound
6- Honeydew melon 39 cents a pound

In addition, check out Albertons flier for coupon savings including;
Aim or Pepsodent 6 oz toothpaste 47 cents (limit 2)
Bush's Beans 57 cents (limit 6)
Hormel Little Sizzler sausage 77 cents (limit 2)
Iceburg lettuce 47 cents (limit 2)
$5 off a $50 purchase
$10 off a $100 purchase

This is not a coupon but I cannot continue without mentioning that Albertonsalso has London Broil for $1.67 a pound. This has become one of my new favorites, because it is so inexpensive, but it tastes amazing. I have taken to letting it marinade in some balsamic vinegar from morning until cooking time and then bake it at 275 for about 3 hours. The balsamic vinegar marinade gets the meat so yummy and tender! You slice this baby up like you would a roast and eat up. A half usually feeds my husband, son and myself with leftovers that go very nicely on top of a spring mix salad for lunch or a light dinner for two. :)


Top Ten Sale Faves (cont):
Fry's (loyalty card needed):
7- Hebrew National beef franks, Polish sausage or Knockwurst 2 for $5.00 (one is regularly $5.99!)
8- Boneless half pork loin 1.88 lb (limit 4)
9- Bartlet pears 77 cents a pound
10- Kroger organge juice 64 oz for 99 cents

There are also some other great deals at Fry's like:
Fry's instant oatmeal priced at just 2 for $3.00. I love this stuff.
Eggo waffles are also on sale at 2 for $3.00
Doritos are just $1.97 for 11.7 or 14.5 oz sizes
Fry's apple juice is $1.99 for 64 oz

And there are many, many more deals. Dont forget that you can also log more savings on your Fry's card via cellfire and go directly to Fry's website to also upload deals via the P&G eSaver.

Happy Saving! See you next week!