31 Ways to Save in 2011: Saving money by finding deals at the dollar store!

January 11, 2011 by

Photobucket

If you’re looking for ways to cut expenses, dollar stores can be a great resource.  In my area, we have the $.99 Store and Dollar Tree and I have found some great deals at both stores.

Here are some of my favorite dollar store bargains:

–Books:  you never know what you’ll find in the book section – I have found some great board books for my kids and some great hardcover books for myself by spending a few minutes browsing (this is definitely hit or miss)
–Cards:  cards for all occasions are 2/$1 at both stores – you can’t beat that!
–Coloring books:  if your kids love coloring books, you can’t beat getting them for $1 (and sometimes they are 2/$1!), and they usually have educational workbooks and flash cards, too!
–Craft supplies:  if you have kids who love craft projects, you’ll find lots of great, affordable options at the dollar store!
–Gift bags:  gift bags of varying sizes are $.79 at the $.99 store and $1 at Dollar Tree (these retail for $2-3/each at other stores, so this is definitely a steal!).  They have wrapping paper, boxes, and tissue paper, too!
–Holiday themed items:  if you’re looking for seasonal partyware, you can’t beat their prices
–Party supplies:  whether you’re having a themed party or you’re just looking for paper goods in coordinating colors, you can find it all for $1/each (cups, plates, plasticware, table cloths, napkins, and even banners or other decor) – I haven’t seen prices that cheap anywhere else!
–Pregnancy tests:  I know it sounds crazy, but the tests from the dollar store are really accurate (I’ve got a 3 year old now to prove it!), so why spend $7-10 on a “name brand” one?

Sometimes you can even find name brand ice cream (Dreyer’s) for $1!

Just remember – $1 can add up quickly and if you end up buying a lot of things you don’t need, it’s no longer a bargain.  You may want to leave your kids at home.  Mine are suckers for all the “junk” that they have there, too!

What are your favorite “dollar store finds”?

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Filed Under: 31 ways to save in 2011

New Jamba Juice coupons!

January 11, 2011 by

If you love Jamba Juice, you may want to print the following coupons here:

-$2 Coldbuster Smoothie (16 oz)
-$1 Steel Cut Oatmeal
-$1 Probiotic Fruit Yogurt Blend (12 oz)

These coupons are valid 1/10/11-1/19/11.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Filed Under: printable coupons

Five free Disney Movie Reward points!

January 11, 2011 by

There’s another free Disney Movie Rewards code worth 5 points: T5WM52PA7L

If you’re new to Disney Movie rewards, you can get 25 points for completing your profile and another 100 points for completing a survey here.

Whether you’re new to the program or you’ve been around for awhile, you may want try entering these codes for additional bonus points:

CHIHUAHUA (25 points)
D11M20R01NY (50 points)
COOL (50 points)
9EKSMN38SH (50 points)
9FTMRYWEK (50 points)
FPSNN83JX9 (25 points)
REX (25 points)
FM39V03SSW (5 points)
(Thanks Slick Deals!)

While you’re logged in to your Disney Movie Rewards account, you may also want to print the coupon to save $10 off the purchase of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2!  (details are here)

If you haven’t joined Disney Movie Rewards yet, it’s completely free and all you have to do is enter codes from the Disney movies thaty you buy (they are inside the boxes).  The points that you earn can be redeemed for free merchandise!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Filed Under: freebies Tagged With:

Free one night rental from Blockbuster Express!

January 11, 2011 by

If you’re like me, your break is almost over. Take it easy and watch a free movie from Blockbuster Express!  You can get a free one night rental when you enter the code ESU11B at check-out.  This code is valid through January 18th. 

The code can be used once per card.  Search for a participating Blockbuster Express kiosk in your area here.

NOTE: You will be charged a fee of $1 per night if you do not return the movie by 9 p.m. on the night following your initial rental.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Filed Under: freebies Tagged With:

31 Ways to Save in 2011: Cut grocery expenses by using Angel Food Ministries

January 10, 2011 by

Photobucket

If you’re looking for ways to cut your grocery expenses, but you haven’t quite figured out coupons yet, Angel Food Ministries may be a good option to help you cut your grocery expenses (if you are a seasoned couponer, this is probably not the best option for you because you can probably get better deals by using coupons and tracking sales cycles).  Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that has been helping to provide grocery relief to families across the country since 1994.

In the past Angel Food Ministries has offered a box of food each month for $30.  This year, they have a variety of boxes to choose from starting at just $16.  They have something for everyone, including a gluten free box for $25!  There is even an “After School Fruit and Veggie Box” which includes snacks such as applesauce, trail mix, carrots, celery, apples, pears, and oranges.  They also have steak and chicken boxes available!  There is no limit on the number of boxes you can order.

There are no income guidelines, but they do accept food stamps! All items are fresh and most of them are name brand. There are a variety of churches and other organizations in areas across the country that are responsible for distribution of the items. You have to place your order early in the month and then you pick it up on a specific date.

To view the full monthly menu click here and then click on “This Month’s Menu”

To locate a host site near you, click here.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Filed Under: 31 ways to save in 2011 Tagged With: