Swagbucks TV = Free Swagbucks for watching TV

So Swagbucks launched their TV thing a few weeks ago. I really wanted to give it a good test drive before I blogged about it. And the verdict is: LOVE it!

See it? Right under search. Click it and start watching the videos. I have it going in the back ground randomly through out the day and earn 5 swagbucks for every couple of videos I watch. I usually earn the 5 swagbucks twice, so 10 swagbucks for watching a few videos. So if you do it every day, that's 300 Swagbucks, give or take.

If you haven't already go HERE to sign up and win FREE Amazon giftcards and other awesome prizes.

Military Wives **Warning: You will cry!**

A friend on facebook tagged me in a note. I almost didn't look at it, think it was one of those silly "What dressing do you put on your salad" things... but instead this beautiful message:

"Military Wives

I would like to recognize these often underestimated, unseen, and unheard heroes.

This is for the sad Military wives, the angry Military wives,and the strong Military wives.

This is for the young women that are waking up at 6 a.m. every morning, laying out clothes and packing three lunches for those small precious children that they have been left alone to care for.

This is for the pregnant Military wife wondering if her husband will make it home in time to watch their miracle happen.

This is for the childless Military wife, living in a town or on a base alone where she is a complete stranger to her surroundings.

This is for the women that feel like a third leg when they go out with their friends and their husbands.

This is for the Military wife that cancelled all her plans to wait by the phone, and even though the phone broke up and cut off every time you spoke to him you waited anyway.

This is a pledge to the women that cry themselves to sleep in an empty bed.

This is to recognize the woman that felt like she was dying inside when he said he had to go, but smiled for him anyway.

This is for those of you that are faithfully in that long line at the post office once a month, handling 2 large boxes and 2 small children like a pro.

This is for that woman that decided to remodel the house to pass time, and then realized that she had no idea what she was doing and sighed and wished she had a little help.

This is for all the lonely nights, all the one-person dinners, and all of the wondering thoughts because you haven't heard from him in days.

A toast to you for falling apart, and putting yourselves back together. Because a pay check isn't enough, a body pillow in your bed is no consolation, and a web cam can never compare.

This is for all of you no matter how easy or hard this was for you. Our soldiers/sailors/airmen are brave, they are heroes, but so are we.

So the next time someone tells you that they would never marry a Military guy, don't bother explaining to them that you can't control who you fall in love with. Just think of this and nod your head, know that you are the stronger woman.

Hold your heads up high, hang that flag in your front yard, stick 100 magnets on your car, and then give yourself a pat on the back.

Be proud to be the woman that you are, be proud to be a Military wife"

-Author Unknown

$40 Giftcard for $20 at the Body Shop!!

Have you joined groupon? I have already gotten some amazing deals with it and today there is a nation wide deal that is ah-mazing!!

If you haven't already join HERE. Then go to the Groupon Deal: $40 giftcard for $20 at the Body Shop.

Hurry, this deal is only good TODAY!!

8 FREE Swagbucks a day!!!

I don't think I can sing Swagbucks praises enough. With my Amazon giftcards I have bought a Cricut Expressions machine, multiple cartridges, diapers, text books for Dennis, and so much more!! I got all those things by searching through Swagbucks Search Engine instead of google. If you want to get paid to be on the internet, sign up HERE.

Be sure to check out my other posts about Swagbucks to get you started.

One way you can grab those Swagbucks more quickly is by earning 8 FREE swagbucks daily. You do this by answering the Daily Poll, Checking the Surveys page, NOSO (No Obligation Special Offers), and signing in on your toolbar.

* Daily Poll: On the left side of the Swagbucks home page there is a menu, click on "Daily Polls". Simply answer the question and earn 2 Swagbucks.

* Surveys: Surveys can be found in the same area as Daily Polls. By simply looking to see if any surveys are available you earn 2 Swagbucks.

* NOSO: Yup, same spot! Click on "NOSO" which means No Obligation Special Offers and keep clicking "Skip" or "See next offer" and after a few you earn 2 Swagbucks. You are under no obligation to submit any offer or fill out anything to earn these Swagbucks.

*Toolbar: Log onto your toolbar every day and earn 2 Swagbucks.

If you do all four every day, you earn an extra 240 Swagbucks a month. How easy is that?

Stockpile and you

The biggest change in your grocery shopping habits you need to make when you start couponing is you no longer shop for the week, you STOCKPILE! Yes, like a nuclear war fearing family in the 1950s, you stockpile the items your family normally use. Just wait for a really good sale and BUY BUY BUY!

Most of these items I have gotten either free, or very close to free. And now I don't have to worry about paying full price! I just wait for another sale and stock up again.

The way I choose to organize my stock pile is by expiration date. I put what expires the soonest up front. Always check in the store, but sometimes when items are priced to move, it is because their expiration date is coming up. Make sure you can use it before it goes bad.

Dressing, sauces, and condiments. 

We've actually depleted most of our Peanut Butter stockpile. 

We have a baby, Cheerio's are a Godsend. 

Think I have enough Ziploc bags?

Toiletries stockpile.

 My razor, deodorant, and face wash stockpile.

Detergent stockpile.

We made it!!

On October first I had just under $50 in my wallet, which meant we made our $400 a month challenge. I'm sorry I couldn't keep up with the posts, if you're my friend on facebook you got a small taste of the crazy tornado our lives became at the end of September. I am just glad Baby boy is safe and sound. That was scary.

Walgreens and Tilted Kilt today!

Yesterday the hubby and I hung around the house relaxing. He did homework for his Masters course and I played with the baby. It was nice to unwind and enjoy being a family. And we didn't spend a penny. I love that we can do nothing with each other and it is still a fabulous day. I am very blessed.

Today though we ran errands and went out to our favorite wings place, the Tilted Kilt. It is like a Hooters, but less clothes and better wings. Total spent $36.07.

 Awful lighting and it is from my phone, but I think you can get an idea of the uniform. 

Great wings though.

Spent $11.65 at Walgreens. I was actually over charged $3 because the Manager didn't use the coupon. (Today I went to a different Walgreens than I normally do, which was a mistake. It took three tries and over 20 minutes for them to ring everything up. Yes, I called customer service. There is no reason to be rude to me because they kept making mistakes.)

Still, even though I was overcharged, $11.65 is pretty good for 4 boxes of bars, 2 things of juice, 2 boxes of tampons, 6 packs of gum, and 2 P.F. Chang's meal kits.

To get these deals and more, head over to MommySavers CVS Savings and Walgreens savings!

Left for the month $179.54. The month is almost half way over! Only two more weekends left!

A night on the town!

The hubby and I went to Chili's last night and ate off their 2 for $20 menu. They gave us a discount because my husband was in uniform, so with a 20% tip our bill was only $26.

Thanks Chili's!

$227.26 left for the month!

(I need to start carrying my camera with me so I can take more photos.)

$68.24 Spent today at Meijer

Today was a big grocery shopping trip. Had to buy dog food and meat (cringe!). Very rarely are there coupons for those items. But this is part of the challenge, to live off $400 for a month, and that includes our 120lb Rottweiler and his appetite. (We go through a 44lb bag a month with the SoBester.)

Left for the month: $253.26. Hopefully we won't need any more food for awhile!

I still managed to save over $40 though!

Swagbucks just got sweeter!

If haven't already, go HERE and sign up for Swagbucks. You earn Swagbucks simply by searching and can trade those Swagbucks in for Amazon Giftcards and other prizes.

What makes this even sweeter is Amazon just released a new program called Amazon Mom. It is a free 3-month trial with Amazon Prime. With this program you can save up to 30% with the subscribe and save, get FREE two-day shopping, and for every $25 in a single purchase you earn another free month up to a year.

For more information, Head over HERE. Thanks MommySavers for the heads up!

Free Portrait at JC Penny for Deployed Military Families

For more details go HERE.

JC Penny is offering Military Families with a Deployed Soldier a free traditional portrait and one shipped free to you Soldier's APO. AND the sitting fee is waived... Completely FREE! WOW!

Thanks MommySavers for the heads up! Always be sure to check out MommySavers for the latest deals and coupons.

A Magazine Holder made out of a Cereal Box?

Yes, a magazine holder made out of a cereal box. I got the idea from MommySavers founder Kim.




I simply followed the instructions and made one today. It turned out super cute, and I used things I already around the house.

1. Gather up your supplies. I picked out three sheets of scrapbook paper, two for the outside, one for the inside of the box, a ruler (not pictured), sharpie, glue, and scissors.

2. Draw lines on the box with the sharpie for a cutting guide.

3. Cut the box.

4. Using your scrapbooking paper, decorate the outside of the box. I put a lining on the top half of inside the box, your choice if you want to do that.

Once you are finished you have turned a messy pile of magazines into a neat, pretty, organized stack.

Ta da! Super easy and super cute!

To see what other MommySaver members are saying go HERE and simply by commenting you've entered to win "Instant Bargains" by Kim Danger. (I HIGHLY recommend this book. Without it, I wouldn't be the frugal couponista I am today.)

Tricare and College Students

Came across an interest article about Tricare and College students:

"Do you have a teen graduating high school and heading off to college soon? Don’t worry, their TRICARE benefits will travel with them. As a military dependant, your student will remain eligible for TRICARE benefits until they graduate college or turn 23 years of age, whichever comes first. Once they turn 21 years of age, you will need to update the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) so they may keep their benefits.

There are a few options available to college students including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, and TRICARE Prime overseas.

TRICARE Prime is available in the North, South and West Regions and assigns a primary care manager (PCM). Students will receive medical care from their PCM at either a military facility or from a TRICARE network provider. As an active duty dependant they will not incur any out of pocket expenses as long as care is received from their PCM or care from another provider with a referral.

To qualify for TRICARE Prime Remote students must live at least 50 miles or an hour’s drive from the nearest military treatment facility. Use the TRICARE Prime Remote zip code look-up tool to determine if your student will quality for TRICARE Prime Remote while attending college.
TRICARE Prime Overseas is for active duty and their dependants living overseas in non-remote locations. Dependants will be assigned a primary care manager (PCM) and will receive care at a military treatment facility (MTF).

No matter where your student attends college, they will be able to find adequate medical care because TRICARE is available worldwide. Contact the appropriate TRICARE Region for more information based on the school’s location. Visit the TRICARE website to learn more about all plans and their costs."

http://www.todaysmilitaryspouse.com/2010/09/tricare-and-college-students/

Want free Nabisco cookies?

My husband and I love Nabisco cookies, Oreo, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy... love them all. That is why this coupon is one of my favorites. Go to Nabisco's facebook page HERE and print off a coupon for a free pack of cookies when you buy one pack and a gallon of milk.

This coupon is only available on the first Monday of the month and only 75,000 prints are authorized; so print yours now!!

CVS trip, spent $22.36

CVS is having one of their fabulous diaper deals, where you buy a box and get $10 ECB. I LOVE these!! I always get a box when this sale is happening.

For these and other CVS deals check out MommySavers: CVS and Walgreens

Total left for the month: $321.50 (I know I said diapers were not included in our monthly challenge, but we discussed it before I went shopping and we're going to try!)

Fall Festival Tempations.

I was tempted today. Very, very tempted. All I wanted to do is blow through the $350 in my wallet and fill our house with absolutely adorable handmade crafts.

This weekend is a festival in the town we call home. It was full of booths and vendors selling their crafts. Handmade and handpainted beautiful things. We still have tons of bare space on our walls. I want pieces with character so it will take me a while before our house is finished. It is a work in progress. (Plus your next place could be incredibly small. You never know with the Army.)

And we, or I, didn't spend a DIME.We even walked the 1.5 miles (one way) there so we didn't even spend money on gas or parking (which was $10!!!). My dogs might be barking, but at least we got some good exercise in and got to see some pretty things.

FREE fun!

There is a playground park in our neighborhood here in Illinois. It is a really nice playground too! The hubby got off work at 1500 (3pm for you Civilians) and we decided to take little man.

Yes, it was chilly enough for a sweater.

Needless to say, we had fun. And it was FREE!!!

Today was an expensive day.

Well... Today was an expensive day. We had to get water softener for the house and other things.

Here is what we paid:
- $21.83 Menards (We will be getting a $6 rebate in 4-6 weeks)
- $9.89 Dominick's (6 Pepsi 12packs for $1.50 each and 4 Del Monte Smoothies)
- $.18 Wal-Mart (Two bottles of Gain Dish Soap)
- $2.92 CVS (Two Schick Intuition razors and a bottle of Dawn)
- $13.56 Pop-eyes (Dennis and I had a special treat at the office with Top, we bought him lunch too)

Total spent = $48.46 eek! That's a lot! It's alright because we are still in our frugal mindset and haven't given up.

$343.86 left for the rest of the month!

A Guide to Swag Bucks.

I blogged about Swag Bucks HERE, but I wanted to give you more information. We all know knowledge is power! If you haven't already, sign up HERE

The Swag Bucks Guy, or TSG, releases codes for free Swag Bucks almost daily. Some are for 5, some are for as much as 9 and I've had a few worth upwards to 20 Swag Bucks! How to find the codes is a challenge at times, but you can get the hang of it pretty quickly. Follow me, An Army Wife's Couponing Adventure, on facebook to keep up to date on the codes.

The three main locations for codes are:
- Swag Bucks Blog
- Swag Bucks Toolbar
- Swag Bucks Swidget.

Once you find the code, enter it in the bar labeled "Gimme" blow your account information on the right hand side of the swagbucks homepage. (see picture below)

The blog codes are pretty easy to find. Just search for Swag Bucks Code in the blog entry, copy and paste it in the bar.

Toolbar codes never pop up in time for me, so when I'm alerted there is one I click on the red box with the white envelope on the toolbar, the newest message. The message will open in the browser and directly above the right hand corner is a blue word "newer". Click it. The message should refresh with a code. (Expired codes are replaced with the word "Expired")

The Swidget is incredibly easy. See that black box at the bottom of this blog? It looks like this:

See that "SC" button? Click it > Click"Check for Code"> Copy and Paste!

There you have it. A guide to codes.  Questions?

Operation Iraqi Freedom becomes Operation New Dawn

Some of you might be worried if your Soldier is deployed to Iraq under Operation New Dawn, they won't receive combat pays. If you are worried, stop. This was released today:

"WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 – The change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn does not affect combat and other hazardous-duty entitlements troops serving in Iraq receive, a Pentagon spokeswoman said today.
 
Servicemembers deployed to Iraq will still receive hostile fire/imminent danger pay, hardship-duty pay, and incidental expenses. Some troops will qualify for family separation allowances. Also, all pay for warrant officers and enlisted members is tax exempt, while officers are exempt from taxes for up to $7,611.30 each month they serve in an eligible area."
http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=60679

By the way... What do you think of the new name?

Day 1 $1.53 spent at Meijer and $6.23 at CVS ($7.76 total)

Yup. A $1.53 for 5 boxes if pasta, 6 cans of tomatoes, and 1 package of Kraft sliced cheese. My Cashier said, "Whoa! You did good!"

I'd say this a good start for our $400 challenge! $392.24 left.

Truly Inspirational.

Get out the tissues, you're gonna cry! This is a great motivational video that is making its rounds on Facebook. It really inspired me to be happy with all the blessings God has given us. Not just material things, but our family. Our son is healthy and happy. My husband and I are madly in love. I am closer than ever to my parents and my brother. Mom is my friend. Thank you, God, for your many, many blessings. Sometimes I need to be reminded when I get wrapped up in the world of how truly lucky I am.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

$400 a month?!

For the month of September my husband and I will be living off of $400. That is all we will spend on groceries, entertainment, toiletries, clothes, pretty much everything! I have been looking over the past few months and wondering where has all our money gone?

I will chronicle every shopping excursion and share our success (or failure) with you. Wish us luck!

The Rules:
Not restricted by the $400: diapers, formula, gas for cars, medical expenses, monthly bills (like cell phone, car payments, gas, electricity, etc.).
I am going to keep all receipts from this month.
Cash ONLY! I will pull out $400 tomorrow and put in my wallet. Once that cash is gone, oh well!

Wish us luck!

Do you know this Soldier?!

Do you know a Soldier deployed to Iraq? Is he from Arizona? Does he have two Golden Labs? If you do, please tell him to call Pinal County Animal Care and Control. His "friend", who was supposed to watch his dogs while he served our great country, turned them over to the pound. This "friend" is refusing to release the Soldiers name, just saying he is deployed to Iraq.

"The dogs are approximately 2-4 years of age, one male, and one female. One dog is named Wyatt and the other is named Storm.  If anyone has information about the person that owns Wyatt and Storm, they are asked to contact Rhonda Wagner Kuehn at 406-697-5975. "

Please help and keep this article circulating until we help this brave man fighting for our freedom get his dogs back.

http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/soldier-s-dogs-surrendered-to-az-shelter-public-help-needed-to-facilitate-a-reunion

Are you a Veteran? Please take this survey!

THIS survey is about the care given to Veterans. It is important because it could affect how you and others are treated in the future. This is a chance to make a change for the better! 

Noodlette is back!!

Kraft Noodlette is back! Go and play HERE. Win points for the coupon of your choice. You can play until you win enough points for the coupon you want.

Here are the prices:
For 500 points you can win $.55 off 2 boxes of Kraft Mac'n'Cheese
For 1000 points you can win Buy two, get one free Easy Mac
For 5000 points you can win Buy one, get one free Homestyle Mac'n'Cheese

My friend's baby died. I am not afraid to talk about it.

August 19th was the day of hope... A day to remember those who have given birth to a sleeping baby or miscarried, those who have left the hospital with empty arms. We shouldn't just remember on August 19th, we should remember every day the pain these women go through. I firmly believe that when God calls a baby to heaven it is for a special purpose.

My friend's baby died. I am not afraid to talk about it. I love her and will always be there for her.

My favorite Restuarant Coupons!

Here are some awesome coupons for when you eat out this weekend, because honestly, who wants to cook on the weekend?

Buy one, get one free at White Castle HERE

Buy one entree, get one 50% off at TGI Fridays HERE

Free Chips and Queso at Chili's HERE (you have to join their email club)

For more great Restaurant Coupons, head over to MommySavers (or just click this LINK)

$110 P&G Coupon Booklet

Another P&G Coupon booklet is available!! 

Just spend $50 on P&G products between August 20, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Once you have all your receipts collected, highlight the P&G products. Fill out this FORM, then mail it all in! I've gotten one of these before and I used a lot of the coupons.

So excited!

FREE Military Care Package from Scion

Scion is giving out free care packages to our troops, deployed or not. So no matter where your Soldier is at the moment, take a second and send them a care package courtesy of Scion!


Head HERE to sign up!

Target is accused of not giving full value on Coupons

Be careful shopping at Target if you are a couponer!

According to THIS Target has been short changing Ms. Gundersonon her coupons. Shockingly (insert sarcasm here), Target says the first time they heard about this issue was when WCCO contacted them. But this has been going on for months. It has happened to me and cost me tons of money.

WCCO went back to see if Target had fixed the problem (HERE is the article) and nope! Still not fixed.

I refuse to shop at Target for personal reasons, and am not saying you shouldn't shop there... Just double check your coupons and make sure you are getting your full value worth.

Meijer has an iPhone App!

I guess there really is an App for everything!

Meijer Coupon Policy and Printing Meijer Coupons

Meijer Coupon policy
When accepting coupons, Meijer uses the following guidelines:
We accept two kinds of coupons; Meijer issued coupons and manufacturer coupons.
-To be accepted, coupons must be presented before or on the expiration date.
-Only one manufacturer coupon and one Meijer coupon for the same item will be accepted (unless prohibited).
-Mealbox coupons are considered Meijer coupons.
-We accept all valid Internet coupons. These coupons must be presented before or on the expiration date
-We reserve the right to limit quantities.
-If the value of the coupon is more than the price of the item after discounts or coupons are applied, the value of the coupon will be applied up to the price of the item.
-We do not apply the excess value of a coupon to the order total if the value of the coupon is over the price of the item after discounts or coupons are applied.
-Only coupons for products carried in our stores will be accepted.
-All coupons should be given to the cashier while you're checking out and cannot be applied to a previous purchase.

How to print Meijer coupons:

Above is a screen shot from http://www.meijermealbox.com/ This box is located on the right hand side of the screen.  Go to "Specials" tab > "Coupons" tab > Click "Add to Shopping List" (notice there are usually multiple pages). After selecting all the coupons you want to print

Go to "Shopping List" > Click "Print"> A new window pops up

Once pop up window is visible> File > Print

Adjust your printer settings > Click "Print"

And now you have Meijer Coupons!

$142.44 worth of groceries for only $33.07

I might be getting the hang of this Civilian way of life out here in Recruiting! Today I went to Meijer (Fancier than Wal-Mart and much nicer) to get a few things, mainly produce and my prescription refilled.

The great thing about Meijer is that they stack coupons. That means you can use a manufacturers coupon (like you find in the paper on Sunday) as well as a Meijer coupon. 

Go HERE for Meijer coupons. They are located in the box on the right hand side under the specials tab>click "shopping list" tab> print to print your Meijer coupons.

Todays haul:
12 boxes of Ziploc baggies
4 boxes of Cheerios
5 boxes of Rice A Roni
2 Wishbone Salad dressing
2 Jimmy Dean Sausage
1 dozen large eggs
1 Homestyle Kraft Mac'n'Cheese
4 Healthy Request soup
2 Colgate 360 toothbrushes
1 tube of Colgate toothpaste
6 blocks of Kraft Cheese
2 packages of hashbrowns
4lbs of Bananas
2lbs of Sweet Potatoes
2 Mangos
4 Summer Squash 
Carrots

CVS trip: Spent $9.97, Saved $75.07

Pretty good haul for $10 if I do say so myself! And I earned another $10 in ECB for my next trip!

Go HERE to see how I did it!

Hibachi Chicken without the flaming onion (or the price!)

Teriyaki Sauce:

- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vinegar

Combine ingredients into a sauce pot:

Cook on low until onions are caramelized.

Now you have the sauce!

I cook the chicken like they do at the restaurant. I put it in whole and let it cook more of the way before cutting it up into bit size pieces.

I add water then cover with a lid for most of the cooking process, it keeps the chicken nice and moist.

Pull the chicken out and cut into bite size pieces. Then put back in the skillet, add the above teriyaki sauce:

Voila! Hibachi Chicken without the hefty price of the restaurant!

Bon appetit!

Fried Rice:
2 cups of cold or day old rice.
1/4 cup of Soy Sauce
4 eggs (I like my fried rice with a lot of eggs, feel free to use less)
2 Tablespoons of Oil

Put oil in large skillet, add rice, pour Soy Sauce over rice. Using a spatula continuously stir. After rice has a nice brown color to it, crack eggs. Continue mixing until eggs and thoroughly cooked.

Now for the finishing touch: Shrimp Sauce or White Sauce or whatever they call this fattening yummy goodness!

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 teaspoon paprika
3/8 teaspoon garlic powder
**If you like heat** I add 1 teaspoon of Red Roster chili sauce.

Mix together in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate!