Thrifty Summer Fun For Kids

Summer is quickly approaching and if you're like us, we're wondering what to do with the kids all summer ?!

Here are some thrifty ideas for you to keep the whole family entertained this summer.

1) Head to your local library. Our local library offers summer reading programs, storytime, arts/crafts and movies for all elementary school children. We will be at our library alot this summer and it will be great to be indoors when it's 95 degrees outside!

2) Go to the beach, lake or local pool. What a great way to stay cool this summer! Check out waterparks, also.

3) Don't forget reading! Involve your kids in a summer reading program at the local library or at Barnes and Noble. The one at Barnes and Noble is great because kids can earn free books!!!!

4) Have playdates with neighbors, friends and groups! This wears the kids out and allows moms to actually have some quality time with other moms!

5) Cook together. Kids love to experiment in the kitchen so plan a day of cooking, baking and just having fun together in the kitchen.

6) Let the kids loose in the yard. Turn on the sprinkler and let them run through in their bathingsuits. We did this this weekend and actually washed the car at the same time!

7) Check out your local state park for fun activities and festivals. In Florida, check out the website. In all other states, check out the website.

8) Go fly a kite. It's easy, fun and very inexpensive! You can buy a kite or make your own. For tips on how to make your own, click here.

9) Have a scavenger hunt in the house. This is a great way to spend a rainy day with your kids. You can be creative and draw a map showing where the treasure is and all of the "x marks the spots" along the way. Shop at the dollar store for some great treasures to hide.

We'd love to hear your ideas! Send us your ideas via email or leave a comment below. We'll be publishing additional summer ideas in the next few weeks.

~ Written by Elizabeth

Beverly's Bargain Tips - Saving Money on Utilities

We are proud to introduce our guest blogger, Beverly Trowbridge. She lives in Jacksonville with her husband and 3 children (ages 6,4, and 2). We consider Beverly a "thrifty diva" and an expert shopper when it comes to saving money! She really understands how to stretch her dollars and make them work for her. She offers unique bargain tips and we plan to share them with you periodically.

Beverly's Bargain Tips - Saving Money on Utilities:

• Look at your utility bill! Beverly looked at an old utility bill from when she was first married in 1999 and compared it to a current utility bill and she's spending the same on her current bill as she did 10 years ago! And....she's in a larger home with 3 more bodies!
  How does she do it? The savings are due to switching to florescent lighting throughout the house, using only cold water for washing clothes, and sealing leaks in the windows and doors. She also recommends taking other conservation measures that your utility company can tell you about - don't be afraid to ask!

• For home phone service, Beverly uses MagicJack and only pays $1.98 a month for home phone service! Their plan is a 5 year contract that they paid $119 for, which includes the necessary equipment and shipping. MagicJack offers a free trial, free local and long distance and is definitely worthy of checking out!

• For cell phone service, Beverly and her husband use Motorola Tracfone and an average bill is $16 a month. Their cell phones are for emergencies only and their plan includes 600 minutes per year. Best of all, the unused minutes roll over to the next year. They have already had their phones for 2 years and are saving lots of money!

~ Written by Elizabeth

FREE - 2 Samples From the John Frieda Hair Collection

Receive samples of Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo and Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Conditioner. Click here to register for your free sample.

Offer good thru December 31st, 2009 or while supplies last. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

~ Written by Elizabeth

FREE - Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion Sample

Summer is here (especially in Florida where we live) and here's a chance to get a FREE sample from Hawaiian Tropic. Go here to check out the information and sign up for your sample today.

~ Written by Elizabeth

FREE Women's Degree Fine Fragrance Collection Samples!

Here's a chance to get a free sample of a new product by Degree.

The new Degree® Women Fine Fragrance Collection combines long-lasting, sophisticated scents with Degree Women's® 24-hour wetness and odor protection for everyday luxury.
Each anti-perspirant is paired with a matching body mist for the ultimate fine fragrance experience for women on the move. With three distinct scents, Delicious Bliss, Sexy Intrigue and Classic Romance, women can choose the fine fragrance that suits them best.
While supplies last. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Available for U.S. residents. Only limit one sample per household. You must be 18 or older to receive this sample.

Click here to submit your information online for the free sample.

~ Written by Elizabeth

FREE Ice Cream Day at Walmart - May 30!

Everyone loves ice cream and here's a chance to get some freebies for the whole family! Visit Walmart 11 am - 4 pm on May 30 and receive a free ice cream sample. Details: one per customer and while supplies last.

Choose from: Dib's snack bag, Blue Bunny Aspen frozen yogurt granola bar, and Ben & Jerry's Flipped Out cup. Check out the website for more details.

~ Written by Elizabeth

FREE Samples Bodycology Hand Soap, Lotion and Body Mist

Here's a fabulous freebie from Bodycology Bath & Body!! You can get your FREE samples of hand soap, lotion and body mist in either Coconut Lime or Brown Sugar Vanilla by Bodycology! I have already signed up and looking forward to getting my free samples!

Click here and sign up to receive your free samples today!

Written by: Laura

FREE All-Bran Promise Pack Offer

Here's a great offer from Kellogg's All-Bran. Simply log on and register for a FREE All-Bran Promise Pack, which includes a sample of Strawberry Medley cereal, Strawberry Drizzle fiber bar, Red Raspberry fiber drink mix, plus $ 4 in valuable coupons!! We all love coupons!!!

Click here to get yours today! Supplies are limited so hurry!

Written by: Laura

Bath & Body Coupons: Via Text Message

If you like to shop at Bath & Body Works and you have unlimited text messaging on your phone, you'll definitely want to sign up for their text coupons. They sent one out last week for a free product with any purchase and will be sending other great coupons.

Go here to sign up.

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for this great information!

~ Written by Elizabeth

FREE - DiGiorno's New Flatbread Melts on May 18th

Great news for you pizza lovers!!! On May 18th you can get a coupon to enjoy a FREE DiGiorno Flatbread Melt just by clicking on this site.

Invite your friends to get this coupon - but hurry, it's only on May 18th and quantities are limited!

Written by: Laura

Haagen-Dazs: Free Flavor Day (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)

From a press release sent out by Haagen-Dazs:
Buzz into any participating Häagen-Dazs Shop on May 12th for a “Free-bee” scoop during Häagen-Dazs ice cream’s annual Free Flavor Day!

On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, consumers can visit any participating Häagen-Dazs Shop between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to receive a free scoop of any of Häagen-Dazs bee-built flavor. Since honey bees pollinate ingredients essential to more than 50 percent of Häagen-Dazs ice cream’s all-natural flavors, consumers will have a large assortment of flavors from which to choose.

To find a nearby Häagen-Dazs Shop where you can participate in the Free Flavor Day festivities, go here.

As always, I recommend that you call your store ahead of time to confirm they are participating in this event. Thanks to The Money Saving Mom for this great info!

~Written by Elizabeth

Kraft Family Kitchens - Printable Coupons!

I get excited when I find a good deal! I also get excited when I find good coupons! Well, I found some great coupons on the Kraft Family Kitchens website. I am a member and they emailed me the monthly newsletter, which included some great printable coupons! Go here to sign up (or log in if you're a current member) and print your coupons now! Don't delay because these coupons won't last very long.

~ Written by Elizabeth

Frugal Vacations

Want to get away from your house for awhile and enjoy seeing areas of our beautiful country?? Think you can't do it without breaking the bank?? Well I have news for you! YOU CAN!! Here are some great ideas to get away as a family or just a couple that won't break your budget or your sanity!!

1. Camping: A great low cost option for families that enjoy the great outdoors. Sleeping in a tent is not a must, as there are many state and national parks that rent cabins for a very reasonable fee. As an great bonus, when you are registered at a state park, you gain free entrance into all state parks. Check out the website for a cost effective way to view some of our nations most beautiful parks. Cost is $80 a year and that covers your non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) You can't beat it! State and National Parks are a great way to enjoy our beautiful country.

2. Beach It: If you want to beach it, be sure to check out all your options for lodging. Often a large family can save money by renting a condo or home for the week rather than staying at a hotel. Remember, you can also save a huge amount of money if you can prepare your own meals while on vacation. A large portion of a family's budget can be spent on food. So even a little kitchenette in a suite can save you dollars. Just think of the money you will save by just doing the little things.

3. Visit Friends and Family: Plan to visit friends or family that may live far away, or even those that live nearby. In today's fast-paced society it is not unusual for family and friends to lose touch. Not only will save money you will get to some quality time with friends or family you have not seen in awhile. This is a great way for everyone to have fun and enjoy time together.

Whatever you decide to do for family vacation make sure you know all your options. Check all prices, don't make assumptions. Check out all alternatives. Make sure you know your deadlines and cancellation fees.

If all of this is not your cup of tea and you want that exotic vacation - remember there are great vacation packages out there to be had. ALSO - Travel agencies are privy to a lot of travel information, especially seasonal discounts. Make those calls and find out more.

Lastly and most importantly - The most important thing about family vacations or couple vacations is quality time together. Make those memories something you will always cherish. So get started on planning a fun, safe and frugal vacation!!

~Written By: Laura

FREE TCBY Cone For Mother's Day

Treat your mom to a wonderful free and refreshing TCBY cone or cup for Mother's Day. http://www.tcby.com/ Only good for 1 day so act fast. Enjoy sometime with mom and treat her right!! Have a Wonderful Mother's Day!!

Written by: Laura

Have A Thrifty Mother's Day!

Looking for a way to celebrate Mother's Day without breaking the bank? Here are some options for you:

1) Outback is offering a free $10 GC to moms on Mother’s Day (while supplies last). The certificate is good on a next visit to the restaurant. Outback is also promoting at least 15 meals under $15. Find the Outback closest to you here.

2) Johny Rockets is offering a free shake for mom with the purchase of any entree. All you need to do is bring this coupon with you.

3) Don’t break the bank treating mom to a meal out. Restaurant.com is offering $25 GC for $4 when you use the code GIFT at check out. As usual please read all of the restriction s on these gift certificates before buying.

4) For dessert, TCBY is offering a free scoop or cone to moms on May 10th.

5) A&W Restaurants is offering a free Rootbear Float or Freeze with purchase with this printable coupon. This deal expires on 5/30/09.

6) Ikea is offering a free breakfast and coffee for mom on May 10th. Valid at participating locations only. Read more about this offer here.

Enjoy the savings and I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!

~ Written by Elizabeth

Are You A Thrifty Diva?

Are you a "thrifty diva" We want to hear from you! Tell us how you're saving money in your family or tell us about a great deal you've found. Send us your stories via email: thethriftydivas@yahoo.com or add a comment below. We will share your comments in an upcoming post so stay tuned!

Thanks for your support and don't forget to tell your friends about our blog!

~ Written by Elizabeth

Free Money! (Yes, You Read It Correctly)

I have found a way to earn free money just for clicking through ads on YouData. All you do is log onto the website, create a profile and the company will assign ads for you to review and they pay you to review them! It's simple, easy and fun .... and completely legitimate!!!

A few things to note: 1) you need to log onto the website to see the ads, they don't email them to you. Simply log on weekly to view the ads. 2) once you create your account, be sure you fill out the survey and demographic information in "your me file". This helps you get more ads as they send them to people based on demographics. 3) payment is only through Paypal.

Check out YouData today and use referral code: EB6270 when you sign up to get started faster. I did a little math and figured out that I will make $150 this year just by doing this every week!

~ Written by Elizabeth

Free Chocolate - What Could Be Better?!

Chocolate lovers take note!

Starting Friday (May 8), M&M Mars will give away 250,000 coupons every Friday through September. So beginning on May 8at 9 a.m. ET you can sign up for coupons to be redeemed for your favorite Mars product, including M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Dove, 3 Musketeers and Milky Way. Be sure to sign up on May 8! You’ll receive your coupon by mail within six weeks. Limit four coupons per household during the offer period.

~ Written by Elizabeth

Saving Money While Eating Out - Part 2

Would you like to save money while eating out? Want some great coupons and even freebies at local restaurants? Well, listen up!

Chain restaurants offer many incentives to belong to their customer database. Generally, you can sign up on their website and the restaurant will send you something in return (i.e. email with coupons, freebies, and special offers). Here's a list of some restaurant and we've done the work for you - simply click on the links and you can sign up for some great rewards!

1) Sweet Tomatoes - join the "Club Veg" program and they will email you monthly coupons to save money! By the way, this is a great family friendly restaurant - we eat there for $18, a family of 4!

2) Chili's - join their email club and they will send you a coupon valid for free chips and queso dip plus they will send you other promotions throughout the year.

3) Longhorn - join their eclub and they will email you a coupon for a free appetizer plus they send out coupons for your birthday. We all receive a free dessert for our birthday.

4) Quiznos - sign up for Q-club and get an emailed coupon for a free sandwich pus they send you an email coupon on your birthday that is redeemable for a free cookie.

5) McAlister's Deli - sign up or their "Deli-grams" email club and get emailed offers.

6) Moe's Southwest Grill - sign up online to receive your free birthday burrito.

7) TGI Friday's - sign up for "Give Me More Stripes" and earn free food and other perks plus get coupons via email throughout the year.

8) Ruby Tuesday - join the "So Connected" email club and earn member onl deals and special items on your birthday.

9) Cold Stone Creamery - join their birthday club and get free stuff on your birthday.

10) Dairy Queen - join their fan club and get free stuff on your birthday.

11) KFC - join the Colonel's email club and get coupons via email.

12) Mimi's Cafe - join their email club and get ree meals and offers throughout the year.

13) Red Lobster - join their email club and get coupons for free items on your birthday.

14) Red Robin - join the e-club and get a freebie for signing up and a free burger on your birthday.

15) Sonic - join the Cruisers club and get coupons via email.

16) Sticky Fingers - join the Stick E Club and get free 1/2 slab of ribs on your birthday plus many offers throughout the year.

17) Zaxby's - join their email club and get a free meal deal when you sign up.

18) Jersey Mike's Subs - join their email club and get email coupons throughout the year.

19) Fuddrucker's - join the "Fudd's Club" and get special offers throughout the year.

20) Romano's Macaroni Grill - join the "Mac Attack" fan club and get special offers throughout the year plus a special offer for your birthday.

21) Outback Steakhouse - join the email club and get special offers throughout the year.

22) PF Chang's Bistro - join the email club and get special offers throughout the year.

23) Joe's Crab Shack - join Joe Mail and get special offers throughout the year.

24) Bruster's Ice Cream - join the Sweet Rewards club and get special offers via email.

25) Carrabba's Italian Grill - join the Amici Club and get special offers via email.

26) Chick Fil-A - join and get special offers via email. Be the first to know when they give away free stuff!

27) Jason's Deli - join and get special offers via email throughout the year.

28) Planet Smoothie - join and get special offers via email throughout the year.

29) On The Border - join the Club Cantina and get a free appetizer for signing up and get freebies throughout the year (and birthday).

30) Atlanta Bread Company - sign up for their VIP Club and get emails with special offers and discounts on your birthday.

31) Applebee's - sign up and get a free dessert and special offers throughout the year.

32) Firehouse Subs - sign up and get a free sub for your birthday.

I challenge you to find more discounts, coupons, and freebies for the restaurants you go to. Let me know what you find!

~ Written by Elizabeth

Saving Money While Eating Out - Part 1

There's hardly a business that isn't affected by the current economic situation. That includes restaurants, which are struggling everywhere. Nearly half of consumer's food budgets are spent in restaurants. That number represents a total economic impact of $1.5 trillion.

There are ways to eat out and not break the bank. Here are some tips:

1) Eat out during the week when specials are offered at dinnertime. The slowest days for restaurants are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday so they typically offer specials on these days.

2) Find out when "Kids Eat Free" at your favorite restaurants. This is a marketing campaign that is designed to get the whole family into a restaurant - and it works! There is a great website to find out where Kids Eat Free. Check it out! Moe's is a great place that has a "Kids Eat Free" on Tuesday in our area and it's all day (lunch and dinner). This is a great value for our family!

3) Restaurant.com is an online site that you can purchase a gift certificate for CHEAP! They repeatedly offer $25 gift certificates for $10 but often run specials where you can buy this same $25 gift certificate for $2 or $3! The last time I used this website, I bought a $25 gift certificate to a local Italian restaurant for $2! There are rules and restrictions on using the gift certificate so be sure to read all of the fine print before buying.

4) Fill out receipt surveys for a discount at restaurants. Check your receipts to see if there is an option to complete a survey for a future discount. Chick Fil-A often has this available on their receipts. Completing a survey takes less than 5 minutes and generally you can redeem the survey code for a free sandwich or discounted menu item. Olive Garden, Chili's and Longhorn also do this randomly on their receipts.

5) Order appetizers for dinner. They often cost less and are big enough for a meal. If you get water to drink, you have an inexpensive meal.

6) Give praise where it's due. If you have a good experience at a restaurant, be sure to call or write the manager to let them know. Restaurants love to get good feedback and often reward customers with a coupon or discount.

7) Become a mystery shopper and perform dining out secret shops. I've been doing this for years and have eaten at Houston's, Chili's, Longhorn's, Ted's Montana Grill, Sweet Tomatoes, and Famous Daves for FREE! The perk for being a mystery shopper is that the company rewards you with a free meal if you fill out a survey. It's painless and takes about 30 minutes of your time. Most of the companies reimburse you from $15 - $50. Interested in more information about mystery shopping, check out Bestmark or Focus on Service - these are 2 of the best companies!

Stay tuned for more money saving ideas about eating out ....

Written by Elizabeth