Welcome to my blog: Stretching Dollars Mommy Style is devoted to being a frugal manager of my home. I'll share my tips with you for cool coupons and how to use them, freebies and how to get them, how to shop sales and when to stock up, ways to save around the house (every little bit helps!), cheap and free entertainment for the family, self-sustainable living practices, along with my general thoughts and feelings about learning to live a more simple life that is centered around God and family (what's REALLY important in life). God has really blessed me and my family and so I want to "pay it forward"...

August 2009 - Posts

• Tips of the Day: August 26, 2009

  Great Deals: Walmart Deals --> check out this post on Centsible Savings blog for a list of current Walmart deals! CVS Weekly Deals 8/30 thru 9/5 View Ad Here Glade Fragrance Collection Scented Reed Difusser 1.62 or Soy Candle 4.9-10oz (Limit 1) Price = $6.99 ECB = $6.99 Extra Care Bucks Manf. Coupon = $3.00 off Glade Fragrance Collection in the August All You Magazine, $2.00 off Glade Reed Difusser, 3-wick soy-based candle, 4.9oz soy candle or two 2oz soy-based candles found here; $3.00 off 2 Glade The Fragrance Collection Products found here and also there was one like this in the 8/9/09 Smart Source insert Final Price = FREE plus overage! Walgreens Weekly Deals 8/30 thru 9/5 View Ad Here Carefree Ultra Protection Pantiliners Price = $1.99 RR = $1.99 Register Rewards Manf. Coupon = $1.00 of found here Final Price = FREE plus overage! Colgate 360 ActiFlex Toothbrush Price = $2.99 RR = $2.99 Register Rewards Final Price = FREE! Men's Zone 6 Blade Razor System Price = $3.99 RR = $3.99 Register Rewards Final Price = FREE! Rembrandt Toothpaste Price = $5.00 RR = $5.00 Register Rewards Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse or Fluoride Rinse, 12 fl oz or larger or any Rembrandt Whitening Product found in the 8/2/09 Smart Source coupon insert Final Price = FREE plus overage! Theraflu Cold, Cough or Sinus Relief Price = $4.99 RR = $3.00 Register Rewards Manf. Coupon = $2.00 off found here (registration required) Final Price = FREE! Quilted Northern 12 Roll Toilet Tissue Price = $6.49 (54 cents per roll isn't a bad price!) Cool Coupons: $5 off $25 purchase at Walgreens (good through Saturday!) $1.00 off Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice $1.50 off Marie Callender's Homestyle Creations Coupon for a Free Small Limeade w/ Any Purchase at A&W Restaurant $5.00 off Benevia 4pack $2.00 off Glade Fragrance Collection Coupons for DelMonte Fruit Cups/Bowls Go here to see a preview of the coupons coming out Sunday, August 30   Awesome Freebies: Always Thin Flexi Style Liner Just Like Sugar Sweetener Free Beech-Nut Starter Kit when you sign up for their email newsletter Free Subscription to Checkup Magazine Daily Bread Sample Entree (not available in all areas)   Other Tips/Ideas: Books A Million Cheap Children's Classic Books! Books a Million has a great sell going on right now on classic children's books. There are numerous titles that are 70-80% off! Add to that free shipping with the code BKLVFREE you can get free shipping making it an even better deal! This wiould be a great opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping. Go here and check it out. Posted Aug 26 2009, 01:27 PM by juju_mommy with no comments Filed under: Walmart, Freebies, Walgreens, CVS, Coupons, Free Meals, Frugal Holiday

• Preparing Your Family for Flu Season

  I think that whether it's the regular seasonal flu or the swine flu, it's important for every household to be prepared. Just as if you lived in the south (like I do) and stock up on certain things right before each hurricane season, I think that you shoudl do the same for the flu season. Here are some items that you may want to consider having on hand. My advice - stock up now! Pretty much all of these items can be used throughout the year anyway and/or for other every day uses so it's not like you are wasting your money. 1) Food --> I think having a good stock of food on hand is ALWAYS a must for any well-prepared household. This is useful during really tight financial times, emergencies of all kinds, etc. I typically stock up on things like canned goods during the holiday season when they go on sale really cheap. But if you don't have many on hand, given the fact that the swine flu is going around NOW, then I'd at least go to the store and stock up on canned soup and general food staples. Not only is the canned soup important for when you are sick but the general food staples are important for when you want to stay out of the germ-infested stores. LOL. 2) OTC Medications & Vitamins --> General pain relievers should always be in your stash. Mucinex (that stuff is expensive but worth every penny when needed! Advice - get the DM! Doctor told me recently it's MUCH better). Forget the expensive cough drops - grab a bag of cheap peppermints instead. It does the same thing for a fraction of the price. A Multi Vitamin is a smart item to use year 'round. I'm not a fan of popping a handful of vitamins each day. IMHO, it's a waste of money and usually does more harm than good. But I think a good multi vitamin is important and I would add a Vitamin C during flu season. Also, have Echinacea (i.e. purple coneflower) on hand. This stuff is wonderful when you are sick! I've recently became a big fan of Sambucol (i.e. black elderberry) but this is NOT recommded with the swine flu (perhaps I'll write more about that later; but if you are interested in doing some research yourself: look up Cytokine Storm). So you can use other remedies such as Echinacea, large doses of Vit C, garlic, etc. when sick with the swine flu. So, stock up on these now and do your research now! Obviously, seeing a doctor and getting Tamiflu (if available and if the swine flu strand isn't resistant to it) is the ultimate choice, but for those who may not have that choice, it's important to have some backups. 3) Cleaning Supplies --> Keep bleach on hand. It's a cheap and easy way to disinfect your house and can be used for tons of other purposes. You can also use bleach (small amount diluted in water, of course) to sterilize bottles, dishes, etc. Also, Lysol spray is important to keep on hand for at least the regular seasonal flu (don't know how effective it would be against swine flu). Keep a box of laytex gloves on hand for when you are dealing with the sick. 4) Other --> Tissue (those of you who are frugal and use hankies may want to convert back to the disposable option while having a sick house!) Hand soap (I got those big bottles and just refill the small one by the sinks) Antibacterial alchohol-based sanitizer (I have these at my desks at work, small bottle in my purse and some by the sink at home; they say regular soap and hot water is best but this is for when that isn't an option). Nasal Bulb and Saline (i.e. salt; natural) solution for those with small children. This is used to remove mucous. Try the saline solution first and then after it's in there a little while, suck it out with the bulb. Be sure that you clean this after each use! I would use the bleach/hot water solution. Also, remember that if the child is very congested and therefore coughing a lot at night, try putting them on an incline to sleep. A Humidifier is a nice item to have on hand all the time. I use mine whenever my kids get congested the least bit or are coughing. If you don't have one on hand and don't have the funds to invest right now then do this: adults can take a steaming shower/bath and children/babies can sit in their bouncy chairs, car seat, etc. in the bathroom (door closed) while an adult takes a steaming shower/bath. Just be careful if they are running a fever - you dont want them getting over-heated! For the masks (N95 recommended), it's important to have some on hand but there is a lot of misunderstanding about what these are for and what they do and don't do. The masks won't help you avoid getting the flu from someone else (not unless you get those really expensive ones that keep everything out). But the general masks you see people using on TV are more so that those who are sick don't spread it as much to others. These would be especially important if a parent is ill but is the only caregiver for a child. You can and should wear the mask to avoid spreading it to the child. But note that these should be changed very often to be effective at all. For information about the H1N1 Swine Flu go to the CDC's website. Here you will find information such as symptoms and signs of the flu, what you should do if and when you or a family member get the flu, ways to keep it contained, latest stats, etc. Posted Aug 25 2009, 08:40 AM by juju_mommy with no comments Filed under: Managing the Household

• Tips of the Day: August 23, 2009

  Great Deals: CVS Weekly Deals 8/23 thru 8/29 View Ad Here Caliber or CVS Brand Composition Book (Limit 2) Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only! Price = 99cents ECB = 99cents Extra Care Bucks Final Price = FREE! Carefree Ultra Protection (Limit 4) Price = $3.79  ECB = $3.79 Extra Care Bucks Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off found here Final Price = FREE plus overage! Poise liners 10-16 ct (Limit 5) Price = 2/$4.00 ECB = $1.00 Extra Care Bucks When You Buy 2 Manf. Coupon =$2.00 found here, $1.50 off  Kotex or Poise coupon found in Reinventing beauty magazine, $1.50 off 2 printable coupon from Coupons.com, or $1.50 off 2 coupon from the 8/9 Smart Source insert Final Price = FREE! Mennen deodorant 2.3-3.25 oz (Limit 2) Price = $2.49 ECB = $1.00 Etra Care Bucks Manf. Coupon = $1.50 off at Coupons.com (use zip code 33907 if not displaying) Final price: FREE!   Walgreens Weekly Deals 8/23 thru 8/29 View Ad Here Reach Prevent Toothbrush Price = 99cents with in-ad coupon Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off found in the 6/14 Smart Source newspaper insert Final Price = FREE! Awesome Freebies: Free Subscription to Boating Life Magazine Free Subscription to Business Week Playtex Sport Tampons Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings Astroglide Natural Kids in the Kitchen Recipe Booklet   Other Tips/Deals: Free Chicken Sandwich from Chick-Fil-A on Labor Day Mark your calendar! Chick-fil-A is celebrating the football game held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Customers who visit any Chick-fil-A restaurant on Labor Day, Sept. 7, wearing any sports-related apparel will receive a signature Chick-fil-A ® Chicken Sandwich for free! Go here for more information. Posted Aug 23 2009, 05:23 PM by juju_mommy with no comments Filed under: Freebies, Walgreens, CVS

• Tips of the Day: August 17, 2009

  Great Deals: CVS Weekly Deals 8/16 thru 8/22 View Ad Here Caliber Recycled School Box (Limit 2) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Only! Price = $1.99 ECB = $1.99 Extra Care Bucks Final Price = FREE! CVS Brand or Caliber Filler Paper 150sheets (Limit 2) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Only! Price = 99cents ECB = 99cents Extra Care Bucks Final Price = FREE! CVS Brand or Caliber Mini Composition Notebook (Limit 2) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Only! Price = $1.99 ECB = $1.99 Extra Care Bucks Final Price = FREE! Papermate Pens 10pk (Limit 2) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Only! Price = 99 cents ECB = 99 cents Extra Care Bucks Final Price = FREE! Philips Earhook Headphones (Limit 1) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Only! Price = $6.99 ECB = $6.99 Extra Care Bucks Final Price = FREE! Hidden Deals at CVS??? --> there are reports that the following "hidden deals" are printing out ECBs - 10ct box of regular and super CVS brand of Tampons:  Price = $1.89 and get $1.89 back in Extra Care Bucks - J&J First Aid kits:  Price= $0.99 buy 2 and get $2.00 back in Extra Care Bucks   Walgreens Weekly Deals 8/16 thru 8/22 View Ad Here SoftSoap Nutri Serums Body Wash Price = $3.99 RR = $3.99 Register Rewards Final Price = FREE! Also, TODAY ONLY (Monday), get 25 photo prints from Walgreens for only 25cents total! Go here to upload your digital photos. Coupon code PENNY at checkout and choose in-store pick-up to avoid any shipping cost. And, if you don't have a Walgreens account yet, sign up to get an additional 25 prints for free just for signing up! That's 50 free prints total!   Cool Coupons: $3.00 off Smithfield Bacon (sign up at the top of the page) $5 off $25 Purchase at Rite Aid $1.00 off 2 Easy Mac Cups 50cents off Heinz Vinegars   Awesome Freebies: 1 Year Subscription to Viva Magazine Free Subscription to Focus on the Family Magazine Free Victoria Secret Pink Body Lotion (print out coupon and take it to your closest store to redeem) Honey Nut Cheerios   Posted Aug 17 2009, 10:19 AM by juju_mommy with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Freebies, Walgreens, CVS, Coupons, Rite Aid

• Tips of the Day: August 9, 2009

  Great Deals: CVS Weekly Deals 8/9 thru 8/15 View Ad Here M&M Mars Single Candy Price = 2/$1 (or 50cents each) Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off 2 Snickers, Twix, 3 Musketeers or Milky Way Brand Singles Bars (2.0 -2.13 oz) found in the 7/26 Red Plum insert Final Price = FREE! Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse (Limit 1) Sunday and Monday Only! Price = $9.99 ECB = $9.99 Extra Care Bucks Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off Revlon Color Cosmetic Product found in the 7/19 Smart Source insert Final Price = FREE plus overage! Sharpie Accent Highlighters 4ct Price = 99cents Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off Sharpie Highlighters found here Final Price = FREE! Bic Soleil Razor 1ct or Cartridges 4 ct (Limit 1) Price = $6.99 ECB = $3.00 Extra Care Bucks Manf. Coupon = $2.00 off found here Final Price = $1.99 Walgreens Weekly Deals 8/9 thru 8.15 View Ad Here Bic Round Grip Pens 8pk Price = 2 for $1.00 (or 50cents per pack) Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off 2 found at Coupons.com Final Price = FREE!  Colgate Total Enamel Strength Toothpaste 4oz (Limit 1) Price = $2.99 RR = $2.99 Register Rewards Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off Colgate Total Advanced Whitening, Advanced Clean, or Advanced Fresh Toothpaste 4oz found in the 8/9 Smart Source insert Final Price = FREE plus overage! Ecotrin Low Strength 45ct Price = $1.99 Manf. Coupon = $2.00 off any Ecotrin product found in the 5/17 Smart Source insert or $2.25 off found here  Final Price = FREE plus possible overage! Sharpie Accent Highlighters 4ct Price = 99cents Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off found here Final Price = FREE! Other Back to School Deals: Penway Filler Papers $0.49 after in ad coupon Penway one subject notebook $0.49 after in ad coupon Mini Memo or Composition Book $0.19 after in ad coupon Highlighters or Scented Gel Pen $0.19 after in ad coupon Two pocket folder $0.19 after in ad coupon   Cool Coupons: This is a new month! So don't forget to check out the new coupons at Coupons.com, SmartSource, RedPlum and others! $1.25 off Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt 75cents off Welch's Jelly, Jame or Spread Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet This has been reset AGAIN! $5 off $25 at CVS You have to watch a short video and fill out a short survey to get the coupon. $5 off $50 at Giant $5 off $25 at Petco Free Mint Cookies N' Cream Shake at Steak N' Shake when you purchase another Brillo Coupons Join the Brillo Connection and get great coupons! Coupons from Walmart Pantry Stimulus Package   Awesome Freebies: Burt's Bees Targeted Spot Treatment Goes Live on August 10!!! Free Movie Rental Code for Blockbuster Express Kiosk --> PTPX9X9 or BBXPUB (they may both work!)  2 Free Tacos on August 11 from Jack In the Box with This Coupon Nutland Crunch   Other Tips/Deals: Babies R Us Special Workshop Events In the month of August, Babies R Us will host several workshop events that are free! Go here for a list of all the events scheduled for this month. And, if you aren't sure where the closest BRU is in your area, on that same page you can use the store locator to find one near you! Posted Aug 09 2009, 06:55 AM by juju_mommy with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Freebies, Walgreens, CVS, Coupons, In Store Events