Friday, June 28, 2013



One of the many ways we make couponing and frugal living work is by stockpiling products when they go on sale, in order to use them when they’re full price.  We should buy up to 10 weeks’ worth of items that regularly go on sale, such as toilet paper or pasta, and up to a years’ worth on certain seasonal items. Ketchup and paper plates during barbecue season are a good example.  This is easy for shelf stables products that can sit in a closet for up to a year without needing to be used, but what do we do about those items that must be kept cold in order to stay fresh?

The answer is: use your freezer.  Some items are a no brainier when it comes to freezing in order to keep an item fresh for months at a time, but exactly how long can we keep that uncooked Christmas ham?  You might be surprised.

According to USDA, most uncooked meats can be kept frozen for 4 months or longer. 
                Whole Chicken – 1 year
                Chicken Pieces – 9 Months
                Fish – 3 Months – 6 Months (leaner fish keep longer)
                Ground Meat (Beef or Pork) – 2-3 Months
                Roasts or Chops (Beef or Pork) – 6 Months
                Steaks (Beef or Pork) – 6 Months

If you’re freezing cooked leftovers, then subtract the total by about 2 months.

Did you know other items could be kept in the freezer as well?  See below for some great stock pile items that can be kept in the freezer:
Milk – Milk can be kept good for up to 2 months in the freezer.  For plastic containers, remove one cup of milk in order to leave room for expansion.  This is not necessary for cardboard containers.  Thaw in the refrigerator and shake well before use.

Butter – Butter freezes and thaws LIKE A DREAM.  It can last up to 9 months in the freezer.

Eggs – It’s a bit of a chore, but if you find a great deal on eggs in bulk, this is best way to keep them fresh.  Unfortunately, you can’t just stick them in the freezer like some foods, because the shells with crack under pressure.  The video below is from a great frugal saver by the name of tipresource.  She did a fantastic “how to” video on freezing chicken eggs at home!

See The Video Here

Fruit – Bite sized fruit, such as grapes or berries, can be put in a zip lock bag and frozen as is.  Larger pieces of fruit, such as apple slices, can be spread out on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and frozen.  Once frozen, they can then be put together in a bag and stored in the back of the freezer.

Monday, June 24, 2013

CENTSable Beauty: An Introduction

Hello all, Micki here, and welcome back to Auntie M Savings Blog!  Today, we'd like to introduce a new blog series that touches on how to be frugal with the high cost of beauty products.

I think all of us ladies have at least a small (or not so small) addiction to beauty products.  It might not be makeup, but it could be a great cleanser that gets your skin squeaky clean or a shampoo that makes your hair shine like nothing else.  The problem we all run into is when we run out of product is that even the drug store brands can get a bit pricey.  With any luck, this blog series should give some helpful tips on how to stay beautiful on a not-so-beautiful budget.

This will be a bi-weekly series, so look for our first official post in two weeks.  But, for now, a small sample of some of the drug store beauty steals of the week!

CVS has three great deals I'd like to mention:

Revlon:
Buy $10 worth of Revlon products, get $4 ECBs

The deal I got was only available on Sunday, but I'd like to share a product I really like with you all anyway. Here was the deal I got:


Purchased Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Powder $13
Used (1) 25% off regular priced item coupon
Got $4 ECBs
Used (1) $2/1 Revlon Face Product (Expired Sunday)
Paid $3.75 for Translucent Powder

I've used this product for two days now, and it has to be the best translucent powder I've ever tried.  I used a loose powder by Makeup Forever on my wedding day, and it didn't even keep my oily skin at bay as long as this drugstore product did.  Amazing.

But, if you were unable to get to the store Sunday with you $2 coupon, there are still some great Revlon coupons that were released this Sunday!  $1/1 Eyeshadow, $1/1 Lip product and $1/1 Nail Polish, all of which are covered in the sale.   Most lip products run in the $8-$9 range, and the Eyeshadow palettes were $9.79 at my local store.  To get over the $10 mark, I'd suggest purchasing a low cost beauty tool, like a Revlon eyelash curler or Tweezers.

NYC Cosmetics:
Buy $5, get $2 ECBs
There are currently no coupons available for this deal, but you can still get some inexpensive makeup on a brand that is already on the lower end of affordable!

**NOTE: Wet 'n Wild cosmetics, although not in the ad, is reportedly on this same sale in stores that carry the line.  (I'm checking back at my local store for this one... Wet 'n Wild Eyeshadows are AWESOME)


Physician's Formula:
45% off all Physician's Formula Cosmetics

I wasn't originally going to mention this, because it wasn't as great of a deal as CVS normally runs ($7 ECBs for a $10 purchase makes it 70% off without even using a coupon).  However, after I purchased my Revlon powder on Sunday, a coupon appeared at the end of my receipt for $3 off any Physician's Formula cosmetic item.  This, stacked with the $1/1 manufacturer coupon from SS 4/21/13, could make a really great deal!

Do you have a frugal beauty tip you'd like to share? Have a topic you'd like us to cover in a blog post? Any great deals I missed at drug stores this week?  Feel free to share in the comments below! See you next time. 

Friday, June 21, 2013

Frugal Friday! Geocaching: Great Kids Activity

I have been trying to find various activities to help keep the kids entertained this summer. Have you ever heard of geocaching? It’s a modern version of treasure map. It can be a lot of fun, especially for the kids.

The website is http://www.geocaching.com Geocaching is a method of finding geocache (also just called a cache or treasures) that people have left for others to find, At the website, you can type in your zip code and find cashes in your area. Once you’ve typed in your zip code you’ll get something that looks like this: 


If you type on the first one on this list, you’ll get to this page.


I downloaded this beginner app from geocaching. You can do this without having to use a paid service. Once you have decided it’s something you want to do more often; then look into whether you want to upgrade to the paid service.

Once you allow them to use your location to notify you of nearby geocaches. I love the feature that once you click on a nearby geocache, you have the option of map or compass. 

I have to say I haven’t done these in a few years, and way before I had an iPhone. The phone makes it much easier than what I did in the past.

This is a great way to get out, get some exercise. Each cache is different. Most just have a log for you to sign. Others will let you know that there is a prize inside and to plan on taking it but replace with something you bring. You’ll be able to research each cache before you go searching for it.

Another option once you have done this, put out cache’s for your kids. How fun to put a hot wheel car or miniature character in a box and place it for your kids. They will have a blast finding it. 

Friday, June 14, 2013

Frugal Friday! What is Price Matching?

When you first start trying to shop with coupons, or even just shop frugally, it can be a little daunting.  There are so many stores with so many sales.  It gets stressful thinking about the many grocery stores, drug stores and super centers, all with a sales ad that changes weekly.  How on earth are we going to make it all these different stores in a week?!

It’s easy. You don’t!

The solution is called Price Matching.  Have you seen the commercials? Price matching is when a store agrees to honor a competitor’s lower price, so that you can get the best deal at their store! This is a great solution for when you have a list of grocery store sales and don’t want to run all over town to get them!  Both Walmart and Target price match in the DFW area (check your area for other participants).   Today, we’re going to focus Walmart.

Walmart will match your out of pocket price for any product they carry in store.  If Walgreens has a 4 Pack of Charmin Toilet paper on sale for $2, just tell your cashier as they’re ringing up the item, and they will automatically change the price for you.  Then after, price matching the Charmin Basic 4 pack, don’t forget to use your coupon on top of it for even more savings!

The Rules:
  1. All products must be the exact brand, size, type, color, and quantity as listed in the ad.  (I.E., If it specifies “Crest 4oz” it’s only for the 4oz.  Not the 3 oz or the 5 oz).
  2. Walmart must be able to tell your “Out Of Pocket Price.”  If it’s Buy One Get One Free, but the ad doesn't specify how much the first item is, then they are unable to price match that item.  This also includes percent’s off sales.
  3. Although you don’t need to bring an ad, the sale must be printed in the current ad and from a local store (don’t print an ad off from a store in the next state over, or save an old ad from a month ago… it won’t work!).  Most Walmart stores will price match within a 10-30 mile radius.  It’s best if you have any questions to call your local store’s customer service and ask before planning your trip.
  4. Walmart price matches meat and product also!  Prices must be calculated the same as Walmart in order for the computer to process it.  To explain, if Walmart prices apples by the pound, then they cannot price match a store that prices them by the piece.  Their computers just don’t know the conversion for that.
  5. Some will also match a competitor’s store brand for great value brands, but not all locations do this.  Check with your location before planning your trip.

When Not To Price Match:
Sometimes it’s just a better deal to go to the actual store offering the sale, and it’s important to know when it’s worth  it.  There are three big reasons to truck it to the competitor’s store.
  1. They’re offering a reward.  Both CVS and Walgreens have their own shoppers reward programs.  Every week, their ads are full of products that you pay for, but get a coupon back for dollars off your next purchase.  Walmart will only price match your out of pocket price, since there is no guarantee that you will come back and use that reward.  If you know you’ll use it, then it’s worth it to buy the item at the drug store.
  2. Your coupon will double or triple at a grocery store.  Walmart does not double or triple coupons, so it is worth it to use the smaller value coupons on items on sale at your local grocery store, rather than getting less savings at Walmart.
  3.  It’s a close out or clearance sale.  Walmart can’t price items on clearance or going out of business sales, so grab them while you can at the store you found them at!

All in all, price matching, just like other aspects of couponing, takes some work but it worth it in the long run.  Make your first few trips small and make sure to learn your local store’s policy before getting really creative.  Most of all ~ have fun and keep saving!

6/14 Sunday Coupon Preview!

SmartSource Coupon Insert
Air Wick $1/1 Scented Oil mega or triple refill (7/14)
Air Wick Free Scented Oil base warmer unit wyb Scented Oil twin refill up to $1.19 excludes free item packs (7/14)
Alberto V05 $1/1 Salon Series shampoo or conditioner 14.2oz (7/31)
Alberto V05 $1/1 Salon Series styling, treatment or Hot Oil product (7/31)
Alberto V05 $1/1 shampoo or conditioner 15oz+ (7/31)
Blink $2/1 Tears or GelTears (7/22)
Colgate $.50/1 toothpaste 4oz+ (6/29)
Depend $1.50/1 shields or guards for me (7/27)
Depend $1/1 product (7/27)
Excedrin $1.50/1 100ct+ product (8/24)
Excedrin $1/1 24ct+ product (8/24)
Fabuloso $.25/1 multi-use cleaner or spray 32oz+ (7/6)
Farmer John $1/1 sliced lunch meat (8/16)
Farmer John $1/2 hot dogs (8/16)
French’s $.30/1 mustard (9/15)
French’s $1/1 Flavor Infuser marinade (8/31)
Gina Rispoli $1/1 jar (9/15) DND
Hershey $1/2 Kit Kat Minis, Rolo Minis, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Drops, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Drops, Reese’s Minis, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds Pieces, Reese’s Pieces, York Pieces or Almond Joy Pieces stand-up bags 8oz+ (8/30)
Honey Maid $1/2 Teddy Grahams graham snacks or Grahamfuls filled crackers 7.04oz+ (8/2)
iD Gum $1/2 single packs or multi-packs 14 pieces+ (7/28)
Kotex $.50/1 U product excludes liners 14-22ct (7/27)

Kotex $1/2 Natural Balance Lightdays pantiliners excludes 14-22ct (7/27)
Kotex $1/2 Natural Balance Security tampons (7/27) ETS
Kotex $2/2 Natural Balance Pads (7/27) ETS
Koxy Shack $.75/1 flan (8/31)
Kozy Shack $.75/1 pudding (8/31)
Neutrogena $2/1 ultra gentle daily cleanser (12/31) ETS
Palmolive $.50/1 liquid dish soap 14oz+ (7/6)
Post $1/1 Great Grains cereal 14.75oz+ (7/28)
Post $1/1 Raisin Bran 20oz+ (7/28)
Post $1/1 Shredded Wheat 10oz+ (7/28)
Precious Galbani $1/1 fresh mozzarella cheese (9/30) DND
Purina $.50/1 Friskies 2.1oz cat treats (9/16)
Purina $1/1 Busy (9/16)
Purina $1/1 Friskies 6oz cat treats (9/16)
Purina $1/1 ONE dry cat food bag (9/16)
Purina $1/3 ONE wet cat food cans (9/16)
RevitaLens $2/1 10oz OcuTec multi-purpose disinfection solution (7/22)
RevitaLens $4/1 20oz OcuTec multi-purpose disinfection solution (7/22)
Rug Doctor $5 off rental (7/31)
Scotch-Brite $.75/2 stay clean, heavy duty, non-scratch, delicate care or greener clean scrub sponge multi-packs (7/13)
Scotch-Brite $1/2 dishwands or dishwand refills (7/31)
Speed Stick $.50/1 Mens or Lady 2.3oz+ (7/6)
Speed Stick $1/1 Mens Power or Lady Power 2.3oz+ (7/6)
Suavitel $.25/1 fabric conditioner 56oz+ (7/6)
TriCalm $2/1 2oz steroid-free hydrogel (7/27) DND
Trident/Dentyne $1/1 pouch 80+ pieces (7/28)
Windex/Viva Free 1pk Viva paper towels wyb 2 Windex Touch-Up items kitchen or bath up to $2.79 (6/30) TARGET COUPON
Wonderful Almond Accents $.50/1 3.5oz+ (8/16)
Zest $.50/1 3bar+ (7/28)
Zest $1/1 body wash(7/28)
RedPlum Coupon Insert
Arrowhead $1.50/1 100% mountain spring water 8oz multi-pack (7/28)
Arrowhead $1/1 100% mountain spring water 700mL multi-pack (7/28)
Arrowhead $1/4 sparkling mountain spring water 1-liter bottles or 2 .5-liter 6pks (7/28)
Bar-S $.75/1 deli shaved lunchmeat (7/7) DND
Dial $1/2 Complete foaming hand soap or bar soap 3pk+ (7/13)
Dial $1/2 Kids body+hair wash 12oz+ (7/13)
Dial/Tone B2G1 free Dial, Dial for Men or Tone body wash 6oz+ (6/29)
Disney/Marvel $1/1 character shaped gummy vitamins (7/31)
Ester-C $2/1 product (7/31)
Garnier $2/1 Nutrisse haircolor (8/10)
Gillette $2/1 disposable razor (7/31) ETS
Gillette $3/1 Fusion ProGlide razor or styler (7/31) ETS
Gillette $5/1 Fusion ProGlide styler (7/31) ETS
Gillette $5/1 Mach3 Sensitive razor (7/31) ETS
Head & Shoulders $5/2 products (6/30) ETS
Kerasal $2/1 product (7/31)
L’Oreal $1/1 EverCurl, EverCreme, EverSleek, EverPure or EverStrong shampoo or conditioner (8/10)
L’Oreal $1/1 EverCurl, EverCreme, EverSleek, EverPure or EverStrong treatment (8/10)
L’Oreal $1/1 EverStyle product (8/10)
L’Oreal $1/1 Parais eyeliner or eye shadow (8/10)
L’Oreal $1/1 Paris cleanser (8/10) ETS
L’Oreal $1/1 Paris eye product (8/10)
L’Oreal $1/1 Paris moisturizer (8/10) ETS
Nature’s Bounty $2/1 vitamin or supplement (7/31)
Neutrogena $1/1 suncare product (10/15) ETS
Newman’s Own $.50/1 pasta sauce (7/27)
Newman’s Own $.50/1 salad dressing (7/27)
Newman’s Own $.50/1 salsa (7/27)
Newman’s Own $1/1 complete skillet meal (7/27)
Newman’s Own $1/1 Thin & Crispy pizza (7/27)
Newman’s Own $1/1 wine (7/31)
Polident $1/2 tablets 40ct+ (7/31)
Renuzit $.50/1 Tempting Indulgence adjustable air freshener (6/30) ETS
Renuzit B1G1 free Fresh Accents air freshener up to $4.99 (6/30)
Renuzit B2G1 free Adjustables air fresheners up to $4.17 (6/30) DND
Right Guard $2/1 Xtreme antiperspirant or deodorant (7/13)
Right Guard $2/2 Total Defense 5 antiperspirant or deodorant (7/13)
Right Guard $2/2 Xtreme or Total Defense 5 body wash or bar (7/13)
Soft Scrub $1/1 Advanced Surface (7/14)
Soft Scrub $1/1 product (7/14)
Tide $1/1 3ct+ washing machine cleaner or 4ct+ to go stain eraser pads (7/19) TARGET COUPON
Tide/Downy/Bounce $.50/1 Tide detergent, Tide boost duo pacs, Downy softener, Downy Unstopables, Bounce sheets, Bounce dryer bar excludes 24ct Bounce sheets, Tide Pods and trial size (7/19) TARGET COUPON
Tide/Downy/Bounce $1.50/2 Tide detergent, Tide boost duo pacs, Downy softener, Downy Unstopables, Bounce sheets, Bounce dryer bar excludes 24ct Bounce sheets, Tide Pods and trial size (7/19) TARGET COUPON
Tide/Downy/Bounce $3/3 Tide detergent, Tide boost duo pacs, Downy softener, Downy Unstopables, Bounce sheets, Bounce dryer bar excludes 24ct Bounce sheets, Tide Pods and trial size (7/19) TARGET COUPON
Venus $5/1 razor excludes disposables and trial (7/31)
Weber $1 off fresh beef wyb 2 seasonings (8/15)
Weber $1/1 Real Molasses BBQ Sauce (8/15)
Wrigley’s $.75/1 car cup or bottle (9/8) DND

ZzzQuil $1/1 product (7/31) ETS

Friday, June 7, 2013

Frugal Friday! Text for Savings!


Today is all about opting in! If you don’t already utilize your cell phone to get offers, you are really missing out! I love to get a message to let me know of a freebie out there. It’s bad though when it convinces me to not cook dinner. There are so many businesses that have opt in, the list is too long to have a complete list. But these are my top favorites.

Of course first you must sign up to get our blog updates. Text “Follow @auntiemcoupons” to 40404, to get our twitter and blog updates. You do not need a twitter account. 

Entertainment
Red box 727272
Food
7-11 711711
Arby’s 27297
Domino’s 366466 or use this website to enter your information https://order.dominos.com/en/pages/customer/opt-in.jsp
Sonic 876642
Jack in the Box 31278

McDonald’s Text COUPON to 56846

Chipotle Mexican Grill. Text SOCCER to 888222 for a B1G1 FREE burrito, burrito bowl, salad or taco coupon valid through 6/30/2013 Coupons are limited.

Miscellaneous
Office Max - Text OFFICEMAX to 62999
Dollar General 34898
Target 827438
Harbor freight 222377
Family Dollar 28767
Mobile Deals Alerts Text DEALS to 53677
Best Buy  332211

Just for you AT&T users
If you have an AT&T phone, you can get alerts sent to your phone. I’ve gotten alerts driving down the road. Because a store nearby has a sale going on.  AT&T Alerts are based on your location. 288253787



And finally, you can’t find an opt in for your favorite business? If they have a twitter account. Text “follow @” and the name of their twitter to 40404. And you will get the text alerts. 

A special thanks to members from Couponing over Coffee for the great suggestions!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Frugal Family Movie Night!


I love movies. I love the smell of the popcorn as you enter the lobby. And yup, I have to get popcorn, doesn't matter if I’m not hungry. I love watching the previews. Then the auditorium darkens… the feature begins.

Part of my childhood memories are of going to the drive in. I love going to the drive in. We still go to the Brazos Drive In in Granbury. There are more of those around. The prices vary, so double check. It’s not like regular theaters, the prices are substaincially different.

Several communities are offering movies in the park. I just love the idea of gathering my family and heading out to watch movies outdoors.

FREE MOVIES:

Downtown Fort Worth
Free movies each Thursday night in June. Sundance Square, downtown Fort Worth.
·         Brave. Thursday, Jun 6, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm  
·         Big Miracle Thursday, Jun 13, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm  
·         Despicable Me Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm
·         We Bought a Zoo Thursday, Jun 27, 2013 8:00pm-10:00pm
Movies begin at dusk (around 8:30PM/9:00PM)
Gateway Parking Lot (located on Houston between 4th & 5th St.)
Chairs are available for rent for $2.00/ea.
As a reminder: No pets, coolers or outside food or drink please.

Allen
Family Movie & Craft - Monsters, Inc.
Allen Public Library; In the Auditorium ; Monday, Jun. 17, 2:30 p.m.

Euless
The City of Euless will show great family movies in our beautiful parks this summer. Bring your favorite pillow and blanket and stretch out under the stars. Popcorn and refreshments are available for purchase while watching a movie in our FabEuless parks. Please help the fight against local hunger by bringing one canned good per person to be donated to local food pantries.
·         Angels in the Outfield
Saturday June 15, 8:30 p.m.
Bear Creek Amphitheater
1951 Bear Creek Pkwy
·         Surf’s Up
Saturday July 20, 8:30 p.m.
Euless Family Life Aquatic Center
300 W. Midway Drive

Highland Village
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to Pilot Knoll Park for Movies in the Park. Feel free to come out and enjoy the park before then and to pick out your spot. It will be a fun evening for the whole family to enjoy. There will not be an entry fee at the gatehouse for these movies starting at 6:00 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk.
2013 Movie Lineup:
·         March 15 -  RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
·         April 19  -  BRAVE
·         May 17  - WRECK IT RALPH
·         June 21 - DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX

Keller
9 to 10:30 p.m. • Thursdays in June  
Keller Town Hall Amphitheater, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy.
Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, a picnic and the whole household for an evening of free favorite family movies under the stars behind Keller Town Hall. The movie is shown on the park's big screen as soon as the sun goes down, around 9 p.m. Before the movie begins, we will provide a variety of family games and activities. 

Mesquite
Mesquite Parks and Recreation invites the public to City Lake Park on the evening of Friday June 14 to Movies in the Park. The second event in a series lasting throughout the summer, Movies in the Park, is a great opportunity for the whole family to experience movie watching in the great outdoors. The event is free and patrons are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets, lawn chairs, and blankets and enjoy the movie.

The Colony
Summer Cinema Clubhouse at The Colony Recreation Center; (5151 N. Colony Blvd., The Colony, TX 75056). 
The Colony Parks and Recreation is proud to present Summer Cinema Clubhouse, a three-month summer movie series for kids. Children of all ages can catch the latest flick at The Colony Recreation Center starting at 1 p.m. The doors open at noon, so come early to get a good seat! The event is free with concessions available for purchase. The next showings will be on July 11 and August 8. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 972-625-1106.

Weatherford
2013 Movies will be shown at dusk at the Holland Lake Ballfields
·         June 8: Despicable Me, Rated PG, 95 minutes 
·         June 15: The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Rated PG, 125 minutes 
·         June 22: Madagascar 3, Rated PG, 95 minutes 
·         June 29: Cool Runnings, Rated PG, 113 minutes 
Goodies will be available for purchase at the ballfield concession stand!  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for these FREE family fun summer nights!  For more information call 817-598-4124.

White Settlement
Free movies in the park on Friday nights.
Free admission. Don't forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair
Friday: June 7, 14, 21, 28 || July 5, 12, 19, 26 || August 2, 9
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Location: Central Park - Norris and Ella Chamber Amphitheater
Gibbs Drive entrance off South Las Vegas Trail

Discount Summer specials
Cinemark Theaters offers $1 movies or 10 movies for $5. Cinemark also offers prepaid deals.
Rave is now part of Cinemark Theaters and they have cancelled their free movies. 
Regal theaters offers $1 movies

Just something different…
NRH20 offers “Dive In” movies. This isn’t discounted, but something different and fun.
Friday nights are famous for fun at NRH2O Family Water Park! Float in the wave pool or relax on the beach with your family, while watching your favorite movie under the stars on a movie screen suspended across the wave pool. Movies begin at dusk
·         June 14 - The Lorax
·         June 21 - Rise of the Guardians
·         June 28 - The Little Rascals
·         July 5 - Madagascar 3
·         July 12 – Jaws
·         July 19 – Spiderman
·         July 26 - Guest Vote (details to come!)
·         August 2 - The Avengers
*Movies are subject to change without notice. Movie showings are dependent on prevailing weather conditions including wind.

If you know of another city or community offering free or low cost movies, let us know!! And if you take advantage of these, please tell us what you thought.

Auntie M

Tuesday, June 4, 2013