Great Deals on Wipes at CVS.........

I made a quick run into CVS last night...and I saw that the Pampers Stages Clean 'n Go wipes are on Clearance for just $3.99!! They are the multiple packs...180 wipes total (60 wipes each pack) They are regularly priced $7.99. Clean 'n Go wipes are in ready-to-use dispenser packs and are great for wiping away germs from hands and faces. These will come in handy for the summer months and the many outdoors outings that we will take...LOL LOL

Plus to save even more........You can use the $2.00/2 Pampers coupons that came out in yesterday's Sunday Papers coupon insert.

**Not sure if it is in all stores....but while you are there you may want to check in out!! Maybe they are not going to be carrying them anymore?? Or maybe they are about to get a new package design??**

Reminder.......Yoplait Give-a-Way Ends Tonight!!!!

That's right the winners will be randomly picked this evening......so if you have a yogurt lover in the house and have yet to enter to win FREE Yoplait coupons...better hurry...you can enter here!!!!

Good Luck!!!

Yummy Cannoli Dip Recipe....

I just love Cannoli's..but man are they expensive or what?? An old co-worker knew I loved Cannoli's and had a great alternative easy recipe to satisfy my cravings now and then. I have made it a couple of times to take to parties/dinners over the past few years...and it was always a big hit. If you like Cannoli's you should give it a try.......

Cannoli Dip

1 stick of Butter (softened)
1 package (8 oz.) Cream Cheese (softened)
3/4 of a cup Confectioners Sugar
1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
1 Box of Cinnamon Graham Cracker sticks (Nabisco)

Mix together butter, cream cheese and sugar......then stir in chocolate chips by hand. Serve with mini graham sticks for dipping.

Enjoy!!

Where Will You Spend Your Stimulus Checks???

Stimulus checks have just started to reach tax-paying consumers...and now retailer's are looking for ways for you to spend some of that money you receive at their stores!! To intrigue you to spend it instead of saving it companies are offering incentives. While other companies are choosing not to par-take in the incentives at all. Do you think incentives will work?? Or are they too low..... Are they being offered stores you never really go to anyway?? You decide.......here are a few incentives I saw so far from retailer's.............

*Sears will offer customers a 10% bonus if they convert their stimulus checks into gift cards at a Sears or Kmart store between May 14 and July 19. The bonus cards will have NO expiration date and NO fees.
*Radio Shack will offer consumers who purchase an item priced at $50 or more between May 4 and July 12 will receive a 10% discount on their purchase. Radio Shack will put the remainder of your stimulus check onto a Prepaid MasterCard, which the retailer said can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted.
*Walmart is offering to cash you stimulus check for FREE and has also said to expect lower prices on food items such as cereal and lunch meat. Also expect more cute to follow real soon!!


Grocery stores are also trying to lure customers in too......

*Kroger will give customers FREE grocery money loaded to a gift card if you choose to convert your stimulus check there.
*ShopRite is offering a 10% bonus on Rebate Stimulus checks turned into Gift Cards.($300 up to $1200).
*Supervalue Supermarkets....(Albertsons, Acme, Bigg's, Farm fresh, Shaw's, Shop N Save, Lucky, Jewel-Osco, & Shopper's food and Pharmacy) is offering a 10% bonus if you buy a gift card with your economic stimulus check.

So will this make the decision a bit easier for you to decide to spend it.....and help stimulate the economy...or save it...for a rainy day?? Do know of any other retailer's to add to the list?? I am sure as more and more checks start arriving to mailboxes and bank accounts more offers will come up.....we shall see..it should be pretty interesting!!!

ShopRite Deals Starting Sunday........

Not too many great deals this week at ShopRite..but there are a few that I will be stopping in for.....

They are having a 4-Day Price Break on the following items starting Wednesday May 7th threw Saturday the 10th. They are......

*Fresh Spare Ribs (4to 6 lbs.) $1.49 a lb. (limit 1 package!)
*Vintage Seltzer Case (12 pack of 1 liter bottles) $2.99
*Kellogg's Rice Krispie Treats or Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies 2 for $3 (must buy in increments of 2...but you can mix and match!)
*Barilla Pasta 12 oz to 16 oz, any variety (excluding jumbo shells, lasagna, and Plus)



The following are sale items good all week long starting Sunday.......

Grocery
*Wesson oil $2.88...with $15 purchase!! (1/2 price )
*Ocean Spray Cran Drink $1.59 (1/2 price)
*Lay's Potato Chips $1.74 (1/2 price)
*Keebler Vanilla Cones 12 pack $1.24 (1/2 price)
*Wise Cheese Doodles or Popcorn $1.34 (1/2 price)

Cleaning/Household
*Glass Plus Glass Cleaner 1 quart.....(1/2 price) $1.49 ** Pay only .50 after coupon!!!
*Spray N Wash 1 pint 6oz........$1.49 (1/2 price)** Pay only .50 after coupon!!!
*Resolve Spot Magic 14 oz. can.....$2.49 (1/2 price) ** Pay only $1.50 after coupon!!
*Arm&Hammer Fabric Softener sheets (80 ct.) $1.99 (1/2 price)
*Arm&Hammer Laundry detergent $1.99 (Save $1.00) 100 fl.oz.

Meats
*Perdue Fresh Poultry...40% off
*Deitz and Watson Beef Franks...$1.99 (1/2 price)
*Taylor Pork Roll....(1/2 price) just $1.39 (6 oz. package)
* 40% off ALL Beef London Broil

Around the House
*Serving tag-Alongs Containers (Trial size 2 ct.) .99*** Pay just .50 per pack after coupon!!
*Kodak Batteries $1.24 (1/2 price)
*O Cello Combo Pack Sponges (Less than 1/2 price)***
*ShopRite Auto Roller Mop....$4.99 (1/2 price)

Frozen
* Jones Sausage Link $1.49 (1/2 price)
* Good Humor Ice Cream Bars $1.44 (6 pack)....1/2 price
*Stouffer's Mac & Cheese 12 oz. box $1.34 (1/2 price)


***Denotes that there is a manufacturer's savings coupon out that has recently came out in the past few Sunday Papers!!!

**Denotes that a coupon for this item will come out in this Sunday's coupon insert!!

First Ever Giveaway!!!! Happy Friday To You!!!

Ahh yes the weekend is almost here...what better way to start it off then with a giveaway!!! It's our 1st ever here at The Thrift Mommy....and I am so excited about it!!

About a month ago a reader named Jessica had emailed me a link to a printable coupon for a Free 6-pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt good until May 31st valid only in select states. I hope you had the opportunity to make use of it if you were able too.

If your kiddies are anything like my Little Man and Little Miss when it comes to loving yogurt....that was a great freebie!!! Here at our house we go threw about 15-20 yogurts a week between all of us!!! We are a yogurt loving family!!

Well, about 2 weeks ago a colleague of Jessica's from Coyne Public Relations emailed me to ask if I would like to have a giveaway on my blog....she offered to send me some coupons for a Free Six Pack of Yoplait Yogurt....I am sure with the price of groceries these day every little bit helps!!!

I will select at random 4 lucky winners......each winner will receive a few coupons each. The coupons state FREE one package any flavor Yoplait Kids cup Yogurt OR Yoplait Kids Drink Yogurt (Up to $3.63)

To enter...simply leave a comment before Monday night May 4th by 8:59 pm. Please remember to leave me a way to contact you in case you are one of the lucky ones!!! I will announce a winner on Tuesday morning!!! And I will have these out in the mail to you by Wednesday AM!!

Good luck!!!

Time To Plant Those Garden Annuals.....

Ah yes...my favorite time of year!! I absolutely love to plant annuals in our yard...not only for the added color and beauty of the pretty flowers...but I really enjoy the bonding and planting time with my Little Man!! He is such a big helper in the garden!! And I know that before long he will be "To Cool" to help his mom plant flowers in the yard...so I am treasuring every moment of it!! Not to worry...I have a Little Miss that I will recruit probably next year....LOL LOL

I always head to the same place every year to buy my annuals...Produce Junction. If you have never been to one during flower season....make sure to go on a weekday!! The place really gets busy...and flowers and pots go fast...real fast!!


I headed there yesterday and loaded up with enough flowers to do all the pots in my yard. They also have very reasonably priced hanging baskets that you can plant yourself too!! I also picked up two of these hanging baskets as well....I get the smaller ones...as if I buy a pre-made hanging baskets they are two wide for the hooks I hang them on. These are very cheap and perfect for the spot I place them!! Plus, I like making my own baskets...as then I can put a few varities of annuals and vines in to mix it up a bit!!


The selection varies day in and out...so you may have to make a trip or two, or three to find exactly what you are looking for. But for the price it is well worth it!! This year flats of annuals at our local Produce Junction are just $9.00. They also have tons and tons of premium annuals, geraniums, vinca vines, spikes, azalea's, hanging baskets, planters, hibiscus's, and sometimes perennials.


Do you have a favorite place you purchase your flowers for the yard??

My Quick CVS Run....For the May Deals!!!

Ah yes...the beginning of the month, that means time for the New Monthly Deals at CVS!!!! Man...the excitement this morning was so great! LOL LOL Well, I headed there this morning to get the Free after ExtraBucks deals. I did not want to miss out, as there were quite a few good ones this month!!
This is what I purchased.......

-3- Aquafresh Extreme Clean 5.6 oz toothpaste $2.99 each
-2- CVS Allergy Relief 5-count (non-drowsy) $3.79 each
-1- Colgate 360 Deep Clean Toothbrush $3.99

I had the following coupons.......

-1- 4/20 CVS coupon from the bottom of my last CVS receipt
-2- 1.50/1 Aquafresh Extreme toothpaste coupon**
-1- 1.00/1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush**

SO I paid out of pocket just $12.54...And I got back a total of $20.54 in Extrabucks!!!! Plus a coupon for $2 off my next CVS purchase of $10 or more!!!

A great trip to CVS today for me!!! I will head to another one that I will be near tomorrow to see if I can get some of the Adidas 24/7 deodorant that is Free after Extrabucks this month too. Hubby loves it...and me too if it is Free!!! LOL LOL

Have you made your trip for the month yet to CVS??? If so let me know what deals you cashed in on!!! Remember these monthly deals always go quickly at CVS...so if you want to get them...go soon!!!!

**Denotes that these coupons I used were from this past Sunday's coupon inserts!!

Baby Lotion...Is Name Brand Better????

I am a very big stockpiler......When something that we regularly use goes on sale or clearance I always stock up ! Well, I suppose I had been slacking a bit in the baby lotion category.....either that or we have just been using a bit more than in the past....(like how I am trying to not admit to my lack of stockpiling???)

So about a month ago I had noticed that we were getting a tad low on baby lotion, so while at Walmart I picked up a bottle of Parents Choice with soothing aromas lotion (Bottle says Compare to Johnson's Bedtime Lotion). It was a 20 oz bottle for about $1.88. I a huge fan of Johnson & Johnson Bedtime lotion.....but to save a little over a $1.00 and for a few extra ounces I opted to give the PC lotion a try.

Well.....being a cheapskate usually works to my advantage in most instances...this time it backfired on me!!! The lotion had a different smell to it...not like the usual lotion we use, plus it was so very, very greasy!!! It was almost like baby oil lotion...the kind you use when you have a newborn to prevent cradle cap. I would lotion up the kiddies and they would be so greasy...my little Miss's hair would like I had not bathed her in a few days!!!! LOL LOL Needless to say we used just 1/4 of the bottle and it is now heading for the trash!! I can not even bring myself to give it away......That's just how bad it is!!

So I learned a good lesson...yes, it cost me a loss of $1.88.....but guess what, I will never, never forget to stockpile baby lotion ever again!!!!!

The Best Time to Purchase.......

Yes, it is true stores have certain sales and clearances certain times of the year. If you have an idea of when things get marked down or tend to go cheaper then you can try to plan on purchasing those items then (if possible). Remember, this is a guideline to go by...it may not be exact, but this is usually how it works.

January - This is the best time to purchase left over Christmas items, winter clothing, and toys left over from the holidays season. You will also see "White Sales" this month as well...sheets, bedding, pillows, etc. Stores are trying to clear out before the spring arrivals hit the shelves! Furniture sales will also be goiung on in January too.

February - Good time to buy used cars....as they just became another year older!! Also a great time to buy furniture, curtains, and housewares.

March - Stock up on ski equipment...as the season is about to end!! Garden supplies, luggage, spring clothing, infants' wear, shoes, . luggage, skates,

April - Now is the time to buy for next Easter...stock up on baskets, left over Easter toys, woman's & girls dresses, shoes, Easter hats, gloves & both men's and boys suits. If you can estimate the right sizes you will need for next year...you can real snag a great deal!! Bridal gowns are also on Clearance this month as wedding season is fast approaching!!

May - Time to clean-up and take care of the yard for spring....watch out for lawn and garden sales!!! As this month includes Mother's day...look for lots of gifts for Mom to be on sale!! Great time to stock up on winter purses and women's undergarments too.

June - Great sales on summer clothing and dresses. Also you should see a few refrigerators on sale this month as well. Lots of camping and fishing sales, as well as cologne sales this months as Father's Day is in mid-June!!

July - Time to start thinking about next summer....this month summer shoes, sandals, summer clothes, and bathing suits will be at a discount!! And if you'd like you can still use them for the rest of this summer as well!! Also look for deals on air conditioners & summer sports equipment this month as well. Stores are now thinking "Back to School".

August - Time for the garden and outdoors savings to begin!! Look for markdowns on lawn mowers, sprinklers, pool equipment, BBQ sets, grills, fans, garden tools, patio furniture, etc. This is also a great time to shop for a new car as the new models are just coming out!! This months the "Back to School"sales start as well!!!

September - "Back to School" sales are now in full swing!! Look for great deals on children's clothing, back backs, crayons, markers, notebooks, computers, college dorm accessories, rugs, microwaves...and anything else Back to School" related!!

October - You will now find whatever "Back to School" items that are left will now be on "Big Time" clearance!! Time to get ready for the Christmas season!!

November - Usually a few good sales on Pre-Christmas items. You will also start to see a few sales on winter boots. And remember....the biggest shopping "deal" day of the year....the day after Turkey Day!!!

December - Great time to stock up on leftover gift items, wrapping paper, holiday decorations, and lights. Also remember that December 26th is a Great Day to snatch up some great bargains in most departments!!!