How to Save a Bundle on Laundry

According to statistics, the average American household washes about 400 loads of laundry year—that's a lot of water, fabric softener, detergent, energy and most importantly money –about $436 to be exact—that is used to keep your clothes clean and smelling fresh. But washing your clothes doesn't necessarily have to deplete your wallet. To learn how you can save a bundle on your laundry, continue reading below.

Washing
By far the easiest way to save on laundry is to stop using hot water as much as possible. Experts suggest that washing in hot water as opposed to cold water for a year wastes more energy than if you constantly left the refrigerator door open for the same amount of time. Fortunately most of the newer detergents are designed to fight stains and remove dirt as equally as effectively in cold water. To save even more you can also opt to buy the generic brand. While some consumers complain that generic detergents are sometimes too "weak" all you have to do is simply add ½ cup of baking soda to the wash and give the formula a little boost.

If you want to really save, then you can always choose to skip the store-bought laundry detergents and make your own—it's also a more environmental friendly alternative since all of those harsh chemicals that are poured into most detergents are left out.

Here's a recipe for a simple-home made liquid detergent:

Ingredients
1 bar of soap of your preference, grated into flakes using a cheese grater
1/2 cup of borax
1 cup of Arm and Hammer washing soda
Water
Stirring spoon
Rubber gloves
Tub or trash can
Clean empty milk jugs

Directions
Boil 5 cups water in a big pot and add the shaves of grated soap, stirring occasionally. Bring back to a boil and then remove from heat. Fill up a tub or empty clean trash can with 3 gallons of hot water. Add soap mixture and stir. Add washing soda and stir until dissolved. Repeat with borax. Let cool. Distribute in empty milk jugs for easy storage. Use about a half a cup of homemade detergent for each load.

Extra Tip: Wash only full loads—yes, half loads use less water, but they still use the same amount of electrical power.

Fabric Softener
The easiest way to save on fabric softener is not to use any at all. But if you must, add vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. Don't worry; your clothes won't come out smelling like eggs. In fact, the smell is completely undetectable once your clothes are dry. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener and is as equally as effective as the store-bought stuff.

If you happen to be a fan of fabric softener dryer sheets, a good way to save is to simply cut all your sheets in half. If static cling still remains an issue, add a ball of aluminum foil to the dryer—the aluminum is what helps break down static electricity.

Drying
When it comes to drying, it's always a good idea to let some of your clothes air dry. This will not only help you save money, but it will also help extend the life of your clothes since dryers actually beat the fibers out of your garments. If you have heavier items like jeans and don't have the time to let them air dry, at least try to shorten the time it takes to dry your clothes. A good way to do this is to invest in some dyer balls.

This guest post is contributed by Tara Miller. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: miller.tara23@gmail.com.

Frugal Gardening

A week ago this past Saturday I planted our tomato seeds. I've been trying to get this post done since! lol

We are going to be starting a lot more of our own plants this year after seeing the prices last year. A lot of times I could buy plants at the farmers market for a very reasonable price, but last year it seemed I couldn't find all the ones I wanted.

I found this box of pellet starters at a thrift store for .50 and saved the plastic containers from deli purchases. They make great seed starters!

I bought this seed starter for $5 at Walmart.  I was going to just buy some more of the pellets but they were almost as expensive as buying the whole thing.

Since we are growing several different varieties, I used a marker to label each row.  Here's what we are growing:

Row 1 & 2: Homestead- det bush; likes hot humid condition, great for slicing/canning
Row 3 & 4: Rutgers-  great for slicing or canning
Row 5: Siberian-det extra early
Row 6: Red Alert-det early heavy cropper, sweet, great salad tomato
Row 7: New Big Dwarf-det, dwarf pink beefsteak
Row 8: Sausage-ind, extra long paste, prolific, meaty, great for sauce or salad
Row 9: Money Maker-ind, likes hot humid conditions, heavy cropper
Row 10: Arkansas Traveler-ind, likes hot humid conditions, pink heavy cropper
Row 11: Ponderosa Pink-ind, huge pink beefsteak
Row 12: Monster-ind, huge red

All the seeds except for Homestead and Rutgers were received from a friend and cost me postage for her to mail them to me.  The Homestead and Rutgers were .33 a pack.

All have germinated, now if I can keep them alive and growing until they are planted into the garden!

FREE Beauty Bag & Samples From Target

Go HERE to get your Target Beauty Bag full of great samples!  You will be asked to answer 5 questions and enter your mailing info.  HURRY, supplies are limited.

Qubie Coupon Binder System Review & Giveaway

The Qubie™ Coupon Organizing System is a fast, fun and easy way to organize ALL of the coupons in your life.  Whether you are a beginner couponer or a seasoned pro, Qubie will work for you.

The Qubie system offers a complete set of 3 binders that includes organization for grocery stores, pharmacy, restaurants, and gift cards.

I really love the smaller pal and plus to get all those store loyalty cards and gift cards organized! I know exactly where everything is now and it is easy to carry into the stores using the bag that came with the system.

The Qubie Pro (for grocery and pharmacy coupons)
••11.5" X 10.75" Binder
•Holds 324 Coupons (9 coupons per page x 36 pages)
•16 Pre Printed Section Dividers with Durable Mylar Tabs
•2 Customizable Section Dividers with Durable Mylar Tabs
•Holds 9 Store Loyalty Cards
•4 Section Page to Organize Your Coupons While You Shop
•Customizable and Expandable

The Qubie Plus (for specialty store coupons)
••7.25" X 9" Binder Size
•Holds 12 Store Loyalty Card Holders
•10 Pages of Single Slot Coupon Holders
•Customizable and expandable

The Qubie Pal (for gift cards and restaurant coupons)
••4.25" X 5" Book Size
•Holds Up To 56 Gift Cards or Restaurant Coupons
•Perfect Size to Keep in Your Purse, Glovebox, Backpack or Briefcase

Qubie Bag
•15" X 16" X 3" Durable Gusseted Tote Bag
•Holds all of your Qubiebooks and couponing supplies ready for you to shop and save money.

Qubie is proudly made in the USA

Now for the GIVEAWAY!
1 of my lucky readers will win a Qubie Coupon Organizing System for FREE!

To enter this giveaway, you must complete the mandatory entry first, and then you may complete any extra entries. Be sure to include your email address in your comments!

Entry ends midnight March 15th. USA only. One lucky person will be chosen by random March 16th. The winner will receive their prize pack directly from Qubie.

MANDATORY ENTRY: What is your favorite feature of the Qubie Coupon Organizing System?

EXTRA ENTRIES:
"Like" Easy Frugal Living on Facebook
Follow Easy Frugal Living on Twitter
“Like” Qubie on Facebook
Follow Qubie on Twitter

Disclosures: This post reflects my honest, personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. Product information courtesy of the sponsor. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
winning disclaimer- The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for sending this product. Easy Frugal Living can not be held liable for lost/damaged items.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

No Fail Banana Bread

What makes a recipe quick and easy for you?

For me, it's a recipe that requires minimal measuring, doesn't dirty every dish to prepare it and that comes out beautiful everytime.

Tip: Always have bananas on hand. Freeze over ripe bananas individually so they thaw quickly.

5 ripe bananas
1 yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 5 x 9 bread pan.

Mash bananas well. Add remaining ingredients and beat 2 minutes on medium.

Pour into pan and bake 1 hour or until firm in middle. (It takes my oven 1 hour and 10 minutes)  Cool in pan on wire rack. 

I have some awesome reviews and giveaways coming up that I can't wait to share with you!  Be on the lookout for them.

Monday Meal Plan Menu

If you would like to join in on Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday's, check out her site. There are lots of great cooks that link their weekly menus there and share their recipes. There is something for any kind of diet!

Here's my menu for this week:

Monday Burritos

Tuesday Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo

Wednesday Potato Soup

Thursday Meatloaf

Friday Spaghetti

Saturday Pork Chop Dinner

Sunday Egg & Sausage Breakfast

Todays Coupons

SMARTSOURCE
Accu-Chek Aviva System AND Aviva Test Strips $10 (5/29/11)
Activia Parfait Crunch $1 on 3 (3/27/11)
Barber Foods $1 (4/16/11)
Benefiber $2 (4/16/11)
Benefiber $5 on 2 (4/16/11)
Best Life Buttery Spread, Spray or Baking Sticks $1 (5/8/11)
Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution, 10oz 2pack $4 (4/11/11)
Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution, 10oz+ $2 (4/11/11)
Caribou Coffee, 12oz bag $2 (4/30/11)
Chinet Casuals Plates .55 (4/30/11)
Claritin, 20ct+ $5 (3/27/11)
Claritin-D, 15ct+ $4 (3/27/11)
Colgate Adult or Kids Manual Toothbrush .35 DND (3/19/11)
Colgate Toothpaste, 4oz+ .35 DND (3/19/11)
Danimals $1 (4/26/11)
Danonino $1/1 six-pack or 12-pack cups (4/26/11)
Dulcolax, 25 ct Laxative Tablets or 25 ct Softener or 4 ct Suppositories $1 (6/30/11)
Dynamo, Ajax, Fab, Final Touch or Niagara Products, any $1 on 2 (5/31/11)
Excedrin, 20ct+ .75 (4/16/11)
Excedrin, 80ct+ $1.50 (4/16/11)
Glade 4oz jar Candles $1 on 2 (4/2/11)
Glade Carpet & Room Odor Eliminator .75 (4/2/11)
Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator $1 (4/2/11)
Glade Plugins Scented Oil twin refill $1/1 or two single refills (4/2/11)
Glade Premium Room Spray, 9.7oz $1 (4/2/11)
Glade Scented Oil Candles Products $1.50 on 2 (4/2/11)
Glade Sense & Spray Refills $1 on 2 (4/2/11)
Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit $3 (4/2/11)
Glade Tough Odor Solutions Air Sanitizer or Surface Disinfectant & Air Sanitizer $1 (4/23/11)
Hersheys Bliss Chocolates, 8oz+ $1 on 2 (4/2/11)
Hersheys Kisses, Reeses, Hersheys Miniatures, Cadbury or Whoppers bags $1 on 3 (4/2/11)
Honey Bunches of Oats Raisin Medley $1 (4/10/11)
Huggies Baby Wipes Tub, 72ct or less FREE up to $3.49 wyb Huggies Baby Wipes Refill, 300 ct.+ (3/19/11)
Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers $2 (3/26/11)
Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers $2.50 (3/26/11)
Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers $2 (3/19/11)
Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers, 60ct+ $3.50 (3/19/11)
Listerine Mouthwash, 1L+ .50 (12/31/11)
Listerine Total Care, 500mL or Restoring Listerine, 1L $1 (12/31/11)
Listerine Zero, 500mL+ $1 (12/31/11)
Lysol Clean-Flip Starter Kit or Floor Cloths $1 (6/1/11)
McCain Purely Potatoes Frozen Potato Product $1 (4/30/11)
Mentos, 45pc+ bottle $1 (4/30/11)
Mentos, 15pc+ $1 on 3 (4/30/11)
Nature Made Vitamin D $1 (3/27/11)
Nature Made Calcium $1 (3/27/11)
Nature Made TripleFlex $3 (3/27/11)
Neutrogena Naturals $1 (4/27/11)
Pediasure $2 (5/31/11)
Pepperidge Farm 3-layer cake .55 (5/22/11)
Polly-O String or Twists Cheese $1 on 2 (3/31/11)
Resolve Laundry Pre-Treat .50 (4/10/11)
Resolve In-Wash Stain Remover $1 (4/10/11)
Similac SimplePac, large size powder 1.37lb+ $3 (5/31/11)
Similac SimplePac, large size powder 1.37lb+ $5 (4/30/11)
Skim Plus Milk, any 64oz $1 (4/10/11)
Tostitos Artisan Recipes Chips $1 on 2 (4/13/11)
Zegerid OTC $3 (4/2/11)
Zegerid OTC, 42ct $6 (4/2/11)

PROCTER & GAMBLE
Always Infinity Pads $1 (3/31/11)
Always Pad, Clean or Feminine Cleansing Cloth .50 (3/31/11)
Always Pantiliners, 34ct+ .50 (3/31/11)
Bounce .50 (3/31/11)
Bounty Paper Towel or Napkins .25 (03/31/11)
Cascade .25 (3/31/11)
Cascade Rinse Aid $1 (3/31/11)
Charmin .25 (3/31/11)
CoverGirl $1 (3/31/11)
Cover Girl Naturalluxe Lip Balm FREE wyb Cover Girl Naturalluxe Foundation (03/31/11)
Crest 3D White Professional Effects, Advanced Vivid, Stain Shield, Gentle Routine Whitestrips $5 (3/31/11)
Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express or Professional Effects Whitestrips $10 (3-31-11)
Crest Rinse, 946ml + $1 (3/31/11)
Crest Toothpaste 4.0oz+ or liquid gel .75 (3/31/11)
Crest Toothpaste 4.0oz+ or liquid gel (exc Cavity, Baking Soda or Tartar) $1 (3/31/11)
Dawn .25 (3/31/11)
Downy Liquid or Dryer Sheets $1 (3/31/11)
Duracell CopperTop Ultra Advanced or Ultra Photo Lithium .75 (3/31/11)
Duracell Hearing Aid, 6 pack+ $1.50 (3/31/11)
Febreze Air Effects $1 (3/31/11)
Febreze Fabric Refresher $1 (3/31/11)
Febreze Flameless Luminary Refill $1 (3/31/11)
Febreze Flameless Luminary Starter Kit or Device B1G1F up to $4.99 (03/31/11)
Febreze Noticeables Warmer FREE up to $3.29 wyb Refill (3/31/11)
Febreze Set & Refresh $1 (3/31/11)
Gillette Bodywash $2 (3/31/11)
Gillette Bodywash FREE up to $4.99 wyb Gillette Deodorant (3/31/11)
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor manual or power $4 (3/31/11)
Gillette Fusion Shave Prep or Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor $1 (3/31/11)
Gillette ProSeries Skin Care $2 (3/31/11)
Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner $1 (3/31/11)
Iams Canned Food Dog or Cat .50/3 (03/31/11)
Iams Healthy Natural Dry Food Dog or Cat Food $1 (03/31/11)
Iams Proactive or Premium Protection Dog Dry Food or Cat Food $1 (03/31/11)
Metamucil $1 (3/31/11)
Nice N Easy $1 (3/31/11)
Nice N Easy Color Blend Foam $3 (3/31/11)
Olay Bar, Body Wash, In Shower Body Lotion, or Hand & Body Lotion $1 (3-31-11)
Olay Bar Soap, Body Wash or Shower Body Lotion FREE wyb Olay Facial Cleanser (3/31/11)
Olay Pro-X (exc .03-1oz) $3 (03/31/11)
Old Spice Body Wash FREE wyb Olay Spice APDO (3/31/11)
Old Spice Products $1 on 2 (3/31/11)
Oral-B Battery Toothbrush $3 (3/31/11)
Oral-B CrossAction Manual Toothbrush $1 (3/31/11)
Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage TB .75/1 or any 2 Indicator or Cavity Defense (3/31/11)
Oral-B Stages or Zooth or Crest Kids Manual or Power Toothbrush .50 (3/31/11)
Oral-B Stages or Zooth or Crest Kids Toothpaste .50 (3/31/11)
Oral-B Stain, Glide, Glide Floss Picks .75 (3/31/11)
Pampers Diapers or Pants $2 (3/31/11)
Pampers Wipes, 60 ct+ .50 (3/31/11)
Pantene $1 (3/31/11)
Prilosec $3 (3/31/11)
Puffs .50/2 (3/31/11)
Puffs FREE up to $1.99 wyb Vicks Product (3/31/11)
PUR Multi-Pack Replacement Filters $2 (3/31/11)
PUR or PUR Flavor Options System $4 (3/31/11)
Satin Care Shave Gel or In Shower Moisturizer .55 (3/31/11)
Secret .50 (3/31/11)
Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant $2 (3/31/11)
Swiffer Refill FREE up to $7 wyb Swiffer Starter Kit (3/31/11) .
Swiffer Sweeper Wet Mopping or Dry Cloths B1G1F up to $10 (03/31/11)
Swiffer Wet Jet Starter Kit $5 (3/31/11)
Tampax, 18 ct+ $1 (3/31/11)
Tampax Pearl or Tampax Pearl Compak, 18 ct+ $2 (3/31/11)
Tide Detergent .35 (3/31/11)
Tide Stain Release, 26-50 oz powder, 15-34 ct duo pac or 36-68 oz liquid $3 (3/31/11)
Tide Stain Release 10ct duo pac, 20oz liq, or 14-21oz pre-treat FREE wyb Tide Detergent, 75 oz. (3/31/11)
Venus ProSkin MoistureRich, Embrace, or Breeze Refillable Razor AND Venus Cartridges $5 (3/31/11)
Vicks Sinex $4 (3-31-11)

Simple, Cost-Effective Ways to Spring Clean

Simple, Cost-Effective Ways to Spring Clean

With the end of winter thankfully coming up, it's now time for all of us to get our homes ready for the great weather, good spirits, and joyful activity that comes with the arrival of spring and the promise of summer. It's time to Spring Clean!

The one problem with Spring Cleaning is that it can get expensive, especially if you are doing a very thorough clean of your entire home. There are all the products you need to buy. There are the cleaning appliances that you'll eventually replace. There are bigger considerations for your house, such as the maintenance of your air conditioning system. These things are all a part of Spring Cleaning, and so there are often high costs, but necessary, if you want to have a clean, healthy home for the rest of the year.

So how can you avoid some of these high expenses? Well, you have to be willing to compromise. You also have to be creative! With that in mind, take a look at some of the following tips and feel free to add you own!

Use Home-Cleaning-Remedies
You know all of those expensive cleaning products? Well, you can often find home remedies that can clean your house just as well as some of those expensive products. And often, these home remedies are easier on your house, because they lack the harsh chemicals of bleach and ammonia. They are also good for your health and the environment. For example, try using baking soda to clean mildew off of the shower curtain in your bathroom. You can use diluted vinegar to clean soap scum from the bathtub as well. You simply have to be a little creative. For more cleaning recipes be sure to check out Lisa’s earlier post, “Make Your Own Household Cleaners”

Buy Efficient Cleaning Supplies
By efficient, I mean the classic tools, those cleaning supplies that have been around forever: mops, brooms, bagless vacuum cleaners. These cleaning tools are less-expensive than their newer counterparts, and they are more efficient. Think of all the waste that a combination sweeper/mop creates; also think about how much money you spend buying those replaceable pads every few weeks. If you have a mop, you may have to spend a bit more time wringing it out and cleaning it as you use it, but you won't have to spend a lot of money in order to use it. Likewise, if you use an efficient bagless vacuum cleaner, you can avoid having to buy bags every few weeks. The vacuum cleaner will run much more efficiently, allowing you to clean your house easier.

Clean Creatively!
Finally, think about how you can clean your house creatively. Cleaning creatively means you have to clean areas you wouldn't normally think of as being dirty. Consider the area behind your refrigerator. That's where your refrigerator coils are located. But, the dirtier they get, the more inefficient they become, forcing your refrigerator to work harder in order to cool its insides. In a way, cleaning your house thoroughly can save you money! Dust light bulbs and light fixtures, replace your air filters, clean your windows around your doors, and you might find that your house is more efficient, thus helping you save money on energy.

What's your favorite Spring Cleaning tip? 

By-line:
Lauren Bailey, regularly writes on the topics of online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: blauren99 @gmail.com.

SWAGBUCKS BIRTHDAY BASH -- GET 80 BONUS SWAGBUCKS

Swagbucks (the best place on the web for free stuff) is turning 3, and the celebration they have planned for the 28th is going to be HUGE! It'll feature a bunch of Swag Codes, a new look and feel for the Swagbucks Blog and the launch of two new features, one of which will redefine the way you use their search function.

You definitely won't want to miss it, so be sure that you're on the site bright and early the morning of the 28th for your chance to earn big and be a part of the biggest birthday celebration on the web!

Swagbucks.com is a site where you can earn 1,000s of free products for doing the things you do every day. Whether it's searching the web, watching videos, playing games, shopping or more, we've got a way for you to be rewarded with free stuff. No strings. No gimmicks

If you havn't signed up for Swagbucks yet, now is the perfect time.  Not only will they start you out with 30 swagbucks, but if you enter this special code (3rdBirthday101)

when you click on my link below, you will get ANOTHER 50 swagbucks! That's a total of 80 swagbucks for signing up using my link (click on the small banner below) and my special code.  This code will only work with my link, so get signed up today and be ready for the big birthday bash!


CLICK HERE ON PIC!

Monday Meal Plan Menu

If you would like to join in on Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday's, check out her site. There are lots of great cooks that link their weekly menus there and share their recipes. There is something for any kind of diet!

Here's my menu for this week:

Monday Chicken Fingers

Tuesday Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

Wednesday Chicken & Noodles

Thursday Pork Chops

Friday Breakfast for Dinner

Saturday ??

Sunday Taco Salads

Coupons for 2-20-11

COUPONS FOR 2-20-11

RED PLUM
Air Wick Candle, any $1 (4/03/11)
Air Wick Freshmatic Compact Odor Detect Starter Kit $3 (4/03/11)
Air Wick Scented Oil Twin Refill Pack $1/1 or 2 (two) single refills (4/03/11)
Air Wick Warmer Unit FREE up to 2.19 wyb Air Wick Scented Oil Refill Fragrance (4/03/11)
Bertolli Pasta Sauce $1.50 on 2 (3/20/11)
Brown Gold Coffee Product $1 (5/31/11)
Emerald Breakfast on the Go Product, 7.5oz+ $1 DND (4/17/11)
Hefty One Zip Bags $1 on 2 (5/31/11)
Kibbles n Bits Dry Dog Food, any bag $2 (4/15/11)
LOreal Hair Color Product $2 (4/17/11)
LOreal Hair Color Product $5 on 2 (4/17/11)
LOreal Kids Shampoo or other kids products .75 (4/17/11)
LOreal Perfecting Base by Studio Secrets Professional $2 (4/17/11)
LOreal Skincare Product $1 (4/17/11)
LOreal Studio Line Styling Product or Vive Pro Glossy Style Product $1 (4/17/11)
LOreal Vive Pro Shampoo or Conditioner $1 (4/17/11)
LOreal Youth Code Product $3 (4/17/11)
Nasoya Products $1.50 on 2 (5/31/11)
Nasoya Super Hummus $1.50 (5/31/11)
Nestle Raisinets, 3.5oz .50/2 (5/31/11)
Nestle Raisinets Stand Up Bags, 4.0 oz.+ $1 on 2 (5/31/11)
Pop Secret Product .50/2 (4/3/11)
Purex Complete with Zout Detergent or Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets $3 (3/19/11)
Purex Ultra Concentrate Liquid Laundry Detergent $1 (4/16/11)
Purina Beggin, any size $1 on 2 (5/20/11)
Robitussin, 4oz+ $1 (4/30/11)
Sprayway Glass Cleaner $1 (4/10/11)
Sundown Vitamin or Supplement Product $1 (4/6/11)
Sunlight Dish Cleaning Product .25 (4/14/11)
Superpretzel, any .50 (3/20/11)
Uncle Bens Ready Rice Pouch $1 (4/17/11)
Whiskas Dry Cat Food, bag $1.50 (4/16/11)
Whiskas Tray B1G1F up to .69 (4/16/11)

MCDONALDS (all expire 3-27-11)
Get a FREE Fruit & Maple Oatmeal with purchase of any Medium Beverage
Get a FREE Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (no purchase necessary)
Get a FREE Medium Fries & FREE Medium Soft Drink or Tea with purchase of any Angus Third Pounder
(excludes All McCafe and Bottled Beverages)

Swagbucks- Tips for success

If you havn't signed up for Swagbucks, today is the perfect time to do so! Just click the banner picture at the end of this post. Here are the best tips, straight from Swagbucks, to be sure you succeed.

Tip #1
Need To Search the Web? Do It With Swagbucks.com.
www.swagbucks.com is the only place on the web where you can win exclusive prizes simply by doing the things you do anyway, everyday!

When searching the web, the best way to win Swag Bucks (and the only method we endorse) is to use the engine for genuine search and discovery. Our technology is designed to award users who search naturally — simply utilize our engine the way you would with other search providers.

Doing a ton of searches, or clicking on search results, will not increase your chances of winning in any way. Search & Win Now


Tip #2
Get a Toolbar, Stay Connected and Win More.
If you use Internet Explorer or Firefox, the quickest way to win Swag Bucks is to have Swagbucks.com always at your finger tips. The Swagbucks.com toolbar resides on the top of your browser and only takes seconds to install. Get the Toolbar Here

Tip #3
Invite Your Friends & When They Win, You Win.
The quickest way to win Swag Bucks is to get a little help from your friends! Invite your friends to Swagbucks.com and every Swag Buck they win searching the web, you'll win as well. Win up to 1,000 Swag Bucks per referral! Invite Your Friends & Win

Tip #4
Share Your Opinions Through Trusted Surveys.
Major brands want to know what you think and are willing to pay you Swag Bucks to hear it. Complete your personalized profiles and start earning BIG Swag Bucks on your own time, at your own pace. Visit Your Survey Dashboard

Tip #5
Want Swag Bucks Quickly? Complete a Special Offer.
Got your eye on something special in the Swag Store? If you're saving up Swag Bucks but could use a little help, check out our Special Offers Page. You'll find rewarding promotions from major brands. Sign up only for the offers that sound right for you! Complete an Offer Now

Tip #6
Do You Shop Online? Visit Our Shop & Earn Mall Before You Buy.
Odds are we've got the brands you're already looking for, and we'll give you Swag Bucks when you make your purchase through us! Visit the Shop & Earn Mall

Tip #7
Earn Swag Bucks and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.
Got a new phone in the last few years? Then send us your old cell phone and we'll reward you Swag Bucks. Replace your old dust-collecting cellular with an exclusive Swagbucks.com prize! There's no limit to how many phones you can recycle! Learn More About Go Green

Tip #8
Interact With The Polls.
Our daily polls page features topics and questions that matter to you. From everything Swag Bucks related, to popular culture, news, and entertainment, the Polls page is consistently fresh, fun, and rewarding. Answer the Daily Poll on the day it becomes available to earn a bonus Swag Buck! Vote Now

Tip #9
Make Swagbucks.com Your Home Page.
Click on the 'Make Us Your Home Page' link under the 'More' tab and make it easy to access Swagbucks.com Make Us Your Homepage

Tip #10
Promote on Your Website, Social Profile, Blog or Email Signature.
Grab a Swagbucks.com banner and spread it around and make it easy for friends to sign up as your Swagbucks.com friend! Remember, each Swag Buck they win, you'll win too! Start Promoting Now

Tip #11
Read the Blog.
When big news breaks about Swag Bucks, it happens first on the Swag Bucks Blog! Find out about all the newest offers, prizes, and Swag Codes, all in one convenient location. Look for posts by The Swag Guy for exclusive Swag Buck opportunities! See the Swag Blog

Tip #12
Keep Up With Our Facebook/Twitter Account.
Discover what the folks behind Swag Bucks are thinking about and working on in real time! Our social media pages feature an informal community setting for you to gain insights and share your opinion. And don't be surprised if you stumble upon the occasional Swag Code! See Our Twitter Feed

Tip #13
Receive The Newsletter.
Get timely updates, notifications, and the occasional Swag Code delivered right to your inbox with our bi-monthly newsletter. Every email is packed with important news and tidbits to help you get more out of your Swag Bucks account. Sign Up Now

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Dollar General Store's Freebies!

Cream of Wheat $1.00--   use $1/1 (1/09/2011 SS)  Final Price is FREE!

Quaker Oatmeal $1.00-- use $1/1 (1/02/2011 RP)  Final Price is FREE!
 
Maalox $4.50--  use $5/1 (1/09/2011 SS) Final Price is FREE! some may receive .50 overage.

FREE Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme

Check your Kraft Foods First Taste account. There is a new offer!

Receive a coupon* for one (1) FREE package of new PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme (up to $4.49 value).

It's spoonable, perfectly seasoned and so rich and creamy, it helps you fight chicken fatigue with ease by making boring chicken taste outrageously delicious. Available in Italian Cheese and Herb, Savory Garlic, Original and Santa Fe Blend, just imagine what it can do for beef, pork, pasta, fish and more.

*All coupons are delivered in 4 to 6 weeks and are offered while supplies last. Offer expires 5/31/2011. Up to $4.49 value.

HOT Kraft Printable Coupons

Coupons.com found on the left sidebar of Easy Frugal Living has several great coupons. Print them before they are gone!

-$1/1 Kraft Macaroni & Cheese 5pk
-$1/1 Velveeta 32 oz
-$1/2 Oreo Spring Cookies 16.6 oz
-$1/1 Maxwell House Daily Brew 34.5oz
-$1/2 Ritz Spring Crackers 16oz
-$1/2 Crystal Lite on the Go Products
-$0.75/1 Miracle Whip 30 oz

Monday Meal Plan Menu- 10 Secrets to Planning Meals

If you would like to join in on Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday's, check out her site. There are lots of great cooks that link their weekly menus there and share their recipes. There is something for any kind of diet!

I would also like to share with you this great article. “10 Secrets to Planning Meals for Your Family” Thanks for sharing your article Sheryl.

Here's my menu for this week:

Monday Terriyaki Chicken

Tuesday Potato Soup

Wednesday Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

Thursday Chicken & Noodles

Friday Goulash

Saturday Pork Chops

Sunday Taco Salads