How to get "FREE" clothes...

I was able to score a ton of clothes the other week for "free." I say "free" because this does cost time but not money. The Mr. and I use MyPoints. MyPoints requires a bit of time. You have to click on links that are sent to your inbox and for each link you receive 5 points. For each survey you complete, you can earn up to 60 points, you even get 10 points if you don't qualify. There are several other ways to earn points: purchase through their website ( you go to MyPoints, look for your merchant, click the link and order your items and then you will receive so many points per dollar spent), print grocery coupons through their website and earn points for each coupon redeemed or simply do online searches and receive points.

So... how did I score clothes? The Mr. and I "cashed in" our points for $100 worth of Old Navy gift cards. I went to the St. Louis Mommy website (you don't have to live in the St. Louis area to get the Old Navy coupon advice) and click on Old Navy. She will tell you how to find the hidden coupons on the Old Navy website. We printed a $15 off a $75 dollar purchase coupon.
Next, off to Old Navy we go..... It just so happened that the weekend we went to Old Navy it was 50% off all clearance prices. SCORE!!!!! We were able to fill a huge bag of clothes at the checkout and walked away with $33.00 remaining on the gift card. We did buy some clothes for the Fall 2010 season. If you have the room for storage, this is a great opportunity. Plus, it was the "FUNdamentals" sale (which is still going on this weekend)... that helped tremendously. Think about "timeless" choices such as polos or plain colored shorts, jeans, etc. Trendy clothes will come and go but some of the classic items will work for quite some time. Layering is in style... grab some polos and put a long sleeve T-shirt underneath to keep the kids warm ;).
If you don't know how to sign up for MyPoints... I would gladly send you the link. You can build a group of people and earn points from them as they earn points... send me an email and I can link you up to the "FREE" stuff. My email: hils12ac@yahoo.com

If you feel you don't have time for this, think about the amount of time you spend on Facebook, Farmville, etc... it WILL pay off... I have been doing this for years now. I am a stay-at-home mom and this is my little contribution money wise.

Forgetting the Jones'

Okay, I am going to rant... prepare yourself. No, brace yourself. The Mr. returned from Iraq. We have decided to keep the homecoming a private one but I can tell you that there is no feeling like seeing your husband come toward you and your children after being gone for 5.5 months! Pure bliss... shaking, crying, hugging and kissing!

He came home and found the "yellow card." The "yellow card" explains that our van is due for emissions testing by April. Oh. Joy. It probably won't pass. Our van has seen some good times and has even assisted in finishing a basement among other fun times!

So the "yellow card" has thrust us into car buying.
Lesson #1. Don't tell people you are in the market for a car. Almost as much unwanted advice as being pregnant.
#2 I AM IN NO WAY INTERESTED IN KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES'. My self worth is not based on a big car or the payment that goes with it! Isn't it okay to simply say... I like small, small is good, almost no payment is good... AND MY KIDS WILL BE ABLE TO GO TO FREAKING COLLEGE DUE TO MY FRUGALITY!!!
(I warned you about the rant!)
Lesson #3... if you feel this rant is directed towards you; it isn't directed at anyone other than the American way of thinking that big is best and we have something to prove. Get over it; it isn't about YOU... in particular.
Lesson #4... I used to LOVE the thrill of negotiation. I'm over it. I'm so over this rediculousness that we feel is necessary in order to make a major purchase.
Lesson #5. I mourn the loss of the era of no car payment. 11 years for me and 9 for the Mr.

Lesson #6. I hate the "yellow card."

Why I love Vistaprint...

I'm in love with Vistaprint and I have been for quite some time. This website has made savings upon savings possible for gifts, cards and invitations!
Right now, if you search... there are plenty of items for free. You only have to pay the shipping!
I was able to get Goosie's custom Valentine's for free to hand out for school, ballet, etc. I, also, got free sticky notes, a note pad, and labels for baggies I use to put hairbows in to sell! I paid $10.35 for all of it... that was the cost of the shipping. Everything is personalized and one thing you must remember... order in advance so that you can choose the slow shipping. It says it takes 21 days with the slow shipping but I have had it show up earlier than that. This is how you get the savings!

What a great idea so start thinking about Easter, Mother's Day, etc. Scan and see what else you can get for free... rubber stamps, address labels, etc.! ENJOY!

Back to Basics...

I have a question for the readers... PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS...

Do you find yourself doing things to be more frugal?
How have you adjusted you budgets to find ways to save money?
Any helpful hints for those wanting to save more and spend less?

Coupon Codes as Promised!

Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Here is what I had listed on my FB page yesterday!

Redbook magazine (the edition with Mariska Hartigay) on the front has an orange pullout coupon inside for 20% off your entire purchase for Gymboree. It is good until August 30th

www.crazy8.com (an affiliate of Gymboree) is offering $10 off a $30 or more purchase. Use the code: welcome2c8
(at the checkout online)

The Martha Stewart magazine that just hit the stands has a coupon inside for 15% off at Children's Place

If you are ever looking for coupon codes, try www.clevermoms.com
I believe that www.mypoints.com has new coupon code searches, too.

Happy shopping!!!!