2014 Coupon Classes!

After such successful coupon classes last year, I've decided to host them again. There are 3 dates this time, the first 2 classes are beginner classes, and the last date is an "extreme" class! Hurry & sign up as there are limited spaces available! As a special, I'm offering a BOGO deal, so share the cost with a friend.

Look for more information in the Winter edition of Frugals.  You can pay via cash, check, money order, PayPal prior to class.  Space is limited, but if available, last minute sign ups will be accepted the night of class, accepting all forms of payment above and also credit cards.  When paying via PayPal, please be sure to include your contact information (name, address, phone, email) and the date you wish to attend.

Mister Paul's Legacy (Salisbury, MD)
630-830p
Cost $30 or 2/$45--cost includes dinner/drink/gratuity/class fee
Tuesday, March 25 (beginner class)
Tuesday, April 29 (beginner class)
Thursday, May 22 ("extreme" class)

Hope to see you there!

NEW printable coupons!

It's the first of the month, which means new coupons and coupon resets.  There are some awesome new coupons just in time to help stretch a buck during your holiday shopping.







Get 2 packs of batteries at Walmart for better than FREE!  Print 2 of these, buy specially marked packs of batteries and receive a $10 Walmart giftcard (by mail). 

Doc McStuffins check up center is IN STOCK!

HURRY!  

It's Baaaaaaack!

Remember the Purex deal I posted about scoring last month?  Well, it's baaaaaaack!  Rite Aid has Purex B1G2 FREE, and those Purex coupons reset a few days after the last deal, so I had a brand new stash of those to use too.

I got 12 bottles of Purex detergent, 3 bags of Purex detergent packs, 4 bottles of Nivea shave gel/foam, Tic Tacs & a small lego set (both not pictured because the kids grabbed them before I could snap the picture!).

Here's the breakdown:
Lego set     $1.59
Tic Tacs     $1.19
(4) Nivea shave     $6  ($1.50 each)
15 Purex detergent  $32.45  ($6.49 each, B1G2 FREE)
-------------------------------
Total before coupons = $43.70

Coupons used:
(2) $1 Rite Aid Up rewards
(5) $1.50/2 Purex
(5) 50c Purex
(2) $3/2 Nivea

Total after coupons = $24.88
Original retail value = $119.56

Impromptu shopping trip !

While I had some time to spare yesterday, I slipped in Toys R Us to browse for Christmas ideas for the kids on my list.  Remember the Groupon deal I posted about a few weeks ago?  Well, I used them today & saved a ton!  Check out my transactions.

Transaction 1:
Sulley costume   $5 clearance  (reg price $19.99)
(2) Simon flash game   $3 Red Hot deal  (reg price $9.99)
----------------------------------
Total before coupons = $11.00
$10 Groupon coupon redeemed
Total out of pocket = $1.06
Total retail value = $42.37

Transaction 2:
(2) Scrabble Flash games  $3 Red Hot deal  (reg price $9.99)
Peek a boo muffin toy foods  $5.98 (clearance price)
Fold & go tray  $4.48 (clearance price)
(2) baby doll outfits  $11.99  (BOGO 50% off, reg price $7.99)
(2) baby doll diapers  $10.48  (BOGO 50% off, reg price $6.99)
(2) 20pk TRU brand batteries  $11.99  (BOGO FREE)
---------------------------------------------------------
Total before coupons = $53.96
$5/25 coupon used
$10 + FREE pack batteries Groupon coupon redeemed
Total out of pocket = $25.36
Total retail value = $96.33

If I had planned on shopping, then I would have had my newly printed out game coupons with me, which would have allowed me to get the games for FREE!  Hurry & print yours out before they're gone!  If you don't need the games for someone on your list, consider donating them to Toys for Tots or another charitable program in your area.

CVS haul 11/7/13

Here's the goodies I managed to get at CVS last week for a mere $4.79.  In fact, I got a few things that aren't in the picture also.

Twizzlers = $2.25  (50% off original price)

CVS paper towels = 79c

(6) Arm & Hammer detergent = buy 1 for $6.99 get 2 FREE

Cracker jacks = $1.49

---------------------------------------------------------

Total before coupons = $19.17
Total after coupons = $4.79

Coupons used:
(2) $1/2 Arm & Hammer detergent
79c CVS paper towels (from "coupon machine")
$10 ECB
$2 ECB

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Enter the code you receive here at checkout, and our best-seller will be included for FREE!

Fall edition of Frugals now available!

The fall edition of Frugals is now available!  The cover is absolutely stunning, featuring the Riverside Grill restaurant in Pocomoke.  They even have 2 coupons on the inside cover, one for $3 savings on your entire check and the other for a FREE appetizer!  Hurry and pick one up for your family today as there are TONS of new money saving offers just waiting to be collected, and now’s the perfect time to start your holiday shopping!

With fall comes cooler weather…which means higher heating bills.  Matheson Gas in Salisbury has an offer on page 5 offering a propane special for any first fill.  They pride themselves on their competitive pricing and dependable delivery, servicing commercial and residential properties in MD, DE & VA.  Hobbs Gas Service is offering a gas fireplace or heater cleaning for only $70 (page 16).  The service includes cleaning of the burners/pilots/logs, check of pilot safety, thermocouple or MC generator, service remote control, light pilot, and operation of unit through a complete cycle.

One of my favorite things to do in October with my kids is visit some of the MANY area farms/pumpkin patches we have in the area.  Adkins Farm Market (Salisbury) has a fall decorating special for $25 which includes half bale of straw, bundle of corn stalks, 1 large pumpkin, 1 small pumpkin, 5 small gourds, 1 large gourd & a mum for only $25!  There is also a BOGO coupon for entrance to their corn maze (page 15).  Just a little farther north in Vienna, there is Breckenridge Adventures, which offers 2 coupons valid for savings in their corn maze or paintball fields (page 17). 

In case you haven’t heard, shopping local is important to the economy.  Are you tired of paying astronomically high prices from big corporate internet providers?  Why not try Bloosurf, a local high speed internet company who offers free standard installation and your first month FREE.  Plans start at only $29.99 per month (page 18).   
Consider gift cards to local restaurants as gifts for any occasion.  LORA stands for Locally Owned Restaurant Association and there are lots of GREAT eateries to choose from.  When you purchase $100+ in gift certificates, you can receive an extra $20 worth of FREE gift certificates (page 6).  Looking for something quick and easy for a gathering?  Consider Domino’s for your pizza needs and treat yourself to a carry out or delivery BOGO deal for large pizzas (page 36).  Pickles Subs & Deli (Onley, VA) has a coupon good for $2.50 off any purchase of $10 on page 45.  Saladworks is opening a new location in South Salisbury soon, across from Salisbury University.  If you’re looking for a job, you can apply at the current location in North Salisbury.  You can take advantage of 10% off any entrée by presenting the coupon on page 22.  In the mood for some Irish-American comfort food, or maybe just a good beer?  Check out the Irish Penny Pub & Grill in Salisbury.  Use the coupon on page 23 & get $5 off a purchase of $30+. 

 
Market Street Boutique in Pocomoke has a unique gathering of fine items you’re bound to love, from jewelry, apparel and handbags to perfume, soaps and collectibles.  Get 20% off your total purchase when you use the coupon on page 33.  Just down the street, you will find Heart-n-Home Gifts.  Their Christmas open house is to be held on Nov 15 & 16.  You can save 20% off your purchase with the coupon on page 32.  They have Baci beads, Willow Tree angels, tervis tumblers and even inspirational giftware.  Another great shopping opportunity is the same weekend (Nov 15-17) at H&H Furniture, also in Pocomoke, during their Spirit of Christmas weekend, where you can save 20% off any in stock accessory using the coupon on page 34.    I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t love to get jewelry.  Bailey Jewelers in Princess Anne is one of the most unique jewelry stores you will ever visit as many of their pieces are handmade and original designs.  Check out their coupon on page 3 to save 50% on any one item either in store or online.  I have to say that I can personally attest to their service, value and quality as my engagement and wedding rings both came from there, along with my husband’s band also.

With all this shopping you’re going to be doing, you might just need a storage unit to hide it all in.  Why not consider Greenbrier Self storage in Delmar, with units starting at just $45 a month.  You can save 25% off storage unit rental all year with their coupon on page 8, and they even have office space available should you be looking for a location.

With the holidays comes an increase in the mail we send.  Why not try Print & Ship in Princess Anne for your one stop shopping.  They’re more than just a copy center, offering services related to bulk mailing, business cards, wedding invitation, vinyl banners, vehicle magnets, and they are even a Fed-Ex shipping center.  Check out their ad on page 29 for more services they offer!

Girdletree Volunteer Fire Company is holding their 5^th annual fall cash bash on November 2^nd from 6-10pm.  Tickets are just $25 and there is $200 cash given away every 15 minutes, with a grand prize of $2500.  Buy 5 tickets for the price of 4 when you order online using offer code FRU1113.  Ticket cost includes all you can eat & drink clam fritters, pork BBQ, fries, beer, soda & much more!  There will also be bull riding, door prizes, silent auctions & raffles.  For more information, check out their ad on page 40.

Don’t know what your kids want for Christmas?  Stop guess!  Head right on over to AeroSports Trampoline park in Delmar and purchase their “Frequent flyer deal” of 7 jump hours for only $60--That’s a $45 savings!  See page 24 for more details.
For the big kid in your life, PASCO sells high quality products at a great price with highly trained staff and quick service for automotive, marine, agriculture, industrial, powersports, heavy duty truck & more!  You can save 10% off any alternator, starter or battery with the ad on the back cover of Frugals.  They have multiple locations across the Eastern Shore, so there’s one close to you.

I’m not one to push religion, but the Walk Through Bethlehem at Lynnhaven Baptist Church in Pocomoke is one of my most favorite holiday activities.  We’ve done it twice, and the kids are already asking if we’re going back this year (Of course!).  It’s not a play, but an interactive, unique, outdoor experience that’s FREE with refreshments available.  Get there early, because lines tend to form outside once inside the church is full.  Did I mention there are live animals—even a camel?!  See page 4 for more details, dates and contact information.

You’ve heard of a flash mob, right?  Well, the newest thing is a CASH MOB!  A Cash Mob is similar to the Black Friday experience, but a local business will offer awesome discounts of 50-75% off regular retail price for a short period of time.  Sometimes there are light refreshments and door buster deals in addition to the already reduced savings.  There was one at Season’s Best Antiques in Salisbury last weekend, and one coming up at Olive Street Mall in Salisbury on November 16 from 10a-1p.  Attending a Cash Mob is an exciting experience, but it also supports local businesses!  For directions to either location, check out pages 12-13 in Frugals.

Rite Aid haul today

8 bottles purex detergent, 1 bag purex detergent packs & 2 wet one wipes containers total retail = $64.12. Total after sale/coupons = $9.54!

The Purex was on sale B1G2 FREE, and I had several coupons $1.50/ and 50c/1 that I combined for each set of 4 bottles.  The Wet Ones were B1G1 and I had $1/2 coupon for those.  I also had a $5 Up Reward from last week's Tide deal.

Family Dollar haul

This is my haul from Family Dollar today! Total retail value = $14.05 Total paid = $2.36

**LOCALS** FREE movie this weekend!

Be sure to check out Frugals for a concessions coupon to use while you're there!

FREE Slurpee on 7/11!

7-Eleven is celebrating its 86th birthday tomorrow, July 11 (7/11) by giving away a free small Slurpee drink at participating stores nationwide! The offer is good from 11 to 7p, while supplies last.  And, just in case you were wondering, the free birthday Slurpee is a genuine small-size Slurpee drink size, almost double the size of the 7.11-ounce promotional size from previous birthday giveaways

Click here to find a participating location near you!  If you are a Plink user, don't forget to use the card associated with your account so you can get points if you purchase a snack to go with your FREE Slurpee.

Frugals summer publication!

It’s finally SUMMER! Granted, with all the crazy weather we’ve been having lately, it feels a little more like spring, but school is out & there are SO many different things going on all around the Eastern Shore that there’s bound to be something you’ll find interesting. The Summer edition of Frugals was recently published, and you can use it as a directory to find the many events and even use it to save a few bucks!

I have to share with you my recent savings using Frugals: Our AC unit stopped cooling one night, and of course it was the beginning of a “heat wave” so I knew I needed to have it looked at quickly. I flipped through my Frugals until I found an ad for Hickman Heating, Plumbing & Air. I called the number listed, and believe it or not, they were able to come to my house the very same day! I mentioned the ad, and saved $20 off my service call bill. I was very pleased with their friendliness, professionalism and promptness, so I would recommend them to anyone who was looking for a reliable heating/air company. On page 18, there’s a new business called Above & Beyond Services, who focus on heating & cooling sales, service & installation. They’re licensed and insured, and offer 24 hours service 365 days a year. You can save $20 off any service call or $200 off a replacement system.

How many times have you had a small chip in your vehicle windshield and ignored it, thinking it would be okay until you saved up the money for your insurance deductible, yet walked out to the car on a hot day to find that the small chip had become a travelling crack? Mr Go Glass now offers the “Unbreakable windshield guarantee” which means that if for any reason, your replacement windshield breaks within 1 full year from the date of purchase, they will replace it absolutely FREE! But, Mr Go Glass isn’t just for auto glass, they do residential glass (windows, shower doors, etc) and also commercial glass & glazing. With locations in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, there’s a location near you.

One of the new events I’m looking forward to this year is the Delmarva Sportsmen’s Expo benefitting the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company, to be held at the Wicomico Civic Center on September 20-22. There’s going to be vendors available for fishing tackle, decoys & calls, campers, golf carts, lodges & resorts, and even a LIVE fishing pond for kids stocked with 600 pounds of hungry fish!

Who remembers The Dukes of Hazzard? I’m a little young, but have seen re-runs on TV and the movie. The Millsboro Chamber is hosting The Dukes Festival on Saturday, September 21, which features a parade, food, music, “Chickin’ Pickin” and more! Another fundraiser in September is the Humane Society of Wicomico County’s golf tournament on September 28. Cost is $225/4 person team, which includes your cart and lunch. Hospitality tickets for non-golfers can be purchased for $25, which includes lunch & other events. Registration for this event ends on August 30th at 5pm.

Looking for something fun for the kids to do in a place with the comfort of air conditioning? Check out Aerosports Trampoline Arena in Delmar. There’s a BOGO FREE admission coupon on page 14. Not just for kids, but fun & fitness for all ages! Not to mention they should sleep well that night! Eastern Shore Soccer Company (serving DE, MD & VA) is offering $5 off registration using their coupon found on page 19. The Dance Loft in Pocomoke (page 34), is offering 1 month FREE with 2 months paid enrollment for new clients. With 30+ years of experience and new classes beginning Sept 3, now is the time to register for ballet, tap and/or jazz from ages 3 through teen!

Not into jumping…water more your thing? Check out West OC Watersports on page 41. They have pontoon rentals, 2 hour bay fishing trips, and even a booze cruise for the adults for up to as many as 16 passengers. No fishing license is required, and price includes rods & bait, with beer/soda/snacks available. Always wanted to see some of the islands the way the “locals” do? Check out Assateague Adventure in Chincoteague for scenic day cruises starting at just $25! Rates/departure times may vary and reservations are suggested.

Greenbrier Self Storage in Delmar is offering 25% off a storage rental unit for new customers through the end of September (page 10), so if you have a student headed to college, and want to transform their “old” room into your new office, exercise room, etc, check it out. Coupon is applied to total rental time up to 1 year.

Doing some travelling this summer and can’t take your precious pet with you? Maryland Shore Pet Resort in Vienna is offering 20% off base lodging with the coupon located on page 25. They also offer grooming, training, day camps & spas for your pet.

It’s summer, and it’s hot…which means cooking makes it even hotter! So why not go out to eat? There are plenty of restaurants in the Frugals publication offering awesome coupons for their establishments. Saladworks (page 14) offers 10% off an entrée, Paul’s Pizza (page 23), an authentic New York pizza parlor in Salisbury, offers a FREE topping on any size pizza, Mister Paul’s Legacy in Salisbury (location for previous coupon classes) now features “Two Wheel Tuesdays” featuring live music, food & drink specials, and even a bike contest. There’s also a BOGO half off entrée coupon on page 25.

Crafting is a unique way to stay cool during these hot summer months. The Pincushion in Pocomoke is offering 20% off full yards of fabric (page 32). They also offer quilting classes & kits, as well as alterations and custom quilts. Heart N Home is just down the street from The Pincushion and offers a wide variety of items, including Willow Tree angels, Yankee candles, Tervis tumblers, and other inspirational gifts. Use the 20% coupon on page 34 to save even more! Designer Discounts in Parksley, VA offers 35% off your purchase of $20 or more (excluding jewelry). They have top name brands, new & used, shoes, clothing, handbags, and even formal wear.

One of the local festivals that kind of wraps up the summer is the 66th National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, to be held August 29-September 1 at Somers Cove Marina. Just a few of the features are a carnival, parade, concerts, fireworks and the famous boat docking contest! You can save $2 off a concert ticket with the coupon located on the back cover of the publication.

Did you get to the spring Cash Mob at Seasons Best Antiques? I didn’t, but I read where it was an absolute HIT, so I’m hoping to get to the fall even to see for myself. The next Cash Mob is scheduled for Sunday, October 6 from noon until 5pm, so mark your calendar now!

Guest Post: Taking Advantage of the Internet to Save Money (Donald Phillips)

The state of the economy and rising costs has hit most of us square in the pocketbook, and people are looking for more and more ways to pinch pennies.  Luckily, we have a fabulous resource directly at our fingertips; the internet.  Here are five simple ways you can use the internet to save money.

1.      Comparison Sites
Comparison sites such as Bizrate and Nextag allow users to compare the price of a single product across many different retailers.  Be sure to watch out for shipping costs as they may vary from seller to seller.

2.      Deal & Coupon Sites
From Coupons.com to Living Social, there are many different ways to get a discount on products and services. 
       ·         Printable and E-coupons – Coupons you can print out and take to the store with you.  Some stores will even scan coupons directly from your smartphone.
       ·         Promotional Codes – A code used to get a discount.  Usually issued directly by the retailer.          
       ·         One Day Sales – Deals offered for one day only.
       ·         Email offers – Coupons, rebates, sales and codes sent directly to your email.

Suggestions: Retail Me Not, Current Codes, Woot and Groupon. 

3.      Do It Yourself
The rise of Pinterest has led to an insanely huge database of DIY projects that can save you money.  From cleaning products to pet food, there is a seemingly endless supply of ideas!

4.      Auction Sites
On auction sites like eBay, users compete for savings by bidding on products.  The recent emergence of penny auctions  has allowed bidders to save even more money by bidding in small increments.  Used correctly, auction sites can be a fabulous money saving tool.

5.      Rebate Programs
Sites like Ebates and Mr. Rebates offer cash back on thousands of products.  Combined with online coupons, cash back programs can save some serious dough.  Be sure to check out the major retailers you purchase from as well.  Costco, Staples, Lowe’s and many others offer easy rebates online!
The internet has revolutionized shopping; making it an easier, hassle-free process.  It’s also given us an amazing opportunity to save money and become smarter shoppers.  Combining these five tools with a little common sense can take you a long way in the war on overspending. 

Donald Phillips is a fervent bargain hunter and rabid coupon clipper.  He has recently teamed up with HappyBidDay to offer shoppers ideas on how to save money by shopping online.

Happy Birthday, America!

Amazon local

There's no place like home... for great deals save up to 75% at restaurants, salons, and other businesses in your hometown. See where AmazonLocal is now and sign up to get free deal e-mails when we're in your city.

$10 gift card for McDonald's purchase

Link your credit/debit card to your Plink account and make a purchase at McDonalds by Sunday, June 9 & you will earn a $10 gift card (10,000 points)!  This offer is valid for new Plink members only.

Super Giant steal!

I got all this for just under $6 yesterday at Super Giant.  The Hunt's spaghetti sauce was on sale 10/$10, and when you bought 8, you earned 200 gas points.  I had 35c coupons for all of them, which doubled to 70c, so each can only cost me a whopping 30c!  The Chef Boyardee was also 10/$10 and I have a 50c/4 which doubled to $1, so essentially I bought 3 & got 1 free.

BETTER THAN FREE Capri Sun big pouch!

You can MAKE MONEY by purchasing Capri Sun big pouch juice drinks using Ibotta.  These run about 88c at Walmart & right now, you can get $1 back when you purchase at a participating retailer and use the Ibotta phone app. I also paired my purchase with the B2G1 free coupon that was available not too long ago.

Not an Ibotta user yet?  Sign up here, it's FREE!  I've already had $13+ sent to my PayPal account!

Frugals spring publication is available!

Wow!  We went from winter to summer over the weekend, huh?!  Surely it will snow next weekend here on the shore…It’s time for you to pick up the newest Frugals, the FREE publication featuring TONS of local coupons!

Truth of the matter is though, now that spring is officially here, summer is just around the corner, which means it’s pool season!  Prism Pools & Spas in Onancock, VA is hosting their Spring Open House on Friday, April 19 & Saturday, April 20 starting at 830am.  Don’t think they just deal in pools though; they have small dump delivery, concrete patios, and can even assist you with the weekly maintenance of your pool or spa.  Don’t forget the coupon on the inside cover good for $25 off your purchase or service over $50.  No pool of your own?  No problem…Green Hill Yacht & Country Club has a family pool membership for just $400 for the entire summer season!  While you’re there, enjoy some of the yummy treats at the grille, and an extra 15% your food purchase with the coupon on page 13.

In addition to pool season, summer is known for its many festivals and carnivals here on the Eastern Shore.  No matter what your interest, there’s bound to be something for you! 

Pork in the Park is just a few days away!  Winterplace Park is the place to be for yummy pork barbeque and great music.  Admission is just $5 for adults and kids are FREE!  The Salisbury Festival runs from April 26-28^th in downtown Salisbury and Riverwalk park.  There will be live entertainment, local shopping, carnival rides/games, a farmer’s market & much more.  You can enjoy FREE admission and FREE parking in the City parking garage all weekend long!  The Hebron Carnival begins on May 29^th, offering family fun for all ages with rides and games, and yummy food including their famous oyster sandwiches.  You can find a $4 coupon good for rides on page 3.  Right after Hebron Carnival closes, the Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival opens on June 28^th.  They offer FREE admission, rides and games, raffles, and official CVFC merchandise.  A $3 coupon for their ride wristband is on page 5.  As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a Blueberry Festival in Chincoteague running from July 19-21^st.  Enjoy $1 off adult admission with the coupon found on page 42.  A trip to the Salisbury Zoo is always exciting for the young ones.  Now you can get a FREE drink with a hot dog/chip purchase at The Beastro located inside the zoo (page 15). the Princess Anne & Mt Vernon fire companies are hosting their very first Firemen’s Fest on June 8^th at the Princess Anne Civic Center.  There will be food, a classic car show, fireman’s muster, art & crafts vendors and concerts all day long, including the Nathan Pinchak band and the Chris Lane band!  Children 6 and under are FREE, ages 7-12 are $7 and adults are only $15 for ALL DAY! 

Music not your thing?  What about the sound of loud engines roaring as they battle for the longest tractor pull length?!  The Lucas Oil Pro-Pulling Tractor Pull is a sell-out event held at the Pocomoke Fairgrounds on June 22.  Tickets start at just 8, but be sure to go early for best seating.

OK, if music or loud engines aren’t your style, then perhaps arts & crafts are…The Spring Arts & Crafts show is scheduled at the Ocean City Convention center Memorial Day weekend, with FREE admission!  Vendors from 7 states will feature their creations, so be sure to check them out.  You’re sure to find something unique to fit your style.

Looking for somewhere different to go this summer, but not spend too much money?  Try a Tangier Island cruise aboard the Steven Thomas.  You can get $2 off your cruise ticket with the coupon on page 6 or $1 off a souvenir mug.  If you’re more of the adventurous type and want a hands-on experience, try a rental from the Pocomoke River Canoe Company.  They have paddle boards, canoes, motor boats and kayaks available.  Use the coupon on page 36 to save $5 off your rental.  Why not take a day to relax and sip some wine at the Bordeleau Winery in Eden, MD.  Their tasting room is open Wednesday thru Sunday, and you can save 15% off a wine purchase of $15 or more (page 12).

If travel is on your agenda, and you happen to be flying out of BWI, consider staying at the BWI Ramada where they have a park, sleep & fly package complete with a FREE continental breakfast and round trip shuttle service to the airport.  Mention the Frugals ad  on page 16 to save $20!

Spring is the time for flowers and getting those yards ready for the sun.  Johnson’s Seed & Feed in Salisbury has all your garden and pet supply needs, and offers 15% off your purchase when you present the coupon from page 14.  Need to update your house?  Check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Salisbury.  You can find almost anything from appliances, furniture, flooring, lighting, building materials and more!  You can save 20% off their already reduced prices with the coupon on page 14.  If you’re not looking to buy, consider donating your used items.  A FREE pick-up service is available for larger items.  If you’re looking for handcrafted, solid wood furniture, check out the Dutch Country Heirloom Furniture and Market in Laurel, DE.  On page 11, you will find money saving coupons for both furniture and food to fit your fancy!

It will soon be too hot to cook, so why not try a local eatery for dinner tonight?  Pocomoke Diner is offering 15% off your total check of $10 or more (page 31).  Saladworks in Salisbury has a coupon good for 10% off an entrée (page 20), and they even offer catering, online ordering and delivery.  Did you know that just for visiting The Crab Place online, you can earn a $10 gift card, see page 29 for more details.  After eating crabs, my family always follows it up with ice cream.  There’s nothing more satisfying than a big, cold ice cream cone after gorging on hot steamed crabs.  If you haven’t already tried Chesapeake Bay Dairy, you have got to get yourself to 1 of their 2 locations (Berlin or Pocomoke)!  Don’t forget the buy one get one free coupon on page 33.  If those locations aren’t close enough, then head to ColdStone Creamery and enjoy their 2/$5 coupon deal on page 12.  Not too long ago, I entered a contest on Facebook and won a pan of brownies from The Deli at Pecan Square.  They were the most delicious brownies I have ever had in my entire life and the other ladies in my office raved about them the rest of the week.  In addition to their brownies, they offer an everyday special of any large sub with fries and a soda for $9.99.  No coupon necessary.  See page 24 for more details.  On Friday nights, my family likes to eat out.  The kids usually want McDonalds, but this momma gets tired of the same old thing, so I head to Subway for my dinner.  You can bet that I’ll definitely be using the coupon on page 40 to get my entire meal, including chips & a drink for only $5!

We all know that spring and summer are busy times for photographs, think weddings and graduations.  KB Fotography does any occasion and offers wedding packages starting at only $250!  Wish I’d known about them when I got married!  See their ad on page 34 for contact information.

OK, so I’ve only highlighted some of the awesome deals in the current Frugals publication.  If you haven’t read about something that strikes your fancy, pick up your own copy, I know you will find at least one in there to use before it expires.  Don’t forget to sign up for the coupon class being led by myself on May 13 & June 24.  Space is limited, and this event is being sponsored by Frugals and held at Mister Paul’s Legacy.  Hope to see you there!

Guest Post: The Fallout of TLC's Extreme Couponing (Morgan Wright)

Morgan Wright is a stay at home mother of two and a freelance writer. Through her writing, she helps her friends and readers find the best available ULTA coupons and other beauty products. Apart from writing, Morgan enjoys experimenting with different dishes. 

Since TLC’s Extreme Couponing show gained popularity, many couponers are complaining that manufacturers have been stricter with their coupons. They accuse TLC of exposing their secrets to the masses, ruining potential saving in the future. But is there any hard proof of this, or is it all purely anecdotal evidence?

Despite these concerns, more people than ever are trying their own hand at couponing. If you’re interested in trying for extreme savings yourself, try out these beginner tips!

Look Online
While those little weekly flyers still weigh down the Sunday paper, and there are still the little coupons at the grocery stores, online coupons have been gaining popularity. Looking online for coupons can be more convenient than keeping track of piles of shiny bits of paper. Coupons can be found all across the internet for almost any item you can think of; from department store merchandise, to large electronic items, there is literally a coupon for everything.

Heck, you can even get coupons on your smartphone with services like Groupon and like-minded companies. Even sites that already sell marked down items can have extra savings if you just take the time to look, like these Overstock.com coupons for example. Even branded items like Levi’s, or specialty companies like 1-800-Flowers. Almost any established online retailer will have online coupons that will net you extra savings.

If You Can’t Lick ‘em, Join ‘em! 
Go to TLC, grab your handy notebook, and write down those couponing tips that catch your eye. While you might know all about dumpster diving to score extra coupons, I bet you’ve never tried it because you think you’re above it even if it’s a great (albeit dirty) tactic! And what about multiple transactions? While some coupons require this extra step that can be a hindrance, the savings can more than make up for the multiple transactions. There are plenty of tips to gleam from the TLC show. Yes, some are extreme, but some can still help even a regular couponer score extra savings.

Recognizing Coupon Fraud 
This one is serious and TLC’s show exposed a woman who intentionally chose to defraud the system by using coupons that didn’t match the items that she was purchasing. How serious is this? It is fraud and a criminal offense. Worst of all, it reflects poorly upon those of us who are sincere in our couponing efforts.

Knowingly purchasing items that do not match coupons is a big no-no and as a result manufacturers have changed their bar code policies directly due to participants on Extreme Couponing.

At the end of the day, extreme couponing isn’t for everyone. As a matter of fact, couponers are a rather rare breed. They are great at spotting sales and savings, and are not afraid to flash that coupon binder at a moment’s notice. If this sounds like you, don’t forget couponing hasn’t, nor will it ever, go out of fashion. After all, couponers and manufacturers have a symbiotic relationship. One is necessary for the other’s survival.

Be smart, savvy, and keep the coupons clipping.

I got all this for only $1!

Went inRite Aid tonight to spend some Up Rewards that were expiring & here's what I bought:

1 RA brand baby shampoo  $3.03
2 NYC caramel lipstick   $2.38
2 NYC gold lipstick  18c
1 Tic Tac  99c
---------------------------------
Total before coupons $6.58

Coupons used:
(2) $1.99 Up rewards
$1 Up reward

Total OOP = $1

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