Earth Day Freebies 2022

/

Amazon
Starting April 11, Amazon is launching their Devices Sustainability landing page in celebration of Earth Day! This will be a central hub for shopping and educational information for sustainable Amazon devices, such as their Smart Thermostat and Pre-owned/refurbished Devices. Additional content will include information on Alexa sustainability programs and features, existing sustainability-related videos, and an “Alexa, plant a tree” feature where customers can help protect the planet by using their voice to directly donate $1 to plant one tree through the One Tree Planted foundation. They will also be offering up to $35 off on select Echo and Alexa devices, including 20% off the Amazon Smart Thermostat, 38% off Alexa-enabled Home security devices and up to $112 off advanced eero WiFi 6 mesh routers!

Babo Botanicals: Use the promo code HELLO25 to get 25% off your purchase. They are also offering free shipping on all orders of $39.95+.

Bamboo Ave: Between April 20 and 26, you can get two pairs of Boundless Shorts for just $110 ($18 savings). No code is necessary.

Burt’s Bees: Save big when you buy any Burt’s Bees CBD product and get a second free with code CBD50.

CandaScent: This luxury wellness brand sells candles that are free of all synthetics with 100% plant-derived ingredients. For Earth Day, they are offering their candles at 22% off with free shipping on orders of $75+ in the USA.

Cariloha: Get up to 50% off clearance items and free shipping on all orders over $100.

Esembly: The entire site is 25% off from April 21-28 to help parents make the switch to cloth diapering or purchase new sizes, designs and more. No code needed! 

Fekkai Hair Products: We love that every bottle of FEKKAI’s hair products are made with recyclable high-grade repurposed plastic! You can save 20% on their apple cider detox three-step system through April 1 and free shipping on orders of $20+

Free People: This popular clothing company goes a step further and celebrates Earth Month. Free People partners with the National Park Foundation (NPF) to create the largest sustainable collection to date with the FreeCycled Tees collection, whose fiber contents contribute to a savings of over 3 million liters of water. Plus, when you buy any style from their Running Through My Mind Collection you’ll receive a free Nalgene Earth Day water bottle!

GNC: By one, get one free on everything you need to power through spring.

Google: They have a few deals running throughout Earth month! From April 11 to May 8, you can get $50 off the Nest Learning Thermostat, available at the Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart. Then from April 21 to May 1 you can get $30 off the Nest Thermostat, available at the Google Store, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot and Kohls.

Green Mountain: Did you know that Green Mountain Coffee Roasters K-Cup pods are recyclable?! To celebrate Earth Day, in previous years they’ve offered a “buy, snap and get” promotion in select stores and online to encourage consumers to recycle responsibly. To participate, customers could purchase $15 worth of recyclable K-Cup pods, snap a picture of their receipt texted or emailed to gmcr@uploadreceipt.com and received a $12 coffee coupon and a reusable tote bag.

Just Salad: This leading sustainable food brand, Just Salad, is encouraging customers to eat green on April 22 with a deal. Get all their chef-designed salads and bowls purchased in-store in a reusable bowl for just $8.99. Plus, Just Salad will also be offering $8.99 for climatarian menu options – order online or in the Just Salad mobile app.

Lowe’s: Lowe’s is bringing back with SpringFest just in time for Earth Day! From April 7 to May 4, you can get major spring savings on lawn and garden items, lighting, patio furniture and lots more.

Lush: This body product company believes in creating a cosmetic revolution to save the planet. For Earth Day, Lush is donating 100% of the profits of their Charity Pot products to local charities and initiatives around the world.

ModCloth: They have a great deal for! You can get up to 40% off two items – such as two select styles for $30 or two for $40. ModCloth also offers a sustainability style guide to help you shop more eco-friendly.

My Green Mattress: Save $100 on certified organic mattresses with the code GREEN100.

Natural Vitality: Get 25% off bottles of Natural Calm products with code 21RELAX1.

Nest Thermostat: The best-selling Google Nest smart home thermostat is on sale for $129 with rebates available!

Next Level Burger: America’s first 100% plant-based burger joint is celebrating Earth Month by offering a Good Catch burger that gives back. From now through April 30, customers can purchase a Good Catch Crispy Fish Burger made with a Good Catch fish patty, lemon-herb mayo, organic lettuce, tomato and plant-based American cheese and 10% of its proceeds will benefit non-profit environmental organization Ocean Blue Project. 

Nick’s Ice Cream: In celebration of Earth Day, Nick’s will be creating a better planet through better-for-you snacking. Nick’s will be offering a chance to win a year’s supply of Nick’s ice cream made with Perfect Day at try.nicks.com/earthday.

Origins: The Green The Planet Fund plants a tree for every Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Lotion purchased. Get free shipping on orders of $35+, a free sample for every $15 spent and healthcare heroes get 30% off.

Out of the Woods: This company sells bags made from materials we can replenish to save the planet we can’t replace, and they are offering 20% off site wide during Earth Week.

Pact: Purchase sustainable fashion for the while family, plus earth-friendly products, and get 20% off the your first order and free shipping on orders of $50+.

PHYTO: This eco-friendly hair care company is offering free shipping on orders of $75+ and 15% off your first order.

Pressed: On Earth Day (April 22), customers can bring two empty plastic bottles into any Pressed retail location to redeem for a free Greens 2 juice that has a limited-edition “Save the Soil” label to support regenerative agriculture farmers in partnership with Kiss the Ground. 

Proof: Proof offers a line of really (really) leakproof period underwear that empowers women to live life worry-free. Starting midnight PT on April 22 – 11:59pm PT on April 22, they are offering 20% off your purchase with code DOWNTOEARTH20.

Spongelle: From April 20-24, Spongellé is partnering with Women’s Earth Alliance and donating a portion of sales. Shop their Gentle & Eco-Friendly collection and save up to 40% off, no code required. Plus, Spongelle is donating a portion of sales to Women’s Earth Alliance, a women-led, grassroots solutions organization with the mission to protect our environment and strengthen communities from the inside out.

S’well: If you’re a new customer, sign up for their email blasts and take 15% off your first purchase. Plus, get free shipping on orders of $20+.

Tentree: Get 10% off sitewide of any of Tentree’s sustainable apparel with the code PLANT10MORE. Plus, free shipping on all orders!

ThredUP: Reduce your carbon footprint and help the earth by donating or selling your used clothes using ThredUP. Get 50% off your first order right now!

TOMS: This brand is known for practicing sustainability in how they create their products. Right now for Earth Day, TOMS is offering a buy one, get one 50% off deal on full-priced styles. Plus, get 15% off sitewide with code RTMN15 and 15% cash back with RetailMeNot.

Veggie Grill: Veggie Grill Rewards members that sign up will unlock $5 off when they pace their first order to help the planet,.

Wolven: This fashion company is on a mission to make sustainability sexy! They have active tops made from bottles, and everything they make is carbon-neutral. Right now, get 20% off with code ATOMIC20.

Companies Hosting Events and Initiatives for Earth Day 2022

Anthropologie: When you spend over $175 online at Anthropologie, they’ll give you a free reusable “Only-At-Anthro” limited-edition tote to reinforce the reuse lifestyle.

Athleta: This athletic company is celebrating Earth Day with recommitting their pledge to use recycled plastic bottles to make their recycled polyester fabric. To date they’ve diverted 1.1 tons of fabric from landfills!

H&M: This fast-fashion company has always been advocating1for a cleaner earth. They are expected to drop a special collaboration for Earth Day this year – stay tuned!

Physicians Formula: This makeup brand is working with EarthDay.org to plant a tree for every Butter Bronzer they sell during the month of April. They are also repackaging the bronzer “to be safer for the environment and more eco-friendly with recyclable components and reduced packaging.”

Van Leeuwen: The cult-favorite ice-cream brand Van Leeuwen celebrated Mother Earth in prior years by donating to The Conservation Fund with every scoop or pint of vegan ice cream you purchased in their scoop shops or online. They will likely bring this back!


Source: Retailmenot

15+ Apps To Get Free Fast Food

/

1. BK app from Burger King. This app gives you access to a regularly updating collection of exclusive coupons. Past offers have included buy one, get one free Original Chicken sandwiches and a free Whopper Jr. with the purchase of large classic fries.

2. McDonald’s app from McDonald’s. With the McDonald’s app, you get weekly deals on food and drinks. Past deals have included free medium fries with any purchase, free medium shake or McFlurry with any purchase and buy one, get one free sandwiches.

3. Baskin-Robbins app from Baskin-Robbins. Downloading the Baskin-Robbins app will earn you a free scoop of ice cream, plus access to coupons and promotions throughout the year.

4. Auntie Anne’s. With the My Pretzel Perks app, you get a free pretzel with your first purchase. After that, you earn points with every order that you can use toward future free pretzels. Using the app, you can also check out new product news and access exclusive offers.

5. Krispy Kreme Rewards app from Krispy Kreme. After downloading the Krispy Kreme Rewards app and registering your account, you can receive a free original glazed doughnut. On your birthday, you’ll be treated to a gift.

6. Sonic app from Sonic. When you create an account on the Sonic app, you receive a free medium slush. You’ll continue to receive new rewards every month when you reload your MySonic card. You can also use the app to pay at your stall or in the drive-through, browse nearby Sonic locations, check nutritional info and send digital gift cards.

7. Schlotzky’s. Upon downloading this app, you receive a free small Original sandwich. You can use the app to custom order sandwiches in advance and earn $7 off on your seventh visit. You’ll also get special bonuses for sharing the app with your friends and on social media.

8. Steak ‘n Shake. You can use the Rewards app to order menu items from Steak ‘n Shake and pay on the go. You get a free milkshake after you make your first purchase with the app and earn $5 in credit for every $50 you spend.

9. Jamba Juice app from Jamba Juice. When you use the Jamba Juice app to make your first purchase, you can get $2 off. As a Jamba Juice Insider, you’ll also get a free smoothie or juice on your birthday. Using the app, you can track your rewards, browse menus and order ahead at participating locations.

10. TCBY app from TCBY. Download the TCBY app, and you’ll score a free treat. After your first freebie, you can earn $3 for every $30 you spend and get a $3 reward for referring friends. Using the app, you can look up TCBY locations and review menus, nutrition and allergy info.

11. Marble Slab Creamery and MaggieMoo’s. After downloading the Slab Happy Rewards app, you’ll be rewarded with a free ice cream. You’ll also receive a $5 off coupon for your birthday and earn points every time you make a purchase at either shop. With the app, you can look up menus, order online and find nearby stores.

12. Rita’s Ice mobile app from Rita’s Italian Ice. The Rita’s Ice mobile app essentially functions as a digital rewards card. After you purchase eight treats and present the app on your mobile device, you’ll score a free regular Italian ice, frozen custard or gelati. With the app, you also receive news and special offers from Rita’s throughout the year.

13. Checkers: Get a mobile coupon from Checkers for a free Big Bufford burger with any purchase. Sign up here!

14:Chili’s: Chili’s is offering free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage every time you visit. All you have to do to redeem this perk is download their app and become a rewards member!

15. Baja Fresh: Baja Fresh will give you a free taco with any purchase after downloading the app and joining Club Baja. This freebie is valid for a Chicken, Carnitas Baja, or Americano Taco.

16. Wendy’s: Download the Wendy’s app! The app has offers goodies like free burgers and free chicken tenders with any purchase.

17. Panera: Download the Panera Bread app! Once you register for the MyPanera rewards program, you automatically get a free pastry. The more you use the app, the more free surprises you’ll get — like a free sandwich or salad.

18. 7-Eleven: Once you download the 7-Eleven app and sign up for their rewards program, you instantly secure a free coffee.

Netflix Codes For Kids

/

Kid & Family Movies

  • Children & Family Movies (783)

  • Children & Family Movies based on real-life (4927)

  • Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (1951)

  • Exciting Children & Family Movies (2381)

  • Family Features (51056)

  • Feel-good Children & Family Movies (4505)

  • Feel-good Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (4355)

  • Goofy Children & Family Movies (355)

  • Biographical Children & Family Movies (2478)

  • Sentimental Children & Family Movies (4942)

  • Sports Children & Family Movies (453)

  • Visually-Striking Imaginative Children & Family Movies (2480)

  • British Children & Family Movies (2473)

Movies Based on Literature

  • Comic Book and Superhero Movies (10118)

  • Imaginative movies based on children’s books (2253)

  • Movies based on children’s books (10056)

  • Dramas based on children’s books (1129)

  • Sentimental Movies based on children’s books (3869)

Anime

  • Comedy Anime (9302)

  • Drama Anime (452)

  • Anime Series (6721)

Movies by Genre

  • Dinosaurs (67687)

  • Dramas for ages 8 to 10 (1267)

  • Princesses (67624)

  • Goofy Animal Tales (904)

  • Animal Tales (5507)

  • Classic Musicals (32392)

  • Classic Comedies (31694)

  • Nature & Science Documentaries (2595)

Teen Viewing

  • Feel-good Teen Movies (2548)

  • Teen Action & Adventure (3754)

  • Teen Comedies (3519)

  • Teen Coming-of-age Dramas (4295)

  • Teen Coming-of-age Movies (2916)

  • Teen Dramas (9299)

  • Teen Independent Comedies (4441)

  • Teen Movies (2340)

  • Teen Sports Comedies (945)

  • Teen Sports Movies (3410)

  • Inspiring Teen Movies (1349)

TV & Kids’ Fitness

  • Kids’ Music (52843)

  • Education for Kids (10659)

  • Kids’ TV (27346)

  • TV Cartoons (11177)

  • TV Comedies for ages 5 to 7 (4887)

  • TV Shows for ages 11 to 12 (4293)

Top Money-Saving Grocery Apps

/

CHECKOUT51:

Checkout51 offers fewer (usually) higher-rebated items. Just snap a picture of your receipt and get cashback. When your account reaches $20, they’ll mail you a check. 

For Apple and Android

BRANDCLUB:

I just learned about the most awesome way to earn cash. Sign up for FREE Brandclub and get $10 to start.

TO EARN MORE CASH:

  • Register click join for all of the “clubs” that are listed on that page

  • Connect your Amazon, Walmart, and Target accounts to get $7. They’ll load $10 for making a new account, then $7 from that.

  • Go to the home page in the app and scroll down to the tutorials. Scroll through those to get another $3.

  • It might take a day or so for them to allow you to cash out via Venmo or Paypal.

  • Make sure you do the email verification under the Rewards-cash out section as well.


IBOTTA:

Ibotta is one of my fave apps. Add deals for all kinds of items like food, alcohol, beauty items, clothes, and household items. Then scan your receipt (and usually the item’s bar code) after you buy the item. Once you get to $20, choose from PayPal or gift cards for places like Amazon.

For Apple and Android

FETCH APP:

Fetch is at the top of my fave apps.

Scan receipts for everything from groceries to gasoline and more.

  • Download Fetch Rewards free here: http://www.fetchrewards.com

  • Enter my referral code, R3QDP, during signup and you'll get 3,000 Fetch Points ($3.00 in points!) when you complete one receipt.

  • Your gift card will be emailed to you.

TARGET CARTWHEEL APP:

With Target’s app, you browse and add offers to your unique bar code online. Then, just pull up the bar code on your phone and present it like a coupon at checkout. 

For Apple and Android

RAKUTEN APP:

Hundreds of readers have gotten this deal and you can too! It’s so easy. Sign up for Rakuten using this referral link. You must be a new user and use the referral link to get $40 cash back.

Within 90 days you have to make at least $40 in purchases through their shopping links and they’ll deposit $40 into your account. You can make multiple purchases to hit the $40 threshold, and they have hundreds of cash back partners like Shop Disney, Nike, Adidas, Belk, PetSmart, Gap, and more. You can choose to get paid by check or via paypal.

GIGWALKER APP:

Get paid for completing small “gigs” in your area with Gigwalk. Download the app and you’ll see a list of jobs you can apply for. If your application is accepted, you’ll have a certain timeframe to complete the task.

Examples of past gigs: going into a particular Hallmark store to make sure all the cards are in correct categories, or going into a Walmart to make sure a new Red Bull product display is organized with the correct call-outs.

Once you complete your mission, you’ll cash out through PayPal.

RECEIPT HOG APP:

The simplest way possible to earn money from your receipts is by using Receipt Hog. Just take a picture of your receipt and upload it to the app, and you’ll earn coins. Trade your coins in for Amazon gift cards or PayPal cash.

Download Receipt Hog (iOS) (Android).

100 Years Of Frugal Living Lessons From Grandma

/

Grandma Esther and Grandpa Sonny would have celebrated their 100th birthdays by 2021. Their frugal and full life has inspired me and my family. Their story begins during the Great Depression in upstate NY. Neither family had much and they lived in the country. It was a hard life but they somehow managed.

Esther lived with her mom, stepfather and 6 brothers and sisters in a farmhouse. All of her frugal lessons came from her mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for her family.

In her early 20’s, she met Sonny, who lived down the road. After a short courtship, on Christmas Eve, they were married in a small ceremony. The next day, Sonny left for the war. They inherited 50+ acres in upstate New York, where my family had lived for generations.

My grandparents had 3 children- Karen (my mom), Aaron and Jo Anne.

I always felt that they must have been the luckiest children in the world, to grow up with the forest to run around, swim in the pond, and have a wonderful childhood. They learned a lot about responsibility, helping my grandparents with gardening and taking care of the property. My grandpa worked in construction, while my grandma stayed at home, raising the kids and taking care of the home.

By the 70’s and 80’s, my grandparents had 4 new grandchildren, myself, cousins Lisa and Mark and my sister Emily. They were definitely doting grandparents and always treated us like their children.

I spent a lot of time there and learned a lot about responsibility. Here are some of the ways my grandma inspired me.

INSPIRATION 1: BAKING, COOKING AND CANNING

Grandma loved to bake and cook and did things out of not only necessity, but out of love. Because they lived in the country, she was used to making three square meals a day. They did go to the grocery store for necessities they couldn’t grow or hunt themselves.

She learned from her mom how to survive in the country, especially during the bitter cold upstate New York winters. Grandpa and Grandma, up until their 80s, kept gardens, growing corn, giant pumpkins, peas, raspberries, carrots, potatoes and more. They were always canning and freezing food for the fall and winter. I remember helping her shuck corn and peas for canning. It was tedious work, but looking back now, I am so happy I had that experience to help her.

INSPIRATION 2: SEWING, DECORATING, KNITTING

My grandmother was an expert seamstress, which was how she paid for her college tuition in the 1940s. She made clothes for her children and grandchildren, knitted blankets, pieced together patchwork quilts, decorated her home and cooked meals every day for years. She found knitting and crocheting not only practical, but relaxing.

INSPIRATION 3: FRUGAL FUN

I remember going to the library with Grandma Esther and picking out a few books. She loved to read and was always reserving the next great book on her list. She also loved reading the New Yorker magazine, and when I got a subscription for her, she was thrilled. She also enjoyed taking walks outside, visiting family and friends, and listening to music. She rarely watched TV as they didn’t have cable. Though I do remember watching Wheel of Fortune and Dukes of Hazzard with her as a child! Those were the good old days!

INSPIRATION 4: TENACITY AND SURVIVAL

Country living is not easy. Dealing with harsh winters on the hill, times when Grandpa wasn’t working and feeding 3 kids was something they had to learn how to fact life with determination and tenacity. They really were the toughest people I ever met- working in their garden daily, hunting, canning, cooking, baking. It was non-stop activity at times. Grandma worked in her garden up until she died. Grandpa was still driving his tractor until the day of his death at age 90.

INSPIRATION 5: A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED

My grandmother’s generation didn’t believe in debt, and therefore, she never got into debt or even had her own credit card. For whatever she needed, she paid cash. She saved her change and dollar bills and only bought things when she had the money. She saved up for what was important to her. She also used coupons when she went shopping, which wasn’t very often.

More ideas from Grandma that I have implemented into my life:

1. Use cloth instead of paper. My grandma had a bucket of clean rags, that she used to wipe down everything. She rarely used paper towels. Microfiber cloths are also a great option, washable, durable and reusable.

2. Buy and use green cleaning products, or make them yourself! Just search on Pinterest for eco-friendly green cleaner recipes. Plus, shop for eco-friendly beauty products, eco-friendly fashion lines and eco-friendly home decor. I really like Green Works and Method.

3. Laundry. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. Line-dry when you can. There is nothing like line-dried clothing, that has dried in the sun! You will never forget that clean air smell.

4. Conserve Energy — Turn off the lights when you leave the room, or open the curtains and blinds and rely on the sunlight to cut down on electricity use. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load. Shut down and turn off your computer completely at night.

5. Change your light bulbs. Switch a few of your light bulbs to CFLs , which use about 75 percent less energy and last seven to 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, until eventually you have all of your house switched over. This was a hard one for me because I love my old-school bulbs. Now that they are phased out of most stores, I have had to bite the bullet and buy the new bulbs. Six years ago, my 90 year old grandfather, was light years ahead of me because he used CFLs and preferred them!

6. Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers, bulk storage or even pretty vases. I love mason jars for this.

7. Buy used and donate. Shop thrift stores and craigslist for clothing, home items and more. Grandma was a thrift shopper, she loved a good deal. She also loved to knit, sew and crochet. While I’m not much of a thrift shopper, I donate a lot to Goodwill.

8. Stop using disposable bags. Purchase reusable bags. They are more durable and don’t clog up land-fills! I love, love, love my Target reusable bag. I keep one in my car and one in the kitchen.

9. Quilting/reusing material/reusing old clothes and sheets for material. Grandma was an expert seamstress and could make all kinds of clothing, Halloween costumes and more.

10. Gardening. Grandma was known for her beautiful gardens. She grew not only flowers but rows of corn and raspberries, potatoes, green beans and much more.

11. Canning food. I remember every fall growing up, Grandma would can food. This was a long procedure, from picking the food, preparing it, and then canning it. It paid off- all winter, they had fresh, homegrown food on their table.

12. Baking your own bread — Really, is there anything better than homemade bread? Grandma didn’t think so either. Homemade bread, with a bit of homemade jelly or butter was always a special treat at Grandma’s house.

One snowy night in November of 2003, my Grandma Esther passed away suddenly at the age of 83 in her sleep. Grandpa passed away 4 years later, working outside on his tractor. Up until the end, they both had lived the life they wanted to, one of love, contentment, happiness and peace.

Printable Grocery Deals Calendar

/

January

National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February

National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines:  Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce:  Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach

March

Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April

Easter:  Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May

 

Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June

 

National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August

Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant:  Clorox, Purell
Clearance:  Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato

September

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October

Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November

Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December

Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales

How to Barter In The New Economy

/

Get the stuff you need, bartering with the stuff you already have!

Goods and services are at a premium. Grocery prices are through the roof. Bartering offers a way to get what you need without using cash.

What is bartering and how do you get started?

A barter system is an old method of exchange. Th is system has been used for centuries and long before money was invented. People exchanged services and goods for other services and goods in return. Today, bartering has made a comeback using techniques that are more sophisticated to aid in trading; for instance, the Internet. In ancient times, this system involved people in the same area, however today bartering is global. The value of bartering items can be negotiated with the other party. Bartering doesn’t involve money which is one of the advantages. You can buy items by exchanging an item you have but no longer want or need. Generally, trading in this manner is done through Online auctions and swap markets. Source

What are the Pros of Bartering?

  • No cash needed- Items or services are traded, no money needed. For example, a hairdresser might trade haircuts for an accountant doing her taxes for free.

  • Flexibility in bartering. For example, trade a lawnmower for a laptop

  • Support your local economy. In much of the country, people are out of work. This is a great way to help people get the items they need, without going into debt.

  • Keep items out of landfills. This is obviously a big, big problem. Our planet is becoming a huge junkyard. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

  • Cut down on clutter in your home. Think of passing on items to other people as a way of clearing out your home too.

  • Strengthen community ties. Many times people don’t even know their neighbors. This is a great way to get to know people in your community.

What are the Cons of Bartering?

According to The Nest:

While bartering has immediate benefits, it can also cause serious complications. This is especially true if you can’t guarantee the trustworthiness of your fellow trader. The other party may not have certification or any proof of legitimacy, and you don’t have a warranty or consumer protection advocate when you barter. You may end up trading a good item or service in exchange for a defective or poor one. If this concerns you, limit your exchanges to friends and family.

Bartering also requires skill. You may overestimate the value of your desired item and underestimate yours. As a result, the other party could exploit you. To prevent this, focus on related items with similar value, such as one large appliance for another.

  • Trustworthiness of the other traders

  • It takes a lot of time to set up barters

  • Collecting items to trade

If you want to go more online, here are 7 websites to barter online:

- http://www.goozex.com/

- http://www.craigslist.org/

- http://www.bizx.com/

- http://www.babysitterexchange.com/

- http://www.u-exchange.com/

- http://www.freecycle.org/

- http://www.zwaggle.com/

Here are some examples of bartering:

  • A writer creates a resume in exchange for an oil change

  • A makeup artist trades a makeover for new tires for their car

  • A gardener trades a dozen tomatoes and zucchini for a bunch of gently used clothing

  • Someone has a collection of new holiday decorations. They trade them for a few cases of pet food.

  • A baker makes 2 dozen cupcakes in exchange for their grass mowed.

The sky is the limit! There are so many options when it comes to bartering.

Frugal Baby Shower Ideas

/

Here are some fun and frugal ways to host a baby shower! 

The Invitations

There are so many fun baby shower invites to buy online. My favorite here is the woodland creatures invite. While some people like an online invitation, I think a paper one, sent in the mail is nicer and more traditional.

The Venue

Baby showers are often held in the hostess’ own home, which is, of course, free. If you’re not so lucky or if you prefer to think outside the home for a baby shower venue, consider having the shower in an outdoor location like a park — just remember to keep the comfort of the guest of honor in mind before planning an outdoor shower in August! Other frugal venue choices include churches, where rental fees are generally less than banquet space at a hotel or restaurant.

The Food

You can recruit friends and family to bring a dish or check Costco for great party trays. 

Here are recipes we like:

For dessert, consider making your own cake or recruit a friend to make the cake. Cupcakes are also fun- baby shower-themed cupcakes at MarthaStewart.com.

The Decorations, Games, Etc.

Here are some fun and cute decorating ideas:

34 awesome baby shower themes

Wishes for Baby

Free Printable baby shower games

50 Diaper Cake Tutorials

Ready to Pop popcorn

Decorate a Block

How to Make Tissue Paper Flowers

Baby Sprinkle Centerpiece

10+ Must Have Survival Skills

/

It’s not just about stocking up on stuff. Skills are important too. Self-reliance becomes more important during pandemic times when help might not be easy to get.

SURVIVAL:

1. Know Your Surroundings

Be aware of your surroundings, know who your neighbors are and where the local police station is. Keep your car running and in good condition so you don’t break down somewhere. Consider buying mace or a personal alarm.

2. Basic First Aid

Always have a first aid kit in your car and home. Consider taking a Red Cross class to learn how to save someone from choking, do CPR and more.

3. Outdoor Skills

Here are 7 basic skills to learn and master so you are ready to tackle any survival situation.

3. Car Repair 101, including How to Fix a Flat Tire

Learn how to fix it yourself or join AAA Roadside. Learn more at DMV.org.

4. How to Read a Map

GPS is not always available and phones can lose their charge. Go here to find out how to read a map.

HOME:

1. Fix a leaky faucet

Check out this video or hire a pro. Youtube is a treasure trove of how-to videos on every type of plumbing problem.

2. Open a Stuck Lock

WD-40 will usually do the trick when getting a lock to open. If that doesn’t do it, you may need to call a locksmith.

3. Stop an overflowing toilet

First, turn the water off. Know where in your home the water shut-off valve is located. Check out this video. If the problem is still persisting, call a plumber.

3. Remove a broken light bulb

Cut a raw potato in half, turn off the electricity and put the potato in the broken glass. The light bulb base should remove easily.

4. Unclog a sink

Drano is not always the answer when it comes to clogs. It’s good to keep on hand anyway. Here are some tips on unclogging a sink.

5. Keep a Corded Phone In Case of Blackout

Set up a cheap corded phone, like this one, will work, unlike your cordless, which runs on electricity, or your cell phone, which relies on a tower that runs on electricity.

6. Smell Gas? Here’s What To Do

If you smell gas, do not turn on the lights or use a telephone, cell phone, flashlight, or computer, all of which could create a spark, blowing the place sky high. Evacuate the area and call the fire department.

7. Deal With Mice and Pests

Once mice have moved in, all the cleaning and. removing clutter might not make the problem go away entirely. Before you call a pest company, order some of these bait blocks which are safe around pets and children. And consider getting a cat!

8. Record Your Home For Insurance

Photography or video your home, go room to room and be sure to capture all the furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, etc. Check out knowyourstuff.org for free software that lets you create a virtual replica of your home online and then tally the value of what’s in it.

And check out This Old House for every type of home improvement question.

Disaster Prep On a Dime

/

The headlines can be scary but with a little prep ahead of time, you and your family will not have to deal with food and household shortages.

20+ ITEMS IN HIGH DEMAND:

Bottled water and brand-name seltzers

Canned goods

Pasta

Baked goods

Yeast

Flour

Butter

Cream

Cheese

Bread

Premade/ready-made fresh foods and cold cuts

Meats, poultry and fish — even less popular fish, like halibut

Toilet paper and paper towels

Cleaning supplies

Frozen foods, particularly frozen meals and pizzas.

Turmeric, Vitamin D, Vitamin C

Citrus fruits (also known to be immunity building)

Jarred salsa

Pasta sauces, especially marinara.

Liquor, beer and wine — even the top-shelf stuff

EMERGENCY TIPS:

1. Emergency basics- have flashlights and/or a lantern in case of power outage. At the min, matches and candles, which can be bought on clearance after the holidays.

2. If your heat is electric, think ahead to how you’ll keep warm in a cold climate. Portable heater? Fireplace? Blankets work, until it’s 40 degrees in your home.

3. Stock up on water and food. Food should be ready to eat in a can, that doesn’t require heating. This assortment of camping foods is a good idea too.

4. Speaking of food, food in the fridge lasts 6 hours, the freezer a little longer. Keep the fridge closed during the outage and your food may last a little longer.

5. Cell phone. Our cordless phone went completely dead in the outage and I couldn’t find the corded phone. Luckily, we had a battery-powered cell phone charger like this one, which was a lifesaver.

6. Cash. It’s good to have cash on hand for emergencies, in cash you need to go to the store and their credit card machines aren’t working. This actually happened a few times to me.

7. Full gas tank. This is one thing I try and have all winter long but the last few days I didn’t have even a 1/4 tank of gasoline. In an emergency, everyone heads to the gas stations and as you may have seen on the news in the past, it can be total chaos.

8. Games and books for everyone. Uncharged iPads and computers are useless in an outage. But if you know bad weather is heading your way, charge up your electronics ahead of time. And have a stash of games and books just in case.

9. Camping stove or bbq grill to cook food.

10. One gallon of water per person, per day of an emergency. Gallon jugs are good for this, or even a few cases of bottled water.

11. Generators run on gasoline are a good option if your area has frequent power outages. Amazon sells them, along with Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. Base the kind you get on the size of your house and/or the appliances you need to keep running.

12. An extra freezer for storing food such a meat, veggies and more.

13. Extra medication. We always have extra over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol, Pepcid, Excedrin, etc. Also, a good idea to have extra prescription medication on hand, especially emergency medications like asthma inhalers and blood pressure medication.

14. A bucket toilet. This can be DIY or Amazon sells several different versions.

15. Costco or Sam’s Club membership. Both seem to be able to keep food and supplies in stock a lot easier than the local grocery store.

Ideas If You Are Staying Home/ Social Distance/ Quarantine:

FREE $15 BOXED GROCERIES- SHIPPED TO YOU

INSTACART DELIVERS GROCERIES TO YOU- SAME DAY

WALMART $10 OFF GROCERY PICK UP

FREE TWITCH PRIME

2 FREE MONTHS OF KINDLE BOOKS

TRY AUDIBLE FOR FREE

FREE STARZ, SHOWTIME, MORE

Here are more supplies to have on hand:

  • 2 week supply of non-perishable food

  • 1–2 week supply of water — one gallon of water per person, per day.

  • Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries

  • Flashlight and extra batteries.

  • First aid kit and manual.

  • Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).

  • Applesauce and other fruit purees

  • Canned fruit in water

  • Frozen fruit

  • Dried fruit

  • Canned vegetables (i.e., green beans, carrots, peas, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree), low-sodium if possible

  • Canned vegetable-based soups and chilis, low-sodium if possible

  • Frozen vegetables (i.e, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus)

  • Jarred tomato sauce

  • Tuna or salmon, canned or in a pouch

  • Chicken or turkey, canned or in a pouch

  • Frozen fish, such as shrimp or individually portioned pieces of salmon

  • Shelf-stable silken tofu

  • Lentils, canned or vacuum-sealed

  • Eggs and egg beaters

  • Nut/seed butter

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Trail mix

  • Dry or canned beans

  • Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta

  • Brown rice

  • Ancient grains (i.e., quinoa, farro)

  • Oats

  • Instant oatmeal packets/cups

  • Whole wheat or seed crackers

  • Whole wheat or sprouted bread (can keep in freezer and toast when ready to eat)

  • Shelf-stable boxes of milk (shelf-stable varieties are available for regular and non-dairy milks)

  • Powdered milk

  • Olive oil

  • Avocado oil

  • Flax seeds

  • Chia seeds

  • Low-sugar electrolyte drinks

  • Pre-made protein-shakes or meal-replacement shakes (in case you get sick and lose your appetite)

  • Canned or boxed low-sodium broth

  • Coffee

  • Cooking Oil

  • Coffee filters

  • Pepper

  • Sugar

  • Salt

  • Cocoa

  • water

  • Kraft mac and cheese

  • canned veggies

  • cup of noodles

  • canned chicken noodle soup

  • baked beans

  • bags of rice

  • spam

  • canned chili

  • peanut butter

  • flour

  • sugar

  • salt

  • baking soda

  • cooking oil

  • noodles

  • dry beans

  • frozen foods

  • pasta

  • pasta sauce

  • Baking Soda

  • Hand crank or manual can openers

  • Canned food — any type

  • Wooden, strike anywhere matches

  • Old newspapers

  • Wax for fire-starting

  • Large cotton balls with soaked in petroleum jelly (also for starting fires)

  • Bleach (or freshly made pool shock)

  • Baby wipes

  • Diapers

  • Coloring books & crayons

  • Tooth paste

  • Toothbrushes

  • Dental floss

  • Combs

  • Hard candy

  • Hair brushes

  • Disposable razors

  • Nail clippers and files

  • Feminine products

  • Bars of soap

  • Hair pins

  • Cigarette lighters

  • Aluminum foil

  • toilet paper

  • Plastic sheeting

  • Socks — all sizes & colors

  • Shoe laces

  • Reading glasses

  • Garbage bags

  • Brooms

  • Dustpans

  • Clothespins

  • Clotheslines

  • Garbage cans

  • Dryer Lint (to use as firestarter)

  • Rope of any type

  • Honey

  • Popcorn

  • Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and aspirin

  • pet food

  • Essential oils

  • Cough syrup

  • Eye drops

  • Whistle.

  • Extra clothing.

  • Photocopies of credit and identification cards.

  • Cash and coins.

  • Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.

  • Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.

  • Needles

  • Straight pins

  • Safety pins

  • Buttons

  • Thread

  • Elastic-material

  • Dry beans

  • Rice

  • Noodles

  • Flour

  • Band-aids

  • Laxatives

  • Lip balm or chapstick

  • Nails, nuts, bolts, & screws

  • Heirloom garden seeds

  • Fresh garden produce and herbs

  • Herb plants

  • Duct tape

  • Hand garden tools

  • Two-cycle oil

  • Automotive oil and air filters

  • Paperback books

  • Plastic tarps

  • Fels naphtha bar soap

  • Borax

  • Oxyclean

  • Homemade laundry detergent

  • Plastic tubs & containers

  • Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

  • Laundry detergent

BLEACH

Clorox Bleach Tablets

Bleach tablets are an excellent choice for those that have limited space and do not want to deal with storing a lot of liquid bleach. The tablets also have a much longer shelf life than liquid bleach.

Here are some of the registered disinfectants on the EPA’s list. Find the full here.

  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

  • Clorox Commercial Solutions

  • Clorox Disinfecting Spray

  • Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaner + Bleach

  • Klercide 70/30

  • Lonza Formulation

  • Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner

  • Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist

  • Lysol Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate

MEDICATIONS FOR FEVER AND FLU

Mucinex Extended-Release Maximum Strength– Helps expel mucus for 12 hours with a single tablet dose. I looked it up and even with high blood pressure, my Dad can take this too.

Advil Liqui-Gels. If you have a family and they are all feverish, you can go through a lot of fever reducers. I ordered a 200 count bottle of Liqui-Gels the other day. They take effect a bit faster than tablets.

Also stock up on your prescription medications.

DONATE YOUR STOCKPILE:

- Consider buying a few extra, especially on 10/$10 sales and donating to your local food bank. Here in Cleveland, we donate to:

- City Mission

- Feeding America

- Cleveland Food Bank

- Donate pet food and supplies to local animal shelters

- Pregnancy crisis center

DIY Jewelry Organizer

/

Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann, Michael’s, Walmart and Amazon are all good sources for the following needed items:

  • screw gun or drill

  • screws

DIRECTIONS

1

Use a screw gun or drill to secure a couple screws through the front of the organizer’s arms (on each side) directly into the wall to hang up the organizer.

2

Paint the thread rack if you like

3

Hang and organize jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Christmas Gift Baskets

/

These baskets are so easy and fun to make! Here’s how!

Jo Ann sells a bunch of pretty holiday ribbon for only $3.99-$5.99.

Target also sells Wondershop Ribbon for only $5.00 each.

Loop the ribbon through the holes of the basket.

This is not only good for organizing gifts, it would also make a nice gift basket, fill with presents!