Received:Walmart Samples & Free Juicy Juice

Today I received 2 more of my Walmart Free Samples! I got the Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight Pads With Wings (2) and it also came with (1) Lightdays liner. I also received my Jack Daniel's Barbecue Sauce, it is just enough for our grilled chicken tomorrow! Yay! I can't wait to try it! Both of these Walmart Samples came with a couple of $1.00 coupons also!


I also recieved my FREE juicy juice water bottle! So go ahead and sign up for them if you haven't already!

If you haven't already, enter GIVEAWAY #1 HERE!

Trashy Tuesday: Broken Crayons

I love my Tightwad Gazette. I highly recommend borrowing it from your local library or getting it from paperback swap as it is a GREAT resource. It may be a bit dated now but it is still a good reference book. I got my copy from paperback swap recently and thankful that I had it this past weekend. I was going through my scrapbooking material and found a handful of broken/pieces of crayons. I took a flip through The Tightwad Gazette and found "What to do with...crayon bits"!

On page 59, Amy Dacyczyn (1992) suggests to "place a variety of colors in a muffin tin and melt in the oven. Cool. This makes a scribble cookie. Each one has its own unique color and pattern. Use for an inexpensive stocking stuffer."

I love this idea! I have put all my broken crayons together and can not wait to try this! I will let you know how it goes when I am able to get around to it!

Have any other ideas with what do to with broken crayons?

Extra Giveaway Entry

Unfortunately, yesterday I did not have the chance to get to my computer to write a post. There will be more days like that I am sure. I will write at least one post daily if time allows.

***SPECIAL NOTICE***

• Giveaway #1: I understand that there may be some trouble with the google form. After you fill out the form on the Giveaway #1 post make sure you click SUBMIT or your responses will not record. This submit button is hardly see-able in the Giveaway #1 google form, you can only see the top part of it underneath the final question...make sure you click it once the form is complete. For this reason, if you leave a comment to this post I will give you an extra entry for Giveaway #1 (which ends July 31). If you have already submitted your entry you may also comment on this post for an extra entry! Please include your email address in the comment.

Weekly Theme Update & Etsy Sellers Wanted

I have been giving some thought to my weekday themes. I had originally thought I would do Free Friday, but what it comes down to, is that my Sample Saturday will be too similar. So I have decide I will try to do Feature Friday instead of Free Friday. Feature Friday posts will be either written by a guest OR I will select a blog I would like to highlight OR I will feature an etsy store or something of the like. Therefore, if you have any interest in writing a post for my blog, being featured on my blog in some capacity, or if you have an etsy store you would like me to promote (I will charge you no advertising fees)...please let me know! (If you are an interested etsy seller please contact me via email at ashleysallowance@gmail.com for further information.)

Visit my original Weekday Theme post here.

If you haven't already, enter giveaway #1 HERE!

Savings Sunday & Coupons

I had mentioned the other day that I was going to go food shopping today...well I have changed my mind. I will be going in the next couple of days instead! When I do go, I will let you know how it goes!

We got the Sunday paper this morning and there was only 1 coupon insert in there (SmartSource), I believe this week Red Plum was also scheduled so I think I am missing one! But I may be wrong...

Nevertheless, there are printable coupons on Red Plum's website as well as SmartSource.com and of course coupons.com.

If you know of any other good printable coupon sites, please share them with us! Also, if you have done your weekly/monthly grocery shop please don't hesitate to share your finds with us!



If you haven't already, sign up for GIVEAWAY #1 here!

Day One of Sample Saturday!

Here are a few free samples that I have stumbled upon recently:

Tide Total Care
Prilosec OTC Heartburn Blocker
Pet Maxi Gloss and Glide Detangler (thanks to Free Sample Freak!)


If you haven't already, enter my GIVEAWAY #1 here!

Tentative Themes of the Week

As many other bloggers do, I am considering creating themes for each day of the week. I expect this to help me organize all of my findings, ideas, and offers. This is still a work in progress, nothing is written in stone just yet. So far I have come up with:

• Money Monday: Posts will focus on money-related articles regarding anything from making money to spending money and everything in between.
• Trashy Tuesday: Posts will focus on recycled items including all things crafty.
  
• Wild Wednesday: Posts will focus on ANYTHING. Wednesday will be a wild card day.
  
• Thrifty Thursday: Posts will focus on cheap finds and ideas.
  
• Free Friday: Posts will focus on free things I find for you and/or my free giveaways!
  
• Sample Saturday: Posts will focus on samples I find in my travels and how to get them.
  
• Savings Sunday: Posts will focus on all things coupons, flyers, and sales.

So, what do you think?! Any input would be gladly appreciated! Also, if you have any interest in writing a post for any of these themes or if you would like your products or ideas to be featured within any of these themes, please let me know!

GIVEAWAY #1!!!

Ok, well I was going to wait to post this but I changed my mind! So, without further ado, here it is! Giveaway #1! One lucky winner will receive:

• Almond Oil Hand Heaven from The Body Shop ($25.00 value): Almond Oil Daily Hand & Nail Cream, Conditioning Hand Wash, Cuticle Sticks, Nail File, and Nail Buffer.
• Pure Seduction Gift Set from Victoria's Secret ($25+ value): Refreshing Body Mist, Exhilarating Body Wash, Hydrating Body Lotion, and Victoria's Secret makeup bag/purse. (It is hard to see the body wash and mist in the picture but they are behind the lotion, all 3 are in plastic wrap together, but I assure you it is there!)
  
• Beauty Rush Oil Blotting Sheets from Victoria's Secret ($7.00 value).
  
• Purple Fields Travel Set from Essence of Beauty (unsure of retail value ~$5.00 at least?): body lotion, body mist, and shower gel.
• Tropical Photo Real Stickers Sheet from Me & My Big Ideas ($2.00 value).
• Decorative Sticky Notes from Aerie ($12.50 value).
• Happy Birthday LipGloss Kit from Aerie ($9.50 value).

All in all, the retail value of Giveaway #1 is approximately $86.00!!! So don't miss out on your chance to win these items! Perfect for a special treat for yourself or to give as gifts!


To enter you MUST fill out the Google form below. If you do not fill out the form you will not be entered into this giveaway! Each question in the form is worth 1 entry unless otherwise indicated. This Giveway will end on Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 11:59 EST and a winner will be announced sometime on Saturday, August 1st, 2009.

If you have any questions please let me know! Good luck!!!

***In regards to referral entries, to be eligible for this entry the person you refer must also sign up for giveaway and must be a NEW follower.***

Be On The Lookout!

So, I have just spent some time coordinating my grocery shopping list with Stop & Shops weekly circular and my in hand coupons as well as printable coupons. I am trying really hard to slash my food bill as much as possible. I plan on going grocery shopping Sunday evening, so I will also benefit from any coupons I may be able to utilize from the Sunday paper. I am envious of some of the blogs I read that talk about their itty-bitty out of pocket expenses...I want to get that good! I will let you know how I end up doing!

Also, I wanted to mention that I am starting to formulate a little giveaway of some random but fun items. So, be on the lookout for that upcoming post! If there is something you would be interested in seeing in a giveaway please share your ideas!

Walmart Samples & Dunkin Donuts Sample

I am truly sorry for taking so long to make another post! It is just that so much has been going on lately, I have been busy busy!

I have received some of the Free Walmart offers that I have told you about. So far I have received my free sample of tampons and my free sample of Aveeno Shampoo and conditioner which also came with a coupon! So if you have yet to sign up for any of the free offers from Walmart click HERE.

Also, for all you coffee drinkers, HERE is a free sample of Dunkin Donuts Coffee!!!

Non-Frugal Update!

I know that I haven't posted anything in a good few days...but my broken foot is finally starting to heal and I have been given the go ahead to start walking. So I have done a lot of running around trying to get my apartment put back together after 3 months of not being able to clean properly and what not. I have also been enjoying my new feet! But I do apologize for not putting any fun finds up for you...I will be back up and running soon! 

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Victoria's Secrets Semi-Annual Sale

I was just doing some online window shopping and figured I would share with you that Victoria's Secret's Semi-Annual Sale ends on Sunday (per their website)! They are also having a promotional "Free Shipping on $50+" when you use promotional code VS50SHP, this free shipping code expires tomorrow! If you haven't gotten your bathing suit yet this is the perfect place to check out! Before you finalize and pay for your purchase take a look at the promotional codes over at RetailMeNot to see if any of them will be compatible with your oder! 

New Samples at Walmart!

Get 'em while they're hot!

*Please note that only ONE free sample per house is allowed, and please allow at least four weeks for delivery*

•  Tampax Pearl Tampons
• Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield Toothpaste

...just to name a few! Take advantage of the other free samples at Walmart.

Check Out Fantabulousy Frugal's Giveaway Bonanza!

I wanted to inform you all that Fantabulously Frugal is having an AMAZING giveaway!  The retail value of the items included in this giveaway total $300! So, what are you waiting for... head over to her blog and follow her instructions on how to submit an entry HERE! Please mention my blog's name, Ashey's Allowance, in your entry so that we BOTH will receive an extra entry for this great giveaway! 

Here is the picture of the giveaway as it is posted on Fantabulousy Frugal:

This giveaway is open until Monday, June 22nd at 11:59pm. She will announce the winner sometime on June 24th!

Good luck!!!

Random: Coupons & Free Samples

Here is a few freebies and coupons I have found for you! I know its a scrambled mess, but here ya go!

Dove: Free sample of Heat Defense Therapy or Intense Damage Therapy

BIC: Coupons 

$1.00 off any size BIC ball pen or gel product

$0.50 off any size BIC Mechanical pencils

$.0.50 off any size BIC white-out correction product

$1.00 off 24pk (or larger) BIC mark-it permanent markers

Post Cereal: Save $2.00 on Trail Mix Crunch Cereal Products by printing here.

Betty Crocker: This month there was $12.05 savings in Betty Crocker products coupons, although they already ran out of them for the month. Sign up now so you can get your savings next month!

Arm & Hammer: Sign up for your collection of Arm & Hammer's coupons here.

Tide: Get your FREE sample of Tide Total Care as well as coupon for $1.50 off NEW Tide Stain Release here

Colgate-Palmolive: Get your coupons here!

Glade: The first 10,000 to respond will receive one New Glade Scented Oil Tin

Summertime: Sunblock and Juicy Juice!

Summer is approaching and so is the need for sunblock! I have found a couple of coupons to share with you!

Banana Boat:  For $2.00 off ANY Banana Boat Suncare Purchase click here (you will see it at the right hand bottom of the screen!)

Coppertone: Save $1.00 on any of the family of Coppertone products here. If that link didn't work, you will see it at the bottom left on the Coppertone Homepage.

         OR

Save $5.00 on any NutraShield product here

You also need to stay well hydrated in the heat so this is for a FREE Juicy Juice water bottle OR sippy cup to enjoy that nice cold beverage!

Father's Day Idea's

Father's Day is just around the corner, Sunday June 21st!

I have come up with a few ideas to celebrate the Dad's in our lives without breaking the bank:

Create a masterpiece using Snapfish: Use coupon DADSDAY09 to save 20% on Father's Day gifts by June 21st. They have all kinds of fun, creative, personalized gifts for all occasions. If you are not yet a member of Snapfish you will also receive 20 free prints for creating an account today!

Make a Home Video: Using the resources you already have (video camera, digital camera video, or video on cell phone, computer) create a memorable movie! If you can't be with the "Fathers" in your life this Father's Day, mail it to them and let him know that he is in your thoughts!

Cook For Him: Instead of having to dish out your last dime at breakfast/lunch/dinner, cook his favorite meal at home. Chances are it will be much more affordable than taking the whole gang out to eat. The Food Network has some delicious dishes worth taking a peak at. 

And Here are some others that you have probably heard/or done time & time again (if so) here's a refresher:

• Wash the vehicles
• Mow the lawn, plant a garden (any landscaping at all really)
• Odds & Ends: tie up loose ends on his DIY projects
• Take on his household chores for the day
• Crown Dad king of the remote for the next 24 hours
• If Dad lives on his own offer to do the Spring cleaning for him
• Have a family picnic
  

If you having any of your own unique Father's Days ideas, please share them!

However you (and your family) spend Father's Day, I hope it is a memorable one!

Hulu

I have been planted on my couch for the past 3 months due to a pretty bad foot fracture. So, I have been trying to keep busy by reading blogs and books as well as catching up on my favorite shows and movies. I've recently been introduced to Hulu- a free and legal (Owned by NBC Universal, News Corp. and Providence Equity Partners). 

One of my favorite shows I use to watch was Intervention. After cutting back on many expenses, I know longer have HBO, and therefore have not been able to watch it! I was just browsing Hulu.com for recently added shows and movies and there it is! Season One of Intervention advertised right there on the main page! YAY!

Also, without Hulu, I probably would have never experienced Solitary, a "reality" type show that airs on Fox Reality (my cable provider offers no such channel). I LOVE this show, so I decided to embed a clip to share with you, and drag you down with me (I accomplished NOTHING the day I found it)!

SquishyCash!

I have been a member of SquishyCash for about a week, FrugalRIMama turned me on to them (thank you)! I think they are great, in the short while that I have been there I have earned about $27.00. It is an easy (and very legit) "Get Paid To" survey site. They have many 100% free offers as well as trial offers to earn money and chips by doing them right and completely. SquishyCash runs many contests with cash prizes as well as products  (like the Wii)! Right now they are also giving new members $10.00 just for signing up! 

Earning Money for College With UPROMISE

Upromise is a great way to help you save money for college or to help pay down eligible Sallie Mae student loans. You earn money for college through Upromise by shopping online, eating out, and grocery shopping. You many save for yourself, a family member, a friend, or a stranger. You can link your Upromise account directly to a Sallie Mae eligible student loan or invest in a 529 plan. Savings can range from 1% up to 25% depending on the online partner, participating restaurants, etc. Upromise also offers eCoupons to activate once your grocery cards and/or drugstore cards are linked to your account. 

Upromise does not cost anything to join and offers a lot of savings and special offers for members and/or guest shoppers.

If you do not have a Upromise account or do not have a family or friend to help with saving for college, but want to  shop online and receive a discount or deal of some sort, shop your favorite stores through the link below and help me pay down my student loans (As a guest shopper all of your information is kept confidential)!

I thank you in advance!

Shop as a Guest Through Upromise!

PaperBack Swap

PaperBack Swap is a FREE community to swap books with other members. For every book you post and send to another member you receive a credit. Credits are used to request books (paperback, hardcover, audio books, and textbooks) from other members. Some perks for newbies are : 2 FREE book credits for listing your first 10 books (you will be able to immediately request your first 2 books)!

It is really easy to use, all you need is an email address and a mailing address, and again it is FREE to join!

While there are other swapping communities, PaperBack Swap is by far the best in my book, it is the only one of its kind that I belong to.

According to the site, Member Savings is $13,047,397.95 and has 3,542,913 books available! PaperBack is fantastic, check them out....

And while you are at at also take a peek at their sister sites: SwapaCD.com and SwapaDVD.com!

Coldstone Creamery Birthday Club!

In a previous post, I mentioned Friendly's Birthday Club, well... I have another one for you! Coldstone Creamery's Birthday Club celebrates with a FREE creation on your birthday! Sign up the whole family!

Visit Coldstone Creamery's Birthday Club for more information.

Walmart's Free Samples!

Find free samples, free trials, special savings, and free music while visiting the Free Sample and Trial page at Walmart.com   Some of the current free samples include products such as: Crest Whitestrips Advance Seals , Aveeno Nourish + Hair Care, and Platex Gentle Glide Tampons and several others! So, take a peek at Walmarts free sample and trial page often for new products! 

Walmarts Free Sample and Trial Page

Free Friendly's Ice Cream!

On Saturday, June 6th, 2009 participating Friendly's restaurants are having a "Free Ice Cream Day" from Noon till 5pm! You will receive a FREE single scoop cone or dish of ice cream!

Also, sign up for the Friendly's Birthday Club here. It is free to join and get a free sunday for enrolling, birthday offers, and more!

First Post!

Welcome! I have been thinking about starting a blog for quite some time now...and here it is! While I will do my best to focus on money saving perks and quirks, I will also touch base on other topics as I feel necessary. To tell you a little about myself, I am a 23 year old college graduate trying to reduce my debt and secure my financial future in any which way I can! So please feel free to join me on my journey! Any ideas and/or feedback is always welcome! I hope you stick around!