This Week's Freebies!

It's only Tuesday, but I've gotten so many freebies this week it's crazy! 

Monday

On Monday I received the following free items in the mail:

*Wow #1's Christian Hits (free - by taking a survey on SOS Radio I was automatically placed in a drawing and I won!)

*SOS Radio Sticker (not too exciting, I know but it's still free!)

*My Smith's Rewards!

I got lots of coupons with my Smith's Rewards this quarter, plus a $10 certificate! I love getting paid to shop!

We also got our first strawberry off of our strawberry plants! My hubby and I shared it, it was delicious!

*I also got a free panty at Victoria's Secret (sign-up to get the VS credit card and you'll receive lots of coupons and free stuff!)

*I got a free small yogurt at the Golden Spoon (Buy 1, get 1 free coupon)

Tuesday

Today, at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf they were giving away free 12 oz/16 oz blended coffee drinks depending on the location between 4-7 PM. And, yes I went to two different locations! Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has three new coffee flavors, hence the free giveaways! I found out about this through a friend's Facebook status and called up my sister to check it out! At the first location we went to, we received 12 oz drinks and we each got one of the new flavors: mint chocolate chip, oreo-cookie, and espresso cream. At the second location, we received free 16 oz drinks! Wow! I ended up freezing the second drink, so I can enjoy it tomorrow! Here are some pictures of this awesome deal! 

My free 12 oz Espresso Cream blended coffee!

Sarah and her friend Danielle

Our free drinks!

Yum!

What deals/freebies have you found this week?

Top 2 Tuesday...Things I've Learned About Money!

I'm getting a head start on The Undomestic Momma's Top 2 Tuesday now, because tomorrow is going to be crazy busy!

Things I've Learned About Money...

1. DON'T PUT YOUR TRUST IN MONEY OR THINGS OF THIS WORLD, BUT PUT YOUR TRUST IN CHRIST AND HIS RICHES THAT ARE ETERNAL...."And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 ~ Putting your trust in the economy, your bank account, employer, etc., is not a good idea. All of these can serve you well one minute and then fail you the next. The idea here is to put your trust in God and trust that He will supply your needs. God is always faithful and will always provide for His Children. “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:31-33
2. Be content with what you have. "For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of eating well or going hungry of facing either plenty of poverty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me."Philippians 4:11-13

And...

• If you don't have the money...don't buy it! and If you can afford a high priced item...always pay with cash! "Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you." Proverbs 22:26-27 ~~~ "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law."Romans 13:8

What have you learned about money? Have a happy Tuesday everyone!

Christmas Craft Gifts

This year for Christmas gifts, I decided to make all of my gifts using vinyl letters. I also decided to set a goal to spend only $100 for friends and family. While I went over about 2o bucks, I'm happy I set a budget and stayed pretty close to it. The $100 budget not including my husband, best friend, daddy, and dad-in-law. Past Christmas's I did not set a budget. Now that I'm getting older, I'm beginning to realize the importance of setting a budget for yourself...no matter what the holiday or occasion may be. I'm also realizing that the $100 budget is doable. Having the budget set made me more aware of when sales were going on for items I needed as well as being more alert for when I saw coupons in the mail or online. Many items I was able to get 40 to 50% off on because I found Michael's coupons online. On Black Friday, Joanne's allowed their customers to double coupons. I used two 50% off coupons and take an additional 25% off your total purchase. I walked away with three 8x10 wood plaques, wall mounts, stamp, ink, and lots of embellishments for 20 bucks! Sweet! Below are some pictures that I took of the Christmas craft gifts I created.

Gift for Isaac:

3 Picture Frame Set - Found at Michael's

Scrap paper

Starfish and Whale - Vinyl

Ribbon

Red, yellow, and blue paint

Peace Blocks:

Ribbon

Scrap paper

Vinyl Letters

Burgundy and sage green paint

Silent Night Holy Night:

Red paint

Ribbon

Jewels

Green vinyl letters

The Magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence:

Green paint

Ribbon

Jewels

Red vinyl letters

Kaitlyn's Hairbows:

10x8 wood plaque (Joanne's)

Pink paint

Teal vinyl letters

Ribbon

Jewels

Flower embellishments

Hairbows added to ribbon

As For Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord:

Two 6x24 wood plaques (Michael's & Hobby Lobby)

Burgundy paint

Coffee paint

Cream vinyl lettering

Sew Much Fabric, Sew Little Time:

10x8 wood plaque (Joanne's)

Coffee paint

Ribbon

Cream vinyl lettering

May Your Bobbin Always Be Full:

10x8 wood plaque (Joanne's)

Lavender paint

Ribbon

Cream vinyl lettering

You can download and order vinyl images here:

My Vinyl Designer

Vinyl Ready Designs

Wonderfully Wordy

Have you made any special crafts or gifts for Christmas this year?

Happy Crafting!

Money Saving Websites

After watching The View today, I got inspired to save more money by using coupons. They had Stephanie Nelson from couponmom.com share tips on how to get the most bank for your buck using coupons. I love when I get a good deal on items! I always try to buy things when they are on sale and occasionally I will use coupons. However, I should be using coupons more when I shop, especially for groceries. You can read or watch the episode here, to find out more about how coupon doubling, stacking, and using coupons with sale items works.

Here are some sites that I found that offer free printable coupons and/or money saving tips:

Tips to Get Food for Free

couponmom.com

Tutorials for Cutting Grocery Bills in Half

dealseekingmom.com

Penny Pincher Gazette

Upromise.com

Mommy Saves Big (This one is my favorite!)

Rose Knows Coupons

Coupons.com

Redplum.com

SmartSource.com

CouponBug.com

SundayCouponPreview.com

CafeMom.com

I know this helped me with getting a better handle on saving money, and I hope it will for you!