Canadian Freebie Alert: Free Vaseline Total Moisture

My dry hands could use this offer!  Visit the Vaseline Facebook page, and send a friend a award thanking them for what they do. Once you do you will be rewarded with a coupon via save.ca for a FREE VASELINE TOTAL MOISTURE 295ml!! AND... If your friend accepts your award, they get a FREE coupon for VASELINE TOTAL MOISTURE TOO!!

Click here to send your award today!

Canadian Coupon Alert: 2 New Websaver Coupons


 There are two wonderful new coupons available on Websaver.ca
  • Save $1.00 when you buy ANY 2 cans of Aylmer Accents Tomatos
  • Save $5 off your purchase of Gerber Graduates Toddler Drink
Click here to order yours today. 

Need a 3rd coupon? Try Right At Home to get your third coupon to place your order.

My Food Basics Shopping Trip

Some great deals at Food Basics this week so the kiddos and I took a quick trip there yesterday. I still need to stop by Loblaws to grab a couple of good deals there (including ham, chicken and strawberries) but this was a great jump on the week. Here is what we managed to pick up:
  • Lactancia Milk SALE $5.00 (with coupons on the back)
  • Chicken Drumsticks SALE $5.00
  • Romaine Hearts SALE $2.00
  • Coffee Cream SALE $2.49
  • 2x Oasis Juice Boxes SALE $2each-2x$1 off coupons from the Allen's Apple Juice tins 
  • Sweet Potato $.60
  • Green Pepper $.62
  • Clubhouse Beef Stew Sauce $1.39
  • Aluminum Foil $1.49
  • Apple Cinnamon Cheerios (500g box)  SALE $2.99
  • Margarine $.99
  • 2xAylmer's Can Tomatos 2/$1-$1 coupon WUB2= FREE
  • Snack Pack Pudding SALE $1.00-25cent off coupon
  • Selections Pasta $.77
  • 2xCampbells Soup 2/$1
  • Dempsters Bagels SALE $2-$1coupon
  • Apple Juice $.99
  • Kelloggs Rice Krispies Cereal $2.99
  • Kelloggs Rice Krispies Treats $2.49-coupon for buy any Rice Krispies Cereal get a FREE Rice Krispies Treat=FREE
  • Mini White Potatoes $2.97
 Total Out of Pocket Incl. Tax $36.23

In A Pinch Pasta Salad Recipe

I'm sure this has happend to you....An afternoon get together turns into a "Why don't you stay for dinner?" or you are asked to bring something last minute to a gathering while the baby is having a meltdown because he needs a nap. Cook something? Go to the store? The thought of either makes you sweat but you say "Sure, no problem!" 

This is my In A Pinch Pasta Salad Recipe for those occasions that just seem to pop up. Best of all its super cheap to make!

Cook 1/2 a package of your favourite pasta as per package directions. Drain and let cool slightly. Add 1/2 a bottle of your favourite italian salad dressing, whatever veggies you have in the fridge (I like onion and broccoli but whatever your preference) and two large palm fulls of parmesan cheese. Stir and refrigerate! Enjoy! 

Do you have any in a pinch recipes or classics that you turn to all the time?

Canadian Deal Alert: Black's Canada 8x10 Prints Only $1

I can't wait to get some new art for my walls featuring some of my favourite subjects...my two beautiful little boys!

Starting today, February 24th and running through February 28, 2012, Black’s is offering their 8×10 prints for only $1.00 each! Click here to get started online at Black’s Canada.

***Because of the popularity of this great offer the One Hour service may not be available at all times at all locations for the duration of this promotion.

Extra Pocket Change: Earning $ Through Online Survey Sites: Web Perspectives

I was admittedly a little skeptical when I first started looking into online survey sites. I feared that they were all scams, out to steal my personal info and spam my inbox. There are, however, quite a number of online sites through which you can earn a bit of extra pocket change. Keep an eye out for more posts on this topic!

After much research and hours of reading online forum groups the very first site I joined was Web Perspectives. (SIDE NOTE: If you are already a member of Swagbucks then go to the Special Offers Tab>Radium One Tab> and sign up for Web Perspectives that way then you earn SB too!)

I joined at the beginning of June 2011 and must admit that it takes awhile to get the ball rolling (it was probably about 5 weeks from when I joined, started doing surveys, got credited for my surveys and then had enough points for a reward). However, I now cash out for paypal cash, airmiles or various other rewards about every 2-3 weeks. Surveys come to my email and I only do the ones that interest me the most (usually Consumer Goods surveys, they are my fav).

If you are looking to earn a couple extra dollars here and there then this is a great site to get you started! Do you have any favourite survey sites?

Shoppers Drugmart Upcoming 20x the Points Event



Receive 20x the Optimum points when you spend $50 or more at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Valid February 25, 2012 only.

Canadian Freebie Alert: Free Download: Guide to Freezer Cooking

After last month's Batch Cooking Parent's Night I am definately more inspired than ever to plan my meals and shopping trips. Not only does it save you time and is less stressful it is definately a great money saving tool.

I can't wait to delve into this wonderful ebook from Money Saving Mom, free for a limited time,Guide to Freezer Cooking and 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebooks for free! (Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page for the freebies)

Canadian Coupon Alert: $2 Off Kashi Crackers or Pita Crips

MMMMMM....I can't wait to try these! Click here to sign up to receive your coupon (mailed to your home) for $2 off  any box of Kashi Pita Crisps or Snack Crackers.

My Shoppers Drugmart Deals

We had to head out to mail some Kawartha Beads parcels today and since both of the kiddos are finally feeling better we managed to grab a couple of deals I had been after.
  • Life Brand Facial Tissues ON SALE 59cents
  • Pantene 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner ON SALE for $3.99 with a $1.50 off peelie attached to the bottle= $2.49!
  • Royale Bathroom Tissue ON SALE $4.99-$2 coupon from Royale's Boxing Month Promotion
  • 2x Life Brand Soft Granola Bars ON SALE $2.50ea (not the best deal but the little guy hasn't had much of an appetite this week and he asked for them so at least he was interested in eating SOMETHING)
Total Out of Pocket: $14.80
Total Savings (sales and coupons) $12.18
Shoppers Points Earned Today: 170

Well.ca Now Selling DVD's

I'm super excited for some of the DVDs that Well.ca is now offering! With a great selection of Children's, Animation, Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Comedy and even TV Shows there is sure to be something for everyone AND with free shipping in Canada all you have to do is get the snacks...oh wait...they have that too! Happy movie night!

Canadian Freebie Alert: Free Sample of Reactine

It must be almost spring! Just in time for allergy season Living Well is giving away 20,000 free samples of Reactine at some point today, February 21st.

You will need to sign up for Living Well so if you aren't already a member I suggest doing so BEFORE the free samples go live. They will likely go quickly so be ready to snag yours! Not to worry if you don't get a free sample, the site has lots of great printable coupons as well!

It's Back! Tim Horton's Roll Up the Rim

 
How do you know its almost spring? Because Tim Horton's Roll Up the Rim to Win is back! I began my usual winning streak with a "Please Play Again" yesterday. When I do treat myself to a coffee though I am always hopeful for an added bonus (I could really use a new car this year!)

Heartsy Deal: $10 for $21 Online Store Credit at Sew Fantastic Handmade

If you haven't heard of Heartsy before than you sure are missing out! It's a wonderful place to snag some exclusive deals to wonderful handmade shops.


There are plenty of great deals today but these amazing carryall clutches are just what I have been looking for! They have a notepad, pen, place for cards, coupons and even your Kindle if you are lucky enough to have one! Perfect for organizing! Today you can purchase a Heartsy voucher for $10 for a $21 Online Store Credit at Sew Fantastic Creations.

In addition to these awesome organizing clutching Sew Fantastic Creations also carries fabulous Crayon Wallets for your little ones, zipper pouches, Iphone wristlets, and more! Happy shopping!

Canadian Coupon Alert: $2 off Pillsbury Cookies

My little guy just loves baking with mom but doesn't always have the patience for making things from scratch. These are our "go to" when he's feeling inspired to be in the kitchen!

Save $2 off Pillsbury Cookies with this new Websaver.ca coupon.
Excluding seasonal products.

Swagbucks Birthday Bash...And You're Invited!!!

Swagbucks will be turning 4 on February 27th so put on your party hats and come and join in the fun!!! They will be giving away FOUR $1000 prizes to their users along with plenty other birthday surprises. If you are already a Swagbucks member all you have to do for your chance to win is
  •  Pick one of the two parties and RSVP for it - if you don't have a preference, click "Surprise Me" (I'm attending Swag Gal's Beachy Birthday Bash)
  •  That's it - do that and you're entered to win! Winners will be announced on Feb. 27th.
 Want to join in the Swagbucks fun but not a member yet? Well what are you waiting for...come and start getting FREE STUFF! Now through February 27th enter the code BIRTHDAYBASH12 during the signup process worth an additional 110 Swag Bucks. That means a new user would start with 140 Swag Bucks instead of the customary 30. WOW!

Break out the birthday cake! It's time to party!

Where to fill up your car....

I remember when gas used to be just 48cents but that is sadly no longer the case. While I try to keep my driving to a minimum the reality is that my kids aren't old enough to push the car so occasionally I need to buy gasoline!

Depending on where you live there are always options for earning "extras" along with your gas purchase. If you fill up at Shell make sure you are an Airmiles member to earn 1 Airmile for every $25*see site for further info.

If you live locally then you know that Loblaws and Canadian Tire tend to have the best gas prices. The BEST bang for your buck is to look for the gas coupon for bonus Canadian Tire Money on the back of the weekly Canadian Tire flyer and then to fill up there. Dollar for dollar it is the best deal but Loblaws gas bar also has its perks. Receive a voucher for 2cents/litre that you can redeem inside the store to go towards your groceries. Have an expired voucher? Valumart downtown takes them regardless of the expiration date! Bonus!

Canadian Coupon Alert: Dr.Oetker Pizzas

I love to keep some of these yummy pizzas in the freezer for when I'm in a pinch for a quick lunch or pair with a salad for a light dinner (the Panbello one is my fav). This week they seem to be on sale at several stores and when paired with one of these coupons the savings are even better!

Join me for a fun filled evening of Coupon Chat and More!

I'm thrilled to be joining  Kindermusik with Lisa McCann for the next parents night!

Join me Tuesday February 28th at 730 pm for a fun filled evening for the introductory couponer! We will be talking about where to get coupons, how to use coupons, other money saving tips and tricks and more! Bring along any coupons that you may have for a coupon swap along with any questions. Parents night is an absolutely FREE EVENT even if your child is not a member of a Kindermusik class. Coupons, chit chat and coffee....a great way to spend an evening!

If you missed the last parent's night, all about Batch Cooking, you can catch up here.

Canadian Coupon Alert: Save up to $1.50 on Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Granola Bars and All Bran Bars

I'm excited to try out the Rice Krispies Granola Bars! YUM! Snag two new Kellogg’s coupons via Websaver:
And even better! If you share these coupons with two friends (by sending them an email from a pop up window on Websaver, I almost missed it because I didn't scroll down far enough) you’ll be able to request a coupon for $1.50 off either the Rice Krispies granola bars or the All Bran bars!

Canadian Coupon Alert: Save 75cents off Mott's Garden Cocktail

Stop by Mott's Facebook page to take part in the Veggie Challenge and receive a coupon for 75cents off Mott's Garden Cocktail via Save.ca.

Heartsy Deal: $10 for $20 Online Store Credit at Hadley Grace Designs

If you haven't heard of Heartsy before than you sure are missing out! It's a wonderful place to snag some exclusive deals to wonderful handmade shops.


One of today's deals especially caught my eye since I know many of my readers are great with a sewing machine! Today you can purchase a Heartsy voucher to Hadley Grace Designs for only $10 and receive $20 in online store credit! With a WIDE range of beautiful PDF sewing patterns to choose from there is something for the beginner seamstress to the advanced and everything in between!

Leap Year Special from Baby Bum Cakes

Leap Year Special from Baby Bum Cakes! In honour of the extra day in February... enjoy a 1 tier upgrade (20 diapers) for only $5!*

Orders must be made before February 29th, 2012. Please mention at the time of ordering.

Free Sample Month at Well.ca


I must admit that I am new to shopping on Well.ca but having my first order arrive at my doorstep on a cold and drizzly day, as opposed to bundling up the kiddos and dragging them out, was a welcome relief! February is also FREE sample month!

- 1 FREE sample when you spend $30 or more.
- 3 FREE samples when you spend $50 or more.
- 5 FREE samples when you spend $75 or more.

Valid for the month of February 2012, or while supplies last.
Customers using WagJag vouchers are not eligible for free samples.

Start shopping at Well.ca now!

Mom to Mom Sale Lindsay: Spaces Still Available

The next Lindsay Mom to Mom sale will take place on Saturday April 7th (time still TBA). Tables are already 60% sold out so be sure to grab yours today! Vendor tables are $50 and mom's looking to destash their gently used kids items can get a table for just $10! To book your table simple email the show organizer at babybumcakes@gmail.com  or contact her through the website www.lindsaymom2momsale.com. Thanks again to Shannon of  Baby Bum Cakes for all your hard work in organizing the sale!

Canadian Coupon Alert: NEW Websaver Coupons

Wow what a great coupon day! Be sure to head over to Websaver to check out their new coupon additions including:
  • Save $1.00 on your next purchase of any Alpen® Cereal 600g or larger  
  •  Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Scrubbing Bubbles® Trigger, Aerosol or Mega Shower Foamer
  •  Save 50cents off any White Swan® Tissue Product
  • Save $1.00 on your next purchase of any GrainShop® Cereal 475g or larger
And the Save $1.00 off the purchase of 2 dozen eggs coupon from the Egg Farmers of Canada is still available.

Canadian Coupon Alert: New Brandsaver Coupons Available

Get them while their hot! A new batch of coupons has just been released from P&G. 

Canadian Freebie Alert: Free 6x8 Valentines Day Portrait at Black's

I can't think of a better Valentine's Day gift than a portrait of my little guys! Now through February 14th stop by your local Black's for a FREE 6x8 portrait. Limit of one print per customer. Maximum two people per portrait.

Click here for all the details!

Canadian Moms: Great Giveaway of Teethease on IN R Dreams Blog!


Sleepless nights, endless drool, cranky baby...yup that's our house right now! If you are a mom with a little one who needs some teething relief be sure to check out this AMAZING GIVEAWAY on In R Dreams blog! One lucky winner will receive their very own Teethease Pendant.Giveaway open to Canadian residents.

Canadian Freebie Alert: FREE Twix Peanut Butter from Macs with Coupon

Who doesn't love FREE chocolate?!!! (Well I love ALL chocolate but free is even better!) From February 13-19 print off this coupon and take it to your local Macs to enjoy a FREE Twix Peanut Butter. YUM!

Valid in Ontario only.

Canadian Coupon Alert: $1 Off Kraft Shredded Cheese is Back!

I love to snag one of these when they are on sale and I have the coupon. They are so handy to have on hand so I was happy to find that the Save $1 on Kraft Shredded Cheese. Get yours before they are gone!

Stay Tuned to Dempsters Facebook Page for FREE Bagels...

We are all big bagel lovers in this house so I was thrilled to see this recent post on Dempster's Facebook Page. Be sure to stop by and "Like" them to keep up to date with all the latest giveaways!
 From Dempster's Facebook Wall    
"Hi fans – have you heard the BIG news? We’re baking up DEMPSTER’S bagels fresh daily according to a NEW and IMPROVED recipe! To celebrate, we’ll be giving away thousands of FREE packages of bagels over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for our first giveaway announcement later today!"

My Loblaws Deals

There were a few good deals at Loblaws this week that I wanted to take advantage of. Here are some of the highlights:
  • Oasis Juice Boxes $2.00-$1.00 coupon from apple juice cans (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
  • Kraft Dinner Smart On sale for $1.00/box-75 cent coupon from here= 25cents a box
  • Gaylee Gold Sour Cream Sale $2.00-$1.00 coupon from here= $1.00
  • Panebello Pizza Sale for $3.99-$1.00 coupon from here (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
  • Ketchup on sale $2.99
  • Club Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $6.91
  • PC Chicken Drumsticks $1.98
  • Strawberries Sale $1.99

Swagbucks Valentine's Collectors Bills


I wanted to extend a warm welcome to the new referrals that joined up last week. I hope you are already "swagging" your way towards some free goodies! If you are still wondering about Swagbucks you can read more here or if you are signed up but not sure what to do next then check out this step by step guide to earning Swagbucks
 
And there's more fun!Swagbucks is releasing a new set of Collector's Bills just in time for Valentine's Day - 5 romantic reminders worth different amounts of reward points. Collect them all and get 14 Bonus Swag Bucks to use towards your free stuff! Just use the Search bar on Swagbucks to search the web and see what Valentine's surprises await you! The bills come out at midnight PT on Monday and will be available only through Search until 11:59pm PT on Valentine's Day. Good luck!"

January Round Up

As 2011 came to an end I shared with you some of my goals for the year ahead. It's hard to believe that the first month of 2012 has already flown by and I'm extremely pleased with how we began our year.

We've already saved OVER $100 through watching for sales, menu planning and using coupons! I also found that we shopped less this month, using up items in our stockpile and by sticking to our menu plan. This month I also tried to make several "double duty" meals, items that could be used for more than one meal. For example roasting a chicken for dinner one night then using the leftover chicken for a dish the following evening (I think it was chicken quesadillas..yum). I also made pasta this month and actually remembered to freeze the leftover sauce AND then use that sauce a couple of weeks later for another pasta dish. Yippee! I also dug our my slow cooker for the first time in ages and made THE best ribs which makes me more inspired to try out some more recipes. Last but not least my goal for January was to learn more about batch/freezer cooking and thanks to a batch cooking demo at the end of the month I have many more tips and tricks to put to use. Whew!

Ahead for February:
  • To stock up on Amazon.ca gift cards through Swagbucks earnings so that I can order my Easter gifts for the boys at the end of the month. Also hoping to score some post-Valentine's day candy deals!
  • To repurpose an item from around the house into something new (I have a great idea...stay tuned)
  • To continue to use sales, coupons,etc. to save on groceries in conjunction with meal plans. Going to try really hard to come up with some fun lunches this month and put my new found batch/freezer cooking knowledge to the test.
  • I am thrilled that I will be presenting at the next Kindermusik with Lisa McCann parent's night tentatively scheduled for Tuesday Februray 28th. Will be doing a Coupon 101 intro as well as coupon exchange.

Canadian Coupon Alert: $1 off any Dempster's Smooth Multigrains Loaf

There are several new coupons to check out on Websaver.ca including this Save $1 off any Dempster’s Smooth Multigrains Loaf.

Batch Cooking Parents Night

I was thrilled to get out and about last night to attend a batch cooking demo class hosted by Kindermusik with Lisa McCann. Last nights special guest was Amy G., with a background in culinary arts and a ton of knowledge to share I learned a lot about batch cooking, menu planning and what you can freeze. She also was kind enough to share some of her own recipes with us and I'm hoping that she will be a guest on Kawartha Bargains in the future to share some of those fabulous dishes with you! In the meantime here were some of my favourite top tips:
  • Tape a piece of paper to the freezer door listing what you have frozen AND how to cook it that way if hubby dearest feels the urge to get dinner going (you never know) he will know what is in there and how to get it going
  • Freeze soups, stews, chilis, etc in freezer bags and lay them flat in the freezer. This way you can stack them on top of each other to save space
  • Ever open a can of tomato paste for a recipe that needs just 1 scoop? Instead of throwing out the rest freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays!
  • Freeze extra smoothies in mason jars (leave some space at the top for expansion when freezing) and then take the jar out to defrost and you don't even need a new cup!
  • Make your own frozen pizzas! You can even put them on a pizza tray and just cover and freeze!
  • Freeze cookie dough in logs and then you can just slice and bake! 
What other things do you like to prepare ahead? What are some of your freezer fav's?

Canadian Coupon Alert: $4 Off Covergirl Coupon is back!

This is one of my favourite coupons so I was thrilled to find that it was available again! Hurry before they are all gone!  Save $4 When you buy and ONE Covergirl Product