Stop flushing your money down the toilet

By Jessica Heffner | Friday, March 19, 2010, 05:30 AM

I never realized how much money I was literally flushing down the toilet each month.

Last summer I purchased a 1964 ranch house in need of a lot of updating. Most of the home was at original builders’ grade, including the toilets. This didn’t bother me too much until my water bill jumped $70, caused by one of these old fixtures leaking.

Immediately I began researching for a suitable replacement. According to toiletology.com, my old flusher was guzzling 5.5 gallons of water with every flush. With an average of 10 flushes a day in my two-person household, that adds up to more than 20,000 gallons of water a year going down the toilet.

I’ve always leaned toward being green because of the value financially and environmentally. I found a Glacier Bay toilet at Home Depot for just $98 with the WaterSense seal, meaning it meets rigorous U.S. EPA standards for water conservation. At just 1.28 gallons a flush, this toilet will reduce my water use by 15,403 a year over my old toilet if I flush 10 times a day, like my previous example.

I saved more money by having my husband install it. The most plumbing he’s ever done is install a new faucet, but he was able to knock out this project in just 45 minutes.

I did worry if the toilet would be able to clear the bowl using so much less water and power than my old flusher. After a few days getting used to having to hold the lever down longer (my old one you barely tapped it and it would flush) I can report it works very well and has impressed me with how quickly the tank recycles.

If you’re not convinced about how much you can save by just replacing one toilet with a new Water Sense model, look at these figures from the EPA:
• Toilets account 30 percent of the average household water bill. Energy-efficient toilets use 20 percent less water than older toilets.
• A family of four can save $99 annually by replacing one toilet that was installed between 1980 and 1994 with a WaterSense-labeled toilet.
• A new toilet can save up to 16,000 gallons of water in one year for a family of four. This is roughly equivalent to two backyard swimming pools.
• If just one percent of American homes replaced an older toilet with a new WaterSense-labeled toilet, the country would save more than 38 million kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough to supply more than 43,000 households for one month.

For more on how you can save by replacing your toilet, click here.

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Free Tide sample and coupons up for grabs

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, March 18, 2010, 09:09 AM

This one is guaranteed to go quickly so get it while you can.

P&G Everyday Solutions is offering a free sample of Tide with Febreze plus a $1 off coupon when you sign up here.

You must have an account with P&G to get this freebie. This is a good group to join as you can get a bunch of freebies and coupons when you sign up.

I’ve used this product before, and I think it does well at cleaning stains and freshening up the smell of my husband’s stinky work clothes.

Just to note, if you have requested coupons or freebies from P&G you have to wait until next quarter to request this sample. Hope it is still available then!

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Middletown McDonald’s giving out free Frappe samples

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 11:33 AM

A co-worker just made a lunch run to McDonald’s in Middletown on Verity Parkway and snagged a 7-oz. free sample of the new McCafe Frappe with his purchase.

He gave the sample to me, it was the mocha flavor and it was delicious. I am now completed caffeinated.

There is no purchase necessary, although my co-worker was already there to buy a meal anyway. He went inside to get his order. If you’re heading out for lunch today, March 16, then go over to the McDonald’s at 351 North Verity Pkwy. in Middletown and get your free sample.

What a yum freebie!

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Get four weeks of free movie rentals at Blockbuster

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 10:52 AM

Stop paying for movie rentals when you can get this free 4-week trial of Blockbuster Total Access now!

Sign-up here for Blockbuster Total Access for three movie rentals at a time plus five in-store exchanges. This includes video game rentals.

The site automatically has a free two-week trial, but you can get four weeks free using promotional codes. To get this deal, simply sign up and use one of the following codes at checkout: morejobs, face1m, freetrial0618m. Enter the codes by clicking the link “Have a Promotional Code” underneath the sign-up options on the right.

This is only a free trial, so if you do not want the service after four weeks remember to cancel your membership by that date or you will be charged $19.99 for the service.

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Get a one-day pass to Sam’s Club

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 10:26 AM

Bulk shopping can be a good way to cut down on your costs, especially if you have coupons. However, I am not a member of warehouse stores like Sam’s Club because I am against spending money for a membership that doesn’t guarantee me the savings I already get at stores.

If there is something you have been wanting to get at Sam’s Club, here is a chance to enter the store for free.

Click here for a free one-day pass into Sam’s Club. The membership card comes as a downloadable PDF.

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Get $54 in products for just $3. Find out how here

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 10:14 AM

Andrea Deckard has an update on sales this week at area stores. Here is her post on best deals this week.

Another great week to shop at the drugstores. This week at CVS you can “roll” your ECB’s to purchase $54 in products for under $3! While shopping at CVS specifically, you hear people talk about “rolling” ECB’s. This is referred to making multiple transactions and paying for subsequent transactions using the ECB’s you just earned.

If you want to learn more about how to shop at CVS, take a look at my Top 5 Tips to Play CVS. I explain the lingo and teach you how to save!

CVS
• Free after ECB Stayfree Products
• $.50 Right Guard Deodorant
• Check out the scenarios in my post to save big by rolling your ECB’s!

Rite Aid
• $1.32 Hershey’s Easter Candy with Printable Coupon
• $1.49 Nestle Crunch Eggs

Walgreens
• $.50 Coffee-Mate Creamer with Printable Coupon
• $.99 Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit
• Buy 3 Listerine products and pay just $1 out of pocket!

Aldi
• $.89 Andy Capps Hot Fries
• $1.19 Clancy’s Cheddar or Butter Puffed Corn
• $1.19 Season’s Choice Diced Onion Rings

meijer
• $.25 Hormel Chili with Printable Coupon
• Free Chex Mix
• $.20 Land O Lakes Butter

Kroger
• The March to Savings Promotion is running. Buy 8 items and receive $4 off Instantly at checkout!
• Free Bumble Bee Tuna
• Free Speed Stick Deodorant

Target
• Get a FREE Kodak Pocket Photobook - stop by to get the code for your order!
• $.50 Softsoap Hand Soap
• $.50 Kellogg’s Cereal after Gift Card

Walmart
• $.70 Yoplait Greek Yogurt with Printable Coupon
• FREE Reach Floss
• Free Johnson & Johnson First Aid To Go

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Get a free photo book from Picaboo

By Jessica Heffner | Friday, March 12, 2010, 05:32 AM

This would be a nice gift or just an easy way to preserve some memories.

Get a free classic photo book at Picaboo by using the code AFFLGB at checkout. The book includes 20 pages and is available as a custom book, with a classic cover or in leather. Valued at $39.99, this is a great freebie. You do have to pay shipping, which is $8.99.

This offer is valid through March 31.

Get more information here.

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Freebies available now

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, March 11, 2010, 11:18 AM

Get a free Downy fabric softener sample from Sam’s Club here. You do not have to have a membership to receive this freebie.

Here’s another one from Sam’s Club, this time for Degree for Women deodorant.

Become a fan of Vaska on Facebook and get a free sample of Vaska Herbatergent laundry detergent. Sign up with the link on their Facebook page. Only fans can receive this freebie.

Get a new free coffee sample from Dunkin’ Donuts here.

Huggies is offering a free 2-pack sample of its Snug & Dry diapers in the sizes 2 through 6 from Costco. You do not need to be a Costco member to ask for this sample.

If you haven’t received this freebie already, then sign-up here for a free Glad Forceflex trash bag sample here.

Get a free Medicare You Deserve tote bag when you fill out this survey.

As part of the Wedding Wire, review 5 of your wedding vendors and choose from several rewards, including a free $5 Amazon gift card here.

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Celebrate Barbie’s birthday with freebies at Toys R Us

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, March 11, 2010, 10:55 AM

For 50 years old, you know Barbie looks good!

If your kids love Barbie, then head over to Toys R Us this Saturday to celebrate Barbie’s birthday and get a free gift while you are there.

From noon- 2 p.m. for a free Barbie event to celebrate the iconic doll’s birthday and the release of Barbie In A Mermaid Tale. Kids will get to decorate a Barbie party hat. Free gifts and event materials are available while supplies last.

There are other giveaways, sweepstake, in-store activities, new products as part of the celebration. Check out the other offers below:
• Free Barbie Fashion Fever Doll with Any Barbie purchase of $25 or more. A $10.99 value.
• Free Barbie 50th Anniversary Doll Limited Edition reproduction artwork with select purchase.
• Get the Barbie souvenir doll at the 959 price! Get a Barbie 11 1/2” souvenir doll for $3, was $12.99.

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Sports fans, get a free copy of ESPN Insider magazine

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 01:05 PM

Get a free one-month subscription to ESPN Insider Magazine when you sign up here.

Normally, you have to qualify for these subscriptions to get them for free. Usually if your profession has something to do with the magazine topic or you register as a “homemaker” you can get the magazine. These always come in the mail if you do qualify and there is nothing better than getting a magazine you want for free!

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Find out how to save money on groceries this week

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 01:34 PM

Find out how you can save big this week at area stores with this guest post from Andrea Deckard at Mommysnacks!

The drugstores are the stores to shop this week - there are so many free items! This week, Rite Aid has Cover Girl Cosmetics on sale for B1G1 Free. Match that with a recent coupon for B1G1 Free and you get two products for free! Check out today’s post to understand how these sales and coupons work so you pay nothing!

CVS
• FREE Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush
• FREE Nabisco Crackers
• Check out the scenarios in my post to purchase $23 in products for less than $5. Plus, you will also have $6.99 in ECB’s to use next time too!

Rite Aid
• $5 Money-Maker on John Frieda Products
• $2 Money-Maker on Biore Products after Rite Aid Coupon
• FREE Cover Girl Cosmetics

Walgreens
• $.50 Coffee-Mate Creamer with Printable Coupon
• $.99 Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit
• Buy 3 Listerine products and pay just $1 out of pocket!

Aldi
• $.49 Carrots Bag 2 lb
• $.49 Onions Bag 3 lb
• $.99 Red Potatoes Bag 5 lb

meijer
• $.24 Dannon Yogurt Cups with Printable Coupon
• $.75 Progresso Soup
• $.75 Starkist Tuna

KrogerFREE Betty Crocker Potatoes with Printable Coupon
• $1.79/pound Tyson Boneless Chicken
• Free Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy

Target
• FREE Band-Aids with Printable Coupon
• $.49 Oral-B Stages Toothbrush
• $.17 Crest Kids Toothpaste

Walmart
• FREE Johnsons Buddy Bars Printable Coupon
• FREE Kotex Liners
• $.47 Sure for Men Deodorant

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Get free movie rentals for good grades

By Jessica Heffner | Friday, March 5, 2010, 03:21 PM

Sometimes being good does have some rewards.

If you have a child in grades K-12 that has B average or better in school, they can get a free movie rental from the Blockbuster Classics. Kids can receive one movie rental per grading quarter. Grab the popcorn and you’ve got yourself a pretty nice reward for good grades.

The special excludes new releases, but there are still some good titles to be had.

For more information, click here.

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Get 100 photo prints for $1.99 shipped

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, March 4, 2010, 11:42 AM

I like to wait to print my photos until a good deal comes around. I find these days that online is the way to go to get prints at a really low price.

Right now, Kodak Gallery is awarding all new accounts with 50 free prints. If you add a new promotional code to the mix, that adds another 50 free prints. Shipping is just $1.99, so this is a great way to get photo prints on the cheap. Here’s how:

1. Create a new Kodak Gallery account and get your first 50 free prints.

2. Use the promotional code 50FREE to get an additional 50 free prints. Make sure your cart as a total of 100 prints or more in it before trying to use the code.

3. Checkout and enjoy!

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Pamper your pup with free dog treats

By Jessica Heffner | Thursday, March 4, 2010, 10:31 AM

Pamper your pup with some free dog treats from Walmart.

Get a free sample of Beneful IncrediBites when you sign up here.

While you’re there, sign up for these other great freebies from Walmart:

Free sample of Olay Total Effects body wash

Free sample of Crest 3D Whitestrips

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Get rewarded for going green with RecycleBank

By Jessica Heffner | Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 11:26 AM

I’ve always been a proponent of being green to save green. It just makes sense to be more environmentally conscious when you know it is helping your planet and helping you save money. Enter RecycleBank.

RecycleBank. partners with cities and haulers to reward households for recycling. You earn points that can be used to shop at over 1,500 local and national businesses and receive coupons for discounts off of the products you use most.

Just for signing up, I received 105 points. These points were enough to get me a free bottle of Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner, which I will receive as a coupon in the mail that I can redeem at my local grocer (such as Kroger).

Here’s how you can start saving the Earth and get rewarded for doing it:

1. Sign-up for RecycleBank.

2. Join the eBay Green Team and receive 50 points. The eBay Green Team is a no-cost forum that discussed the environment.

3. Enter code RECYCLEYOURMAGS in the promo code box at the bottom of the page for 15 points

4. Get an additional 40 points just for completing your registration.

5. Browse the rewards options under the Get Rewards tab to start getting savings now. There are several free items for Seventh Generation products.

Get more rewards. Sign up for their Visa card and you’ll get 2,500 more points. Send in old electronics through their recycling program, and get points based on the item.

The easiest way to earn points is by completing curbside recycling. Unfortunately the majority in our area are not participating. Since you are likely recycling anyway, this is 450 monthly points you are missing out on. Get your community by contacting your local municipality about the RecycleBank program. RecycleBank will let you know when the curbside program comes into your area by registering here.

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Free magazines, manicure set, Hooters appetizer and more

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 02:10 PM

Here’s a new freebie from ShopText, the texting service that gets you freebies. Get a free Issue of More Magazine when you text the word MORE to 467-467. If you have never signed up for ShopText, you will be prompted to sign up before you can register for the free. Standard text messaging rates apply. To read more about ShopText, read my blog here.

This is a HOT freebie and I am not sure how long it will last. Sign up with Warner’s and get a free e.l.f. french manicure set with free shipping. This is while supplies last.

Register here for a free Arm & Hammer Baking Soda shaker. I think you could use this to refresh your carpets or kitty litter. I use their actual carpet refresher and it is great. Will come in 8 weeks.

Click here for a free coupon for a 16-oz. coffee at your local Pilot station.

Scroll down to the bottom of this page and get a coupon for a free plate of sausage and biscuits at Waffle House. The coupon is good through March 15.

Get a free heart charm from Centura here. As a bonus free gift, they are also sending a box of Godiva chocolate, the site says.

Celebrate the service women have done for our country with this free publication, Women at War, here, from the VFW.

Sign up here with Scott for a free coupon booklet. You’ll also be entered for a chance to win for multiple cash prizes.

The first 100,000 to sign up will get a coupon here for a free appetizer at Hooters to be used March 18 or March 19.

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Free light bulbs, mascara, Gatorade and more at area stores

By Jessica Heffner | Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 12:52 PM

Andrea Deckard has an update on sales this week at area stores. Here is her post on best deals this week.

The sales are fairy average this week. But, at least we can look forward to getting a great coupon for free today! When you become a Fan of Nabisco Cookies on Facebook, you can request a coupon for a FREE Package of Nabisco Cookies. Don’t forget to request your coupon because they are limited to 500,000!

CVS
• Money Maker on PowerBar Energy Gels
• $.24 Campbell’s Soup
• Check out the scenarios in my post to purchase $37 in products for just $3 if you followed the deals from last week! Plus, you will also have $5 in ECB’s to use next time too!

Rite Aid
• $.49 Gillette Shave Gel after Single Check Rebate
• $.99 Garnier Fructis Hair Product after Rite Aid Coupon
• FREE Carefree Liners

Walgreens
• Great Purex RR * great time to use the B1G1 FREE Coupon *
• $.50 Right Guard Deodorant
• FREE Trident Gum

Aldi
• $.39/pound Bananas
• $.79/pound Red or Green Grapes
• $1.99 Grapefruit Bag 5 lb

meijer
• FREE Bumble Bee Tuna with Printable Coupon
• $.67 Nabisco Triscuits
• $.88 Quaker Oatmeal

Kroger
• Great Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks Catalina - 5 Boxes for $3.45!
• $.28 Green Giant Vegetables
• FREE Gatorade

Target
• FREE GE Light Bulb with Printable Coupon
• FREE Rimmel Mascara
• $1.47 Kashi Snacks

Walmart
• $.60 Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes with Printable Coupon
• $.67 Joy Dish Liquid
• $.89 Borden Cheese Singles

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Delivering free movie savings from Blockbuster to your mailbox

By Jessica Heffner | Saturday, February 27, 2010, 01:22 AM

Blockbuster is plotting a movie remake that could mean big savings coming soon.

After reporting a staggering net loss of $435 million in the fourth quarter and announcing it will close 545 more stores this year due to slowing sales, Blockbuster is trying to make changes to compete against online and mail DVD distributors like Netflix. The company is reportedly in talks with Hollywood Video chain owner Movie Gallery Inc. —which filed for bankruptcy protection — about acquiring some of its assets.

Blockbuster just launched a new promotion for its Total Access program, which allows customers to rent movies or video games online, receive them by mail and then exchange them either via mail or in-store.

Right now you can get a free four week trial of Total AccessTotal Access. This trial allows for up to three mailed media rentals at a time and five in-store exchanges.

To take advantage of the trial, visit the Total Access section at blockbuster.com and enter one of the following codes at checkout: MOREJOBS, FACE1M, FREETRIAL0618M. These trials are usually have participation limits, so act now.

After the four week trial, you will be charged $19.99 a month for the service, so if you aren’t satisfied with Total Access make sure you cancel it before the last trial date.

This trial is not the same as the two week free trial advertised on the Web site, so don’t be fooled. Get your four-week trial free with the codes above.

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