more freebies!

I scored again this week.  Finish dishwasher tabs plus a 75 cent coupon, and 4 more K-Cups!  These were the Brew Over Ice variety.

freebies!

I received some good freebies in the mail this past week!  A Febreeze set and refresh, a Schick Hydro 5 razor (not disposable!!!), a Crystal Light 2 qt. drink mix, and a 4 pack of K-Cups!  SCORE.  Totally worth the few minutes it took me to fill out the information to receive these items.

homemade fabric softener

I saw this recipe for homemade fabric softener on Pinterest a couple days ago.  Bought a bottle of Suave conditioner at Walmart for 94 cents.  Had the vinegar on hand.  The mixture filled a 1.04 gallon bottle about 3/4 of the way full (old Downy bottle that cost me nearly $10 at Sam's).  This mixture cost me around $2.00.  I'm headed to wash and dry a load of laundry now, so we'll see!  I'll update the post later and let you know what I think.  :)  Update:  after washing several loads over the weekend, I have to admit that the fabric softener is ok, but it is not GREAT like I was hoping for.  You still need to use something for static.  That is what I don't like about this homemade version.  It smells fine, BUT, I don't want to use this AND something else.  Know what I mean?  So. . . I will use this up and still use my dryer sheets.  Dang it.  I'm kinda bummed.  Oh well!  
Homemade Fabric Softener Link

freebies

Here are the freebies/samples I have received in the past week.  I have requested samples nearly every day for the past few weeks, and they are slowly starting to arrive.  Here's my first swag!

*5 hour energy--full size bottle!  Now, I will NEVER use this.  But hey, it was FREE, and I bet someone I know will want it!!!

2 packets of Miracle Whip.

Lipton Tea & Honey packet.  Plus a 50 cent coupon.

Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner packets.

Bodycology lotion packet.  Plus a $1.00 coupon.

Not too shabby.  Can't wait to see what will arrive in the next week!  I've requested some good stuff!  :)

chocolate pumpkin muffins

Need a chocolate fix, but don't want all the calories?  Weight Watchers has a great recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings!  And, it is so simple I'm almost afraid to call it a "recipe!"  :)  *Note, I did add a couple ingredients, but they added no extra calories!  Without the water, I think it is too thick.  And I added the cinnamon just for a little extra flavor.  You can use any flavor cake mix.  I believe back in the day these were 2 points each.  But I know the point values have changed, so I'm not sure now.  I just know they are yummy and much better for you than a regular cupcake!

1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 Devil's Food cake mix
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix it all together, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  Makes 24 regular size muffins.

how do you save money?

Just thought I would ask this question--not that I expect any answers in return.  But, I'm going to share a couple changes we have made at our house to save a few bucks.

1.  We eliminated the use of expensive liquid shower gels.  I used Oil of Olay, the guys used Axe.  Now, we use Dial Basics bar soap.  I get 3 bars for $1 at Dollar General or Dollar Tree.  It is hypoallergenic, so it's great for our sensitive skin.

2.  I haven't purchased eye shadow, blush, or mascara for several months now.  I am using all those freebies I get at Clinique Bonus.  I have three cosmetic bags FULL of stuff!  Why buy full size?  I would NEVER use all of these things traveling--so I'm using them everyday!  I love that I can try different colors without buying new, full size items.

3.  Probably one of the biggest difference makers is using coupons.  I have been clipping them from the newspaper as well as printing them from online sources.  I really like Coupon Divas and The Krazy Coupon Lady.  Google them--they will be at the top of the list.  They post daily about good coupon match ups and offer coupons on their websites.  You can also find them both on facebook, so you can stay up-to-date on their posts.

Anyway, feel free to share how you are saving money, too.  We can help each other out with our ideas!  :)

homemade powder laundry soap

I absolutely LOVE the recipe I found on Pinterest for homemade powder laundry soap.  The Pin led me to this blog beingcreativetokeepmysanity I made my first batch last fall. . . I would guess it lasted me nearly 6 months (but I didn't completely run out).

I made it exactly like the original recipe.  The second batch, I used a 36 load container of "Dirty Jobs."  I like this recipe equally as well. . . really I can't tell any difference in the cleanliness of our clothes.  I do use the scoop that came with the OxyClean, though.  I really like it.  I use 1 scoop in most loads, 2 scoops if they laundry is pretty soiled.  The first batch cost me just under $17 (awesome for 6 months!) and the second batch just a tad bit more because the Dirty Jobs is a little more expensive.  Now, I should also let you know that I wash an average of 8-10 loads of laundry a week.  Sometimes more, depending on how many activities were going on that week or if my hubs is reffing football or basketball and I have to wash his uniform two or three times in one week.  The bottom line is this stuff works, and it is easy on the budget!  I highly recommend it.  Oh, and I mix and store the detergent in a 17 quart rubbermaid container.  It works for me, although I like all the cute containers other people have come up with.  :)