What Do Your New Years Goals Look Like?

Guess what? It's that time of year again. You know...where we all decide we're going to make a change for the new year. I've been working on my list, and I thought I would share a couple of my resolutions (or goals as I like to call them) with you.

1) Take more pictures. Way more. Capture the moments.

2) Get healthy. I owe it to myself to exercise, and eat right.

3) Live in the moment.

4) Stop worrying. It doesn't do any good. Besides, the Big Guy upstairs has a fantastic plan for me!

Those are a few on my list, but I have many others. I heard a quote the other day that struck a chord with me. "Every breath is a second chance." We are given so many 2nd chances, and we need to live life to the fullest. Easier said, then done. I notice many times that I think about what isn't going that great in my life versus all the things I can be thankful for like a roof over my head, and being surrounded by so many wonderful people And, as always - it could be worse.

So, tell me.
What changes are you making for the New Year?

Thursday Blog Hops

Dillons/Kroger 12/29-1/14 Part 2

(The sale items should be accurate for other Kroger affiliate stores,

but the prices may vary. Best to check your local ad)

Manufacturer Coupons .01-.49 will double in value.
& Coupons .50-.99 off will round up to $1.00
Examples: .25/1 tube of toothpaste = .50/1 tube of toothpaste
.75/1 shampoo = $1.00/1 shampoo
(eCoupons do not double)

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Wholly Guacamole B1G1 or $2.75 each
-$2.00/2 from HERE
Final Cost: $1.75 each wyb 2

International Delight Coffee Creamer $1.00
-.55/1 from HERE
Final Cost: FREE

Yoplait .50
Buy 6 @ .50 = $3.00
-.40/6 from 11/14 SS GM
Final Cost: .37 each wyb 6

Parkay $1.00
-.75/2 from 11/14 SS
Final Cost: .50 each wyb 2

PureAlmond Milk $2.99
-$1.00/1 Dillons eCoupon HERE
Final Cost: .99

Red Baron Pizza $2.88
-$1.00/1 from 11/14 SS
Final Cost: $1.88

Quaker Oatmeal $1.99
-$1.00/1 from 9/12 RP
Final Cost: .99

Blue Diamond Nut Thin Crackers $2.00
-.75/1 from 12/5 SS
Final Cost: $1.00

Xtra Laundry Detergent $1.99
-.50/1 from 12/12 SS
Final Cost: .99

Coast Bar Soap $1.00
-$1.00/1 from HERE
Final Cost: FREE

Aleve $1.99
-$1.00/1 from HERE
Final Cost: .99

Dillons/Kroger 12/29-1/14 Part 1

(The sale items should be accurate for other Kroger affiliate stores,

but the prices may vary. Best to check your local ad)

Manufacturer Coupons .01-.49 will double in value.
& Coupons .50-.99 off will round up to $1.00
Examples: .25/1 tube of toothpaste = .50/1 tube of toothpaste
.75/1 shampoo = $1.00/1 shampoo
(eCoupons do not double)

--------------------------------

Buy 4 Participating Items, Save $4 at Checkout!
The prices listed is after the $1.00 is taken at the register.
You can mix & match the items.

Charmin (12 Double Rolls) $5.99
-$3/1 Dillons eCoupon HERE
-.25/1 from 12/26 PG
Final Cost: $2.49

Downy Liquid Fabric Softener $3.99
-.50/1 Dillons eCoupon HERE
-.50/1 from 12/26 PG
Final Cost: $2.49

Dawn $1.69
-.50/1 Dillons eCoupon HERE
-.25/1 from 12/26 PG
Final Cost: .69

Crest Toothpaste $1.50
-.75/1 Dillons eCoupon HERE (if prohealth or 3D is included)
-.75/1 from 12/26 PG
Final Cost: FREE

Oral-B Advantage Toothbrush $1.50
-.75/1 Dillons eCoupon HERE
-.75/1 from 11/14 RP
Final Cost: FREE

Buy 2 Shampoo/Conditioner @ $2.99 +
Buy 2 Aussie Styler @ $2.99
Subtotal: $11.96
- (2) FREE Styler wyb Shampoo from 12/26 PG
- (2) .50/1 from 11/14RP, or $1.00/1 from 11/28 PG
Updated Subtotal: $3.98
-$4 off at Register for Buying 4 Items
Final Cost: FREE

Olay Body Wash $4.49
- $2.00/1 from 12/26 PG
-$1.50/1 Dillons eCoupon HERE
- FREE Body Lotion wyb Body Wash from 11/28 PG
Final Cost: FREE

My Welcome Wednesday Thanks!

If you participated in my brand new Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop today - Thank you!!! If you are stopping by to participate, it will be open until Noon CST tomorrow and I'm glad you came by to join in on the fun!

I cannot thank you all enough for your generous support today! You far surpassed my expectations for my first hop, and I am in awe! Thanks again! I'm going out to eat dinner with some of my cousins in town, but after that I'm sure you can figure out where I'll be spending my time this evening. Blog hopping of course!

Happy Hopping!

Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop!

<center><a href="http://www.frugalinvitation.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHc-K6VTAk-itkFZQYqnGrFXu5fm3OFQOoauYhdXePNLuFkXIEjSLPCcp3N9FZv1hbPUp4CXhUwy9iANs2rtMP-WSc7udMgn8GVOLcJSgS3Ur7D51SHIgy6O65RWqBlcux_un1Mi0IzaHI/s800/blogbutton2.jpg" /></a></center>

Welcome to the Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop! This hop has been created by Frugal Invitation for socializing, and to help blogs get more followers. Every Tuesday I will have the linky posted by 6pm CST. And it will be open through noon CST on Thursday.

Here are the rules:

*Follow Frugal Invitation via Google Friend Connect
*Leave a comment if you are a new follower so I can follow back.
*Grab the Welcome Wednesday button, and post it on your page.
*Link up your blog every week, and follow as many blogs as you want!

The Body Shop: 50% Off Your Purchase

One of my favorite stores is having a great online promo right now. The Body Shop is raising money to stop sex trafficking. When you purchase the $5 bag, you will receive 50% off your purchase! Sweeten the deal further by entering code: NEWYEAR25 at checkout to receive free shipping. (On orders over $25). Be sure to check out their clearance section to score some hot deals!

Head over HERE to start shopping!

P.S. If you like citrus scents, go for Satsuma. It's my favorite!

Kohls: Hot Clearance Sale + .99 Shipping!

Kohls is having a fantastic Clearance Sale right now. Many items are at least 50% off if not more. You can get an extra 20% off if you use code: TWENTY4U at checkout. And, shipping is only .99 per item!

Head over here to shop!

P.S. I just went to the Men's Clearance section and sorted by price low to high. I found t-shirts for $2.60 (reg. $26) , and dress shirts for $3.60 (reg. $36)!

Let me know if you find something good!

Walgreens: .75 Deodorant!

If you're running low on deodorant here's a deal for you.
Walgreens has BAN on sale this week for $1.50 with the in-ad coupon.

Buy 1 BAN @ $3.99
- .75/1 Manufacturer Coupon from HERE
- In-Ad Walgreens Coupon (Takes off $2.49)
Final Cost: .75

*As a reminder give the cashier your manufacturer coupons first, and any Walgreens coupons last.

Thanks, Wild for Wags!

Christmas Clearance: 50% off Still?

Have you been out shopping the after Christmas sales yet? I haven't, but plan to get out on New Year's Eve. My mom stopped into Walgreens for me today, and they are still at 50% off.

Anybody find any sweet deals?
Or 75% off clearance for Christmas items?

In My MailBox 12/27...

I got away from these posts, and I know I enjoyed reading them on other pages so I decided to bring it back. Remember the Free Betty Crocker Calendar I posted about back in October? Well, I got mine today. Anyone else receive theirs?

I also received $30 to Office Depot from an instant win game that they had a couple of months ago. It said I won when I played, but I started to think it was fake after reading posts on other blogs about tons of other people winning. I guess my entry was legit!

And, finally I received my $10 Starbucks Gift Card from Swag Bucks. Here's my proof that you really do earn free gift cards for searching the web. Head over here to read more about Swag Bucks.

Walmart: Gillette Gift Sets .44!

Rumor has it that many Walmart stores have clearanced holiday Gillette Gift sets for $4.44! Use the coupon from this past Sunday's Proctor & Gamble to score a great deal.

Gift Set @ $4.44
-$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Coupon (12/26 PG)
Final Cost: .44

Thanks, Carie & Paul!

Free Excedrin! Up to $5.99 Value

Head over here and look under the Health Care category of coupons. Look for the Excedrin Free offers, and provide your address. In return, they'll send you a free product coupon via snail mail! Hurry! I'm sure this offer will go fast!

*This post may contain affiliate links which help support Frugal Invitation. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.

Little Caesars: 2 Larges for $5 Total

Head over here to print a B1G1 coupon for Little Caesars Hot-N-Ready Large Pizzas. These are normally priced at $5 each, so you end up with 2 larges for $5 total! They have pepperoni and cheese available.

Also, be sure to call ahead to verify that your location is accepting the coupon. Valid through Tuesday, Dec. 28th.

I did this deal after work today, and had no problems.

Target: Call of Duty $39

Target.com has Call of Duty: Black Ops on sale for $39. (Regularly $59.99) This game is HOT right now, and $39 is a great price. Plus, if you spend $50 or more you'll receive free shipping. I looked through the Christmas clearance and found several great buys at 65% off or higher! Start buying gifts now for next year. You'll save yourself a lot of money in the long run!

Head over here to start shopping!

Call of Duty for PlayStation 3
Item #: 12444347

Call of Duty for Xbox 360
Item #: 12444348

JC Penney: $10 off $25

Head over here to print a coupon for $10 off a $25 purchase at JCPenney. It's only valid through Monday, 12/27. Some exclusions apply. View coupon for more details.

You can also use it online with code: ITSOVER

Target 12/26-1/1

Totally Target has all the best deals exclusive to Target.

See my favorites below, and visit her blog for the rest.

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If you're short on coupons, be sure to check out
Coupons & Things HERE for a great selection

Vaseline 10oz Intensive Rescue Lotion $2.50
-$1.50/1 from HERE
Final Cost: $1.00

Lysol Neutra Air Fabric Mist $2.50 (price cut)
-$1/1 Target Coupon HERE
-$1/1 Manufacturer Coupon HERE or 12/5 SS
Final Cost: .50

Pledge Multi-Surface 360 Duster Kit $2.84
-$1.50/2 Target Coupon HERE
-.75/1 Manufacturer Coupon HERE
Final Cost: $1.34 each wyb 2

New York Color Minute Nail Polish $1.72
-$1/1 Target COupon HERE
-$1/1 from All You Magazine Jan or Dec
Final Cost: FREE or .72 w/ the Target Coupon

Pup-peroni Dog Snacks $2.64
-$2/1 from 12/12 RP
Final Cost: .64

Note: If you've never printed a Target coupon. Scroll down to the bottom of the Target page. You will see the word "Coupons" listed under the Target Stores column. Click that, and it will take you to the Target coupon site.

Rite Aid 12/26-1/1

My Frugal Adventures has all the best deals exclusive to Rite Aid.
See my favorites below, and visit her blog for the rest.

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If you're short on coupons, be sure to check out
Coupons & Things HERE for a great selection

Pantene $3.50 each
Buy 4 @ $3.50 = $14.00
- $3/2 from 12/26 PG
- (2) Free wyb Full Size from 11/28 PG
Subtotal: $4.00
*Get (2) $1 +Up Rewards
Final Cost: .50 each wyb 4

Gillette Fusion Razor $9.97
- $4/1 from 12/26 PG
Subtotal: $5.97
*Get $5 +Up Rewards
Final Cost: .97

Vick's Dayquil or Nyquil $5
-$4/1 Sinex from 12/26 PG (if included)
Subtotal: $1.00
*Get $2 +Up
Final Cost: FREE

Crest/Oral B, or Scope $2.79
-.75/1 from 12/26 PG
Subtotal: $2.04
*Get $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost: $1.04

Gillette Deodorant 2 for $8
-B1G1 from 12/26 PG
-$2/1 from 11/28 PG
Subtotal: $2.00
*Get $3 +Up
Final Cost: FREE

CVS 12/26-1/1

Coupon Katarina has all the best deals exclusive to CVS.

See my favorites below, and visit her blog for the rest.
----------------------
If you're short on coupons, be sure to check out
Coupons & Things HERE for a great selection.

Tone Body Wash $3.88
-$1/1 from HERE
Subtotal: $2.88
*Get $3.00 ECB
Final Cost: FREE

Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Liquid .94
.50/1 from 11/28 or 12/26 PG
Final Cost: .44

Mars or Hershey Singles B2G1 free
-B1G1 Reese's from 12/12 SS
Final Cost: 3 for Price of 1

Lindsay Black Olives $1.00
-$1/2 from HERE or 4/18 RP
Final Cost: .50 each wyb 2

Dawn Dish Liquid .94
-.25/1 from 11/28 PG or 12/26 PG
Final Cost: .69 each

Walgreens 12/26-1/1

Wild for Wags has all the best deals exclusive to Walgreens.

See my favorites below, and visit her blog for the rest.
Go HERE to learn more about using coupons at Walgreens.

----------------------
If you're short on coupons, be sure to check out
Coupons & Things HERE for a great selection.

Colgate MaxFresh or White Toothbrush or Toothpaste $2.99
Get $2 Register Rewards
Final Cost: .99

Tic Tacs .99 (w/in ad q)
-.75/1 from 10/3 RP
Final Cost: .24

Mars Candy .49 (w/ in ad q)
-B2G1 from HERE
Final Cost: .19 each

Chex Mix .99
-.50/1 from HERE
Final Cost: .49

Aussie or Herbal Essesnces $2.99
-$1/1 from 11/28 PG
Subtotal: $1.99
*Get $1 RR
Final Cost: .99 each

Olay 2pk B1G1 50% off
Buy 2 @ $2.99 = $4.98
- $1.49 (50% off one)
-(2) $2/1 from 12/26 PG
Final Cost: .24 each wyb 2

Pantene is 2 for $7
Buy 2 @ $3.50 each = $7.00
-B1G1 from 11/28 PG
Subtotal: $3.50
*Get $2 RR
Final Cost: .75 each wyb 2

P.S. Always give your manufacturer coupons first, and then give the cashier your Walgreens coupons.

*A Register Reward prints out at the register after you purchase the participating item in the ad. They are like cash, and you can use them on just about anything on your next trip to the store. There are some exceptions like: dairy, prescriptions, gift cards, postage etc. Check your RR for more exclusions. I use mine to buy toilet paper. I hate paying for toilet paper.

Are After Christmas Sales Worth It?

Is shopping the after Christmas sales worth it?


In the past, all of my family used to exchange with each other. That doesn't count my family alone, but extended family as well. If I make a quick head count, that ends up being about 25 people. Now, I don't know about you, but unfortunately money does not grow on trees around here. Buying gifts for 25 people can really add up. What I started doing in the past (before we drew names this year) was shop the after Christmas sales. The picture above shows what I was able to purchase at Walgreens at 75% off one year. This was 2 years back so I can't remember the prices on all of it, but I remember the lip balms being .25 each, and many other items being less than a dollar a piece. I was able to sift through the chocolate and find bags that weren't Christmas marked to use for other holidays, and I ended up buying a couple bags of Christmas Hershey Kisses because I make my peanut butter cookies year round, and knew I would use the kisses before the expiration date.

I ended up giving each woman in my family a snowman figurine, a small bottle of lotion from Bath & Body Works, a 2pack of holiday candle holders, a lip balm, and Christmas hand towels for less than $5 per person. If I would have purchased everything regular price I would have spent at least $15 per person.

Do I think it's worth it to shop the after Christmas sales? Absolutely! My advice to you would be to create a list of people you need to buy for, and start visiting the sales. Many stores will begin at 50% off, but will eventually go up to 75% off. That is when you will find me out and about. In year's past, the best bargains I found were at Walgreens, TJ Maxx, Walmart, Bath & Body Works, Sears, and Target's Dollar Spot.

Bath & Body Works: 75% Off

Bath & Body Works is hosting a sale for up to 75% off. I can vouch for this and say the deals were better for me in-store rather than online last year. I was able to pick up lotions for less than a dollar, and gift boxes for .25. Look for the 75% off signs in your store.

Go HERE to check out the deals online.

Old Navy: Hot Jeans Sale!

Today, and tomorrow only,
you can get kids jeans for $10, and adult jeans for $15.

Most stores opened at 5am today, but you can always call and check their hours for tomorrow.

These are while supplies last, and 5 pairs per customer.

Christmas Hiatus!

Merry Christmas!

I'm happy to say I have 99% of my gift wrapping complete! No staying up all night to wrap this time! I am heading over to my mom for Christmas Eve to help make Christmas Cookies with my little cousin Josh, and to get my Christmas movie fix. I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas Weekend. I am looking forward to the new year ahead.

Soak up all the time spent with your family and friends this year, and make the most of every moment.

Dockers: Free Shipping!

Shop online with Dockers - Holiday Savings Guide. Right now they are having Free Shipping & Returns on ALL orders, No Minimum! Click Here

Bath & Body Works: Free Lip Item!

Head over here to print a coupon for a FREE lip item at Bath & Body Works with any purchase. Look for a nail file, or something on clearance to make this deal even sweeter!

Expires 12/24

Thanks, Smart Couponing!