Saturday, July 31, 2010

Saturday Service: Getting in your junior high and high school volunteer hours

There is a service requirement that goes along with many local junior high and high schools as part of their graduation requirements. I know this is the case in other areas as well, and since we go back to school in about a week and a half here, I thought I would throw out a few ideas of service for the kids to do for their service requirement. Here are some of the thing I thought of:
  • Look around your neighborhood for people that might need help-can you mow a lawn, watch a neighbors kids, help clean a house? If you see a need, offer to help fill it (for free). 
  • Ask local schools if they need any help with their activities-ask at your school (they likely have lists of things going on you can volunteer for) or contact local elementary schools and ask what they have you could volunteer for. I am PTO president at my kids' school and we always use kids to help run things like our carnival and other activities-it helps us get enough volunteers and helps the kids get their hours in.
  • Check at local churches for volunteer opportunities.
  • Talk to local charitable organizations (Red Cross, JDRF, etc) and see what volunteer opportunities they may have.
  • Local theaters often need volunteers to act as ushers.
There are so many places you can help if you just look around and find them. And let's be honest, who is going to turn away FREE help? Offer to serve people and they are likely to accept. Now I must admit here that I am one of those people that has a hard time accepting help, but when a kid in my neighborhood called and said "I need to get some volunteer service hours in for school within the next month, could I come help you clean around the house or watch your kids sometime?"  I let her come help out!

What other ways can these kids find volunteer opportunities?  Please leave comments if you have more ideas.


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City Deals HOT and NEW Paintball and Spa deals...

Citydeals.com has a couple "Hot New Deals" going on right now that I really like and must tell you about! Right now you can get a $20 gift certificate for Paintball Addicts for only $9.00!!! Check out that deal here. The other deal is a $30 gift certificate for Balanz Salon Spa for only $13.00. Check that out here. Check them out soon before they are gone!!

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Free sample from Origins

If you go like Origins on Facebook here, then click on the “GinZing” tab, you can sign up to get a FREE Sample of Origins GinZing Eye Cream to help brighten and depuff. You can also send your friend a sample

Thanks Combat Clippers.

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FREE packet of Mrs. Wages Instant Classis Salsa

If you go here to Mrs. Wages website and click on the “complete our survey” link (in the middle of the page under "canning 101"), then fill out their form (it will sign you up for their email updates-so use a junk mail email for this). They will send you a FREE packet of Instant Classic Salsa!

Thanks Good Deal Mama.

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Friday, July 30, 2010

New blog design by Sara*s Pixel Design

So, this is the new Ah...Deals...Beckeesdeals design (if you are reading this on email, come check out the blog!). Remember back in June I told you that I won a giveaway from Mommy Octopus and Sara*s Pixel Studio for a new blog design? Well, this is the fantastic design Sara did for me! I love it and hope you all like it as well!

You should check out Sara*s Pixel Studio and see some of her other work-I love it and if you are in the market for a new blog design-check her out! She does a great job and is really easy to work with-you will love her!

Thanks Sara! It looks great!

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Have you entered to win the $60 gift certificate to CSN yet?!

Don't forget to enter my newest giveaway-a $60 CSN Gift Certificate!! It is a great prize and there is a lot you can do with it!! Check out the Giveaway post here.

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Weekend Warriors Staycations: Readers please share!

Last week for Thrifty Thursday, I asked for YOU to share your tips and got some great ones, so today for Friday's "Daycations" I am asking readers to share their favorite place to spend a daycation near you. It doesn't matter where you live-just share your favorite.

Please leave a comment sharing your favorite and include your first name and where you live (city, state) and one of your favorite places nearby to spend a day (you can also share why you like it if you wish). You may leave this on the Facebook wall, in a comment here on the blog or email me (beckeesdeals@gmail.com ).

Here is my sample:
Beckee in Omaha, NE.  I have a lot of favorite places to go for a day away, but one I will share today is going to the Wild Animal Park and to Mahoneys between Omaha and Lincoln. 

Or...
Beckee from Salt Lake City, UT   One of my favorite places to go for a day growing up in Salt Lake was Snowbird to hike! I miss my mountains and cannot wait to get back to them some day!

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FREE car wash in UTAH

My sister posted on Facebook about a free car wash in Utah (I believe it is at a location near Bangerter and 106th). Please check it out here.

Thanks Andrea!!
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44% off Utah Scenic Fliying Tour-HOW AWEOME! Must purchase today...


Today's Salt Lake City Groupon is $140 for a One-Hour Flying Tour Experience with Utah Scenic Flights in Heber ($250 Value).

As with all the deals, make sure you check out the fine print before purchasing. To sign up for Groupons, click on my referral link here (this does NOT commit you to buying any deal-you choose what you buy) and to see the Salt Lake City page, including today's deal, click here.

Not sure what Groupons is? Then click here to read all about it!

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FREE sample of Skinner;s vaporizing salve

Go here to request a FREE 1 oz jar of Skinner’s Vaporizing Salve. All you have to do is enter your email address and in the comment section enter your mailing address, then click submit. (I cannot get over the fact that is is called Skinner-I keep thinking of the Simpsons..."Skinner!")

FYI, "Skinner’s Vaporizing Salve is effective for providing relief from many common ailments including aching joints, arthritis, blister treatment, common cold, cough, hemorrhoids, rheumatoid arthritis, sinus infection, psoriasis, and much more."

Thanks Mojo Savings.

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FREE skin care sample from Akta Derm

You can request a free sample of skin care from Aktaderm by going here, clicking on the link at the top left to try a sample and filling out their survey form.

Thanks Mojo Savings.

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FREE samples from Mohrdar

If you go over to the Mohrdar Institute of Homeopathy & Integrated Medicine website you should be able to request Free Samples of any of the following:

Mohr-Clear Acne Creme , Mohr-Clear Acne Pads, Mohr-Clear Acne Toner Spray, Mohr-Clear Acne Roller, Amino Hydrate, Arm And Leg Tonification, Beauty spot crème , Beta Anti-Fungal & Ulcer Recovery Crème, Body Spray, Cyrus for Men.

It appears you can request multiple samples. Check it out here.

Thanks Mojo Savings.

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Pricematcing not just at Walmart and Target anymore...

I want to note something really exciting! My mom saw a sign that the new Hyvee at Stony Brook now says they will price match the other weekly ads, and I noticed the new Elkhorn No Frills Fresh will as well!! I have not yet tried either of these, but how awesome!! I love price matching!!!

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Mega Swagbucks day-get your swag-search on!!

Remember, as with EVERY Friday, today is Mega Swagbucks day! That means more chances to earn more Swagbucks! So, makes sure to use Swagbucks for all your searching needs today!

If you have not joined yet, click on my referral link here and start earning Swagbucks with me! This is a GREAT time to join-with Mega Swagbucks going on today!! As an FYI, I have gotten $100 in Amazon Gift cards so far and I have 383 Swagbucks left. When I get to 450 swagbucks again, I can get another $5 Amazon gift card.

If you are new to Swagbucks, please read my explaination of Swagbucks here. And my explaination of the changes to Swagbucks here.
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Eucerin sample (FREE)

If you would like to get a Eucerin Sample free, go Like them on Facebook here, then click on the "SkinFirst Pledge" tab and click the button that says Free sample, and fill out hteir form.

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Omaha TODAY only deals: mani/pedi, Americana Bistro, & golf

Today I am going to combine all the TODAY ONLY Group Deals in Omaha in one post.


Today's Omaha Groupon is $19 for 18 Holes of Golf, Cart Rental, and Small Bucket of Driving-Range Balls at River Wilds Golf Club in Blair (Up to $43 Value).

As with all the deals, make sure you check out the fine print before purchasing. To sign up for Groupons, click on my referral link here (this does NOT commit you to buying any deal-you choose what you buy) and to see the Omaha page, including today's deal, click here.
Today's Deal at Living Social Deals is a spa manicure and pedicure at Fringes Salon & Spa for just $35 (that's 56% off the regular price of $80). If you are interested in this or future deals, please use my referral link here to sign up now.
Today's Deal at DailyDealOmaha.com is a $15 For $30 of Drinks, Pizza and Pub Fare at The Landing Strip Lounge. See that deal here.

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

THrifty Thursday: Tips from YOU

Last Thursday I asked all of you to send me any frugal/thrifty tips you have so I could share them on my blog. I got a lot of great tips on a variety of topics. Some of the tips are opposite ideas, but remember that you just have to take the ideas and find what works for you! I am really excited to share these tips with you! Check out what thrifty tips my friends and family (you!) had to share:

Mirella said:
If you have a baby younger than 1 you can register them for a free ticket to the Ringling Bros circus that they can use anytime in their life. Look for the "Baby's First Circus" link on their website. I signed up my twins and still have their tickets. We'll probably use them this year. The catch is that you have to do ...it before their first birthday.

And Mirella also shared:
I like saving time as much as saving money so I try to buy in bulk once a month and make a bunch of home-made freezer meals. Meat is usually much cheaper in bulk and it really rocks to have good meals ready in minutes. If you are low on freezer space make sauces (spaghetti, alfredo, strogonoff, etc) and then you can boil the pasta the night you make the meal. I can send a list of meals I usually make but I think the best ones are those your family usually eats.

Kristin said:
Price matching is one of the easiest ways to save without doing too much work! (esp. in Omaha with all the different grocery store ads)

Jeremy said:
Since I started driving my scooter to work instead of the suburban, my gas bill has dropped from $200/month to $20/month. I'd say the scooter purchase was worth it!

Kristel said:
At Target you can use a Manufacturers coupon along with a Target coupon. I also love kids eat for $.99 tues., thurs. at Applebees. We took advantage of that all the time during residency. Now I don't live close to an Applebee's.

Lindsey said:
I don't really have a lot of food tips, just decorating ones. So here's what I've got! I haven't been able to do this yet, but I've helped many many friends refurbish great garage sale and thrift store finds. Or, for me, when I get sick ...of looking at the same furniture everyday I rotate it through the house creating new looks in every room. It's a lot of fun and FREE! Another one...just buy a plant, flowers, or even a new vase for a room. It will add so much to it. And, lastly, get rid of clutter...it does wonders!

Erica said:
At Target you can turn your Target bags in for 5 cents a piece! Not much but it adds up!!

Melissa said:
You could say something cheap for a date night, go to a Costco or Sam's club. Order their hot dog and drink for $1.25 (I think that is what it still is), So that ends up being $2.50 for dinner, and then go to a dollar movie. For a date night, dinner and movie it is under $5.00. I think that is a good deal!!! I love doing that at times with my husband.

Laura Said:
Spray paint to restore ugly things. Buy from Craigslist. Buy used. Grocery shop for a two week period instead of every week. buying for a two week period really does save me. I used to spend $150 every week. Now I spend $200 for every two weeks. I think on average I save $100 a month by stretching out those weeks with food. I tend to impulse buy so the less I am in a store the better. Also find stores like Aldi's. They don't have them everywhere, but they do help me to save money on everyday things.

Janelle said:
I shop for 2 weeks of food as well and it really does save me money! I usually end up going every week for some perishables or items we need. However, I usually plan to eat those items that perish quickly first and those that will last a while at the end of the 2 weeks.

Mark said:
Don't pay someone else to do what you can do (or learn to do) yourself. All the redecorating/remodeling in our house has been done by me, Erin, and my Dad and looks pretty decent. :)

Also, Don't buy in bulk if you don't have to - we found that when we buy in bulk, we just eat more and still have to go back just as often to buy more.

Thank you everyone for your great tips!!!

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SLC: 50% off at Star of India


Today's Salt Lake City Groupon is $10 for $20 Worth of Authentic Indian Cuisine and Drinks at Star of India.

As with all the deals, make sure you check out the fine print before purchasing. To sign up for Groupons, click on my referral link here (this does NOT commit you to buying any deal-you choose what you buy) and to see the Salt Lake City page, including today's deal, click here.

Not sure what Groupons is? Then click here to read all about it!
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Huggies $2.50 coupon.

There is a $2.50 coupon in Huggies right now. Just go to huggies.com and sign in (or sign up if you do not have an account) and under promotions you will see a coupon button. Click on that and print out the $2.50 coupon!

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Omaha TODAY only deals include: tanning, laser tag and Colosseum Ultra Lounge

Today I am going to combine all the TODAY ONLY Group Deals in Omaha in one post.


Today's Omaha Groupon is $30 for One Month of Unlimited Bed Tanning or Two Spray Tans at E. Wellington's Body Works (Up to $69.95 Value).

As with all the deals, make sure you check out the fine print before purchasing. To sign up for Groupons, click on my referral link here (this does NOT commit you to buying any deal-you choose what you buy) and to see the Omaha page, including today's deal, click here.
Today's Deal at Living Social Deals is $50 worth of laser-tag games at Zzzap Laser Adventures for only $25. If you are interested in this or future deals, please use my referral link here to sign up now.
Today's Deal at DailyDealOmaha.com is a $20 gift card for only $10 at Colosseum Ultra Lounge. See that deal here.


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Free Boss Bottled Night sample

Go here to request a free sample of Boss Bottled Night fragance.

Thanks Mojo Savings.

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Beckees Best of Omaha Grocary 7/28-8/3

I want to note something really exciting! My mom saw a sign that the new Hyvee Stony Brook now says they will pricematch the other weekly ads, and I noticed the new Elkhorn No Frills Fresh will as well!! I have not yet tried either of these, but how awesome!! I love procematching!!!
List of my favorite grocery deals this week:

Hyvee
  • Hy Vee Potato chips $.99
  • Midwest Country Fare Vegetables 14.5-15 oz $.29 (limit 8)
  • Bar S Jumbo Hot Dogs 16 oz $.79
  • Frank's Kraut 14 oz $.88
  • Ripe Tomatoes $.99/lb
  • Red and Yellow bell peppers 3/$2 (so about $.66 each)
  • Coke 12 packs 3/$9 (with in ad coupon)
  • Coke 2 liters 3/$4 (plus get 1 free with in ad coupon = $1 each)
  • Nissin Top Ramen Noodles 6 pack $1
  • Hunt's Tomato Sauce 3/$1 (with in ad coupon)
  • Hy Vee Peanut Butter $.88 17.3-18 oz (with in ad coupon)
  • Betty Crocker Cake Mixes $.69 (with in ad coupon)
  • Hy Vee dozen large eggs $.99
  • Hy Vee Half Gallon Chocolate Milk $1.58
In addition to the regular sale, Hy-vee is also running a 4-Day Hot Summer Sale running today, Wednesday July 28 through Saturday July 31 that includes the following deals:
  • Hy-Vee White Bread $.67
  • Roberts cottage cheese $1.77 (24 oz)
  • Cucumbers 3/$1
AND, In addition to those sales, Hy-vee is also running a 12-Hour sale Saturday July 31 from 8am-8pm that includes the following deals:
  • Hy Vee Shredded cheese 6 or 8 oz $.99 (limit 10)
  • Little Debbie snacks $.88 (limit 10)
  • Minute Maid Lemonade or Punch 64 oz $.77
  • Fully cooked Rotisserie Chicken $3.99 each
  • Tony's Crispy Crust pizza or Larry's Potatoes $.77 (limit 10)
  • Hy Vee deli sliced ham $1.49/lb (limit 5 lb)
  • Kraft Natural Cheese Sticks 9 or 12 oz 5/$10 (limit 5-get a $5 catalina back for your next purchase)
No Frills Fresh
  • 93% lean ground beef $1.88/lb
  • Our Family 24 pack bottled water $2.48
  • Skippy 16.3 oz Peanut Butter $.99 (in ad coupon for $1.50 off bread with purchase of 2)
  • Kellogg's Mini Wheats $1.50 each when you buy 4 ($2.50 each on less than 4)
  • Zucchini or yellow squash $.88/lb 
In addition to the regular sale, No Frills Fresh also has some deals going on this week only in their new Elkhorn store that includes the following:
  • Pork Country Style Ribs (boneless) $1.29/lb
  • Pepsi 20 packs $3.99 (limit 2)
  • Purex detergent 50 oz $1.88
Bag N Save
  • 84% Lean Ground Beef $1.88/lb
  • Ragu 16-26 oz $.99 (in ad coupon as well where you get free pasta with purchase of 2, limit 4)
  • Skippy 16 oz Peanut Butter $.99 (in ad coupon as well where you get free bread with purchase of 2, limit 4)
  • Wishbone 16 oz Salad Dressing (in ad coupon as well where you get free salad with purchase of 2, limit 4)
In addition to the regular sale, Bag N Save is also running a 3-Day Sale running Friday July 30 through Sunday August 1 that includes the following deals:
  • Land O Lakes gallon milk $1.77
  • Pillsbury Brownie mix $.69
  • Boneless center cut pork loin $1.59/lb
Baker's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)
  • Corn 5/$1
  • Lots of 10/$10 including: Better Oats, Fast Fixin Chicken, Tony's pizza, and lots more!!
Aldi
  • Strawberries $.99/lb
  • Red or Green Grapes $.76/lb
Super Saver
  • Boneless beef whole untrimmed chuck roll $1.88/lb
  • Land O Lakes Yogurt 6 oz 4/$1
  • Kraft Mac n Cheese $.48
  • Boston Butt Pork Roast $1.28/lb
  • Blue Bunny Ice Cream 56 oz $1.68
  • Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip 30 oz $1.97
  • Dole Celery $.56 each
  • Pepsi Products 24 packs $5.48 (limit 2)
***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.


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Weekly Grocery Match ups will be coming later today

I have to go now to feed the kids and do PTO stuff, so the Weekly Grocery Round Up will be coming later today-it may not make it in for the daily email, so if you are reading this in email, stop by the blog later to see the grocery round up.

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Remember to enter giveaway!

Don't forget to enter my newest giveaway-a $60 CSN Gift Certificate!! It is a great prize and there is a lot you can do with it!! Check out the Giveaway post here.

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$20 Yearlong Membership to Salt Lake Film Society! (Must purchase today!)


Today's Salt Lake City Groupon is $20 for a Yearlong Membership to the Salt Lake Film Society (Up to $50 Value).

As with all the deals, make sure you check out the fine print before purchasing. To sign up for Groupons, click on my referral link here (this does NOT commit you to buying any deal-you choose what you buy) and to see the Salt Lake City page, including today's deal, click here.

Not sure what Groupons is? Then click here to read all about it!
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GREAT Salt Lake Restaurant deals of the Moment at City Deals NOW!!

Citydeals.com has a couple "Deals of the Moment" going on (while they last) that I totally love and must tell you about! Right now you can get a $20 gift certificate for Dask's (Greek food) for only $9.00!!! Check out that deal here. The other deal is a $25 gift card for Yamasaki (Japanese) Restaurant for only $12.00. Check that out here. Check them out soon before they are gone!!

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