Another source for kids' clothing bargains!

Did any of you participate in the ThredUp promotion run through Deal Pulp last month?  We had the chance to snag a box of kids' clothes for just $1. 

I took advantage of that one, and received my code the very next day.  I just haven't taken the time to redeem it yet.  One of these days I'll do it and I'll post pics of the goodies I get in the mail!

Anyway I just wanted to alert you to another company I found.  Although this initial offer isn't an awesome deal like a box of clothes for $1, it's still a great deal for a box of kids' clothes.

The company is Out Growing In and it's another kids' clothing swap site.  But this one does maternity clothes as well!  How cool is that? 

From the Out Growing In site:

Learn how easy it is to swap on Out Growing In! Just $3 for Kids and $5 for Maternity + Shipping!

1. Get Shipping Boxes - Free and delivered by US Postal Service or pickup at your local post office.

2. Find and List - Gather your kids & maternity gently worn and like new clothes. List for others to pick your box.

3. Pick a Box - From our list of hundreds of boxes by season, size, brands and more. Listing your first box gets you an immediate box pick!

4. Pay - You pay just $3 for Kids and $5 for Maternity per box plus shipping; the sender will receive a postage paid shipping label and send your selected box directly to you.

5. Ship - When one of your boxes has been selected by another member, we give you a pre-paid shipping label and you can drop off at the post office or schedule a pickup at your home.

Seems easy enough!  Have any of you tried Out Growing In?  Or another clothing swap site?

I have not been paid to write this post, nor was I given anything from the company.  I just found it a great bargain and wanted to share.  If you sign up (completely free!) through my affiliate link (the banner), I'd get a small payment.

Another source for kids' clothing bargains!

Kindle Book Freebie: Protector by Laurel Dewey

Amazon has another free eBook download for your Kindle or Kindle app on your phone or computer!

I love these book download freebies as they have made the price of my Kindle well worth it.  I've actually only bought 2-3 books for my Kindle right after I got it.  Since then I've gathered about 40 free books through it! 

Anyway, right now you can get the eBook, Protector, by Laurel Dewey.  This is a full-length mystery novel, not just a teaser with a few chapters.  And it has good reviews so far! 

Hurry over and claim it while it's free... sometimes these promotional offers expire quickly.

Thanks to Freebies 4 Mom for sharing this freebie offer.
  

Kindle Book Freebie: Protector by Laurel Dewey

TGI Fridays $5 off $15 Printable Coupon

Grab this great printable coupon and take $5 off your purchase of $15 or more at TGI Fridays!

It's good through 3/7/11.

Thanks to Saving With Amy for sharing this coupon.

TGI Fridays $5 off $15 Printable Coupon

Weekly Recap 2/13 - 2/19

How much extra money did you earn this week? How much did you save? Here's my weekly recap of money/gift cards earned, cash saved by using coupons, and freebies received in the mail.

It's fun to see your savings/earnings amounts all added up. It clearly shows that it's time well spent when you cut coupons, hunt for sales, and make little bits of money here and there. Here's my recap for the past week, 2/13/11 - 2/19/11. 

Cash/Checks/Gift Cards Received

$5.00....... Amazon.com gift card from Swagbucks (Search engine that pays!)
$20.00..... Ultimate Rewards (Credit card cash back)
$0.26....... YouData (Paid to view advertisements)

Total: $25.26

Coupon Savings

$3.30.... Acme
$1.75.... Walmart

Total: $5.05

Freebies

Cover Girl Nature Luxe Foundation samples

Two free Kindle books - The 1-2-3 Money Plan: The Three Most Important Steps to Saving and Spending Smart by Gregory Karp and Life From Scratch by Melissa Ford


Total 2011 Cash/Checks/Gift Cards Received: $360.78
Total 2011 Coupon Savings: $325.31

Find my previous weekly recaps here.
  

Weekly Recap 2/13 - 2/19

Two Free e-Book Downloads (Kindle, PC, etc.)

Scoop up some free reading material from Amazon!  Right now you can get these two free e-book downloads for your Kindle, computer, or phone...

The 1-2-3 Money Plan: The Three Most Important Steps to Saving and Spending Smart by Gregory Karp

Life From Scratch by Melissa Ford

Thanks to The Thrifty Mama and Freebies 4 Mom for sharing these freebies.

Two Free e-Book Downloads (Kindle, PC, etc.)

Where did all this debt come from?

In trying to pay off our credit card debt, there are many times when I sit back and think about how we got ourselves into this position.  How did we let so much debt pile up on credit cards like this?

I get mad at myself for making poor decisions or wasting away our money.  Or for living beyond our means. Mostly I get disappointed with myself.

But ya know what?  I really try hard to knock those feelings down because our debt is not from spending too much on a daily basis, it's not from buying luxury items, it's not from going on vacations or anything like that. 

Most of our debt was from renovating the entire upper level of our home.  When we found out I was pregnant with my son, who is now 3, we needed another bedroom.  Our house has 1.5 levels, instead of 2 full levels.  And the upstairs, which is two bedrooms, was cheaply finished off, with no closets, no real flooring, hardly any insulation, no heat and no air conditioning. 

So it had to be completely gutted and renovated.  It was a huge project and we had no way to pay for it.  So we did the reasonable thing and put it all on credit cards.  Unfortunately we didn't really have any other options. 

In order to reduce the impact, we tried to be smart about our decisions and to cut costs where we could.  My Dad has alot of experience in renovating my parents' home so he did alot of the labor for us - for free.  That saved us an incredible amount of money.  We also were lucky to come across several coupons for Lowe's to save $10-$50 off certain purchases.  And we shopped around for prices, got lots of estimates, and put alot of thought into where our money was going.

So that's where most of our debt comes from.  I'm not sorry we did it.  I just wish we had been able to pay off more of that debt by now.  Unfortunately the economy took a hit and Hubby didn't receive his pay raises, he suffered pay cuts and furlough days, insurance copays and premiums went up... all while the cost of living skyrocketed.  It has been tough.

But I know we are stronger for having gone through all this.  And we survived, without paying a single bill late.  So now that things are looking up for us a little bit, we're committed to paying off our credit card debt and moving forward. 

- - Follow along with us and see our progress throughout the year.  I'll be posting monthly updates.  Check out my January Credit Card Debt Recap. - -
   

Where did all this debt come from?

January Credit Card Debt Recap

If you've been following along, you know that Hubby and I are working to greatly reduce our credit card debt this year.  If you're just tuning in, you can read here and here.

I want to keep track of how we're doing, so I'll be doing updates every month or so.  As of the beginning of January our credit card totals looked like this:

Chase 1 - $8,575.64

Chase 2 - $1,199.35

CitiCard - $3,627.25

Total - $13,402.24

And then at the end of January, our totals looked like this:

Chase 1 - $8,464.49

Chase 2 - $0

CitiCard - $3,573.25

Total - $12,037.74

So we're down $1,364.50!!!  Yay, that was an awesome month and a terrific way to start our year.

I wish every month could be that great, but unfortunately that's not possible.  We were lucky to have that extra money in January to knock off the one card entirely, but most months will not look like this because we just don't have that much flexibility.

We knocked out our card with the lowest balance first to get our momentum going and prove to ourselves that we can do this. 

Next we will work on paying off the Chase1 card.  Although the CitiCard has a lower balance, that one also has 0% interest for over a year, and the Chase1 has something like a gazillion percent interest.  Ok, so maybe it's not that high, but it sure seems like it when it's our money going to waste.

Check back in a few weeks to see how February goes for us!

January Credit Card Debt Recap

New Pampers Gifts to Grow Code - 10 pts

Are you participating in the Pamper's Gifts to Grow rewards program?  If so, I have a new 10 point code for you!

Click here to visit Pamper's Gifts to Grow and enter code: 4W34A9BD99YDFWY.

In case you're not familiar with this rewards program, Pamper's has unique codes on each of their diaper and wipes products. You can also get other codes on Facebook and elsewhere around the net.  So even if you're not diapering any children, you can still participate!

Codes are worth a various amount of points and points can be redeemed for great prizes (gift cards, coupons, toys, etc.) with free shipping! 

Thanks so much to Simply Being Mommy for sharing this code.

New Pampers Gifts to Grow Code - 10 pts

Weekly Recap 2/6 - 2/12

How much extra money did you earn this week? How much did you save? Here's my weekly recap of money/gift cards earned, cash saved by using coupons, and freebies received in the mail.

It's fun to see your savings/earnings amounts all added up. It clearly shows that it's time well spent when you cut coupons, hunt for sales, and make little bits of money here and there. Here's my recap for the past week, 2/6/11 - 2/12/11. 

Cash/Checks/Gift Cards Received

$5.00....... Amazon.com gift card from Swagbucks (Search engine that pays!)

Total: $5.00

Coupon Savings

$9.79.... Friendly's ($5 off & bogo free sundae)
$1.55.... Walmart (grocery coupons)
$20.49... Kohl's (20% off coupon)

Total: $31.83

Freebies

No freebies received this week.


Total 2011 Cash/Checks/Gift Cards Received: $335.52
Total 2011 Coupon Savings: $320.26

Find my previous weekly recaps here.
  

Weekly Recap 2/6 - 2/12

Taco Bell Freebie: Free Crunchy Taco!!!

Check out the Taco Bell Facebook page for a great freebie offer.

Once you "Like" Taco Bell on Facebook, you'll have access to print your coupon for one free crunchy taco! 

Offer limited to 10 million downloaded coupons.

Thanks to Marilyn's Money for sharing this freebie.

Taco Bell Freebie: Free Crunchy Taco!!!

Target $5 off coupon

Grab this handy coupon to take $5 off your purchase of $50 or more at Target.com.

No coupon code needed.  The coupon will automatically apply at checkout after you click through. 

Also, click through to see any other details or exclusions that may apply.

Enjoy!

Target $5 off coupon

Weekly Recap 1/30 - 2/5

How much extra money did you earn this week? How much did you save? Here's my weekly recap of money/gift cards earned, cash saved by using coupons, and freebies received in the mail.

It's fun to see your savings/earnings amounts all added up. It clearly shows that it's time well spent when you cut coupons, hunt for sales, and make little bits of money here and there. Here's my recap for last week, 1/30/11 - 2/5/11. 

Cash/Checks/Gift Cards Received

$104.15... Google Affiliate Network
$5.00....... Amazon.com gift card from Swagbucks (Search engine that pays!)
$4.73....... Donkeymails (Paid to read email)
$1.73....... PayPal Debit Card Rewards
$60.00..... Kohl's Cash

Total: $175.61

Coupon Savings

$20.00.... Fashion Bug
$3.99...... Amazon.com Video On Demand (free $5 coupon credit)
$56.30.... Kohl's (15% off with code:  WINTER15)

Total: $80.29

Freebies

DenTek Floss Picks


Total 2011 Cash/Checks/Gift Cards Received: $330.52
Total 2011 Coupon Savings: $288.43

Find my previous weekly recaps here.

Weekly Recap 1/30 - 2/5

Facebook Freebie: Yoplait Yogurt

Yoplait is giving away one million free cups of Yoplait Original Yogurt!

To snag your coupon for a free cup of yogurt, visit their Facebook page and sign up. 

If you happen to be in a state with weird dairy laws (like me in NJ) they can't give you a free cup and instead you'll get an alternate coupon. Last time it was a coupon for buy 2 get 1 free, I believe.
   

Facebook Freebie: Yoplait Yogurt

New Pampers Gifts to Grow code

Are you participating in the Pamper's Gifts to grow rewards program?  If so, I have another new code for you!  It's worth 10 points.

Click here to visit Pamper's Gifts to Grow and enter code: XK6JT33PRDRAK6W.

Did you get the 10-point code I posted yesterday?  If not, here it is:  PAMPERS4MOMJFM1.

In case you're not familiar with this rewards program, Pamper's has unique codes on each of their diaper and wipes products. You can also get other codes on Facebook and elsewhere around the net.

Codes are worth a various amount of points and points can be redeemed for great prizes (gift cards, coupons, toys, etc.) with free shipping!

Thanks to Freebies 4 Mom for sharing this code.
   

New Pampers Gifts to Grow code

Coupon for a FREE bottle of Coffeemate! Today Only!

I told you about this great freebie offer the other day and now's your chance to jump in on the action!

Coffeemate is giving away 100,000 coupons for a free full-size bottle of Coffeemate!

You can sign up for your free coupon on their Facebook page today only, starting at 9am PST.

Coupon for a FREE bottle of Coffeemate! Today Only!

Free sample of Cheez-It Crackers

How would you like a free sample of Cheez-It crackers?

To get your freebie, go to the Cheez-It Facebook page and vote for your favorite cheese flavor: Asiago, Colby or Romano.

Allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.

Thanks so much to Freebies 4 Mom for sharing this freebie offer.

Free sample of Cheez-It Crackers

Monthly Credit Card Debt Totals

I've mentioned a few times that Hubby and I are working hard to lower and eventually pay off our credit card debts. This year we're trying to put extra effort into it so that we'll be in a much better place next year.

To hold myself accountable and to keep focused, I'm going to blog my way through this.  Maybe I'll even inspire one of you to take extra efforts to become debt free.

Anyway, I'd like to post our credit card debt totals as of the start of the year.  Then every month or so, I'll update the totals to reflect any payments made.  I'm hoping that at the end of the year, we'll be able to look back at our progress and celebrate how well we did.

As of January 1, 2011 our credit card debt looked like this:

Chase 1 - $8,575.64

Chase 2 - $1,199.35

CitiCard - $3,627.25

Total - $13,402.24

This includes the three major credit cards we have.  We have a few other store cards that we generally pay off every month (if they were used at all), so I won't include them in these totals.

Stay tuned for my January Credit Card Debt Recap to see what progress we made.  It was a really good month!

Monthly Credit Card Debt Totals

Pampers Gifts to Grow code - worth 10 points

It's been awhile since I posted a Pampers code for you and yay, I just found one!  This one is worth 10 points!

Click here to visit Pamper's Gifts to Grow and enter code: pampers4momjfm1 .

In case you're not familiar with this rewards program, Pamper's has unique codes on each of their diaper and wipes products. You can also get other codes on Facebook and elsewhere around the net.

Codes are worth a various amount of points and points can be redeemed for great prizes (gift cards, coupons, toys, etc.) with free shipping!

Pampers Gifts to Grow code - worth 10 points

Coupon for a FREE bottle of Coffeemate!

Get ready to claim your coupon for a free full-size bottle of Coffeemate! 

They are giving away 100,000 coupons on their site and on Facebook this Friday, Feb 4th, starting at 9am PST.

I'll be sure to post a reminder Friday morning!  Don't miss any of my freebie finds... consider subscribing or following Tips & Treasures through Google Friend Connect, Twitter or Facebook. Thanks!

Coupon for a FREE bottle of Coffeemate!

Family Circle Magazine: 2 Months Free! (New Link!)

I love free magazine subscriptions, even if it's just for two months.  Gotta love free reading material!

Get two free months of Family Circle magazine, no credit card necessary!  No strings attached and no bills in the mail.

This is a new link, so if you spotted this offer somewhere last week and saw that it was expired (like I did), have no fears, you have another chance now!

Your order will be processed in 1-2 weeks.

Family Circle Magazine: 2 Months Free! (New Link!)

Quiznos $2.99 Sub Coupon

Here's a cheap lunch option...

Snag this printable coupon and you'll get a Quiznos Prime Rib Sub for just $2.99!



Act fast on this one before the coupons run out again.

Quiznos $2.99 Sub Coupon

Free sample of Schiff MegaRed Omega-3 Supplement

Here's a freebie to support your cardiovascular health.

Sign up for your free sample of Schiff MegaRed 100% Pure Omega-3 Krill Oil supplement.

This sample comes from Walmart so you know it's super easy to sign up and it'll come fast!

Free sample of Schiff MegaRed Omega-3 Supplement