Some Ames Deals

Looks like this is a clearance deal, but I was alerted to this today.  At the West Ames HyVee, they have a lot of 12 oz. bags of Frosted Mini Spooners or Chocolate Frosted Flakes 4 for $1.  They'd be great to have around for snacks or quick breakfasts, so stock up.

Thanks to a reader who let me know about the deal.  I love being alerted to great new deals, so share!

I also was in Kmart and Target today, and the Halloween stuff was 30% off (costumes only, not candy) at Target and 50% off at Kmart.  Lots of costumes left, so stock your dress-up trunk or get your costumes for next year. 

Another good deal at Kmart was called "dorm room in a box."  Originally marked at $69.99, these are marked down to $19.99, and they include:

• Sheet set--fitted and flat, one or two pillowcases (depending on if it was full or twin or XL twin, they had all three sizes)
• Comforter
• Two bath towels
• Four washcloths
• Fleece throw
• USB powered desk lamp
• All in a really nice plastic tote with lid.

Nikon D3000 Deal

Remember, the Canon SLR deal ends at the end of today, but I've found another great SLR deal to take its place.  The Nikon D3000 is on sale right now, marked down to $449.95.  Just like the earlier Canon deal, Amazon has a coupon to save $100 on the extra lens. You'll also get the free filter, just like with the Canon.




It's not quite as cheap as the Canon deal, but it is still a substantial savings from the original price. From an original price of $600 on the camera body and standard lens and $400 ($1000) on the 55-300 mm lens, you'll end up with a total price of $714.34 and you'll also get the free filter.  There are several other items you can receive a 25% discount on with the purchase of the camera as well.

For the free filter, just add the camera and the filter, and the price will automatically be deducted.  The others have coupon codes.

• Y6EHPKIG will get you the $100 off the lens and camera combo.
• STROBOIO will get you 25% off a camera flip flash bracket (that's already marked down 50%)
• CARLITE3 will get you 25% off a tripod that is already 60% off
• TRAILBLZ will get you 25% off a monopod that is marked down to $17.99
• Get 25% off a travel tripod automatically (making it $7.50!) when you add it to the cart with the camera.

Real Simple $10 for One Year

One of my favorite magazines. This one would be good to send as a gift, or for yourself, and it's just $10 for a year right now!



I'm also noticing a lot of toys crawling up the movers and shakers list with prices 50-75% off already. Though the real shopping deals won't start for a few more weeks, a few good things are starting to come through. Be sure to bookmark the list so you can catch the deals before they sell out. It's something I check daily. A few of the best:



If you are interested in something in particular, let me know and I can keep an eye out for the best deal.

Free Coffee from Bruegger's!

November 10 is free coffee day at Bruegger's, and we just happen to have one in our area. The coffee will be free till 2 pm, so even sleepyheads can get in on this one. They have the full info on their Facebook page, so check it out.

Amazon Clearance Clothing Extra 20% off

Through Monday, Amazon is offering an additional 20% off Clearance Clothing, for a potential of 75% off many items.  This is throughout all of Amazon's clearance clothing--men's, women's, childrens'--and includes outerwear.  The price will come off at checkout--no code needed.  The first link goes to all clearance clothing that's included in the promotion.  Some other helpful links:

• Men's clothing
• Women's clothing
• Boys' clothing
• Girls' clothing
• If you look on the far left, you can sort this in many ways, including 70% or more off, by certain manufacturers, or even by price point.
• Here are all the items with free shipping, more than 70% off, and under $25.  That's still over 1000 items, and remember that they will be 20% less than the sale price.  You can sort them down even further by size or clothing item.

I forgot to mention amazon mom again.  This gets you three months of free Amazon Prime (free 2 day shipping on most items) and also 30% off diapers and wipes.  I've mentioned it before, but I think it will come in handy for holiday shopping.  It's free to sign up, even if you don't need diapers.

Toy Story 3 Coupon Released!

It's not $10 as I predicted HERE, but there's an $8 off coupon for Toy Story 3 Blu-ray and DVD combo. If you've been waiting for this like I have, it's hot off the presses right now.

If you were thinking of doing the Amazon deal, it may be a better choice now with only $8 coupon.  They are offering $10 off if you purchase TS3 and one other DVD, so it may be the way to go if there was another one you needed.  You can see the deal by clicking here, or by clicking the special offers section of the Toy Story 3 listed below. 

Entire I Love Lucy Series!

This is a gold box deal on Amazon, which means it's for today only, and while supplies last. If you are or know an I Love Lucy fan, be sure to take a look. The entire series of I Love Lucy, in a cute case, for $84.99. The original price was $235.98, and Amazon will sell it tomorrow for $139.99, so this is your chance.

Deals From My Inbox, 10/26

Here are a few of the best deals I've seen today:

• Shutterfly has up to 25% off many items, and free shipping with code SHIP30 through October 27.
• Save 50% on EVERYTHING at Lee Jeans.  It says prices are as marked, and get free shipping when you spend $65.  It looks like no codes are needed, but this deal is TODAY ONLY.
• 3 Day sale at Lands End.  Save 30% on over 600 items, and get free shipping with code OCT28 and pin 5922.  The promo may apply without needing the code if you follow that link.  Not sure.
• Eddie Bauer is having their Down Event, with $40 off many down items.  Get free shipping (no minimum!) with code GOOSE through October 27.
• Buy 2, get 1 free on Wexler products from Bath and Body Works, and get free shipping if you spend over $50 with code WEXLER50.  This is good through October 31st, so stock up if you love these skincare products.  I don't use these because I'm horribly cheap, but I know people who rave.   Again, the prices have me aghast, but there are two products that are more than half off, then still qualify for the B2G1F deal.  MMPi20 and Intensive Night Reversal Cream are only this "cheap" online. 
• At Snapfish, they're having a SCARYSALE <---that's the code you will need to use to get half off a bunch of stuff.  Also, buy two 8x10 photos and get 100 free 4x6 prints with code SCARYPRINTS.  These codes are good through November 2.
• Borders has two coupons for in store only, and only through tomorrow.  They also have a costume parade with giveaways on Saturday at 11.

 Will be back with more deals when I can! 

I love comments, so if you find anything I post helpful, let me know.  If you have something you need a deal on, let me know.  If you think I should change my very spring-like background, let me know.  : )  I'll take anything.

Artscow Coupons and Deals

I have mentioned Artscow before for great gift-giving ideas, and I have a huge roundup of coupon codes and free gift ideas to share. The thing to remember with them is that their shipping can often take a while. I would be ordering soon to assure arrival in time for Holiday gifting.  Here are the ones I have:

• Stretched frame canvases for $14.99 shipped.  Quantity not limited, use code 4C1PRICE through 11/11/10.
• Five 20 page photo books and two 39 page photo books FREE!  You will have to pay shipping, and this isn't a coupon code, but a credit you enter on your account page.  SE7ENBKS will work through 10/31/10, and you have 30 days to use the credits once they are applied to your account.
• Use code FSVIPUSER for free shipping over $10.
• Use code 3MEMOPADS to get three personalized memo pads for $4.99 shipped through 11/10/11.

The other thing I know is that once you start using Artscow, they give you a ton of free prints and other photo gifts and mail out new ones regularly.  If you do start using their site for one of these freebies/coupons, wait another day to do prints and they'll send you some good credits.  This is what I'm reading on their site: All your referred friends will enjoy the 1200 free prints credits and 3 8"x8" photo books and other great photo gifts credits.

If you missed the great camera deal I posted earlier, remember the coupons for the free (or mostly free) lens expire on 10/31.  I've already had requests for a similar deal with Nikon cameras instead.  I haven't seen anything as great as the Canon deal, but I will keep looking.

Family Video 4 Day Sale

This looks like a good chance to stock up on kids' movies or old favorites on Blu-ray.  Family video has kids' movies around $3.99 and a 4-day Blu-ray sale, with $1.99 shipping on ANY size order.  I can't find any current coupon codes, but that seems like a pretty good deal.

20% off and Free Shipping at B&BW

This is today only, so act fast. Get 20% off and purchase, and free shipping over $50 with code REINDEER20 at Bath and Body Works. Some of the sale highlights are 5 for $5 pocketbacs, buy 3 get 2 free holiday traditions, 6 for $20 anti-bacterials, and 4 oz. candles for $5.

75% off Daffodil Bulbs

For three days only, get 50 daffodil bulbs for only $9.49 with coupon code SUPERDAFF. It also says here that deer hate them. Even better!  If you sign up for their email list, they will email you a $10 coupon.

Canon SLR Deal

This was a great deal the last time, and it looks like it's back again!

This offer is good through November 24th (as long as they have enough cameras and lenses), so you have some time to think about it.  I love when I don't have to make my decision in one day on such a large purchase.  Buy the Canon Rebel and get a discount on one of these lenses AND a free filter.




So, the original price on the camera and kit lens was $649.99.  The 75-300 zoom lens was $199.99, is marked down to $148.90 and $150 off with code 753OOOCT, and the 55-250 lens was $299.99 originally, mrked down to $224.64, and $200 off with code 5525OOCT.  The filter price is $12.39.

From an original price for the whole package of $867.37 (for the camera, the smaller lens, and the filter) or $962.37 (for the same package but the larger lens), we will go down to a final price of $498.89 for the first or $524.68 for the second bundle.

The lens coupons are good through the end of October, the extra $50 off the camera with kit lens is good through November 24, and the free filter with lens is good through the end of the year.

Amazon Magazine Deals! (Under $5/yr)

Wow, here are some good magazine deals. I always figure $5 is as good as it gets for a one year subscription, so when I find them under that, I love it! These are all deals where you get a $5 promotional certificate with purchase, so you may pay $8 but receive $5 back from Amazon.




Many of these magazines also are one year auto-renewal, but you can solve that by going to the "manage my subscriptions" section under your account. I'll add that magazine subscriptions often make great gifts for people, and they'd start arriving right near Christmas if purchased now.

This deal should be good through the end of October.

New Children's Place Coupons!

This is good through October 25th, in store and online at The Children's Place (TCP).  No coupon needed for in store savings, but use coupon codes:

• SAVE25 gets you 25% off any order over $60
• SAVE20 gets you 20% off any order over $50
• SAVE15 gets you 15% off any order over $40

Remember, their shipping is always a flat fee of $5 no matter how big or small your order.

Deals From My Inbox, 10/19

Here are a few of the best deals I've seen:

• Get $100 worth of Kodak coupons to use at Best Buy.
• FREE Fresh From the Freezer online class.
• Skechers are on sale at 6pm for $20 and under.  I just noticed that though they call it a deal of the day, the prices are valid for 72 hours.
• Get $30 off $75 (that's 40% off!) at New York & Co. (NY&Co) with code 6000 through October 25.
• Customized (with your favorite photos) reusable shopping bags from Artscow, $3.99 shipped, as many as you'd like.  Use coupon code RECBAGS through 11/8/10.
• That Dockers deal from yesterday is available again today!
• Lands End has $20 off $75 and free shipping with code OCT21 and pin 1035, through 10/21/10.
• Leapfrog deals!  Get TAG books for $10 at Target.com, or get $5 off Leapster games with code FEBLEAP5 (I know that looks odd, but it says it's good through October 31) or print it here. Also!  Get $20 off $100 w/code AUTUMN20 or $10 off $50 w/code AUTUMN  AND free shipping over $50 at leapfrog.com

Today Only Deals!

• 20% off at Dockers.com and free shipping when you spend $100!  Just hit this link, no code needed, but it's today only!
• Also only today, take an additional 20% off Fall sale and Overstock at Lands End, making them up to 75% off!  Free shipping is included.  You should be able to click on this link, or use code LEAF18 with pin 4119.

Hit these quickly.  I'm sorry for the lateness of this post.

Swagbucks Signup Deal!

If you haven't read about Swagbucks, you can click the link there to read about it. I have a special offer for today only (through 4 pm PDT) where if you click "get code" on the swidget on my sidebar, you'll get a code for 20 Swagbucks to sign up. It's only for new referrals, though. The code is good until midnight PDT and it looks like it's JOINTHEFUN.  (Looky there, I didn't even make you have to click to get the code.)   You'll also get 30 Swagbucks just for registering, which will put you pretty far towards your first reward.

You can click through my link to join, though, and we'll both get more bucks.

Snapfish 50% off Calendars

Looks like another good photo deal, this time from Snapfish.

Our Snappy Sales Extravaganza continues! Get our most popular 12" x 12" Photo Calendar at 50% off the regular price. Add your favorite dates, customize it with pictures, and create a calendar that shows off your favorite moments throughout 2011.

Create yours, then use coupon 50FALLCAL at checkout to save 50%. Hurry – offer expires 10/28/10.*

My Publisher 50% off Photo Books

Save more the more you spend.  If you're thinking of making photo books for the holidays, this would be a great deal.  Save 25-50% with code HOLSAVE50 through October 25.

Calendar Updates

We're running out of time for the outdoor events, but there are still a few fun things left to do. I've been adding in new events from the Science Center and the city of Ames is full of stuff to do this weekend, so be sure to take note of the calendar on the right side.

As always, if you know of an event I've missed, let me know so I can add it in. I am seeing a ton of great sales this weekend, so I will try to do a "deals from my inbox" tomorrow as soon as I get a chance.

Amazon's 4-for-3

I was searching for a three tier baking rack (I know, exciting) and I found a Wilton rack for $9.99. Not only that, but it's in their 4-for-3 section. Not sure if I have posted before, but this is a great way to get even more savings in many areas of Amazon. You buy three items out of any category, and get one free.

I started looking around, and found what would make a great cookie-baking set for a gift.




There are a lot of other great deals in their 4-for-3 promotion, so check it out.


4-for-3 books also!

4-for-3 storage.

Bath & Body Works $1 Shipping

This is for today only-- get $1 shipping with the purchase of $25 or more at Bath and Body Works using code HOLIDAYONE.  They are selling the anti-bacterials 4 for $15 or 6 for $20.  The PocketBacs are 5 for $5, Wallflowers $6 each, and the new Holiday scent body care items are buy 3 get 2 free.  Many of the Halloween items are half price, also!

I just realized that I titled this FREE shipping, when it's clearly $1.  Ooops.

Amazon Toy Deals!

These look like some pretty good savings. First Green Toys are on sale, but there's an added bonus: spend $20 or more (only on toys sold by Amazon), get $5 off.  With the price drop and the $5 off, you can get 2 items for the price one of them was before.  We have the tea set, and it is so sturdy and nice.  I'll link to the other items included in the sale.




The next deal is a FREE Mr. Potatohead toy with a $30 Playskool purchase.  You get to choose either Spud Lightyear or a cute plush doll.  The details will be in the product description of the dolls.



One last thing, the kids' coats now have some that are more than 50% off.  The Columbus Day code is still available to use for $10 or $20 off, so see my previous post about the sale.

A Snacking Cheapout -- Microwave Popcorn

Earlier in the week, I posted the cheapout way to make cleaning wipes. Today, I'd like to share my method for making microwave popcorn on the cheap. Not only is this cheaper, it's a lot healthier.  It's surprising how easy it is, too!  All you need is unpopped popcorn (we like to buy it locally), a brown paper lunch bag, and the seasonings of your choice.

You can use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of popcorn, pour it into the bag, then add a little bit of butter or oil.  We just plop 1 tablespoon of butter in on top.  Add a little salt, parmesan cheese, or popcorn seasoning.  Fold the top of the bag down once, and pop it just like you would do with a pre-made bag of microwave popcorn.  I do cook on top of a paper towel or bowl to prevent the butter melting through onto the microwave.

And there you have it!  Perfectly popped, seasoned the way you like it, cheap, and fresh.  We love it!

Amazon for Groceries

Amazon to buy your groceries? Why would you want to do that?  For me, there are some items that Amazon sells that I would have to drive 30 miles or more to find.  In many instances, I would be able to buy my groceries much cheaper here, and I prefer to buy most things locally, but there are some products where it does make sense to buy from Amazon, especially if I can find them in their Friday Sale.

Very obviously, the Friday sale happens every Friday.  They sell a lot of odds and ends in the home improvement section, so check that out, too.  The food section often has items that are 15% or more off, then you can save 15% with their Subscribe and Save option, and sometimes there are even coupon codes for additional savings.

Case in point:



This Lipton Tea is listed as being $15 for 6 boxes, regular Amazon price.  For the Friday sale, they're selling it for $10, but you can save 15% with S&S, then an additional 10% with coupon code LPTEA255.   After all of that, you'll get 6 boxes of tea for $7.65 (6 cents per cup of tea!), delivered free to your house.

Here are a few others I see that have good deals.  Be sure to check the "special offers" under the list price of each item to see if you can save the 15% with S&S or if there are any coupon codes available for use.





**Subscribe and save allows you to set up regular deliveries of the same item as often as you want.  You will save 15% if you sign up, but you are able to edit or delete your subscriptions at any time (then use the 15% discount again if you decide to sign back up for S&S).

Free Starbucks Drink

First off, if you register a Starbucks gift card, you get a free birthday drink, and they offer different prizes whenever you use the card. When I signed up, they were offering a free breakfast sandwich.  It also gets you on their mailing list for free stuff and coupons, so that's another good thing.  I noticed that MyPoints and Swagbucks both had points available for registering a card, one more good thing.

October 6-9, get a free tall beverage with the purchase of a 6 pack of Via instant drinks (no coupon needed).  Has anyone tried these yet?  I'm not too keen on instant coffees, but maybe these could be good?

Deals From My Inbox, 10/7

• Get an extra 40% off clearance with code SAVE40 and free shipping over $125 and Ann Taylor LOFT.
• Circuit City one day sale has a laptop for $399.
• The Childrens Place has a sale with up to 50% off fall items, and a coupon for 20% off.  You can also use code D3C6N4GY10A.
• Kohls has 15-20% off shopping pass, or use coupon code SAVE20MORE or SAVE15MORE.  Free shipping code GR8DEAL75 with purchase of $75 or more.
• Get 20% off a Tomica train set at Toys R Us.  Not sure about this train set, but it looks cool.  The mega station set is $80, so that'd be a good deal.  Here's another coupon for $10 off $40 from Fisher Price.
• Get an extra 20% off at New York and Company (NY&Co) with coupon code 5856 or print this one to use in store.
• 33 piece Anchor Hocking glassware set for $34 at Overstock.com!  Use MyPoints and get 10 points per dollar.
• Follow Play Cranium on Twitter for free games.
• This looks like a great Yankee Candle deal.  Get 7 of the small candles for around $20+ shipping.  They're on sale, then use code CRM010B for $15 off $35 or code XF907W1 for $10 off $25.

Looks like there are a lot of good savings opportunities for Columbus Day.  Enjoy!

Bath & Body Works Columbus Day

Here's a great deal! At Bath and Body Works, buy 3 signature collection items and get 3 free, plus they have many items 50% off.  Candles are 2 for $20, and the signature collection classics are $6 each.  Anti-bacterials are 6 for $20.

• Use coupon code F102549 to save 20% and get free shipping if you spend over $50.  
• LOVEFALL will get you a free room spray or home fragrance oil with $10 purchase.
• Printable free room spray coupon
• Printable free travel sized item coupon
• F102787 gets you a free full sized body care item with any $10 purchase (but doesn't start until October 11.

Amazon Princess Dolls!

Amazon has many of the Disney Princess Barbies for $10 or less each. Most of these are normally in the $24-30 range, so it's a pretty good savings for the princess loving girl in your house.


One of my favorite deals was when I got the entire set of Disney Princess Barbies (there were 7) for $15 at Target.  They had originally been $60 for the set, and I managed to find a set for 75% off.  I noticed that Target has a similar set this year, but it won't be clearanced out until January. 

Amazon Outerwear Sale

Through next Tuesday, Amazon is having an outerwear sale, with some items more than 50% off. They have free super saver shipping over $25, or free shipping always with Amazon Prime. Right now, they also have a code to make the deal even better. Save $10 off $50 or $20 off $100 with codes CLMBUS10 and CLMBUS20.  Many items also qualify for an additional $10 back when you spend $75 with your Mastercard.

• Mens outerwear
• Womens outerwear
• Boys outerwear
• Girls outerwear

Just as some examples of your savings...

This Steve Madden jacket was $168, marked down to $79.99.  You could use the $10 off code, and there's a special deal right now for spending over $75 with a Mastercard and Amazon--you'll get free 2 day shipping, or $10 back if you already have prime.  That would bring the cost of this jacket down to $59.99.



For the kids, I saw some really great prices on jackets and parkas.  These also all qualify for the $10 Mastercard bonus, so you could save $20 from the code and $10 from the bonus.  The pants were $80, now $40.  The parka was $60, now $30, and the jacket was $42, now $15.  Our total started out at $182, down to $85, which becomes $65 after the discounts.   You could add a second jacket to bring it to $100 spent before discounts and only pay $5 more after the discounts.  $224 down to $70 is a huge savings for quality coats and jackets.



Be sure to check out the sales for yourself to find what appeals to you.  I know what we need here, so those are the things I focused on.

A Cleaning Cheapout -- Make Your Own Disinfecting Wipes

I've posted before extolling the virtues of vinegar for inexpensive cleaning options. There are some places where you just need something a little bit more, and I love the convenience of Clorox wipes for quick mop-ups of spills, but I'm a little too cheap to buy them.  A friend of mine years ago posted about making his own wipes, and I started doing that.

Someone recently asked me to post about how I make them, and it just so happens that I made them last week and remembered to take pictures of the process.  It's so simple.  If you got in on the Bounty paper towel Amazon deal a while back, chances are your supply closet is stocked with paper towels to use for this project.  You'll have to ignore my hideously ugly kitchen counter. 

So, the process I use:

1. First, take any roll of paper towels.  I like to use the sturdy Bounty select-a-size paper towels for this project, because they hold together so well.  I cut the roll of paper towels in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.  This roll separated well from the cardboard tube without further intervention, if not, I'll explain that step next.
2. Next, place half a roll of paper towels in a suitable resealable container.  I re-use the large coffee canisters for this.
3. Choose your cleaner.  I have a deep love for the purple Pinesol.  It's lavender scented but still has the great cleaning power of Pinesol.  Use 1/2 C. of the cleaner of your choice and 2 C. water, then pour the contents evenly over the paper towels in the canister.  
4. Replace the lid, shake a little bit, then wait about 20-30 minutes for it all to soak in.  At this time, you can pull the cardboard roll out of the center if it didn't come out before.
5. You then have your wipes to use.  Pull from the center, and if you are using the select-a-size kind, you can choose a small or large piece, depending on the size of the job.

Community Resources -- Where to Donate Your Items

This is another in a series of posts about community resources. Again, I am focusing on my own area, but this should give you a good jumping off point on where you can donate your items.  Maybe you have leftovers from a garage sale, or maybe you don't have time to do a garage sale, but there are a lot of places where you can take unwanted (but still good) items to be redistributed throughout your community.

These lists can also be a resource for where to find items if you are in need.

Furniture items and Household Goods

• In Ames: Story County Furniture Bank.  You will need to call ahead and make an appointment either to pick up or drop off items.
• In Des Moines: Plymouth Church.  They will come and pick up items, but again you will need to call and schedule for pick up.  They also have distribution information on the same page.
• In Des Moines: The Free Store
• In West Des Moines (Valley Junction area) Found Treasures. Located at 132 5th St, West Des Moines, in Valley Junction, Found Treasure is now accepting donations. For more information please contact 515-490-5198. 
• Nationally: Check with Goodwill, Salvation Army, and there is a National Furniture Bank page with information on distribution centers all over. 
• Bed linens or old towels can be donated at your local animal shelter.

Clothing Items

• In Nevada: The Harmony Clothing Closet, located on 6th Street in downtown Nevada.  They are open on Saturday mornings and Monday afternoons for donations and also to distribute clothing.  Anyone may come in and shop free of charge.
• In Ames: Bethesda Lutheran Church will take in-season clothing only.
• In Des Moines: Found Treasures (listed above)
• In Des Moines: The Clothes Closet located in the basement of Capitol Hill Lutheran Church which is a free distribution site for needy families from all over the metro area or those in almost new condition are taken to the Lutheran Hospital Not New Shop.
• Also in Des Moines: Hope Ministries will take clothing items.
• Nationally: again, Goodwill and Salvation Army.

 Unopened food items

• In Ames: Bethesda Lutheran Church will accept unopened non-perishable food items.
• In Nevada: St. Patrick's Catholic Church
• In Des Moines: Food Bank of Iowa.  Also Hope Ministries.
• Nationally: Here is a list of local food drives.

Toys, Books, and Games

• It is my understanding that Goodwill and Salvation Army will only take unopened board games and puzzles and gently used toys, but NO stuffed animals.
• In Nevada, the Harmony Clothing Closet will accept toys and books, but again NO stuffed animals.
• Stuffed animals can usually be donated to local animal shelters, and often police and fire stations will also accept stuffed animals in like new condition.
• Books can also be donated to local libraries.
• In Des Moines: If you have new toys, books, and games, they can be donated to Blank Children's Hospital.
• In Des Moines: Children Families Urban Ministry accepts donations of toys, games, and art supplies.
• This just in!  There is a place for your stuffed animals.  This site tells you where to send them.

 Other Places and Their Needs

• The Ronald McDonald House has a wish list.
• Beacon of Life has a wish list.
• Donate your old eye glasses to your local Lions Club.
• Your old cell phones can go to help soldiers.
• Donate old bikes to be refurbished.  In Ames and Nevada, contact Richard Atwell (515) 382-5059.
• Donate blood, sign up to be a bone marrow donor, sign up for organ and tissue donation.
  

Where do you take your used items?  Do you have another organization that I should add to this list?

Don't forget that many of these organizations could also use monetary donations or donations of your time as a volunteer.

Target Clearance Information

Here's a quick heads-up from my trip to the "big store" AKA Super Target yesterday.  If you're looking for any bedding or bath type items, they have a ton of items on clearance.  Most were in the 30-50% off range, but a few items were 75% off already.  If they go by their regular markdown schedule, the 50% items should hit 75% off on Thursday morning.

Some of the items I noticed:

• Lots of bathroom rugs and toilet lid covers
• Towels, including the large bath towels
• Sheets sets (there were a lot of twin sets that were already 75% off, including XL twin for $3-4)
• Area rugs
• Comforter or duvet sets
• Shower curtains and the shower curtain ring sets

Be there as soon as they open Thursday morning for the best deals, but be sure to go and scope out your store now.

Oh, and I think I've posted this before, but it's good information to have.  This is their typical markdown schedule, but they don't always follow it.  I've noticed that they are marking down at a much slower rate lately, so this might not always hold true.

Target Clearance Markdown Schedule

• Monday:
  Baby, Electronics, Childrens' Clothing, Stationery and Office
• Tuesday:
  Pets, Grocery, Bed & Bath, Women's Clothing
• Wednesday:
  Toys, Beauty & Health, Patio & Garden, Men's Clothing
• Thursday:
  Books, Home, Shoes, Movies, Music, Luggage, Lingerie, Sports
• Friday:
  Auto, Hardware, Jewelry, Cosmetics

30% off Gap and Old Navy

Here's a great deal, but it's for October 4 and 5 only. Get 30% off your total from Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic with code SAVEBIG. You'll also get free shipping if you spend $100 or more.

• Old Navy has 40% off a lot of merchandise right now, so this might help maximize your saving.
• Here's a link to the Gap's sale merchandise.  Looks like they have 2 for $20 on their fleece and 2 for $22 on leggings, too.

Amazon Disney Movie Deals -- Toy Story

Earlier, a reader asked how to get the best deal on Toy Story 3, and I pointed out a few good deals.  Disney is definitely releasing the $10 coupon lately for every new release, so I still think that could be the way to go.  The only problem with that is that you are forced to get the DVD/Blu-Ray combo, which is not always necessary.

Today I noticed that Amazon is offering $10 off if you buy one of the new releases and also one of the older Disney movies.  You'd still be saving $10, though you'd be saving it off two movies.  You'd also be able to get the pre-order price guarantee from Amazon and have the movie at your house the day it is released. Here are the details on the $10 deal, and here are the movies involved.

Buy one movie from the first list:


And one movie from the second list:


And use code DISNEYHZ.  These are just a few I chose as examples.  There are a lot more to choose from at the first link.

Weekend Deals

I don't post too often on the weekends, but I have a few deals to share today.

• At Woman Within, take an extra 30% off clearance items with code WW47749 through 10/10.
• At Overstock, get an free shipping with this link.  They have some thermal backed blackout curtains for $30-40 for the pair, so this could be a great deal.
• At Northface.com, save an extra 10% with code AVANTSALE.  
• 6pm.com will have Steve Madden under $50 tomorrow, so be sure to check it out on Sunday.  They're also going to have a big sale for 10/10/10.  I'll try to remember to post that again that day.  Today, they have Bass items 60% off.
• This weekend, buy one set of photo cards at Snapfish, and get free address labels with code GIFTDSGN.
• The Steal of the Day at Family Video is the Best of Whose Line Uncensored for $10.49.
• TODAY ONLY!  Take $50 off $100 at NY&Co. with code 2244.  
• Shutterfly is having an early bird sale, with lots of discounts on photo gifts.  Through 10/6, save $10 off $30 with code N5Y4-3N44-G048-81EB20 or get free shipping on orders over $30 with code SHIP30 through 10/13. 

Happy Shopping! 

Deal-A-Day Shopping

There are so many fun incarnations of this concept. Woot is one of the most entertaining--the product descriptions are silly, and the Woot-offs can keep a person entertained all day.  Just revisiting my post about Woot here, and note the list where you can see all the daily deals in one place. 

I am also pretty fond of Daily Steals, though they tend toward the techy side. 

One of my readers recently sent me links to two that are probably a lot more geared toward my readers, so I think I should share both of them.  This one, A Side of Peaches, is just a beautiful setup with lots of great deals.  While you're there, check out the Peachy Deals on Scrapbooking Supplies and the Peachy Chic Boutique. 

I love when readers share new places with me.  If you've got a favorite, let's see it. 

$10 Beauty and the Beast Coupon

Here's a great $10 coupon when you buy the new Beauty and the Beast DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack. You can also get a free charm with purchase of select Disney movies.  Expect to see the Toy Story one coming out very soon.  Who has seen the lowest price on this?

Don't forget to get the Tinkerbell coupon as well.  It expires 10/3.

Deals from my Inbox, 10/1

Let's see a roundup of what's available this weekend.

• It's Bulbtoberfest at Holland Bulbs, so if you're in need of some new plants for your yard and garden, check out their savings October 1-4 only.
• I just got notification that the Restaurant.com coupon is good for the rest of today.  If you missed it, use code WOW to save 90%.
• The Payless BOGO sale is on.
• Another local deal from Travelzoo (thanks to a reader!) get a cut, color, and style from Salon Utopia for only $49.  Ooh, they serve free tea and chocolates while you're getting pampered, and it looks like they'll also wax your brows.
• Get $20 off $75 at Lands End PLUS free shipping with code OCT4 and pin 8230 through October 4th.  This will also get you $5 off fleece outerwear.
• New Casey's coupons!
• Bath and Body Works has Wallflowers 4 for $20 or $6 for $24, fall 3 wick candles 2 for $20.  Use code SHIP3 for $3 shipping if you spend more than $50, or $5.99 shipping with any order.
• Philosophy has 50% off select gifts today only!  
• 40% off any item at Borders.  Rewards members get an additional 10% off!  Kids' Halloween books BOGO 50% off with this coupon.

I'll send this one as is for now.  There are many more great deals.  Also, if you're local be sure to check out the calendar.  I just added a trick or treating opportunity for this weekend.

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October Amazon Deals

You know the deal. It's a new month, so there are some great new deals. I always check every month for cheap magazines (it's a sickness), cheap or free music, and free Kindle books.  Don't forget that it's also a Friday, so the Friday sale is going on right now as well.

• $5 whole album downloads for October.
• The top 100 free album downloads
• The top 100 free Kindle downloads
• All the free apps to mimic the Kindle on various electronic equipment.
• $5 back when you purchase these magazines
• $10 back when you purchase these magazines
• The Friday Sale link here

90% off Restaurant.com!

Use code WOW for 90% off. It says it was for 9/30 only, but I was able to put an order through just now.  If you are a Swagbucks user, there is a special offer for 116 Swagbucks for placing an order through Restaurant.com on the Super Rewards special offer wall. 

I have used Restaurant.com many times in the past, and really enjoy it.  Be sure to read the details of the gift certificates, because most are more like a coupon where you get $25 off $35 (as an example).  They are still a great money saver, and a great way to have a meal out without a lot of out of pocket expense.

Just as an example, I placed an order for eight $25 gift certificates to various restaurants in our area.  That's $200 worth of certificates.  They would normally charge between $10 and $15 for them, which is still a savings.  With the 90% off code, that $200 was $10.25.

Again, I don't know how long this code will last.  It's working as of a few minutes ago.