FREE and cheap Summer Movies

See movies for FREE or very cheap this summer!  Type your zip into each website to find the closest locations and showtimes!

Regal Cinemas:

Updated: Summer 2012 list is up!:
Cinemark Summer movie Clubhouse

(Dates should be posted soon or check your local Cinemark theater)

And don't forget FREE bowling!

 
Have Questions? (866) 798-4502

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

* Scroll to the bottom to see a running list of daily acts of kindness*

I don't open up very often about what is going on in my life.  You come here to learn how to save money, right?

But the truth is, it has been a tough year.  

Maybe it has been for some of you as well.  

Well this was probably one of the toughest years 

of. my. life.  

My faith, family and finances have been tested in ways I would have never, EVER, suspected.  I have had to face a lot of things about myself that I thought I had figured out in my 33 years on this earth.  I have said, on more than one occasion, that I was ready for 2011 to come to an end. I wasn't participating in the Facebook "Thankful Status" campaign.  I wasn't ready to be thankful. I was just ready for 2011 to END. Forget the holidays--all I could think was I just needed to "get through" so that I could start fresh in 2012.  

And then, I was faced with a series of people in my life who were GIVING THANKS for trials, poor circumstances and misfortune.  Many of whom had it MUCH WORSE than my "crappy 2011" had been for me. Some were losing homes, losing babies, and losing jobs, yet they were still grateful? 

At this same time, I was rushing around getting Christmas gifts for my little ones and crossing things off my list.  One of those things was purchasing an Advent Calendar for my kids.  For my kids, the calendars now include toys, gifts, and fun surprises--

the bigger the better! 

I lay in bed one night thinking about this dichotomy--people with nothing, yet filled with gratitude; and me having "everything", yet filled with attitude (and not the good kind!).

Something had to give! 

That's when I decided what our Advent Calendar would be:

25 Random Acts of Christmas Kindness.

I can't take all the credit--I was inspired by very creative people around the blogging world and posts like this one and this one.

I needed so show some gratitude to get rid of my bad attitude.  And my kids seemed to be picking up on it by turning into Brother and Sister Bear from the book "Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmes." 

(Please tell me you've read that??) 

So what does this have to do with saving money?  Well, I'm not sure that it does.  But maybe that is what I need after a year of clipping coupons and saving every penny I can at the stores: to give freely of myself, my talents, my service, my heart and my wallet to others--and asking absolutely NOTHING in return.

I have big plans for the next 25 days! I will post updates on our Random Acts as often as I can--most likely through my Facebook page--to help give you ideas for how you can R.A.C.K. someone this Advent.  However, I want to be present in these moments for our family, not for the sake of "blogging about it" so there may be a day (or week!) where you don't hear from me.  Don't worry, I'll do a recap in January.

To help you start your own journey, I have partnered with Punkin Prints who has generously created a free printable to leave behind when you leave your (mostly anonymous) RACK's.

You can also check out her super cute Etsy shop and get some paper products that will WOW your recipients!!!  I'm so lucky to have such talented friends!!

Get the RACK'd download here. 

Now go bless an unsuspecting someone (or some-more-than-one) with a surprise act of Christmas Kindness.I am committing to 25 acts of kindness, but what about you?  Can you commit to one?  Five? And what will you do?  Leave comments and suggestions below!

Acts 20:35

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'."

Day 1: Made cookies for the husband who had a bad day and needed to smile.

Day 2: Was a "coupon fairy" at Walmart by leaving coupons next to a product that made it under $1 after coupon! 

Day 3: Pulled a name from the Angel Tree (Melvin)
Day 4: Placed quarters on toy machines in Walmart

Day 5: Left waters on top of the garbage cans on pick up day for the garbage men.
Day 6: Left a bag of chocolates in the mailbox for the mailman (to which he exclaimed "YEE HAW" upon finding them)

Cosmetic bag giveaway winner!!

Well here is the winner using random.org




Comment number 5!  Kayce, congratulations!!!


Send me an email with your address and I will get that in the mail to you.


Thanks again to 5Cuties for the fun giveaway!  Don't forget to contact them if you see anything you like on their Facebook page!  Take advantage of that FALL SALE they are having right now!


Thanks for participating everyone!  More goodies coming soon!

Cosmetic bag giveaway!

Check out this cutie patootie cosmetic bag!

5 Cuties is giving this puppy away!!  WOO HOO!!

5 Cuties is an awesome home based embroidery business specializing in unique custom bags and gifts.   They are local to Orlando, but I will ship the gift to the winner anywhere in the US.  Right now they are running a Fall CLEARANCE sale on their Facebook page.


So what can you do to win it?  Go to their Facebook page and "like" them.  Then post in the comments here to let me know you did it!  You have until MIDNIGHT (pst) on Sunday 10/23!


Ready set GO!!!

Halloween Round up

• Sears: Bring kids in costume and get a free Mattel toy AND get a free portrait package!
• Souplantation: Free meal for kids dressed in costume.  Details here.
• Boston Market: Two kids eat free ends 10/31

• Picture People: Free Halloween Wallets
• Chuck E Cheese: Join their E-Club and get an email for 20 free tokens Oct 30-Nov 1st. Not sure what/if purchase is required.  It could be great to go and get the free tokens to save for a rainy day.  
• Toys R Us: Per this Sunday's ad, bring your kids in from 12-3 in costume and get a reusable bag to fill with goodies and candy.
• Michaels: Bring your kids in from 10-12 for a Halloween Craft and Trick or Treat pail. Sign up for The Knack newsletter and you'll get alerts about freebies like this all the time!
• Smokey Bones: Spooky Bones Coupon for $5 off ANY purchase.
• Old Navy: Clearance Costumes ($2 each!) on Oct 30th-31st. (Think beyond Halloween here--maybe package together with some play accessories for a child's birthday gift of dress up clothes).
• {edited to add} Chipotle:  Free BOOrito 6pm-close on 10/31.

(Thanks to: hip2save, centsablemomma, heyitsfree, dealseekingmom)

Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes Free kids meal on Halloween

Bring your kid in costume and get them a free meal on Oct 31st! Find a location here. I will have a Halloween freebie round up later this week.  Lots of free stuff for kids on Saturday!

Free Pink Panty

Have you joined Pink Nation yet? They frequently send out deals and coupons for FREE or CHEAP VS panties!

Fun Disney Map Freebie

This is a great freebie if you are planning on heading down to Disneyworld in Florida some time.  Go here to create customized park maps by choosing the attractions, shows and other things you want to explore in each of the four parks.  They will then print them out and deliver them to you door for FREE.

Even if you are not going to Disneyworld now, bookmark the link, so if/when you are ready to go, you have this great service at your fingertips!

No Raincheck please--Food freebies

So KFC is offering another free grilled chicken offer.  After trying the free Oprah Chicken giveaway (and ensuing KFC disaster) I wonder what will happen this time?  One thing is for sure--I will be there for free chicken again!!

Barnes and Noble has some more coupons available including a free Kid's Hot chocolate and cookie.  YUM.

Free for kids

Bring your child to Sears on Halloween dressed in their costume and get a free Mattel toy.  Go here to find more details and print a $5 off $20 coupon.

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I am a big fan of the Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics offered twice a month at Lowe's.  This week's craft is a Monster String Magic Trick.  It looks cute!  Make sure you sign up online before going.  The first time you go, you will get an apron, googles and a nametag.  Upon finishing the project at each session your child will get a patch for their apron and a certificate of completion.  My daughter loves the projects.  It is great for ages 5 and up.

Always/Tampax freebie

I got this in the mail a few weeks ago, and it looks like they are still sending out samples if you want to register.  The way they had it packaged was so cute too! I love clever packaging.  You will get several samples in this one kit--details are on the website.

Free kid's activity packet

I ordered this a while back and it just arrived today and it is SUPER cute (and free).
The Environmental Protection Agency has a "Planet Protectors" kit that you can order for your child.  It comes with ideas for every month, certificate, membership card and other activity books and games.

I am also going to pass it on to my daughter's Kindergarten teacher since it could be a useful classroom resource!

Free photo gift + Chocolate Strawberries

JUST SAW THIS ON FACEBOOK!
Kodak is giving away $15 gift codes to the first 100,000 that register!
Go here now, click on get a free gift and enter your information!


Another Facebook deal:
Go here to become of fan of Edible Arrangements on Facebook and get a coupon for a free box of chocolate dipped strawberries!  YUM!  This offer is good only for the first 100,000 people.  You do have to pay for delivery, but I might just drop in my store and pick them up myself.  I will try not to eat the all on the ride home.  That will be hard.


I am loving all the Facebook freebies!!

Free Nursing cover

I ordered this as soon as I saw it.  I will use it for myself since I just had a baby 3 months ago and am still nursing him.  Even if you are not nursing, think about any baby showers you might go to in the future.  All you have to do is enter the code 1FREE at checkout and just pay the $8.95 shipping.  What a great baby shower gift for under $10.  These retail for $32!!  WOW!!

Free subscription to Parents Magazine

This freebie won't last long since this is a very high demand magazine, so get there now!

Three things Thursday

1.  Walmart has a free sample available of Garnier Fructis.  Get it here.

2. Starbucks has come out with a new product called Via.  You add a Starbucks mix to hot water and BAM! (a' la Emeril) instant coffee!  My hubby got some samples from his favorite baristas and it is SUPERB.  A 12-pack of the Via sticks costs only $9.95 a box!  What a steal!  In any case, go to any Starbucks Oct 2-5th and take the Via challenge and get a coupon for a free coffee on your next visit.  FREE STARBUCKS. Need I say more?

3. Something for the furball: Get a free sample of 3M's new product for dogs, Nutrachew.  Get your free sample and coupon here.

Simplistick wall decal

This is a fun Freebie!

Go here to register for a Simplistick wall decal sample.  I chose the butterfly for my daughter's room, but it was hard to choose!  I love removable wall decals, so they don't mess up my walls.  

Which one did you pick?

Babies R Us Deal and Rebate

As you can see here, you can stock up on basics from P&G AND get free cookware.  We are in need of some paper towels and batteries (always needing batteries!) so I am going to go do this deal, get a $10 gift card AND submit for the rebate!
There were lots of coupons from this past weekend's P&G insert for these items as well, which makes this an even better deal!

Go here to print the rebate form.

Free Thank you cards+Mailbox Monday abridged version

Go register here now to get a set of free thank you notes from Dove Dimensions. (Thanks Hip2Save!)
__________________________________________
Mailbox Monday
I didn't take a picture, but I received:

• $10 rebate check from Kellogg's Fuel for School
• Free sample sized box of Total cereal
• Free FULL size sample of Whiskas cat treats

Check Walmart.com for all of their samples still available.

Free food from Schwann's

This is a great deal.  Schwann's is giving the first 500,000 new customers FREE food.  I did this back in August, and picked out $10 of free food, entered my information and it was here the next week.  The best part is, that if you pick "pay on delivery" you don't even need to enter your payment information.  I got a bag of frozen cheese tortelini and it was YUM-MO!
My mother-in-law also did the deal in Alabama as well, so this is nationwide.
Go there NOW and get some free food!