Countdown to Thanksgiving- Turkey Pumpkin Centerpiece

 

Back a few years ago, before I was working full time, I used to do a holiday countdown where I would share a daily craft or recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The last few years my schedule did not really allow me to keep up with a daily schedule, but this year I am working a home, and able to do a countdown again. 

Each day (at least each week day) I plan on sharing a Thanksgiving craft. Many of them are crafts you can do with your kids, and display on the holiday. 

 A few times a week I will share a holiday recipe that you can make for you friends and family.  I will be sharing a recipe from my blog, and feature recipes from the Dare to Share round up posts. 

 A new thing I am going to add this year since there are so many of us dealing with the affects of inflation on our budgets, I am also going to share a shopping deal or two that you might not know about.  The holidays are coming up very fast, so we could all use ways to save some money when we can. 

** this blog post may contain affiliate links  

Today's Craft of the Day 

As you are putting away your Halloween craft supplies, if you find you have craft pumpkins still on hand, we can use them to make some Turkey Pumpkin Centerpieces.  

I love using the craft foam pumpkins from the Dollar Tree. While they are no longer available online, their website still has some different types of crafting pumpkins available,  if you are need any for your Thanksgiving crafts.     Whichever pumpkin that you choose to use, paint it the color of the turkey you are making. I chose to use a dark brown.  

 Cut a peanut shaped turkey head (body) out of craft foam.  Make sure it is the right size to attach to your pumpkin.   I then glued on the face using google eyes, a craft foam orange heart and a little red swish for the wattle.  (or is it snood, I always get confused LOL)  I then glued it to the front of the pumpkin. 

I cut the feet out of orange craft foam and glue it to the bottom of the pumpkin. 

I used a variety of colors of craft foam to make the feathers. You can make little snip around the shapes, to make them look like feathers.  Arrange them how you want and glue them to the back side of the pumpkin.  

Add a couple of craft foam wings, and your Turkey Pumpkin is complete. 

Your Turkey Pumpkin is ready for Thanksgiving!  He would look really cute as part of a table centerpiece. 

Now onto the money saving tips I saw in the past day or so. 

Do you have an Aldi nearby?  It is one of my favorite places to shop for my groceries.  They are currently advertising that they are rolling back their Thanksgiving essentials prices to 2019 prices.  I am pretty excited because this will help our food budget.  While I was there last night, I saw they currently had turkeys for about $1.09 a lb. (it may vary by area) 

Another way to save on Thanksgiving groceries right now is by using Ibotta.  I use Ibotta all the time and earn money back on groceries I am already buying anyway.  They currently have cash back on many Thanksgiving essentials, and if you redeem sixteen offers by Nov 18, they will give you an offer for a free turkey!   If you do not have the app yet, you can check out the Ibotta App Here. 

One last saving tip that I just found out today.  Over on Oriental Trading they are currently offering FREE Shipping on orders of $49, and $10 off orders of $69 using the code CE224644 at checkout.  They offer many Thanksgiving craft kids, and decor, and have some Early Bird Black Friday deals for 50% off right now. 

If you hear of any great deals, money saving tips, let me know in the comments.  

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How to Save Money on Groceries

 

    Several years ago I wrote a post about how to save money on groceries sharing tips that I used as a single mom. It was a popular post, because everyone likes to save money when they can.  I realized recently that it is definitely time to revisit that post, and update it with new current money saving tips.  

You can read the original post here.

My first tip that I had in that post, is still my first tip in 2022.  Start planning your shopping trip by looking at the sales flyers.  In the last year, our food prices have increased in a huge way because of the inflation, and supply chain issues.  By planning your shopping list  with the items that are on sale, you will save money.   I do get some paper flyers left at our house, but I also check what's on sale by using store apps and websites.  Most stores have access to their sales ads online and coupons in their store apps.  My favorite stores in my area that I shop are Aldi, Meijer, Kroger, Walmart and Target.

Once I have a general idea  of what I might like to buy from the ads, my next step is to check is a website that finds deals and coupons for my selected store for me. My favorite sites are Bargains to Bounty, Living Rich with Coupons, The Krazy Coupon Lady, and Totally Target.    These sites are not only helpful with saving money on groceries, but with other household items and gifts as well.  

While paper coupons still exist, unless you subscribe to the newspaper, they are a bit harder to come by as they once were.  I still regularly use coupons, but I use digital coupons from my phone.  Many stores have coupons in their store apps with different names. Just a few examples are Meijer has MPerks, Kroger has Digital Deals, and Target has Circle.  If  you use the Coupons.com website or app, you can use those coupons at many different retailers. Just be sure and activate the coupon in the app before you buy the product. I often activate in while in the store.  I have found that they are often the same coupons that come in paper form in the newspaper, but without the cutting and remembering to bring them with me to the store. 

** this is an affiliate link to Dollar Tree 

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I am all about shopping at  the Dollar Tree.  This year many Dollar Trees have  expanded their grocery and freezer sections. They offer name brand foods on a regular basis.  In fact, the Old El Paso Street Taco Kit and the frozen Banquet meal pictured were items I found recently at Dollar Tree.  While you probably won't be able to find everything on your grocery list, you can find enough deals to help your food budget.  

Another thing that I like to do to save money is using reward apps that pay me back money on things I was going to buy anyway.   Here are my three favorites. 

Ibotta  is one of my favorite rewards apps.  I have been using it for a long time, and you can be rewarded for shopping at most major retailers, online purchases, restaurants, gas stations, and more. 

Fetch Rewards is another favorite way I earn money back. I earn points on by snapping my receipts, bonus points on many items, and more.  If you use the code PU8JQ, you will receive bonus points just for signing up and snapping a receipt.  You can use your reward points on such gift cards as Amazon, restaurants and other retail stores. 

Another site I have used for many years is my NCP Mobile app.  Back when I first started with National Consumer Panel we were sent a handheld scanner and scanned in our groceries by hand to earn points.  Over the years I have earned hundreds of dollars worth points, and earned some really great rewards.  A couple of years ago they updated their system, so that you can scan your purchases right from your phone.  If you are interested in becoming a NCP member and earning rewards from your grocery purchases, email me, and I will give you a referral code. 

I hope you find these tips helpful, and you too are able to save some money on groceries. 

Other money saving posts you might find helpful. 

See how I find so many great finds with  My Best Dollar Tree Shopping Secrets

While this is an older post, you can see how I used Kohls coupons and promos toSave Money Christmas Shopping

I share more Dollar Tree Tips in my post Things you should always buy at the Dollar Tree.

And lastly if you like to throw parties,  Ten tips on how to throw a birthday party on a budget.

 

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Amazon Prime Day is almost here!

Have you heard the news?  Amazon Prime Day for 2021 is almost here! It was just announced that it is going to be a two day event again this year on June 21 and 22.  

Did you know there are a few things you can do in advance to prepare for Prime Day?   One is sign up for Prime membership for free 2 day shipping.  There are many other benefits that you might not know about like free streaming of many movies and shows, free grocery delivery if available in your area, access to Amazon Prime Music, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming, Amazon Photos, and Amazon Kids+.  There are many deals that are available only to Prime members.  You also get a 30 minute early access to lightning deals to name a few.   

*this post contains affiliate links 

 Sign up here for the 30 Day Free Trial.

Another program that many people do not know about is you can save 50% on your prime membership if you are  a student or qualifying EBT government assistance recipient.

Other promotions you might not yet have heard about.. Beginning June 7th and ending June 20, Prime members will receive a $10 credit to spend on Prime Day when  you spend $10 on select, domestic small businesses on Amazon Storefront.

There will be more deals and promotions  going on as we get closer to the big day so be sure to check back here! 

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Things you should always buy at the Dollar Tree

It is no surprise if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I LOVE the Dollar Tree. I even recently became an affiliate because I spend so much time there, and love sharing about all the fun things I find.  While at the store recently, I realized how many every day items I always go to buy at the Dollar Tree, before I go anywhere else.  Here are the items I recommend you check out.

*This site contains affiliate links. I will be compensated a small commission if you buy anything through my links.

GIFT BAGS 

The Dollar Tree is the definite place to go if need a gift bag. They have an entire wall of amazing bags of all sizes, themes, and designs.  They have birthday bags, wedding bags, baby shower bags, holiday bags and more.  You can buy giant bags for only $1 that can cost several dollars at other stores.  

WRAPPING PAPER 

Instead of paying high prices on wrapping supplies, the Dollar Tree has big selection of wrapping paper, gift boxes, ribbon, tissue paper and bows. I would much rather only spend only a $1 on something that is going to be ripped and thrown away after opening. 

GREETING CARDS
 

Greeting cards is another item that I always look for at the Dollar Tree, especially if it is for a younger person who cares a lot more about the gift than the cards that come with it.  Dollar Tree carries Hallmark cards for all occasions. The heartline cards are 2 for $1.  There are some specialty cards and other cards that are $1 each, but even at $1, a lot cheaper than other stores. 

PARTY SUPPLIES 

I always go to the Dollar Tree for party supplies of all kinds.  There are two aisles dedicated to party supplies, not only to do that have many colors to choose from, they also have many themes. 

Recently the party aisle has expanded to include baby shower items, wedding/engagement party items, party favors, back drops, photo props, specialty balloons and more. (I have an upcoming post with a lot more info on the party supplies that will be posted shortly. 

CRAFT SUPPLIES 

Every Dollar Tree now has a crafter square with a variety of craft supplies.  While not all Dollar Trees have the same size Crafter Square aisle, you can find paint, paintbrushes, small canvases, wood to paint, yarn, and lots of miscellaneous items. I always check for craft supplies at Dollar Tree, before paying higher prices at the regular craft store. 

BOOKS

I check the book section on every single visit. I have found some amazing finds for only $1. I especially love their cookbooks. If you would like to see some of my book finds, I wrote about them in post about cookbooks here.  I have also recently found, best sellers, craft books, design books and celebrity biographies.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

You can save a lot of money buying cleaning supplies at the Dollar Tree.  I love their 6 pack of scrubbing sponges and dish brushes.  

TOILETRIES 

Cotton balls, Q-tips, and cotton rounds can really add up if you buy them at the big box store or drugstore. They don't have to though, because the Dollar Tree has large size packages of them for only $1.

I buy all of my toothbrushes and toothpaste at the Dollar Tree.  They carry brand names, often in multi-packs for a fraction of the cost.  If you are traveling, they also carry many travel appropriate toiletries and containers. 

MAKE UP

Did you know that the Dollar Tree carries brand name make up?  While you might not find everything you need, you can find Wet n Wild, and ELF all the time, and occasionally Maybelline, Flower and Hard Candy. I also really like the LA Colors brand that is the store's main brand. 

FACE MASKS

While I do not have a picture of the face mask section, I buy all of my faces masks at the Dollar Tree.  I am sharing this picture of the Oh K Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin B3 and Sea Kelp Hyrogel Mask because I am very excited about this find.  After I bought this mask and loved it when using it, I found out it is sold at Meijer for $6.99. Score! I got mine for only $1.

HAIR ACCESSORIES 

If you have longer hair or girls, you must stop by the hair accessory aisle.  I get everything I need for my hair for a low price, and they are frequently name brands like Goody and Scuncii 

Here is a closer pic of some of the name brands that are a much higher price at big box stores. 

CONTACT PAPER

Dollar Tree has a large selection of contact in several different styles. I like to use it as drawer liner or in the fridge.  While I have not seen it in my store, they sold a chalkboard version not too long again. 

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE

You can't go wrong buying storage containers at the Dollar Tree.  They have many different styles, colors and sizes.  My store was a little low on stock in this picture, but the spring and summer storage lines are really good this year.  The spring colors are pink, peach and light gray, and the summer bright blue, teal, and bright pink.  You can see many of the options on DollarTree.com here

 

FLOWERS

The Dollar Tree has good quality florals cheaper than the craft stores that change throughout the seasons. I love the bright colors of the summer line this year.  

FOOD STORAGE

                

I have to pack my lunch to school every day, and there a food containers of all shapes and sizes in multipacks perfect for my lunchbox.  They even carry name brand products like Rubbermaid and Betty Crocker.  

GLASSWARE

If you ever need glassware, you can find what you need at the Dollar Tree. Stemware for a dinner party, they have it.  Margarita glasses for Cinco de Mayo, they have those those. (heavy duty amazing ones)  Decorative jars, or mason jars, they have them too.  

KITCHEN ITEMS AND GADGETS

Many items from their kitchen aisle are currently in my kitchen.  I love their strainers, and mixing bows with handle. I have serving and cooking tools like spatulas, tongs and scissors. I have their measuring cups and spoons.  I also use their cutting boards, paper towel holders and so much more.

CANDY 

I hit the candy aisle quite often.  I stop there when I want to have a variety of candy to decorate  cupcakes, gingerbread houses, or special treats.  I hit this aisle before movie night, road trips or just want a snack. The bags are a little smaller than the regular store, but that's okay because so is the price.

SNACKS 

I also hit the snack aisle.  They carry regular size chip cans,  Chex mixes and even brand name cookie mixes like Betty Crocker.  Do you like ice cream? If your Dollar Tree has a freezer section, you can find portion size containers of Snicker Twix and other brand name flavors of ice cream. 

SEASONAL

One of my favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree are the seasonal items.  It is the perfect place to find basket fillers, stocking stuffers, and even holiday decor. 

This year I was missing a box of our ornaments when I wanted to decorate for Christmas.  Instead of worrying about where they were I decided to decorate our tree with Dollar Tree buffalo plaid and red truck ornaments.  I think it was one of my favorite trees to date. The missing ornaments did eventually turn up after I had already decorated the tree, so they stayed in the box this year.  

One last thing that I love about the Dollar Tree.  If you are trying to find something and you can't find it at your store, you can order it on the website and have it shipped to your local store for FREE.  I had a really good experience when I have ordered and currently ordering again because I need a certain item for a craft that I am making that recently sold out. 

What are you favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree? 

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Save on Watch Your Mouth Throwdown- A 2017 Top Holiday Toy

Disclosure: I am a US Family Guide Blogger.  I will be reviewing this game to try out with my family and review for my readers.  

Have you tried the game Watch Ya' Mouth yet? I have to admit, I have not. I have seen it many times though, and the people playing it always seem to have a lot of fun.  I have seen celebrities play it on talk shows, and they always break out into fits of laughter.  

This year there is a new version to the game,  Watch Ya' Mouth Throwdown Edition.  Instead of just trying to say phrases, players will now go head to head with hilarious and challenging tasks.   With the holidays coming up in the next few week, it looks like the perfect game to play when all the relatives are in town.   Multigenerations can all join in on the fun! 

It is already looking to be a must have game. Throwdown Edition has already been awarded Top Holiday Toy of 2017 by Toy Insider, and on the 2017 Amazon Holiday Toy List.  

Would you like to save some money on the game? By being one of my readers you can save 15% on Amazon with the coupon code  15WYM using this link 

http://amzn.to/2i6NKwG

If you already have this game, I would love to hear what you think about it.  I will be posting our experience with playing the game soon!! 

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Gift Idea- Save 30% on Coobie Bras and Violet Love Headbands

I don't know about you, but as we get into these very busy holiday weeks, I am all about comfort. There are days that are non stop with the shopping, wrapping, baking,  parties, etc.. that I want to wear clothes that I feel good in.  I got one of these Coobie bras a couple of years ago, and I love it! When they claim to be the most comfortable bra ever, they really mean it. On days when I wear a regular bra, I can really tell a difference. I would much rather wear my Coobie bra

One reason why Coobie bras are so ultra comfortable is because they are seamless. You also do not need your exact bra size. They come in one size that fits 32A through 36D comfortably, and a full size that fits 38-42D.  They come in more than 10 different styles and over 50 colors and patterns.  There is sure to be something for everyone. 

While I have not tried a Violet Love Headband yet, I will be trying one soon.  This no-slip no-headache headband is perfect for yoga, pilates, or just because.  They are made from Premium quality fabric and are super soft and comfy.  

Right now you can save 30% on any Coobie Seamless Bras or Violet Love Headbands at www.shopcoobie.com and www.violetloveheadbands.com   Use promotion code USFG30

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Great Deal Alert on Toys

*Disclosure, this post contains an affiliate link.  

If you saw my post yesterday about how I want to start a series on Celebrating the Holidays on the Budget you would have seen I will be sharing great deals on gifts when I hear about them.   I just heard of  great one if you buy kids toys at Target. Each day between now and Christmas there will be 50% OFF a hot toy of the day with your Cartwheel app.   

Today's hot toy of the day is the Monster High Student Disembody Set.  It is normally $49.99 for a set of 5 dolls today only $24.99 . I am not 100% if you can use both together, but you might also be able  to use the 25% off coupon from the Target Toy catalog for Toys, Sporting Goods or Art/Craft Item.     The final price for the set of dolls would only be $18.74. This deal is in store only. 

  

If you would like to see more information  about the dolls, you can see them here on Amazon

                                                      

I would would like to know more about Cartwheel, and other great ways to save at Target be sure to read my post Ways to Save at Target You Might Not Know About

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Saving Money on your Summer Cookout

Now that summer is here, it is time for summer parties and family cookouts.  This past weekend I planned a cookout with enough food  feed 8-10 people for under $30.  I am going to share my money saving tips, that you can use for your summer get togethers, and even weekly grocery shopping.  

1. Check the Store Flyers  

We have four grocery stores in our town.  I usually do most of my shopping at Aldi, but this week both Kroger and Meijer had very good sales as well.  I decided it would be worth my while to go all three to save the most money.  I went through the flyers and made a list of what I thought I would like to buy, and which store had the best price on particular sale items. If you do not get a newspaper, that is okay.  You can see the flyers each week on the store's website.  

2. Check a Deal Website 

After I have a tentative list on my own, I check the deal websites for see a full list of deals. My personal favorite is Bargains to Bounty.  One  reason why it is my favorite is it is more local to where I live, and the deals are  for the stores where I shop.  There are many other great sites as well, that specialize in stores around the country.  I got through the deals and add them to my list. I might also cross off things from my tentative list if I see a better deal somewhere else.  

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3. Use a Variety of Coupons 

There are several types of coupons available to use on your groceries.  I used a combination of all of them. If you do not have flyer coupons,  or do not want to clip them that is okay. Many stores have digital coupons on their websites that you can add to your rewards card or perks account.   They might go by different names such as MPerks (Meijer) or Cartwheel (Target) but they all work the same way.  Just load them to your account online, and the savings show up at the register.  In addition to flyer coupons, and store coupons, I also print coupons from several online sites. 

Once I made my list, checked the deals, and clipped my coupons, it was time to go to the store.  

Here is just some of the great deals that I found this week.. While I bought more than I normally do, I actually saved a lot more money.  I stocked up on several items, and currently have enough food for over ten meals.  

One of the very best deals that I found this past week was the Corn on the Cob.  Meijer had corn 8 for $1.  Normally corn on the cob is in the .25 to .30 per ear range.  This week it was under .13 a ear, which is 50% off!  Not only was this an amazing deal, it tasted super sweet and delicious. 

Here is the rest of the menu, and how much I spent 

2 packages of Johnsonville brats on sale for $2.89 each. (normally $4.99)   I used a $1 off coupon making each package only $2.39.  (a 48% savings) 

a package of buns .89 (Aldi regular price) 

A bag if frozen chicken breast on sale for $6.99 (normally $9.99) 

A package of Ball Park Franks on sale for $1.25 (normally $2.99)  we did not end up eating these, so we have them for a later day. 

A 2 lb container of macaroni salad $2.49 (Aldi regular price) 

A jar of peach mango salsa $1.89 (Aldi regular price) 

A bag of tortilla ships $1.69 (Aldi regular price) 

8 ears of corn on the cob $1 

large watermelon on sale for $3.48 (normally $5.99) 

For dessert my daughter made Strawberry Shortcake Cake.  We ended up being so full on the other food, that we ended up eating it today. (recipe to be posted soon! It tastes just like strawberry shortcake)  

Box of angel food cake .99 (Aldi regular price) 

a package of strawberries  .99 (on sale at  Aldi) 

a container of Cool Whip .99 (normally $1.99) 

The final price for our cook out $27.43  

Regular price $42.88

 I saved $15.45, 36% off my total with just a few simple steps, and very little work. 

Here are some more ways you can save in the summer that you might not have thought about..  

Stock up on condiments and meats the week before a summer holiday. You can find items like ketchup, mustard, mayo and hot dogs at some of their best sale prices of the summer. 

Buy in season fruit when it is at it's cheapest and freeze for later 

If you have a U Pick farm nearby, buy in bulk and freeze. If you know how, make homemade jelly and jam.  

If you have a green thumb, grow a veggie garden.  My favorite is home grown tomatoes right out of my garden.  

Do you have any more ideas on how to save money in the summer. I would love to hear about them.  

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