The event was from 5:30 to 8:30pm, and we arrived about 6:45pm to find the sample station empty and unmanned. *gasp* [...]]]> Yesterday we stopped by the Walmart Ice Cream Social for a FREE sample of Nestle Drumstick Lil Drums. The Bright Ideas station was easy to find in the ice cream freezer section.

The event was from 5:30 to 8:30pm, and we arrived about 6:45pm to find the sample station empty and unmanned. *gasp* I was worried that the “while supplies last” had reached its limit. Luckily, they arrived with more Nestle Drumstick Lil Drum samples after about 5 minutes. :)

We don’t buy a ton of ice cream, and when we do it’s usually sherbet or pints of Starbucks with coupons or Ben & Jerry’s if it’s on sale. I was a little surprised by the higher price point of the Nestle Drumsticks Lil Drums ($4.97 for 12), but after the $1 facebook coupon it would make a nice treat.  Great reminder that they’re an easy treat with no drippy messes and I would definitely purchase them in the future.

The Lil Drums really are a perfect snack size. It was just enough ice cream to get your fix without all the calories (they’re only 130 calories).  I like that they’re sold in variety packs and appreciate the basic flavors — chocolate or vanilla with chocolately swirls. Classic.

Don’t ask me how The Bubba ended up with the chocolate… it’s mine next time! ;)

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post as part of a campaign for Nestlé, but all experiences and opinions are my own… and FREE ice cream samples? Mmmmm, the best kind!

This Saturday, July 2, 2011 between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, stop by any Walmart store for “The Walmart Ice Cream Social” and get a FREE sample of Nestle Drumsticks Lil Drums while supplies last. Details here.

Just don’t forget to take along the $1.00 printable coupon from the Nestle Drumstick Facebook page, [...]]]>

This Saturday, July 2, 2011 between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, stop by any Walmart store for “The Walmart Ice Cream Social” and get a FREE sample of Nestle Drumsticks Lil Drums while supplies last. Details here.

Just don’t forget to take along the $1.00 printable coupon from the Nestle Drumstick Facebook page, too!

Disclosure: I’m sharing this information as part of a compensated shop campaign for Nestlé, but FREE ice cream is FREE ice cream so be sure to stop by and get yours on Saturday, too!

Try as I may, I can’t ween myself off this stuff… even though we can get body products at the drugstore for less using coupons. $10/$30 coupons are the only time I stock up. Especially when there’s a Buy 3, Get 3 signature collection sale. Tell me I’m not alone? ;)

Get $10 [...]]]>

Try as I may, I can’t ween myself off this stuff… even though we can get body products at the drugstore for less using coupons. $10/$30 coupons are the only time I stock up. Especially when there’s a Buy 3, Get 3 signature collection sale. Tell me I’m not alone? ;)

Get $10 off a purchase of $30+ at Bath & Body Works through 7/5/11 (or use the coupon code TEN30 online).

If you’re shopping online, don’t forget to shop through Ebates for 3% cash back. Log in (or create an account for a $5 sign-up bonus!), type Bath & Body Works into the search box, and shop through the new window that opens. *If you’re not familiar with Ebates or Shop at Home, please read this tutorial on cash back sites.

Hey, guys! In my head, I wrote a post explaining my need for absence, but it’s just too personal to publish.  Suffice it to say, my head’s not really in this game right now but as of May my blog is my livelihood so the show will go on. I’m not committing [...]]]>

Hey, guys! In my head, I wrote a post explaining my need for absence, but it’s just too personal to publish.  Suffice it to say, my head’s not really in this game right now but as of May my blog is my livelihood so the show will go on. I’m not committing to the regular volume of posts this summer, but I’ll do my best to be responsive and answer your questions.  I haven’t even looked at a coupon in over 2 weeks, but we really need to go grocery shopping, and *gasp* we are almost out of toothpaste — which, of course, I refuse to pay for. Rock and roll…

To help you plan for the number of Sunday papers (inserts) you’ll want/need, here’s a preview of the 1 coupon insert in this Sunday’s paper. 1 Proctor & Gamble (PG). *As always, coupons and values vary by region, so please use this as a guide only.

To get more coupons:

• You can always see what’s available to print on coupons.com or Red Plum.
• If there are specific coupons you’d like more of, order them from The Coupon Clippers.

Want a look ahead? Check out the 2011 Coupon Insert Schedule.

Thanks for clicking through my links. Please see my disclosure policy.

Sorry I’ve been so quiet this week. My world was turned upside down early Wednesday morning. I need to be with my family and they need me, too. Just a few more days and I hope to be back with you.

Since you’re all experts at this coupon game by now, you’ll [...]]]> Hi Friends,

Sorry I’ve been so quiet this week. My world was turned upside down early Wednesday morning. I need to be with my family and they need me, too. Just a few more days and I hope to be back with you.

Since you’re all experts at this coupon game by now, you’ll do fine for a couple of days without me, right? ;)

Have a super weekend and give out a few extra hugs to the people you love most, ok?

Jolon

We talk a lot about #GRDates around the West Michigan area, but with the National Cherry Festival coming up in Traverse City, I can’t help but dream of the Traverse City wine trails, too!

Chateau Chantal’s Free Jazz at Sunset season kicks off this Thursday, June 16, and is held every Thursday from [...]]]>

We talk a lot about #GRDates around the West Michigan area, but with the National Cherry Festival coming up in Traverse City, I can’t help but dream of the Traverse City wine trails, too!

Chateau Chantal’s Free Jazz at Sunset season kicks off this Thursday, June 16, and is held every Thursday from 7:00-9:30pm through September 1, 2011.

Jazz at Sunset is a great way to watch the sunset over West Grand Traverse Bay from the spectacular hilltop vista at Chateau Chantal Winery while listening to the Jeff Haas Trio and other musical guests for the summer season.

They also have Tapas Tours and Wine Dinners for the summer beginning today! Book online at Chateau Chantal.  Summer hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm and Sundays 11am-5pm.

Meijer – Higher Standards, Lower Prices

Get printable “Summer Bucks” coupons from Meijer to create your own sale on general merchandise or health & beauty items this weekend. Great time to pick up Father’s Day gifts or the bigger ticket items you’ve had your eye on.

Today is “Two for Tuesday” at  John Ball Zoo.  They will stay open late and offer Two-for One admission from 5-8 pm!!! No coupon needed!

Also check out the GR Public Museum, GR Art Museum, GR Childrens’ Museum, Gerald Ford Museum and the downtown Grand Rapids Public Library! [...]]]> From the John Ball Zoo website:

Today is “Two for Tuesday” at  John Ball Zoo.  They will stay open late and offer Two-for One admission from 5-8 pm!!! No coupon needed!

Also check out the GR Public Museum, GR Art Museum, GR Childrens’ Museum, Gerald Ford Museum and the downtown Grand Rapids Public Library! All are offering extended hours and all are offering Two-for-One admission!

If you miss today (or not) put these upcoming Two for Tuesdays on your calendar! Tuesday, July 12, and Tuesday, August 16, 2011. (*I believe 9/16 is a typo on their website.)

Thanks, Wendi!

I’m cleaning out my closet and found a few things that are worth consigning (some with the tags still on them!), so I asked a trusted source for some of her favorite West Michigan consignment shops. Here are some of the best on our list.

Save on Spartan brand items with the Turn to Spartan coupons valid at any Spartan store (Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s, Tom’s Food, Glen’s Market).

Here are the best prices at Family Fare this week. I won’t personally do all of these deals for the $25/wk Food Budget Challenge [...]]]>

Save on Spartan brand items with the Turn to Spartan coupons valid at any Spartan store (Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s, Tom’s Food, Glen’s Market).

Here are the best prices at Family Fare this week. I won’t personally do all of these deals for the $25/wk Food Budget Challenge — they’re just what I see as the best value on healthier choices.

Best Prices:

Spartan 3 lb Bun Length Hotdogs $3.77
Use $1/1 Turn to Spartan coupon
Final Price $2.77

Spartan 4 oz Canned Mushrooms – $11.98 for 24
Use $1/2 Turn to Spartan coupon
Final Price $0.46 ea wyb 24

General Mills Cereal $1.50 ea wyb 4
*You must buy 4 to get the sale price
Available coupons:
$0.50/1 Cheerios printable coupon
$0.50/1 Cheerios printable coupon (different link)
$1/2 General Mills printable coupon
Final Price $1.00 ea wyb 4 **Stock up price**

Land O’ Frost Lunch Meat, 16 oz $3.50
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 5/15 RP
Final Price $2.95

Nature Sweet Cherry Cocktail Tomatoes $2.99
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 6/5 SS
Final Price $2.44

Crystal Light Drink Mix $2.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 6/12 SS
Final Price $1.99

Betty Crocker Cake Mix $1.00
Betty Crocker Frosting Tub $2.00
Use $0.75/2 coupon from 5/22 SS
Final Price $2.25 for both ($1.13 ea wyb 2)

Good Values:

Chicken Leg Quarters $0.49/lb
Spartan Garlic Toast or Breadsticks $1.67 ea
Spartan Frozen Fruit $2.50
Red Bell Peppers $1.00
Vidalia Onions $0.77/lb

Note: Our Grand Rapids area stores do not double coupons.

Not sure about the lingo? Read this. Don’t have the coupons you need? Order some. Still need help? Look here or ask me in the comments!

Save on Spartan brand items with the Turn to Spartan coupons valid at any Spartan store (Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s, Tom’s Food, Glen’s Market.)

I won’t do all of these deals for the $25/wk Food Budget Challenge — they’re just what I see in the ad for [...]]]>

Save on Spartan brand items with the Turn to Spartan coupons valid at any Spartan store (Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s, Tom’s Food, Glen’s Market.)

I won’t do all of these deals for the $25/wk Food Budget Challenge — they’re just what I see in the ad for the best value on healthier choices.

Best Prices this Week:

D&W Fresh Market is a donation location for WZZM 13′s Food for Families. Please give, West Michigan — Monday, June 13 is the last day!

Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent, 50 oz $2.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/1 RP (EXP 6/12!!)
Final Price $1.99

Extra Sweet Gold Pineapple $2.88
Use $1.25/2 printable coupon (previously available)
Final Price $2.26 ea wyb 2

General Mills Cereal $1.50 ea wyb 4
*You must buy 4 to get the sale price
Available coupons:
$0.50/1 Cheerios printable coupon
$0.50/1 Cheerios printable coupon (different link)
$1/2 General Mills printable coupon
Final Price $1.00 ea wyb 4 **Stock up price**

Nature Sweet Cherry Cocktail Tomatoes $2.99
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 6/5 SS
Final Price $2.44

Land O’ Frost Lunch Meat, 16 oz $3.50
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 5/15 RP
Final Price $2.95

Crystal Light Drink Mix $2.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 6/12 SS
Final Price $1.99

Betty Crocker Cake Mix $1.00
Betty Crocker Frosting Tub $2.00
Use $0.75/2 coupon from 5/22 SS
Final Price $2.25 for both ($1.13 ea wyb 2)

Good Values:

LOCAL Brewery Vivant Beer, 4pk Cans $8.99
Red Bell Peppers $1.00 ea
Vidalia Onions $0.77/lb
Spartan Fresh Whole Chicken $0.99/lb
Spartan Frozen Fruit $2.50
Spartan Garlic Toast or Breadsticks $1.67 ea

15% off Wine Sale: Fri 6/15 & Sat 6/16

15% off a purchase of 6+ bottles. Additional 15% off wines already on sale. (Everyday price is 10% off a 6+ bottle purchase.)

Note: Our stores do not double coupons.

Not sure about the lingo? Read this. Don’t have the coupons you need? Order some. Still need help? Look here or ask me in the comments!

WLAV’s Blues on the Mall has got to be the [...]]]> #GRDates is a weekly series highlighting fun & frugal dates in Grand Rapids and around West Michigan for $25 or less! Because I love West Michigan and want to experience everything it has to offer, but I do have to stick to a budget.

WLAV’s Blues on the Mall has got to be the ultimate #GRDates!  It’s fun, it’s FREE, and it happens every Wednesday at 6:30pm from June 8 to August 3 at Rosa Parks Circle downtown Grand Rapids.  See the schedule below, or the BOTM facebook group for more information:

June 8: Janiva Magness
www.janivamagness.com

June 15: Popa Chubby
www.popachubby.com

June 22: Vasti Jackson
www.vastijackson.com

June 29: Ronnie Baker Brooks
www.ronniebakerbrooks.com

July 6: Larry McCray
larrymccrayband.com

July 13: Homemade Jamz
www.hmjamzbluesband.com

July 20: Deanna Bogart
www.deannabogart.com

July 27: Shane Dwight
www.shanedwight.com

August 3: Joanne Shaw Taylor
www.joanneshawtaylor.com

Final Price FREE!

Besides enjoying live music out in the open air on a sunny summer day in Michigan, I think my favorite part of Blues on the Mall has to be the people-watching. What’s your fave?

Get more #GRDates ideas here. Have you already done these dates or do you have other ideas? Would your West Michigan business like to be featured? Email me.

This post is linked to West Michigan Link-up.

I’m moving from my little apartment on the edge of the country (which I will miss!) to a house in the city (and [...]]]>
I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Clever Girls Collective on behalf of Claritin®. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program.

I’m moving from my little apartment on the edge of the country (which I will miss!) to a house in the city (and I’m excited!) at the end of this month. It was nice to rely on the the apartment complex to do maintenance, but now I’ll have to keep things easy & frugal!  I suffer from seasonal allergys AND there’s a dog in the house, so here are some tips for frugal ways to keep allergies at bay during cleaning and maintenance:

• We’re repainting a bathroom. When painting a humid environment, add mold inhibitor to the paint.
• Peak pollen production is early in the morning. Wait until later in the day to open windows and go outside for yard work.
• Wash wet towels as soon as you’re done using them in hot water with white vinegar (and homemade detergent) to keep mold at bay.
• Use all that newspaper from purchasing extra coupon inserts when washing windows. It’s lint-free!
• Wash sheets and blankets in hot water to keep dust mites out of bedding.
• Once a season, use a solution of 1 cup olive olive and 1/4 cup white vinegar as a natural funiture polish.
• Keep old t-shirts and wash clothes to re-purpose into rags that can be washed over and over to save money on paper towels and sponges.
• Don’t switch out storm windows to screens until *after* the pollen calms down. You won’t have to waste time cleaning screens and washing window sills multiple times in the spring.
• Shampoo carpets regularly. We just rented a Bissell Big Green machine at Lowes — so affordable (under $50!) and really effective.
• Do you have any tips to share? How do you manage allergies in your household?

Printable coupons for Claratin can frequently be found here or on the Claratin facebook page.

For more tips on relieving allergies visit www.Facebook.com/Claritin. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.