Congratulations!!!

Stephanie is the winner of the $45 Gift certificate to CSN Stores.

Thanks to everyone that entered. Enjoy your trick or treating!!

Stockpiling Sunday

Today's Stockpiling Sunday is how to score very cheap holiday supplies and candy. With Halloween over in a few hours, the markdowns are going to begin. You will soon see candy and decorations at 50%-75% and even 90% by the end of the week at some stores.

I'll first discuss candy. Candy can be used for many reasons and there are many types of candy. For example, if there is a particular candy you love, you can now stock up on your favorites for a fraction of the cost. Candy lasts a while as well.

If you are planning to have a candy bar at your wedding- you are Golden. This is the time to score all your goodies. You can also buy candy for your engagement party and shower.

Now for decorations. You can stockpile Halloween decorations for your home for next year. I have a closet full of Halloween and other Holiday decorations that I pull out every year. I add to my collection when I find VERY affordable decorations. Sometimes, you will find "Fall" decorations, so you can use it all season around your home.

Good luck finding your deals and stockpiling..Enjoy!

Kmart Double Coupons TODAY only!

I got this is my email yesterday. Call your local Kmart to see if they are participating..Enjoy!

Happy Halloween

Have a very Happy Halloween!!!

Saturday Movie Review: To Rent or Not to Rent

Yesterday I was in a rush at the library picking up my book and movie on hold. I picked up Letters to Juliet and after dinner was planning on watching it. I went to open the case and OHH NOOO. It was locked. I totally forgot to unlock the movie when I checked out. My library has self-checkouts and they have a magnetic movie lock next to the checkout. I actually forgot once before, but I got to the car and my husband noticed last time. This time it was just me. The library was already closed, so now we didn't have a movie to watch last night and I really wanted to see Letters to Juliet.I am going to swing by the library later today and get the movie unlocked. Has this ever happened to you?




On a happier note, I also picked up my book on hold. You must be wondering what book I had on hold for the last month. Sophie Kinsella's new book is Mini Shopaholic. I have read all of Sophie Kinsella's books. I haven't started it yet, but will give my full review once I am done. Has anyone read it yet?? I can't wait.

I would love if you shared your latest library adventures...Enjoy!

GAP Outlet: BOGO

There is a great deal today at the GAP outlet. TODAY only, you can Buy One Item and Get One FREE. Print your coupon here...Enjoy!

Bath and Body Works FREE Lip Item Today

If you are heading to the mall today, you can get a FREE Lip Item with any purchase. Print your coupon here...Enjoy!

T.G.I. Fridays- FREE Appetizer Today

I got an email from my local T.G.I. Fridays that if you wear a costume you get a FREE Appetizer (Fried Mozzarella, Pot Stickers or Crispy Bean Fries). Not sure how detailed your custome needs to be, but I would call your local store to get more details. Enjoy!

Boston Market: Kids Eat FREE

For all of you with kids out there- there is a great new coupon from Boston Market. FREE kids Meal with any Adult purchase. This deal is valid through 10/31/10 with the coupon here, but there are many other great Boston Market coupons( i.e. $2 off $10 purchase) here as well. Enjoy!

CSN Stores Giveaway ends TONIGHT!!!

The $45 CSN Stores Gift Certificate Giveaway ends tonight..Enter here..Enjoy!

Instant Wins and Sweepstakes Tuesday

There is a new sweepstakes from Sunkist. Submit your favorite low or no-sodium recipe (along with a photo) for a chance to win 1 of 10 Publix gift cards. Your recipe must be submitted by 11/20. Get all the details here...Good luck..Enjoy!

The Green Kangaroo Giveaway

Last month I shared with you my review of note cards from The Green Kangaroo. TGK offers gorgeous and unique wedding invitations. If you are planning your wedding, here is a Wedding Invitation to get you into the Fall spirit.




Many couples get engaged around the holidays and TGK has great Save the Dates. Sending a postcard as your save the dates is a great money saving idea. Two purposes in one and the postage is even cheaper!! With the holidays only a few months away, it is a great time to start thinking about photo holiday cards. Here are a few of my favorites:

Snowflake- Winter Night
Bliss- Umber

I have another note card giveaway for one of my readers to win. Check out all the great note cards below along with their matching wedding stationery. One Lucky reader will win their own Note Card set (keep reading):

• Josie notes - These come in Harvest & Chocolate ink on Champagne paper. QTY. 50 notes + coordinating cream envelopes. Check out the matching: invitation, save the date, and wedding program.
• Palm Notes -These come in Turquoise ink on Textured Antique White paper. QTY. 50 notes + coordinating antique white envelopes. Check out the adorable matching invitation.
• Floral Toile Notes - These come in light Navy ink on Antique White paper. QTY. 75 notes + coordinating antique white envelopes. Check out the matching invitation & save the date.
• Sunflower Notes -These come in Marigold & Chocolate ink on White paper. QTY. 50 notes + coordinating white envelopes.Check out the matching invitation & save the date.
• Magnolia Thank You Notes - These come in Plum ink on Champagne paper. QTY. 50 notes + coordinating cream envelopes. Check out the matching pocket invitation and save the date.
• Cari Notes - These come in Harvest & Cranberry ink on Champagne paper. QTY. 50 notes + coordinating cream envelopes. Check out the matching: invitation, save the date, and program.

Now for the best part: The Green Kangaroo is offering one of my lucky readers their own set of note cards (from the 6 listed above).

How to enter: Take a look around The Green Kangaroo and let me know your favorite item or items! Then come back here and leave a comment. This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway. Each of the following will give you an extra entry in the giveaway. Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:


-Post about this giveaway on your blog, linking back to Saving Money for a Wedding.
-Grab my blog button for your blog
-Subscribe to my blog
-Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which post
-Become a Blog follower
-Add my blog to your Blog Roll- 2 EXTRA ENTRIES

The giveaway will end on Monday, November 8th @ 11:59 pm EST. I will pick the winner randomly and will send them an email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email. Good Luck and thank you all again for checking out my blog and a special thanks to The Green Kangaroo. Enjoy!

Buca Di Beppo Pasta Day 10/25

Buca di Beppo is giving away FREE Spaghetti with your choice of meat sauce or marinara to celebrate World Pasta Day when you purchase any Buca small or large pasta or entree. Get all the details here and you can make a reservation online. This deal is only available for dine in TODAY..Enjoy!

Monday's Healthy Tip

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought this week I would share some great healthy Halloween treats with you. My niece and nephew are all ready for Halloween( she is going to be a ladybug and he is going to be a bumble bee). I was looking for some healthy snacks I can make with them- and here are my favorites:

Edible Eyeballs

Carrots, cream cheese and olives





Apple Bits

Apples and slivered almonds




Cheese-Finger Food

Mozzarella string cheese, cream cheese and green bell pepper

I found these on Disney's Family Fun website and they have 15 healthy Halloween treats, Check them all out here...Enjoy!

Stockpiling Sunday

Last week I shared deals and tips on how to stock up on meat. If you missed it, check it out here.

This week I am going to share how to stock up on Toothpaste. Of course we all use toothpaste and I can't even remember the last time I paid full price or anything over a few pennies for toothpaste.

Many of the drugstores in my area, as well as yours offer rebates/rewards on essential items, you just have to follow the deals and check your weekly ad.

This week Walgreens has Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste(6 oz.) for $3.49. They also are offering $3.49 in Register Rewards. This means, you pay the $3.49 and then once you pay, the machine(next to the register) will print out a Register Reward for $3.49. You can use the $3.49 RR on any future purchase. The best part is that you can also use a manufacture coupon for the toothpaste.

-$1 off Colgate Sensitive toothpaste printable coupon here (Sign up required)
-$1 off Colgate Sensitive toothpaste coupon from the 10/10/10 Smart Source Sunday coupon insert

You can only buy one Colgate Sensitive toothpaste per transaction since you can only get one register reward back at a time. You can make multiple purchases and stock up on toothpaste. I usually will bring my husband and we each buy one. Then a few days later I will go back and stock up again. You can never have enough toothpaste. Enjoy!

Saturday Movie Review: To Rent or Not to Rent

This week I picked up Our Family Wedding from the library. Now that I think about it, there hasn't been that many wedding movies lately that I have seen.

America Ferrera stars as Lucia, a smart young Latina who dropped out of law school and is ready to marry her African-American boyfriend Marcus (Lance Gross). They start the movie off by already living together, but both of their parents don't know much if anything about who they are dating. Lucia and Marcus decide they will tell their parents they are getting married all at once over dinner with both sets of parents.

Prior to the dinner, Marcus's dad Brad (Forest Whitaker) gets his car towed by Lucia's dad Miguel (Carlos Mencia), and of course at the time neither know who each other are. So you can only imagine the dinner scene when the families meet for the first time.

Regina King is also in the movie as Angela, Brad's longtime friend and lawyer, who acts as a mother figure to Marcus and keeps Brad in line.

The movie is all about two families with different cultures and backgrounds trying to make sure their tradition is part of the wedding. Angela tells Marcus and Lucia that it is their marriage, but their parents wedding.

If you are in the mist of planning your wedding, then you should watch this movie to see how much "fun" families have in planning the perfect wedding.

I would recommend this movie and I thought it was funny and enjoyable. Enjoy!

Walgreens: FREE 8X10 Collage Print

Through Saturday, you can get a FREE 8X10 collage print from Walgreens here. Choose in-store pick up, so you don't have to pay shipping. Enter code: 8X10TREAT at checkout. You can put some cute wedding pictures in your college and hang it at your desk at work. That is what I am planning.

If you missed yesterday deal on how to get a 20 page photo book for $1.99 shipped, check it out here..Enjoy!

Pinkberry: FREE Pumpkin yogurt today

I have been loving all the new yogurt shops in town. We have 3 within 10 minutes of each other. You can't beat the price. Not sure if you guys have a Pinkberry by you, but if you do, stop in this afternoon from 4-7 p.m. to get a FREE mini pumpkin pinkberry with featured toppings. You will also receive a coupon for $2 off a pumpkin pinkberry take home purchase. I would call your local store to make sure they are participating..Enjoy!

T.G.I. FRIDAYS 25% OFF FOOD

Get 25% off your entire food purchase at T.G.I. FRIDAYS with the coupon here. This coupon is only good through tomorrow, so plan a nice date night dinner out tonight or tomorrow. Enjoy!

$1.99 Kodak Photo Book

Kodak has a great deal on a 5X7 photo book, think great wedding albums. You can send this to relatives for the holidays. If you are a new Kodak member, you will receive 50 FREE photo prints as well.

Here is how to get your 5X7 photo book for $1.99 Shipped!!

1. Sign up on Kodak here.
2. Upload your photos and create a SMALL 20 page, 5X7 Photo Book
3. Enter code: TARGBOOK at checkout. You need to type it in, don't copy and paste the code!

This deal expires 11/16/10, so you have some time to get your pictures together. Enjoy!

Bridal Shower Game

I'm helping host a bridal shower next weekend for one of my friends and we are planning on playing the game:

What is (or was) the Grooms Favorite....

We brainstormed last night a handful of questions:

1. First car?

2. Favorite dessert?

3. Name of first stuffed animal?

4. Favorite animal?

5. Favorite saying the bride says?

6. Dream profession as a child?

7. Most embarrassing moment?

8. Favorite movie?

9. College Mascot?

10. Favorite color?

11. Favorite outfit the Bride wears?

We are also planning on asking the groom if he can think of any funny or interesting questions to add to the game. Am I missing any good questions??? Enjoy!

Instant Wins and Sweepstakes Tuesday

Better Homes and Gardens has a new sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three tables hand-picked by designer Elaine Griffin. You can enter daily here..Enjoy!



Woman's Day is giving away an Audiovox portable DVD player with FLO TV. Take your shows and movies with you on the road. Enter here.

Enjoy!

Monday's Healthy Tip

Did you know the The USDA tracks average costs of fresh, frozen, and canned produce. Melons, peaches, bananas, and papayas are among the least expensive fresh fruits per serving. Fresh vegetables with a low cost per serving include potatoes, romaine lettuce, radishes, mustard greens, and broccoli.

I like buying these items in bulk (pre made bulk bags) as I get to stock up and save money at the same time. Remember eating healthy doesn't have to cost you more. Buy a melon, cut it yourself and eat it for the week...Enjoy!

Stockpiling Sunday

Every Sunday I will be featuring my best "Stockpiling" tips for the week. Stockpiling is one of the best way to save money.

From dictionary.com, stockpiling means:

a large supply of some metal, chemical, food, etc., gathered and held in reserve for use during a shortage or during a period of higher prices.

First, Ill break it down into wedding terms, then into stockpiling for your everyday needs.

Wedding stockpile: Now, I'm sure you are thinking, how can you stockpile for a wedding. Well, first off, if you see a GREAT deal on something you are going to need for your upcoming wedding(even if it is a year away), then buy it today at a bargain. A few hot items to stockpile: Thank you cards, gift bags, place cards, programs, and silk flowers. I always was looking at the clearance bins for wedding supplies and snatching them up at the bargain prices. For my wedding, I started planning for my guest gift bags months in advance and would buy items when I saw value.

The big items to stockpile for everyday use are: paper products, food and laundry supplies.

This week I am going to share how you can stock up your freezer. If you have an Albertsons nearby, this week you can stock up on Meat. Albertsons has great 7 Day Coupons, usually every few weeks you can score a great deal. We are talking Buy ONE, Get TWO FREE. One Price=3 packs of meat. Of course you pay for the highest price package, but usually I find 3 packs all within a few pennies of each other.

The Albertsons coupons for Meat this week are:

Buy One Get TWO FREE- Pork Chops Bone In

Buy One Get TWO FREE- Pork Tenderloin Tips

Buy One Get TWO FREE- Angus Bottom Round Roasts or Steaks

Buy One Get TWO FREE- Assorted Pork Chops

Now you can shop for meat at Albertsons, but many stores accept Albertsons coupons as competitor coupons. My Publix lets me use these coupons. I always know the meat is fresh at Publix and the staff is so helpful.

My plan is stocking up on Pork Chops and Steaks.

Here are some tips on storing meat:

1. Remove the meat from the store packaging and freeze in a freezer bag.

2. Write the type of meat and date on your bag.

3. Store it at the bottom of your freezer and place the newest meat at the bottom.

4. I have read that certain meat can last 6-8 months if frozen properly. Personally, 3 months is my limit.

If you don't have an Albertsons near by, you can still stock up on Meat from your local grocery chain. Just look through your weekly ad and stock up on meat once it goes on sale. My husband and I don't eat Steak every night, but having it in our freezer allows us to enjoy steak dinners when we want at a VERY reasonable price.

Hope you enjoyed my stockpiling tips for the week. Enjoy!

Saturday Movie FREEBIE

I didn't get any movies this week from my local library as I have been super busy with family visiting.

If you missed any of my prior movie reviews from the last month, check them out:

The Back-Up Plan

Wallstreet (The Original)

Killers

The Ghost Writer

Date Night


There is a new Blockbuster Express movie code for a FREE movie rental through 10/17, just use code DRGN1 to get a free movie rental from Blockbuster Express. The kiosks can be found at your local Publix. Find a location near you here. Enjoy!

Sears: $10 off $20

There is a new $10 off your $20 Sears apparel purchase in store coupon. The coupon is good on clearance merchandise as well. I'm gonna be heading over there tomorrow to get some new jeans. I'll let you know what I score. Coupon is good through 10/23, so you have a whole week to use it. Print your coupon here...Enjoy!

RitzPix 11 x 14 Enlargement Deal Today Only

Through 10pm tonight EST, you can score a great deal from RitzPix. Get a FREE 11×14 Enlargement, using the coupon code bigfree at checkout. You just need to pay shipping, either $3.99 shipping to your home or $2.99 for in store pickup.

Here are some wedding ideas on how you can use this deal:

1- Blow up one of your engagement photos and display it at your wedding- your guest will love the 11X14 photo. Best place for it is at your guest book table.

2- Blow up one of your wedding pictures to display in your home =)

3- Blow up a family wedding group photo and ship it your family that lives out of town. * I did this option a lot after I got married for my family out of state, it would cost me double to ship it to my home first, then to them. This saved me the most $$$ in the long run!!

Be creative..Enjoy!

2 FREE Photo Cards

If you are heading into Walmart this weekend, print your coupon here for 2 FREE 5X7 HP Photo Cards. The coupon is good through 11/15. If you recently got married, you can make these cards for your parents with your wedding picture on them. I just love anything with my photo on it..Enjoy!

Instant Wins and Sweepstakes Tuesday

Enter the Taste of Home Apple-A-Day Giveaway to win a $1,000 or win one of their daily prizes. You can enter once per day here through 10/15.




If you are in need of a home theater system( who isn't?), then enter the Harman Kardon Home Theater System Sweepstakes here. Ends 10/17.

As always, GOOD LUCK...Enjoy!

Celebrity Weddings

Yesterday was a HOT day to get married, many wanted to take advantage of 10/10/10.


David Annable (Justin on 'Brothers and Sisters') tied the knot yesterday to ‘You Again’ star Odette Yustman in an outdoor ceremony in California. Ron Rifkin (Saul on 'Brothers and Sisters') officiated the wedding. I didn't see any wedding pics yet online, but the bride wore a Monique Lhuillier gown. Get more info from US Weekly here.


Also, Alex Vega from 'Spy Kids', got married to longtime boyfriend, Sean Covel at an Opera House in South Dakota yesterday.

Did you go to any 10/10/10 weddings over the weekend? Enjoy!

Monday's Healthy Tip

I was at the supermarket yesterday stocking up on food, and the lady in front of me at the register bought bagged salads and pre-cut ingredients for her salad. I am assuming she is making a big "Salad" dinner tonight(lol).

One of the best ways to eat healthy and save money is by buying produce and washing it and chopping it yourself. I find the bag salads don't last as long and I like the taste of making a salad from scratch. Enjoy!

CSN Stores Giveaway

I mentioned last week how I love my new stainless steel touchless trashcan I reviewed from CSN Stores, and now one of my lucky readers can win their own $45 gift-certificate to buy any items that CSN Stores has to offer.

One great item that I was also looking at is the ottoman coffee table. What a great use of space.

Most items over $70 ship FREE, which is a great deal on furniture. Take a look around all of their items at over 200 stores online.

CSN Stores has great deals on cookware. If you are a beginner chef or even a master, there is something for everyone. I have been eying the Buffalo Tools 3 Piece Cast Iron Skillet Set for only $17.99. I have seen single cast iron skillets priced much higher. (Hint Hint to my husband if he is reading this).

If you missed my Invion 13.2 Gallon Touchless Trash Can review, you can check it out here.



Now for the part you have all been waiting for: The giveaway for a $45 one-time use gift certificate to CSN Stores. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian readers only.

How to enter: Take a look around CSN Stores and let me know what item/items you would buy with your gift-certificate. Then come back here and leave a comment. This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway. Each of the following will give you an extra entry in the giveaway. Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:


-Post about this giveaway on your blog, linking back to Saving Money for a Wedding.
-Grab my blog button for your blog
-Add my blog to your Blog Roll
-Subscribe to my blog
-Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which post
-Become a Blog follower- 2 EXTRA ENTRIES

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, October 27th @ 11:59 pm EST. I will pick the winner randomly and will send them an email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email. Good Luck and thank you all again for checking out my blog...Enjoy!