Atlanta's Frugal Mom

I came across this article recently on buying in bulk, " Why Buying in Bulk Is Bad for Your Health "  and wanted to see what y'all thought.  I know with the recent rise of "Extreme Couponing" (y'all-don't-get-me-started!) , we are seeing more people buying bulk.  But this article makes the arguement that this practice can be detrimental to your health.  Read the article here , and then come back and let me know what YOU think.  Do you agree or disagree?  Have you found ways to buy food in bulk, while  maintaining  a certain level of health and nutrition?  Do you think it's possible to stockpile/buy in bulk, while also eating healthy?  If so, please share!   Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

For lunch today, I made a surprisingly quick, easy, and semi-healthy (except-for-the-cheese-and-potato) frittata. --and all with ingredients in the fridge.  You can add or omit ingredients to your liking, and depending on what' in your freezer or fridge.   Quick and Easy Frittata 1 tb oil (EVOO) 1 hasbrown patty (thawed overnight in fridge if frozen) 1/2 c frozen veggies (also thawed overnight in fridge, if possible) -- I used onion, and red, green, and yellow pepper 1/2 c finely chopped fresh spinach (yep, spinach again!) turkey bacon, crumbled OR bacon bits 1 egg (I use egg substitute) 1/4 c shredded cheese salt and pepper to taste Warm up oil in small pan.  In small dish, crumble up and grind hashbrown patty, then combine veggies and bacon. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until hashbrowns are browned and veggies sauteed to desired consistency.  Add eggs, cheese, salt and pepper.  Let sit for about 3-4 minutes, then flip.  Finish cooking for another 2-3 m

mage: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Not sure what to do for dinner?  Or lunch?  Or brunch?  Not up for cooking, or for another stale sandwich?  Luckily for you, there are quite a few restaurant printable coupons that have come out in the past week!   Many thanks to  Surviving the Stores  for much of this list!  :o) Baskin Robbins Coupon  - $3 Off Any Ice Cream Cake $15 or More (exp: 6/30/2012) Boston Market Coupon  - Free Dessert with Kids Meal Purchase For Your Kids When They Wear Team Uniform In-Store (exp: 6/30/2012) Boston Market Coupon  - $3 Off Purchase when you joing VIP Club (select areas only) (exp: 6/30/2012) Buca Di Beppo Coupon  - $10 Off $20 Purchase (exp: 7/15/2012) Cinemark Coupon  - Free Medium Fountain or Regular Frozen Drink WYB Any Size Popcorn (exp: 6/27/2012) Corner Bakery Coupon  - Free Old Fashioned Lemonade or Chilled Lemon Bar WYB Lunch or Dinner (exp: 6/26/2012) Cracker Barrel Coupon  - Free $5 Digital Gift Card When You Sign up to Pl

I have watched countless friends post about Spotify on Facebook, and I finally got to see waht all the fuss was about -- imagine, an extensive library with  MILLIONS of songs to download for FREE!  (Think of all the various "workout playlists" you could create!)   Search and listen to millions of songs using Spotify. Simply download here and install for FREE.  Please note: you should  be logged into Facebook to register. Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

Want an easy way to get around giving out your credit card information online, especially all those great freebies you hear about?  Then sign up to get the American Express Prepaid Card . You get exclusive American Express benefits- with no credit check. And for a limited time, you can also get a $25 gift card when you get this prepaid card!    Get your card now here !   Information about the offer:

Get a FREE diabetic low-carb recipe book! It's got more than 60 recipes, including ones for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks -- each with 10g or less of carbs! If you or someone you know is diabetic, or perhaps just watching their carb intake, snag this recipe book while it's still available. Go  here  for your FREE book.   Once you've gotten this one, check out the other recipes and free recipe books available through AFM. Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

I've gotten a little behind on handing out my FREE coupons, and YOU can benefit!  Right now, I have two sets of coupons for FREE Dry Idea Deodorant, Purex laundry detergent, and Honey Bunches of Oats .  (It's great to be a Purex Insider !!)  :o) But first, a little about Dry Idea _-- I was given a bottle to review, and the timing was perfect!  It's been hot, sticky, and -well- just plain nasty around Atlanta the last few days.  Thank goodness I had a deodorant that held up!  Even after all day hot-and-stickiness, this stuff kept me dry and -um- not stinky!  Is there anything more you could ask from a deodorant/antiperspirant?  :o) Also, there's a GREAT sweepstakes going on now, with over $1,000 in prizes , including a grand prize of $500!  After you've entered to win the coupon, enter to win the sweepstakes, too!  :o)  Go here to enter. Go get your FREE Dry Idea now!  It's simple to enter, just fill out the form below, sit back, relax, and smile.   And reme

There are currently three HOT printable Pampers coupons available -- print them for yourself, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or just play coupon fairy .  Hurry and print them while they're still here!  ( You know how it is with hot coupons -- here one day, gone the next! )   These are great for helping you stock up on cheap diapers .   $1.50 off ONE Pampers Cruisers or Baby Dry Diapers   $1.50 off ONE Pampers Swaddlers Diapers   $0.75 off ONE Pampers Wipes 60 ct or larger Also, If you're going to buy Pampers, you simply MUST join their Gifts to Grow rewards program.  There are all sorts of fun freebies you can score with your points, like Shutterfly credit and multiple gift cards, just to name a few!  Actually, you need not even have a baby to join the program: there's always FREE codes floating around.  Go HERE to sign up with Pampers Gifts to Grow rewards.   Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

Right now through June 30th, you can earn up to 2,000 Gifts to Grow points in just one visit at Kroger. You can get up to 400 Gifts to Grow Points for each product, including Tide, Swiffer, Duracell, Febreze and Pantene.* The more you buy, the more your points will add up.  At checkout, you'll receive bonus point codes telling you everything you need to know on how to enter the code and redeem your points.  Not a member of Gifts to Grow?  Sign up here . An added bonus? Even more savings can be found on coupons in specially marked Pampers big box bonus packs!  Want another bonus (speaking of coupons): here are three HOT printable Pampers coupons to utilize as well: *  $1.50 off ONE Pampers Cruisers or Baby Dry Diapers *  $1.50 off ONE Pampers Swaddlers Diapers *  $0.75 off ONE Pampers Wipes 60 ct or larger Also, you can go here to get matc

Currently at Kroger, you can get a $2.00 coupon (good towards your next trip) WYB (1) 59 oz or larger orange juice AND (1) 15 oz carton or larger of Egg Beaters . Sorry, no coupons currently available with this deal, but you'll get $2.00 towards your next trip!   You must use your Kroger card, offer valid through 7-18-12. Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

I wish I could say with more certainty if this was a good deal, but -alas- as "green" as I am, I never got around to researching cloth diapers.  But,  I digress. On an endcap at Target this afternoon (the Holcomb Bridge, Roswell location), I saw these cloth diaper accessories on clearance.  If you or someone you know is considering cloth diapers, or already do so, this may be a good deal.   (And if it's NOT a good deal, could someone please contact me and let me know?)  :o) They're all Charlie Banana brand, and have all the various pieces you would need: disposable inserts, washable OR disposable inserts, and the outside diaper shell.  (Yeah, my terminology is flawed here, I know!) Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

Hubs and I recently packed up the ol' minivan and took the family to the beach, per my longing. (Honestly, I think the last time my toes were stuck firmly in the sand was our honeymoon!). We scoured through the travel deal sites to find the best deal, and we did ok. There are quite a few sites out there offering great travel offer, deals, and promotions -- one is www.mega.co.uk -- it's a one stop shop for finding great deals and steals for your travel needs. What is YOUR ideal vacation? I challenge you to find a great deal for it at MEGA today! :-) Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

I hoard containers. There -- I put it out there. I save various, sturdy containers, with the idea that I could re-use it ....for something. This came in handy the other day with my 3-year-old daughter. I'm always looking for ways to keep my children entertained, as well as offer them chances to explore and learn.  If I can additionally do so in a "green" manner, even better. For this occasion, I put red food coloring in an old throat spray bottle, blue in an old dish soap bottle, grabbed some old foam letters (but sponges would work just as well) and put a little paint in old flushable wipes containers, gathered up a few unused medicine droppers, opened some paper bags at the seems, and threw in  a few paint brushes, and   empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls.

I packed up the kids yesterday and headed for a short trip to Kroger. While there, I saw this peelie (peelable coupon) on all the "Newton" products. It's good for up to $1.50 in FREE fruit, when you purchase said Newtons. Of course, I wouldn't buy the Newtons without a coupon -- $4.59 each??!  If you have it, use this coupon: $1/2 Newton's Product, exp. 6/20/12 (SS 05/20/12) Also, just a reminder that those Catalina deals really do pay: I got almost $20 worth of groceries  (fresh fruits, clearance milk, etc) for a little under $14, thanks largely to a Catalina deal about a week ago with Alpo dog food; it gave me a $5 coupon good towards my next shopping trip!  Yee haw!  ;o) Finally, being a stellar parent, I bribed my three year old with a "shake" from McDonald's if she behaved in the store.  I'd gotten a coupon in the Parade  about a month ago for a free Cherry Blast something-or-the-other.Naturally, I had to give in to my sweet tea addi

Summer vacations are just around the corner, and Alamo is offering exclusive deals when you sign up to be an Alamo Insider!  Join for FREE today and from now on the best deals come to you. Plus, you can bank on special privileges like a 10% or more member discount on every rental, and self-service kiosks that get you on the road to vacation faster than ever. Whether your next escape is one week or months away, Alamo’s got exclusive deals for you. To join, just click on the banner (picture) where it says "join FREE now".  Y'all let me know when you have joined, too! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

Want free queso or sopapilla at On the Border?   You must enter zipcode to see if available in their area, then upon completion of the form, customers will receive their printable On The Border coupon (good for free queso or sopapillas) via email. 121 stores in 29 states: AR, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA.   Hint: Enter the zip code of where their closest actual restaurant is if their zip code doesn't work.   Click on the banner (picture) or here to get your coupon now! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

HURRY!   The first 100,000 people to register for the Radisson Big Night Giveaway will be eligible to receive 50,000 bonus Gold Points® - that’s enough for a night at any Radisson or Radisson Blu hotel worldwide. Here's how to enter: Start by clicking on the banner (picture) below,  Then, watch the video Click "Join Now" Complete registration BAM!  You're entered!   Check out all the other current giveaways and sweepstakes available at AFM! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

A few nights ago, my daughter had her first sleepover. Other than the two whirlwind nights I spend in the hospital when her brother was born, I've never been apart from her for the night. So, while it was difficult for me to let me to let her spend the night away from me, I knew she was in good hands. After all, she was at my parents house.  Literally down the street.  And I knew it was an experience she needed to have.  I needed to have it, too. While I weep for the loss of each new stage in her life -yearning to hold on to even the smallest pieces of my "little" girl, I can't help but feel excitement.  I have nothing but fond memories of spending the night at my grandparents houses, and I want nothing more than for her to build such memories with the people she loves as well. Happy Wednesday, y'all! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

A bunch of preggos awating the doors' opening... Holy baby food, Batman! Look at all this loot!!  Let this serve as a reminder for y'all to attend next year, AND as my way of saying THANKS to all who put this amazing event together!! :o) P.S.  I didn't get to stay too long, as I had my infant son with me.  But I rumor has it Vera Bradley bags were given away, and there was a stellar diaper party to benefit the Atlanta Diaper Relief ! MAM, Enfamil, and misc. items Food Allergy Kids , a non profit educating educator Rounding up the organic foods, we have Plum Organics, NurtureMe, Happy Family, and CasCal Daddy Scrubs !! And all the other loot -- big, small, and in between.  :o) Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

ClipNGo Coupons is sponsoring a sweepstakes -- Win a 4th of July Backyard Bash Win cash to throw the ultimate Fourth of July backyard bash! Take a survey now and earn your shot at $1,500. As a bonus, you'll get $75 in printable coupons just for entering. Go  here  to enter.   HURRY!  Ends July 1st! Also, check out all the other great giveaways and sweepstakes currently available at AFM! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

Sign up for Unsubscriber for Gmail for a chance to win a brand-new iPad! Unsubscriber is a FREE service that makes it simple to filter out, then unsubscribe from all those unwanted emails from your Gmail account.   Go  here  to sign up and enter to win!   You  MUST havea Gmail account to enter to win!   Hurry!  Sweepstakes ends August 1st! Check out all the other great sweepstakes and giveaways currently available at AFM! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

YUMMY!  This deal is  good for $40 worth of Twisted Taco's awesome Tex-Mex cuisine for only $20. Go to the link below ("view deal"), and type in "Twisted Taco" in the search box in the upper right-hand corner, select the location of your choice.  (Sorry, I don't have a direct link for each location.) 3 locations: - 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell, 770-407-7014 - 4629 Wieca Rd, Atlanta, 678-720-9732 - 5815 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta,770-777-9199 And check out all the other great daily deals all in one spot, here at AFM! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

Here are the top new restaurant printable coupons that have come out in the past week!  Go ahead and print 'em out, because some of them may not stick around long!! Special thanks to Surviving the Stores for this week's list!! Arbys Coupon  - Free Value Shake WYB Arby's Combo (exp: 6/12/2012) Chilis Coupon  - Free Chips & Queso WYB 1 Entree (exp: 6/10/2012) Firehouse Subs Coupon  - Free Kids Combo WYB Adult Entree (exp: 6/17/2012) McDonalds Coupon  - Buy 1 McCafe Real Fruit Smoothie, Cherry Berry Chiller, Frappe, or Frozen Lemonade Get 1 Free (does NOT work in certain internet browsers - exp: 7/31/2012) Mimis Cafe Coupon  - Buy Any Breakfast Entree Get 1 Free WYB 2 Beverages (exp: 6/8/2012) Ninety Nine Coupon  - $5 Off $25 Purchase (exp: 7/2/2012) Outback Steakhouse Coupon  - $5 Off 2 Entrees (exp: 6/22/2012) Quiznos Coupon  - Buy 1 Sub and 1 Fountain Drink Get 1 Small Sub Free + 2 More Coupons (exp: 7/7/2012)  (Click on Quiznos picture below) -- HURRY!  C

Alamo Insiders Club With summer vacations just around the corner, Alamo is offering exclusive deals when you sign up to be an Alamo Insider! It's FREE to join.  Perks include a 10% or more member discount on every rental, and self-service kiosks that get you on the road to vacation faster than ever.  I know a few friends have who are Alamo Insiders, and have already reaped the benefits of this program. But HURRY, this offer won't last long!!  Go  here  to sign up! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

photo courtesy of  http://www.clipartguide.com/   Had a long week?  In need of a little retail therapy?  By all means, do so, but take advantages of these great coupons in the process!  Here are the top new retail printable coupons that have become available in the past week! Thanks to  Surviving the Stores  for this week's list! Aeropostale Coupon  - 20% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 6/30/2012) AutoZone Coupon  - $10 Off $50 or $20 Off $80 Purchase (exp: 7/3/2012) Bath and Body Works Coupon  - Buy 1 Anti-Bacterial Handsoaps Get 1 Free (exp: 6/10/2012) Bed Bath and Beyond Coupon  - 20% Off 1 Item (exp: 6/18/2012) Cache Coupon  - $25 Off $125, $50 Off $200, $75 Off $300, or $100 Off $400 Purchase (exp: 6/11/2012) Express Coupon  - $15 Off $30 or $30 Off $75 Purchase (exp: 6/10/2012) iParty Coupon  - $5 Off $25 Purchase (exp: 6/30/2012) Kohls Coupon  - 15% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 6/13/2012) Lifeway Christian Coupon  - 30% Off 1 Regularly Priced Item (exp: 6/12/2012)

As if getting FREE printable coupons from Coupons.com wasn't great enough, now you can get a free 30 day subscription to the Coupons.com Savings Club and gain access to exclusive high-value, premium coupons from the best-known brands.  It's super-easy -- just sign up here . After the 30 day trial, it is only $3/month for membership.  If you do not wish to continue membership, simply cancel before the 30 days is up. Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

I went to the Perimeter Target today, and they has TONS of diapers on clearance!  I found boxed diapers on clearance for $25, and "big packs" of Pampers on clearance for $16.82.  There were also boxes of Huggies Pure & Natural for just under $16.  Also, Size 6 Huggies Snug and Dry were clearanced for around $6!! For even deeper savings, use these Target coupon: * $1/1 Pampers Diapers, exp. 6/9/12 (Target P&G 04/29/12) *  $3 off Select Huggies AND Coppertone Item Target printable Then stack with these, appropriately: *  $1.50/1 Pampers Swaddlers or Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers printable *  $1.50/1 Pampers Cruisers or Baby Dry Diapers  printable * $3/2 Huggies Diapers or Refill Wipes, exp. 6/10/12 (SS 05/06/12 R) *  $2 off Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers AND Huggies Baby Wipes printable On top of these savings, make sure you've enrolled in Pampers Gifts to Grow and/or Huggies Enjoy the Ride program, for even deeper savings and rewards!  (Actually, you ne

Are you expecting, or know a lady who is?  Then this event is a MUST!    The Atlanta Baby Shower Expo is coming THIS weekend! (Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10)  About a month ago, I shared with you all the great loot I scored at the Atlanta Baby & Child Expo .     Among all the awesome details, some highlights include: *  Atlanta Diaper Relief will be having a giant diaper party * Dr. Oz and Lisa Oz will be speaking.  * TONS of great baby brands, including Enfamil and Vera Bradley (yeah, I know, not a "baby" brand...but it's Vera freakin' Bradley, y'all!) You can find more info for the show at   their website .  I have the opportunity to giveaway FOUR sets of tickets for Sunday.  Enter below on the Rafflecopter form, and make sure to leave a comment telling me what you most look forward to at the Baby Shower Expo this weekend.  :o)   Remember, the more entries you complete, the better your chances for winning; also pay att

Just in time for summer, Mr. Food has laucnhed a new Disney Vacation Contest. One grand prize winner will receive: *  4 roundtrip coach airfares,  * 4 round trip ground transfer to Disney,  * 1 standard room accomodations (4 person max) for four nights,  * four (4) 5-Day Magic Your Way Base Tickets with Park Hopper® Option, and * one Disney Gift Card with a value of $300.  ALSO, Ten $50 Disney Gift Cards will be awarded to the 10 runner up winners. Sign up here NOW for your chance to win!  :o)  While you're at it, check out all the great giveaways and sweepstakes available here at AFM, including one for a DISNEY CRUISE!! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara