Free Stuff Offers

Summer Bliss is Back with a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Smoothie offer from Jamba Juice. Print the coupon and redeem at any participating Jamba Juice location. Offer ends 8/9/09.


Print out more coupons from Marie Callendar's Restaurant & Bakery. Offers include: Purchase any entree and two beverages and receive a second entree of equal or lesser value free. At participating locations, see coupon for exclusions and details. Expires 8/14/09.


Request a Free Gathering Guide & Cookbook from Omaha Steaks
which contains $600 in money saving coupons inside. While supplies last.


Sign up to get your Free Sample of Total® Blueberry Pomegranate Cereal


Get a Free Sample Pack from HUGGIES® Brand containing 3 HUGGIES® Pure & Natural Diapers along with a coupon to be used on your next purchase.



photo: bluegum, sxc.hu

More Free Stuff

More Free Stuff:

Those that missed the Michael Jackson memorial can download a free copy of the MJ memorial program from the website TheLoop21.com

Enjoy a Free Blueberry Donut from Tim Hortons on July 21, 6am - 10am at participating U.S. stores. ( I must be living under a rock, eh? I didn't even know they had any stores in the U.S. )

Celebrate National Lasagne Day with Free Lasagne from the Spaghetti Warehouse. To get your e-coupon you must become a fan of the Spaghetti Warehouse on Facebook. Register or sign into Facebook, click the become a fan button on the SW page and they'll send you an e-coupon which can be used on July 29, 2009, 11am - 3pm.

Sign up to get free stuff to Throw a Guilty Pleasure Release Party for Ashley Tisdale. Ashley's new album Guilty Pleasure is available on July 28th. Help celebrate the release by throwing your own party. Each party pack comes with 5 Ashley Berry Lip Glosses, 15-20 Guilty Pleasure posters, 5 sticker packs, 1 Guilty Pleasure CD, and 1 Note from Ashley. While supplies last.

Get a coupon for a Free Portrait Package from the Picture People. Consists of one 8X10, two 5X7's and eight wallet sized portraits of the same image. Expires 7/25/09.

More free stuff offers coming soon. Stay tuned - Cheap Cindy

photo: Ben Earwicker, sxc.hu

Free Starbucks Pastry, Venom Energy Drink & More

Print out a coupon to get a free pastry with the purchase of a beverage on Starbucks Free Pastry Day 7/21/09

Enter your information to receive a Free Venom Energy Drink Coupon

Sign up at an aerie store near you and get on the a-list to receive free item offers each month and a free gift on your birthday

Fill out an online form to request a Free Set of Tavern on The Green Recipe Cards




photo: Mart1n, sxc.hu

Free Stuff

Free Tea Freddo 7/10/09 and Free Coffee Freddo 08/07/09 2-3pm at participating Peet's Coffee locations

Free Mocha Mondays at participating McDonald's McCafe' locations thru 8/3/09

Share a Pint of New Starbucks Ice Cream with a Friend: (Yes you can be "the friend") for Facebook users, 800 are available at the start of each hour daily until 7/19/09, limit one per household. You must be signed into Facebook before clicking on the link to access the offer. The 800 each hour go quickly so access within the first 5-10 minutes of the hour or try late at night.

Free Fiber One Samples plus $5 in Coupons Fill out the form for free samples of Fiber One Honey Clusters Cereal, Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Bar and $5 in coupons. While supplies last, limit one offer per household.

Free Language Lessons Online

No puedo hablar Espanol. Can you? Well maybe we can learn with these free language lessons online.

Use the free language lessons listed on the Open Culture website. These are links to iTunes feeds and Podcasts that teach several different languages including French, Japanese, Spanish and many others. Lessons range from beginner to advanced. This website is regularly updated with the best language resources found online.

Learn at your own pace using the free Social Language Learning Programs on the websites LiveMocha, Busuu or Lang-8. Here you can connect with other people from around the world and practice language exercises with native speakers. Join the communities, use the online lessons and have fun.

Word2Word: This website has links to several free online language courses. They vary in quality and quantity.

WordReference.com: Free online translation dictionaries along with an online forum where you can seek advice. Also has online tools and capabilities you can use with an iphone or ipod to learn a language for free.

For quick simple lessons, consider using YouTube.com. Search for the language you are interested in learning and you will find lots of helpful short videos.

Adios! - Cheap Cindy

photo: sundstrom, sxc.hu

Save Money Buying Produce in Season

Buying local produce that's in season is a great way to save money. Not to mention that it tastes better and lasts longer than something that's been trucked into your supermarket.

I'm thrilled the local produce stands are starting to fill up with fruits and veggies. Last month I was disappointed to find that the local crops hadn't produced much. That sent me on an online quest to find out how to know what fruits and vegetables are in season. Here are some useful web sites I found:

For a simple online tool to find out what produce is in season in your area, I suggest the one provided online by the National Resources Defense Council. Select your state, select your season and you're good to go. You can also follow the link to Local Harvest to find Farmer's Markets near you.

PickYourOwn.org is full of information. You can locate U-pick farms in your local area and get details including hours, location, phone numbers, maps, visitors reviews and sometimes a link to the farm's website. This is hands down the biggest listing of farms I found in my area, it even listed roadside "honor systems".

The website also includes picking tips and instructions on canning, freezing, making jam and more. I hope to use some of that information in the near future.

They have a crop availability calendar that I find it a bit confusing, but all the other great information makes this website a keeper.

Well, I hope you find these resources as useful as I do. Until next time - Cheap Cindy

photo: scol22, sxc.hu

Fast Food Freebies

Here are some free fast food offers:

Celebrate A&W's 90th Anniversary with a Free A&W Root Beer Float Friday June 19, 2009 2-8pm at participating restaurants. Limit one per customer.

Treat Dad to a Free Cup or Cone at TCBY on Fathers Day June 21, 2009. Valid at participating TCBY locations.

Start making your costume for Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day on Friday July 10, 2009. Come in to any Chick-fil-A Restaurant that day dressed as a cow and get a free meal.

Here are some printable coupons for White Castle Restaurants including a Free Original Slider that expires on 7/12/09 and a Free Pulled Pork Slider that expires 6/30/09.

Enjoy!


photo: lockstockb, sxc.hu

Free eCards

Ever wanted to send a card but didn't have time, couldn't find a stamp or you were just too cheap? Then you might want to consider sending free eCards. There are several online sources where you can find free eCards for any occasion; Birthdays, Christmas, Graduation, Weddings, National Ice Cream Day and all the other important holidays. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Egreetings.com offers free eCards for any occasion or just for fun. Most selections are in flash animation and include sound. There is no registration required and you get unlimited free eCards. Once you choose to send your card, you have the option of having the free Egreetings toolbar installed on your computer where you get instant access to the free eCards and the selection of the day. If you don't want to install the toolbar just select the "skip" prompt at the bottom of the page.

123 Greetings is a great site for free eCards and for finding out about all the lesser known holidays. For example, did you know today (June 8) was both Best Friends Day and Ice Cream Day? Well you know now! They offer an upcoming events feature on their homepage that lists all kinds of holidays and occasions along with links to free eCards you can send. You can even subscribe to the upcoming events RSS feed.

Care2 eCards makes a donation to an environmental nonprofit to save a square foot of rain forest for every free eCard sent. How cool is that? They offer several unique free eCards to choose from. You can personalize the cards and send them to multiple email addresses.

eCardica.com offers a selection of free mostly humorous eCards. The majority are flash animation but a few are available in "postcard" format for those that don't have flash capabilities. You can also personalize your greeting and upload photos, audio or video files that can be sent along with your eCard.

Hipstercards.com is great for finding unusual free eCards to send. They also offer some fun options for free email invitations. I love the Retro and Vintage selections but was a little freaked out over the Strange Clowns category. From what I saw, all of the eCards are basic images without animation or audio options. The cards are easy to send and don't require any registration.

Yahoo! Greetings with American Greetings has several free eCards to choose from. You can personalize your message, add a photo and send your selected eCard to multiple email addresses. Registration is not required.

So no more excuses, now you can stay in touch with friends and family with these free eCards. Get busy - Cheap Cindy


photo: ilco, sxc.hu

Free Doughnuts on National Doughnut Day

MMMM.....Doughnuts......


Celebrate national Doughnut Day, Tomorrow June 5th, with Free Doughnuts!


Krispy Kreme Stores will be giving away a Free Doughnut to all it's customers. Limit one per person, no purchase necessary.


Dunkin' Donuts is also getting in on the celebration and is offering a Free Doughnut (or is that donut?) with the purchase of any beverage, limit one per customer.


And in honor of National Doughnut Day, I think it's fitting to pay tribute to the king of doughnut lovers; Homer Simpson. Have fun with this collection of web sites offering Simpsons trivia, create your own Simpsons character and other free stuff you can do. You can find links to these in my article How to Find Everything About The Simpsons.


Happy Doughnut Day! - Cheap Cindy

photo: mark25, sxc.hu

Free Landscape & Garden Design Programs

My backyard needs a serious makeover. I'm not one of those people who can visualize something; I need to see it drawn out - which I'm no good at either. So here's some free landscape & garden design programs I found online.

Better Homes and Gardens offers plan-a-garden. You have to register as an online member, but it's quick and easy. The program is pretty basic and limited, but it works well for planning simple layouts. The website also offers free garden plans and other helpful tips and ideas.

Gardener's Supply Company offers a simple Free Garden Design Planner that is a must have when planning your vegetable garden layout. This website also offers valuable free advice on planting and care. 

A more elaborate program is the Showoff Free Landscape & Outdoor Living Software. You can upload your own photo, select your region's hardiness zone to see plants that grow in your area and more. You do need to register and install the free software. The program does have it's limitations, and of course you can get more functions if you pay to upgrade. The free version is fine in my opinion.

There's an app for that. iScape Free Landscape Design app gives you the opportunity to test drive the paid version at no charge. Take a picture or upload your own photo from your photo library. Use the tools to add grass, pavers, flowers, trees, walkways, patio furniture, etc. You can save and share your design via Facebook, email or print.


For designing decks, here is a Free Deck Designer from Lowes.  Decks.com also offers a Free Deck Designer and Free Deck Plans. You must register at these sites first.

Well I hope you find these as helpful as I did. Now if you know of anyone willing to do the actual labor of putting in the landscape or building a new deck for free, you let me know ok?



photo: micnae65, sxc.hu

Save Money this Summer

Ahh, summer. Time for flip flops, barbeque's and hopefully a chance to enjoy a little needed R&R. It's tempting to be lured by all the summertime pleasures: that pricey vacation, that new patio set, that shiny convertible. But there are several ways you can enjoy summer without going broke. Here are some ways to save money this summer.

Start with the flip flops. If you haven't seen the commercial, Old Navy stores are offering solid color flip flops for the entire family for only $1.00 a pair, tomorrow only May 23, 2009. Or, try for a free pair of Havaianas flip flops from the Seventeen Magazine Giveaway on June 6, 2009. You can see the official rules at Seventeen.com or they can be found in the upcoming July issue.

Take advantage of free summer fun in your area. Many cities offer events such as free outdoor music concerts, local summer festivals, craft fairs and even free movie nights. (If you missed my earlier post, select Regal theatres are offering a Free Family Film Festival this summer.)

Check out the community events section in your local newspaper, see what free summer programs your local library may be offering or enjoy free amenities such as parks and local beaches if you have access to them.

Look for free stuff that kids can do this summer, such as the 2009 Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Listen to The Consumer Queen's recent BlogTalkRadio show Free and Cheap Things to do With Kids this Summer for more great ideas.

Save money on your summer vacation by looking for great travel deals posted on the FatWallet Travel Deals Forum. You can also find money saving tips in my article How to Find Hotel Discounts and Travel Cheap. Save tons of money this summer by opting for a summer vacation closer to home. Go camping as a classic way to enjoy summer on the cheap, or opt to Vacation Cheap with a Staycation this year.

Go frugal treasure hunting at garage and yard sales, or make some extra money by having your own. Get the kids involved by letting them set up a lemonade stand, or better yet, make a killing having them set up a concession stand made up of items such as snacks and bottled water bought at local warehouse or discount stores. In my area, even I have been suckered more than once into paying $1.00 for a bottle of water at a yard sale on a hot summer day.

Have a GPS? Go on a high-tech treasure hunt this summer with Geocaching. Even if you don't have a GPS, consider creating your own scavenger hunt with family, friends and neighbors. Make a list of things people have to collect or find around town. Give clues and make riddles they have to solve in order to find the items. Play just for fun, or offer a prize such as the winner gets their garbage taken to the curb for a month by the losing players, etc.

What are you doing to save money this summer? I would love to hear your ideas.

Till next time - Cheap Cindy



photo: zenner, sxc.hu

Happy Friday Freebies!

Happy Friday everyone! Here's some free stuff I found:

Be one of the first 250,000 people to sign up on Friday for the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act and receive a coupon for a single size candy bar. Offer valid each Friday through 9/25/09.

Experience the Islands with a Free Sample of Hawaiian Tropic Suncare from Walmart. Choose from After Sun Body Butter or Sheer Touch SPF 15 Sunscreen Lotion.

Get ready for Free Ice Cream Day at Walmart on Saturday May 30, 2009 11am -4pm. Check to see if there is a participating Walmart near you.

Cuddle up with your old TV before transitioning to digital and get a FREE Bag of Popcorn from Yahoo! While supplies last. (Sign up is on right hand side of page near bottom.)

Be one of the first 100,000 people to sign up for a coupon for Free DiGiorno Flatbread Melts May 18, 2009.

Have a great weekend!

photo: hortongrou, sxc.hu

Free Stuff For Moms

Free Cup or Cone For Mom From TCBY Mother's Day, May 10 2009 at Participating Locations


The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal Free Book Download May 8-10 2009


Use Code UNDONEFREE at Checkout for a Free Undone! ebook from Harlequin, good until May 31, 2009


Free 12 issue Subscription to Working Mother Magazine (hurry, these go fast!)


photo: bies, sxc.hu

More Freebies

Cinnabon is celebrating National Nurses Week by giving away One FREE Cinnabon Classic Roll to each nurse who shows their healthcare ID May 6-12 2009

Sur La Table is having a Free Brownie Workshop Saturday May 9 at 11 am - All Stores. Score tips, techniques and delicious homemade brownies. No reservations needed - walk in and join the fun!

Mark your calendars for the Free Family Film Festival beginning June 2009 at select Regal theatres nationwide.

photo: tazzmaniac, sxc.hu

Free Kentucky Fried Chicken and More

Print your coupon for Free 2 pc KFC Grilled Chicken, 2 Individual Sides and a Biscuit. Can be redeemed at participating KFC locations 5/5/09 - 5/19/09 (excluding 5/10) *UPDATE: KFC is now giving rain checks for this coupon (Did they run out of Chicken?)

Enjoy several Free Samples from ViveMejor.com which currently includes Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise, Caress Skinware products, Degree Women Fine Fragrance and Ponds Rejuveness.

Watch or download The 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show courtesy Amazon.com

And just for fun, upload a photo of your child - or yourself - into the Kideo Starmaker Demos. Here's one I made: Barney Starmaker Sample Starring "Cindy". (Ok, so that's not me, but you get the idea.)

photo: mzacha, sxc.hu

Free Comic Books

Just a quick note to let you know that tomorrow, May 2 is Free Comic Book Day. Comic book shops around the world will be giving away comic books for free! Check with your local shop to see if they are participating and get the rules.

If you miss this event, don't despair, you can read some comic books as well as comic strips online for free. Read my article How to Read Free Comics and Comic Books Online.

photo: wax115, sxc.hu

Free Hallmark Cards and More

Get a Free Mother's Day Card from Hallmark online: Use code CARD4MOM to get a free 5X7 paper card you can personalize and even have mailed for free

(Use code APRILCARD to get another Free Hallmark Card of your choice!)


Sign up to become a myStoneyfield community member and fill out the form for a Free One Year Subscription to Organic Gardening Magazine from Stoneyfield Farm.


Get a Free Sample of Nivea Touch of Happiness Body Wash from Walmart.com


Use the code LUCKY at Restaurant.com to receive an additional 80% off their already discounted gift certificates


photo: bies, sxc.hu

How to Calculate Take Home Pay After Taxes

Want to know how much you'll really be earning from that new job? You could try to calculate your take home pay after taxes using the ol' noggin, or you could be really smart about it and use a free online calculator to figure it out for you.

Some of the best I've found are provided by PaycheckCity.com . You can use the basic calculators without registering with the site, or use the professional calculators with registration. Whichever you decide, they are all free to use.

Not only can you calculate your take home pay after taxes, but you can get free help with your W-4 and more.

You'll need to enter some basic tax info, such as your filing status, number of allowances you're claiming etc. It's nice that you can play around with the info too, so you can see what difference it would make if you claimed fewer allowances, etc.

So while you may never find out who that FICA character is that's taking all your money, at least you can get a realistic idea of what your take home pay will be.

photo: djayo, sxc.hu

Free Stuff for Your Pets

Pets like Freebies too!

Get your dog a free sample Smokey Bacon-Flavored Better Than Ears Treat from Walmart.com

Get your cat a Free Can of Petite Cuisine Cat Food on their birthday

Take your pets to the PetSmart Pet Birthday Party April 21, 6-8pm and get a Free Goodie Bag and Free Digital Photo with Frame

Get a Free 8 X 10 Photo from Canon . Use "Try MyPhoto", a free service from Canon where they will print an 8 X 10 of your image using the printer you select and mail it to you for free. Okay, so this doesn't have to be used for your pet's photo - but I recommend it.

Do You Swap & Barter?

I have to say I'm loving this new "old" idea of swapping and bartering as a way to get goods and services. Remember watching Little House on The Prairie and seeing Ma Ingalls trading eggs for goods at the Oleson Mercantile? Well, that practice of using alternative items in place of money as a way to buy stuff seems to be making a strong comeback.

I don't think places such as Walmart will be jumping on the swap train anytime soon, but several smaller businesses are using this practice. I've seen businesses trading with other businesses as well as with consumers. A recent browse through the Craigslist barter section revealed several ads with titles such as "Auto Repair for ?", "Trade Home Remodel for Web Site Building Skills", "Graphic Sign Work in Exchange for T-Shirt Press", and so on.

Even more popular is the trading going on between everyday people. I recently traded some used Elmo character Christmas lights for postage stamps. The possibilities are endless. My junk for your junk - what could be better? Plus, this is a great way to recycle. I even started following a blog I stumbled across: The Craigslist Experiment where a guy is using an item he found for free on Craigslist and is bartering his way up to bigger and better items. You go Trevor!

Besides Craigslist, there are several web sites popping up that help people wanting to exchange goods. You can find several sites discussed in this article: How to Barter. Another way to trade stuff is the Swap Party . A way to get free stuff and party? I'm there!

Entire communities are getting involved. You can use the website Meetup.com to look for a Clothing Swap Meetup Group near you. Search this site for other kinds of Swap Groups, or look in your local community newspaper for swap events.

Having trouble selling your home? Swap it! People are swapping homes, cars, boats, RVs and more on sites such as GoSwap.org . Now, that's serious swapping.

So do any of you Swap & Barter? I'd love to hear about it.