thefunandfrugallife-blog

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Tonight Only (8/10): Aerie free bra & tote foursquare promotion

From 6p.m.-9p.m. tonight, participating Aerie stores will be offering a free bra (the new Drew bra) to the first 10 people to check in to the store on foursquare. Additionally, the first 100 people will receive a free Aerie tote. The reason for the promotion is due to the launch of the brand new Drew bra. For more details, check out the Aerie Facebook page.

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'Like' Toppers Pizza on Facebook to get a free single order of Topperstix

Today only (8/9) 'like' Toppers Pizza on Facebook to earn one free single order of Topperstix at participating locations. For more details, check out the Toppers Facebook page.

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The Fun and Frugal Life Returns!

After a break, regular updates will now return to The Fun and Frugal Life blog. Thank your for your patience!

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Free Sample Alert (8/1): Kashi Sample

Go to the official Kashi site to choose one of two free samples being offered. You can choose between Kashi's TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate granola bar or Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Cereal.

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Dinner Idea: Triple order of original Toppers Stix $3.99 - Today only

Looking for dinner ideas? Get a triple order of original Toppers Stix for just $3.99 today only! Make sure to call your local Toppers in advance to verify that they are running the promotion.

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Free Sample Alert (7/26): Purina Cat Food

Go to AllYou.com to find out how you can sign up for your free sample of Purina Cat Food!

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Free Sample Alert (7/25): Nivea Touch of Cashmere

Go here to get your free sample of Nivea Touch of Cashmere body wash.

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Eversave.com Promo Code (7/20) - Save $2

Use promo code 2NDCHANCE to get $2 off any daily save on Eversave.com.

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50% off lasagna at Bravo! restaurants on July 28th

For more details, check out the Bravo! Cucina Italiana Facebook page.

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Free Sample Alert (7/19): Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Go to Walmart.com's free sample page to get your free sample of Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff shampoo.

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Two 2011 Entertainment Books for $10

Go here to order copies of the 2011 Entertainment Book priced at 2 for $10. This is a fantastic deal since these books go for $40 at the beginning of the year. Plus, most coupons are high-value ($10 or more in value), making this an amazing sale. This sale is available for Entertainment Books nationwide.

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Free Sample Alert (7/16): Stevia Sooo Sweet! Sweetener

Go here to request your free sample of Stevia Sooo Sweet! sweetener.

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Coupon: $10 off $20 at Express

For the next two days, you can get $10 off your $20 or more purchase at Express. At $40 spent, you get $20 off. Can't beat 50% savings! Use coupon code 1500 at Express.com or print your coupon here.

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Fantastic Clearance Find at Target

Yesterday when I was browsing the clearance shelves in the beauty section of Target, I found an incredible deal on John Frieda special value packs. The John Frieda Brilliant Brunette gift set (which included a full-size shampoo and conditioner, as well as a styling product) was 50% off. This brought the original price of $11.99 down to $5.98. Also, I was still hanging on to one of the $2 off any John Frieda product coupons (expiration date 7/31). This brought my total for all three items down to $3.98! Normally, the shampoo or conditioner alone cost $4.99-$5.99.  

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Handling Emergency Expenses On a Budget: Part 1

*I had originally stated that I would post this yesterday, but I obviously did not do so. Sorry for the delay!

It has probably happened to us all at least once in our lifetime: a broken appliance, an expensive dental repair, car repairs that cost more than the car itself, and so on. Emergency expenses do not happen to just a select, unlucky part of the population. Unexpected, costly things can and will happen to everyone at some point. Some will have the funds to cover nearly any calamity that may occur, while many will struggle with even the smallest of emergency expenses.

If you fall in to the last bunch, you are most certainly not alone. When unplanned expenses pop up, you may feel helpless and decide the only solution is debt. However, I am glad to tell you that there are many ways to avoid going in to debt when things like this occur. Here are a few examples of emergency expenses and how to cope financially:

Emergency Expense: Your washer (or dryer, refrigerator, etc.) has stopped working.

->What to do:

Check Craigslist for the best deals on the appliance you need. Remember, you just need one that will work until you can save up for a nicer appliance (this is just a temporary situation!). Just so long as the appliance is clean and functions properly, you will be fine. Also, using Craigslist will always force you to pay cash since financing/credit options are not available with individual sellers.

If your washer or dryer breaks and the weather is not too chilly, try handwashing and/or line drying clothes. Although these methods are a bit more time consuming, it will be a temporary solution until you can save up for the appliance that you need.

Emergency Expense: Your cell phone broke and you have no phone insurance.

->What to do:

Many cell phone companies now offer less expensive pay-as-you-go phones that range from $10-$50. These phones work just as well as the nicer phones and can be found at convenient locations like Target and Best Buy.

Ask a friend or family member who has the same provider if he or she has a spare phone that is not being used. If so, make the person a fair offer if they do choose to let you purchase it from him or her.

Make sure you find out if you are eligible for any upgrade or credit toward an upgrade on a similar phone.

Over the next week, I will post more emergency scenarios and how to financially make it through without debt. If you have an questions about an emergency expense you may be facing now, please let me know!

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$49 for a $100 Gift Certificate to Many Florida Hotels - Eversave.com

Today's Eversave.com save is a really great one if you are planning a trip to Florida within the next year. For $49 (or $46 when you use the promo code FUN at the checkout), you get a $100 gift certificate from FloridaHotelCard.com, which gives you access to over 1,000 different hotels. 

After doing a little research myself on the Web site, I was surprised to find that you can even book with select Disney-owned resorts through this site. Starting in late September, this card covers one night's stay at Disney's Pop Century. Definitely a good bargain if you are planning a trip in or around the Disney area!

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New Yankee Candle Coupon Available - $10 Off $25 Or More

Go here to get your Yankee Candle coupon good for $10 off a $25 or more purchase. I absolutely love it when these coupons become available!