Frugal Science Gal

Yay!  Another Friday Follow!  I can't wait to meet all of y'all!



GIVEAWAY: I am giving away a beautiful hand crafted necklace HERE where the first entry is to follow my blog!  Go ahead and stop by to enter it!!

Happy Friday Follow!!!

Hey!  Just wanted to let y'all know about a free sample of Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste.   In order to receive the sample you must sign up for Burt's Bees The Hive Newsletter.  You also have the option of receiving a $1 off coupon or the sample.

This product is endorsed by Dr. Jill Lasky, D.D.S. who is a mother of 2 and says "I am excited to find a toothpaste that is natural and effective."  The Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste is SLS-free and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweetners.  To read more about these products as well as a question and answer about the facts of the Natural Toothpaste go HERE to the Burt's Bees website.  

This week, April 18-24, is Lab Professionals Week. It is a: "is an annual celebration of the medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in every aspect of health care." To learn more about these careers, which are often overlooked because there is not as much direct contact with the patients, go HERE to the ASCP website.

To check out more about this go HERE to the American Society for Clinical Pathology. If you know anyone who works in a Medical Lab, wish them Happy Laboratory Professionals Week! (They'll be impressed).

I'm SOO excited to be hosting my FIRST GIVEAWAY and it is none other than a gorgeous necklace that my mother created.  My mom has a natural gift for being able to come up with amazing designs for necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.  In support of my blog, my mom has hand-crafted an amazing necklace for me to post as my first giveaway!

Here are a couple of pictures of what you will be receiving if you win!!

Here is a close up of the pendant:


Don't you just love it?!?  NOW for the fun part!!! There are 4 ways to enter into this giveaway.  The mandatory entry must first be done and then there are 3 additional entry options.

Mandatory Entry:
1. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (found on right toolbar)  This will be checked so if you are leaving a comment make sure that your Google name is visible in your comment. 
And...make sure there is a visible e-mail address in every comment.
Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe via e-mail to my blog (also found on right toolbar)
2. Follow me on Twitter
3. Become a follower of my friend Tatum at Tatum's Family Reviews.

This giveaway will end on May 2, 2010 at 11:59 CST and is for U.S. residents only.  The winner will be chosen at random using Random.org.  The WINNER will be contacted and will have 48 hours to respond so make sure you are check that e-mail address when the giveaway is ending.  GET EXCITED and GOOD LUCK!!!

This Sunday will have both a Red Plum and a Smart Source coupon inserts.

My favorite coupons from this week are:
Smart Source
Birds Eye Bag or Box Vegetables Save $.50/1 (5/16)
Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables, Rice or Pasta, Save $.50/1 (5/16)
Bush’s Grillin Beans only Save $1.00/2 (5/16)
Dole Fruit Crisp 2pk Save $1.00/1 (6/13)
Fiber One Chewy Bars, boxes Save $.50/2 (6/12)
Grande Tortilla Chips Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Green Works Laundry Detergent Save $1.50/1 (5/30)
Green Works product Save $.50/1 (5/30)
Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate Bar or Bag 3.5oz+ Save $1.00/1 (6/13)
Hershey’s Special Dark Dark Chocolate Bar or Special Dark w/ Almonds Bar 1.46oz FREE wyb Hershey’s Special Dark Dark Chocolate Bar, Special Dark w/ Almonds bar, Milk Chocolate Bar or Milk Chocolate w/ Almonds Bar 1.45-1.55oz Save up to $.85/1 (5/30)
Nature Valley Granola Bars, box Save $.40/1 (6/12)
Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters, bag Save $.50/1 (6/12)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Minis, 4pk Save $.50/1 (5/16)
Pieces Candy, 10oz+ Save $1.00/1 (7/18)
Sargento Reduced Sodium Natural Cheese package, 5oz+ Save $.50/1 (7/18)
Scott Naturals Bath Tissue 4+ rolls Save $1.00/1  (5/30)
Scott Naturals Paper Towels  6+ rolls Save $1.00/1 (5/30)


Red Plum
Del Monte Fruit Chillers Cups or Tubes Save $1.00/1
Grill Mates Blend, Marinade or Spice Rub Save $.50/1
Motrin PM Save $3.00/1 ETS
Purex Ultra Concentrate or Natural Elements Liquid Laundry Detergent Save $.35/1

For a full list of all the coupons in this week's inserts go HERE.
(Remember that some coupons are only regional but you could always buy the one that you don't receive in your paper online)

Hello and Welcome to my new blog!! My name is Liz and I am a student/couponer/daughter/aunt/girlfriend/grand-daughter/niece/best friend! 


My goal is to make sure that y'all don't miss any good deals I might find, any good products I might find through reviews, while adding a little science along the way! :-) Please look around my blog and I am looking forward to getting to know y'all! Have a Happy Friday Follow and an amazing weekend!

For the past few years I have used the Morning Burst Facial Scrub from Clean & Clear. A couple of weeks ago when Walgreen's had the Clean & Clear promotion, I did 2 transactions and got 2 bottles of Morning Burst Facial Scrub and decided that I would try a new face wash, Finishes Pore Perfecting Cleanser, and the Morning Burst In-Shower Facial. Boy, am I glad I did!!



The Morning Burst Facial Scrub has been nice because it has an exfoliater, but the new Finishes Pore Perfecting Cleanser makes my face feel so soft while using it. As for the Morning Burst In-Shower Facial...Every woman should have it! You put it onto your face, wait 1 minute, then rub it into your skin and you get the same feeling as if you are getting a facial. It is a special treat that every woman should get to "spoil" themselves with at least once a week.

My routine now is to wash my face in the morning with Morning Burst Citrus Facial Scrub and then at night with the Finishes Pore Perfecting Cleanser. And once a week I use the Morning Burst In-Shower Facial. My face feels amazing!

If y'all have any other comments or questions about the review just let me know!

(I did not receive this product from a company. This a review on a product that I purchased myself. I did this review to share a product I enjoyed with my readers.)

Personally, I love going to Kohl's and going directly to their clearance sections. They have amazing holiday stuff that I can find on Clearance. If you "Sign-up for our Sale Alerts* today, and we'll send you an e-mail that'll save you $5 off your next in-store purchase and 10% off your next Kohls.com purchase! Plus you'll receive e-mail updates about our biggest sales, exclusive free shipping offers, promo codes valid for online orders and clearance updates!" Go HERE to sign up. This can make these clearance items even cheaper! When you get the coupon you have to use it within about 2 weeks. So make sure you plan on going within that time so that you can make sure you get to use it because you only get it once. To find a location near you go HERE.

Today I picked up an adorable Easter Candy Bowl for $0.10 because it was on Clearance for $5.09 and I used the $5 coupon.

I went into Walgreens today to make my weekly purchases and there was a coupon on the boxes of Kashi cereal for $1/1 box of cereal. This week select cereals are 2/$5 and you receive $1 RR back to use on your next purchase.

Deal:
2/$5 Kashi Cereal
Use $1/1 Kashi Cereal on attached boxes
Receive $1 when you purchase 2 boxes of select cereal
Final Price: $1 each when you buy 2 boxes

The rest of the deals that I got today:
Purchase 1:
Schick Shaving Cream
$2.99
Receive $2.99 RR
Final Price: FREE

Kotex U pads
$3.50
Use $1/1 Kotex U Printable
Receive $2.50 RR
Final Price: FREE

2/$5 Kashi Cereal
Use 2 $1/1 Kashi Cereal on attached boxes
Receive $1 when you purchase 2 boxes of select cereal
Final Price: $1 each when you buy 2 boxes
Cadbury Easter Egg (Filler)
$0.12 (75% off Easter Candy)

I spent $7 in Register Rewards and $1.80 cash and received $6.50 back in RR.

Purchase #2:
Schick Shaving Cream $2.99
Receive $2.99 RR
Final Price: Free

I spent the $2.50 RR from Kotex and $0.53 cash and received $3 back in RR.

Total Purchases: Spent $9.50 RR and $2.33 Cash and received $7 in RR.

Dairy Queen is hosting a Customer Appreciation Week April 19-25. In honor of US (their amazing customers) go HERE for a Buy One Get One for $.25 Blizzard Coupon.

On the bottom of the coupon it says, "Valid only at Participating Locations". Go HEREto find the location nearest you and contact them to make sure that they are a participating location.

(Thanks Thrifty & Chic Mom)

Today I stopped by Dairy Queen and grabbed 2 Blizzards (Double Fudge Cookie Dough and Oreo). I was able to snag these for the price of one Blizzard by signing up here for Dairy Queen's Fan Club. Shortly after signing up, I received the BOGO coupon for Blizzards and it expires within 2 weeks of printing. I didn't realize how expensive these had gotten, so a coupon was much needed. It was definitely a special treat for us though!

Wedding of a wonderful friend this past weekend...Congrats!!

Today is my first day participating in Tag Tuesday. This is an awesome way to link your blog, twitter, facebook, etc. with other blogs. I think this may be one of my new favorite activities! Can't wait to get to know all of y'all!

Visit Adventures of a Military Family of 8 for more details and start tagging!

Tatum's Family Reviews is hosting a Sticky Words Review and Giveaway. There are many ways to enter! I'm sure y'all have seen these wall stickers at places such as Kohl's, but the ones on this Giveaway are a lot more customizable in reference to colors and textures. Check it out here!

Kroger is running a design contest for reusable shopping bags. I am a huge advocate of using reusable bags and am so happy that stores like Target ($0.05 off a purchase with a recycle bag) and CVS (Green Bag Tags) are encouraging people to use them. I am by no means an artist, but I like my bag that I designed which can be found HERE.


Get creative and design a bag! You just might the $1000 gift card! Good Luck!

If y'all are looking for someone to vote for...you can always vote for my bag! ;-)

There are Milk Bone Essentials on sale this week at Petsmart for $2 and there is a coupon for $2/1 making these treats free! Animals can be expensive but they can also be such a great addition to the family making them worth it. This can at least help off-set the expense of an animal. :-)

Milk Bone Essentials $2.00
$2/1 Milk Bone Printable (Must register)
Free

(Thanks The Frugal Life)

I know that weight is an issue for many people and felt like this article might be helpful in people's weight loss adventures. Along with weight loss, it can also help fight off weight gain which therefore can help almost everyone.

This article talks about 8 factors that may cause people to eat more than they should and include:
1. Sights, Sounds, and Smells
2. Distracted Eating (I'm often guilty of this)
3. Food, Food Everywhere
4. Food that's Fast, Convenient, and Inexpensive (As we all like to save money, this can be tricky. But I think of it as that since we save so much by using coupons, we can afford to make healthy meals)
5. Portion Distortion
6. Giant Size Packages (This one is tricky because you often get more for your money when you purchase larger packages)
7. Not-So-Dainty Dishware
8. Too Much Variety

This article by Kathleen M Zelman, MPH, RD, LD and details on each of these 8 topics can be found here on WebMD.

My favorite CVS Deals this week are on:

Dove Shampoo and Conditioner ($4.49)
Use $1.50/1 Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner (RP 3/28/10)
Free ($1.50 Money Maker)

Dial NutriSkin Body Wash ($5.49)
Use $1/1 Dial NutriSkin Printable
Free

For a full list of CVS deals please visit Empowering Mommy here.

I recently won an OxiClean Max Force Prize Package from Deal Seeking Mom. On a recent trip I must have put my elbow into something and got a stain on my little white sweater that I often wear over nice blouses or dresses.

Here are the stains:


I have another wedding to go to today so I decided I would try out this OxiClean Max Force Prize Package for the first time to see if I can get that awful stain out of my sweater. I also decided to throw in one of my boyfriend's socks. I am often surprised at how dirty he can manage to get them so this will be a true test of how great this system works. To clean the sweater and sock today, I will be using the OxiClean Max Force Pre-treater Gel Stick and the OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Fighter & Booster Power Paks.



I put the Gel Stick on and it said to allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes depending on the severity of the stain. I let it sit for 10 minutes.


For the Power Paks it said to "Add 1 Power Pak into the washing machine, along with your detergent, while filling." So, I did just that.



I also threw in some other socks and camisoles that into the load because I just could not allow myself to waste a whole load of laundry on 2 items (for the environment or cost of electricity and water).

These are the results:

The stains on the shirt sleeve and the sock were drastically reduced but were not eliminated.  It does say on the package that "really tough stains may require 2 Paks for best results."  and another option on the package says to "Pre-soak to remove extra tough stains" which requires to "soak 1-6 hours".  I will definitely try one of these options next time.  Overall though, I am really impressed and will most likely purchase these products in the future.


Recommendations:
Use 2 paks or follow the Pre-soak instructions on the package for stains that look as tough as these.

(I completed this review free of charge.  I received this product through a giveaway on another blog and chose to review the product myself.)

With the upcoming Earth Week (April 18-24), it is important to think about your impact on the earth.

A website that offers great tips and even REWARDS (we all love rewards) for making the right decisions about recycling is RecycleBank.

RecycleBank is a great program that can teach you so many things. They have awesome links such as "5 Things You Should Always Recycle" which teaches you to always recycle:
1. Electronics
2. Rechargeable batteries
3. Compact flourescent light bulbs
4. Plastic bags
5. Anything you don't need that could be of great value to others.

This is just one of many amazing links and articles they have on their website. So even if you do not become a member of the Rewards Program, please go and read a couple of articles that can lead to a HUGE impact on our Earth.

Quick Facts (also from RecycleBank)

The average American generates 4.5 lbs of garbage per day.
The average American family generates approximately 2.5 tons of garbage a year.
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to keep a 100-watt bulb burning for almost four hours or run your television for three hours.
Plastics require 100 to 400 years to break down in a landfill.

You can sign up for RecycleBank here.

Target is having a Drive Home Green Sweepstakes right now in honor of the upcoming Earth Week (April 18-24).

Along with the Sweepstakes Target is also doing a "Send us your Plastic and Save" promotion. Target's website states,
"See your printed Circular on April 18th for details:
Or send 5 bags to:
Terracycle
121 New York
Avenue Trenton, NJ
08638"

To see all of these details and more of Target's promotions for Earth Week go here.

This Sunday will have two coupon inserts, Red Plum and Smart Source.

My favorite coupons in this weeks inserts are:

Smart Source

Arm & Hammer Laundry Products Save $1.00/2 (6/15)
Arm & Hammer Power Gel Detergent Save $1.00/1 (6/15)
Arm & Hammer Total 2-in-1 Moist Dryer Cloths Save $1.00/2 (6/15)
Colgate Pro Clinical Toothpaste, 4oz Save $1.00/1 (5/1)
Dannon, any (6) 6oz Single Serve Cups OR (1) Light & Fit 4pk Save $.40 off (5/9)
Digiorno Pizza and Breadsticks Save $1.00/1 (5/30)
Eatsmart Naturals Snack, 5oz+ Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Fiber One Frozen Muffins Save $.75/1 (7/3)
French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Save $1.00/1 (6/30)
Glade Relaxing Moments products includes 9.7oz Sprays, 4oz Jar Candles or PlugIns Scented Oils Save $2.00/2 (5/22)
Jell-O refrigerated Gelatin, Mousse, or Pudding Snacks Save $.35/1 (5/11)
Land O Lakes Butter with Olive Oil Save $1.00/2 (6/5) DND5
chick Disposable Razors Save $2.00/1 (5/23)
Scotch Lint Roller Save $1.00/1 (6/30) ETS
Trident Single Packs, Multipacks, or Bottles Gum Save $1.00/3 (6/5) DND5
Trident Superpack Gum Save $1.00/1 (6/5) DND5
VitaminWater or VitaminWater Zero, 20oz Save $1.00/2 (5/11)
Ziploc brand Slider Bags – BOGO up to $2.19 (6/5)

Redplum

Del Monte No Sugar Added Canned Fruit 14.5-15oz Save $0.40/1
Garnier Fructus Product Save $1.00/1
Garnier Fructus Shampoo, Conditioner or treatment Save $1.00/1 ETS
Kellogg’s All-Bran, Crispix, Rice Krispies, Smart Start, Raisin Bran or Corn Flakes Save $1.00/2
Kellogg’s Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and/or Frosted Flakes Cereals 10oz or larger Save $1.00/3
Listerene Antiseptic Mouthwash, Reach Toothpaste or Reach Floss or Reach Floss Access Flosser Save $0.50/1
Listerene Antiseptic Mouthwash, Reach Toothpaste or Reach Floss or Reach Floss Access Flosser Save $1.50/2
Listerene Antiseptic Mouthwash, Reach Toothpaste or Reach Floss or Reach Floss Access Flosser Save $2.00/3
Listerene Smart Rinse Anticavity Mouthwash or any Listerene Agent Cool Blue Tinting Rinse or Reach Kid’s Toothbrush Save $1.00/1
Listerene Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash 500ml or larger Save $1.00/2
Listerene Whitening Rinse Product Save $1.00/1
Nivea Body Was for Women 8.4-16.9 fl oz Save $1.00/1
Nivea for Men Body Wash 8.4-16.9 fl oz Save $1.00/1
Restoring Listerene Anticavity Mouthwash 1 Liter Save $1.00/1
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Sprat Cleaner Save $1.00/1
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, Dish Liquid, All-Purpose Spray or Window Cleaner Save $1.00/1

For a full list of coupons that can be found in your newspaper can be found here at the Sunday Coupon Preview.

Kroger this week has a promotion in which you get to pick your reward. If you buy 10 participating items in one transaction, you will receive a coupon at checkout for 15 Free Music Downloads, a Free Movie Ticket or 15 Free Ringtones. Once you receive this coupon you will go to www.digitalchoicerewards.com and choose your reward.

My favorite deals this week are:

Arm & Hammer Liquid or Powder Laundry Detergent (31-46 ld.), $3.99
Use $1/2 Arm & Hammer Laundry printable
$3.49 ea. when you buy 2 after the coupon!

Uncle Ben’s Rice (6-8.8 oz.), $1.69
Use $1/2 Uncle Ben’s Original Converted Brand Rice printable or
Use $1/1 Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice Box RP 03/28/10 or
Use $1/2 Uncle Ben’s Rice Product RP 02/21/10
As low as $0.69 ea. after coupon!

Both of these items are included in the buy 10 products and receive the Digital Promotion.

Here is a full list of the products in the Digital Promotion.

For a full list of coupon match ups, visit Madam Deals.

I hope that everyone had a blessed Easter!

My favorite deals are usually the deals where you get the item free or close to it. My favorite deals of this week at Walgreen are therefore:

Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush 3/$9
If you buy 3, you get $3 RR
$2/1 Select Oral-B Toothbrushes(P&G 04/04/10)
FREE after coupons and RR!

U by Kotex Feminine Care, $3.49
Buy 1, you get $2.50 RR
$1/1 Kotex U Product
$1/1 Kotex U Product(ALL YOU Apr ‘10)
FREE after coupon and RR!

Pilot Erasable Frixion Pens and Highlighters, $1.19
$1/1 Walgreen's April Coupon Book
$0.19 ea. after coupon!

Quaker Oats, $1.50
$1/1 Quaker Oats coupon
Final Price = $.50

To see a full list of Walgreen's deals head over to Deal Seeking Mom.

Here are my favorite coupons from this Sunday's paper. To see a full list of coupons in Sunday's Coupon Inserts go here.

P&G Coupon Insert

Duracell rechargeable cells, charger, pocket or powerhouse charger Save $2/1 (4/30)
Tide Save $1/1 (4/30)
Dawn Save $.50/1 (4/30)
Cascade Save $.50/1 (4/30)
Charmin product Save $.25/1 (4/30)
Venus,Embrace, or Breeze systems or any Venus disposable Save $2/1 (4/30)
Olay body wash, in shower body lotion, hand lotion or body lotion Save $1/1 (4/30) ETS
Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler Save $1/1 (4/30) ETS
Pnatene Styler or Treatment (4/30) ETS
2 Pantene products Save $1/2 (4/30) ETS
Crest premium paste 4 oz or larger Save $1/1 (4/30)
Crest 3D White professional effects whitestrips Save $10/1 (4/30)
Crest rinse 440ml or larger Save $.75/1 (4/30)
2 Crest toothpaste 4oz or larger Save $1/2 (4/30)
Glide floss or Glide picks Save $.75/1 (4/30)
Oral-B pulsar, crossaction, advantage or TWO indicator manual toothbrushes Save $2/1 (4/30)
Fusion razor Save $4/1 (4/30)
Gillette Mach 3 cartridge Save $4/1 (4/30)
4 Pringles 180g or larger Save $1/4 (4/30)
Pringles Snack Stacks Save $.50/1 (4/30)