Tuesday, June 22, 2010

New MrsSmithExtremeShopper site is now live!

As of June 22 2010, this blog space is no longer the official blog for MrsSmith-ExtremeShopper. We are proud to announce that our new website is now live and will be the primary blog and portal to access all things ExtremeShopper. Please join us there and update your bookmarks.

Thank you!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Scotch-Brite contest

Do you have a Dirty Little Secret, as in, do you sometimes put your dirty pans in your oven when you don't have time to wash them? Scotch Brite is running a contest where when you share your Dirty Little Secret, you are entered to win one of 5 (five) Grand Prizes includes a Personalized Chef Experience for 4 which includes a 3-course meal and wine, a value o $1000!

Also, for sharing your DLS you can win a $20 gift voucher to a Personalized Chef service.

Go here to enter!

Canada only.

Extreme Shopper helping others - follow up report


A few weeks ago, I posted a call for help and I'm glad to report that with your help, we were able to bless the socks off this woman in her time of need. You donated food products, hair and beauty items, cleaning products, household items, clothes, and more. The items made their way to the Island where she is, and I recently received an email from her, expressing her gratitude, a portion of which I will share below, but first here is what was donated:

From Naomi:



From Sylvia:



From MrsSmith and Marianne:



From MrsSmith:



From Shannon:



From Caryn:



From Michelle:



From MrsSmith (sorry, lots of last minute add ins):



From MrsSmith (sorry, lots of last minute add ins):



From Deanna:




"OVERWHELMED!!! Kah-Mei, I don't know how else to put it.....I just could not believe that people "Who do not even know me" would go out of their way to do this.....You all will have no idea just the impact you had made until you get to heaven.....I'm sure of it.

I received the goods about 10 days ago...in normal settings I am quite prompt about getting back to people.......a combination of not having time to sit down and share my gratitude and not being able to find the words to express that impact this has all made...has unfortunately allowed me to procastinate.

This is Christ.....these are people who have Jesus in their hearts....I think it was around Acts 6....Kah-Mei, do you realize the bible clearly states that the christians were not in need as everyone contributed into the body of Christ.....Your folks giving....not only met desperate needs but also opened my eyes to what it says in the bible about letting resources flow to and from my hands....I apologize Kah-Mei, but between crying and just simply overwhelmed.....I cannot find the words to express my gratitude.

My four and a half year old son just looked at me surprised at why I was so surprised....."Jesus always wants to give us good gifts mommy".......

I'm probably not making very much sense or relaying the impact this has all made on me......but I want you and the others to know that I am very very gratefull for all that you had given us.....I pray God will both show you that as well I pray that the Lord will bless each and everyone of you a tenfold of all that you have given us....you have no idea what your generousity has done.

Thankyou.....thankyou for everything Kah-Mei.....I apologize once again for taking so long to share w/ you just how gratefull I am.....I wish I could find the words to show you the impact it has made on me.

Blessings and thank you."


Although the email was addressed to me, she knew this was an effort that included others, so I wanted to pass on the thanks to you as well. We never know when one small act of kindness can help someone else in a bigger way than expected, and in the same vein, we never know when we might need to be the recipient of kindness. I want to thank you for participating and blessing this woman and thank you to Marianne, who let me know about this need in the first place, thank you for allowing us to help!

Make It Monday - Swagbucks and why I use it (plus a few winning tips)

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like without the Internet. And Google. It seems I use Google umpteen times a day. Well, I did, until I found Swagbucks.

If you're an avid Googler like I am, or even if you use it sporadically each day, I would recommend Swagbucks to you as an alternative search engine. Swagbucks is powered by Google, and is an incentivized search engine where you are awarded points randomly when you are using it for your searches.

When has Google ever said,"here, have a $5 Amazon gift card," or,"would you like a $10 Starbucks card?"

Swagbucks does.

When you use the Swagbucks search engine, you are awarded random points which are then stored in your account and you can accumulate points and redeem them for prizes at the "Swag Store," my favourite prizes being the aforementioned Amazon and Starbucks giftcards.

I thought it would be interesting to write up a pros and cons list of Swagbucks from a personal point of view:
PROS
- you get "paid" with digital dollars to search the web, something I do everyday anyway
- you get to choose when you spend your dollars, and what you want to buy
- it is free to join
- it automatically records your points (once you sign in/log in) and keeps tracks of your purchases
- Every Friday is Mega Bucks Day which increases the chances of getting larger swagbucks when you search
- it is FREE MONEY
- there are many ways to get points other than searching the web
- it is fun

CONS
- you do not get points for every search
- sometimes you are awarded low points


I use my Swagbucks as "mad money," which is fun because I don't really have to think hard about whether I want to spend the money or not. I buy Starbucks cards for MrSmith so he can enjoy his Starbucks FREE, I buy giftcards and use them as gifts, and most recently we bought MrSmith the Super Mario Galaxy 2 game for $50, all using Swagbucks. I am saving up for Christmas and birthday gifts, which means more of my "real" money is staying in my pocket while my digital dollars are being used to purchase the items.

Here are a few tips on how to get more Swagbucks points:

1) Search normally - use the search engine for your daily, regular searches. There are precautions in place against the people who try to "game" the system.

2) Download the toolbar - I have found since I downloaded the toolbar, I automatically receive points everytime I open up Swagbucks each day.

3) Look through their No Obligation Special Offers. I have never purchased anything with a credit card via Swagbucks so I cannot recommend that. I also have not signed up for Special Offers, but I DO look through their No-Obligation special offers. I just click "no" or "skip" on every offer and at the end I am awarded a point or two. This is guaranteed points, once a day.

4) Tell others about Swagbucks and have them sign under you. Once they do, and once they start searching and accumulating points, you will receive up to 1000 points per referral. If you'd like to sign up under me (please do!) then click here. Thank you! Right now when you sign up you will get an automatic, free, 30 points!

5) Trade in your old cellphone. This is a Green way to get some "green." You can get points for trading your old cellphone.

6) Trade in your old gaming systems and games for swagpoints!

7) Participate in daily polls and Trusted Surveys.

8) Read the SB Facebook page for ideas on what searches are being rewarded with points. I have tried it and sometimes I will search the same phrase and have won points.

9) Download the Swidget as it lets you know when there are codes available. When you find the code, input the code on your swagbucks page and get the points! You can read the FB page too as people will post threads thanking TSG (The Swag Guy) for the code - that usually is a good indicator that there is a valid and active code available.

10) Read the Swagbucks Winning Tips post here for more ideas.

11) Read the Swagbucks blog or Twitter for more chances to win.

12) When you get your Swagbucks prize, take a photo of it post on the Swagbucks Flickr wall for more points!

If you're worried about Spam and your information being sold, Swagbucks promises not to spam nor sell your information, you can read their privacy policy here.

So what are you waiting for? Join Swagbucks, start searching and start saving for prizes and save your money!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Smartsource coupon insert - June 19 2010

The Smartsource coupon insert dropped this weekend, you can find it in your local paper or in the weekend Sun/Province.

It includes:
$1 off Ben's Smart White bread made with 16 whole grains (exp Sep 30 2010)
$1 off wyb any Garnier Fructis Damage Repair product (exp Dec 31 2010)
$2.50 off any Pull ups Training Pants (jumbo pack or larger) (exp July 17 2010)(what's with the quick expiry dates??!)
$1 off wyb any Pull Ups Flushable moist wipes (exp July 17 2010)
$1 off wyb any Noxzema product (exp Dec 31 2010)
.75cents off any NEW V8 V-Fusion beverage (1.36L) Cranberry Blackberry or Passionfruit Tangerine (exp Dec 31 2010)
$5 off wyb Air Wick Freshmatic or Freshmatic Compact Started kit (exp Oct 31 2010)
$2 off any Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swimpants (exp July 17 2010)
$1 off 6-pack or larger Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue (exp Aug 14 2010)
$1 off any tub or refill of Cottonelle Flushable Moist wipes (exp Aug 14 2010)
$2 off any Huggies Overnites Diapers (exp July 17 2010)
$1 off any package of Huggies Baby Wipes (64 ct or larger) (exp July 17 2010)
$1 off any 2 Litehouse Veggie Dips (exp Dec 31 2010)
$1 off any 2 Litehouse Dressings (exp Dec 31 2010)
$1 off any Pedigree dry, wet, snack or treat foods for dogs (exp Dec 31 2010)
$1 off wyb any Raid or Off! product (exp Sep 30 2010)
$2.50 off wyb any 2 Raid of Off! products (exp Sep 30 2010)
$5 off wyb any 2 Off! Powerpad Refills(exp Sep 30 2010)
$200 gc with your FREE hearing screening (gc is towards purchase of a hearing aid) (exp July 2 2010)
$2 off Oskar Broom or Super Twist Mop (exp Oct 31 2010)
$3 off a Bee Mop or Fibro Contact Mop (exp Oct 31 2010)
Sears 50% complete pair of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses and $39.99 non-prescription sunglasses wyb an annual supply purchase of contact lenses

Canada only.

What did you think of this insert's coupons?

I wanted to remind you that you can call your local paper if you do not receive your paper, and ask them to make sure you are on the "deliver" list. You can also ask if they have drop boxes where you can pick up the papers. PLEASE do not take all the papers or worse, all the coupon inserts. I've had a number of people tell me this week that they either took a free paper or bought a paper, and then proceeded to take all the coupon inserts from the other papers. That in my opinion is stealing, and unfair to others who might be purchasing the paper for the coupon inserts.

If you are looking for extra inserts, ask your neighbours, friends or family, to put theirs aside for you if they do not use them. If you live in a condo/townhouse, my rule of thumb for taking more than 1 coupon insert is anytime after Sunday, if the papers are still there, then help yourself. Give others a chance to get their paper/coupon insert first but if they are still there Monday morning then they are a free-for-all, in my opinion. Check your communal recycling bin as they can be goldmines when it comes to coupon inserts. Also, please do not take coupon inserts out of the papers that are for sale at the stores or at the self-serve kiosks.

I frequent my local McDonalds or coffee shops and ask if I can have a couple extra inserts if no one is needing them and I've never been turned away. Most people just want to read the paper and the flyers/coupon inserts are left behind and happy couponers like myself are usually welcome to take a few home, saving them from the recycling bin.

I have 3 extra copies of the insert, so if you did not get one this week and would like one, please post under the post "Want a SmartSource?" on the MrsSmith Facebook page here and I will get it out to the first 3 people who post saying that they would like the insert.

Happy Father's Day, MrSmith

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there, I hope you are having a most marvellous day!

I wanted to wish a very Happy Dad's day to MrSmith, who after all, puts up with me and my shenanigans. In my early couponing days, he would go with me to the store and wait while I shopped. He is now well-trained to ask if I have a coupon for something before purchasing it, although his love for Costco still runs deep. He is the one who reminds me I can get a little obsessive ("no one needs so many razors, dear") and he is the one who tells me to turn the iphone off in church because no one should be checking their emails during service. HAHA!! He puts up with the amount of time I spend on the computer, he takes the kids out and comes home with coupons for my stash, and he brags to his friends about his wife who is saving the family money and getting stuff for free. He's learned to listen when I come home all excited about my fabulous savings and not roll his eyes, he tells our kids that saving money is important, but he enjoys the fact that usually when he asks if we have something, the answer is "yes, we do, how many do you need?" He doesn't think it's too weird when we plan outings and events around what coupons we have and can crack a wicked joke or two about his wife's crazy couponing ways.

MrSmith is actually the genius behind the MrsSmith-ExtremeShopper business as he was the one who suggested (and pushed for) the classes, so all you ExtremeShoppers have him to thank for the knowledge you now have!

For his special day, MrSmith got some personalized gifts from the kids (a pottery piece and a handdrawn comic book), as well as some chocolate (free), a wok for his BBQ (no tax) and last but not least, Super Mario Galaxy 2 free with our Swagbucks points. He then somehow managed to get some golf in there after he told me he could get some golf packages for a steal... he must've appealed to my frugal couponing side!

As for the other Dads in my life, my own dad is in Europe with mom, enjoying the last couple weeks of their 3-month adventure. MrSmith's dad is in Victoria, and we also miss him very much. Happy Father's Day, Pa and Poppa!

And if you are reading this, and you are a Dad, a very Happy Father's Day to you as well.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Zellers and Toy Story 3


It's been about 15 years since Toy Story made its big debut (can you believe it?) and I've enjoyed both the first and 2nd installments but have not yet seen Toy Story 3. Have you? If so, what did you think about it?

Now Zellers is giving you a chance to win a Disney Parks Dream Vacation here - a package worth around $8500!! That would be a fun family vacation to go on!

Please read complete contest rules here, you must be 18 and older to enter. Canada only. You can enter once a day, until July 29 2010.

Also, if you are in the market to purchase some Toy Story 3 merchandise, here are some coupons for you:
$10 off when you buy Toy Story 3 Action Links Junkyard
$5 off when you buy Toy Story 3 Barbie
$3.50 off when you buy Operation Buzz Lightyear
$2 off Mr.Potato Head Spud Lightyear
$2 off Mr.Potato Head
$2 off Mrs. Potato Head
$2 off Mr.Potato Head Woody
$2 off Mr.Potato Head Plush
$2 off Mrs.Potato Head Plush
$2 off Child or Toddler's Hardshell Bicycle Helmet
$2 off Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger
$2 off Animated Talking Mr.Potato Head with Part Popping action
$2 off Toy Story 3 Bucket of Soldiers
$2 off Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear with Karate action
$2 off Toy Story Sheriff Woody
$2 off Toy Story 3 multivitamin gummies
.30cents off Toy Story Honey Graham cookies
$1 off Toy Story Woody hooded towel
$1 off Toy Story 3 Buzz hooded towel

Walmart - Free prints and movie tickets

If you've got thousands of photos sitting on your harddrive, or if like me, you've been taking photos of your kids' last weeks at school (field trips, parties, etc), getting some photos printed for free sounds good, right? Or perhaps after tomorrow's Father's Day celebrations you will have a few special photos you'd like printed. Now you can get 50 4x6 prints FREE at Walmart - just open an account and the free prints are credited to your account automatically. Go here to get your free prints!

Also, if you use the Kodak Instant Kiosk at Walmart to print your photos, there is a movie ticket offer going on when you print your pictures. For 120 instant pictures, get 1 free movie ticket. For 200 instant prints, get 2 movie tickets. For 350 instant prints get 4 movie tickets. Good only for Kodak Prints in Seconds service, until August 29 2010.

Shopping with MrsSmith - RCSS No Tax Event


RCSS (Superstore) is having its No Tax Event this weekend (June 19-20) and I decided to check it out since I had a few Free Product Coupons (FPCs) burning a hole in my purse.

It wasn't as busy as I had expected it to be although it was still busy, and I was glad to see all their shelves were nicely stocked and I found everything I was looking for. For those of you who are looking to redeem your Melitta coffee FPCs, since they are for the World Harvest Organic packages, I found them in the healthfood aisle and not with the regular coffees. I was shocked to find out that they are $11.99 per package, so with 4 FPCs (I gave one away), I saved $48 just for the coffee alone.

I bought:
- 2 boxes Kelloggs Special K
- 3 chocolate bars
- 2pk of Ziploc tupperware
- 2 boxes Nature Valley bars
- 1 Dove Damage Therapy hairspray
- 4 Melitta World Harvest Organic coffee

The total came to $66.85 with tax, and $0 after tax and FPCs, PLUS I got back $1.43 - no idea why, the cashier didn't know either, and her supervisor told her to just give me the money even though I told her I hadn't planned on receiving any $ back, I was happy just getting everything for free. But the supervisor said they had to follow what the computer/till said, so I MADE $1.43 on this deal!

This was a great shop since it was mostly food/snack/coffee stuff that we use. I'm planning to put the chocolate bars in with MrSmith's Father's Day gift tomorrow, and the coffee will become part of my kids' end-of-year gifts.

So I saved $68.28 today and paid $0 at RCSS - a successful shopping day, I would say! How did you do, and what did you get? Share, won't you? :)

Friday, June 18, 2010

Melitta - free FPC and coupon promotion

Back in May, I posted about a special deal and coupon from a coffee company here. For those of you who didn't email me for an invite, you can go here to sign up and request your $2 coupon from Melitta. You can then refer friends to the Melitta Me-Time program and should they sign up, you will receive up to 5 Free Product Coupons (FPCs) for Melitta coffee! Your friends will receive a $2 coupon, and then they can refer their friends and also receive up to 5 FPCs as well.

I'm glad to report that I received my 5 FPCs for ANY Melitta World Harvest Fair Trade coffee, just in time to use for this weekend's No Tax Event at RCSS (Superstore). Have you received your coupon yet?

You can still sign up and refer friends as the promotion is good til June 30 2010.

Canada only.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

RCSS - No Tax June 19 - 20



No Tax Days have been confirmed for RCSS (Superstore) in the West, for June 19-20!! This would be a great time to stock up if you need to, because, well, there's no tax! If you have Free Product Coupons (FPCs) this would be the ideal time to use them so you are not charged the tax either. I have been saving a number of FPCs for just an occasion like this.

Also, for one day only on June 19, the first 125 loaves of Weston White Bread baked will be sold for 10cents with an instore coupon - limit one per person.

Johnson & Johnson offers - free tampons and coupon!

Johnson & Johnson Canada is offering a free sample pack of OB tampons AND a coupon! Go here to request your sample, and once you've requested your sample, you will be directed to print a $1 off coupon for an OB product (18's). Hurry, though, as the coupon expires June 30 2010.

The great news about the sample offer is that although it is limited to one sample per person, you are allowed up to 3 sample requests per household!

Canada only.

Spitz promotion - free bag of Spitz!


Become a fan of Spitz Canada on Facebook and get a coupon for a free 227g bag of Spitz! Go here to "like" Spitz and to request a coupon.

Also, look for specially marked Ruffles chips bags to get $1 off any Spitz products (91g-800g).

Canada only.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

IKEA - Treat Dad to a free breakfast


Father's Day is coming up this weekend, and if you are looking for a way to treat Dad to a breakfast, then head to your nearest Ikea, as Dads will receive a "free deluxe breakfast" in their restaurants on Father's Day! Or, he can get a 10-piece meatball plate for only $1.99 after 11am! (Check with your local Ikea for participation, Ikea Coquitlam is participating).

Happy Father's Day!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Canadian Tire photo promo

Canadian Tire is having a promotion where you can upload a photo of your family at play and you could win a $5000 giftcard! Go here to enter (as with all contests, please read rules and enter at your own risk).

You can also vote and possibly win a $50 card!

Free Green Magma


I came across a new-to-me product called Green Magma recently. From their site, I learned that "Dr.Hagiwara's Green Magma is a highly nutritious, mildly alkaline powder made from organic barley grass juice."

Green Magma is now offering 5 free samples of their product to both US and Canada, and shipping is free! Go here to order your samples. I did put a request for them to indicate "samples only, no charge" in the "shipping section" as I don't know if these are being shipped from the States, and don't want to get any customs/brokerage fees placed on these samples.

Please note, I have never tried this product so cannot vouch for it nor for any shipping. Try at your own risk.

Canada/USA.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Make It Monday - Ask and Save


Welcome to the first edition of the Make It Monday weekly article here at MrsSmith-ExtremeShopper! With this articles, I hope to share personal ways of making do with less, or creative ways to stretch one's dollar. Some examples may be common sense ones, others may be nuggets of gold I've gleaned from my fanatical use of the internet. I hope they prove useful to you!

Today's Make It Monday is a simple yet effective way of saving money : Ask. Now, I do not mean asking others for money (although some may argue this can put some $ in your pocket!) What I mean is, if you are wanting to get something for less, ask!

A few months ago, I was itching to buy a KitchenAid mixer. I had the money but I still wanted to see if I could get it for cheaper. So I looked at the flyers, on Craigslist, Kijiji, and other social media boards. Just as I was ready to plunk the money down on a machine, I happened to ask my mother if she knew anyone who might be selling off their mixer for cheap. Guess what? She said,"I have a mixer I don't use, you can have it!"

So I got a Kenwood Mixer, one that my mom had used years ago and then kept away in her cupboards. It works great, and best of all, it was free! I use it regularly now and think fondly of my mom everytime I use it! Yes, it's not new, and yes, she did put a piece of tape over the top (no idea why, it's not broken), but it works, and works beautifully, and it was FREE.

Lesson learned: Ask.

I saved over $300 just by doing that.

Let's take this Asking concept further. Take out your phone and TV bills. How would you like to take a few dollars off each bill every month? It's possible - and without having to lose any of your services. How would you do that? Ask. Call your local provider and tell them you'd like to save some money every month without losing services. Research other companies, and tell your provider you will consider switching if you do not get a better deal. Ask for the manager to get the maximum savings you can get. Even $10-$20 savings per month will lead to $120-$240 savings every year! Do it today - the savings are there to be had.

There are of course other ways to use this Ask concept, which I will cover in another Make It Monday article.

Here's a recipe that I use regularly, now that I have my new-to-me, free because I asked, mixer:

Banana Bread (recipe for 1 loaf)
3 ripe and mashed bananas
1/2 teaspoon vanilla 

1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3 Tablespoons milk or water
2 eggs, beaten

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
 (white or brown)
1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil


Mix together bananas, oil, eggs, vanilla and milk in mixer. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend well. Pour into prepared greased loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
*You may add walnuts if you wish. Recipe is easily doubled/tripled.*

Free samples for men

The Brandsampler for Men is out, go here to order your samples of shampoo, razors and more, for the man in your life!

Free tampon samples

Ladies, we can always use more tampons, right? You can get samples of tampons here.

Parks Day July 17

Here's a great free summer activity for the entire family! From the Parks Canada site: "On Parks Day, July 17, Parks Canada invites Canadians from all walks of life to come out and explore the best that Canada has to offer. Parks Canada opens its gates and welcome you into all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas for free!

You are invited to enjoy a wide range of inspiring activities throughout the day, including special interpretation and recreational experiences, in one of the finest and most extensive system of protected areas in the world. "

Click here to see what is available out West. For rest of Canada, click here.

Get the 3rd night free at Whistler Blackcomb

If you were looking for a quick trip somewhere local, how about Whistler, Blackcomb? From their site: "This summer, you can soak up the sun and fun of Whistler and save. Whistler Blackcomb has everything you need for the ultimate summer vacation. It’s a resort beyond compare. With these amazing nightly rates, there is nothing stopping you from booking the perfect summer escape today! Plan your summer holiday over a long weekend and save. Valid travel dates are May 1 - October 31st, 2010."

They are currently offering a 3rd night free if you book by June 30 2010, prices starting at $66. Go here for more information.

GAP 40% Summer sale


Gap's Summer sale begins today, they are offering up to 40% off discounts off regular priced items.

Click here to find the store closest to you.

Canada only.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Update on Lay's Chips Trips

I recently blogged about Lay's Chips trips here and I have more information and even a couple codes for you!

Go read the previous post here first and then come back for the update.

This week, I saw a 2x point bag at Superstore, it was $2.49 but came with 20 points. So if you purchased 2 for $4.98, you would get 40 points. Remember, the Subway $5 card is only 30 points, so you for $4.98 you would get a 2 bags of chips, a $5 Subway card and another 10 points to save for something else. Remember, you can only get 1 Subway card per account.

If you haven't registered for an account, here's a code LISTN-LENA1 that you can enter upon registration, this code is good for 10 points til June 20. The code is good for 6 hours after you first register.

Whether or not you have just registered or if you already have an account, enter FBOOK-CHIPS for an additional 1 point.

Remember, you can also complete the survey upon registration for 2 extra points.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

No Frills now pricematches!

Good news if you shop at NoFrills, besides their great sale flyers, they will now pricematch, either with a flyer or a receipt! If you are pricematching with a competitor's flyer, the flyer must be current and valid. For a pricematch with a receipt, they will pricematch within 7 days of the receipt.

Please read their pricematch policy here!

There are 3 NoFrills locations: Coquitlam, and 2 in Vancouver here and here.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Test drive a GM vehicle and get $10

Looks like GM's restructuring includes reaching out to consumers with incentives including this one: a $10 gas gift card. From their site: "Join us at one of our test drive events happening across Canada, and take an award-winning vehicle out for a ride. It's a no-pressure, no-hassle way to test drive a new vehicle, and you will receive a $10 Gas Gift Card as our thanks to you."

There is a schedule of Test Drive events all across Canada. In Vancouver, there are 2 remaining: June 12 - 13 at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre and June 19 - 20 at Lansdowne Centre. For other locations, please check the GM site.

On top of the Gas Gift card, once you've completed your test drive, you'll be entered for a chance to win the Ultimate Ride as well as one of 10 Dell netbooks. Go here to enter to win a GM vehicle! From the GM site:"Enter for a chance to win your dream vehicle from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac. The lucky winner will also receive the ultimate driver's package - gas gift cards, and three years of OnStar® Premium Services, XM Satellite RadioTM, and GM Goodwrench Services®."

Enter now and you'll also be automatically eligible to win the monthly prize - a Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Netbook. Plus, if you're the Primary Cardholder of The GM Card®, you'll receive $10 in GM Card Earnings.

It's been a while since I've driven a GM vehicle, as I drove a Pontiac years ago. We also have a Sunfire currently, although Mr.Smith would love to have a GM truck. I still dream of getting him that vehicle one of these days. Perhaps with this contest? ;)

If you own and drive a GM, you can also share your thoughts about your vehicle for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Go here to do so.

Canada only.

Lays Chips Trips


If you haven't heard, Lay's is helping Canadians start summer off with a bang, with their Lays Chips Trips promotion! Buy specially marked Lays bags of chips and get points towards free items and 2 for 1 coupons for attractions!

This last weekend I purchased 3 regular sized bags of Lays Chips at Shoppers Drug Mart for $1.88 each, for a total of $5.64. Each bag gave me 10 points, which I added to my account. By the way, you will receive 2 points just for signing up. I then looked up available rewards, and found that I could get a $5 Subway card with just 30 points. (Don't be fooled, I actually researched it before I bought the chips, and bought them specifically to get the $5 card). LOL. Extreme Shopping habits die hard.

So for a total of $5.64, I got 3 bags of chips and a $5 Subway gift card! That is a great deal.

Check out Lays Chips Trips and see what else you can get to start your summer off right!

Riceworks is in the house!


If you've never taken a MrsSmith class, please read through our Facebook page to read for yourself what others think about the class and about the information and resources that are provided at the class!

Now here's another incentive to get yourself to a class - Riceworks has generously sent 6 cases of their amazing, wheat and gluten-free brown rice crisps to be given out as class samples! So if you are attending a live class between now and end of June, I can guarantee you a pack of Riceworks crisps in your class pack! If there are any left over I will of course be sharing with classes in July as well. If you can't make it to a live class, watch this blog space, as I will be putting together some packs to send off to blog readers as well, so watch for that giveaway.

The 4 flavours sent are Sea Salt, Salsa Fresca, Parmesan and Sweet Chili.

That's not all, my contact at Riceworks is also sending coupons to share, so I will be including those in the class packs when I receive them.

I will also be writing a review on these products but wanted to give a shout out to Riceworks for their support and generosity to the MrsSmith-ExtremeShopper classes.

Thank you, Riceworks!

Chapters e-card and coupon

Chapters Indigo Canada is offering you up to 10 free e-cards choices that you can send to your Dad for Father's Day. Once the e-card is sent, you will receive a 10% coupon to use on their online store here. Go here to "like" their Facebook page, send your e-card and to receive your coupon.

Canada only.

No tax in WA if you live in BC or ONT!!

I am preparing to launch the MrsSmith-ExtremeShopper USA edition very soon and this is the class for you if you live in Canada but are close enough to the US border to warrant shopping across the border, or if you are living in the USA. The majority of the class will be based towards stores found in Western WA but I will also be referencing other stores found in other parts of the USA.

I have great news for you whether or not you are a frequent shopper across the border. As of July 1, those of us living in BC and Ontario will get tax-exempt status while shopping across the border! And to think we have the HST to thank for this break. You will probably have to show your driver's license as proof of residency.

Now, I'm not advocating shopping in the USA vs Canada. I believe that is up to each person to decide how and where to spend their dollars. How the BC and Ontario governments react to this might differ, from doing nothing (no changes) to perhaps upping the tax on whatever you bring back, or lowering the minimums on exempt goods... we shall see. I will still shop for the majority of my items in Canada since I am not that close to the border, and will probably continue my once-a-month shop across the border.

Here's the article that talks about the new tax break.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Neutrogena Men's lotion sample

Get your Men's Neutrogena Triple Protect Face Lotion SPF 20 sample here! Limited supply only so hurry to get your sample.

Bernardin Shopping Spree contest


I love canning, and I love having canned fruits and vegetables to last me throughout the year. Admittedly, I have not canned in a couple years because I lost my canning pot and haven't had a chance to replace it, but I might be able to, because Bernardin is sponsoring its 6th Annual Shopping Spree contest and giving away 10 $1,000 shopping sprees!

Buy your specially marked cases of Bernardin Mason Jars and fill in the entry form here. Please read official rules for details of entry and the specific item that qualifies you to enter.

Canada only.

And, if you're new to canning, or haven't done it in a while, or just want a good reference/FAQ to canning, here's an indepth FAQ that Bernardin has written up.

Orange Julius BOGO

I found a Buy One get 1 coupon on the Orange Julius site, but am not sure if it is valid in Canada, so ask your local branch first if the coupon is good there, before ordering.

And while you're on the OJ site, join their Quench Club, I joined a while back and have been enjoying several coupons for BOGO or even FREE smoothies! Yum.

Tim Hortons .99cents summer coffee!


This summer, Tim Hortons is offering their small Iced Coffee for .99cents! Note this is NOT a smoothie or Iced Capp. From their site: "It's our premium blend coffee poured over ice, served sweet and creamy. It's a refreshing way to enjoy your Tim Hortons coffee. Try a small for just $.99 cents this summer!"

Friday, June 4, 2010

Costco - Home Event Contest 2010

Nowadays I hardly shop at Costco although MrSmith still loves roaming its wide aisles filled with bulk-packaged products, and I admit, I also like going for a cheap lunch there at times with the kids. :)

Costco is holding a contest called Costco's Home Event Contest 2010, where they are giving away :
- 25 P&G Baskets (approximate retail value of $100 each)
- 1 $500 Costco cash giftcard
- 1 $1000 Costco cash giftcard

Go here to enter, good luck!

Canada only.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

RedRain coupon

Do you drink energy drinks? I don't but have heard of Red Bull and Monster, of course. I recently heard about Red Rain, and was introduced to a coupon for a Buy 2, Get 1 Free. I'm attaching the link here in case you use energy drinks and like this brand, or want to try it out.

Canada Only.

Stocking up my pantry and freezer for less


Extreme Shopping can be used towards stocking up your pantry and freezer as well, and yesterday was one of those days where I had to take advantage of some great sales and coupons to get some food at a significant discount.

One of the best things about Extreme Shopping is that some months, I don't need to buy certain items such as meat because I might have bought them the previous month at a huge discount. I did not buy any meat at all for the month of May, and I'm pleased to report I still have about 3/4 box of chicken left in my freezer, but I just could not pass up the great pricing on the chicken at No Frills.

The items in the picture above would have cost about $110 without sales and coupons.

Thrifty's:
2 bags of Cheese scones (my favourite): 2/$7 (saved $1) plus received 20 points
Used a giftcard I had received to completing a survey
OOP: $0

No Frills:
8 bags of chicken approx 6.298kg at $2/lb or $4.41/kg, saved $1.49/lb)
OOP: $28.03
Saved: $20.03

5 Pizza Pops at $1 each (saved $1.27 each)
Used 5 $1 coupons, for additional $5 savings

4 boxes Special K boxes 3.50 x 4
used 4 FPCs
Saved: $14.00
OOP: $0

2 Sprites and 1 Fanta Tangerine,
on sale for $1 each, saved $1.17 per bottle
Used a coupon, buy 2 Sprites get a free Fanta Tangerine
Saved $4.51

Bananas: 1.71

Peak Freans cookies on sale for $1.97
saved: $1

Bluewater Lemon Pepper Fish, on sale for $2.97
Used .75cent coupon
OOP: $2.24

Dofino Havarti on sale for $3
Used .50cent coupon
OOP: $2.50

Pork Tenderloin $3/lb, saved $1.99/lb
Spent: 4.42
Saved: $6.55

Total before savings, coupons, etc:$109.66
Total savings (coupons and sales): $60.86
Total Out of Pocket: $48.80 (this includes tax, recycling fee, deposits, etc)
Total percentage savings: approximately 65%

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

New program - P&G Brandvoice


Procter and Gamble (P&G) has just rolled out a brand new program called P&G BrandVoice. According to the site, by joining up, you can:
- Find out about P&G products before anyone else
- Get the chance to receive exclusive offers and savings on the products being talked about
- Share your thoughts with like-minded people like you!

So you are enjoy getting free products and saving on products you use, this might be a good program to join. It is free, and easy to join, go here to sign up!

Canada only.

Husky - Win Fuel for A Year

I do not have a Husky station near me, but I have stopped at some on road trips to gas up, use their washrooms, etc so I thought I would check out their site. Happily, I found that they are running a Win Fuel for a Year promotion right now. Go here to enter, and you can enter once a day. If you have a Husky near you, you can enter by entering the receipt number from your receipt (you can purchase anything except tobacco to qualify, please read official rules for details). If you do not have one near you, you can still enter daily by clicking on the "don't have a receipt" link, and you will get an automated number to enter.

Once entered, you can try for random daily prizes as well.

On top of that, here's a $2 off $25 fuel purchase coupon, good til December 31 2010.

Canada only.

Free Purina Cat food and a coupon

Own a kitten or an adult cat? Purina wants you to give their products a try. Go here to order your free 125g sample of dry Purina cat food and also a coupon for your next purchase!

Canada only.

Kashi $2 coupon

Kashi has a $2 coupon available for you, go here to order your coupon which is then mailed to you.

I also saw .50cent Kashi bar coupons today at the Thrifty Foods in Coquitlam, so if you're in the area, go pick your coupons up, or check your local Thrifty's.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

50% off Westjet


Here's another great deal from Westjet that expires tomorrow!

Get 50% off your seat if you ook by June 2 (11:59 p.m. MT) for travel until October 31, 2010. For U.S. destinations travel on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Go here to book!

$1 drinks are back

McDonald's is offering its traditional $1 any drink promotion again just in time for the summer. From June 1 to Sept 6, buy any size drink for $1!