Thrifty and Thriving

I love the idea of testers and samples. Few, however, I find pretty gross (like food samples at farmers’ markets, or lip gloss samples at Sephora. Can you say Yuck?)

Anyway, Allure is chiming in on the subject, saying that all make-up testers are contaminated with some sort of bacteria. Read the full report here

Free is not always better.

Go through and order an 8×10 print on Walgreens photo and enter code FREEPHOTO at check out. Choose in store pick up to make it absolutely free, or have it mailed to you.

To find a store near you click here

This Friday only (Feb 12) receive a free 8×10 collage at Walgreens when you enter code VDAY online; select in store pick up to avoid shipping charges!

Bank of America is offering a checking account promotion – you open a checking account with them, deposit $500 and if the account stays open for 30 days you get $100 sign on bonus.

Offer is available for new customers only, but

The new customer is not eligible for this offer if they were a signer on a Bank of America checking account that was closed within the last three months.

The account you have to open is MyAccess Checking; there are no fees if you open it online but you have to use offer code AOU261209 to be eligible for the promotion
You have to have $500 balance on the account, have it open for at least 30 days and make a minimum of one transaction with the newly assigned check card

More details along with a link to open the account here

Get $4 to Spend at Amazon Video On Demand
Use Code AVODGIFT to Enjoy Movies, TV and More

Go here and follow the steps outlined on this page.

Promotion is valid through January 3, 2010 11:59 PM PST; you must redeem the code by January 3, 2010 11:59 PM PST.

Okay, that doesn’t apply to very many of us, but in celebration of finding his 1971 Z28 Camaro that he sold more than 25 years ago, Papa John’s founder John Schnatter will be offering a free large, one-topping pizza tomorrow. The catch is, you have to own a Camaro. Read more from MSN money.

If that’s important to you, then here’s a deal you should know about. Order 3 bags (7 oz.) of My M & M’s (with custom colors, words, or even your picture), and get a 3rd bag for free. Find out more on their Web site.

Custom M & M’s can make cheap wedding favors too. When I got married, my colors were navy blue and white, so I went to a candy store near where I lived that sold M & M’s in custom colors. I was able to get navy blue and white M & M’s. I then made little bags with some mesh fabric to put them in and tied them with ribbon, and printed labels that were attached. I’m not usually that crafty or creative, so I was rather proud of myself. Of course, I had 150 guests, so between my mom and I, it took a little while. A cheap alternative to ordering favors online, if you have the time.

According to smartmoney.com the following restaurants offer free kids meals (there are, of course, plenty of restrictions and not every restaurant is participating)

Applebee’s
Savings: About $5 for one kid’s menu meal, including one side dish.
On Monday nights, some Applebee’s locations offer a free meal for one child and $1 meals for any children beyond that.
Rules and restrictions: One child per paying adult. Additional kids’ meals cost $1. Not available everywhere.

IHOP
Savings: About $3-$5 for one kid’s entrée.
Some IHOP locations let kids eat free every day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Individual franchises set up their own promotions, so check with your local IHOP first.
Rules and restrictions: Kids must be 12 and under. Not available at all locations.

The D-Zone at Denny’s
Savings: About $3 (based on the price of an average kid’s meal).
Kids eat free on Tuesday nights at Denny’s from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. In some locations the deal is offered on Saturday nights as well.
Rules and regulations: Kids must be 10 and under. Two free kids’ meals for every paying adult. Not available at all locations.

Family Fun Night at Chick-fil-A
Value: About $3 (based on the price of one kid’s meal).
At some Chick-fil-A locations, kids can eat free on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Rules and restrictions: Free kid’s meal when an adult combo meal is purchased. Not available at all locations.