Sign Up for Text Alerts, Get $10 off $50 at OSJL

Another pretty nifty deal at Ocean State Job Lot - sign up for their text alerts and get a mobile coupon worth $10 off of a $50 purchase.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

30% Off Classroom Supplies for Educators at Ocean State Job Lot!

Calling all educators and related professionals!

Get 30% off select classroom supplies at Ocean State Job Lot from August 6-19.

Checkout the procedure and what items are eligible here.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Free Subscription to Better Homes & Gardens

Get a free subscription to Better Homes & Gardens. I love sending a free subscription to my relatives for birthdays and other holidays. My grandma's birthday is coming up in September -- guess what she's getting?!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Irish Music Festival 5K Bonus Offer (9/12/15)

Interested in running a 5k this year? The Irish Music Festival 5k is sure to be a great run and an awesome after party. Unfortunately I cannot run this race as I've got a prior engagement, however, I wanted to share this great deal with my readers.

Registration includes the race bib and a tshirt, but if you're one of the first 500 registrants, you'll also get a free Guinness pint glass!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Women's & Girls' Sleeveless Tops only $6 at Old Navy!

Today only (7/22), select women's and girls' sleeveless tops are only $6 at Old Navy! What a great way to start some back to school shopping on a budget!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

What's Cookin' Wednesday: Healthier Zucchini Muffins

I mentioned last week that our wonderful neighbor has been very generous with her garden harvest and has shared pounds upon pounds of zucchini with us. We're zucchinied-out in terms of eating it as a regular vegetable side. So I started making a batch of muffins every week for my husband. But I recently found this recipe which has very little oil and cuts out some of the sugar by replacing it with honey. As a result, the calorie content is really minimal when compared to your typical muffin.

I followed the recipe to make the muffins themselves, but I did not use the crumble topping and I thought the muffins were delicious.

Please take a moment to check out Kathie's Zucchini Muffins!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Tuesday Travels: Brimfield Antique Show #TeamSnuggle

If you're a long-time reader, then you know I absolutely love thrifting and antiquing, especially for my beloved Pyrex. I'm a huge fan of thrift stores like Savers and Salvation Army, but I also find some really great deals at antique markets too.

Three times a year the town of Brimfield, MA holds an enormous antique show that has an endless supply of antiques and vintage goodies. The show started in the 1950s, according to its website, and hosts thousands of dealers over a half-mile stretch of land. You can find reproduction primitives, expensive antiques and really kitschy stuff at every turn and bend. If you're looking for it, someone at Brimfield probably has it.

The show runs three times every year: one week each (Tuesday through Sunday) in May, July and September. I've visited both in May and July and on both a weekday and a weekend. If you're able, the facilities are less crowded during the week, and believe it or not, during July. However, keep in mind the July heat can be a scorcher and nearly everything is outdoors so there is little escape from the heat.

Regardless of when you go, you will most likely need to pay to park. Parking fees range from $5 to about $10, depending on how close to things you want to park. Bear in mind, however, that the further into the thick of things you park, the longer it may take you to leave when you're tired and want to go home.

The show is divided into fields. Most of the fields feature free admission, however, a few do charge a per person fee. In addition, some fields are only open certain days of the week or at certain times. In theory, the show is open from sun-up to sundown, but not all of the vendors are always open and available.

There are plenty of Port-O-John facilities, but there isn't always toilet paper and/or sanitizer/soap and water. I always bring napkins/tissues in my backpack as well as a small bottle of sanitizer. I especially like the option of my own sanitizer when it comes time to eat. There are many food vendors at the Brimfield Antique Show that serve a wide array tasty goodies including saugies, kielbasa, barbeque, ice cream, popcorn, smoothies, dough boys and more.

I highly recommend you bring your own sunscreen and use it frequently, although I did find a few Port-O-John stations that offered sunscreen for its customers, free of charge (tips could be left). And I also encourage you to bring snacks (protein-carb mix leaves you fuller longer!) and water in a backpack. It can start to add up if you have to keep buying bottled water from vendors or the food carts. (And who the heck wants to wait 10 minutes in line for water when you could be perusing vintage goodies!)

Although I don't recommend it, some people do choose to bring their dogs. I think it's a bad idea because it gets way too hot for their little tootsies. But also, some of the fields prohibit pets and it would limit what areas of the Show you could visit. It's really better to just leave Fido at home!

Now, if you're looking for yard-sale prices, you're not going to find them here. You also won't typically find yard-sale quality stuff either. Many of these dealers are long-time dealers and know what they have. They do, however, often accept offers, even low-ball ones, and are usually willing to haggle within reason. The closer to Sunday you visit, the more they are willing to haggle because they don't want to pack up their stuff to haul it back home again.

Didn't make it to the Show this month? Brimfield Antique Show will once again be back in September (9/8-13).

Or if you'd like to think ahead and make plans for next year, here are the 2016 dates:
May 10-15
July 12-17
September 6-11

I brought my @Snuggle_Bear with me as part of our #TeamSnuggle mission and we made a few really fantastic Pyrex and Fire King purchases. I'm so excited to add these guys to my growing vintage milk glass collection.

Disclaimer: I did receive this cute little Snuggle bear for free from Snuggle as part of the #SnuggleSummer mission with #TeamSnuggle #Spon However, I truly did attend Brimfield, paid my parking fee, food costs and the price of my vintage goodies out of my own pocket simply because I love thrifting!


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Free Appetizer Sampler at Applebees Today (7/21)! #TasteTheChange

One appetizer sample per party (some exceptions made depending on your party's size). Valid only on 7/21 at participating Applebees.



Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Menu Plan Monday: 7/20 - 7/26

My life has been semi-consumed by an enormous endeavor my husband took on in the last several months. Building a garage that is 2/3rds the size of our entire house has made all of our normal routines abruptly cease. After his 8 hour work day, Jon spends the next 4-5 hours of daylight (and sometimes into night) working on construction projects. It's been breath-taking to watch. But as a result, I have had to feed lunch to anywhere from 1 to 5 manly crew members each weekend day.

Although a lot of work, it has been helpful in accomplishing my goal of clearing out my freezer stockpile. And, it often leaves random leftovers we can use for dinners later in the week, which is exactly what I'm doing in this week's Menu Plan Monday.

Monday - BBQ naan pizzas
(using shredded BBQ chicken I cooked in the crockpot for the crewmen on Saturday)

Tuesday - Pork chops, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts

Wednesday - Dinner plans through Providence's Restaurant Week!

Thursday - Ham tetrazzini made with spaghetti squash

Friday - Marinated chicken breast, macaroni salad (made for the crewmen), Brussels sprouts

Saturday - Date night out to eat

Sunday -  Family Dinner at my in laws'!

Want to start menu planning to help save time, money and stress at supper time? Use my menu plan template.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Saturday Successes: It's a Girl!

It's a girl!

No, I'm not pregnant. Nor was I ever pregnant. My husband and I are (human) childless by choice. Today's Saturday Success is about my family welcoming a different kind of child - our newest daughter, Charlotte Rue.

As a volunteer at the Seekonk Animal Shelter, one possible duty is fostering animals that don't thrive in the shelter's environment. Three weeks ago, the ACO, Sharon, asked that I bring home a tiny little grey kitten who wouldn't eat much in her cage at the shelter. She was unnamed, super teeny and extremely timid and skittish.

Let me tell you, my husband's rage when I walked through the door with a cat carrier in hand was unparalleled. But it didn't take long before Charlotte melted his angry heart.

It took a week of hand feeding her before she finally ate by herself. It also took a week before she'd come out from her towel-fort without me dragging her out.

But now she's a purring monster revving up the second I walk into the room.

We're so glad to be able to call her ours!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Hot Propel Water My Mixx Shaws Coupon

Every week, Shaws issues a really hot My Mixx coupon that must be "clipped" and used quickly.

This week's is for Propel water. Buy 3 Propel waters, get 3 free. That's half price! You must clip the coupon into your My Mixx account by 7/19 and the coupon vanishes (aka expires) on 7/20.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

50% Off Shorts at Old Navy - Today (7/18) Only!

What a great deal! Half off all shorts online and in stores at Old Navy today only, 7/18. I wish I had time myself to head out there and try on a pair or two. I've lost so much weight over the last year that my shorts from last year don't fit!


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Free Photo Gifts at Shutterfly! Hurry, expires 7/19!

Choose your free gift from Shutterfly! You can pick between 10 thank you cards, a set of playing cards, a pet tag or a 16x20 print. Think ahead to Christmas gifts (yes, I know it's still months away!). You will need to pay for shipping but use the promo code 1FREEGIFT by 7/19 to get your freebie!



Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Special Needs Hurley

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.

Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

I can't stress to you the importance of keeping your pets' vaccinations up to date. We're so diligent about bringing our children to the doctor's for routine visits, so why do we become so lax when it comes to our pets? There are so many illnesses and diseases that are highly contagious yet highly preventable with the appropriate vaccines and precautions.

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to this friendly fellow, Hurley, who is positive for feline leukemia (FeLV) but can still make an amazing companion!

Handsome Hurley is a 2-year-old tiger and white male kitty who is super affectionate and loves to play! Unfortunately he tested positive for feline leukemia which means he must be kept in a home with no other kitty friends or with other FeLV positive kitties. We are truly hoping someone will open their heart and home to this beautiful guy. Hurley has no adoption fee. Please spread the word and help us find a fur-ever home for him!

A little about FeLV:

Humans cannot contract FeLV, nor can dogs. However, other cats can contract it through "moist contact," such as infected saliva (grooming, licking, biting, sharing dishes, litter boxes, etc.). FeLV cannot be cured, however, kitties who are FeLV positive can live happy lives.


If you're interested in adopting any animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Thrifty Thursday: Fixing a Shark Steam Mop

Years ago, I got in on a Groupon deal for a Shark steam mop. My husband didn't feel like our Swiffer mop was disinfecting to his standards, so we made the $30 investment. And it was a good investment as it's lasted for over 4 years, but lately its steaming power was waning until it finally stopped squirting steam through the bottom altogether.

I was ready to toss it in the garbage when I had the idea to Google search the problem. What the heck did I ever do without Google?! 

I found many people had a similar issue, apparently a result of calcifying water, so I researched possible methods to rectify the problem.

In the end, I decided to run by Home Depot and pick up some CLR. A few hours later, lo and behold, our Shark steam mop works like a charm!

Here's what I did:

1. Unplugged and in the bathtub or outside, pour a 1:1 ratio of water to CLR into the mop. Shake it around and let sit for several hours.

2. Plug in the mop. Once heated, shake around again and try "using" it (in the bath tub or outside). I do not recommend trying to do this on your actual floor. I had a bunch of small, solid, black looking grit that poured out of my mop.

3. So long as you're getting steam out of the mop, continue to "steam" until all of the CLR/water mixer is gone. 

4. Fill the mop with water (or vinegar) and steam again until it is empty. Your mop should be as good as new!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Free Shipping on Victoria's Secret.com 7pm - midnight EST

I wouldn't go so far as cancelling your plans, but if you did plan on making a purchase at VictoriasSecret.com, it's totally worth waiting a few  hours to place the order. Simply use the promo code FREESHIP at checkout between 7pm and midnight EST on 7/14 and you'll get free shipping, regardless of your order total!


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Free Digital Subscription to Variety Magazine

Get a free digital subscription to Variety magazine.

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Tuesday Travels: Making Memories at Chuck E. Cheese

My niece, Elin, and my nephew, Lucas, are 6 and 4 respectively, and boy are they spoiled! They are fortunate enough to have two sets of grandparents and several sets of aunts and uncles who have bought stock in Hasbro and Mattel since their births, which is why Auntie Cynthia and Uncle Jon have simply stopped buying physical gifts for their birthdays and Christmas. Instead, we prefer to make memories with them by taking them to do things that they don't typically get to do.

For Christmas last year, we promised to take them both to Chuck E. Cheese - a place they had been begging to go to for months.

My husband and I chose a Monday late afternoon, loaded the kiddos in his Tacoma and headed off to the North Dartmouth, MA location on State Road.

Located in a random strip-mall parking lot, the location is easy to miss. Upon entering, you are greeted by a Chuck E. Cheese attendant who stamps your entire party's hands with secretive, invisible ink. I later learned that this is a child-abduction prevention strategy- how cool! Children can only leave with an adult who has a matching hand stamp. The stamped image can only be viewed with a black light machine guarded by the door attendant. Families that enter together must leave together! This stripped me of my worries of losing sight of the kiddos while in the facility. Points for Chuck E. Cheese!

Once safely inside, we headed to the coin machine. There are always plenty of coupons available to discount your trip. I frequently see hard-copy coupons in the weekly inserts, but if you don't get the newspaper, you can also check their website to see if coupons are available for your local Chuck E. Cheese. If you have enough forethought, you could also sign up for the Chuck E. Club to get additional members-only discounts and deals.

We did not have any coupons with us (oh, the horror!) so we dropped $20 into the coin machine and needed two cups (provided for you) just to hold all the game tokens that spilled out. I'm not exactly sure how many tokens came out -- but there were A LOT.  I didn't think our money would get us very far, but twenty dollars lasted two adults, a 6-year old and a 4-year old over an hour and a half.

I'm used to the outrageous prices of the annual carnivals that come around our neighborhood each July - tickets are inexpensive but then each ride or game costs multiple tickets. Not at Chuck E. Cheese. Every game and ride is only 1 ticket. Yes, you read that correctly - 1 ticket.

The facility is conveniently divided into four areas: the dining area where there are a bunch of tables and benches with a great view of the Chuck E. Cheese animated band, a Toddler Zone for the wee ones, a Kiddie Area for our kiddos and a Skill Games and Arcade area for the adults big kids.

Games ranged from old school Whack a Mole to touch-screen based Fruit Ninja. It was an amazing mix of old and new that kept Elin and Lucas wide-eyed and entertained. Most of the games earned you tickets and both kids were eager to add to their growing pile that they could later cash in for prizes.

There were also a handful of photo booths that printed out a variety of photo souvenirs to help you remember your visit. And yes, each of these only cost 1 ticket too! Lucas was obsessed with one photo booth machine that created identification cards on a cartoon background. He insisted on making one for mom, one for dad and one for himself to keep on his dresser. I've never used a photo booth anywhere before, so of course Auntie Cynthia and Uncle Jon had to get in on the action.

And if you are worried about all the sniveling, snotty noses and dirty hands touching every surface in that building, Chuck E. Cheese provides Purell sanitizer at almost every corner. This is especially important if you plan on eating after playing!

Because the kiddos are really picky eaters, we didn't bother trying to eat at Chuck E. Cheese, although I did notice they had a huge selection of kid and adult friendly foods. The pizzas actually looked and smelled really great and they had salad. Yes, salad! I never find food that my nutritionist would approve of at places like this! I was pleasantly surprised at the wide selection of food available and before visiting, I even read that they also have some gluten-free options as well.

Before leaving, we had to feed all of our tickets into a "Ticket Monster," which then gave us a receipt with the tickets counted. This made it so much easier than counting ourselves. The prizes available were like any other game room - cheaply made and probably wouldn't last the car ride home. But the prizes made the kids happy and were a source of a math lesson. Elin knew how many tickets she had, could see what each prize was worth, and figured out herself which ones she could get without "going over."

At the end of the evening, all four of us were tired but happy. And we can't wait to go again!

Lucas's Dad is a police officer so he was psyched to be able to "drive" one like Daddy

Want to visit a Chuck E. Cheese too? Check to find one in your area! But don't be like us, make sure to bring your coupons!



Disclaimer: Chuck E. Cheese did not request that I write this review. We paid for this visit to Chuck E. Cheese entirely on our own. All opinions expressed herein are mine. 

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts