This summer I finally started my New Years goal (I know, it's no longer January) of losing weight and making my body healthier. I've been doing it on my own with some success. Yet, now I am at a slow point in the weight loss. And I feel like I am loosing motivation.

Congratulations to Betsy! She won the Julep Maven Nail Color Box giveaway! Thank you everyone for entering! Betsy, check your inbox for an email and reply back as soon as possible!

Do you have a nail color/polish addiction? Are you on the lookout for new colors?
Do you want to buy yourself an intro Julep Maven box for $0.01? Read on, and I will tell you how.

I was given a complimentary Julep Bombshell Maven box to review. 

The Julep Bombshell Maven box was packaged beautifully! The time and effort put into the gorgeous presentation makes this perfect to give as a gift, either to others or yourself! Here is how mine was packaged:



My Julep Bombshell Maven box came with:

• Julep Natasha Nail Color - a bright, vibrant, and creamy orange 
• Julep Oscar Nail Color - an ultra sparkly, multi-dimensional gold glitter, with hints of silver glitter too 
• Julep Pedi Creme - to exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish your feet 
• Toe Separators - two, bright pink & white, spongy separators

Julep Nail Color is toxin-free! They have a large variety of fashionable and trendy nail colors to choose from. I'm keeping my eye on Chelsea Bombshell for a future purchase.

My friend and I set out to try Julep Maven Nail Color. We came up with some neat designs too. Take a look; what do you think?

This first photo is my initial design with only one coat of the shimmery Oscar color on top of two coats of Natasha color:


This second photo is my friends (left hand in the picture) and my design (right hand in the picture). This time I had two coats of Oscar on top of two coats of Natasha, sealed with a top coat of clear.


I loved the designs we created!

Tips for coloring your nails with Julep Maven:

• Use a base coat! The Natasha color is so vibrant that if you choose not to do a base coat it may leave your nails with a very slight orange tint after you remove the polish. A base coat will eliminate this. I don't know if all of the colors will do this. But after researching this, it is recommended that you put a base coat on when painting your nails.
• Seal the tip edges of your nails with Julep Maven and your top coat! This will help ensure the color and designs will stay on longer.
• Let those designs and colors dry in between coats. Julep Maven suggests you wait 3 to 5 minutes between coats. A neat trick idea from me: after a minute, run them under some cold water. To me, it seems to help speed up the drying process.
• Have fun, be creative, and enjoy yourself with Julep Maven nail colors!

Do you want to try a Julep Maven box for only pay a penny? You can! They have been kind to offer all of Frugal Midwest's readers one box for a penny!

Buy Julep Maven box for $0.01
Go to their website: Julep Maven
Enter promo code: MAVENINTRO

Do you want to WIN a Julep Maven Intro Box (similar to the one I reviewed)? They have been kind enough to offer this opportunity to one of my readers. How cool is that?
Follow the Rafflecopter instructions to enter today!

Giveaway for US or Canada readers only.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I was sent a Julep Maven Intro Box to review and share my findings with my readers; there was no monetary compensation for this review. Opinions and pictures are mine; yours may vary.

Following The Life of a Home Mom's Friday Chatter, here is mine:

Friday Chatter is how I wrap up the week. Time to kick back with a cup of coffee and reflect on this past week and to anticipate the upcoming week.

This week has been all about spending too much money!

Today, I finally finished all my back-to-school shopping for my three kids; it was nerve-wracking to say the least. I remember when my kids were in Elementary School looking at the inundating school supply list and thinking that they required a lot of supplies and that it would cost a lot. Boy was I wrong! Yes, those lists are long and do require a lot sometimes. BUT, wait until your kids enter Middle or High School! Those supplies for the upper grades cost MORE, as do clothing and shoes, compared to Elementary School. Thankfully, this is my last year buying supplies for three kids; my oldest is a Senior this year, and my other two are going into 6th and 10th Grade.

MY ADVICE
My advice for back-to-school shopping: check out those sales, use coupons whenever you can, and shop around. While it may take you more time (it took us about a week), it will be worth it to your pocketbook in the end.

My vehicle also required a lot of money this week! Oy, my poor pocketbook! In the past two weeks, I've replaced all three major belts (Serpentine, Alternator, and Air Conditioning), a brake light, a brake cylinder, an oil change, and a rear wiper blade. I am crossing my fingers that my vehicle will be okay for a while now.

Let the school year begin!

This upcoming week begins a process my kids never like. Starting Monday, they must now start going to bed at the school-year time. Last year school-year bedtime was 9 PM, this year I am moving it back one hour to 10 PM. I also plan on making them gradually start getting up earlier than they have for the summer; the teenagers have been sleeping in until 10 or 11 AM this summer, that must come to an end. I know this first week of change is going to be grueling and I will hear belly-aching, but I know it will help better prepare my kids for the school year to begin. Kids need adjustment time to changes, in my opinion; and this is how my family does it.

Most teenagers get their driver's permit at fourteen. My oldest is seventeen; she's had no desire to drive or to  get her driver's permit, until now. I've taken both of my teenagers to test for their driver's permit twice now; neither has passed the test yet. I am really hoping they put some time into studying this weekend, so this upcoming week we can got and they can try their knowledge at the test again. The third time's a charm, right? I have my fingers crossed for them.

The Life of a Home Mom recently posed a question about blog rolls. Yes, I do have a blog roll, you can view it and visit my blogging buddies over on the right side of my blog.
I don't know if it hurts or helps my blog, I guess I don't care either way. I like blog rolls! When I visit a blog I love I tend to check out their blog rolls so I can see who their blogging buddies are. I assume the blogs on their roll are one's they like or visit, so I may as well to.

MY QUESTION
A question for my fans: I am considering changing the name of Frugal Midwest, do you have any name suggestions?

Rules for the award:  
Each person must post eleven things about themselves.  Answer the eleven questions the tagger has set for you.  Come up with eleven other questions for the people that you are going to tag.  Choose eleven people (with less than 200 followers) and tag them in your post, no tagbacks.  Follow the tagger and visit at least three of the nominees.

11 Things About Me:

1.  I am a single mother to three wonderful children, one of whom has special needs.
2. Favorite color is hunter green.
3. South Carolina - a state I've visited and love! I hope to some day go back and explore more of this wonderful state.
4. I strive to teach other's about mental health and how it truly affects more people than you know. I try to learn as much as I can about mental health and share my knowledge.  I also have a child with severe mental health concerns.
5. Photography is one of my passions. I don't spend nearly enough time taking photos as I would like; but someday, down the road I will. I would enjoy being a professional photographer, after some more classes, as a hobby at some point.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes & Green Bay Packers fan.
7. Coffee is a MUST every day! With a little sugar, and no cream.
8. A white chocolate mocha would be my favorite hot drink, but due to the calories make it be an occasional treat.
9. I LOVE Black Friday season and I LOVE finding deals on things I need to buy!
10. I was born & raised in Iowa; I've lived here my entire life.
11. Cooking is fun for me, especially if I can manipulate a recipe into creating an awesome dish.

My 11 Questions from Honey Do's:

1. What is your favorite season/time of year and why? I love spring and fall because the temperatures usually don't require sweating (Iowa summers) or big, bulky coats (Iowa winters).
2. What is your number one guilty pleasure (could be food or anything else)? White chocolate mocha's - a special treat for myself on occasion.
3. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A photographer.
4. If you had the power to change one thing about yourself (appearance or otherwise) what would it be? I'd want perfect eye sight. I've worn eye glasses since I was ten years old. I have tried contacts, but they didn't feel comfortable at all. I'd love to be able to see un-aided. 
5. What type of hobbies do you have other than blogging? Photography, scrapbooking (though I haven't given this hobby time for a while), reading, and crafts.
6. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza!
7. Do you believe there is life on other planets? I believe it's possible, at least some type of life form.
8. What have you never tried, but would really like to someday? Flying in an airplane. But, I am very afraid of heights, so I would need to muster up the courage to get over this fear.
9. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Taking my child to get admitted for a psychiatric hospital stay.
10. If you were filling a time capsule to be opened by your great-grandchildren, what would you put in it? Candy, a People's magazine, an iPod with current music on it, a letter from me, a dollar bill, pictures, and a piece of jewelry.
11. If you were invisible for just one day where would you go and what would you do? Why? My children's classrooms; to see how they interact with their peers and friends. Then I could offer advice or encouragement if needed. Or I could scare them when I repeat things they did or said, they'd get a chuckle out of that.

My 11 Questions for My Nominees:

1. What made you want to or why did you start blogging?
2. What is your favorite color/s?
3. What is your favorite food?
4. Do you have any pets? What are they and their names?
5. Do you have any special talents?
6. Describe your place of relaxation. Where is it? What does it look like?
7. Have you been outside of the United States?
8. Can you speak other languages other than English? Which ones?
9. If you could have a super power for one day, what would it be and what would you do with it?
10. What was your best day of your life? Describe it if you can.
11. Have you met any superstars? (like movie stars, musicians, etc) Who?

Our Nominees:

1. Top Knotch Deals
2. Kay's Consumer Corner
3. Jason's Everlasting Recipes

I had trouble finding blogs with less than 200 followers, so I've only nominated three at this time. If I run across others I will add them.

Put the link to your post in the comments on this post so I can check out what you wrote!

Check out what the Fed Ex man just delivered!


Ecover Pomegranate Dish Washing Liquid, Ecover Bathroom Cleaner, and a nicely designed Ecover re-usable bag! These are natural, plant-based cleaning products that I am excited to test out and report my findings to you all! I'm totally pumped up to use these.

Keep your eyes on the blog for my review!

If you want to find out about Ecover, or purchase it, before you read my review, you can:
Read Ecover's Website
Shop Ecover Online
Find Ecover Locally
Follow Ecover on Twitter
"Like" Ecover on Facebook

Disclosure: I was sent these Ecover products to review and share my findings with my readers; there was no monetary compensation for the review. Pictures in this post are mine.

Do you ever have those days where you crawl out of bed and you turn around longing to crawl right back in? How about when you start a grueling task like mowing the lawn, and you just done feel like finishing?

This morning I did! I was slugging along mowing the backyard when I sat down to rest. Foolish mistake! What was I thinking?!? I was tired and came into the house, glanced at my inviting bedroom, and wanted to crawl back into bed. But wait! I can't! I have a to-do list a mile long today!

Think! Quickly! What do I do?

I grabbed a 5-Hour Energy Shot which is Berry flavored that Smiley 360 had sent me to try. Bottoms up! I chugged it down. A short while later I was ready and finished mowing the lawn; I even did a load of laundry!



5-Hour Energy is Sugar Free, contains only 4 calories, offers hours of energy, and doesn't give you the after crash like other energy products.

I haven't felt 'speedy' or jittery. I do feel like my eyelids are open, that I am awake and ready to take on my to-do list with some more energy.

5-Hour Energy is an acquired taste. I do suggest chugging them instead of sipping or drinking slowly; unless of course you drink energy shots or drinks regularly, in which you may enjoy the flavor.

You can purchase these at convenience store, grocery stores, and large retailers just about everywhere. They are sold individually or multi-packs. The bottles designed colorfully, are easy to open, and transportable; just toss one or two in your purse or bag.

I do recommend to 5-Hour Energy to my readers when you need a last minute 'pick me up'.

5-Hour Energy website: www.5hourenergy.com

Disclosure: Smiley 360 sent me two 5-Hour Energy shots to review and share my findings with my readers; there was no monetary compensation for this review. The bottle picture and opinions are mine; yours may vary. 

Axe, a brand that has been solely for men, recently introduced a new product line for the ladies called Axe Anarchy For Her.

Axe describes Anarchy For Her as:

A feminine mix of sparkling fruity notes (apple & blackberry) with soft florals at the heart and a light finish of sandalwood, amber, and vanilla. The fragrance is delicate and fun, designed to be used throughout the day.

Axe Anarchy for Her is sold in a 4 oz. Aerosol Bodyspray; available at most retailers. The suggested retail price is $4.99.

5-hour ENERGY®: Thx @5hourenergyguy 4 my free shot! #5hourmission Click to help me win the 5-hour ENERGY Sweepstakes! http://smiley360.com/5HE.php?id=39161

*I received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360.

Today I got to try a new-to-me product, Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish powder.

What is it?
Bar Keepers Friend is an all-purpose cleanser that works on sinks, tile & grout, ceramic bathtubs, toilets, and much more.

How well does it work?
Earlier today I posted my Friday Chatter about cleaning and organizing my kitchen. Cleaning the kitchen sink was on the list to do. As you can see below, my kitchen sink was dirty and it also had developed a tiny spot of rust (near the bottom of the 'F' in Frugal Midwest in this first picture). I was slightly skeptical that it would remove the rust spot.



Five minutes later, and my kitchen sink is SPARKLING clean! Look real close, that tiny rust spot is GONE!


I also used Bar Keepers Friend on my claw-foot ceramic bathtub. It worked fantastic at removing the tub rings and cleaning the rust off the drain.

Oh my, I think I am in LOVE with Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish! No, I am! I plan on picking up more this weekend! I DO recommend it to my readers!

You can purchase Bar Keepers Friend at Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee; along with other retailers. If you head to their website you can also print a $0.55 coupon!

Website: www.BarKeepersFriend.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BarKeepersFriend
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/BarKeeperFriend

Today is a Friday; it's time to get things done in the house! I am focusing on de-cluttering, cleaning, and organizing my kitchen. I also need to order a Brake Cylinder for my van, along with cleaning the van.

Lots to do today.

I've got the kitchen rugs in the washing machine. My youngest helped de-clutter and organize on of our cupboards. I plan on having the oldest do a cupboard too; she will be thrilled!

Planning on trying out Barkeeper's Friend Polish & Cleanser on the kitchen sink; it needs to be sparkling! The refrigerator and microwave cart need de-cluttered and cleaned, my favorite chore, NOT! And I will pick a kid to wash the outside of the stove and oven.

That will just leave the floors and counters left, which won't take too long. I bought a new Swiffer floor mop yesterday, it has a spring design on it. Kind of excited to use it ~ yes, I know, I am weird!

Crossing my fingers I can get all of this done today.

Make sure you check out my blogger friend The Life of a Home Mom and read her Friday Chatter.

Iowa's Tax Free Weekend - August 3 & 4, 2012

Clothing & Footwear under $100 are tax exempt
This is a PERFECT time to go Back-to-School shopping!

Link for detailed information: HERE (website)
Link to detailed pdf flyer: HERE

Some examples of tax exempt items:

• Athletic Socks 
• Jeans
• Jackets
• Shirts
• Shoes *
• Work Clothes & Uniforms

* Famous Footwear has an awesome deal that coincides with this Tax Free Weekend!
They have Buy One Get One Half Off & 20% Off Coupon for Rewards Members!

It is FREE to join Famous Footwear Rewards! Link to the coupon and to join their Rewards program can be found at www.FamousFootwear.com

Free Quart of Clark & Kensington Paint on August 4, 2012 at Ace Hardware

Link to printable coupon: HERE

Do you know why you SHOULD shop online?

Reason # 1:
Coupon Codes or Promo Codes

Lots of Retail Stores have special Coupon Codes/Promo Codes available
Wiki definition of Coupon Code: A code consisting of letters or numbers used to identify an offer associated with a coupon

Coupon Codes can range from:

• Free Shipping on specific dollar amount purchases (sometimes even with NO Minimum required)
• Dollar's Off when you spend certain dollar amounts
• Percentage's Off when you spend certain dollar amounts
• Free Item with specific item purchases or certain dollar amount

How do you get Coupon Codes/Promo Codes?

• Sign up for the Retailer's Newsletter
• Purchase items from the Retailer (many will send out codes to previous customers)
• Search for Coupon Codes (see below)

 Here are some AWESOME web sites to search for Coupon Codes:

• GottaDeal Coupon Code Section
• Tjoo's Coupon Code Website
• Coupon Cabin Coupon Code Section
• Retail Me Not Coupon Code Section
• Coupon Mountain Coupon Code Website

 Reason # 2:
Sales & Clearance Sections on Retailer's Websites

Trends show that some Retailer's place certain products on Sale/Clearance on their websites BEFORE they do in their Retail Stores.

At times, Retailer's place items that do NOT normally go on sale in stores at a discount price on their website only.

Combining Retailer's Websites Sales & Clearance along with Coupon Codes can get you the very BEST DEALS around! Which helps in stretching the almighty dollar and staying frugally minded!

Reason #3:
Larger Selection

Most Retailer's carry a Larger Selection of products on their websites compared to what they carry in their Retail Store's.
This gives you a better selection, more variety, and the options for different colors/styles/sizes.

Is money tight in your household? Do you have a hard time stretching every dollar to afford the necessities? What's left for gifts and holidays like Christmas? If nothing or very little, I have a solution for you!

Do rooms in your house need a new scent? Does your restroom ever have unpleasant odors? Is your pantry kind of musty smelling and needs refreshed? Then Febreze Set & Refresh is for you!

Last night, my family had the opportunity to try Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite Lightly Sauced Broccoli with Cheese Sauce.

Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite's are EASY and quick to prepare!
1. Pull the bag out of the freezer.
2. Place the bag face down on a microwave safe plate.
3. Into the microwave oven it goes, times needed are on the back of the bag. Our microwave is small, so the bag took 5 1/2 minutes to cook.
4. Remove it from the microwave and let it stand a couple minutes. Then tear it open at the tear-spot already on the bag.
5. You can serve it from the bag on to plates or pour it into a serving bowl





Some key points about Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite Lightly Sauced Broccoli with Cheese Sauce:
~ It's a good source of Calcium and Antioxidants
~ All natural
~ No preservatives

While the Birdseye Steamfresh Chef's Favorite is cooking, you can finish the preparation of the rest of the meal.

Here is how I dished up these scrumptious, nutritious vegetables:



I LOVED the broccoli! My kids LOVED the broccoli! I do recommend Birdseye Steamfresh Vegetables to all my readers! It would be good as a side dish or even on top of a potato or some pasta.

One recommendation: purchase TWO bags! We ran out with just one bag for a family of four, and the kids wanted seconds! You can find Birdseye Steamfresh in your local grocery store's freezer section.

New Febreze Coupons!

Fill out this form and submit your information to get $10 worth of coupons - including a $2 Off Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator!

Link to form: HERE

Request yours today! Coupons should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks!

Check it out! Over on my friends blog, Products & Reviews, she is having a 500 Facebook Fan Giveaway!

She is giving away a HUGE amount of samples - 101 Various Samples - AND a $10 Subway Gift Card w/ 2 coupons from Simple Savings for Atlanta Moms.


Products & Reviews 500 FB Fan Giveaway!!! <--- click there to enter the giveaway today or enter in the Rafflecopter form below.

You must check out the picture of all the items in the giveaway - it's HUGE! Make sure you enter her giveaway today!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today, Pampers released a Pampers Gifts to Grow Points Code on their Facebook Page. Make sure you grab your points today! (I did!)


Pampers Gifts to Grow, link: HERE

10 Pampers Gifts to Grow Points, code: FBOLYMPICS72712

Real Style Network Twitter Contest


Follow the directions and enter to win: Summer Beauty Gift Set worth over $150


Link to full details on how to enter: HERE

To win all you need to do by August 7th at noon is:

1. Follow @realstylenet & @tweetswin on Twitter (http://Twitter.com/Realstylenet)

2. Tweet this message exactly:  Follow @realstylenet, and RT this for a chance to win a Summer Beauty Gift Set worth over $150 http://tweetsw.in/1675/ #giveaway #contest

3. Winners will be notified via Twitter Direct Message (DM), you must be following @realstylenet to receive the message.

Make sure you follow @FrugalMidwest when you are on Twitter too! (not part of the contest)

"Like" gud from Burt's Bees on Facebook, link: HERE

"Like" the gud from Burt's Bees coupon on Facebook, link: HERE

Print out your $1 Off gud from Burt's Bees Coupon

My friend and fellow blogger over at 'The Life of a Home Mom' is having a Reluctant Reader Giveaway!

Reluctant Reader Reading Guide - Reluctant Reader Giveaway (linked directly to the giveaway)

Enter to win a giveaway pack of 4 books that are in the  Reluctant Reader Giveaway  (ends August 3, 2012)

Make sure you enter today to win these fabulous books for your little readers. Reading encourages all types of growth in children and adults. It is also something you can do for free if you go to the library.

Do you like good chocolate? Like the melt-in-your-mouth, creamy milk chocolate kind? I do!

Recently I won some Madelaine Chocolate from Christy's Reviews and More.

Madelaine Chocolate was established in 1949; they are a American family owned and run company, based in New York. Madelaine Chocolate makes and sells a large variety of chocolates for major holidays (like Easter and Christmas), for special occasions (like Mother's Day), and your regular everyday chocolates (like the Gold Milk Chocolate Cigars & Boxed Golf Balls that I was lucky to try).

You can purchase Madelaine Chocolate at various online retails and local retail stores. Check out the locations: HERE

Chocolate 101 (linked) will teach you all about chocolate.

Here is a picture of how my chocolates were packaged when they arrived. They were beautifully packaged!


I received the Gold Cigars Gift Box that is solid milk chocolate and Semi Solid Milk Chocolate Golf Balls.

The Gold Cigars would be perfect for any type of celebration - like Retirement Parties, Bachelor Parties, Birthdays, celebrating the birth of a child, and many more life's events!


The Gold Cigars Solid Milk Chocolate are: smooth, creamy, sweet (not overly, just perfectly sweet), melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Madelaine Chocolate can be VERY addictive, I suggest buying some extras so you do not run out.

I DO recommend Madelaine Chocolate to all my readers, all chocolate lovers, and anyone looking for that perfect gift!

Madelaine Chocolate website: HERE
Follow them on Twitter: HERE
"Like" them on Facebook: HERE (Tell them Frugal Midwest sent you, please)
Find out where you can buy Madelaine Chocolate: HERE

Order Justin Bieber's 'Believe' Album for Mp3 Downlaod for FREE!

Link to details on how to get it FREE: HERE

Pepsi Moments to Save coupon booklet will be in the Sunday Newspaper on July 22. Make sure you pick yours up - there will be over $25 in savings!

http://pepsicomomentstosave.com/

The Purex Let's Be Honest Detergent Coupon Giveaway is now over! Make sure you check your email inbox - all three winners have 48 hours to respond, otherwise I may be forced to choose a different winner. I will announce the winners once they have responded!

Congratulations to all three of you! And thank you to everyone that entered and all the new Frugal Midwest followers!

Upcoming reviews: Biore, Axe, Mia Mariu, and Glyde

Free Cini-Sopapilla Bites with a Meat & Potato Burrito Purchase

Print out the coupon: HERE

Valid at: Taco Johns (Participating locations)
Expires: July 25, 2012

Walgreen's Facebook page just posted this deal for today - make sure you get yours TODAY!

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Polish

TODAY ONLY: $5.99 with FREE SHIPPING (reg. $9.99)

Make sure you get your entries in to win a coupon for a FREE bottle of Purex Detergent - LOW entries, only 100 at this point.
Enter today: HERE

FREE Kids Haircuts in August for kids of JcPenney Rewards Members 

Who: JcPenney Rewards Members
What: FREE Kids Haircuts (Kids in Grades K through 6th)
When: August 2012
Where: JcPenney Salons

Sign up for JcPenney Rewards: HERE - it's FREE to sign up for!
Find your local JcPenney Salon: HERE

Check Out the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for FREE!

Do you need something inexpensive/free to do with the kids' this summer? Make sure you include the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art in your summer schedule - it's FREE until September 2, 2012!

A few of their current exhibits:
Looking Forward: New Architecture in Downtown Cedar Rapids
Looking Back: Vintage Post Cards of Downtown Cedar Rapids
A Show of Hands: Ceramics from the Collection

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA)
410 Third Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids

CRMA's website: HERE

Are you racking your brain trying to come up with inexpensive or free ideas of things to do with your kids this summer? Check this out:

FREE Kids Movies this Summer at Collins Road Theaters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kids under 18 are FREE to get in, and adults are just $1 - now THAT is affordable!


What: Free Kids Movies (Adults pay just $1)
Where: Collins Road Theaters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
When: 10 AM Monday through Thursday - arrive early to ensure seating


Kung Fu Panda 2 is the FREE movie this week; Next week is Zookeeper - I HIGHLY recommend Zookeeper, it is an excellent family movie (adults will like it too!)
To view the list of movies, check out their website: HERE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wehrenberg Theaters is also offering FREE Kids Movies this summer! Note, they only show their free movies two days each week.

What: Free Kids Movies
Where: Wehrenberg Theaters
When: 10 AM Wednesdays & Thursdays - arrive early to ensure seating

Today they are showing Mr. Popper's Penguins (excellent movie!) and next Weds/Thurs is Kung Fu Panda 2.

To view the list of movies, check out their website: HERE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOTH Theaters offer discounted snack trays, ask for details when you arrive for the show.

What: FREE Tall (12 oz.) Starbucks Refresher Beverage
Where: Your local Starbucks
When: Friday July 13 from Noon to 3 PM

Link to details: HERE

Do you do laundry? Several times a week? I know I do!

I am part of the Purex Insider community* and have been given the opportunity to share the Let's Be Honest campaign with my readers and to host a GIVEAWAY! (details below)

Let's Be Honest campaign motto:

It's time to come clean about life, laundry and whatever.

Make sure you check out the campaign's main page: HERE ~ you will find 17 short video clips about coming clean, a laundry help guide with great tips on getting out the worst stains, a list of products Purex makes, Purex promotions, and more!

My favorite video is Let's Be Honest - Lost & Found





Purex has sent me THREE Coupons - each is for: a FREE bottle of the NEW Purex Triple Action Detergent (these expire at the end of 2013!)



Who/What: There will be THREE WINNERS who will each receive ONE coupon!
How to enter:  allow the Rafflecopter form below to load fully, follow the directions on the form and enter today!
Ends: July 20, 2012

You MUST complete at least the following three Rafflecopter entries - which are:

1 - Leave a Blog Post Comment of your favorite Let's Be Honest Video
2 - Be a Frugal Midwest Facebook Fan
3 - Follow Frugal Midwest on Twitter

WOW! I am very excited to share with my readers that I will be sharing My First Giveaway TODAY!

If you do laundry, this is one giveaway you will WANT to enter! (okay, doesn't EVERYONE do laundry?)

Keep your eyes on the lookout ~ details will be shared later today!

Free Sample of Woolite Extra Dark Care Detergent (some qualifying questions)

How does it work?

Woolite^® Extra Dark Care has a special formula that cleans and helps maintain the original color intensity of your dark clothes. It won't cause fading, shrinking or stretching, so dark colors stay vivid and clothes look like new for longer.

I tried & tried to get this to work with Google Chrome, to no avail! Take my advice, use Internet Explorer, and it should go through (if you qualify) without problems.

Keep your eyes on Frugal Midwest for a review of Woolite Extra Dark Care Detergent - I will post my thoughts after I receive & try it out!

Possible FREE Samples of Biore Skincare products!

• "Like" Biore Skincare's Facebook page, link: HERE
• Click on "New Look" on their Facebook page tabs, link: HERE
• Scroll down and click on the "Join The Clean Skin Movement"
• Submit your information and answer questions about your skin & skincare to see if you qualify.

I QUALIFIED! Looks like they will be sending me 3 samples of Biore Skincare's products to try! They do ask that you let them know your opinion on how they worked! (8-10 weeks for delivery)

Like I said, you do have to qualify, so no guarantee you will get them, but you WILL know after you submit your info and answer the questions if you do or not.

Keep your eyes on this blog for my review of the Biore Skincare products they send me to try ~ I can't wait!

Free Sebamed Sachet of Liquid Face & Body Wash & $3 In-Store Product Coupon (for use at CVS)

"Like" Sebamed on Facebook, link to their profile: HERE
Next, click on their "Free Sample" page on Facebook: HERE

Sebamed description, quoted from their Facebook Page:

Description

Soap-free product line with same pH as healthy skin - pH 5.5 Does not strip the protective layer of the skin like soap can. 

SebaMed is extremely mild and allergen free for sensitive skin. It works to supports the skin’s natural healing process for problematic skin.

Sebamed's Website: HERE

* After submitting my info, it did not state how long until the sample is received ~ most companies say to allow 4 to 6 weeks; it does state 'while supplies last' - so keep your fingers crossed!

Do you like to enter giveaways and win things? I know I do, it takes very little time, and the opportunities at prizes are HUGE!

Attention Beauty Bloggers:
I need HELP! How do you apply and wear make up in humidity & heat and not have it sweat right off? What are your tricks of the trade?
Whenever I apply foundation and powder, then step outside, it sweats right off from the humidity & heat; it seems pointless to even put it on, but I want to look nice outside too!
Can you share your tricks & tips please?

Please reply on this post, or reply with a blog post of your own and leave a link in the comment section.
Thanks in advance for helping me out! :)

Subscribe to Frugal Midwest by Email

The Ultimate Giveaway Ever Hosted!! – 50 Winners

Free Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion Samples - 2 Samples

Link: HERE
*Facebook required

Samples should arrive in 4 - 6 weeks.

Happy 7-Eleven Day!

What: Free 7.11 Ounce Slurpee 
When: Wednesday July 11, 2012, from 11 AM to 7 PM 
Where:  7-Eleven Gas Stations


More info & to find your local 7-Eleven, check out their website: HERE

Starbuck's - FREE Tall Brewed Coffee on Wednesday July 4, 2012


Link to story on Starbuck's website: HERE
Link to Starbuck's Facebook event: HERE

To spark the conversation in our stores, your local Starbucks will proudly serve everyone a free tall hot brewed coffee on the Fourth of July.

Make sure you swing in to your local Starbuck's and pick up your free hot coffee!

Free Chips & Queso w/ Entree Purchase at Chili's
When: July 2 - 4

Link: HERE

Find your local Chili's Restaurant, check out their website: www.Chilis.com

Thrifty Jinxy: FREE Sample of Purina Cat Chow Healthy Weight: Head over and "like" Purina Cat Chow on Facebook and you can request a FREE 6 oz. sample of Purina Cat Chow Healthy Weight . You'll als...

*HOT* Home Depot: Kingsford Charcoal Just .94 A Bag!

Don't forget to get your $3.99 Haircut at Great Clips, location and details in my other post: HERE

"Like" Children's Advil on Facebook and print a $1.50 Off Children's Advil Coupon

Link: HERE

Confessions of a Frugal Mind: Hy-Vee Deals ~ June 26-July 2: Here are my favorite deals I see at Hy-Vee this week from the advertised prices good through next Monday.  Grimmway Farms Whole Carr...

Christy over at  Christy's Reviews and More currently has a review & giveaway going on NOW for Madelaine Chocolate - oh so scrumptious!

$1,000 Dry Idea Advanced Dry Sweepstakes

You have until July 20 to enter and win!

Link: HERE

Enter to win a FREE Subscription to Ladie's Home Journal from Purex Crystals!

Link: HERE

Don't forget to go get your $3.99 Haircut at Great Clips NEW location on Mt. Vernon Road in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

Link to this great opportunity I brought to you last week: HERE

Let's Be Honest - It's time to come clean about life, laundry and whatever

FREE Febreze® Set & Refresh

Free Sample of Emergen-C Vitamin Drink Mix

Link to request your FREE Sample today: HERE

One sample per email address, per household.

Sample should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks.

Happy 10th Anniversary Bever Pool FREE Swim - linked

When:
Friday, June 22, 2012
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

What:
FREE SWIMMING, Refreshments, Giveaways, & Prizes

Where:
Bever Pool - 2700 Bever Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Great Clips is opening a NEW Cedar Rapids location on Friday June 15, 2012.

What: $3.99 Haircuts - NO Coupon Needed!
When: June 15 to July 15
Where: Great Clips NEW Mt. Vernon Road location, only

New location is located: 
Great Clips
2743 Mt. Vernon Road SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa  (Next to CVS)
319-364-0764

Make sure you stop by for their Grand Opening and get a GREAT haircut at a FANTASTIC price!

Grab your FREE $2 in Mp3 Credits via Amazon

Link: HERE

Must spend your credits by June 15, 2012.

Pledge to support Blood Donation & get your own GIVE Bandage Sample & be entered for a trip to NYC.

"Like" Nexcare on Facebook, link to their page: HERE
Log in with Nexcare's Facebook app, link to app: HERE

Nestle Drumstick 'Raise A Cone'

I just won a box of Drumsticks today! 

Enter once for your chance at winning a box of Nestle Drumsticks and other fabolous prizes!

Link: HERE
* Facebook contest

Dollar Mondays at Westdale Bowl

What: $1 each for a game of bowling, shoe rental, Pop/Hot Dog/Draft Beer per person
When: Mondays - 4 PM to 10 PM
Where: Westdale Bowl - 2020 Scotty Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Who: The WHOLE family, including the kids and grandparents - age appropriate for anyone!

My family visited Westdale Bowl this past Monday. For a mere $16, the four of us were able to bowl two games, drink some refreshing pop, and spend two hours having fun as a family. The atmosphere was kid friendly, enjoyable, comfortable (they have air conditioning!), and affordable. I highly recommend checking out Dollar Mondays at Westdale Bowl.

Westdale Bowl
2020 Scotty Dr SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
319-396-2500
www.WestdaleBowl.com

Check it out Iowa City fans!
Johnsonville Big Taste Grill is in Iowa City, Iowa this weekend for The Summer of Arts - now until June 3

http://www.bigtastegrill.com/

Make sure you stop by their HUGE grill!

"Like" Odom's Tennessee Pride on Facebook and print out a:

$1 Off  Odom's Tennessee Pride Sausage coupon - this is a printable coupon

Link: HERE
*Facebook item

Free Frigo Cheese Heads Lunch Cooler Bag & $1 Coupon
~ Limit of 1,000 - so request your's NOW!

Link: HERE
* Must like Frigo Cheese Heads on Facebook to request.

Free Sample of New Tide Pods 

Link: HERE
* Must be a Vocal Point member; it is free to sign up for.

Please allow 5-7 weeks for delivery.

Check out this review of Journal Buddies Journal
Review, including a video, done by Christy's Reviews and More

Link: HERE

Make sure you enter her giveaway to win a copy for yourself!

Palmolive Fresh Sponge

I had the opportunity to try Palmolive Fresh Sponge via Influenster.


Palmolive Fresh Sponge's claim:

wash away odor causing residue from sponges and clean dishes to a sparkling shine

My opinion: the scent was out of this world, in a good way! AMAZINGLY FRESH FRUITY SMELLING. I was encouraged to wash dishes more often just so I could smell it, oh, and of course to have clean sparkling dishes! My dish sponge also lasted about a month longer than normal use w/ other dish soaps. It also makes your kitchen smell fantastic!

I DO recommend Palmolive Fresh Sponge to everyone, I give it TWO THUMBS UP!

Suggested retail price is $3.29 for a 25 ounce bottle.

Request your 4 FREE sample packets of Mrs. Dash Original Blend today!

Link: HERE

As of this posting, there were 29, 297 samples left to give away today!

*This is a Facebook freebie.

Free Sample of AstroGlide Natural

Link: HERE

Please allow four to six weeks for delivery. 

Weekly Clearance: $5.99 Food Network Flip-Top Stainless Steel Water Bottle  (Orig $14.99)