Join Fabulessly Frugal and 150+ other bloggers as we work to raise funds for tornado victims in the south!

Join the “Click4Hope” campaign!  This is one of those “win-win” situations… you subscribe to the All You magazine, and $6 of your subscription fee goes to help tornado victims.  Are you already receiving the All You Magazine?  Consider gifting a subscription!

Why Subscribe to All You Magazine?

• Each issue is PACKED with great money saving coupons
• Each issue also has great informative articles… for real life moms!
• You won’t find articles about boobs, sex, and all that junk
• Available only at Walmart for $2.49 an issue, getting it for $1.25 an issue (knowing that some of that $ is going to a fantastic cause) is a great idea!
• Because it’s for a good cause!

Choose Your Subscription!

24 Issues for $30  {$6.00 will be donated to tornado victims}
15 Issues for $20  {$3.00 will be donated to tornado victims}

The  goal is to raise $50,000!!  Let’s help reach that goal… please share this post with friends and family – subscribe now!

One of the reasons I love couponing the most is the ability it gives me to share and donate more than I would otherwise be in a position to. So when we hear about opportunities to give back, we like to pass them on so if couponing has allowed you an ample stockpile and you have a few things to spare, you too can help out!

This opportunity springs from a heart-wrenching story (you can read the full story HERE). The short version is that Jodi Bryant, a 4th grade teacher, gave birth to a bouncing baby boy last month. The same day she brought new life into this world, she learned that one would be taken from her shortly. Her husband had been diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. The average survival rate is twelve short months, and after having an emergency surgery to remove his tumor he is now disabled and will require round the clock care.

Friends and coworkers of the Bryant family have stepped up to the plate and organized a great local fundraiser/silent auction that will take place in 2 days. The goal is to raise enough money for Jodi Bryant to take a leave of absence from her teaching job to care for her newborn and her husband.

Silent Auction for the Bryant Family

Where: Chapparal Elementary School, 1155 N. Deer Creek Lane Meridian, ID

When: Wednesday, February 1st from 5:30-7 pm

What: Silent auction on amazing prizes including Roaring Springs and Wahooz passes, restaurant gifts cards and more. We even donated a Kindle to that will be in a raffle!!

If you are unable to attend that great event, you can still help! You can help feed the Bryant family by donating a portion of your stockpile! 

Stockpile Drop-off Locations

Boise: 3312 S Ithaca Ave (private residence-leave donation in box on porch)

Meridian: Chapparal Elementary School, 1155 N. Deer Creek Lane (take to office & say it’s a donation for Jodi Bryant)

Kuna: 11980 Dynamite Ln (private residence-leave donation in box on porch)

Charitable donations can be made to:

We understand not everyone is in a position where they can contribute
to causes like this and that’s okay! But if you are able, we’d love your support!

TLC’s Extreme Couponing is back tonight.

We often get emails from our readers about amazing shopping trips. We love seeing your couponing success stories and wish we could share them all. The following email though was too great not to share.

Reader Stacy exemplifies one of the greatest aspects of Extreme Couponing: Giving back!

“The organization I work for had a friendly departmental contest to see which department could donate the most items for the Food Bank. Being a couponer, I became the department’s “secret weapon.” Your site was the other secret weapon. I’m thrilled to report that we were able to donate 1,508 items (1,267 lbs) from the generous $585 contributed by the department.

The best part was that we were able to donate some really useful groceries such as cream of chicken, mushroom soup, chicken noodle, tomato, and various Progresso soups, chili, corn, green beans, canned salmon, Annie’s mac & cheese, cereal, BBQ sauces, marinades, a turkey and so much more. The icing on the cake was that we won the surprisingly very competitive competition.

Being a couponer, I wasn’t satisfied with the results and know we could have done better. But given our 2-week window, I am very proud of my co-workers and was happy to put my coupon skills to work for such a good cause.

This Thanksgiving I’m grateful to you FAB Gals.”

So much to say about that email!

1. How awesome is that?!! OVER ONE THOUSAND LBS OF FOOD DONATED!! I have a hunch there will be a lot of grateful people on the receiving end of that donation. You. Are. Amazing.

2. Those are the stories of Extreme Couponing we LOVE to hear! We love that couponing allows many to give a little or a lot when they would often not be in a financial position to help otherwise.

3. Makes me giggle that after all of that food was donated, she still thought she could have done better. Now there’s a true couponer!

4. Stacy, while we are so glad you are grateful for us, it is readers like you that make us so dang proud. You motivate us to keep doing what we do. We HEART our readers!!

Now a challenge:

We want more emails like the one above. We want to see examples of charitable couponing, whether great or small. Did you gather a basket of couponed items for a neighbor? Did you donate items to a homeless shelter? Email us with a story and a picture.

We’ll post some of them over the next few weeks to give everyone a glimpse of the amazing side of Extreme Couponing!

______________________________________________________________

Need help getting started on your journey to Extreme Couponing (done right!).

Our 90-minute coupon class on DVD will teach you step by step the correct and ethical way to implement extreme couponing. Use code EXTREME for a 55% discount at check out.

 Attention Treasure Valley Locals!

We are so excited to tell you about an awesome opportunity to give back! 

We have teamed with The Journey  to offer Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets this year to those who are having a difficult time financially. We have seen how giving and generous our readers are and we know you will want to get involved!

How you can help:

Donate or Volunteer

•  They need donations to make this happen!  We can use our fabulous couponing skills to help make Thanksgiving Dinner possible for many families in the valley this month! 
• You can also get involved by helping to assemble dinner baskets on Monday November 21.

 Items Needed:

•  Fresh Potatoes
• Canned Green Beans
• Canned Corn
• Gravy
• Jelly
• Rolls
• Stuffing

 *Walmart and Fred Meyer have picked up the tab for the TURKEY!  Yay and a big THANK YOU to them! 

You can drop off your donations at any American Family Insurance Office throughout the Treasure Valley.   

What’s in it for you?

The satisfaction of helping familes in our community, maybe even someone you know.  If you or anyone that you know are truely in need of a Thanksgiving box, please contact the two FABULOUS fruGALs who are heading up this project: 

 Katie Murphy at littlered2@cableone.net
Monica Stamper at good4adeal@gmail.com. 

If you have not bought a raffle ticket for our FABuLESS raffle benefiting the City Light Home for Woman & Children yet there are only a few hours left!  Go HERE to buy a ticket for your chance to win one of these FABuLESS prizes!

Cherry Red KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer

{Prize can be shipped}

“Start-Up Stockpile #1!”

{Must be present to win}

$70 Gift Card for Designer Jeans

{Prize can be shipped}

Romantic Date Night!

{Must be present to win}

  Start-Up Stockpile #2!

{Must be present to win}

Ready to Use Coupon Binder (w/ extras)!

{Prize can be shipped}

If you are a new couponer (or are looking to upgrade) you will definitely want to buy a few raffle tickets for this!  One coupon binder filled with over $2,500 worth of coupons, store booklets, free product coupons PLUS a copy of our Seven Secrets to Successful Couponing DVD.  This coupon binder also comes with a Starbucks gift card and over $50 in Box Tops certificates to donate to your local school.

Date Night Done Right!

{Prize can be shipped-but can only be used locally}

Enjoy a 1-night stay in a luxurious suite at the Oxford Suites, but not before you dine at The Creperie (2 crepes and 2 drinks included) and enjoy a movie at Edwards Stadium 22 Theater (2 movie tickets included). Grab your sweetie, your best friend or your kiddos and enjoy this FAB night out!

5 Metro Express Car Wash Passes

{Prize can be shipped-but can only be used locally}

$50 Zaycon Food Credit

{Prize can be shipped}

Use your $50 Zaycon Food credit to order anything from their next event. Chicken? Bacon? Ground Beef? Peaches? Cherries? The list goes on!

$25 Fred Meyer Gift Card

{Prize can be shipped}

$25 Famous Dave’s BBQ Gift Card

{Prize can be shipped}

One Hour Massage (Thanks Shellie)

Local Only

Canon PIXMA MX410 Inkjet Multifunction Printer!!

$30 Olive Garden Gift Card

Photo Shoot from Around the Way Photography($225 value).

Photo session with hi-res images on a CD along with a copy write release.

5 Appetizer Coupons from T.G.I.Fridays

One Pair of Designer Sun Glasses from Vision One

Local Only Prize

Don’t worry if you didn’t snag a spot in a class (or you’re wait listed), you don’t need a ticket to get into the Expo! Everybody’s welcome. We’ll have 10 educational booths, so come enjoy a fun FREE evening with the Fabs (say that 10 times fast)!

Have you donated for your chance to win some FAB prizes?

Well here are a few more reasons to get those tickets! Check out the prizes we just added TODAY (missed yesterday’s additions? Head HERE):

Canon PIXMA MX410 Inkjet Multifunction Printer!!

$30 Olive Garden Gift Card

Photo Shoot from Around the Way Photography($225 value).

Photo session with hi-res images on a CD along with a copy write release.

5 Appetizer Coupons from T.G.I.Fridays

Check out all the FAB Raffle Prizes HERE!

Don’t have a PayPal account? You can still make a donation! Just click on “continue:

ONE ticket for $3.00:

TEN tickets for $10.00:

THIRTY tickets for $25.00:

As most of you have noticed, we have not posted anything about our annual Pay it Forward Charity Yard Sale. While it breaks my heart to say it out loud (okay so technically I’m writing it, but I digress), we won’t be having it this year. There were a number of driving factors behind that decision and it SERIOUSLY hurts my heart that we won’t be holding it, but this year we decided to take a different approach to a charity fundraiser. That is how the Couponing Workshop was born.

The initial idea was to organize a huge educational couponing event. Check. Then we would charge $25 per person and donate 100% of the proceeds to a very deserving charity. Check. Then everyone would feel all warm and fuzzy. Hmmm. Didn’t happen.

We felt something was off. In our eagerness to donate as much money as possible to the City Light Women and Children’s Shelter we overlooked one key element. YOU. Our fabuless readers. YOU. Who have allowed us to carry on for years on this silly site of ours because you continue to offer us your unwavering support. YOU. Who quite possibly might be struggling just as much as any charity out there.

You see donating to charity is AMAZING. And that’s still part of the plan. But we strongly believe around these parts that if you give a man a fish, his belly will be full for a bit. But if you TEACH that man to fish, he will not only maintain a belly full of fish, but also feed those around him (and possibly teach others to fish too).

I get that I just butchered that old saying, but hopefully you get the point. We want you to come learn how to coupon (aka. fish) and then see how it changes your life. And we want to give you that opportunity for FREE.

No more $25 fee for the MEGA Rad Couponing Workshop. You don’t have to pay a dime.

You still need to register (we have to cap it) and you do have to bring a canned food item AND you do have to make us a promise:

You will either share your fish with others, or teach those around you to fish. And you have to promise. Or we won’t let you in for free. Got it?

Now about raising money. Here’s how we’re going to do that:

We are going to have the most amazing raffle!

So amazing in fact that you are going to want to buy raffle tickets-LOTS of raffle tickets.

• You can win 1 of NINE prizes. (We’ll be telling you more about those prizes each night in our That’s A Wrap post.)
• You can pre-buy raffle tickets for a steal of a deal! ($3/1,  $10/10 or $25/30!! What a steal!)
  
• Raffle ticket prices will be higher during the workshop, so buy them early! ($4/1,  $10/5 or $25/15. See why you want to pre-buy them?!)
  
• Can’t come or not local? You can still donate for a chance to win most of the prizes, including the fantastic prize you see below! Select prizes can only be won if present (shipping some of the great prizes would be a logistical nightmare!). So another great reason to be there!
• Make sure you REGISTER for the event too!!  We need to know you’re coming!

Already register for the class and pay your $25? You have 2 options:

1. Use your $25 as a credit and get 30 raffle tickets!
2. Request a refund and we will get you your $25 back ASAP (we sent you an email… so check it!)!

And now for a glimpse of those AMAZING raffle prizes I told you about earlier….

Cherry Red KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer anyone?

Seriously. It can be yours!

We can ALL feel a little better knowing we are donating to a cause that can help!!!

Where we can’t be there to help, we can donate to the Red Cross so they can be.

Tomorrow

Wednesday August 31st is the

LAST day

to order the recipe book!

 For $10.00, you’ll get a beautiful recipe book compiled by more than 50 bloggers favorite tried and true recipes!

100% of the money goes to Red Cross

It’s a no brainer if you ask me.

This all started because of the devastation witnessed in Japan and feeling like there was nothing we could do to help.

We can help!

Every little donation adds up.   Look how much has been raised because of all the donations (this is being advertised through out the blogosphere)

$13,400!

Now, with Hurricane Irene, there is a need more than ever!

From the Red Cross website:

“Sunday, August 28, 2011 — Mandatory evacuations and power outages have forced people from their homes all over the east coast and more than 27,000 spent Saturday night in Red Cross shelters.”

People have been homeless and hungry.

Shelter at Nassau Community College in Garden City NY reached capacity by 6pm.

Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles are staging in Raleigh NC before Hurricane

The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane season started on June 1 and lasts until the end of November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that 12-18 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes could occur this year.  

“While it is too early to know the full extent of the storm’s damage, the Red Cross expects to be helping people for the next several weeks.

The Red Cross has relief operations ongoing in more than a dozen states and thousands of disaster workers helping people from North Carolina to New England. Every Red Cross feeding truck east of theRocky Mountains – more than 250 – are set to go into neighborhoods as soon as conditions permit. Tens of thousands of pre-packaged meals are in position, and the Red Cross is working with its community partners to have feeding kitchens in place after the storm moves through.

The Red Cross has relief operations ongoing in more than a dozen states and thousands of disaster workers helping people from North Carolina to New England. Every Red Cross feeding truck east of the Rocky Mountains – more than 250 – are set to go into neighborhoods as soon as conditions permit. Tens of thousands of pre-packaged meals are in position, and the Red Cross is working with its community partners to have feeding kitchens in place after the storm moves through.

“This is a big response involving multiple states and the response will cost millions,” Shimanski said. If people would like to help, they can click or text to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations can be made by visiting www.redcross.org or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.”

OR

You can make the same donation

AND get a fantastic recipe book!

Either way

The Red Cross is there to help

so let’s join together and support them!

We can all spare $10.00. Please do if at all possible and then tweet, email, call, or something your friend and tell them to as well. 

Here is the link one last time.

http://recipestohelp.bigcartel.com

Ordering Issues Help

We realize there has been some frustration with the process of buying the hard cover book. Paper Coterie usually prints photobooks that you make and not already finished products so the process to get to your cart can be a bit confusing.

After literally MONTHS of creating, the “50+ Top Blogs All Time Favorite Recipes” cookbook is HERE!!! You may have seen a sneak peek of this gorgeous recipe book this past month. We hope you have been anxiously awaiting it. Now, until the end of August, it’s available for purchase. But wait, scratch that, it’s not a purchase. The best part is…

it’s a donation!

100% of your donation will go to the American Red Cross to help the many people who have been affected by recent natural disasters around the world.

After seeing the devastation in Japan, several top blogs teamed together wanting to somehow make a difference. More than 50 blogs donated one of their favorite recipes to be compiled into an incredible cookbook designed by chickabug (design talent was 100% donated as well). Basically a lot of people worked really hard to make something extraordinary. Now, it’s in your hands to make a difference.

This one-of-a-kind cookbook was originally only going to be offered as an E-book for a $10 donation. But after receiving feedback from readers, we realized that many of you want a physical copy. We approached our favorite publisher, Paper Coterie, who was willing to donate 100% of the supplies, and 100% of the cost of printing for this amazing cause. Are you feeling the warm tinglies yet?! We are!!! This started out as one person having an idea. Now over 50 blogs and an amazing publisher are involved and now it’s YOUR turn.

Together we can will make a difference.

The E-book is for sale here for a $1o donation. If you have a computer in your kitchen or an electronic reader, (ipad, kindle,etc.) this is the copy for you. You can just click on the recipe you want from the table of contents and it will take you right there. It’s sweet.

The hard cover cookbook is also available, (wait for it…) for only $10.  {{UPDATE: They are trying to update the site… try after noon and it should show the $10 price as well as 4ish shipping}}

You will be amazed at the quality of this book. The only extra expense you will have will be for shipping ($4 or more depending on where you live and how many copies you order).

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You can smile knowing you made a difference to someone, somewhere. And you can smile because you will have a beautiful full color recipe book with gorgeous pictures and delicious recipes to try. We truly hope you love the cookbook. We think you will. You might just want to buy one for your mom, sister, and mother-in-law for Christmas.

Please share this post with your friends and family on your blog, facebook, and twitter. Let’s make this go VIRAL! How cool would that be?

Here is a button to put on your blog:

and the link:

http://recipestohelp.bigcartel.com/

Remember 100% of the proceeds will be benefiting the American Red Cross.

*The American Red Cross name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, individual or political position. For more information about the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-HELP NOW or email info@usa.redcross.org.

One of our favorite things about being a part of this couponing community is your willingness to serve and give back.  Seeing that in action each year during our Annual Pay It Forward Charity Sale makes us sob like babies (seriously, start stockpiling Kleenex cause we’re gonna need it!).

It all started a few years ago with a simple desire to help. What it has blossomed into the past two years has taken our breath away and reminded us how amazing our readers are (we’ve raised over $7,000!!!).

We are ironing out all of the details for our 3rd annual sale. We are thrilled to be partnering with Other Mothers Boise this year and suspect this sale will raise more money than ever! But as always, we do need your help with a few items of business as we prepare:

1. We need nominations. ASAP. Do you know a deserving family? Does someone near and dear to you have an immediate need that we can help with? Do you have a loved one struggling valiantly with circumstances beyond their control? We want to hear about them. Simply email us at fabulesslyfrugal at gmail dot com and tell us their story. We will select the family/individuals we are going to help this year from your nominations.

2. Save the date. The sale this year will be September 16-17 (yep-it’s 2 days this year!) from 8am-3pm. Mark it down on your calendars now!

3. Wanna volunteer? We have always been nervous that no one will come out to help us and we will be in over our heads. But you guys always deliver in a HUGE way. This year we need your help before, during and after the sale. We need donations for the sale and the bake sale, man power to help tag, sort and organize all the sale items and then a little sale-day army to help man the event. You in?

4. We need your stuff! Get digging through your closets/garages/storage sheds and instead of calling up the Arc, save your gently used items for the sale. We’d love your clothing, books, baby items, furniture , games, toys, etc. Are you having a garage sale this summer? Save your leftovers for a great cause!

So are you ready for the most amazing sale yet? We sure are. Stay tuned for more info and GET THOSE NOMINATIONS IN!

*We will be closing nominations and selecting our families on July 18th. So HURRY!*

Don’t forget… tomorrow is the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive.  Whether  you’re able to donate one can or a full bag of non perishable groceries… your local food bank would really appreciate it.  Simply leave your donation next to your mail box tomorrow morning for your letter carrier to pick up.

Not that we need an incentive to help others, but we also won’t pass up a little freebie as a thank you! Newman’s Own is going to reward you for your service! Just search for a volunteer opportunity, give them your contact info & get a coupon for a free Newman’s Own product!

Get more info HERE!

$5 for a $10 Donation to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake & Pacific Tsunami Fund

You donate $5 and Living Social will match EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR. How cool is that!

Keep in mind, typically when you purchase these deals by clicking through our site you are helping us earn a bit of credit. We appreciate you supporting our site in that manner, but today’s deal is a bit different.  By promoting this deal we will not be earning a dime. Living Social is not offering commission. Even if they were we wouldn’t take it. Wouldn’t feel right.

Knowing how blessed we are and seeing such devastation in Japan is difficult. But there is something we can do. We can give. Even just a tiny bit. Donate $5. Living Social will match it. Then we’ll donate the percentage of commission we would typically make on the transaction back to the Red Cross. See how far we can make that little $5 bill stretch?

You donate.
Living Social donates.
We donate.
We all make a difference.

Instead of sitting helplessly by while watching news coverage of the horrible earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear catastrophe, click on over and help out! We promise to help you save the $5 you donated on your next shopping trip!

So go donate and then come back and leave a comment or shoot us an email to let us know that you’ve donated (because the deal is not typical we’re not sure how the tracking will go and we don’t want a single donation slipping through the cracks!). Then tell your brother, BFF and all your neighbors to do the same. For each comment we get, we’ll donate! It’s that simple!

We know we have the most amazing, generous readers out there. We’ve seen you guys in action. Now let’s see what a difference we can make together!

***
This year my daughter’s school adopted two Christmas families who are in need this holiday season. Now, I am not in the financial situation to go to the store and spend even $20 to help these families, but what I can do is raid my stockpile and give them WELL over $100 worth of household and personal items; items that cost me mere pennies on the dollar thanks to couponing (and the Fabs)!

Giving is just one of the many gifts couponing has given me, and as we raided our surplus I took the opportunity to teach my little angel how lucky we are to have so much and teach her why it is important to help those in need, a priceless lesson I hope she carries with her throughout her life.

We are super excited to be hosting a

Coupon Question & Answer Session!

We have partnered with ICON Credit Union to give you 1 hour of coupon fabulessness!

When: Thursday December 9th, 5:30-6:30 pm

Where: University of Phoenix {Near Boondocks}  1422 South Tech Lane in Meridian, ID  {PLEASE REGISTER BELOW – we need a headcount so we can know if we need to get a larger room!}

Admission: Food Donations for the Idaho Food Bank  AND/OR  new socks for the ICON Warm Hearts Toasty Toes program. *This is your opportunity to share your abundance, plus we would love to meet you!*

_____________________________________________________________________

Items the Food Bank Needs:

We see this as a great opportunity to give back and learn. If you have couponed for a year or haven’t even started we would love to have you there.

_____________________________________________________________________

We will have copies of “Seven Secrets of Successful Couponing“ available for purchase

{hooray for no shipping fees!}

Plus we will have organization system binders available.

Featuring the Baseball Card coupon organization Method and the fabFruGal Combo Coupon Organization Method!
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Please register for the event below so we can be sure to have space for everyone!

Watch for an email from us. You will need to open it and click to CONFIRM your registration!

{add fabulesslyfrugal@gmail.com to your safe list!}

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

They are two of the most kind-hearted people we have ever encountered.

What they are doing on the busiest shopping day of the year just exemplifies what this season is all about. Instead of focusing on all of the potential profits to be made, they are focusing on giving to others.

With that in mind, please pass on this gracious offer to those you know of who might need a helping hand this year.

SATURDAY October 30th at 8:30 am!!

In true “fabulous living on less” style, we’ve got a DISCOUNT CODE for you to use on registration! Simply enter:

TEAMFABULESS

at checkout, and you’ll save $4.00 on registration!

This race is getting more and more popular!  They’ve got people coming in from Utah, Oregon, Montana, Arizona, and even New Jersey! And of course you’ll get a T-Shirt (my son says it’s all about the t-shirts!) and you’ll see the Fabulessly Frugal logo on the back! Amber and Evelyn will be there running the race representing TEAM FABULESS – we’d love to see you there too.  In fact, go ahead and put down that you’re WITH Team Fabuless when you register!!

Learn more about this fun family event and why we think it’s for a great cause!

Or just GO REGISTER NOW!

because seriously…. doesn’t this look like fun?!

Go like the Farm Man on Facebook to keep in the know!

PLUS – it’s for a great cause!

Join Fabulessly Frugal in lending support to a young Boise mother who is fighting stage 4 melanoma cancer, Christina McEvoy, by running the Farm Man Race!!

This isn’t just any 5k… this is a FUN run full of fun obstacles that will challenge you in a way you’ve never been challenged while running a 5k!  Bring your family – the kids can enjoy the Farmstead courtyard for FREE while you go and “run” the race!  This isn’t just for adults either, my 14 year old XC lover is gathering up his friends and running too!  In fact, it’s so fun, they are encouraging you to dress up!

And of course, we’ll be there too!  In fact, we’re a sponsor!  Watch for our banner and booth and be sure to come say HI!

REGISTER TODAY before the rates go up!

Farm Man FAQ

Register HERE

Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 76 as an Eagle Scout Project put on by Spencer Harshman

If you are feeling like doing some service work and helping a young man with his Eagle Scout project!

Phase 1:  Friday October 8th at 9am
Lake Hazel & Five Mile Rd
(Old ball field next to Lake Hazel Lane)

Phase 2:  Saturday October 9th at 9am
Cloverdale Rd & E. Bott Lane
(Next to the Cloverdale Church of God,
Between Victory & Amity Roads)

Bring work gloves, shovels, pliers, ladders.

“I came across something wonderful that can save your readers hundreds of dollars. For both high school homecoming and prom,
The Assistance League of Boise sponsors Cinderella’s Closet for Ada county teenagers. They rent out gorgeous formals for both girls and guys for only a $10 cleaning fee!!! The gowns have to be under 3 years old to be rented. There are tons of dresses and tuxes with all of the accessories. Everyone there is very friendly and is volunteering their time. There are multiple changing rooms to make sure that it fits just right. You just have to have a student ID to an Ada county school, a driver’s license (can be Mom’s) and $10. They are due back the week after the event.”

You Can Also Be a part of this special program:

• Bring your “gently used” gowns/formal wear to the Assistance League Thrift Shop and mention Cinderella’s Closet to a volunteer
• Dresses should be no more than three years old
• Your formal wear will make a teen’s dreams come true, instead of taking up space in your closet
• All sizes are welcome, we are especially in need of plus size dresses
• A tax receipt will be provided
• Contact us if you want to participate in a special Cinderella’s Closet dress drive

Find more information on their website.  Last year they helped over 350 young women and men!!

I thought about telling you how this blog came to be… and how it has been such a blessing in my life… for more reasons than I could ever explain.

I thought about telling you how wonderful it has been to make new associations and cherished friendships because of this blog.

I really thought you should know that I never sought help from my friends.  Nor were my blogging friends seeking out a “fund raiser project”  for me and my family.

I thought about telling you that it was actually a reader, turned dear friend, that approached us with this idea.  She found herself in a situation where she could make something positive happen – after hearing the details of how it came to be, I can’t deny she was guided.

I thought about telling you how hard it has been for me to accept help.  It took much thought on my part,  and convincing from my dear friends, to recognize that this was a blessing that would not only help me in a big way, it would give others an opportunity to serve, and in turn, be blessed.

I really wanted you to know about the internal battle I had.  I know there are sooo many others in similar situations.  “Who am I to think that I am worthy to be the benefactor of something so wonderful… just because I am the one with a blog.” It just didn’t seem fair, and it didn’t seem right.  I’d much rather use the “advantage” I have with this blog to help someone else.  Again, it was my dear friends who convinced me it was MY turn to be the receiver.   Not only that, but I needed to acknowledge the Lord’s hand in my life.

I thought about letting you know how humbled my husband and I have been… not only by the gesture, but by the response.  More than 300 tickets have been sold.  But even more amazing is the fact that there have been OVER ONE HUNDRED TICKETS tickets purchased by readers who live out of the area who simply want to give.  Their kind notes asked that we “donate” the tickets to local families who could enjoy them.   Many tears have been shed as I’ve read your sweet comments, emails, and the notes on your paypal purchase.  Not only that, but other bloggers are linking to the post, asking their readers to help out a fellow blogger.  (There certainly are some wonderful bloggers out there!)

I also wanted you to know that I’ll be using this experience as a teaching tool.  This is an opportunity for me to teach my children gratitude.  They will be the ones addressing and stuffing and sticking the stamps to the envelopes (and if your envelope comes with a crooked stamp, that is just my 4 year old sending his love).  They will be taught about the love and kindness shown by complete strangers.

So with a full heart, I humbly say to you, my dear friends…. Thank You.  YOU have made a difference in my life. I’ve felt the comforting power of your prayers.  I in turn pray that you will be blessed because of your kindness and thoughtfulness.

And I must give a big thanks to my dear friends who have shown love and concern for me over the past year.   I am grateful for each and every one of you!

And what are we going to do with all these donated tickets???

All the donated tickets have been spoken for…  we actually have more requests than we have donations for.  If you’d like to donate some tickets,  you can purchase them right here:  http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2010/09/12-price-admission-to-linder-farms-corn-maze.html

If you know of a family who would enjoy taking their own family to Linder Farms, but can’t afford it, please shoot me an email.  Give me the # of tickets they will use, along with their name and address (children 3 and under are free and don’t need tickets, so be sure to factor that in when you send me the info!).   This will be on a first come, first serve, basis.  I trust that all the nominated families are ones who are in need of something fun and free!  If you need to nominate yourself, please feel free to to that!  As we get more donated tickets coming in, I’ll fill the requests.   Just email me at: fabulesslydrugal at gmail dot com and put “Donated Linder Farms Ticket Request” in the subject.

I am honored to be associated with all of you.

We always rope you guys into helping out with our little “giving back” plans and without hesitation you always deliver in a BIG way.  Well, we have another one for you and this one hits so close to home. Too close. I’m talking about one of our own.

(as of October 2009 – the picture is now out of date!)

Many of you may know that over a year ago Cathy‘s husband lost his job. And you might also know that she has 7 young mouths to feed. What you probably don’t know is how dire their situation is. It is bad. Very bad.

Before her husband lost his job, they had done everything right. They had pinched pennies when there was no need. They had built a stockpile. They had money in savings. So when the security of her husband’s income was ripped from under them, they were okay. He set out to find a new job and picked up any available odd jobs he could to bring in income. Money was tight, but they were staying afloat. Then weeks turned into months and months turned into a year. No job offers. No more savings. No more stockpile.

We begged her to let us help her. She refused and set about organizing fundraisers and charity events for others. We pleaded with her to accept money from us. She again refused and then we watched her as she willingly gave up her high value baby coupons to help out those in need as we were shopping for the Community Baby Shower.

“It will come back to me,” she said confidently. And now we ask your help to make that happen.

There has never been a more deserving person. Cathy gives freely. She serves without hesitation. She always puts others before herself. But she no longer has that ability. She needs our help and has FINALLY (albeit kicking and screaming) agreed to allow it.

So here is the plan…..

Linder Farms in Meridian, Idaho is allowing us to sell corn maze tickets to help our friend!

Have you been to Linder Farms?

It ROCKS!

Linder Farms is a 20 acre pumpkin patch, 15 acre corn maze, and fantastic family event. Including:

• Straw Bale Maze
• Boise State Bronco Corn Maze
• Hayrides
• Huge 20 Acre Pumpkin Patch
• Barrel Train Rides
• Inflatables and Astro Jumps
• Petting Zoo
• Pony Rides
• Pumpkin Slingshot
• Concessions

Since we are fruGALS we are going to give you a deal!

Corn maze tickets are only $5.50 plus FREE SHIPPING!

That is 50% off baby! Tickets are normally $10!

{note that the tickets are valid for the first two weeks only}

We will start mailing tickets next week so you’ll have them in time.

All the proceeds from the ticket sales will go to help Cathy and her family of nine.   {Here is what she has to say about all of this love!}

Thank You Linder Farms and fab fruGALs!

Please know that we are aware many of you coupon because you are in dire financial situations. We would NEVER think any less of you if you are not in a position to give or if you simply do not care to. We just feel that because we are able to reach a wide audience, it makes sense to give others the opportunity to give back if they are able.

Here is one of those opportunities:

A few readers emailed us to let us know about a non-local mother of 7 young children (one of them a newborn) who recently passed away quite unexpectedly. The father/husband is trying to pick up the pieces as best he can, but their situation is quite dire. Reader Tonya knows the family and is planning a trip to deliver as much food as she can stuff into her vehicle. That’s where you guys come in.

Did you overestimate how many boxes of fruit snacks your family would consume before they expire and now have an excess?

Are you so sick of Fruity Pebbles you can’t see straight?

Does the mere mention of Quaker Instant Oatmeal make you want to gag?

Oh, that’s just me? Good to know! Seriously though, if you have an excess of anything in your stockpile that you would be willing to part with, now is the time to put it to good use.

But you have to act FAST. Tonya is leaving on her trip SATURDAY!! That means we need to get our donations to help this young family to her ASAP. You can drop them off at her house:

I’m not kidding. Her results were

AMAZING!!

You might need to sit down for this. She spent $100.02 and bought $1665.23 worth of groceries and products. Let me repeat myself. She spent $100.02 and bought $1665.23 worth of groceries and products.

That means she saved $1565.23!!!!

Now if that isn’t FAB, I don’t know what is! She was able to help a number of families with her haul, including our Fab Pay It Forward Garage Sale families. So incredible! (And no hoarding or shelf clearing took place AT ALL! She drove all over the Treasure Valley and back again to do her shopping, which she spent many days completing.)

Here are some pictures of her amazing shopping trips:

A HUGE thank you goes out to Bridget for not only taking on our challenge, but blowing it away!!

You did an incredible job!!

Here’s the grand total from 2010 Community Baby Shower:
Diapers – 35,560
Wipes – 1194 Boxes
Clothing – 259 outfits
Blankets – 149
Formula/Food – 412

**All the agencies also received thousands of other baby toiletry/misc. items**

WOW!

Thanks to all the fruGALs and guys that supported the baby shower!!!!!!

Thanks to Michelle and Scott from Todays Channel 6 for getting us involved we had fun stretching your dollars with coupons to bring in more donations!

Here is the footage of AJ and her shopping trip with Scott Dorval! She showed him how to stretch $200 by using coupons and deals to save money on diapers, wipes, formula and bottles.

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY!

We want to help Today’s 6 News surpass the number of donations they brought in last year…  Here are the #’s we want to beat!

Diapers – 1095 Packages

Wet Wipes – 836 Boxes

Clothing Sets – 129

Blankets –  148

Formula –  139 Cans

*************************************************

Join us at the Five Mile and Overland Albertsons on Wednesday at 5:45 pm.  We will be there with Michelle Edmonds as she does her last final push for donations.

We want YOU, our super fab readers to JOIN US!

Meet us there and bring your donations!

Feel free to bring any donation – big or small (or do some shopping first) and help us support this worthwhile cause!  Even if it’s one small thing, EVERY DONATION makes a difference!!!  We’ll see you at Albertsons on Five Mile and Overland at 5:45 on Wednesday July 28th!  You can read more about Today’s 6 Community Baby Shower here.

What: Community Baby Shower

Host: Michelle Edmonds and Todays 6 News

Who: local non profit education based programs collect the supplies, and mothers and children alike benefit thanks to your kind donations!

Collecting: Baby Shampoo, Oil, Powder, Formula, Bottles, Diapers, Wipes, Clothing, ANYTHING BABY GOES!

We will even take your baby coupons or FORMULA CHECKS and do the shopping for you!

Drop Off: items by Tuesday (July 27th) OR on Wednesday 6am-10:30pm (July 28th) at ANY Treasure Valley Albertsons!

Boise
********* Ave
Boise ******

Kuna
************
Kuna 88888

Nampa

*********
Nampa 88888
Printable Baby Item Coupons:

$2/1 Huggies Baby Wipes 320 ct. or larger (coupons.com)
$1/1 Johnson’s Baby Powder ets (bricks coupon)
$2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups (pull-ups.com)
$1/1 Seventh Generation Diapers
$3.50 off wyb Huggies Diapers and 184 ct. or larger Huggies Wipes Target coupon (can be stacked with MQs)
$1 off Coupon for YoBaby or YoToddler Yogurt
$1/1 JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME® Bath, Lotion and NEW Bubble Bath & Wash
$1/1 Baby Desitin Cream
$1/1 JOHNSON’S® Baby Shampoo
$1 OFF coupon for Baby Orajel
$1/1 JOHNSON’S® HEAD-TO-TOE® Baby Wash
$1/1 All® Free Clear laundry detergent
55¢/1 Half Gallon of Horizon Organic® Milk plus DHA Omega-3

Insert Baby Item Coupons:

$.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes, 64ct. or larger SS-7/11
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers $1.50/1 SS-7/11
$1.50/1 Huggies Overnites Diapers SS-7/11
$2/1 Luvs Diapers 6/27-RP
$2/1 Pampers Cruisers Diapers RP-6/20
$2/ Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers PG-7/4
$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants PG-6/6
$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants PG-7/4
$2/1 Pampers Swaddlers or Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers RP-6/20
$1/1 Pampers Wipes 180ct. or larger RP-6/20
$2/1 Pampers Wipes, any 60 ct or larger PG-6/6
$.50/1 Pampers Wipes, any 60 ct. or larger PG-7/4

Get more information about the Community Baby Shower!

AJ and some of the other fabs will be shopping with Scott Dorval at Albertsons for baby items later today! You will be able to see how it went tonight on Todays 6 News!

Thanks for your support!

PS: We are also collecting tampons and pads to aid women in Africa!

Hey Boise, here is another chance to give back!  Michelle Edmonds from Channel 6 news let us know about their Community Baby Shower and we are excited to help!

Here is some information about it from Michelle:

I started [this] while pregnant with my second child.  The quick story is I saw a real need to help young moms/families make sure they got a good start on parenting.  I believe the way to do this is through education.  So I hooked up with local non-profit organizations that provide incentive-based education programs to help families.  The parents go to classes (through the non-profits), their doctors appointments, reading time at the library,etc. and get a card signed every time they complete an assignment.  Those signatures add up to points that they can redeem for needed baby goods through the organizations.  It’s truly amazing to see how lives big and small are being changed by these programs.

We would love to gather as many “incentive” items as possible for the non-profits.  Their most needed items are diapers and wipes, but really anything for a baby goes.  Their only request for this drive is that the items be new.  (These programs never get new gear and so it is extra special for the women to get an incentive item with a tag on it!)

Other ideas: Baby Shampoo, Oil, Powder, Formula, Bottles, etc…

You can drop off items by Tuesday (July 27th) to a few of the same locations we used for the garage sale.

Boise
Kuna
Nampa
Read more about the four non-profits (2 in Boise, 1 in Nampa, 1 in Caldwell) we’re supporting and see stories from years past.

Don’t worry, we’re not leaving you without help.  Here are a few coupons and deals for baby items to help you stretch your generosity as far as possible!

Printable Baby Item Coupons

$2/1 Huggies Baby Wipes 320 ct. or larger (coupons.com)
$1/1 Johnson’s Baby Powder ets (bricks coupon)
$2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups (pull-ups.com)
$1/1 Seventh Generation Diapers
$3.50 off wyb Huggies Diapers and 184 ct. or larger Huggies Wipes Target coupon (can be stacked with MQs)

Insert Baby Item Coupons

$.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes, 64ct. or larger SS-7/11
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers $1.50/1 SS-7/11
$1.50/1 Huggies Overnites Diapers  SS-7/11
$2/1 Luvs Diapers 6/27-RP
$2/1 Pampers Cruisers Diapers RP-6/20
$2/ Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers PG-7/4
$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants PG-6/6
$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants PG-7/4
$2/1 Pampers Swaddlers or Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers RP-6/20
$1/1 Pampers Wipes 180ct. or larger RP-6/20
$2/1 Pampers Wipes, any 60 ct or larger PG-6/6
$.50/1 Pampers Wipes, any 60 ct. or larger PG-7/4

Current Deals

Babies R Us

Here is the ad for Babies R Us Deals.  Some of them expired on the 22nd, some are good through Sat., and some into August.

Also use your manufacturer’s coupons to make this deal better!

Target

Pampers Wipes $1.97(as far as I know, they are still this price)
use $2/1 Pampers Wipes from P&G-6/6
Final price: Free

Get a $5 Gift Card wyb 2 Big Pack Diapers or Training Pants for $19.99 ea

Pampers

$2/1 Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive, or Extra Protection Diapers from 7/4 PG
$2/1 Pampers Cruisers from 6/20 RP
$2/1 Pampers Swaddlers from 6/20 RP
$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants from 6/6 PG or 7/4 PG
Final Price: $15.49 ea

Huggies
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers from 7/11 SS
Final Price: as low as $15.99 ea

Also use the $3.50 off Huggies Diapers and Wipes Target Coupon
as well as the $2/1 Huggies Wipes Coupon from coupons.com to lower your diaper cost and get wipes!

Huggies Pull-Ups
$2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups
$1.50/1 Huggies Pull-Ups from 7/18 SS
Final Price: as low as $15.49 ea

Walgreens

Pampers Baby Wipes $2.49
Use $2/1 Pampers Wipes from P&G-6/6
Final Price: $.49 each

Walmart

Pampers Baby Wipes $1.97
Use $2/1 Pampers Wipes from P&G-6/6
Final Price: Free

If you have baby items in your stockpile you no longer need or are willing to donate, bring them by!  What other baby deals are you finding this week that could benefit our community?  Share in the comments!

And FINALLY, (I know, this post is long!) if you have the $2/1 Pampers Wipes coupons and are not going to use them, we would be happy to get them from you and do the shopping!

Thanks ladies and gents, we know we can make a BIG difference!

We always appreciate your emails letting us know about FAB deals and info! Here are just a few from the inbox this week.

Sean told us about a 20% off coupon for Hollister. Might be perfect for that back to school shopping!

Sean also told us about this $1/1 Snickers Ice Cream Bar coupon. I’m now contemplating having ice cream for breakfast. And if that is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

FruGAL Jenn told us about a great deal on chicken:

I noticed today at the Walmart in Ontario that chicken breasts were only $1.78 per pound, better price than the Albertson’s price. Not sure if this is all the stores in the valley or not.

And finally FruGAL Amy told us about a great opportunity to give back:

Hey Ladies!  I was wondering if I could enlist your help.  You have so many great followers that helped to make your yard sale such a great success.  What a great community we live in!!  I just recently started school at Oliver Finley and there is a former student that is going on a mission to Africa.  Did you know that in Africa women and girls miss a week of work and school because they are uneducated about their menstrual cycles and have no idea how to deal with it.  They actually sit on dirt mounds to absorb.  It’s very sad and I thought what a great idea to host a Tampon and Pad Drive for her to take to Africa with her.  If anybody has donations, they can contact me to come and pick it up or drop it off at Oliver Finley: Five Mile and Fairview right next to the Buffalo Club. Just ask for Amy Conner.  I would really appreciate this.  We will be doing this for the next three weeks.  Thank you so much!

Every last penny has been counted and the grand total is in. And oh how grand it is! The Second Annual FAB Pay It Forward Community Garage Sale, Bake Sale and Raffle raised (drum roll please)…………………

$4,345.80

SIMPLY AMAZING!!!

You guys are absolutely the best readers anyone could ask for. $4,345.80 to help 3 of the most deserving families, all because of YOU!  Like my 6-year-old says, “It makes my heart happy.”

Now some official thank yous are in order. We’ll start with our FAB sponsors:

Residence Inn by Marriott
The suites at the Residence Inn are beautiful, w/ full kitchens and living room areas. Plus, their staff is as fab as they come & as a bonus, they serve a massive breakfast buffet that won’t cost you a dime! Check them out on facebook too! Thanks for sponsoring Steve!

Albertsons
No reason to go into why we love Albies so much because we think you probably already know, but Kathi, Damien and the crew at 5&O are always so great to us. Thanks guys!

Famous Dave’s

If you haven’thad their bread pudding, you haven’t lived! Thanks Wes!

Olive Garden
Thank you to Tamra and crew over at the home of the best breadsticks on earth, aka. the Nampa Olive Garden!

Cheesecake Factory
I would tell you my favorite menu items, but that list would be as long as their menu! Thanks Jay!

Rudy’s
Such a fun environment to gather with friends to eat some of the best casual food around. If you like french dip, you will love theirs! Thanks for your support!

Other Mother’s
Thanks Nancy and Val for your tremendous support. From your generous donations of gift certificates, tables and baby goods galore, to your hours donated and your willingness to help. You embody everything this sale is about and we can’t thank you enough!

Dr. Gregg Wilson
As nice as he is skilled, Dr. Wilson’s office ROCKS! And you won’t find a friendlier office staff!

High Country Produce
We love love love the produce (and the staff) at HCP!  Thanks Craig and Jim!

Sam I Am Jewelry – Stacy Brooks
Her jewelry is original, gorgeous and handcrafted. Does it get any better?

Doodlebeads – Celena Moncur & Chris Hessing
I love how a Doodlebeads bracelet or watch can make even the simplest outfit pop! Plus, you can customize to match your unique style!

Shaklee Products
Thanks AskLizFirst!

And reader Michelle for donating 8 weeks of coupon inserts!

Volunteers

Other Mothers: Nancy and Val Batteen
Sophie Allen
Evelyn McCullough
Mark Knight
Roman Yoder
Mark Abercrombie
Michelle & Kenny Gather
Nick Christensen
Desiree Foster
Bridget Messick
Tami Hill {and her husband}
Sally Hanson
Kathi Hancock
Kimberly Wing
Wendi Huffman
Wendi Huffman’s mom
Alesha Trujillo
Shannah Phares
Jennifer Millett
Afton Ellsworth
Ted and Karen Anderson
Michelle & Jason Humphreys
Mason and Savannah Humphreys
Monica Stamper

Donations

Every last one of you who donated items to sell!!
Lacey Kilgore and Five Mile Church of the Nazarene
Other Mothers:Nancy and Val Batteen
Paper Cottage: Celena Moncur
Carmen French
Jake Bishop
Alyson Harwood of Creative Elements
Evelyn McCullough
Becky Eyre
Ximena McCall
Wendi Huffman
Summer Price
Kurt Whiting
Jake and Carolee Price
Brian Price
Amy Connor
Shaunna Stoddard
Tara Neiderer
Dyana Galbraith
Debra Wade
Sophie Allen
Amy Siddoway
Aspen and Amber Siddoway
Danielle Smith
Melanie Newburn
Christa Arnstam {your cheese cake brownies sold out in like 5 seconds}
Chelsea Drake
Michelle Humphreys
Susan Lookhart {Cathy loves your basket!}
Hayley Schatz
Janeil Wardell
Jessica Seppa
Angela Frazee
Mark and Karen Dunkley
Ben Decker
Ted and Karen Anderson
Steve Burch of Sterling Construction
Krista Hibbert
Larry and Diane Grable
Katie Jennings
Jen Wieber
Wendi Huffman
Rebekah Marquez
Sally Hanson

Media

Holly Anderson: Idaho Statesman
Michelle Edmonds, Steve & Lance: KIVI Ch 6
Stacy Skrysak, Bri Eggers : KTRV Fox12

We know we overlooked so many of you and we are so sorry. In our haste to set-up and in the busyness of the day, we never even had a chance to pause and speak to many of the volunteers like the kind blonde lady with the black tank top. We ♥ you.

Now…

On To the Raffle Winners!

If you are a winner – we will do our best to (read your writing and) contact you!  You can also just email us your info and we’ll make arrangements to get your prize to you THIS WEEK!  Congrats to all and thank you so much for entering!!!

{Sorry for the delay in getting this up – we had some technical difficulties that slowed us down!!}

To execute a sale of this magnitude an extraordinary amount of work is required. So much work in fact that as we prepared for last year’s sale we were questioning whether we would ever do it again. And then we held the sale and were blown away by the outpouring of support from you, our amazing readers. It was an incredible experience that we were blessed to have been a part of.

When we decided to do it again this year and the stress of planning the event began to take over, I again questioned whether it was worth it.  Would we even get donations for a second year? Had we asked too much of our readers? Would anyone even show up? Would people feel as passionately about helping these families as we did?

I now feel silly for having had those thoughts.

You not only donated, you filled flat bed after flat bed trailer. You volunteered to work shoulder to shoulder for hours in the sweltering heat with people you had never met, to benefit people you probably never will meet. You baked. And you baked. And then you baked some more. You shared our desire to help these deserving families and you showed up in force to prove it.

We are not sure how to adequately thank you. We will attempt it in our official thank you post tomorrow, but we are not sure any choice of words could ever make you understand how grateful we are to you. Or how blessed we are to be a part of a couponing community that so freely gives, without ever expecting anything in return.

The sale was a HUGE success. We do not have a final total raised yet, as we are still selling raffle tickets until midnight, but we were once again blown away by the results.

And we could have never helped these families without YOU.

YOU. AMAZE. US.

Endlessly grateful,
The Fab Five

_______________________________________________________________________

 Are you tired of us asking for help?  It’s almost over!! 

We are just about done sorting and tagging, but we still need help TOMORROW (Saturday!).

We need help setting up!

We will be at the Five Mile Church of the Nazarene- 2701 S. Five Mile Road starting at 5:30 am (yep – THAT early!).  We will be unloading 4 trailers and a whole lot of trucks loads of donations.  AND we’ll need to set it all up… and we’ll need help getting this accomplished before 8am!

We will need people to help man the sale. 

Keeping things organized, telling people about the raffle and bake sale, help people, and do whatever else needs to be done!   

We need help with clean up!!! 

We will have a lot of items left at the end of the sale.  We are going to take all of the leftovers to Idaho Youth Ranch, Goodwill, and Deseret Industries.  We’ll need help loading and transporting and just cleaning up!

We need you to come buy!!! 

If you don’t want any of the yard sale stuff, that’s OK!  We’ve got a lot of other things to offer as well!

• come buy raffle tickets
• delicious baked goods (who can resist Sophies goodies?  See picture – found at Bakerella!)
• bid on an item in the silent auction
• or just come and make a donation!

EVERY single penny goes to these families!  We need your support!  We want to raise at least $4000.00!  We can do it!

Thanks for all you’ve done so far.  We are truly in awe of your generosity!

ps – keep an eye on the news tonight to see our “glistening faces”!  Channel 6 at 5 or 6, and Channel 12 at 9 and 10!

What are we talking about?  You can read all about it here.

You want a chance to win up to FIFTEEN different prizes??  These will all be available to win THIS SATURDAY at our 2nd Annual Pay it Forward Garage Sale!  If you can’t make it to the sale, but still want to purchase tickets and support these wonderful families, you can do it right here!

Wanna know what you’re playin for????

You could win any of these fabulous prizes (AND you can win more than once)!!!!

1 night stay at Residence Inn by Marriott
Thanks Steve!

$25.00 Albertsons Gift Card
(Thank you Five Mile & Overland Albertsons!)

$25.00 Famous Dave Gift Card

Thanks Wes!

$25.00 Olive Garden Gift Card
Thank you to Tamra and crew over at the Nampa Olive Garden!

$50 Cheesecake Factory Gift Card

Thanks Jay!

$25 Rudy’s Gift Certificate

$25 Other Mother’s Gift Certificate

Thanks Nancy!

Rowdy Diaper Bag

1 Hour Massage from Chiropractic Spine Care

Teeth Whitening from Dr. Gregg Wilson

$25 High Country Produce Gift Certificate (Thanks Jim!)

Pair of earnings and matching necklace from Sam I Am Jewelry (she’s a fab fruGAL!)

Two bracelets from Doodlebeads

$25 Gift Certificate for Shaklee Products
Thanks AskLizFirst!

And a HUGE stack of the past 8 weeks of COUPON INSERTS
(Thanks reader Michelle, another fab fruGAL!!) – 10 copies of each insert for each week!

_____________________________________________________________

Either come buy the HUGE Charity Yard Sale at the Five Mile Church of the Nazarene- 2701 S. Five Mile Road Saturday from 8am-1pm OR you can purchase your raffle tickets!

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!!!

The more tickets you purchase, the greater your chances of winning!!

PS. GET YOUR DONATIONS TO OUR DROP OFF LOCATIONS ASAP!!! Today is technically the last day, but we will never turn a donation away!!

The 2nd Annual Pay it Forward Community Garage Sale is only a few days away and it’s crunch time.  We asked for your donations and you delivered (we will always take more though!!), so now we have to sort and clean and tag. If you’ve ever had a yard sale, you probably know how much time that part takes. Well times that amount of work by 10 and that’s what we have in store for us in the next few days (seeing the results come Saturday morning make every minute spent completely worth it!).

And that’s why we need YOU!

Do you have a few hours to spare on Thursday or Friday morning? Come hang out with us! We need help sorting & tagging:

Thursday from 9am-noon
Friday from 9am-noon

We will provide donuts & babysitters for your kiddos!

We also need volunteers the day of the sale as well. There will be 2 shifts Saturday:

7am-10am AND 10am-1pm

And while we can’t offer you any compensation for your time (we can however offer treats!), we will be forever grateful for your help! Email us with questions at fabulesslyfrugal@ gmail.com.

Thanks again for all of your support with this. We couldn’t do it without you!

We’ve been talking about the 2nd Annual Fab Pay it Forward Community Garage Sale the past few weeks.

Last year the bake sale we had was even bigger than we imagined. We are hoping to make it big again, but we need you!!!

We need to get a count of who is bringing what and how much! We have already heard from some of our most fab fabs! Thanks ladies!

email us at fabulesslyfrugal {at} gmail {dot} com and let us know what you are bringing!

Thanks! We ♥ you!

Are you wondering why we’re doing this??  You can find ALL THE INFORMATION RIGHT HERE!