Gone Camping!

Cheap and Cheerful is on vacation until August 4th. I will be back then with more back to school deals and steals.

Until then, feel free to leave a comment or question.

Oh, and we found this place while on our trip. Cookies. Near the ocean. Yes, please. Not totally cheap, but VERY cheerful.

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Deal Detective Pam

Thank you Pam, a great Deal Detective, from Pleasant Hill, CA. She informed me of a great deal at Staples. Until July 31, if you buy a backpack, you will get 100% of the price of the backpack refunded to you on a Staples gift card. The card will arrive at your door sometime in October. If you are a regular Staples customer, you've got yourself a FREE backpack!

Favorite Things: More Christmas in July

I've been doing some more Christmas in July sleuthing. Here are five frugal finds ...

If you know any two to four year old girls, this princess with magnetic clothes is under $10 and would provide hours of fun.

What kid (or adult!) doesn't love a backpack filled with goodies? Take advantage of the backpack sales going on now and hide a few for Santa's sleigh. If you're a regular at Office Max and would use the "rebate", check out this deal.

If you know a person who swims all year round, there should be some great beach towel deals, like this one, starting now. Add a monogram for a personal touch.

Does Santa normally bring the men in your life a dress shirt or tie? Grab a few of these (33% off) before August 2.

Pre-order a book coming out this fall and save up to 50% off at Borders. After all, this Santa needs "something to read" for everyone this year.

Favorite Things: Christmas in July!

Christmas in July? Well, not quite ... but a bit of start. Today, I hit the Old Navy sale since I also wanted to take advantage of the 25% teacher discount offered this weekend. I spend just $40 on everything pictured here, which includes two Christmas gifts!

My friend Kim shared the "something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read" Christmas gift list mantra. My five year old son does not mind getting clothes as gifts if the clothing gift is something like a Batman or Star Wars long sleeved t-shirt. Add some jeans (which I will grab at another back to school sale soon) and there is one whole gift category crossed off his Christmas list!

The navy blue pants are for school, the black polo (only $3.75!) is for our fall family photo, and the dress is for a little girl who is starting preschool soon. It was just $9 with the discount and will pair perfectly with three sweaters she just interited from a generous friend.

I love Christmas in July!

Today's Giveway: Raffle for 4 Rivercats Tickets

This one is for my fellow Sacramentans. You can enter a raffle for four Rivercats tickets by sending an email to mmsweepstakes@moneymailer.com. The deadline is August 10th. One entry per household. 30 winners chosen at random.

The "flyer" from Money Mailer (the envelope of coupons that arrives weekly) includes three coupons: $5 off a Day of Game price ticket, $6 Lawn seat, and $7 off Club Seats. All coupons are valid for Monday - Thursday games.

Deal of the Day: $9.99 Leather Flip Flops

I would wear flip flops 365 days a year if I could! And these cuties from Lands' End are just $9.99. Go ahead -- get more than one color!

Money Mantra: Time is Money

Don't let anyone tell you any differently: Saving money takes time. Whether it is printing coupons, scanning ads, or driving to an alternate store, it takes time to save a dime. But the reward is more money in your pocket to enjoy the other time in your day. I'd say that it's a win-win.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What is the most time consuming part of saving money for you?