Click here to snag a FREE sample of Nivea Creme Body Wash!  I would guess this sample would arrive with coupons!

We are in the process of an incredible DIY project!  My husband and I are building a patio and a fun, family oasis in our back yard and I am so excited to have this  family spot for my 4 children.  My vision involves a beautiful stone patio, our family fire pit, swings and slides for the little ones, a large trampoline and a permanent volleybal/bad mitten net.  When we moved in our house about 8 or 9 year ago we had an above ground pool.  We weren’t looking for a place with a pool but we took advantage of it each summer but the fun only seemed to last about 2 and a half months.  When the liner tore over the winter I came up with my back yard dream that I’m sure we’ll use 12 months out of the year.

My first step started with the removal of the pool.  Have you ever heard of  freecycle.org?  I posted the pool on Freecycle on a Wednesday and it was gone by the weekend at no charge to me or my family.  I’m sure the new family owners spent a small amount on a new liner and will receive a few good years of wet fun and it benefited my family from not having to go through a labor intensive tear down and trip to the dump.

My next step was collecting the stones for the patio. If you live anywhere near a stone kitchen counter manufacturer you may be able to get free stone just like I did. The stone fabricators discard huge amounts of beautiful stone that have broken or pieces that are just too small for a bathroom or kitchen counter.  It took 3 separate trips with a borrowed truck from my parents but I was able to score all of the stone for my patio completely FREE. What a huge expense we were spared!

Now we’re in the process of digging out the first layer of grass to set the place for the stones, and the most important phase for this step of the project – Shopping for discount patio furnishing and swings.  Now through the fall is an excellent time to find discounted patio furniture!  Target and many other stores have beautiful patio furnishing on sale right now for approximately 40% off but between now and the fall I’m expecting to find discounts in the range of 50% to 75%.  With my future bargain shopping I also have to be willing  NOT to get stuck on any 1 particular store or furniture set and I’m ok with that.  End of the season shopping is when you’ll find the best bargains for summer essentials.

Pop over an e-mail or post on Facebook when your local store discounts their seasonal clearance.  Be sure to state your city and store name (like Glen Blurnie Target for example).  Remember when we all work together we can save so much more!

So…. unless Yard Crashers from HGtv comes up to me in the parking lot of Lowes or my local harware store, my patio adventures will continue week by week.

Steaks Deal of the Day is the Steaks n’ Burgers combo deal for only $39.99. This is a savings of $54.01. This deal is a meat lovers dream. Remember this deal is only good for today 7/15.  This is what you will get;

2 (6 oz.) Filet Mignons
2 (6 oz.) Top Sirloins
2 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers

Click here to snag this *HOT* $1.00 off of 3 coupon for Capri Sun!

Click here to snag a coupon for 75¢ off Silk Soy Milk.

Thanks to reader Lou P. for sharing this yummy bargain!  Click here to go to Facebook and snag a coupon for $1.00 off McCain Potatoes product.  I love their smiling mashed potatoes that just get popped right in the oven, keep their happy smiling shape and are so darn easy to serve.  Thanks again Lou – I’ll be printing this coupon for sure.  Hit your back browser 4-5 times and print this one twice!  Keep sharing bargains you find and we’ll all save so much more!