Wool Dryer Balls Save Time and Money and more...

I started using these Wool Dryer Balls years ago in my dryer with a few drops of my favorite essential oils to save money and time on doing laundry.

If you want to know more about How to Save Money, read more below.

And boy was I was thrilled to have a new option for making my clothes nice and soft without adding all the chemicals that would leech into our clothes, towels, sheets…

I actually stopped using fabric softener years ago and was excited to learn about this new economical option.

Benefits of Using Wool Dryer Balls

Not only do they work to get my clothes feeling fluffy and soft, but with the right essential oils, they smell great too!

Oh, and I can’t forget to tell you how they have cut my drying time down almost by half!!

Saving Time AND Money….yes, please!

The only downside to using these is that your dog may or may not try to steal them when you aren’t looking thinking that they are new balls that you picked up for them 😉

Today I saw the same ones I ordered on sale for under ten bucks!

• Dryer balls work by separating laundry in the dryer so that hot air can circulate more evenly and efficiently; because it reaches all areas of the fabric, cutting down your overall drying time.
• Reduce wrinkles and controls static cling.
• Wool dryer balls help remove extra lint from your clothing as it dries.
• A “natural” fabric softener that reduces drying time up to 40% and replaces dryer sheets.

Pick up your set of Wool Dryer Balls here.

You can also get some high-quality essential oils like these ones, to use with your dryer balls if you’d like to add a safer, natural, non-toxic “scent” to your laundry.

Plus, you can use the code SHAREYL to get 10% off your first order!

More Ways to Save Money on Laundry

• Homemade Laundry Detergent
• How to Save Money on Laundry
• How to Save on Electric Bill Costs

    

Want to know the secret to getting a free Starbucks drink? It’s easier than you think!

If you love a little treat without paying full price, here’s the simplest, mom tested guide to free drinks and easy savings without having to clip coupons.

Right now Starbucks is offering a special promo called Starbucks Monday!

On Monday, Feb. 9, members of the Starbucks Rewards program can get a free tall (12-oz.) brewed hot or iced coffee when they purchase any qualifying beverage at participating U.S. stores.

Just open the Starbucks app, make sure the free coffee offer shows up in your Offers tab, and redeem it when you order or let your barista know you’re using it in person. If you’re not already a Rewards member, signing up is free and easy, and the free coffee offer will be added to your app before your coffee run.

It’s the perfect little pick-me-up to beat the Mondayest Monday!

And right now, you can get a complimentary beverage up to $8 in value just by joining Starbucks® Rewards and making a qualifying purchase within your first week.

Don’t miss out on this sweet deal, valid for new members who sign up by 9/28/2025.

I’ll show you exactly how to find the offer in the app and what kind of delicious handcrafted drinks you can redeem.

Get ready to sip your favorite drink for free!

How to Sign up for Starbucks Rewards

One of the easiest ways that you can Save Money on Starbucks is using Starbucks Rewards.

How to Get a Free Starbucks Drink

Create your account in the app. Right now, new members who sign up by Sept 28, 2025 get one free handcrafted drink with a qualifying purchase during their first week (the coupon lands in your Offers tab, so make sure to watch for it). Promos change, so peek at the app for the current deal.

1. Download the Starbucks app on your phone.
2. Sign up for the free Starbucks Rewards program.
3. Make a purchase and pay with a card or gift card you’ve registered in your account.

You’ll automatically receive 150 stars after your first purchase through the app that you can use to get one free standard-menu size handcrafted beverage of your choice!

You can add shots of espresso, flavorings, and whipped cream, all included free!

Know your Star tiers (what your Stars buy)

• 25 Stars: add-ons (extra espresso shot, syrup/sauce).
• 100 Stars: brewed coffee or tea, iced coffee/tea, or a bakery/snack item.
• 200 Stars: any handcrafted drink or a hot breakfast item.
• 300 Stars: packaged lunch/salad/protein box or a bag of coffee.
• 400 Stars: select merchandise or Starbucks Reserve packaged coffee (value cap applies).
  Availability can vary by store type. Some grocery cafés (like Target or Kroger locations) show a 150-Star redemption for food/drink—your app will reflect what’s available at your store.

Earn Stars faster (simple habits)

• Pay in-app with a loaded Starbucks Card → 2 Stars per $1. If you only scan your member barcode and then pay with cash/credit, it’s 1 Star per $1.
• Watch for Double/Triple Star Days. Starbucks pings you in the app/email; tap to activate.
• Bring a clean reusable cup for 10¢ off plus Double Stars (works in café, drive-thru, and mobile orders; benefit has daily limits).
• Link partner programs for extra goodies:
  • Marriott Bonvoy ↔ Starbucks = Double Stars during hotel stays + occasional point bonuses.
  • Delta SkyMiles ↔ Starbucks = Double Stars on your flight days + miles on eligible Starbucks purchases/reloads.
• Personalized offers live in the Offers tab (think: BOGO, bonus-Star challenges). Turn on notifications so you don’t miss them.

Don’t miss your free birthday treat

Add your birthday in your account, join at least 7 days before your big day, and make one star-earning purchase beforehand.

On your birthday, you’ll see a free drink, food item, or ready-to-drink bottled beverage to redeem that day.

Check out this Huge List of Birthday Freebies for more ideas!

One more way to get freebies

During the same in-store visit, you can get free refills of hot or iced brewed coffee and tea (excludes Cold Brew, Nitro, lemonades, and Refreshers base). Handy for work or study days.

Quick plan to score a free drink today:

1. Download the Starbucks app and join Rewards.
2. Load $10 to your Starbucks Card in-app so you earn 2 Stars/$1.
3. Bring a reusable cup for 10¢ off + Double Stars.
4. Open the Offers tab and activate any promos (and watch for Double Star Day).
5. Redeem smart: save 200 Stars for pricier handcrafted drinks, or use 100 Stars when you just want a brewed coffee or snack.

Deals and tiers can vary by store (especially inside grocery stores) and change over time, so always double check the app before you order.

FAQs (super quick)

What to Do Next

Ready to treat yourself? Download the Starbucks app, join Rewards, and start stacking Stars. Turn on notifications so you never miss a bonus offer!

    

My favorite vacuum is on sale today!

I ordered this vacuum during the holidays one year, when I found a great deal on it.

I’ve been so happy with it that I had to let you know when I found it on sale again today.

This Shark Navigator Lift-Away is on sale for $118 shipped today!

Regularly priced at $199, you will be saving almost 50% off with this special deal today.

This one is slightly different than the one that I got, since I got mine a few years ago now. But I’m sure it will work just as well as mine still does several years later.

Here’s why I love it so much:

• It is super lightweight.
• You can remove the base which makes it super easy to carry around.
• Vacuuming stairs is no longer a huge chore for me.

It has a setting on it that allows you to use the vacuum with the brush roller turned off.

No more needing to wrestle with the vacuum when I am trying to vacuum an area rug.

Grab your Shark vacuum on sale today almost half price here.

    

Looking for a simple way to get more value from everyday purchases? AARP just launched a fantastic offer that’s too good to pass up, even if you don’t fall into the 50+ crowd.

Right now, a full year of AARP membership is just $15, and as a bonus you’ll get a $5 gift card—your choice between Target or T.J.Maxx.

That works out to just $1.25 a month, and you’re instantly earning back a third of that investment with the gift card.

How to Get this Deal:

1. Go to the AARP page and pick the gift card you want.
2. Choose “Join” if you’re new, or “Renew” if you’re already a member.
3. Fill in your details—including selecting the one-year plan and agreeing to auto-renew (don’t worry, you can cancel later).
4. Complete payment ($15) and your digital gift card hits your inbox in 24-48 hours.

What really makes this deal smart is that it’s open to anyone age 18+, not just seniors.

Besides the gift card, membership comes with some impressive perks, such as:

• Discounts on travel, hotels, car rentals, and cruises
• Up to 15% off at restaurants like Outback, Jamba Juice, Moe’s, and more
• Savings on prescriptions, eyeglasses, gas, and everyday shopping
• Free subscription to AARP The Magazine, fraud protection tools, driver safety courses, travel guides, and more!

That $15 spend can stretch far beyond the FREE $5 gift card, especially if you take advantage of just one or two of those perks.

If you’ve ever wondered whether AARP could offer real value for you or your family this deal is a low‑risk way to find out.

Even if you only use the gift card and one or two of the discounts, you’re already getting your money’s worth.

Ready to snag the deal? Head over to AARP now to join for $15 and grab your free $5 gift card before it’s gone.

    

Valentine’s Day has a way of putting pressure on people. Everywhere you look, you see fancy dinners, expensive gifts, and the idea that love somehow has to come with a big price tag.

If you are trying to be mindful with money, that can make Valentine’s Day feel stressful instead of special.

But here is the thing. Some of the most meaningful Valentine’s Days have very little to do with money at all.

You do not have to spend a lot to make the day feel intentional, thoughtful, or memorable. Frugal does not have to feel cheap, and choosing simple does not mean settling.

These are realistic Valentine’s Day ideas that focus on connection and effort, not spending.

Why Frugal Valentine’s Day Ideas Can Still Feel Special

Often, what people remember most about Valentine’s Day is not what was bought, but how the day felt. Feeling seen. Feeling appreciated. Feeling connected.

When you remove the pressure to spend, you create space to slow down and actually enjoy each other. For many couples, that is what makes the day meaningful in the first place.

Have an At Home Date Night That Feels Intentional

Staying home is one of the easiest ways to save money on Valentine’s Day, but intention is what makes the difference.

An at home date night is not leftovers on the couch with phones in hand. It’s deciding ahead of time that this evening is going to be different from the rest of the week.

You might cook a favorite meal together or recreate something you normally order out. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a simple dinner can feel special if you sit down together and give it your attention.

Small touches matter more than people realize.

• Setting the table.
• Lighting a candle.
• Playing some music.
• Putting the phones away.

Those little choices send the message that this time matters.

Some of the best date nights happen at home because there is no rush and no distractions. It’s just time together without the noise.

We have lots of recipes you could try here.

Choose Experiences Instead of Gifts

Valentine’s Day does not need to be centered around gifts.

Shared experiences often mean more than physical things, especially when life already feels busy. Simple moments have a way of sticking with us longer.

• Go for a walk together
• Watch a favorite movie or an old favorite you both love
• Play a board game or card game
• Talk through memories from early in your relationship

Even looking through old photos or reminiscing about earlier seasons of your relationship can be incredibly meaningful.

These moments cost little or nothing, but they build connection, which is what Valentine’s Day is really about.

Write a Handwritten Note or Letter

If you only do one thing on this list, let it be this.

A handwritten note is one of the most meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts you can give, and it costs nothing.

Instead of buying a card with someone else’s words, write your own. It does not need to be long or perfectly written. It just needs to be honest.

Write about why you appreciate them. Mention specific qualities or moments. Say the things you might not always say out loud.

These are the kinds of things people keep and reread. Long after Valentine’s Day has passed, a handwritten note often means more than anything that came from a store.

Include One Simple Treat That Feels Thoughtful

Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget does not mean skipping treats completely. It just means being intentional.

You might make dessert at home, bake something together, or prepare a favorite drink or coffee.

• Make dessert at home.
• Bake something together.
• Make a favorite drink or coffee.
• Share one special treat instead of buying multiple gifts.

The point is to slow down and enjoy something together.

Sometimes the simplest treats are the most memorable because they are shared.

Make the Day Feel Different From an Ordinary Day

This is where Valentine’s Day really stops feeling cheap.

What separates a regular day from a special one is intention.

That might mean dressing up a little, even if you are staying home. It might mean slowing the pace of the day or making space for conversation. Turning off distractions can go a long way toward making the day feel set apart.

Valentine’s Day does not need elaborate plans. It just needs a little thought.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a Budget Without Guilt

Choosing a simpler Valentine’s Day does not mean you are missing out.

In seasons when money is tight, low pressure and thoughtful celebrations often bring more peace than expensive ones. You can still honor your relationship without adding financial stress.

Frugal living is not about removing joy. It is about choosing what matters most.

Valentine’s Day Does Not Have to Be Expensive to Be Meaningful

Valentine’s Day does not have to cost a lot to feel special.

When you focus on being present, thoughtful, and intentional, the day naturally feels meaningful. Whether that looks like an at home date night, shared experiences, handwritten words, or a simple treat, the heart of Valentine’s Day stays the same.

Connection matters more than cost.

What is your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money?