Note from Barb:

Here's a few more "fan" pics for you. If you are a major book-hound like I am, discovering new authors can be a most delightful experience. I encourage you to visit their websites and poke around. You'll often find lively discussions and contests too.




Christina Dodd

Not only an excellent author, but a very inspirational speaker too. Her books are full of wit, suspense, and characters you'll love to fall in love with.













Berta Platas

If you enjoy page-turners chock full of interesting characters & humor abound, you'll love Berta! Be sure to check out her newest book, Cinderella Lopez.



Freebies & Fun:

FREE Sample of Wild Stickers http://www.wildstickers.com/01_home/01_contactus.asp

COUPON: Printable Coupons for Scott Brand Products http://www.scottbrand.com/us/offers/coupon/index.asp

EVENT: Free Museum Day on September 30, 2006 http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/articles/what-is.php

FREE Post-It Sampler Pack http://www.mypostitsecret.com/

FREE Subscription to Horticulture Magazine http://a388.g.akamai.net/7/388/1603/0001/www.freebizmag.com/emailhculture09welcome.htm

FREE Samples of True Lemon http://www.truelemon.com/sample.html

Enjoy!

Back To School

COUPON: Printable Target College-Ready Coupons http://sites.target.com/site/en/supertarget/btc_coupons.html

FREE School Readiness Poster http://www.sparkle-shine.com/freeposter.html

COUPON: Printable Coupon for $5 off purchase of $5 or more at Staples! http://e.staples-deals.com/StaplesCoupon/default.asp?a=2%90&e=%3A177509%0D&c=2867728171494267&g=ecsggwdj%7D%FC&t=u%A8

Freebies & Fun

FREE 2006 Consumer Action Handbook http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_orderhandbook.shtml

FREE Sample of Dove Nourishing Handwash http://www.startsampling.com/sm/19721/captureAddress.iphtml?item=19721&source=raf&raf=421591470

FREE Growth Chart from Baby's Dream Furniture http://www.babysdream.com/marketing/SpecialOffer.asp

FREE Subscription to Snowborder Magazine http://promotions.vzwhub.com:88/HubRemotingServices/hub_RedeemGiftStep2.aspx?promoitem=9&promoCode=MAG_SUB

Enjoy!

Note from Barb:

Here's a few more "star" author pics for you today from the '06 Romance Writer's conference ~ lovely, gracious, and mega-talented authors. If you haven't had the opportunity to check out their work, I highly suggest you do.

Remember, you can use PaperBackSwap, your local library, and other penny-wise resources to explore within your budget!

Lisa Gardner

















Wendy Wax

















Cherry Adair


















We'll be back with more pics all week long and much more ~ stay tuned!

Freebies & Fun:

FREE Sample of Dove Deodorant http://www.startsampling.com/sm/18141/captureAddress.iphtml?item=18141&source=dove.com

FREE Samples & offers from Pathmark (scroll down to bottom of page) http://www.pathmark.com/freesamples.htm

Coupons and FREE Toothbrush Offer from Colgate http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/PC/SpecialOffers.cvsp?Section=PersonalCare

FREE Sample of Sunsilk Haircare Products http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/un_sunsilk_smp.aspx

FREE "Let's Play Together" Magnet from Playschool http://reg.hasbro.com/playskool/magnet/

FREE Sample of Sensodyne Toothpaste & Sweepstakes too http://us.sensodyne.com/sensitive_taste_test.aspx

Enjoy!

Note from Barb:

Thanks to our Friday Freebie Diva, Maureen Heck, you've certainly gotten some great advice and excellent deals for today. I also wanted to take a moment to share a few highlights (as promised) from the 2006 Romance Writers of America Annual National Conference I'm attending this week.

First I did a little "fan" spotting for you and here's a few pics for you to enjoy of some of the wildly popular romance authors present:

Nora Roberts / J.D. Robb



Meg Cabot













I'll be back with more pics and some great information for you from this wonderful conference every day this week (along with our regular tips, freebies & deals) ~ so stay tuned!!!

Thought of the Day

Gas prices are still on the rise. We are doing all that we can to keep our costs low, and our money in our own pocket. Have you considered a gas rebate Credit Card? They may not be the answer everyone is looking for. Read this article to find out: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/CreditCardSmarts/AreGasRebateCreditCardsGoodDeal.aspx

Freebies & Fun

Free sample of Biz Laundry Detergent Booster
http://www.bizisbetter.com/

Free Windjammer Poster (Offer available Worldwide)
http://www.windjammer.com/epro.html?o=contex150

Free sample of Nivea Body Lotion from Wal*Mart
http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/bd_nivea_body.asp

Free Schick Intuition Razor Use Promo code: INTSMP06
http://www.schickintuition.com/freeoffer/

Free sample of Degree Ultra Clear Deoderent
http://www.degreedeodorant.com/women/pogosample/w_sample.html

Free Schick Quattro razor and sweepatakes entry
http://www.isiserver.com/schick/

Free "Let's Play Together" magnet from Playskool
http://reg.hasbro.com/playskool/magnet/

Free "Go RVing" DVD or video
http://www.gorving.com/freevideo.cfm

Free Sensodyne sample and sweeps entry
http://us.sensodyne.com/sensitive_taste_test.aspx

Enjoy your weekend and keep cool!

Must Read Article ~ Back-to-School Shopping

Catch the latest article "Back-to-School Shopping" from Learning & Education Expert, Stacy DeBroff. http://www.clubmom.com/display/243771?cell_id=6722 It's chock full of great budget conscious tips & tricks.

Note ~ RWA Writer's Conference

I'll be attending the Romance Writers of America's 26th Annual National Conference this week in Atlanta, GA. Be sure to keep an eye on the MOMdotCOM.net blog for photos, tips, and fun information from this delightful event.

Meg Cabot and Christina Dodd are the key speakers this year I'm truly looking forward to meeting these dynamic women, not to mention hanging out with oodles of other writers, editors, booksellers, and agents-- and I'll be sure to share all the highlights!

Hugs from Barb!

HOT TOPIC ~ The Frugal Writer Newsletter

The MOMdotCOM.net newsletter will be moving from the Google Groups to the Yahoo Groups format. We're also changing the name of the newsletter to THE FRUGAL WRITER and the focus of the news groups slightly to offer you a new & improved format, updates, contest, freebies & all the fun you've come to expect from the MOMdotCOM group and author, Barb Webb

So...

You won't need to unsubscribe from the google group- we'll do the work for you.

BUT

You will need to re-subscribe to the new newsletter format by either sending an email to frugalwriter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
subscribe directly through the Yahoo group website at http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/frugalwriter/

Each month THE FRUGAL WRITER will be sending one lucky winner** a box full of books and/or goodies from authors around the globe. Best of all you only need to enter once to win!
Once you are subscribed to the monthly edition of THE FRUGAL WRITER newsletter (chock full of advice, freebies, industry information, and much more) you'll automatically be entered for a chance to win each month of your active membership.

That's it. No gimmicks, no risk, and a newsletter worth opening your email for.

Thought for Today ~ Treat Yourself to an Online Course for Free!

Barnes & Noble University registration for August courses is now open. Some of the highlights are:

German for Beginners
Organizing from the Inside Out
Yoga for Novices
Writing Children's Books
and even one that fits in perfectly with our MOMdotCOM.net Power Mom Community:
Money Management for Women

You'll find all these courses and more at http://university.barnesandnoble.com/index.asp?r=1

PS - (Though many of the classes suggest a book to be purchased to co-incide with the course, you'll find the course itself very informative without the aid of a book. To keep the course entirely free, as we here at MOMdotCOM.net love to keep everything free-- You may want to check the book out from your local library first before deciding to purchase.)

Freebies & Fun

FREE Lactaid Summer Cookbook http://www.mylanta.com/vcrc/offers/nmcampaign.jhtml;jsessionid=U2MXPPPKY5HLKCQPCCECUYYKB2IIWNSC?id=vcrc/offers/la_freecookbook.inc&oid=4715&bid=20&formType=C&_requestid=24047

FREE Subscription to Playstation Magazine http://www.mercurymagazines.com/pr1/101/10147

FREE PS2 Demo: Gangs of London https://secureus.playstation.com/Registration/Skins/GangsofLondon/default.aspx

FREE Sample of Kodak Ink Jet Paper http://promotion.kodak.com/simplypictures/crmregister.asp?&CID=KOSEMAIL&MSG=062706_ESONE6MP_SUB1

Also... be sure to check out the latest School Supply Deals on MOMdotCOM.net ~ Check the front page Hot Topics for the link!

Enjoy!

T.G.I.F.

Thought of the Day

Saving isn't as hard as we think it is. It is simply a matter of determining what purchases are needs and what purchases are wants. We really have very few needs in life. We need shelter, clothing, food, and transportation. That's pretty much it. I know we think we need that $50 smoothie maker, but in all actuality, we probably don't. Take that $50, and put it in the bank. Hey! You just saved! Once you change the way you think, saving becomes easy.

Of course, we have to live. We do sometimes need the things we want. It's makes us happy. Look for cheaper alternatives for the things you want, or, if you have your mind set on the top of the line model, wait until it goes on sale. Everything goes on sale sooner or later. You'll save and learn a valuable lesson in patience, too. ;)

Ahhhhh, to be a millionaire. Until then, save, save, save!

Fun & Freebies

Free 1 year subscription to Computer Gaming World
http://www.zdmcirc.com/forms/CGW_071406_quakecon_form.html

Free subscription to Links Golf magazine (US & Canada)
http://www.linkssubscription.com/LINKSEM1/suboffer.asp

Free Pertussis brochure and baby diary
http://www.daptacel.com/?fa=protect/pertussis/brochure

Free sample of Olay Definity
https://olaydefinity.offerprocessingcenter.com/?source=Olaycomsamples

Free Holiday Social Survival Guide from PoliteChild® Publications
http://www.politechild.com/hmrf.html

Play Tide's Spin It & Win It instant in game. Win a $2500 Shopping Spree or other great prizes.
http://www.tide.com/en_US/specialoffers/2006spinitandwin/index.jsp

Check out My Post-It Secret.com for free samples, great offers, and a sweepstakes entry.
http://www.mypostitsecret.com/

Lose Yourself in the Bermuda Triangle with Doritos
http://www.doritos.com/

Good luck, and enjoy your freebies!

Freebies & Fun

FREE Movie Map and the Official Pride & Prejudice Film Poster http://www.visitprideandprejudice.com/MovieMap.asp

FREE Sample of Tide Simple Pleasures http://www.tide.com/en_US/trysimplepleasures/index.jsp

FREE Sample of Earth's Best Rice Cereal For Baby http://www.earthsbest.com/americanbaby/newsletter.php

CONTEST: Daily Prizes and FREE Cookbook to the first 10,000 to enter ~ I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Sweepstakes http://www.tasteyoulove.com/freespraychel/reward/?friendid=

FREE Freebee Flyer and Information from Nasonex http://www.nasonex.com/nasx/application?namespace=register&origin=nav_left.jsp&event=beejoke&web_program_id=00000504

FREE Sample of Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment http://www.usafill.com/aveda/

Freebies & Fun

FREE Sample of Wilson Jones MultiDex Index Tabs http://www.officedepot.com/promo.do?file=/promo/showcase/index.jsp

FREE Sample of CocoaVia Heart Healthy Chocolate Snacks http://www.cocoavia.com/offer/offer.aspx

FREE Taster's Guide to Wisconsin http://www.wisdairy.com/SpecialOffers/AmericasDairyLand/episode/tastersguide/default.aspx#form

OFFER: Host a Fear Factory House Party http://www.houseparty.com/fearfactory

FREE Sample of Sunsilk Haircare http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/un_sunsilk_smp.aspx

FREE Sample of Tide Simple Pleasure Detergent http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/pg_tidesimplepleasures.aspx

More School Supply Deals:

REBATE: Various Rebates from BIC http://www.biceveryday.com/promotions/default.asp

COUPONS: Printable Coupons for BIC Products http://microsite.coupons.com/gmsa/Offers.asp?lgn=40779963&Uid=34935996&SGN=1001&PID=11797&ZID=ch36&NID=20

Thought for Today ~ School Supplies

School supplies are popping up everywhere with fabulous pricing. Even if you don't have school age children, you still might want to watch out for the deals for writing, scrapbooking, crafts, business, or just to have an extra stash of art supplies around for your toddler.

We've spotted the following this week:

15 cent Crayola Crayon 25 packs at Walmart
88 cent Crayola Colored Pencils and Markers at Walmart
25 cent Office Depot brand pack of pens at Office Depot
15 cent College-Ruled Notebook Filler Paper at Office Depot
15 cent Wide-Ruled Notebook Filler Paper at Office Depot
9 cent Glue at Staples
68 cent Crayola Wide Markers at Staples
$1.00 Pack of 10 70 Sheet Notebooks at Target

We'll be posting the latest deals as we find 'em. If you find a school supply deal, please share it with us by either posting in the comments section or email your find to bawebbauthor@charter.net Be sure to check out the full listing on MOMdotCOM.net

Also, be sure to use all the shopping savvy information in The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet to save even more on your back-to-school items.

Enjoy!

Freebies & Fun

Speaking of School Supplies... 2006 TAX FREE Weekend Listings by State http://singleparents.about.com/od/cuttingcosts/qt/TaxFreeHoliday.htm

FREE G.U.M. Toothbrush http://www.startsampling.com/sm/7061/captureAddress.iphtml?item=7061&source=

COUPON: Free Coupons for Minute Maid Frozen Products http://www.jjsnack.com/minutemaid/couponform.asp

DEAL: $15.00 off a purchase of $15.00 or more at Catherines.com http://catherines.charmingshoppes.com/home.aspx Use Code 776764102

FREE Sample of Poise Panties http://www.poise.com/offers/whats_new.asp

FREE Sample of Tombow Correction Tape http://www.tombowusa.com/home/promotion.html

Wow! It's Friday again!

Congratulations to Barb for becoming an expert at ClubMom. I know she will do an amazing job there, and they are lucky to have her! :D

Thought of the Day!

Keep cool!

The weather has been exceptionally warm across much of the country. Be sure your pets have a cool spot they can take a break and plenty of water.

Wear loose fitting light colored clothing, and drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid strenuous activities during mid-day hours, if at all possible, this is when it is the hottest.

Be sure to check on the elderly, they often can not feel the effects of the heat like you or I can.

Keep your home ventilated, and try to spend some time in an air conditioned building.


Fun & Freebies

Free Nexxus Therappe & Humectress Sample
http://www.startsampling.com/product.iphtml?item=25476


Free Dove Cool Moisture Sample
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/19762/captureAddress.iphtml?item=19762&source=DOVEDA

Free Soccer DVD from Nike
http://www.nike.com/nikesoccer/tiempo/dvd_flash.html

Free sample of Pretty Feet & Hands
http://www.prettyfeetandhands.com/freeSample.php

Free Eucerin Lotion Sample
http://www.condenastdirect.com/lucky/eucerin/

Host a KMart House Party
http://www.houseparty.com/kmart

Have a great weekend everyone! :D

Note:

Whew! Quite an intensive process, but I've just turned in numerous articles (jam packed with loads of Frugal Mom info) to ClubMom! Stayed tuned for full details~ coming soon. I hope you'll enjoy the offering and find it as useful as you've found the pages of The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet.

Today's Freebies & Fun

FREE Sample of Calgon Mmmm! Cotton Candy! http://survey.email.coty.com/SensorPro/survey/TemplateBlankRun.aspx?SurveyId=d3d4fd25-46de-41f4-8fd8-909e405f5945&PageId=198a6a63-1c0d-48e1-9e96-d041dad83a61&Ox=coty

FREE Subscription to GREEN Magazine http://a388.g.akamai.net/7/388/1603/0001/www.freebizmag.com/emailthegreen01welcome.htm

DEAL: Linens & Things 20% off highest-priced item in your order Use Code: 988612551403 http://www.lnt.com/

FREE Sample of BAN Deodorant http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/kao_ban.aspx

FREE Samples of Shock Therapy & Storm Pre-Workout Supplements http://www.universalnutrition.com/shocktherapy/sample.cfm

FREE Spatula, Whisk or Water Bottle & Sample from Fibersure http://www.fibersure.com/index_flash.shtml

Freebies & Fun

CONTEST: Drop & Win from Dawn Direct Foam http://www.homemadesimple.com/en_US/dawn/dropandwin/Landing.do

FREE Sample of Sunkist Vitamins http://www.sunkistvitamins.com/samplepop.asp

FREE Sample of Jergens Skincare http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/kao_jergens_smp.aspx

FREE Movie Ticket for Trying on AE Jeans http://www.ae.com/web/amc/aemoviepass.html

FREE Pass to Sam's Club from PhillySwirl http://www.phillyswirl.com/aboutus/1day.cfm

FREE Women’s Health Handbook from SELF Magazine http://www.condenastdirect.com/self/0603/event2.cfm

FREE Sample of Healing Garden Lotion http://survey.email.coty.com/SensorPro/survey/TemplateBlankRun.aspx?SurveyId=c92f85ad-7034-4f38-a2c4-135157b11043&PageId=4f34968d-1b83-4852-820a-8b0a0c931234&Ox=coty

COUPON: Printable Coupon for 75 cents off new Advil PM http://bricks.coupons.com/Bstart.asp?tqnm=tgkwbop13067739&bt=wi&o=8227&pt=&lang=&ws=&ct=9770625&ci=&cl=&cp=&eb=1&c=AP&p=9770625sk5424&z=&r=9770625sk5424&pc=&tc=&xpsp=xpsp2

Enjoy!

Thought for Today ~ Back to School

Summer is in full swing, but it's never too early to take advantage of sales and end of summer clearances. Right now, you'll find a mass of savings on items like jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sandals as retailers are clearing their shelves in expectation of their fall back to school shipments. You'll also find the sizes you need and some introductory sales on items like gymshoes and dress shirts.

PS: Walmart and Target both have 50% off (and more) sales on children's clothing and shoes.

Do you have an inside scoop on sales to share? Please email us at bawebbauthor@charter.net or leave a note in the comments.

Enjoy your savings!

Freebies & Fun

FREE Sample of Shout Color Catcher & Coupons http://www.cleanhomejournal.com/sweepstakes/default.aspx?source=CHJ_SUMMER_GIFT_PACK_JULY_2006

REBATE: $50 Rebate for new Showtime Subscribers http://www.sho.com/site/order/rebatecashback.do?_requestid=156752

COUPON: $2 off Mrs. Dash Marinades http://mrsdash.com/MDPR%5Fcoupon%5F0606/

Happy Friday!!

Think Smart

We all love our fun in the sun, just remember that the sun is not always as forgiving as we would like it to be, and it's smart to take precautions to prevent a nasty sunburn. When spending prolonged time in the sun, it is always important to use sunblock in order to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Look for sunblock with an SPF of 30, and be sure it protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Always apply liberally, as it takes approximately one shot glass full of sunblock to adequately protect a young child. You can't use too much, but you can use too little.

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, be sure to see your dermatologist regularly to help ensure the health of your skin.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Most importantly, have fun!

Fun and Freebies

Enter Whirlpool's "I Don't Do Dishes" Sweepstakes, and receive a bottle of OPI Nail Lacquer
http://offer.whirlpool.com/idontdodishes/

Free sample of Biz Laundry Detergent
http://www.bizisbetter.com/

Register with Kraft and receive Kraft Food & Family magazine free, 5 times yearly!
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/FoodandFamily/

Gerber Stay Healthy Promise Kit
https://www.gerber.com/promise2

Have a Great Weekend! See you next Friday.

Thought for Today ~ Mall Deals

There are an abundance of clearance sales going on right now at your local mall. Bath & Body Works has a semi-annual clearance with items up to 75% off and other great deals. Lane Bryant has $9.99 t-shirts and an extra % off clearance items. Disney has beach towels, t-shirts, and swim gear for super low clearance prices. And so on...

Tell us what you found at the mall this week by sharing in the comments section!

Also, be sure to check for printable coupons before you shop, you'll add up extra savings quickly!

Freebies & Fun

COUPON: Printable Coupon for 10% off at Lowes https://www.lowesmoving.com/register/step2.asp

FREE Sample of Ban Deodorant http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/kao_ban.aspx

FREE Sample of Serenity http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Brands/jj_serenity_sample.aspx

FREE Samples and Coupons from Adora http://adorasamples.com/

FREE Sample of Purina Cat Chow Naturals http://www.catchow.com/naturals/default.aspx

FREE Danactive Drinkable Yogurt Coupon & Magnet ~ Call 1-877-326-2284 and select option #3

Freebies & Fun!

FREE Samples and Coupons for Suave http://suave.com/registration.aspx

FREE Samples of Nexxus http://www.startsampling.com/sm/18861/product.iphtml?item=18861&source=

FREE Duel Masters Poster http://hasbro.h0st.biz/DM_popup1.html

COUPON Printable Coupons for Super Pretzel http://www.superpretzel.com/

FREE Magazine Subscription to Motor Trends Magazine (3 issues) https://store.primediamags.com/subscribe/motortrend/8680

FREE Samples from Playtex http://www.playtextampons.com/products/tryfree.html

FREE Coupons and Contact Lense Case from Bauch & Lomb http://www.2710interactive.com/bausch/wearcare/

FREE Tasters Choice Sample Pack http://www.tasterschoice.com/

Happy 4th of July Weekend!