Monday, January 31, 2011

To-The-Top Tuesday Blog Hop

One blog hop that is going on today...:)

To-the-TOP Tuesday

A little rant about Walgreens

It seems like EVERY time I go into Walgreens to do a deal I somehow end up getting "screwed."  Either I end up spending more than I thought I should have or the employees are rude or the store coupons don't work and on and on!  They just lost me as a customer because of it!

I know that I just started "strategic" shopping not too long ago, but feel like I have done it enough to be able to come up with a list of what I am getting, the coupons I am using and how much I should be paying at the end.  EVERY time I go to Walgreens the total is more than what I have figured.  I don't know if it is because I am missing something (which I kind of doubt I would EVERY time, since it usually only at Walgreens that this happens) or if they are not entering a coupon, or if their ad is wrong or if stuff is ringing up wrong.  I suppose I could go through the cryptic receipt to try to figure out what is going on.  And if this were the only problem at Walgreens, I would do so.  But it isn't.

The second issue I am having with Walgreens is the totally inconvenient and misleading "Register Rewards."  It says right on the front that it is a $ amount off your next in store purchase.  Well, apparently they are not good on ANY in store purchase.  There can not be more items in the transaction than manufacture and Register Reward coupons (SO, if you were to buy something, use a manufactures coupon on that item, you could not use the RR).  They are not rolling with the same item (like you can't buy something, get the RR, then turn around and use those RR to buy another one), which I knew, but apparently (this is what the cashier told me at least) it isn't rolling toward a whole brand or manufacture (like all P&G items).  Like I said, this is just what I was told, so it could be totally wrong.  But seriously-how much harder can you make it to redeem the incentive to get a customer into the store!  Which brings me to the next issue I have.

The employees at Walgreens are usually pretty nice, but not always.  I would say 75% of the times I have been in there they have been reasonable and tried to be helpful.  But there is the 25% of the time when the cashiers have been rude or have told me that I could not do certain things with coupons when the coupon policy clearly says you can or they have been unwilling to work with me to figure out why a coupon won't take when it should, etc.  And they don't really know what they are doing at all when it comes to coupons, even their own in store coupons (like RR)!  Even the managers I find don't know the coupon policy and what can or cannot be done/used in their own store.

This afternoon I went to Walgreens and got an item that was FREE after RR and a couple more things that had good RR attached to them.  The transaction was SUPPOSED TO be $7.99 plus tax.  It ended up being a little over $10.  This could be right since you normally get taxed on the amount before coupons.  I got back a $10 RR and a $6 RR.

Tonight I went on a "quick" trip (it ended up being an hour after all was said and done) to finish my other two transactions that should have been less than a dollar total before tax.  The first transaction wouldn't take my RR, so they cashier had to call the manager, void the transaction and then we had to do it in 2 separate transactions in order to take the RR.  Because of this, one of the transactions was like $5 for some reason!  And the second one was over $2!  DEFINITELY NOT UNDER $1!  Anyway, I got back (2) $5 RR for these transactions.  Then for my supposed 2nd transaction-one of the coupons wouldn't scan, so the cashier had to call the manager AGAIN and she almost gave me the run around until I told her that the Walgreens earlier today was able to do it somehow.  She did give me the coupon.  But then, once again, when it was time to ring out, they would not take both RR!  They ended up having to void it AGAIN!  I told them I would just take the stuff to equal the one RR and leave the rest.  I was totally apologizing this whole time for making it so difficult for them.  I really did feel bad for them since it wasn't their fault the stupid RR wouldn't work.  As I was finishing I told them I really appreciated their patience and the manager said, "Yes, but we are definitely done here; no more transactions tonight."  What the?!  Nice.  I was done because I was tired of trying to figure it all out, but that was totally out of line in my opinion.  It wasn't my fault that the rules for each RR aren't written on them!  I really feel like they should have been apologizing to ME, the customer, for making their coupons so hard to use!  

Trips like this totally turn me off to strategic shopping/couponing.  I LOVE to do it, I LOVE saving money, but seriously, I spent some time last night figuring out how I could best use my RR for the least amount of money and ended up spending WAY more than I had planned (NEVER going to do that again) and for not even getting what I had planned.  AND I still have $11 in RR.  I might not even use those just because I am SO done with Walgreens.  I think I am going to write the company a little note I know that I am definitely going to stick with Rite Aid from now on!!

NEW Huggies $2/1 Coupon

Huggies just released a NEW $2/1 any Huggies Little Movers or Little Snugglers diapers.  Just like the $3/1 coupon that was released last week this one is bound to go fast so print it while you can!!  Go here  to print it off!

Thanks, Queen Bee Coupon and Saving!

Target Diaper Deal

This deal isn't too bad, but you have to have a bit of money and the $3/1 Huggies coupon (NLA) to be able to do this deal.  You can do it with the lesser coupon (find additional coupon sources here) but will end up spending more OOP.

Transaction #1

Buy a Big Pack (box) of Pampers diapers $19.99
Buy a Pampers ipes refill box $11.99
= $31.98
-$7 off both Pampers diapers and wipes TARGET coupon found in 1/30 RP
-$2 off both Pampers diapers and wipes MANUFACTURES coupon from 1/30 P&G
TOTAL  $22.98

Buy a Big Pack (box) of Huggies Snug and Dry diapers $19.99
Buy a Huggies wipes refill box $11.99
= $31.98
-$2.50/1 Huggies diapers TARGET coupon here
-$3/1 Huggies Snug and Dry MANUFACTURES coupon NLA
TOTAL  $26.48

TOTAL FOR BOTH  $49.46 (which isn't too bad for 2 big boxes of diapers and 2 boxes of wipe refills)
GET $10 in Target gift cards

Transaction #2

Buy two Big Packs (boxes) of Luvs diapers at $16.99 each
= $33.98 (If you got the P&G coupon booklet via mail, there are (2) $1/1 coupons in it you can use for this)
Use the $10 in gift cards from the first transaction
TOTAL  $23.98
GET another $10 Target Gift Card

So, if you factor in the last $10 Gift Card, you are spending $63.44 ($73.44 before gift card and NOT INCLUDING TAX) for 4 big packs of diapers and 2 wipe refill boxes.  That is a value of $128.94 shelf price in diapers and wipes, so you are saving more than 50%!

Thanks, Luxury Living Frugal Style!

Menu Plan Monday, January 31-February 6



This week I actually have to cook all week....:(  That is okay, I am kind of looking forward to trying some new recipes!  I am getting my first box of produce from Full Circle Farms and am excited to try some new veggies!!  :)

Monday-Finger Lickin' Chicken, Steamed Asparagus, Dinner Rolls

Tuesday-Leftover Buffet, Green Salad

Wednesday-Sandie's Lasagna x 2 (one for another new mom!  3rd new mom two weeks!), Green Salad, Garlic Bread

Thursday-Chicken Stew Italiano Style, Steamed Broccoli, Dinner Rolls

Friday-Ginger Beef Stir Fry, Rolls (This recipe actually calls for tofu, not beef, but my husband and kids would NEVER go for that, so beef it is)

Saturday-Shanks For The Memories x 2, Green Salad with cheese and ham, Bread

Sunday-SUPERBOWL party, bringing All American Chili

Enjoy!!

Shanks for the Memories (two meals)

Makes 8 servings (double recipe to make one for the freezer)

2 tsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 cups each chopped celery and chopped carrots
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced fresh thyme or 2 tsp dried
1/2 tsp dried oregano
7 cups chicken broth
About 2 pounds of meaty smoked ham shank or ham hock
1 cups dried lentils
1 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley (or 4 tsp dried)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
salt to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a large, non-stick soup pot over medium high heat.  Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.  Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes.  Add thyme and oregano and cook 1 more minute.

2.  Add remaining ingredients, except parsley, vinegar, and salt.  Bring soup to a boil.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

3.  Remove ham shank from soup.  Puree half the soup in a blender or food processor and return to pot with remaining soup.  Cover to keep hot.  Cut meat from ham shank (this part's a little fussy) and return meat to pot.  Discard bone.  Stir in parsley and vinegar.  Taste soup and add more pepper and a bit of salt, if desired.

*Make 2 batches and freeze one in an airtight container for up to three months.  Thaw completely and heat through to eat.

Recipe taken from 


Ginger-Beef Stir Fry

This recipe actually calls for tofu, but my husband would NEVER go for that, so I am substituting beef.

Serves 4-6

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into half circles
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli
1 carrot, cut into thin strips
1 rib celery, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 generous handfuls snow peas
6 oz sirloin beef (substituted for 6 oz low-fat tofu), cubed
dash salt
Hot cooked rice

1.  In a wok, heat extra virgin olive oil and add onion, ginger and beef.  Saute for about three minutes over medium heat.

2.  Add mushrooms and cook until moister evaporates (about 3 minutes).

3.  Add broccoli, carrots, celery and snow peas, and stir for a few minutes.  Add the soy sauce, stirring frequently.

4.  Cook until beef is done to your liking.  Add salt to taste.  Eat with rice.

Recipe taken and modified from

Chicken Stew Italiano Syle

Serves 4

1 whole chicken, quartered (or any four parts you wish to eat)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 whole yellow onion, thinly sliced into half moons
3/4 cup carrots, peeled and diced medium
1 tbsp minced garlic, about four cloves
1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 celery stalks, halved lengthwise and cubed
1 cup chicken stock
pinch salt and pepper
splash balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1.  Season chicken well with salt and pepper

2.  Heat one tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil in a hot pan until just before smoking.

3.  Add chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden brown.

4.  Remove chicken, drain pan, and add one tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.  Add onions until soft, about five minutes.  Add carrots and garlic until they begin to soften, about five to seven minutes.  Add tomatoes and celery and let cook for a few minutes.

5.  Remove the skin from the cooked chicken and add back into stew.

6.  Add chicken stock and simmer for about 25 minutes.

7.  Season with salt and pepper, balsamic vinegar, and fresh chopped basil.

Recipe taken from:

Finger Lickin' Chicken Marinade

Finger Lickin' Chicken Marinade (from food.com)

  • cup oil
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • tablespoons Miracle Whip or tablespoons Miracle Whip light or 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise 
  • tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • tablespoons lemon juice
  • tablespoon salt (to taste)
  • tablespoon pepper
  • tablespoons thyme
  • tablespoon garlic salt

Go here for more chicken marinade recipes.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Weekly Diaper Deals January 30-February 5

This is a list of diaper deals that I think are the best ones around town.  For a complete list go to The Thrifty Couple who compiles a HUGE list of diaper and wipe deals each week (and a list of places to find coupons for these items)!!

Amazon-See how you can save money at Amazon on diapers every day here

Walgreens:
Buy 1 Pampers Big Pack 56-64 ct. Diaper for $19.99
Buy 1 Pampers Wipes 180-216 ct. for $5.99 = $25.98
Use $3 off both Pampers diapers and wipes coupon from 1/30 P&G = $22.98
Get $5 in Register Rewards (Walgreens "cash")
Final Price $17.98 for BOTH, $8.99 each


Rite Aid
Check out my deal scenario here for a great deal on Huggies this week

Buy 1 Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers 23-50 ct. for $9.99
Buy 1 Pamper wipes 64-72 ct. for $2.49 = $12.48
Then use $1/1 Rite Aid Video Values coupon here  = $11.48
Use $3 off both Pampers diapers and wipes coupon from 1/30 P&G
Final Price $8.48 for BOTH, $4.24 each

Target
Go here to see this week's Target diaper deals-
4 boxes (Big Packs) of diapers and 2 boxes of wipe refills for $63.44

Thanks, The Thrifty Couple and Luxury Living Frugal Style!

Rite Aid Challenge-Week 2

WOW, RITE AID IS HOT HOT HOT this week!  I got a TON of stuff and "made" a TON!  Here is what I got and for how much (you're going to be jealous...;)).


Transaction #1

5 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste
     Reg. $3.69, On sale for $2.99
     -$1/1 coupon from 1/16 SS x 5
     $2 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $9.95

2 Coricidin HBP
     Reg. $6.99, On sale for $5.99
     -$2/1 printable coupon here x 2
     -$2/1 Video Values coupon here
     $4 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $5.98

2 Afrin Nasal Spray
     Reg. $6.99, On sale for $5.99
     -$3/1 printable NLA x 2
     -$2/1 Video Values coupon here
     $4 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $3.98

2 Viactiv Calcium Chews
     Reg. $8.99, On sale for $6.99
     -$3/1 coupon from 1/16 SS x 2
     $3 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $7.98

TOTAL DUE  $27.89
-$1/1 Rx Services Video Values
-$1/1 Wellness Plus Video Values
-$1/1 Winter Rewards Video Values
-$2 Winter Rewards Video Values (from watching 10)
-$4/$20 Beauty Video Values
-$17.94 UP+ REWARDS from last week
Subtotal  $0.95
TAX $4.34
TOTAL OOP  $5.29
Saved  $63.44
GOT $32 UP+ REWARDS FROM ITEMS
GOT $20 UP+ REWARDS FROM THE HEART HEALTHY PROMO (buy $30 of certain products and get $10 UP+ REWARDS, Spend $50 and get $20 UP+ REWARDS)

Transaction #2 (DIFFERENT WELLNESS CARD)

1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste

     Reg. $3.69, On sale for $2.99
     -$1/1 coupon from 1/16 SS 
     $2 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $1.99

2 Coricidin HBP
     Reg. $6.99, On sale for $5.99
     -$2/1 printable coupon here x 2
     -$2/1 Video Values coupon here
     $4 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $5.98  

2 Afrin Nasal Spray
     Reg. $6.99, On sale for $5.99
     -$3/1 printable NLA x 2
     -$2/1 Video Values coupon here
     $4 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $3.98

2 Viactiv Calcium Chews
     Reg. $8.99, On sale for $6.99
     -$3/1 coupon from 1/16 SS x 2
     $3 UP+ REWARDS each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $7.98

2 Halls Cough Drops
     Reg. $2.69, On sale 2/$3
     -$0.50/1 from 1/2 SS
     -$0.50/1 Video Values from February
     -$0.50/1 Video Values from January
     $1 UP+ REWARD on 2
     TOTAL "PAID"  $1.00

AMO Complete Multi-Purpose Contact Solution (the bigger bottle)
     Reg. $10.49, On sale $7.99
     -$1/1 from1/2 SS
     SINGLE CHECK REBATE for $7.99
     TOTAL "PAID" TODAY  $6.99

6 Stayfree Pads 
     Reg.$6.99 and $3.99, On sale for Buy One, Get One Free
     -Buy One, Get One Free (up to $6) coupon from 1/9 SS
     TOTAL "PAID" $0.99 (B1G1's cancel each other out at Rite Aid!)

Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers
     Reg. $11.99, On sale $8.99
     -$3/1 coupon NLA
     -$2/1 Video Values Coupon (January)
     TOTAL "PAID"  $3.99

Infants Advil Drops
     Reg. $6.99, On sale for $5.99
     -$1/1 from 1/30 RP
     $1 UP+ REWARD 
     TOTAL "PAID"  $4.99

2 Tylenol Precise Cream
     Reg. $7.99, On sale for $4.99
     -$6/2 printable coupon here
     $1 UP+ REWARD each
     TOTAL "PAID"  $3.98

TOTAL DUE  $41.87
-$38 UP+ REWARDS from last transaction (Rite Aid Challenge UP+ REWARDS)
-$3 UP+ REWARDS found in purse
Subtotal  $0.87
TAX $6.25
TOTAL OOP  $7.12
Saved  $126.53
GOT $28 UP+ REWARDS FROM ITEMS
GOT $10 UP+ REWARDS FROM THE HEART HEALTHY PROMO (buy $30 of certain products and get $10 UP+ REWARDS, Spend $50 and get $20 UP+ REWARDS)

TOTAL OOP BOTH TRANS  $12.41 (only $1.82 before tax!) 
TOTAL SAVED BOTH TRANS  $189.97!!!

Totals for the RITE AID CHALLENGE:

Shelf Price of everything:  $113.29
Amount Paid OOP on products:  $2.11
Amount Paid OOP in tax:  $7.68
TOTAL Paid OOP:  $9.79

TOTAL UP+REWARDS EARNED:  $52 UP+ REWARDS
TOTAL REBATES:  $2.50

So...this week I "made" $34.06 UP+ REWARDS from last weeks UP+ REWARDS!!!

For an explanation of the Rite Aid Challenge go here.

Alternate coupon locations can be searched for here.

Want to MAKE some money on DIAPERS this week?



Here is how to score some COMPLETELY FREE diapers this week (and a couple of other things, too!) at Rite Aid (have I told you how much I LOVE this store?!).  You should probably act on this ASAP if you want to do this, because these items are likely to go fast.

1.  First, if you don't have a Rite Aid Wellness Card you need to sign up for one here.

2.  Go to the Rite Aid Video Values site, register and watch the clips for

  •  Coricidin $2/1 (under Merck in the "All Offers" section)
  • Afrin $2/1 (also under Merck)
  • Rx Services $1/1 (under Rite Aid)
  • Wellness Plus $1/1 (under Rite Aid)
  • Winter Rewards $1/1 (under Rite Aid)
You could stop here and pay $0.98 plus tax OOP, or you could watch 10 clips under the Rite Aid Winter Rewards (drop down on top) section and get a $2/2 reward.

3.  Print 
  • $2/1 Coricidin coupon here
  • $2/1 Afrin coupon here
  • $1.50/1 Huggies Snug and dry here (ONLY if you did not print the $3/1 earlier this week)
Deal Scenario #1-WITH the Huggies $3/1

Transaction #1
Buy 1 Coricidin on sale for $5.99
    -$2/1 manufactures coupon
    -$2/1 Video Values coupon
  TOTAL  $1.99
Buy 1 Afrin on sale for $5.99
    -$2/1 manufactures coupon
    -$2/1 Video Values coupon
  TOTAL  $1.99
Buy (1) 1 oz box of Sweethearts candy for $0.33

TOTAL  $4.31
Use $4 in Video Value coupons 
Pay $0.31 plus tax
GET $8 UP+ REWARDS

Transaction #2
Buy 1 pack of Huggies Jumbo Snug and Dry Diapers on sale for $8.99
    -$3/1 Huggies coupon (NLA) from earlier this week
Buy (1) 1 oz box of Sweethearts candy for $0.33

TOTAL  $6.32
Use $6 UP+ REWARDS from previous transaction
Pay $0.32 plus tax
STILL HAVE $2 UP+ REWARDS (and maybe $1 left from your Video Values) SO THIS MAKES YOU MONEY!!

Deal Scenario #2-No $3/1 Huggies coupon :( 


Transaction #1
Buy 1 Coricidin on sale for $5.99
    -$2/1 manufactures coupon
    -$2/1 Video Values coupon
  TOTAL  $1.99
Buy 1 Afrin on sale for $5.99
    -$2/1 manufactures coupon
    -$2/1 Video Values coupon
  TOTAL  $1.99
Buy (1) 1 oz box of Sweethearts candy for $0.33

TOTAL  $4.31
Use $4 in Video Value coupons 
Pay $0.31 plus tax
GET $8 UP+ REWARDS

Transaction #2
Buy 1 pack of Huggies Jumbo Snug and Dry Diapers on sale for $8.99
    -$1.50/1 Huggies coupon 

TOTAL  $7.49
Use $7 UP+ REWARDS from previous transaction
Pay $0.49 plus tax
STILL HAVE $1 UP+ REWARDS (and maybe $1 left from your Video Values) SO THIS MAKES YOU MONEY, TOO!!

PLUS you have a pack of diapers AND a couple of regular sized items to use or donate!  

Saving doesn't get much better than this!!

The Huggies sale is for Pull-Ups and Good Nights, also.  You can get a $2/1 Pull-Ups printable here and a $1/1 Good Nights printable here.  You would still get these for free in this scenario!  :)

NOTE:  I do not factor in tax in these prices.  You do have to pay tax out of pocket on the whole amount before coupons.  



    


Saturday, January 29, 2011

Giveaway: 2 Year Subscription to Parenting The Early Years

I am giving away a two year subscription to Parenting the Early Years.  This magazine has some great articles on parenting related topics as well as some great recipes.  But the BEST thing this magazine has is great coupons inside.  There is usually an Amazon 20% Diapers code or $10 off code and sometimes there is a 20% Gymboree coupon.

There are 5 different ways you can enter to win this:

1.  Follow me with Google Friend Connect here and then come back and leave a comment on this post letting me know you did so.

2.  Like me on Facebook here and then come back and leave a comment saying you did so.

3.  Subscribe to daily emails (you can make them weekly, monthly, etc.) on the right side of this page and come back to leave a comment saying you did.

4.  Suggest my Facebook page to your friends and come back here to let me know you did so (honor system here). 

5.  Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter (links on the bottom of the post) and then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know you did so.

The drawing will be on February 15 at 11 pm PST.  I will use Random.org to pick a random number.  Good luck!!  :)

How to save some serious $$ on diapers at Amazon.com



I have posted a couple of magazine subscription sales and have mentioned the fact that they normally have 20% off coupon codes or $10 off coupon codes in them  Why are these so important and awesome?  These coupons help you save some MAJOR money on diapers!!  You will never pay full price for your diapers EVER again with these coupons!  I will show you:

1.  Go to Amazon.com.  This link will take you directly to the Amazon Mom homepage.  Sign up for Amazon Mom benefits ( Free 2 day shipping and 30% off many items).

2.  Go to the Diaper section (on the left under "For Baby"), then pick the Disposable option (on the left under "Diapers").  This will bring you to the diaper page and the diapers are listed by bestselling.  One thing I love about Amazon is that it has already broken down the price for you per diaper, so you can see what the actual cost is per diaper to get the best deal (sometimes it isn't the big bulk boxes).

3.  Choose the diapers you would like to purchase and click on the diapers.  When you are at the page where you would add them to your cart, DON'T!  You want to "Subscribe and Save."  This is where you will save your 30%.  It is on the right hand side of the page under "add to cart."  I normally click the every 6 months option so that I have more time to cancel.  And then hit Subscribe Now.  You will be asked to sign in again.

4.  So, this automatically gives you 30% off the price of the diapers.  Then if you have a 20% off Diapers at Amazon code, you would enter it in the "Gift Cards or Promotional Claim Codes" box.  This will deduct another 20% off the price.  BUT it gets better!  Amazon lets you stack codes!  So, if you have a $10 off Amazon Baby code, you would enter it in the "Gift Cards or Promotional Claim Codes" box.  This will give you an INCREDIBLE deal on diapers!!

Here is an example of one of my orders a couple weeks ago:

Items OrderedPrice
1 of: Pampers Cruisers Size 3 Diapers eBulk Pack 198 Count [Health and Beauty]
Condition: New
Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
$47.52
Amazon Prime: Two-Day Shipping is free


Item(s) Subtotal:$47.52
Shipping & Handling:$0.00
Promotion Applied:-$14.26
Promotion Applied:-$9.50
Promotion Applied:-$10.00
-----
Total Before Tax:$13.76
Sales Tax:$1.20
-----
Total for This Shipment:$14.96
-----


That is like getting a diaper for a little under $0.08 a diaper!!  Why did I ever pay full price for diapers?  Amazing!  :)

Another great way to earn some credit for Amazon is through Swagbucks.  This is basically a program where you earn "swagbucks" just for searching the web!  It is totally FREE to join and the bucks add up fast!!  When you get 450 swagbucks you can trade it in for a $5 Amazon gift card (they have tons of other things you can "buy" with your bucks, this is just one of the items)-NO STRINGS ATTACHED!  Sign up here to get started.  It is incredible!  I use these $5 Gift Cards to score FREE diapers on a regular basis!  

Let me know if you have any questions about any of this!!

Parenting the Early Years-2 Years for $1.50 a year!



Parenting the Early Years has a hot sale right now on magazine subscriptions through Eversave.  It is only $5 for a TWO year subscription--that is like $2.50 a YEAR.  OR if you are new to Eversave you will get a $2 credit just for signing up (it is free to sign up-click here) and you will get the two year subscription for only $3, making it $1.50 per year!

Parenting the Early Years is another magazine that regularly has codes for 20% off diapers at Amazon or $10 off any item from Amazon's baby store (in this months edition).  I have also found Gymboree and other clothing store codes as well.  So, if nothing else, you should get the subscription just for the coupon codes!  You will definitely save more than $2.50 in one transaction on Amazon diapers with one of those codes!

This deal is only good for another day, so go to Eversave and get your subscription ASAP!

Friday, January 28, 2011

And The Winner Is....

Congratulations, Nicole!  You are the winner of my FIRST giveaway!!  I will be contacting you shortly to get your mailing information!!

nicole / Twitter: BTHM1 said...

new follower on gfc- congrats on your first giveaway! It;s so exciting isnt it?

have fun with it!




True Random Number Generator  6Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Review of Oatmeal Apple Muffins

So I made the Oatmeal Apple Muffins last night so that Connor could bring them to school today (and so I could have some for my class tonight).  They were super easy to make and yummy!  I think this will be a recipe I make again so I can freeze some for rushed morning breakfasts!

I was a little weary about the 1 TBSP of baking powder, but they turned out okay, so I guess it really was 1 TBSP.  Also, I thought maybe 450°F would be a little too hot, but it was perfect!  I did use sugar instead of splenda, but I think that it would be good with honey in it as a substitute for the sugar.  And it is only 1/3 cup of sugar per dozen muffins, so they were not too sweet.

I was able to make the recipe in 20 minutes and then it was just the cooking.  EASY!  :) Whole wheat flour, possibly honey, apples, cranberries, oats....HEALTHY (and the kids don't know the difference)!  I will be making this recipe again in the near future!!

Bath and Body Works Free Candle Coupon

Bath and Body Works if offering a free Island Colada or Pink Sangria candle to their Facebook friends this weekend.  To get the coupon go to their Facebook page here and "like" them.  One of the comments on the wall has the link to download the coupon.  The coupon is only good this weekend and can be used online (although I would not recommend this since you would have to pay shipping).  I LOVE free stuff (especially yummy candles)!!

My FIRST Giveaway ends TODAY at 9 PM

My FIRST Giveaway ends TODAY (Friday) at 9pm.  Enter now for your chance to win some great everyday items worth $34!  VERY high odds since there are not too many entries yet.  What do you have to lose?  :)  Good luck to all of you who chose to enter!



Be on the lookout for my next Giveaway.  It is the stuff "purchased" during my Rite Aid Challenge.  That should be a fun giveaway!  :)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

100 Views Today!!

YEAH!  I have reached 100 views in a day for the first time today!!  HURRAY!  SO exciting!  Thanks everyone for checking out my blog!  :)

Full Circle Farms

I just got my email from Full Circle Farms with what I will be getting in my order next week.  This is an example of the Family Sized Box ($41/week):


Celery, Organic - 1 each
California Growers, California. details...
Bunched Carrots, Organic - 1 bunch
Boskovich Farms, Oxnard, California. details...
Broccolette, Organic - 1 bunch
California Growers, California. details...
Shallots, Organic - 0.7 pound
Andersen Organics, Othello, Washington. details...
Green Beans, Organic - 1.25 bunches
Mexico Growers, Mexico. details...
Cremini Mushrooms, Organic - 0.66 pound
Champs Mushrooms, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. details...
Red Leaf Lettuce, Organic - 1 bunch
Cal-Organics, Lamont, California. details...
Red Chard, Organic - 1 bunch
California Growers, California. details...
Navel Oranges, Organic - 6 each
Purity Organic Citrus, Thermal, California. details...
Mangos, Organic - 2 each
Mexico Growers, Mexico. details...
Red D'Anjou Pears, Organic - 5 each
Blue Bird Inc., Peshastin, Washington. details...
Gala Apples, Organic - 5 each
Earth Conscious Organics, Brewster, Washington. details...



I am so excited to go pick it up next week and see all the yummy veggie treasures!  


If you would be interested in getting your own box of organic produce, check out my post here.  Also, when you register, be sure to say that Sandra Shaw referred you.  That would make me SUPER happy!  :)

Great Trade-In at Babies R Us (and a bit of car seat info)



Babies R Us is having their Great Trade In event starting on Friday, January 28 and going until February 21.  If you bring in your old car seat, stroller, travel system, high chair, play yard, bassinet, crib or toddler bed, you will get 25% off a new one!  And the new item does not have to be what you brought it, so you could bring in an old car seat and get 25% off a toddler bed.

A couple of months ago we had a carseat safety talk at our MOPS group.  Apparently, a car seat only has a life span of about 5-6 years after the MANUFACTURES date (found on the sticker on the car seat).  I had been using a car seat for my 4 year old that my oldest son (11 years old!) had used (oops).  So, we got him a new one, but definitely at a price (we got a nicer one that the baby can use, also, for a few years).  This event would have helped with the price IMMENSELY!

Other safety things about car seats:

  • Do not use a car seat if it has been in an accident
  • If you can see crack or even stress marks (where the plastic is white) in the plastic, it is time to get a new car seat
  •  Don't buy used car seats because you don't know the history of the car seat
  • Check to see if your car seat (or the car seat you are buying) was recalled (this goes for all baby equipment)
  • Don't use the car seat if pieces are missing
  • Don't buy a car seat without the manufactures sticker on it (for the date and serial number)
You can find out more about car seat safety here.

The thing with old car seats, though, is that you can't sell them (or you really shouldn't) and there isn't a great recycling program for them.  So, this is a great way to "get rid of" your old car seat and get a piece of baby equipment you have been needing or want.  :)

$8 for $25 at LetsGoGreen.biz

I am super excited about today's Deal Pulp deal.  It is $8 for $25 worth of products from LetsGoGreen.biz.  This site has "green" items from CFL bulbs to recycled paper (even TP) to green cleaning items and BPA-free water bottles (like CamelBak's).  I LOVE my CamelBak bottle and would love a second one, but they are soooo expensive (in my opinion).  Now I can get my new bottle plus probably some CFL bulbs (there are still a couple more lights in my house that need them) and I am only paying $16 for $50 worth of green merchandise!  Here is what you need to do to take advantage of this deal:

Go to Deal Pulp and create an account if you have not already done so (it is free)!  You might even get some credit just for signing up making this deal even sweeter!

Check out the Deal of the Day and click to buy it.  You can get two per person (and one more as a gift I believe).  I would recommend getting two because this deal does not pay for shipping but any purchase over $49 at LetsGoGreen.biz gets shipped for FREE.

The voucher will probably be available in the next day or two.  The voucher expires July 28, 2011 and can be used statewide (online deal).

YEAH for new water bottles and green stuff!!  :)

Muffins

My son has snack duty at school on Friday and I am hosting a Strategic Shopping Seminar at my house on Friday night, so I decided I should find something to make for these before it was too late and I was scrambling. I found the recipe for Oatmeal Apple Muffins on Allrecipes.com.  It looks like a pretty healthy snack (the caption reads: "a muffin packed with antioxidants in the apples, cranberries and nuts, fiber in the oats and even cinnamon to cut blood sugar") for the kiddos in Connor's class and something yummy for my class.  I not only wanted to find something healthy, but I had a few things in my pantry stockpile that I want to start using.  Allrecipes.com has a place you can list the ingredients you would like to have in a recipe (or ingredients you have on hand) and it spits out a recipe or recipes that you can use.  I have a whole bunch of oats (from the Quaker sale at Target-$0.14 a canister! :) ), cranberries (left over from holiday cooking), and apples that I would like to start using up.  There are a couple ingredients I don't normally keep on hand (like the half-and-half) or am out of (the walnuts), but I am sure I can quickly pick those up tomorrow.  :)  I will let everyone know how they turn out.  :)

Oatmeal Apple Muffins

Yields 12 Servings

1 egg
3/4 cup fat free half-and-half
3 tbsp olive oil (or canola oil)
1/3 cup sugar (or splenda)
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
3/4 cups dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground cinnamon

1.  Preheat oven to 450°F

2.  In a bowl, beat together egg, half-and-half, oil and sugar.  In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients.  Fold egg mixture into dry mixture, just to moisten.

3.  Fill non-stick muffin tins 3/4 full.  Bake 15-20 minutes.

All Natural Granola Bars and Oatmeal for $0.22/item SHIPPED

Gaggle of Chicks is another daily deal site selling childrens/baby items.  Today's deal is The Monkey Brains/Bar Combo pack (26 pouches of Monkey Brain oatmeal and 15 Monkey Bars) for only $11.25 (40% normal price).  BUT if you have never signed up for Gaggle of Chicks, you will get a $10 credit just for signing up (it is free to sign up), so this deal would only be $1.25!  Then, in a few days when the voucher is available, go to Monkey Business and order your Combo pack.  Shipping for me (here in Olympia, WA) would be $7.97, bringing the total amount paid up to $9.22.  When you break it down per item, though, it is only $0.22 per item. Not too bad for all natural foods!


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Target and Fred Meyer Run

 I went to Target and Fred Meyer today to take advantage of some of the "free" or almost free deals they were having.  Unfortunately, many of the things that were supposedly on sale at Target were not.  By supposedly I mean that I found another blogger's weekly deal list and it had sales that were not at the Target near me.  I guess that different areas have different sales, so that is probably why.  Kind of bummed, though, because a few of them were REALLY good!  I did end up getting some good stuff today, though, for only $0.32 when all was said and done!  :)



TARGET:

2 Shout Travel Sized Stain Remover Wipes  $0.97 each
    -$0.55 coupon from 1/9 SS x 2
    -$0.50 Target coupon x 2
  Total OOP  FREE

Quaker Instant Oatmeal   $2.74
    -$1/1 coupon from 1/2 SS
    -$1/1 Target coupon
  TOTAL OOP  $0.74

Rimmel Eyeshadow (3 color)   $3.99
   -$2/1 Printable coupon
   -$2/1 Target coupon
  TOTAL OOP  FREE

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil/Brush  $3.14
   -$2/1 Printable coupon
   -$2/1 Target coupon
  TOTAL OOP  FREE

Triaminic Infant's Drops  $5.99
    -$3/1 catalina from Safeway
  TOTAL OOP  $2.99

4 Maalox 90 ct  $4.54 each
    -$5/1 from 1/9 SS x 4
  TOTAL OOP   FREE

TAX  $2.46
TOTAL OOP  $3.32
Saved $32.10

FRED MEYER:

4 16oz Coffeemate Creamers  2/$3 (on sale)
    -$1/1 Printable coupon x 2
    -$0.75/1 Printable coupon x 2
  TOTAL OOP  $2.50

3 Gerber 2nd Foods  10/$10 (on sale)
   -$1/3 coupon from mailer
  TOTAL OOP  $2

-$3 catalina from a previous transaction
-$1.50 catalina from a previous transaction

TOTAL OOP   FREE
Saved $9 (in coupons...I don't know total because I forgot to look at the regular price of things)
Got a $3 catalina for the Coffeemate

So, if you count the Coffeemate catalina against the Target run, I only spent $0.32!  :)

Bath and Body Works $30 for $15



Groupon is having a deal through the Charleston, SC location for $30 in Bath and Body Works stuff for only $15!  Or you can get $20 for $10.  The credit must be redeemed on Bath and Body Work's website, so even thought it is a Charleston, SC site, it can be redeemed wherever (online).

If you have never used Groupon before, head over here to register.  It is totally free to be a member of Groupon.  :)  If you don't want to keep getting emails for the Charleston, SC daily deal, you can go into your account and change it to wherever you live to get those daily deals.

If you already have a Groupon account, look up the Charleston, SC deal by clicking the little drop down arrow next to your current city.  Choose "S" for South Carolina and then Charleston.  :)

The deal goes until 9pm Pacific time on January 27th.  There is a limit of 1 per person and the voucher has to be redeemed before April 27, 2011.  You also have to use the whole voucher in one order and you cannot get cash back for the voucher.

Thanks, Queen Bee Coupons!

$5 for $35 in credit for MovieGoods.com



If you are a movie fanatic or know one, this is the deal for you!  At Deal Pulp today you can get $10 you can get $35 to use on movie posters, photos, wall decals, life sized stand-ups and more at MovieGoods.com.  That is a 71% discount!  And it gets even better.  If you are not a member of Deal Pulp yet and sign up today, you will get $5 in credit just for signing up making this deal $5 for $35 in merchandise!  I have used Deal Pulp in the past and it is legit.

I am thinking this would be a great birthday present or even a Christmas present.  The voucher does not expire until January 27, 2012, so you could easily give it as a gift for Christmas.  You are allowed one per person, but you can purchase one more as a gift.  :)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Safeway-Free Pita Chips

So, I just happened to be online today when The Coupon Posse posted their Safeway shopping trip this afternoon.  They mentioned that they got New York Pita Chips for free because of this printable coupon.  I don't know if it is still available, but if it is you should print it before it is gone!  The coupon is for up to $3.99/1 New York Pita Chip.  They are $3.99 at Safeway, so they are free.  Here is what I got this afternoon:



4 New York Pita Chips @ $3.99
-$3.99/1 x 4 printable coupons
FREE :)


The ladies behind me and the cashier were quite shocked to see that I did not have to pay a single penny for these chips!  :)  I LOVED it!