MamaBaker's Place

Gift Cake!

2009-01-15T11:39:00.004-05:00

I'm taking a cake decorating class and I LOVE how this one came out. It is Satin Ice Fondant...YUMMMM

Kmart is doing it AGAIN!

2009-01-11T12:04:00.004-05:00

Yes, they are doubling coupons again. This is a great stock-up opportunity! If you sign-up on their website to get emails from them you will get $5 off a $50 purchase. Have the cashier ring in ALL of the items, hand them the $5 off $50 and then all of your other coupons. I've hit up this sale before and saved over $100.

CVS January Deals!

2009-01-11T11:09:00.004-05:00

Here are some REALLY great deals from CVS this week...

Children’s Throat Cooler Ice Pops

Get $4.99 in Extra Care Bucks when you buy one at $4.99
Money Maker! Use this coupon it is Buy 1 get 1 free. So you will only have to buy 1 at $4.99 and get $9.98 in Extra Care Bucks. Limit 2 per customer

NasoGel Drip Free Gel Spray

Get $7.99 in Extra Care Bucks when you buy 1 at $7.99
Money Maker! Use $2 off coupon. You will pay $5.99 and get back $7.99 in Extra Care Bucks. Limit 2 per customer

NutraTrim Diet Chewing Gum

Get $3.99 in Extra Care Bucks when you buy one at $3.99 Limit 2 per customer

Its TIME!

2009-01-03T15:42:00.002-05:00

...to clean out all of your expired coupons from the coupon file! This week there are said to be five, yes FIVE coupon inserts. With that many I'll need to purge out the expired coupons to make room for the new ones! In the Sunday paper. I'm planning on buying a couple 5-6 papers. Here are some that should be in the paper that caught me eye: (all from Taylortown Preview)

Air Wick Scented Oil Refill, any $1 on 2 (2-15-09)

Air Wick Warmer Unit FREE up to $3.19 wyb Scented Oil Refill (2-15-09)
Aquafresh Premium Toothbrush, any $1 (4-18-09)

Aquafresh Premium Toothpaste, any 5.6 oz.+ .75 (4-18-09)
FORM Bayer Special Half Price Offer up to $10 Refund (mail-in) (1-18-09)

Birds Eye Steamfresh Meals for Two Variety, any $2 (2-14-09)

Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetable or Rice Variety, any .35 (2-14-09)

Campbells Chicken Noodle and Tomato Condensed Soup, any .40/4 (3-31-09)

Campbells Chunky Healthy Request Soup, any .50/2 (3-31-09)

Campbells Condensed Cooking Soup, any .40/4 (3-31-09)

Campbells Condensed Soup, any except Chicken Noodle Tomato and Creams .40/2 (3-31-09)

Campbells Condensed Soup, any 26 oz. .40/2 (3-31-09)

Campbells Healthy Request Condensed Soup, any .40/2 (3-31-09)

Campbells Select Harvest Healthy Request Soup, any .50/2 (3-31-9)

Campbells Select Harvest Soup, any .50/2 cans (2-15-09)

Dial Body Wash, any except trial size $1 on 2 (3-31-09)

Dial Multibar Pack, Liquid Hand Soap or Foaming Hand Wash, any .35 (3-31-09)
Minute Rice Product, any .50 (3-28-09)
Nestle Coffee-Mate Liquid or Powder Creamer, any .50 (4-5-9)
Nestle Juicy Juice Product .50/2
One A Day Adult or Teen Multivitamin Product, any $1
Snyders of Hanover Multigrain Snack, any 5 oz.+ $1
Sorrento String Cheese, any 24 oz. only .75 (3-31-9)
Hillshire Farm Sausage product, any $1 on 2

And So Many More! Go check them out for yourself.

American Girl Sale!

2008-12-27T09:51:00.004-05:00

American Girl online is having a big sale on selected items, things are already selling out so hurry. Here is where you can find the deals. My daughter just bought things with a American Girl gift certificate that she got for Christmas. I explained to her that she could buy more items on sale online than in the store.

*Bonus* There is also a coupon code that you can use to get $10 off a $30 purchase. 15502 expires Feb. 2009

Free Music!

2008-12-26T10:48:00.003-05:00

Pizza Hut is giving away 75 free MP3 Downloads. Its their way of extending the holidays. Get yours now!

E.L.F Special Offer

2008-12-26T10:14:00.000-05:00

Right now E.L.F is running a special offer:

GET DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK!
Buy $25-$49 in e.l.f. e-gift cards, get a $50 restaurant.com gift card. Use code: RDC50
Buy $50-$74 in e.l.f. e-gift cards, get a $100 restaurant.com gift card. Use code: RDC100
Buy $75-$99 in e.l.f. e-gift cards, get a $150 restaurant.com gift card. Use code: RDC150
Buy $100-$149 in e.l.f. e-gift cards, get a $200 restaurant.com gift card. Use code: RDC200
Shop Now at www.eyeslipsface.com/gift_cards

Budget Traveling

2008-12-22T16:52:00.003-05:00

I just learned of a great site! Its called MegaBus you can travel from New York to Washington DC for $20 a seat. Better yet you can find promotional codes for tickets! The buses travel all over the United States and Canada.

More Walmart Deals!

2008-12-22T16:19:00.003-05:00

I was at Walmart to day, despite my 2 year old losing my house keys, there are some good deals to be had there.

Glade Oil Scented Candle Holiday Holder $2
$2 off one coupon, I bought one back when Target had the Glade deal and there where $2 off one coupons in the boxes Final Price FREE

Betty Crocker Brownies Pouches $0.98 each
$1 off 2 coupon from Sunday paper Final Price $0.48 each

Betty Crocker Muffin Mix Pouches $0.78 each
$1 off 2 coupon from Sunday paper Final Price $0.28 each

Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix $1.50 each
$1 off 2 from Sunday paper Final Price $1 each

I bought the Sugar Cookie Mix to make some Cheesecake Cookies.

For more great deals at Walmart visit The "Cents"ible Sawyer

LOOK OUT! FREE SHAMPOO!

2008-12-17T10:24:00.004-05:00

I was at Walmart last night and they have the Vitamin shampoo with the Try Me Free tags on them. You can only get one per-person. So next time your at Walmart look at the shampoo isle for your free shampoo.

CVS This week!

2008-12-16T12:56:00.003-05:00

Ok I'm a bit lat on my CVS post. I've have a nasty tooth infection and needed a root canal yesterday. But that infection also got me another $25 CVS gift card because I needed a new prescription. I got a coupon in a Milford paper a while back. So here is how i used that Gift Card!

Transaction #1
Ear Rinse $9.99
Sleep MD $7.99
Dove Soap Bars $2.49

Coupon: Dove $1/1

ECBs used: $17.77

OOP: $1.79 on gift card

Got $18.98 in ECBs

Transaction #2
Duracell Batteries $2.99
Nova Max $9.99
Pantene $5.99
Pantene $5.99

Coupons:
Duracell $1.50/1
Pantene $2/1
Pantene $2/1

ECBs Used: $18.98

OOP: $0.48 on gift card

Got $13.99 in ECBs

Transaction #3
Andes Chocolates $1.50
Andes Chocolates $1.50
Olay Lotion $9.99
Dove Soap Bars $2.49
Pantene $5.99

Coupons:
Olay $1/1
Dove $1/1
Pantene $2/1

ECBs used: $13.99

Got $3 ECBs

Oop: $3.48 on gift card

Transaction #4
Cashews $3.50
Pantene $5.99

Used $3 ECBs

Oop: $6.64

Got $2 ECBs

Pampers Points Time to Use Them!

2008-12-16T12:47:00.004-05:00

Bargain Briana posted about Pampers Rewards! They are offering for December Free Shipping. She also posted 2 bonus codes one for 10 points and another for 1 point. Now is the time to use up those points!

Would you sell your hair?

2008-12-11T12:18:00.002-05:00

So I just heard of a way people are making extra cash, by selling their hair. Would you sell yours? and at what cost? One lady cut and sold her hair for over $2,000! WOW! You can go to The hair Trader to see for yourself.

Falling in Love all over again...

2008-12-11T11:48:00.002-05:00

...with Gmail (I falling love with my husband daily). ChristianPF posted about making lists to stay organized. I used to do this with MANY pieces of paper, until today! I am a changed woman! Well now Gmail has a function that you can use to make to do lists! You just click Settings > Labs > Enable Tasks. Thats it and your ready to make to-do lists! I've made some for Christmas Lists for people that I have to buy for and check off when something is bought. And oh yes my daily and weekly to do lists. You can also put a Due Date on the task if it is time sensitive. Below is what Tasks looks like.

For Homemade Christmasers & Crafters

2008-12-09T13:27:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to share some savings with you.50% off Joann Coupon They are also holding a sale that ends today 30% off entire stock of Yarn, 40% off all papercrafting stickers and embellishments, 30% off all kids crafts, 50% off all Bulk Fabric By-the-Bolt and more. Go to Joann.com to check them out. If you buy anything make sure you do it threw Ebates to get 5% cash back on your order.

Homemade Christmas.

2008-12-09T11:03:00.004-05:00

I have been hearing many people are having a "Homemade Christmas". It is such a great idea! I might do this next year. I really like making things. If you are doing this or just want to save on gifts there is a fabulous website called You Can Make this, they have many patterns a affordable prices and some for Free! You get these right away, no shipping, just print them from your computer. If you have a giving heart they also have patterns for Toys for Tots that you can donate after you make them.

More sites to check out:
Family Fun
Fits In my Budget
Gifts From Your Kitchen
Handmade Country
Jelly Journals
All Free Cafts
One Crafty Mumma

Pay it Forward

2008-12-05T10:20:00.001-05:00

Save with E.L.F

2008-12-03T15:28:00.004-05:00

If you have any one on your list that wants Bath or Makeup E.L.F. might be worth checking out.
They have some really cute bath baskets and makeup kits. The prices are not bad at all for whole sets and combined with some codes they can be a real deal.

If you buy 2 baskets like the picture above they will both only be $25.70 with shipping. $12.85 for a bath basket is not bad at all!

Right now you can get 1 Free gift bag and tissue paper

Coupon Codes:
ACHELLE 25% off orders $15 and up

MUMMY 50% off order of orders $15 and up

Save at Kohl's

2008-12-03T11:20:00.004-05:00

You can use 2 coupon codes at Kohl's online and save an extra 4% with Ebates

If you use your Kohl's Charge you can use a Free shipping code, if not you will need to spend $75 for Free shipping.

Here are the codes I used:

15% off your order KCCARD15

Free Shipping MVC7971 (expires today)

Save at Borders

2008-12-03T09:52:00.004-05:00

I just got some Christmas gifts at Borders! and saved $16 plus my 8% with Ebates.

Log onto Ebates and go to the Borders website threw them.

You need to put at least 3 items in your cart that equals at least $25 for the free shipping

Enter all of these coupon codes one at a time:

IPL1255 25% off 1 item

BAC1226X 30% off 1 item

BWM1101D 20% off 1 item

Holiday Photo Cards!

2008-12-02T16:38:00.004-05:00

I just ordered my Holiday Photo Cards from Kodak. I got 40 5X7 Photo Cards for $12 and I'll pick them up at my local CVS. It was cheaper not to have them shipped to my house. I used coupon codes 20freecards and holidaygreen. They have a bunch of styles to pick from.

This week at Target!

2008-12-02T11:50:00.002-05:00

A few great deals:

Crest or Colgate on sale for $2.44 $1 off coupon Final price $1.44

Glade Flameless candle on sale for $5.99

Airwick Freshmatic on sale for $5.99 $5 off coupon Final price $0.99

Venus Embrace of Gillette Fussion Razors sale $7.99 each get a $5 gift card when you buy 2; $4 coupons from the 11/30 P&G if you have 2 coupons the final cost would be $1.49 each!

WOO HOO! KMART!

2008-11-30T18:16:00.002-05:00

They had their Double Coupon Sale. They Doubled every coupon up to $2 and without going over the price, so you can get things for free but no more than that.
Tonight I saved a total of $120.22! With a $5 off $50 purchase and another $5 with the purchase of 3 large Tides! I really needed them and the loads of dish soap! I didn't take a picture, it was just too hectic when I got home. If I break it down each item cost me $2.16. I am welled stocked up! I no longer need ANYTHING at all! I now will only be managing my stockpile.

Happy Thanksgiving CVS!

2008-11-27T09:00:00.004-05:00

Early risers get the best deals!

Transaction #1
Reeses $1.00
L'Oreal Gloss $6.99
CoverGirl Powder $5.99
CoverGirl Foundation $7.99

Total: $21.97

Coupons:
CoverGirl $1/1
CoverGirl $1/1
L'Oreal $1/1
ECBs $18.97

OOP: NOTHING!
ECB Recieved: $21.97

Transaction #2
Aussie Shampoo $2.99
Aussie Conditioner $2.99
Johnson's Lotion $5.69
Colgate $2.99
L'Oreal Gloss $6.99
Garnier $5.99

Total: $27.61

Coupons:
Johnson's $1/1
Colgate $1/1
Garnier $1/1
ECBs: $23.97

OOP (tax $.03): $.70
ECB Recieved: $27.64

Transaction #3
Bic Soleil $5.99
Bic Soleil $5.99
Colgate $2.99
Sally Nail Polish $3.79
Creast $4.39

Total: $23.15

Coupons:
Colgate $1/1
ECBs: $21.66

OOP (tax $.02): $0.51
ECBs Recieved: $23.15

Grand Totals:

Worth: $72.73
Saved: $81.99 Says my reciepts
OOP: $1.21!

Restaurant.com

2008-11-25T09:56:00.005-05:00

Go check out Restaurant.com to save BIG on eating out! Hurry this offer ends November 30, 2008 Right not you can buy $25 gift certificates for $3 with coupon code THANKS and you will also get a FREE $10 gift certificate to wine.com with every order! Wanna save even more? I know you must be sick of hearing this BUT if you go to their website threw Ebates you can get 15% cash back on your purchase.

Frangrance Sale

2008-11-25T09:30:00.003-05:00

Anyone have perfume or cologne on their Christmas lists?
If so FragranceX is offering Free shipping on orders of $59+. Plus use coupon code THANKS08 for 10% and order threw Ebates and get 7% cash back on your order.

Stock Up! Laundry Soap and Paper Towels!

2008-11-23T09:29:00.010-05:00

Arm & Hammer Laundry Soap on Sale! At Shaw's!

They are Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Combine that with $1/1 Coupon
You can use 1 for each laundry soap
*Bonus You can also get an Arm and Hammer Essentials Cleaner Kit FREE when you buy 2 Arm and Hammer Laundry Soaps! Combine that with the Arm and Hammer Essentials Rebate and really make out with a great deal. If you had an Essentials coupon you'd be getting the best deal ever!

Quick Break Down!

Arm and Hammer Laundry Soap $5.49
Arm and Hammer Laundry Soap FREE
Essentials Cleaner Kit FREE

Coupons:
Arm and Hammer Laundry Soap $1/1
Arm and Hammer Laundry Soap $1/1
Essentials Cleaner Kit $1/1

Your OOP: $2.49

After Essentials Cleaner Kit Rebate: Everything will be FREE! They will reimburse you your OOP cost (up to $3.50)!

Paper Towels @ CVS!

They have Viva 8 packs for $7.49 and you get $2 ECB at the end. Limit 3 per card holder. I also had $1/1 pack, but if you don't have any coupons you can print some off here.

Thanks Walmart!

2008-11-18T20:40:00.003-05:00

I never really looked at Walmart for a good deal, but tonight I gave it a shot.

Cheerios $3.12 *Bonus the back of the box has $4 of coupons on it!
2-Pillsbury Brownies $3.32
2- Pillsbury Cake Mixes $1.76
6-Kashi Hot Cereals $17.04
4- Pop Tarts $6.64
2- Glade Oil Candle $11.16
Granola Bars $2.72
2- Pie Crusts $2.00
2- Powdered Sugar $3.24
Total: $51.00

Coupons:
Cheerios $1/1
2 Pillsbury Brownies $1/1
Pillsbury Cake Mix $1/2
6-Kashi Hot Cereal $1/1 Peelies
2 Pop Tarts $1/2
Glade Oil Candle BOGO
Granola Bar $1/1
Pie Crust $1/2
2 Powdered Sugar $0.50/1
Total: $20.58

Total OOP: $30.42

Thanks Walmart!

2008-11-18T20:40:00.000-05:00

CVS 11/16

2008-11-16T07:49:00.003-05:00

Thanks to a horrible eye infection I got a $25 CVS gift card. It came in very handy today. I also included my newspapers in my transactions today but normally I wouldn't.

Transaction #1

L’Oreal Age Perfect Pro-Calcium Radiance Perfector Sheer Tint Moisturizer $15.99

Coupons:
L'Oreal $1 off
CVS $3 off $10 Beauty Purchase

Total + $.60 tax: $12.59 put on Gift Card

ECB Received: $15.99

Transaction #2

2 Glade Jar Candles $5
2 Glade Glass Scents $5
2 Vaseline Clinical Therapy Lotion $11.98
News Paper $1.75

Coupons:
Glade Candles $1.5/2
Glade Glass Scents BOGO
Vaseline Clinical Therapy Lotion $1.50
Vaseline Clinical Therapy Lotion $1.50
ECB $15.99

Total: $0.74 put on Gift Card

ECB Received: $9

Transaction #3

4 Glade Glass Scents $10
News Paper $2

Coupons:
2 Glade BOGO
ECB $5

Total: $2 put on Gift Card

ECB Received:$5

Grand Totals!
Total Savings today:$51.31
OOP: $15.15

So I still have $9.67 on my Gift Card and $9 in ECB to use for their Thanksgiving Sale!

2008-11-15T10:29:00.002-05:00

Get Photo Calendar at only $6.99/each with FREE SHIPPING.

No limit on quantity! Share with your friends.
And order early to avoid the rush.
http://www.artscow.com/diy/calendar

Coupon code for $6.99 calendar: CRSD699
Expires on 11/20/2008

Free Purell Hand Sanatizer!

2008-11-15T10:27:00.001-05:00

Tis' the season to get sick! So protect yourself.

KMart Coupon!

2008-11-15T09:08:00.004-05:00

This is $5 off a $50 purchase. It doesn't seem like that much BUT during the KMart double coupon sale it is really HUGE! You just need to make sure that you hand the cashier the $5 off a $50 coupon before all your other coupons or you will not be able to use it.

I learned about this threw Heather @ Freebies 4 Mom . Thank You Heather!

What you need to do to get the coupon is enter the KMart Disney Wish and Win Contest. They will email the coupon to you and just print it out!

Holiday Budget...Do you have one?

2008-11-14T08:48:00.012-05:00

One big reason people rack up the Credit Card bills and spend down their accounts is because they simply do not budget! I put together a simple Christmas Budget Sheet. It will help you spend less. I find when people don't have a set plan is when they spend more.

Heads up! KMart

2008-11-11T12:13:00.003-05:00

KMart will be doing their DOUBLE COUPON Sale again!

SuperKmarts November 12-16! None in my area.

All KMarts November 30-December 6th

My friend called the Customer Service number to verify this information. Thanks Lisa!

Last time they had this they doubled all coupons up to $2! I saved a ton last time, go check out what I got. It might get ya to store up your coupons for the sale.

Shaws Super Shopping Deals + CVS

2008-11-11T10:50:00.005-05:00

I couldn't fit everything into 1 picture so here they are:

Shaw's Transaction #1

4- Chef Boyardee $4.00
6-Healthy Choice Canned Soup $6.00
2-Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers $5.00
2-Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers $5.50

Coupons:
2- Healthy Choice Soup $1/3
1- Chef Boyardee $1/4
2- 2-Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers $1/1
2- 2-Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers $1/1
2- $5 off my order from last week

The tax was -$1.50

OOP: $2.00

Got $10 off my next order coupon

Shaw's Transaction #2

Idaho Instant Potatoes $1.39
GV Sugar $1.89
Applesauce $1.89
4- Betty Crocker Cake Mix $4
4- Select Harvest Soup $4
2- Town House Crackers $3.76
Apple Juice $1.50
5- Bird's Eye Steam Fresh $5
12- Bird's Eye Vegetables $12
2- Ghirardelli Cho. Squares $3.78 on clearance from Halloween
3-Wheat Bread $4.99

Coupons:
1-Idaho Instant Potatoes $1.39
1- Ghirardelli Cho. Squares $1/2
5- Bird's Eye Steam Fresh $1.5/1
4- Bird's Eye Vegetables $1/3
1-Town House Crackers $1/2
1- $5 off my order from last week
1-$10 off fron transaction #1

Again Tax was -$.75

OOP: $14.56

CVS:

1 Box Fruit Loops $2.00
1 Box Smart Start $2.50

1-Box Fruit Loops $1/1
1-Box Smart Start $1/1

OOP: $2.50

From Both Stores
Grand Total Savings: $99.68
Grand Total OOP: $19.06

Coupons that Printed out:
Select Harvest $1/5
Hormel Compleats $1/1
Campbell's Chuncky Fully Loaded $1/1

Are you throwing money out your windows?

2008-11-10T09:53:00.005-05:00

You could be loosing money with out even knowing it! A few months ago I was reading a local paper that was talking about saving energy. It said that you can call your electrical provider and ask them if they will do a FREE Energy Audit. The main reason I wanted to call was because the house is drafty sometimes. They came last week and the gentleman that came was very nice and educational. He walked threw the whole house with my husband looking from basement to roof. He gave us some tips on what we could do to improve the efficiency of our house.

They also have programs like a $300 rebate for a hot water heater, that would save on oil for us. A interest free loan for efficient windows and/ or insulating the house any where from $2,000 - $10,000.

They even clanged ALL of our light bulbs to Compact Florescent Light bulbs for FREE! If you have seen the price tags on those puppies you know they aren't cheap!

Some tips you can look for:

Gaps and cracks: When sealing smaller air leaks to keep air-conditioned or heated air inside your home, caulks and foam sealants are the product for you:
- Gaps up to 1/2": Caulk
- Gaps up to 2": Latex foam sealant
- Gaps over 2": Polyurethane foam sealant
Windows: You can quickly seal around windows using caulks and weather-strip tape. You can also apply window film in the winter. If considering replacing your windows, ensure your selection is Energy Star® certified.
Doors: As with windows, sealing around doors is quick and easy. Use caulks and weather-stripping to seal the perimeter of the door, and install a threshold to prevent air from leaking from under the door.
Thermostats: Invest in a 5/2-day programmable thermostat and keep heat-generating appliances several feet away, such as lamps and entertainment centers.
Ceiling fans: An inexpensive way to feel warmer in the winter, set fan to a low spin in a clockwise rotation when your heat is turned on.
Hot water: An easy way to keep your hot water at the right temperature without using lots of additional energy is to wrap your hot water heater with an insulating jacket and hot water pipes with insulating pipe foam. Be sure to follow directions for your model type (gas, oil, or electric heater.)
Basements: In unfinished basements, the joint between the top of the basement wall and the wooden frame is a common place for air leaks, as it is above ground on the exterior of the wall. This can be fixed by using an all-purpose sealant. Also ensure that any basement windows are properly sealed (see tip #2).
Ducts: Heating and cooling accounts for approximately half of your energy bill. To have your HVAC system maximize its efficiency, make sure the ducts that transfer air to various rooms are well insulated and you change the HVAC filter regularly. Duct sleeves are simply installed around exposed joints in the vent system where two pieces join together to prevent heated or cooled air from leaking out.
Attics: Attic fans cool hot attics by pulling cooler, outside air in and by pushing the hot air out. If your attic is not properly sealed from the house underneath, that expensive air-conditioned or heated air will rise to the attic and out through the fan. Seal and insulate your attic properly by using fiberglass rolls, foam sealants, or high performance sealants.
Natural shade: Planting trees or large shrubs around your home can provide shade and will prevent the hot sun from heating up your home in the summer. Shade east- and west- facing windows and air conditioning units (be sure not to block airflow with foliage). Consult a landscaping professional before planting to prevent future damage to your home's foundation.

From DAP

Also:

Wash your clothes in cold water. I like using Tide Cold Water.

Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners when possible.

Use a toaster oven in place of your oven for smaller cooking and they use less energy

Purchase EnergyStar appliances. Many times you can also get rebates
for them

If your freezer chest is not full, then place ice at the bottom to fill it up. They more space that is in it the harder it has to work to regulate the temperature.

Make sure you get your furnace cleaned at least once a year.

Bonus!

Many things are tax deductible when you make your home more energy efficient. Go see what you may be eligible for Federal Tax Credits.

CVS Trip 11/09

2008-11-09T21:18:00.007-05:00

Transaction #1
Garnier Shampoo $2.99
St Ives Body Wash $3.99
Rimmel Mascara $6.99

Coupons
Garnier $1/1
Rimmel $1/1

Total: $10.97
ECB: $10.49
OOP w/ tax: $1.55

ECB Received:
Garnier $2
St Ives $3
Rimmel $4

Transaction #2

Hershey Bliss $3.00
Hershey Bliss $3.00
Lindt Excellence $2.00
Lindt Excellence $2.00
Palmolive $1.49
Palmolive $1.49
Smart Water $1.69

Coupons:
Palmolive $1/2
Hershey Bliss $2.50/2
Lindt Excellence BOGO

Total: $9.17
ECB: $9.00
OOP: $0.17

Transaction #3

5 Hershey Bars $2.50

Coupon:
Hershey BOGO

Total: $2.00
ECB: $2.00
OOP: $0

Grand Total Saved: $36.40
Grand Total OOP: $1.72

Shaws

2008-11-07T09:05:00.003-05:00

Ok This week Shaw's is having a bunch of promotions! If you have one around you it is worth checking out!

Save $10 on your next visit* when you buy $25 of participating KRAFT products in a single transaction with your Shaw’s® Rewards Card from 11/7/08-11/27/08. *Coupon will print at register at time of purchase.

Save $10 off your next purchase when you buy $20 worth of these participating products with your Shaw's Card. Items found on page 3.*Coupon will print at register at time of purchase.

Save $15 off your next purchase when you buy 10 participating General Mills products. *Coupon will print at register at time of purchase.

Shaw's Coupons I got these from Justine's Grocery Brags

Make sure you have a Shaw's Card for all these great deals. If you don't have one just visit the service desk and sign up for one.

Free 8 X 10

2008-11-07T07:49:00.003-05:00

Go check out Bargin Briana to see how you can get a FREE 8 X 10. I just ordered one and if you pick it up in the store you won't have to pay for shipping obviously.

Shaws Round 2!

2008-11-06T11:10:00.003-05:00

I wanted to get to Shaws to use some more coupons and get another $15 before the sale ran out.

3- Klondike
2- Macaroni Grill
3- Hamburger Helper
1- Green Giant Stir Fly
2- Vaseline Lotion
1- Betty Crocker Cake Mix

Coupons:
2 Klondike $1/2
1 Hambugerger Helper $1/3
2 Vaseline $1/1
1 Green Giant $1/1
2 Macaroni Grill $1/1

Before Sale and Coupons: $47.37

After Sale and Coupons: $22.17

Got $15 towards my next Purchase

Total Savings: $25.20

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes!

2008-11-05T16:14:00.004-05:00

So these are why I had to run to the store last night. If you like pumpkin you have to try these!

Ingredients:
18 Paper Baking Cups
18 Gingersnap Cookies
12 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon Argo Corn Starch
1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 Eggs
1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1/3 Cup Karo Lite Corn Syrup

Place paper baking cups in muffin pans. Place 1 gingersnap in each cup.

Beat cream cheese, sugar, corn starch and pumpkin pie spice with an electric mixer until well mixed. Add eggs and blend well. Add pumpkin and syrup. Beat 1 minute.

Pour filling into cups, dividing evenly. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, just until set.

Chill for 1 hour. Garnish as desired.

Shaws Super Deal!

2008-11-04T21:25:00.007-05:00

So I went to the grocery store to get some items for my Play date at my house tomorrow morning, but I had so many coupons and Shaws is running a promotion "Buy $30 worth of items on the back page of their flier and get $15 on your next shopping trip" So I did 2 transactions to get the most savings. The cashier was impressed with my savings.

Transaction #1
4- Progresso Soups
4- Healthy Digestion Vegetables
6-Just One Green Giant Vegetables
1- Green Giant Steamers
2- Pilsbury cookie dough

Coupons:
$1-Progresso
$1- Green Giant
$1-Philsbury
$1- Green Giant
$1- Green Giant
$1- Green Giant
$1- Green Giant
$1- Green Giant

Total after Coupons: $27.16

Got $15 for my next purchase

Transaction #2

Shortening
3- Powdered Sugar
Ginger Snaps
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Karo Syrup
Argo Cornstarch
Ground Mustard

Coupons:
$1.00-Pumpkin Pie Spice
$.40 Doubled-Argo
$.45 Doubled-Karo
$15 From Transaction #1

Total: $4.76

Total Savings: $46.21

Total OOP: $31.92

That averages out to $1.27 per item!

Target

2008-11-04T16:48:00.005-05:00

I went for the Glade candle deal, but they where all OUT! WTH...ummmm....ok. So I flipped threw my handy dandy coupons binder and found a BOGO Glade Plug-In coupon and $1.50 off of 2 refill candle. Here is the break down

Transaction #1
Glade Plug-In $2.50 BOGO
Glade Plug-In $2.50
Glade Scented Oil Candle Refill $2.50 $1.50/2
Glade Scented Oil Candle Refill $2.50

Total: $6 ($1 more than I wanted to spend, Thanks)

Got $5 Gift Card

Transaction #2
Lysol Neutra Air $5.99 $5/1
Lysol Neutra Air $5.99 $5/1

Total: $1.98

Trasaction #3

Lysol Neutra Air $5.99 $5/1
Lysol Neutra Air $5.99 $5/1

Total: $1.98

Just w/ the Lysol Neutra Airs that is a savings of $44!

Personalized Ornament

2008-11-04T06:30:00.003-05:00

These would be perfect gifts for Christmas!

Get Personalized Decoration Ornament (one side) at only $1.99/each with free shipping.

Order now & Share with your friends!!!
http://www.artscow.com/diy/Ornament

Checkout Code : ORNAMENT199
Expires on 11/30/2008

P.S: Checkout code is also applicable to Personalized Decoration Ornament (two sides) at $2.99/each with free shipping.

1st November CVS Trip!

2008-11-02T20:56:00.003-05:00

I had to go to 2 store to get all the things I wanted! UGH, they really made me work today. LOL. Today's paper had such got coupons so I bought 2.

Transaction #1

Pampers Cruisers $10 1/$1.50
Pampers Cruisers $10 1/$1.50
Olay Body Wash $6 1/$2
Olay Body Wash $6 1/$2
$5/$30
$10 ECB

Total if I paid full price w/o sale: $39.96
Total with just sale: $32.00
Total after coupons and sale: $25
Total after CVS and ECB coupons: $15.00

ECB received after transaction: $10
$5 from Pampers
$5 from Olay

Transaction #2
I really messed up on this one :( I forgot to use a CVS $4/$20, I'll have to bring my receipt in w/ the coupon and I really hope they honor it.

Dawn Botanical $.99 1/$.20
Crest Pro White $3.49 1/$1
Colgate Motion Toothbrush $4.99 1/$2
Motrin 50ct $7.49 1/$1
Bengay Patches $7.99 1/$1

Total if I paid full price w/o sale: $28.15
Total with just sale: $24.95
Total after coupons and sale: $19.75
Total after ECB coupons: $9.75

ECB received after transaction: $10.49
$3.49 from Crest
$2.00 from Colgate toothbrush
$5 from Motrin and Bengay

BONUS! I am able to claim $16.25 on our Flexible spending account!

Whoo Hoo Victoria's Secret!

2008-11-02T08:41:00.005-05:00

Thanks to imommies for this one!

I got 2 Bras and a pair or panties w/ shipping for $15.99!

You can either visit VS's website threw MyPoints.com or Ebates for 4% cash Back!

Pick 2 Bras from the 2/$40 section

Pick a Pair or Panties. Must be cotton, solid color and cost $7.50

Make sure you check the box for the coupon codes and click check out.

Fill in all your information

Here are the coupon codes you will want to use:

25PTY ($25 off any two full priced bras + free cotton panty)

FA813789 ($10 off any bra)

FA813549: Receive an email with a code for $10 off of a future purchase (I didn't learn about this one until after I put in my order)

Happy Shopping!

Witch Hat Cookies!

2008-10-31T11:23:00.004-04:00

LOOK! I made the cutest lil' cookies for Baby Girl's class. I just have to share! They are super-dooper easy to made. I also made Cheese Fingers but I didn't take a picture.

To make the Witch Hats:

You will need Oreo Ice Cream Cones, Archway Dutch Cocoa Cookies, Frosting and M&Ms.

Take an Oreo Cone, put in 1 Tbls M&Ms, frost the top edge, place a cookie on top so the cone is centered on it, tip over so the cookie is on the bottom and let the frosting crust. After its crusted (hardened a little) decorate with frosting around the cone and decorated with some M&Ms. Thats it!

$5 Target Gift Card!

2008-10-31T11:05:00.003-04:00

Target DEAL!
But 4 Holiday Glade products or In Stlye and get a $5 Gift Card. You can find the offer HERE and a chance to win a $500 Target Gift Card or other prizes.

Wanna make the deal sweeter? I know you do! Go visit Glade for a BOGO Glade Scented oil Candle.

KMart Double Coupon Sale!

2008-10-30T12:27:00.006-04:00

Well I hit up KMart and made out pretty well. It looks like the cashier didn't scan one of the coupons but whatever I saved big so I won't be calling to complain. I really did get a ton of stuff!
I doubles all of the coupons.

Last CVS trip this month....

2008-10-28T22:10:00.004-04:00

Ok so I really wasn't planning on going until I learned about the free shampoo. The Vitamin: you pay $6.99 for it but it comes with a rebate on it to try it for FREE. So It had my name all over it LOL. I had a $4 and a $12 ECB coupons so I had to buy more than just the shampoo to use them, I just didn't feel like paying cash. So I flipped threw the flyer there and found the Nova Max Blood Glucose Monitoring System was originally: $59.99 on Sale for: $9.99 with $9.99 ECB back at the end. So tonight I pretty much turned my ECB into cash with the rebate.

Nova Max $9.99 Saved $50.00
Vitamin Shampoo $6.99

Total: $16.98
ECB Used: $16.00
Total OOP w/ Tax: 1.03

Got ECB: $9.99

WHY?

2008-10-27T16:50:00.006-04:00

Ok so I've been asked why I would buy things that are not useful to me. Well Some things are money makers. For instance I purchased a box of Just For Men Touch of Gray hair dye (not useful to me at all) BUT I payed $7.99, got $7.99 in ECB and found a rebate to receive $8.00. SO I made $8.00 from that transaction. I plan on donating it to my local senior center. Here are 2 scenarios on when its a deal to buy say Soy Joy bars even if you may not like them.

Scenarios #1 W/O Soy Joy

Transaction #1
Bic Comf 3 $5.99
Coupoon: $2/1
Palmolive Soap $1.39
Palmolive Soap FREE
Coupon: $1/2

Get $4 ECB
OOP: 4.60

Transaction #2
Bic Comf 3 $5.99
Coupoon: $2/1
Palmolive Soap $1.39
Palmolive Soap FREE
Coupon: $1/2

Use $4 ECB
Get $4 ECB
OOP: $.60

FINAL OOP TOTAL: $5.20

Scenario #2 w/ Soy Joy
Transaction #1
5 Soy Joy bars 5/5
Soy Joy $3/5
Total After Coupons: $2

Get $4 ECB

Transaction #2
Bic Comf. 3 Shaver $5.99
Coupon: $2.00
BOGO Palmolive dish soap
Coupon: $1/2
Total After Coupons: $4.38
USE $4.00 ECB
OOP: $.38
Get: $4 ECB

Transaction #3
Bic Comf. 3 Shaver $5.99
Coupon: $2.00
BOGO Palmolive dish soap
Coupon: $1/2
Total After Coupons: $4.38
USE $4.00 ECB
OOP: $.38
Get to use for next week!: $4 ECB

Total OOP: $2.76

So if you really want to spend an extra $2.44 just so you don't bring home something that is not useful to you than go for it. But I'm here to save you $$. Just donate whatever you don't want to your local church, food pantry or senior center.

Rebates! Rebates! Rebates!

2008-10-27T15:48:00.002-04:00

Arm & Hammer Rebate

Rebates! Rebates! Rebates!

2008-10-27T15:44:00.004-04:00

Lysol Rebate
Offer expires: 03/31/2009
You need to buy 2 different products (UPCs) and to mail in a receipt from your child's pediatrician from an office visit.

Rebates! Rebates! Rebates!

2008-10-27T15:31:00.001-04:00

Duncan Hines Decadent Carrot Cake
Offer expires: 1/31/2009

$5 Challange

2008-10-27T11:49:00.010-04:00

Transaction #1
5 Soy Joy bars 5/5
Soy Joy $3/5
Total After Coupons: $2

Get $4 ECB

Transaction #2
Bic Comf. 3 Shaver $5.99
Coupon: $2.00
BOGO Palmolive dish soap
Coupon: $1/2
Total After Coupons: $4.38
USE $4.00 ECB
OOP: $.38
Get: $4 ECB

Transaction #3
Bic Comf. 3 Shaver $5.99
Coupon: $2.00
BOGO Palmolive dish soap
Coupon: $1/2
Total After Coupons: $4.38
USE $4.00 ECB
OOP: $.38
Get to use for next week!: $4 ECB

Total OOP: $2.76

EARLY CVS Run today!

2008-10-26T08:12:00.005-04:00

Last week my CVS stores ran out of the deals I wanted, SO today I went when they opened (I was determined). But it really payed off.

5 Soy Joy Bars BOGO and B2G1
3 Bic Comf 3 shavers 3 $2 off

Total: $22.97
After Coupons: $14.97
After ECB ($14.68): $.29

ECB Received: $16

So This time I made a little $.74

Max Factor Deal!

2008-10-24T16:56:00.004-04:00

I don't have a Kmart around my area, but I had to pick up my husband after work and he was in a town with a Kmart. So I got my BOGO Max Factor coupons (only 2) and went to hit up their BOGO Max Factor sale.

This is what I got:
3D Lip Color $10.99
3D Lip Color $10.99
Foundation $9.99
Compact Powder $8.99

Before Coupons and Sale: $40.96
After Sale: $20.98
After Coupons and Sale: $1.05

So really ALL I paid was my state sales tax!

The cashier said "Are you serious?" I told her it pays to use coupons.

AND! 10/25/08

I got 2 more FREE Foundations! My MIL gave me the coupons that she didn't want and there was a BOGO Max Factor face make up. YAY!

2 Max Factor Foundations $19.98

BOGO Sale
Coupon: BOGO

FREE

The cashier was funny. She wasn't paying attention to the price, she put in the coupons and before she looked up she said "and you owe meeeeeeeeeee....Nothing, um ok" LOL.

The Greatest Cure!

2008-10-23T09:21:00.004-04:00

Today I feel like something crawled into my head. I have such a yucky head cold at the moment. I was up early since I had a hard time laying down with head pressure. So I got on the computer and one of my girlfriend's where on and said "good morning early bird" so I told her I was sick with some head cold. Well after walking Baby Girl down to school (not fun when your sickly), she showed up at my house with a Get Well basket! How sweet is that! Medicines, tea, lemon, candles, a blanket and movie for the kids so I can relax.

I have to say her kindness and generosity has made me feel better already. Thank You!

Cheap Tote Bags!

2008-10-22T12:12:00.003-04:00

This was found on iMommies.com, gatta give credit where credit is due!

Three Large Microfiber Khaki Tote Bags: $7.92

Thanks to Janet for sharing this deal! You can either order three of the large khaki tote bags, or two sets of the pink bag trio, and you’ll only pay less than $8 to have them shipped to your door.

Khaki: Click Here, add three bags to your cart, and then enter code BCRAFAPR. Total=$7.92 shipped!
Pink: Click Here, add two sets to your cart, and then enter code BCRAFAPR. Total=$7.93 shipped!

Trip #2 CVS

2008-10-21T15:36:00.004-04:00

So I made another trip to CVS today. The thing that sent me there was learning that there is a rebate for Just For Men. So this week Just For Men is $7.99, you get $7.99 ECB back and you can send in the rebate to get up to $8 back not too shabby.

Here was my transaction:

Just For Men $7.99
Powerade $1.69
PertPlus $3.69
PertPlus $3.69
PertPlus $3.69

Total: $20.75
After ECB: $12.47
Recieved ECBs: $14.68
I'll also be sending in my rebate: $8

Oh CVS your too good to me!

2008-10-19T21:36:00.004-04:00

So tonight I really had a great shopping trip!

Dove Nutrium Bar Soap 2 pkg $2.50 Coupon $1.00
Dove Nutrium Bar Soap 2 pkg $2.50 Coupon $1.00
Mylanta $6.00 Coupon $1.50 ECB:$5.00
Brach Autumn Candy $1.29 ECB: $1.29
Tylenol $6.00 Coupon $1.00
Always Pads 4.99 Coupon $2.00 ECB:$1.00
Pumpkin Pail $.99 ECB: $.99
Dove Deoterant 1.99 Coupon: $.75
Dove Deoterant 1.99 Coupon: $.75
Dove Deoterant 1.99 Coupon: $.75
Dove Deoterant 1.99 Coupon: $.75
News Paper for more coupons $1.75

Total Before Coupons(Sale Price): $33.98
Total After Coupons: $24.48
Total After ECB ($12)w/tax: $12.80
ECB Recieved:$8.28
Total Claimable for Flexible Spending! $12.60

Sooooooooooooooooo when all is said and done I would have only paid $.20 for everything! Not too shabby.

I'm a BzzAgent!

2008-10-15T11:49:00.006-04:00

I have to tell you I love being a BzzAgent! There are SO many perks: I get free things to try, things to pass out to other people (samples and coupons), I get points for Bzzing (filing a report when I tell people about my products) and I get to learn about really cool sites out there in the Frog Pond.

The points I get are like cash. I can use my points at MyPoints for gift cards that I pick out. Next time I get enough points I'm going to get the CVS gift cards for my couponing addiction..LOL

I've gotten gift cards for Old Navy and Home Depot so far.

If you like Free things, trying new things out and telling people about it; then you too should be a BzzAgent! Just go to BzzAgent and sign up! Oh yeah tell them leitha2006 sent ya!

Here is a list of the campaigns that I have done so far:
Max Factor
Scrubbing Bubbles(R) Action Scrubber(TM)
Carolina(R) Gourmet Rice
TheTrackShack.com
Stonyfield Farm YoBaby and YoMommy Yogurts
CVS/pharmacy(R) IN-STORE PHOTO BOOK
ChapStick(R) 100% Naturals
Barilla Tortellini
Hornitos
5 (gum)
Pledge(R) Multi-Surface
LISTERINE WHITENING (R) Quick Dissolving Strips
Coppertone
Eucerin Daily Replenishing Lotion
Hillshire Farm Entree Salads
TABASCO(R) SWEET & Spicy Sauce
Aquapod
The Number 23
Carbonite

Party!

2008-10-15T09:35:00.002-04:00

I've been getting ready for my youngest son's birthday party. So far I've made the going home gifts for the kids, wrapped the flatware and started decorating the dining room. I really love putting parties together. Now I just have to figure out what to get for the children 12months and under. Any ideas?

The 10 Day Give!

2008-10-14T15:35:00.003-04:00

The 10 Day Give is a challenge that is designed to help us get our minds off of ourselves and start thinking about how we can help others.

The thing is, I think most people really want to make other people’s lives better, but with everything going on all around us all hours of the day, we just don’t get a chance. This is an opportunity to choose, on purpose, to give of ourselves. There really are hundreds of opportunities that we overlook each day. My goal is to just grab hold of one of them each day.

For some people that means giving money, for others time is far more precious than money, and for others it may mean their expertise in an area. But, no matter who you are, we all have something to give.

It could be taking someone out to lunch, it could be babysitting for an overworked mom, it can as simple as giving your precious time by taking your mom to the park to talk. There are no rules, no judges, and no right or wrong ways of completing the challenge.

But, I encourage you to sign up for the challenge and decide to give whatever you can - it’s only for 10 days. And who knows, maybe it will become a habit.

So, why not decide to take 10 days to give something to a different person, each day. It doesn’t matter what the gift is, how much it costs, who it is given to, or how it is given. The point is to just to give - on purpose. We hope you decide to join us.

WHY WE ARE DOING IT
The purpose behind it is to give people an opportunity to:

1. Change the lives of those around you
2. Change your own life by better understanding the joy of giving
3. Make the world a better place one gift at a time

WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM IT

Everyone understands that the laws of gravity will cause a baseball thrown into the air to return to earth. The same creator of gravity says that when you give it will be given back to you. This law applies to everyone and is just as true as the laws of gravity.

Just as you can be certain of hitting the ground after jumping from a rooftop, you can be confident that when you give, it will come back to you. Obviously, that shouldn’t be the motivation behind giving, but it is a law that we can choose to either fight against or benefit from it.

Interestingly, God so strongly desires that we understand this law, that the only context in which testing God was condoned in the Bible was in the area of giving. He really wants people to understand the power in giving. I can tell you from personal experience that every time I have given more than I wanted to or felt like I could, surprising and unexpected increase always followed it. Sometimes in the form of an unexpected raise at work, sometimes money given to me by others, or sometimes just a discovery that leads to huge savings. But since I have been watching to see the law in action, it has been always been proved true.
These are just a few things you can expect to get if you join us…

1. The satisfaction of seeing a little effort on your part yield a lot of joy in the lives of others.
2. The assurance that what you sow you will reap - it will come back around.
3. The pleasure of knowing that you are making the world a better place - remember Pay it Forward?
4. You will get to have your name/website/shoe size or whatever you want proudly displayed on this page for all the world to see.
5. If you complete the challenge, you will receive a badge that you can display on your website/Facebook/Myspace to show your friends how cool you are!

HELPFUL TIPS

* Start saving ASAP - it will be a lot easier to give if you have money saved up in advance.
* Fill your wallet up with cash, so you can always dole out some cash if you need to…
* I love giving to strangers, but sometimes they can be freaked out. So, proceed with caution!
* If you think your giving could freak someone out, do it anonymously. This can be very fun. You can almost turn it into a James Bond type challenge not to get caught!
* Plan out your giving in advance, but be ready when a moment of inspiration strikes.

FAQs
What else can I do to help?

* Encourage others to sign up
* Write about it on your website
* Put a banner or badge up on your website (scroll up and look to the left)
* Bookmark this page with Stumbleupon, Reddit, Digg, or any others

What if I don’t have money to give?

Give your time or anything you have that can be translated into value to someone else. Get creative. There is a lot more that you can give other than money.

"My Daughter and I both cut our hair for Locks of Love and are sending it in."

What have you given?

Win!

2008-10-14T07:20:00.003-04:00

Enter to win a B70 Keurig Platinum Brewing System (arv $200) which comes with the brewer as well as an 18-Cup K-Cup Variety Pack! Just go visit A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog. You have until October 31st to enter, so hurry up! Good Luck!

Coupon Organization!

2008-10-13T08:48:00.003-04:00

Here is how I organize my coupons. This was adopted my many women on blogs I've found. Mine isn't 100% done but I wanted to share.

I purchased this cute binder at Walmart on clearance, from all the school supplies. It zips up, has many pockets including some inside for the weekly fliers, a place for pens and my little scissors. I have the coupons in trading card sleeves. I still need to put in dividers for each of the sections.

Another great tip I found was to use a coupon mat to separate them. I just made my own out of the cardboard that came with the trading card sleeves.

Wanna win one? Go visit Mommy Managing Coupon Organizer Giveaway! Good Luck!

What are some of your coupon and savings tips?

CVS Again!

2008-10-12T20:43:00.005-04:00

Here is what I got today! I'll just list the prices after coupons and sale:

Scope $2.99
Puff Tissues $.99
Puff Tissues $.98
Puff Tissues FREE
Colgate Total $2.49
Colgate Total $2.49
Swiffer Starter Kit $7.99
Swiffer Duster Kit FREE
Soft and Dri $3.29
Soft and Dri FREE
Bic Razors $3.29

Used:
$4.oo off $20 Purchase
ECB $7.98

Received: ECB $4.00

My Total! OOP: 12.53

Saved: $36.86

I could have done two transactions to make things even cheaper, but it was pure chaos in there so I saved the cashiers the extra frustration.

Christmas Sweaters!

2008-10-11T12:09:00.003-04:00

YAY! I just got Christmas sweaters for the family! I love doing early shopping. I got them at OldNavy.com, with Free shipping and I'll get 3% for going threw Ebates!

All 5 Sweaters:$114.48
Shipping: Free Saved $7 Code: SAVENOW
Ebates % Back: $3.44
That would average out to be $22.21 per sweater

I also saved on gas to get to the store, my time, frustration searching and waiting in the long lines.

CVS Thanks!

2008-10-08T09:49:00.007-04:00

I can get great deals at CVS!
Here is the break down from Monday Shopping!

Trip #1:
Lady Speed Stick Sale. 1.99 2/$1 off Final Price: $1.49
Lady Speed Stick Sale. 1.99 2/$1 off Final Price: $1.49
Colgate Toothbrush Sale $.99 Coupon: 2/$1.00 off Final Price: $.49
Colgate Toothbrush Sale $.99 Coupon: 2/$1.00 off Final Price: $.49
Colgate Toothpaste Sale $.99 Coupon: 1/$1.00 off Final Price: -$.01
Gillette Wash $4.99 Coupon: 1/$2.00 Final Price: $2.99

Paid at Register: $6.94

Extra Care Coupons Received: $6.oo

Like paying: $.94 for EVERYTHING!

Trip #2
Lady Speed Stick Sale $1.99
Always Infinity Pads $4.98
Colgate MaxFresh 2.99 Coupon: 1/$1.00

Used $6 extra Care Coupons

Paid at register: $2.96

Received Extra Care Coupons: $7.98

Total Break Down:
Like Me Only paying $1.92 for EVERYTHING! It is so worth using coupons!

How to get the BEST deals!

2008-10-04T08:46:00.003-04:00

It's really easy!

1. The most important thing is to look around for what you want to purchase. Don't settle for the first site you find. Look for the sites that are offering Free shipping and/or already reduced prices merchandise.

2. Make sure your signed up at Ebates ! If the store you found a great deal at is part of their participating store then you can save an additional percentage depending on the store. The way Ebates works is: you go to the store you want to shop at from their website and shop at the store. When you finish your purchase a percentage is added to your a Ebatesaccount, every 3 months you can get a check mailed to you, as long as it is over $5.01. If its less or $5.01 then it will be carried over to the next 3 month window. The program is free to you. I ♥ when I just get checks in the mail.

3. Do a simple search at RetailMeNot and get a coupon code for the site you found a great deal at.

You'll be surprised how much you can save.

Great Buy!

2008-10-03T10:03:00.006-04:00

I've always wanted to get personalized Christmas stockings for my family, but they where always so expensive. I finally found some at a great price, they where only $7.98 each! I ordered us all the Snowman stockings. I was going to either get girls as the snowmen and boys as the Christmas trees or Parents as snowmen and kids as Christmas trees. I really couldn't make up my mind so I just got us all snowmen stockings with our names on them and one extra blank one for the day we adopt a child. These will be so perfect I ♥ the country style.

Here is where I got them from and I also got $11.97 off with a Coupon Code.

We don't have a place to hang the stockings so also ordered a stocking hanger
from Improvements Catalog.

I ♥ Weddings!

2008-09-29T09:57:00.004-04:00

Pictures from top to bottom: 1. My Hubby! ♥ 2. Boat w/ raw bar 3. Pastor Mark & Deb

My husband and I went to the MOST amazing wedding this weekend. It was in Cape Cod. It was very rainy but that did not put a damper on things at all! The message was great as always from Pastor Mark Yedinak. I think the 2 great places to speak to non-believers are Weddings and Funerals! What other time do you get the chance to speak to people who would not walk into a church on a regular Sunday. Our Pastor (Mark Yedinak) did my wedding for my husband and I and we got so many complements from our guests. And even there I saw people talking to him and his wife telling them how much they enjoyed his works. I just pray for all those people in hopes that they find a church so they can really be blessed with the word and a church family.

So after the vows and message where delivered the food did not stop! The first hour or two was open bar. They had a raw bar and a TON of appetizers. The main course was pork, turkey and roast beef. All done to perfection. The other side of the room had a huge table with pastas, stir fry and I have no idea what else because I was so stuffed from everything else I could not eat any more!

Ok so desserts where peti fours, cakes, chocolate mouse, strawberry mouse, and wedding cake (I didn't even have any room for any). I don't think I ever ate that much. Neither my husband or I ate any dinner that night.

They did the CUTEST thing to give away the bouquet! They had all the married couples go out on the dance floor and had them slow dance. The DJ would ask who has been marries for 4 or less years raise your hand. Couples would raise their hands and he would ask them to please go sit down. He kept narrowing down couples until he was down to 1 couple who where married over 40 years and the bride handed the bouquet to the wife and took a picture with them.

The last thing I have to tel you about are the wedding favors! They did the best thing ever. Instead of having favors for all of the guests they just make a cash donation to the Cancer Society. That was fantastic. It really was a time of giving and sharing with everyone. I really like how the wedding was more focused on couples and how special marriage is. It was so nice being able to spend the day with my husband without the children, it really gave us time together and with people who we love to be around.

New Braid!

2008-09-24T11:53:00.003-04:00

I am so happy to have found BLOGGING! I found a blog to do my daughter's hair. My word have I been missing out. Here is the wonderful blog titled The Story of a Princess and her Hair. You have to check it out! It even has a video on making the braid I did for Baby Girl, the twist braid. Now I cannot wait for her to get home and try new hair-dos.

Can't Wait!

2008-09-23T13:02:00.005-04:00

So! In 24 days Samuel will be 1! Here is the picture I am using for his invitations. Can you tell what the theme is going to be? Yup! Its a farm party! I bought 12 cowboy hats, 12 cow bells, Red and blue bandannas and so much more! I really love planning and throwing kids parties. I'm using MyPunchbowl.com to organize it and send out the invitations via email. It'll save on postage and that way people can forward it to others just encase I forget someone. So hopefully tonight all the nitty gritty details will be ironed out and I can send the invitations off.

My Stained Glass Life....

2008-09-14T07:33:00.003-04:00

Last night I went to a womens fellowship function with my mother-in-law. I had such a great time and I was moved (I love that feeling).They served tacos, one woman never had a taco before that night! WOW I thought they where common, but then again my family is from San Antonio, Tx. It was so funny because so many of the women didn't know what refried beans where. They where pointing "what is that?". After dinner we sat in the front of the function hall and sang some songs. I started to shed some tears during praise and worship songs. At the time I hoped that no one could see me, there is just something so moving, touching and intimate about singing to and for the Lord. Then we watched to a small skit, Margie's very long yet very amusing introduction for the guest speaker and then Joanne spoke.

Her stories of people she has come across where amazing! Its interesting how much you can learn about people when you REALLY listen. One may was a missionary in Alaska, he really loved the Lord! He had heart surgery and ended up with a staph infection. But that was his way of being able to spread the good news to nurses and doctors. Then he was hit by a bus, yet another opportunity to reach more people with his message. From the accident he was left paralyzed and a prisoner to a wheel chair. He lived right by a hiking trail, so he took cold water and some tracks and perched himself at the trail so he could offer the hikers a cold drink and food (the Lord's word).That is the type of person I would love to be. Take any and every situation where any ordinary person would feel conquered by their situation instead of conquering their situation for the good of saving people. This man was clearly INlove with the Lord!

She also spoke of a book with the word Stained Glass in the title. But a quote from the book really stuck with me. "The Lord has taken all of the broken pieces in my life and made a stained glass window from them" How true is that. Its kind of like that Rascal Flats song "the broken road led me straight to you". My window may not be as intricate as others, but each piece means something. Some are dark and others as bright as can be. But what a beautiful picture they make. The broken road is not the easiest but it truly is the most blessed.

Before it was over Joann brought a gallon sized zip lock bag full of wooden crosses that one of her friend's made. He carved each and everyone and they where ALL different! After he heard that she was going to talk for a group of women he thought it would be nice to make one for each of us. They where all so beautiful. Here is a picture of mine. It has a nail carved in the middle. I picked this one because I knew it was what my husband would have picked.

Something to leave with: Remember when you feel down and broken. Walk that road with Jesus. At the end of that particular road you will find a gift and in time it will make the most beautiful stained glass window.

The Sick Tooth

2008-09-12T16:22:00.003-04:00

Hannah had a tooth pulled today! She was such a trooper! The dentist was also amazing. They explained everything to her in just a way that she understood and was comfortable with (minus the part with the needle). They told her that her tooth had a "cavity bug " and that they needed to send it off the Tooth Fairy. She was fine with it. They even demonstrated the WHOLE procedure of the tooth sealant on her finger ahead of time. Here is a picture of the tooth that was infected and the little pink box they gave Hannah to put her tooth in for the Tooth Fairy. You can see the large brown spot that was eaten away by the cavity.

Every child walks out of the office with a balloon, stickers and a tattoo.

She used to be DEATHLY afraid of the dentist, now she told me that she only wants to go there and thats it. I really wish I found them in the first place. I recommend to everyone to take your child to a pediatric dentist and not a general dentist. They just have such a caring way about them and they make the children feel so comfortable.

YAY! Real Food!

2008-09-11T16:41:00.001-04:00

Samuel had his first bowl of Cheerios today! Boy did he love it. I just made a small bowl for him using cold formula. I'm trying to get him accustomed to it being cold since he starts on Milk soon. We are on our last container of formula and thats it! I'm not buying anymore!

Financial Health Check Up!

2008-09-09T21:34:00.001-04:00

Here are some links that have been very helpful to us! And some of the Dave Ramsey info as well.

First off every month should have a budget. Make budget planning a snap with this Microsoft Excel monthly budget sheet. Enter your planned and actual expenses and it will automatically calculate how well you're doing. From MomAdvice.com

Everyone should own the Dave Ramsey book "The Total Money Makeover, Revised and Updated", it has fantastic information and it very encouraging. Whenever you feel discouraged just pick up his book and read stories from real people who have overcome financial hardships. This would also be a great read for a young adult.

Here are the Baby Steps:

1. $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund: Any extra money goes to pay off Debts. For emergencies that cannot wait and to be payed back as you use it.

2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball: Pay smallest debt to larger Here is the link for the Debt Snowball

3. 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings: Just encase someone looses a job or a big emergency comes up. Pay it back as you use it.

4. Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement

5. College funding for children / Retirement: Here is a good Retirement Calculator

6. Pay off home early. Here is the Mortgage Calculator to pay off your house earlier.

7. Build wealth and give! Invest in mutual funds and real estate.

Also a great website is RefundPlease There are a number of online retailers that offer to credit buyers back cash on past purchases. For instance, if the product you purchased at Amazon.com within the last 30 days has dropped in price they will credit you back the difference.

A good financial website it Kiplingers

Ok one more thing to add! Here is a good Retirement Calculator

Have fun playing around with things!

Wipe Cases

2008-09-08T07:31:00.003-04:00

Here is another easy gift! Many people sell these so you really cannot find directions on how to make them, but I'll tell ya how I made mine!

You will need:
1-small wipe container (I used Huggies)
Some batting
Fabric
Ribbon if you want a bow on top
Rick rak type of material for the sides
Hot glue gun

Directions:
Cut the batting to fit in the top and bottom of the wipe container. You will cover the opening in the top. Hot glue them on. Cut the fabric to over-lap slightly on the sides. You are going to hot glue the fabric around the sides of the container, making sure you do not glue the container shut. Cover the top and bottom. At this time if you want a bow on the top glue a piece of ribbon on the top from side to side like in the pictures (just on the top). Then take the rick rak material and glue along the sides. It took me a bit of playing around with, the first one I made. Thats it your done!

Blanket

2008-09-08T07:18:00.003-04:00

Ok this one is SUPER easy! I made the blanket with Fire Dogs for a friend's son when she adopted him and the striped one for my daughter. These blankets are soft and extremely warm. People in my house fight over them in the winter. They also make great gifts. Here is how I did it:

1 yard of 2 different print fleece
2. Cut a 4x4" square (or 5x5" square for a longer fringe) out of each corner (through both layers of fleece.
3. Depending on the size square you cut out is the size fringe you will make. So cut either 4-5" along each side of the fleeces (make sure you cut them together).
4. Tie the pieces together one top and one bottom that are together. I like to Double knot them and have the opposite fabric on each side like in the pictures.

Thats it! Its also a great project for school aged children.

Wedding Bells

2008-09-08T07:05:00.002-04:00

So after being married for almost 3 years, I finally made my wedding shadowbox. I really love just looking at it and thinking of the day our two lives became one. It has been a wonderful journey with an amazing man. I truly thank God for putting us together, we are much better people together.

Pooh Diaper Wreath

2008-09-07T20:45:00.007-04:00

Here is the diaper wreath that I made for my husband's cousin's baby shower. The theme is Pink Classic Pooh. I thought it came out really cute. I had size 1 diapers but they where too stiff, so I grabbed the boys size 3 diapers. Other people that I have made them for didn't want too take them apart for a while so it might be better off using larger diapers so when they are ready to disassemble it they will still be able to use the diapers. The only thing I was not happy with was getting the foam ring! Only Michael's carries them and they have gone up to about $6 each. If you know of any where to get cheaper ones please let me know. I am also interested in buying them in bulk since this is a gift that I make for all of the baby showers that I attend.

Woodstock Fair 2008

2008-09-01T15:36:00.000-04:00

On Labor Day we went to the Woodstock Fair in CT. We had a lot of fun and ate a ton of great food. I usually am not a fan of fair food, but really it wasn't your typical spread. Greg had an amazing roast beef sandwich. They even cooked the beef on spits right there. Very cool!

Jake got kicked off the turtles.

Jacob went on his first carnival rides and was kicked off for standing up.

So Greg went on the Crazy Bus with him.

Here is a picture of all the kids in front of the sand sculpture.

Sleepy Lil' Man...

2008-08-30T16:49:00.000-04:00

This is Jacob right after we pulled into our driveway. We went to our friend's house to celebrate their daughter being hospital free for a year! The hospital people told her that she would have to be hospitalized every time she got a cold. Well Jacob had so much fun with the other children he wore himself out!

Growing too fast!

2008-08-27T04:59:00.000-04:00

Here is Hannah on her first day of 2nd grade!

Where has all the time gone? It really seems like yesterday she was a lil' babe.

Hannah was so excited about her 1st day that I went to her room to wake her up but she was already dressed and ready to go. Let me tell you that is not like her at all! You usually have to drag her out of bed in the morning.
We are all set for a great year!

Cars Cake!

2008-07-07T11:43:00.001-04:00

Here is the cake I made for my son's 2nd birthday! He loves the movie Cars so we decided to do a Cars themed party. I was looking at cakes everywhere but could not find an easy looking one to make. My searching either led me to tiered cakes or ones that where done with fondant (which I know nothing about). I finally found one that someone cut out into the shape of a Two. I thought it was perfect, until the time came to make it. I was thinking "how in the world is the cake not going to fall to pieces when I frost it" So that's when I came up with the idea to frost the top like a road in the shape of a two and decorate it like a road and add cars to it. Then frost the rest of the top like grass. It really was a lot easier than my 1st plan. I was very pleased on how it came out, since it was my very first cake that I have decorated. My mother-in-law, Gaytha frosted the sides and red ribbon parts. I still have a lot to learn.

Easy Truck Cake!

2007-07-07T00:16:00.001-04:00

This is the cake I made for my son's 1st birthday party. The theme was "Construction". We had construction hats, safety cone to hold the balloons, caution tape and this Truck Cake! It was perfect and easy. At the Dollar store I also found candles that said Happy Birthday that where on little sticks.

Recipe:
2 baked 8- or 9-inch round cakes
2 3-oz. pkgs. prepared chocolate pudding
3 to 4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1 Dump Truck (washed out)

1. Cut the cakes into 3-inch-long slices, then cut them in half.

2. Layer the cake, pudding, and crumbs in the clean dump truck

Thats it!