Giveaway

Thanks to Frugal & Fabulous for his! Enter for your chance to win a pair of Kuru shoes....check out the giveaway here http://www.frugalandfabulous.org/2009/10/giveaway-kuru-shoes.html and if you can't wait you can purchase online here http://www.kurufootwear.com/ These shoes look extremely comfy, especially for active lifestyles! Here's hoping I win, or at least someone I "know". Go now, ends Nov 8!

Enter http://www.frugalandfabulous.org/2009/10/giveaway-kuru-shoes.html

My boys

Trenton is 12 1/2, holding Garrett, 6 months.

No more Glade!

Thanks to many great coupons over the past 2 months, I have so many candles! Good, since we are a cloth-diapering house, but bad because there are so many candles to store! My closet smells great, though. I already put some around the house, and gave some to my mother to use as door prizes at a baby shower she was co-hosting...still have a bunch!

I asked my 12 yr old, Trenton, if he wanted to organize the loot before I stored it, and the construction began....here's his castle or fort or whatever, complete with security walls:

Target/Walgreens 10/29

Maybe I should change my blog's name to "I'm a Shop-aholic" I can't stop when the deals are this good! Target: did the Glade deal 2x, separate transactions so I can submit for the SCJohnson rebates...5 holders & 5 refills, 10 Qs=money maker! I told my 12 yr old he can build me a Glade fort later this weekend, so I'll wait to show Glade pics til the construction is complete! My 3rd transaction at Target was awesome, too! It was all for my husband...he gets together with friends every Saturday night, and they all pitch in money or snacks or drinks..I'd rather he pitch snacks because it saves me money in the long run! I bought: Pepperidge Farms cheese crisps 3.49, used $1 IP=2.49, sending in for MIR of 3.49 8 Keebler chips deluxe & 1 Fudge Shoppe 2.00 each, buy 2 get 1 free, so 3 free, used 4 $1/2 TQs, 1 0.55/1 MQ, & 4 $1.50/2 MQs=1.45/9 oop 4.92, used a gc, MIR is 3.49, final oop=1.43! Walgreens was crazy this week...waiting for coupons I ordered to arrive, doing 7 transactions, so far, I think I have to do one more transaction, and think about the 4/$10 soda sale...we'll see how I feel tomorrow morning! I bought some Quaker Qs & Dove Qs on ebay, for 2.14 & 1.75. Here is what I've done so far: trans 1: 3 royal gelatin (-in ad Q)= 0.60 dulcolax 7.00(-3)=4.00, MIR of $5, $4 RR 2 colorsilk haircolor 2.99 each (-1.00/2MQ & in-ad Q)=2.98 halls refresh 1.00(-0.50MQ)=0.50, $1RR used $8 RR from last wk, oop=1.15, got $5 RR trans 2: same as #1 used $8 RR from last week, oop=1.15, got $5 RR

trans 3:

4 Quaker oats(-2 $1.25/2MQs & in ad Q)=3.88, $5 RR

1 royal gelatin (-in ad Q)=0.20

used $4 RR from #1, oop=0.64, $5RR

trans 4:

same as #3

used $4 RR from #2, oop=0.64, $5RR

trans 5:

8 dove conditioners 4 at 4.99 each, 4 at bogo(-8 $1.50/1 MQs)=7.96, $10RR

4 Quaker as above=3.88, $5 RR

2 gelatin=0.40

2 Reese's cups=1.24

used $9, $1, $1, $1RRs from last wk, oop=3.92, $15 RR

trans 6:

4 Quaker=3.88, $5 RR

emergen-C 3.49, $3.50 RR

dulcolax 4.00, $4RR, $5 MIR

used $10 RR from #5, oop=2.81, $12.50 RR, MIR$5

trans 7:

2 Dove Conditioner & 6 Dove Shampoo=10.96(- 2 1.50 MQs & 6 1.00MQs), $10 RR

1 Finesse shampoo 2.50(-1MQ)=1.50, MIR $2

2 gelatin =0.40

3 Act II popcorn(-in ad Q)=0.75

halls refresh=0.50, $1 RR

used $5, $4, $5 RRs from prev trans = oop 2.42, $11RR, $2 MIR

So, doing a little math here...I have spent 16.62 oop(tax, mostly), have 24.50 in RR left to spend, and will mail in for 17.00 in rebates...looks like a bunch of freebies, plus profit of 24.88....this is why I love Walgreens! Now, if they would allow RR for tax, we'd be really happy! Please someone stop me from buying more shampoo and conditioner! There may be a good deal next week at Walgreens on Herbal Essences and Pantene...how do I resist?!

Target shopping 10/28

Lovin the new Target $1 bakery coupon...lots of free or near free treats! I did 2 transactions today, so I can submit for 2 different rebates...here's what I got:

2 6 pks BOOST Kid Essentials 7.99, used 1 BOGO & 1 $5 MQ=2.99/2

1 AF muffin 1.29, used $1 TQ=0.29

2 AF cookies, 1 AF artisan bread 0.99 each, used 3 $1TQS= 3 free

HappyBaby frozen entree 3.99, used free MQ

oop 4.93(on gc), submitting for 7.99 Boost rebate= 3.06 money maker

Pepperidge Farms cheese crisps(the italian herb flavor is excellent!) 3.49, used $1 http://promotion.familytime.com/F10BN/default.aspx=2.49

2 AF macaroons, 1 AF scones, 1 AF brownies 0.99 each, used 4 $1 TQs= 4 free

Quaker corn meal(no sale, no Q, just wanted to make cornbread) 1.52

HappyBaby frozen entree 3.99, used free MQ

oop 4.67(on gc), submitting for 3.49 for Pepperidge Farms try me free rebate=final cost 1.18

ERGO baby carrier giveaway!

For those of you with infants...here's a giveaway for you! Head over to MamaNotes for your chance to win an ERGO carrier--these are high dollar, great carriers...I would love to win! I love baby-wearing...and Garrett loves it much of the time. I have a wrap, a pouch sling, and a front-back carrier, but would love to try this one! Baby-wearing has many benefits...soothes & calms, helps with colic & fussiness, promotes closeness & bonding, but also instills confidence, and may help with balance and motor development, according to doctors. And let's face it, the best benefit is that you can get more stuff done while keeping your baby or toddler near! So, if you haven't tried baby-wearing, or if you haven't tried this carrier, be sure to enter---you may just win! While you are there, check out Samantha at MamaNotes..she has some great posts! Enter: http://www.mamanotes.com/2009/10/ergo-baby-carrier-review-giveaway.html

Garrett is 6 months old!

getting so big!

Giving

2nd weekend of my self-imposed 10 week Challenge to give my time, talent, or treasure. This week was more about baby things. A lady contacted me about clothes I had listed for sale, and I gave them to her at no cost instead...nothing big, but it made her day! I also moved Garrett up into a bigger carseat, so we gave his infant carseat to someone who will soon need one. The original plan was to sell it...it's one of the $100 BabyTrend carriers...I feel better giving it to someone than trying to get half our money back! For this coming week, I plan to go through my closet...I have some work attire that I(hope) to not use again, so I'll be taking these to a local women's shelter. What did you do this week?

free earrings=Christmas gifts?

Have you heard of Darcus Tori? They have loads of jewelry...simulated gemstones, from what I've seem, but really nice pieces. Every month, Darcus Tori offers certain pieces for free, just pay shipping. I've seen months where up to 8 different pairs of earrings were on the free list! Right now, they have blue zircon stud earrings free...shipping is about $5, depending on where you are. Bonus: you can order multipe sets, just pay multiple shipping charges. I'm hoping they offer my birthstone, or my kids' birthstones, soon, because I don't wear earrings much anymore, unless I have some really special ones.

So, what do you do? Well, I'll try to update when they have other styles, but if you want this month's special-the blue zircon stud earrings--follow the link, use the code 0801 at checkout, and get some nice, inexpensive earrings for yourself or for a gift. Regular price 59.95 http://www.darcustori.com/StoreFrontProfiles/DeluxeSFItemDetail.aspx?sfid=163412&c=719949&i=250231786

Pumpkin

Today my house is filled with that yummy pumpkin smell...

Because of the water in our gas line, ONG opted to move our meter closer to our house, and when and if they ever get to it, they'll be tearing up my garden. We went ahead and dug up the potatoes and carrots, and plucked this guy...our only pumpkin! I am baking it to puree it, then freezing it to be used for breads or other treats. I also saved the seeds to roast, so we can enjoy some immediate pumpkin goodness.

Trenton wanted to use the pumpkin for a funny Halloween decoration...he wanted to use the seeds and stringy membranes to make the jack-o-lantern look like it was vomiting..yuck! I like my idea of eating it better.

I would like to take the boys to the pumpkin patch for pictures this week...won't that make a nice photo to give to grandparents for Christmas!

Body after Baby challenge, end wk 4

The mini challenge for this week was crunches--yay! Just what I wanted 50 crunches=50 pts max/day...Better do some more today! My husband, who isn't doing the challenge, but started working out again, has only been working on it 1 week or two and already has definition in his abs again...jerk! Why is it so easy for him? Oh, yeah...he hasn't given birth to two giant babies! I checked my progress today and am pleasantly surprised, especially since I haven't been very strict in dieting or cardio. Since the beginning of the challenge 4 weeks ago, I have lost 6.5 lbs, 2" in my waist, and 2.5" in my hips...no wonder my pants are falling off!

Target shopping 10/23

Ahhh, Target again..twice today! I checked out the clearance at regular Target, where I got Colgate MaxFresh with free Wisps on clearance 1.74 - $1 MQ=0.74. Then, a friend and I headed to SuperTarget to check out the new TQs. I got all this for 21.06. Of course, I had gift cards from the Glade deal so I used some of those instead!

I got

8 6 pks Boost Kid Essentials tpc 7.99, used 4 BOGO Qs(thx to some Target forum gals!) & 4 $5/1 Qs=2.99/2

2 Degree deodorant & 2 Degree sprays 3.29 each, used 4 $1.50 MQs http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qhmmdlv23489455&bt=wi&o=58229&c=DG&p=XzFZBCSH & 2 $3 TQs(redplum)=0.29 each(btw, the MQ has a limit of 10 prints!)

2 Happy Baby frozen entrees 3.99 each, used free Q(1/customer, so my friend put 1 with her buys)= free(these are awesome..organic, healthy, great blends...and did I mention free w/Q?)

Airwick i-Motion 5.99(shelf said 13.99), used $6 MQ = free

5 bags Chex mix, found at cafe, 0.99 each, used 5 $1TQs=free

1 croissant & 3 muffins from self-serve at bakery 1.29 each, used 4 $1 TQs=0.29 each

(you can only see 1 in the pic because we ate the others on the way home,lol)

Some other ideas for that bakery Q: donuts & cookies are 0.69 each, so if you put 2 in a bag, use the TQ to get 2/0.38; croissants, danishes, & muffins are 1.29 each, so 0.29 after TQ

I think I'm all shopped out for awhile..maybe these stores will give me a break from the good deals for next week so I cam spend some time at home!

Target Glade Gift Card deal

So, if you haven't been able to do the deal yet, either because your store is sold out or because they just don't have it up yet, don't fret! This deal is available until 12/26! I hear that the prices may fluctuate..next week may be higher...just wait and it'll go back down again! I personally think that at least one week we will see the candles at $1.50, which would be a big money-maker if you have the right coupons(you know, the ones inside that everyone is stealing!)

Here's the basics for getting the best deal:

Buy 5 tins and 5 refills, use 5 $1.50 Qs from inside the tin & 5 free refill wyb holder Qs= $5 oop and $10 gift card back

Or,

buy 10 tins or glass holders and 10 refills, use 5 $2/2 Qs from inside the glass holders or refill packs you have from earlier Glade purchases & 10 free refill wyb holder Qs= $15 oop and $20 gift card back.

Some of the older refills are rumored to have $2/1 Qs in them, but I haven't seen one...

good luck finding these...they are super-cute, and a great idea for gifts for your children's teachers, or folks at church...and you could use the gift cards as stocking stuffers(or to buy more Glade, lol!)

Shopping today

Too much shopping! At Homeland, I got a sense & spray refill, 5 bags of frzn veggies, & Yoplait Delights for $3.41. At Reasor's I got cabbage & tomato juice(for cabbage rolls), a 5# bag of apples, and 2 8# roasts for $21. At Target I got...alot! I was just perusing the clearance end caps to waste some time...ended up spending $42, but got back $40 in gift cards(yes, I bought lots of candles, and yes, I'm done now! I'm all Gladed out!) My savings was well over $200, if counting the clearanced amounts as savings. In coupons alson I saved $180! Here's the highlights: yeah, the glade..blah, blah...the little candles in the jar are the best smelling! Gingerbread is my fav. I found 2 boxes of Pampers Cruisers, sz 3, 116 ct clearance 14.48, had TQ & MQ to get those to 10 each! Crystal Light 3 pks were marked 0.48, but rang up 0.24 Lever 2000 14 ct clearance 3.74, used $1 IP on those Chex mix tpc 1.75, but rang 1.99 so cashier adjusted, used TQ & MQ to get 5 for 0.25 each, mailing in for $5 rebate from General Mills(found this at Reasor's--last form, ends on Monday..they also donate $2 to Komen fund when you get your $5 rebate!) lots of roasts and steaks had $2.50 peelies on them...didn't buy though b/c my freezer is FULL Skippy 15 oz 2.04, bought 2, used 2 TQ and a $2 catalina I got at Homeland Going to Homeland tomorrow with a friend..I made a shopping list for her to maximize her savings this week...I came up with at least 12 meal options + goodies for under $50($4 per meal!), which is less than she typically spends...glad I can help!

too cute!

Garrett has 2 tiny pearly whites. He is super shy to show them, but when he smiles big, you can catch a glimpse!

Coupon fraud?

Did I do it? Unknowingly, I guess I may have..oops! I just found out that using a BOGO Q with a $Q is fraud...really? Did anyone else know this, because I see blogs with these scenarios all the time...please advise! Comments?

hurry...free snuggie?!

How long will this last? Go quick for a free Snuggie...I read they will call you to verify(and try to sell you more stuff) but this is free, no S&H! http://suzzly.com/snuggiepromo.html

Target 10/19 trip

Unadvertised deals...yay! I made a quick run to regular Target to check on a few prices, and went home with all this:

I bought:

2 pkg of Hanes socks (hubby has been asking for new socks!) special price $7 each, used 2 $1peelies found on the bags

1 bag Luvs diapers 7.49, used my $5Q

10 Glade Holiday tins 2.50 each, used 10 $1.50Qs

10 Glade Holiday scents refills 2.50 each, used 10 free refill wyb tin Qs

For every 5 glade items, received a $5 gc

I used a gc from last week, but if I hadn't, my total would have been $27.xx. I paid $10.xx, and got $20 in gc for later use(and 10 more Qs in the tins!)

Homeland 10/21

another BOGO sale at Homeland this week, which means you can buy 1 item at half price..I'll get a shopping list together as soon as little one naps! Okay....here is what I see(of course I'm sure there are more deals to be had, but this is what I would buy, if I had room for it all). All the Qs are from inserts except where noted. Buy 1 Hormel entree 6.99 get a Bob Evans side dish (3.49)free, use $1 Q= 4.99 for both Stouffer's Easy Express meals 7.29, use $1 Q AllYou mag = 5.29 Granola nut clusters buy 1 for $1.90, use 0.50 Q=0.90; buy others for 0.90 each using $1 dnd IP(since it is dnd, get as many as you want) Hamburger Helper buy 3 for 3.30, use 0.75/3=1.80/3 Totinos pizza rolls buy 2 for 2.25, use 0.40/2=1.45/2 Pillsbury cinnamon rolls buy 2 for 1.98, use 0/40/2=1.18/2 Pillsbury crescent rolls buy 2 for 1.98, use 0.50/2=0.98/2; buy others for 0.98/2 using the 1.00/2 dnd IP Hiland sour cream or dips buy 1 for 0.89, use 0.40 dnd=0.49 Progresso High Fiber soup 1.25 each, use $1 dnd IP(see this post http://soonermomma.blogspot.com/2009/10/qs-to-help-at-homeland-this-week.html ) = 0.25; use as many as you want since they are dnd; there are also some insert Qs & some from the IP sites, if you really need lots of soup! Birdseye veggies 2/2.09, buy 4 and use the $1/4 IP from the related post=2.18/4 Hillshire Farms smoked sausage 2/5.00, ise $1/2dnd=4.00/2 Quaker Chewy Bars 2 for 3.29, use $1/2 IP= 1.29/2 Yoplait Delights 1.50 each, use $1 dnd IP=0.50 This is what I'm getting this week, 4 times since I have 4 sets of each Q: Birdseye veggies, buy 4, use $1/4 IP=2.18/4 Yoplait Delights buy 1 for 1.50, use $1 Q=free I always have room for more veggies, especially for making baby food, and normally I make my own yogurt, but I'll try these dessert yogurts since I have Qs to make them free!

Qs to help at Homeland this week

Progresso high fiber dnd http://clk.pointroll.com/bc/?a=1266908&c=9001&i=4E532AC8-0121-4BB2-8857-57172CDBE943&clickurl=http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=15qci1cjf/M=744516.13713383.13741953.13167708/D=news/S=2142461267:LREC/Y=YAHOO/EXP=1255428952/L=PH6Hf0LEatkGVq6mStQ1Ggj.R5GGE0rUNzgAAYNg/B=qa.YEtG_UpI-/J=1255421752109487/K=KhVrDE7CMH_JcxlETX_.iQ/A=5873399/R=0/*http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk%3B218442967%3B41534694%3Bs%3Fhttp://clients.pointroll.com/apps/CouponsInc/coupon.ashx%3Fcollect=873990285%26plcmt=873647%26adid=1266908 Birdseye veggies http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qhvlfqn86375277&bt=vi&o=58275&c=BE&p=XADQyT4Z adding more later...print these for now!

Why am I so surprised?

I am slowly but surely getting to a point where I think I can leave Garrett with one of his grandmas so I can get away for an hour or two. I have left him once with daddy for 10 minutes and once with daddy for 30 minutes. I know, I'm the crazy lady that takes the baby everywhere! Garrett is doing so well with solids. We started him at 4 months...he doesn't care too much for cereal, but looooves veggies, so that's mainly what he gets 2-3 times each day. Now, at almost 6 months, he is eating like a pro...tolerates some cereal or fruit occasionally, but still loving the veggies. Since he will soon hit the half-year mark, I have been thinking of him learning to use a cup. Yesterday, after his yummy green bean lunch, I gave him a cup to play with while I worked on dinner. Then, I got the notion to pump a little breastmilk and put it in the cup for him. Okay! He knows how to hold the cup handles, and where the spout goes, but couldn't get a drink until I helped him. He got a drink, alright---and forgot to swallow! All his big gulps went all over his shirt...cute! So, I thought to try a different style of cup..no go there, either. Finally, I poured the milk back into a bottle and handed it to him. Well, Garrett has no idea what to do with this idea! I finished up my prep for dinner, and got Garrett out of the highchair to properly give him the bottle. Nope! No, ma'am! Garrett has no clue what to do with the bottle! He chewed on it, but no drinking. I thought maybe he was full, but he did nurse just fine, so I have concluded that he will not take a bottle. I don't know why I am so surprised...the last time we offered a bottle was about mid-July, and he didn't care for it much then, but took it when he was hungry. Early on, Garrett took a bottle just fine..we even bought the nipples that were close to mommy's so he wouldn't become confused and stop nursing. Funny thing is, though, he likes a pacifier when he's sleepy(sometimes)...I guess he just doesn't want his milk to come from a synthetic nipple! Well, so much for the notion of going to grandma's for any extended periods without mama...at least for another half-year or so! It is nice to be needed, though, so I won't complain!

Great stocking stuffer idea

Thanks to 'Mom' at My Litter if Six for this one! She has great posts all the time...check her out here http://theivanovskys.blogspot.com/ for other deals! Apparently, Dollar General has the mini-Mr. Potato head for $3. Use the $2 Q from coupons.com to get a $1 stocking stuffer!

Free YoCrunch yogurt

Thanks to Theresa over at My Favorite Deals for this one! Check out her blog here http://myfavedeals.blogspot.com/for this and other great deals! Save some candy wrappers after your kiddos(or you) munch on all those Halloween treats! Mail some in to YoCrunch, along with your info, and receive a coupon for a free YoCrunch yogurt! You have 2 weeks after Halloween to get your submision in...here's the address: Shaina Zalma, YoCrunch 9507 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 300 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 You can read more about the promotion here http://www.yocrunch.com/halloween_2009_promo.jpg

More about paid surveys

I originally posted about this here http://soonermomma.blogspot.com/2009/10/get-paid-for-surveys.html , and I have a new development I'm excited about. I applied for Neilsen Homescans awhile back, and apparently I'm on a waiting list for a scanner, but I happened to take a call from Neilsen tv ratings last night, verified my info, and got the great news they are paying me $30 to, get this: watch tv and write down what shows I watched for 1 week...what a sweet deal! I will already be watching a few shows, why not tell them about it and get paid?! I only have to jot down the show's name when I watch, or write 'no tv' on days I don't watch...awesome and easy $30! Reminding you of some other opportunities you can join me in: Opinion Outpost http://www.opinionoutpost.com/join/7532415 Swagbucks http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/bethetay If you shop ebay or any online retailer, you'll want to sign up for ebates http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=5OxfvhbzcFLJ6Z0Gw172KQ%3D%3D and get cash back when you shop! I'm not sure about Lockerz yet, but I can send out email invites if you are interested, same with SendEarnings. I do like Lightspeed and Greenfield Online...both have easy payouts and I've done quite a few product testings through Greenfield. If you already spend time online, give one of these a try!

Body after Baby...week 4

Week four of the challenge is upon us... I am not doing so great in exercising so I am not losing much weight :-( The mini-challenges thus far were wk 1 :drink water, wk 2:walk, wk 3:eat healthy meals. I hope wk 4 is something to do with crunches, since that's what I really need to do! I hope to up my water intake and exercising...I've been a slacker for a week or so now! Find out how the other participants are doing here http://www.mamanotes.com/2009/09/join-us-for-next-body-after-baby.html or here http://bodyafterbaby.ning.com/

week 1 of 10 week challenge

10 week challenge to share your time, talent, or treasure...week 1 was upon us Friday. We were able to round up some baby clothes to donate as planned, and some local ladies joined in their own donations...see posts here http://www.918couponqueen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281 and my original post about the challenge here http://soonermomma.blogspot.com/search/label/10%20week%20challenge I am already thinking about what to do for next week's donation...maybe baking for some neighbors? Join in anytime!

Walgreens 10/18

If you need heartburn or cold medicine or toilet paper, this is your week at Walgreens, well, at least, this was my week! Lots of stocking up... Trans 1: zantac 8.99, used $5 Q from zantac.com, get $9 RR 3 triaminic 4.99 each, used 3 $1.50 Qs from triaminic.com & $2 WQ from healthy savings book, get $8 RR 2 Trident layers 2/$2, used $1/2 Q from smartsource.com, get $1 RR 4 Halloween pencils 39 cents each, used 8/$1 in ad Q used 2 $4 RR from last wk and 4.24 oop, got $18 RR Trans 2: same as trans 1 except the pencil Q didn't apply so 4.76 oop, got $18 RR Trans 3: zantac 8.99, used $5 MQ, get $9 RR 2 9-big roll Northern 3.99 each, used 2 $1 MQ from coupons.com 3 Halloween pencils, used 8/$1 in-ad Q used one $8 RR and both $1 RRs from trans 1&2 and 1.84 oop, got $9 RR Trans 4: 3 triaminic 4.99 each, used $3/2 Q & $1.50 Q from today's paper & $2 WQ 3 9-big roll Northern 3.99 each, used 2 $1 Qs from coupons.com & 1 $1Q from insert a few weeks ago 4 Starbucks frappacino 2.29 each, used 4 $1 Qs from http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qiyjdia73771088&bt=wi&o=59135&c=ST&p=BGP4tWuI & in ad Q 1.29 each 2 trident layers 2/$2, used $1/2 Q, get $1 RR 7 Halloween pencils 39 cents each, used in ad Q 8/$1 2 Reese's pb cups 69 cents each, used in ad Q 49 cents each 2 Ricola mixed berry immunity drops 2.49 each, used b1g1 MQ from inserts couple weeks ago & 50 cent WQ from healthy savings book & in ad Q 2/$3 used 2 $9 RRs from above transactions and 3.42 oop, got $9 RR Finally! original value $113.56 total oop $14.26 unspent RR $26 profit $11.74!

Cheap boy toys at Toys r us

I hear from a friend that Toys R Us will have these http://www.fisher-price.com/us/trio/default.aspx Trios building sets, for kids 3-9, on sale buy 2 get 1 free...starting Sunday 10/18/09. There are $5 coupons on the FP website, and if you can print extras, you should be allowed to use 3 coupons for purchasing 3 items...quite a few $15 sets, so potentially 3 sets for $15...great holiday gift idea!

Homeland...finally!

I haven't had the chance to go shopping AT ALL this week...I've had to get kids to doctor appointments, and had to be at home for various repairmen and utility workers(there is water in our gas line in the yard, so no heater or hot water until they finish Tuesday or Wednesday). My husband is off work today so I'm making him go to Homeland with me so I can get 2 transactions in...will report my finds when I get back...wish me luck! I'm ba-ack! My husband's bag: 1 bumblebee tuna & cracker kit 1.49, used $1 Q from redplum; 2 bx Ronzoni smart taste elbow mac 1.21 each, used $1/2 coupons.com; 2 cans Campbell's crm of chicken 1.00 each, used http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qikjfoo6429651&bt=vi&o=58909&c=CS&p=H971e4Ch; lysol wipes 2.50, used $1 MQ from hangtag at Target; lysol liquid all purpose 2.50, used $1 MQ from hangtag total = 1.75 My bag: same stuff but I got spaghetti instead of elbow mac (1.25 each), and crm of mushroom instead of chx. My total = 1.84 so, 2 transactions, 2 tuna & cracker lunch kits, 4 bx pasta, 4 Campbells cooking soups, 2 Lysol wipes, 2 Lysol liquids, $3.59...not bad! I didn't NEED any groceries this week, but these items were so cheap, it's hard to pass them up. Plus, the Lysol is great for 50 cents! Lots of cleaning during this flu season, and I'll save the wipes for school supply lists next year. Going back Monday to do this same list 2 more times with a friend!

I won!

Thanks a million to Samantha at MamaNotes http://www.mamanotes.com/2009/10/natural-teething-oil-giveaway.html and Footprints Natural Baby Boutique! Garrett cut his first tooth Sunday night, and working on some more, and I won the giveaway for this http://footprintsbaby.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=101

natural teething oil...it has some great ingredients, and I can't wait to try it out!

Giveaway!

Enter this http://www.frugalandfabulous.org/2009/10/giveaway-review-eyeglasses-from-coastal.html giveaway at Frugal and Fabulous...pair of eyeglasses from Coastal Contacts, up to $100. Most of their products including the lenses are way under that amount! You have until Oct 22 to enter..so go now! If you don't want to wait to win, purchase some inexpensive specs at the store's site http://www.coastalcontacts.com/ I would love to win this for my brother...he really needs glasses!

Target next week Oct 18-24

stole this from a forum I stalk...some good deals at Target next week...good price on roast, and Transformers movie..I may have to go check it out! here's the highlights: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen DVD $15 Trans. action figures (powerbots bumble or megatron, assorted Voyager Class figures) $15each Apex 32" lcd hdtv, $329 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game for ps3, Wii or Xbox, $29 Value DVDs $10 each (Transformers, Batman Dark Knight,Hercules -from Disney, Madagascar @) 500 GB hard drive portable or 1TB desktop drive, 109.99 320 GB portable drive, 79.99 Kids sweats $4 each Bunch of preschool games, $8 Dress up outfits, Clone Wars or Transformers, GI Joe or girls assorted dress up boxes, $8 each. Trio Crazy Creatures set, $8(coupon at Lego Trio website for $5 off) Selected Leapster software, $15 Hardware also on sale Apples (large Gala, Granny SMith or Fuji), 99 cents/lb Sutton& Dodge top round roast, 1.99/lb (yes, that's right. $3 off per pound!!!) Gillette Venus Breeze or Fusion power razor, 7.94. Buy 2 or these or cartridges and get $5 GC Vaseline Sheer Infusion lotion, 5.99.Vaseline 20.3 or 24.5 oz lotion, $5. 10% off other selected vaseline lotions.Buy 2 and get $5 GC I also read today that some Targets have Ronzoni Healthy Harvest pastas on clearance for 0.75-1.25/pkg...use the coupon available on coupons.com to get pasta for as little as 25 cents/box. Redplum.com still has a Pond's face towelette coupon for $1.50...the 5 ct packs of these in travel/trial are 97 cents...the coupon doesn't specify a size so you might get some nice overage! Still alot of chex mix coupons on smartsource.com and coupons.com...pair these with the Target coupon on Organic Grocery Deals(use the $1/1 not the $1/2) for 50 cent bags of chex mix. Thinking ahead...the Target coupon for Halloween oreos doesn't expire until 11/07/09..may be able to snag cheap oreos the few days after Halloween

10 week Challenge

I know we all get busy with life..our own lives. I am giving myself a challenge, and invite others to join me. This Friday will mark 10 weeks until Christmas. My challenge is to give my time, talent, or treasure at least once a week to a worthy cause. That's 10 opportunities to brighten someone else's day, and maybe your own! Time--volunteer at a local charity, soup kitchen; visit a nursing home just to chat with the residents Talent--join the choir at your church; help an elderly neighbor with yard work; take a basket of baked goods to the new family down the street Treasure--clean out your closet, and the kids' toybox and donate; make a pledge to a medical/research society What other things can you think of to meet the challenge? The first thing at my house is to finally take the baby clothes that Garrett has outgrown to the Madonna House in Tulsa, a place for lodging, parenting classes, food & clothing for pregnant women and new moms in crisis situations, part of Catholic Charities of Tulsa. Next week? I'll think of something!

my 25 seconds of fame

Famous for making money while shopping..I'll take it! The 918 Coupon Queenhttp://www.918couponqueen.com/ featured my shopping trip, along with a couple other girls, while doing a spot on our local morning news...check out the Queen and her Court for weekly deals and steals. Now, the video(see my blog about this trip in previous post) http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4208020&flvUri=&thirdpartymrssurl==

Breakthrough!

A tooth! Garrett has been working on this for 2 1/2 months. Tonight we were at a birthday party for Vince's cousin's twins(they are 5, and super adorable) and Garrett was particularly unhappy. I let him chew on my finger for comfort and soon felt the sharp edge of a tooth! It's not all the way through his gums, but I can definitely feel that top edge! He was loving the Orajel tonight, poor guy! He has been gentle still while nursing, and I'm grateful! Now, if those other 4 or 5 teeth that are bulging under his gums would go ahead and come through, maybe he could get a break from the pain... I can't wait for this little tooth to poke the rest of the way through so we can catch it on camera!

Walgreens today

I'm going to ignore the hassle I had today with an incompetent cashier and manager since I got such a great deal...long story short: they tried to not accept my huggies coupons til I made them void the walgreens coupons first and try again, annd they did not apply the in-ad Q to the bandaids so I ended up paying too much..I still have to go back and have them apply the coupon to one receipt, but I'll go later today when the baby isn't asleep in my arms. I'll spare you all the detailed coupon instructions, but after my receipt is corrected, and I have 2 'try me free' rebates to mail in, after crazy coupon stacking, this is what I got: For the amazingly low price of $18.77(including tax, wow) 9 boxes kids Bandaids(Dora & Spongebob) 6 pkg Huggies jumbo packs 1 Esencia shampoo 1 Esencia Conditioner Wags activity book 5 soft flannel/fleece baby blankets 4 home Lead test kits WOW!!! I had great coupons and found those 2 try me free hair products, the bandaids were free after Qs, the activity bk was 0.49, the lead kits were 0.14, the baby blankets were 50 cents! I may go get more of the blankets next week if they still have them to donate; the ones I bought today I'm using for cloth baby wipes and cloth diaper liners. Still can't believe $19!! Oh, and I have $12 RR to use next week, plus MIR for 15.98, and Care Givers Marketplace rebate on diapers for $4.50, so this is a money maker!

Free ovulation and/or pregnancy tests

Wow! Thanks to My Litter of Six, Money Saving Mom, and Sacred Heart Mission for this one...free, 10 tests, your choice...go sign up now if you are trying to conceive! http://www.freeopks.com/

Playtime can be Harmful to Baby

http://hubpages.com/hub/Playfully-Tossing-A-Baby-Up-and-Down---Is-It-Harmful I know it's one of those things parents and grandparents do with their babies once the get a little neck/head control...toss the baby in the air in order to get a big smile and laugh. But, it's really dangerous. I had an online acquaintance tell of her husband doing this recently and my heart just dropped. Sure, your baby seems to love it, but I'm sticking to what studies show...that children, even up to age 5, should not be shaken, tossed, or even bounced. see the full article via the link above: the heads of babies and young children are heavy, and that the neck muscles are not strong. Rady's position on tossing a baby is offered in conjunction with information on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Rady notes that any sudden movement or shaking motion could cause brain injury, and that parents, grandparents, and babysitters often don't realize "how easy it is to hurt their baby this way". Not only does Rady advises parents not to toss their baby in the air. The children's hospital states that even though children may laugh and appear to be enjoying the toss, this activity could kill them. Geez, I get worried when we drive down certain bumpy Tulsa streets...this baby won't be thrown in the air if I have any say in the matter(which, as his mom, I do!) So, even though I don't have many followers, I'm putting out this PSA: please do not toss your baby or young child in the air!

spent $2 at Target

bought 4 bags chex mix, 4 Pond's face cleansing towellettes, 3 glade oil candle holders, 3 refills for candle holders, paid $2..I was going to get ALL detergent and price match with Warehouse Market, but they were all out(huh?) chex mix 1.99 each, used $1 TQ & 0.50 MQ on each pond's .99 each, used $1.50 MQ on each for nice overage candle holder tpc for 1.50, used $1.50 MQ on each candle refill 2.50, used free wyb holder MQ on each paid tax of $2.xx Also shopped at Homeland today; had my hubby do a separate transaction so I wouldn't have to go back til next week. We each bought 2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest linguine 1.25 each, used $1/2Q 1 Bumblebee tuna/cracker kit 1.00, used $1 Q(dnd, but it did!) 1 International Delight creamer 1.79, used 0.55Q(new flavor caramel macchiato...trying tomorrow) total oop $0.76 I also bought 2 bags of mixed veggies for stew and had a raincheck/coupon combo to get a box of SunCrystals packets free. Since Target was out of All detergent in the 32 load size, headed to Walmart real quick...fully stocked! Bought 4 bottles, price matched to Warehouse Market for $2 each, used $1MQ on each and paid $1+tax for each bottle of detergent....I usually just make my own detergent, but this was really cheap and will help me when I am too busy to make another batch! Tomorrow morning I'm going to try to get out for a couple more things...Reasor's is having a 12 hr sale on 12 pks of Pepsi products, 4/$9...we don't buy soda for the house, but my hubby pitches in with friends for snacks/drinks when they get together, so this will be his pitch this week...going to attempt a price match at Target because I have Target Qs and MQs that should net me 6 12 pks of soda for $8...wish me luck!

Get paid for surveys

I always thought online surveys were a waste of time, and some are, but I am recommending one today. I joined Opinion Outpost on September 22, and already I have $10 in my account just from taking a survey once in awhile. Plus, I've received products to review...free lip balm, free snack foods, what's next? Usually, they pay you for your review also. I haven't referred anyone yet, so let me take a sec to do this...if you would like to earn a few extra bucks for spending 20 minutes every couple days answering questions online, please click my link and sign up...yes, I get a little incentive to refer people, but that isn't why I'm doing it..I actually really think this site is cool! So, sign up! http://www.OpinionOutpost.com/join/7532415 and, while you're at it: join me at SWAGBUCKS http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/bethetay download their toolbar and search through them..you'll get points, and I'll get points for referring you...even if you don't care about points, you could search through SWAGBUCKS and I'll still get points. Points are redeemable for gift cards or paypal...I've been a member for about a month and have searched my way to $15 already...just for typing on the computer! Crazy! Thanks in advance!

Calling all Blogger moms

As a mom with a blog, I am being sent free homeopathy products from Boiron USA and there are no other requirements. Boiron USA recognizes that moms who blog are an important and influential community of women who inform others on many topics, including family health. For this reason, they are offering free product samples of three new products, Children's Oscillococcinum®, Children's Coldcalm Pellets®, and Children's Chestal® to any mother with an active blog and resides in the United States. Sign up to get yours here: http://children.boironusa.com/freesample/ Check out their website, too...there is a pdf coupon link there for $1.00 off your next purchase.

making baby food

Last week we bought a small butternut squash for 1.49/lb, well, it rang up as 79 cents/lb so even better! Price was 1.79. I finally prepared it today to make and freeze baby food. Garrett loves squash! After baking and pureeing, this made about 42 ounces...let's call it 4.3 cents/oz. Gerber squash comes in 5-7oz packages, depending on the stage, and on sale recently I saw it for 87 cents/pk. The organic was higher, but for simple comparison, we'll use the regular 7 oz on sale for 87 cents...that's 12.4 cents/ounce. So, making butternut squash at home saves 8 cents/ounce. That's quite a bit for a family on a budget. Garrett eats around 4oz of solids a day right now, but his appetite will increase soon, I'm sure. That's at least $10 in my pocket each month (or, if you look at it my way: a few trips to Homeland or Walgreens!) Maybe it's silly to get excited about saving ten bucks a month, but that's who I am! side note: Homeland has squash for 59 cents/lb this week, so an even better deal!

wk 2 progress

I have been walking an hour or more every day(today will be an hr on the elliptical(eek) because it's pouring, like flash flood pouring) and continuing massive water consumption(8-12 glasses/day!). Today I checked my weight and I've lost 2 more lbs! That's 4 so far since the challenge started last Sunday...amazing to me since I've been very snacky. Guess activity is important!

Disinfecting---my swine flu scare

My 12yr old came home from school yesterday telling me that his teacher tested positive for swine flu. He only saw her Monday and she was not sick yet, so I'm hopeful it will miss us for now. I spoke with the boys pediatrician so we have a timeframe and plan of action, so I feel slightly better, but I'm terrified that Trenton will get sick and then make Garrett sick. I, of course, am concerned about Trenton's health, but maybe a little moreso for Garrett. Does that make me a bad mom? Garrett is too young for Tamiflu, Trenton can take it. Garrett is 5 months old and hasn't been sick yet, so we don't know how strong his immune system is. Ugh, the wondering and waiting is awful! I'm trying to keep them apart, but today they'll be in the same car doe 20 minutes breathing the same air. The Lysol wipes are out and in use at my house, and we are changing and washing clothing, toothbrushes, towels, and bedsheets daily. Trenton and I are taking Vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, and drinking lots of hot tea, also gargling with Listerine. Is this enough? Time will tell. some suggestions from Lehman's Country Life The only portals of entry of the H1N1 virus are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu): 1. Frequent handwashing(well highlighted in all official communications). This is not a joke. Make it a ritual habit…make it part of your daily routine… DO NOT BE LAZY…! 2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap). 3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method 4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population. 5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (such as citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that they also have Zinc to boost absorption. 6. Drink as much warm liquid as you can (such as teas, soups and broths). Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm A new article suggests that contrary to other reports, the seasonal flu vaccine may indeed offer some protection against h1n1 also http://www.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUSN0644527820091006 Good news to me since my family will receive the seasonal flu vaccine, but not the h1n1 vaccine. Our doc is NOT recommending the h1n1 vaccine to any of her patients. I knew that this flu season would be scary with a new baby, but I guess I wasn't really prepared for the exposure so soon...denial? Anyone else having a swine flu scare close to home?

Week 2

Body after Baby challengehttp://www.mamanotes.com/2009/10/body-after-baby-week-two.html ...finished up week 1, where the mini challenge was water consumption. Just found out the mini challenge for wk 2 is walking..awesome! I just got back from shopping...strapped Garrett in his front carrier and walked up and down every aisle at SuperWalmart. Plus, he fell asleep and I didn't want to wake him, so I had to continue walking awhile! Wish I could give myself a bonus for lugging around 18 pounds of baby for my walk, but this will have to do!

As for progress so far: I have lost 2 lbs! I drank plenty of water, cut back on coffee and artificial sweetener, and worked out 5 days last week. My mini challenge for myself is to continue chugging the water while adding more exercise. I haven't quite got the snacking out of my system, but I will soon(I hope)!

deals today

Well, I shopped alot this week and have neglected posting everything...earlier this week I managed to spend $32 at Walgreens to get $30 RR back and tons of stuff--mostly cold meds in preparation for any illness that pops up in our household, and a few bottles of shampoo & conditioner(John Freida, Garnier, & Herbal Essences). I've been to Homeland a couple times for free creamer, sweetener, & applesauce. I did go to SuperTarget also and actually spent some money since I was using up some diaper Qs. Today I ended the week with Walgreens & Homeland again. Walgreens: vaseline sheer infusion 6.99(-1.50) dentek floss 2.00(-1.00) 2 reeses pb lovers 0.49 each(-b1g1) activity book 0.99 2pk lint rollers clearance! 0.50 used $8 RR from theraflu deal, paid 1.25 oop & got back $9 RR to use another time Homeland: sun crystals 50 ct 2.00(-1.00) wishbone dressing 1.67(-0.75) coffeemate 1.99(-1.00) musselmanns applesauce 1.89(-1.00) all the Qs doubled except musselmanns (the doubled part auto'd to 0.89) paid 48 cents! going to do it all again 1 more time before the sale ends, plus I think I'll get the guacamole too...it's 29 cents after Q!