The Sunflower Saver

The end has sadly come...

2010-04-26T20:55:00.002-05:00

I just can't justify the time it takes for this blog anymore with the amount of readers that I have. I have tried different strategies to "build my readership" and it simply hasn't paid off. I started this blog because it was fun and I enjoyed scouting out and finding good deals (and I also only had one child). With two children who nap at different times, my time is extremely limited and I am just not able to post as often as I would like. I don't feel it is right to be an on-again, off-again blogger while trying to recruit more readers.

I want to thank those of you that have read this blog and I hope that it may have inspired you in some small way! I also have a personal blog...if you don't already read it, e-mail me and I will send you the link. Perhaps someday I will venture back, but for now this is goodbye.

And so I am not leaving you in the dark, here are some wonderful "deal" blogs that I check daily:

Money Saving Mom--Crystal is from Wichita as well and has expanded her website tremendously in the last year. She is national, so she doesn't usually blog about deals/events exclusive to Wichita. Crystal is passionate about her faith and frugal living. She is a personal inspiration to me. She posts weekly deals for Dillons, Walgreens, Target, and sometimes Walmart. In addition to "deal posts", she has many series and special features.

Common Sense with Money--Mercedes is probably the most efficient "deal blogger". Many of the deals posted originate from her. She is responsible for the weekly Walgreens deals.

Stretching a Buck--Marcy is responsible for compiling the complete list of Target deals each week.

Thank you again for sticking with me for so long! I pray that God richly blesses each one of you...

I need your help...

2010-04-04T16:42:00.003-05:00

Last month I shared with you that I had a goal of getting 50 followers in 2 months and as a reward treating myself to a blog makeover. Well, I am sad to say that I am not making as much progress on my goal as I had hoped. A couple of you have e-mailed me and let me know that you do read the blog. Thank you!

The Sunflower Saver is also now on Facebook! Just go here and become a fan!

Now, I ask you for a favor. Would you please link up my blog to yours, or if you don't have a blog tell other people about it??? Please, please, please? I REALLY want a blog makeover, but I am going to hold myself accountable to not getting one until I have met my goal.

That's all. I've begged enough for one day. :)

More Moolah Mondays: How to Shop Online

2010-03-22T14:15:00.004-05:00

Do not, I repeat DO NOT shop online until you have read this post! Seriously...you could be saving WAY more money. Shopping online is an acquired skill and SHOULD NOT be taken lightly. ;)

I LOVE to shop online. With 2 little ones, I have found that it is SO much easier than dragging my kids to a million different stores to find the perfect item or gift. The vast majority of my Christmas shopping is done online. I used to limit myself to buying only from Amazon, but I now have learned some savvy tricks to save money AND get free shipping (most of the time).

Here is my step-by-step guide to shopping online.

1. First, sign-up for a cash-back program (you can read a previous article I wrote here for the full scoop). Basically, you go to their website first, then enter the store you want to shop at and they direct you to that store all the while giving you a percentage of your purchase back. There is no cost to signing up! My favorites are Ebates, Home Store Rewards and ShopAtHome. Sign up for all three if you want...it's free! Each offer different percentages for different stores. And believe me...you'll be able to find almost every store you can think of! If making a large purchase, I recommend scouting out the percentages at each site and finding the best percentage back.

2. Next, browse and shop as you normally would on your favorite sites. Once you find something you like, go to one of the cash-back sites listed above and access your store through their website. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR PERCENTAGE BACK UNLESS YOU ACCESS THE STORE THROUGH THE CASH-BACK WEBSITE. Once you have accessed the store you wish to shop at, then add items to your cart.

3. When ready for checkout, open another window in your Internet browser and go to a coupon-sharing site such as Retail Me Not or Coupon Cabin and look up the store where you are shopping to see if there are any coupon codes you can enter for additional savings. These websites also offer many "free shipping" codes.

4. Enter the coupon code when prompted and your credit card information (never use a debit card online). And voila! You have now saved yourself lots of money!

Skeptical? Well...read more for proof that this method really works! For Christmas, my mom requested that my brothers, sister, and I all go in together to buy her some additional pieces of flatware that had been lost/thrown away over the years (we have a big family). Here is how I followed the above steps to save us lots of money:

1. I signed-up for Ebates (and received $5 just for signing up).

2. I found out that Oneida offered 5% cashback by accessing their website through Ebates. I accessed the Oneida site through Ebates and added the items to my cart. My total was $158.89 for all of my items.

3. I found a coupon code from Retail Me Not for 20% off my entire order!

4. I entered the coupon code (which changed my total to $127.11). I also got free shipping for spending more than $99 on the Oneida site and I didn't have to pay tax since our state doesn't have an Oneida store.

5. A few weeks later, a check came in the mail for $7.60 plus the $5 bonus for signing up on Ebates.

All-in-all...I saved a whopping $44.38 just for taking a few extra minutes to do my homework!!! And my mom, of course, was greatly pleased with her gift on Christmas Day! :)

Follow the steps here and I PROMISE you will save money shopping online! Happy shopping!

More Moolah Mondays: Use Coupons!

2010-03-15T19:46:00.005-05:00

I rarely used coupons until about a year-and-a-half ago. I was of the mindset that $0.50 here or $1.00 there wouldn't really add up to much and it definitely wasn't worth my time. That all changed when I decided to leave my job of teaching first grade to stay home with our first child. Despite the fact that we saved my income for the three years I taught knowing that I would eventually stay home, we needed to watch our pennies more closely now.

That's when I started reading this blog and began implementing 2 key principles that have literally changed the way I shop and think about money. 1. Use coupons and 2. Stockpile items when they are on sale. I used to spend $100+ on groceries and household items each week (and we ate out quite often). I now spend on average $60 a week for groceries and household items (yes, that includes diapers!).

Now, I admit that using coupons does take time. In fact, I took a 2-month furlough from full-blown coupon usage after my second little guy was born. However, it gets easier and faster as you go.

Here are my main tips for using coupons.

1. Go through the weekly inserts in your local newspaper and ONLY CUT OUT THE ONES YOU KNOW YOU WILL USE in the next month. There are a million different ways to organize them. When I first started, I just had 4 envelopes "Food", "Cleaning & Household Supplies", "Personal Products" and "Diapers & Baby Supplies". This worked well until I began accumulating too many coupons. Just google, "coupon organization" and you will find lots of helpful tips!

2. Keep the coupon inserts--do not throw them away! Write the date on the front of the insert and file it somewhere. This way, if there happens to be items that are free (or better than free) with coupons, but not necessarily something you use all the time, you can snag that great deal by going directly to the coupon insert and cutting it out.

3. Plan your trips to the store. I normally go to two stores each week--Target to do my regular shopping and Walgreens because they always have free or almost-free items when combined with sales, coupons, and Register Rewards. Planning a trip to the store is much more time-consuming than it used to be. I read blog posts on the weekly deals for the stores, gather my coupons, and plan my menu for the week. I then know exactly what I need and I try my hardest to stick to my $60 budget (I'm still working on this).

4. Ask family, friends & neighbors to save their inserts for you. This will come in handy when you are trying to stockpile items that are on sale. Let's say the brand of deodorant you use is on sale for $1.00 and you have a coupon for $1.00. That makes the deodorant free! But if you have multiple coupons, you can stockpile your deodorant so that you never have to pay for deodorant by only buying it when you can get it for free!

As someone who is now spending $160 less on groceries & household goods each month than I was just 2 years ago (plus added 2 members to our family), I can tell you that $0.50 here and $1.00 there really does add up to a HUGE amount of savings...almost $2,000 a year for our family!

More Moolah Mondays: Barter with your Bills

2010-03-07T14:25:00.005-06:00

The great thing about capitalism is that competition drives business...and we as consumers can benefit by shopping around to get the best price. You might think this is only true for the goods we buy, but did you know that you can negotiate many of the bills that are supposedly "set in stone"? You might think you are getting a great price on a service and then a couple months later, they raise their prices. I suggest comparing prices each year to ensure you are getting the absolute best deal! IT PAYS TO COMPARE PRICES--literally.

We personally have negotiated our trash service, home phone/Internet service, and any work we have done on our house. All you have to do is set up a little bit of time to do some research and make some phone calls (nap times work great for this in our house).

Trash Service

Here's what you do to get the best bang for your buck:

1. Make a list of companies you wish to call. I suggest calling at least 3-4 besides the current company you are using.

2. Call each company and tell them that you are shopping around for trash service. Tell them where you live and ask them to give you their pricing. Make sure it includes the entire price. Some companies now charge an extra fee for fuel (remember the sky-high gas prices a couple years back?), so be sure to get all the information so you are not surprised when your first bill arrives.

3. Once you have the pricing information, call your current company and ask them if they can match the lowest price. Chances are, they will because they don't want to lose your business.

4. If for some reason your current company won't match the lowest price, cancel your current service and begin a new service with the lowest-priced company.

Here are a few numbers of company's to call in the Wichita area. If you're not from Wichita, just open up the phone book or ask around for some reputable companies.

Waste Management: 888-964-9756

Waste Connections: (316) 838-6664

Lies Trash Service: (316) 522-1699

Ballinger Trash Service: (316) 943-7910

Eagle Trash Service (Andover & Rose Hill areas): (316) 796-1505

You can save as much as $10-$15 a month by shopping around for trash service alone...that doesn't seem like a ton of money but it can be $180 more in your pocket each year.

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Home Phone/Internet Service

A few months back, we had been debating whether to cancel our land line, since we get most of our calls on our cell phones. I would still prefer to have a land line, simply because it makes me feel safer to have a home phone (which my husband thinks is crazy). I was somewhat on the fence about the whole situation, so I decided to make a few calls. I called the competition and found out that our current service was actually cheaper than what they could offer. I decided to then call our company just to see if they could give us a better deal. If they could, great; and if they couldn't, I was resigned to just cancel our home phone service. We get the most basic home phone with absolutely no frills (no caller id, call waiting, anything). There wasn't a whole lot they could do to lower the price of that service since we were already the lowest price, but they did offer to give us 3 months of our high-speed Internet service free just for staying with the company--a savings of $75! Like I said...it pays to just ask!

Don't lie and say you want to cancel your service if you really don't, but make a case for yourself by perhaps telling them how many years you have been with the company, etc. Ask for a lower price or for an incentive. The worst thing that will happen is that they will say, "no."

Here are two numbers of home phone and Internet providers--I believe both of these companies are nationwide. Make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples by asking lots of questions. If you are looking for a most basic service, tell the company. If you want certain features, share those with the person you are speaking with. If your current company has the lowest price, you can still get a better deal by just asking!

AT&T: 1-800-ATT-2020

Cox Communications: 866-719-2029

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Follow a similar procedure for other bills. If you hire someone for any services in your home (lawn care, home-improvement projects, etc), make sure you ALWAYS get at least 3 estimates before making your selection. Don't always go with a company just because they are the cheapest...do your homework and make sure they are professionals. If you have a specific company in mind and they aren't the cheapest, ask if they'll match the cheaper price or at least discount their price.

That's it! You're armed with the tools to barter those bills! Happy savings!

Dr. Seuss Activity #2: Green Eggs and Ham

2010-03-03T14:45:00.005-06:00

I had never read Caleb any Dr. Seuss books (besides Dr. Seuss' ABC's) and he was absolutely enthralled yesterday after I dug all of my books out. He sat through the entire reading of The Cat in the Hat and then wanted to read it again...and that is a long book!

Today we read Green Eggs & Ham. We, of course, had to make green eggs and ham as well...except we didn't have any ham so we just sprinkled some bacon bits on the egg. Here they are; don't they look delicious? ;)

All you need are eggs (cooked however you want them), green food coloring, and ham (or bacon bits if you don't have ham...it's from the same animal, right?).

Here are some more activities to go along with the book:

Use old magazines and some safety scissors and let your child cut out pictures of food. Make a chart with 2 columns "Food I Like" and "Food I Don't Like." Have your little one glue the pictures on the corresponding column.
Make a list of foods that are green
Talk to your child about rhyming words. Sing this song (to the tune of "The Muffin Man"): "Oh, do you know two rhyming words, two rhyming words, two rhyming words? Oh, do you know two rhyming words? They sound a lot alike. 'Cat' and 'hat' are two rhyming words, two rhyming words, two rhyming words. 'Cat' and 'hat' are two rhyming words. They sound a lot alike."

Interesting Fact about Dr. Seuss #2: Despite his ability to capture the hearts of children around the world through his rhyming stories, Dr. Seuss never had children of his own. In fact, his wife said that he was slightly afraid of them!

Dr. Seuss Activity #1: The Foot Book

2010-03-02T14:41:00.003-06:00

Despite the fact that I am no longer in the classroom, I decided I still wanted to celebrate "Read Across America" with our little family. For the remainder of the week, I will post an activity centered around a Dr. Seuss book that even toddlers and young children can enjoy. If your toddler is anything like mine, they will love the rhyme and repitition in many of Dr. Seuss' books. I realize this isn't a typical post you would find on this blog, but it fits into the "family fun" part! The Foot Book is one of my favorites...especially for young children!

Activities to do after reading The Foot Book:

Trace the feet of each person in your family. Then have your child line them up in order from biggest to smallest and vice-versa.
Put each person's shoes in a pile and encourage your child to "race" to find each match and line them up.
Make a pattern with your shoes

Have fun!

Interesting Fact about Dr. Seuss #1: "Dr. Seuss" wasn't his real name...his name was Theodor Geisel. Seuss was his mother's maiden name and he began using it as a pseudonym. He wasn't a real doctor...much to the dismay of his father. As a joke, he added the "Dr." to his pen name and it stuck!

30% off EVERYTHING at Marshmallow Kisses

2009-12-03T20:46:00.004-06:00

I receive the Marshmallow Kisses newsletters via e-mail and was pleased to find that they are offering 30% off EVERYTHING IN THE STORE through the end of December...yes, even sale items! The details don't say you have to bring in the e-mail printout, but I would suggest taking one just in case. Click here to print.

Need directions or want an idea of the products sold at this baby boutique? Check out their website here.

The reason for my absence...

2009-12-01T13:29:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry if you think I have just dropped off the face of the Earth...but I have a good excuse for my cyber-absence. My sweet Noah was born on November 19th at 11:55pm. We have been busy feeding, changing diapers, and adjusting to being a family of four. :) Stay tuned...I promise I'll be updating as often as possible with 2 kids under the age of 2 around!

Hurry!!! Hooter Hiders for $14.99

2009-11-18T11:01:00.007-06:00

Okay, I CAN'T STAND the name of these handy nursing covers, but they are so nice to have if you are a nursing mother! Go to BabySteals.com to get one or more for $14.99--today only. I would suggest acting quickly as they went super-fast last time they had them on this website. Just to give you an idea...these normally sell at Marshmallow Kisses for $37 each. You can get 1 for $14.99, plus $3.75 shipping and the shipping cost is the same no matter how many you purchase! These make great baby shower gifts...

And I'm sorry to those readers who don't currently have little ones and might be tired of all of the recent deal posts. I am currently "absorbed" in finding deals for baby & toddler items since that is the stage of life I am in. I will try to be more vigilant about posting great deals on more generic items! Thanks for bearing with me...

Daily Deal Websites

2009-11-13T14:18:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple of "daily deal" websites. Each of these sites offers a deal, normally for around 50% off the retail price but for 1 day only. They are worth checking every now and then...you never know what you might find! Yesterday we found a baby video monitor for 65% off the price listed on Amazon!!!

Kids Woot

Baby Steals

Do you know of any other "daily deal" websites?

My $7.87 Target Shopping Trip

2009-11-13T13:18:00.003-06:00

Here is a picture of the AMAZING deals I snagged at Target this morning. I did get other household staples (milk, yogurt, produce, etc) as well, but didn't think those were worth showing.

Here's what I got

3 Up & Up Travel-Size Baby Wipes, regularly $0.97--I used 3 $1/1 coupons from a recent home-mailer (these coupons, unlike the printables, did not prohibit buying trial-size items)

12 Up & Up Flushable Toddler Wipes, regularly $1.44--I used 12 $1/1 printable coupons here to get them for $0.44 each! Thanks, Money Saving Mom! When you compare the Pampers Kan-Doo wipes at $2 something each...that's a great deal! With thoughts of potty-training on the horizon, I knew this would be a necessity!

2 boxes of Ronzoni SmartTaste spaghetti, regularly $1.55--I used a $1/2 printable coupon here (I will also use these to submit for the Up! Blu-Ray Rebate)

And finally...the deal of the year--LeapFrog Alphabet Pal, regularly $20.99--I price-matched it by bringing in the entire Toys R Us insert from today's newspaper (11/13). Today and tomorrow only--Toys R Us has this toy 50% off for $10.49. In addition, you can use the printable $10/1 Alphabet Pal coupon here to get it for $0.49!!!! This is completely legitimate, according to the Target coupon policy and price match policy. I would suggest bringing both of these documents with you. I had no problems completing this transaction at the Guest Services area (which is where you have to go whenever you price-match an item). Thanks, Common Sense with Money!!! This would be a great gift for an Angel Tree or Toys For Tots!

Also, find out how to get both Up! and Monsters, Inc. Blu-Ray movies for $0.98 here! I planned to snag this deal as well, but they were out of both movies at Target. I got a rain check for Monsters, Inc. and will try again before the 17th (when one of the coupons expires).

Finally, I read this article posted on Yahoo today that Target will be offering $3 small kitchen appliances on Black Friday, in addition to some other great deals. You will definitely want to stop by Target the day after Thanksgiving!

Recipe: Stromboli (with Ham & Salami)

2009-11-10T14:53:00.004-06:00

This is a recipe from a fellow teacher that is one of my favorites! Before having this, I had never eaten salami before. I didn't know that it was so much like pepperoni!

Ingredients
1 Rhodes Frozen Bread Loaf
1/4 lb. sliced ham
1/4 lb. sliced salami
6 slices provolone cheese
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Egg Yolk
Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Let dough rise according to package directions until doubled (4-7 hours).

2. Punch down bread and roll-out on a flat surface.

3. Lay ham, salami, and cheese on top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a little garlic powder.

4. Roll up, beginning with the long side. Seal seam and ends. Place on cookie sheet covered with greased aluminum foil, seam side down. Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan cheese on top. Roll up, seal, and freeze.

5. When ready to eat, thaw in refrigerator. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy!

Recipe: Ritz Cracker Chicken

2009-11-10T14:39:00.004-06:00

My friend and fellow-teacher, Crystal, made this for us on my first day back to work after Caleb was born (I had to teach for 6 weeks to finish out the school year). This isn't the most calorie-conscious meal...but VERY delicious!

Ingredients
4 Frozen Chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom
1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
1 stick butter

Directions:

1. Place chicken and 1/4 to 1/2 cup water in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-10 hours. Once done, the chicken should be tender enough to fall apart.

2. Mix shredded chicken, cream of mushroom, chicken broth, and sour cream together in a bowl.

3. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish (or two smaller dishes).

4. In a small bowl, melt butter. Crush the Ritz crackers and mix with the melted butter.

5. Pour cracker mixture over chicken mixture. Cover, seal & freeze.

6. When ready to cook, thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake uncovered for 1 hour.

Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs

2009-11-10T14:14:00.005-06:00

Another one of my mom's recipes...this one does not look so appetizing in the process, but the end result is yummy. When the meatballs are cooked, the rice sticks out...hence the name "porcupine meatballs."

Ingredients

Meatballs:
1 lb. hamburger meat (I prefer 93/7)
3/4 cup rice (I use minute rice, but any will do)
1 tsp. minced onion
salt & pepper

Sauce:
1 can tomato soup
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Directions:
1. Mix the raw hamburger meat, rice, minced onion, salt, and pepper. You'll have to get your hands dirty to mix it up well.

2. Form small balls from the mixture--I usually make mine a little larger than golf-ball size. Arrange in a greased 9x13 baking dish (or 2 smaller dishes as I've shown).

3. Mix the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture over each individual meatball. Cover, seal, and freeze.

4. When ready to cook, thaw for 24-48 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, cover the dish with foil, and cook for at least an hour.

Recipe: Tator Tot Casserole

2009-11-10T14:03:00.003-06:00

This recipe is my mom's and one of Kevin's favorites...I don't actually have a recipe written down, I just make it by memory. It's kind of a like an entire meal in one...with meat, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

Ingredients:

1 lb. hamburger (I prefer 93/7)
1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 can green beans

1 bag frozen tator tots (you probably won't use the whole bag)

Directions:

1. Brown and drain hamburger meat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix hamburger meat, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and green beans together. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan (or two smaller pans).

3. Arrange tator tots on top. Cover, seal, and freeze.

4. When ready to cook, thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook uncovered for 35-40 minutes.

Marathon Cooking Day--I made it (well...almost!)

2009-11-09T17:14:00.006-06:00

I'm done...

And we have 13 meals now residing happily in our freezer!!!!

I completed my "to-do" list for meals...the only thing I didn't get to was the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, which I plan on baking another day this week. After 4+ hours of cooking, I decided I had enough for one day!

Here are all the recipes that I made:

Ham & Salami Stromboli (x2)
Ritz Cracker Chicken
Tator Tot Casserole
Porcupine Meatballs
Chicken Tetrazinni
Southwest Roll-Ups

One recipe of each of these makes enough for 2 meals for our little family, so we have plenty of food to choose from!

Now, here's what worked:

Cooking the chicken overnight. That worked great! I put 7 frozen chicken breasts in the crock-pot at 10:30 last night (with 1/2 cup water) and took the fully-cooked breasts out and into the refrigerator at 7:30 this morning. I used it to make all of the dishes involving chicken.

Setting all ingredients out. This made it quick and accessible.

This freezing method. I didn't have to buy ANY aluminum pans and I am not using up all of my baking dishes. This system worked great for me. Plus, when it comes time for actually cooking the meals, the clean-up will be so easy because I can just throw the foil away!

Here's what I will do different next time:

Completely clear my schedule. We went to library this morning and then by the store. I am helping hostess a shower tonight and I am EXHAUSTED, to say the least. I'm not sure why I decided to do a day of marathon cooking when I had other things going on!

Wear shoes. I had my shoes off the whole time I was cooking and my feet are KILLING ME. Maybe it's being 9 months pregnant, but I will definitely wear supportive shoes next time.
Chop ingredients the day before. I am the world's s-l-o-w-e-s-t chopper...it is a job that I absolutely despise because it takes me FOREVER. It literally took me 30 minutes to chop 1 green pepper and 1 onion. Next time, I will chop up the ingredients that need to be chopped the day before.
Take breaks. Next time I attempt a marathon cooking day, I will no longer be pregnant...but I will most likely be sleep-deprived. I need to pace myself...

Up next, a few recipes and some pictures...

5 Board Games for under $5 Total at Toys 'R Us!!!

2009-11-08T07:46:00.004-06:00

Here is a great deal that Mercedes at Common Sense with Money alerted me to. To see the complete details, go here. Thanks to My Frugal Adventures for scooping out this great deal!

Deal scenario #1:

$9.99 when you buy one Scrabble or Connect 4
$15.96 when you buy four of these $3.99 games: Candy Land, Chutes/Ladders, Ants in Pants, Don’t Break the Ice, or Memory (they must all be different games)
Pay $25.95 plus tax out of pocket then you will get:
$10 Gift card back from Toys R Us
$3 rebate for Connect 4 or Scrabble here
$2 rebate for each of the four $3.99 games you chose here
After the sale, gift card deal at Toys 'R Us, and the rebate from Hasbro...you will end up paying $4.95 for the five games!!!

Deal scenario #2

$27.93 when you buy the following games: Candy Land, Chutes/ladders, Ants in Pants, Don’t Break The Ice, Memory, Hi-Ho Cherry-o and Cootie (again, all different games)
Then you will get:
$10 Toys R Us Gift Card for purchasing $25 pr more in Hasbro Games PLUS
$14 back when you submit for the Hasbro Rebate.
That’s like paying $3.97 for the whole lot of seven games.

Walgreen Deals--11/8-11/14

2009-11-07T14:31:00.003-06:00

Here are some of my favorite deals available this week at Walgreens. Mercedes, at Common Sense with Money, has compiled a complete list here.

Coupon Deals

Betty Crocker Frosting $1.29 after in-ad coupon
Use $0.50/1 from 10/25 SS insert or $0.50/1 printable coupon here
Pay $0.79 each after coupons

Sun-Maid Raisins 18oz 2/$4 after in-ad coupon
Use $1/2 coupon from 11/8 SS insert
Pay $3 for two after coupons

Carnation Evaporated Milk $0.99 after in ad coupon
Use $0.50/2 coupon from 9/27 SS or 11/1 RP inserts or $0.50/2 printable coupon here
Pay $1.48 for two after coupons

Eagle Brand Condensed Milk $1.79 after in-ad coupon
Use $2/2 coupon from 11/8 RP insert
Pay $0.79 each after coupons

Windex 26 oz 2/$5
Use $1/1 printable coupon here
Pay $1.50 each after coupon

Bayer Aspirin 24-36ct 2/$3 after in-ad coupon
Use $1/1 coupon from 10/25 RP insert
Pay $0.50 each after coupons

Clearasil on sale Buy One Get One Free (psa $4.79)
Use $2/1 printable coupons here (click on Save Now at the bottom)
Pay as little as $1.79 for two items after coupons (when you use two coupons)

Register Reward Deals

Buy one Bayer Glucose Meter $14.99, Earn a $5 RR back
Use up to $30 coupon from 10/25 RP insert (coupon will need to be adjusted down)
Free plus $5 in overage after coupon

Buy $20 of the following, Earn a $10 RR
Benadryl (18-24 ct., 10 ct. Perfect Measure or 4 oz. Liquid) $4.99
Tylenol (20-24 ct. Tylenol Cold or Allergy or 8 oz. Liquid) $4.99
Zyrtec Allergy Relief (30ct.) $18.99
Children’s Zyrtec (Chewables 12 ct. or 4 oz. Liquid) $9.99
Sudafed PE or DM (20 or 24 ct., Children’s 4 oz. Liquid or Nasal Spray OM .5 oz.) $5.99

Deal Idea

Buy three Tylenol products $4.99 each
Buy one Sudafed PE 24ct $5.99
Use one $3/2 Tylenol Cold coupon from 10/4 RP insert
Use one $2/1 Tylenol Cold printable coupon here
Use one $2/1 Sudafed PE coupon from 9/13 RP insert
Use one $1/1 Tylenol Cold coupon from Healthy Savings Coupon Booklet (ask cashier if you cannot find it--will deduct $3)
Pay $10.96 out of pocket and Earn a $10 register reward back

Monthly Coupon and Register Rewards Deals

Buy three Lubriderm Body Lotion Fragrance Free 6oz $3.79 each, Earn a $8 Register Rewards
Use three $2/1 coupons from 10/11 RP insert
Use $1/1 Walgreens coupon from Diabetes and You Winter Issue (will deduct $3 at once)
Pay $2.37 plus tax out of pocket and earn a $8 register rewards back!

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk; $2.49, Receive $2.49 wyb one

Happy shopping!

First-Ever Cooking Day!!!

2009-11-06T14:14:00.003-06:00

After inspiration from many other bloggers who cook and freeze meals in bulk, I have decided to venture out and give it a try! Monday will be my first-ever cooking day! I plan on making the following meals to stockpile our freezer for after our baby arrives.

Ham & Salami Stromboli (x2)
Ritz Cracker Chicken
Tator Tot Casserole
Porcupine Meatballs
Chicken Tetrazinni
Southwest Roll-Ups
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Since we have a very small family, each of these recipes actually makes 2 meals for us. So if all goes as planned, we will have 10 meals to keep in our freezer. We don't have a deep-freeze, so I am a little worried about having enough space to store all of it, but I'm sure I can rearrange to make everything fit.

I'm hoping to go to Sam's Club this weekend with my mom (since she has a membership and I don't) to purchase the chicken and hamburger meat as well as a few other supplies. Once I get better at doing this, I'll hopefully be able to stockpile all of the ingredients I need when I find a really great sale. But for now, I'll head to Walmart to get everything else I need. I might purchase a few aluminum pans because I don't have enough baking dishes for everything, but I'm also going to try this method of freezing meals.

Here's is my VERY rough to-do list:
-Cook chicken in crockpot overnight on Sunday night
-Thaw out bread dough for stromboli
-Brown hamburger meat
-Make muffins
-Assemble all recipes

I'll report back on Monday evening with my progress (and maybe some pictures and recipes). I'm making you all hold me accountable...there's no backing out now that I've blogged about it (unless of course the baby comes early). :)

Cheap iPod Dock with Speakers and Wii games

2009-11-06T08:54:00.004-06:00

Go here to get the iLuv Stereo Speakers with iPod Dock for $20.00 (regularly $39.98) at Walmart. Don't forget to go through Ebates to get 2% back and Home Store Rewards to get 1% back (plus a donation to Nhowe Mission in Zimbabwe, Africa). This would be a great "generic" gift for those hard-to-buy for people in your life. With Site-to-Store shipping, you don't even have to pay shipping costs!

Also, Target is running a Buy 2, Get 1 Free special on all of their Wii games $49.99 and under. Pair this with the $10 off of 2 coupon here (for use in store only) and you can get some great deals on Wii games. There are some Wii games priced at $14.95 in the store, so you could buy 6 games, get 2 free, and use 3 $10 coupons...for a grand total of $30! Thanks Frugal Find!

Have you seen any great "deals" on gifts??? If so, leave a comment or e-mail me!

Enfamil--16 Single-Serve Packets for $2.50-$4.50

2009-11-05T13:29:00.005-06:00

I am planning on breastfeeding again with Noah, but I decided yesterday that it might be nice to have some formula on hand in case we need to supplement (or for Kevin to take over a middle-of-the-night feeding on occasion). I came across a $5 Enfamil coupon on Coupons.com and remembered that I had also received a Target $2 coupon in a recent home-mailer. I didn't really want to get a can of powdered formula because you have to use it within a month of opening, so I thought I would see if they had any ready-made liquid formula (which, it turns out, you can't use with these coupons anyway). When I went to Target last night before church, I found something even better...individual packets (kind of like the Crystal Light packets you dump into a bottle of water). It is a box with 16 stick-like packets that each make a 4 oz. bottle. They were on sale at Target for around $9.50. Combined with my 2 coupons, I was able to get these for around $2.50. Even if you didn't get the $2 Target coupon, $4.50 doesn't seem like too bad of a deal for the convenience that these little packets offer...and I don't have to worry about throwing out an entire can of formula for just an occasional feeding! Go here to print 2 $5 off coupons (hit your browser's back button to print the second).

Favorite Target Deals--11/1-11/7

2009-11-02T13:46:00.002-06:00

The deals at Target are pretty sparse again this week, but here are two good deals. For a complete list, head over to Stretching a Buck.

GE Energy Smart Bulbs: $2.39 – $4.89
Use $1/1 manufacturer coupon from 10/4 SS insert
Use $2/2 Target printable coupon here
Get them as low as $0.39 to $1.89 after coupons

Kellogg's Cereal (Raisin Bran Crunch, Special K Red Berries, Frosted Flakes, selected others) - $2.66/ea
Get 1 box FREE when you buy 3
Use various $0.75/1, $1/1, $1.50/2, $1/3 here
PLUS
Use $1/1 Target Coupon here (use 3 if your store will let you)
Final Price = $0.25 - $1/ea when you buy 4

Walgreens Deals--11/1-11/7

2009-11-02T13:14:00.003-06:00

Here are some of my favorite deals at Walgreens this week, thanks to Mercedes at Common Sense with Money. To view a complete list, click here.

Coupon Deals

Campbells Tomato Soup $0.50 each
Buy 2 and Use $1/2 printable coupon here
FREE after coupon

Hunts Tomato Sauce 8oz 3/$1
Use $1/3 printable coupon when you play the game here
Free after coupon

Register Rewards Deals

Dial Foaming Hand,Yogurt Soap or Bar Soap 3pk. $1.99, Earn a $1 RR wyb one
Use $0.35/1 coupon from 10/4/09 SS insert
Pay $0.64 after coupon and register reward

Buy two participating products 2/$8, Earn a $2 RR register rewards
Gillette Body Wash 12 or 18oz
Gillette Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Old Spice Body Wash 12 or 18 oz
Old Spice Body Spray 3.5 or 4 o)
Old Spice Antiperspirant/Deodorant 2.6-4oz
Secret Antiperspirant/Deodorant 2.6-4oz
Tag Body Spray 3.5 or 4oz

Deal Idea 1
Tag Body Spray 2/$8, Earn a $2 RR wyb two
Use BOGO coupon from 11/1 P&G insert
Pay $2 for two after coupon and register rewards

Deal Idea 2
Buy one Gillete Deodorant and one Gillete Body wash
Use $1/1 coupon from 11/1 P&G insert
Use BOGO coupon from 11/1 P&G insert
Pay $1 for two after coupon and register rewards

Herbal Essence shampoos, conditioners, or stylers 2/$7, Earn a $2 RR wyb two
Use BOGO coupon from 10/11 P&G insert
Pay $1.50 for two products after coupon and register reward

Monthly Register Rewards

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk; $2.49, Receive $2.49 wyb one

Lubriderm Deal:
Buy three Lubriderm Body Lotion Fragrance Free 6oz $3.79 each
Use three $2/1 coupons from 10/11 RP insert or $2/1 printable coupon here
Use $1/1 Walgreens coupon from Diabetes and You Winter Issue (will deduct $3 at once--should be found at the pharmacy counter of your Walgreens)
Pay $2.37 plus tax out of pocket and earn a $8 register rewards back!

Buy one Almay Pure Blends Foundation $9.99 and get a $10 RR back (This week: Buy 1, Get 1 FREE) AND Buy one Almay Pure Eye Shadow $7.49 OR LipGloss $7.49 OR Mascara $6.99 and get a $5 RR back (This week: Buy 1, Get 1 FREE)

Deal Idea:
Buy 1 Almay Pure Blends Foundation
Buy 1 Eye Shadow, Lip Gloss, or Mascara
Pay $9.99 for the Foundation and get a $15 Register Reward Back!

Dulcolax Balance $7 (7 Day, 4.1oz), Earn a $4 RR wyb one*
Use $3/1 coupon found on package or $3/1 printable coupon here
Submit for $5 rebate found here
FREE plus up to $5 in overage after coupon, register reward and rebate

Theraflu $5 each, Earn a $3 RR wyb two
Use two $2/1 coupon from 10/18 inserts (some areas got a $3 off one)
Use one $2/1 coupon in Healthy Savings Booklet
Pay as little as $0.00 out of pocket (if you got the $3/1 coupons) and earn a $3 RR back.

$2 Huggies Diaper Coupons

2009-11-02T13:01:00.003-06:00

Go here, here, and here to print off coupons for $2 off any Huggies package of diapers. You should be able to print off 2 per site...for a total of 6 coupons!!! Thanks Money Saving Mom!

FREE Medium Papa John's Pizza with Purchase

2009-11-02T12:56:00.002-06:00

Click here to become a fan of Papa John's on Facebook and you will receive a code for a free medium pizza with a minimum $10 online order. The code will show up on your Facebook updates on 11/4 and will expire on 11/9. Thanks Common Sense with Money and Mojo Savings!

Dillons Deals--Today through Tuesday

2009-10-28T20:09:00.002-05:00

Just a tip...whenever you do your grocery shopping, make sure you know what day the new deals for the week start. I went to Dillons YESTERDAY, loaded with coupons (and my 21-month old) yesterday to take advantage of some great deals. I didn't see signage advertising the "Buy 10, Get $5 off" promotion, but I figured that since it was the first day they just didn't get it all up. Nope...it wasn't until I checked out that I realized that all of the great "deals" I thought I was getting weren't actually legitimate until TODAY. After spending 45-minutes with a toddler in the grocery store, I decided it wasn't worth the $10-$15 I would save coming back. Bummer!!!

But here are some great deals for YOU!!! For a more complete list, go here.

Buy 10 Participating Products and Get $5 off instantly at checkout (when you use your plus card).

*Note: All of the prices below assume that you are buying 10 participating products ($0.50 off each item)

Betty Crocker--Free or Almost Free Fruit Snacks!

Use $0.40/1 here or

Use $0.50/2 here

Final Price = $0.69-0.99/ea

* Catalina Alert! (Valid through 11/1/09)-

Buy 3 and receive $1.50 toward your next purchase-

Buy 4 and receive $2.50 toward your next purchase-

Buy 5 + and receive $3.50 toward your next purchase

**With coupons and the catalina, if you bought 5 packages at $1.49 they would end up being FREE to $0.23 each!!!

Cheez-it Crackers - $0.99/ea

Use $1.50/2 in 10/4 Red Plum insert

Pay $0.24/ea when you buy 2

Kraft Singles and Kraft Cheese - $2.49/ea

Use $1/2 here (IE) and here (FF) (if included)

Final Price = $1.99/ea when you buy 2

Ore-Ida Potatoes (1-2 lb bag) - $1.99/ea

Use $1.50/2 in 9/27 Smart Source insert

Pay $1.24/ea when you buy 2

And so much more!!!

Just go here for more coupon match-ups.

Marshmallow Kisses: 20% off your entire purchase during the month of November

2009-10-26T08:58:00.003-05:00

Marshmallow kisses is a baby boutique, which is obviously going to be more expensive than other stores. But sometimes it is nice to purchase a one-of-a-kind item for a baby gift...plus they typically have lots of items in their sale room. Print this picture off (right click and then choose "print") and take it in for 20% off your entire purchase during the month of November (sale items included!). Marshmallow Kisses is located on 21st Street and Rock, just behind Timberline Steakhouse. Happy shopping!

Target: Glade Holiday Candle Tin Moneymaker and More!

2009-10-25T13:14:00.007-05:00

It's been a while since I posted any Target deals because, quite frankly, they haven't been too great in recent weeks. There still isn't a plethora of great deals to be had there this week, but definitely some worth mentioning! Marcy at Stretching a Buck has posted a complete list here.

Get a $5 gift card when you buy 5 Glade Holiday Scented Candle Tins (located on the endcaps) at $2.50 each (thanks Frugal Fun & Fortune)

Here are some great scenarios. Each of these uses coupons found inside the candle tins. There are supposedly some $1.50/1 coupons, but when I was at Target today, I could only find $2/2 coupons.

Deal Idea #1: Moneymaker of $1.50-$5.00!!!

Buy 5 tins at $2.50 each

Buy 5 refills at $2.99 each

Use 5 $1.50/1 coupons found inside the tins or 2 $2/2 coupons)

AND

Use 5 printable coupons here (limit 2 per computer).

Pay between $5 and $8.50 out of pocket, and receive a $10 giftcard for a Moneymaker of $1.50-$5.00!!!

Deal Idea #2: Possible Moneymaker of $2

Buy 3 tins at $2.50 each

Buy 2 refills at $2.99 each

Use 1-3 coupons found inside tins (either 3 $1.50/1 coupons or 1 $2/2 coupons)

AND

Use 2 printable coupons here

Pay between $3 and $5.50 out of pocket, and receive a $5 giftcard for a possible moneymaker of $2.00!

Go here for more details on this great deal!

Get a $5 gift card when you buy any 3 of the following items: Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair, Pledge Polish Wipes, Pledge Multi-Surface Wipes

Deal Idea:
Buy 1 Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair at $4.29 and use $1/1 coupon here
Buy 2 Pledge Multi-Surface Wipes at $3.49 each and use $1/1 coupon here
Pay $8.27 and get a $5 gift card...like getting each item for $1.09

Kraft Shredded Cheese 3/$5 (1.66 each)
Use $1/2 coupon here
$1.16 each after coupons

Degree Body Spray & Deodorant $3.29-$3.99 each
Use $1.50/1 here (IE) or here (FF) (print 2)
AND
Use $3/2 Target Coupon here
Pay $0.29-$0.99 per item (thanks Stretching a Buck!)

Chex Mix (8 oz bag) - $1.75/ea
Use $0.50/1 here and here
PLUS
Use $1/1 Target Coupon here
Pay $0.25/ea

For more deals at Target this week, go here.

Walgreens Deals--10/25-10/31

2009-10-24T21:00:00.003-05:00

Here are some of my favorite deals this week at Walgreens. Thanks to Mercedes at Common Sense with Money for creating the full list here.

Coupon Deals

Nestle, Fun Size, Minis or Snack size candy, buy one at $5.99 get one half off
Use two $2/1 printable coupons
Pay $4.98 for two bags after coupons

Quaker Quick Oats on sale buy one get one free or 2/$3.19 after in ad coupon
Use $1.25/2 coupon from 8/30/09 RP insert
Pay $1.94 for two after coupons

Infiniti Cordkeeper ConAir Dryer $17.99
Use $5/1 printable coupon
Pay $12.99 each after coupon

Dove Bar Soap$0.99 with in-ad coupon
Use $1/1 Dove face care coupon from the 10/4 RedPlum insert
Free after coupons Thanks Moneysavingmom!

Reese’s Pumpkins (1.2 oz .)–3 for $2 with in-ad coupon
Use $0.55/1 coupon from the 8/23 SmartSource insert
$0.12 each after coupon Thanks Moneysavingmom!

Simply Asia Bowls 0.89
Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 8/30 RedPlum insert
$0.39 after coupon Thanks Moneysavingmom!

Register Rewards Deals

Dove Hair Care Products on sale buy one get one free or 2/$4.99, Earn a $10 RR wyb 8 (monthly deal)

Deal Idea
$19.96 when you Buy 8 Dove Hair Conditioners
-$12 when you use eight $1.50/1 coupon from 10/4 RP insert
=$7.96 plus tax out of pocket and get a $10 RR back

Buy 2 True North or Stacy's Pita Chips at $3, Get $2 Register Rewards

Deal Idea
Buy 2 True North Chips or Clusters or Stacy's Pita Chips at $3 each
Use 2 $1/1 True North coupons from here or 2 Stacy's Pita Chips here
Spend $4 plus tax out of pocket, Get $2 Register Rewards
$1 each after coupons and Register Rewards (Thanks Money Saving Mom!)

Suave Hair Care, Deodorant & Rave Hairspray: Buy 3/$5 and get $2 Register Rewards

Deal Idea
-Buy 2 Women's Deodorant & use 2 $0.50/1 coupon in today's RedPlum insert
-Buy 1 Men's Deodrant & use the $0.75/1 coupon
Pay $3.25 and get a $2 Register Reward...like paying $0.42 each!

Another Deal Scenario
-Buy 2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Conditioner products (if included) and use the $1/2 coupon in today's RedPlum insert
-Buy 1 Suave deodorant & use the $0.50/1 coupon in today's RedPlum insert
Pay $3.50 and get a $2 Register Reward...like paying $0.50 each

Monthly Register Rewards

Trident Gum Xtra Care or Layers 2/$2, Earn a $1 RR when you buy two
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon or $1/2 printable coupon
FREE plus up to $0.50 in overage after coupons

Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99, Receive $2.99 RR

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk; $2.49, Receive $2.49 wyb one

Halls Refresh Sugar Free (20ct; $1), Receive $1 RR
Use $0.75/1 coupon from 9/27 insert
FREE plus up to $0.75 in overage after coupon and register reward

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8oz; $6.99), Receive $6.99 RR wyb one
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 8/2 RP insert or $1.50/1 printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)
FREE plus $1.50 in overage after coupon and register reward

Buy 2 Crest Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste (6.4 oz.) at $2 each, Get $2 Register Rewards
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 9/27 P&G insert
Free after coupons and Register Rewards (Thanks, Carrie!)

Independent Activities for a 2-year old

2009-10-23T14:13:00.003-05:00

In 5 short weeks (maybe sooner), we will be welcoming our second bundle of joy into our family. While we are all super excited about Noah's arrival, I am a bit concerned about my 22-month old adjusting to not having Mommy (and Daddy's) full attention all the time. Therefore I am attempting to be proactive and plan for some activities that I can start teaching Caleb to do now by himself that will make times when I am caring for the baby (especially nursing) easier on all of us. Most of these activities have been inspired from other people. Some have come from classes I took while getting my early-childhood degree and my master's degree in education. Some are simplified versions of activities I used in my first grade classroom and some are modified ideas from other websites/blogs.

Originally, I had planned on having "activity bags", but I have decided that I am going to have a basket specifically for Caleb's independent activities. This basket will be taken out whenever I am preoccupied with the baby and will go back in a location out of Caleb's reach so that the activities don't lose their novelty. Some of these items that I am having to purchase (such as the puzzles and Color Wonder set) will be given to Caleb as a "gift" from his little brother once he arrives.

Here are some ideas for the basket's contents. I intend for Caleb to be sitting at a table or on the floor whenever he is doing these activities.

Puzzles: The Melissa and Doug puzzles are great for 2-year olds and I have found that TJ Maxx is the absolute cheapest place to buy them (they are normally 1/2 the price of anywhere else). If you go to Amazon, you can also find the Melissa and Doug Latches and Basic Skills boards which would be great fine-motor practice for your toddler. And remember...you can use your Swagbucks to purchase items from Amazon! Better yet, put it on your child's Christmas list.

Color Wonder Marker Set: Caleb enjoys using crayons (and if I am brave, markers), but he still isn't great with keeping them on the paper. The markers in this set will only leave marks on the specific Color Wonder paper, so I don't have to worry about my carpet (or sofa, pillows, and walls). :) I was at Michael's the other day and used the 40% off coupon to purchase a set with markers and paper very inexpensively.

Shape Matching Game: This has been the hold-up on posting these activities. I wanted to have it entirely made, but then with our crazy sickness this week...I decided to just take a picture of it unfinished (and you can use your imagination). I made this "game" out of cardstock and the thin foam available at craft stores. I cut out identical shapes, then hot-glued one of the shapes onto the paper. I then trimmed the edges of the cardstock so that it will fit in a gallon-sized baggie. I will then include a smaller snack/sandwich size baggie inside the larger one that will hold the loose shapes. I am planning to take it to OfficeMax to laminate it. The object of the "game" is for the child to put the shape on top of the coordinating shape on the grid. Even though my little guy should be able to do this buy himself, I can still interact with him while he is doing it by telling him the names of the colors and shapes. If you have an older child, I would suggest adding more squares to your grid to make it more of a challenge.

Cereal Necklaces: Consider this an activity and snack in one! Give your child a new shoelace (so that there is the plastic still on the end, otherwise it will be too difficult for little fingers to string). Put a container of Fruit Loops (or any other kind of holed cereal with large enough holes that the shoelace will fit) on the table and let your child go to town! Afterwards, he/she can either eat it, or have you tie it and wear it as a necklace.

Feelie Bag: This too is an interactive activity that you can do while nursing or any other "baby duty." All you need is a paper bag (or a cloth bag if you are feeling really ambitious) and a variety of items with different textures. Some examples include both smooth and rough rocks, a wooden block, a small part of a paper egg carton, feathers, different types of cloth or anything else you can think of!

Place the items in the bag. Hold the bag closed, leaving just enough room for your little one's hand. Tell your child to pick out something hard/soft, smooth/rough, etc. Even if you child can't do it by him/herself at first, praise him/her for picking out an item and then correctly identify the item's texture. As your toddler gets older, encourage him/her to describe the texture in a complete sentence. After the item is taken out of the bag, encourage your child to use his/her eyes and describe the way that it looks (color, shape, etc).

You can also turn this into a guessing game by taking turns reaching your hands into the bag and describing the texture/feeling of the item. After a while, change out the items in the bag to make it new and exciting!

"I Spy" Bottle: This "toy" is made with an empty 20 oz. pop bottle (washed out, of course). Just add sand (either regular or colored) or rice until the bottle is 3/4 full. Then add your choice of tiny items that will fit into the mouth of the bottle. I would recommend adding a little hot glue to the inside of the cap before screwing it on to make sure that your ambitious toddler can't get it open. You can use household items like paper clips, jelly beans, coins, plastic action figures, etc. You can also cut out shapes from the remaining foam that you have left from the shape matching game. If you really want to spice it up, you can purchase some alphabet beads and other miniature items at craft stores. Keep it simple if your child is young...I would suggest no more than 10-12 items for a 2-year old. As your child gets closer to 2 1/2 or 3, make another or add more items.

Make a "key" with items in the bottle (and their pictures). While your child is still young, use the key to ask him/her to find specific items by saying "I spy with my little eyes a _______" or "something_______". As your little one gets older and more independent, he/she can "read" the key him/herself and find all of the items on the list.

*Another version I have seen is to use 1/2 water and 1/2 corn syrup with food coloring instead of sand or rice. Then you can add glitter and sequins.

Note: The pictures shown are not mine, they are from this website. I was planning on making my own prior to this post, but since we haven't been able to be out of the house for a week, I didn't have an opportunity to get all the needed supplies. As soon as I make one, I will post a picture as this one just isn't as cute as I'd like. :)

Additional Activities to add as he grows...

Playdough

Of course playdough will eventually be a fun independent activity, but he is still too young to not make a mess with it by himself. Here is a great recipe that I used in my classroom when I taught first grade (prior to having children). However, I would keep it away from the carpet and any upholstered furniture as food coloring is not forgiving! :)

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups water
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Food coloring Optional: Food extracts to make it smell good (almond, vanilla, lemon, or peppermint)

Add the food coloring to the water. Then mix all of the ingredients together in a pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it forms a soft ball. Let the mixture cool. Knead slightly. Add food extract(s). Store in an air-tight container.

Ziploc Bag Painting

Even though the intention of this bag is for it to be fully sealed, I am still a little apprehensive about it being an "independent" activity at this age. In time, however, I think this would be a great way to learn about colors (and how primary colors make secondary colors). Just put a gallon-sized baggy inside another baggy (double-protection). Then add tempera paint. Start with just one color and add more if you'd like. Close the bag and seal the top with duct tape. Let your child sit at a table and make designs in the paint without any mess.

*Another version I have seen is to add shaving cream in the bag to create a different texture!

So, that's it! Those are all of my ideas exhausted. And most of them aren't originally mine anyway...they've been borrowed from other people/books and tweaked with my child in mind. Us teachers are really good at "stealing" the ideas of others. :)

From what I've read and been told by other moms, one of the best things to do when you bring a new baby home is to involve the older sibling as much as possible. If your toddler is like mine, he loves to be a "helper." Have him go get a diaper or a pair of pajamas. Encourage him to sing to the baby and show him pictures in the books he's reading. Even if he brings the wrong diaper or outfit or doesn't do everything right, at least he feels like he's helping and is still part of the family.

Do you have any ideas for additional activities I can add to our "Independent Play" basket?

Last Chance: Ted's Montana Grill Free $8 entree

2009-10-23T10:23:00.002-05:00

Today is your LAST CHANCE to score a free lunch entree (an $8 value) at Ted's Montana Grill (located at K-96 and Webb). No other purchase is necessary, making this a great deal. Just go here and answer the trivia question (hint: the answer is the Kansas state mammal). :)

Cash Back Programs

2009-10-22T21:36:00.004-05:00

Do you shop online? Or maybe you are like me and are doing more and more online shopping because it is easier than toting a kid (or 2 or 3) along to a million different stores? If so, you should really consider signing up for a cash back program. There are several out there, but here are two reputable sites that I think are worthy of your consideration. Keep in mind, both are free and super easy to use!

This week I signed up for Ebates, a program that pays you back for shopping online. It is totally free to sign up for and you get $5 just for doing so! Basically, you shop at the same online stores you would normally shop at, you just go through their website first (it literally takes an extra 5 seconds...if that). Then, you get a certain percentage back on the purchases that you make (most stores it is 5% or less). They send you checks with the money you've earned every 3 months. I signed up for this whenever I did the OfficeMax deal and I have already used it again to purchase a Christmas gift. From these 2 transactions and the $5 bonus for signing up, I already should have $15.92 coming my way! The great thing is, I didn't really have to do anything extra and I shopped at stores I would have shopped at anyway (and used a coupon code on both purchases). If you're interested in giving it a try, go here. I am convinced that this is a great thing...especially with Christmas just around the corner!

Another program that I am signed up with is Home Store Rewards. It basically works the same way as Ebates in that you go to this site first and then do your shopping from there. It isn't quite as lucrative as Ebates, but it has a few key differences that I believe make it worthy. First of all, not only do you receive cash back, but a small percentage is also donated to a specific charity, in this case Nhowe Mission in Zimbabwe, Africa (a mission that I have been to on four separate occasions and one that is near and dear to my heart). Rather than receiving a check back (and waiting for up to 3 months), your savings is credited right back to your credit card (which is securely processed to protect you against identify theft). Finally, this specific company is working to incorporate brick-and-mortar stores in their program as well. Right now, you can visit some Sears stores (and other stores as well) and receive the percentage back just by using your credit card. Go here to learn more!

If you have any questions, leave a comment or e-mail me. I probably don't have an answer, but I can sure try to find one! :)

Saturday: FREE Small Cookie and Kids-Size Hot Chocolate at Barnes & Noble

2009-10-22T17:22:00.003-05:00

Just go here, scroll down, and print off the coupon (one per customer). Enjoy!

My Husband's $3.58 Dillons Shopping Trip

2009-10-22T09:12:00.005-05:00

My little guy and I have both had the flu this week, so we have been cooped up at home trying to get well. I wanted to make sure that we were able to take advantage of some great bargains at Dillons this week, so my sweet husband offered to go for me. I armed him with a coupon for every item he purchased AND a detailed list of how he was to split it up into 3 transactions so that he could use the catalinas from previous transactions to pay for other items in the same shopping trip. Dillons has a catalina on bags of Wonka and Nestle candy (11 oz. or larger) right now through October 25th...

Buy 2 and get $1.00 catalina

Buy 3 and get $2.00 catalina

Buy 4 and get $3.00 catalina

Here's what we got:

Transaction #1: Halloween Candy!!!

2 Bags of Nestle Candy (Butterfinger & Crunch) at $2.50 each

2 Bags of Wonka Candy (Nerds & Laffy Taffy) at $2.50 each

-Used 2 Nestle coupons here

-Used 2 Wonka coupons here

We payed $0.50 per bag of candy and got a $3.00 catalina on the next purchase.

***The coupon actually states that it needs to be a 24 oz. bag or larger. My husband didn't read the fine print on the coupon and the cashier took the coupon. It wasn't until he got home that I looked at the bags of candy and realized that we didn't get the right size. I would definitely recommend purchasing the indicated amount as not to misuse the coupon. Oops!

Transaction #2: Ziploc Scenario

1 bag of Ziploc Sandwich Bags at $2.79

2 bags of Ziploc Gallon-Size Freezer Bags at $3.19 each

-Used $1/2 coupon from 8/30 Smart Source Insert

-Used $0.40/1 coupon from 9/13 Smart Source Insert (doubled to $0.80)

We payed $7.37 out of pocket and got a $2 catalina on the next purchase. We then submitted it for the SC Johnson $5 Rebate here to get all 3 for $0.37! Thanks Money Saving Mom!

***You can get Ziplocs as cheap as $1.89 at Dillons, making this a money-maker!!!

Transaction #3: Nature Valley Scenario

4 boxes of Nature Valley Granola Bars at $2.50

-Used 4 $0.40 coupons (doubled to $0.80 each) available here, here and in a 9/13 Smart Source insert

-Got $4.00 automatically off at checkout for buying 4 participating General Mills products

We payed $0.70 per box of granola bars!

After coupons and catalinas, we payed $8.58 out of pocket. I then submitted the $5 SC Johnson Rebate and it will end up costing us $3.58 for all of the above items!!!

Reminder: FREE $8 Lunch Entree at Ted's Montana Grill

2009-10-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to play "Ted's 8 Wonders" to receive a FREE $8 Lunch entree. Today and Friday are your last chances to win this great freebie!

Go here TODAY for a chance to win again. Then go to "Discover Ted's 8 Wonders and Win." (Hint: It is what a chick does from an egg...starts with an "h"). :)

Want to get FREE (or at least SUPER cheap) printer paper???

2009-10-20T14:12:00.002-05:00

Then head over here to Crystal at Money Saving Mom's scenario for getting 7500 pieces of copy paper for $1.50 total delivered to your door from OfficeMax. You can even end up getting money back if you aren't already a member of E-bates or ShopAtHome. It is somewhat of a lengthy process for obtaining this great deal, but totally worth it to have an endless supply of copy paper (and other items are eligible as well). You can also check out some other great deals in the store at OfficeMax this week here.

Swagbucks

2009-10-20T13:57:00.003-05:00

Have you heard about Swagbucks? It is basically just a search engine (like Yahoo or Google) where you receive 1-3 "swagbucks" daily for simply searching for websites like you normally would on any other search engine. The cool thing is that you can then redeem your "swagbucks" for various gift cards (Amazon, Target, Starbucks, etc) and other prizes. For example, you can receive a $5 Amazon gift card for accumulating 45 Swagbucks. So, basically if you use the search engine once daily in a month's time, you should have enough Swagbucks to redeem for $5 to use at Amazon. I have bookmarked the Swagbucks website to my favorites and use it to access the websites and blogs I would normally go to anyway. If you haven't signed up, go here to start today. You can also earn additional swagbucks for e-mailing friends and family and recommending that they use Swagbucks too. I have been using this for a couple months now and have already redeemed $20 worth of Swagbucks points to Amazon.

**Oh, and here is a "search" hint that I have learned. If you type something into the "Search and Win" bar and don't receive a Swagbuck the first time, just leave it typed in and then click "Search" again and you will normally receive at least 2 Swagbucks for doing it this way. So, if you type "Facebook" into the Search and Win bar and it doesn't give you a swagbuck, don't remove or type anything else and hit "search" again.

Walgreens Deals--10/18-10/24

2009-10-18T12:01:00.002-05:00

This week isn't quite as good as the past few weeks at Walgreens, in my opinion, but there are still some pretty good deals. Thanks to Mercedes from Common Sense with Money for compiling the complete list here.

Quilted Northern toilet paper 9 rolls $3.99
Use $1/1 printable coupon or from 10/11 RP insert
Pay $2.99 after coupon

Sure Deodorant 2/$3 after in ad coupon
Use $1/1 or $1.50/1 coupons from 10/18 SS insert
As low as free after coupon

Rice Krispie treats $1.75
Use $1/2 printable coupon
Pay $1.25 each after coupon

Tylenol Cold 20-24 ct or 8oz liquid
Use $2/1 printable coupon
Pay $2.99 each after coupon

Register Rewards Deals

Zantac 24 or 30 ct $8.99, Earn a $8.99 RR wyb one
Use $5/1 printable coupon
FREE plus $5 in overage after coupon and register rewards

Pert Plus hair products 13.5oz 2/$5, Earn a $2 RR wyb two
Use two $1/1 coupon from 9/13 SS or 10/18SS inserts or $1/1 printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link
Pay $1 for two after coupons and register rewards

Glade Jar Candles 2/$5, Earn a $2 RR when you buy two
Use $1/1 from 10/4 SS insert or $2/2 printable coupon
Pay $2 for two after coupon and register rewards
Submit for SC Johnson Rebate

Theraflu and Triaminic $4.99 each, Earn a $8 RR wyb three
Use $1.50/1 Triaminic printable coupon or from 10/18 inserts
Use $2/1 Theraflu printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link) or from 10/18 inserts
Use $2/1 coupon from Walgreens Healthy Savings coupon booklet

Deal Idea
$14.97 wyb three Theraflus
-$6 when you use three printable or insert coupons
-$6 when you use coupon in Healthy Savings Coupon Booklet
Pay $2.97 plus tax out of pocket and get a $8 register reward back!

Trident Gum Xtra Care or Layers 2/$2, Earn a $1 RR when you buy two
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon
FREE plus up to $0.50 in overage after coupons

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8oz; $6.99), Receive $6.99 RR wyb one
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 8/2 RP insert or $1.50/1 printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)
FREE plus $1.50 in overage after coupon and register reward

Seeing Double: Free $8 Lunch Entree at Ted's Montana Grill

2009-10-16T13:31:00.002-05:00

It's Friday, so that means there is another chance for you to win a free $8 lunch entree at Ted's Montana Grill. It has obviously been a slow "deal" week because my last post was the same thing on Tuesday...3 days ago!!!

Go here TODAY for a chance to win again. Then go to "Discover Ted's 8 Wonders and Win." (Hint: It is the name of a state that starts with an "I"). :)

Reminder: FREE $8 Lunch Entree at Ted's Montana Grill

2009-10-13T13:12:00.003-05:00

Every Tuesday and Friday throughout the month of October, don't forget to play "Ted's 8 Wonders" to receive a FREE $8 Lunch entree.

Go here TODAY for a chance to win again. Then go to "Discover Ted's 8 Wonders and Win." (Hint: It is the only answer that is not a vague location). :)

Pumpkin: Where to Find it in Wichita

2009-10-10T12:18:00.003-05:00

If you haven't heard, there is supposedly a "pumpkin shortage" around the country due to a bad crop this year. Sadly, many of our fall treats have had to be postponed due to this unfortunate situation. :)

But there is good news! Canned pumpkin has been hard to come by, but the Wal-Mart on Rock and 29th Street had plenty of Libby's canned pumpkin as well as the Dillons Marketplace on Rock and Central! I would suggest heading that way if you have a recipe that you can't live without that calls for pumpkin! I would also recommend calling your favorite store ahead of time to check if they have any in stock as it would save you a trip if that is the only reason you are heading to the store.

Where else have you been able to find canned pumpkin in/around Wichita?

Walgreens Deals--10/11-10/17

2009-10-10T09:04:00.004-05:00

It's another great week at Walgreens! This week you can buy some super-cheap peanut butter and spaghetti sauce! Thanks to Mercedes at Common Sense with Money for compiling the complete list here.

Healthy Choice Cafe steamers 2/$5

Use $2/1 printable coupon

Pay $0.50 each after coupon

Campbells Cream of Chicken or mushroom on sale BOGO or 2/$1.59 after in-ad coupon

Use $1/2 printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)

Pay $0.59 for two after coupons

Band aids Character bandages $1.99 after in-ad coupon

Use $2/1 coupon from Walgreens Children’s activity book

FREE after coupons

Spend $10 in Quaker Instant Oatmeal or Granola bars 2/$5, Earn a $5 RR back

Use $1.25/2 Quaker Oatmeal coupon from 8/30 RP insert

Use $1/2 Quaker granola bars from 8/30 RP insert or printable coupon on redplum

Deal idea

$10 for four containers of Quaker Instant oatmeal

-$2.50 when you use two $1.25/2 coupons

Pay $7.50 out of pocket and get a $5 Register Reward back

Buy 8 or more in selected Unilever products get a $8 RR back, buy six get $4 RR back

Products: Ragu Pasta Sauce, Skippy PB, Hellmann’s Mayo, Bertolli Meals

Use $0.40/1 Skippy coupon from 10/4 insert

Use $0.75/1 Ragu Pasta Sauce coupon from 9/13 RP insert

Use $1/1 Hellmanns Mayo printable coupon

Deal Idea

$13.33 wyb four jars of Skippy PB and four of Ragu

-$1.60 when you use 4 Skippy $0.40/1 coupons

-$1.50 when you use two $0.75/1 Ragu coupons

=Pay $10.23 out of pocket and get a $8 RR back

*Even if you don't have 4 of the Skippy coupons from last week's insert, it ends up being about $0.38 per container of Peanut Butter and jar of Ragu...which is still a great deal!!!

Huggies Jump packs of diapers, pull ups or Goodnites 2/$18, Earn a $4 RR when you buy two

Use $2/1 Huggies diaper printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)

Use $2/1 Huggies Pull Ups printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)

Use $1/1 coupon from Children’s activity book (will deduct $2)

Submit for Caregivers Marketplace rebate (get $0.75 back via mail per pack)

Deal Idea

$18 when you buy two jumbo packs of diapers

-$4 when you use two $2/1 printable coupons

-$2 when you use coupon in Children’s activity book

Pay $12 plus tax out of pocket and get $4 RR back.

*Submit for Caregivers Marketplace Rebate and get $1.50 back. It’s like paying $6.50 plus tax for two jumbo packs of diapers

Garnier Hairspray $3.99, Earn a $2 RR when you buy one

Use $0.75/1 coupon from 9/13 SS Insert or 10/11 RP insert

Pay $1.25 after coupon and register reward

Trident Gum Xtra Care or Layers 2/$2, Earn a $1 RR when you buy two

Use $0.75/1 printable coupon

FREE plus up to $0.50 in overage after coupons

Halls Refresh Sugar Free (20ct; $1), Receive $1 RR

Use $0.75/1 coupon from 9/27 insert

FREE plus up to $0.75 in overage after coupon and register reward

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System $8.99, Earn a $6 RR wyb one (ends on 10/24)

Use $4/1 coupon from 9/27 P&G insert

FREE plus $1.01 in overage after coupon and register reward

Reminder: FREE $8 Lunch Entree at Ted's Montana Grill

2009-10-09T13:34:00.002-05:00

Every Tuesday and Friday throughout the month of October, don't forget to play "Ted's 8 Wonders" to receive a FREE $8 Lunch entree. I just received my first e-mail with the free certificate and was pleased to find out that it is not even buy 1, get 1 free. You only have to buy 1 and you can get it for free (which is great because my husband and I like to share). :)

Go here TODAY for a chance to win again. Then go to "Discover Ted's 8 Wonders and Win." (Hint: The answer for today is America's favorite condiment). :)

Sunday: Faith & Family Day at Cox Farm

2009-10-09T10:02:00.003-05:00

This Sunday from 2-4, Cox Farm is hosting a Faith and Family Day. With a K-Love stamp, you will be able to get into the Farm for free (a $12 per person value)! Here is more information:

"Try to navigate your way through the Space Exploration 2009 corn maize or find the perfect pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch! There’s going to be games like the Finger Fortunes Game, Picture Find Game, Word Game, and the Text Messaging Game! Enjoy other family friendly activities like Hay Rides, the Corn Box, Sand Box, Hay Jump, a bounce house and Wichita’s largest straw maze! There will also be farm fresh produce, and farm animals that just want to be petted. Plus from 2 to 4 K-LOVE is going to be there! Stop by for a chance to win some great prizes like CDs and K-LOVE gear. You can also pick up a K-LOVE stamp for free admittance to the park!"

Thanks to K-Love radio station for notification of this fun event! If you feel like braving the weather this weekend, this would be a great opportunity for a FREE visit to a pumpkin patch!

Cox Farms is located at 6059 S. Seneca. Go here to visit their website.

Pampers Deal at Babies 'R Us and Toys 'R Us (Saturday Only)

2009-10-08T15:15:00.008-05:00

Normally, I am not impressed with the diaper "deals" at these two stores but on SATURDAY ONLY, I think you could score a pretty good deal due to an in-store coupon and a promotion by Pampers.

Deal Idea

-Buy 2 boxes of Pampers (92 ct. or higher)--Price varies, but around $40.99 each

-Print off the $5 coupon here. It is the last page of the promotional flyer. You can try to print 2...it says 1 per customer, but since you are buying 2 boxes they may let you use it.

-If you have any manufacturer coupons from home-mailers, use them as well! You can use both since one is a store coupon and 1 is a manufacturer coupon.

-After the purchase, you will receive a $15 gift card to Babies 'R Us or Toys 'R Us through the Pamper's promotion here. I would suggest printing this off and taking it with you to the store, just in case!

After coupons and the gift card, it will be like paying around $28.00 each for a large BOX of diapers! These sell for $39.84 at Sam's Club, so I would say it makes for a pretty good deal!

Glade Candle Moneymaker at Walgreens

2009-10-06T11:32:00.003-05:00

Walgreens has the 4.5 oz. Glade Fragrance Collection Candles on sale this week for $3.99. Sign up here to receive a $3.50/1 coupon, making the candles $0.49 each! The deal gets even better when you buy 3 (if you have access to 2 computers) and submit the SC Johnson $5 Rebate. If you do this, you would be making $3.53! Even without the third coupon, you would still be getting all three for free once you submitted the rebate. I love the apple-scented candle in this collection (I can't remember the fancy name)! It makes my entire house smell like apple and works better than a lot of more expensive candles! Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Dillons: Super Cheap Crescent Rolls and Grands Biscuits

2009-10-05T15:30:00.007-05:00

*Updated catalina promotion info as of 10/8...thanks to one of my readers House of Brungardt.

According to a number of sources, there is a catalina promotion running on Pillsbury Refrigerated Products (including crescent rolls, Grands biscuits & sweet rolls). These are on sale right now for $1.77. Here are the details of the promotion:

Buy 4 get a $2 catalina print-out for your next purchase

Buy 5 get a $3 catalina print-out for your next purchase

Buy 6 get a $4 catalina print-out for your next purchase

Deal Idea

Buy 4 packages of crescent rolls at $1.77

Use 4 of the $1/1 crescent roll printable coupons here and here

Buy 2 packages of Grands biscuits at $1.77

Use 2 of the $1/1 printable coupons here

Spend $4.62 after coupons and get a catalina print-out for $4 off your next purchase! That's like getting each for 10 cents each!

FREE Redbox Movie Rental--TODAY ONLY (10/5)

2009-10-05T10:52:00.002-05:00

If you go to any Redbox Movie Rental location (located at most Walgreens and McDonald's) by midnight tonight, enter this code "QNGJ7KD" to get a free rental! Just remember to choose "Rent with a Promo code" on the bottom-left of the very first screen. Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Favorite Target Deals--10/4-10/10

2009-10-04T20:59:00.003-05:00

For the third week in a row, I am really disappointed in the deals at Target. However, here are a few that I thought were worth mentioning. For a complete list of coupon match-ups, head over here. Thanks to Marcy at Stretching a Buck for compiling this list!

Receive a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy 5 Mott's items listed below:

Mott's Juice (64 oz) or Applesauce (6 pk) - $1.75/ea

No Coupons Found

Pay $8.75 and get a $5.00 gift card...like getting them for $0.75 each

Pepsi Products (12 pk cans, 6 pk bottles) - $2.75/ea

Snuggle Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets - $3.99/ea

Use $3/1 in 10/4 Red Plum insert

Pay $0.99

Air Wick I-Motion Starter Kits - $5.99 (price cut at some stores)

Use $6/1 in 9/13 Smart Source insert

FREE after coupon

Chex Mix (3.75 oz - near registers) - $0.99/ea

Use $1/1 Target coupon here

FREE after coupon

Chex Mix (8 oz bag) - $1.75/ea

Use $0.50/1 here and here

PLUS

Use $1/1 Target Coupon here

Pay $0.25/ea

Skippy Peanut Butter (15 oz) - $1.74-2.09 each

Use $0.40/1 coupon from 10/4 Red Plum insert

PLUS

Use $1/1 Target Coupon here

Pay $0.34-$0.69 each

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls - $2.02-2.29/ea

Use $0.75/1, $1/1 or $1/2 in 8/30 Red Plum insert

PLUS

Use $1/1 Target Coupon here

Pay between $0.02-0.79/ea

Kellogg's Whole Grain Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts - $1.52/ea

Use $2/2 in 8/30 Smart Source insert

PLUS

Use $1/1 Target coupon here (use 2)

FREE when you buy 2

Crystal Light On the Go (3 pks)- $0.99/ea (found in check out lanes)

Use $2/2 in 9/13 Smart Source insert

FREE when you buy 2

Also, if you got the Target home mailer featuring the new Up & Up Products, there are some great deals using those coupons. You can use a coupon for a specific product and the $1 off a $3 Up & Up purchase for the same item!

Walgreens Deals--10/4-10/10

2009-10-03T16:46:00.003-05:00

This week at Walgreens isn't quite as good as last week, but there are still some great deals to be had! To view a complete list of coupon match-ups, click here. Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Here are some of my favorites:

Campbell’s Tomato Soup 2/$1

Use $1/2 printable coupon here

Two FREE after coupon

Nabisco Cookies and Crackers 3/$3

Use $1/1 printable coupon (no size restriction) here

FREE Wheat thins

Playtex Gloves $0.99 each after in-ad coupon

Use $1/1 coupon from 6/28 SS insert

FREE after coupons

Purell hand Sanitizer 8oz $2.99, Earn a $2 RR when you buy one

Use $0.50/1 from 8/2 RP insert

Pay $0.49 each after coupon and register reward

Schick Quattro razor or cartridges $8.99, Earn a $3 RR when you buy one

Use $4/1 coupon from 8/23 SS insert

Pay $1.99 each after coupon and RR

Playtex Gentle Glide 18ct 2/$8, Earn a $3 RR when you buy two

Use two $1/1 printable coupons

Pay $3 for two after coupons and RR

Trident Gum Xtra Care or Layers 2/$2, Earn a $1 RR when you buy two

Use $0.75/1 printable coupon

FREE plus up to $0.50 in overage after coupons

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8oz; $6.99), Receive $6.99 RR wyb one

Use $1.50/1 coupon from 8/2 RP insert or $1.50/1 printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)

FREE plus $1.50 in overage after coupon and register reward

New Coupons on Coupons.com

2009-10-02T15:01:00.002-05:00

It's the beginning of the month and that means that coupons have been reset at Coupons.com. You can browse them by using my sidebar or you can go directly to the site by clicking here.

My favorites are the Playskool coupons! There are several of them and would make for some great inexpensive Christmas gifts for little ones when combined with a sale...and they don't expire until January 15 (so you could even take advantage of after-Christmas sales)! I would suggest going ahead and printing the ones that you think you may use as I assume they will reach their print limit quickly. Then hang on to them until you find them on sale! Thanks Stretching a Buck!

Ted's Montana Grill--Through October, Free $8 entree twice a week!

2009-10-02T14:49:00.002-05:00

Have you ever tried Ted's Montana Grill? There is one located on K-96 and Webb. Apparently, Ted's will be offering a free $8 entree twice a week through the month of October. For details, go here. (Hint: Today's answer is the strangest sounding one!)

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Better than Free Trident Layers Gum at Walgreens!

2009-10-02T14:37:00.003-05:00

Have you tried the new Trident Layers gum yet? It is really tasty! You can now get a $0.50 overage after coupons and register rewards at Walgreens ALL MONTH LONG. Here's how...

Buy 2 Packs of Trident Layers Gum on sale for 2/$2.00

Use 2 printable coupons here

Pay $0.50 out of pocket and get a $1.00 Register Reward!

The great news is you can do this deal at least a couple times...I was able to print 5 off of my computer before my print limit was reached.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

FREE Walgreens Photo Book--TODAY ONLY

2009-10-02T14:33:00.003-05:00

I mentioned this a few days ago, but if you have a Facebook page, make sure to become a fan of Walgreens by midnight (CST) tonight in order to get your free photo book (plus $1.99 shipping).

After you've become a fan, click here. You have 30 days to create and order your book, but you must claim it today!

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

FREE QuikTrip Sandwich, Wrap, or Salad

2009-09-29T13:25:00.003-05:00

Go here to print off your coupon!

You can also access it by going here, typing in your zip code (if not already automatically inserted), and going to "Local Coupons" on the left-side menu. You may then print off a coupon for a FREE sandwich, wrap, or salad from QuikTrip. Thanks Money Saving Mom!

FREE Will and Trust Kit from Suze Orman

2009-09-28T13:46:00.004-05:00

Have you been putting off creating a will? It's definitely not a fun thing to think about, but one that everyone (especially those of us with children) should. Good news...now you have access to a FREE program that should make it easier on you!

From now through October 3rd, Suze Orman is offering a free downloadable Will & Trust kit. Go to her website here and click on the orange button on the lower right-hand side of the screen titled "Gift Code." Use the code "898989" to download the free kit.

Although it may not be as comprehensive as going through an actual lawyer (I'll have to ask a good friend of ours who is an attorney), it is at least a start and is DEFINITELY better than nothing!

Thanks Northern Cheapskate and Common Sense with Money!

$1.99 Photo Book from Walgreens

2009-09-28T13:33:00.004-05:00

Become a fan of Walgreens on Facebook by October 2nd and receive a coupon for FREE 5x7 photo book! If you have a Facebook page, just go here and then click "Become a Fan." Walgreens will post details on October 2 for obtaining your free book. You will have to pay a shipping fee of $1.99. :)

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

K-Mart: Pay $2.59 for Huggies diapers & double ALL coupons valued at $2.00 or less

2009-09-27T16:44:00.009-05:00

Okay, so I am sorry that this has been so confusing! K-Mart (at least the one on West Kellogg) will be accepting and doubling all coupons valued at $2.00 or less. To see a full list of deals, go here and here.

Here is the best Huggies Diaper/Pull-Ups scenario I put together:

-Buy 5 Jumbo packs of Huggies diapers or Pull-Ups
-Buy 1 additional product from this list to get total up to $50: Huggies, Pull-Ups, Scott, All, Glade, Snuggle, Off, Vaseline, SunSilk, Ponds, Dove, Suave, Kleenex, Degree, Caress, Q-Tips, Edge, Skintimate, Pledge, Ziploc, and Vanish (and hopefully you'll have a coupon for the item to use as well).

-Use the $5 off $50 purchase coupon here (you MUST give this coupon first, then the others)
-Use 4 $2.00 off coupons any Huggies diapers coupon here (you will need access to 2 computers)
-Use 1 $2.00 Pull-Ups coupon here

-Use 1 coupon (if you have one) from one of the participating brands listed above ($1.50/1 Vaseline Sheer Infusion here and $1 Scott Toilet Paper coupon here)

Your total will be $49.95 plus your additional item before coupons. After coupons, it should be $24.95 plus the cost of your additional item. AND you will get a $12 coupon to use on your next purchase as long as your total before coupons was $50 or more on the participating brands. If you are traveling like me, I would suggest you go ahead and split your items into 2 transactions and use your coupon now for additional items on the coupon match-up lists mentioned at the top of the post.

All-in-all after coupons and the promotion, you will be paying $2.59 for each Jumbo pack of diapers!!!!

Plus, you can submit your purchase to the Caregivers Marketplace to get an additional $0.75 off per package of diapers!

I went to K-mart this morning and bought 5 packages of Huggies diapers, using the scenario described above, along with Scott toilet paper which I also had a coupon for. I didn't have access to another computer but 2 $2.00 Overnites coupons and 1 $1.50 coupon I received in the mail. I was then able to use the $12 coupon to buy some One-a-Day Prenatal vitamins and Gain laundry detergent with coupons as well!

Walgreens Deals--9/27-10/3

2009-09-26T18:38:00.007-05:00

It's a GREAT week at Walgreens!!! Here are some of my favorite deals. To see a full list of deals, check out Common Sense with Money's list here.

PLUS if you go on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, you can use this $5 off coupon of a purchase of $25 or more to get an even better deal! Your total has to reach $25 before tax and after all manufacturer and Walgreens coupons. Unfortunately, previous register rewards count as manufacturer coupons, so you couldn't use those to actually pay for the item.

Wet Ones Wipes Canister $1.99 after in-ad coupon (give manufacturer coupon first)
Use $1/1 printable coupon here
Pay $0.99 each after coupons

Pond’s Skincare products on sale BOGO
Use two $1.50/1 printable coupons here or $1.50/1 printable on Red Plum
Pay as little as $1.59 for two after coupons

Oral-B Advantage 1-2-3 Toothbrush $3, Receive $3 RR wyb one
Use $0.75/1 coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
FREE plus $0.75 in overage after coupon

Herbal Essence Hair Care $2.99, Receive $2 RR
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/23-9/13 RP insert
FREE after coupon and register reward

Dentek Tooth Picks ($2), Receive $2 RR wyb one
Use $1/1 printable on Smartsource.com
FREE plus $1 in overage after coupon and register reward

Theraflu 8.3oz Liquid 2/$8, Earn a $4 RR wyb two
Use two $2/1 printable coupon here
Use $2/1 coupon from Walgreens Healthy Savings coupon booklet (available at the pharmacy counter--one coupon will deduct $4)
FREE plus $4 in overage after coupons and register rewards

Venus Embrace or Breeze $7.99, Earn a $4 RR wyb one
Use $2/1 coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
Pay $1.99 for one after coupon and register reward

Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99, Receive $2.99 RR

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk; $2.49, Receive $2.49 wyb one

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System $8.99, Earn a $6 RR wyb one
Use $4/1 coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
FREE plus $1.01 in overage after coupon and register reward

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8oz; $6.99), Receive $6.99 RR wyb one
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 8/2 RP insert or $1.50/1 printable coupon here
FREE plus $1.50 in overage after coupon and register reward

Happy saving!

Free Redbox Movie Rental

2009-09-25T08:14:00.004-05:00

Visit a Redbox location (at most McDonald's and Walgreens) and you can get a free one-day movie rental! On the first screen, select "Rent with a Promo Code" on the bottom left of the screen (don't just enter "Rent a DVD" because you will have no place to enter your promo code) Enter this code: 9HB6MP22 or this code specifically at Walgreens DVDATWAG. There is no expiration date listed, so you should be able to use either whenever.

Enjoy your movie! And thanks to Common Sense with Money for this info!

Pedialyte Coupon

2009-09-24T16:57:00.006-05:00

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to a kid throwing up or a crib mattress covered with diarrhea??? If so, you have probably either (1) been thankful that you had Pedialyte on hand or (2) made remarks under your breath about how you wish you had Pedialyte on hand. Oh, and in case you didn't know...Pedialyte is an electrolyte solution (like Gatorade for kids) that replenishes fluids, prevents dehydration, and is easy on tummies.

With winter approaching (and sicknesses unavoidable), I have great news for you...you can print two $3 coupon for Pedialyte here (just hit your browser's back button after you print the first).

Since it is a manufacturer coupon, you can also use the $1/1 coupon in the Walgreens Healthy Savings coupon booklet (at the pharmacy counter) to get a total of $4 off each one (I believe they are normally priced around $5-$5.50). Here is what it looks like...

Now, go out and get some Pedialyte to have on hand for your next middle of the night wake-up call. :) Oh, and by the way I am not receiving any type of compensation for endorsing Pedialyte...I just know that it has been very helpful the couple of times that we have had to use it!

As I was completing this post, my little guy has a massive bout of diarrhea (sorry for the visual). Seriously... I guess I will be heading to Walgreens to pick up some Pedialyte to use today. So much for being prepared!

It's time for the Pumpkin Patch!!!

2009-09-24T13:58:00.003-05:00

Yay! I love the fall...and I especially love getting to visit the Pumpkin Patch!!! Here are two different Pumpkin Patch locations (that I know of) in the East-Wichita area. And if you think these are just pumpkin patches, you are so very wrong! There is a slew of activities to take part in at both places! I have only been to Walter's (which was WONDERFUL), but have heard that Apple Jack's was good too. Apple Jack's is located in Andover (just east of Andover Road and Kellogg) and Walter's is a little bit of a drive (about 20 minutes on the Turnpike), but in my opinion kind of adds to the experience and makes you feel like you are "getting away" to the pumpkin patch. :)

Walter's Pumpkin Patch in Burns, Kansas.

-Price: $8.00 on weekends ($6.00 during the week). Use the $1 per person coupon here on weekends.

-Activities in addition to the Pumpkin Patch: Hayrides, corn maze, swinging bridge, bag swing, treehouse play area, pumpkin golf, rope climb, mountain boo slide, pedal cars, barrel train, hay jumps, maze play, pedal boats, corn bin, pumpkin cannon, trike track, o'play barn & corral AND MORE! Plus, there are special events coming up in the month of October that you can see here.

Apple Jack Pumpkin Patch in Andover, Kansas

-Price: $6 per person

-Activities in addition to the pumpkin patch: Hayrides, tricycle track, zip-line, hay fort, hill slide, corn and milo mazes, barrel train, corn crib, sand box, duck races, petting zoo.

And for more locations in Kansas and other states...just go here.

And thanks for bearing with my plethora of pumpkin patch pictures from last year!

Don't Forget...Saturday is Free Museum Day!

2009-09-24T08:37:00.001-05:00

See my post here about Free Museum Day this Saturday!

FREE Preschool Activities E-Book

2009-09-23T15:44:00.004-05:00

Head on over to Heavenly Homemakers to download a FREE e-book filled with TONS of preschool activities, crafts and recipes. I skimmed through it already and there are so many fun things to do! Just go here, enter your information, and then after you have "checked out" you will be able to download the PDF file.

K-Mart Super Doubles Start on Sunday!

2009-09-21T15:06:00.003-05:00

What is the only reason I venture to a not-so-clean K-Mart on the west side of town...for K-Mart Super Doubles of course!

Starting next week (Sunday, Sept. 27), K-Mart doubles coupons valued up to $2.00 (for a savings of $4.00!). AND there is a special promotion going on with certain brands that will save you even more! So start scouring your coupons for those that are high-value (like $1.50-$2.00).

When you spend $50 on the participating brands, you will get a $12 coupon. Here are the brands included: Huggies, Pull-Ups, Scott, All, Glade, Snuggle, Off, Vaseline, SunSilk, Ponds, Dove, Suave, Kleenex, Degree, Caress, Q-Tips, Edge, Skintimate, Pledge, Ziploc, and Vanish.

AND...Save an additional $5 off a $50 purchase here (just hand it to the cashier BEFORE the coupons).

If you have little ones in diapers, go ahead and print some $2.00 Huggies coupons here (Overnites) and here (ANY package) now to use next week (just in case the print limit runs out). Not only will you save $4.00 off a package of diapers, but if you buy enough packages, you could end up saving an additional $2 off per package with the promotion! That's like getting a Jumbo pack of diapers for around $3.00!

I will have more details about this even as the weekend approaches, but I just wanted to give you a heads-up to start looking for some coupons!

Favorite Target Deals: 9/20-9/26

2009-09-21T14:59:00.003-05:00

I'm REALLY dissapointed in the deals at Target this week, so much so that I don't even have any great enough to highlight! If you are interested in seeing a list of coupon match-ups, go here.

On the bright side, you can still get the Market Pantry Individual String Cheese's for free using the Target coupon available here!

Walgreens Deals--9/20-9/26

2009-09-19T14:51:00.004-05:00

Here are some of my favorite deals at Walgreens this week, starting tomorrow (Sunday). Thanks to Common Sense with Money for compiling the complete list available here.

Huggies Diapers and Training pants $8.99
Use $2/1 diapers printable coupon here
OR
Use $2/1 Pull Ups training pants printable coupon here

AND
Use $1/1 from Walgreens coloring Book (to see what it looks like, click here)
Pay $5.99 per pack after coupons

Airwick i-motion $6.99
Use $6/1 coupon from 8/30 or 9/13 SS insert
Pay $0.99 each after coupon

Buy 1 Thermacare Heat Wrap (1Ct) $2.49, Earn a $2.49 Register Reward when you buy one

Use $1/1 printable coupon here
FREE plus $1 in overage after coupon and register rewards

Tylenol Cold $5.99 each, Earn a $5 Register Reward when you buy two
Use $2/1 printable coupon here

AND
Use $1/1 coupon from Walgreens Healthy Savings Booklet (will deduct $2--looks like this)
Pay $0.49 each after coupons and register reward

Formula 409 2/$5, Earn a $2 RR when you buy two
Use two $1/1 coupons from 8/30 RP insert
Pay $1 for two after coupons and register reward

Aussie Hair Care $2.99, Earn a $2 RR when you buy one
Deal Idea
$5.98 when you buy two products
-$2 when you use $2/2 coupon from 9/13 RP insert
Pay $3.98 and get a $2 RR back. It’s like paying $0.99 each after coupon and register rewards

Buy 3 Sally Hansen Hard as Nails 40% off for $1.49 each
Use 3 $1/1 coupons from 8/2 Red Plum insert or the $1/1 coupons in the K-Mart Coupon Booklet
Pay $1.47 plus tax out of pocket and get $5 Register Rewards (good on your purchase of more Sally Hansen products ONLY)

Crest with Scope toothpaste 2/$8, Earn a $5 RR when you buy two
Use two $1/1 coupons from 8/30 P&G insert
Pay $1 for two after coupons and register rewards

Campbells Soup $0.89 each after in-ad coupon
Use $1/2 printable coupon here

Pay $0.39 each after coupons

Welch’s Grape Jelly $1.59
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon here
Pay $0.84 each after coupon

FREE DVD--Fisher Price GeoTrax Transportation

2009-09-17T09:06:00.004-05:00

Go here to request your FREE COPY of Fisher Price's GeoTrax Transportation DVD "Steamer & Samuel Save the Day." There is no charge for shipping or handling, all you have to do is go to the website, enter "United States" in the drop-down menu, and then enter your shipping information on the next screen. It states that your DVD should arrive in 12-14 weeks...just in time for Christmas! :)

Go here if you want to see more about what the DVD is about...(thanks Common Sense with Money).

McDonald's Halloween Coupon Booklet

2009-09-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

Be on the lookout for these coupon booklets available at McDonald's. You should be able to purchase these booklets for $1 each and with it you will get a total of 12 coupons:

(4) Free Small Cones

(4) Free Apple Dippers

(4) Free Apple Juice or Milk Coupons

If you frequently go to McDonald's, this is a great deal! I will be stopping by sometime today to see if they have arrived in Wichita yet. Thanks to Common Sense with Money for the picture of the coupons.

Kids Polo Shirts as low as $1.99 when you buy 2 or more

2009-09-16T15:33:00.004-05:00

Hanes reportedly has their StayClean Cotton-Blend Kids Polo shirts for $2.49 each when you buy at least 2. If you go to their website and type in "Kids StayClean Polo" they will show up as 2/$15. However, when you add 2 or more into your shopping cart, it will automatically mark them down to $2.49. You can also get an additional 20% off by using the code "20PCTOFF" and free shipping if you spend over $45 (otherwise shipping starts at $5.99). I was all set to buy some for Caleb and his cousins when I realized they don't have toddler sizes. :( Oh well, hopefully somebody will score some cheap shirts for their kids! Oh, and I did a test run just to make sure it was all working correctly and a lot of sizes and colors are out of stock. You can still purchase them, they will just be shipping later in the month instead of right away. Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Spangles: Free Meals for a Year!

2009-09-15T20:32:00.002-05:00

If you are on of the first 100 customers to the new Spangles in Andover tomorrow (Kellogg & Andover Road), you will be given free Spangles meals for a year! Supposedly they put a tent out today, so I'm not sure if there is already a line but it might be worth a drive-by at least. Thanks Beth! :)

More Walgreens Freebies this week

2009-09-15T08:39:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for these great deals...

The Walgreen's Big Roll 1000 Toilet Paper is reportedly ringing up at $0.50 each. This is an unadvertised deal so you might have your cashier price check it just to be sure. If it is ringing up at $0.50 each, you can buy 2 and use the $1/2 in-ad coupon to get these for free.

The Hershey's Extra Large Symphony Creamy Milk Chocolate Bars (4.5 oz.) are clearanced at a number of stores for only $0.50 plus you'll get $1 Register Rewards when you purchase two making them free after the Register Rewards!

Buy 3 2-count One-A-Day 2O Multivitamin Drink Mix at $0.99 each
Spend $2.97 plus tax out of pocket, Get $5 Register Rewards
Free plus overage after Register Rewards

Buy 1 Listerine Total Care Mouthwash (250ml) at $2.99
Use $1/1 coupon here (even though it says Rite Aid, it should be accepted b/c it is a Manufacturer coupon)
Spend $2 plus tax out of pocket, Get a $2 Register Rewards

Buy 3 Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Nail Polish at $2.29 each
Use 3 $1/1 coupons from the 8/2 RedPlum insert (or use $0.50/1 coupons here)
Spend $3.87 plus tax, Get a coupon for $5 off any Sally Hansen purchase (This deal is good through the end of September--Please note that it is only for a Sally Hansen purchase, not for any purchase like most of Walgreen's Register Rewards are).

$5 Luvs Diaper Coupon

2009-09-15T08:25:00.003-05:00

Go here to sign-up on the Luv's website to receive a $5 coupon! I have heard rumors that this is good today only, so you may want to take advantage of it as soon as possible. :) Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Museum Day 2009: FREE Admission to Exploration Place, Botanica, and more!

2009-09-14T18:38:00.003-05:00

Mark your calendars: On Saturday, September 26, you and your family can enjoy FREE admission to most of Wichita's museums (as well as thousands around the country). Botanica, Exploration Place, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Cowtown, Mid-America All Indian Center, Wichita Art Museum, Wichita Center for the Arts, and the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology are all included. Click here to receive your admission card. You must have an admission card to enter the museums for free. And if you're traveling, be sure to check out the other museums around the country participating here.

Free Fall Family Fun

2009-09-13T15:32:00.006-05:00

I just LOVE the fall...the weather is gorgeous, there are beautiful colors all around, and there are so many fun things to do! Here are some FREE family outings for you and your family in the Wichita area this fall. Please e-mail me or leave a comment about any free activities that you know of!

In the coming weeks, I will also be highlighting some other fun activities that aren't necessarily free (i.e. my favorite place--the Pumpkin Patch). :)

Old Town Farmer's Market--Farm & Art Market Square (2nd & Moseley)

Open every Saturday morning through October 10 7am-12pm

**We went a couple times last year to get some fresh produce and it is a fun environment with some type of entertainment each week (the last time it was belly dancers!). Even if you don't buy any produce, it is still fun to be downtown in the fresh air.

Great Plains Nature Center--K-96 and Woodlawn

In addition to having beautiful walking paths, there is also a building with small exhibits, dioramas, and a small aquarium. It is definitely kid-friendly and highlights all of the wonderful things nature has to offer right here in Kansas.

**The second Saturday of every month they offer a special activity for children. October 10 they will be having a Pumpkin Fest at 2:00 (yes, I know...not a good time for little ones who nap). On November 14, they will also be having a Teddy Bear Tea at 2:00.

Fall Festivals in Communities around the Area

A lot of small towns/suburbs have a community fall festival. Most of these include many free activities like parades and some have small carnivals (which will cost some money of course).

Here are just a few that I know of:

Sedgwick Fall Festival (off of 1-135 going north towards Newton): September 18-20. Click here for a list of activities, their dates & times.

Greater Andover Days (east of Wichita): October 1-3. Click here for a list of activities.

Rose Hill's Fall Fest (southeast of Wichita): October 10 & 11. Parade at 10am on Saturday. Carnival and shopping booths will be there too (Thanks Amy).

Museum Day 2009--Saturday, Sept. 26

Mark your calendars: On Saturday, September 26, you and your family can enjoy FREE admission to most of Wichita's museums (as well as thousands around the country). Botanica, Exploration Place, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Cowtown, Mid-America All Indian Center, Wichita Art Museum, Wichita Center for the Arts, and the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology are all included. Click here to receive your admission card. You must have an admission card to enter the museums for free.
************************************************************************************

Do you know of any great FREE family activities going on this season? Please let me know!

Super-Cheap Eco-Friendly Baby Wipes

2009-09-13T14:36:00.004-05:00

My friend Lori sent me a message on Facebook regarding a great deal on "Eco-Friendly" baby wipes. Right now you can purchase 10 packs of Nature babycare Eco Wipes with Aloe (Fragrance Free-70 count) on Amazon for $3.79 (regularly $29.20). The catch is that they do charge shipping (which is $9.99). However, the shipping cost stays the same no matter how many packages you buy (to an extent I'm sure...I tried 5). I read some of the reviews and most people generally liked them. A few commented that they are a little dry, which is typical with the eco-friendly wipes...I would just add a little water to the container. My cupboards are full of baby wipes after snagging a great deal at Walgreens, but I'm hoping they're still on sale when I am in need of more wipes. :)

Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Nature-babycare-Wipes-70-Count-Packages/dp/B001FORIRS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Walgreens Deals--9/13-9/19

2009-09-13T13:56:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite deals at Walgreens this week. Thanks to Common Sense with Money for compiling them. For a complete list of deals at Walgreens this week, go here.

Keebler Cookies $1.99
Use $1/1 printable coupons here

Pay $0.99 each after coupon

Triaminic Allergy, Sinus or Cold Relief 2/$10, Earn $5 RR when you buy two
Use $2/1 manufacturer printable coupon here
Use $2/1 coupon in Walgreens Healthy Savings Coupon Booklet (if your store has it...check by the pharmacy)
Pay $2 out of pocket and get $5 RR back

True North Nut Crisps or Clusters $3, Earn a $3 RR WYB one
Use $1/1 printable coupon here
FREE plus $1 overage after coupon and register reward

Murine Ear drop Kit 0.5oz $6, Earn a $6 RR when you buy one
FREE after register reward

Crest with Scope toothpaste 2/$8, Earn a $5 RR when you buy two
Use two $1/1 coupons from 8/30 P&G insert
Pay $1 for two after coupons and register rewards

Favorite Target Deals: 9/13-9/19

2009-09-13T13:25:00.003-05:00

Here is a list of my favorite Target deals. Thanks to Stretching a Buck for compiling them! You can see a complete list of this week's deals here.

Target's coupon policy is now available online here. You may wish to take it with you on your Target shopping adventure just in case any stubborn cashiers give you grief (I've had my fair share of these experiences...now I'm armed and ready)! :)

Get a $5 gift card when you buy any 5 participating Kashi products (I believe you can mix & match but you might check when you get to store)

Kashi Heart to Heart, Honey Toasted Oat Cereal, & others--$2.88 each
Use $1.50/1 here (you can print 2 per computer)
Use $1.50/1 Kashi Honey Sunshine Cereal here (print 2 per computer)
Use $1/1 Kashi GoLean Crunch here
**I noticed last night at the 21st St. Target that on the endcap by the cereal aisle (facing the meat section), you can find several Kashi cereals with coupon peelies on the box. Be on the lookout for those to save even more!
Pay $1.38-$1.88 each and get a $5 gift card (like getting them for $0.38-$0.88 each)

Kashi Trail Mix Bars--$2.88 each
Use $1.50/1 here
Use $1/2 here
Pay $1.38-2.38/ea and get a $5 gift card; It's like getting these for $0.38-1.38/ea after the gift card

Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel - $3.49/ea
Use $2/1 here
Pay $1.49/ea

Individual Market Pantry String Cheese - $0.50/ea
Use $1/2 Target coupon here
FREE when you buy 2

LeapFrog Tag Reading System - $12.48 (on clearance, varies by store)
Use $10/1 here
$2.48/ea--GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA!

Kellogg's Pop Tarts - $1.25-1.52/ea (price varies by store)
Use 2 $0.75/1 Target coupon here
PLUS
$0.55/1 here and in 9/13 Red Plum insert
FREE or $0.22-0.27/ea when you buy 2

Happy saving!

Britax Chaperone Infant Carseat & Stroller Rebate

2009-09-10T14:21:00.003-05:00

If you're expecting your first child, you might consider this deal. If you buy the Britax Chaperone Infant Carseat & stroller together in one transaction by December 31, 2009, you qualify for a $100 mail-in rebate.

In addition, you can also get a free base if you buy all 3 at Target. To read all the fine print and to print your rebate form, go here and scroll down to "Other Promotions" about 2/3 of the page down. It's like paying $428.99 for $618.98 worth of stuff! Still a TON of money but you might be able to get an additional 10% off if you register for it all and then purchase it after your due date.

We have the Britax Diplomat (the convertible carseat--next step from the infant carrier) and absolutely LOVE IT! We also have a cheaper carseat for my husband's car and it is junk compared to the Britax. If we didn't already have the Chicco Keyfit infant carseat (which we also absolutely LOVE), I might consider snagging this "deal" as Britax is known for their safety.

Grandparent's Day at Abuelo's: This Sunday

2009-09-10T13:53:00.003-05:00

This Sunday (Sept. 13), Abuelo's is celebrating Grandparent's Day. Here is the information from the e-mail:

"This Grandparents Day, Sunday, September 13, Abuelo's is honoring all grandparents with a special gift full of complimentary entrees and children's meals for future visits. Also, bring your grandchildren in on Grandparents Day and they eat free!*

'Abuelos' is 'Grandparents' in Spanish, and we honor all grandparents on this special day. Bring your grandchildren in on Grandparents Day and they eat free! 12 and under, 2 children's meals per entrée purchased.

A Grand Day for all Grandparents,
Sunday, September 13 at Abuelo's.

Gifts offered at participating Abuelo's locations only, while supplies last.
*12 and under, 2 kids meals are complimentary per entrée purchased at participating Abuelo's locations."

You can also sign up here for Abuelo's eclub. They will send you a special gift for birthdays and anniversaries as well as alert you to upcoming events and promotions.

Britches & Lace Consignment Sale

2009-09-09T21:10:00.003-05:00

The Britches and Lace children's consignment sale starts next Thursday and runs through Saturday. If you have little ones and have never been, this is a great opportunity to snag some really great deals on used items. They thoroughly inspect items to ensure that you are not being sold junk. I personally have gone two times (they have it twice a year) and plan to return this year to purchase some winter clothing for Caleb. They have EVERYTHING you can think of for kids...clothing, toys, furniture, baby items, etc. Each time I have gone, I have been given a guest pass for the Wednesday evening pre-sale from a good friend who consigns at the sale. It has always been very well-organized. If at all possible, it would probably be easiest to go without your child(ren) as there are TONS of people there. I would also encourage you to bring a large bag or laundry basket to tote your goodies around inside the sale. Here are the details...

Where: Wholesale Fireworks Building at the corner of 159th Street and Kellogg (in Andover)

When: Thursday, September 17th--9am-8pm,

Friday, September 18th--9am-6pm,

Saturday, September 19th--9am-2pm (1/2 Price Day!)

Payment Accepted: Cash, checks, & credit cards (VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER)

For more information, visit their website here.

$5 Enfamil Coupon & up to $7 off!

2009-09-09T14:31:00.005-05:00

For those of you who use formula for your little one, this is a great coupon! It is for $5 Enfamil Premium Powdered Formula. Go here to print. You should be able to print 2 per computer by using your browser's back button. Thanks Money Saving Mom!

If you purchase it at Babies R Us, you can also use the $4/2 store coupon here (you can use both because one is a store coupon and one is a manufacturer coupon). Just make sure you print 2 of the manufacturer coupons since you will be purchasing two.

AND you can still use your formula checks with both of these deals (thanks Common Sense with Money)!

Also, Target sent out a mailer about a month ago with a bunch of baby coupons. If you received it, there should be a $2 Enfamil Target coupon you could use as well in combination with the manufacturer coupon.

Dillon's Deals--8/10-8/12

2009-09-09T13:42:00.005-05:00

You can view a complete list of deals at Kroger (Dillon's affiliate) here (thanks Stretching a Buck). I just thought I would highlight a few super-good deals at Dillon's this week. Remember, Dillon's doubles a coupon's value up to $1, so it is a great place to take advantage of those 40-50 cent coupons! Just make sure your Plus Card is scanned before you give them the coupons, otherwise they won't double.

~~Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or 7-Up 2 Liters- $0.69 each (limit 6)~~ (Pepsi products are 10/$10)

Country Crock Margarine Spread (15 oz)- $1.00

Use the $0.55/1 coupon here
FREE after doubled coupon

~~Kroger Half-Gallon Milk & OJ: $1.00~~ (apparently the Wichita stores aren't particpating)

Wacky Mac Pasta- $1.49

Use $0.75/1 coupon here

$0.49 after doubled coupon

Charmin Toilet Paper (4 pk)- $1.88

Use the $0.25/1 coupon in the 8/2 P&G newspaper insert

$1.38 after doubled coupon

Dial Liquid Hand Soap- $1.00

Use $0.35 coupon in the 8/16 Smart Source newspaper insert

$0.30 after doubled coupon

Cheez-It Crackers- $1.99

Use the $0.75 here

$0.99 after doubled coupon

$10 for $10 promotion going on now that includes:

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix

Minute Maid Juice

Kroger Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese, or Dip

Kroger Frozen Vegetables

Kroger Marinades

Dole Mandarin Oranges

Dial Soap

Brut Deodorant

Bounty Paper Towel (1 roll)

and more!

Taking Advantage of Receipt Surveys

2009-09-09T13:23:00.002-05:00

I have recently discovered that many fast food restaurants and even clothing stores offer a free item (or a discount on a future purchase) for participating in a survey. Usually, you call the number listed (or log onto the website), answer a few questions, and then they give you a code to use at your next visit. Here are some examples:

Papa Murphy's: On the right side of the baking instruction page that comes with every pizza, you will find a survey. Call, answer the questions, and then you get a code that will allow you to receive a FREE cheesy bread at your next visit. And a cheesy bread is like the equivalent of a medium pizza! Combined with one of their many coupons or the $4.99 large pepperoni promotion that they have a couple days throughout the week, this makes for a great deal! You can feed 4 adults (and a couple toddlers) on a large pepperoni pizza and an order of cheesy bread...all for $4.99! You can also join their e-club here to receive special coupons and promotions.

Sonic: If you know me, you know that my main splurge (and addiction) is Sonic Dr. Pepper's. I don't like the food at Sonic as much, so I normally just order a drink when I go there. About 30-40% of the time I go there, I receive a receipt with a survey at the bottom. It takes like 2 minutes to call in (normally on my way home) and they give you a code for a FREE ROUTE 44 FOUNTAIN DRINK!

Gap: With every Gap purchase I have made, I have received a survey with my receipt that gives you 20% off of a regular-priced item. Although this isn't a great deal considering the price of Gap clothing, it is still nice to have for a gift or a can't-live-without-it item. :)

Check your receipts...you never know what free stuff is waiting for you!

Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Update at Walgreens

2009-09-09T13:04:00.003-05:00

In this week's Walgreens deals, I posted that you could get a free Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner after using a $7 coupon and the Register Reward. The $7 coupon is no longer available, but there is now a new $5 coupon you can print here (thanks Money Saving Mom).

Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner--$9.99 and get a $3 register reward

Use the $5/1 coupon here

Only $1.99 after coupon and Register Reward

Favorite Target Deals--9/6-9/12

2009-09-07T13:11:00.005-05:00

Not nearly as good of a week as last week, but that's okay! Here is a list of my favorite deals at Target this week. To see a complete list, go here (thanks Stretching a Buck).

Get a $5 gift card when you buy 5 selected Fiber One Products
Deal Idea:
Buy 5 boxes of Fiber One cereal at $2.50 each
Use 5 $0.75/1 coupons on my coupon sidebar or here (or $1/2 coupon here or in the 8/23 SmartSource insert)
PLUS
use 5 $1/1 Target General Mills cereal coupons here
Spend $3.75 plus tax out of pocket, Get a $5 gift card back
Free plus $1.25 overage after coupons and gift card!
*Even if you don't like this type of cereal, it is a great thing to buy to donate to the food pantry at your church or community*

Market Pantry String Cheese $0.50/ea
Use $1/2 Target printable coupon here
FREE when you buy 2

Artisan Mini Loaves of Bread $0.99/ea

Use $1/1 printable coupon here

FREE

Get a $10 gift card when you buy any 2 of the following
Oral-B (2-6 pk) or Sonicare (2-3 pk) Toothbrush Head Replacements - $19.99/ea

$15 each after gift card

Cheerios (12 oz.)--$2.44
Buy 2 boxes and use $1/2 coupon in my coupon sidebar or here or from the 8/2, 8/16, or 8/30 SmartSource insert
PLUS
Use 2 $1/1 Target coupons here (listed as $1/1 General Mills Cereal--exp. 9/12)
$0.94 per box after coupons

Free Redbox Movie Rental--TODAY ONLY

2009-09-07T11:16:00.003-05:00

Go to any Redbox location today (9/7) and select "Rent with Promo Code" on the bottom-left of the screen (it will look like the screen above). Enter this code "T46T3Q7" to receive a free one-day rental! You can find the Redbox locations at almost any McDonalds and Walgreens. Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Walmart Freebies & Cheapies

2009-09-05T13:53:00.003-05:00

Here are some of my favorite deals at Walmart this week. For a complete list, please go here. Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Smithfield Bacon--$2.58 (not sure if the Wichita stores has this brand)
Use $3/1 coupon here (Go to the "Sign-Up" section at the very top of the website to access the coupon)
Free plus possible overage after coupon

Renu Fresh Lens Comfort travel size--$1.47
Use $2/1 printable coupon here
Free plus possible overage after coupon

Glade Fragrance Collection soy candles (4.9 oz)--$3.00
Use $3/1 printable coupon here (you'll have to insert your zip code first)
FREE after coupon

Chinet plates--$2.36
Use $2/1 coupon from the 8/9 SmartSource insert
$0.36 after coupon

Huggies Pull Ups Flushable Wipes 42 ct - $1.64
Use $3.00/2 coupon from 7/19 SS (exp. 12/31)
$0.14 each after coupon

Arby's Roast Beef Sandwiches 5 for $5--Today and Sunday ONLY

2009-09-05T12:38:00.002-05:00

Arby's has a great promotion running today and tomorrow only--get 5 regular roast beef sandwiches for only $5. They are normally $2.49 each, so this is a great deal! The sign reads, " Limit 250"! Ha, ha!

Walgreens Deals--9/6-9/12

2009-09-05T09:23:00.007-05:00

There are some GREAT deals at Walgreens this week...Here are some of my favorites. To view a complete list, click here. Thanks to Common Sense with Money for compiling them.

Scrubbing Bubbles Shower cleaning kit $9.99, Earn a $3 RR when you buy one
Use $7/1 printable coupon here
FREE after coupon and Register Reward

Update: This coupon is apparently no longer available. There is, however, a $5/1 coupon available here. This would make the kit $1.99 after the coupon and Register Reward...still not a bad price!

Glade Collection 2oz candles 2/$4, Earn a $1 RR when you buy one
Use two FREE candle coupons from 8/9 SS insert or $3/1 printable coupon here
FREE and get a $1 RR back

Crest Dental Care 2/$7, earn a $5 RR when you buy one
Use 2 $0.75/1 coupons from 8/30 P&G insert (or just 1 if you only have 1 insert)
Pay $0.75-$1.25 for two after coupons and register reward

Reese’s Candy 2/$2, Earn a $1 RR when you buy one
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 8/23 SS insert
FREE plus $0.10 in overage after coupons and register reward

Glade Sense & Spray $5.99, Earn a $2 RR one
Use $4/1 Glade sense and Spray from 8/23 SS insert or $4/1 printable coupon here
FREE after coupon and Register reward

Glade Scented Oil Candle Holder or 2 oz Candle; Earn a $1 RR when you buy two
Use FREE item coupon from 8/9 SS insert ~~or use the $3/1 printable coupon available on Red Plum here~~ (coupon no longer available)
FREE plus $1 in overage after coupons

Carefree Ultra Protection Pantyliner $1.99, Earn a $1.99 RR when you buy one
Use $1/1 printable coupon here or from 8/30 SS insert
FREE plus $0.99 in overage after coupon and register reward

Windex Outdoor Glass Cleaning Kit $9.99, Earn a $3 RR when you buy one
Use $3/1 from 8/2 SS insert or $3/1 printable coupon here
Pay $3.99 each after coupon and RR

Happy Shopping!

Fast Food Discount Nights

2009-09-04T14:21:00.005-05:00

For those nights when we have a lot going on or I just don't feel like cooking, I am trying to put together a list of fast-food restaurants and their deals on different nights of the week. My list is short so far, so I need your help. If you know of any fast food deals at any locations in the Wichita and surrounding area, either leave a comment or send me an e-mail. I would like to keep a running list. Thanks!

Sunday:

Taco Tico: 1/2 Priced Tacos. Also, if you have a large family or group (or you're just really hungry), you can use this coupon to get 13 tacos for $7.99 at any time. That's $0.61 a taco!

Monday:

Spangles: 1/2 Price of any of the participating burgers from 5-10.

Tuesday:

Sonic: 1/2 Priced Burgers after 5:00.

What other restaurants (chain or local) do you know of?

Red Robin Deal

2009-09-03T13:42:00.007-05:00

Sign up for Red Robin's e-club here to receive an e-mail for a gourmet burger, fries, and a fountain drink for $7.99 (thanks Crystal). You will also receive a coupon for a free burger on your birthday! If you haven't been to Red Robin, their burgers are HUGE! My husband and I always share the Sauteed 'Shroom Burger (and load up on the bottomless fries), which would make for a very cheap dinner with this coupon. We always just get water at dinner, so this would be a special treat! Also, if you shop at Dillon's, look on the back of your receipt! They normally have a coupon for $3 off any purchase of $8.99 or more at Red Robin (plus Dairy Queen, Quizno's, and a ton of other coupons too). I'm not sure if they will let you use both the e-mail deal AND the coupon, but it's worth a shot! Look out, Red Robin, here we come! :)

Printable Coupons

2009-09-02T19:17:00.002-05:00

I don't plan on updating printable coupons every day like some websites, but I will let you know whenever there is a great coupon available.

Pillsbury Biscuits: Right now, you can print a $1.00/1 Pillsbury biscuits. These often go on sale for $0.99, making them free with the coupon. Go here to print your coupon. You should be able to print off two per computer by using your browser's back button of just clicking on the link again (thanks Money Saving Mom).

Lysol Products: There are an assortment of Lysol products coupons available here (you will have to register first). Not sure if you have heard the news yet, but Wichita is in the midst of a swine flu outbreak, so now is a good time to stock up on disinfecting wipes!

Gear Trade-In Event at Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us

2009-09-01T15:48:00.003-05:00

If you have kids at home and your old "gear" is in desperate need of repair, you might consider the following event. From now until September 20, Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us will give you 20% off cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, playards, or high chairs in exchange for your old ones!

Because kids go through about 5 zillion car seats by the time they are out of them, this might be a good opportunity to trade "up" for the next size car seat. Visit the Babies "R" Us website here for complete details.

Coupon Sidebar

2009-09-01T15:24:00.001-05:00

Now you can print coupons directly from this website by using the Coupons.com sidebar located on the top right-hand side of this page

------------------------->

See? :) I have found it easier to scroll through the coupons faster as you don't have to click on "next page" 14 times like if you go directly to the Coupons.com website. AND...today is the first day of the month so the coupons have been reset!

Favorite Target Deals--8/31-9/5

2009-08-31T13:45:00.007-05:00

Target has some excellent deals this week, especially for baby items. Even if you don't have a baby in your house, now is an excellent time to stock up on some baby shower gifts! I have highlighted just some of my favorite deals...for a more extensive list, please go to Stretching a Buck.

Whenever a Target coupon is listed below, just click on this link to access all of Target's printable coupons.

Get a $5 Gift card when you buy 2 All Laundry Detergents (100 oz.) at $8.99
Use $1/1 or $2/1 in 8/2 Red Plum insert ---or----
Use $1/1 when you sign up here
Pay $6.99-$7.99 each out of pocket, get a $5 gift card (like getting them for $4.49-$5.49 each)

Pampers Jumbo Pack of Swaddlers or Cruisers ($9.99) & container of Pampers wipes ($2.29???)
Use $2 coupon found in yesterday's P&G insert
Use coupon for free Pampers wipes with purchase of Pampers from 8/9 P&G insert
Use $2.50/2 Target coupon (link at top)
Pay $5.49 for a package of diapers and a container of wipes!!!

Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers - $8.99/ea
Use $1.50/1 Target coupon (link at top)
PLUS
Use $1.50/1 here and here (or use the coupon printer in the sidebar) and in 8/16 Smart Source insert
Pay $5.99 each

Gerber Baby Bottles (singles, BPA free!) - $0.99/ea
Use $1/1 Target coupon (link at top)
FREE

Johnson's Buddies Soap - $0.97/ea
Use $1/1 Target coupon for Johnson's Baby Product (link at top)
FREE

Boost Kids Essentials Drinks (6 pk) - $7.99-8.99/ea
Use $2/1 Target coupon (link at top)
PLUS
Use $5/1 here
Pay $0.99

Desitin Diaper Rash Cream - $2.99/ea
Use $1/1 Target coupon (link at top)
PLUS
Use $1/1 coupon here

Pay $0.99 each

Earth's Best Snacks - $1.77-2.29/ea
Use $0.75/1 Target coupon (link at top)
PLUS
Use $1/2 here
Pay $0.52-1.04/ea

Bananas - $0.59/lb (varies by store)
Use $0.50/1 lb Target coupon here
Pay $0.09 when you buy 1 lb

Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant - $3.29/ea
Use $2/1 here
PLUS
Use $1/1 Target coupon (link at top)

Pay $0.29/ea

There are an assortment of Johnson's Baby Product coupons here that you can combine with the Target coupons to get some very cheap or even free Baby Bath Products.

**Note: I have had difficulty with the Target on 21st St. being cooperative with coupons. I e-mailed the corporate Guest Relations department about one particular issue, asking for the "official" policy. I would recommend printing it off and keeping it with you *just in case.*

"When accepting coupons, we use the following guidelines:

- We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued and manufacturer-issued.
- We'll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
- We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in this case, we're able to adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
- We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
- All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier while you're checking out."

Walgreens Deals--8/31-9/5

2009-08-31T13:07:00.002-05:00

If you don't frequent Walgreens often, you are missing out on some great deals!

Walgreens allows you to "stack" a manufacturer coupon with a Walgreens ad or coupon. And each week they offer items with "Register Rewards." These are like catalinas that print out after you buy the participating item. Many times, you pay up front for an item, but then get a Register Reward for the same price as the item...essentially making it free! If you get in the habit of going once a week, you ultimately will pay very little out of pocket because you will almost always have a Register Reward to use from the week before.

Now, for the deals to be had this week... thanks to Common Sense with Money and Money Saving Mom for the scoop on these deals.

Today ONLY you can use this coupon to get an additional 15% off your total purchase (and 20% off of Walgreens brand items). This can be used with all the other coupons as well, but it does state to use at the photo or cosmetics counter only.

Buy 2 Glade Fragrance Collection Candles (2 oz.) at $2 each, get a $1 Register Reward
Use 2 Free Candle Coupons from the 8/9 Smart Source insert or 2 $3/1 coupons here.
Free plus overage after coupons and Register Reward (thanks Common Sense with Money)

Buy 2 Velveeta Shells Cups at $1.29 each, Get a $1 Register Reward
Use Buy One, Get One Free coupon from 8/9 Smart Source insert.
Then use in-ad coupon to make them $0.89 each.
Spend $0.49 plus tax and get a $1 Register Reward (thanks Common Sense with Money)

Buy 2 packages of Oscar Mayer Bacon, get 1 for free
Use $1.50/2 coupon from this week's Smart Source insert (8/30).
Spend $4.49 for two packages of Bacon.

Buy 1 Walgreens Children's Ibuprofen, Get 1 Free
Use $0.50 Walgreens coupon found in the Walgreens Kids Activity Book. You may have to ask a sales person...I found it in between the aisles at my Walgreens.

Secret Deodorant--$1.99 after in-ad coupon
Use $2/1 coupon from $62 in Savings Kmart Coupon booklet (if you have it)
Free after coupons (hand manufacturer's coupon first to avoid beeps...thanks Common Sense with Money)

Campbell's Soup--$0.69 after in-ad coupon
Buy 2 and use $1/2 printable coupon here
$0.19 each after coupons

Buy 1 Breath Right Nasal Strips (10 count) at $4.99, Get $4 Register Rewards
$0.99 after Register Rewards

Buy 1 Rembrandt Toothpaste at $5, Get $5 Register Rewards
Use $1/1 whitening product coupon from 8/2 SmartSource inserts (toothpaste is labeled as a whitening product)
Free plus $1 overage after coupon and Register Rewards (thanks Money Saving Mom)

Buy 1 Reach Total Care Toothbrush or Floss at $2.99, Get $2 Register Rewards
Use $1/1 coupon from the 6/14 SmartSource insert
Free after coupon and Register Rewards

Buy 1 Theraflu Cold, Cough, or Sinus Relief at $4.99, Get $3 Register Rewards
Use $2/1 printable coupon here
Free after coupon and Register Rewards

Happy shopping!

Diapers

2009-08-29T13:30:00.004-05:00

If you have a baby/toddler at home, you probably feel as if you are spending a fortune on covering that cute little "hiney". We have found a system that works well for us and I thought I would go ahead and share.

When Caleb was 6 months old, we saw something on TV about the amount of waste diapers produce each year. We aren't really into the super "green" way of living, but it got us to thinking about using cloth diapers. My cousin and his wife had used them on their little girl and so I sought out her advice and began hours upon hours of research. (Unfortunately, this is what I do whenever we make a "large" purchase...research it to death until I'm so sick of it that I just end up buying it so that I don't have to think about it anymore.) So...we decided to invest about $250 in purchasing 12 cloth diapers, flushable liners, and special detergent for the diapers to be washed in. It was a big money commitment up-front, but even a year later, the diapers are in great shape and will be used for baby #2 (and maybe even more kids).

We chose to go with the BumGenius 3.0 diapers. They are a one-size diaper with adjustable snaps, so they fit newborns through toddlers. I was a little skeptical about the one-size diapers and even tried 2 other types of "sized" diapers, but these diapers are by far the best I've tried and Caleb is wearing the same diapers that he did last summer! We also bought some packages of flushable liners that allow you to remove the solid waste from the diaper and flush it down the toilet. Since you have to use a special detergent to preserve the diapers and keep them from stinking, we use Charlie's Soap laundry powder (which ships for free).

At first we were gung-ho about the cloth diapers and used them exclusively (except when traveling). We have since "tweaked" our diapering system because it is much more convenient to use disposable diapers whenever we are out of the house or when someone else is watching him. So...I stock up on disposable diapers whenever I find coupons and sales. Normally, I don't buy disposable diapers unless I can get them AT LEAST half-price. I aim for around $3 per "jumbo" pack (normally about $10). Whenever we are at home, we use the cloth diapers and we wash them every other day.

Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend giving cloth diapers a try, especially if you plan on having more than one child. You can also sell used diapers on a site called Diaper Swappers after you are finished with them.

If you have any questions on cloth diapering, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me. Diaperpin.com is a great resource for information on cloth-diapering. Also, diapers.com gives a $10 discount on your first purchase, plus they are one of the most reasonable for the BumGenius diapers.

I will try to keep you updated on any great disposable diaper deals as well! Right now Target has tons of printable coupons that would lend to some great deals when combined with manufacturer coupons. There will be Pampers coupons in this Sunday's paper and there are Huggies printable coupons here (you'll have to scroll through the pages to find them).

I hope you found this information helpful!

360 Wichita Coupons

2009-08-28T15:12:00.003-05:00

If you live in the Wichita area, check out 360 Wichita for coupons.

They are listed in alphabetical order by business, so it should be easy to find coupons for the businesses you use most. Some of my favorites are:

Granite City: Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Free

Knolla's Pizza: $4 off any medium, large, or Giant New York style Pizza.

Spangles: Free tornado shake with the purchase of an Adult Value Pak & Free Orange Juice

AJ Sports Grill: 10% off