Black Friday

Well...I stayed up all night and hit the stores at 5 a.m. I've never shopped on Black Friday before so I wasn't sure how to strategize, and was really only after a few things. All in all, it wasn't worth it. Talk about crazy!! The line to get fabric cut at Joann's was 3 hours long! I've never seen Target so busy - people with CARTFULS of toys, etc.

At Target I picked up the Leapfrog Fridge Phonics for $9.99 for our little ones, and a movie for our nephew. Also picked up Kung Fu panda for our movie stash (not a gift).

At Joann's, I had big plans to get a bunch of flannel ($1.49/yd), fleece (2.99/yd), wool felt (using a 50% off coupon). I did not get any of it due to the long cutting lines......the sale goes all weekend. I did pick up some fimo clay, on sale for 5/$1.00, to make my hubby some homemade poker chips (for us to play with). I found these instructions to make them. I'm anxious to see how they turn out, but it will have to be a late night project.

Our 9 year old, Sarah, frequently complains of being bored. She has a really hard time generating her own ideas. So, I purchased this 10 drawer Cropper Hopper. My plan is to put something in each drawer for an activity.....I purchased a jewelry bead starter kit today at Joanns for $11.39 for one drawer. Other ideas: notebooks, pens, art supplies, craft supplies, puzzle books, a book of story starters, etc.

How was your Black Friday experience?

Bath and Body works

Total Spent: $45.97
# of Transactions: 2
Items: 5 bottles of lotion (sweet pea and moonlight path)
1 bottle of body spray (for me!)
1 lip gloss trio assortment
2 pairs of cozy slippers
Coupons used: Printed 2 of THIS coupon

Net price per item: $5 (9 items)

These will be used for a few Christmas gifts, but I can't say who!

Shopping today

It's Gymbucks time! I spent $50.21 and earned $25 in gymbucks (redeemable Jan 14-24, 2010)! Also, everything in the store is currently 25% off - including sale items (I suggest you call your local Gymboree to confirm).

She now has 2 more super-cute pair of leggings, 2 cozy long sleeve shirts, and 1 warm turtleneck type dress.

All color-coordinated of course!

Free Christmas music

Amazon is offering a free MP3 download featuring 7 Christmas songs by various artists!
Just click on the picture to go to get yours!

Toys R Us - Deal on Star Wars Action Figures

Go HERE to see this deal outlined by A Thrifty Mama!

Thanksgiving EBook

Go HERE to download this FREE Thanksgiving ebook with 30 craft projects for Thanksgiving.

A unique Christmas gift idea

If you have a child age 7-14 that enjoys spending time on the computer, this might be a great gift opportunity. This is a new to be released virtual world for kids that " promises an experience in which players will be able to travel to places around the world, through time and space, meet famous historical people, play dozens of fun enriching games, make new friends, buy exotic islands, build culture-inspired houses, wear clothes from different countries, explore secret locations, solve mysteries and become a legendary traveler!

Kids follow a plot where they travel around the world to locate and help a group of historical people who have come to the present era through a time warp regain their lost memories.

Parents can look forward to an educational and safe site for their kids where they will be learning about history, geography, landmarks, famous people, inventions, animals and more."
(Quoted from their FAQ page).

The games are free for everyone to play but a subscription offers additional incentives. It will be released Dec 24, 2009. If you purchase a 1 year subscription prior to, you save 50 %!

Go HERE to check it out.

Offer brought to you by The Old Schoolhouse Digital Holiday Supplement.

Del Taco: Buy One Taco, Get One Free

Del Taco: Buy One Taco, Get One Free

Click the link above to get a free Big Fat Chicken Taco when you buy another Big Fat Chicken Taco. This coupon expires January 5, 2010.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Free calendar from Oriental Trading Company

Go HERE to request a FREE calendar from Oriental Trading Company. It includes money-saving offers each month and has lots of unique dates - like "National Ice Cream Day". After you request your calendar it will take you to a page where you can request a catalog.

We've been long-time customers of OTC. Love their craft supplies, novelty gifts, etc.!

Super Savings Saturday - Grocery Outlet and Alice!

Our first shipment from Alice arrived today! Febreze, herbal essence styling gel, razors, feminine products, and wipes for the diaper bag. Total: $ 14.78 (includes 1.22 tax).
We stopped by Grocery Outlet today on the way home from school. (sorry for the poor photo). It is close to our house and generally less busy than Winco. I didn't make a list as you never know what you will find there. They also DO NOT accept coupons.

Total spent: $74.17, total saved: $74.34 ~ 50%

Some especially good deals:

Nestle Tollhouse choc chip with fudge refrigerated cookie dough (made 24) = 1.49
Jello pudding cups: 1.49
Fleishmanns whipped margarine (5.5 oz) = 3/$0.97
Yogurt drinks: 1.49 (6)
18 eggs: 1.99
Maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal = 2.49
Hebrew National kosher franks: 4.99 (a lot)
Taco Bell taco kit (12 shells, mix, salsa) : 1.49
Kraft mac-n-cheese: .79/box
Craisins snack packages: 3/1.00
Biscuit mix: 0.69 each
Thomas bagels: 1.99
Pillsbury cake mix: 0.99
Star Trek cereal: 1.79
Pear chunks: 3/1.00 - will be going back to buy a case
Eddie's whole wheat rotelle pasta: 1.49
3 lbs bananas: 1.99
cucumbers: 4/1.00
3 lbs yellow onions: 0.99
celery: 0.50
Mini carrots: 0.99
Soapworks liquid hand soap: 1.29 (it's a pretty bottle, I have it by the kitchen sink)
3 gallons milk: 2.39 each.

Also picked up a few others - dog food, cat food, etc. This is a fair amount of convenience food, but since i am at work 3 evenings a week, and exhausted 1 evening a week, we use it. It's easier for Matt to prepare, that way he's not tempted to grab something.

We go through about 6-8 gallons of milk a week, but can only put 4 at a time in our fridge. So we'll have to pick up more. also will need some more bread, etc. Probably have about $20 more to spend to get us through the week.

Croc shoes Deal!

I wear these type of shoes at work and I love them! They are comfy and cool....albeit a little weird looking! The only negative i've experienced is that they are very slippery when the floor is wet - not much traction. Otherwise, love them!

Crocs {dot} com is offering MLB/NFL crocs for $9.99 right now as their Deal of the Week! This is a deal my friends! I paid over $30 for the ones i have.

Go HERE to choose your crocs! You can also choose 10% off or FREE shipping! I know what I'll choose......

FREE MP3 Download - Bon Jovi

From Bon Jovi's recent release "The Circle." Go HERE to download "We Weren't Born to Follow" for FREE!!

Thanks for this deal to Give Me Neither!

Green Toys

Here's an awesome giveaway over at Katie's Nesting Spot!

She does a great review of Green Toys. These are award-winning toys made from recycled milk jugs! Check out their site HERE. They don't ship directly from their website, but they do have a store locator link. Amazon also carries their products, see their page HERE. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to see they are very reasonably priced!

We all need to teach our children to be "greener" as they grow up and become keepers of our planet. What a great lesson in recycling!

Amazon - magazine deals! Who knew?!

Thanks to Give Me Neither!

It appears that Amazon is offering some instant discounts on select magazines through the Holiday season! Shipping is free and by adding any of THESE to your cart, it helps your order qualify for super-saver shipping.

A few of the best deals (in my humble opinion) are:

National Geographic - 12 issues/12 months = $10 after $5 instant discount
Good Housekeeping - 12 issues/12 months = $4.97 after $3 instant discount
Popular Mechanics - 12 issues, $5 after discount
Sunset - 12 issues, $11 after discount
Family Fun - 12 issues, $5 (GREAT magazine! I have subscribed for years!)
Sports Illustrated, Kids - 12 issues, $15
Country Living - 10 issues, $5
Young Rider (horses) - 6 issues, $7
Scrapbooks - 8 issues, $15

and many, many others!

Target - pricematching

Thanks to Chicks Dig Deals.....

Go HERE to see their post on the updated policies on pricematching at Target.

Christmas Crafts.....searching around the web

I am rapidly losing time so today i did some much-needed research for additional Christmas craft ideas. Here are some that i like:

1. A wreath for our door - this uses foam board, fabric, textured snow paint with styrofoam balls....but i'm thinking I could use card board, modpodge, fabric or paper, and white pom poms....actually looks like a good kid craft!

2. My nephew recently had a baby - look at this SWEET baby's first Christmas album! Again, the instructions are pretty detailed and would involve purchasing some items, but i'm thinking mod-podge, scrapbook paper, stickers, etc. LOVE the little plug - will do ours in blue!

3. Groovy Jingle Owls - these are so cute! i'm thinking i could give them in packages of 6....or 12.....made with Christmas fabric - ADORABLE! Could also throw in some patchwork stars!

4. Check out these cute fabric baskets - great tutorial! would be a sweet gift with Bath & Body works goodies for a teen (or an overworked mom!).....Use this printable Bath & Body works coupon for $10 off $30 - expires 11/22/09.

5. Little ones love crayons! I'm looking at this crayon roll to craft for my littles!

6. Maybe a purse organizer for my mother-in-law? pre-filled with some goodies.....

7. This simple lap-desk might be great for our 9 year old....i would probably spruce it up a bit, but LOVE the idea! Linked via Taffy Talk.

8. Here is a cute simple gift for any Root Beer lovers in your life! Root Deer...... CUTE!

9. This pocket advent calendar is oh-so-clever and cute, but i don't think i'd ever finish because i'd want to make 50 of them!

10. This roll-up kitchen playmat is calling my name! a space-saver and simple toy!

11. A memory game would be great for our 2 and 3 year old.....i'm thinking i could use some leftover counter top samples from Home Depot.

12. Headbands! we go through so many headbands, pony holders, etc

13. For anyone - a tissue holder - mom-in-law, teachers, would go great with the purse organizer above!

14. Love the idea of game quilts - HERE is an example..... i'd love to create a candyland game quilt using little knomes as the play pieces....again, another time-consuming idea!

15. These snap wallets would add a loving, handmade touch to a gift card - and could be re-used as a credit card or ID wallet.

For more of the above, see this post at Freda's Hive - great inspiration!

16. Another new baby gift - we all know how babies often love to play with the tag on a toy more than the toy itself. HERE is a simple, baby tag blanket!

17. A blue jeans bedwarmer would be perfect for my 2 teenagers and nieces!

18. Maybe a new dog bed for the our Dashund, Angel....

19. Lazy Days skirts - simple, comfy, and cute!

20. Basketball season is starting, followed by softball season - lots of bleacher-sitting in our future! Do you know any sports fans? A great gift would be this tutorial for perfectly portable cushions.

21. LOVE this bean bag chair, though i just got rid of a bean bag because we don't have the space.....but these are super cute!

22. Homemade snow globes - who doesn't love a snowglobe? great project for kids to make for friends!

23. Another wreath idea - but i think this could get pretty costly using ribbon, what about using scraps of Christmas- colored fabric? and some ribbon....?

24. Encourage family and friends to "go green" with this fabric tote - could use as a shopping bag

25. Fabric cupcakes - these look simple to make....i'm thinking they would be cute as part of a cupcake-themed gift for a cupcake-loving girl. Combine with a cupcake print Lazy Days skirt (see above), a shirt with cupcake iron-on (just saw these at Joanns), a cake mix with some cute cupcake liners, sprinkles, frosting, and a decorated apron?

26. HERE is a great gift for a science teacher! so clever!

27. A fabric playmat - creative and open-ended toy, could use any theme - beach, playground, mountain, swimming pool, etc.

28. What little girl would not love a twirly skirt?!

29. Organizers!! we love to organize....

30. Fabric rollers -another great teen gift!

More to come later!! time for me to sleep.....

Is today Thursday?

I was not very smart when i made my work schedule for this week. I'm working every other day. I worked Tues, am working today 3pm to 3:30 a.m., off tomorrow, work Sat and Sun @ 3 pm, Monday @ 9pm, Tuesday @ 3pm.......

I'm definitely behind on my Christmas crafting!

FREE e-book - Angel Crafts

Go HERE for a free e-book featuring angel crafts. This is from a great craft site - Favecrafts.
They have lots of free craft patterns, including crafts for kids. At the top of their site, in the menu bar, there is also a link for their "latest free ebooks." I've downloaded several GREAT ebooks from their site.

FREE Download - Lego Digital Designer

Lego Digital Designer is a game that lets you build with Lego bricks on your computer. Works with pc or Mac. See the link HERE.

This deal brought to you via the $1200 Frugal Challenge!

*Note: I have not downloaded this myself, please let me know of any issues and i will edit this post!

Rebate offer: Get $5 for purchase of 5 items

What you need to buy: 5 participating products (Vlasic, Open Pit, Armour, Duncan Hines, Log Cabin, or Mrs. Buttersworth) between 11/8/09 and 12/7/09.

What to send: This order form (filled out completely), original receipts with date, products circled, and corresponding UPCs.

Where to: Great Taste, Big Savings Offer
P.O. Box 1900
West Caldwell, NJ 07007-1900
**Must be postmarked by 1/7/2010 and received by 1/22/2010**

Receive: $5 in "savings coupons" which must be redeemed by 4/12/2010

How to sweeten the deal: Target coupons for $0.50 off Duncan Hines baking products - expire 11/17/09. Target coupons for $0.50 off 24 oz Log Cabin syrup, expire 12/5/09. Find these coupon's HERE.

Also - you can find printable manufacturer coupons for Vlasic ($0.50 off) and Duncan Hines Whole Grain Muffin mix ($0.75 off + stack with Target Q above). Make sure you carry a copy of Target's coupon policy with you when you shop. Find it HERE.

Thanks to Chicks Dig Deals - see their post HERE!

The benefits of simplicity

I have been working on simplicity around our home. We live in a smallish (about 2000 square feet), 4 bedroom & 2 bath home. It is a simple ranch style, small kitchen. The original house was about 1100 SF. Previous owners added on a family room, enclosed the porch to make a really hot & sunny hallway leading to the family room, and created a laundry room within the garage. We added an additional bedroom in the garage (where Daddy and I sleep).

Previously, we had the 3 older girls sharing the master bedroom (with bath) and the little ones sharing a bedroom. The remaining bedroom is a craft and storage room (we have like no garage now, and we all love to craft). At the request of our oldest daughter, we made a change this weekend. She asked if she could share the master bedroom with the little ones. She actually made the request a few weeks ago, but we let her sit on it awhile to make sure she was thinking clearly!

We decided to try it as the fighting amongst the oldest 3 was frying our parental nerves! The room was always messy and untidy. We just couldn't stay on top of them to stay on top of it.

So, we made the change. The master has my eldest on the bottom bunk of a set of bunkbeds and the babies sharing a queen-size bed. There is plenty of room for their toys, in fact more room than before.

Casey and Sarah share what used to be the babies bedroom. They each have a twin size bed with nightstand in between. The nightstand houses a reading lamp and alarm clock. One of Casey's frequent complaints was that she didn't have a light to read at night. Now she does...and she's tickled!

One of my goals in this whole process was to simplify everything! Clothing, toys, books, all of it!
Less stuff = Less to clean up. I did not have them do their closet - I did it. The master has a walk in closet and a regular closet within the bathroom. My oldest daughter has the bathroom closet to herself. The walk in closet has lots of shelving! I decided to not move much of Sarah's stuff into her new room. She has ADHD - mild, on NO medication - but enough that she cannot stay on top of clutter. In her new room she has her clothes, bed, and a nightstand drawer with her paper, journal, pens, etc. I'm thinking the simplification of her environment will help her stay on top of it and feel successful. Certainly, not having older sister yell at her will help. I was a little surprised to find that she actually doesn't have that much stuff - what do 9 year olds play with anyway?

Just making the decision to simplify their stuff was a relief to me!

Cheap Simplicity patterns!

Through Nov. 14 Simplicity patterns are on sale at Joann's for $1 each! There is a limit of 10 and it has some exclusions. Still a great deal!

My Mail Today

Here you see the Tinkerbell Tote from Disney Movie Rewards, a Veggie Tale DVD ($2.99 from Big Idea dot com for signing up for their e-newsletter), and a coupon for a free box of Always Infinity pads (came with samples).

I have to say i'm happy with the little tote. I was worried it would be flimsy or cheap-ish, but it is not, it seems to be true Disney quality. Will make a great gift for Natasha's Christmas stash! The Veggie Tale DVD will likely be for Arihana or will just go into our DVD collection.

Some days I love getting mail!

Rebate on crackers!

What you need to buy: Any 10 participating products - Nabisco crackers (7 oz-16.5 oz), Easy Cheese, or Planter's nuts (9.25 oz - 21.25 oz).
What to send: Original, store-identified cash register receipts dated between 10/1/09 and 11/30/09 with date(s) and purchase price circled
Where to: Keep the Jingle in your Holiday, offer #511-11. P.O. Box 753755 El Paso, TX 88575
Receive: A $10 Rebate check

Print the form and see the details HERE ~

Remember, Target has select Nabisco crackers on sale this week for $2 each. There are coupons for $1 off 2 HERE @ Smart Source (I believe you can print 2 from each computer).

Even without coupons, after the rebate, this is a 50% savings. Any coupons you can print just makes the deal sweeter!

Target also currently has coupons available for Honey Maid graham crackers. Value = $1 off 2. Go HERE to print.

Thanks Refund Cents!

DVD pre-orders at Target

Target is joining Amazon and Walmart in the price battles on pre-ordered yet-to-be-released DVDs. Here's the rundown and release dates. There is FREE SHIPPING at Target.com:



Star Trek $10 11/17
My Sister's Keeper $10 11/17
Angels & Demons $10 11/24
Santa Buddies $10 11/24
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince $10 12/8
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian $10 12/1
Four Christmases $10 11/24
G-Force $10 12/15
Julie & Julia $10 12/8
Terminator Salvation $10 12/1

These prices are only for pre-orders. Go HERE or go to Target, select "Movies", then "pre-order".

Thanks Refund Cents - check out this blog! Daily deals!

Super Savings Saturday - Target

Did a good job at Target today, scored lots of deals!
The picture on the right shows the products I price-matched:

• Green Giant Canned Vegetables - reg. price = $1.12, showed local ad and purchased for $0.58 each (bought 10)
• Suavitel fabric softener, 150 oz. - reg. price = $7.98, local ad price $5.98
• Dennison's Chili, 15 oz cans - reg price = $1.29, local ad price $0.78 (bought 6)

The pic on the left shows the rest of my groceries, including a Brita 18 cup fridge water filter system.

• Kellogg's cereal- on sale $2.66 ea, buy 3 get 1 free. I bought 2 frosted flakes, 1 fruit loops, and got Raisin bran crunch free. Had $1.50 off 3 mfg coupon, + (3) $1 off Target coupons. Net price = $3.48 - about $0.87 a box. Be careful though - only a select few varieties are at the $2.66 price.
• Pampers - on sale for $8.99, had a $3 Target coupon = $5.99
• Pull-ups - on sale for $8.99, minus $2.00 mfg coupon = 6.99
• Huggies wipes - on sale for $1.99, minus $0.50 mfg coupon = $1.49. We don't usually buy wipes, we just use warm paper towels with baby soap. We have a busy weekend though and will be away from home for hours at a time, so wipes are good for hands, faces, and bottoms!
• Keebler chips deluxe - priced at $2.04 each, minus $1.50 off 2 = $1.29 each. Last week had a better deal but I still had this high dollar coupon left, so i went ahead.
• 4 Boxes of Special K crackers - priced at $2.89, had a $1.50 off 3 + $1 off one mfg coupons plus $1.75 in Target coupons that printed as a catalina the last time i shopped. Net price = $1.82/box. Not a steal, but my kids like them.
• Wheat thins - on sale for $2 each. Had mfg coupon for $1 off/2. Net price = $1.50/box. I think there's a Target Q for nabisco crackers? anyway, i forgot it.
• 2 Ocean Spray juices- priced at $1.98. Had $1 off Target coupons. Net price = $0.98 each
• Bar S beef franks - $2.49. thought these were on sale for $0.98. Not sure if i got the wrong ones, or? i just discovered the error.
• Skippy PB - on sale for $1.93, had $1 off Target coupon = $0.93.
• Smuckers strawberry spread - $1.89
• Progresso soups - on sale for $1.50, had (2) $1.10 off/3 coupons. Net price = $1.13 each. Not a great price but these are handy for busy nights!
• Hunt's manwich sauce - on sale for $0.96 each, had a coupon for B2G1 free. Net price = $0.64 each.
• Spaghetti Os - on sale for $0.60 each, bought 2 cans.
• Kraft marshmellows - Halloween variety, on clearance at 75% off (= 0.11 each!), had a $1 off/2 coupon. Net price = money maker (she didn't reduce the value).
• Gala apples - on sale for $0.99/pound. Bought 3 pounds and used the -$1 off 2 pound Target coupon.
• 6 Market Pantry frozen veggies - on sale for $0.87 each.
• 2 Pillsbury "Simply" cookie dough, peanut butter. Priced at $2.79, had $1.25 off coupons. Net price = $1.54 each.
• 2 Pillsbury halloween sugar cookie dought - on clearance for $1.75 each, had $1 off/2 coupon. Net price = $1.25 each. I know i can make cookies cheaper from scratch, but i'm willing to pay a little more for the convenience.
• Milk - $2.39, way more than i like to pay but we are out and i won't get more until tomorrow.
• 4 Coffee- Mate creamers, holiday variey - priced at $1.79 each. Had (2) $1.50 off/2 coupons. Net price = $1.04 each.
• Yoplait yogurt - priced at $0.52 each, had mfg coupon for $1 off 6. Net price = $0.35 each.
• Market pantry butter = on sale for $1.99/pound. Bought 3 pounds. Total price = $5.97.
• Suave professionals shampoo - $1.92 each, had $1 off 2 coupon. Net price = $1.42 each. I would prefer to get my shampoo deals at CVS or Walgreens, but my kids bathroom is out.
• 4 boxes of Kellogg's Rice Krispie treats @ $1.88 each. Had (2) $1 off/2 coupons. Net price = $1.38/box + got 2 boxes of Nemo fruit snacks for free ($2.04 each). So, in the end, this deal was profitable (in a fruit treat kind of way).
• Brita 18 cup filtration system - on sale for $26.99, had $5 off mfg coupon = $21.99. We have horrible tasting water so either need to buy it or make it!
• Crayola window markers - on clearance for $0.98 each - reg price $3.99. These will be put away for my 9 year old's Christmas stash.
• Meat - much of the meat had $1 off coupons on it. So I got Foster Farms chicken legs for $0.31 and $0.37. I would have bought more, but i got the last 2 packages.
• Foster Farms chicken thighs - boneless/skinless. All had $1 off coupons on them. Price range $1.34 to $1.58/package. Bought 4 packages.
• Little steaks - net price $1.41 after coupon. This package combined with one of the chicken packages would make a meal for us.
• 85% lean ground beef - on sale for $1.49 per 1 pound package. I bought 5 packages. May go back for more......

When it was all done, I paid $144 total. Not bad!

Special thanks for Money Saving Mom and A Thrifty Mom for posting deals with coupon match-ups!!

Stay tuned for a $5 dinner and Menu Plan Monday!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie pre-order!

**Note: Also see Nov. 8's post on the same deal at Target!

Walmart is offering this movie for $10(!!!) on pre-order. It will be released 12/8/09, limit 2.

Go HERE to order yours! Includes FREE Shipping to your home.

Thanks, A Thrifty Mom!

For your Tinkerbell Fans!

I have recently discovered the Disney Movie Reward program. Better late than never.....
This is a great loyalty program where you collect points by purchasing Disney DVDs, Blu-ray, or CDs. Go HERE to join, membership is free.

This Tinkerbell tote is a recent offer. For a shipping cost of $3.25, this is yours! Go HERE to get it!

Quilter's Gift Basket Giveaway from Barb Sackel!

I just love quilts! I think they are one of the best handmade touches to a home. One of the blogs I follow, A Stitch of Faith, posted about this giveaway today at Barb Sackel's new blog. The baskets are valued at $200 and include a 40 piece fat quarter pack from Moda, a ruler, quilting gloves, fancy scissors and more! What a great gift - for yourself, or the quilter on your list!

Calling all Disney lovers!

Am I the only one in the universe that didn't know Disney sells stuff on ebay???!!! Just happened upon this tonight while looking at THIS deal on Dealigg.com.

This cute little dress is from the "Disney Outlet - The Official Home of Disney on Ebay". It comes in size 3T, and has a buy it now price of $7.99 + $2.95 shipping. Not exactly a thrift store price, but i'm quite sure it is less than what you'd pay in the Disney Store.

Other deals I noticed include:

Disney Flannel Mickey Mouse Pajama Pants for Men XL - $9.99

Disney Buzz Lightyear Beach Towel - Irregular $4.99

Disney Long Sleeve Sleeping Beauty Tee For Girls - L $4.99

and lots more the Disney loving people on your gift list! Check out listings HERE!

FREE Temperature testing rubber ducky!

What you need to buy: Purchase $7 in Johnson's Hair care, Buddies, or Kid's products.
What to send: UPC codes by email
Where to: nomoretangles@bonniercorp.com
Receive: A FREE temperature testing ducky, to make sure your bath water is not too hot!

See all the details HERE. Thanks Moms by Heart!

Free Soccer Ball with purchase of Scott products

Thanks to A Thrifty Mom for passing along this deal!

From Oct 15 - Nov 15, 2009 purchase any 3 or more Scott products, send in the UPC's and receive a FREE soccer ball! See all the details and where to mail them to HERE.

Even if your kids don't play soccer or don't need a soccer ball, this would be a great item to donate this Holiday season!

Crock Pot Wednesday

Here is tonight's dinner! Yes, I made it 1 a.m. (Remember, I keep crazy hours!). Dear hubby will cool it and put in fridge in the morning to be reheated for dinner. I have to work, so this will be an easy dinner for him to fix.

I did begin with a recipe, but tweaked it quite a bit based on ingredients I had on hand.
Here is the original recipe used for "inspiration", with my modifications in italics:

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup (from The Prudent Pantry)

1 onion, chopped Used 2 onions
1 16 oz can chili beans Used 2 cans pinto beans
1 - 15 oz can black beans Used 2 cans
1 - 15 oz can corn Used 2 cans
1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce Used 1 - 15 oz can
12 oz beer Did not use (we don't have beer around)
2 cans diced tomatoes with chilies, undrained Used 15 oz jar of mild Pace salsa
1 package taco seasoning Used 2 packages of McCormick's (MSG free)
3 chicken breasts Used 1 leftover cooked breast, some leftover pork, and a cut up smoked sausage (hillshire farm).

Place everything in crockpot, stir to blend. Place chicken on top. Cook on low for 5 hours. Remove chicken, cool to touch, shred and return to soup. Cook 2 more hours. Serve with chips, cheese, sour cream.
*We will serve with cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and corn bread.

My intent in doubling the recipe is to not only have plenty to feed our family, but am hoping to freeze some for a rainy day!

Leap Frog Tag Reading System

Target has this system on sale for $28.99. A bit too much for me.....until you combine it with the manufacturer coupon HERE and the Target coupon HERE. Net price after coupons = $8.99.

**EDIT** I went to my local Target today to grab this deal....however, the Tag reading system scanned at $39.99. They also did not have the toy catalogs. I need to look into this...maybe i have the sale dates wrong? On a brighter note, the Leap Frog Tag junior reading system was on sale for $28.99. The cashier at customer service accepted the Target coupon for $10 off, combined with the mfg coupon of $5 off, I paid about $15 total. I will use this as the main gift for our 2 year old this Christmas. It comes with 1 book, and i purchased 2 more (on sale for $8.99).

Walmart Deals - Remember you can price match at Target!

**EDIT ~ I just read last night that some Targets will only price match to the price AFTER the Target coupon has been deducted. I suggest you check with your local Target on how they do price matches.

In reviewing my local ad (zip 93274 - Tulare, CA) here are some deals that I see:

• Duncan Hines cake mix - $0.78 each. Price match at Target, then use the $0.50 off any Duncan Hines baking product HERE (Target coupon). Net price: $0.38 each.
  
• Betty Crocker frosting - $1.50 each. Use the $0.50 coupon at Smart Source. Net price: $1 (can make your own cheaper...but this is convenient stuff!)
• Betty Crocker potatoes - $0.78 each. Use the $0.40 coupon HERE, HERE, or HERE. Net price: $0.38 each!
• Romano's Macaroni Grill - $3.50 each. Use the $1.10 coupon HERE or HERE. Net price: $2.40. Still a little pricey, but cheaper than eating out and my family really likes these!
• Green Giant canned vegetables - $0.65 each. A reasonable price for good quality canned veggies, but I know I saw a coupon in a recent insert.....can't remember which....
• Campbell's Cream of Chicken or Cream of Mushroom soup - on sale for $0.58. Use the $1 off 2 coupon HERE (should be able to print 2 per computer). Net price: $0.08!
• Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk - $0.78 each. Use the $0.50/2 coupon HERE. Net price: $0.53 each.
• Rice Krispie treats - on sale for $2. Use the $1/2 coupon HERE. Net price: $1.50 each

Kraft has a rebate offer, good until 1/15/2010. Purchased DO NOT need to be in a single transaction but need to have been made between July 1 and Dec 31, 2009. The FIRST rebate offer: Buy Any 10 Participating Nabsico Cookies and Crackers (4.0oz - 28.0 oz) AND Any 5 Kraft Beverage Products AND any 5 Participating Easy Mac Single Cups (2.05 oz - 4.2 oz), get $20 back by mail. The SECOND rebate is the same deal, but for 2010. See the details of both offeres HERE @ Hot Coupon World.

How does this apply here? (you may ask).....Capri Sun, on sale for $1.97 counts as a beverage choice for this rebate. I used to see Capri Sun cheaper than this, but haven't recently. 5 @ 1.97 each = $9.85. Save those receipts!

Target match ups this week

Go HERE for a run-down of Target deals with coupon match-ups for the week!

Of special note:

• Connect 4 x 4 - a newer version of a classic game. On sale for $14.99, use the $5 off coupon HERE = $10.99 + tax
• Pitureka Flipper Game - a picture-hunting game involving a mechanical penguin, recommended for ages 6 and up but i bet a 4 year old could play with help. On sale for $14.99, go HERE for a $5 off coupon = $10.99 + tax.

Macy's coupon

We have a new Macy's in our town..

HERE is a coupon for 20% off - thanks Thrifty Mom!

This coupon expires Nov. 3 and it looks like there are some exclusions....