Carter's Warning...Issued by Consumer Products Safety Commission

I'm a big Carter's fan, but this is a cause for concern: http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2008/10/carters-refund-due-to-cpsc-advisory-on.html

See if you have any of the possible impacted items--by viewing pictures here: http://www.chieffamilyofficer.com/2008/10/cpsc-advisory-tagless-labels-can-cause.html

Please pass along this information to anyone who has kiddos who wears Carter's.

We'll be looking through Koala's clothes tonight (after trick or treating:-), to make sure we don't have any of the "bad" tags.

Update: I've done a little more reading, and it appears the chemicals causing this could be in other brands of "tagless" clothes--it might be wise to look at all of the clothing, and some are suggesting medical tape over the "tag" area to create a protective layer between your baby's skin and the chemicals used for these "tags."

2nd Update:

Thanks to Allison for the Carter's website link about the situation:
http://www.carters.com/Corporate/tagless_message.aspx

Some kiddos are having some severe reactions, but hopefully this isn't happening to too many-it looks awful. Poor babies!

http://taglesstorture.blogspot.com/

Redbox code, October 27

Today's code is: 93NCA5

If you need the scoop on how to use redbox, check out Denise's post here:

http://thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com/2008/06/red-box-codes-and-step-by-step-guide.html

Giveaway Carnival!

Have you heard?

Bloggy Giveaways is having a carnival--with your chance to win many, many awesome prizes.

Check it out here:

http://www.donttryit.com/bloggy_giveaways/2008/10/bloggy-giveaw-1.html

Enjoy!

Free (CVS) Money?

Enter for your chance to win a CVS giftcard at:

http://frugalrimama.blogspot.com/2008/10/this-weeks-giveaway-another-10-cvs-gift.html

I was lucky enough to stumble across this blog as part of the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival. Check out her awesome blog design, and her great CVS posts!

http://frugalrimama.blogspot.com/

Let me know if you win!

Menu Plan Monday

Our Dinners this week:



Tuna Steaks/Asparagus



Baked Pork Chops/Noodles



Meatball Subs/Salad



Dinner at Moms:-)



Penne Pasta with Chicken and (Turkey) Bacon

I plan to try this recipe:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Penne-Pasta-with-Spinach-and-Bacon/Detail.aspx



What's on your menu?



Join in or check out orgjunkie.com for some menu ideas!



http://orgjunkie.com/2008/10/menu-plan-monday-oct-27th.html

All You!

Have you heard about the All You events this weekend? I love their magazine, and am sure some fun tips and coupons will be available at these events.

Check to see if your local store is participating!

http://www.allyou.com/static/yesyoucan/index.html

Check out their website for some great articles as well!

Enjoy.

Frugal Halloween Celebration...

If you are looking for some Halloween freebies, and a fun time (and some great deals!) check out Old Navy this weekend!

Check out the details here:

http://oldnavy.p.delivery.net/m/p/nvy/pvw/previeweml.asp?cid=16115414260&pid=735894&mid=1548031255

Be sure to call your local store to make sure they are participating in the event.

Have fun!

Redbox Code

Looking for some free entertainment tonight?

Today's Redbox code is PK66H8.

Looking for a Redbox? Find a location near you:

http://www.redbox.com/Locations/KioskSearch.aspx

New to Redbox? Check out this post by Denise @ The Centsible Sawyer for the details:

http://thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com/2008/06/red-box-codes-and-step-by-step-guide.html

ENJOY!

Makeup and Cupcakes

The possibility for free makeup and cupcakes? Yum!

Polly over at Perfectly Provident is hosting a 100th post giveaway,

Check out the details here: http://perfectlyprovident.blogspot.com/2008/10/100th-post-time-for-giveaway.html

Mercedes has started a review blog, and is celebrating by giving away a Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker!

Check out the details here: http://commonsensewithmoneyreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/product-review-and-giveaway-girl.html

Be sure to enter and let me know if you are a lucky winner!

Menu Plan Monday

Breakfast:

Bananas
Kashi Cereal/milk
Peanut Butter on Toast

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwiches
Noodle Salad
PB&J

Snacks:
Fruit

Dinners:

Onion Pork Chops with Asparagus (super easy!)

How? Slice sweet onions, place over pork chops in a baking dish, cover in water. Bake until done--usually 45min.-1hour on 375.

Ginger Fish with Edamame and Jasmine Rice

Veggie Sandwiches

Dinner at Mom's house:-)

Lemon Pepper Fish with Tomatoes and Rice

I'm going to try this recipe:
http://www.find-a-seafood-recipe.com/lemon-pepper-fish-recipes.html

We are shooting for 1 vegetarian recipe and 2 fish recipes a week, due to cholesterol issues. What's on your menu this week? Need ideas? Head on over to orgjunkie.com.

http://orgjunkie.com/2008/10/menu-plan-monday-oct-20th.html

Thirsty Thursday

I found a drink I'd like to try for Thirsty Thursday, but I haven't tested it out yet.

It looks like a fun idea for a kid's Halloween Party. Let me know if you've tried it before, or if you test it out on your kiddos.

I especially think the wiggle worms would make this a hit with little ones!

From the Better Homes and Gardens Website:

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/drinks/fruit-drink-spritzer-with-wiggle-worm-ice/

(for me, I'd just use plain orange juice instead of pineapple-orange--I'm allergic to pineapple!)

Fruit Drink Spritzer with Wiggle Worm Ice

Ingredients
1 12-ounce can frozen pineapple-orange juice concentrate
1 12-ounce can apricot nectar, chilled
2 12-ounce cans lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled
1 6-ounce can frozen pineapple-orange juice concentrate
Chewy, fruit-flavored candy worms
Directions
1. For ice, prepare one 6-ounce can frozen pineapple-orange juice concentrate. Arrange chewy fruit worms in the bottom of a 4-cup ring mold. Pour juice into mold to almost cover worms. Do not allow the worms to float. Cover and place in freezer for 1 hour or until frozen. Add any remaining juice to mold. Cover and freeze until firm.
2. In a small punch bowl, prepare the 12-ounce can pineapple-orange juice concentrate according to package directions, using cold water. Stir in the apricot nectar. Add the carbonated beverage, stirring gently to mix. Unmold the ice ring by running cool water over outside of mold; carefully add ring to punch. Makes 10 (8-ounce) servings.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare ice ring and store in freezer up to 2 weeks before using.

Head on over to a little birdie told me...for more ideas to quench your thirst! Have a drink recipe to share? Leave your link there: http://birdiesaystweet.blogspot.com/2008/10/thirsty-thursday_16.html

Food Poisoning, Ugh

I've had limited time on the computer since Sunday....due to a mild case of food poisoning.

Ugh.

A mild case of food poisioning is kind of like saying a mild case of chicken pox....not as bad as it could have been but still very miserable.

Tag, I'm it!

I've been tagged, so I'm going to share some random facts about myself.

Before you scroll down to find out more about me, head on over to Shalee's Diner (shaleesdiner.com) to learn some weird things about Shalee...she's a movie quoting, air hockey playing, book-a-holic...I better stop before I give all her randomness away.

While you are there, spend some time looking around her blog--it's good reading!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK, here we go:

1) I hate checking voicemail. Really I do. It's not that I don't want to hear from you, that's not it. Work in a call center at some point in your life, and you'll totally understand. Most of my friends know to call the hubby's cell phone to reach me.

2) I love the TV show 24. So glad it will be on again this year. Hopefully Keifer will stay out of trouble in real life, and the writers will stay focused--so there won't be any interruptions in the future.

3) I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about CVS deals/scenarios. Sad, yes, but hey I've saved a ton of money on razors, toilet paper, toothpaste, and shampoo!

4) I've only cut my hair a couple of times in my life. And I'm over 30. Just barely over 30. I'm known as the"girl with the long hair." Very soon, that will change.

Check out Pantene: Beautiful Lengths ttp://www.beautifullengths.com/en_US/index_home.jsp

5) I live next door to family--both sides, and it's not a farm. We just cornered a subdivision...and no, I'm not crazy, and yes we get along.

6) I love a great deal--seriously, it's a high to save money. I guess if you have to be addicted to something, bargain shopping and couponing isn't so bad.

7) I can be a bit of a hermit sometimes....I love to spend my time at home with my hubby and baby--I'm trying to be more sociable again (more than just interacting with the CVS cashiers).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The seven blogs I'm tagging:

1) a little birdie told me... http://birdiesaystweet.blogspot.com/

2) hippostoes... http://hippostoes.blogspot.com/ (check out the launch of kid's clothing line!)

3) crazy adventures in parenting... http://crazyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/

4) from wags to riches... http://fromwagstoriches.entempore.com/

5) penny pinching diva... http://pennypinchingdiva.blogspot.com/

6) my precious pennies... http://mypreciouspennies.blogspot.com/

7) commonsensewithmoney... http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/

Lunchtime CVS Run, ECBs and (lots of) Coupons

Have you spotted any CVS deals this week?

Sadly, the clearance area at my store is bare, but that might be my fault...
(see post here: http://koalamama.blogspot.com/2008/10/cvs-90-off-again.html)

I made a quick trip on my lunch break yesterday, here's how it played out:

1 Always Infinity Pads 4.98
1 32oz Vitamin Water 2.29
4 mini staplers .50 each (these should have been 10 cents--I wasn't paying attention!)
3 Johnsons Buddy Soaps 1.19 each

Retail Total: 12.84
ECB Spent: 5.79
Coupon used (Johnsons Buddy Soaps): 3.00
Balance Due: 4.38 on a gift card

ECB Earned: 4.98 for Always, 2.29 for Vitamin Water, 7.00 for Summer spending

Coupons printed:

$5/$20 Halloween Costumes/Accessories

$3 off Excedrin Express Gels

$2 off Tylenol Rapid Release

$4/$20 Playskool purchase

I've never received that many coupons from the register!

Did you receive any fabulous coupons from the register? How did you use your ECBs this week?

I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Thirsty Thursday

My contribution to Thirsty Thursday this week?

Limeade! Really yummy limeade--my hubby's recipe.

All ingredients are estimated......you'll have to taste test to make sure you have the combinations right!

Ingredients:

Water

Ice

Limes

Sugar

First, make a simple syrup: dissolve sugar in boiling water in a saucepan--keep adding sugar until it will no longer dissolve.

Second, squeeze 5-6 limes into a pitcher.

Third, mix in the simple syrup.

Fourth, add water and ice.

Fifth, the best part--taste. Add more sugar or water if needed.

Enjoy!

Too dress it up a bit add the limeade to tall glasses and garnish with a slice of lime, and a sprig of mint.

Do you have a recipe to share? Head on over to a little birdie told me...

http://birdiesaystweet.blogspot.com/2008/10/thirsty-thursday.html

Wordless Wednesday, Moody Gardens 2007

courtesy of my hubby, the photographer

These were taken on a trip to Moody Gardens (Galveston, TX) last year.

I just checked the website, and it appears parts of the gardens are already open for business--so the Gardens survived/have recovered the hit from Hurricane Ike!

http://www.moodygardens.com/

Join in the Wordless Wednesday fun at 5minutesformom.com

http://www.5minutesformom.com/4468/wordless-wednesday-wheeeeee/

Toolin' Up Tuesday, Baby Wash

My favorite tool this week? Davies Babies All-Over Baby Wash.

http://www.daviesgate.com/index.cfm/s/1/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/169/catid/11

This might not seem like the most frugal soap choice, however a little bit goes a LONG way. I love this foamy product--just a few pumps of the dispenser, a little bit of scrubbing, and baby Koala is all clean, and smells heavenly, truly HEAVENLY.

We received this gift pack as a gift from the hospital when baby Koala was born:
The lotion has the same HEAVENLY smell.

I'm so glad we were introduced to this product. I need to order some, as our supply is now running low! What's your favorite baby soap or other bath-time tool? Let me know in the comments below!

Check out other tools to make your life easier at http://www.lifeasmom.com/2008/10/toolin-up-tuesday-mapquest.html !

http://www.lifeasmom.com/

While you are there--if you are new to CVS-ing check out her excellent CVS primer: http://www.lifeasmom.com/2008/10/mom-deals-and-cvs-primer.html

Menu Plan Monday

This is my first time participating in Menu Plan Monday!

I'll post dinners only, as lunch around here is usually just a quick sandwich.

Monday: Baked Fish, Edamame, Rice

Tuesday: Cappellini Pasta, Bread

Wednesday: Pork Roast (I'd like to try this recipe from $5 dinners), Asparagus and Rice http://www.5dollardinners.com/2008/10/pork-with-apples-and-asparagus.html

Thursday: Dinner at Mom's house

Friday: Sausage and Lentil Soup (something similar to this recipe)

http://www.justslowcooking.com/slo-0015141.html

What's on your menu?

Check out other menus or join in at orgjunkie.com.
http://orgjunkie.com/2008/10/menu-plan-monday-oct-6th-thanksgiving-edition.html

Start Saving, Step #4

Start Saving

Step #4

Plan.

Plan your trips. Plan your menus.

It's really that simple--but for me it is a relatively new concept.

Confession: I'm a reformed impulsive grocery store shopper--and I'd usually make the huge mistake of going H-U-N-G-R-Y. I try not to do this anymore--it makes for a much smaller bill.

1. Review sales/coupons

2. Plan menu around sales/coupons

3. Review your pantry, refrigerator to determine what ingredients you already have--instead of buying another jar of mayo in case you are out (oh yes, I've had 3 jars of mayo in my refrigerator at once because of my poor shopping habits)

My grocery bill for the week was the lowest it's ever been for our 2 adult household--$31.00. I didn't even use coupons on this trip.

My purchases?

Chicken Drumsticks (about 8 large drumsticks)

Tomatoes

Wheat Angel Hair Noodles

Tortillas

Eggs

Avacados

Salami

Ramen Noodles

Carrots

Bananas

Apples

In my pantry?

Lentils

Bread

Cereal

Garlic

In my freezer?

Fish

Edamame

In my garden?

Basil

The plan:

Breakfast-cereal, fruit

Lunch-Ramen noodles, salami sandwiches, carrots, egg sandwiches, leftovers

Dinners-Baked Drumsticks (2 meals) , Fish/Edamame, Lentil Tacos/Avacado, Cappellini, Toast/Eggs/Fruit (breakfast for dinner), dinner out one night

A little planning goes a long way.

A helpful site? http://www.supercook.com/ (just type in what ingredients you have in the pantry, and the matching recipes will appear)

I know there are more experienced planners out there--feel free to share your tips in the comments section!

What tools help you plan meals? How do you plan your shopping trips?

Lowes--Free Workshops for Kids

Did you know Lowe's offers FREE Workshops for Kids?

The workshops include: a free apron, goggles, and a merit certificate of completion.

Workshops are offered on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.

Check out all the details here:

http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/build-grow/build-and-grow.aspx

Wordless Wednesday, Backyard Visitors

courtesy of my photographer hubby

check out other Wordless Wednesday entries at 5 Minutes for Mom

http://www.5minutesformom.com/4394/wordless-wednesday-26/

Garage Sale

All you Dave Ramsey fans know Dave says, "sell everything but the kids."

I'm not quite there yet, but I have been able to overcome some fears of a pack rat, like "what will I ever do without this?"

I've come to realize, whatever "this" is can typically be replaced if I really can't live without it.

However, I can live without more "things" than I thought I could.

So, Garage Sale day is this weekend! I'll be pricing items the next couple of days, and getting everything set up.

Any advice from garage sale pros? If so, I'd love to hear from you in the comments section.

CVS--90% off, again! Super Savings Saturday

Do you need backpacks or lunchboxes for the next school year? Are you planning on "adopting" a family at Christmas, or do you have some Christmas shopping to do for kids?

If so, head over to your local CVS!

Backpacks, themed lunchboxes (think Wall-E and Cars), and some school supplies are on sale for 90% off!

Yesterday, I was able to grab 4 lunchboxes (the insulated cloth type), 1 cloth lined wicker basket, 1 backpack, the Covergirl Clean deal, the Fusion razor deal, and some toilet paper--after ECBs I paid 2.37 Out of Pocket, and earned 10.79 in ECBs. According to the receipt I saved over 90.00!

Mini size markers, and rulers are on sale for .05!

My mom made a stop at another CVS, and was able to grab 9 Backpacks/Lunchboxes, for a total of 11.16. She saved over 93.00!

The prices range from .59 to 1.79.

Happy Shopping!

To see some great deals found by other thrifty shoppers head on over to moneysavingmom.com!

http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/10/super-savings-s.html