Wordless Wednesday, Babywearing at a Farm

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

We found a local farm that offers a petting zoo and pony rides.

Baby Koala-or should I say Toddler Koala-was so thrilled! Turtle Dove snuggled up in the ERGO, and slept through most of the visit.

Visit www.5minutesformom.com , www.keeperofthecheerios.com and http://www.gograhamgo.com/ for more Wordless Wednesday!

Happy Fall!

Thanksgiving on a Budget

I'm excited to see all the ideas that are shared as part of the series: Thanksgiving on a Budget.

See the introduction here: http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/11/thanksgiving-on-a-budget-introduction.html

The pumpkin roll recipe posted at www.moneysavingmom.com today sounds delicious!

CHEAP Target Baby Wipes

Thanks to the tip from Krazy Coupon Lady, I was able to grab packages of 80 wipes at Target for just 89 cents! The prices at Target vary region to region, but using the 1.00 off coupon, you'll be able to score some very inexpensive baby wipes.

Check out the details here:
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2009/11/up-up-target-wipes-free-0-55.html

Burt's Bees Coupon

I'm a huge fan of Burt's Bees products. I love the lip shimmer for me, and the Baby Wash for baby Koala and baby Turtle Dove.

There are a couple of coupons available for Burt's Bees at www.redplum.com.

Thanks to Krazy Coupon Lady for the information. Check out her list of other great printables here:

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2009/11/printable-coupon-round-up-campbells-visine-ghirardelli-more.html

MckMiracle

A Happy Ending--or really a NEW Beginning for Little Stellan....

Need an uplifting story today? Read about the MckMiracle at

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/11/miracle.html

www.mycharmingkids.net !

Will you take a moment to pray?

Little Stellan is having an ablation (heart surgery) today. Will you take a moment to pray for this sweet boy and his family?

You can read more about Stellan on his mom's blog at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

The Drugstore "Game"

My friend Amy is joining the wonderful world of coupons!

She had her first CVS experience recently, and I warned her it can be addiciting.

An addiction that saves money, starts a stockpile, and is fun--not such a bad thing!

It takes time to learn the process, but it is worth it.

Here are some links to my favorite blogs--with great Drugstore Game and Couponing tips!

Getting Started

Chaching on a Shoestring

http://www.chachingonashoestring.com/the-drug-store-game/

Weekly Deals

Common Sense with Money

CVS

http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/category/cvs/

Walgreens

http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/category/walgreens/

Money Saving Mom

http://www.moneysavingmom.com/

Happy Shopping!

Menu Plan Monday-11/02/09

It's an easy week--2 dinners out, and 1 at Mom's house!

Check out the Indian Spiced Lentils Recipe linked below from http://www.crockpot365.blogspot.com/! I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Monday: Out for Dinner (company in town)

Tuesday: Dinner at Mom's

Wednesday: Indian Spiced Lentils with Chicken

see recipe here: http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2009/10/indian-spiced-lentils-with-chicken-slow.html

Thursday: Black Beans and Rice

Friday: Turkey and Avacado Sandwiches, Hummus and Carrots

Saturday: German Food at Wurstfest! http://www.wurstfest.com/

Check out more Menu Plans at http://www.orgjunkie.com/!

Lost and Found

Somedays I remember the days..

the days where my mind was sharper,my memory clearer.

I was the rolodex at work. Tara,

who do we go to for this issue?

What is their phone number?

I was the phone book at home. Tara,

what is Jarrod's phone number?

I was the calendar. Tara,

do we have anything going on in November?

I am not a rolodex, phone book, or a calendar.

My mind has no room for that--instead, I am Mommy.

I am the medicine giver-and I remember, most of the time.

I am the milk feeder-all hours of the night, and by pump during the day.

I am the "owie" kisser, song singer, and "Night-Night Moon" reader.

My children don't mind if I forget the lyrics, or miss a page.

Memory lost. Love found.

This post is linked at www.mommyjourney.com, part of Mommy Moments.

The gift? Love found.

Groceries...for a Penny?

Thanks to Swappin' Spoons for sharing this inspiring coupon story!

See how a Mom coupons to feed a family of 6--on $4 a week.

Wow. I have a long way to go!

http://swappinspoons.blogspot.com/2009/10/you-have-to-read-this.html

CVS-Clearance Diapers

I stopped by CVS yesterday to buy some diapers, and was thrilled to find Pampers Baby Dry diapers on clearance--in my son's size.

Unfortunately I did not have any coupons with me (gasp!), but was able to get the large pack (52), for 9.00. If you have some Extra Care Bucks and/or Pampers Coupons that could make for some really cheap diapers!

Frugal Friday, The best 20 bucks...

The best 20 bucks...we've ever spent.

Thanks to Craigslist we found this bike trailer for only $20! Baby Koala loves to "ride bike" with Daddy. They've had many adventures in the last couple of weeks including: getting chased down our street by a deer, seeing "horseys," seeing Longhorns, and even a caterpillar that was crossing the road:-) As you can see, if Baby Koala is sleepy, the ride knocks him out.

We had been shopping for these for quite some time--and most ranged from $150.00-200.00. We began to save a little bit of money here and there in order to purchase one. I was so thrilled to find the post on Craigslist for only $20.00--a much more frugal option.

We've begun our holiday shopping for the kids, and Craigslist is now the first place I look!

What bargains have you found on Craigslist? Do you sell on Craigslist?

Check out www.lifeasmom.com for more Frugal Friday posts!

Wordless Wednesday, Brown Eyes

Shadows Cast by the Fence

Surrounding the Goats--at

the Pumpkin Patch 2009

find more Wordless Wednesday at www.5minutesformom.com

Menu Plan Monday, 10/26/09

Our Dinners this week:

Monday: Corned Beef and Cabbage
Tuesday: Spaghetti
Wednesday: Baked Curry Chicken, Yellow Rice, Black Beans
Thursday: Oriental Beef Roast, Edamame, Jasmin Rice
Friday: Hot Dogs at Trunk or Treat
Saturday: Baked Garlic Chicken, Green Beans, Noodles
Sunday: Out to eat!

Maternity (Blog) Leave

I've taken an unplanned Maternity Leave from my deal blogging, but it's about time to get back on the couponing/money saving wagon!

The reason for my distraction!

Wordless Wednesday, Baby Girl is Here!

Our precious "turtle dove" arrived 8/1/09--Baby Koala is a proud big brother!

WFMW, Hospital Packing List

It's only been 18 months since I did this the last time--this=giving birth--but it is amazing how much I've forgotten!

Since I hit 37 weeks this week, I think it is time to pack my bags!

Pre-made packing lists work for me! I feel like I will be much less likely to forget an essential by using some of the lists I've found:

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/labor-delivery/basics/checklist-packing-your-overnight-bag/

http://www.babycenter.com/packing-for-the-hospital-or-birth-center

http://www.gerber.com/Tools/Hospital_Packing_List.aspx

I'd also love to hear what you think is a "must" to have while in labor. Please leave any suggestions below!

Head over to www.wearethatfamily.com for more WFMW!

Introducing Baby to Our Fur Babies, (almost Wordless Wednesday)

This picture was taken almost 18 months ago-

Baby Koala meeting our 2 Fur Babies.

It's hard to believe Baby #2 will be here in 5 weeks!

I'm hoping Baby Koala is as welcoming to his sister

as the Fur Babies were to him!

Join in Wordless Wednesday fun

at www.5minutesformom.com and www.3kidsandus.com!

Cheap, Healthy Recipes

I wanted to share a couple of recipes I've made lately.

Can I call it a recipe if I don't have exact measurements?

I was inspired by all the hummus related talk at Pioneer Woman, and the bean salad/cilantro chatter at My Charming Kids...as we are slowly trying to take steps to healthier eating around here.

Black Bean Salad

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1/4 chopped onion

1 handful chopped cilantro

3/4 juice of a medium lemon

Pinch of Salt

Pinch of Garlic Salt

Mix all ingredients, chill.

Serving idea: Cut Avacado in half, spoon bean salad on top.

This was a big hit for all ages--from my 1 year old, to my hubby, to my MIL and Mom. It is light and refreshing!

Make-do Cilantro Hummus

1 can garbanzo beans

2 cloves fresh garlic

1 handful cilantro

Salt to taste

1 Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Mix all ingredients in food processor.

Tahini is not in my budget, we were out of olive oil, etc. I used what we had, and this turned out pretty tasty! My husband spread it on bread, and I used it as a dip for carrot sticks. Very versatile!

Cheap Healthy Recipes work for me! Check out more Works for Me Wednesday at http://www.wearethatfamily.com/!

Super Savings Saturday, 82% Savings

I've been falling off the coupon-ing wagon again lately.

Between work, my family, and my pregnancy (not in that order of priority)--couponing does not make it into the schedule.

I had a (small) burst of energy this week, and decided to get some coupons together and make the trip to Walgreens. It was totally worth it--I saved 82%!

Here is what I scored:
4 St Ives Body Washes
1 Right Guard Deodorant
4 Packages of Diapers
6 John Frieda Shampoos and Conditioners
2 Carmex
3 Reusable Walgreens Totes

Estimated Retail Value: 120.00
Total paid OOP after coupons: 19.00
Savings: about 82%

I had a very patient cashier in the cosmetics area (they always seem to be more friendly in that department) that let me complete several transactions, and roll the Register Rewards I was earning.

I also made a stop at another Walgreens and purchased 2 Shick Titanium Razors (9.49, on sale buy 1 get 1 free), used 2 4.00 off coupons, and got both for 1.50!

If you have time to stop at Walgreens today, I highly suggest it.

You can find more Walgreens deals here @ Hip2Save:
http://hip2save.blogspot.com/2009/06/walgreens-deals-614-620.html

And get the scoop for the sales starting tomorrow here:
http://hip2save.blogspot.com/2009/06/walgreens-deals-621-627.html

Free Photos

Crystal at Money Saving Mom (www.moneysavingmom.com) has a great post about how to score some free photos.



Check out the details here: http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/06/new-members-offer---get-25-free-4x6-prints-when-you-join-shutterfly-limited-time-offer.html



I'm planning to take advantage of the CVS photo deal and print out some pictures of baby Koala.

Wordless Wednesday, Baby Belly

Baby Belly, or

"Beebee" Belly as my 17 month old son would say....

less than eight more weeks until he meets his baby sister!

Join in on the Wordless Wednesday fun @ www.5minutesformom.com and www.3kidsandus.com!

Menu Plan Monday and my 1st Toddler Bento

I'm an aspiring Bento maker--anyone with experience out there?



I'd love to hear hints, tips, and see your creative pictures!


Above is a picture of my first attempt (sorry for the upside down shot). It consisted of cucumbers, strawberries, green pepper strips, sausage links, garbanzo beans with tomatoes, and yogurt parfait. The strawberries, pepper strips and cucumbers made up a smiley face.

The strawberries were a hit--the green pepper strips, not so much!

The plan for dinner this week:

• Egg rolls, fried rice, homemade egg drop soup
• Baked Fish, Edamame
• Breakfast for dinner--Sausage, Eggs, Waffles, Fruit
• Turkey Meat Mini Meatloaves, Green Beans
• Beans, Rice, Tortillas
• Salad and Soup--not sure what type of soup. Any summer soup recommendations?

For some great menu ideas, head on over to http://www.orgjunkie.com/!

Wordless Wednesday, Perfect

Memorial Day 2009

A perfect day at the beach.

Wordless Wednesday, Laughter

I didn't used to like my face when I laughed...it's all scrunched up.

My son has taught me to like it--

laughter=joy, laughter=family, laughter=love.

Thanks to my hubby for capturing this moment of joy--this moment of motherhood.

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

For more WW--head on over to www.5minutesformom.com , www.3kidsandus.com, and www.keeperofthecheerios.com.

Walgreens Inexpensive Hair Dryer and Clearance

Walgreens has the above hair dryer on sale for 12.99! To sweeten the deal, you'll earn 10.00 in Register Rewards for your next purchase. Just remember: Register Rewards can't be rolled for the same item--so you can't use your earned 10.00 to purchase a 2nd hair dryer.

I found this great deal through Common Sense With Money--thanks, Mercedes!
http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/06/hot-deals-at-walgreens-revlon-hair-dryer-and-more/

I was able to find 2 of these today! These would make a nice gift for some girl graduates in your life heading out to college.

I rolled the Register Rewards for needed items around here--diapers and wipes!

I was seeking some of the clearanced deals, but neither in my area had any of the Angel Soft, Pull Ups, or Bounty left. Check out Coupon College the list of what you might find at your store--happy hunting!

http://couponcollege.blogspot.com/2009/06/additional-walgreens-deals-and.html

Menu Plan Monday, Trying for a Healthier Week

We are aiming for a healthier week of dinners, here's the plan:

Steamed Ginger Fish w/Rice and Edamame

Angel Hair Pasta w/Garlic, Basil, and Tomato

Chicken w/Saffron Rice and Black Beans

Ground Turkey Spaghetti

Beans and Rice

Mini Mealoaves (with ground turkey) w/green beans and cornbread using the recipe here: http://savingandgiving.blogspot.com/2009/05/menu-plan-monday-week-of-525.html

Check out more menu plans at www.orgjunkie.com!

Phil and Ted's Sale

I just found out about this great deal at http://www.slickdeals.net/!



The phil&teds Graffiti Sport with Doubles and Lazy Ted is on sale @ Costco for $300! This is an amazing buy, and I'm in the market for a double stroller.

The used phil&teds in my area on Craigslist cost this much, so I'm seriously considering this deal.



http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11478218&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US



I'm still debating between phil&teds and the Baby Jogger City Mini Double...any opinions out there?









Unfortunately, both are likely to be budget busters for this thifty mommy--even when found on sale!

Blog Award, 15 Blogs to Check Out

I was so honored to receive this blog award from Cascia @ Healthy Moms!

http://www.thehealthymoms.net/

If you have not done so, hop on over and check out Healthy Moms for some great articles and ideas!

Here are the rules:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I've run across many wonderful blogs lately--here are 15 for you to check out:

1) Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/

2) No Time for Flash Cards
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/

3) Cents to Get Debt Free
http://gettingfreedom.blogspot.com/

4) Saving and Giving
http://savingandgiving.blogspot.com/

5) Gather Little by Little
http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/

6) Joyful Abode
http://www.joyfulabode.com/blog

7) Stroller Patroller
http://strollerpatroller.blogspot.com/

8) Hip 2 Save
http://hip2save.blogspot.com/

9) Song Bird Tiff
http://songbirdtiff.blogspot.com/

10) Cooking During Stolen Moments
http://stolenmomentscooking.com/

11) Steady Mom
http://www.steadymom.com/

12) Do They Have Salsa in China?
http://www.salsainchina.blogspot.com/

13) The Creative Mama
http://thecreativemama.com/

14) Wild Olive
http://wildoliveliveit.blogspot.com/

15) The LPM Blog--especially this post!

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-do-you-like-my-house.html

Have you stumbled across any great new blogs lately?

Frugal Friday, Poop Eraser

First of all--let me say, I never in a million years would have dreamed that I would have a blog--and that on that blog, I'd write about poop.

*Sigh* Motherhood really does change everything doesn't it?

A couple of nights ago I was resting (recovering from a stomach bug), when I heard my husband say "Can you please come help me?"

I ran into my son's room to find him covered in poop, Daddy Koala with poop on his shirt, and was informed there was a huge pile of poop on the carpet in our living room.

We decided Daddy Koala would clean up baby Koala, and that I'd tackle the pile of poop.

I soon discovered I did not have any carpet cleaner....and looked through my cleaners to try to find a solution.

Shout works well for the stains on my clothes, so I thought I'd try to Shout the poop out of my carpet.

You know what? It worked beautifully.

My frugal tip? Make what you already have work --you don't need a cleaner for everything--if it works for clothing stains, it might just work for pile of poop on the carpet stains too.

Shouting it Out worked for me!

What do you use to clean up those "blow outs?"

Minon Apps, Reading Tool for iPhone

Do you have an iPhone?

If so, check out www.minionapps.com!

My husband and his coworkers have been working hard to develop this tool--to help reading documents on the iPhone easier....

Check out more information here: http://www.teleread.org/2009/04/22/reid-minion-new-reading-app-for-iphone/

They also have a couple of fun games--check out Pat, it can be addicting!

Works for Me Wednesday, PUPPPs Relief

Have you heard of PUPPPS? Sounds cute and fuzzy, right? Very ironic, because PUPPPs, also known as Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, is very uncute and miserable.

It all started when I was pregnant with my son--my 30 week visit. I mentioned some bumps on my hands that had recently appeared. The doctor took a look, and said it was nothing to worry about. He did mention that if it started to spread and itch, I needed to let him know.

Two hours later? You guessed it...spreading and itching.

I went back for another visit, and was told the practice usually sees one case a year of PUPPPs--and this is a huge OBGYN practice. I was the (un)lucky one.

The good news? Not harmful to me or to baby.

The bad news? No cure, no real effective treatment--research dollars are not put into it to find cures, because it goes away once the baby is born. That meant I had at least 10 weeks to deal with itching that was similar to chicken pox--and that there was nothing I could do about it.

I survived it with my sanity intact (barely)--I would wake up bleeding from all the scratching in my sleep.

After doing some online research, I found a couple of products that did ease the itching for a short amount of time:

This is Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap--I bathed with it everyday.

This is Witch Hazel--I used cotton balls to apply it to itching areas to provide some relief.
You can find both at drugstore.com.

I hope no one you know has to deal with PUPPPs, but if you do--know it will come to an end, and try these products to provide some relief in the interim.

Pine Tar Soap, Witch Hazel, and itching for 10 weeks? Works for Me...he was worth every scratch!

Check out http://www.wearethatfamily.com/ for more WFMW!

Wordless Wednesday, Footsteps

Lord, Help me guide these footsteps.

Check out www.5minutesformom.com and www.accidentalmommies.com for more Wordless Wednesday!

Red Box Code, May 11

Today's free movie code is: 6A43JK

Thanks to Shynea at Penny Pinching Diva!

Check out her site here: http://www.pennypinchingdiva.com/

Menu Plan Monday, Chicken

Lunches are simple around here, and this week will include:

Egg Sandwiches

Sardines (found for 30 cents a package at Walgreens!) and Crackers

Soup

Noodles

Rice and Veggies

We have chicken in the freezer, so that's what we will have for Dinner this week:

• 
  
  Chicken Ritz Casserole, Peas, Garlic Bread

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1939,150170-243207,00.html

• 
  
  Curry Chicken and Potatoes


• 
  
  Chicken Nuggets and Baked Fries


• 
  
  Morrocan Chicken and Lentils

http://stolenmomentscooking.com/moroccan-chicken-lentils/

• 
  
  Leftovers


• 
  
  Dinner out

I'm also going to try to make these again Dreamy Jam Bars--made them for Mother's Day, and wow--yum! This time I might try Raspberry Jam and White Chocolate Chips:

http://stolenmomentscooking.com/dreamy-jam-bars/

What's on your menu?

Check out http://www.orgjunkie.com/ for great ideas!

My Walgreens List

I had a few items on my Walgreens list, and managed to get them all today.

• Blue Diamond Almonds are on sale for 1.79 a can--a great price!

I like to mix the raw almonds with dried cranberries and cheerios for a "trail mix" kind of snack.

• Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste and Colgate Max Fresh Toothbrushes are 2.99, earn 2 Register Rewards back--use the recent 1.00 off coupons to earn these for free.

Remember--you'll need to do 2 transactions, as the RR will only print once for the same type of deal.

• Reach Toothbrushes are on sale for .99. Use the recent Buy One Get One coupon to get 2 for 99 cents!

If you think this sounds like too many toothbrushes, remember toothbrushes don't expire:-) Also, toothbrushes are great items to donate to charity!

What's on your list?

For complete lists and tips on Walgreens check out these sites:

http://fromwagstoriches.entempore.com/ From Wags to Riches

http://www.frugalrimama.com/2009/05/walgreens-week-of-510.html Frugal Rhode Island Mama

http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/05/the-best-of-walgreens-deals-510-516/

Common Sense with Money

Stroller Contest

On my quest for the perfect double stroller, I ran across a very cool blog--Stroller Patroller!

Check it out here:

http://strollerpatroller.blogspot.com/

Right now, there is a contest to win a snazzy Toro stroller!

Enter here for a chance to win:

http://strollerpatroller.blogspot.com/2009/05/heres-how-you-can-win-toro-stroller.html

Good luck!

Frugal Friday, Free Music

We are a music loving family--from Baby Koala (who is quite the dancer these days) to Daddy Koala, we have a wide variety of tastes.

One frugal, actually free, resource for music is www.garageband.com. You can find everything from country to hip hop, and listen to it all for free.

Check it out, and while you are there, check out my hubby's music (or share with your music loving hubbys or friends)--
http://www.garageband.com/genre/ex_electronica
he was selected as Track of the Week this week; Band Name: Eugenic, Song: Otherworld


If you are reading this post after May 9th, here is another link:
http://www.garageband.com/artist/Eugenic

Check out more frugal ideas at http://www.lifeasmom.com/!

Praise God!

Stellan was discharged from the hospital today--such an amazing little guy!

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/04/big-news.html

We've been praying for Stellan and his family--prayers are definitely still needed, but this is such a joyful day for his Mom and family.

(Almost) Free Ice Cream

Who doesn't love (almost) free ice cream? This pregnant mama loves this promotion!

Baskin Robbins is hosting a 31 cent scoop night on 04/29/09 to help firefighters--what a great cause and yummy event!

Check out the details here:

http://www.baskinrobbins.com/firefighters/

Earth Day Freebies

Happy Earth Day!

Check out these sites for some Earth Day freebies:

Common Sense with Money; Walgreens Freebie

http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/04/free-walgreens-tote-take-2/

Life as Mom; a chance to win

http://lifeasmomreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/review-and-giveaway-envirosax-reusable.html

Deal Seeking Mom; Disney Store and more

http://www.dealseekingmom.com/earth-day-freebies-24-hour-green-giveaway/

Money Saving Mom; HEB and more

http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/04/fresh-easy-neighborhood-market-stores-locations-in-arizona-california-and-nevada-will-give-away-free-reusable-canvas-b.html

Beautiful Reminder

I stumbled across this post today, and wanted to share. How easy it is to forget to slow down and "go to the creek."

The beautiful reminder from Jen @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam:

http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/2009/04/its-simple-things.html

Walgreens and CVS Shopping List, Update

My finds this week @ CVS:

Huggies Wipes (large refill) 50% off + 2.00 off CRT + .75 off mailer coupon=.75
2 Vitamin Water=free after manufacturer coupon
Gerber Graduates Arrowroot Cookies clearance for 1.50
Easter items still 50% off

My finds this week @ Walgreens:

Scunchi 18 pack hair bands=free after RR
Skintimate Shaving Cream=free after RR (thought they were out, but found on an end cap)
True Shimmer Chap Stick=free after RR (look for this near the cough/cold/lip care pharmacy products)
Easter items still 50% off

There were a lot of orange clearance tags at Walgreens, and I think they will be marking down more products tomorrow!

Wordless Wednesday, Daddy and Baby Koala

My guys.

Walgreens and CVS Clearance

photo from mms.com

I stopped by CVS and Walgreens on my lunch today, and checked out the Easter clearance. Although both stores only had the merchandise at 50% off, it was largely picked over. I did get some great deals on candy--and a couple of other small Easter items.

My favorite Walgreens deal today?

Large bags of M&Ms on clearance for 1.50 each--buy 2, and use the 1.00/2 Easy Saver Coupon (found in the store), bringing the total down to 1.00 per bag. These are great to use in place of chocolate chips in many recipes--or you can make M&M specific recipes--check out the list here:

http://www.m-ms.com/us/baking/

My favorite CVS deal today?

"Winter" imitation Crocs, on clearance for 99 cents! These will be a great for my son next year.

Menu Plan Monday

We keep breakfast and lunch simple around here, we grab a sandwich, leftovers, noodles, or a bowl of cereal and fruit.

Here are the dinner plans for this week:

Fried chicken and Coleslaw

Lentil Soup and Rice

Baked Potatoes and Salad

Spaghetti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread

7 can soup, http://www.recipezaar.com/7-Can-Soup-251443

Check out more menu ideas at www.orgjunkie.com!

Redbox Code, 4/13/09

Today's Free Movie Code is J89LA2!

Check out Tara @ www.dealseekingmom.com for more info on how redbox works!

http://www.dealseekingmom.com/redbox-101-your-guide-to-renting-free-and-cheap-dvds/

I've found it is fun to share the movie code with others in line who were planning on paying $1.00 for their rental. It's an easy way to save someone a buck, and maybe provide them with a smile!

CVS and Walgreens Shopping List

Thanks to Crystal moneysavingmom.com--I've got my shopping list ready! Check out her site for the complete list of Walgreens and CVS deals.

Walgreens

Scunchi Hair Rubber Bands (free after Register Rewards)
Skintimate Shaving Gel (free after Register Rewards)
Chapstick True Shimmer Lip Bals (free after Register Rewards)
Check Easter clearance for goodies to save for next year!

CVS

Vitamin Water (free after $1.00 off coupon)
SoftSoap Scrub Body Wash (free after Extra Care Bucks)
Free Lifewater (free after BOGO coupon)
$1.00 Raisin Bran (check out moneysavingmom.com for details)
Check Easter clearance for goodies to save for next year!

What's on your list this week? Have you found any good Easter clearance deals?

Pull Ups, Cheap!

I wanted to share a great Pull Ups deal I scored at CVS this weekend.

Here's how it worked:

2 packages of Huggies Pull Ups=20.00

1 large package of Huggies Wipes=5.00

Total=25.00

Used 2, 2.00 off Pull Ups coupons

Total=21.00

This would have been a good deal, however some additional coupons, and ECBs made it even sweeter.

-5/25 CVS coupon e-mailed to me

-8.00 ECB

-3.98 ECB

I paid roughly 4.00 Out of Pocket, and I earned 10.00 in ECBs.

Note: The Overnight Pull Ups are not included in this deal, I purchased the regular ones and will save them for potty training days.

Have you scored any great CVS deals lately?

Works for Me Wednesday, Nesting

I'm nesting. Like, cleaning, organizing, standing on chairs to move things, having my hubby move furniture around, kind of nesting.

I'll try to explain how odd that is for me, because if there were a Mrs. Messy--um, that would be me. A hard thing to admit to fellow mommy bloggers, who seem so darn neat--and whose homes (at least in the pictures) seem to be spotless!

I've always been this way--the complete opposite in this way of a Dad who was the very opposite of Mr. Messy, and my sister--well she got all of the neat gene.

I have clutter, lots of it--and it is time for it to go!

I'm looking for advice, suggestions, and blog posts--on how you clear the clutter, keep up with your home, and keep "everything in it's place." I'd like to turn this pregnancy nesting into a lifestyle change, and oh my, my husband--he would love it if I could truly make that happen!

So, why this for a works for me Wednesday post? Because, these:




work for me in this nesting phase. I was able to pick a few up for 75% off in the CVS clearance aisle.

For less than 2.00, I was able to satisfy a part of this nesting, and not break the budget.

How have I used these so far? We have many electronics in this house, which come with many chargers. Those cords and chargers fit perfectly into one container, and are now safely tucked away in the study.

That's how Sterilite Containers work for me. What works for you in home organization?

Check out more Works for Me Wednesday, at http://www.wearethatfamily.com/.

RedBox Code, April 6

Today's free Redbox code is: TS473G

Thanks, Shynea at www.pennypinchingdiva.com!

Learn more about how redbox works here: http://www.redbox.com/HowItWorks.aspx

Enjoy your free movie!

Menu Plan Monday, Easy Week

We have an easy week--as a couple of evenings we have dinner plans out or with friends.

I'd love some feedback regarding peanut butter donuts, my latest pregnancy craving, see post here: http://koalamama.blogspot.com/2009/04/craving-confession.html

Here's the simple dinner menu plan:

Quick Spaghetti (with the help of Ragu)

Orange Juice Pork Chops (see recipe below) and Cole Slaw

http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1827,151162-235195,00.html

Rotisserie Chicken Sandwiches (use leftovers for chicken salad and chicken and rice soup)

Looking for some menu ideas? Head on over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Craving Confession

I'll admit, so I can provide you with a laugh or a roll of the eyes, I just googled "peanut butter and chocolate donuts."

The good news?

It looks like someone actually makes such a thing: http://www.stansdoughnuts.com/peanutbutter.html

The bad news?

I'd have to travel to California to get one.

Anyone know of somewhere else (preferrably in Texas) that makes peanut butter donuts?

If so, please comment with the address ASAP.

Baby Koala really likes salty and sour food.

I'm thinking this baby girl might have a sweet tooth like her mama.