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Hi! I'm Shana and I want to Share with you a part of my life with this site in the hope that it holds something of value to you - A Solution Shared! May it be a blessing to you!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Summer Festivals & Fairs Schedule - Seattle & Beyond


Summer is fast approaching and that means filling our calendars with some fun activities with family and friends. I am posting this Summer Festivals and Fairs in the Pacific Northwest list compliments of Thrifty Northwest Mom.  Our family has attended several on this list and I will add more if I find additional summer outings that are family friendly and affordable. SeaFair events I grew up enjoying included various Seattle neighborhood Parades, Hydroplane races and Blue Angel Air Shows. I now enjoy other events in the beautiful Pacific Northwest as well, but those are still some of the best childhood memories! 

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Affordable upcoming Summer Kids Activities

Summer is almost here so I thought I would start with some of my favorite family friendly, easy on the pocketbook or educational ideas to get you through the next few months and have some fun too! I will be adding to this list so come back within the next few weeks! I suggest bookmarking the links below you are interested in, especially the ones that haven't officially started to find out more or register if required. Enjoy!


A great boredom buster or to get out of the heat you can take advantage of $1 Summer Regal Movies for Kids Twice a week they have a movie at a participating Regal theater near you. Check schedule for details by inputting your zip code. I usually have this one bookmarked for the summer! Get there a bit early for best seating. 


June 9th is Free National Park's "Get Outdoors Day" so free entry to your local National park. See Here for Park details so you plan accordingly. Great way to kick off the summer! 


For a great Free Summer Reading Goal Prize Click Here for your children to find out how to earn a book at Barnes and Noble this summer!


If you haven't checked out the Free Bowling for Kids this summer from AMF Unplugged, please register Here. Your child will receive two free games per day during summer promotion (shoe rental not included). 


For some fun family building projects you can get ideas at Lowes. You can also sign your children up for Lowes Free Build and Grow Clinics by registering Here. My son has done these free clinics and always enjoys it, especially when he gets to hammer things (see pic. below) 








Thursday, May 3, 2012

Family Freebies and Discounts for May

Rudi's Organic Bakery Facebook page HERE has a fun and Free Sandwich Lunchbox that your child's artwork can be put on. Ends 6/30.


Don't forget to check out Pizza Hut Free BOOK IT Program to enroll at their Website (if you are a teacher or homeschool parent) for reading incentives (free pizzas) for your K-6 student/ students. My son has participated the last 2 years and it has been a blessing in his reading enrichment. The website has additional teacher helps and printables. You can also go to their Facebook page HERE for additional information and periodic contests.


Celebrate National Public Gardens Day with FREE Admission on May 11th by going HERE (and fill out info and print your admission) from Better Homes & Garden. A fun way to start your Mom's Day weekend celebration!


Frappacino Happy Hour at Starbucks! May 4 - 13th from 3pm to 5pm. (Treat Mom to a Half Price Starbucks Frappacino while your out.) http://www.starbucks.com

Free pet food sample coupon Here at Petco  for you to print out for Natural Balance Cat Food Pouch 3 oz.
and a Free pet food sample coupon Here at Petco for you to print out for Natural Balance Dog Food roll 2.75oz (Through 5/31 - can print one of each per household)

This page will be updated with more great deals this month so check back soon! 


Here's a picture below of our family day out/field trip last week ( in Stanwood, Washington) during Free National Park Week. Did you get to get out and explore? 





May is a great month for Deals! Here's more Great Freebies or Discounts:


Click Here for Coupon to print for FREE Panda Express Entree   You just need to purchase a 2 item entree with beverage and you can recieve a FREE Entree with coupon. Through 5/31 


Today only visit a participating Häagen-Dazs location on Tuesday (5/8) and enjoy a FREE Scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream between 4-8pm! More info on Facebook Haagen-Dazs page


Here's a Great deal to spend on Mom at The Body Shop! Get twice as much with Buy $20 get $10 Off at The Body Shop- Coupon to Print Hurry, offer end 5/13/12.

Great Family outing opportunity with FREE Museum Admission Friday May 18th in honor of International Museum Day. See Seattlemet.com HERE blog for more details and link to specific museums participating. 


With the weather getting warmer enjoy a quick cool down for you and the kids on your way home or while your out because its Free Slurpee Day at participating 7 Eleven Stores on May 23rd from 11am to 7pm , Small size only (7.11oz) while supplies last).











Friday, April 20, 2012

FREE Entry to National Parks 4/21 - 4/29

Its a great time to head to the National Parks this week April 21st to April 29th. Its National Park Week and its Free Entry! You can see more details HERE at nps.gov 

One of our favorite Parks in the Pacific Northwest at Deception Pass (above).

For more about Free Park Week you can go HERE to nationalparks.org for some parks, deals and videos to see.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

I Love Sharing Solutions! Easy, at Home Remedies

When I run across some helpful living tips that work for me or my family I just love to share! From recycling to additional uses for everyday household items mentioned below, you can save time and money.  This will be a regular topic (DIY/ Solutions Shared) on my blog so if you have any great ideas in this area please feel free comment or add to it. 


Solutions Around the Home:


1. If you are all out of toothpicks and you need to check your cake baking to see if it done you can also use a long piece of uncooked Spaghetti. (I actually prefer this because they are longer).


2. To easily keep your household scissors sharp: Cut a few snips of sandpaper with your scissors and it will help maintain their edge.


3. To neatly open a cereal box lid (so it can be re-closed properly), use a letter opener. 


4. To de-crystallize honey (in a jar) uncover and warm on medium power in microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. If a plastic honey container you can set in a hot cup of water until crystals are gone. Honey lasts a long time so no need to throw out when crystals form, its an easy fix!


5. Extra shower curtain rings can be useful for storing scarves and purses. Place some rings on a closet rod and thread your scarves through them and hook your handbags straps to them. It keeps them visible and off the floor.


6. Candy Lifesavers work great to hold birthday candles on a cake and they also "catch" the wax drips from landing so much on the cake. It looks pretty too!


7. Your dishwasher can be used for more than just cleaning dishes!  


Use your top rack to clean these items:
  • Wash your kids action figures in a mesh laundry bag.
  • Wash baseball caps 
  • Wash Flip flops 
  • Wash knee pads, shin guards or mouth guards
  • Light fixture covers (only if they are not painted, enameled or antiqued) 
8. To lift stains from a cutting board, rub them with juice from a lemon and let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse. You can also whiten fingernails by rubbing them with a lemon wedge.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Economical Indoor Germinating - Let's Get Growing!

It doesn't need to take a lot of time and money to get your seedlings started growing indoors and germinating. Seed starts are easy, fun and educational for children too! I like to re-use my see-through plastic containers for this purpose, such as plastic cupcake or fruit containers with lids attached or large apple (bubble type) containers from costco to make a greenhouse type set up instead of purchasing and recycle/ use small clean plastic drinking or yogurt cups. I purchased a quality seedling starter soil and seeds from my local garden center and fill the "bubbles" or cups. You can also just get the small round peat disks that contain similar ingredients as a seed starter soil and follow directions for them to expand by adding water. (and then no bag of seed starter soil is necessary). But make sure they are kept moist.

I put a small hole in the bottom of the cups and plastic trays for drainage and put a container or pan underneath so watering is easy by filling bottom and it soaks it up through the holes made. Fred Meyer usually has a great deal on seeds (as pictured previously.) Just follow planting instructions per packet for indoor starts. If the seed packet doesn't specify you can start indoors first, I typically will plant those directly into the garden when it stops frosting at night (later in the Spring). This is just from my personal experience for my climate the last few years. Your area may be more accommodating earlier in the season. 
After you have filled the containers with seedling mix soil and put your seeds in (or watered your peat disks so they have expanded and filled the cup), I keep them in a warm area, such as up on top of my refrigerator or near a light. When they start to germinate and pop up a nice sunny spot works great to re-position them to. You can raise the lid as they grow (I usually find a popcicle stick or a chopstick to prop the lid open with and cover the gap with some plastic wrap.)
These squash seedlings popped up quickly in about 6 days. Remember to not let them get too dry but keep moderately moist but too much will cause rot. You may need to re-pot to a larger pot if roots start getting too cramped I have found. I like to acclimate the plants eventually for a short time on my covered deck during the day and bring them in at night for a week or two also before putting them in the vegetable or herb garden.

Get more growing tips here at Garden Guides.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Spaghetti Pizza Pie Recipe

This is one of my son's favorite's as it combines two of our family's most liked recipes : Pizza and Spaghetti!


Ingredients:


1 lb Organic Ground Meat (Turkey, Beef, Chicken or Lamb)
2 tsp Olive oil
1/2 Cup finely chopped onions
1 finely chopped garlic clove
1/2 lb (or 8oz.) Spaghetti Noodles 
1 Jar Pasta Sauce 24 oz. (or homemade spaghetti sauce) 
2 eggs 
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (+2 tbsp for sprinkling on top at the end)
2 Tbsp melted butter 
1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (+1/4 cup for sprinkling on top at the end)
3/4 cup small curd cottage cheese (or ricotta)
***Please note you can use an Alternative to Cow's Milk Cheeses in recipe with Vegetarian/Soy or Almond Cheese blends available.


Heat in frying/saute pan on medium heat:
Olive Oil
Onions
Garlic

Stir gently until heated through, not carmelized though.

Then stir in:

Meat and cook over medium high until done (until no pink in meat remains). Season to taste with salt and pepper (optional).
Then stir in Pasta Sauce and heat until bubbly, turn down to simmer. (See picture below)

Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente and drain. (can be prepared earlier in day and refrigerated) Put noodles into a Large Round Baking Dish (a deep pie dish). Set aside. 

**Note:  You can also use 2 small pie dishes if you don't have a Large Deep dish  and then have one to eat and one to freeze and bake another time or 1 to share. If you do 2, just distribute noodles and egg/cheese/meat mixture evenly between them both.


Mix into a bowl (pourable bowl if available):
Eggs 
Parmesan cheese
Melted butter 
Salt
Garlic Powder
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Cottage cheese (or ricotta)



Pour this mixture over the noodles in pie dish. Mix it really well and press down as this will be the crust. (see above)

Finally,
Spoon on and gently spread the meat sauce mixture over the crust and to finish off, sprinkle with the final mozzarella and then parmesan. (see below)


Bake in 375 degree oven for approx. 30 minutes or until slightly browned cheese (like a pizza), some bubbling around the edges and it is set. Let rest about 10 minutes and then cut and serve. Add a Salad and French bread for a great complete meal!



Friday, March 23, 2012

Free Summer Bowling for Kids - Register Soon!

AMF Summer Unplugged

Free Bowling For Kids

All Summer Long!

Summer Unplugged is Back in 2012!

Kids registered in the Summer Unplugged program can bowl two games per day, every day all summer long! (Shoe rental is not included.)
Sign-up begins April 1st, so be sure to come back here and register! Summer Unplugged Website Register Here


l
To find out what AMF Bowling Alleys are in your area you can  Go Here to their website and input your zipcode and state. 

Monday, March 19, 2012

So Delicious Coupons for Coconut Milk Products GIVEAWAY!

If Dairy free milk products are a usual staple in your home, I have a Giveaway of So Delicious Coupons for you to be able to save over $16.00 in Yummy So Delicious brand Coconut milk products.




From Coconut Milk Creamer for your morning coffee and creamy Coconut Milk Beverage for your cereal to an afternoon smoothie using Cultured Coconut Milk for a protein filled refreshing snack or perhaps a dessert treat of Chocolate Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert you will be amazed at this creamy, smooth and healthy alternative to dairy!


This morning I felt like I was on a tropical island when I poured So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage in vanilla on my typically boring cereal but the addition of a sliced banana combined with the rich, creamy flavor of this milk was awesome!


You can find these wonderful products at most larger Grocers in your area either in the dairy/frozen food section/ or in the natural food/dairy/frozen dairy section. I purchase regularly at Fred Meyer in their health food section.

Here's some fresh and fruity recipe ideas using So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage:


Easy Strawberry - Banana Coconut Smoothie (and Frozen Treats)

  • 1 cup strawberries fresh or frozen
  • 1 banana 
  • 1 cup So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Beverage
  • 2 TBSP Honey, Natural Sweeter such as Stevia or Organic Cane Sugar
Mix in Blender until smooth. You can also double this recipe and make extra to fill your frozen "popcicle" or frozen treat holders as I did. Yogurt can also be added for extra flavor and richness, but the creaminess of the Coconut Milk Beverage is quite smooth and flavorful! Enjoy!

If you would like to get a .55 cent off Coupon to print on Facebook (Will need to "Like" their page) Click here -So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Product Coupon on Facebook


You can also go to http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/   for recipes, product info and to sign up for email and get more coupons! (to print)

This Sunday's Smartsource coupon insert has $1.00 off Coupons as well (3-25-12)


(Subscribers only - via Email or Google Following) GIVEAWAY:  I will give away the two coupon booklets shown above so you can save and try these delicious "So Delicious Coconut Milk" products!  Please leave a comment below on this post of something you liked reading about on my blog I actually started a year ago as of Tuesday, and also if you have ever tried So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk products.  Your first name and last name initial is fine in your reply.

This giveaway ends 3-31-2012. If you haven't yet subscribed you can do so by entering your email on the right side of my page to follow by email or sign up via Google to Follow where it says Join this Site, and then enter this Giveaway. (Please note if you sign up via Email you will need to confirm the email you receive via Feedburner after you sign up on this blog for it to count.) Thanks!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Fred Meyer Savings Tips and Sweepstakes

If you have a Fred Meyer near you then you may want to check out these great offers!
   
Go here to http://www.fredmeyer.com and click Sign up (for Reward Card or to input your Reward card you may already have) and sign up for weekly emails of sales.


I have been able to save regularly by using my Rewards Card. I shop for two households and really get some great discounts by loading my card with deals online, clipping weekly ads and using manufacturer coupons from each Sunday's newpaper. I also get in the mail quarterly my Rewards bonus just for shopping there. I like to go online to see the weekly ads before I head out and print out just in case they are all out of Store coupons when I get there. Here are some of the kinds of savings coupons I receive and have available by shopping here. (Shown below: Rewards Card Bonus Coupons, Register Coupons, In Store Coupons and In Store Bonus Discount Coupons for different Departments)





A few things I love about Fred Meyer is their Health Food Dept and Produce section always have great deals and many organic fruits and veggies for my family. Of course their One Stop Shopping while saving money feature can't be beat especially if your busy and just don't want to shop around town to every separate store, (like automotive, gardening, cosmetics, toiletries, and so on before getting home).


Right now there is even a fun Sweepstakes game you can play when you sign in to your online Rewards account daily through March 24th. They are giving away thousands of free food items. I just won a Free Breyers Ice Cream Tub up to $6! It automatically loads it to your Rewards card so you can redeem on your next shopping trip. Easy!


March To Savings Sweepstakes

If you don't have a Fred Meyer nearby to shop at, the Official Rules link below shows some other Kroger stores to enter this fun contest.

Official Rules (and other Kroger Stores) 

This weeks' Ad 3-11 to 3-17 you'll find a great deal on Seeds in their Garden Dept. if your thinking about planting your garden soon. Buy One Get One FREE on Lilly Miller and Ed Hume Seed Packets. Make sure you clip out the coupon to use in the store Ad for these. Great time to buy is now! 

I will be posting some pictures of what I start planting here in the next month or so and some inside germination tips.





Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Save Money Buy Baking Soda -100's of Uses Part 2

I am still fascinated by all the uses for Baking Soda! I hope you had a chance to learn or try some of the previous Baking Soda remedies I posted a few weeks back for your household and hopefully, saved some money too.


I like the fact that I am noticing less and less harsh chemicals under my sink. By keeping the basic "healthy comparable yet simple versions" that are safe for all the family (Distilled White Vinegar and Baking Soda) to help out in cleaning chores, I don't need to be concerned about toxic fumes or skin reactions.


Here are some more uses I found for Baking Soda in recipes, cleaning, storage, and even de-icing:


To make a fluffy omelette, add 1/2 tsp. baking soda (for every 3 eggs).


To clean your microwave safely you can use a general cleaning solution of 4 Tablespoons Baking Soda to 1 Quart warm water to wipe down the interior. Another way is to boil a few spoonfuls of Bakings Soda in a microwave-safe cup with water for 3-5 min. Cup will be hot to touch so use a potholder to remove. The interior can now be easily wiped down with a clean sponge or paper towel of cleaning mixture moisture from the steam created. Wow thats easy!


Before you put your garbage bag in your garbage can in your kitchen, you can neutralize odors by sprinkling Baking Soda in the bottom. I use this idea for the smaller waste baskets in our home also!


I did not realize but you can use Baking Soda as a De-icer! We actually had more snow here (in March!) Just sprinkle on your front steps to promote traction and melt ice. It is much safer for outside surfaces than most of the harsh chemical brands and if tracked in to the house, it is less to worry about too. You can mix with sand if you need more heavy texture/grit.


I found it is really handy to just have a shaker or container filled with baking soda at arms reach in my kitchen and bath on a regular basis. I like to re- use small plastic containers with lids for this purpose! 

Baking Soda is just such a versatile substance and is so friendly on the budget! Okay I know, I know, I will have to do another Part 3 for Baking Soda uses.....stay tuned!









This Weeks Great Deals 3/4-3/10...Why NOT Save?

Here's some great deals this week you can easily take advantage of to save. Just click to print the coupon for Michaels's or save your receipt of Proctor and Gamble purchases at Bartells and mail in to get a nice savings at the gas pump!


Michael's Arts and Crafts Weekly Coupons to print


Print this coupon this week (through 3-10) for 40% of one Regular priced item. Also, a Get $5.00 off every $25 you spend coupon available.


Bartell's Click Here   


Find out how to get a Free $10 Gift Card toward your next gas purchase from Bartell Drugs!

If you purchase $25 in P&G products you can get a $10 Gift Card back by Mail. See details on website in their Weekly ad by clicking in above link. Details are in this weeks Ad in the store or you may receive like I did in your mailbox.  (P & G Products listed below qualify). You have until the end of June to get receipt and form in for the gift card.




Bartell Drugs logo* Offer valid 2/27/12-3/12/12
LIMIT ONE SUBMISSION PER HOUSEHOLD

Participating Proctor & Gamble products: Align®, Always®, Aussie®, Braun®, Camay®, Clairol®, Cover Girl®, Crest®, Fixodent®, Gillette®, Gleem®, Glide®, Head & Shoulders®, Herbal Essences®, Hydrience®, Metamucil®, Natural Instincts®, Nice & Easy®, Olay®, Old Spice®, Oral-B®, Pantene®, Pepto Bismol®, Prilosec OTC®, PUR®, Safeguard®, Scope®, Secret®, Tampax®, Vicks®

Note: Their is also another mail in offer from purchasing Kimberly Clark Products of $25 or more (see ad for details)

And while your at Bartells check out their easy Store Ad and recent Sunday paper coupons Match ups:

Campbells Chunky Soup on sale this week for 4 for $5, use your $1.00 off of 4  Coupon so now they only are $1.00 each!

Clairol Hair Color on Sale for 15% off regular prices, use your P&G Brandsaver Coupon from recent Sunday paper coupons for $2.00 off

Full line of Nature Made Vitamins are 50% off this week so match up with your recent Sunday paper coupons for either $1.00 off one or $3.00 off two products. 

or take advantage of these deals now such as Bigelow Tea in assorted varieties only$1.69 (reg. $3.49) and Bounce Dryer Sheets are only $1.99 box 40ct (reg $3.49)

Friday, March 2, 2012

TRAVEL Sites, Games for Kids Printables and Giveaways

With winter winding down and thoughts turning to spring I thought it would be nice to post some upcoming Travel websites so you can start planning for upcoming vacations or business trips.  I included a fun, free printable travel games for kids page from WeJustGotBack.com, a link to vote for my friend on another great travel site for women and a website that has travel giveaways to enter, so check them out!

Free Printable Car & Travel Games for Kids | WeJustGotBack.com
Be sure to check out upcoming travel giveaways and trip planning on this trustworthy family friendly travel site as well.


Women on their Way Travel Website Click Here 
Please click on Like under Vote for this Entry on this page for my friend's Travel Blog Contest Entry, thanks!
Great Travel website to check out with Special Offers and Tips so bookmark this one while your there too.

Click Here for Neo Travel Sweepstakes! 

Enter to win several travel giveaways...you never know, if you don't enter, you can't win. 



My son on our trip last summer I won to Victoria, BC, Canada via Black Ball Ferry! (pictured above)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Homemade TV & Laptop Screen Cleaner

After I had my Laptop Computer for a month or so I realized how dirty the screen can get but was not at all sure what was safe to use. I found the Computer Screen Cleaning Wipes left streaks and decided to go a more natural route but still wanted to make sure it was safe for the screen. 

I have tried this solution and found it works great for my Laptop and TV screens but make sure you don't apply or spray directly to the screen but put a small amount on a Lint-Free Cloth (you can purchase at local office supply or use an old soft t-shirt type rag) Please use at your own risk with your equipment, however I have not had any problem with this gentle formula.

Note: Do not use paper towels. Do not use plain tap water, only Distilled. Do not spray directly on screens as it can drip down into parts and damage. Less is more :) when applying to your cloth, either spray on the cloth or dip cloth into jar just a little first. You can do a second round of cleaning if screens are really dirty.  I prefer to gently use a back and forth cleaning motion and end with a dry Lint-Free Cloth. Ahhhh, just like new again!

The basic recipe is:

1/2 cup plain White Vinegar
1/2 cup Distilled Water


Pour into small jar with a fitting lid or a spray bottle and label. Can be stored for future use.

Friday, February 24, 2012

FREEBIES for you FRIDAY and More through 2-29

Check out this list of Easy on the Budget Freebies and Deals, while supplies last or see specific dates listed: 


Free Craisins (on Facebook) 


Get a free sample of new Craisins from Ocean Spray via Facebook. Like their page on Facebook and sign up for this great snack!


Complimentary Subscription to CRUISE TRAVEL Magazine


Get a free year subscription to Cruise Travel Magazine from FreeBizMag.com


Free Short Stack @ IHOP Pancake Day 2-28 


February 28th is National IHOP Pancake Day!


Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals(c) and other designated local charities.


Free Subway Cookie with any Purchase 2-29


Get a Free Subway Cookie with purchase February 29th to celebrate Leap Year. RSVP on Facebook or Print out a Reminder/ Coupon


Country Crock Coupon $1.00 off to Print


Get a Free Country Crock Pumpkin Spread at Walmart by using this coupon (It is on sale for currently $0.98 so will be Free with Coupon) 


Also, while your at Walmart check out this Freebie at their Vision Center  for a FREE Lens Cleaner and cloth at Walmart!! 
You will need to print the coupon first.


Go Here for Special Free Lego Club In School Edition Magazine 


For Educators (and Homeschool) of Elementary age, you can receive this Special Lego Club In School Edition Magazine Free!


LEGO Club In-School Edition Magazine (Second, Third, and Fourth Grade) and corresponding teacher's guide were developed for use in second and third grade classrooms and focus on the theme Heroes. Material may not be relevant for all grades. Shipping of Heroes requests will begin in April 2012. Requests will be accepted through May 2012.
**Two teacher's guides will accompany every 50 magazines ordered. 
(I had to order the lowest amount which is 50 so I will be sharing with other homeschool families and groups.)
and don't forget you can also receive the regular Free 2 Year Lego Club Subscription offered for your little builder if you haven't already for great tips and information. My son always looks forward to his coming in the mail! Click Here for Free Lego Club Magazine 2 Year Subscription

Enjoy this really nice Nescafe (on Facebook) Free Sample. You just need to Like their page and enter necessary information to receive Nescafe Taster's Choice Variety Pack. I have got this before so they have brought it back while supplies last. Great offer!



Head on over to the Gud by Burt's Bees facebook page, and after you like the page, you can request a FREE sample of body lotion plus a coupon to go along with it. You can choose from these 3 scents: Orange Petalooza, Vanilla Flame, or Floral Cherrynova. These may go quick!



Saturday, February 11, 2012

What's a CARA CARA you ask?

Have you tried the Cara Cara Naval Oranges available at most supermarkets now? They are sold January through April and are an amazing vitamin packed treat! The beautiful pink color interior will remind you of a grapefruit but the flavor is sweeter with a slight cranberry-like hint, and no seeds.


I recently purchased an 8 pound bag at Costco for $7.79 which is an awesome deal! Most supermarkets that I have seen are selling them around $5.00 for a 3 pound bag. My family really loves these and this large bag actually disappears quite quickly, mostly just for snacks but they are also great for adding cut up into salads or squeeze the juice into a vinaigrette dressing.


Cara Cara Oranges are a special variety of juicy, low acid, seedless navels, an excellent source of vitamin C, A and fiber; a good source of folate and potassium, and a natural source of Lycopene, the disease-fighting antioxidant. This time of year with all the colds and flu going around why not pick up a natural immune booster treat?

You can see the Sunkist Cara Cara Oranges Nutrition Label for more nutritional details on this variety at the Sunkist Website


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Save Money Buy Baking Soda - 100's of Uses!

For many years I had not thought much about using Baking Soda for other than the typical uses I was accustomed to such as a leavening agent in baking products, making into a paste for bee stings and sticking a box in the refrigerator to keep odors out. My mom also used to tell me she used it growing up to clean her teeth with instead of toothpaste.


A few years ago I started looking into more economical, healthier alternatives for cleaning and have incorporated more Baking Soda uses around my home. Their is actually a book I recently read that includes over 500 uses of Baking Soda called Baking Soda, Over 500 Fabulous, Fun and Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of,  by Vicki Lansky, Book Peddlers, 2004


I decided earlier today to purchase a large bag of 13.5 lbs for $5.99 at Costco since I have found so many more uses for it. I would also suggest getting a large bottle of White Vinegar while your there as the cost is much lower and you can use these together to make a really easy household cleaner or if you saw my post from the summer, you can make an easy Fruit and Vegetable Wash using baking soda, water, vinegar and juice from a lemon. Speaking of summer, did you know you can also cool and soothe a sunburn by soaking  a lukewarm bath with a generous amount of Baking Soda? (a half to about a whole box of Baking Soda)


A few new uses I have found are:


  • Shower Cleaner - 1st , clean shower stall doors by spraying with clear vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scour with a sponge sprinkled with baking soda. Rinse and wipe or squeegee dry.
  • Burn remedy - You can quickly treat a non-life threatening burn by applying cold cloths dipped in ice water with baking soda added until the burn has no heat. The burn is less likely to blister with this treatment. 
  • Pet Deodorizing - Sprinkle a little in your cat box litter (if it doesn't already have odor control) 
  • An easy Drain cleaner - add Baking Soda (about a cup) down the drain and then add 1 cup hot vinegar (you can heat it in the microwave first). Wait of few minutes before flushing with very hot water (about a quart). Repeat if necessary. This is great for regular deodorizing/upkeep of drains and disposers and avoids harsh chemicals.
  • Auto Interior Cleaning - Great for freshening up your car seats and carpet. Just sprinkle on vinyl seats and wash with wet sponge or vacuum up if fabric. Sprinkle on carpet to freshen and then vacuum. 
Let me know how you use Baking Soda around your home. I will post a Part 2 for Baking Soda uses in the near future as their are so many great ways to use this amazing product!















Monday, February 6, 2012

COUPON CORNER - Pom Wonderful and Safeway Sale!

Great deal I found this last weekend that is still available at Safeway but act soon, last day of this sale is Feb. 7th. It requires last months Pom Wonderful manufacturer coupons for $1.00 off in your Sunday paper and the current Safeway advertisement posts Pom Wonderful 8oz. for .99 cents! I had 4 manufacturer coupons so I got 4 free. This is why I had to come back a few days later because the first time when the advertisement started they were completely sold out. I guess I am not the only one who figured this little gem of a deal out. 
On a quick side note: You can go to Pom Wonderful Website and sign up for emails and also get a $1.00 off coupon for their Fresh Arils (pomegranate inside seeds).
I also stocked up on Cambells Chunky Soups while I was at Safeway. They were on sale for $1.25 each (clip the coupon in the ad) and if you had the January and February Manufacturer coupons in the Sunday paper, you got them for $1.00 each because of the $1.00 off of 4 cans purchased. Again, this sale ends tomorrow night!


Any chance you can double up on the coupons/ads you can really notice a savings in your pocketbook!!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Save $10 on your Order at Vitacost (Online Health & Wellness Products)


Have you heard about Vitacost.com?
They have over 30,000 health and wellness products (including items like Burt Bees above, and vitamins, supplements, herbs, personal care products, organic foods and more; the best thing is they are cheaper than the health food store!

I recently purchased some vitamins that usually cost $18 at Super Supplements but got for $13 here and then $10 off too, so it only cost me $3 plus small shipping fee. Great deal! 
Please use the link below and you can save $10 off your order like I did (using Refer A Friend Rewards is a great way to spend less!) Also remember to click on the Free Samples link on the top of their page and you can add 2 freebies from their list! Thanks and let me know what you save on!


VITACOST Link for $10 Savings

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I'm Back with some Super Deals for You!! Star Wars and More!

I found some great deals this week and wanted to share with you. I will try to make posting more of a regular ocurrance on here rather than just Facebook as I know some of you don't use Facebook. I have been using coupons more and more and the grocery stores and have noticed a big savings doing so. I will post some tips I use in the coming days as well.




Yesterday I (or shall I say my son, who is 10 years old) scored an amazing deal from Toys R Us. If you go to Hasbro website and sign up you can print off a coupon for Star Wars Mini Figures that is a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE ! and if you combine with this weeks TOYS R US Ad, they have BUY TWO GET ONE FREE for Star Wars Mini Figures. I called the local store in my area to confirm if I could use both these coupons and they said YES, It sounded like I would be able to BUY ONE and then I would GET TWO FREE!!! I then was able to print two of these coupons so we purchased 2 and got 4 FREE! They cost $8.99 each so for approx. $18 (+tax) we got $54 (+tax) worth of toys. The clerks at the store were very helpful and made sure the coupons scanned and in fact the deal worked before my son chose all 6.  Great stocking up or future gifts purchase! See Links Below.


Hasbro Website  don't forget to sign up your child for the giveaway (instant win game) for prizes too or just click on the MOM savings for all their coupons from Hasbro.


Click on the SUPER DEALS AND MORE IN THIS WEEKS AD on their Homepage ToysRUs