Desert Deals Diva

CVS + 2 "new" shirts

2009-11-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

CVS
2 Complete Contact Solutions $8.99- $1 MQ= $7.99 each
5 Listerine Kids rinse $2.99 (with rain check) - (2) B1G1 and (1) $1 MQs= $7.97 for all 5
-$5/30 CVS Q
Total $21.62 on a gift card (I totally forgot to bring my ECBs with me... DUH!!)
Earned $17.98 (complete) + $15 (listerine) ECBS = Total $32.98, profit of $11.36.

Normally I wouldn't have blown $21 in CVS gift card money for ECBS, since ECBS have an expiration date.. but I plan on buying something big tomorrow during their special black friday/thanksgiving day sale, and didn't have enough ECBS anyway. I have to make up the difference with CVS gift card money. So in this instance, ECBS or gift cards it doesn't make a difference.

Twice as Nice
I took a small bag of stuff to trade at Twice as nice.. and picked up 2 "new to me" maternity shirts. Both long sleeve and both with red tags, which are B1G1 free this week. So I paid $5.99 in trade credit for both! So $0 OOP!

Not bad, for a couple of comfy shirts. Not that I need long sleeve shirts right now.. Its supposed to stay in the high 70's, low 80's for at least the next few days. Beautiful Arizona weather!

Walgreens 11/25

2009-11-25T12:34:00.003-07:00

I had a couple of $5 RR expiring that I needed to use. And we were dangerously low on TP again, so I decided to blow it on the TP this week.

2 Big Roll 12 pack TP $6.49
2 Vanity Fair Dinner Plates $3.79 B1G1 Sale- B1G1 Q= both free!
3 Reynolds Wrap Foil $0.99 each - $1 Qs = $0.01 overage
- (2) $5 Register Rewards
Total $4.15 on a gift card.

1 hours, 3 stops = Almost a complete waste of time!! UGH

2009-11-25T07:17:00.002-07:00

When I get the chance to run errands without Quinn in the evening, particularly if a friend comes with, I jump at the chance. Last night, I had big plans in a short period of time. I wanted to hit Frys, Safeway and Bookmans in under an hour! I had very specific lists for the grocery stores, so I wasn't going to be browsing and wasting time. Plus at Bookmans, I had 3 bags of books/dvds (that peter sorted through for me), which can usually take awhile for them to look through, but after 7 during the week its pretty dead, so there usually isn't a wait.

My only luck was with Bookmans. They were able to start on my order as soon as we walked in. They took about half the dvds we had (maybe 10) and some books and gave me $45 in credit! While waiting I picked up a book for Quinn and another magazine with a Hallmark $5 Q in it.

I wanted to finish spending my $25 for my personal Safeway challenge, I had 2 specific orders, but both included ICBINB and of course they were wiped clean. No butter in sight. So we left.

At Frys, the store was a madhouse, I ignored that fact as I did my ATM deposit, but as soon as I hit the dairy section, I realized we were in trouble. There was like 2 gallons of milk left in the dairy case. The milk price is ok this week, but not that great, and yet they were wiped out. Of course I still attempted my list, but they were out of bacon and mc cormick grinders, so I was already having to figure out substitutes for my list and I had just started... Then I realized that at least half the checkout lanes were open and people were still waiting 3-4 people deep. We again decided to abandon ship and left.

I can say 3 positive things about our trip...

Bookmans was quick and painless!
I made my check deposits
Found the Coors $25 rebate on $100 gift card purchases forms.

So not a total loss, but not quite how I had planned.. Now I need to attempt 2 trips today. Ugh! The day before Thanksgiving!

Robot Baby Mobile and shopping around...

2009-11-24T17:41:00.003-07:00

I seriously can't believe the discrepancy in pricing I came across last night online. We have decided on doing a robot theme for the new baby, so I decided to search for robot baby mobiles online. I knew the selection would be limited at best.. and I was right.

I came across this link first on Amazon.com for a 5 piece set: quilt, bumper, sheet, bed skirt + MOBILE! It looked super cute, but it costs $148 with shipping. Way too much for our purposes. In fact, I am not a big fan of crib sets anyway, given that babies can't use bumpers or quilts because of the chance of suffocation. Plus a cute sheet is fine, but you change it often, so you need several, not just one super cute one. In fact I already have already picked up several extra crib sheets to rotate between Quinn's bed and the babies crib. And of course we still have Quinn's bed skirt... anyway, I digress..

I decided to search around a bit and found that the original robot set was actually a Walmart exclusive, and it was on clearance on walmart.com. Of course just my luck the mobile was sold separately and no longer available, but the 4 piece-crib set shows an original price of $65, and a clearance price of $49. See it here. So the amazon set is simply a reseller, making some money. Unfortunately they aren't selling the baby mobile separately.

Bummed out completely.. that I obviously missed out on getting a reasonable priced ROBOT mobile through walmart, much less a CLEARANCED priced one. I kept searching.. and found some listed on ebay.

And to my disbelief.. the prices were WAYYYYY better on ebay. I found the same 5 piece (bedding + mobile) sets on there for as low as $5o WITH shipping! And also the mobile sold separately for $35 with shipping. Of course this is great news our purposes, way more reasonable. However, it does lead to me to believe that they must have sold these sets in stores and clearanced them SUPER cheap in order for people to be selling them so cheaply. So I am disappointed again, that I missed out on a super, smoking deal.

I know I should just be grateful that I can still make a purchase at a reasonable price. Its just too bad that reasonable price isn't through amazon.com since I have amazon gift cards from Swagbucks to spend!

Anyway, we still haven't decided whether to go with this mobile or not and if we want the full crib set or just the mobile. The quilt would be useful later on, and if I could "make" something with the super cute bumper, then maybe it would be well worth the extra $15 on ebay!

The point of my rambling about a robot baby mobile? It is certainly well worth the effort to check prices online (I use google/froogle) and ebay can be more reasonable than you expect!

Safeway: Another run for my $25 challenge

2009-11-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ok just to recap, I started my challenge yesterday using $25, to see how much holiday baking items I could buy with Safeway's Home For the Holiday Promo. Check here for the details on my purchases yesterday.

Before I go further I wanted to let you know I did get the butter/tax issue resolved, they refunded me that tax. So that brings the total spent yesterday to $13.68, with a $5 and (2) $2 OYNO Qs left to use today.

Order #1
1 Wesson Oil $2.49- $0.25 MQ= $1.49
1 BC Cookie Mix $1.50 - $0.40 MQ= $0.50
5 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $1.69 - $0.25 MQ = $0.69 each
3 Nestle Semi-sweet chips $2 - $.50 MQs = $1 each
4 ICBINB Baking Sticks $1.99- $1 IP
- $5, $2 and $2 OYNO Qs (from yesterdays order)
Total $3.40 on a gift card!!
And I earned another $5 and (2) $2 OYNO Qs!!

Order #2
1 BC Cookie $1.50 each - $0.40 MQ= $0.50 each
3 BC Frosting $1.50 each - $0.50 MQ= $0.50 each
1 Hershey's Baking Cocoa $2.99 (no Qs)
2 Nestle Semi-sweet chips $2- $0.50 MQ= $1 each
1 Pillsbury crescent rolls $1.69- $0.25 MQ= $0.69
4 ICBINB Baking Sticks $1.99 - $1 IPs= $0.99 each
1 Wesson Oil $2.49- $0.25 MQ= $1.49
- $5, $2 and $2 OYNO Qs (from previous order)
Total $4.13 on a gift card!
And I earned another $5, and (2) $2 OYNO Qs!!!

So I spent a total of $7.53 on my challenge today, leaving me with $3.79 left to spend from my original $25!!! I plan on trying to do at least one more run with my $3.79 (+ $5 and (2) $2 OYNO Qs).

I also did 2 extra orders, not a part of the challenge
Order #3
2 Milks $1.49 each
Total $2.98 on gift card

Order #4
2 Milks $1.49 each
$50 Ebay gift card
- $5, (4) $2 OYNO Qs (these were from purchases I made last week.. figured I should spend them and get rid of them, so I don't' let them expire!!)
Total $39.98 on a gift card!!

To Do List: Thanksgiving Week

2009-11-24T09:11:00.002-07:00

Finish my safeway home for the holidays challenge
One last Frys run?
Donate to Goodwill
Take dvds/books to bookmans
Take stuff to Twice as nice
Take left over bookman/twice as nice stuff to good will
Start Baby registry to get my free $10 bru gift card (coupon was mailed to me a few months ago)
Store photos, albums, etc at mom's (yah mom!)
Plan black friday shopping: cvs, walgreens, target, staples for sure!
Clean floors :-) (was this on here last week???)
Make sopapilla cheese cake as pie alternative for thanksgiving desert!
Hit CVS before black friday to use rain checks and build up a few more ECBS for my "big" plan. :-)

Ok so that is all I can think of.. its pretty big though considering my goal is to have it all done in the next few days anyway!

Fed Ex delivered our John Deere!!

2009-11-24T04:34:00.001-07:00

The John Deere toy tool box I ordered last week. I was able to snag an awesome deal on this toy and only pay shipping of $5.95! Read the details here. This is one of those deals you want to watch for and jump on all year for cheap gifts. I love that these toys are wooden and tools, Quinn loves playing with tools and working on things!

I bought these with a $15 off $15 coupon code for csn.com There was a link in my original post with a referral to receive the $15 off as well.. but its no longer working. However, keep your eyes peeled for awesome deals online, you never know when or where they will pop up!

Safeway Fabulous Run: Home For The Holidays Promo

2009-11-23T12:41:00.003-07:00

Ok I posted this weekend about the features available on Safeway's website to make the Holidays, particularly Thanksgiving easier! If you missed it, check it out here!

Anyway, I also mentioned that Safeway was sending me $25 to help offset my Holiday grocery purchases. I decided to plan a couple of great trips using their Home For The Holidays Promo! This promo runs through 11/29, spend $25 on specific holiday items and you earn a $5 OYNO Q! The great part of the promo is that you have to spend $25 pre coupons!! Plus you can roll the $5 OYNO Q into your next order.

I decided to challenge myself with the $25 they are sending; to plan my orders very well and maximize what I can buy. I am hoping to get most if not all of the holiday baking stuff I still need, plus maybe a few extra goodies!

Order #1
2 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $1.50 - $.40 MQs= $0.50 each
2 Nestle white chocolate chips $2 - $0.50 MQs= $1 each
6 Pillsbury Crescent Roils $1.69 each - $0.25 MQs & one $0.50 EQ= $0.69 and one at $0.19.
4 ICBINB stick butter $1.99- $1 IPs= $0.99 each
Tax... for $0.49 for the butter.. I forgot to ask about this when i was there. Hopefully I can get it refunded, not sure what is happening.
Total $11.09 on a gift card!
Earned $5 OYNO (HFTH promo) & (2) $2 OYNO (ICBINB)!

Order #2
Gold Medal Flour Q $2.00 (no Q. couldn't find the IP anymore)
6 Betty Crocker Frosting $1.50 each - $0.50 MQ= $0.50 each
1 Lea & Perrins Sauce $3.55- $2 MQ= $1.55
1 Karo Light Syrup $3.09- $0.40 MQ= $2.09
4 ICBINB Stick Butter $1.99- $1 IPs= $0.99 each
Tax $0.49... seriously annoying...
-$5, $2 and $2 OYNO Qs (from first order)
Total $3.57 on a gift card!
Plus earned another $5 OYNO and (2) $2 OYNO Qs!!

So far.. I have only spent $14.66 on a gift card, hopefully I can get $0.98 back (from the tax issue), making it only $13.68 spent. Plus I have the $5 and (2) $2 OYNO Qs from the last order.

I will be busy figuring out what else I can get with my remaining $11.32.

The Safeway ad has a few of the Home For The Holidays promo listed, but there are tons more in store. My store had a special display at the front and then tags listed below the qualifying items on the shelf!

Don't forget to enter my $50 Safeway Gift Card Giveaway!

And another local blogger: Savvy Savings Tucson is also having a $50 Safeway Gift Card Giveaway!

Disclosure: Safeway is sending me a $25 gift card to help me offset the cost of exploring their holiday deals.

Sunday CVS Run!

2009-11-22T22:39:00.003-07:00

4 Diet Pepsi 12 packs $12
1 Tums - $2 CVS (flu book) Q- $1 IP= $0.99
2 Complete Contact Solution $8.99 - $1 MQ= $7.99 each
-$5/30 CVS.com Q
-$22.98 ECBS

Total $2.51 on a gift card

Earned $17.98 (contact soln) & $1 (tums) ECBS

Summary: I technically use Tums (particularly right now) and contact solution (although I usually use Renu), however the point of my order this week was to get cheap-ish soda. Luckily I was able to add a few freebies to my order to use the $5/30 CVS Q. I spent $22.98 (ecbs) + $2.51 (gift card) for a total purchase of $25.49 in CVS $. I earned $18.98 back in ECBS, so the net cost was only $6.51 for my 4 12 packs, plus this was in CVS $ (not real $) anyway! Not too shabby!

Magazine Qs: $5 Hallmark and $10/50 AJ's

2009-11-22T09:00:00.001-07:00

The newest Real Simple magazine ALSO has the $5 off any Hallmark purchase! This is good on ornaments, candy, sale items, anything really. I found the same awesome Q in my Woman's Day, and Martha Stewart Living. I have also read that Oprah's magazine also has the Q!

And the newest Tucson Lifestyle magazine has another $10/50 AJ's Q. I don't generally shop AJ's since its more of a gourmet (expensive) grocery store. However, Albies "always" takes competitors Qs, and Frys is rumoured to be taking them through Christmas! The same Q was available in last month's magazine and I was able to use 2 of them during my Frys Mega Runs!! Hopefully another great Frys sale comes up before Christmas, this Q is good until Dec. 30!

Santa and Snow!

2009-11-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

We hit the Foothills mall for some Santa, snow and fun!!

We arrived extra early and as the crowd filled in, the kids became antsy to play in the snow. Luckily Santa and Mrs. Claus finally showed up to throw out the 1st snow balls!!

Then the chaos began, which Quinn LOVED! Watching all the kids play with snow; getting his hands down in it and throwing it up in the air! He had a blast!! It was a fun, fabulous, free event!!

Safeway is making Thanksgiving easier!

2009-11-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Safeway contacted me recently wanting to let all my readers know about some great features available on their website!

Here are some features to explore:
Budget Friendly Recipes: I am always looking for new recipes.
2 hour Turkey Recipe Video: What a time saver!!!
Leftover Lounge: Find great recipes to make with your Thanksgiving leftovers
Thanksgiving Planning Guide
Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

Safeway offers free delivery on your first online grocery purchase.

And through Monday, November 23, they are offering a FREE TURKEY with online purchases of $200 or more!

In addition, Safeway is sending me a $25 gift card to explore their holiday food deals. I plan on taking advantage of their great "Home For The Holidays" promo in conjunction with coupons to maximize my deals! I will share the details of my actual purchases in the next few days, once I make them. :-)

All the prices should be good through Tuesday, based on the current sales ad, or checking their online pricing. The Home For The Holidays Promo runs through 11/29, you earn a $5 OYNO Q when you spend $25 or more in participating items. This is before any MQs! I will be working on maximizing what I can purchase using that $25 gift card! Here are some of the items from the promo that I need for the holiday season!

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $1.50 each - $0.40 MQs= $0.50 each
Nestle Semi-Sweet Chips $2 each - $1 MQs= $1 each
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $1.69 each-$0.50 MQ= $0.69 each
Betty Crocker Frosting $1.50 each- $0.50 MQ= $0.50 each
Safeway 5 lb sugar $2
Golden Medal Flour $2 - $0.50 (IP?)= $1 each
Lee Perrins Sauce $3.55- $2 MQs= $1.55 each
Wesson Oil $2.49- $0.25 MQ= $1.49 each
Carnation canned milk $1.25 each - $0.50/2 IPs= $0.75 each

Disclosure: Safeway is sending me a $25 gift card to help me offset the cost of exploring their holiday deals.

New Recipe Attempts: Lazy Mom's Tator Soup and Sour Cream Muffins!!

2009-11-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

I decided to try out two of 4HATS recipes for dinner on Thursday. I snagged a 5lb bag of potatoes at Frys for $0.58, so potato soup seemed to be in order. I tried my dad's potato soup recipe recently, which was yummy, but I wanted to try the "Lazy" version that 4hat often makes!

The Lazy Mom's Tator Soup recipe can be found here. She often pairs it with Sour Cream Muffins, her recipe for that is here.

Potato Soup Verdict:

First off.. let me say that Potato Soup turned out Awesome. I actually ended up doubling the recipe, so I used the entire 5lb bag of potatoes. My husband loved it and said he preferred it to my dad's version! However, I wouldn't call it a "Lazy" recipe, because peeling and dicing 5 lbs of potatoes takes a bit of time. It was definitely worth it though. We had the in-laws over for dinner who enjoyed a bowl, a friend came by to run errands with me who also enjoyed a bowl, and THEN we had more for dinner last night. Doubling the recipe worked well for us, particularly with the extra diners! I know I will be making this often!!

I had to make a few substitutions on the muffin recipe... the results were not so good.

Here is what I did with the Sour Cream Muffin Recipe:

2 cups self rising flour (2 cups flour, 3 tsps baking powder and 2 tsp salt)-I used whole what flour 2 sticks butter, melted
1/2 pint sour cream - I used fat free sour cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine all ingredients and spoon into small, ungreased muffin tins. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. If you don't have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular one but let the muffins cook, without peeking, for a full 30 minutes. I used regular size muffin pans - silicone ones... it made 12 and took 30 minutes for me.

Verdict:

I am not sure how these muffins are supposed to taste, but I am guessing not how mine did. When I realized I had fat free sour cream (generally what I prefer to buy, unless I get a great deal on the light version), I figured the lack of fat shouldn't make a difference given all the fat in the 2 sticks of butter.

However, I was very concerned about the whole wheat flour and how it would change the taste. We don't use lots of flour around here, so that just happened to be what I had in my baking supplies. I do know there is a big difference in taste between white and wheat products.

In the end.. Peter and I decided they were not "fit" for our guests... so I am guessing the whole wheat flour definitely ruined it... whether the fat free sour cream did too is still up in the there. The dogs have been enjoying them though. :-)

I will attempt the recipe again with regular flour to see much better they turn out. By the way the result should in no way affect any one's opinion of 4hats' recipe, but solely my baking and ingredient substitution skills!

Also while searching for more information about using whole wheat flour online, I ran across someone who claims that instead of substituting whole wheat flour in recipes for a better nutritional content, you can instead use 1/2 oatmeal flour with 1/2 regular flour. Oh and you make oatmeal flour, by just food processing oatmeal until its the consistency of flour. Neat! I want to try this too!!

Reminder: Free Holiday Fun

2009-11-20T18:11:00.001-07:00

Don't forget.. Foothills Mall has Santa arriving tomorrow with 30 tons of Snow!! It starts at 9:45.. but I would get there early. We live SOOO close by, we are gonna try and do it tomorrow morning! However, we will get there early for a decent parking spot, maybe grab a smoothie. :-)

And of course next weekend Walmart will be having Santa from 10am-2pm!

Free $10 Shutterfly credit

2009-11-20T12:56:00.003-07:00

Enter the Parenting.com Baby & Child Model Search and get a free $10 Shutterfly credit. The credit pops up right after you register, make sure you check the box to receive Shutterfly promotions when registering!

Bonus... maybe your munchkin will win!! :-)

And if you think Quinn would make the most adorable model.. Go Vote For Us!!

Another great find on SlickDeals!!!

Week 4 $50 Safeway Gift Card Giveaway and Week 3 Winner!

2009-11-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

The week 3 winner is entry #2 Milloy Family!!
Congrats Milloy Family, I will be emailing you to get your mailing address!!

As for everyone else, lets start week 4 of the Safeway $50 Gift Card Giveaway!!

There are only 2 more $50 Safeway Gift Cards to give away, so lets open it back up for a few extra entries.

Entry #1 (Mandatory)
Lets have some fun, I want to hear your baby boy name ideas please! Keep in mind my 1st little guy is named Quinn!

Entry #2
Subscribe to my feed or via email. Make sure you enter a separate comment letting me know you have subscribed (or already are a subscriber).

Entry #3
Blog about the give away and come back and link your blog entry in another comment!

Please make sure you email address is either posted or available in your blogger profile!

You have until Thursday (11/26) at 8pm to enter! Don't procrastinate, that is Thanksgiving Day! Yummmm!

Disclosure: I was also given an additional Safeway gift card to check out their new lower prices for myself. However, this in now way influences my opinions or reviews of their products or store!

Safeway Deals 11/19

2009-11-20T06:40:00.002-07:00

Last night I ran out and did a few errands with a partner in crime.. she kept me company since we went out sort of later-ish. However, we were Quinn-less which makes quick trips, actually Quick! Anyway, we hit frys (see post from last night), Safeway and Walgreens. It all went pretty well!!

Safeway has their Home for the Holidays Promo running where you spend $25 on baking type items and you earn $5 OYNO. This week makes for some cheap/free butter and cookie mix (or frosting) if you have some Qs!

2 Milks $1.49 each
8 ICBINB Baking Sticks $1.99 each- $1 MQ= $0.99 each
8 Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix $1.50 - $0.40 MQs= $0.50 each
Plus - (2) $0.40 EQs
However I was charged $0.97 tax.. all food.. why tax???
Total $16.59, paid $9.28 on a gift card and $7.31 OOP.

Earned $5 (holiday promo) OYNO and FOUR $2 OYNO (butters). You earn a $2 one for every 2 you buy! So a total of $13 OYNO....basically the butter and cookie mix were almost free when you factor out the prices of the milks I threw on the order!

What a great run. I was excited to see they had enough Butter in stock for my plan. Of course I may go back and ask about the tax.. unless someone out there in the blog world can explain it. I am pretty sure we don't pay tax on food in AZ...

Walgreens...
We also stopped by walgreens and I picked up a $25 old navy gift card, 2 snickers treats (fillers) - $10 RR= Total 15.78-$15 walgreens gift card from yesterday.. total $0.78 OOP.

Frys Run 11/19

2009-11-19T22:25:00.004-07:00

Pretty decent Run tonight, almost went perfect. They ended up being out of the McCormick Grinders that I was using as a free filler (I only found 1), so my total was $2 higher, I subbed the bagels since I still needed to get my subtotal to $30 to use the Fresh and Easy Q.

Anyway,
5 Duracell Batteries $1.88 each - $0.50 MQ= $0.88 each
2 Oscar Mayer Bacons $1.77- $0.75 MQ- $0.77 each
1 Sara Lee Bagels $2.07
1 Sour Cream $1
4 Philli Cream Cheese $1 each - $1/3 and $.50 (frys mailer)= $0.50 each (average)
4 Diet Coke 12 packs $1.88
1 McCormick Grinder $1- $0.50 MQ= free
5lbs Potatoes $0.58
1 white onion $1.10
-$6/30 Fresh and Easy Q (total was just $30.97 before they scanned this.. barely made it!)
-$6 in OYNO Qs
Total $9.77 on a Frys Gift Card

Earned $5 OYNO (Duracell, because I scanned my card last, so they rang up $4.99 each first.. before sale price) and $2 OYNO (oscar mayer).

Free Snow Fun with SANTA this Saturday!

2009-11-19T22:03:00.001-07:00

Foothills Mall is having a "Salute to Santa, Soldiers and Snow" this Saturday, November 21 starting at 9:45. Santa will arrive along with 30 tons of SNOW! It will be set up in the east parking lot.

This is a very popular event, so I suggest you get there early! I attempted to take Quinn last year right after it started and it was crazy in the parking lot. We will try again this year, but maybe arrive around 9 AM and just hangout in the mall or grab a smoothie before it starts. I think he will really enjoy playing with the snow!

To Do List Update 11/19

2009-11-19T13:42:00.002-07:00

Doing pretty good....

1.Order photo stamp xmas gifts with coupon codes and gift certificates - Done
2.Work on Guest Post for Precious - Done
3.Work on den/nursery - Done, its a work in progress
4.Steam Mop the Floors
5.Order cigar pack (xmas gift)
6.Dig Deeper for my food bank donations
7.Sign up for our open enrollment health insurance changes - Done
8.Sort through books in den to sell/donate - Done (peter's turn)
9.Sort through dvds in den to sell/donate - Done (peter's turn)
10.Pack up Photo Albums/loose photos (need bins from storage, so need peter's help)
11.Pack up remaining Books/Dvds- Waiting for Peter to sort
12.Sort Random Electronic Goodies- Done
13.Assess other photo xmas projects

Looking good so far. :-)

Guest Post!

2009-11-19T10:42:00.003-07:00

Precious over at FrugalMakesCents was kind enough to ask me to do a guest post for her!

I did one on Keeping Gift Costs Reasonable, my take on it anyway. :-) So if you are interested, go take a gander. Of course I will answer any questions..

Create your own Blog Button!!

2009-11-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

I am still working out kinks on my blog update, however I just came across the best blog button tutorial! It was so easy, I literally did it in like 5 minutes. Disclaimer: I already had a graphic ready to use from my previous version. However, I had struggled to get the code right last time.. this tutorial totally rocks and made it super fast and easy!!!

Blog Button Tutorial

Walgreens Run 11/18

2009-11-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

4 Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice $2.50 with store Q- $2 IP= $0.50 each

4 Olives $0.99 each with store Q- $1/2 IP= $0.49 each

$15 Walgreens Card

3 Holiday Pencils $0.13 each with store Q (filler)

-$15 RR

$4.38 on a Wag gift card.

Not a bad run... totally love the juice and olive prices. I might try and nag family for my IPs (i have maxed what I can print at home for now). And of course converted $15 in RR to a gift card.

Success at Frys!

2009-11-18T13:35:00.002-07:00

1 Package of Bagels $2.07
2 Sara Lee Bread $1.99
1 Dryers Ice Cream $1.98
2 Nature's Made Vitamin C $6.99 each - B1G1 sale- $7 MQ= $0.01 Overage
3 McCormick Grinders $1 each - $0.50 MQs= free
3 Idahoan Potatoes $1.00 each - $0.40 IP= free
2 Kroger Cottage Cheese $1 each
1 Kroger Sour Cream $1
1 California Pizza $4.88- $3 IP
2 Milks $1.88 each
3 Philly Cream Cheese $1 each - $1/3 MQ= $0.67 each
5 lbs Potatoes $0.58
3.17 lbs nanas (at $0.39/lb) = $1.24
3 Oscar Mayer Thick Cut bacon $1.77- $0.75 MQs= $0.77 each
4 Diet Coke $1.88 each
-$10/50 AJ's Q
-$2 OYNO Q
Total $18.31 OOP, and earned another $2.00 OYNO (bacon)

A decent run overall.. we were out of milk and soda again. Plus bread and nanas. The bacon is a great price, and the cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese were all decent at a $1!!

$15 off $15 at CSN= Cheap Xmas Gifts, cool toys!

2009-11-18T08:14:00.005-07:00

Check out this super cute toy I just bought for Quinn. Its on sale at CSN for $14.92 right now + shipping, but with the $15 off coupon I only had to pay shipping! So a cute fun toy for $5.95!

Lots of things for sale here: housewares, home improvement, toys, etc! Click through my link for $15 off any purchase.

The discount doesn't include shipping, but mine was only $5.95. I think $5.95 total for this super cute toy is a steal!!!

Note to parents: In the toy section there are lots of Melissa and Doug Toys for close to $15, which make them free or cheap + shipping!

And of course if you browse around, you will see lots of other items for sale besides toys... that just tends to be my personal focus! :-)

Thanks Swaggrabber!