This Beautiful Frugal Life

Nordstrom: Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Children with prices up to 40% off + FREE shipping and returns

2013-05-23T01:49:43Z

The Nordstom Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Kids just started and they have some great deals! These items are gone when sizes sell out, so don’t wait if you see something you want. Make sure and browse around. I barely scratched the surface as I searched for great deals.

As you’ve seen in other posts, lots of deals are to be found at higher end stores. Click here for a post with some tips I have for shopping at Nordstrom. And as always, shipping and returns are free at Nordstrom.com.

Also, don’t forget that the Clinique Free Bonus Bag is available right now with any purchase of $30 or more. It’s a great way to get a ton of free high-end makeup!

One of my favorite deals I found was on a brand of shoes I love for this year, Sperry Topsiders. They have some adorable kid’s shoes as well as as adult styles (even men’s) for as low as $25. My 6-year-old asked for a navy blue pair for his birthday last week. I was eager to oblige. That boy has style! Click here to see all the Sperry Topsiders on sale.

Do you lose earrings constantly like me? These are super cute for a cheap earring and at less than a dollar a pair, I can afford to lose them. These Carole Stud Earrings are just $5.98 for a set of six.

These Nordstrom at Home Zigzag Tufted Pillow Covers are soooooo cute! $10.80 is a great price. You can’t beat that at Ross!

I have this BP Hidden Pocket Boyfriend Tee in a couple colors and I love the comfort and cut. I’m going to buy it in the colors they have left because I blow through tees super fast. It’s just $11.90 which is 50% off the original price. They get washed so often, I’m constantly having to get new ones. My kids can destroy clothes fast, even mine!

I’ve always been a fan of Sam Edelman shoes for the style and comfort. They have this super fun line called Circus right now and most of it is on sale. I love the Jaela Sandal available in several sizes and colors shown in the picture above for just $32.79.

Make sure and check out the entire sale section at Nordstrom for men, women, children and home. You can sort by department and price. Just a reminder that they always have free shipping, free returns and price adjust as long as the items are still available!

Happy shopping for you or somebody else!

Recipe: Chicken Tostadas

2013-05-22T04:34:39Z

This recipe really is out of this world! It takes more than average time to prep but the payoff is worth it. I know I’m biased because I’m a sucker for Mexican food but these babies are one of my favorite recipes!

Ingredients:

1 medium white onion
1 pound tomatoes, quartered
2 large garlic cloves
1 or 2 fresh serrano chiles, stemmed
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
6 large radishes, halved and sliced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro, divided
1 rotisserie chicken, meat coarsely shredded (4 cups)
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
1 (1-pound) can refried beans, heated
1 avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled
1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1/4 cup crumbled queso añjo (aged white cheese, also called cotija) or ricotta salata
Extras: sliced serranos, lime wedges

Directions:

Preheat broiler.

Cut half of onion into 3/4-inch wedges, then chop remainder. Toss onion wedges, tomatoes, garlic, and whole chiles with 2 tablespoons oil in a 4-sided sheet pan, spreading in 1 layer.

Broil about 4 inches from heat until softened and charred, 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toss together lettuce, radishes, chopped onion, and half of cilantro.

Purée tomato mixture in a blender along with one or both roasted serranos (to taste) and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth(use caution when blending hot foods). Transfer purée to a bowl and stir in chicken, remaining cilantro, and salt to taste.
Heat remaining 1/2 cup oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Fry tortillas, 1 at a time, turning once or twice and pressing with tongs to immerse, until golden brown, 45 to 60 seconds per tortilla. Drain briefly on paper towels, then transfer to plates.

Spread tortillas thickly with heated refried beans, then top with chicken mixture. Slice avocado over tostadas and dollop with crema.

Mound lettuce mixture on top and sprinkle with cheese.

(Adapted from Gourmet)

Jessie is the mother of three sweet kids and the author of Bites, a recipe blog that will make your mouth water. Make sure to follow Bites on Facebook so you don’t miss a single recipe.

Make sure to check out our Recipe Box with links to all the recipes we have posted over the years.

Yoke’s Fresh Markets Weekly Deals: May 22 – 28

2013-05-22T22:00:59Z

These are the best deals I see this week at Yoke’s Fresh Market, starting Wednesday May 22nd. Don’t forget to follow Yoke’s on Facebook, as they have some spectacular Facebook-exclusive deals for their fans every so often.

Be sure to check out my full stock-up price list for all your household/pantry items, including Costco comparisons. I try to note best deals on these match-ups, but this list will give you a good idea of what I think is truly a stock-up price on several items.

IN-AD COUPON DEALS

Western Family Large Olives (6 oz) on sale $.89 (first 4)

Nalley Hot Dog or Hamburger Relish (10 oz) on sale $.99 (first 3)

Tree Top Apple Juice (3 pack, 6.75 oz) on sale $.89 (first 4)

Fresh Express Premium Garden Salad (9-12 oz) on sale $1.67 (first 3)
Use $.55/1 coupon from 3/10 SS insert
$1.12 each after coupons

Jennie-O Oven Roasted or Smoked Turkey Breast on sale $2 off (1 lb min, first 4 lbs)

Italian Coconut, Banana Cream or Chocolate Mousse Pies (9 inch) on sale $6.99 (first 2)

Hershey’s Candy Bars on sale $.50 (first 6)

Western Family Paper Plates (100 ct) on sale $1.39 (first 3)

FRESH PRODUCE DEALS

Whole Jumbo Cantaloupe on sale $2.50 each

Homegrown Farms Organic Blueberries (9.8 oz) on sale $3.98 each

California Grown Apricots on sale $2.98/lb

Extra Large Red, Yellow, Orange or Green Bell Peppers on sale $1 each
*Decent price for the colored peppers!

Sweet Corn on sale $.41/ear

Radishes or Green Onions on sale $.50/bunch

Vidalia Sweet Onions on sale $1.28/lb

Zucchini or Yellow Squash on sale $1.28/lb

Jumbo White or Cremini Mushrooms on sale $2.98/lb

OTHER WEEKLY DEALS

USDA Certified Hereford Lean Ground Beef (81/19) on sale $1.97/lb
*Fantastic price! Definitely worth stocking up.

Certified Hereford T-Bone Steaks on sale $6.99/lb

Longhorn Spiral Cut Ham on sale $2.99/lb

Fresh Oregon Shrimp Meat on sale $4.99/lb

Fresh Pacific Dover Sole Fillets on sale $5.49/lb

Yoke’s Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns on sale $.78 (first 4)

Rosemary Olive Oil Artisan Bread (16 oz) on sale $1.99

Franz Big White or 100% Whole Wheat Bread on sale $1.79

Lloyd’s BBQ Meat with Sauce (18 oz) on sale $3.99
Use $1/1 coupon
$2.99 each after coupon

Oscar Mayer Sliced Lunchmeat (9-16 oz) on sale $2.50

Oscar Mayer Bologna or Salami (16 oz) on sale $2

Kraft Natural Cheese Slices (7-8 oz) on sale $3
Buy 2
Use $1/2 coupon from 5/5 SS insert
$2.50 each after coupon

Ball Park Meat Franks (16 oz) on sale $2
Buy 2
Use $.75/2 coupon from 5/5 RP insert
$1.63 each after coupon

John Morrell Smoked Sausage (2 lb) on sale $2.49

Daisy Sour Cream or Cottage Cheese (16 oz) on sale $1.89
Use $.40/1 coupon from 3/10 SS insert
As low as $1.49 each after coupon

Reser’s Original or Macaroni Salad on sale $1.49/lb
Use $.55/1 coupon
Final price will vary

Stubb’s BBQ Sauce (18 oz) on sale $1.99

Kraft BBQ Sauce on sale $.99

Western Family Ketchup or Mustard (24 oz) on sale $.79

Western Family Mayonnaise (30 oz) on sale $2.59

Wishbone Salad Dressing (16 oz) on sale $1.99

Mezzetta Peppers (16 oz) on sale $1.50

Nalley Pickles (46 oz) on sale $2.50
Use $.75/1 coupon
$1.75 each after coupon

Kettle Brand Chips (8-8.5 oz) on sale $1.67
Use $1/1 coupon
$.67 each after coupon

Lay’s Kettle or Potato Chips (8-10 oz) on sale $1.88 (first 4)

Nabisco Snack Crackers (5.5-9.5 oz) on sale $1.67 (first 3)
Buy 2
Use $.75/2 coupon from 5/19 SS insert or $1/2 Triscuit Brown Rice and Wheat Crackers coupon from 4/14 SS insert
As low as $1.17 each after coupon

Nabisco Ritz Crackers (9.5-16 oz) on sale $2.50
Use $1/2 Ritz Toasted Chips coupon from 5/12 SS insert (if included)
As low as $2 each after coupon

Alden’s Ice Cream (48 oz) on sale $3.99

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Sherbet or Frozen Yogurt (1.5 qt) on sale $2.99
Buy 2
Use $1/2 coupon
$2.49 each after coupon

Dreyer’s or Nestle Frozen Novelties (4-60 ct) on sale $2.99
Use $1/1 Dreyer’s Outshine or Fruit Bars or Outshine Coconut Water Bars coupon from 4/21 SS insert or $1/3 Nestle coupon from 4/28 SS insert
As low as $1.99 each after coupon

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (6 pack) on sale $2.98
Buy 2
Use $1/2 coupon
$2.48 each after coupon

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider on sale $2.50

Coke, 7-UP or Dr. Pepper products (12 pack) on sale $3

7-UP or Dr. Pepper (2 liter) on sale $1

Santa Cruz Organic Lemonade (32 oz) on sale $1.50

La Croix Sparkling Water (8 pack) on sale $2.50

Western Family Frozen Limeade or Lemonade on sale $.99

Kids Animal Folding Chair or Folding Chair with Cup Holder on sale $7.98

Tek Toothbrushes on sale $.50

Clear Shampoo or Conditioner (12.9 oz) on sale $3.98
Buy 2
Use BOGO coupon from 5/19 RP insert
$1.99 each after coupon

Banana Boat Suncare on sale 25% off
Use $2/1 coupon from 4/21 SS insert or $1/1 or $3/2 coupon from 5/19 RP insert or $3.25/2 coupon
Final price will vary

Western Family Paper Towels (6 rolls) on sale $2.99

Let me know if you see anything I missed for this week. Happy shopping!

{Product Review} NETFLIX: Amazing family-friendly programming + FREE one-month trial

2013-05-22T21:13:19Z

This post is sponsored by Netflix, but the opinions are 100% mine. I can’t lie, I’m in love.

When Netflix contacted us recently to see if we’d be interested in reviewing their family-friendly options I agreed in about two seconds. I then joked that it would be a short review, something along the lines of “I’d probably die if I didn’t have Netflix.” That sums it up, right? It’s pretty amazing!

These are my kids, with their eyes glued on “My Little Pony”

They are currently offering a 1-month free trial if you are a new customer. Click here to check out Netflix and see the information on signing up for the free trial. After your trial period, monthly subscriptions are as low as $7.99 per month.

Sometimes, you need to skip nap and watch “101 Dalmations”

We love streaming Netflix! Because of the ease of getting it on all our devices, it’s pretty much all we watch for children’s shows even though we have a pretty great DVD collection. We are able to stream it instantly with the touch of a button to our TV through the Wii, on the iPad, on the iPhone and on the computer. I even log in at my parent’s house when we visit and watch it on their iPad and TV. Netflix is available on hundreds of devices, some of which you probably already have at home.

We have tried several other options for streaming and not one has been as simple to use as Netflix. Even our 2-year-old can start a show. Streaming is easier than you think. You can download the free app, or click on the Netflix app on any gaming device. If you just have a computer, you can visit Netflix.com on your computer.

I call this picture “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Netflix has recently added new content from Hasbro, Disney Jr. and Cartoon Network. If you have had it in the past, this selection is much larger than it was previously. Recently we have watched 101 Dalmations, Angelina Ballerina, Curious George and Dr.Seuss’ The Lorax for a family movie night. To watch these longer, feature-films in the past we had to pay for a Redbox so I love that these are included in our subscription now. The dedicated kids section has family favorites appropriate for children ages 2- 12. All content is selected with help from Common Sense Media to provide ratings, reviews and information so parents can easily make choices for their kids.

Does your family have nightly or weekly routines around watching Netflix that are special? Share how you watch Netflix with your kids and what some of their favorite shows are that are available.

What are you watching on TV with your family? Netflix has family favorites from Disney, Disney Jr., Hasbro, Cartoon Network and Dreamworks that are available to stream anytime, anywhere. And streaming is easier than you think! Download the free app on your iPad, click on the Netflix app on any gaming device, go to the website on your computer – and you’re in business. Check it out here!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NETFLIX.

Fred Meyer: Huggies Pull-Ups as low as $4.49 per pack

2013-05-22T05:09:52Z

Check out this great deal that Angela over at The Coupon Project found on Huggies Pull-Ups. Finding a really good price on these can be a bit of a challenge. Right now at Fred Meyer, when you buy two jumbo packs of Pull-Ups in one transaction, you will receive a $5 catalina coupon good on your next visit.

Here’s how it plays out:

Purchase:
(2) Huggies Jumbo Pack Pull-Ups $8.99
Use (2) $2/1 coupons or from 5/19 SS regional insert or $1.50/1 coupons
Pay $13.98, Get $5 catalina
As low as $4.49 each after coupons and catalina

There may be some other varieties included in this sale, so here are a few other coupons to print and take with you:

$1.50/1 Huggies coupon
$1.50/1 Huggies Little Movers Slip-Ons coupon
$1/1 Huggies Little Swimmers Swim Diapers coupon

Thanks The Coupon Project!

Amazon: Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss just $9.99 (fantastic graduation gift!)

2013-05-21T23:16:20Z

Amazon currently has Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss in hardcover for just $9.99. This is one of my all-time favorite graduation gifts. It is such an amazing message about the ups and downs and trials and missteps that come with navigating through life, especially those years right out of high school or college. At this price, it’s inexpensive enough to add in something practical like a gift card or something for a dorm room. I just love the idea of giving something with a little more meaning behind it as well.

Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or with a qualifying $25 purchase.

Learn how to earn Amazon gift cards by using Swagbucks as your search engine.

Please remember: Amazon prices can change very quickly. Please verify that the price is the same as what I post before purchasing. As of 5/21/13 at 2:30 PM, this listed price was accurate.

Zulily: Become a Costco member or upgrade existing membership + $50 in coupons + 3 FREE products

2013-05-21T14:50:16Z

Zulily has a fantastic deal for new or existing Costco members! For just $55, you can become a new Costco member or upgrade your existing membership to a Executive membership. Along with your membership, you will also receive $50 worth of Costco coupons, including a FREE rotisserie chicken, free 48-pack of batteries and a 35-count case of Kirkland Signature water.

Sign up or sign in to Zulily. Once you purchase your voucher, you will receive an activation card in the mail that you can take in to your local Costco. New members can purchase one activation card and exchange for a Gold Star or Business membership or purchase two cards and exchange for an Executive membership that comes with 2% cash back on all your Costco purchases.

Existing members can upgrade their Business or Gold Star membership to an Executive membership. We ended up upgrading to the Executive membership because we knew we were buying their giant playhouse that would make the cash back worth it. Plus, we just spend a fortune at Costco.

Click here, open the Costco sale and purchase your voucher. This is a great deal as there are rarely additional perks for signing up for a membership!

Discount Mags: One-year subscription to Family Handyman Magazine just $4.49

2013-05-21T04:49:03Z

DiscountMags.com has a one-year subscription to Family Handyman Magazine for just $4.49. You can buy up to four years and each subscription has 11 issues, only $.41 per issue! This deal will be available until 9 PM PST on 5/21/13.

This would be a great gift for Father’s Day which is coming up on June 16, 2013. If you order now, the first issue should arrive just after the holiday.

From Discount Mags:

Family Handyman Magazine is for people who take an active interest in home improvement, yard and garden care, maintenance and repair, and remodeling. Family Handyman also features information on woodworking, auto maintenance, energy efficiency, and decorating.

How to order:

Go here to order, subscription will be $19.97 (original price $39.90)
Use promo code 1319 to drop the price to $4.49
Purchase your magazine

Please allow 8-10 weeks for your first issue to arrive.

Nordstrom: FREE Clinique Bonus Bag with purchase + FREE shipping ($80 value)

2013-05-20T20:52:31Z

Nordstrom is running a fantastic promotion on Clinique products right now: Buy any participating item $30 or more, snag a FREE Clinique bonus gift bag. Nordstrom always offers free shipping and free returns, although this promo is available in-store as well.

Your gift will include:

Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream (0.17 oz)
Liquid Facial Soap Mild (1 oz)
Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips (1.7 oz)
Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in New York Dawn and Chocolate Chip
Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Chocolate (.01 oz)
Long Last Lipstick in Twilight Nude (0.14 oz)
High Impact Mascara in Black or High Impact Waterproof Mascara in Black (0.13 oz)
Tracy Reese for Clinique Cosmetic Bag

There are several items right around $30 that would work for this promotion. Clinique makes such high quality products that last and actually work. Their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is the only thing I will use on my face. I have tried several other products (super cheap and not cheap at all) and it is the all-around best bet for me. Very moisturizing, but not in the least bit greasy. I always try and wait for one of their free gift promos to purchase the lotion, just to stretch my dollars a little further.

What is your favorite Clinique product?

Click here to order and see all the participating items.

Zulily: Silver jeans as low as $34.99

2013-05-20T14:46:29Z

Zulily has a fantastic deal on Silver brand jeans today, with styles as low as $34.99! Silver is one of my favorite brands, as they actually fit my long legs, hold their shape and don’t cost a small fortune. I have paid upwards of $80 for a pair of these, so this is a great price!

Sign up or sign in to Zulily
Open the Silver Jeans Co. sale
Shipping starts at $5.95

Some items at Zulily are not eligible for return, please make sure to check the fine print. They will honor defective or damaged products, but can’t exchange for size or color.

Amazon: Babyganics 2-ounce Sunscreen (SPF 50) just $3.03 + FREE shipping!

2013-05-20T14:33:09Z

Amazon has Babyganics Cover Up Baby On-the-go Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion 50 SPF (Pack of 4) for just $12.12 or $3.03 per 2-ounce bottle, free shipping included!

I’m super excited about this one! I love the idea of having four small bottles instead of one big one. I always forget the sunscreen. You could have one in your purse, one in the car, one in the diaper bag. This is even the perfect size to take on an airplane if you are traveling. It’s perfect!

Here’s how to take advantage of this deal:

Click here to order, the original price will be $12.76
Choose the “Subscribe & Save” option on the right hand side of the screen
Free shipping is included

This drops your price down to just $12.12 shipped!

Subscribe & Save does mean that you are now signed up to receive recurring shipments at whatever interval you chose. If you do not want to receive additional shipments, just go into “My Account” and click on “Manage Subscribe & Save Items”. All you have to do is cancel your subscription, you are under no obligation to purchase additional items. Your order may not ship right away, as your Subscribe & Save items are all grouped together to ship on one date. If you need them soon, click on “Change Schedule” in your account to change the ship date/month.

Learn how to earn Amazon gift cards by using Swagbucks as your search engine.

Please remember: Amazon prices can change very quickly. Please verify that the price is the same as what I post before purchasing. As of 5/20/13 at 6:49 AM, this listed price was accurate.

Fred Meyer Weekly Deals: May 19 – 25

2013-05-20T05:11:16Z

As you may have noticed, Fred Meyer match ups for this coming week are not up on the blog and it is late Sunday night. We had a CRAZY weekend helping get ready for our huge gym grand opening party and then all day yesterday at the workout/party and THEN back for a BBQ tonight. Our kids may or may not think we live at the gym. There wasn’t a spare second to be had.

Now that I have a few minutes to sit down with the computer, I don’t feel like the Fred Meyer match ups are the best use of my time. I imagine you have seen them on other blogs and/or done your shopping already. If you haven’t seen them yet, I’m going to send you over to The Coupon Project for some great ideas.

Be sure to check out the great prices on produce, ground beef, All detergent and more. Click here to see all the deals.

I’d love to hear if you have found any other great deals this week. Happy shopping!

Sunday Coupon Preview: 3 coupon inserts + new printables ($25 off FoodSaver, Brita, K-Cups + more)

2013-05-18T20:26:53Z

Sunday Coupon Preview shows that we are getting three coupon inserts on Sunday: two Smartsource inserts and one Red Plum. Head on over here to see what coupons are included. Please remember, some coupons may be regional, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.

Coupons.com has also released some new coupons this week. Here are a few of my favorites:

Click here to see all the new coupons.

Rite Aid weekly deals: May 19 – 25

2013-05-18T20:21:41Z

Each week, I will be posting my full Rite Aid match ups over at Frugal Living NW. Click here to start planning your shopping trip.

This looks like a great week with Sundown vitamins, Huggies diapers, body wash, Twizzlers and more. You can also find great deals on Nutella, Garnier hair care and sun care products.

I do occasional updates during the week on new deals, sneak peeks for the coming week or my personal shopping trips. I always post on Facebook and Twitter when I do these updates, make sure to follow me so you don’t miss anything!

I can’t wait to hear about your shopping trips this week!

Amazon: The Best Teacher Ever Book just $3.92 {great end of year gift idea}

2013-05-18T06:01:57Z

Amazon has “The Best Teacher Ever” by Mercer Mayer in Paperback for just $3.92. This would be such a fun gift idea for an end of the year teacher gift.

I’m going to give one to my son’s teacher along with an Amazon Gift Card to buy their own books. I’ll have him sign the inside cover so she remembers who it is from.

Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or with a qualifying $25 purchase.

Learn how to earn Amazon gift cards by using Swagbucks as your search engine.

Please remember: Amazon prices can change very quickly. Please verify that the price is the same as what I post before purchasing. As of 5/17/13 at 2:20 PM, this listed price was accurate.

Discount Mags: One-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens Magazine just $4.99

2013-05-18T04:10:40Z

DiscountMags.com has a one-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens for just $4.99. You can buy up to four years and each subscription has 12 issues, only $.42 per issue! This deal will be available until 9 PM PST on 5/18/13.

I love this magazine! It has a wide-range of articles from cooking and gardening to relationship advice and home decor. And, it looks like you get access to the magazine via ipad when you are a print subscriber.

From Discount Mags:

Better Homes & Gardens magazine is designed for people interested in turning home, cooking, and gardening inspiration into action. It is focused on decorating, building and remodeling, crafts, entertaining, cooking, healthy living, and gardening. It also has extensive information specifically for women and families.

How to order:

Go here to order, subscription will be $14.97 (original price $41.88)
Use promo code 2528 to drop the price to $4.99
Purchase your magazine

Please allow 8-10 weeks for your first issue to arrive.

Amazon: The Hunger Games Movie Tie-In Edition just $1.71 (original book 1 with new art work)

2013-05-17T05:58:19Z

Check out this AMAZING deal at Amazon right now. The Hunger Games: Movie Tie-In Edition in paperback is just $1.71. According to the book description, this is the original book 1 with new art work on the cover. Fantastic price that most likely won’t last long!

Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or with a qualifying $25 purchase.

Learn how to earn Amazon gift cards by using Swagbucks as your search engine.

Please remember: Amazon prices can change very quickly. Please verify that the price is the same as what I post before purchasing. As of 5/16/13 at 10:45 PM, this listed price was accurate.

Thanks Couponing to Disney!

Barnes & Noble: 2013 Summer Reading Program (kids can earn a FREE book!)

2013-05-16T05:31:04Z

If you are starting to make a list of summer activities for you and your children this summer, the 2013 Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program would be a fun one to motivate your kids to read. They will earn a free book when they compete the program. All they have to do is read eight books!

They also offer this super helpful Guide & Activity Workbook to keep you busy learning and reading over the summer.

How to Participate

Read any 8 books and record them in the Reading Journal (PDF).
Bring the completed Reading Journal to your local B&N store. Click here to find a store.
Choose a FREE BOOK from the selection on the Reading Journal list at the store.

So fun! I’ll be doing this with my kids this summer. They love picking out new books!

My Kids Were Here: Hunting for bears and chasing bad guys

2013-05-16T06:14:45Z

Each week I will be sharing a different photo, something that throws me right back into the little moments of joy that my kids create. Something that reminds me. My kids were here.

If you don’t know, I have two boys ages 2 and 4. Their favorite activities are wrestling, fighting, wrestling and fighting, yelling, screaming, spitting, playing “bad guys”, hunting for bears (yes, you read that right) and chasing dinosaurs. Everything at our house is loud and busy and smelly and sometimes a little rambunctious.

They created a game called “Underwear”, where the only rules are that they have to punch each other and yell Underwear! as loud as possible. They also created a game called “Snatcher and Catcher”, but I have yet to figure out the rules to that one. There is a lot of pushing.

However, even outlaws and “bad guys” have to take potty breaks. It only makes sense to take the gun with you, just in case things get a little out of control.

Question of the Day: Is this just a boy thing? Are they born with the need to get all sweaty and crazy and violent? What are your kids favorite games to play together?

If you have a photo you would like to share, go ahead and send the photo to me at beautifulfrugallife {at} gmail {dot} com with the subject title “My Kids Were Here”. Please include a paragraph or two letting us know what the photo means to you or what moment it represents.

Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta

2013-05-12T22:17:13Z

This is one of my husband’s favorite dishes. You can buy pre-made cajun seasoning or you can make your own. This would make a great father’s day meal if your hubby likes spicy dishes!

Ingredients:

1/2 pound linguine pasta
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup butter
2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
8 fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 green onion, minced
1 1/2 cups half & half
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguini pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl, and toss to coat.

Depending on how much you are making, you may need to use two skillets for the following steps: In a large skillet over medium heat, saute chicken in butter until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add green and red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms and green onions; cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat, and stir in half & half. Season the sauce with basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper, and heat through.

In a large bowl, toss linguini with sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

(Adapated from Allrecipes.com)

Jessie is the mother of three sweet kids and the author of Bites, a recipe blog that will make your mouth water. Make sure to follow Bites on Facebook so you don’t miss a single recipe.

Make sure to check out our Recipe Box with links to all the recipes we have posted over the years.

{Seattle Area} Bloomspot: $40 voucher to Lunchbox Laboratory just $20

2013-05-16T21:17:30Z

Bloomspot has a great deal for Lunchbox Laboratory today: Snag a $40 voucher for just $20. They have locations in both South Lake Union (Seattle) and Bellevue. This is one of our favorite hamburger spots in town.

We have eaten at both locations and they are both amazing. The food is really good and I love the vibe. It’s fun for dates and for taking kids. It’s pretty hard to resist a truffle burger with sweet potato fries!

These vouchers do sell out from time to time so don’t wait if you want this one. To get this deal:

If you are new to Bloomspot sign up here
If you are already signed up for Bloomspot find the deal here
Pick out the location you want to purchase for and proceed to checkout.

If you are tired of daily deal sites and don’t even sign up for new ones any longer, let me tell you, this one is actually worth subscribing to. Bloomspot has vouchers to the restaurants & shopping for places that you are dying to try but never show up on the other daily deal sites!

The fine print:

* Valid from 5:00 pm–11:00 pm only
* Valid for food and non-alcoholic beverages
* Full value redeemable until 08/31/13.
* Paid value never expires.
* Valid at selected location only
* Dine-in only; not valid for take-out or delivery
* May purchase multiple certificates
* Limit 1 certificate per party
* Must redeem in 1 visit; no cash or credit back
* Taxes and gratuity not included
* Cannot be used with other offers or happy hour
* Refunds allowed up to 24 hours after close of Bloomspot sale

Amazon: Duck Dynasty Season 1 & 2 on DVD for under $10

2013-05-16T14:45:45Z

Is your family obsessed with Duck Dynasty? We love that it’s hilarious and kid friendly enough to all watch it together. Both of the seasons available on DVD are currently less than $10. This would make a great Father’s Day gift!

For Mother’s Day, my family got me the first two seasons of Duck Dynasty. They also took me out to BBQ for lunch. It wasn’t your standard flowers and brunch. When I laughed about how cool I was for going to BBQ, my six-year-old stated, “Only weird moms don’t have BBQ and watch Duck Dynasty on Mother’s Day.” Ha!

What’s your favorite Duck Dynasty quote? Mine is when Miss Kay says, “You aren’t a proper woman until you own a goat or two.” I’m using her argument to try and convince my husband we need some urban farm animals.

Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or with a qualifying $25 purchase.

Learn how to earn Amazon gift cards by using Swagbucks as your search engine.

Please remember: Amazon prices can change very quickly. Please verify that the price is the same as what I post before purchasing. As of 5/16/13 at 7:16 AM, this listed price was accurate.

{Tri-Cities} Spotted Fox: Manicure and pedicure at Artistry Salon just $22

2013-05-16T14:43:38Z

Today’s Spotted Fox deal is fantastic: Snag a full manicure and pedicure at Artistry Salon in Kennewick for just $22! This is generally what I pay for just a pedicure at my favorite drop-in nail place. Artistry Salon is located at 3030 W. Clearwater.

Click here to get started.

The fine print:
* Limit 2 per person, plus 1 as a gift
* Gratuity not included
* Appointment required
* Promotional value good through 11/23/13

Amazon: 20-ounce Blender Bottle just $5.99 (perfect for protein shakes!)

2013-05-16T06:01:25Z

Amazon has this 20-ounce Blender Bottle in Black marked down to just $5.99! These generally run anywhere between $7 and $10 each.

We use these every day at the gym, so I was searching for a deal to pick up a few extra and found this. Great price! They work great. I just throw in my water, protein powder and ice and shake. Super simple.

Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or with a qualifying $25 purchase.

Learn how to earn Amazon gift cards by using Swagbucks as your search engine.

Please remember: Amazon prices can change very quickly. Please verify that the price is the same as what I post before purchasing. As of 5/15/13 at 10:45 PM, this listed price was accurate.

Abe’s Market: 20% off + FREE shipping on all orders (Burt’s Bees, Seventh Generation + more)

2013-05-16T05:24:46Z

Abe’s Market is offering free shipping on all orders + 20% off through May 17, 2013. They have a huge selection of organic and natural products for the home and family, including brands like Seventh Generation, Gogo Squeez, Avalon Organics, Burt’s Bees and Cascadian Farms.

How to Order

Click here to get to the free shipping information
Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout
Enter code SPRING20 at checkout (to the left of list of items)
If you don’t have an account at Abe’s Market you will be prompted to do this now
Continue the checkout process and you will get a page with a pledge for free shipping, make the pledge and you are done!

This would be a great way to get a discount on many brands that rarely or never go on sale. A few things I found at great prices were natural sunscreen, cloth diapers, teacher gifts, and snacks. Please let us know if you see any good deals!

Click here to start shopping.