Utah Deal Diva: Helping Utah Families Live on Less

Half off Gourmet Groceries from Plentiful Pantry

2012-05-22T09:37:00.001-06:00

For the next 2 days only, Groupon is offering $50 worth of gourmet foods from Plentiful Pantry- for only $25! I've tried several Plentiful Pantry items and actually- they were all really, really good. However, in my opinion, these are still too pricey to purchase them with the intent to put them in your regular weekly dinner rotation. However- look how pretty they are- these make fantastic gifts! These would be darling Teacher Appreciation gifts, holiday gifts for neighbors or co-workers, etc. See offer here.

Groupon: Horseback Riding Lessons in Payson

2012-05-22T09:29:00.003-06:00

One of today's Groupons is for discounted horseback riding lessons in Payson. Kids as young as 5 are able to participate. There are two different options- $35 for two private lessons or $60 for four private lessons. See offer here.

Wow- I've never seen a Groupon for horseback riding lessons- this would be a neat opportunity for the kids to learn a new skill over the summer!

50% off Colby's Kettle Corn

2012-05-22T09:19:00.002-06:00

For the next week, Plum District is offering half off Colby's Kettle Corn. For $12 {+$6 shipping!} you get 6 big bags of lightly seasoned kettle corn. You can choose from salty-sweet, cinnamon sugar, white cheddar, chili cheese, or the variety pack. they use 100% natural ingredients and the popcorn is low fat, low calorie and high in fiber. They're also gluten-free and 2 of the 4 varieties are dairy free!

If you haven't already, use code visa10 to get 10% savings, making this deal $10.80. It's make a great present for Father's Day too!

Colby's sent me out some kettle corn to try and it's awesome. I love, love, love popcorn- I eat it at least a couple times each week. Since going dairy-free, I feel my treat choices are limited, so it's been nice to have a sweet option that tastes so good! Whip up a fruit smoothie, fill up a bowl of popcorn and I'm set.

See offer here.

Tesoro Gas Cards for Good Grades from Kids Ages 13+

2012-05-21T20:54:00.000-06:00

Kids ages 13 and above {and even adults up to age 23!} can enroll in the Tesoro Gallons for Grades program here and get gas gift cards when they score at least a B average! Kids with an A average will get a $10 gas card, B averages will get you a $5 gas card. Grades can be submitted via web or snail mail.

This program is only available in select states, Utah being one of them! Other participating states include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. You must be enrolled in a "qualified academic institution." See more info here.

Thanks MoneySavingMom!

$99 Discovery Gateway Membership Sale

2012-05-21T15:46:00.001-06:00

Discovery Gateway is running a sale on their 4-person membership package right now. You can get a 4-person one-year membership for $99 {regular price is $115.} See offer details here.

On June 2nd they're also holding a free family event outside Discovery Gateway:

Discovery Gateway is partnering with the Utah Office of Child Care for the launch of their new website “Care about Childcare”

Saturday, June 2^nd 11am-2pm

Outside, in front of the museum on Rio Grande Street

This is a FREE event for parents and children to celebrate the new website, careaboutchildcare.utah.gov, promoting resources for families looking for quality child care services in Utah.

We encourage participants to ride their bikes to the event, decorate their bikes, and join in the bike parade at 2:00.

The event will feature a variety of activities, including the bike parade, arts and crafts, physical fitness, child safety, dairy nutrition, face paintings, balloon artists, and performances by the One Voice Children’s Choir, School of Rock, and Radio Disney.

Discovery Gateway will provide two-for-one admission to the museum during the event.

Huggies Size 3- .16 per diaper on Amazon

2012-05-21T10:27:00.002-06:00

Right now Amazon has size 3 Huggies Snug & Dry {156 ct} for $34.25. Discount 20% for Subscribe & Save/ Amazon Mom and clip the $2 coupon and you'll pay only $25.40, which is .16 per diaper. Costco Huggies using the $6 coupon works out to be .15/diaper, so this is a pretty good deal, particularly if you need diapers!

If you're expecting and trying to stock up on diapers, all my kids have been in size 3 the longest, so stocking up on this size is a great idea. See the deal here.

I tried Kirkland brand diapers and LOVE them. The only problem is I tried them out when the coupon was available... and of course now when I need more diapers, there's no coupon. I noticed too, they're the exact same price as the Huggies diapers! Whatever happened to off-brand being cheaper?!

Hillshire Farm Sausage: $2.44 after Coupon at Smith's

2012-05-21T09:23:00.003-06:00

I found several new coupons this morning! Print a coupon for .55/1 Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage. Not only is this a unique coupon, but this item is on sale at Smith's right now! It's part of the "Buy 10, save $4" promotion. It's only $2.44 after coupon! Our family loves these; they're wonderful on the grill. Add a side dish and a salad and you've got dinner- most likely for around $5!

More great coupons:

Giveaway: $50 to MIKAROSE, Modest Trendy Clothing

2012-05-21T04:20:00.000-06:00

Update: This contest ends SOON! Enter now to win!

Can you tell I've been trying to bring back some style into my wardrobe? After going through the whole pregnancy-post-birth-body process 4 times in the past 8 years I've somehow acquired more Mommy-frump clothes than I want to admit. So I'm trying to select a few super cute, but still modest pieces that are versatile and comfortable. It's harder than you'd think! However, thankfully, a few companies have emerged over the years that offer just that- modest, stylish clothes. You know, something you can wear while chasing down your toddler and simultaneously catching your husband's eye in the process.

I first heard about Mikarose while browsing Pinterest. A darling dress caught my eye and seeing the neckline and hemline, I immediately thought, I can wear that dress! {It was the Serena dress! Love it!} I clicked through to see where I could get it and then took another 30 minutes to browse all the fabulous clothes Mikarose offers. The stars then aligned and Mikarose contacted me, offering me up an item to try out. I chose the Half-Sleeve Flower Top in plum. It's super soft and the neckline is perfect. I wish it were a bit longer- I'm tall and have a long torso, so longer shirts are a must. When I wore it with jeans, I put a cami underneath, but when I wore it with a high-waisted skirt, it was perfect. I love the sleeves though and the little flower details. So many of their items are unique, but still traditional at the same time. I love the classic little black Eva dress too- that's next on my wish list!

One lucky reader will win $50 to MIKAROSE!

There are three ways to enter:

Visit the Mikarose website and tell me your favorite item. {Enter the info after logging in below.}
Like Mikarose on Facebook and post to their wall, letting them know Utah Deal Diva sent you!
Pin an item from the Mikarose website. You can also follow me on Pinterest here.

Contest ends Monday, May 21st! Good luck to everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Smith's: $5.82 for Huggies Pull-Ups

2012-05-20T12:48:00.001-06:00

There's a decent deal on Huggies diapers starting May 23rd that use a catalina with the fantastic coupons we got in the newspaper today. {If you're not familiar with that catalinas are, read all about them here.} I detailed out three different deal scenarios below.

Catalina: Buy $20 worth of Huggies diapers & wipes, get $5 voucher at checkout, to use on your next order.
Valid 5/23- 5/29

Deal Scenario:
Purchase 3 Huggies Pull-Ups, $9.49 each

Subtotal: $28.47
Use three $2/1 coupons from 5/20 SS {there's also a $1.50/1 Pulls-ups coupon here}
Pay $22.47 OOP {out-of-pocket}
Receive a $5 catalina back, to use on your next order
Final price: $17.47- which is like paying $5.82 per pack of Pull-ups!

Deal Scenario:
Purchase 2 Huggies Pull-Ups, $9.49 each
Purchase 1 tub Huggies wipes, $2.44 each

Subtotal: $21.42
Use two $2/1 coupons from 5/20 SS {there's also a $1.50/1 Pulls-ups coupon here}
Use one .50/1 Huggies wipes coupon from 5/20 SS
Pay $16.92 OOP
Receive a $5 catalina back, to use on your next order
Final price: $11.92- which is like paying $5.96 per pack of Pull-ups and getting the wipes FREE!

Deal Scenario:
Purchase 2 Huggies Little Swimmers diapers, $9.49 each
Purchase 1 tub Huggies wipes, $2.44 each

Subtotal: $21.42
Use two $1.50/1 coupons from 5/20 SS
Use one .50/1 Huggies wipes coupon from 5/20 SS
Pay $17.92 OOP
Receive a $5 catalina back, to use on your next order
Final price: $12.92- which is like paying $6.46 per pack of swim diapers and getting the wipes FREE!

Today's Paper: Free McDonald's Chiller & Great Coupons

2012-05-20T12:23:00.000-06:00

Today's newspaper, 5/20 was a good one! The Parade magazine had coupons for both a FREE McDonald's Cherry Berry Chiller {no purchase necessary!} and $1 off any frozen drink. The coupons expire June 15th, so we have plenty of time to use them. Again, this is one of those weeks where having 4 papers is so nice!

There was 1 Smart Source insert in the paper as well and I was excited for all the coupons for summertime products! Here are the coupons I think will make a good deal:

.75/1 La Victoria Tortillas
$1/2 Kraft Salad dressings
$3/2 Coppertone Suncare products
.50/2 Heinz Homestyle Beans [priced at $1 at Walmart, so .75 each after coupon}
.50/1 Heinz Ketchup {any size!}
.55/1 Mrs. Cubbison's Croutons
$2 off Huggies Pull-ups
$1.50/1 Huggies Little Swimmers

If you're not yet receiving a newspaper subscription- the statewide papers, The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News are only $39 a year right now! That works out to be only .75 per week! You can get up to 4 newspapers per household. If you'd like more info on how to get one, you can email me at utahdealdiva at gmail dot com. Put NEWSPAPER in the subjectline.

Utah Business Owners: Leave a Link!

2012-05-19T11:38:00.002-06:00

Photo Credit- Amanda Petersen Photography

Utah business owners, listen up! Every Saturday I post a Locals Only Link Up that will enable you to get the word out about a hot sale or great promotion your business is currently running. No business is too small- I welcome Etsy shops, online stores, boutiques, etc. Share the details of a local Giveaway, current coupon promotion or just let everyone know about your fantastic business!

Be sure to put a description of the sale or promo you're running!

Ex: My Great Business: 50% off Sale!
You get bonus points for offering Utah Deal Diva readers an exclusive deal!

$2 Amazon MP3 Credit for Sharing on Facebook

2012-05-19T11:34:00.002-06:00

If you have a Facebook account, go here and type in your favorite song and click "Share and Claim" to get a $2 Amazon MP3 credit! Credit must be used by May 24th.

15% off Plum District Code= 50% off Silhouette!

2012-05-19T11:21:00.000-06:00

Plum District has released code 15FORYOU that will get you 15% off any Plum District offer this weekend only. If you missed out on the Silhouette deal last time, it's back again- and better! This time you can get anything on the Silhouette website- accessories, vinyls, totes, blades, mats, etc! Anything you'd like! Use code 15FORYOU to pay $25.50 for $60 worth of Silhouette merchandise! See offer here.

This 15% off code is actually valid on any Plum District offer that's not labeled a Plum Steal. You can see what other deals are there here.

New Jumbo Joe's Produce Baskets in Sandy- free produce?!

2012-05-18T19:39:00.000-06:00

Most of you know I love Jumbo Joe's Produce Baskets. I do. They're fabulous. You can read all about them here. There are opening up a new Sandy pick-up location and to celebrate they're giving away FREE produce baskets. Free! I have no idea how many or what the process will be, but if you live close by and are free between 11am and 1pm tomorrow, 5/19, you might want to stop by! Here's the post from their Facebook page:

Attention Northern Utah: We are opening a Sandy site at the Sandy Mall Spoons and Spice Kitchen Store. Come out tomorrow 11-1 and enter to win one month of free produce baskets in addition to free baskets on site. See you there! Ordering is open now at www.UtahBaskets.com.

Save $1.50 off Pull-Ups

2012-05-18T19:38:00.003-06:00

When you're buying Pull-Ups for little ones, you end up living from coupon to coupon. Here's one for $1.50/1 package of Huggies Pull-Ups. Pretty high value coupon!

I know the big packs of Pull-Ups are on sale at Target- buy 2, get a $5 Target gift card. Works out to be $15.79 per big pack. that should hold you over for a while!

53% Off Adobe Photoshop Elements

2012-05-18T08:30:00.001-06:00

If you've been looking for a way to touch-up pictures for less, Adobe Photoshop Elements might be your answer! Today only, it's on sale at Amazon for $47, which is 53% off its normal price of $99. The "real" Adobe Photoshop program costs about $600 {no joke!} but this Elements version is essentially the mini- version. I purchased it when it was on Gold Box deal last time, which was 2 years ago. It's a lot more user friendly, simple to make adjustments to pictures and really, has everything I need.

Turn everyday memories into sensational photos you'll cherish forever. Adobe Photoshop Elements 10-the newest version of the No. 1 consumer photo-editing software-makes it easy to edit and create using automated options. Make flawed photos phenomenal with a brush stroke, create perfect group shots, and easily add patterns and effects. Tell your stories in unique printed creations and Online Albums, share photos with your social network, and view photos virtually anywhere you are. Award winning for 10 years.

See offer details here.

Grilled Honey Chicken with Glazed Pineapple

2012-05-17T14:18:00.001-06:00

Memorial Day is coming up and there's nothing like firing up the grill for a fun, backyard get together. Add this amazing Grilled Honey Chicken to your menu! I've made this recipe for years now. It's so simple and delicious- I don't even measure the ingredients anymore. Add some fresh veggies and voila, dinner is served!

I like to pound the chicken breasts thin and cut them in half. Not only do they cook faster on the grill, but they absorb more flavor. Besides, no one ever eats an entire chicken breast anyways.

Marinate the chicken separate from any veggies you're also grilling. I got the original recipe from Allrecipes here- they did kabobs, which are fun, but just an extra several steps in my opinion. If you slice up a real pineapple, don't marinate it at all. Instead, just set aside some of the marinade and brush it on a few times while cooking. It'll give it an extra zing of flavor- the honey caramelizes and it all just tastes so good.

Grilled Honey Chicken with Glazed Pineapple

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1-2 TBSP lime juice

1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin and halved

1 fresh pineapple, sliced into spears

Directions:

Defrost chicken if needed. Pound thin using a meat mallet and slice in half.

Mix marinade ingredients in a gallon sized ziplock bag. Close the bag, shake it all up and use your hands to squish it to combine the ingredients. It's a very scientific process. {Not.}

Set aside about 3 TBSP of the marinade for the pineapple. If you're grilling veggies as well, I suggest doubling the marinade to have enough for those to soak separately from the chicken. Try zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper and red onion.

Add the chicken to the ziplock bag and once again , mix it around. Let the chicken marinate for about 6-8 hours in the fridge. Each time you open the fridge, pick it up and mix the marinade and chicken around again.

To cut a fresh pineapple, I first slice off both the top and bottom parts. Standing the pineapple up on one of the ends, go around the outside and slice off the prickly exterior. Going from top to bottom, slice the pineapple in half, then lay it down on the cutting board. Slice each half in half again, then cut those quarters in half length-wise. Take each spear and slice the tough section of core off. Done!

Grill until juice from chicken runs clear. Pineapple should be on the grill for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your spears. Brush the marinate on at about minutes 3 and 6. Enjoy!

Betty Crocker Best of Spring 2012 Recipes

2012-05-17T13:24:00.000-06:00

Browse through the new Betty Crocker Best of Spring 2012 recipe collection here. I love looking at these online mini cookbooks. The Asparagus Ham & Egg Bake, Salted Caramel Turtle Triangles, and Strawberries & Creme Dessert Squares look delicious.

What do you think of the whole adding-bacon-to-desserts trend happening right now? I tasted a bacon-chocolate truffle when I was at the City Creek Center grand opening. It was... weird. Maybe I just don't have a very adventurous palette?

Half Off Collegiate Memorabilia

2012-05-17T10:47:00.000-06:00

For the next week, Groupon is offering half off collegiate memorabilia from BeyondGraduation.com. There are two options, $10 for $20 of merchandise or $20 for $40.

They've got a pretty wide selection of items for both BYU and Utah. I think this would be a great gift idea for Father's Day! See offer here.

50% off Toad's Fun Zone in Ogden

2012-05-17T10:36:00.000-06:00

This Groupon for Toad's Fun Zone in Ogden is almost over! There are several options for a family night of fun, including a pizza dinner- all over 50% off. Toad's Fun zone features an indoor climbing wall, an arcade, laser tag, mini golf and more. See offer details here.

Free 6oz Purina Dog or Cat Food from PetSmart

2012-05-17T09:57:00.003-06:00

PetSmart is offering a coupon for a FREE 6 oz pouch of Purina Pro Plan dog or cat food. Instead of the free offer, you can instead select the coupon for $3 off a larger bag of pet food.

If you have pets, you'll also want to make it a habit to browse the "Pet Care" coupon category here. There are always coupons available for pet products! Here are a few high value ones I saw:

$1 off Honey Bunches of Oats + more new coupons

2012-05-17T09:29:00.002-06:00

Here are a few new, high value coupons I saw this morning! The $1/1 Honey Bunches of Oats is a great one to print. Smith's has had great cereal sales lately, so let's cross our fingers Post cereals are on sale soon!

Groupon: Discounted Studio Fees for Color Me Mine

2012-05-16T10:23:00.000-06:00

Wow- this great deal on Color Me Mine studio is back again! Groupon is offering a voucher valid for studio fees for up to 5 people, for only $10! It's normally $10 per person! Offer can be used at the Color Me Mine locations in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and Park City until September 30, 2012. You still have to purchase the ceramics, but even still this is a great deal!
See offer details here.

Breathing Space 2012

2012-05-15T16:13:00.000-06:00

Earlier this month I was able to attend a blog conference called Breathing Space. It was aimed at connecting bloggers around the state, giving us all a chance to have some fun and relax. Of course, learn a few things as well.

I learned how to knit. Here I am making a 12'x12' blanket. Anyone believe that?

It was held in the amazing development over in South Jordan called Daybreak. Ever heard of it? Ha! I'm guessing most of you have at least heard of it, several probably even live there! Having lived in a big city most of my life I absolutely loved the look and feel of this development. Some of the houses even reminded me of the famous Painted Ladies in San Francisco. Only a lot more space around the homes. So many home designs and options and the neighborhood is just lovely. A lake complete with recreation, parks, schools, churches, grocery store- everything is within reach yet it still manages to have that small-town feel. We got to sleep and attend classes in the gorgeous model homes. Amazing. If you've never been by, you should go and see what Daybreak is all about.

The conference was fantastic. I met some really cool people- like Michelle, our fearless leader for Utah from Plum District. {She gave me all those fabulous $10 off codes I dished out this week. We want more, don't we? Michelle! I hope you're reading this!} Megan, the brains and talent behind The Sweet Tooth Fairy taught a cupcake class. I got her recipe for Creme Brulee cupcakes- you know, one of the cupcakes that won them 10 grand on Cupcake Wars on Food Network channel? It has about a million ingredients and will only take 9 hours to make. Yeah, I think I'll just let Megan whip up that little creation herself. Groupon for Sweet Tooth Fairy anyone?! I'll keep my eyes out.

I was also able to attend a class taught by The Food Nanny. She's incredible! She has some fantastic suggestions about planning and preparing family meals and I found myself taking notes like a mad woman. Don't worry, I'll share some of her ideas with you all soon. I bought her cookbook and love it.

We ate. {and Ate. and Ate.} We shopped SoDa Row and Oh Sweet Sadie!- one of the coolest boutiques I've seen. Great prices! I got gelato from San Gelato Cafe {omg- try the Lemon Basil one! YUM!} I also stopped by Oopsie Daisy and got Leah a few cute flower headbands for cheap! I love stores that offer cute kid's clothing and accessories at a variety of price points.

Overall I had a fantastic time. I am so grateful to have opportunities like this to retreat and unwind. Thanks to Leah for being dream-baby all weekend. For all the amazing Breathing Space coordinators and sponsors. Also, a big thanks to my husband for being Mr.Mom all weekend to the other three monkies!

Greetings from Southern Utah!

2012-05-15T09:12:00.000-06:00

Hope you all don't mind the fewer posts the last couple of days- my family and I are on a quick little Southern Utah getaway! The weather is warm and the kids are in good spirits, both wonderful things that are just making this trip fantastic.

We'll be back up north soon! In the mean time, here's a little piece of Zion National Park...