Keeping My Cents ¢¢¢

100th Day of School Shirt

2012-02-03T16:40:00.000-06:00

In Kindergarten it is a big deal for the 100th day of school. So of course we had to make a shirt to celebrate this glorious occasion. I would have showed you what I did but it is pretty self explanatory. I used this tutorial for the roses (which I thought were kind of too big) but Payton insisted that we put them on....she's fancy like that.

I printed the numbers out of my computer using Microsoft Word and then used them as my pattern. Yours might be different in size depending on the size of your child/shirt. I used scrap material, cut out my numbers and pinned them on the shirt. I SHOULD have used steam a seam and it would have been so much EASIER but I didn't have any and didn't want to go to the store. I bought this shirt at Target just for this project so all it had to last was for one day. If you want something more permanent then you should definitely should use the steam a seam.

Overall I was happy with the shabby chic look it had and Payton was happy too. Happy 100th day of school. I'm so proud of my "big" girl.

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HOT Michaels $5 Purchase Coupon

2012-02-03T15:32:00.001-06:00

Click here to print $5 off $5 purchase. This should make some inexpensive Valentine gifts.

HOT High Value $1.25/1 Any Alexia Product Coupon = Only 84¢ at Target

2012-02-03T15:30:00.000-06:00

Go to Coupons.com and use zip code 33712 (if needed) to print a high value $1.25/1 ANY Alexia item coupon! Plus, you can use this coupon to score a really good deal at Target… Alexia Frozen Sweet Potato Fries, Potato Puffs or Onion Rings $3.09 (Price Cut thru 2/11)

Use the $1/1 Alexia Frozen Potatoes or Onion Rings Target store coupon found here
Plus, use the $1.25/1 coupon found here
Final cost as low as 84¢

DIY Door Muff.....To Keep Babies Sleeping

2012-01-31T09:52:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I am officially obsessed with Pinterest. I saw this door muff (material you attach over door latch to shut door so it won't make noise while you open/shut it) on Pinterest and thought....maybe I could make one.

I will do ANYTHING to keep my baby sleeping! We are in a new house and when I shut the door even when I hold in the handle and release it REALLY slowly the paint from the door shutting pops. Or at least that's all I can come up with that it is.

Here is how I made mine.

Get your supplies. I used some scrap fabric, felt, and ribbon.

(2) 6 in x 5 in fabric of your choice (this is my floral fabric)

(3) 3 1/2 inches of felt (use light colored felt if you are using light fabric so it won't show through) You can see I only had a enough for one of the pieces to be the lightest color and had to use beige for the rest but it doesn't matter because it doesn't show through the floral fabric.

(4) 17 inches of ribbon (this was too long but once you get it tied like you want then you can trim it. If it's too short you can't ADD fabric but you can always take it away.

Iron floral fabric around felt. Iron down raw edges of second piece of material for when you top stitch it later. I also clipped my corners.

Add your ribbon on both sides. You want to place the ribbon in the center on the longest sides.

Pin it all together.

Top stitch all the way around.

Now tie the ribbons to the front and back door handles on your nursery door with the padded 'muff' tight against the door's button/latch. Open and close the door as needed without turning the handles.

The padded 'muff' holds the door's button in and is thick enough to keep the door closed when needed.

Side note: If you look closely in my picture I have some black marks where the door closes. I would make sure and wipe that area so you don't get the same marks. Or you could wash it if that bothers you...which it does me.

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Pottery Barn Santa Clause Canvas Knockoff

2012-01-09T10:28:00.000-06:00

Well here is my first attempt to recreate a pin I did off of pinterest.

It is no way perfect but good enough for me. I kind of went off of these directions from a pin I pinned on pinterest. I am unfamiliar with the grid system she refers too but I guess it would work. I just winged it and didn't have as great of results as she did but again....good enough for me.

Materials: I used a large piece of wood I got from Lowe's and had them cut it down to a 48 x 48 square. I came up with this number based on the space I had to fill above my mantle. You could use anysize you wanted that is the beauty of it. I had originally wanted to use a canvas this size but Michael's didn't carry that size and Hobby Lobby was too far. I think that the canvas would be an excellent option.

Next, was a pint of mistint paint at Lowe's used to paint the board a solid color.

Finally, I used a pencil to sketch the outline and a 3 oil based sharpie to color it in.

So for under $30 dollars I had a custom piece of art work to put over my mantle instead of the $299 price tag from Pottery Barn. (Which apparently was sold a few years ago and they didn't carry it this season even if I had wanted to fork over that much cash....which I wouldn't have.)

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Magazines.com = Free Magazines.....AGAIN!

2011-12-10T11:58:00.001-06:00

Magazines.com sends out gift codes randomly and this week they sent me an email with a $5 gift card which I combined with a sale and was able to get 12 issues of Parents magazines for FREE!.

Be sure and sign up for their emails and you can get free magazines too.

Magazines.com VIP Customer = Zappos.com $10 Gift Code

2011-07-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

You should always read your junk mail. I was sent this $10 gift code to Zappos.com for being a magazines.com customer. But what is funny about that is I've only gotten FREE magazines from them.

Here is what I got totally FREE, shipped to my door without spending a dime.

Magazines.com = Free Magazines

2011-06-02T17:11:00.000-05:00

I love free magazines!!! I have gotten free magazines before from magazines.com but I wanted to share with you my latest freebie. This is the way I get these magazines for FREE.

1. They send me a $5 or $10 gift card in an email. It clearly will state on the subject that it is a gift card.
I don't always get to use these because the second part might not happen.

2. Wait till for a sale or a coupon code. This will need to happen while the gift card is still valid. You can combine a sale or a coupon code.

3. FREE MAGAZINES!!!

Arby’s: Free Grilled Chicken & Pecan Salad Sandwich with Pepsi purchase — new link

2011-05-19T11:32:00.000-05:00

There’s a new link for another free Market Fresh Grilled Chicken & Pecan Salad Sandwich with the purchase of a 22 oz. Pepsi. This coupon expires May 21, 2011.

$30 Credit to Shutterfly From Photoworks

2011-05-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

I loved, loved, loved Photoworks photobooks. By far they were the best quality of all the photobooks I have tried. The other company beside Photoworks I have tried was Picaboo. I did like them but the quality of printed photos was alot better from Photoworks.

Well apparently Photoworks is now being combined with Shutterfly and I'm crossing my fingers that they are the same quality as the Photoworks photobooks were. I had an account with Photoworks because of the Free photobooks that were given away in 2009 from the Bonnie Hunt show. For your troubles Photoworks has sent an email to your account for you to transfer your photos now to Shutterfly and are giving you a $30 gift certificate to use at Shutterfly. Shutterfly is also promoting on their site free shipping on $30 or more code: SHIP30. Here is my order that I spent just $2.43. This transfer was supposed to be done by May 2nd but I called and they gave me a link to still be able to do the deal.

1SaleADay: Free Business Card Holder + Free Shipping

2011-05-07T13:27:00.000-05:00

Head on over to the 1SaleADay Facebook page, “like” them and post a comment/testimonial. After doing so, head on over here to order your completely FREE Business Card Holder with FREE shipping!

Paper Coterie: HOT! $40 off $40 Promo Code

2011-05-05T11:43:00.001-05:00

Update: I was very frustrated when I finished my photobook last night and couldn't get my order to go through because the site kept crashing so I went to bed and then found out that since the site experienced quite a few technical issues the company has made the decision to extend the code through Midnight on May 13th! Whoo HOo!!!! Here’s what was stated on the Paper Coterie Facebook Wall:

We huddled this morning & are extending the offer to Friday, May 13. Ya. We know. Guess what? Given the challenges we’ve had already, we’re not afraid. We’re making Friday the 13th lucky again. Please know, we’re committed to getting everyone through. We appreciate that you’re here more than we can express and are committed to keeping you here. Help spread the word? The world needs fewer stressed out mothers.

Currently, the new company, Paper Coterie, is offering up a coupon code valid for $40 worth of Paper Coterie products for FREE… yes, you heard me right – FREE! All you will have to pay is shipping, which came to $9.08. Once you’ve added at least $40 worth of product/products to your cart, head to checkout and use promo code OPENHOUSE (valid until midnight on May 6th) and $40 will automatically be deducted from your total!

Walgreens Photo: FREE 8X10 Collage Print

2011-05-05T11:40:00.000-05:00

Walgreens Photo is once again offering up a FREE 8×10 Collage Print! Just head on over here, click on the banner advertising this promo (like the pic above) and create your collage print. Use coupon code FREECOLLAGE during checkout. Plus, choose in-store pick up and you’ll score FREE shipping! *This promo code is valid through Saturday, May 7th.

Where have I been?

2011-05-04T13:04:00.001-05:00

Where have I been.....having a baby. Here's is the latest addition to our family.

Diapers From Amazon.com

2011-04-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

Here are the diapers I have bought so far from Amazon.com. According to my calculations.....here is how many I would use and how many I have so far.

Diapers

8-10 diapers a day?

9/day x 7 = 63

63/week x 4 = 252/month

Size N

Size 1 – Swaddler Sensitive

(8-14 lb)

2-3 months stayed in this weight range

180

192

=552

Size 2

(12-18 lb)

3-4 months stayed in this weight range

224

152

248

=624

Size 3

(16-28 lb)

1-2 years stayed in this weight range

Here's what I paid....depending on the coupons used. I usually used (2) 20% coupons together or I used (1) 20% + $10 coupon and always except for maybe once or twice because I forgot used Amazon mom which saves you an additional 30%. But, as all good thing must come to an end I tried to use some coupons today to order even more diapers and it wouldn't let me. Up until now I was able to use expired coupons that dated back until Nov. & Dec. but now the one's expiring even just yesterday 3/31/11 said they were expired. I thought this might happen since the latest coupons were coming from March magazines and I hadn't heard of any other one's with later dates. But, I was just too tired to get on my computer and order them last night. Oh well....it would have only been only one other box of diapers anyways. Hopefully, Amazon will continue to put out these diaper coupons so I can continue to stock up on diapers.

This is on average what I paid. Some were smaller boxes but, I didn't move the boxes for fear they would all come tumbling down on my head. When they arrived in the mail I wrote the original price and price paid on the box with a sharpie for future reference.

Size 1

192 count

Originally $44.79

Paid $19.11

Size 2

248 count

Originally $62.09

Paid : $18.62

Size 3

174 count

Originally: 51.44

Paid: 15.72

Mommyparties: Nutella Party

2011-03-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

Thanks from MommyParties I was able to host a Nutella Hazelnut Spread party. Look at all the goodies they sent me for the party. Check Nutella out for yourself at Nutella.com or on their facebook page. I had never tried Nutella and neither had several of the guest that we invited to my Nutella party. Let me tell you it is so yummy. You should definitely try it for yourself.

(1) 26.5oz Jar of Nutella hazelnut spread for use during party(10) Nutella spread sample packs and coupons for guest bags

(10) spread guest bags

(10) spread tumbler mugs

(10) Nutella spread spreaders

(10) Nutella spread tip cards for guest

* Recipe ideas for Nutella spread Breakfast Bar

* Party activities

Everyday Breakfast Tips and Trivia

Target: Free Circo Baby Socks!

2011-03-27T21:54:00.001-05:00

Here are 3 pairs of Circo Baby Socks I got for FREE!

Circo 1 Pkg Baby/Toddler Socks $1~~Use the $1/1 Circo Target store coupon found~~ ~~here~~

no longer availableFinal cost FREE!

Don't have a baby? Buy these to put back for a baby shower.

Walmart Deals & Price Matches for the Week of 3/23

2011-03-23T21:08:00.000-05:00

Price Matches

Aldi's

Strawberries 1 lb. 99¢/each

Oranges 4 lb. bag $1.49

Pineapple 99¢/each

Bananas 39¢/lb

Food Pyramid

Oscar Mayer Bacon 2/$5

Whole Chicken (forgot to put in picture 78¢/lb)

Coupon Deals

Quaker Oats $1.00

Used: ~~$1.00/1 printable coupon~~

no longer available

Go Lean Crisp $3.18

Used: $3.00/1 (received in the mail I think from VocalPoint)

KY: $2.62

Used: $3.00/1 printable coupon

Final cost FREE + 38¢ in overage to go towards other items!

Girard's Salad Dressing

Used: $2/1 Printable coupon

Kraft First Taste: FREE Jell-O Temptations Coupon & Philadelphia Cooking Creme

2011-03-19T11:54:00.002-05:00

Check your Kraft First Taste account! I logged into mine today and found an offer for a FREE Jell-O Temptations coupon & a Philadelphia Cooking Creme coupon! Go check and see if you got it too!

Vocalpoint: FREE International Delight Breve Creme Coffee Creamer

2011-03-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

Log-in or sign up for Vocalpoint to get a coupon for a FREE pint of International Delight Breve Creme Coffee Creamer. Your coupon will arrive in 5-7 weeks. You’ll have to enter your zipcode to see if you qualify.

Recyclebank: 50 free points

2011-03-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

Recyclebank is offering another 50 free points when you sign up or sign into your account and click on “Earn Points” and then scroll down and click on the “Saw Us on Television?” banner.

$1/1 Roman Meal Bread printable coupon

2011-03-19T11:41:00.001-05:00

Print a coupon for $1/1 Roman Meal Bread.

Review: Family Facts Pregnancy ~ Organizer & Planner

2011-02-26T21:28:00.000-06:00

I love being organized but was having a hard time keeping all the "baby" stuff together until I was sent the Family Facts Pregnancy organizer by Pam Socolow. One of the greatest things about this planner is that it is designed for first time mom's and for mom's with children already (like me).

Let me share with you some of the contents inside this little jewel....I wish I had discovered this the first go round.

*Prenatal Visit Log (includes weight, blood pressure, and things of important to note.) I recently dug out the sheet that was copied from my first birth to compare to my current pregnancy and would have liked so much more to have this pretty little organizer to reference.

*Who to contact when in Labor

*What mommy and baby need

*Baby Shower Gift Log

* Baby Registry

*Delivery Day Bag

*And MUCH more!

If you know me then you know I love checklists and places to write things down. This planner is perfect for a keepsake to cherish for years to come. I would have loved if my mother had one of these where I could feel like I was sharing her experience with my own. This is a must have for new mom's and existing mom's too. For under $20 bucks I call it a bargain. You can buy it online here. In 2009, the Family Facts Pregnancy Planner was voted a must have by Pregnancy Magazine.

Groupon: $84 for a One-Night Stay in a Retreat Room and Yoga Classes at The Canebrake

2011-02-25T13:33:00.000-06:00

After navigating floating platform staircases, dodging living-room-level bosses, and searching for randomly appearing bathroom keys, most homeowners come to regret purchasing houses built by video-game designers. Today's Groupon offers respite from the chaos: for $84, you get a one-night stay in a retreat room and regularly scheduled yoga classes at The Canebrake (a $168 value on weekends and $148 value on weekdays, including tax). The Canebrake is located about 45 miles east of Tulsa.
The friendly owners of The Canebrake, Oklahoma's first ECO-certified property, aim to provide a calming, luxurious resort that cultivates earth-friendly policies and improves the health and wellness of each incoming soul sack. The gorgeous Green Country swathes guests in five miles of varied topography and a telekinetic hug, and inside, the owners have erected every facet of their building and services with sustainability in mind. Upon your arrival, an experienced and knowledgeable staff member will lead you to a retreat room, which comes furnished with a split-king bed and two cushy chairs with a reading lamp, as well as thick terrycloth bathrobes, slippers, a spread of Aveda products and Starbucks coffee. In-room continental breakfast bags are provided, and each new calendar day presents a chance for hiking, fishing, spa treatments, or a trip to the adult sandbox, where grown kids can play volleyball, toss horseshoes, and host Tonka truck rallies.

A stay at The Canebrake includes access to regularly scheduled yoga classes. Whether you want to stand taller, bend over backwards, or open a pickle jar taped to your back, the limber instructors will accommodate your style, and classes are scheduled daily. Stretchers of all levels rubberize their limbs each day in the pleasant Yoga Barn, an inviting, 1,700-square-foot facility that features a heated cork floor, perfect for chilly feet and melting cocoa butter.

Today's Groupon is not valid on holiday weekends; be sure to call ahead and make reservations.

Are you ready to get in on this deal?*
Go here and login or sign up for a Groupon Account (if you haven’t already)
*Under “Visit More Cities” (top of site) find your city or one close to you.
*Click on it (since this is a nationwide deal, it doesn’t matter if you don’t live in the area)
*Click on “Buy” and complete your order
*Online Vouchers will show up in your account under “My Stuff” and then “My Groupons”
*Print your Voucher once your deal has been processed
*Note: you will have to wait until the minimum number of people sign up, then they’ll charge your card and send you a link to print your Groupon.

I've heard many wonderful things about this hotel and this would be excellent deal to get in on.
Now I wish I would go but I've never left my daughter a night alone.....I think it's getting close to time.

Borden Milk 75¢/1 Coupon

2011-02-25T13:26:00.000-06:00

Visit BordenOnline.com and click on 'Coupon' below the pictures for a coupon for

75¢/1 Borden Milk. You can use this either on 1 gallon or 2 half gallons.

Keeping My Cents ¢¢¢

100th Day of School Shirt

*HOT* Michaels $5 Purchase Coupon

*HOT* High Value $1.25/1 Any Alexia Product Coupon = Only 84¢ at Target

DIY Door Muff.....To Keep Babies Sleeping

Pottery Barn Santa Clause Canvas Knockoff

Magazines.com = Free Magazines.....AGAIN!

Magazines.com VIP Customer = Zappos.com $10 Gift Code

Magazines.com = Free Magazines

Arby’s: Free Grilled Chicken & Pecan Salad Sandwich with Pepsi purchase — new link

$30 Credit to Shutterfly From Photoworks

1SaleADay: Free Business Card Holder + Free Shipping

Paper Coterie: *HOT!* $40 off $40 Promo Code

Walgreens Photo: FREE 8X10 Collage Print

Where have I been?

Diapers From Amazon.com

Mommyparties: Nutella Party

Target: Free Circo Baby Socks!

Walmart Deals & Price Matches for the Week of 3/23

Kraft First Taste: FREE Jell-O Temptations Coupon & Philadelphia Cooking Creme

Vocalpoint: FREE International Delight Breve Creme Coffee Creamer

Recyclebank: 50 free points

$1/1 Roman Meal Bread printable coupon

Review: Family Facts Pregnancy ~ Organizer & Planner

Groupon: $84 for a One-Night Stay in a Retreat Room and Yoga Classes at The Canebrake

Borden Milk 75¢/1 Coupon

HOT Michaels $5 Purchase Coupon

HOT High Value $1.25/1 Any Alexia Product Coupon = Only 84¢ at Target

Paper Coterie: HOT! $40 off $40 Promo Code