Deals & Giveaways

  • Life’s Little Hiccups: Mint Chocolate S’mores Brownies

    My Mint Chocolate Smores Brownies….burnt to a crispy black color!

    Life doesn’t always go exactly as we plan.  Even though I try to make sure the schedule allows for plenty of time with my family, friends, church, work, household duties, and the many other activities in life that doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly.  The reason I call it Life’s Little Hiccups is because after the “stress” of the moment I can look back at the event and usually laugh.  Yes, it was frustrating to ruin something or that life didn’t go as planned but in light of all the other problems in life this is pretty small.  I have discovered that some of these crazy times make the BEST memories for the family.  How I react and recover from Life’s Little Hiccups speaks volumes into the hearts of my children.  Getting mad or frustrated will not solve the problem and often times there is a creative or easy solution if I just relax, think, and try again.

    It was a Sunday and I had been up since 4 am to take Jake to the airport for a work conference.  The girls and I went to the early service at church then came home and did some activities around the house, ate lunch, and worked on cleaning the garage (as a surprise for Daddy).  I think we had a little bit more fun cleaning the garage than is normal for most people because we had a blast cleaning, talking, laughing, giggling, and telling stories.  Before I knew it the afternoon had flown by and it was time for us to get ready for Community Group and Awana.

    I was in charge of making the desert for Community Group so the girls and I decided to make Mint Chocolate Smore’s Brownies to share (Jake is not a big “mint” person so it was something special that just us girls enjoy).  I put together the brownies, popped them into the oven, and began working with the girls on their verses for Awana.  After wrapping up several sections in their books I decided I should probably get ready.  As I was brushing my teeth Brina comes into the bedroom and says “Mom, it smells good in the kitchen but it looks a little cloudy.”  Oh no!  The BROWNIES!  Well as you can see from the picture above they didn’t turn out as I had hoped.  On the way to Community Group after dropping off the girls at Awana I ran by the grocery store and picked up a cake to share.

    When we got home from the events that evening as we were getting out of the van and Brina says “Mom, it smells good…..like when we burn marshmallows around the fire.”  Even with several windows open the smell had made it to the garage.  The good news though is burnt marshmallows really do have a great smell to them!  One of the many lessons I learned with this “little hiccup” was that stuff will happen (despite my best efforts), it’s not ideal but my reaction and how I handle the situation sets an example for my girls.  After everything we did together that day do you know what their FAVORITE story to tell everyone was?  Yes, the story about how we burnt the Mint Chocolate Smore’s Brownies.

    After removing the layer of burnt marshmallows off the top we were able to eat most of the middle pieces of the brownies (see picture below).  The girls took the brownies to school and told their friends about the brownie adventure they had with Mom over the weekend.  Now we laugh about how silly the whole situation was and that we all managed to not hear the timer go off.  I am thankful that we can look at the hiccups and count our blessings for the teachable moments that became funny memories we can share together.

    The Mint Chocolate Smore’s Brownies after the burnt marshmallows were removed.  The marshmallows made almost a glaze over the brownies and somehow were partially salvageable.  The girls thought it was hilarious taking a piece to school in their lunch.

  • Walgreens: Spent $2 and Got $1 Back

    Walgreens Deals

    I had to pick up the girls from Good News Club yesterday and stopped by Walgreens on the way home to use up a couple coupons that were about ready to expire.  I spent $2.56 including tax at Walgreens this week for health and beauty purchases and received $1 Register Rewards back from that visit to use towards my next purchase at Walgreens.  Thankful for the bandaids that I found on clearance, it seems like we go through them and the school is always looking for them as well.

    Here is what I got this week:

    • 1 – Walgreens Large Antibacterial Bandaids on clearance for $0.82
    • 1 – Walgreens Medium Antibacterial Bandaids (20 count) on clearance for $0.75
    • 1 – Walgreens Wal-Born (like Airborne) on clearance for $2.59
    • 1 – Walgreens Gauze Bandaid Pads (30 count) on clearance for $1.29 (it came up for less then it was listed on clearance)
    • 1 – Wagi Baby Bib with Pocket on clearance for $1.09
    • 1 – Halls Warm Ups with Apple Cider for $1.00 (FREE with Register Rewards)

    The total was over $21 with tax before using discounts & coupons.  Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Used $4.60 Register Rewards

    I received $1 Register Rewards back today:

    • $1.00 Register Rewards for Halls Product

    Walgreen’s Register Rewards will expire two weeks from the date they are printed so you will need to make sure to use them before their expiration date.  I always keep the ones that are expiring the soonest on top of the stack to make sure to use them first.

    Another important fact regarding Walgreen’s Register Rewards you will need to know if you haven’t used them before is you can only use 1 coupon per item.  If you use a manufacturer’s coupon for every item you are purchasing you will not be able to use any Register Reward for that transaction.   If you do have a coupon for each item then check Walgreen’s weekly ad because they will have items on sale each week for pennies up to $1 that you can use as “filler” items but they won’t raise your total too much.  Once you get started using coupons and rewards you may discover, like I did, how to purchase many of your health and beauty items for nothing or very little.  Since using coupons and reward programs I rarely pay full price for any of our health and beauty items plus I usually have extra to share with guests visiting us or to give away.

    For those of you who shop regularly at Walgreens I encourage you to share how you were able to save this week!  Although the weekly ad sales are similar every family and situation is different so you may have found items better suited to your household.  In your comment please feel free to share how you saved at Walgreens (links to your blog article on how you saved are welcomed as well).

  • CVS: Spent $0.18 and Got $9 ECB’s Back

    CVS Deals

    I went to CVS yesterday on the way home from work to use up a couple ECB’s that were about to expire.  I was able to get the items for $0.18 including tax and received $9.00 ECB’s to use on my next CVS purchase.   The CVS I went to had the items I was looking for in stock.  The only coupons I used today were ones from the CVS Kiosk and the ECB’s.

    You can get great deals even without clipping a lot of coupons.  My receipt shows that as of October 6th I have saved over $1,600 at CVS this year so you can do it without investing a lot of time into it or being an extreme couponer that empties the shelves.  Over time the savings add up and I have even taken several weeks off here and there while I have been busy or traveling or when our stock pile is full.   Here is what I purchased this week.

    • 1 – ThermaCare Lower Back and Hip for $3.79 (had a raincheck from a previous week for $3.79 plus received $4.00 ECB back)
    • 1 – Dial Cranberry Bar Soap (3 pack) for $1.88 (received $1.00 ECB’s back)
    • 1 – Nature Made Vitamin D (100 count) for $7.99 (received $4.00 ECB’s back)
    • 1 – Tums Ultra 1000 (72 count) on sale for $3.99 (used $2.00 kiosk coupon)

    Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Used $3.00 CVS Kiosk Coupon
    • Used $2.00 CVS Kiosk Coupon for Tums
    • Used $12.48 CVS ECB’s

    I received $9.00 ECB’s back today:

    • $4.00 ECB’s for ThermaCare Products
    • $4.00 ECB’s for NatureMade Products
    • $1.00 ECB’s for Dial Products

    Today I was able to save $20.99 at CVS by purchasing these items and using coupons (over 90% savings).

    When you shop the CVS sales regularly and have ECB’s that you can roll over toward future purchases the bonus ECB’s start adding up (Green Bag Tags and Beauty Club).  As you can see from my shopping trip today you don’t have to purchase a lot to save money when shopping at CVS.  Plus you can use the additional ECB’s you receive towards your next purchase.  You can pick and chose what is best for your family.

    I would love to hear your CVS shopping story for this week!  For those of you who shop regularly at CVS please share how you were able to save this week!  Although the weekly ad sales are similar every family and situation is different so you may have found items better suited to your household.  In your comment please feel free to share a link to your blog article showing us how you were able to save shopping at CVS.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 12 – 18, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   Save-A-Lot is continuing their 10 for $10 sale so if you haven’t already go ahead and stock up of these products.  You can mix and match any number of the 10 for $10 items and you are not required to buy 10 items in order to get the products for $1.  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Eckrich Franks (16 oz) – $1.00

    Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00

    Ocean Market Fish Fillets (4 oz) – $1.00

    Gwaltney Rolled Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00

    Chicken Breasts – $1.49 per lb

    Ground Beef (73% lean) – $1.99 per lb

    Pork Roast – $1.49 per lb

    Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99

    Boneless Chuck Roast – $2.99 per lb

    Schooner’s Pollock, Whiting, and Tilapia Fish Fillets (2 lb package) – $5.99

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Eckrich Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00

    Budding Deli Cut Lunch Meat (3 to 4 oz) – $1.00

    Fisher Boy Fish Sticks (6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
    $0.25 each after coupon

    Oscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00
    Use $0.55/1 coupon from tearpad found in stores
    $0.45 each after coupon

    Hormel Sandwich Sliced Pepperoni (3.5 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.55/2 printable coupon from Hormel
    $0.73 each after coupon

    Schooner Imitation Crab (8 oz) – $1.00

    Colburn Farms Grade A Large Eggs (1 dozen) – $1.00

    Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza (Pepperoni or Supreme) – $1.00

    Pillsbury Grands Flakey or Buttermilk Biscuits (16.3 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
    Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
    Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
    As low as $0.67 each after coupon

    Banquet Brown & Serve Sausage (6.4 oz) – $1.00

    Tropicana Fruit or Berry Punch (64 oz) – $1.00

    Mr. P’s Pepperoni Pizza Bites (9 oz) – $1.00

    Banquet Dinners (4 to 10 oz) – $1.00

    Borden American Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.99

    Produce

    3 Pack Tomatoes – $1.00

    Carrots (2 lbs) – $1.00

    Celery – $1.00

    Red or Yellow Peppers – $1.00

    Caramel and Candy Apples – $1.00

    Red and Gold Delicious Apples (5 pounds) – $2.99

    Klondike Rose or Goldust Potatoes (5 pounds) – $2.50

    Yellow Onions (3 pounds) – $1.49

    Household

    Puffs Facial Tissue (100 count) – $1.00
    Use $0.25/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    $0.92 each after coupon

    Angel Soft Bath Tissue (4 count) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    $0.50 each after coupon

    Bounty Basic – $0.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
    As low as FREE (or with OVERAGE back if your store allows it) each after coupon

    Bounty Select A Size – $1.79
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
    As low as $0.79 each after coupon

    Mardi Gras Paper Towels (3 count) – $2.49

    Sparkle Paper Towels (6 count) – $4.49

    Luster Facial Tissues – $0.99

    Quilted Northern Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $6.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon peelie from packages found in some stores (Expires 11/30/11)
    $5.99 each after coupon

    Angel Soft Bath Tissue (12 rolls) – $3.39
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    $2.89 each after coupon

    Charmin Basic Bath Tissue (4 rolls) $2.39
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/1 coupon found in some packages  (Expires 8/31/12)
    Use $0.35/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    As low as $1.39 each after coupon

    Save A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 rolls) – $0.89

    Grocery

    Hampton Farms Roasted and Salted Peanuts (10 oz) – $1.00

    Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00

    Kaskey’s Family Size Condensed Chicken or Tomato Soup (26 oz) – $1.00

    Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta (14.5 to 15 oz) – $1.00

    Use $0.50/2 coupon found in package (Expires 5/31/12)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (Expires 11/15/11)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Toast Em’s Toaster Pastries (14.7 oz) – $1.00

    Mrs. Freshley’s Sugar Mini Donuts or Brownies (6 to 16 count) – $1.00

    Very Fine Juice Drinks (Fruit Punch or Pineapple Orange) (32 oz) – $1.00

    Chex Mix (8 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from peelie found in some store (Expires 1/30/12)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    M&M and Mars Candy (3 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (10/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 10/31/11)
    As low as $0.25 each after coupon

    Pasta Roni (Assorted Varieties) (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00

    Rice A Roni (Assorted Varieties) (6 to 7 oz) – $1.00

    Betty Crocker Seasoned Mashed Potatoes (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
    Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
    As Low As $0.67 each after coupon

    Heinz Gravy (Beef or Turkey) (12 oz) – $1.00

    Red Gold Ketchup (32 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/4 printable coupon from Red Gold
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Kraft Marshmallow Creme (7 oz) – $1.00

    Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Assorted Varieties) (13 to 15 oz) – $1.99

    Welch’s Juice Cocktails (Concord Grape or Orange Pineapple Apple) (64 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
    Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As Low As $0.99 each after coupon

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Travel & Vacation: Enjoying Charleston’s Piers

    Boats loading on the edge of the pier.

    The boats are getting loaded up at the end of the pier.

    Little crabs at the waters edge

    They would run down the sand picking up pieces to eat and then would run back up the beach when the wave came in.  It was neat to watch the wave of crabs running back and forth.  We were standing on the edge of the pier these little crabs were scurrying back and forth with the tide coming in.  The girls thought it was hilarious.

    I was moving fast enough so Brina ran back to check on me.

    Love seeing the thoughtfulness and compassion in this sweet girl.  She truly does care about others and wants everyone to have fun together.

    Karlie on the run!

    Karlie noticed that Brina and I were still coming up the pier so she decided to check out what we were up to.  When did my babies grown up?  So excited yet sad to see how much they have changed even over the past year.

    Standing at the edge of the pier looking at the bridge that leads to Daniel's Island.

    The girls thought it was a little scary at the end of the pier, but thought it was super cool looking at the bridge.

    Karlie and Brina running down the pier

    The girls had a race down the pier.  They were running and giggling the whole way.  It’s amazing how educational and entertaining time at the pier can be for the kids!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Walgreens: Spent $1 and Got $3 Back

    Walgreens Deals

    I had a few minutes between appointments late last week and stopped by Walgreens to use up a couple coupons that were about ready to expire.  I spent $1.42 including tax at Walgreens this week for health and beauty purchases and received $3 Register Rewards back from that visit to use towards my next purchase at Walgreens.  Thankful for the sale on the photo books.  For those of you who haven’t used Walgreens Register Rewards or Rebates here’s what I got.

    • 4 – Photo Albums on clearance for $1.00 each (total of $4.00)  The photo books are for us to put our postcards into, the girls were super excited to put their postcards in a special album.
    • 2 – Wii KLK Ultra on clearance for $0.99 each (total $1.98)
    • 1 – Cepacol Cherry Sore Throat (16 count) for $2.99 (FREE with Register Rewards)

    The total was over $10.43 with tax before using discounts & coupons.  Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Used $5.00 Register Reward

    I received $3 Register Rewards back today:

    • $3.00 Register Rewards for Cepacol Product

    Walgreen’s Register Rewards will expire two weeks from the date they are printed so you will need to make sure to use them before their expiration date.  I always keep the ones that are expiring the soonest on top of the stack to make sure to use them first.

    Another important fact regarding Walgreen’s Register Rewards you will need to know if you haven’t used them before is you can only use 1 coupon per item.  If you use a manufacturer’s coupon for every item you are purchasing you will not be able to use any Register Reward for that transaction.   If you do have a coupon for each item then check Walgreen’s weekly ad because they will have items on sale each week for pennies up to $1 that you can use as “filler” items but they won’t raise your total too much.  Once you get started using coupons and rewards you may discover, like I did, how to purchase many of your health and beauty items for nothing or very little.  Since using coupons and reward programs I rarely pay full price for any of our health and beauty items plus I usually have extra to share with guests visiting us or to give away.

    For those of you who shop regularly at Walgreens I encourage you to share how you were able to save this week!  Although the weekly ad sales are similar every family and situation is different so you may have found items better suited to your household.  In your comment please feel free to share a link to your blog article showing us how you were able to save at Walgreens.

  • CVS: Spent $14 and Got $5 ECB’s Back (Saved Over 90%)

    CVS Clearance Deals

    I made a quick trip to CVS late last week on the way home from a couple meetings.  The trip was primary to use up a couple ECB’s that were about to expire and see if they had anything on clearance that we could use.  I was able to get the items for $14.20 including tax and received $5.00 ECB’s to use on my next CVS purchase.   The CVS I went to had items marked down to 75% to 90% on clearance so I was able to get the girls new sunglasses, gifts, chew toys for Skipper, and several items for Operation Christmas Child boxes.  Here is what I purchased this week.

    • 4 – Lint Rollers (50 count) on clearance for $0.25 each (total of $1.00)
    • 4 – Foam Puzzles on clearance (ABC’s, 123’s and Measurements) for $0.25 each (total of $1.00)
    • 2 – Sets of Laundry Dryer Balls (2 per set) on clearance $0.75 each (total of $1.50)
    • 2 – Dog Tennis Ball Toys (set of 2) on clearance for $0.25 each (total of $0.50)
    • 18 – Sunglasses on clearance (90% clearance) for $0.59 to $0.89 each
    • 2 – Dog Rope Toys on clearance for $0.25 each (total of $0.50)
    • 2 – Model Magic Presto Balls on clearance for $1.49 each (total of $2.98)
    • 2 – Ice Cream Stamps with Bubble Gum on clearance for $0.25 each (total of $0.50)
    • 2 – Necco Candy Dot Strips on clearance for $0.25 each (total of $0.50)
    • 1 – Revlon Top Speed Fingernail Polish $4.99 with $3.00 ECB’s back

    Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Used $2.00 CVS Kiosk Coupon
    • Used $5.00 CVS ECB’s

    I received $5.00 ECB’s back today:

    • $2.00 ECB’s for Summer Spending
    • $3.00 ECB’s for Revlon Products

    Today I was able to save $162.59 at CVS by purchasing these items and using coupons (over 90% savings).

    When you shop the CVS sales regularly and have ECB’s that you can roll over toward future purchases the bonus ECB’s start adding up (Green Bag Tags and Beauty Club).  As you can see from my shopping trip today you don’t have to purchase a lot to save money when shopping at CVS.  Plus you can use the additional ECB’s you receive towards your next purchase.  You can pick and chose what is best for your family.

    I would love to hear your CVS shopping story for this week!  For those of you who shop regularly at CVS please share how you were able to save this week!  Although the weekly ad sales are similar every family and situation is different so you may have found items better suited to your household.  In your comment please feel free to share a link to your blog article showing us how you were able to save shopping at CVS.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Fall Harvest – Community Supported Agriculture (Week 1)

    We started the first week of our Fall Harvest with our Local Farm with Community Supported Agriculture program.  The Fall harvest is 10 weeks long through our farm.  We were thrilled to get the vegetables again this week.  Our family is doing another half share for this harvest.

    Fall Harvest Week 1 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!

    Fresh goodies from our Local Farm!

    Items in our Basket this Week:

    • 1 bundle White Radishes (the greens were HUGE and TALL, they didn’t even fit in the sink!)
    • 1 bag Green Beans
    • 1 Acorn Squash
    • 3 Sweet Potatoes
    • 1 Half Dozen Fresh Eggs

    I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week!  Anyone have a great recipes for Radishes?  Thanks everyone for the delicious Recipes!  To find out how you can be a part of a local CSA check out this post – Fresh & Healthy:  Community Supported Farms

  • Blockbuster Express: Coupon Codes for FREE DVD Rentals

    Are you looking for a fun way to relax with your family this week or over the weekend?  Blockbuster Express has FREE rental codes available right now:

    • Code –  7650BW8
    • Code –  65DWTM7
    • Code – 73MAYB6
    • Code –  74ABDP3
    • Code – 97KRFT5
    • Code – 63SLRH5
    • Code – 49WHZS3
    • Code – 24NCCC7

    The above Coupon Codes are good through midnight Thursday, October 13, 2011.

    The coupon codes can be used to get DVDs from your nearest Blockbuster Express kiosk.  Some codes may only work online so make sure to reserve your rental before picking it up.  A credit card required to rent.  The codes are valid on $1 movies not on Blu-rays or new releases.  Make sure to return you DVD on time to avoid paying any late fees.