Counting Days on the Advent Calendar
Several years ago my sister-in-law sent us an Advent Calendar. The girls enjoy getting out all the Christmas decorations and hanging up the calendar. Our calendar has a small pocket that fits two small pieces of candy perfectly. Every day, starting on December 1st through December 24th, the girls get a piece of hard candy from the Advent Calendar. I pick up the candy when it is on sale or purchase with CVS or Walgreen rewards. They are excited because they get to eat a piece of candy and can easily count the days until Christmas. In addition to the candy I have been known to add a verse to read for the day. It is important that the kids know the true meaning of Christmas especially in a society with so many other influences.It is a busy time of year and spreading the excitement throughout the month is a lot of fun. It is an easy way to track the days leading up to Christmas. The calendar would be fairly simple to make for someone who is crafty and can use a sewing machine. How do you spread the excitement of Christmas over the whole month for your family?
Gift Giving: 12 Days of Christmas
This year we decided to spread the Holiday Cheer out at our house this year by doing the 12 Days of Christmas. Christmas morning can be so busy and this allows an opportunity to spread the fun over 12 days instead of packing everything into one day. Starting December 13th the girls will be able to open one a day until Christmas. The cost was less than $20 total, including boxes and wrapping paper. Most of the gifts were bought on clearance over the past year. We did a joint stack for both of our girls, however, you can choose to do a stack for each person.Here is what our 12 Days of Christmas includes:
- Day 1: A Labrador Puppy Christmas Ornament for each (purchased with rewards last year after Christmas on clearance).
- Day 2: A CD with Songs and Stories – 1 on Traveling and 1 on Classical Stories and Songs (purchased with rewards in $1 section)
- Day 3: Travel Game for 2 – Connect 4 (found on clearance at Bi-Lo for 49 cents)
- Day 4: 4 Plastic Christmas Cups – Red with Snowmen (purchased with rewards on clearance last year)
- Day 5: Books – 1 on “Helping Others” and 1 on “Forgiving” (purchased at Dollar Tree)
- Day 6: Christmas Craft with Stickers (purchased with rewards on clearance)
- Day 7: 2 Mini Mouse Candy Canes filled with Christmas Tree Candy (purchased with rewards on clearance)
- Day 8: 2 Snowman Coloring Books and 1 Princess & 1 Cars Coloring Craft Ornaments (purchased with rewards on clearance)
- Day 9: 2 Snowman Headbands (purchased with rewards on clearance)
- Day 10: Rub on Color Pattern Craft (received free with a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deal)
- Day 11: A pair of Fuzzy Slippers for each – 1 Pink Set and 1 Purple Set. (Picked Up on Black Friday)
- Day 12: PJs for each to wear Christmas Eve – 1 with Owls and 1 with Rockets (Picked Up on Sale and used a Coupon)
Other Ideas for 12 Days of Christmas:
- Hair Accessories
- Facial Cleansers or Make Up – if you have a teenager just starting to wear makeup or want to update your collection my Mary Kay contact is doing a 12 Day of Christmas set! If your husband is looking for something awesome to get you he may want to contact Ann too.
- Socks or Tights
- Chapstick
- Socks
- Gloves or Scarf
- Card Game
- Construction Paper
- Markers or Crayons
- Matchbox cars
- Small Toys
- Baby Doll Clothes
- Christmas Underwear
- The ideas are endless!
I wrapped them in the original boxes or found ones around the house to put the items into. The Christmas paper was purchased on clearance last year with rewards. Many of the items we purchased on clearance throughout the year and / or used CVS – ECBs and Walgreens – Register Rewards. I cannot remember the price for all the items but with the rewards it may have been under $10 out of pocket for the entire set of 12 gifts and some days had multiple items in them. We did a joint stack for our girls to save money, however, the items we picked match their individual interests (for example the craft with one being princess and the other being cars). When the girls walked into the room and saw the stack of gifts they were super excited. Now they are counting down the days to Monday, December 13th to start the 12 Days of Christmas celebration.
Save A Lot: Smart Shopper Club
Sign up for the free Save A Lot Smart Shopper Club and get a $5.00 off $25.00 coupon! You can receive additional $5 off $25 coupons for referring a friend (limited to 5 friends).
Save A Lot will offer printable store coupons occasionally, check to see if your store has any available.
Save A Lot | Rite Aid: Deals for the week of December 1-7, 2010
Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot | Rite Aid stores.
Meats and Seafood
2 lb bag Frozen Cooked Shrimp – $9.99
Oscar Mayer Ready to Eat Bacon – $2.49
Chicken Leg Quarters (10 lb) – $4.90
Pork Chops – $1.99 per lb
Fresh Ground Beef (3 lb) – $5.67
Fridge and Freezer
Chef Antonio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza – $2.99
Banquet Family Size Entrees – $1.79
Use $0.35/1 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
Use $0.60/6 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
As low as $1.44 each after couponBanquet Pot Pies or Fruit Pies – $0.50
Use $0.35/1 coupon from 10/24 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/15/2010)
Use $0.60/6 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
As low as $0.15 each after couponWorld’s Fair Ice Cream – $1.99
Country Crossings Marvella Cheese Spread – $3.49
Hickory Springs Breakfast Originals – $0.99
Wylwood Frozen Vegetables – $0.99
Household
Wrightware Foam Plates – $0.99
Produce
3lb Bag of Navel Oranges, Tangerines, or Grapefruit – $1.50
Grocery
Coke & Coke Products (12 Packs)* – $2.50
*You must buy 4 to get this priceHoney Nut Cheerios – $1.79
Use $0.75/1 coupon found in package (Expires 12/30/2010)
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
Use $1/2 coupon from 11/7 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/18/2010)
As low as $1.04 each after couponLucky Charms – $1.79
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
$1.29 each after couponCookie Crisp – $1.79
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
$1.29 each after couponTrix – $1.79
Use $0.55/1 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
As low as $1.24 each after couponM&M’s – B1G1F
Use $1/2 coupon from 11/14 Red Plum (Expires 12/25/2010)Cheez-It Snack Crackers – $1.79
Use $1/3 printable coupon from Kelloggs
$1.46 each after couponMorning Delight Crescent Rolls – $1.49
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – $1.50
Morning Delight Pancake Mix – $1.00
Morning Delight Syrup – $1.00
Del Pino’s Canned Pasta – $0.69
Portmann’s Cocktail Sauce – $1.29
Enhance Coffee Creamer – $1.49
J. Higg’s Original or BBQ Cornies – $0.99
Maruchan Ramen Cups – $0.33
Chicken or Beef Rice on the Side – $0.69
Nescafe Clasico Instant Coffee – $4.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 9/12 Red Plum (Expires 12/12/2010)
$3.99 each after couponEnsure – $6.49
Mantia Italiano Pasta – $0.79
Health & Beauty
All Nature Made Vitamins & Herbal Supplements – B1G1F
Use $1/1 coupon from November All You (Expires 1/30/2011)
Use $3/1 SAM-e printable coupon from SAM-e (Expires 1/30/2011)
Use $1/1 SAM-e coupon from December All You (Expires 2/28/2011)
Use $2/1 CholestOFF coupon from September All You (Expires 12/31/2010)Rite Aid Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, & Naproxen Sodium – B1G1F
Get $5 UP Rewards when you buy $20Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color – $2
Use $1/1 coupon from September Allure (Expires 3/31/2011)
Use $1/1 coupon from October Cosmopolitan (Expires 3/31/2011)
$1.00 each after couponFructis Shampoo, Conditioner, & Stylers – $2.49
Use $2/1 printable Sleek & Shine Blow Dry coupon from Garnier
Use $1/1 Garnier Styling coupon from 11/7 Red Plum (Expires 12/15/2010)
Use $1/1 Garnier Shampoo or Conditioner coupon from 11/7 Red Plum (Expires 12/15/2010)
As low as $0.49 each after couponOsteo Bi-Flex – B1G50%
Get $2 UP Reward when you buy 2
Use $5/1 printable coupon from Osteo Bi-Flex
Use $4/1 coupon from 11/7 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/21/2010)
Use $3/1 printable coupon from Coupons
Use $1/1 coupon from 11/7 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/21/2010)Nivea and Vaseline Intensive Care Lotions – $4.99
Use $1/1 coupon attached to the WalMart Nivea Sample (Expires 10/31/2011)
Use $1/1 printable coupon from Print Coupons
$3.99 each after couponAbreva – $14.99
Get $2 UP Rewards
Use $3/1 coupon from 10/17 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/15/2010)
Use $2/1 coupon found in package (Expires 12/31/2010)
As low as $9.99 each after coupon and rewardsSchick Quattro, Xtreme 3, Slim Twin, or Disposable Razor – B1G1F
Use $3/1 printable coupon from Coupons
Use $2/1 coupon from 10/24 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/5/2010)
Use $1/1 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/12/2010)
Use $1/1 coupon from 10/24 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/5/2010)Use $1/1 coupon from peelie found at CVS (Expires 7/31/2011)
Use $1/1 coupon from 11/21 Smart Source insert (Expires 1/2/2011)Efferdent Denture Cleaning Tablets – B1G1F
Rite Aid Omeprazole – $19.99
Get $5 UP Rewards$14.99 each after UP Rewards
Prilosec OTC – $16.99
Get $3 UP Rewards
Use $3/1 coupon from 11/28 Protector & Gamble insert (Expires 12/31/2010)
Use $2/1 coupon found in package (Expires 8/31/2012)
Use $1/1 coupon from 10/17 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/17/2010)
As low as $10.99 each after coupon and rewardsTheraflu or Triaminic – $4.00
Get $1 UP Rewards when you buy 2
Use $2/1 coupon from 10/17 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/4/2010)
Use $2/1 printable coupon from Theraflu
Use $3/2 coupon from the 11/14 Parade insert (Expires 12/31/2010)
Use $1/1 coupon from 11/21 Smart Source insert (Expires 1/2/2011)
As low as $1.50 each after coupon and rewardsEnroll in the free Rite Aid Wellness Rewards Program and earn up to 20% off drugstore purchases as well as UP Rewards. Remember to use any UP Rewards you currently have to get additional savings on your purchase.
For more information about Save A Lot | Rite Aid’s coupon policies go here.
If you discovery another coupon for additional savings let me know and I will add it.
Save A Lot | Rite Aid: Coupon Policies
The following is information on Save A Lot | Rite Aid’s coupon policies. As always check with your local store to see if they have any additional information.
- Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid take Manufacturers Coupons?
Yes! They honor manufacturer coupons for the national brand items carried in their stores.
- Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid honor expired coupons?
No, the coupons must be used by the expiration date listed on the manufacturer coupon.
- Can Save A Lot | Rite Aid give cash for Manufacturers Coupons?
No, cash cannot be given in exchange for a coupon.
- How does Save A Lot | Rite Aid take the Manufacturers Coupons off my order?
The coupons are scanned into the computer or the UPC numbers are keyed in to give you the discount.
- Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid give overage for Manufacturers Coupons?
No – when an item is selling for less than the value of the coupon they will match the coupon to the price of the item. The coupon redemption cannot exceed the selling price of an item. No cash back will be given.
- Can I return an item purchased with a coupon to Save A Lot | Rite Aid?
Yes, however, when making a return for a product that had a coupon used during purchase they cannot refund cash for the amount of the coupon. They cannot return the coupon, only the final value you paid for that specific item will be refunded.
- Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid have store coupons?
Yes, at times they will offer store coupons to provide additional savings to their customers. You can sign up for their free UP Rewards program and get additional savings on your purchases.
- Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid double the manufacturer or store coupons?
No, they do not double any coupons.
- Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid honor or match other store’s coupons?
No, they currently do not honor or match other store’s coupons.
- Does Save A Lot | Rite Aid allow me to use internet coupons?
Yes, however, this policy does vary from store to store. Some stores allow internet coupons while others do not. Please confirm with your local Save A Lot | Rite Aid store before using internet coupons. You can earn coupons by watching videos online at Ad Perk.
- Can you use multiple coupons per items at Save A Lot | Rite Aid?
Yes, under the following conditions:
- Coupons must match the item being purchased.
- The total amount of the coupons must be equal to or less than the selling price of the item before sales tax.
- Only one “48” Rite Aid Valuable coupon, one “49” Rite Aid Manufacturer coupon, and one “5” Manufacturer coupon can be used on a single item.
- Can you purchase multiple items that are identical at Save A Lot | Rite Aid?
Yes, you can purchase multiple items that are identical provided they are in stock.
Please check your local Save A Lot | Rite Aid store for more specifics or if you need further information regarding their coupon policies. They have the right to not accept any coupon if the validity is in question.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 1-7, 2010
Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Beef Bottom Round Roast – $2.69 per lb
Bone-In Shank Portion Ham – $1.19 per lb
2 lb bag Frozen Cooked Shrimp – $9.99
Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies – $2.49
Use $1/2 coupon from 11/14 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
$1.99 each after couponOscar Mayer Ready to Eat Bacon – $2.49
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
Chef Antonio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza – $2.99
Banquet Family Size Entrees – $1.79
Use $0.35/1 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
Use $0.60/6 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
As low as $1.44 each after couponBanquet Pot Pies or Fruit Pies – $0.50
Use $0.35/1 coupon from 10/24 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/15/2010)
Use $0.60/6 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
As low as $0.15 each after couponCreamy Whip Whipped Topping – $0.79
Country Crossings Marvella Cheese Spread – $3.49
Household
Charmin Basic Bath Tissue – $2.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 10/17 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/17/2010)
Use $1/1 coupon from 11/28 Protector & Gamble insert (Expires 12/31/2010)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from 11/28 Protector & Gamble insert (Expires 12/31/2010)
Use $1/1 coupon found in package (Expires 4/30/2011)
Use $1/1 coupon found in package (Expires 7/31/2012)
Use $1/1 coupon found in package (Expires 8/31/2012)
As low as $1.99 each after couponWrightware Foam Plates – $0.99
Produce
3lb Bag of Navel Oranges – $1.50
3lb Bag of Tangerines – $1.50
3 lb Bag of Grapefruit – $1.50
Grocery
Honey Nut Cheerios – $1.79
Use $0.75/1 coupon found in package (Expires 12/30/2010)
Use $0.55/1 printable coupon from Smart Source (Thanks Vanessa!)
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
Use $1/2 coupon from 11/7 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/18/2010)
As low as $1.04 each after couponLucky Charms – $1.79
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
$1.29 each after couponCookie Crisp – $1.79
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
$1.29 each after couponTrix – $1.79
Use $0.55/1 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
As low as $1.24 each after couponCheez-It Snack Crackers – $1.79
Use $1/3 printable coupon from Kelloggs
$1.46 each after couponKellogg’s Pop Tarts – $1.69
Use $0.55/1 coupon peelie found on packages (Expires 2/28/2011)
Use $1/2 coupon tearpad found in aisle (Expires 2/28/2011)
Use $1/3 coupon found in package (Expires 3/31/2011)
As low as $1.14 each after couponGinger Evans Cake Mix – $0.89
Ginger Evans Frosting – $1.19
Ginger Evans Graham Cracker Crust – $1.29
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – $1.50
Morning Delight Crescent Rolls – $1.49
Morning Delight Pancake Mix – $1.00
Morning Delight Syrup – $1.00
Wylwood Mushrooms – $0.50
Save-A-Lot Soda – $0.69
Sunny D Citrus Drink (48 oz) – $0.99
Bay mist Cranberry Juice Cocktails (64 oz) – $1.99
Crystal 2 0 Drinking Water – $2.49
Hills Bros Coffee – $4.99
Red Gold Ketchup – $1.00
Coburn Farms Evaporated Milk – $0.69
Westcott Vegetable Oil – $2.29
Shelby’s Grove Applesauce – $0.99
Del Pino’s Canned Pasta – $0.69
Portmann’s Cocktail Sauce – $1.29
Enhance Coffee Creamer – $1.49
J. Higg’s Original or BBQ Cornies – $0.99
Salted or Unsalted J. Higgs Crackers – $0.89
Maruchan Ramen Cups – $0.33
Theodoro Plain or Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – $1.39
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.
Save A Lot: Coupon Policies
The following is information on Save A Lot’s coupon policies. As always check with your local store to see if they have any additional information.
- Does Save A Lot take Manufacturers Coupons?
Yes! They honor manufacturer coupons for the national brand items carried in their stores.
- Does Save A Lot honor expired coupons?
No, the coupons must be used by the expiration date listed on the manufacturer coupon.
- Does Save A Lot have store coupons?
Yes, at times they will offer store coupons to provide additional savings to their customers. (For example – they have a $5 off $25 purchase when you sign up for their Smart Shopper Club which sweetens the deals you are already receiving)
- Does Save A Lot double the manufacturer or store coupons?
No, they do not double any coupons.
- Does Save A Lot honor or match other store’s coupons?
No, they currently do not honor or match other store’s coupons.
- Does Save A Lot allow me to use internet coupons?
Yes, however, this policy does vary from store to store. Some stores allow internet coupons while others do not. Please confirm with your local Save A Lot store before using internet coupons.
- How much will I save on average shopping at Save A Lot even if I do not use coupons?
Save A Lot’s savings are up to 40% less then conventional grocery stores.
Please check your local Save A Lot store for more specifics or if you need further information regarding their coupon policies.Saving for College – Upromise
Our girls are important to us and we are trying to start saving for their college early, especially since we have two that could go to college at the same time! Every little bit helps! We have officially been doing Upromise for about 8 months now. When we signed up we were not aware of all the great benefits it provided. Most of our earnings are through the groceries we purchase every week. If you are not familiar with it here is a little more information to get you acquainted.- Upromise is free
- Companies give you money for educational expenses (college bills, student loans and 529 savings)
- You earn money from everyday activities – buying groceries, shopping online, filling up with gas tank, eating out, and much more.
- Both local and online stores give you the rewards. (700+ Online Stores like Best Buy, Ebay, and many more).
- Over 8,000 participating Restaurants
- More than 21,000 Grocery & Drug Stores
- Car Rental Companies
- Gas Stations
- Magazine Subscriptions
- Traveling
- Buying or Refinancing a house
- And many more participating companies!
How does Upromise work? Do your normal shopping online, in the grocey store, and eat out with your family and earn money back. You can use the money to pay for college bills, invest in a 529 plan, pay down a student loan, and many more.
The primary way we use accumulate points is through the Upromise eCoupons which give you bonus cash for purchasing groceries that month after you have activated the coupons. They track our purchases through the rewards cards we use at Ingles, CVS, Bi-Lo, Publix, and many more. We have earned over $90 the last few months just buying groceries! If you are looking at ways to save on items you already purchase it may be worth your time to sign up.
Gift Giving: Need FREE Batteries?
Are you looking for FREE batteries to go with all those great Christmas gifts you purchased? Check out the Staples and Office Depot deal this week. Batteries make great stocking gifts especially since so many toys and gifts use them! Staples did this offer for several weeks last year and we stocked up on enough batteries to last almost the entire year!
- Staples – get 100% back in Staples Rewards when you buy a 20 count of package of Duracell AA or AAA Batteries.
- Office Depot – get 100% back in Work Life Rewards when you buy a 20 count package of Energizer AA or AAA Batteries.
The Staples Rewards come back pretty quickly. We don’t have an Office Depot very close to us but we have had good luck in receiving from them in the past too. We go through a lot more batteries in our house with the kids. Great way to stock up if you are looking at purchasing batteries anyway.
Song: “Bring the Rain” by MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m17af0XmPFo
There are times in life that God brings storm to strengthen our love and faith. No matter the size of the storm may we turn our eyes to Him. Although the storms are tough, it is through these seasons of life He is able to mold us into the people he wants us to be.
