Hair

Hair is a rather funny subject around our house...you see--it is everywhere. I have lots of hair..so does Aaron and in turn...the boys do too! We have been doing the haircut thing for Levi since before he was one, but Silas had just had a trim. Well, this week I attacked Silas's hair with the scissors. It just had to be done. He looks so much older now...it is really very sad. But, in light of our new situation, and the fact that dad is home with them and really just refuses to brush his beautiful curls out...he looked very wild and ratty every day! It very much had to be done...my cute little Silas looked like a wild child whose parents just didn't care. I do care...very much...so I cut it! I'll try to post a picture of his new do sometime soon!

Oh...and a very good coupon here!

A few Pictures of the boys!

A few deals

If you don't know yet...I got a teaching job that starts soon...so that explains the lack of posting deals! I have been working hard to get things ready and neglected my own coupons...let alone blogging.

Here are some good deals though...I will still try to get these out whenever possible...don't hold your breath though!

Kashi Coupon Pair it with this one at Target for a good deal on kashi crackers!

A free sample of members mark formula...they are fairly large sized (or at least the ones I got when I was doing formula were) I had them sent to our moms too...when I was doing formula...for lots of freebies.

Also, more free samples here: I got a full roll of toilet paper from this and some wipes, just this week!

$0.50/1 Peter Pan Peanut Butter
$0.50/2 Crunch n' Munch
$1/1 Chef Boyardee 15-oz. can
$1/4 Snack Pack 4-packs
Here

$5/1 bag of Beneful dog food

Check out Target deals here!

Panda Express Coupon

We haven't done this yet or looked into it, but it may be worth trying!
Volunteer and receive a free night's stay in a Sage Hotel

If you volunteer 8 hours of your time to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, you could qualify for a free night's stay at a Sage Hotel (Marriott, Sheraton, and more). You can read more details here and see the states and hotels which are participating here.

Go here to print a mail-in rebate for up for $8.99 on any Tyson Skillet Creations.

Hope these help...don't forget to get a Sunday paper to grab up all the coupons and checkout moneysavingmom.com for more deals...she posts a lot every day!

Free Redbox rental codes

Free Redbox rental codes

Here are two current codes which are good for a free one-night movie rental at any Redbox location:

4J7LF6--Good through July 6, 2009
7HE79B--Good through July 7, 2009

Just a Reminder...

Like or Want free stuff???

Sign up for my favorite websites...

http://www.kraftfirsttaste.com/default.aspx

http://pssst.generalmills.com/

http://www.vocalpoint.com/index.html

You can't beat GREAT coupons and free stuff...now can you?

Also...check out these coupons sites...and remember always get your Sunday Paper!

moneysavingmom.com
coupons.com
cellfire.com
shortcuts.com
http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/forums/view.php?pg=coupon_generator
http://www.afullcup.com/

Target

Just a quick note about Target deals for the last few days of the week...

There is a great deal going on at Target for EDY's Ice cream. Go to this website and print 3 Target coupons for $1.00 off Edy's ice cream then go to target and buy tree 1.5 qt containers...they are on sale this week for 3 for 7...so it will end up being 3 for $4.00...what a deal...

also, if you clipped the hillshire farms coupons from a recent newspaper insert...they are on sale for 2.99 this week and you can use the insert coupon and the $1.00 coupon from here and get them for approx 1.64 each other wise...1.99 each isn't a bad deal either if you don't have the newspaper insert.

Other good deals to double up coupons are the Gain laundry detergent, ziploc bags/containers, and if you have a similac coupon...there is also a good target one online...Have fun!!!

Also, the Ego Bake shop coupons that were listed previously on here would still make a great deal this week. Target still has them on roll back so you can get them for $.50 a box...good deal to stock up or just try them out!

Remember you can use a Target coupons and a Manufacturer's coupon on each item at Target...so you can get a great deal!


Happy shopping deals! Amanda

Kashi

Here is a link to Kashi coupons...I like to buy the cereal bars when I have these coupons!

oh... and here is another one!

Wedding cake

I've been a little absent this week...and last...my first distraction was a wedding cake that aaron's mom baked and I decorated for his cousin's wedding...what do you think?

We also left this weekend for a trip to ST.Louis...I will post pictures of that soon!

Target Deals

I am not sure of the local price for this week...but these are good coupons and I thought I would let everyone know about the deals!

This is a copy of a post from my favorite blog...moneysavingmom.com

I mentioned in the Target deals post this week that Eggo BakeShop products are on sale for $1.50. I was excited to discover today that there are four different places you can print the $1/1 coupons from.

Go here, here, here (or here), and here to print these coupons. You should be able to print 2 per computer from each website, so that'll net you eight boxes of Eggo waffles or muffin tops for only $4 plus tax out of pocket!

Great Deals

Free Advantage, K9 Advantix, or Advantage Multi (flea and tick control for dogs)

Are you taking your dog to the vet any time soon? If so, go here:

http://www.petsincredible.com/documents/Coupons/Bayer_Dog1.pdf

to print a coupon for a free tube of Advantage, K9 Advantix, or Advantage Multi (flea and tick control for dogs). No purchase necessary.


Free medium pizza from Papa Murphy's

If you have unlimited texting on your cell phone, you can get a coupon for a free medium pizza from Papa Murphy's when you text MURPHY to 686868. The coupon should arrive within an hour of sending the text and is good through June 30, 2009. You just show the coupon to the cashier when you checkout in order to redeem it.

Note: This code was advertised in the MoneyMailer so it should be legitimate. However, it is possible not all stores will accept it.


Target:

Softsoap_ensembles_1-300x293
Through July 13, 2009, there's a sweet Softsoap deal going on at Target: Buy 2 Softsoap value packs and get a $5 Target gift card.

Here's how to get these for free:
Buy 2 Softsoap Ensemble Value Packs at $6 each
Use 2 $2/1 manufacturer's coupons here:

http://www.colgate.com/app/Softsoap/US/EN/Liquid-Hand-Soap/Specialty.cvsp

Stack with 2 $2/1 Target coupons here:

http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/forums/view.php?pg=coupon_generator

Spend $4 plus tax out of pocket, Get a $5 Target gift card
Remember, you can roll these deals--using the gift card earned from the previous transaction to purchase another two Softsoaps to earn another gift card--thus lowering your out-of-pocket costs even more.

There's also a Special K promotion going on at Target this week: Buy any three Special K cereals ($2.39) and get a free box of Special K crackers

If you are interested...check out
http://moneysavingmom.com
for the links to the coupons and the deal!


The A1 coupon from last week has been re-set...meaning you can print two more do this quickly...all of the prints for last week were used up rather quickly. Go Here:

http://www.youtube.com/a1


KMart: Super Double Coupons again this week
(there is a great diaper deal going on this week!!!)

Many KMart stores around the country are running Super Double Coupons again this week. As usual, not every store is participating so check your ad to see if your area is running this promotion.You can see some deals and coupon match-ups here:

http://myfrugaladventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/kmart-doubles-deals-june-7-13.html

http://hip2save.blogspot.com/2009/06/kmart-double-coupon-deals-67-613.html

http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/kmart-double-coupon-matches-and-best-deals-67-613/


Finally...some great coupons on this site this week...even fresh pineapple! Have a great week and save bunches!

Kraft First Taste

If you haven't already signed up to be a part of Kraft FirstTaste, you need to go here to do so!
Today I signed up for a coupon for 2 FREE Velveeta Shells and Cheese cups. In the past I have gotten coupons for other great free things too! It is a worth while program to sign up for all of the free stuff is worth the few minutes you take to fill out a survey or two.

Also, If you haven't...sign up for VocalPoint here. I have also gotten many free trials of free things through their program too!

For those of you who shop at a Kroger-affiliated store, there's a brand-new website offering e-Coupons called Bringing Hope to the Table.

Once you add your email address and shopper card number here, you can load on 25 different e-Coupons to your shopper's card. The coupons are definitely worth checking out as a number of them are quite good. See the list of coupons available for June here.

A1 and more!

$2/1 A.1. Steak Sauce

A1
Go here to print a coupon for $2/1 bottle of A.1. Steak Sauce. This is priced at $2.09 at Target making it $0.09 after the coupon. I'm guessing it is priced near $2 at a number of other stores as well making it free or almost-free after this coupon.

http://www.youtube.com/a1

TGI Fridays: B1G1 Entree coupon

Through June 22, 2009, you can take this coupon to any TGI Fridays location to get a free entree with the purchase of another entree. Limit one coupon per table per visit.

http://www.fridays.com/promos/JuneBogoCoupon.aspx


Free reusable water bottle from Juicy Juice and more

Juicy_Juice_Logo
Sign up for a free membership here with Juicy Juice and you can receive a free 14 oz. reusable water bottle, free sippy cup, or a free guide to your children's nutrition.
http://www.juicyjuice.com/Login/Register.aspx

Printable coupons
Here:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/06/printable-coupon-roundup.html


Have a good week...
Also, Don't forget about Bath and Body works semi-annual sale going on now!

Amanda

A couple of camping highlight pictures!

I like Dave Ramsey and his insights and I thought I would post this, which was sent in an email I got today...check out his site here.

Dave's Thoughts On Vacations
This month, one of Dave's radio show listeners emailed to get some advice:

We have a few thousand saved up for a trip this summer as a way to reward ourselves for working so diligently on our debt snowball lately. We deserve a break! Should we go? Is now the best time?

What did Dave say?

Waaaahhhh! I didn’t go on vacation for two years while I was cleaning up my mess. Listen, your life has been a trip to the beach. Now it’s time to clean up your mess! I’m not saying that you should never go on a vacation. Just don’t go when you’re $20,000 in debt! Suck it up and live like no one else now so later you can live like no one else. That’s what I did. Now I can go to the beach any time I want! You’ve got to break this cycle in your head that you deserve stuff. None of us deserve squat. Listen to the radio show clip here.

Traveling somewhere for a vacation is a luxury, not a necessity. We must remember that. So many people don’t understand the difference. And whoever said you have to travel and spend lots of money on a vacation? Ever heard of a “staycation”? It’s a vacation from everyday life where you stay close to home—what a novel idea! You can be a hometown tourist, spend extra quality time with your family, and forget about work for a while. If you’re still working on your debt snowball, this is the way to go.

If you’re out of debt, have the money saved, and have planned your vacation, by all means, go! Go now while the sale light is on! You’ve sacrificed, and your hard work and dedication have literally paid off. Let me remind you that everything is on sale big time! And if you pay with cash, you’re more likely to get even greater deals!

Don’t fall for the line that the economy will slump if you don’t do your part by traveling this summer. That is completely absurd. The economy will continue to improve regardless of how you choose to spend a few days off. Once again, you have to be a mature adult and do what’s best for you.

Whether you’re going on a Mediterranean cruise or grilling out at the neighborhood park, you can have an absolute blast on vacation this summer. It’s all about your attitude and staying within your budget. Don’t be like the family below who lets their vacation follow them home!

The Boys!

I just wanted to add a couple of recent pictures of the boys!

They are amazing!

Strawberries!

Among other things, today I stocked my freezer with strawberries for the next year. Last year, while in the hospital, my mother in law did some for me and they were great to have all year long. So, this year I was inspired! I cut and froze about 20 cups of strawberries in 10, 2 cup portions for eating throughout the year. Tomorrow I plan to make freezer jam. This will be my first attempt at this, but my mom did it when we were little and we used it as syrup to go with our pancakes. I found this great post on making freezer jam and it seemed easy enough! Kroger had the pectin in the packets, I prepared my strawberries and will finish up the process tomorrow! Check out the post that inspired my freezer jam here:

http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/05/freezer-jam-tutorial-by-hannah-and-abby-from-safely-gathered-inthis-is-a-fast-and-easy-way-to-make--delicious-jam-to-store-in.html

Then, I went to the blog of the author and I found all kinds of great information on canning, freezing, and preserving...it was a great blog! The link for that blog is:

http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/

I can't wait to look through this blog and also use it as a resource when my garden is ready to harvest!

A couple end of the Week Freebies!

Free Burt's Bees Lip Balm--1,000 every day for 25 days

Burt's Bees is giving away 1,000 free Burt's Bees beeswax lip balms every day for the next 25 days. Go here:

http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BurtDayCMSView?contentPageName=BurtDay-home&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051

to sign up for this fun freebie!

Kroger: Country Time money-maker

Country time
Through June 2, 2009, if you buy any two Country Time drink mixes at Kroger (on sale at $1 each at most stores), you'll get a $1 catalina coupon to use on your next purchase. Buy 2 and use this $1.50/2 coupon

(http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13927&zid=ym31&nid=10&bid=alk0529210547e53d317083118)

and you'll end up getting both free plus $0.50 overage after the coupon, sale, and $1 catalina.

This catalina deal is likely also running at other stores. If you know it's running at yours, leave a comment to let us know.

Have a great weekend!

Check out my favorite blog... moneysavingmom.com

Camping....

Let's just start off with the list

1. Two Toddlers
2. Lots of bugs
3. 2 parents
4. 2 grandparents (reinforcements)
5. 2 tents
6. a campfire
7. port a potties
8. a long drive...

I actually don't think I need to say more than that...but...

OK...in an attempt to be a mom that lets her boys be boys...we decided to go camping and hiking last weekend in Southern Illinois. This definitely wasn't my first time camping...I have really camped a lot...just not since we've had kids. The ticks and bugs were horrible...my mother in law found three ticks on her when we got home...not to mention the ones she found while we were there...that didn't find a place to nestle in. A plus to this whole trip was that my sister lives down there and set up our tent for us and all we had to do when we got there was set up two pack and plays and put the boys in...you know to keep them off of the ground, and away from the bugs! Right off the bat, Aaron thought I was hilarious! So, in the heat and mugginess, we decided to go on a hike...can you say SNAKE! I would have expected to see small little snakes or bugs, but this one, I couldn't even put my finger/thumb around and connect them! It was big! SO...right there, my hike was over. So, we went back to the camp site to start a fire and cook dinner...I doubt I have ever been so paranoid...I strapped the boys in the stroller and put them in their high chair things to keep them off the ground. I am not great with fire anyway, but come on...2 toddlers and a fire seem like an accident waiting to happen. My sister came by with her husband and I needed a few minutes, so after the boys went to bed, we went into town to get bread and cherry pie filling for the pie irons. We ended up going by her house just so I could shower! It was nice. After an evening of pie and a campfire, we went to bed...or floor...whatever you would like to call it. It was not a good sleeping ground and was sticky/muggy all night long. I the morning it was boys back in the high chairs and then I made my plea...lets go rummaging! ( I had seen some signs on the way in...and was just ready to get out of the woods) Despite my attempts, Aaron was not about to let us go rummaging but he did concede, what a wonderful husband! We packed up camp and headed to a really neat park we saw on the way in...it was a neat castle. Then after lunch with my sister and her husband...we headed home!

My conclusion from this trip...camping is not for me, toddlers, me when there are lots of bugs, toddlers...you get my drift. It was nice to be together as a family and I do look forward to lots of great trips with the boys...just in a hotel and a pool!

Some good deals and coupons this week!

Sun Season...this is a good coupon!

$3/1 Coppertone coupon
If you go here: http://www.coppertone.com/coppertone/index.jsp
and click on the coupon link on the bottom, it should print correctly for you.

I like 3M products...here are some good coupons at this link:
http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/command/commandcoupon/coupon/commandcoupon.pdf


Kashi Waffles:
I haven't checked the price at Kroger, but at WalMart these are $1.04 per box when you use the coupon $2.54 without...there are two coupon links and you can print from both of them twice so...4 boxes of waffles for less than the full price of 2!

http://www.kashiconnect.com/

http://site.vocalpoint.com/waffles/coupon.html


Don't forget to use those Kraft coupons on some good deals at multiple stores and to join vocalpoint while you are there printing the Kashi coupon!

This link will take you to FREE chocolate...read the details online...Every Friday til September:

https://secure.realchocolate.com/

I haven't done this yet, but intend to try it out!
Photo Books {Etc.}: Free Photo Book ($4.95 shipping)

Photo Books {Etc.} is currently offering a free 20-page photo book. Shipping is only $4.95. Go here:

http://photobooksetc.blogspot.com/2009/05/get-free-photo-book.html
for more details.

Check out the nine free-after-rebate items available at Menards this week here: http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com/2009/05/menards-9-freebies.html

SEARS
Go here: http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hBKE-DPAOzTrPB7t6GxA0TATT1j/doc.html?email
to print a coupon for a free 8x10 portrait collage ($29.99 value) with no session fee from Sears Portraits. Offer expires 6/2/09.

Kraft Cheese...GREAT coupons!
Two links equals 4 good coupons which equals cheap cheese!

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qerlcou92105121&bt=vg&o=56602&c=KR&p=BuUJGY8p

http://brands.kraftfoods.com/purekraft/naturalcheese/


Don't forget to look at coupons.com this week for good coupons and moneysavingmom.com for more great deals!

Have a blessed week!

Amanda

Free Hot Dogs!

Free Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs!

Oscar Mayer knows economic times are tough, so they're offering a coupon for Free Oscar Mayer Beef Franks! Hurry though ~ I'm sure these will go fast! Click here to sign up for your coupon. (Thanks Money Saving Mom!)

Monical's Pizza

just one more thing...
if you like Monical's Pizza, go to monicals.com and sign up for their dippin club and use promotion code DM0509 and receive a voucher for a free bottle of Monical's sweet and tart dressing!

Coupon deals!

Hopefully you got to go to coupons.com last week and print off 2 of each of those Kraft
coupons. If you go to Kraft.com also, you can print off 2 more of each...giving you four. If you didn't do it last week...it is not too late! The info from last week is at the bottom of this email for link info. Also, You can use many of these coupons this week at Target! Target has online coupons weekly and then lets these two websites "host" their coupons so, you can print them off as many times as you would like. Then you can use double coupons at Target this week. Many of those same Kraft items have Target coupons this week, so check out these websites for Target coupons and you can use one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon together for the same item.

http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/forums/view.php?pg=coupon_generator
http://www.afullcup.com/

You can get the ritz items, mayo, dressing, wheat thins, cheese, crystal light and kool aid, etc...GREAT DEALS!

Last week' s Email:

Coupons.com :this website has lots of coupons on there this week...go through them and print off 2 of each..i use this concept when printing off coupons...if I would use it, if it were cheap...then I print it off. Hit the back button on your browser to print off the second time and then save them...they are high dollar coupons, so you need to do it very soon! If you wait they may not be there anymore. Combined with a sale, these items would be very cheap and very affordable.
Then...go here:
http://www2.kelloggs.com/Product/KelloggCoupon.aspx?id=1992

and print off 2 of each cereal coupon you would use if free or cheap...

This weeks deal so far...
Walgreens: Kellogs Cereal---not all types, just Special K, Kashi, and Smart start...If you printed off two of the Special K coupons and the Kashi coupon from coupons.com, you will be able to get a good deal on these. Thepromotion is this...3 boxes for $10, which isn't a good deal, but if you have the $1.00 coupons and use one per box then, that is $3.00 off. Then, when you check out Walgreens will give you back $3.00 in register rewards, which is a coupon off the purchase of anything in the store...diapers,milk,etc... You can turn around and use it then on another purchase or wait til next week or so (depending on the expiration date) to see what else comes up... That is like $6.00 off and about 1.33 per box of name brand cereal...I don't spend more than $1.50 so that is a good deal!

If you have time this week, also go to
http://www.kraftfirsttaste.com
and
http://site.vocalpoint.com/guest/index.html

They will email or snail mail you offers for free products/coupons that are really great...I got a coupon from voacalpoint for free frosted mini wheats last week and the new kashi frozen waffles, too and I got a coupon for a free Digorno flat bread melt on the kraft site. One last thing...
Try these websites for coupons that go right onto your Kroger card...you have to load them and sign up your card, but they send you reminders when they have new coupons up and just go load them then. My Kroger doubles coupons upto $.50 and you can use these coupons in addition to those manufacturers coupons...they just come off, you don't have to do anything. Read about the programs before you sign up...I use them and they work...

cellfire.com
http://shortcuts.com/

U Promise is a bit different but still worthwhile to
me...check it out too! upromise.com.

Meals

The last few days I have been very motivated...i light of that, I have made--besides the muffins--triple berry cobbler, Chicken Cacciatore, and Lasagna. I divided the chicken caccitori up into two servings and froze one for later and put the lasagna together and placed it in the fridge for quick cooking within the next couple days. Also, our Sam's Club had pork loin on sale for $1.77 per pound so I bought a loin, had it sliced into half inch chops and froze them in servings. The chicken caccitori was easy and tasted good...I sole a few bites. I got the recipe from: http://asimplewalk.blogspot.com/2009/02/chicken-cacciatore.html
I really have enjoyed reading that blog recently.

I've been planning the boys birthday party...nothing too big, just a small little celebration of their lives. Today the weather is so beautiful here...the sun is shining, the snow is finally melted and it is in the 50's.

Let's see what other kind of cooking trouble I can get into in the next few days...I got a hold of a winter minestrone recipe...maybe I'll try that!

A day!

Recently, or life has been just one thing after another....sometimes, it is easy to get defeated...and I have those days. Today, has not been one of those days...today I am overwhelmed by God's grace and provision for my life. Thankful, for the friends and family that he provides for me and assured that he has everything under control. Thank you Lord!

I even made some really good muffins! Check out this recipe! http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/06/banana-crumb-muffins.html

Blessings to you and yours today, and everyday!

A favorite!

I remember flavored oyster crackers from childhood and recently asked my mother in law for the recipe...then, I lost it and found it on a friends blog, so I thought I'd share it--ENJOY!

Seasoned Oyster Crackers

• 14-160z bag oyster crackers
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 pkg Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 tsp dill weed
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Mix oil, dressing mix, and spices together. Pour over crackers and mix in large bowl until crackers are coated. Heat in over for 10 minutes and 300 degrees.

So easy and so good!

Stain Tip

Since the boys were born, I have used white bar soap to get poopy out of the their clothes. It gets out even dried on stains. In addition, I always use Biz in their laundry loads...as a result, little to no stains!

This week...

Ok...so I have done very well this week. I decided that trying to make a menu at the beginning of the month and sticking with it are just not the right decision for me. I spend too much, change my mind, and then still want to get the deals at the end of the month when my budget is blown. So...I made a menu for the week, I printed off my trusty meal plan organizer here: http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2007/12/meal-planner.html , and went through my cabinets to see what I had and shopped for the difference. The thing I like about my meal planner is that there are no specific days for each meal--so, when my mind changes...I can feel free to pick out whatever meal I choose. (without ruining an organized plan)

The boys had colds last week and have been tired...and I am having surgery this week on the 8th...this is surgery number 4 since June and that means 2 babies and 4 surgeries--3 being abdominal. It is wierd...at this point many of our friends are thinking about getting pregnant again and trying to decide when to "try". However, we are still recovering from the twins delivery and cannot physically even think about having another child until at least another 18months. And that is only the actual physical part...not to mention all of the other emotional stuff that goes with an OB injury of this extent and my husband having to take on all of the burdens of a sick and recovering wife. Hopefully though, my colostomy will be reversed sometime in March or April, once my rectum heals from this weeks surgery and then my body can rest.

Christmas!

Christmas was so wonderful this year. The boys were not at all interested in opening up gifts. But they do like their toys. I hosted breakfast at our house Christmas morning and it was wonderful. It was so nice and made me so thankful that we got to stay home. Last year I was very pregnant and we went all over the place all day long and decided we wouldn't do that again. I was very happy with the way it turned out this year and plan to do it again that way. Now, on to planning a first birthday party for two wonderful boys!