Walmart wants you to get a free sample of Dove Deodorant:
and Gillette 2 in 1 Body Wash
And Huggies diapers
Did I miss any new ones? Make sure you get them fast!
Showing newest 24 of 38 posts from 3/1/08 - 4/1/08. Show older posts
Showing newest 24 of 38 posts from 3/1/08 - 4/1/08. Show older posts
Monday, March 31, 2008
Giveaways!
Menu Plan Monday
In no particular order:
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Super Saving Sunday!!
CVS had some really good deals for me this week:
Check this out:
Trans #1
minus
Trans #2minus
minus
Total OOP $.88
Trans #4minus
Total OOP $.51 ECB earned $5.00
Total amount spent $4.10
Total amount saved $86.91
Saturday, March 29, 2008
You think Gas is expensive?
I got this in my email today....thanks for the laugh, Aunt Jean!!!
The price of Gas versus Printer Ink
All these examples do NOT imply that gasoline is cheap~it just illustrates how outrageous some prices are...
You will be really shocked by the last one! (At least, I was...)
Think a gallon of gas is expensive?
Compared with gasoline...
This makes one think and also puts things in perspective.
Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29...$10.32 per gallon.
Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19...$9.52 per gallon.
Gatorade 20 oz $1.59...$10.17 per gallon.
Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25...$10.00 per gallon.
Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15...$33.60 per gallon.
Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35...$178.13 per gallon.
Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85...$123.20 per gallon,
Whiteout 7 oz $1.39...$25.42 per gallon.
Scope 1.5 oz $0.99...$84.48 per gallon.
And, this is the real kicker...
Evian water 9 oz $1.49...$21.19 per gallon! $21.19 for WATER and the buyers don't even know the source!
(Evian spelled backwards is Naive.)
Ever wonder why printers are so cheap?
So they have you hooked for the ink.
Someone calculated the cost of the ink at...(you won't believe it but it is true...)
$5,200 a gal. (thats five thousand two hundred dollars)
So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, Whiteout, Pepto Bismol, Nyquil or worse, Printer Ink!
Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump...
Friday, March 28, 2008
Child With Style
I understand the whole thing about children making up their own minds, trying to express their independence as well as learn their boundaries. I am all for them growing up and learning to make choices, and the consequences of their choices. What I don't understand is how they make some of their choices.
Take Aaron, for example. When he was 2, he loved to watch "Finding Nemo", and it wasn't a complete day unless he had viewed it at least 3 times. And, he had a special Nemo blanket that he slept with (not to be confused with his wubbie) and a cuddly stuffed friend, Dory. Everything was Nemo this and Nemo that. Every fish was named either Nemo or Dory. About drove me up a wall!
Then came along the movie "Cars". Now, everything was McQueen this and McQueen that. He has a special McQueen backpack that he has to carry with him everywhere. And, as part of his wardrobe, he likes to wear these:
Go ahead and laugh...they are adorable. Of course, they are his SECOND pair since he wore holes in the first pair as a result of having to wear them everywhere he went!
Now, he is into Thomas the Train. And of course, he has the Thomas shirts, pants, jacket and shoes. And all his train friends that sleep with him at night (a train can be cuddly!) are in his McQueen backpack. But, not being able to find him the "proper footwear" for a major Thomas fan, what do we do? Well, enter in Easter Sunday. We had an egg hunt planned at a friend's house. Since we got snow the night before (ugh!), the ground was all soppy and mushy. My friend happened to have a cool pair of rubber boots that her daughter had outgrown and gave them to Aaron. Now, he wears these 24/7! The only time I can get them off of him is when he is in bed! Seriously! He puts them on first thing in the morning, and they are the last thing to come off at night. But, they are kinda cute, aren't they?
You gotta admit, my child has taste and style!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thrifty Thursday Giveaways!
Head on over to Walmart.com to check out some of these free samples!
Antacid
Vaseline Hand Lotion
Dove Hair Care
Fiber One Cereal
Mineral Powder Foundation
Glad Trash Bags
Gold Bond Lotion
Also be sure to check this out from Campbell's Stock Pot
And your free sample from Seattle Coffee
This One's For You Thursdays
Ok. at the risk of sounding sappy, I just have to tell you about this week's guest. I have no way to say it gently...so I'll just say it.
About 12 years ago, I was working as a full time waitress doing the graveyard shift. I spent an hour each day at the gym (yeah! I know...what happened!) and I really didn't have any friends. Real ones, that is. I had no lack of people to hang out with, just no depth. Especially with the guys that I dated. Well, one night, I was busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest when two guys walked in. One had shorts and a really cool hat. Couldn't tell you about the other one.
My job was easy, as many of my customers were regulars. I knew what they drove, what they would order, and what they would drink. Many times I would have their order and drinks waiting at "their table" for them. Tonight was no different. The two guys that walked in were regulars. I waved them over to table, placed their order, and went about my way. Did I mention that I really hadn't even said HI yet? When their orders were ready, I got two cokes and brought out the food and drinks.
SURPRISE!!! It wasn't the people that I though it was! This guy looks at me really funny, too polite to say anything. The other guy is laughing hysterically at the blunder. So, good natured person that I am, I laugh and find out their names. One was Troy, and the other Karl. Karl and I talked a lot, but I didn't really think anything about it. He offered to show me how to use the Internet and set me up with email. I gave him my phone number and didn't expect him to call...
Well, fast forward 5 months. After having a stressful time planning our wedding, we decided to elope. We got married and because it was "quick", we had to go to work right after. We didn't even tell anyone that we had eloped for 3 days! My mother still swears that our anniversary is the 23rd, not the 20th! :)
So, after 11 1/2 years, 3 kids, 8 moves in 5 states, we are still laughing together. My husband, Karl, is my best friend. He believes in me when no one else will. He comforts me, protects me, works very hard to take care of me and the kids, and helps me to dream a little more. Thank you, honey for seeing in me what I cannot even see myself. You are my strength, my joy, my inner soul. I love you so much that I can't even express it. Here's to you and to 50 more years laughing together!
To join us...simply post about someone who has touched your life in someway. Link back here so that we can rejoice with you!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Gawsh, I sure do love coupons!!!
I was grocery shopping tonight at Walmart. They price match competitor's ads and take coupons! No, they don't double (wish they would!) but it's still a savings! Check out what I got for $45!
There are frozen pizzas, cereal, chicken wings, chicken legs, juice, Healthy Choice meals for hubby's lunch, hot dogs and more! It translates into feeding my family of 5 for a week!
Bargain Banana
I just had to tell you about this great blogger, Jessica. She is the writer of Bargain Banana and WOW! can this girl save some serious bucks at CVS!!! I got the opportunity to talk with her and I wanted to introduce you to her:
1. What got you started with the idea of saving money?
My husband and I got married last summer. We had almost $14,000 in college debt to pay off. This meant a strict budget that included about $25.00 per week for groceries and hardly any eating out. Together we started clipping coupons and pinching all of our pennies like crazy. We cut back on other bills as well and were able to pay off the $14,000 in our first 6 months of marriage. Now the penny pinching habit has stuck and we are saving money like never before.
2. What would you say was your biggest hurdle over money savings so far?
Not having money in the budget for "fun" spending money. When I was single I spent all that I made. That caused me to enter marriage with almost no money. Actually having a written budget was so hard but was definitely the best thing in order for my outrageous spending habits to change
3. How do you save money at CVS?
My mom had told me for years that she could get all these amazing deals at CVS but I did not take the time to learn for myself. I had just always shopped at Walgreens because I really like their Photo Lab and that is where I had my prescriptions. A couple of months ago I stumbled across www.moneysavingmom.com. She has a post called CVS 101. After reading this article the lightbulb finally came on for me.
Here are a few key items in saving money at CVS.
1. Buy a Sunday paper to get the weekly coupon inserts and CVS ad. You can also pick up the ad at the store.
2. Clip ALL the coupons even if there are items you don't use.
3. Set aside time to look at the ad and compare the sales to your coupons.
4. Look for items in the ad that say "Extra Bucks Reward". These are items that will give you Extra Care Bucks (also called ECB's) in return for buying that item. Ex: Buy a Oral-B Toothbrush for $4.99 and receive $4.99 ECB's or Buy any Mennen Deoderant at $1.99 and receive $1.00 ECB's.
5. Try to buy items with your ECB's that will give you ECB's back. Some people call this "rolling" the ECB's.
6. Use Manufacturer's coupons for as many items as possible.
7. Make a plan and a backup plan. With so many people shopping for the same items you want, the shelves may be empty so a backup plan is important.
8. Use Man. coupons first to lower your total. Next use ECB's then cash or credit.
**Try to spend very little out of pocket the first trip. Ex: Buy something that cost $2.99 and will give back $1.99. This will give you $1.99 to start your second trip. Keep buying items that you have coupons for and give you ECB's in return. Eventually you will spend a few ECB's each trip and walk away with more than you came in with.
Here is a sample transaction after a few trips to CVS have been made.
Start with $9.00 ECB's from last trip.
1 Dove shampoo $2.99--will give back $2.00 ECB
1 Venus Razor $9.99--will give back $6.00 ECB
1 Colgate Toothpaste $2.99-will give back $2.99 ECB
1 Johnson Baby shampoo $2.99--will give back $1.00 ECB
Subtotal before coupons=$18.96
Give coupons from the Sunday coupon insert (non CVS)
$2.00 off Dove shampoo
$4.00 off Venus Razor
$1.50 off Colgate
$2.00 Johnson Baby shampoo
Subtotal after coupons =$9.46
Use $9.00 ECB's
Pay $0.46 + tax out of pocket (OOP)
Earn $11.99 ECB's for next time.
Keeping rolling these every time and it will get very exciting.
In the last couple of months I have spent about $10.00 of my own money at CVS and saved over $400. My pantry is stocked with toothpaste, toothbrushes, air fresheners, shampoo, razors, etc. In the past we would wait till an item was almost gone before replacing it. This meant we usually paid close to full price. Now we are ready when items run out and we only paid pennies for each item.
4. What is your favorite "trick" when it comes to saving money at the grocery store?
Free items. If you look carefully at the price tags on items at the store, you may find unadvertised sales. Most of the time, half of the items in my cart are free or almost free buy finding sales that were not in the ad.
5. What advice would you give to a person who is just starting out with their quest to save money?
Clip coupons and be patient! Coupons are the only reason that I save so much money. My husband and I go to the grocery together every week. We walk up and down every aisle in the store and look at all the sale tags. We have learned that being patient and not rushing allows us to find deals that we would have walked right past.
6. How do you keep track of your spending?
For the grocery store, I just write down the total spent and saved. For CVS I have made this spreadsheet. I prefer to print it out and fill in the columns by hand, but it is possible to plug in formulas on Excel and have the computer do it for you. The money is all that I track, not all the individual items purchased. If you are interested in seeing what I spend each week at CVS, visit my blog Bargain Banana and look through the CVS archives.
7. Do you use coupons and if so, how do you use them?
I use coupons all the time. The only items we purchase without coupons is fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, and milk.
Check with your grocery store about doubling coupons. Our store doubles up to $0.60. This is a huge savings on our bill and allows us to get many items for almost free.
Some stores also allow you to use expired coupons. Otherwise, make sure you use unexpired coupons and buy the correct item that is listed. Pay close attention to size and quantity listed or the coupon will not work.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
It's a Party!!!
I am hosting an online makeup party. Just like Mary Kay, only you don't have to get a sitter, or even be dressed!
Here's your invitation:
Heather (DimeSavinDiva) is hosting an online Makeup Party and you're invited!
Come on over to Simply Beautiful (www.simplybeautiful.mybisi.Com), and shop online anytime during these dates:
March 31st - April 6th
Shop for your favorite mineral makeup products and accessories, or if you have never tried mineral makeup before, this is a great time!
Simply shop the store and use the coupon code "Heather" during checkout. Have fun!
It's a party!!
I am hosting an online makeup party. Just like Mary Kay, only you don't have to get a sitter, or even be dressed!
Here's your invitation:
Heather (DimeSavinDiva) is hosting an online Makeup Party and you're invited!
Come on over to Simply Beautiful (www.simplybeautiful.mybisi.Com), and shop online anytime during these dates:
March 31st - April 6th
Shop for your favorite mineral makeup products and accessories, or if you have never tried mineral makeup before, this is a great time!
Simply shop the store and use the coupon code "Heather" during checkout. Have fun!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Well, here's what's going on, Mom....
Ahhh...the day after Easter. All the eggs have been found, candy has been consumed, some even as I type.
What next?
Spring has been a long time in coming here. I think that it's finally here to stay now, even though we got snow yesterday. Ugh! And it's still chilly here today, even though the sun is shining! Next on our agenda is getting our garden ready. Some friends of ours had a square foot garden when they lived in South Africa, and the more I read about it, the more I really want to try it. I am planning on putting up 45 tomato plants this year. I made my own sauce last year, and it was gone in about 3 weeks. I would like to have a lot more this year.
Then, there's the chicken coop to build. We are getting some chicks in a couple of weeks! We are hoping that we can have enough eggs for us and to sell the rest to pay for the feed. Wish us luck :)
Softball and baseball season starts this Saturday. The kids are so excited! Mikayla is wanting to try out for the traveling team this year, and is practicing her pitching. Nick is glad to just be out of T-ball since it was "bore-ring". He'll be in coach pitch and he can't wait. Aaron still has another year before he can play ball, so he'll just be at the playground a lot.
Karl and I have big plans this summer, from replacing windows and siding, to painting and building a new deck. We are getting a trampoline for the kids (actually, for Nick's birthday) and we have the pool...so, it looks like the kids will have plenty to do.
I am starting a running program that I found on my friend Carol's blog. Maybe I can get those chocolate eggs off the thighs before too long!
Mikayla starts 4H training this week with the dog. She has decided to be a part of the drill team and compete in the state fair in August. She has been practicing with the dog already, so this year should be fun for her.
Aaron is still trying to keep up with his big brother and is having fun doing it. He likes to climb on the top bunk bed and jump off into the pillows that he has thrown on the floor. Gotta love that! I was glad when I didn't know what he was doing. Ignorance really is bliss! :) I can't believe that he is going to be four this year. Time sure does fly, doesn't it? Just yesterday, he was born. Now, he is a "big boy" with a mind all his own! Whoever told him that he could think for himself needs to answer to me! :)
I am planning on taking the kids to the lake a lot this summer, too. It's free and only about 5 miles away from here. We also have plans for strawberry and blueberry picking with some friends. I can't wait! Strawberry and blueberry jelly! Yum!!!!
That's the story of my day....and the coming weeks. Can't believe how busy I am going to be! That's every spring and summer, though. Crazy, isn't it?
Menu Plan Monday
In No particular order:
Friday, March 21, 2008
What I wish I had know my first year...
I am a homeschooling mother of 3. I have 3 wonderful blessings, all different in their own way. They are awesome.
But, I have made so many mistakes along the way. I can't believe myself sometimes, when I look back at what I have done. My beautiful daughter was 5 at the time when we started homeschooling. A typical first-born child, she knew her ABC's, numbers to 100, colors, shapes, and most nursery rhymes by the time she was 2. She could speak in full paragraphs that anyone could understand. She soaked in information like a sponge, and loved it. Why should teaching her to read be any different? Oh, naive fool that I was.
b
To see the rest of the story, come on over to Goshen Homeschool Digest....
Thursday, March 20, 2008
This One's For You Thursdays
They say that the measure of a friend is what happens to the friendship after you disagree. I say that a true measure of a friend is what happens when you have a 3AM emergency. For example, if your house burned to the ground, or your child needed to be rushed to the ER and you needed someone to be there for the others, or if some other tragedy hit you at 3AM, who would you call? I have a 3AM friend...I am very, very blessed indeed!!!
This week, I must introduce you to my friend, Laverne.
She is incredible! A full time E.R. nurse, a homeschooling mother, a totally devoted wife, and all around great 3AM emergency friend! Whew!!
I met Vern at church, and got to know her through a homeschool co-op. We spent some time in the nursery together, and when the kids were all napping, we got to gabbing. I loved talking with her. She is so real, so upfront, and "in your face". She is honest about what she is thinking and feeling. I love that about her.
Besides the fact that her and I play well together, our families are very connected. Her oldest daughter is one of my daughter's bestest friends. Our hubbies even play well together. (bonus!)
I love the fact that I can totally be myself around Laverne. I can show her that I am a screw up at times, and she will still love me. Kick my butt, if necessary, but still love me. She inspires me to get moving and get more exercise. Did I mention that she is a tri-athalon athlete "just for fun"? Yeah, she thinks that swimming in 56 degree water in Lake Michigan is cool! (cold is more like it!) But, I still love her! :)
I would like to thank Vern for being my friend. You have inspired me, encouraged me, and given me reasons to change my thinking. You bring out the best in me.
I love the belly laughs that we have when we get together, and the fun that we have had on double dates. You are truly a lifetime friend, and I am glad that I get to be yours.
To join us here is simple. Just write a post on your blog about someone who has changed your life in someway. Link back here so that we can rejoice with you!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tackle it Tuesday
We had some serious leakage under the kitchen sink...hubby was set to tackle it for me!!!
My new, shiny, leak-free sink!!! Thanks, honey!!!
Tuesday...In Other Words
"No matter how many good friends I had, there were aspects of my life I needed to deal with alone - heart issues and attitudes that could not be wrestled with in a Bible study...They had to be confronted by the Holy Spirit in the privacy of my own soul."
~ "A Glimpse of Grace" by Mary Forsythe (with Beth Clark)~
Not to long ago, I moved 7 times in 3 years. 7 different states. Yes, U-Haul knew us by first name. (how many of you can say that?) I was very lonely. Besides never having any time to make friends, I worked long hours. Making friends at work was not an option, either. I was the boss, and needed to "separate myself".
When I stopped working, and moved again, I still was lonely. Now, I was lonely with 3 small children and at home. I tried to reach out to friends, but for some reason, just couldn't.
My heart cried, and with each tear, I tried to imagine why God had left me to battle life without some friends to help me. "God, I need someone to encourage me. God, I need someone to have coffee with". These were my daily cries. Good think that He is patient, amen?
As I kept searching, I began to realize that I was looking to humans to fulfill my need of a lasting relationship. But, I needed to look to Him. I needed to place my trust in the One that could encourage me, that could sustain me. Yes, even have coffee with me. The Lord has done a major overhaul in that area of my life, and I know now that even if everyone else walked away from me, that I still have HIM.
My strength, joy, and peace come not from the number of friends that I can cry to, but to the One that can actually give me answers.
I have been blessed with a number of wonderful friends in my life, but my Best Friend is Jesus. It was a hard, lonely road, but through it all, He has stood beside me. And He will never let you go.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
In no particular order:
Friday, March 14, 2008
Know and Tell Friday
Question 1
I have been blogging for a year this month, so my question is what made you start your blog?
I have been blogging since last summer, and what got me started was my friend Carol.
Question 2
Do you speak another language? I took German in High School and am presently learning Spanish.
Question 3
night owl, definitely!!! I can't get started in the am without a cuppa joe! (just ask my kids)
Question 4
Do you exercise on a regular basis? I am working toward that goal...it's been an uphill battle, but I have a lot of good friends who support me.
Bonus Questions
Question 5
If money were not an object what is one thing you would like to do for another person? I would pay off this house, and then just give the keys to a family in need. I would take hubby on a year long trip in a 46' schooner.
Question 6
What is one of your favorite attributes of our Lord God? His mercy. How, no matter how many times I have failed, He is merciful to love and forgive me.
Question 7
Have you ever thought about adoption or foster care? we are foster parents for animals...does that count?
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