Giveaway Round-Up!

My baby's better, and I wanted you to have a chance to enter these giveaways before it's too late!!!

At THE FUNKY MONKEY (Make sure to tell them Jami sent you!):


Izzy On The Go Bag, Blanket & Bib for Cricket & Monkey. Ends 1/14.


All Star Buddies Set for All Star Buddies. Ends 1/14.


Pouchee for Organize with Sandy. Ends 1/14.


Set of 3 Safe Sippy's for Kid Basix. Ends 1/16.


Mod Avocado Giveaway---Designs by Vanessa for GirlyGirlBags. Ends 1/18.


Epson Artisan 800---Mommy Coddle is hosting this for Epson. Ends 1/11.


Dining on a Dime Cookbook---Mom Advice for Tawra Kellam & Jill Cooper. Ends 1/13.


$100 Yummie Tummie Gift Card---Mommin' It Up for Yummie Tummie. Ends 1/13.


Girl's Gourmet Cupcake Maker---Steals and Deals for Jakks Toys. Ends ?.


Oral B Vitality Pro White Toothbrush---hosted by Parent Club. Ends 1/16.

Free $10 Gift Certificate

Right now Restaurant.com
is offering their $25 gift certificates for 50% off. You can buy a $25 gift certificate to your favorite local restaurant and pay only $5, plus you get an extra $10 gift certificate free with every order. Use code DEAL during checkout. Perfect for Valentine's Day!!!

Now Take 50% off $25 Gift Certificates and receive a free $10 certificate with every order. Use code DEAL and pay $5. Valid thru 1/12/09.

75 Free Kodak Prints

Kodak has extended this awesome deal (for new members only).

Get 75 Free 4x6 prints when you join the Kodak Gallery!

Great Deals I missed...ACH!!!

CVS's monthly ECB's lists their package of 6 Soy Joy Bars for $6, and you get $6 back in ECB's! Use THIS $1/5 coupon, and it becomes a moneymaker! The limit is set at 10 boxes.

Saving with Shellie tells how to get South Beach Diet Bars for FREE at Walgreens (after rebate) with a $2 money maker HERE.

These are both great for healthy snacking and you can't beat free, so stock up, now!

Cheap or FREE Cottonelle!!!

Kroger's price on Cottonelle 4-pack toilet paper is just $.99. That's a great price, but paired with the $.50/1 coupon that you can print from the green coupon bar on the right, it's even better. If your Kroger is doubling coupons right now, it's the best, because it's FREE!!! You should be able to print 2 coupons per computer by using your browse back button. Happy Saving!!!

Why No Posts?

I didn't have a chance to get on here yesterday, and probably won't be able to the next couple of days. I have a very sick 3 year old with a high fever. 2 adults + sick 3 year old + no sleep + snow bound 9 year old = crazy times...lol. I'll try to be back up on Saturday. Send a prayer our way and have a good week.

Giveaway Roundup

Cross your fingers when entering for these great prizes!


Snacktrition Products---The Funky Monkey is hosting this giveaway for Snacktrition. When you sign up, let them know, Jami referred you! Ends 1/10.


Pendant with Snake Chain---The Funky Monkey is hosting this for Home Studio. When you sign up, let them know, Jami sent you! Ends 1/12.


Diaper Case---Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House is hosting this for Hiccup. Ends 1/31.


Custom Photo Pendant---Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House is hosting this for HotWyre Jewelry. Ends 1/31.


SlimImpressions---Fashion Fling is hosting this for SlimImpressions. Ends 1/16.


Complete Skin Care Kit---Welcome to the Motherhood is hosting this for Good for You Girls. Ends 1/16.


Crocheted Child's Hat---My Charmed Life is hosting this for Crocheted Little Things to help raise awareness against CPSIA. Ends 1/18.


100 Wedding Favors---Eventually Yours is hosting this for Kandi's Wraps. Ends 1/10.



Personal Trainer/Cooking & Quick Yoga Trainging for DS and Hello Kitty: Big City Dreams---Mom in the City is hosting these great giveaways. Ends 1/31 and 1/15.

Good luck, everyone!!!

CVS Deals and Scenarios

ECB Deals
Buy Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, Stylers $2.99
Use $1/1 (RP ¼)
Total OOP $1.99
Get $2 ECB’s

Buy Glade Plug-in Scented Oil Refill $5.49
Use $2.50/1 (SS 12/7)
Total OOP $2.99
Get $2 ECB‘s (Limit 5)

Buy (2) Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick $6
Use B1G1 coupon (SS ¼) -$3
Total OOP $3 or $1.50 each
Get $3 ECB’s (Limit 1)

Buy $15 of the following and get $5 ECB’s

Aleve 80-100 count $8
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)

Alka Seltzer Plus 12-20 count $5
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)

Bayer or Bayer Advantage $5
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)

Buy (2) Children’s Throat Cooler Ice Pops $4.99
Use B1G1 Print HERE
Total OOP $4.99 or $2.50 each
Get $4.99 ECB’s (Limit 5, January Deal)

Buy NasoGel Drip Free $7.99
Use $2/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $5.99
Get $7.99 ECB’s (Limit 2)

Buy (2) Colgate Total 6 oz 2/$5
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)
Total OOP $4 Use 2 coupons if you have them for less out of pocket!
Get $2 Extra Bucks (Limit 3)

BOGO Deals
Buy (2) All Laundry Detergent $7.49
Use $1/1 Print HERE
Use $.40/1 Print from green coupon bar on right side of my blog
Total OOP $6.09/2 or $3.05 each

Fillers
Buy Palmolive Dish Liquid $.97
Use $.25/1 (SS ¼)
Total OOP $.72

Buy Softsoap liquid handsoap $.99
Use $.35/1 (SS ¼)
Total OOP $.64

Scenarios

Transaction #1
Buy (2) Children’s Throat Cooler Ice Pops $4.99
Use B1G1 Print HERE
Total OOP $4.99
Get $4.99 ECB’s

Transaction #2
Buy NasoGel Drip Free $7.99
Use $2/1 Print HERE
Use $4.99 ECB’s from Transaction #1
Total OOP $1
Get $7.99 ECB’s

Transaction #3
Buy (2) All Laundry Detergent $7.49
Buy Softsoap liquid handsoap $.99
Buy (2) Palmolive Dish Liquid $1.94
Use $.25/1 Palmolive (SS ¼)
Use $.35/1 Softsoap (SS ¼)
Use $1/1 All Detergent Print HERE
Use $.40/1 All Detergent- Print from green coupon bar on right side of my blog.
Use $7.99 ECB’s from Transaction #2
Total OOP $.43

Walgreen's Weekly

Several freebies at Walgreen's this week!!!

ESR’s (Easy Saver Rebates)
Buy Electrasol Dishwashing Detergent $3.49
Use $2.50/1 (SS ¼)
Total OOP $.99 FREE after Rebate
Get up to $1.50 ESR

Buy (2) Glade Scented Oil Candle Refill $5
Use $2.50/2 (SS 12/7)
Total OOP $2.5/2 or $1.25 each
Get $1 ESR

RR’s (Register Rewards)
Buy (3) Slim Fast Products $18
Use $1.40/1 (SS ¼)
Total OOP $16.60
Get $3 RR’s

Buy $20 of the following and get $10 RR’s

Aleve Liqui Gels 80 ct $11
Use $1/1 in the (SS ¼)

Aleve Gel Caps 80 ct or Caplets/Tablets 100 ct $8
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)

Flintstones 50 ct Gummies or 60 ct tablets $5
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)

One A Day 50 ct $5
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)

Bayer Aspirin $5
Use $1/1 (SS ¼)

Alka Seltzer Plus $5

Alka Seltzer $3
Use $1/1 (SS¼)

Philips Liquid or Caplets $3
Use $1/1(SS ¼)

BOGO Deals
Buy (2) L'oreal Make Up
Use $1 Double Extend Mascara Print HERE
Or $2 and a $3 (RP ¼)
Total OOP Will Vary

Weekly Deals
Buy Garnier Shampoo, Conditioner and Stylers $2.99
Use $2.00/1 Easy Saver Coupon Book
Use $1/1 (RP ¼)
Total OOP FREE

Buy Reynold's Aluminum Foil $.99 with in-ad coupon
Use $1/1 (SS 11/16)
Total OOP FREE

Buy Progresso Soup $1.10 with in-ad coupon
Use $1.10 Print HERE
Total OOP $.15

Buy (3) Hunts Tomato Sauce 3/$1
Use $3 Print HERE
Total OOP FREE

Buy Palmolive $.79 with in-ad coupon
Use $.25/1 (SS ¼)
Total OOP $.54

Walmart Weekly

Buy Green Giant Steamers $1.50
Use $.50/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $1

Buy Centrum Multivitamin Bonus Pack $6.97
Use $1/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $5.97

Buy NicoDerm CQ $39.84
Use $7/1 PRINT HERE
Total OOP $32.84

Buy Slim Fast Optima $5.48 (Bonus of 2 extra cans!)
Use $1.25/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $4.23

Quaker Instant Weight Control Oatmeal $2.50
Use $1/1 Print HERE or HERE or HERE
Total OOP $1.50

Buy Ensure 6 Pack $6.97
Use $3/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $3.97

Buy Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal, $2.62
Use $2/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $.62

Buy Nestle Hot Chocolate Sugar Free or Fat Free $.97
Use $0.75/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $.22

Buy (2) Hungry Jack Pouches of Potatoes $1.84
Use $1/2 Hungry Jack Instant Potatoes (RP 11/09)
Total OOP $.84 or $.42 each

Buy Welch's fruit snacks $2.36
Use $1/1 from (SS 11/16)
Total OOP $1.36

Buy Seapak Shrimp Poppers $1.25
Use $1/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $.25

Buy Whole Wheat Gold Medal Flour $2.76
Use $1/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $1.76

Buy Coffee-Mate $1.98
Use $1/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $.98

Buy Kashi crackers $2.50
Use $2/1 Print HERE (Newsletter signup)
Total OOP $.50

Buy Purina Cat Food or Puppy Chow 3lb.’s $3.97-$4.83
Use $4/1 Print HERE (one time only, newsletter signup and survey)
Total OOP FREE -$.83

Buy Wet Ones $.97 (Trial Size Section )
Use $0.75/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $.22

Kroger Weekly

Note: P&G Esaver, Shortcuts, and Cellfire coupons are loaded directly onto your Kroger Card. They can be used in conjunction with manufacturer’s (paper) coupons at most stores, but can not be used together with other e-coupons (directly loaded to your card).

Buy Yo-Plus Yogurt $2.49
Use $1/1 Shortcuts
Use $1/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $.49

Buy Suave Deodorant $1
Use $.75/1 (RP 11/16)
Total OOP $.25

Buy (2) Suave Shampoo or Conditioner $1
Use $1/1 (RP 11/16)
Total OOP $1 or $.50 each

Buy Suave Body Wash $1.67
Use $.50/1 (RP 12/14)
Total OOP $1.17

Buy Colgate Toothpaste 6.4 oz $1.50
Use $.75/1 (SS 1/4)
Use $1 via Cellfire
Total OOP FREE

Kicking the Habit

Everyone has at least one bad habit. It can be something annoying like biting our nails, smoking, smacking our gum, or something not so noticeable like constantly licking our lips before talking or checking the front door 12 times before bed even though we know it’s locked. Not everyone may think the habit is “bad“, but to oneself it may be a constant source of tension or self consciousness.

Whatever the case may be, there comes a point in time where we all promise ourselves we are going to “kick the habit“. But we have to remember that habits are formed over time, and we can’t necessarily get rid of them overnight. It takes at least 21 days of repetition for a habit to form. So reversing that, it should take no longer than 21 days to kick the habit. Right? Depends. How many people do you know that have done something for years, can just stop on a whim? I personally don’t know of many. So the question is, “What can we do to ensure success?”.

One way is to identify all of your obstacles before starting. Then come up with ways around those obstacles. Someone who is constantly late and has a really important meeting early the next morning, may set double alarms, a cell phone alarm and schedule a wake up call from an early rising friend. They’ve already laid their clothes out and took a shower the night before. They identified a possible obstacle---oversleeping---and then found a way to lessen the probability of it. They also planned ahead in case it did happen and they had to jump right up---they already had their shower and outfit out of the way.

It also makes sense to make a pro and con list. Most bad habit’s con’s will by far outweigh the pro’s. I mean what pro’s are really there for smoking (I know, I know, my smoker’s can probably name a couple…lol), yet I can think of more than 10 con’s. With a list, it’s easier to remember why we are wanting to stop, and the rewards we will reap once we actually kick it.

Last, but not least---don’t give up! I’ve always heard that success is picking yourself up just one more time than you fall down, and it’s a great motto to live by. Don’t get discouraged by failure. Think of it as eliminating all of the wrong ways first, so that when you do win, the success is that much sweeter.

Freebie Time Again!

Start your week right with something FREE!

Always Clean Sample
Bausch & Lomb Cleaning Cloths
Cascadian Farm Granola Bar
Clif Bar Training Kit
Crock-pot Recipes Booklet
Don Francisco’s Coffee
Dandruff Solutions Haircare
Embroidery Book
Gift Card Holder
Glass Etching Stencils Scroll halfway down until you see a box labeled “Free Stencils”
Gold Bond Ultimate Lotion
Joico’s Color Endure
Kid’s Fitness DVD
Parent’s Choice Formula
Peanut Butter with Omega 3 and Olive Oil
Reach Access Flosser
Redken’s Fresh Curls Anti-frizz Shiner for Facebook users
Resume Writing Kit
Splenda No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber
Suave Free Bottle on the 14th
TheraCran
Total Cranberry Crunch Cereal
Vision Health Booklet for kids
“What to Expect When You’re Expecting” Book

Congratulations to the Starbucks Winner!!!

I ran My First Giveaway for a $5 Starbucks gift card.

I put all of the comments in a basket.


Haddie wanted to know what I was doing.


So I let her draw out the name.


And the winner is...


ABBY who likes Starbucks Hot Cocoa best.


Being the frugalite that I am, Starbucks is a treat for me, so I wanted to see if I could find a similar hot cocoa recipe to do at home. I don't know how well this would stand up compared to Starbucks', but it's delicious. It can also be easily tweaked for your personal preferences.

Ingredients
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cocoa
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
whipped cream
chocolate shavings
Directions
1. Measure water, cocoa, and sugar in glass measuring cup or large mug. Stir well.
2. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes to make chocolate syrup.
3. Stir in milk and vanilla and microwave until warm.
4. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Congratulations to Abby!

Start the Year by Saving 50% off...

...at Restaurant.com
. Right now, instead of paying $10 for a $25 Gift Card, you will only have to pay $5 by using code REWARD during checkout!

Save 50% off $25 Gift Certificates. Use code REWARD and pay $5. Valid 1/2/09 thru 1/5/09.

Free Bath & Body Works 2 oz. Lotion...

with ANY purchase. That means you can buy some of their holiday clearance items or even a nail file ($1.49) and get this great freebie. Print HERE, but hurry! Expires 1/14/09.

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to take a minute to wish you all the best at the beginning of the New Year. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as we start out on our individual journeys. If you've made any New Year resolutions, I'd love to hear your updates and any tips you want to offer on sticking to your plans.
Good luck and God Bless!
Jami

Crowd Pleasing Recipe

I made this yummy recipe to take to one of our Holiday get togethers and it was a hit! It was so simple and easy that I wanted to share it with you all. I got the recipe from Pillsbury.com and used one of their coupons (available for printing off the green coupon bar on the right side of my blog) for great savings. I also tweaked the recipe a bit to go with what I had on hand, so I ended up with an appetizer that looked and tasted great, but was low cost to make! No the pic isn’t mine, it’s off the site, but mine was just as pretty! ~Note to self: remember to take pics for when I blog about them!~

Pizza Bubble Ring

INGREDIENTS
6 to 8 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 (12-oz.) cans Pillsbury® Golden Layers® Refrigerated Flaky Biscuits
40 small slices pepperoni (about 3 oz.)
8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into 20 pieces
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cups pizza sauce, heated



DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 12-cup fluted tube pan with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix melted butter, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
2. Separate 1 can of dough into 10 biscuits; press or roll each into 3-inch round. Place 2 pepperoni slices in center of each biscuit round. Top each with piece of mozzarella cheese. Bring dough up around filling; press edge to seal and shape each into ball. Roll in butter mixture; place 10 balls in sprayed pan.
3. Sprinkle dough balls with Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining can of biscuits, placing balls over balls in pan. Pour remaining butter mixture over top.
4. Bake at 350°F. for 33 to 38 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Gently loosen bread from sides of pan. Place large heatproof plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Remove pan. Serve warm with warm pizza sauce for dipping



First, I didn’t have pizza sauce, so I just used mushroom flavored spaghetti sauce. I also put a dab of sauce on the biscuit round before adding the pepperoni. I didn’t want to go out and buy a block of mozzarella, and didn’t have any shredded on hand, but I did have mozzarella string cheese! I cut each stick into ½ inch slices and it was easy to roll the dough into a ball around it! I used the jumbo biscuits instead of the regular, but when I make this again I will make sure to get the regular ones. The jumbo sized was a little to much dough for my taste. The butter helps these brown faster, so make sure that they are completely done before taking them out, or you might end up with doughy biscuits in the center. I placed the warmed marinara in a small bowl that fit in the center of the ring. Oh, and I just used a regular old cookie sheet to bake it on. I’m not even sure I know what a 12-cup fluted tube pan is…lol. I like to cook, but I’m definitely no chef!

Walmart Weekly

Be sure to check out those Clearance items! Some of the gift sets are going for 75% off!

Buy Aveeno Daily Moisturizer $5.97
Use $2/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $3.97

Buy Chex Mix Bonus Pack $2.25
Use $1/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $1.25

Buy Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner $12
Use $5/1 (SS 11/9)
Total OOP $7

Buy Gillette Body Wash $2
Use $2/1 Gillette Body Wash (PG 12/28)
Total OOP FREE

Buy K-Y Jelly (2-oz.) $2.59
Use $2/1 K-Y Product (Insert? 12/7/08)
Total OOP $.59

Buy Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal, $2.62
Use $2/1 Print HERE
Total OOP $.62

Giveaways Galore!

I've come across several more Giveaways that I wanted to share!


A Knit Baby Hat---Amanda is hosting this for Bubblegirl Knits. Ends 1/10.


Hasbro's New Operation Game---Amanda is hosting this for Hasbro. 5 Winners, Ends 1/10.


Your Choice of a Handmade Necklace---Everything Up Close is hosting this for Suki Creations. 2 Winners, Ends 1/5.


Speaking Spelling Bee & NY Times PageMark Dictionary---Amanda is hosting this for Franklin. Ends 1/10.


Dress from the Winter 2008 Collection---Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls is hosting this for Layers Clothing. Ends 1/2.


danceX-Everybody's Workout & danceX for Kids---Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls is hosting this for danceX Fitness. Ends 1/3.


2 adult DS Games from Zenses---Feels Like Home is hosting this for Zenses. Ends 1/5.


Auntie Anne's Pretzel Kit---Savin' Some is hosting this for Auntie Anne's. Ends ?.