Transformers Party Shopping, Round One

I am totally bombing on the cheapness aspect of DH's Transformers birthday party. I started my journey off at Dollar Tree. While I knew I wasn't going to be able to get everything there, I figured I could score one or two items at least towards the party there.

Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. If he had wanted to do Spiderman? It would have been super cheap. They had TONS of Spiderman. Lots of Cars, Dora, Spongebob, everything but Transformers. Sigh! I did however find this package of adorable little Princess wands:


No, not for DH's party. LOL!!

So I headed over to WalMart and just got super frustrated. I found a pinata. Yippee. One gift bag, that looked like it had been a return - it was that beat up. I gave up at that point. There might be some wonderful WalMarts out there, but this one needs help, pronto. (The bright side is it gives me an excuse to visit the Bremerton location, which also means Value Village shopping! lol)

The other day when the car broke down and we were wasting some time, I discovered a little store called The Cake Walk (1700 Se Mile Hill Dr # 149, over by the Goodwill in Port Orchard for my local peeps). I was like a kid in a candy store! Look at some of the fun things that I found:


Yes, I found some Transformers, and though it wasn't what I wanted, I grabbed them anyways:


Look at the cookie cutter and cupcake liners!



I know I have some cake people who visit here, and I have a question: When did all the toppers turn into rings instead of picks?? (what, were kids poking themselves too much?) The rings only end up messing up the frosting as far as I am concerned - I thought for sure in a real cake place I could find pick designs. (Yes, I am sulking)

So, anyways, I am going to have to find a sneaky way to end up at some of the big party supply stores without DH, because where's the fun in that if he sees all the goodies before the party? ;)

Printable Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner Coupons

Fill out your information to print a coupon to save $3.00 off your next purchase of two Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Refills.

While you are here, don't forget to check out my other printable coupons to see if there are other coupons available to help you save on your grocery bill!

Printable Tetra EasyBalance Coupon

If you have fish and aquariums, I know how much it can cost! You can print a coupon to save $1.00 off your next purchase of any Tetra Easy Balance water treatment. It expires at the end of June 2009, and it's a PDF, so no software is neccessary to print it.

While you are here, don't forget to check out my other printable coupons to see if there are other coupons available to help you save on your grocery bill!

Did You Win?

I just wanted to say thank you to each of you who took the time to let the folks at Ufadili know what you liked or didn't like about the site! Being a new company, I know they really appreciated it. The winner of the Ufadili giveaway is:

micki @ ADD housewife said...
I love the green monkey T. My 2 yo is obsessed with butterflies, but the color isn't one she'd wear. Not all girls are in to pink and purple ;) I also subscribe.

And the winner of the Rubbermaid All In One Set (have fun organizing!) is:

MAC Mom said...
Blogged 5 http://macmomof3.blogspot.com/2009/05/rubbermaid-giveaway.html

Congrats! You've been sent an email - please respons with your mailing address in the next 48 hours so the sponsors can send you your prize!

If you didn't win, have no fear - I have more giveaways coming up this week! :)

They Really Do Exist!

Awhile back I know I posted a vent/whine talking about how some people think we (as in us housewives) sit around on the sofa all day and do nothing all day except eat bon-bons. I can't find which post it was (imagine that, me with all these posts! lol), but I remember commenting that I had no idea what a bon-bon actually was.

Well, now I do! Look what I found:


So I sat on the sofa and savored my first bon-bon. ;) These could get very addicting!

Review: Best Bully Sticks

We (alright, well, the Pudgy Princess!) recently had a chance to review bully sticks from Best Bully Sticks.


Best Bully's Bully Sticks (say that 3 times fast!) are 100% natural, inspected, and approved by USDA/FDA and national food inspection authorities. They also come from free range, grass fed bulls. (if you don't know what bully sticks are actually made of, don't look it up. Just ignore that little tidbit, m'kay?)

We gave Pudgy one of the bully sticks, she took it, but dropped it right away. Now, Bully Sticks are something Pudgy usually loves, and has polished some off in a matter of minutes in the past, so we were thinking maybe she was just a little wound up at the moment and would go back to it. About 15 minutes later, we reminded her that it was there, she carried it around the house for a few minutes but still, no dice. (Later edited note: we discovered a day later that she wasn't feeling good - her ignoring the bully stick wasn't because there was something wrong with it)

Well, phish phooey! Now I knew these were nice quality bully sticks. I've seen some so-so ones before, and these are definitely nice.

So on to corgi subject #2 - Toby Won Kenobi. If the Tobster doesn't like it, then I'm wondering what's up.

He took it...

played with a few seconds, and got frustrated that it wasn't long enough for his stubby paws to hold and chew. LOL He kept going back to it trying to chew on it, his stubby little paws thumping against the floor as he tried to grab it, poor dog. This is where I give you a public service announcement to make sure you purchase the correct size chew for your dogs! LOL

I really should have tried to vlog this one - every time I tried to take a photo, Toby moved! He's not as used to having the camera on him all the time like Pudgy is (she gets jealous if we don't take her picture too when I taking pictures) Other than the size issue, he totally loved it!



Best Bully Sticks also has other styles of bully sticks, including braids and rings, as well as TONS of other treats and chews. If you want to keep your dog occupied (and not chewing on your furniture or other things!), Best Bully Sticks has lots of great options. Most chewers will be in heaven with their chews!

***Please make sure to always supervise your dogs when letting them play with Bully Sticks or any other rawhide or long lasting chew, just in case a piece too big breaks off and they start to choke!***

Fred Meyer Deals 5/31 - 6/6 2009

See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:

Rotisserie Chicken (deli)
$5.99

Beef Loin T-Bone Steaks (family pack)
$4.99 lb

Jumbo E-Z Peel White Shrimp
$4.99 lb

Ground Buffalo
$4.99 lb

Buffalo Top Round
$6.98 lb

Buffalo Rib Steak
$11.98 lb

Buffalo New York Steak
$12.98 lb

Durham Ranch Ground Buffalo Patties
$10.49 (2 lb bag)

Foster Farms Fresh Fryer Breasts
$1.28 lb

Fresh Fryer Drumsticks
$1.09 lb (jumbo packs)

Fresh Fryer Thighs
$1.09 lb (jumbo packs)

Fresh Fryer Quarters
$0.79 lb

Beef Cross Rib Roast
$2.49 lb

Boneless Pork Loin Top Loin Chops
$3.99 lb (family pack)

Lloyd's Barbeque Meats
$3.99 ($1.00 off MC, $0.75 off MC)

Chi-Chi's Taco Seasoned Meats
$3.99

Fresh Wild Alaskan Copper River Sockeye Salmon Fillet
$10.99 lb

Fresh Northwest Shrimp Meat
$2.99 lb

Wild Colossal Mexican White Prawns
$9.99 lb

Red Cherries
$2.38 lb

New Crop California Red or Green Grapes
$1.49 lb

Washington Asparagus
$1.98 lb

Organic Peaches or Nectarines
$2.49 lb

Radishes or Green Onions
2 for $0.78

Organic Celery
2 for $4

Organic Romaine Hearts
2 for $4

Large Avocados
2 for $3

Blackberries, Blueberries or Raspberries
3 for $6

Kind Plus Bars
$0.99

Nancy's Yogurt (32 oz)
2 for $4

Imagine Foods Rice or Soy Dream
3 for $5 ($0.75 off printable coupon here)

Designer Whey or Biggest Loser Protein
$9.99

Bob's Red Mill Bulk Oats, Flax, Steal Cut Oats
Save 25%

Pirate's Booty or Smart Puffs
2 for $7

Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste, Pasta Sauce or Tomato Sauce
Save 30% ($1.00 off printable coupons here)

Tropicana Orange Juice
2 for $6 ($1.00 off 2 MC)

Ken's Salad Dressing
2 for $3 ($1.00 off 1, $1.00 off 2 MC)

Jell-O Gelatin or Pudding 6 pk
2 for $4 ($0.60 off 1 printable coupon here, $1.00 off 1 coupons.com)

Kellogg's Fruit Snacks
2 for $4

Knorr Noodles or Side Dishes
10 for $10 ($0.60 off 2 MC)

Ziploc Food Storage or Freezer Bags
2 for $5 ($0.40 off 1, $1.00 off 2 MCs)

Lysol Products
Save 50% ($2.00 off disinfectant MC, printable coupons available here)

M&Ms Candy
2 for $5 ($0.50 off 2 MC)

Twizzlers or Whoppers
3 for $5

Lindt Bag Candy
$2.99

Tootsie Pops
2 for $4

Hot or Lean Pockets
6 for $10 ($1.00 off 2 MCs)

Fred Meyer Canned Vegetables
2 for $1 (first 6)

Ruffles Potato Chips
2 for $6

Fred Meyer Bottled Water 24 pk
2 for $6

Scott Paper Towels 6 rolls
$4.99

Ocean Spray Cranberry or Juice Blends
2 for $5 ($1.00 off 1 MCs out there)

Nabisco Chips Ahoy! Cookies
2 for $5

Vlasic Pickles
2 for $4

Purex 2X Laundry Detergent or Fabric Softener
2 for $7 ($0.50 off printable coupon here)

Iams Dry Dog Food 15.5 or 17.5 lbs
$14.99

Mountain Dairy Gallon Milk
$1.99

Fred Meyer Sour Cream
10 for $10

Fred Meyer Cottage Cheese
10 for $10

Yoplait Yogurt
20 for $10 ($1.00 off 8, $1.00 off 8 printable coupon here)

Kroger Shredded Cheese 8 oz or Slices
3 for $5

Fusion Gamer or Fusion Razors
$7.99 ($2 off MCs out there)

Venus Embrace or Spa Breeze Razors
$7.99 ($2.00 off MC expiring 5/31, so use it Sunday!)

Aussie Hair Care
$2.69 ($2.00 off MC WYB shampoo & styler)

Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color
$6.49 ($4.00 off MC)

L'Oreal Dermo Expertise
Save 40%

L'Oreal Eye & Face Cosmetics
Buy Two, Get One Free ($1.00 off mascara MC, $2.00 off eye color, lots more!)

Tums
$3.49 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)

Pepsi 2 ltr
6 for $5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 6)

Kellogg's Cereal or Pop Tarts
5 for $10 w/ in ad coupon (limit 5) (lots of coupons out there)

Yuban or Seattle's Best Coffee
$4.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)

FM XL Eggs or English Muffins
10 for $10 w/ in ad coupon (limit 10)

Stouffer's or Lean Cuisine Entrees
5 for $10 w/ in ad coupon (limit 5)

Bar S Hot Dogs
$0.88 w/ in ad coupon (limit 6)

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 3lb bag
$5.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)

Trident, Stride or Dentyne Gum
$0.69 w/ in ad coupon (limit 6)


All Home clearance is 40% the lowest marked price!

Don't forget to use your reward coupons - you should have already received them! If you have not received them yet, be sure to contact Fred Meyer!

Unfamiliar with Fred Meyer's coupon policy? They allow you stack a Fred Meyer store coupon (FM coupons as I call them) with a manufacturer's coupon. They do not price match to any other store's sale prices, and they won't take other store's sale coupons. You can however use a manufacturer's coupons on any sale or clearance items, but they usually won't allow any overage if the coupon is more than the sale price (sometimes it slips through the cracks, but don't expect it every time). Our local Washington stores do not double any coupons. They do accept the printed internet coupons if they have a barcode (like bricks coupons or from Smart Source or coupons.com if you are unfamiliar with them) so if you are having problems with a clerk not wanting to accept your coupon and you are sure it's legit coupon, please ask to have a manager come on over to verify it.

For more sites listing other stores sales ads and coupon match ups, please visit BeCentsAble - home of the original Grocery Gathering!

New TV Show Alert: Dinosaur Train

The Jim Henson Company has a new TV show coming out this September - Dinosaur Train!


Apparently, it's a CGI-animated series premiering Monday, September 7, 2009. According to the press release:

The new series features Buddy, an adorable preschool age Tyrannosaurus Rex. Each of the 40 half-hour episodes includes two 11-minute animated segments, which follow Buddy and his adoptive Pteranodon family, on their adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs, creatures and reptiles. Young viewers will join the travelers on a whimsical journey through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they learn how to compare and contrast different dinosaurs. “Dinosaur Train” begins when Buddy, an adorable and huggable T-Rex, is adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon and brought to their nest to hatch at the same time as his new siblings, Tiny, Shiny and Don. Buddy and his new family have an insatiable desire to learn all about the different types of dinosaurs, so they board the wondrous Dinosaur Train, which allows them to travel and explore the world inhabited by these amazing creatures.

I'm sure most of you know my Henson addiction with Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Sesame Street, etc - so you know I'm looking forward to see how this little show looks. Besides the fact that just about anything the Henson co. touches turns to gold (lol) - I'm thinking the combination of dinosaurs and trains is going to be a hit!

Free M&M Mars Chocolate!

Alright my little Chocolate Fiends, you may have already heard about this one, but if not - M & M Mars giving away free chocolate every Friday all Summer long! Fill out your birthdate to get to the form, then fill out your mailing information to receive a coupon in the mail for a free candy bar.

You can do one every Friday, for a total of four free coupons to each mailing address - just make sure to use a different email each week.

Thanks to Micki over at Confessions of a ADD Housewife for sharing this one! :)

Free Killswitch Engage Download

You can download the first song off Killswitch Engage's new album - "Reckoning". This download is only valid for 24 hours, and expires tomorrow May 30th, so hurry!

Aloha Friday

I'm participating in Aloha Friday this week, hosted by An Island Life.

My question this week:

Do you visit Farmer's Markets?

We do whenever it fits into DH's schedule during the Summer months. I like being able to support our local growers! Plus, they always have fun things like Princess Veils! :)

Take A Trip Down Housewife Memory Lane...

When you think about it, us housewives have it a lot easier these days than about 100 years ago.

Take a look at this washing machine, or what back then was called a Water Powered Agitator, circa 1908, created by the Seattle Hardware Company.


Actually that one looks a lot easier than this Cradle Washing Machine from 1903, also from the Seattle Hardware Company. Although this cradle machine would probably be gentler in clothing.


Of course, if you weren't lucky enough to afford either of these models above, you would have been doing your laundry with one of these washing boards in a bucket of water or a pond.


And if you were even luckier, one of these new-fangled electric carpet cleaners was in your cleaning closet too.


These were some of the cooking options back then. Both styles were fed with wood or coal. You couldn't just walk away while you were making dinner, because if the heat wasn't even, your dinner would not be evenly cooked. Plus, you kind of had to be worried about a fire starting, too. ;)


Of course, most of your food was cooked from scratch by you. Chances are, you canned your vegetable garden every year, and probably butchered your own meat if you were lucky enough to live in the country. Otherwise, you shopped in a small General Store, where the food section looked a little like this:


Super cool, eh? All of these pictures were taken at The Sidney Museum, located on Bay Street (above the art gallery) here in Port Orchard, WA. If you live in the area, they are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11-4pm. Admission is free (donations are appreciated!). This is a great little excursion during Summer break (and definitely, lesson worthy if you home school) *Just a heads up, it is located on a second floor with steep stairs. Don't plan on taking a stroller up there)

Can I Get Off This Ride Now?

Because seriously, I am getting dizzy.

We took the car in to Midas for an oil change since we hadn't messed around with that after Friday's mess. We had an appointment, and oil change should take a half an oil, right? So we headed off to Goodwill to waste some time.

When we got back, they called my DH out into the bay.

Not good.

Oh, not good at all. I know that look.

Turns out something burnt through a hose with all that Friday, and anti-freeze had leaked onto the engine. So, they now needed to change out hoses and are currently checking to see if anything else needs changed. (Reason #542 to never leave home without a full diaper bag ladies, and to always go dressed in something other than pajamas - you just never know! LOL) I heard a quote of $200 and I think I started whimpering. Then I heard 3 hours wait and I came this close >.< to crying.

Thanks heavens for free Wi-fi and that I thought to toss my favorite toy into my purse!

I would seriously drag DH to go car shopping, but at this point, we've replaced so much it's almost like we have a new car. lol (I'm sure lots of you feel the same way with yours)

TV Show Review: Curiosity Quest

One of the kinds of shows we like to watch most in our family are the learning shows. Back before we moved here, when we had cable, we always had on channels like the Discovery Channel, and of course, the History Channel.

PBS has a series called Curiosity Quest - the show that explores what you are curious about. I was all excited when we received the chance to review some of the shows! We received Curiosity Quest Goes Green, and Steinway & Sons.

The host, Joel, is a fun guy that's easy for even us adults to enjoy - my DH was totally glued to the screen! LOL Each show takes the viewers on a hands-on "quest" to find the answers. In Curiosity Quest Goes Green, they visited a landfill in California and explained how a landfill works, as well what kids can do to help keep things out of the landfill. Through the show, they go to the "on the street perspective" and ask questions pertaining about the episode to people on the street. Each episode is also full of Fun Facts like:

Fun fact: The US is the highest trash producing country.

Isn't that scary? We really need to watch what we are throwing away! Buying better quality that lasts longer, rather than going for the cheapest, keeps things out of the landfill!

If you home school, Curiosity Kids is great to work a lesson around. I had a million ideas running through my mind as we were watching them!

Kids can even submit their own Quest for the show to go on - how cool is that?

Curiosity Quest won three 2008 Telly Awards! (one for their rescue dogs episode, after my own heart!) To check what time Curiosity Kids airs in your area, click here.

Recipe: French Fry Casserole

I'll be honest, when I first laid my eyes on this recipe, I didn't have much hope for it. It's a vintage recipe, found in one of those fun collection-style recipe books from the 40's and 50s that every charity seemed to publish. I changed a few items, mostly due to the fact that the average wife no longer carries them in her pantry. It also originally used SPAM in the recipe. I don't know about where you are, but here SPAM costs most than 1 pound of ground meat. To keep this slightly on the frugal side, I used the ground meat in it's place.

In my photos, you'll also see I skipped the corn flakes and opted for bread crumbs instead. I already had two boxes of cereal open and I was not about to open another one. ;) To crush your corn flakes, keep in the cereal bag with a bit of air and twist, then use the rolling pin over them. (If you don't own a rolling pin, drop a 5 pound bag of flour or sugar on them several times and you'll get close to the same effect! lol)

Purchased with items on sale, your cost would be under $5 for this meal. My DH totally LOVED it!

1 pound french fries (thawed)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sour cream
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup (easily substituted with Cream of Chicken!)
1 pound ground sausage or chicken, browned and drained
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine one and a half cups of the cheese, sour cream, milk, and soup, mixing well.


Next, stir in the meat and peas.


Place a single layer of fries on the bottom of a well greased baking dish. Stir the remainder of the fries in with the mixture, and spread evenly in the dish.




Sprinkle with crushed flakes and the remainder of the cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Wordless Wednesday - I'm Ready For My Close Up

Review & Giveaway: Celebrate Chocolate Truffles

As anyone who's read my blog probably knows, I have a little itty bitty chocolate addiction. Chocolate brightens my afternoon, and yes, I have it stashed in different areas so my husband can't gobble it all I can enjoy a piece at a time.

Celebrate Truffles heard about my addiction (hey, at least I admit I have an addiction!) and sent me some of their new Truffles to try.


Celebrate's chocolates are premium, hand made 100% natural chocolates made with Avocado, Macadamia nut, and Hemp seed oils. One of the benefits of these oils is that they are heart and brain healthy omega 3 oils. Another benefit? (I hope you are sitting down for this one!)

Celebrate says that if you eat one of their yummy chocolates about 20 minutes before a meal, it passes more quickly into your intestinal track, telling your body that you are beginning to get full. As a result, you end up eating less.

It sounds like a win-win situation - delicious chocolate that helps you eat less.

Well, I can't guarantee that you will lose weight with this or eat less, because every one's situation is different. But I can tell you, their chocolate is melt in your mouth yumminess, and one piece was more than enough chocolate-y goodness for me. I just finished my last piece as I am writing this post, and I think I am going to start whimpering in a few minutes. If you like darker chocolates or fruit filled chocolates, you'll enjoy Celebrate Truffles. It's the kind of chocolate you hide in the bedroom (or bathroom) and savor.


I tried the Cherry, Raspberry (well, I shared the Raspberry with my DH, because I am a loving wife after all), the Almond, the Dark truffle, Light truffle, and the cocoa covered Almonds. I was a little so-so on the cocoa covered Almonds because it was awfully dry for me, and I ended up coughing (that is probably my individual situation with my lungs & constant coughing at the moment though, you may love them) My favorite was a tie between the Cherry and the Dark truffle (I have a weakness for dark chocolates!) Seriously, words cannot convey my love of the Dark truffle. And the cherry? Divine!

If you'd like to learn more about the Celebrate Story, and their cocoa, visit their site.

Prices start at just $5.49 for a three piece box, and you can order online.

Win it! Guess what? Celebrate is letting me give away two mini boxes of truffles to one lucky winner, just like I tried! Are you drooling yet? ;) To enter, please visit Celebrate's website, and tell me what looks the yummiest to you!

As always, you can receive extra entries for:
-Subscribing to my feed or Following me
-Blogging about this giveaway with a link back

Contest ends June 2nd at 11:59PM PST. US only, sorry. PLEASE leave your email or make sure it's available in your profile, or I'll have to ask random.org to draw again!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

Gas prices are starting to make my blood pressure rise again. We're at $2.60 over here last I saw.

The guy next door is done with his deck, and now attacking his roof. I'm sure you can guess my thoughts there (plus the, must be nice to have all that extra cash LOL) I'm not sure what they are doing at the moment, but it sounds like I am typing this from the middle of a car wash. If I start spitting up bubbles, call poison control, please? ;)

I am so tired again today! I am getting a little bit more sleep but I end up waking up feeling like I've been in a car accident. It really is time for a new mattress - this one needs to be put out of it's misery. We were going to replace it when we moved in here, then we were going to wait until we moved again, but I don't think I can take it much longer!

I am getting tired of filling out forms online and being told my last name is not valid. YES IT IS!!! I actually emailed Proctor & Gamble about because I was mad, and they did send me a reply. Granted, it just said so sorry (translation: we don't care) How hard is it to allow spaces in your forms? I cannot be the only one with a last name with spaces in it? I hate HATE HATE leaving the spaces out. It looks ugly. It's not my last name then, it's someone else's. I wish I could say this was a problem I've gotten since I was married... but no, I had the same problem before. (Gah! I can't win!)

My SIL told us a few days ago that she's got a thing for a guy she met playing games online... two days before she told us. Hello, a little bit of drama in DH's family for a change! LOL!!!

I still need to order goodies for DH's Transformers birthday party, LOL. Unfortunately, I guess that's what happens when you're A) obsessed B) still think you are 6 and C) the movie comes out on your birthday. Fine, he wants a Transformers birthday? I'm breaking out the dorky party hats and uploading it to his MySpace. *sticks tongue out* lol

Speaking of Transformers? I am totally excited for #2! I love my 80's.

I spotted Bubble Gum flavored ice cream at the grocery store the other. It even had bubble gum flavored chunks in it. I'm sure when I was a kid, I'd have thought that was the coolest. Now? I gagged a little.

I really wanted to grab the bottle of WD40 yesterday and attack the neighbor kid's bike. Poor thing, it was squeaking so bad it sounded like a pogo stick. I couldn't figure out where DH put it, and I wasn't about to scare her by trying to use a cooking spray on it.

And I get to watch Grissom! The library left a message that CSI Season 7 is waiting for me - yay!

Thrift Store Tuesday

Welcome to another week of resale and thrift store shopping!

My question this week: If you purchase clothing at thrifts, do you try them on in the store, or do you take a chance, buy it, and try it after washing it at home?

I make DH try it on at the store, only because he strikes out more than he wins. lol But if I spot something for me or the little, that stuff goes straight into the washer!

So you did find anything good this week?

We went to Value Village. We had a small bag of clothes to donate, so we received one of their Buy One Item over $5, get one under $5 free coupons. DH found a nice black dress shirt and some shorts then for free - nothing else too interesting. I kind of draw the line when Target shirts are priced at $9.99. Seriously, what is up with the rising prices at thrifts? Are they really trying to price themselves out of their core market? Especially during garage sale season?

No Mr. Linky this week since Mr. Linky is having issues :( But if you write a post, I'll link you back in this post - just leave the URL in the comments. :)

Free Ice Cream At WalMart May 30th!

WalMart will be hosting a fun free ice cream gathering on May 30th, from 11 AM to 4PM. (It's the good stuff too - like Ben & Jerry's & Blue Bunny!)

Printable Dial Soap Coupon

Print a coupon to save $0.55 off your next purchase of any liquid Dial hand soap! (It's a brick's coupon)

While you are here, don't forget to check out my other printable coupons to see if there are other coupons available to help you save on your grocery bill!

Please note: I take the time out of my busy schedule to share coupons that have landed in my email, I am not affiliated with the companies. Some coupons may be only available for a limited amount of time or for a limited amount of prints. If you come across a coupon that is now dead, please let me know, either by leaving a comment or sending me an email so I can fix the post. Thanks!

Manic Mother Needs Your Prayers!

Because I know I have some of the bestest best readers in the whole word (Yes, I know that is improper grammar!), I'm asking you to visit Manic Mother's blog. Her two year old little boy was just diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia a few days ago. Can you show her some love, and send some healing thoughts and prayers their family's way?

Menu Planning Monday

I am going to take advantage of the nice weather, and DH being to have him grill out! A little less work for me! ;) I'm breaking down and making fish this week, because I found it towards the bottom of my freezer yesterday when I was cleaning out, and I don't want to waste it. At least I can keep the windows open to air out?

Monday: pasta & homemade garlic bread

Tuesday: recipe of the week - look for the post!

Wednesday: DH is home & grilling out

Thursday: DH is home & grilling out

Friday: pizza night

Saturday: salmon, brown rice

Sunday: roast & potatoes


Check out Organizing Junkie for other great Menu Plans!

Free Things For Kids To Do Summer 2009

With school almost out (or already out for some!), here's some of the free things I've found for kids to do this Summer to starve off the "Mom! I'm boooored!" comments:

Kids in grades 1 through 6 can earn a free book by participating in Barnes & Nobles' free Summer Reading program, reading 8 books, and keeping track of it in a Summer Reading Journal that you can print up for them. Eligible books (to get free when completed) are listed on the form, and there is a limit of 1 free book per kid.

Half Price Books also hosts Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program, running June 1st through July 31st. Kids 12 and under earn a $3 gift card for every week they read at least 15 minutes a day (and you can read to your kids, for kids who cannot read yet) That's a book (or more!) every week that they can earn!

Don't forget to check with your local library, as many host a Summer Reading Program that your kids can earn prizes too!

Regal Cinemas is hosting their annual free Family Festival Films. Starting in June, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 AM, they will show a different G or PG rated movie. Tickets are available the day of show, and get there early as it is on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments are available at the food court for normal prices. (For my WA folks, click here for a full list of movies and dates)

Certain bowling alleys are participating in the Kids Bowl Free program, allowing kids to bowl two free games each day. You must register online and print out your tickets (you will also be given the option to purchase a family pass for $23.95 - this is NOT necessary for the kids to bowl free, but if you as parents want to participate)

Home Depot hosts Kids Workshops, a free How To clinic for kids ages 5-12 every month. On June 6th, your kids can make a hardware sorter (that looks great for sorting toys!) and on July 4th, they can make a Picnic Caddy. (Your store may vary on the project being made, but it's equally just as fun!) They even receive their own apron and an achievement pin!

Not to be outdone, Lowe's also holds their own Build and Grow clinics. The next project, held on June 13th, is a mini Putting Green. Visit the website to register, and check back for July and August projects. (Local folks, Port Orchard's Lowe's is participating!)

Don't forget to check with local museums or zoos. Many offer free admission on one day each month. (Local folks, the Children's Museum in Tacoma is free the first Friday of the month. They also host Play To Learn, free sessions at locations throughout Pierce county!)

Raising Awareness For Dream House For Kids

Chelle over at Dapper Snappers is trying to raise awareness for the Dream House for Kids organization. She has donated 50 Dapper Snappers, and for this week, May 24-31, she will be donating 20% of all sales to Dream House for Kids.

If you'd like to learn more about Dream House for Kids, or read Chelle's post, visit her blog. This is a great cause, and absolutely wonderful of Dapper Snappers to do this! Please help spread the word if you can. :)

Fred Meyer Deals 5/24 - 5/30 2009

Fred Meyer is open normal hours on Memorial Day, but the pharmacy is closed.

The FM brand soup is on sale for $0.25 each with in ad coupon, limit 8. This is definitely a stock up price - you aren't going to find it any cheaper! Most cans do not expire until 2010 or later - just double check the date before buying for stock up purposes.

See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:

*Hershey's Standard Size Candy Bars 3/$1
*Organic Strawberries 2/$3
*Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.59 (4 lb bag)
*Rotisserie Chicken $5.99 (deli)
*New Crop Cantaloupe $0.48 lb
*Tomatoes on the Vine $1.28 lb
*Organic Gala Apples $1.38 lb
*Peeled Mini Carrots 2lb $1.99
*Cucumbers or Green Peppers $0.68 each
*Leaf Lettuce 5/$5
*Jumbo Artichokes 2/$4
*Nature's Path All Items Save 30%
*Organic Valley Organic Milk 64 oz $3.29 (first 4)
*Gardenburger Products 2/$5
*Mexi Snax Tortilla Chips 2/$4
*Reed's Ginger Brew 4pk 2/$7
*Nature's Way Herbs Save 30% ($0.50 off tearpad MCs out there)
*Natrol Select Supplements Save 50%
*FMV Sliced Cheese 10/$10
*FMV Slices $1
*FMV Sandwich Cookies 3/$5
*FMV Rice 5lb $2.99
*FMV Paper Towels 3 rolls 3/$5
*FMV Detergent 22 lb $7.99
*Banana Boat Sun Care Selected Varieties $4.99 after in store MC
*Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport Tampons $5.99 after in store MC ($1.00 off MC)
*Schick Quattro or Intuition Plus Razors $4.99 after in store MC
*Clairol Nice N Easy Hair Color $5.99
*Nexxus Hair Care Save $1 with in store MC
*Crest Specialty Toothpaste $2.99 ($1.00 off ProHealth MC, or printable here)
*Avent Baby Products Save 20%
*Wet Ones 2/$4 ($1.00 off printable here)
*Energizer Max Batteries 16pk AA or AAA $9.99 ($1.00 off MC)
*Cover Girl Perfect Point or Perfect Blend Eye Pencil Free with Any Cover Girl Mascara and in store MC
*Van Camp's Pork & Beans $0.39 (first 3)
*Lay's Potato Chips 2/$4
*Gatorade or Propel Water 10/$10 (some $0.50 off Propel tear pads out there)
*FM Coffee $5.49
*FM Cranberry, Grapefruit Cocktails or Apple Juice $1.88
*Heinz Ketchup 3/$5
*Challenge Butter 16 oz 2/$5
*FM Yogurt 10/$4
*Quilted Northern Bath Tissue double rolls $1.99 ($0.55 MC out there)
*Friskies Dry Cat Food or Purina Dry Dog Food 16-0 lbs $9.99 ($1.50 off Friskies MC)
*Coke, RC, 7-UP, Sunkist, Squirt or Dasani 12pk 2/$9
*Chicken Sliders $0.99 (deli)
*Alaskan Cod Sandwich $2.99 (deli)
*Deli Wedge Sandwich 2/$5 (deli)
*Caprese or Private Selection Baguette $2.99 (deli)
*Wrap Sandwich $2.99 (deli)
*Beef Chuck Blade Cut Steak or Roast (bone in) $1.98 lb
*Fresh Lean Ground Beef $2.46 lb (3lb flavor seal pack)
*Fresh Extra Lean Ground Beef $3.18 lb (3lb flavor seal pack)
*Fresh Extra Lean Ground Beef $3.38 lb (1lb flavor seal pack)
*Pork Loin Top Sirloin Chips or Roast Boneless $2.49 lb (family pack)
*Foster Farms Fresh Whole Fryers $0.99 lb
*Fresh Wild Alaskan Halibut Fillet $9.99 lb
*Medium Cooked Shrimp $3.99 lb
*Fresh Wild Alaskan Whole Copper River Sockeye Salmon $12.99 lb
*FM 1/2 Gallon Milk or Orange Juice 10/$10 w/ in ad coupon (limit 10)
*FM Macaroni & Cheese or Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 4/$1 w/ in ad coupon (limit 10)
*Kroger Medium Cheddar Cheese 2lb $3.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)
*Dreyer's Ice Cream 2/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)
*Country Oven or Vita Bee Bread 3/$4 w/ in ad coupon (limit 6)
*FM Deli Meat 16 oz 2/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*Hillshire Farm Rope Style Smoked Sausage 2/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*M&M's Candy 2/$4 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)
*L'Oreal Vive Pro or Studio Line BOGOF w/ in ad coupon (limit 4) ($1.00 off Vive MC)
*Secret, Old Spice or Gillette Premium Deodorants & Antiperspirants 2/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4) ($1.00 off MCs)


All Home clearance is 40% the lowest marked price!

Don't forget to use your reward coupons - you should have already received them! If you have not received them yet, be sure to contact Fred Meyer!

Unfamiliar with Fred Meyer's coupon policy? They allow you stack a Fred Meyer store coupon (FM coupons as I call them) with a manufacturer's coupon. They do not price match to any other store's sale prices, and they won't take other store's sale coupons. You can however use a manufacturer's coupons on any sale or clearance items, but they usually won't allow any overage if the coupon is more than the sale price (sometimes it slips through the cracks, but don't expect it every time). Our local Washington stores do not double any coupons. They do accept the printed internet coupons if they have a barcode (like bricks coupons or from Smart Source or coupons.com if you are unfamiliar with them) so if you are having problems with a clerk not wanting to accept your coupon and you are sure it's legit coupon, please ask to have a manager come on over to verify it.

For more sites listing other stores sales ads and coupon match ups, please visit BeCentsAble - home of the original Grocery Gathering!

I Confess...

I made brownies out of a mix box. I didn't add any fun things to it - no extra chocolate chips, walnuts, peanut butter.

Nope, not a thing. I can't even really call them semi-homemade then, even if I did add my own eggs, water, and applesauce. And used my favorite red spatula.

But they are sooo gooood. Honest, to goodness, melt in your mouth yumminess.

Carry on now. ;)

Where Has Your Blue Bag Been?

Ikea has just launched a contest that is running through June 7th, called Where Has Your Blue Bag Been? You can submit a photo, video, or create your own blue bag experience with digital art, demonstrating your creative and practical ideas for Ikea Blue Bags. Prizes include an eco-friendly vacation, Spa gift certificates and IKEA gift cards! (Normally I would be dying for the vacation, but this time, I'd rather have an Ikea shopping spree! More help for my kitchen!!)

To enter, look down at the bottom of the main Ikea page, and click on the Where Has Your Blue Bag been? graphic. (For some reason, I can't get a direct link to the entry form, sorry!)

I think I am going to enter Housekeeping Cat's (Chimaira) photo. It's not as creative, but it shows several of our uses for the bags! ;) (And at 50 cents, it's a cheap cat bed, right? LOL)



I love Ikea's blue bags! We keep several in the car just in case we need to carry a lot of stuff.

Printable Sensodyne ProNamel For Children Coupon

You can print a coupon to save $0.75 off your next purchase of Sensodyne ProNamel for Children toothpaste. Simply fill out your information to register with Sensodyne or log in to print the coupon.

Printable Woolite Coupons

Look at the bottom of the page, click on Print and Save, and fill out your information to print a coupon to save $1.50 off any Woolite product.

While you are here, don't forget to check out my other printable coupons to see if there are other coupons available to help you save on your grocery bill!

Printable Horizon Organic Tuberz Coupon

Want to try Horizon Organic's Tuberz? Fill out your name and email to print a coupon to save $0.55 off your next purchase. (This one is a Smart Source coupon)

While you are here, don't forget to check out my other printable coupons to see if there are other coupons available to help you save on your grocery bill!

New Printable Kretschmar Deli Coupon

Fill out your information to print a coupon to save $1.00 off any Kretschmar Deli Premium Ham, Poultry or Beef Product.

While you are here, don't forget to check out my other printable coupons to see if there are other coupons available to help you save on your grocery bill!

Drattedly Drat Drat!

Yiiie - Murphy's law struck with the car again today! DH was taking us out to lunch, when the AC suddenly stopped doing much. As we noticed that, the car stopped accelerating.

Fun, huh?

We finally figured out if the AC and radio wasn't on, the car went back to accelerating properly. So, hello, more car repair bills. Just what I wanted, and just how I wanted to spend today! (At least this time, we didn't have to walk home!)

So sorry for the lack of posts today, but I blame the car!

Shopping Feature And Giveaway: Ufadili

Ufadili is a fun new fair trade clothing store featuring designs for kids and Mom too, that are not only adorable, but also help teach your kids a foreign language, as well as sharing facts and language translations of the designs. Ufadili is actually a name inspired by the Swahili word " ufadhili " which means "kindheartedness, goodwill".

One of the wonderful things about Ufadili is that they donate 30% of their profits to charity! All print materials and packaging are also made of 100% recycled or biodegradable products - another great plus.

Ufadili's designs feature several different languages besides Swahili, including Italian:


Spanish:


and French too!

Win it! Ufadili is offering one of my readers their own shirt from their site! (onesie, t-shirt, or raglan) Please visit their site and let us know your favorite design besides the two I have featured here. To get a second entry, please let them know what you like or don't like about their site.

As always, you can receive extra entries for:
Subscribing or Following my blog
Blogging about this giveaway with a link to my blog and Ufadili

Contest ends Saturday May 30th at 11:59 PM PST. US only, sorry :( Please leave your email or have it visible in your profile - if it's not available, I'll have random pick another winner.

$1 Flip Flops At Old Navy

This coming Saturday, May 23rd, all solid color flip flops will be just $1 at Old Navy! It's a great time to stock up for Summer (especially if you have kids headed off to camp!) If you're wanting specific colors, you may want to get their early in the day, because I know last year by about lunch time, they were down to navy blue and brown from what I remember.

There's a limit of five pair per person. (Just drag your husband with you *wink*)