Chronicles of a Couponer

Giveaway!!!

2010-12-26T22:57:00.002-07:00

Sooooo... Familylicious is having an awesome giveaway this week. It is for a Silhouette--a personal digital cutting tool. I would LOVE to win this!! I would use it for my Sunday School class (decorating, memory verse activities, etc.) and in homeschooling. I would also love to use it to personalize gifts and cards. You can also make vinyl adhesives for your walls!!! Go on over and check it out!!! Click here for the giveaway site! Hurry... the giveaway ends January 2nd!

Wordless Wednesday...Vintage

2010-07-21T03:09:00.004-07:00

Long time, no write, hmmm? Thought I had been swept from the earth, did you? Well, here's a teaser to at least keep you from deleting me entirely! :) My contribution to a not-so Wordless Wednesday!!

Here are some other places to check out WW stuff... Go Graham Go, Jolly Mom, and WW HQ.

Please, please pray....

2010-01-23T11:04:00.002-07:00

Please pray for the Baudek family and especially their little 6 year old son, Jacob. He was ill during the recent storms in Arizona and his parents packed he and his sister up in their Chevy Avalanche to take him to get medical care. They had to cross a wash and then decided it was not safe to drive because of the rains and the potential for flooding, so they turned back. Their vehicle got caught in the swiftly, ever increasing running water in the wash and was pushed downstream and they were forced out. The mom was able to get to higher ground, but the father had to stay in the truck bed, holding on to the two children and a rope a witness threw to him. After two hours, he lost his grip and tried to make it to shore with the children. The girl was able to get to safety, but the father lost his grip on his son and he was taken downstream in the swift current. This was two days ago. They don't hold much hope that little Jacob survived. I am still praying for him, that somehow he survived this ordeal and the Lord is protecting him. Please pray for his family at this time and for Jacob. They are searching again today.

His older sister is friends with my daughter and I have known her for several years. My heart was breaking when I heard this on the news, even before I knew of the personal connection. Now, my heart is heavy and drawn out in constant prayer for their peace and comfort. I cannot begin to fathom the sorrow they are feeling.

Thank you all.

(Here is the story in the Arizona Republic for any who would like to read it. It has been on the national news, as well. This would be difficult for a family at any time, but imagine the entire nation knowing your plight--hopefully this means more concentrated prayers for Jacob and the Baudek family.)

Pei Wei Holiday Food Drive!

2009-12-01T14:15:00.002-07:00

It has been a looong time since I last posted. It isn't because there aren't the awesome deals available (quite the contrary!) or that my life has become extremely sedentary and boring. This event, however, has caused me to delve deep for that Blogger password so I could pass on this amazing nugget of info!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE Pei Wei Asian Diner. My favorite and most ordered meal is the Mandrin Kung Pao Chicken--oooohh sooooo good! My daughter loves the Chicken Lo Mein and my son devours the Honey Seared Chicken in a hurry.

I am so excited about Pei Wei's Holiday Food Drive. It is a win-win-win for all! Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 2nd, bring a non-perishable food item in to your local Pei Wei location, give it to Pei Wei who, in turn, gives you 25% off any one entree (one discount per check)! Pei Wei is even more awesome when I save $$!

So, plan your day! Get some non-perishable food to donate (I am sure they wouldn't turn down multiple donations!) and dream about the scrumptious Asian food you will dine on for 25% off!!

10 ways to slash your grocery bill...

2009-10-06T17:25:00.003-07:00

I just have to tell you to click on over to Mummy Deals and watch her 10 part series on slashing your grocery bills. This is really good stuff! Such simple things to do that will make a HUGE difference in your budget. Sure, there are things she addresses that you already do (pat yourself on the back!), but there is so much more here that you could easily implement!

Run on over and check her site out! It'll be worth it! (And she has a great accent to boot!)

Wordless Wednesday: The Sea of Galilee

2009-10-06T14:41:00.002-07:00

My husband & I took a trip to Egypt and Israel with a group from our church in 2007. These pictures are of the Sea of Galilee...we were blessed enough to be able to take a boat on it, as well!

Temptation...

2009-10-02T16:25:00.002-07:00

It is STUCK! STUCK, I tell you!!!

You don't know how bad I wanted to insert 50 cents for a bottle of water I didn't need, just to push A1 and get TWO bottles! I really had to reign myself in. I just wanted the deal of a two-fer-one, y'know? Now, if it would have been Hostess Cupcakes or Twinkees--well, that's another story all together, don't you think???

Wordless Wednesday... my parents

2009-09-23T15:27:00.003-07:00

Wow! It's been a while! Sorry about that... here's my almost WW for everyone to see!

This is a picture of my parents after their 50th wedding anniversary. They just celebrated their 57th anniversary earlier this year! Wow! Amazing!

Make Something Monday...Kitty Litter Cake

2009-07-15T10:45:00.009-07:00

THIS is an AWESOME cake that I have made for many'a gathering. I made this one a few years ago in honor of a good friend's birthday that happens to be on New Year's Eve. Awesome timing, eh? This cake has also been made for firefighters and for amazingly wonderful practical jokes. (Oooooo...that reminds me of another post I should write...)

So, on with the pictures...the recipe follows... (tip: the most fun of the ENTIRE cake is shaping the kitty poopies... THAT'S where my TRUE artistic muse is seen...)

Zeee Recipeeee:

Ingredients:

1 spice cake mix (or german chocolate...I used spice)
1 white cake mix
2 large packages vanilla instant pudding mix (with the milk and such it takes to prepare the pudding)
1 large package vanilla sandwich cookies
green food coloring (tee hee--for the "Fresh Scent granules!)
12 small Tootsie Roll candies (at the very LEAST 12--I used much more than that amount...it is sooo much fun!)

1 new kitty litter pan
1 new pooper scooper
newspaper

Instructions:

BEST PART!!

Prepare cake mixes and bake according to directions.

Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble.

Crumble white sandwich cookies in small batches in a food processor or a blender (fp works much better imo), scraping often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix until completely colored.

When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. Important: mix in just enough of the pudding to moisten it. You don't want it too soggy. Combine gently.

Thoroughly wash and dry the new kitty litter pan & scoop. (Some people use new liners, but that was too much of a pain for me and it looks great this way and is clean.) Put the cake/pudding/cookie mixture into the litter box.

Put 3 unwrapped Tootsie Rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. (Not too much, or they will be too hot to the touch or melt! I did mine at 10-15 second intervals at 60 power.) Shape the Tootsie Rolls into cute little poopies--round the edges, curve 'em, thin 'em, fatten 'em, combine with another Roll to make a big 'un... have loads of FUN! Roll some in the "kitty litter" while they are soft so the crumbs adhere to it. Bury some for "hidden treasures" and drape some over the side of the litter box for effect. :) You do want to soften these in increments of three, or they will cool off too fast to be able to shape them effectively. Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly on top of everything -- this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in kitty litter..."Fresh Scent". You can also heat a few of the Tootsie Rolls in the microwave until they are almost melted. Drag them on top of the cake, to pick up some of the "litter" and clump a bit. sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Spread remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few of the cookie crumbs around for a truly eye-pleasing effect! Serve the dessert with the Kitty Litter Scoop for the dessert to come full-circle.

Now, I have to admit, this wasn't my original idea. I found this on the internet many years ago and I don't have the original poster's name or website information. This was a truly INSPIRED recipe and we love, love, love it!!! Hope it becomes a tradition in your family as well...an honored heirloom recipe. :)

My kids + one...Zac, Aimee, & Noah (wow! two years ago!)

For more Make Something Monday try out Go Graham Go!

Wordless Wednesday...Senior Pictures

2009-07-08T18:35:00.005-07:00

Hard to believe my oldest is through with high school! These are a few of her senior pictures. Time has sure flown by fast....

Check out WWHQ, 5 Minutes for Moms for more WW fun!

Wee, Wee, Wiiiiiiiiii....all the way home!!!

2009-07-08T10:24:00.002-07:00

You need to check out Tweetest Backgrounds blog. She's got some mighty fine Twitter backgrounds for sale and a niiice week two giveway. (Wish I wasn't so preoccupied during the Week One grand opening giveaway!!) This week is a chance for a Wii! Second prize is a nifty Twitter background.

Hurry on over to the Wii giveaway page and check it out. Giveaway ends July 10th.

**Hoping I'll be back to the posting, soon. We've been living life and enjoying the summer, friends, and all that those things bring!**

WW Fireworks!!

2009-07-01T00:13:00.008-07:00

First, I am sorry I haven't been posting much. It's Vacation Church School week here, which equals tons of fun, chaos, and exhaustion...and I would not trade this time for anything. Also my bestest friend for ages is visiting with her boys, so there is never a dull moment!

These pics were taken last year when I spent most of the summer in Missouri, helping my parents through my dad's total hip replacement. The city of Independence (btw, that is not the city with the crazy leash law) holds a huge fireworks display every year. I love photography and this was a perfect venue! I tweeked and fiddled until I got the settings just right and I was so happy with the results! I hope I can get some great pics this year, too!

(so much for "Wordless" Wednesday! I'll try harder next time...)

For more WW fun, check out 5 Minutes for Moms, Wordless Wednesday, Jolly Mom, and Go Graham Go !!

Leash law--for cats?!?!?!

2009-06-24T15:22:00.004-07:00

My parents live about 1200 miles from me. I moved when I got married and have been living away from them and my hometown friends for almost 22 years now. I enjoy the times we visit, either in person or on the phone. We catch up on family things, news from the neighborhood, and all of the concerns and curiosities in between.

I visited with my mom this morning for about an hour about the usual various and sundry things. One thing she did mention, though, has me a bit on-edge. I thought that a public blog would be a perfect place to vent my frustrations and get others' views on this subject.

It seems a few weeks ago my mother heard a knock on the door. A man from animal control was there to inform her of the leash law for cats in their fair city. It seems he was driving by and saw my parents' cat (neutered, licensed, and current on all shots and paperwork, by the way) on their DOORSTEP and stopped to offer an official warning. He told her she had to take the paperwork, etc. to the courthouse to prove this cat was "legal". If he (or any other AC representative) saw the cat outside and not on a leash, he would have no choice but to impound the cat. Another woman had her cat impounded FROM her front porch. They came onto her property and took her cat.

My mother was quite upset, as was I. A cat on a leash? And this isn't exactly a thriving metropolis we are talking about. What right did that man have to come on my mother's porch to get the cat (the cat had been laying there, soaking up the sun). Cats are not meant to be on a leash or completely indoors, in my opinion. My parents' cat is a rescue--a stray--and he goes stir crazy if he stays in all day. He wants to climb & run! They usually let him out for a few hours during the day and have him in all night and the balance of the day. He doesn't terrorize the neighbors. He doesn't terrorize the local animals. He cannot procreate. I don't see the problem.

I have found some other nuggets of information about their town's animal control laws. No animal can be left outside (tethered or even loose in a fenced yard) unless directly supervised from inside or outside the home. You cannot leave an animal outside in your fenced yard for longer than two hours. An animal control officer went to my parents' neighbors' home at 1:00 in the morning! to tell her her dog was barking in her backyard. Her dog was inside and not barking, obviously, but the officer wanted her to go to the backyard with him to "investigate". This woman is in her 80's, on oxygen full-time, is recovering from a broken back, and is widowed...there was no way she was going anywhere with this strange man at that time of night, no matter what his credentials!

What do you think about leash laws for cats? Do you think city officials have the right to come onto your property for a leash law violation, if there is no imminent danger?

Wordless Wednesday...Flashback in Time...

2009-06-24T07:59:00.008-07:00

Next week, perhaps, I will focus on the here and now. I don't know, though...going through these old photos has been so much fun! Ah, well, these are too many words for Wordless Wednesday. :)

Happy WW!!!!! For more WW Fun, go see WWHQ and Jolly Mom!

Don't Ever Drink From Hotel Glasses Video

2009-06-23T12:51:00.002-07:00

We travel quite a bit and know a lot of people who spend some time in various motels. I found this video a couple of years ago, I believe, and it has changed my view on hotels/motels and not treating them as being at home. Click on this link to view the video (I don't know how to embed it into my blog if it is off the 'net. If anyone does, I would love a tutorial!)

Don't Ever Drink From Hotel Glasses Video

Shared via AddThis

My kids don't understand when I tell them to bring in their own water bottles and not to use the provided cups (occasionally we do when they are plastic, wrapped in sealed plastic). Hope this didn't offend your delicate constitution (I know it made me rather nauseous when I first saw it). Let's just be careful out there!

(Oh, and there is another one on bedbugs that I just cannot bring myself to watch yet! I itch just thinking about it!)

Fantastic Deal! CVS: Always Infinity Pads for $0.99

2009-06-22T21:35:00.002-07:00

Sorry if this makes any guy followers I have uncomfortable...if I have any followers of the male gender! This is just too good of a deal to keep quiet!

At CVS Always Infinity pads (the large package) are on an unadvertised sale for $4.99! The regular line of Always pads are marked on sale for $4.99, but these are the Infinity pads that are regularly $10.79 that are ringing up for $4.99.

Now, to make this an even better deal...use your $4/1 coupon from the 6/7 P&G insert to get them for $0.99! This is an amazing screaming deal!

Make sure you scan these at the price checker/scanner before you buy them to make sure they are still ringing up at $4.99. Since this is unadvertised, it can change at any time and perhaps vary from store to store.

Even if you don't have a use for these, you could get them to donate to a food bank or shelter.

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for the heads-up on this great money saver!

Smells Like a Memory...and funny Funnies

2009-06-19T23:30:00.006-07:00

I have many fond memories of my childhood. They come in little snippets, sometimes giant tsunamis that threaten to overwhelm me, but they almost always bring me joy. My husband is amazed by the things that trigger memories for me...a lot of the times it is an odor.

Hot asphalt makes me happy...I feel pure joy...no worries or cares...just excitement, anticipation, and the freedom only summer vacation can give to a child. Hot asphalt reminds me of Worlds of Fun. My friends and I (mostly Tammy...then other times it was Tricia...later, it was always Michelle, but that was Oceans of Fun...entirely different smell-reminder altogether! That would be Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil (now part of the "classic" line--I suppose that is a hint that my music is now "classic", too??)--NO sunscreens, thank you very much!--and heavy chlorine!)...okay, where was I? Oh, yes, my friends and I would secure a Worlds of Fun season pass for our Christmas present and then spend EVERY POSSIBLE MOMENT at that amusement park during the summer. We would swing it to where one parent would drop us off at opening and another set would pick us up at closing. We didn't have much spending money...we mostly shared an order of fries and a pop and that was it for the day...every day...Monday through Saturday...unless we were at the pool that day. Ahhhh....so now you understand why the hot asphalt smell ('cause amusement parks are mostly hot asphalt!) has such a pull for me. It even smells skinny! :D

Another wonderful memory I have is reading the funnies with my dad. I would climb onto his lap and point out which comic I wanted him to read. And read he did! He had the comic timing and the voices to make even a political cartoon hilarious to a 4 year old! Dad read the funnies to me even after I could read myself, because it was always more fun. He didn't care if he was in the middle of an article or work, he would make the time to read the funnies with his little girl. I still love the funnies and so do my kids. We will share the most hilarious ones--sometimes cut them out of the paper to hang on the fridge or give to the person we think it "belongs" to. I have to admit my ultimate fondness for Calvin & Hobbes. They are my favorites!

I came across two funny (by my sense of humor!) comics today in my paper and thought I would share them. They had me giggling while I waited for my daughter in QT this morning...

***Gotta click 'em to see 'em***sorry***couldn't work it out any other way***on to your regularly scheduled reading***this was a test***this was only a test***

F Minus

Bwaaaaaaaaaaaa hahahahahahahaha!!!!!

and then....

Pearls Before Swine

I can't get enough of them! :) Wifey!!! Hahahahaha! I would love to have someone do this at Panera Bread!

There was also a good Mutts one that had to do with Twitter. It was quite clever and simple, but alack alas, I cannot post it, because their site has a two week delay on comics. And with my attention span, I will forget about my intent to post it by the time I log off of this computer. Ooooo! Bright shiny object!!!

Hope you had a great guffaw & a satisfying chuckle!

I Won!! I Won!!

2009-06-19T22:21:00.002-07:00

I won a giveaway on Ramblings Of A Wannabe Writer! An 18x24" poster print from Large Format Posters! I can't wait to have it in my hot little hands. I will let y'all know how it goes and what it looks like. I am sooo excited!

Thanks, Mel for hosting this great giveaway and thanks to Large Format Posters, too!

Drop by both sites...Mel has some great giveaways and posts & Large Format Posters has some great deals!

My baby's all grown up!! ahem...my husband, that is!

2009-06-18T15:34:00.003-07:00

Happy birthday, JOEL!!!! It's that time again...amazing how time leaps forward. Here is a very short retrospective of you in photos. You know you love me...really you do!

Our wedding day! We were just KIDS!!!
*gasp*

Older sis trying to teach him the art of
horseback riding...

Joel's whole family in years gone by....

Just a couple of weeks ago at our
oldest daughter's high school graduation...

Love you, darling!

You are one of the greatest blessings in my life and I thank God for you each day.

Now, on to a family celebration! Burgers at the Islands and mini golf!

A few other giveaways...

2009-06-18T09:40:00.004-07:00

So, my kids are a little past the potty-training age, but I am pretty impressed by Huggies Pull Ups "The Potty Project" site. Lots of great tips and videos. Yeah, videos...but once you get past the discomfort (took me all of 0.3 seconds), you will love it...they are hilarious and endearing... "Relaaax...just relaaaaax...."

First, though you should check out Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls site for an awesome potty training giveaway--all that you need for pottytraining, including an ultra-flip video camcorder!

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The next one is a Father's Day giveaway that ends TOMORROW (June 19th), so you need to hurry on over! Saving Cents with Sense is hosting a $100 Home Depot giftcard giveaway! I don't know of any dad who wouldn't love a gift like that! We are great Home Depot fans in our household. We rent equipment from them, too, for our fun home-improvement projects. So, check it out soon and be sure to thank me in your acceptance speech when you win. :)

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This one I KNOW my kids would love, as well as my nieces, nephews, and pretty much everyone else I am acquainted with. Go Graham Go is hosting a Street Surfing: Wave LX Skateboard Giveaway! And does it ever look cool! Check it out to see if it is for you...or anyone else you know. I am sure it will match many in your circle of friends and family. AND it will encourage the kids to get away from the video games and go outside to play this summer! How great is that?!

Wordless Wednesday...Our Family...six years ago!

2009-06-17T12:53:00.004-07:00

Wordless Wednesday... MY FIRST! :)

Time passes too quickly...look at my header to see my family now! I remember this as clearly as our trip last week. *sniff* (Okay, I will get the hang of WW eventually!)

For more WW see The Jacobsen Family, Go Graham Go, Jolly Mom, and Wordless Wednesday!

Rexie & the GPS...a retrospective...

2009-06-14T14:37:00.002-07:00

**Okay, this is an old post from my old site. Yeah, I'm into recycling. My life is busy, busy this week, so I thought this would be a good time to revisit some fun posts...probably reach another whole audience! :) Read on and know that I love humor and my sense of it is a little, ummm, diverse...**

Hi, everyone! Well, um, I have been busy. I have been reading some very good books. I have been calculating pi to the utmost digit. I have been eating pie with all of my digits. I have been doing anything and everything I possibly can, except updating my blog.

*sigh*

SO! Now that the excuses are out of the way, shall we get on to gettin’ on? To the POST!!

I have a wonderfully large vehicle that drivers of small cars despise. I understand their feelings, though, because on the days I cannot wheedle–er, convince–my husband into leaving the hunk-a-gleamin’ metal with me, then I have to drive the “sensible” car. The Toyota. The economy car. The car that you climb out of instead of step down from. And also the car that is a planet unto itself…BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE AROUND ALL OF THE FREAKISHLY LARGE VEHICLES THAT SURROUND YOU! Sorry…venting for those of us saddled with the wise-choice car for the day.

Anyway, when I drive my Suburban, I have control of it all…the entertainment (unless the kids want to watch a movie), the music (unless my daughter is in the car), the temperature (unless…well, you get the idea). I do get to run the GPS, though. It is my baby and I would be lost without it…literally. It was the best Christmas gift my hubby could ever give me! I am so directionally challenged…seriously, I have gotten lost leaving a parking garage. I ended up in a part of town, explaining things to my kids I never thought I would have to talk about until they were well into their 40’s. So, it’s a survival thing for me. Don’t get all in a tizzy if you’re behind me in a parking garage, though. It takes a while for the satellites to be located, so I know which way to turn.

On long trips, my husband usually drives. He says it has something to do with my wakefulness. I don’t understand it, really. The driver’s seat is just so *comfy* on those long, monotonous trips. I also happen to enjoy having icy-air conditioning blow on me full-force while the radio is on VERY loud. All of that swerving and head-bobbing makes the trip interesting. He should learn to sleep amidst distractions. Really. I am doing him a favor!

Where was I? Oh, yes. So, my husband drives, but I still use the GPS to find the gas stations (bathrooms), restaurants (bathrooms), and rest areas/parks (bathrooms). The only problem is, that despite my 5′8″ frame, I cannot for the LIFE of me reach the GPS mounted with the cute suction cup to the windshield. I try! Over and over I try. I reach with my left arm as far as I can and stretch against the shoulder harness…but it holds me back. Again, I reach…then sit back…reach…back…reach…back…THROW MYSELF FORWARD (trying to fake out the seatbelt…seatbelts are NEVER really prepared for the sudden force against them…it’s a design flaw, I think)…then vault to the seat back. Over and over and over again…lurching back and forth–bungeeing from the seatbelt to the seatback, if you will–with my arm outstreached, never *quite* reaching the GPS. No, I never *ask* for the GPS until this ritual was accomplished. Why should I? I will win someday…I will overcome! Of course, my husband always turns to me and asks, “Need help, Rexie?” Yeah, like a T-Rex…arms too short. Oh, but that’s not enough! nooooo He has to pull his elbow to his side and act like he is extending his arm. like a T-Rex! Then the entire Suburban (it holds roughly 42.3 people…roughly) erupts in raucous laughter while my new nickname is volleyed from passenger to passenger. I am so pleased I can provide wholesome entertainment for my family and friends. It is my purpose.

You know those cute pet names families have for one another that stays within the family? Like Schnookums or WiddleBear or PiddlyPants? Rexie is not. uh, no. I found that out rather suddenly when I was playing Sequence and I couldn’t quite reach the board…and a family “friend” pulled his elbow to his side and said, “I can’t quite REACH it…can you, Rexie?” Again, guffaws galore.

I will reach that GPS, someday. It is my goal.

Fun in the Sun giveaway...coming up!!!

2009-06-11T01:45:00.003-07:00

Okay, I know and you know I am up waaaaay too late tonight. So, let me show you what has kept my interest for so long!

Running Away? I'll Help You Pack! is teaming up with Misadventures in Baby Raising for an AWESOME giveaway week (plus!) starting June 22nd to July 1st. They have some great sponsors lined up and it looks to be a fun and exciting time! Run on over to their sites (Running) (Misadventures) for a preview of what is in store!

See, isn't this worth a later bedtime?? :)

Father's Day Fling Giveaways!!

2009-06-10T09:37:00.004-07:00

You really need to check out these giveaways! Four bloggers got together for some AWESOME giveaways...this is just one (I may point you in the direction of others in a later post...) So, it's Life Starring Ellie and Eve, Mom Start, 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires, & Blessings Abound...

So, the latest one I entered is the Father's Day Fling (#14!!! There are MORE!) Professional Office Guy Giveaway Package. It includes a Keurig Platinum Brewing System and 4 boxes of K-Cups, Peek Pronto with 3 months of paid service, Lands’ End Attaché, and Boost Mobile i776w Cell Phone in brown with $50 pre-paid card! Seriously amazing stuff!
Links to this giveaway... Blessings Abound, Life Starring Ellie and Eve, Mom Start, 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.

Another cool giveaway from these same bloggers is the Fling #13--Sportmans Prize Package. I KNOW my hubby would love this one. My dad would too, in his younger years. Now, he would just enjoy hearing about our adventures (and the pictures, too!). This one includes the Motorola Motonav TN30, Redington Red.X Outfit Series Rod and Reel, Eureka N!ergy 9 Tent, and E! Power Pak! Everything for the PERFECT combo of outdoor and techie fun.
Links to this giveaway... Blessings Abound, Life Starring Ellie and Eve, Mom Start, 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.

Here's another great giveaway in their Father's Day Fling. Perfect for my husband, because he doesn't have his own camera, yet. It's the Best Buy Electronics Prize Package! I gotta tell you, I LOVE Best Buy. I window shop there more than at my fave clothing store! This package includes both the Insignia^TM 7.0-Megapixel Digital Camera and the Rocketfish 2MP Autofocus Webcam!
Links to this giveaway... Blessings Abound, Life Starring Ellie and Eve, Mom Start, 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.

Oh, and this is ANOTHER perfect giveaway for my hubby... the Handy Man Dad's Dremel Tool! He's a great handyman...from fixing up our home (remodel) to woodworking! This would fit right in! This giveaway includes a a Dremel Multi-Max!
Links to this giveaway... Blessings Abound , Life Starring Ellie and Eve, Mom Start, 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.

So, check out one or all of the blogs listed above. (You can enter at all of their blogs, increasing your chance to win!) There are more giveaways than I just listed. I am sure you will find many that will tickle your fancy!

Kodak Picture Book giveaway @ Rockin Mama

2009-06-09T14:42:00.001-07:00

Hey, check out Rockin Mama's awesome giveaway! I love Kodak Picture Books! I have seen them (though I have yet to create one!) and they are beautiful! Just think what a great gift this would be for someone in your life.

Hop on over an enter for your chance to win!

All new look!

2009-06-09T10:45:00.004-07:00

So, how do you like my new look? Alesha helped me tremendously by pointing me in the direction of The Cutest Blog on the Block. Their tutorial for a 3-column blog was so simple...did it on the first try! I then downloaded a 3-column background and I also was able to use a simple header of theirs for inspiration and create my own in Photoshop. I'm going to try my hand at another header later in the summer. Sooo much fun!

I hope everyone is well! We are doing good. Getting ready for friends to visit and we can't wait for them to come! I have to get in gear for Bible School, too! I am teaching the 3 & 4 year olds this year. I have that age for Sunday School, but have never taught them for the full week of VCS. I am really looking forward to it!

Hope your day and week are memorable, productive, and full of love!

Busy Mommy Giveaways!

2009-06-08T18:31:00.005-07:00

You really need to check out Busy Mommy! She is going to celebrate Summer with a fantastic giveaway event for moms! The Second Annual Spring into Summer Giveaway will be held from June 9-20. The Spring into Summer Giveaway will feature great prizes for moms, including an amazing grand prize - a Wii and Wii Fit! Keep your eyes open for some of these amazing prizes! I know I will!

Go here (or click on the button to the right) to check it out.

Pioneer Woman giveaway...BOOTS

2009-06-08T16:22:00.003-07:00

Okay, so I know that it would be the odds of winning Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes to ever win a Pioneer Woman giveaway, but I love her site and her giveaways, so I am a sucker and keep entering!

This one is verrry interesting. Very cool and very appropriate for my (married-into) family! She is giving away a pair of cowboy boots--style/type to be chosen by the winner, not to exceed $400. The brand is Lucchese and they look divine! Go and have a peek, then go to The Pioneer Woman and try your luck! Hurry, though. It ends at 8 pm Pacific time today (Monday the 8th).

If you win, be sure to thank me in your acceptance speech! :D

Casio Exlim Digital Camera giveaway!!

2009-06-08T16:05:00.002-07:00

In celebration of Father's Day, Casio has generously offered to give away a Casio Exilim EX-FS10 Digital Camera to one lucky reader on The Mommy-Files.

This is a very cool camera...takes great videos, too! So, run on over to the site and sign up now for your chance to win!!!

Good luck, all!!

Okay...let's go for a Combo Post...Steaks & Video Camera

2009-06-05T11:53:00.003-07:00

Wooo hoooo! The Mommy-Files is STILL at it (and so am I!). There are TWO more giveaways to try for (and probably more on the site...you really need to check it out).

One is for a Vado Pocket Video Camera from Creative Labs. It is so amazing and so compact! It gives you 2 hours of great video with wonderful video quality at the touch of a button. You also get 2x zoom, awesome low-light performance, and a nice size, 2" antiglare screen! This is a $99 value (great, by the way for grad gifts, Father's Day, birthdays--easy enough for those afraid of technology and fun and compact enough for the younger bunch). Click here to check it out and enter!

The second giveaway will satisfy the actual hunger in you...no, I am not being figuritive or symbolic, you will be FULL and can CONSUME this giveaway! The Mommy Files (again! isn't she incredible?) is giving away a Fire Up the Grill Package from Omaha Steaks, Inc (courtesy of Omaha Steaks, Inc.--aren't THEY incredible?) Now, I just have two words for you......RED MEAT! Seriously...not trying to offend any vegetarians out there, but there is nothing better than STEAKS (good, tender steaks--like these!) for dinner. From the seasoning to the sizzle on the grill...the aroma...the anticipation....ahhhhhhh...it's all a part of an incredible dinner!

Steaks are just a part of this package, however....

In the Fire Up the Grill Package from Omaha Steaks, you receive the following items:
- 2 (6 oz.) Filet Mignons
- 2 (6 oz.) Top Sirloins
- 4 (4 oz. approx.) Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers
- 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops
- 4 (5.75 oz.) Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- 1 (6 in.) Chocolate Lover's Cake

Oooooo, chocolate cake!! So, run on over and enter this giveaway, too!!

Red Lobster for the seafood lover in you....EVERYBODY SING!

2009-06-05T11:21:00.002-07:00

Okay, I am embarrassed now. I can't find the time to post for HOW LONG and now you are receiving a GLUT of posts from me. That's okay, though. These are for your greater good...you could win a $50 gift card to Red Lobster for a Father's Day Giveaway! Truly! Check it out at The Mommy Files. Anyone could use a free dinner---to have it be seafood at Red Lobster is just cake, baby. (Kim, if you win this, we'll go together...Joel can fix some Mexican food and have Jim over for "guy time". Just remember not to kiss him until you have sterilized your entire face!)

The giveaway ends June 15th--don't be late! (Check out her other giveaways, too...pretty stellar!)

Oh, my! Oh, my! A Toshiba laptop giveaway...

2009-06-05T10:38:00.003-07:00

I am really taking it out of all of you, aren't I? After a loooong dry-spell of posting, here I am going all willy-nilly on you. I just have to say, it is all for a good cause. 'Cause if you read these and enter--you may win--THAT is good! (Yeah, stretching a bit, I know.)

Anyway...a new friend on the blogsphere (the mommy-files) is hosting a Toshiba giveway. A Toshiba Portege A-600 giveaway. (Cue ooooo's and ahhhhhh's)

Okay, here's some really cool facts about this computer. I just love specs...if this won't convince you to enter, well, I don't know what to do with you. You must have a plethora of computers at your disposal. Go have a bagel with strawberry cream cheese schmere. It'll make you feel better. Onward...

The Toshiba Portege A-600 is lightweight and ultraportable. (So you won't get exhausted hauling it around on your international adventures!)

- 12.1" diagonal wide screen with LED backlit display
- Toshiba Primary High Capacity 6 Cell li-ion battery pack
- 4th Generation Easy Guard Technology
- onboard Bluetooth
- USB Sleep and Charge/eSATA Combo Port
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9400
- Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (SP1, 32-bit)
- 3GB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz SDRAM (memory)
- 320GB HDD (5400rpm) (hard drive)
- DVD-SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash™ drive - Cosmic black finish
- Fingerprint reader (SO COOL! 007 Cool!)
- Built-in Webcam
- eSATA/USB sleep-and-charge* combo port

As a photographer, the 3GB RAM does it for me...it will be as speedy as you need for your interim photo editing. The hard drive space is pretty snazzy, too! Oh, but the fingerprint reader did it for me...I can just hear the theme music now! Webcam is great too for keeping in touch with friends and family on Skype.

Go here to enter...really! Do it! Hurry! It would be a great gift for dad, hubby, yourself, me.... Hey, I'm just sayin'!

Wanna netbook??? Follow me......

2009-06-05T09:57:00.006-07:00

Okay, so I was wandering around the internet, with nary a thought on my mind when I stumbled into this AMAZING GIVEAWAY!! I thought I should post to let everyone know about it, so you could get in on the action too.

Blissfully Domestic is giving away an HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition computer, thanks to the generousity of Intel! It is SUPER small and lightweight (less than 2.5 lbs and about an inch thick!). Don't think you can give it to hubby or dad for D-day, though...it's a beautiful pink with peonies on it. Really pretty, plus it'll keep the guys in your life from snatching it and laying claim! This lil netbook is great for internet stuff...updating facebook and other social networking sites, email; also word processing and such. Not so good with photo editing, so I guess I would need to keep the trusty HP desktop for a while longer. :) There's WiFi and a camera for your long-distance video-chat needs...

So hurry on over to Blissfully Domestic's HP Giveaway post to enter to win!!!! You've gotta jump through the hoops before midnight (not sure what time zone) on June 8th. Have fun!!!!!

Wii, Wii, Wii...all the way home!!!!!!

2009-06-03T21:44:00.004-07:00

So, I was visiting my niece's blog and found some verrry interesting news I had to look into...

And YES! it's TRUE! (Not that I doubted you, Alesha...)

Christian Personal Finance is celebrating their TWO YEAR anniversary and are giving away a Wii and an ipod nano! How generous. This is an interesting site, too...good tips and reading there.

So, hurry on over (click here) and enter in to win!! Hurry...you only have until June 4th to enter!

More Jack in the Box FREE FOOD

2009-03-06T10:55:00.003-07:00

JACK IS AWAKE!!! Wooo hooo! Okay, yeah, I am a willing pawn in Jack's marketing scheme. I love a good, cheesy drama.

To celebrate Jack's non-coma state, Jack in the Box is giving away MORE free food! (You remember the delicious curly fries...then the two taco freebie???) Well, there is another for Tuesday, March 10th. Just print out your coupon (one per customer...don't do the drive thru...they count the car as one customer!) from Hang In There Jack. You will get a FREE small fry (crinkle or curly) and a FREE fountain drink.

Aren't we all glad Jack's back?!?!

Free Kashi frozen entree!

2009-02-24T10:25:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Deal Seeking Mom, I have a coupon on the way to me for a free Kashi frozen entree! This may have to be a solitary lunch item...or an appetizer! If I make it while all of the family is around, I will only end up with a couple of bites! They are vultures, I tell you! "Oh, mom...just ONE bite? Pleeeeeease????" I had no idea my children could unhinge their jaw for the "just one bite" method of devourment... :)

Anyhoo...click away and try one for yourself! (Hopefully not huddled in the corner of the closet so you can have a few bites before the smell wafts their way....)

My CVS Trip!!!

2009-02-24T00:49:00.005-07:00

I love CVS!! They are so good to me and shopping the ECB's is like a game...so much fun! I was rushed for time, so the last transaction could've been done earlier, probably, but oh well. I am sure there were other ways to combine it all that would have been less out of pocket (oop). If you come up with a better scenario, let me know!!!

This is a picture of my items from CVS, minus the last trip. I'm too lazy to take another pic, download it, then post it here. I will go with the morning trip and you will have to imagine the evening trip mingling among the other buys. :)

1st Transaction:

1 Venus Embrace Razor @ $11.99
4 CVS 25 ct Cotton Rounds @ $3.96
1 CVS 36 ct Chewable Asprin @ $1.99

-$4.00 SALE Venus Embrace Razor
-$2.00 COUPON Venus Embrace Razor
-$10.00 ECB (earned last week with the Coke promotion)

Earned ECBs:
$4.00 from the Venus Embrace Razor
$4.00 from the CVS Cotton Rounds
$1.99 from the CVS Aspirin

Paid $1.94; Saved $16.00; Earned ECB $9.99

2nd Transaction:

3 Gillette Shampoos @ $17.97.

3 -$2.00 COUPONS (=-$6.00)
2 -$4.00 ECB (=-$8.00) (from last week & razor)

Earned ECBs:

$6.00 (for the Gillette Shampoos)

Spent: $3.97; Saved: $14.00; Earned ECB: $6.00

***I sooo should have used the $1.99 ECB from the aspirin, but I wasn't thinking.***

3rd Transaction:

2 CVS 25 ct Cotton Rounds @ $1.98
1 Maybelline Dream...Liquid Foundation @ $9.49

-$2.00 Coupon off any Maybelline foundation (? product ?)
-$2.00 ECB (one of the Cotton Rounds)
-$6.00 ECB (Gillette Shampoo)

Earned ECBs
$2.00 on the CVS Cotton Rounds
$5.00 on the Maybelline foundation

Spent $1.47; Saved $10.00; Earned ECBs $7.00

4th Transaction

3 Renuzit TriScents ($5.49 ea) $16.47

3 -$4.00 Renuzit TriScents (=-$12.00)
2 $2.00 ECB (=-$4.00) from the CVS Cotton Rounds

Earned ECB
$6.00 from the Renuzit TriScents

Spent $0.47; Saved $16.00; Earned ECB $6.00

TOTAL FOR TODAY....drumroll..... (I love this part...my kids just roll their eyes)

Spent (oop): $ 7.85
Saved: $56.00
Earned ECB: $28.99

Grand Total....... -$21.14 !!!!!!! It actually PAID for me to shop at CVS!
Wowsa...this is the first time I have ever written it out and it is amazing. What did you do? Can't wait to hear!

Jenn

More free food---this time IHOP!!

2009-02-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

So, if you would like some free pancakes to go along with your free tacos at Jack in the Box, mosey on over to your local IHOP where they are celebrating National Pancake Day by offering a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes on February 24th from 7 AM to 10 PM. All they ask is that you make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network.

IHOP has been celebrating National Pancake Day since 2006--and raising a lot of money for this worthwhile cause. So, let's carb up and support our local children's hospitals through the Children's Miracle Network!

Remember...it's only good today!!!

FREE Jack in the Box Tacos!!!!

2009-02-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you without Jack-in-the-Box restaurants, I mourn with you. Breakfast any time...real milk milkshakes...curly fries...Sourdough Jacks.... But, when you are in the mood, there is simply nothing better than their greasy goodness of a taco... ohhhhh yeahhhhhh. Even better when they are FREE!!! Yes, free!!! Two weeks ago we indulged in their free curly fries and now, this! Woo hoo! So, print yours out (one per person...need to use it inside, because they are limiting the coupons to one per vehicle in the drivethru) and join everyone on Tuesday, February 24th for 2 free Jack in the Box tacos!!!

FREE TACOS @ JACK IN THE BOX

Oh, and if you have time, watch some of the videos on the Hang in There Jack website. Pretty hilarious. It all started during the Superbowl when Jack made an ill-timed step off of a curb...

Let me know what you think!! (I thrive on feedback....)

Jenn in AZ

Hey, everyone!!

2009-02-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been blogging...um...very very sporadically...on another site for a while, but decided to create a blog specifically for my couponing/freebie addiction. Thanks to my sweet niece and her blog, I may get more involved with the giveaway portion of the internet blogging universe. I was really involved with it for a while (my niece's kids were recipients of some ultra-cool winnings that my kids were too old for...), but I let it go by the wayside. So, keep a watch on future entries here for giveaway alerts!

So, what has brought me to couponing? I used to coupon a bit when my kids were in diapers...mostly just saving a few bucks here and there on baby items and other things when I remembered. Lately, however, a great friend introduced me to Coupon Sense and I have become terribly addicted!! I started major couponing in mid-October 2008 and tried to keep track of my receipts by entering them into a spreadsheet. I didn't enter all of my receipts (can't remember everything!), but with the receipts I did enter, I have saved $1,133.48 in coupons alone!!!! I have saved $2530.19 if you combine the coupons and the ad savings. WOW!! This is sooo worth it to me. And, as a bonus, it's like a GAME! I love looking for the best possible price scenerio and it is so much easier to find this with all of the helpful couponers blogging about it!! I am looking forward to linking my savings posts to their sites (my family is getting tired of guessing how much a trip to CVS saved us!). I will post links to the sites that have helped me in this, my couponing infancy. :)

So, this will be an eclectic blog...some couponing stuff, rebate finds, giveaway alerts, possibly fun & informative reviews of new products I have been able to try. Hmmmm, maybe some fun family/friend/photo stuff along the way.

I am glad you have visited my new blog. I hope to see you again soon! You'll save $$...really, you will! And you won't BELIEVE how much!

Jenn in AZ