Wordless Wednesday

The angry baby...I would be too, if someone referred to me as "that" instead of a person (see yesterday's post).

You never know who's watchin'

My daughter has a severe case of separation anxiety. It began when she was about 6 months old and has yet to abate, much to the chagrin of her parents and those whom her parents try to leave her with. But moms mostly keep telling me not to give up trying, encouraging me to bring her back to the nursery or childcare even for short periods like 10 minutes.
So we try the gym again -- some days, she can take to the person there, but she's not interested in high schoolers there to watch children (and really just text the entire time) or people who'd just not rather deal with her. But today, she didn't want to deal with anyone, even though the lady there was quite good to her.
I was standing to the side of the door, checking back after my 10 minute warm up, but little one still hadn't cooled down. I was waiting to see if the lady wanted me to remove my crying child from the facility when one of the managers/trainers came up and rather rudely said, "Who's the mother of that?" Hmm...my daughter has never been called "that" before.
The teenage girl looks up from her texting and points to me, with the embarrassed manager/trainer trying to regain respect by making faces at my angry baby, trying to make us all happy. Needless to say, I will not be renewing my gym membership.

GAP

GAP currently has a Summer Sale going on with lots of items priced at 40% off. The deals aren’t that spectacular, in my opinion, but Ebates is now offering 20% cashback on all purchases from GAP for a limited time — which makes the deals much better after the cashback! To get 40% off and 20% cashback, sign up or log in to Ebates and search for GAP to place your order; your ebates account should be credited within 30 days. If you're a new sign up, they have $5 - $20 gift card bonuses too!

Thanks, For the Mommas!

An Award or two

I got my first awards today! Thanks Mommy of One and Counting and A Mommy's Diaper Dreams! Stop by their blogs and say Hi!

The guidelines for accepting this award require the recipient to (1) thank the person who gave it to you; (2) tell 7 things about yourself; and (3) pass the award on to 5 bloggers, whom you have recently discovered and think are fantastic.

1. I struggle each morning to get my attitude right and make the most of every moment I'm given.

2. I'm looking to "develop my new career" -- as a full-time Mom!

3. I don't like to cook! (seems to contradict #3)

4. I'm starting to miss playing the piano.

5. I too grind my teeth when I sleep -- the dentist had to rebuild some of my teeth to have ridges again!

6. My baby grinds her teeth too!

7. I never expected to meet so many awesome people in the blogosphere!

OKAY! Five Bloggers... Here it goes!!!

1. Crazy House

2. Busy Buzzer

3. Petite Gorgeous

4. Ten Talents

5. Underneath His Wrapping

Cub Foods -- June 28- July 4, 2010

I was going to do match-ups for Cub Foods, but then I found Happy Homemaker Cindy who does them for my area! Thanks Happy Homemaker Cindy!

Meat Specials:

Split Chicken Breast $.99 lb.
Ground Chuck $1.88 lb.
Frozen Twin Pack Pork Spareribs $.99 lb.

Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs $.99
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs 5/16/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/11/2010)
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/15/2010)
=$.49

Produce Specials:

Sweet Corn 12/$2
Watermelon $2.98
Peaches $.88 lb.

Dairy Specials:

Daisy Sour Cream $1.50
$0.50/1 Daisy Sour Cream, 16 oz + (exp 12/31/2010)
$0.50/1 Daisy Brand Sour Cream 16oz+ 6/6/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
=$.50

Sargento Deli Cheese $2.99
$.55/1 Sargento Deli Style Sliced Cheese, 6.7 oz +
$0.50/1 Sargento Kroger My Magazine Grilling (exp 8/1/2010)
$0.40/2 Sargento Natural Sliced Cheese 5/23/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
=$1.99

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter $1.50
$0.75/2 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Products
=$1

Coupon Match-Ups:

Aunt Millie’s Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns $1
$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Buns 4/18/2010 RP Insert (exp 6/30/2010)
$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns 5/16/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Buns 6/13/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/30/2010)
=Free

Lawry’s Marinade $1.66
$0.50/1 Lawry’s Marinade 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/25/2010)
$0.50/1 Lawry’s Kroger My Magazine Grilling (exp 8/1/2010)
$.50 printable here
=$.66

Sweet Baby’s Ray’s BBQ Sauce $.88
$1/2 Sweet Baby Ray’s 5/23/2010 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2010)
=$.38

Vlasic Pickles $1.50
-use $.55 printable here
=$.50

Chex Mix $.99
$0.50/1 Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, 4.5 oz +
$0.50/2 Chex Mix Product 6/13/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/7/2010)
= Free to $.49

Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad $.99
$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Mix
$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Salad Mixes 5/23/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/17/2010)
$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad 6/6/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad 6/27/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/21/2010)
=$.49

Eggo Waffles $1.66
$1/2 Eggo Frozen Products 6/20/2010 RP Insert (exp 8/15/2010)
=$1.16

Teething tip

Baby girl's been having eating issues lately. She's usually a good eater, but for the past few days, her lunch and dinners consist mainly of Cheerios and milk (thankfully she's drinking more whole milk now). All four molars are coming in, which made me think that she just lost her appetite and just wasn't hungry.

But later this evening, we discovered that her loss of appetite was from the discomfort of teething. She ate pretty much like her normal self after she had some Tylenol. I remember the doctor saying that ibuprofen is better for the swelling of her gums, so I'll be getting some of that tomorrow. Any other good teething tips?


Ps. Blowout...
This afternoon, I was super excited that she wanted to add blackberries to her lunch of cherrios and milk. Not thinking much of the aftereffects of blackberries, I gave her as many as she could eat. About 3 hours later, I caught a whiff of stench; even my husband who was trying to take a nap noticed it...coming from our baby girl. As I went over to her, I looked at the carpet and thought the cat threw up, but not, it was part of the baby blow-out! She hasn't had one of those for 10 months! Wow...we had to hose her off after that one!

Meijer -- June 27 - July 3, 2010

Thanks Gracefully Saving!

These matchups have been created using the ad for the Northern Kentucky area. The prices may vary slightly for other regions. Let me know if you find other good deals!

Meat:

$1.69/lb Ground Beef from Chuck (limit 3 packages)
$1.79/lb Meijer Boneless Skineless Chicken Breasts (family pack)
$1.49/lb Pork Shoulder Bone-In Country Style Ribs (family pack)

Produce:

$1.50 Blueberries pint
$2.48 Whole Seedless Watermelon
$1.50 Strawberries 1 lb
$0.99/lb Peach-A-Rines (Peach + Nectarine)
$2.50 Potatoes 5lb bag
$0.20 each Corn

Dairy/Frozen:

1/2 price Kraft Cheese Singles

$2.00 Meijer Gallon Milk (limit 4)

**Bonus: Meijer Magic Milk Points runs 5/26 – 9/1/10:

Collect 1 point for each gallon of milk purchased. Collect and save 5 points to get your 6th gallon of milk FREE! Magic Milk Points are awarded in the form of Meijer Custom Coupons. Includes Meijer Premium Milk Gallon. Excludes half gallons, chocolate, soy, lactate and Meijer Organics.

Other Grocery:

B1G1 FREE Lay’s Potato Chips 10.5-11 oz

B1G2 FREE Aunt Millie’s Old Fashioned Bread 24 oz or Hot Dog/Hamburger Buns 8 ct
-$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Bread 5/16/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
-$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Bread, any 6/13/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/30/2010)
-$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Buns 4/18/2010 RP Insert (exp 6/30/2010)
-$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns 5/16/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
-$0.55/1 Aunt Millie’s Buns 6/13/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/30/2010)
Final price depends on original price (most likely FREE or really cheap wyb 3 after using 3 coupons!)

$4.50 Coca-cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Sprite, Pepsi, Sierra Mist, or Mountain Dew 12 oz can 24 pk (limit 2)
-$0.50/2 Meijer Mealbox (exp 7/18/2010)
$4.25 each wyb 2 after coupon

$1.50 Bush’s Baked Beans or Grillin’ Beans
-$1/5 Bush’s Best Baked Beans 16oz Meijer Mealbox (exp 7/2/2010)
$1.25 each wyb 5 after coupon

$0.99 Chi-Chi’s Salsa 16 oz
-$1/2 Chi Chis Salsa Jars 15oz+ 5/23/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/15/2010)
$0.49 each wyb 2 after coupon

$1.69 Post Cereal (Raisin Bran, Cocoa or Fruity Pebbles, Honeycomb or Alpha Bites)

-$1/2 Post Kids Cereals 5/16/2010 SS Insert (exp 6/27/2010)
-$1/2 Post Cereals 5/16/2010 SS Insert (exp 6/27/2010)
$1.19 each wyb 2 after coupon

$1.99 General Mills Cereal (Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cheerios, or Multi-Gran Cheerios)
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals
-$1/2 General Mills Cereal 5/30/2010 GM Insert (exp 7/10/2010)
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals
-$0.55/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch
-$1.50/2 General Mills Cereal
-$0.55/1 Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal
-$0.50/1 Cheerios 6/27/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/7/2010)
-$0.55/1 Honey Nut Cheerios
-$0.55/1 Lucky Charms Cereal
-$0.55/1 Lucky Charms Cereal
-$0.55/1 Lucky Charms Cereal
-$0.55/1 Lucky Charms Cereal
$0.99 – $1.49 after coupon

$1.50 Aunt Millie’s Homestyle Bread 24 oz

$2.50 Kellogg’s Cereal (Raisin Bran Crunch, Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini Wheats Strawberry, Cinnamon Streusel or Blueberry Muffin) or Nutri-Grain Bars
**Bonus: BuyANY 4 Kellogg’s Cereal or Nutri-Grain Bars get $4.00 off instantly!
-$1.25/3 Kellogg’s Cereals 10 oz+ 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 8/8/2010)
-$1/2 Kellogg’s Cereals
-$1/2 Kellogg’s Cereals$1/2 Kellogg’s Cereals
-$1.50/3 Kellogg’s Cereals 5/23/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/4/2010)
-$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal, 14.5 + any variety
-$1.50/3 Kellogg’s Cereals, 10 oz +
-$1/2 Kellogg’s Cereals, 10 oz + (exp 8/1/2010)
$1.00 each wyb 4 after coupons (use 2 $1.00/2) and instant savings

$2.37 Nabisco Oreos, Large Snack Crackers, Grahams, Nilla or Nutter Butters
-$1/2 Nabisco Crackers 5/16/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/25/2010)
$1.87 each wyb 2 after coupon

Kroger -- June 28 - July 4, 2010

***You know how I love ice cream...I believe Turkey Hill Ice Cream is $1.99 with the Kroger card, and you can use the $1/2 coupon from 5/2 RP. Yum yum ***

Thanks Gracefully Saving! These matchups have been created using the ad for the Northern Kentucky area. I’ve listed what I consider to be the best deals so let me know if you see other things.Kroger is offering their buy 10 participating items with your shopper’s card get $3.00 off instantly at register (ad states NO limit on rewards). All products must be purchased in the same transaction.

Prices are after instant savings when you buy 10 participating items.

$0.99 Coca-Cola Soft Drinks 2 Liter

$0.69 Gatorade 32 oz

$0.69 Chef Boyardee pasta cup or can

$2.19 Nabisco Ritz Crackers 7.5-16 oz or Kroger Peanut Butter 28 oz
-$1/2 Nabisco Crackers 5/16/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/25/2010)
$1.69 each wyb 2 after coupon and instant savings

$2.19 General Mills Cereal select varieties 10.9-18 oz
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals
-$1/2 General Mills Cheerios Cereal 6/6/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/17/2010)
-$1/2 General Mills Cheerios 5/30/2010 GM Insert (exp 7/10/2010)
-$1/3 General Mills Cereals 6/13/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/24/2010)
$1.69 – $1.86 each after coupon and instant savings

$1.97 Breyers Ice Cream 48 oz or Klondike Frozen Treats 4-6 ct

$1.69 Country Crock 30-45 oz
-$0.40/1 Shedd’s Country Crock Product (IE) or Printable (FF)
$0.89 after coupon and instant savings

$2.19 Purex Laundry Detergent liquid 50 oz
-$0.35/1 Purex Natural Elements Detergent or Fabric Softener
$1.49 after coupon and instant savings

$2.69 Tropicana Orange Juice or Trop50 59 oz
-$0.50/1 Tropicana Trop50 50 oz 6/6/2010 RP Insert (exp 8/20/2010)
-$1/2 Tropicana 4/25/2010 RP Insert (exp 6/30/2010)
-$1.25/2 Tropicana Kroger My Magazine Mom (exp 7/11/2010)
-$1/1 Tropicana Trop50, 59 oz
$1.69 – $2.19 after coupon and instant savings

$3.69 Yoplait Yogurt Multipacks 8 pk select varieties
-$0.50/1 Yoplait Delights Yogurt 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/14/2010)
-$1/1 Yoplait Delight Yogurt Multipacks
-$1/1 Yoplait Delights Yogurt Multipack$1/1 Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt Multipack
-$1/1 Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt Multipacks Kroger eCoupon (exp 6/28/2010)
$2.69 after coupon and instant savings = $0.34 each

Meat:

$5.99/lb Ribeye, T-Bone or Strip Steak
$1.99/lb Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins or Chick Thighs
$1.39/lb Whole Pork Shoulder Boston Butt
$1.69/lb Pork Steak or Western Style Ribs
$2.99/lb Boneless Center-Cut Pork Chops (value pack)
$1.99/lb Pork Spare Ribs
$2.99/lb Beef Western Style Ribs
$1.59/lb Pork Danish Spareribs frozen 10 lb box = $15.90

Produce:

$0.98/lb Peaches
$1.67 Strawberries 16 oz
$0.99/lb Red Tomatoes on the Vine
$1.99/lb Cherries
$0.69/lb Vidalia Onions
$1.00 Hot House Bell Peppers (red, yellow or orange)
$1.50 Dole or Fresh Selections Premium Classic Salad 9-12 oz
$0.15 Corn

Dairy/Frozen:

$1.88 Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream 48 oz

$1.00 Cool Whip 5.5-8 oz
$0.20/2 Cool Whip Whipped Topping 6/27/2010 SS Insert (exp 7/25/2010)
**Bonus: Kraft Cool Whip between 5/21/10 – 7/11/10
Buy 3, get $1 OYNO
Buy 4, get $2 OYNO
Buy 5+, get $3 OYNO
$0.24each wyb 5 after coupon and OYNO

CVS -- June 26 - July 3, 2010

Pretzel M&Ms $.89, B1G1 free
-B1G1 free from 6/27 RP (coupon says valid up to $.79) – extras available HERE
Final Price: FREE or super cheap

Starbucks Frappucino single serve 2/$3
-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $.50

ECB Deal: Spend $10 get $5 ECB
Oust Air Sanitizer 2/$5
-$1 from 5/9 SS
Final Price: $1.50

Pledge Fabric Sweeper 1-ct 2/$5
-$1 from 5/2 SS (valid Sun 6/27 only)
Final Price: $1.50

Ziploc bags 2/$5
-$1/2 from 5/16 SS
Final Price: $2 each

Glade Relaxing Moments jar candles 2/$5
-$2/3 printable HERE
Final Price: 3/$5.50 or $1.83 each

Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel 2/$5
-$1 from 5/16 SS
-FREE Fresh Brush 2-in-1 wyb Toilet Gel printable HERE (NOT part of the ECB deal – but still FREE!)
Final Price: $1.50 for both

{Scenario}
(3) Glade candles $7.50
(1) Scrubbing Bubbles toilet gel $2.50
(1) Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush FREE
-$3 coupons
-$5 ECB
Final Price: five items for $2*
*SC Johnson rebate makes $3 profit!

{Scenario}
(2) Oust Air Sanitizer $5
(2) Pledge Fabric Sweeper $5
-$4 coupons
-$5 ECB
Final Price: four items for $1*
*SC Johnson rebate makes $4 profit!

Dove deodorant or body mist 2/$7
-$2 printable HERE
Final Price: 2/$3

Tums 60-150 ct $3.79
-$1 ECB
-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $1.79

Stayfree pads B1G1 free
-B1G1 free from 6/27 RP – extras available HERE
Final Price: two for FREE

Pampers jumbo pk $8.99
-$1 ECB
-$2 from 6/20 RP
Final Price: $5.99

Xtra 2x laundry detergent 28 load 2/$3
-$1 from 6/6 SS – extras available HERE
Final Price: $.50

Thanks Moms by Heart!

Walgreens -- June 27 - July 3, 2010

Pepsi Products 12-pk 3/$12

• get back a $5 Register Reward on three
• Final Price: 3/$7

Blistex Fruit Smoothies Lip Care $2.99

• get back a $2.99 Register Reward
• Final Price: FREE

Twizzlers 11-16 oz 2/$3

• get back a $2 Register Reward on two
• use the $1/3 from 6/27 Smart Source
• Final Price: $.50 each

Dove RR Deal: Spend $15, get $5 RR (month long deal)

• Dove hair care 7-12 oz $3.75
• use the $1 from 6/27 Red Plum – any
• use the $1.25 from 6/27 RP – Daily Treatment Conditioner
• Final Price: $2.50-$2.75
• 
  
• Dove deodorant or body mist $3.75
• use $1.50 printable HERE or $2 printable HERE
• Final Price: $1.75-$2.25
• 
  
• Dove Men care $3.75
• use $1 from 6/27 Smart Source
• Final Price: $2.75
• 
  
• {Scenario}
• (4) deodorant or body mist
• -$7-$8 printables (if you have two computers, print four $2 coupons)
• -$5 RR
• Final Price: as low as 4/$2

Starbucks Ice Cream pint $4.79 B1G1 free (with insert coupon)

• use the instore ad coupon
• also use the $.75 printable HERE (use two), or $1/2 printable HERE
• Final Price: as low as 2/$3.29 or $1.65 each

Colgate Wave toothbrush $1.49 (with insert coupon)

• use the instore ad coupon
• also use the $.75 from July ALL YOU magazine
• Final Price: $.74

Reach Crystal Clean toothbrush or Reach floss $.99 (with insert coupon)

• use the instore ad coupon
• also use the $1 from 5/16 Red Plum
• Final Price: FREE

Huggies Baby Wipes 64-ct $2 (with insert coupon)

• use the instore ad coupon
• also use the $.50 from 6/20 Smart Source
• Final Price: $1.50

Dentyne Gum 9 or 12 piece 3/$1.98

• use the $.99/3 from July coupon booklet
• also use the $1 from 6/13 Smart source (just use one for this scenario)
• Final Price: Free
  

Thanks Moms By Heart!

Mimi’s Cafe: FREE Muffin Week is June 28- July 1!

Mimi’s Cafe is celebrating with their delicious muffins for 4 days- June 28 through July 1. Go HERE to print coupons good for a FREE 4-pack of muffins with a to go purchase, breakfast purchase or lunch and dinner purchase.

Thanks Combat Clippers!

Bath & Body Works -- $10 off -- Ends today

Did you stock up on your Bath & Body Works products?!? Most items are 50%-75% off. And this $10 off a $40 purchase ends today!

USE CODE SALE40 ONLINE ONLY USE CODE 2745 IN U.S. STORES ONLY

Chick-fil-A -- July 9, Free Meal

Cow Appreciation Day is Coming!
On July 9, prove you're no chicken and visit your local Chick-fil-A fully dressed like a cow and receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Meal in celebration of the Cows' favorite holiday.

Friday Follow!

Thanks for visiting -- and I have my 1st giveaway up too! =)

Graeters

Yes, I greatly enjoy food, but there are a few treats that I absolutely go crazy about: bubble tea and ice cream, especially Graeters! For the years that I lived within a 30 mile radius of a Graeters store, I got their summer t-shirt! I don't know how I missed this one, but I wasn't on their email list...until yesterday! And I discovered that when you sign up here, you get....

Just thought I'd let you know! (And I think I should be on that picture because I'm all about Graeters! And I'm not getting compensated for this plug...I just get my 2nd scoop free!)

Snapfish 60% off Summer Clearance Items

Need some photo gifts?!? Click here for more.

Wordless Wednesday

I love her pictures!

$.50 Organic Stonyfield Probiotic Yogurt

With Kroger's shopper's card, you can get the 4-pack of organic Stonyfield Probiotic yogurt.
My Kroger priced their Stonyfield Probiotic 4-packs at 2/$3, and my $.50 coupon from Stonyfield doubled! So I got some organic yogurt for $.50!

Also worth noting, Spend Less & Save More has a list of more organic and eco-friendly coupons.

Brugo Mug Review & Giveaway!

I remember the days of waking up at 5:15am to be out-the-door- by 6:20am, driving 50 miles to work, with my Starbucks coffee tumbler tucked faithfully in the cup holder. For the first 15 minutes of the drive, I couldn't drink my coffee because it was too hot, but by the time I got to school, it had cooled down too much! I had to remember to drink it all between Brookville and West Carrollton! I wish I had this Brugo Mug for those days!
The Brugo Mug is incredibly innovative as well as fun. The first thing that caught my eye is the color! The Brugo Mug comes in quite the array of colors, and I was sent this Cobalt one to review. It looks very cool especially with the stainless steel finish, but it really does keep your coffee hot! It allows you to have a sip of perfect coffee with its Temperature Control Chamber. This allows a small amount of coffee (about one sip) to be "cooled" to your preference, eliminating burning your tongue or the roof of your mouth, while still keeping the remainder of coffee hot.

Here's how it works:

Liquid quickly enters BRUGO's patented Temperature Control Chamber.		It's instantly adjusted to the perfect temperature, while the remaining coffee stays hottest and most aromatic.

Make sure you allow yourself time to get used to moving the dial to tip and cool the coffee as well as the motion to get the coffee into the chamber to cool! But you should only have to do that a few times and then be able to use the "sip" function, basically using it like a regular travel mug.
It is not leakproof, but you'd have to turn it upside down to figure that out!
It also is not microwave (stainless steel finish) or dishwasher safe. That's not too much of a problem for me because I also have stainless steel pans and knives that shouldn't be washed in the dishwasher.

I've been told that they often run promotions, such as the current one:
25% off when you buy 2 or more mugs AND free shipping on orders over 50.00!

WIN IT!!
Brugo Mug will be giving you one of your own, for my first giveaway!

To enter, visit Brugo Mug and tell me which color you like best. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- For ONE extra entry, Follow my blog via google friend.

2- For TWO extra entries, Subscribe to my blog via email.

3- For THREE extra entries, Blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post and Brugo Mug.

4 - For ONE extra entry, Tell me what your favorite coffee (or tea) is!

5 -- For ONE extra entry, Follow me on Twitter!

Contest ends at 10pm EST on Sunday , July 11, 2010 when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address in your entry (use a format like the following so you won't get spam email: discoveringthemeinmommy at yahoo dot com). I will notify the winner, and s/he will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US only!

****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Brugo Mug who supplied the products for the review and giveaway!****

Sacrifice

I worked in the nursery yesterday, and I felt a bit bummed because I couldn't attend the Father's Day service with my hubby. It was me (and another lady) with 7 babies! We had a mostly calm time, with the exception of the brief moment when 5 babies were fussing, ironically not my crier nor the one sleeping -- but it's not exactly easy work with that many children!

In order to make life truly grand, there have to be sacrifices. If I were to join my hubby in the service, someone else would have sacrificed their time and probably sanity to watch my little one. If I want to ensure my home is welcoming, I have to sacrifice time and energy to clean and properly maintain it. If freedom is truly important to me, someone sacrifices their efforts and possibly their life to protect it.

The word "sacrifice" has more of a negative connotation to it. I'd venture to say that most of us are selfish enough that sacrifice is difficult; I know I really struggle with it. I'd like to go after my interests instead of giving up something. It's a delicate balance between sacrificing to the point of losing oneself and being completely selfish. But I'm trying to embrace this idea of balanced sacrifices...

Family Christian Store

I've rediscovered Family Christian Store, and since now have more access to coupons, I can get great deals on it, and not worry about paying shipping! Right now they're having a sale, and here's a coupon for 20% off your entire purchase, including sale items! =)

$25 GC at Crazy House

Sarah, at Crazy House, is having a $25 gift card giveaway to an Etsy shop with great, affordable items, like cloth diapers and girls' pillow dresses! Stop over and enter to win!

Happy Father's Day!

Thank you dads for all you do! We love you!

Email Subscribers

Since I'm so new to blogging and adding each feature can and often is a new adventure and discovery for me, my email subscription feature wasn't set up correctly. But it is now working! If you subscribed and are not receiving any emails, please subscribe again by entering your email; this should do the trick!
Thanks again! =)

Meijer -- June 20-26, 2010

Great deal on yogurt -- use these $.50/4 coupons for a sweeter deal!


$0.50 Yoplait Yogurt, 4-6 oz cups
-$0.50/6 Yoplait printable coupon or $0.40/6 or $0.50/8 coupons (from 5-16 or 6-20 SS or 5-30 GM)
$0.33 – $0.38 each after coupon
Bonus: Buy 20 in one transaction, get a $2.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order.
Final cost: $0.25 each if you buy 20 with two $0.50/6 coupons and one $0.50/8 coupon.

$1.50 Ragu Pasta Sauce, 16-26.3 oz
-$0.75/2 Ragu coupon (from 5-23 RP, expires 6-20)
$1.13 each when you buy 2 with coupons
Bonus: Buy any SIX Skippy Peanut Butter or Ragu Pasta Sauce (in one transaction), get $3.00 off instantly!
Final Cost: $0.63 each when you buy 6 with coupons

$1.89 Hillshire Farm Rope Style Smoked Sausage, Cheddarwurst or Brats, 14-16 oz all varieties
-$1.00/2 coupon (from 5-16 or 6-6 RP)
$1.39 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.55 Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade or Sauce, 10 oz *NEW* (reg price – may vary by location)
-$1.00/1 Kikkoman Teriyaki printable coupon
$0.55 after coupon – Thanks, Kathy!
Bonus: Buy 2 Kikkoman Marinades in one transaction, get a $1.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order. Thanks, Colleen!
Final cost: $0.05 each when you buy 2 after savings

See more at Bargains to Bounty.

CVS discovery

This morning, we ran out to do a few errands, and while picking up 50 free prints at CVS for Grandma, I realized that the CVS was starting the ads for what officially begins tomorrow. This is the 2nd CVS store in this area that I know for sure starts their ads early! So that can mean 2 weeks of savings in one day! Although you run the likelihood of "popular" deals being sold out -- I couldn't get the 2 out of 3 things I wanted, so I might stop at the other CVS later today!

And when I scanned my card for additional coupons, I got one for 10% off Your Purchase -- 3 Days Only! Expires 6/22.

Laundry

I, like so many others, like instant gratification. So I don't mind doing the laundry (but I don't like folding!) or even riding a mower to cut grass. Sorting is pretty easy...I don't usually have problems with my colors and whites, but I do have problems with shrinkage...one casualty tonight. But after 5 hours, the laundry pile has been eliminated. Too bad it will return though...

Macy's Sale -- Saturday, June 19

I was at Macy's earlier this afternoon, with my $10 off $25+ purchase, along with lots of people! Guess Macy's is really trying to get people in their stores. With wedding season in full force, I had something I wanted to purchase, and I got a great deal with my coupons, additional mark downs, and gift cards!

You can check their circular here and print out the $10 off Savings Pass here.

CVS Preview -- June 20-26, 2010

ECB DEALS

Buy 1 Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength, Get $2 ECBs (Limit 2)
Use $1/1 coupon from the 6/6 SS
FREE after coupon and ECBs

Buy 2 Pantene Pro-V Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler, Get $2 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use $1/2 coupon from the 6/6 P&G or 6/13 SS inserts
(I had a couple of $2/1 coupons that came with samples.)
$. 99 - $1.99 after coupon and ECBs

Buy 1 Huggies Snug & Dry or Littler Movers (56-96 ct.), Get $10 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use $3/1 coupon
$6.99 after coupon and ECBs

2 more giveaways at Crazy House -- ends at noon!

Go to Crazy House and enter to win $40 to 1-800-Baskets or any gift up to $150 from Red Envelope!

Friday Follow! =)

Free 8x10 Collage Print -- Walgreens

Get a free 8x10 collage print from Walgreens using code GOBIG8X10! Great gift for Father's Day or just because! I know what pictures I want to use! =)
Be sure to choose in store pick up to get it free. Ends Saturday June 19.

And if you register a new account, you get 25 free prints that expire mid-August!

Thanks Thrifty Couple!

Free Smoothie Friday, June 18!

Don't forget to wear your flip flops to Tropical Smoothie Cafe tomorrow for a free smoothie!
(Here's the original post.)

PowerMat Giveaway at Crazy House

Go to Crazy House to enter to win a PowerMat Charger!

Going overboard & giving

Ever feel the desire just to buy something?!? That happens to me a lot; that's why I go to various grocery stores, even if just to "cherry pick!" (I wrote a little about this here.) That way I can justify my shopping! =)

When I first started seriously couponing last fall, I started to drift to the extreme of wanting to buy more things, simply because it was a great deal! We didn't really need it, but I wanted to buy it! Only recently have I implemented something which I know many other bloggers and readers are doing, making those purchases and donating it to charity. This week, I've purchased some soap & deodorant, that we don't need, to donate towards a community project. I might even head back out shopping to buy more things to donate to this project because it's an excellent way to look out for our neighbors. I think that if we give freely with this kind of personal relationship, recipients would feel a little more accountable. It wouldn't be a hand-out but reaching out. I can't buy it all, but I'll take another look to see!

What do you do with all your good deals? Feel free to leave a little comment!

Wordless Wednesday

Anyone still eat cake this way?!?

A great friend & photographer Briana Snyder captured this for us (and she knows I'm posting it)! You can see more of her work here.

Family Christian Stores -- June 15 -20, 2010

Includes sports mugs and several CDs.

There's quite a selection of books 50% off, Bibles 40% off, and other sale items! Check it out here!

And if you're shopping, get a 25% off any regularly priced item or 10$ off a sale item here!

Champman Family at Hobart Arena

This is exciting -- Steven Curtis Chapman and his family will be at Hobart Arena in Troy, OH Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7pm. Tickets are priced $26, $36, and $46 -- Group Ticket(800-965-9324) Buy 15 or more tickets and get 2 FREE tickets (excludes Artist Circle)

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am.

One more thing:
Text MUSIC to 25735 to win Meet & Greet Passes

One of those mornings...

I'm usually a morning person and love watching the sunlight, even on an overcast day, fill the room, but today, I feel unusually tired. The little one woke up an hour earlier than normal, probably because she was hungry from not really eating much supper last night! And I'm still trying to convince myself that I can get more things done with the extra hour...it's been three hours, and I'm not quite convinced!

I'm a little overwhelmed -- the dishwasher needs unloading, several rooms need to be picked up (one is to the point of needing severe intervention), floors need cleaned again...
Hmm...I need a Day Alone! =)
But since that's not available, I'll have to press on. I took a quite moment alone already, and now I'm ready to wash my face and get started on the clean up here! It could be worse, right?!?

First Follow Me Back Tuesday!

Coffee, anyone?!?

I'm not a huge fan of Walmart, to be totally honest. But this price-matching business is good! I saw this deal and gave it a try -- feel free to get $2 Eight O'clock coffee too!
Make your purchases and then give the Big Lots ad to the cashier for a price match on the coffee.

Eight O’Clock Coffee $3
Use $1/1 Printable Coupon Coupons.com ( try zip 63366)
FINAL PRICE = $2

Thanks Clippin with Carrie!

City BBQ -- Local

Buy a $25 gift card (to give or keep!) and you'll get $5 on your rewards card!

It´s simple:
1. Purchase a $25 (or higher) Gift Card for Dad
2. Swipe your City Rewards Card for the purchase
3. We´ll load $5 onto YOUR City Rewards Card!

$5 reward not valid for same day redemption.
One reward per rewards card.
Offer valid 6/14 - 6/20/10

BOGO Phantom of the Opera Tickets! -- Local

This is pretty incredible! If you wanted to attend The Phantom of the Opera Tuesday, June 15 at 8pm at the Schuster Center, this is for you! Tickets are $35, $49, $73, or $84. Check it out here.

(from the website) Victoria Theatre Association is proud to offer you a Buy One Get One free discount to see Phantom. Please note a $4 processing fee is added to each ticket purchased online.

Here's How It Works:

1. Click the order button below and choose your seats. Prices shown are the full ticket price and include processing fees, the discount will be applied when you get to the payment screen.
2. Remember to enter your own personal login and password when prompted. If you have never bought tickets from Ticket Center Stage, you will be prompted to create a personal account.
3. Verify all your information including address is correct and select your delivery method from the dropdown.
4. Once you get to the payment screen, you will see your discount applied at the top. Enter your payment information and click the submit button to place your order.
5. You will be emailed a confirmation of your order to the email address on your account

Thanks Nanette!

Meijer -- June 13-19, 2010

Meijer is at the top of our list of favorite stores! They have great deals, and my husband loves that they are still a family-run business, not selling public stock like WalMart. Here's a sampling of what's available this week:

$0.89 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, 13.25 oz
-$1.00/4 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
-$1.00/2 Barilla printable coupon, print 2 per computer
$0.14 each when you buy 4 with coupon

$1.50 Kraft Dressing, 14-16 oz (sale price!)
-$0.55/1 Kraft coupon (from 5-2 SS or printable)
$0.95 after coupons
Bonus: Buy 2 Kraft Salad Dressing (16 oz or larger) in one transaction, get a $1.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order. Buy 3, get $2.00; buy 4 or more, get $3.00.
$0.20 each when you buy 4 after coupons and checkout coupon savings! More details here.

$1.29 Heinz White Vinegar, 32 oz (price drop through July 4) *NEW*
-$0.50/1 printable coupon
$0.29 after coupon

$1.00 Aunt Millie’s Family Style Bread, 22-24 oz loaf
-$0.55/1 coupon (from 5-16 RP)
$0.45 after coupon

$1.99 General Mills Cereal – Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams or Honey Nut Cheerios 12-12.25 oz, Lucky Charms or Cocoa Puffs 11.5-11.8 oz, Cheerios 8.9 oz or Wheaties 10.9 oz
-$0.55/1 Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms or Cinnamon Toast Crunch printable coupons
-$1.00/2 Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams or Cocoa Puffs coupon (from 5-30 GM)
-$1.00/2 General Mills printable coupon
$1.44 or $1.49 after coupon

See more at Bargains to Bounty!
(Even though she’s in Michigan, the deals are pretty much the same. I haven’t seen any differences in the deals that I have been able to get.)

CVS -- June 13 -19, 2010

CVS Photo Deals:

• New Members: 50 Free 4×6 Prints!

Gillette Body Wash {10-18 oz.}
Sale Price: $4.00
Receive $4.00 back in Extra Bucks
Use Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon from 6/6 P&G insert
Final Price: Receive 2 Free!

Schick Hydro 3 or 5 Razor System or Cartridges {select varieties}
Sale Price: $8.97
Receive $4.00 back in Extra Bucks
Use $5/1 coupon from 6/13 SmartSource insert
Final Price: Free!

NeilMed NasaDrops Saline
Submit for mail in rebate with purchases made between 6/10 & 7/15
Final Price: Free!

Thanks, The Frugal Girls!

Target -- June 13-19, 2010

Buy40lb Pedigree Dog Food $18.99 AND (1) Pedigree Dog Treat (unknown $)
Get a $5 Target Gift Card
B1G1 Pedigree Denastix for Dogs, exp. 7-18-10 (RP 05/23/10)
$2/1 Pedigree Dentastix Treats for Dogs, exp. 6-20-10 (RP 04/25/10)
$1/1 Pedigree Dentastix Treats @Target, exp. 8-1-10 (RP 05/02/10)
$1/1 Pedigree Food for Dogs, exp. 6-20-10 (RP 04/25/10)

Gillette Venus Embrace Razor – $9.89
Get a $5 Target Gift Card
$2/1 Venus, Embrace or Daisy Razor, exp. 7-31-10 (P&G 06/06/10)
Final Price: $2.89

Buy (2) Eggo Waffles – $1.75 ea
$1/1 Kellogg’s Eggo Frozen Item, Pancakes or Waffles @Target – Coupons.com
$1/1 Kellogg’s Eggo Frozen Item, Pancakes or Waffles @Target – Redplum.com
**$1/2 Blinkies – Keep your eyes open, I’ve seen them all over!
Final Price: $0.50/2 or $0.25 ea!

Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean – $8.99
FREE Target $5 GC wyb Scrubbing Bubbles Kit, exp. 6-16 (SS 5/23/10)
$5/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean printable
$5/1 Scribbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean from the 6/13 SS
Final Price: FREE after coupons and gift card!

Thanks, The Frugal Find!

$25 Gift Restaurant Gift Card for $3!

Once again, Restaurant.com is offering a deal on their $25 gift certificates. Use code DAD to save 70%! Will expire soon -- not sure exactly when.

We like to use it at Las Piramides in Centerville and scored one for The Golden Lamb (you might have to wait until the beginning of the month if they're already out), but you could also get one for The Melting Pot, Kohinoor Palace, and the Golden Lamb. Note that often the restaurant will require a minimum purchase around $35, so read the fine print. Las Piramides allowed us to buy 2 dine-in meals and 1 carry-out before.

We recently had to say good-bye to some friends who moved to Florida, and at the good-bye party, another friend presenting Restaurant.com gift cards to a few restaurants in Florida, since you can search online for participating restaurants around the country.

Enjoy...and let us know if you want dinner dates!

School's Out for the Summer...

I remember my senior college roommate would randomly but enthusiastically sing, “School’s out for the summer!” (And I can actually hear her voice in my head as I type!) Those words use to bring so much excitement to me, calculating final grades and rapidly punching them into the computer, watching to see if the calculation for the final grade would require more paperwork or not; importing those calcuations to Excel and printing them off; checking things off one by one so that the principal would be happy. But this year, there is no school, and there is no summer break!

But I’m still excited for those who will experience their summer break and graduation parties! This summer, we’re doing lots of partying — graduation, weddings, good-byes — and there are mixed feelings for most of those parties. Excitement for the new season but also sadness for the end of a season together.

I’m sure we’ll experience those seasons with our baby girl too. Everyone keeps asking if she’s walking yet, and she’s not. Even though I’m anticipating those first steps, I still love to hear my baby crawl around and will enjoy crawling around the coffee table with her, occasionally popping my head out and saying, “I see you!”

Bath & Body Works Sale -- Now!

It’s one of my favorite times of the year! A great way to save money on pampering myself and also for gifts for others. There are current scents that will be on sale, but there are many “Classics” or “Discontinued” items on sale for 74% off!

Starting June 11 – July 5, while supplies last, buy this tote for $2.50 and you’ll get 10% off EVERYTHING!

I’ll probably check it out tomorrow, and then go in June 17-23 to get $5 Wallflowers (you save $7.50)!

Free Smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Stop in Tropical Smoothie Cafe wearing flip flops on June 18 National Flip Flop Day and receive a Free Jetty Punch Smoothie.

Thanks, Deals for Dayton!