Wordless Wednesday

They should do Oreo commercials!

Need any postcards for personal use or to advertise your business?
Enter here for 100 Postcards!

Shutterfly Review and Giveaway!

Since starting our family, I've found that some of the best gifts have been photo gifts -- what grandparent wouldn't want more pictures of their grandchild around?!? I've personally utilized several companies to either print digital pictures or make photo gifts and have found Shutterfly to be one that I really enjoy using.

It's very easy to set up an account and begin any project. The upload time has never frustrated me, and there are many options for designs. Personally I've created Photo Christmas Cards, which were definitely a hit with the recipients! I've also made several Thank You Cards, personalizing with fun pictures; some of those cards allowed me to change the captions on the front of the card, for even more personalization, and several designs will allow you to choose a layout on the inside to include more pictures! There are also templates for Party Invitations -- just take your pick! The quality of the cards are outstanding, and often, the delivery time is true. (Only once out of about five times have I had problems with shipping -- I ordered Valentines which somehow got lost somewhere. So I contacted Shutterfly, and they redid my order; however, I received those after Valentine's Day, which was a little disappointing for me to send belated Valentines.)

Overall, I'm very pleased with Shutterfly and its products. They are a very generous company, and if you haven't done so, you can get 3 free greetings cards "to celebrate summer" with code SUMMERCARDS, but that expires tomorrow....Sept. 1.

WIN IT!!!

Shutterfly has given me 10 free 5x7 flat stationery cards to give away to 3 winners! You'll have to the end of the year to use those and will have to pay taxes and S&H (which is probably a couple of dollars). To enter, tell me in 1-2 sentences about your Shutterfly experience (or what you hope will be your Shutterfly experience)! This is required and must be done before extra entries count! As always, please leave your email address with each entry.

Open internationally!

EXTRA ENTRIES!

You can do any of these for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do, along with your email address.

1 - For ONE extra entry, Follow me via Google Friend Connect.

2- For ONE extra entry, Follow me on twitter.

3 - For ONE extra entry, Get my blog's button and let me know where I can find it.

4 -For TWO extra entries, Blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post.

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

6 - For ONE extra entry, Tell me what card you'll be creating!

7- For ONE extra entry, Enter my other giveaways!

8- For TWO extra entries, Be my Friend on Facebook!

Contest ends at 10pm EST on Sunday, September 19, 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!

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

Scandle Body Candle Review

I had the fabulous opportunity to review a Scandle Body Candle, and I was quite impressed. I opted to review one from the aromatherapy line (Calming) because this mommy needs "me" time too, and Scandle so graciously sent a Sea Salt Soak & Scrub in a corresponding fragrance; smelled like eucalyptus to me.

I was quite exhausted the evening I tried the scrub and the candle; Scandle was the perfect solution! Since it had been a long day, I used the scrub, which can also be used as a bath or foot soak, to smooth out rough areas like my elbows, heels, and knees, and the scrub worked wonders -- and it also made my shower smell like an expensive spa experience! Since the candle was lit, I used some of the wax on my elbows, heels, knees, and hands, after drying off. I was a bit leary about getting "hot" wax on my fingers, but since the candle only burns 2 degrees above body temperature, it just just mind-over-matter! And I even got a little relaxing shoulder massage! The wax was the perfect consistency and not greasy or oily.

Scandle is also launching a new Shimmering Lotion Candle (available next month). It is made from 100% natural ingredients, helps give skin a natural shimmer while hydrating skin, and hids wrinkles and imperfections by deflecting light (as described on their website).

Honestly, Scandle makes wonderful products, the ingredients being FDA approved. The Calming Blend Scandle Body Massage Candle and Sea Salt Soak & Scrub were a great way to wind down. This would make a wonderful gift for yourself or for anyone needing that time of refreshment. Scandle carries a variety of scents, so you'll definitely find more than what you need!

Visit Scandle's Facebook page or the official Scandle Blog and sign up for their mailing list to be the first to know about their "Scandle-ous" news!

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

Meijer - August 29- Sept 4

$2.50 Ball Park or Grillmasters Beef Franks 14-16 oz
-$2.00/1 Ball Park (Facebook Coupon)
-$0.75/1 Ball Park Angus Product (IE) or Printable (FF)
-$0.75/1 Ball Park Franks (exp 9/11/2010)
-$1/2 Ball Park Products 8/1/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/11/2010)
$0.50 – $2.00 after coupon

$1.67 Eckrich Smoked or Polish Sausage 14-16 oz
-$0.75/1 Eckrich Smoked Sausage Product 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
$0.67 after coupon

$3.49 Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Cheese 6ct/4.5 oz
-B1G1 The Laughing Cow or Mini Babybel Cheese
$1.75 each wyb 2 after coupon

$2.50 Breyer’s Ice Cream 1.5 qt, Ben & Jerry’s pint or Klondike 16-27 oz
**Bonus: $10.00 or more get $2.00 off instantly

$1.67 Kraft Dressing 14-16 oz
-$0.55/1 Kraft Salad Dressing (IE) or Printable (FF)
-$0.55/1 coupon from 8/29 SS
$0.67 after coupon

$0.89 Bush’s Baked Beans 15-16 oz
-$1.00/4 Meijer Mealbox Printable
$0.64 each wyb 4 after coupon

Thanks Gracefully Saving!

Walgreens and CVS -- August 29- Sept. 4

Breathe Right Strips {10 pk.}

Sale Price: $4.00
Receive $4.00 back in Register Rewards {limit 1}
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 4/11 RedPlum insert
Final Price: Free! {+ $1.50 money maker}

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm {.07 or .075 oz.}
Sale Price: $2.00
Receive $2.00 back in Register Rewards {limit 1}
Final Price: Free!

Colgate Total Toothpaste {select varieties, 4 oz.}
Sale Price: $2.99
Receive $2.00 back in Register Rewards {limit 1}
Use 75c/1 coupon from 8/29 SmartSource insert
Or use 75c/1 Colgate Total Coupon
Final Price: 24 cents!

Bayer Aspirin {select varieties}
Sale Price using in ad coupon: 2 for $3.00 (limit 4)
Use $1/1 Bayer Coupon (IE) or (FF)
Or use $1/1 coupon from 6/27 RedPlum insert
Final Price: 50 cents!

Crest Clinical Toothpaste {select varieties, 4 or 4.1 oz.}
Sale Price: $3.99
Use $2/1 coupon from Walgreens September Coupon Book
Also use $1/1 coupon from 8/29 P&G insert
Or use $1/1 coupon from 8/1 P&G insert (exp. 8/31)
Or use 50c/1 coupon from 8/1 P&G insert (exp. 8/31)
Final Price as low as: 99 cents!

Listerine Total Care Mouthwash {select varieties, 500 ml.}
Sale Price: $2.99
Receive $1.00 back in Register Rewards {limit 1}
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/1 SmartSource insert
Or use 50c/1 coupon from 8/1 SmartSource insert
Final Price as low as: 99 cents!

Philips In-ear Headphones {Sun-Tue only!}
Sale Price: $6.99
Receive $6.99 back in Extra Bucks {limit 1}
Final Price: Free!

Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste
{5.8 oz.}
Sale Price: $3.97
Receive $2.50 back in Extra Bucks {limit 2}
Or use $1/1 coupon from 8/29 P&G insert
Or use $1/1 Crest coupon from 8/1 P&G insert (exp. 8/31)
Or use 50c/1 Crest coupon from 8/1 P&G insert (exp. 8/31)
Final Price as low as: 47 cents!

Kleenex Facial Tissue {select varieties}
Sale Price: 99 cents
Use 50c/3 coupon from 8/15 SmartSource insert
Or use 50c/3 coupon from 7/11 SmartSource insert
Final Price: 82 cents each!

Nature Made CholestOff or Fish Oil {select varieties}
Sale Price: $7.99
Receive $4.00 back in Extra Bucks {limit 1}
Use $3/1 Nature Made CholestOff Coupon
Or use $1/1 Nature Made Fish Oil Coupon
Final Price as low as: 99 cents!

Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups {jumbo pk.}
Sale Price: $8.88
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 8/1 P&G insert (exp 8/31)
Or use $1/1 coupon from 8/29 P&G insert
Final Price as low as: $7.38

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Friday Follow

Happy Friday, once again! Looking forward to making new friends!

I have a giveaway for 100 custom postcards from UPrinting -- great for business or personal use! Be sure to enter!

My first Twitter Party

Oh my, oh my. At 10:55 pm last night, I started this post, and it read:

So I've heard the term "twitter party" thrown around, but from the confusing raucity it seemed to be, I just sat out...until last night. I joined my first twitter party...and I won...nothing! But it was fun because the comments kept coming in so quickly. I must admit, that I wasn't so humble...in my arrogant little heart, I was glad that I wasn't a minute behind like some other people who had a greater lag with the comment display.

But now I will have to delete most of that....because in that confusing raucity, I actually did win... a $100 Target GC! Oh my, oh my. And it does humble me again -- forgive my pride!

At dinner, prior to the twitter party, the hubs & I had the discussion of how we could earn extra income or do some major budget cuts --I'd love to just start printing more money or just issue IOUs like someone I know. Anyways, it seems like each time this issue comes up, I've been given a generous opportunity. A few weeks ago, I was invited to be on a focus group, with a stipend. Tonight I get a gift card. Coincidence?

Thank YOU for the small and somewhat simple reminders that my family and I are taken care of.

Dayton Art Institute: Free Fun for the Family

We had the pleasure to celebrate a marriage & wedding at the Dayton Art Institute, and the wedding as well as the museum were absolutely beautiful. So many people do not have the opportunity to visit, but Sept. 16 is a great day because admission is FREE!

Note:The Modern Masters exhibit is on view until October 10. Admission is $10 per adult, children 7-18 are $6, seniors/ students, $8. Active duty military and their immediate family is free admission.

Thanks Deals for Dayton!

Mimi's Cafe -- Kids eat Free

Kids Eat FREE Tuesday and Sunday Nights in August. Your child can select from chicken finger, corn dogs, grilled cheese, turkey dinner, and more. Make sure you print the coupon off and bring it with you. $10 minimum adult purchase is required. This deal is valid from 4pm-close and expires August 31,2010.

Thanks Once a Month Mom!

Wordless Wednesday

The Freeloader is Gone!

It's frustrated my husband immensely for the past month. We both have spent several hours scouring the internet, inquiring of other gardeners for solutions, and trying making strong attempts to get this freeloader. The hubs has trapped a possum and 2 squirrels in the process. But today was the glorious day...we trapped the groundhog who was terrorizing our garden for the past month!

I'm actually not as excited about this as my husband -- I've discovered that I don't have the green thumb and need more than Miracle Grow to get my plants abundantly lush and healthy; I can grow weeds well though. But I could tell the hubs was elated when he did his after-work-check-in-on-the-garden routine and found 'ole fatty, locked up in the cage. Fatty has eaten well, devoured our beans, snacked on peppers, and ate the middle sections of our now tall okra. But his feasting days are done! Oh glorious day!

Can our bean plants still produce beans before the frost?

We have a winner!

Congrats to the "Twingle Gal" Stephanie who's won the Custom Applique Tee from Piccadilly Circus Designs!
And thank you to Suzanne for the wonderfully crafted tees!

100 Custom Postcards Giveaway!

I have 100 4.6 Postcards from UPrinting.com, a great online printing comany! You can build your own design for postcard printing and marketing or use one of UPrinting's templates to truly customize your postcards. Use it to promote your business or blog or create personalized thank you, encouragement, or save-the-date cards --there are endless possibilities!

These high-quality postcards are printed on 14pt cardstock floss, with four color, both sides printing.

WIN IT!
You can do any of these things, but make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do and include your email address.

1- For ONE entry, Follow my blog via google friend (or let me know if you already follow).

2 - For TWO entries, Sign up for Swagbucks, using my referral link here.

3- For THREE entries, Follow me on Twitter (or let me know if you already follow).

4 - For FOUR entries, Get my blog's button and let me know where I can find it!

5- For FIVE entries, Subscribe to my blog via email (or let me know if you already subscribe).

6 - For SIX entries, Blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post.

7 - For ONE entry, Tell me what you'd do with 100 post cards!

8- For ONE entry, Enter my Shutterfly giveaway.

Contest ends at 10pm EST on Sunday , September 12, 2010 when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address in your entry. I will notify the winner, and s/he will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to participants 18 and older, US only!

****This is not a paid post. Thank you to UPrinting.com who supplied the products for the giveaway!****

Meijer -- August 22-28

This week brings a “10 for $10, get the 11th Item Free” Sale at Meijer. Mix and match these items in groups of 11 for the best savings (you’ll pay approximately $0.91 per item when you buy 11 at a time). Each item is marked with brackets in the matchups: [10 for $10, 11th free].

$1.25 Progresso Soup, 18.5-19 oz traditional, high fiber or reduced sodium
-$0.50/2 Progresso coupon (from 8-8 GM or printable)
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
$0.25 each when you buy 2 with coupons*
Bonus: Buy 4 Progresso Canned Soup (any flavor) in one transaction, get a $1.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order. Buy 6, get $2.00; buy 8 or more, get $3.00.
FREE when you buy 4 with coupons after checkout savings - great charity donation!

$1.00 Chex Mix, 7.25-8 oz traditional, cheddar, chipotle cheddar, honey nut, peanut lovers, sour cream onion or BBQ mix
-$0.50/1 Chex Mix Chipotle Cheddar, Sour Cream Onion or BBQ printable coupon (zip code 60560) or $0.50/1 Sweet & Salty Chex Mix coupon (from 8-8 GM) or $0.50/2 Chex Mix coupon (from 8-8 GM)
FREE or $0.50 after coupon*
Note: this coupon is marked “do not double” and may be restricted by your cashier.

$2.00 Ziploc Bags, 15-20 ct freezer, 20-25 ct storage or 100 ct sandwich
-$1.50/2 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
-$0.40/1 Ziploc Bags coupon (from 7-25 SS), use 2 or $1.00/2 coupon (from 7-25 or 8-8 SS or printable), use 1
$0.45 or $0.75 each when you buy 2 with coupons
Bonus: Enter 2 Ziploc UPC codes to get a FREE Back to School Menu Plan Booklet from Ziploc and Taste of Home.

$1.69 Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, 8.4 oz
-$1.00/5 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon, use 1
-$0.75/2 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar coupon (from 7-25 RP), use 3
$1.15 each when you buy 6 with coupons

See the entire list at Bargains to Bounty!

Walgreens and CVS - August 22 - 28

$4 RR wyb Crest Dental Care, 3/$9

• 3D White Toothpaste 5.8 oz or Rinse 8 oz
• $1/1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz+ 8/1/2010 P&G Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
• Vivid White Toothpaste 4.1 oz
• $1/1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz+ 8/1/2010 P&G Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
• Oral B advantage 3D Toothbrush

$5 RR wyb Pepsi, 4/$13

$2 RR wyb Kelloggs Cereal, 2/$5
$0.50/1 Kellogg’s FiberPlus Cereal, 11.5 oz +
$1/2 Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and/or Cocoa Krispies Cereals, 10 oz
$1/2 Kellogg’s All-Bran, Crispix, Smart Start, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran and/or Corn Flakes Cereals, 11.4 oz
$1/3 Kellogg’s Cereals
$1/1 Kellogg’s Cinnabon Cereal, 10 oz +
$1.25/3 Kellogg’s Fiber Plus Cereal, 11.5 oz +
$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereals, 14.5 oz +
$1/2 Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Cereals
$1/2 Kellogg’s Special K Cereals, 11.4 oz +
Final Price = Varies

Buy two or more Zyrtec/Benedryl products, get $5 RR.

• Benedryl 20 – 24 ct, $4.99

$4/2 Benadryl Products
$1.50/1 Benadryl Products
$1/1 Benadryl Adult Allergy Product 6/20/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/20/2010)
$3/1 Walgreens Aug IVC (exp 8/28/2010)

• Zyrtec, $18.99

$4/1 Zyrtec Children’s Perfect Measure Allergy Product
$4/1 Zyrtec Liquid Gels 25 ct +
$2/1 Zyrtec, any
$2/1 Zyrtec Adult product 8/8/2010 RP Insert (exp 10/31/2010)

Blink Gel Tears Eye Drops, $7.99 – Limit 1
Earn $7.99 ECB
$1.50/1 Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops (IE)
$1/1 Blink Tears or Gel Tears Eye Drops
$1/1 Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops or Contact Lubricant Eye Drops 8/15/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/30/2010)
Final Price = FREE + Money Maker

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor, $9.97 – Limit 1
Earn $5.00 ECB
$4/1 Gillette Fusion Razor 8/1/2010 P&G Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
Final Price = $.97

Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection, Floss, Paste or Rinse, $3.49 – Limit 2
Earn $2.50 ECB
$1/1 Glide Floss 35 m+ 8/1/2010 P&G Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
Final Price = FREE

Planters Nuts , $7/2 - Limit 1
Earn $2.00 ECB
$1/2 Planters Products (IE) or Printable (FF)
Final Price = $4/2

South Beach Living Cereal Bar 5 ct , $6/2 - Limit 1
Earn $2.00 ECB
$1/1 South Beach Bars (FF) or (IE)
Final Price = $3/2

Tampax Pearl 36-54 ct, $7.99 – Limit 1
Earn $2.00 ECB
$2/1 Tampax Tampons 8/1/2010 P&G Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
Final Price = $3.99

Listerine Total Care, Advanced or Zero 16.9 oz , $3.99 – Limit 2
Earn $2.00 ECB
$1/1 Listerine Products 3/7/2010 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2010)
$1/1 Listerine Products 12/6/2009 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2010)
Final Price = $.99

See the entire listing at Stockpiling Moms!

Friday Follow

Wordless Wednesday

She does enjoy company!

Although, lately she's been sitting nicely for a much shorter period of time and greatly enjoys eating on the run. I think that's normal, but I wonder if it's healthy to let her do that -- I'd much rather her sit in her high chair until everyone's finished eating! Any suggestions?!?

BrytonPick Review

There's always someone in my family who needs "floss-on-the-go" because we don't need to save some of our meal for later! I probably should, but I don't pack toothpicks or floss in my diaper bag or purse. Anyways, I was sent the BrytonPick to review, and I will definitely be packing this in my wallet! Created by dental professionals, it's easy to use and small enough to store, in the carrying pouch, in your wallet. The flexible, germ-resistant stainless steel easily gets between teeth and is re-usable up to 30 days; supposedly even people with braces can use it. BrytonPick is 100% produced in USA at FDA registered facilities (QS-9000 / ISO9001 Certified). One more thing: it comes in a variety of fun colors: I was sent pink and green ones! It can be purchased at Meijer, Drug Fair, Pathmark, A&P or online. For more info, click here.

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

Walmart

Last night, I made a special trip to Walmart to pick up some Genesis juice (before my coupons expired) to apply for the Facebook rebate. Since I had left the sleeping baby with Dad, I took my time looking around at other items I also had coupons for, and I discovered that Walmart doesn't necessarily help you "Save better" -- I've gotten better deals at other stores and didn't have to deal with the Walmart-craziness.

Meijer -- August 15 - 21

$1.38 Morton Season-All Seasoned Salt, 8 oz (price drop through Aug 22)
-$0.55/1 Morton printable coupon
$0.83 after coupon

$2.00 Palmolive Liquid Dish Soap, 20 oz asstd varieties
-$0.25/1 Palmolive printable coupon, print 2 per computer – use 2
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
$1.00 each when you buy 2 with coupons*

$2.49 Cascadian Farm Cereals, asstd varieties (price drop through Aug 29)
-$0.75/1 Cascadian Farm printable coupon
$1.74 after coupon

$1.89 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt, 4 pk all varieties
-$0.50/1 Dannon Light & Fit coupon (from 8-8 SS), use 2
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
$0.39 each when you buy 2 with coupon*

$4.49 Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Tenderloin, 40 oz bag frozen ($1.80/lb)

See more at Bargains to Bounty.

Walgreens -- August 15- 21

(I think CVS is the place to be this week....)

$1 RR wyb (3) Old Spice, Secret Deodorant, Zest 4 Pk or Safeguard 3 Pk 3/$7
B2G1 FREE Secret WYB 2 Old Spice Fresh Collection 8/1/2010 P&G Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
$0.50/1 Safeguard Bar or Hand Soap P&G eSaver (exp 8/31/2010)

Mars Candy $.49 w/in ad Instant Value Coupon

Mead Envelopes $.59 w/ in ad Instant Value Coupons

Thanks Stockpiling Moms!

CVS - August 15- 21

Blink Tears eye drops 0.5oz, $7.99
Earn $7.99 ECB – Limit 1
$1.50/1 Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops (IE)
$1.50/1 Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops
Final Price = FREE + Money Maker

Crest Complete Rinse 16.9oz, Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4oz or Glide Clinical Protection Floss 38.2 yd., $3.49
Earn $2.50 ECB – Limit 2
$1/1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz+ 8/1/2010 P&G Insert (exp 8/31/2010)
Final Price = FREE Toothpaste

Purex Complete 3-in1 Laundry Sheets 20ct., $5.99
Earn $2 ECB – Limit 1
$1/1 Purex 3-in-1 Sheets
Final Price = $2.99

Zegerid OTC 14ct. $9.99
Earn $7 ECB – Limit 1
$3/1 Zegerid OTC
Final Price = FREE

Thanks Stockpiling Moms!

Another award

And it's the Foxy Mama Award! Thanks TV's Take for this award, and I'm now passing it to the women behind the following blogs:

A Mommy's Blessings
Crazy Mama Karen
Magee Baby
Mama On Da Go

Thanks for believing that I can shed the baby fat! =)

Friday Follow

Chick-fil-A: Free Friday Customer Appreciation Days -- Local

Chick-fil-A inside the Dayton Mall is having FREE Friday Customer Appreciation Days from 11am -7pm. Note- This is ONLY valid at the location INSIDE the Dayton Mall. One per person, no purchase necessary.

August 13- Free 8-Count Nuggets
August 27-Free Original Chick-fil-A Sandwich
September 10- Free 8-Count Nuggets
September 24- Free Original Chick-fil-A Sandwich

Canning

My Wordless Wednesday picture looks like some strange specimen found in a science lab, doesn't it?!? And to think, we're going to eat those...

I've been canning for about four years, and that's rather ironic in itself. I've always considered myself a city girl, and canning's for those country folk, like the pioneers. Ha. And how many Asians do you meet who can...and can make apple pie from scratch? That's a story for another time...
So I've canned tomatoes for four years and haven't tried anything else. Two years ago, we bought a new canner, and it came with a recipe/instruction book. And recently I've read about people canning peaches, so they can enjoy it in the wintertime. What a great idea! My little one loves peaches; why can't I can my own?!?

Peaches were actually easier to can than tomatoes, in my opinion. Probably because I had a far smaller amount of peaches than tomatoes. So come December, we'll see how well this experiment went and how good these peaches turned out!

Next experiment: salsa or spaghetti sauce!

Wordless Wedneday

My new experiment:

Do I look like a crook to you?

I really enjoy couponing, and with the additional benefits of internet coupons, my saving's rate is increasing! But every now and then, I get haggled about a coupon, with the cashier condemning me of engaging in coupon fraud. Such was the case at Walmart earlier this afternoon when I was trying to buy post-its with the coupon, straight from the 3M site. I originally wanted to purchase 3, but as soon as the cashier set eyes on those coupons, she said, "We don't accept copies."

When someone insists that I'm wrong and I know I'm right, I tend to get a little more assertive. So I told her that they were printed from the 3M website, just in black and white. It also made me angry that she'd think I'm stupid or deceitful enough to copy coupons.

Ugh. I've contemplated printing in color -- I can always refill the ink cartridges at Walgreens if my HP printer will let me; some times it insists that I must buy a new one....crazy thing. I don't know. I was accused of copying coupons, which I did not, but couldn't someone also copy a coupon in color?!? I'm not sure if there's a solution to this except to find a store with consistently coupon-friendly employees who will not question my integrity or just to believe in my own integrity even if others question it. (And the only stores that I have found to be coupon friendly and also believe in my integrity are Meijer and CVS.)

Oh, and here's the coupon for a free Post-It Note pad at Target & Walmart...just don't go to the one I was at today....

Restaurant.com 80% off!

Here's another deal for Restaurant.com -- use code BIGto save 80%! Will expire 8/16.

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.

Mom-5 : Baby-0

In an earlier post, I documented my goal to exercise at the gym, placing the baby in childcare, 2-3 times a week. Previously I struggled with my own excuses and also the strong protests of my one-year-old, embarrassed to even try childcare, but I'm doing it! Since my post, we've made it 5 times, and I haven't had my name called over the loud speaker!

And the little one is so much better! (You experienced moms knew she'd come around!) Today there was only one childcare worker with 5+ kids, two of them 1 and under, and she's was already holding a baby; as I dropped my girl off, I somewhat discouragingly thought I'd have to take her home early. So I decided to peek in on her 6 minutes later, not 10 . . . and she was actually playing! I continued to exercise in view of the monitor, and sure enough, she'd toddle around, this tiny frame, with dark hair and white shoes! When I picked her up, I got the great report: she cried for a minute, but didn't need the reassurance of the childcare worker, unlike her previous times, and got it together and just played and explored! I'm so proud of her!
Now if I can only get the baby fat off my belly...

Kroger - August 9-14

Save $4 when you buy any combination of 8 participating products using your shopper card. Look for the special tags on participating products. Sale Date: 7 am Monday, August 9 thru Midnight Sunday, August 15, 2010.

SoBe Lifewater, Juice or Tea, 20 oz, $.99
$2/10 SoBe Lifewater or SoBe Juice Drinks Kroger eCoupon (exp 9/11/2010)
headsortails.sobe.com – Play game for BOGO coupon
-$.50 Mega
Final Price = As low as FREE plus possible overage!

Bumble Bee Tuna or Tuna Salad, $.99
-$.55/1 blinkie exp 9/30/10 – look for
-$.50 Mega
Final Price = Possibly free plus overage with blinkie or $.49

Hamburger, Chicken or Tuna Helper, $1.39
$0.75/3 Betty Crocker Helper Meals Kroger eCoupons (exp 8/27/2010)
$0.75/3 Betty Crocker Helper Meals 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/14/2010)
$.075/3 Betty Crocker Helper Meals 8/8/2010 GM Insert (exp 10/2/2010)
-$.50 Mega
Final Price = $1.67/3

Kleenex Facial Tissue, $1.69
$0.50/2 Kleenex Anti-Viral, Lotion or Ultra Soft 7/11/2010 SS Insert (exp 10/31/2010)
$0.50/2 Kleenex Anti-Viral, Lotion or Ultra Soft 7/11/2010 SS Insert (exp 10/31/2010)
$0.50/1 Kleenex Facial Tissue 7/11/2010 SS Insert (exp 9/5/2010)
-$.50 Mega
Final Price = As low as $.19

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel or Scrambles, $1.99
$0.50/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Pastries, 8/1/2010 SS Insert (expires 9/2/2010)
$0.50/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudels Cellfire (exp 8/9/2010)
$0.50/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudels Pastries
$.75/3 Toaster Strudel Pastries, 8/8/2010 GM Insert, (expires 10/30/2010)
-$.50 Mega
Final Price = $1.48/2

Yoplait Yogurt, 4-8 pack, $2.29
$0.50/1 Yoplait Delights Yogurt 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/14/2010)
$0.50/1 Yoplait Delights Yogurt 7/25/2010 SS Insert (exp 9/18/2010)
$0.50/1 Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/14/2010)
$0.50/1 Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt 8/8/2010 GM Insert (exp 10/2/2010)
$0.75/2 Yoplait Trix Multipack, 8/8/2010 GM Insert (exp 10/2/2010)
-$.50 Mega
Final Price = $.79

And there's a lot more to see at Stockpiling Moms!