Sidral Mundet - Apple Soda Review

 

Have I got a yummy product to tell you about to what!! 

Right before Christmas a great yummy product showed up at my door.  http://www.sidralmundet.com/Sidral Mundet apple soda is now officially on my special treat list!!

I received two different flavors the regular flavor and the green apple flavor.  My husband and I really enjoyed both flavors.  When they first arrived I realized the bottles had old fashion bottle caps on them so that posed a bit of a problem as I did not have a bottle cap opener, but I really wanted to try these drinks so I googled how to open a bottle cap with out and opener.  You would be surprised how many articles are out there  on this subject!  I discovered that a plain butter knife worked best for me and soon had the apple soda open and ready to drink!  It was a very tasty drink I encourage you to give these great apple soda's a try they are well worth the effort of getting the bottle cap off!!

Disclaimer:  I was sent these above mentioned product for review purposes all opinions in this post are mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Slice Safety Cutter- Review

Slice Safety Cutter

I was given a chance to review the slice™ Safety Cutter - Great for couponers, 

I must say I was quite impressed with this little tool.  It is great for cutting coupons and well anything really.  I was not sure at first I mean a ceramic blade that I can not cut my finger on is going to cut through paper?  But let me tell you I pulled it out to try for the first time while cutting coupons and it really worked well.  I was able to cut out all my coupons so much faster and no finger cramps!!  I loved the fact it is finger safe baby bug always seems to go for the scissors when I am working on coupons, it is a constant battle to keep them out of her reach it is nice to know these are a safer option.  It also has a magnet and key ring hole built in for easy keeping up!     At $5.99 I think this is a great purchase.  

In the next few days I will be Trying it out on the wrapping paper, I have a feeling this is going to making present wrapping so much easier!! 

Disclaimer:  I received a product sample for review purposes, all the opinions in this post are my own and are not influenced by the company. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

God Gave Us Two - Review

A Children's Book Review

God Gave Us Two 

By: Lisa Tawn Bergren 

Art By: Laura J. Bryant

From the Back of the Book: 

Now that Mama Polar Bear has another baby in her tummy, little cub is bursting with curiosity.  "why do we need a new baby?" she asks.  "if we don't like the new baby, can we send it back?"  "Will you forget me when the new baby comes?"  Gently and lovingly, Mama and Papa assure their firstborn that the new baby is a gift from God they want very much, just as little cub was- and still is.  "God gave us you, Now he's given us two!" 

My Thoughts: 

I love this book.  I think this is a book that every big sister or brother needs to help them get ready for a new baby.  I love the line that is repeated to Little Cub over and over in the story- "God gave us you.  Now he's given us two."  The pictures in the story are precious.  I love the blue and purple hues found on most of the pages.  This is one book I will be putting away in case baby bug ever becomes a big sister.  I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!! 

Disclaimer: I did receive a review copy of this book for review purposes.  The opinions in this story are my own and are not influenced by the company. 

The Compliment Charm Necklace Review and Giveaway

I recently have been given a chance to check out the Compliment Charm Necklace.  

I choose the You are Awesome blues compliment Charm Necklace.  

I love this charm necklace!! I think it is adorable.  What a neat gift idea.  Who couldn't use this kind of encouragement.   The necklace is of very good quality the picture part feels thin but seems to be pretty durable.  I tested it out with a fair amount of pressure and it did well.  I see this as a really good gift for tweens and teens.  I think it is a good way to build self esteem!  I like that the compliment is on one side and a picture on the other.  So those who are a little more self conscious can wear the necklace with the message on the inside and the picture facing on the outside.  

These necklaces can be purchased at The Compliment quotient  for $13.95

You can connect with the compliment quotient on facebook or twitter.

Want to hear some good news?  Monica over at The Compliment quotient had offered one Learning to Be Thrifty reader a chance to have a Compliment Charm Necklace of their own!! 

Use the RaffleCopter widget below to enter.  

Perplexus- Giveaway

Perplexus- Giveaway

A couple weeks ago I did a review for the Perplexus Original.  A neat toy with a lot of educational benefits.  

These benefits include: thinking, strategy, perseverance, numeracy, visual stimulation, focus, fine motor skills, self esteem, and challenge.  With all these great benefits it is no wonder perplexus is up for an award. 

Perplexus Original has been nominated as Educational Toy of Year by the Toy Industry Association.

 It is very easy to vote for perplexus, just follow a few steps:

1.       Go to http://www.toyawards.org/iMIS15/toyaward/custom/EducationalToy.aspx

2.       Select Perplexus

3.       Click Submit My Vote at the bottom

4.       Register your information to complete your vote.

Voting ends January 10, 2012. 

Want to hear some good news?  Perplexus is offering one Learning to be Thrifty reading a chance to win a Perplexus Original!! 

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  The company will be providing a product for the winner of the giveaway. 

Watch out for overcharging at the checkout

When you are in the checkout line watch the prices your things are ringing up for in the last two days I have had three different things ring up for more then they were advertised for.  The first was just a bottle of water that was suppose to ring up at $1 and rang up for $1.50.  That may seem like small change but that can add up.  Next was a pair of pajamas that were suppose to be $5.  These rang up at $8, this is a three dollar difference.  Then I had a bib set that was priced at $5 and rang up at $5.47.  So if I had not been watching that would have been a lose of $3.97 in all that really adds up.  So make sure you are on guard and paying attention.  In all three cases the check out person accepted my word and changed the prices with no problem, don't be afraid to speak up overpaying is such a bummer!!

Craigs List - Santa's Best Kept Secret

Many are doing Christmas on a budget this year.  

As I set out to put together a fabulous Christmas for Baby Bug on a budget there were three big presents on the list that I wanted to get her one of: a wagon, a Tricycle with an adult handle behind it, and a strider.  

My husband and I are very practical and as we set out of the search for these items we decided we were OK with used items as long as they were in like new condition.  So we started our search on Craigslist

Well we did not find one of the items over a two week period we found all three of these items in our area. 

The first one we found was the Strider.  Have you heard of these yet they are what they call a balance bike.  It is basicly a bike without the pedals.  The thought is children will learn to balance with them and be able to skip the training wheels.  The Strider sells for $109 dollars on amazon, we got ours for $5 it is in very good condition, with some very minor scratches on the seat being the only real wear.

Next we found the Tricycle.  We found the Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Trike Which normal sells at Amazon for $96.99.  We got it for $10.  It is in new condition.  I think the child who owned it before us must have out grown it fast or not been very interested in it.  I think it could pass as a floor model it has such little wear on it.  The above picture was taken before I cleaned it up with a little cleaner, now it is very sparkly clean.  

Our last fun find was the wagon.  I have not had a chance to take a picture yet.  I will add that in once I get around to taking the picture.  The wagon is the Radio Flyer 2700z Pathfinder wagon in red.  This normally sells on Amazon for $119.99, we got it for $30.  This again was in almost new condition.  This wagon has fold out seats with seat belts and cup holders for that very important sippy cup.  Since we found all three items we have decided to save the wagon for her birthday.  

So basically we got the big gifts for both her Birthday and Christmas for $45 using Craigslist.  None of them having more wear on them then she will put on them in her first week of having them.  So don't forget this great resource as your shop for great Christmas Presents for your kids.  

Book Review- This Little Prayer of Mine

This Little Prayer of mine

By: Anthony Destefano

Illustrated by: Mark Elliott

(A Children's Book) 

From the Back of the book:

I know you're up in heaven, God, and can hear my voice from there.  I'm just a little child.  Will you answer my short prayer?  So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age. 

My thoughts:

This is a great addition to our bookshelf.  The book is goes through a prayer of a young child through all the different emotions and events that they may pray about.  I believe it is a good book to show a child how easy it is to pray.  I am also in love with the pictures in this book, they are so simple yet so pretty the colors are very vibrant.  My young daughter is able to sit through the book as it is a simple short read, and the pictures hold her attention very well.  Overall I give this book at 5 out of 5 stars I found it to be a good read for young children.
Disclaimer:  I received a  free copy of this book for review purposes.  The opinions in this book are all mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Dinosaur Train T. Rex Tales- Review

About the Video: 

This video comes with 5 different Dino stories and a Bonus episode: Don's Winter Wish.  From the back cover: Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while sparking an interest in life science, natural history, and paleontology.

My Thoughts:

I loved these little tales about buddy and his family.  These tails are well put together and held baby bugs attention she loved watching them.  I also love the fact that it puts in some educational information.  One of th videos really emphasized the word Hypothesis.  Over and over in the story they say a Hypothesis is an idea you can test.  I think that most children would walk away from that episode knowing what the word hypothesis means.  I think this is a great video and am happy to have it in our collection of DVDs.  

This DVD came out to stores 11/29/2011 so be sure to look for it while you are out shopping.

Disclaimer:  I did recive a copy of Dinosaur Train T. Rex Tales for review purposes.  The opinions in this post are my own and are not influenced by the company.

Eraselets -The Bracelet that Erases, Review and Giveaway

Review and Giveaway:Eraselets

About the product:

Are the combination of Erasers and Bracelets.  The Eraselets are made in the US.  They are the product of a dad's lightbulb moment.  When his daughter misplaced all of her erasers he replied "As many bracelets as you wear, I should tie an eraser around your wrist."  The Eraselet produces very little dusting which keeps the bracelet strong and durable!
They have several different themed packs to choose from, these come with 6 in a pack and are currently priced at $3.95 on the Eraselet website.   They also carry two scripture packages that can be found at Lifeway Christian Stores.  They are working currently with Dollar General to make these a dollar item, they should be available in the market stores just in time for Christmas, can we say stocking stuffer?
They also make these for fundraisers with custom printing!  
Check out this cute you tube video they have out there-

My Thoughts: 

I received two packs of these to try out.  They erased fairly well and created hardly any dust just as advertised.  I love the idea of kids being able to keep that eraser close at hand.  I can see the kids really digging these as well, they could become handy. I think the price is very reasonable as well.  I am excited to hear they will be hitting the dollar spot at Dollar General.  

I also really like the fact they have the scripture sets.  These can be a great reminder to remind the wearer of the truths found in the bible.  

Other Information:

Good News Eraselets has offered one Learning to be Thrifty Reader the chance to win two packages of Eraselets.  See the Rafflecopter for more details.  

Disclaimer:  I did receive Eraselets from the company for the purpose of review, all opinions and thought are my own and are not influenced by the company. 

Happy's Christmas Gift - Review and giveaway

Book Review: Happy's Christmas Gift 

By: Geoff Parker SR.

From the Back of the book:

Oh no!  Happy is in trouble again!  Having gone out to post his letter to Santa, he suddenly finds himself on an unexpected journey.

Although Happy is cold and scared at first, his adventure takes a turn and delivers him to magical lands where he discovers that dreams really can come true.  Can Happy save the day?  And more importantly, will he get home in time for Christmas? 

An adorable character and a wonderful, traditional story brought to life by beautiful illustrations.  A treasure that will stand the test of time and will surely be a favorite for all generations. 

My thoughts:

My package came with three happy products - a happy stuffed dog, a hardback book and a softback book with English and Spanish words.  Babybug loved having the stuffed dog to hold while we read the book together, she barked throughout the whole story.  I loved this sweet little story about a happy little doggie appropriately named Happy.  I like the choice of Yorkie for this dog it seems to fit his personality very well in this story.  Baby bug enjoyed this story it is a bit long so we had to read it in two sessions since she has the attention span of a toddler.  I like the idea of a multi-language book, this gives older children exposure to Spanish as well as Spanish readers exposure to English.  This book would be a great addition to your Christmas collection. 

Other Happy Tales information:

Right now Happy Tales Publishing is having a coloring contest.  They have three pictures your children can do then turn in to enter the contest.  Entries are due by December 10th at Midnight.

Check them out on facebook

The Giveaway:

Want to hear the good news?  Two Learning to be Thrifty Readers will have a chance to win Happy Products. 

The first winner will win a Hardcover/English copy of Happy's Christmas Gift and a Happy Santa Toy.

A second reader will win a soft cover/Spanish-English copy of Happy's Christmas Gift and a Happy Santa Toy.

Black Friday Finds at aCVS and Walgreens

I did not do alot of Black Friday shopping these last few days but I did have to make CVS and Walgreen's trips to get the great EBC and RR deals!! 

First let's see the fun from CVS - 

I could have done more transactions and saved more money but I am happy with my final outcomes!! 

I spent $22.14 out of pocket total today and have $16.43in ECB!!

 They had a ton off Free items after ECB and even a few that were profit after coupons.  I truly could have kept going and going, but I stopped I had to get home and get some sweet potatoes made for lunch!! 

I got tooth paste, tooth brushes, dental floss picks, candy, chap sticks, batteries, ear buds, hair gel, dishwasher cleaner tabs, Advil PM, Listerine strips, Tissues, and hot wheels!! 

Everything was an ECB deal except the hot wheels and they were on sell for 50 cents each!!  All and all it was a fun trip and very easy everything worked out great!

Next came Walgreens

Out of pocket: $12.53  Total RR-$11

I got more toothpaste, and tooth brushes, hair ponytails, razors, Revlon lipstick, paper towels, more Advil PM, carmex lotion , and dental floss picks.  

Walgreens was a little more of a bother, the line a little longer, things not ringing up but all and all it was a good trip.  

I had fun on this little trips and love that I have RR and ECB to both of these stores to either use on next week's deals or to gather a few of the presents I still need to get!!  Did you get out to fight the crowds?  What where your favorite deals?

Review - Perplexus Original

 

A fun toy arrived for review this week, a perplexus 

original.  This is a 3d maze, where the player guides a marble through the various turns and twists inside a large clear sphere.  The box says it is for children ages 6 and up.

The Pros:

  I really like the fact this game takes no batteries, improves hand eye coordination, and
helps build focus skills.  I think this would be a great toy to keep kids busy and help build skills while entertaining them.  I enjoyed the bright colors this is a very fun toy that catches your eye right away with it's colorful turns and barriers. 

The Cons:

I did not like how small the numbers to keep you on the correct path are.  They are the same color as the path and I struggled to see them as a went along the path.  

Overall I think this is a well designed toy and I enjoyed playing with it.  

You can connect with Perplexus on their facebook page, Twitter account, and on Youtube.

Book Review- Backyard Horses, Horse Dreams

Book Review: Backyard Horses

Horse Dreams

By: Dandi Daley Mackall 

(a children's chapter book)

From the back of the book:

Meet Ellie James, a forth grader with a great imagination.  Ellie Spends a lot of time daydreaming about owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show.  But when the answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life, will Ellie be able to recognize it? 

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a good quality book for young girls.  I liked the way that Ellie had such an open easy relationship with God.  She prayed to him as if she was talking to a friend at the park.  I think this sets a good example and shows children how they can let God into their lives on a daily basis.  Ellie's younger brother is deaf and uses sign language to communicate.  I liked how the book had each chapter title pictures of finger spelling for the title words.  The book also included a page in the back that had the alphabet in sign language.  The book also exposes children to common horse terms and defines them in the back of the book.  I know I have a niece that will be head over heels for this book with all the horse involved!!

The only thing that I thought may be confusing for young readers is the popping back and forth from Ellie's reality to her day dreams.  I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  

I was given a copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale.  The opinions in this review are my own and were not influenced by the company.

Blog Hops I am participating in!

Happy Hopping everyone!! 

If you are new  to the blog welcome!! Look around check everything out. 

While your here visit the Christmas Count down be sure to link up your Christmas posts and your Christmas Gift Giveaways!!

Hops:

Blog it Forward
Tuesday Train 
Give a hoot Wednesdays

Book Review- The Christmas Singing

Book Review - The Christmas Singing 

By: Cindy Woodsmall

From the back of the Book:

After Gideon Coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie's hopes?  Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.  Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy- or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?  Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

My Thoughts:

This book is by the same author as The Harvest of Grace, and I must say I am falling in love with this author.  She has a way of bring her characters to life.  Even though her Characters from the Amish Country are from a very different walk of life then me I relate to them.  With her writing style I feel the characters joys as well as they struggle.  This book is that way I fell in love with Mattie and longed to see her make the choices that would make her happy.  Do you ever try to tell a character what to do as you read a book, knowing you see the big picture and they don't?  I did this in this book I wanted to tell Mattie exactly what to do to live the happily ever after life.  I will not tell you if she listened to me or not by the end of the story!! 

This book was a quick easy read.  I read it in one night.  I think part of this is due to the size of the book, but also it is a book you don't want to put down.  I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars a good winter read!

I was provided a free copy of this book from Water Brook Press for review purposes the opinions in this review are mine alone and are not influenced by the company. 

Christmas Count Down 5 Week!!

Five weeks until Christmas!! 

I got Baby Bugs Pictures done this week.  They got a cute picture out of the photo shoot but man it did take great effort.  She gets so serious in front of the camera it takes her a while to get warmed up and willing to smile then there are only a few minutes until she was done smiling and moved on to exploring everything around her!!

This week is Thankgiving.  What are you thankful for this year? 

I am thankful for Jesus who gave his life for mine!

I am thankful for my husband - he is a great man to put up with me!

I am thankful for my sweet baby girl she is such a blessing and adds so much to my days!

I am thankful for my parents they have always been such a strong Godly example to me!

I am thankful for my sister, as we grow older we continue to grow closer!

I am thankful for my in-laws who have taken me in and made me their own!

I am thankful to have a roof over my head and a bed to lay my head down in each night!

I am thankful that we are able to provide for our little girl!

I could go on and on and on..........................

Feel Free to add your Christmas posts to the Christmas link up:

Also Add your Christmas Gift giveaway to the Link up below:

 

Five Tips to Getting Great Portraits of Children

One challenge that the Christmas season brings is the getting that great Christmas Picture.  Whether getting a shot of the whole family, or just the children portrait sessions can be stressful when the kids are involved.  These tips can make the process a little more relaxing.

1. Scheduling- picking a good time for the kids can make or break a portrait session.  You want to schedule the pictures at a time with the child will be awake, well fed and happy.  Avoid nap times and meal times, kids can be very unhappy when sleepy or hungry.  Unhappy children mean no smiles!!

2.  Relax!  If you get tense about getting a good picture your kids will sense it and be less likely to warm up and give you natural expressions. So sit back and enjoy the session and know a great picture will come. 

3.  Be aware of you child/children's moods.  If your children are getting stressed give them a break get their minds off of poses and smiles, this will help them last longer through scene and pose changes.  If you don't watch for their signals your session may end way earlier then you are ready. 

4.  Be goofy,  don't be afraid to be a big ole' goof ball if that is what is needed to make the kiddos smile.  The public embarrassment will be worth it when the pictures come back.

5.  Be prepared for wardrobe needs.  Pack a bag with essentials in it: safety pins, hair spray, Extra pony tails and bobby pins,  With young children think about putting clothes on when you get to your picture shoot location to avoid wrinkles or stains on the clothing.  

These Christmas pictures will be something you look back and enjoy for years! 

Tiny Prints Talent Search

Tiny Prints is having their 3rd Annual Tiny Prints Talent Search!! 

This means you can ca enter for a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 cash, plus a $500 Tiny Prints gift certificate. 

They are looking for the cutest photos in the following categories:

·         Cutest Baby (From ages of 0-24 months)

·         Cutest Kid (From ages of 25 months - 10 years old)

·         Cutest Family

·         Cutest Couple

·         Cutest Pet & Owner

 

After the entry period is complete Tiny prints will open the contest up for people to vote for there favorites! 

You can enter the Tiny Print Talent Search Contest via Facebook or on our website. For Official Rules, click here.  

Good Luck to all that enter!!

Free Joyce Meyer's Calander

Check out the frugal free gal's post to learn how to get a free Calendar!!

Free Curly Fries- Today Only

Check out this Coupon for free Curly Fries from Arby's.

This coupon is good for today only! ( 11/15)

Enjoy!! 

Christmas Count Down 6 Weeks!!

This week I attempted to get a good shot of Baby bug all decked out in her Christmas outfit.  I got everything but a sit real still smile.  She was all over the place.  I wanted to get a good shot incase any more of the free photo card deals came up.  I am planning to schedule her at portrait innovations this week so I can take advantage of their Holiday Package.  I am very excited to see that online their is a $5 off coupon for this package making it just $9.95.  Hopefully they can do a better job of getting her to smile to capture that one great shot!!  I really like the last photo I had done at Portrait Innovations, but what I don't like about these photos is the grief I get for not buying more photos.  They can really lay the guilt on, what I don't understand about that is how they can offer and advertise such great deal and then be upset when you can advantage of them!!  Do you do Christmas pictures?  Oh by the way I got my cards back from the My publisher deal, they turned out so cute, even though the photo I used was not Christmas. I love the quality of the cards they have a very nice feel and look to them.  I also love the colored lining for the envelopes!!

Don't forget to add your Christmas post with ideas, traditions etc. to the Christmas link up!!

Also Link up for Christmas Gift Giveaways- anything that would make a good Christmas gift is welcome in this linky!!

Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!
Note to blogger: link the words "educational toys" to http://www.MelissaAndDoug.com

Book Review- The Harvest of Grace

The Harvest of Grace- Written by Cindy Woodsmall

The Story:

Taken from the back of the book: "Reeling from an unexpected betrayal Sylvia makes a painful mistake that forces her to seek work far from her family.  Can she find relief from the echoes of her past or will they shape her future forever"

"After months of rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to sell his dad's failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle.  Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter."

My Thoughts:  

I really enjoyed this book the characters where very dynamic they keep the store interesting.  Set in an Amish community who would have expected to find a girl farmhand on a dairy farm, or a Son struggling with addiction.  I was glad to see this is a book out of a series of stories and really want to read the other books in the Ada's House series. 

I really felt a connection with Sylvia, I felt the author did a good job of sharing her feelings and helping the reader to understand the struggle that Sylvia faced.  This book was a good read I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes from WaterBrook Press.  All opinions in this review however are my own and are not influenced by the company.

My Couponing Deals for the week

 

This week I made plans to go to Walgreen's, CVS, and Walmart for some couponing deals.  I waited till Tuesday and found out this made for a less exciting trip.  Walgreens was a complete waste of time the few products I was interested in buying were out.  I will be stopping back there next time I am out to see if they have restocked. 

The next stop my my trip was CVS.  I had plans to get $1.99 Laundry soap and lots of free and cheap soft soap.  They were out of softsoap so I got the laundry soap and left. 

On my way to Walmart a bit discouraged I realized Walmart price matches and the Softsoap was not a Extra Care Buck deal so they would price match it.  So I was able to get my softsoap their!! I was very excited this is a very good deal!!! If you have not looked into this one do!! Their was a $2 off 2 softsoap coupon and a 75 cents off one coupon in the proctor and gamble add this week, soap is priced at .99 Cents at CVS.  I used the coupons from two papers and got 6 bottle of soap for 50 cents!!! 

My other good Deal was the $3 dollars off the snack tray from Hormel that I shared with you eariler this week.

I also scored an Elmo Costume for my daughter in the Halloween Clarence marked down 75%!!!

There were a few other great Walmart coupons I wanted to use but they were out of stock.  I found some great Walmart match ups at I heart the mart.  

I also used my favorite Southern Savers to plan the CVS and Walgreens trips!

 

On a separate not on sale note look at these new Jet-puffed Marshmallows!! Pumpkin Spice Yum!!!

How was your Couponing this week?  Any great deals?

Blog hops for the week

Hi, if you are new to the blog welcome!! Feel free to look around and stay awhile. 

Don't forget to check out the great posts linked up under the fall link up

Fill free to add your own great fall posts!!

Or if you are ready for a little Christmas fun check put my Christmas Count down post.

Here are some hops I am participating in this week: 

Blogging Buddies Thursday Blog Hop
Thursday Blog Hop 
Keeping Company Thrusdays 
Friendly Fridays 
Follow us Monday Morning 
Mom Blog Monday 
Hop Around Tuesday ( Twitter, Facebook, and Networked Blogs)
Blog it forward Tuesday 
Blog Hop Thursday

Free Scotch Brite Pad

Like Scotch Brite Pads to get a free one mailed to you - 

Check out the details over at Tight Wad in Utah

More free photo Purchases - photo cards, and prints at Rite-Aid

I am loving all these photo freebies!! Rite-Aid is offering 15 free photo cards, 25 free 4x6 prints and one free 8x10 print. 

The codes are: 

FREECARDS 

FREEPRINTS

FREE8X10 

I have no clue how long this deal will run but enjoy!!

Thanks Hip2Save for posting on this one!!

Hormel party tray - $1.98 after Coupon at Walmart

This is a great deal for all those up coming holiday event!! 

Use the $3.00 off coupon on a Hormel Snack Tray at walmart.  They have a small one that is $4.98!! 

That makes it only $1.98 that is a great price to be able to add ready to eat snacks to any party or just to have at home to snack on!! 

Click here to get the coupon

Thank you Madame Deals for finding this great deal!!

Free Ketchup at Walmart

Use this $1 of any heinz product to get a free mini ketchup at Walmart.  They have the little bottles back by the deli section for .60 cents.  That makes this one a money maker!!

Thanks Rockin' Deals

Christmas Count Down 7 Weeks!

It is beginning to look alot like Christmas!!

I am so ready for tree decorating, Christmas Music, and pine scented candles!! 

We are 7 Weeks away from Christmas that excited me!!

 Christmas Idea Link Up

Please post any great Christmas ideas here any decorating tricks, crafts or cooking tips, basically any kind of Christmas cheer will do!!

Christmas Gift Giveaway Link Up

Feel Free to enter your Christmas gift giveaways in the linky below who wouldn't want to win a few for their gifts for the season!!

Free Christmas Cards - plus free shipping

My Publisher has a coupon out right now for ten free Christmas Cards.  Plus they have free shipping right now so no out of pocket!!!  I will warn you it took me a while to get my made not sure if my Internet or the sight was the problem but it was worth the effort to have these cards for free.  I really like how they come with matching envelopes, with designs, I chose the red poke a dots for the inside of my envelope so cute!! 

The code is: HAPPY10FREE

Hurry up and get your order in I have no clue how long this code will run!! But as of right now it is still working!!

Thanks Southern Savers for the heads up!!

Consignment Sale Finds

I went to a consignment sale last night and really got some bargains! 

One of the local consignment sales in my area not only has 1/2 day but the last 2 hours of the sale are 75% off the discounted items.  

I really was excited about this.  I bought 19 items and paid $12.45!!

I found several cute outfits marked all the way down to 25 cents and 50 cents after the discount.  I found books for my little one as well as a few for my sisters girls who are big readers.  

I wanted to buy clothes for some of the other kids in the family but quickly discovered that it was harder then I realized to buy clothes for older girls!! Things within the same size seemed to really vary in size.  I don't seem to have that problem at baby bug's 2t size.  Do you buy for your tween aged girls without them there to get the size and style that suits them best?  

Free photos and calendar at Walgreens

Walgreens has two freebies today!! But hurry they on go through Tomorrow (11/5)

Use the Code - FREE4X6 to receive 25 free 4 by 6 prints

Use the Code- FREEFORU to receive a free desktop calendar. 

It is getting close to Christmas think of Christmas gifts with these!!

The prints will be completely free if you have them sent to a store for pick up.  The Desk Calendar has to be mailed so you do have to pay shipping for that one.  My shipping was $5.99 still a good price for the product in my opinion!!

Thanks 

Tori

Carmax coupon deal!

Couponing From Florida to Michigan found a cool little Carmax freebie after coupon check it out!! 

I did not know carmax made a lotion I am looking forward to trying it for free. 

Coupon deals for the week:

Well this week was not a big coupon adventure for me but I did get a few great deals!! 

This is toothpaste week at Walgreeens!!  They had both Crest and Colgate on the sales for free to cheap after register rewards!!  I was disappointed that my Walgreens was out of the pro-health Crest!! But I did score some cheap cheap cheap Colgate!!  

Also with cold season I was glad to see the Ricola for free after Register Rewards!!

Oh and I got some 50 cent dawn as well at Walgreens!! 

Couponing Reboot

      Life has been very busy lately, and couponing was put on the back burner.  I have only made a few coupon trips over the last month or so.  Well life has slowed down a bit and it is time to get back into my couponing!!!  Couponing has really helped me keep the family on a tighter budget it is truly a blessing.  
Today as I get back to my couponing I will be using southern savers to help me plan my trips.  It is a favorite for me it seems to make couponing the easiest for me. 
    I am not sure what stores I will be going to yet I will fill you in on the good finds after I have spent some time preparing.  Hope your having a great Wednesday!! 

Tori

Publix - coupon shopping

Time for Coupons!! 

I have been planning my Publix shopping trip today.  I think my favorite deal this week is the voskos Greek yogurt for 25 cents.  I like Greek yogurt but hate the higher price tags, so I am excite to get it so cheap this week.  What deals are you excited about this week?

Fall Link Up

I would love to see all your fall happenings!  Please join me in my fall link up.  I would love to find some new fall recipes, crafts, and other fun!!

Etsy Spotlight

Check out these cute little earrings in the Alimagz Etsy Store.  

I love the little bead in the middle. 

Disclaimer: Yes this is my sisters Etsy shop but I still love these earrings!!

P and G Sampler

Get you free P and G sampler with lots of cool sample options!!

I just love getting samples in the mail! It excites me to see them instead of bills in my box!!!

Pumkin prints with little hands

I wanted to do a craft with  babybug.  

What I decided to do was make pumkins with her hand prints.  

These were really easy to make the orange is the palm for her hand.  The brown is a finger print.  I had bought green paint to make a little leaf with a finger print but after the stems baby bug was done with the painting so we did not add the leaf.  You can do back and use a black marker to outline the pumpkin if you wish.  We added a title that said Momma's lil' pumpkin, or Granny's lil' pumpkin to the top of ours. 

Decoupage Pumpkins

I had a lot of fun earlier this week creating Decoupage Pumpkins.

I first saw this project on Random Thoughts of a Super Mom

These were super easy to make and super cheap.  I used three decorative pumpkins from dollar tree, three pieced of fall scrap book paper from hobby lobby ( 1/2 off this week) and some decoupage glue.  Simply tear the paper into little pieces and glue it onto the pumpkin.  I used a sponge paint brush to glue the papers on.  The hardest part: my hands got gluey then it was hard to hold onto the pumpkin. This would be a great project to do with children.  Be prepared though it is a messy project!!

Fall is in the air

Fall is surely here, and I love it!! 

I love fall scented candles - apple pie and pumkin spice.

I love the colorful leaves that are surely on the way.  The leaf piles and brisk air. 

I love the pumpkins and babies in overalls.

I love Fall!! 

I got the fall decoration box down!!  Time to transform the house in fall!

I love this target dollar spot find.  Baby bug is going to be eating in style with her fall dishes!!

Apples from the orchard yum!! 

A couple of fall projects fun!! 

Happy Fall everyone!!

Betty Crocker Molasses Cookies Review and Giveaway

Nothing says fall like a batch of Molasses Cookies in the oven.  

Now thanks to Betty Crocker and My Blog Spark I have a house that smells like fall and some yummy cookies in the kitchen.  They are also giving one learning to be thrifty reader a chance to bring fall into your house with a gift package including a mix of Molasses cookies!! 

I made these cookies last night after dinner.  They were very easy to make and were ready for the oven in no time at all.  My favorite part about these cookies- the smell!! They made my house smell so yummy!!  The cookies were soft and chewy yum!! 

It was nice to have these yummy cookies with very little work.  All I had to do was combine the mix, butter, an egg and a little water then they were ready to put on the cookie sheet and bake.  

You can get a $ .75 off Coupon to buy your own Molasses cookie mix.

One lucky learning to be thrifty reader will have the chance to try these out with a great prize package containing: 

a Betty Crocker apron, 

non-stick baking pan,

and mixing spoon.

How to Enter: 

Please leave a comment for each entry, please include your email so I may reach you if you are the winner. 

Note The mandatory entry must be completed before any extra entries may count. 

  Mandatory Entry:

What do you do to feel the fall in your house?
Extra Entries:

1. Follow this blog using google friend connect.

2. Blog about this giveaway leave a link to the post in your comment- 3 entries (leave three separate comments) 

3. Tweet about this giveaway (may be done once a day) 

4. Follow me on twitter

5. Tell me how you found this giveaway?

 

6. Enter this giveaway into a giveaway linky - one entry per linky it is entered into please leave the link to the linky in your comment 

 

7. Like me on facebook  

 

8. Like Betty Crocker on Facebook 

 

9.  Follow Betty Crocker on Twitter

 

 This giveaway is limited to US Residents only, 18 years of age and older.  Contest ends Saturday October 15, 2011 at Midnight Central Time, 1 winner will be chosen by random.org

Disclaimer: The product, information and prize pack has been provided by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark  

 

Fun kid pajamas- review and giveaway

Kids in pajamas is just one of the cutest things ever!!  I love mornings at home with baby bug relaxing in our pj's.

Fun Kid Pajamas is a great place to find reasonably priced jammys for the kiddos.  They have some very cute varieties.  

We were sent the Laura Dare Dalmatian Pink Nightgown to try out on baby bug.

We were very impressed.  It was such a sweet little nightgown.  Baby bug loved it.  It is made of very durable material and feels silky smooth.  I wondered how well it would wash, but it was done great I have washed it several times and it looks as new and when I first took it out of the package.  My only complaint- it made my baby girl look to much like a big girl!!  Do they grow up fast or what?  

Fun kids Pajamas has lots and lots of pajamas to choose from.  You can shop by age, category, or by character.  All the shopping options makes it easy to find just the right jammys for your little one.  I could see a pair of pajamas making a great Christmas gift. 

I think these sweet snowman pj's would be perfect jammys to wake up in on Christmas Morning!! 

Want to hear some good news?  FunKidsPajamas.com is offering one Learning to be Thrifty Reader a $25 gift certificate.

 

How to Enter: 

Please leave a comment for each entry, please include your email so I may reach you if you are the winner. 

Note The mandatory entry must be completed before any extra entries may count. 

  Mandatory Entry:
Tell me your favorite item from funkidspajamas.com

Extra Entries:

1. Follow this blog using google friend connect.

2. Blog about this giveaway leave a link to the post in your comment- 3 entries (leave three separate comments) 

3. Tweet about this giveaway (may be done once a day) 

4. Follow me on twitter

5. Tell me how you found this giveaway?

 

6. Enter this giveaway into a giveaway linky - one entry per linky it is entered into please leave the link to the linky in your comment 

 

7. Like me on facebook  

 

8. Like Fun Kids Pajamas on Facebook 

 

9.  Follow Fun kids pajamas on Twitter

 This giveaway is limited to US Residents only, 18 years of age and older.  Contest ends Saturday October 15, 2011 at Midnight Central Time, 1 winner will be chosen by random.org

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Fun kids pajamas, I was given a nightgown to review as well.  The opinions in my review are my own and not influenced by the company.