Rue La La: Last Day to Use Your $20 Credit!

This is the last day you have to use your $20 credit you would've received in October if you signed up with Rue La La then. (Not available now)There are free bra tops, bottoms, and bikini sets, and separates if you check the "Boutiques" tab then click on Diesel. I just scored my daughter a free bra that normally retails for $66!!! Yay! I love free stuff!
If you don't have an account, create one here. I know that some of you are gonna look at the prices on here and think...no way, but sometimes there are fantastic deals here! I saw some Kate Spade shoes that normally retail for $675 that I could buy for $79.90!! Now that's a deal! This is one of those sights that you want to read the emails from, since when there are hot deals they sell out really fast. These deals are definitely worth creating an account for! Plus, as an added bonus, you'll receive $10 for each friend that signs up and places an order!
Sign up here!

FREE Cool Juice!

Get a coupon for FREE Cool Juice by "liking" them on Facebook! Then send them an email (ShoutOut@Cooljuice.com) with your address and they will mail it to you! Thanks Frugal Living NW!

Leap Frog! Save 75%!!

Save up to 75% right now at Leap Frog! There is also free shipping on orders of $50 or more and 10% off with code WINTER10. Here's some of the deals I found:
Tag Books and Didj Games $7.99, regularly $13.99-29.99!
Little Leaps Software $4.99, regularly $14.99!
LeapPad Books $3.99!!! regularly $12.99

New Coupon Show on TLC: Extreme Couponing

Mr. Coupon from We Use Coupons will be a guest on TLC's Extreme Couponing tomorrow at 5pm Pacific time. The preview they gave me is this:
" I built something that was about 15 feet tall!!  They filmed it's creation and it was almost entirely donated to local foodbanks!  TLC also filmed our the giving aspect of couponing!!  During this episode we donated around $6000-$7000 in product to a fantastic pantry!!!  (we share this not to brag, but to lead by example, giving is such an amazing aspect of couponing!!!)"
You can also access a bunch of videos on their Youtube channel by clicking on the Frugal TV banner underneath my blog's title page. These videos are great for couponers to learn from. Don't forget to catch this show tomorrow! If you like this post and want more like it or the others I have written, make sure you subcribe to my emails! The links are easy to find, just look for the white box and enter your email after joining through Networked Blogs or Google Friend!

Weekly Shopping List

I thought it might be cool to share my shopping list with my readers so I can show you how having a pantry can help save you money over time. These are the things I am out of or need to have so I can carry out my week's menus.
1 Frozen apple juice
ketchup
2 lbs. cheddar cheese
1 head of lettuce
1 box whole wheat elbow pasta
4 tomatoes
2 heads of garlic
wild rice
frozen pearled onions

Hope this helps! This should keep me under $20, so it leaves me plenty of money for my husband's lunch necessities as well as extra for deals I shouldn't miss! Scroll down to view my Menu Plan Monday Post! Planning your meals for the week can save you lots of moolah!

Little Caesar's BOGO!!

Click here to get a printable coupon for a Little Caesar's Hot n Ready Pizza! Have kids coming over? This is a great offer so get yours now!
Thanks Frugal Living NW for posting this!

75% off!! Great Sale at Bath and Body Works!

Bath and Body Works is having a huge sale in-store and online. Get up to 75% off on some things, like these hand soaps ($1.25) or perfumes ($7.38)! Also, there are items 3/$10 and more! Use this code for $10 off $40 purchase! 10OFF40. Click on my link to ebates and get 3% cashback when you purchase through their site! Here's the link!

Menu Plan Monday

I started Menu Plan Monday on my blog because I saw this being done by Laura from I'm An Organizing Junkie and her Menu Plan Monday! I like hers so much that I would like to offer up my weekly menu plan for my readers too! Make sure you check hers out too!
This week is just a relaxed week with just me, my hubs, and our almost four year old daughter. Sometimes it is difficult for me to create smaller meals, and since my oldest girls have gone to live with their dad for the year, I have had to make meals for six down to just four...but this week, it's basically like making dinner for two since the little one doesn't eat much. Hopefully I can pull this one off without resorting to fast food or rushing to Safeway for frozen meals.

Monday- Apple Chicken Legs,
served with roasted potatoes and peas
I will make the whole recipe since the leftover chicken is wonderful cold the next day for lunch!

Tuesday- Tater Tot Casserole, scaled down to only half of recipe
served with green salad

Wednesday- Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
This one can be made for under $5.00! One of the ladies left a comment that she adds imitation lobster to it when she makes it, so I'll be trying that out!

Thursday- 40 Clove Chicken
served with leftover mac and cheese! Add some steamed vegies to complete the meal!

Friday- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Pearled Onions
I will be using the leftover chicken from Thursday for this recipe!

Saturday- picnic dinner!

Sunday- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup

New Freebies!

Thanks The Krazy Coupon Lady for these offers!
Dove Energy Glow
Dove Ultimate Clear Deoderant
Quest Protein Bars (2)
Goodnites
SmoothSmooth Shampoo/Conditioner
Gas-X Prevention (I think this is full size)
Signature Scent Bath and Body
Caralox Acid Prevention

Facebook: Get .99 cents off a .99 cents bag of Ruffles

All you need to do is "like" Ruffles here and fill out your address, then they will mail you a coupon to use! This is a great deal! You get to try out their new flavors!

Wannabe Wine Lovers Wednesday

Christmas is just around the corner...literally and it got me thinking, I haven't selected any wine to bring with me to the dinners we will be attending. Since wine can be costly in more than one way (remember the time you spent $20 on that wine that was hard to swallow?) I thought I'd start a tradition here at Cheapskate Life on Wednesdays and review some wine that is easy on the palette and on your wallet!

One of my favorites, and a lot of others' too, is this sweet and tangy Riesling from Columbia Crest. It complements a variety of dishes, such as ham, and sweet chicken. Price usually runs around $5.00-$8.00.

If you're looking for a red, might I suggest Yellow Tail's Merlot? With a deep, but not too deep cherry and grape flavor that only gets better with each sip. Made in Australia, you can get this wine for around $7.00. Pair it with beef, heartly cheeses, like swiss, grueyer, meunster, monterey jack, and aged cheddar.

Rite Aid Deals 12/19 - 12/25

If you are new to shopping at Rite Aid, there are a few things you need to know.
1. First, you need to print out their coupon policy.
2. If you don't already have a Wellness Card, get one at riteaid.com or apply for one in-store.
3. For some match-ups, you'll need to have a Video Values account so you can print additional Rite Aid     coupons that are stackable.
4. To participate in the Single Check Rebates go here. Make sure you enter all of your receipts.
5. This is also the last week to get in on the Gift of Savings program. Make sure you enter all of your receipts.
*Spend $25-$50, get $5 savings certificate
*Spend $50-$100, get $10 savings certificate
*Spend $100 or more, get $20 savings certificate
6. With some deals, a +UP reward will print after your transaction and it will be attached to your receipt at the bottom. You can either save these for another day or use them on a second transaction. Just make sure you use them by the expiration date, which is usually about 2 weeks from the end of that weeks sale.
To understand my coupon lingo, you need to check out this Coupon Lingo.

Let the deals begin! (Thanks to This Beautiful Frugal Life for match-ups)

Motrin PM 20 ct. $5.99
Use $2/1 any Motrin from 11/21 SS and
$2/1 in-ad coupon
$1.99 OOP, + get $3 +UP reward!!
FREE and $1.01 MM after reward!

Viactiv Calcium or Multivitamin chews 60 ct $5.99
- $2/1 any Viactiv (10-24 SS)
OOP = $3.99
Get $2 +UP Reward
$1.99 after reward!

Tums 60-150 ct 
Beano 15-30 ct 2/$8
- $1/1 Tums printable 
- $1/1 Beano 30 ct or higher printable 
Stack with $2/1 Beano Video Values coupon here
Receive $2 +UP Reward wyb two
As low as $1 each for Beano after reward! 

Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil
Vicks VapoRub 2/$8
- $1.50/1 NyQuil (11-28 PG)
- FREE Puffs wyb two Vicks products (11-28 PG)
Receive $3 +UP Reward wyb 2
$2 for two Vicks products and Puffs after reward!

Clearasil (prices starting at $5.49)
- $2/1 printable OR printable
Stack with $2/1 in-ad coupon (excludes Overnight)
Receive $2 +UP Reward
FREE + 51 cent MM after reward!


Clearasil Overnight face care (prices starting at $8.99)
- $2/1 printable OR printable
Stack with $5/1 in-ad coupon
Receive $2 +UP Reward
FREE after reward!

L'oreal Lash Boosting, Telescopic or Voluminous mascara BOGO 50% off
* Spend $15, get $5 +UP Reward 
- $2/1 eye cosmetic item (12-12 RP, regional)
Final price varies 

L'oreal skin care and cosmetics BOGO 50% off
* Buy two, get $5 +UP Reward
- $5/2 any face cosmetics product (11-14 RP, regional)
- $3/2 any L'oreal Paris printable
- $1/1 L'oreal Paris Go 360 Clean printable (coupons.com)
- $2/1 L'oreal Paris Revitalift printable (coupons.com)
- $1/1 any L'oreal skin cleanser printable (redplum.com)

DEAL SCENARIO

Purchase:
(2) L'oreal Advanced Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser or Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes $6.69 (based on online price)

Subtotal: $10.04 (one rings up at 50% off)
- (2) $2/1 any Revitalift printable (coupons.com)
Receive $5 +UP Reward
.51 cents each after reward!

Uncle Ben's Ready Rice $1.99
- .75/2 Uncle Ben's printable
Stack with .30/1 Uncle Ben's Video Values (November and December)
Receive $1 +UP Reward
.32 cents each after rewards! 

Betty Crocker mashed potatoes $1.99
- .50/2 BC potatoes (11-14 or 12-5 GM)
Stack with $1/2 Video Values coupon (November)
Receive $1 +UP Reward
.24 cents each after rewards!


Old El Paso Thick & Chunky salsa 16 oz
Frank's Hot Sauce 12 oz
Hormel bacon bits 3 oz 2/$3
- .55/2 any Hormel bacon toppings printable
Stack with .50/1 Hormel bacon bits Video Values coupon (November)
Receive $1 +UP Reward wyb two
As low as .48 cents each for Hormel after reward!

Hershey's, Reese's or Mars single serve candy bars 4/$2
- Buy Reese's peanut butter cups, get Reese's, Kit Kat or Hershey's free (12-12 SS) 
Receive $1 +UP Reward wyb four 
FREE wyb four (at least two Reese's pb cups) after reward!

Hershey's Pot of Gold $3.99
- $1/1 (12-5 SS)
Receive $2 +UP Reward
.99 cents each after reward!  
 
Holiday M&Ms, Mars or Hershey's miniatures
Andes
Lindt or Ghirardelli 2/$5
- $1/2 M&Ms (11-14 RP)
- $2/3 M&Ms (12-5 RP)
- B2G1 Hershey's Kisses, miniatures or Reese's (12-5 SS)
- $1/2 Hershey's Kisses 10 oz or larger (11-14 SS)
- $1/2 Ghirardelli Intense Dark printable (coupons.com)
- .75/1 Ghirardelli Luxe printable 
- .50/1 Ghirardelli Luxe printable
Stack with $1/2 Hershey's Kisses Video Values coupon here
Stack with $1/2 Hershey's miniatures Video Values coupon here
Stack with $1/2 Reese's miniatures Video Values coupon here  
Receive $1 +UP Reward wyb two

DEAL SCENARIO

Purchase:
(6) Hershey's Kisses $2.50

Subtotal: $15
- (2) B2G1 (12-5 SS, will deduct $5)
- (2) $1/2 (11-14 SS)
Stack with $1/2 Hershey's Kisses Video Values coupon here
Receive (3) $1 +UP Rewards
67 cents each after rewards!
  
Kids Stuff toys 50% off

Colgate Total toothpaste 6 oz $2.50
- .75/1 (12-5 SS)
- $1/1 5.8 oz+ (All You, January 2011)
Stack with $1/1 Video Values coupon (November)
As low as .50 cents!

Colgate toothpaste 4 oz .99
- .75/1 (12-5 SS)
.24 cents each!

Crest toothpaste 4.6 oz .99
- .75/1 (11-28 PG)
24 cents each!

Halls cough drops 25-30 ct .99
- $1/2 (11-7 SS)
- $1/2 (All You, November 2010)
Stack with .50/1 30 ct Video Values coupon (November)
Stack with .50/1 30 ct Video Values coupon here
As low as FREE wyb two 30 ct bags! 

Wet n' Wild cosmetics 40% off
- $5 off $10 or more purchase (All You, September 2010)
Final price varies

College Inn broth 14.5 oz .88
- .50/1 Video Values coupon here
.38 cents!

Easy and Cheap Homemade Gifts

Do you think you don't have time to make homemade gifts with less than a week to go before Christmas? You might think you don't, but homemade gifts say you took the time to make them something from the heart. This year for many is pretty tough financially and a lot of families can't afford to buy everyone a gift. Here are some creative ideas for you that won't take too much time...or moolah to make.
Idea #1) Caramel Dipped Pretzels
You need:
2 cups caramel candies
package of rod pretzels
On low heat in a pan, melt 1 tbsp butter, brush sides of pan with melted butter. Turn heat up to med-high. Place unwrapped caramel candies in the pan a few at a time, letting them melt before adding more. This will prevent burning. Stir frequently, scraping bottom of pan, for about 10-15 minutes and all candy is melted. Dip pretzels in caramel and place on wax paper. Allow to cool at room temperature until caramel is stiff. Wrap individually or group them in bags. Tie with a pretty bow.
*One alternative is to melt white chocolate or milk chocolate and dip set caramel pretzels into the chocolate for a double layer of yummieness!

Idea #2) Bake cookies and place into cute chinese take out containers (often available at dollar stores). This is a great idea for families with kids since kids can help bake and they can decorate the containers too!

Idea #3) Fudge is so incredibly easy to make. Find a great recipe here from Martha Stewart.

Idea #4) Make your own spice rubs and seasonings then put in empty, clean ale bottles. Use the cardboard carrying case to put the bottles in. Buying the spices and herbs in bulk can save you money. Don't go out and buy bottles at your grocery store unless you can get them for really cheap! Sometimes you can get them in the Latino section of your store for a lot less. Here's some ideas for you from blogher.com.
Included are Sea Salt mixtures (I found sea salt at my Dollar Tree), Copycat Montreal Grill Seasoning, Tuscan Spiced Salt, and Jerry's Texas Barbecue Rub Recipe.

Idea #5) For a cute idea for couples, get two aprons in the craft section of a store. Wal-mart has them for about $5.00, but you might be able to find them for less at a craft store. Personalize with iron-on appliques. If you wish, present with a bbq tool set or similar utensil set.

Do you have a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to show people you care about them for the holidays? Share it here! Share your thoughts on these ideas!

Menu Plan Monday

This is a new feature for my blog, so I hope by sharing what I will be making for my family each week, you'll be inspired to cook more homemade meals for your family too. I have just a few goals for our weekly dinners: fast, simple, and delicious! Share your thoughts on these with me and with my other readers too! Do you have a simple recipe that you like to make?
Monday - Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: This week I'll be using one of the jars of sauces I got a couple of weeks ago, but here's a great homemade recipe for alfredo sauce.
Tuesday - Slow Cooker 40 Clove Chicken (I got this idea from orgjunkie.com)
Wednesday - Chicken Wraps (using leftover chicken from Tuesday
Directions: spread light or reduced fat mayo on low-carb tortillas, followed by shredded chicken, sliced tomatoes, avocado, and lettuce leaves.
Thursday - Tuna Melts with Tomato Soup
Friday - dinner with family (I'm bringing something, but not sure what yet since plans haven't been finalized)
Saturday - dinner with family (I'm bringing Deviled Eggs with Capers and Baked Brie with Caramelized Plums
Sunday - fast food day (we can't help it this day)

Sweet Safeway Deals!

Don't forget to head over to Safeway this week at least once a day for these great offers! They've got a new deal each day!
Monday - pineapples for .99!!!
Tuesday - 8" Apple Pie for $1.99
Wednesday - Waterfront Bistro medium cooked shrimp $3.99/lb
Thursday - Lucerne ice cream $1.99
Friday - 20 ct. Safeway Select cookies $1.49

Also...
You can get a couple things FREE this week! The sale ends tomorrow, so hurry up and get there!
Hershey's candy is on sale Buy 3 Get 3 Free
Buy 6
Use 3 BOGO coupons from SS 12/12

Fage Greek Yogurt is on sale 4/$5.00
use the Facebook IP from Fage for $1.00/1
It's a .25 MONEY MAKER if you can double!

Ritz and Wheat Thins are on sale for Buy 5 Save $5
If you buy 5, that makes them $1.49 each
Subtotal = $7.45
Use 5 X $1.00/1 Ritz Toasted Chips or Wheat Thins Toasted Chips Tearpad
$.45 total oop after doubles, which makes them less then 10 cents each!
If you didn't get the tearpad coupon, use Frugal Living NW database to search for other coupons.

Santiam canned vegies are .49 each! Plus there's no limit! Make sure you stock up on these!

Satsuma mandarin 5 lb. boxes are $4.99 each
There is an online Safeway coupon for $.50 off, plus another one for $3.00 off when you spend $10.00 on produce. When combined, this would make $10 of produce only $6.50!!

Happy Shopping!

Grown-up Gifts

Let's face it...this is horse country here. Pendleton Round Up is only 30 minutes away, and Hermiston hosts at least two huge horse sales every year that bring people in from all around. Most of the farms around our little town have horses or some kind of agricultural product or both. Here's some really cute gifts that are inspired by horses! If you get an Amazon Prime trial, two day shipping is free! I will only list items that can be delivered before the 25th.
 This is only $14.89!!
Ed Hardy "Horse Shoe Fire" Base Metal Red Color Outlined CZ Necklace $26.99
Conch Earrings in Pink Cowboy Hat Western Gift Box $12.99
14k White Gold Diamond Horseshoe Ring $103.43
Large Money Clip $12.50 (58% off)
Native American Zippo Lighter $26.95 (33% off)
$9.72 for this hilarious salt and pepper shaker

Horses & Heels: No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

Horses & Heels: No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake: "What do you do when you are snowed in? You bake, or almost bake. It's time to enjoy the holiday flavors starting with peppermint. This no b..."

Thank You Rite Aid

I just have to take a moment to say thanks to Rite Aid for making the Gift of Savings Certificate printable in a way that my printer will print more than one. No...I'm not cheating, I'm pretty sure that these have unique bar codes so that we can't use them more than once or our wellness cards will detect whether we've used one already. I'm saying thanks because the first time I printed my $20 certificate out, my paper jammed. There it was...this piece of shredded up paper with an unusable bar code. I was almost in full hysteria until I calmed down long enough to realize that I should try to print it out again. I cleared the jam and found that it jammed because someone who is nameless did something to the paper before putting it back into the paper tray. Usually when things like this happens nobody did it. So I tried it...and it printed! And for that, I thank Rite Aid!

Free All-Bran Promise Pack Sample

Click here for a sample of All-Bran!

FREE Sample of NRG X Sport Supplement!!

Free sample of NRG X Labs Sport Supplements! For this, you need to like their page and then email them with your shipping info.

Free Propel and Kit

Get a FREE Propel Kit that includes 2 bottles of Propel, coupons, and a t-shirt! This one's from Propel's Facebook page. Just click here, like their page, then click on Propel Zone in the tabs, fill out the info and you got it!

Free Sample of Scoopz Natural Sweetener

Get your free sample here. The trial is on the right side of the page with a black sideways tab. I almost exited the page because I couldn't find it. I'd get yours soon since I don't know how many of these are being offered.

Free Shipping Friday

Today is Free Shipping Friday at Ebates.com. If you're new to Ebates, it's pretty simple. All you need to do is click here on this link, sign up, type the name of the retailer you're looking for, then hit enter. You're on your way to earning cash back on your purchases, plus you can earn $5.00 for each friend who makes a purchase through your unique referral url address. There are literally hundreds of well-known retailers, such as Target, Old Navy, Pac Sun, American Eagle, and sooo many more! Have fun shopping!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Last night I decided that I'd better use the can of pumpkin puree that was open in my frig before it went bad and my little one begged me to make cupcakes, so what the heck! We made pumpkin cupcakes! All I did was use a box of white cake mix with the other required ingredients, added half of a large can of pumpkin puree and a box of butterscotch pudding. The buttercream frosting came from my Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook. I have always been a good cook (according to my kids anyways), but baking has always been somewhat of a challenge, so I was hoping these would taste as good as they tasted when I imagined eating them while we were making them. This was also my first time making my own frosting, which I usually buy in the tubs. The only thing that was a little weird was that they all came out of the oven nice and puffy, then when they cooled down, they kind of imploded on themselves. When we bit into them, they were like a little piece of heaven with a little hole in them! But we could ignore the holes since they were sooooo good! My son said that the frosting was so good that he doesn't want me to buy frosting in a tub ever again and my three year old loved the little mini cupcakes (I made regular sized ones and minis). Do you know why the holes happened? How do they look?

Portable North Pole

Portable North Pole
This is pretty cool...and FREE!! I just sent my kids each one! My three year old LOVES hers! You can send people, including your loved ones and friends a special message from Santa and there's some pretty hilarious options for grown ups!
Thanks Hot Coupon World!

FREE Virtual Classes!

Virtual Classes! These classes are essential! Just click on this link from WE USE COUPONS and click on "Virtual Classes" at the top! I highly recommend these. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of you who are beginners or pros! Everyone can learn something new!

Samples!

There's links to great samples now on the blog! Just click here to get there! Make sure you subscribe so you'll find out when I post a new sample so you can be one of the first to get it!

Finals Are Over!!

Yay! Finals are done! Classes are done! I can breathe! What are you looking for this time of year? Good coupon advice? The latest and greatest toy for your special kiddo? Let me know! I will search and find it for you! BTW: My blog has a new subscription box for you so it's easier to follow my new posts!

Leap Frog! Get up to 70% off Plus FREE SHIPPING!

This is a pretty great deal from Leap Frog! Right now through December 12th, get 25%-70% off in their site-wide sale plus get free shipping with $50 purchase! If you shop through ebates, earn 3.0% cashback too! Click here to go to ebates.com and get this deal!

$15.00 + FREE SHIPPING for Playhouse from Gaggle of Chicks!!

Get this adorable playhouse from Box Creations by clicking here from Gaggle of Chicks! These houses come with a set of markers and look like a cinch to set up and take down for easy storage PLUS they come in a variety of designs. You can choose from the Princess Carriage, Medieval Castle, Pirate Ship, Country Cottage Playhouse, or Space Shuttle. These are normally priced at $39.99, so the price of $15.99 is a pretty good deal!
Follow these simple steps to get yours!
1) Click on the link above and sign up.
2) This is the daily deal, so it should be on the home page, but if it's not there, click on "Past Deals" in the pages top tabs.
3) Make your purchase from Gaggle of Chicks
4) Use your code in checkout from Box Creations. The free shipping will apply when you check out.

Giveaway Update!!

First, let me tell you how exciting it was to have this giveaway! Kathleen is the lucky winner, and she says: "YEA ME!! Uh, what should I say...? This is my first time winning anything ever...Like on my own. Sure, my kids have won stuff, the ex has won stuff...But me?? Never...Til now...So excited!"


On another note: There are a few times a year it might be difficult for me to write for this blog since I'm a student in college. Those times would be "final's week", which happen three times a year. So, please be patient with me this week. I will post anything that is a magnificent deal, but I won't have time to write any articles. If you would like to post a guest blog, just email me and let me know!

FREE!! Hungry Hippos Travel Game!!

Get this FREE at Target this week! They are normally priced at $4.99, and there may be a coupon in your Smart Source insert today for $5.00!! That would be F-R-E-E! Some people are reporting that it isn't in their papers today, but it is definitely worth looking for it!
Thanks Frugal Living NW!!

Zulily: Up to 70% off deals!

Zulily is a great daily deals website that features high-end products at affordable prices...especially right now! Make sure you get in on these! First click here to sign up if you haven't already

From Corky & Company, get these adorable mittens and hats for as low as $5.99! In fact most of them are no more than $7.99!

These adorable pj sets from Dr. Seuss make great, but cheap, holiday gifts at $9.99 plus there are cute onesies for $4.99 too! First click here to sign up if you haven't already

These messenger bags are perfect for the pre-schooler on your list! They are just like yours, but come in their size! $9.99 from Outside Baby. First click here to sign up if you haven't already

Amazon: Play Doh 50% off and more!

Click here for great bargains on Play Doh + get free shipping when you sign up for the Amazon Prime FREE trial!

Charity You CAN Do!

With the Holidays just a few weeks away, money gets tight in most households around this time of the year, but there are still opportunities available for you and your family that can enrich someone else's life. And they don't even cost anything! To teach your children the value of giving and not receiving, choose activities that they can help with too.
Here are some wonderful ways to show your love of humanity:
These websites have lots of ideas for giving - www.dosomething.org/ and unitedway.org
Check out Give2thetroops.org for several ways to donate gifts, care packages, and more!
Find your local pet shelter at aspca.org and donate your time, pet food, treats, etc.
Some other ways to donate your time and talents:
Fill stockings, tins, or baskets with homemade cookies and candy, then visit an elderly neighbor or nursing home to bring joy to someone!
Collect all of those blankets you never use and donate them to a local shelter.
Volunteer your time in a soup kitchen. Lots of churches in small towns need help making meals.
Volunteer your time in your local food shelter. Find one here: secondharvest.org
When women leave an abusive home, they often leave with nothing but the clothes on their back. They are often jobless, because of their previous situation too, so donations of professional clothing for job-hunting is needed. Often, their children too, don't have any clothing to wear either. Find a local women's shelter in your community and donate your gently used clothing, appliances, decor, cell phones, and furniture.
Really, the possibilities are endless! Use some of that brain power and a little creativity, and your family will  find that there is a lot of fun to be had from these experiences!
Post your genius ideas here and share how your family has helped out in your community for the holidays!

Safeway: Free Gerber Baby food

Safeway: Free Gerber Baby food

Click here for a fantastic offer!

Thanks Frugal Living NW!!

Baking Bagels!!

While Amber napped, I baked bagels for the first time! I was browsing through my cookbook earlier in the week and saw a recipe for them and for the first time, I realized that I could make my own instead of paying for them! There are a few steps involved in the baking process, which includes broiling, simmering in sugar water, and then baking. They were pretty simple to make though, and I didn't have to let them rest or rise as long as bread needs. Kneading the dough takes less time as well. I ended up burning the tops of them a little during the broiling process (got a little distracted - big no no when broiling), but they are a hit in this house with my 3 year old bread lover and by my 11 year old son. Here's the recipe I used in a nutshell, retrieved from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book:


4 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
1 package of active dry yeast
1 1/2 Cups warm water
1/4 Cup sugar
1 TBSP salt

1) Combine 2 cups of flour and the yeast in a large bowl, then add warm water, 3 tbsp sugar, and salt. Beat with a mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then 3 minutes on high, scraping bowl the entire time. Stir in as much of remaining flour as you can.

2) On lightly floured surface, knead dough and remaining flour until it moderately stiff and elastic (about 6-8 minutes). Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

3) Quickly divide dough into 12 portions. Shape portions into balls and with a floured finger, poke a hole through each one to make a 2 inch hole. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover, let rise for 20 minutes (begin timing with shaping of first bagel).

4) Broil bagels about 3 minutes, turning halfway through. The tops should NOT be browned. Boil 6 cups of water and the rest of the sugar in a dutch oven. Reduce heat to simmer. Place bagels, about 4-5 at a time in the water for about 7 minutes and simmer. Drain on paper towels then place on greased baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes in oven preheated to 375. Makes 12 bagels.

Tumwater High Teen Flagged for Touchdown Nod to God

I promise I won't make my blog all about political commentaries...as most of the time, I don't have the patience for trying to argue my point with someone who most indefinitely will never change their mind regardless of the evidence presented. But this is one I can't sit by and let roll off my conscience. A teenager made a touchdown in his 2A game from Tumwater High and then he knelt and pointed to the sky in reference to his God. Refs quickly flagged him, citing that he violated WIAA rules by drawing attention to himself. What's wrong with this picture? It feels like the government, because of the fear of violating some peoples' rights, is violating others' rights in order to get there. It's hipocracy. We have the right to deny God, but we still have the right to embrace him. Why do people feel so threatened when a teenager attributes his skills to God? Feel free to check out a full article with videos here.

The Student Mom Chronicles

It has taken me 3 years to get to this point in my college career...and I'm not going to be a junior until next year! I left my job last year as a Special Education Assistant so I would have more time to devote to studying and homework, as well as leaving the option open for day classes if night one wasn't available. While I was working, I enjoyed a small income, but a lot of household duties were neglected (or not done to my nitpicky standards). Now, being at home during the day has its benefits, but the homework, online classes, and evening classes basically replaced the time I spent at work. So...how can a full-time student and mom meet the demands of college AND family? Well, for me it means prepping food when I need a break from studying (today I'm dicing potatoes for the freezer and baking bagels). It helps to have a master list that you can add to and cross off anything you'd like to get done. For me, this would include anything from cleaning the cat box out, crafts, baking ideas, and special projects. Then, I create a simple list that can be made each week, with a couple of things for each day. I like to include at least 3 baking ideas each week, and include at least 2 household projects each week (today I scrubbed my crock pot inside and out because it had dried split peas soup all over it). More to come tomorrow on preparing quick dinners!

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway!!

3 Kids and Us and KitchenAid want to make your holiday wish come true and offer you the chance to win a brand new KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, in your choice of over 20 colors, valued at $349.99!

Enter the KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway  and check out the Homemade Holiday Feast recipes that show all the ways the KitchenAid Stand Mixer and attachments can be used to create unique family dishes and save you counter space with one appliance that can be converted to meet your every need.

Who's the Cheapskate Next Door?

Since beginning the quest to live as cheap as I can, I have made a few new friends along the way. Most of my neighbors aren't into "frugal" living, and I'm pretty sure I'm kind of a loner around here when it comes to being completely passionate about getting something for free. Sometimes when I say I got something for free, people roll their eyes and groan...or both. It's quite possible that I could be everybody else's cheapskate next door. Do you have one or are you it?