Great Toys R Us Deals this week

There are some really great deals going on at Toys R Us this week.  If you have kids make sure to check them out.  Some great buy one get one free offers await you!

Dreaming of Easter

This is a picture of Alixia when she was a baby and she is dreaming of Easter.  Make sure to check out the post holiday sales after Easter!  Remember you can often double dip and use a coupon with the clearance sale.

Great Prize Pack! Fantastic Odds! Enter by 3/31/10 to win

Win this fabulous Betty Crocker/Safeway Prize Pack see previous post for more information.  You get a great Betty Crocker classic red spoon, red oven mit, Great bowl and Wilton Easy-flex silicone bakeware pan. Previous information and entry information!

Logitech Sensational Sale- Save tons!!!

Here are some great clearance deals from Logitech.  Why pay retail, when you can get these great deals!
Save on Dented Box and Refurbished items at Logitech.com

Joanne link for free shipping on scrapbooking supplies no minumum required, Monday, 3/29 & Tuesday 3/30

Here is a great opportunity to get ready for your Easter or Spring Scrapbooking needs.  Joanne is having a no minumum free shipping offer on Monday, 3/29 & Tuesday 3/30.  I often find all kinds of great deals through this company, check out the clearance deals as well!

The Free Shipping, No Min Coupon code is ACD89.
Entire Stock of Scrapbooking On Sale + Free Shipping, No Minimum Two Days Only at Joann.com

Great Deals to be had at Kohl's & 30% Coupon for Kohl's Charge Users

I love the Kohl's sales.  They have great deals that are made even better by the thirty percent off code if you use your Kohl's charge.  My strategy here is to find the really good sale and then add the thirty percent off and free shipping.  Make sure to check out the clearance section too. 
 
Finally, my advice is to check out the Kohl's cares for children products.  Usually they have a great book and stuffed animal to match the book for $5 each.  This in itself is a great deal, but the proceeds go to a great cause, check it out!

SAVE30KC - good through 3/28
Also free shipping when you spend $75
 

April is Month of the Child

April is coming up soon. Make sure you check out the community events happening in your area for the Month of the Child. In the San Luis Obispo area there are quite a few fun events happening including,

• Children's Day in the Plaza Saturday April, 10th 10-3, Free



• Children's art at the Cuesta College Children's Center & Library the month of April, Free



• Party for the Planet, April 24th Charles Paddock Zoo Call for more info, 470-3172
  

There are lots of activities planned throughout the community, call 782-7285 for more information.

A Few Deals

Toys R Us offering free shipping, the catch is you have to spend $100, see site for more details.  Buy 1 get 1 free on Little Tykes toys as well and several other great deals.  Worth a look in you have a little critter around.  $100 adds up fast.  They also have some great deals in the clearance section.
 
TGI Fridays also sent an email coupon for a free entree when you buy one with two beverages.  This is through their stripes program.  If you have a TGIF close by or are traveling near one this is an easy one to join with tons of benefits.  I get stuff from them all the time and I haven't even been to one in years.
 
Ben & Jerrys is having their free cone day 3-23-2010.  According to the email, "It's free cone day on March 23rd at participating scoop shops from noon to 8pm."  So if you have one near by, you might as well indulge, free is free.  Just be aware there may be a line. ; )
 
CVS has some great deals and a couple of freebies after their register rewards.  I got free colgate Total toothpaste, Pampers Diapers for $4.97 after the register rewards and $1.00 oiff coupon and Black olives for $1 a can.  Just a few of their many bargains this week.  Check out their web site and you will find the add where you can create your own online shopping list for discounted and free items.
 
Do you have a great deal that you found?  Share it with us by commenting on the comments section. 

Saving Money on your Monthly Bills

With the costs of most items rising, one way to save some money is to cut down on your normal monthly expenses.  One big expense for us was the television subscription, it was up to $69.99 a month and the picture quality was not cutting the mustard.  I am sure they would have come out to fix it, probably at an additional cost.  I called and did the official cancel.  Even after cancelling it, the already recorded items on the TIVO still work fine, so the girls are very happy with the Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse recordings. 

 

I have been very happy with all the free TV shows so far that we have found online.  They all play on our regular TV through a HDMI cable that I got dirt cheap off of Amazon.  Hit the link down below and do a search and you will find all kinds of great deals on HDMI cables if your TV will accept it and you have an HDMI out on your computer.  I simply then just route the TV shows to the TV through the computer. 

HULU, CBS, NBC, ABC, and their are a ton of others that offer free full legnth TV shows and even some free movies.  Just remember that you will be a day or two behind the people watching the shows on the regular TV.  Not a bad trade off to save $70 a month or $840 a year.  Just think if we get truly board we can always get some of those free red box rentals, I see those all the time too on the web. 

 

I haven't even connected the free digital  converter that we got with the coupon they had back a while ago from the government.  With that we should be able to get at least one or two networks through the airwaves.  Another suggetstion would be to have a DVD swap with your friends and co-workers.   If you have ten people who work in the office and each person brings in five DVD's to swap temporarily, then you would have over fifty movies to watch. 

 

You could also ask a friend to record something for you if you get totally desperate, but I doubt you will with the enormous selection online and through DVD's.

 

How much do you pay for your TV subscription?  Just think all that you could save.

A great shopping day..Saved over a hundred dollars easily

Make sure that you take advantage of the deals at Target, as they end tommorrow.  We went their today and got some fantastic deals.  We got sunflower seeds for 19 cents after our $1.50 off coupon from the Planters Facebook site, Frosted Mini Wheats cereal at a net cost of 25 cents a box and Huggies diapers for $4.00 a package.  There were also several other great deals that we got and the cashier, Anna, was very helpful.  What a great trip!
 
We  also stopped at K-mart where we were able to get the Tonka Chuck the truck for a great deal at $20 off the normal price.  We had a manufacturers coupon for $10 off and the Kmart coupon for $10 off and that was a great deal.  We also did two other transactions while there, one for plax and Cascade, again with the $10 off $20 purchase and the third transaction was for hair care products like pony tail holders for my older daughter and other related items.  Again, we had a great cashier and had no major problems, everyone was great.
 
I didn't make it to Albertson's or Rite Aid but they also have some fantastic deals going on if you check out their adds and combine them with the coupons that you can print from the above coupon link. 

Remember too that a lot of the deals reset on Sunday, so get in on them tommorrow.  Also, make sure to check out the other entries and enter our latest contest.  See below for more informaiton.

Borders- Teachers save 30% on Most Items In store only

March 19-27th educators can save 30% according to the email they sent me.  On Saturday March 20th they will also have a special reception for teachers from 2-6 pm.
 
I like to do these sales in addition to their clearance sales to stock up on books. 
 

Great $1.50 Planters Coupon and Sweepstakes

If you become a fan of Planters Peanuts on Facebook you can print out an instant $1.50 off coupon for most Planters products.  Just click on the NCAA Sweeps tab and become a fan, then you can print out the coupon instantly.
 
Remember, they make sunflower seeds to, so these might be free with this coupon if they are on sale. 
 
http://www.facebook.com/mrpeanut

Sweet Spring Treats & A Great Giveaway

I absolutely love baking and making Spring Treats with my daughter.  My daughter and I were so excited when we got this information from MyBlogSpark. They always have such great information and deals.
 
"Using Betty Crocker® SuperMoist Cake and Traditional Brownie Mixes, and with a little help from the Safeway family of stores, you can put your budding baking skills to the test to serve up special treats that will have you and your little sprouts ready for springtime!

For great spring recipe ideas, visit BakeSweetMemories.com today. Bake Sweet Memories has delicious recipes for fun desserts using your Betty Crocker favorites, including Easter Bunny Cakes and even morning brunches, like the Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake, which are sure to brighten any morning!

In addition, from March 24th through April 6th, visit the Safeway family of Stores to purchase Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake and Traditional Brownie Mixes at the special price of $0.69! Be sure to let your readers know that they can visit their local Safeway family of stores to take advantage of this great savings and more!

Even if you miss the sale, check BakeSweetMemories.com for great coupon offers that download right to your Safeway Club card. This Spring, Betty Crocker makes life a little sweeter."

If you would like to win a prize pack from Betty Crocker, which will include, a silicon baking pan, stainless steel mixing bowl, oven mitt, Betty Crocker mixing spoon then make sure you are a blog follower and email me with your email address at alixiasplace@gmail.com so that I can give you an entry into the contest.  For a bonus entry please comment on your favorite recipe listed on the BakeSweetMemories.com web site.  Please enter by March 31, 2010. Email will be used to to contact the winner.  Good Luck!
 
Safeway and Betty Crocker provided me with the VIP coupon, information, and prize packs through MyBlogSpark.
 

Free Burrito when You Wear Green tomorrow to Baja Fresh

According to the Baja Fresh Facebook site,

 

"Wear green and join us for St. Patrick's Day! Free Burrito with purchase of large beverage." Make sure to go to their facebook page and print out the coupon on their for this deal. 

Free Stride Gum

Click , become a fan, then sign up.
 
http://www.facebook.com/stride-gum?v=app_7146470109

CVS 20% off and Free Shipping on $49 and More for St. Patrick's Day

Great offer if you need to stock up but don't have time to go into the store.  This is their St. Patrick's Day Sale.  According to their web site:
 
"For a limited time SAVE 20% OFF EVERYTHING ONLINE!
To get your discount, enter coupon code: SHAMROCK20 at checkout. (Coupon codes are case sensitive.)

Plus, get FREE Shipping on nonprescription orders of $49 or more.

National Pie Day

Since today is national pie day I thought I would share my recent concoction that I made.  A homemade cheesecake, yum!  Don't forget too that many places are offering free pie today, see other posts.
 
This was fairly easy to make and yet all so delicious.  It is also a great way to get the kids involved in cooking.
 
I just took a basic recipe and modified it a bit to fit my taste preferences and what a great outcome!
 
Here is my basic recipe:
 
2 packages of cream cheese
1 8 ounce container of sour cream
1 fresh lemon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Flour
 
Crust:
1 1/2 C. Crushed Graham Crackers
1/2 C. Crushed Almonds
1/2 C. Melted Butter
 
Topping:
1 8 ounce container of sour cream
1/4 C. Sugar
 
First make the crust.  Take the three ingredients and mix until the melted butter is thoroughly incorporated into the mixture.  Then press in a spring form pan, I used an 8" pan and almost did not have enough room.  So make sure you have a good large one.
 
Next, place this in the refrigerator.
 
Then take the cheesecake ingredients and whip them together.  Make sure to do this when the cream cheese is at room temperature.  I took mine out about thirty minutes earlier.  Then just start adding the ingredients and whip them all together.
 
While doing this, preheat the oven to 425 F.  Pour the batter in the crust and place it in the oven for forty minutes then take the sour cream mixture and spread it over the cheesecake and cook for fifteen more minutes.  Then open the oven when it is done and let it sit for another forty-five minutes.  Now take it out and place it in the refrigerator.  Let it chill for at least 8 hours.  Enjoy!  

Great Free Stuff from Eltorito's Restaurant & Kids Eat Free on Wednesday

According to the web site, you get all this free for signing up!
 
"Join El Torito's "Bull Ring" email club and receive a coupon for a FREE Guacamole plus emails on:
 • New dishes developed by Executive Chef Pepe Lopez
 • Upcoming Featured Chef Specials
 • A FREE entree on your birthday
 • Exciting Cantina Promotions"

http://news.eltorito.com/clients/eltorito/survey.htm?source=button

Make sure to use your coupon, as I am sure it will have an expiration date.

 

Also, Kids eat free on Wednesday's according to their web site.  One free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal.

 

Finally, remember that most of these types of places have a 'happy hour' free or super cheap horderves when you buy drinks in the bar. 

Great $5 Diaper Deal & Fifty Cent Frosted Mini Wheats Cereal at Target

This week Target has the diapers on sale 2 for $17 according to their add.  Then combine this with their printable coupon for $1.50 off each pack of Huggies as shown then combine this with the $2 coupon that you can print from the link above for coupons.  Just click on the link for coupons and find the Huggies coupons and print them out.  Then the end price is $5 for a pack of Huggies diapers.  That is basically like half price of normal. 
 
The other great deal is the Kellogs Frosted Mini Wheats cereal that is 4 for ten dollars.  Buy four and you get a five dollar Target card for your next shopping trip.  Or that would get the diapers. Wait though, add the 1.50 coupon for the cereal when you buy two and if you have two of these coupons, then the cereal is fifty cents a box.
 
Both of these deals can be seen on the back page of their weekly store flyer.
 
First click on this link to print out the Cereal coupon and the coupon for the diapers, then go to the next link

Print Free Coupons

http://coupons.target.com
 

Barbie Online Sale

If you are a Barbie lover, then this sale is for you, I got this in an email from BarbieCollector.com :

"Last chance

Buy More, Save More ends tomorrow at 11:59 PM CT.* There's no time to wait - order by phone or shop online now! (Details below.)

* Save $5 on orders $50-$74.99; save $10 on orders $75-$99.99; save $15 on orders of $100 or more (purchase amounts exclude any applicable sales tax and shipping & processing). Offer expires 3/15/10 at 11:59 PM CT. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid on previous purchases. Offer excludes gift certificates, Club membership and products, and gift-wrapping.

"

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/

 

Free From Vistaprint

Hurry and get in on this great freebie.  250 cards, great for moms to put your email address on to give to other moms.

Bath & Body Works - Free Lip Gloss w/Any Purchase for Students

Definitely sign up for their emails if you have not already!  They are always sending free offers with purchase coupons.  This is good either online or in store if you have a copy of the coupon.  I would go to their site and print it out, or do a search on it, I am sure someone has posted a copy of it by now.  Or if you are not a 'student' then use the online version.

 

The ONLINE USE CODE STUDENT AT CHECKOUT.  This is according to the email I received.  The reported value is up to $7.50.  They always have some great deals and lots of sales. 

I have to give this store two thumbs up to for customer service.  The other day I was in the store and forgot the coupon at home,  I mentioned it to the cashier and she was so gracious that she let me redeem my coupon even though I did not have it in hand!  So I was able to get five full size products for about $10.  What a fantastic deal for such great products!

 

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

 

On this page they even have another offer if you sign up for their great emails.

"Get A Special Welcome Offer - Sign Up Today!"

 

PS What is your favorite scent?

Free Piece of Pie Day at Marie Callender's Restaurant-Sunday, March 14th‏ & Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays and Sat. at some MC

You do have to buy an entree to qualify for the free piece of pie according to the email that I received.  If you sign up for their email promotions you may also have some great coupons to use, not sure if you can double dip with these for this promotion.
 
http://www.mcpies.com/
 
Kids also eat free every Tuesday and Saturday with the purchase of an adult entree at participating restaurants.  "Kid's Menu-For our guests 12 years old and younger. Served with your choice of Sundae FUNday topped with chunks of OREO® cookies; or a slice of Apple or Chocolate Cream pie!" according to their web site. 

They also have some coloring sheets to print out on their web site. 
 
http://www.mcpies.com/kiddos/
 
I enjoy going to our local Marie Callender's restaurant in Pismo Beach, as it is kid friendly and it also has a great ocean view.  They often too have great deals on whole pies, so keep your eye out.  My favorite pie is the classic cream cheese pie and the apple pie with the crumble topping.  I believe they also offer great promotions on your birthday, so if you have a special occasion, let the server know and who knows what other great promotions you might get, or even another piece of pie or a great sundae. 

Barbie Mermaid Party March 13, 2010 at Toys R Us

What little girl/boy doesn't love a doll? Check out your local Toys R Us to see if they are having a Barbie Mermaid Party!  From Noon to two PM most Toys R Us's will offer free Barbie Mermaid goodies for kids three and over.  If you have nothing to do tomorrow, then this might be the ticket. 
 
http://www.toysrus.com
 
Toys R Us is also offering a Barbie for $3.  I have heard through the grapevine, that many other stores are also featuring a Barbie for $3 as well, so check it out as I think this is a very limited time promotion, that may even end tomorrow. 
 
Mommy tips for the event:

• Make sure to feed your little one some healthy treats before the event! 
• Arrive early and make sure to stay attached to your little one
• Also a good nights rest the night before or a quick refresher nap can make children happier for everyone's sake
• Another tip is to bring a pocket portable camera, a lot of times they have special characters available at these types of events and how memorable is that, a picture says a thousand words
• Make a scrapbook page that night to add to the scrapbook, nothing like getting it done fast while you still remember the particular memories
• Lastly, make sure your kids know your the one in charge and what you say goes, so if they do get a little unruly don't be afraid to go home and take care of their needs 

Great Coupons for Free General Mills Products

If you enjoy getting coupons in the mail for free products, make sure you sign up for General Mills pssst program.  It is very easy and totally free.  Every so often they will send you emails and they may request you to fill out occasional questionaires.  They will also send you links to sign up for specific products that you want.  I have received about a dozen emails since I signed up with them in October as well as a handful of coupons for free products
 
http://pssst.generalmills.com

More Central California Coastal Deals

These two companies allow you to buy gift certificates at a discount, anywhere from fifty to seventy five percent off.  You then get sent in the mail the gift certificates.  So if you enjoy going out to eat these are a great deal!  If you are going to visit an area it is also a great way to save on your travels. 
 
http://kvec.centralcoastfinest.com/
 
http://centralcoastdeals.com
 
Do you know of any other discounts on the Central Coast, or where you live?  If so please share them in the comments section for the other readers.
 
PS The picture on this story is one of a burger that I made at home, nothing like home cooking!

The Central California Coast Coupons

If you live on the Central Coast of California, like in San Luis Obispo, Los Osos, Morro Bay, etc. then this is a great link to look at.  It offers free printable coupons for the local businesses. 

http://slo.suddenvalues.com/

Buzzed Driving St. Patrick's Day Campaign

St. Patrick?s Day is right around the corner, and it?s not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe ? it?s planning now for a safe and sober way home.

 

Are you headed out with friends after work this Wednesday to celebrate the holiday?  No?  Well when you and your family are on the road headed to choir practice, a t-ball game, or coming home from school, you may be sharing the road with those returning from a fun St. Patrick?s Day event.  It?s time to spread the word about the dangers of buzzed driving and to remind people that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving, and the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead.

 

Let?s remind everyone about the importance of remembering to:

·         Designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.

·         Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick?s Day, keep in mind that in 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.  And for those who don?t plan on over-indulging?a buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash.

 

Global Influence is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the ?Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving? PSA campaign. Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had ?only a few? drinks. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even a few drinks can impair driving and that ?Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.?

 

We need your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick?s Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

 

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/sign.php#video

 

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

For more information, visit Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving on Facebook and Twitter (@Buzzeddriving).

 

Winner in the $50 Safeway Gift Card Give Away

A winner has been selected and they have three days to respond, once they do we will post the final winner! Congratulations!

Free Steak Dinner for kids w/adult meal, McClintock's

This is a great one for those of you who are local, this is for McClintock's in Shell Beach, pair this up with the early supper specials and you too can indulge! See my review too here: Review on Viewpoints
"Kids Eat Steak Free

Choice of
A "Kids Steak"
Or
A Charbroiled "Beef" Burger

Served with all the FMc Fixn's at the Dining House in Shell Beach.

Offer valid with purchase of one adult meal during dinner at the dining house.

Limit one meal per one adult meal.
Please no substitutions.
Ages 12 & under."

Click here for web site