Toys R Us Two Days Bonus Deals

This Friday and Saturday, Toys R Us is having a special Bonus Deals.  I saw they have all Hasbro Games, Playskool Infant and Preschool Toys, and PlayDoh on sale Buy 2 get a 3rd one Free (Mix and Match!).

If I see any coupons out I will update the post and let you all know.

 

Parent Tip of the Day

I had mentioned a while back that I was going to pick a day and share some parent tips I find on Parents Magazine and other magazines as well as those people share with me.  I decided to pick Thursdays, so . . . here are a few Tips of the Day!!

• Travel Tub : When on vacation or traveling to see Grandma, carry an inflatable baby pool to put inside the tub.  It keeps baby safe!!
• Keep warm: I know it is Spring/Summer weather now but during the cold months this one will be helpful.  Keep your Maternity Jackets and wear them over a baby carrier to keep both you and your baby warm during an afternoon walk.
• Diaper Bag Checklist: I like this one.  It helps my husband a lot.  Attach a luggage tag with a diaper bag checklist inserted inside.  It will help with keeping all the essentials restocked!! 

Look every Thursday for the Parent Tips of the Day.  Feel free to share your tips with us by leaving a comment.

 

Free Pull Ups 2pk Sample from Costco

You do not need to be a member to get this sample.  Thanks to Freebies4Mom for this opportunity.  My son is starting potty training so these are Awesome.  Act Fast!!  I ordered mine and they are already out of the Boys and Girls size 2T.

Costco Pull Ups Sample 

Publix Competitor Coupons FYI

Thanks goes to Erin for letting me know about this issue.  I recently posted I was able to use a Walgreens coupon at Publix as a competitor coupon.  Erin pointed out that they are NOT supposed to accept them.  Competitor coupons at Publix means Grocery store coupons ONLY.  Thanks Erin!!  I want to make sure we follow the rules properly when we use coupons to save money. 

Thanks again!!

Savings for week April 18th to April 24th 2010

I am not sure why, but this week just went by too fast for me.  I didn't get to write anything on my blog which is unlike me.  I love to talk so for me writing on my blog is almost the same thing.  :o)

This week I made a few extra tips but they were worth it.  I got some great savings.  I celebrated Earth Day by getting 4 ink cartridges refilled at Walgreens for $1 each.  That made my savings huge this week as each is regular priced at $12.99!!

• Walgreens: They had some great deals with Register Rewards (RR) this week.  I had to go to 4 different Walgreens to be able to find 2 bottles of the Vitamin D which was on sale for $5 plus I got a $5 RR back.  According to the receipts, I saved a total of $95.83 and spent out of pocket $9.61.  I got two bottles of Vitamin D, some Pull Ups for Rafi (yes, we are starting potty training!!), 4 ink cartridges refills, St. Ives Body Wash (it was on sale B1G1 plus I had two coupons!), 2L Pepsi, and some gummy Bears as fillers (0.39cents each bag).   
• Einstein Brothers Bagel: I took Rafi on Friday morning and got our Free Bagel.  Paid 0.64 cents for Honey Butter.  Yum!!  You can become a Fan on their Facebook page and print the coupon.  It is good once every Friday until May 21st.  They also have a coupon for a bagel with cream cheese and a coffee for $2 good every Tuesday until May 18th.  Total savings 0.99 cents
• Target: Didn't need a whole lot from Target this week.  I realized later in the week I needed a box of overnight diapers, I got some Sobe water with B1G1 coupons so I got 4 bottles for 0.50 cents each, Motrin PM was FREE after a Target coupon $1 off and a Manufacturer coupon $3 off.  I used some gift cards I had earned from previous visits.  I spent out of pocket $18.04 and saved $21.21 after coupons and Gift Cards used.
• Publix: Thanks to I Heart Publix, I got an excellent deal on Scotch Brite Greener Clean sponges.  I did have to go to about 3 or 4 different Publix stores as one wouldn't honor the Walgreens B1G1 coupon and the others did plus I needed extra coupons from the Green Wise market magazine to get the sponges at 2 packs of 3 for 0.50 cents!!.  According to the receipts, I saved $137.40 and spent out of pocket $35.35.  I am also submitting some rebates for $5 check from SC Johnoson, a $25 worth of coupons from ConAgra foods, and a Free Tote from Scotch Brite Sponges. 
• Babies R Us: I went to Babies R Us to get Rafi a training Potty seat, I got a Free Tote plus 25% off on clothing so I got him a Tampa Bay Bucs outfit for next winter and a Tshirt for this summer, I got him a visor to wear outside and while he gets his hair washed (he hates shampoo in his face!), I also splurged and got him some bath toys.  I saved $13.80 after coupons and sales plus an extra $5 from a Gift Card I used I had earned in a prior visit.  I spent $33.58.

Hope everyone had an awesome week.  I am planning my next giveaway to take place soon so stay in touch.  It will be a Full size Anew product and a 2 week supply Anew Reversalits product.
Thanks for reading!!

Winner Annoucement - Avon FootWorks Giveaway

Here is the post to he giveaway - Avon FootWorks Giveaway

I used Random.org to select the winner.  And the winner is
Comment no. 1 - Jacki

I will email you to give you instructions on how to claim your prize.  You have 72 hrs to claim your prize.  If the prize is not claimed, then a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to everyone who participated.  Keep your eyes open for my next giveaway.  I will be giving away a 1 week Supply of Anew Reversalist Night Renewal Cream.  It is a 0.24oz size and NOT a full size bottle.

2010 Ultimate Blog Party - The After Party!

I had a lot of fun this week.  The Ultimate Blog Party was a great opportunity to meet new people.  I also got to listen to some awesome music by Chris Mann.  Overall it was an awesome opportunity!  
I discovered some new blogs during the Blog Party.  I would like to share them with you.

• The Ramblings of a Closet Writer
• A Mama Stork Knows
• A Mundsen House of Chaos
• Parenting Twins and More 
• Confessions of a Chosen One 
•  New to Mom

The above are some of my favorites but I did find more awesome blogs out there that I had not visited before.
Thanks to all who participated and visited my blog.  I look forward to meeting more people thru my blog and I pray that my blog provides helpful tips to other moms.

Savings for week April 11th to 17th 2010

This week was an awesome week.  We didn't need much groceries so I did stock up on toiletries that we will need soon or could use in the near future.  I planned ahead, as usual, and went to Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Publix.  I got some Paper Towels and deodorant at BJ's too.
Here is the breakdown of my savings:

• Target: My hubby needed some razor blades so instead I got him 2 Gillette Fusion razors that were on sale plus when I got 2 I got a $5 Gift Card back.  I also had 2- $4 off coupons so the razors with an extra cartridge were very nicely priced.  I also got two bottles of Vitamin water plus used a coupon for $1 off 2 bottles.  Then I realized we needed lemon juice for a recipe and we ran out of OJ so I headed back to Target and got those.  The OJ I had a B1G1 free coupon plus a $1 off 2 coupons.  I paid $1.99 for a full gallon of OJ Tropicana Brand!  Woohoo!!  Our son needed some vitamins so I got Target Brand Infant Drop vitamins for 5.99 after the 5 cent discount for bringing my reusable bag. After coupons and Gift Cards I had from previous visits, my total out of pocket was $7.22.  Total savings according to the receipt was $18.44.  Thanks goes to Totally Target for the post on the awesome deals. I also got on Friday a pair of Spiderman shoes for my son.  On clearance they were $4.24. 
• Publix: I got a few things at Publix.  I got some disposable razors (.99 cents for a pack of 2 plus used $3 off coupon, can you say money maker?!!), some salad, a FREE bottle of Scrubbing Bubbles Sprayer plus a FREE Refill (after coupons), Deli meat and cheese, Special K Granola, Milk, egg beaters, and Green onions.  I went back on Thursday and got two Glade candles and a gallon of Fat Free milk.   After coupons and special savings I spent out of pocket $28.51.  The total savings according to the receipt was $42.29.  Thank you I Heart Publix.
• Walgreens: I made several trips to Walgreens this week so I could use the Register Rewards (RR's) from my first trip.  In every trip I kept earning more RR's.  I think I saved the most at Walgreens.  I did end up getting tons of cans of Arizona Iced Tea but at .59cents each plus being able to use the RR's they were also FREE.  After adding up all my trips, I spent out of pocket $25.30 and according to the receipt saved $93.91.  I could have saved even more had it not been for a small mistake I made.  When you shop at Walgreens using coupons you have to make sure you have the same number products as you do coupons (more products is probably best to make sure!).  In one trip I failed to do this so I could not used my RR's.  At least I learned from my mistake.   Needless to say we will not need any toiletries for a long time!!  LOL!!  Thank you Couponing to Disney and Southern Savers.
• CVS:  They had an awesome coupon when you scanned your CVS Extra Care card.  $1 off 2 CVS brand paper products.  They had on sale the single rolls of Toilet paper at 2/$1 so I got FREE toilet paper in every trip (Thanks Couponing to Disney).  They have something similar to Walgreen's RR's.  CVS's are called Extra Bucks (EB's).  I earned some and then made another trip and used them.  I repeated the process all week.  I also have a Green Bag Tag which is scanned every day I go to CVS.  I get 1 point toward earning an EB.  You earn an EB after you visit CVS 4 days.  After adding all my trips I spent out of pocket $14.28 and according to the receipt saved $48.50.  Thank you Couponing to Disney and Southern Savers.  

Happy Saving!!

Avon Foot Works Giveaway

If you missed my Post on caring for your feet please go here.
To follow up with my post I decided to offer my very first giveaway!!
I will be giving away a Pedicure Set from Avon Foot Works.  I am an Avon Rep so this giveaway is sponsored by me.  :o)

The Set includes:

• 1 Green Tea and Mint Exfoliating Scrub
• 1 Green Tea and Mint Cooling Moisture Lotion
• and 1 Green Tea and Mint Invigorating Spray

Pending on the success of this giveaway I will offer another set as a giveaway in the next few weeks so Spread the Word for an additional chance to win.
Please add your email at the end of your comment so I can notify you should you be the winner of this giveaway. 
Here is how to enter:

1. Visit Avon Store and leave a Comment stating which is your favorite product or products (this is mandatory!).
2. Follow my blog and leave a comment stating you are a follower.  If you are already a follower just leave a comment letting me know.
3. Follow me on Twitter .  Leave a comment and let me know you are a follower. If you are already a follower just leave a comment letting me know.
4. Post this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page.  Leave a comment with the link to your blog and let me know you posted it on your blog and/or Facebook page. 
5. Sign up for my email updates thru feedburner.  Leave a comment stating you subscribed.  If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment to let me know.
6. Sign up for my RSS feed.  Leave a comment stating you subscribed.  If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment to let me know.

The Giveaway is open to anyone in the United States and it ends on Sunday April 18th at 11PM EST.  The winner will be chosen thru Random.org and will be announced on my blog on Monday April 19th.  An email will be sent to the winner (if an email is provided).  The winner has 72 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen.  

Ultimate Blog Party

After reading a post at Couponing to Disney, I decided to Participate in this year's Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom.  Since I am relatively new to blogging, I thought it would give me a great opportunity to meet other fellow bloggers and have others come join my journey as a new blogger.
Bloggers and Non Bloggers are invited to participate in the prizes so make sure and stop by their Blog to check it all out.
If you found my blog thru the Blog Party, Welcome!  My name is Tania Lopez.  I am a new stay at home mom to a beautiful baby boy who will be two this July.  I resigned as a Transportation Engineer in October 2008 to stay home with my son.  I started blogging in March 2010.  I did post some things in 2009 but I really got into it this year.  I post mostly about Baby and Children advice for new moms and repeat moms too.  I also post about saving money and my daily journeys as a mom and homemaker.
The Ultimate Blog Party has about 100 prizes listed so far.
My favorite prizes are

1. You know I LOVE Jillian Michaels so I had to choose #105 – Get Fit Pack: One “lucky” winner will get a triple threat of Jillian Michaels. Pack contains 30 Day Shred, Yoga Meltdown, The Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout. Pack also includes an aluminum water bottle to help stay on track and stay hydrated!  Thanks Green Mom Wannabe
2. #112 - $50 Amazon Gift Card Thanks Our Homeschool Home 
3. #19 – Prize package of preschool toys! KOTA & PALS HATCHLINGS – (PLAYSKOOL/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99), TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS CHUCK MY TALKING TRUCK (TONKA/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99), PLAY-DOH Coco-Nutty Monkey (Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99), PLAY-DOH MINI BUCKET (Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $4.99)
4. If the above are already taken, then my next favorites in order or preference are #49, #61, #71, #107, #32, #73, #74, #87, #31, #52, #55
5. From the US and Canada list in order of preference #3, #15, #32

For additional details, please visit the official 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party 2010 post.
Have fun and see you all there!!

Tania

Seventh Generation Spring Cleaning Giveaway by The Prudent Patron

The Prudent Patron is giving away a Disinfecting Cleaning Kit from Seventh Generation thru My Blog Spark.  To enter, follow the instructions on the blog post.  Each comment counts as an entry.  The giveaway ends on Sunday April 11th at 11PM EST. 

Good Luck!
Tania

The Prudent Patron Spring Cleaning Giveaway

Wii to a New Mii Giveaway

Wii to a New Mii has an awesome giveaway on their blog.  It ends Monday at 10PM EST.
Make sure and sign up.  Follow the instructions and leave comments.  Each comment counts as an entry to the giveaway.

Good Luck!!

Tania

Wii to a New Mii Giveaway

Savings for week of April 4th to April 10th

I know the week is not over yet, but I am very excited about all the savings I got this week so far.  I submitted a lot of rebates this week, about $50 worth or more!  I am so thankful to all the blogs out there which post all the amazing deals.
Some of the best deals I got this week are

1. Today at Walgreens, I got 3 packages of 2 Pilot Frixion pens.  They were on sale for $1.19 each plus Walgreens had a coupon on their April Coupon Book for $1 off each making them 0.19 cents each.  Plus there was a rebate form in the back of the package for up to $4.50 when you bought 3 packages.  I paid 0.81 cents at the store and will get $4.50 back in a rebate check.  Thanks goes to Couponing to Disney 
2. Today at Staples, I got a package of Copy Paper Staples brand.  I printed out last night a coupon to have the cashier print out a rebate form and rebate receipt.  The rebate is for the full price of the paper.  I paid $5 and will get $4.69 back in a rebate check.  I submitted it online so I saved a stamp too!  Thanks goes to Couponing to Disney and Mojo Savings
3. Yesterday at Walgreens, I was able to upload some photos and get 20 prints FREE.  Thanks goes to Freebies 4 Mom and her guest blogger Christina at Northern Cheapskate.  I also got 2 bottles of Dawn dishwashing soap for 50 cents each and 2 bottles of Starbucks Frappuccino at 25 cents each.  Thanks goes to Couponing to Disney.
4. At Target, I got our son 3 pairs of jeans that were on clearance for $3.24 each, two pairs of shoes that were on clearance $4.24 and $8.48, a regular price pair of shoes for $16.99 and used a Target coupon for $5 off $30 in clothing purchase.  I also got two AirWick iMotion Oils for FREE after coupon and Target coupon.  Also got 2 boxes of Success Rice I needed for the Princess and the Frog rebate and used $1 off 2 boxes coupon.  Total saved $72.54.  Total was $39.81.  Total spent out of pocket $19.81.  I used two $10 gift cards I got thru the Pharmacy with coupons.  I also got some 7th Generation products.  After coupons and Target coupons I paid 0.69 cents for one and 0.79 cents for each of the other two.  I also submitted for a $5 Rebate because I got 3.  Thanks goes to Totally Target. 
5. At Publix earlier in the week, I got some groceries and paid out of pocket $15.87.  Total saved per receipt $19.01 after sales and coupons.  Thanks goes to I Heart Publix. 

I believe this week I stayed within budget but the goal is to stay below so I can save that extra $ to get a Laptop in the near future.
Thanks and Enjoy the savings!!

Tania

Check these posts for other great savings from other very smart people!  :o)  I linked my post to these blogs. 
Money Saving Mom
Couponing to Disney
I Heart Publix

It's Sandal Season . . . lets show off our healthy looking feet

Winter is over, which means it is time to wear our cool looking sandals.  In FL, sandal season lasts a long time which is why it is important to keep our feet looking healthy.  Here I provide a few easy steps on how to do an at home pedicure to help keep your feet looking beautiful and healthy.

 

1. Remove all nail polish using non acetone nail polish remover.  I recommend non acetone as it is gentle on your nails and toes.
2. Soak your feet in a bath tub or bucket with warm water and a foot soak.  Foot soak are great at moisturizing your feet and help soften dead skin cells which prepares feet for exfoliation.  
3. Exfoliate your feet to remove all dead skin cells.  Massage each foot for a minute or two with a quarter size blob of foot scrub using circular motions.  Work from your heel to your toes.  Rinse off with warm water.    
4. Use a Pumice stone to smooth down calluses.  Wet the pumice and coat it with a little body wash.  Use a back and forth motion and be GENTLE!!  
5.  Coat your feet with a foot mask and cover with a warm towel.  Follow instructions on the mask as to how long to keep the mask on prior to rinsing it off (usually 5 to 10 minutes).  The mask will keep feet moisturized and give a nice fresh feeling to your feet.
6. Trim and file your toe nails.  Trim them straight across and smooth the edges with a nail file.  A slight rounded shape helps prevent ingrown nails.
7. Moisturize and massage your feet.  Use a lotion especially formulated for feet as it has extra moisturizer to prevent dry rough spots and future callouses.  Using a circular motion, massage a quarter size dollop of cream to your feet and lower legs. Then, with the knuckle of your index finger, press down gently into the arch of one foot and knead; repeat on the other foot. The mini massage will relax your feet while boosting circulation, which reduces swelling. 
8. Wipe off excess lotion off your toe nails by using non acetone nail polish remover.  Use a foam toe separator or a rolled up paper towel.  Apply a clear base coat to each nail.  Next, apply a coat of color and once you are done with all 10 nails apply a second coat to seal in color and prevent chipping.  Apply a top coat to seal.  
9. When your nails are just about dry, massage in a few drops of cuticle oil.  It will pump up shine and creates a barrier to protect against smudges.

You are all set and ready to show off some beautiful and healthy looking feet.
Enjoy!!

Tania
   

Some of My Savings for Week March 28th to April 3rd

I have been working pretty hard to make sure I save the most money on our weekly grocery shopping trips.  This week I actually got some awesome deals on new products I wanted to try plus with my mom's help I got some Bath and Body Works Wallflowers for our home.  I love the Wallflowers because they keep the house smelling very nice all the time.  People who visit our home can't tell we have 4 cats and 3 litter boxes!!  Needless to say, their Wallflowers work great!!  I got  two holders for their pocket size Antibacterial Hand Gel, one Wallflower Refill, 2 Wallflower starter kits, 1 Odor eliminating Spray, a travel size of their new scent Vanilla Lemon, and 1 bottle of Aromatherapy Body Wash.  I paid $23.92 after coupons.  
I went to Target and thanks to Totally Target I was able to get some awesome deals.  I got Lysol No Touch Hand Soap System for all our bathrooms in the house, 2 AirWick iMotion Oil Warmer, 2 AirWick iMotion Freshmatic, some travel size items like 2 Degree deodorants, 2 Arm and Hammer toothpaste, 2 Clean and Clear facial scrub, 2 St. Ives Facial scrub, 1 St. Ives Body Lotion, and 1 Gillette Satin Care Shaving Gel.  My mom went with me and she got 2 Soft Scrub, 2 Swiffer products, a Lysol No Touch System, and a Scrubbing Bubbles product. I ended up paying a total of $37.47 including tax.  We saved, according to the Target receipt, $115.12.  So we got $153 worth of household items and only paid $37.47.  Now that is AWESOME!  Plus we get to try some items we wanted to try.  Very cool!!
Earlier in the week, I went to Publix.  I got some groceries and spent $31.48.  According to the Publix receipt I saved $49.32 after coupons and Buy One Get One offers and other in store specials.  I used $18.50 worth of coupons.  Not too bad!
I basically try to spend sometime organizing my shopping list, downloading and printing coupons online, looking thru my coupon box and placing it all in an envelope.  Once I am ready to go shopping all I have to do is grab my list and STICK TO IT!!  I am trying to save some of our budget money so I can get a laptop.  My PC is a bit old and is getting slow on me plus with a 2 year old running around most of the day, I can take my laptop anywhere I take him and can get more things done.