Showing posts with label savings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label savings. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Crafting for the Holidays

There is something to be said for being able to make things yourself. It can boost your confidence in yourself, raising your self esteem. For some it can be a stress reliever. You get so focused in what you are doing, that you loose the chaotic thoughts of life for just a little while. It saves money. When you make gifts, you are showing that you took the time to pour love and thoughtfulness into it. 

I'm not naturally gifted with the crafter gene. I am one of those who so desperately longs to be creative, that I will try my hand at something with high hopes, but still have the expectation it most likely will fail. My natural optimism falters when it comes to crafts.

Since I'm trying to save money this year, I thought I'd try to make some gifts. Okay, originally, I planned on making most gifts... Now, however, I am being realistic and making just some. Like a pearl framed mirror for my 5 year old daughter. 
Or this pearl and crystal framed photo. After failing to make what I originally wanted (see below) I had to decide to be creative or toss. And then I saw this idea and got creative.
I'm also attempting to make this napkin holder giftable.
I started this Christmas tree-looking decoration.
I was advised to add some bling. Currently out, but my daughter likes it. 
Things like this are simple, but cute. For someone just starting out, check out Pinterest and see what you have laying around your house. As I have learned, not everything comes out as intended. We don't all craft on the same levels. That crystal picture frame was actually meant to be a candle holder, but it didn't turn out like the Pinterest video.


You have to think outside the box. And always remember - "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." Winston Churchill.
History tidbit: WD-40 stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try. It took them 40 tries to create what is now a household name with a plethora of uses!

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Gardening is good for the soul

Gardening is good for the body too. You grow healthier foods, maybe beautiful flowers, or trees for some summer time shade. Whatever it is, it has purpose in the long run.
For my family, we are growing vegetables. One - to save money. Two - to eat healthier. I'm also having my daughter help in growing flowers. She loves to pick wildflowers everywhere we go. Do you have one of those kids in your life? The one you hear, "This is for you, Mommy!", as she hands you a wilted flower that has tiny black insects in the middle? You reach down and say, "Aw, thank you, sweetie." Then when she isn't looking, the flower finds a new home in the grass...
But the excitement we have while working together as a family, is what is truly important to me. We spend so much time as moms, or dads, that we miss moments with our kids. How often do you find yourself saying, "Oh? That sounds cool." Or, "Really? Well, just be careful." Were you really listening to them? Can you repeat their story back to them? Or did you get the gist and mumble your reply while focusing on your current task. Watching TV, washing dishes, folding laundry... Yes, these are important and must be completed. Yes, time is limited. But they won't be little forever. Before you know it, your baby is 8 years old. He has an attitude and doesn't want to stand next to you when his friends are there. Your little girl is 4 years old and wants to pick out her own clothing for school. And your 6 year old can do his homework without your help, but let's you "help" by reading the instructions just to spend that time with you. 
So, this is what we are doing. What about you? What will you do to have meaningful time with your loved ones.

Monday, August 1, 2016

This weeks penny deals

Every week at Office Depot, there are penny deals. We have been stocking up for next years school needs. This past Sunday, we were able to get 3 composition notebooks, 3 bottles of glue, and 3 packs of erasers each. 
These are things I know will be on the school lists. Best part is? This whole lot cost .20! 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Discount offer from the Container Store!

I received some information about discounts from the Container Store. Whether you are getting organized in time for fall or just want to get that last minute school shopping done, The Container Store has so many options to assist you with! Use the following code by August 29th to get 15% off your order. TCSLOVE is the code. It works in store or online. 
Also check the website as I saw 25% off everything Elfa. Also, you can get free shipping on orders over $75. 
And if you are a teacher, here's some news you might want to check out! 
"Teachers are getting extra credit with a 20% offer to get their classrooms in tip top shape for the school year.  All they have to do is present their valid teacher ID in-store now through September 7th."
Check them out! And don't forget to share your organization tips and tricks. 

Thursday, August 20, 2015

HEB deals

After Target, I headed to HEB to do this weeks grocery shopping. I came across these deals.
In the latest coupons we get dropped in our driveways, there is a $1/2 Maruchan bowls or packs. These are currently on sale at HEB 2/$1.
So you use the coupon and get them for free!
A1 sauce is $2.98 each at HEB.
They currently have $1/1 coupons, so save that one from the paper for a later date!

Friday, June 19, 2015

Subscription box savings

Bramble Box is offering 30% off your first box purchase.
Just use the code SUMMER30 at checkout. These boxes are designed for kids 3-8 to encourage exploration and imagination. They also come with free shipping. 
Time Saving, Creative Fun
Do you wish you had more time to pull together creative activities for your kids? Let us save you some running around. Bramble box monthly subscription boxes and pretend play prop boxes for kids age 3 - 8 contain all the materials required for hours of open-ended fun; building and strengthening essential development skills. Including themed, pretend play props, crafts, activities and more! We save you time by sending mom designed activities to your door every month or just once.

Encourage Open-ended Educational Play
Materials are carefully selected to be versatile, to allow children to extend and elaborate on their play. Hours of fun and learning.

Hand's On
Activity ideas are included for additional inspiration. Each kit is designed to nurture the imagination and allow children to explore the world around them.

Themed
A new theme - like post office, detective, scientist, florist or community helper - every month.
 
Lots of Options
Buy a single box or a monthly or 3, 612 month subscription for extra savings.


Graze is another one with a deal going on.
Right now you can get your first box free to try some snacks and also get free shipping. You sign up for the subscription like normal and just have to cancel future subscriptions or if you like what you see, it will automatically deduct the amount from your payment information in the subsequent months. Its certainly a neat idea. Snacks by mail! 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Making this weekend special

I not only got out of work early on Friday, but had the whole weekend off. There were a few family events (free of course) that I couldn't pass up. 
The Lego Store at the North Star mall, for instance, had a pre-Black Friday VIP event. It was one VIP card holder and a guest going in 9-10 AM (before opening) to get free bags of goodies and special extras. While my husband was there with the middle son, I took the oldest and little lady to stand and wait by the Disney store. We had run into a friend who let me in on the knowledge that the first child at the door would get to "open" the store.
They also got a free key ornament.
My oldest son didn't want to do it so I took my lady out of the stroller.
She was so excited. I found it amusing that all 3 of us were dressed in Disney style. I had worn a Maleficent ensemble.
Afterwards, we took the kids to the Target Frozen event. Each of the kids got a goodie bag regardless of what they were wearing.
My little "Elsa" was posing and smiling. 
The Cartwheel toy of the day is the Lettlest Pet Shop Style set. 
We also stopped by our friends at San Antonio Plastic Bricks. They have recently moved to a larger retail store front. Definitely going to be amazing once it's completely set up. 
Hope you all have an amazing weekend! Remember those deep breaths as you try to get through the Thanksgiving week next week!!! 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

gatti's pizza coupon and information!

Great food, fun games and good family times all under one roof! Find an unlimited buffet filled with pizzas, pastas, a full salad bar, desserts and more. So much food! Plus, there's plenty of space to eat with the family in multiple themed dining rooms. Then it's on to the game room - which is huge! Video/arcade games, Bumper Cars and more!
My readers receive these special offers:
  • $10.99 - One Kids buffet, drinks & $10 game card - valid anytime
  • $39.99 - 2 adult buffets, 2 kids buffets, drinks, 2 $10 game cards - valid anytime
 
My family has been to Gatti's only once before, but we enjoyed it a great deal. I'm glad to share this awesome deal with you all! Let me know if you will be going.
 

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Ghirardelli savings! Sweetness ;-)

http://www.ghirardelli.com/commit

Ghirardelli is offering up a $1/1 bar or bag coupon for anyone who decides to "commit" to 21 Quality Moments. So take a moment to join and reap the sweet rewards!

Friday, August 22, 2014

HEB savings

Found some great deals at HEB yesterday. 
A1 sauce has store coupons for 50¢ off but there's also manufacture coupons for 55¢ off. 
Herdez salsa is buy one get one free, plus I had found these manufacture coupons the last time we went attached to the ones we bought. Only paid 92¢ for 2 or 46¢ each. 
$1/2 manufacture coupons made these 14¢ each! Work lunches for sure. 
My coupon was way better than the store one... And Nutella is my favorite. Especially at $1.98! 
Don't forget to check the HEB website for printable coupons. They had $1/1 bread, chips, produce, etc. these can be used on any brand! 

Sunday, August 17, 2014

What a great day I had yesterday!

Even though I was up from midnight Friday until sometime around 10:00 PM Saturday, I had a great day of fun. As soon as I got off work, I began to do my last minute shopping before my daughters birthday party.
She turned two this week and I'm so proud she's my little girl! 
At Target I picked up just two things; a 64 count pack of Seventh Generation wipes ($2.99) and a 12.6 ounce bottle of Palmolive ($1.02).
I had a manufacture coupon and store coupon for each of them making them both free! I paid a grand total of .06 for the two of them. For the wipes, I had a $1/1 that was sent by the company as a promo. Plus an employee-only 50% off coupon that was for those companies geared towards better living. The Palmolive was a printed coupon from Target.com that didn't specify any size restrictions. And the manufacture was from the insert. Score! I love savings! 
Then it was off to HEB. I picked up the prepaid cake we ordered online.
I don't know about you, but I love the cakes from HEB and the fact I can order at home and take my time (versus being rushed in a store) is fantastic! I thought it would be fun to try a different kind of ice cream so as got the Breyers Birthday Blast.
I wasn't a fan, but the kids enjoyed it. We had so much fun! 
And everyone loved the cake. So moist! 
The best part was seeing Ana enjoying everything. She blew the candles out when her dad wasn't looking. 
Enjoy those little moments!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Back to school discount for Label Daddy!

I've written about Label Daddy before. Well, they have asked the US Family Guide bloggers to write and maybe review again for them as they want to spread the word about a new discount they are offering just in time for your Back to School needs! Get 20% off any orders when you use the code USFAMILY20 at checkout. They have some really great labels as well as zipper tags. Last time I ordered from them, I received the zipper tags with Go Spurs! on them for my husband to use and give to his friends who are all Spurs fans.

With back to school here, having your kids things labeled will greatly reduce the hassle of discerning between what belongs to who. Especially if your child has the most popular themed items.... like all the other hundreds of kids they go to school with. Give them something to make theirs unique! For homeschoolers - you are not excluded! Your kids probably go out too and will need to know what is theirs. Camps, sleepovers, and holiday vacations are still very active.
So check them out and don't forget to get your discount!!! USFAMILY20

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Its officially SUMMER!!!

I don't about where you live, but it has been feeling summer for a little while now. Texas heat has settled heavy and dry with a strong drought. We carry water everywhere. We bring along the sunscreen because we know that sun is burning straight through us just by walking outside.
On the positive side, water parks are in full swing! Time to get out and splash with the family. I can't tell you how excited my family is to be going out some time. My kids are water babies through and through. Add some slides and wave pools... Ahh summer heaven!

I'm happy to offer you all a way to share in the fun this summer. For those of you in and around the San Antonio area, or if you are coming down for a summer vacation, you can save $5 off at Splashtown in San Antonio with this coupon!!! This is good for $5 off a child or adult admission before 4PM. Its valid for up to 6 people at a time. And it expires 9/14/14. So come on down and have fun with us! Share this deal with your friends and family. Lets keep cool.
Here is some information to plan your trip with:

Splashtown San Antonio is 20 landscaped acres of cool, clean water excitement!

Location - Just 3 minutes north of downtown San Antonio

Information - Our Family Waterpark has something fun for everyone!!!

* Over 50 Rides & Attractions
* FREE Life Jackets
* Covered Public Picnic Area
* Restaurant & Concessions
* Dive-In Movies
* Lockers for Rent
* Professionally Trained Lifeguards
* FREE Parking
* Restrooms with Shower Facilities
* Souvenir Shop
* Special Events

Sorry, NO outside food or beverage allowed in the park. No pets allowed. Swim Diapers required in park.

Splashtown Accepts Discover, Master Card, Visa, American Express and Cash.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Having a fun filled Saturday

It's already a long day. My sinus problem has become a bother. I was up early. But pressing on is what I'm doing. We took the boys to Lowes to build a Toothless dragon.
It's actually a fun kit to make and would have been cool for a displayable trinket. I wasn't impressed by the fact that my sons kit had a part split and they didn't have extra sets for just such a case.
So we had to keep building and just deal with the fact that he ended up with a defective dragon who can't flap it's wings. It was difficult for them to do without a large amount of parental help. Even I had difficulty attaching certain parts. I prefer taking them to Home Depot builds. Those were always more fun. Plus we had to sit on the cold concrete floor. So wear pants that you don't mind getting dusty in. 
Then it was over to Toys R Us for The Lego Movie Master Builder event. Again I was disappointed. They said there were no instructions and IF everyone at the front stuck to 30 pieces a person, there would be enough for those of us at the back of the line. It was to build a sort of mecha suit with a mini figure head.
Arrive early if you want to be first because when we got there about noon the line was pretty long already. I do like that it encourages kids to have creative minds. 
Then it was back to work clothes shopping! I have decided I can't shop with kids and husband in tow. It just doesn't work. I have also decided I hate being so long legged. It's not being tall. It's have your body be mostly legs that is such a pain. Couldn't find skirts anywhere (pants are nearly impossible). I finally found a pair of pants at American Eagle that fit perfectly in waist and length but it cost me $40.
And they only had one pair. It was that or a $30 short skirt from JCPenney. Target just had to pick red and khaki for their colors didn't they. I did manage to order my free 8x10 photo collage from CVS. Today is the last day, remember to get store pick up! Use code DADCOLLAGE at checkout. 
Forever 21 had $1.80 cami's and $3.80 leggings. Make sure you get the right size before hand though as you can't return, only exchange. 
Well, kids are having a blast at the Lego store. I'm looking forward to medicating and climbing back in bed as soon as we get home. Enjoy your Saturday! 

Friday, June 13, 2014

Enjoying life

I'm looking forward to going to sleep very soon. Not even 6:30 PM but considering the fact my day started at 2AM... I'm ready. 
My day was filled with all sorts of adventures. Fun at work, where I brought rich brownies for my team.  
I work with a group of interesting characters from all walks of life. They each bring something to the table and play a key role. While I'm sad that two of them are heading out to better jobs, I'm also happy for them. Nothing like going somewhere to get paid more and possibly have better working conditions. Better than the creature who met some merchandise in the wrong way...
We went Target to pick up a couple things. Using coupons, I managed to save about $25 off our bill and get a few freebies!
I tried shopping for more work clothes with no luck. Being tall can really be a curse especially when your job dictates the colors you have to wear. Red and khaki is NOT an easy pair. Why can't I just be like my daughters Barbie? Forever being undressed.
Okay, so I don't want to run around naked. Definitely not the nudist type here. But wearing whatever I wanted would be nice. Like pajamas. 
When we got home, it was time to cook. It seems I spend most of my time at home, in the kitchen. I should consider putting a cot there... We took silly pictures while we waited for it cook.
No matter what kind of day I'm having, I have 3 little rascals who can make me smile and act like the fool willingly. They are my heart and soul. 
Dinner conversation went from my 5 year old asking me to teach him to drive the van when he "grows up" to who has what color eyes and which parent did it come from.
I find that children are fascinated by the smallest of things. Their desire to learn makes me want to get my butt back to school and finish my education. But it also makes me proud that they take after me. 
I've got everything set for us to take the kids to Lowes tomorrow morning. Can't wait to build Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon! He's the coolest so far. Let's just hope my sinus issues don't make a scene. Remember to enjoy the little things. Appreciate what you have. Don't be the cynic. 

A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin. - H.L. Mencken

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Learning life's lessons....

What a day. Went grocery shopping. It's always a crazy chore. Especially with 3 kids under foot. The boys want to run around the aisles and my daughter wants to follow them so she tries to climb out of the cart. We found a couple great deals and otherwise did our week and half shopping. $190 wasn't bad. It covers 3 meals for each of our 5 members for the next week and half plus snacks and oddities we found along the way. One deal I wanted to share was the Maruchan Yakisoba meals.
I don't think you should buy these to eat often but when you need a cheap lunch and don't have leftovers on hand, they'll do. They are 64¢ each and I had the $1/2 coupon making them 14¢ each. Then you have the Nabisco coupons for 75¢/2.
Pair these up with the buy one box of Ritz crackers, get a box of Itza crackers deal or the buy 2 packs of Nabisco Oreo cookies and get a free carton of HEB Mootopia milk for some extra savings. 
When we got home, I had to put everything up and make lunch. My oldest son ran up to his room saying he was going to play. This was a little unusual, but I had my hands and mind busy on other things so I let it go. When I called him down to eat, however, it was all too clear why he ran up there so fast. His lips and tongue and around his mouth were colored blue. I asked him what he had eaten. While he tried to answer without telling me everything, I ran through a list of possibilities in my mind. His answer was "candy that I put in my pocket". Immediately I knew what he meant, he had taken candy from HEB and stuck it in his pocket. He stole candy. It was just a lollipop. But I wasn't going to just let him get away with thievery. I wanted him to learn that stealing was a crime. A serious crime. So after talking to him and we ate lunch, we went back to HEB. I made him tell the manager what he did as well as asked the manager to tell my son what he does to those he catches stealing from him. We explained where criminals go and what happens to them. I sincerely hope we got through to him. Then I paid the 54¢ and told the cashier to throw it away. He wasn't going to get it back. When I worked security, I had a mom do the same thing to a son who was slightly older than my own. He was a little scared and a lot embarrassed. I'd be pretty shocked if he ever did it again. 
After our trip to HEB came a stop at the Lego store for the monthly mini build!
It's certainly gained popularity as the line was forming before 4pm and stretched all the way back to the Bath and Body Works store when I arrived shortly after 4. People even brought foldable stools to sit on while they waited. If I had planned a little better, I'd have brought the iPads for the kids and a book for me. At 4:40 I was in the middle and it was snaking all the way towards JCPENNY. 
Mall security had to set up ropes to keep the line orderly and prevent line jumpers. It was to build a speedboat that is actually big enough for a mini figure to fit in. Can't wait to see what next months build will be.