AMAZING game deals

Check out The Krazy Coupon Lady for some amazing deals (like FREE!!!) on Hasbro games. Be sure to read the comments as they offer a lot of tips from people that have done the deal. Sorry, we're still recovering from our trip, so the posting is a little snow.

Things to buy at the dollar store

I don't shop at the dollar store that often, but there are a few things that you just can't get cheaper anywhere else.

1. Kids craft supplies. I paid around a dollar for 10 googly eyes at Joann. I should have gone to the dollar store where you can pick up a large bag of different sized eyes for $1.

2. Pregnancy tests. Many people don't know that the dollar store has pregnancy tests, and they work! Not an announcement, if you're curious.

What do you buy at the dollar store? I'd love to hear suggestions.

i-spy bags

Thanks, Jen for your truck picture!

These I spy bags have been around for a long time, but in case you want to make one, I thought I'd do a short tutorial.

Cut two large square pieces. Mine are about 7x7. Cut out any other shape you may want on top. Get creative! I made this one with Sharp helping, so we just went very basic. Instead of making a square background, try doing a star or some other interesting shape that might entertain for a bit longer. Sew shapes to your background square. Cut out a window. Cut out a piece of clear vinyl and place over window (on the backside. Sew in place. I sewed along the same lines as I did when sewing the fish on. Sew front and back pieces together, leaving a small space to fit your poly fill beads (found at crafts stores) and trinkets. Fill. Do not over stuff your bag or it will be hard to sew closed and it will be hard for your child to move the beads around while searching. Sew opening closed.

Do you have a boy in size 4 diapers?

I got a call this morning from Arquest, a diaper study company. They are looking for boys wearing size 4 diapers. They'll send you a pack of diapers and some papers. When you complete the study they'll send you a $10 check! Call Sheila 1-888-342-7372 ext 634

Free Dryer Sheets

If you get the RP in your mail, you should have received a $3 off coupon for Snuggle fabric softener or dryer sheets. If you don't, the coupon will also come in Sunday's paper. At Family dollar, Snuggle dryer sheets are regularly priced $3, making them FREE! If I were you'd I'd hold off for a while, as most stores are wiped out.

If you're interested in the liquid fabric softener, Harmons will have a sale on it for $3.99 next week, making it only $.99.

My Rite Aid Senario

Here's what my Rite Aid looks like this week:
1 pack of Huggies 8.99
2 Organix Shampoo with Try me free hangtag (or you could do the Olay quench lotion mentioned below) 6.99 (Organix shampoo is Buy One Get One free right now)

Total: 15.98
Use: $3/15 HERE
$3 off huggies on coupons.com
$2 off huggies on Video Values

Receive: $1 Single check rebate from Huggies
$6.99 back by mail from Organix

TOTAL: FREE! + tax

Another Great Freebie

Purchase any Olay Quench lotion between 3/19 and 4/30 and receive your purchase price back after mail in rebate found HERE. There's also a coupon for $1 off lotion in RP 2/14.

You can get this free anywhere, but I'll be saving it for a good Rite Aid transaction to pair with a coupon.

Free Ben and Jerry's TODAY only!

Today, 3/23, from noon until 8:00pm head to Ben and Jerry's for a free ice cream cone! Darrell and I went one year and it went very smoothly. They were very fast!

Thanks utahdealdiva!

Another Freebie

Click on this link, then click on "see if you're chosen" then "connect with Facebook". Fill our your mailing address and you'll receive a coupon for a free pack of gum 5 Gum. Again, these free coupons are great fillers at RiteAid!

Thanks Utah Deal Diva

Free Pink Tank Top from Victoria Secret

Sign up to print your coupon for a Free tank top from Victoria Secret!

Thanks savvyshopper!

Looks like in the fine print that you have to purchase something PINK to get this deal....

Try Me Free Organix

Tonight at Rite Aid I found a try me free rebate (up to $6.99) on Organix shampoo/conditioner. Look for the hangtags around shampoos at your Rite Aid.

You might also want to check your Walgreens (and Rite Aid) for try me free frebates on Renpure shampoo/contitioner. Thanks Lindsay!

Next week at Rite Aid....cheap Huggies

Buy 2 Huggies @ 8.99 each = 17.98

Use 2 $3 off coupons from facebook or coupons.com = - $6

Use 1 $2 off coupon from Rite Aid video Values = - $2

Use 1 $3/$15 from coupons.com = -$3

Pay $6.98 + tax. Plus, you'll get a $1 Single Check Rebate for buying Huggies. So you'll end up paying 2.99 per pack after rebate.

Yummy Strawberry Pie

Graham cracker crust:

8 crushed graham crackers

1/4 C sugar

1/3 C melted butter/margarine

Mix together and pat into pie tin. Make at 350 for 6-10 minutes (until light brown)

Filling:

1 box Danish dessert (or see recipe below)

5 cups of strawberries, washed and cut (I usually use about 1 1/4 cartons of strawberries)

Prepare Danish dessert according to package directions. Allow to cool and add strawberries. Pour mixture over crust and refrigerate.

Danish Dessert substitute:

1/2 package Kool aid (I have used a little jello too)

1 1/2 C hot water

2 rounded T corn starch

2/3 C sugar

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan and heat. Continue stirring and allow to thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

I MADE it!

Remember the shamrock bean bags? Well, I got the idea from Dana like I mentioned. This morning I was looking at her blog, and there were my shamrocks! I made it on her blog! This is a big deal, I promise.

Let the canning begin!

Sunflower Market has pineapple for $.99 each this week. So, I'll be busy for a few days canning pineapple and potatoes from Buy Low.

another GREAT deal at Rite Aid

Buy 12 bags of Hershey’s, Reese's or Cadbury bagged holiday candy, $1.99
Total: $23.88
Use: $5/20 (video values) or if you don't have it, use $3/$15
(4) $2/3 coupon from 3/14 SS or here
(4) $2/3 in-ad coupon

Total: 2.88+ tax or $.24 a bag!!

Celebrate!

St. Patricks Day is tomorrow, so Sharp and I decided to celebrate by making these cute shamrock split pea bags. The picture is horrible, but they really are fun. The tutorial is posted here.

Still Learning

Have you seen how people post the random.org number generator when they do a giveaway? I don't know how they do it. I'm still getting used to this blogging thing. I'll get it one day. Without further ado, the winner is...

#3 Lisa Fox!

Please send me an email at jennbuss@gmail.com so I can get your pattern to you.

Thanks to those of you that participated.

March to Savings

For those of you that are having problems registering for the Smith's March to Savings game, try this link. https://customer.smithsfoodanddrug.com/login.aspx?returnUrl=http://www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/Pages/default.aspx

Last Day for Giveaway

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter the giveaway!

Don't miss the amazing Rite Aid senario this week!

Make $24.09 at Rite Aid this Week!

There's a pretty great deal at Rite Aid this week. Spend $50 in participating products (st. Joseph Aspirin, Motrin IB, Tylenol Arthritis Pain, Motrin PM, Tylenol PM, Simply Sleep, Benadryl Cream, Neosporin Plus Cream, Cortaid Cream or Ointment, Zyrtec, Zyrtec, Visine, Benadryl Allergy, Sudafed, K-Y Yours $ Mine, Stayfree Maxi, ob Tampons, Carefree Pantiliners, ept digital, Monistat Day or Night, Johnson & Johnson First Aid Products, Band-Aid Brand Bandages, Johnson's Cotton Swabs, Johnson's Lotion, Johnsons Head to toe, Desitin, Neutrogena) And Receive $25 Rebate!!

Transaction #1:
Bandaids $1.99
Neosporin $3.99
Visine $4.99
Johnson's Baby Item $4.49
Sudafed $4.99
Benadryl $5.49
Total: $25.95

Use:
$5/$25 printable
$3 Visine in-ad coupon
$1 Johnson's in-ad coupon
$2 Sudafed in-ad coupon
$2 Benadryl in-ad coupon
AND
Neosporin AND (1) Band-Aid product, excluding trial size $3.00 SS 2/21
Visine, any product, $2/1 RP 3/14
$1/1 Johnson's printable
Sudafed Triple Action 24 ct. $2/1 RP 3/14
Benadryl, any allergy product, $1/1 RP 3/14Transaction #1:

Transaction #2:
(2)Bandaids $1.99
Neosporin $3.99
Visine $12.99 (all day eye itch relief)
Johnson's Baby Item $4.49
Total: $25.45

Use:
$5/$25 printable or $5/20 video values
$3 Visine in-ad coupon
$1 Johnson's in-ad coupon
AND
Neosporin AND (1) Band-Aid product, excluding trial size $3.00 SS 2/21
Visine, any product, $2/1 RP 3/14
$1/1 Johnson's printable
$.50 on any bandaid product RP 3/14
FINAL out of pocket cost: $9.95+tax!


Total before coupons: $51.40
Total out of pocket after coupons: $13.90!
PLUS you qualify for the $25 rebate from Rite Aid, and a $12.99 rebate from Visine found in the 3/14 RP. This ends up being a $24.09 money maker (minus tax)!!!

Thanks PYP for part of the senario!

Buy Low Deals

There are some good deals at Buy Low this week. Here are a few of my favorites:

Boneless/skinless chicken breast 1.28lb
Strawberries .99 1lb pack (advertised as 1.50, but instore it was cheaper)
Potatoes .58 10 lbs (must have coupon from Wednesday ads. It was on the wrapper that goes over all the ads)
baby carrots .69 each

Treat Bags

These cute little bags make fun alternative to the bulky Easter basket and Halloween bucket. They are a fun project to make with kids.

1. Cut 2 pieces of felt 8.5"x9.5"
2. Trace your bag embellishments onto fusible web. Make sure you trace them backwards!
3. Iron fusible web to fabric according to package instructions.
4. Peel off paper from embellishments and place on one piece of felt. Leave about 2 1/4" space at the bottom of your felt piece for the bottom of the bag. Iron in place.
5. Decorate and stitch as desired.
6. Place right sides together and sew around the sides and bottom of the bag.
7. To make a box bottom bag, center a side seam on top of the bottom seam, forming a triangle.
8. Measure in 1 1/2" from the point of the triangle and mark a line perpendicular to your seam. Sew along the line. Repeat on the other side.
9. Cut triangle, leaving 1/4" seam.
10. Cut two pieces of ribbon for handles, about 15" each.
11. Sew ribbon along the top edge, about 1" from each side.

Other variation ideas: parade bag, church bag, etc.

Cheap Fruit Snacks at Smith's!

Through March 16th, Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks are on sale for $1.79.
Use the .50/2 coupon here or here.

Plus, there's a catalina running right now.
Buy 3 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, save $1.50 on your next shopping order (OYNSO)
Buy 4 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, save $2.50 OYNSO
Buy 5 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, save $3.50 OYNSO

So:
Buy 5 @ 1.79 each = 8.95
Use 2 .50/2 coupons = -1.00
Receive = $3.50 catalina
Like: $.89 each

Are you confused about some of the terms used? Leave a comment and I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Grand Opening Giveaway

If you know me, you know I like free things. So, to celebrate my first week of blogging, let's do a giveaway! The winners will receive a PDF pattern of their choice from my shop.

Here's how to enter: (leave a separate comment for each of these that you've done)

1. Visit my Etsy shop, choose your favorite pattern, then come back and tell us what it is.

2. Spread the word (via email, blog, facebook, etc.) then come back and leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

Giveaway will close Monday, March 15th at 7:00 MST. Winners will be announced later that evening.

Spring cleaning gift pack

Sign up here to receive a free gift pack which includes:

1 box of ziplock bags

1 scrubbing bubbles toilet cleaning gel

1 pack of pledge multipurpose wipes

Usually these samples come with good coupons!

Facebook coupons come in handy

Remember the Skittles and Starburst coupons from Facebook? Use them at Rite Aid this week and you'll get them for FREE. They're on Sale buy one get one free (B1G1) and according to the Rite Aid coupon policy, you can match a B1G1 sale with a B1G1 coupon to get 2 items free!

$10 Gift Card with $30 PG purchase at Rite Aid 3/7-3/13

I'm not sure exactly what audience I'm writing to right now, so will you please leave a comment and let me know if I need to explain these deals better? I'd be happy to go over basics, but I'm not sure who's interested.

2 packs of pampers $19.98

Use two $1.50/1 coupons from PG 2/7 or $1/1 coupon from the mail today!

1 Vicks Dayquil or Nyquil $4.99

Use $1.50/1 coupon from PG 2/7

1 crest toothpaste or oral B toothbrush $2.74

Use $1/1 coupon from PG 2/21

1 pack of pampers wipes $2.29

Use $.50/1 coupon from PF 2/7

Use $5 off $25 coupon (always hand this one to them first)

PAY:

$19+tax

RECEIVE:

$10 rebate for spending $30 on select PG products

$1 rebate on Crest toothpaste

$2 rebate on Vicks Dayquil or Nyquil

TOTAL: $6

You can get your total down even further if you have filler items (like the free coupons posted earlier). I broke my stuff into two transactions and used a $5 off $25 and $5 off $20 (video values) and my total came down to $3 after tax.

For a complete list of match-ups, see krazycouponlady.

$5 Clothes at Target

Print a coupon for $5 off a $30 clothing purchase at Target. This is a great coupon to match with clearance sales!

Thanks fabulesslyfrugal.com

Free Buddies Bars

On coupons.com there is a coupon (page 1 for me) for $1 off any Johnson's baby product. Buddies Bars (soap with a little netting around it) are regularly priced for $1 at Target and Smiths. My kids like these (we've even used them when we run out of soap) and they make great filler gifts.

Quick Love Note

I've never really celebrated St. Patricks day before, but it's a nice excuse for a little note to someone you love. Just print out a four leaf clover clipart from the internet, trace it on fusible web and iron it to your card.

Free Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express

Darrell will like this one! Become a fan of Panda Express on Facebook and then click on the "what's new" button. It will bring up a coupon for a free entree of Honey Walnut Shrimp, valid on March 10th only. Coupon says one per person, so print one for everyone!

FREE Sunchips!

Become a fan of Sunchips on Facebook and they'll send you a coupon for a free bag of chips!

Art roll

Crayon Roll (Fits 12 crayons)

Materials:

• 12½”x5” fabric for outside of roll
• 12½”x5” fabric for inside of roll
• 12½”x6” fabric for pocket
• 12½”x5” interfacing
• 20” ribbon or 5” elastic
  If using elastic, you'll also need a button

Assembly:

1. Iron interfacing to the back side of the inside strip of fabric (12½”x5”).
2. Fold pocket fabric in half lengthwise, right sides out, and iron.


3. Starting at either end of your pocket fabric, measure in 1¼” and mark with fabric pencil. I only marked on the top of my pocket because my fabric design had lines I could follow. If your fabric does not have lines, you may want to draw the hole line from top to bottom to ensure straight sewing.
4. After marking the 1¼” line, mark every 1” all the way down. Your last pocket should be 1¼” again.
5. Place pocket fabric on top of (with the right side of fabric facing you), lining up raw edges at the bottom.
6. Sew pockets following your lines. Make sure to backstitch at the top of your pocket because this area will experience the most stress.
7. Fold ribbon in half. Place the fold of your ribbon along the right edge of your crayon roll. With tails facing inward. Pin in place.
8. If you are using elastic, fold your elastic in half, but place the two cut edges along the outer edge. You'll want the loop facing in.
9. Place outside fabric on top, right sides together. Pin in place. Sew around the outside with ¼” seam, leaving about 4” for turning.
10. Turn, trim corners, and iron.
11. Starting at your opening for turning, topstitch around your crayon roll.
12. If you chose to use elastic, put crayons in pockets, roll it up and mark where the button should be. Sew on button, being careful not to sew a pocket closed.

ENJOY! Dimensions for other "rolls"

Large Crayola Marker Roll (Fits 12 markers)
15½”x7” fabric for outside of roll
15½”x7” fabric for inside of roll
15½”x8” fabric for pocket
15½”x7” interfacing

When marking pockets, your first and last pocket should be 1 1/2", and the ones in between should be 1 1/4".

Skinny Crayola Marker Roll (Fits 12 markers)
12½”x8½” fabric for outside of roll
12½”x8½” fabric for inside of roll
12½”x8½” fabric for pocket
12½”x8½” interfacing

When marking pockets, your first and last pocket should be 1 1/4", and the ones in between should be 1".

Colored Pencil Roll (fits 12 colored pencils)
9½”x8” fabric for outside of roll
9½”x8” fabric for inside of roll
9½”x8½” fabric for pocket
9½”x8” interfacing

When marking pockets, your first and last pocket should be 1", and the ones in between should be 3/4".

P.S. Any suggestions for a better name for these things?

Yarn Ball Tutorial

What You'll Need:

• 1 skein 5 oz. Yarn (if you want a two-tone ball, you'll need two skeins of yarn, but you'll only use half of each)


• cereal box

Preparing the Template:

1. Trace a plate or bowl on the inside of your cereal box. Your outer circle should measure 8.5" across. Trace a cup in the middle of the larger circle. This should measure approximately 3.25" across. Do this twice


2. Cut out around the outside of the larger circle. Cut out the inner circle, so you're left with a doughnut shape.

Preparing the Yarn:

1. Pull out about 4 feet of yarn and fold in half (so you have about two feet of yarn). Set aside. You will use this to tie the ball together at the very end.
2. Roll yarn into several balls (usually about 5). Your first ball should fit through the hole in your ball template. Make each ball a little smaller than the first. If you are worried about the size of your balls, make the first one to fit through the hole, and then make the others as you need them when wrapping the yarn.

If you chose to use two colors, roll the two colors together into one ball.
If you are using two colors, you will only use half of each skein of yarn. Again, make about 5 balls, the biggest fitting snugly through the hole in your template, the next 4 each getting a little smaller.

Making your Ball:

1. Put your two cereal box templates together. If you have folds in your templates, make sure to offset them so you don't have a weak spot.
   
2. Start your yarn on the outside of your circle. Send your ball through the hole in the middle, and then around the outside. Continue wrapping yarn around template so you have a nice even layer of yarn all the way around your cereal box.
   
3. When your yarn ball runs out, cut ends so they are on the outer edge of the template.
4. Continue wrapping yarn around the template, until you have used your entire skein of yarn (or ½ of two skeins). Yes, this takes a while, so do it while you watch a movie!
   
   
5. Warning: This step sounds a lot scarier than it really is! You will want to have someone else around to have you help at the end of this step. Along the outer edge of your circle, push the yarn to each side so you can see the cereal box. Work your scissors in between the two doughnuts. Cut yarn along outer edge. Turn and continue cutting. Your yarn should stay pretty much in place. You'll want to hold it a little in the middle, but as long as you are not too waving it around, it will stay in place.
   
6. With your long string or yarn that you saved at the beginning, work yarn in between two layers of cereal box to the core. Now your yarn should pull away from the cereal box and should all be at the center. Wrap yarn tightly several times around your ball. I make my husband do this step so he can get it really tight. Tie two or three times. Again, have someone helping you with the tying so you can make sure your ball is tight.
7. Carefully pull off cardboard and shake your ball. Trim any strands that seem longer.

Enjoy!

A word of caution: You may occasionally have a strand of yarn fall out. Make sure your children are not intentionally pulling the yarn out, or it will become looser and looser.

Facebook Coupons

The only reason I have a facebook account is for the coupons. Lately I've seen a lot of them. Here are a few that popped up today.
Buy1Get1 Skittles
Buy1Get1Starburst
Free Vitamin Water

I love to keep these coupons around for when I need a filler item at RiteAid.

Thanks krazycouponlady.com and utahdealdiva.com

March Madness at Smith's

Smith's (and Kroger) is having a March Madness of sorts called "March to Savings". After you register play the game to see what you've won. I won a king size candy bar! Play everyday from now until April 6. The rewards are put on your Smith's card and next time you shop you can redeem your savings.

White Bean Chili

My mother-in-law found this recipe online and it is amazing. It's a great way to use all my canned chicken!

White Bean Chili
¾ pound lean ground turkey (or turkey pieces or canned chicken)
½ C chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
3 ¼ C water1 can (15 oz.) great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4 oz.) diced green chilies (or diced jalapeno peppers)
2 tsp. instant chicken bouillon granules
1 tsp. ground cumin
¼ tsp. black pepper
2 Tbs. flour

1. In large saucepan, cook turkey, onion and garlic until turkey is no longer pink.

2. Stir in 3 cups of the water, beans, undrained chilies, bouillon, cumin, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. For a spicier chili, you can add a shake of ground hot red pepper.

3. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ¼ cup water and the flour. When chili is ready, add flour mixture and cook for 1 minute more to thicken. Serve.

This is great served with sour cream and tortilla chips!