Staples Coupons

Planning a big purchase at Staples?  Click HERE to take 10% off any one item.  Valid in-store only thru 12/2/12.  NOTE:  You can also print THIS coupon for a FREE ream of paper (after easy rebate).  There's also a coupon for 5 lbs of FREE shredding on their site!  Valid thru tomorrow, 12/1/12.

Macy's Friends & Family

Macy's Friends & Family is going on now- 25% off all Impulse styles from Miss Me, BCBG, Free People, and more! at macys.com! Offer valid 11/27-12/3

Shutterfly Free $50 Code Giveaway

Reminder:  Tomorrow is the final day to enter this giveaway!
Shutterfly is teaming up with Brenda Writes A Blog to give one lucky reader a code to Save $50 off your $50+ Shutterfly order (excluding tax and shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos).  Your code will expire 12/14/2012.  Want to enter?  Simply email me by 11/30/12 at brendalpark@gmail.com and tell me what you'll use your $50 code on. Will it be a photo book (or two?), holiday cards, photo gifts....be sure to check out their Special Offers page.
This is a quick contest is, as you only have one week to enter.  I will randomly pick and announce a winner on Saturday, 12/1/12.  So what are ya waitin' for?!?!  Good luck!  :)
NOTE:  This is a sponsored post.  

Look at what you can get for (nearly free) if you win the $50 code!  Shutterfly has their fleece blankets on sale for 10% off.  I personalized this 60"x80" one for my niece Miranda for Christmas - it's $53.99 after 10% off.  If you win the code, you could personalize one for just $3.99!! Woot Woot!  :)

Fleece photo blanket

View the entire collection of cards.

Snowman Handprint Ornament

photo/idea credit

LOVING this Snowman Handprint Ornament.  We have a big bucket of Crayola Modeling Clay that would work PERFECT for this.  Basically all the boys need to do is roll out a ball into a circle and push their hand imprint in.  Wait a few days for it to dry, then decorate with Sharpies (which we have a TON of in all colors)!  TOTALLY cute idea, and definitely something I would hang on the tree.

Free Trial At GameFly

If your kids like video games as much as mine do, you might check out GameFly.  You can get a FREE 30 day trial - perfect for when your kids are off for holiday break and BORED.  I'm guessing it will be about day 3 before I start hearing the "What are we going to do today?" questions.  Here's a nice (free) solution.

Save $0.50 On Del Monte Gold Pineapple (Doubles!)

ANOTHER great fruit coupon!  Head to the Del Monte Fresh Produce facebook page and get a coupon to Save $0.50 on a Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple.  This will be perfect to pair with your holiday ham (if you do one).  Remember, this will DOUBLE to $1 off at Tom Thumb and Albertsons, and we've even seen these on sale for as low as $1 recently.  Print it now and hold for a deal.  We LOVE fresh pineapple!

Thanks, Clip & Follow!

FREE Product With $10+ Bath & Body Works Purchase

Click HERE to grab a coupon for a FREE product with any $10 purchase from Bath & Body Works.  This is valid both in-store and online.  Valid thru 12/24/12, and best of all it works with sale & clearance items.
Thanks, Free Stuff Times!

25% Off Holiday Decor

Get 25% off all holiday decor and $4.95 all-you-can-ship at Land Of Nod.  I LOVE this site - they've always got such great stuff!  Valid thru 12/6/12.

Crafty Science Bundles - 1/2 Off Today only

I admit, I am a big fan of these types of kits.  I loved 'em myself as a kid, and I enjoy giving 'em to my own kids.  It also occupies 'em for a little while, and keeps 'em out of trouble - which is ALWAYS a good thing! Kids Woot is having a sale on Crafty Science Bundles TODAY ONLY.  There are two to choose from:

• Jewelry Making Bundle
• Gross Science Bundle (right up my boys' alley!)

They are both priced 50% off - pay just $19.99 for the entire set.  This is a really good deal!

Tanga - Extra 10% Off Everything

Tanga is having a sale for the next two days - Save an additional 10% off everything when you use code SANTA10 at checkout.  They have LOTS of items on sale, it's definitely worth checking out.  You may be able to knock several things off your Christmas list without even leaving home (always a plus in my book!).  Click on the banners below to check it out:

My Homemade Applesauce Debacle (And How You Can Avoid The Same Fate)

I have a confession to make.  I fancy myself to be fairly handy in the kitchen, and I like to think I'm creative.  Not too long ago I got a little full of myself and decided that I was going to make some amazing applesauce.  From scratch.  "Seriously?", you're thinking...that's super simple.  (I know you so well).  Apparently not so simple when you are (indeed) full of yourself.  This is a little peek in what it's like to live with me (my poor husband).  At some random point in the day, I will just get a wild hair and decide "I'm gonna whip up a batch of applesauce."  Mind you I'd never made applesauce before, and had no idea what to do but "How hard could it be" was likely the second thought that entered my head.  So this is the point where....if you know me at all.......you'll realize I was already heading to the computer to Google "Homemade Applesauce", randomly picking one that looked good, scribbling down a grocery list, running (literally) to my car to head IMMEDIATELY to the grocery store because this house could not be without homemade applesauce ONE. MORE. SECOND.
So I go to the store, gather my stuff (to the tune of about $30), hurry home and shove everything off the counters because Momma needs some work space!  Out comes the canning equipment.  On goes the apron (because ya gotta look PROFESSIONAL).  And I commence to peeling apples.  A lot of 'em.  At some point I realize that this isn't really as much fun as it seemed.  Peeling a bunch of apples sucks.  Sorry.  FINALLY I've got it all pulled together - I decide to double the recipe because this stuff is gonna be EPIC.  Long story short (OK, not THAT short)....I end up with jars of the most HORRIFIC (ridiculously expensive) applesauce you'll ever encounter.  Don't ask me how I screwed it up.  I just know I did.  Too sweet.  Too brown.  Too chunky.  Too ICK.

photo/recipe credit

HERE is a super-simple (emphasis on the simple) recipe for making a SMALL batch of applesauce.  Why do I like this?  Because you don't have to spend a fortune and a lot of time to get a nice little dish (or two) of applesauce.  You only need two apples!  Try it out.  Then if you see that you CAN, indeed make homemade applesauce - double it next time and stick the extra in the fridge (if you can resist eating it all at once).

$14.99 - Silly Slipeez

These look kinda fun!  Saveology is selling Silly Slipeez (as seen on TV) for $14.99.  Shipping adds another $3.99.  These would be fun under the tree!  Silly Slippeez are no ordinary slippers. They are the slippers that pop to life when you walk, skip or jump. Silly Slippeez are comfy and oh so soft. And the fun isn’t over when the lights turn off; they even glow in the dark.Visits to grandpa’s house and sleepovers are so much better with Silly Slippeez on your kid’s feet. They’re made with quality materials and stitching so they last through every walk, skip and jump.  There are SIX different designs to choose from.  Here they are in-action!:

Gift FREE $10 Restaurant.com eGift Cards

YAY - this promo is back again this holiday season.  Click HERE to gift your family and friends with a FREE $10 eGift Card to Restaurant.com.  These eGift Cards are FREE to give and FREE to receive.  The recipient will be able to choose their favorite restaurant - you are just gifting them with the code for a $10 eGift Card.  Want a reader to gift one to you?  Leave a message with your email addy on this post, and we can send to each other!  :)

This Is A Good One!

Top Free Apps At The App Store

Extra 15% Off All Mamasource Deals Today

Mamasource is having a 15% off sitewide sale today only.  Enter code HOLIDAY15 to lower the price on all their deals.  Head HERE to see all the deals they're offering today.

Here's a great deal on an Electric Toothbrush if you're in the market.  Target's Daily Deal today is the Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 Electric Toothbrush Bonus Pack for just $75 (marked down from $159.99). But it gets even better. There is a $15 mail-in rebate on this model, bringing the price down to just $60 after rebate.  Plus it qualifies for FREE SHIPPING!  NOTE:  This same brush is currently priced at $152.99 on Amazon.   This is a REALLY nice toothbrush, and this is a REALLY NICE price on it!

Oral-B’s most technologically advanced toothbrush, provides Oral-B's most advanced cleaning technology for ultimate plaque removal. This special PC 5000 Bonus Pack includes the PC 5000 electric toothbrush plus a smart guide, travel case, and 2 brush heads. 
2 Brush Heads Included: 
 - 1 Whitening brush head 
 - 1 floss action brush head 
•Separate, wireless SmartGuide: Separate wireless SmartGuide helps maximize brushing performance 
•Cleaning action: Provides 40,000 pulsations and 8,800 oscillations per minute 
•Professional timer with quadrant prompt: A two-minute timer with 30-second intervals helps guide you through the four quadrants of the mouth, making it easy to track how long you’ve been brushing 
•Pressure sensor: Stops pulsations to notify you when you’re brushing too hard 
•Digital clock: Acts as a clock when not in use 
•5 customized brushing modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening, Massage, Deep Clean 
•Indicator® bristles: Remind you to replace your brush head every 3 months, once they’ve faded halfway 
•Base station toothbrush holder with protective cover 
•Travel toothbrush case: Designed to protect your brush anywhere you go 
•Charge-level display: Lets you gauge how full the battery charge is

Custom 3D Notebook - $9.99

Snapily has fun completely customizable animated notebooks for just $9.99. Here's a gift that's FUN to create, an ORIGINAL, fits in the STOCKING, great for ALL AGES, and ONLY $9.99!! (instead of $13.99). It's a 3D Notebook, complete with 75 lined pages... just waiting to be created with your personal design. No 2 Notebooks are the same!!  If you've got a girl who likes to journal on your list, this would be perfect.....

FREE Peppa Pig Backpack Clip

Zachary loves this show (although he probably wouldn't admit it to his classmates!).  Click HERE to "like" the Peppa Pig facebook page and request a FREE Peppa Backpack Clip.  Nice stocking stuffer....and it's FREE.  Hopefully it gets here before Christmas.  Who knew Peppa was on facebook?!?!
Thanks, OneMommaSavingMoney!

Santa Pancake

photo/idea credit

How CUTE is this?!?!  And easy, peasy to do.  My boys will FLIP for this Santa Pancake.  Definitely will help us get in the holiday spirit (like we need any help there)!  This is so simple you could even have the kids assemble their own Santa.  While you kick back and squirt the extra whipping cream right into your mouth, and toss in a couple extra chocolate chips for good measure!  DON'T tell me I'm the only one who does this......

Chuck E. Cheese Promo

My kids are really spoiled.  It's true.  So I typically have a hard time at Christmas because 1) They have so much already, and 2) Their birthdays are so close to Christmas that anything I WOULD have gotten them for Christmas is already taken for their birthday.

So I try to get creative and get them things for gifts that would ultimately cost me $ down the road.  For example, I've given them McDonald's gift cards.  That way when they're pestering me for a Happy Meal, I can say "Where's your gift card.?"  It's money I would have paid anyway, but now it gets to double as a gift! :)  Diabolical, right?  They still haven't caught on to this little gem, so don't ruin it for me!  Shhhh....it's our little secret.

Zach still ADORES Chuck E. Cheese.  It's a real treat for him to get to go there, and I have a LOT of time to kill over holiday break entertaining them 24/7 for 3 weeks.  I'm thinking of giving him a Chuck E. Cheese gift card.  That way over the break he can go have fun, and it's already paid for (as a gift).  See how that works?  Chuck E. Cheese is offering a FREE Chuck E. stocking with the purchase of a $30 gift card.  Available for purchase in store.  So he'll also get a cute little stocking he can hang on the tree.  It's two, two, two gifts in one!  :)

FREE $10 Pure Matters eGift Card

UPDATE:  Did you do this?  I hope so - check your email for your free $10 eGift card.  Mine came this morning.  I used it and the promo code RATING10 to get a 60 count bottle of Melatonin absolutely free (shipping was free too)!

You've heard me blog about Pure Matters before - it's where I get a Probiotic pill for AJ that has cleared up his tummy problems.  They also have great deals on Tuesdays where they offer a FREE product with your purchase (it's a different deal every week).  Any time I see a deal for Pure Matters, I post.  Today is no different - and this one is a good one!  Head HERE and fill out a short form to enter to win a one-year-supply of Pure Matters vitamins, minerals and supplements.  Best part?  Just for filling out the form you'll receive a FREE $10 Pure Matters eGift Card emailed to you! This will likely mean FREE or very cheap vitamins.   NOTE:  It may take up to two weeks for you to receive the emailed eGift card.  

30% Off Leggings

50% Off Shutterfly Photo Gifts

Planning on giving custom photo gifts this year? From 11/29 – 12/3, use coupon code SAVE50 at Shutterfly to get 50% off all hard cover photo books, calendars, stationary, and greeting cards.

FREE Photo Book From MyPublisher

Click and enter your email address to have MyPublisher email you a coupon code for a FREE 7.75" x 5.75" hardcover pocketbook (or you could also choose to save $20 on a hardcover photo book).  Grandparents love these, just sayin'!

$10 Off $20 Macaroni Grill To Go Order

Here's a good one! Through December 31st, Romano’s Macaroni Grill is offering $10 off a $20 order when you place a To Go order online. Just enter your order, make sure the subtotal is at least $20, and enter the code PASTA during checkout. That’s it! Their portions are so big, I am actually thinking that two dinner entrees will feed me, my husband and the two younger boys! Even better - my husband drives right by one of these on his way home from work.  I'm thinking this will be our dinner Friday night instead of pizza.  :)
Valid at participating Romano’s Macaroni Grill Restaurants only; $20 minimum order (before taxes & gratuity) required. To redeem, create your order online and enter Promo Code PASTA at checkout. Promo Code must be entered online at checkout to receive discount. Valid on online To-Go orders only. One coupon per transaction. Coupon may be used one time only. Not valid with other discounts or offers.
Thanks, Hip2Save!

Free Dallas Zoo Admission w/Donation

The Zoo Unto Others employee volunteer team at The Dallas Zoo is sponsoring the “Shed Your Winter Coat” coat drive to benefit clients of The Stewpot. To show their appreciation to guests who donate new or gently used coats, blankets, and sleeping bags, they will be offering FREE admission on Saturday, December 1, and Sunday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for each item donated at that time. Help yourself to FREE admission December 1-2, when you help others!  Nice!

Great Advice

Save $1 on Activia Breakfast Blend

I've said it before, I'll say it again.  We go thru a LOT of yogurt in this house.  We all like it for breakfast, and since there are five of us....it seems I am forever buying yogurt.  So when I find a good coupon I do a little happy dance.  Click HERE to Save $1.00 on a 4-pack of Activia's new Breakfast Blend.  Yep, I'm doin' my happy dance!

Victory is MINE (I Mean AJ's)!!!! :)

 

Holy (freakin') guacamole, did I have an AWESOME morning!  I'll just cut to the chase here, and do a whole lotta braggin'.....my AJ won the Spelling Bee at his school.  Woot woot!  Seriously, he spelled words I do not know how to spell.  "Succumb" I thought for sure would get him, but no - he was like the Energizer Bunny.  He just kept going, and going.  I think they did 18 or 19 rounds, with all the winners of the classroom spelling bees from three grade levels.  There were a total of 17 kids competing in the school-wide bee.  And these kids were ALL great spellers.  Can you tell I'm more than just a little proud?!?!

Here's a little background.  Last year AJ competed for the first time, and took third place.  No small feat.  Unfortunately, when he spelled a word wrong and got knocked out of the competition, he just sat on stage and bawled.  Understandable?  Yes.  Embarrassing?  Yep.  It was NOT easy to sit in the audience and watch him be so upset (and yes, hear his sobs) while they finished the competition.  Poor kiddo.

Last night and this morning his Dad and I spoke AT LENGTH about how proud we were of him no matter what.  I stuffed his pants pockets with tissues....just in case (I know my boy).  But he didn't need 'em this morning.  I really wish you could have all seen his face the minute he spelled the last word correctly and realized he'd won.  It was PRICELESS.  Such joy.  I could also hear his fellow classmates in the audience cheering for him and congratulating him.  It almost made ME cry!     

I had a really tough time sleeping last night.  I tossed and turned wondering how AJ would do.  I didn't really care if he won (OK, maybe just a little!), I just didn't want him to be devastated if he didn't do well.  I didn't want him to be disappointed in himself.  This parenting-thing is so stinkin' hard.  Your first instinct is to try to shield your child from all sorts of disappointments.  What if their team loses, what if he fails at something, what if he gets hurt, what if...what if.  I sat for about 2 hours watching him on stage.  I could tell he was uber-nervous.  He kept taking deep breaths and holding his hand over his heart (it must have been racing - maybe he thought he was having a heart attack, I know I sure felt like it!).  Each time he walked up to the mike he was very deliberate.  He spelled each word very slowly.  Dragging out the anticipation.  I held my breath so much it's a wonder I didn't pass out!

When I got home (and made more than a few gloating phone calls about what a genius my son was - I'm not gonna lie!), it hit me.  I think today's win was made all the more sweet BECAUSE OF his big disappointment last year.  If he hadn't lost last time, maybe he wouldn't have realized THIS time how important it is to work hard, try your best, and just go for it.  He could have just as easily decided that he didn't want to compete this year.  Last year didn't turn out so well, so why put yourself out there again and risk embarrassment one more time.  

That's when I got REALLY proud of AJ.  Not because he won the spelling bee, but because he tried again after he lost last year.  In today's world where everybody gets a trophy regardless of whether they win or lose, it's really tempting to shy away from what your kids don't do so well.  To shield 'em from things that are really hard and that they might fail at.   I have to keep reminding myself that as a kid, I didn't win at everything.  Yet I survived.  And maybe worked a little harder next time.  And tried again.  And again.  And I'm a stronger person because of it.  And so are our kids.  They might be knocked out temporarily, but they'll come back stronger.  Like my AJ! (Oh, how I love him!)  Next stop=District Spelling Bee!
:)