Make A Holiday Train Engine With The Kids - FREE Today

REMINDER:  This is going on this morning if you're looking for something to do with the kiddos today....
Mark your calendar for this upcoming Lowe's Build & Grow Workshop.  You may want to go ahead and sign up for these NOW, so you don't get there Saturday and they're out of kits.  Nothing worse than a disappointed kid.  These are a great way to entertain the kids for FREE!  

Lowe's Build & Grow Workshop

Train Engine

Saturday, December 14th 10am-11am

Scholastic Book Fair Warehouse Sale

REMINDER:  This is coming up.....  
The Scholastic Book Fair Warehouse Sale is coming up again.  For all my local readers, the nearest one is being held at the Curtis Cullwell Center (in Garland, off 190) on December 16-17th.  Here's the flyer with all the details.  For those of you who are NOT local, you can go HERE to type in your zip code and see where the sales are in your area.  They are being held all over the country.

• Find your nearest location and click REGISTER.  
• You'll then print your Fast-Cart Pass that serves as your admission ticket. 
•  You'll also nab a great coupon to Save $10 off your $50+ purchase, or $25 off your $100 purchase.  

These sales are for school & district employees, homeschoolers, Book Fair chairpeople and volunteers.  Do you homeschool or volunteer at your local school?  You qualify.  I went last year and got some GREAT STUFF for GREAT PRICES.  I then held onto it for birthdays, holidays or when I just wanted to surprise my kids.  They don't just have kids items - there are recipe books, adult books, all sorts of goodies.  You WILL find something!

Awesome Kids Blurb Book Ideas

There’s something about the holidays—that warm glow from the fire, the fact that you actually get to spend time with your kids (or your friends’ and family’s kids)—that makes it the perfect time to curl up with the little ones in your life and read them a storybook. Reading a totally new, beautiful, amazing book with a child is a treasured holiday experience. And if you choose the right book, every time the child reads it alone in the future will bring back the memory of that time you shared. If you’re a little tired of the standard children’s book selections in your local brick and mortar store, Blurb has a really incredible assortment of self-published children’s books that you won’t find anywhere else this holiday season. Try a few of these future classics and create some new holiday memories this year. 

Title: Ollie + Loo 
Author: Joni Cooper 
www.blurb.com/b/4554150-ollie-+-loo 
Joni Cooper brings incredibly original characters to life with brilliant illustrations in a book that will have parents and kids laughing along together. 

Title: Edward Hopper and the Carrot Crunch 
Author: Mike Smith 
www.blurb.com/books/1189264-edward-hopper-and-the-carrot-crunch 
Very few children’s books have financial mismanagement as a central theme—we can only assume most children’s book authors have not had the pleasure of meeting a rabbit named Edward Hopper. 

Title: My Bug Journal 
Author: Hannah Rollings 
www.blurb.com/b/1925331-my-bug-journal 
Bug-lover or other, this journal is sure to spark interest from anyone who takes a peek inside the covers. Enchanted illustrations, bug facts, room for records and much, much more. 

Title: Myrtle & the Scarecrow 
Author: Kate Lowe 
www.blurb.com/b/4662116-myrtle-the-scarecrow 
Myrtle finds solace with a not-so-scary scarecrow?and learns a lot about herself? in this short but sweet tale. The atmospheric illustrations have a little magic about them—we look forward to more from this young, talented illustrator.

Best of all, you can Save 20% on print books when you spend $40 or more!

REMINDER: This is Today! :D

LOVE Krispy Kreme doughnuts?  This is me waving my hand wildly!  On December 12th you can print THIS coupon and score a FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts when you buy a dozen.  Sounds like a plan to me!  NOTE:  Valid 12/12/12 ONLY.

Upcoming Lowe's Workshop

Mark your calendar for this upcoming Lowe's Build & Grow Workshop.  You may want to go ahead and sign up for these NOW, so you don't get there Saturday and they're out of kits.  Nothing worse than a disappointed kid.  These are a great way to entertain the kids for FREE!  

Lowe's Build & Grow Workshop

Train Engine

Saturday, December 14th 10am-11am

Build A Tic Tac Toe Game Today

REMINDER:  This is happening this morning if you're looking for something (free) to do....
Mark your calendar for this fun upcoming Home Depot Kid's Workshop.  We love doing the Lowe's and Home Depot workshops, they're a great way to spend time with your kids, they can feel a sense of accomplishment from building something themselves.....and did I mention they're FREE?  

Tic Tac Toe Game

 Saturday, December 7th, 2013

9AM-Noon

• Make a fun Tic-Tac-Toe Board. 
• FREE hands-on workshops; designed for children ages 5 - 12. 
• Offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please do not arrive before 9:00 a.m. 
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. 
• All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. 
• One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last. 
• Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. 
• Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis.

Free Queso At On The Border

If you're heading to On The Border anytime soon, don't leave the house without grabbing this deal! Click the banner to print a coupon for a Free Bowl of Queso with purchase of adult entree from On the Border. Their queso is so YUMMY!

HOT $2 Sandwiches At Subway

This is my kid's favorite lunch, so they'll be thrilled to see this deal (let the nagging commence)! All this month Subway is selling 6" Cold Cut Combos or Meatball Marinara subs for just $2 each.  Great price, and an easy lunch!  No coupon necessary.

$10 Credit To ThredUp

Have you tried ThredUp yet? ThredUp is offering a free $10 credit toward your first purchase when you sign up HERE.  They have a variety of kid’s clothes priced in the $2- $5 range. When you use your $10 credit, you should be able to get something free or almost-free! 

I have ordered from them before, and been really pleased with my purchases.  It's a great way to grab gently used clothing on the cheap!  And you don't even have to leave your house. 

I just ordered this CUTE White House Black Market cardigan sweater SHIPPED for $6!  :D

Free Dozen Doughnuts At Krispy Kreme (12/12)

LOVE Krispy Kreme doughnuts?  This is me waving my hand wildly!  On December 12th you can print THIS coupon and score a FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts when you buy a dozen.  Sounds like a plan to me!  NOTE:  Valid 12/12/12 ONLY.

Save On The Chinese Lantern Festival

Save on tickets to the Chinese Lantern Festival in Fair Park.  I have friends who went, and their pictures are just beautiful!  They loved it.  There are THREE ticket options to choose from:

• $24 for two general admission tickets (a $44 value) 
• $48 for four general admission tickets (a $88 value) 
• $72 for six general admission tickets (a $132 value)

Today's The Last Day To Save 50% On Holiday Cards/Invitations

Extra 40% Off At Gymboree

Back when Sam was a baby, all he wore was Gymboree - I practically LIVED at that store! If you've got a little one, you may be interested in this deal. For a limited time, Gymboree is offering an extra 40% off markdowns! Applies to newly reduced and previously reduced merchandise only, while supplies last. This offer excludes Jingle Deals and Online Exclusives.

Free Chicken Bites At Outback Tomorrow

Thursday, December 5th Outback Steakhouse is giving away FREE Chicken Bites.  Just say "Thanks Big 10" to your server to score 'em for free.  Sounds good to me!~

Why Didn't They Have These When I Was A Kid?!?!

What toddler wouldn't want to see one of these under the tree this year? Strollers, shoes, toys: sometimes, kids seem to outgrow their accouterments every other week. But with today's Save from Radio Flyer, you can snag a toy that will grow with your child to become a keepsake. Pay $65 for $100 toward a customized Radio Flyer Build-A-Trike — base model starts at $75. 

• 35% off a Radio Flyer Build-A-Trike, built to your specifications 
• Base model starts at $75 
• Customizable by color, tires, storage, fabric and more 
• Styles that suit ages from 9 months to 5 years Radio Flyer: a nationally trusted, beloved brand since 1917 
• Makes a great gift: Order by 12/15 to ensure delivery by Christmas

Daily Deal Roundup

Save on local grocery delivery-service membership and $40 worth of food from Artizone.com.  Not familiar with Artizone?  You can check out this post from when I gave them a shot.  I had a wonderful experience with them!  There are three voucher options available, you can check 'em out HERE.

You all know that I love giving custom photo gifts, and this is a great deal on a fleece blanket.  Get a 50"x60" photo fleece blanket for just $35 SHIPPED.  This is a $109 value, and INCLUDES shipping.  Great deal!  I gave these to my nieces for Christmas last year, and they were a big hit.  You can't go wrong with this one.

I am gearing up for winter break - buying Daily Deal vouchers that don't expire until next year. This helps me save money (as most of the deals are at LEAST 1/2 price), plus helps offset expenses (I spread out the money in the months leading UP to winter break), then when winter break arrives we've got a whole folder FILLED with Groupon deals to keep us busy.  

I will DEFINITELY be buying today's Groupon deal to Westlake Skate.  We've been before, so it's nearby, and LOTS of fun.  There are two packages available:  

• $23 for a skating package for 4 (up to a $47 value) 
• $32 for a skating package for 6 (up to a $68 value)

Each package includes skating-rink admission, skate rental, and a slice of pizza for each person. A pitcher of soda is included for groups of 4 or 6 to share.  

Always love when this Groupon deal comes around! Pay $5 for a movie ticket at Studio Movie Grill ($10.50 value). There are six locations to choose from - this is a great deal! We like taking the kids, there's more room to spread out.  Voucher expires on 2/2/14 so you've got some time to use it.

Here's another one I'll be grabbing NOW, and holding onto for winter break.  I know all too well that three weeks is a LONG time to have to entertain kids all day, every day.  Nevermind how pricey it gets!  So I stock up on daily deal vouchers like this, and then whip 'em out a few times a week during the holidays.  Today I'll be snagging vouchers to Bounce U in Plano.  There are two options available:

$19 for 5 open-bounce visits ($40 value).  
$49 for 15 open-bounce visits ($120 value).  
That's a 59% savings, and this will come in really handy when it's too cold outside to go out and play.  They can jump & bounce til their little heart's desire in the comfort of Bounce U!  This voucher doesn't expire until 90 days after purchase, so I've got plenty of time to use it.  

Home Depot Kid's Workshop

Mark your calendar for this fun upcoming Home Depot Kid's Workshop.  We love doing the Lowe's and Home Depot workshops, they're a great way to spend time with your kids, they can feel a sense of accomplishment from building something themselves.....and did I mention they're FREE?  

Tic Tac Toe Game

 Saturday, December 7th, 2013

9AM-Noon

• Make a fun Tic-Tac-Toe Board. 
• FREE hands-on workshops; designed for children ages 5 - 12. 
• Offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please do not arrive before 9:00 a.m. 
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. 
• All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. 
• One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last. 
• Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. 
• Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis.

HOT Zulily Sale

I just bought myself an early birthday present over on Zulily, and had to share this HOT sale with you.  I bought some CUTE stuff for my youngest nieces too (but shhhhhhh.....don't tell them!). Thru Friday they are hosting a Rising International:  Women's sale that really caught my eye - and made me wish I had a whole lot more money to play with!  Check out these adorable items, at really cheap prices:

I bought THIS jacket - isn't it FAB?!?!

I am also LOVING their Desigual Women sale.  The stuff is a little pricier, but still reasonable and TOO CUTE!

 

 

They've also got sales going on Lucy yoga wear, housewares and lots of kids clothing.  DEFINITELY worth a look-see!  Most of the items are guaranteed for Christmas delivery.

Apple Cider Cups

photo/recipe idea

Check out this cute idea for serving warm Apple Cider!  We always have warm apple cider when we do our  all-day-long Holiday Baking Extravaganza, which just so happens to be goin' on this weekend.  Only we have one secret ingredient that's not mentioned in this recipe.  Are you ready for it?  You must promise NOT to tell anyone.  Add some Red Hots to your apple cider.  Not a lot - a little goes a long way.  But it makes all the different.  Adds just the right zing to it!  You're welcome!  :)  Head HERE for the recipe on how to whip up a batch of Apple Cider and serve it in these awesome apple cups.
It is going to be CHILLY this weekend, so it would be a perfect time to give this one a try!

$25 For $50 at David's Cookies + Free ShopRunner Shipping

This sweet voucher from Eversave is back.  $25 gets you a $50 voucher to David's Cookies.  Even better - score FREE 2-day shipping thru your ShopRunner account.  What a great way to send treats for the holidays!  Don't have ShopRunner?  Get a free 30-day FREE trial HERE.  It will net you unlimited free 2-day shipping at all sorts of great online stores (even free delivery from Domino's!) with no minimum order.  Check out what I found at David's (this is what I used my voucher on!):
Edible Cookie Play Dough Set - $44.95
Two sets of four assorted colors in 12oz tubs (totaling 6 pounds) of our edible classic sugar cookie dough.  Colors included are:  Red All Over, Mellow Mood Yellow, Jelly Bean Green and Too Blue 4 You.  But if you mix the colors together you get all the colors of the rainbow.  Make anything your creativity can think of!  
What fun for a HOT summer day when the "I'm bored" sets in, or when you're having friends over for a playdate!

I actually bought this voucher last time it was available and bought the Edible Cookie Play Dough Set.  I would highly recommend it.  You actually get TWO sets of four colored dough.  I stuck one in the freezer, and the boys made cookies with the other.  They only used half of it and made a ton of cookies.  It can be refrigerated for three weeks, so they'll be able to make TWO batches of fun cookies with each set.  Essentially FOUR batches of custom made cookies (and the all-important quiet time for me while they play/create)!  Here they are hard at work:

Free Appetizer From On The Border

This looks SOOOOO good! ( I really need to eat breakfast.)  Click the banner to print a coupon for a Free $3 Appetizer from the Happy Hour Menu at On the Border. *Purchase required.

Save On Treats