Fun After School Snack

photo/idea credit

Do your kids come home from school STARVING?  You would think that mine had not eaten a crumb in weeks!  I guess all that learning makes you hungry.  Making Memories With Your Kids is always coming up with creative ways to feed her kids.  I am loving this healthy scooter.  My boys would love to come home form school to one of these.  Then maybe take a fun scooter ride after homework is done.....sounds like a plan to me!

I Like Big Trunks And I Cannot Lie

photo credit

XBox Live Deal - Amazon

Amazon has a HOT deal on XBox Live 12-month Gold Membership.  Get it today for just $35.99.  This is currently priced at $59.99 at Best Buy, is $53.99 at Target, and on price cut at Walmart for $39.00.  Click on the banner above for full details.

Pantene Deal At ULTA

Exclusively at ULTA Beauty, Buy any Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner and get any Pantene Styling Product FREE.  Up to a $4.19 value.  Offer valid 3/5/12 through 3/26/12.  No coupon necessary.

B2G1 Ulta Bath & Body Sale

HOT Sharper Image Deal

SharperImage.com Today's Save:$15 for $30 worth of electronics, toys and more from SharperImage.com

Soulman's Bar-B-Que Coupon

We have a Soulman's nearby, and it is TASTY stuff!  Click HERE to print their March coupon (good thru 3/31/12).  Buy One Out Of Sight Special and Two Drinks and get a Second Out Of Sight Special FREE.  Limit one coupon per customer.  Not valid with other offers.

Kids Eat Free At Chili's

It's baaaaack!  I love when Chili's does this.  March 5-7th Kids Eat Free with the purchase of an adult entree at Chili's.  Go HERE to print your coupon. The best part about it is that Chili's lets you get TWO kids meals for each adult entree purchased (not 1:1 like most restaurants).  

I Am Worn Out

Remember yesterday I told you Tim was going to put new carpet in Zach's room?  Well, he did.  It looks fab.  That compelled me to go thru all Zach's stuff and ask those three important questions (keep? toss? donate?).  It was a long day.  But very productive.  Here are a few BEFORE pics (don't judge!):

As you can see, Zach takes after his big brother.  They have a tendency to just dump everything on their dresser.  Not only did we de-clutter Zach's room and put new carpet in, we also changed the theme from his (former) beloved Spongebob to WWE wrestling.  THAT made me sad.  But, hey, they grow up, right?  It IS his room, and I'm a firm believer in letting my kids have their own space to with what they want (within reason).  We didn't finish until 7:00 last night, dog tired.  But it's done.  Just this weekend alone, I have THIRTEEN bags full of stuff to go to Goodwill.  And FIVE bags of TRASH in the garage.  I would have to say that about 75% of the stuff was a no-brainer.  Definitely either toss or donate.  That left us with the other 75% which was a little more difficult.  That 25% consisted of toys, books or clothes that had some type of sentimental (or monetary) value.  REALLY nice clothes that I hated to give away, but if your child won't wear it - it's really just clutter, right?  Regardless of how much it cost, or who bought it for them.  No wear = No stay.  And then there were the nice toys.  The ones that were expensive. That were the "hot" toy a year or so ago that I spent HOURS trying to track down for Christmas.  The ones my boys saved up and did chores to earn money so they could buy it.  I was so tempted to keep those, but then reminded myself that if it's not being used by us (and hadn't BEEN used in quite some time)...surely there is a little boy out there that could put it to good use.  Because all we're doing with it is letting it collect dust.  So off to Goodwill they went!  We also had a good discussion about how we should really implement a 24 hour rule before we make our purchases.  (Truth be told, I AM REALLY THE CULPRIT HERE).  We are all big impulse buyers.  And that's what got us into the state we are in - filled with clutter.  I figure if we can hold off for 24 hours, and we STILL gotta have it, and have a spot for it, then OK - get it.  I'm making a big leap here, but I'm guessing that after 24 hours it won't seem so important.  Less purchasing = Less clutter = More money in our pocket.  Here are the AFTER photos:

While cleaning and organizing his bookshelf
I took that time to remind him how lucky he is
that he has so many books.  When I told him
that there are lots of kids in this world who don't
own even ONE book, he truly was surprised.
That's a sad, but true fact.

He does his homework at the kitchen table,
so I thought why not make better use of his
desk which was just a placeholder for crap.
Now he can sit in his chair and play with
all his wrestling action figures (Heaven for him!)

Wow!  There really was a dresser
underneath all that STUFF!

There was some discussion (mainly by Tim) that we should keep some of the nicer stuff for a yard sale.  I was tempted to agree until I remembered our last yard sale.  Which was just like all the other yard sales we've had.  LOTS of work upfront.  Spend all day sitting in triple digit temps.  Price a $30 item for $2, only to be asked if you will take a quarter for it.  No thank you.  We're making progress.  It's slow going.  We still have LOTS to do.  I'm worn out, but encouraged.

Kraft Mac & Cheese Facebook Offer

DON'T FORGET:  Kraft will go live with more "Macsurance" EVERY morning at 11:00AM CST.  Get there right before, then keep refreshing the page!  You can win up to 3xs per household.  If you're one of the lucky ones, you'll receive a cute certificate and coupon for a free box of Mac & Cheese.

Redbox Free Game Nights EXTENDED

This will put a smile on my boys' faces!  Redbox has EXTENDED their FREE Game Nights promotion until 3/8/12.  Reserve a game online and get the first day free.  (Return it by 9:00 PM the next day, and you get it absolutely FREE).

Eggo Waffle Deal At Target

Remember, this Eggo Waffles deal starts today! Target will give you a $5 Target gift card when you purchase 5 Kellogg's products (one product is Kellogg's Eggo waffles).        Here's how you can score a great deal on waffles:
Buy (5) Eggo Homestyle Waffles - $2 each
Use THIS coupon to Save $1/3 Kellogg's Eggo Frozen Product
Pay $9 out of pocket, get a $5 Target gift card to use next time
So your cost for each box ends up being $0.80! 
We go thru TONS of waffles in our house, and this is a GREAT stock-up price!
Thanks, Totally Target!

40% Off At Michael's

If you're feeling crafty this week, before heading to Michael's, head HERE and print a coupon to Save 40% On Any One Regular Price Item.  This coupon expires on 3/10/12.

OREO 100th Birthday Party Sampling Event

Seriously?  How can OREO cookies be 100?  That doesn't seem right.....although I could probably EAT 100 OREOS in one sitting!  March 8-11th visit the Bright Ideas station at your local, participating Walmart for the OREO Birthday Party as OREO turns 100 years young.  Do the twist, lick and dunk with limited edition OREO Birthday Cake cookies and a sample of milk in a OREO collector's cup that's yours to keep.  Go HERE to enter your zip code and locate a participating Walmart near you.

Spice Rack (and refills) For $25

My pantry is a mess.  Yet one more thing on my list to de-clutter (but I'll get there).  I have a ton of spices, all stacked up, teeter-tottering, ready to fall at any minute.  I'm thinking of investing in THIS Kamenstein 2-cube Legacy Spice Tower. Not only does it keep all your spices organized in one tiny little space, but it includes FIVE YEARS of refills.  All for just $25.  This is available ONLY TODAY.  Go HERE for details.

$130 in NuMe Professional Hairstyling Tools & Extensions - $30

And The Winner Is.....

....sharon.v****!  I assigned each email entry a number, then used Random.org to randomly pick the winner.  I have already sent an email to the winner, so Sharon, please check your inbox. This basket has a retail value of $125!  Congrats!  Didn't win this one?  That's OK....I've already got another giveaway in the works!

BOGO Chicken Sandwich Promo Ends Today

Today is the last day for the Buy One Original Chicken Sandwich, Get One Free promo at Burger King!  Last time I checked, that's two sandwiches for the price of one....

Um......OK

Groupon has an......interesting deal this morning (to say the least).  $19 get you a 15-minute "destruction session" at The Anger Room.  HUH?!  Seriously?  Who thought this one up?  This is literally a place where you go and get to destroy real electronics and furniture with baseball bats, sledgehammers and golf clubs in mock living rooms, offices and kitchens.  If one session just isn't enough for you, $45 gets you THREE 15-minute sessions.  Wow.  There are no words.  Go HERE to check it out yourself.  Really, folks.  I couldn't make this up myself.  The perfect gift for someone with anger management issues?!?!

20% Off Entire Purchase At Big Lots

Reminder:  Today's the day to shop at Big Lots!  
This Sunday, March 4th Big Lots is having a Friends & Family Day.  Which means you can save an extra 20% off your entire purchase.  Click HERE to print the necessary coupon.

Me-Clutter=1 Happy Girl

I am hard at work continuing with my mission to go thru every single nook & cranny in this house and ask myself three simple questions:

1. Keep?
2. Toss?
3. Donate?

Yesterday I tackled the boy's bathroom (I think the bath tub toys multiply while we sleep at night).  It actually wasn't too bad, and only took about 30 minutes.  Who would have thought that in just 30 minutes I could get rid of all the junk and have a lovely, organized room?  Just goes to show you that sometimes when a task seems too daunting ya just gotta break it down into bite sized pieces!  Would you believe that we had SIX thermometers (only two of which actually work!), and more nail trimmers than you could shake a stick at.  I found three of those itsy bitsy ones that you use when they are babies.  Yeah....I won't be needing those anymore.

Tim took the day off work, and announced that he was going to put new carpeting in AJ's room.  Ummmm....OK?  THAT'S a prime example of when the motivation moves you, GO WITH IT!  With all the boys at school, he had a whole chunk of time to get stuff done without any "help" (except for the dogs & cats who like to supervise!).  Here's just one more situation where I am so thankful that I have a resourceful husband.  I cannot tell you how much money he has saved us by doing things himself.  Put in hardwood floors?  Sure, why not.  Fix the dishwasher/washing machine/car/etc/etc/etc.  You name it, he can pretty much do it.  If he doesn't know how, he hops on the internet or makes some calls.  Then - BOOM - he gets to work.  He got the carpeting (enough to do both AJ and Zach's rooms) for $100.  Bought the pad and a handy little tool (torture device) called a "carpet kicker" for another $68.  Labor is FREE.  OK, I'll pay him later.  :D

While Tim got busy putting fresh carpet in, I went thru AJ's dresser and closet.  AGAIN....appalled by how many clothes my children have.  I filled TWO tubs of his castoffs, and he's still got more than he will ever realistically wear.  He's another one that has about 3-4 outfits that are his "favs" and that's ALL he wears.  Over and over again.  So, seriously, why bother having all that other stuff in there.  It's just taking up space.  When AJ got home from school he & I went thru EVERYTHING ELSE.  I am not exaggerating when I say that you could not see ANY piece of the top of his dresser prior to yesterday.  AJ is a collector (and possibly a future star of "Hoarders").  You would not believe the amount of Happy Meal toys, junk from various birthday goodie bags, TWO (big) bags of OLD CANDY (we're talking some of it probably from Christmas two years ago).  Did I mention he has a hard time throwing stuff out?  He's gotta hold onto it ALL.  Not any more.  It's GONE.  Yes, it was.......shall we say...."CHALLENGING."  But now that he's got all his (500 gajillion) Pokemon cards in a binder, each one encased in a little plastic sleeve - I think he sees the beauty of having your stuff organized.  He literally had Pokemon cards tucked in every little nook and cranny, and had no idea what he had.  You would have thought it was Christmas morning, as he went thru them and remembered all the cool stuff he has.  It's easy to see it once it's unearthed from all the CRAP.  To be brutally honest, I would have liked to toss a lot more stuff, but believe me, we definitely made progress.  It's baby steps.  He's a work in progress.  Last night he and Zach spent several hours in his room, looking at books they forgot they had.  Putting Pokemon posters up on the wall, taking down old stuff that had been up for years.  More than anything, just looking around, and enjoying the view.  It's like a whole new room.  And EVERYONE can appreciate that, no matter your age!

My mission continues today.  Today we tackle Zach's room.  Carpet....de-cluttering of toys.  At least his closet and dresser are already done.  I just wish I could really sit back and enjoy the progress I'm making.  Right now, all I see is more STUFF that I have to get rid of.  This is me taking a deep breath and getting moving!

This bookshelf is new!
 AJ decided to organize it with Pokemon on top,
video games on bottom (whatever works, right?)

Why of all things, keep that little twig?
That twig is special!  AJ's Mamaw died last year.
She loved birds, and AJ got this little twig at her house
after she died.  He thought it looked like a little bird foot.
That's what he keeps to remember his Mamaw.
Did I mention that he's SENTIMENTAL?

LOTS of stuff, but it's organized!
Books, trophies, and his beloved rock collection.

Is that the top of his dresser I see????

Today Is Platypus Day (3/3)

My two youngest boys are HUGE Phineas & Ferb fans (OK, I am too)!  Today is Platypus Day (I bet you didn't know that!)....so Disney is celebrating with a Phineas & Ferb marathon at 9/8C.  To help get you in the spirit, you can go HERE to play lots of Platypus games, learn how to do the Platypus dance (no thank you), and even download a Platypus Day Iron On.  Enjoy!

Free Gallon Of Milk (with purchase)

If you haven't already gotten it, today is the LAST DAY to get your FREE Gallon of Milk Coupon!   Go to the Milk Mustache Campaign's facebook page and answer one question, for a coupon for a FREE Gallon Of Milk (with purchase of three breakfast items).  This is good for any brand white milk.  The expiration date is 4/3/12.  I'm thinkin' I will combine this coupon with the Save $5/5 Kellogg's cereal coupon (no longer available), and REALLY save!  

30% Off Old Navy

Planning a shopping trip to Old Navy this weekend? You're in luck!  They're having their Friends & Family event March 3-4th.  Head to the Old Navy facebook page to print a coupon to Save 30% Off Your Purchase.  NOTE:  This is valid in-store only, and excludes gift cards and jewelry.

Lorax Event At Select Walmart Stores

Seventh Generation will be hosting The Lorax events at select Walmart stores today.  Go HERE for a list of participating stores.  They'll be giving away free children's movie ticket vouchers to see The Lorax, trial sized samples, coupons, Lorax mustaches (FUN!) and more.

Einstein Bros Bagels Facebook Offer

Reminder:  This offer ends tomorrow!  Head to the Einstein Bros Bagels facebook wall and click "Get Offer" (this is ON their wall, not a tab).  You will then be emailed a coupon for Buy One Lunch Sandwich, Get One Free.  Yum!  Their sandwiches look delish (and they taste even better when they're free!)

$5 Off $25 Purchase At Thrift City

Best Western Pioneer Inn Maui Today's Save:$1,399 per person for a seven-night stay at the Best Western Pioneer Inn Maui + Molokai and Lanai excursions, rental cars, winery tours, and more

Save $1/2 Keebler Dark Chocolate Fudge Stripes Cookies

Go HERE to print a coupon for the new Keebler Dark Chocolate Fudge Stripes Cookies, made with 100% real Cocoa (that means they're healthy, right?).  :)

Dr. Suess = Genius

$2 Off People Magazine

I freely admit that I am a celebrity gossip fan.  I finally renewed my People magazine subscription earlier in the year because I just missed it too much.  My first issue came last Friday, and it was such a treat to sit in the chair and read it while the boys watched TV and ate pizza!  Click HERE to print a really HIGH VALUE $2 Off Coupon for People Magazine.  The good news is it doesn't expire until 4/27/12.  So print yours while you can (print TWO), and then treat yourself!
Thanks, My Dallas Mommy!

New Blockbuster Express Rental Code

Ghirardelli Facebook - Free Chocolate?

According to their facebook wall, Ghirardelli will be doing a chocolate giveaway sometime today.  They will be giving away 10,000 of their newest Chocolate Bar, Gourmet Milk.  Their wall says "Take Our Quiz Every Friday on the Gourmet Milk Tab For A Chance To Win."  So I'm guessing if you miss it today, you'll have another shot next week!  And even if you don't win, you can still go HERE and print a coupon to Save $1 On 2 Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk Products.  
Mmmmmmmm.....chocolate.  
Thanks, For The Mommas!

FREE Auntie Anne's Pretzel

Tomorrow's the day!  On Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Auntie Anne's is offering a FREE original or Cinnamon & Sugar pretzel to everyone who stops by.  No strings attached.  No purchase necessary!

20"x30" Canvas Gallery Wrapped Print - $44 SHIPPED

Saveology has a GREAT deal on a HUGE 20"x30" Canvas Gallery Wrapped Print SHIPPED to you for just $44.  This is a $150 value.  I have purchased several canvas gallery wrapped prints in the past, and they are the centerpiece of our living room.  No frame needed.  They really make a statement, and are a great way to show off your favorite photos.  Head HERE for full details.  Note, this $44 price INCLUDES shipping.

$10 Off $50 Purchase

Baseball season is coming up for the kids.  Soccer is already in full swing.  If you've got some sports related purchases to make, print this $10 Off A $50 Purchase coupon for Sports Authority.  It is valid thru 3/5/12 IN-STORE only.  There are some exclusions, so read the fine print.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

HOT $2/1 Challenge Tuscan Style Butter Coupon

Remember THIS post?  Challenge Butter has reached their goal of 150,000 fans, and has just released a HIGH VALUE $2/1 Challenge Tuscan Style Spreadable Butter coupon on their facebook page.  But hurry - it is limited to the first 25,000 prints.  I got mine, and it was a bricks....so print two!  I bet this would be yummers on garlic bread!  Now to find out what stores carry this....anyone know?

Fruit Trees

CUTE way to serve fresh fruit to your kids (or yourself for that matter!).  This is fun to have sitting on the table for when they do their homework.  Very creative!

Save $1 on OREOS

It's that time again!  Nabisco has released their monthly coupon.  Head to the Nabisco facebook page to print a coupon to Save $1.00 on OREO cookies when you buy one package of OREOs and one gallon of milk.  The coupon expires on 4/14/12. There are 50,000 prints available, so when they're gone, you'll miss out.  Print while you can, then hold onto it for a sale.

HOT $1 Smuckers Uncrustables Coupon

A HOT new coupon just showed up, and you will want to print it NOW before it goes ba-bye.  Head to the Smucker's Uncrustables facebook page and print a HOT $1/1 Smucker's Uncrustables coupon.  If you are having problems printing it (I did), you can click on the little blue "help" button down at the bottom right and they will MAIL you your coupon.  These are so great for school lunches - the peanut butter & honey ones are especially good!

HOT $3 Coupon World's Best Cat Litter

This is the ONLY cat litter we use in our house.  It's name really is perfect - it's the best.  It's also kinda pricey stuff (but worth it).  So whenever I see coupons I do a little happy dance.  I'm dancing this morning!  World's Best Cat Litter emailed me with a survey.  Complete the survey, get a HOT $3 off coupon.  I'm happy to share with you.  Head HERE and complete a short survey, then print your coupon! It's a bricks, so you know what to do! 
:)

Del Monte Sneaker Giveaway

Del Monte is giving away 500 free pairs of sneakers in the month of March (via 500 $75 gift cards to Foot Locker).  But you can't win if you don't enter!  Head to the Del Monte facebook page and enter today!  
Good luck!

I've Got Mad Skills