Giving Back For Christmas

Update:  I just wanted to take the time and thank everyone who has contacted me and who is helping to support my decision to do this and helping me to get the word out there! I REALLY appreciate it! I'm sure the family will appreciate it too. I went to Fred Meyer yesterday and picked up FOUR bottles of laundry detergent for JUST $0.50 a bottle. It was that Xtra laundry detergent. There was a Fred Meyer coupon in Wednesday's paper making it 2 for $3 and there is a $1/1 coupon on their (Xtra) website, making them only $0.50! Wow, that will come in real handy for the donation.

I know that it is last minute, but this is something that I have been thinking about for a while and... well...quite frankly, I was a bit scared to do something like this. I mean I don't mind "helping" to put together something like this, but for me to be the one "in charge" is quite scary. Anyway, this has been laying quite heavily on my heart lately, and I know I waited until late, but I'm going to take the plunge and DO IT. And, one of the first people that I am coming to is you. I NEED HELP!! AND, I NEED HELP REAL BAD! Do you think you help me pull this off?

I have found a family (thanks mom) that needs some uplifting this year for Christmas. This family is local. This family consists of a mom, a dad, a little girl (2 years old), and a baby boy (8 months old, although I am told he is a little big for his age, more like 12 months). Well, it looks like Santa may NOT be headed their way this year AND I am going to do EVERYTHING in my power to see that Santa DOES come. This family IS in need and they need our help.

With all of our coupons and "coupon talent" that we have I'm thinking that some of you may have a pretty good stockpile. Do you think that maybe you could share some of that with this family? I HAVE BROWNIES! :)

I'm thinking it would be pretty nice if we could gather up some stuff for Christmas dinner or even just plain food. It sounds like this family is in real need. Maybe some diapers, wipes, just neccesities, or even just stuff that you may have "extra" of and you don't know what to do with. How 'bout some Christmas toys? They don't even have a Christmas tree! I thought I had one, but I don't so if you have maybe an artificial one that you were thinking of getting rid of, we could use that. I have plenty of decorations and lights. Anything, you think you could donate to make their Christmas a little less stressful would be AWESOME.

I just found all of this information out about 45 minutes ago, while I was in the middle of Rite Aid. Needless to say, I left the store and came home to do some inventory of what I have, so I can get the appropriate items. So, I have not arranged a day yet for drop off or a location. Whatever the location, it will be in the valley. I'm thinking maybe next Wednesday for a drop off. Unless I hear anything different, the drop off location will be in the parking lot of West Valley High School, off Buckeye and Vista area, next Wednesday, 12/22/10, from 12 noon to 2 pm.

If you have something you would like to donate, and maybe you have a question or you need me to pick it up. PLEASE, let me know. I will see what I can do.

ANY help is appreciated! Thank you all and Merry Christmas!

You can always e-mail me at frugal mom 1 @ live . com.

Thanks again!

Cheryl

Quick Giveaway....

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!

I was provided with another awesome prize pack from myblogspark.com. Now, they want to give you something too. Here's what they want to give you.....

1 box of Rice Chex, a measuring cup set, and a Chex® Party Mix tote bag. This is an AWESOME bag. I love the bag. It is REALLY big and will come in handy when doing a bigger grocery trip. I love the measuring cups too. I measure EVERYTHING.

So, just to get a little business out of the way, this giveaway was provided to me from General Mills through myblogspark. Much thanks to General Mills and myblogspark.

So, this is just going to be a quick and simple giveaway. I am starting this giveaway now and it will end on Wednesday at 8 pm. I will announce the winner Thursday morning and the winner will have 24 hours to get back to me or I will have to pick a different winner. :(

Here's what you have to do.....

1) Follow me and let me know you are a follower, and leave me your e-mail.
2) Subscribe to me and let me know you are a subscriber, and leave me your e-mail.
3) What new Chex Party Mix recipe would you like to try? And, leave me your e-mail.

That's it. Pretty simple. Okay, I hope you are all having a good holiday season.

Good luck and thanks so much for your support.

Cheryl

Okay.....

I am soooooo excited to see EVERYONE this afternoon. Thank you EVERYONE for helping me bring Santa to this family's doorstep! This is going to be AWESOME!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Cheryl and family!!

FYI.....

I am up to my ears in work over here. I am trying to get caught up so I can take off tomorrow afternoon for the Christmas drive and then be off for the Christmas holiday. So, I am having a hard time getting over here to post deals. I just wanted to give you all a heads up.

I can't wait to meet those of you who are able to come out tomorrow! Thanks again for all of your support. I REALLY appreciate it!

Thanks!!

Cheryl

Safeway Daily Deal

I almost forgot to post this. All week, until Friday, Safeway has daily deals. If you are in need of some fresh pineapple, well....today is your day. Today, only, they have pineapple for just $0.99 each! Wow, that is a great deal. There is a LIMIT OF 1.

Thanks!

Cheryl

$1 Off Robitussen

There is a $1 off Robitussen over here. Just sign up and get your coupon over here.

Thanks!

Cheryl

Monday Weigh-In Report

Well, this.........

can lead to SEVERE chocolate eating. Yep, Saturday, I was shampooing my carpet and getting things ready around here for the big Christmas gathering. Well, he was playing (running, jumping, hopping, you name it, he was doing it) around in the front room on wet carpet. I didn't see what happened as I had my back turned, but he fell and broke his little collar bone. I thought that maybe he just hurt himself pretty good and that he would get over it, but he kept complaining of pain for about the next 45 minutes to an hour. So, I had him take his shirt off, which was quite painful for him as he broke out in a cry and said how much it hurt him. I was comparing each side of the collar bone and noticed there was a lump on the right side. My husband and I talked and since I was in the middle of shampooing and the roads were bad, he was going to run Blakey to urgent care and see what the deal was.

Well, needless to say, he came back with this handy dandy little brace and the diagnosis of a broken collar bone. Okay, I know he is the one in pain and worse things could happen, but I CAN'T HANDLE THIS!!! I'm trying to be strong for his sake and the rest of the family, but I'M FREAKIN' OUT HERE! I know there is absolutely NOTHING I can do about this, but I am STILL worried (I'm sure many of you moms out there can relate). So, I don't normally turn to food when I'm stressed (I usually turn to food for FUN), but I got into the candy cane kisses. Ohhhh, they were sooooo good. Needless to say, they didn't take any of my worry away. Actually, it made me worry (after the eating event) about my weigh-in on Sunday. So, I went from one worry to another. Crazy!

So, now we go into see his doc this week. I'm not sure what they can do about this, I'm thinking nothing really, but I'm not a doctor so I don't know........

Anyway, the scale was nice to me AGAIN! I'm tellin' you, I'm just waitin' for the day that it breaks my heart again. Well, I lost 1 pound!!! Yay! I know it is less than the weeks prior, but I'll take it! ANY loss is a good loss in my book. They ALL add up. That's almost 12 pounds in three weeks!

If you remember, I was quite worried about last week because lately that seems to be when I "fall off of the wagon," but even with the slight derailment I still succeeded and I didn't derail too much. I still had my weeklies, but I have not used them on this new plan. So, I WAS within my point limits, but probably not a good decision the day before weigh-in.

So, as of today, I'm still on track and I think we have a pretty good menu planned out for Christmas that shouldn't derail me too much. I'm saving ALL of my weeklies for Saturday just in case. I know, I know, again the day before weigh-in, but they say that is what they are there for. So, we'll see........

Today (12/20) ONLY, Kids Eat FREE at Chili's

 

Are you going to Chili's today? Well, if you are, there is a nice coupon over here. This is good for a FREE kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree. TODAY ONLY. There is a limit of two FREE meals per one adult entree ordered. Wow, this could make for a "frugal" meal out with the family.

Thanks Smart Couponing!

Cheryl

$1/2 Tony's Pizza Products

There is a $1/2 Tony's Pizza Products coupon right over here. You will have to put in your name, e-mail, and zip. And, they don't even expire until 5/18/11. Wow!

Thanks Printable Coupons and Deals!

Cheryl

Psst… want to save up to $46?

Hey! I just learned a clean little secret about Lowe’s. They have quite the selection of cleaning products plus air and water filters to help keep your home spic and span inside and out. And they’re sending out up to $46 in savings so you can really clean up. Get your coupons before they’re gone! Go to vocalpoint.com/Lowes.

Athena365=FREE Internet Radio

This is kinda neat. Athena365 is the new 24/7 cloud radio network dedicated to women. Athena365 showcases your favorite music, plus a diverse array of women and family-oriented talk programming. Enjoy hundreds of stations from the Live365 network. Start your FREE membership now! You can go over here to get all signed up. You could even have a chance to win a FREE iPod Touch from Athena365.

Thanks!

Cheryl

Christmas Family Fun

Do you like going and looking at Christmast lights as much as I do? I, personally, LOVE this, and it seems the older I get the more I enjoy it. I love taking my kiddos to look at Christmas lights. We turn the radio on to Christmas music and carol away as we drive and look for Christmas lights. We JUST did a small drive the other night and wound up finding a pooch and returning him to his rightful owner. That was kind of a neat lesson to teach our kiddos, as they are new "pound puppy" owners.

Anyway, if you are in the mood to check out Christmas lights in and around Spokane. Just go on over here via The Spokesman Review and get addresses (these addresses are submitted by Spokesman-Review readers) and you can even map it out, if you would like. They have it broken down to the different areas in Spokane (South Hill, Valley, North Spokane, etc). One other cool thing about this page is that they give a short description of what is displayed at each particular address.

Journey To The North Pole-via Coeur d'Alene Boat Cruise-
"Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole" Tickets are on sale now.
Adults - $15.95
Seniors (65 yrs. & over) - $14.95
Children (12 yrs. & under) - Complimentary
Nightly cruise departure times: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
All Holiday Cruises depart from the Boardwalk Marina, located on the East side of The Resort.
**Reservations are required. For tickets or more information, contact The Holiday Light Show Center at 208-664-7268 or 800-688-5253

FREE Skating At The Ice Palace...

Date(s): 12/09/2010 - 02/24/2011

Times: 7-8:30pm

Event Location: Ice Palace, Riverfront Park

Event Address: 507 N Howard St

Phone: (509) 625-6601

Admission: Skating FREE WITH COUPON FROM THE INLANDER (you can find the FREE Inlander at various gas stations, some medical clinics, grocery stores, etc)/skate rental $3.25

Bring your friends for an evening of skating at one of the finest outdoor rinks in the country. The Inlander sponsors free admission for Inlander Appreciation night every Thursday (except 12/23 and 12/30) through the skating season. Skate, dance, have hot cocoa!

 

FREE Horse&Carriage Rides....

Date(s): 12/03/2010 - 12/24/2010

Times: Fri 3-8pm (Christmas Eve noon-3pm)/Sat & Sun noon-5pm

Event Location: Downtown Spokane

Event Address: Main Ave at Wall St

Phone: (509) 456-0580

Admission: FREE

Take a refreshing carriage ride through downtown Spokane. These free rides are gifts to the community and visitors from the Downtown Partnership and Spokane Teachers Credit union.

**Of note, you probably will have to stand in line quite a while, so make sure you dress SUPER warm. I would even take some blankets and whatnot, wear two pairs of socks and warm shoes too. I froze my behind off last year, because I didn't dress warm.

 

These are just a few things you can do. If I run across anymore, I will share. If you have any suggestions, please share with us.

 

Thanks!

 

Cheryl

$0.50/4 Yoplait Yogurt

Just go on over here for a coupon from Yoplait for $0.50/4 Yoplait Yogurt cups. Hurry though, if you want this, as the supply is limited.

Thanks!

Cheryl

Albertsons Trip Last Night

Yep, I had a TON of coupons for the Pillsbury brownies so I wanted to venture out to Albies last night. My hubby was night enough to take me to Liberty Lake so, I could get my shopping on. I did six different transactions and walked away with this and then some.......

Plus, not pictured are six Hefty Zoo Pal plates and 68 brownies (I ordered these last night, the plates and the brownies). Yes, I know that is a lot of brownies, but I had the coupons and so therefore they (the brownies) are going to be donated. So, I saved $228.68! Total out of pocket was $3.63! Wowza! That was good. I am not going to break each one of my transactions down, as I have to get my butt back to work, but I REALLY wanted to share with you how well I did last night. I am sooo excited about being able to donate some brownies and oil, and other items too. I did use (3) $5 Rewards that I had and I got back ANOTHER $5 reward.

So, here is what I got for $3.63!

68 brownies
8 Pillsbury Easy Frosting
4 Pam
3 Wesson oil
3 Marie Callender's Family Meals
3 Marie Callender's Steamers
3 Celestial Teas (these were on sale for $2.50, use with doubler makes them $0.50 each!)
1 Snack pack (had husband and Blakey with me)
2 Hefty Paper plates
6 Hefty Zoo Pals plates

Do you ever do something stupid like let a Catalina expire? Well, I did and I'm just kicking myself. I totally forgot about it until I saw it last night when I was going through my stuff. I can't believe it! It was a $5 Cat too! Oh well, I guess that is why I need to try to be a little more organized. You win some and you lose some and apparently I lost some. :)

By the way, when I was out at Liberty Lake last night they DID have plenty of brownies (just not enough for me to feel comfortable taking 68 for myself, so that is why I ordered them). So, if your on the hunt for some brownies, they had some. They, however, were out of the Zoo Pals plates.

Okay, I hope you all have a GREAT day and remember if you want to get in on the Albertsons's sale, today is the last day.

Cheryl

FREE Send A Dozen Cookies To A Soldier

This is sooo cool! Check this out.....Right now Kenmore is doing something pretty cool, using their Facebook page! Just go on on over to the Kenmore Facebook page, “like” them, then click on the “Cookies4Troops” tab to send a dozen cookies to a soldier away from home with your personal message of support. Another cool thing about this is by helping them reach their goal of sending a quarter million cookies to the troops, Kenmore will donate $50,000 to Heroes at Home Wish Registry to assist military families in need!

You can take part in this ABSOLUTELY FREE and a difference in someone's day! Just go on over here to do it. I just sent mine and it took a matter of maybe a minute or so. It was SUPER DUPER easy.

Thanks Hip2Save!

Cheryl

Yoplait

I REALLY like Yoplait yogurt. If you do, I STRONGLY recommend that you go check their website out. ;)

Thanks Coupon Geek!

Cheryl

Monday Weigh-In Report

Well.......once again,........I am happy to report that the scale was VERY nice to me yesterday. I lost 2.8 POUNDS!!!! That is a total of 10 POUNDS IN TWO WEEKS!!!! Okay, so I am LOVIN' this new plan so far!! How can I not?! I feel that I have more freedom on this plan, simply because I don't have to count the points of ANY of my fruit and MOST of my veggies. So, in the end, for me, I have more points to play with in a day. I am TRYING very hard to stay away from the bad carbs (higher point foods) and trying really hard to stick with the "good" foods of proteins, fruits and veggies, and whole grains. When I am "wanting" something sweet I grab a WW Red Velvet bar and that satisfies my sweet tooth and boy, if you have seen those bars they are not very big, but let me tell you I can make one of those babies last. :) Then, I am good to go.

I have had a hard time getting all of my activity in, but I'm trying. Even if I don't feel like "running," I will just walk on the treadmill. I figure walking is better than NO activity at all. Right?

I have been making chicken soup on Sunday, so I can have something easy for lunch through the week, but I didn't make any yesterday, so I better get to figuring something out here pretty soon. Anyway, I just boil my chicken for "a while," thenk I add a whole bunch of baby carrots, some celery, and whatever veggies I have. Then, this might sound a little gross, but I add a little milk so it "looks" a little creamy. I know, it's mental, but it works for me. Then, there you have it. That is it. I, of course, add garlic salt (my fave) and whatever spices I feel like that day.

Okay, so I am "a little" worried about this week, because lately when I do good, I do good for the first two weeks and then "fall off the wagon" on the third week. I am going to try really hard this week. I am hoping that since I am aware of this that things will be okay. I mean I've lost 10 pounds so far, why would I want to mess that up, right? I EVEN feel better, both physically and mentally. Boy, it sure really does make a difference with what we put in our bodies.

Anyway, here's to all of us having a good week this week.........

Cheryl

FREE Phone Call from Santa!!

I love these things. I have been lucky enough to have these done EVERY year for my kiddos and they just get so tickled. Plus, I love watching how excited they get. Anyway, right now you can send a free personalized call to your child from Santa Claus, thanks to Google Voice! If you do this, once you submit it, the phone will ring instantly, so make sure your kids are around. Just a little FYI, this does not respond to your little one talking. It is just a recorded message.

Anyway, just go on over here to get started. :)

Thanks Because More is More!

Cheryl

LeapFrog TAG Reading System Plus Bonus Activity Cards and Book, $16.99

Wow, check this AWESOME deal out. Right now, at Leapfrog.com you can score this Tag Reading System (16MB) & Land Animal Activity Cards (includes Tag Reader – 16 MB, included Ozzie & Mack activity book, and BONUS National Geographic Land Animal Activity Cards) for just $19.99.  This is down from $47.98! Plus, you can use coupon code CSLEAP15 at checkout to get an additional $3 off bringing your final cost down to $16.99 AND shipping is FREE!!


Just go on over here to get in on this AWESOME deal!

** I highly recommend this. We have these at our house and my kiddos LOVE them. They help learning to read be really fun for the kiddos. I STRONGLY endorse LeapFrog products and STRONGLY recommend this particular product, as we have had very good success with it. Not to mention this AWESOME price. This is JUST my very own opinion.

Thanks Hip2Save!

Cheryl

FREE Excedrin (New Offer)

Just go on over here to input your info and have a coupon for some FREE Excedrin come to you via snail mail.

Thanks Hip2Save!

Cheryl