Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thursday deals - 7/30/09

1. Print this coupon for 30% off your order from Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic from July 30 - August 2. Use as many times as you wish, and 5% of each of your purchases goes to CARE.

2. Print this coupon for $1 off All Small and Mighty Laundry detergent, then buy a trial sized one at Target, and you've just got a free laundry sample! :)

3. If you love Post's Honey Bunches of Oats like I do, you'll love this $2 off coupon!

4. Wanting to try that Dunkin Donuts coffee? Sign up for your free sample, and get a 1.1 oz. sample pouch by mail!

5. Blake is going to love that we are going to receive two free Sham-wows in the mail, just for filling out this short survey. We'll see if they perform like they are supposed to!

6. Today is National Cheesecake day! If you have time, visit the Cheesecake Factory for half off your cheesecake!

7. Request your free sample of the new Total Blueberry Pomegranate cereal, here. Then, if you like it, print your $0.75 off coupon here.

8. More free laundry detergent. Request your free sample of Gain with Febreze Freshness, here.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Too fast

Today and yesterday, Isaac has gone crazy with learning things. I get so excited for every new little milestone, but this whole growing up process is so bittersweet. Every day that passes takes me farther away from my little baby boy, but a little closer to all the new and exciting things he will learn and do.

Watch a couple of his new things for yourself:



Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Runza

While we were in Omaha, Blake decided it was time to introduce Isaac to the great, wonderful, Nebraskan Runza {to help him get in touch with his roots. We've already got him wearing Nebraska Cornhusker clothing}. I admit, as a born and raised Iowan, I am also a fan. All of our Omaha friends swear that Runza has the best fries.

Judging from Isaac's obvious enthusiasm for being there {picture 1 - obviously Daddy is excited about what was going to transpire}, Blake just knew Runza would be a hit. Personally, I think Little Man needs to eat it a few more times before he's sold on it.

Photojournal weekend

1. Congrats to Dan and Jen on their marriage! It was such a lovely wedding. Wishing you many more years of love and happiness. Eighth grade sweethearts - aww. Bonus - PMB reunion. :) Picture two is a tribute to Dan - and having his eyes closed in almost every picture he takes!


2. Friends - Thanks for letting us stay, Dawn {and for babysitting!}. Thanks for coming to take us out, Nate. Thanks for all of the slobber, Pal. Janelle, sorry we didn't call. I really want to see your house soon!


3. Play date. We met up with one of the ladies on my mommy forum and her two adorable kiddos. It was a super fun time - I think Isaac enjoyed meeting another fellow October 2008 baby {even though Kassidy was born at the end of September}.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Missing

I wanted to photo-journal about our weekend, but left my camera at my parent's house today. So - I'll be getting back to you on this one. Probably tomorrow.

In the meantime, enjoy a nice recipe {Thanks Tara!}.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cake

1 bag frozen strawberries-thawed and mashed
3c. diced rhubarb {I used a bag of frozen raspberries instead}
1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
1c. sugar
1/2 c. cornstarch
1 box white cake mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 pan. Heat fruit and lemon juice in pan for 5 min. Add sugar and cornstarch; bring to a boil, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and cool. Prepare cake batter according to box.
In pan pour 1/2 cake mix, then fruit mix, then other 1/2 of cake.
Bake 40-45min.

One question - how did you get your fruit to stay in the middle? I made this tonight, and all of my fruit sank to the bottom so the cake baked up on top with none on the bottom. If it matters, I added the fruit when it was still warm, and I dumped straight from the pan onto the batter. :) It still tasted fabulous though. :)

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Deals of the week - 7/23/09

1. Bath and Body Works is at it again. Take this coupon in for a FREE travel sized item with any purchase.

2. Save $5 on any $25 purchase in store or online at Babies R Us with this coupon through July 29.

3. If you have kids, and they are into TV. Brainy Baby is offering four of its DVD's FREE {you pay $6.95 shipping and handling}. Heck, if you just feel like watching an educational ABC or 123 video, this deal is for you! :)

4. And here's a great one this week. Probably my favorite - I bought some for when we travel to bigger cities. :)

At Restaurant.com, you can purchase $10 gift certificates {for $4} or $25 gift certificates {$10} to sponsoring restaurants in your area {just type in your zip code to search}. The certificates are good one year from the date of purchase. As an added bonus: until July 27th, type in the coupon promo code NAPKIN, and you will get 80% off of your order! In other words, you can buy $100 worth of gift certificates for $8!!!!!

Lola, I researched your area, and your FAVORITE restaurant is participating! Of course, there are some restrictions. Example - maybe it's only a Monday through Friday deal, or you might have to purchase two entrees {restrictions are listed by the restaurant's available certificates}. But, this deal is still a total steal in my opinion. I hope you can use it!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Chomp and Clack

Since Isaac has started pulling up on everything, and even attempting to push our chairs across the floor, I figured it was time to invest in a walker or push toy. I ended up with this one, and I'm so happy about the purchase {I even got a great price because I bought it from our little local toy store!}. It's awesome. I think I was more excited to play with it than Isaac was. ;)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Free book and Pastry

Oprah is offering a free download of the novel Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment.

And free pastry with your beverage purchase at Starbucks tomorrow only! {Coupon HERE!}

I wanted you to be able to use these before my Thursday deals because the pastry expires tomorrow {Tuesday - 7/21} at 10:30 a.m., and the book download expires Wednesday.

Seriously, what doesn't Oprah do?

Faithbook

It's no secret that I work for a church and am a Facebook addict. These are the kinds of things we sometimes receive in our mailboxes at work; things we like to share with everyone in the office. I think this one is the best by far.

It seems they're on to me...

I think someone in the mail delivery world has discovered my love for free things and coupons. Here's why:

1. The free quart of paint that I ordered from Glidden for their national paint giveaway arrived via FedEx - DENTED. Perhaps there was some anguish after delivering probably a bazillion free quarts of paint?

2. The coupon book that Jennifer suggested I sign up for finally arrived {get yours here}. It advertises over $30 in savings. I only received the outside jacket (the front and back pages), thereby saving only $0.75 on a Magic Eraser. The entire middle section {which Jennifer so kindly shared contained multiple $1 off coupons, some FREE goodies coupons, and various other savings I would LOVE to have}, was missing. Gone. Torn out. Never to be enjoyed by me. Even the tabs holding the supposed book closed for mailing were mangled. As the sign up page states there is only one per household, I sure hope someone else is enjoying MY savings!

3. We long ago stopped receiving a free weekly paper with an entire section devoted to items $75 or less. I REALLY miss it . I got a huge steal on a couple of larger baby items {swing and bouncy chair} for my parent's house awhile ago, and I would really like to find some more!

What next? Are my Victoria's Secret free panties coupons going to go missing? Better yet, are the free panties coupons that VS sends to BLAKE going to go missing? Have I mentioned I actually really dislike the word panties?

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Deals of the week - 7/16/09

1. If you like reading, buy one hardcover book at Borders for $24.95 or more and get a free paperback book {max $8 value} with this coupon. Vakd through July 19.

2. Need new shoes? Famous Footwear is having a great sale - Buy one pair of shoes, get the second 50% off, plus FREE shipping for online purchases. To sweeten the deal, you can also enter the coupon code JULY15 at checkout to get an additional 15% off your purchase {valid through July 19}.

3. I have a ton of pictures to print, so I'll be using this one! Winkflash is having a print sale: buy 100 prints for 4 cents each using code 4CENTS. Any prints over 100 are 6 cents each, and if you're new to them, you get 50 FREE prints. Woohoo. {If you're wondering, they are ranked #5 of the top 10 Digital Photo Printing places. Snapfish is #1}.

4. If you prefer Walgreens for your photos, they are having sale through July 18 - Order 25 4 x 6 prints from Walgreens and get 25 FREE 4 x 6 prints with code JULYPRINTS.

5. You can make $1 on a Tyson Skillet Creations Meal. Print out the coupon here, use it in store when you buy it. While you are at the website, print the free rebate form, and you've made $1! Looks like I'm paying you for dinner. :)

6. Get a Sonic Limeade Chiller for $0.99. Coupon here.

7. If you've got a wee one who is going to be potty training soon, you can get a free potty training kit here. Sure, it's Dora or Diego, but it's FREE! :)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Stats

We had Isaac's 9 month appointment this morning. No shots, no blood draw, so Little Man was a pretty happy camper!

Here are his stats:
Head Circ: 18" (50%)
Height: 28.75" (50%)
Weight: 17 lb 12 oz (10%)

There it is, staring me in the face. The 10%. The Dr. has us coming in for weight checks every three weeks now since his weight has dropped off so much {we were supposed to be in the clear until he turned a year old}. She expected a drop with the 9 month appointment because he's mobile, but apparently this was a bit much. G R E A T.

Considering he eats really well and seems fine otherwise, I'm just going to say that he has his Dad's freaky metabolism, and hope his weight increase does not drop off more. If it does, he'll be classified as "failure to thrive" and will have to have tons of blood draws for testing. Let me clarify that he has not lost weight, just isn't gaining it quickly enough. Don't you wish someone would tell you that you're not gaining weight fast enough? :)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Trivia

Question: How many white frosting rings are on the top of a Hostess Cupcake?
Answer: Seven

So can someone please explain what happened here? There is definitely the expectation of seeing those seven perfect rings when you pull the cupcake out of the package. Seeing this was pretty disappointing. Interesting, but disappointing.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Oven baked chicken for dinner

I'm not sure if I have posted this recipe yet or not. Even if I have, I'd post it again because I'm still a fan since I discovered it about a year ago. Super easy, super delicious! Perfect with some mashed potatoes and creamed corn {maybe throw in some salad or fruit if you want more color. I kind of like the blah color palette with this one}.

Oven Baked Chicken
1 T. butter or margarine
2/3 cup Bisquick
1 1/2 t. paprika
1 t. salt or garlic salt {I actually use garlic powder}
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. pepper
1 cut-up whole chicken {I just buy the hindquarters}

Heat oven to 425 F. Melt butter in 13x9 baking dish. {I melt the butter in the dish as the oven is preheating}

Mix all dry ingredients together; coat chicken. Place skin side down in heated dish.

Bake 35 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake approx. 15 more minutes or until juice is clear.

Yum yum.

Alphabet book - F

I'm actually already up to H, but I like leaving you all in a little suspense. :)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Vintage cutie

Remember this vintage shirt my mom gave us that I wanted "Bubs" to wear? Well, Bubs is big enough to wear it now. If you don't think that this is just darling, you are crazy. :)

Yes, Isaac has food in and around his mouth, and YES we dared to take a picture of him in his high chair not strapped in and tray removed. We live on the edge.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Thursday Deals -7/9/09

I'm not sure how many of you use these weekly, but sorry they are a day late if you do! :)

1. Bath and Body Works loves handing out the deals. Now, you can get a FREE True Blue Spa product (up to $15) with a $15 purchase. Good through August 2.

2. Well this sounds good. Use a coupon for a FREE Bacon Cheddar Roastburger at Arby's with a drink purchase. Expires 7/13.

3. Oh the technology users. I don't qualify for this deal, but iPhone or iPod Touch users do! If you download the FREE Barnes and Noble app., you'll receive a mobile coupon for a FREE tall Starbucks brewed coffee.

4. Get your FREE Fiber One Sample + $5 in coupons here.

5. Get a FREE box of Lipton tea by calling 1-888-435-3639 and following the automated instructions to recieve coupon. One per household.

6. McDonald's is having FREE Mocha Mondays. Every Monday from 7/13 - 8/3 get a FREE sample {sizes are 8 oz. mocha or 7 oz. iced mocha} of McCafe's hot or iced mocha. Offer runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and no coupons or necessary.

7. Wal-mart offering FREE samples: Viva Paper Towels here and Nivea for Men Active 3 Body Wash here.

8. Facebook users - become a fan of iTunes on Facebook and get a 20 song rock/alt indie sampler FREE.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Impulse buyer

Isaac has reached such a fun age that I'm now the mom that I told myself I wouldn't become - I buy him SO MANY TOYS! I can't help it really. We walk through the toy aisle in a store, he squeals or laughs in delight at something, we play with it for five minutes, and then it ends up at our house. I'm a HUGE sucker for books, but the most disturbing part about all of this, is that I'm buying him the noise-making toys that drive me crazy!

Granted, a couple of them I truly think were good purchases. Example - he has really outgrown a lot of his baby-ish toys and is into pulling himself up, standing, and working on his fine motor skills, so we purchased the Leap Frog Learn and Groove Musical Table. Best thing ever. He loves it! It also works on his self-feeding as we hide some cheerios or puffs in the little compartment, so he has to open the door to get to them.

Today, I purchased the old classic Chatter Telephone {which provided a good half hour of entertainment when we got home} and a 4-wheeler that we plan to give him for some kind of future special occasion {like a birthday, but I doubt we make it to October!}. I blame Grandpa for the 4-wheeler purchase. I mean really, the kid is obsessed with any kind of motorized vehicle of that genre - tractors, skid loaders, 4-wheelers, etc.- because Grandpa loves taking him for rides {let's not worry about all those warning stickers about passengers on these things!}, and because Grandpa takes Isaac for rides, Isaac is obsessed with Grandpa too. See how the cycle continues?

Could it be that I really just have no control over the toy-buying impulse? Hopefully once he can ASK for the toy, I'll be able to be the mean mom that I want to be and say, "no." I'm not going to bet on it, but I sure don't want a bratty kid who gets everything he wants either. Ah, wish me luck. Motherhood is so trying, but I wouldn't trade it for anything {although a regular full night of sleep would be nice!}.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

9 Months

How quickly time passes by. Our little man is 9 months old today. We'll find out just how big he has gotten at his appointment next Wednesday {7/15}.

So far, he:
1. Crawls, cruises, AND free stands {which keeps me VERY busy!}
2. Feeds himself finger foods {puffs, cheerios, pancake, Baby Mum Mums}
3. Has 2 teeth {one top, one bottom}, with 2 more clearly on the way
4. Still loves reading books and can open the flaps in his peek-a-boo books by himself
5. Is obsessed with being outside {and on the 4-wheeler or tractor with grandpa!}
6. Drinks from his sippy cup
7. Sits up from his back
8. Has quite the menu for foods {sweet potato, pumpkin, squash, peas, green beans, pears, applesauce with cinnamon, grapes in the mesh feeder, zucchini, ground turkey, ground beef, ground pork, buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, banana, oatmeal, rice cereal, egg yolk, carrots, crackers, cheerios, puffs, mum mums, shredded chicken, pasta, and toast}
9. Throws tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants
10. Understands the word "NO"
11. Is semi-signing "all done" when he is finished eating
12. Put his soothie in and out of his mouth {correctly} as he pleases - when we let him HAVE the soothie! :)

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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day from all of us to you. I hope you all had a safe and fun weekend! Isaac sported some American pride, while I wore green, purple and gray. Blake wore some blue. Hey, at least my kid is patriotic!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Deals of the week - 7/2/09

1. FREE antibacterial hand soap with any purchase at Bath and Body Works until 7/5. Print coupon here.

2. FREE Goody Hair Accessories at Walgreens this week. Buy an Goody ouchless flex hair accessory for $3.99 + use the $1 off coupon here + a mail in rebate form prints at check out = FREE.

3. Friday, July 3, you can get OLD NAVY Flag T-shirts for $1!!!

4. Get $5 off your in store purchase of $25 or more at PetSmart. Coupon here.

5. Ladies, need some makeup?? The Sephora counter at JCPenney is offering a FREE 10 day supply of Bare Escentuals foundation plus a baby buki brush with this coupon. If they are out, you can pick a free sample of something else!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009