Date Night Deal

If one of your resolutions is to have more date nights, consider Restaurant.com. I've posted about this site before and right now you can get a $25 Gift Certificate for $2. For a limited time they are including a free $10 card with each purchase. Shop through Mr. Rebates for additional savings. Use promo code CHEER at checkout to save the 80%. Remember, there are restrictions that vary from location to location but these gift cards are perfect for date nights and trying new places! Sometimes date nights are easier said than done but, through a cheap meal into the mix and it becomes just a little easier.

Eureka! My New Holiday Cookie!

I posted about a chocolate mint cookie HERE. At the time of the post I hadn't attempted the recipe. I just wanted to update that I made them and I thought they were very good and I will be making them again. One note (if you want to give it a go)- I used an extra egg yolk. My daughter had a blast helping me make them and I would say they were every bit addicting as the good ole' Thin Mint. Status: They're all gone!!

Happy Holidays

I haven't posted the last few days because I've been spending extra time with my family and I'm busy going in circles trying to put away some Christmas gifts. I hope everyone had a great holiday and are maybe even lucky enough to not be back to work yet. My kids made Christmas more magical than I ever remember and it was truly a joy to watch them open their presents on Christmas morning. After opening her first present, my daughter exclaimed, "My whole life I wanted this and this is just fantastic!!. I think she hugged each present and eventually just starting abbreviating her comments with, "My whole life...!". My son wasn't nearly as interested in ripping the presents open but kept us entertained anyway. It is so hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone! Happy belated Holidays to you and yours!

A Package, for Moi?

I don't mean to sound like a Scrooge because I can only imagine how insane it is to work for a package delivery company this time of year, BUT, COME ON, did you have to leave my delivery in the snow? I'm home today and can see the drop off spot from the window so it couldn't have been out there long but the bottom was soaked - what if I didn't get the package until much, much later? Ugh! Then, they left a delivery notice stating the package was left at the front door, on the front door! Duh. I did have a good laugh about that. Anyway, that package, like most that we receive this time of year, was for my kids. In the mailbox, however, was a package just for me. I got a full size L'OREAL Lash Boosting Serum and a full size L'OREAL Double Extend Mascara with Lash Boosting Serum.

I received this product from a program that I participate in called Bzz Agent. If you haven't heard of this company it is a WOM marketing company; WOM standing for "word of mouth". So, I was offered this campaign and accepted. Which means I get to try the product and all I have to do is give my honest opinion to people that I know that might be interested. If you would like to find out more about BZZ Agent, check out their website HERE. Anyone can sign up - this is not just for bloggers. Blogging is a good way to share info though so I will be posting my results here. I know some of you might be curious about this "over the counter" serum after seeing the Brooke Shields commercial for a (not affiliated) prescription serum a trillion and one times on tv. Did I mention that the serum retails for $14.95 and the mascara retails for $12.95 and this is a 4-week challenge?

Giant Eagle - eOffers

If you shop at Giant Eagle, the pros of having a Giant Eagle Advantage card are probably not news to you but, what you might not know is that they have eOffers you can find on their webpage. You "clip" these coupons electronically and the savings are loaded onto your Advantage card.
So, no forgetting your coupons at home or, in my case, no little hands stealing/throwing/hiding/eating your coupons. Get the details on the program below.


Giant Eagle - eOffers

Last Minute Deal- Tinkerbell and The Lost Treasure Blu Ray -FREE!

WARNING: This is a multi-step deal and not for the faint of heart ;) And, you need to get your butt to Target, pronto.

1. Login to your Disney Movie Rewards account. If you don't have an account and you purchase any Disney movies/cds/movie tickets, you should really have an account. Join now.

2. Enter "GIFT" as your special code and click on the printable coupon banner to print a coupon for $10 off

3. Print the $5 off any Blu Ray I posted about HERE

4. Go to Target. The Blu Ray is on sale for $19.99. You can stack the above coupons with the sale to bring you down to $4.00

5. Submit for one of the rebate deals to get your copy FREE after rebate. What I love about this offer is that you are only out $4.99 if you decide not to participate in one of the rebate offers.

Go to Deal Seeking Mom to get rebate offers. (Thanks, DSM!)

This is a great gift alone but pair it with a pair of Tink dress up shoes or wings, and this is a gift any Little Lady would LOVE!!

Just when you think Santa's work is finished...

Email Ecstasy - Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter!

Get 2 free movie tickets through Fandango with a $75 purchase in store at Banana Republic through 12/20 while supplies last!

Details & fine print:

*You will receive a card with a Fandango promotional code (“Promo Code”) redeemable for two general admission movie tickets (up to maximum total retail value of $27.00), valid only for Internet purchases made at www.fandango.com/promo/bananarepublic for Fandango partner theaters located in the U.S. PROMO CODE EXPIRES IF NOT ACTIVATED AND REDEEMED BY JANUARY 31, 2010, and is good for one-time use only for a single movie and show time. Promo Codes cannot be redeemed directly at any of Fandango’s partner theaters, via Fandango’s telephone service or through any other website operated by third-party merchants accessible from the Fandango Web site. Promo Codes have no cash value and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Promo Codes also subject to the terms and conditions located at http://www.fandango.com/termsofuse.aspx.

The movie ticket gift offer valid while supplies last from 12/18/2009 through 12/20/2009 at participating Banana Republic stores in the U.S. only. Not valid at Banana Republic Factory Stores, Edition by Banana Republic or BananaRepublic.com. Limit one gift per customer. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only, not value of Giftcards purchased, packaging or applicable taxes. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount

12/20/09 Sunday Paper

There will be no coupon inserts in this Sunday's paper. If getting the coupons is your only reason for buying the paper on Sundays, save your money. Speaking of Sunday papers... Did you know that most dollar stores carry the Sunday paper for just a $1?

Holiday Kiss Commercial

My daughter wants to watch/sing/act out this commercial all day long. If this commercial has a subliminal message, it isn't lost on her. She now "sees" Hershey Kisses everywhere. She says, "Mom, that ornament sure does look like a Hershey Kiss!".

Email Ecstasy - Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter!

For your little Thomas fan...

I just got an email from hitshopusa.com

20% off already marked down prices of Thomas Wooden Railway Engines
Use code: Engines20

Free Personalized Video Message from Santa

Here's an offer for a free personalized video message from Santa! Three easy steps! You will need to register with Family.com to participate if you haven't already.

1. Sign in or Register
2. Enter your child's name
3. Upload a photo of your child

Mr. Bluelight's Christmas Countdown

Pottery Barn Kids Printable Coupon

I can never get my daughter out of Pottery Barn Kids! The coupon is valid 12/19-12/21 and takes 20% off of one item in store only.

Thanks, Stretching a Buck!

TODAY IS FREE SHIPPING DAY!

Still need to order online for Christmas? Today is free ship day with 700 retailers. Check HERE to see if the company you need to order from is participating!! I hope this saves some cash for you!!

If you are a member of a rebate program, don't forget to shop through them!


Thank you, Couponing to Disney.

Interesting Present Wrapping Video FOR OVERACHIEVERS!

If I wrapped my presents like this my kids would be like, "I don't understand. Where's my rocket?". Watch the video to see what I mean.

Blue Christmas - I can watch it over and over!

Stocking Stuffer Coupons -Updated

If you're stuffing a stocking this year, I've compiled a list of coupons for items I think that would make great stocking stuffers. Depending on your giving style, stockings can be time consuming and expensive! I love hearing how different people approach the stocking. Is the stocking stuffed by Santa or Mom & Dad? Do you open before the presents under the tree or after? Do you wrap the treats inside or not? For us, it is Santa, after & yes respectively.

Coupons.com

These coupons were generated using zip code 15216. I believe these are regional and your offers may vary. Don't see one you really wanted? Use zip code 15216.

$5 off $20 or more My Little Pony purchase
$5 off $20 or more Hasbro Star Wars purchase
$5 off Playskool Dinosaur Hatchlings (We have 2 of these and they are so cute)
$2 off Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head
B2G1 Luna bars
$1 off Milkbone products
$1 off Pup-Peroni
$1/2 WONKA candy canes
$1 off Tony Hawk vitamins
$2 off Nivea body wash
$2 off Garnier Nutrioniste Anti-puff Eye Roller
$3 M5 Magnum razor

Target.com

$5 off any Blu-ray disc of $5 or more *great coupon*
$5 off Kodak camera or digital frame
%10 off IPOD player
$1 off Purina dog snacks
$1 off Jergens Natural Glow Farce of body moisturizer
$1 off Disney or Marvel Spiderman mulitvitamins
$1 off Revlon lip color
$1 Gerber onesies or any other Gerber apparel/bedding item
$.75 off (3) Gerber organic puree baby food
$1 off Hershey's Pot of Gold
$1 off (2) WONKA Pixy Stix or Laffy Taffy filled candy canes
$.50 off Hershey Kisses
$.75 off Pepperidge Farm cookies

*Target Notes-
1. Don't forget that each reusable bag used on your order will ring up like a $.05 coupon (can be any brand/store reusable bag)
2. If you were lucky enough to receive one of Target's Baby Coupon booklets in the mail, there is a $5 off $25 purchase coupon included in the booklet. It can be used on any $25 purchase (not just baby items)

Rightathome.com

$3.50 off any Glade Fragrance Collection product HERE
(Thanks, Thrifty & Chic Mom)

Disney's GForce Printable Coupon
$10 off

*Pair this with the $5 off Blu Ray at Target !!

For the Vera Bradley Fan on Your List - TODAY ONLY

Today only the Lisa B bag (in select colors) is on sale for $25. Standard shipping is $8 and Mr. Rebates is offering 6% back in rebates. This bag normally retails for $63!

A Pittsburgh Tradition

I'm like a kid a candy store (or like myself in a candy store) at the release of the promo for the new coaster coming to Kennywood Park this summer. If you are from southwestern Pennsylvania, Kennywood Park is like our own little slice of magic, don't you think? If you are not from southwestern PA and have never been to Kennywood, seriously consider taking a road trip this summer to visit. You won't be disappointed. To me, Kennywood is like a time machine. I can close my eyes and I'm right back in 1987 wondering when I'll ever be able to ride the legendary "Thunderbolt". After watching this promo I'm taken to the future where I'm picturing my children in a few years wondering which summer they'll be able to ride the "Sky Rocket".

See the new coaster HERE on Kennywood.com

$2 Children's Books at Books A Million

Couponing to Disney has a post about $2 books at Books A Million. I'd imagine that these are going to go quick. THE DAY BEFORE KINDERGARTEN looks really cute. If you're done Christmas shopping, you could still pick this one up and write a dedication to your child if they are starting school next year. Read about the deal HERE.

Out with the Old and In with the New - Gadget Recycling

As the end of the year approaches I think many people start to look forward to the coming year and welcome new beginnings and clean slates with plans and resolutions. Since becoming a mom, I really feel the urge to "spring clean" around this time of the year. I'm looking at what I can purge, simplify, donate, reduce, reuse, recycle, etc. The inevitable question is already looming; Where on Earth am I going to put the new toys?! Anyway, I finally recycled some old cell phones that I was seriously sick of shuffling around. I recycled with Gazelle and they not only recycle cell phones but all sorts of gadgets. Click HERE for a short demo video.
The process was simple enough and I would consider using the company again. If the equipment is deemed acceptable they will make you an offer on your items. My offer wasn't much but it got the phones out of my kitchen drawer and they didn't end up in the landfill either. For my payment I opted for an Amazon credit code that was emailed to me. If you're lucky enough to get some new electronics this year for Christmas, consider cashing in on your old with Gazelle.

Reindeer Food Recipe

In a previous post I admitted my obsession with Christmas traditions. Apparently, when my kids start school there is a whole new set of traditions to add to the list. The other day at my daughter's dance class some of the moms were talking about the activities that were planned for their daughter's preschool Holiday party and they mentioned that they were making Reindeer food. Isn't that what carrots are? Being that my daughter hasn't started preschool yet and we hadn't heard of Reindeer food, I had to google the recipe. I've seen a couple of different variations but most are similar to the recipe found Here. Another variation includes white sugar and some call for real glitter but I would hold off on the glitter if some non magical animals decide to munch on it, too. Carrots are still good but if you're looking for an activity or craft to do with your child or at a school party, this is really cute.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas...

It's snowing and when I went to flip the flag up on the mailbox this morning while mailing my Christmas cards, I realized it was frozen to the mailbox. I truly believe the Christmas spirit lives in our hearts but certain things really bring it out of me. Like snow (prior to Christmas-after Christmas you can keep it unless of course I'm skiing in which case, they make it!), Christmas songs and traditions. I'm really big on traditions like, annoyingly big on traditions - upholding old ones and starting new ones!! Like I said, we have a lot but here are some:

• Baking a Birthday cake together for Baby Jesus to be eaten on Christmas Day

• The infamous Christmas Mouse - I love this ! This is my husband's deal. Apparently when he was young the Christmas Mouse left a special gift and I believe the tradition varied from year to year? Maybe he hid and you found him for a gift or, he was in the tree and brought a gift-I'm not really sure. I had heard about this magical mouse and was eager to start this tradition with our daughter. We called my husband's mom to see if she could send us the mouse figurine for her first Christmas. His Mom then informs us that she had given him to us the previous year. AHH! Had I lost the beloved mouse? Well, we thought maybe we had lost him forever but, sure enough, the next year she called us and said that they had never in fact sent the Christmas mouse and would promptly put him in the mail. So, the time had come for him to join our new family and I open the envelope and.... You know how you remember things differently as a child? Well, turns out the Christmas Mouse is not wearing a Santa suit but more like a red smoking jacket and holding a cigar!! We had a seriously good laugh over the ordeal but love him nonetheless. Since then he has been bringing a gift that fits neatly on a branch in the Christmas tree.

• Elf on the Shelf - This was given to us last year by my Mom and is really sweet. Our elf is named Alford and he is an officially registered elf with the North Pole. If you're not familiar with Elf on the Shelf, you can read about it Here.

I'd love to hear some other really good traditions I can steal! Happy Holidays!

Email Ecstasy - Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter!

Signing up for email notifications for your favorite stores and products is a must. Admittedly though, it does become annoying when your Inbox is filled with what is seemingly the same old deal. Once in blue moon you get the feeling of, what I'd like to refer to as, Email Ecstasy. This warm and fuzzy feeling is prompting me to start the first regular installment of my blog. This is where I share my enthusiasm over a deal I found in the old Inbox. Today's deal? Leapfrog.com We haven't met a Leapfrog product yet we haven't liked and when I browse the selections for the older age groups' toys, I don't see our loyalty waning. The toy that caught my eye? Fridge Talk Magnetic Wordplay Recorder It has been on my radar for some time and I can promise you that today's price of $5.99 is a tinsel (Don't Ask) of a deal (Reg.Price $21.99). It is for ages 3-6 but there are some other great deals for other age groups as well. Hurry, deal ends tonight at 11:59 PM CST. Wanna sweeten up the deal? Use the freeship code I posted about HERE and shop through Mr.Rebates for a 5% return. Not a member yet? Sign up and receive a bonus $5.

A Gift Giving Aside - Remember, if you buy this (or any other magnetic fridge gift) for another person's kid - Magnets don't stick to stainless! So, if they have a stainless fridge this gift might have the potential of being shoved in a drawer!

Restaurant.com & Red Envelope-TODAY ONLY

I found this deal today and I just took advantage of it but, hurry! It ends today. This is a two for one deal and I thought I'd share my scenario. 70% off Restaurant.com giftcards and a free $15 to redenvelope.com with restaurant gift card purchase. Read all the details of the deal, HERE! Thank you, Nicole's Nickels!

I had known about the restaurant.com 70% off code and was planning to take advantage of it when I got around to it but then I found out about the bonus $15 from Red Envelope and I realized there was no time like the present.

My Scenario:

Part One: I shopped through Mr.Rebates and they were offering a 27% rebate. I purchased a $25 gift card for $3 using the discount code PRESENT. I know, before you start questioning my math, let me explain. Restaurant.com offers gift cards at a discount. So I purchased a $25 for $10 and then the 70% off - Voila!- My $3 purchase. This restaurant, by the way, is one that my husband and I have been wanting to try. There are restrictions for the gift cards and they vary depending on the location. This particular restriction stated that we had to order 2 entrees (Uh, if you know my husband then you know we weren't sharing an entree anyway).

Part Two: With the purchase you got the unique $15 to RE immediately. I headed over to that webpage - Don't forget to use your favorite rebate site! I purchased a really cute holiday tealight holder as a token of appreciation for my daughter's dance teacher. All in all, the RE purchase cost $1.03 with the potential of a rebate. You can't beat that, and, I crossed a name off of my holiday shopping list.

Click HERE to check out the tea light holder I ordered!

Disney's The Princess and the Frog

Disney is releasing its new animated film, The Princess and the Frog, this Friday. This is huge in our house. My daughter is talking about Princess Tiana nonstop. "But Mom, I neeeeeeeeeeed a green dress like Princess Tiana." "Mom, there are boats in Princess Tiana's movie, huh?" If you have a little Princess or Prince at home that needs a Tiana fix, read on.

First, if you are planning to see this movie and purchase your tickets in advance with Fandango, you can get a couple of cool bonuses. Codes are available with purchase for 75 points each film ticket for disneymovierewards.com, a free download for a song from the movie's soundtrack through iTunes and a call from Princess Tiana! Remember to shop through ShopAtHome (or the rebate site of your choice) to sweeten the deal. ShopAtHome is currently offering 4% cash back.

If they still haven't filled their Tiana fix, LeapFrog.com is offering free shipping on orders with The Princess and the Frog merchandise. And right now, Wendy's kids' meals are featuring $5 off coupons on select LeapFrog products at participating retailers.

LeapFrog.com
TPATF tag book on sale for $11.19 (Reg. $13.99)
Get free shipping with discount code FSPATFL
Shop through ShopAtHome and get a 5% rebate!!
Perfect for Christmas!!

DEAD DEAL-Hurry - Great (Cheap) Photo Gift Deal!

You'll need to hurry if you're going to catch this deal! Today only, get an 11 oz. photo mug for $5 shipped, HERE! Use discount code 5DOLLARMUG at checkout. I love photo gifts!

(Thank you, Money Saving Mom)

Looking For a New Holiday Cookie?

Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter and Hershey Kisses are the holiday standards but, if you're like me, you might be looking for a new cookie to add to your cookie list. I think (hope) I've found my new addition. I love, love, love the Girl Scout's Thin Mints. I can easily finish a box-maybe two-off in a sitting. I found a recipe on Oprah.com claiming to size up to the originals. I took a look at the ingredients and nothing too crazy. Really the only ingredient that you might not have in your stash is peppermint oil. I have not tried these yet but my little baker and I will be soon. Find this yummy recipe HERE.

Let me know if you try it or, if you just want to share your favorite holiday recipe!!

Great Hallmark Holiday Coupon!!

Print this out!! Hallmark $5/$5 No Min. Purchase. Read more about it on Couponing to Disney
Remember, after your coupon is done printing, you should be able to hit the back button on your browser and print two for extra savings!!

MyPoints.com

MyPoints.com is one of my favorite websites and I will tell you why. You can earn free gift cards to really good places. Once you sign up, you'll start receiving emails from MyPoints. They will have an offer from an advertiser with a link to take you to that company's website. When you click through to their site you will receive 5 MyPoint points. You don't have to buy anything, ever! There is a per dollar point reward if you do decide to purchase/signup and, if you do, you will earn more points but you will still receive the 5 point for just reading the email. I've been doing this for about a year and I have received several gift certificates. For those of you that are skeptical while signing up for reward webpages - don't be. MyPoints delivers.

Visit MyPoints Here.

Did Someone Say, "Easy"?

I think an appropriate first giveaway post for a blog entitled Mama Needs a New Pair of Shoes would be about a giveaway for a pair of shoes. Here it goes...
The shoes are by Reebok and you may have noticed the commercials on tv recently claiming to work out your thighs and butt. Something tells me that the model in the commercial already had a tight butt and thighs before ever donning a pair of EasyTones but, I'm keeping an open mind. I have been checking these shoes out hardcore and waiting for my local shoe store to get a pair. Turns out they won't be getting them in store anytime soon. I really want to try a pair on! Thrift & Chic Mom is giving away a pair of EasyTones HERE! This is one contest that I entered immediately. I want to win! Don't you?

On Your Mark, Get Set, Blog!

So, I did it. I started a blog, well, actually, I'm starting a blog right now. My husband has been telling me for about two years that I should blog and I agreed. I had been telling myself the same thing the whole time. Why has it taken me so long to get started? I have a lot to say and someone will listen, right? Well, I can't predict that and it really doesn't matter. This is something that I have wanted to do for awhile and after actually becoming envious of some of the women who write the blogs I frequent, I began rethinking the idea. What can I lose? I've started something that I wanted to do and that alone is a valuable lesson that I'd like to share with my kids.

What will I blog about? Life as Mom and I love a bargain so I'll be sharing those as well.