Quack Quack

Memorial Day started out with:

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! WWWWAAAAAHHH!" as tot2 fell out of bed and scared the living daylights out of me at 5 am. Into bed with us he went (which is a rare occurance but seeing as we have no furniture in the livingroom to cuddle with him on) and no more sleep for me. Between the head in between my shoulder blades, the flailing hands in the eyes and cold toes I think I got 30 minutes of sleep until he fully woke up at 8.

Memorial Day parade was viewed from our front lawn. We didn't stay for the ceremony in the graveyard. The guns going off drive the dog and kids nuts. Plans for the lagoon turned out awesome. The ducklings were so adorable that I didn't mind the flooding.

I'm trying to remember the ducks because the rest of the day was hot, humid and sticky which made me irritable, unmovitated and grouchy. Two bonuses, though. We got the pool up and I have one piece of furniture to sit on in the livingroom now. Netflix and icecream tonight. :)

Sales and Coupon Previews

iheartwags has the Walgreens deals for the next 3 weeks up! I do not know why the flier for next week is not showing up, however the 2 weeks after have both full flyers up in order to check out Register Rewards deals and what not.

Check out Sunday coupon preview here. There are supposed to be 3 inserts but only P&G is up right now.

I was actually able to get the $.99 Aquafresh toothpaste this morning. Mashup Mom writes that they are substituting the cracker Register Reward deal. I don't have a coupon for the other crackers nor a printer hooked up to get one, so not happening. There were little "stickers" in my store on more than just the crackers, saying something along the lines of sorry due to a warehouse shortage this such item will not be in stock. Gah. Everyone makes mistakes but seriously? There have been so many problems lately.

Saw Dust and Chicken *Updated

I've already went back and forth, in and out, then around in order to get dinner into the crock pot because it is rather difficult to move around in my kitchen with it looking like this:

After matching up what I have in my cupboard and reading through recipes online I've decided on Easy Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo. I'm hoping I can find space to cook some rice or noodles on the stove. If not, I'll have to utilize the microwave! Unfortunately, I have no photo to share of what it will look like, so all of us will have to wait to see.

*Update

Saw dust leads to allergies inflamation and I accidentally put the crock pot on "keep warm" instead of high. So instead of having raw chicken at 6:30 we had the above. And for Memorial Day we BBQ'd so hopefully tomorrow with the scattered showers forecasted, we'll warm up the alfredo chicken and add the noodles.

Swagcode for 5 bucks till 3pm central

Check Swagbucks twitter page for an easy 5 bucks. I recommend using Firefox or some other web browser because for me Internet Explorer freezes.

FREEbies for 5/28

(available while supplies last)

Trojan Magnum condoms-printable
3 different denominations of coupons. Must get my printer hooked up today.

Quest Protein bar

Purex with Zout sample
*They let me do it for a 3rd time and I've received the previous 2 samples in the mail.

Sonia Remy Cosmetics

Bookmark from Cancer Projects
*Have to pretend to be a doctor

Dentek Floss pick $1 coupon

2ct Cascade sample
*this is through P&G sampler, so if you have already requested a sample this quarter it won't work

B1G1FREE and $.65 coupon of Taster's Choice.
New members receive a FREE sample which should include $1 coupon

Caffeinated Soap
*???? At least it will be interesting

FREE Denim Hat
*We shall see. That is a big product to mail for free. It said 3 weeks.

Walgreens trip 5/27

Last Walgreens trip for the week. I don't even want to think about next week, yet. This whole coupon thing gives me a headache. I changed my list again. I don't need the leg shaving cream nor will I probably use it. They were out of milk and toothbrushes and the popcorn was $3.49! Even with the $.55 coupon, I was not going to pay $2.94 for a bag/bowl of popcorn. I still have time to do the toothbrush deal because it does not end till sometime in June. The 2 FREE coupon items are not sold at Walgreens or my small Wal-Mart so they will expire. I added the gum to the list because hubby needs it for work and I needed it to attach a coupon to.  Spongebob candy was for child8 because I felt bad saying no and I could attach a Register Reward to it.

Schick 3 blade cartridges B1G1FREE ($8.99 but lesser priced item=FREE)
Schick 5 blade cartridges $11.99 (I did not realize that these were more than the 3 blade but should of)
2x Taster Choice Single Serve packs 2/$2.00
Orbit 3 pack gum $2.99
Gummy Spongebob candy $1.29

I had 2 $2.00 coupons for the Schick's, 2 $1.00 coupons for the Taster's Choice (which I got in the mail yesterday) and the $5 total in Register Rewards. Paid $8.43 after tax. Receipt states I saved $20.19.  Basically all I paid for was the Schick 3 blade cartridges.  Out of Register Rewards, though.

So far I know I need to get aluminum foil, aquafresh toothpaste and some kind of cracker is on sale with Register Reward (which I have a coupon for) next week. I can actually go in on Sunday morning without the kids because hubby has it off. Let's see if they have anything in stock at opening. According to their online rep, the store is supposed to re-stock daily. However.....yeah (insert video of me rolling my eyes).

Swagbucks Basket Brawl Finals Challenge

A couple months back Swagbucks had a fun contest which consisted of them making two teams of swag people to see which team could earn the most swagbucks in a set amount of time. They are doing it again with a basketball theme. If you are an active swag member it doesn't hurt to try to get the free points if your team wins.

If you have not signed up for Swagbucks, please do here. It's easy to earn rewards. All it takes is either changing your search engine to http://www.swagbucks.com/ or installing their toolbar. I recommend both. In short, you earn bucks for searching, playing games, watching videos, taking surveys, doing offers and more and then you exchange those bucks for rewards like giftcards, electronics and more. Click here for more easy $$$ sites.

Basket Brawl Finals
Join a team!

Summer Motivation

Trying to get child8 outside makes me think about a website I had seen awhile back.

GeoPalz
"Walk to Win! GeoPalz is the first fitness tracker that lets you “Walk to Win.” The more steps you take, the more pedpoints you get. Trade’em in for all types of prizes, from Frisbees and jump ropes to baseball bats and footballs, you can also save your points to win a Bike or skateboard."

It looks interesting but I haven't bought a pedometer yet. Like most kids, child8 really enjoys getting stuff in his name and prizes. If this will motivate him, I'm definately thinking about it. It looks legit but I wish they gave more information before I buy one. Has anyone done this yet? I could definately do this myself. Buy a $5 pedometer from Wal-Mart and graph his steps. Then give him certificates and "prizes" based off of the number of steps he took. If he loses it I'm out $20. If he loses the cheap pedometer from Wal-Mart I'm out $5. It would definately motivate me for awhile, too.

Child Conversations

The only way I can get child8 to go outside, when it is gorgeous, is to suggest that he take his book and read/draw on the $530 child playset we bought them. Tot2 would stay out there from breakfast till bedtime and survive on bugs if we'd let him. However, I can't leave him outside by himself. I have to find ways to get child8 outside so I can get in 5 minutes intervals of cleaning.

Our afternoon conversation:

Child8:   Go get mommy. Tell her you want to take a nap.
Tot2:      No. No. NO.
Child8:   Here.  Take this to mommy. Time for nap.
Tot2:      NO. NO. No.
Me:        He's not taking a nap for another 20 minutes. So play WITH him.
Child8:   He's bothering me!
Me:        So? He bothers me, too. (laughing)

Aren't kids wonderful? I can't complain too much, though. They were OK at Aldi's. I still need to go to Walgreens but will wait till after hubby gets home and just take one of them.

What's For Dinner *Updated

We had these last week and were delicious. I haven't been able to find a good pork recipe that I like in awhile and am definately happy that I found this. Pictures to come.

Plus its crock pot friendly and my kitchen is a disaster right now with all the remodeling. Stove, where are you? No idea for sides but I have 4 hours to think. :)

Crock pot Chili Pork Chops

image by Chef shapeweaver from Food.com

What's for dinner at your place?

*Updated picture

Added white chedder cheese noodles with a cresent roll.

3x FREEbies for 5/27

3 days later and I'm alive. I meant to catch up on FREEbies last night but I fell asleep at 7:30pm! Day before that we were disconnected from the internet while ripping up our livingroom floor. Halfway through we wanted to put the ugly carpet back. lol

So I'm going to triple the amount of FREEbies posted for today. :)


(available while supplies last)

FREE Lawn Analysis from TruGreen

$4 Fandango movie tickets through Groupon
Through invitation only, so check your email if you are subscribed to them

FREE subscription to Maxim

Nexcare bandages sample by liking them on Facebook
*have to write about something you done to donate or something you would like to do to donate

BOGO FREE OFF! repellent clip on coupon

Invisible Glass Wipes $2 Rebate form

Fiber Choice sample AND $2 coupon

FREE Scholastic Book
*Have to write essay about your most special family moment to be entered in their contest for a trip to SeaWorld. Each contestant gets a FREE book.

Osteo Bi-Flex 7 day sample

Pack of Stride Gum Coupon through Speedway Rewards

Maximum Strength Zantac

Miralax

NasalCease first aid sample AND 3 $1 Coupons

Odor-B-Gone

Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max
*through P&G Samplers so if you've already requested any kind of sample for the quarter it won't work.

Canine Caviar
*Lists 3 different coupons. BOGO, $4 off and $2 off. I do not know if they all can be printed/sent because I do not have my printer hooked up yet.

Natural Nibbles pet treat sample

Pristine Skin Care

a different FREE Ruler

Self-tanning lotion from Sun Labs

Sculpt 'n Cleanse

Take your kids report card to:
Chuck E. Cheese
BlockBuster
Limited Too
Family Video
Sbarro's Pizza
Wendy's
Topp's
Krispy Kreme

Don't forget to check places that are local for you!

Dove deodorant

Pull-ups Flushable Wipes--through Walmart samples

Traveling Sewing kit

Aquafresh Extreme coupon
*I don't know the denomination because my printer is still not hooked up.

Airwick Car Freshner

Cascade coupons

Dri Wash 'n Guard

Fix Energy Tea

Whew! 30 samples and the like. Now I better get up and get some stuff done around here.

Swagcode for 4bucks till 7pm central

Click on the Swagbucks TV tabs in your toolbar. Or visit it here. I found it in a "yummy" video but from what I read it could be in any of the video links.

Coupons are Irritating

This will be the 3rd week in a row that I am missing good coupons out of my Sunday paper. Its not the whole insert but like 2 pages. Maybe regional? I don't know but it gets irriating when I can't take part of a deal.  Or I misread a deal. If you printed the FREE McCafe B1G1 from the FREEbies page, read it. It says for San Diego only. Oops.

Did my Walgreens shop today and got everything on my previous list except the shaving cream because they were all out. Substituted that for 2 Schick Hydro Razor systems because I found my coupons last night before bed. Impulse bought some nail polish for $.69 because I realized last night when I wanted to paint my toes that I was all out. And that is the cheapest I've ever seen polish. Also received a free 5-count coupon on the Zyrtec in the mail which I finally got to this morning. I am horrible at organization and keeping track of where I put all these coupons. For example I will be making another trip to Walgreens Friday probably because after I put tot2 down for naptime, I went through my BOX of coupons and cleaned it out.  I'm making an envelope to mail off Monday to the military.
So today:

for a whopping $42.69 after tax. Receipt says I saved a total of $35.51 so I guess I should be glad I didn't pay $78.20? Still hurts. :) Received a $3 and $2 in Register Rewards, though. So my final transaction for the week at Walgreens will be:

Schick Hydro Razor refills B1G1 $8.99

use 2 $2.00 coupons (found more Schick coupons)

Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Pop Up Bowl (no idea of the price, regular is $1.99 but I remember passing a sale shelf earlier)

use .$55 coupon
3 Reach Crystal Clean Toothbrushes, $2.98
use $2.50 off 2
use $1.00 off 1
Receive $3 Register Reward

KRAFT Natural Shredded Cheese with a Touch of Philly (if Walgreens carries it. Wal-Mart or Jewel?)

use FREE coupon

PHILADELPHIA Cooking Creme (if Walgreens carries it. Wal-Mart of Jewel?)

use FREE coupon

Pure Silk Shave Cream $1.99 (if in stock)

Receive $1.50 Register Reward

So with my $5 in Register Rewards it should come to $2.00 plus the popcorn cost plus tax. Less some tax if the 2 FREE items aren't available at Walgreens. Neither are available online. If they're still out of shaving cream it will only be popcorn overage, plus tax but I'll have to toss in two more items to attach the Register Rewards to. Maybe more nail polish. And I'll still have $4.50 in Register Rewards for next week when Aquafresh toothpaste is on sale for $.99

Swagcode till 10am central

code for 5 points. Check swagbucks twitter page till 10am central. Need an answer to their question. Enter code in ALL CAPS and nospaces.

Early FREEbies for 5/24

Still feels early to me but I've done the school drop-off, fixed breakfast for tot2 and me and now I'm finishing off my coffee. In 20 minutes I've checked my Crowdtap, Beezag, did my 105 points for the day on iRazoo, got my 4 easy points on Swagbucks and am now watching Swag TV to get a head start on my 75 points for the day. Can't do Zoombucks till later because I did my ZDaily around 6pm and that is when it'll reset. Every once in awhile I'll watch a Varolo video. Need 140 for the week, so that's 20 a day. Checking my e-mail so lets get some FREEbies.

If you haven't already got yours
Carefree Acti-Fresh liner

6pk golf balls
ugh...site is down. Maybe later?

Recycled Rubber Mulch sample by liking them on Facebook.
We were looking to use rubber mulch for the new swingset for the boys but it was so expensive! And I really didn't see the difference between rubber and wood mulch.  Maybe the sample will help me tell the difference. We ended up getting FREE mulch from the city, so if you're looking for mulch try your town's yard waste center.

Watch Out For Motorcycles-decal

KY lubricant

Crestline Fish Ruler
Can't pass up a FREE ruler.

Muscle Protein sample

Gucci Perfume
Very weird page. I couldn't tell what I was writing until I highlighted it when I was done. Then it sent me to their facebook page in order to share a sample with a friend.

Hartz dog training pants
They are out of samples for the day but you can get a printable $1.00 Coupon

Handmade peach soap sample


Healthyfeet foot cream
out of samples but get $2.00 off printable coupon

Lemon Coffee Body Scrub

Minty Kisses Gum

Just Like Sugar
They said 6-8 weeks to receive sample because they were overwhelmed.

Jamun Tea sample


Now my coffee's cold and I need to get up to go to the store.

Late FREEbies for Monday 5/23 *Updated

While my dinner is settling lets do some FREEbies.

(all offers are available while supplies last)

$1.00 Coupon for Wilkinson Disposable Razors on Coupons.com
Wal-Mart price is $.97 so FREE!

FREE samples for L'oreal Youth Code and a bunch of coupons at L'Oreal Paris.

Brez Trial Pack
It runs slow put it does go through.

Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner

Kids eat FREE on Tuesdays at Chili's

Flix sample

Kids Guide to Helping Animals Magazine-Peta

Printable Coupon for B1G1FREE Lean Pocket by Liking them on Facebook.

Lacoste Perfume Sample

McCafe Drink from McDonald's. Signup to get special offers. You have to be registered to get coupon.
*update its B1G1 FREE. I saw after I checked my mail to confirm my registration.

No Cooking For Me Tonight *Updated

Since 11am these have been marinating. Grilled Steak recipe.

photo by Boomette from Food.com

Hubby is going to grill corn on the cob and whip up instant potatoes (ya, I know, but its too hot in the house to boil real potatoes). Pictures to come. I love when he grills because it means less dishes and I can never keep up with those since our dishwasher died about 6 months ago.

*Update

I'm STUFFED. 

Walgreens Preview 5/29-6/04

iheartwags has the full Walgreens Flyer Preview for 5/29-6/04 up, PLUS the 2 day sale flyer for Memorial Day weekend.

Walgreens Preview

Walgreen's Deals 5/22-5/28

Whenever I'm making the next week's shopping list all I see is "FREE after Register Reward" or "Pay $2, get $2. Like Getting Purchase FREE". They are saying that since you get $2 back from your purchase in the form of a Register Reward (or some other kind of Catalina out of the magic coupon machines) that you are really not paying anything. In the end you are still paying $2 out of pocket and the $2 Register Reward can get you another item for free if it costs $2. But you are still PAYING $2. I do not budget using net cost because money comes out of my pocket to pay for that item. It doesn't make sense to me to say that my net cost is $0 because of the $2 Register Reward and then when you make another purchase with that Register Reward take the $2 out of that purchases net cost. Its being taken out twice.

If you're looking for a site that lists all the deals with coupons from SmartSource and more attached, this isn't that kind of site. That is way too much typing for me and all you have to do is look at the Walgreens Weekly Ad. Or I use Mashup Mom or Lorraine's Coupon Experience. There are many blogs and sources out there. Use the one you like best.

My Grocery List for Walgreens:
Ajax Dish Liquid-$.89 with in store coupon (maybe. $3.00 for a 64 oz bottle at Deals)
PureSilk Shave Cream-$1.99
$1.50 Register Reward
Scunci 18 pack elastics-$2.00
$2.00 Register Reward
Axe bodyspray, showergel, deodorant, shampoo, 3/$12.00
BOGO body spray from the 5/22 Red Plum.
=$8.00 Out of Pocket
$3.00 Register Reward
Walgreen Premium Value Pack Diaper, $15.00
2 1 gallon Whole Milk, $1.99
2/$3 Puffs

It'll probably be cut down a little to be based off what I actually NEED than what I want to buy. The Register Rewards are nice but if I don't HAVE to spend out the money, I shouldn't. Unfortunately I had to use all my Register Rewards last week because they expired. However I did get a lot last week.

Walgreens trip last week:
2 Oscar Myer Sub Packs 2/$3 get $1 Register Reward
3 3M Scotch Clasp Envelopes Buy 1 for $1.99 get 2 FREE
Aquafresh Kids Toothpaste $1.99
2/$2.29 Kleenex

I had a coupon for $1.00 off the toothpaste, 2 $1.00 off coupons for the Oscar Myer Subs, and used 2 Register Rewards worth $5. It come to a total of $1.72 I think and I received $1 Register Reward. Misplaced the receipt.

How'd your shopping go?

What's For Dinner

Nothing special.  We were going to grill out again, however with the wind today it would be a pain and impossible. So simple Hamburger Helper, Cheeseburger flavor.

Now yesterday I marinated chicken tenders and hubby grilled. We even ate on the deck because it was so nice out.  Not a bug in sight. While he was having fun with his grill toys I made some Fettuccini Pasta in Chicken Sauce as a side dish.

Here's the recipe:

Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
You'd be surprised at what little you have to do. Also I have been pleasantly surprised at what Italian dressing does to food, besides salads.

I used this recipe for dipping sauce because I've never made dipping sauce.
Honey Mustard Sauce

I was too hungry to take a picture but this is a good shot of what it looks like from Lvs2Cook from Food.com

What for dinner tonight?

Summer Time Fun

With gas over $4.20 a gallon where I live and I hear $4.65+ in the Chicago areas, we have taken our calander and matched up our off days with the FREE day visits to the Chicago Museums, Zoos and outings. Last night I was looking up what's free to do in Rockford because with Six Flags season tickets being $67.00 dollars for one individual, that is $201.00. Ouch! And that's with tot2 being free! Then an hour and a half drive, plus gas.

Chicago Museum FREE Days 2011


Now in the Rockford Park District this looked interesting.

Sapora Playworld $1.00 a child and there's half price Tuesdays!

I wonder if its anything like Monkeys Joe's?

The Sinnissippi Gardens looked interesting, too.  A long time ago I found a garden place in Wisconsin or Rockford that was free for kids and also offered workshops and hands on things for them. Lost the link. Anyone heard of it?

Don't forget the Discovery Museum pass for $70 for 4 of us.
They have a new exhibit called The Spin.   "exhibit opens for members at 10:00 a.m., May 28 and at 11:00 a.m. for the general public. Spin: The Science of Rotation is an exciting exhibit that explores the fun–and science–of objects that rotate. Using interactive exhibits and real-life examples, visitors can explore how objects spin, why things spin at different speeds and how we use spinning objects in our daily lives."

Not to mention monthly activities, daily science experiments, updated planetarium, 2 levels of indoor hands on play areas and and outdoor play area with swings, dinosaur digs and watermill. This is a definite for us in the wintertime when there isn't much to do in -10 weather but even in the summer its great to picnic there and get wet outside.


Also the Dells was an option, compared to Six Flags. I found this:

Riverview Park and Waterworld for $35 for all 4 of us. The drive is over 2 hours and with 2 kids I looked into the option of camping and found Red Oak Campground for $22 a night for the pop-up camper.

In Naperville there is the Splash Country Waterpark with the Blackberry Farm combo $10 a piece.

In Elk Grove Village there is Pirate's Cove, which is FREE for adults and $9 per kid. If you want to swim its costs $8 each.

We still haven't decided on which park to get a pass at or to just visit them all once. But with the museum FREE days, going swimming in our pool, FREE Lincoln Park Zoo days and more we are booked. I even signed child8 up for Sport Camp and Vacation Bible School for 2 weeks for $10! At the end of the year I'm looking forward to researching the Pick-Your-Own farms for the kids. I can buy produce and they can have fun.

What are your plans this summer?

Windy City

It's so windy outside where I live today that the stand up sandbox the kids have blew over WITH the 50 lbs of sand in it! Ugh.

Looking for play sand? 2.98 at Lowe's.

I figured it would be nice out for them to play outside and even hooked up the $2 pinwheel sprinkler I got from Big Lots a couple weeks ago.  But the wind just blows the water and now I'm sitting in the kitchen watching them play. I tried attaching the umbrella to the patio table and it nearly lifted off!

What are you doing outside today? (if its nice where you are)

FREEbies for Sunday 5/22

Since the world did not end yesterday, lets get some FREEbies deals.  Its great to check your mail box and get samples and such. Also it its great business for the Post Office.

(All samples available while supplies last)


P&G Sampler

Mojo Milk

Real American Steak Rub Seasoning

Vegetarian Starter Kit

U.S. Postage Stamp Catalog

Wet Lubriation

Prilosec OTC

Zyrtec
Printable $2.00 coupon

Playtex tampons

Nature’s Bounty® Fish Oil

Best Bully Sticks



Found more? Leave a comment and let us know!

Today is Sunday

Time to coupon...or not. I don't know about you, but I still need to go to the store to get my paper. Could be a problem, right? Seeing as with all the coupon buzz, if you don't go when the store is open you are out of luck so fair warning for anyone who is new to couponing. As for me I'm in no rush. Sunday is my day off and I'm slow moving.

I looked up the coupon "deals" earlier in the week to see what was interesting and what I am actually going to buy. There wasn't that much. To me even if it is a deal, I may not buy it if I do not NEED it. I don't stock up, bulk buy and etc. I do not have the room, I live on a budget and in my opinion a person does not save too much money by stocking up because you have to store it and you are spending a lot of money out at one time. In order to save money you have to buy papers and depending on the price of your paper the money you are saving goes towards the paper. So unless its an insane deal, you are not making money off of couponing.

I live in a city where the Sunday paper is $3.00 (!!!), so in order to make my money back and try to save money I have to use a lot of coupons out of it.  I do not live within delivery range to order a paper. I also do not have a CVS, Jewel, Rite Aid and etc less than 40 minutes away. I have to work with a Walgreens, Wal-Mart and Aldi's (which does not take coupons). Therefore I probably won't list deals from the other stores unless its an extreme moneymaker.

FREE Easy Money Sites That Work For Me

Check out my page of $$$ sites page that can earn you easy money. Links are referral links (where applicable) and all information is based off my own experience and is not a guarantee. Any questions, just ask.

A little bit of everything

Time to discuss everything from coupons, Free EASY $$$, everyday deals and FREEbies to daily living. I'm a mother of 2 (3 if you count the hubby, 4 if you count the dog :) ) who works part-time. I have an opinion and would love to hear yours. Like most people, I love getting a great deal or saving money/time and finding new things to do with my family. I do not do "EXTREME COUPONING" nor do I have much advice on how to shop for free. I have a life and most the time I go for convenience over saving money. I do like saving money on the things that I can, spotting interesting things during the day and making the most out of what I have.

I look forward to blogging and to you reading.