Bloggers wanted Keurig giveaway

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Have A Keurig Holiday Event

Hosted by Mom Powered Media and Iowa Mom

Prizes: Keurig Platinum Series Quiet Brewer + K-Cups {4 prize packages = 1 a week}

Event dates: 11/2-11/9 and 11/9-11/16 and 11/16-11/23 and 11/23-11/30

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Free Vacation planning DVD to see Mickey Mouse

Are you planning on heading to Florida and visiting Mickey Mouse  or some of the Princesses then you need to get the Free Vacation Planning DVD

If you haven’t gotten this yet, it is still available – and it comes at an opportune time for many of you planning  trips this upcoming year. When we planned our big trip down to Florida we got one of these DVD and it really helped.

Click above for your FREE Vacation Planning DVD – which includes:

A complete tour of the theme Parks
Affordable ways to play and stay during your vacation
Plus much more, including pocket-sized planning guides, planning tips, and information on special events

Win a Bosch Dishwasher from Shop at Home

Are you looking to upgrade or get a get new dishwasher than you should enter the  AJ Madison Dishwasher Sweepstakes from ShopAtHome.com!  They are sponsoring  4 Bosch Dishwasher winners. Bosch dishwashers are highly rated by JD powers.  The sweepstakes is going through November 4^th.  You can enter and find out all the rules  and enter here

Toys R Us Babies R Us coupon for $10 gift card

If you are heading out shopping this week to do any Christmas shopping then check out Toys R Us and Babies R Us coupon.  
Receive a $10 Gift Card with a purchase of $75 or more in-store through 11/10 There are some restrictions on what you can use it for.  

Toy R Us large catalog is out as well-your kids can not go through the catalog and make their Santa Claus wish list!



Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us will match competitor store pricing on ALL  products in our store! Additionally, we’ll also match online prices for 
all identical items or models of baby gear merchandise from selected 
national competitors. Certain exclusions apply.
Here are the guidelines:
1. Valid for in-store purchases only.
2. We will match all competitor store advertised prices.
3. Items purchased must be identical to the items advertised (e.g., brand, color, size).
4. The original, complete competitor ad, with valid dates, must be presented at time 
    of purchase.
5. Prices are matched after deducting any Toys”R”Us and/or Babies”R”Us coupon 
    savings and other offers from our price.
6. Price match is given at the time of purchase or within 7 days of purchase date with 
    a valid receipt.
Visit our store and we’ll match any

Frugal Meal Planning with a Hurricane week of October 28th

Happy Monday! Welcome to my week of chaos. Will or won't I have power this week due the Hurricane  Sandy storm. we have an electric stove and oven   I stocked up on cold cuts and bread.  I also roasted a chicken as well so we can pick on that all week long.   I didn't stock on any meat sales since I don't want to throw out meat if our freezer is out for more than a few hours. We had no power for 4 days with Hurricane Irene. and had to throw out some meat.   Once the storm passes we may grill but that probably won't be until Wednesday. Even Halloween is up in the air if we have power out and damages to our area.    

Sunday Hamburgers and butternut squash fries 

Monday Mexican Lasagna ( I can eat this cold after baked it -making early Monday morning) 

The rest of the week will be most likely sandwiches and maybe grill foods.  We had the best grilled potatoes with Irene on the grill. 

 If you love coffee, then you will love this Keurig Coffee Maker giveaway that  I am apart of! I love my Keurig  Monday is the last day to enter!!  

Please follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/MommaAndTheBoysLivingOnABudget 

Are you looking for even more menu ideas check out  Monday meal plans at organizing junky  And if you a frugal blogger please join thrifty thursday linkup!

Bloggers wanted Wii U Giveaway event

Choice Your U Event

Hosted by Mom Powered Media and Iowa Mom

Prizes: Wii U Console {2 units = 1 a month}

Event dates: 11/2-11/30 & 12/2-12/30

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

How to get stress relief from exercising

Are you suffering from stress  and looking for some stress relief!    Are you stressing over money or a situation with the kids.  Don't underestimate the power of exercise!! Exercise is a good thing--it is a really good thing besides for losing weight.  A stress free happy mom equals happy family.  

.Doing exercise is not always enjoyable, but in this fast pace modern world it is a must in our daily lives. Take the case of cardio  exercise which moderates your emotions as they release endorphins during the exercise which acts as a natural pain reliever and boosts your mood. Due to this increase in endorphins, the exercise will reduce the stress from your body. This is why it is said that exercise and stress relief is related. During this process you will sweat it out which makes you feel relaxed, refreshed and you will be able to get  a good  night  sleep.

Regular exercise usually keeps the body fit and mind stress free. In this busy  crazy world a lot of moms  always complain that they have no time for exercise, it is just a lame excuse they make as they find it's not enjoyable. But when you understand how closely exercise and stress relief is linked, you will automatically find out at least some time to do any some form of exercise. I exercise as soon I get my boys off to school in the morning.  It is my time.  Do you have little ones maybe get up earlier or incorporate them in the exercise.  When my boys were little I did a lot of walking in the double stroller  or I pulled out a walking DVD.  These days, my exercise routine is typically alternating days of strength and cardio and    occasional yoga workout.   There is nothing like good kickboxing workout  that let’s me get out some aggression or stress about work or money issues. Strength training makes me feel strong and makes me proud when I can lift heavy weights.  Do what you like to do and you will do it. 

Exercise need not always be a serious activity which requires you to sweat and pant. If you are a first timer to this, or have not exercised for a long while, you can just start slowly by doing some simple exercises. You can also go for an activity that needs only very little preparation which can include gardening, or  taking your pet out for walk . By doing this you can make the transition easier and enjoyable. Honestly, I have never said after a workout that I wasn’t happy that  I worked out.   

Some basic/important ideas on exercise and stress relief:

* Exercise reduces your built up tensions and emotional tensions. 
* Exercise release endorphin's and other hormones giving the feeling of well being within you. 
* Exercise can also be used as a means of social gathering and thereby building up a better social life.

HSI The Styler Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair on sale

Anyone looking for a flat iron should HURRY to check out this LIGHTNING DEAL on Amazon Right now you can get the HSI The Styler Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener, for $39.99 with FREE shipping. It usually  sells for ALOT MORE like almost $300.00 

 The Professional HSI Flat Iron is great for transforming frizzy, dull hair into gorgeously straight, sleek locks. Aside from straightening, the Profesional HSI Flat Iron curls and flips hair beautifully, its 1" plates giving maximum control for all hair types. With flash quick heating and swivel cord, this iron provides great style without making a mess or taking too much time. Featuring new easier grip with ergonomic design for easier hold, the styler flat iron also has versatile heat settings to provide you with total control for all your hair styling needs. Moist ceramic heat with solid ceramic plates and coils will maintain even temperature

 They are selling fast and will not last long.

Frugal Five Meet Heather from Maine

Heather is a recent stay at home mom of 2 from Maine 

What is your financial life?

I am married with 2 kids. My son was born 3 months ago and we have decided that I will be a stay at home mom for a while to be with him, so we really only have 1 income coming in now.  .   We own 2 cars  clear  and a house in Maine . We have stayed away from establishing any credit card debt.

What is your budget buster?

My husband and I have tried to live on one income since I found out I was pregnant with my son.   We are trying not to go out to eat and go crazy with our spending after we have been accostumed to 2 incomes


What is your favorite money saving tip?
I highly recommend making a grocery shopping list and sticking to it!  Clip all the coupons you can and use them when the item is on sale. It also doesn't hurt if your grocery store will double or triple coupons! 

If you had an extra $1000 what would you do with it?
I would put it into my emergency  savings account to use for a rainy day

What is your best resource for frugal living?

I am a big fan of  Mary Hunt’s debt free living philosophy  and her living within your means.   She has a new book out that I would recommend for anyone trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck and running up their credit cards. 

Win a vacation to Orlando Florida

Looking for a new twist on the classic theme park vacation? Enter now to win an Orlando vacation that puts your family in the lap of luxury! This giveaway run from October 1st to December 28th 2012  at Visit Florida .com

I am huge fan of Disney and Orlando! I so wish I could have the opportunity to go back but we are paying for other things in our lives right now like braces and saving for college.  

You and your family could win a getaway to sunny Orlando with a three-night stay at the stylish Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration, plus a dining package including a delightful dinner for four. The prize also includes round-trip air transportation for four.

The Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration offers the ultimate in luxury and location! You and your family will feel comfortably at home in the hotel's plush one- and two-bedroom modern condo suites with full resort amenities, all located only five minutes from the Walt Disney World® theme parks. You'll cap off your vacation with a delectable dinner at the hotel's Bistro Restaurant and Bar. Here, you'll enjoy The Bistro's modern and trendy setting as you savor innovative twists on classic multicultural fare – including salads, sandwiches, pizzas and a variety of tempting entrees.

When you're not taking advantage of Central Florida's treasured family attractions, enjoy all the amenities of the chic Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration, including two restaurants, an energetic bar, room service, fitness center and vanishing-edge pool. Complimentary continental breakfast and transportation to area theme parks are also provided.

The vacation package is provided by Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration. VISIT FLORIDA will provide the round-trip air travel.

Melissa & Doug Educational Toy deals

I am a huge fan of Melissa and Doug educational toys from their puzzles to their wooden block sets.  They are good quality products that I have loved over the years.  

They currently have a great sale going on and you can get free shipping just in time for the Christmas holiday season. 

Melissa & Doug alphabet puzzles 

Melissa & Doug wooden puzzles 

Melissa & Doug chore  wall hanging 

Melissa  & Doug Pizza kit 

Thrifty Thursday October 25th

Happy Thursday and welcome to the end of October! We are getting into full Halloween mode. I have one Zombie, one Hobo who will work for candy. My oldest who is almost 14 is going as a character from Dr Who and all he needs is blue hair.  Halloween can be so pricey for families According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average American will spend about $80 this year on candy, costumes and decorations. 

Cheap and frugal Halloween guide  has costume ideas as well 

 

How much will you be spending on Halloween this year?



Also stop by our co host for  A Life in Balance blog! 

HOW DO YOU SAVE MONEY?

Please remember to follow the Thrifty  Thursday Rewind  linkup  

1. Link up an old  money saving idea post (we want to give love to some of your older posts)
2. No giveaways or deals posts.
3. Recipes are allowed, but share how it is thrifty! 
4.  A link back is nice but not required 
5. Visit the other links and share a comment 

American Girl Dolls deals

My nieces are huge American girl dolls fans. They have done tea at the America Girl store in New York (So not frugal but that is a story for another day)  I only have boys so I don’t know all the ins and out of the American girl but I know good deals!   If you know any American Girl doll fans, check out these American Girl Mini-Dolls & Book for  under $17.00.  They come with the mini-doll and the accompanying book.  There are 19 sets to choose from including these 2 new ones released last month:

·         Caroline Mini Doll (American Girls Collection Mini Dolls) - story about the War of 1812

·         Ivy Mini Doll (American Girls Collection Mini Dolls) - story about the 1970′s

At this price, I am grabbing  2 for the free shipping and give them as Christmas or birthday gifts!  Which American Girl Mini-Doll will you grab and who are your buying  for  The full sized doll prices are so high  so this may be just the trick for your American Girl doll fan.

Famous Footwear 30% off coupon

Now here’s a great  deal  at Famous Footwear!   This is a great sale to pick up dress shoes for the Christmas holidays.   Going on right now is the Famous Footwear FRIENDS &  FAMILY event - get 30% off everything (no exclusions!) online with promo code FALLFF2012 or print your coupon to shop in-store October 24, 2012 through October 28, 2012.

Click HERE to get directly to this deal.

Angry birds knex toys on sale

They know have Angry Bird K’Nex toys? My boys all love K’Nex toys  and they are crazy Angry Birds fans as well and right now some of them are up to 20% off.  In addition, they are eligible for the Free Shipping super saver from Amazon.com  


KNEX Angry Birds Hammin Around  Regular 29.99 sale $24.90 

Welcome the world of KNEX and Angry Birds. With the Hammin Around set you can actually build and destroy a level from the original Angry Birds game. Launch Red Bird and Orange Bird to destroy King Pig, Small Minion Pig, and Medium Minion Pig. Includes a working launcher just like the game, enough parts to build and knock down, and a Ham. Everything included works with other KNEX Angry Birds sets. Perfect for builders ages 5+. 


Angry Birds Mission Mayham Regular 29.99 sale $24.90 

The Mission May'Ham Building Set includes three pigs and two birds and lets you construct a slingshot launcher and a building to house the pigs. Once constructed, it's just like the game: load a bird into the launcher and take out the pigs. After you knock down the pigs and their building, you can create another building for the next turn.

When our testers put the game together, they were impressed with how much it looked like the best-selling video game. The game even includes a package of stickers with small details such as "TNT" that are to be placed onto the wooden blocks.

Angry Birds King Pig Castle - Amazon Exclusive Regular $49.99 on sale $39.99 

The K'NEX King Pig Castle Building Set includes four pigs and five birds, and the pieces for you to construct a slingshot launcher and a castle to house the pigs. Once constructed, it's just like the game: load a bird into the launcher and take out the pigs. There is strategy involved in taking out all the pigs. Sometimes it is best to take an indirect route to killing the pigs, such as using the bird to knock a large rock that would, in turn, take out the pigs. Once you knock down all the pigs, you can create another castle for the next turn.

How to save money on eating out

We are currently in a no eating out challenge for the rest of the year except   for my birthday, my husbands and there are a couple of special occasions.   We are trying not to eat out for the sake of just eating out. However when we do I like to stretch out my dinning dollars. 

1.     Use coupons and promotions
I am signed up for daily deals sites like Groupon and Living social plus a few more local ones to me. I have been able to find discounts for 50 to 90 percent for example  get $50 of food for $25.  I will take it!   I also am fans of the restaurants  on facebook  because often times they will post coupons and deals exclusive to their subscribers like Kids eat free For example, one local restaurant just posted that they are having chicken parm over pasta for only $7.00 tonight. Maybe hit that place instead of the restaurant across the street that sells it for $14.00    Applebees and Chili's have those 2 for $20 menu which include an appetizer. 


2. Buy cheap gift certificates
I love Restaurant.com  Visit Restaurant.com, where you can browse local restaurants and buy discounted gift certificates – like $25 certificates for $10, or $50 certificates for $20. Often with promotional codes, you can get a $25  gift certificate for only  $3-$5.00 . There is usually a minimum amount (IE $35 for a $25 gift certificate)  that you need to spend and it doesn't include drinks-food only     Restaurant.com recently came out with  a phone app for both iphone and android phones.  You no longer need to print them out they will record the certificate number off your phone!! 


3. Skip the alcohol and maybe the soda
Alcohol isn't cheap, especially at restaurants. Very rarely do my husband and I order a drink. Now if I am with the girls for a girl’s night out we will usually get a bottle of wine.
Soda isn't much better-soda for all 5 of us can add about $10-$12.00 to our bill. I will usually grab an ice water for myself.  I usually give into the boys for soda.

4. Order an appetizer as your meal
Appetizers like Mexican  quesadillas or chicken wings can easily be a sufficient meal – especially since they are usually served in portions big enough to share . My oldest son has a very expensive appetite-like let me find the MOST expensive thing on the menu and order It like shrimp.  I will usually be able to get him to order the shrimp cocktail for usually half the price.  Sometimes else that we have done is order 3 appetizers that my family shares instead of ordering meals if we are going out to eat mid day. 

Frugal Meal Planning week of October 21st

Happy Monday!  Weekends go by so fast! Saturday night we got the opportunity to to see the our local professional  soccer team play for FREE!   One of my husband's buddies sister works at the stadium and the tickets were way undersold and they need to get a certain percentage seats of filled.   this is the 3rd time in the last few years that we had the opportunity to go.   Saturday was a beautiful afternoon so we were able to tailgate with hot dogs and chips  for a couple of hours with another family! That saved some money going out to eat before the game. The kids all did get some popcorn and a soda-cost me less than $20. 
 
If you love coffee, then you will love this Keurig Coffee Maker giveaway that  I am apart of! I love my Keurig 

Here is the menu plan 

Sunday  I had my in laws over for dinner . So I had a pot roast that I was able to get on sale.  We did carrots and boiled potatoes as well.  There was some leftover roast so we can do a few sandwiches this week. 

Monday  Layered ground turkey in crockpot (simply layered ground turkey, brown rice, tomato sauce, and black beans and cook on low for 8 hours-very good! 

Tuesday Chicken drum sticks, baked spinach casserole (mix frozen spinach, 2 cups cottage cheese, 2 eggs and parm cheese) 

Wednesday Leftover layered ground turkey mix in tortillas 

Thursday chicken and pasta

Friday Fish, veggies and rice 

Saturday Homemade pizza 

Are you looking for even more menu ideas check out  Monday meal plans at organizing junky

Bloggers wanted $500 Christmas cash giveaway

Christmas Cash Event hosted by Mom Powered Media

Prize: $500 Visa Gift Card OR $500 Paypal Cash OR $500 Amazon Gift Card {winner's choice}

Event dates: 11/7 - 12/5

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Frugal Five Meet Merri from Maryland

Merri is a frugal  working  mom   from Maryland  with 3 kids.  

What is your financial life?

I am married and have 1.5 income . My husband and I  have 3 children 2 boys 17 and 12  and 1 girl   8, one will be going to  college in the fall.  My husband is the primary caregiver and I work at a local auto dealership as the assistant to the owner.  We own our home and have a few thousand on credit card debt. that we are trying to pay off.

What is your budget buster?

Groceries and utilities. Both are getting higher and higher., etc. These two bills still climb! My electricity bill during the summer months is high because the men in my house want the air conditioning on low.   

What is your favorite money saving tip?

Buy  marked down meat!!   I throw the  meat into the freezer . It really helps me stretch the meat dollars.

If you had an extra $1000 what would you do with it?

The money would go towards my son’s college tuition for next year.

What is your best resource for frugal living?

My favorite place  for sharing money saving tips are and www.savingadvice.com

If you would like to be profiled send an contact via facebook email 

Walgreens 15% off your entire purchase printable coupon

Print a coupon to save 15% off your purchase at Walgreen  either at the retail store on shopping online . This coupon is valid on October 19, 2012.

Check out some of these deals

(10/14 - 10/20) BOGO50 on select Walgreens Brand Multivitamins and Supplements

(10/14 - 10/20) Walgreens Diapers and Training Pants 2 for $11

 (10/14 - 10/20) BOGO50 on select Walgreens Pain Relief

Thrifty Thursday October 18th

Welcome to the Thrifty Thursday rewind! 

Car maintenance is so more important to keep your cars running well. We try to keep our cars for a long time. With winter coming up here are we are rewinding to  How to winterize your car


Also stop by our co host for  A Life in Balance blog! 

HOW DO YOU SAVE MONEY?

Please remember to follow the Thrifty  Thursday Rewind  linkup  

1. Link up an old  money saving idea post (we want to give love to some of your older posts)
2. No giveaways or deals posts.
3. Recipes are allowed, but share how it is thrifty! 
4.  A link back is nice but not required 
5. Visit the other links and share a comment 

Toys R Us printable coupon

Grab this Toys R Us and Babies R Us printable coupon Save up to 20% off in-store purchases at Babies"R"Us and Toys R US stores nationwide through 10/22! This is a great way to save some money for Christmas Shopping for the kids!

Make this deal even better with a  $5 for $10 Toys "R" Us Gift Card - Exclusively for You! from Savelogy! 

Easy Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

A good easy side dish is Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese.   I remember when we first got married and there was no internet I pulled some recipe for homemade mac and cheese off a box of pasta.  It was terrible with lots of flour.  We went back to the Kraft Macaroni and cheese in the blue box.   A few years ago, I found a recipe for easy mac and cheese in my favorite invention the crockpot.  This crock pot recipe saves you time, makes little to no mess and tastes so good! You ,normally you have to boil your pasta and then use other bowls! 

 Easy Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups of dry whole wheat elbow macaroni or pasta

1 can of evaporated Milk

1 can of chicken broth

2 cups of shredded cheese (I like to use sharp cheddar and sometimes Colby jack)

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix them to make sure all dry ingredients

Pour ingredients into crockpot

Cook on low for 4 hours and  then let sit for a few hours

I have often added in ham and broccoli during the last hour of cooking to make this a full meal. Yummy!

  

Free Christmas Holiday Labels

Do NOT miss this HOT deal on FREE Holiday Labels from Vistaprint! It’s only available thru 11/16 so  hurry on over here to stock up on great custom labels for the holidays!

Choose from thousands of  holiday designs including Nickelodeon, Cute Animals, Sports, Holiday themes, or create your own family caricatures! Personalize your mailing labels for all the Christmas  holiday cards you send out to family and friends. You can even add your own favorite pet or family photo to several of the design templates!

And for all those gifts, you can add “to” and “from” fields instead of address lines, to create your own special gift tags for your equally special presents.  The possibilities really are only limited by your imagination, but time is short so visit Vistaprint HERE to browse designs and get your FREE labels! Shipping is just $3.69

Frugal Meal planning week of October 14th

Happy Monday we had a busy crazy weekend that  I just sort of love. We had 3 soccer games on Saturday and it was chilly.  I brought my own coffee so I wouldn't need to go to the snack shack for their yucky  burned coffee.  Saturday night we went out to dinner for my birthday at a local place that has free dinner on your birthday! I love deals like that!!    Sunday we sold popcorn and chocolate outside of a local CVS for cub scouts and then we went over to my mom's for my birthday  for an early dinner with the family. 

If you love coffee, then you will love this Keurig Coffee Maker giveaway that  I am apart of! I love my Keurig 

Please follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/MommaAndTheBoysLivingOnABudget 


Sunday  Birthday dinner at my mom's house 

Monday  Easy cabbage roll   using cole slaw again. It was so good and even easier to make.  I love making this because it does give me leftovers for my lunch for a few days 

Tuesday   Sandwiches tonight since my husband has a work event 

Wednesday Breakfast for dinner  (requested from the kids) 

Thursday  Hot turkey sausage (got a 4 lbs  turkey sausage marked down to a $1.50 for a lb-threw them in the freezer) and pasta 

Friday  clean out the fridge night!! 

Saturday  Homemade pizza 


Are you looking for even more menu ideas check out  Monday meal plans at organizing junky  And if you a frugal blogger please join thrifty thursday linkup!

Get a free arthritis guide

Are you suffering from arthritis? My husband's family has a history of arthritis and my husband is starting to show some signs in his mid 40s in his hands and knees.  He wants to continue an active life 

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Don't let arthritis pain slow you down. Find relief now. Years of active living eventually take their toll. Persistent joint aches and pains could mean arthritis. But arthritis doesn’t have to slow you down. Our exclusive free arthritis guide is filled with great tips! Learn the keys to controlling arthritis symptoms Relieve pain, stiffness, swelling Keep living an active life doing the things you love Even if you are struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, our guide can help you and your arthritis specialist find the best ways to control your symptoms and relieve your pain. Get your free guide and other special offers now!