Saving BIG with Coupons! Started My Stockpile

I'm sure you guys have noticed the CVS and Walgreens posts on Saturdays. For a very long time--way before I even started blogging--I have wanted to start couponing, as in serious couponing. It felt so overwhelming for years that I never actually tried doing it. Then, I began reading money saving blogs and started to feel like I could actually do it. A couple of weeks ago, I jumped in and actually did it! I have officially started my stockpile. I got a year's supply of laundry detergent, a year's supply of dish soap, year's supply storage/freezer bags, eight spices, and deodorant for UNDER $20!!! I'm very excited about it and honestly, it is so much FUN! Even Mike thinks it's fun finding the deals {LOL}! Maybe, eventually I will get good enough at doing this that I can start some tutorials here, but in the meantime check out some of my favorite money saving blogs:
And, if I can do it--you can do it too!

- Money Saving Mom
- Deal Seeking Mom
- Bargain Briana
- I Heart Publix
- Southern Savers
- Mommy Snacks
- Saving Cents with Sense
- The Thrifty Mama
- Thrifty & Chic Mom
And, if I can do it--you can do it too!

1:44 AM |
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Thomas & Friends Live on Stage: A Circus Comes to Town
A few weeks ago, we had the AWESOME opportunity to see the Thomas & Friends Live on Stage: A Circus Comes to Town show courtesy of Mom Select. We were so excited because not only does Lucas love Thomas, but Mike and I love the Fox Theater! Since Lucas is so young, we chose to go to an early Sunday afternoon show rather than an evening show. We thought he might have a meltdown if we kept him up way past his bedtime and didn't want to risk it. I think it was the perfect time to go--Lucas took a nap in the car on the way there and we all got to eat lunch before the show {read: save money by not having to eat at the event}.

When the show started and Sir Topham Hatt came out, the audience erupted into a thundering applause! The kids were so happy and excited to be there--you could literally feel their joy in the air. The show did not disappoint either! The costumes and characters were amazing--very close to the actual TV show. The songs were upbeat and fun as were the actors. Overall, this was an awesome show and I definitely recommend it!
We weren't allowed to take any flash cameras inside, but I was able to take my pocket video camera. Here's a peek at the show!
For more information on show dates and times, please click here.

When the show started and Sir Topham Hatt came out, the audience erupted into a thundering applause! The kids were so happy and excited to be there--you could literally feel their joy in the air. The show did not disappoint either! The costumes and characters were amazing--very close to the actual TV show. The songs were upbeat and fun as were the actors. Overall, this was an awesome show and I definitely recommend it!
We weren't allowed to take any flash cameras inside, but I was able to take my pocket video camera. Here's a peek at the show!
For more information on show dates and times, please click here.

12:49 AM |
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HUGE SAVINGS at Kmart Today through Sunday, July 19 & $5 Coupon!
Kmart is having a HUGE sale on hundreds of summer items this weekend including toys, summer wear, outdoor living and much, much more! Here are a few examples:Example Bluelight Specials -- 1 HOUR Offers That Will Run Once Friday 7/17-Sunday 7/19
- Outdoor Living -- Gas and charcoal grills, grill accessories, patio furniture, outdoor decor and pots -- 50% off
- Apparel -- Kids graphic tees and men's swimwear -- $2.00; 3 pack Joe Boxer socks -- $1.00
Example of Offers ALL WEEKEND
- Jewelry -- 1/8 cttw diamond studs, regular $139.99 -- this weekend, $29,99 and a 3 piece pearl set, regular $99.99 -- this weekend, $19.99
- Toys -- Slip N Slide Splash Factory Water Slide & Banzai Titan Blast Water Rocket, regular $49.99 -- this weekend, save 50%, $24.99 each
- Home Electronics -- Sylvania Blu-Ray Disc Player, regular $199.99 -- this weekend, sale $159.99
- Footwear -- BOGO Clearance, buy 1, get 2nd at 50% off regular and clearance prices
For even more savings, don't forget to print the $5 off clearance items coupon before you go! Click HERE for coupon.
Kmart Bluelight Special Event going on today, Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19. To stay up to date to all Kmart deals, follow them on Twitter @KmartDealsnNews.


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Drink Milk. It Does the Body Good!
In our home, Lucas drinks one of three things--water, milk, or watered down juice. The kiddo loves his milk though so mostly, that is what he drinks. It's a good thing too because milk is an important source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, milk provides nine key vitamins and minerals! For the Summer though, I like to come up with new ways for Lucas and the rest of us to drink our milk. The other day I told you guys about how we've become addicted to smoothies {LOL}--they are a delicious way to drink your milk! Not to mention that they are such a treat in the Summer!Mom Central recently told me about the website, WhyMilk.com that is literally a wealth of information about milk. It is a really cool site that you should check out if you are also looking for creative ways to get your kids to drink their milk. WhyMilk.com has you covered with recipes from breakfast to dinner and I saw some really yummy looking smoothie recipes too! If your child doesn't like milk, why not add milk to their soup, oatmeal, or mashed potatoes? They won't even notice it's there, but they will still reap all of the nutritional benefits!
My favorite section of the website is the tips and tools--especially the Value Tools where milk goes head-to-head with other drinks. According to WhyMilk.com, "one 8-ounce glass gives you nine essential nutrients and costs about a quarter, on a gallon basis. Other beverage options easily fall short on nutrients and can cost up to seven times more." They even say that it can take up to EIGHT GLASSES of other beverages to even come close to the high nutritional value of milk! Pretty amazing, huh? You could say that milk is a "nutritional bargain"!

Of course, milk is important for everyone--not just kids! So, the moral of the story is Drink Milk! And, check out WhyMilk.com for tips and ideas on getting more milk into your diet!

12:50 AM |
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Link Up Your Giveaways! Giveaways Galore

Remember that every Thursday you can come and link up your giveaways here and also at Go Graham Go. Come list and browse some of the awesome giveaways going on around the blogosphere! If you get the chance, spread the word about two new places to link your giveaways!
Please make sure to link directly to the giveaway and list the name of the giveaway along with the expiration date!

Please make sure to link directly to the giveaway and list the name of the giveaway along with the expiration date!

12:25 AM |
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Baby Bath Products for Kids with Eczema: Exederm Review & Giveaway
If you follow my blog, you probably know that Lucas has eczema. Many babies and kids do--it's very common actually. In the USA, 8.6 million kids under 14 suffer from eczema or dermatitis. No matter how common though, it is very uncomfortable and can sometime even be painful for kids. As a result, I am always on the hunt for products that at the very minimum don't irritate Lucas' sensitive skin. Ideally, what I prefer to find are products that soothe and help heal his eczema, but those finds are rare. That's why I was so happy to discover Exederm and wholeheartedly agreed to review the baby skincare line.
Exederm's approach to skincare is a simple one {in my mind, simple is always best!}--avoid irritants and chemicals that trigger eczema flare ups. That's why Exederm uses only the mildest ingredients for their skincare.

Exederm contains:

I am not the only one that is raving about Exederm either! In September 2008, the National Eczema Association honored Exederm with the first of 7 'Seal of Acceptance' awards! To read their review of Exederm, click here, but just a heads up--they gave Exederm 5 out of 5 stars! Exederm also makes skincare products for adults with sensitive skin so make sure to check them out too!
Want It: Exederm products can be purchased online and start at $11.99.
Exederm's approach to skincare is a simple one {in my mind, simple is always best!}--avoid irritants and chemicals that trigger eczema flare ups. That's why Exederm uses only the mildest ingredients for their skincare.

Exederm contains:
- No Fragrance
- No Color or Dyes
- No Parabens
- No Lanolin
- No Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- No Propylene Glycol
- No Formaldehyde
- No Phthalates

I am not the only one that is raving about Exederm either! In September 2008, the National Eczema Association honored Exederm with the first of 7 'Seal of Acceptance' awards! To read their review of Exederm, click here, but just a heads up--they gave Exederm 5 out of 5 stars! Exederm also makes skincare products for adults with sensitive skin so make sure to check them out too!
Want It: Exederm products can be purchased online and start at $11.99.
Win It! Exederm has offered to give one Jolly Mom reader the entire line of baby products!
How To Enter:
1. Visit Exederm and leave me a comment telling me which specific product you would like to try.
After you have completed the first entry, you are eligible for additional entries. Make sure you leave a separate comment for EACH entry.
Additional Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to Exederm (http://www.exederm.com/) and Jolly Mom (http://www.jollymom.com) and leave the URL to your post in the comment.
3. Subscribe to Jolly Mom by reader or email or Follow on blogger.
4. Follow Jolly Mom on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway. Leave the URL to your tweet in your comment.
5. Stumble this post (the post, not the site). Leave a comment with your Stumble name and/or URL.
6. Add the Jolly Mom button to your sidebar.
1. Visit Exederm and leave me a comment telling me which specific product you would like to try.
After you have completed the first entry, you are eligible for additional entries. Make sure you leave a separate comment for EACH entry.
Additional Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to Exederm (http://www.exederm.com/) and Jolly Mom (http://www.jollymom.com) and leave the URL to your post in the comment.
3. Subscribe to Jolly Mom by reader or email or Follow on blogger.
4. Follow Jolly Mom on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway. Leave the URL to your tweet in your comment.
5. Stumble this post (the post, not the site). Leave a comment with your Stumble name and/or URL.
6. Add the Jolly Mom button to your sidebar.
This giveaway will end July 30th at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on this post. US entries only, please.


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Wordless Wednesday: Dabbling with Photo Editing

I've been dabbling with some photo editing--what do you think?

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