Cinebistro

If you haven't heard about Cinebistro coming to Stony Point, you're missing out! This ultra luxurious movie theater does not disappoint. The premise is that you can enjoy a delicious sit-down meal while watching a newly released movie. You have to be 21 to go into the theaters, because alcohol can be taken into the movie. Each theater seats about 50 people in over sized armed chairs, and there are table tops that can be used during dining and then moved aside when the movie begins. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before your movie time, where the theater will open and a waiter will take your order from your theater seat. The menu ranges in price greatly (a grilled chicken BLT sandwich with fries will run you $12), and you do not have to order anything to watch the movie. Once the movie begins, the waitstaff will disappear so that you are not disturbed during the movie. You can order movie theater staples (like popcorn) and help yourself to refills throughout the movie. There are free refills on the sodas, but remember that you have to leave the theater to get them.


Some other fun facts to know:
- Tickets are $7.50 each until 4 PM.
- You get to select your seats when you purchase your tickets at Cinebistro.
- There is a 17.5% gratuity already added to your food bill.
- The popcorn is served in large ceramic bowls, so if you're one of those people who like to take any leftovers home to much on later, bring your own Ziploc!

Did You Know...

Did you know that the two Dillards at Virginia Center have been consolidated into one? Did you know that the entire store is 50 to 70% off the original price?? Why did I not know about this??!! Jason questioned two different salespeople to see if this store was going out of business, and they both said that it was going to be used as a clearance center. Think of it as a Marshalls type of set up. If you're going to find a deal, you're going to have to search for it. You're also going to have to look past the mid-90's decor. There seemed to be more men's clothing than women's, and very few children's and/or housewares. You're going to have to be 100% sure about your purchase because all sales are final. They have kinda of peculiar hours (like the are closed on Mondays and most days by 7 PM), but it's worth looking into. I might have gotten a tad carried away and invested in four dresses, but I only paid $72 and one dress alone was originally that much.

Keeping it Clean...

It's been a while since we've cleaned up at Kroger. This week, be sure to check out a couple of things...

1. Charmin Toilet Paper... it's part of their "Buy 4" promotion (meaning you buy 4 selected health and beauty products, and $4 is knocked off your total). It's on sale for $5.99 with the promotion and you can download a $3 off coupon to your Kroger card. We also used another $1 off Charmin manufacturer coupon making the grand total: $1.99!!

2. Old Spice Deodorant... it's also part of the promotion that's on sale for $1.07 each. We combined that was a manufacturer coupon ($1 off any 2) and got them for about $.60 a piece!!


3. Herbal Essence Shampoo... part of the promotion... making it on sale for $1.84. We used a manufacturer coupon to save a dollar and paid a whopping $.88!!

Make a Joyful Noise

Supposedly singing is linked to stress reduction. So don't hold back when you're belting it out in the car or shower. Prevention magazine also shares that those people who sing in choirs have a higher satisfaction with life as opposed to the general public singing solo. Maybe those "Glee" kids are onto something! (Speaking of "Glee", Target has the complete 1st season on sale this week for only $14.99! Huge bargain!!)

Catching Some zzzz's

It's so nice not to have to get up at the crack of dawn while I get to be "Holiday Mary Catherine"! Prevention magazine suggests that if you sleep for a good 7 1/2 hours for 3 consecutive nights, then you'll be able to get through at least 5 full REM sleep cycles each night. This means you'll be able to ascertain the best benefits of sleep, including strengthening your immunity. So snooze on!

Motivation to Exercise??

I'm oddly intrigued by these...

S2H makes these bracelets that log the amount of physical activity you complete. After an hour of activity (and it doesn't have to be consecutive), the bracelet will show you a special code that you can apply for discounts and gifts at places like Apple, Target, GameStop, etc... The bracelet is $19.95 and for $2.99 you can change the band to one of 7 different colors. The downside is that in order for the activity to register on the bracelet, you'll have to be doing something pretty vigorous, like soccer, so that your arms are moving as much as the rest of your body. The company is almost ready to release pedometers, which seem like it would be easier to rack up points.

I'm not exactly sure how many points you get per code earned. The rewards vary on how many points you actually need to cash in. I do like how many of the offers are kid-friendly (like Toys'R'Us) that might be an incentive to keep kids active.

Check out www.s2h.com for more details.

Precious Packaging

We received these with gift cards nestled inside for Christmas. (Thanks, Bocky!) They were very appropriate because we were watching a movie that evening, but I got to thinking that they would also be precious packaging if you were giving a movie gift card to someone. Who wouldn't love to get this little package with a gift card buried beneath "popcorn" (crinkled paper)??

Greener Guacamole

Browning guacamole can be curtailed with this little trick... The next time you mix up some homemade guacamole, place the whole pit of one of the avocados in the serving container with your dip after it's made. My suggestion is to nestle it near the top so that guac enthusiasts will stay clear of the potential choking hazard. The pit will keep the avocado from turning brown so quickly, which can make perfectly delicious guacamole look less than appealing.

Check out the 8/1 post for a simple and scrumptious guacamole recipe.

Chips & Salsa

This week Target is advertising a FREE Tostitos salsa or dip when you buy any 2 Tostitos chips. The chips are also on sale 2 for $5. Fun fact!

All for $5!!

Eco Friendly Gift Wrapping

This is a cute way to have a little less trash this holiday season. Instead of wrapping gifts with wrapping paper or stuffing sheets of tissue paper in a gift bag, try to utilize the actual gift in the presentation of the present.

I used a dishtowel to cover these presents, which also provided a little extra insulation for it's breakable contents.

Reusable bags are also great to use as gift bags, and the recipient can enjoy the bag for later use. Boxes with printed patterns are also great because you can skip the wrapping paper and even reuse the box in the future.

Candy Cane Tootsie Pops

The combination might sound unappealing, but there's something about the mix of chocolate and peppermint that is delicious! Check out Tootsie Pop's Candy Cane pops.

Eggs and Sausage

You've probably already prepared to stay in for a while with SNOW in the forecast, but just in case... I wanted to mention a special that Kroger was having this week. They have Jimmy Dean Sausage on sale- 2 for $5. They are normally $4.99 each, so it's like you're getting one for free. And speaking of free... when you purchase the 2 Jimmy Dean Sausages, you get a dozen Kroger large eggs for FREE. Quite the bargain!

Adorable Crock Pots

Proctor Silex makes these adorable little slow cookers. They would be perfect for dips, appetizers, or even smaller meals. They come in several bright colors. At only $15 each, they would make cute housewarming or hostess gifts. Target.com carries them as does proctorsilex.com.

Double Dippers

With the holiday season being in full swing, chances are you will visit a gathering or two. Steer clear of dips and salsas that have been compromised by... double dippers. (You know, those folks who feel comfortable enough to dip and then dip again.) As if double dippers sharing their germs isn't bad enough, you also need to watch out for the "flippers" (people who take a bit of something with a dip and then flip their chip, veggie, etc... to the other end and dip again). Self magazine reports that these flippers are perhaps even more likely to compromise dips. The potential germs for their hands, which are now being spread in the dip, are just as dangerous. A little food for thought!

Caring for Winter Accessories

Don't neglect your winter accessories this season. Hats, scarves, and gloves need a little TLC. Real Simple suggests laundering them 3 to 5 times a season. Unless otherwise stated, hand wash knits and dry-clean leather. Gloves especially can come into contact with lots of germs and should be cleaned accordingly.

Streamline Your Morning

I'm loving Tresemme' Fresh Start Waterless Foam Shampoo. It's great for those days when a shampoo just isn't going to happen. Pump a little of the foam into your hand and apply it evenly with your fingertips. It's a plus for not over drying curly hair. It's subtle smell is refreshing without being overwhelming.

Junk Mail

Take the time to give a closer look to your "junk mail". Quite often Red Plum (the same company that puts coupons in the Sunday paper) has coupons nestled inside of fliers that come in that mail that might look like trash. I've found several coupons for $3.99 haircuts from Great Clips recently. Just a thought to give these ads a quick once over before sending them to the garbage.

Mingle with Legendary Santa

The Christmas Mother in conjunction with the Children's Museum of Richmond will host a special event on Sunday, December 5th. For $2 you can mingle with the Legendary Santa and explore the regular exhibits from 5:30-8:00 PM. $1 of the cost of admission goes to the Christmas Mother.

(Side Note- Regular Admission is $8 for children over 1 and adults.)

All that Glitters

Thinking about adding a little pizazz to your holiday look? Using make up with a little glitter is an easy way to add more sparkle. Go easy on it though, accenting only one feature (like your eyes or lips). My personal favorite for eyes is a mix of Victoria's Secret cream eyeshadow gel and their sparkling powder shadow. To make it a little less intense, I go over it with a neutral shadow. They also make a subtle lip gloss with just enough shine for everyday use that's not too flashy.

Children's Museum

Are you a Bank of America account holder? If so, you can gain FREE entry to the Children's Museum of Richmond (both locations) the first weekend of the month (Saturdays 9:30-5:00 and Sundays 12-5:00). Just show your Bank of America card and your photo ID.

Making a List and Checking it Twice...

Santa has the right idea in terms of planning ahead. If you are attempting to score any major deals tomorrow, it would be a good idea on your part to plan ahead. Here are some tips for making the most of the biggest shopping day of the year.

- Scrutinize ads to compare prices. Some stores (like Wal-Mart) will match a competitor's price as long as you have the ad in print. Look for print coupons, too.

- Make a list of the stores you plan to visit and what you want to specifically look for when in that store. Jot down the sizes of your gift recipients (if you don't have them committed to memory, or if they might vary from store to store).

- Map out where you are going and when. Make note of stores that have special offers that expire at certain times (i.e.- 40% off the entire store until 8 AM) and be sure to prioritize.

-Bring any coupons with you!!

- Pack a snack and a bottled water... just in case you need it.

- Be patient and have a good attitude. Being in a rotten mood will not make a long line move any faster.

- Come home... and nap.... and delight in your savings!


Last year I ventured with my family to Williamsburg at the crack of dawn (really before dawn). The savings were too good to pass up. I came across a Lacoste dress that originally retailed for $95. When the discounts were applied... I got it for $14!! That's one of my all-time favorite deals! I hope that's the case this year as well.

Being Thankful

This time of year is an ideal time to stop and think about the things you are grateful for. Off and on since I was in high school, I've kept a "Thanks Journal". Everyday, I try to jot down 5 things that I am thankful for. They can be simple little things (like Rainbow Cookies or getting a new magazine in the mail) to more serious things (like having 200+ family and friends celebrating our wedding day with us and living in a country without religious persecution). I've accumulated many "Thanks Journals" over the years, and it's interesting to go back and look at them. It's interesting to go back and look at what has happened over the past few months. I don't always get to it everyday, so sometimes I'm writing a few days worth of things I've been thankful for. I like to pick journals that have fun covers and use a specific pen for it so that I stay motivated to use them. I encourage you to keep a "Thanks Journal". It's humbling and helps keep things in perspective. Even if you don't start a journal, at least take the time to think about the blessings that you have been given.

Happy Brushing

Reach makes these adorable toothbrushes with fancy patterns that make everyday brushing just a tad more chic!With so many patterns to choose from, it's a good thing you get to mix it up every few months!

BOGO at Starbucks!

Starting today (11/18) through 11/21, if you buy a holiday drink at Starbucks, you get one FREE! Note that it has to be between the hours of 2 and 5 pm. Spread some holiday (and frothy goodness) cheer!

Holiday Shipping

Planning on mailing some packages this Christmas? If so, head to www.prioritymail.com/myholiday to get your FREE Flat Rate Shipping Kit, with 4 different sized boxes and a gift card envelope. Even if you don't mail them right away, it might not be a bad idea to have them on-hand for future packages. It is a limited offer, so be sure to place your request by December 3rd.

Santa's Wonderland

Santa has arrived at Bass Pro Shop! Get your FREE 4x6 picture taken with Santa in his Wonderland. The schedule below lists the available hours, not to mention there are FREE games and activities in the store. There are FREE crafts most days, and even the promise of FREE "Santa Bandz".

The crafts change from week to week, so check out: www.basspro.com and click on "Santa's Wonderland" for more specific details.

Clogged Drain?

One of our sinks was starting to drain a little slower than normal. With no Liquid Plumber, my hubby said that he had heard that using liquid dish soap would do the job. I ran some water in the sink, and as it slowly started to drain, Jason put in some Dawn and we let it seep down the drain. I opened and closed it a few times, which seemed to help push the soap along. I'm not exactly sure how, but it worked! The sink is draining just fine, and the dish soap left the sink clean and smelling fresh.

Board Games for $1

Someone reminded me about this today... Toys R Us has board games on sale this week for $1 after a mail-in rebate. Classics like "Candy Land" and "Chutes and Ladders" are $1 after a $2 rebate. Games like "Hi Ho Cherry-O" and "Don't Break the Ice" are $3 after a $2 rebate. Get in to Toys R Us by Saturday to take advantage of this sale!

Black Friday Ads

Are you itching to see the deals that are going to be out there on Black Friday?? (Yep!!) Check out the new ads at: www.black-friday.net. They're continuing to post new ads as they become available (a.k.a- "leaked").

Keeping Warm

I shamelessly love my Snuggie and now is the perfect time of year to cuddle up in one! I do not condone the use of a Snuggie for Dogs- if your pet is so lethargic that they need a fleece blanket, something is wrong. I also do not condone a Snuggie commercial I saw last night that actually used the "Macarena" in the ad. No need for that. Snuggies do make great gifts!

Children's Clothing Sale

Target has Circo clothing on sale this week for infants and toddlers for $3.50 each piece! If you have small children, or know someone who does, spread the word to take advantage of this deal!

Lysol Wipes

I've just discovered the practicality of Lysol's Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes. One of my parents sent them in at the beginning of the year. One side is rough and was very helpful at unsticking dried glue and 1st grade funk from the classroom tables, while the other softer side is just like a regular wipe. They would also come in handy scrubbing down bathrooms and/or kitchens. I think that they might be added to my next shopping list!

Pleasantly Surprised

My mom and I enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at Ruby Tuesday over the weekend. I haven't been in a Ruby Tuesday in years, but was pleasantly surprised by the revamped menu and service. The fact that we had a buy-one-get-one-free coupon didn't hurt either! The menu indicated lots of healthier options and the salad bar was well-maintained and had tons of choices too. Be on the lookout for BOGO coupons in the Sunday paper and even in some magazines (some are on the bottom of a full page add and some are tear-out cards).

Christmas Magic?!

My hubby and I went through a Starbucks drive thru the other night when what with my wondering eyes should appear?... but a Starbucks holiday cup filled with Christmas cheer!! Starbucks has already started using their notorious red and white cups. I literally gasped when the cup came out the window. Jason thought something was really wrong, but I was just excited to see the premature holiday celebration.

SpOokTaCuLAr Savings

We saved bunches today at Kroger! They are having a Mega 10 Event (where you get $5 knocked off your total by purchasing 10 participating items). If you purchase another 10 items, you'd get $10 knocked off your total, and so on.

We particularly racked up by stocking up on some Smart Ones frozen meals. Jason saw a $3 off when you buy 10 coupon on one of the boxes, so we used that in addition to the fact that they were also part of the Mega Event. We got 10 of those alone making them about $1.68 each.

Another item that we scored big with was Gatorades. A single Gatorade is normally $1.10 each. With the Mega Event... try $.49 each.

Kroger medium eggs are on sale 2 dozen for $1.

Men's Right Guard deodorant was on sale for $1, plus there was a BOGO free coupon in the paper today. For some reason the sales girl insisted on putting in the value as $1.50, so I'm pretty sure that we made a little money today!

How to Fake a Salon Manicure

Here's a way to save on a DIY french manicure:

You'll need:

- nail file
- paper towels (just in case!)
- a clear base coat
- sheer pink polish (sometimes you can get a set of pink & white together for this purpose)
- white polish

- a clear top coat
- nail polish remover
- 1 small, soft bristle brush
- several Post-it sticky notes (yes, just humor me) (optional)
- a cuticle stick or wooden skewer (optional)
- hand lotion (optional)

1. Start by filing down clean, dry nails. Now would be a good time to slather a little lotion on your cuticles and gently nudge them back.

2. Apply the clear base coat and allow to dry. I tend to stick with Sally Henson, but I also use Revlon all the time. It depends what's on sale!

3. Now... I'm going to go 2 different ways with this, "A" would be an easier version, and "B" is for those of you who feel a tad more adventurous!

Here's "A":

3. Apply the white polish to the tips of your nails. It does NOT have to be even remotely perfect, because we're going to clean them up in a minute. I like the white to look thick on the tips, but it is completely up to you. At the very least, the white should be close to the white on your natural nails. Start in the middle of the nail with 1 stroke, and then work on the outsides. Allow to dry.

4. After you've allowed the white to dry, dip the end of the small, soft bristled brush into the nail polish remover. Use the brush to edge and clean up the white polish. This is why it didn't have to be perfect!

5. Fill in the pink space on your nails with the pink polish. You can try to keep it off of the white, but if the polish is sheer enough, coating the entire nail (including the white) should be okay. Allow to dry.

6. Go over the entire nail with a top coat. Try to slip a little on the under side of your nails to essentially seal the polish. Allow to dry.

7. You can saturate your cuticle stick (assuming it's wooden) or saturate a wooden skewer (be careful with the pointy end!) in nail polish remover and carefully clean up an extra polish that may have gotten on your fingers. I typically let nature take it's course and it will loosen up and come off on it's own the next day. It's up to you if you're pressed for time.

8. Admire your handiwork!

Now... plan "B" for those of you how love a DIY challenge!

3. Apply the pink polish first to the entire nail and allow to dry COMPLETELY.

4. Tear off some pieces of the Post-it note (you want the sticky end). Carefully align the sticky end of the piece of paper on top of your nail so that you can still see the whites of your nail (or where you would like for the white polish to go). While the paper is adhered, paint the tip of the nail white. It's alright if you go onto the paper. Slowly pull the paper off (it may leave a slight indentation, but you shouldn't notice it once you apply a top coat.

Do this for each nail, removing the paper as you go.

5. After the white polish has had a chance to dry, apply a clear top coat. Slip just a little polish on the underside of the nail to seal the deal.

6. Feel free to saturate your cuticle stick (or a wooden skewer) in nail polish remover and clean up any stray polish.

7. Admire your handiwork!

Last step... treat yourself to staying out of the kitchen or doing any manual labor for a little while because you wouldn't want to compromise your beautiful manicure!

Pucker Up

Pucker up! Snag a FREE lip item from Bath & Body Works with ANY purchase from their website by entering code: FREELIP. Or try to print off the coupon and pick up your free lip item in the store. You'll need to act quickly because the offer is only good through Sunday (10/31)!

Promises

For some reason I was completely unaware of the tornadoes that touched down yesterday. I've been very surprised to see the extent of the damage all over the Richmond area. Out of all of the pictures that I've seen, I thought that this one was particularly poignant. It's not all that clear, but you can make out not just one, but two rainbows. Just a little reminder that God does keep His promises.

Michaels' Halloween Events

Michaels is hosting Halloween Events this week. Almost all (except for Friday) are FREE for little crafters. Drop in your local Michaels on the following nights from 6 to 8 PM.

Monday- Halloween Glow Explosion Eyes
Tuesday- Quick & Easy Costumes (make-it take-it)
Thursday- Halloween Mask
Friday- Halloween Treat Bag (with the purchase of bag)

And then on Saturday, they are hosting a "Free Family Halloween Event" from 10 AM to 2 PM where kids can show off their costume, get their faces painted, and even make a Duck Tape cuff.

Keep Colds Away

Are you getting enough sleep? Real Simple shares simple and drug-free ways to keep the common cold at bay this month. One of them is to be sure you're catching enough zzz's. They stated that a recent study showed that people who do not average around 7 hours of shut-eye a night were three times more likely to come down with a cold. So do yourself a favor (and everyone else around you) and take care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep!

Sad Holiday News

We found out this evening that Sonic's Holiday Mint Blast will not be featured this year!! I am so upset! It had the perfect mix of peppermint candies and ice cream. We were told that there would be some sort of cookie mix blast this year. I certainly hope they bring back Totty the Elf. R.I.P. Holiday Mint Blast... you will be missed!

Garden Ridge

Garden Ridge is back in Central VA! I fulfilled my need to make the pilgrimage to Garden Ridge after not being in one for several years. Jason humored me as we trekked out to Midlothian to see the newly opened store. They have lots of home goods and already have a decent selection of Christmas decorations. I think the biggest surprise that we saw there was the huge assortment of scrubs for $5.99 (for tops and bottoms). I don't have a need for scrubs, but if you know someone who does, this would be the place to shop!

(P.S.- Don't forget the tolls!)

Best Time to Stock Up...

According to Good Housekeeping, the best time to stock up on household items and non-perishable foods is right after Thanksgiving. Supposedly retailers offer more coupons between November to December than any other time of year. Couple that with store sales and you'll keep a little extra cash to be used for those holiday necessities!

Savvy & Stylish Invention

I wish I had thought of this! The "Card Cubby" is a genius way to organize gift cards, coupons, rewards cards, and credit cards. The alphabetized inserts are the key to chic organization that help you have money saving offers handy. They come in a variety of patterns and cost around $20 (some more... some less). Check out their website: www.cardcubby.com. Some stores in the area carry them.



P.S.- Most of the pink patterns are on sale during the month of October!

Tropicana is Extending Program

Good news! Tropicana's Juicy Rewards Program is being extended until February 28, 2011! You still have time to enter codes from cartons, search, and print off TONS of coupons. Read the fine print on the offer to be sure that the merchant is extending their promotion with the program. Check out the offers from Brewster's, Leap Frog, Massage Envy, Pizza Fusion, Extreme Pizza, The Children's Museum, The Science Museum, and many more!

TODAY ONLY- Winter Coats for $16!!

Today ONLY Old Navy is having their Women's Frost Free Jackets on sale for $16!! They are regularly priced at $49.50!! They come in 6 delightful colors. Check out their website: http://www.oldnavy.com/ NOW to get yours! For this price... buy a couple!

More Unmarked Police Cars

I'm not sure how valid this is... but rumor has it that there are more and more unmarked police cars on the road. They're not using flashy or sleek cars, but rather mini vans to catch unsuspecting speeders! So the next time you're cruising along a little faster than you should, be on the lookout for a mini van to pull you over. Apparently mini vans aren't just for soccer moms anymore!

Halloween Scents

I am LOVING the smell of Bath & Body Works new seasonal items! They smell like fall!! I am a big fan of "Zombie Blood" (it sounds gross, but smells like heaven... marshmallow to be exact!) and "Candy Corn" (which smells like caramel). I have them in the Pocketbacs.I also am appreciating their anti-bacterial hand soap in "Jack-o-Lantern" (Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin).

Some of them even glow in the dark! SpOoKy!!

Kroger's Keeping Money in Your Pocket...

Here are some tips for saving this week:

* Febreze Air Effects... $1 off coupon downloaded to Kroger card + $1 off coupon

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$2 off!

* Progresso Soups... on sale for $1 each + downloaded $.50 off coupon (when you buy 2)

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2 cans of soup for $1.50!!

* Quaker Rice Snacks... $.99 (when you buy 10 participation items) + $.75 off coupon

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Tasty little snack for about a quarter!!!

And my favorite...

*Kraft Easy Mac... $.49 (when you buy 10 participating items) + $1 off coupon downloaded on card (when you buy 2)

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2 Easy Macs for FREE!!

There are lots of good deals on the "Save $5 when you buy 10 participating items" sale. Pair many of those items with manufacturers coupons and you'll get even better savings!

Sunny D Book Spree

Sunny D and Martina McBride are partnering up to put books in classrooms across the country.

A teacher sends in 20 labels from Sunny D products, and they send that classroom 20 books!

They've already done a lot of the hard work for teachers by designing a letter to send home to parents, a letter to send to the PTA, and an easy-to-read form for submitting labels. You can submit more than 20 labels, as there will be Grand and 1st Prizes awarded to schools who send the most labels.

See the additional details at the link below:

http://www.sunnyd.com/contest-martina-mcbride-book-spree/Participate.aspx

The promotion runs until November 30th, 2010, so you should have plenty of time to get 20 labels from students, friends, family, neighbors... whoever!

(Side note: So... if you are a Sunny D drinker and you happen to have some UPCs that you aren't using, I'd appreciate it if you could send them my way! Thanks!!)

Number Tracing

This post is not necessarily for everyone... especially if you or most people you know already know how to write their numbers correctly. Here's an easy DIY activity that is super inexpensive and sure to be a crowd pleaser:

You'll need:

- 11 quart size Ziploc bags (to make bags for numbers 0-10)

- 11 sandwich size Ziploc bag

- hair gel

- card stock

- permanent markers (red & black)

1. Write numbers on card stock with permanent marker. I cut one 8.5 x 11 piece into 4 pieces. I used a thick black marker with a thin red marker to make an arrow to point tracers in the right direction. Slip the cards into quart size Ziploc bag.

2. In a sandwich size baggie, squirt a small dollop of hair gel. It needs to be a gel. (You can get a cheap brand in a big bottle for very little $.)

3. Put the baggie of gel into the quart size bag on top of the number card.

4. Allow busy fingers to trace the numbers over and over, all the while the messiness is contained in two sealed baggies.

Panera Loyalty

If you don't already have one, be sure to pick up a "My Panera" card from Panera the next time you visit. You'll need to register your card on-line to start getting "surprises" (think a free cookie or pastry!). Have it swiped each time you visit to gain more reward points to get more surprises. Supposedly they tailor your rewards to how you shop there (bakery, meals, etc...). You don't have to keep track of anything except for the card. Enjoy!

Play-Doh Sale

Get to Target this week to snag a 4 pack of Play-Doh (yep, the real name brand!) for $1!!

Kroger Update

I know your Sunday wouldn't be complete without an update on what you can save on at Kroger this week! Try these savings on for size:


* Reese's snack size treats (yum!... for Trick-or-Treaters, of course)= 2/$5
- use a $1 off of 3 coupon from today's paper
- download a $1 off of 3 coupon to your Kroger card
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makes them about $1.84 each


* Tyson frozen grilled chicken breasts= on sale for $5.98 (regularly $9.49)
- use a coupon to save another $1 off
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save $4.51!!

[Side note: I use these all the time. They are pre-cooked, so you pop them in the microwave for no time at all. I'll sprinkle a little cheese on it, or chop it up for a salad. So quick & easy!]


* Poly-o string cheese= on sale for $3.99 (regularly $5.19)
-use coupon from (I think today's) paper for $1 off
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save $2.20

Keeping Tabs on Coupons

It's exciting to find coupons for restaurants that you'll actually use in the Val-Pak or other fliers, but the problem is getting your hands on them when you need them. I store mine in a long accordion envelope. Mine is from The Container Store, but you can easily find one in the dollar section at Target, The Dollar Store, or even an office supply store. I labeled the tabs (using the stickers provided) into categories based on the type of various restaurants (i.e.- Mexican, Italian, Sandwiches, Fast Food, Chinese, Dessert, American, Pizza Delivery, and Misc.). These are strictly coupons for restaurants and outings. I sort coupons for groceries in an entirely separate place.

You'll probably want a longer accordion envelope because a lot of these coupons (especially in Val-Pak) are long. I keep this envelope in a kitchen drawer so that I always know where it is. I'm getting better about throwing it in my bag or in the car if I know that we'll be out and there's a chance that we'll want to grab something to eat. The question: "What kind of food are you in the mood for?" can easily be narrowed down when there is a coupon involved. The deal is sealed even quicker if we have a gift card in addition to the coupon!

(Cheap) Date Night

It seems like lots of restaurants are promoting a 2 for $20 menu right now. So if you're looking to stretch your dollars on a nice dinner, these might be some options to consider:

- Applebees- 2/$20... 1 appetizer & 2 entrees

- Chili's- 2/$20... 1 appetizer & 2 entrees

- Lonestar Steakhouse- 2/$20... 1 appetizer & 2 entrees

-O'Charley's- 2/$14... 2 entrees only, but don't forget about their scrumptious rolls!

Early Halloween Shopping

If you're looking for a Halloween costume, here's an incentive to shop at Party City. If you make a $35 purchase in store or on-line, and one item in your cart/basket is a Halloween costume, you'll get a coupon for a free Shutterfly photo book. The fine print is that the photo book is a 5x7 album and it's a soft cover. There were coupons for $5 and $10 off in a Party City flyer that came out in a Red Plum circular this week. Just FYI... it's hard to believe that October 1 is next Friday.

Save on Undies...

Who doesn't love free undies?! If you do... you'll want to take advantage of Victoria's Secret's Pink's 7 for $25 special. They usually go 5 for $25, but for a limited time, you can grab 7 pair for $25. Keep in mind a single pair can range from $7.50- $10.50. (7 x $7.50= $52.50... that's more than 1/2 off!!) You can never have too many pair... trust me! P.S.- If you are a member of Pink Nation, you should have gotten an e-mail offer for a chance to get 8 pair for $25!