Eco & Budget Friendly Water Bottles

I saw these "Bobbles" advertised in Shape that claim to filter regular tap water for up to 12 weeks. Do you know how many bottles of water we (read: I) go through in 3 months?? I checked out their website (http://www.waterbobble.com/) to see where I could purchase them (I didn't want to pay shipping & handling on their site). Much to my surprise Cracker Barrel (!!!!) carries them. We picked up one this evening and so far... so good! Bobbles are made from recycled materials and come in 6 fun colors. You can pick up a replacement filter for around $7. I feel like this way I am helping cut down on the number of bottles we use AND helping to save some cash.

Taps Savings

This is for all those teachers out there... Taps (Teachers & Parents Store) is promoting the tax-free weekend by having no sales tax. They also have started a new Dollar Corner (back far right of the store), which had a better selection than I would have thought. Jason and I stocked up on a few things (stickers, incentive charts, name tags, decorative accents, etc...). It might be worth browsing if you happen to be in the area. We also took advantage of a completed Rewards Card (they're free and you get a stamp for every $10 spent) and got those goodies plus some others for FREE!!

They have a coupon on their website for 20% off any one item. Kudos to you if you can figure out how to print it!

http://www.tapsonline.com/

This info may not be too terribly useful for you if you're not a teacher. Unless you enjoy shaped Popsicle sticks, double-sided tape, or get a kick out of pencils that say: "Return to Teacher".

Back-to-School Crafting

I saw these adorable picture frames for sale that were covered with colored pencils. I was pretty sure I could make something like it for a lot less.

This would probably also work with crayons as well. I picked up a pack of colored pencils. (Target had them on sale for 75 cents each AND you got a free 24 box of crayons... BONUS!!) You'll also need a plain picture frame, scissors, a coarse nail file or sandpaper, and some type of strong adhesive. Glue guns are cumbersome, so I prefer to use Zots adhesives. They are super sticky and easy to use. I used them on tons of things for the wedding from invitations to the flower girl's basket.


I started sticking the colored pencils right on the frame with the Zots. The frame is for a 4 x 6 picture, so I had to be creative to get the whole thing covered. I scored the pencils with scissors where I wanted to cut them and then cut at the pencil until it was ready to break off. The break was relatively even, but I wanted to smooth the rough edge. I didn't have any sandpaper handy, so I used a coarse old nail file. It worked just as well!



The outcome is very cute, and at a fraction of the cost!

Kroger Digital Coupons

I don't know why I didn't know about this earlier, but I am loving digital coupons! If you already have a Kroger Card, register it at the link below:


http://www.softcoin.com/Sites/Kroger_ECoupons/Page/HomePage/Retailer/Kroger


You'll need to sign in (or register first by following several simple instructions). Then browse the digital coupons. You can select up to 150 coupons and click on "Load Coupons to Card". You can download coupons and then if you don't use them, it's no problem. Be sure to pay attention to the expiration dates, just like paper coupons. These coupons do not double.


Jason and I put this to good use today. We got a bottle of Tide (100 oz.), which is normally $14.99 for $6.99!! We combined the digital coupon with a Procter & Gamble promotion, buying 3 other participating P & G products to get $4 off our total.

It's so nice to just swipe our Kroger Card that we use anyway and have savings waiting for us!


Fun Fact= You can print a list of coupons you haven't used that are broken down by categories.

I'm Thinking Arby's...

A little birdie (thanks, Griswolds!) told me that Arby's has dinner for 4 for $9.99. There is a different entree Monday through Wednesday (Roast Beef= Monday, Turkey= Tuesday, & Chicken= Wednesday). You get the entree, 4 sides, and 4 "gourmet" rolls. The turkey was a Butterball, already sliced and covered in just enough gravy. It was well worth the $9.99 and we'll get another meal out of the leftovers. Just remember to go between 5 and 9 PM.

100 Calories? Yes, Please!

We've discovered these 100 Calorie Cheese Bites. It seems like a decent portion for 100 calories. This particular kind (Mozzarella, Garlic & Herb) is a bit strong, but it pairs nicely with some Triscuits. It makes for a yummy snack!

Holy Guacamole!

This is the best recipe I've found so far for some fresh guacamole. You'll need:

- 2 Hass avocados

- 2 tablespoons minced red onion

- 1/2 medium tomato

- juice from 1/2 lime

- 1 small jalapeno


I did the chopping and mincing first and put the onion, tomato, and jalapeno (which I only used a few slices) in a small bowl.

I scooped out the avocados and started mashing them with a spoon in another medium sized bowl. Keep mashing until you get most of the big chunks out. Then mix in the onion, tomato, and jalapeno, as well as the lime juice.





Mmmm... heavenly!