Walgreen's Trip

I went to Walgreen's on May 30th to take advantage of the $10 off a $30 purchase coupon. I needed a few things, but probably not $30 worth. I was going to get Ryan something for Father's Day, but they did not have what I wanted.

Here is what we got:

• 6 Chex Mix @ $0.99 each, I had 3 coupons for $1.00 of 2. I got them for $0.50 each.
• 2 Excedrin @ $1.99 each, I had 2 coupons for $2.00. I got them for FREE.
• 2 Edge Shaving Gel @ 1.50 each, I had 2 coupons for $1.00. I got them for $0.50 each.
• 1 Charmin Toilet Paper @ 4.29, I had a coupon for $1.00 off. I got it for $3.29.
  
• I got some fruit and other snacks for $1.00 each. (No Coupons)
• I got the girls a coloring pad with activities in it @ $4.99 each (not pictured)

I paid $12.88 out of pocket and saved $18.35 in WAG advertised savings and $8.00 in manufacture coupons.

More Free Samples

Here is a picture of more free samples I received in the mail the other day. We got SaniHands Wipes and a coupon, ban deodorant, and a new bottle for Chloe which also had a coupon for $1.00 off drop ins for the bottle.

I also received a coupon today for a free bottle of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce.

Four Cheese Lasagna

Here is the recipe for the Four Cheese Lasagna we like to make.

Ingredients:

• 9 Lasagna Noodles
• 8 oz Provolone Cheese
• 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese
• Small container of shredded Parmesan Cheese
• Small container of Ricotta Cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Jar of Spaghetti Sauce

How to put it together:

1. Boil the noodles until done or almost done. Then drain.
2. Mix the beaten egg, 1/2 the container of Ricotta Cheese and 1/2 the container of Parmesan Cheese.
   
3. Put a small amount of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
   
4. Layer 3 noodles, spread 1/3 of the Ricotta/Parmesan Cheese mixture, 1/3 of the Provolone Cheese and 1/3 of the Mozzarella Cheese, and 1/3 of the sauce.
5. Repeat. Layer 3 noodles, spread 1/3 of the Ricotta/Parmesan Cheese mixture, 1/3 of the Provolone Cheese and 1/3 of the Mozzarella Cheese, and 1/3 of the sauce.
6. For the last layer, put 3 noodles, the remaining Ricotta/Parmesan Cheese mixture, put the remaining sauce, then top with the remaining Mozzarella cheese and the Provolone Cheese.
7. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Diaper Cake

Here is a picture of the diaper cake I made for a friend who just had a baby. It was fun to make and the girls even were able to help a little. We wrapped it up in plastic to finish it off. It is a little difficult to see the picture, but you can get the idea of what it looks like.

I took this along with the gift and supper. They were very appreciative.

CVS Trip

Here is one of my CVS trips this week. I went another time, but really didn't get much. This time I went in with no EBC (extra care bucks) and came out with $8.97 and $4.69 in ECBs. I was pretty excited.

Here is what I got:

• 3 Aquafresh toothpaste $2.99 each
  
• Tums Quikpak $4.69
• CVS Back Pack wipes $1.59
• 2 Kissables candy $0.50 each (I thought they were $0.20)\

Here are the coupons I had:

• $5.00 off if you spend $15.00 or more
  
• 3 - $1.00 off the Aquafresh
• $2.25 off the Tums Quikpak
• $1.59 (free) CVS Back Pack wipes (I got this in my e-mail)

My grand total was $4.78. I had no ECB, so I paid this out of pocket.

I gained $8.97 from the Aquafresh and $4.69 from the Tums.

Of course I am going to send in for a rebate on the Tums and I should get $4.69 back.

Weekly Goals Update

I have not been very diligent at completing my weekly goals this week. I am going to try to work on them this weekend. I have been busy this week with other things, but I want to keep up with my goals.

$10 off at Walgreens on May 30th

On May 30, Walgreens is offering $10 off your purchase of $30 or more. I wanted to pass this along to you, just in case you plan to make a trip soon. It is good for one day only.

Go HERE to print your coupon.

New Links in Sidebar

I have decided to share the sample links with you. I look at several blogs everyday looking for new free samples. I will try to post the link in the side bar so you can sign up also.

Hope you enjoy.

Free Sampes

I got more free samples. A couple of them came last week, but most of them came on Tuesday. It is so fun to receive free stuff in the mail. It makes it fun to check the mail. My girls and I are always excited when the mail comes.

Here is what I got:

• Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste and a $1.00 coupon
• Kool-Aid, Country Time, and Crystal Light drink mixes and a $0.50 coupon
• Dove Deodorant
• Dove Cream Oil and a $1.50 coupon
• Vaseline Lotion and a $2.00 coupon
• Frizz Ease Night Serum
  
• Emergent C Pink Lemonade
  
• Tide (1 load sample)
• Gold Bond Powder and a $1.00 coupon
• Finally I got a coupon for $1.00 Downy
  

Baby Legs

I found a blog called Doodle's Place and they are giving away two pairs of baby legs from Tick A Doo.

You should check it out. They are so cute.

Free Samples You Can Receive

I thought I would share a few samples you can sign up for and receive free in the mail. These are all samples from walmart.com, but I have made it easy for you. You just have to click the link.


Sign up HERE to receive a free sample of the new Nature Made Multi Vitamin.

You can also sign up HERE to receive a free sample of Frizz-Ease.

There is a free sample of Playtex Gentle Glide HERE.

If you have a child that is potty training or still wears Pull-Ups, you can get a free sample HERE.

HERE is a sample of Ban Deodorant.

There is also a Poise Sample HERE.

And finally HERE are some On The Go Drink Mixes.


I hope you sign up for and enjoy your free samples. I know I love getting free things in the mail. Actually, I really enjoy getting mail as long as I am not getting bills.

Weekly Goals for Week of May 26

I did not accomplish all my goals from last week, so many of them will be a carry over from then. I am posting this on Monday Night because of the holiday. I hope everyone had a great day and stayed dry.

1. Work on GOAL #95 - take a meal and a gift to someone with a new baby (I started this, but did not finish, I will complete it this week.)
2. Clean up Chloe's room
3. Work on sewing machine and get it working, so I can complete Chloe's burp cloths
4. Word cards with Cassidy
5. Give Cassidy 3 lessons in "Hooked on Phonics"
6. Read the 2 fairy books we have checked out from the library to the girls
7. Walk 40 minutes
8. Have 2 soda free days
9. Finish passing out the community yard sale flyer
10. Make a summer schedule for our day to day activities and weekly activities

I would like to complete all these goals this week, so I can start fresh next week.

Great Kroger Savings

Here is a picture of my recent Kroger trip. I took advantage of the coupons I loaded to my Kroger card along with paper coupons. I spent $15.63 and saved $39.45. Here is a breakdown of what I got:

• 2 Crest Pro Health Mouth Wash - $2.68 each
• 2 Olay Ribbons Body Wash - $1.25 each
• 2 Zest Bar Soap 8ct - $1.40 each
• 2 Herbal Essence Shampoo - $0.70 each
• Sauve Body Wash - FREE
• 2 Tampax Tampons - $0.54 each
• 2 Always Pads - $0.54 each

Not Pictured

• Kids Yoplait Yogurt - $0.89

Here is how I did it:

• Crest Pro Health Mouth Wash was on sale for $6.86 each. On the Kroger card, I had a BOGO (Buy one get one free) coupon and I used 2 paper coupons for $0.75 off each one. I bought 2 and got them for $2.68 each.
  
• Olay Ribbons Body Wash was on sale for $3.50 each. On the Kroger card, I had a BOGO coupon and I used a paper coupon for $1.00 off 2. I bought 2 and got them for $1.25 each.
• Zest Bar Soap (8 count) was on sale for $3.50 each. On the Kroger card, I had a BOGO coupon and I used 2 paper coupons for $0.35 off one. Kroger doubles the paper coupons up to $0.50, so I got $0.70 off each package of soap. I bought 2 and got them for $1.40 each.
• Herbal Essence Shampoo was on sale for $3.39 each. On the Kroger card, I had a BOGO coupon and I used 2 paper coupons for $1.00 off. I bought 2 and got them for $0.70 each.
• Sauve Body Wash was on sale for $1.50. On the Kroger card, I had $0.50 off and I had a $0.50 paper coupon which Kroger doubled to $1.00. I bought one and got it for free.
• Tampax Tampons 20 count were on sale for $3.08 each. On the Kroger card, I had a BOGO coupons and I used 2 $0.50 coupons which were doubled to $1.00. I bought 2 and got them for $0.54 each
• Always Pads 20 count were on sale for $3.08 each. On the Kroger card, I had a BOGO coupons and I used 2 $0.50 coupons which were doubled to $1.00. I bought 2 and got them for $0.54 each
• Kids Yoplait Yogurt was on sale for $2.29. On the Kroger Card, I had a $0.40 coupon and a $0.50 paper coupon which was doubled to $1.00. I bought 1 and got it for $0.89.
  

$5 off at Walgreens

Go HERE to get a $5.00 off coupon when you spend $20 or more at Walgreens. This is good for today May 23rd only.

When I first saw this, I thought it was just for me because it is my birthday, but it is for everyone.

I hope you can use it.

Coupons for your Kroger Card

If you haven't already, you need to sign up to get coupons for your Kroger Card. You can save a lot of money and you don't have to clip coupons. Or if you want, you can use the coupons on your Kroger Card and a paper coupon and save even more. Go to Shortcuts.com, P&G eSaver, or Unilever to sign up for you e coupons. You can also go to Kroger.com and look under the "In Store" tab and click on coupons. You can only load 25 coupons to your card at one time. That is combining the 3 different web sites for the coupons. The only way to remove a coupon is to use it or if it expires. I made the mistake of loading all I could on the first website and then on the other ones, I had to limit what I wanted because I could only load a few.

Here is a few examples of what I did this week with the coupons on my Kroger Card:

• Wisk detergent was on sale for $3.49. I had a $1.50 coupon on my Kroger Card and a $1.50 paper coupon. I spent only $0.49 for the Wisk detergent.
• Warm Delights was $1.99. These are the individual deserts found by the cake mixes. I had a $0.50 coupon on the Kroger card and a $0.40 coupon which was doubled to $0.80. I got the Warm Delights for $0.69.
• Bertolli Pasta was on sale for $5.29. These are in the freezer section and is a complete meal. I had a $1.50 coupon on the Kroger Card and a $1.25 paper coupon. I got the Bertolli Pasta for $2.54.
• Snuggle was on sale for $3.49. I had a $1.00 coupon on my Kroger Card and $1.00 paper coupon. I got the Snuggle for $1.49.

There are many other deals you could get. Don't forget you can combine the coupons on your Kroger Card with paper coupons.

Free Goodies from Wal-Mart

I went shopping at Wal-Mart on Tuesday night. I used coupons worth over $25. I got the things in the picture for free.

I used $1 off coupon from the All You Magazine for the Kotex which were $1. I had two coupons.

I got 6 Clean & Clear and they cost $0.97 each. I had 4 coupons. I can't find where I printed them, but if I do, I will put it here.

I got 3 of the Johnson's lotions and they were $0.97 each. I used $1 off one from here.

More Free Samples

This really isn't a very clear picture, but you can still see that I got several samples in the mail. On Monday, I had a very challenging morning. It seemed all three of the kids were whiny and needy. I just about had all I could take when it was time to take Cassidy to school. As I was leaving, I checked the mail. I was pleasantly surprised to find I received 5 separate samples. It somehow made my day a little better. The day did get better, the younger two girls took a nap and seemed to feel better after that.

I got a sample of Poise pads. It had two pads and a sample of Cottonelle wipes with it.

I got a sample of Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation. Also I got one on Tuesday also. I guess I signed up for it twice or they just wanted me to have two.

I got a sample of Xcid Antacid. I never know when I may need this.

I got a sample of Aquafresh toothpaste.

I also got a sample of Always pads. There were 2 pads and 2 pantyliners. They also sent me a few stickers and a notepad. The girls will enjoy these.

FREE THINGS ARE FUN!

Free Samples

Here is a picture of the free samples I received last week in the mail on Thursday and Friday. I did not get anything on Saturday. I love getting free stuff in the mail. I was a little sad with nothing came on Saturday. Maybe I will get something today.

I got Sun Crystals (this is a sweetener), Benefiber, and Shear Blonde shampoo and conditioner. Of course, I am not a blonde now, I colored my hair red. I will probably be a blonde again in the future. I will save it until then.

Weekly Goals for Week of May 19

Here are some of the goals I am setting for this week. Many of them are the same from week to week, but things I need to work on.

1. Clean up Chloe's room
2. Work on sewing machine
3. Finish the word cards with Cassidy (we worked on these, but ran out of supplies last week)
4. Give Cassidy 3 lessons in "Hooked on Phonics"
5. Read 2 more fairy books to the girls
6. Have a little special time with each girl
7. Make a flyer to give to our neighborhood about community yard sale (I think I want to have it the second weekend in June)
8. Drink 6 cups of water each day
9. Have 2 soda free days
10. Walk 40 minutes
11. Read 2 chapters in the "Strong Willed Child" by James Dobson
12. Post on this blog at least 3 times
13. Post on www.ryanandamyrobinson.com at least 3 times
14. Work on GOAL #95 - take a meal and a gift to someone with a new baby

CVS Trip

I made a trip to CVS yesterday. I am still trying to learn the best way to shop there. I am learning to earn the maximum amount of Extra Care Bucks (ECB). I did this in two transactions.

Here is what I did in the 1st transaction:

• 3 Soy Joy Bars - used coupon Buy 2, Get 1 Free. There were on sale this week for $1 each.
• Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste - used $1.50 coupon from the "All You" magazine
• Hershey's Kit Kat bars - on sale for $0.99
• Hershey's Chocolate bars - on sale for $0.99
• 2 Hershey's Bliss Chocolate bags - used coupon Buy 1, Get 1 Free from the newspaper
  
• 2 ADIDAS Action 3 deodorants - used 2 coupons from the "All You" magazine and got them for free
  

I had a coupon for $3 off if I spent $15 or more. I also had $3 in ECB I earned last time. For this first transaction, I spent $4.74 out of pocket and earned $16.98 in ECB. I earned $5 for spending $10 on the Hershey's candy, $2 for the Colgate toothpaste, and $4.99 for each of the deodorants.

For the second transaction, I bought 3 packs of CVS brand diapers. They had a sale, buy 2, get one free. I used a coupon $3 off a purchase of $15 or more, and then I used $5 and $9.98 of my ECB that I just earned. So I did not spend anything out of pocket for the diapers.

I have $2.00 ECB to use on my next purchase.

If you would like to see more possible purchases from CVS, visit Money Saving Mom.

More Freebies

I received a few more free samples in the mail yesterday and the day before. I got an Icy Hot patch, Kashi granola, Dove shampoo and conditioner, and some Sensodyne toothpaste.

This morning, I signed up for a free sample of Teddy Grahams Honey Variety Cookies. You can sign up HERE, while supplies last from Scholastic. Just look for where it says Free product sample.

I also signed up for a free sample of VIVA Paper Towels from Wal-Mart.

Only 2 Days Left

You only have 2 days left to sign up for your free $25.00. I have researched this company and it looks legitimate. They are trying to compete with paypal. To get as many people as possible to sign up, they are offering a $25 bonus for a limited time (through May 15, 2008). You have to sign up before then to receive your $25.

You can then either request a check or connect the account to your bank account and transfer the money. You do not have to keep this account open if you do not want. You may close it at any time.

I connected my Revolution Money Exchange to my bank account and transferred my money. It took a few days to get my money. It was very easy to do. My husband decided to request a check and he got it in about a week and a half.

Click the link to join and receive your money. If you have any questions or need help, either leave a comment or email me at amyjr76@yahoo.com

More Free Samples

Here is a picture of the freebies I received in the mail yesterday. I got a Hamburger Helper single, a tube of toothpaste, and some caulking.

Weekly Goals for Week of 5/12/08

Here are a few things I would like to accomplish this week.

1. Give Cassidy 3 lessons in "Hooked on Phonics" (my goal is usually 2, but last week we just did one)
2. Finish the word cards with Cassidy and post a picture
3. Read the fairy books to Cassidy
   
4. Have a little special time with each girl this week
5. Make breakfast burritos (This has been a goal for several weeks, I need to get them made)
6. Make a flyer to give to our neighborhood about community yard sale (I think I want to have it the second weekend in June)
   
7. Drink 6 glasses of water everyday
8. Have 2 days without soda
9. Walk at least 40 minutes (I would like to split this into 2 20 minutes walks, but it might have to be 4 10 minute walks)
10. Continue to read "The Strong Willed Child" by James Dobson.

If you have any suggestions for weekly goal for me, let me know. I am always willing to listen and try to better myself.

I hope you are having a great day and are accomplishing your goals.

I Am Thankful

Tomorrow is my wedding anniversary. I have been married for 12 years. It has been an incredible journey so far. I look forward to the years ahead.

In the past 12 years, Ryan and I both earned our bachelor's degree. We bought our first house and fixed it up. We moved back to our hometown and built a house and a few years later built another one. We have had three children. We have been on a few vacations and job interviews in other states. We are still looking for the exact place where God wants us, but we are both willing to trust Him.

I took a little time this week and wrote a list of things why I am thankful for Ryan. These things may just be small things, but they mean a lot to me.

• He took the girls out to try to fly a kite, even though there really wasn't enough wind, just because the girls really wanted to try to fly it.
• He took Cassidy on a walk and spent time with her.
• He always mows the yard when it needs it without complaint.
• He took Cassidy shopping for gardening supplies.
• He went to the Spring Fling at Cassidy's school.
  
• He planted flowers to make the house look better.
• He took Cassidy and Callie on a walk to give me a little quiet time.
• He watched all 3 girls while I walked.
• He cooked supper.
• He watched Chloe while I took a shower.
• He took us to the Pasta House one evening for supper.
  
• He watched Chloe while I helped Cassidy and Callie take a shower.
• He is supportive of me staying home.
• He goes to work everyday without complaint.
• He is bettering himself by going to tae kwon do.
• He has gone a few times to get us lunch/supper when I did not feel like cooking.
• He washed the car I drive.
• He helps the girls when they ask.
• He built me a shelf for the hall to set pictures.
• He planted the bushes I bought for the front yard.
• He watched Chloe while I cleaned up the house.
• He supports my parenting of the girls.
• He helps keep the house clean.
• He is good at entertaining friends and family.
• He took the recycling to the recycling center.
• He goes to church with us.
• He plays with the girls outside (they love that).

There are many, many other things. I just wanted to express a few things I was thankful for from this past week or two.


Ryan, you are wonderful husband and I look forward to many more fun filled years together.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Weekly Goals Update

• I still need to make a flyer to send out to the neighborhood, but I have decided I am going to try to have my yard sale the second weekend in June.
• I still need to make the breakfast burritos. I am going to try to do this tomorrow.
• I have not worked on the word cards for Cassidy. We will try to do this soon. She has the cards colored, I need to put them on an index card and laminate them with contact paper.
• We worked on the "Hooked on Phonics" last night. I want to try to do it one more time this week.
• I am doing well drinking my water everyday. I just have to continue until Sunday and I will complete this goal.
• I still need to walk. I have only walked one time for 10 minutes. It is a whole lot more fun to walk with Ryan or a friend.
• I have had one day without soda, I need to try to have one more.
  

Slow Cooked Pork Chops

Ingredients

4 pork chops (approximately 3 pounds)
1 package onion soup mix
1 cup chicken broth

Place pork chops in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, combine soup mix & chicken broth, stir. Pour over chops. Cook on low heat for six to eight hours.

This is super easy to make and was very good. We will definitely be making these again. The pork chops were so tender.

MY FREE $25.00

For those of you who have not signed up yet, I thought I would show you then money I made. This morning, I received a $25 deposit in my account. The other two deposits from Revolution Money Exchange are the amounts used to verify my checking account. You still have time to sign up and get your free money - no strings attached.

FREE 8x10 Picture

In the Walgreens ad in the Saturday paper, there is a coupon for a free 8x10 Wednesday, May 7 only. It says for online orders enter the promotional code 4MOM at checkout. The coupon says to submit coupon with order. If you did not get a sale ad from Walgreens, they usually have them near the entrance of the store.

I ordered mine online this morning and entered the code. My picture will be ready after 11:05 this morning.

Make sure to get you free 8x10 today.

More Samples

Yesterday I got a free sample of Fiber One Caramel Delight cereal and Loreal Skin Genesis serum and lotion.

You can request your free sample from Wal-Mart.

OKAY...I KNOW...I KNOW...I FAILED

I have been making a list of goals each week and posting them on the side of my blog. I have been completing most of them. I thought I would let you know what I did not complete and maybe that would help motivate me to do better.

I did not:
1. Work on the word cards for Cassidy
2. Make up a flyer about a community yard sale and hand it out
3. Make breakfast burritos
4. Walk 2 days for 20 minutes
5. Have 2 soda free days
6. Drink 6 cups of water 2 out of 7 of the days

These are all on my goal list for this week. I am hoping I will be able to complete this list.

More Free Samples

I got some more free samples in the mail yesterday. I got a Huggies diaper, baby wash, baby lotion, and a sample of Prilosec.

I love free stuff!

A Clean Counter - FINALLY

BEFORE

AFTER

This has been one of my goals for the last few weeks and I finally got it done. I am not sure exactly why, but this spot tends to be my dumping ground. I put papers and mail there that I need to take another look at or that I need to file away. I also tend to pick up the house when we are having company and all the papers go here. I am going to try my best to keep that from happening any more. I want to make this are better. It would be nice to use the toaster oven without having to remove all the papers.

FREE MONEY!!

Click the button and you can get $25.00 FREE for signing up!

I have done some research and this looks legitimate. I get $10.00 for each referral I make. It would help me if you would sign up. You do not have to link this to your bank account. You can choose to have a check mailed to you.

I often read other blogs and one mother received a check for $525.50. She got $25 for signing up and $500 for all the referrals she made. It cost her $2.50 to have the check mailed to her instead of linking it to her bank account. Here is her post: Money Saving Mom

If you have any questions, please leave a comment or e-mail me at amyjr76@yahoo.com

HURRY THIS ENDS ON MAY 15TH!

My First Free Sample

I received my first free sample by mail on Saturday. I was so excited. It is nice to get free things in the mail. I got Frizz-Ease shampoo, condition, and hair serum. Since I got this one, I am hoping there will be more on the way.

If you are interested in receiving this sample, just click below and fill out the information required.
Frizz-Ease Sample

GOAL # 1 COMPLETED

GOAL # 1 COMPLETED

I have finished my list of goals. Here they are. I am going to place them in my list where they belong.

78. buy new pans
79. create a place for mail and bills to avoid making piles
80. clean and organize Chloe's room (so she can sleep in there)
81. put up shelves in hallway to display pictures
82. take 2 online/community classes just for fun
83. take a class involving a career/job I may like to have
84.Read "The Strong Willed Child" by James Dobson
85. Get an address book to keep web sites with our user name and password
86. Create a weekly goal list and work on one of the goals on my 101 goal list
87. Clean and organize laundry room
88. Find a good system to store scrapbook supplies
89. Clean out and organize my closet
90. Organize hall closet
91. Read a book about homeschooling
92. Make a chore chart for Cassidy
93. Make a chore chart for Callie
94. Buy a new computer
95. Take down the upper cabinets that are currently between the kitchen and living room
96. Find a hobby to share with Ryan
97. Get a picture of each girl as a baby (at about the same age) and display it
98. Learn to shop at CVS and earn the Extra Care Bucks
99. Learn to shop at Walgreens and get their rebates
100. Read a book just for fun
101. Organize the books for the girls