Awesome Crocs Sale through Zulily!

Crocs are a great summer shoe for kids and adults alike. Right now Zulily for as low as $12.99 thru Friday!

I love Crocs for my little ones because they slip on easily, can handle getting wet yet dry quickly and clean fairly nicely. (There's nothing easier then hosing them off they've been through a mud puddle.)

There is also a reason when you are in the hospital a good majority of the nurses are wearing them- they are super comfy and have great support. Whether you're a nurse, work in fast food or a mom on the go if you're on your feet all day is may be hard to find a more comfy shoe.

If you're new to Zulily.com they have great prices on designer kids clothes and gear. What makes this deal extra special it includes Crocs for women and men, too, not just kids.




Thanks Couponing to Disney !

Looking for graduation, teacher or end of school gifts?

Looking for a gift for as the school year ends? Then head on over to BarnesandNoble.com for inspiring children's books about moving up, moving an and following your dreams. While you're there don't forget a gift for your favorite teacher. A new addition to her or his classroom library is always a welcome gift. Books also make great end of school/good job gifts for kids because they encourage summer reading and continued learning. But hurry cause this deal ends June 15,2011.
 Children's Books For Graduation :Save up to 45%!

Saving at CVS

In my quest to save money I have found that CVS, which is a place I used to avoid for most items expect prescriptions, actually can save you tons of money. It's just a matter of knowing the ins and outs of CVS.

I am still learning to master CVS, some times I am very impressed with my savings, others I wonder if it was actually worth the time and energy.

Extra Care Bucks or ECB are the key to saving money at CVS. These are printed on the bottom of your receipt and can be used like money on all products except prescriptions and tobacco and alcohol. (Check the store or fine print for any restrictions I may have missed.) You can not get changed back from ECB, so if your purchase total is $2.50 and all you have is $3 in ECB you can use it, but you lose the 50 cents. For more info on ECB, how to use and earn them go here.

At CVS it is important to know their coupon policy. First off you can use both a manufacturer's coupon and CVS coupon for the same product. Also, CVS accepts competitor coupons. These are especially important because many competing pharmacies have coupons will give you a gift card if you fill a new prescription or transfer one from another pharmacy. If you fill a prescription and present one these coupons CVS will honor it. I suggest double checking when you fill the coupon so there are no surprises when you check out. These coupons vary in value, but I have used one for $10 and know someone who had one good for $25 a prescription up to four scripts! Super bonus! If you have 4 scripts to fill that's $100 in free money.

Basically the plan when shopping at CVS is to purchase items that will generate more ECB, that are on sale and for which you have a coupon. This sometimes takes research and time. Also, if you make your purchase in multiple transactions you can use the ECB that you generate from transaction one to pay for transaction two, and the ones generated from transaction two to pay for transaction three and so on. The best way to get a good understanding of this is to check out the $5 CVS challenge at Keeping the Kingdom First.

CVS often gives out coupons that are good for $5 off a $25 purchase or coupons good for $10 off a $50 purchase. If you have one of these give it to the cashier before you use any other coupons. Next use your store and manufacture's coupons. Finally use your ECB.

If you have any questions or your own tips to share for saving at CVS please comment below.

Taking advantage of summer harvest

I have so much buzzing around my head that I want to share with you, but haven't had much time to do so. Therefore, I decided to just pick one topic and go with it. And the winning topic is: saving money by taking advantage of the seasonal produce.

Even if you are like me and didn't get your act together to get a garden planted, you can still get in on the summer goods. (I WILL do it next year- I promise. Please don't ask how many years I made and broke that promise, but next year will be different.)

Depending on where you live you should be able to find farmer markets or road side stands where the produce is fresher and cheaper than the grocery store. Or you may be blessed enough to have a neighbor with too much who is looking to give the stuff away. Buy in bulk if possible and then freeze or can your purchase.

When shopping don't be afraid to haggle especially if you plan on buying a huge amount. I know a man who goes to local road side corn stands and asks them how much they would charge him for their entire stock. He fills his pick-up truck up and blanches and freezes it all.

A few summers ago I discovered a farm where they had U-Pick tomatoes and it was only $5 to fill a 5 gallon bucket. I also bought some peppers and corn and I made enough of my "famous" salsa to last a year.

Peas, beans, broccoli and cauliflower and corn freeze well, just blanch them first. If you want to bake with zucchini grate it before freezing, but if you want to steam or saute then slice it first. I have hear that tomatoes can be frozen, but I have not tried. Instead I have canned them using the hot process method (not a pressure canner.) This seems a little scary, but it is really very easy.

Also, once you get your canning equipment, all except for the lids can be reused, and these are fairly inexpensive. The bans only need to be replaced if they rust. (The equipment you will need is: a large pot, jars with lids and bans, tongs for lifting the jars. A funnel is helpful, but depending on what you are canning may not be necessary.)