Valentines Day

Kyle took me out for Valentine's Day on Saturday rather than Monday.  (We never celebrate a holiday on the actual holiday.  It's kind of our thing.)  He treated me to lobster, crab, and shrimp and then he took me shopping for...drum roll please...new fluffy bath and hand towels.  I'm in heaven! If I went back in time to teenage Barbie and told me that I would be super duper excited about bath towels I probably would have hit me, twice.  In the arm.  Really hard.  

I love my hubby.  What a lucky girl I am!

My handsome hubby and I Dec. '09

 It looks like Valentines Day  has exploded in my house, and not in a good way.  IT'S A HUGE MESS of red and pink glitter, candy and there are little love hearts all over the place.  For a holiday I really don't care for much this seems a bit over the top, however I love my children and I'm happy to do these things for them.  Now I just need to get someone to do the dishes for me and we will be set.  Here is the final craft/candy count:

 

48 Valentine's Day Juice's (Thanks Heather for the adorable idea, you are unbelievable creative!)
100 Cupcake Liner Lolly Pop Flowers
6 dozen cakepops
3 dozen candy heart cupcake toppers

I have a video of how to make the cute flowers, but I can't get the video to load, so HERE is the link to the site I got the idea from.  They are so cute, but 100 was overkill.   I never ever want to make those awful leaves ever again.  They took so long and tested my patience in every way possible. 

 Here is the cute Valentine's Day Juice.  My friend Heather gave me the idea.  She made them for her daughter's class and I just couldn't help myself.  I had to make them.  They have a packet of Kool-Aid and a straw attached.  On the back of the label it says Valentine's Day Juice.  Heather's where so cute in adorable pinks and purples and she called them Love Juice.  I like that name better, but these are for Preston's 5th grade class and I just don't see that going over well for him. 

I made cakepops for a Valentine's bake sale that is a fundraiser for The American Heart Association.  These are my 3rd attempt at cakepops and I'm getting the hang of it.  Kyle, who helped me, used his amazing engineer mind and figured out a technique that made them much smoother and prettier.

That is what we have been up to at our house this weekend.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Cookie Wednesday: Valentine's Day Edition

Cookie Wednesday 

Valentine's Day Edition

Today's edition of Cookie Wednesday is all about LOVE.  And who better to share the baking love with then my babies and my sweet husband.  We all crammed into the kitchen and got busy baking.

Kyle wanted to make his favorite cookies Candy Cane Cookies and I wanted to make heart shaped cookies.  So we got creative and came up with these adorable cookies. 

Just make your favorite, nut free cookies(nuts probably won't cut nicely with the cookie cutter), as a bar by pressing the dough into a greased baking sheet and bake.  Once the cookies are baked just take your cookie cutters and cut out the cookies.  Allow the cookies cool a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack.  

Once they had cooled, we decorated them with melted candy.  That's it!  But wait...you have all those left over cookie bits.  Here is my husband's creative solution that I LOVE!

How The Cookie Crumbles

* Crumble the cookies on a wax paper lined baking sheet.

* Melt Candy Melts

* Drizzle candy over cookies and decorate with colored sugars, jimmies, whatever!

* Allow to set until hard

* Break up and place in an air tight storage container to enjoy later.

Happy Baking!

Barbie

Baby Deals

Baby Buzz By Barbie

2/3

 

Pampers Value Packs, $29.99 and Pampers refill wipes 320 – 385 ct., $6.99
Use two $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G
Final Cost: $34.98 for BOTH

Spend $25 on these products and receive a $5 checkout coupon for your next purchase. Limit 1 per printed offer. Sale is essentially a 20% off discount on each item.
Note - Must buy both products to qualify for Register Rewards.  

Pampers Cruisers Box Pack Diapers 56 or 64 pk $19.99

Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers $1.50/1 (EXPIRES 01-31-11) PG-12/26

Final Cost:  $14.50

Pampers Wipes 180 to 216 pk $5.99

Final Cost:  $4.80

If I am understanding this deal correctly (I had to read it a couple of times and I'm still not 100% positive), you must by both the Cruisers and the Wipes, but you can use the BEFORE price to get them both for $19.30 and then receive $5.00 for your next purchase.

 

Huggies SNUG N DRY Jumbo packs- Diapers, 8.99

Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, any $1.50/1 (active) (Printable SMART SOURCE COUPON)-01/18 

Final Cost:  $5.69

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Jumbo packs- Diapers 8.99

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers, any $2/1 (02-19-11) SS-1/23 

Final Cost:  $5.19

Huggies SNUG N DRY Jumbo packs- Diapers, Pull ups or Goodnites 8.99

Huggies Diapers, any $1.50/1 (02-19-11) SS-1/23 

Final Cost:  $5.69

 

Pampers Jumbo Packs, $8.99 and Buy 1 Pampers tub wipes

Use $2.00 off both diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G Insert 

Final Cost:  $6.99 Plus $1.00 in Extra Care Bucks

Also, if you sign-up for CVS’s emails and are a valid cardholder, they will email you a coupon for $4/$20 purchase.

Pampers Super Pack Box, $25.00 and Pampers tub wipes for $1.97

Use $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G
Final Cost:  $24.97 for both (basically FREE wipes)

Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs, $19.77
Use $2.00/1 1/23 SS
Final Cost: $17.77


Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs, $19.77
Use $3.00/1 printable or $1.50/1 from the 1/23 SS
Final Cost:  as low as $16.77

Huggies Pull-Ups Mega Packs, $15.57
Use $2.00/1 printable 
Final Cost: $13.57 

Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers jumbo packs, $8.97 each

Use $2.00/1 1/23 SS

Final Cost:  $6.97
Huggies Snug and Dry jumbo packs, $8.97
Use $1.50/1 printable or from the 1/23 SS
Final Cost:  $7.47

Pampers Jumbo packs, $8.97 and Pampers tub wipes, $1.97
Use $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30  P&G
Final Cost: $8.94 for BOTH 

Huggies Travel Size Wipes $.97 

Use $.50/1 ANY Huggies Wipes  printable 

Final Cost: $.57

 

(2) Pampers Big Pack Box, $39.98
(2) Pampers Tub refill, $2.49
Use two $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 P&G
Final Cost:  $40.96 PLUS, receive a $5 Target gift card for buying two

Huggies Travel Size Wipes $.97

Use $.50/1 ANY Huggies Wipes  printable 

Final Cost: $.57

 

Shopko- Average of $4.75 for jumbo pack diapers and mega pack refill wipes (320 – 385 ct.)

Shopko is running a promotion this week where you will receive a $10 prepaid Mastercard when you spend $30 on participating Procter and Gamble products.  This is essentially a 33% discount. Pampers diapers and wipes are participating and so we will show the deals with coupon matchups!
$4.75 each Pampers Big Packs Box and Pampers refill packs Wipes:

• Buy 2 Pampers Jumbo Packs for $8.50 each = $17
• Then buy two Pampers refill wipes 320 – 385 ct. for $7.99 each = $32.98
• Then use two $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 Procter and Gamble insert  – $4 = $28.98
• Then receive a $10 prepaid Mastercard for spending $30 before coupons, so when considering this discount = $18.98 for two jumbo packs and two mega pack refill wipes or an average of $4.75 each 

$33.49 Huggies Little Movers Diapers Value Boxes:

• Buy 2 Huggies Little Movers diapers value boxes for $40.99 each = $81.98
• Then use two $3.00/1 printables or  $1.50 off 1/23 Smart Source insert  or printable- up to $6 off = $75.48
• Then receive a $10 Babies R Us/Toys R Us gift card for purchasing 2 packs, so when considering this discount = final is $65.48 for two packs or $32.74 for each value boxes. PLUS – every 10 packs of diapers, get one FREE on the Rewards R Us program.

Babies R Us and Toys R Us is running a gift card promotion on Pampers diapers and wipes. Buy two Pampers value boxes of diapers and get a $10 gift card OR by two Pampers Value boxes of diapers and one value box of wipes and receive a $15 gift card.  This is good now through February 5th and in-store only.
$25.32 Pampers Diapers Value Boxes and Value Box of Pampers wipes:

• Buy 2 Pampers diapers value box for $40.99 each = $81.98
• Buy 1 value box of Pampers wipes (320 ct.) for $10.99 = $92.97
• Then use  $2.00 off both Pampers diapers and wipes 1/30 Procter and Gamble Insert = $90.97
• Then receive a $15.00/1 Toys R Us/Babies R Us gift card, so when considering this discount = final is $75.97 for all three or $25.32 for each of the three items Plus the two 72 ct. wipes for FREE. And – every 10 packs of diapers, get one FREE on the Rewards R Us program.

Babies R Us and Toys R us is also offering a $15 gift card with the purchase of Babies R Us brand diapers in the value box sizes.

Thanks Thrifty Couple

AWESOME Food Lion Baby Coupons!

$3/1 Pampers Diapers
$3/1 Huggies PullUps or Goodnites (Stack with $2/1 PRINT)
$.50/1 Huggies Wipes (Stack with $.50/1 PRINT)
$1.50/1 Playtex cup
PRINT (Exp 2/28)
$1/3 Gerber Baby Food
$3/1 Gerber Good Start Formula
$3/1 Enfamil, Gentlease, or Lipil
$3/1 Similac Advance or Isomil

Zulily

Zulily's is a daily deal site that offers great deals every day on things for baby, as much as 70% off!  This sweet dress is just $21.99 today, down from $50.00.  Plus you will get a $15.00 credit for signing up a friend, which would make this dress ONLY $6.99!  I just love the little roses.  Sign up and start shopping today!

Amazon: Earth’s Best Baby Food 12-Pk – $8.49 + FREE 2-Day Shipping!

Here’s a great deal on Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food from Amazon!

The Seasonal Harvest Variety Pack (comes with -12- 4oz jars) is regularly $19.99.  Right now you can get it for just $9.99.  Choose the “Subscribe & Save” option to get 15% OFF + FREE 2-Day Shipping.  Total will be $8.49 Shipped!

The Organic 1st Fruits Starter Packs (12 Jars) are on sale for only $6.49 Shipped (after Subscribe & Save Option)

$.50 – $.70 per jar is pretty good for Organic Baby food – but I’m curious, do any of you mommies out there make your own from scratch?

*HOT* $3 Huggies Coupon!

I just noticed over on PinkCouponCafe that there are some great new Huggies coupon available!

GO HERE to print a coupon for $3/1 Huggies Snug n Dry
GO HERE to print a coupon for $3/2 packs of Huggies Wipes

• Have you checked out our post on some totally Amazing Amazon Diaper Deals yet?  If not – it’s HERE, go see!
• For those of you with babies, you might also want to get in on this sweet deal for a FREE designer baby sling!  (Just pay shipping)  GO HERE to get a $32 baby sling from Udder Covers for FREE with code “breastfeeding”

Cookie Wednesday: Valentines Cakepops

Valentines Cakepops

I posted on facebook some pictures of the cakepops I made and had a few friends send me messages and texts asking how to make them, so I thought I would give the instructions today for Cookie Wednesday.

Instructions

Prepare one boxed cake mix as directed.  Allow to cool completely.

In large bowl, use hands to crumble cake until no large chunks remain. Add icing; mix with fingers (I just put it in my mixer and let it do the work mixing the cake and adding the frosting) until well combined.

Form mixture into cake balls. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours. Melt Candy Melts according to package directions. Dip sticks into melted Candy Melts and insert into cake balls; let set. Wait until candy is completely firm before dipping the pops completely in melted Candy Melts.

Makes 48 – 1 tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1-1/4 in. diameter)
Makes 24 – 2 tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1-1/2 in. diameter)
Makes 16 – 3 tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1-3/4 in. diameter)

Tips

*  Make smaller cakeballs than you think you would like.  They get bigger as you go, especially if you dip them more than once.  

*  Only take a few out of the freezer at a time.  That way they stay hard and frozen and are much easier to work with.  

Here are some photos of a few valentines day cakepops I found online.  

What a fun gift to give for Valentines.

  

Jamie, from Time 2 $ave Put together today's baby deals.  Thanks Jamie!

Zulily: FREE Baby Leg Warmers (Great for Crawlers!)

 Zulily - a daily deal site - has these sweet leg warmers for $6.99. You get a $15 credit for signing up a friend

- so you can pick out a couple pair for FREE! This would be great for those crawlers out there :)

Amazon Diaper & Wipes Deals:

Right now, some of the best diaper deals are being found on Amazon - because of their new 30% OFF Code + FREE Shipping!

1. Pampers SoftCare Wipes 720 Ct is $18.49 (Reg. $25)
2. Save 30% +FREE SHIPPING when you sign up for Subscribe & Save (option appears on page)
3. Save extra 20% with coupon code from Dec. Parents Magazine
4. Total: $9.99 for 720 Wipes!

1. Pampers 176 Ct Box of Diapers (Size 4) is $40.08
2. Subscribe & Save gets 30% + FREE 2-day shipping
3. Then, I use the one-time use 20% off code from December Parents magazine (if you have it!)
4. Total: $22.40 for 176 Diapers

If you were able to get the $20 Amazon Gift Card for $10 (from Wednesday's Living Social Daily Deal) - these deals are even better!
GO HERE for my previous post.

Parents Magazine for $1:

Get Parents Magazine (includes 20% Coupon for Amazon) from Barnes & Noble for $1!

• Go to Barnes & Noble – Type in “Parents” in the search bar
• Click on the deal with this magazine, should be the first one
• Add the Parents Magazine to your cart (which is priced at $9.97)
• Use coupon code K9B9J4H at checkout (will discount $8.97)
• Makes it $1!!!

Pampers Gifts to Grow new codes:

This is a *NEW* Pampers Gifts to Grow code worth 10 points!! 4WJDHKU4RPP6PT2
CLICK HERE and look for the Gifts to Grow signup "coupon". You'll also get 100 points for joining!

Diaper Coupons:

• $3.00/2 Huggies Snug and Dry any pack
• $1.00 off both Huggies Tub Wipes and 180 ct. refill pack
• $2.00 off Pull-ups (2 prints per month)
• $1.00 off Huggies Goodnites (PLUS FREE sample!)
• $1.50/1 Any Huggies Little Swimmers
• $1.00 off one Seventh Generation diapers
• $1.00 off any Seventh Generation product (including diapers and wipes)
• $1.50/1 Earth’s Best diapers
• $2.00/1 Huggies Snugglers or Little Movers Rite Aid Video Values Coupon

Cookie Wednesday: Iced Orange Cookies

I had some oranges that I really needed to use, so I started looking for cookie recipes that use oranges.  I think this cookie recipe is going to become a new family favorite.  I did substitute white flour for wheat because it's what I had.  I added an additional 1/4 cup of flour.  Also, I added white chocolate chips, at the suggestion of my husband, to the last couple of cookies.  That was a yummy addition! 


ICED ORANGE COOKIES
courtesy of : www.RecipeGirl.com


COOKIE DOUGH:
11 Tbsp (5½ ounces) unsalted butter
3/4 cup (5¼ ounces) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup (4 ounces) freshly squeezed orange juice (grate zest before juicing)
2 Tbsp grated orange zest (the rind of 1 large or 2 small oranges)
2 cups (8 ounces) whole wheat flour

ICING:
2 cups (8 ounces) powdered sugar
2 Tbsp (1 ounce) unsalted butter, softened
1 Tbsp grated orange zest (the rind of 1 small orange)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbsp (1 ounce) freshly squeezed orange juice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Prepare dough: Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat in egg, then orange juice and orange zest, scraping the bowl. The mixture will look curdled; that’s OK! Add the flour, beating until smooth. Drop dough by Tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.

This is my dough before adding the flour.  See how it has curdled.  Once the flour was added it was just fine.

 Bake the cookies: Bake cookies, reversing pans midway through (top to bottom, bottom to top), until they’re just barely beginning to brown around the edges, 10 minutes. Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool.

Prepare the icing: Beat the sugar, butter, orange zest, vanilla and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Beat in orange juice until the mixture is spreadable. Spread icing on the cookies when they’re completely cool, using a generous 1 tsp. icing for each.
Servings: 30
Yield: 30 cookies

Nutritional Information per cookie: calories 97, fat 5.32g (sat fat 3.24g), cholesterol 20.28mg, sodium 81.05mg, carbohydrates 11.73g, fiber 1.04g, protein 1.41g

Read more: http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/02/17/iced-orange-cookies/#ixzz1BWCfbarM

Target Toy Sale

Target Toy Clearence

I understand that Target is clearencing out toys for so cheap.  I don't have a Target near me so I looked online and found some really good deals online. 

This package of Paperoni is on sale right now for $3.24.  That is a savings of over $9.00.

 To make this deal even better if you shop through EBATES you will get 3% Cash Back!  All you have to do is sing up, search for Target in the search box and follow the link.  Ebates send you a checks every quarter with the Cash Back you have earned.  I love Ebates!