$4 off a $20 Purchase at CVS-Coupon

For those of you who frequent the drugstore CVS, you are probably aware that they offer a rewards card that qualifies members for savings and discounts in the form of "Extra Care Bucks." These extra care bucks are essentially free money to spend at CVS. Start earning your rewards today by signing up for an Extra Care card.

Right now CVS is offering $4 off $20 purchase if you:

1. Sign up for a CVS Extracare card OR
2. For current cardholders-update email information on the CVS website

https://www.cvs.com/email

CVS will send you this printable coupon via email.

Cute Rockers-Great Unique Baby Shower Gift!

I stumbled upon this website while looking for a rocker for my daughter. These rockers come in a variety of designs and are very unique. They also offer a variety of other cool toys...too many to mention! Check it out....

http://www.a-rocking-horse-to-love.com/

A Clean Microwave and a Couple Free Samples/Coupons

So I just remembered today an AWESOME tip that I got a few years ago about how to quickly clean your microwave-little to no elbow grease required. Simply fill a microwave safe dish about halfway with water. You can add a drop or two of lemon juice if you prefer but it's not necessary. Put the dish in the microwave and heat on regular heat for about two and a half minutes. Remove dish after heating and wipe out the microwave using a damp dish cloth or paper towel. If you have never done this before it is the absolute EASIEST way to clean your microwave without using any sort of chemicals.

Also, here are some free sample links that I came across today. Enjoy!

Free Printable Gerber Coupons: http://www.gerber.com/coupons
Free Sample of Dentek Floss (complete a short survey first): http://www.usdentek.com/survey/usersurvey.aspx

Easy Recipes Delivered to Your Mailbox

This is by far the best recipe magazine that I've ever received. Kraft has gotten easy recipes down to a science in this magazine. They send it out about once every three or four months and the recipes are all season appropriate. Find easy appetizers, party ideas, kid ideas, breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes-and it's free! Sign up by clicking the link below.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/promo/ ffmag/ffmag_ offer_signup_ landing.aspx

Another Good Coupon/Free Sample Site

Here is another great site for printable coupons and links to free samples.

http://www.taylortownpreview.com/

Some Free Sample Links

Downy: https://ultradowny. offerprocessingc enter.com/ ?source=beetle. downyso.link. 200703

Dove Energy Glow: http://www.doveglow.com/sample. asp

Skin So Soft Bug Guard: http://www.brandara ma.com/9yqdw61dd 8685?sud= 414&q1=

Remember to check Wal-Mart.com regularly for free samples as well!

Free Digital Scrapbooking Download

Digital scrapbooking is a wonderful way to cherish your memories especially-if you do not want to spend the money on expensive scrapbooking supplies. Scrapbook Flair.com has tons of digital scrapbooking downloads and the best part is that it's all FREE! Their digital scrapbooking program is super easy to use and the website provides lots of tips and layout ideas.

You can create your pages, save to your computer and print OR you can get your pages printed and sent to your home for under $4 a page! This is a great way for busy moms to scrap or for beginners to test their scrapping abilities. Have fun and let me know what you think or what you come up with.

http://www.scrapbookflair.com/

Printable Super Target Coupons

I came across this link in a frugal moms web group that I belong to. Lots of printable grocery coupons for Super Target. Remember to combine store coupons with manufacturer coupons for additional savings. Enjoy!

http://coupons.50webs.org/

Awesome (and cheap!) Baby Stroller

Once my daughter turned one, I decided to invest in an umbrella stroller. Something that didn't require 10 minutes of assembly every time I needed to use it. So without doing any research on the best type of stroller to buy, I just bought a cute $20 pink one from a local retailer-big mistake! I was completely unaware that most umbrella strollers are not made for taller people, so every time I used it I was hunched over and uncomfortable. The wheels would lock and my daughter didn't look very comfortable whenever she was in it.

So I borrowed a stroller from my sister that she had purchased online-incredible is the only word to describe it. The stroller is tall enough for me to stand up straight, the ride is smooth and it is super comfy for kids. Best of all-you can get it online for less than $35! I took it to the zoo yesterday and got lots of inquiries about it so I decided to post a link to it for all of you mommies out there who hate your umbrella strollers. This baby stroller would make a WONDERFUL baby shower present.

Free Stuff From Enfamil

For all you preggos out there, Enfamil offers $250 in free gifts and discounts when you register for Enfamil Family Beginnings. I got bunches of free formula and coupons when I was pregnant with my daughter. Call 1-800-BABY123 or visit www.enfamil.com/join.

Free Baby Shower Games

Not only is summer wedding season but it seems like lots of babies are expected this summer as well. Many of us will be hosting a bridal or baby shower this summer and it is always nice to have a few free baby shower game(s) or free bridal shower game(s) on hand to entertain your guests. It also helps if those games are inexpensive or even free! Here are a few baby and bridal shower game ideas and links to get you started.

1. Baby/Bridal Hot Potato

Materials Needed

You will need a diaper, stuffed animal or any other small, baby (or wedding) related item that can be easily tossed.

How to Play

Arrange everyone to sit in a circle. Give the item to the mommy to be. She will start the game by throwing the item to another guest. Once the next guest catches the item, she must quickly say a baby related (or wedding )word such as bottle, diaper, etc. After she has said a baby related word she must toss the item to another guest. The next person must quickly say a different baby related word. Once a player cannot name another word fast enough or if they repeat a word that has already been used, then that person is out of the game. Continue until one person is left. Award the final person a prize.

2. Baby/Wedding Guess What's In the Bag

Materials Needed for Wedding Guess What is in the Bag

You will need 5 different wedding (or baby) items and 5 paper bags. You can also use these free printable lists for your guests to write their guesses on.

How to Play

Place five different wedding items in five separate paper bags. Make sure each bag is numbered (1-5) and that you have the answers. Great items to include in the bags are garters, flowers, champagne glass, invitation, and a ring. Pass each bag around and have guests guess what is in each bag and write their answers on the list. The person with the most correct answers wins the prize. To make the game a bit tougher, give guests a time limit with each bag, such as three seconds.

3. Baby Shower Bingo, Bridal Shower Bingo and more Free Printable Shower Games

Free to print from thecraftcafe.com!
Free baby shower game(s)
Free bridal shower game(s)

Wal-Mart Free Samples

For those of you who don't know, Wal-Mart offers awesome free samples via its website. I've gotten stuff like diapers, deodorant, makeup, shampoo, cleaning supplies, vitamins, and more. Here is a link. It is super simple to sign up for each Wal-Mart free sample-and best of all....no registration is required.

Click here for Wal-Mart free samples

What's for Dinner?

I can't tell you how many times I have heard my husband ask me what's for dinner. There are days when I can channel Martha Stewart and have a three course meal prepared, but lately I've been too tired to even think about preparing a Martha-worthy meal.

Here are some easy dinner recipes that I've come up with through the years. They are super cost effective and EASY dinner ideas. I admit, they may not be the healthiest of choices, but these dinner ideas will be sure to get you through one of those dog tired, don't feel like cooking days.

Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes/Ideas

1. Two Ingredient Sloppy Joe

OK, this is no joke. This dinner recipe is the absolute king of quick dinners. Simply brown 1 lb. of ground beef (or more depending on family size). Once meat is thoroughly cooked, add enough ketchup to coat all of meat. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes on low heat. Serve on buns with shredded cheese.

2. Egg Salad Sandwiches

Eggs are very versatile-and cheap! Egg salad is an easy dinner recipe that can be adjusted according to your family's tastes. Simply hard boil a couple of eggs, peel, rinse and dice. Add your choice of salt, pepper, mustard or mayo and mix. Serve on toasted bread. Sliced onions and tomatoes are an awesome side for this.

3. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This meal is a classic, easy dinner recipe for a reason. It is yummy, satisfying and cheap. Butter one side of a piece of bread and place on a skillet over medium heat. Add a slice of cheese and place another buttered piece of bread on top. Cook sandwich for approximately two minutes on each side. Cook tomato soup in microwave according to directions on the can.

More quick and easy dinner recipe ideas:

• Chili dogs
• Tuna salad
• Scrambled eggs with toast

I know these may be a no brainer for some of you but hopefully I've helped someone answer the question "Honey, what's for dinner?"

Throw a Bridal Shower on a Budget

My friend is getting married in October and I will be throwing her bridal shower this coming Sunday. I realize that June is a little early for an October wedding, but I am inching closer to my due date (I'm 30 weeks and counting!) and I wanted to be able to throw her a nice shower without the possibility of going into labor.

So in an attempt to help out my fellow mommies who may be a little short on money, I've provided some money saving tips that I have come across while planning this bridal shower. These tips would also work for a baby shower hostess as well.

Money and Time Saving Bridal Shower Planning Tips:

• Make your own invitations or use free printable bridal shower invitations. Cute bridal shower invitations can anywhere from $5-$10 for just 10 invites. You can print free printable bridal shower invitations from my website by clicking on the following link:

http://www.printables.thecraftcafe.com/bridalshowerinvite.html

• Start a list of everything you will need-from food to decorations. This way you can jot down ideas as you get closer to the bridal shower and you won't be as likely to forget something important.

• Create a simple yet elegant menu for the bridal shower. For example, I am serving chicken salad with croissants, cucumber sandwiches, fruit salad, cupcakes, mints and peanuts. Most of these items can be prepared the day before so as to save me time the day of the bridal shower.
  

• Don't go overboard with decorations-this can get costly! Look around your house and garden for decorations for the bridal shower. Fresh flowers placed around the house in pretty vases or a bowl with floating candles are really all of the decor that you will need.

• Use free printable bridal shower games instead of purchasing expensive bridal shower games from a party supplies store. Again, check out my website for some fun, free printable bridal shower games.

http://www.printables.thecraftcafe.com/weddinggames.html

Hopefully these tips will help you save some time and money when you are planning to host a bridal or baby shower. Feel free to comment/email me questions about specific recipes or ideas mentioned above.