Snapfish $10 Credit and 50 free prints for new customers

Snapfish is offering a $10 credit and 50 free prints for new customers. The credit expires in 5 days. Hurray for photo deals. Click HERE. Just pay shipping. I already have an account so my husband is getting one made for him. He he.
Thanks My Frugal Adventures.

Free Merchandise Ad with the Fresno Bee

The Fresno Bee provides a free 2-Line, 7 day, Merchandise Ad up to $500. I think is great news for those who wish to sell something to an audience that probably doesn't get on Craigslist or Ebay. Click HERE to check it out.

Fresno Bee - Fresh Produce

I was looking through the Fresno Bee classifieds and, although unexpected, I was not completely surprised to find individuals post ads for their fresh produce. This Thursday listed under the Farmer's Marketplace almonds, dried apricots, peaches and figs. Fresh pomegranate juice, jelly, honey. Olive oil by the gallon, grapes, yams, persimmons and cherry juice. Sounds delicious. The best thing about buying local without shipping is that these goodies are at their best, truly ripe off the tree (or vine). So if you've order your Sunday Bee or get it every day, scan over the little Farmer's Market section and you might find someone down the street you can support in his/her gardening or farming efforts.

PhotoWorks Deals- Freebie Tuesday

Photoworks is a photo website similar to all the others with options to print photos, create calendar, photobooks, etc. On Tuesday they will be offering a special code to the first 20,000 people that request for one to get a FREE photo clutch book, a 11x8 calendar or an order 25 photo cards.

For the next 4 days Photoworks is offering 20% off and free shipping.

Today only Photoworks is offering a $5 Photo Clutch Book. Your first order includes free shipping.

Sign up HERE and you can get started and begin on your free photobook, calendar or cards for Tuesday!

Thanks My Frugal Adventures. She will have the link posted for the special code request Tuesday. I'll connect you to it.

Happy Holidays!~

Just wanted to let you know I will be not be posting over the Thanksgiving holiday. For Black Friday deals I leave you in the capable hands of My Frugal Adventures and The Sassy Saver along with whomever they recommend as bloggers. So have a happy, healthy, safe holiday!

Fresno's Drop in Daycare

Drop-in Daycare is a way of getting a few hours to yourself without having to arrange a babysitter. You can simply show up and drop your kid/s off for an hourly rate and they get to play while you run errands, shop, or de-stress. Notice many are open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

I'm sure this is not a comprehensive list for Fresno, however I wanted to share the information.

Kidspark offers drop-in daycare for children 2-12 years old for a rate of $7.50 an hour, $4.50 for a sibling, and $3.00 for any additional siblings. They have additional events and offers a preschool from 9:30-11:30 on weekdays.

They are open
M-Th from 8am to 10pm.
F 8am-Midnight
Sat 10am-Midnight
Sun 1pm-6pm

Located at:
8485 N. Fresno St.
In River Park at Fresno and Friant
Fresno, CA 93720
559-447-KIDS (5437)

Upcoming events include:
"* Bio-Paint Discovery Day
Saturday, November 28

Come and explore the wonder of the exclusive Bio-Paint products throughout the day and create a colorful creation to take home.
* Royal Party
Saturday, December 5

Here Ye, Here Ye calling all princes and princesses to a royal gathering at KidsPark. Enjoy jewels and gems, masquerade crafts and royal snacks. The Enchanted evening begins at 5:30pm.
* Holiday Gift Workshop
Saturday, December 19 - Sunday, December 20

Join us to design, create and make a special holiday gift. We supply all the festive materials, so you can create something homemade with love."

Click HERE for more information.

The Creative Learning Center also offers a rate of $6.00 per hour for drop-in childcare for more information click HERE

Ages 18 months-12 years

Transportation to and from schools.
Opening Hours 6am
Closing Hours 7pm

M-F 7pm to 10pm & Sat 8am to 5pm *Reservations must be made a day in advance. For more information regarding the drop-in program, contact the center directly at 559.323.3905

Located at
2261 N Villa Ave
Clovis, CA 93612

Mr. Potato Head $1.99 from Toys R Us or 99 cents from Target

Since I bought the Halloween Mr. Potato Head my girls have been fighting over it. When I saw this deal I figured, Tarren could use a Mr. Potato Head as a Christmas present. My Frugal Adventures found this deal. Toys R Us is having a doorbuster sale today from 3pm-midnight and tomorrow 7am to 1pm. Mr. Potato Head is on sale for $3.99 and with the printable coupon from HERE $2/1 you can get Mr. Potato Head for $1.99, or you can by a Christmas Mr. Potato Head Santa Spud Bud for $5.99 at Target with a $5/1 coupon and get him for 99 cents! He will be in the Christmas aisle not the toy aisle. Click HERE for this coupon. You may need to search through the coupons to find them.

Gymnastics Beat, Thanksgiving Camp

Gymnastics Beat located on 5620 W. Barstow offers a Thanksgiving camp November 23,24,25,&27 from 8am to 5pm.

Prices include:
Half Day $25
Full Day $35
Full 4 days $100/ Half 4 Days $80

There is a coupon for $15 off in the Central California Parent Magazine
p 18.

Call 559.271.9400

Click HERE to view the website

The Little Gym of Fresno, Holiday Camps

This is an email I received from The Little Gym of Fresno, sounds like a great idea.

"Need 3 hours to yourself? Drop the kids off for a Holiday Retreat!

Thanksgiving - NEXT WEEK!
November 23rd, 24th, & 25th
9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Christmas
December 21st, 22nd, 23rd
December 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st
9:15 a.m - 12:15 p.m.

During the holiday breaks The Little Gym is offering morning camps for children ages 3-8 years. Your children will have fun in a warm, safe environment while you enjoy last minute shopping, peaceful time with family and friends, or a chance to clean up after the holidays!!!

Our camps include obstacle courses, group activities, music, gymnastics, arts & crafts, snacks and more!!!

Make your own schedule.
Pick the day(s) that work for you!

Receive $5 off each Thanksgiving camp when you mention this email at the time of registration."

They also offer a free introductory class. Ages 4 months to 12 years.
The Little Gym of Fresno is located at:
Sommerville and Perrin 559.433.3434
Figarden and Brawley 559.261.4344

Click HERE to see the website

mmmmmm Chocolate.

This Saturday, November 21st,from 11am to 3pm, G. Debbas Chocolatier shop will be offering a fall tasting event where you can sample its award winning and locally handcrafted chocolate. The store is located near the airport between Clovis and Fowler. 5971 E. Harvard Ave. Click HERE for more information.

"Take CLINTON from either Clovis or Fowler Ave. and turn NORTH on RENN and then drive to the end of Renn and the street corners into our parking lot at 5971 E. Harvard Ave."- the post is from Craigslist Fresno under "events."

I could use some chocolate.

Hancocks Reminder

Hancocks is still have a sale on Simplicity patterns today through Saturday the 21st. $1.99 each. Click HERE to see the Hancocks website. Generally Simplicity patterns cost between $11-$20.

Fresno Metropolitan Museum Free Admission

The Fresno Metropolitan Museum offers Free Admission every Friday the first 25 vistors. Children under three are free.
Winter hours include:
Friday 11am-5pm
Saturday 11am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm

1555 Van Ness Ave
Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 441-1444

Click HERE for their website.

ABC article 30 Ways to Find Freebies

Christine Park of Fresno's ABC 30 wrote an article about finding freebies. Click HERE to check it out.

Shade Clothing Free Shipping

The portion that is cut off is 20% of Maternity Items
Join Team Shade and earn an extra 10% off. Everyday savings with Team Shade= 5% rebates. Click HERE for more details.

Joann Pattern Sale

Joann Fabric and Craft Stores are having sales on Patterns as follows:

Thurs.-Sat. November 19-21
Vogue Patterns $3.99 each
Sat.-Wed. November 21-25
McCall's Patterns $1.99 each
Simplicity Patterns $1.99 each

Some other deals include:
Anti-pill fleece solids $4 a yard
70% off Autumn Inspirations floral
Gutermann 26 Spool Thread Box $19.99 that's 78 cents a 100m spool!

Hulu

Hulu is a free website that provides television shows and movies on demand. Some of their content is limited, however the quality is quite good and it is a legitimate source of entertainment. I recommend Boo! a British tv show for toddlers and preschoolers. It has vibrant animation, uses adjectives when describing nouns, has great music, and is interactive. Children narrate the show giving it a natural feel. Show the next time you MUST get something done without children clinging to you, throw on Boo! (if your computer can handle it) and feel less guilty knowing that the show is educational (and much better than Dora in my book). Other shows that Sammy and I enjoy include Psych, Warehouse 13, and Wipeout. The site is easy to navigate with few commercials (about 2 an episode). Check it out HERE. It is rumored that next year, they will start charging for content.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is a grocery store known for high end products including organic foods, vegetarian goods, and gluten free products. Trader Joe's also carries its own line of foods that is generally affordable. My husband discovered years ago that their olive oil is the most affordable generally speaking. I went there a couple days ago and bought spaghetti sauce for $1.79. So, for small occassional trips, it's worth it to stop in and stock up on a few items that may be cheaper than anywhere else (and usually tastier). I recommend the vegetable flaxseed corn chips and the Cuties clementines. Trader Joe's is located on Barstow and Blackstone on the southeast corner.

Some other deals include:

Organic canned Pumpkin 15 oz $1.99
Spiced Apple Cider 64 oz $2.99
All Natural Gravy 17.6 oz $1.49
Fresh Whole Cranberries $1.99 12 oz
Dried Cranberries $1.99 8 oz
Whole Kernel Corn 89 cents 15 oz

Jamba Juice Free Flatbread

On Tuesday the 17th, tomorrow, Jamba Juice in the Fresno and Clovis area will be providing free flatbreads for the first 150 customers into the store from 2pm to 5pm. They will have four choices of these semi-pizza breads: Four Cheesy, Tomo Artichoko, Mediterrani Yum, and Smokehouse Chicken.
The Fig Garden and Kings Canyon locations will be having free oatmeal instead. (They haven't been prepared for the healthy food line yet.) No coupon is necessary.

Free Supercuts Haircuts

So, I wanted to try this out before I recommended it.
I went to the Supercuts training center on Dakota and Blackstone today and got a free haircut. I must admit I was nervous, and thankful I didn't get one of the students in particular because he seemed like he lacked confidence. In the end, I was quite pleased. I just got some long layers without cutting off all the length.

The haircuts are given on a walk-in basis, thus the wait can be long, averaging 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours. During the wait you are welcome to sign in, leave, and then check back later. They give cuts to men, women, and children that are old enough to sit still alone and not tear up. So even if you aren't brave enough to try it out, you could get your kids free haircuts.

The next training session will begin November 30th. This past session was Wednesday through Friday, 9am-4pm. I will post the next time I see this come up(It happens about every two weeks.) They might also offers dyes as well, but no one could tell me when that would be. I found out through Kashless. This site is a way of sharing free events and recycling used items. It is connected the the Free section of Craigslist and you can create an account and have Kashless email you when new posts include something you're watching for, for example I used the key word "haircuts" to find out about this weeks offers.

Paypal Student Account $10 Credit

This is another deal I found from My Frugal Adventures.

Paypal is running a promotion for students. Sign up and get a $10 credit. This deal ends November 20th.

“A Student Account is a sub-account of your PayPal account, allowing your teen to shop online with PayPal, and in stores with their Student Card—anywhere Debit MasterCard® is accepted. They’ll learn about responsible spending in the best way possible—by doing it themselves. And you’ll have important permission and notification features to ensure they stay on track.”

Lowe's Free Build and Grow Clinic

Lowe's is providing an event for children grades 2-5 at 10am on Saturday. This hammer and nails project involves building a garage.
Preregistration is required call 436-6266 for details.
7651 N Blackstone Ave

Kearney Renaissance Faire

This weekend the Kearney Renaissance Faire will be taking place in Kearney Park in Southwest Fresno. Renaissance Fairs are popular in the Central Valley. Since Fresno City College no longer hosts a fair, the Kearney Faire is one of the best in Fresno. They actually have enough room for a joust along with the other attractions like archery, actors, dancers, jugglers, court intrigues etc. They will also be pitching pumpkins with a 15 foot catapult. The weather is supposed to clear up and be about 60 degrees. The fair will begin at 10am Saturday & Sunday, and end at dusk.
Admission is $9.
$8 for seniors and students.
Bring a donation of canned food and receive $1 off admission.
So bring out the kids, by some kettle corn, ice cream, and turkey legs. Buy the boys wooden swords and the girls fairy wings. It's a fun family event. Click HERE for details or call 392-0965

Vista Print Deals

Vistaprint is offering some exciting deals here soon. Check them out! Click HERE.

Veteran's Day honors Military Personnel

All veteran's and current military personnel are honored today. Check out the Northern Cheapskate's blog to see what deals are out there. Remember is your are a veteran or on active duty, bring valid identification. Many restaurants are offering freebies. Click HERE for details.

US Parks are free to veteran's and members of the US Armed Forces today.

Sam's Club is giving away 25,000 free Hugo cans nationwide to veteran's in need. -thanks updownstock

Fresno's Veteran's Day Parade starts at 10:30 am in front of City Hall with opening ceremonies and will continue until 2pm. At 11:11am taps will be played to commemorating the end of WWII on the 11th month on the 11th day in the 11th hour. -ABC 30 news

To see other local valley events click HERE.

Project Survival Cat Haven

The Project Survival Cat Haven is a wild animal park located on Highway 180, 45 miles east of Fresno and 15 miles west of Kings Canyon National Park. They have some of the world's most endangered species of cats including a Bengal Tiger and Clouded Leopard. The park provides guided tours from 10am to 3pm. They are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Field trips available.

Admission: Adults $9
Children (5-12) $6
Seniors: $7.50

For more information call 338-1336

I think this will be perfect for Taylor's 4th birthday.

Born to Bake (Not Cook)

One thing I am very grateful for is the lessons I had from my mother on how to bake. Granted, I do have a taste for goodies that are a little crisper due to my mother's forgetfulness, however if I can do one thing in the kitchen well, I can bake. My husband, bless him, is the cook in the family. I am making fresh cranberry lemon scones today and discovered this blog and I think I am in love. The pictures alone are inspiring. Click HERE to check out SmittenKitchen.com.

Remember, the more you cook homemade meals, especially from scratch. Stay seasonal in your selection of produce, it's better for your health and wallet!

one small message, one mighty impact

Body Shop Deals

My Frugal Adventures posted about some great grab bags from The Body Shop, $15 for some nice products, click HERE to see her post.

CSU Fresno Upcoming Events

Fresno State offers events by USU Productions that are for students, but open to the general public as well. Here's a look at some upcoming events from an email I received.

USU Productions Up Coming Events

G.I. Joe Rise of the Cobra Movie Showing

Tonight, Tuesday, November 10, 2009

7 pm

Satellite Student Union

$2 Fresno State Students with Valid Id
$3 General Public

*Chance to win a copy of the movie

For more information call 278-2741



USU Productions Classic - Coed Soccer Tournament

Saturday, November 14, 2009
8am - 3pm
South Gym Field

Register by This Thursday!!!!

* Double Elimination
* Max 10 Teams in the Tournament
* 10 Players on each team - Fresno State Students Only
* Fresno State Intramural Soccer Rules will be followed
* Fresno State Intramural Staff will be the officials
* 1st Place - Trophy and T-shirts
* 2nd and 3rd Place - Trophies

$40 Registration Fee
Register at the USU Information Center - Starting on Tuesday, November 3, 2009

For more information call 278-2741



Thank Goodness for Laughter Amateur Comedy Night

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
7 pm
The Bucket

Watch Fresno State Students show off their comedy skills

$3 Fresno State Students with Valid Id
$5 General Public
*$1 off per each piece of clothing donated. Clothing will be sent to the Philippines for victims of the typhoons

*If you are a Fresno State Student that wants to perform at amateur comedy night please sign up at the Student Involvement Center in USU 306.
*$100 will be given to the winner

For more information call 278-2741




Annual San Fransisco Shopping Bus Trip

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Leave the North Gym at 8 am

Will be dropped off at Union Square

Purchase tickets at the USU Information Center
$20 Fresno State Students with Valid Id
*Tickets on sale to students starting on Tuesday, November 3, 2009

$30 General Public
*Tickets on sale to the public starting on Monday, November 16, 2009

For more information call 278-2078

Cloth Diapers

There is a movement to get people to use cloth diapers again because of the green benefits and personal economical benefits. There are websites that offer the chance to borrow cloth diapers. So if you just want to try it out without investing in cloth diapers of your own just yet, here's your chance(You just have to get past the idea that someone else has used them. I'm sure they are heavily cleaned and sanitized before you get the diapers.)

I haven't tried this before, since I live in an apartment with pay-per-load washers, it didn't seem economical to use cloth diapers when I first considered it, however since my youngest is now over one, it might be worth a shot. I'll let you know if I try it.

Teeny Greenies offered these websites as resources for cloth diapering. I know many people swear by using cloth diapers and have had a good experience. Personally, I would need some help getting started.

*Craigslist.com, freecycle.org - you can find free and cheap diapers listed here, you can also post "wanted" posts for diapers

*Clothdiapernation.com, diaperswappers.com, myuseddiapers.com - websites specializing in used cloth diaper sales

*Miraclediapers.org - offers an income based cloth diaper lending service via mail for a small shipping fee

*www.cafemom.com/group/clothdiaperexchange - a forum for giving away and trading cloth diapers -click HERE for more info.

There are also tutorials about how to make your own diapers. I'll post some links later.

On a similar note:
The Saint Agnes Medical Center runs the Holy Cross Center for Women. It is located near the Poverello House and provides services for women. They offer food, clothing, free diapers, laundry service, education, babysitting for the women while they are there and more. To learn more and to volunteer click HERE or call 559 237 3379. It may take a while before you are invited to volunteer. I applied months ago to work with ESL students and still have not been contacted.

Boston Market 2 Kids eat Free (14 and under)

Boston Market is offering a deal where 2 kids meals come free on Saturdays and Sundays until January 31, 2008. To qualify an $6 minimum adult purchase is required. This includes up to 4 free kids meals with a Family Meal. You don't need a coupon, but you did need the kids with you :).

Free Carousel Rides at Manchester Mall

The carousel at Manchester mall located on Shields and Blackstone offers free rides on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6-8pm. -Thanks Michele

November 27th Santa Claus arrives at 11am if you want to come take professional photos.

November 28th Manchester is providing breakfast with Santa Claus at 10am. Come help them keep the Grinch from stealing breakfast! They will be providing free trolley rides from 1pm-4pm that Saturday and Sunday.

Manchester offers free WiFi in their food court area. If you are unfamiliar with Manchester along with shopping the mall also offers different employment resources through the Workforce Connection and educational opportunities/resources click HERE for more details.

Free T-Shirts from Huntington

Huntington Learning Center of Fresno is offering a giveaway for Reading Adventure T-Shirts. All you have to do is write me about why reading to your kids is so important and share their favorite book! Email me at Sarlin12@hotmail.com. Please include your first name, email, and include your or your child's shirt size. Huntington products are really great quality. The contest ends Friday November 13th. This giveaway is for Fresno area residents only. Good Luck! To learn more about Huntington Learning Center of Fresno click HERE

The Discovery Center

Mission Statement
"An educational science center offering children an outdoor hands-on learning experience to stimulate passion, curiosity and wonder for the environment and physical sciences." -The Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is free to the public although donations are greatly appreciated. It is located at Winery and McKinley near the airport.

1937 N. Winery
Fresno, CA 93703

Open weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays 10a.m. - 4.p.m

"The Discovery Center Offers an Urban Wildlife Park Right in the Heart of Fresno
The Center functions as an outdoor educational and recreational sanctuary for children who want to experience the natural world in a safe environment. We have a pond, native plants, areas to dig, and many other things to explore. Come take a tour of our site's many exhibits, including the Deutsch Cactus Garden and the Gemini Space Capsule, or sign-up for one of our many classes, from Animal Mania to Earthquakes and Volcanoes."


I really enjoy the pond and the tortoises. You can request small nets to catch minnows and pollywogs and sometimes they will give you zucchini to feed to tortoises as well. Click HERE for more information.

There is a very nice garden on the far end that is separate from The Discovery Center and holds its own events. Grab a newsletter to see what they offer. I know in the past they have held a chocolate night, wine tasting, etc. for adults.

Deseret Industries Drive

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding a clothing and goods drive from 8am-11am tomorrow at the building on Cedar between Bullard and Barstow. Please donate items that are clean and in good working order. These donations will fund humanitarian projects around the world. "Even little donations bless many nations."

Free Flate Rate Shipping Boxes from USPS

I love My Frugal Adventures. She found this deal from USPS. You can order free flat rate shipping boxes (to be shipped with USPS only.) Click HERE. This is great because I debate selling things on ebay because I'm never sure what the shipping cost will be. Maybe I've just been lazy. With these boxes I can estimate better I think. Funny, they ship, your shipping boxes.

2 Free Photo Canvas'

My Frugal Adventures posted regarding Canvas on Demand. You can receive a free 8x10 canvas picture gift certificate, a $59 value! You do pay shipping, about $15. Click HERE to see her post. Happy savings!

To order another free canvas picture online, click HERE for a free 8x10 or $55 dollars off, from the The Canvas People.

Kodak is still offering the $15 credit for online orders. The are giving away 1 million. Click HERE to get yours!

Hancock's Fabrics.

Hancock's Fabrics stores are located on Blackstone & Barstow and Clovis & Shaw. They send out a monthly sales flyer, but you have to sign up as a preferred customer and use you card, to get it in the mail. The best part, is the sales on patterns.

99 cent McCall's Patterns from November 5th-10th.
99 cent Butterick Patterns from November 5th-10th.
$3.99 Vogue Patterns November 5th-10th.
$1.99 Simplicity Patterns November 19th-21st.

The flyer usually includes a 40% off coupon on any one full priced fabric item and a 40% off coupon for any one full priced notion item.

Join their fan page on Facebook for emails and special offers.

It's a great time to think about making Christmas Eve pjs. I have my "after Holiday" fabric I bought last year for super cheap to make the girls pjs.

The Fresno Bee

If you are considering couponing, The Sassy Saver has a deal with The Fresno Bee to receive only the Sunday paper for about 50 cents a week. You pay the cost for one year at once, which is just over $28. Which means, if you save over 50 cents a week, then the paper pays for itself. To subscribe click HERE it will take you to her site, then click on the top right of her page where it says Need a Paper?
There is also a promotion going on with The Fresno Bee to receive the Weekend Bee including ontv for 95 cents a week, plus tax for a year. You can call at 1-800-877-3400. If the ask, the promo code is tW452wek. Expires January 31, 2009. The subscriptions will continue after one year unless you call and cancel.

Victoria's Secret

Hopefully, you signed up for Pink Nation account (you don't have to be in college) and your Victoria's Secret email subscription. Many promotions are going on right now, including a Free Secret Reward Card for $10, $50, $100 or $500(while supplies last) if you order online or by phone between November 1st and November 30th. Tomorrow I'm going for my free bra fitting that includes a free Beauty Rush lip gloss. I also got another free panty coupon plus $10 of a bra with Pink Nation. The Sassy Saver mentioned using retailmenot.com to get promotion codes when ordering online to qualify for the Free Secret Reward card. So if you haven't signed up yet, do so! Lots of deals from Victoria's Secret and Pink right now. If you have an Angel's credit card even more offers are available to you.

Update your wishlist daily on your online Victoria's Secret Account and enter to win one of four $250 egift cards to Victoria's Secret given away daily. One grand prize will be $1000. This runs through December 21, 2009. (Must be 18 or older). Click HERE for details. Seriously, VS knows how to advertise.

Ashlan and First Walgreens Steals #2

So, the deal with the new opening and all was too sweet to not try out a second time.
My second case for couponing.
I went again today, picked up my free 8x10 (only for the Walgreens on First and Ashlan)and bought over $36 worth of products for $12.97 (with tax) and $5 in register rewards so it was like I spent $7.97.
I bought two kids toothbrushes on sale for $2.18 right away, so they cost 18 cents.

Granted, I used Sunday coupons from the last couple of weeks, a coupon from Herbal Essences for a free shampoo/conditioner for signing up as a fan on Facebook($3.50 off).
The November Walgreens coupons for Almay ($4 off), and Dawn dish soap in the insert
(99cents-25cents from Sunday paper.)

Almay products are buy one get one 50% off and they deduct $4 from both, so you pay about $3.75 for 2, or $1.88 each
I bought Nyquil and Dayquil 2/$9 with $3 in rewards, -$1.50 from the Sunday paper
Herbal Essences products 2/$7 with $2 in rewards. (which one was free)
The $3 off $10 came from the Grand Opening coupon only available at Walgreens on First and Ashlan.
I also used my $2 in register rewards from the last trip.

You can grab the Walgreens coupons when you walk in the door, or email me, Sarlin12@hotmail.com, if you want to meet up(in Fresno), I have a couple extra.

Don't Underestimate-The Library

When I had kids, I rediscovered the library. After five years of college, the library came to mean a source of work and boredom. Now it is a resource in a whole different way and best of all it's free. One example is the activities for children 5 and under.

Infant/Toddler Lap-sits and Storytime.
Many local libraries have a baby storytime or infant/toddler lap-sit with music, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, bounces, and games for infants to age 2 with an adult. Make sure to get there on time, the singing is a blast, but can be over quickly. No reservations needed. Call ahead because some weeks are canceled or click HERE to see the calendar from the Central California Parent Magazine.

Big Creek 11am Mondays call 893-6614

Fig Garden 10am Fridays call 438-4071

Sanger (Preschoolers included) 10am Tuesdays call 875-2435

Visalia 10am Tuesdays call 713-2731

Woodward Park 10am and 10:45am Thursdays call 433-3135



Preschool Storytimes
Like the infant/toddler lapsits, storytime includes stories,crafts(depends), fingerplays, and music. For ages 3-5 with an adult. No reservations needed.Call ahead because some weeks are canceled or click HERE to see the calendar from the Central California Parent Magazine.


Auberry 10:30am Wednesdays call 855-8523

Clovis 11am Fridays call 299-9531

Fig Garden 10am and 1pm Wednesdays call 438-4071

Fresno Central 10am Fridays call 488-3195

Fowler Branch 11am Tuesdays call 834-3114

Gillis, Fresno 10:30am Tuesdays call 225-0140

Kingsburg 10:30am Wednesdays call 897-3710

Mendota 10am and 1:30pm Tuesdays call 655-3391

Riverdale 11am Mondays call 867-3381

San Joaquin 10am Wednesdays call 693-2171

Selma 10:30am Wednesdays call 896-3393

Sunnyside 9:30am Thursdays call 255-6594

Tulare 11:15am Fridays and 6:15pm Tuesdays call 685-2341

Visalia 10am Wednesdays. Incorporates yoga as well at 12pm Fridays call 713-2731

Woodward Park 10:30 and 11:30 Wednesdays call 433-3135

Since these activities are over within a half hour or so, you have time to browse movies and books, while gives your little ones a chance to choose as well. We don't have a TV (by choice), but a fresh kid's show or book is a welcome change.

Huntington Learning Center SAT Prep.

It's that time again, Juniors in high schools everywhere are considering which colleges they want to apply to and with funds at a low for everyone, schools included, the competition has heated up. I will make no pretense about being unbiased. I work at Huntington. I've been there since I graduated. Their SAT program is costly, but effective. I tell my students, there is a reason parents pay for this program, it works.
Huntington's SAT prep begins with a diagnostic evaluation. It costs $195
($75 off at the Fresno Huntington if you mention my blog)and the student takes a retired SAT test and we evaluate his or her strengths and weaknesses, including the essay portion. An individual prescription is created to meet the student's needs to help the student earn his or her target SAT score goals. On average students improve their SAT score 200 points. Huntington teachers have Bachelor's degrees, some are current elementary and high school teachers. I love teaching the SAT, it takes serious instruction and commitment because it is such an intense test. We go beyond tips and tricks, not only do we cover strategies on how to approach the questions, we teach critical reading, math, and writing in detail. If your student has trouble with noun-pronoun agreement, we will cover that grammar skill carefully. We focus on students' needs and go at their personal pace. What they learn for the SAT will stay with them through college. Give Huntington a call at 434-2028 or check out our website HERE

The Dirty Dozen

Babytalk magazine published an article about the controversy regarding the nutritional value of organic foods. I just wanted to share the facts and myths they unearthed. Even if organic produce may not not superior nutritionally, there are plenty of reasons to buy organic. Click HERE to read the article. The Environmental Working Group cites these fruits and veggies on the top of the pesticide list. Babytalk called them the dirty dozen encouraging to buy these organic when you can.

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Imported grapes
11. Carrots
12. Pears

The BEST sales.

The best sales always occur after holidays and at the end of each season. Whenever a store needs to dump they're merchandise, it usually goes quick (especially Halloween candy for some reason). My favorite stores for clearance include Target and Old Navy. At the end of last winter I bought Taylor multiple long sleeved shirts a size big for this winter. Yes, she's wearing last year's fashions, but she's 3, who cares? I spent $1-$4 a shirt.
I learned this shopping savviness from my mom, we always bought our new swimsuits at the end of the summer. I didn't appreciate the wait then, just like getting shoes that were a little too big, but I appreciate the wisdom in it now.

PS. The Old Navy on Shaw near Villa or Minnewawa has baby and kids clothes.

Target regularly lowers it's clearance prices every Monday. So, if you are watching something, that is not worth it to you at $17, but will be at $6 just check on Mondays (hopefully no one else will snag it before you). I usually get Easter dresses this way (after Easter of course).

So right after posting this blog I went to Walgreens and Target.

First, is my case for couponing. Now granted it takes some energy, but with a Sunday newspaper and some help from other bloggers, you can put together some pretty good deals.

So Walgreens on First & Ashlan and Bethel & Jensen are having a grand openings this week. They are offering $3 off your purchase of $10 or more. I purchased everything in the picture Taylor is modeling (except the Mr. Potato Head) for $8.37, but when you factor in the $2 register rewards, then it was like spending $6.37. I miss a $1 coupon off the Herbal Essence product, so it could have been $5.37. The Halloween T-Shirt(for next year) was $2. They are also offering one free photo enlargement either size 5x7 or 8x10. If you are interested, I have some of the flyers and the November coupon book. Honestly, The Sassy Saver is more talented at this sort of thing. Check out her site HERE. She gives weekly updates on deals at drug stores, grocery stores, etc.

Now Target- disaster with hungry and tired kids, left my wallet in the car, then forgot the Capri-Sun box and had to run back in. Thanks to a tip from My Frugal Adventures, I was able to find possibly the last Halloween Themed Mr. Potato head in the Bullard store for $1.80 with tax! I used a coupon print out from ClipnGoCoupons.com after doing a survey that thankfully doesn't require you to purchase anything HERE for $2 off Mr. Potato head. The Jones soda were .75cents, and the cider $2.58, the pretzels were $3.99(which will be great to keep for snacks in the car). Of course everything Halloween is 50% off or more, but they will clean it up quickly, and we may see some things at the Goodwill, because Target tends to donate there (ironically some things cost more there than they did on clearance at Target).

So I share these two examples as a case for couponing and bargain shopping. It does take some effort, but with a little help from others we enjoy the savings!

Free Child Safety Kits/Create a "Just in Case" File

A couple of websites provide Child Safety Kits.

My girls tend to be overly friendly. While I am thankful they are not shy, it can really be unnerving at times because they will walk off without glancing back. I've started a "Just in Case" file with emergency information regarding our life insurance, wills, etc.

"ADT is so committed to safety, we created this guide for the whole family, filled with loads of tips and advice to keep kids safe at home, at play, and even online. We’ve included a cool fingerprint kit, a magnet, a reflective sticker for kids to wear in the dark, and games, too. We’re serious about safety but we also believe it can be fun learning about safety. ADT hopes this kit will help and encourage you to sit down and talk with your kids about personal safety." Click HERE

Global Life Insurance also offers a similar kit. Click HERE to order. There is an option to request multiple kits.

I ordered from both to see which one I like better, I figure I can give the extra two kits away.

If you want to start a "Just in Case" file or binder, some websites give information and even templates, to fill out or follow, to create legal documents for free. I used Free Legal Documents Click HERE. to check it out.