A Friendly Welcome: Tips, Reviews, and Friendly Chit Chat

All You Magazine

Rhonda — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:33:39 GMT

As a child and young adult I was an avid reader....couldn't go anywhere without a book in my hand! Now, with a business to run, five kids to raise, and my new-found love for blogging, I just don't get the time to read books. So....my new favorite reading materials are magazines! Even better when the magazines are full of great tips, recipes and coupons! All You magazine is one of my favorites for all three. This magazine is apparently only sold at Walmart and is priced at $2.49 (though they do 10% off their magazines so it rings up as $2.24). I think this magazine has more coupons in it than any other I've read!

I just got the October 24 issue (I never seem to get to Walmart to get it when it first comes out!) and this is a list of the great coupons inside:

$2 Pull-Ups
$1 Splenda with Fiber
$1 GE Energy Smart Product
$5 Tabu Forbidden Pure Spray Cologne
Buy 20 fl oz Curel Lotion, get free Curel Targeted Therapy Cream
$1 Dry Cleaner's Secret
$1.50 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste
$1.50 Dove Cream Oil Body Lotion or Hand Cream
$1 Nature Made Twin Pack
$7 Aquafresh White Trays Pro-Gentle System
$1 Citracal Product
$1 Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers
$1 Emergen-C Pink
$1 ACE Brand Product
40 cents / 2 Hunts Tomato Products
50 cent 18 oz Peter Pan Peanut Butter
$1 Phillips Product
55 cents Weight Watchers Cheese or Cream Cheese
75 cents Orville Redenbacher's Natural Gourmet Popping Corn
40 cents / 2 Crunch n Munch
75 cents Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn 10 pk
$2 Ziploc Vacuum Starter Kit
$1 Ziploc Vacuum Refill Bag
$1 Flat Earth Veggies Crisps
$2/ 3 Birds Eye Voila Varieties
75 cents Reddi-wip
50 cents Reynolds Cut Rite Wax Paper
$1 Tyson Fresh Meal Kit
75 cents Smucker's Uncrustables
$1.50 32 oz Greased Lightening
$1 / 4 BAnquet Select Recipes Meals
$1 OUT Training Pads or Stain & Odor Remover
$1 White Cloud
$1 Glade Fabric and Air Odor Eliminator

These coupons are manufacturer's coupons. The savings from the coupons more than pays for the magazine!

What's For Dinner Wednesday!

Rhonda — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:11:26 GMT

I'm always looking for new recipes and dinner ideas, so I thought I would share one of our favorites each Wednesday.

Making tasty traditional family recipes doesn't have to be complicated. This meal will take you about 40 minutes to complete. The kids can join in to help as well. My older kids like to peel the potatoes and the younger ones get to help mash the potatoes.

Salisbury Steak

Ingredients:
10 3/4 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1 small onion, chopped finely
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. olive oil (vegetable oil can also be used)
1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms (canned or fresh)

In large bowl, mix 1/4 of the soup, ground beef, bread crumbs, onion and eggs. Shape firmly into 6 patties. In a 10" skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties in hot oil until browned on both sides. Remove patties from skillet and drain fat. In same skillet combine soup and mushrooms. Heat to boiling. Return patties to skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes or until patties are no longer pink. Stir sauce occasionally.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
6 medium-sized potatoes
1 garlic clove, minced
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 cup heavy cream (can substitute 1/2 - 1 cup of milk)
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 tsp dried tarragon
salt and pepper to taste

Peel and cube potatoes. Put in large pan with enough water to cover potatoes. Boil then reduce heat, cover and let boil for about 20 - 30 minutes (check often for doneness). Drain water then put potatoes in a large bowl. In a small pan, melt butter then saute garlic in it. Add garlic mixture and other remaining ingredients to the potatoes and mash until desired consistency.

A Few More Contests....

Rhonda — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:28:35 GMT

Here are a few more contests!

Win an OFF Power Lamp & Lantern- Expires October 24

Trip to New York- Expires October 24

Folgers Think Pink Prize Package- Expires October 24

Sushi Pack Backpack- Expires October 24

Mead Writing Fundamentals- Expires October 24

Twist Water- Expires October 24

Beautiful Belly Workout DVD- Expires October 24

$250 Marshalls Gift Card- Expires October 24

Travel Case- Expires October 24

Elgydium Oral Care Kit- Expires October 24

Trip to Marival Resort and Suites in Mexico- Expires October 24

2 Virgin America Tickets- Expires October 24

Oneida Dinnerware- Expires October 31

Mighty Putty- Expires October 31

Magic Bullet Platinum Pro- October 31

Coupons Codes- Victoria's Secret and Amazon

Rhonda — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:59:44 GMT

Get $10 off a Biofit Lace bra at Victoria's Secret by entering the code 10LACE at checkout. Expires October 17.

Buy $39 worth of Halloween Candy at Amazon and get $15 off with the code CDY08OCT.

Wow! Restaurant.com Offering $25 Gift Cards for $2!!!

Rhonda — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:26:57 GMT

If you haven't tried Restaurant.com, this is an amazing time to start! They offer gift certificates at a big discount. They are usually to smaller, local eateries rather than large chains. We have had the opportunity to try some really great restaurants (which we probably would have normally tried) through using this website. The best thing is you just print out the gift certificate so there is no waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Today through tomorrow at noon they are offering their $25 gift certificates for $2!!

36-Hour 80% off Savings on $25 Gift Certificates. Use the code EIGHTY and pay $2. Valid 12:00am CDT 10/14/08 thru 12:00pm CDT 10/15/08.

Online Contests! Hey, Someone Has to Win!

Rhonda — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:06:47 GMT

Here are more online contests to enter. Most are quick and easy....and someone has to win! Good luck!

QVC Win a Trip to Venice - Expires October 24

$15,000 from Windex and the Weather Channel- Expires 10/31/08

Charleston Cookie Company Gift Basket- Expires 10/31/08

Dove Beauty Products- Expires 10/23/08

One on One Consultation with Millenium Mom- Expires 11/30/08

$3000 Towards a Bracelet or Ring- Expires 1/4/09

More Printable Coupons!

Rhonda — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:38:57 GMT

Here are some links to printable coupons! Just a warning that some stores do not accept printed coupons or place a limit on the number of printed coupons used. I have not run into this particular issue but have heard of others who have.

MasterCuts- $2 off a haircut

Organic Valley- There is a variety of different coupons for Organic Valley dairy products.

Sue Bee Honey- $1 off any Sue Bee product

Scott- Choose between a $1 off Scott Towels or $1 off Scott Extra Soft Tissue

Sunsilk- $1.50 off Sunsilk Creme and Styling Aid

All Small and Mighty- $1 off Laundry Detergent

Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator- $1.50 off

SoyJoy- $3 off 5

Del Monte- $1 Fruit Cup Snacks

Kohls- Sign up for their email alerts and get a coupon for $5 off a purchase

Woolite Rug Stick- $3 off

Airborne- $2 off

Swiffer- This is not a printable. Fill in your info and they will mail you a variety of coupons.

Dreamfields Pasta- $1 off

Rebates are another great way to save some money. Here are a few printable forms:

Hunts Ketchup- Expires 11/30/08

Land of Lakes Butter- Expires 10/15/08!

Sucrets - Expires 1/31/09

Just For Men Touch of Gray- Expires 12/31/09

Visit Walmart.com for a variety of free samples you can register for. Some of the items they have on there now are Playtex, Carefree Panty Liners, Always Infinity, Benefiber Drink Mix, John Frieda Volume and PUR shopping list pad.

Get a free sheet of Post-It Recycled Notes.

The Target Website has some great coupons which can be used at Target only. The Targets I have used them at have always allowed me to use a manufacturers coupon at the same time. You can get some great deals that way!! Right now there is a coupon for $1 off Quilted Northern Ultra and a variety of other coupons.

It's Free!!

Rhonda — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:40:14 GMT

There are some great freebies out on the internet right now! And who doesn't love something for free?!

Carefree Panty Liners is offering a free sample.

Degree Men Absolute Protection Anti-perspirant and Deodorant is offering a free sample.

Always Infinity is offering a free sample.

Get a free sample of Aquafresh Extreme Clean.

Get a free sample of Betty Crocker Potatoes.

Dove Hair Therapy is offering a free sample.

Free Goodnights Boxer Sample.

Free Potty Training DVD from Pull-ups.

Free printable Disney pumpkin stencils.

Free Quaker Simple Harvest Granola Bar sample.

Get a free sample of Sunsilk.

Free Good News magazine and Ten Commandments booklet.

Free sample of Tide Total Care, plus an entry in their Dress to the Sevens contest.

Time to Start Planning for Christmas!

Rhonda — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:34:07 GMT

Can you believe it is already time to start thinking about Christmas planning and shopping?! It seems each year I have great intentions to be totally organized for the Holidays then Christmas sneaks up on me. 100 Days to Christmas is a blog that offers tips on getting ready for the holidays. And now they are offering a contest for a Holiday Planner from ListPlanIt.com!

Just click on the banner above and leave a comment on the blog entry to be entered to win a Holiday Planner! ENDS October 18.

50 Prints for 50 Cents at Snapfish!

Rhonda — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:49:30 GMT

Get 50 4 x 6 prints for only 50 cents (plus shipping) at Snapfish.com. That's a great deal! Enter this code: FALLPENNY08 at checkout. This special is good through October 14.

Restaurant Gift Certificates for $3!

Rhonda — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:51:12 GMT

Have you tried Restaurant.com ? You can purchase gift certificates to local restaurants for less than their face value. You won't usually find the big chain restaurants here, but there is often a great variety of smaller, local restaurants. This can be a great way to try out a new restaurant at a big discount! Through Monday October 13 enter the code SAVE at checkout and get a $25 gift certificate for $3! It's definitely worth looking around the restaurants in your area to see if you find one to try!

More contests and printable coupons!

Rhonda — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:20:59 GMT

Enter to win **$1,000,000* (wow, wouldn't that be nice?!) or one of smaller instant win prizes. The contest requires a UPC from Mars bagged candies but they do provide a UPC if you don't have one. The contest runs through 10/31/08 and is a daily entry contest. There's a fun little game to play after entering too.

Enter to win a Trip for two to Fashion Week in New York from Viactiv. Contest runs through 11/26/08.

Enter to win a trip to Orlando from Redplum.com. Contest runs through 10/31/08. You can enter this one once a week.

Print a coupon for $5 off $25 purchase at True Value. Coupon expires 12/7/08.

Get 17% off a purchase at Bestdealmagazines.com with code: 17percent. This code is only good through today.

IKEA Free Breakfast Special This Weekend!

Rhonda — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:32:03 GMT

If you live near an Ikea with a cafeteria, stop in this weekend for FREE BREAKFAST! The special is Saturday through Monday (October 11 - October 13). They have their small breakfast and cup of coffee for free; limit one per customer. This is not available at the Hicksville, Houston, Seattle and IKEA Direct locations.

More Great Online Contests and Coupons!

Rhonda — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:15:03 GMT

Enter to win a Saleen S302 Extreme or one of many other great prizes from Pizzahut.com. There are even instant win prizes. The contest ends 11/10/08 and you can enter daily.

Print a coupon for $5 off a Rembrandt 2 Hour Whitening Kit.

Print a coupon for 20% off entire purchase at Big Lots (there are some exclusions). Coupon expires Saturday, October 11.

If you plan to shop at Walgreens.com this weekend, use the code HAUNT at checkout to receive $10 off at least a $50 purchase. Code is good through October 10.

Get a free lip gloss set with a qualifying sweater purchase at Victoriassecret.com. The code to enter at checkout is RUSH08. The code expires November 19 or while supplies last.

Get a free milk chocolate cat with a $60 order from Godiva.com. Enter code LUCKY at checkout. Code expires October 10.

Get $25 off a $100 purchase at Linens and Things. There are some exclusions (not valid on Capresso, The Sharper Image, iJoy, Wusthof, Nautica, All-Clad, J.A. Henckels, Tempur-Pedic, Riedel, Godiva, Margaritaville or Linens 'n Things Gift Cards). Enter code LNTEVENT at checkout. Code good through October 9.

Culver's $1 Butter Burger Day!

Rhonda — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:34:46 GMT

Have you ever had a Culver's ButterBurger? If not, Tuesday October 7 will be a perfect time to give them a try! Culver's is celebrating their 24th year in business by offering $1 Single ButterBurgers. There is a limit of 5 per order. Check with your local Culver's for details!

LeapFrog Free BackPack Code

Rhonda — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:02:22 GMT

Leapfrog has some amazing educational toys, including several new products that will be on many Christmas lists this year! My children have found the Leapfrog products to be fun and educational; teaching them in a way that makes learning something they want to do! Two of their newer products, called Didj and Crammer are great for elementary and middle school grade children. They combine a variety of kid-friendly, desired features for a reasonable price. Right now, if you order at least $50 through their website you can get a free blue backpack by entering code HY8ELP at checkout. This offer is good during October and I believe it is while supplies last.

Walgreens Printable $5 Off Coupon for October 3 & 4

Rhonda — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:55:32 GMT

Print this coupon to get $5 off a $20 purchase at Walgreens on October 3 & 4. The coupon has some exclusions (listed on the coupon). The $20 must be after all manucturers and Walgreens coupons and before taxes.

Printable Coupons for Healthy Eating

Rhonda — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:58:21 GMT

If you shop at Whole Foods or buy a lot of natural or organic foods, there is a good chance you have heard of Mambo Sprouts. Their website provides a variety of informative articles about healthier eating, as well as recipes. If you live in certain areas you can have a coupon mailer sent to your home (register here). They will soon be offering printable coupons from their website too! You can register to be notified when coupons are ready to print.

Disney Offering Free Admission on Birthdays in 2009!

Rhonda — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:49:10 GMT

Disney is offering a super Birthday gift at both its Walt Disney World (Florida) and Disneyland (California) locations --- free admission on your birthday! For details and restrictions, as well as registration information, visit their website here.

Wow! Even More Contests!

Rhonda — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:44:31 GMT

There are definitely a lot of contests available to enter online right now. Many are for amazing sounding vacations! Good luck!

Families Gone Wild Sweepstakes- From Puffins Cereal. Submit a photo or 25 word description of your "Favorite Family Outdoor Adventure. You could win a trip to Maine and guided ocean tour with Dr. Stephen Kress of Project Puffin. Ends October 31.

Sweetest Napa Valley Getaway Sweepstakes- From C&H Sugar. Enter to win a Luxury Trip to Napa, California. Enter daily! Ends October 31.

WD Giveaway- Enter to win a trip to a Resort in Mexico. Ends October 24.