Amazon: My Little Pony Girls Dolls deal -- up to 74% off! (and FREE shipping before Christmas!)

My daughter and her friend were bananas over one of these dolls recently, so these deals quickly caught my eye! Some of the My Little Pony Girl dolls on Amazon are greatly discounted and qualify for FREE shipping on orders of $35 or more!  Here are the 5 best deals I see.....


My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks DJ PON-3 Doll

$5.72 (reg. $21.99 -- save 74%!)

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks Pinkie Pie Doll with Guitar
$6.94 (reg. $21.99 -- save 68%!)

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Twilight Sparkle Doll (Neon Rainbow Rocks)
$7 (reg. $14.99 -- save 53%!)

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Collection Twilight Sparkle Doll
$7.23 (reg. $14.99 -- save 52%!)

My Little Pony Equestria Girls DJ PON-3 Rockin Convertible Vehicle
$10.70 (reg. $21.99 -- save 51%!)

FREE ebooks: Christmas Gifts in Jars, Angel Crafts, Daily Devotional for January 2015, Homemade Mixes, Goal Setting

Amazon is currently offering these e-books for Kindle for FREE! 

• If you don’t have a Kindle, you can just download a free reading app from Amazon which will allow you to read this on your PC, iPad, iPhone, blackberry, android, Mac and more!
• Prices change often.....if it's still FREE the price will be listed as $0.00

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Get your copy of "Christmas Gifts In Jars: Create Beautifully Simple Holiday Gifts In Jars That Friends And Family Will Love" for FREE (5 star ratings and print version is $8.87!)

Get your copy of "16 Angel Crafts to Make: Homemade Christmas Ornaments & Decorations" for FREE

Get your copy of "Daily Wisdom for Women 2015 Devotional Collection" for FREE

Get your copy of "Homemade Mixes: Make It Yourself and Save" for FREE

Get your copy of "Love Language: Of Goal Setting How To Have A Happy Marriage And Loving Relationships" for FREE

Get your copy of "In the Dailies: Finding God in the Midst of the (Seemingly) Mundane" for FREE (through Saturday)

5 Tips for Frugal, Easy, Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

Every year I think I'm going to plan ahead better than the last Christmas season and be prepared before the last minute.....aaaand I'm not.  Especially this year....a new baby in November, grandparents all coming to visit, and we're just finishing up all six kids having chickenpox.....yeah, things haven't exactly been picture perfect around here.

And is it just me, or does it seem like Murphy's Law says that every year your budget will be extra slim just as Christmas rolls around?  If a car breaks down, appliance quits working, or all the kids grow out of their shoes.....it's going to be right before the holidays. 

If you're feeling tight on time or money this year, here are some ideas that I'm using that may help you too.......

#1: Assess What You Have - take inventory of what's already around and you may have more to work with than you realized without spending a dime.....

• gift cards
• store credit
• "points" you have accumulated that you can redeem for gift cards or other things - Swagbucks, bank points, MyPoints...etc.
• free item coupons
• gift closet/stash where you've put things throughout the year and planned for gift occasions
• freebie gift basket - start with a little basket or bag, then add lotions, body wash, candles, etc. that you have from Bath and Body Works or have requested in the mail

#2: Go Home(made) - all it takes is a little time (and sometimes skill), and you can create a one-of-a-kind handmade gift that often requires very little money....

• Pinterest - of course I start there for endless ideas and inspiration - recipes, crafts, DIY ideas....
• Food gifts - a little effort and pretty packaging can make a wonderful and very inexpensive gift (here are a few I'm looking at making...White Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzels, Crock Pot Cinnamon Almonds, Cake Balls, No-bake White Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge, Caramel Popcorn - so good!...)
• Gifts in a jar - they're very simple to put together, but practical, pretty, and cheap!  You can do a google/swagbucks search and you'll find lots of ideas, or check out books like these.  A friend of ours made us these Cranberry Hootycreeks and they were de-licious!
• Skills - what talents do you already have to whip up something personal?  Knitting, sewing, crafts, photography...?
• Kids stuff - close relatives usually love things that involve the kids...hand/footprints, artwork on mugs/plates...again, lots of ideas on Pinterest!
• Photograph gifts - photo gifts are personal, but can be very cheap!  Walgreens often offers free 8x10 enlargements or collage prints
• "I love you because" frame - sweet gift for less than $2!
• Movie basket - include things like....microwave popcorn, theater candy, gift cards to Redbox or a video store, theater tickets....you could put it in a cute popcorn "bucket" from Target's dollar section or make your own
• Engineer print artwork - incredible impact for very little money!

#3: Be Creative - think outside the box....

• Gift of time/service - babysitting, help cleaning out garage or sorting/scanning pictures, gift certificate for housecleaning...
• "Experience" gifts - give a gift of time together in the months ahead....horseback riding, a trip to the zoo or aquarium, skydiving.....it extends the time needed to pay for it, and the time you get to enjoy it -- you also know the joy won't be "over" in a 20 minute unwrapping frenzy.
• Be thoughtful or sentimental - old photo framed, handwritten poem/letter, put mementos in a shadowbox...

#4: Take Advantage of the Last Minute - procrastination isn't always a terrible thing....there are usually some amazing offers as the holiday shopping season ends....

• Groupon - they often run great specials near Christmas, highlighting deals that are perfect for gift giving!  And what's fantastic about Groupon is that you can buy the gift, print the certificate and you're ready to give a gift in minutes!
• Amazon - their "deal of the day" and "lightning deals" offer some big discounts! 

#5: Keep it Simple - don't try to "keep up with the Joneses" and stress yourself out because you're not doing it "right", this is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy friends and family and have fun together.....

• Prioritize Your Time - what's important to you and your family?  Is it spending time together?  Making memories?  There are so many ways to do that cheaply - and many more that are free!  Hot chocolate taste testing, snowball fights, Christmas movie pajama party, make crafts or cookies, volunteer, have a game night....
• Focus on Values - slow down this season and remember what's it's all about....keep the focus on what's important and not on the hustle and bustle and "stuff"
• Be an Example - I think it's important that we start early to teach our children what really matters. The newest electronics or game console can be fun, but it should be balanced with the intangible things too.  I recently have heard a sweet little rhyme to help keep gift-giving from getting out of hand...."Something you want, something you need, something you'll wear, something you'll read" -- I love that idea for the kids, and I just found a cute printable on Pinterest for them to fill out.  We typically have had a 3-gift guideline in our home, but I think we may do this and go to four.

Remember to slow down and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones, keep the spending in check......do what you can now to keep from starting the New Year with regret and a big credit card bill!  ;)

What do you think?  Good ideas?  Any favorites?  What tips or tricks do you have to save time or money during the holidays?

FREE $40 Credit to Paper Coterie for New Customers!

If you're a new customer at Paper Coterie, you'll be excited to hear that Paper Coterie is offering a FREE $40 credit again to spend on personalized gifts!!  They have beautiful personalized products like photo books, recipe books, journals, calendars, growth charts......and more! 

I can't wait to order mine!  I'm trying to get Christmas gifts all squared away before the baby comes (in 6 weeks!), but how will I choose??  Their things are perfect gifts for birthdays, Christmas, baby showers....etc!

To get yours:

1. Start by creating an account.
2. Select the item(s) you would like to purchase and customize.
3. At checkout, enter the coupon code WELCOME2012 to save $40 off your purchase. (There is NO minimum purchase required, so you can spend less than $40 if you choose).
4. Pay shipping only.  (you'll need to pay shipping and handling which will vary, but typically is between $6-$12)

Just order before midnight (MST) September 23rd, 2012 when the code expires!

Here are some ideas in the $40 range:
(thanks Bargains to Bounty!)

• $14 Photo Poster, including collage designs
• $15 Photo Swatch Book
• $16 Journal
• $17-28 Calendars (many varieties!)
• $18-34 Photo and Theme Books
• $25 Desktop Sentiments
• $26 Recipe Collection Book
• $29 Growth Chart
• $34 Monthly or Weekly Planners
• $42 Memory Keeper Box

2 FREE 8x10 Photo Enlargements from Walgreens! Great gift idea for Mother's Day!

Here are another couple FREE 8x10 photo collages from Walgreens!  Go order yours, then use the code "FREE4ME" or "FREE4ME2" (one per order) when checking out to get it FREE!   Choose in-store pickup and you'll pay nothing for shipping!

*1 of each per customer.  Expires Saturday, May 12th, 2012!

(thanks Money Saving Mom and Mama! 
I got an email today from my mom with the link to this, letting me know that an 8x10 would be great on their walls.  ;)  So, it's obviously a perfect gift for Mother's Day, lol!)

Father's Day FREEBIES and Cheap DIY Gift Ideas! Great for last minute!

If you're still looking for gift ideas for Dad, remember to check the ones I've already posted that are still available...

• Free TCBY treat
• Free Walgreens 8x10 collage print from Walgreens
• Living Social Deals for Dad

Freebie Finding Mom has put together a GREAT list with lots more Freebies for Father's Day - including freebies for restaurants, events to do for or with dad, photo gifts, and printables!  Check it out here!

Also, Amy at Living Locurto has a super list of FREE printables!!   Like these funzies:

Also, check out some fun Father's Day recipe ideas here!

(photo credit)

FREE 8x10 Collage Print from Walgreens! Great last minute Father's Day gift idea!

Yes! Another great FREE 8x10 collage from Walgreens + FREE in-store pickup!  Go on over HERE to order yours, then use the code 1FREEBIE when checking out to get it free. 

You don't even pay shipping if you choose to pick up in store. {If you're making this for Dad and he doesn't live nearby, have it sent to his Walgreens store}
1 per customer.  Expires Saturday, June 18th, 2011.

{You can also get 11x14 collage prints "Buy One, Get One free", with the code 1FORDAD.}

Living Social Deal for West Michigan - Great Deals on Father's Day Ideas!

Here's are some cool, but unconventional gift ideas for Father's Day!  Living Social is offering "Man Week" - lots of great ideas for the guys in your life - deals on golf, Omaha steaks, True Value Hardware.....all perfect for Father's Day coming up and all 50% off or more!

In the West Michigan area, right now you can get a great deal on something I've never seen a discount for!

• 90-minute Paddleboarding Experience for $17 (reg. $35)
• 90-minute Kiteboard Lesson for $50 (reg. $100)

*Fine print:
Limit 1 purchase per person, up to 7 additional as gifts for others • Customers may not gift to self, but may buy one of each option (A and B) for themselves • Participants must be 10 years of age or older • Appointments are required and subject to availability • Merchant cancellation/re-scheduling policy of 24 hours applies; No-shows or failure to cancel within 24 hours forfeit voucher • Voucher must be redeemed in its entirety in one visit and used by same customer; cannot be shared • Call 800-622-4655 or visit MACkiteboarding.com to review availability of lessons • Merchant will honor vouchers through August 15, 2012 in the event that inclement weather or scheduling prevents voucher use in 2011 season • Other conditions apply • Promotional value expires on October 17, 2011.

{photo credit}

LAST CHANCE: 50% off Father's Day T-shirts from Zazzle.com! Plus 15% cashback! Cheap gift idea!

Still looking for a gift for Dad for Father's Day?  Zazzle.com is offering 50% off Light Apparel ('no dark apparel, embroidered products, screen printing or shoes') when you use the code "LIGHTAPPAREL" through 11:59pm PT today!  They have some really great t-shirts - ranging from sweet to hilarious (*all kinds of humor!)

You can get an even better deal though if you go through a cashback site to make your purchase!  Ebates is offering 10% back (and possibly an extra 12% off!), and Mr. Rebates and ShopAtHome both are offering 15% back!  If you're new to any of those, they give you a $5 credit in your account as a bonus to sign up!  That could mean a super cheap shirt for dad!

*You can also get 50% off 2-day shipping today with the code SHIP4FATHERS (not sure if two codes can be used or not

NEW 10 point Code for Pampers "Gifts to Grow"! Plus Big List of GTG Codes!

Here's another 10 point code for Pampers Gifts to Grow program - GTGREWARDS4MOM (Exp. 11/30/11 at 11:59pm CT).

Check out the Master List of Pampers GTG codes here!

Pampers Gifts to Grow Program - BIG list of codes!!

(The codes in italics are just added)

I try to make sure all these codes are current, please leave a comment to let me know how they worked for you so I can keep the list up to date!  Once I've added them to my account I can't tell if they are expired or not - so your help is greatly appreciated to make this a great Master List of Gifts to Grow codes.  Feel free to add any codes I've missed as well!

NEW -- WELCOMEGTGPTS10 - 10 points


10PTSFREECODE4U  - 10 points

CAREFORNEWBORNS - 10 points

CONGRATS2NEWMOM - 10 points


GTGCOUPONPOINTS - 10 points

GETSTARTEDNOW10 - 10 points

GTGWELCOME10PTS - 10 points


NEWWIPESPACKAGE - 10 points

PAMPERSGTG10PTS - 10 points

PAMPERS4MOMJFM1 - 10 points


PAMPERS4MOMSOND  - 10 points

WELCOME2VILLAGE - 10 points

PUNTOSPARAMI123 - 10 points {thanks Regan!}

 
WELCOME2PAMPERS - 50 points

JOINNOW4REWARDS - 50 points

GIFTSTOGROW4MOM - 50 points {thanks Jessica!}

Have you signed up for the Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards Program?  You get rewards every time you buy Pampers diapers, training pants and wipes - a nice bonus for all the time on diaper duty!  ;)

To start, simply collect the codes from all your Pampers purchases. Then, just sign up with Pampers.com and enter codes there or on your mobile phone by texting codes to PAMPRS (726777).

After that, you can redeem your points for some sweet rewards on the website - like photo books, 4x6 prints, toys, books, magazine subscriptions, Spa Wish gift card, Sam's Club GC, even a Jeep stroller or Radio Flyer "big wheel"!  They also offer the option to donate your points to Toys for Tots or P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water program.
Even if you don't buy diapers yourself, you can still collect these codes and redeem them!

What do you mean Christmas is over??

I know this post may be a little “late”, but the holidays were a little different for us this year.  We opened presents with the kids on Christmas Eve, and then Christmas morning we drove from Michigan to Iowa to see my husbands family.  We were there for a week with no internet to access the blog.  So bear celebrate with me while I draw Christmas out just a while longer.  =)

Like every other time of year, I love to see how far we can stretch our budget.  Christmas is no exception of course – the stakes are just a little higher.  The Lord has blessed us tremendously this past year and it may have been our least “tight” Christmas we’ve ever had.  So I felt a little more freedom to spend where “necessary”, but I was able to find some great deals too…..

I was able to find a couple great things at “Toys Are Used”.  It’s an awesome toy consignment store in Grand Haven, MI - a tiny little place, packed to the gills with nearly every kind of toy you can imagine.  “Pre-loved”, but clean and with plenty of life left!  I always find some sort of treasure there, and the owner is such a nice lady!  If you’re in the area, I suggest you check it out! 

A couple highlights were.....finding a Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Scoot So Cute Doll for my daughter Emma for $4 – normally sells for $20-30!  She loves it! 


I also came across a cool little wooden rattle/teether for my Lucas called a Skwinkle Teether (packaged with another rattle) for $2.   A few days later I was flipping through the Land of Nod catalog and found the very same rattle for $16.95!  Saved some big bucks there, and they’re perfect for my two smallest curtain climbers.  Lucas really likes the bright colors and it kept him busy for a lot of our long drive.
Oh!  I also bought a couple (code-less) Webkinz that will be adorable additions to the boys “jungle” bedroom for $1 each!

It never ceases to amaze me that the simplest things are often the kids’ favorite presents at Christmas time.  This Christmas is was chipmunks.  They all think it’s hilarious to imitate the little critters from “Alvin and the Chipmunks”, so when I came across some little talking Happy Meal toys in a free bin at Toys Are Used, I knew they were perfect for the kids stockings.  They were thrilled!  I think they’ve gotten more fun out of these silly little things than almost anything else they received.

The chipmunks weren't the only free gifts either.  I gave Elijah and Jacob magnifying glasses I got for free from Menards, and Grace and Jacob got free flashlights from Menards.  Gracie had some Walgreens freebies in her stocking – Scunci hairties and Secret body spray.

You'd think with 5 kids this could be the most stressful Christmas so far (at least I thought it might be!), but it was far from it.  By planning ahead, thinking outside the box, and keeping Christmas in the back of my mind throughout the year it took soo much stress off, and kept the costs down.  We all had a great time and the kids enjoyed their gifts without breaking the bank or racking up credit card bills.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas celebration and were able to spend precious time with friends and family celebrating the birth of our Savior!