Petro's Chili & Chips WINNERS
>> Friday, April 29, 2011
The winners of the Petro's Giveaway are
Ginger and Shannon
Please contact me by Sunday, May 1st at 11:59PM EST to make arrangements to claim prize.
Thanks to all who entered and don't forget to text Petro to 90210 to get deals and freebies straight to your cell phone.
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Ginger and Shannon
Please contact me by Sunday, May 1st at 11:59PM EST to make arrangements to claim prize.
Thanks to all who entered and don't forget to text Petro to 90210 to get deals and freebies straight to your cell phone.
Frugalissa Finds on Joy 620
I will be on Joy 620 Monday, May 2nd from 7-8am.
If you want to call in here is the number 865-342-5620.
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Frugalissa Finds Money Saving/Coupon Talk-5/10/11
Frugalissa Finds Money Saving/Coupon Workshop, Tuesday, 5/10 at 6:30PM
Earth Fare Meeting Room in Bearden.
When you come you will be escorted to meeting room so wait at Customer Service.
Earth Fare Meeting Room in Bearden.
When you come you will be escorted to meeting room so wait at Customer Service.
This is open to the general public so feel free to share and let your friends and family know. Space is limited so sign up now to guarantee you have a spot.
Sign up HERE
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Sign up HERE
Petro's Chili & Chips Giveaway
Last day to enter the Petro's Giveaway. Contest ends at 12:00PM EST TODAY!!!!
Enter Giveaway HERE
Good luck!!!
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Enter Giveaway HERE
Good luck!!!
Flutter Today: Master Dry 90% Savings
Today on Flutter Today get 90% off at Master Dry! Get $500 in Service & Products to Repair Your Water Damage and/or Prevent Further Damage for Just $50!
Master Dry and FlutterToday have teamed up to bring some relief to those affected by this week's deplorable events. For just $50 you will get $500 in service and products from Master Dry Basement & Crawl Space Systems.
McAlister’s Deli:Deligrams and Birthday Coupon
>> Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sign up at McAlister’s Deli and receive Deligrams and McAlister’s news in your inbox.
Also on your birthday you will receive a $5 off coupon for your next McAlister’s Deli visit.
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Living Social:Gifts of Touch Massage & Wellness Center
This is a great Mother's Day or Teacher Appreciation gift.
Today on Living Social give yourself or a special lady in your life a little pampering from Gifts of Touch Massage & Wellness Center. Or treat yourself for Mother's Day.
Choose from a 60-minute reflexology or Swedish massage for $25 (regularly $55) or
a 90-minute strawberry mint manicure and pedicure with paraffin dip for $30 (regularly $60), or a 60-minute full-body exfoliation and relaxing aromatherapy massage for $40 (regularly $85).
This head-to-toe exfoliation will get Mama or that special person's skin glowing and ready to take on summer.
Pick up a voucher for yourself, too, and join her for a day of quality time and lavish attention that will make her beam with motherly pride. Go to Living Social to get treat Mom, a special teacher or get yours today.
Free TCBY for Mom on Mother’s Day
>> Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Take your Mom to TCBY for a free cup or cone of The Country’s Best Yogurt for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8th.
More info HERE
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More info HERE
Save the Date-Frugalissa Finds Coupon/Money Saving Workshop May 10
>> Tuesday, April 26, 2011
You ask you shall receive. I have gotten a few requests for a workshop closer to downtown for East/North/South Knoxville fans.
I will be doing my next Coupon/Money Saving Workshop
May 10th at 6:30pm.
More details to come.
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Easter Baskets 2011 Edition
I love Easter and I love filling my kids baskets as frugally as I can. This year there were some free things that helped fill it up. I always fill their baskets with useful things that they will use and love. I picked up a DVD and toys at a consignment sale and that helped keep cost down. After holiday clearance helped a lot too. I also like filling eggs with non candy items since I try not to let my kids eat too much candy. My total cost for 2 baskets came out to be right at $10.
Notice the Crayola on the Go..FREE!!
Baskin-Robbins: $0.31 Scoop Night
Don't forget Baskin-Robbins is having $0.31 Scoop Night on April 27, 2011, from 5-10 p.m.
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Petro's Chili & Chips Giveaway
This week's Giveaway is from Petro's Chili & Chips. They are giving 2 Fans each a Reuseable Mug and 2 coupons for a FREE Petro's. Must be in the Knoxville area to redeem.
Here’s how to enter to win a chance this prize pack.
1. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite Petro's Chili & Chips item or drink is. You must do the main entry!!!
2. Additional Methods of Entry - Share about this giveaway the following ways and receive entries for each.
**Leave a separate comment for each to let me know where you have shared it!
-"Like" Frugalissa Finds on Facebook and Petro's Chil & Chips– then post on Facebook Frugalissafinds.com is offering a Petro's Prize Pack Giveaway! Check it out and enter with a link to this post. In the comment put if you became of a fan of one or all pages in separate comments. (1 or 2 entries)
-Subscribe to my Email Newsletter– even if you already receive it, add an entry as a comment. (1 entry)
-Add Frugalissa Finds to your blog roll or subscribe as a Google Reader. Leave the link to your website/blog in a comment. (1 entry)
-Post this giveaway on your blog. Then come back and leave the link to the post. (1 entry)
Please also leave your email in one of the entries.
It is very important you leave a separate comments if you enter more than once. So if you leave a comment with your favorite food item or drink is, become a Facebook fans of Frugalissa Finds and Petro's Chili & Chips that would be 3 entries and you would leave 3 separate comments stating what you did. There are lots of ways to win.
Giveaway ends Friday, April 29 at 12:00pm EST. The winner will be drawn using Random.org and announced Friday, April 29th. I will post the winner on Frugalissa Finds. Read more...
Personal Consultations or Workshops
-Are your groceries and household items costing you more then you have budgeted?
-Would you like to learn how couponing can help you save money and keep more money in your bank account?
Frugalissa Finds workshops are great for churches, businesses, libraries, schools, Moms's or Woman's night outs. You can also gather a group of people together in your home and I can do a workshop there. Workshops can really be anywhere groups of people gather who want to save money. I provide handouts and information to help you learn to coupon, save money, budget, live more frugally and be more savvy with the resources God has given you.
I also offer personal consultations in store so I can show you how to use your coupons effectively and save more money. I can show you how pairing a certain coupon with a sale will make it a freebie or even a moneymaker.
If you are interested in having a workshop or personal consultation please email me at: Melissa@frugalissafinds.com I am looking to book up the next few months into the summer.
Frugalissa Finds workshops are great for churches, businesses, libraries, schools, Moms's or Woman's night outs. You can also gather a group of people together in your home and I can do a workshop there. Workshops can really be anywhere groups of people gather who want to save money. I provide handouts and information to help you learn to coupon, save money, budget, live more frugally and be more savvy with the resources God has given you.
I also offer personal consultations in store so I can show you how to use your coupons effectively and save more money. I can show you how pairing a certain coupon with a sale will make it a freebie or even a moneymaker.
If you are interested in having a workshop or personal consultation please email me at: Melissa@frugalissafinds.com I am looking to book up the next few months into the summer.
I want to help you save more money and live more frugally.
Earth Fare: Good Ole Days Every Tuesday
Another reason to dine at Earth Fare!!! Starting Tuesday April 26, 2011, Earth Fare is providing a Good Olde" dinner with a "Good Olde" price. Who says you can't eat healthy and still save. This will be every Tuesday from 4:30 - 7:30. Each Tuesday there will be different items. Check out the menu above. Looks quite tasty. Also you can get side items for $.50. What a steal!!!Chili's:Free Kids Meals-April 26th
How to Use up Leftover Easter Candy
>> Monday, April 25, 2011
Check out this post on Money Saving Mom about Creative Uses for Leftover Easter Candy.
I like the fondue party myself.
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Do This, Not That When it Comes to Being Green
>> Friday, April 22, 2011
I ran across a great article by Mary Talalay. I think it is featured in an issue of Kiwi Magazine last year. This is a great article to read since Earth Day.
Change all lightbulbs to compact fluorescents: check. Switch from buying bottled water to using refillable bottles: check. Gather a stash of reusable bags: check.
Many parents are ready to make more green changes, but they aren’t sure which ones are really more environmentally sound. We asked the experts to weigh in on the eco-friendly changes that count—and got answers to some of our nagging questions.
Which is better: Hand washing dishes or using the dishwasher?
Dishwashers use half the energy, one-sixth the water, and less soap than washing dishes by hand does, according to a study from the University of Bonn, in Germany. Plus, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), if you run a more efficient Energy Star dishwasher (look for the logo on the dishwasher), you’ll save 5,000 gallons of water, $40 in utility costs, and 230 hours of your time annually versus hand washing. Even if you’re not using an Energy Star appliance, the dishwasher is still a greener option.
More tips:
Scrape, don’t rinse. Prerinsing dishes can use up to 20 gallons of water every time you wash.
Run a full dishwasher. Most of the energy used by a dishwasher goes toward heating the water, and you might as well get the most from each cycle.
Use short cycles for everything but the dirtiest dishes, recommends consumerenergycenter.org.
Turn the dishwasher off after its final rinse and open the door to let dishes dry without using electricity.
Green Verdict: Use a dishwasher with a full load every time, and skip a prerinse.
Should I clean with recycled paper towels or cloth towels?
“Reusable towels are better than anything made from paper, even it it’s recycled,” says Diane MacEachern, author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World. “Wash the towels along with other items so the energy and water costs are shared.” According to MacEachern, paper manufacturing emits high levels of pollution, even if the end product is recycled paper. “Avoid throwaway paper products whenever possible,” she says.
More tips:
Make your own cleaning rags from old T-shirts, frayed towels, and clothes too worn to give as hand-me-downs
Save energy by drying towels on a rack or line rather than in the dryer.
Make washing more energy-efficient by only doing full loads of laundry.
Use cold water with all loads—except bedsheets. According to Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry, authors of Squeaky Green, bed linens are the one area where a little extra energy is worthwhile, since hot water kills dust mites.
Choose an Energy Star washer, since it’s more efficient. According to the DOE, if your washer is more than ten years old, you’ll spend about $145 more annually on utilities than with a newer one.
Green Verdict: Reusable cloth towels save money and environmental resources.
Should I replace my synthetic furniture with new, natural furniture?
With chic designs and earth-friendly materials, green furniture has revolutionized homes. Still, temping thought it may be to retrofit your whole house with these sustainable choices, that’s out of the question for most budgets. And it would create the problem of finding a new home for your old pieces. Unless someone in your family is experiencing health problems, such as more frequent asthma attacks, because of off-gassing synthetics, you should replace worn-out furniture gradually, piece by piece.
More tips:
Start with your mattress. “The piece of furniture to change immediately is the one where you spend most of your time,” says Greg Horn, author of Living Green: A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability. “Most mattresses off-gas formaldehyde and flame retardants, which are potentially harmful.” A mattress is a long-term investment, so replace yours with one made from healthy materials, such as antimicrobial, antibacterial natural rubber latex and organic cotton or wool covers.
When you buy new furniture, look for sustainable, safe materials, such as products bearing the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo.
Although many green experts suggest buying used furniture, since it doesn’t require the new use of energy to make it, do your homework first. Be wary of furniture pieces that may be covered in lead-based paints. Because there is no way of determining the type of paint without a lead test, when in doubt, opt out.
Look for solid wood, since synthetic materials (as well as sealants, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives) can release gasses that are unhealthy to breathe. In addition, small children put their mouths on furniture or put their hands in their mouths after playing, and this can cause them to ingest toxins.
Before replacing old furniture, clean it with natural products and air it out. Then find it a new home. “By selling or donating,” says Horn, “another person doesn’t have to buy new and there’s no landfill involved.” You can find your pieces a new owner on freecycle.org or craigslist.org.
Green Verdict: Replace little by little, starting with your mattress.
Summer’s almost here, and that means grilling time! Which is more eco-friendly and economical: gas or charcoal?
We grilled the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory for some answers.
“There’s going to be twice as much carbon released from a charcoal grill as from a propane grill,” says Tris West, a researcher at Oak Ridge. Even though lump charcoal comes from wood, which is a renewable resource, it’s not readily available to most people, meaning it takes a lot of carbon emissions to get the charcoal to you.
Don’t confuse lump charcoal with pressed-charcoal briquets (a mix of sawdust, igniters, and other chemicals). Briquets emit harmful amounts of carbon monoxide as well as volatile organic compounds, so they should never be used.
Green Verdict: Switch from charcoal to natural gas or propane.
Should I hand-wash my car or take it to the car wash?
The seemingly harmless summer driveway ritual of hand washing your car is a significant source of water pollution. Commercial car washes use 60 percent less water than backyard car washers, according to the EPA. Ick factor: The EPA says that dirty water containing soap, detergents, residue from exhaust fumes, gasoline, heavy metals from rust, and motor oils can wash off cars and flow directly to storm drains into the nearest creek or stream—where it can harm water quality and wildlife. This is more likely to happen at your home, since most car washes recycle wash water several times before sending it to a treatment plant.
More tips:
While you may be tempted to wash your car and then water the yard with that water, giving the grass a toxic bath will do more harm than good.
Try natural, nontoxic waterless car wash products like Lucky Earth (luckyearth.com) to maintain your car’s finish and appearance. Lisa Peri, CEO and founder of Lucky Earth, recommends immediate removal of bird droppings and tree sap with waterless car wash sprayed on a reusable microfiber towel.
Wash your hands sparingly to conserve resources. Peri recommends cleaning it once a month to maintain the clear coat and spot cleaning more frequently.
Green Verdict: Roll up your windows and put the car in neutral; commercial car washes are the best way to clean your vehicle without dirtying the environment.
Which is better for my baby—a BPA-free plastic bottle or a glass bottle?
This one is a toss-up. Both options are healthy for baby, and similarly priced. If your little one hurls bottles across the room like the next great NFL quarterback, glass bottles may be more dangerous than they’re worth. On the other hand, all plastic—even if it’s free of Bisphenol-A (BPA)—is made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. BPA is a plastic additive and a hormone disruptor that’s been linked to health problems such as cancer and some reproductive disorders.
Ron Vigdor, president of Born Free Natural Baby Products, says it comes down to parent preference: “Glass bottles are recyclable, but they’re also heavier.” BPA-free plastic bottles are also recyclable, he adds, and many parents prefer their lightweight, hard-to-break features.
More tips:
Developing bodies are more vulnerable to toxins like BPA, so definitely buy BPA-free plastic if you choose a plastic bottle or sippy cup. If budget is an issue, start by replacing the bottles that have scratches and other signs of wear.
Any new bottles purchased should be BPA-free or glass.
Since babies have bottle preferences, too, start with one or too bottles. Junior can test-drive before you plunk down for dozens.
Green Verdict: Go with either glass or BPA-free plastic, or both.
Article by Mary Talalay
Blockbuster Express: Free Movie Rentals
Enter code: THANKYOU to receive a FREE DVD Rental.
If you ever have problems with your rental codes call customer service at 1-877-300-2128 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. EST, 7 days a week. They are very good about giving you another code.
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Happy Earth Day
A few little things I'm happy about on Earth Day:
I'm happy that reusable bags are all the rage and that grocery stores are starting to give them away for free. Some stores like CVs and Target give you cents off for each bag you use....Pretty cool!
I'm happy that I can buy store brand organic products for much less than national brand organics. I'm not so happy when only the wealthy can afford to be green.
I'm happy that my Target brand cereal box has been revamped to include 50% post-consumer recycled content and that they've done away with the inner bag all together. Hooray for store brands taking the lead!
I'm happy that the combination of higher diaper prices and killer diaper deals has meant you can get greener disposables like Seventh Generation for the same price as Pampers or Huggies.
I'm happy about all the press cloth diapering has gotten the last couple years and that it's easier and more appealing than ever to make the switch. I loved cloth diapering my daughter for 2 years and she was quite stylish in her dipes. Cloth Diapers these days are not what we had 10-20 years ago with pins.
I'm happy that I use mostly all-natural, biodegradable cleaning products. No more toxins in my home.
I'm happy that I am using more glass storage containers rather then plastic. I am not completely convinced BPA or other harmful chemicals are gone from plastic.
I'm happy my kids have metal drinking cups for when we are out and instead of plastic sippies....
I am excited our family is going to be apart of a community garden so we can get our veggies/fruits free and they are organically grown.
I am happy to shop at local farmers market and try to buy local as much as I can.
I am happy I recycle a lot of our household products.
I am happy I use wrap n mats instead of ziploc bags and we use our laptop lunch boxes when we are not home to eat. We try to make meals waste-free.
I am happy I buy most if not all my kids clothes/toys and shoes at consignment sales. I try to buy second hand as much as I can on most anything. I love garage/yard sales for that purpose. We still stay quite fashionable and still have all the cool toys and books.
I resell to book stores so I then in turn buy books, CD's and DVD's for the family thus reducing and reusing.
I am happy more and more people are going green and wanting to Save the Earth. It can save you a lot of green in the too. Let's do this everyday and not just focus on it one day out of the year.
What are you happy about today?
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Earth Day Freebies
>> Thursday, April 21, 2011
Here are some freebies for Earth Day!!!Disney Store: 4/22 get a FREE Reusable Shopping bag when you bring in 5 plastic shopping bags.
Orgins: 4/22 bring your current skincare (full or empty) to any Origins counter and they’ll trade it for a full-size of gentle, high-performance cleansers. You must fill out this form and bring it with you.
Petro's: 4/22 bring in any Petro’s 32 oz refillable mug and get FREE REFILLS ALL DAY!
Lowe's: On Saturday 4/23 Get a tree FREE. They are giving away 1 million trees nationwide. I'd go right when they open to ensure you get one.
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Petro's Events 4/22-29
Here are some freebies and promotions happening at Petro's this week and next. Also don't forget to text PETRO to 90210 to join their text club so you can get some awesome freebies to your phone.Friday April 22
Celebrate Earth Day 4/22 with Petro’s. Bring in any Petro’s 32 oz refillable mug and get FREE REFILLS ALL DAY!
Monday April 25
@LUVTHENUG with us @ Petro’s Cedar Bluff 2-4pm. @TheNugTruck will be sampling nugget ice w/our Hint of Orange Iced tea.
Friday April 29
FREE LUNCH FRIDAY: Free 12 oz Petro and Tea 11 am – 2 pm. (ex UT)
Empty Tomb Cookies
>> Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A couple years ago, I discovered a recipe for Empty Tomb Cookies. I was intrigued with the idea and we have been doing them with the kids the last 2 years. What a wonderful opportunity this presented to further teach the truth of Easter. I can't wait to do it again this year.
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
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Earth Fare: Free Eggs
You can boil 'em, dye 'em, or fry 'em...just don't let this deal fly the coop! Get your FREE EGGS with any $5 purchase valid Wednesday, 4/20 through Sunday, 4/24. Sign up or log-in on Earthfare.com to get your coupon.
Tips for a Healthier Easter Basket
>> Tuesday, April 19, 2011
This is a Guest Post by Calie at Broccoli Cupcake she talks about Tips for a Healthier Easter Basket.
When I think of my childhood Easter baskets I remember giant chocolate bunnies that took weeks to eat, gooey Cadbury eggs, chewy jelly beans, Reese’s peanut butter eggs, and lots of colored eggs. (Now I’m craving chocolate.) There were other items, but the candy stands out in my mind and I’ve always associated it with Easter. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but I wanted to explore other options.
At this time last year, we were just getting into our new lifestyle so figuring out what to put in the boys’ Easter baskets was a challenge. I felt guilty that I wasn’t packing them full of candy like I had in the past so I over indulged in everything else. But it was one of my favorite Easter’s. I focused on activities and we had so much fun working our way through them over the course of that week. Those memories will last us longer than even the biggest chocolate bunny.
While it’s not bad to treat our kids, Easter baskets don’t have to be full of candy to be fun. Here are four tips for a healthier Easter basket your kids will love.
1. Start with a theme. This will help spark your creativity.
Spring/New Life – Start with a flower pot and add gardening tools, flower or vegetable seeds and sunglasses.
Scavenger Hunt – Fill plastic eggs with notes, clues or a map. Include a disposable camera and photo album to chronicle the adventure, a bag for gathering the items and a reward once everything has been found.
2. Easter is not about candy so don’t make your Easter basket all about it.
Fill plastic eggs with stickers, tattoos, change or personal notes and mix them in with the candy filled eggs.
Books and movies are another alternative.
I also try to include one or two things they need like a new toothbrush or flip-flops.
3. When it comes to candy it’s all about portion control.
Plastic Easter eggs are a great way to manage candy portions. Three to four jelly beans or a small handful of m&ms are just the right size for a treat without overdoing the sugar.
Let your children choose one egg a day to open and enjoy.
Avoid extra large pieces of candy that take weeks to eat.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Choose an Easter “basket” you can reuse each year or one that can be re-purposed. Monogrammed cloth baskets are great from year to year. Flower pots, dump trucks and sand pails also make great “baskets.”
Replace traditional colored grass with shredded paper or grow your own grass from seed. Here’s a tip…grow it in the basket you plan to give. Trust me, it doesn’t transfer well.
Save your plastic eggs and reuse them next year.
For a little extra Easter goodness, use Easter cookie cutters to add pineapple bunnies and watermelon eggs to your buffet or plan a family walk to look for signs of spring.
What are your healthy Easter tips for baskets or meals? What was your most memorable Easter basket – given or received?
About Calie: Broccoli Cupcake is a place to find and share information about living a happy, healthy lifestyle. The contents are fueled by Calie’s personal journey to improve her health and the health of her family. Calie is a work-from-home media relations consultant, mom to two unruly boys and health and wellness junkie. Tune in every other Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. for Calie’s healthy living tips on Fox 17 Tennessee Mornings.
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Mayfield Milk
Seriously???? $6.24 for a gallon of milk????
This is at the Ingles in Karns last night. The Ingles in Farragut was $5.19 this morning.
Holy Cow that is CRAZY!
Read more...Bought Enfamil from 2005 to 2010? You’ll Want to Read This
If you bought Enfamil LIPIL formula between October 13, 2005 and March 31, 2010, you may be entitled to up to $12 or two free cans of formula. It seems Enfamil got in trouble for saying it was the only formula with DHA and ARA. The claim form doesn’t require receipts. Just a sworn statement.Go HERE to submit your claim.
Disney Store: Free Bag on 4/22
When you go to The Disney Store on Friday, April 22nd. You can get a FREE Reusable Shopping Bag when you bring in 5 plastic shopping bags which they will recycle. It is while supplies last so go early to ensure you get a bag.My kids look forward to the Earth Day freebies each year at the Disney Store. This will be a fun one since we are going to Disneyland this year.
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Easter Egg Memory
>> Monday, April 18, 2011
For a fun Easter game, put matching Easter erasers into plastic Easter eggs. Then take turns choosing an egg, opening it, then choosing another to try to find the matching eraser. (Sometimes you have to take 2-3 turns to try to find the match)
You can usually find Easter erasers in the dollar store. But you could do something similar, even if you don't have them. You could use matching papers, coins, buttons, stickers.....anything!
Thanks, Little Family Fun
Earth Fare: 20% Bulk Order
Get 20% off any Bulk food order. Coupon good 4/18-19, 2011.Sign up or log-in on Earthfare.com to get your coupon.
Tax Day Freebies
Cash in on some pretty cool Tax Day Freebies.These are good today, Monday, 4/18/11 only
Chili's-Get a free Chili’s appetizer or dessert with any entree purchase.
Cinnabon-Two free Classic Cinnabon Bites from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at participating locations.
MaggieMoos: Free Mini Ice Cream Sundae from 3pm – 6pm
P.F. Chang’s: 15% discount on dine-in and carry-out orders (alcohol and happy hour items excluded) Read more...
Target: Free Reusable Tote Bags April 17
>> Saturday, April 16, 2011
I posted this early this month but wanted to remind you that Target is doing a Earth Day freebie on April 17, 2011 Target will be giving away Free reusable bags in stores (with purchase) to their first one million guests. Limit one per guest.
I've gone the last couple years and got a bag but they ran out pretty quick so get yours while supplies last.
Old NAvy: One Day Wonder! $8 Cropped Cardis for Women and Girls!
>> Friday, April 15, 2011
Ladies, are you ready for a fab One Day Wonder? This Saturday, 4/16, Old Navy will have $8 Cropped Cardis for Women and Girls! Pairs perfectly with Sun Dresses!
In-store only, so come on by.
Another bonus? Wake up and dive into a U.S. store from 7am- 11am to enjoy a super Swimsuit sale! 60% off Swimsuits for the whole family! What a Saturday!
Read more...
In-store only, so come on by.
Another bonus? Wake up and dive into a U.S. store from 7am- 11am to enjoy a super Swimsuit sale! 60% off Swimsuits for the whole family! What a Saturday!
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