Keeping the Kingdom First: Faith, Family & Frugality

Kellogg's Recipe Series: Rice Krispies Cookies

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:34:00 +0000

During our visit to Bentonville last month, the elevenmoms had the pleasure of eating breakfast at the Kellogg's headquarters. You can read all about that day over at Amy's blog.

There we learned that research has shown that a Kellogg's breakfast costs an average of only 50 cents per bowl, including milk! That is pretty frugal, in my book. Of course, if you use coupons to buy cereal, the cost goes down even more.

Kellogg's was later kind enough to send a little thank you gift for my family, including a cooking kit for the kiddos and an awesome cook book for me!

The Kellogg's Cookbook: 200 Classic Recipes for Today's Kitchen

I know I don't often post recipes, but I thought it would be fun to start a weekly series sharing frugal recipes right out of the cook book.

Every recipe includes a Kellogg's product, of course. I had no idea there were so many things you could make with cereal!

I'll start with cookies, since many of you may have upcoming Christmas Cookie Exchanges!

Rice Krispies Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tspbaking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup Kellogg's Rice Krispies
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut

"Not your traditional oatmeal cookie--an even better one! Rice Krispies add that extra crunch and the coconut supplies extra sweetness. If you want to really take them over the top, add chopped nuts and/or raisins. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen."

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly coat 2 large cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spary. Set aside.
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
Place the butter in the bowl of a standing electric mixer and beat on medium until light and fluffy. Add the white and brown sugars and beat until blended. Add the egg and vanilla, beating to incorporate.
Stir in the reserved flour mixture. When well combined, stir in the cereal, oats and coconut.
Drop the mixture by level measuring tablespoon onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving room between cookies.
Transfer the sheets to the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned.
Remove from oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

These sound delicious, and I can't wait to try them. Cookies are definitely a pregnancy weakness of mine!

Check back every Tuesday for more Kellogg's recipes. There is a $1.00 off coupon available on Kellogg's website that may come in handy!

Win A $50 Walmart Gift Card!

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:24:00 +0000

Walmart is helping me and my fellow elevenmoms spread some Holiday Cheer! I am thrilled to offer my readers a chance to win a $50 Walmart Gift Card.

This time of year, $50 could really help a family with their Holiday gift or grocery shopping.

Here is how to enter:

1. Check out Walmart's 2008 Holiday Entertaining Guide. It is full of affordable goodies to make entertaining a breeze.

2. Come back here and leave a comment- tell me what you would do with $50 to spend at Walmart! (Be sure to leave contact info if necessary).

For additional entries:

1. Help yours truly win a bloggy giveaway! I am in the running for a Wii over at Classy Mommy. The winner is determined by vote, and I need your help!

Go here, and vote for me--Alyssa Francis. I promise it is very quick and easy! Simply click on the vote button next to my name.

Come back and leave an additional comment telling me that you voted (honor system). I would love to have Wii to help me shed those extra pregnancy pounds this spring!

2. Post about this giveaway on Twitter. You can follow me @kingdomfirstmom. Come back and leave an additional comment with your Twitter handle.

That's it! You can enter up to (3) times using the methods above. This contest will close on Monday, November 24th at noon CST. The winner will be selected at random and contacted via email.

Good luck to all!

The CVS $5 Challenge: November 16-22

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:08:00 +0000

Welcome, all my fellow CVS fanatics and newbies! It's Sunday, time for another CVS $5 Challenge. Thank you to each and every one of last week's participants. Y'all are getting so good at this!

This week may be more of a challenge than usual. There are a few great deals, but they may require more than $5 OOP. Let's see what everyone comes up with!

If you are a first time visitor, here's the lowdown:

Join me on Sundays as I host The $5.00 CVS Challenge!

Seasoned CVSers: share your best scenario(s) for the upcoming week at CVS.

Your budget: $5.00 out-of-pocket cash.

Your mission: to grow that $5.00 into even more ECBs to use in upcoming weeks.

Simply post your scenarios on your blog (you are welcome to grab the button by right-clicking on it and saving), then drop byKeeping the Kingdom First and add your permalink to the Mr. Linky box.

Please link directly to your post, not your homepage. It would be lovely if you would also link back to The CVS $5 Challenge in your post.

If you have any questions about linking, please feel free to email me!

******************************************
*RULES*

1. Come up with your best scenario/scenarios for the upcoming week at CVS using the current weekly ad, monthly deals, and coupons available. Your budget for Out of Pocket (OOP) expenses on the first transaction is only $5.00 (either cash OOP or ECBs on hand).

2. Using up to (3) scenarios (we don't want to overwhelm the newbies with too many transactions), offer up your best scenarios to "grow" that $5.00 into more ECBs to use in following weeks.

3. If you want to divide your $5.00 allowance over the three scenarios to make them work, that's fine!

4. Be sure to list coupons by inserts and/or with links to printables to make it easier for everyone to follow along.

********************************************

Here is MY $5 Scenario for the week of November 16th:

Transaction #1
Buy 1 Zantrex-3 Insta-shot @ $4.99
no coupons

ECBs earned= $4.99

Transaction #2
Buy 4 Glade Glass scents @ $2.50/ea
Use (2) BOGO coupons from 10/12 SS insert
Pay with $4.99 ECBs from above

Total after coupons= $0.01 (tax may vary)

ECBs earned= $5.00

Grand Total OOP= $5.00

Total Value= $14.99

Remaining ECBs= $5.00

Keep rolling those ECBs for even more savings!

*********************************

There you have it! A way to play the CVS ECB game by helping newbies learn the ropes. And who knows - you just might be inspired yourself by some of the deals you find, too!

Don't have a blog? You can leave a comment with your scenario, too. I invite everyone to participate in The $5.00 CVS Challenge - no deal is too small, believe me!

By the way, we bloggers LOVE to get comments, so please do take a moment to spread a little comment love. Thanks!

Today's Coupon Preview: November 16th

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Big woops! I missed yesterday's preview, dear readers. My apologies. It has been a very busy weekend so far for our family.

I finally got my hands on today's paper when it showed up on my lawn this morning. It is another generous week for coupons.

You can expect 2 inserts today. 1 Smart Source and 1 RedPlum. Both are pretty thick.

I am seeing lots of great coupons for Thanksgiving meal related items!

For a complete list of today's coupons, visit Taylortown. Remember that coupons do vary by region.

There are still lots of great printable coupons in my coupons.com widget in the left sidebar. Print directly from my blog!

Sadly, CVS is not looking too exciting this week. They must be saving all the best deals for Black Friday.

For a preview of this week's CVS deals, visit Coupon Cravings. Walgreens is also looking slim. Visit Mommy Snacks for the scoop.

I will be posting this week's CVS $5 Challenge later today! It won't be anything spectacular, but check back to see what $5 can get you at CVS this week.

CVS Black Friday Deals Revealed!

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:05:00 +0000

I am SO super excited about these deals I am jumping up and down! There are several completely FREE after Extra Bucks deals at CVS starting on Thanksgiving (which also happens to be my Birthday... coincidence? I think not)

Yep, CVS is open on Thanksgiving, so if you are not stuck in a kitchen all day, swing by CVS early to score some of these sweet deals:

Sale Dates are 11/27-29
*coupons are in red

3-Day FREE after ECB items:

Colgate Total Advanced, Clean, Advanced Fresh or Whitening $2.99 (Limit 2)
$1.50 off any Colgate Total Toothpaste Printable

Aussie $2.99 (Limit 2)
Aussie Product, any except trial size $1 (11-30-08) P & G 10/12/08

Johnson's Soft Lotion $5.69 (Limit 1)
Melt Away Stress or any Johnson's Body Care Product(excluding trial sizes), $1off, Printable

Gatorade G2 20oz $1.49 (Limit 3)
Gatorade G2 from Beauty Book $1 off 2 12/31/08

Hershey's King Size Bars $1.00 (Limit 1)
Hersheys Bar, 1.45 oz - 1.55 oz B1G1F up to .79 (11-30-08) SS 9/28/08
Hersheys Milk Chocolate Bar, w/ Almonds, or Special Dark B1G1F up to .79 (2-28-09) SS 11/9/08

Bic Soliel $5.99 (Limit 2)
Bic Soleil System Razor, any $3 (12-14-08) SS 11/2/08

Garnier Nutritioniste cleansing towelettes(25 ct.) $5.99 (Limit 1)
Garnier Nutritioniste Cleanser or Moisturizer, any $1 (11-30-08) V 8/24/08
Garnier Nutritioniste Cleanser or Moisturizer, any $1 (12-31-08) V 9/14/08
Garnier Nutritoniste Cleanser or Moisturizer, any $1 (2-28-09) V 11/9/08

Maybelline Foundation $8.99 (Limit 2) - Recycled from 11/23 ad
$3 Maybelline Foundation RP 10/26, Exp 1/26/09
$2 off Maybelline FOUNDATION off any ONE , RP 9/21/08, EXP 12/31

5 hr Energy 2pk $3.99 (Limit 1)

Magnovox Remote or Phillilps Headphones $6.99 (Limit 2)

Loreal lipgloss $6.99 (Limit 2)
LOreal Lipcolour, any $1 (1-25-09) V 11/2/08

Sally Hansen Max Growth $3.79 (Limit 1)
Sally Hansen nail color, any $0.50 (11-17-08) RP 8/17/08

Covergirl Smoothers Foundation $7.99 (Limit 1)
Cover Girl Product, any $1 (11-30-08) P & G 10/12/08
Cover Girl Product, any $1 (11-30-08) P & G 11/2/08

Covergirl Smoothers Powder $5.99 (Limit 1)
Cover Girl Product, any $1 (11-30-08) P & G 10/12/08
Cover Girl Product, any $1 (11-30-08) P & G 11/2/08

All of the above items are FREE after ECBs! Can you believe it? I imagine they will go fast, FYI.

More ECB deals:

$10 ECB wyb Small Kitchen Appliance for $19.99, Limit 1, Offer includes…
Rival 5 qt Crock Pot
Oster 10 cup Rice Cooker
Black & Decker 12 cup Digital Coffee Maker
Home Exclusives Waffle Maker
Rertro Style Hot Air Popcorn Maker
3 in 1 Grill
Electric Griddle

$20 ECB wyb Digital Photo Frame 5.6”-7” for $79.99 Limit 1
$3 ECB wyb Digital Photo Keychain for $17.99 Limit 4
$20 ECB wyb Kodak Easyshare C713 Digital Camera for $89.99 Limit 2
$5 ECB wyb Craig 2G MP3 Player for $24.99 Limit 1
$10 ECB wyb GPS for Dummies for $89.99 Limit 1
$5 ECB wyb Essence of Beauty Shopper Tote for $14.99
$5 ECB wyb Clairol Hydrience Haircolor for $8.49 Limit 1
Clairol Perfect 10, Nice N Easy, Natural Instincts or Hydrience Haircolor $2.00, PG 11/2
$3 ECB wyb Playtex 16-18ct for $3.99 Limit 1
Playtex Gentle Glide $1, 10/5 SS
$6 ECB wyb Schick Quattro Razor or Trimmer for $7.99 Limit 1
Schick Titanium Trimmer $2 printable
$4/1 Schick Quattro Power razor or refill 10/31/09 Peelie
$4 off any Schick Quattro Titanium Razor, Refill or Travel Gift Set 1/16/09 from Dec. "All You" mag.

$3 ECB wyb Memory Foam Pillow for $9.99 Limit 1
$3 ECB wyb Scunci Scarfband/Headband for $9.99
$3 ECB wyb 4pc Spa Set for $9.99 Limit 1
$10 ECB wyb Shiatsu Heated Massage Cushion for $89.99 Limit 1

B1G1 Deals
Price listed is for one
Coke 2 liters Limit 4
Revlon Cosmetics $4.99-$12.99
Revlon Color Cosmetic product $2.00, SS 8/24
Revlon Color Cosmetic product $1.00, SS 10/21
Revlon Color Cosmetic product $1.00, SS 10/21
Toys (see ad for offer details) $4.99-$12.99
Gold Emblem Nuts $5.99
Dove Chocolate bags $4.49
Dove Chocolates 3.4 oz or larger $1.00, RP 9/7 (expires 11/28)
Hershey’s Holiday Candy bags $4.99
Merry Brite 100ct Christmas Lights $3.99
Merry Brite Holiday Gift Wrap 125 sq ft $6.99

Other Deals
Sandisk 2G SD Card $9.99 L2
Holiday M&Ms 2 for $3
Craig Portable CD Player $8.88
Pet Bed, 2 piece $9.99
Thunder Tumbler Toy $9.99
ATM Bank Toy $14.99
Whitman’s Sampler $3.99
Whitmans Sampler 12oz , $2 off RP 5/4
Gift Bags with Tags Set $9.99
Soft & Dri Pulse or Right Guard $.99
Soft & Dri or Dry Idea Anti Perspirant & Deodorant any (excludes trial size) .50, SS1 10/5
CVS set with 26 batteries, LED flashlight & storage case $9.99
CVS 40ct AA batteries $9.99
Norelco Razor $28.99
Sonicare Toothbrush $49.99
CVS Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor $29.99
Conair Hair Dryer $9.99
Homedics Neck Massager $9.99
Men’s or Women’s Massaging Slippers $9.99

50% off
Boxed Holiday Cards (excludes Hallmark & American Greetings)

BOGO50%
Designer Fragrance Gift Sets $19.99-$35

**********************************

If you had told me last year that I would be shopping at CVS on Black Friday, I would have laughed. But I have learned. I certainly don't need all of these great deals, but what a fantastic opportunity to score some items to donate!

One word of caution: if you do venture out on Black Friday, be careful not to get caught up in all the madness. Items will be out of stock, there will be crowds, parking will be tough.

Just remember Micah 6:8~

And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Last Day to Enter Walmart's YouTube Contest!

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:12:00 +0000

Hard to believe it is already November 14th! Have you entered Walmart's YouTube contest?

Tonight at 11:59pm PST is the final deadline to submit a money-saving tip via YouTube. Ten lucky winners will walk away with a one year supply of groceries (a $6000 value!)

The top 20 finalists will be announced tomorrow, and then it's your turn to vote for the top 10.

For all the details and contest rules, visit Walmart's YouTube Channel. Click on "View" to see the current submissions.

Fellow blogger and reader Stefanie, of Mommy Musings, submitted her video tip about couponing online. You can view it here. Enjoy!

I would love to see a reader win this fantastic prize! Let me know if you entered, so I can check out your video.

Remember, it's not too late to submit yours!

Freebie Round Up!

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:02:00 +0000

Is it just me, or have the freebies been rather scarce lately? Here are a few to brighten your Friday:

New freebie from Walmart.com- free shopping list

Request your free sample of Always Infinity. Click Here

Register for a free 2-day sample of Calms Forte for a good night's sleep. Click Here

Request a Free 9-packet sampling of Nutrasweet Here.

Get a Free gift certificate to take to your pediatrician and receive an Enfamil breastfeeding support kit. Click Here

Sign up for the Eversave newsletter and receive a free cookbook with budget friendly recipes. Click Here

Get a FREE Guide to Controlling Diabetes Click Here

The Free sample of Nicoderm CQ with $7 coupon is still available. Click Here

That's all I got! If you have any more to add, let me know and I will gladly update the post.

As always, happy clicking!

Free Shipping from Fisher-Price through Friday

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:29:00 +0000

Starting your Christmas shopping early? Fisher-Price is offering free shipping on all online orders of $50 or more through November 14th. If you are planning to purchase any Fisher-Price items this year, save a trip to the store and beat the crowds.

Personally, I would just love to have one of these:

It's a new specialty item offered this year, Little People Nativity Collection. It includes 3 sets- the Nativity, Three Wise Men, and the Inn at Bethlehem. I can just picture my kiddos enjoying this for years to come during the Christmas season.

At $67 (ouch!), this is not a frugal gift, but one that I might consider. The true meaning of Christmas can easily become lost among holiday madness. This is one small way to keep Christ in focus.

Free 8x11 Snapfish Photo Book for Oprah Viewers

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:24:00 +0000

I confess, I watched Oprah today. The title of the show had me intrigued: Oprah's Clean Up Your Messy House Tour.

Yes, I need a little, ahem, help in this area. Clutter is my biggest challenge. I listened to expert Peter Walsh share his tips for tackling clutter with great interest.

I especially liked his idea for your children's keepsake artwork. Peter suggests taking digital photos of the art, and creating a digital photo book.

For the next 48 hours, you can order a FREE custom 8x11 photobook from Snapfish. (A $29.99 value).

This offer is for both new and existing Snapfish customers. It does not include shipping and handling, but still a great deal. What a great gift idea too!

The show is also offering viewers a 20% off coupon for the Container Store through November 19th. Click here for more info.

Two great ways to tackle the clutter in your home! I will certainly be implementing some of Peter's tips. You can view his 1-minute "combat clutter" videos here. Perhaps you will be inspired!

A Frugal Recipe: Lori's Velveeta Challenge

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:25:00 +0000

I typically do not post recipes on my blog because, quite frankly, I am no Martha Stewart. Thankfully, I have several bloggy friends who keep me inspired to try new things in the kitchen.

Lori, a fellow elevenmom, is one of those friends. I just love her recipe blog, called My Wooden Spoon. Her recipes are simple and kid-friendly, a must in my home.

I was recently inspired to try one of Lori's latest creations: Shrimp Stroganoff Casserole.

Here is how it turned out:

It was a hit! My children and husband went back for seconds. The best part of this recipe is the cost. Lori breaks it all down for you here. I actually found that I could have cut the recipe in half, further reducing the cost. We had plenty of leftovers.

If you are not a fan of shrimp, you can certainly use chicken. I will definitely be making this again!

This recipe is part of the Velveeta Casserole Challenge. If you enjoyed this recipe as much as I did, please take a moment to vote for Lori here.

What are some of your favorite casserole recipes? Inspire me!

The CVS $5 Challenge: November 9-15

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:14:00 +0000

Welcome, all my fellow CVS fanatics and newbies! It's Sunday, time for another CVS $5 Challenge.

Thank you so much to all of last week's participants! I was so impressed with all the deals y'all managed to come up with--even on a slow week. This week should be even better! There are several goodies to be had.

******************************************
*RULES*

2. Using up to (3) scenarios (we don't want to overwhelm the newbies with too many transactions), offer up your best scenarios to "grow" that $5.00 into more ECBs to use in following weeks.

3. If you want to divide your $5.00 allowance over the three scenarios to make them work, that's fine!

4. Be sure to list coupons by inserts and/or with links to printables to make it easier for everyone to follow along.

********************************************

Here is MY $5 Scenario for the week of November 9th:

Transaction #1
Buy 1 Garnier Fructis shampoo/cond. @ $2.99
$1.00 11/9 RP insert
Buy 1 Glaceau Smart water 1 liter @ $1.59

Total after coupon= $3.58

ECBs earned= $2.00, $1.59

Transaction #2
Buy 1 Listerine Agent Cool Blue Tinting Rinse @ $3.99
$1.00 IP here
Pay with $2.00 ECBs from above

Total after coupons= $0.99

ECBs earned= $3.00

Grand Total OOP= $4.57

Total Value= $8.57

Remaining ECBs= $3.00, $1.59

Keep rolling those ECBs for even more savings!

Tomorrow's Coupon Preview: November 9th

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:32:00 +0000

It is a beautiful fall weekend here in Texas and I am enjoying a quick visit from my mom. Today we hit Walmart for the Barbie Cares event and tomorrow we will enjoy CVS!

That means... free babysitting and a night out for me and hubby! We are celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant without a kid's menu- and a coupon, of course.

I picked up tomorrow's paper at Walmart and was happy to see some great coupons! Although there are only 2 inserts, I am loving several high value coupons. Pick up an extra if you like what you see.

You can expect 1 Smart Source and 1 RedPlum.

Here are my favorite coupons:

Food

3 Swanson broth/stock coupons (stock up for the holidays!)

$0.50/2 PopSecret Popcorn

$1.00/2 Chex cereals (on rollback right now at Walmart)

Several Pillsbury coupons

$0.50 Chex Mix

$1.00/4 Progresso Soups

$1.00/2 General Mills cereals

$1.00 Duncan Hines Carrot cake

$1.00/2 Mrs. Smith's or Edwards Pies

$1.00/2 Johnsonville Breakfast sausage

$0.75 Johnsonville Italian ground sausage

$1.00 Dannon frusion 4-pack smoothies

$0.75 Fresh Express salad

$1.00 Hershey's Special Dark chocolate

BOGO Hershey's chocolate bar

$1.00/2 Sunsweet items

$1.00 Sunsweet Fit Stix

$1.00/3 Dole mandarin oranges

$1.00 Mazola cool oil or spray

$0.55 Celestial Seasonings tea bags

Health/Beauty

$7.00 Commit stop smoking lozenge

3 Kotex coupons (also a new sample available here)

2 Zantac coupons

$5/2 bottles of Pedialyte

Household

$1.00 Energizer batteries

$1.00 Rubbermaid container

$1.00 Lysol disinfecting spray

$1.00 GE Energy Smart bulb

3 Renuzit air freshener coupons

$1.25 any Resolve product

$1.00 Reynolds oven bags

$1.00 Reynolds parchment paper

$5.00 Scrubbing Bubbles automatic shower cleaner kit

$1.00 BIC multi-purpose lighter

Food

$0.55 Jif Peanut butter

$0.45 any Crisco product

$1.00/3 Smuckers toppings

3 Hungry Jack coupons

$0.55 Eagle sweetened condensed milk

$0.75/2 Pillsbury brownie mixes

$1.00/3 Pillsbury quick bread mixes

$1.00 Del Monte red grapefruit bowl

$1.00 Marzetti dressing

$0.50 Sister Schubert's product

$1.00/2 SunMaid Raisins

(3) $1.00 Kellogg's cereal (these are rare, so enjoy and stock up!)

$0.55 Kellogg's Pop Tarts

$1.00/2 Kellogg's All Bran Fiber products

BOGO Mrs. Cubbison's Stuffing or Dressing

BOGO Mrs. Cubbison's croutons

$1.00 Gatorade Powder packs box

$1.50 Nevella no-calorie sweetener

$2.00 Community Coffee Red bag

$0.55 Veg-All mixed vegetables

Health/Beauty

$1.00 St. Joseph's aspirin

(5) $1.00 Tylenol coupons (various varieties)

(3) $1.00 Pepcid coupons

(2) $1.00 Lubriderm lotion

$2.00/2 Stayfree products

$1.00 o.b. product

$1.00 Garnier Fructis shampoo/conditioner (use at CVS this week)

$1.00 Garnier Fructis style product

(2) Garnier hair color coupons

$1.00 Garnier Nutritioniste cleanser or moisturizer

$1.00 Rimmel product (use at CVS this week)

$1.50 Oxy product

(2) $1.00 Nexcare Cold Sore treatment coupons

Household

$2.00 Endust product

$0.50 Vanity Fair napkins and plates

Remember that coupons do vary by region.

There are no diaper coupons this week, but if you need some be sure to sign up for the Huggies Baby Network. It's free!

For a preview of CVS deals next week, visit Coupon Cravings. For Walgreens, check out Mommy Snacks. Looks like a very promising week of bargains!

Happy Clipping!

My Wedding Story

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:14:00 +0000

We interrupt this blog for some mushy stuff. We will return to regularly scheduled programming after this post.

Four years ago, I married my best friend. Troy and I met the previous May one evening after church. Little did we know, mutual friends had been plotting to set us up, but their plans were completely unnecessary.

An unlikely match, indeed. A boy from Kansas, a golfer of all things. And me, the Southern California vegetarian with a wild past.

But we had two very crucial things in common. We deeply loved the Lord and were seeking His will for our lives, and our children. Troy was a devoted father to a five year old, and my Sara was three. We desired a family.

So we wasted no time. In just a few short months, the wedding plans were underway. Friends and family likely thought we were crazy, but they remained supportive.

On November 6th, 2004, our family was a reality.

Four years later, a lot has changed. Becoming a family was not without growing pains. Marriage was new to both of us, and my fiercely independent nature often got in the way.

We have since brought another child into this world, changed jobs multiple times, changed states, and survived the brink of financial disaster. Our fifth year of marriage begins with a new perspective.

We can look back and see all that God has done. A stable job, a home, ever-shrinking debt, and another little blessing on the way. God is good.

Looking ahead, I know the future holds challenges of it's own. But I can think of no one I would rather face them with.

Troy, I love you now more than ever. Thank you for making me your bride four years ago.

Happy Anniversary, my love!

"My beloved is mine, and I am his.
He feeds his flock among the lilies." Song of Solomon 2:16

Free Sample of Glad Food Bags

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:06:00 +0000

Request your free sample of Glad Food Bags from Walmart.com! These will come in handy with the approaching holidays.

While you're there, check out the other samples currently available from Walmart, including a new mystery shampoo!

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday: One Serious Kitty

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:29:00 +0000

I sheepishly admit I did not whip up a home-made costume, as frugal mommas often do. But for $5, I could not resist this sweet kitty from Old Navy! Leah is not so sure.

Saturday Specials at Walmart

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:54:00 +0000

Mark your calendars! This Saturday, November 8th, there are 2 special events at your local Walmart. (I typically avoid Walmart at all costs on Saturdays, but this may warrant an exception).

Gather up those ~~neglected~~ much-loved Barbies in your house and take them to Walmart between noon and 3pm for a Barbie Cares event. All of the dolls will be used to explore sustainability research. More details here.

For each doll received, a new doll will be donated to a local children's hospital. Each girl who donates a doll will receive a free pink sustainable shopping bag from Mattel. Bring your digital camera for a chance to take a photo with Barbie!

This is a great way to encourage kids to be sustainable. I will gladly donate several used Barbies that have mysteriously found ways into my home over the years.

Also on Saturday starting at 8am, there are some amazing in-store and online specials at Walmart. If you have been waiting for a great deal on a laptop, how does $298 sound? (Pay cash, of course).

You can view all of the specials here. Get there early for the best selection, these may go fast!

The CVS $5 Challenge: November 2-8

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:56:00 +0000

Welcome, all my fellow CVS fanatics and newbies! It's Sunday, time for another CVS $5 Challenge. Thank you so much to all of last week's participants!

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*RULES*

2. Using up to (3) scenarios (we don't want to overwhelm the newbies with too many transactions), offer up your best scenarios to "grow" that $5.00 into more ECBs to use in following weeks.

3. If you want to divide your $5.00 allowance over the three scenarios to make them work, that's fine!

4. Be sure to list coupons by inserts and/or with links to printables to make it easier for everyone to follow along.

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Here is MY $5 Scenario for the week of November 2nd:

*coupons are in red

Since the deals are so slim this week, I will just give you one transaction. Hopefully my readers can come up with more creative scenarios!

Transaction #1

Buy (1) Crest Pro-Health Whitening toothpaste @ $3.49 (also a monthly deal)
$1.00 10/12 P&G insert

Total After coupon= $2.49

ECBs Earned= $3.49

Keep rolling those ECBs for even more savings!

Tomorrow's Coupon Preview: November 2nd

alyssa@kingdomfirstmom.com (Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Happy November! Fall is in full swing, but you would never know it here. Today's high is 85! Not exactly Hot Cocoa, curl up in a blanket weather.

This weekend is a great one for coupons. I definitely recommend picking up an extra paper or two. You can expect 3 inserts in tomorrow's paper.

1 Smart Source, 1 RedPlum and the monthly P&G brandSaver.

You'll notice that coupon trends change with the season. Expect to see lots of baking supply coupons, soups, and health (cold/flu season) related coupons over the next several weeks. Coupons do vary by region.

All of the coupons in the P&G insert expire November 30th. Others vary, and some stretch into the new year.

*A note about the P&G coupons:
For every coupon redeemed in November, P&G will help Feeding America provide one meal to a person in need. To learn more visit giveameal.org. What a simple way to give!

Here is a list of my favorite coupon "essentials" this week:

SS
Food
(2) $1.00 8th Continent Soy Milk
$1.50 Boost Glucose control drink
$1.00/3 General Mills cereal
$0.40/6 Yoplait Yogurt
$0.75 Pillsbury Flaky Pastry bites
$0.55 Kraft singles
$0.40/4 Campbell's condensed soups
$1.00 Hormel Chili
$1.00/2 Pistachios
$0.45 Fleischmann's Yeast
$1.00 Ensure
$2.00 Enfamil Lipil Formula
(3) Eggland's Best coupons
$0.50 Nestle Toll House Morsels
$1.50 Bird's Eye Steamfresh Meals for 2

Health/Beauty
(3) Colgate coupons from Target
$1.00 Zicam
$1.00 Well Patch
$3.00 BIC Soleil razor and refills
(2) Goldbond lotion coupons
$1.00 Sani-Hands Wipes

Household
$1.00/2 Ziploc Bags
$1.50/2 Ziploc containers
$0.50/3 Kleenex tissues
(2) $0.50 Lysol coupons
$1.00 Woolite carpet cleaner
Several Glade home fragrance coupons
$0.75 WetOnes Wipes

RP
Food
(2) $0.50 Nestle Coffee creamer
$1.50/2 Nestle Toll House cookie dough
$0.50/2 Carnation Evaporated Milk
$1.00 Joint Juice
(5) Smart Balance coupons- butter, peanut butter, cooking oil, etc
(2) Splenda coupons
$0.50 Bridgford Frozen Rolls
$1.00/2 Keebler crackers

Health/Beauty
$3.50 Opti-free lens solution
$1.00 Eucerin body lotion
$1.00 L'Oreal hair color
$1.00 any L'Oreal makeup product
$1.00 L'Oreal lipcolor
$1.00 Dove face care product
$1.00 Nature's Bounty vitamins
$1.00 Robitussin product
$1.00 Children's Dimetapp
$1.00 Advil Cold
$1.00 Advil PM
$1.00 Ester C

Household
$0.75 Brawny paper towels

Pet
FREE Mighty Dog can (donate to a shelter if you do not have a dog)
$3.00 Purina ProPlan cat food

P&G
See the entire P&G preview over at Taylortown.

A new month also means new coupons from coupons.com. You can print them directly from my blog using the widget on the left. I see several high value coupons to print and enjoy!

For a preview of Walgreens deals next week, visit Mommy Snacks. For CVS, swing by Coupon Cravings.

Happy Clipping!