More deals I've found in my email:

1. Today (12/6) only Carters is offering FREE shipping on all orders.  They have great prices and I love their baby/toddler clothes.
2. Fisher Price has free shipping on any order until 12/10.  I haven't compared prices to other sites yet, but I'm sure they have some deals.
3. Leapfrog has $10 off $50, $15 $20 off $75, PLUS 20% off with code (SAVE20) until 12/7
4. Overstock has free shipping
5. Snapfish has 2 deals on photo books: 50% TODAY (12/6) only (BKS50DL) or 35% off photo books until 12/12 with code (1206MERRY)

Happy shopping!  I'll update with any other good deals I've found!

Holiday shopping: American Eagle free shipping

I just got an email from American Eagle/Aerie and they have FREE shipping on everything today (12/6) and tomorrow (12/7), no codes needed.  I like to order from them because they offer easy exchanges in the store.  The website has much more availability for sizes too.  Although this deal comes around a lot, sweaters are selling quick...you might want to jump on this deal earlier.  Make sure you browse the clearance too, they had some cute stuff marked down already.

Coupons: Too much work?

As the holidays are fast approaching, my "to-do" list is a mile long and my coupons to clip are getting dusty. It is so easy to give up and just forget about worrying about the "best" deals.  I was at the store the other day and I realized half of the coupons I wanted to use were already expired! During the holidays I use a ton of store coupons and online codes for stores, but I usually care a lot less about grocery deal hunting.  Sometimes it is refreshing to take a break from couponing to focus on the more important things in life.  Also, the best way to save money is to NOT spend it! 

This month would be a great time to clean out the stockpiles and donate to someone who could use the products.  I have so many unused toiletries that I got for free that I have found I don't like.  These types of items are great for donations.  Many shelters need toiletries, food, cleaning items and clothes.  Just Swagbucks Domestic Shelters or Food Pantries in your area and you can find out where to take your items.  Toys for Tots is also huge this time of year, they just ask for an unwrapped toy.  Also, don't forget about our furry friends.  I cannot see those commercials for the Humane Society without tearing up, especially since we lost our beloved bulldog earlier this year.  They always need food, toys, blankets and leashes.  Don't forget to get a receipt for tax exemptions.  I know that is not the purpose of donations, but it is an added bonus as we are almost in tax season. 

After a refreshing break from couponing, in the New Year you will be ready to start all over again!

Happy holidays everyone!  Remember to stop and enjoy the little things in life.  I did this today when I put on music and silly danced with the twins for 15 minutes.  It was a great stress reliever and I got to see how old my little girls are becoming (they are almost 2).

Recipe: Smoothies!

I have noticed so many new smoothie products in the freezer section at Meijer lately and I had to try one out of curiosity.  I thought there had to be something new and super tasty in these that I don't usually put in my homemade smoothies...I mean it they are $2.99.  Guess what, its exactly the same except for that price you get 2 small smoothies and barely any fruit.

Here's my smoothie technique.  Nothing too elaborate, but it's way cheaper than Jamba juice or those freezer smoothies.  Homemade smoothies tend to be better because you can control the ingredients and sugar. 

Ashleigh's Smoothie Kits

Makes at least 4 big smoothies, these kits are baggies you put in the freezer ready for one smoothie at a time

• Big container of yogurt (16-32oz size).  Whatever flavor you like. Best choices tend to be simple like strawberry, raspberry or plain/vanilla
• Juice, once again whatever you want.  Best choices: apple, orange or pineapple. 
• Fruit: fresh or frozen, doesnt matter.  Aldi has some frozen fruit in their Fit n' Active brand which I love.  Banana doesn't freeze well unless sliced with other fruit.  I usually just add a banana when making my smoothie.

1.  In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine 1.5 cups of yogurt and 1 cup of juice.  If you like extra sweetness add a touch of agave nectar or sugar (not necessary at all)
• Note: if you want a super large batch, use 3 cups of yogurt and 2 cups of juice
2.  Pour into ice cube trays and freeze.
3. Once frozen, break the cubes into baggies, sandwich ones work great.  These have to stay separate from other fruit.  3-4 per baggie works best. 
4. In a pint size baggie, put 2 cups of fruit and then the baggie of juice cubes.  You want to keep them seperate, or it makes a huge frozen clump which is hard to break down in the blender.
5. When you want to make them, just put everything in the blender with a banana (if wanted) and an extra splash of juice
6. Enjoy!

Great combos:

• Mango, banana & raspberry
• Blueberry & Pineapple
• Strawberry & Banana
• Mango, Strawberry & Raspberry

Be creative!  Frozen fruit works just as well as fresh.  If you ever see fresh fruit on markdown at the store, stock up and freeze it! 

Yumm, I could go for one right now!  Smoothies are also great if you are under the weather and cannot eat much.  It's an easy way to get some vitamins in your system.

Try it out and let me know how they turned out!

Holiday shopping: online coupon codes!

Hello!  I have been finding some great coupon codes for online shopping this week.  When I find one, I will put it right up here for you!  Dont forget to use Ebates or Shop at home to make these deals even sweeter!  Although you don't get your money back right away, its nice to have a little bonus check next year when you are least expecting it!

Here's what I like right now:

• Kohls:  20% off = NEXTORDER20  and FREE shipping off of anything = FREECCDEC

Dont forget about Amazon's lightening deals!  They have hourly specials that sell out super fast.  I tend to check Amazon a few times a day to see what is going on sale.  I have been lucky enough to find some crazy toy deals lately.  Sign up for Amazon Mom and get FREE 2-day shipping for 3 months! 

I will make it a habit to put up any other good free shipping or % off coupon codes for the holidays!  It is always nice to be able to do shopping from home, especially when the weather outside is frightful.  Ok, sorry, but I had to say it!   

Have a great night!

Happy Holidays!

With 21 month old twins, it has been almost impossible to get a good Christmas photo.  It seems as if one will be smiling and the other will be completely melting down.  Another problem seems to be finding the perfect holiday card.  I've searched all of the websites and my favorites seem to be the Shutterfly Christmas collection.  We have gotten great results in the past with their photo cards and I cannot wait to get ours this year.  I used to buy cards at the store, but since we send out cards to so many people, it is nice to have photos from the year, especially for people who don’t get to see the twins as often.  Obviously, I won’t ruin which card I’ve picked, but here are some of my favorites:

Not only do they have many options of holiday cards, they have a card for every occasion imaginable.  My advice is to check out what is available and make sure you join their mailing list to get in on the special deals.  Our cards are ending up super cheap and it is a nice way to send some cheer and love to your friends and family.  

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, I hope you take time to enjoy life!  

Xoxo!

Ashleigh