Saving - Crazy Daisy Cosignment 1 Year Anniversary Sales & Drawing!

Crazy Daisy Consignment in Sioux Falls is celebrating 1 year of business this week with several sales this week and drawings for 2 $50 store gift cards!

Check out the picture above (click to enlarge) for the fun sales going on, or head on over to their Facebook page!

Saving - JoDean's $20 for $10!

For those of you in and around Yankton, or for you Sioux Falls folks looking for a little trip, here is a great deal!

Deal Garden has a new offer good for $20 of Seafood, Steak and more at JoDean's in Yankton for $10!  I hear they serve a mean brunch too!

Voucher must be used by 8/4/12 and for dine in only.  Check out more info here.

Saving - Rummage Sale Tips + Post Your Rummage Here!

One of my favorite ways to help me stick to our family's budget is heading out to rummage/garage sales!  Since the season rummage/garage sales is starting to pick up pace, why not offer a place for you to check out some of the local rummages.  For those of you hosting sales, feel free to come here on a weekly basis and post your sales.  I will try to have a rummage sale post up by Tuesday evening of each week.  Include: dates you are open, times you are open, the address of the sale and items on your sale! 

A few tips on making the most of your shopping experience!

*There are 'neighborhood rummage sales' offered in many communities (Kingswood Rummages, Candlight Rummages, etc), even some city wide rummage sales (Garretson, Yankton, etc).  Finding several rummages located in the same area will help save on gas, especially if you can get out and walk from sale to sale.

*Consider what the cost of the product is new.  I personally do not pay more than 50% of what (I think) the item is new.  This is my personal opinion, but you may have your own thoughts on this.  But it is helpful to go in with a "game plan" on what you are willing to spend.

*Bring cash.  Small bills and change.  And leave the checkbook at home! Nothing worse, for a person who hosts a sale, to be handed over a $20 (or greater) bill to pay for something that costs $.50 and drain their change drawer!  :-) 

*Put together a list and count of how many items you are looking for, along with sizes.  If you are needing 4T boys shorts, be sure to include how many, maybe colors, etc.  Trust me on this.  I have unecessarily purchased loads of shorts or shirts before because I didn't go prepared.  Yes, they may have only cost $.50 or $1 each - but that is money I could have kept in savings or spent on something we certainly needed.

*When purchasing clothes, especially, be sure there is good lighting where you are looking at them.  If there is not, move to better lighting (such as outside the garage).  Nothing worse than getting home and finding that really cute shirt you purchased has a big stain on it that you didn't notice at the sale!  Or if you are purchasing something that runs on batteries or electricity make sure it works.  If its batteries and the ones in the item no longer work.  You may consider asking the seller if they have a set of batteries you can use to see if it works and return the batteries after testing the item.

*If you are teetering on purchasing an item due to the price, you may consider asking the seller if they would take a new amount, be specific on how much you are willing to pay for the item.  The seller may (or may not) be interested in getting rid of the item more than the original ticketed price.  The worst they can say is no, thank them and move on to decide if you really want it at the price marked.  You may also consider coming back at the end of their sale to see if the item has sold, if not, the seller may be more motivated to take a lower price.

*Carry a reusable bag, to help when at larger sales in carrying the items you want to purchase.

*Keep your eyes open for special items.  What do I mean?  Items that may have a 'repurpose' use for them.  For example an old tea pot can make a very cute flower planter in your yard (I just grabbed one this past weekend for a quarter), etc! 

*Be courteous - don't push, don't grab things that are in front of others, say please and thank you! I know, do we need to be reminded of this?  But in all seriousness, I have run into some rude people while out rummaging.

*Have fun!

Living - Random Fun This Weekend!

Here are some things going on this weekend in and around Sioux Falls. 

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Saturday
Jewelry Girls Day Out For Earth Day at The Bead Company 1 PM - preregistration required - here

Party for the Planet at Great Plains Zoo 1-4 PM - here

Sea & Sky Day at Sertoma Butterfly House 10 AM - here

Princess & the Pea at Augustana College 7:30 PM - here

Dino-Raurs final days at Great Plains Zoo - here

Family Storytime at Main Branch Library 11 AM - here

Test Drive the Robot at Empire Mall 12-3 PM - here

Kids Fishing Derby at the Yankton Fish Hatchery 10 AM - 12 PM - here

Junior Rangers Day at Yankton Fish Hatchery 10 AM - 4 PM - here


Sunday
Princess & the Pea at Augustana College 7:30 PM - here

Dino-Raurs final days at Great Plains Zoo - here

Earth Day Celebration at Mari Car Community Center 2-4 PM - here

Saving - HyVee 2-Day Sale Friday/Saturday & This Week's Ad Matchup!

HyVee is having a 2-day sale starting Friday, through Saturday!

There are a couple nice deals you may consider.

Ken's Dressing $.99
Use $1/2 or $1/1 3/11 SS
= as low as free

7-up 6 pks $2
Use $1/1 here
= $1

For a full-ad matchup for this week's ad, head on over here.

Saving - Band-Aid $2/2 Coupon!

Head on over here to grab a coupon valid for $2/2 Band-Aids!  Not only do I ensure the medicine cabinet is fully stocked with band-aids, but they also make great gifts to the kids.  They love to have control over their own band-aids.  What kid doesn't like dressing up their owies (big or small)?!

Saving - Pop Chips Coupon & Target Deal!

photo credit Totally Target

There is a great coupon over here good for $1/1 Pop Chips!  Combine this with a price cut at Target right now, where Pop Chips are cut to $2 per bag and grab them for just $1!

Thanks, Totally Target!

Saving - Breadsmith 4 Daily Breads $10!

For a limited time you can grab 4 daily breads for just $10 at Breadsmith at either Sioux Falls locations.

Head to your favorite location and purchase a card for $10 before 4/30/12, which is valid for 4 daily breads.  The daily breads must be purchased by 5/31/12.

This is a savings of over $1.50 a loaf on the Honey Wheat and Honey White loaves!  We love using the Honey breads for our french toast! 

Check out their menu here.

Saving - Free Breathe Right Sample & Coupon!

Head on over here to request a free sample of Breathe Right Strips!  Click on the link like shown above.

Then to grab a coupon good for $1.50/1 product coupon, head over here and then click on the Breathe Better Challenge button.  Take the challenge and receive the coupon offer.

Saving - Claire's $15 for $30 Worth!

Groupon has a great online deal today where you can grab $30 worth of merchandise at Claire's (online only) for just $15!

This is valid on clearance merchandise as well!  There are some great items available!  Great deal to grab birthday gifts or plan ahead for stocking stuffers, etc!

As always, be sure to read through all the details of the deal over here.  Enjoy!

Saving - Cheerios $.75/1 Coupon & HyVee Deal!

Here is a new Cheerios $.75/1 coupon.  This should go well with the current cereal deal at HyVee.

Saving - 25 Free 4x6 Photos From Walgreens Photo!

Earlier this week I mentioned that Walgreens was in the process of doing 7 days of photo deals.  Today's deal at Walgreens Photo is another exciting freebie.  Enter code: FREEDEAL at checkout (after adding 25 photos to your shopping bag) to get 25 free 4x6 prints.  This deal is available today (4/5) only.

Choose Free in-store pick up to save on shipping charges.

Need more prints?  They also have a nice deal going through 4/7, where you can grab 50 prints for $5.  See their website for information.

Living - Crockpot Egg Bake!

This is my finished product!

I was completely excited when I crossed paths with a "pin" on Pinterest for a recipe for, get this, Crockpot Egg Bake!  Now seriously, why hadn't I thought of that?!  Put everything together before you go to bed, turn on the crockpot and have breakfast waiting for you when you get up!

The original recipe I found is here, however I made some changes to the recipe to use items we had on hand.

This recipe is great for using up leftover ham from your upcoming Easter dinner or if you have company coming and want a simple breakfast to serve them!

Here is the recipe I used:

1 1/2 cups ham, cubed
1 bag hashbrowns 12-16 oz
12 eggs
1 cup milk (I used skim)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp onion powder (can use chopped onions)
2 cups cheese
1/2 red pepper chopped

Spray inside of crock pot (I did not do this and there were spots that were stock on, but not bad).
Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper and onion - set aside

Place hashbrowns in bottom of crock pot.

Sprinkle 1/2 ham over top of hashbrowns
Sprinkle 1/2 cheese over top
Sprinkle with red pepper
Sprinkle remaining ham and then cheese over top

I only used the peppers on 1/2 of the bake, as the kids do not care for them.

Pour egg mixture evenly over top
Cook on low for 7-8 hours
Enjoy!

Notes:
I did my first batch for supper so that I could guage the timing.  I let mine cook in the crockpot for 7 1/2 hours and I did not touch it once.  There was one corner of the egg bake that had a little burnt cheese on the edge that touched the crockpot, otherwise it turned out exceptionally well.  My favorite part, my kids devoured it!  No complaints, no disgusted looks just quiet, happy mouths! :-)

Saving - Outback Steakhouse $10 Bonus Gift Card Deal! Plus $5 Off Deal!

Gift Card Deal
Right now you can get a $10 bonus card when you purchase $50 or more in Outback Steakhouse gift cards!  Bonus card is valid 5/15/12-7/15/12.

This is a great way to grab gift cards, while saving money.  This would make a great wedding gift, Mother's Day or Father's Day gift or grab them now and plan a date night out with your special someone!

$5 Off Deal
Another nice deal going on at Outback, use code: OFFER when ordering online and get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more.

Saving - True Value $5 Off Coupon!

Spring is a great time for home improvements and getting the gardens ready for planting.  If you are need of supplies to help out, there is a nice coupon on the True Value Facebook page to get $5 off your $25 or more purchase good at participating True Value stores!

Saving - Tag Book Coupon!

There is a new Tag Book coupon over here, get $3 off any book $9.99 or more.  Grab a book to throw in the little one's Easter basket!

Expires 6/30/12.

Living - Random Fun: Easter Egg Hunts & Bunny Sightings!

I want to get this post up early enough in the week where other readers can add to the list by leaving a comment of other Easter egg hunts, bunny sightings and more Easter fun events happening!

Below is a nice listing of events around the Sioux Falls area.  I hope you find this helpful.  Happy Easter!

Empire Mall Sioux Falls
The Easter Bunny is available for photos through 4/7, for a fee of course.

Tuesday - 4/3
Brookings - Wellness Center 5-6:30 PM - here

Vermillion - Sanford Care Center 5-6 PM, time based on age groups - here

Friday - 4/6
Yankton - Yankton Mall 10 AM

Saturday - 4/7
Brandon - Brandon Edge Annual Hunt 10 AM - here

Brookings - Swiftel Center 10 AM - here

Centerville - Good Samaratin Center of Centerville Egg Hunt 1 PM - here

Dell Rapids - City Park 10 AM - here

Sioux City, IA - Sunrise Retirement Community 10 AM - here

Worthington, MN - Optomist Club Hunt 9:45 AM - here

Yankton - Typically there is one at the Yankton Care Center in the morning and then one at Sertoma park in the afternoon.  I do not see these advertised yet, anyone know for sure where to find this information?

Sunday, Easter - 4/8
Sioux Falls - Embrace Church following services - here

Saving - Filling Plastic Easter Eggs: Non-Candy Ideas!

If you have been around the blog over the past couple years, you know that I challenge myself each year to come up with new and fun ideas to fill plastic Easter eggs with non-candy items.

Check out last year's post here for the start of a list.  I did include many of the ideas below.  PLEASE share your ideas in the comments as well!

Want some frugal Easter basket ideas, head on over here (this is a post from last year).

Neutral Ideas:
*Squinkies
*Gum
*Magnets (that they can use on the refrigerator or special magnet board to hang their artwork...check out the homemade magnet idea here)
*Yogurt covered raisins
*Erasers
*Chuck E Cheese's Tokens or other local arcade
*Culvers tokens (apparently they sell tokens valid for a free ice cream, didn't know this until the kids received some for Valentine's Day!)
*Burger King, Dairy Queen or Culvers coupons good for the kids free ice cream treat that come from the kid's meals.  If you have unused ones that you have been holding onto, why not put them in the eggs and plan a date with the kids to use them!
*Socks
*Undies (We did this with my daughter when she was potty training and she was SO excited, so this year we plan to do it with our son!)
*Numbered token/paper - the number could designate a numbered "prize", things that are too big to fit in an egg but fun to get for Spring like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, bug containers, butterfly nets, sunglasses, etc!
*Homemade coupons - 'this coupon is good for 1 trip to the zoo' or 'this coupon is good for a special day with Daddy (or Mommy)', or 'this coupon is good for a movie at the theatre or your choice to pick out a rental' or  'this coupon is good for your choice of treat/adventure', etc!
*Temp Tattoos
*Stickers
*Animal Crackers
*Teddy Grahams
*Goldfish Crackers
*Fruit snacks
*Bouncy Balls
*Squirt Toys for bath
*Coins (quarters, dimes, etc)
*Art supplies: Crayons, glitter glue, glue sticks, punches, etc
*Water balloons
*Punch balloons
*Flower or other Gardening Seeds
*Mini Notebooks
*Mini sticky note pads
*Crystal Light or other brand drink packets or the Kool-Aid fizz tablets
*Bath fizzers and other fun bath items
*Band-aids with their favorite characters
*"Bunny Money" - maybe some fun money you make up that can be used to "purchase" different toys, books or trinkets.
*Clues - written or typed clues to finding some other item.  Maybe offer 4-5 different cluess in different eggs.  These clues could also be clues to finding their Easter basket.
*Puzzle pieces - could be to a new puzzle - or maybe even a homemade puzzle with a message about Jesus or a surprise.

Girl Ideas:
*Polly Pockets (big eggs) or polly pocket accessories
*Littlest Pet Shop pets or accessories
*Bracelents
*Earings
*Rings
*Necklace
*Hair Accessories
*Lip balms
*Nail polish (those cute tiny bottles would be super fun)
*Barettes
*Barbie outfits

Boy Ideas:
*Hot Wheel size cars
*Animal Capsules (the ones that 'grow' in water)
*Army Guys or other small superheros, etc
*Small creatures (bugs, dinosaurs, animals)
*Legos
*Accessories for their toys
*Nerf gun darts or pop gun shells
*Fishing lures

I am sure you have ideas too!  Be sure to leave them in the comments!

Saving - Free 8x10 Collage From Walgreens Photo!

Today only, you can grab a free 8x10 Collage print from Walgreens photo by entering code: 7DDCOLLG at check out.

Choose in-store pick up and you shouldn't have to pay shipping as well!

Have some fun pictures from the warm weekend?  Why not put them in a memorable collage print to add to the scrapbook or photo album! 

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Put together a nice collage of photos for that special mom in your life!