Saving - Preparing For Christmas 2013: Christmas Book Countdown!

I have heard of others doing a fun countdown to Christmas with their little ones where they wrap up Christmas books and each day as they countdown to Christmas, the kids open one up and they all read it. 

I have been meaning to give it a try, but somehow Christmas always sneaks up on me and when you are in the Christmas season already it is hard to find Christmas books at a reasonable (okay, maybe frugal) price.  So last year I wrote it down during Christmas so that after Christmas I could keep my eyes peeled for possibly some on clearance deals.  Well, I found a couple, but I really wanted more than a 2 day countdown, ha!

While shopping rummages in the past few weeks it dawned on me.....why do they have to be new when "new to us" would do just fine!
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I have found an abundance of Christmas books at rummage sales and offered for as little as a quarter!  I have since picked up 12 books paying a total of $5!  The picture above shows the start of my collection; hard cover, soft cover, big, little, you name it.  They are all clean and in nice shape and carefully hidden away awaiting their debut!  I cannot wait to wrap them up for my kids.  They are going to LOVE this!

So, if you have ever considered a Christmas book collection countdown to Christmas it is not too late to do it on the frugal.  Team up with a friend and keep double the eyes open for those awesomely priced Christmas books!

Note: Thrift stores may be another exciting option.

Saving - Toys R Us Crayola Deal!

Toys R Us has a nice Crayola deal going on this week, which coincides with a deal they are offering in their toy book catalog.

This week's deal (through 11/17/12)
Purchase $19.99 in Crayola arts and craft products receive the Twistable Crayons set $11.99 value FREE

Toy book deal (through 11/21/12)
Purchase $19.99 in Crayola arts and craft products receive the Pip Squeaks set $10.99 value FREE

Combine both of these deals through this Saturday 11/17 to grab both items Free with a $19.99 purchase!  As you can see the above receipt, one purchase of $19.99 or more will trigger both items to ring in for Free!

This is a great way to score some fun and creative gifts for Christmas!

AND if you have seen the $3 off $10 Crayola purchase coupon inside your Kraft String Cheese packages, you will be able to save even more! (Spend $19.99 before coupon - $3 coupon will not affect the trigger of the free items.)

Local Tip: HyVee on 49th/Louise has the Kraft String Cheese packages with the coupon inside on price decline for $2 a package!  (This is a special display near the meat case.)  Plus use the $.75/1 Kraft String Cheese coupon from 10/28 SS to grab them for $1.25!

Also, be sure to check out additional mail in savings from Crayola here.

Saving - LOCALS: Shellac Manicure $20, Pedicure $25! Great Gift Idea!

Are you still looking for a great gift idea for that special someone on your shopping list?  You should take a look at today's Groupon deals from Absolute Bliss.

Grab a Shellac Manicure (which include Shellac removal) for just $20 - here

And the music to my ears is a Pedicure, which include parrifin wax for just $25 - here

Why not grab both, for just $39! - here

These are the types of gifts I would love to receive this year!  Things that make me spend time on me!  How many of us women forget to do just that, spend time just for us?  So here is a great way to surprise that special someone with a great gift that focuses on them, all on a great budget!

Saving - Cardstore Offering 60% Off Today!

Want to grab some cute and quality holiday cards?  Head on over to Cardstore.com!  This is where my Christmas cards are from this year!  They were fun to choose and I'm excited to send them out!

60% Off with code CSSAVE608. Free Shipping everyday at Cardstore.com

There is no minimum purchase with free shipping!

Saving - *HOT* Holiday Cards - All Just $.11 Each Shipped!

UPDATE: The $.11 sale is over!  They have reached their limit.  I hope you got in on this great deal.  If you still want to order some great cards for the holidays, they are now offering 40% off with code: CSSAVE403 with Free shipping.

Cardstore.com is at it again with another awesome sale on their holiday cards!  Every Greeting Card is 11 Cents at Cardstore.com – Today Only – Includes Free Shipping ! This time the deal was just too hard for me to pass up!  I just personalized a folding Christmas card with a family photo and message.  So excited!

ALL of their cards for just $.11 each while supplies last.  No coupon code necessary.  This includes flat cards, folding cards, Christmas cards, Thank you cards....ALL for just $.11 each! 

PLUS did I mention they are shipped for free!  Love it!!

Saving - Toy Coupons!

Here are some great toy coupons currently available!

Bratz $5 off $25 purchase - here

Fisher Price coupons - here
Magical Dora, Big Action Construction Site & More!

Little Tykes $3 off $30 or $10 off $100 - here

Moxie Doll $3 off $25 purchase - here

Play-Saver Coupons - a few superhero coupons still available - here

Target toy coupons (remember these can be combined with a manufacturer coupon) - here

Saving - Buy 3 Get 1 Free Lip Balms and Lip Balm Keychains: Simply.Natural!

Check out this fun and cute idea!  Lip Balm Keychains from Simply.Natural!  How many times do you look for your lip balm and it has disappeared to the bottom of your purse or you forgot to put it in your pocket?!

Loving these cute and fun lip balm keychains!  I'm thinking how nice it will be to add one of these to my little kindergartner's backpack!  She will just LOVE it!

What a great stocking stuffer idea with the holidays just around the corner! 

And while you are shopping Lip Balm Keychains, why not check out the natural, hand made lip balms to fill it with! *smile*

Simply.Natural is offering a sweet deal for the Living,Laughing,Saving blog readers!  Buy 3 get 1 Free for the Lip Balms and Lip Balm Keychains!  Add 3 Lip Balms or Keychains to your cart.  Then simply mention the blog at checkout in the comments section and indicate which item you want for your "free" item!

AND - if you are in Sioux Falls, no charge for shipping when you state "pick up" in the comments!

Deal Scenarios:
Purchase 3 Lip Balms at $3 each, Get 1 Free = $2.25 each
Purchase 3 Lip Balm Keychains at $2 each, Get 1 Free = $1.50 each

Saving - New PlaySaver Toy Coupons! And Matchups!

Did you get the new PlaySaver toy coupon insert today?  Either way, you will want to head over here to check out the PlaySaver coupons available.  There are a few different ones in addition to the ones that were in the insert today!

The holidays are just around the corner.  Great savings available with these coupons, as they are around $5 off a toy each!

A couple matchups to go along with the new coupons.


Walmart
Captain America Deluxe Sheild or Spider man String Shooter $15
Use $5/1 coupon
=$10

Target
Captain America Deluxe Sheild or Spider man String Shooter $16.99
Use $5/1 coupon
=$10.99

My Little Pony Pinkie Pie's Remote-Control Car $17.99
Use $5/1 coupon
= $12.99

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Cruiser Remote-Control Vehicle $17.99
Use $5/1 coupon
= $12.99

Toys R Us
**Note: When you purchase $75 or more at Toys R Us 10/2-10/8, Receive $10 Geoffrey Bucks with in-ad coupon.  Combine this with the deals below for additional savings potential.

My Little Pony Pinkie Pie's Remote-Control Car $14.99
Use $5/1 coupon
= $9.99

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Cruiser Remote-Control Vehicle $14.99
Use $5/1 coupon
= $9.99

Captain America Deluxe Sheild $14.99
Use $5/1 coupon
=$9.99

Spider man String Shooter $12.99
Use $5/1 coupon
= $7.99

Play-Doh Sesame Street Color Mixer $14.99
Use $5/1 coupon
=$9.99

*There are also several Hasbro games on sale if you still have your Hasbro game coupons available, this should make some good deals.

Saving - Head Massager Deal! Great Stocking Stuffer, Bach Party Gift, Just Because!

If you haven't tried one of these head massagers yet, you are missing out!  Oh my goodness....once you start, you won't want to stop!

I remember when we first got ours a couple years ago.  Each time we would use it on our daughter she would giggle non-stop, asking for more!  It sends tingles from head to toe!  And our son would literally drop to his knees...now he sits still, asking for more!!  And all I can say, is I LOVE these!!  I have gifted our family and friends with these over the years!

These massagers make great gifts!  Grab them for stocking stuffers, bachelorette (or bachelor) party gifts, wedding gifts, thank-yous, or just because you want to surprise a friend!

And now you can grab a nice deal on Amazon!

Hand Held Scalp Head Massager - Set of Three ( Colors May Vary ) - $5.99 for set of 3, or just $2 each!

Get Free Shipping with Amazon Prime!


Thanks to Hip2Save for pointing these out!

Living - Just 4 Days 'Til Christmas!



One of my favorite Nativity Scenes!!

 With just 4 days until Christmas, are you prepared?  Are you done shopping or still shopping?  Have you baked to your heart's content or are you still looking at finishing up your baking?  Presents all wrapped or like me, trying to figure out where you will muster up the motivation to even start?

Let us know where you are?  Help motivate and help celebrate!!

No matter where you are at with preparing for your holiday celebrations, I hope that you are enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the season.  May you be surrounded by your families and friends and enjoying all the season has to offer! 

And just a heads up that as we get closer to Christmas, I will be taking a break, or at least cutting back, from blogging to be sure that I too am enjoying all that the season has to offer.  I hope that you understand and will check back periodically, with no expectations! ha!  I may sneak a deal or two on here from time to time, but no promises.

Thursday will probably be one of my last heavier days of blogging for at least a couple days.  So soak up all the deals you can now and we will get back together after Christmas for sure! :-)

To you and yours, Merry Christmas!

Anna

Saving - Creatology Rock Tumbler Just $5.59 @ Michael's Tuesday Only!

Do you have someone on your list that loves playing outdoors or checking out different rocks.  Here is a great gift idea for you on a budget.  I remember my sister having a rock tumbler when we were growing up.  So fun to see how shiny and polished you can get the rocks!

Michael's Daily Deal on Tuesday includes the Creatology Rock Tumbler for $6.99 (down from $29.99). 

Use the 20% off purchase coupon here and you can grab it for just $5.59!

Note: 20% off coupon does not specifically exclude daily deals and states it includes sale items.  Additionally there are no additional exclusions indicated in the email I received regarding the daily deal.  So it should work!

I checked this rock tumbler out on Amazon and the price there is $29.89.  Grabbing it for just $5.59 is 80% savings!

Other products available on Tuesday as part of the $6.99 daily deal ($5.59 after coupon above):

Box of Magic Magical Hat Edition, reg $14.99

Creatology Spin Art Kit, reg $19.99

Saving - Buy 1 Get 1 Free Toys @ Campbell's Supply! B1G1 on Christmas Items! And Other Finds!

Campbell's Supply has most of their toys (excludes ERTL toys) on sale for Buy 1 Get 1 of equal or lesser price free!  Choose from dolls, horses, farm equipment, bulldozers, etc!

You could purchase both of the following toys for $19.99 - as both are priced at $19.99, get 1 free!

Note: Availabilty may differ from store to store.



Other Nice Sales Going On Through 12/19

They also have a sale on their Christmas items, Buy 1 Get 1 Free!

 

15% off Outerwear (including hats, mittens, snow pants, boots)

John Deere Jersey Gloves just $2.99 (pink or green)

And oddly enough, you can also find Utility Gloves with Sport logos on them for just $3.99!

Saving - Another Great Wii Deal!

There is another great deal on a Wii over on Amazon.com.  Get the Wii Hardware Bundle - Blackfor just $177!

Thanks reader, Shaina for passing along the info!

Also, see the Target deal posted here.

Saving - Wii Sports Bundle $177 At Target This Week!

Target has a hot price on the Wii Bundles this week, selling for just $177 in stores!  Choose from the following:

*Black Console Includes: black remote with black Wii MotionPlus, Black Nunchuk, Wii Sports game pak and Wii Sports Resort game pak.

*White Console Includes: white remote with white Wii MotionPlus, white Nunchuk, Wii Sports game pak and Wii Sports Resort game pak.

*Limited Edition Red Console Includes: red remote, red wii remote plus, red nunchuk, Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros game pack.

AND if you have the holiday mailer that includes the coupon good for a $15 Gift Card when you spend $150, this will make for a Wii Bundle for just $162!

Living - Giving the Gift of Experience!

With just two weeks until Christmas are you still looking for gift ideas?  Why not give the gift of experience?  Are you tired of extra clutter after the holidays are over?  Too many gifts looking for a new place in your home?  Why not give (and even ask for) gifts of experience?

One of my favorite gifts received over the years is a membership to the Great Plains Zoo!  It has provided for many hours of "experience" and entertainment for my kiddos.  And best yet, it takes up very little room in my house, just a simple credit card size membership card! ha!

What types of gifts of experience have you received (and love) or have or plan to give?  Let us know in the comments.

Here are a few ideas:
*Great Plains Zoo Membership (keep in mind this also provides discounts at other zoos across the US!) or other zoo in your area.
*Tickets to a Movie
*Pamper Package (this can even be for little girls!) - even a frugal option such as Stewart School of Hairstyling.  They offer a Manicure and Pedicure package for right around $25!
*Lessons to dance, gymnastic or karate classes!
*My daughter would love an opportunity to pick whatever movie she wants from the Redbox kiosk and get to watch it!  How simple (and cheap) is that!
*Tickets to a sporting event
*Concert tickets
*A date night package to a couple wih small children that includes a gift certificate for a meal and a coupon for free babysitting. (Can you put this on my list?!)
*Travel - whether it be a big trip OR a small trip.  Possibly give them a choice from pre-designated choices!
*Cooking classes! 
*Tubing tickets (such as Great Bear in Sioux Falls)

Let us know what ideas you have!

Saving - Armor All Gift Pack Just $13 @ Walmart!

The Armor All Complete Car Car Kit Gift Pack, contianing 6 products for interior and exterior car care is on sale at Walmart for just $15.

Use the $2/1 Armor All product coupon here

= $13!

This would make a great gift for that someone on your list that loves cleaning their own vehicle!

Saving - Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker $19.99!

This is one of the lowest prices I have seen this holiday season on the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker!  True Value is offering the product for $19.99.  It features a clip-tight lid lock, full-grip handles and a lid that hold a spoon in place!

Check out their full ad here.

Saving - Crocs Flip Flops $5.99 Shipped (WYB 2)! And More Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off!

How about another great deal from Crocs to add a little fun to your holiday shopping (or maybe even a little gift for yourself)!  They currently have a Buy 1 Get 1 50% off sale going on!  Mix and match!  Check out the deals below!

Flip Flops:
Grab two pair of ABF Molded Flip Flops for $5.99 each, shipped.
Plus save an additional $.80 add FABULOUS10 at check out for an additional 10% (applies only to the non-50% off shoe)
Free Shipping Code: FALLSHIP

Men's Sandals:
Grab two pair of Trailbreak Sandals for $22.49 each, shipped. Original price $49.99!
Plus save an additional $3!  add FABULOUS10 at check out for an additional 10% (applies only to the non-50% off shoe)
Free Shipping Code: FALLSHIP

And many more!

PLUS - sweeten this deal by going through Ebates and earn 7.5% cashback on your purchase!  Just login or register and then search Crocs and click on their link...and start earning your cashback on your purchase!

Saving - FoodSaver Sealing System $55.99 Shipped!

Save 60% on the FoodSaver Smart Seal V3460 sealing system!  Go over here to FoodSaver.  Add the sealing system to your cart.  If it does not automatically deduct to $55.99 in your cart, add coupon code: L0FECCC

Plus, make your order now and you will receive Free shipping!

The above deal comes with:
1 - 11x10 FoodSaver Roll
3 - Quart size FoodSaver bags
2 - Gallon size FoodSaver bags

Saving - Crayola Pop Art Pixies Unadvertised Gift Card Deal @ Target!

Target has an unadvertised gift card deal going on right now on Crayola Pop Art Pixies craft kits!  Buy 2, get a $5 gift card.  The prices range from $9.99 to $19.99.  And there are a couple great coupons to use with the deal!

Deal Scenario:
Purchase 2 $9.99 kits
use 2 $4/1 coupons here (on Facebook) or $2/1 here
= $11.98
Receive $5 Gift Card
= as low as $6.98 or $3.49 each!

Thanks, Totally Target for deal and picture!