Black Friday Sale - Lilla Rose

Hello everyone!!

I am super excited to be a part of this great community and the awesome Black Friday Deals they are having!  Starting tonight at Midnight (PST) the following sale is LIVE!  Go here to shop now.

PLUS - I'm taking the plunge and offering a special deal - When you buy 3 items you will receive 1 item FREE (new customers only, up to $16 value excludes Flexi of the month, the free one will NOT arrive before Christmas).  After you have submitted your order (of 3 or more items, remember free shipping over $50)  please email me to discuss the selection of your free 4th item.

And if you've ever been interested in joining Lilla Rose now is the time too!  Sign up here!

Thank you to everyone who has already placed an order or hosted a party. I really appreciate it.  This business will only succeed with God's blessing and I am trying very hard to be patient with that. :) If you'd be so kind as to 'like' my facebook page you'll be kept up-to-date on specials and events... and maybe even a giveaway or two.

Facebook - Jessica's Lilla Rose Beauties

Here are some pictures to help you think of different ways to use these beautiful items!

Winter Wonderland Flexi-of-theMonth in Mini

 

Diaper Deals week of 10/6

I only found one good diaper deal this week -

Rite-Aid


Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Jumbo Pack $9.49
$1.50 Baby Dry Coupon
$1.50 Swaddlers Coupon
$1.50 Cruisers Coupon 
Pay as low as $7.99
Get $2 +Up Reward (limit 2 offers)
Final Cost as low as $5.99!

This is not a bad deal for diapers at all, and so easy to stock-up or buy ahead for shower gifts. If you haven't shopped at RA before the deal with the +Up Rewards are the following. 

You will use your Wellness+ card at the checkout, after you have purchased these items (say you bought two packs) you will have $4 loaded to your wellness card. The +up rewards are not able to be used until 6am the following day.  

Once tomorrow has come you basically have 4 free dollars on your card, so the next time you go to buy something at RA you will scan your card and they will automatically take the $4 off your total. The rewards expire 2 weeks from the date you received them so you must keep track so you don't lose them. 

Any questions? 

Another Option

I'm really going to try and focus on sharing with you how we started down the path to me staying home and how we did that financially. It's not easy and there are many things we have to pass on or delay.

I've always had the money saving itch but once you start getting really good deals and seeing the numbers in black and white it really gives you more momentum to save more.

Christmas is coming up way too quickly for me and this is about the time I start my shopping. Often times when there are special deals out there you can customize almost all of them to someone in your life.  Plus a couple dollars here and there makes it so much easier then cramming it all into December and then in January being totally stressed out over the amount of money you spent.

For instance - this travel mug, yes it's technically a coffee mug but what little kid doesn't love to feel like an adult - use it for ice water on a hot summer day and you've become the world's best mom! :)



Or customizing a t-shirt for Grandma or Grandpa? Or use this as a gag-gift for the company party.  $6... not that much at all.



York Photos has some amazing deals going on right now - reusable grocery bags for free!  You can turn those into so many options - music lesson bags, trick or treat bags, over night bags to friends, church bag, the options are endless.



Or a new apron for that special someone in your life :)



Or how about a pillowcase to help the transition into a new bed??? (Something I may think about for Miss Naomi)



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See my disclosure policy here*and for now I am putting all earnings towards my Allume trip :) 6 weeks from TODAY!

Just a small annoyance

So I'll be honest about something else.

When my children combine all the wonderful and beautiful colors of Play-Doh 24-Pack of Colors that I bought for them within minutes of opening the new containers it drives me crazy! Absolutely crazy and annoys the heck out of me.

why?

1) why do they do that?

and

2) why does it bother me? it sure the heck doesn't bother them?

Guess it helps me to learn that there are some things to make a fuss about and others to not worry about.... they had fun and made lots of different things all out of black/brown ugly Play-Doh 24-Pack of Colors.  ;)  They spent hours today just mashing it together and using their creativity which is really the most important thing - oh and a good amount of popsicle sticks will go a long way... not that I know this or anything!

I have to say that this was one of the best deals I've found because the containers are small and when they do combine them and they leave them open and they dry out I don't feel quite as bad about throwing them away.  :) I also only let them each have one new color each week - so that maybe they might last a little bit longer than normal. 

So what is the one thing that drives you crazy that at the end of the day really isn't that big of a deal? 

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See my disclosure policy here*and for now I am putting all earnings towards my Allume trip :) 6 weeks from TODAY!

My new favorite summer activity!

I have a confession to make.

I am a lazy mom who hates crafts.... painting especially.  It's so darn messy and time consuming for all the longer they ever actually paint. Even water colors.... they mix all the colors, then the colors get runny, and they all look brown eventually... plus you have to leave them out so they can dry before you can actually put them away - just not my cup of tea at all.

Then the other day we got a $10/$10 coupon in the mail for a local department store. I was stoked for something free.  Sent my dear hubby over lunch and after numerous phone calls (do you know how expensive one pair of underwear is anymore??? geesh) I told him to just forget about it.  Disappointed and sad that we had lost out on 10 free bucks.  But he came home with something for the children and I just threw it on the table not really looking at it.

Until today when my son looked up at me with those big blue eyes and asked 'we paint today'..... first reaction was no. Let's find something else to do but then I remembered that the item Nathan had bought were paint with water... ok how messy could they be.

I AM IN LOVE!

These things are so cool - you just rip each page out. Along the top they have 5 little squares of paint - you wet your brush, rub it on the paint square and voila you're painting with water! And the best part.... when they are done you just cut the strip off the top where the paint used to be and throw it away! The sheets still end up being regular size after you cut the strips of used up paint off so they aren't small by any means.  Melissa & Doug make them so you know they are going to be neat but I am seriously impressed.  I don't know how economical they will be in the long run but for this mama who just really doesn't like messing with paints they are perfect.... for vacations or trips to the grandparents they are amazing.... all-in-ones and absolutely wonderful.  I looked them up on Amazon and they have a huge selection of them, more than I realized that's for sure.  Here are just a couple that I'm going to be stocking up on ;)

 Has anyone else tried these - do you like them?

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My new favorite product

Now I'm not usually one for promoting products unless I've tried them and love them... I can honestly say I love this product!  I've had it sitting in my cabinet for awhile and finally decided to pull it down and give it a try - it says to use it twice daily until who knows when... I can't say I've been consistent as that but once I started noticing some improvement you can bet I'm getting better at remembering......

I've had three babies.... my last was 8lbs 10oz... she was a biggie.  My stomach, sides, and even ahem... my thighs show it.  I've got stretch marks and I will admit it.  Not like my friend who just had her first baby - I will be honest and say I coveted her big beautiful completely smooth belly she showed be just weeks before having her baby.  :)  I thought I was doomed forever... until I found Avon's SSS Perfecting Oil - EUREKA! This stuff is amazing... it hasn't completely made the marks disappear but it's smoothed them and lightened them enough that I've noticed a huge difference. It's not cheap but I don't think once I stop using it they will come back... so it's a worthwhile investment in my opinion. 

1. Go here to create an account and be registered as a customer under M. Donahoe
2. Sign up at Ebates  to registerer for 7% cash back - that's an awesome amount!
3. Then search for Avon
4. The program will take you back to Avon and your account should already be there and tied to M. Donahoe
5. Search for prefecting oil - $12.00 and add to your cart.
6. Browse the outlet section for some great deals!
7. Check out and wait for you order to arrive *Coupon code for FREE shipping with a $10 purchase--FIRSTREP10
8. Enjoy smooth skin, and earning cash back while you shopped at home in your PJ's... :)

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Good Deals

I am so thankful for good deals... and the ability to find them.  I know that sounds trite and a little generic but I am honestly so thankful for them. Life is expensive lately and it seems to be getting more expensive.  And just when you think you've had a good month and might have some money left over something else happens - the microwave blows up, there's unexpected happenings at church, you have to throw away an entire box of little shoes cause you open it up and there's mold inside :(.... not that I would know anything about that right now.

With so many of these deals and shopping online it has been possible for me to stay home with my kids.  Yes it's a lot of work sometimes but I feel that's the way I help contribute to my family is making those $$ stretch as far as they can.

Which is why I was thrilled to find this new site - Educents.  I love daily deal sites and have gotten some amazing deals with them.... but to finally have one that is education based is thrilling!!!! 

This is a new site and they launch April 2nd.  And to spread the word they are offering up a FREE $15 gift card to anyone who signs up.  Right now all the sign up is your name, email, and position in life (parent, teacher, grandparent, homeschooler, etc).  Then in a couple minutes you'll receive the email with your confirmation, click that, then receive your gift card.   Plus the more people who sign up the better deals they are going to be able to offer. Loving it!!! 

So go sign up and then we'll have a post to share what great deals we were able to score cause boy homeschooling is not cheap!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

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Great deal on a safe!

So I'm sure many of you have been following the gun debate lately.  I am personally for guns and the ability to defend myself against someone else who has a gun.  So this post may not be for you if you're anti-gun... but if you have valuables at your house and the need to protect them this may interest you.

So many people that I know who have a gun safe it's not in their bedroom, it's in the garage or downstairs... well if someone is breaking into your house you can't very well say 'please wait, I'll be right back'.  :)

Or if you have some valuable that you really want to keep safe and don't want to ever worry about losing a key.

Stack-On Quick Access Safe Biometric Lock, Black

A family member of mine just got this safe and by george I'm pretty impressed with it - It's marked down right now from $199 to $139. This thing is slick.  I watched them use it - and just slide your finger over the sensor and viola it pops right open.  No messing with keys, combinations, locks.... plus if you ever had to use this in the middle of the night - you don't even have to turn on a light to use it... I love that about it... is it crazy that I might put this on my Christmas wish list.... ha!

Some of the Product Features

• Biometric lock can be programmed to accept up to 28 different fingerprints with back-up trouble key
• Biometric locks provide greater security no combinations to remember
• Holds standard sized pistols and other valuables
• Includes a removable shelf
• Safe has pre-drilled holes for mounting to floor, wall or a shelf

Stack-On Quick Access Safe Biometric Lock, Black

 

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Making or Saving Money

I was asked to speak at my absolute best friend's MOPS group today and wanted to have one place with all the links in it.  If anyone of you have any questions please feel free to comment and I'll respond as soon as I can. :) 

To begin you must have a budget.  It is the only way to know where your money is going and making sure YOU decided where it goes.  I *love* this book - The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year
 
Survey/Coupon Sites:

These are the survey programs that I use to either earn cash, amazon gift cards, or other gift cards. 

Swagbucks -In my opinion the easiest way to make easy money with amazon gift cards.
MySurvey

Valued Opinions -

MyPoints -Very similar to Swagbucks

NCP Home Scan - If you have the time to join this scanning program it can be very rewarding.

MyView -

Ipsos I-say Panel - they are currently looking for moms!

Smiley360 - Free products to try and share with others
Saving Star - coupons that are linked to your store's savings cards

Survey sites I use regularly but are not recruiting right now. 
Pinecone Research
The Mommy Talks

NO - Panda Research, and CrowdTap

Cash Back Sites:
 

These are the sites I use to earn cash back on almost everything I shop for online.  There are very FEW sites that don't qualify at one of these spots. 

Ebates - Free $5 gift card after first qualifying purchase

Shopathome
MyPoints - Bonus points after first qualifying purchase

Discover card - $50 in cashback bonus after your first purchase within 3 months!

Shopping:

Here's a mystery shopping program that I love.  This is a legitimate company as I and quite a few people I know use this one.  One tip - if they ask you to pay to join - run away fast. 

BestMark - Please put my shopper ID - PA7978 in the application as the person who referred you.

As a stay-at-home mom and a small blogger I am also always looking for ways to help increase our income.  The above and below are my referral links that I earn a very small amount on.  We use this money to pay off debt, pay it forwards to others, and save up for special treats. I am also an affiliate for Amazon, if you come to this blog at any point there is an icon to shop at Amazon and I look at it as a virtual tip that you are leaving me that doesn't come out of your pocket. ;)

Below are some other books that I like to recommend to fellow Christians/moms.... Both challenging and encouraging.
Called Home: Finding Joy in Letting God Lead Your Homeschool only 99cents
Simply Homeschool: Having Less Clutter and More Joy in Your Homeschool only 99 cents
Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God

In my *spare* time I contribute over at The Mommy Goods every Thursday or whenever I find a good deal and want to post it!  'Like' us on Facebook too to participate in fun discussions. 

Quiznos Q-Club

It's their 30th anniversary!

Quiznos is offering some great coupons - sign up here - they include:

- Free Chip or Cookie and Regular Fountain Drink
- Free Sub with purchase
- $1 Off 1 Sub, $2 Off 2 Subs, $3 Off 3 Subs
- $2 Off a Regular or Large Sub 

 I love Quiznos and can't wait to go use these soon - it helps that I also love a good coupon!

 *****************

I do receive a small compensation for you signing up.  All it includes is 1st page submit (which I'm pretty sure is just your email!).  It's like leaving me a small tip. hee hee!

Quiznos Coupon

I absolutely love Quiznos.  

They have a great deal going on right now - get a Prime Rib Sub for only $2.99!!!  This is a great and inexpensive lunch or dinner.  Pair it with a salad and a bottle of water and you're set.  If you've printed this coupon from other sites you might be able to print it again from here!  Enjoy!

Quiznos!

Get a Prime Rib Sub for Only $2.99 - Print Coupon.

'Sweet' Deal

yummy! 

These sound amazing and would go perfectly with my morning cup of hot tea.... hmmm :) Groupon has an awesome side bar deal on brownies today!

$20 for $40 Worth of Gourmet Brownie and Cookie Gifts from Fairytale Brownies

*for a limited time only - sign up and receive a $10 credit after making your first purchase. 

Highlights

• Belgian chocolate brownie gifts
• All-natural ingredients
• Choose from 12 flavors
• Worldwide shipping available

Depending on how many sweet teeth you own, choose from three different brownie sizes: full-sized brownies, snack-size Fairytale sprites (1/2 brownie), or bite-size magic morsels (1/4 brownie). If building a dessert from bricks of chocolate isn't your thing, opt instead for a cookie dozen ($22.95) and fling three double-chocolate discuses, three new coconut walnut, three new toffee chocolate chip and three wheels of caramel pecan with alluring abandon. To sample all of Fairytale's offerings, try a cookie and sprite combo ($34.95), with six cookies and 12 sprites joining together for 18 enticing eats. Each is rich, dense, and abides by the Russian nesting-doll code of conduct. Website ordering is quick and painless, and your Groupon can be applied toward shipping, so send a batch of sweets to a secret pen pal anywhere in the world. Flat rate shipping is $6.95 per recipient; orders exceeding $150 qualify for free shipping.

The Fine Print

• Expires Apr 17, 2011
• Limit 1 per person. Not valid until 1/19. Online only. Valid towards shipping. Shipping rates valid only for orders up to $150. Not valid with other offers.

Photobook Deal

Looking for a way to capture and remember all the beautiful moments from Christmas - this is for you!

$35 for $115 Worth of Keepsake Books from Photobook America (70% SAVINGS!) 

*And for a limited time - sign up now and after your first purchase earn a $10 credit towards your next purchase!

Customers can transform digital photographs into elegant coffee-table books with the help of an intuitive photo-book designer program after providing an access code obtained during the purchase process. Photo books are available in several styles and sizes that include hardcover and softcover. Regular book prices range from $40–$360, with additional fees for upgrades and professional-series books. Each book is handmade with superior-quality imported materials such as linen, silk, leather, and dragon skin, which are available in a variety of striking colors. Accessories such as slip cases and presentation boxes are available to add a dash of pizzazz to each order, and acid-free paper ensures long-lasting photo quality and deflects photon torpedoes. Orders are completed within five to seven business days, ensuring customers will be able to promptly obtain their own memorable keepsake book and avoid carving photo images into a wall-mounted Etch A Sketch. 

Photographs are not only useful for temporary amnesiacs attempting to solve the mystery of what happened at last night’s party, they also serve as an effective conversation starter when compiled in a fancy photo book. Gather a striking collection of memorable photographs into a fetching book format with today’s deal for Photobook America.

 

Gift for those 'hard to buy for'

You know the ones - those who have everything!  They don't need new clothes, or books, or movies, or decorations, etc. 

Groupon has an amazing deal today - It takes you to a nicely balconied land with freshly laundered sheets, immaculate bathrooms, well-vacuumed carpet, and tiny, tiny shampoos: for $165, you get a one-night stay at Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa (up to a $325 value), located in Bedford, Pennsylvania. This Groupon also includes breakfast with gratuity and the mandatory $25 resort-amenity fee.

I have a close friend who attended a wedding here and can't rave about it enough.  I bet anyone on your list would love this present!

I hope to post one amazing Groupon everyday between now and Christmas!  Enjoy!

Rue La La - $20 credit - UPDATE

***Update***

This is totally working!!!  Within 24 hours I signed back in and had a $20 credit in my account.  This is so exciting - how easy is that.  Just sign up here and receive $20 to put towards your first order.  I've looked over their stuff and some of it is amazing.  Don't forget this is an invitation only site so take advantage while you can!


Get a $20 credit when you sign up for RueLaLa…it’s a specialty shopping site, which means you could probably score a nice Christmas gift for CHEAP!  I just signed up, and it looks decent.

The credit comes in the form of an email within 48 hours after signing up.  I just looked over the website and there are some really nice things that would make a great gift after the $20 credit. 

Click here for more information. :)

Let me know if you score any great deals!  Thanks Creekbedthreads!

ALL YOU Magazine

Right now you can get a subscription to the ALL YOU magazine by clicking here.  This magazine is AWESOME.  Every month it's full of coupons that paired up with sales normally equal for some pretty cheap if not free items. 

I've been getting this magazine for about 6 months and have never regretted it.  In addition to the coupons it's full of money-saving tips, articles, and practical information.  Once you subscribe you also get benefits on their website - it's pretty awesome. 

Click here and be sure to enter my email on the referral page - jbish (at) iup (dot) edu (the one I use for this magazine).  Thanks!

Levin Furniture - awesome deal!

Here's a great deal on Groupon today!

$35 for $125 Worth of Furniture at Levin Furniture's Six Pittsburgh-Area Locations

What a great Christmas present this would make for someone.  Or for someone like us who has been watching for bookshelves to go on sale - you can get a light oak bookcase, available in an array of sizes ($129.99).  Pretty cool! 

See restrictions below:

• Expires Apr 20, 2011
• Limit 1/household. Limit 1/visit. Not valid for pillows, lamps, accessories, extended warranties, clearance items or floor samples, for previous purchases or with gift certificates. Levin employees not eligible. Delivery and tax not included.

 Don't forget - Groupons are normally just a one day deal - so don't wait!

Free Things Fridays!

Here's a list of some awesome FREE deals that are going on right now:

Get a Free Chili's Appetizer When You Join Chili's Email Club Today.

Coupons.com - Free Local Grocery Store Coupons

York.com - Free 40 prints for new customers!  Use code YMW4CP

KASHI - GoLean Breakfast Bar - Free  *Details apply

Who doesn't love free stuff :)

Groupon - $5 credit (and awesome Steelers Deal!)

(could make a cheap Christmas Present!)

This is a great deal out on Groupon right now - if you sign up here.  Buy a Groupon between now and November 11th and you'll receive $5 dollars.  I have bought two Groupons already for Christmas presents and have been thoroughly impressed with the value of them.  One of the great things is that you are not limited to your specific city or area - just change your selection at the top and a whole new list of great deals pop up!

Below are just a few of the great deals happening today!

Pittsburgh - $40 for a VIP Steelers Home Game Sailgate Cruise with Pittsburgh Luxury Cruises ($80 Value)
(Side Deal -$20 for Subscription to Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Fiddlesticks Family Concerts Series ($42 Value))


Washington, DC -$20 for $40 Worth of Malaysian Cuisine at Penang Restaurant
Atlanta - $60 for $125 Worth of Services at Robin Stiles Hair, Face & Body
Baltimore -$25 for $50 Worth of Casual American Cuisine and Drinks at Bo Brooks
(Side Deal -$16 for Admission to the "Cleopatra" Exhibit at The Franklin Institute)


Even if you don't live in these cities - I bet you've got relatives located across the US that you need to buy Christmas gift for - how wonderful would it be to get them a gift card for a local restaurant.

I LOVE early Christmas bargain shopping... or any bargain for that matter.  These make wonderful birthday presents,  anniversary or an everyday 'thinking of you' gift. (Remember - receive $5 dollars!)

Lesson Learned

**Update - my order was canceled and I received absolutely no notification.  I am disappointed in the way Woman Within handled this fiasco.  I will think twice before ordering from them again.

I stumbled upon a great deal yesterday - A $50/$50 purchase from Woman Within. I almost posted it to my blog immediately but was in too big of a hurry to place my order that I couldn't do two things at once.

From the time I found the deal, placed my order and found out it wasn't working for everyone was less than 10 minutes. God was good in protecting me from posting something that wasn't accurate. He was also good in letting my order go through!

From what I can tell the deal was so hot that Woman Within changed the coupon code to $20/$50 purchase. Some ladies had their orders changed mid-checkout. So far my order is in process and should be shipped soon. I haven't heard that it's going to be canceled so my hopes are still up that I'll get my order. (Once I receive it I'll post the order!)

I need to be sure to remember that I can not be in a huge hurry and post everything I find without researching it a bit more. I don't want any of my readers to get 'burned' by something that I posted.

This could have ended up being a disaster but thankfully God was looking out for all of us.