Christmas in Vegas!

  I just LOVE Christmas time!! I love the smells, the feelings, the treats, just everything!  Sometimes Vegas gets a bad rap for not having things to do for families, so I have put a list together of some things around town for the holidays (some are even FREE)... Enjoy and Merry Christmas!  
Live NativityDecember 8-10 and December 15-17 3 performances nightly This year the Red Rock stake for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is putting on a live nativity at Opportunity Village Buffalo campus.  This is a free event, but you need to make a reservation because this is a very popular event. 
Ethel M Chocolate Factory Cactus GardenFree! Gorgeous light display!  Check out the calendar of events to see when the kiddies can sit on the "big man's" lap and spill their Christmas wishes.  
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro ShopsNow through December 24thFree photos with Santa, and it looks like they have planned even MORE FREE crafts and activities!  Monday-Friday crafts from 5pm-7pm, Saturday and Sunday crafts from noon-5pm.  Games and activities are free all day long!  Kiddies can check out trains, race slot cars, write letters to Santa, play with the soft gun arcade, and more! 
Gift of LightsNow until January 1st 6pm-9pmThis spectacular drive-through light display is a great Christmas tradition!  This is one of our favorite things to do with the kids.  We get everyone in their jammies, and bring some hot cocoa and candy canes for treats as they find their favorite display.  Cost is $15 per car (discount if you bring items to donate to Goodwill) - worth it! Winterfest at City of HendersonDecember 9th 6-9pmTwo day event fulled with games, art show, gingerbread house contest, and childrens activities!  Best part, it's FREE!
Bellagio ConservatoryOpen 24 hours Free!  Check out the great display that never disappoints!  Great spots for family photos too.
Lakeshore Learning CenterEvery Saturday from 11am-3pmEach week (even after the holidays), you can take your little ones down to make a great little craft.  This activity is FREE and so much fun for kids any age!  This month, they can make mittens, snowmen, penguins, ornaments, and even noise makers for new years! 
Lowes Build and GrowDecember 3, 10, and 17th 10:00amGo to any Lowes in the valley and help your kiddies create a train set.  They will make one car each week. The NutcrackerDecember 17-December 24 at Paris HotelTake your princess to this beautiful holiday tradition.  This one's gonna cost ya, but it's sure to be a lasting memory.  
Santa TrainDecember 3,4,10,11,17,18It may be a little drive to Boulder City for this activity, but it's another show stopper I'm sure.  Bring your letters to Santa and meet the 'big guy' and his Mrs. on the ride!  Cost is $5 per person, but of course, I found you a $1 off coupon (not sure if it will apply to this event, but it's worth a shot)
Magical Forest at Opportunity VillageEvery night through December 31st Truly a magical experience to be surrounded by hundreds of decorated trees and thousands of lights.  There is also a train ride, photos with Santa, Gingerbread house display, and even a carousel.  So much to do.  This one does cost a bit, but there are ways to cut back.  Check out their calendar of events for more information.  The best deal will be Monday nights - Free child admission with adult purchase.
Storytelling with Santa on the BeachEvery Saturday in December 6pm-8pmLoewes at Lake Las Vegas is sponsoring a story hour with Santa himself!  This is a FREE event too!  Stories still coming up: 12/10 - The Twelve Days of Christmas, 12/17 - The Tailor's Apprentice, 12/24 - The Nutcracker.  There is also ice skating on the lake through Jan 29th.  Check out their website for group rates. 

Springs PreserveDecember 10-11, and 17-18 5pm-9pm Springs Preserve has transformed into a Holiday wonderland!  Come make treats, do crafts, see the amazing light displays, and see a 'reindeer' or two.  For an extra fee, you can ice skate or take a picture with Santa.  How fun!  Cost for this event is $8 for adults and $5 for kids (5-12yrs)  Natural History MuseumDecember 19-23 and December 26-30 11am-3pmEach day of winder break, you can pop on down to the museum for Weekend Science projects.  These are usually only done on Saturdays, but they have some special things in store when the kids are out of school.  Kids will get to see how Christmas lights work, make Christmas ornaments, or even fingerprint snowflakes! Cool! 
Town SquareEvery Wednesday in December 6pm-7pmHoliday nights and lights will feature performing groups from all over the valley from elementary schools to high schools and more.  All done before the Snow in the Square!  That's right! Every night at 7pm it will SNOW in Las Vegas!!  Check it out! Phew!  That should keep everyone busy for a while at least!  I'm sure there is so much more going on, but my kiddies are calling and it's that time of year to cater to their every whim.  If you still are in need of a daily pick me up, my friend Colette has put up her Advent Blog.  She has an amazing message every day to help us keep focused on why it is we celebrate this time of year.   MERRY  CHRISTMAS!!  

Coupon File Update - Fall 2011

I love the fall... When the seasons change I always get the urge to de-junk.  Since I haven't felt well the last few days I figured a little light coupon cleaning was something I could tackle.  So, here ya go.  This is a list of all the inserts you should have in your coupon file box.  They are listed by whole insert because I do NOT cut any coupons until it's time to head on out to the store.  Seriously the best method out there.  If there are coupons listed after the insert, that indicates the only coupons that are left in that insert still not expired.  Go ahead and pull them out and mark the date on the one page of the insert to thin out your file box and make room for all your new goodies.  Now, without further ado...

SmartSource

SS-11/14/10  Challenge Butter (12/31/11)

SS-12/5/10  Phillips products (11/15/11); Scotch Giftwrap cutters (12/31/11)

SS(Johnson)-1/9 Listerine (12/31/11)
SS-2/27 Listerine (12/31/11)

SS-4/3 Bourdreaux (12/31/11)

SS-4/10 Pyrex (10/31/11)
SS(Johnson)-4/17 California Olive Oil (10/31/11); Jonny Cat (12/31/11)
SS-5/8 Wacky Mac (12/31/11)
SS-5/15 Kikkoman (12/31/11; MidNite (11/30/11); NatruRelief (11/30/11)
SS-6/5 Nexcare Product (10/31/11)
SS-7/10 Ajax Dish Detergent (10/8/11)
SS-7/17

SS-7/24

SS-7/31
SS-8/7
SS-8/14
SS-8/21
SS-8/28
SS(Eyemasters)-9/11
SS(Dish)-9/11
SS-9/18
SS-9/25
SS-10/2

Red Plum
RP-1/24 Chestal (12/31/11); Oscillococcinum (12/31/11)
RP-5/22 Authentic Asia Soup (10/31/11)
RP-6/19  Comfort Zone (12/31/11)
RP-7/24
RP(Nestle)-7/31

RP-8/7

RP-8/14
RP-8/28
RP-9/11
RP-9/18
RP-9/25
RP-10/2

Miscellaneous

BetterAtHome-9/11
BoxTops-8/7
MomentstoSave-10/2
Pillsbury-10/2
Playskool-10/2

Proctor & Gamble
PG-4/3 Kandoo wipes (12/31/11)

PG-10/2



Coupon Poker

Not every coupon I get will match up to a great sale, and not every coupon that comes my way will be something I would use for my family.  The same will be true for any couponer.  So, what to do with those coupons you don't need?  Lot's of folks in town offer coupon swaps.  If you can't find one to hook up with, think about starting one for your family, friends, and co-workers.

Just in case that doesn't work... here's another fun idea for ya (straight from1983).  Enjoy!!  

Coupon Poker
Mr. Mom — MOVIECLIPS.com

It's Raining Coupons!!

I'm not sure if I have announced on here that I have begun to write articles for the Review-Journal all about coupons of course.  Well, guess what?  I have started to write articles for the Review-Journal all about coupons!  You can find them at http://blogs.reviewjournal.com/topic/community/shopping.  Don't worry, I will still be posting on this blog as well.  But for the big doozies, I will direct you to the RJ's site.  Here I have a little more freedom to be my silly ol' self and give you whatever info you want.  So... my article today was about the THOUSANDS of dollars that are now in our Sunday newspaper!! Seriously cannot believe that I scored over $2000 this week!!  Here are a few more pics of what my morning looked like... 

 My 8 newspapers I got today!!! Yes, 8!  If you haven't had a chance to check out the new deal Grocery Smarts has hooked up for you, check out this link and get your papers started next week.  Remember, a good rule of thumb is one newspaper for each family member in your household.  Count the babies too, and if you are just getting started, you should get a few extra to really get that stockpile going. 

 Here are ALL the coupons you should have found in your Sunday paper this week!!  Check out my RJ blog post for the exact breakdown on values. 

Don't forget about the value of other coupons to be found throughout the paper as well.  I always pull out the Joann and Michaels ads since they each will have a 40% off coupon for regular priced items.  Little tip:  Did you know that they each will accept each others coupons??  Now, some items that you may want to scoop up to start decorating for the fall you may not be able to use these on, but be creative in there.  Not everything that is orange, black, or brown will be on sale. 

This week too, I found the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon in the Living section of the Review-Journal.  If you have not ventured to Green Valley to check out this store, you are missing out!!  It is a crafter's dream in there and can be overwhelming if you are not prepared with a handful of these in your back pocket.  I pulled out the Sears ad as well just in case I need to go clothes shopping this week.  That coupon is for 20% off!  I mean, really??  Just another reason why I love Sunday so much!!

Tip Tuesday #7

Newspapers save money & will cut down on weeds!

Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants, overlapping as you go (just tear them into large pieces - do not shred them like the photo - I just liked it).  Then cover with mulch and forget about weeds in your garden.  Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, but they will not get through wet newspapers.  

If you are lucky to be getting your multiple copies of the Review-Journal, now you have another idea of what to do with all that left over newspaper. 

Newspaper Nails!

 

I am always on the look out for ideas of things to do with my left over newspapers.  Saw this on a Facebook post and fell in LOVE!!  Super clever gal at Craft Envy has this super creative idea for adding a little newspaper flair to your nails!  Simply Amazing!  I am about 99% sure I am going to try this out for my upcoming coupon workshops.  Can't wait!  Check out this link to her very simple how-to on this great little ditty!  HAVE FUN!!  

Upcoming Community Classes

For those of you who may be looking to attend a class, and are unsure about hosting your own for your family and friends, here is a list of open classes you can attend...

These classes are held through the City of Henderson.  Please go to their website to register.  Use the activity number for easy access.  Walk-ins also welcome, but you will need to check in at the desk.  Seats are limited as well.

September 12th @ 7pm (374012-00)
Black Mountain Rec Center
599 Greenway Rd.  
Henderson, NV  89015
(702)267-4070

September 13th @ 7pm (374012-12)
Silver Springs Rec Center
1951 Silver Springs Parkway  
Henderson, NV  89074
(702)267-5720

September 14th @ 10am (374012-78)
Heritage Park Senior Facility (55yrs+)
300 S. Racetrack Rd  
Henderson, NV  89015
(702)267-2950

This next one will be a doozie!!  

The Review-Journal is sponsoring a day of workshops!  Get your friends, and register to save your seats!  You will get to meet Jennifer Freeman from TLC's Extreme Couponing and learn a few tips and tricks from her and I.  It is loads of fun (if I do say so myself).  Seats are limited for each of these so sign up soon! 

September 28th! One at 11 and one at 5pm

Sahara West Library
9600 West Sahara
Las Vegas, NV 89117

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

YEAH for this week's coupons!!

Did you check out your papers today?  Did you get all the inserts??  I love Sunday's like this one... I did a little article for the RJ about the value of this week's paper... 

Check it out!!

 

Meal Plan Monday 8/29/11

 I have wanted to do this type of post for a REALLY long time, but you know how life goes... The idea is that I will be here every week to give you some ideas, but honestly, it may take a few weeks to get a schedule down.  First things first, my sources...  

 Look Familiar??  These photos are from my big shopping trips last week. 

And my Bountiful Basket for this week! The items in the basket were $16.50, the 5 loaves of 9-grain bread was $10, and the Tortilla Pack (7 dozen - variety) was only $10.50.  Total $37!  Order yours before 9pm tomorrow night at the link above and I will help you come up with some recipes :-)

Monday

Breakfast - Pancakes & Yogurt

Lunch - Sandwiches, grapes, pudding and water

After School Snack - Banana Bread

Dinner - Cafe Rio (cause we are celebrating!) 

Tuesday

Breakfast - Cereal & Bananas

Lunch - Sandwiches, grapes, and rice krispie treats

After School Snack - Zucchini Bread (I used homemade applesauce instead of oil-yummo)

Dinner - Mexican Casserole & Green Salad

(I add more veggies to my casserole and cream of chicken instead of mushroom - so messy an so yummy)

Wednesday

Breakfast - Pancakes with strawberry jam

Lunch - Sandwiches, peaches, and fruit snacks

After School Snack - Finish all that bread (yikes)

Dinner - Cranberry BBQ Chicken, corn on the cob, fresh mashed potatoes

Thursday

Breakfast - Cereal & Yogurt

Lunch - Left Overs

After School Snack - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dinner - Left Overs

Friday

Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs, English Muffins, and Cantaloupe

Lunch - Spaghetti-Os, carrots and Ranch

After School Snack - Peach Cobbler (with nectarines cause what's the difference really)

Dinner - Homemade PIZZA - just wait til you see the pics for this one!

Saturday

Breakfast - Cereal

Lunch - Mini Quesadillas & Fruit

Dinner - Carrot Ginger Soup & Homemade Rolls (stay tuned for bread ideas)

Note: I know it's 110 out, but I have a TON of carrots to get rid of so there ya go!

Sunday

Breakfast - French Toast, Jam and Fruit

Lunch - Grilled cheese sandwiches and left over soup

Dinner - Chicken & Broccoli Braid, Green Salad

Note: I will substitute Green peppers for this recipe and use my own bread dough

Dessert - Zucchini Brownies (never tried, but we'll give it a whirl)

Hope this gives you a few ideas of what to fix for your family this week!  Let me know what you think of the recipes.  I would type the ones I really use, but this post would be a mile long ;-).  I found the closest things though that should still be a good fit.  When I look for a recipe, I am looking for simple ingredients for budget reasons and because I have small children who have very sensitive palates.  So, I won't be offended if you decide to spice em up a bit!  

Bon Appetit!!

Happy Back to School Day!!

Probably one of my most favorit-ist days ever!! The first day of school!!!  I love my children, honest I do, but after 3 months, it's just time to get back into a routine.  I will admit that trying to work with 3 kids in school and add a few extra curricular activities for the bunch, my brain is already frazzled.  I was remembering an old printable my friend Colette put together to help busy mom's like myself and thought I needed to share.

 It's a "Mommy Homework Binder"!  Best of all, it's a free download!  I am planning on mine having a section for each child, a sleeve for the school calendar, a sleeve for the lunch schedule, and a copy of her super cute calendar too to keep track of everything our little family will have going on this year.  I'm super excited about getting everyone back on track!

Stop by her blog My Computer is My Canvas and check out some of the other amazingly cute things she has put together!  She really is amazing!!

Some AWESOME deals this week...

It seems like we have been gone for most of the month of August.  Our cupboards and fridge have been screaming to be stocked... so... Thursday I sat down with my GrocerySmarts lists and box of coupons and off I went... Check out the deals this week that I took advantage of to stockpile this week!  Does it even count as a stockpile if it doesn't last more than a few weeks?

Transaction #1

These items earned Catalinas for their purchase.  And well, we always need more chocolate chips.  I used a $1/10 coupon from the SS-7/10, but there is also one in the BoxTops-8/7.  

Total paid $21.76

Earned $4.25 for my next purchase

Transaction #2 (Both pictures)

Picture on top shows items that were part of the Back to School Mega Event (Buy 10 items receive $5 off your total).  Picture on the bottom was other items on sale that I just 'needed'. 

Total Spent $94.62

Total SAVED $80.62

Not quite 50% but that's ok I guess since I got lots of staple-type products

Ok - Here was my first transaction.  Hunts was doing a Catalina promotion where I earned $1 for every 4 items that I purchased.  It seems there is no limit to this offer. You do not have to do multiple transactions to get this deal multiple times, but it will spit out several $1 Catalinas.  But who cares?  You are going to give them right back in a second anyway!!

Transaction #1

Total Spent $21.65

Total Saved $20.91

Earned $6 for next transaction

(note: the coupons in the RP-8/7 have a different bar code on them and would not scan. period. No "boops" or anything. Will have to be manually added. Hopefully you get a cashier who will do this for you)

Transaction #2

Total Spent $43.53

Total Saved $143.16 (That's what I'm talking about!)

I created my lists on Thursday and went to each store on different days as I had time.  For all you geeks out there... I purchased a total of 174 items for $181.56 or around $1.04 for EACH item!  Yeah!!  Tomorrow I will show you some tricks on how to make the most of your cupboards to fit all this fun stuff!!  I just love saving money!!

Free Samples?? Yes, Please!

 TA DA!!  

I have always considered myself a 'regular' couponer.  I haven't really gotten into rebates and things like that simply because I feel that adds an extra step.  With 5 kids, I just want basics!!  However, I did read on one of my favorite blogs TipResource.com about signing up for a free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios.  Jen had mentioned that manufacturers will also typically add coupons in those samples as well.  Well, why not??  

How much fun was it to open my mailbox last week and have a little gift inside!?  It's funny that I have been couponing for almost 3 years now and feel like there is still so much to learn and I am just NOW moving on to the "Graduate" program of rebates and free samples... look out!!!

TUTU Give-a-way

I just love to share fun things that I find!  This is no different!  My friend Brittany is doing a give-a-way on her photography blog.  Pop on over, and enter to win a DARLING tutu from Butterbean Babies.  If you have a little girl, you must at least try and win this for her.  My 3-yr old princess isn't allowed to look at these because she will want every single one!  

Happy Entering!  And make sure you let them know I sent ya! 

New RJ Blogger

Well, it's official... this has been a long time coming, but I am now writing articles for the Las Vegas Review-Journal!  Guess what it's about??  Coupons of course!  Here is this week's article all about stockpiling.  

Along that same vein, my friend Jennifer Freeman and I taught a WHOLE BUNCH of people in Northern and Central California last week (over 1,100 people all together).  The local ABC affiliate in Fresno did a great piece on our class.  This story goes right along with the article so check it out and let me know what you think!!

I have a few other ideas for articles to write for the RJ, but my creative juices may get stuck, so leave a comment and let me know what types of things you would like to read about... Thanks in advance!! 

Tip Tuesday #6

Add garlic to a recipe in the beginning of a recipe if you want a light garlic taste.  Add garlic at the end of your recipe if you want a stronger garlic flavor. 

 

Back to School Blowout!

Woo Hoo! I love office supply stores! First, go get cards for all your local office supply stores: Office Max, Office Depot and Staples. Cards are free. My favorite way to save money at these stores is to take advantage when they offer 100% rewards back on products that you will use or donate. I've seen it offered on paper, batteries, printer ink, etc. So when they offer these deals, I will buy the products I would buy ANYWAY and then wait for my rewards. The rewards are given quarterly so whatever you rack up in rewards each quarter, you'll get a certificate that you can use on most anything in the store! AND most office stores give rewards back for turning in empty ink cartridges too. Office Depot several months back was doing a weekly special where they offered $5 per cartridge! I got all my cartridges together and sent my hubby down to turn in all the ink. I was so excited because you typically get between $2-$3 for empty ink cartridges. Another way to rack up your rewards!

So I share this with you to tell you about my AMAZING trip to Office Depot! I had rewards to spend that were going to expire in a couple weeks. School is coming up so on my mind was school supplies and a couple other things. Here's what I got: 100 pack blank CDs, 2 Elmer's glues, 8 glue sticks, pack of 24 #2 pencils, 2 school boxes, 1 Crayola crayons box of 16, 1 kids scissors, 2 packs of 3 pink erasers (brings back memories!!), 1 mini notebook, 2 Crayola Wonder coloring pads with markers and guess how much????? Drumroll please.....After rewards I spent $2.50 out of pocket!!! I hear applause! How fun was that!! I saved over $50 easy! So go get signed up for your office reward cards and check the weekly ads!!

 

 

 

Tip Tuesday #5

To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream, then beat them.  

YUMMY!!

 

Tip Tuesday #4

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.  The water will help pull the grease away from the meat when cooking. 

Payless Deal!

Want to create a great sale??   Check it out!!  Right now Payless Shoes has lots of cute sandals for 50% off!  Order online and get additional savings!!  Did you know too, that you can order online and have them shipped to the store for F.R.E.E!!

Happy Shopping!!