Mailbox Monday!! Weeks of March 14-March 27

It is Mailbox Monday!! Here is what I got in mine:





Seventeen Magazine (free subscription)

Baby Talk Magazine (free subscription)

Outdoor Living Magazine (free subscription)

Organize in style coupon book

Kirkland Signature Supreme 2 pack diapers

Aveeno Baby soothing relief diaper rash cream

Curel Itch Defense cream

Aveno Baby soothing relief creamy wash

You can be a nurse coloring book

Dentek 3 pack floss picks

Fire rescue pet window stickers with coupon

Disney 2011 Vacation Planning DVD

Dove sensitive skin body wash

Post it coupons & filing tabs

Spiffies baby tooth wipes

The Children's Place coupons

Disney stickers & personalized labels

Mr. Yuk stickers and magnet

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes! A Novel

Target Beauty Bag of goodies!




The Target Beauty Bag was filled with samples :) Zippered beauty bag, $25 coupon booklet, Nivea Express Hydration Lotion, Pantene Color Shampoo, Neutrogena Naturals Lip Balm, Revlon colorburst lip gloss, Fekkai shea butter shampoo & conditioner.

So, what did you get in your mailbox this week?

It's the Simple Things...

It is so amazing how the simple things in life bring the most joy.



Tattoos....you gotta love them!

Don't let them have them everyday. Keep them put away and get them on a day that they are bored or even just when you look at your child and smile, realizing that they are being extra sweet that day ;)

You can order them in bulk from Oriental Trading, but I usually gather mine up in random places; freebies in the mail, treat bags from b-day parties the kids attend, restaurants, etc...

When I apply them, I put them on the shoulder area of the arm, this way, if we have to run out in public we don't have to wash it off (I hate visible ink, looks dirty to me)

Tattoos are one of those lovely things that are still in today's world that really makes the innocence of your child show through :) I love that innocence...you have to enjoy it while you can because it doesn't last very long.

Wordless Wednesday! Aarrrgh!!!!

Mailbox Monday!! Weeks of 2/28/11-3/13/11

It is Mailbox Monday!! Here are the great things that packed my box these past few weeks :)

Interview magazine (free subscription)

American Baby (free subscription)

Soap Opera Digest (2 issues, free subscription)

God Gave Us So Much, a Limited Edition 3 Book Treasury Hardback Book (free w/review)

The Band that Played On (free w/review)

Txtng Kills Rubber Rings (Don't text & drive)

The Gardener's Idea Book

Pampers Village Book of Coupons

Target Portrait Coupons

Purina One Lamb & Rice Dog Food

Glade Book of Coupons

Pampers small book of coupons

$5 off a bag of Blue Dog Food

Disabled Vets: Return Address Labels, bookmark, stationary

Cover Girl Natureluxe liquid silk foundation with 2 coupons

Origins Plantscription Anti Aging System

**Free Bounce Product Coupon: I made a complaint to Bounce this week about their Bounce Bar not lasting as long as advertised and they sent me a coupon for a free product :)

I also received my first sample and coupons from being selected to be a Purex Insider. I got to test out the new Purex Crystals and hold a giveaway on my blog. 3 winners were chosen to each receive a coupon for a free 28 oz bottle of Purex Crystals Softener.

Purex Crystals Winners Announced!!!

We did not have very many do this giveaway. Hoping the next time around will go better. We had 3 coupons to give away for a FREE 28 oz bottle of Purex Crystals. The winners are:

#1: Kristine, who said...
I posted in Saving Money in WAPA on FB. I hope I win one- you can use them with cloth diapers since they are all natural and I've been meaning to try them.


#4: Margaret, who said...
Can't wait to try these, I hear they smell wonderful!


#3: Amy, who said...
I've never try their product and it sounds wonderful. The softener I'm using now doesn't smell like anything and i would love my clothes smelling fresh after the wash. Thanks for the chance to win this giveaway.

Please contact me at king4189@aol.com with your mailing addresses and I will get your coupons out asap! Thanks for entering the Purex Crytals Softener Giveaway.

Congrats to the winners!

Don't Forget!!! Purex Crystals Giveaway...last day!!

Today is the last day to sign up for the Purex Crystals giveaway!! I will be randomly drawing 3 names to each receive a coupon for a FREE 28 oz bottle of Purex Crystals Softeners. You will get the coupon in the mail and then take it to any store who sells it for your free bottle!!

1. Just go to facebook, twitter, wherever you can pass the word about this giveaway and post about it.

2. Go to the original posting:

http://dedeshortking.blogspot.com/2011/03/purex-crystals-review-and-giveaways.html

and enter your email address and tell me you want it!

I will be drawing the 3 winners today at 5:00pm....time is running out!!

The Family Fun Box!!

Anyone else out there need some kind of motivation to get your kids off their lazy hind ends and do something around the house? I have the perfect system...at least for us anyway :) I have been using this system for around 3 years now and the kids love it!

You begin with a list of chores:




Unload the dishwasher, unload the silverware, set the table, feed the cat, feed the kittens, water for all cats, etc... you get the idea. There are columns for each day of the week and a magnet attached. I chose to do it this way so we could switch the chores around daily. One of the things I disliked most about when I was a child was getting stuck unloading the dishwasher for eternity!! This way, the kids won't get bored as there is something fresh every day. They each have their own color pom-poms which I switch daily. My 13 year old is red, 10 year old is blue, 7 year old is pink. My younger 3 are still a little too young for the chore chart, but do help where they can.

Rules for the Chore List

You live in the house so you have to do them whether you like it or not. When you do the chores everyday, you get to participate in the family fun box activity at the end of the week. If you do the chores on time (first thing in the morning) you will also get an extra incentive...an allowance. So, do the chores, and if they aren't on time...no allowance. Once you do a chore, remove your pom-pom and place into your jar (labeled with your name)




If you do the chores without complaint, you get a pom-pom on a seperate chart under the day of the week. However, you have to be careful!! In order to participate in the Family Fun Box activity, you have to have at least 4 out of the 5 pom-poms. Have 3? Can't participate. Get all 5...you get some sort of bonus. For example, if we have dessert for dinner, you get to pick the dessert. You are always in jeopardy of losing your pom-poms. We have rules posted; do chores without complaints, no talking back, do homework without complaint, no whining and so on...Since the kids love having this day all together, they really try to be careful so they can be involved in our day.

The Family Fun Box




The Family Fun Box was created by my children. They would all make suggestions of things they would like to do as a family; Dessert for dinner, make smores, take a walk, go to the mall, etc... Suggestions from my husband and I and our 6 kids are in the box. With such a wide range of ages, we could end up with eat out or blow bubbles! We agreed in the beginning that whatever is picked, we do without question (since it isn't really exciting for my 13 year to play with Play-doh, my 2 year old's suggestion). We also have a seperate smaller box that has some more expensive activities; plays, sporting events, museums, etc..which we will pick out of the week that we get paid.

We have found that this program really has helped our kids to be more responsible and more caring towards us and their siblings. Don't have your own system that works? Try this one...I won't mind :)

Anyone out there want a FREE bottle of Purex Crystals?

Don't forget, I am holding a giveaway for Purex Crystals. I am giving away 3 coupons that you can redeem for a FREE bottle of Purex Crystals. If you haven't tried these yet, it is a must! What better way to try out your first bottle for FREE!!!

Just go to my review/giveaway page:

http://dedeshortking.blogspot.com/2011/03/purex-crystals-review-and-giveaways.html

Winners will be chosen this Sunday, March 13 :)

Good Luck!!

Giveaway!!!

Don't forget to go to my giveaway!! I have only had one person sign up and have 3 coupons for a FREE 28 OZ BOTTLE OF PUREX CRYSTALS!!

http://dedeshortking.blogspot.com/2011/03/purex-crystals-review-and-giveaways.html

Thursday Blog Hops!!!

Purex Crystals Review and Giveaways!!!!

Do you like Purex? Check them out for yourself! http://www.purex.com/MXTQEPZOXYOMU3714AXODMQMFIYLHZ , once there you can click on "Get a coupon on Facebook" Like them and click on Welcome on the left side. You can print your coupon from there :)

I was so excited to be chosen to be a Purex Insider!!


My first sample they sent was the Purex Crystals Softener.



The crystals arrived in gorgeous packaging which made me so much more excited to use them! The sample included 4 load worth and my clothing still have the scent to them after one week of washing. That scent by the way...heaven!!! 3 heavenly scents to be exact :)




Oh and other great points too! Check out the 6 sides of Purex Crystals!



Here is the simple way it is used:



This stuff is awesome!!

Want to hear something else that is awesome? Purex sent me 3 seperate coupons for a FREE Purex Complete Crystals Softener 28 oz Bottle ($5.50 value) and I get to give them away!!

Want one?

The rules are simple, just like Purex Crystals:

1. Pass on the word about this giveaway on your blog, facebook, twitter, wherever you can pass it on.

2. Leave a comment on this blog.

That is it...winners will be chosen this Sunday, March 13.

Good Luck!!

Wordless Wednesday! Whee!!!!!

Weekly Grocery Wrap Up...Big Lots

You would never believe the deal I got at Big Lots on my visit this past Sunday!! There was a Clearance buggy of items when we first walked in and...put it this way, we practically just wheeled the whole buggy away ourselves!! With Sunday being "Friends and Family" night, we also had a coupon for 20% off of our entire purchase. We went in to purchase a flat panel tv stand which we got for an unbelievable price of $55, but the most amazing deal was that clearance buggy!! The prices were already next to nothing, but then we got 20% off!!

Here is what we bought:





Painter Mouth Coloring Bubble Gum: .40
Painter Mouth Coloring Bubble Gum: .40
Reduced Fat Cheez-it 12 pack: .20
Box of Ritz Munchables: .20
Box of Ritz Munchables: .20
Box of Ritz Munchables: .20
Box of Ritz Munchables: .20
Pelican Kettle Corn: .20
Wise Original Deli Chips: .20
Wise Jalapeno Deli Chips: .20
Red Chips Salted: .20
Garlic Snack Pretzels: .20
Sea Salt Pita Chips: .20
Garden of Eatin White Cheddar Popcorn: .20
Garden of Eatin White Cheddar Popcorn: .20
Super Size Bag of Snickers Mix: .20
Super Size Bag of Snickers Mix: .20
Super Size Bag of Snickers Mix: .20
Super Size Bag of Snickers Mix: .20
Super Size Bag of Snickers Mix: .20
Wise Croc-o-doodles Cheese Puffs: .16
Wise Croc-o-doodles Cheese Puffs: .16
Wise Croc-o-doodles Cheese Puffs: .16
Wise Croc-o-doodles Cheese Puffs: .16
Wise Croc-o-doodles Cheese Puffs: .16
Wise Croc-o-doodles Cheese Puffs: .16
Wise Croc-o-doodles Cheese Puffs: .16
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08
Trail Mix 2 Pack of Granola Bars: .08


We got all of this for only $6.32!!!

Book Review: God Gave Us So Much, A Limited-Edition Three-Book Treasury

Book Review: Book Review: God Gave Us So Much, A Limited-Edition Three-Book Treasury by Lisa Tawn Bergren, art by Laura J. Bryant.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Summary

Through the eyes of a curious little polar bear, young readers are invited into engaging journeys through the Arctic North Pole to explore some of their most tender-hearted and important questions.

Mama, Papa, and Grampa Bear, the ever-loving and wise guides for Little Cub's adventures, share with her the incredible miracles of God's creation and the depths of His love for her.

This limited-edition treasury of the best-selling God Gave Us series includes three complete charming tales--one of which is brand new to the series. With heart and humor, the stories reveal the beauty of diversity throughout the world, the incredible gift of love, and the wonderment of our heavenly home to come.

My Review

My children absolutely LOVED all 3 tales included in the Limited-Edition Three-Book Treasury. It is the hardback version which is always a plus and comes with an attached satin ribbon bookmark. An adorable tale of a polar bear family and the questions Little Cub has on God and the world, God and love & God and Heaven.

God Gave Us the World explains why God made everyone different in this world.

God Gave Us Love explains how the difference between like and love.

God Gave Us Heaven explains what heaven is like and what will be waiting for us.

This story definitely explains the unanswered questions in a way that the children are able to comprehend. Colorful photos keep the attention of the children along with easy to understand words in the story. It also introduces children to animals they may not know about; polar bears, panda bears, brown bears, penguins, otters, and more! I highly recommend this book especially with anyone who has a very deep love for God and his children :)

Weekly Grocery Wrap Up...Giant Eagle

I ran by Giant Eagle this week to pick some "under $1.00" items (after sale, e-coupons and manufacturer's coupons) Check out everything I got!

Mrs. T's Pierogies-$1.00
Mrs. T's Pierogies-$1.00
4 Pack Yo-Crunch: $1.00
Pillsbury Sweet Moments: $1.00
Pillsbury Sweet Moments: $1.00
Pillsbury Sweet Moments: $1.00
Pillsbury Sweet Moments: $1.00
Betty Crocker 18 pack of Fruit Roll-ups: .90
Betty Crocker 18 pack of Fruit Roll-ups: .90
Betty Crocker 18 pack of Fruit Roll-ups: .90
Betty Crocker 10 pack of Scooby Doo Fun Fruits: .90
Betty Crocker 10 pack of Scooby Doo Fun Fruits: .90
4 lb Bananas: .99
4 lb Bananas: .99
4 lb Bananas: .99
Totinos Pizza: .68
Totinos Pizza: .68
Totinos Pizza: .68
Totinos Pizza: .68
Pampers Wipes: .59
Hamburger Helper: .50
Hamburger Helper: .50
Hamburger Helper: .50
Tuna Helper: .50
Tuna Helper: .50
Tuna Helper: .50
Tuna Helper: .50
Tuna Helper: .50
Tuna Helper: .50
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables: .50
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables: .50
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables: .50
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables: .50
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables: .50
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables: .50
Yoplait Yogurt: .36
Yoplait Yogurt: .36
Yoplait Yogurt: .36
Yoplait Yogurt: .36
Yoplait Yogurt: .36
Yoplait Yogurt: .36
Betty Crocker Cheddar & Bacon Potatoes: .25
Betty Crocker Cheddar & Bacon Potatoes: .25
Totinos Pizza: .25
Totinos Pizza: .25
Totinos Pizza: .25
Totinos Pizza: .25
Colgate Toothpaste: .00 FREE
Colgate Toothpaste: .00 FREE
Colgate Wave Toothbrush: .00 FREE
2 lb 8 oz Chef Boyardee Ravioli: .00 FREE




Grand Total for all in photos: $29.94!!!! Great deal!

Saturday Blog Hopping!

These are the blogs I am following this Saturday:



Hop on over and meet new bloggers!

Lunch at the Royal Burger Joint :)

I took my 6 kids to the local Burger King a few days ago to enjoy some lunch and playtime in their indoor playground. As I was removing my kids shoes, I was going over their rules.









Guess I better be in a good mood or they are going to kick me out!!!















Well...this sign is just weird....











That didn't stop the kids from having a great time.









By leaving time, they were ready for home. I had one close to amoeba form...















...and one mad scientist!!