Hawaii Money Saving Mama

FREE Pancakes and Sub Sandwich!

2009-02-24T03:23:00.000-08:00

Join IHOP today (Feb 24) to celebrate National Pancake Day! From 7 AM to 10 PM they'll give you one free shortstack of pancakes! One per guest. They do ask that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network, or other local charities. Also it says in fine print "while supplies last" and "valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only" so find one near you and contact them to see if they are participating.

Quizno's is giving away 1 million subs! Almost 200,000 given away so far! Register here.

FREE Dove Hair Care

2008-09-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

Try a free sample of Dove's new Therapy System. Easy form.

More FREE samples:

Betty Crocker Homestyle Creamy Butter Potatoes

New Jergens Naturals Daily Moisturizer

Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care or Smooth & Silky

14 day supply of Nature Made Liquid Softgel Vitamins

Benefiber new single serving size

$10 from Ebates!

2008-09-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

I first mentioned Ebates back in April, and since then I have received my first rebate check of $16.48. Not bad! I got $5 for joining, and bonus $5 for making my first purchase, and $6.48 as a rebate from Magazines.com!

If you shop online regularly, or even once in a while, I highly recommend that you join Ebates! Right now, they are offering an even sweeter deal than when I joined. $10 just for joining! Woo-hoo!

If you'd like to get in on the cash back fun from Ebates, click here.

Free SAMPLE of Tide!

2008-09-07T03:49:00.000-07:00

Click here for a FREE SAMPLE of Tide Total Care!

More FREEBIES:

Free Ringtonica Correction Pen

Free Sample Bag of Purina One

FREE sample of Quaker Simple Harvest multigrain chewy granola bars

Ultra Gain with baking soda

Free Being a Girl sample kit from Tampax

Cutting Back Costs

2008-07-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's been a while...I'm still here. Just busy with family and normal day-to-day stuff.

Everywhere - you see prices rising, and with a family of our size (5 kids) we have to cut back where we can. This past month has been a serious financial reality check for us, and it's time to put our foot down. Here's what we've been "trying" to do better at to stretch our dollars...

Hang our laundry, and NOT use the dryer - We recently bought a new umbrella type clothes dryer (our first one broke), and we've been using it daily if the weather doesn't look like rain.
Use our air conditioner LESS or not at all - This is another obvious electricity saver. We started running more fans in the house...so far it's working. We have only been putting on the air when we are desperate! lol More home cooling tips here.

There are other cool alternatives that can be done... go to the library (we've done this). Enjoy their air conditioned space, and it doesn't cost a thing to bring some good books home! Go to an indoor shopping mall - careful you'll be tempted to buy stuff (especially if you have kids with you), so you probably won't be saving any money doing this. Go to Costco and stand in their large refrigerated section. It almost feels like a freezer though. I joke about doing this, and we've never done this just to cool down, but it sounds like fun. Oh..but it's another tempting "shopping" situation....remember..we're trying to save not spend!

Buy take-out less! - I believe our family is getting better at this. Planning is definitely the key here. Knowing what you are going to make ahead of time, making sure you have the ingredients on hand and your meat thawed, makes it less tempting to say, "Let's order pizza!"
Stay focused when shopping - Buy what you need, not what you want! Better yet, stay away from the mall and those SALES period, unless you have to get a gift (why not make a gift instead?) You may think you are saving when there is a SALE,...but you are still spending! I also try not to browse online or watch QVC - too tempting!
Use coupons when possible - You can get coupons online and/or from the Sunday's newspaper. I'm still new at this. I currently don't subscribe to the Sunday paper (because I believe our family just gets tempted from all the sales ads) so my mom passes the coupons to me from her paper. I just clip the coupons for the products that I normally use and keep them in a ziploc baggie in my purse. I only use the coupons on the products if they are ON SALE at the store. So that's double savings! The experienced Money Saving Mom has really great advice and ideas on couponing.
Saving more energy -We don't have a newer refrigerator with a water dispenser on the door, so my large family has been taking chilled water from our Pur water pitcher from the fridge. Well... opening and closing the fridge door wastes LOTS of energy, and the pitcher runs out of water frequently so we are constantly refilling it. To save time and ENERGY costs, we purchased a 3 quart water jug from Walmart. Filled with iced water, it sits on our kitchen counter for easy dispensing for thirsty family members. I REALLY should have done this sooner! My mom use to do this...so I SHOULD have known!
Well, better late than never.

Hopefully these little things we are doing, will pay off. I'll know when the next electric bill comes in. What are you all doing to cut back costs? Please share!

Nintendo Wii GIVEAWAY!

2008-07-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, WHO would love a brand NEW Nintendo Wii game system?!
Well - check out To Think Is To Create who's giving away one for FREE!

Go here to enter before July 16.
Sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older as of 07-Jul-2008.

Supercook to the Rescue!

2008-07-02T03:05:00.000-07:00

This is not your ordinary "Super Hero"... but to me it's definitely a hero in my kitchen! Have you ever wondered, "What should I make for dinner?" You have ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator/freezer...but don't know what to throw together?

Check out Supercook.com, a recipe search engine that helps find thousands of recipes you can make right now with the ingredients you have available at home. Supercook returns recipes you can actually make right now with the ingredients you have. It even tells you exactly how many recipes you can make, broken down into 'Starters', 'Entrees' and 'Dessert' categories. With Supercook, finding a great recipe is no longer a hassle, simply put in all the ingredients you have at home and Supercook will instantly provide you with hundreds of recipes that are all within your reach. If a recipe requires ingredients you do not have, Supercook takes the guesswork out by clearly listing the additional ingredients you will need. This eliminates wasted time spent browsing through recipes to determine whether or not a recipe is right for you.

I used the website last night, and prepared a new dish for my family, and they loved it! What I love is that I didn't have to go out to buy any ingredients! I just typed in some ingredients that I had on hand and 12 recipes that I could make popped up on the website! I chose one that was simple and had great reviews..... Beef Mushroom Spaghetti. I definitely will be visiting Supercook.com again soon!

More FREE Coffee!

2008-06-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Sign up now to receive a free sample from Folgers Gourmet Selections!
Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Available to U.S. Residents only. Limit one sample per location.

More FREE samples:

Purex Ultra Concentrate

Alaway Eye Drops and $5 coupon

Ob tampons

NicoDerm CQ and $7 coupon

Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants

Color Me Hawaii Giveaway

2008-06-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

Keiki Gift Ideas is giving away a FREE copy of Sir Newton’s Color Me Hawai’i! Here is part of her review:

This book includes a little bit of Hawai’i’s history, language, animals, plants and more. After each exploration session is an activity idea suggesting places you can visit to learn more about what you have just read. Puzzles, games and coloring activities are included as activity lessons and “fact bubbles” identify intriguing information.

To enter, please visit her site here and post a comment telling what you like most about living or visiting Hawai’i. A random winner will be selected and announced on June 30, 2008. U.S.A. addresses only.

FREE Samples!

2008-06-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

Almost everyday this week I have received a FREE Sample in the mail! My husband calls me the "Sample Lady". Ha ha! He likes to tease...but I know he enjoyed his free Starbucks coffee sample...and we also just got a free Dunkin Donuts coffee sample yesterday!

Here are a few more for you to enjoy:

FREE sample of Multigrain Cheerios!

Free sample of Nutritioniste Skin Renew

Free sample of Playtex Personal Cleansing Cloths

Free sample of Pup-Peroni® dog snacks

Chuck E. Cheese SAVINGS

2008-06-18T03:54:00.000-07:00

Today we'll be taking our two younger girls to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate their 7th and 4th birthdays. We didn't book a "party", but we are having a few of their friends coming to meet us there to surprise the birthday girls! =)

Our family doesn't go to Chuck E. Cheese that often, but when we do, I always like to have one of their coupons on hand to get more bang for my buck. I normally would get their coupons from the Sunday paper, but this time I had recently went to http://www.chuckecheese.com/ and registered the girls for the Chuck E-club.

What is so awesome is that about a week before their birthday, I received an email from the Chuck E-club to print out a coupon for 20 FREE tokens for the each of the birthday girls! Wow - that's 2o FREE games, or $5 in FREE fun for each of them! Love it! If your children love to go to CEC, joining the Chuck E-club is definitely a good thing!

You can also print out food coupons from the website. These coupons were a much BETTER deal than the ones I got from the Sunday paper inserts! And each coupon DOESN'T say that I have to use one coupon per family. So, since we have 3 other families meeting us, I will be using 4 coupons. With those coupons I'll get 3 LARGE pizzas, 12 drinks. and 340 tokens all for about $120.. plus I'll have the 40 free tokens for the birthday girls. I think that's a pretty good deal!

Food and tokens for the kids....that equals FUN! Plus, I don't have to clean up after or purchase goodie bags for each child (they'll get prizes by redeeming their tickets from playing games). Hope they all have a great time!

FREE Steak Dinner for GRADS!

2008-06-08T03:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to FreeMealsandMore for this great link! Through the month of June, 2008 graduates receive a FREE complete steak dinner with the purchase of 3 regular priced entrees at any Black Angus or Cattle Company Steakhouse.

Check it out here!

FREE Krispy Kreme Doughnut TODAY!

2008-06-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

I LOVE doughnuts!! I found this great information on Money Saving Mom that for today only (June 6) Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut of your choice! Please contact your local store to see if they are participating.

And if you sign-up with Friends of Krispy Kreme you will get a coupon by email for a free doughnut! Mmm-mmmm!

Planning a Hawaii Vacation?

2008-05-30T04:27:00.001-07:00

ALOHA! Are you planning to visit the islands soon? Be sure to get your get your FREE Hawaii Visitors Guide from GoHawaii.com! While you are at the website, be sure to click on History and Travel Tips, as well as register to create your own Hawaii Planner.

Another great site to check out is Go Visit Hawaii- a source for unbiased Hawaii vacation advice, news, and reviews.

The LA Times Daily Travel & Deal Blog also features a great post about saving while you are here on vacation.

More Hawaii travel tips:

Hawaii Vacation Blog

Another "Hawaii Vacation Blog"

FREE Coffee sample!

2008-05-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

Sign up now to receive a FREE sample from Folgers Gourmet Selections. No purchase necessary. One(1) sample of Lively Columbian per address. Beginning in April through June 30th while supplies last.

More FREEBIES:

Free Sample of Clean & Clear Absorbing Sheets

Free Sample of Gillette Body Wash

Free Sample of Sweat Block

Free Sample of Aquaphor Healing Ointment

FREE $5 Target Gift Card!

2008-05-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

I've been contacted by Lilaguide.com, a popular parent website, to start up an online group...similar to a Yahoo group. What's cool is that the first 10 people that join my group will be sent a $5 Target gift card from Lilaguide.com!

Visit the group link here. You have to register for a username first. After you register, you can then join my group. As a registered user on Lilaguide.com you can also submit online review of local stores or children products, and when you submit 10 reviews...you'll get another $5 Target gift card! I did my 10 reviews, and I then got an email that my gift card is on it's way! Woo hoo!

Go and register for a user name and join Hawaii Bargain Moms.

Here's the group description: A group for moms living in Hawaii that are watching their wallets and looking for (and can share about) great deals on.... grocery shopping, dining out, entertainment, childrens activities, etc. If you'll be visiting the islands soon and would like to know how to save in Hawaii, you may join us too!

I have 2 other groups that I also started if you're interested:

Work from Home Opportunities for Moms and Christian Homeschooling Moms

Hope you'll join us!

Handmade is best!

2008-05-27T02:24:00.000-07:00

Need a gift for someone that seems to already have everything? Why not give a gift from the heart and create it yourself! I know I appreciate handmade gifts! I'm a craft supply junkie so this year I will try to stay away from the craft stores and make gifts using what I already have. I also have my children jump in and help me, especially if it's a gift for their grandparents. Here's a great site with lots of craft ideas that children can help you with. http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/

The Simple Dollar also says that Gifts That Matter Don't Come From Walmart.

If you're a scrapbook lover, I know you have tons of paper lying around (like me!)! =) Paper Crafts also has wonderful ideas!

Okay... so if you are not crafty, but you want to give something that is unique and handmade, check out Keiki Gift Ideas. Offering whimsical and fun gifts for children (keiki) and adults too. These gifts are wonderful all year round.

Visit her blog here where there is currently great markdowns being featured!

Do you give out handmade gifts? I'd love to hear what your favorites are!

Cooling Down the House

2008-05-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

It's getting warmer here in the islands (and humid!), and I find myself turning on the A/C when those wonderful trade winds seem to disappear. That of course sends my electric bill sky rocketing! Here is a great article from The Dollar Stretcher with tips about keeping it COOL.

More home cooling articles:

Hometips.com

The Frugal Life

MSN Money Central

What do you do to keep you and your home cool during the summer?

FREE Yoplait Kids Yogurt!

2008-05-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

Fill out this easy form and receive a coupon for a FREE pack Yoplait kids yogurt!
One coupon per mailing address.

More Freebies:

Free Snuggle Fresh Release Sample

Free 20oz Smoothie with the purchase of Smoothie King Gladiator Meal Replacement

(sorry no Hawaii location)

Free Playtex® Gentle Glide® Slender Applicator Sample

Our Blog's new Header!

2008-05-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

I love giveaways, and I enter a few here and there when the opportunity arises. Well, the other week I visited Handprints on the Wall, and they happened to be doing a giveaway for a new blog header by Sashwhy's Studio.

"Hmm... I could use a new blog header!" I thought. So I entered my comment, and I was one of the 5 chosen winners! Woo hoo! Sashwhy did a fantastic job!

How do you like our new header? I'd love to hear what you think!

Thanks again Sashwhy!

Kids eat FREE!

2008-05-14T02:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my oldest daughter's 13th birthday, and to celebrate, the whole family went out to eat. She requested Gyotaku in Pearl City, which I don't mind at all for 2 reasons. I LOVE Japanese food, and kids eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays! One free keiki (child) meal per adult entre. What's also great is there meal comes complete with a soft drink and a dessert! See Gyotaku's kids menu here.

I know there are more restaurants in Hawaii that kids can eat FREE on certain days, but I can't think of any at the moment. Please leave a comment if you know of any! I'd love to hear about it!

Follow up on 5/15: I also found that Tony Roma's offer FREE meals for kids (for each adult entre ordered) every Tuesday.

My FREEBIES are slowly arriving!

2008-05-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

I'm finally starting to see my freebies arriving in the mailbox. Today I got my free Huggies diaper sample from Walmart. Got a size 1...and just in time too because my baby is just about ready for size 2! He's growing SO fast! =)

I did get my free Fiber One sample a couple of weeks ago....well not really. The box arrived..but there was no sample in it...just a coupon. One side of the box did look like it was possibly opened. My 6 year old said, "Maybe the mailman got hungry!" LOL

Here are some new freebies to check out:

FREE sample of Benefiber

FREE sample of "Don't Bite Me Bug Patch"

FREE sample of Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Clear Scrub

Borders Coupon - 30% off!

2008-05-10T03:23:00.000-07:00

If you are a Borders Rewards member, there is a coupon for
30% Off the List Price of One Item with Purchase of $10 or More.

Valid until 5/11

Find it here!

If you aren't a Borders Rewards member, go to your nearest store to request a membership card. Then go here to register your card online. As a member you will get:

$5 in Borders Bucks for every $150 of qualifying purchases.
Great coupons and exclusive in-store offers in your inbox weekly.
Additional savings on the brands you love with Borders Perks.

Homeschool Freebies!

2008-05-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of more Unit Studies compliments of Terri Johnson of Knowledge Quest, Inc.

New Zealand Unit Study

Scotland Unit Study

The Schoolhouse Store of the Old Schoolhouse Magazine is also giving away a FREE E-Book:

Happy Handwriting – Theme Tablet by Barker Creek. Get it here now.

"No Say Dat!"

2008-05-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

How many times have you told your keiki, "Hey! No Say Dat!"? Well now, a local stay-at-home mom has creatively made a game from these infamous words and it is now available to you, your friends and family to play at potlucks, parties and home. "NO SAY DAT!" is a team game in which players get points for guessing places, people, events, or terms without saying the "Zzzz" words. You get 4 games in one and various editions to choose from including the money saving power point and PDF editions.

“No Say Dat!” games are for everyone on your gift list:

Kamaaina moving to the mainland – Local or Hana Hou edition

Graduating seniors – Local edition

Kids on summer break – Keiki/Visitor edition

High school and college students studying for exams – NSD template to create a fun way to study

“No Say Dat!” games are unique, nostalgic gifts that are simple and play-anywhere fun.

After purchasing a game and writing a review on the Local Kine Games forum, you can get $5 off your next game!

Visit Local Kine Games for more information.
----------------------------------------------
A member of the Hawaii WAHMs team.
http://hawaiiwahms.info/

Free Meals and More....

2008-05-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a cool website to check out! Basically it's an online source for restaurant (and more) freebie deals that members nationwide can have access to. You can then print coupons out at your own convenience. Here is what the website states:

FREEMEALSANDMORE.com is here for both the business owner and the consumer. We have our goals set high to become THE ultimate supplier of FREE advertising for businesses across the country as well as THE ultimate resource for consumers to find the greatest offers of discounted and "FREE" dining, entertainment, products and services.

WE DO NOT SELL COUPONS
We do NOT sell coupons, but we do locate, publish and solicit new coupons for you. When you subscribe, you are receiving exclusive access to areas of this website that allow you to view and print coupons right from your computer.

EXCLUSIVE DISCUSSIONS ON SAVING MONEY
As a subscriber, you will also have exclusive access to read and contribute to special forums with topics that focus on saving money when dining out.

WE FIND THE DEALS SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO
FREEMEALSANDMORE.COM has partnered with restaurants, local businesses, coupon vendors, and other discount brokers to compile the best offers available to our subscribers. We want you to know that many of our sources are available to the general public with a little effort. However, as a subscriber, you don't have to search for anything. Simply login to, choose your state, select your offer and PRINT!

WHERE ARE WE?
FREEMEALSANDMORE.COM will eventually serve every state in the US. For now, click on "ACTIVE STATES' to see where we currently have offers available.

WHAT'S IT COST TO JOIN?
Our normal subscription rate is ONLY $1.50 / month or $12.00 / year paid in advance. But of course, we are currently running a GRAND OPENING special. If you join right now, you can get in for ONLY $1.00 / month or $6.00 / year paid in advance. This is truly an UNBELIEVABLE value.

Join today by clicking here.

FREE Playtex Drop-Ins Original Nurser System

2008-05-06T03:56:00.000-07:00

Playtex Baby is offering a free Playtex® Drop-Ins® Original Nurser System! Get it here.

More FREEBIES!:

Free sample of Crystal Light, Kool-Aid and Country Time On The Go Drink Mixes

Free sample from GoodNites® Underpants

Free sample from Ban® antiperspirant-deodorant

Free sample of ACTIV-FLEX Lightweight Cohesive Tape

Free Digilakes Blank DVD+R

Hamburger Vegetable Alphabet Stew

2008-05-02T03:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, this has got to be the most easiest recipe that my mom had taught me, and I've been using it ever since I got married 17 years ago! I still make it atleast once a month...in fact I just made it last night!

It only calls for 3 ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 can tomato soup

1 can vegetable soup

Directions: Brown ground beef and drain oil. Add soups and about 1 can of water. Heat to bubbling...then enjoy with rice and/or bread! Easy!

Recipe can be easily doubled/tripled. I also add chopped onion and one pressed garlic clove if I have them on hand. Adding some frozen mixed veggies wouldn't hurt either!

You can find more easy Campbell Soup recipes at http://www.campbellkitchen.com/

I Scream, You Scream....

2008-04-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

We all scream for ICE CREAM!

YAY! Get ready Ice Cream lovers because today and tomorrow you can "scoop" up these bargains!

Ben and Jerry's are giving out FREE cones today! Click here to find a scoop shop near you!

for tomorrow....April 30th....

In honor of America's firefighters, participating Baskin-Robbins will be serving small cones for only 31 cents! Wow, what a deal! When I worked for B&R in highschool (yikes - 22 years ago!), I think the price for small cones were only 99 cents.
So be sure to take your entire family and enjoy!

PET Freebies!

2008-04-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't LOVE their pets! Check out these free offers!

Free Greenie sample here!

Yarrah Organic Pet Food

Yappy Treats

The Pet Pantry

Safe-Guard dewormer

More Freebies!

2008-04-29T03:34:00.000-07:00

Aquafresh Advanced Whitening

Get a FREE sample here!

Even MORE freebies:

Sensodyne Toothpaste

Garnier UltraLift Pro-X

Economic Stimulus Payment Schedule

2008-04-27T03:47:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to your stimulus check from the IRS? Here is the payment schedule from the irs.gov website. I'm glad I used direct deposit!

What are my plans with our stimulus check? Probably put it in our savings (still trying to build that emergency fund)...or maybe purchase some household appliances that are in need of an update...such as our water heater, oven and/or refrigerator!

What will you be using your stimulus payment for?? Please leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed by April 15

Economic stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. People who use direct deposit also will be among the first to receive the payments starting April 28. The first cycle of paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and continuing through May 16.

DIRECT DEPOSIT
Last two SSN digits: Payment will be transmitted by:
00 through 20 May 2
21 through 75 May 9
76 through 99 May 16

PAPER CHECK
Last two SSN digits: Payments will be mailed by:
00 through 09 May 16
10 through 18 May 23
19 through 25 May 30
26 through 38 June 6
39 through 51 June 13
52 through 63 June 20
64 through 75 June 27
76 through 87 July 4
88 through 99 July 11

People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably about two weeks later than the schedule shows. A return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year. See the online calculator for an estimate of the amount you will receive.

A small percentage of tax returns will require additional time to process and to compute a stimulus payment amount. For these returns, stimulus payments may not be issued in accordance with the schedule above, even if the tax return was processed by April 15.

Keep or Toss? Facts for your Financial Records

2008-04-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

This is some great info I got from http://www.teachmagazine.net/ Go and check out their website, especially if you homeschool! Wonderful information and inspiring articles!

Financial Records: Keep them or toss them?

Are the files by your desk brimming with papers that you may or may not need? How long should you keep a pay stub? What about tax forms? Do you need to keep copies of old bills? Receipts? Check out this handy chart for a guideline on how long you should keep various kinds of financial records. Go see it here.

Free sample of DUNKIN DONUTS® coffee

2008-04-25T03:17:00.000-07:00

Click above to get your free sample!

More free samples below....

Free sample of Coffee Mate®

Free sample of NutraSweet® sweetner

Free REACH® ACCESS™ FLOSSER sample pack

Book Giveaway from HawaiiWAHMS

2008-04-25T02:48:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice to say, "I Love My Life!" because you are truly satisfied with what you are doing and what you have accomplished? Kristie Tamsevicius, author of "I Love My Life!", is a popular speaker, consultant, writer, web designer, entrepreneur, work-at-home mom and the founder of WebMomz.com, an online portal for work at home parents. In her book, "I Love My Life!", Kristie shares her strategies on how to start a successful home business and coaches you through each step. She also provides you with a huge list of resources so you can do your own research and network with other home business owners.

HawaiiWAHMS is giving this book away for FREE!
Check it out here to enter today!

QUICK Hamburger Curry

2008-04-24T18:42:00.001-07:00

I'm proud to say that I've been doing pretty good at meal planning again this week! Yes, hubby is away again.... I have no one to tell "pick up dinner on the way home", or no one saying, "Let's just buy take out". lol

I'm making Hamburger Curry tonight for me and the kids. Here is the quick and easy way I do it.

Ingredients: 1 lb. Ground beef, 1 small bag Frozen Mixed Veggies, and 1 box S&B Curry Sauce Mix (House brand is good too!)

Directions:
Just brown the ground beef, drain.
Add 2 - 3 cups of water, bring to a boil.
Add frozen veggies, bring back to a boil.
Add curry mix, break up blocks.
Stir until blocks are desolved.
Turn down heat.
Cover and simmer for atleast 10 minutes.

Enjoy with rice....YUM!

This recipe can be easily changed by using fresh vegetables, using chopped up boneless chicken, etc. I have a larger family, so I usually double this recipe.

Have any EASY RECIPES to share? Tell me about it!

My first EBATE purchase!

2008-04-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

How exciting! I now have $16.48 in my Ebates CASH BACK account, and I should be receiving my first check in the later part of August!

I got $5 for joining, and bonus $5 for making my first purchase, and $6.48 as a rebate from Magazines.com! If you'd like to get in on the cash back fun from Ebates, click here!

Are you a magazine junkie?

2008-04-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

I love magazines! Especially if it pertains to my interests such as parenting, family, food, and crafts! After shopping at Walmart, I almost always stop at the magazine rack before checking out to see if there is anything that interests me. Even with Walmart's 10% off the cover price, a magazine issue can cost anywhere from about 3 to 5 dollars! Whoa! That's a chunk of change! But I'm a sucker for a new, unwrinkled mag that catches my attention! Ha ha! Anyway, I take the issue home, and all these postcards start falling out as I read it...and of course...WOW, it's much cheaper just to subscribe to it than to purchase it individually!

BUT WAIT! There's even a BETTER choice! Remember I mentioned Ebates? Well register for Ebates (which is totally free!) then head to Magazines.com to place your order and get a whopping 26% cash back from Ebates! How cool is that! And for a limited time get an additonal $5 off selected magazine subcriptions too! SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

FREE Homeschool South Africa Unit Study

2008-04-18T02:31:00.000-07:00

Home Educators: Need a change from the everyday workbooks? Get the whole family learning together with a Unit Study! Terri Johnson of Knowledge Quest Maps has created a unit study on South Africa, and it's FREE!

Click here to check it out now!

FREE Icy Hot Sample & more

2008-04-15T04:37:00.000-07:00

Here's something my hubby needs for his achy back! Click here to get your FREE Icy Hot sample!

More FREE samples below!

Maybelline Mineral Liquid foundation

John Frieda Frizz-Ease

Airborne Power Pixies

Kashi Mountain Medley granola
A free single-serving sample!

Cashback anyone??

2008-04-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to tell you about Ebates, a shopping site that gives you up to 25% Cash Back every time you shop online. You can shop at over 900 stores including Barnes & Noble.com, Gap, Target, Buy.com and Expedia. Plus you get additional savings with exclusive coupons, free shipping offers, and limited-time sales!
Sign up with Ebates today and we'll each get a $5 bonus when you make your first purchase!

Click here to sign up!

Carter's Beary Big Sale

2008-04-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

I went to Carter's yesterday at the Waikele Premium Outlets to shop at the Beary Big Sale. Selected items were marked down 50 - 70% off. I also had a coupon for $10 off with a $50 purchase. I really cave in when I find great mark downs, so I need to control myself....ugh..which is so hard to do when I'm looking at these CUTE baby stuff! lol My intent was to stop at the $50 mark, but I went over. I spent $73 after the coupon, but I did leave with a lot of items, including 3 baby gifts that I need to give out over the next 2 months....so that's not too bad. I got some sleepers and outfits that my baby needs at the 3 month size. He's growing out of his newborn ones, and I made sure that I checked what I already had from gifts and hand-me-downs, so I only purchase what I needed.

The $10 coupon I used was one I got via email. To start receiving coupons from Carter's go to http://www.carters.com/ to sign up.

2008 Entertainment Books ONLY $15!!

2008-04-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

This is a great deal! I bought this book just a couple of months ago for a whopping $35! The 2008 Entertainment Books are FULL of coupons and SAVINGS, and each book is now only $15 with FREE shipping!
Click HERE to go and order yours today!

Hurry SALE ends on April 30th!

Free Olan Mills Portrait Package (for new babies 3 months & under)

2008-04-12T03:42:00.000-07:00

Having a new baby just 2 months ago, I end up receiving all kinds of offers and coupons via email and snail mail. Here is one I just received a few days ago.
Olan Mills is offering a FREE portrait package for new babies that are 3 months and younger.

I think I might call and make an appointment.
Hopefully I'll try to resist making any additional purchases!

Click HERE to find an Olan Mills Portrait Studio near you!

FREE Dove Body Lotion Sample

2008-04-12T03:25:00.000-07:00

Here's another great FREE sample for dry skin!

Dove Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion for extra dry skin.

Hurry, while supplies last!

Homeschool Freebies!

2008-04-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about homeschooling, or perhaps want to try a new homeschool product, checkout The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Freebie Directory!

Over 40 FREE gifts and no purchase necessary!

Freebie Friday!

2008-04-11T03:47:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! What do I love more than a discount....FREE!
Can't get better than that! lol

Get a free HUGGIES Supreme and Natural Fit Diaper sample! Click here to get it!

Dry skin? Get a FREE sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Lotion here!

Free FIBER ONE Cereal sample... get it here!

Shoyu Chicken in a Flash!

2008-04-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

My husband has been a way on a business trip for the past week, so meal planning was necessary so that I didn't have to make last minute trips to the market. Meal planning...it's something I should do ALL the time....I do get awfully lazy, and that's bad because we end of spending money on take out!

One of my favorite kitchen appliances is an electric digital pressure cooker that I bought from QVC a couple of years ago. I don't utilize it as much as I should, but I did use it last night! I just threw the following in it:

Chicken thighs and drumsticks (they were still half frozen) - 12 total
1/2 can of chicken stock
and about a 1/2 cup of Korean Style BBQ Sauce (from Costco)

....locked the lid and set the cooker's digital timer for 30 minutes on HIGH.

WOW! Served it with rice and mixed veggies....It was really good! I even got compliments from the kids! =)

Any type of teriyaki sauce would work. The chicken I used had bones...but I've also used boneless before. If using boneless chicken, just shorten the cook time. Not bad for a super easy recipe using only 3 ingredients!

Anyone else like to share an easy recipe using a pressure cooker and 5 or less ingredients?? I'd love to hear about it!