Couponizer & Giveaway

Welcome to this week's Works for Me Wednesday... Kristen over {We are THAT Family} is super awesome and I hope you head back over there for more things that work for others, but in the meantime... I introduce you to the..................

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a blog called {My Frugal Adventures} where I found an amazing deal on something I definitely could use. I then ventured a bit into her blog and discovered that there was this world whesre I could have been saving THOUSANDS of dollars in the past 9 years since I left my mother's nest.


I could go on and on about coupons, but I won't. If you're interested in saving tons and tons of money head over to My Frugal Adventures. It's a GREAT starting point!!


This review is all about the handy, dandy Couponizer that {Queen Mother Blog} introduced and SOLD to me!!! That's right people, if you don't win this giveaway I am going to highly suggest that you get in contact with her and order yours... the system ROCKS!  I'm doing this review IN PICTURES!  This way you will get to see exactly what you'd be getting.

You get your Shopping List!!  Once you write your items on your list you there is a check box that says Coupon, so if you have a coupon for that item you can check it

If you are a smart cookie, you will already have the above picture done before you walk into that store, and then you'll have your coupons already in the pocket on the left below.... and then as you find your item you grab that coupon and put over in the pocket on the right.

So after you wrestle w/your children and fight your way to the checkout line, you finally have all of your rewards cards in ONE PLACE!!!!  Exciting... I know.  There's also a handy pocket that says Coupons that will expire this month.... definitely something nice to know.

There are a handful of catagories to store your coupons in..... Including: Baby, Baking & Staples, Beverages, Bread & Bakery, Breakfast, Canned Goods, Condiments, Dressings, & Spices, Dairy, Frozen Foods, Healthy & Medicine, Household Celaning, Household Maintenance, Laundry, Meat, Paper & Plastic, Pasta & Quick Meals, Personal Hygiene & Beauty, Pet, Snacks, Entertainment & Travel, Fast Food & Restaurant, Services, Shops & Retail, Sweepstakes, Refunds, & Rebates, Rewards..... and under each catagory it gives you examples.  I LOVE these pockets and feel completely organized w/my coupons.

After you check out you put your receipt in the handy receipt coupon and IMMEDIATELY when you get home you go over to your Coupon Tracker pad and update your shopping trip.  You can see here that with 2 shopping trips since I've had my couponizer I have saved a total of $113.92 with searching for deals going on at stores and using a coupon .  I am so satisfied with my results!

So are you ready for the awesomeness of this entire review?  

 Not only did you learn that you can save money and be organzied while doing so, but you have the chance to win one yourself!!!!  How you ask?  Well let me just break it down for ya....

Simply leave a comment for an entry!


Want more than just one entry for this cool tool?  I don't blame you... here's how you can get them:


1)  {Subscribe} or follow my blog


2) Follow me on {Twitter}


3) Tweet about this giveaway (you can do this once a day and get an extra entry for every tweet you send)


4) Blog about this giveaway and link back here 


For every extra entry you earn be sure to leave an extra comment for each and every single one.  The winner will be chosen on  Monday, September 21, 2009.  The giveaway closes @ 12:01am PST on 9/21/09.

Also being submitted for Things I Love Thursday over at {Diaper Diaries}

Friday Favorites/ALOHA! ~ Reviews on Blogs?

MY FRIDAY FAVORITES ~ **if you're here for Aloha Friday and don't care about my favs of the week scroll on down**


What a week! Actually, it was pretty uneventful for me. Jayden started 2nd Grade.... that gets its own post in its own, but the same day he also started soccer.


Ella has officially started her terrible 2 tantrums today. I in no way paid any mind to them and completely ignored them... hopefully she gets the hint that a) she won't get her way and b) she'll get no attention from it.


My son actually brought me a shook up soda... I can't believe he actually did this.  


HUGE accomplishment for us.... Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (and unfortunately we missed tonight) we had family scripture reading. I'm trying really hard on structurizing my evenings in this house from the time Jayden gets out of school to the time they go to bed. The past 2 nights are complete successes on both kids in bed by 9pm! Jayden hasn't even been getting up to sneak down for water. I need this time. Gino and I need this time too. It's nice that when he gets home from work it will just be us.... no kids!


I've talked about Katie and Ryan on my blog, and I just wanted to say that it sounds like she's getting better every day, however, I know her heart is still aching for the loss of her husband. Please keep her and everyone who was touched by Ryan in your prayers for the healing of their hearts.


My friend Anne started a great new blog w/her friend. They post posts that moms and housewives can really use in their daily lives. Delicious recipes, sewing patterns, tips that we can all use. It's called {A Place to Bloom} they chose such a beautiful name for it! It's definitely worth the checking out!!


This week I discovered that I have been losing out on THOUSANDS of dollars. I have never been the bargain shopper, never paid any mind to coupons, and I'm actually sickened by it. {My Frugal Adventures} turned me on to this new adventure in my life and I am now proud to say that I AM A COUPON JUNKIE! And I'm PROUD OF IT!
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OKAY! Now for {Aloha Friday}!


How do you go about doing reviews on your blog? This is something I really interested in doing, but don't know how to start. This is something I definitely want to get into. I have done reviews for people I know... never really just a random person.

Things I LOVE Thursday - My HP and my HP LOVES ME!

In the mornings I'm ripped open and immediately tapped on vigorously.  I have been told dirty little secrets that are being typed into social networks, and I don't even get a chance to say the things that I want to say... it's only what my user wants to say.  Oh boy, the things that twitter would love to hear if I had a chance to voice it.  I would tell Twitter about how glorious it feels to be an HP laptop.  Forget all of those others, I have a special touch to the tap of my keys.  I can remember anything you tell me and secure that it won't be let out for the world to hear, because you know other laptops like to talk!

The day in the life of me is pretty awesome though, I must admit.  I'm lucky to have found an owner that loves me from the depths of her soul, like I love her from the depths of my hard drive.  You know you're jealous and wish you had a computer that felt that way back to you.  Even though I can't spill the beans of all of the vital information typed into my drive, I feel so giddy at the fact that I hold all of this inside... just for her.

I'm still young, I'm not even a year old, but I know that I'll uphold every expectation that has been put upon me, because that's what an HP computer does.  You know what's even better about an HP?  They have deals... deals I'm here to reveal.

$30.00 off orders $150 or greater at HP Home Store. Use coupon code SV2132

**Valid through 10/31 or while supplies last. Restrictions and exclusions apply.


For other things that people LOVE go to {Diaper Diaries}

I found what sleeping in heaven will be like

Last night my husband and I climbed into our bed and both sat completely speechless. It took everything out of me to turn my head towards him and ask.... are you in heaven too?

While I was at Costco yesterday I found that in the coupon book the one thing I've had my eye on lately was $30.00 off.... YES! I've been wanting to get a new mattress, because frankly, mine sucks. I wake up some days with my shoulders and back hurting and complaining to everyone. Frankly, I think they're all sick of it.

So I've solved my problem... I didn't have to spend hundreds on a new mattress and have probably the most comfortable bed I've ever been on IN MY LIFE! All it is is a 3 inch memory foam mattress topper. And if you hurry you can get yours for up to $30.00 off (depending on size) at Costco until Sunday, 8/2/09!

It feels like the mattress perfectly forms around your body, which it totally does.... it's the most amazing, indescribable feeling I've ever felt. I can't

This morning my little Jayden man came into my room got on my bed and came running downstairs yelling, "MOM! Your new mattress is AWESOME!" I cannot wait to go to bed tonight ~ and I'm sad that I'm going on a vacation and will be without it for like 10 days.

You can read other things that people love at {Diaper Diaries}!!

I tasted heaven... then had to bathe Ella

It's Wednesday!!!! {Kristen} is hosting the weekly Works for Me Wednesday... head over there for more great tips.

I normally try to share an actual "tip" that will help other mom/houswives out, but today I'm probably going to discourage a lot of people that are dieting.... and I'm SO sorry for that. I too should most definitely not be eating ANYTHING like this, but O.M.G! WOW! Tonight I found a little taste of heaven.

If you've never had Cold Stone ice cream ~ it's DELICIOUS! I've always loved it, and love how I can create whatever, well.... they created something even more spectacular! Ice cream cupcakes. Oh, let me tell you.... THEY DEFINITELY work for this mama! They worked for me and my entire family..... and as you can see, especially for my daughter, Ella. Yes, I had to give her 2 baths! It's okay.... she had a ball bathing herself in cake and ice cream.

So, let me tell you a little bit about this delish dish! They come in a six pack of assorted flavors and they all come in a chocolate hard shell (mmmmmm!!!!). The one I had went a lil' like this..... a Belgian Chocolate Cup, then Red Velvet Cake, Cake Batter Ice Cream, Pink Frosting and Rainbow sprinkles..... here's a picture for you mouth to water over.

So I'm in love. It's going to be a dangerous thing for my figure, but I LOVE IT! And luckily my birthday is Friday and I get to eat them again!

Sorry if you're grabbing your keys, ditching your diet and heading to Cold Stone right now, but I promise you'll thank me once you sink your teeth into this HEAVEN!

OKAY!!! Now that I've shared what works for me, I want to share one more thing! If you're like me you are missing out on one of the BIGGEST blogger events this week. I'm pretty bummed, especially since my birthday is on one of the Blogher Conference days. So, I'm hosting a {Happy BlogNerd BASH}! I hope you'll join me. It's being launched on 7/23/09 and going through 7/25/09. There will be giveaways and link ups and lots of fun!! So, either follow me on {Twitter}, or Subscribe to my {RSS Feed} so you don't miss out! You can also grab the BlogNerd button on my sidebar to help spread the word!!

COOKIE POPS - GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT

My newest, delicious, most favorite thing in the entire world is {COOKIE POPS}. I am lucky enough to have the creator of these heavenly things not even a mile from my house.

I have no idea how they did it, but Aaron & Eunice have created something that is MAGICAL. These are a great treat to order for any baby shower, wedding, birthday party, tea party, whatever party! Just order them and watch everyone's face just lavish in the scrumptiousness of MAGIC.

My personal favorites are the Chocolate Peanut Butter (OMGOODNESS HEAVEN!) and the Chocolate Covered Strawberry.

If you want a party in your tummy {so yummy so yummy} then make sure that you join me on Monday, July 13, 2009 for the launch of my new carnival {Just a Motivating Monday}. We are having a giveaway party for the launch and this is the first giveaway I'm announcing!! The giveaway will have multiple winners, multiple prizes with multiple ways to enter!!!!

Made With Love is giving one of my readers a bouquet of cookie pops!!!! To see the different flavors and other things that Made for Love offers check out their site!! {HERE}

To receive reminders about the carnival you can subscribe to my RSS Feed {HERE}

OR you can follow me on {TWITTER}

Hope to see you joining me with my new carnival to inspire everyone and get them motivated on Mondays!!!

Things I Love Thursday - Roomba

The Diaper Diaries is an absolutely fabulous blog, and every once in a while I jump on her carnival of Thing I Love Thursday. I don't like to tell people I love something unless I truly love something.

I truly, whole heartedly am head over heels in love with Roomba. Roomba does AMAZING things in this house. My floors are almost always clean. The best is when your kids have spilled gold fish right before bed and then stepped on them and when you wake up..... there gone. And you have this smile on your face, because you didn't have to push around this vacuum whispering profanities to yourself about why in the world you would even think about handing that toddler a cup of goldfish.

Almost a week ago we got a puppy. We've named her Sophie, and I sometimes want to scream, because let's face it.... puppies are HARD! But, my house still has this freshness to it, and I think I owe that to Roomba. No matter what, Roomba comes out and makes life better and easier for me. I've actually really come to love the little guy.... I'm talking about Roomba.

Don't forget to GO HERE for my giveaway. It ends Friday night @ 9:00pm PST. Get you're entries in... and don't forget to read about how to get a double entry.

World with the internet

Yesterday I was at Costco buying a sewing machine and using my phone to go online to make sure I couldn't get it cheaper anywhere else. On our way home I started thinking about how useful the internet is in my life and so many others. There's so much that we can accomplish just by going to Google and searching. You can find a cure for an ear ache or how to sew your own dress.

We used to be confined to our homes and have to use a dial up method to go online, and honestly it was frustrating and not very enjoyable. Luckily, we now live in an age where things have changed. They've changed so much that we can be driving in a car with our laptop and can go right online and do the things we used to be confined to our homes to do.

Most people go to a place where there's WiFi, so they're constantly searching for a signal. Or they have a really expensive internet card from their cell phone provider to get this access. If you live in the Portland, OR area, then you need to check out Clear. They have amazing home and mobile internet plans that will give the same speed as you're already using - at a more expensive price.

Raising Awareness

Alzheimer's Disease is such a heartbreaking disease that seems to take over many people every day. I have not had to deal with this in my family yet, and I hope that I never have to. I've had friends with grandparents that have been diagnosed with this horrible disease and it breaks my heart.

Awareness needs to be made about this and what better way than the Alzheimer's Memory Walk. There are walks in over 600 communities in our nation and finding out if there is one in your area to raise awareness so that we can find a cure for this awful disease.

I personally could not imagine one day having my mom not remember who I am. Can you? Could you imagine looking into your husband or wife's eyes and having them ask you who you are? Like the movie The Notebook ~ how heart breaking.

There is a way to raise awareness, and I hope that you check out the Alzheimer's Memory Walk so that we might prevent ever having to go through this with our loved ones.

Getting Out of Debt is IMPORTANT!

It seems that nowadays in this world of ours we are solely leaning on credit. Credit has taken over so many people's lives, and destroyed families. We learned young, and I'm so thankful that we did.

When I turned 18 my mailbox was flooded with approved credit card applications. I applied for probably every single one of them, and got approved and then went shopping. Unfortunately, Gino also lost his job, so then we lived off of our credit cards. We were a mess! Luckily, we were able to do a Debt consolidation and get our lives back on track.

Since our Debt relief we have found a new way to live, which requires much planning together and sacrifices. Our new motto is if we don't have the cash to buy it, then we can't have it. We actually have made a dream list and work towards the things that we want. We make sure that we budget our bills, our eating out, our groceries, our fun, basically anything we make sure that it's budgeted before we do it, or buy it.

There is a wonderful website that will help you with financial advice and help if you are in need of Debt help. BillIQ is a great website, and it's free. Can't beat that, right? We all love free, especially if we're in a sticky financial situation. If you're over your head they can help you to Consolidate debt , and from personal experience, it's a great way to go.

Another Shocking Science Discovery

Honestly, I really don't know too much about Stem Cell Research and all of what it entails, but I do know that they talk a lot about how it can cure diseases. I have heard that it is a very debatable subject with people, and I'm not too sure as to why, since I don't really have much knowledge on it to begin with.

I have been given an opportunity to talk about something I've never heard of. They're saying that there are vital stem cells that are actually in women's menstrual blood. Gross, I know, but who would've thought that there really was a reason for that fun little monthly visitor that us girls have come to love so much.

I think that I feel fortunate that I live in a time where medicine gets to be smarter and smarter and finding things within our own bodies to cure things going wrong with our bodies is amazing. Something that was always right in front of us that was failed to be seen.

If you're interested in seeing what this is all about you could always go and read Celle Client Testimonial and see how it has worked for others.

I'm a Nerd.... go ahead and laugh at me

Glasses nowadays are getting cuter and cuter!! I love the different frames that are out there. Sometimes I'm kinda sad that I don't have to wear them. I know, I'm a nerd. But sometimes I want to look sophisticated and cute like all those other girls. Maybe I should just buy a pair for play. Yes, I know, nerd.

However, if you need some glasses and are looking for lots of cute, stylish frames, then you should be heading over to zennioptical.com to check out what they have to offer. They deals that start at $8.00! That's hardly anything at all. I especially LOVE these frames right here.

Smell goods in my house

My sister walked into my house this past weekend and one of the first comments she made was how she wished that her house smelt as good as mine. I love to have a home that smells good. I've tried so many different smell goods and most of the time nobody notices, or they smell horrible. Neither thing is a good thing. Then I tried a new product called Renuzit Tri Scents and it transformed my home. It's hard sometimes when you have a baby and diapers and all the lovely smells that babies can make in your home. Sure, they're cute and can smell pretty, but that only goes so far to be honest. Renuzit Tri Scents helps out with covering the smells that you just don't want others smelling. I know, I know, I should just not be lazy and take the diapers out to the dumpster, but come on.... if you know me, you know that ain't happening. They'll go right in the garbage and they'll stay there until my husband decides to take out the garbage.


I first started out by putting it right next to my garbage can and it did amazing things, people. Things I didn't know things could do! Thank you TriScents! Thank you! Next was in my living room and after all the many compliments I put one upstairs and one in my bathroom as well. It makes things smell so delicious! If you head over to http://www.triscents.com, you can print out a coupon and get your home smelling as good as mine does.

These cops need a makeover

Cops. My new favorite people. I talked earlier this week about how wonderful they've been to us ~ I'm happy to say that so far things have been better. Just in case they're one of my fellow googlers out there that google Amanda Garibay for the heck of it, I thought I'd post a little message to them.

I found a great place that gives great deals on police gear. You could even get some free socks if you're in need of some new boots. I know, I wouldn't pass that deal up either. I really want the police department where I live to understand that it really isn't looking good what they're wearing... they could totally be in style if they'd only go check out LA Police Gear. They could even get a new Surefire weapon light since they seem like the type that uses their weapons a lot. I'm just saying.... it could come in handy. That way when they're pulling over people in the middle of the night like they love to do (I know, it's boring here) they have a really great light!

Are you RVing it this summer?

Today I was driving (like always) and I noticed that there were a lot, and I mean A LOT of RVs on the road. Of course, with the summer there are many people taking their vacations and while it baffles me on how they are affording the gas for those RVs, they scare me. I honestly am so scared of the cars they hitch to the back and have this fear of it swaying right into me. I fear this with every car in some way when I drive by it, but especially with these RVs.

I found this website Hensley Arrow Advanced Towing System that has an anti-sway hitch for RVs. What a relief that would be for not only RV drivers, but the drivers on the road with them. It's important for them to feel that everything is under control, and this is an AWESOME way. A cool little added bonus is that it actually is small and lightweight ~ you know what that means, right? Oh yes!!! That means saving on your gas bill. If you're one of those lucky ones out there with your RV you definitely know that you would love a way to save on that hefty gas bill that's racking up. This could just be the answer to all your problems.

Check it out, watch the video they have and make an investment that will make your vacations better!!

Best New Family Site

If you're anything like me right now, you're running around with stressful household and basically, YOU'RE GOING CRAZY!!! First off, if you're looking for ways to have a stress-free home, what the heck are you doing reading MY BLOG??? I'm still trying to figure it out, but I'll tell you what ~ I think that RD.com - Parenting might just have the answers to all of our problems. You gotta love 7 Ways to Create a Happy Household.

I've been searching around on this website all morning and I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of the stuff that RD.com - Family Life has to offer their readers. They have awesome, awesome, awesome ideas for tips on traveling and I'm definitely going to be using their games for the road for any of our road trips we're going to be taking this summer.

This actually might be my new favorite website. It goes beyond family tips and goes on to health, politics, basically everything you're looking for on one, great site! So, stop stressing out and living in a unhappy home and go read some ways that you can change your family's life. Our lives are so short and we all need to be happy, and through inspirational, amazing family stories and family tips that we never thought of ourselves, RD.com will help you get to the happy place in your family that you need.

Baby Fat, Baby Fat - GO AWAY!

For the first 24 years of my life I never had to worry about my weight. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted and I didn't gain a pound. Everybody hated me and now that I look back I even hate me. Ever since I had Ella I have struggled with losing the baby weight.

I'm coming to the realization that I can't eat what I want, when I want anymore. I have to stop drinking soda everyday and replace it with water, and I WANT TO GET RID OF THIS BABY WEIGHT!

I didn't know where to start and now I've found a pretty good place called Naked Nutrition Network. I've been browsing around on their website, and honestly I'm loving it! They have awesome tips on Fat Loss Nutrition and that is EXACTLY what I'm looking for.

They have a section called Mike's Blog and I have spent the majority of my night looking through it and I'm pretty darn pleased with how easy it is to find things on this website, and the amount of information that they have is great! They have some cool info on the Carb Diet that I found interesting, since I was always a little hesitant about this.

You really HAVE to go and check out this site if you're looking for a great site, that has great credibility. Come get rid of those pounds with me!!

Vroom Vroom Vroom

During the day I sometimes find myself getting a little caught up with online games. When you've been working all and your brain needs a break from the endless data entry, or customers blabbing PLAY SLOB'S RACING!!!!! It is the coolest racing game that I've found online ~ and I LOVE racing games. It definitely will get you hooked and speeding throughout your day. These little SLOBS are awesome.

Where would you choose?

I'm just going to go ahead and assume that all of you lurking readers (yes, I see you all non-commenting lurkers ~ I still have love for you though) watched USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight with me today. Right? I'm sure that you really loved it and are anxiously awaiting next episode.

This new show got me thinking about how it might be pretty cool to actually go into the Witness Protection Program. Have you ever thought about just restarting your life and having a fresh start? I guess there really is no better way than to go this route. If I were to ever have to ditch my life and happily sadly get put into the Witness Protection Program, and only if my kids and sexy mexi were allowed to come, I think I'd like to be relocated to Maine. Why you ask? Simple. Look how peaceful this picture is. I don't even have a clue what Maine is like, but something about this picture makes me think this would be the place. Maine intrigues me and I always thought it would pretty awesome to live there.

Wanna play Where's Mary?

Wanna play a game? I'm seriously trying to get you to come and join me in watching USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight so I have people to talk about it with! Ok, you get to go and find the picture that I chose and posted below. We'll call this game Where's Mary. You can go HERE and then click on View Gallery ~ then you go and find the picture that I posted. Lucky for you, you just might run into some pictures of her hot boy toy. Yes, I think he really might be my main reason for wanting to start watching this show. Shhhhh.... don't tell Gino!!