WALGREENS COUPON

Today ONLY there is a Walgreens coupon for $10 off $30 or more. If you have ever wanted to own an outdoor fire pit, they have one for $30 that would be fun to use the coupon on (to make it $20). Or...on the Baby Cheapskate blog they give the following shopping tip:

Huggies jumbos are $9.49 this week at Wags. Buy three and pick up something to make up the $1.53 difference, maybe a small pack of wipes? Don't forget to use your coupons, but make sure your total is $30 or more after the coupons are deducted.

*Coupon cannot be used on prescriptions.

STEVE & BARRY'S

Everything at Steve & Barry's is $9.98 right now. They won't say how long this lasts, so hurry in!

The location in Utah is in Murray on Van Winkle.

UPDATE: Well..I did hurry in, but I guess they have been doing this since Christmas (at least in Utah). They do not know how long it will last where everything is $9.98, but I just wanted to clarify. The quality is poor on a lot of things, but they do have some decent jeans that actually fit well for $9.98 and some chino capris.

BPA FREE LIST

I found an easy to read/use list of bottles and sippy cups that are BPA Free. Click here.

I also liked this description of what BPA is:

What is Bisphenol A?Bisphenol A is a hormone-mimicking chemical used in polycarbonate plastics (PC or identified as #7 recycling code) and resins commonly used for items such as shatterproof baby bottles. Bisphenol has estrogenic properties which, in animal tests has shown to cause a bevy of health problems such as an increase in prostate and breast cancer, uro-genital abnormalities in male babies, a decline in semen quality in men, early onset of puberty in girls, metabolic disorders including insulin-resistant (Type 2) diabetes and obesity and neurobehavioral problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Research is showing that when plastic containers, mostly those used to hold liquids and foods, are leeching Bisphenol into the foods and liquids they are holding. Heating food and liquids with these plastics is shown to increase the leeching of this contaminate.
Many companies use this chemical in their packaging including cans, soda cans, and plastic food containers. There is a risk of absorbing this chemical through the use of containing foods and liquids but can also leech into our water systems through landfills.
Many leading experts argue that the use of Bisphenol is safe to the human public but research may begin to further prove otherwise.

Side note from Karen: Don't forget that BPA is also in the lining of cans of formula. I am not sure what the formula companies are doing to resolve this.

GAS PRICE FINDER

AAA.com has a gas price finder on their site where you can find the lowest gas prices within a specified radius of your home (or wherever you want). This will be helpful with the high prices we are seeing.

UTAH VALLEY PARADE OF HOMES

The Utah Valley Parade of Homes goes from May 30 - June 14, 2008. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Open Daily from noon - 9pm.

Tickets $10 a person, 5 and younger are free. 28 new and fully decorated homes will be on display.

DR. BROWN'S POLYPROPOLENE BOTTLES

Dr. Brown's now has a Polypropolene bottle (meaning it is BPA free) that is in the process of coming out. Watch for them soon on Babies R' Us shelves and on Amazon.com (available now through one seller on Amazon, but very expensive). This is much better than their first alternative to BPA bottles, which was a glass bottle. I am sorry but giving my son a glass bottle (to throw and break) would have been a little dangerous! Babies R' Us.com will hopefully get them soon. They are listed on their site, but they show they are unavailable.

OPT OUT SERVICES

I decided to look up other ways we can opt out of direct mail, pre approved credit offers, telemarketers, etc.

Click here for all the info. from the Federal Trade Commission.

The big things for me are:

The credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables you to “opt-out” of having pre-approved credit offers sent to you for two years. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688)

The Federal Government has created the National Do Not Call Registry—the free, easy way to reduce the telemarketing calls you get at home. To register, or to get information, visit www.donotcall.gov, or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.

CATLOG OPT OUT SERVICE

Catalog Choice is a free service that lets you decline paper catalogs you don't want any more in your mailbox. I know I get my fair share of unwanted catalogs and will be signing up today! I can't figure out why I haven't done this sooner and why I have been wasting my time carrying those stupid catalogs from the mailbox into my home, then to my garbage, out to my cans in my garage and then to the street. Why am I okay with this? Well..not any more!

BABIES R' US

UPDATE - 6/2/08: People have reported going to the Babies R' Us in Midvale recently and not having a problem returning their bottles. It looks like they are now taking back bottles even if they are older than 90 days. Moral of the story...don't be discouraged if you have bottles you want to return. Just go in and see what it gets you.

UPDATE: I went to BRU today in Midvale and they took back my bottles and gave me store credit. A friend of mine called an hour after I left the store and they said they are no longer doing this unless you purchased your bottles within the last 90 days. Strange...I am pretty excited about my new store credit, though. Has anyone else has success or failure at this? Please share :)

I called my local Babies R' Us store in Utah and they said that they will take back my Avent bottles without a receipt and will give me store credit!!! (Without a receipt...since I bought them between 18 months to 2 years ago). They asked if I purchased my bottles at Babies R' Us (which I did) but that will be on your honor. If you are interested in returning your bottles, I would suggest you don't delay. Who knows how long they will be willing to do this. There is no official policy on the company website and many stores are not participating. It was left up to the individual stores to participate or not.

PLAYTEX NURSER FREE SAMPLE

In an effort to remind consumers that their Playtex ORIGINAL Nurser bottles and drop ins are BPA Free, Playtex is sending a free sample of this bottle in the mail. Click here to get yours.

BABIES R' US & BPA BOTTLES

I read online that many Babies R' Us stores across America are accepting returns of your old and used bottles that contain BPA (without a receipt even) and will give you store credit. Several stores are not participating (some even in the same state as others that are), so you will want to call you local Babies R' Us and ask them. Several people reported taking in their Avent and Dr. Browns (and a few other brands, but those are 2 of the most popular) bottles and get a large store credit. I have not called my local store yet, but it is worth a try! I do not plan to use my 20 or so Avent bottles with my next child so they will just go to waste if I can't return them. One rumor said that they stopped doing this on May 12th, but I still think it is worth looking into.

BABIES R' US PULLS JARDINE CRIBS

Babies R' Us has just pulled all Jardine Cribs from their shelves until they resolve an issue regarding safety of the slats. If you have a Jardine crib you can click here for more information.

MUNCHKIN BOTTLE/FOOD WARMER RECALL

Munchkin has received nine reports of units overheating, several of which ignited, causing damage to countertops. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Munchkin Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmer with Pacifier Cleaning Basket 2-in-1 Design, model #13301 and lot number TP-1487. The product is used to warm food and bottles of various sizes. The set includes a main basket, a lift-out basket, an adapter ring, and a measuring cup. "Munchkin" is located on the front of the warmer and "TP-1487" is located on the bottom. Only warmers bearing lot number "TP-1487" are included in this recall.

Sold at: Various retailers nationwide and company's catalog from June 2007 through April 2008 for about $20. Click here for more detailed information.

IGOOGLE & GOOGLE BLOG READER

Have you gotten with the times yet and started using iGoogle for your mainpage or use Google Reader to read your favorite blogs? I have and I am loving it!

iGoogle is a way your can customize your own Google page to include your Google search bar and a million other things you want. I currently have my email, Google Reader (that shows me all of the new posts of my favorite blogs), a to do list, date & time, Google news, the weather, a calendar and I can't remember the rest, but you can add a million more things.

Google Reader lets you add all of your favorite blogs and when they are updated it shows you and you can read and see all of the new posts on that one page instead of visiting all of those different blogs. Definitely a time saver and now I don't have to waste my time checking my sister-in-law's blog over and over to see if she has posted yet (hint hint :)

BABYSTEALS.COM

BabySteals is such a great idea. It is a website where you can get quality, name brand baby and maternity products at the best prices on the web. One deal at a time until it's sold out!
They post something new at 9:00 am MST each day and there is a 3 item limit per person so the wealth can be shared :) If you live in the SLC area you can do a local pickup and save on shipping.
*Thanks Corie for the tip!

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

When it comes to knowing what children's books to buy or check out at the library I feel like I am at a loss sometimes. We were given "Goodnight Moon" and "The Going to Bed Book" when I was pregnant with my son. I am so glad that we got them because I would have never thought to buy them and my son loves them! I also recently found "How Do I Love You" by P.K. Hallinan. It is such a sweet book about unconditional love. I am excited to read some of the other books by this author.

**What are your favorite children's books (or your kid's)? I would love to hear...

TAI PAN TENT SALE

Tai Pan is having an annual blowout Tent Sale. May 22nd - June 7th. They are open from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. They will have a bunch of things for sale up to 75% off.

CROCS

This website has Crocs for 50% off for a limited time! They are selling out fast...but maybe they will have the size you are looking for.

FAMILY HOME EVENING

In the LDS Church we are asked to hold "Family Home Evening" every Monday night. This is where we set aside time to spend together as a family and we teach our children about the gospel (or other topics that our children need to hear) and have a fun time together.

Here is a link from the LDS Church with FHE ideas and info.

I think one of the easiest and best things to do for FHE is to use the Friend Magazine from the Church. Be sure and subscribe to it!

I found a blog dedicated to family home evening ideas specifically for ages 0-5 (which is sometimes the hardest age to come up with lessons).

http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com/ (she also links other websites on the bottom)

There is also the "Pratt's Family Home evening page with ideas
http://www.fastq.com/~jbpratt/lds/fhe/lessons.html

There is a Yahoo Group just for FHE ideas that is great. There are over 3,000 members. It is called fhe4children.

A few other sites are: http://www.sugardoodle.net/, http://www.ldssplash.com/ and http://www.ldsliving.com/

WII FIT

The Wii Fit is coming to stores this Wednesday. I don't have a Wii, but it seems like a lot of fun and would be especially fun to work out to a Wii. You can do Strength Training, Aerobics, Yoga and Balance Games.

HEAVEN SENT!

Sorry for the delay in posting today. I would like to tell you about 2 different things that have saved my life lately!!!

The first is Inkley's Camera. I purchased my Digital SLR from there because I did some research beforehand and saw that they had an extended warranty that you could purchase for your camera. The reason I was interested in this warranty is because they will replace or repair your camera no matter what! If you drop it, step on it, drive over it with your car...whatever it is they will cover it (except fire, I believe). I recently dropped my camera (which I have only had since December) and it broke my lens. I took the lens in and the didn't ask me any questions they just sent it away to get fixed and called me 2 1/2 weeks later to pick it up. Free of charge!

The other company that really saved me lately is Mozy. You can back up your home computer through their site for only $4.95 a month for unlimited storage!!! I have been backing mine up (it backs up automatically each day) for a few months and recently when my hard drive failed on me I was able to recover all of my data very easily through logging onto their site and finding my latest download. I am telling you guys..it is the best $4.95 you will spend each month. Do it today!

CALL 2 RECYCLE

When your rechargeable batteries no longer hold a charge, don’t throw them away - recycle them. Protect the environment by recycling the rechargeable batteries found in your cordless power tools, two-way radios, laptops, PDAs, and cell phones. For a drop-off location nearest you, visit http://www.call2recycle.org/ or call toll-free 877-2-RECYCLE.

CAR SEAT PILLOWS

The Kiddopotamus Cradler would be great to keep a child comfortable on long car rides.

The Seat Belt Snoozer by Kalencom would be great for older children who use a seat belt.

UTAH KIDS CLUB

There is a new co. called the Utah Kids Club that sells discount cards to use at several Utah attractions. They currently have 70 attractions and are adding more. The card is $13 a month (but you can decide when you want to pay for it..there are no subscriptions). Right now you can buy June and get May for free so you can try it out. You only need one card per family and you can let a babysitter or grandparent use it too. You can save on Boondocks, Bowling, Kangaroo Zoo, etc.

COPPERTONE SPRAY

I am a HUGE fan of the Coppertone Continuous Spray sunscreens. I have very fair skin and my son is just like me. Every time we go out in the sun I spray both of us down and it is so quick and easy. It works well too. I am considering using the Spray Lotions (instead of the clear) because you can see exactly where the sunscreen is going and then quickly rub it in. I love the clear and that you don't have to rub it, but sometimes I don't get my son covered very well. I will use the clear for shorter time frames and the Lotion for long days out at the pool, zoo, theme park, etc. I am excited to try the new oil free version too!

POSTAGE UP AGAIN

I don't know where I have been lately. I guess I should read the paper or watch the news! I just saw that stamps went up $.01 today! So..a first class stamp is now $.42. You will have to run out and buy $.01 stamps. UNLESS you were smart and have only purchased forever stamps! Forever stamps are the same price as regular stamps, but the price is guaranteed forever. You can use them no matter what the cost of postage is. I am vowing to myself here and now that I will only buy forever stamps so I will never have to had a 1 cent stamp to my postage again :)

FASHION CLOGS

I have a confession. I really don't like the look of "Crocs." I hope I don't make any enemies from saying this :) I do, however, appreciate the practicality of them so I did buy a pair for my son to quickly slip on and off to go on a walk or go to the park, etc. They are the only pair of shoes he can put on entirely by himself right now. Because I am not into them I just bought him an off brand for $5.

I have super small feet (I wear a size 2 in little girls). It is impossible to find shoes! I am considering getting a pair for myself too since I don't have a lot of options.

This week at Smith's Marketplace you can buy what they call "Fashion Clogs" (imitation Crocs) for $5.99 for Men, Women & Children. They are all $5.99 (regularly $11.99).

Don't feel bad if you buy the real Crocs. I don't love to buy imitations of things (sometimes there is a reason other companies copy the original). If I loved Crocs, I would totally buy the real ones, but since we are just using them outside around our house or at the park I just can't justify it.

UPDATE: The clogs at Smith's Marketplace are pretty cheap quality. I like the clogs at Target & Payless Shoesource better. Just my opinion :)

PED EGG

Has anyone tried the Ped Egg yet? It is another one of those items I saw at Bed Bath & Beyond that peaked my interest. I have read reviews online that say it is amazing! It is only $9.99 and of course I would buy it at BB&B because you can use one of their $5 off or 20% off coupons.

Here is the description for it:

PedEgg has over 100 precision micro-files that gently remove callouses and dead skin, giving your feet the incredible baby soft look and feel that everybody loves. Two high quality emery buffing pads are included for the ultimate finishing touch. Ergonomically designed with a unique egg shape, the PedEgg™ fits perfectly into the palm of your hand for easy and convenient use, plus a storage compartment collects all the skin shavings so you can use it anywhere with no mess. Stainless steel blades are safe to touch.

**Be careful with it, though. I heard that it works so well that it will make your feet sensitive!

MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all the Women out there. I know it is said a lot, but we are all Mothers, even if we do not have children. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

THE HOST

Has anyone finished reading "The Host" yet and would like to give feedback? I haven't tracked down a copy yet (not sure when I will...probably next time I go on a vacation to a beach and have time to read :)

GYMBOREE COUPON

Save 30% off your entire purchase at Gymboree (in store or online) through May 11th with this coupon.

TOTE BAGS

Target has some really fun totes/bags. I got the Black & White one and I love it. I am a sucker for anything in a Fleur de lis pattern. The other two totes I thought would be great for library books, church, etc. The top 2 are only $9.99 and the other is $19.99.

SLEEP POSITIONER

I really liked this Sleep Positioner when my son was a newborn. I loved how it cradled him, elevated him (supposedly aides in digestion and easier breathing) and kept him in place. I could see how it would be a bugger to clean. We always placed a burp cloth under his head and then just washed those.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Saturday is my birthday! For my birthday, I am requesting that each reader leave a comment. If I already know you just say hi! If I don't know you then leave a comment and introduce yourself. It is okay if you don't see this post for awhile...I would love for the comments to come in over time!

TEDDY GRAHAMS TRAIL MIX

I think this Teddy Grahams trail mix is a great idea. It has Chocolate Teddy Grahams, Honey Maid Graham Bees, Pretzels and Yogurty Raisins. I am always trying to pack a variety of snacks for my son and it will be nice to use this.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS CHECK

I am sure everyone knows all the details of the Economic Stimulus Check (aren't we all interested in free money - well sort of free money - we all pay so much in taxes it is hard to consider it free), but just incase here they are:

Starting May 2, payments will be electronically transmitted to direct deposit accounts (those who selected Direct Deposit on their tax returns - even if you owed). Paper checks will be mailed starting May 16. The payments are based on the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. The IRS has issued a schedule for payments as direct deposits or paper checks. Check it out here.

It is $600 per adult, $300 per child.

DISCOVERY TOYS SALE

Discovery Toys is having a Spring into Summer sale now through June 17th. A bunch of items are up to 60% off. They are also having an Outdoor Fun sale through May 27th. The Hoppity Pop Sprinkler (shown above) is half off. It is on sale for $14.99. You attach a garden hose to it and when you pop the balls in its mouth it pops them back out for a game of catch. The other 3 items in the Outdoor Fun Sale are the Splash Rocket, Ride2Roll Scooter and the 3 in 1 play center.

I am a consultant and can place an order for you (and have it shipped to your home). Email me at scoffieldk{at}gmail{dot}com. The website is a little confusing, so let me know if you want me to email you a sale brochure.

*Don't forget that all Discovery Toys come with a lifetime guarantee if your toys break or wear out. Also, you can order replacement parts if you lose a part to a toy.

NEW UTAH BOOSTER SEAT LAW & FREE CHECK

Utah has a new booster seat law that just went into effect yesterday, May 5th. It requires all children to sit in a booster seat until their eigth birthday, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall.

4 out of 5 car seats are installed improperly. If you want to go to a free car seat check (if you live in Utah), there is one on May 24th from 10-1 pm at Butterfield Park in Herriman (6212 W. 14200 S.).

BEEHIVE BAZAAR

A commenter informed me about the Beehive Bazaar that is also going on this weekend. It is at the Women's Council Cultural Center, 310 West 500 North in Provo, Utah.

Now you should be able to find something for your mom for Mother's Day at one of these boutiques, right?

PLAY & FREEZE ICE CREAM BALL

I think this Ice Cream Ball would be a lot of fun to use with kids. You can use it camping too! I saw it at Bed Bath & Beyond, but I am sure you can get it at a lot of places.

It doesn't need electricity. Simply add ice and rock salt in one end and the ice cream mix in the other. Now have some fun and shake it, pass it or even roll it for about 15 minutes.

BOUTIQUES

If you missed the Oh Sweet Sadie boutique last weekend, you can still go this weekend in Draper.

Also, the Holy Cow boutique in Pleasant Grove is doing a Mother's Day show May 7-10.

SUMMER STUFF

If you want to buy a new swim suit or a kiddie pool or anything "summer" at all...then I would suggest you buy them soon. If you wait until June or July for any of the summer items they become very hard to find. I don't know why it is like this, but last year at the beginning of June I went to buy a kiddie pool for my 1 yr. old and it was slim picking!

AQUA DOODLE RAINBOW

I have always thought that Aqua Doodle mats were pretty neat, but it has only drawn in a blue color. Now they have a Rainbow Aqua Doodle that colors in a few more colors.

SLC RESTAURANT WEEK - DINE O' ROUND

May 2-17 you can eat at 33 of SLC's finest restaurants and choose a three course dinner for $15 or $30 a person. Check out the website to see the participating restaurants. Some of them also do a lunch special with 2 courses for $10. Some of the restaurants I am excited to go to are:

-Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

-Christopher's Seafood & Steak

-Faustina

-The Melting Pot

-Market Sreet Grill

My husband is excited for:

-Thaifoon

-Takashi

I am not sure how we will decide since it only goes for 2 weeks!

RADON TESTING

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon can be found all over the U.S. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

The only way to know if your home has unsafe levels of Radon is to test for it. You will have to find out the best way to test in your individual state, but if you live in Utah you can go here to learn more about it and go here to order a testing kit for $12 from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. You set it up in your home and then after 90 days you send it in to get the results. I ordered mine about 2 weeks ago!

*You can also hire a qualified tester to do the testing for you. I just figured I would do the test on my own first and if the levels were high I would hand it over to professionals at that point.

SORRY!

Sorry for the lack of posts the last 2 days. Both of my computers crashed!

OPI NIC'S STICKS

I have been using OPI nail polish for as long as I can remember. I am so excited to try one of their new products called Nic's Sticks. It is similar to a marker and all you do is shake it, pump it, and paint. I think this would be great, especially for traveling. I always fear that the glass nail polish bottle is going to somehow break in my overnight bag.