Adventures in the New Wal-Mart Price Policy

As gift giving season rapidly approaches I encourage all of you to get out early and buy your gifts.  I usually use this pre-season (the period between Halloween and Thanksgiving) to pick up last minute things and also to gather items for children's birthday gifts.  I never have to go out the day before or the say of to purchase a birthday gift, I just open my gift closet and pick something out.  This saves COUNTLESS amounts of time and money!!

I have never been a big fan of the retailer Wal-Mart.  The stores are just not very nice and while they do have everything and are open 24 hours, I don't always find the quality and the "experience" to be worth it.  They also use some questionable work related practices in some areas of the country that I know have gotten them into trouble in the past.  However, they have just unveiled a new price matching policy that may have some of us considering Wal-Mart for early shopping. 

The company has said that if you find lower print-advertised prices at its rivals' stores in local markets on any identical items you purchase between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, Wal-Mart will give you a gift card for the difference through Dec. 25. Normally, the company matches prices only when the purchase is made at the same time a competitor's ad is running.  What does this mean to you??  It means you can be confidant that you will have the lowest price on any items you purchase in the store.  So far, from what I understand, this means just in store purchases and advertisements. 

Now, here is where it gets even better for online shoppers.  Many online companies will price match too, so if you see an item in a Wal-Mart ad that you would like to order online and have shipped to your recipient, check to see what the price matching policies are.  This also means that Wal-Mart will be staying on top of prices to make sure that no retailer out does them, FROM THE BEGINNING of the holiday shopping season!!  This is exciting to me, because you do not have to wait to purchase your gifts.  you can do it now and know that if you find it cheaper later in the season you can take your receipt and the ad in for a gift card!  Just make sure you are holding onto receipts, which you should do for gifts already.  Now, go out there and price match!

Adventures in Baby/Toddler Deals

There are a TON of Baby and Toddler deals going on this week. Don't forget Toys R Us online is having some fantastic deals with Cyber Week this week.  A buy one get one free on Little Tykes toys (up to a 24.99 value).  This is a great way to stock up for Christmas and birthday presents!

Diapers

• CVS – $2 ECB WYB CVS Supreme Diapers or Training Pants Jumbo Pk $6.99 Limit 1 -$3 off CVS brand diapers, printing at CVS coupon center
  (makes it $1.99)
• CVS – $1 ECB WYB Huggies Snug & Dry or Little Movers Big Pk $19.99 Limit 1 -$1.50 off Huggies diapers, SS 10/23
  -$3 off Huggies Little Movers slip-on diapers, SS 10/23
  -$3 off Huggies diapers, Fall CVS Reinventing Beauty magazine
  -$2 off Huggies Little Movers diapers
  (use $3 off, makes it $13.99 after College savings)
• Walgreens – Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers or Pull-Ups $8.99 -$2 off Huggies diapers or wipes Walgreens home mailer
  -$1.50 off Huggies diapers, SS 10/23
  -$3 off Huggies Little Movers slip-on diapers, SS 10/23
  -$2 off Huggies diapers big pk., or wipes 184-216 ct., Infant Care booklet (if included)
  (use store and $3 off, makes it $3.99)
• Target – Huggies Pull Ups Big Packs $19.79 -$2 off Huggies Pull-Ups printable
  (makes it $17.79)
• Target – Pampers Economy Pack Diapers $38 -$1 off Pampers diapers or training pants (Target coupon), 13 ct +, Target Baby home mailer
  -$2.50/2 Pampers diapers or pants 13 ct + AND wipes 180 ct + (Target coupon), Target Baby home mailer
  -$1.50 off Pampers diapers or pants, jumbo pk +, on product
  -$2 off Pampers diapers, Publix coupon sheet (EXP 10/29)
  (use $2 off, makes it $36)
• Target – Pampers Training Pants Big Packs $19.79 -$1 off Pampers diapers or training pants (Target coupon), 13 ct +, Target Baby home mailer
  -$2.50/2 Pampers diapers or pants 13 ct + AND wipes 180 ct + (Target coupon), Target Baby home mailer
  -$1.50 off Pampers diapers or pants, jumbo pk +, on product
  -$1.50 off Pampers (2) bags or (1) box diapers or pants, PG 10/02
  (makes it $18.29)

Wipes

• Walgreens – Huggies Wipes, 184-216 pk., $4.99 -$2 off Huggies diapers or wipes Walgreens home mailer
  -.75/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct. +, excl trial size, Porque Sabes Chorrar Compras booklet
  -.50/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct. +, SS 10/23
  -$2 off Huggies diapers big pk., or wipes 184-216 ct, Infant Care booklet
  (use store and .75/1, makes it $2.24)

Food and Formula

• Walgreens – $6 RR WYB (2) Enfamil Premium or Newborn Formula, 23.4 oz, or AR Powder or Gentlease, 22.2 oz, at $24 ea. -$5 off Enfamil Gentlease, AR or Prosobee powder, 22 oz 
  -$2 off Enfamil Infant formula powder 22.2 oz +, Infant Care booklet
  -$2 off Enfamil Infant formula Walgreens home mailer
  -$5/2 Enfamil reg or Enfagrow powder, 22.2 oz +, SS 10/23
  (use (2) $5 off and (2) store coupons, makes it $14 ea.)

Other

• Walgreens – Allegra Children’s Tablets, 12 ct., or Liquid, 4 oz, $9.99 -$2 off Allegra Childrens product, SS 9/11
  -$2 off Allegra 5-15 ct, Children’s, -D 12 hr 10 ct., or 24 hr 5 ct printable
  (makes it $7.99)
• Rite-Aid – $2 +UP WYB Arm & Hammer Toothpaste, Orajel Toddler Toothpaste or Baby Gum and Tooth Cleanser at $3.99 Limit 2(makes it $1.99)
• Target – Desitin, 2 oz, $3 -.75/1 Johnson & Johnson baby or Desitin item (Target coupon), excl trial size and Buddies, Target Baby home mailer
  (makes it $2.25)
• Target – Enfamil Powder 23.4 oz Premium or 22.2 oz Gentlease $22.99 -$7/3 Enfamil formula tubs or refills (Target coupon), 22.2-35 oz, Target Baby home mailer
  -$5/2 Enfamil reg or Enfagrow powder, 22.2 oz +, SS 10/23
• Target – Johnsons Baby Care Products 27 or 28 oz, $5 -$5/3 Halo SleepSack AND (2) Johnson’s baby care items, excl trial size, (Target coupon) printable
  -.75/1 Johnson & Johnson baby or Desitin item (Target coupon), excl trial size and Buddies, Target Baby home mailer
  -.50/1 Johnson’s baby product, SS 9/11
  -$1 off Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, 15 oz + printable
  (makes it $4.50)

Adventures in Toys R Us Cyber Week

This week is Cyber Week (until October 29th) at Toys R Us!!  There is free shipping on a purchase of $75 or more OR many items are available for in store pick up with no shipping charges!!  Check out the website for some AMAZING deals.  They are also having some great deals on in the clearance section so don't forget to check that out too.  Don't forget to use Ebates, it's only 1% cash back, but it's still cash back!!  Today I got my first Ebates check and was super excited!!

Adventures in Deployments 2...it's been a month!!!

Yipee!!  We check off a month.    People ask me all the time if it goes by fast.......hmmmmm, fast, that is interesting to me.  Deployment life goes by at a crazy pace.  Sometimes you look back and say "Wow!  That is another week done," and other times you say "when is this day ever going to end."  Either way, days seem like a never ending cycle of waiting and documenting and worrying and well just stuff.  The constants of deployment life are taking care of the children, making yourself eat and trying to sleep.  The later two are necessary to do the first !

Hitting the month mark is a great feet...I'm thankful that this deployment is only five months for us.  I have friends who are doing seven and ten months and I have the utmost respect for them.  I know it was a crazy 2 months when he was trying to catch up to the unit and there were many days that I felt like mentally he had already left us, but he was home and we did not worry.

So what have we been filling our days with the last month you ask?  J loves school...well, kind of.  He only recently stopped crying when I dropped him off.  He had stopped for a while and then my car broke down and someone he didn't know had to pick him up and well, the crying cycle started up again.  We have been able to Skype the last 2 days, which has been a tremendous help to J.  He doesn't like to talk on the phone and actually getting to see Daddy has really made a huge difference in his days.  CB is clueless about what is going on.  I am glad she is able to Skype too, so that she doesnt' forget him.  She is very verbal, much more so than J was at 15 months.  This is nice because she is actually able to talk to Daddy a little bit.  It's super cute!!

 What have I been up to personally? Well, I've been running....a lot.  I ran in my first 10k a couple of weeks ago and am looking forward to another one in the near future.  I've also done a few 5k races and have several more on my calender in the next 2 months.  I love the ladies that I run with, they help to keep me sane.  We have also had some wonderful visitors in the house which always makes the time go by a little faster.  I've been going to a community Bible Study group with a nursery for CB to enjoy, that I absolutely love.  God has really been working on my heart these last few weeks about being open to help and having an attitude of service to others.  While I can honestly say in the last week we have had more bad days than good days, we are working to make those few and far between. 

Thank goodness for Facebook.  While you may have differing opinions on the subject of social media, I can say that this deployment's nights are not nearly as lonely as those from our deployments 3,4,5,6 years ago (this is our 5th deployment).  Being able to chat and connect with other deployed wives at night has been a lifesaver and a huge blessing.  I have much more respect for those wives of WW I and II who not only didn't hear from their husbands, but who also were disconnected from family and friends.  The relationships that military wives have is a very special one.  Today as I am reflecting on the fact that we moved to Jacksonville just three months ago, I am amazed at the fact that I know so many other people so well already.  A deployment will do that to you I guess :)

Adventures in Halloween Costumes

I am really not into Halloween for many reasons, but I do LOVE to dress up.  I always have enjoyed dressing up.  I love to participate in the dressing up for causes or parties (recently did an 80's party).  I was the kid that loved spirit week, this included my short stint as a teacher in which I regularly participated in dressing up.  In fact I enjoy giving a good dress up laugh for those who need it.  Sooooo, if you have not gotten your kids costumes yet, or you are looking to fill your kids dress up closet I have a few ideas and deals on places where you can get good costumes pretty cheap.  I also love to dress up my children.

First, stalk Etsy for some good ideas.  You can also look on Pintrest for ideas that you can make on your own pretty easily.  As always, I suggest you google image search the name of the costume you are looking for too.  You never know what some cleaver person has come up with.  There is no need to reinvent the wheel here, take several ideas and create your own unique look.  Here is where I insert the By CeeCee store!  There you will find many tutus and other fantastic accessories for your little one's costume.

Second, there are some really good last minute costume deals out there right now and face it sometimes it is cheaper to buy a ready made costume rather than buy all the supplies you may need to create one.  Right now Buy Costumes.Com is offering 15% off plus free shipping and some of their costumes are marked even cheaper with additional savings.  Today only Party City online is having an extra 20% off plus free ground shipping.  Costume Discounters is offering 15% off a $30 purchase.  They also do price matching and will give an extra 20% off the lowest price you find AND they do free exchanges!  There are so many online stores that are offering great deals right now.

I also suggest looking at consignment stores and thrift stores, they seem to have a large selection of costumes at this time of year.  My youngest is going to be a very cute ladybug in a costume I found at a sale in August for $5.  I also recommend asking the other parents in your child's playgroup.  I'm sure everyone has an several costumes they may be willing to trade, borrow or sell.  When looking for costumes I always try to see what I have that I can make work.......although with a child who seems to have strong opinions I don't always have a workable fireman outfit on hand.......although I am thinking I have things I can use to make it work (a roll of reflective yellow tape is in my future!!).  The challenge I have now is convincing him not to change his mind :)

Adventures on a rest weekend!

It's funny to me how my days truly blend together.  I really have absolutely no idea most days what day it actually is and forget knowing the actual date!!  With the husband deployed everyday really just becomes one BIG LONG DAY!  I have filled our weeks and days with so much to do, so that the time flies by.  And apparently it is working, since I normally look at the calender and say, "oh no, that's today.  I totally forgot," in reference to school picture day, school field trip, friends coming to visit, races, you name it!  I love it though, and my kids need to go somewhere every day or they too go a little stir crazy.  However, I can say on a morning like this one when all we had to do was go for a run.  I really enjoy the break!  I enjoy sitting on the front porch while the kids continue napping in the stroller as I peruse the "sale" emails and have a cup of coffee!

It's important to have these days both for rest and for sanity.  As much as I need to keep going and keep going fast, one can only go on fumes for so long before they break.  This afternoon we are having pictures taken.  How can you save money on family pictures you may ask???  First, if you are into "studio" type pictures you will find all kinds of coupons for JC Penny's, Sears and Target.  I highly recommend searching for these coupons before setting up a sitting, otherwise you will pay A LOT for pictures.  Another route to go is to look on Craigslist or a similar site for those who are advertising photography.  Often times you will find someone just starting out who needs clients to create a portfolio of work and you may be able to get some great pictures for great prices.  Before you spend any money I do recommend asking to see the photographer's previous work and maybe even references.  The last thing you want is to spend money on someone who "claims" to be a photographer only to find out they are horrible and you have wasted money.  The last route and the one I take most often is to make friends with fantastic photographers both professional and non-professional who love to take pictures of your children!! 

The most important thing about pictures is to not put off getting them developed and this is what I am guilty of a lot!!  I still haven't gotten the pictures from J's second birthday and he will be 3 next month.  There are deals all over the place, all the time from canvas photos to photo books to large prints.  Companies like Snapfish and Shutterfly are always offering some sort of photo deal.   The key is whether or not you have pictures done professionally, you need to keep up with getting the prints off your camera.  The easiest and most fun way to decorate your house is with family pictures.

Adventures in the Sunday Paper Coupons

Have you ever wondered how everyone seems to know what coupons are going to be in the paper each week?  The Sunday paper is how many coupons are able to save the most money possible.  I have been known to purchase five papers at once if I know the inserts are really good.  This week is one of those weeks.  There are going to be quite a few coupons in this Sunday’s newspaper, including a dedicated insert just for Target coupons!  It doesn’t look like there will be any amazing baby coupons, but there are coupons for candy, Skippy, Play-Doh and other family-friendly brands.  If you have family or friends who you can hit up this week for their coupon inserts it may be well worth it, especially with candy season right around the corner.

The key to knowing what the Sunday paper will bring is to the site, The Sunday Paper Preview. The Sunday Coupon Preview helps you to save more on your weekly grocery trips by giving you a preview of coupons coming out in the next Sunday's paper. You can sign up to receive an email alert as to when they update with the latest Sunday coupon preview.  They also have a printable coupon database, so you can find exactly what you need each week in addition to what may be in the newspaper for the week. 

Don't forget to keep up with your coupon binder.  Many coupons expired on October 4th.  If you need help setting up a coupon binder see my previous post on the subject for complete instructions.  As you clean out your binder or whatever other organization system you use keep in mind the program Troopons.  The Troopons program is a coupon program where you can send your expired coupons and families stationed overseas can use them.  This program asks that you send them no more that 2 months expired.  The commissary and the exchange accepts coupons that are up to 6 months expired, but it does take time for Troopons to process them and for the families to be able to fit them into their budget.  It is easy to do this once a month as you are cleaning out your binder.  Just sort the coupons and place them in an envelope and mail them to
Support Our Troops^®
P. O. Box 10
Weir, TX 78674-0010 

Adventures in Supporting Each Other!!

Being a Mother is the best job in the world!  The issue there in lies the fact that by definition mothers are women.  Women have so many wonderful attributes that help them to become wonderful mothers however, they also have a tendency to be catty, spiteful, and passive aggressive.  I know that there are bad mothers out there, although I doubt there are bad mothers who join Mother's groups, do extensive research online about products for their children, take their children to art, music, insert any other activity before the child is 3, join Facebook groups for Mothers, or participate in studies on mothering.  Why is it though that it is Mothers in these various places that insist on one upping each other or exclaiming that they are "making the ultimate sacrifice!"  It drives me crazy when I hear a mother speak in absolutes.  Personally, I don't think there is a place for absolutes except in Math.  Two plus two will always equal four, yet in the world of organic vs non-organic there are too many variables in which one can not really tell which is better.  In fact there are a number of studies that show some foods are no different in this realm.  The choice then is yours and what is best for your family.  Can we not skip judgement for a moment when we see a fellow mother in the store picking up a non organic ear of corn? 

I get a little crazy when I hear the Breast is Best argument from other mothers too.  I am extremely pro-breastfeeding.  I would really enjoy doing breastfeeding education and I have looked into lactation consultant training.   I believe that education is the key to giving many women the opportunity to experience breastfeeding.  For my family, I was fortunate to be able to nurse both my children for just over a year.  I am not ashamed to say (although I did get some "shame on you looks" from other breastfeeding mothers, especially those is "ahem" certain leagues) that I cut my son off cold turkey when he was 13.5 months and I found out I was pregnant with my second child.  Breastfeeding became excruciatingly painful and the BEST thing for our family at that time was to stop and switch to whole milk exclusively.  My daughter weaned herself at 14  months.  I know many Moms who have not been able to nurse, or who made a decision to not nurse because that was the best decision for their family.  Again before you judge the mother of a 6 month old for pulling out a bottle at your next playgroup, stop and think...maybe that mother needs to be on a long term medication that will pass into breast milk.  Maybe the baby is allergic to the mother's milk and no matter how hard the mother tries to cut everything under the sun out of her diet the baby is still not thriving.  Maybe the baby has a physical ailment that will not allow he/she to latch on or suck properly.  You see in some cases breast is not best....best is what is going to keep the Mama and baby healthy and thriving.

There are all kinds of arguments like these all over the place in the world of Motherhood.  You hear cloth diapers vs disposables, organic bedding and clothes vs "regular,"  co-sleeping vs crib sleeping, public school vs home school.  These are just a few, there are many, many more.  I, in fact, believe that most of the "arguments" and certainly most of the "facts, " come from the companies themselves who are selling products to said mothers.  In many cases the more expensive products equal "better" in the minds of parents.  Does a little one REALLY need an organic crib mattress?  No probably not.  Babies have been sleeping without them for years and many of us are still alive today without any problems that can be directly traced back to these "non-organic" mattresses.  However, many stores sell them for a hefty price and new parents think that the price tag means "better," thus their little one has the "best."

I am in no way saying that I am exempt from doing any of this.  I still compare my children to others and I find myself thinking judgemental thoughts at gymnastics/playgroup/insert activity here, sometimes.  I can say when I hear someone say something out loud to another mother I do jump in to the mother's defense even if I don't agree.  I definitely don't think we should put down another just because we feel uncomfortable in our own role as trying to be a "super mom."  Ultimately, that is what it boils down to.......our inability to feel confidant in our own skins.  Hey, right now I am failing my oldest child miserably by exposing him to harmful chemicals in disposable diapers that may cause him to not have children of his own one day, while my youngest wears the heavenly cloth diapers every day. This must mean that I love her more than I do him right?  Of course not, that is ridiculous.  We are doing what is best for our family at this time, and what matters is that I am happy with my decision, whether you agree with it or not.  My point is that when we see the decisions that others are making for thier families we are not priviy to all the facts.  We don't live in that mother's shoes every day.  We do not understand all the reasons her son may wear pink socks everyday or they have decided to homeschool.  As mothers we need to support each others goals to provide for and help guide healthy, happy children......not judge and nitpick each other's decisions!  We are all in this together and it's a really hard job.  I know I for one need all the support I can get!

Adventures in Columbus Day Deals!

Today is Columbus Day!!  Just in case you didn't know, it is a celebration of the day this big guy made it to the Americas.  Think of how different life would be if he stayed at home, didn't listen to his calling and search to seek out adventure in the midst of disbelievers.  I'm sure someone else would have come along so it wouldn't necessarily be a whole lot different by the year 2011, but we will never know!  In my mind Columbus is a good example of going against the flow. 

For retailers, any holiday is a chance to offer sales.  You should definitely take advantage of those that are out there today online and in store.  It's a great time to stock up on Christmas and birthday gifts for little ones.  I encourage you to check out this The Best Time to Buy Guide for 101 Products and Services.  Did you know you should buy butter in July?  How about gift cards in January?  Or my favorite today blue jeans in October?  Is is a fantastic resource for when things are most likely to go on sale or when the new version of products will be hitting the shelves thus causing last years model to be deeply discounted.  I think you already know that I am a big fan of buying "last year's model."

As always, don't forget to shop Ebates for extra cash back!  When you pair Ebates with other online coupons and store discounts today you will save a bundle.  Right now Ebates is offering 10% cash back at Old Navy,  6% at Anne Taylor Loft,  and 6% at Lands End.  JCrew online is offering 30% off all clearance plus the 4% cash back with Ebates. Below is a list of my favorite deals that end today!  I did not include links to the store in order to encourage you to use Ebates.  Remember you must first go to the Ebates site and search for the store you want to shop (there will be a toolbar on the upper right hand side of the homepage).  You just click on the store and it will take you directly there.  Happy Shopping and feel free to share the deals you got today!!

Bath and Body Works--Buy 3 Get 3 Free, some items 50% off and $1 shipping
Stride Rite--25% off all boots
Children's Place--Up to 75% off and free shipping
Gap--up to 50% off select items
Dicks Sporting Goods--Take 14.92% off online order

Adventures in Providing Meals

It is no secret that I grew up in the deep South.  A place where ladies throw parties and are always cooking up something good.  When someone has a baby/ death in the family/ illness/ etc, the sign up lists come out at church, and school, soccer practice and any other activity that the family is involved in so that her friends can help.  Providing meals is a not only a way to help the family, but let's face it...it's also a time when you can show off your culinary or lack of culinary skills.  For me I like to create new "experiments," so just be warned if you receive a meal from you I probably have never made it before and am using your family as my guinea pig!!

One thing I have noticed is that down in the South they have the diving up of providing meals down to a science.  In Rochester where the culture is a little different, everyone still wants to provide a meal, however the organizing of the meals to the family is not really done.  This makes me a little crazy mainly because I am such a planner.  I totally get why, I think.  Planning means intruding on the family and not allowing them the freedom to pick and choose the days they eat said meals.  Plus having a sign up sheet shows which friends did and did not provide a meal thus putting pressure on those who may not feel comfortable with providing a meal.  I think this is the reasoning behind it, well, that is how it was explained to this clueless Southern girl. 

Upon moving back to North Carolina, I was introduced to the most awesome site ever.  It is called Meal Train. On this site you can set it up with all the information and it is pretty much like a virtual calender.  I myself like having a calender as they receiver.  That was I know who is coming when and if I need to change the date or need them to come earlier or later in the day I know who to contact, thus not having surprises.  On the other hand, I really like it as the donater too.  I like being able to see what everyone else is taking so that I don't repeat meals.  I also like knowing who is taking meals so that is there is an emergency and I am unable to fulfil my day, I can try to switch thus ensuring that a meal is still provided.

I encourage you to jump on the "meal train," the next time someone you know needs a helping hand.  The site is super user friendly and I promise you the family you assist will be most appreciative!

Adventures in the Coupon Binder

One of my fantastic friends spent last week with her family amidst our chaos.  We had a blast and also found time to organize and set up our coupon binders.  There are so many ways to do this, but I am going to share with you how I do it.  I have tried several ways and for me this is how I am most successful!

Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect coupon binder:

• A large three-ring binder. When I just re-did my binder I used a Trapper Keeper (yes, a throw back to my middle school years) that I got on clearance from Target when school supplies went on super sale!!
• 100 baseball card sleeves or photo sleeves. (I prefer baseball card sleeves because you can fit more coupons in a baseball card sleeve, as it has 9 slots instead of 4.) (100 may seem like a lot, but you want to have plenty on-hand and not run out and sit there with a pile of coupons around your knees, unable to move forward because you have used all your sleeves).  I ordered mine from Amazon. 
• I like to use write on tabs for my categories, but I know many who use these and LOVE it so I included her site. Go to the Krazy Coupon Lady and download and print the coupon categories. Slide each category title page into its own page protector and add them to your binder in order (even though you may think you won’t use all these categories, go ahead and print them out now. You can always remove coupon categories later.)  .
• Add about three photo or baseball card sleeves to each section in your book.
• Sort your coupons into the coupon categories as listed and slip them into the sections of your binder.

That’s it! Now, when you are ready to shop, you can easily flip to the appropriate section of your binder and pull the coupons you need.

Other tips:
-Don’t slip coupons behind other coupons, unless they are EXACTLY the same.
-Put your name and phone number in your binder in an easy-to-find place. You may even want to include the information that you will offer a reward for your coupon binder’s safe return. Your coupons are like cash! Keep track of it, and make it easy for a good Samaritan to return it to you if you should misplace it.

-When I go into a store I have my list and the coupons for that visit in an envelope.  I also always take my binder in with me in case I come across clearance items and I know I have a coupon for it.  This is especially helpful at Target and Babies R Us!!

Adventures in "Early" Christmas Shopping...Zulily

I LOVE buying gifts for kids.  I like to research (you know I love Google) and figure out what other kids think is fun.  I like watching the kids open gifts, and I am going to fess up...I have a present closet.  This is absolutely the best way to save money for birthdays and Christmas.  It also saves time to not have to go out and buy a full priced gift the morning of or the night before a party.  It is also helpful to have a special "treat," when a certain almost 3 year old is sick or has just had unexpected blood work.  The present closet helped with "Mommy guilt," when J had to have a finger lanced every day for a week!! 

Right now Zulily has some AMAZING deals for gifts.  Today is the last day for the Melissa and Doug sale (fantastic wooden toys and play food), the Anatex (wire bead mazes) sale,  and the family DVD sale.  New today is the Analoren (matching girl and doll clothes) sale, Smartlab (think science experiements), and Jet Creations (child size blow up dinosaurs...yeah, I have 2 of these in my cart right now).  Ongoing sales include JC Toys (realistic dolls) and Posh Playroom (pint size seating).  There are also several clothing designers (my favorite being MudPie!!!) with sales including several with hat and glove sets and other warm weather clothing items.  If you are looking for some great deals on great items before the holidays I highly encourage you to give Zulily a try.  I will say that processing and shipping can take a while so in order to ensure you recieve you items for the holidays order soon!!

If you have never ordered from Zulily before I encourage you to sign up through my link here.  In order to view the Zulily sales for today you have to create an account, but you do not have to order.  Be aware that this also may sign you up for thier sale emails.  I like that I get an email from them every few days letting me know what is new!  When you sign up for Zulily you will also recieve a code uniqe to you that you can send to friends and family members.  You will get store credit only when they place an oder not for signing up under you. The sales typically last 3-4 days and when an item is gone it is listed as "sold out" at the bottom of the list.