Free Oil Change for Veteran's

Heritage Auto Repair will be offering FREE standard oil changes to Veterans and active duty military personnel on November 11th. Oil Changes are given by appointment and space is limited. Heritage Auto Repair will start taking appointments for this special event on November 1st.

Heritage Auto Repair is located at 175 N. Linder Rd. Meridan ID. 208-887-1442.

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) Free CESAR^® Singles Wet Food for Dogs, any variety (3.5 oz)(you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Where Jesus Slept Review and Giveaway

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis begins, "This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept." and continues to add a new element/person/animal to each page spread to tell the story of the participants and witnesses of the first Christmas. The book is recommended for ages 4-7.

I read Where Jesus Slept to my three year old and nine month old and they really seemed to enjoy the story. My son even sighed a little after we read it. I loved that the author told the Nativity story in a way that was simple and engaging for young children. Last year, I remember trying to find a good Nativity story for my children to read and a lot of the books were too wordy and hard-to-understand for young audiences. Where Jesus Slept is a great length and tells the Christmas story in a way that easy for young children. The book is also beautifully illustrated. I would suggest adding this to your Christmas book collection. To learn more, click here.

Flyby Promotions and the publication company has donated a book for me to offer as a giveaway on this blog. You can win the book, Where Jesus Slept (retail value of $16.99) by entering through the Rafflecopter down below. The giveaway will run until November 4, 2016 wherein I will select 1 winner through Rafflecopter. This is for U.S. residents only and 18+ please. I will email the winner of the book and ask for shipping information. Please respond within 24 hours or the prize maybe forfeited to another winner.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

All opinions are my own. 

Angell's Bar and Grill Renato

A while ago, I won a $50 gift card through The Eat Guide - Boise Facebook Page. The Eat Guide - Boise posts pictures of menu items of locally owned restaurants in the Boise. This facebook page is a great reference on places to eat. The Eat Guide - Boise also frequently has giveaways to the restaurants in the local area.  If you're a resident of the Boise area, this is a great page to "like."

Angell's Bar and Grill Renato is located in downtown Boise on Main St. My husband and I went there on a date night. I was glad I didn't bring the kids. Most of the diners wore nice business casual or night out clothes. The tables had tablecloths and used fabric napkins. We had the Escargot as an appetizer and it was delicious. I had a pasta dish and my husband had the Grilled Lamb Porter House Chops, which was also delicious. The food was presented very tastefully. The service was a little slow, however, it seemed intentional with the atmosphere for a leisurely meal. I would suggest trying Angell's Bar and Grill Renato out on your next evening out! Please be sure to make a reservation. To learn more about Angell's Bar and Grill Renato, please click here.





Please note that this is not a sponsored post.

Kroger Freebie Friday

Today only you can download a coupon 1 FREE Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bar (1.45 oz.) (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Alternatives to Grocery Shopping

Taking two kids in the grocery store is not fun. The last time I went both kids were crying and cranky. A couple that knew me offered to help, but they ended up giving up. Both kids were tired, cranky and wanted their mom to carry them throughout the store. I ended up getting the immediate items on my list and then tried to get out of there as quick as I could. A lady behind me helped me with my groceries in the checkout line. In Boise and throughout other states, some grocery stores are trying to find solutions to help parents.

• Walmart: Walmart offers a grocery pick up service. You order your groceries online and select a time to pick them up. Once you are in the parking lot to pick them up, you call the pick up service and they bring the groceries to your car. This service is super, easy and convenient. When I tried the service, I was nervous about having someone else select my produce, but the produce looked great. Walmart even gave me a little bag as a first time customer filled with samples. There wasn't a charge or fee for the service and it saved me some time. As a first time customer, you can also get $10 off of your grocery bill, click here for more details. The only downside of this service is you can't use paper coupons for anything, but if you're picking up items that don't require coupons or store brand items - it's great.
• Albertsons: Albertsons offers a grocery delivery service. There is normally a delivery charge unless you purchase certain items or reach a certain amount. First time customers can try it out free using the code EASY7 or try it free and receive $10 off your order with the code TENOFF. You can save money also by checking out their online savings for what's on sale, promo code deals and buy one get one free. If you're not shopping the online savings section, the prices can be a little high. You can't use paper coupons, but the promo code deals and sale sections are worth checking out. You can also save more money by having a large window for the delivery service. I've only used this service once, but by using their promo deals, promo code for first order, and allowing for a large delivery window; I was able to get $60 worth of groceries for $16. I was limited in what I got since I was trying to shop according to the sale. This service is great for stocking up on items or if you want to avoid the grocery store.

These service might not replace all traditional grocery store shopping especially if you like using coupons, but they are a great alternatives.

 

Please note that this post contains referral links.

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon Airheads Bites or Bars Candy Receive ONE (1) FREE Airheads Bites (2 oz) or Bars Candy (6 pk/3.3 oz) (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

How My Toddler Learned His ABCs

My toddler learned his ABCs in a couple of ways and I am sure there are several methods other than what we used.


1. Books - We read a lot of ABC books. I would point to the letter and state what the letter was called and make the sound for it. This was very helpful and helped me to learn his letters quickly.










2. Blocks - We liked to pull out ABC blocks and say the name of the letter and the sound. Sometimes I would ask my toddler if he could find a certain letter.


3. Noticing Letters Around Us - To help my toddler learn his ABCs I would point out letters on signs and ask them what they were. This helped him to realize that letters were on signs and not just in books.

What are some ways that you helped your toddler learn his ABCs?

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

How to Begin Couponing

The first time I really decided to really utilize coupons was after watching "Extreme Couponing." I was amazed at how much people saved and were able to provide for themselves through couponing. I have never been able to buy a grocery cart of groceries for free, but I've been able to get toiletries, some food, and other items here and there by couponing. Here are some tips on how to begin extreme couponing:

1. Pick a Store - When you first start out extreme couponing, I would begin with one store. I would pick a nationally recognized store to begin with like Rite Aid, CVS, Target, Walmart, etc.

2. Once you pick a store, pick a blogger that publishes weekly guides based on sales. The top bloggers that I know of for publishing weekly guides are Hip2Save and Krazy Coupon Lady. I usually use Hip2Save, but I know other people who prefer Krazy Coupon Lady. The weekly guides will tell you what's on sale for that week and which coupons to use to get the deals. Hip2Save usually publishes guides to Target, CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid mid-Saturday. If your a first-timer, stick with one store so you don't get overwhelmed.

3. After you pick a blogger and store, scan the weekly guide and see if you can find anything that appeals to your needs.

4. Gather any coupons that apply to the deal and make a list of what the exact item is, the coupons needed, and the price you expect to pay in the end. Print out any coupons needed and clip them to your list.

If your nervous about trying to coupon, ask a friend to go with you and if the deal doesn't work out how you expected it to. You can always return the item. Couponing can be hard to get used to, but it saves money in the end and I think it's well worth the effort. Once you get used to it, you can start scanning local ads and learning how to find extreme deals!

Abby's Crossing Review

Abby's Crossing by Darryl Harris tells the story of a young widow who's first priority is her adopted son. In deciding how best to care for her son, she decides to accept the proposal to marry a man twice her age. On the way to Salt Lake to get married, their wagon becomes stuck and a man named Scooter comes to her rescue. Abby quickly finds a friend in Scooter and enlists his aid to help look her adopted son when he is missing after mounting tensions between soldiers/frontiersmen and the local Indians escalates. Abby begins a journey and trial that soon finds her questioning her former decisions and will test her faith.

Abby's Crossing held my interest and was a fairly fast read. I found the characters engaging although each one had their faults. The characters seemed to each represent different types of mindsets at that time in the Mormon culture. The story moves fairly slowly at first and then moves fairly quickly. This isn't a soft and fluffy romance. The characters enter real trials and have big decisions to make. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others. Find Abby's Crossing at your local library or here.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Discovering Science with Curious George

My toddler loves Curious George. He loves reading the Curious George books over and over again. One of our favorite set of Curious George Books are the Discovers series. We reread these several times a day. Curious George discovers and learns something about science ranging from the Sun, Stars, Space, Rainbow, Germs and the Senses. Each Discovers book shares what George learns, has science facts, and activities to go along with the book. I love reading these books to my toddler and then doing the activities to help reiterate what we've learned.

In Curious George Discovers the Sun, George learns about solar power and heat from the sun. The activity that goes along with the book includes instructions on how to make your own solar oven using items commonly found in a home. My toddler and I enjoyed construction our solar oven and baking smores in it. I would highly recommend these books to all preschoolers. The Curious George Discovers Series can be found at your local library or here.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Updates to Ann Morrison Park

The City of Boise is looking for input from the community on potential updates to the beloved Ann Morrison Park. To have your say, click here. The survey is open until October 7th.

October Giveaways (low to moderate entry)

I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog giveaways I've entered and found online. Check back often to see if I have posted more giveaways. I try and post them as I find them.

If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me. If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won

$50 Huggies Gift Certificate (ends October 2, 2016)
$50 Diapers.com Gift Card (ends October 3, 2016)
$50 Diapers.com Gift Card (ends October 3, 2016)
Pacapod Bag of Choice (ends October 4, 2016)
Pampers Prize Pack (ends October 5, 2016)
$50 Lula Roe Cash (ends October 5, 2016)
$50 Picket Fence Gift Card (ends October 6, 2016) 
$50 Gift Card and Freschetta Coupons (ends October 7, 2016)
$25 Simply Bliss Gift Card (ends October 8, 2016)
PediPed Original Shoes (ends October 9, 2016)
Karina Dresses Dress (ends October 9, 2016) 
Boudreaux Prize Pack (ends October 9, 2016)
MAM Prize Pack (ends October 9, 2016)
$250 Lila P Gift Card (ends October 9, 2016)
Sweetflexx Leggings (ends October 9, 2016) 
$50 Tea Gift Card (ends October 10, 2016) 
PediPed Originals Shoes (ends October 10, 2016)
$10 Target eGift Card (ends October 10, 2016)
HP Sprocket (ends October 12, 2016)
Persil 2n1 ProClean Detergent (ends October 12, 2016)
$10 Bruegger Bagel Gift Card (ends October 13, 2016)
$50 31 Bits Credit (ends October 13, 2016)
$60 Jayu Gift Card (ends October 13, 2016)
Crafters and Co. Candle (ends October 14, 2016)
Digital Copy of Beauty and the Beast (ends October 14, 2016) 
5 Roald Dahl Books (ends October 14, 2016)
$50 Gift Card (ends October 14, 2016)
$50 Picket Fence Gift Card (ends October 15, 2016)
1 Outfit and Jewelry Item from Findlay Rowe (ends October 16, 2016)
Flockmen Wooden Toy (ends October 16, 2016)
$25 Paypal Cash (ends October 17, 2016)
$250 Cabi Gift Card (ends October 18, 2016)
Ghostbusters Boo Basket (ends October 18, 2016)
$250 Cabi Gift Card (ends October 19, 2016)
Teal Pumpkin Prize Pack (ends October 19, 2016)
1x1 Item of Choice (ends October 20, 2016)
Pepperidge Farm Harvest Blend Coupons (ends October 20, 2016)
Crusted Prize Pack (ends October 20, 2016)
Set of Custom Wink & Ink Invitations (October 20, 2016)
$10 Walmart Gift Card (ends October 21, 2016)
$25 Old Navy Gift Card (ends October 21, 2016)
Real Food Slow Cooker Suppers Recipe Book (ends October 22, 2016)
$50 Pink Blush Gift Card (ends October 23, 2016)
$75 Copper Pearl Gift Card (ends October 23, 2016)
$25 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card (ends October 23, 2016)
$75 Shoe Carnival Gift Card (ends October 24, 2016)
$50 Gift Card (ends October 25, 2016)
Organums Baby Food (ends October 25, 2016) 
Lemonade CD (ends October 26, 2016)
Amazon Prime Membership (ends October 26, 2016)
$50 Worth of Foster Farms Chicken Coupons (ends October 26, 2016)
Tapered Collection (3 short sleeve shirts, 3 long sleeve shirts) (ends October 26, 2016)
Vera Bradley Avery Bag (ends October 27, 2016)
Krusteaz Prize Pack (ends October 27, 2016)
$25 Target Gift Card (ends October 27, 2016)
Freshly Picked Moccasins (ends October 28, 2016)
Krusteaz Prize Pack (ends October 28, 2016) 
$25 Winn Dixie Gift Card (ends October 29, 2016) 
Lotus Shoes (ends October 30, 2016)
$100 JcPenney Gift Card (ends October 30, 2016)
Kid's Badorf Shoes (ends October 30, 2016) 
Case of Dreamfield Pasta (ends October 30, 2016)
$50 Kroger Gift Card (ends October 30, 2016)
$25 Applebees Gift Card (ends October 30, 2016)
$50 Shabby Apple Gift Card (ends October 31, 2016)
Good Natured Soup Basket (ends October 31, 2016)