Teacher Appreciation Days 2011

July 31, 2011 By

If you’re a teacher–I hope you’re enjoying your summer! Stores and brands have events planned for you over the next few weeks to show their appreciation–with refreshments, goody bags, and special sales and discounts:

  • Office Max: Teacher Appreciation Days are Sunday, July 31st and Monday, August 1st (check your local store); you’ll receive a FREE reusable tote bag and get 20% off all products you can fit into it. There are also giveaways to the first 150 each day.
  • Big Lots: Teacher Appreciation Day is August 13th, and while there are no details up yet, last year the discount was 10% with school ID.
  • Joann Fabrics: Sign up for their Teacher Rewards Program, which gives you a 15% discount all year,  then attend Teacher Appreciation Days on August 13-14 for 20% off your purchases and a FREE Tote Bag.
  • Michael’s: Sign up to receive a 15% discount all year-round, and look for Teacher Events on August 13 and 20th.
  • Office Depot: All week August 15-21 is Teacher Appreciation Week. Most stores are offering a Teachers’ Breakfast the morning of the 21st (check your local store to be sure), plus you’ll get 10% off all week, and 50% rewards back on certain products. 
  • Staples: Their Teacher Appreciation Day varies by store, but most are being held Saturday, August 20th. The first 100 teachers will receive a Thank You gift, and all will receive breakfast.
    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    Spinach Rice Cakes

    July 29, 2011 By

    Do you rip recipes out of magazines, with the intention of trying them someday? I do it all the time, and a few times a year I review the pile and decide to just DO IT. This recipe sounded great because we all love spinach and I often have leftover rice around, so it was easy to pull together. I just used pre-cooked brown rice in place of those steps in the original recipe.

    Spinach Rice Cakes
    adapted from Woman’s Day Magazine

    2 tsp oil
    1/2 cup chopped onion
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 package (10 oz) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and coarsely cut
    3 cups cooked brown rice
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan
    1/4 tsp pepper
    1 large egg
    1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    2 cups marinara sauce (for dipping)

    Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat; saute the onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Add the spinach and remove from heat.

    Heat over to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with nonstick foil. In a large bowl, combine vegetable mixture with rice, Parmesan and pepper. Mix in egg.

    For each cake, scoop and flatten 1/4 cup rice mixture onto baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes until firm. Sprinkle tops with mozzarella, and return to oven for 1 minute to melt. Serve with warmed marinara.

    We absolutely loved the flavor of these cakes, but my husband in particular thought they weren’t filling enough to serve as a main dish. He’s not a big fan of vegetarian meals anyway, so next time I make these it will be as a smaller meal, such as lunch for me and the kids.

    This recipe is linked up to It’s a Keeper at Everyday Tastes, These Chicks Cooked at This Chick Cooks, Gluten-Free Wednesdays at Gluten-Free Homemaker, Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty & Bedlam, CraftOManiac Monday at Craft-O-Maniac, Recipe Swap Sundays at Remodelaholic, Feasting in Fellowship Friday at Comfy in the Kitchen, Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum, Friday Favorites at Simply Sweet Home, and Friday Food at MomTrends.

    Filed Under: GF, Home Cooking, Recipes

    Tiny Prints Cards just .99 Shipped

    July 28, 2011 By

    Tiny Prints is offering their Friendship, Thank You and Thinking of You Greeting Cards for just .99 shipped when you use coupon code FRIEND99. This code is good through Tuesday, August 2nd. You can choose a card to personalize with your own photos and sentiments, or just choose one of their lovely designs. Now is a great time to send a note to a friend!

    With the coupon code, you can order as many cards as you like for .99 each plus tax, and you can also personalize a card and send it right to the recipient by just paying for the stamp. Who do you know that needs a pick-me-up or a thank you? Head over to Tiny Prints to see the selection.

    Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. Thanks for supporting MoneywiseMoms at no cost to you!

    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    Safeway Deals and Matchups 7/27

    July 27, 2011 By
    NOTE: This post is based on the Washington DC area weekly ad, which usually has the same prices as the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region. See your full local ad. Our stores double coupons to .99 here.


    Green Seedless Grapes     are .99/lb.

    Red Bell Peppers are $1.00 each, and Jumbo Vidalia Onions are .99/lb. Sounds like it’s time for Fajitas on the meal plan!

    Red or Black Plums are .99/lb.

    There’s a .99 SuperCoupon on the back of the ad that works on a lot of products: Safeway Frozen Vegetables 16oz, Popsicle Novelties 8ct., Sunny D 64 oz, Nesquick Flavored Milk 16oz (use the .50 off coupon from 6/5 RedPlum to get it FREE), and more.

    Lucerne Shredded Cheese 8oz is $2.50.

    Cheez-it Crackers are $2.00/box. Print a .70 off Colby variety, which will double, making it only .60.

    Freschetta Frozen Pizza is $4.99 when you buy 3 (make sure you have room in your freezer!). Print a $1.00 off coupon for each one.

    Lucerne String Cheese is $2.99 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 2.

    Perdue Chicken, all fresh and frozen, is on sale for 50% off.

    Scotch-Brite Sponges 3pk is $2.99. Use the printable .75 off coupon, which will double, making it $1.49.

    Silk Milk is $2.49 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 3. Print a .75 off any or a .75 off Almond coupon from the Silk website, which will double, so you’ll pay only .99.

    The Big Beverage Event Mix & Match Sale gives you .50 off each item when you buy 10 or more participating products. Look on the shelf tags to be sure, but look for Gatorade or Propel for .49/bottle after the savings and 12-packs of Pepsi products for $2.69 after the savings.

    Buy $25 or more in iTunes Gift Cards, get a $5 Catalina for your next purchase. Offer valid through August 2nd.

      Friday through Sunday only:
      • Cantaloupe Melons are $2 each.
      • Barilla Pasta is .89/box, limit 5.
      • Oscar Mayer Meat Franks, Carving Board or Zip Pack Lunchmeat are BOGO. There was a $1.00/2 Hot Dogs coupon in the 6/19 SmartSource insert.
      • Classico Pasta Sauce is $1.49 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 6. There was a $1.00/2 coupon way back in the 5/15 SmartSource, or you can print this $1.00/2 coupon (warning–this prints as soon as you click).
      • Dole Fruit Bowls are $1.59 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 4. Print a .50 off coupon, which will double.
      • Honey Maid Grahams are $1.99 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 4. Use the $1.00/2 coupon from the 6/26 SmartSource insert. That’s a great price for graham crackers!
      • Honey Nut Cheerios, Cookie Crisp or Reese’s Puffs Cereals are $1.88 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 4.  Use the $1.00/2 coupons from the 7/17 or 7/10 SmartSource.
      • Tostitos Tortilla Chips are $1.88 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 4.
      • Wish-Bone Salad Dressing 16oz is $1.19 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 3.

        Remember to look for the Simple Nutrition brochure with the $1 off $5 produce coupon, good through August.

        Add E-coupons to your Safeway Club card at Safeway.com. Safeway is no longer participating in the Cellfire and Shortcuts e-coupon programs. Read Safeway’s Coupon Policy, but know that store managers are allowed to set their own policy.

        For more Mid-Atlantic store match-ups, see my network of NoVA Grocery Deals. For coupon matchups at stores nationwide, see The Frugal Map.

        Filed Under: Store Deals Tagged With:

        Shoebuy and Quiznos Groupons

        July 27, 2011 By

        I’ve blogged before about my crazy-sized feet (now a half-size and wide, thanks to having twins). I’ve been shopping at Shoebuy.com for several years now, and I love that I can find so many styles in my size and have them shipped for FREE. Since they have FREE returns, I can easily return them if they don’t fit after trying them on at home. I’m happy to see today’s Groupon for $40 at Shoebuy for just $20 (you pay $20 and get a promo code to use on your Shoebuy purchase; the code expires in 1 year). They even sell kids’ brands like Stride Rite, including the XW size you find in stores.

        Another online, nationwide Groupon today (Wednesday) is $6 for two regular Subs or Salads at Quiznos. Limit is one per person (wish it was more!), and it expires October 30th. Only valid at participating locations nationwide. More than 90% of their stores are participating; when you check your local store on their map, you’ll see the Groupon logo.

        Remember–when you’re buying a Groupon–there are ways to double-dip your deal. Purchase your Groupon through Swagbucks or Ebates for extra value:

        1. If you’re a Swagbucks user, click on “Daily Deals” in the left sidebar on the Swagbucks home page. Then, click through to Groupon and make your purchase (make sure you see the Trial Pay bar at the top). You’ll earn 160 Swagbucks for this Groupon.
        2. If you’re an Ebates user, open a tracking ticket at Ebates and complete your Groupon purchase, and you’ll earn 3% cash back.

        Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting MoneywiseMoms at no cost to you!

        Filed Under: Making Money Tagged With: , ,

        Back to School Prep: Taming Paper Clutter

        July 26, 2011 By

        How do you deal with all the paper that comes home from school–forms, homework, artwork, etc? I share some strategies in this vlog to help you set up a system as your kids go back to school:

        Need more strategies? Read how I set up my household binder, or see more ideas for organizing kids’ school work at OrgJunkie.

        Read more Back to School Prep. This post is linked up to Large Family Organization at Raising Arrows.

        Filed Under: BTS Tagged With:

        Meal Plan Monday: Back to School Prep

        July 25, 2011 By

        As we’re talking about Back-to-School more and more, I can’t help but recommend (again!) that you try meal planning. As you look ahead to that first month of school, why not take some time now to plan out a week or two of meals to help you get through the transition? I know my kids will be adjusting to new schedules (two starting full-day kindergarten!) and needing time to both relax and get chores/homework done before dinner. I can stay stress-free and support them by having dinner planned ahead. If you’re new to the idea, see my vlog on Meal Planning, part of my 31 Days of Grocery Savings series.

        Sunday–We BBQ’d with our neighbors. I marinated Garlic Lime Chicken, and we had tomato caprese salad with tomatoes and basil from the garden, along with homemade guacamole and chips.

        Monday–We’re eating at the swim meet since two of three kids are swimming. Again, I am setting a budget and spent less on this week’s grocery trip because of it.

        Tuesday–Turkey Spinach Burgers, broccoli slaw, corn

        Wednesday–Tuna Pasta Salad using GF pasta (and I skip the capers because my kids hate them)

        Thursday–Vegetable Pizzas (on whole wheat pita bread for the family, on GF bread for me), salad

        Friday–Spaghetti & Turkey Meatballs (it’s my first time making meatballs since I went GF; I plan to make my own breadcrumbs or use GF oats instead), salad

        Saturday–        It’s the last day of swim team. I’ll be volunteering/cooking/cheering/wrangling children from 7am till mid-afternoon, then taking a nap before the End-of-Year Party that runs into the night. I’m tired already. I am NOT cooking; instead, I am asking my husband to take care of me that day :)

        For lots of meal plan inspiration and recipes, see the Menu Plan Monday linky at OrgJunkie.

        Filed Under: GF, Home Cooking, Meal Planning

        Backpacks Free after Rebate at OfficeMax

        July 25, 2011 By

        Get up to 2 FREE Backpacks, Messenger Bags or Totes at OfficeMax after rebate. This offer is running through Saturday, July 30th, and can be done in-store or online. With your purchase, you can submit a rebate through the MaxPerks program, and you’ll receive the rebate that you can then use on a future OfficeMax purchase, similar to the Staples Rewards program.

        If you choose to shop online, remember to shop through Ebates to get 3% cash back on your purchase. They even have Messenger Bags ranging from $54-100; be sure you can spend the MaxPerks afterward (like on printer cartridges). You’ll get FREE shipping with a $50+ order.

        Thanks, NorthernCheapskate!

        Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

        Free Birthday Card from Paper Snaps

        July 22, 2011 By

        Through Wednesday, July 27th, get a FREE Printed Birthday Card from Paper Snaps when you “Like” Paper Snaps on Facebook and use coupon code BDAY11 at checkout. The code will remove the $3.75 price, and you’ll pay just .44, the price of a stamp, to have it shipped to you. Choose from one of their 10 printed designs, and save yourself the trip to the store for your next greeting card purchase!

        Filed Under: Uncategorized

        100 Snapfish Prints for $1 + Shipping

        July 21, 2011 By

        Get your photos printed for a great price at Snapfish this month! Get 100 4×6 Prints for just $1.00 from Snapfish when you use coupon code JULY100PRNTS through Tuesday, July 26th. Or, you can get 200 4×6 Prints for just $2.00 with code JULY200PRNTS (note that there’s no I in these codes).

        With the 100 prints, you’ll pay $5.89 shipping, which comes out to less than 7-cents per print. With 200 prints, you’ll pay $10.69 shipping.

        You also get 50 FREE prints if you’re signing up for an account for the first time. You can only use one code per order at Snapfish, so keep that in mind (you’d want to order your 100 prints for $1 separately from any other items).

        Remember that you can also shop Snapfish through Ebates to get 8% cash back on your purchase.

        Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting MoneywiseMoms at no cost to you!

        Filed Under: Photo Tagged With:

        Safeway Deals and Matchups 7/20

        July 20, 2011 By
        NOTE: This post is based on the Washington DC area weekly ad, which usually has the same prices as the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region. See your full local ad. Our stores double coupons to .99 here.

        Green Beans are $1.48/lb.

        Long English Hot House Cucumbers are $1.25 each.

        3-lb bags of Yellow, White or Red Onions are $2.50.

        Tomato Clusters on the Vine are $1.28/lb.

        Fresh Express Salad Blends are BOGO at $3.49.

        Boneless Pork Loin is $1.99/lb, whole in the bag (usually 7-10 lbs). I ask the butcher to slice this into pork chops for me, so I don’t have to do it at home.


        Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch Cereal is $1.79 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 4. Use the .75 off printable coupon, which will double, to pay only .29/box.

        Green Giant Canned Vegetables are .69 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 12.
        Honey Nut Cheerios is $2.49 for the 12-25oz box. Use this .50 printable coupon, which will double, to pay $1.49.

        Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix is $1.99 and part of the Buy 4, Save $4 Mix & Match Sale. Use the $1.00/2 coupon from the 6/12 RedPlum insert, and you’ll pay only .49 each after the coupon and promo savings. See the ad for other participating products, like Jif to Go, Folgers Coffee, and Smuckers.

        Ritz Crackers or Crackerfuls are $1.99 with in-ad SuperCoupon, limit 4. Use the $1.00/2 coupon from the 5/15 SmartSource insert.
        Turkey Hill Drinks (like gallon ice tea) are $1.99 with in-ad Super Coupon, limit 2. Use the $1.00/2 coupon from the 5/15 SmartSource.
        Buy 2 Coke 12-packs, get 2 FREE plus get FREE Oreo Cookies. You’ll pay $11.98 for all 5 items.

          Friday through Sunday only sale:

          • Strawberries 2 lb. pack is $2.88
          • Red Seedless Watermelon is $3.99
          • Doritos Tortilla Chips are $1.99/bag.
          • Safeway or Hanover Frozen Vegetables 16oz. are .99 each.
          • Safeway Chunk Light Tuna is .59/can.
          • Kraft Mac & Cheese is .75.
          • Blueberries 2 lb. pack is $5.00, Friday only. 
          •  Land O’ Frost Lunch Wrap Kits are $5 each, Friday only. Use this printable $1.00 off coupon (must register). 

          Get a $10 Catalina for your next grocery purchase when you buy $100 or more in MasterCard Gift Cards. The best way to do this deal is to buy a single $100 MasterCard GC; you’ll pay a $5.95 fee to activate it, so you’ll pay $105.95 out of pocket and get the $10 Catalina. Then, use the $100 card to buy other gift cards equalling $100 (such as four $25 gift cards of your choice). You end up making $4.05 on the deal. I’ve had trouble using Visa/MasterCard GCs when the amount is not exact, that’s why I recommend you buy other GCs (such as gas).

            Remember to look for the Simple Nutrition brochure with the $1 off $5 produce coupon, good through August 8th.

            Add E-coupons to your Safeway Club card at Safeway.com. Safeway is no longer participating in the Cellfire and Shortcuts e-coupon programs. Read Safeway’s Coupon Policy, but know that store managers are allowed to set their own policy.

            For more Mid-Atlantic store match-ups, see my network of NoVA Grocery Deals. For coupon matchups at stores nationwide, see The Frugal Map.

            Filed Under: Store Deals Tagged With:
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