Free Thomas Train @ Toys R Us (today & tomorrow!)

Use this coupon for a free Thomas Wooden Train at Toys 'R Us this weekend - Saturday & Sunday. Good for these four wooden trains: Thomas the Tank Engine, Lights & Sound Percy, Sir Handel, or Peter Sam.

Last time, these were gone really quickly, so better sooner than later, if you plan to head up there for this awesome deal.

Maybe you can go at 12 pm on Saturday to enjoy the Little People 50th Birthday !

Ck Out My Target Loot

The only thing I 'paid' for was Target brand Slim Fast & a bday card for a friend & Special K Protein Waters (clearanced down).
The other stuff was either free or close to it!:
Always Infinity Pads (free); Lightdays Pads (free); 5 J&J Buddies soaps (free), Speariment Gum (free); Aveeno lotion (only 99 cents after $2 off); & Goldfish crackers (about 50 cents each after $1 off coupons).

The cashier was a bit surprised when my $45 purchase quickly turned into a $23 purchase! :)

PINK (Victoria's Secret) Free Tote Extended

Good news (to my sis & others who missed it!):

Hopefully everything's fixed with the Pink Nation website, and & you'll get your FREE gift offer as well as the $10 off any $35 PINK purchase -- extended through April 6th!

Now, just register and print your coupons & get to the mall. (or go HERE & click on 'freebies' & follow the prompts). I got a PINK Nation tote (lime green & very big!), but others have gotten trial size lotions and underwear as well. You know how it goes...every store, every employee, differs in each situation!

What Are You Doing This Weekend? (updated!)

There's lots to do this weekend in the STL!

Friday

Storytelling in the Gallery. These programs engage our youngest visitors and their families in historic paintings and objects by using traditional and contemporary stories. Children will also enjoy a hands-on craft or other activity. Each 45-minute session is FREE. Programs are held Fridays at 10:30 a.m. (for ages 2–6) in the museum’s galleries. Missouri History Museum (check info/front desk for exact location). More info HERE.

Steaming Into History: Steam Trains from the Collection of Des Lee. 1-4 pm. Bring the whole family for this rare opportunity to view a stunning display of 1:32 scale model trains that run on live steam! These steam-powered model engines from the personal collection of Mr. Des Lee run on a large outdoor track. The trains will run (weather permitting). Missouri History Museum - Bernoudy Garden Courtyard. More info HERE.

Free Family Night at The Magic House. Enjoy the more than 100 hands-on exhibits at St. Louis' Children's Museum during this free family night. Two adults and up to four of their own children will be admitted free between 5:30 and 9 p.m. Sponsored by Target. The Magic House, 516 Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood. More information: 314-822-8900 or go HERE.

Saturday

Botanical Garden Free Morning. Admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden is FREE every Wednesday and Saturday morning. From 9am - Noon, St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents (bring proof of residency) can get into the garden for free all year. Free admission may not be available during special events. For more info go HERE.

Discover Nature: Families Basic Birding. Families are invited to learn basic birdwatching skills by taking a short, guided hike and searching for our fine feathered friends. Reservations begin March 6. 636.441.4554. 9:30-11 am. Ages 5-7. August A Busch Memorial Conservation. More info HERE.

Puppet Show. Kids are invited to a production of Jon Scieszka's zany, slightly irreverent twist on classic tales, The Stinky Cheese Man, which is performed by Paul Mesner Puppets. 10:30 am. Ages 3-12. Registration is required. For more info, call 314.878.7730 or go HERE.

Super Science Fun program. Windsor Brand of the Jefferson County Library in Barnhart. Ages & up enjoy learning about science & participate in an experiment. 1 pm. You must sign up! Call 636-461-1914.

Meet Peter Rabbit at the Barnes & Noble in Crestwood. 1 pm.

Toys R Us Little People Party. 12-2 pm. Free Little People DVD. Coloring, Storytime, & Playtime. Click HERE to find the location closest to you.

Missouri History Museum has lots going on! 12:00-1:30 p.m. - Visit the Radio Disney booth. The Road Crew will be counting down to Hannah Montana: The Movie while we spin your favorite tunes, play fun games and give away totally cool prizes! Find out how to win a trip to Hollywood to attend the red carpet premiere of Hannah Montana: The Movie.
Steaming Into History: Steam Trains from the Collection of Des Lee. 1-4 pm. Bring the whole family for this rare opportunity to view a stunning display of 1:32 scale model trains that run on live steam! These steam-powered model engines from the personal collection of Mr. Des Lee run on a large outdoor track. The trains will run (weather permitting). Missouri History Museum - Bernoudy Garden Courtyard. More info HERE.
Storytelling in the Gallery. These programs engage our youngest visitors and their families in historic paintings and objects by using traditional and contemporary stories. Children will also enjoy a hands-on craft or other activity. Each 45-minute session is FREE. Programs are held at 1 pm. (for ages 10 & under) in the museum’s galleries. Missouri History Museum (check info/front desk for exact location). More info HERE.
... stay afterward to play with puppets, build a puzzle or read stories on your own.
Then, stick around again, for a FREE afternoon movie: IT'S A BUG'S LIFE. Light snacks will be offered. Movie starts at 2:30pm in the AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room.

St. Louis Moolah Shrine Circus Parade. The clowns, bands, & famous small cars will be roaming the streets of historic St. Charles at 12 pm on Saturday.

Go Fish: Intro to Trout Fishing.Young anglers can learn various techniques used to successfully fish for trout and get practice with flies, lures, and how to cast a fly rod. All equipment is provided, and participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 2-4 pm. Ages 8-15. Please call ahead to reserve a spot by March 20. More info HERE. 636.441.4554

Sunday

Easter Parade & Festival. The Central West End hosts a parade - starring costumed characters, soap box derby cars, fire trucks, and floats - and all kinds of children's seasonal activities, including Sammy J Balloon Creations, a petting zoo, Easter bunnies, pony rides, and face painting. 10 am-1 pm. For more info, go to http://www.thecwe.com/EasterParade.htm.

Art Museum Family Sunday. Hands-on art activities and a family tour through the galleries. 1-4 pm. Go HERE for more info.

Steaming Into History: Steam Trains from the Collection of Des Lee. 1-4 pm. Bring the whole family for this rare opportunity to view a stunning display of 1:32 scale model trains that run on live steam! These steam-powered model engines from the personal collection of Mr. Des Lee run on a large outdoor track. The trains will run (weather permitting). Missouri History Museum - Bernoudy Garden Courtyard. More info HERE.

All Weekend

The Stork Lady's Kids & Baby Consignment Sale - Find lots of bargains on Saturday (3.21) and Sunday (3.22) at St. Elizabeth's gym in Crestwood. Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 - 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Recycled Kids Children’s Consignment Sale Spring/Summer 2009. 915 Jungermann Rd , St. Peters , MO. (Formerly Walgreens) (Just south of Willott Rd , next to McDonalds.)
Thursday, March 19th 9:00am-7:00pm. Friday, March 20th 9:00am-6:00pm. Saturday, March 21st 9:00am-5:00pm. Sunday, March 22nd 9:00am-1:00pm Half Price Sale (most items). For more info, go HERE.

Don't forget to go HERE to get my complete listing of the restaurants in our area who participate in KIDS EAT FREE.
Happy Weekend!

Friday Free Bees

Free 10-Day Supply bare escentuals HERE

Free Arm & Hammer Toothpaste HERE

2 Free Pay-Per-View Movies, details HERE

Free Gain sample HERE

Free Biocare skin & hair samples HERE (check the sample box)

Free Makeover & samples HERE-Bring it to your favorite SEPHORA STORE between 12pm-6pm on Saturday, March 21 to get your makeover and free samples -store locator

Target, cont'd

GE Energy Smart Light Bulbs Single Pack (13W CFL), $1
- $1/1 GE Light Bulb printable
FREE

Pledge Furniture Wipes, approx. $3
- $2/1 Pledge Furniture Wipes printable
- $1/1 Target printable
FREE

Also, a note about the gilette wash (earlier post)... don't look w/ the other soaps, ck the end caps & special arrangements, it can be found there. Or ask a service person to help you! :)

Free After Coupon at Target

Gillette Body Wash (8.4 oz), $2
-$2/1 coupon in 3/1 P&G insert
FREE

The Container Store Coupon

I rarely watch Oprah. But I have a fascination w/ all things Peter (from Clean Sweep!) & when I heard he'd be doing another Clutter Crew appearance.

I was so excited when she talked about a "special offer for THE CONTAINER STORE" & here's the link to get the 25% off coupon!

Don't have one near your house? Go online & when you do, go through eBates (clickety click on the button on the right) & get an extra % back!

Don't Forget Arby's!

The Arby's coupon (free roastburger w/ purch of pepsi) expires tomorrow!

Happy Spring!

Tomorrow is the day! Celebrate SPRING with some springy free bees!

Fun things to do with your little ones HERE

Easter freebies from Hershey's HERE (stencils, printable stickers, coloring pages, etc.)

Free bird sounds CD and booklet HERE

Free bird house, butterfly house & windchime plans HERE

Preschool activities and crafts HERE

Recipe for SPRING Rolls HERE

Birdwatching tips HERE

SPRING coloring pages HERE

SPRING BREAK party invitations HERE

Easter/Spring Ecards HERE

Easter games HERE

Easter Teacher worksheets & printables HERE

Easter Bunny clipart HERE

Goin' Parkin'

St. Louis has a HUGE assortment of parks. If you don't live in the STL, your city is most likely rich with parks...some of whom you don't even know about.

Here is a St. Louis Parks info sheet. It breaks each city park down, tells you amenities, etc. Here is another list, not sure if it's up-to-date, but is certainly informative!

Here is a map of St. Louis COUNTY parks.

Here is a list of parks in the STL area.

Out-of-towners, here's a site that might help you out.

Have fun!

Sneak Peek

at Wag's Ad for next week. (thanks to Hot Coupon World!)

The preview ad for Walgreens deals (for the week of March 22nd) can be viewed here.

Free App at Trainwreck Saloon

Go to their site to print out a coupon for a free appetizer (toasted rav!, a STL fav!).

Mid-Week Shouts Out

This week's Mid-Week Shouts Out goes to St. Louis Children's Hospital.

I've had the privilige of getting to know Kimberly Hume, MSN, RN, FAHCEP Manager, Resource Center who is a walking book of children's info...and I am happy to share with you, a tiny bit of what SLCH has available!

The Family Resource Center is a cornucopia of knowledge. You call or email them (314.454.2350 or frc@bjc.org). You tell them what you need to know more about (for example, NUTRITION). The next business day (how's that for service?), they will drop a packet in the mail for you!

Here's what they say...

"Anything goes related to kids health-health and wellness topics-birth, death, divorce, how do you get them to eat green vegetables, how many green vegetables should they eat, how do you get them to sleep in their own bed at night, potty training, play, death of the pet turtle-you name it! Along the line of diseases-asthma, attention deficit disorder, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and on up the alphabet-if you can relate it to kid's health, we can look it up! From toddlers to teens-we have information for you."

Okay, I gave you the example earlier of nutrition. At their fingertips, they have Brochures on-Exercise, Staying Healthy, Fun and Fit at Home, Nutrition for When Parents are on the Go, Making Eating Fun, Cholesterol and Kids and moreInfo on school lunches, food jags, and healthy snacking, as well as a bibliography of books and videos that can be checked out from the Family Resource Center.

Here are some other resources Ms. Hume shared with me:

http://www.stlouischildrens.org/content/TeenHelpline454TEEN.htm for those with teens

http://www.stlouischildrens.org/content/AnswerLine454KIDS.htm for all parents, an ask a nurse line, also will offer referrals to pediatricians and specialists

http://www.stlouischildrens.org/content/permissiontotreat.htm Permission to treat forms to print out and have notarized for when you are not with your kids- very important!!! (I just printed this out, have been looking for something like this!)

http://www.stlouischildrens.org/content/safetystop1.htm Place where you can get your car seat checked for free and BUY very much discounted car seats, booster seats, bike helmets and other safety things for your home (like car seat for $40 that normally retails for $80-don't quote that please-call them for specifics)

http://www.stlouischildrens.org/content/events.htm Has all the events including helmet checks and more!

Children's motto is: We Do what's Right for Kids

They certainly do... and it carries over to families.

Thank you Children's!!

Redbox Code For Wednesday

Your Wednesday promo code is here, courtesy of Redbox.

It is good for one free night’s rental at any Redbox kiosk.

GTL456

Expires tonight (Wed, Mar 18) at midnight CST.

Shannon & anyone else who is wondering what REDBOX is....

REDBOX is a movie rental system, placed in a big red kiosk.

Usually, these can be found outside of a walgreens, inside and outside of most McDonalds, & in some shop n saves & walmarts.

REDBOX movies are only a buck, but must be returned the following day by 9 pm.

Every Monday (& for March, Wednesdays too!) morning, I will post a 'Redbox Code'.

This code will get your movie free, for only the day it's posted.

One bonus about REDBOX, a free code can be used more than once if you use a different credit or debit card for that 2nd (or 3rd, etc.) time.

REDBOX has new releases, as well as several kids' movies.

ENJOY!

Mid-Week Free Bees

Free Biocare Skin and Hair Sample HERE. (make sure you check the sample box at the bottom)
Free sample Playtex Gentle Glide HERE.
Free Betty Crocker Calendar HERE.
Free sample Johnson & Johnson ActivFlex Cohesive tape HERE.
Free sample Good Nights Boxers HERE.
Free mini meter for diabetics HERE.
Free trial pair Acuvue lenses HERE.
Help someone you love with free sample of Nicoderm CQ HERE.
Over 500 FREE songs from Amazon HERE.
Free sample Flush Doggy HERE.
Free Sobe Dog Tag HERE.
Free Breath-A-licious dog bone HERE.
Free pet clean-up bag dispenser HERE.
Free sample Whites dog food HERE.
Free sample Life's Abundance Pet Food HERE.

Walmart & Walgreens Shopping List (free!)

SS= "Smart Source"
RP= "Red Plum"
PG= "Proctor & Gamble"

These are the coupon inserts you will find in the Sunday papers.

Walmart (this week!)

True North Peanut Nut Clusters 5.5 oz bags $1.00
-$1/1 coupon from SS 2/8/09 (exp. 9/30/09)
FREE!

Ken's salad dressings are $1.78
-$2/1 coupon from the 3/8/09 SS
FREE!

Purina Cat Food - Select Varities regular price $3.97
-$4 off any bag of Purina HERE
FREE!

Mentos Gum $0.99
-$1/1 coupon (SS 3/1/09) expires 4-30-09
FREE!

6 packs of schick bonus -12/pk razors for $1.97
-$2.00 off coupon SS 1/11/09
FREE!

Progresso Soup, 2/$3
-$1.10/1 printable (exp: 3/31/09)
FREE!

Carefree Pantyliners $1
-$1/1 coupon from Cosmo
FREE!

Seventh Generation Wipes (about $2)
-$2 printable HERE
FREE!

Sani Hands for Kids 18 count wipes for $1.00
-$1.00 Printable HERE
OR -$1/1 coupon from 11/08 (expires 12/09)
FREE!

Huggies Baby Wipes (Trial size - 16ct.)
-Huggies Bath and Body Product, any $1 (4/5/09) SS 1/11/09
FREE!

Small box of Arm & Hammer baking soda $0.50
-PRINTABLE $1/2 coupon HERE
2 for FREE!


Walgreens (these are for the week starting 3/29!)

Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil 89 cents ( 20 sq feet) with In ad coupon
-Reynolds Wrap Foil (excludes 25sq ft) $1 (4-4-09) SS 2/8/09
FREE!

Chapstick 100 % Naturals or True Shimmer Lip Balm or Butter, .15 oz, sale 1.99 and get 1.99 RR
FREE!

Thank you to "Centsible Sawyer", "Deal Seeking Mom", & "Slick deals"

It's a Good Time to Travel

We're like most families right now & don't have much extra money. But one thing that's important to us is family vacation. Needing to get away as a family is still a high priority.
Our economic situation in this country isn't really hot right now. Thank you Captain Obvious. But that can work to our advantage right now, as certain things are very affordable.

Like planned trips.

Disney's "Buy Four, Get Three Free" offer is extended through Mar. 29th (for most dates through Aug. 15th).
Purchase 4-night, 4-day Magic Your Way package & get 3 more nights accommodations & 3 park tickets free.
That's a lot of magic!

Click on over to my favorite agent & check out the other great deals.

Weekly Menu Plan

Monday
Spaghetti
(make large quantity of sauce & freeze 1/2 for Friday's Ziti)
tossed salad
garlic bread
brownies

Tuesday
Hubs & I are enjoying a date night (thanks to reader Regina!)
My kids will enjoy family night at Burger King (kids' meals for $1.99)
ice cream (brownies a la mode w/ leftover brownies?)

Wednesday
Grilled chicken (grill large quantity outside, set aside 1/2 for tomorrow's dinner)
Knorr pasta side
steamed broccoli (when you wash/cut brocc, do a large quantity, set aside 1/2 for tomorrow's salad)
crescents
shamrock cookies (marked down after St Patty's Day)

Thursday
salad (make extra, sans chicken, set aside for tomorrow nite's dinner) with grilled chicken (from yesterday)
french bread (can be bought @ Jimmy John's, day old, for 50 cents!)
(after dinner, get out Monday's frozen sauce, thaw in fridge for tomorrow nite)
ice cream sandwiches (homemade w/ leftover shamrock cookies?)

Friday
"Now & Later Ziti"* (w/ yesterday's sauce) for tonight's dinner & tomorrow's lunch!
salad (w/o chicken, from last night)
toast (I gather my almost-stale pieces, slather w/ butter & garlic salt, & throw in toaster oven)
corn on the cob
banana bread (made w/ this week's brown bananas)

RECIPE FOR N&L ZITI: (prep time 5 mins/serves 12)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs gr beef
• 1 lg onion (chopped)
• 1 jar (4 lbs 3 oz) pasta sauce
• 1 box (16 oz) ziti or med tube-shaped pasta, cooked/drained
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook beef & onion in saucepot 'til browned (pour off fat, yuck).
Stir in pasta sauce, ziti, & 2 cups of mozz cheese.
Spoon into 2 (12 1/2" x 8 pans).
Top with remaining mozz. & parmesan.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 mins. (or until as hot as you'd like it).

Free Bee

Parent's Choice baby formula from Walmart

Tena bladder control protection from Walmart

Free download from Ballas Hough Band - Do It For You from Walmart

Free HAIRCUT! thanks to Herbal Essesnces (thanks Jen!)

Free Issue of All You

Get a free trial issue of the magazine, ALL YOU. (I refer to All You regularly, as they contain lots of valuable coupons).

Be sure to click BILL ME LATER.

And make sure, after your first issue, that you return your invoice marked with CANCEL.

REDBOX CODE

MONDAY code:

2GR4N8

 (expires today @ midnite!)

2 Free Issues of Redbook

Go here to get yours.
(thanks to Moms By Heart)

FREE!

According to their website, they'll send you a 20% coup + this SUPER CUTE tote. While supplies last. I just signed up & didn't get a message otherwise. I wanted to pass on to you asap.

Grate Chef grate wipes for your grill.

Stay tuned, later this morning, I'll be posting the MONDAY REDBOX CODE!

Kids Weeks at ProActive Chiropractic

During "Kids Week" (the 3rd week of each month), for only $7, your kiddos (17 years & below) can receive necessary chiropractic services.
Pre-schedule your appointment, 636.464.8360.

This Week @ Wags

There are deals to be had at Walgreens this week....

$3 Reach Toothbrush/Floss or Listerine: $6 RR (upon purchase of 3)
$3 in the Diabetes & You magazine (in their pharmacy, free!)
$1 in the 2/8 RP (exp 4/25)
$1.50/2 today's smartsource
$3/3 (today's smartsource too)
$.50 on Listerine in the 2/8 RP Insert (exp 4/25)
money maker?...FREE after RR!!

Register Rewards for Dove that I plan to take advantage of! That's the only soap I use!

Here are coupons for Dove...teamed up w/ the RR's & it's a heckuva deal!:
Here and Here (these aren't working for me)
Plus, if you have an ALL YOU magazine (found at walmart), there is a coup in there as well!

Don't kill the messenger...but in case you haven't heard, the rumor is that after April, the Easy Savers are going to be gone. :(

Free Cleanser, Bath & Body

Take this coupon to Bath & Body Works to take $10 off any Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology purchase through 4/5. You should be able to find some cleansers on sale for $10
(which would make them FREE!).