Hi Carol!

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Li’l Cec and I trekked to the mall today and it was a blast – he is so great to take shopping and he flirts with every girl/woman he sees.  I had to pick up my cardi from JCPenney’s – it was only 79c after that fantastic $10 off $10 coupon code they offered just over a week ago.  I’m thrilled with it, fits perfectly – who could complain anyway for a mere 79c – and it was shipped FREE to the store.  Li’l Cec bolted while I was trying to finish up my transaction and it was quite an ordeal trying to avoid all the christmas trees, decorations etc. along the way.

Stopped by the Sephora Counter on the way out to get my sample of Donna Karan’s Cashmere Mist Fragrance - for printable coupon, go HERE

Then at the Godiva Store, he decided he’d had enough of standing there just looking at all the delicious candies, so lay down on the floor sighing heavily.  I got 3 of their dark choccy bars for $10 (usually $3.99 apiece) on special offer and of course a FREE truffle (I got the Chocolate Lava Cake – yum) for being part of their REWARDS program.  Sign up HERE for more details.

Had to do a return at American Eagle and I was so grateful for how speedy it was – I returned an item at Old Navy the other day and because I’d written a check, they told me I would receive the refund by check – WHAT??  It finally turned up 10 days later.

After walking the full length of the mall, we hopped in the van and took a gift over to my friend Susan who wasn’t there, but her darling receptionist Peggy was.  She was so grateful, you’d have thought the gift was for her – and then I felt bad I didn’t have one for her, so will have to make another trip with something special for her.

We have our company dinner at Zio’s tonight – it’s mostly a family affair as both Melody and Dave work for us, but we also have Jim and so we are planning on blessing them all tonight with bonuses and gift cards.  They are offering a $5 gift card with every $20 gift card you purchase – that’s the best deal out there!

Now I have to go get Li’l Cec ready and myself and then go pick up Melody and Jim.  We’re gonna have fun.

We got an early start this morning as Greg had to take his car into the shop to have it fixed up so he can sell it; the plan is that The 57 Chevy will be his car to run around in and he’ll use my minivan when he really needs to.   As soon as we got back, I hightailed it up to Target to do my “big” grocery shop -

Came home, barely had time to get the ice cream in the freezer and had to go pick up Greg from dropping the Chevy off to have the a/c put in.  So we are really a one-vehicle family for a few days.  I’ve given Greg strict instructions about the specific times I need my van, like tomorrow when I go on adventures with Li’l Cec and Wednesday when I go bargain hunting.  Hopefully there won’t be any conflicts.

I got a note from Sobe Life Water today saying they were very sorry for sending out expired coupons and that they were going to send out new ones.  Hooray for that.  I was very much looking forward to those freebies.

If you buy $50 worth of gift cards at JC Penney, you can get a $5 giftcard for yourself.  A perfect example of Give and You Shall Receive.

Tropical Traditions is offering 15% off site wide using Code 101210 at checkout.  I just discovered they sell Coconut Peanut Butter - how delicious does that sound – for $4.99.  That’ll be my next order – Dave will go nuts for it.

Crocs is offering 25% off sitewide today and FREE shipping on all orders – these ABF Flips are only $7.99; I actually have these in Pink and they are so comfy.  Be sure to check outtheir Outlet section.

If you like Pillsbury products, sign up for their newsletter HERE and you can print coupons and fantastic recipes like this Caramel Pull-Apart Wreath.  We always have Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (the really BIG ones) for Christmas breakfast, and I think I’m gonna add this Wreath to the menu this year.

Yves Rocher is offering $5 off $25 purchase plus FREE shipping, using Code YRFS5OFF at checkout

Li’l Cec is calling from his crib – he’s had enough of “resting”………………………….

Just as Greg and I were about to step out the door to go on our walk, we heard the familiar calls of Li’l Cec coming from upstairs and discovered he’d thrown absolutely everything out of his crib.  I changed him, popped him back into bed with Melody’s and Matthew’s Christmas stockings (they both have big furry animal heads attached.  As I had hoped, Li’l Cec was enthralled and settled down with some milk and so we went on a quick walk leaving Dave in charge and when we got back, all was silent – til 10am!!!

On the way to dropping him off at home, we stopped at the Hallmark Store to spend my $10 coupon and got a Willow figurine for my sister; I send her one every year before Christmas in rememberance of my darling niece Sarah who was killed in a car accident at age 23.  It was all wrapped in Christmas paper too – wow!  I’ve already given her one this year so will tuck it away for next year.

Of course, Li’l Cec loved that store, especially the giant sized puppy dog in the window – how much was that doggy in the window – I don’t know, I should’ve checked!!  On the way out, poor little guy bumped his little head real good on the door, but he is always so brave and gave it a good rub and then ran off.  While we were in HEB getting lots of food samples, he looked up at me, rubbed his head again and said “Owwww Nanny…..”

It’s Recovery Church tonight, so had date night last night at Luby’s – they have an all you can eat going on at the weekend, soup, salad and entree for just $6.99 so told Dave about it and he’s off there tonight.

Did any of you active military personnel sign up for the Scion care package?  Well, I told Matt about it and he got his today.  He was delighted, said he got a really great T shirt, beanie, CDs, cards, internet card and other stuff; I am always so impressed when our servicemen and women get the respect and thanks they deserve.  Thanks Collin at Hip2save

The Body Shop is offering FREE shipping with any purchase today and tomorrow 12/11-12.  No code needed.  They have several little gift sets like the one pictured above reduced to $5.60 and lots of stocking stuffers.

Ebates is offering a whacking 40% off at Yves Rocher today and you can also score FREE shipping with orders of $20 or more using Code YRFREESHIP. They have a bunch of items $5 and under that are terrific for stocking stuffers.  Yves Rocher always gives free gifts/samples with every order.

Time for me to get dinner on the table – 3 bean chilli tonight, which is perfect for a cold day like today.  When Greg and I get back from church tonight, we’re going to watch An Old Fashioned Christmas on the Hallmark channel – looks like a good one.  I am such a sucker for Christmas movies.!!

Bath &Bodyworks has all their gift baskets at 25% off.  These would make some great Christmas gifts.

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Godiva is offering 25% off for their Friends & Family Event& FREE shipping on orders of $40 or more.  Sign up for their Rewards Program HERE

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Go HERE for a FREE sample of Garnier Fructis Anti Dandruff Shampoo.

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Go HERE for a free sample of Solgar’s Whey to Go.

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Betty Crocker now has a digital magazine that you can download HERE

We’re one week into Christmas and the house is looking good – just in time for our meeting tonight.  I won’t tell you what our spare bedroom looks like tho’, it’s scary back there; hopefully I’ll get to sorting that out tomorrow.

I love that Target is staying open later but I sure wish they’d open earlier, say 7am but I know the employees wouldn’t agree with me.  I went this morning, did a little grocery shopping, checked out the 75% racks in women’s and boys and completely forgot to go by the produce dept – must be because I have no more of those fab $1 produce coupons.  So I’ll have to go back after the meeting cos I don’t want to go out tomorrow. 

Y’all know how much I love Botanic Choice - they have a holiday gift for us – FREE shipping and a FREE Eco-Friendly Canvas Tote Bag with any purchase; just add Webcode WF5B203 at checkout.  As I’ve said before, they have wonderful products and terrific sales/specials.

Ulta  is offering 9 FREE samples and new Airline-Approved Bag with any $25 purchase.  Go HERE for details.  They are also offering $3.50 off of $10 purchase using Code 43127 or you can print coupon HERE to use in the store.  You can also get $10 off $60 using Code 52748 – Online Only!

Here’s a great deal offered by Living Social at La Toretta Lake Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Conroe, Montgomery, TX: A One-Night Stay for Up to Four in a Superior Suite, Including Either a $150 Spa Credit ($172) or Two Rounds of Golf Plus One Cart Rental ($139) and Breakfast for Each Guest..  Here’s what they say: La Torretta is dripping with luxury you’ll happily soak up on your overnight stay in one of the hotel’s superior suites, where you’ll enjoy complimentary breakfast, valet parking and your choice between a $150 credit to the relaxing SpaTerre ($172) or two rounds of 18 majestic holes of golf, plus a cart, at the 71-par Club.  We’ve taken advantage of a few offers for overnight stays with Living Social (one was for our anniversary) and we have always been very impressed with the qality and value for money.

Here’s one that’s close to my heart as my son is in the Marines.  Let’sSayThanks  is a service that helps us support our troops by sending a FREE postcard to U.S. Military Personnel Stationed Overseas.  Pick a card, choose a message – or write your own – and SEND. 

This was really a marvellous Monday cos it’s cold and really feels like Christmas – Greg finished putting the outside decorations up at lunchtime and I must say it’s lookin’ pretty good.  We did have a tug of war with our inflatable snowman tho’ – he wanted to go every way except upright; finally he was tethered securely and our next door neighbor Roy who’s an ex State Trooper, came out to admire our work. 

I was finally able to use that $10 off 3 pieces of sleepwear at Target – they are being very finicky about it tho so you may have some problems.  The last time I tried to use it, the manager said I couldn’t because one of my pieces was LINGERIE and not sleepwear!!  WHAT????  I guess there’s a difference – thanks for hipping me to that Dude!  Anyway, I went back a couple of days later, got a different checker and he over-rode the coupon – and yes, I did have the same piece of Lingerie in my cart.  Today I was able to get two pairs of flannel shorts and one pair of flannel bottoms and even tho they didn’t come to $10, the sweet checker took my coupon. 

Target has a great deal on Starbucks coffee – Buy 3 bags and get a $5 giftcard.  There’s a $1 Starbucks coupon from the Sunday newspaper insert 11/29 and a $1 Target coupon on their site.

Mario Badescu is offering that freebie I told you about earlier but now it’s with ANY purchase, no limit.  They have a lot of items under $10.  Shipping is $4.95.

American Eagle are offering up FREE shipping again today and tomorrow 12/6 & 7.  You can score another 20% off using coupon code 12432896.

This Ruffle Tank is so cute and is priced at $9.95 and would be just $7.96 after discount.

Bath and Bodyworks are offering 25% off their baskets, like this one pictured above.  Just enter Code shipgifts50 at checkout. These would make terrific gifts.

Oh boy oh boy Dennys is offering free Gingerbread Pancake Puppies on their Facebook page.  Just go HERE, click on the “Card Maker” tab at the top of the page and create a card and then you’ll receive a coupon for Free Gingerbread Pancake Puppies with purchase of an entree. 

Li’l Cec is let loose in the kitchen so I’d better go check on him!!  Bet he’d love some Gingerbread Puppies!!

We had a “Donuts with Santa” in our neighborhood today so took Li’l Cec and I don’t think he really “gets” Santa yet – he was much more interested in the donuts and OJ.  I did, however, get him to sit in Santa’s lap long enough to have his photo taken and it will be emailed to me – how cool is that.  I did take my little video cam but only got a blurb cos I have to hang on to Li’l Cec for dear life and if I’m also carrying a bag with all his stuff in it, I have no free hands.  He managed to grab a huge teddy which was one of the prizes and high tail it thru the park with me in hot pursuit.

Walmart is offering a FREE photo with Santa today and tomorrow 10am-2pm.

Old Navy has a one day sale today Saturday 12/4 - Swanky Tanks for women and girls for just $5 each.  Go HERE to print a 30% off coupon.  Old Navy also has a BOGO Sweater Sale going on, using coupon code ONSWEATER at checkout.  You can get FREE shipping if you order $50 or more.

The Christmas decorating continues – got all the garlands up inside and made a good start on the tree – don’t think I’ll get to do much tomorrow as I have Li’l Cec.  I love going thru all the balls and decorations; I have so many, far more than I can use and I can’t bear to get rid of them because they all have special meaning.  Every year, I’ve bought the kids a Christmas decoration and planned to give them to Melody, Dave and Matt when they leave home; I try to get something that’s special to them and I’ve given Matt several different little guitars and fishing scenes.  Dave has gotten soldiers, nutcrackers, and now it’s book ornaments as he’s always studying; Melody’s has been ballerinas, teddy bears, animals of all sorts and now it’s mini colognes.  We also have a lot of figurines from all their favorite movies.

A friend of mine who moved away (unfortunately) always gave me handmade decorations at Christmas – I’d get a wreath, a sex of 6 Christmas balls, tabletop decorations and i still have them all, altho the Christmas balls are looking a bit faded.  All my decorations have sentimental value and I just can’t bear to part with them.

Tropical Traditions - America’s source for Coconut Oil is a terrific site I discovered a few weeks back when they were offering a $10 off code – I ordered their book Virgin Coconut Oil for Greg for Christmas (right now it is priced at $3.99 which is 60% off the regular retail price). Today they are offering a FREE shipping code thru midnight EST, Monday, December 6th – just enter Code 31210 at checkout.  Choose either Ground or SmartPost from the drop down list of shipping options! 

There are some terrific deals out there today, starting with The Body Shop who are offering a FREE Jolly Orange Body Butter with any purchase PLUS FREE shipping on any purchase.  They have gift sets starting at $8 but take a good look around because there are items for as inexpensive as $2.50.

Coldwatercreek is offering 25% off EVERYTHING and FREE shipping on all orders using Code WHH2982.  You can also print out a coupon HERE

Bathandbodyworks has a new coupon for a FREE Reindeed Pocket Bac with ANY purchase HERE.  Dave loves these.

We brought all the totes and boxes containing Christmas decorations down from the attic last night so I could get an early start on decorating this morning and I’ve been at it all day and the end is nowhere in sight but I am having fun.  I’ll probably be at it thru the weekend as it takes a long time, especially the tree.  We’ve decorated with silver or silver/blue the last few years so I fancy a change this year and we’re going with traditional red – I have loads of pretty balls and decorations I got at Target on sale after Christmas and I can’t wait to get them all out.

Li’l Cec will be staying over Friday night so I’m wondering how I’m gonna keep his little mitts off the decorations – I can’t wait to see his little face when he comes in.  He’s gonna especially like Snowdon, a big stuffed snowman I got at Target years back and I know he’ll laugh his socks off when he sees our dancing snowman.

Cotton Rib Turtleneck Sweaterdress More Colors Orig.  $58 Sale $29

Victoriassecret has their sweater dresses on sale from $29 up – I particularly like this one but unfortunately the one I really want is still $69 so I’m gonna wait awhile.  You can get FREE shipping on $100 or more with code SHIPVS10.

Philosophy has some wonderful stocking stuffers for $6 and up – I got the Gingerbread Foaming Bubble Bath a week or so ago and it is yummy.  You will receive a free bag of treats bag worth $40 with a $75 purchase – enter Code HOLIDAYSURPRISE at checkout

One of my all time fave stores, Landsend is at it again offering 40% off your highest priced item plus FREE shipping with orders of $75 or more.

Womanwithin is offering 50% off  your highest priced item with Code WW50396.  They have lots of boots starting at $29.99.

I’ve got chilli bubblin’ away on the stove so I’d better go tend to that, eat dinner and get back to the decorating.

I woke up to wonderful cold weather this morning – well, cold for South Texas, 32 degrees and the high only got up to 59!  I sure hope it stays like that for a while.

Have any of you redeemed your Victoria Secret Reward Cards – I have 3, and they’re all valued at $10 (I had hoped for a $50 but I’m happy to be able to use these).  I already have 2 things picked out that I want – this sweater and sweater dress.

I hope they reduce the sweater dress a little before the rewards cards expire (12/19).  I’m also hoping for a FREE shipping code.   Don’t forget you can get a free scarf – add one to your cart and add Code VS10SCARF at checkout.

Go HERE and click on link “Click Here for Fries” and you can print a coupon for a FREE order of the new Natural Cut Fries with Sea Salt from Wendy’s.

JCPenney is offering a $10 off $10 code today – just enter Code GIVEJOY at checkout.  They are also offering FREE shipping to a store near you.  I got this cardigan for just 82c SHIPPED.