My Review of Travel Potty Seat

Originally submitted at Diapers.com

Graco Travel Potty Seat

• Sanitary and Potable
• Folds to fit in a diaper bag, purse or glove compartment
• Includes self -sealing storage bag

Travel Potty Seat

disappointed

By Jami from Saint Louis on 1/15/2010

 

2out of 5

Pros: Compact, Portable, Easy To Clean

Best Uses: Toddlers

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

Just received this this week and am on a trip to my mother's house, and the product does not fit on her (standard) toilet. Now I am very nervous about taking it to hotels, which was my intended use. Also the "storage bag" it comes with is nothing more than a ziploc and mine even came with a hole in the bottom making it pretty useless. Wish I had read some reviews before buying.

(legalese)

cleaning product clearance

Shopping at Babies 'R Us on Monday I saw a LOT of natural cleaning (seventh generation, mrs. meyers, method, etc.) and personal care items (lamaze, and other brands) on clearance. Bring along your coupons (seventh generation) for even more savings. If you're in the area of your Babies 'R Us you might want to check out that section of the store.

Seventh Generation Savings

From their newsletter...

"Save 15% on Seventh Generation Product Kits

Give the gift of Seventh Generation this holiday season, and help your friends and family protect their environments. Now through January 15, you can save 15% on our Healthy Home, Free & Clear, and Green Baby kits, which come with a free tote bag. Click here for more information and to purchase. Use code SGKITS15 at checkout. Helping someone switch to a natural clean is a gift you can feel good about."

Origins Coupon Code

Get 20% off at Origins right now with coupon code: DecFF.

Go through ebates and earn free shipping and 5% back

cute free gift wrap too!

thanks organicdeals

Florida Crystals Sugar Coupon

Just in time for holiday baking....

Go here for a money-saving coupon and to help an endangered species. For every coupon redeemed for any variety of Florida Crystals® Natural or Organic Sugar, Florida Crystals will donate an amount chosen by you to the Jaguar Conservation Fund at the Palm Beach Zoo. Cool.

One Step Ahead Codes

Save even more by using the following codes with the sales items found here

These offers are valid beginning on 11/27/09 until 11:59pm CST on 11/30/09

$15 off your order of $75 or more- enter the code 1575 in the "Promotion Code" field during checkout- your shopping basket must contain a merchandise subtotal of at least $75.

$25 off your order of $100 or more- enter the code 25100 in the "Promotion Code" field during checkout- your shopping basket must contain a merchandise subtotal of at least $100.

$50 off your order of $175 or more- enter the code 50175 in the "Promotion Code" field during checkout- your shopping basket must contain a merchandise subtotal of at least $175.

$75 off your order of $250 or more- enter the code 75250 in the "Promotion Code" field during checkout- your shopping basket must contain a merchandise subtotal of at least $250.

Your discount can be applied to items ordered from either http://www.onestepahead.com/, http://www.leapsandbounds.com/ or from both websites. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer and/or discount codes. No adjustments will be made to prior orders. This offer does not apply to phone, mail, emailed or faxed orders. Online purchases only. This offer does not apply to tax or shipping charges. We reserve the right to discontinue this offer at anytime without notice.

Toy Sale: Diapers.com

Starting Nov. 25 save up to 40% on top Toys at Diapers.com.

PLUS:Special Limited Time Offer! From November 25th thru December 2nd, for every friend you refer to Diapers.com, you'll get a $10 credit! When someone enters your referral code or email address while placing their first order of diapers or formula, you'll both get $10! Your friend will enjoy $10 off their order. And, you'll get a $10 credit in your account, plus another $1 for every additional order they place. No limits!

Free Sample: Seventh Generation

thanks organicdeals for finding this freebie

Click here and join or log in for a free sample of Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets . I love sample sized products for travel.

Codes, Codes, Codes

I'm sure more of these will be coming in the next few days, here is what I've compiled thus far:

Land of Nod
free shipping: Frosty
Good through 11/30
*Free Shipping excludes the following product categories: Beds, Bunk Beds, Mattresses, Dressers, Wardrobes, Trundles, Bookcases, Nightstands, Desks, Chairs, Wall & Media Systems, Furniture Collections, Upholstered & Slipcovered Seating, Cribs, Crib Mattresses, Changers and selected oversized items from the playroom and imaginary play categories such as tables, chairs, toy boxes, benches, stovetops, fridges, and markets.

BrainyBaby.com
55% off entire order, excludes clerance: Gobble09
If your order is over $49, before coupon, you also get free shipping
however, I've read on other blogs that this site is not secure check out, so be careful

The Scholastic store
Many items currently on sale, pair with the following for even greater savings
20% off and FREE shipping on orders over $25: SSTGS
Good through Dec 6
(thanks hip2save)

Huggies Pure and Natural: 4.99 jumbo pack--UPDATE

Check out this great deal from morethancents
Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers as low as 4.99 at K-mart
Here's how....
Buy 3 packages of Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers $9.99 each=$29.97
Minus $6 Kmart Discount=$23.97
Use 3 $3/1 coupons from here or from the 11/15 Smart Source
Final cost total: $14.97
$4.99 per package!

OR --NEW--buy them at CVS for as low as 3.17
here's how (thanks to organicdeals)...
Huggies Jumbo Pk $9.50 (buy 3 + $1.50 filler item) $30.00
-$3.00 off any (1) Huggies Pure & Natural HERE or the 10.25 or 11.15 Smart Source (use 3)
-$5.00 extra care bucks when you spend $20.00
-$5.00 off any $30.00 purchase HERE
Final cost: $3.17 each for the diapers + $1.50 filler item after coupons and extra care bucks

even if you don't use these yourself at this price it may be worth stocking up for shower gifts!

shutterfly coupon code

Shutterfly 30% off code good through Nov 23: save30
also free shipping on orders over $30 and 50 free prints when you join (good through 12/31), no coupon code required.
plus...go through ebates for 15% cash back!!

Origins Coupon Code

Get $10 off purchase of $25 or more (excluding gift sets) with code novbd11 at www.origins.com

Also free shipping through today 11/19!

Origins also offers great free gift wrapping if your order is a gift

If you're looking for a great gift, I got my mother-in-law the Peace of Mind on the spot relief for her birthday and she loved it, it's $1.

Don't forget to go through ebates for your 5% cash back!

(thanks hip2save)

Cotton Babies Sale

Here is the info straight from their email...

We don't want you to miss out on the best chance you'll have all year at getting a deal on first quality merchandise at Cotton Babies, so we are starting our Black Friday shopping right now. (like how I snuck that in?) Don't miss out on our guaranteed, lowest price until Christmas.
Get 20% off eligible bumGenius, Flip & Econobum products. PLUS, get a free package of Flip Disposable Inserts with any order over $200 using coupon code TRAVEL (just in time to go home for Thanksgiving). All that & free economy shipping... while supplies last. Shop now!

New Food Coupons

Click here for a $3 coupon off andy 3 items from Spectrum, Image, Arrowhead Mills, Sunspire, or Hain Pure Foods, great for holiday baking (chocolate chips, flours, cooking oil, stock, etc.), use your back button to print a total of two. coupon expire 12/17/09

1.50 off one California Pizza Kitchen Product at Whole Foods, use back button to print 2

1.00 off 2 Horizon Organic dozen eggs at coupons.com with zip code 90210

Toy Deals

With the Christmas Season upon us the toy deals are coming out of the woodwork. I'll try to keep you posted on the best deals I can find.

Here is one I was recently emailed:
TOYS R US
$3.99 Hasbro Games:
--Ants in Pants
--Candy Land
--Cootie
--Chutes and Ladders
--Don’t Break The Ice
--Hi-Ho Cherry-O
--Memory
Buy one of each $3.99 Hasbro Game = $27.93
Get $10 gift card wyb $25
Get $14 Hasbro Mail-In Rebate
Makes each game just $0.57 after gift card and MIR!
(thanks Steph)

Collin at hip2save found this
Mr. Potato Head Spud Buds Toy (Christmas version) $5.99
Use the $5/1 coupon from here
Final cost $0.99!
She also lists a lot of toy deals using price matching + target coupons, check them out here

Maclaren Stroller Recall

from Mamasource:
ALERT: Maclaren recalls 1 Million Strollers!
Stroller maker Maclaren announced a recall today that affects about 1 million umbrella strollers that can reportedly amputate or lacerate children's fingertips. So far, the company said there have been 12 amputations across the country. This happens when children get their fingers stuck in between the stroller's side hinges while it is being opened or closed.
from CNN:
The recall affects the following models, which range in price from $100 to $400: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller. Consumers can contact Maclaren at 877-688-2326 or visit www.maclaren.us/recall to receive a free repair kit.

Find more product recalls here

Target Bag Credit + Toy Savings

Have you notice the bag credit Target is offering?

Look at the back of their add:

"Get 5 cents off your shopping trip for every reusable bag you bring in"

A great way to make your bargains at target go even further and have less waste floating around with all those plastic bags.

This week I purchased the Little People Airport from target for 19.99 (It goes for almost $60 on Amazon) after the $10 off coupon (see previous target post). At check out I got a coupon for $5 off $50 toy purchase and $5 off $75 purchase. So...if you are planning on buying several toys at target it may be worth it to buy one first for the coupon then go back for the others.

What's for Lunch?

Super Simple today. He just got hungry earlier than usual so I threw out some finger foods for him. Not the most well rounded of meals, but we'll make up for it tonight and with snack.

kidney beans
diced dried apricots
banana
water

Freebie!!

Another awesome find from hip2save.

sign up for Big Idea's e-newsletter and choose a free VeggieTales video. You may be able to use the code SHIP220 for free shipping, do not apply until payment page (not shopping cart page). If the code doesn't work for you, you will be charged 2.99 shipping, though still not a bad price for a dvd.

great stocking stuffer! go here for this great deal.

What's for Lunch?

stewed meat with brown rice
avocado
shredded cheese (ok, it looks like a lot of cheese, but I really think it is just the photo angle)
milk

Adventures in a CSA: Sunchokes

Not only had I never had a sunchoke before, I had never even heard of them. Here is what I know about them now: they are also known as Jerusalem artichokes, they are a root, they are good for diabetics, they are yummy. You can read more about sunchokes here, here, or here.

Pictured are the raw sunchokes from my CSA.

I prepared them two different ways.

First I sliced and pan fried a few in some olive oil with salt and pepper. Then drizzled with a little lemon juice. Of the two ways I prepared them, we liked this way the best.

Next I tried roasting them some some olive oil, potatoes, onion, and rosemary. I think they would have been better had I sliced into them more, instead I left them in whole chucks and not much of the flesh was exposed. They also seemed to take longer to cook than the other vegetables I had them with, maybe again from the lack of cutting.

I would suggest giving these a try if you happen to see them.

Target Toy Coupons

Thanks to Collin at hip2save for posting this great link to target toy coupons. Loads of great, high value coupons. You should definately check it out!

Gratutities

I am grateful for...
--a visit from a good friend
--a fun Halloween
--my son starting to pee-pee on the potty

Random Thought....

Just bought my toddler socks today. What is the point of putting the socks in a resealable bag? Cheese I understand, but socks?!? My socks don't come in resealable bags, why would his?

Adventures in a CSA: Turnips

Turnips may not be that out there for some of you, but they were completely foreign to me. I don't know if I'd ever had them before.

I cooked these two beautiful turnips in veggie stock then served with butter, salt, and pepper. It was probably not the best way to make them, but it was a first try. My cooked photos didn't really turn out well, so you'll have to use your imagination, sorry.

Mamas Night Off

November 5 is National Men Make Dinner Day!!

OK, really, this is such a rare event we have to make a day of it, kind of sad. But a great excuse for a mama night off. I would say that picking up pizza on their way home doesn't count as cooking, but on the other hand I'll take what I can get. Grilling, Chili, a four course meal with flowers and candles, whatever it is your man does best, enjoy a night of his cooking. You can even find National Men Make Dinner Day Recipes here.

Hope you can have some fun with this one.

Photo Coupon Codes

Time to print those Halloween photos!

Walgreens
good through Nov. 7
.10 prints on any 4x6 order: TENEACH
20% off collage prints: MORETHAN1
20% off photo gifts: GIFTIT

Shutterfly
75 free prints: GET75
good on shipped orders only, not good on pick-ups
good through Nov. 4

Coupons

Click here to get a coupon for $1.00 off any Seventh Generation baby or cleaning product

Coupons.com has reset and has new coupons. Some of interest include:
1.00 off California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizza
2.00 off any Huggies diaper
3.00 off any Huggies Pure and Natural Diaper
2.00 off GE Reveal compact florescent lighting product at Target
1.00 off Imagine Foods Dream Frozen Dessert
2.00 off GE Energy Smart compact florescent lighting product at Target
.75 off Del Monte Gold pineapple
1.00 off 2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest pasta products
1.00 off Full sized Kiss My Face Product
2.00 off Bert's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Product
1.00 off any Pure and Natural Product
.50 off Tetley Tea

Also all the Hasbro Playskool toy coupons have reset!!

Happy Savings!

Happy Halloween

Have a Happy Halloween!

Be Safe!

Organizing + Savings

Sorry posts have been slow. I've been working on organizing the house, no small feat around here, especially with a toddler "helping."

I did want to mention a sale I found as I was trying to get me linen closet in shape. Container Store is having 20% off everything. Use code SAVENOW when ordering online or print a coupon to take to the store from here. I found a few bins for less than what I would have paid even at Wal-Mart, so I was trilled. Also I love Container Store's Click and Pick-up service, you order and pay online then go straight to the check out in the store sign for your items and leave, such a great service for moms!

I am organizing the house by starting with my storage spaces, once they are in better shape I will have "a place for everything" so that I may have "everything in it's place." I am choosing this project now as I am putting away summer's clothing and getting out winter's. Wish me luck.

Have any great organization tips? storage solutions? We'd love to hear about them, just leave a comment.

Now back to work for me.

Diapers.com Sale

Diapers.com is having a sale through Nov12. Here are some codes you might be intereted in.

1.50 off a case of Seventh Generation diapers: SBSEVGEN
15% off 2 or more skin care items: SBSKIN
10% off all Method products: SBMETHOD
$5 off 3 little g pants: SBGPANTS
$5 off $30 purchase of Earth's Best food or snacks: SBFOOD
Buy 1, Get 1 50% off Babyganics: SBCLEAN1

Don't forget to go through ebates for 1% cash back, plus signing bonus if you're new to ebates

What's for Lunch?

One of our favorite lunches:

Avocado Sandwiches
lightly toast a multi-grain thinwich (this makes it easier for my son to handle) or sandwich bread
mashed avocado on one side, cream cheese on the other

Today I served with pineapple, peas, and milk

yummy!

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for
--fresh produce
--great weather
--my family all feeling well again

Event: Natural Flu Prevention and Care at Cheryl's Herbs

Just found another event on this topic. This one at Cheryl's Herbs.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
3:00 - 4:30 pm
NATURAL FLU PREVENTION & CARE

Antiviral herbs are abundant and easily available. Learn the best ways to use them and how to easily incorporate their use into an already busy lifestyle. One example of this is taking extracts when tea is not convenient. Essential oils are also simple to use by rubbing on the feet, placing in the bath or inhaled from car or house diffusers. Knowing what to do at the first symptoms can make the greatest difference in the length and severity of the flu. Taught by Cheryl Hoard, owner of Cheryl's Herbs. Please contact us for a reservation.
Cost: $10

Again, I know nothing more about this, am not endorsing it, am getting the flu vaccine for my family, but just want readers to know of this event for their own interest.

Event: Fighting the Flu at Kangaroo Kids

Upcoming event at Kangaroo Kids....

Fighting the Flu: Flu Shot vs. Natural Immunity
The first of our new monthly speaker series focusing on natural family health, this month's topic is "Fighting the Flu: Flu Shot vs. Natural Immunity." Children are welcome, and there will be coffee. It's totally free and casual.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 6:30p to 7:30p

Personally, my family is getting the flu vaccine. But this may be an interesting conversation. Thought I'd go ahead and post it for any of you interested. Sorry I don't know more about the speaker than what is posted above.

Freebie: Parenting Magazine

Go here to get a free 11 month subscription to Parenting Early Years. This magazine is focused on children aged 0-5. You enter only shipping information, no credit card numbers, no strings attached.

(thanks hip2save)

Whole Foods Coupon Match up for Oct 21-27

The online add this week looks identical to the instore add I picked up last week, I assume all the deals posted last week are still good this week. Check them out here.

Here are some additional match ups for this week

California Pizza Kitchen

Sale price 2 for $12

Whole Deals Coupon $1.00 off

(plus you can use a manf coupon if you have one)

Final price $5

Annie's Homegrown Bunny Cereal

Sale price 2 for $6

use coupon clipped from box from previous Annie's purchase

What's for Lunch?

the other day I made chef salad and soup for dinner. when I did so I boiled a couple extra eggs. that was the inspiration for today's lunch. Also the fact that my son has a cold, so I was trying to pack in the vitamin C.

Toddler's lunch
--sliced hard boiled eggs, sprinkled with a little dried kelp (rich in iodine)
--kiwi (loaded with vitamin C)
--cheese
--clementines (so much easier for a tot than oranges)
--milk

My lunch
--I used the remaining egg to make egg salad and had egg salad on toast with cheese
--clementines
--water

What's for Lunch?

I was talking to another toddler mom who mentioned how hard it is to come up with lunch ideas, and I completely agree, so easy to get into a routine that uses the same foods over and over. I gave some suggestions and then thought I'd start posting some of our lunches here. It may help keep me out of a rut too, if I know other people are reading what I am cooking. So here we go....

Today my son and I had fried rice. I had some left over brown rice from dinner and wanted to use it. I totaly meant to take a photo to post, but we ate it all before I remembered to do that.

Here's what I did:

I made some of Trader Joes Organic Foursome (frozen carrots, peas, green beans, and corn)
I melted butter in a skillet
Fried 2 eggs in the butter
added the cooked veggies to the skillet
added a little olive oil
added some frozen spinach
and of course the rice
mixed and cooked until hot
yummy
(I left soy sauce off the dish, but added a little to my own serving)

My son also had a side serving of bananas (for a fruit and to give one thing I'd know he'd eat) and milk to drink.

Whole Foods Coupon Match up for Oct 14-20

Whole Deals—Booklet available at Whole Foods by registers. Contains $37+ in coupons, good only at Whole Foods. Since these are store coupons they can be matched with Manufactor’s coupons for even greater savings. All coupons mentioned below are from the Oct/Nov Edition available now.

Mambo Sprouts—coupon booklet available at many health foods stores. Get your free subscription here. Coupons below are from the Back to School Edition.

Deals Available:

Lundberg Organic Long Grain Brown Rice
Sale 2 for $6 (10/14-10/20)
Whole Deals coupons $1.00 off (use 2)
Total: $2/each

Cascadian Farm
$1.00 off Whole Deals coupon Granola Bars or Cereal
$1.00 off Mnf. Coupon available here, here, or here

Earthbound Organics
$1.00 off Whole Deals coupon
.55 off Mnf. Coupon here

Van’s Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Sale 2 for $5 (10/14-10/20)
Whole Deals coupon $1.00 off 2
Total: $2 each

Organic Valley
$1 off butter—Whole Deals
$1 off butter—Mambo Sprouts

Organic Valley
.75 off whipping cream or half and half—Whole deals
1.00 off and 2 half and half—Mambo Sprouts

Health Valley Organics
$1.50 off bars, soups, cereals, chili, crackers—Whole Deals
.75 off—Mnf coupon Mambo Sprouts (exp. 11/30)
Use both for a total of $2.25 in savings

California pizza kitchen
$1.00 off Whoel Deals coupon
these mnf coupons are often in the papers, keep your eyes peeled

Good Earth Tea
$1.oo off any one Good Earth Tea—Whole Deals
$1.00 off any one Good Earth Tea—mnf coupon from Mambo Sprouts (exp. 11/30)
Use both for a total of $2 off

Green and Black’s Chocolate
$1.00 off —Whole Deals
$1.00 off—mnf coupons Mambo Sprouts (exp 11/30)
.75 off 2 here

Imagine soup, stock, broth, canned soup, or gravy
.75 off 1—Whole Deals
.75 off 2—mnf coupon in Mambo Sprouts booklet
Use together for $1.50 off 2

Lifeway Organics Kefir
$1.00 off any 2—Whole Deals
$1.00 off any 1—Mambo Sprouts (exp 11/30)
Use together for $2.00 off 2

Winter's coming

Just sent these product picks to a friend of mine and thought I might as well post them here also.

Nature's Baby Organics
Organic Soothing Stick
great for chapped lips and cheeks, dry skin, minor skin irritations, etc. A diaper bag (or even purse) must. available here

Alba
Multi-Purpose Un-Petroleum Jelly
great for snotty noses and red cheeks
available here

This friend was also looking for mittens for her 4-month-old. Hannah Anderson sells mittens as small as XXS, they can be a little pricey but for mamas of very young ones the price may be worth it to avoid driving all over to find them in stores.

October: National Cookie Month

As if there wasn't enough going on this month I just read that it is also national cookie month. I have to say cookies are my total weekness. Warm, soft, fresh cookies.....yum! So if you need a reason to give in to your inner cookie monster what better one than this. (and you thought October was all about the Halloween candy)

Free Sample: Baby Snacks

A new product this fall, Little Duck Organics, baby/toddler snacks. Offering a free sample here. You even get to choose your flavor.
(thanks hip2save)

Fire Safety Month

boy is October a busy one! It's fire safety month too. So check those smoke alarms. Practice your plan. Do all those things you know you should. (more info can be found here and fire safety activities for kids here). And, save all month on fire safety supplies and equipement on Amazon.

Also I heard a great fire safety tip at a talk I went to about a year ago. The firefighter said to keep your child's bedroom door closed at night. The simple act of closing the door could save your child's life in case of a fire. What an easy thing to do!

(Now that it is time or close to time to use heaters check your carbon monoxide detectors while you're at it)

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hopefully you've seen this already, but I thought it also deserves repeating.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends the following screening guidelines:
--Mammograms every year starting at age 40.
--Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns should talk with a health care provider. Screening tests may be needed more often and/or started earlier.
--Clinical breast exams by a health care provider at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year after 40.
--Breast self-exams every month starting by age 20.

Photo Coupon Codes and Deals

Snapfish
50 free 4x6 prints with new account at snapfish.com/newfall
20% off all cards, books, and calendars for everyone with code NEWFALL
Good through Nov. 2

Walgreens
10 cent prints on orders of 50 or more with code EVERLAST
20% off photo gifts with code AUTUMN
$3 off photo cards with code CARDS
Good through Oct. 17

Also still available. . .

Picture People
Buy 1 portrait, get 2 free click here or use code HGCEB
Good through Oct 31

Organic Food Coupons--UPDATE

Here are new coupons I've found. Don't forget to see previous posts for coupons that are still good. I hope to add to this list soon.

UPDATE:
Go here for Pacific foods coupons.
1.00 off any 2 products
1.00 off any creamy or canned soup
1.00 off any beverage
(thanks organicdeals)

for the following click here, coupons expire 11/4/09
$1.00 off any Muir Glen product
$1.00 off any Cascadian Farm product

also find the same, but a second copy of the coupons here, coupons expire 11/4/09
(thanks hip2save)

another cascadian farms coupon is here but I couldn't print this one after printing the two above.

available from coupons.com
$1.00 off 2 boxes of Ronzoni Healthy Harvest

and click here for
$1.00 of method cleaning product
.55 off Earthbound Farm packaged salad
$1.00 of 2 DeLallo Whole Wheat Organic pasta
2.00 off Bear Naked Products
.75 off 2 Imagine products

New Coupon Codes

Children's Place
20% off entire purchase (including sales and clearence), good now through Nov. 1 here
(thanks hip2save)

Picture People
Buy 1 portrait, get 2 free
click here or use code HGCEB
Good through 10/31

Sutterfly
FREE 20 page 8x8 hard cover photo book with code DI01-C451-W80J-6XC0RJ
Good through Nov 15

Walgreens Photo
50 prints for $5 with code FallFest
33% off calendars with code Bird33
Only good through Oct 10

Toy Coupons

coupons.com has a ton of playskool toy coupons available. my plan is to print these and keep them on hand for any sales or clearance I find. Hope to get some cheap toys this way to stock up for gifts or donations. The best part is the coupons don't expire until Jan 15 2010, which means we could catch a great holiday sale to use them at.

Here is the list of coupons available:
3.00 off Lullaby Glowarm
5.00 off tumble 'n twirl top
10.00 off musical sit and spin
2.00 off Mr. Potato Head
5.00 off Mr. Potato Head silly suitcase
5.00 off Mr. Potato Head Spud Buds
5.00 off Step Start Walk'Ride
10.00 off DinoRoars Stompers
5.00 off DinoRoars Hatchings
5.00 of My Little Pony purchase of $20 or more
5.00 off Busy Ball Popper
5.00 off Activity Ball
10.00 off Dance Can
5.00 off Swing 'n Score Baseball toy

October: Dinosaur Month

October is Dinosaur month....who knew!

Ideas to celebrate Dinosaur Month:

Dinosaur coloring pages here and here

Visit the Saint Louis Science Center and see a life-sized animated Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops in the Ecology and Environment Galleries

Go to your local libary and check out books about dinosaurs. My favorite: Danny and the Dinosaur.

http://www.kidsdinos.com/

http://www.kidsites.com/sites-edu/dinosaurs.htm

I'd love to hear any other ideas you have, post them under the comments section.

toddler art project

We were lucky enough to have a large piece of corrugated cardboard in a box we have. it is maybe 1 yard square. well it it the perfect surface for coloring. I just lay it on the floor and give my son some crayons. he sits on it or lays and colors. The crayons make a cool sound running over the ridges in the cardboard and it seems to hold his attention a little more the regular coloring does. It's so large that he's been able to color on it several times and we're not done yet. This has definitely been the most coloring I've been able to get out of my kid. Maybe yours would think this is fun too.

Queen Bee

I just love Queen Bee on Brentwood Blvd. (between Manchester and Elm). It is a small locally owned drive through. I like it much better than Starbucks. I love that I can drive through and pick something up while running around without having to get my toddler in and out of his seat. The coffee is hot and yummy. They have other drinks as well. Great lemonade. kiddie drinks (or are happy to just refill your tot's cup with water). soups (I've never tried them). baked goods (the raspberry scones are soooo good). It's a great little place to get your caffeine or sugar fix while you are out and about.

Walgreens photo

Get 75 4x6 prints for 9.99 by using the coupon code 75savings
33% off all photo books with coupon code Fall33
Good through October 3

Cotton Babies Garage Sale

I've never participated in this, but here are the details straight from the cotton babies email. Seems like a good way to save if you are in the market for some natural baby care products.

You don't want to miss the Cloth Diaper Garage Sale @ Cotton Babies in St. Louis! There are still spots left to sell, so call to reserve your space today!Fall Cloth Diaper Garage Sale
October 3, 2009 (8 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.)
Back by popular demand... the Cloth Diaper Garage Sale is an event hosted by Cotton Babies for our local customers to come and sell their cloth diaper and natural baby products in a garage sale type environment. For shoppers, this is an amazing opportunity to try out different diapering systems or other natural parenting products without breaking the bank! You should come expecting a great selection of used cloth diapers and other great baby products for sale at great prices!Seller tables will be set up and ready to go when Cotton Babies opens at 8 a.m. We'll provide bagels and coffee throughout the morning.

This is a popular event! We highly recommend that shoppers come early for the best selection. Bring plenty of cash. You will be able to make normal store purchases with your credit card, but, just like a garage sale, the seller tables are cash-only.

Would you like to sell?
We have a limited number of spaces open for parents wanting to sell stuff! There is no charge, but a $10 refundable deposit is required to hold your spot. You do need to bring your own table and change. Childcare is not provided, however nursing infants in a baby carrier are welcome to attend with their parent. Please e-mail store@cottonbabies.com or call 314-849-6400 soon to reserve your space. Directions to our store * Take 270 South to Tesson Ferry Road. * Turn West onto Tesson Ferry Road. * Look for Walgreens - turn left at Kennerly Road. * You'll see Cotton Babies almost immediately. Turn right into the shopping center.Store Contact Information9916 Kennerly Road, St. Louis, MO 63128, 314-849-6400
Special Store HoursThe Cloth Diaper Garage Sale will end at 1 p.m., but the retail store will be open for regular shopping from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Normal Monday-Friday store hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

boogie wipes

I got these the last time my son was sick after reading great reviews about them from other moms. They are saline wipes designed to wipe little noses with. I totally like the idea of a moist gentle wipe to get off the gooped up and stuck on crust from my little guy's nose. At home I often use a warm wet washcloth on his nose. Although I don't absolutely love these wipes as other moms have, and they didn't have my son running to me for nose wipes, I do like them from keeping in the diaper bag, they are much gentler on sensitive sickly noses then the dry tissues I would otherwise use when we are out and about.

click here for the boogie wipes website where you can join the "boogie bunch" and get a $1 off coupon

I found boogie wipes at Walgreens. You can also order them from diapers.com coupon code "Jami" will get you $10 off your first order of $49 or more and go through ebates for cash back.

Do you have a little helper?

If your toddler is like mine he loves to help. My son is great about putting his dirty clothes in the hamper. I'll often hand him items like bibs out of the washer to throw into the dryer. Now I've found a way to include him in other aspects of laundry. I put his folded clothes into a small clean shopping bag (one I had from old navy) for him to carry to his room. Much easier for him to navigate than a basket. And it really does help me out as my hands are free to carry my own clothes. And he looks pretty cute with his bag slung over his shoulder like mommy. He's very proud to be mommy's helper and when he is involved it is so much easier to get what I need to get done done.

Gratutities

I am thankful for. . .

--Jacie

--Good Doctors

--Projects that are going well

Pancakes....keeping them warm

This one certainly falls under "why didn't I think of that sooner"
Making pancakes with my son this weekend I was in a dilemma. If I served him pancakes as they cooked he'd be done before I had cooked the whole batch, but how to really keep pancakes warm and yummy...hmmm....then the answer came to me....stoneware!! I heated a piece of stoneware in the microwave, put the finished pancakes in the stoneware and covered with a clean dishcloth. They all stayed nice and warm as the others cooked and were still warm when we had finished eating. Complete success. This is definitely going to be my new pancake routine.

Calling All STL Yoga Mamas

Yoga for Peace this Saturday September 19, 12:00 noon, at Tower Grove Park.

108 Sun Salutations.

For more information go here.

tyke light Jr

I was very excited about the tyke light jr for our trip. Since we went to Ireland we didn't want to deal with outlet adapter and that this light ran on batteries seemed perfect. It is also small and light weight, great for travel. However, I was slightly disappointed in the amount of light it gave off. Even in the "low" setting the small light illuminated the entire room. Much more light than what my son is used to when sleeping. I do like the idea of being able to see my son if I have to go in to help him during nights in strange places, but this was a bit too much light for him to have on for sleeping. If your child typically sleeps with a significant amount of light than this is a good light for travel or everyday use. If you child is used to less light when he/she sleeps you might want to think again before purchasing.

Home Again, Home Again

Hi folks.
We're home! We had a fantastic vacation, however now my son is sick. yuck. I'll get caught up and start posting again soon.

Dirty Dozen UPDATE

The Environmental Working Group has updated their organic shopper's guide.
Here is the latest.

Dirty Dozen (worst first)
peaches
apples
bell peppers
celery
nectarines
strawberries
cherries
kale
lettuce
grapes (imported)
carrots
pears

Clean 15 (best first)
onion
avocado
sweet corn
pineapple
mango
asparagus
sweet peas
kiwi
cabbage
eggplant
papaya
watermelon
broccoli
tomato
sweet potatoes

DHA--do you supplement?

I'm sure you've all heard by now about the importance of omega 3's (EPA & DHA) and how they impact brain development and function. Even many prenatal vitamins now include DHA. Of course giving your child supplements is a decision made on a personal basis by you in consultation with your pediatrician. I give my son the children's dha from the nordic natruals brand. If you STL mamas would like to learn more about these products they will have a representative at Whole Foods Galleria September 13, 20, and 27 from 2:00 to 5:00pm. May be worth checking out and seeing what they have to say.

Free Infant Eye Exams

For babies ages 6-12 months.
visit infantsee.org to find a provider
we did this when my son was about 9 months old. they did dilate his eyes at that time so if you have an infant pair of sunglasses bring them along (they gave us something there, but he didn't really keep it on). The exam was easy and my son sat on my lap the whole time. Not at all tramatic.

Quick Tip: learning to walk

Is your little one learning to walk? If so keep those feet bear as much as you can. They can really use their feet better that way, receive the sensory feedback they need from the ground, and feet are naturally non-slip. (would you want to learn to write your name with thick gloves on?) Of course if you're going to a park or someplace with potential hazards they will need protection, but otherwise let the feet be free. Heck, they are so cute anyway who'd want to cover them up?

New Coupon Codes

OshKosh B'gosh
Through 9/7
Get up to 50% off the entire store!
And an extra 30% off already reduced clearance merchandise.
And a $10 Play Card with each $25 purchase. find out more about play cards here.
AND use this coupon to get an additional 20% off any purchase of $50 or more!
(thanks hip2save)

Carter's
Through 9/7
50% off select styles
And an additional 30% off already reduced clearance merchandise
You can also snag a limited edition carter’s diaper bag for just $10 with any $50 or more purchase and you can earn a $10 gift check with each $25 you spend now through September 13th (view more information about their gift check program here).
AND print this coupon to save an additional 20% off any purchase of $50 or more!
(also from hip2save)

Diapers.com
order your Halloween costume by Sept 10 and get $5 of with code SPOOKY09
go through ebates for 1% cash back.

Picture People
Free photo + 35% off. this is a much higher % off than what is usually offered! Remember there is never a sitting few so you could get some great deals with this.
print coupon here or use code BGCER

Going on Vacation

I am leaving soon for vacation so you won't be hearing much from me for a little while. When I return I hope to have lots of road tested travel tips.

Cheers!

Grocery Thursday

Shop 'n Save

$10 off $50 purchase

No coupon needed

excludes: milk, gift cards, alcohol, tobacco

more information available here

Sappington's Farmers Market

8400 Watson Road

$10 off $50 purchase

excludes milk, liquor, etc

get coupon here or in store add

find add here

The Pampered Chef: Stonware

OK, a little bias here since I sell Pampered Chef, but I just love stoneware. It just bakes so great. And makes a great gift for showers, holidays, birthdays, etc. So, what's better than stoneware? Stoneware on special! You can get 20% off most items this month, 60% off one item if you host a show. Interested? Contact your Pampered Chef consultant. Need help? Just leave a comment or email stlmamablog.gmail.com

Babies R Us: Labor Day Sale & Coupons

Click here for deals good Sept 4-7 including:

• $5 off purchase of $25 or more
• 15% off humidifiers
• $2 off any 3 lotions, wash, shampoo, powder, or diaper rash treatments
• $5 gift card when you purchase Seventh Generation value box diapers AND value box wipes
• Buy one Get one 50% off Seventh Generation cleaning products
• Save 2.50 off any 12 Earth's Best jarred baby food (use coupon from earth's best for even more savings)
• and lots more!

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for. . .

--finally getting my ipod to work (after 20 months of having it)

--my son starting to get over his cold

--the compost fairy

Free Sample: Bear Naked Granola Bar

Another yummy free sample. This time for your choice of granola bars or cereal from Bear Naked. Just click here to get yours!

thanks stlmommy

Fruit Fly Solution

If your baby is like mine you have a constant supply of ripe bananas which means you likely also have. . . fruit flies! Well, I stumbled across a great solution. I had a wine bottle that was emptied but of course as it set there by the sink waiting to be recycled a little more wine pooled in the bottom. I few days later I went to rinse the bottle, and to my surprise there were many fruit flies floating in the wine. I assume the sweet wine attracted them into the bottle and then they couldn't find their way out. A lucky coincidence for me. Unfortunately I had already poured what was in the bottle out before I realized what has happened. Since then I have refilled the bottle with a little sugar and apple cider vinegar, this doesn't work quiet as well as the wine however but will work in a pinch. What a cheap and easy solution! Hope it works for you too.

September Events at Babies R Us

I've never been to these so I have no idea how they are, just thought someone might be interested. If you go please leave a comment and let us know how it was.

Breastfeeding 101: Basics of Breastfeeding Workshop

September 15 at 6:30

Buckle up & Boogie

Car Seat Safety Workshop

September 29 at 6:30

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for. . .

--a day with my mom and son

--Oberweis icecream

--Dewey's pizza (can't you tell it was a fun Grandma day)

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for. . .

--a day with my son and mom

--Oberweis icecream

--Dewey's pizza (can't you tell it was a fun grandma day!)

Freebie!!

Go here and order a free sample of your choice (or surprise) Kashi cereal.

Thanks STL Mommy

all natural savings: BOGO at Drugstore.com

Some great deals at Drugstore.com. Sale ends 9/4
Buy one Bumble Bar, get one free
Buy one Tazo tea, get one free
Buy one Yogi tea, got one 50% off
Buy one BioBag doggie bag, get one 50% off
Buy one BlueAvocado Starter Kit (reusable grocery bags), get one 50% off
Buy one Perf Go Green item get one 50% off
Buy one Fit and Fresh food storage item, get one 50% off (these are bpa free)
Buy one Oregon Chi, get one 50% off
Buy 2 Kashi, get thrid free
Buy 1 Envirokidz bar or cereacl, get one 50% off
Buy 2 Traditional Medicinal tea, get one 50% off
Buy one Belly Bar shake or chews, get one free
Buy one Gaiam water bottle, get one 50% off
Buy one Natrapel insect repelant, get one 50% off
Buy one Neu Home product, get one 50% off

Don't forget to go through ebates to earn your signing bonus +6% cash back on this purchase.

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for. . .

--homegrown tomatoes

--a nice family walk

--my husband mowing the grass

All Natural Savings

Here are more Natural Savings. See previous post on this topic for a more complete list.

New Smart Source coupon for $1.00 off The Spice Hunter herbs, spice, blend or grinder. (it was on page 6 for me)

Coupons.com has the following available
1.00 off Horizon eggs
1.00 off any 2 boxes Kashi TLC chewy granola bars
1.00 off Cascadian Farms Products
3.00 off Huggies Pure and Natural
1.00 off 2 Muir Glen products

Sorry this is expired: $5 off $15 purchase of Babyganics products. Cleaning products that are earth friendly and people friendly. Print here or use code fit5off at babyganics.com

0.75 off 8 pouch carton Honest Kids beverages here (thanks organicdeals)

Spaghetti Sauce

We've had an excess of yummy homegrown tomatoes so I've tried out a few different ways to make spaghetti sauce. With not a drop of Italian blood in me this did not come naturally. First I made a fresh sauce with ripe tomatoes, the sauce was good but a little thin for our taste. For my second attempt I used my Muir Glen canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, fresh garlic, fresh local mushrooms, fresh local zucchini, and a green pepper I grew. I cooked this all for a few hours in a crock pot. This was a thicker meatier sauce, so I felt I was getting closer. Finally tonight I think I got it. In fact I followed a recipe from a baby and toddler cook book, The Petit Appetit. First I broiled the fresh tomatoes for 15 minutes. Then sauteed the onion, peppers, garlic. Added the tomatoes (ran threw the food processor), a little vegetable stock, spices, and a little canned tomato paste. Simmered for 30 minutes. Then added a tsp of honey and finished off another 10 minutes. Nice, thick, yummy sauce. I could have added mushrooms to give it some meatiness, but we didn't get any this week and it was very good without. Most recipes I looked at called for a bay leaf, I've left it out every time just because it is something I don't keep on hand. The best part about making this now is to make enough to freeze for use when the ingredients are no longer in season.

Hope you are enjoying tomato season as much as we are.

mutli-vitamin for toddlers

I just started giving my toddler these multivitamins. Of course this this a decision you should make along with your pediatrician.

Here is what I liked about them

• most other vitamins I looked at started at age 3 or 4, you can start these at 13 months
• the loads of vitamin C (I was looking to build immunity before our upcoming trip)
• no added sugar
• my friend used them with her son and he's not contracted colds from the YMCA's nursery since starting them
• they are from a company I trust
• my son can easily chew them, once you bit in they break up quickly

What I don't like about them:

• they are "candy like," but so were all the others I looked at, so it's really nothing against this particular brand, just how kid vitamins are I guess
• the dosage for my child's age does not contain the recommended 400 IUs of vitamin D, but that is ok too since I already have a year's supply of D drops

for more information:

http://www.sweetpea.usana.com/

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for. . .

--cheese

--the VA picking up some of my junk and using it to help others

--a good nap

Cascadian Farms Coupons

I saw this on Cascadian Farm's website, but thought I missed the July deadline. According to STLMommy there was a misprint. So go over here, sign up for their newsletter and you will receive $5 in Cascadian Farm printable coupons in your inbox plus other money saving offers and tips.

Recycle at Origins

From Origin's website:

"Everyday packaging accounts for approximately 1/3 of all landfill waste.
Most community recyclers only take items made from materials that are easily recognized - such as soda and water bottles.
Cosmetic and toiletry bottles, tubes, caps and jars among those items not easily recognized and therefore not often recycled"

So what are they doing about it?

"bring your empty cosmetic tubes, bottles and jars, etc. - regardless of brand - to your nearest Origins retail store or department store counter nationwide.* All returned packaging will be sent back to a central location where products will be recycled or used for energy recovery"

find out more here

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for. . .

--a great morning playing with friends

--a happy marriage

--bug spray

Free Organic Orange Juice

from hip2save

Go here scroll to the bottom and click on take survey (very short) and get a coupon for a free Uncle Matt's Organic Orange Juice. They say the juice is available at Whole Foods.

Barnes and Noble Gift Card Offer

You can score a free Barnes and Noble Gift card with $15 in purchases of Hain Celestial Group Natural and Organic Products (Earth's Best Sesame Street, Health Valley, Garden of Eaten, and others). You will receive a $5 gift card for $15 in purchases or $10 gift card for $25 in purchases. Submit by 10/7/09. See details here.

Leap Frog Tag: Save $10

Finally got to flip through my Parents magazine and found this.
To download a coupon for $10 off Tag or Tag Junior reading system visit leapfrog.com/tag
I know nothing about this system. I do know Leap Frog is a good company, their toys have the correct phonics for letters, others companies don't always have things exactly right.

Trail Mix Day August 31

Coming Soon...Another Fun Day to Celebrate....Trail Mix Day!! (hey, why not?)
And this one comes with a free outing for St. Louis Mamas. Just bring you little ones to Whole Foods Galleria between 1:00 and 4:00 to make their own trail mix....FREE!! Sounds like a fun outing. If you're not in STL, look for it in a Whole Foods near you. That not a option? Celebrate the day anyway by picking up seeds, nuts, dried fruit, etc, etc, and creating your own at home. For very young kids you may want to just use cereals (puffed rice, oat o's, puffed wheat, etc.) that are easy to chew and not a hazard. A great hands on activity for kids. You could even step it up for older kids by talking about the nutritional value of the various ingredients. Again I choose not to give my toddler nuts until he's three, this is a choice you make between you and your pediatrician. Please also be cautious with little ones and the ingredients may pose choking hazards.

Gratutities

Today I am thankful for. . .

--my cousin SS and her constant love, support, and advice

--that my baby is a good sleeper

--my washing machine

Just a story. . .

So my cousin calls today to tell me about her 2 1/2 year old. She had her first real shopping experience over the weekend. She gathered her very own money, put it in her purse, and left to go shopping with her daddy, . . . to the farmer's market!! She picked out some corn and an apple and paid for them herself. She was so proud of her purchases. And what mom wouldn't be proud of that little girl. Of all the things to spend money on she chose fresh, local, yummy fruits and veggies. Way to go mom!

Organic Diaper Sale

Just received this from Cotton Babies

The rumors are true, bumGenius Organic Hook & Loop Closure Diapers are being discontinued. To clear out our inventory, we are putting them on sale for $19.95! All Organic Hook & Loop packages are also on sale.Don't worry, the Organic SNAP closures that you love are not going anywhere!

Gerber Graduates Deal at Target

OK, so in general I HATE Gerber Graduates. I hate the entire concept of toddler tv dinners. I firmly believe your child should be eating what you eat by the time they are toddlers. However I did see something in Target today that caught my eye. Gerber Gradates Smart Sips beverage made from milk free of antibiotics and growth hormones....Try me FREE. It is made from fat free milk though so if your tot is still on whole milk you may store it for a while. The other reason I went ahead and picked it up is that it does not need refrigeration (just the the Horizon milk boxes) so I thought it might be good to store and have on hand for trips. To sweeten the deal I also picked up the GG whole grain animal crackers (for the days when I can't make my own) for 1.99 and used the target coupon for $1 off 2 Graduates. The best part is I didn't even have this coupon on me, why would I have, but some nice couponer had set down the ones she (I assume) wasn't going to use on the shelf.

Total out of pocket for Graduates Smart Sips and Animal Crackers $0.99....not bad.