~*~WINNER~*~ SmartShopper Grocery Organzier AND some 'cool' deals...

SmartShopper Electronic Grocery Organizer WINNER:
I'm thrilled to annouce the randomly selected winner of the SmartShopper Electronic Grocery Organizer giveaway!! I have verified all 'extra entries', took out any entries that were not valid (didn't follow the rules) and any multiple comments. Thank goodness for Excel spreadsheets! :-)

Thank you all for entering and be sure to come back regularly...I'll be posting more giveaways periodically.

~*~PLEASE NOTICE~*~
The winner will have until Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 11:59pm PST to claim the prize by emailing his/her full name as well as mailing info (to receive the prize). I will contact the winner via email and/or blog comment if such info is provided. If the winner does not respond by the given date, the first alternate (I won't email the alternates) to email his/her info will receive the prize!

Drum roll please ....

WINNER:

• Holly at Tropic of Mom who said .... Wow, what a great gadget! I could definitely use a SmartShopper. I like that it uses voice recognition. That must make it fast and easy to use -- no hunting for a pen! I would keep this and use it if I won it, but I'm sure just about everyone I know could use it.

ALTERNATES:

• Annie who said...
  I love that it doesn't need ink cartridges!! That is great! I would keep this one for myself, what a great tool!


• Mari who said...
  It looks like such a handy gadget! I went to the site and see that not only can I get a discount through your code, but there is fee shipping now. I would be keeping this one! Thanks for doing this!


• Jennae at Green Your Decor who said...
  I love the fact that it doesn't require an ink cartridge since it has thermal printing. And I love the fact that I can mark which items I have coupons for, because I always forget my coupons. I would definitely keep it for myself.


• Kat who said...
  This is such an amazing product. I have been thinking about picking one up. I love that you can add errands to your list as well. If I don't pick one up for myself - ie don't end up with one later today - I will definitely be keeping it for myself. I'm also thinking this could be a great gift for my sister though - mmmm wonder who will win out??


• Christine at Live Laugh Love and Bloggings who said...
  First of all what's not to love with all it's organization features!?! I'm in love! I love that you can add items and it remembers, I love that there are no ink cartridges, I love that it has such a large library of items already stored in it... and so on and so on and so on.This would be for me ALL for me!! I share so much of everything with everyone else, this baby would be mine all mine! :)

Click here to view upcoming giveaways hosted by Pennies In My Pocket. Subscribe to receive updates.

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Since this post is rather long, I'm going to list some deals without chattin' too much...


Michelle asked me to find some ski pants and goggles for a ski trip she'll be going on in a few weeks. Here's what I found:
Ski Pants: 25% - 50% off and 50% - 70% off
Ski Goggles: 25% - 50% off and 50% - 70% off




So, if you're not as *cool* (get it, she's going skiing...it's cold there) as Michelle and aren't going skiing for real, then you can Wii Ski! It's not 'that' on sale, but hey, it goes with the theme...
Wii - We Ski
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $27.00 - 7% off
FREE Super Saver Shipping


If you're looking for video game accessories on sale, here ya go...
Up to 25% off Top Selling Accessories for Wii, Nintendo's DS, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, PSP and Xbox 360.


If you WANT to be as cool as Michelle, here are some winter travel deals for you...
ORBITZ:
*Orbitz WINTER SALE: SAVE up to 50% on Hotels worldwide! Exp 3-29-09.
*SKI SALE: Save up to 50% on Orbitz! (Exp 2-8-09)
*Or escape the winter: Beach Deals: SAVE up to 35% on Orbitz! (Exp 3-8-09)


FOOOOOOD! Gimme FOOOOD!
Here's the latest Restaurant.com deal: 70% off $25 Gift Certificates + FREE $15 Dale and Thomas Gift Card with your purchase. Use code SUPER and pay $3 for $25 Gift Certificates thru Saturday, 1/31/09.

Love that last one...get some grub for yourself and then get a $15 gift card toward some yummies for your Valentine! ;-)


Question of the Day
Since Michelle got a lot of the focus for today's deals,
let's go with that.Where do you want to vacation this winter?

~*~GIVEAWAY~*~ SmartShopper Electronic Grocery List Organizer

The fine people from SmartShopper contacted me asking if I'd be interested in trying out their product and host a giveaway. After looking more into this fabulous little gadget, I counted the days until I received it in the mail!!!

I don't know about you, but I don't always keep my grocery lists 'nice and tidy'...meaning that I may write "Tabasco sauce" on a sticky because it was near the pantry and then scribble "Bisquick" on a notepad near the fridge. Getting the sticky note and notepad together can be as hard as mixing oil and water at times. This can sometimes lead to multiple trips to the store...I realllllly dislike having to do that.

The SmartShopper saves you time, energy and money. All you have to do is press a little button and say what item you want into the speaker. As soon as you remember something random like cumin or paper plates, just press the button and forget about finding a pen and paper.

Just add each item AS YOU THINK OF THEM!

When you're ready to go to the store, just print out your list! It will categorize all your items by departments in the grocery store. You'll save oodles in gas alone by keeping your list organized resulting in less trips to the store!

Oh and if you have more things to do, like run to the bank or pick up dry cleaning you can have that printed, too! The SmartShopper will help keep you sane. ;-)

Some way cool facts about the SmartShopper :
*State-of-the-art voice recognition
*2,500 Pre-loaded items
*Built-in printer requires NO ink cartridges
*Easy-to-read LED display
*Uses four standard AA batteries
*Magnetic mount for refrigerator or wall-mount option
*Durable plastic with a brushed aluminum front
*Includes 3 paper rolls, wall mounting kit, item booklet, and instructions

The SmartShopper Electronic Grocery List Organizer is now only $69.99 at SmartShopperUSA.com with Free Shipping AND right now SmartShopperUSA.com wants to offer a $25 off discount code for their Twitter followers and their friends. Share it! Retweet it! CODE: GOQ5495

You've heard enough and want one FREE, right? I knew you would. Here's how to enter this giveaway for your chance to win one...

TO ENTER:
Leave a comment on this post with the following information: (must be a US resident) *You must follow these simple rules or else your entry will not count.*

• Your Name & Email Address (if you don't link to your blog already) OR if you don't want to leave your email address, come back on 1/28/09 to see if you're the winner. Contest ends 1/27/09
• Jump on over to SmartShopper and tell me something you've learned about the product and if you would keep it or who you'd give it to.

DEADLINE:
Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 at 11:59pm PST.

**EARN EXTRA ENTRIES** I love extra credit! ;-) YOU MUST make a NEW entry for each extra credit item you participate in. I will visit your site to verify.

• Earn 2 extra entries: Blog about this contest in your blog with a link to it. Include the url to your blog in your entry comment for verification.
• Earn MORE - 2 extra entries: Snag my button (near the top right of this blog) and add it to your blog or website. If you already have it posted, you will still earn extra entries.
• OR if you don't have a blog and would like to earn 2 extra entries....Email 5 or more of your friends about this contest and forward or copy the email to me. Please include your name on the email so I know who it is from. Here's my email address: click here

A winner will be randomly selected and announced as well as multiple alternates. The winner will also be contacted if contact info is provided. The winner will have until Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 11:59pm PST to claim the prize by emailing his/her full name and mailing address. If the winner does not respond by the given date, the first alternate to email his/her info will receive the prize.

Click on the 'Giveaways' link on top toolbar to view the winner after the contest deadline or come back to this post. As always, I will never use your information for anything other than to contact you if you are the winner. Promise. :-)

I'm over shopping in real life...online rules & Menu Plan Monday

WINNERS FROM YESTERDAY: Here are the 3 randomly chosen winners of the Restaurant.com gift certificates from yesterday...CONGRATS! I'll be contacting you. :)
1. Joanne
2. Jennifer
3. Mrs. Langhans

Winners...please email me your full name, the state you live in and the email address you'd like me to email the certificate to. I'll be contacting you in case you don't see the blog this morning. :)


ENTER ONE LAST TIME for another chance to win one of THREE $10 gift certificates to Restaurant.com! This will be the last giveaway. I liked all the fun comments over the weekend so I'm going to apply the same rules...leave as many comment entries as you want on this post (any comment) today by midnight PST as well as a way for me to contact you. I'll randomly choose 3 winners and post them tomorrow. GOOD LUCK!

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Wowsers, I just had a crazy busy weekend. Thank goodness I have a mom who lives a few streets over and wants to watch the baby. I did all the rest of my Christmas shopping over the weekend (which took FOREVER because of the wrap-around-lines to check out), baked 8 wine cakes for the neighbors, went grocery shopping with the 1,283,329 people who were in line with me when I went Christmas shopping, finished decorating the house (I know, kinda late), went clothes shopping for myself (because I haven't done that in a year), ran a bazillion errands and then signed up on Facebook.com. As if I didn't have enough things keeping me on the computer! This Facebook stuff is SO addicting! I've been on for two whole days and have over 100 friends (I know all of them, I promise)...it's amazing how you can reconnect with so many long lost friends. I even reconnected with a few childhood pals that I haven't seen in 22 years! Crazy!

Oh and by the way, I loved all your frugal tips that you left over the weekend!

Before I get to the food, make way for some deals...

For all those New Years resolutions...
--Save $100 on the Proform 775 Crosstrainer Treadmill and get Free Silver Service Delivery at SportsAuthority.com! Ends 12.31
--Save $100 on the New Balance 2500 Treadmill and Get Free Silver Service Delivery at SportsAuthority.com! Ends 12.31
--Take 10% off the Proform Ergo Strider 3.0 Elliptical at SportsAuthority.com! Ends 12.31
--Save $30 on the Spartan Sports 2 in 1 Recumbent Bike & Rower at SportsAuthority.com! Ends 12.31
--Gaiam: Take an extra 30% off already reduced outlet prices for savings as much as 70% off PLUS receive FREE 2-day FedEx upgrade. Offer expires Sunday, December 21. Use promotion code CSFFX at checkout.
--Amazon: Exercise & Fitness Equipment 50% off or more

Take care of your feet when you work out next year...
Buy One Get One 50% Off On Men's, Women's, and Kid's Athletic Footwear From 12.21 to 12.24 at DicksSportingGoods.com!

Free Shipping for the Mom-to-be...
--Motherhood Maternity Free standard shipping on orders over $75 from 12.19.08 to 12.25.08. See site for restrictions.
--A Pea In The Pod Free standard shipping on orders over $75 from 12.19.08 to 12.25.08. See site for restrictions.
--Mimi Maternity Free standard shipping on orders over $150 from 12.19.08 to 12.25.08. See site for restrictions.
--Destination Maternity Free standard shipping on orders over $150 from 12.19.08 to 12.25.08. See site for restrictions.

Ends SOOOOON...
--FREE 2nd DAY SHIPPING + FREE SAMPLE TRIO with any purchase at Prescriptives.com! Just enter code 2NDSHIP at checkout by 3PM ET on Dec. 22.
--Free Gift Wrap with every purchase through Dec. 23rd or while supplies last at Prescriptives.com.
--Limited Edition Holiday Gifts at Prescriptives.com.
--Order by TODAY to get FREE 2Day Shipping Upgrade from Popcorn Factory - Use Code 2UP and get your gift delivered on Christmas guaranteed!
--Free Overnight Shipping on Orders over $60 at ShopPBS.org -- Offer Ends 12.23.08 at 5PM ET

A little frosting for your wrist...
Up to 40% off on Bulova Watches

Swanky threads...
Armani Exchange: 20%-50% off Select Styles

Mamma loves her some makeup...
Marvelous Makeup at 40% Off or MORE


And now for the FOOD portion of the show...
This is the week for the Crock Pot! We'll be having lots of friends and family over this week so the Crock Pot will be my best friend! Click on the links to view the recipe.

Monday: Lentils & Sausage - EASY Slow Cooker Recipe
Tuesday: French Dip - Another EASY Slow Cooker Recipe
Wednesday: Apple, Cheddar & Turkey Meatballs (The only turkey we're having this Christmas.) - Oh look ANOTHER Slow Cooker Recipe!
Thursday: MERRY CHRISTMAS!! We're hosting Christmas with a Tex-Mex theme! Tamales, Beans, Rice, Jalapeno Corn Bread...mmmmm! The picture to the right is what it will look like.
Friday: Leftovers!

Head over to orgjunkie.com for more fabulous meals!

Question of the Day
Did you go shopping over the weekend?
Do tell me about your experience.
Oh and what did ya buy me?

hehehe


Oh and remember...you can leave as many comment entries
today as you want for the giveaway!

Frugal Christmas & the Friday Sale

WINNERS FROM YESTERDAY: Here are the 3 randomly chosen winners of the Restaurant.com gift certificates from yesterday...CONGRATS! I'll be contacting you. :)
1. cindysherritt
2. Steph
3. Mari

Winners...please email me your full name, the state you live in and the email address you'd like me to email the certificate to. I'll be contacting you in case you don't see the blog this morning. :)


ENTER AGAIN THIS ENTIRE WEEKEND for another chance to win one of THREE $10 gift certificates to Restaurant.com! I'm switching it up for the weekend. Just leave as many comment entries as you want on this post (any comment) today, Saturday and Sunday (by Sunday, midnight PST) as well as a way for me to contact you. I'll pick 3 winners and post them on Monday. GOOD LUCK! I'll be doing more of this, so come back!

That's right...enter as MANY times as you want on THIS post until Sunday night. I'm taking the weekend off from blogging so I thought I'd make this one fun. ;-)

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One thing I'm finding while I blog browse is that people are thinking a lot more about being frugal this Christmas. I have to tell you that I'm refreshed by this. We (my hubby and I) have never been ones to go all crazy over Christmas gifts...I just don't feel like it's right. The season is not about presents, it's about the birth of our Savior.

Growing up, we always had very simple Christmases. I never felt deprived. Several times, while visiting friends homes, I realized that some people go absolutely bonkers over Christmas. I had a childhood friend who received at least 40 (not exaggerating) gifts and then proceeded to complain that she didn't get three things on her list. Sad.

I just don't like seeing people become materialistic monsters this time of year. I believe one of the good things that has come out of this country's recession is that people are going back to the simple way. People are focusing on spending TIME not money on their loved ones. I love that. Time. When money runs out, you can always earn more, but when time runs out...it's out for good. Spend time on your loved ones.

Here are a few FRUGAL CHRISTMAS IDEAS I've come up with on how to spend more time with your loved ones this season...

1. Read the Christmas story.

2. Turn up the Christmas music and dance with your kids.

3. Play in the snow or if you don't have snow, sled down a hill anyways!

4. Pray at dinner for the people you've sent Christmas cards to. Let the children say prayers for their friends.

5. Attend a Christmas pageant in your community. Most churches have them. Look one up and take your family.

6. Turn on your fireplace, pop popcorn in it and then have a slumber party! We used to do this when we were kids and it was a BLAST!

7. Help your kids string popcorn and then wrap it around the tree.

8. Bake as a family and give the goodies as gifts! Who doesn't like homemade goodies? And its very frugal. Family Fun has some great recipes. (See recipe for wine cake below...its what I'm making for my neighbors. It's SO good.)

9. Drive around looking at Christmas lights.

10. Have a Christmas potluck! Invite friends over for a simple dinner and let them bring their favorite Christmas dish!

11. Make some Christmas decorations with your family. Here are some ideas from Family Fun.

12. Read about the history of Christmas, Santa and how other countries celebrate Christmas. click here

13. Track Santa on Christmas Eve. click here

14. Throw a simple White Elephant party. The gift can have a price limit ($5 or less) or something that is around the house. Here are the rules for a White Elephant party.

15. Instead of going nuts on the Christmas gifts, talk to your extended family and either agree to get gifts for the kids only or if that doesn't work, put a price limit on gifts. I've always thought that a Christmas drawing is great. Pick a name out of the hat and get that person a gift instead of the entire family...works great in large families.

16. Wrap and recycle ... use brown paper bags that you've received from the grocery store and wrap your gifts with them! Go for a pine cone hunt with your kids (our neighborhood park has tons on the ground) and decorate the gifts with them! You can dip the tips of the pine cones in glue and then glitter. Pretty. Let the kids color on the wrapping...how cute. :)

17. Go through photos of your children with them. Let them pick out their favorite recent picture of themselves and then frame it for the grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. Great frugal gift that they will love!

18. Set the stage for a homemade play...Let the kids loose in your closet to dress up for a Christmas play! Give them ideas for a theme and then let their imagination flow. They can perform for the whole family. (My mom and her sisters did this when she was a kid.)

19. Find out where the locals are going. There are many public places that hold special events and Christmas festivals for free.

20. Go to a Christmas Eve service.

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Here's the recipe I mentioned that I'm baking for the neighbors. It's fabulous and SUPER easy to make...

Wine Cake
(makes 4 small cakes)
INGREDIENTS
1 Box of French Vanilla Cake Mix
1 Package of Instant Lemon Pudding (3 oz or so)
4 Eggs
3/4 cup Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup Cream Sherry (Dessert wine section of the grocery store)
1 tsp nutmeg

DIRECTIONS
Mix all ingredients well. Pour equal amounts of mixture into four 8"x3" or 9"x4" loaf pans. Cook for 45 minutes at 350. It will look a little brown when ready. Be sure to check center to make sure it's done. Let it cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

I double the recipe to make 8 cakes. I have lots of great neighbors. :)

Variation: You can also "flour" the pan after it's been greased with cocoa powder or a cinnamon sugar mixture for a textured crust. This will eliminate that "white stuff" on the outside of your baked cake which makes for a prettier cake.

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I'm going to do a really fast peek at the FRIDAY SALE. It's late and I'm tired, but help yourself to more if you want to browse around...click here.

Fancy coffee...
Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Press with Bonus Pavina Thermal Glasses
List Price: $80.00
Today's Sale Price: $19.99 - 75% off
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Whole lotta fab dishes...
Circulon Infinite Circulon 10-Piece Cookware Set
List Price: $550.00
Today's Sale Price: $209.99 - 62% off
FREE Super Saver Shipping

We have a set just like this and it's AWESOME! Great gift for the wine lover...
Pinzon Matte Chrome-Plated Corkscrew and Foil Cutter Set
List Price: $60.00
Today's Sale Price: $14.99 - 75% off
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

OK these get the CUTEST little boots award!!
Chill Chasers by Buster Brown Toddler Lil' Summit Boot
List Price: $39.95
Today's Sale Price: $19.90 - 50% off
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping




Don't forget...80% off Savings on $25 Gift Certificates. $2 when you use code SANTA - Ends Sunday, 12/22/08

Question of the WEEKEND
Do you have a frugal tip for Christmas?
Do share. :) Oh and remember...you can leave as many comment entries this weekend as you want for the giveaway!