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April Showers Bring Kidorable Fun! Giveaway {Ends 4/30}

I love spring with the sounds of birds, green grass and flowers popping up everywhere, and little kids jumping in puddles created by the Spring showers that bring the whole Earth green again.  My daughter loves Spring for the puddles and the fact that she can be outside.

Today, as I type we are enjoying a very rainy Spring day and Gracie, of course, had to run and jump in the puddles even while it was raining.  A few weeks ago, we were sent the most adorable Kidorable rain gear to review.  Gracie was in love the moment she saw her new boots, rain coat, and umbrella.


She loves shoes so the first thing she did was put on her Kidorable boots.  We were sent the Fairy style to review and now Gracie thinks she is a butterfly. 


What I love most about the boots is that Gracie can put them on all her own.  While this makes for the fact that she wears them all day from the time she gets up till the time she goes to bed, at least I don't have to put them on for her.  She loves the independence this allows her.


Of course, she then had to try on the coat and she loved it.  I love how well made this whole set is.  Kids can be hard on things and every Kidorable item has withstood the rambunctious toddler who has played almost all day in the coat and boots.


The rain coat is very detailed to the cute little pocket in the front, the designs on the side, and there are even little wings on the back of the coat.


I also love how long the coat is - it goes all the way down to her knees making it easy for her to stay dry.


Gracie also loves her umbrella and like all the rest - it is durable, very detailed, and super cute.  A happy toddler I don't think there ever was.

Kidorable has a lot of fun styles to choose from for both boys and girls.  Dylan and I already have our eyes on the Ladybug and the Fireman styles for when the kids get a little older.  You can purchase all of these great products from Kidorable's website.

Also if you follow Kidorable on Facebook and Twitter right now, they are giving away free products all during the month of April.  All you have to do is fan them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.  Check out their website for more details!

Win It!! 

Kidorable is allowing me to give away one Kidorable umbrella to an EmpoweringMommy.com reader.  The winner will get to choose the umbrella that they love the most!

1.  Leave a comment letting me which Kidorable umbrella you would choose.  This will be the one you receive.  Do this one first!

Extra Entries:
2. Become a follower of this blog. Leave me a comment letting me know you follow. This will be verified.

3. Subscribe to this blog by email. Leave me a comment letting me know you did so. This will be verified.

4.  Grab my button (found in the sidebar) and post it on your blog.  This must be up when the giveaway closes.  

5.  Leave a comment on another one of my posts - must be a nongiveaway post.   Leave a comment with which post you commented on. If entering many different giveaways, it must be a different post for each giveaway.

6. Follow me and Kidorable on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Please leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you did so.

7. Become a fan of Empowering Mommy and Kidorable on Facebook and share that you entered as your status update. Please leave a comment along with your facebook name letting me know you did so.


This giveaway ends April 30, 2010 and is open to the US only. Make sure that you leave your email address in each comment. Leave a separate comment for every entry that you make so that these will count for you! Have fun and I look forward to announcing the winners of this great giveaway!



Disclosure: This review is based on my own honest unbiased opinion of this product. You may or may not agree with my opinion. I was sent product free of charge to review. No one from the Kidorable was involved in the writing of this post. I was not paid to write this review. 

Hugo Deals - 4/11 - 4/17, 2010


For those that live in the Grand Forks region, I am excited to bring back the Hugos deals. I have been trying to bring these back for a while and it has finally worked out!  I will be doing my best to bring the match ups each week for you.

Quick definitions:  RP (Red Plum), SS (Smart Source), P&G (Proctor and Gamble) all stand for inserts that come in the newspaper.  We do not receive all of these inserts in our paper so you can buy them from Coupon and Things by Dede or individual coupons from My Coupon Hunter.  I have always found it worthwhile to do so as I save way more money than I ever spend on coupons.  

Our Family Ketchup - $.29 with in ad coupon

Koops Mustard - $.29 with in ad coupon


Kingsford Charcoal Briquets - $6.88
$1/1 Kingsford Charcoal from the SS 3/21/10
FREE Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing when you buy Kingsford Charcoal printable 
$5.88 each after coupon and free Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing - 2 for $5
$1/1 Hidden Valley Bottled Dressing printable
$1.50 each after coupon

Kellogg's Cereals - 2 for 5
$2/2 Select Kellogg's Cereals from the RP 03/28/10)
$1/1 Select Kellogg's Cereals from the RP 03/28/10)
$1.50/2 Select Kellogg's Cereals from the RP 03/28/10)
$1.50/3 Kellogg's Cereal printable
$1.50  - 2.00 each after coupon

Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers - 2 for $6
$1/1 Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers from the SS 03/28/10 #2
$1/2 Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers printable
$2.00 - $2.50 each after coupon

Vitaminwater - 10 for $10
$1/2 VitaminWater or VitaminWater Zero, exp. 5-11-10 (SS 04/11/10)
$.50 each after coupon

Land O Lakes Half & Half - $.59
$0.45/1 Land O Lakes Half & Half Pint, exp. 4-30-10 (SS 03/28/10 #2)
$.14 each after coupon

Gold 'n Plump Chicken Drumsticks - $2.28
$1/1 Gold 'n Plump all natural chicken printable
$1.28 each after coupon

Gold 'n Plump Chicken Leg Quarters (family pack) - $3.88
$1/1 Gold 'n Plump all natural chicken printable
$2.88 each after coupon

Juicy Juice Drinks - 2 for $5
$1/1 Juicy Juice Brain Development & Immunity Fruit Juice printable
$1.50 each after coupon

Coffeemate Creamer - $2.49
$0.50/1 Coffee-mate Powder Creamer from the RP 2/7/10
$1/2 Coffee-mate Powder Creamer from the RP 02/07/10
$1.99 each after coupon

Nestle Chocolate Morsels - $3.99
$1/2 Nestle Toll House Morsels from the RP 03/21/10
$0.50/2 Nestle Toll House Morsels printable
$3.49 - $3.74 each after coupon


Our Family Blueberries - $2.69
$.50/1 Our Family Frozen Blueberries printable
$2.19 each after coupon

Colgate Premium Toothpaste - 2 for $5
$1/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste from the ALL YOU Apr '10
$0.75/1 Select Colgate Toothpastes from the SS 03/28/10 #2
$0.35/1 Colgate Toothpaste from the SS 03/28/10 #2
$1.50 - 2.15 each after coupon

Hall's Cough Drops - $1.49
$1/1 Halls Cough Drops from the SS 03/28/10 #2
$0.50/1 Halls Cough Drops from the ALL YOU Mar '10
$.49 - $.99 each after coupon
 
Looking for extra coupons, visit My Coupon Hunter to purchase them!  I buy coupons every week and this is how we stock on items that I either don't get the coupons for or need more of. 

Target Deals - 4/11 - 4/17, 2010


Here are the best deals I see this week for Target, this list includes Super Target deals so if you don't have a Super Target, some may not apply. Remember you can also stack a Target coupon with a manufacture coupon to get the best deals!

~ Super Target Weekly Deals ~

Gold 'n Plump Chicken Breasts - $3.99
$2.99 each after coupon

Cuties California Clementines - $4.99
$1/1 Cuties Box from the SS 03/14/10
$3.99 each after coupon

~ WEEKLY DEALS ~ 

Giada De Laurentiis Kitchen Utensil - starting at $5.59
$3.59 each after coupon

Pond's Cleansing Towelettes - $4.74
$1/1 Pond's Cream or Cleansing Product from the RP 03/28/10
$1.25/1 Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes from the RP 03/28/10
$3.24 each after coupon

Ziploc Sandwich Bags - $4.29
$1/2 Ziploc Brand Bags from the SS 03/21/10
$0.40/1 Ziploc brand Bags from the SS 03/21/10
$3.79 - 3.89 each after coupon

Ziploc 12 ct. containers - $4.29
$0.55/1 Ziploc brand Containers from the SS 03/21/10
$1.50/2 Ziploc Brand Containers from the SS 02/21/10
$1.50/2 Ziploc brand Containers from the SS 03/21/10 
$3.54 - 3.74 each after coupon

Colgate Pro Clinical Toothpaste - $3.49
$1/1 Colgate Pro Clinical Toothpaste from the SS 04/11/10
$2.49 each after coupon

Get $5 in Target giftcard with purchase of any 2 Fusion or Embrace razors
 Gillette Fusion Razor - $6.99
$4/1 Fusion Razor Product from the P&G 04/04/10
$.49 each after coupon and giftcard when you buy 2

Venus Embrace - $6.99
$2/1 Venus Embrace from the P&G 03/07/10
$2/1 Venus, Embrace or Breeze System from the P&G 04/04/10
$2.49 each after coupon and giftcard when you buy 2

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Meats - $2.79
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Meats from the SS 03/07/10
$2.29 each after coupon when you buy 2

Vitaminwater or Vitaminwater Zero (18.5-20 oz) – $1
Use $1/2 Vitaminwater or Vitaminwater Zero from the SS 4/11/2010
$0.50 each after coupon when you buy 2

Glade Candle or Spray - $2.49
$2/2 Glade 9.7-oz. Spray or 4-oz. Jar Candle from the SS 04/11/10
$0.75/1 Select Glade Products from the SS 04/11/10
$1.49 each after coupon when you buy 2 (also get an additional free candle)

Get $5 in Target giftcard with purchase of Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic shower cleaner
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner - $12.99
$5/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner Kit from the SS 03/21/10
$2.99 each after coupon and giftcard

Pedigree Dry Dog Food (40-lb) - $18.99
$2/1 Pedigree Food For Dogs, exp. 5-2-10 (RP 03/21/10) 
$2/1 Pedigree Dry Dog Food, exp. 5-31-10 (ALL YOU Mar '10)
$16.99 each after coupon

Dial Body Wash - $3.99
$1.99 each after coupons

~ ONGOING DEALS ~

GE Energy Smart Light bulbs – $2.99
Use $1/1 here and stack with
Use $2/1 Target coupon here
Free after coupons


Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion – $4.99
Use $3.75/1 Vaseline Sheer Infusion from the RP 4/11/2010
$1.24 each after coupons

Tide 2X Ultra Travel Size Detergent – $0.97
Use $1/1 Tide from the P&G 4/4/2010
Free after coupons

Airwick Freshmatic Ultra iMotion Starter Kit – $6
Use $5/1 from the 3/7 Smart Source coupons insert and stack with
$1/1 Target printable
Free after coupons

Dial NutriSkin Hand Soap – $1.37
Use $0.35/1 from the 3/7 Red Plum coupon insert and stack with
$1/1 Target printable
$0.02 each after coupons

Band-aids (select kids, others) – $1.77-1.82
Use $1/1 Target Coupon here and stack with
Use $1/1 from the 3/14 Red Plum insert
Free after coupons

Crest Kid’s Toothpaste (4.6 oz) – $1.67
Use $1/1 Target Coupon here and stack with
Use $1/1 in 3/7 P&G insert
Free after coupons

Rimmel Mascara – $2.89
Use $3/1 in March All You Magazine
Free after coupons

Kotex Liners (20 pk found in travel section) – $1.02
Use $1/1 here
$0.02 each after coupons



Looking for extra coupons, visit My Coupon Hunter to purchase them!  I buy coupons every week and this is how we stock on items that I either don't get the coupons for or need more of. 

CVS Deals - 4/11 - 4/17, 2010


Here are the best deals I see for CVS this week. If you are new to CVS this will not make sense, so make sure you check out CVS 101 for the best explanations of how to most effectively shop CVS.

~ ECB Deals ~

Dove Shampoo and Conditioner - $4.49 (limit 1)
Get $4.49 in ECBs
$1.50/1 Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner from the RP 03/28/10 insert
Free (plus moneymaker) after coupon and ECBs

Buy $15 in Eucerin or Nivea products, Get $5 in ECBs
Nivea Body Wash - $4.99
Get $5 in ECBs
$2/1 Nivea Body Wash for Women printable
$2/1 Nivea Body Wash For Women from the ALL YOU Mar or Apr '10
$1/1 Nivea Body Wash For Women from the RP 04/11/10

Scenario::
Buy (3) Nivea Body Wash For Women - $4.99
Buy (1) Nivea Lip Care Product - $2.99
Use (3) $2/1 printables
$1.74 each after coupons

Dial NutriSkin Body Wash, $5.49
Get $4.50 ECB (Limit 1)
$1/1 Dial Nutriskin printable (IE) or printable (FF)
$1/2 Dial Body Washes from the RP 03/07/10
FREE after coupons and ECBs!

~ OTHER DEALS ~

Colgate 360 Toothbrush or Total Toothpaste - $2.79 - $3.49 (Buy One, Get One Free)
$1/1 Colgate 360 ActiFlex Toothbrush printable
$0.75/1 Colgate Total Enamel Strength Toothpaste printable
$1/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste from the ALL YOU Apr '10
$0.75/1 Select Colgate Toothpastes from the SS 03/28/10 #2
$.79 - $1.04 each after coupons when get 2 (use 2 coupons)

Nescafe Taster's Choice - $1.00
B1G1 Nescafe Taster's Choice Single Serve printable
$0.50/1 Nescafe Tasters Choice Product from the SS 02/28/10
$.25 each after coupons (Use 1 B1G1 and the $.50)

Filippo Berio Olive Oil - $3.99
$1/1 Filippo Berio Olive Oil printable (IE) or printable (FF)
$1/1 Filippo Berio Olive Oil printable
$1/1 Filippo Berio Olive Oil printable 
$2.99 each after coupon

Simply Asia Entree - $1.99 (Buy One, Get One Free)
$0.50/1 Simply Asia Product from the RP 2/7/10
$.50 each after coupons (use 2 coupons)

Starbucks Frappuccino (4-pk) -$4.99
$1/1 Starbucks Frappuccino Drink printable (IE) or printable (FF)
$3.99 each after coupon

Did I miss a deal that you caught? 

Looking for extra coupons, visit My Coupon Hunter to purchase them!  I buy coupons every week and this is how we stock on items that I either don't get the coupons for or need more of. 

My Super Savings - I Love CVS!


So, I'm going to say something that may shock you all - 1) I hate shopping and 2) I do not go every week. I know many of you hard core couponers go several times a week but not me.  I do hard core couponing and I think I do it well but with our grocery stores 30 minutes away (one way), 2 kids two and under, and other things - I go shopping once a month.   I menu plan for 2 weeks worth of dinners.  I then make every dinner double so that I have meals for 4 weeks.  I only have to make 14 meals but have 28. 

Yesterday was my hardcore shopping trip and for a month's worth of groceries I think I did pretty well.  I spent $150 on groceries, toiletries, and odds and ends for the house.   This includes having desserts for 4 Sunday night after church get to gethers.  I will use our local store for fresh produce that we will need through out the month.

My favorite deals were $2.87 a carton on strawberries at Sam's Club (their cartons are huge) and my CVS deals.  I paid $9.99 for everything in the picture above after coupons and CVS ECBs.  Just the diapers alone were a good deal at $9.99 so I was quite pleased with my 86 diapers, two packages of baby wipes, 3 Pantene Pro-V shampoo/conditioner bottles, and hand sanitizer for that price. 

Did you get good deals this week?  Feel free to link up in linky below if you are still here after my long oration. 

My Own Creations - Tutu Bow Holder


So I abandoned you all yesterday because my creative side was begging to be used.  I went grocery shopping and gathered the supplies that I would need.  This idea has been brewing for over a year and the last month or so has gotten to the point that I really wanted to put my idea into work.  



So after much work and working late into the night, this is what I abandoned you all for:



Gracie desperately needs a place to hold all her bows. I have made hers since she was 3 months old and we are always losing them. I didn't like any of the bow holders that I could buy. I saw this idea on another site two years ago when I first started making hair bows.  I was so busy making and selling my bows that I was never able to accomplish making one.


It needs a little work and I would like to practice a little further with it but I was happy with the basic start.


So what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Maybe you have made one in the past and have some advice on how to make it better.

Gracie hasn't seen it yet but I think she will love it. It will be in my office which is going to brown and pink - thus the colors.