Birthday Party on a Budget: What I've Been Up to Lately...

As you've probably noticed, I've been a little "quiet" lately...  My sweet little princess turned 3 this last week, and between celebrating like a proper princess should, and getting ready for those celebrations, I've been a little busy!!  I thought I'd share a few highlights from our "budget birthday party" as well as a few birthday freebies that she thoroughly enjoyed!!  So here goes:

The BIG day: Since her birthday fell in the middle of the week, we celebrated that day (for FREE) as a family and planned her party for the weekend.  First, we headed to Toys'R'Us.  I had signed her up for their birthday club (for FREE), and about a week before her birthday she received a card in the mail from Geoffrey with a coupon card for $3 off a $3 or more purchase.  They have a ton of toys for $3 or less (they have a rather large dollar section!!).  She had a blast searching for just the right thing!  When you go to Toys'R'Us on your birthday, you get a balloon and a "crown" as well as a special Birthday greeting played overhead.  She thought it was the coolest.  The best part for me:  It was FREE!!

Next, we went to Barnes and Noble.  Why?  I had signed Little Miss up for the Kids Club.  You get coupons periodically throughout the year, but for your child's birthday, they get a coupon for a FREE cookie or cupcake.  She also LOVES to play with the Thomas the Train set they have in the children's area.  It was lots of yum and fun!

That wasn't all.  Our final stop was a Chuck E. Cheese's.  I had also signed up on their site, and on your child's birthday, they get 20 FREE tokens.  We had almost an hour of fun with those 20 tokens and she won enough tickets to bring a little souvenier home, as well.

Her birthday was a hit.

So...for the party: Every year I ask our Little Miss what she'd like for a party theme.  This year it was a no-brainer.  She is obsessed with the cartoon character Caillou.  We even visited the "Party Store" hoping she'd pick something a little more generic to give us more options for party supplies, and such.  She wouldn't have it...so Caillou it was!  (You could use these ideas for any themed party...)

The first thing I did was search for Caillou Birthday Party items online and holy smokes, the prices were outrageous!  So, I decided to get crafty and illicit some help from my soon to be three-year-old...

I started by saving the cardboard toilet paper rolls...every party needs some decorations, right??  What did I do with them?  Well, my Little Miss helped me cut out colored construction paper (in our party colors, of course) to cover the rolls and then she picked out pictures online which I printed and cut out for her to glue to the rolls.  I cut strips of construction paper and we "crimped" them by folding them accordion style.  I punched holes in the sides, and threaded some yarn that I had laying around the house through them to make cute little windsocks to hang around at our party.  I think they turned out super cute...what do you think?

I needed something a little bigger to really wow her.  Ponies in the back yard, clowns, inflatables...they didn't match our theme or our budget!!  I made life-sized cut outs of Caillou and his little sister, Rosie, for decoration and photo ops.  I used the grid method.  Not an artist?  Neither am I.  This method makes it super easy!!  I painted my "art work" with acrylic paints that I had left over from other projects (You could purchase bottles of it for as low as $0.39 at Michaels when it's on sale...around $0.60 regular price) and cut him out.  He's the size of an average 3 year-old (as you can see, my 3 year-old is NOT average sized...).

Since I didn't want to spend the money on plates, napkins, and cups with Caillou on them that I found online (no one in town had anything "Caillou"), I opted to just go with a color pallet that matched our other Caillou decorations.  Our plates were red and blue ($0.97 for 20 at Walmart), our cups were red (about $1.50 for 20 at Walmart), and our napkins were striped in red, blue, green, and yellow (I splurged...$2 for 20, but cheaper than buying 100 napkins that I wouldn't need).  I bought inexpensive white plastic silverware at Walmart (I saved by only purchasing spoons and forks as we didn't need knives) and a $0.97 yellow, plastic tablecloth to add a little color.  Over all, I spent less than $10 for all of the "tableware".

Another area that gets costly when throwing a Birthday Bash is the cake.  I'm no Betty Crocker, but I know how to use a cake mix!  I bought a mix for $0.97 and made Little Miss's Birthday Cake.  I am not good at smoothing buttercream icing, so I prefer to make fondant.  Most people are intimidated, but I have a recipe that I found online with super easy instructions on how to make and use fondant.  It really is for the beginner "cake artist"!  The fun thing about fondant is that you can mold it like clay.  I made a fondant Caillou to sit on top of the cake.  He's not perfect, but he did the trick!

Our Little Miss was thrilled with her Caillou Birthday Party, and I was thrilled with the price!  I hope this (long) blog entry gives you some ideas to help you plan your next birthday party!

$4 Baileys Rebate after Survey Completion

Go here to complete a survey about Baileys Irish Creme Liqueur, and get a $4 rebate by mail for 750 mL or larger bottle of Bailey's Irish Creme liqueur valid 5/19-6/15.  Valid to those of legal age in all states except: AL, IN, MS, TX, UT, & WA.

FREE Sample: Playtex Sport Body Wipes & Tampons (and More!)

Go here to request your FREE sample of Playtex Sport Body Wipes and Playtex Sport Tampons.  You'll also be able to print 2 coupons: 1) $1 off Playtex Sport Body Wipes and, 2) $1 off Playtex Sport Tampons. Enjoy!

Crowdtap: Host an Old Navy Shorts Party

I've told you about Crowdtap before.  Are you a member?  If not, sign up here.  You'll earn points by answering questions about products.  You'll also have the opportunity to earn some cash with those answers...you can either keep it, or donate it to charity.  Today, I checked my Crowdtap account and saw that I could sign up to host an Old Navy Shorts Party.  I'm doing the Old Navy accessories party, and got a box full of really great stuff to show my friends (and some to give away, too).  Check it out!!

Sunshine Foods Match-ups (5/18 - 5/24)

Here's what I see for Sunshine Foods this week:

$2 off Delli Meat When you buy Hellmann's Mayo
Use $1 off Hellmann's Mayo coupon from here
Final Cost: Varies


Wishbone Salad Dressing 16 oz - 2/$3 ($1.50 each...you must buy 2) with in-ad coupon
Use $1.25/2 coupon from here
or use $0.40 or $0.50 off coupon from here (when you sign up for the newsletter...) will be doubled
Final Cost:  As low as $0.50 each wyb 2 and use 2 manufacturer coupons + store coupon

Maxwell House Coffee 31.5-34.5 oz - $7.99 with in-ad coupon
Use $1/2 coupon from the May issue of all you magazine
Or use the $0.55 off coupon from the 4/17/11 SS
Final Cost:  As low as $7.44 each

Shedd's Spread Country Crock 45 oz - $2.48 with in-ad coupon
Use $0.40 off coupon from here (after signing up...) or here (will be doubled)
or use the $1 off coupon from the May Issue of All You magazine
Final Cost:  As low as $1.48 ($1.68 with printable coupons)

***Be sure to keep the coupon for Pepsi products from page 1...there's sure to be a 4/$10 sale somewhere before it expires...would make each 12-pack $2!!***


Banquet Breaded Chicken Patties, Nuggets, or Tenders 24-26.5 oz - $4.44
Use $1 off coupon from the April issue of All You magazine (26 oz or larger bags)
Final Cost:  $3.44

Daisy Cottage Cheese - 2/$5
Use $0.55 off coupon from 4/3/11 SS
Final Cost: $1.95

Michelina's Frozen Dinners - 10/$10
Use $1/5 coupon from here or here
Final Cost:  $0.80 each when you buy 5

Chef Boyardee Pasta in Sauce 15 oz. Can or 7.5 oz microwave bowl - 10/$10
Use $0.50/3 coupon from here - use code 63829897 (will be doubled)
Buy 4 Get 1 FREE coupon from the April issue of All You magazine
Final Cost:  $0.67 each wyb 3 (without B4G1 coupon) or $0.60 each if you buy 5 and use both the B4G1 and the $0.50/3 coupons

Manwich - 10/$10
Use Buy 3 get 1 FREE coupon from the April issue of All You magazine
Final Cost:  $0.75 each wyb 4

Hunt's Ketchup - 10/$10
Use $0.25 off coupon from here (zip 19057) will be doubled
Final Cost: $0.50

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks - 2/$4
Use $0.50/2 coupon from here or 4/17/11 SS or 5/1/11 SS (will be doubled)
Final Cost: $1.50 each wyb 2

Lipton Iced Tea 12-pack - $5.49
Use $2/2 couopn from 5/1/11 Pepsico insert
Final Cost: $4.49

Crystal Light Drink Mix - 2/$4
Use $1 off coupon from here
Final Cost:  $1

Luvs Diapers Big Pack size 3,4,5, or 6; 66-108 ct. box - $15.55
Use $1 off coupon from the 5/1/11 PG
Final Cost: $14.55

Kleenex Cottonelle Bath Tissue Double Roll 12 ct. - $6.99
Use $0.50 off coupon from here (will be doubled)
Final Cost: $5.99

Hardee's: $1 off Carmel Crunch Shakes and Malts

Go here to print a coupon good for $1 off Carmel Crunch Shakes and Malts at Hardee's.  Should be a nice hot day on which to use this coming up.  Enjoy!

HyVee Coupon Match-ups (5/18-5/24)

In-ad Coupons:

Pepsi 24 pack products, 2/$11 or $5.50 each

Purchase 5 7-Up Product 2 Liters, get 2 FREE

12″ Single Topping Tuscano Pizza, $5

B1G1 FREE 2 Eggs, choice of meat, hashbrowns and toast

Bratwurst or Italian Sausage, 3.75 oz, 10/$7

Nestle Fun Size Candy Bars, 9.2 – 12.5 oz, $1.99

Rice-a-Roni or Pasta Roni, $0.88

Tone’s Mini Spices, $1 off of 3

Purchase 2 Expressions from Hallmark cards, get 1 free

Bland Farms Vadalia Onions, 4 lb, $1.69

C&H Pure Cane Sugar, 4 lb, $1.99 (with in-ad coupon)
Use $1/2 C&H Sugar 3/27/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/31/2011)
or use $0.50/1 C&H Sugar Product 
Final Price: $1.49 

Match-ups:

Tropicana Juice, 80 oz, $4.99 Use $2/3 Quaker or Tropicana Product 5/1/2011 Moments to Save Insert (exp 5/21/2011) Final  Price: 3/$12.97 or $4.32 each

SunnyD Citrus Punch, 12 ct, $9.99
Use $.25/1 Sunny D Product 5/15/2011 SS Insert (exp 8/31/2011)
Final Price: $9.74

General Mills Cereals, select varieties, $2.78 – $2.88 Use $1/3 General Mills Cereal 5/22/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/2/2011) or use $1/2 General Mills Cereals 5/15/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/25/2011) or use $1/2 General Mills Cereal 5/8/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/18/2011) Final Price: Varies based upon coupons used

Kellogg’s cereals, select varieties, 2/$5 or $2.50 each
Use $1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats or Raisin Bran 5/15/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/26/2011)
or use $1/3 Kellogg’s Cereal 5/15/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/26/2011)
Final Price: Varies based upon coupons used

Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta, 3/$3 or $1 each
Use B4G1 Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta 4/7/2011 All You April 2011 (exp 5/31/2011)
Final Price: 5/$4 or $0.80 each

Vlasic Pickles, 16 – 32 oz, $1.98
Use $0.55/1 Vlasic Pickles Peppers or Relish 
Final Price: $1.43

Kikkoman Soy or Teriyaki Sauce, 10 oz, $1.58
Use $0.55/1 Kikkoman Product 
or use $0.55/1 Kikkoman Product 
or use $0.55/1 Kikkoman Products 5/15/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
or use $1/2 Kikkoman Product 5/15/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
or use $1/1 Kikkoman Product 
or use $1/1 Eggs WYB Kikkoman Product 1/23/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
or use $0.55/1 Carton of Eggs WYB 1 Kikkoman Product 1/23/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
or use B2G1 Eggs WYB Kikkoman products 1/23/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
or use $0.55/1 Eggs WYB Kikkoman Product 1/21/2011 All You Feb 2011 (exp 6/30/2011)
or use $1/1 Kikkoman Product 
Final Price:  As low as 2/$1.16 or $0.58 plus FREE eggs (use 2 – $1/1 coupons +  B2G1 free coupon)

Wishbone or Western Dressing, $1.88
Use $1.25/2 Wishbone Dressings or Salad Spritzers 
Final Price: 2/$2.51 or $1.25 each

Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, 22 or 30 oz, $3.49
Use $1/1 Hellmann’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise (IE)  Printable (FF)
Final Price: $2.49

Tobasco Sauce, 5 oz, $3.28
Use $0.50/1 Tobasco Product 5/1/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/12/2011)
or use $0.50/1 Tobasco Brand Pepper Sauce 
Final Price: $2.78

Lawry’s Marinade, 2/$4 or $2 each
Use $.50/1 Lawry’s Marinade 5/15/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/19/2011)
Final Price: $1.50

International Delight Creamer, 32 oz, $3.18
Use $0.55/1 International Delight 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)
or use $0.55/1 International Delight Coffee Creamer 
Final Price: $2.63

Silk Soy Milk, 1/2 gallon, $2.99
Use $0.75/1 Silk Soymilk 
Final Price: $2.24

Eggo Waffles, 2/$4 or $2 each
Use $0.75/1 Kellogg’s FiberPlus Eggo Waffles 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/12/2011)
or use $1/2 Kellogg’s FiberPlus Eggo Waffles 4/17/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/12/2011)
Final Price: As low as $1.25*
*If FiberPlus is included in this sale

Palermo Classic Pizzas, 5/$9 or $1.80 each
Use $1/2 Palermo’s Pizza 
Final Price: 2/$2.60 or $1.30 each

Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream, $3.58
Use $1/1 Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream
Final Price: $2.58

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Entrees, 5/$10 or $2 each
Use $3/10 Weight Watchers Smart Ones Products 
or use $4/10 Weight Watchers Smart Ones Products 
or use $1/5 Weight Watchers Yogurt Cups (IE)  Printable (FF)
Final Price: As low as 10/$16 or $1.60 each

Totonio’s Pizza Rolls, $2.99
Use $1/2 Totino’s Rolls Snacks 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/9/2011)
or use $0.40/2 Totinos Rolls Snacks 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/9/2011)
or use $0.40/2 Totino’s Rolls Snacks 
Final Price: As low as 2/$4.98 or $2.49 each 

New York Garlic Bread or Toast, $2.98
Use $0.40/1 New York Brand Frozen Products 3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/5/2011)
or use $0.50/1 New York Brand Frozen Product 
Final Price: $2.48

Tony’s Pizza, 5/$11 or $2.20 each
Use $0.50/3 Tony’s Pizza Products 5/15/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/1/2011)
or use $1/2 Tony’s Pizzas 
Final Price: 2/$3.40 or $1.70 each

Ivory Soap, 10 ct or Body Wash 24 oz, $3.28
Use $1/1 Ivory Bar, Body Wash, or Liquid Hand Soap 5/1/2011 P&G Insert (exp 6/30/2011)
Final Price: $2.28

Bic Women’s Shavers, select varieties, $4.99
Use $3/1 Bic Soleil Disposable or System Razor 5/1/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/12/2011)
Final Price: $1.99

Neutrogena Sunblock, $7.99
Use $1/1 Neutrogena Suncare Item 5/8/2011 SS Insert (exp 9/30/2011)
Final Price: $6.99

Tide Laundry Detergent, 100 oz, $9.88
Use $0.35/1 Tide Detergent 5/1/2011 P&G Insert (exp 5/31/2011)
Final Price: $9.33

Libman Mop or Broom, $7.49
Use $0.50/1 Libman Cleaning Products 
Final Price: $6.99

Purex Complete Crystals or 3-in-1 Sheets, $3.98
Use $1/1 Purex Complete Crystals Softener 5/1/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/12/2011)
or use $1/1 Purex Laundry Detergent 5/1/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/12/2011)
or use $1/1 Purex Complete Crystals Softener 
Final Price: $2.98

Ball Park Franks, 2/$3 or $1.50 each
Use $0.75/2 Ball Park Products 5/1/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/4/2011)
or use $0.75/2 Ball Park Deli Style Beef Franks 
Final Price: As low as 2/$2.25 or $1.12 each

Farmland Jumbo Hot Dogs, 2/$3 or $1.50 each Use $0.55/1 Farmland Product (sign up for email) Final Price: $0.95

Farmland Specialty Cut Ham Steaks, Cubes or Slices, 2/$7 or $3.50 each Use $0.55/1 Farmland Product (sign up for email) or use $0.75/1 Farmland Meats 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/21/2011) Final Price: $2.75 Fast Fixin’ Steak Eze or On the Go Sandwiches, $5.99 Use $1/1 Fast Fixin’ 3/18/2011 All You Mar 2011 (exp 6/30/2011) or use $1/1 Fast Fixin’ or Fast Classics Product  Final Price: $4.99 Fast Fixin’ Nuggets, Tenders, Patties, Meatballs or Popcorn Chicken, $3.99 Use $1/1 Fast Fixin’ 3/18/2011 All You Mar 2011 (exp 6/30/2011) or use $1/1 Fast Fixin’ or Fast Classics Product  Final Price: $2.99 Mrs. T’s Perogies, $1.99 Use $1/1 Mrs. T’s Pierogies 5/14/2011 All You June 2011 (exp 9/30/2011) or use $1/1 Mrs. T’s Pierogies 3/6/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/31/2011) or use $1/1 Mrs. T’s Pierogies Final Price: $0.99 Bob Evans Side Dishes, $2.99 Use $0.35/1 Bob Evans Refrigerated Sides 5/22/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/3/2011) or use $0.35/1 Bob Evans Refrigerated Side Dish  Final Price: $2.64 Nature Sweet Tomatoes, 2/$5 or $2.50 each Use $0.55/1 NatureSweet Cherry Tomatoes 5/15/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2011) Final Price: $1.95 Driscoll’s Raspberries, $2.48 Use $0.50/1 Driscoll’s Berries  Final Price: $1.98 Boca Meatless Patties, 2/$5 or $2.50 each Use $1/2 Boca Meatless Product (IE)  Printable (FF) Final Price: 2/$4 or $2 each Blue Diamond Almonds, 2/$5 or $2.50 each Use $0.60/2 Blue Diamond Almonds 4/3/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2011) or use $0.60/2 Blue Diamond Almonds 1/23/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011) Final Price: 2/$4.40 or $2.20 each Pop Secret Popcorn, 11.2 – 21 oz, $3.29 Use $1/2 Pop Secret Products 4/17/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/29/2011) Final Price: 2/$5.58 or $2.79 each Sunbelt Snacks, 2/$4 or $2 each Use $1/2 Sunbelt Family Pack Granola Bars (IE)  Printable (FF) Final Price: 2/$3 or $1.50 each Tostitos Chips, Family Size, $3.49 Use $1/1 Tostitos Chips or Dip 5/1/2011 Moments to Save Insert (exp 5/21/2011) Plus use B2G1 Pepsi Max WYB Tostitos Chips & Dip 5/1/2011 Moments to Save Insert (exp 5/21/2011) Final Price: Varies based upon products purchased (use 2 $1/1 + B2G1 coupons)