Golden Egg Alert

While at my local CVS for my weekly visit, I found a bunch of great deals! First, all Valentine items and Purex laundry detergents were 75% off. Second, all CVS brand facial care and select candy were on sale at the back of the store for 90% off! I'm talking nice stuff- the CVS version of ROC skin care, normally $20 for a couple of ounces of product.

Anyway, I spent $15 and got $4 back in extra bucks. I was able to get 5 ROC equivalent skin care items, 3 Godiva chocolate bars, 3 Dove chocolate bars, 3 packs of gum, 2 huge bottles of lotion, 2 bottles of Purex, one Schick razor, and one pack of Valentine LED tea lights.  (I used $8 in extra bucks for the transaction) And I saved $182.50! Check out your local CVS and share what you've found!

*It always pays to get to know the staff. A sales associate that recognized me from my weekly trips gave me a heads up to these deals!

Product Review

The claim: The Hollywood Hip Hugger makes you look thinner, creates a better fit, eliminates belt buckle bulge, prevents peek-a-booty, and holds your pants up!

The truth: Yes, it did create a better fit and got rid of the gap! I tested this on my biggest pair of jeans, and while it did prevent peek-a-booty while bending and standing, it did not hold my pants up when I had to sit on the floor. Bottom line: for waistbands with a slight, it works great. For pants that are just too big all over: not so much.

*I found mine at JoAnne Fabrics. It retailed for $8, but I used my 50% off coupon, only paying $4. And yes, it is adjustable!

Cush' for your tush

While cleaning out the beds yesterday in 65* weather, I took advantage of a cheapo sled that was left outside from the 6" of snow we had on Sunday. It was perfect for sitting and kneeling as I weeded. Larger than a kneeling pad, but still nice and squishy, the sled was perfect for the job! I'm going to be using this thing all summer!

Super baby gift idea

Need an inexpensive, yet classy and useful baby shower gift? Try making some homemade heat and ice packs. Simply make miniature pillows from soft flannel fabric (this is the washable outer cover) and make a slightly smaller pillow to fit inside the larger one. Fill the smaller one with rice and a little essential oil and sew shut. I leave one in the freezer for bumps and bruises and keep one out for soothing heat. You can also make larger ones for adults!

 *To heat, heat in the microwave on high for about 45 seconds to 1 minute.

Snow Fun

If you have a snowy landscape outside your door and young children, then try this fun snow activity. Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of food coloring and stand back as little (and big) ones "paint" the snow. Your colorful snowman will be the envy of the neighborhood!

Neat Sheets

Finally, a way to keep your sheets together- no more hunting expeditions in the linen closet! Simply fold your sheet set as usual and store it inside a matching pillowcase. Now your sheets are neatly packaged and ready to go. (I have no idea why I haven't been doing this for years!)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Here are a few ideas for the last-minute crowd:

• Cut food up into hearts: sandwiches, pancakes, brownies, red bell pepper, fruit leather (pictured). 

• For a fun Valentine's dinner at home, ask each family member to choose one favorite food for dinner. A hodge podge dinner of everyone's favorites can be a blast and everyone is happy! 

• Whether your Valentine's day date involves dinner and a movie or watching planes take off at the airport, make up a fun fact sheet to read together. If it's supposed to be snowy or rainy, print off little known weather facts. Quiz each other on the history of the building or the area that you're eating dinner in or even good ol' Valentine trivia can be a fun change.

• Not sure what to write in a card? Add a favorite movie quote or line from a song that is special to that person. It's sure to bring a smile!

Date Nights

Has this scenario ever played out for you when it's time to go on a date? "What do you want to do?" "I don't know, what do you want to do?" Maddening huh? Try making a date organizer! Using a pocketed folder, categorize and store all of your gift cards and coupons inside. When date night arrives, just check out your options in the folder. By having it all in one place, you can quickly create a date on the fly with no stress involved.

Sugar-Free Valentine Idea

Looking for a Valentine idea for the kids that doesn't involve sugar? Try this cute pencil idea! Simply wrap a pipe cleaner around a Valentine-themed pencil ($1 for a pack of 8 at Dollar General), cut out a heart, punch a hole in the bottom and attach to the pipe cleaner.

Fun Valentine Craft Idea

These hearts were really simple to make and have such a lovely stained-glass/tie dyed effect! I snagged the idea from good ol' Martha, so here's the link if you're interested in making a few with the kids: http://www.marthastewart.com/272535/crayon-hearts 
This is not the best lighting (snowing outside!) but you get the idea...

And the winner is...

Congratulations, Sara! You are our winner! Thanks for following the Savvy Nest!

Valentine's Date

It's a Valentine's date for you and it's on the house. Just because "olive" ya. Ok enough of the puns. Really, I'm giving away a $25 gift card for you and your sweetie to have a Valentine's date on me! All you have to do is register as a follower. If you are already a follower, tell someone else about my blog so that they can register and leave a comment sharing how you're spending Valentine's day. I'll select the winner at random on Wednesday morning and mail it that day so that you will have it by next Tuesday. Good luck gumshoes!

Frugal Friday

I recently discovered a neat little area of the Land's End website called "On the Counter".
Each Saturday, they put a new group of products "On the Counter," in very limited quantities, substantially reduced from the original catalog price.
On Monday, that discount price is reduced another 25%. On Wednesday, 50%. And on Friday, 75%. You can find some insanely great deals here! I'm just kicking myself for not having discovered it sooner! Check it out here for today's 75% off discount: http://www.landsend.com/otc/index.html?seq=1&tab=8&page=1&pageSize=12

*You can also get there by going to www.landsend.com and clicking on "overstocks" and then "on the counter" on the drop down menu.

Breakfast Burritos

For a healthy grab and go breakfast, think burritos! These are great because you can make them ahead and freeze them. Scramble a few eggs and add favorites such as onion, peppers, bacon, sausage, potatoes, spinach, or cheese. Place on tortillas, roll up burrito-style, and wrap in waxed paper. Freeze in freezer bag. To eat, microwave on high power for 1 minute 20 seconds with the wrapper on. Enjoy! No excuses for eating breakfast out now during frugal February!