Melissa & Doug Products Half Off Today!!!

Amazon's Deal of the Day is 50% Melissa and Doug Products.  They have some great items for cheap today!  Melissa and Doug products are great because they are high quality, but they are expensive if you don't get them on sale.  My favorite of all the toys offered is the above pictured Shape, Model, and Mold set.  It's perfect for play dough, and will keep your kids from always grabbing the kitchen rolling pin!  Today, it is $9.99 instead of $19.99.  

Blocks like these are a favorite open-ended toy.  My son, especially, enjoys all things blocks.  These are normally $69.99, but today they are $34.99.

Isn't this wood car carrier cute?  I especially appreciate that it's not plastic like all the other toys were generally accumulate.  It's so unique!  Today it's $9.99 instead of $19.99.

Dress ups aren't just for Halloween!  We have quite a few dress ups in our house.  They are a favorite among my children and their friends.  This fire chief costume set would be a perfect gift for a young child.  And the jacket is machine washable!  It is $14.99 today instead of $29.99.

We actually already own these puzzles.  They are my favorite for kids ages 3-5.  They all have little pegs to grab the puzzle pieces out easily for little hands (great for fine motor skills!), and the ABC puzzle is a favorite for letter and sound recognition.  Today, this 3 pack of puzzles is $9.99 instead of $19.99.  

These deals are all good through today or until they sell out (sometimes that happens earlier than the end of the day!).  

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Why I Love Amazon's Kindle Unlimited

I love to read, but have always had a hard time A) finding time to read, and B) affording the expense of all the books that I'd like to read.  I recently discovered Amazon's "Kindle Unlimited", and let me tell you...I am in love.  I have been reading so many books that have been on my "want" list, and am starting to have a hard time NOT downloading everything onto my iPad.  AND, it only costs me $10 a month.  The time issue has been solved by downloading the Kindle app on my phone and reading while I nurse my baby to sleep, while I'm on the elliptical, or when the kids are playing and I have a little down time (which, let's face it, doesn't happen as much as I'd like it to!).  Mostly, I've just gotten creative with finding time to read.  Since I always have my phone with me, it's easy to read a few pages here or there.

If you want to use Kindle Unlimited, here are a few things you should know:

First, you don't need to own a Kindle device to download Kindle books.  You simply need to download the Kindle app (it's free) to your computer, phone, tablet, etc. and you're good to go!

Secondly, you can usually get a free 30 day trial , so look for that and use that first (though don't forget to cancel before the end of your 30 days if you don't want to continue subscribing).

Lastly, if you choose to subscribe, it's only $10/month for unlimited qualifying books.  Not all books qualify, but there are a ton.  Also, you can only "check out" 10 books at a time.  Then, you just "return" a book to get another book.

So, what have I been reading with my new found Kindle Unlimited Subscription?  LOTS of fiction.   In the last 2 months I've read:


*The Mockingjay (book 3 of the Hunger Games Series)- I'd read the first two books years ago, and now with the soon to be released third movie, I figured I should finally read this book, too.

*The Giver-WOW.  This was amazing.  It was a 1994 Newbery Medal winner, and I loved it. Side note: this just came out recently as a movie, and it was pretty good, as well.

*Gathering Blue-This book is part of the "Giver Quartet."  Though it's not a continuation of the Giver; it's a separate story.  This book was also really intriguing, but not as great at the Giver, in my opinion.

*Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire- These books are amazing, and I'm disappointed that I refused to read them all these years.  Book 4 was by far my favorite, followed closely by book 2.  I'm currently working through the 5th book.

*The Divergent Series (Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant)- I totally loved these, and really enjoyed the first movie, as well.  This series, however, is not currently in Kindle Unlimited, but after watching the movie, I figured that I had to read them anyway!

*Water for Elephants- I'm not even providing a link for this book because I quit it half way through.  I didn't enjoy (and wasn't expecting) the unnecessary sexual content in this book.  Just as I don't think looking at porn would be acceptable for my husband, I don't think literature packed with sexual scenes should be appropriate for me.  And with that, I quit the book.


I do have some nonfiction books I'd like to read, but fiction is just so much easier to get through when I'm tired (which is currently: Always).  Nonfiction usually makes me use my brain to think, and thinking makes me even more tired.  So for now, fiction is perfect.

Overall, Kindle Unlimited solves the "I don't have enough money to buy all the books" problem, and their free Kindle app on my phone solves the "I never have any time to read" problem.  It's a perfect solution, and I love how inexpensive it is!

Have you tried Kindle Unlimited yet?  Do you have any books you'd suggest?


(The links in this post are my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

FREE Beth Moore Books on Amazon

If you are a fan of Beth Moore or are looking for some new, free books to read, you'll want to head on over to Amazon to download all the Kindle version books she has for FREE right now!  

I saw at least 10 free ones, with several more at just $.99!

Some of the ones included are:

Further Still

Things Pondered

When Godly People Do Ungodly Things

Amazon Deal of the Day: Laminator for $14!

Amazon's Deal of the Day is this Swingline laminator for only $13.99 (regularly $51)!  What an awesome deal!  We use our laminator ALL the time for different projects and homeschool activities.  If you've been looking for one, this is a steal!

They also have the pouches on special today-100 pouches for only $9.89 (regularly $49.52).  I am going to go buy a pack of these right now!  My only complaint about using my laminator is that the pouches can be so expensive...but these are SO cheap.  Yay!



(The links in this post are my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

Melissa & Doug Toys 50% Off Today on Amazon

Amazon's Deal of the Day today is 50% off Melissa & Doug products.  Their products are awesome, so if you like their stuff, be sure to check them out!  This 3 pack of puzzles have been my kids favorites for years!  Today they are only $10 for all three!  Such a great deal!

My other favorite today is this 60 piece standard unit blocks set is only $35 today (regularly $70).  I love these blocks and have used them for so many different things in my preschool and kindergarten classrooms.  I've never bought them myself, though, because they are always SO expensive!  I'm seriously considering buying these for a Christmas gift this year.  

I love all the great deals you can find online around Christmas time ;)

(The links in this post are my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

Together Box

  

About a month or so ago, I had the awesome opportunity to try out a new product called TogetherBox.  TogetherBox is a family-friendly craft and activity box subscription that comes straight to your door.  They are themed boxes and include 3-4 different activities, including supplies and instructions. I love doing fun, creative activities with my children, and so this was a welcome addition to our home.  We received the "Bug Box," and it was full of activities for me to do with my children.  The best part?  Unlike all the great ideas I come up with or find on Pinterest, I didn't have to hunt down all the supplies...they were all included!

My children acted like it was Christmas day as they opened the box-they were so excited!  The day it arrived, they went outside with their three different bug catching tools to see what they could find (Aaron used his catcher for more than just bugs).  I liked that the bug catchers were also good quality and they have held up to lots of bug-catching adventures (unlike the Dollar Store ones that I constantly have to keep replacing).

A few days later, we used the handy-dandy activity cards to play another couple bug games that were included in the box.  We read the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" from our kids' library before pretending we were all caterpillars breaking free from our cocoons to turn into a butterfly!  My kids, a month later, still ask if we can repeat some of these bug activities. 

 If you love doing activities with your children, but find yourself short on time to actually plan and purchase all the necessary supplies to make it happen, the TogetherBox is the box for you!  

Interested in trying out the TogetherBox with your family?  TogetherBox is offering all of my readers 50% off their first month when you enter the code "motheringwithcreativity".  AND, the first two people to sign up using that code will also get an extra box for FREE!  Isn't that awesome?  And, if you don't like it, you can cancel anytime.

FREE: 101 Days of Christmas eBook

101 Days of Christmas eBook is FREE today on Amazon!  Free, Christmas, and eBook fit nicely together into my vocabulary :)

The book has over "101 Recipes and Crafts for a DIY Holiday."  Looks like fun to me!  I can't wait to read through it.

Free Customized Trick or Treat Bag (New Customers Only)

If you're looking for a cute, customized bag for trick-or-treating this year, York Photo is offering their Halloween bags for FREE when you use code TRICKTREAT at check out.  Sadly, it is available to NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY, so if you've ordered from them before, the code won't work.  

Shipping starts at $3.99.  Click HERE to go to their site.

I can't believe the holidays are all just around the corner!  I'm due with baby #4 right around the end of October.  This year has flown by!

(The links in this post are my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

Amazon Mom Deal!

FACTS:

A) Babies use lots of diapers

B) Diapers get expensive

C) I like to save money

I joined Amazon Mom over 3 years ago when I discovered that buying my diapers through Amazon was significantly cheaper and easier than buying them at the store.  I STILL buy ALL of my diapers through Amazon, and have them delivered to my door every month (well, minus the 2 month hiatus I'm currently enjoying since our little guy potty trained...baby #4 will be here in 2 months, though).  

It's free, and if you're looking to save money, it might be a really great option for you.  PLUS, most people who sign up right now will get a free $25 bonus to spend on diapers (use code BABYTALK at checkout)!  Score!  

As an FYI, when you join Amazon Mom you save 20% on diapers.  If you do a "subscribe and save" option, you can cancel them at any time or move your shipments or whatever.  I do this all the time and I've never had an issue with them.  It's just a click under "manage my subscribe and save".  

Click HERE to sign up, and use code "BABYTALK" at checkout!

(The links in this post are my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

Back to School- Best Deals of the Week: Staples

This week's Staples Trip- only $6!

Since childhood, back to school sales made me giddy.  Well, I guess when I was a kid I didn't really think about the "sales" part of it, but I loved shopping for new school supplies.  I have always loved school.  

As a teacher, then parent, and now a homeschooling parent, I have always been a little overly excited when the back to school sales roll around.  I aim to stock up on all supplies that I may need for all of my children for an entire year.  Since most things range in the $.01-$.25 range during this time of year, it is a very feasible feat.  

If you don't have children who need school supplies, may I encourage you to purchase some of these great deals and bring them to a local school for a child who cannot afford his supplies?  There are plenty of children and families who would appreciate the help.

Each week, I look through each of the office type store ads.  This is usually Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples.  If there is only 1 or 2 "great" deals at a store, I skip it that week.  I hit whatever stores have the best deals and I buy as many as their limits allow (often only a couple of each item).   

Teachers-be sure to ask about teacher limits, they are often MUCH higher at some of these stores!

If you have to choose one place to shop this week for the best deals, I suggest heading to Staples!  Here are some of the best deals in the ad (check their ad for your zip code online, sometimes store's vary by location):

2 Pack Sharpie Markers: $.25, limit 2

Bic Pens, 8 pack: $.25,  limit 2

1 Subject Notebooks: $25, limit 5

Filler Paper: $.50, limit 5

Bic Dry Erase Fine Tip 4 pack: $1, limit 2

There are some other really great deals in there, too, but these were my favorites and what I specifically went there to stock-up.

Also of note, Walmart has pretty low prices on back to school supplies, not just this week.  I usually buy all of my markers there.  They sell the Cra-Z-Art brand there for $.50 per pack.  And, as a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, I can tell you that there was never any difference in the kids who had Crayola markers and the kids who had this brand...they all dried up at the same time.  Crayons are a whole different story-buy Crayola!

Oh, Pretty Little Laminator Machine!

I posted earlier today on the Mothering with Creativity Facebook page about my giddiness over purchasing myself a laminator for my home needs.  I have a lot of them.  Needs, that is.  I'm not sure if it's the teacher in me or what, but I just love to laminate things!  For real.  And yes, I know that sounds completely ridiculous.  I don't care.  If you had a laminator, you'd want everything laminated, too.  

I'm homeschooling my kiddos this fall (I swore I would never do that), and so I know this laminator will get tons of use!  Thus far, it is my favorite "homeschool" purchase.  Plus, it was on sale on Amazon right now for only $25!  Total score!

What are your favorite/non-negotiable/necessary items for homeschooling or teaching your kids?  If you could recommend one "thing" for homeschooling, what would it be?

FREE 1 Month Amazon Prime Trial!

I LOVE Amazon Prime!  I buy all my diapers via Amazon, and when you are an Amazon Prime member and then also sign up for Amazon Mom (Amazon Mom is totally free), you save 20% on diapers when you do subscribe and save!  So worth it!

Prime gives you free 2 day shipping for an entire year, PLUS access to their TV episodes and movies (like Netflix).  We definitely got our money's worth out of it, and will absolutely renew our subscription when it runs out at the end of this year (I think it's about $79/year)

Right now, they are offering a FREE one month trial!  Click on the link (Join Amazon Prime - Watch Over 40,000 Movies ) or the picture above and it should redirect you to sign up for your free trial.

Enjoy!

(The links in this post may be my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

FREE Slurpee at 7-11 Tomorrow!

 

Tomorrow is July 11th (7/11), which means it's time to get your free Slurpee!  Head in to 7/11 tomorrow anytime between 11am and 7pm and get a free small Slurpee.  Last year, the cups they gave out for the freebies were actually smaller than their regular small size.  But still, it was free, and the kids loved it!  Head here to find a 7-11 near you!  

What's your favorite flavor?

Jesus StoryBook Bible for Kindle just $2.99

 

I just saw (via Money Saving Mom) that my all-time favorite children's story book Bible is on sale again on Amazon for just $2.99 for the kindle version!  We have a hard copy of this Jesus StoryBook Bible, and I really think this is the best kids Bible ever! (I know, I've mentioned this book more than once!)

I love that every story, even old testament ones, make a connection to why God would someday need to send Jesus for us.  I also love that there is some depth to the stories, which many kids Bibles seem to lack.  

If you are looking for a kids Bible that has great stories and excellent pictures, definitely consider grabbing this deal while it's so cheap!  Head to here to download it now!

(The links in this post may be my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

80% Off at Canvas People Plus $10 Refund!!!

Canvas People are running a sale right now for Father's Day...80% ALL Canvas Prints!  What a great way to enlarge a picture of the children with their daddy onto a beautiful canvas to hang on the wall!  You should not need any special codes, just click on the picture above or any of the Canvas People links within this post and anything you create should be 80% off!  

Note: To receive your canvas print by Father's Day while just paying the basic Standard Shipping, you will need to order by June 1st.  

And of course, since there's no limit to the amount of prints you can get for 80% off, you can always buy more canvas prints for around the house decor!  Perfect!

Oh, and it get's better!  I was just looking around at their deals and noticed that with any canvas purchase of $14.99 or up, you get a FREE one year subscription to Family Fun magazine.  BUT, if you don't want it, there is a REFUND OPTION!  I LOVE when I get these kind of deals!  Basically, you can ask for a refund instead of the magazine subscription.  In this case it's a $10 refund!  So, when you are on the create your canvas page, scroll to the bottom where you see the magazine deal, click on "refund and offer details", print the page, fill it out, and mail it in.  You must include a copy of your online order confirmation showing the date of purchase and total purchase amount, and must do it within 30 days of ordering!

Now that's a great deal!

(The links in this post may be my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

Get the Pillsbury Newsletter for Free Coupons & Recipe Book

Sign up to receive the FREE Pillsbury Newsletter and get coupons and product samples sent to you throughout the year!  Plus, it looks like when you sign up, they are currently offering a free download of their all-time best recipes!  Yum!  I love new recipes and I like saving money :)

(The links in this post may be my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

Free 4-Pack of Mimi's Cafe Classic Muffins!

Sign up for Mimi's Cage Eclub and receive a FREE 4 pack of Mimi's Classic Muffins when you spend $5!  I LOVE Mimi's muffins!  Ben brought me home a blueberry muffin from Mimi's the other week and it was so delicious!  And, well, I like most anything free!

Note: This deal is only valid in certain zip codes.  If your zip code does not work, try using the zip code of the nearest Mimi's Cafe!

(The links in this post may be my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)

Why I Love My Immersion Blender

I have used my hand held immersion blender no-less than 5 times this week, which has led me to the distinct belief that everyone should own one of these little tools.  

I somehow survived 8 years of marriage/cooking/etc. without one.  And really, I didn't even know what one was until I used one at my friend Hillary's house when we made honey plum jam last summer.  I instantly fell in love.

What do you use one for?  Well.  Do you ever make soups that need to be blended at the end, like tomato soup or broccoli cheese soup?  Instead of pouring your soup into a blender and making a huge mess (please tell me I'm not the only one), you can just stick your immersion blender into the pot and blend away!  It works soooo well!  

I've used mine this week to make homemade fruit snacks, broccoli cheese soup, and laundry soap.  

This Cuisinart 2-Speed Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome is on Amazon right now and is on sale from $65 down to $32!  Plus, it qualifies for free prime shipping, so if you already have prime, you'll get it shipped free (I highly recommend prime...we have it and use it all the time)!  I LOVE the lime green color that they have.  I actually have a light blue one.  

If you have an immersion blender, what do you use it for?  Do you have an unique uses you can share with us?  Oh, and what color is yours...that's my favorite question ;)


(The links in this post may be my referral/affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy HERE.  Thank you for supporting the continuation of this blog by using my links!)