Local Thrifty Find for Scout Moms

My friend, Maryann just told me about an awesome store called "A Scout is Thrifty" in Nampa, and I am SO grateful! (Located at 201 N Kings Road #102, Nampa, ID; Open M-F, 9am-5pm. Buy/Sell/Trade new and used scout uniforms.)

Everything at the Boy Scout (BSA) office store is OUTRAGEOUSLY priced in my opinion. At this {scout uniform} exchange store I was able to buy both my son and husband each a scout shirt for a total of $7!! They are used and not perfect, but these are scouts we're talking about here. A scout may be thrifty, but a scout can also be pretty rough on his attire!

Everything is used, so they have great prices for the more gently used clothing and clearance prices for the not-so-gently used.

I bought off the clearance rack. There's a little bit of Badge Magic glue on one of them and a tiny hole in the back of the sleeve on the other.

This place has racks stuffed full of scout clothing from boys' to men's sizes.

And they have a rack of women's scout leader shirts. They also have used kerchiefs and patches and other misc. items as well.

If only I'd have known about this place before paying $30+ on each of my boys' cub shirts at the BSA office! That is why I am trying to get the word out and save you all some money. If you are not from my town, you might Google "Scout Exchange" and see if you can find one of these places near you. I wish I would've thought of that sooner!
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My Favorite Place to Go for Photo Products!

I love taking pictures of my kids! I wish I was a skilled photographer, but I'm not, so I have to do the best I can with my simple digital camera. I was pretty pleased with the photos I took of my 8 year old daughter last week in her beautiful, white baptism dress! (These pics here are 2 of my faves.)

For the past week I have been "neck-deep" in pictures. I've been trying to get all my old pictures gathered and organized, and the zillions of pics I have on my computer are backed up and just sitting in folders in there! But what good are they inside the computer, not being enjoyed by my family?

My sister found the BEST website for making memory photo books and calendars!! It's called ARTSCOW. When you register with them, they start regularly sending you tons of coupon codes for FREE and DISCOUNTED photo products. It's AMAZING! I have been working on my photo books any chance I get, and can't wait to have them available for my family and friends to enjoy! Also, since Christmas is about here it's a FABULOUS GIFT IDEA, especially for parents and grandparents!! So I'm sending you over to ARTSCOW right now to REGISTER yourself an account (for free) and claim a bunch of FREE stuff right off the bat!! Consider this knowledge a "Thanks/Giving" gift from me to you!! XOXO

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Food Storage at Walmart FYI

Guess what I found while at Walmart last week? The entire center walkway (by groceries) was FULL of food storage items!

Walmart has been selling food storage for a while now, but usually on end-caps. This center-isle display was incredible!!

And I thought their prices were pretty great too!

Have you ever tried Morning Moo? It's the best powdered milk you'll ever taste. It doesn't even taste like powdered milk to me. They have it in chocolate too!

They even had meal packs that you can buy...

Here is also, one that a friend bought at Costco for $60...

We had our Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday! It went well. Now I plan to finally sit down and type up notes on what I did, show pictures, and share my stuff! If you are one of the several people that have emailed me and are waiting for me to send you my info, don't lose hope! My life is crazy, but I'm working on it and will hopefully not leave you hangin' much longer. Thanks for your patience!!

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Best Children's Clothing Store In These Parts

And the award goes to...

I am pretty partial to this store, myself! 

Way to go OMB!!

(Other Mothers Boise)

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FIVE FABulously Amazing Women

I just wanted to pay special tribute today to five amazing women in my town. They are the FAB FIVE FruGALS from FABULESSLY FRUGAL. I've gotten to know Cathy (creator of FabFrug) a little over the past couple of years (mostly through blogging, facebook and emails) though we don't often cross paths in person, and she is truly an amazing woman. I don't know how she does it all... But she does!! And Monica (co-founder of FabFrug) is equally as awesome.

There are now FIVE of them contributing their time and knowledge on the site. I appreciate all of the TIME they spend keeping us informed and helping us SAVE MONEY and LIVE more FRUGALLY. Their site is always the FIRST place I go to find the latest DEAL out there.

This last weekend these FIVE women put on FabFrug's 2nd annual "Pay it Forward" benefit garage sale to help some deserving families in need. They reached out to our community and blog/websphere in a plea for help to make this event a success for these families. My parents had the privilege of helping in this event, and were touched by these FIVE FruGALS' sincere desire to serve others. My mom said, "They were all such neat girls!" ...and talked about what an honor it was to serve with them for such a wonderful cause.

You can read about the event here and here. Truly an inspiration! Love u FAB FIVE!! XOXO

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My Fave Store (in Boise) Blowout Sale FYI

Other Mothers in Boise, ID is having their spring bi-anual blowout sale starting today through this weekend!! Hurry over today (April 7-8) for teen and adult stuff for dirt cheap, and all other stuff too on April 9-10.

I just had to share, for those of you from here! Have a great week. -Ang Pin It

"After" Season Deals

I love great bargains!!! After the Holidays are my favorite but the school ones are just as good.

I was at our local OfficeMax tonight {looking for 2010 planner refills} and came across the "end caps" and saw 1 inch ring binders for $0.20 {they're slick but vinyl will work great for the subject name} and cute 2 pocket folders for $0.50 {which would be $1.97 and up at Walmart}. I stocked up for next years school supplies. What a DEAL!

I know all the stores put the marked down stuff at the back but I don't mind looking. I have bought after season stuff now for a couple of years and then use it the following year. Its a great system. Why pay full price if you don't need to. Although if I really "need" it then I will but buying after the holiday sure does cut down on the decision making.

Have fun bargain hunting!

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The Stomp Shop at Other Mothers

My fave store, Other Mothers in Boise has a new, exciting addition that starts on Wednesday June 17 at 10:00 AM! It's called the "Stomp Shop", and it's a resale "juniors" department- fun! I will definately be there tomorrow checking things out. Pin It

New Website for my Fave Store

Other Mothers in Boise, ID finally has a website. It's about time! They are also adding a really cool new section in the store- The Stomp Shop, for tweens and teens (aka- a "juniors" department). How fun is that? And the prices will be un-beatable!! More info to come on that! Pin It

Shade $5 Sale in My Town!

I just recieved this email from my friend, Angela R. who is the sister of the owner/founder of Shade Clothing...

"Just a quick note to let you know about another Shade Clothing $5.00 sale that will be happening this weekend! We will have lots of shirts, dresses, shorts, and some swimwear. Really good stuff again this time. You can print this e-mail off and bring it in to be put into a drawing for one of Shades new BRIGHT SIDE TEES. (Or just copy/paste & print this post from my blog.)

To check these out, as well as everything else that Shade has to offer- check out their website at http://www.shadeclothing.com/. PLEASE PASS THIS INFO ON TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE THAT YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED!!!! (the youth group that is using this as a way to earn money for a girls camp will appreciate it). Hope to see you there!"
Below is the info:

RAIN OR SHINE!!!

Date: Sat June 13th, 2009
Time: 9-3
Where: Lowell Scott Middle School (parking lot)
13600 W McMillan Rd Boise, ID 83713
Contact number for questions: 861-3281 Pin It

My Town- Graples

Graples Home Decor Outlet
Open Thursdays 10-7 pm
We will be open
Saturday, March 14th
10-3 pm for our
Spring & Summer Decor Event

We will be accepting donations for Lifeline.
Please bring diapers, wipes or other new baby items.
Weather permitting , Bill (Dad) will be selling his delicious funnel cakes.

Our Tuesday night party schedule is filling up quickly.
Graples can be yours for one hour on a reserved Tuesday night
with 15 or more of your invited guests!
To reserve your evening please call Ann 631-9983 or email me at
ann@grapleshomedecor.com Pin It

My Town- Other Mothers

Hey, I just found out that this Friday and Saturday (March 13&14) Other Mothers in Boise (Fairview/FiveMile) is paying out an extra 10% cash or credit for cribs and toddler beds! That's 55% cash or 65% credit (of the selling price). They will pay an extra 5% on most other baby furniture and equipment as well. This is the highest % you will find in town! Call them at 376-4855 with any questions.

Be sure to tell 'em I sent ya!! :) Have a FAB weekend!! XO Pin It

Other Mothers... How Does it Work?

This is my favorite store, and I love the trade-in system! Here's how it works...
Other Mothers pays cash or store credit for your gently used maternity & children's clothing, furniture & baby equip. You will get 45% (of selling price) store credit or 30% cash on clothing, shoes, toys, misc. They pay 55% (of selling price) store credit or 45% cash on large items like furniture, equipment & large climbing/riding toys. Your things need to be clean, current style, not on recall, and have all parts. It is not consignment, so you get cash or store credit as soon as they finish processing it. Pin It

My Town- Another Shade Sale!

As promised, this next post is not about couponing. But I will, however tell you about a sale in my town...


This Saturday March 14th, from 9am-3pm Shade Clothing will be having another $5 sale , this time at Griffin Chiropractic! The address is 2016 South Eagle Road, in Meridian (between Overland and Victory). These are the shirts that are discontinued colors and styles. Some may have a slight flaw. Bring cash! No credit cards accepted. Pin It

The Latest

Ladies!! I've missed you! Where have I been, you might wonder?

I've been completely obsessed with couponing! I am SO addicted, and I'm having a blast!! I have always been frugally minded and was raised pinching my pennies. But this is just straight-up FUN!! I am blown away by the amount of money I've been saving lately!! I'm talking about Albertsons, Walgreens and Rite Aid mainly. This last week I did Fred Meyer and Kmart as well. I don't have a lot of extra time though, so I am trying to just stick to the main 3 stores for the biggest deals. Of course I still shop at Winco and Wal-mart for some things.

I have always shopped at Savers and DI. And of course I've been tremendously spoiled by our family-owned store, Other Mothers- (still my most favorite).

I just absolutely refuse to buy anything that is not at least 30-40% OFF. (25% once in a while, but that's pushin' it.) I prefer 50-75% or more. Am I cheap? Not necessarily. I like to think that I'm just creatively thrifty!

I like to watch for clearance sales at Old Navy, Children's Place, Khols, and JCPenny. Those are the best in my opinion. I am like a kid at Disneyland at clearance sales. So I guess you could say that couponing is right up my ally!

Want to see what I've done? Okay! Here's my couponing binder...



Oh, and I'm so excited about this cookbook that I got from Seagull Book here in my town for 70% off. I've been wanting this cookbook for the longest time, but wasn't willing to pay $25 for it. It's the Deceptively Delicious cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld. I'm giddy!!

Stay tuned... tomorrow I will introduce you to my good friend Jenn, an expert couponer who has taught me everything I know! Check back later! XO Pin It

Two Great Things!

Hi ladies... #1. I am so excited and just have to tell you about my couponing success this week!
First of all, I went to an Albertson’s gas station yesterday and got 20 gallons of gas for $26.58 (a $10 savings, because I got 50 cents off per gallon!). This was from the points I had already accumulated on my Alby’s preferred card previously. {giddy}

I went to Alby’s early this morning and got $358.24 of groceries for $93.28! That’s a $264.96 savings! I paid pennies for some of it, and even got 4 of the items FREE! Yay!! It’s all because of coupons. I think I’m finally starting to figure this couponing thing out, though I am still a beginner!! I get better each time I do it. The key is to just jump in hands-on and take it slow until you start to feel more comfy. This time ‘round, I think I might be getting a better grip on it, and it feels good. Now mind you, I’m only talking Albertsons at this point. I haven’t doven into Walgreens or Rite Aid yet!!

#2. Come join me in "Finding Joy in the Journey"!! Go to my personal blog for more info. I am starting this on Sunday! Pin It

Modbe in My Town!

I just received some exciting news from MODBE. They are traveling and bringing their Warehouse OUTLET to different locations and they will be coming to Meridian on Saturday, Jan. 24th!! Here's the information! Please spread the word because if they have a terrific turnout, they may do this more in the future!! I would also suggest getting there early for the best deals and best selection!
-Ann Christensen

Modbe $5 LIVE Clearance Sale!
Modbe is sending a truck load of merchandise in various and random sizes for a live clearance sale.

Items will be priced to sell at under $25

Most items will be priced at $5.

Twin Falls Sale - Friday, January 23rd 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shiloh Inn 1586 Blue Lakes Blvd. (Turn south off the 1-86 Twin Falls Exit, Left side of the road by Perkins)
Boise Area - Saturday, January 24th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Country Inn and Suites 3355 E. Pine Ave. (off Eagle Rd. and Pine Ave. near the Meridian Crossroads Shopping Center)

Go here to see all upcoming sales.

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It's a Party and We are All Invited!! Yay!

(click on image below to be able to read it better)

Tara, thank you for leaving me a comment on my last post with the link to TheObsessiveShopper.net. I checked it out and was just in time for their launch party/giveaway!! Yippee!

This site is amazing, and there are 4 fabulous ladies that are experts at saving money, building and using your food storage. They have teamed together to bring us so much info and help walk us through our family preparedness, step by step. What a wonderful recource! I want to give each of them a hug!! Thank you ladies!!

These are the linky buttons to their sites, but don't be overwhelmed... I think this first one is the one that ties them all together. I just had to share them all because they are so cute! Go check it out, and join the fun!

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My Town- Saturday's Big Sale!

For those of you in my town... Just a reminder about that huge Shade seconds sale TOMORROW, Saturday the 6th from 9 am to 4 pm at Mountain View High School's cafeteria. I got to briefly see the merchandise yesterday- and let me tell you... You do NOT want to miss this sale!! It's going to be HOT!! See you there!! Pin It

Whatever Wednesday- Pinching Your Pennies

Last night a bunch of us gathered at my friend's home to learn from my girlfriend, Jenn S. the how to's about couponing. I learned that the #1 spot to go to for the most info on the hottest deals and how to's is Pinching Your Pennies. It took Jenn about 2 years to learn what she did and do what she does, because she didn't have anyone to teach her- (She's a professional couponer and money saver in my opinion!) I am so grateful she is willing to teach others how to do it. And believe me- it takes a lot of time and work to save money like that! Jenn thinks of it as a part-time job, and it has really paid off for her and her family!!
I want to be good at it too. I am working on learning all I can right now and trying to get experience so I can helps others too. So for now, go to Pinching Your Pennies and register on their site. Then you'll be able to get onto the forums and learn the tricks of the trade. PYP also has a blog that is very helpful too! There are many other sites and blogs that I have listed on my right sidebar that are way helpful as well!! Good luck! Pin It