Amazon Mom Appreciation Event

If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to join Amazon Mom so you can take advantage of the Amazon Mom Appreciation Event:

 

 

The Amazon Mom Appreciation Event is an exclusive 20% off promo code: BABY2013 good for savings on thousands of eligible baby products in select colors and styles, for up to $100 in total savings.

 

Qualifying Amazon Mom members can use the code on eligible items from January 18, 2013 until 11:59 PM PST February 1, 2013. To shop the event, simply add qualifying baby products in select colors and styles to your shopping cart on or before February 1, 2013, and then enter promo code BABY2013 at checkout to apply the discount.

 

Do note that if you join Amazon Mom or Amazon Prime after this promotion has started on January 18, 2013, you will need to wait 24 hours for the promo code to become active.

 

You can learn more about Amazon Mom via this link.

Shop at Home!

Have you signed up for Shop at Home? Do it! You’ll be able to check out great coupons, deals, and cash back opportunities!

 

I’m currently excited about the following deal now available on Shop at Home:

The deal works like this:

 

You get 24% off one Pampers Cruisers Diapers Super Pack (with the option of Free Store Pickup)!

 

The current list/website price is: $24.94

The Daily Deal Cash Back Reward is: $6.00

So, your reduced price is: $18.94 (plus tax)

 

Plus, you’ll get 3% more back for making this Walmart purchase through Shop at Home! (That’s $0.57 for this purchase.)

 

Keep shopping through Shop at Home (especially with the holidays approaching!) and watch those little extras add up: Once your cash back reaches $20, you’ll get a check in the mail. If you do some shopping online anyway, those pennies will add up more quickly than you might expect!

Review: “Changing Diapers, Changing Minds”

The “Changing Diapers, Changing Minds” program, offered by Jillian’s Drawers (a mom-owned company in upstate New York), is a great way to decide if cloth diapering is for your family. For a $10 program fee, you can try out a wide variety of cloth diapers for 21 days.

The $155 package (give or take $5.00, depending on what’s in stock) includes enough diapers for full-time diapering. (See a sample list below.) A quick look at the prices leads me to conclude that overall you’ll be getting the diapers at better prices than if you ordered the same ones individually elsewhere – especially considering the fact that this trial program includes free shipping.

A sample list might include:

1 Kissaluvs Fitted Diaper

1 Thirsties Duo Wrap

1 Thirsties Duo Pocket Diaper

1 Smartipants One-Size Diaper

1 Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size Diaper

1 GroVia Shell

1 GroVia Soaker Pad

2 BumGenius V4.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper with Snaps
2 OsoCozy Indian Prefolds

2 Bleached Chinese Prefolds

1 Snappis Diaper Fastener
5 sample sheets of Flushable Liners from Imse Vimse

Basically, the program can work in one of three ways:

1. After 21 days, if you decide to keep all the diapers, you will be refunded the $10 program fee, thus paying only $145 (give or take $5.00) in the end.
2. If you decide to return all the diapers, you pay only the $10 program fee – and you will know that you gave cloth diapering a fair trial.
3. If you decide to keep some of the diapers and return others, you will pay the $10 program fee (plus return shipping), but you will get in-store credit for the value of the returned diapers – plus free shipping on your next order from Jillian’s Drawers.

I chose the third option, returning over half of the cloth diapers we tried out. Only one was a matter of definite dislike, others were a matter of preference given our current life of travel, and still others would soon be outgrown. (Because our tall “Little Man” tends to be right on the top edge of fitted diaper sizes, the “one size” options seem better for us.)

In my opinion, the greatest benefit of this “Changing Diapers, Changing Minds” program is that it allows potential customers (like me!) to honestly try cloth diapering – without paying bunches in shipping and handling – in order to find out:

1.      whether or not cloth diapering will work in the first place, and

2.      which diaper styles we like and which ones we don’t.

So, in a nutshell: How did “Changing Diapers, Changing Minds” work for me?

I became persuaded that cloth diapers are much better than disposable. They’re not just frugal, they’re also fun! Today’s cloth diapers come in a great variety of colors and styles.

You can read more about how I grew to love cloth diapering in previous posts:

We’re cloth diapering full-time!

How’s it goin’ – with cloth diapers?

How’s cloth diapering goin’?

Working on building a stash of cloth diapers

Working on building a stash of cloth diapers...

Previous to our very messy adventures (during a return to disposable diapers), we had made diapering with only six cloth diapers work because we were on our own for a week and had easy access to laundry equipment. That experiment, however, emphasized the necessity of having enough cloth diapers on hand to make laundering more efficient; we were washing a small load of diapers every day that week.

And that brings me back to the Changing Diapers, Changing Minds Program...

I did end up returning over half of the cloth diapers we tried out. Only one was a matter of definite dislike, others were a matter of preference given our current life of travel, and still others would soon be outgrown. (Because our tall “Little Man” tends to be right on the top edge of fitted diaper sizes, the “one size” options seem better for us overall.)

At the end of the 21-day trial period, I decided to keep:

• the SmartiPants pocket diaper (with one microfleece insert)
• the two BumGenius pocket diapers (with double microfleece inserts)
• the KissaLuvs (insert only)

In my opinion, the greatest benefit of this Changing Diapers, Changing Minds Program is that it allows potential customers (like me!) to honestly try cloth diapering – without paying bunches in shipping and handling – in order to find out:

1. whether or not cloth diapering will work in the first place, and

2. which diaper styles we like and which ones we don’t.

So, here’s how “Changing Diapers, Changing Minds” is working out for me:

I started with $150, given as a gift. My goal has been to stick as close as possible to that sum. I paid the $10 program fee plus $10 in shipping to return unwanted diapers via an insured service; Jillian’s Drawers gave me in-store credit for the returns – plus free shipping on my next order. I was excited to discover that “gently used” diapers are resold at reduced prices. (What a smart idea!)

Per Jillian’s Drawers, all “gently used” items have been used for 30 days or less and can be returned within seven days of receipt. Diapers in “excellent condition” have been used for four weeks or less and have no visible staining.

I plan to use the $76 in credit to buy the following gently-used diapers:

• one more SmartiPants (One Size) – $11.75
• one Thirsties Duo Diaper (Size 2) – $13.25
• one FuzziBuns (Medium) – $13.50

I also ordered the Diaper Cover Sampler (Medium) – $42.95

• one Bummis Super Whisper Wrap
• one Prorap Classic Diaper Cover
• one Thirsties Diaper Cover (the newest version)
• one Imse Vimse Organic Diaper Cover

(Since the gently-used Thirsties Duo Wraps were out of stock, I'm glad I discovered this option which is actually better value! I plan to use these covers with the KissaLuvs and the prefolds I already have.)

I’m thinking that the Thirsties Duo Diaper (with Velcro tabs) and FuzziBuns (“fitted”) will be the best options for babysitters or grandparents, etc. who may be unfamiliar with modern cloth diapers (in other words, folks who probably won’t want to try to figure out adjustable snaps, etc. while trying to get a diaper on a wriggling baby!)

When the used diapers arrive, I’ll have a total of (at least) thirteen combinations – in addition to a stack of prefolds (previously given to me) that can be stuffed into the diaper covers. I should then be “all set” with enough to cloth diaper full-time, washing larger loads of diapers every third day (or so). As I found out last week, it’s hard to maximize on the money-saving potential of cloth diapering when you have to wash small loads every day...

Stay tuned for a detailed review of the Changing Diapers, Changing Minds Program...

How's it goin' – with cloth diapers?

I posted a picture and detailed list of the cloth diapers included in the Changing Diapers, Changing Minds Program in my previous post. I probably should feel embarrassed that I'm so excited about the colors of cloth diapers – but it's exciting to be excited about something so mundane and routine but necessary...

  

Here's what we're learning so far...

We don't really like:

• The GroVia Diaper: The insert is bulky; the fabric is stiff, and Baby seemed to be uncomfortable in the diaper.
• The Prefolds: We tried one of the (four) prefolds once, and Daddy wondered why we'd fight to get it folded and put on just right when the pocket diapers are so simple?! (We're also on the road a lot and don't need the risk of leaks prefolds tend to represent.)

So, we're planning to return the four prefolds and Snappy fastener as well as the GroVia diaper wrap and liner. According to instructions sent with the package, I can get store credit for items I return – and I plan to use that amount to get a couple more of the brands we're really liking! (Keep reading!)

We like:

• The BumGenius, SmartiPants, FuzziBunz, and Thirsties – all the Pocket Diapers: We really like all these. It's hard to pick a favorite...
• We're learning that the BumGenius (with two inserts) are best for night-time and naps. The record for us so far has been 14 hours non-stop at night! We're loving not having to change a diaper in the middle of the night when we're groggy...

However! I also learned that I should not be trying to go all night with a cloth diaper – when Baby puts poo in it. We did once (I could smell the poo while I nursed!), and our poor little guy got a very bad diaper rash – his first ever – on his legs. (And I felt terrible!) Amazingly, the diaper (BumGenius with two inserts) still didn't leak! But the elastic bands rubbed his chunky thighs, resulting in a pretty serious rash. Since rash creams can reduce the absorbency of cloth diapers, I took a break for two full days, giving the affected skin time to heal. (Thankfully, it healed nicely with Dr. Selby's Crema Curativa, a "miracle cream" from back home in Uruguay...)

We started back to cloth diapering this morning, using Caldesene Baby Powder as insurance on the thigh area. So far, so good!

We're living and learning... (That's why we signed up for the trial run, eh?)

We're cloth diapering full-time!

Yep! The package arrived just in time for us to take it on vacation with us. I'm excited because the condo unit where we're staying has a washer and drier, making my experiment that much easier – and more frugal!

Here's what's included in the Changing Diapers, Changing Minds Program for this cloth diaper trial:

I must admit that I'm loving the cool colors!

Baby seems to be enjoying the experience, too!

1 Kissaluvs Fitted Diaper (green)
1 Thirsties Duo Wrap (meadow)
1 Thirsties Duo Pocket Diaper (mango)
1 Smartipants One-Size Diaper (aqua breeze)
1 Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size Diaper (chocolate truffle)
1 BumGenius V4.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper with Snaps (moonbeam)
1 BumGenius V4.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper with Snaps (grasshopper green)
1 GroVia Shell ONLY (vanilla)
1 GroVia Organic Cotton Soaker Pad
1 Snappis Diaper Fastener (pastel blue)
2 OsoCozy Indian Prefolds
2 Bleached Chinese Prefolds
5 sample sheets of Flushable Liners from Imse Vimse

Previous to starting the experiment, we were having blow-outs with disposable diapers every time Baby put poo in his pants. We were concluding that he needed the next size up which, unfortunately, we did not have with us. Yes, our Little Man is tall for his age...

UH, OH! (Again?!)

So, I started this cloth diapering experience with a bit of hesitation... BUT we've been very pleased with the fact that none of the cloth diapers have leaked so far! And I'm being very daring, too. For example, Baby wore one of the BumGenius diaper with double inserts for 14 hours last night – and still no leaks! Even Daddy, who consistently helps with diaper changes, is impressed. And we're becoming more and more impressed, using cloth diapers even when we're out and about...

Stay tuned...

Amazon Mom: Pampers Diapers 30% off + free shipping!

I'm waiting for my package of cloth diapers to arrive... (Yes, I know I "just" ordered it, but I'm excited about this new adventure!)

Meanwhile, I'm still keeping an eye out for good disposable diaper deals. (We'll still need those when we travel...) So, I was excited to discover the benefits of Amazon Mom* – a great FREE program for caregivers of children!

Amazon Mom currently has a good deal going on select packs of Pampers diapers: Pampers Cruisers Diapers (Size 3, 160 Count), for example, which are 16% off!

Plus, you can get 30% more off! Here's how:

• Sign up for Amazon Mom. (It's free!) You'll automatically qualify for a 15% discount off your diaper order plus free two-day Amazon Prime shipping.
• Then select the Subscribe & Save option to get an additional 15% off. (Subscribe & Save is flexible! Per Amazon.com, you can change your order status – and even cancel your enrollment – at any time!)

Right now, you can also use the 20% off (one-time use) coupon code (expiring 02/28/11) from the December issues of either American Baby or Parenting Early Years to make the deal even better!

And if you pay the remaining balance with Amazon.com gift cards earned through Swagbucks, you can really sweeten the deal! (Read my posts on Swagbucks to find out how that works.) 

*Here's how Amazon Mom works:

• Sign up and get three free months of Amazon Prime – i.e. free two-day shipping on most Amazon.com orders (with no minimum order amount required)!
• Get 30% off diaper orders by using the Subscribe & Save delivery feature.
• Earn an extra month of Amazon Prime with each $25 order from the Baby Store.

new adventures

LONG time no post...

It's not that I haven't been bargain-hunting...

• We've been traveling, preparing for ministry on the foreign mission field.
• AND our Good Shepherd blessed us with our second (big!) Bundle of Joy at the end of October!

So, I'm more interested than ever in finding good bargains – especially good diaper deals! But priorities have taken precedence over blogging about bargains.

And I'm about to embark on a new frugal adventure: Cloth diapering! Full time! (Or at least as full-time as "full-time" travel will allow!) And I'm excited!

I took advantage of an offer from Jillian's Drawers that was just too good to let pass...

And I'm now waiting (rather impatiently!) for my package of diapers to arrive...

My friend Julie (at A Year with Mom and Dad) was very kind to review the offer for me! (Thanks, friend!) Basically, I'm going to be able to try out a variety of cloth diapers risk free! (And I am getting a little bit of savings over what I would pay if I ordered each diaper individually.)

I'm planning to chronicle my new diaper adventures here. So, stay tuned...

Diaper Deal at Rite Aid!

For the Mommas posted details about the great diaper deal going on at Rite Aid this week!

Here's how the deal worked for me in Greenville, where most stores are being remodeled as they merge with Save-a-Lot:

(All printable coupon links are posted at For the Mommas.)

Buy three jumbo packs of Huggies Diapers – $10.99 each
Use $5.00 off $25 Purchase Video Values Coupon
Stack with two $3.00/1 printable coupons
Stack with $3.00/1 coupon (from a recent mailer)
Stack with $1.00/1 Huggies Video Values Coupon
Pay $17.97 (plus tax) after coupons
Get $2.00 UPRs per pack of diapers ($6.00 UPRs total!)
Submit for SCR #70 and get $10.00 Rite Aid Gift Card in the mail

My total came to $1.22 per jumbo pack of diapers (including tax) after coupons, UPRs, and gift card.

What a deal!

Rite Aid Deals 08/29 thru 09/04

Rite Aid has some great advertised deals this week. And don't forget that many stores are also reducing a lot of merchandise 50% due to remodeling!

These are the deals that most interest me:

Nivea Lip Care – $2.99 each
Get $1.99 SCR
Get $1.00 UPR
Use $1.00/1 coupon (September All You Magazine)
FREE plus overage after SCR, UPR, and coupon

Pantene Restore Beautiful Lengths Hair Care – $4.00 each

Get $2.00 UPR
Use $2.00/1 coupon (08/29 P&G)
FREE after coupon and UPR

Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers – $8.99 each
Get $2.00 UPR
Use $3.00/1 coupon (VocalPoint, expires 08/31/10)
$3.99 after UPR and coupon

You can see more deals with coupon match-ups at For the Mommas.

Rite Aid Deals – 08/22 thru 08/28

This is looking like a Visit All Three Drugstores Week!

Rite Aid has great deals going on both diapers and toilet paper:

Huggies Jumbo Pack, Pull-Ups, or Goodnights – $8.99 each
Get $2.00 +UP Rewards
Use $2.50/1 coupon (from recent mailer)
OR use $2.00/1 printable coupon
Stack with $2.00/1 Rite Aid August Video Values coupon
$2.49 or $2.99 after coupons and +UPR

Buy four Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue – $6.49 each
Use $5 off $25 purchase Rite Aid coupon*
Stack with two $0.50/1 coupons (SmartSource 08/15)
Stack with $1.00/1 coupon (All You, July 2010)
Stack with $1.00/1 Rite Aid August Video Values coupon
Submit for Single Check Rebate #10 and get $5.00
Submit for Single Check Rebate #148 and get another $5.00
$1.99 each after coupons and SCRs
(Get an even better deal by using more SmartSource coupons – if you have them!)

*Watch twenty Rite Aid Video Values (averaging 30 seconds each) and earn a $5 off $25 purchase coupon (expires 08/28/10).

You can see more deals with coupon match-ups at For the Mommas. She also explains Rite Aid's new +UP program and provides a link to Rite Aid's new coupon policy.

Huggies Little Movers Jeans Deal at CVS!

Aren't these cute?!

Be sure to scan your Extra Care Card when you go to CVS; I did so this evening and got a $4.00/1 coupon for Huggies Little Movers Jeans – currently on sale!

Here's the deal:

Buy two Huggies Little Movers Jeans – $8.99 each
Use $4.00/1 CVS coupon
Stack with $3.50/2 printable coupon (links here)
$5.24 each after coupons when you buy two

Because I have a coupon from a recent mailer, I'm planning to get an even better deal!

Buy one Huggies Little Movers Jeans – $8.99 each
Use $4.00/1 CVS coupon
Stack with $2.50/1 coupon (from recent mailer)
$2.49 after coupons

Gotta love CVS!

Huggies Diaper & Wipes Deal at Target!

So glad I didn't start getting rid of my stash of bargain-acquired diapers! I'm now back to stock-piling 'em – looking forward to October!

Here's a great diaper and wipes deal, currently going on at Target:
(Thanks, MoneySavingMom!)

Buy one Jumbo Pack of Huggies Diapers – $8.99 each
* Buy one (320-count) Box of Huggies Wipes – $8.99 each
Use $3.00/1 Huggies Diapers printable coupon
Use $2.00/1 Huggies Wipes printable coupon
Stack with $3.50/2 Huggies Diapers & Wipes Target coupon
Pay $4.74 each after coupons (before tax)

* Since the Target I went to did not have 320-count boxes of wipes, I was allowed to substitute the 216-count bag ($5.99 each) and get an even better deal!

CVS Deals – 03/28 thru 04/03

These are the deals I'm hoping for this week. I'll probably make several trips so I can use ECBs on grocery items; I love it when drugstore deals help the grocery budget!

Buy two Huggies or Pull-Ups – $8.99 each
Get $5.00 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use two $3.00/1 coupons (from various free samples)
Or use two $3.00/1 printable coupons
$3.49 each after coupons and ECBs

Crest Toothpaste – $2.99 each
Get $2.00 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use $0.75/1 coupon (P&G 03/07)
$0.24 after coupon and ECBs

Lindsay Olives – $0.88 each (Limit 6)
Buy two and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
$0.38 each after coupon

Kellogg’s Cereals – $2.00 each (Limit 4)
Use $1.00/1 coupon (from various cereal boxes)
Or buy two and use $1.50/2 printable coupon
$1.00 or $1.25 each after coupons

You can see more deals with coupon match-ups at MoneySavingMom.

Diaper & Wipes Deal at Rite Aid (updated)

The Thrifty Couple has a detailed post on the great diaper and wipes deal currently at Rite Aid!

Here's my (hopeful) scenario:

Buy three packs of Pampers Diapers – $9.99 each
Use two $1.50/1 coupons (from select Cheerios boxes)
[Or use two $1.50/1 coupons (P&G 02/07 & 02/21)]
Use one $2.00/1 coupon (P&G 02/21)
Buy one pack of Pampers Wipes – $2.49 each
Use $1.50/1 coupon $0.50/1 coupon (P&G 02/07)
Stack with a $5 off $25 purchase Rite Aid coupon

Total after coupons will be $20.96 $21.96 (before tax).

Qualify to receive the $10 Rite Aid Gift Card. (See Rebate #18 here.)

The final price will be $10.96 $11.96 for four items – or $2.74 $2.99 each (before tax)!

Walgreens Deals – 12/16 thru 12/19 (Diaper Deal Included!)

There’s another 4-Day Sale at Walgreens – starting today, December 16 through Saturday, December 19. AND there’s another Spend $25, Get $5.00 Holiday Dollars (aka Register Rewards) Deal! Reportedly, the Holiday Dollars are valid only on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Here’s a deal idea (thanks to NWA Deals) that involves a good diaper deal! (It seems like diaper deals have been few and far between lately.)

Huggies Diapers or Pull-Ups – $8.99
Use $2.00/1 printable coupon (link here)
OR use $1.50/1 printable coupon (link here)
Get $2.00 RRs
Submit for Caregivers Marketplace Rebate (Get $0.75)
$4.24 or $4.74 each after coupon, rebate, and RRs

Gillette Fusion Razor – $8.99
Use $4.00/1 coupon (P&G 11/29)
Get $4.00 RRs
$0.99 after coupon and RRs

Complete Multipurpose Solution – $7.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon (Redplum 10/25)
Get $7.99 RRs
FREE plus $1.00 overage after coupon and RRs

Get $19 RRs back!

Check out more deals with coupon match-ups at NWA Deals.

FREE samples for Mom and Baby!

Click here to sign up for free samples, including:

• Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew
• Pampers Extra Protection Diaper
• Huggies Little Movers Diaper

And the diaper samples often come with coupons that can be combined with diaper sales at our favorite drug stores!

Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us Diaper Deal!

There's a 3-day Super Sale on Pampers diapers at Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us – October 10 through 12!

Buy any two Pampers diapers boxes (92 count or higher) and get a $15 Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us gift card. (Gift card available after purchase at checkout. Offer available only in stores, not online.)

There are several high-value coupons available right now!

$5.00/1 printable coupon (expires 10/15)
$5.00/1 coupon (Babies"R"Us home mailer) (expires 10/15)
$5.00/1 coupon (10/04 Toys"R"Us insert) (expires 10/10)
$3.00/1 coupon (recent Pampers sample mailer)
$1.00/1 coupon (recent Pampers sample mailer)
(Are you signing up for free samples?!)

Remember that you can stack store coupons with manufacturer coupons.

So, here's a deal idea:
Assuming store prices reflect online prices, starting at $29.99 per box (92 count or higher)
Use two $5.00/1 store coupons
Use $3.00/1 manufacturer coupon
Use $1.00/1 manufacturer coupon
Get $15 gift card
Two boxes for $30.98 (plus tax) after coupons and gift card!

MORE printable coupons

There are some new high-value coupons on Coupons.com!

$1.00/1 McCormick Spice, Herb, Extract, or Food Color
$1.00/1 Welch's 100% Juice (46 or 64 oz)

Remember that these can get you some free or almost-free deals when combined with B1G1 sales!

The following coupons were posted at the beginning of the month and will likely reach the print limit soon:

Coupons that can be doubled at Publix include:

$0.50/2 Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables
$0.40/1 Betty Crocker Potatoes (box or pouch)
$0.50/1 Progresso Broth

Other good coupons (often combined with sales) include:

$1.00/1 Yoplait Fiber-One Yogurt (multi-pack)
$1.00/1 Special K Cereals or Crackers

And these can help you get some great deals on diapers:

$3.00/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers
$1.50/1 GoodNites Sleep Pants

Go here to see many, many more coupons – and print the ones you think you'll use in the next month or so!

And if you're planning a trip to Rite-Aid, you'll want to print the $5/$25 Rite-Aid coupon to sweeten your deals!

FREE sample of Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers!

I just finished posting about free samples and high value coupons and learned about a free sample of Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers! (The only sizes offered are for newborns.) Sign up for a free sample here!

You can also sign up for the Huggies Baby Network to get baby item coupons by mail.