Mail has been severely delayed lately. Even priority mail is taking well over a week in many places. With the mail taking extra long, consider grabbing a few giftcards! Of course there is always the option of Amazon Gift Cards, but did you know Amazon sells third party gift cards? Often those gift cards are on sale! Head on over here to see what is offered and then click the banner that says Up to 20% off Third Party Giftcards. I’ve seen everything listed from Starbucks to DoorDash and more. Check it often as you never know what will be listed.

Y’all, I have been slacking this year! I’m just now putting together our photo cards. Thankfully, Walgreens is offering FREE same day store pickup on many photo items. Plus through 12/19, you can save 40% off all photo items with code FORTY4U. This includes photo cards!

Be sure to look at all their coupon codes for Walgreens Photo page . There are a ton of great options there!

Panera has been my husband’s favorite coffee spot since they offered free coffee memberships during the summer. Now that offer is back!

You can get a MyPanera+ Coffee Subscription for FREE for 3 months.

It’s really easy to sign up! Simply subscribe to the MyPanera+ Coffee subscription and follow on screen instructions. Write down in your planner or set an alert on your phone for the last day of the service so you can cancel it if you’re not interested in keeping your subscription. It’s $8.99 per month after the 3 free months expire.

*One (1) FREE cup of drip hot coffee, hot tea, or iced coffee every two (2) hours including free refills of the same beverage. Excludes Cold Brew, Espresso, Iced Tea & added syrups. Same day orders only.

While supplies last, Amazon prime members can score an Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for only $14.99! You’ll see the extra $5 come off when you log in to your account. If you’re not a Prime member, you’ll pay just $19.99. Limit 1 per customer.

You can also get the Echo 2nd Generation for $49.99, with a limit of 3 per customer.

*These units have been tested and verified internally by Amazon to meet the specified product condition, but may have cosmetic blemishes. The units may be repackaged and sold in a brown box.

The Croods is one of our favorite family movies. It’s always great for a laugh!

On December 18th, The Croods come home with The Croods: A New Age. DreamWorks Animation presents the holiday event for the entire family!  Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Peter Dinklage, Leslie Mann and Kelly Marie Tran in The Croods: A New Age.  In Theaters Now.  On Demand December 18th.  Rated PG.

About the Movie:

The Croods need a new place to live. So, the first prehistoric family sets off into the world in search of a safer place to call home. When they discover an idyllic walled-in paradise that meets all their needs, they think their problems are solved … except for one thing. Another family already lives there: the Bettermans. 

The Bettermans (emphasis on the “better”)—with their elaborate tree house, amazing inventions and irrigated acres of fresh produce—are a couple of steps above the Croods on the evolutionary ladder. When they take the Croods in as the world’s first houseguests, it isn’t long before tensions escalate between the cave family and the modern family. 

Just when all seems lost, a new threat will propel both families on an epic adventure outside the safety of the wall, one that will force them to embrace their differences, draw strength from each other and forge a future together. 

More Info:

THE CROODS: A NEW AGE, which premiere on Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) platforms on Friday, 12/18.  The film will be available to rent on all major platforms for 48 hours for $19.99.

Giveaway:

UPDATE: We now have THREE codes to give away!!!

One lucky reader will win a FandangoNow Code so they can watch The Croods: A New Age with their family! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Last minute gift idea! Ulta has their Beauty Box – Glitz Edition for only $17.99. Then use code 808149 at checkout to save $5 off a $15 purchase.

Case Includes:

• 30 Eyeshadows
• 4 Blushes
• 4 Highlighters
• 2 Bronzers
• 2 Lip Glosses
• 2 Sheer Lip Glosses
• 2 Eye Liner Pencils
• 1 Eyeshadow Primer
• 1 Brow Gel
• 1 Dual Ended Blush & Eyeshadow Brush

*Shipping is free on orders over $35.

Plant Therapy is offering 4 favorite essential oils for only $4 each. They also have free shipping on any order, which is a fantastic deal! For only $4 shipped, you can score 10 mL of Blood Orange, Clove Bud, Frankincense Serrata, or Fir Needle. I’m a big fan of the Blood Orange as I like citrus scents.

Blood Orange Essential Oil has an intense juicy-fresh, zesty, citrus scent. This incredibly uplifting and stimulating oil can help ease nervous tension and promote a happy mood. Try diffusing Blood Orange by itself for an uplifting mood boost or add to a personal inhaler for on-the-go use!

Clove Bud Essential Oil has a warm, spicy scent that smells just like cloves. This oil can be used in DIY cleaning products, a massage oil for aching joints, or as a boost of support for your immune system. This wonderful, familiar aroma can also be added to diffuser blends to create a scent that brings the holidays indoors!

Frankincense Serrata has a pleasant green and woody aroma that is appealing to many people. It is widely used for aromatherapy and it’s prized for its mind clearing abilities. This oil is ideal for yoga and meditation practices, but it also can help promote clear breathing and healthy skin!

The uplifting forest-fresh scent of Fir Needle is wonderful for respiratory support. This oil helps ease congested breathing associated with seasonal illness and seasonal pollen threats. Fir Needle is gentle enough to use around children and it’s perfect for holiday diffusing!

Target is offering up a new Target Circle offer for $25 off a $100 toy purchase! Great way to save money getting Christmas gifts! Simply head on over and add the coupon to your account. You can shop in store or online with this deal. If you don’t plan on spending $100, consider the $10 off $50 Toy Purchase Circle Offer.

Target is also offering 10% off one in-store or online purchase as well, so consider adding this Circle offer, too!

These are on my wish list for readalouds with the kids. The highly rated The Wingfeather Saga books are on sale and 3 of them are part of a “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” deal. I’ve heard them viewed as a modern day Narnia series. Here’s how to make the most of this deal:

Add the following to your cart – note that Amazon prices may change at any time:

• On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (Book 1) $10.99
• North! Or be Eaten (Book 2) $11.39
• The Monster in the Hollow (Book 3) $9.79
• After B2G1 sale, pay only $22.38 for all 3! Like paying $7.46 each.

There is also a 4th book in the series, but it is not currently included in the B2G1 sale. The Warden and the Wolf King is currently $12.49. You may want to go ahead and grab this one, too.

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great week and weekend. I’ve been decorating for Christmas, cleaning things out, decluttering, and going through kids clothes. Swapping out kids clothes if one of my least favorite chores. With my husband not able to lift anything, my older son lifted the younger to put the star on the tree this year.

Nothing really new for us, but just chugging along in our school work, continuing to apply for jobs, and trying to get my blog more productive again. Have a great week!

Monday: Beef Stew, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions

Tuesday: Unstuffed Pepper Medley

Wednesday: Chicken Enchiladas

Thursday: Eggs, bacon, biscuits

Friday: Chili

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Grilled Chicken, roasted veggies