October 31, 2016
Trick-or-Treat?
When selecting a mum for my front porch, I meticulously analyzed the shade of the blooms. I wanted the deepest red I could find. Upon returning from my trip up north, the flowers in the urn are now a yellow gold. It literally looks like a different plant. Was this an early Halloween trick or can mums actually change colors? I’m guessing Sid knows the answer, but he’s not talking. Happy Halloween!
Deals of the Day:
Click the above link to print your FREE Halloween coloring pages.
Kmart Freebie Saturday
Nov 5: FREE Trolls stickers for kids 12 & under
October 30, 2016
My favorite musical of all time (rivaled only by Newsies) is Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. To be clear, I adore the classic film version with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. In 2003, there was a television production starring Matthew Broderick that was cringeworthy at best. Gotta stick with the original on this one. It really is a brilliant piece of musical genius.
My meandering trip back south included a stop in Mason City, Iowa. “River City” just happened to be where Meredith Willson grew up and served as a source of inspiration for The Music Man. Much to my delight, as we were driving through, we stumbled across The Music Man Square. When my parents were in high school, they would compete in The North Iowa Band Festival held annually in Mason City. During those years, Meredith Willson was very much a part of the event. To me, that was a pretty awesome opportunity for them, and I’m sure it had everything to do with my exposure to The Music Man as a kid.
Deals of the Day:
Old Navy
Oct 30 (in-store & online): 50% Off Select Shirts & Blouses
Sonic
Oct 31: $.50 Corn Dogs
Gordy’s
Dairy Fresh White Milk (gallon) $1.48
Our Family Grade A Large Eggs (dozen) $.48
Our Family Granulated Sugar (4 lb) $.98
Our Family Brown or Powdered Sugar (2 lb) $.98
Our Family Flour (5 lb) $1.42
Green Cabbage $.28/lb
Our Family Chunk or Shredded Cheese (8 oz) $1.38
Our Family English Muffins (6 ct) $.62
Brew Pub Pizza (12″) $4.98 (Buy 2, Get FREE gallon of Tru Moo Chocolate Milk)
October 29, 2016
Soles with Goals: 571.91 miles reported!
Being so far north, I’d be remiss to not drive by my maternal grandparents’ farm. That yellow farm house surrounded by acres of rich black soil holds so many memories for our family. Grandpa and Grandma’s door was always open to family and friends, and they would always give their guests something to eat. I now look at how small that house really is, but as a kid, there was always room for everyone. When I was little, us grandkids would line up our sleeping bags in a big long row in the basement. I’m sure all 23 of us were never staying overnight there at once, but there were several of us there at times.
“Wishing you were here, Quilter Foot!”
Quilter Foot’s trail runs close to where my grandparents are buried so Mom and I decided to send her a picture of us on it since she was out of town.
Deals of the Day:
Now-Oct 31: FREE Halloween Event
Krispy Kreme
Oct 31: Kids in costume receive a FREE doughnut.
IHOP
Oct 31: FREE Scary Face Pancake for kids 12 and under
Coupons.com
Save $.30 on one 5 stick pack of Wrigley’s Gum ($.25 at some Walmarts. Pkg typically says $.35.)
Save $2.00 on any Pledge product
$1.00 off 1 Tide Simply Clean & Fresh Detergent 40 oz or larger
Save $1.00 on any 1 pack of Energizer Brand Batteries
Save $1.00 Ocean Spray Grapefruit Juice and Juice Drinks
Save $2.00 on any 1 Playtex Gentle Glide (excluding 8-20 ct sizes)
October 28, 2016
Soles with Goals: 557.3 miles reported!
Myrtle, MN
Population: 47 (2014)
My dad grew up near the tiny town of Myrtle, MN. As the son of a Lutheran minister, he lived in the parsonage next door to the church. Every Saturday evening at six, it was his job to ring the church bell to remind everyone to attend service the next morning.
The morning after my grandma’s funeral, Mom, Dad, and I, along with my dad’s two sisters, in-laws, and several of my cousins, visited rural Myrtle. My dad was quick to point out how nice the new rope is now compared to the really rough one when he was a kid.
Both my grandfather and great grandfather were pastors at the church. Collectively they served there 57 years and even have a hall named after them.
Watching my dad and his sisters reminisce was truly a privilege. Family history comes to life when those who lived it are there to share their memories and stories.
Up on a hillside just across the way from the parsonage is the cemetery my dad used to mow. It is the final resting place of my dad’s grandparents on his mother’s side. My mom’s brother who passed away before I was born is also buried here. It was absolutely touching how many relatives on my mom’s side of the family showed up for my grandma’s funeral on my dad’s side. My mom and I are still debating whether my aunt (her sister who married my dad’s cousin) came as a Schmidt or a Studier.
Not everyone who came to the funeral was able to visit rural Myrtle, but the majority of the family did. Five of the 10 grandchildren were there for the tour. Since our family is dispersed all over the country and we don’t get together very often, it was especially nice to see everyone and spend a little time together.
Deals of the Day:
Old Navy
Oct 28 & 29 (in-store & online): Women’s & Kids Fleece Jackets & Pullovers $8
Fareway
Dozen Large Eggs 2/$1
Yellow Onions $.39/lb
- $.25 Any Brand Onions Ibotta Rebate
Fareway Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup $.38
Festival Foods
Festival Butter 1 lb quarters $1.98 (with store coupon)
Jumbo Sweet Onions $.68/lb
Kemps Half & Half 16 oz $.99
H-E-B
Buy 1 H-E-B Restaurant Style Tortilla Strips 13 oz, Get 2nd FREE (with in-store coupon)
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee Corn Muffin Mix $.18 (with Fuel Saver + Perks card)
Hy-Vee Ice Cream or Sherbet 1.75 qt $1.88 (thru 10/28)
Hy-Vee One Step Potatoes 5 lb bag $.99 (thru 10/28)
7-Up Brand 2 liter $.77 (thru 10/28)
Hy-Vee Condensed Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup $.39 (thru 10/28)
Hy-Vee Single Cup Coffee, Cappuccino, Hot Cocoa 12 ct $3.99
Hy-Vee Whipped Topping 8 oz $.99
Hy-Vee Grade A Fresh Large Eggs 18 ct $.98
Puffs Facial Tissues 3 pk $4.39
- $.50 off 1 Puffs Facial Tissue Product coupon available on coupons.com (-$.50)
- =$3.89
Sprouts Farmers Market
Yellow Onions 2 lbs for $1
- $.25 Any Brand Onions Ibotta Rebate
Sales vary by location. Check your local ads.
October 27, 2016
Soles with Goals: 531.41 miles reported!
Over the last week, I have been in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. My grandmother passed away so I headed to northern Iowa for the funeral. While I was even farther north in Minnesota, I was able to go for a walk with Gigi Twinkle Toes, Philometer and Racing Meemaw. It felt as if I had stepped two seasons ahead during the journey–from 90s to hard frost on the ground! Needless to say, I was exhausted and cold!
Since I was headed back to much warmer temperatures, my mom dug up some flowers that would soon perish from Missouri’s upcoming frigid temperatures and sent them home with me. Unfortunately I was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes and early sunset tonight as I tried to get everything transplanted. Here’s hoping they thrive in their new environment!
It feels good to be home. I’m definitely not cold anymore, but I am absolutely exhausted. I have zero desire to be in a car for any length of time again soon. That will make Sid happy, and a happy Sid is a happy house!
Deals of the Day:
H-E-B
Limes 10/$1
Golden Delicious, Red Delicious or Granny Smith Apples $.77/lb
Fresh Boston Butt Pork Roast $1/lb
H-E-B Natural Ground Turkey 16 oz (80% lean, frozen) $1
October 20, 2016
One of Life’s Imponderables…
How does this happen? I was wearing socks and shoes while I worked in the yard.
October 19, 2016
Coach Table Runner Scouting New Talent for SwG
Deals of the Day:
Old Navy
Today Only (in-store & online): Women’s, Girls, & Toddler Girls Dresses 50% Off
Fareway
Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner 12-12.6 oz $2.98
Buy two $5.96
$4 off 2 Pantene Products manufacturer’s coupon in most coupon circulars (-$4.00)
=$1.96/2 or $.98 each
*Price and availability may vary by location.
Festival Foods
Apple Fest: Sampling Daily 11 am – 6 pm
Bulk Apples (Mix & Match 10 Varieties) $.68/lb with in-store coupon
Hershey’s Baking Chips 10-12 oz 2/$3
H-E-B
Red Seedless Grapes $.77/lb
Fuji or Gala Apples $.88/lb
Hy-Vee
Ground Beef 80% lean, 16 oz roll $1.99
Stemilt Jumbo Braeburn or Granny Smith Apples $.88/lb
Hy-Vee Pizza Sauce 15 oz $.49 (with Fuel Saver + Perks card)
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sweet Blackberries 5.6 oz $.98
Golden Ripe Pineapples $.98 each
Iceberg Lettuce $.69 each
October 18, 2016
Soles with Goals: 406.27 miles reported!
“Fall” Into Fitness
Photos Courtesy of Winchester Walker
While official runs like the ALS Super Hero Dash are great fun, walking in the tranquility of the great outdoors definitely has its merits as well. Sunday evening I received an email from Winchester Walker entitled “Fall” into fitness. Attached were three gorgeous photographs taken along a two mile walk with Quilter Foot. With scenery like that, I think I could “fall” in love with fitness all over again!
Thanks for sharing the photos. I would have loved to have joined you on that picturesque walk!
Deals of the Day:
Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner
Sale price at CVS 2/$8
$4 off 2 Pantene products coupon in most coupon circulars (-$4.00)
$2 off 2 select Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, etc. in-store instant coupon (-$2.00)
=2/$2 or $1 each
*Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location.
FREE Printable Fall Coloring Sheets
Click the above link to print FREE fall-themed coloring pages.
Menards
11% Rebate on Everything
October 17, 2016
Soles with Goals: 384.37 miles reported!
WHAM! POW! WOW!
Congratulations Soles with Goals/Supersonic Studiers on a job well done! Be sure to check out the Soles with Goals page for more photos and videos from Saturday’s Super Hero Dash.
Deals of the Day:
Black Forest or Trolli Candy
Sale price at Walgreens $1.50
Get $1.50 in Register Rewards (-$1.50)
=FREE
*Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location.
Coke/Dr Pepper 2-Liter Bottle
Sale price at CVS $.99
Save $.24 with in-store instant coupon (-$.24)
=$.75
*Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location.
Kmart Freebie Saturday
Oct 22: First 100 kids 12 and younger receive a FREE giant Halloween coloring book and crayons.
October 15, 2016
Soles with Goals: 353.34 miles reported!
Deals of the Day:
Old Navy
Oct 15 & 16 (in-store & online): All Performance Active for the Family 50% Off
Gordy’s
Oct 20: Rib Grilling Tailgate (2 pm – 6 pm) Ribs & BBQ Sandwiches
Locally Grown Tote Honeycrisp Apples $1.48/lb
Green Giant Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag $.98
General Mills Cereals $1.48 each (must buy 4)
October 14, 2016
GOOD LUCK SOLES WITH GOALS/SUPERSONIC STUDIERS
AT THE ALS ASSOCIATION SUPER HERO DASH TOMORROW IN ST. PAUL, MN!!!
Soles with Goals: 313.84 miles reported!
SwG Lifetime Miles = 4,523.5
Tip of the Day: Before you pig out on spaghetti tonight, you might want to read my article, Carb Loading: The Unfortunate Truth, on the Soles with Goals page of the main Health & Fitness section.
October 12, 2016
Soles with Goals: 258.89 miles reported!
Several members of Soles with Goals are joining forces with the Supersonic Studiers this weekend at The ALS Association Super Hero Dash in St. Paul, MN. As a loving tribute, they are running to celebrate the life of my uncle, Randy Studier, who endured this brutal disease and to raise funds in the hope of finding a cure. My cousin, Brittny (Randy’s granddaughter), is the captain of the Supersonic Studiers and has done a phenomenal job fundraising for the cause. Way to go, Brit! You make our family proud! (Randy & Brittny on left)
Uncle Randy was my dad’s cousin. So, yes, he’s my cousin as well. He just happened to marry my mom’s sister making him my uncle. Everything was more fun when Uncle Randy was around, although I was always just a bit unsure of him. Perhaps it stems from when I was just an innocent little tot who accidentally spilled her milk while in the care of my aunt and uncle. Completely teasing, my uncle said he was going to get the belt. From that day forward, he became my “Uncle Doh Doh” and the incident was a point of jest between us.
I have also been categorized as a “Bowana” thanks to the creative antics of my uncle. During a spirited game of cards, Randy muttered “bwana” under his breath. “What?” everyone around the table responded quite puzzled. “Bowana,” he said more clearly and boldly. Looking up at me, he began to smirk as he knew he was on to something. “But I don’t wanna be a Bowana!” I declared looking right back at him. He laughed out loud because he found it amusing that I didn’t want to be a Bowana even though I didn’t even know what one was. I knew it couldn’t be anything good. Would you want to be a Bowana??? The evening was full of hilarity, and it was soon established, among other things, that a Bowana wore pantyhose but only on one leg with the other left dangling. It was this kind of mindless fun that made the best memories.
After Uncle Randy was diagnosed with ALS, I was able to visit him in Wisconsin twice before he died. Despite his obvious suffering, he was still Uncle Randy. His sense of humor and spirit were still there. I was in complete awe of my aunt who had become his 24/7 caregiver. That was no easy task. Randy felt everything but couldn’t do anything physically. If he itched, she had to scratch. Their dedication to each other during the most difficult of days is such a shining example of the meaning of true love. As any of us would, I’m sure they had their ups and downs, but at the end of each day, love prevailed.
At some point, most of us have a loved one given a devastating diagnosis, and we, or someone we love, is forced into the role of caregiver. My aunt wrote a very open and honest book about her family’s journey navigating the difficult path of ALS. Heading Home is truly a labor of love in honor of her husband, a lasting keepsake for her children and grandchildren, and a source of understanding and support for others suffering.
With the Super Hero Dash rapidly approaching, my aunt Susan has generously offered a FREE download of Heading Home to Tank Top and Tennis Shoe Girl readers! If you would like to download your complimentary copy, check out the Reading Nook section of the blog. The story is real. And just like life, Heading Home made me laugh out loud and brought me to tears.
Good luck to the Soles with Goals/Supersonic Studiers Runners!!! Have fun, and run fast!!! Coach Table Runner can’t wait to hear all about the run and is hoping for some great pictures! Until then, here’s a glimpse at past heroics:
Super Power: Ageless
Disclaimer: Captain Underpants is in no way affiliated with Soles with Goals or Supersonic Studiers.
Randy was loved by many. Center: Randy, Sue & Grandchildren
Super Hero Strategy
Deals of the Day:
FREE Heading Home by Susan Studier Download
In loving memory of her husband, Randy, Susan Studier has offered Tank Top and Tennis Shoe Girl readers the opportunity to download her book for FREE. Heading Home is an honest look at Randy’s battle with ALS and Susan’s newly found role as caregiver. This wasn’t the way they’d hoped to live out their golden years, but what a display of true love.
Fareway
New Crop Washington Braeburn Apples $.88/lb
Country Daybreak Large Eggs dozen 2/$1 (Oct 14 & 15)
Pumpkins $2.48 each (Oct 14 & 15)
Campbell’s Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup 10.75 oz $.48
Festival Foods
Dole Premium Bananas $.28/lb (with store coupon)
Local Assorted Squash $.48/lb
Locally Grown Green Cabbage $.38/lb
Fresh Pizza Dough 16 oz from bakery $.98 (with store coupon)
H-E-B
Texas Grapefruit 5 lb bag $1.98
H-E-B Texas Tough Double Zipper Sandwich Bags 100 ct $1.48 (with in-store coupon)
Buy Nestle Toll House Morsels 20-24 oz, Get Nestle Toll House Baking Cocoa 8 oz FREE with in-store coupon
Hy-Vee
Red or Golden Delicious Apples $.77/lb
C & H Pure Cane Sugar 4 lb bag $.98 (with Fuel Saver + Perks card)
Dole Crisp Celery $.49 (with Fuel Saver + Perks card)
Colgate Toothpaste, Toothbrush or Wisp $.59 (with Fuel Saver + Perks card)
Hy-Vee Tortilla Chips $.99 (It is football season!!!)
Sprouts Farmers Market
Gala Apples $.59/lb
Acorn, Butternut or Spaghetti Squash $.59/lb
Red Bell Peppers $.59 each
Carving Pumpkins 3 for $10
Oats (quick, rolled or steel cut) 2 lbs for $1
October 11, 1016
Soles with Goals: 251.9 miles reported!
Apples, Apples, Apples!!!
Giant Fuji apples restocked! Caramel Sauce made. Yum-o!
You can find my recipe for homemade Caramel Sauce on the Fall Favorites page of the main Recipes section.
Deal of the Day:
Gordy’s
Wisconsin Grown McIntosh or Cortland Apples $.68/lb
(Anyone ever tried a Cortland apple? I have never heard of that variety!)
October 9, 2016
Soles with Goals: 195.18 miles reported
Today was a beautiful fall day.
Deals of the Day:
7-Up, A&W, Canada Dry or Sunkist 2-liter bottle
Sale price at CVS $.99
Deal #1
Buy 1 $.99
$.30 off in-store instant coupon (-$.30)
=$.69
Deal #2
Buy 2 $1.98
$.30 off in-store instant coupon (-$.30)
Save $1.00 on two 7-Up, A&W, etc. 2-liter bottles coupon previously on coupons.com (-$1.00)
=$.68/2 or $.34 each
*Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location.
Tide Simply Clean 40 oz
Sale price at CVS $2.94
$1.00 off manufacturer’s coupon in most coupon circulars (-$1.00)
=$1.94
*Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location.
Kmart Freebie Saturday
Oct 15: First 100 kids 12 and younger receive FREE Halloween stickers and pencils
October 8, 2016
Soles with Goals: 175.16 miles reported!
Here’s a special shout out to Anne & Hank! Hook ’em!
Deals of the Day:
Sam’s Club
Freeosk: FREE Dentastix Samples
Sonic
$.50 Corn Dogs Every Weekend in October (Fri-Sun, 5 pm-close)
October 7, 2016
Soles with Goals: 151.11 miles reported!
I cannot wait!!!
My lemon tree has produced its biggest and roundest lemons ever. I cannot wait for them to ripen!
Deals of the Day:
Kmart Freebie Saturday
Oct 8: FREE Play-Doh for kids 12 and under
Sam’s Club
Oct 8: FREE Health Screenings
October 5, 2016
Why is there a bear digging through my things?
As I was threading my ladder between the kitchen island and cabinets the other day, I was distracted by a big black bear digging in a box. This unexpected and comical sight made me chuckle. The humor was short lived as I soon rammed the ladder into the wall because I was looking at the bear instead of where I was going. Oh how I wish I could have taken that moment back! I guess it was time I learned the fine art of spackling. Fortunately it is a pretty simple process, and the wall is now spackled and awaiting paint.
Deals of the Day:
ibotta
Bread Any Brand $.25 Rebate
One Gallon White Milk Any Brand $.25 Rebate
Breakfast Cereal Any Brand 12 oz or larger $.25 Rebate
Onions Any Brand $.25 Rebate
Potatoes Any Brand $.25 Rebate
Fareway
Fareway All Purpose Flour 5 lb bag $.99
Washington Extra Fancy Red or Golden Delicious Apples $.59/lb
Granny Smith Apples $.59/lb
Golden Ripe Fyffes Bananas $.39/lb
Yellow Onions $.48/lb
Fareway Beans 15-15.5 oz cans $.38
H-E-B
Gala or Fuji Apples $.77/lb (They are huge and delicious–especially the Fuji!)
Black Seedless Grapes $.77/lb
Sprouts Farmers Market
Whole Seedless Watermelons $2 each (Oct 7-9)
Old Tyme Thick-Sliced Hickory Smoked Bacon $2.99/lb (Oct 7-9)
October 4, 2016
My Life Up In Flames
Since my shredder broke, my brother doesn’t have one, and my dad was reluctant to let me borrow his (can’t imagine why…), I decided to burn my highly classified life documents in my brother’s fire pit. Everyone else was busy doing their own projects so I thought it was the perfect time for me to dispose of the papers without comments, judgments or too much help. Of course once there’s smoke wafting into the air, they just can’t stay away… Eventually Mom and I did come up with a system that worked efficiently and didn’t burn down my brother’s house. It took longer than I thought, but I was able to destroy my entire bag of papers. And as an added bonus, there were s’mores for all later that night.
Deals of the Day:
Mars Chocolate Fun Size
Sale price at CVS 3/$8
$2 off 3 Mars Chocolate Fun Size CVS Instant Coupon (-$2.00)
Save $2 on 3 Mars Halloween Bags manufacturer’s coupon from prior coupon circular (-$2.00)
=$4/3 or $1.33 each
*Price, promotion, and availability may vary by location. If you don’t have the coupon from a previous coupon circular, you can print a save $1 on 2 Mars Halloween coupon from coupons.com.
Oct 31: FREE Scary Face Pancake (ages 12 and under)
October 3, 2016
Soles with Goals: 53.13 miles reported!
A new month started Oct 2. It’s a beautiful time of year to be outside. Join the team today!
For some reason, I find it hysterical that it was my older brother who found his cat, Dexi, partying with three raccoons in the garage. Dexi’s guests came right through the cat door and enjoyed some easy eats. In an effort to thwart the plans of the unwanted visitors, my brother closed off the cat door. The determined raccoons head butted their way back through it. In response, my brother added a little reinforcement. So far, my brother is winning the battle.
As the crazy cat lady in my family, I have enjoyed watching my brother and nephew embark on cat adventures of their own. They chose the sole boy cat in the litter only to find out from the vet that Dexter was actually a she. Dexi was spoiled immediately, and the vet informed them they were feeding her too much. My brother’s cat is fat! LOL! At one visit, the vet tech said Dexi weighed 10 lbs and 16 oz. Now that’s girl math at its best!
Deals of the Day:
Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste FREE Sample
Click the above link to request your FREE sample. They will send you a confirmation email with a link that you will need to click to confirm your request. If you have already received a sample, you are ineligible. While supplies last.
Oct 3-9: Get one FREE coffee each day with your 7-Eleven App.
Oct 8: Pumpkin Carving Demonstration for adults featuring the Dremel Pumpkin Cordless Carving Kit. Kids can decorate a pumpkin with stickers. Must register. Not all stores are participating.
Coupons.com
$.50 off 1 Ivory Body Wash or 1 Bar Soap 3 ct or larger (typically cost about $.97!)
Save $1.00 on two 2-liter bottles of 7-Up, A&W, Canada Dry, Squirt, Sun Drop or Sunkist soda
Save $3.00 on 1 case of Ball or Kerr Glass Jars
Save $1.50 on Colgate Enamel Health, Sensitive or Optic White Toothpaste
Save $2.00 on any 1 Playtex Gentle Glide
October 1, 2016
Today was my neighborhood’s fall garage sale. I drove back from Dallas last night in horrible traffic just so I could set out a few items to try to give away for free. The broken shredder and boxes of hangers went right away. Eventually I saw one of my neighbors wheel away the electric mower. I kept looking out the front window hoping he didn’t bring it back to the curb! It has issues with the charger, but the mower itself is fine. No refunds or exchanges on these treasures! Unfortunately, no one wanted my old school television set. Overall, I’m pleased as these items are hard to dispose of and take up too much space.
Deals of the Day:
October 15: FREE Melissa & Doug Wooden Tractor Toy given to the 1st 300 customers at each store. Doors open at 6 am.
Sam’s Club
Freeosk: FREE Mars Fun Size Candy
Festival Foods
Whole White Mushrooms 8 oz pkg $.68 (with store coupon)
Festival Gallon Milk $1.48 (with store coupon)
Kemps Sour Cream 16 oz $.98 (with store coupon)
Gordy’s
Our Family Brown or Powdered Sugar 2 lb $.98 each
Our Family Flour 5 lb or Sugar 4 lb $1.48 each
Our Family Butter 1 lb quarters $1.98