Borders has released another 33% off Any item coupon, valid through 9/2.
While trying to use this today, we received a pleasant surprise – all Zhu Zhu Pet accessories, possibly the hamsters, are 50% off.
After having a lone hamster for a while, my daughter picked the $13 Woody Wagon, same at Amazon, so paid $7. The cashier was shocked since there was no discount sticker. I saved the 33% coupon for a latte 
I’d call your local store to make sure they carry Zhu Zhu Pet, and confirm the discount. But there’s a high chance, according to my Borders in Davis, that stores that do carry Zhu Zhu Pet will have the half off as well.
If you do find out about other stores, please leave a comment to let others know!
"Cosmetically challenged" heirloom tomato at $1.5/lb
The best way to save on produce, IMO, is to patronize the local farmers market (or grow your own ). I felt so thankful every time we visit the Sacramento Farmers Market. The hustle and bustle, sights and sounds really jazz me up. Flowers, children, old and young, everyone busy and happy. The best thing? Reasonably priced produce. No gimmicks, just simple, fresh produce.
Oh and cheap eggs, local honey, chatting with growers, and more.
Cute carnivorous plants
'Tis season for flowers
It is not to say that the prices at the farmers market are high (in fact they’re usually cheaper than the grocery stores), but there are still ways to save if you’re on a tight budget. I would not suggest haggling for prices, though, the farmers have worked hard enough and they deserved to be paid accordingly.
1. Look for Imperfections: E.g. these ohh-so-yummy (samples are handed out) cosmetically challenged organic heirloom tomato (with small bruises) are only $1.5/lb. I’d happily paid $3 (they’re REALLY expensive at the grocery store) but at $1.5 a pound it’s a steal.
2. Compare Prices and Qualities. Generally you’d expect to pay more for organic produce, but there are exceptions, you just have to look around the market. What I like about the Sacramento Farmers Market is the healthy competition. There is a price point for every product (organic vs. non-organic, cosmetically challenged vs. good looks, sweet vs. tart) and everyone with all kinds of budget can find what they need.
3. Get there Early or Late. Early for the best selection of discounted “cosmetically challenged” produce, late for closing price slash.
Appreciate the farmers and vendors. It is because of them that we have such bounty of produce. So thank them and patronize them!
Explorit’s Astronomy Club is hosting a Perseid Meteor Showers party Thursday, August 12, 8 PM, Fairfield Elementary (26960 County Road 96, Davis).
The event is FREE and open to anyone interested in astronomy. Click HERE for the newsletter announcement.
Adding to the show will be viewings of Venus, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter. The Perseids should be spectacular this year, as there are ideal viewing conditions with the thin crescent moon setting around 9:30p.m.
To my dear readers: You might have noticed the less frequent postings from this blog. There have been major changes in our family recently, unfortunately the new demands have taken a toll on the blog postings. I appreciate your support all along, and would strive to keep the blog in operation. Thanks!
This is the week of Free Museum Weekend again! Each Bank of America card holder will get free admission to many museums, 8/7 Saturday and 8/8 Sunday. These are the free museums in our area:
In addition, check out
JCPenney is offering a $10 off $10 coupon code 
TEN2YOU. Shipping is free on all shoes (though I’ve read that some flip flops don’t apply).
Tip: If you’re buying shoes for $9.99, call in and order, and there’ll be an option to donate $1 or more to an afterschool program to hit the $10 = super cheap shoes!
Get this Sketchers Dora Shoes for only $7.99 (originally $30.99), that’s 77% off!
Go through ebates and get 6% cash back, sign up bonus. Thanks, slickdeals!
There are many new Dora The Explorer Target printable coupons up, including $5 off Dora Computer Games, and $3 off Dora DVD (under “Electronics”)
It’s been reported that some Dora DVD are $5, so get those for $2 after coupons. Though Target.com still list the cheapest at $9.69, I think $6.69 is still a great price!
This is the start of the new rebate month (August) at Rite Aid, week of 8/1, with many new Rite Aid Video Values store coupon. All SCR limit 1 unless noted. Get the Rite Aid Wellness Card for all +UP rewards!
Use this Rite Aid $5/$25 (Set radius to 50 miles) or this $5/$20 coupon (watch enough videos)
I want to highlight the awesome Pampers Diapers and Wipes deal with coupons from this Sunday’s 8/1 Procter & Gamble (PG) coupon insert.
Pampers Jumbo pk Diapers, Easy Ups $8.99, get $2 +UP Reward AND $2 SCR
Pampers Wipes B1G1 50% off
-Various Pampers Coupons PG 8/1
Best deal: Buy (1) Diaper, (1) Wipes
-$1.5/1 Pampers PG 8/1 use with
-Free Pampers Wipes 72 ct wyb diapers PG 8/1
Total = $3.48 for both
Tip: Make use of these other deals, reach $20, use the $5/$20 to score even cheaper diapers and wipes!
LA Looks Gel $1.99, get $0.99 SCR
-$1/1 L.A. Looks printable
Total = free
Buy (2) Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers for $5, get $1 +UP Reward
-Free Herbal Essence/Aussie Styler wyb HE or Aussie PG 8/1
Total = $0.75 ea wyb 2
Crest Pro Health Rinse 1L $5, get $10 SCR wyb (4)
-$2/1 Crest Mouthwash PG 8/1
Best deal: Buy (4), use (4) $2/1
Get $10 SCR = $2 for (4)
