For as long as I can remember, St Patrick's Day has been a sweet, special family celebration day in my home.

  My dear Dad was born and raised in Ireland, and came to America in the 1950's.  He loved America, but Ireland was always in his heart.  St. Patrick's Day was "the day" that our family really enjoyed sharing our Irish heritage in America.

So tomorrow, as in years before, my family will prepare and enjoy corned beef and cabbage cooked in a Dutch oven with potatoes and carrots (an Irish-American tradition), Irish soda bread and butter, sugar cookies with green sprinkles, and lots of hot tea with milk.

  We will also listen to Irish music, reminisce about our dear Dad/Grandad who passed away many years ago, share the story of St. Patrick, pray, and of course, wear our green proudly.  It will be a lovely day!

May you also be very blessed this St. Patrick's Day!

Kim

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Hello Friends,

The month of February really flew by here at Forget-Me-Not Cottage.  A lot was accomplished, but nothing too terribly exciting to blog about.

But, I do want to share a lovely free online magazine with all of you, if you haven't seen it already.  It is Rhythm of the Home - lots of lovely, creative ideas and articles by some very sweet ladies.  I've just taken up knitting again after many years, so I'm going to try to make the cute little knitted bunny posted in this month's issue.

I think Spring is just about here in my neck of the woods.  Yay for Spring!!

Wishing you warm and beautiful Spring days,

Kim

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Get a free sample of the new South Beach Living Fiber Fit S’Mores Bar.

To get your sample, make sure you check off “Yes, I would be willing to provide feedback” and enter your email address

Your free sample (and possibly coupons?) will arrive in 4 to 6 weeks.

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Here is what I found to be the best deals at CVS this

 week.

Here is what I found to be the best deals at CVS this week. Visit CVS online to view the Weekly Sales Ad.

To Save even more:

• Scan your card at the red machine when you enter the store.
• Bring your Green Bag Tag to earn ECB’s.
• Print your $5/$30 CVS coupon

Advil Bonus Size, $8.99
Earn: $1.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: $1/1 Advil PM (16ct+) (RP 1/31/10)
$2/1 Advil product (40ct+) (RP 1/31/10
$1/1 Advil product
$2/1 Advil PM
$2/1 Advil PM
Final Price: $5.99

BONUS: There is a $5.00 Advil Rebate that was printed in the 1/10/10 newspaper (this was not available in all areas). If you were fortunate enough to receive the rebate your Final Price would be just $0.99.

Almay Intense i-Color, $5.99
Earn: $2.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: $2/1 Almay Cosmetic Product (SS 2/07/10)
Final Price: $1.99

Almay Smart Shade or Smart Balance Foundation, $9.99
Earn: $5.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: $2/1 Almay Cosmetic Product (SS 2/07/10)
Final Price: $2.99

Clean & Clear Products, psa $4.99
Earn: $5.00 ECB wyb $15.00 worth (Limit 1)
Use: $2/1 Clean & Clear Product
$5/1 Clean & Clear Eraser

Suggested Deal:
Buy: (3) Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser Oil-Free (8 oz) @ $5.49 each
          Total = $16.47
Use: (3) $2/1 Clean & Clear Product= (-$6.00)
Earn: $5.00 ECB wyb $15.00 worth
          Total = (-$5.00)
Final Price: $1.82 eachCoke (2-liter), 3/$4
Earn: $1.00 ECB wyb 3 (Limit 1)
Use: (3) $1/1 Coca Cola product (Recycle Bank)
Final Price: FREE

Colgate 360, Maxfresh, Plus, Waves or Kids Toothbrush, psa $1.99
Earn: $5.00 ECB wyb $10.00 worth (Limit 1)
Use: $1/1 Colgate 360 Actiflex Toothbrush (All You, Feb ’10)
$1/1 Colgate 360 ActiFlex Toothbrush
$0.75/1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush (SS 2/21/10)

Suggested Deal:
Buy: (2) Colgate 360 Actifles Toothbrushes @ $4.49 each
(1) Colgate Plus Toothbrush @ $1.99
          Total = $10.97
Use: (2) $1/1 Colgate 360 Actiflex Toothbrush
          Total = (-$2.00)

Earn: $5.00 ECB wyb $10.00 worth
          Total = (-$5.00)
Final Price: $1.32 eachColgate Max Fresh Toothpaste (4.6-6 oz) or 2-in-1 Kids (4.6 oz), $2.99
Earn: $2.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: $1/1 Colgate Max Fresh or White Toothpaste (ALL YOU, Jan ‘10)
$0.75/1 Select Colgate Toothpastes (SS 02/21/10)
$0.75/1 Colgate MaxWhite Toothpaste
Final Price: as low as FREE

Dr. Pepper, 7Up, Canada Dry, A&W or Sunkist (12 pk), 4/$13
Earn: $3.00 ECB wyb 4 (Limit 1)
Final Price: $2.50 each

EARinse Ear Cleaning Spray (1 oz), $7.99
Earn: $7.99 ECB (Limit 1)
Final Price: FREE

John Frieda Collection Hair Care, $6.99
Earn: $5.00 ECB wyb $10.00 worth (Limit 1)
Final Price: $4.49 each

L’Oreal Skin Care products
~L’Oreal Skin Genesis, Advanced Revitalift, Collagen Filler or Age Perfect Pro-Calcium, $14.00
~L’Oreal Go 360 Clean, $6.00
Earn: $5.00 ECB wyb $20.00 worth (Limit 1)
Use: $2/1 L’Oreal Cleanser, Moisturizer or Treatment (RP 1/03/10)
$1/1 L’Oreal Skincare Product (RP 1/24, 1/31, 2/21)
3/2 L’Oreal Skincare Products (RP 1/24)

Suggested Deal:
Buy: (4) L’Oreal Go 360 Cleanser @ $6.00
          Total = $24.00
Use: (4) $2/1 L’Oreal Cleanser, Moisturizer or Treatment (RP 1/03/10)
          Total Due = (-$8.00)
Earn: $5.00 ECB wyb $20.00 worth
          Total = (-$5.00)
Final Price: $2.75 each

Mennen Speed Stick Stainguard Deodorant, $2.99
Earn: $2.00 ECB (Limit 2)
Use: $1/1 Select Speed Stick Items (Reinventing Beauty Nov '09)
Final Price: FREE

Olay Pro-X Skincare, $47.00
Earn: $5.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: FREE Secret Deodorant wyb Olay Pro-X Skincare (PG 2/7/10)
FREE Olay Quench Lotion wyb Olay Pro-X Skincare (PG 2/7/10)FREE Venus Embrace Razor wyb Olay Pro-X Facial Moisturizer or Cleanser (PG 2/21/10)
FREE Secret Clinical Advanced wyb Olay Pro-X Facial Moisturizer or Cleanser (PG 2/21/10)

Suggested Deal:
Buy: (1) Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream @ $47.00
(1) Venus Embrace Razor @ $10.39
          Total = $57.39
Use: FREE Venus Embrace Razor wyb Olay Pro-X Facial Moisturizer or Cleanser (PG 2/21/10)
          Total = (-$10.39)
Earn: $5.00 ECB
          Total = (-$5.00)
Final Price: $42.00 for both

BONUS: Eligible for the P&G $100 Coupon Booklet.Olay Regenerist or Definity Facial Cream, Treatment 1.7oz, Eye Derma-pod 24 ct, Intervention, Contouring, Dermabrasion Kit or Definity Facial Care
Earn: $12.00 ECB wyb 2 (Limit 1)
Use: $3/1 Olay Regenerist or Definity Moisturizer or Cleanser (PG 1/17/10)
FREE Olay Body Wash wyb any Olay Regenerist Facial Moisturizer (PG 2/7/10)
FREE Olay Body Lotion wyb any Olay Regenerist Facial Moisturizer (PG 2/7/10)

Suggested Deal:
Buy: (2) Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Treatments @ $20.99
(1) Olay Body Wash @ $6.49
(1) Olay Body Lotion @ $6.49
          Total = $54.96
Use: (2) $3/1 Olay Regenerist Moisturizer or Cleanser (PG 1/17/10)
(1) FREE Olay Body Wash (PG 2/7/10)
(1) FREE Olay Lotion (PG 2/7/10)
          Total = (-$18.98)
Earn: $12.00 ECB wyb 2
          Total = (-$12.00)
Final Price: $6.00 each

BONUS: Submit for $15 Mail in Rebate wyb (3) Olay products. Your Final Price per item will be just $2.25.Baby Dry or Cruisers Diapers (48-96 ct), $22.99
Earn: $3.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: $1.50/1 Pampers Diapers (PG 2/07/10)
Final Price: $18.49

Physicians Formula Bamboo Wear Powder or Bronzer Refill, $9.99
Earn: $5.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Final Price: $4.99

Revlon Photo Ready Makeup or Powder, $12.00
Color Burst Lipstick, $7.00
Earn: $7.00 ECB both (Limit 1)
Use: $1/1 Revlon Color Cosmetics (SS 1/17/10) (x 2/21)
$2/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic (SS 2/21)

Suggested Deal:
Buy: (1) Revlon Powder @ $12.00
(1) Color Burst Lipstick @ $7.00
          Total = $19.00
Use: (2) $2/1 Revlon Cosmetic coupon
          Total = (-$4.00)
Earn: $7.00 ECB
          Total = (-$7.00)

Final Price: $4.00 eachTide Ultra 2X or Gain (48-64 load), $10.99
Earn: $2.00 ECB (Limit 2)

Suggested Deal:
Buy: (1) Tide 2X Ultra @ $10.99
(1) Tide Stain Release @ $4.49
          Total = $15.48
Use: $0.35/1 Tide Laundry Detergent (PG 1/17/10 or 2/7/10)
FREE Tide Stain Release wyb Tide Detergent (PG 2/7/10)
          Total = (-$4.84)
Earn: $2.00 ECB
          Total = (-$2.00)
Final Price: $4.32 each

BONUS: Eligible for the P&G $100 Coupon Booklet.

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There’s a new $15 Oil of Olay mail in rebate available when you buy three Olay Facial Moisturizers, Facial Treatments, Facial Cleansers, Hand & Body Lotions, Body Washes, or 6+ Bar Soap Packs.  You must purchase them between 2/12/10 – 3/12/10.

Rite aid has a great rebate going on right now, details below..

Olay Skin & Bath Care, $6
$1/1 Olay Body Wash Bar or In-Shower Lotion, exp. 2-28 (P&G 1/17/10)
$1/1 Select Olay Products, exp. 3-31-10 (RP 2/14/10)
Buy 3, pay $15 out-of pocket and submit for the $15 Olay rebate
Final Cost:  3 FREE wyb 3, use 3 coupons and submit the rebate!te must be postmarked by 3/26/10.

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Free 5 lb Green Giant Potatoes WYB 2 Bags

**HOT POTATO**  Buy Two 5 lb. Green Giant bags of Potatoes and receive one 5 lb. bag FREE!

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I found the article below very interesting.  I know many of us love to re-sell our childrens used clothing.  So maybe some of you may find something new in the article below.

 

8 Tips to Make Money from Consignment Sales

Photo credit: ehow.com

Consignment Sale season is coming! WOOHOO! I never thought I'd be excited to go to a consignment sale- but you know what? They rock! Spend literally pennies on the dollar for gently used stuff that the kids are going to outgrow soon anyway! They can also be great places to earn a few extra bucks. Whether you're thinking about selling at sales or stores, below are some good tips!

By Kate Forgach, writer for Go Frugal

While you appreciate the thought, some family

members just don't understand your clothing taste,

 much less your present size. (Naming no names, bu

t Aunt Agatha is such a dear.)

All too often, we tend to stuff such gifts into the back

of a closet or drop them off at a charity. Maybe this is

 the year to turn those clothes, and other unused

 clothes in your closet, into hard cash, and

 consignment shops are a great place to do so.

 Consignment stores sell your clothes and typically

 return 40 to 50 percent of the sale price to you at the

 end of a set time period, usually two to three months.

 If clothes don’t sell, shops will either return the

 items to you or donate them to charity. Usually, you

 are given a choice.

If you've avoided these resell shops because you

 don't understand how they operate -- or how to

 choose the right one for your needs -- we've got eight

 tips to help lead you through the process.

1. Call ahead: Start by surveying consignment shops

 in your area by phone. Do they want particular sizes

 and styles of clothes? Do they specialize men's,

 women's or children's items? Ask if they're selling for

 winter only or are already taking consignments for

 spring and summer. What percentage of each sale do

 they keep and do they charge a fee on top of that? Do

 they provide their terms in writing? Do they

 computerize their records? How long have they been

 in business? Consignment stores tend to come and

go, so select a shop that has been in business for at

 least two years.

2. What percentage will you receive: Beware of

 shops that don't detail the percentage you'll receive

 of each sale.

3. Location: You want a store in a high-traffic area,

 not one tucked away in an unvisited strip mall.

4. Check it out in person: Take time to look

 around the store before consigning. Is the

 merchandise in good condition? Is it attractively

 displayed or are racks overstuffed? What prices do

 they charge? Do they sell clothes similar to those you

 plan on consigning.

5. Stick to one shop: It's easy to get confused if you

 have placed items at several different stores. Dealing

 with one store also helps you build a relationship

with the staff, which could mean they'll be more

 likely to accept the majority of your future

 consignments.

6. What to consign: Go through your closets and

 the closets of other family members. Only select

 clothing that is clean, in good shape and still in s

tyle. Replace buttons and repair any tears, if

 necessary. Don't forget accessories as they sell well.

 This includes jewelry, handbags, scarves and hats in

 good condition. Designer and vintage wear are

particularly popular. All clothes should be delivered

 to the store on hangers.

7. Review consignments with the owner: Bring

 your consignment items in at a time when the owner

 can go over them with you. You want to avoid being

 told at a later date that an item had a tear or stains.

 Know your clothing.

8. Get a receipt: The consignment store should

 provide you with a detailed listing of each item

 you're consigning, along with the time periods at

 which your items will be reduced in price. Most

stores reduce a percentage of the price after 30 days

 and again at 90 days. Many will donate unsold

 clothing to charities after 90 days, unless you pick

 them up. You can receive a tax deduction if you bri

ng unsold items to charities yourself, so this is

 preferable.

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