Great Offer: Bath and Body Coupon August 28-30

Here's a Bath and Body Work Coupon for Free Lip Item with any purchase. It's only good for this weekend, and can only be used in the stores.

Happy Friday...pamper yourself this weekend!

Travel Tip: 3 Days in San Diego

Sightseeing in San Diego (A Sample 3-day itinerary)

San Diego is one of my favorite place to visit. It is a beautiful city, and there is a ton to do there! While I was in college, it seems I made a lot of friends that were from S. California, and it was always fun to go visit. Whether I was trying to learn to surf, eating fish tacos and carne asada burritos, or chillin' in Sea Port Village, or hanging out at a bomb fire on the beach, I always had a blast.

If you only have 3 days to spend in San Diego, I recommend you do the following:

Day 1

Start off at the San Diego Zoo. To be honest, I couldn't decide whether to recommend the Zoo or Sea World. But then I figured, if it was good enough to be on top of Ross' list for his monkey, Marcel, then it was worth the visit (and yes, I'm a Friends fanatic!). Be prepared to walk, be prepared for hills, but also be prepared to be amazed and awed by both the animals and the
plants. This zoo is one of the largest zoo's in the country. Make sure you check out the Panda exhibit--one of the Panda's just had cubs. When I was there a few years ago, the Panda cubs were the highlight of my trip.


Grab a beverage at the "Top of the Hyatt" at sunset. The Top of the Hyatt, gives you one of the best views of the city. On one side, you can look across the Bay to Coronado Island, and on the other, you can see the city and Petco Park.

After checking out the view, walk over and spend the evening at Sea Port Village. Grab some dinner, ride the carousel, and browse through the shops. Sea Port Village is a great place to people watch.

Day 2
Spend the day at a leisurely pace. Head up to see the La Jolla Sea Caves. While you are there, sign up for a Sea Kayak tour or snorkel in the cove, if you would like. Shop in some of the boutique shops, and grab a bite to eat.

When you are ready, drive back down to San Diego the scenic way--mosey along Pacific Coast Highway 1. Stop at every beach along the way. Grab a carne asada burrito or a fish taco at a little taco stand for dinner.

Day 3
In the morning, hang out at Balboa Park. You can find anything and everything to do here...museums, golf and tennis, hiking and biking trails, and of course, the zoo. Catch a tour or stop by the Visitor Center for help planning your day.

In the afternoon, tour the USS Midway. Be amazed by this enormous air craft carrier. If you are still up to touring ships, treks a few yards down the sidewalk to the Maritime Museum. Check out some of the historic ships that are open for tours.

For dinner, grab some seafood at Anthony's Fish Grotto. This place is so good, my mouth waters just thinking about it.

Have you got a favorite thing to do or favorite place to eat while in San Diego? Leave a comment with your best San Diego Travel Tip.

Great Offer: 25% Off Oshkosh Coupon for August

Oshkosh has another coupon out for August 27-September 2. Save 25% on purchases of $50 or more. Their Back-to-School sale is still going on, so brace yourself for deep savings!

Chit Chat: A Humbling History Lesson

The other day, I was driving to work and the radio station's "Patriotic Moment" came on the air. A prerecorded voice read the Pledge of Allegiance...

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[Insert sound of screeching breaks] Wait a minute, where's the "under God?" He just left out the "under God!" Did I hear that right? When did they change the pledge? This isn't the pledge I learned in school! How could I not know that the pledge was changed? " This rendition of the pledge really ruffled my feathers. (Note to self: Stop trying to get by glimpsing at the Yahoo headlines, watch the news more!)

Breathe...listen...learn. The person reading the pledge, went on to say that in his life time the words "under God" were added to the pledge and Alaska and Hawaii became states. Wouldn't it be ashame if the students quit learning the pledge because of these two words, he asked.

Still not convinced that the words "under God" weren't always in the pledge, I brought it up with my "lunch bunch" at work. Our conversation went something like this?

Girl 1: "What radio station were you listening to?"

Me: "Some country one...I don't know which one!"

Girl 2: "Oh, I bet it was "xyz!" They do that every morning. It is some Senator talking! He probably knows what he is talking about...I doubt he'd make that up."

Girl 1: "When did Alaska and Hawaii become states?"

Girl 2: "I don't know, how's your pasta?"

Girl 1: "Great, it comes with its own strainer on the container."

They clearly weren't as distressed over this as I was. And went home thinking that voice on the radio was smoking crack. So this morning, I did a bit of research. My findings:

• the words, "under God" were added to the pledge in 1954.
• Eisenhower was president at the time and signed the bill to change the pledge.
  
• The man to first initiate the addition of "under God" to the Pledge was Louis A. Bowman (1872-1959).

Why, oh why, did I never learn this in school? Clearly, I must have been distracted the day this was taught. I apologize to the voice on the radio.

Oh, and by the way, if you were wondering...Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959.

Great Offer: Bath and Body Works

Any Bath & Body Works Fans out there? They have a coupon out there for FREE Home Fragrance or Signature Collection Body Care item with any $15 purchase. This offer is only good through September 13.

To shop online, use the promo code is 1039.
To use in stores, print the coupon to the left.

Great Offer: Carter's August 20% Coupon + $10 Diaper Bag Offer

Carter's just released another great offer...20% off from August 26 through September 2. Plus, if you spend more than $50, you can get a diaper bag for only $10.

Rave Reviews: Velveeta Shells & Cheese Cups

As I mentioned in a post a few days ago, I am part of the Kraft First Taste Club. As I member, Kraft sends me coupons to try new products for FREE, and then I give them my feedback on the survey.

My offer for this month was Velveeta Shells & Cheese cups. I was excited about this...since as a full-time, work outside-the-home mom, I am always looking for fast and easy meals for my on-the-go family.

I decided to try and make this a meal. I heated and added frozen carrots, peas, and green beans, and chicken nuggets (all heated in the microwave).

The results...the shells and cheese were delicious (I couldn't even tell they were a fast and convenient version of the box)! The were super easy and fast to cook, and the best part...minimal clean up! The chicken gave extra protein, and the veggies ensured Baby Boy got his daily dose of healthy.

Will I buy again? For me and hubby...definitely yes! For Baby Boy...not for a while. Have you ever heard of a kid that doesn't like mac and cheese or Velveeta shells and cheese? This child is a picky eater and picked the chicken and beans out, then threw everything else on the floor for the dog! (Lucky dog!)

Tasty Treat: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

Super easy...super fast prep, and oh, what a treat! One of the girls I work with gave me this recipe a few years back, and I made some modifications. Heat up some of your favorite veggies and a side of fries, and you've got comfort food! Enjoy!

Easy Slow Cooker French Dip

PREP TIME 10 Min
COOK TIME 7 Hrs
READY IN 7 Hrs 10 Min

Servings 8

INGREDIENTS

* 4 pounds rump roast
* 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
* 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
* 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
* 9 slices of either Mozzarella or Provolone cheese (optional)
* 6 French rolls
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 packet of Lipton French Onion Soup Mix (optional)
* 1 container of sour cream (optional)


DIRECTIONS

1. Trim excess fat from the rump roast, and place in a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, onion soup and beer. Cook on Low setting for 7 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Split French rolls, and spread with butter. Bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.
4. While rolls are heating, mix the Onion Soup mix with the sour cream.
5. Slice the meat on the diagonal, and place on the rolls. Put a slice of cheese and some Onion soup mixture on the roll. Serve the sauce for dipping.