Do you ever look at something and have it trigger a memory?

That happened today as I was looking at the Walmart ad.  I saw a variety pack of Good Humor ice cream (24 pack/$9.98), and for some reason it reminded me of those hot summer days growing up on Chicago's west side, and my sisters and I waiting to hear the clanging bells of our neighborhood Good Humor man, Jose, driving his truck down our street every afternoon.

Jose was a really nice guy who would remember our names year after year.  He would even let Wally, who lived down the street, hop on his truck and ride with him to the end of the block.

There were times when my sisters and I would have to pool our coins in order to buy a refreshing treat.  We always got the same thing.  Two of us would get the strawberry shortcake, and my one sister always got the chocolate eclair bar.  By the end of the week, when our funds were running low, the three of us would have to share a banana flavored popsicle because it was the only item we could afford.

Summer after summer Jose, a young man, would return to our neighborhood selling those Good Humor treats.  And each summer my sisters and I would scramble to collect our change.  And then, one summer,Jose noticed my older sister, who had hit her teen years rather attractively.  Suddenly, Jose would give us a pretty handsome discount on those delicious Good Humor ice cream bars.  Those summers in the neighborhood were awesome!

I know it won't be the same as buying from Jose, the ice cream man, but I may just have to pick up a box of those Good Humor ice cream treats.

We've found ourselves grabbing a sandwich on the run more than we would like to lately ... I've been sick, we've found ourselves with less time between kid activities than we had planned, the list goes on. It's lack of planning, but it's reality right now. I'm not a fan of fast food and when we find ourselves in that situation we try to stick with sandwiches from places like Jimmy John's, Subway, Goodcents or Quiznos.

Free always helps whether you are trying to feed yourself or a family of five. Here is a printable coupon for a free small sub at Quiznos with the purchase of another sub and a drink.

These coupons go quickly so don't wait to print one off if you're interested.

At our house we don't let the kids drink soda, they don't get other crazy flavored drinks unless it is a special occasion so they are left with juice. Unfortunately for them, they get that watered down and only twice a day. The rest of the time its good ol' water.

Three kids and two adults still go through a lot of juice so I jump on a good sale I jump on it and stock up. When I see FREE juice...well that's even better!

In this week's CVS flyer you will see all kinds of great sales, but in my opinion this is the best one:

B1G1 Free Ocean Spray 64oz. Juice Drink

Combine that with this printable: Free Ocean Spray Cherry Juice Drink when you buy One Cranberry Ocean Spray Juice Drink

and you've got two free 64oz. bottles of juice.

These printables go very quickly, if you aren't able to get the coupon you can still get the BOGO deal at CVS ... not a bad deal!

Happy Shopping!

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer.  There is no more proof needed than to see what's in this week's Journal-World ads.

You can outfit your family for the summer at Target.  $5 tshirts and shorts for boys and girls are available this week.  Also check out the kids swimwear starting at $9 for toddlers.  And don't forget about shoes; kids sandals are 15% off.  Toddler Crocs are $10.

Women's and men's swimwear is also on sale.  Graphic tees for men are $9 and Mossimo men's shorts are $17.

Also, for Memorial Day, World Market has outdoor furniture up to 20% off. Plus use the 10% off your purchase coupon included in Sunday's ad.

Not a bad start to summer at all.

I sat down with the ads this week and decided I couldn't write about shopping today.  After all, it is Mother's Day.

Instead today, I find myself grateful and thankful for the wonderful husband and sons I share my life with.

We have certainly had our share of fun and struggles, but at the end of the day, we still come together as a family.   I can only hope that my boys know how completely and unconditionally I love them.  And their gift to me on this day, is how proud they make me everyday.

I was very fortunate as a child, to grow up knowing I had the support of my family.  Even though we live states away from our extended family, I have tried to give my kids that same sense of support.  

So today, I would like to wish all moms a very happy Mother's Day.  And to my mom, a very big thank you for all her love and support.

We just returned from Florida and our adventure to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World Resorts. It was a great conference with great speakers and an incredible experience for the entire family.

After driving 20 hours both ways and spending a little more than a week in the Orlando area, I learned that our allergies follow us everywhere.

Without a very cold winter allergies have hit SuperBoy in particular very hard this year. We have some prescription strength medication that he takes but occasionally we need a more fast acting solution so we keep stocked on OTC allergy medications as well.

This week is a bonus: Free Children's Allegra at CVS!

Buy 1 Children's Allegra 12 hr or Liquid Medicine at $9.99 Get $4.99 ECB (Limit of 1) Use the $5/1 Allegra coupon from today's Smart Source Insert Final Price= Free after coupons and ECB

You can use the $4.99 ECB on a variety of other deals in the store in the same trip as long as you perform a separate transaction.

You will need a CVS Extra Care Card for this deal to work. If you do not have one you can sign up for it in the store when you go to make your purchase. Information on the Extra Care Program and its benefits can be found on the CVS website HERE.

If you are new to shopping at CVS or have questions about their coupon policy you can view their Coupon Policy or visit their FAQ page online.

I need a new vacuum cleaner.  My current machine does not turn off unless you unplug it.  For the last year or so, the brush roll seems to have a mind of its own.  The unit, a Eureka upright, is about 6 years old.  I guess it's time to put it to rest.

For years, I worked for Eureka Vacuums, so I have always felt loyalty toward this company.  But now with so many different options, and since I've been away from the industry for many years, I feel like I'm at a crossroads as to what brand and type of cleaner to purchase.

Everyone I know that owns a Dyson, loves it.  I've heard people say they didn't realize how bad their previous cleaner was until they used a Dyson.

I notice this week Target has the Shark brand advertised (receive a $20 gift card with purchase).  I don't know much about this brand.

Walmart has Bissell advertised.  And I know Costco has a pretty good selection of Dysons.

If any of you have any recommendations about which cleaner brand and type I should consider, your comments would be appreciated.

I noticed that since I've found Pinterest, I am drawn to thrift stores.  I was known to check out the Goodwill store, after all I found my son's solid wood desk there for $25 several years ago.  I also find myself looking for thrift stores when I'm out and about.

The difference now, is that I look at items in a different way.  Pinterest has definitely reignited my interest in crafting.  I will admit that I use Pinterest to get ideas.  But that's ok, because those ideas inspire me to try different things.

Last week I found  2 wooden candlesticks for 49 cents each and a wonderful wooden frame for $2.99.  The candlesticks will get a coat of spray paint and the frame will probably stay as is with the addition of a monogram, and I'm thinking of hanging it on my front door instead of a wreath.

My sister, on the other hand, has been inspired to bake cupcakes.  She has always loved to bake, whether it was bread, cookies, cakes, etc.  but since Pinterest, she has just taken her talent to a new level.  She recently did all the baking for her son and future daughter-in-law's bridal shower. 

How has Pinterst inspired you?

I have often said that it is a good idea to know the coupon policies of the stores you shop at. I even suggest that you point them out and carry them with you in your shopping supplies.

Often the employees aren't aware of the actual store policy. If you are an avid coupon user putting together a complex deal, sometimes the store employees don't know that you can, for example, match store coupons with manufacturer's coupons on the same item.

It is also good to pay attention to when stores change their policies. Recently Dillons changed their coupon policy to restrict the number of like coupons you can use in one transaction. Previously you could buy 10 of the same item and use 10 coupons for those items. Under the new policy you may still buy as many of the item as you would like but you may only use 5 coupons on those particular items.

If you are unclear about a store's coupon policy, you should talk to a manager or call their corporate headquarters. You can find the contact information on most store websites or at the in store customer service counter.

Whatever you do, remember that the employees at the store are just that, employees. They are doing their jobs and they deserve your respect. You are not entitled to your coupon use and being mean, threatening or demanding will not get you your way and it gives all coupon users a bad reputation.

Be courteous and informed and remember that ultimately, the store can decide how they want to accept your coupons.

I love when spring finally hits.  We are past all the cold weather and it hasn't yet gotten unbearably hot.  

But this spring I am loving all the color we are seeing in fashion.  One look at this week's Target ad shows exactly what I am talking about.

If you are looking to incorporate all that color without spending all that money, the $18 dresses and cardigans may be a great way to start.  I also think the $24 wedge sandals help complete the look.

If you don't want to make a big splash with your bright colors, the $8 bracelets and $10 watches help you bring that flavor in a more subtle manner.

There are a few other deals to bring to your attention.  The ClosetMaid organizers are great.  The item I am looking at in particular is the 3-cube bench.  It is on sale for $49.99 (regular price $59.99), and it includes the seat cushion.  The 9-cube organizer is on sale for $39.99 (regular price $51.99).  

I will also be checking out the $10 decorative pillows.  Another way to bring in color to your spring decor.  And the $4 bath towels.  The colors look fabulous.

Let's enjoy spring while it's here by bringing in some hot color.  Don't be afraid to incorporate these looks into your wardrobe or your home.