Don't Forget To Collect Box Tops for Education!

Here's a reminder to collect Box Tops for Education!! Even if you don't have children in school, save them for neighbors and relatives. This year my children's school collected over $2000 worth of Box Tops! At $.10 each that's over 20,000 Box Tops! Not only was the amount earned a school record, but my son's class had the most collected for one class in school history! And for that, they earned a movie day in pj's. :)

Have a great Tuesday!

Super Cheap Firewood Near Wylie, Parker, Allen & Murphy Texas

Hey there local readers, anyone live close to Southfork Ranch and need firewood?

Condren Tree Service has a GREAT deal on firewood. It's $40 (plus tax) a pick-up load. You have to stack/load it yourself, so bring gloves. And, you can only fill up the bed, level to "the top". So, you might need to load neatly.....but it's only $40! Sure beats those $20/stack stands that are popping up all over town. We guess it's about a 1/2 cord of wood with a pick up full. You can still load up your SUV or car trunk if that's all you have.

Condren Tree Service is located on Parker Road in Allen (technically) and is about 1/2 mile west of Southfork Ranch, on the north side of the road. I like to think that's it's "eco-friendly" too. Since it's a tree service and all, they are selling the wood from trees they've trimmed or removed.

This was an edited repost from last year, but Condren's is selling firewood again! Yippee!! We picked up a load last week and have been enjoying fires ever since.

1 Year D Magazine Subscription For Only $10

Here's a "hot" holiday special for you fans of D Magazine. Get a 1 year subscription for only $10!!

D Magazine Special Offer

If anyone is shopping for me, I really like this magazine. Hint...hint. :)

Wylie Mom Is Featured On AmericanTowns Website

This was fun, easy and free! I ran across a cool web site called AmericanTowns. It's a "virtual town square, plugging you in to the information and resources related to your city, town and neighborhood". Also, each community can post it's own local events, news and announcements, press releases, take donations, create a web site and more. All while being visually appealing and remaining informative!

Since Wylie is kind of small, I'm the only blogger currently featured. Check me out on Wylie's AmericanTowns here. Just scroll down a bit....blogs are at the bottom.

I'd advice checking out AmericanTowns for your area, and if you have a blog, be sure to submit it to be featured!!

Family Fall Activites In Wylie, Texas - October 2009

Here's a few fun family activities that are coming up here in Wylie.

October 23rd, 2009 (this Friday) is the Dodd Elementary PTA Fall Carnival. It's from 6-9 pm and adults and kids 2 and under are FREE. Children 3 and over will need a wristband for face painting and to play games, but they are only $7 each OR $5 with 2 canned goods. There will also be "carnival" food, bounce houses, a dunking booth, a petting zoo, costume contests and a pie throw...awesome fall fun for the whole family. Be sure to check out the silent auctions in the library! And, there will also be a canned food drive. Dodd is located at 1500 Park Blvd. in Wylie.

**UPDATE** October 23rd and 24th, 2009 is the The Wylie Chamber of Commerce's 17th Annual Wylie Championship Rodeo has been CANCELED!!!!! Again, due to the rainy weather. It has been one wet fall in the DFW are, that's for sure!

October 29, 2009 is the annual Boo On Ballard . Yay, my favorite event!! This is a trick-or-treating event hosted by the Wylie Downtown Merchants Association. This is a FREE event, and perfect for the whole family. We've been for the past 4 or 5 years and always have a great time. There's also a costume contest, the fire department is usually there...good times!! It's from 6-8 and I'd advise getting there early, like right at 6. It gets crowded pretty quick but you'll score lots of candy, toothbrushes, pencils and magnets that are great for crafts!

Have anything for me to add? Send me an e-mail at wyliemom@live.com.

Things To Do With The Family Around Wylie Texas This Weekend

If you're a local reader and looking for something to do this weekend, here are a few ideas!

1. Murphy Maize Days starts tonight (September 25th), it's "good old-fashioned fun for the whole family". It's located at the Murphy Municipal Complex. Admission is FREE!

Friday 6-9pm
Saturday 10am-8:30pm (fireworks start at 8:15)

2. L!VE on the Green at Watters Creek in Allen - September 25th

Tonight, Don't Tell Mama is performing from 6:30-9pm. They play music from the "past 4 decades, including Funk and Soul, R&B, Motown, some One-Hit Wonders from the 60’s, Disco and Dance music from the 70’s, Party and Dance music from the 80’s, and a few surprises from the 90’s and newer, throw in a little Latin and a little Jazz and you’ve got the Horn Band that keeps you rockin".

Admission is FREE, and be sure to take a blanket! Follow Watters Creek on Twitter.

3. Museum Day - September 26th. FREE admission to many local (and national) museums. You'll need to print off a free ticket, so be sure to read the linked post.

4. The State Fair of Texas starts today, September 25th, and runs through October 18th.

Be sure to CLICK HERE for a huge list of 2009 fair discounts, thanks Pegasas News. For instance today, you'll get $4 admission with a full 20 oz. Coke.

Another state fair tip, eat lunch or dinner at home and splurge on the desserts, like the fried butter!! Fried butter.....are they serious? This, I have to see!

Have a great (and frugal) weekend!!

P.S. You also might like to read this post about an awesome preschool program in Murphy. Classes are held at the Murphy Municipal Complex, and it's Wylie Mom "frugal approved". :)

Wylie Texas Farmers Market Is Saturday September 19th

The last Wylie Farmer's Market for September is tomorrow, Saturday the 19th. There will be only two more for the season, next month in October.

It's from 8am until 1pm on the 100 block of S. Ballard, or click here for all the info.

Also, tomorrow in Wylie, it's the St. Anthony's Fall Fest. There will be food, games, and entertainment (like Calico Kids, Inc. Dance Studio). St. Anthony's is located on the corner of Ballard St. and Brown St. The 5K run starts at 8am, and the entertainment will begin about 9:45.

And just an FYI, the Wylie Chamber of Commerce Rodeo has been rescheduled (due to all the rain!!) for the October 23rd and 24th.

What are your weekend plans? I hope it's a great one!

The Home Depot's FREE Kids Workshop is Tomorrow (Saturday)

I love the Home Depot for many reasons. First of all it's super close to our house. But, that's not the only reason we shop there. They almost always have what we want in stock at a reasonable price, and we (almost) always receive terrific service. This is especially true when we take the kids to the Kids Workshop. They love going!! Here's the scoop:

"The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bug house or Declaration of Independence frame kit.The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment.

Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin."

Plus it's FREE, FREE, FREE! Tomorrow's project is a Bean Bag Toss. :)

They also have many more free workshops for adults such as Interior Painting, Tiling Floors & Walls, Insulation, and Fall Planting. If you sign up for the Home Improver Club you'll receive workshop schedules & registration via e-mail.

Plus they also have the Do-It-Herself workshops. This month's workshop is "Kitchen Updates". If you're interested, check out the link below.

Anyone planning on going to the Kids Workshop tomorrow in Wylie???? We are, see you there! :)

2009 Summer Reading Club In Wylie, Texas is Almost Over

During the summer, Texas public libraries participate in the Texas Summer Reading Club. This year's theme is Libraries: Deep In The Heart Of Texas! It's easy to join, just visit your library and sign up.

Here in Wylie, the last day to turn in your reading log is July 31st. But you still plenty of time to participate. Children from birth to 11 can sign up (there is also an adult reading club) and you only need to read 10 titles or 10 hours. This year we did the 10 hours, it took a bit longer but was more fun. We turned our logs in last week after story time and here's what each of my kids received:

- Official Reading Club Certificate

- One paperback book

- Prize (my kids each picked a cactus finger puppet)

- One FREE Texas Rangers ticket for July 19th game (additional tickets at a discount)

- Coupon for FREE cookie dough at Papa Murphy's (or 1/2 off a pizza)

- Coupon for FREE Men's or Boy's haircut at SportsClips

- Coupon for a FREE personal pizza at Napolis Pizza & Restaurant

- Coupon for FREE admission to Texas Skatium in Garland

Pretty awesome prizes, huh? Don't forget Story Time is today. :)

Wylie Mom's Weekly Recap - Week 23

Last week shaped up pretty good thanks to a nice eBay week. Since my stock piles are so full, I'm not as shopping much these days, so no drug store trips last week.

Savings - $148.28

- $43.54 at Target and $55.27 at Albertson's
- $20.00 cut hubby's hair at home
- $29.47 (my last 2 Bzz kits, Neutrogena and Off)

eBay Sales - $318.51

Misc. Income - $9.00 from Survey Spot (read my survey post here)

Weekly Impact - $475.79
Yearly Impact - $8,323.12

Now that I'm looking at the numbers.....it was a great week! Woot woot! If I "gross up" my weekly figure to account for gas, taxes, etc. (to pretend I worked outside of the home for this $$) I would have had to made $634.38 or $15.85 an hour at 40 hours a week. Not bad for staying home with my kiddos, is it?

My favorite item from last week is still pending, but in it's place I have my SUPER FAVORITE eBay item of all time to share! McDonald's Happy Meal toys. Yup, you read that right, Happy Meal toys! I list them straight to the store for $4.97, new in package. That means they are unopened/still in the sealed plastic. I've been selling a few every month for a while now, but this weekend, I sold 19 toys to one person!! That was almost $95!! I only have a few left, and sold another last night. Here's what I figure, after paying for the Happy Meal (prices vary per market and Happy Meal type), eBay fees and PayPal fees I break even (a few cents to no profit). But, I did feed my kids (and usually myself) and let them play with some kiddos. So, basically I use McDonald's for a "FREE" lunch and entertainment in rainy weather.

Yes.....I'm crazy! Have a great week! :)

I'll Need To Wake Up Early In Wylie This Weekend!

I have a few reasons to get up and out the door early this weekend.

Tomorrow morning, June 5th, is the kick-off party for the Texas Summer Reading Club. This year's theme is Libraries: Deep in the Heart of Texas! The kick off party will be from 9am to 12pm.

"There will be a balloon artist, a bounce house, a Texas Size Petting Zoo and the City of Wylie's police and fire department. These events are FREE and fun for the whole family. If you plan on participating in all of the activities, be sure to arrive early."

The early part is the truth! They usually stop the line for the face painter at 11 or so, so get there closer to 9am than to 12pm.

You can pick up your reading logs anytime. Yesterday was the first day they were available so I went to get ours. I'm such a nerd! Click here for more info on the summer reading programs and the kick off tomorrow.

Saturday, the 6th, is the Wylie Farmer's Market from 8am to 1pm. I got some yummy starwberries last time. It's on Ballard St. across from the park.

Also on Saturday, the Home Depot is having their Kids Workshop from 9am to 12pm. This month you'll build a hardware sorter. Sounds pretty handy. The kids workshop is FREE. :)

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I hope the weekend is shaping up great for you! It is for me. :)

Yesterday, I packed up the kids, picked up my mom and headed to the Wylie Farmer's Market. Since is rained last Saturday, it was rescheduled for yesterday. I purchased some great strawberries from a family farm out of Farmersville. They are huge and sweet...and so yummy!

After that, we went garage saleing. That didn't turn out super successful, but I ended up with 5 auctions and spent only $2 out of pocket (plus gas). The up side is, 3 of the 5 auctions have watchers already (I listed while the kids napped). Once the kids woke up we headed to Goodwill for their 50% clothing sale. I saved $16.50 and ended up with 10 things for auction and 2 new with tag (NWT) items for my daughter. A pair of jeans for school and a denim Gap dress for now/school. I also purchased a paperback for me and my daughter found a wooden doll high chair in excellent condition for $2. She loves it!

Today, we heading to Kroger to pick up a few things (fun stuff on sale) and the ingredients for Strawberries 'N Cream Shortcake Squares. It's for tomorrow's cookout. First, I thumbed through all of my Food & Family's (from Kraft Foods) but ended up just using the online recipe search to find it. I wanted something easy and something that the kids could help with. This has a 15 min. prep time, then chills for 3 hours. Plus it only has 4 ingredients. Yay!

Remember that the Food & Family magazine is (FREE) full of recipes and usually contains coupons. Plus, Kraft Foods has printables as well! Have a great and safe weekend!!

New Pre-School Program In Murphy, Texas

Here's a deal I can't help but share with the local readers! The City of Murphy (my neighbor to the west) is starting a pre-school program. Here's the info:

"Lil' Einstein's is a preschool based class. We will be teaching early preschool concepts such as, numbers, letters, shapes, colors, basic Spanish, etc. Along with brain development each class will have 20 minutes of physical education. Every month we will hold a special activity day to coordinate with that month's theme. Space is limited register before May 30."

Ages: 3-5 yrs
Fee: $70/month with a registration start up fee of $25
Location: Old City Hall Building, 205 N. Murphy Rd., Murphy, TX
Days: Monday and Wednesday
Times: 8:30-11:00 am – Morning Class or 11:45-2:15 pm – Afternoon Class

Ongoing monthly program starting August 31, 2009, and it runs through May 31, 2010.

Only $70 a month, what a DEAL!! This is the perfect (on the cheap) way to get your pre-schooler ready for school and make some friends. Not to mention they will have fun, and it will give you and a break for a few hours!

For more info call Kim Livsey at 903-244-5715 or via e-mail at kimlivsey@hotmail.com or click here.

What's Going On In Wylie, Texas This Weekened?

I have just a few fun things to share for this weekend!

#1- Tonight is Ladies Night Out/Customer Appreciation at The Mulberry Bush. The Mulberry Bush is a children & maternity consignment store here in town. Tonight the owner, Ann, is having wine and cheese plus 20-30% off everything.

I have a huge stack of $2 off Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant coupons that I'm dropping off for Ann to share. The coupons were a gift from Dove with a new pack of deodorant, to share with readers. Yay blogging!

The Mulberry Bush, 800 Park Blvd Suite B, Wylie, Texas 75098, 972-941-8107

#2- Clean Up-Green Up is happening right now!!! Today the hours are 1-6pm and Saturday 8am - 4pm. It will be behind City Hall on Centennial Drive (near Walmart on Highway 78).

Please bring your: Trash, Brush, Appliances, Electronics, Cardboard, Scrap Metal, and Tires. Document Shredding will be available Saturday only (from 8-12 ONLY).

Please no household hazardous waste (paint, oil, batteries, light bulbs, antifreeze, etc...). Identification will be required (water bill or Drivers Licence). For more information, contact the city of Wylie Parks Department at 972-442-8195 or e-mail parks@wylie texas.gov, or click here.

#3- Wylie Farmers Market!!!! I noticed a sign for this last night as we were strolling down Ballard Street. The Farmers Market will be held the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, starting in May through the summer.

Hours are 7am - 1pm and it will feature fresh fruit, vegetables, bedding plants & flowers, handmade crafts, Texas food, etc. Look for it downtown, in the empty lot between Quick Response Computers and the Farmers Insurance building.

For more info (including participating) call Contact Ellie Hughes at 972-429-1437 or click here.

Have something fun to share , please let me know!! :)

It's Time For Clean Up Green Up In Wylie, Texas

It's that time of year again, folks! Clean Up Green Up!



It will be held February 4-7, 2009. Wednesday through Friday from 1pm to 5pm and Saturday 8am-4pm. It will be behind City Hall on Centennial Drive (near Walmart on Highway 78).

Please bring your: Trash, Brush, Appliances, Electronics, Cardboard, Scrap Metal, and Tires. Document Shredding will be available Saturday only (from 9-12 ONLY). Please no household hazardous waste (paint, oil, batteries, light bulbs, antifreeze, etc...).

Identification will be required, no pick-ups available for this event.

For more information, contact the city of Wylie Parks Department at 972-442-8195 or e-mail parks@wylie texas.gov. Also, click here for the Wylie News article.