Favorite Things: Cowtown Eats -- a great Sacramento resource

If you live in Sacramento and want to save some dough at Happy Hour or while eating out and about, be sure to check out Cowtown Eats. Or become a fan on Facebook and get daily updates in your Live Feed. Yum.

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Coupon Conspiracy Theory

As much as I enjoy saving money by using coupons, I bristle a bit at how it seems that coupons drive spending towards unhealthy food. Case in point: Have you ever seen a coupon for bananas? I see lots of coupon for frozen pizza, baking products, and snack foods. Or what about coupons that encourage you to try new products at a discount when you might get the same new product at a similar price just by waiting a few weeks. The larger companies like Kraft and Proctor and Gamble can create a buzz about their newest merchandise just by doling out high value coupons. Speaking from experience, it is pretty easy to get caught up in the coupon game. While there is nothing wrong with saving money, I wanted to see firsthand how the larger stores and larger product manufacturers work in tandem to bring in coupon toting customers. From what I've read online, many coupon shoppers target Walmart for great deals. So I decided to test my theories by visiting my local Walmart to scan their shelves. It was immediately apparent, just by scanning the end caps in various sections, that the stores are positioning products paired with coupons, making it easier for customers to find and purchase those items. Frozen pizza with $3 off coupons on one, Huggies diapers on $3 off another, the brand new Pantene products with $1.50 off all in a long row. Certainly an eye opening shopping trip. Hey, I got some new Homestyle Mac and Cheese for $.50, a Digiorno pizza for free, Heinz ketchup for $1, and Aquafresh toothpaste for $.62 with coupons. But, was it worth it?

Deal of the Day: See Kai Run sale

Since I've sworn off Target for the entire summer (gasp!), I won't be bringing you any deals from everyone's favorite big box store. And actually, I've sworn off most other forms of shopping as well; however, I promise I will still do my best to search for cheap and cheerful deals for my faithful readers. I think you'll like this one: up to 50% off on See Kai Run shoes. Great for baby gifts! (Do the shoes pictured come in my size?)

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Are you Smile.ly?

I heard about this new social media, product review site today. Click the link here if you want to learn more: http://smile.ly/13632.cfm

Hey, free stuff makes me smile!

Deal of the Day: Report flats on Piperlime

I love Report flats. Well, really any silver flats. Or black flats. So, maybe I need a pair of each? Actually, I'm not in the market for flats but I thought I'd share this great deal.

Favorite Things: Monkey Bar Buddies

My friend Shannon told me about this website today. My daughter is now wearing dresses that don't come with a "diaper cover" so Monkey Bar buddies will be a great solution. The shorts and leggings aren't cheap but they look really well made and I can't wait to try them out on my active little girl.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Do you have a great source for similar items? Please share.