Review: mark. body care that cares

There are many, many brands of body care items out on the market, but not many are Fair Trade Certified™ . Products which are Fair Trade Certified™, promote fair prices, safe working conditions and funds for community development for the millions of farmers who grow and source products like Mexican honey, Indian white tea, Peruvian cocoa butter and Egyptian hibiscus. By using products that are Fair Trade Certified™, you help support the future of the planet and the people living in it.

I was recently given the opportunity to try and review four products by mark. Appropriately named "mark. body care that cares". Each product is fragrance free and allergy tested. I personally do not care for un-scented products. But for many that are sensitive to fragrances, these products will be ideal. The good thing about fragrance-free products, is that it won't interfere with your perfumes. I used the products for a little over a week before posting this review. The following products are all formulated with Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients and antioxidants.

• Do The Right Thing Smoothing Body Lotion SPF 15 with Fair Trade Certified™ Cocoa Butter, Honey, and Hibiscus - $12

I found the lotion to be light and soothing. It is easily absorbed and I LOVE that it contains sunscreen. Sunscreen is a daily must for me, I appreciate that this lotion leaves my skin hydrated but not oily. The lack of scent is the only thing that I do not like.



• Fresh Approach Hydrating Body Cleanser with Fair Trade Certified™ Honey and White Tea - $10

I did not like this product as a body cleanser simply because it really does not lather up well. I used it as a facial cleanser though, and I loved it! It is light, gentle, and did not dry up my face. I also used it as a shave lotion, it worked well and did not clog up my razor.


• The Big Fix 15-in-1 Big Benefits Balm with Fair Trade Certified™ Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil, and Vanilla - $10

Now this one, I absolutely LOVED! I used it on my heels & elbows. I also used it on my lips (after wiping it down!LOL) It also works well as a brow wax. All in one portable stick. Perfect for travel.


• Relief Effort Total Comfort Body Creme with Fair Trade Certified™ Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil, and Chamomile - $14

This creme is wonderful as well. Again, no scent. It is thick but it is easily absorbed and keeps your skin hydrated. I live in sandals and my heels take a beating. After just 2 days of using this creme at night, my heels were smooth.

By choosing Fair Trade Certified™ products you are directly supporting a better life for farming families through fair prices, direct trade, community development and environmental stewardship. Learn more at fairtradecertified.org

Try these products for yourself. Find the mark. body care that cares collection exclusively at meetmark.com. Use offer code BUYFT3 for $3 off any body care that cares product (no limit). That's $3 off each mark. body care that cares product that you buy.

**I am a BzzAgent . I was provided free products to review and provide an honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not paid for this review **

The waiting game

Did I happen to mention that I was going to apply for the Disney World Moms Panel this year? More than once? Ad Nauseum?

Well, I applied on the very first day. Just in case. Three quick questions. The hardest part was keeping my answers at under 100 words per question! Of course, now I'm second guessing myself. Just like when I was in school and was the first person done with my test. I just answered from the heart. I guess since for the most part the questions were about my personal experience, I didn't find them difficult to answer. But then, I hear from other applicants about how long it took them to complete the application. That's when I started to worry.

So now we wait. Until November. Fortunately, I will have quite a bit to keep me entertained until then and keep my mind occupied. The competition is intense, and although I have high hopes, I know that I may be disappointed. They accept 20,000 applications each year! It's like the lottery! As with everything in life, hope for the best.

Pixie Dust is greatly appreciated!

Free Museum Day Sept. 25th

Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media. Participating museums across the country open their doors for free to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket

You can get your Free ticket for you and one guest here

Check for museums near you here

Our local Zoo is included as well, so that is great for the little ones!

Enjoy!

One Day Deals

I am a huge fan of Groupon! I love shopping and I love saving money, so it's a win-win situation. I especially love the Groupons for services like spas and salons. I have also purchased Groupons for attractions, both at home and for vacations. I am a proud Groupie!

I was watching Nightline last night, and they were talking about Groupon and its founder and CEO. Groupon has been around for 2 years and the CEO is now 29 years old! They started with 7 employees and now have over 500! It all comes down to the power of Social Media! Maybe some day, I will come up with some super cool idea and make some millions!

Now, I admit, I have bought coupons from Living Social , DealOn, & Dealtificate. Hands down, I have found the best deals on Groupon. I like that they have a discussion board for each deal and that you are able to ask questions before you buy. They actually answer too! I was considering purchasing a deal on Living Social, but the description was rather vague. I emailed them on Friday and I am still waiting for a response.

Remember that these are generally one day deals, so if you see it and like it, buy it. Check your city, you might find something that you can use! I know that I always do! :-))

Yeeehaaaaw!

I like a good bargain as much as anyone. I have traveled with no frills carriers and have no qualms about paying for extras if I need them. I have gotten amazing deals on Spirit and that was even before they pioneered the dreaded baggage fees. Once the baggage fees came into effect, I figured that it was a small price to pay if I was paying a ridiculously low fare like $9 ( i have even gotten $1 & $2 fares in the past). My new favorite airline is Southwest Air, their fares include 2 FREE bags per person!

Now, when I pay several hundred $$$ to fly, plus a baggage fee, then it makes no sense. When it comes to "No Frills", I'm pretty easy going. BUT, I would LOVE to be able to fly like this:

Photo courtesy of Emirates Airlines

Unless I win the Powerball, that will never happen! :-((

I will just have to stick to my cheap no frills mode of transportation. Pay for my bags and possibly my choice of seat. Or not, because I don't have to pay for my bags with Southwest, booyah!

The point is, that if I can get a fabulous fare, I am willing to compromise.
But now, I have found the point at where I say "No freakin' way!" Let me introduce you to "Saddle Class". The seats are made by the Italian company Aviointeriors. They feature an arched cushion, similar in shape to a horse saddle, that supports the passenger in a semi-standing position, with his or her lap angled downward. So after a five hour flight, do you walk out bow legged? There is no way that I will pay to fly in saddle class, no matter how cheap. I hope that I don't have to eat my words. ;-) Moooooooo!

See for yourselves!



If video does not work, you can access here

So would you ever consider flying in Cattle Class??

I want to be on "THE" panel!

I have been so busy finalizing our trip, that I have neglected my blog. We leave 2 weeks from Wednesday! I am also about to apply to be on the Disney Moms Panel TOMORROW! I have been thinking about doing this since the first opportunity arose. The only thing that held me back was, that although I am a mom, I am no longer a mom to "children". I'm a mom to adults. But my love for all things Disney trumped my apprehension. So I'm going for it.

So what exactly is involved? As I understand it, simply offering advice and answering questions from guests that are planning their trip. Not much different than what I do right now. I have been the "go to" person for all things Disney for many years now. I guess it helps that I LOVE to plan! So I can live vicariously through everyone else!

We'll see how that goes. I know that several thousand people apply each year. But I can dream. After all, a dream is a wish your heart makes. My heart is definitely wishing!

So I'll keep ya'll updated on that.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Being aware means you care! Over 12,000 children are diagnosed each year in the US alone with cancer!

Watch the video. Pray for the children. Donate to help find a cure.

Movie Night

Time is running out for the $4 Movie ticket from Fandango! First, sign up here Then go here
Just one per person though :-(

Grrrrr

Dear Arsonist,

If you decide to set your house on fire to scam the insurance company, remember that most people are not psychic. They do not know that you are not in the house. Therefore, my husband may be going in and risking his life to save your sorry a$$!!!!

Sincerely,
Me

Tell me a story...

I have always loved to read. I remember being in 4th grade and being told that I was reading at a 12th grade level. I would go to the library at least once a week and walk out with a stack of books. Although I enjoy reading, I'm not the type that loves the feel and the smell of a book. So when I got my Nook, I was in heaven. I could load all my books into this one little thing. Taking my reading material on vacation will be a breeze. A great space saver at home and on the go.

I have heard about audio books for a long time now, but never found the urge to try them. To sit and listen to someone read the book for me, didn't appeal to me at all. I recently loaded my iPhone with a few audio books. I hadn't listened once. Until just the other day. I have found a new appreciation for this type of "book".

I get car sick when I read in a moving car. So I decided to try an audio book for the ride to Key West. I won't lie, it did take some getting used to. But once I got into the story, I started to enjoy it. Not getting car sick was a huge plus. I also was able to watch the scenery go by, keep an eye on D's driving, and spot shopping opportunities along the way. All while "reading" my book.

I'm not saying that this will replace my Nook, but it will definitely be an option under certain circumstances!

Do you enjoy audio books?

I live to travel & travel to live!

I should be concentrating on our upcoming trip to Hawaii in September, but I am being distracted by the cruise that we just booked for 2011! I just booked a cruise on NCL's newest ship the EPIC! The entertainment on this ship includes The Blue Man Group, Howl at the Moon & Second City comedy to name a few! Oh and there is also an Ice Bar onboard! Not that I'll last more than 5 minutes in there, but how cool is that??? Not only are we super excited about the ship itself, but the cruise leaves from Barcelona! Have I mentioned my Bucket List? You're not sure? Or just sick of hearing about it? Anyhoo, Europe is very prominent on that list. This will be our first time in Europe, so not only will we stay in Barcelona before the cruise, I also need to figure out a way to see at least one other country as well. My first choice would be Italy.

We are not Mr & Mrs Money Bags, but I do a TON of research and use FF miles whenever possible. You know what else is a fabulous advantage? NCL's Cruise Rewards Certificates! If you have ever sailed on NCL you know what this is, if not, I'll fill you in. We actually buy one... or three, whenever we sail. You buy these on board the ship. They are worth $250 towards a future cruise. When you buy one at $250, you immediately get $100 on board credit for the cruise that you are on! When you book your next cruise, you use the certificate as your deposit. That's it. My deposit would have been $800 for our upcoming cruise but I just used my certificate! How cool is that??? I think it excludes Villa bookings, but unless I win the lottery, I don't see that happening any time soon.

We LOVE to travel! Is it obvious? I even work for travel. I pick up as many hotel, cruise and any travel related evaluations as possible. Not only is it good for me to get my travel fix, but it helps improve service all around. I told D that when I die, he needs to fill a Travelocity gnome with my ashes and take me along on all his travels! Sick, I know, but whatever.

***This is not a paid or sponsored post***

Another Great Contest from Rayovac!

Rayovac is on a roll this Summer! Here is another great contest. The best part it involves something that at I do every day. Take photos! So grab the widget, and share with your friends.

Be sure to like them on Facebook too!

Snap, Share & Win! Rayovac Summer Photo Contest:

The Snap, Share & Win! Rayovac Summer Photo Contest will begin August 2, 2010 and will conclude on August 29, 2010. Each week will feature a different photo theme. Eligible contestants will be able to complete the entry form on Rayovac’s website, upload a photo and specify the theme. Contestants may upload 1 photo each week for a maximum of 3 photos. Once photos are posted, viewers can vote for 1 photo a day and add an unlimited number of comments. Contestants and viewers can share the contest with their friends (eighteen years old or older) utilizing the “Invite Friends” button or by sending an email. The photos receiving the most votes for each theme will win prizes. Rayovac Powers Fun, have fun and be creative with your photo entries! All levels of photography welcome!

PRIZES
For each of the three themes there will be:
Grand Prize- a Digital Camera Package, complete with a Photo Printer and Rayovac Rechargeables and a Digital Photo Frame for three of the Grand Prize Winner’s friends.
Second Place Prize- Photo Printer
Runner Up Prize- Digital Photo Frame Keychain.

Phase One: Submit photo entry August 2, 2010- August 22, 2010.
(Week 1: Fun with Water Photo. Week 2: Fun Pet Photo. Week 3: Summer Fun Photo)
Phase Two: Public Vote August 2, 2010- August 29, 2010.
Phase Three: Winners Announced September 8, 2010.

Rayovac Summer Photo Contest Blogger Promotion Rules: http://www.rayovac.com/snapsharewin/rules.html

**“The first 50 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Summer Photo Contest won a prize from Rayovac.” **

Girl Friends

All throughout my high school and college years, I only had a handful of girl friends. Literally, I could count them on one hand. I was not a tom boy, quite the contrary, but most of my closest friends were boys.

I was the first one in my group of friends to get married. D never had a problem with my guy friends. He knew them all and was ok with them. When they got into relationships and married, that is when it all changed. I guess it's harder for women to accept. So we all started drifting away.

So now, I really miss not having girl friends. Yes, I still have my handful, but they all still have young kids and of course, they have to come first. Totally understandable. I have more freedom now that my girls are grown. Girls Night is practically non-existant for me. My girls have their own things going on and when D is working, I'm on my own.

So yeah, I need some friends. Sad, I know. Maybe I can place an ad on Craigslist (KIDDING!) Or maybe I can join this group on I LOVE LUCY

Breyer's Smooth & Dreamy

I am a HUGE sweets freak. Food is over rated, give me my dessert! I live by the mantra of "Life is too short, eat dessert first." Being a sweets-aholic is generally not a good thing, or at least that is what my thighs tell me. So I am very excited to try the new Breyer's Smooth & Dreamy Bars and Sandwiches! I need to have my daily sweets fix, no matter what diet I am on. If I deprive myself for one day, the next day I could probably eat an entire gallon of ice cream. At just 160 calories or less, the Breyer's Bars & Sandwiches may just be the answer! Sweet indulgence without all the calories.

Product Details:

* New Breyers® Smooth & Dreamy bars and sandwiches are indulgently delicious, and have less fat and fewer calories than regular ice cream bars and sandwiches and no artificial flavors or colors.

* The lineup of Breyers® Smooth & Dreamy frozen novelties includes ice cream bars and sandwiches with extra creamy light ice cream and delicious mix-ins.
Smooth & Dreamy Bars and Sandwiches are available in rich flavors like Chocolate Caramel Brownie, Vanilla Caramel Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Vanilla Fudge Brownie, and Triple Chocolate Chip. Each bar or sandwich has 160 calories or less and 4-6g of fat per serving.

* Moms need to treat themselves here and there to some much-needed “me” time. Breyers® Smooth & Dreamy Bars and Sandwiches are a great way for moms to reward themselves with an indulgent treat that has fewer calories than regular ice cream.

Breyer's is hosting a sampling event right here in Miami! I'm posting the info for ya'll and maybe I will see you there!


Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Ice Cream Bars and Sandwiches Complimentary Sampling Event
Miami, FL
Dolphin Mall – In front of Ramblas Plaza
Friday, July 23
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
$1.00 off product coupons will be handed out throughout the event

There is also a daily sweepstakes on the Breyer's site! You get three chances to win daily! So what are you waiting for?
Smooth and Dreamy Wheel of Delights Sweepstakes:

Visit Breyer's to spin the Wheel daily for a chance to win an instant prize
Registers in the Sweepstakes for a chance to win the Grand Prize
Each day, enter your email for one Sweepstakes entry
3 chances a day to win an instant prize!

Day at the spa
Manicure & pedicure
Bookstore gift cards
Maid for a day
Free Smooth & Dreamy
Move Tickets
Sweepstakes Grand Prize - $10,000!
A day with celebrity trainer, Kathy Kaehler
$10,00 cash

Let me know if you win!

 UPDATE:  I had the opportunity to try each variety (except for the strawberry) and although they were all very good, my favorite was the Vanilla Caramel Chip Bar. You would never be able to tell that these were only 160 calories each.  The ice cream was smooth & creamy, not icy and watery.  Full of flavor and a fantastic treat!

*** Breyer's is supplying coupons for me to try the new Smooth & Dreamy Bars & Sandwiches.***

Time for a Rant

I think I'm due for a rant. I believe that I've been good lately. Either that, or I really haven't gotten around to blogging about what has ticked me off lately.

As some of you may know, I am plagued by a few health issues. Although mostly under control, I do have to see my docs on a regular basis. My primary, being one that I see quarterly. Then my OB/GYN & my Cardiologist require annual or bi-annual visits.

I have absolutely no issues with my specialists. I never have long waits and am seen at my appointment time or shortly after. My OB is the best EVER. The whole package. Excellent DR. & surgeon with the absolute best bedside manner. He's not on my insurance so I do pay my deductible oht of pocket but after that, he will write off whatever my insurance does not pay. In my case, it has been way up there.

So on my recent visit to my primary, I sat in the waiting room for almost two freakin' hours. There were people standing inside and out. They took my co-pay when I got there, so that I couldn't escape. The patients in the waiting room just as ticked as I was and threatening to change doctors. I would too... if I could. My doctor is my brother's wife's aunt. Sorta, kinda, family.

Aside from the wait, my rant involves what came next. As I was leaving, the receptionist hands me a sheet of paper and asked me to read it and let her know my thoughts about it during my next visit. So I read it when I get home and became even more livid than I had been earlier.

Basically, the doctor is offering a "concierge program". Yep, you read that right, concierge! For a mere $150 per month you get the following:

*Comprehensive physical exam annually.
Um, am I not supposed to get that any way?

*Increased communication with attention to personal needs.
Will she be cleaning my house? and feeding me bon bons?

*Same or next day appointments with no waiting.
Are you freakin' kidding me? I have to pay for the privelege of not waiting 2 hours to be seen? What makes you think that your time is more valuable than mine?

*Direct personal cell phone & email communication with the Dr.
Guess what? If you don't answer my calls I will go elsewhere. Family or not.

*Continuity of care while hospitalized.
Again, that's part of your job. You get paid an outrageous amount by my insurancefor popping your head in at the hospital.

Everything that I mentioned above is what I expect to receive from my doctors ANYWAY! It's what my other doctors do all the time. Guess what, my OB even called me while on his freakin honeymoon to check on me after the birth of my baby! Get a grip! I might just join that patient revolution and find another doctor. I pay $$$$$$$$ for my PPO insurance annually, I will not pay an additional $1800 per year thank you very much.

Rayovac Powers Your SUMMER!

I always need to have a ton of batteries around during the summer. We have several misting fans that we use at the beach, by the pool or at the park. Living here in Florida we need all the help we can get to keep cool. Unfortunately for us, we also need a nice supply of batteries in the summer because we are smack in the middle of hurricane season. So aside from our summer fun pack, we also have a hurricane stash for our flashlights, radios and of course our misting fans!!! :-))

Which brings me to the following from 5 Minutes for Mom:

Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion

Enter for a Chance to Win Fun Summer Prizes and $50 Gift Cards
Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion

From June 21st through July 20th, we are empowering families to have fun through the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion.

First, show us you "like" the brand and products on Facebook and together with expert moms at 5MinutesForMom, we will offer up great daily summertime family tips and a chance to win great prizes.

Then access and complete the entry form on Rayovc's website. Simply tell us how you'll power your fun this summer each day for a chance to win prizes ranging from Cameras and Bikes to Camping Supplies and a Summer Supply of Rayovac Batteries! No trick questions here! There is no correct answer to how you and your family add the Power of Fun to your summer! Must be a US resident and 18 or older at the time of entry to enter this Promotion or the Twitter Event.

Rayovac Powers Your Summer Twitter Event
Join Rayovac and 5MinutesForMom for a Twitter Event to support the exciting Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion. The Twitter Event will feature more than 20 fun giveaways from Rayovac ranging from a summer supply of Rayovac Batteries to $50 Target Gift Cards.

Rayovac Powers Your Vacation Summer Promotion Twitter Event
Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Time: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST
Location: #rayovac
Follow: @Rayovac_Battery, @5minutesformom, @CirclePRMary

I'll see you there! And I'll share my misting fans!


"The first 99 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion won a prize package from Rayovac."

I'm losing my touch

I'm afraid to look to see how long it's been since my last post! I had my brother come visit from Colorado and we went to see THE Mouse.

I have always had fabulous luck when renting from VRBO. The owners are always responsive and very helpful. Reviews are usually spot on. This time, I don't know what happened. This was to be a very budget trip for all of us. I found a listing for a great rate and the reviews were pretty good. The photos showed that the house was very modestly decorated but the reviews stated that it was clean & close to the parks. The owner also claims to loan the house to Make a Wish & St Judes, which I am a huge a huge supporter of both.

Let me start with the good.
~ The house is a hop, skip & a jump from the parks. Ten minutes tops!
~ The rates are very reasonable. I say this with a caveat though.

The bad.
~ Vey outdated decor, appliances & furnishings.
~ Not clean. Very dusty. Not very well stocked.
~ Not very good communication from the owner.

The ugly.
~ Roaches!!!

We walk in and are shocked at the condition of the house. The floor was full of dead bugs. Dust on every surface. The kitchen was scary and I knew that I would not use it at all. I tried calling the owner right away but did not get an answer. Panic started setting in. I grabbed the vacuum but it smelled like something died in there. We came to visit Mickey Mouse, I didn't want any mice visiting me!

We decided to go to the park and hope that we would get a call back. About 5 hours later, I finally did receive a call back and the owner offered her other property. After we checked it out, we decided to stay with the 2nd house. Not that it was a 100% but it was in way better shape. None of the TVs in the house had reception though.

Getting my security deposit back was also a mission. Not because of the time, but because of the lack of communication. It's a shame though, because both homes have huge potential if properly maintained.

Which brings me to my major concern. If in reality she does donate the home to the above mentioned causes, I worry about the children occupying the homes in their current condition. Dust & roaches and children with immuno-deficiencies do not mix.

In the owner's defense, she does claim to be be fixing up the home. So just take this as my personal & most recent experience. Like I said before, if in better condition, the location can't be beat.

When Mickey Calls...

... we answer.

Sunday morning we wake up and are trying to figure out what to do. We didn't want to go shopping or see a movie or anything boring like that. So I mentioned that I thought I heard Mickey calling. Danny said that he thought so too. Well, we didn't want to keep the mouse waiting. I popped into Priceline and bid $30 for a 2 1/2 star hotel in the Lake Buena Vista area. I normally don't risk on such a low star rating but it was last minute and just for one night. I hit right away and received the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Buena Vista -East.

Photos courtesy of hiexpress.com

I just wrote up my Tripadvisor review and it should be up soon. I was quite pleased with it, especially for that price. It was very clean, the room was comfy and just about 4 miles to Disney.
Plus the room rate includes free breakfast with hot items as well. The breakfast area was ample and well appointed, which is more than I can say about other hotels. They also offer free internet. Have I mentioned how much I hate paying for internet? Especially at higher end hotels where I am already paying an arm & a leg. Staff was friendly and accommodating too. I wouldn't hesitate staying there for a quick trip and I would recommend it to others as well.

Disney can be very expensive but you can usually find something to fit your budget. When it's just Danny & me, we always go the hotel route. For extended stays anywhere, even non-disney, we will rent a condo or cottage. I'm a big fan of VRBO as ya'll know. Actually, my brother will be here from Colorado in 2 weeks and we are planning a trip back up to Disney. Being a last minute trip and that we are all on a huge budget, we plan on renting a house that will accomodate eight of us. I have rented a home in Orlando in the past and am always very happy with both with the house and the owner. Unfortunately, that owner recently sold his property, so I am in search of a new place. Hopefully, I will have a good review and a recommendation when I return. We will be celebrating not only seeing each other after 3 years, but also Kari's birthday as well as my niece's birthday. We are definitely looking forward to a great experience.

This is not a paid or sponsored review. All opinions expressed are always my own. My full disclosure policy is on my sidebar.

Rayovac Powers Your Vacation!... Big Time!!!

First watch this super cute video and wish that you had a magic wand too. I know I do!

Go to the Rayovac Powers Your Vacation site to enter for your chance to win a 5 day/ 4 night trip to either Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California! For FOUR people!!! You know that I am all over this!

You can (and should) also join the Twitter party. Ya'll know that I love me a good Twitter Party. This is bound to be a great one!

#Rayovac Power Your Vacation Twitter Event

Join Rayovac and MomSelect for a Twitter Event to support the exciting Rayovac Power Your Vacation- Magic Wand Sweepstakes.

The evening will feature more than 20 GIVEAWAYS from Rayovac ranging from a Summer supply of Rayovac Batteries to Disney Gift Cards.

Date: Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM CST

Location: #rayovac

Follow: @ Rayovac Battery, @MomTalkRadio, @CirclePRMary

I'll see you there!!!!

Today Only!

You can get the Entertainment Book for only $12 with FREE shipping today. If you go sign up to save with Cashbaq you get $5 plus a $6 rebate so the book will cost you a buck after rebate & bonus! The $12 price is for today only. Even if you only use a couple of coupons it is worth it! I never use just a couple! :-))