Whatchya Doing, Momma?

Happy 4th Of July!!

2011-07-03T21:44:00.001-04:00

It is that very patriotic time again! Although last year we hosted, this year we went over to my parent's house.

Of course, I was keeping my eye out for a new, dramatic recipe to try. And it came to me through one of my Facebook "likes." The ones that you just "liked" for a really good coupon, and desperately want to "unlike" but just.don't. Served me well this time!! Actually served me and my family well. :D

Behold, a yummy-licious cake with homemade cream cheese frosting and strawberry garnish...

So you smoothly present it to your hostess, of course answering the "what flavor is it?" with, "Oh, just white...the frosting is the amazing part." Smile smugly to yourself, biding your time. Until such a time as after dinner, someone asks for a slice...now the fun part...

OMG ITS A FLAG!!!!

(Technical details follow)

Of course..I forgot to take pictures during the construction. I was quite wrapped up in it...*headdesk* oh well.

START THE DAY BEFORE YOU WANT THE CAKE READY!!!!

Bake
9 inch diameter, white layer cakes...you need 3: 1 red, 1 white, 1 blue. (traditional, no?) Remember on the "white" layer, use the no egg yolks directions if you go boxed...because yep, the yolks turn it yellow. I just used grocery store food coloring because...I didn't feel like driving to Hobby Lobby. :P

Cool completely.
Like...cool completely on the counter-then-wrap in plastic wrap-chill overnight kinda cool.

THE DAY YOU WANT IT READY..ASSEMBLE!

Make the frosting...I'll put the recipe at the bottom. I had some extra, but nobody around here was complaining...

Level
the layers as best as you can, take them straight out of the fridge and GO! Ok, it gets more comlicated here so listen up!

CUT
the white layer, and red layer in half. DO NOT TOUCH THE BLUE LAYER!

Set one of your new halfs of the white on your desired cake plate, spread a thin layer of frosting, lay a red half. Again, a thin layer of icing. Don't make this too thick, about 1/4". Remember, a flag doesn't have space between the stripes.

MORE CUTTING
Find something about 5" across...I measured until I found a small bowl. Stick really close to 5" for correct proportions. Stack the remaining cake on a cutting board: The remaining white and red halves, the whole blue layer. Just stack them one on top of the other. Put the pattern on top and cut all the way around, cleanly. Get all the layers. For this to work, you gotta be a perfectionist. Line them up just right, and cut just right.

Take the outer ring of the blue layer.
Put the center somewhere else. You are done with it...reject it out of your workspace. Put the ring on top of the already frosted cake layers. Put a really really really thin layer of frosting on the inside of the ring. And I mean thin or the centers won't fit.

Put the inner ring of the white layer inside the blue.
See what we're doing? It's going to look FANTASTIC!! Ok..time for another, thin layer of frosting.

Put the inner ring of the red layer inside the blue, on top of the white.
The cake should now look like a full, two layer cake! Congratulations!

Frost, frost, frost.
Put a nice thick layer of frosting all around....yummmmm!

Frosting Recipe

3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (2 sticks) of butter, also softened

1 lb confectioners sugar. (The orignial recipe said sifted. I don't own a sifter but I measured it into a bowl and made it all puffy. It tends to come pretty packed together.)

1 tblspoon lemon juice

Put the first two in a bowl and mix (blend? whip?) until fluffy. I used a stand mixer and the whisk attachment on medium speed for about 4 minutes. Then add in the confectioners sugar. Finally, lightly mix through the lemon juice. I read that using vanilla (a traditonal flavoring) would detract from the attractive white of the frosting. The lemon didn't add any coloring, and took it up a whole 'nother notch.

Have fun! I stressed out over it, but it was totally worth the extra work!! Just to see the surprise on the faces...so much fun! Happy Fourth!!!

Vintage Lizzie

2011-02-06T21:12:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of choosing pictures for the Princess' first birthday preparations (updating her baby book, etc) I came across these pictures on my computer, and I just had to share the cuteness!!

My big girl was sooo tiny! I love how she still has so many of the same expresions!

A Taste of Spring

2011-02-01T20:53:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday was absolutely a gift - a much needed respite from rain and ice and cold. We hit the mid 60's and enjoyed a sun drenched afternoon.

Look! A baby who isn't all bundled up into a big marshmallow! Short sleeves were certainly in order...

Somebody has a first birthday coming up...less than three weeks now....

She just makes me happy...look at that joy in her eyes!

What a fun time!

Painting!

2011-02-01T20:35:00.001-05:00

We finally took the plunge and got some color up on the walls in our Living Room/Dining room area! I have been chafing for months to get started at really personalizing our home but there was one major problem: I couldn't decide on a color! Ask my husband, I agonized over this decision. I brought home paint chip after paint chip. I had to find the perfect color. The "builder white" was driving me nuts. And then all the stars aligned. Both of us had a day off on the same day, and my mom offered to watch the Lizziebear and so I HAD TO CHOOSE. So I walked up to that big, rainbow wall and picked a color. And freaked out all the way home, and all while taping the walls, and all while painting and waiting for it to dry. In the end, it turned out beautifully and I am so happy with my new rooms!

I forgot to take a before shot before all the furniture was moved around...but here's a pretty good idea of the old living room:

Fast forward several hours and a couple gallons of paint later, and voila!

Gorgeous Roses! Thanks Love!

What an exhausting day, but worth it!

Next paint project...the kitchen!

Iced In!

2011-01-11T08:50:00.002-05:00

It's not unusual for our local meteorologists to go kinda berzerk onces or twice every winter, warning us of impending doom. Ice, snow, *Insert catchy name for storm here + year* is coming, and you heard it first *insert station name*. Flocks of panicked shoppers mob the grocery store for all of lifes essentials, which are apparently only three types of food: Milk. Eggs. Bread. Mmmm lots of french toast while the world battles it out with the elements. Although I have lived here my whole life, I find this behavior amusing. Of course make sure you have food, but that's on my regular weekly checklist. Food. Check. I mean, c'mon, snow/ice/wintry stuff usually can't survive longer than 24 hours in Georgia. And the last 4 hours of that, well, the stuff looks like it should be on life support. Pathetic wimpy snow.

Until this week. Maybe it's the name that made this storm stick..."Snowpocalypse 2011"...ok maybe not. But stick it has. We are iced in for the second day! Major interstates are deserted. I've heard "jack-knifed tractor trailer" on the news more in the last 48 hours than in the entire 23 years of my life before that. It's bad out there! And the snow/ice/slushy-stuff-that-refroze-overnight...it's metaphorically sticking it's tongue out at all of us scoffers. They say it might still be here on Friday. Difficult to imagine. Hopefully, hopefully we are not iced in that long. People are bound to get tired of french toast.....

I'm LOVING the extra time with my husband and babygirl. I can't remember the last time we had three straight days together :D

My little love <3

Lizzie's first 10 months...2010

2011-01-09T16:07:00.003-05:00

Resolved.

2011-01-02T17:56:00.001-05:00

For years, I was too good for New Years resolutions. Oh sure, some people made them. People destined for failure by January 16th when all the wind went out of their sails and they discovered you cannot live up to your own expectations of perfection. And there is some truth to that. Man cannot live on grapefruit alone, right? It is just not feasible to keep ALL THAT GOOD STUFF up for very long at that frantic pace. But at some point it occured to me to look at it from the perspective of goals. We all achieve more when at some point the bar is set higher. The expectation for perfection is expressed and a path illuminated with steps for approaching close. If I desire to do better, with an awareness there will be setbacks, I will make more progress than if I do nothing. And with that being said, here are a couple of my favorite resolutions for this year.

Read more and watch TV less. This includes making fewer excuses about why I am so tired that all I can do is veg out. Last time I checked, reading isn't a contact sport, and I plan on reminding myself of this more often.
Write more by blogging no less than twice a week, and (maybe) starting a journal back up in earnest. Writing has always been an integral part of my identity, and since I'm not in school at the moment and exercising my brain on term papers etc, I've become aware it's going to take some determination not to let all my creative juices dry up.
Creative intent #2: Photography. Practice three days a week. I will let you know what sort of project I come up with, I'm still working on this one.
Do the chores that need to be done when they need to be done. Less procrastinating with the deep cleaning. (I know, I know, but it's worth a try)
Hang out with friends more. The babygirl is older now, so I plan on being much more flexible and sociable. :D (If you are reading this and are a friend who lives on my side of the screen, consider this fair warning!)

And of course cook healthier, and lose weight, blah blah blah. But I resolve on that stuff at least once a week ;)

What have you made your New Years resolution this year?

01.01.11

2011-01-01T15:03:00.001-05:00

I can already tell this year and I are going to be friends. While every year feels fresh and new, who can argue with setting everything back to 1's and moving on from there? I know, it's just a number, a year, a way of tracking the all-to-quick passage of time, but today, New Years just exudes newness.

Not that I have any beef with 2010. Who could have issues with a year that brought the life-changing excitement of a new life. The first new addition to a family. Our family. My family. What magic this year brought that changed my "inside baby" from last year into the world an 8 lb little princess who has now blossomed into practically a toddler, 18 lbs of energy and vivactity and a daily picture of the exuburence we all should have for living. As if that wasn't enough, my husband changed jobs, we bought a brand spankin' new house (and moved. With a 1 month old. Not for the faint of heart!), made new friends, celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary (love you babe!), officially own both our vehicles free and clear, and, probably more important than all the milestones and celebrations, we just lived. We laughed, worked, cried, slept (or not, depending on the princess), argued, made up, learned, lazied around, cooked, read...I really could go on forever with all the miniscules that make life happy or not. And 2010 was happy. Of course not perfect. Nothing is perfect. But happy.

And I can't tell you how important and freeing it is to recognize that. November and December have been rough for me. I don't know if the sleep deprivation of 10 months is finally catching up with my moods, or if the funk I've been mired down in is from so very many new things to adjust to so fast, but what a wonderful catalyst to get back to enjoying every intricate moment of this crazy life I've been blessed with. Not to get all introspective and deep...actually, maybe to do just that. What better time to throw off the habits that are not helpful and replace them with activities and attitudes that stretch my confidence and re-energize my spirit. Clear out the mist and fog and get back to being myself. Because it doesn't matter if I can keep up appearances, what matters is that the appearance is the reality. And 01.01.11 speaks to me as a chance to reset, regroup, and bring a fresh mindset to the playing field. I hope it does for you too.

*Raises glass and toasts to a happy and healthy New Year all around*

Christmas snow day!

2010-12-26T12:19:00.001-05:00

It has been decades since we had a white Christmas this far South...and it was a wonderful backdrop for such a special day. You are going to have to be patient for Christmas pictures, I have hundreds to wade through because...my fantastic, amazing, never-want-to-put-it-down Christmas present from my thoughtful husband was a Canon Rebel T2i DSLR camera!!! Now I get to feed my penchant for photography and hopefully get much better at it!

Since I'm working on my mad photography skills, I messed around with a bunch of the settings to get some cool shots of the transformed landscape around our house. Snow just makes mundane things so beautiful

(I had the back door open to admire the scenery, and Twinkie thought she would just waltz on outside...I have never see a cat jump backwards as fast as that one did!!)

Happy Snow Day!!

Santa Claus is coming to town

2010-12-07T21:31:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T17:21:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was just beautiful. I'm beginning to think it is my new favorite holiday because of what a wonderful, simple concept it is. Get together with family to eat yummmmy food and just bask in what we have to be thankful about. It's the start of the bright and often over-commercialized holiday season, but is just a golden day to slow down before all that crazy. It would have been perfect if my younger sister hadn't gotten a bug and had to stay home, sadness! Although she had good company from my mom...both were very missed from the festivities!!

I was a bit nervous since it was the first Thanksgiving dinner I've cooked, being that this was the first year my husband and I have lived in a house and not a tiny apartment that really couldn't hold that many people haha. And being that it was little Lizzie's first, I wanted everything done just right. Or maybe it was just the OCD coming out in me..... ;)

Happy First Thanksgiving Lizzie!

She loved all the extra attention...I can tell she is going to LOVE holidays :)

Hope ya'll had a wonderful day...and now, we are less than a month away from Christmas!!! Yipee!!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

It's only a couple weeks late, right? And we are still pre-Thanksgiving so technically that's not to late!

Another month gone by!

2010-09-26T17:35:00.000-04:00

Hello poor neglected blogworld!

What a month September shaped up to be, and I will spare you the tired details (notice only that "tired" is the key word).

Summer has hung around much past it's fair share. While I am a cool weather fan, the best part of the heat is that the princess has gotten to keep wearing her adorable little summer wardrobe way past normal time. In fact, I took her 7 month pictures in 94 degree heat at the end of September! Only in Georgia!

Halfway to 1 year...

2010-08-27T18:58:00.002-04:00

Lizziebear has now officially passed the halfway mark to her first birthday. Wow. Writing it like that made me tear up just a bit. I realized earlier that it has been longer than a year since I found out we were expecting, and that seems like yesterday: before I know it...well, let's not go there. Or I will start crying like a baby.

We went to the pediatrician for her 6 month checkup, and everything looks perfect. She is 15 lbs, 1 oz, and 26.5" long! Still following her growth curves like they were somehow based on her ahead of time, 50th percentile weight, 75th length. Four more vaccinations down ...and we get a three month break before the next appointment at 9 months!

Over the last month she had added so many skills/milestones: officially crawling (she's been "army crawling" for a while, but now has the coordination between arms and legs mastered), moving from rolling/laying down to a sitting up position unassisted and holding a toy while doing this without losing balance, first solids (LOVES her some carrots), first tooth, first consonant (da-da-da-da-da), pulling up to standing while leaning on something...I never ceased to be impressed with all she is learning!!! My sweet baby girl!!

NOT a real post...only a "connect-the-dots"

2010-08-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

Happy 6 month birthday to the Princess!!! (Pictures to follow at some later time!!!)
Babies tend to teethe around 6 months old.....
Apparently teething = disrupted sleep patterns for extended periods of time
Hmm...I guess I can funtion on 3-4 hours of sleep a night for extended periods of time.
My day seems to now start at 3 AM
Oh that's why babies are so cute, even at 3 AM.......got it :P

THE END!!

Publix 8.12

2010-08-12T18:24:00.002-04:00

(Btw, we did eat last week, I just forgot to post about the trip. I spent $38.36, saved $69.)

Here's what I got (all prices after sales/coupons):

1 lb ground beef @ 2.98

Chuck roast @ 6.61

(it was on sale, and so big we should get 2 meals and lunch out of it! Yummy!)

2 boxes of Aunt Jemima frozen french toast @ 0.59 ea

2 Pillsbury cresent rolls @ 1.17 ea

2 Pillsbury cinnamon buns @ 1.27 ea

1 Publix ricotta cheese @ 2.19

(not on sale, but I really wanted it for a recipe, & this next item makes up for it... lol)

2 bags Stoufers easy skillet meals @ 0.50 ea :D

These are usually $5. I'm not sure if the coupon printing is still $2 off, but you can get $1 off by signing up here which will make them $1.50. The Rigatoni and Meatball kind is really yummy!

2 bags Tyson frozen chicken nuggets @ 2.30 ea

4 Preg spaghetti sauce @ .50 ea

(use the coupon here, at my store they are B1G1 at $2)

3 boxes Barber stuffed chicken breasts @ 1.50 ea

2 lbs Ronzoni pasta @ .70 ea

1 Crusty white baguette...mmm @ 1.19

7 jars Earths Best organic baby food @ about .45 ea

(i bought a couple that weren't on sale, and the coupon was for $1 off 7, so it's somewhere around there)

1 bag Publix salad @ 2.00

2 10pk Paper Mate stick pens @ FREE

(If your publix accepts Target coupons, go to target.com, click on coupons, and find the coupon for 0.50 off papermate product, then use on these packs with are 2/$1!! )

1 Cantaloupe @ 2.00

1 gallon milk @ 1.99

Total out of pocket = 41.34 (1.34 over budget...from the bread...so worth it!! )

Total value = 98.66

% saved = 59%

As you can see, I bought A LOT of meat this week...we were pretty caught up on other staples, so I went ahead and stocked up since so much of it was on sale. Meat & produce tend to be the most expensive portion of my food budget, so it's nice when it is on sale!! Going to help out for some future weeks :)

Happy shopping!

Nom nom nom!

2010-08-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

'Nough said :)

Dramaz

2010-08-11T19:16:00.001-04:00

People like drama. You can say you don't, but find the right hot button issue and you can draw just about anyone into a debate, degrade it into an arguement, and create all sorts of d.r.a.m.a. It's the behavior we love to hate.

I mean, theorectically, time spent at work should be pretty dull. You show up, sell some merchandise, type some papers, file something, or whatever it is you do. Borrrring. But, though in some conflict (you were late, your coworker was late, they don't like how you are doing something, you don't like their new haircut/boyfriend/clothing, and voila!). Suddenly the drama monster engulfs everyone. And work can become seriously crazy.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Upon reflection, I think it is all tied in to our love of stories. I remember from my lit. classes that a well built story has several parts, but most important is a climax. Events build, tension rises...drama pervades, or else you lose the readers interest. Certainly we learned this pattern from real life and it is what makes some stories must more readable than others. This draw for climatic action is strong in some, undoubtably, but who hasn't wanted to divulge a juicy secret just to see what would happen when the wrong party hears about it? Of course, you don't do this (usually), but the temptation to create a more interesting situation can be really strong.

What got me thinking about all this? Well, being a first time parent seems to be an amazing advice magnet. And don't get me wrong, I am not neceesarily saying this is bad. In fact, there are many useful things I can/have learned from more experienced people sharing. Where this all turns bad is when their parenting style conflicts with yours, maybe radically. And you can't just agree to disagree. Instead you feel defensive and have to nail down exactly why they are wrong and a bad parent, and you are right and parent of the year. I've had to abandon an online message board that used to be really supportive because it is just ugly right now.

Why can't we all just realize that each person is different, and as long as you aren't endangering your child, it is not a matter of life or death whether you use cloth diapers, formula feed, introduce solids at 6 months instead of 4....and, to extrapolate into broader society, whether you eat all organic, eat fries everyday, go to the movies every week (yes, this was an arguement at work once...eeks), save money or spend with reckless abandon. Sure you will want to surround yourself with friends who have similar views and can support you in your goals, but as a society, can't we just let folks make these simple personal decisions, and disagree, but still be civil and manage to interact kindly.

Then again, the "how could you go to the movies every week don't you know that's stupid and irresponsible" , "no it's not if you have the money and nothing else to spend it on" discussion was kinda interesting. Maybe I can film a reality show and make some money off real life dramaz...

P.S. A funny!!!

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Happy August!

2010-08-06T13:33:00.001-04:00

What an exciting month...kids are going back to school, Fall and cooler temperatures are finally on the horizon, as is the holiday season. I get happy just thinking about it!

However, there is another reason August is special to me. On August 2, 2008 hubby and I got married!! It always makes me nostalgic just thinking about the last minute planning and running around to make everything just right. We had contemplated an outdoor wedding, but decided against it and boy was I glad! Not only was the day humid as a sauna, but halfway through the reception a tremendous thunderstorm (complete with hail) broke out. What a disaster that could have been! But it wasn't! So many friends pitched in to decorate my church with strings of lights, tulle, roses and candles. Everything went off seamlessly, but most importantly, at the end of the day, we were MARRIED! We had a wonderful time celebrating with those who care for us and were just so excited about the beginning of a new chapter in life, and so thankful to have each other. I only wish the day wasn't such a blur. There are moments that stand out, like a color picture among black and white prints, but the rest of it seems to blur together in one rosy, surreal, fast-forwarded motion picture.

And then I think about last year, our first anniversary. I was still in my first trimester and feeling very very sick. My thoughtful husband took me out to a delicious, special occasion restaurant. Let's just say I didn't really get much out of the meal...but the sweet little reason was so worth it. (And the memory is kinda funny to look back on, from a year later anyway).

Which bring me to this year. Neither one of us can really believe that 2 years have past, but you can look around and see the evidence.So many blessings: Our beautiful house. Our gorgeous, most precious little babygirl. We are both working different places than we were two years ago. We are both a little older. Simply amazing to consider how so much has happened, and yet how short the time seems. We spent a wonderful peaceful day thanks to my mom who (on last minute notice!) watched the Princess all day. It was nice to have some down time to just talk about our past, and our "now," and our future. (And I didn't mind eating dinner with my husband, both of us having two free hands to eat with, at a normal, socially acceptable dinner time, lol! Not that I would give the Princess up for anything, but everyone needs a break occasionally!) :D

Gives me goosebumps to consider where we will be 2 years from now, even 20 years from now....but one thing I know, through thick and thin we will still be as in love as ever! <3

Ice-creamier for cheap!

2010-07-29T19:32:00.001-04:00

My hubby's mom called me from San Diego yesterday where she is visiting family. Guess what the high was out there? 67 degrees. She was wearing a jacket....I was 100% jealous. Somehow it just seems hotter than ever right now, we are on our second or third consecutive week of 90's every day. It's time to get serious about beating the heat.

Step 1: Air conditioning. Set as low as the budget allows (75 bahahahaha)...oook thats a start
Step 3. Turn on all the ceilings fans. *Flips switch* Ohhh right, not installed yet. Hehe, well we'll turn on the one in the living room.
Step 2: Model some summer fashion. Notice the color which is optimized for heat reflection, the non clingy, breathable fabric. And, of course, bare feet. Comfortable, and cool.

Step 4: ICE CREAM! Yes...good. But how about really really cheap ice cream? Even better! Here's how:

Go to this website - http://www.mayfieldfree.com/ and enter in zip code 45424 (Ohio, if you were wondering). Print out a coupon for $1 off. Repeat above steps so you now have two $1 off coupons. Take these over to Publix, where Mayfield is now on B1G1 sale, which means they are $2.75 each since Publix doesn't make you buy two.

But oh boy, we are going to buy two. It's that hot. AND the ice cream is that yummy.

You have the cashier ring up what would normally be considered $11 worth of frozen yummyness in a carton, smuggly hand over your coupons, and pay only $3.50. Not bad, not bad,

But what if you have an extra stamp laying around at home, not doing particularly anything? Maybe an envelope, living a lonely existence in a desk drawer? Go back to the website, print out the other link for a rebate. And get back $1.75 of your hard earned money, plus another 4 $1 off coupons for next time.

Smooth, you just paid $1.75 for 3 quarts of powerful summertime cooling. Just do it before next Wednesday, when the sale ends!!

P.S. I'd post my entire Publix show and tell right now, but I'm a little busy eating ice cre....playing with the baby!! Til later!

A Camping Trip I Will Never Forget

2010-07-28T16:38:00.001-04:00

Camping is totally not my thing. A good hike, or long day outside enjoying nature might be a wonderful thing, but c'mon, we have wonderful cushiony beds at home, why voluntarily give this up to sleep on sticks and stones, kept company by hundreds of bugs...well, you get the picture. Don't blame my parents for this dislike of mine, they love camping and every Fall we packed up and went somewhere for a week. This was wonderful family time, and I appreciate the planning and work they put into to creating family memories that are very precious. It's just not my thing.

All this being said, I naturally concluded that I must be the perfect wife to indulge my husband in his penchant for camping by planning a weekend camping trip to celebrate his first birthday after we got married, which fell in June of 2009. Since June can be kinda hot here in GA, I figured we'd head up to the mountains and be just fine. I grabbed a deal on a tent, he helped me raid his parents basement for gear, and we were off!! On the radio, the weather guy forcasted record high temperatures, but bah...when you are the perfect wife, what's a couple 90 degree days? Nothing you can't take in stride, right?

OH WOW...we got out of the car to grab our park pass and I was overwhelmed by suffocating heat and humidity. I thought I was going to DIE! Bolting for the park office (which was air conditioned) I started to wonder what we were in for...but I really had absolutely.no.clue. We set up camp (I *sacrificed* by driving back to the office for ice), walked around some until I just said "enough it's too hot", and made dinner. Knowing he loves these freeze dried meals by Mountain House, I'd bought enough for each meal. Ugh, after dinner I just didn't feel good, but figured it was the weird food. Trying not to complain much, I went to bed, and slept about, oh, 5 minutes the entire night. But that was just the constant noise, and the campers who came at like 2 am to set up camp, right? Right.

Fast forward to the next afternoon. We were in the middle of a hike down to see some waterfalls, and walking up hundreds of stairs and then down more to see the others ones. Again, I couldn't help but wonder if I was just going to pass out and die. JUST SO TIRED. Although embarrassed that I was out of shape, I had to keep sitting down for rests before dragging myself up the next one. I was seriously nauseous also, dang heat was really getting to my head. After some more freeze dried lunch, I thought I was going to be sick and just sat down. Obviously it was more than heat, I must be getting sick. Yeah, that's it. A stomach bug. At this point, I figured hubby wasn't really having a very good birthday weekend, what with having to drag around a wimpy sick wife. I really just wanted to drive to that office and stay put. Or sit in the car. Or be anywhere but a camp site. So I gave in from being perfect, and became pathetic, and started hinting maybe the weekend was over. He's so sweet, we packed up and drove home. And I was so bummed about getting the flu on his birthday weekend.....

I couldn't even look at pictures from that trip until, oh about two months ago without wanting to puke. Because you see, that stomach bug stuck around for a couple weeks. So long, in fact, that I went to the doctor to see if they couldn't give me some medicine or something. And, of course it wasn't the flu.....I was 7 weeks pregnant, and it was all day sickness (often mistakenly called morning sickness). What an amazing surprise! And what a wonderful vindication that I wasn't all that wimpy. I was pregnant and kind enough to sleep on sticks and climb hundreds of steps, on a record hot weekend, for my dear husband's birthday. The Perfect Wife after all. And that absolutely takes the cake for most memorable camping trip. Ever.

This post is a part of Mama Kat's Writers Workshop blog gathering. Every week she suggests writing topics to inspire mommy bloggers, and I just couldn't resist when I saw this topic yesterday. You should check out her website, it's highly entertaining!

What I got for $8!! Kroger & Rite Aid 7.26

2010-07-27T22:00:00.000-04:00

Everything in this picture cost less than $8 after coupons/sales!!

Awesome week for stocking up on personal care/clothing care at Kroger and Rite Aid this week. I was very happy to be able to use up a bunch of coupons that expire 7/31, and also glad i had hung onto them this long.

Although I am usually a die hard Publix shopper, it is exciting that Kroger lets you load eCoupons to your Kroger plus card, and use a paper coupon for the same thing for double savings! Here's how the transaction went down..and I have been meaning to add that I don't include all the details on what coupons I used, but if you are ever curious, just leave a comment and I'll be glad to share which ones I used!

Kroger - all prices are after sales and coupons
These items are part of their "Buy 4, get $4 off" deal, and you have to buy in sets of four, mix & matched from the eligible products;
6 Old Spice body washes @ 0.59 each (and these are usually $3 a piece!!)
4 Fresh Collection deodorants = b/c I had buy 1 body wash, get 1 deodorant free, I knew these would be free. What I didnt' know was they also counted in the B4G$4...so they made were free plus earned me $4 profit...awesome surprise when I saw the final total and it was less than expected!\
1 Tide Stain Release @ 3.99 (this is the whopping 68 oz one, usually $11!!! I love this because it is gentle enough to use on the baby's clothes, and makes them smell nice and fresh, no leftover milk smells)
1 Downy fabric softener sheets @ .99

Regular sale items:
4 Suave deodorants @ FREE (on sale for $1, Kroger doubles up to .50...voila, used a .50 coupon)
3 Crest Toothpastes @ FREE (same idea)

Total value: 75.46
Total spend out of pocket: 6.18!!!
Percent saved: 92%

The Kroger associate ringing through all my coupons asked me where I get them. After hearing they are mostly in the newspaper, he said he would start reading it if it could save him money like that...haha...you don't have to read it, just buy it and take all the coupons. :P

Rite Aid
Trans. 1
2 Nivea Men's Body washes @ 1.99
1 Colgate sensitive @ 3
- Buy 2, get $3 Nivea
- $1 off colgate sensitve
- 2 +up from last week

Out of pocket = 1.40
Printed: 2 + up (one from each Nivea) & 3 +up (From Colgate)

Trans 2.
2 Nivea Men's Body wash @ 1.99
- $3 nivea coupon
- 1 +up from previous transaction

Out of pocket = 0.18
Printed: 2 +up from Nivea

Total Out of Pocket = 1.58 cash & 3 +UP = 4.58 - 6 +UP left over = 1.42 profit (in +UP rewards)
Total value of merchandise = $11

Total Spent in cash for the day = $7.76 (including tax!!)
Total value of product purchased = 86.46

I'm going to have to get rainchecks for a couple additional free after coupon deals that they were already sold out of yesterday. More free stuff to look forward to! :D Happy shopping!

Someone is 5 months old!

2010-07-26T19:38:00.003-04:00

Practicing to crawl! :'( Growing up to fast!!

One of the aspects of Lizzie's personality at this age that I love the most is how aware she is becoming of the world around her. Everything has to be experienced, tasted, touched, looked at. Especially tasted...and especially if it's paper. This girl LOVES paper...

I love my princess girl, she is amazing! Next month will be her first *half* birthday...wow!!

Life caught up with me!

2010-07-15T21:28:00.000-04:00

Until I logged on earlier, I didn't realize it had been almost two weeks since I updated! Many, many things have kept me busy, including:

We bought a Wii, which is the only kind of video game my husband can convince me to play...and we also got "Just Dance" which is a sweet game. It's even more fun than Dance Dance Revolution because you get to actually dance the steps rather than just jumping on a direction pad.
Celebrating the 4th of July at our house with members from both families. Offcially the first event we've hosted since moving here in March. Just to make you jealous, here's some of the yummy food I made:

Grilling compliments of the husband :D

The Princess got tired out "helping" me frost the cookies:

(Please note that she has found her feet. She LOVES playing with them: makes it very convenient how they are attached and all)

Speaking of the baby bear, she is super duper close to crawling. Right now she is scootbugging allllll over the floor, and can pull up onto all fours momentarily. Absolutely determined to crawl!
My grandparents came into town, and I love that babygirl is gettig to be in pictures with her great-grandparents. I rather would like to have pictures like that. They have moved out of the country to Panama, so we don't see them very much. It was a nice treat!
Uber Congrats to my little bro, we got to celebrate his highschool graduation while my grandparents were visiting with a nice party. No way can he possibly be old enough to be a highschool graduate..sheesh!!!

As you can see, very very busy last two weeks. Of course, I coupon shopped my way through all of it, which thrilled me to be able to entertain exactly how I wanted. Having the menu roughed out a couple weeks ahead of time let me keep an eye out for sales leading up to it, and saving tons of money on a couple things let me splurge elsewhere. Considering 10 people had a yummy banquet meal, it's exciting to only spend $20 more than a normal amount for the week, and that trip had non-holiday stuff on it, so technically even less!!! :D Suddenly, entertaining seems feasible!!

Anywho, that's my recap of July so far..hopefully it's been good for you too, and try not to stifle in this rid-i-c-u-lous heat!

(My name is Twinkie, and I approve these decorations...hmmm...this comes off.....)

Publix Trip 7.15 (ahhhhh!!!)

2010-07-15T19:46:00.001-04:00

That was me screaming in excitement...I didn't actually but I totally could have!

All prices are after sales and coupons:

2 Contessa Green Cuisine entrees @ 2.50 ea (normally $8 each, and they look delicious!!)

4 Rosetto frozen pastas (2 Ravioli and 2 tortellini) @ .74 ea

1 lb ground beef @ 2.89

1 green pepper @.97

1 onion @ 1.18

2 Green Giant canned corn @ .79 ea

1 Goodlife recipe cat treats @ .67 (I figured the cat should enjoy couponing too!)

1 Lance sandwhich crackers @ 1.45

3 Hersheys Special Dark chocolate syrup @ .50 ea

4 Bic Soleil dispoable 4 pks @ I MADE .25 each on these!!!!!! Thats right, FREE plus .25 overage :D :D

4 Finish 32 Gelpac dishwasher detergent @ 1 each!!!! (USUALLY $7!!! Sale for B1G1 @ 6.99 = 3.50 - 2.50 coupon)

2 Crispix ceral @ 1.50 ea

1 Fresh Express salad @ 2

Total spent: 27.87

Total value: 110.16

$ Saved: 82.29

% saved: 75%

I guess the hour or so I spent pulling coupons together really paid off, who wouldn't want to make $82 an hour, hee hee!

Thoughts...so elusive!

2010-07-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

Do you have a place where you always seem to lapse into thought, conciously or unconciously? There are very few of these places left to me, at least while I'm trying to keep up with baby Lizzie. On account of this, I tend to do a LOT of thinking in the car on the way to work. Any given day the drive varies from 30-45 minutes, and while I listen to a radio morning show to help ease the monotony of the route, simmering in the background are subjects requiring some attention that get put on hold other times of day.

During this time, I won't be interrupted unless I want to be (i.e. have the radio on, or music on, or complete silence). I never stop to run errands because it's 6:30 in the morning and I'm on a straight path. And, as much as I love my husband and my babygirl, it's really really really really nice to enjoy every minute of me-time. Up until the other day, I hadn't realized how much I tend to look forward to the drive. It's not that I'm driving to work that makes it pleasant (actually, my job is o.k. but I hate being away from the princess for those hours), and it's certainly not the time of day (I'm a night owl, this early morning stuff is not my ideal). A coworker asked how I can stand to live where I do and still work at that location, with that drive all the time. She couldn't understand what I was trying to explain...of course she's single, so I think she doesn't fully appreciate "alone" time yet. Which is not a put down, simply a statement. When I lived on campus at school, I had plenty of quiet time and then some. It's different when you live with a spouse and (good heavens!) a baby!

All this to say, during my commute I generally think of a million and one things to blog about, even start composing the entry in my head, and then I get here to my laptop that night at 10:30 pm, and all I can think about is what needs to be done before I can go to bed. Forget unfathomable musings, and all the clever thoughts I have, all I can manage is to slap a picture up and copy off my receipt. The tiredness tempers my excitment, and messes with my math, but somehow all the time spent clipping, printing, organizing, and shopping seems worth it. All these things that take up several hours of my day are brought into persepctive when I see the hard numbers which tell me it's worth it. That I'm helping make things better for my family.

So when I get frustrated, and read amazing deep posts on other blogs, and kick myself for not having time to sit down and ripen the budding thoughts I have, I remember what my priorities are. And that it's all just a season, the season of caring for a tiny little baby. There will come a time when I am not up every hour to comfort a 4 month old in the middle of a growth spurt. She will be a big girl faster than I realize. Which teaches me to be content with my little quiet time in the car, and embrace all the rest of the crazy minutes in my day. Someday, far in the future though it may be, I will have more time to pursue my writing and other hobbies.

Right now, though, ya'll will have to love me for mostly just sharing on my shopping trips. :D Hopefully it serves as an encouragement! I sure have fun breaking everything down and seeing my time investment come to fruition! But now, I need to go clean house while Lizziebear takes a nap. Lots of company coming over for 4th of July which is only TWO days away! Ack!

Rite Aid 6.28

2010-06-29T23:30:00.001-04:00

Oh wow, Rite Aid was a BLAST this week!!!

Transaction #1:

(Remember, +UP is their "currency" like CVS Extra Care Bucks)

1 Duracell AA battery 25 pk: $10

4 John Freida Root Awakening smoothing cream: $5 ea = $20

- $5 off $25 video values coupon

- (4) $3 off John Frieda Root Awakening

- $1 off duracell peelie (this was a nice surprise to find on the pack!)

- $2 +UP from last week

Spent: 11.75 , with 10 +UP and 2 +UP printed on receipt (2 from batteries, 10 from John Frieda purchase)

#2:

1 Duracell AA battery: $10

1 Creat Pro Health Sensitive: $4.49 (I literally just noticed this rang up wrong..was supposed to be 2.99...going to have to look into that. Weird that my transaction still worked out exactly right...)

1 Venus Tropical disposable razor 3 pk = 5.99

8 single serve bags M&Ms (4 of them the new pretzel ones) = buy one get one sale = 5.28

- $5 off $20 video value coupon

- $1 off duracell

- $2 off Venus razor pk

- .50 off crest toothpaste

- (3) Buy one bag M&Ms get pretzel M&Ms free (this works with B1G1 sale to make all 6 free!!!)

- 10 + UP & 2 +UP from previous transaction

Spent = .81 & 2 +UP & 2 +UP (one from batteries, one from razor)

I will also submit for a few Single Check rebates:

$10 back when you buy $20 in duracell batteries

$ 2 back wyb Venus razor (makes this free!)

$ 2.99 back wyb Crest Pro Health sensitive toothpaste

Summary:

Total paid out of pocket in store: 12.56

Total +UP left over = 4

Total SCR to submit for = $15

= 2.44 PROFIT! & 4 +UP left for next week!!! Yahoo!!!

Four months have flown by!!

2010-06-29T22:53:00.001-04:00

My beautiful princess is four months old. It blows my mind to consider how fast time is moving...slow down please? And I know at the same time that it is amazing to watch her tiny world expanding everyday. For example, today I was taking her out of the car, and she turned to look when a car drove by in the parking lot. Time was, she didn't even notice such things. It made me smile to see her desire to understand what the sound was. Now we are excitedly looking forward to a big adventure...solid foods! I bought rice cereal, we'll see how she likes it!

Publix 6.23.10

2010-06-23T21:54:00.000-04:00

I ran out tonight to grab what I wanted from this week's sale and remembered immediately why I try to shop the first day of the sale, rather than at 9 pm on the last. A couple things were just plain wiped out on the shelf, and although I grabbed rainchecks, one of my coupons expires today so I will miss out on that deal. Good news being, I will survive! Hehe :D

Prices are after sale and coupons:

6 Wishbone salad dressing @ 0.58 ea
1 4pk canned Green Beans @ 2.50
1 4pk canned Corn @ 2.50
1 gal Milk @ 2.49
1 gal Publix Sweet Tea @ 1.20
4 boxes Green Giant frozen veggies @ .50 ea
1 Muir Glen diced tomatoes @ .69
2 Campbells condensed soups @ .50 ea
3 Hamburger Helper @ .75 ea
2 Betty Crocker Bowl Delights @ .89 ea (not on sale, but my .50/1 coupon was about to expire!!)
1 Schick Shaving Cream @ FREE
3 Old El Paso Dinner kits @ .48 ea
2 bags Fresh Express salad @ 1.50 ea
1 Natures Own bread @ 2.59 (They were out of the whole wheat which was B1G1, but I got a raincheck for that for next week)

Total Value = 73.74
Total spent OOP = 27.11
Total % saved = 63%

That about sums it up!

Thanks for stopping by, I'd love for you to leave a comment, or follow me! I'll follow you back! :D I'm still learning about all this, I love to read what everyone else is doing!

Rite Aid 06.21.10

2010-06-21T21:34:00.000-04:00

Keep an eye out for Huggies Mega packs, clearance priced @ 50% off (usually 17.99, marked down to 8.99). If you have any $3 printables left, this makes them 5.99! I had some trouble with the toothpaste. The Total Advance Cleaning they had marked on the shelf was NOT ringing up sale price, or printing the 2 +Up rewards. I don't know if it was because it was the type with a free toothbrush included, but it was all they had in that type. The manager was really confused as to why it wasn't ringing right, but he was really nice and just overrode the price. He couldnt' make it print the reward though, so I just grabbed one of the other types for the final transaction (even though I wouldn't have wanted 4 of that type!) just so it would print. Rolling them is one of my favorite ways to stretch a buck.

Total value = 49.94

Total spent OOP: = 12.70

Total % saved = 75%

I also have a 2 +UP, and an additional $1 single check rebate to submit on the garbage bags:

Adjusted spent = 9.70

Final % saved = 81%

I think this is my best week at Rite Aid so far, considering I needed to get trash bags!

Kroger 6.21.10

2010-06-21T18:50:00.001-04:00

Mega Sale Week!

This week, Kroger is running a Mega Sale, where you buy 10 participating items and save $3 instantly. You have to buy in sets of 10, so be careful! I was so excited that everything on my list was still in stock: sometimes I like rainchecks to push an item over to another week's budget, but today I just wanted to get it all and get out.

All prices are after sale, Mega sale, and coupon deductions:

4 boxes Betty Crocker fruit snacks @ 1.07 ea

4 boxes Totino pizza snacks @ 0.45 ea

3 Grands Biscuits @ 0.87 ea

2 Reynolds Foil @ 1.69 ea

1 Tropicana @ 2.69

2 Gatorades @ 0.70 ea

2 2L Minute Maid Lemonade @ 0.79 ea

2 Betty Crocker Triple Chunk brownies @ 0.94 ea

(all these were part of the mega sale, 20 items in all)

Which brings us to my favorites from this week:

4 containers Pampers wipes @ 0.19 ea!!!! (regular price of 2.19 - $2 coupon from 6/06 P&G insert)

2 Reach toothbrushes @ Free!!! (10/$10 sale - 1.00 off coupon from 5/16 RedPlum insert)

Total Value: 63.85

Total OOP: 21.49 (for 26 items, yahoo!)

Total % saved: 67%

We should be set on fruit snacks for a while...as long as I hide them from the husband ;)

Bargain Meal of the Week - Caesar Salad

2010-06-21T18:30:00.000-04:00

To celebrate the official start of summer, here is a nice light, crisp and cool meal idea. If you have a George Foreman grill, or grill the chicken outside, you don't even have to heat up the house. This really isn't an exact recipe, I just kind of throw it all together (I love meals that are non-fussy like this!)...

I used about a pound of chicken breast. Hopefully you have some in the freezer or from last week at Kroger @ 1.99 lb.

First get it cooking:

Mmmmmmm!

Then cut it up, and mix with salad (Fresh Express is buy one, get one free at Publix), Caesar salad dressing (Wishbone is B1G1, plus if you use this coupon and if your Publix doubles, makes them $0.36 each! Make sure to hit the back button to print out your second coupon!), and croutons.

Total cost: about $5

Enjoy!

Yippee! (Swagbucks Update)

2010-06-19T13:44:00.001-04:00

Just though I'd share this real quick...

(*Edit* If you click on the picture it gets bigger, I just realized how small that came out!!) I just got my balance in Swagbucks up over 450! Enough for my first Amazon.com $5 gift card...and it only took 8 days! WOW! I had not expected to earn it so fast :D

What I've done to earn:

Searched for every website I visit regularly...even if I end up typing it into the browser window. For example, call me parnoid, but I don't feel comfortable searching "bank name" and clicking on the link to sign in. So I search for it, then just type the bank website into IE anyway, but I've earned swagbucks a couple times just from the search! Oh, and "Facebook" has netted me about 30 points so far, hehe!
Gone to "special offers" every day. Click on "No obligation special offers," sign up for NOTHING, just keep hitting "next offer" or "skip" and you get 1 point.
I got a referral! You earn point for point what they earn, up to 100 points.
Trusted surveys - you don't qualify for these until a week after you join. It's confusing, but you have to answer questions for a while before they decide if you qualify to take the actual survey. But Swagbucks offers one to get you started for 10 bucks :)
Swag hunt! If you *like* them on facebook, and check periodically for status updates, you will be alerted when a Swag hunt is on. This means there is a code hidden somewhere, and you need to follow the clues to get it, enter it on your homepage, and click "gimme" before the time runs out. I understand they also Tweet these, but I don't really like Twitter.

That's it, it really isn't much, and doesn't take very long. I'm physched! If you want to join, just click here.

Happy searching!

CVS 06.14.10

2010-06-17T22:18:00.001-04:00

My CVS trip was much simpler than Walgreens this week. There were only two things I really wanted, and it didn't bother me to just use my ECB's right then and there and not worry about rolling them.

Transaction 1: Two Old Spice body washes [sale for $4 ea] - B1G1 free coupon = 4.48 & 8 ECB

Tranaction 2: Two 12-roll Cottonelle bathroom tissue [sale for 5.97 ea, the regular shelf tag was for 12.99, and I saw them at Walgreens for that much!]- 8 ECB = 4.68

Total value = 35.98

Total OOP = 9.16

Total saved = 26.82 or 75% :D

Yes, more body wash for the husband! It's actually a really good example of something that I've learned over the last 6 weeks. Going into couponing, I was reconciled to giving up all brand loyalties and be flexible enough to go with whats on sale. So far, I don't feel we've really had to settle or compromise, only just plan ahead. There is even room to get more expensive things that we would never have bought before while trying to save. I mean, at $5 a bottle I would never have grabbed these. I didn't know you could get such deals! Makes me wish I had started this a long time ago!

P.S. I'm at 315 Swagbucks already! Woohoo!

Walgreens 6.14.10

2010-06-17T18:47:00.004-04:00

You've heard of a runners high, right? I promise, there's a couponers high too! That supreme feeling of excitement as you leave a store with so much FREE stuff, completely legally...it's even better than just finding something you like on sale, because you got it on super sale by being strategic. I'll admit, I give myself a headache sometimes figuring out transactions, but it's sooooo worth it. I had a little trouble at Walgreens, but the management fixed it, so I'm going to write out the transaction they messed up the way it SHOULD have been, and was, when I went back the next day.

( I forgot to add the Schick razor, candy bar, and nail clippers to the picture. Oops!)

Walgreens - I had to go to two different locations, 1st was out of razors..so there is one extra transaction than technically neccessary:

Trans 1: Nivea Body Wash [6.99] - $3 coupon = 3.58 oop (out of pocket) and 6 register rewards

Trans 2: Nivea Body Wash - $3 coupon + greeting card [4.49] = 8.11 oop and 6 RR

Trans 3: Schick razor 5 [7.99] - $5 coupon + clippers [0.99] - 2 RR from last week = 2.52 oop, 4 RR, & submit for free razor rebate

Trans 4: Skippy Peanut Butter [8 on sale @ 2/$4] - 4 x .60/2 + greeting card [4.49] + candy bar [0.39] - $5 off $20 coupon I got in a "Welcome Wagon" packet - 6 RR from trans 1 - 6 RR from trans 2 = 1.09 oop and 5 RR (I was thrilled about this one, because Trev is always eating PB sandwhiches for snacks/lunches and I love making Peanut butter cookies!)

Walgreens Summary: Total value of merchandise = 56.33

OOP total = 15.30 and 9 RR left and 7.99 Mail in Rebate

Total saved = 73%

Adjusted OOP total (minus RR & mail in rebate) = $1.69 PROFIT!!! :D

If the razor was in stock at store #1, I would have combined tran 3 with tran 1, and used the 4 RR towards tran 2, which would have reduced OOP total down to $11. Oh well! I LOVED Tran 4, that just made my day. I couldn't stop smiling walking to the car! (And I might have done a happy dance at home, and the baby might have laughed at her silly momma, and followed it by her classic "What on earth are you doing, Momma?" look, but you didn't hear that from me....) :D

What made you smile this week, couponing or otherwise?

My Little Book Worm

2010-06-15T19:29:00.000-04:00

Not even four months, and the Princess already loves books (well, the soft, floppy kind hehe)

I think I'm obsessed...

2010-06-14T22:32:00.000-04:00

with couponing! I've officially been actively couponing for an entire month, and it's so satisfying to be able to stretch the money so much further. At this point, I'm starting to get stocked up on a number of items, so hopefully the savings will only increase as I buy things only when they are super duper cheap. Here's what we are set on for a while (posts on my CVS and Walgreens adventures soon to follow!):

Diapers (huge stash under the crib! I found mega packs on clearance for 50% off at Rite Aid, with -$3 printable coupon in hand = 5.99. Bought 5, qualifies for SCR for a free 6th pack! Plus I had some from a sale at Kroger last month already)
Wipes
Body wash
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Razors
Peanut butter (from today's Walgreens trip, check back on that)
Frozen veggies (although, they are on sale again so I might have to just restock)
Toilet paper (today's CVS trip)

Although my savings has been hovering right around 60% overall, I've still been spending really close to my weekly budget of $60 (this isn't just food, it's diapers, cat food, paper products etc). My goal by next month is to be down to about $50 a week, but not depleting the store I am working on. We'll see!!

Oh, and I'm already at 183 swagbucks! *Excited*

Sigh, we moved the babygirl into her crib tonight out of her bassinet. Mainly, she is in her own room for the first night ever! She hasn't been sleeping well and I am hoping the better support of the crib mattress will help her out. The last few nights have seen her waking up every 20 minutes or so from 3 am on, which is very out of her routine. Poor baby, I hope she sleeps better tonight! I know I won't. For almost four months, she has never slept further than 4 feet away. Of course, I will wax philisophical and remind myself that growing up and branching out is exactly what our goal for the princess is. Might as well get used to it, right? Right. Here's to baby growing up strong and healthy! *Raises glass* :D Have a good night!

Swagbucks: I finally jumped aboard

2010-06-11T17:35:00.001-04:00

This is a story of giving into peer pressure..

But peer pressure for free stuff on Swagbucks can't be that bad, can it? I keep seeing information about Swagbucks, so I'm going to give it a go and see what happens.

What are Swagbucks? While there are a bunch of ways to earn these electronic points-redeemable-for-rewards, the two ways that look easiest to me are doing searches using Swagbucks as the search engine rather than google, bing, etc. as well as finding secret codes. (Still learning about all the ways, but I have the searching part down!) I'm super new to this, but I already have 71 swagbucks, just from doing a couple searches after signing up. Literally, I signed up 20 minutes ago! You get to choose what rewards you want to earn from their catalouge: tough decision for me between Target, Starbucks, and ITunes giftcards!! I figure, even if I don't rack up the points very fast, might as well be working towards something free!

Just don't start searching with Swagbucks.com until you are all signed up!!! Go here to sign up and lets see what we earn! I'll keep ya'll updated on how it's going for me, I'm really hoping to get some extras that won't even effect the budget!

Rockin' the deals at Rite-Aid: 6/7/10

2010-06-09T15:41:00.002-04:00

I'm such a nerd, but I am totally excited over the new reward program Rite-Aid has introduced : +Up rewards...basically ECB (extra care bucks, the CVS program) by a different name. And, so far, they have the same (so fun!) advantage over RR (register rewards, Walgreen's program) in that you can "roll them" (use them to repeat the deal on the same items). This week it was Old Spice Body Wash that was the "free" stuff.

Long story short, the body washes made me $0.50 each transaction (coupon for B1G1 from the paper, each wash on sale @ 3.50 ea, get $4 +Up reward for every 2 bought). I had to get filler items to bring it up to $4 to use the reward to pay, so I got:

Trans #1: Blink eye drops (which are a $2 money maker, having a Single Check Rebate for their full value, and I had a -$2/1 coupon)

Trans #2: DropIns bottle nipples for 1.24 (these are 4.99 @ Target!! found them here in the clearance bin!) Trans#3: Clearance toothpaste for 0.50

Trans#4: Ramen noodles (nothing else good on clearance lol)

All in all, I spent $10 and change, will receive a check rebate for 7.99 and have $4 in +Up rewards for next week...so in the end I left having earned $1.50 for taking about $45 in product home.

That's my kind of shopping!!

"It's like cable...for cats!"

2010-06-09T15:19:00.003-04:00

It has officially been two months since we moved into our perfect, brand new, so spacious house from our one-bedroom apartment on the third floor with soooo many stairs to climb to reach it. Ok, it wasn't that many stairs, but each month I was pregnant they seemed to multiply by another 100, and then carrying the baby up and down those first weeks, I think they muliplied x100 every day! However, the new house is at ground level (fancy that!) and this has introduced our kitty cat to many species that walk this earth which she had been totally ignorant about previously. Namely, bunnies, and squirrels. But she seems to have reached the zenith of her contentment with the new situation since we aquired a birdfeeder, and having only little baby trees in our brand new yard, were forced to settle with placing said feeder on the ledge of the back deck, in full view of two windows in the dining room. In other words, we "built" a TV for our cat! Observe:

And, after a couple days, the birds came! And the cat rejoiced greatly because she had something to do all day. Literally, all. day. She was there when I got home from work, and is still there now. I think she starts meowing at 5 am now just anticipating the sunrise and birdy breakfast....

So now I just tell people my cat watches TV all day, and that we "ordered" the premium channel package for her!! :D

Early morning fun at Publix!

2010-06-04T11:17:00.004-04:00

Since last week's shopping trip was late at night, consider this the counterbalance: the Princess and I arrived at 8 am sharp. The store was empty, the shelves were full, and considering the baby fell asleep about 10 min after we got there, the trip was quiet. Here's the loot:

Disclaimer: The flowers, pc, and especially the CAT are not available at Publix or included in the totals.

P.S. No, she isnt' allowed on the table, I kept shoeing her off to take the picture...but CATS are fast little things....

All prices are after sales & coupons:

1 Frito lay 22 ct variety pack @ 4.99
1 Entemann's donuts @ 2.15 (gotta keep the husband happy :P)
5 Healthy choice steamers @ 1.00 (on sale for $2, manager let me use a coupon that expired 5/31 good for $5 off 5 :D)
1 6pk Jello pudding 2.00
1 Kraft shreds @ 2.00
3 Pillsbury products @ 1.33 ea
6 Green Giant valley fresh steamers @ .20 ea <--- my 2nd favorite deal!
1 Stouffers skillet meals @ 2.50
2 boxes (2 in ea. box) Barber stuffed chicken breast @ 1.50 ea
1 Publix salad mix @ 1.50
1 lb market ground beef @ 2.98
1 Jimmy Dean sausage @ 1.50
Here comes my favorite deal...more details at the end of the post...
6 boxes Ziploc slider bags @ .73 ea....4.40 for all six..but not really (keep reading!!)
2 boxes Natures Valley granola bars @ 1.00 ea
2 8pks Lance cracker sandwhiches @ 1.00 ea
2 Campbells Chunky soups @ 1.00 ea
2 Taco Bell dinner kits @ .84 ea
2 jars Newmans Own sauce @ .99 ea
1 Cantelope @ 1.00 (2.00 - 1.00 off produce wyb (when you buy) 6 pk Jello pudding
1 box of 6 Superpretzel soft pretzels @ 0.50

Total oop = 43.34
Total Value of food brought home = 126.55
Total saved = 83.21
% saved = 66% (as of today, which I am pleased about)...but here comes the awesome part...

About those Ziplocs...
SC Johnson is running a rebate that is super duper simple to get: Buy ANY 3 SC Johnson products listed before 6/30, mail it in by 7/15, get a $5 rebate check. Click here to print. AND you can get 3 rebates per household. I did one already when cleaning stuff was on sale last month, and the check came two days ago. So, here's the AWESOME part this week. 6 boxes of Ziplocs = 4.40 total w/ my coupons. BUT it qualifies for TWO rebates! $10 back = profit of $5.50 for taking 6 boxes of Ziplocs home for them...aren't they sweet? Hehe! So considering that check will be on it's way soon, lets adjust the totals and move $10:

Total oop = 33.34
Total saved = 93.21
% saved = 74% Weeehooo!

Now, if you have some older coupons there are better deals. But I only have May coupons. Here's what I used: Smart Source from 5/16, .40/1 which doubles to .80/1 x 2 (I buy two papers). and 2 printable for 1.50/2 (make sure once the first prints out to hit the back button and get the second!). Since they are 1.50 a box this week, I grabbed 4, used the 1.50/2 and essentially got 2 boxes free. Then used the .40/1 for two more boxes (needed 6 for the rebate) which essentially made one of those free + 0.10 off the other. Now, if you don't have the one from the newspaper, you can use two computers and print out 3 1.50/2 which amounts to pretty much the same thing. Oh and remember to ask for duplicate receipt or two for the rebate.

Hope that helps you make some money for taking Ziplocs home for them! I was pretty excited about the whole thing and I would love for you to leave a comment about what deal made your day this week!!! :D Happy shopping!

New Toy in the House!

2010-06-02T21:27:00.001-04:00

Ever since the Princess began rolling over both ways a couple weeks back she has been working towards her next big goal: sitting up. To this end, she cries whenever you try to hold her lying down, and even fusses on her play mat after a while. Enter: The Exersaucer:

Of course...they are about $70 new at Target, which is a bit steep. Enter: Craigslist!! I was ecstatic to see one on there today for only $25, and we had it picked up within the hour! Princess got to try it after it was all clean and seemed to really enjoy the play time:

She loved it for about 5 minutes anyway...which is about as long as I expected her to hang out. Gotta imagine it's a good stretch for her muscles!

And we've had enough...lol.

As she gets stronger, I know she will really have a blast! Yay for new toys!

My Bargain Meal of the Week

2010-06-01T21:56:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day! Since Trev and I both work retail, we didn't see much of a difference from our daily routine, but I found a yummy looking recipe so we could still have a special dinner. What really got me excited was when I realized every ingredient is either on sale this week, or was last week! Woohoo!

It's called Monterey Chicken...and looks like this:

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breast (I only used 3 since that is what came in the package from Kroger last week I got for 1.99 lb)

4-8 slices bacon
(Publix brand 2/$6 from my trip last Thursday)
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Rays was on sale last week for .67 a bottle at Publix, .50 at Kroger with coupon)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Not on sale :( but Publix brand isn't that bad. I actually used Monterey Jack in honor of the recipe title, and being tired of cheddar, and it was a nice change to routine)

4 scallions, trimmed and sliced (Just skipped these since I didn't have them)

Heat oven to 350. Place chicken in casserole dish, add sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with barbecue sauce and bake for 25 minutes or until all pink is gone. Top chicken with 1 to 2 slices cooked bacon and cheese. Bake another 5 minutes. Top with fresh scallions.

SO EASY!! The time was perfect for cooking the chicken and it stayed nice and moist. I served it with some Green Giant veggies (combination of potatoes and peppers, our favorite!) which were free after a coupon from a month or so ago. BUT if you go to coupons.com there is one for .50 off Green Giant Valley Steamers, which will make them .20 with the sale starting Thursday as long as your store doubles (I believe all GA Publix's double). (I tried posting a clicky link, but it wouldn't work...) Gotta love it getting something thats regularly almost $3 for .20 instead! :D

Well, have a great Wednesday tomorrow. Halfway through the week! :D

Just Chilling on a Saturday afternoon!

2010-05-29T14:33:00.000-04:00

Still in pjs! A nice lazy day :)

Publix Trip 5.27 = success!

2010-05-27T22:26:00.002-04:00

I am very excited about the results of tonights Publix run. It was really smooth since I went after Lizziebear was asleep for the night at home with her Daddy. Believe me, I never thought running to the grocery store would be like a mini-vacation LOL! I spent about an hour and a half getting everything ready and 30 min actually in the store...here's what I got (price is after sales & coupons):

1 Digiorno pizza & breadsticks @ 5.50 (my wonderful husband has been bugging me about trying these since they came out :D)
2 Lloyds BBQ Pork tubs @ 1.74 ea
2 4-pk Bics disposable razors for women @ 0.25 money made ea (2.74-3 coupon!)
2 Luigi Italian Ice (YUMMY!!) @ .50 ea
2 Sarah Lee frozen 2-serving Chocolate Creme pies (hubby's favorite!) @ .70 ea
2 Green Giant frozen veggies @ Free ($1 ea - 0.50 coupon doubled on each one)
2 Breakstone Sour creams @ .45 ea
2 Helluva good French Onion dip @ Free (same scenario as veggies)
1 Country Crock Spread @ 0.15
1 lb Top Sirloin Steak @ 4.15 (saved 2.77 on this! I <3 saving on meat!)
1 Publix bacon @ 3.00 (Gotta love BOGO!)
2 Little bites @ 2.00 ea
2 Lawry's 30 min marinades @ 0.47 ea
2 Newman's own pasta sauce @ 0.99 ea

Total Out of Pocket = 27.15 (w/o tax)
Total saved = 58.97
% saved = 69% !!!!

I couldn't have ever done this without the help of two awesome blogs: Southern Savers and I Heart Publix!

And then the time came...

2010-05-26T22:07:00.000-04:00

to write the first post! The idea to start a blog has been simmering in the back of my head since my sweet baby girl was born three months ago. I mean, what momma doesn't crave an outlet to unashamedly post again and again about her amazing child and all the goings on in her family? I finally got around to actually making it happen, and already have so many ideas to write about!

Be prepared to encounter just about every topic. Weekly themes will probably include my couponing victories (hopefully victories LOL), a barrage of baby pictures, and random thoughts that come to mind during my loooong commutes. Please comment anytime you feel like it, I would be absolutely thrilled to get any and all feedback!

I suppose that's it for tonight. 5 a.m. comes fast, I'm going to call it a day! Nite nite!