Mimi

Monday was hard...to hear those words she is gone...to know I was not here to say good-bye. I rejoice in the fact that I know she is somewhere better...there is no pain and tears and she is rejoicing in that.
Tomorrow is the family wake...very difficult to see the family and say goodbye.
Thursday is the visitation.
Friday the funeral.
Very emotional days to come, but many memories and stories to share!

Mimi I miss you and look forward to celebrating with you again one day!Mimi being feisty with Zach...she was one feisty lady!


Mimi and Papa with Keith and I at our wedding
Mimi and Papa together...45 years they were married


Mimi and Papa again

Mimi with Caidan...when she first became sick she did everything she could to still help with Caidan.

Kroger 7.25.09

Original Cost: $16.07

Bought:
*Propel $1.00
*Propel $1.00
*Propel $1.00
*Propel $1.00
*VitaminWater $1.00
*VitaminWater $1.00
*Sobe LifeWater $0.99
*Sobe LifeWater $0.99
*Keebler Cookies $1.99
*Sour Cream $1.99
Donuts $1.00
English Muffins $1.00
Dr. Pepper $1.49 (not pictured)

Coupons Used:
$5.00 off for Mega Events*
$0.03 for using reusable bags
$1.00/4 Propel
$0.99 Sobe LifeWater (B1/1F)
$1.00 Sour Cream
$1.00 Keebler Cookies

Paid: $6.43 + $0.62=$7.05

Total spent after coupons: $7.05

Meijer 7,25.09

Original Cost: $23.89

Bought:
Toothbrush Cover $0.97
Toothbrush Cover $0.97
BC Frosting $0.99
Cucumber $0.34
Cookie Dough $2.00
Cookie Dough $2.00
Old Spice Body Wash $3.19
Old Spice Body Wash $3.19
Frozen Lemonade $2.50
Italian Ice $2.50
Honey Bunches of Oat $2.00
Honey Bunches of Oat $2.00

Coupons Used:
$1.00 Frozen Lemonade
$1.00 Italian Ice
$1.00 Cookie Dough
$1.00 Cookie Dough
$1.00 Old Spice Body Wash
$1.00 Old Spice Body Wash

Paid: $17.41 + $0.48 tax=$17.89

Total spent after coupons and refund: $17.89

$5.00 for One-year REAL SIMPLE SUBSCRIPTION

One of my favorite magazines, REAL SIMPLE is available for $5.00 here

I purchased mine and the first issue should arrive by the end of the month!

Kroger 6.25.09

Original Cost: $45.81

Bought:
*Gatorade $1.00
*Gatorade $1.00
*Gatorade $1.00
*Gatorade $1.00
*Gatorade $1.00
*Kraft BBQ Sauce $0.97
*Kraft BBQ Sauce $0.97
*Kraft BBQ Sauce $0.97
*Betty Crocker Brownie $1.99
*Betty Crocker Brownie $1.99
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs $1.38
*Banquet Sausage Links $0.92
*Banquet Sausage Links $0.92
Mt. Dew 2 Liter $1.25
Pepsi 2 Liter $1.25
Cherry Pepsi 2 Liter $1.25
Root Beer 2 Liter $1.25
Orange 2 Liter $1.25
Dr. Pepper 2 Liter $1.25
Luna Bar $1.00
Luna Bar $1.00
Luna Bar $1.00
Luna Bar $1.00
Luna Bar $1.00
Luna Bar $1.00
Luna Bar $1.00
Clif Bar $1.00
Clif Bar $1.00
Clif Bar $1.00
Clif Bar $1.00
Clif Bar $1.00
Blueberries $1.48

Coupons Used:
$6.00 from buying Daytona Deals*
$2.50 off for buying 6 designated 2 liters
$0.75/2 Brownies (Cellfire.com loaded on card)
$1.00/2 Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs (Cellfire.com loaded on card)
$1.00/2 Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs (Cellfire.com loaded on card)
$1.00/2 Brownies ($1.12 each after Cellfire.com coupon too)
$1.00 Kraft BBQ Sauce (free plus $0.30 overage)
$0.99 Kraft BBQ Sauce (free plus $0.30 overage)
$0.98 Kraft BBQ Sauce (free plus $0.30 overage)
$1.00/3 Clif/Luna Bars (organic booklet found at Kroger) ($0.67 each)
$1.00/3 Clif/Luna Bars (organic booklet found at Kroger) ($0.67 each)
$1.00/3 Clif/Luna Bars (organic booklet found at Kroger) ($0.67 each)
$1.00/3 Clif/Luna Bars (organic booklet found at Kroger) ($0.67 each)
$1.00/2 Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs ($0.33 each after Cellfire.com Coupon too)
$1.00/2 Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs ($0.33 each after Cellfire.com Coupon too)

Paid: $26.59 + $0.42 tax=$27.01
After looking at receipt I realized that $2.00 had been added on and $2.00 worth of coupons missing. I went to customer service and they refunded me $4.00.
Total spent after coupons and refund: $23.01

Bad Blogger

I have goals for this site and I am working on finding the balance to achieve those. I have posted two great shopping trips below and hope to post more this week. This weekend will be crazy as my sis and her family are in town, but I promise deals will go up!

CVS 6.22.09 (2 Transactions)

Original Cost: $12.32

Bought:
Soy Joy Bar $1.00
Soy Joy Bar $1.00
Soy Joy Bar $1.00
Soy Joy Bar $1.00
Tylenol Rapid Release $3.99
Tylenol Rapid Release $3.99
Emery Board $0.34

Coupons Used:
B1/G1 Free ($1.00) Soy Joy Bar
B1/G1 Free ($1.00) Soy Joy Bar
$3.00/2 Tylenol Products
$2.00 any Tylenol Rapid Release (CVS)

Paid: $5.32+$0.09tax=$5.41 ($5.00 ecb and $0.41 gift card)
Earned: $4.00 ecb for Soy Joy and $4.00 for Tylenol
Profit of $2.59
Original Cost: $12.97

Bought:
St. Ives Body Wash $3.99
Tylenol Rapid Release $3.99
Chapstick $0.75 (clearance)
L'Oreal Hip Eyeliner $2.12 (clearance)
L'Oreal Hip Eyeliner $2.12 (clearance)

Coupons Used:
$1.50 St. Ives Body Wash
$2.00 St. Ives Body Wash (CVS)
$1.00 Tylenol Product
$2.00 L'Oreal Hip Product
$2.00 L'Oreal Hip Product

Paid: $4.47+$0.46tax=$4.93 ($4.00 ecb and $0.93 gift card)
Earned: $2.00 for Tylenol
Total cost after coupons and earnings: $2.93

Total for both transactions $0.34! Yeah me!

Walgreens 6.22.09

Original Cost: $5.88

Bought:
Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder $1.99
Aquafresh Toothpaste $3.00
York Peppermint Patty $0.89 (not pictured)

Coupons Used:
$1.00 Johnson and Johnson product (made it $0.99)
$0.75 Aquafresh Toothpaste (mad it $2.25)
$0.40 Hershey Candy Bar (Walgreens-made it $0.49)

Paid: $3.73 + $0.33 tax=$4.06 ($3.00 rr and $1.06 cash)
Earned $1.00 rr Johnson and Johnson/$3.00 rr Aquafresh Toothpaste=$4.00
Total spent after coupons and earned rr: $0.06

Wal-Mart, Meijer, Kroger 5.22.09

Meijer

Original Cost: $28.67

Bought:
Minute Maid Fruit Punch $0.99
Minute Maid Raspberry Lemonade $0.99
Minute Maid Cherry Limeade $0.99
Ortega Taco Sauce $1.19
Ortega Taco Sauce $1.19
Arm & Hammer Detergent $3.79
Corn Tortilllas $1.34
Ragu Sauce $1.25
Ragu Sauce $1.25
Ragu Sauce $1.25
Lipton Pasta Bags $1.00
Lipton Pasta Bags $1.00
Lipton Rice Bags $1.00
Lipton Rice Bags $1.00
Tortilla Chips $2.50
Queso Dip $2.50
Eckrich Hot Dogs $1.25
Eckrich Hot Dogs $1.25
Ball Park Hot Dogs $1.25
Ball Park Hot Dogs $1.25

Coupons Used:
$1.00/2 Ragu Sauce ($0.75 each)
$1.00/2 Lipton Rice/Noodle Bags ($0.50 each)
$1.00/2 Lipton Rice/Noodle Bags ($0.50 each)
$1.00/2 Ortega Products ($0.69 each)
$1.00/2 Ball Park Hot Dogs ($0.75 each)
$1.00 Ragu Sauce ($0.25 each)
$1.00/2 Eckrich Hot Dogs ($0.75 each)

Paid: $21.23+$0.44=$21.67
Total spent after coupons: $21.67

Kroger

Original Cost: $10.24

Bought:
Kool-Aid Tropical Punch $1.00
Kool-Aid Tropical Punch $1.00
Sour Cream $1.00
Cream Cheese $1.00
Dip $1.00
Green Onions $1.00
Weber Grill Seasoning $1.00
Ground Beef $3.61

Coupons Used:
$1.00 Weber Grill Seasoning (free)

Paid: $9.11+$0.13 tax=$9.24
Total cost after coupons: $9.24

Wal-Mart

Original Cost: $15.28

Bought:
Lays Chips $1.98
Lays Chips $1.98
Powerade $0.78
SmartWater $1.00
Glade Lasting Impressions Fan $5.00
Hefty Zip Bags (travel size) $0.97
Schick Razors $1.97
Shout Wipes (travel size) $0.97

Coupons Used:
$4.00 Glade Lasting Impressions Fan ($1.00)
$1.00 Hefty Zip Bags (travel size) (Free plus $0.03 overage)
$2.00 Schick Razors (Free plus $0.03 overage)
$0.55 Shout Wipes (travel size) ($0.42)

Paid: $7.10+$0.63 tax=$7.73
Total cost after coupons: $7.73

Total Weekly Shopping: $38.64 ($1.36 under budget)

Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and a gift!

Walgreens

Original Cost: $7.96

Bought:
Colgate Visible White Toothpaste $4.49
Edge Shave Gel $1.99
Chap Stick $0.99

Coupons Used:
$0.75 Edge Shave Gel (making it $1.24)

Paid: $6.72=$0.49 tax=$7.21 ($6.50 in rr and $0.71 on gift card)
Earned:
$4.50 rr for Colgate Visible White Toothpaste (making it free plus $0.01 overage)
$1.00 rr for Edge Shave Gel (making it $0.24)
Total Spent after coupons and earnings: $1.71

Wal-Mart

Original Cost: $28.85

Bought:
Magic Erasers $1.96
Magic Erasers $1.96
Glade Lasting Impressions Fan $5.00
Toilet Bowl Brush $3.13
Sponges $0.92
Acne Cream $5.97
Scott Scrub Clothes $0.97
Hefty Zip Bags $0.97 (travel size)
Shout Wipes $0.97 (travel size)
Suave Men Body Wash $1.87
Suave Men Body Wash $1.87
Mop Bucket $1.50

Coupons Used:
$1.96 Magic Erasers (Buy 1/1 Free) (making 4 erasers only $1.96)
$0.55 Shout Wipes (travel size) (making it $0.42)
$4.00 Glade Lasting Impressions Fan (making it $1.00)
$1.00/2 Suave Men Body Wash (making it $1.37 each)
$1.00 Hefty Zip Bags (travel size) (making it free plus $0.03 overage)

Paid: $18.58+$1.76 tax=$20.34
Total Spent after coupons: $20.34


I used a bunch of the supplies from the above trip to Wal-Mart and stockpiled supplies to create this:



Mop bucket ($1.50)
Toilet Brush ($3.13)
Sponges ($0.92)
Magic Erasers ($0.98)
Glade Lasting Impressions Fan ($1.00)
Scott Scrub Clothes ($0.97)
Lysol Disinfecting Spray (stockpiled)
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner (stockpiled)
Lysol Bathroom Cleaner (stockpiled)
Lysol 4-1 Cleaner (stockpiled)
Lysol 4-1 Pourable (stockpiled)
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes (stockpiled)
Scrubbing Sponges (stockpiled)

So for $8.50 plus some stockpiled supplies, I created a housewarming/cross of theses from the grocery list gift for a friend who is getting married and buying her first house in July!

Meijer and Kroger 5.18.09

Because I was out of town this weekend, Saturday shopping became Monday shopping!

Kroger

Cost: $10.77
*that is Seth's hand reaching for the meat!

Coupons:
None used--even without coupons you can shop cheaply if you watch the sales!
Received $0.03 off for using 1 reusable bag

Paid: $10.64 + $0.13 tax=$10.77


Meijer

*Ocean Spray Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice (not pictured)
Cost: $23.65

Coupons Used:
$0.50 Bob Evans Sausage
$1.00 Ocean Spray Juice
$1.00/2 Ragu
$1.00 Ragu
$1.50 Kraft Dressing
$1.50 Kraft Dressing
$2.00 A-1 Sauce
$2.00 A-1 Sauce

Paid: $22.94+$0.71 tax= $23.65

Ocean Spray Juice $1.00! Kraft Dressing $0.08 each! A-1 Sauce $0.50 each!

On my way to Plano for a sister weekend!

Meijer 5.14.09

Cost: $4.11

Spent:
$1.39 Mountain Dew 20oz (not pictured)
$0.99 Aunt Millie Buns
$0.99 Aunt Millie Buns
$0.99 Softsoap Hand Soap
$0.99 Softsoap Hand Soap
$3.00 Electrasol Tablets
$3.00 Electrasol Tablets

Coupons Used:
$0.70 Aunt Millie Buns
$0.70 Aunt Millie Buns
$0.70 Softsoap Hand Soap
$0.70 Softsoap Hand Soap
$2.50 Electrasol Tablets
$2.50 Electrasol Tablets

Paid $3.55 + $0.56 tax=$4.11

Target and Meijer 5.12.09

Target


Cost: $10.14

Spent:
Teal 3/4 Sleeve Shirt $2.48
Black Lace Tank $3.74
Necklace $3.24
Banana Boat Sunscreen Travel Size $0.99

Coupons Used:
Banana Boat (any product)$1.00 (adjusted to $0.99)

Paid:
$9.46 + $0.68 tax= $10.14 on gift card

Meijer


Cost: $12.35

Coupons Used:
Kelloggs Rice Krispies $1.00
Kelloggs Corn Pops $1.00
Kelloggs Raisan Bran $1.00
Jello Gelatin Cups $1.00
Jello Pudding Cups $1.00
Hunts Ketchup $0.40
Hunts Ketchup $0.40

Cereal Boxes became $0.80 each! Jello Cups $1.00 each! Ketchup $0.60 each!
Bananas $0.27/lb!

Meijer 5.8.09

Cost: $28.77

Coupons used:
$0.50 Bounty Paper Towels
$0.50 Bounty Paper Towels

There was not a lot that we needed, so just stock up items and produce!
I did buy steaks reduced to $2.45 and 2 baking potatoes for $1.12 and watermelon chunks reduced to $0.68 making dinner tonight only $4.25!

CVS and KMart 5.6.09

KMart


Cost: $1.82

Spent:
$2.79 Arm&Hammer Cleaning Essential
$2.79 Arm&Hammer Cleaning Essential

Coupons Used:
*KMart is doubling all coupons up to $2.00 this week, the coupon amount is the doubled amount
$2.00 Arm&Hammer Cleaning Essential
$2.00 Arm&Hammer Cleaning Essential

Paid:
$1.58 +$0.24 tax
used $1.82 cash

CVS


Cost: $0.15

Spent:
$2.99 Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste
$2.99 Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste

Coupons Used:
$1.00 Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste
$1.00 Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste

Paid:
$3.98 + $0.17 tax= $4.15
used $3.49 ecbs (extra care bucks)+ $0.66 on gift card

Earned:
$4.00 ecbs for Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste

Walgreens 5.5.09

Cost: $1.61

Spent:
$0.99 for Arizona Tea
$0.99 for Arizona Tea
$0.99 for Arizona Tea(not pictured--I was thirsty :)
$2.99 Right Guard Deodorant
$4.49 Colgate Toothpaste

Coupons Used:
$0.40 Arizona Tea (Walgreens coupon)
$0.40 Arizona Tea (Walgreens coupon)
$0.40 Arizona Tea (Walgreens coupon)
$1.00 Right Guard Deodorant
$0.75 Colgate Toothpaste

Paid:
$7.50+$0.61 tax=$8.11
used $7.00 in rr and put $1.11 on gift card

Earned:
$2.00 rr for Right Guard Deodorant
$4.50 rr for Colgate Toothpaste

Big Plans

So I have big plans for this blog! I will still use it as a way to keep peeps up-to-date on what is happening in our lives, but I want it to be more. So will be incorporating a lot of my frugal ways onto the blog.
This will be slow going at first, as I figure out the best way to do it, but I want to show everyone how easy it can be to live a frugal life.
Stay tuned for more details and enjoy the new layout!

Book Review

The River Runs Dry by Sibella Giorello is an excellent story full of suspense and adventure. Join Raleigh,an FBI agent as she investigates the disappearance/kidnapping of a Seattle woman. New to the Seattle office, Raleigh learns about the local land and people as she investigates the case her way--sometimes breaking the rules. As the investigation continues, Raleigh becomes the possible second victim.
Sibella Giorello writes a tale of adventure that I could not put down. The excitement comes off each page and draws you in more and more. The mix of Raleigh's career life and personal life reveals the depth of the character and makes her seem so real. I recommend this book to anyone who loves police/crime dramas. 4 stars and a must read!

New Adventure

With a new month approaching there are quite a few changes in store for Keith!

1. We will be moving in with my parents for a period of time to help save money. GO WESTSIDE (sarcasm in tone)!

2. Keith and I have decided that instead of renting we are going to buy a home. We have just begun the process, meeting with a realtor to figure out the process and have to set up a meeting with the mortgage guy.

The next few weeks will be busy as we go through everything and pack up everything. I am not sure what to expect on this journey but am excited for what God will do!

To Mom

Happy birthday, Mom!

I am grateful for everything you have done and continue to do for me each day!

Today I did this!

At 11:00 a.m. today

At 1:45 p.m. today

Awesome Shopping Deals

In the past week, I had some amazing shopping experiences at Kroger and Meijer!

At Kroger (11.8.08)

All this for 42.56 (including tax)!

Kroger had an amazing deal, buy 10 participating items and receive $5.00 off. You were able to do 30 items per transaction. Participating items marked with a *.

Before all discounts my total was $95.13. According to my receipt I saved $91.74 on sales and coupons.

2 boxes Kix* ($2.00 each)

1 box Lucky* Charms ($2.00)

-$1.00 of 3 boxes cereal

Cereal: $5.00

2 boxes boxed potatoes* ($1.50 each=$3.00)-$0.70(x2)=$1.60

2 boxes Swiss Miss Chocolate ($1.00 each=$2.00)

2 Frostings* ($1.50 each=$3.00)

2 Cake Mixes ($1.00 each=$2.00)

-$1.00(x2) off frosting and cake mix

Frosting and cake mixes: $3.00

3 Crisco Vegetable Oils* ($3.00 each=$9.00)-$2.50 off 3=$6.50

2 Welch's Juices* ($4.19 each=$8.38)-$1.00(x2)=$6.38 (I thought these were on sale for $3.50)

2 Dial Handsoap* ($1.50 each=$3.00)-$0.60(x2)=$1.80

5 Scotch Brite Sponges* ($1.00 each=$5.00)-$1.00 off-$1.00/2=$3.00 (I forgot another $1.00/2)

4 Colgate Toothbrushes* ($1.50 each=$6.00)-$1.00/2(x2)=$4.00

2 Colgate Toothbrushes* ($1.50 each=$3.00)-$1.00(x2)=$1.00

2 Tylenol* ($2.50 each=$5.00)-$1.00(x2)=$3.00

1 Tylenol PM* ($2.50)-$2.00=$0.50

1 Nature Valley Bars ($3.19-$3.19)=FREE (I received this coupon for my Kroger Plus card)

1 Kroger Tomato Sauce $0.54

1 Kroger Buns $1.19-$0.25=$0.94

2 Kroger OJ ($1.25 each=$2.50)

2 Kroger Sour Cream ($1.24 each=$2.48)

3 Cinnamon Rolls ($2.50 each=$7.50)-$0.60(x3)=$5.70

3 Colored Bell Pepper ($1.00 each=$3.00)

1 Celery $1.48

-$1.00 off $4.00 fresh vegetables

1 Bag Salad ($2.00-$2.00)=FREE (I received this coupon for my Kroger Plus card)

Apples ($0.49)

2 Cottonelle Toilet Papers ($0.99 each=$1.98)-$0.50=$1.48 (I had another coupon and forgot to use)

1 Egg ($1.79-$1.79)=FREE (I received this coupon for my Kroger Plus card)

1 Pedigree Dog Treats ($3.73-FREE coupon)=FREE

1 Keebler Cookie ($2.99-$2.99)=FREE (I received this coupon for my Kroger Plus card)

-$15.00 for buying 30 participating items (this deal is equal to take an additional $0.50 off each participating item)

A great trip! See all the items I got for free after coupon and deals:

Pedigree Dog Treats (I gave these to my parents)

Eggs

Keebler Cookies

Nature Valley Bars

Tylenol PM

Colgate Toothbrushes

At Meijer (11.13.08)

All this equals $11.44 including tax!

7 Lysol Wipes ($1.24 each=$8.68 each)-$1.00(x3)-$1.00/2(x2)=$3.68 (an average of $0.53 each)

4 Warm Delights ($1.34 each=$5.34)-$1.00(x4)=$1.34 (an average of $0.34 each)

6 Tissues ($1.25 each=$7.50)-$1.00/3(x2)=$5.50

2 Lysol Cleaning Solutions ($1.62 each=$3.24)-$1.00(x2)=$1.24

1 Mr. Clean Extra Strength $1.44-$1.00=$0.44 (this was on the clearance rack because the box was ripped)

1 Extra Strength Duo $1.01-$1.00=$0.01 (this was on the clearance rack because the box was ripped)

AMAZING!

A diet/fast

So, Keith and I are going to do something so awesome for one of the cutest almost two year olds we know. We have friend whose little boy has severe allergies and on November 6 he is going in for testing to see the current levels of the allergies. In support of Wilson and the belief that we know he can be healed, Keith and I are going on "the Wilson diet." Since he has so many allergies, there are many foods he cannot eat, so from November 1-6 we will eat only what Wilson can.
This means:
NO SOY
NO NUTS/TREE NUTS
NO MILK/DAIRY
NO BEEF
NO EGGS
NO PEAS
NO BANANAS
We will be spending these days--and the days leading up--to pray for Wilson and the miracle that we believe will happen!
We love you Wilson!

Photo Shoot

My super cool baby sister took pictures of Keith and I yesterday and we had a blast!
Go to her photography blog to see the sneak peek!
http://www.saragdesigns.blogspot.com/

Also, if you love the photos she is available to take your pictures too!
Thanks, Sara! You are a great photographer and I actually had fun having my picture taken!

Vacation

We are back from vacation...safe and sound.
The pictures will have to wait, though because while on vacation, our hard drive CRASHED in the computer...so sad. Hopefully that can be fixed soon or a new one bought.
Vacation was fun, though a lot of rain...TROPICAL STORM FAY sucks...I honestly spent four straight days in rain and had to ride rollercoasters in the down pour, but it definitely created memories that won't be forgotten!

VACATION DAY 1 & 2

Vacation Day 1: Saturday, August 16, 2008

4:15 am-woke up

5:30 am-on the road to Orlando

7:30 pm-arrived at the hotel in Orlando

Not a bad trip, but a LONG DAY

Vacation Day 2: Sunday, August 17, 2008

First day to the park...today's destination: Universal Studios

The day started off a little interesting because what should have been a 5 minute drive was more like 30 minutes, because I got confused looking at the map...thank goodness for the IPhone and GPS which saved the day!

Keith got to meet Bart after we had ridden the ride!

One of Keith's dream cars!

Keith in front of the globe

Betsy in front of the globe

The picture of the picture we had taken at TGI Fridays...a pretty good one I think.

Be ready to be amazed....

...all this for $11.44 (tax included) at Kroger!!!!!!!!

Want to know how? Here is what was bought:

2 boxes of Raisan Bran cereal ($2.00/box)

2 boxes of Corn Pops Cereal ($2.00/box)

3 Keebler Fudge Stick Cookies ($2.00/pack)

1 Keebler Grashopper Cookies ($2.00/pack)

2 bottles Ranch Dressing ($2.00/bottle)

2 4 pack Cottonelle Toilet Paper ($0.99/pack)

3 Satin Care Shave Gel ($1.09/bottle)

1 pack hair clips ($1.00 on clearance)

Here is how I reduced the price:

$1.00 off 2 boxes Raisan Bran

$1.00 off 2 boxes Corn Pops

$1.00 off 2 Keebler Cookies

$1.00 off 2 Keebler Cookies

$1.00 off 1 Dressing

$1.00 off 1 Dressing

$0.25 off Toilet Paper (doubled to $0.50)

$0.25 off Toilet Paper (doubled to $0.50)

$0.55 of Shave Gel (doubled to $1.00)

$0.55 of Shave Gel (doubled to $1.00)

$0.55 of Shave Gel (doubled to $1.00)

$5.00 automatically off with the purchase of 10 participating products (text in green)

On my receipt it gave me a breakdown of my savings:

Coupon savings with doubling $15.00

Store Coupons and Sales $16.45

Total Savings $31.45

73% Savings

This has to be the best shopping trip ever!

CHA 2008

So this past weekend I spent in Chicago! I got to stay with Kalla, Chris and Caidan--with no other family! On Friday, Caidan officially turned one...so Auntie Betsy and Caidan hit the grocery store for donuts and the boy ate almost a WHOLE donut all by himself!
But my real reason for the trip was to attend the CHA Show 2008!
This show is where craft companies debut and showcase their new lines about to hit stores and I loved it. I got to see sneak peeks from all my favorite scrapbook companies, made some cool make-and-takes, got lots of freebies....and met ALI EDWARDS---the best scrapbooker!

Me and Ali....I was so excited!

Ali demoing these amazing alcohol inks which I have added to my must have list!

This frame in the middle is so cute and in my Christmas colors...don't be surprised if something similar is shown on my blog!

The paper line used in above project!

If I get really ambitious I may take on this project for Christmas!

My new loves....

Tupperware...but not the new stuff, it has to be the old stuff! Not only can I use it, but eventually I will be able to display it. The best place to find it...GOODWILL! Each piece below was $1.00.
This chair will be amazing when it is done. $0.99! at St. Vincent DePauls and Sara got an identical one...stay tuned to see the revamp!

This is how I spent my afternoon...

Yes, it's true...

I rear-ended someone and this is what my car looks like now :(
The other car--no damage.
My car is now at the body shop and I get to deal with the insurance company...who was not to helpful today, hopefully that will improve.

For all those girls out there...

I know you will understand!
So I was busy cleaning and organizing today and saw my wedding dress in the closet. I decided, "Why not?" and tried it on...and to my surprise...it still fit--2.5+ years later! I was ecstatic. I came down to show Keith and he just laughed, but I felt good knowing it fit!

Visit from Kalla and Caidan

This past weekend Kalla and Caidan came for a visit and we had so much fun! I had seen the little man a month ago, but boy had he grown! He was so much more mobile...hard to keep him still and so much more interactive. He is though weary of people he is not familiar with so it took a little time for him to get used to us, except for Keith...he liked him right away!

Sleeping in the car on the way to shopping...Gap Outlet!
Playing with the Solomon girls' toys...they were so nice to share.
Looking up at whatever his silly mom is doing!
Talking on Aunt Betsy's phone...now if only he would do this when I am on the other end!
With Uncle Keith...they got along quite well! Though Keith was unsure of what to do!

I sat in the back with Caidan on all of our adventures and did anything I could to keep him occupied...this time we were playing peek-a-boo!

Turning One!

Seth turned one on March 24, so we celebrated on Easter Sunday and did we have fun. The little guy was taking a few steps before his birthday but was a big show-off during his party. Since he was an Easter time baby this year I had to get him some bunny ears--he wasn't a big fan, but his big bro Zach seemed to enjoy them.

Keith and I got Seth a popper for his birthday. For those of you who do not know about a popper it is a pushing toy that when it moves these plastic balls jump inside and make noise (much like the center of the game in Trouble). My parents have told all of us that when we have kids we will each get one because they are so annoying, so I could not pass on the opportunity of annoying my parents!

The bunny ears--I think they are adorable!

The popper--he loved it and cried when we took it away so that he could open the rest of his presents.

Starting on his cupcake...

...After the cupcake!