Saving Money One Day At A Time

Wednesday Night Burgers!

2010-07-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Its hump day and man I am not in the mood to cook! So thankfully I am pulling out the burgers from the freezer cooking day and grilling. Burgers are easy but they get boring just throwing in the same old ingredients. So we are going to kick it up a notch and make these burgers YUMMO!

Grab a lb of ground sirloin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, bacon crumbles, blue cheese crumbles, toss them all in a bowl and mix together. I like to use my hands so you can get everything mixed in well then shape my burgers from there.

The best part about these burgers is that you have just made a gourmet burger in under 5 minutes!!

Chicken Spaghetti - Tales of Cooking Whole Chickens

2010-07-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

First off! I am so sorry I didn't post this last night! Hubby stayed home to help me with the kids while my head continued to pound and I lost track of the day.

When it comes to saving money the easiest way to do that is to find the cheapest products. Right, duh! So when you think of chicken I'm sure most people think of buying boneless skinless chicken breasts but thats actually the most expensive way to purchase chicken. Although it is the easiest and no cleaning involved. I prefer to buy whole chickens, cook them, then freeze the meat. I have MULTIPLE recipes that call for pre-cooked chicken so it is really the easiest way to do this. Bi-lo or Publix regularly has whole fryer chickens on sale for .79 a lb or less! Thats a whole lot of savings!! Especially when you really have to wait once a month for BLSL chicken breasts to go on sale for $1.99 a lb.

So back to the point...

I purchased 4 whole fryer chickens and got to work cooking. 2 I did on the stove in a pot with onions, garlic and a little salt and pepper in a stock pot. The other two I did in the oven with lemon pepper. None of these methods really flavor your chicken but the stove top method was super moist!

Now after cooking I have over 5lbs of meat ready to freeze and use later. Some of this I set aside for my chicken spaghetti. Now for the extra steps...

To save even more money I decided to use the "entire" chicken. Yes, the whole thing! I saved the bones and made chicken stock then I used the insides and neck to make a brown chicken stock! Don't be scared!! These were both VERY simple and not much work.

Chicken Stock

Take out a stock pot and throw in all the bones. Add carrots, onions, garlic and celery. I didn't have carrots on hand but really you can throw anything in this pot. Its really to just flavor the stock. Fill the pot with water to completely cover the bones and set on medium high until it boils then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover for 3 to 4 hours. Once you've let it simmer away for hours strain the liquid and refrigerate!

Brown Chicken Stock

This is something you need to start after you have made the stock because you will use 2 cups of the stock in this recipe.

Take your gizzards, heart and liver pieces along with the next and brown in a little oil and butter. Once brown add 2 cups of chicken stock, a few bay leaves,thyme, salt and pepper then set on medium until it starts to boil then partially cover and turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Once its done strain your liquid and refrigerate.

Simple!

Ok I know its time consuming but for the most part its just simmering away on its own with no work from you and your kitchen will smell YUMMY!

Now for DINNER!

Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients

Spaghetti noodles
2 cans cream of chicken
8 oz shredded cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups precooked chicken
salt and pepper

Cook your spaghetti noodles according to the package. In a bowl combine chicken, soup, cheese, chopped onion, salt and pepper then add spaghetti noodles and mix together. Place in a baking dish sprinkle more cheese on the top and cook for 45 minutes on 350.

To add something extra chop up some green and red bell pepper! ENJOY!!

Sudafed Makes For An Odd Mommy

2010-07-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Waking up at 4:30 this morning with a head ache wasn't a good start to the day. I came downstairs at 5:30 and refused to take anything hoping some water would wash it away.

Mistake #1

I climb back up the stairs to whine to D at 7 and crawl back into bed praying for death. Yes, it was that bad. It was one of those head aches that you feel at the back of your skull and in your temples that literally makes you feel like your head is literally going to explode. Finally D comes back in when I was crawling on my hands and knees to get to the bathroom and asks me if I want to take something. YES PLEASE!! ANYTHING!!!

D brings me 2 Advil and a Sudafed Sinus.

Mistake #2

Im pretty sure at this point that I have a migraine from sinus issues however Sudafed makes me loopy and I feel high. This may or may not be a good thing. The boys think its hilarious! I am much more goofy with them albeit slightly sluggish. All in all I am just glad to have the headache gone.

Stay tuned for Tuesday's dinner recipe!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-07-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Apparently Monday is the day for typing.

In my attempt to save money I menu plan. Its the easiest way to save money on groceries and not run out at the last minute getting pizza because I haven't planned for anything and there isn't anything to eat! Since I haven't been updating my blog regularly then you have missed my freezer cookings which has really stocked my freezer. So menu planning should be pretty easy.

Monday - Lemon and Herb Chicken
Tuesday - Chicken Spaghetti
Wednesday - Blue Cheese and Bacon Burgers
Thursday - Italian Meatball Soup
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Monterrey Melts
Sunday - Appetizer's!

The only recipe that is not something that is in my freezer are the Monterrey Melts and the Italian Meatball soup. All recipes will be posted the day of!

Lemon Herb Chicken is one of my favorite recipes with chicken. From Onceamonthmom.com this is so easy!

Ingredients

2 tbsp. lemon zest
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp. fresh rosemary leaves, finely minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2-4 lbs. of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
2-3 tbsp. melted butter
Thinly sliced lemons, for garnished

Directions:
Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a large zipper-lock plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake well to blend. Place the chicken pieces in the bag with the marinade, pressing out excess air and sealing once more. Refrigerate and let marinate for 2 hours. To use this for freezer cooking quadruple the recipe and place in 4 freezer bags then freeze.

Once thawed out or marinated for 2 hours remove chicken and reserve liquid. I like to grill these and bast with the marinade but you can also bake these. To bake preheat your oven to 425 brush chicken with melted butter and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Halfway through the baking pour remaining marinade over chicken and continue to bake. Once done let rest for 10 minutes covered loosely with foil.

ENJOY!

Chocolate Honey Fudge turned Peanut Butter Fudge

2010-07-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

This fudge is from the oh so nice Chocolate book I told you about earlier. I couldn't wait for naps to get started to I put on a movie and got to work. 5 minutes into movie I am gathering ingredients and Conner walks in and announces "Mommy can we eat lunch now, I don't want to watch the movie". So of course I get sidetracked! Lunch made, kids sitting quietly eating and now all I see is JIF peanut butter...

Change of plans people!

My fudge went from Chocolate Orange Honey Blossom to Peanut Butter Fudge!

Where did the Orange Honey Blossom come from you say? Well 2 weeks ago we were in Athens, GA and I stopped at a road side stand and there it was! So Orange Blossom honey was what I had to have!

Meanwhile back in the kitchen I see the JIF along side all of my ingredients and decide to make a change because honestly vanilla and orange honey don't sound all that appealing with peanut butter.

So I get to work starting with 5 table spoons of butter, 1 14 oz can of sweeten condensed milk, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of peanut butter, and 1 lb chopped chocolate.

Stir like your mama taught you over a medium low heat.

Remember we don't want to boil this just get it all melted and yummy!

Keep stirring because as soon as you think you are done a little piece of butter will pop up and scream! I'M NOT MELTED! Ok really it won't scream but you might laugh when you see it pop out of there.

Butter a small glass dish then go back to your nice yummy melted fudge and pour it straight into the dish.

Now for the finale! Take a butter knife and grab some peanut butter then start in a corner and run it in a zig zag through the fudge. I did this several times and although not perfect it works!

Pop that in the fridge for and whole or until solid and your done! Simple!

Cooking is my hobby, Eating is my Passion!

2010-07-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

There are days, like today, that all I want to do is find delicious recipes and make them all. I have already found several in my aimless wanderings of the blogger universe. All require a trip to the store which I don't really have the money to do at this point in time. We just got back from a weekend in Atlanta that was exhausting but fun and of course the boys need to catch up on sleep and that didn't happen this morning so now add grumpy kids with grumpy mom and not so clean house... Well you get a mommy that uses food and cooking to avoid the mess right in front of my face. So lets avoid all of that and get back to FOOD! Let me just start by listing all of these yummy recipes I have found so far!

Japanese Cream Cheese Cake (looks heavenly!!)
Chocolate Honey Fudge (On my to do list for nap time!)
Chocolate Fudge Tart
Boston Creme Pie
Deviled Eggs (don't ask me why)
Italian Meatball Soup

Ok I will spare you from the rest of my list because I know you are getting hungry just reading the names! Did I mention that I happened to have picked up this new book, its heaven in a small little hard bound book! I am literally drooling on the pages so you may not want to borrow it...

Its times like these that I think, am I pregnant?

Oh yea NO, so not pregnant. I just like to eat!

Later today I will post my adventures in making this fudge!! STAY TUNED!

Real Or Not Real???

2010-07-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been looking at random things online. Yes, its dangerous, I know! I came across a store on Amazon that sells sterling silver jewelery with cubics zirconium that looks REAL! Ok, well it looks real online and so I bought one that looked similar to my wedding band I got for our anniversary last year. It cost me $20 so if it was too good to be true I wasn't out much money. I have worn it for a week now and I feel like there is too much bling on my left hand! Seriously! It LOOKS SO REAL!!

Can you tell which of the wedding bands is real?? I bet you can't!!

This got me to thinking... Why spend $3000 on a real ring? lol Yes, I am really saying that and no I would never know if D had gotten a fake ring although I know it isn't fake and of course I wouldn't request a fake ring over the real thing but when you are a mom of 2 and there is no way I will be able to buy the real thing to match my other wedding band for many many years to come this works perfectly fine!

Check out all of their collections at...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/?brand=Gem%20Avenue&ref_=bl_sr_jewelry&node=3880591

Ramblings On A Dreary Monday

2010-07-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start this with a simple, I miss pregnancy...

I just sold Conner's first crib and crib furniture. Don't worry we still have Noah's crib and just never used the changing table so I sold it. Along with a lot of baby toys that are taking up too much space and in 2 years when we have a new baby I don't mind buying new ones. It made me so sad to see it go though! I keep seeing all of my friends updates of having their second baby and I get a little choked up missing the belly and the tiny baby. It also hit me a little harder how long it will be until we have another baby when my mom reminded me that Michael graduates this year and she is thinking about pushing her 50th birthday trip to Costa Rica to June. I know its only 2 months but It was 9 months and now its 11 until we start trying.

My mind starts freaking out a little bit when I start worrying about if we will even get pregnant on the first try and then I am looking at 2 years or more before I see that cute little pink face....

But to every down side there has to be an upside and mine is that they boys will be a little older. In 2 years both kids will be in school full time so baby number 3 gets a lot of mommy time. In 2 years we might be in more of a position to move to a bigger house. Ill be 29! Wow thats weird....

Alright Ill stop whining...

Panama!!!

2010-05-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our vacation is over!! It felt like we planned it forever and its already over! I loved it and honestly I was really dreading every minute of it. From the 4 hour plane trip to my lack of Spanish. I also knew we were going to meet alot of Darien's family and I was a little nervous about that as well.

Our first plane ride down to Panama was pretty uneventful and I am really glad! Although I love to fly I honestly almost had a panic attack when we were getting ready to take off. I know I have no control and that I am more likely to die in a car wreck than a plane crash but as soon as the car started to move I clutched to Noah thinking my babies are on this plane and we could all die. It was pretty irrational but still I was so scared until we got in the air and I relaxed a little. After 4 hours we finally landed and the boys were exhausted! Going through customs then immigration I really thought I was going to die from exhaustion and heat since there was obviously no AC in the airport. The boys were grumpy and running around like crazy chickens then came meeting the first round of family at 9pm.

We finally got into the rental cars after Darien argued with the Budget car people who were trying to charge us WAY too much. Finally on the road and the boys were asleep within seconds. We drove to the bed and breakfast which was about 15 minutes from the airport and I got to see a little of this new city at night. Next morning the hotel had a yummy breakfast prepared for us and then we headed out to Gamboa. Gamboa is about 25 minutes from where we were staying and this is where Darien grew up along with his sister Caryn who was along with us. It was definatly hot! The boys were still pretty exhausted since they woke up at 730 after not going to bed till 1030 or 1130 our time.

We did a little sightseeing after Gamboa then headed back to the hotel to put the kids to bed. Nap wasn't exactly what they wanted but oh well we tried! That night we drove to the causeway and at dinner at a little restaurant by the water with Marybell and her husband and 2 kids. The oldest of her kids was 6 and Conner flirted the entire dinner with her. It was very funny to see him flirting and he is only 3!! After this long day after traveling we were ready for bed and good thing because we had a 4 hour drive to Las Tablas the next day.

Las Tablas
I thought I would need my book for this 4 hours trip to Las Tablas which is where Darien's grandfather Abuelo Chago lived along with his aunt Elsie. Of course I didn't open my book the entire drive because it was too interesting looking around at all of this new stuff that I had never seen before. The boys did very well all things considered and after getting pulled over by Panama police who then my FIL had to bribe so we didn't get a ticket we finally arrived around 4.

Conner and Noah ran around while Darien flipped out that they were going to get into something that would kill them. His grandfather lives in a farm area where people don't really have internet, phones or TV. The house sits right across the street from a small bar that is typically just for men if we didn't know the owner. His grandfathers sister lives right behind his house and owns a little store that sold coke in a bottle for .25! The beer that the bar sold was well over 20 oz and they were only a dollar! My favorite part by far was sitting on the back porch just listening to everyone talk. Life out there was very simple. The rooster woke me up the first night at 3am bc apparently he was confused on the time. The boys chased chickens around the front yard who had excaped from the neighbors backyard, we relaxed most of the time and tried not to think about the heat then when Saturday night rolled around the rain came.

Panama is known for its heat and for 6 months out of the year they have a rainy season that is then followed by the dry season and it was just our luck that we happened to be there the first night of the rainy season. Around 9pm the rain started and didn't stop. The first time it rains apparently the transformers aren't really ready for it and they tend to stop working which means no power at all. We had an air conditioning unit in our room so we could sleep at night and that went out. So with not much else to do we decided to go to bed at 10 and I was rudely awoken about 3 hours later drenched in sweat! The power still hadn't come back on and the room was definatly starting to get really hot. About that time Conner woke up having pooped... No lights, which means no water, no ac and a poopy child... Darien graciously took care of it because honestly I couldn't see a hand in front of my face without my glasses and there wasn't a flashlight in our room which made the situation worse.

Darien finally got Conner cleaned up and back in bed so we could go back to sleep which we did and I awoke about 30 minutes later to power! The AC was back on! Praise the LORD!! oh wait 30 minutes later the power was back off... 90 degrees at 5am and humid as all get out does not make a happy mommy...

Sunday was pretty and we hung out around Las Tablas enjoying the small town. There have only got to be a few thousand people who live around this town yet there are about 20 different restaurants that sell the same food. Please tell me why? There are also 4 lavaderia's or laundry mats that have 5 or 6 washers but only 1 dryer! WHY? I know most of these people hand wash their clothes then line dry them but during the rainy season its so humid that nothing dries! OH well, gave us an excuse to go back into town to find an internet cafe which there are about 4 or 5 of those as well.

Monday we drove to Pedasi and visited the beach where the boys had a ton of fun getting soaked and very sandy. I really enjoyed this town because there were Americans living there, a beach, yummy food and you still got the Panama feel from the locals. I very much want to move here...

We ate at an American owned restaurant and the only way you could tell was because A it was called something Gringo's and B they had ranch dressing as a dip with EVERYTHING! We headed back to the house and decided that Tuesday since it was our last day we would go find a pool and get some sun since we hadn't really gotten much on our trip even though it was really sunny most of the trip and awefully hot. Tuesday we headed out at 10 to get a Panama hat downtown, get a flat tire fixed, pick up our tried laundry and then head to the pool. Once we managed to get to the pool we found out it didn't open till 2 so we drove around trying to find things to do to pass the time. We took the kids back into Las Tablas and ate lunch then actually got the tire fixed which cost us $2 then ran back to the house to drop off the leftover pizza to Darien's dad and finally back to the pool!

The pool was wonderful! Even though the boys hadn't had a nap they were so excited to play in the water that we stayed there till almost 6. It was wonderful and just a really great way to end our trip. The next day we packed and said our goodbye's then got back into the car for our 4 hours drive back into Panama City for our last night. I was more sad than I thought I would be. I really enjoyed our trip and honestly want to pick up and move there. To be able to emerse my kids into a different place, learn amazing things and live in a place thats laid back and beautiful! Plus I could see how easily I could open a restaurant, or open a small shop. Our trip was so amazing I am counting the days that we can go back. Im sure Darien is thinking the same thing since his grandfather is 89.

The flight back was a little more tiring but only because we had gotten up at 4am then the kids at 4:30 and they didn't sleep at all in the plane or on the drive back to my inlaws. I am really glad to be home but I miss Panama and all the friends I made there. Don't worry Panama! We will be back!!

Can I Just Play A Game Today..

2010-02-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

It's called "I Wish.." and yes it is just what you think it is! Ok I promised myself I wouldn't use as many exclamation points (by the way I just googled the correct spelling of that, sorry Mrs. Moore.). Ok back to the point! Sorry just had to do that...

Seriously.

So the I wish game... I am sitting here on my couch listening to my kids watch Veggie Tales and sing along or at least try to sing along and I am bored... Yes, bored. I thought about baking but D is on a diet so I probably shouldn't tempt him although he isn't really a fan of the sweets. I need to do a little laundry but I don't really want to. I played with the kids all morning and now they would rather play alone. HAHA tired of mommy time!

So back to playing a game...

I wish... This blog didn't look so sad!

I wish... I could remember to make coffee in the morning

I wish... I remembered to take pictures of everything I cook so I could share it with you guys! (my 5 readers that consist of family)

I wish... I could supress this need for a baby for at least another year or 2.

I wish... I didn't miss being pregnant

I wish... my head would stop hurting right now!

I wish... The Super Bowl was here already!!

Ok I think I am done for the wishing game...

What a sad post this turn out to be! Pathetic I know!

OH well, onto cookies!!

Dreaming...

2010-01-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

Do you ever dream of living somewhere else? Not so much being a different person but just picking up and moving to a different part of the country. This is how I have felt recently and I can't really put a finger on why. Darien and I have always wanted to leave near a big city but not necessarly in a big city. Columbia isn't what you would call a big city and it seems like recently we have become stuck here. Don't get me wrong I love being around my mom and my brothers (well the ones that are here!) and I have lived in Columbia pretty much my entire life but I feel restless here.

Currently we are stuck though until we get our house paid down more. With the economy the way it is our property value went way down which means we would have to sell our house way above market value or pay to get out of the house which isn't an option. So what to do what to do.... :) Guess we put our dreams aside for now and concentrate on paying down our house and bills!

We have put the 3rd baby picture on hold until later in 2011. Man that sounds like so far away but now that its 2010 it will come faster than I realize. Although I have been feeling the baby itch for some time now I realized that I just want to enjoy the boys for awhile and see what God gives us later when the boys are a little older. If we get preggers in late 2011 I will be 28 or possible 29 since I would be due in 2012! Conner will be 5 and Noah will be 4 which I cannot believe!! Time is going by so fast! My babies will be 3 and 2 this year! When we have a 3rd Conner will be in Kindergarten and Noah will be in preschool!

I am honestly perfectly happy with how my life is going right now and even with the bumps in the road I am truely blessed! I have a wonderful husband who deals with all my emotional roll a coasters, 2 beautiful boys who continue to amaze me and wonderful family and friends. (NO i am not high) So I guess I need to stop dreaming and step back into reality and get back to the boys who have now started to watch a movie since I took a break from playing blocks to write a few blogs. :)

Charity : Water

2009-12-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

This year has been hard financially for many people in the US and Christmas makes it even harder. So although giving to charities may not be on your radar for a gift this season but it maybe the cheapest and easiest way to give gifts this season! I am involved in a website called Shespeaks.com who is supporting this charity. So I decided to get involved! I bought their little black box as a gift that includes a wrist band and a donation to charity! There are several different options as well and here is some more information on the charity itself along with the link to the site!

Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. That’s one in eight of us. charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects. Learn more or donate.

http://www.charitywater.org/

Its been too long!

2009-11-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

With everything going on lately I have neglected my blog! Football cheerleading is over and of course there isn't much of a break then basketball cheerleading starts up! Not much has been going on besides cheerleading, Clemson football, and family. Darien is applying for a new position at work and I am praying he gets it. He has done so well with his job that I cannot imagine that he won't but of course we want what God has planned for us. I have tried getting another job watching a little girl but no luck with that. We are also still trying to figure out when the best time to try for another baby is. I would love to try for a girl and as much as I have the baby itch I am not sure I really want another baby next year. We are just starting to get alot more things changed with the cheerleading program and it would be hard to add another baby to the picture along with competitions, practice, games... Maybe in a year or so....

Well I need to get off and try and get some things done around the house! :) I hope I will write more soon!

My life in a nutshell... Getting it all together

2009-08-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

Ok so I need to vent and what better place to do that but on your own blog!! :) So my goal in highschool was to get married and have kids partly because I always wanted what I didn't have growing up and because I love kids. Case in point... Im married with 2 boys who are my life! I never really wanted anything until I had them and I honestly never thought I was really that good at anything until I had kids. Once I had them I wanted more for them and realized that I cut myself short before I had them and Im not the example that I want to show for them. As any mother I want them to grow up and fulfill their dreams and shoot for the stars, go to college, enjoy life! Growing up I dealt with too much enternally and was never able really be who I could have been. I found cheerleading to be that outlet and really thrived in the sport but it filled a whole that I didn't want to fill with anything else. I had to work really hard to get c's in highschool and that was enough for me because I didn't really want to go to college anyways. I always played it off like I only wanted babies and a dream marriage but in reality (don't get me wrong I truely wanted kids and marriage) I didn't really thing I was good at anything to go to college for plus I knew I wasn't good in school so why put myself through 4 years of just getting by.

So of course I went to college, had no idea what I was in for, took too many hours, had cheerleading on top of it plus I was 5 hrs away from home with no car so needless to say I failed out... Lost my scholarship and cheerleading squad which was the biggest dissapointment for me. I came back home feeling like more of a failure than I had in my entire life and I had some seriously failure feelings before... I tried going to a tech school for a semester and although I did well I didn't have the funds to keep taking classes and so I got a full time job as a secretary. Here is where life just got worse... I tried making friends because all of mine were in school. I made a friend that I will never regret making but the choices I made with this friend weren't the greatest. As a 19 year old I was working a full time job like an adult but my friends were in college living life as a college student and as a girl who never really faced the depression and issues I had in the past my emotions spiraled out of control and I ended up drinking to get rid of those feelings. WRONG CHOICE! A year after I started this full time job I ended up having to quit due to getting kicked out of my house. I don't really blame my mom. Im not sure as a mother I would have been able to keep my child who was spiraling out of control under the roof with a 9 year old child but at the time I didn't understand and I just wanted to feel like I wasn't drowning anymore.

I ran to my dad in Greenville and without him I probably would have landed at my friends house which would have just aided my drowning instead of someone helping me out of this ocean of depression. Now don't get me wrong my dad never said "ok Amanda we fully support your habit of self destruction" it was more that he accepted me and was supportive of me. He gave me a feeling of stability that I seemed to lack at the time. I ended up taking some more classes and did pretty well but started working full time and got another job along with that so I only did one semester got another job in which I met some more destructive friends although I didnt realize it yet again at the time. The only light in the dark spot was I met Darien. My destructive friends introduced me to this goofy guy who made dumb jokes and who he and I had a certain banter that was fun. He was a Clemson fan which was probably the biggest attraction for me when we met but other than that he was a good friend.

Darien smoked which I hated and I think he wanted to impress me so much he cut way back while we were friends and at some point quit altogether. He was always there being the one friend who reminded me of who I truley was not this person or shell that I had become. After hitting rock bottom, moving in with my desctructive friends, and adding drugs to my drinking I thought I was never going to pick up the pieces. My mom who I had kinda put out of thought out of mind at the point got me to come home a few times to help them open their new icecream stores and I reconnected with old friends(good friends) and after I opened my eyes to my destructive friends crazy personalities I decided to get out. My mom let me move back home and I was determined to get my life straight. Darien and I still talked constantly and I encouraged him to get his life right with me. Columbia was a good move for me and after only falling off the wagon once I really thrived managing my moms store. I enjoyed actually doing well at something! In 2005 Darien and I got engaged and planned on getting married that next summer and in July 2006 and a month later we got pregnant with our first son. 3 years later we now have 2 wonderful boys that I love so much! I am coaching cheerleading, blogging, and this week I will start watching a littler girl named Karsyn. I have alot going on and I don't really want to add to it I just wish I had a skill or that I could finish college so that I can say LOOK boys! I raised you and I still did something with my life because I had a dream! But what am I good at?? I'm good with kids, I love photography, I like teaching(albiet cheerleading), I love medecine and helping people but what do I do? And why do I feel like I need to make something of myself? Really my question is why do I feel so lost? I wish I would have taken advantage of the opportunities when I had them but I didn't know what I know now back then and I didn't really know who I was on top of that. I can't afford to go back to school and if I even went back I don't have the time. I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself but I feel like I should be better! As a mom, as a wife, as a person! I guess I have high goals this time around and I don't know how to achieve them... Ok I got that out! Thanks for listening if you did!

Marshmallow Fondant and Icing Dough

2009-07-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

So I don't like normal fondant because its just not very yummy so when I decorate cakes I tend to only use icing and pipe things which anyone will tell you isn't always the cleanest. You can work really hard for clean lines that don't always happen. So your next option is fondant which is pretty easy to work with and makes a very smooth surface on cakes but as I said before its not very tasty. So after some googling and a helpful nudge from a friend who tried it I decided to play with marshmallow fondant! It was super easy albiet messy!

Grab a bag of marshmallows, crisco, powdered sugar, and a little water.

Put the bag of marshmallows and 3tbl of water in a glass bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Do this at 30sec intervals until the marshmallows are melted. It should take about 3 minutes total. Let this cool for a few minutes because if you start mixing it while its still hot you will have a huge mess and its harder to mix. Now take your crisco and grease your surface VERY WELL!!! Also COVER your hands in crisco after you do this next step.
Add 3/4ths of the bag of powdered sugar(2lb bag)to the top of the marshmallows and mix with your greased hands. Once you have it mixed together pour out onto your surface and continue to knead like bread dough. If it seems to dry add water and if it seems too wet then add more powdered sugar. I had to regrease my hands several times as well as my surface just FYI.

Knead until you have a smooth ball of marshmallow ball and cover with crisco then place in a ziplock bag. Before you close the bag try and get all of the air out. This should stay good for a week or two.

You can do the same thing with a can of white icing and powdered sugar without adding the water.

Follow me on Twitter!

2009-07-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have been using Twitter for a few months now and I am a little addicted! For more up to date info including, freebies, blog updates, and good deals you will want to get text updates after you follow me! :)

Search MonSavingMander!

Freebie Friday 7/31

2009-07-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

Catch Freebie Fridays on WTE!

http://forums.whattoexpect.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=wtemoney&msg=615.1&ctx=128

Catching Up!

2009-07-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of Noah's bday party!! And a month in review!

I realized I haven't posted in awhile which makes me kinda sad but so many things have been going on recently it doesn't surprise me. We rarely have a weekend without something going on and with cheerleading coming so much closer I have had alot to get done. This past weekend we went to pick blueberries which I have been excited about since April!! I picked 2 gallons worth while Conner mostly ate all the ones he picked and Darien walked around with Noah who couldn't be put down due to all of the old smashed blueberries on the ground that he surely would have picked up and ate!! So I froze some, the boys are still eating a ton! and I made blueberry jelly out of some!! I think next time I will invest in a strainer the get some of the seeds out but Conner loves his blueberry jelly sandwiches!

I wish I remembered to take pictures of things!! Then you could have seen the mess I made making the stupid jelly! I was doing too many things at once AND neither boys had naps (Noah's story later) so it was a crazy thing to do while dealing with all of that but it still turned out pretty good!

Ok so we went at 12 which was a bad idea in the first place but hubs HAD to eat lunch which was pizza which takes forever to heat up. So its hot and we stayed an hour and I promised Conner that we would stop and get icecream which we did so it was 2:30 by the time we got home. Darien got Noah's diaper changed and put him in his crib. Conner however I knew would sleep way too long so I let him skip his nap. About 45 minutes later I hear him laughing and then crying so I walk up to just lay him back down and as soon as I step in the door I am struck by the smell of poop! Oh and Noah is just grinning so big like HI MOM!!! He has no diaper on and there is poop everywhere!! All in his hands, around his face, ALL OVER the crib!! Seriously I have NO idea how one small child could get so much poop all over the place!! I quickly screamed for Darien and handed him off to him so he could get him in the bath ASAP. I stripped the bed and went to cleaning and quickly realized that he must have touched every inch of that crib with his poopy hands!! Now Conner had a poop accident in his crib before but it was at about 20 mths old and he pooped and peed in the corners of the crib but stayed away from playing in the poop. So this was a new experience and one that I would rather not relive!!

I think thats it for now!

Noah's Birthday Party!!

2009-06-27T20:06:00.001-07:00

So my little monkey had his birthday party today and it went really well! I wish it hadn't been so hot outside but it was still fun! The food was great, the decorations were so cute, everyone had a blast and the most important of all is that Noah had a blast and entertained everyone! :) I hope to have pictures up soon but alas my son has hiddne my card reader and I cannot find it for the life of me! ugh! I think that was the most people we have ever had in our house before! Guess we need friends!

I am still in awe of how amazing our family is and we don't deserve it in the least but I love them and am so blessed to have them! I really enjoyed having it at our house because I had everything in order and didn't forget anything and it was easy clean up! :) All right its off to bed!! :) I promise to get the pictures up soon!!

A few simple recipes

2009-06-25T05:55:00.001-07:00

I have totally slacked off on giving you recipes but I just made a few that I thought I would share!!

Grilled Scallops

10 Large Scallops
salt
pepper
lemon pepper
garlic
shallot
butter
1 tbl lemon juice
olive oil

In a small saute pan add a tbl of butter, garlic and chopped shallot and cook until shallot is soft. Then a tbl of lemon juice and wisk together. Pour into a small bowl(you will use this to baste the scallops on the grill. Pat your scallops dry and cover them with olive oil then sprinkle them with the salt, pepper and the lemon pepper. Place them on the grill and baste with your garlic butter sauce. Flip after 3 minutes and baste again. Take them off the gril and serve!! These are really yummy and the slight garlic and lemon flavors are super yummy!!

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 container of your favorite BBQ sauce
hambuger buns

Place your chicken in the bottom of your crock pot them add the whole jar of bbq sauce. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours then tear up with a fork and serve!!! Seriously thats all!!

Noah's Monkey party!

2009-06-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

So this Saturday is Noah's 1st birthday party and his actually birthday was yesterday just FYI :) I decided to make his party decorations instead of buying them all and so far I have only spent $.68 on things that I didn't have but I know that will grow a little because I am running to the craft store today. :) Im hoping that I can show you pictures as soon as possible but my son has hidden the card reader for my camera's card! I got the inspiration from this blog! Im really excited about how it will turn out and a little nervous about the cake but hopefully it will turn out better than I think it will!

Bilo Ad June 24th

2009-06-24T17:06:00.001-07:00

Thank you Jenny at Southernsavers.com!!

Buy One Get One Deals

SH American Cheese Singles 12oz at $2
Pet Ice Cream 56oz at $4.99
Great Giant Co Tilapia Filets 16oz frozen Buy 1 Get 2
Steak-umm Burgers 32oz at $8.49

Hoan Bamboo Skewers at $1.29
Moore’s Marinades 16oz at $2.63
Vlasic Pickles 10-24 oz at $1.69
Nabisco Snackwell Cookies 6.5-7.75oz at $3.29
SH Butter-Me-Not 10 ct at .89¢
Emerald Trail Mix 5-5.6oz at $2.39

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt at $2.44
-.50/1 Lawry’s Spice Blends RP 5/17 (makes it .22¢ ea)

Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip 32oz at $4.29
-$1/2 Kraft Mayonnaise 24 oz or larger SS 6/21 (makes it $1.64 ea)

Kraft Salad Dressing 14-16oz at $2.29
-$1 off Kraft Salad Dressing SS 6/21 (makes it .14¢ ea)

Kraft BBQ Sauce at $1.39
-.55/1 Kraft Barbecue Sauce SS 6/14
-.75/1 Kraft Barbecue Sauce SS 6/14
(either coupon makes it FREE)

Oscar Mayer Weiners or Beef Franks 14-16 oz at $3.29
-$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs SS 6/21 (makes it $1.14 ea)

Lloyd’s BBQ 18oz at $6.99
-$1 off Lloyd’s Ribs Or Lloyd’s Tub SS 5/17 (makes it $2.49 ea)
-.75/1 Lloyd’s Ribs Or Lloyd’s Tub SS 5/17

Pop Secret Popcorn 6 pk at $3.49
-.50/2 Pop-Secret Microwave Popcorn SS 6/14
-$1/2 Pop-Secret Microwave Popcorn SS 6/14
(either coupon makes it $1.24 ea)

Lawry’s 30 min Marinade 12oz at $2.44
-.50/1 Lawry’s Marinades RP 5/17 (makes it .22¢ ea)

McCormick Grill Mates Blends or Seasoning Blends .7-3.4oz at $1.29
-.75/1 McCormick Spices RP 5/10
-.50/1 off McCormick Grill Mates RP 5/03
(either coupon makes it FREE)

French’s Yellow mustard 20oz at $2.15
-.50/1 French’s Mustard SS 6/21 or printable (makes it .07¢ ea)
(get SH mustard free, scroll down for details)

Dixie Ultra Plates 20ct at $2.65
-.50/1 Dixie or Dixie Ultra Paper Plates RP 5/10 (makes it .32¢ ea)

Dixie Napkins 200 ct at $2.65
Free Dixie Napkins wyb (2) Dixie Ultra Plates May All You Mag.

Hefty Plates 20-60 ct at $2.89
-.50/1 Hefty Plates or Bowls RP 6/21 (makes it .44¢ ea)
(Get SH Plates free, scroll down for details)

Hefty Easy Grip Cups 20ct at $2.89
-.75/1 or $1.50/2 Hefty Cups RP 5/17 (makes it .44¢ ea)

Other Deals

Red Ripe Strawberries 2lb $2.98
Walter’s white potatoes 5lb bag $2.99
Tropical Mangos .99each

Fresh Split Chicken Breasts Bonus Pk .99 lb
Assorted Pork Loin Chops $1.69 lb
Boneless Sirloin Tip Roast $2.49 lb
Boneless NY Strip Steak bonus pk $6.99 lb
Pork Spare ribs $1.99 lb

SH Pizza 20.5-32.7oz $2.98
Lip Lickin Fried Chicken Tenders $4.99 lb
Hormel Little Sizzlers Sausage links 12oz $1 ea
SH Yogurt Cups 6 oz .45 ea

Borden Shredded Cheese 8oz $1.66 ea
Powerade 10pk 12oz bottles $3.50 ea
Coke 2 liter $1 ea

Southern Home Original Bologna .89ea
Sunshine Cheez-its $2 ea

Fresh Express Salad Blends 6-12oz $2 ea
-.55/2 Fresh Express Greens, Ruby Reds, or Gourmet Salads SS 6/14

Johnsonville Smoked bratwurst or Italian sausage 13-16oz $2.99 ea
-.50/1 Johnsonville Smoked or Cooked Sausage SS 5/17 (makes it $1.99 ea)

Hillshire Deli Select Sandwich meat 9-10oz $2.99 ea
-.35/1 Hillshire Deli Selects RP 6/07
-.55/2 Hillshire Lunch meat printable (IE) or printable (FF)

Buitoni Fettuccine or Linguine $2 ea
-$1 off Buitoni Product printable (IE) or printable (FF)

Crystal Light On the Go sticks 8-10ct or 6-8 quart canister $2.50 ea
-$1 off Crystal Light Drink Product printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-$2/2 Crystal Light Drink Mix printable

General Mills Cereal Assorted Varieties $1.99 ea
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals, SS 6/14 or printable
-$1/3 General Mills Assorted Cereals SS 5/31
-.75/1 Fiber one printable

General Mills Cereal Bars 5-6 ct, Milk N Cereal, Chex Mix, or Fiber One $2.50 ea
-$1 off General Mills Fiber One Cereal or Chewy Bars found on select packages
-.60/1 Chex Mix bars printable

Edy’s Fruit Bars or Eskimo Pie Treats 6-12 ct $2.50 ea
-$1 off Eskimo Pie Item SS 5/31
-$1/2 Nestle Drumsticks or Eskimo Pie Frozen Snacks SS 6/14
-$1/2 Edy’s Dibs Frozen Snacks Or Edy’s Fruit Bars SS 6/14

Land O lakes butter quarters 16oz or spreadable w/ Canola oil 15oz $3 ea
-.55/1 Land O Lakes Butter with Canola Oil product RP 5/31
-.55/1 Land O Lakes Butter with Canola Oil Product printable

Daisy Sour cream 8oz reg or light $1 ea
-.60/1 Daisy Brand Sour Cream RP 5/31
-$1/2 Daisy Brand Sour Cream RP 5/31

T. Marzetti strawberry or blueberry glaze 12.5-14oz $1.69 ea
-$1/2 T. Marzetti Dips, Dressings, or Croutons printable

Shedd’s Country Crock spread $2 ea
-$1/2 Shedd’s Country Crock RP 5/17
-.25/1 Shedd’s Country Crock RP 5/17
-.35/1 Shedd’s Country Crock RP 5/17

Hunt’s Ketchup 24oz .99 ea
-.20/1 Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup SS 6/21
-$1/2 Hunt’s Ketchup SS 5/10

McCormick Grinders $1.88 ea
-$1 off McCormick Black Pepper or Garlic RP 5/10
-.75/1 off any McCormick Spice or Herb RP 4/05

Luzianne Tea 24ct family size reg or green tea excludes decaf $1.50 ea
-.60/1 Luzianne Tea Bags SS 6/21

Pam Cooking spray $2.50 ea
-$1/2 Pam Cooking Spray SS 6/21
-.35/1 Pam Cooking Spray SS 6/21

Crisco Cooking Oil 48oz $2.50 ea
-.55/1 Crisco Oil RP 6/07

Aquafresh premium toothpaste $2 ea
-$1/2 Aquafresh Premium Toothpastes SS 6/21
-$1 off Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste printable

Purex 2X liquid laundry det. 50oz $3 ea
-$1 off Purex Detergent found in select stores
-.35/1 Purex Ultra Concentrate SS 6/14

Reynold’s heavy duty aluminum foil 50 sq ft $3 ea
-.55/1 Reynold’s Aluminum Foil SS 6/07 or printable (IE) or printable (FF)

Scott Bath Tissue 8 rolls or Natural 8 Mega rolls $5.50 ea
-$1 off Scott Extra Soft Tissue SS 5/17, 6/14 printable or printable

Scott Paper Towels 8 reg or 6 Mega rolls naturals $5.50 ea
-$1 off Scott Naturals Paper Towels SS 5/17

**New** Buy Theirs Get Ours Free

Buy Carolina Pride Beef Franks, Get SH Beef Franks FREE, 16 oz

Buy Shedd’s Country Crock Deluxe Recipe Sides 23-24 oz., Get SH Heat & Serve Sides FREE
-$1 off Shedd’s Side Dishes RP 4/05 (exp 6/28)

Buy French’s Classic Yellow Mustard 14 oz, Try SH Classic Yellow Mustard 16 oz FREE
-.50/1 French’s Mustard SS 6/21 or printable (B1G1 this week!!)

Buy Hefty Everyday Styrofoam Plates, Try SH Foam Plates FREE, 50 ct
-.50/1 Hefty Plates or Bowls RP 6/21 (B1G1 this week!!)

Publix ad 6/24

2009-06-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

Buy One Get One Deals

Curly’s Chicken or Pork With BBQ Sauce, 18 oz at $5.69
-.50/1 off any Curly’s BBQ printable

Oscar Mayer Beef Franks, 16 oz pkg, at $3.99
Free Oscar Mayer Franks home mailer
-$1/2 Oscar Mayer Franks printable
-$1 off OM Franks SS 4.19, 5/10, 6/21 or Kraft Food & Family June 09

Mt Olive Pickles, 16 to 46 oz, at $2.79
-.50/1 or Mt Olive product in store dispenser (if doubled makes it ea)
(note: look at bar code to see if coupon will double - if it starts with a 5 it will double, if a 9 it will not double)

Claussen Pickles or Spear or Sauerkraut, at $2.89
-$1/2 Claussen Pickles SS 5/10
-.75/1 Claussen Pickles SS 5/10

Kraft Barbecue Sauce, at $1.49
-$1 off Kraft BBQ Sauce printable
-.75/1 Kraft BBQ Sauce SS 6/14

Lawry’s 30 Minutes Marinade, at $2.85
-.50/1 Lawry’s Marinades RP 5/17

French’s Classic Yellow Mustard Squeeze Bottle, 14-oz bot at $1.89
-.35/1 French’s Classic Yellow Mustard SS 5/10
-.50/1 French’s Classic Yellow Mustard SS 5/10, 6/21 or printable

Lipton Family Size Tea bags, Ice Tea Brew, 24-ct box (Excluding Decaf) at $2.15
-$1 off any Lipton Tea Product “Family is it’s Own Reward” Booklet
-.60/1 Lipton Tea Bags RP 5/17
-.75/2 Lipton Tea Bags RP 5/17

Post Cereal, Selects, Grape Nuts, Grape Nuts Flakes, or Trail Mix Crunch, at $4.19
-$1/2 Post Shredded Wheat, Grape Nuts or Raisin Bran SS 6/21

Kellogg’s Cereal: Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, or Froot Loops at $4.39
-$1 off any Kellogg’s Cereal RP 6/07

Land O Lakes Spread, Fresh Buttery Taste, or Soft Margarine, at $1.89
$.55/1 off Land O Lakes Spread printable

Breyers Ice Cream, at $4.99
-.75/1 off Breyers RP 5/17
-$1.50/1 Breyer’s “Family is its own Reward” booklet

McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper, at $3.59
-$1 off McCormick Black Pepper RP 5/10, 4/05
-$1 off McCormick Spice RP 4/05 or “Save Money, Save the Planet” Booklet (exp 6/30)

Crystal Light Drink or On the Go Mix at $3.99
-$2/2 Crystal Lights mixes printable
-$1 off Crystal Light printable
-$2/1 Crystal Light July All You

Ragu Pasta Sauce, at $2.19
-$1/2 Ragu Pasta Sauce printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-.75/1 Ragu Sauce “Family is it’s Own Reward” booklet

Kraft Velveeta Cheese, at $5.39
-$1 off Velveeta printable

Emerald Deluxe Mixed Nuts or Almonds or Cashews, at $5.79
-$1.50/2 Emerald Glazed Nuts SS 5/17

Tostitos Tortilla Chips, at $4.99
-$1 off Tostitos Dip wyb (2) Tostitos Chips tearpad

Nabisco Ritz Crackers, at $3.49
FREE Nabisco Wheat Thins Crackers Variety wyb (1) Ritz Crackers SS 5/17
-$1 off Ritz Crackers printable

Arm & Hammer Toothpaste, at $2.99
-$1 off Arm & Hammer Toothpaste printable

Kotex Pantyliners, 40 to 64-ct pkg or Tampons, 18-ct pkg at $3.19
-$1.50/2 Kotex Lightdays printable
-$1.50/2 Kotex Tampons printable
-.75/1 off Kotex Lightdays Pantiliners, 34ct+ SS 6/14
-$1 off Kotex Pads SS 6/14
-.75/1 off Kotex Security Tampons, 18ct+ SS 6/14r

Lysol Disinfectant Spray Cleaner, All Purpose, at $2.69
-.50/1 Lysol All Purpose SS 6/07 or printable

Mangos at $1
Betty Crocker Potatoes, at $1.59
Green Giant Canned Vegetables, 4 pk, at $4.99
Trident or Stride Gum, 4 pk, at $4.29

Other Deals

Milk 1 gallon, $2.25 to $2.99
Northwest Cherries $2.49lb
Baking Potatoes, 5 lb bag, $2.49 ea
-$2 off $5 in produce printable (Food Lion)

Pork Spareribs $1.69 lb
Whole Boneless Pork Loin $1.99 lb
7-Bone Chuck Pot Roast $2.69 lb
Boston Butt Roast $1.79 lb
Medium White Shrimp, 41 to 50ct $4.99 lb

Tennessee Pride Sausage Roll, $2.50 ea
-$1 off any Tennessee Pride product and ground beef RP 6/21

Publix Hot Family Combo Meal: $8.99
Rotisserie or 8 -piece Mixed Fried Chicken, (2) 16 oz sides, & (1) Rolls 4 pk
-$3 off $10 Deli or Bakery printable (Food Lion)

Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice, $3 ea
-$1/2 Tropicana Orange Juice RP 5/03

Maries Dressing, $2/50 ea
-$1 off Maries Dressing SS 5/31

Nestle Coffee-mate Flavored Creamers, 32 oz $2.50 ea
-.50/1 Nestle Coffee-Mate June All You, Mag.
-$1.50/2 Nestle Coffee-Mate printable

Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Bread, 24 oz $1.99
-.75/1 Pepperidge Farm Bread printable (Target)
-.55/1 any Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain SS 6/14

King’s Hawaiian Rolls, $2.50 ea
-$1/2 Kings Hawaiian June or July All You
-.75/1 Kings Hawaiian printable

Sara Lee Desserts, 50% off
-$1 off Sara Lee Simple Sweets RP 4/19
-$1 off Sara Lee Simple Sweets Pie or Bites RP 6/07
-$1 off Sara Lee Cheesecake Item RP 5/17

Bird’s Eye Steamfresh Frozen Vegetables, or Corn on the Cobb, 4 ct, 50% off
-$1/2 Birds Eye Steamfresh Veges in store dispenser

Contessa Frozen Cooked Shrimp, 8 to 24-oz bag (Excluding Boxed Raw Items) 50% OFF
-$1.50/2 Contessa Shrimp products printable

Bertolli Skillet Dinner or Oven Bake Meals, $4.99 ea
-$1.25 off Bertolli Meals RP 6/07
-$1.50 off Bertolli Meals printable
-$2.50 off Bertolli Meals “Family is it’s Own Reward” booklet

Capri Sun Drinks or Roarin’ Waters, 10 pack, $2 ea
-.75/1 Capri Sun product Kraft Food & Family June 09t
-$1 off any Capri Sun Sunrise Product SS 4/19

Pepsi Products, 12 pk cans, Buy 4 Get 1 Free

Maxwell House or Seattle’s Best Coffee, $5.49 ea
-$2/2 Maxwell House printable
-$1.50 off Seattle’s Best printable (limit reached)

Nature Valley Granola Bars, Chex Mix Bars or Milk ‘n Cereal, $2 ea
-$1 off Yoplait wyb Nature Valley Granola Bars SS 6/14
-.75/2 Nature Valley Bars SS 5/31 or printable
-.60/1 Chex Mix Bars printable, printable or printable

Pringles Potato Crisps,$1.33 ea
-$1/2 Pringles Chips PG 5/17
-.50/1 Pringles Chips PG 6/07 f

Nabisco Chips Ahoy! Cookies, $2.50 ea
-.55/1 Nabisco Chips Ahoy! SS 5/17
-$1/2 any Nabisco product SS 4/19 (Target)

Gerber Graduates or 2nd Foods $1 ea
-.55/2 or .75/1 Gerber Foods home mailers

Slim Fast Optima Shake 12 pk $9.99 ea
-$1.25 off Slim Fast RP 5/17
-$1 off Sloim Fast RP 4/05
Various Slim Fast printables

One A Day Muiltivitamins, $6.99 ea
-$2.50/1 One A Day Vitamins Publix Family Style, May ‘09
-$2 off any One A Day products SS 6/14
-$1 off One A Day printable

Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner, $2 ea
-$.50/1 Lysol Toilet Cleaner SS 6/07 or printable
(this is not the lowest price but is good if you need it)

Charmin Bathroom Tissue,6 to 12 roll $6.49 ea
-.50/1 Charmin Tissue SS 6/21 (Target)
-.25/1 Charmin Tissue PG 6/07

Glad Tall Kitchen Bags or Trash Bags, 25 to 80 ct, $5.49 ea
-$1 off Glad, Force Flex Trash Bags, printable (IE) or printable (FF)

In Ad Coupons

$2.50 Off GE Energy Smart Compact Fluorescent Lighting Product, up to 6 ct
-$1 off GE Lights SS 4/19 or April All You Mag. or printable

Purchase 1 lb or More of Boar’s Head Turkey Breast and get 1/4 lb of Boar’s Head American Cheese
-$3 off $10 Deli purchase FL printable

Wanna Win 5 new Fridgidaire Appliances???

2009-06-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Go here http://www.mymotherload.net/prizes.html and register then tell them 5 things that you would do with an extra hour!!! I have about 50 but I had to narrow is down to 5 :) If you send to 5 friends you will be entered again AND if you play the daily dare you will be entered one more time each day you take the dare! I cannot tell you how bad I want to win this!! I never really win anything so I am hoping my luck comes in with this one!!

Potty Training Success!!

2009-06-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

So when I decided to start potty training I honestly thought it was the scariest thing ever!! And after really going at it for a little over a month we have had success!!! Conner is not telling us when he needs to go and hasn't had an accident in a few weeks!! I am so proud of my growing littel boy! He is sleeping in his big boy bed and now slides off and knocks on the door in the morning which is sooo funny!! Now I need to just teach him how to open the door and go downstairs to watch cartoons!! He is still wearing a pull up at night and during naps just in case but he normally waits till he gets up to go potty. So we have been reusing a few pull ups which has really cut down on diaper costs! Since Noah will be one next week I officially have another year then we will get Noah potty trained and NO MORE DIAPERS!!

Hubs and I have decided that we could possible start trying for another baby next Christmas which means a baby in September of 2011! Man that seems so wierd! But Conner will be 4 and Noah 3 so that makes a pretty good age difference. I have kinda been going through baby and pregnancy withdrawl but thankfully to the Mirena I can't skip a pill! :) Not that I would because honestly even though I maybe going through withdrawl I really DON'T want another baby at the moment. Noahs been walking and its so fun to watch him get so excited with himself!! His birthday party is next Saturday so looks for those pictures Sunday or Monday!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Father's day!!

Put this family in your prayers!

2009-06-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Personally I don't know what its like to lose a child and I hope that I never have to but I have had friends lose babies and I personally have lost a grandfather and although I know it doesn't compare I can feel some of the hurt that this family is going through. My aunt Jenny knows a family that is losing their little girl after dealing with cancer for a year now. The doctors have said that she only has a little time left and she is spending that time at home with her family enjoying the small time that she has left. I read this mothers entries in her caringbridge site and think I hope to never have to walk in her shoes BUT if I ever have to I want to live like she is. To know that you are losing your own daughter and there is nothing you can do about it must be the hardest thing a parent has to go through. I look at my boys and think if for a moment I had to worry if they were going to live or die I just may go crazy! Anyways I wanted to share their site with you all and ask you to keep them in your prayers while they go through this time. Also remember to hug your babies a little tighter at night and remember even though you may here whining(as i do now) that at any moment they can be taken from you!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sydney98/journal

Kids at the pool!

2009-06-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of the boys at the pool!

Just one of those days!

2009-06-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

So I have been waking up recently to Noah screaming because he decides that he wants to wake up at 645am and cry. He won't go back to sleep when I know that ultimatly he is still sleepy but he will literally just scream and scream until I come get him and heaven for bid I pick him up and put him into bed with me because he will just start crying yet again. So yes my morning started off like that yet again this morning and bless Darien who gets up and makes him a bottle while I try and shield my ears for a few more minutes. I laid in bed with him for a little bit then decided I needed to take a shower and about that time Noah decided he wanted to play which he typically does and knocks on the bathroom door to see his daddy getting ready for work. So I hop in the shower and close the curtain and he starts screaming again apparently because he cannot see me. Although opening the curtain and letting him stand at the end of the tub wasn't helping either. Now how do I manage a shower with a screaming child staring at me as if I just broke his heart! After the shower he followed me around as I cleaned up the newly folded clothes and hung them up as well as trying to get myself dressed for the day. Just a side note I just put him down for his nap like 30 min ago and he slept for 15 of the last 30 and is now crying AGAIN! Ok so back to the morning!

Im cleaning up my room and getting the clothes that were in Conners dresser out of my room now in his new dresser that match his new big boy bed! Oh yea he woke up at 845 which is earlier than he normally wakes up just fyi. I get him out of his pjs and he sits on the potty then not 10 minutes later he poops in his pants!! Seriously!! Anyways so I get all the rooms cleaned upstairs and both boys dressed while Noahs getting fussy and Im emailing on my Blackberry a few people about items I was interested in purchasing off Craigslist.org. At 930 I get the boys in the car and we head to Wachovia to see Darien and so I could get some cash. (ps Noahs still crying!) At 955 I realize Im going to be late meeting the first lady so I run out, yes not making Conner go to the potty which was my fault completely on this next oops. We make it across the dam at 1020 pick up some household items then off to my moms. We get to moms at about 1050 and I ask Conner 4 times if he needs to go potty but he keeps saying NO! Which the mom in me says make him go anyways but for some reason I trust my 2 year old that doesn't know any better which again is totally my fault! I got him some strawberries and put him in a stool and 5 minutes later he pees all over the stool and on the floor which I am furious about because of course he just said NO he didn't have to pee pee! So now Im trying to get Noahs lunch ready and get Conner cleaned up and its not even NOON!!!!!!!

Sometimes I wonder how my mother had 3 of us and didn't have family around! :)

Mambo Giveaway!!!

2009-06-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jenny at Southernsavers.com for finding this great giveaway for those of you that are creative cookers!!

Mambo Sprouts, a company and website that helps organize savings and coupons for organic products, is having a great contest right now.

They are looking for tasty original recipes featuring natural and organic products. The first place winners in each category will receive gift cards and an assortment of natural and organic products valued at approximately $600. One grand-prize winner will take home $2,500 cash plus products and prizes with a total package value of approximately $4,000!

The contest ends on June 15th and you can enter online .

Here is the link!

http://www.mambosprouts.com/

Bzzing about Windex new outdoor window cleaning system

2009-06-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Ok so if you haven't seen the link down on the left hand screen for the Bzzagent link then you won't know what I am talking about so here I will explain what it is first! Bzzagent is a site that lets its members try out new products and review them as well as telling others about those new products! The goal is obviously for the manufacturer to get cheap advertising through word of mouth. This is the first site that I have found that I really like and is pretty easy to move up in your BzzAgent position to be able to get better campaigns! Recently I have tried Afrin Pure Sea nasal spray, Glade's new candles that are AMAZING! and currently the Window's All in one Outdoor window cleaner.

I opened the small box excited about trying this out since I hate washing and climbing up ladders to get to the windows in the first place! The kit comes with a long handle that was easy to put together and one pad which says that it will clean up to 20 windows. First you are suppose to wet the windows with a hose which I did and then realized my second story windows were not easily reached so all I could do was the first floor windows. I soaked the windows then went to cleaning! Now the pad is very easy to use but you don't really know if you are actually cleaning them or not or just moving around dirt. It looked like I was getting them though so that was good. It was a pretty hot day so I had to go back and wet a few of the windows that I had already done.

I have to say that overall this isn't what I thought it was and probably not a product that I will buy again. I loved the idea of the product but ultimatly I will be going back to my old trusty paper towel and Windex solution!

Weekend at Dads

2009-05-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures that I thought were a bit funny! :) We spent last weekend at my dad's and poor Conner was sick all weekend but you can't really tell in these pictures! He had a pretty high fever the whole weekend but as soon as the motrin kicked in he was perfectly fine!

FREE MUSIC FROM ITUNES!!

2009-05-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Want a little music to listen to as you get your coupons ready??
Join the Free on I Tunes fan club on facebook and get 4 free albums and songs:
-Spring into Summer Mix (exp 8/31)
-World Music Mix (exp 5/31)
-Travel Channel Passport to Spring Break TV shows (exp 5/31)
-Nike+ Original Run Mix (exp 8/31)

Get a Free Album from Coldplay
http://lrlrl.coldplay.com/leftright.html

Amazon has a free sampler album 1959 - Jazz’s Greatest Year
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002A5ZZC6?ie=UTF8&tag=southsaver-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002A5ZZC6

Get over 500 other Free MP3s from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rs=334897011&sort=price&ref%5F=sr%5Fst&qid=1243455814&rh=n%3A334897011&page=1

Free Better than Ezra song “Aboslutely Still”
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-music-downloads.aspx

Want to try Blue Bunny free?

2009-05-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Blue bunny wants you to try their new products free!!

They have 2 new products out called Sedona which are like icecream sandwiches and Aspen which are chocolate covered icecream bars! Just buy between May 23rd and May 25th then fill out the rebate form and send in and they will send you a check for the full amount! Here is the rebate form!

http://www.bluebunnyfrozenyogurt.com/

Been tooo long!

2009-05-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! Sorry its been so long! I wish it were easier to get to this from my phone but its not and its hard to get on the computer these days with 2 crazy boys attacking me and the computer! Both boys are now sick which I have to say is really wearing me out. Conner has been sick with a viral infection since Friday and he is still sleeping but I'm hoping when he wakes up he will be feeling a little better. Noah just got it from his big brother and had a pretty high fever yesterday but hopefully it doesn't stick around as long as Conner has had it! The thing about viral infections is that you can't do anything for them except fluids and motrin! Makes me feel really helpless as a mom just watching Conner lay on the couch when he is my active never want to come inside child. We also put potty training on the back burner since he got sick... Not sure what's gonna happen and how he will react when we go back to it when he is feeling better. Noah being sick is the worst because he can't lay on the couch and sleep all day! He just wants mama to hold him which gets exhausting after a few hours of 25lbs of baby! He will be 11mths on Sunday which kills me! I can't believe how fast he is growing up! We had Conners party on the 10th and he was so insane that he just turned 2! Time really does go by faster when you have kids.

Let's see what else is new... Cheerleading tryouts are over and although the middle school had an issue which ill go into later overall they went pretty well and I'm excited about this upcoming year. It should be a good one if everything comes together!

Oh the little girl that I'm watching in about 10 weeks was just born yesterday!!! I'm not sure of details since Haley was pretty tired but she did say SHE IS hERE and beautiful! I'm excited about watching a little girl! I wonder what the boys will think having a little girl in the house!
Ok gotta get Noah! Ill post again later on! I did have some great grocery trips this week that I want to share!!

Happy Birthday CONNER!!

2009-05-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

My baby is now 2!!! I can't believe how fast it went and of course in just a month and a half I will have a 2 yr old and a 1 yr old!! Saturday's party went great and we had alot of fun! My wonderful SIL Caryn flew in for the party and surprised my FIL and Darien! I have some pictures that I will put up when I can! I made his cake which turned out great but was super frustrating! Not sure I want to try using a mold that you have to glue together with icing to work! Probably would have been easier to carve the dumb thing! Or maybe not but either way it turned out pretty well. When Noah's party come around Im sure that Conner will be confused that its not his party too! :) After this busy busy weekend I have cheerleading tryouts all week next week that I am trying to fully prepare for but its a tad overwhelming! Thank you all who came to the party and we love all of our family and friends that love our kids so much!

My new account!!

2009-05-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

So after a little thinking on my part and dealing with $200 cash in my wallet each month Darien and decided it would be a good idea to open my own account that is connected to our joint account for groceries and my landscaping funds. With working some at the Slab, daycare starting August 10th, and cheerleading it seemed like great opportunity! Im so excited that I can't stand it! LOL God has really blesses us with this saving money stuff because we have been doing really well with our budget. We have been able to pay all of our bills and still have money left over at the end of the month!! I know this may seem stupid but living pay check to pay check wondering if we will have any money left at the end of the month was definatly not fun! OH and on another topic Conner has been pretty much potty trained during the day!! YAY!! Ok Well thats i for now because I have a ton to do today before Conners bday party tomorrow!!! AHHHHHH

Been awhile and now I can't stop posting!!

2009-05-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

My new project!

My latest project is my yard. I have wanted to landscape practically since we moved in since there are hardly any trees and no flowers at all so I tried to add up what it would cost me and set out. I knew I couldn't really budget it into our income so I needed to make some! Currently I am working some at Marble Slab to help out and try to increase my landscaping funds! Most of what I want to do isn't too expensive and Ive been digging out the ground myself which saving money but totally hard work!! What is expensive is that I would love a dwarf Japanese maple but its the most expensive of whats on my list. I decided that I am not backing down on this and if it takes a year or two of my yard looking horrible then so be it! :) I know my mom understands this as we lived in construction for YEARS before her house was finished! Sometimes I wonder why I am putting so much effort into a house that I could possibly only be in for a few years but oh well it ads to our house's worth! :)

I need to take pictures which I will post later on this evening but my back yard now has 2 grape trees, a 4X4 garden with plenty of tomato plants, jalapeno, cucumber, strawberry, and green bean plants! As well as a few planters with another tomato that is quite a bit larger than the others, cilantro, basil, dill, more green beans, peas and babys breath!! I apparently am aquiring a green thumb! :)

MY NEW BLOG!!

2009-05-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Don't worry Im not going anywhere! But I do have a separate blog on saving money on Whattoexpect.com that I will now be doing as a feature! No not a celebrity YET! I wanted to share the link with you guys so you could head over and check it out!

http://www.whattoexpect.com/blogs/momonabudget/default.aspx

Still a crappy grocery week EXCEPT Bilo pulled through!!!

2009-05-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yea I have literally gotten all of my ads this week and thought really.... This is all you can do!!! But Bi-lo pulled through with 101 BOGO deals!! I love BOGO's and I look forward to Publix BOGO deals each week but this week Bi-lo totally blew Publix out of the water! We have several freebies or money makers then some pretty good deals even without coupons!

A few other good deals that aren't on BOGO...
Ground Beef sold in 5lb packs 1.99 a lb
Boneless Bottom Round Roast 2.99 a lb

Buy One Get One Deals
Mueller’s Spaghetti Noodles 8oz at $.79
-.55/2 Mueller’s Noodles SS 3/01 or printable (makes it FREE plus overage)

Bertolli Pasta Sauce 15-24oz at $2.99
-$1.50/2 Bertolli Pasta Sauce, RP 4/05 (buy 2, makes it $1 ea)
-.75/1 Bertolli Pasta Sauce, RP 4/05 (makes it .75¢ ea)
-.60/1 Bertolli Pasta Sauce, RP 4/05 (makes it .30¢ ea)

Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad 6.2-8.3oz at $2.19
Free Reuseable Bag wyb (2) Suddenly Salad SS 3/15
-$1/2 Suddenly Salad Dinner Made Easy Booklet (buy 2, makes it .60¢ ea)

McCormick Taco Seasoning at .95¢
-$1 off any McCormick Seasoning Blend RP 3/15 (makes 2 FREE)

Duke’s Sandwich Spreads 12oz Chicken Salad or Pineapple Cream Cheese at $3.99
-.60/1 Dukes product SS 3/22 (makes it .80¢ ea)

Cholula Hot Sauce 5oz at $3.59
-$1 off Cholula coupon on select bottles (makes it .79¢ ea)

Pompeian Extra Light or Extra Virgin Olive Oil 32oz at $10.22
-$1 off Pompeian Oil printable (makes it $4.11 ea)

Sara Lee Deluxe Bagels 22 oz select at $3.59
-$1 Sara Lee Fresh Bakery Product RP 4/26 (makes it .79¢ ea)

Arnold Bread 100% Whole Wheat or 12 Grain Bread at $3.69
-$1 off Arnold Bread March All You Mag. (makes it .84¢ ea)

Earthbound Farms Organic Salads 5-9oz at $3.99
-$1/2 Earthbound Farms Go Organiz Booket found at Publix (buy 2, makes it $1.50 ea)
-$1 off any Earthbound product printable (makes it $1 ea)

Land O Frost Variety Pack Sandwich Meats 14oz at $3.99
-.45/1 Land O Frost RP 1/04 (makes it $1.09)

Carolina Turkey, Wunderbar Bologna or Russer Cooked Ham at $4.99
-$1 off 1lb of Russer Deli Meat SS 3/29 (makes it .99¢ lb)

Oscar Mayer Wieners or Beef Franks 12-16oz at $3.29 ($1.64 ea)
-$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs SS 4/19 (buy 2 makes it $1.15 ea)

Shedd’s Country Crock 15oz Spreads, 10oz squeeze at $2.22
-$1/2 Shedd’s Spread RP 4/05
-.45/1 Shedd’s Spread RP 4/05 (makes it .21¢ ea)

Tai Pei Dinners 24oz at $5.99
-$1/2 Tai Pei Entrees RP 3/01 (makes it $2.49 ea)

Weight Watcher’s Frozen Treats 2-6 pack at $2.59
.55/1 Weight Watchers Smart Ones May All You Mag. (makes it .19¢ ea)
-$1/5 Smart Ones printable

Eggo Waffles at $2.38
-.75/1 Kellogg’s Eggo Frozen Product, RP 4/5 (makes it .44¢ ea)
-$1/2 Kellogg’s Eggo Frozen Product, RP 4/5 (buy 2, makes it .69¢ ea)

Red Baron Classic, Stone Hearth, or Thin pizza at $5.19
-$1/2 Red Baron Pizza RP 3/01 (makes it $2.10 ea)

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn 2-4 pack at $2.50
-$1/3 Orville Pop Corn SS 4/19
-.40/1 Orville Pop Corn SS 4/19 (makes it .57¢ ea)
-$1/2 Orville Pop Corn Kroger insert 3/22 (regional)
-$1 off Orville Pop Corn May All You Mag.

Stride, Trident, or Dentyne Gum 3 pack at $2.69
-$1 off Trident 3pk SS 3/08 (makes it .35¢ ea)

Lipton Gallon Tea at $3.29
-$1/2 Lipton Tea coupons on select products (buy 2 makes it $1.15 ea)

Powerade 8 pack 20oz bottles at $5.79
-$1/2 Powerade Ion4 8pks 20 oz bottles SS 3/19 (makes it $2.39 ea)

L’oreal Vive Pro Shampoo, Conditioner or Studio Stylers 6-13oz at $4.09
-$1 off L’Oreal Vive RP 4/26 (regional) (makes it $1.05 ea)

Hefty Onezip Storage or Freezer bags 13-22 ct or Sandwich bags 35ct at $2.51
-$1/2 Hefty One Zip Bags RP 3/29, 1/25
-.55/1 Hefty One Zip Bags RP 3/29, 1/25 (makes it .16¢ ea)

Cat’s Pride Cat Litter 20lb bag at $4.19
-$1 off Cats Pride printable (makes it $1.10 ea)

Meow Mix 3.15-4.2lb assorted at $4.42
-$1 off Meow Mix Dry Food RP 3/01 (makes it $1.21 ea)

Glade Aerosol at $1.27
B1G1 Glade Spray SS 4/19 (buy 2, makes it .32¢ ea)

Glass Plus Trigger 32oz at $2.49
-.50/1 Glass Plus SS 3/22, 2/08 or printable (makes it .25¢ ea)

O-Cel-O Cleaning Pad 1ct at $1.31
-.75/2 O-Cel-O Sponges RP 3/08
-$1/2 O-Cel-O Sponges RP 3/08 (makes it .15¢ ea)

Spray ‘n Wash 22-30oz at $2.87
-.75/1 Spray ‘n Wash printable (makes it .69¢ ea)

X-14 Bathroom Cleaner 20-32oz at $1.82
-$1 off X-14 Hard Surface Cleaner SS 4/05 (makes it FREE plus overage)

2000 Flushes Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner 3.5oz assorted at $3.52
-$1 off 2000 Flushes SS 4/05 or April All You Mag
-.55/1 2000 Flushes SS 4/05 (makes it .66¢ ea)

X-14 Instant Mildew Stain Remover 16oz at $2.59
-$1 off X-14 Hard Surface Cleaner SS 4/05 (makes it.30¢ ea)

Purex Laundry detergent 2X, 50oz, at $4.29
-.35/1 Purex Ultra or Natrual Elements Detergent SS 3/08 (makes it $1.44 ea)

Purex Fabric Softener 128oz at $3.19
-.55/1 Fabric Softener SS 3/08 (makes it .49¢ ea)
-$1/2 Purex Fabric Softener SS 3/08

Finish Powerball Tabs or Gelpacs 32ct or Finish Quantum 25ct at $7.72
-$2.50 off Electrasol/Finish Tabs SS 4/19 (makes it $1.36 ea)
-$1/2 Electrasol products printable

Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner 32oz at $2.38
-.75/1 or $1 off any Mean Green Product SS 2/01 (makes it .19¢-.44¢ ea)

Boneless Pork loin half value pack 3-5 lb at $4.39 lb ($2.19 lb)
Boston Butt Country Style Pork ribs at $3.29 lb ($1.64 lb)
Fresh Center Cut Boneless Pork Loin Chops at $4.99lb ($2.49 lb)

Grape Tomatoes 1 pint at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
Yellow Onions 3lb bag at $2.69 ($1.34 ea or .44¢ lb)
Mangos at $1.29 (.64¢ ea)
Cali Navel Oranges 4lb bag at $3.99 ($1.99 ea or .49¢ lb)
Walter’s Red Potatoes 5lb bag at $4.98 ($2.49 ea or .49¢ lb)
Blackberries .5 pint at $3.99 ($1.99 ea)

Nabisco Newtons or Fruit Crisps 8-16oz at $3.99 ($1.99 ea)
Fritos Corn Chips at $2.89 ($1.44 ea)
Voortman Turnover Cookies 10.6oz at $2.29 ($1.14 ea)

Gordo’s White Cheese Dip 16oz assorted at $5.99 ($2.99 ea)
Brummel and Brown 8oz strawberry spread at $2.22 ($1.11 ea)
Hellman’s Mayo 30oz jar or 22 oz squeeze at $4.35 ($2.17 ea)
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q 18oz select at $3.99 ($1.99 ea)
Golding Farms Vidalia Onion Steak Sauce 10oz at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
Kona Coast Specialty Sauces 14.5-15oz at $4.79 ($2.39)

Mott’s for Tots Juice 64oz at $2.65 ($1.33 ea)
Mott’s Apple Juice 64oz at $2.65 ($1.33 ea)
Ocean Spray Powdered Drink Mix To Go 10 pack at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
Wyler’s Drink Mixes makes 12 Quarts at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
Diet Snapple Powder Drink Mix Sticks at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
Minute Maid OJ 12 oz (frozen) at $2.38 ($1.19 ea)
Fuze Singles 20oz at $1.39 (.70¢ ea)

Iron Brew Coffee 12oz at $6.99 ($3.49 ea)
Southern Home Coffee Creamer 16oz at $2.75 ($1.37 ea)

Dee Amore Twice Baked Potatoes 10oz at $3.21 ($1.60 ea)
Uno Pizza 27oz at $6.49 ($3.24 ea)
Pet Ice Cream 56oz at $4.99 ($2.49 ea)
Philly Swirl Frozen Treats 21-24 oz at $2.64 ($1.32 ea)

Fresh Baked French or Italian Bread at $1.99 (.99¢ ea)
Lou Ana Oil 24oz Vegetable or Canola oil at $2.78 ($1.39 ea)
Hormel Chili Microcups 15oz or Chili Meals 10oz at $1.89 (.94¢ ea)
Celia’s Flour Tortilla 8ct at $2.50 ($1.25 ea)
El Pinto Mild & Med Salsa 16oz at $3.29 ($1.64 ea)

Cool Whip Aerosol 7oz at $2.79 ($1.39 ea)
Keebler Ice Cream Cones at $3.19 ($1.59 ea)
Hershey’s Syrup 18.5-24oz assorted at $2.15 ($1.07 ea)
Southern Home Marachino Cherries 10oz at $1.99 (.99¢ ea)
Smucker’s Magic Shell 7.25oz select varieties at $2.19 ($1.09 ea)

Sweet’N Low Packets 100ct or 120 bonus pack at $1.81 (.90¢ ea)
Dorot Spices 2.5oz at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
House-Autry Oven Breaders 6oz at $2.05 ($1.02 ea)

X-14 Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1ct at $1.32 (.66¢ ea)
SH Supreme Clean Cleaner, Soft Cleanser, or Glass Cleaner at $1.93 (.96¢ ea)
Citrus Magic Pet Odor or Spot & Stain Remover 22oz at $3.99 ($1.99 ea)

General Mills Cereal MultiGrain Cheerios, Honey Chex or Cinnamon Chex at $3.25
(look for new printable coupons on 5/01)

Mrs Paul’s Breaded Seafood products 8-22.98oz at $5.99 ($2.99 ea)
Southern Home Tilapia Fillets 16oz bag at $7.99 ($3.99 ea)
Pescanova Jumbo Shrimp 26-30ct 12oz frozen at $7.99 (3.99 ea)
Boneless Tuna Steaks 8oz frozen at $6.99 ($3.50 ea)
Great Fish Bay Scallops 16oz bag frozen at $8.99 ($4.49 ea)

Paws Premium Bites and Bones or Puppy Food 4.4lb bag at $4.22 ($2.11 ea)
Dove original Bars 4 pack at $4.35 ($2.17 ea)

Chinet Cut Crystal Plates 8-12ct or Cut Crystal Tumblers 18-25ct at $2.44
SH Foam Cups 51ct at $1.34 (.67¢ ea)
SH Plastic Color Cups 20ct at $1.54 (.77¢ ea)
SH Wide Pan breads 24 oz at $2.49 ($1.24 ea)

Where I get my coupons from....

2009-04-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ok I have been getting alot of questions about where I get my coupons so I decided to let you guys in on my secret which really isn't a secret at all! :)

Most of the time when I follow blogs and get coupon matchups they are coupons from the Sunday paper which I buy a few of and I get one from my mom. There are also printables that they will match up that I will print off of my home computer, my moms computer, her office computer and if I can get up there my dads and my Mimi's. Basically anyone that I know doesn't coupon or doesn't need the specific coupon I do I will ask to use their computer to print them off. Bricks coupons and Smartsource coupons go by your IP address and will only let you print it twice. Once it prints the first time you hit the back button and then refresh and it will print again. There are a few pdf file coupons that are few and far between but those you can print as many as you can on one computer.

Now lets take for example last week. There were really great coupons and I wasn't able to pick up a paper and my mom was out of town so someone threw the paper away before I could get it. If something comes on sale that is free or under .30 a piece I will look on thecouponclippers.com or ebay.com and see if I can find that coupon. Alot of people on Ebay tend to dumpster dive or they work for a grocery store and know the guys that come and pick up old papers and where they recycle. I wish I had this source so I could go search for tons of coupons! I will not pay more than $2 or $3 for coupons and thats including shipping because otherwise you aren't getting a good deal. You have to weigh what you are spending on the coupons and how much the item will be after coupons. Currently at my local Kroger Angel Soft toilet paper 4 packs are on sale for $1, there were .50 coupons last week that I missed and my store doubles them so they would be free BUT on ebay a set of 20 coupons is going for around $8 to $10 bucks which makes it not worth it to me because I have other coupons to make other toilet paper cheaper.

I think thats it but if you think of any questions just leave a comment!!

Sometimes its hard to save money!!

2009-04-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

You know somedays I just wish I had millions of dollars to just go travel the world and not have to worry about pinching pennys and budgeting here and there just to save a dollar! LOL Don't get me wrong I would be frugal with my millions and I would definatly still be watching ads and couponing but there are days that I just want to say NO I want to go eat at a nice restaurant and eat whatever I want! :)

We are starting over with our budget and after stocking up on more juice which we go through like water these days EVEN though I water it down for Conner. Darien thinks its his juice so it goes pretty fast. Anyways I forgot the list all of my good deals this week from the slim pickings at Publix but we spent $50. So we have $150 left and since the deals this week STINK!! Yes even Bilo! I swear I wish I could call these people at their corporate offices and say look do you realize this isn't making me want to get out of my house with my 2 boys to shop at your store? Im literally laughing at the Bi-lo ad! Sorry DAD!! If you don't have a Bilo near you let me just say the whole front page is the meat departments HOT sales. Hot?? Really?? Their chicken breasts are on sale for $1.99 a lb but here is the catch.. They put higher weight chicken breasts in the packaging AND just a few weeks ago they had them on sale for $1.79 a lb!!! So how is that hot if every other store has them on sale for $1.99 about every few weeks then on top of that you just had them cheaper not more than a month ago!! Ok sorry Bi-lo I am still a loyal shopper just not this week!

Publix I can't say much more about! Ok Im done with my rant today! :) Hey if you haven't been to BRU and used your $5 off $25 go use it!!

Brown Sugar Crockpot Chicken!

2009-04-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ok the name of this sounds kinda wierd I know and when you see the recipe you will think Im crazy but I swear its sooo good!!! So bear with me and give it a try!

6 boneless, skinless breast halves
1 cup brown sugar (it's okay. you can brush your teeth after.)
1/4 cup lemon-lime soda (stay with me...)
2/3 cup vinegar
3 cloves smashed and chopped garlic
2 T soy sauce
1 tsp ground black pepper

Place chicken in the crockpot then add all of the ingredients. You can put it on low for 6 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5hrs. My crock pot works pretty fast so I put it on low for about 5 and it was great! I served it over rice and poured a little of the sauce over the whole thing.

Thanks to crockpot365 for this recipe!

Conner's 2nd Birthday!!

2009-04-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well I ordered invitations for Conner's 2nd birthday!! And yes I screwed them up! Apparently I was not looking at the calendar correctly and the invitations read Saturday May 10th and Saturday is the 9th! I cannot believe that he will be 2 already!! If feels like just yesterday he was just this little baby! I kinda miss baby Conner! :) Although I totally love his age now he just grew so fast! I look back and think man I almost forget what that little boy looked like. Since Conner is almost two that means Noah is almost 1. I look back at everything that has changed in the past 3 years and I feel old! Yes yes I know im not old but I am the mother of 2 boys, a frugal coupon user, a wife, and busy busy lady! Its not very often that I miss being single and free and its days like this that make me open my eyes a little wider to see all of the blessings in front of me.

Now I need to find more mommy friends! Ive been realizing that I really have no friends that have other kids my kids age. Onto my next task! FIND MOMMY FRIENDS! LOL

My Publix savings!!! and our garden...

2009-04-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ok so I planned on going to a few stores on Saturday but ended up spending a couple hours in Home Depot then an hour in Lowes so I just went home and worked on the landscaping in our yard which I have to say is looking much better! Ill have to take some pictures soon! I just got a blueberry plant and 2 grape plants and got them planted yesterday. I also bought a few seeds for flowers that I will transplant in about a month. I had a little more room in the garden so I planted some green bean seeds so we will see how that goes. I think we have ants in the garden which makes me a little mad since I really hate hate ants!!! I did however find 2 friendly worms!!! :)

My plan is to get rid of these darn rocks today and start laying out the plan for the front yard then buy some dirt and more mulch as well as a Azaela bush, flowers, and a small Japnese maple if I can find one! Ok now onto my savings!

So yesterday I planned on cooking but we were in the yard so long that the two things I had planned on were crock pot recipes that would have taken too long since it was 730 when I realized we needed to eat. So we moved our normal Sunday eating out for lunch time to Saturday night. Since I was running out to get dinner I thought hey since I got my $10 Publix gift card today I might as well run to Pulix before getting dinner! :) So here is what I got and I would have taken a picture but some of it I put away and some is actually still in the car!

20 cans of Hunts tomatoes (.30 a piece) They were BOGO 1.39 then I used .40 off 2 that doubled to .80

10 bottles of Juicy Juice (.25 a piece) I found 11 really great Juicy Juice coupons and they were also BOGO for 2.74

2 packs of chicken breasts $3 a piece they were on sale for 1.99 a lb

6.99 bottle of wine and Dariens beer for 6.99

The total after coupons 32.31 then I used my $10 gift card which I got from a deal in Feb. that I only paid $5 out of pocket for! :)

So I paid 23.45 out of pocket!! This was a great shopping trip when my savings at the bottom says 56.57!!!! I told hubster that I could have spent alot less if we didnt buy the alcohol! :)

$5 off $25 at BRU!!!

2009-04-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you get emails from Babiesrus but there was a $5 off $25 in my email and I wanted to share it with you!!
GO here and print off your coupon! Conner's 2nd bday is coming up so this will come in handy for me!

Well it won't le me post a hyper link so I guess I will just have to post the link!

http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/corp/5off25-email.pdf?EDID=FM2CSQ-HDZYQ-47LN2T-A79AMU-74P08-v1

Sisterhood Award!

2009-04-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

I was given this amazing award from my friend Kara and I am passing it on! I am nominating some friends and a few blogs that have saved me by helping save me money! :)

Kara (California is Calling) notalwaysclevergirl.blogspot.com

Holly! theadventuresofstayingathome.blogspot.com

Freebies4mom@blogspot.com

Keely www.cks05.blogspot.com

Jenny southernsavers.com

Here are the rules after nomination: Put the logo on your blog or post. Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude and/or gratitude. Be sure to link to your nominees in your post. Let your nominees know they have received the award by leaving them a comment on their blog. Be sure to link this post to the person who nominated you for the award.

Sleeping Issues....

2009-04-11T04:54:00.000-07:00

Let me first just say I love my boys. I thought maybe after Noah we would wait till the boys were 3 and 4 to have more kids but I'm about at the end of my rope and it could be till they are 8 and 9!!! Seriously if Noah had been born first We would only have one child right now. Noah has the worst sleeping issues ever! He wakes up at least once during the night and he never wakes up happy. Conner slept through the night and always woke up with a smile on his face its always crying. Since he has been sick lately its been much worse. Its been so irritating that its put a strain between Darien and I. I litterally do not want to do anything during the day or got away to family for the weekend because of my nights wih Noah. We have been at my inlaws last night so Noah was in the room with us which meant everytime he cried we had to get up and rock him bc if we let him cry like we normally do then he would have woken the whole house. Today is the spring game which means we are on Clemson campus from 10 to 3 so no naps until the car ride home... Alright I think I'm done ranting for today! :). If anyone has some advice on how to change Noahs sleep habbits I'm all ears!!!

Upcoming Publix ad coming out Monday!

2009-04-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Afullcup!!

Here is the upcoming ad.
BOGO's

Mueller's Pasta [Assorted Varities, 12 or 16 oz box, excluding noodles] BOGO (save up to $1.39)$.55/1 3-1 SS

La Famiglia DelGrosso Pasta Sauce, [Assorted Varities, All Natural, 26oz jar] BOGO (save up to $7.99)

Fast Classics Flame Roasted Chicken Breast[Fully cooked, 20 oz pkg.] BOGO (Save up to $7.99)

Mott's 100% Apple Juice [or Mott's for Tot's, Plus Kids health, or Plus Light. Assorted variities, 64-oz bot. Quanity rights reserved] BOGO (save up $2.95)

Juicy Juice 100% Premium Juice [Assorted Varieties, 64-oz bot. Quanity rights reserved] BOGO (save up to $3.49)

Hun'ts Tomatoes [Assorted varieties, 14.5 oz can. Quanity rights reserved] BOGO (save up to $1.39)

Crystal Light Drink or On the Go Mix [or Iced Tea mix, LiveActive, or Immunity, Assorted Varities, 10 or 12 qt cnstr. or 10 or 14- ct box. Quanity Rights reserved. BOGO (save up to $3.99)
B2G1 manu coupon 3/29 SS

General Mills Cheerios Cereal [Assorted Varieties, 10.4 to 14-oz box or Frosted Cheerios, 17.2-oz box. Quanity Rights reserved] BOGO (Save up to $4.29)

Kellogg's Cereal [Assorted Varieties, Smart Start, 14.7 to 17.5-oz, Raisin Bran, 25.5oz, Raisin Bran Crunch, 18.2 oz or Corn Flakes, 24 oz box. Qty rights reserved.)Quaker Chewey Granola Bars [Assorted Varieties, 7.9 or 8.4-oz box. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up to $2.99)

Betty Crocker Potatoes [Assorted Varieties, 4.6 to 6.6-oz box. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up to $1.59)

Pompeian EVOO [32-oz bot. Qtr rights reseved] BOGO (save up $11.99)

Kraft BBQ Sauce [Assorted Varieties, 16.25 or 18-oz bot. Qty rights reserved) BOGO (save up $1.59)

Ken's Steak House Marinade or Buffalo Wing Sauce [Assorted varieties, 16-oz bot. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up to $2.79)
$1.00/1 3-8 SS

Pam Cooking Spray [Assorted Varieties, 5 or 6-oz can(Excluding Organic and Professional) Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up $3.39)

Lysol Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner [Removes soap scum Island Breeze, Mildew Remover with Bleach, 32-oz bot. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up $3.39)

Kashi Granola Bars [Assorted Varieties, 6.7 to 8.4-oz box. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up $3.89)

Toufayah Wrap [plain, wheat, garlic pesto or tomato basil, 10-oz pkg. Qty rights reseved] BOGO (save up to $1.99)

Nabisco Toasted Chips [assorted varieties, 8.1-oz bag. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up $3.39)

M&M's Chocolate Candies [snickers, milky way, 3 musketeers, twix minis or m&m's, snickers, twix mix fun size. Assorted varieties. 34.5 to 42-oz bag. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up $10.99)

Arnold WholeGrains Bread [or grains, & more Double Fiber. Assorted Varieties, 24-oz Loaf. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up $3.69)

Sargento Shredded Cheese [sunbursts, assorted varieties, 5 to 8-oz pkg. Qty rights reserved] BOGO (save up $3.19)Other Sale Items

Boneless Chicken Breasts $1.99lb (save up $2.50lb)

Tomatoes on the vine $1.99lb

Fresh Tilapia Fillets $6.39lb

Fresh Express Salad Blends 2 FOR $5.00 [5-12-oz bag]

Sour Dough Round French Bread $2.59 (save up to $1.00)

New York Strip Steaks $7.99lb (save up to $3.99lb)

Top Round London Broil $2.99lb (save up $1.90lb)

T-Bone or Porterhouse Steaks $8.99lb (save up $1.90lb)

Ground Chuck Patties $3.29lbGround Chuck $2.99 lb

Boneless Beef Chuck or Top Round Steaks $3.29lb

Hormel Fully Cooked Meat Entrees 2 for $8.00 (save up to $5.98 on 2)

Perdue Short Cuts Chicken Breasts 2 for $6.00 [roasted, italian, honey roasted or southwestern' oven roasted turkey breast, 9-oz pkg]

Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon 2 for $6.00[Original, lower sodium, thick or maple 16-oz pkg]

Publix regular Sliced Lunch Meats 2 for $5.00 [ham, cooked or honey; Turkey Breast, smoked or over roasted] 10-oz pkg]

Boneless Pork Loin Chops $3.99lb (save up to $1.40lb) [butterflied, publix pork, all natural and full-flaor]

Chuck Pot Roast $2.99lb (save up to $1.60lb)

Medium Cooked Shrimp [41 to 50 per pound large white shrimp, 31 to 35 per pound, previously frozen, Farm-Raised] $5.99lb

Fresh Yellowfiin Tuna Portions $7.99 [boneless, skinless, never frozen, wild harvested 6-oz each]

Publix Whole Turkey Sub $4.99 (save up to $1.40)

8-Piece Fried Chicken $6.49 (save up $.80)

Chocolate Chip Cookies 13 ct $3.89 (save up $.96)

Danish Pecan Ring $3.99 (save up to $1.30)

Glazed Donuts, 6ct $2.69

Granola Bark $6.29lb (save up $1.20lb)

Angel Food Cake $3.99

Boars Head BBQ Roasted Chicken Breast $7.69lb

Boar's Head Swedish Fontina $8.39lb

Publix 12-pack Assorted Soft Drinks 3 for $7.00 (save up to $.50 on 3)

Glaceau Vitaminwater [20-oz bot.] Buy 2 get 1 Free (save up $1.49)$1.00/1 3/29 SS12-pk

Selected Coca-cola products 3 for $12.00 [12-oz can]

Deer Park natural Spring Water [3-L bot] 10 for $10.00

Publix Wheat Snacks, Baked wheat Crackers [assorted varieties, 14 to 15.25-oz pkg. Qty rights reserved] $2.29

Publix Premium English Muffins or Bagels [Assorted varieties, 6-ct 12 or 20-oz pkg] 2 for $4.00

Plantars Cashews or Mixed Nuts [assorted varieites, 9.25 to 11.5oz can. Limit two] $2.99

Corona 12 pk [bot or can] $12.99 (save up $2.00)

Samuel Adams 6pk Assorted $6.99[beer or ale, 12-oz bot] $6.99 (save up $.70)

Popsicle Ice Pops [fudgsicle or creamsicle, assorted varieties, 26.4 oz to 39.6 oz box] 2 for $5.00 (save up $2.98 on 2)

California Pizza Kitchen Pizza [11.08 to 26.5-oz box ] 2 for $11.00

Mayfield Ice Cream [assorted varieties] 2 for $6.00 (save up to $3.98 on 2)

Breakstones Cottage Cheese [large curd, lowfat 2% milk, small curd, lowfat or smooth and creamy, 16-oz cup] 2 for $4.00 (save up $.98 on2 )

Kellogg's Eggo Waffles [assorted varieties, 17.2 to 19.8-oz box ] 2 for $4.00

Stouffer's Lean Cusine [ assorted varieites 6 to 12.5-oz box ] 4 $10.00

Jell-o snacks [6-pk, 3.25 to 4-oz cup] 3 for $6.00

Eggland's Best large Eggs [12ct ctn] 2 for $4.00

Nestle Coffee-mate coffee creamer [32-oz bot] 2 for $5.00

Pantene Pro-V Hair Care Products [25.4oz bot or Head & Shoulders 23 or 23.7 oz bot. or Clairol

Nice'N easy hair color, each. Assorted varieties, excluding perfect 10] $5.99 (save up $1.00)

Aleve Pain Reliever [assorted varieties, 80 or 100ct bot (24 free tablets or caplets on select products, while quantities available)] $6.99 (save up $3.20)

Always Pads [Assorted varieties, 20 to 44 oz pkg or Tampax tampons, 40ct box(excluding always clean and jumbo packs)] $5.49

Mucinex Expertorant or DM Expectorant Cough Suppressant, Reg or Max strength extended release bi-layer tablets, 12 hour, 28 or 40ct box] $18.99

Hawaiian Tropic Suncare Products [assorted varieties, 6 to 16oz pkg](excluding lip and stick products) $6.69

Dial Liquid Hand Soap [assorted varieties, 7.5oz to 11.25oz bot.] 4 for $5.00 (save up to $1.36 on 4)

Huggies Supreme Diapers or snug and dry [assorted varieties, 48 to 96 ct box] $19.99

Similac Infant Formula Powder [assorted varieties, advance, isomil advance with iron, DHA & ARA or Sensitive with iron 23.2oz can] $21.49

One a Day Multivitamin [men's women's or max 60ct bot] $8.99

Coupon for $3.00 off Duracell Alkaline batteries [assorted varieties with the purchase of any 9 volt, 2-ct or "C" or "D" 4-ct or "AA" or "AAA" 8ct or larger ( one deal per coupon per customer)

Brita Pitcher Replacement Filters 3-ct box $13.99 (save up to $5.00)

Pedigree Dry Dog Food [assorted varieties, 15.9 to 20lb bag] $11.99 (save up to $3.00)

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Dog Food [assorted varieties, 22oz can] 5 for $5.00

Purex Ultra Laundry Detergent [2X concentrated or Natural Elements, assorted varieties, 100-oz bot. ] $4.99 (save up $2.80)

Clorox Green Works Natural Cleaner [assorted varieties 24 to 32 oz bot or dishwashing liquid, 22 oz bot. or wipes ] 2 for $5.00 (save up $.98 on 2)

Febreze Air Effects Air Refresher [9.7oz can] 2 for $5.00

Fantastik cleaner [26 to 32 oz bot. ] 2 for $4.00

Mr. Clean Cleaner [ assorted varieties, multi-surface with febreze or multi purpose 40oz bot. ] $2.49

Kleenx Viva Paper Towels [premium or choose a size 8 roll pkg] $6.99 (save up to $3.20)Kleenz

Cottonelle Toilet Paper [ double roll, with ripples or ultra, aloe&E giant role, 12-roll pkg] $6.99 (save up $1.26)

Glad Tall Kitchen Bags [drawstring, forceflex stretchable strength or reg 13 gal , 65 or 78 ct pkgs] $8.99 (save up $2.00)

Glad Zipper Freezer or Storage Bags [value pack, gallon or qt size, 30 to 50 ct pkg] 2 for 5.00

Kleenx Viva Paper Towels [assorted varieties, big roll, 1-roll pkg] $1.89

Dixie Plates [soak proof, 8 5/8 or 10 1/16 ultra 40-100ct pkg. 16oz plastic party cups, value pak 68ct pkg] $3.49

Pyrex Bakeware Storage4-cup storage w/ red lid $2.997-cup storage w/red lid $6.998'square baking dish $12.992-qt clear oblong baking dish $12.993-qt clear oblong baking dish $14.992.5-qt teardrop bowl $12.992-cup measuing cup $5.994-cup measuring cup $6.999 1/2 clear pie plate $10.9912x16 cutting board $14.991 1/2 qt clear loaf pan $12.995-qt teardrop bowl $14.99

Orgainc Florida Organges 4-lb bag $2.99 (save up to $2.00)

Organic Valley Organic Milk 64oz ctn 2 for $7.00(save up to $.98 on 2)

Publix Greenwise Market Top Sirloin Fillets $6.99lb (save up to $1.00lb)

Van's Waffles [7.5 to 12oz pkg] $3.19

Kashi TLC Crackers [6-9oz] 2 for $5.00

Seventh Generation Products [assorted varieties 22 to 80ct or 25 to 100oz pkg]
25% offPublix Reuseable Bag 5 for $4.00

Kashi Cereal or granola [7.5 to 17.5 oz] 2 for $5.00 (save up .58 on 2)

Stonyfield Farm Yogurt [assorted varieties 6-oz cup ] 10 for $6.00 (save up $2.00 on 10)

Traditional Medicinals Herbal Tea bags 16ct box $3.99

Publix Greenwise Market Organic Lemonade 64oz bot 2 for $5.00

Freebies!!!

2009-04-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sample of Idea Paint - make a dry erase board anywhere you want!

New Huggies Pure & Natural Daipers 3 pk sample (only for Newborn to size 2)

FREE class at Gymboree, for new attendees only (even you don’t sign up it still makes a fun free get out of the house event)

Join the Mighty Dog Nation and get a Dog citizenship kit and free dog tag

Get 1500 Delta Sky Miles free

Samples for Colgate, Purell and more. (you do have to answer questions to get samples)

Print your rebate form for Just for Men Touch of Gray!

Walmart has a new free sample of Gillette body wash or shampoo for men.

Another great free sample offer from SC Johnson's Right@Home website for Nature's Source All-Natural Cleaner.

Request your Simple & Delicious coupon booklet and get a coupon for a free 24 oz. bottle of Hunt's Ketchup. You can also print a Summer Savings Coupon form to receive $34 in coupons when you send a receipt showing at least $25 in purchases of participating brands. You will need to make an account first!

Walmart has a new free sample of Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste. And in case you missed the other Crest sample, you can also get a free sample of Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal. Find out what other free samples Walmart is offering.

Free or nearly free at Bi-lo!

2009-04-09T10:16:00.001-07:00

Here are the deals for Bi-lo that are free or nearly free! Thanks to Jenny at Southernsavers for putting some of these together!

Remember Bi0lo doubles coupons up to .60 and will take competitors coupons as well!

Eckrich Smoked Sausage 14 - 16 oz. Original or Beef - $ 3.99
-.55/1 Eckrich Smoked Sausage Product, SS 3/29 (makes it .90¢ ea)

Palermo’s Thin Crust Rustico or Hearth Italia Pizza - $6.29
-$1 off Palermo’s printable (makes it $2.15 ea)

Pop Secret Popcorn 3 Pack - $2.63-
$1/2 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, SS 3/8 (buy 2, makes it .82¢ ea)
-.50/1 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, SS 3/8 (makes it .32¢ ea)
-.50/2 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, SS 3/8 (buy 2, makes it .82¢ ea)

Hefty Foam Plates 50 Count or Hefty ElegantWare Plates 16-24 Ct. - $ 2.55
-$1 Hefty Hearty Meals or Hefty ElegantWare Plates or Bowls, RP 1/18 (makes ElegantWare .28¢ ea)

Hefty OneZip Storage or Freezer Bags 13-22 Ct. or Sandwich Bags 35 Ct.
- $2.51-.55/1 Hefty OneZip Bags, RP 1/25, 3/29 (makes it .16¢ ea)

Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover 22 oz. - $4.73
-.55/1 Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator Products, SS 4/05 (makes it $1.27 ea)
-$1 off Spot Shot printable (makes it $1.37 ea)

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt 8 oz. - .95¢
-.50/1 Lawry’s Seasoning Blend, Any RP 4/05 (makes it FREE plus overage)

Cattlemens BBQ Sauce 18 oz. - $2.05
-.50/1 Cattlemens printable (will make it near FREE) - says .75/1 but will print .50/1

Keebler Ready Pie Crust 9 inch - $1.94
- .30/1 Keebler Ready Crust Pie Crust, RP 3/29 (makes it .37¢ ea)
- .55/1 Keebler Ready Crust Pie Crust, RP 3/29 (makes it FREE plus overage)

Pillsbury Brownies 13.5 - 20 oz. - $1.92
-.35/1 Pillsbury Brownie Mix, RP 3/29 (makes it .26¢ ea)
-$1/2 Pillsbury Brownie Mix, RP 3/29 (buy 2, makes it .46¢ ea)

Blistex Deep Renewal - $2.35 ea.
-.35/1 Blistex Lip Care Product, SS 2/08 (makes it .48¢ ea)

Kraft Salad Dressing - $2.75
-$1.50 off any Kraft Salad Dressing, Any 16 Oz. + SS 3/29 (makes it FREE plus overage)
-$1 off any Kraft Dressing, March Sunset Mag.

Dole Pineapple 20 oz. or Tropical Fruit Salad or Mandarin Oranges 15 oz - $1.35
-.50/1 Dole Canned Fruit, Any - Good Housekeeping, May 2009 (makes it FREE plus overage)
-$1/3 Dole Canned Fruit, Any SS 3/29 (buy 3, makes it .34¢ ea)
-.55/2 Dole Canned Fruit, Any SS 3/29 (buy 2, makes it .25¢ ea)

Breakstone’s Sour Cream 16 oz. - $1.00 ea
-$1/2 Breakstone’s Sour Cream, 16 oz or larger SS 3/29 (makes it .50¢ ea)
-.55/1 Breakstone’s Sour Cream, 16 oz or larger SS 3/29 (makes it FREE plus overage)

Shedd’s Country Crock $2 ea
-.55/1 Shedd’s Country Crock printable (IE) or printable (FF) (makes it .90¢ ea)

Land O Lakes Butter $2 ea
-.55/1 Land O lakes in store dispenser or printable (makes it .90¢ ea)
-.50/1 or .55/1 Land O Lakes Butter SS 3/29

Mueller’s Lasagna or Egg Noodles 12-16 oz. - $1.50 ea
-.55/2 Muellers printable (buy 2, makes it .95¢ ea)
-.55/2 Mueller’s Noodles, SS 3/01 (buy 2, makes it .40¢ ea)
-$1/3 Muellers printable (buy 3, makes it $1.17 ea)

Domino Sugar 5 lb. bag - $1.99
-.35/1 Domino Granulated Sugar, Any 4lb- 5lb RP 3/15, 4/5 (makes it $1.29 ea)
-.65/2 Domino Sugar 2lbs. or larger March Better Homes & Gardens, April Redbook, April
Woman’s Day (makes it $1.67 ea)

Green Giant Boil in Bag Vegetables 7 - 10 oz. - $1.00 ea
-.50/2 Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables SS 4/5 (buy 2, makes it .50¢ ea)
-.50/2 Green Giant Vegetables, Any RP 3/15 (buy 2, makes it .50¢ ea)

Olay Bar Soap 2pk $2 ea
-$2 off any Olay Soap PG 4/5 (makes it FREE)

Gillette Shave Gel $1 ea
-$1 off Gillette Shave Gel PG 4/05 (makes it FREE)

My Favorite Grocery stores!

2009-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

So on my couponing adventures I had found groceries stores that I love and those that I really just hate... The hates include Food Lion and Kroger most of the time but Food Lion all the time. Food Lion doesn't double coupons, they have a horrible meat and seafood selection and they really don't have good deals that often. The only upside to Food Lion is their coupons that they put out that I can use at Bi-lo and Publix! Kroger changed their internet coupon policy to only 2 coupons per transaction and their employees aren't very nice at all so I don't shop there as often as I use to. The upside of Kroger is they double coupons up to .50, they have pretty good sales like buy 10 items get $5 off or buy 3 items get $3 off. They also have a gas perks program that gives you .10 off per gallon when you spend $100 and thats prior to coupons! Ive paid $40 but prior to coupons it was $110 so I got gas perks!

Publix, man I don't have alot to say against Publix except if you just shop there without coupons they are alot more expensive than most other stores. They have changed their coupon policy which kinda put me off since they didn't post it anywhere and I had to find out about it when I was trying to pay and use my coupons! They always have a really great selection of BOGO's each week and they put out 2 coupons books monthly and seasonly which makes for a pretty great shopping trip! PLUS! They have outstanding customer service! Even when I was seriously angry with them for changing coupon policy without posting it they did everything they could to apologize.

My other favorite thats been coming back is Bi-lo and yes dad Bi-lo! LOL I stopped shopping there because the deals were going downhill and then dealing with their lack of customer service and baggers didnt help the matter BUT I have to say they have been coming around! The past few weeks their ads have been getting alot better and I my closest Bi-lo their cashiers are really nice and though they may not really know all that they should they typically try and figure it out.

Let me just say most grocery stores lately have been doing everything they can to get you into their stores which will mean great deals for those of us that are cutting coupons and watching ads! Plus when something happens that you don't like at a grocery store don't feel like you are complaining if you talk to a manager! How will they fix an issue if they don't know about it. Being a former manager of a small business we don't always know that a toilet is over flowing or an employee sits in the back for 10 minutes while you stand in the store waiting.

Happy couponing!!!

What a crazy weekend! Menu plan is getting pushed back!

2009-04-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

So the menu plan got pushed back on Saturday because my uncle Doug and his family came to visit so I made a quick salsa and macaronni and cheese and headed to my moms for the afternoon which was really fun even though Noah was still not feeling 100%. About 7 Darien wasn't feeling well and the boys were getting cranky so we headed home where Darien informed me that he didn't feel good... That was the begining of bad weekend. Darien was up most of the night sick then at 5 I was sick then Noah woke up throwing up then of course Conner woke up at 745 and apparenlty had thrown up a few times and hadn't even woken us up!! Im not sure how to deal with my independant child but thats besides the point... By late Sunday afternoon everyone was feeling better except Noah who hadn't eaten anything and pretty much gagged at the site of a bottle. So by 6 we went to the hopsital since he hadn't eaten anything for about 24 hours at this point. And after 4 hours at the hospital, some meds, 2 oz of pedialyte and 2 cranky parents who hadn't eaten later we were able to go home. Thankfully my mom came and got Conner after 2 hours so he could go home because the poor kid has too much energy for a tiny room with nothing to do!

So of course the menu got delayed yet again since we didnt get home till 11! Noah is still not really eating very well which means we are probably going back to the Dr. tomorrow... So shrimp scampi was last night but it got changed to yummy shrimp and scallop scampi! :) I think Darien gets annoyed with me because he will ask me what I put it in or where i got the recipe for things when most things I just take from my head or find a recipe and change alot of things. Like last night I made the cream sauce from my head and what I felt like I wanted so I just made it and taste tested along the way. So when Darien asks me what it is I really don't have a name for it. :)

So back to the menu! Tonight we are skipping the meatloaf and going to the rice and meat skillet casserole.

A few recipes from the past few nights!

2009-04-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

Wednesday we met the super nice couple that I will be watching this September so I had to make something quick which is why I went with the BBQ chicken sandwiches in the crokpot!
Bi-lo just had boneless skinless chicken breast on sale for $1.79 a lb so I used one of those instead of thawing some I already had. Then just added a container of my favorite bbq sauce on top of the chicken breasts in the crock pot and let them sit on high for about 2 hours then shredded the meat and served on a bun with some Green Giant frozen rice and broccoli steamers that I got FREE from Kroger!

Thursday we had tacos which was really easy and pretty cheap since I have a huge stockpile of cheese, ground beef, and salsa. I just stocked up on the taco kits form Publix because they were BOGO! So that was a quick and easy dinner and we would have eaten at a decent time but hubby and I got into a long conversation about being a role model so we didnt eat till late!

Tonight we had Bourdon salmon instead of the Honey Dijon because I had a mini bottle of bourbon that I needed to use. So here is the recipe!!

6 fillets Salmon
1/4 cup Bourbon
4 tablespoons Butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
(i cut this in half since there aren't 6 people to feed in my house! :))

Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, in a pan large enough to cook the salmon. Add salmon filets, cook 6 minutes. Flip Salmon, Add bourbon, and finish cooking fish, approximately 6 more minutes or until opaque and flakes with a fork. Serve salmon with glaze on top- goes great with asparagus and rice!

ENJOY!

Thanks for the rain!

2009-04-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ok living in Columbia, SC we get spring weather pretty early and I love it BUT the pollen is overwhelming and I swear this year is like 4 times worse! It rained last weekend and the next day my car was covered again! Its gotten so bad this week that my sinus infection is back and full force! Conners congested and so is Noah! AND thankfully its raining today and suppose to rain into tomorrow so hopefully it will wash this away and not come back as bad!

I have never been so thankfully for rain before! :)

April Monthly Menu

2009-03-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

So I got inspired last month to make a monthly menu but I made it a week into it and lost my master list and although I did make dinner almost every night I still wanted to try again so I didnt' have to plan each week!

1- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
2- Taco's
3- Honey Dijon Salmon
4- Shrimp Scampi
5- Meat Loaf
6- Cheese Fondu and Apps
7- Meat and Rice Casserole
8- Chicken Devan
9- Wasabiaki Chicken
10- Darien's Parents
11- Traveling
12- Easter!
13- Mom's Bday
14- Brown Sugar Chicken
15- Crock Pot Taco Soup
16- Cream Cheese Chicken
17- Lemon Dill Tillapia
18- Cheeseburger Coup
19- Sweet and Sour Chicken with Mango Lettuce wraps
20- Bama Sandwiches (Philly cheesesteak twist)
21- Steak
22- Spaghetti
23- Enchilada's
24- Hamburgers
25- Chicken and Corn Casserole
26- Country Casserole
27- Sloppy Joes
28- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
29- Beef Stew
30- Taco Pizza

Ill post recipes as I go!

Money Saving Mondays!

2009-03-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

I post this on Whattoexpect and I decided to post it all here too!!

Money Saving Tips

So last week I suggested planting a small garden or herbs, and line drying your clothes and I wanted to update you guys that we just got our electric bill for last month and we saved $40 from keeping the air off and not using the dryer as often!! I also just started not using our washing machine which was a great idea from a poster! So I hope to see more of a saving next month!

This week I'd like to help get everyone started on couponing! Depending on where you live coupons can be a great money saving idea! I have talked to a few women that live in rural areas and only get to shop once a week or so and couponing really isnt worth the time and energy for them so they find other ways to cut back. This will be a several week learning process so I will break it up!

FIRST! Start saving the coupon inserts from your Sunday paper. My suggestion is to save the whole insert instead of clipping. Second keep the grocery store sales pages and watch for sales. You will only want to use coupons for items that are on sale to save the most money. You can use a blog like dealseekingmom.com, afullcup.com, and if your in the south southernsavers.com. Keep in mind there are HUNDREDS! of blogs that will give you coupon matchups to the best sale ads for grocery stores to Target and Walmart just find one that works best for where you live. Afullcup.com has grocery stores for every region! This should help you get started! Next week Ill talk about using CVS and Walgreens to your advantage!

Diapers, Formula, Baby food

Rite aid is having a sale on Huggies so if u buy a pack you get $3 back in a rebate check. Huggies Big packs are on sale for 19.99 at Publix till Wednesday in some areas. My boxes are 19.99 all the time so this isn't that great of a deal.Huggies Big packs are 19.99 at Kmart and if you buy $40 worth you'll get a $10 mfg in-store coupon this deal starts Tuesday. Huggies Big packs are 19.99 at Target as well and jumbos are 9.99. Remember with Huggies you can send your reciepts into Caregivers Marketplace for .75 a pack and you will need to send in 5 reciepts at a time.Pampers are 8.99 when you buy 3 this week. This is a good Pampers deal if you have 1.50 coupons. Pampers Megas are 15.99 at Rite aid. Remember to print out your $5 off $25 coupon! Buy 2 packs use $1 off coupons for both and your 5 off $25 for a pretty good deal! Pampers Jumbos are 2 for 18.99 at CVS. Pampers boxes are 19.99 at Kroger. Luvs megas are 9.99 at Kroger and like the Huggies deal buy 3 and get $3 off. This isn't that great of a deal for Luvs since these were just 6.99 at Target a week ago.

CVS brand Megas are $9.99, Walgreens jumbos and wipes are buy one get one 50% off. I have to tell you though the Walgreens brand wipes are rough and not kind to the behind!
Earth's Best Organic is buy on get one free at Publix through Wednesday and Gerber stage 2 are .79! I think the .79 is actually a price change now not just a sale but I could be wrong. If you have Food Lion in your area print off a few of their $1 off Gerber foods coupon and make .21 cents on each one! Gerber 2nd foods are also 10 for $10 at Kmart.

If you need a good formula deal this week and next week are good times to stock up! Next week CVS has similac and Huggies buy $25 worth get $10 back in ECBs!

This week CVS has Similac on sale for $21.99and Enfamil $23.99. Target similac is $20.99, and Walgreens brand formula is $11.99 with the in ad coupon and up until today you can still buy $25 worth or 2 cans and Destin or J and J body wash and get $10 back!

Coupons and more Freebies!

If you have Kroger remember to load your Cellfire.com and Shortcuts.com coupons as well as coupons for Hollywood movies and others!
Check out coupons.com for new coupons! Wednesday they will load more coupons since it the first of the month!
Try a free sample of Old Spice body wash.
Free sample of Emergen-C Blue.
Save $2 off Zyrtec with this coupon.
Get a medium cup of Caribou Blend coffee from Caribou Coffee for just $1 on Mondays at participating locations. This offer is only valid on Mondays and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Redbox Free Rental Code 3/30/09 Dealseekingmom.com will show you how to use this just click the link to find out more info!!

What a wonderful weekend!!

2009-03-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ok Im convinced!! Im moving to Murrells Inlet! LOL No not really but we really wanted to after this weekend! I found this small fish market that also serves lunch and it was amazing!! We planned on making fish Friday night and eating out Saturday night but we liked the fresh fish so much that we decided to eat it again Saturday night! The best thing about Darien and I is that we don't really need anything fussy and we could eat the same thing two nights in row especially fish! :) We got a tuna steak, scallops, mussels, and shrimp! And yes Chef Amanda made it all! We only ate out twice and that was dinner when we got there Thursday night and Friday morning! It was a gross weekend but not much rain so that was really nice. I have to say though I loved being away but really glad to be home with my boys! I really missed them! :)

OH and on the subject of budget I have to tell you that our $200 grocery budget is going fantastic!! We still have $40 left and I am fully stocked on everything!

Contemplating moving!

2009-03-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

No not our house but this blog! Ive been having alot of issues with blogger lately so I just wanted to let you all know!! :)

What to expect, Budget, and Recipe!!

2009-03-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

I having been blogging here much lately because I have started 2 regular thread on Whattoexpect.com's Penny Pinchers boards and they are keeping me pretty busy! :) I started Freebie Fridays and Money Saving Mondays which are super fun and I am working on posting them here too! :) So watch out for that!

Hubby and I decided that instead of keeping a budget for groceries that we would just take cash out and when it was gone it was gone no if's and's but's about it! So we took out $200 on March 13th and we have until April 15th. We stocked up on Juicy Juice at Bi-lo last week when it was BOGO and did 2 Publix trips for baby food and bread and a whole chickens that were on sale for .79 a lb! So now we have $120 and its the 18th. Im getting a little nervous BUT and big BUT here we have plenty of food, $30 to spend at Walgreens left over from the diaper deal and a CVS gift card with $10 left.

Now on to food!!

Last night I made Chimichanga's which were super awesome!! Seriously I was a little scared but they really turned out well! I made these from my head just so you know so when I write out the recipe keep that in mind that I just eye things and go from there.

What you will need...

Flour tortillas (Mission tortilla's are awesome and I used the jalapeno one's for a kick) got for .50
Queso (I used some I got from Cosco a while back because its made with jalapeno's) .50
ground beef (got on sale) 1.50
Garlic powder .10
cilantro (free from my garden!)
hot sauce (free from hubbys Christmas gift)
toothpicks
Small onion .20
( sour cream and guacamole if you choose)

Ok lets start by browning your ground beef then draining off the fat. Throw in your chopped onion and cook till translucent. Add 1/4 cup of any kind of hot sauce that you choose, chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp garlic powder then stir. Set this aside and pull out another deep saute pan that you can fill with oil and place the chimichanga's in. I used corn oil because its cholesterol free and hubster is freaking out about every bit of fat in the house so instead of spending a ton of money on peanut oil I went for corn oil. Fill the pan with your choice of oil to about and inch, you can use less if you would like it just needs to be able to fry the chimichanga. Fill your tortilla with about a cup of your meat(you can use more!) then fold two sides together and then fold the other two sides in and use a toothpick to hold them together. Some I had to use 2 toothpicks with. Then place in hot oil, oil should be heated to a medium temp. if its too hot it will burn instead of frying. Place for 5 minutes on each side then set them on paper towels to drain off some of the excess oil.
When you plate pour over a little bit of warmed up queso and add any other side you would like and serve!! They are super easy and yummy!!

To Potty Train or Not to Potty Train...

2009-03-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Let me just say first off I have never really been a nervous mom or really worried about being a good mom or not BUT when you mention potty training my heart races a little and i start to worry! I mean really in the mommy hand book that NO ONE! gives you when becoming a mommy this should be NUMBER 1!!! on the boy handbook! Seriously who teaches you how to potty train a child and on top of that who in the world knows when they are really ready?? On pretty much everything else you just wait for them to get up the courage and do it. Like walking of course I try to encourage them and crawling the same thing but they wont walk or crawl until they are ready. With food you just start introducing new things and they figure it out but potty training is a whole other realm! You can just say hey here is your potty use it when you are ready. There are pull ups and learning to pull your pants down and sitting down to pee or standing up learning to know when you have to pee and learning to hold it. The list just goes on and on!! Needless to say I am overwhelmed and yes my first step would be to actually go and buy a childs potty but that just makes it even more real!!

Ok courage! We are gonna do it!!! LOL

Diapers, Diapers and more diapers!!

2009-03-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

Ok so when I started doing the whole coupon thing I tried a few of the store brand diapers and they just never really worked. The best we found were the Babies r us brand diapers that were't horrible but werent great on trips at all! So yes I am a diaper snob and I would only buy Pampers because I tried the Huggies Gentle care with Conner when he was little and didn't care for them. Well Huggies has been having great deals and coupons out lately so we started using Huggies and like them alot! Of course I still perfer Pampers but these days Id rather spend less! Sorry for the long intro but I had to say all of that to get to the point! :)

Walgreens has a great deal on Huggies this week and thanks to my family for letting me print coupons on their computer I was able to print a ton of the Huggies $5 and $3 off coupons!!! I have already gone to Walgreens 3 times and Walmart once and total I have paid $40 for 8 packs of diapers and 4 large refill packs of wipes!!! Also included in that $40 is 3 cans of Walgreens formula, 2 Johnson and Johnson baby wash and Desitin!!

If you want to know how I did it just comment and I will put it all in detail!! If you need diapers and dont mind Huggies the Walgreens deal is buy $25 of Huggies diapers or wipes and get $10 back!!

TRY MICHAEL ANGELOS FREE!!!

2009-03-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

Ok if anyone wants to help me win Michael Angelo's for a year and get free dinner in the process that would be lovely!!! Here's the deal, sign up at the Michael Angelo's site and enter my name as your referral then try a Michael Angelo's and Stouffers entree. Send in your rebate form with reciept and proof of purchase and which entree you liked best and they will either reimburse you or send you 3 free coupons for more Michael Angelo's! So its a win win!! We love these and they have a really great Lasagna and Baked Ziti with meatballs that is more than enough food for 2 people!!

http://familytable.michaelangelos.com/files/TasteTheDifference.pdf

Dinner for the week plus recipe!!

2009-03-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

So I wrote out a dinner plan for the month of March and have been trying to use everything that is in my stockpile so here is the weekly list.

Monday - Chicken Devan
Tuesday - Philly cheesesteak (taken from southernplate.com SOOOO yummy!!! recipe below)
Wednesday - Tilapia
Thursday - Tacos
Friday - Frozen Pizza
Saturday - Turkey Burgers

Ok so Rob ( old friend) came over for dinner tonight so I switched up dinner and made Philly Cheesesteak that I somewhat got from southernplate.com. Here is the recipe....

1 onion
2 tbls butter
1/2 tsp garlic
1 lb roast beef
provolone cheese
1 pkg mushrooms
(optional peppers)
1/4 cup woshersire (or however thats spelled! :))

Saute onions and garlic in 2tbl butter until the onions are tender and translucent. Chop up roast beef and add to pan, add wosch., and mushrooms. Simmer till mushrooms are cooked and tender. I put the oven on broil and then just added the meat mixture to the hoagie or sub roll and placed 2 pieces of cheese on top them stuck them in the oven for a minute and they were done!!

Seriously these were super yummy and will be made again!

Coming SOON!!

2009-02-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you know this but I am a Den Mother for the What to Expect boards which has been a huge blessing to me over the years that I have been a member. Over this past summer I was chosen to be a sponsor for Learning Curve and they sent me some really great stuff which I feel like I need to blog about their products! So I will be posting some pictures soon of the products they sent me and my personal review! My favorite and probably Conners favorite are the Thomas the Tank travel dinner wear set and The First Years convertible car seat which is the greatest car seat ever! Be on the lookout for those posts!! Oh on that same subject they also just sent me their brand new breast pump!! Called the Mi pump! Im excited about that!!

Grocery savings this week!!

2009-02-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

So this week we were almost out of chicken that I stocked up last 2 sales at Publix and Kroger for 1.99 a lb, and thankfully it just went back on sale at Kroger this week so it was stock up time! I went to Publix twice and Kroger once and here is what we got for $80 and saved over $200!!!

Similac
Gerber Oatmeal
8 packages of chicken breasts
3 lbs of ground turkey
7lbs of ground beef
2 avocados
1 package of mushrooms
24 - 8oz packages of Kraft cheese (yes 24!!! at .91 cents each!!!)
cilantro (won't be buying this much more since I am growing a plant!!!)

YAY!!! This will last well over 3 to 4 mths!
minced garlic
eggs
taco sauce

LOTS OF FREEBIES!!

2009-02-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Im sorry its been awhile since I posted last but the boys have been sick which tends to keep me pretty busy but strangely they are both taking a nap right now which is amazing so I thought I would jump on here and post some fun freebies!

Quizno's if giving away a free sub to the first million people to sign up!

Quizno's free sub

Arby's has a coupon for a free Roast Sandwich with a purchase of any size drink!

Arby's Roast Sandwich

Store freebies
Keep in mind there are more but they are things I wouldn't use so I'm not listing them but I will post a link to Southern Savers list of all the freebies! :)

http://www.southernsavers.com/2009/02/festival-of-free-6/

Walgreens

Reynolds wrap .89 with in ad coupon
Use $1/1 coupon from 2/8 insert
Free after coupons

Gillete Fusion Gamer 8.99
Use $4 coupon from P&G 2/8
Get $6 RR's back so you make $1.01

There are also 5 freebies after rebate items as well with coupons that you can find under Walgreens post.

CVS

Free after ECBS

Gillete Fusion Gamer 7.99
Use $4 from P&G 2/8
Get back $4 ECB Free after coupon and ECBS

CVS childrens chewable asprin 1.99
1.99 ECBs back, Free!

True Delights freebies!

2009-02-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

I love getting freebies in the mail and I know I posted about this before but i just got my True Delights sample in my mail, which Conner and I ate in about 5 minutes! :) We got the raspberry, chocolate, almond one which I picked off the almonds and let Conner eat those but it was great! PLUS!! A $1 off coupon came with it!

I hope these go on sale soon because they are really great!

You too can get a $1 off coupon here!

Free CHEESE!!!

2009-02-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

If you are a blogger and would like to get free cheese here is a great way to do it!
Ile De France Cheese

Click on the link above and sign up, choose a cheese that you would like to try and then after they send it to you write a review about it in your blog! I love their goat cheese so free goat cheese was a huge excitement for me! Plus they are sending a 10 oz product which is about $12 at Publix!

Mid Carolina Electric Customers!!!

2009-02-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

If you are a customer then you are a member! Which means if you attend the meeting at Lexington High School on April 4th at 5:30pm, stay and vote, you will get $20 off your bill!!

So easy!!! For more information you can call your local office! Everyone that attends will be entered for a drawing for a free 2002 Toyota truck and it looks like its a work truck that they dont need anymore but still free truck!

What a great Valentines!

2009-02-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

Well this was probably one of the best Valentines and we didnt even spend alot of money! The best part was my mom and Randy coming by at 1130 and taking the boys till Sunday! After the boys left Darien and I just laid on the couch for 3 or 4 hours just vegging out which isnt something we get to do! Then being able to take our time going out to dinner and a movie and not having a time frame to get back to was really nice! We went to our favorite sushi restaurant that we havent' been to in a year. Then went to see He's Just Not That Into You, which was really funny! OH AND THE BEST PART!!!! No putting kids to bed and worrying about having the tv too loud to wake them up then being able to sleep in and not worry about which child is going to wake you up first!!! It was amazingly refreshing!! Now back to our regular schedule which was a little difficult to get back to having that wonderful day then mom and I getting massages on Sunday and Darien not having to work on Monday we just had a really long but great weekend!

I did get out Saturday before dinner to run by and get my reciept adjusted at Walgreens and I got back $9.45 so basically on my last trip when I spent $10.66 or something like that I really should have only paid a dollar!!

I also got out on Sunday to CVS to grab my free toothpaste and used my raincheck for the Throat Coolers from last month and spent $1.60 and got back $19!! Apparently CVS really wants me to shop there!

I hope you all had a great weekend and Presidents day!!

Free Sample of Huggies wipes!

2009-02-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid66000.aspx

Walmart has really good samples that you get free in your mailbox and right now you can get a sample of Huggies Soft Skin wipes and Viva paper towels!

Free samples of Maybeline!

2009-02-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

Walmart always ha really good samples you get in the mail which we LOVE! But right now there is a good sample of all 12 of Maybelines new foundation!

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid65952.aspx

My trip today!

2009-02-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

So thanks to Holly reminding me of Krogers 8 hour sale I went to get fruit for Conner and then decided I would make my stop at Walgreens with my 15% off coupon. So I spent $9.33 at Kroger and then Walgreens well thats a different story! They forgot to take off my Bounty in store coupon and then didnt take off one of my $2 razor coupons but since I had both boys with me who needed naps I di realize it until I got in the car. Well let me rephrase that... I did notice because my total was 10.40 and I should have only paid $3 but again both boys and I there was a line behind me.

So here is my picture and the list of what I got!

Kroger

4 pints of blueberries 99 cents each

1 bag of grapes 99 cents a lb

1 half gallon of OJ 99 cents

10 cans of manwhich $1 a piece

I had .50 cents off 2 coupons for the manwich and then Krogers $3 off when you buy 10 which was awesome!

Anyways total $9.33! saved 71%!

Walgreens

5 Schick 4 packs disposable razors 4.24

8 rolls of Bounty paper towels with in ad coupon .89 (1.18)

1 Revlon Spa foundation 9.99

1 diet dr pepper

1 pack of huggies 9.99

5 $2 MFG for Schick

5 $2 store coupons for Schick (only took off for 4)

$2 off Revlon

Free Diet Dr Pepper coupon (sign up here)

$1.50 Huggies coupon

I used my $12 in register rewards and the 15% family and friends

I paid 10.40 OOP Saved 55.71, plus I will get back $9.99 plus 10% at the end of the month for the Revlon

Oh and just so you dont think Im crazy! We actually needed paper towels and I always run out and theres never a sale when I run out!

SWAG bucks

2009-02-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned recently how much I like Swag Bucks? There are lots of scam programs out there promising all sorts of things, but Swag Bucks is one of the few programs I've found that really works.
If you're unfamiliar with Swag Bucks, basically it's a search engine that randomly rewards you with points just for doing online searches. Seriously, that's all there is to it.
You'll likely earn between 1-3 points per day for searches and when you have 45 points, you can cash in for a $5 Amazon gift card. At 50 points, you can earn a $5 Starbucks gift card. And there are dozens of other great prizes to choose from as well. In fact, they just added airline miles as one of the new prizes.
For those of you with blogs or who have lots of friends who use the internet, you'll also want to check out their referral program. For every person who signs up with your referral code, you can earn up to 100 matching Swag Bucks! I have had so much fun introducing many of my friends to this fun program and seeing them earn prizes for doing what most all of us do on a regular basis every day--searching online!

There are codes that will get you more points so if you are still hesitant to sign up wait and I will post codes when I get them OR you can watch moneysavingmom.com and she will also give you codes when they become available!

Coupon Binder

2009-02-11T19:05:00.001-08:00

When you really start getting into couponing here is a great source to start your coupon binder! Ill post my pictures when I get my binder on sale! LOL They are currently $18.99 at Target right now at full price... I may fold and just buy it but im holding out for now.

http://www.afullcup.com/forums/couponing-101/119266-lauras-couponing-refunding-hints-tips-well-coupon-binder-how.html

$5 MAGAZINES!!!!

2009-02-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

https://subscribe.hearstmags.com/sub.../veranda/23398

I just got 12 issues of Cosmo for $5.35!!

Here are the magazines included

Valentine's Day SaleIncludes:
Cosmo
Seventeen
Town and Country
Good Housekeeping
Redbook
Smartmoney
House Beautiful
Veranda
Marie Claire
Country Living
Esquire
Popular Mechanics
Haper's Bazaar
O magazine

This is for you AMY!! :)

2009-02-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ok here you go ways to navigate Afullcup.com! After you sign up click on the forums tab, there will be a ton!! The first section is for newbies, crys for help (aka if you need something specific like organic baby food coupons), getting started couponing, how to organize your coupons, etc.

Down below that you have all of your drugstores, grocery stores, super centers, and other stores. Lets say you want to go to CVS click on the CVS forum and you will get a page that looks confusing but is very helpful! The first section is Sticky threads that stay at the top. There is a thread for your good deals, for deals you have questions on, then ADS! They will sticky ads that people have gotten in advance. There are CVS ads up all the way through March right now so that you can go through the ad and pre plan for what deals you will do AND if you dont have a coupon for that you can find one! Like on ebay! Yes people sell coupons on ebay! For example.... I bought 8 $1 off 2 bounty paper towel coupons for $1.50 including tax, $1.50 is what I would pay for a paper so even with paying $1.50 I still got a great deal because I saved over $8 still with the sale plus coupons.

Ok back to the subject! Down below the sticky ads you can still find good deals from other members posting them and you can find alot of other information that will be helpful.

The key to using these sites is dont be afraid to ask questions and post! If you dont ask you will never find out! And when you do ask most of the time there is someone out there reading your question wanting to know the same thing.

IF YOU NEED MORE HELP NAVIGATING! Email me! :)

Walgreens

2009-02-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Walgreens is a little different than CVS but you can still find good deals here. Their system works by buying an item that gives you Register Rewards or RR's. They print off on a catalina after you buy an item or items that are on the sale ad. Right now you can buy the same Gilette Fusion Gamer razor for 8.99 and get $6 RR's back BUT!!! here is the big BUT!!! You cannot roll them and buy another razor and get the $6 back! Yea thats the not so fun thing.... Which makes it a little harder to shop at Walgreens but you can use their rebate system as well if you dont mind waiting till the end of the month to see your money.

Right now Walgreens has alot of things on their rebates that are free. When you buy Revlon Spa concealer, foundation, or lip creme gloss you get the full amount you paid back! They are all limit one but if you like Revlon's makeup its a great deal. Plus if you have coupons for them they make them money makers! I have only gotten the lip gloss right now and paid 7.99 but will get back 9.99 plus 10% at the end of the month. There are 4 others that are free with rebate that include Zuco throat losenges, Therma care heat wraps 2count, Walgreens contact colution, and Garnier Fructis Wave products. You can add as many reciepts as you want but dont actually send them in until the end of the month because you can only do that once! You can do this online and view the rebate book online as well. You will want to get an account so you can enter reciepts online.

I dont really have much I am doing at Walgreens this week but here is whay I am doing...

I have $12 in RR's from buying 2 razors already so keep that in mind. Im also not really trying to roll these because there isnt really anything that gives me RR's back that I want.

8 Bounty paper towel rolls at .89 with in a coupon (all stores keep these up front and you can flip through it without having to clip this and it will take it off all that you bought so you dont need 8 in ad coupons) 7.12
1 Revlon Spa foundation 9.99
1 pack of Pampers 9.99
Therma care wraps 2.49
=29.59

use 4 $1 off 2 bounty
$2 off Revlon
$2 off Therma care
$1.50 off Pampers
15% off all item Friends and Family card(this is a 2 day thing that you get from an employee at Walgreens, I got mine from a girl I traded on AFC!!!)

I have to use my 15% off first which works out better for me anyways! :)

after all my coupons 15.75 then my $12 in RR's equals $3.75 oop!

THEN! I get back 9.99 from my foundation and 2.49 for the Thermacare!

CVS

2009-02-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ok so to start off you need to get a CVS card! Walgreens doesnt have a card as of yet so they just set limits on how much you can buy in one transaction. CVS only has Extra bucks as their program but the Extra Bucks that print off are like cash! So NEVER throw these away!!

CVS basics...

When getting started at CVS you want to look at their monthly ad and their weekly ad. The monthly ad pretty much always has something free after ECBs each month. This month is CVS Childrens chewable asprin, Ear rinse, and Extreme Energy shots. Yea they sound boring but if you dont really need them then donate them but they help you ad to your ECBs. Most of the time you can find coupons for the item which make them money makers but this month thats not the case. Southernsavers.com will always give you good starter plans for first timers.
I set this plan up for one of Dariens colleague's.

1 Gilette Fusion Gamer 7.99
2 Gilette shampoo 4.99
2 Colgate toothpaste bogo 1.99
=19.96 before coupons

I am giving him a few coupons but a few of these came out last week.
-$4 fusion P&G (Proctor and Gamble) came out 2/8
- 2 $2 off Gilette shampoo or last week was $2 off any 2 which isnt as good but it works
- 2 $1 off Colgate SS 2/1 (SS is Smart source)

OOP = 9.96 or 11.96 if you have the $2 off 2 coupon
you will get back $4 from the razor and $8 for the Gilette

Then your goal is to roll these each time you go in! The ECB's are good for a month so if you have to skip a week because you cant find a good deal then you can! :) You really want to stockpile this stuff thats on sale so that you dont have to go back in and buy something when its not on sale just because you are out. Also if you are lucky you will get print off coupons like $5 off $20 or $10 off $50, I never get these except every once in awhile through my email address but my MIL gets them all the time! It really just varies from person to person and what store you normally go to. My store is a high volume 24 hour store so I dont get them as often.

Coupon basics!

2009-02-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Ok first off there are several other blogs that I will direct you to while we go through this that have been my saving grace along with my good friend Holly! If it werent for her I would never have gotten into this!

Ok first if you dont already get the Sunday paper and start saving the coupons inserts. I save the full inserts because I have so many and its easier to find down the road. Second ad to your favorites these websites!

1. Join A full cup http://www.afullcup.com/forums/index.php?referrerid=61556! Basically its a couponing site that will help you get started. If you are on the East or West coast there are TONS of grocery stores, super stores, etc. on there where you can get the ads early. There is also alot of women that help you find the deals that arent always advertised.

2. Use other sites such as Southernsavers.com, babycheapskate.blogspot.com, Freebies4mom.com, also momadvice.com, northerncheapskate.blogspot.com (for those up north!) Each site has its advantages for me...

southernsavers.com covers Food Lion, Bi-lo, Publix, Kroger, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS. She also will post coupons inserts for the next weekend and a few other freebies or good offers.

Babycheapskate.blogspot.com, basically the site says it all! She finds great deals on all things baby! She will also list the best deals on diapers each week which always comes in handy for me!

Freenbies4mom.com, again says it all! She posts all things free and all the great coupons. I have gotten free Diet Dr. Pepper, free Kashi cookies, free toothpaste, great coupons, etc. She will also offer really great contests that so far I have never won! :)

3. Find a coupon holder. I am planning on getting a binder and baseball card holders to hold all of the clipped coupons that I have but currently I have a small fil a fax that I found in the dollar spot at Target. Im pretty sure Holly will be posting pictures of her coupon binder soon! I am going to try and do somewhat the same thing she is doing. You can also use envelopes but after awhile all of mine started ripping and its hard to go through them in the store. You can also find coupon boxes at stores but I haven't been able to find any that work for me.

4. Start watching your weekly ads. All the drugstores mostly come out on Sunday and so does Kroger. Alot of the grocery stores come out during the week in your mail. Once you have started saving the coupon inserts the store ads will come in handy because you can match up your coupons to the sales. I have inserts that I got in November and Im just now able to use the coupons! The key is to only buy things on sale and only use a coupon with the sale item.

5. STOP GOING TO THE STORE ON A WHIM!! This is when stores get you! You walk in to pick up one thing and walk out with 10 and on top of that they werent on sale so you spent $40 bucks when you could have spent $10. When you see things that are on sale in an ad that you need and you have a coupon for it make a plan! I always spend more than I want when I run into the store and didnt make a plan, which brings me to the next point!

Ok this is the first part. In a new post I will go into how to use CVS and Walgreens to your advantage!

I'd like to thank.....

2009-02-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

CVS, Walgreens, and Proctor and Gamble for all the free razors! Seriously I have 8 as of now and plan to get a few more!

I went out tonight to Publix for free milk, eggs, 2 Vivia paper towels, 1 Haegen das pint of icecreamand 2 bags of frozen shrimp, used several free coupons, used 2 coupons to make the paper towels free and basically paid for tax and the eggs OOP! Which was 3.91!!

YAY!! Oh and I gave the man behind me a free coupon since he had to wait while the cashier punched in all the free coupons which takes a little while. :)

Valentine's week!

2009-02-10T18:20:00.001-08:00

LOL from the title you would think that Valentine's is going on all week but in reality I have just been thinking about that day all week. Trying to stay on a budget which isnt too difficult but trying to make the day romantic and fun at the same time is! Ive actually alway shated Valentines because I personally think its just a day to force guys to do something nice for their significant other. When you think about it shouldn't we do things throughout the year to let them know how much we care and love them?? And not just through monitary things but through the simple things! Im not always the best at this but its the thought that counts right? lol sure it is!

For your Valentine's day make it special and unique! I can't tell you my plans as of now since Im sure that Darien will read this at some point before BUT I can tell you that I wont be spending much money and thanks to my mom for taking the boys for the night the quality time alone will probably the best gift!!

A heartbreaking story....

2009-02-05T14:52:00.001-08:00

I have a few people that I know that have Caringbridge sites and I was visiting today and happened on the home page where they have stories of survival, hope, or just faith and the first one was labeled Luke's Lessons. I clicked on it and started reading this small blurb of their story and one of the first lessons was this...

We have realized that what we consider on earth to be normal is not the same thing that God sees as normal. Luke has shown us that there is no normal life but only the miracle of life.

I look at my family and first THANK and PRAISE God on a happy and healthy family then I think how amazing God is to give wisdom to those who need it at such a difficult time. I dont know what I would do if I lost a child but Im sure at first I would be really angry and wonder why me why MY child. I hope that it never happens but that if something ever did happen I could have the strength and wisdom this family has.

I think we forget many times that God never created pain. He hates to see us in pain and hates watching things happen and watching us mourn and cry out. But the reality is when he gave us the power of choice we would inevitably choose wrong and sin and when sin entered the world so did pain and suffering. This time on earth is short and fleeting so remember to live each day to the fullest and like it is your last. Cherish your family, friends and the fact that you are breathing! Thats my moto for the year! :) Have faith that God is an amazing God who created all things! He is your rod and staff! He will never give us more than we can handle!

More pictures

2009-02-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

My stockpile!

2009-02-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Holly for getting me started with couponing and starting my stockpile I have gotten a pretty good stash! I promised pictures so here they are!

I also need to thank my dad for is connections and helping me stock my freezer that my mom so wonderfully gave us! :)

Noah likes to MOVE IT MOVE IT! :)

2009-02-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

We have realized that what we consider on earth to be normal is not the same thing that God sees as normal. Luke has shown us that there is no normal life but only the miracle of life. So its official if he wasnt moving before he really is now!! He started officially crawling yesterday afternoon! I actually caught some of it on video so if the uploader will ever work I will get that up! He has gotten much better at it today and I am amazed how overnight it was! Conner was like that too though so I shouldnt be too surprised! We were actually at a basketball game for my cheerleaders and he was off in the corner with me and saw a set of keys and just went after them! I was so excited and im sure everyone thought I was yelling for the girls or the basketball team but instead it was for my 7mth old that just started crawling! :)

Our tax return present

2009-02-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

This is the long story of how we came to get a new tv!

So the two tv's that we have downstairs were tv's that my husband won in contests at his previous job. Besides the pay the perks were great! :) So the first one he won was a 32" nice Sony which came in handy when we bought our house 3 years ago. The second was a refurbished 32" and isnt a Sony but I cant think of the brand right now. Anyways it broke a few months ago and came off the stand tumbling down to the ground thankfully missing Conners head and it actually didnt break! Then after nagging the tv still sat on the ground and if anyone else has small children they love to discover new things so of course it was really fun for Conner to push buttons and turn it on himself. So one night while Darien is sitting out there "playing" with him mind you the tv falls over after Conner tried changing the channel which was at the top of the tv. And of course falls on one of the wonderfully spread about blocks that my sister in law got for Christmas. :) The screen was shattered...... Sadly as nice as LCD tv's are they are very exensive to fix. I called and emailed several different tv repair shops and they all said they couldn't fix the screen and if they could it would cost more than a new tv. So we took our partially broken tv and went to throw it away until Darien decided to store it in the garage because he swear he can find someone to fix it although Ive already tried. So a week goes by and we talk about how much he has always wanted a bigger tv and maybe we could look at getting one with part of the tax return money so of course Darien starts researching the best deal out there on a nice tv.

So after all of this we got a really great deal on a 47" Philips LCD tv! And we still have money left over to pay off CC's! This was our belated Christmas, this years bday, and all holidays combined gift! Im still not use to the size and honestly its a little big for me but he loves it!

Bringing in the new year!

2009-02-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

So for my New Years resolution my husband forced me to make one :) so I decided since I've started to save so much money that I needed to start paying things off! My goal this year is to get all our CC's paid off and cut my grocery bill to $250 a month! Yes I know its a hefty goal but like my favorite quote says "Shoot for the heavens because even if you fall short you will be amongst the stars". So even if we dont get everything paid off and cut to $250 at least we have gotten a good chunk of that done. So our first step to this goal was to make limits on gorceries! I have alloted $50 a week on groceries and $5 for Walgreens and $5 for CVS. I dont tend to do Walgreens very often which gives me $5 for more groceries or CVS! :)

So far this year we have saved over $800 which has overloaded my stockpile! We wont need health and beauty products for years! My goal today is to take pictures of the free toilet paper and our closet of beauty products. Thankfully my wonderful husband cleaned out or garage this past weekend and we plan on putting more shelves out there to store more of this food since my pantry is over flowing. Thanks to Purina for great coupons on dog and cat food we are stocked for at least 5mths and Bi-lo for Conners juice!

Ive really enjoyed couponing and its become my quest to find great deals but the past few weeks I got so caught up in all the deals I spent more than I would have liked to. When you get things for pennys it seems great but when you start going to get these items 4 times a week it starts to add up! Plus I tend to run out with my coupons instead of planning like I did when I started so this week was my week to rewind and remember to plan because if I am doing all of this without saving money it doesnt make sense anymore.

Lets see how the rest of the month goes!

All the cousins together!

2009-02-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

So in the middle of January we went to my inlaws to visit with my sister in law Caryn and her kids who were in from Boston and we forced them all to sit on the couch to take a group photo! :) Alex and Conner are 3 months apart so that was fun seeing them together! I wish we all lived closer because they are the only cousins my boys will have for awhile(we hope! :))

So from the left to right we have Sophie, Noah, Conner, Tommy and Alex trying to run away!