Ramblings of a stay at home mom

Vacation time!!

2013-05-27T20:02:00.002-04:00

My kids are out of school for the summer!! They had an awesome school year and did great!!

I can't believe I will have a 2nd and 5th grader!! I will also be putting my 3 year old in a church preschool where he will only go 3 hours a day. The last time I didn't have any kids with me during the day was when my middle son started the same church preschool. Of course at the time I was 7 months pregnant.

I'm hoping to stay busy this summer and let it past by quick!! We are taking a major family vacation in a couple months that we are excited about!!

First off we will be starting our summer with a girl's weekend to Pigeon Forge. Me and 2 girl friends will just spend the weekend shopping and taking in the sights. Of course a couple hours at a spa doesn't hurt either! Can't wait for my hour long massage and pedicure!

Once we get back, I will be taking the kids and driving up to Indiana to spend a week with my Dad and step-mom. Then I'll be driving to Illinois and visiting with my Mom and Step-dad. We will be gone about 2 weeks while Hubby stays behind and goes to work.

Then we will take our big family vacation in October during the kids fall break. We will be taking a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas!! We will be going to Half Moon Cay and Nassau. I can't wait!!!

Isn't the water gorgeous??! Can't wait to dip my feet in the clear blue water and white sands!!

We have taken 2 carnival cruises back in 2000 and 2001 before we got married and had kids. This will be the 1st cruise our kids will be on. They will be 10, 8, and 3 at the time of the cruise.

We will be going with friends of ours and their son. I hope everybody has a blast!!

Rite Aid Clearance

2013-04-22T11:23:00.001-04:00

I belong to a refund cents website and there was several people saying that Rite Aid had a bunch of clearance items at 75% off. So you know me, I couldn't resist going. So before I picked up my daughter yesterday, I went by 1 store and then went to 2 different stores after I got my daughter.

1st Store I found this....

Healthy Choice Lunch Mixer - .99 cents x 4

2nd store I found this...

Hungry Jack Syrup - $1.07 x 3

Smuckers Grape Jam - .74 cents

Smuckers Strawberry Jam - .89 cents x 4

(2 of the bottles had .50 cent Rite Aid coupons)

Prego Spaghetti Sauce - .82 cents x 2

(I had a .50/2 coupon)

Pillsbury Funfetti frosting - .64 cents

Hungry Jack Pancake Mix - .74 cents

3rd store I found this...

Royal Strawberry Jello - .19 cents x 4

Smuckers Strawberry Jam - .89 cents x 4

Hungry Jack Syrup - $1.07

Healthy Choice Lunch Mixers - $1.07 x 3

Special K Granola Bars - .99 cents x 2

I had $13 in + up rewards expiring that day so I used them all up. Not a bad deal in my book considering I just found out that I was out of jelly yesterday morning. Now I have plenty of jelly for my kids PBJ sandwiches.

Here is a list of what people came across at Rite Aid. I found several items, but they weren't marked on clearance. So it just depends on your store. Good luck finding them!!

Always liners and Always pads - reg. $4.29 = $1.07
Bounty Napkins - reg. $2.28 = .57
Bounty Paper Towels (15 ct) - reg. $18.99 = $4.75
Bumble Bee Tiny Shrimp - reg. $3.68 = .92
Bumble Bee Crabmeat - reg. $3.49 = .87
Campbell's Healthy Request Chicken Noodle - reg. $3.29 = .82
Cottonelle 140 Wipes - reg. $8.29 = $2.07
Cream of Wheat (10 ct.) Plain - reg. $4.19 = $1.04
Cream of Wheat (10 ct.) Variety - reg. $4.19 = $1.04
Crisco Pure Corn Oil (32 oz) - reg. 4.79 = $1.19
Del Monte Peaches w/ brown sugar cinnamon (4ct) - reg. 3.59 = .89
Domino 2lb. Granulated Sugar - reg. 2.79 = 1.39
Dream Lights - reg. $29.99 = $7.99
Emerald Breakfast Oatmeal Blend (7.5 oz.) - reg. $4.29 = $1.07
Emerald Breakfast Nut Blend (7.5 oz.) - reg. 4.29 = $1.07
Folgers Instant Coffee (12 oz) reg 9.99 = $4.99
Folgers Instant Decafe (120 oz) reg. $10.99 = $2.74
Glad trash bags (78 count) - reg. $11.49 = $2.87
Gracious Living Sweater Box - reg. $9.99 = $2.49
Hamburger Helper - don't know reg price, don't care, wouldn't eat it if they paid me
Herb-Ox Bullion - Beef and Chicken (8 ct in a box) - reg. $1.36 = .34
Heinz Chili Sauce (12 oz.) - reg. 2.69 = .67
Hormel Compleats - reg. $3.29 = 82 cents
Hungry Jack Syrup - reg. $4.29 = $1.07
Hungry Jack Pancake Mix - reg. $2.79 = .74
Hunts Snack Pack Tapioca (4 ct.) reg. $2.19 = .54
Hunts Garlic and Herb Pasta Sauce (24oz can) reg. - 1.99 = .49
Kelloggs Special K Blueberry Cereal (11.4 oz) reg. 4.99 = $1.24
Knorr Rice Medley Reg - reg. $1.89 = .47
Lipton Green Tea Acai (10 ct box) - reg $4.28 = $1.07
Lipton Green Tea Black Raspberry (10 ct box) - reg. $4.28 = $1.07
Northern Ultra Plush Toilet Paper Purple package (12 ct) reg. - $11.99 = $5.99
NYC 783 Cover Stick in Natural (UPC#074170152364) - reg. $1.99 = .49
NYC In A NY Minute Quick Drying Nail Polish 260 Radio City Rose - reg. $1.99 = .49
NYC In A NY minute Quick Drying Nail Polish 266 Battery Park Purple - reg. $1.99 = .49
NYC Showtime Glitter Eye Pencil 945 Starry Blue Sky - reg. $2.48 = .62
NYC Showtime Glitter Eye Pencil 946 Glitterazzi Brown - reg. $2.48 = .62
NYC Lip Plumper 475 Pink Champagne - reg. $3.99 = .99
NYC Lip Plumper 472 Strawberry Mousse - reg. $3.99 = .99
NYC Lip Plumper 474 Toffee Kiss - reg. $3.99 = .99
NYC Lip Plumper 476 Plum Tart - reg. $3.99 = .99
NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel 130 Classic Coral Creme - reg. .99 = .24
NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel 139 Plaza Plumberry - reg. .99 = .24
NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel 140 Empire State Blue - reg. .99 = .24
NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel 115A Skin Tight Denim Creme - reg. .99 = .24
NYC Smooch Proof 16 Hour Lip Stain 491 Forever Freesia - reg. $4.96 = $1.24
NYC Smooch Proof 16 Hour Lip Stain 499 Foever Mine Wine - reg. $4.96 = $1.24
Pillsbury Funfetti Frosting - reg. $2.56 = .64
Prego Traditional Pasta Sauce (24oz jar) reg. - 2.99 = .74
Post Fruity Pebbles Treats (8 bars) - reg. $3.28 = .82
Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs - reg. $2.29 = .57
Rite Aid Coffee (smaller bags) - reg. $7.99 = $1.99
Rite Aid Coffee Filters - reg. $2.39 = .60
Rite Aid Chicken Broth cans - reg. $1.29 = 32 cents
Rite Aid English Breakfast Tea Bags (20 ct) - reg. $3.28 = .82
Rite Aid Home Gallon Freezer Bags (15 count) - reg. $6.56 = $1.64
Royal gelatin - reg. .80 = .20
Scott Bath Tissue (20 ct) - reg. $19.99 = $4.99
Simplify Lunch baggies (35 ct) - reg. $2.00 = .50
Simplify Sandwich Bags, Fold Top (150 ct) - reg. $3.29 = .92
Simply Plastic Cutlery - reg. $1.00 = .25
Simply Aluminum Foil (25sq ft)- reg. $1.00 = .25
Simplify 1 Gallon Zipper Storage Bags (12 ct) - reg. $1.00 = .25
Simplify Foam Plates and Paper Plates ( 20 ct) - reg. $1.00 = 25 cents
Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter (16.3 oz) - reg. $4.29 - $1.07
Smuckers Squeezable Jelly (strawberry) - reg. 3.59 = .89
Smuckers Squeezable Jelly (grape) reg. 2.99 = .74
Snows Chopped Clams - reg. $1.99 = .50
Special K Blueberry (11.4 oz) - reg. $4.99 = $1.24
Stompeze Slippers - reg. $19.99 = $5.00
Stove Top Stuffing (Chicken flavor) - reg. $2.49 = 62 cents
Tampax Radiant Regular (32 ct) - reg. $8.99 = $2.24 per box
Uncle Bens Original Ready Rice Packs - reg. $2.39 = .60
Vanity Fair Hand Towels - reg. $1.74 = $1.14
Wholesome Goodness Cereal (Rice & Wheat with Strawberries) - reg. $4.79 = $1.20

Start of Spring Break

2013-03-29T10:37:00.001-04:00

As of 11:15am my kids will be on spring break till they go back to school on April 8th. We aren't going any where during their break. But I figured we can do some things around town.

On Monday I'm planning on taking them to Six flags. They don't know it yet, it'll be a surprise. I will be taking the older 2 while hubby stays home with the younger one. Hubby isn't a very big amusement park fan and with the little one limited to little areas, it wouldn't be fun for the older 2 to be limited as well. We are going to go with a friend of mine and her 2 boys as well. So should be a fun day!! Just hope the weather cooperates and stays nice like its supposed to be. The rest of the week is supposed to be rainy and gloomy.

Then on Friday, hubby is taking my middle son to a braves game. He will be meeting up with his dad and sister. Me nor the older one don't like baseball so we decided not to go. I know the little one will be restless and wouldn't stay still to watch it. So we might go do something while they are at the game.

Etsy Fail

2013-03-05T10:57:00.002-05:00

A while back, you may have read that I was opening an Etsy store selling my homemade hair bows and other items. I've ventured out from that adding in Ribbon trees and my latest creations is Sashay Scarves.

All of my scarves are $20 each.

Nothing on Etsy was selling. Since I opened it up in Oct, I haven't had 1 sale! Very Frustrating!! I was talking with a friend of mine and she gave me some tips to boost my sales. So I spent all day yesterday revamping my listings. I even splurged and did an Search Ad. Its only $7 so I'm hoping it works.

I checked it today and I don't have any viewings today as of 11 am. I only had 22 views yesterday. So right now its not looking any better!

I'm just frustrated at this whole thing! I just wanted to make some extra money. I know I'm not going to be getting rich off of these but every little bit counts. I taught a friend of mine how to make these and she's already sold 10 of them!!

I need to find some local craft show and put my stuff in it. But again, the last couple of vendor shows I went to, I didn't make anything.

Just ignore this rambling post - having a pity party for myself.

Crappy week

2013-02-27T10:53:00.000-05:00

Monday the kids went back to school (yay!) after being off all week for winter break. They were driving me nuts! I spent most of the day looking around online for sashay yarn but of course its sold out EVERYWHERE! Figures - I start up a project that's hot in demand but can't find the supplies for it. Guess I'll be one of those people standing at Michaels when the doors open on the days they unload the truck.

Tuesday was a yucky and rainy day so my youngest and I just sat on the couch curled up watching movies. I was sitting there shivering under a blanket which I didn't think nothing of because I'm always cold. But when I got up and walked by the thermostat, I just happen to look to see what the temp was in here and it wasn't reading nothing! the whole thing was turned off. So I pulled the thing off to check the battery, nope don't have any batteries. So I go check the breaker to make sure it wasn't thrown, nope looked okay. I called hubby and told him to pick up a new thermostat on the way home from work. He got home and exchanged it out, still wasn't working! All I can say is thank goodness for electric blanket! Greatest invention ever!!

Woke up this morning and it was this in here!!

Hubby called our heat and air repair guy and he's coming out here this afternoon. So fingers crossed it don't cost much to repair the problem. Between this and having a big tax payment, we are broker than broke right now. Being an adult sucks sometimes!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2013-02-14T17:00:00.002-05:00

Hope everybody had a good day. We aren't doing anything special since we have a lot planned this weekend. I got tickets for all of us to go see Monster Jam on Saturday and the Circus on Monday. The kids are out of school all next week for winter break so figured this would be something they could enjoy.

Tonight we are just having Lasagna and I made some Red Velvet Balls with cream cheese icing. YUM!

Me and Hubby aren't exchanging anything. I did get the kids a small box of chocolate.

Hope everybody has a great valentine's day!

Target went 90%

2013-01-08T14:32:00.001-05:00

I hit the motherload today at Target. Totally Target had a bunch of clearance items listed along with upc numbers. So I just complied a list and went to the store this morning. I went to 2 different Targets. The 1st store I got a lot of things from there. Everything was marked 90% off

Ralph Christmas Story Pj's - $1.99 (reg $19.99)

Bladeless fan - $1.00 (reg $10.00)

Puregear Iphone cover - $1.99 (reg $19.99) x 2

Stacy's Pita Chips - .29 cents (reg $2.99) x 2

Betty Crocker Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix - .20 cents (reg $2.00)

Betty Crocker Frosting - .00 - (promo when you buy 4 cookie mix, you will get a free tub of frosting) x 2

Baking cups - .29 cents (reg $2.99) x 3

Gift bags - .10 cents (reg $1.00) x 8

Wrapping paper - .25 cents (reg $2.50)

Cookie Tin - .50 cents (reg $5.00)

Scotch Tape - .20 cents (reg $2.00) x 5

Total was $13.23 - saved $117.85!!

I had to go by near another Target so I figured I would stop by in there to see what they had. They didn't have as much as the 1st store.

Pita Chips - .29 cents (reg $2.99) x 5

Bath Poof - .09 cents (reg .99) x 29

Total is $4.50 - saved $41.40!!

Now I'm set for sending in snacks for my middle kid's class every month till school is out, plus have several gifts for next year.

My new project and business

2012-10-17T10:36:00.002-04:00

I've been busy lately, that's why you haven't seen any new posts coming from me lately.

I opened up my 1st etsy store yesterday!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KCBboutiques

https://www.facebook.com/KCBboutiques

Go check it out and like both pages!

I will be selling hair bows, headbands and bobby pin bows.

RiteAid week of 10/14

2012-10-17T10:29:00.000-04:00

Here is my Riteaid deal for the week of 10/14

2 - No Nonsense Socks - $3.99

2 - Conair Hair Brush - $2.55

- used $2 in ad coupon

3 - Robitussin - $5.19

- used $3 in ad coupon

- $3 MQ from insert

4 - Riteaid Hand Sanitizer - .00 (raincheck)

Total is $28.65

Total of coupons used - $22

Used $6 in +up rewards

Total is.65 cents + $2.01 tax = $2.66

Got back $8 in +up for purchasing 2 No Nonsense socks.

Little Red Riding Hood Costume Review

2012-10-17T10:11:00.002-04:00

I had the opportunity to review a Halloween Costume from WholesaleHalloweenCostumes and my daughter picked Little Red Riding Hood Costume.

I was very surprised to get this in the mail, it came well packed and shipped in a very reasonable time frame.

The costume itself is adorable!! It's a velvet type fabric, very thick and heavy, great for those of you that live in colder climates around Halloween time.

It comes with the dress and cape attached to each other, a fishnet tights and a choker necklace. I got it in size XL(12-14) for my 9 year old daughter and it fits perfectly! She's currently about 95lbs and is in a size 14/XL girls clothing, so this was a great fit for her. I know halloween costumes usually run on the small size and I was worried about this not fitting her, but as you can see from the pictures, I don't have that worry anymore.

Little Red Riding Hood

upclose - see the choker?

Full View - it has 5 ribbon ties in various places

back view

I had her wear black tights underneath to keep her legs warm. I will get her some black shirt to wear underneath on top as well some black shoes and a basket to wear on Halloween night while she goes trick or treating.

Check out the Little Red Riding Hood article.

Don't forget to go check out the site and see all other various Halloween costumes plus a bunch of new 2012 costumes! I love the IronMan costume which my middle son would love! As well as the Mickey Mouse Costume for my youngest Mickey fanatic.

Disclosure: I was not paid for this review. I got a free costume in exchange of a review. Opinion are 100% my own.

Diamond Candle Review

2012-09-14T15:31:00.000-04:00

My house is smelling soooo yummy right now!! All thanks to Diamond Candles!!

I'm sure a lot of you have been hearing the buzz about Diamond Candles going around the internet. Its a Soy Candle that comes in a 21 oz jar that comes in many different yummy scents!! The best part is...... There's a ring in each candle that is valued at $10, $100, $1000 and $5000!! Of course I was hoping I got the $5000 one! Who doesn't?!

The Candles are $24.99 and well worth the money!! It currently comes in 32 different scents.

I was able to try out the Cinnamon Tea Scent and its making my house smell just like fall! Here in Georgia, Fall doesn't come for another month or so but I'm ready!! The Candles themselves came really well packed.

Cinnamon Tea

Doesn't it look pretty on my fireplace mantel.

See the peek-a-boo of foil that the ring is wrapped in?

I dug it out and here is what it looks like. It comes wrapped in foil and is inside a plastic bag to prevent wax from getting into it.

My ring!! ain't it pretty!!

My daughter has already claimed the ring as her own. I don't see any markings on the ring itself and according to the website, if it says 14k or anything its worth $100+. So I believe my ring is only $10. But I don't care because its a pretty ring and my daughter LOVES it!!

I can't wait to try the other scents like Apple Slice and Summertime. Which ones are you wanting to try??

Make sure you go check out the website and all the different scents. Check them out on facebook and twitter too!

Kraft Mayo at Publix

2012-09-13T10:23:00.001-04:00

When I saw the preview of the new Publix Ad on Monday, I did a Happy Dance because Kraft Mayo and Miracle Whip 30 oz was on sale bogo at $4.63!!

The best part was I had $4/2 publix coupon that I printed from cooking with kraft!!

That made each jar of mayo .31-.32 cents!!! Can't beat that!! I of course stocked up and got 8 jars!

That should last me a while. This was my best deal of this week!

*The coupon has now expired since it was very short dated on 9/12.

Riteaid Week of 9/9

2012-09-13T10:19:00.001-04:00

I've tried to flip this picture around, it uploads the right way but when I put it in my blog, it flips back down. aggravating!

Order #1

2 - Poligrip - $2.23

- $2.60 free product coupon

Gillette Mach 3 Razor - $8.23

- $8.23 free product coupon when you buy any Gillette Razor product

Gillette Fusion Razor - $8.63

- $4 Gillette Razor Coupon from P&G insert

Sleep Sheet 10 ct - .00 (raincheck)

2 - Anacin Tab - .99 cents (raincheck)

- .99 cent Anacin Printable coupon

8 - Stride Gum - $1 each

- b1g1f stride gum printable

Total was $31.30 + tax

Used $23.41 in coupons

Used $6 in +up rewards

Total is $1.89 + $1.87 tax = $3.76

Got back the following +up rewards

$4 for purchasing Mach 3

$4 for purchasing Gillette Fusion Razor

$4 for purchasing 8 stride gum

Order #2

Lysol Power and Free Cleaner - $2.79

- $1 printable coupon

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner - $2.79

- $3/2 Riteaid Video Coupon

Magni Restless Leg Cream - .00 (raincheck)

Crest Mouthwash - .99 cents (raincheck)

- $2 coupon from dentist office

Crest Mouthwash - .99 cents (raincheck)

- $2 coupon from dentist office

Total is $7.56 + tax

Used $8 in coupons

Total was -.44 cents + .53 tax = .09!

Got back the following +up rewards

$1 for purchasing Lysol product

*I also had $3 extra in coupons I could've used if I had other products for overage but I didn't think before I went up to the register.

Order #3

Dimetapp - $5.59

- $2 printable coupon

Dimetapp - $5.59

- $2 printable coupon

Dimetapp - $5.59

- $2 printable coupon

Total was $16.77 + tax

Used $6 in coupons

Used $10 in +up rewards

Total is .77 cents + $1.17 tax = $1.94

*I had a limit of 3 per order due to the law of purchasing these kind of products

Order #4

Dimetapp - $5.59

- $2 printable coupon

Robitussin - $3.49

- $2 riteaid peelie on package

Total is $9.08

Used $4 in coupons

Used $5 in +up rewards

Total was .08 cents + .50 cents = .58 cents

got back $10 in +up rewards for purchasing $25 worth

Now I have $21 in +up rewards to use for next week's deal.

House Party and Fisher Price

2012-09-11T14:05:00.001-04:00

I was so thrilled to be chosen as a host for the Fisher Price House Party! I did not know what I was going to receive when I applied. But man!! They have sure outdone themselves with this party!!

I got the 1st box of the hostess kit on Friday and I got the 2nd box which was HUGE at 57 lbs on Monday. When I got the box, I was shocked at how much stuff there was!!

Toys for your playdate:

(1) Disney Princess Songs Palace from Little People^®

(2) Disney Princess Figure Packs from Little People^®

(1) Little People^® Wheelies™ Loops ‘n Swoops Amusement Park™

(1) Servin’ Surprises™ Kitchen & Table

(5) Servin’ Surprises™ Accessories

(14) Batteries for toys

Take home items for your guests:

(12) Little People^® Wheelies^® Vehicles

(12) Little People™ CDs

(12) Little People™ DVDs

(12) Little People™ coloring books

(12) Fisher-Price^® catalogs

(12) Fisher-PriceStore.com $10 off coupons

(12) “Play Tips” cards: Little People^® Wheelies Loops ‘n Swoops Amusement Park™

(12) “Play Tips” cards: Servin’ Surprises™ Kitchen & Table

(12) Gift bags

(12) Gift tissue paper sheets

Can't wait to share this with everybody and give out the goodies!!

Couponing 101

2012-09-05T12:26:00.001-04:00

Coupons and talking about coupons is my favorite subject. It is the only way I am able to have name brand items and have my pantry full and not have my wallet empty.

I started couponing out of need about 9 years ago when my 1^st child was born and I ended up being a stay at home mom. I did not get into it seriously until about 6 years ago when we bought our 1^st house. It was then I buckled down and really started to coupon.

Now I have a healthy pantry, a good stockpile “store” and am able to donate and give things away to people in need. I have several people that always “shops” in my store and they are people that are on a very tight budget and is always grateful that I help them out.

You are not going to be able to get $500 worth of groceries for $5. That’s just impossible. Those Extreme Couponing Shows on TLC is not realistic. But you are going to be able to save 50-70% off your grocery bill. When I go to the grocery store, I usually save about 70% on average which feeds our family of 5 plus 2 dogs and a cat.

Where to get coupons

- Sunday Papers – every Sunday there will be inserts fill with coupons. Some weekends there will only be 1 while other weekends will have 5-6 inserts. Some weekends there is none at all due to holidays.

- Online printables from coupons.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, target.com, other various online sites.

- Peelies – Coupons that’s on the packages.

- Blinkies – Coupon Machines in front of the products on the shelf.

- Store Coupons – There is a lot of ways to get store coupons. They have them in the stores on a turnable or a display. You can get them in the mail.

What you do to get started on couponing is just browse the weekly sales ad and do coupon match ups. The best news is, there is a bunch of online sites that has already done that for you. So all you need to do is go to that site, look and see where the coupons and deal is, clip/print that coupon and get it at the store.

All you have to do is google the store you want and the week it starts so for example Kroger Matchups 9/2 and you will have a bunch to choose from. Here in the southeast, I use the following sites for my coupon match ups

www.iheartpublix.com

www.iheartsavingmoney.com

www.iheartkroger.com

www.southernsavers.com

www.hotcouponworld.com

www.refundcents.com

(refundcents has an $12 annual membership fee which you will get back in tenfold so well worth it in my opinion)

You will need to look in your area to find out who has the best coupon policy and what that policy is. Like for example, in my area – I find Publix to be the best for my grocery shopping. They always double up to .50 cents, so that means my .50 cent coupon will be worth $1. Publix also accepts competitor coupons. You will have to go to your local customer service desk and find out who they consider their competitor. Publix also allows a Publix coupon and a manufacture coupon to be used on the same item. You will just need to go to the local grocery stores in your area and find out what their coupon policy is. Each store will have a different policy.

For example – Publix has the GoGo Squeeze Applesauce pouches (which my son loves!) on sale buy 1 get 1 free (bogo) at $2.59. There is a .50/1 printable, which my store doubles up to .50 cents so that coupon is worth $1. I can use 2 of the .50 cent coupons because I’m purchasing 2 boxes of GoGo Squeeze. So I will end up only paying .59 cents for 2 boxes which ends up being .15 cents a box!!

You are allowed to use 2 coupons on a bogo deal. Here in Georgia the bogo deals ring up ½ price. So if you only wanted 1 item, it will ring up ½ price. You don’t have to get 2 items. Now in Florida, their bogo rings up 1^st one at full price and the 2^nd one at .00 so you will have to purchase 2 to get the bogo deal.

Handling your coupons

There is a bunch of different ways to store your coupons. You will have to find one that meets your needs.

Binder Method – You can clip coupons and put them in a binder with baseball cards. You will have to be faithful in cutting and sorting and going through to make sure they aren’t expired every week.

Insert Method – Have a file cabinet or box with file folders and just store the inserts in whole. Once you need to clip a coupon, just look for the date and insert they will be in and go to that insert and clip it out.

Coupon Envelope – This is good for people that don’t have a lot of coupons to use. But once you start couponing good and start saving more, you will need to go to a different method since the coupons won’t all fit in the envelope.

With couponing you will find that you have to grow a thick skin. You will find cashiers and customers behind you in line complain and hassle you about using coupons. Don’t let this affect you, you are not doing anything wrong as long as you are using the coupons correctly!!

This is one of my biggest pet peeve with couponing. The cashiers or managers will say this “it’s limit 1 per purchase” which the cashiers think that you are only allowed to use 1 coupon for the whole transaction. NOT TRUE!! If you are purchasing 5 things, you are allowed to use 5 coupons as long as they are for 1 product not for $1 off 2. The only time you are not allowed to use more than what you purchase if the coupons say “limit 1 per transaction” or “limit 4 like coupons”. A lot of P&G coupons now say limit 4 like coupons, which means you can only purchase 4 razors and use 4 - $4 off coupons, but you can purchase 4 – Dawn Dish Soap and use 4 - .25 cent off coupons on that same order. They just don’t want you using more than 4 of the same exact coupons in the same transaction.

I hope the things I explained makes it easier for you to get started or to do better. When you get started at couponing you won't notice much of a difference money wise for the 1st couple months, but you will notice that your pantry and fridge/freezer is getting fuller! Once you get a good stockpile, then all you will need to do is replenish your basic items. You will still be able to get stuff but they will be at a really low price after coupons and sales.

I will do another post on the drug store game! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or email me and I will be glad to help!

Progresso Recipe Starter Sauce

2012-09-04T12:23:00.001-04:00

I'm a part of BzzAgent and I recently was sent a can of the Progresso Recipe Starters. I got the Creamy Portabella Mushroom. When I got it, I browsed the recipes online to get ideas. I came across the mushroom and Swiss burgers and the picture looked good.

I have to say, it made the burgers soft and tender. I don't know if I would be making this recipe again but I will definitely be using this starter soup in other recipes. I just need to play around and keep making something that I will love.

It comes in 5 different flavors

Creamy Parmesan Basil

Creamy Portabella Mushroom

Creamy Roasted Garlic

Creamy Three Cheese

Fire Roasted Tomatoes

I can't wait to try the Creamy Three Cheese. I think that would go great in a pasta dish. The next time I'm at the store, I'll have to be sure to pick up a couple cans.

My Deals of the week 8.19

2012-08-23T09:28:00.001-04:00

Here is my awesome deals for this week. I love it when I pay pennies for stuff! This is why I love to coupon.

Publix

8 - Betty Crocker Potato - BOGO @ $1.55

- used .50/2 printables that double x 4

6 - Glade Expressions Starter Kit - $8.49

- $8.49 - Used coupon that states get a free starter kit when I buy the refill x 6

6 - Glade Expressions Refill - $5.49

- $5.49 - used publix coupon that states get a free refill when I buy the starter kit x 6

1 -Publix Greenwise Toilet Paper - $2.39

- $2.38 - Publix Penny Item coupon

Total before coupons is $92.47

after all coupons - total was $2.21 + $6.17 in tax for a final total of $8.38 OOP!

Publix

3 - Glade Expressions Starter Kit - $8.49

- $8.49 - Used coupon that states get a free starter kit when I buy the refill x 3

3 - Glade Expressions Refill - $5.49

- $5.49 - used publix coupon that states get a free refill when I buy the starter kit x 3

1 -Publix Greenwise Toilet Paper - $2.39

- $2.38 - Publix Penny Item coupon

Total before coupons is $44.33

after all coupons - total was $.01 + $3.03 in tax for a final total of $3.04 OOP!

RiteAid

3 - Samy Fat Foam Hair Color - $8.23

- used $6 Riteaid in ad coupon

- Used $5 printable facebook coupon

- used $2 Riteaid Video Value coupon

1 - Max Freeze - $7

1 - Hersheys Simple Pleasures - $2.99

- Used $1 Riteaid Flu book coupon

- used $2 coupon from insert

6 - NYC nail polish - .79 cents each (after 20% discount)

Total is $39.42

total after coupons -.58 cents + $2.64 tax = $2.06 oop!

And i received $7 +up for the max freeze and 2 - $3 +up for purchasing 6 nail polish.

RiteAid

4 - Riteaid Brand Hand Sanitizer - $1

Used $3 +up reward from previous transaction

Paid $1.00 + .28 cents tax = $1.28

Received 4 - $1 +up rewards for purchasing hand sanitizer

So I spent $14.76 OOP but $12.12 of that was just tax.

What good deals did you get this week??

My awesome deals

2012-08-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

I love this time of the year because I can get awesome deals on school/office supplies! These are great to have on hand for whenever you need them, as well as Christmas teacher gifts. You can make up a gift basket of various school supplies they will need/use for practically free! I made one last year with different pens, markers, pencils, stickers, etc and the teachers loved it! It helps them reduce money spent out of their pockets.

The 1st 2 deals is current this week so you can go out and purchase your own!

Walmart

2 - Motts to go applesauce - pricematch publix $2

- used $1 printable x 2

4 - Glade Expressions Mist - $2.98

- used $3 printable x 4

2 - Bic Razors - $2.94

- used $3 8/5 SS

I got a few other things that I needed and spent $11.82 oop. The above items are $1.80 alone. Which isn't a bad price itself! I had to purchase a mouse for my desktop and that was $8.

Publix

Publix has Pantene shampoo/conditioner/stylers on sale $3.49

They also have a deal where you purchase 3 - get the 4th free.

3 - Shampoo - $3.49

4 - Conditioner - $3.49

1 - Styler - $3.49

- publix promo $3.49

- publix coupon from the stocking spree booklet for free styler when you purchase shampoo and condtioner - $3.49

- $3/2 Pantene product 7/29 PG insert x 4

That gets my total to $5.49 and I'll be able to send in for a $5 rebate

which then gets my total down to .49 cents!! for 8 products!!

The following deals were from last week. But I got such a good deal on them so I thought I'd share.

Walgreens

Bic Cristal Bold Pens - .49 cents x 6

- $1/2 Bic printable

1 - Blowpop .65 cents (had to throw something in quick to cover the negative)

Total was .76 cents

Target

1 - Papermate Pen - $1

- $1 target coupon home mailer

4 - Scotch Magic Tape - .49 cents

- used .50/1 Target printable x 4

2 - Bic Pens - .99 cents

- used $1/2 Bic Printable

- used $1/2 Target home mailer

My total was .07 cents!!

Walmart

10 - Bic Cristal Bold Pens - .49 cents (price matched walgreens)

- $1/2 Bic Coupon

1 - Ruler - .25 cents (needed something to cover overage)

Total was .51 cents!! .36 cents of that was tax.

Braden

2012-08-10T16:05:00.000-04:00

I took Braden to the park this morning to let him play and run around before I had to go to the store. These are some pictures from his day.

My Monkey on the monkey bars

On the slide

One of his many facial expressions

Big boy!

These next 2 photos are my favorite pictures of him.

He actually took this picture himself - I just improved it using instagram

Playing in the sand at Jackson Lake

1st day of school!

2012-08-10T15:50:00.001-04:00

My kids started school last Friday the 3rd. Here they are on their 1st day of school!!

All Smiles

Being Silly

My pretty girl is in 4th grade!

My Monkey is in 1st grade!

I think they had a successful 1st week of school. My daughter already has a project due at the end of the month on Solar Systems. My son was tested for the gifted program, haven't gotten the results on that yet but should be soon.

Loopeez Review and Giveaway!

2012-08-06T11:46:00.002-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to review the Loopeez. Loopeez is a great way for teaching your child how to learn to tie their shoes. I tested this product on my 6 year old son. He has been practicing and learning how to tie his shoes but still had some trouble with the loops part. It comes in 2 small rectangle with 2 holes for the laces. It also comes in 12 different colors/styles. I got the Boys Camo one to try out.

1st cross over your laces and pull tightly

Add your Loopeez on top, and bend the lace and push it through the hole, to make a loop

Now do the other side the same way.

Pushing the laces through in a loop.

Now take your loops and cross it over.

Ta-da!

My son did this several times with the Loopeez since he was having trouble getting the loops to cooperate. But now he has no problems tying his shoes the regular way. Thanks Loopeez for sending me the product to review and giving my son confidence to tie his own shoes.

Now Loopeez is generous enough to give one of my readers their own Loopeez for their child!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Huggies Deal!

2012-07-19T16:18:00.002-04:00

I came across a deal where Kmart had the boxes of Huggies Diaper at $5.99 each!! That was a steal! I took the ad and price matched it at my local Walmart.

I got 9 boxes of huggies diapers for $5.99 and 6 packs of huggies wipes. I was planning on using 9 - $2 huggies coupons but they refused to let me use my coupons and price match. I also had coupons for free wipes when i bought diapers. So I only paid $58.51 for everything. If I were allowed to use my coupons, it would've been $40.51!! That's a steal! After I read the coupon policy at walmart.com, I'm going to print it out and take my coupons and receipt back up to walmart and explain that I can use coupons and price match.

EdenFantasys celebrates 10 years!!

2012-07-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

EdenFantasys is celebrating 10 years!! They are currently running a ton of different promotions celebrating its wonderful and fulfilling decade!! So go check it out and save some money. There is a lot of different things for all sorts of different type of people. Self pleasure, Couples, Bondage, Anal, Fantasies, Role Playing, etc.

The current promotions right now is

There is also other promotions than the ones I've listed such as 25% off vibrators and Metalworx as well 30% off Glass toys, Silicone Toys and all toys made in U.S.A. Dont Forget you also get free standard shipping on all orders $25+, Expedited Shipping on $69+, and 3 day shipping on $79+. Go check out Eden Fantasys and have Fun ;)

Teacher Gifts

2012-05-21T14:37:00.000-04:00

Its almost the end of the school year for my kids. They get out of school on Wed May 23rd. I can't believe I will have a 1st and 4th grader!! Where did the time go?!

I wanted to do something special for the teachers but didn't want to give them the same old stuff I normally give them. So I decided to browse pinterest and asked for some suggestions on facebook. Someone mentioned that they did a berry basket. I thought it was a cute idea!

I tried to find some containers the strawberries came in, but couldn't find any without purchasing the strawberries themselves. I didn't want to purchase some strawberries because I had already bought 4 gallons of strawberries at a local farm. So I went by goodwill and picked up some baskets for .77 cents each.

I filled it with Bath and Body works strawberry hand soap, hand sanitizer and a car freshener. I then went to the store and purchased some gum and pop rocks in strawberry flavor. There is a lot of other things you can put in this basket going with this theme. candles, drink mixes, koolaid, etc. Whatever you can think of.

I had some leftover ribbons from a previous project so I just wrapped it around the handles and made a bow on both sides. Then I crumbled up an white tissue paper for the bottom and put the stuff in it. Then I printed out some notes here. I then taped it to a kabob stick and stuck it in the basket. I thought it was a cute idea and the teachers all loved it!

Tell me, what are some of your ideas for teacher gifts??

May

2012-05-08T12:27:00.001-04:00

I have TONS going on for the month of May. My kids only have 11 more days left of school. So we have all the end of the school activities to deal with as well as normal everyday things.

My middle son has baseball practice every Tuesday and games every Saturday. Then we have his Kindergarten Graduation Tuesday evening. Then all the 3rd graders is having an award ceremony and then a class party afterwards so I'll have to go to that as well. Then the whole school is having a field day that Friday. And my kids of course want me to watch them during field day. So that would mean I would be at the school from 830ish till 2, since my son will be doing it from 830-11 and my daughter will do hers from 1130-2. That's going to make for a long day, especially with an 2 year old.

I've got to some how find time to get teacher gifts. I have an cute idea of what I'm going to give them. I will post that another day when I have it completed. I will have to do 3 teacher gifts and 1 bus driver gift.

In the middle of all this, me and my husband will both have a birthday. We will turn the big 3-0. I'm thinking of having a cookout here at my house to celebrate it.

The last day of school is May 23rd and I'm going to take me and the kids to visit my family for about 2 weeks. We are leaving May 24th.