Dancing in the Rain

Four months...

2014-08-13T19:59:00.001-07:00

When you're pregnant (or in my husband's case, about to be a parent... There was no pregnancy for him), everyone tells you how fast it goes. You smile, and shake your head, as you do with all the other pieces of advice and tips that everyone gives you, thinking they are clever and that no one else told us the same thing. I mean, how fast could it really go, right?

My son entered his fourth month of life on Sunday. Four peasly months. In the grand scheme of things, four months is still brand new. If it were a four month old appliance or phone, it would probably still have a protective sticker on it. Four months. Our little man is rolling, making noises like he's having a full blown conversation with you and expects you to understand (and respond). His facial expressions are priceless, as are his laughs. His cries break my heart, and when he lays his head on my shoulder, I melt. In four short, yet crazy long, months, everything we thought we knew about life changed. We are wrapped around the tiny little finger of a four month old.

Now, our four month old is not petite. At his check up yesterday, he weighed in at 19lbs 11oz and measured 27", which would explain my need to visit the chiropractor on a weekly basis. He's growing way to fast. I told him to stop, but he just won't listen. Today he got his first taste of food. After discussion with our pediatrician and my own little research, I decided we'd try oatmeal. I made it (found something I can actually cook) and was surprised how well he took it. Although, the initial look on his face said, "what the hell!?" I was impressed at how he attacked the spoon (though, at nineteen pounds, it shouldn't surprise me he likes to eat).

At four months he is constantly craning his neck to take in the world around him, and has a new found interest in what the dog's up to. He is having fun playing with his toys (and by playing I mean putting in his mouth) and I take every opportunity to change him into a new outfit because he's growing out of his 3-6 month clothes way, way, WAY too fast.

Why am I writing this tonight, and why does it seem to have no point at all. Because my little man is asleep in his crib, and I hate it. The bassinet next to my bed is empty and I really want to go get him out of his crib and keep him next to me. I like being able to roll over and see him breath, check to make sure he's not to hot or to cold, or put his binky back in his cute little sleeping mouth. It's so much better than rolling over to a beaming baby monitor.

How is it possible that in four short months, no amount of time spent with this new little creature is enough? What did I do before I was a mom?

Seriously, get with it.

2014-08-01T09:34:00.002-07:00

Remember me? It's been two and a half years since my last post. Life has changed in so many ways since the last time I wrote. Mainly, my job title has gone from teacher, to stay at home mom. That's right. It hasn't been long, but I already think it was the best decision my husband and I made. (Both the having a baby and me staying home.) Challenging, absolutely, but the benefits are incredible. It's nearly impossible to describe to someone what it's like, emotionally, to have a child of your own. Everyone tries, but really, it is indescribable. I still can't wrap my mind around it. Writing this, I am crazy tired, have a terrible headache because I can't drink coffee anymore, and really have to go the bathroom, but I can't move because there is an infant napping on my chest. I should be miserable; it sure sounds miserable. But I am not. I look down at my little guy and I could melt. I'm with him 23.5 hours a day (24 if I can't manage a shower) and I don't ever feel like I've gotten enough kisses, hugs, cuddles, or laughs in that time. Tears, there's always plenty of.

Why have I decided to (attempt) come back to the blog you may ask. So many of my friends are new mommies and daddies that I thought it would be nice to share the trials and tribulations of being a new parent... And, as I found out from a recent Facebook post, a lot of them might appreciate if I let them in on some of my couponing... Specifically when it comes to baby products.

Yesterday was a busy day. Six months ago, when I was six months pregnant, I made a dentist appointment. I assumed I wouldn't ever be sleeping or leaving the house with an infant, so I made my appointment for 8am. I could go before my husband had to leave for work and not have to take the baby. What a bad idea. I could've slept in. I should've slept in. We are extremely fortunate that our little guy usually sleeps through the night... I actually had to set my alarm and leave everyone else in the house sleeping to go to the dreaded dentist. Now the dentist interrogated me about the amount of times I floss, to which my reply was that many days, some time between breakfast and lunch I realize I forgot to go the bathroom, brush my teeth, and put on deodorant. But sure, I remember to floss after every meal. Jokes on me I guess because I have to go back next week for a filling.

Thanks to my very helpful mother-in-law who dropped by, I was able to shower and eat lunch before the next to-do of the day.

I fortunate enough to have, yet again, another doctor's appointment. This one was with the doctor that delivered my little guy. Usually, I would think that the "lady doctor" appointment would be more dreadful than the dentist, but after going through countless exams and the birth of my son, I'm not hiding anything from this woman anymore.

After being at the doctor for over an hour, my two minute long exam was over, and my son and I were headed off to Target. I knew I was pressing my luck because it was nap time and dinner time, but thanks to a very well behaved newborn and the Maya Wrap ring sling, the trip to Target was a great success.

The cashier was a great help. Here is my Target breakdown:

Box of 124 count Pampers Swaddlers Size 3 $32.49

Target deal is buy 2 get a $20 gift card.
ALSO, spend $40 online for in store pickup, get $10 off.

2 boxes=$54.98 (-$20 gift card = $32.98)

Paid $54.98 and took my two $5 off Pampers coupons with me to pick them up and got a $10 credit back to my card. So, when all is considered, 228 diapers cost me $22.98! I'm hoping to do the same purchase again before it ends, tomorrow.

Today's plan: tons of laundry, clean the house, bathe myself and my son, and figure out dinner since my original plan fell through. What I expect to accomplish: bathing my son.

Loving every minute. Well, almost. :-)

Where have I been?

2012-02-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, you all missed my posts terribly. I feel like I haven't had any "me" time the past few months to sit and post. Honestly though, I think it has been planned that way. My hubby has been such a great support, but as part of his support tactics, he has tried his best not to leave me to my own devises. I still find it very difficult to sit in quietness and not let my thoughts focus on life without mom. Life without mom is hard; actually much more than hard, but I don't think there is a word for it. There are so many times I want to pick up the phone to ask her how she is, or her opinion. She always was so good at giving me advice, and if she didn't have any she would just say "I don't know baby, you'll figure it out". Anyway... let's change the subject.

Happy, Happy, Happy.

So many things are coming up on our oh so busy social calendar. Since we have so much coming up, we are trying our best to budget accordingly. Therefore, it is back to business with the couponing. With a full time job and essentially a one day weekend, it has been nearly impossible to find time to dedicate to couponing/ shopping. I contemplated doing a few couponing trips during my lunch break at work, but I was worried it would take me more than an hour, and I didn't want to lug my loot home on the train.

Today it was back to the couponing grind. I did pretty well, and even had the cashier impressed (which I thought was funny because he was a miserable teenager). While I did spend money on the things that I can never seem to find a coupon for, I did manage to get a lot of things for free. When you coupon, you learn quickly that every penny counts, especially when you add up all the pennies you save. Today I saved one hundred dollars in my shopping trip. I look at that as essentially adding to my salary for the day, since that is money I would've spent on our groceries. I taught a few people at work today that when trying to plan a coupon trip, the easiest thing to do is google the store for matchups (i.e: Walgreens matchups 2/5). There are so many great blogs that put all the information out there for you, all you need to do is print, clip, and shop!

Ok, so I didn't really have anything to write about today, I just thought it had been a while, so I would say something.

How about that Pinterest? Addicting? I think so!

I will try to post again soon with an actually topic in mind.

Part II- “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

2011-11-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

So in an attempt to get my mind off of things, I did two couponing trips this week and set up my stockpiling shelves (yes, I have a stockpiling shelf now!).

CVS is quickly becoming one of my favorite stores to do my couponing. Since I was sick and my husband was trying to take care of me (and probably wanted to keep an eye on my emotional stability too) he decided to join me.

(CVS sales begin and end on Saturdays, so these deals are still available today if you are interested.)

Scott Paper Towels $5.49
     Use $1/1 Scott Paper Towel Rolls (SmartSource 11/13)
     Total: $4.49

Scott Toliet Paper $7.49
     Use $1/1 Scott Bath Tissues (SmartSource 11/13)
     Total: $6.49

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste $3.49
     Use $1/1 Colgate Optic White coupon (SmartSource 11/13)
     Total: $2.49 (and you will get $1.50 Extra Care Bucks)

Dawn Dish Soap $.99
      Use $.50/1 Dawn coupon (Proctor & Gamble 10/30)
      Total: $.49

Finish Gel Pac Dish Detergent $2.99
     Use $0.75/1 Finish Powerball or Gelpacs (SmartSource 10/23)
     Total: $2.24

Blistex $2.00
     Use $1/2 Blistex (11/13 don't remember which insert though)
     Total: $1.50 each (and you will get $1.00 Extra Care Buck, limit 1)

Kleenex Facial Tissue $.99
     Use $0.50/3 Kleenex Boxes coupon (SmartSource 11/6)
     Total: $.82 each

Garnier Fructis Shampoo & Conditioner 3/$10
   Use 3/$1 off coupons (found online)
     Total: $2.33 each

Advil Congestion $4.99
     Use $1/1 coupon (found online)
     Total $3.99

After buying a few other things, my total was 80.31
   Then I scanned my Extra Care Card, my coupons, and my Extra Care Bucks from a previous shopping trip.

Total: $19.25 (before sales tax for my Delaware readers)

Part I- "For some moments in life there are no words"

2011-11-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

Since my blog is about life, and this week was a reality check in that department, I have decided to dedicate this entry to writing about just that. However, in an attempt to prevent you all from slipping into a deep depression, I will write a "part II", and that one will be about couponing... something I did once or twice this week to get my mind off things.

We all knew it was inevitable. My mom fought unlike anyone for much longer than doctors believed she could. In July of 2009, doctors told her she had a very aggressive form of Appendix cancer and there wasn't much they could do. Despite being told she had about three months to get her affairs in order, my mom researched, found doctors, and endured countless surgeries. She prayed, fought, and made promises to my sister and I that she would be at our weddings; promises that she kept. As the priest at our church put it "Barb lived until the day she died".

While my family knew how sick mom was, I think everyone started to believe that she was untouchable. No matter what happened, mom would pull through. That being said, I still spent countless moments over the past few years a puddly little mess, crying about all the things my mom would miss in my life, and my sisters lives. My mom would never get to meet my children, she wouldn't get to see my little sister go to high school, prom, college, and wouldn't get to see her get married and become a mother of her own. I will spare you all the thoughts I have had about the things my mom and dad had planned that he is left to do alone.

My mom was my hero, and this week helped me realize I wasn't the only one who saw her as one. The amount of people who have reached out to my family and I has been overwhelming, and for a moment yesterday I thought "if she could only see how many people she has affected". Sitting in church I felt comfort in the belief that mom was watching. She was seeing everything from her new home, and was helping me get through the day. I found strength this week that I never knew I had, and I thank her for giving me that strength.

Falling into November

2011-10-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

I don't know where October went. Halloween is tomorrow, which as a married adult with no children, isn't as much fun as I remember in years passed. Not losing my love, is fall. The holidays are right around the corner, the scenery is changing, and I tend to increase the baking. Today I baked a Apple Walnut Pie... I hope it turned out, otherwise, I quit trying to make pie.

Also, today, the hubby assisted me in a shopping trip to Shoprite. They had some pretty good deals this week, but nothing compared to my trip to Rite Aid. I took a picture of what I bought, and planned on showing how I did it, but there were a lot of personal products purchased, so I will forgo the list. I will tell you that I spent less than $30 and saved over $50. I am getting the hang of this!

I decided to put up links for some awesome websites I found. I think they are going to be an excellent resource with Christmas right around the corner.

Awesome websites for online shopping:
Shop at Home: Do your internet shopping through this site and get coupon codes and CASH BACK! (Totally worth signing up!)
No More Rack : has 8 deals a day, up to 100% off. (Yes, 100% off!)
One Sale A Day: has 5 deals a day, also up to 100% off!
One Kings Lane: Excellent clearance prices for household decorations, accessories, etc.

Most importantly, today my mommy had chest tubes put in to help with the fluid in her lungs. She is in a lot of pain, and trying to rest, so I have been resisting the urge to text her and call her every five minutes. Thank you for all your prayers.

I realize this all sounds frantic and sporadic, but this post pretty much reflects how my brain has been functioning lately. I am scatter-brained, and for that, I am sorry. Until next time, which is hopefully after a long night of deep sleep. :-)

Undefeated...

2011-10-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I titled today's blog undefeated, because I feel that word describes so many aspects of my life. Not only is my team undefeated (Go Pack Go!), my family is undefeated, and I feel undefeated. So I've decided that "undefeated" is my word of the week.

The new job is going well, and I am figuring out how to balance everything. The key is a good partner. My husband is awesome, I think we make a pretty good team. We are now sharing the responsibilities when it comes to the cooking and cleaning, much more than when I was home all day. Lucky for me, and unlucky for my waistline, Chris is an excellent cook.

The couponing is going well too. I am finding that it is difficult to commit sufficient time to couponing when working a full-time job, but I am making it work.

Deals this week that I've cashed in on:

Like L'OCCITANE en Provence - USA on facebook and you can get a FREE hand cream ($10 value)
      They will send you a coupon in your email... I picked mine up today!

Friend Kodak on Facebook, and you can get a coupon for 20 free photos.
      The coupon can be redeemed at CVS, Target, and a few other stores. With all the wedding and honeymoon pictures, I will take any free prints I can find!

Received a $15 credit when I signed up for One Kings Lane, with it I bought Hamilton a new collar.
      (On clearance for $19, used my $15 credit. Final cost, with shipping $8.95)

FREE 8x10 Canvas at http://www.canvaspeople.com/
    (all you have to pay for is shipping! For me that was $14.95)

Keep an eye on samples.target.com
     (I have some free K-cups for the Keurig coming my way!)

At Shoprite this week, I got some pretty good deals. One I was particularly excited about was:

CoverGirl products are 50% off.
      I bought FOUR lip glosses (which I was in need of) @ $3.75 each
          Then I used TWO $8 off two CG products coupons
          (Final cost= free!)

Also, I won TWO giveaways that I entered on blogs that I follow on Facebook. So, I should be receiving my envelope full of coupons in the mail soon, as well as my Hello Kitty Nail Stickers. No, I will not be sporting them any time soon, but I know someone who might like them, and she has a birthday coming up! :-)

And to think, it is only Tuesday. Wonder what other deals I will stumble across!

Hello Again, Working World

2011-10-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

The blog has been on the back burner, along with many things I had been doing on a daily basis since June. Last week I started working in Philadelphia. My new roles as both business professional and wife, are two very different roles for me, that I need to acclimate myself to simultaneously. Both very positive changes in my life, might I add. I had a few months to begin figuring out "wife", and as part of that role, I worked out different ways to live on a budget (couponing being one of them). I think I got pretty good at it.

Just as I started to adjust to how my day is carried out, I got a job (finally)! I find it so rewarding to know that I am financially contributing to our family again, along with how nice I find it to be taking the train into the city, dressing like a business woman (I never thought I dressed like I would've like to as a teacher), and being a part of the "hustle and bustle". As odd as it sounds, I forgot how much I liked being at a desk. I find it much less stressful when I get to do my job without the impressionable eyes of twenty-something middle schoolers watching every move you make. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching, and hope to teach again, but I don't hate working in an office. (I know, I have only been there a week.)

Anyway, I think my point is that all of a sudden there aren't enough hours in a day. I told the hubby the other day, teachers do have it made, I had no idea. I used to hate that my long commute as a teacher meant I didn't get home until 4:30. Now, I don't get home until about 6:30 and I think, "How in the world am I going to do anything other than eat dinner, shower, and get to bed". Luckily, I married a great cook, and when he gets home first and decides to cook, I know I am in for a treat.

So, how does everyone do it? Wife, Worker, and Independent Woman? Is it possible to be all three? Figuring my day out, the breakdown seems I have eleven hours as a worker, require eight hours of sleep, which leaves me five hours to do everything else (both as wife and woman). I will give it another few weeks and hope I can tackle the day to day needs of the house. Well, I hope I can get the laundry done at the very least. If I can manage to extend the day to 26-28 hours, maybe I will be able to stay more on top of the couponing!

;-)

"Hey, are you one of those extreme coupon people?"

2011-10-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

This is the question that the ladies behind me at the Shoprite asked. I loved it! The main reason I have decided to blog about my deals is that my aunt Beth started couponing when I told her I was having success with it. Then, she started emailing me questions about how I was doing it. When you sit down and create a plan of attack, it really is kind of easy once you get in the store. I now have a firm belief that I shouldn't have to pay full price when I go shopping, and if I need to stock up to prevent paying full price, I will.

In addition to my Shoprite trip, I also went to Rite Aid, Acme, Walgreens, Dollar General, and Walmart. When all receipts were added up, I had spent a grand total of under $75. (This included my weekly grocery shopping and the purchase of Transformers on blue-ray.) So, for those of you interested in trying couponing, here are some examples of what I got today:

Big deals at Shoprite this week!
(some of the items were needed for a recipe I pulled up on my phone for dinner, so a few things altered my game plan... they are not included in the calculation below)

Lysol disinfecting wipes:
        Sale price: $1.99
        Used a $1.00 coupon
               Total: $.99

Pam cooking spray:
       Sale price: $2.49
        Used a $.50 coupon (doubled= $1)
               Total: $1.49
               Added bonus: ($4 mail-in rebate)

4 Yoplait Greek Yogurt cups
       Sale price: $1.00 per cup
        Used two $.50 off 2 cups coupons (both doubled)
               Total: $2 (or $.50 per cup)

Johnsonville Italian Sausage:
       Sale price: $3.99
        Used a $1 off coupon
               Total: $2.99

2 Betty Crocker cookie mix bags (the holidays are coming up!):
       Sale price: 2 for $4
        Used two $.40 coupons (both doubled)
               Total: $1.20 per bag

Celestial Seasons Box of Lemon Tea (will come in handy come cold season):
       Sale price: $1.99
        Used $1 coupon
               Total: $.99

Barber Chicken Cordon Blue:
       Sale price: $2.99
        Used a $1 coupon
               Total: $1.99

Multigrain Tostitos AND Salsa
       Sale price: $2.99 each
        Used a $1 off both coupon
               Total: $4.98

2-liter bottle of Diet Pepsi
        Sale price $1.25
        Used a Free w/ purchase of tortilla chips and salsa coupon
               Total: FREE

Bag of Birds Eye Steam Fresh Veggies
       Sale price: .99
        Used a $.50 coupon (doubled)
               Total: -$.01

Box of Fun-da-middles coupcake mix:
       Sale price: $2.49
        Used a $.75 coupon (doubled to a $1)
               Total: $1.49

2 bags of Nestle Halloween candy:
       Sale price: $1.87 per bag
        Used a $1 off 2 bags coupon
               Total: $1.37 per bag
(This is awesome if you have noticed the prices of Halloween candy!)

2 bags of Haribo Gummy Bears (I don't know why I bought them):
       Sale price: $.88 per bag
        Used two $.30 coupons (both doubled= $.60)
               Total: $.28 per bag

(I had a $5 off coupon from an entertainment book)

GRAND TOTAL: $16.41 (plus tax)

My stash from Acme, doesn't look as impressive. However, if you notice, one of my items is Transformers (blue-ray). So, here is what I did:

Old El Paso Taco Dinner Kit:
       Sale price: $2.03
        Used $.50 coupon (doubled)
               Total: $1.53 (for an entire dinner!!)

2 Lipton Diet Green Tea bottles:
       Sale price: $1 each
        Used $.50 coupon (doubled)
               Total: $.50 per bottle

2 bags of Halloween Candy (Skittles and Starburst):
       Sale price: 2 for $4
        Used two $1 coupons
               Total: $1 per bag

Acme is having a knockdown deal with General Mills Products: (Buy 5 for an additional $3 off)
Senerio:

2 boxes of Original Cherrios:
       Sale price: $2.48
        Used two $1 coupons
               Total: $1.48 per box

2 boxes of Chex Cereal:
       Sale price: $2.48
        Used a $1 off two boxes coupon
               Total: $1.98 per bag

1 box of Nature Valley Granola Bars:
       Sale price: $2.48
        Used $.75 coupon (doubled)
               Total: $.98

-$3.00 for buying five GM products

Total for all five products: $4.90

And finally, Acme is running a deal this week: buy an 8 pack of enegizer batteries and Transformers, get $5 off.
Enegizer Batteries:
        Price: $6.99
        Used $3.00 coupon
               Total: $3.99

Transformers (on Blue-Ray: you can get the DVD for cheaper)
       Sale price: $24.95
        $5 instant coupon
               Total: $19.95

GRAND TOTAL: $36.39 (tax included)
(If you aren't interested in the Transformers/battery deal, the shopping total is under $10)

Last one I'm going to share for the night is my deal at Walmart. Ladies, we know makeup is expensive (and I am a snob when it comes to my MAC obsession, but I have decided inexpensive items are ok. As long as I wear my MAC foundation and eye shadow, I feel great!)

What I bought:

Covergirl eye liner:
       Price: $4.44
Cover girl blush:
       Price: $3.74
            Used the $8 off two CG items in this weeks newspaper
            Total: $.18!!!! (yes, that is $.09 each)

Two NYC mascaras:
        Price: $1.00 each
            Used a Buy One Get One Free coupon
            Total: $1.00

Old Spice travel size body wash:
        Price: $.97
             Used a $1 coupon
             Total: -$.03

GRAND TOTAL: $1.15 (plus tax)

Tomorrow I am heading to Target. They have some great deals this week. Remember, Christmas is right around the corner, so if you find a deal, get it (even if you don't know if you will use it now).

Today's Mini Couponing Adventure (and Yesterday)

2011-10-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Another short blog. I have found that I am having most success with couponing in the personal needs department, which I think is great because a lot of that stuff is really expensive, and we all need that kind of stuff.

Today I went to Walgreens and I bought:

Pantene Pro-V Shampoo (reg price $5.29)
Pantene Pro-V Conditioner (reg price $5.29)
Re-nu contact solution (reg price $7.99)
Two tubes of Colgate Optic White Toothpaste (reg price $4.99 each)
Two packs of Five gum (reg price $1.49 each)
A Reese's Fast Break Bar (I honestly don't know how much)

The Pantene was buy one get one half off, I had a $3 off coupon,
The Renu I had a $2 off coupon and receive a $5 register rewards,
Toothpaste was two for $7.98, I had $2.50 in coupons, and get $6 in register rewards,
The five gum was on sale for $.99 each and I had a coupon for $1 off two.

I split my purchases into two so I could use my RR and when all was said and done I paid $5.61 for $32.12 worth of stuff. I consider that a successful trip! (I might start doing my couponing in Delaware because of that $5.61, more than $1 was sales tax.

(I had to buy the Fast Break bar to use the RR on my second purchase)

Yesterday I went to Walmart. I bought a lot of stuff I have been holding off on (face wash, eye drops, baby powder) I still worked my magic and this is how it went:

Clearasil face wash (reg $5.87)
Visine (Reg $3.62) (needed during allergy season)
2-pack of Reach toothbrushes (reg $3.97)
Johnson's Baby Powder (Reg. $2.97)
Six 12-packs of Shick disposible razors ($1.97 each)
Total: $28.25

The big key to this trip was the $6 off 2 packs of shick razors. Each coupon gave me and additional credit of $2.06 (times three was a $6.18 moneymaker). On top of that I had:
$1 off baby powder
$2 off Reach toothbrushes
$2 off Clearasil
$1 off Visine

When all coupons were deducted my total was $5.77 ($4.25 before sales tax)

For those of you are trying this out, let me know what deals you find and how your couponing is going!

What a week!

2011-09-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

First week back at my Weight Watchers meetings... didn't go so well. Last Friday I went to weigh in and got the reality check I thought I needed. After hearing the devastating news, I was all ready to get back into the grove. However, what turned out to be a great week socially, turned out to be a rough week on the scale. Ate out with friends Saturday, Monday and will be again tonight. Add to that Sunday football games at my parents house and I realized I need another goal. Nothing really beats the motivation of a wedding dress. I will still keep at it, go to my weigh in tomorrow morning, and try again next week.

I find out on Monday when I start my new job, which I hope is the key to getting back in the grove. I will be working in the city, which I'm so excited about! Having a daily schedule again is exactly what I need. I will be packing my lunch, reading on the train, and walking to the office. Now, I just need to find some good deals on clothing, since I have to dress office professional (also very excited about).

The hubby asked me if this new job means the end of my couponing. I told him "heck no!" Knowing that I can spend so much less than sticker price is exciting. Saving money means we can use if on more fun things, like going to Disney World together! I still can't believe that he has never been, but also makes me realize how lucky I am that I have been so many times before.

Today, my couponing hints are: Be on the lookout for the P&G saver this Sunday. This is a big one, full of coupons for products which don't have coupons available often.

I went to Walmart the other day, bought three items, before coupons my total was $12.43. After my coupons, my total was $1.63! Other than that, I took it easy on the couponing this week. Today I am going to try and get myself organized and ready for the week ahead. Hopefully I can let you know about some great deals!

A little closer to the title "extreme couponer"!

2011-09-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today I went out and made my best effort to date at getting a lot for next to nothing.

First stop was Target.
I headed straight for the travel section. Purchasing clearance items and using my coupons,
I got four packs of shout wipes to go: on sale for $.67 each and used two coupons ($.75 off two),
two wet ones packs to go: on sale for $.67 each ($1 off two),
two Aquafresh extreme toothpaste's: $.97 each and used two coupons ($1 off coupon),
and a sensodyne pronamel toothpaste $.99 ($1 off).

How much did I end up paying for these nine items? $1.84!!

Then I went to Shoprite and only paying mind to my list and my coupons I bought:
two Activia Greek yogurts (Free with coupon),
four bottles of Kikoman soy sauce ($1 off coupon),
three cans of Red Pack diced tomatoes $1 off two (use zip code 12204),
one jar of Fransisco Ranaldi pasta sauce (used a .35 off coupon),
two packs of butterball turkey burgers (used 1 $1.50 off coupons),
and one bottle of glade pet odor eliminator ($1 off coupon)

How much did I spend? $5.38!!

That is all I have for today. I will let you know what other successes I find in my shopping! Good luck to any others who decide to try it out! :-)

Pardon my absence...

2011-09-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

I know I have been gone for a little longer than usual. Things have been kinda crazy for this unemployed girl. My number one priority is... ok, I guess I can't pick just one "top" priority. I have been driving back and forth to Delaware quit a bit in the past two weeks to see my family and help out where I am needed.

When I am not driving, I have been couponing and working on the house. I have done a few small projects since my last blog, emphasis on the small. One project was that I finally hung the towel rack in the bathroom. I know, wahoo, a towel rack. But, our bathroom walls are tiled, so the thought of drilling into into the wall terrified me. However, I sucked it up and fortunately did not crack the tile.

Major successes I have had this week was with couponing. I am not yet good enough to classify myself an extreme couponer, but I am excited by the possibilities. I have been sharing my savings with the hubby and I told him that I was not going to be an "extreme" couponer to avoid stock piling. Then he said the words "you can stock pile, as long as it can be kept in the basement". Oh my, it was like getting a free ticket to an amusement park. Wonder what he will do if I start finding out I can get things like diapers for pennies. Do I stock pile them for sometime in the future? Those freaking things are expensive! Note to anyone who reading this: if you ever find coupons that you are not using, please send them my way. Many deals require multiple coupons and vendors put print limits on the computer versions. I think this has been holding me back.

The hubby is working a double today and tomorrow, so I am going to try and get a lot of work done around the house, possibly attempt a free shopping trip (which would make me an extreme couponer!) and apply to as many jobs as I can find. This whole job thing is so discouraging. I have been applying to absolutely everything I can find that doesn't require a degree I don't have. I am crossing my fingers something pans out before I lose my mind.

Oh, new topic since my last post: running. I hate it. However, I am going to be running a 5k on Thanksgiving Day (I am a poet). Now I have to run so I don't embarrase myself. Only problem I can't seem to tackle is that, no matter what, I lose my breath halfway through the second mile. I'm gonna have to figure that out pretty soon.

Ok, well I have run out of topics for day. I will try to post more later in the week. Hopefully something more interesting, too.

Motivate Me....

2011-09-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

I am desperately in need of a routine. Preparing for my wedding, I had a daily work schedule, kept everything in order, and made a time for working out. I planned my meals ahead, and seeing the improvement in my eating, and in my appearance was so motivating. In preparation for my wedding, I lost 65 pounds... the weight of a third grader.

Then I got married. I've heard about what happens when you "get comfortable", but eekk!

What happened!? We kicked off our marriage with a honeymoon on a floating buffet, which I am sure didn't help. Finding healthy foods on a cruise ship is not that easy. You need to mentally prepare yourself before boarding, which I guess I did not do. My mentality was more along the lines of "yippie, let's celebrate!".

Now I have been married a mear two and a half months and I am already on my way back up the scale. The hubby and I have been saying for weeks that we need to get back on track, but we don't seem to be following through. I have days when I think "I am going to be good and get back into the routine", but then the fact that I don't have a daily routine to plan my meals around, really works against me. Instead of eating meals, I find myself snacking throughout the day... and not on fruit.

Before I am back where I started I need to get moving. That being said, I am going to register for a 5k and set my alarm for Weight Watchers meetings. So, in addition to my house projects, I will now keep you all in the loop as to my personal couch to 5k and great healthy recipes I come across.

Before....

After...

Bedroom Reveal.. Finally!

2011-09-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

So today's blog is more of a picture blog. When we saw this house for the first time, the "master bedroom" looked like this:

Notice the room color, the 3x3 closet to the left of the bed, and if you look closely, you may see the wood paneling.

When we moved in the empty room looked like this (different angle):

More wood paneling, old windows, beige carpet.

Now that the bedroom is done, this is what it looks like:

We got new windows installed about a year ago, but the rest just happened in the last month. Wall color is dramatically different, which I think makes the room look larger. It also is a good contrast to our darker furniture. I used a storage bench that I bought in college for underneath our window.

Mirror was purchased at Marshall's for twenty bucks, the vase in the corner was clearance at TJ Maxx for ten bucks, then got the branches 50% off at AC Moore. The lamps were twenty-five dollars each at JC Pennys and the nightstands were part of a coffee table/ end table stand that my mom bought at a yard sale for ten bucks and I painted black.

Now, as my husband is trying to show you, my dad and I removed the old closet (it was where hubby is standing). We then took the closet all the way back to the peak of the roof. Instead of spending an arm and a leg on custom doors for the closet, I bought a sliding panel curtain system at Ikea for less than one hundred bucks:

I bought a freestanding Elfa closet system at the Container Store and put it on furniture sliders so it can be easily moved around... why do I want to move my closet you may be wondering...

Behind the closet is our new storage area... it is much, much larger than the picture shows because it is actually L-shaped, so....

It is storage behind this wall too!

When we moved the walls, we had to replace the carpeting, so my new Berber carpet matches very well, not only the bedroom, but the carpet in the hallway:

After all the turmoil involved in the carpet resulting in dramatic money saving, the new carpet for the whole room was $422 (I saved nearly 50%!) and it was money that was left over from the wedding, so it technically didn't cost us anything... even better!

Total cost for the room renovation: Dramatically cheaper than I expected! (The baseboard was the most expensive thing, I think.)

Any questions, suggestions?

One of them days... ok, weeks.

2011-08-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was so excited at the start of this week. It was mission productivity, and I was Tom Cruise. Monday was great. I finished painting the bedroom, refinished the fireplace doors I bought on Craigslist, got laundry done, went to the bank, got the car inspection done, I was on a roll. Then, I met Tuesday.

Tuesday was not my friend. I got absolutely nothing done. Ok, well not nothing. I was able to get some of my wedding scrapbook done (it is my plan for the millions of cards we got) while watching tv and being a cranky, uncomfortable girl all day. So, I watched a shameful array of movies and television (Yogi Bear, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, Fraggle Rock, Muppets Take Manhatten, and a Property Virgins marathon) and didn't even make it to the grocery store for dinner. I did try to install the freshly refinished fireplace door, but of course couldn't figure out how to do the install. Forget you Tuesday, I like Wednesday better anyway.

Today made me wish for Tuesday again. I woke up early, like a little girl on Christmas morning. I was so excited to see the new carpet installed in the bedroom. I told myself last night that tomorrow the room would look completely different. Boy was I right. My bedroom floor now consists of tack strips and carpet padding, how lovely. The installers came, pulled out the old carpet, put in the new padding, and called me outside to where they had rolled out the new carpet to measure and cut. Oh my Lord, they put the wrong measurement tag on my beautiful remnant. Of course, they did; Wednesday hates me. My carpet was about four feet smaller than what I paid for and I was told via Rob the salesman on the phone that I had to drive down to the carpet mart in Delaware and pick out a new carpet and reschedule an installation. I was so mad my drive down was a blur. I picked out a nicer carpet (by nicer I mean more expensive), but I'm not a fan of the color as much. In the end, I have a carpet being installed tomorrow morning that would have cost me more than I was willing to spend, but because of the extreme inconvience, I don't have to pay any additional fees.

Tomorrow can't be as mean to me as Tuesday and Wednesday have been (I say as I type this with one eye swollen shut from allergies). Ok, it can be, I am just hoping that it isn't. I actually work tomorrow for a few hours, and then I am going to attempt to put some of the finishing touches on the bedroom. Hopefully when this room is done I will like it so much that I decide to enjoy it for a while before starting another big project. I'm sure my husband is thinking the same thing.

Hope Wednesday likes you more than it likes me!

I ain't dancing in this rain... Hurricane Irene edition!

2011-08-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

After hour four of watching the weather reports on Hurricane Irene, I am convinced that my house will either be a convertible or under water by this time tomorrow. The husband has told me at least five times to change the channel because he is sick of me yelling "oh no!" from another room. Hopefully, by the time the roof gets ripped off the house, I will be so drunk that I laugh about it instead of scream and cry.

This just in: we get to be on the watch for tornadoes too! So, we started the week with an earthquake, and we are finishing we a hurricane and tornadoes... I will like to know who screwed up in the Mid Atlantic area of the country, because someone is obviously pissed.

Anyway, not what I planned on blogging about today, but those of you in my area understand... people have gone insane. I went to the Wegman's yesterday to grab some things for dinner on my way home from work: big mistake. Anyone who shops in a Wegman's knows, it is a popular place, you walk in the door expecting a crowd. I have never experienced such a thing in all my life. I pretty much expected everyone to be grabbing their water and bread, but they were grabbing EVERYTHING. The Wegman's was out of onions... ONIONS.

My next blog will probably be pictures of the disaster... or just pictures of me drunkenly "Dancing in the Rain" (like what I did there?) Until then, I am going to call it a wrap... before I lose power.

Stay safe!

A not so extreme couponer...

2011-08-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first attempt at extreme couponing. I think I failed. It took me over an hour to coupon hunt for the things that I needed for the week. (While I want to spend the least amount of money possible, I am going to try to eat healthy.) It seems that the the cheapest food is the most unhealthy. If anyone ever finds coupons for fruits and veggies, let me know! At the end of my trip, my receipt says that I had a savings of 36%, saving me $57.40. I was pretty excited about saving nearly sixty dollars, but would like to get that percent up to 50%. After I left the store, I noticed that not all of my coupons rang, and one item I bought rang up at full price, so next time I will pay more attention.

Anyway, without giving you a play by play of my grocery shopping, you all should know how a little bit of extra time can save you a lot of money. The lady behind me at the grocery store laughed when I said, "I just saved more money than I made at work today". . . I think she thought I was joking, but I wasn't.

What a great segway to my next topic today. I also started my new job yesterday. What a change from teaching. It was the first day of a new job, which is always a different kind of day. Promotional marketing is really interesting, especially if you enjoy observing people. It is interesting to see how different people give you different reactions when you are trying to show them something. I think the stuff that I am marketing is really cool, and if people weren't so quick to say no and actually look, they would love it. But, ce la vie. Now I have to go get ready for day two!

The drive back to reality

2011-08-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the five or six of you out there who have been reading my blog may have noticed my absence this week. Like I said in my previous posting, I was headed to Disney with my dad and my sisters, attempting to make something of the last week before eighth grade for my youngest sis. Tonight we are in North Carolina, and tomorrow I will be home in New Jersey, just in time to start the new job on Wednesday.

Being more of an adult this trip than any of the other times I have been to Disney, I was very aware of the cost of everything involved. . . and I do mean everything. Reason number one I did not update the blog via our "resort" was that I would have had to pay per minute for the internet. While I was in "the happiest place on Earth" I made a few observations: One, I will purchase plenty of water before stepping foot into an Disney labeled park, resort, store. Two, I will not even consider taking my future children to Disney before the age of nine. I know many people will disagree with that statement, but I saw way too many temper tantrums and miserable children to spend a couple thousand dollars on a trip they won't be able to recall when they are a teenager.

Now wait, before you start to think I'm miserable and should just learn to enjoy myself, I want to let you know that I did. Disney is a lot of fun, and though I have been there quite a few times, I look forward to going quite a few times more. I am already planning my next trip down with my husband who has never been before. I think it is always exciting to go with someone who has never been before. It is like going for the first time yourself, all over again.

This time, since I will be in charge of the planning, I am going to do some intense research, in an attempt to get the best bang for our buck. I will be sure to keep you all informed of great websites and deals I encounter along my planning adventure. Likewise, if you know of any ways to see Disney on a dime, please share! As of now, I think we are looking at September 2012, and want to stay at Wilderness Lodge resort. I am really trying to stick with finding frugal ways to enjoy life. I have been using coupons as much as I can and have been avoiding purchasing anything at full price. I think that regardless of how much money you do or don't have, you should be a smart shopper. People pay so much more than they should for things, but there are too few who put the effort in to decrease what they pay at the register.

Back to where I started this blog; I get back home tomorrow, and start the new job on Wednesday. I know there isn't much to say about a job I haven't started yet, but I don't know that I am all that broken up about not teaching this year. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching, and if I got a phone call tomorrow, I would most likely jump at the opportunity. It is what I know, and what I went to school for. However, that being said, I am really looking forward to trying something new. Who knows, I may find out I love something even more, I won't know unless I try.

Until next time

Good Morning New Jersey!

2011-08-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be a long day. I probably should have tried to sleep in a little more, but alas.

He put himself in time out

Rewind a minute, to Tuesday. The day of my last post, I believe (or maybe it was Monday). I spent the day down in Delaware, helping out around my parents house. On my way home I decided to stop at the grocery store to grab something for dinner. I know myself enough to know that once I am home, I don't really like going back out to run errands. Anyway, I have a plan to come home and get started on this weeks project of painting the bedroom. Instead, I walk in the door to disaster. The dog had gotten into the kitchen trash can and decided to paint the house in trash. You know when you decide to have something unhealthy for dinner, like Chinese food, and you say to yourself "I'm going to regret this". Seeing the sweet and sour sauce all over our new area rug made me regret the Chinese. So, instead of painting the bedroom, I was attempting to clean the carpet. Sweet and sour sauce is a rough stain.

With Tuesday's evening shot, I decided to start fresh Wednesday. And, that's what I did yesterday. It is starting to look pretty good, but I definitely have more work ahead of me today. Which I better get started on. I only have a few hours before I have to hit the road, and I haven't packed yet. My dads plan is to leave around 5 o'clock, and stop somewhere around the Virginia/ North Carolina border tonight. Can someone explain to me a six day trip to Disney World that consists four days in the car and two days in the park? I tried to get Chris to consider flying down for the weekend, but it looks like I will just have to plan a trip for us sometime soon.

Another Baseball Birthday

2011-08-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

It was a pretty fun weekend with the husband, as we celebrated his birthday pretty much the whole time. Saturday we went to the Phillies game, which has come to be something we look forward to every summer. We have been on a streak this year, seeing a win every time we go. To keep the baseball birthday going, we had friends over on Sunday to celebrate. I always love playing hostess, so I made meatballs, pasta salad, and a baseball birthday cake. It worked out well, even though it was originally planned to be a birthday cookout. Man, it sure has been raining like crazy the past few days.

When we weren't partying, my dad was up helping get the bedroom closet done. I am so excited because it is finally time to sand, paint, and call to get the carpet installed! I will be sure to show you all the before and after transformation of the bedroom. I am so excited, mainly because I picture in my head how something is going to look, but usually do a terrible job explaining it, so when it is finished, I just hope that it looks like it does in my mind. It was pretty much the same thing with my wedding reception, and that turned out just like I pictured. :-)

Along the same lines, I have decided that I am going to attempt a "project of the week". This weeks project is going to be painting the bedroom, and next weeks project is going to be a new fireplace screen for under $30 (Thank you Craigs List). Also on the project list is a job... I need one, and preferably before my next car payment is due. I had a third interview with a company today, and now I am just crossing my fingers.

Hopefully I will get one more post up before the impromtu trip to Disney World. We leave Thursday. I am pretty excited, mixed with wish my mom and my hubby were going too. Regardless, Disney is always a good time!

A nun, a job, and a bulletin board...

2011-08-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today's post is going to be a short one. I just wanted to give you a quick update, since I know you have all been waiting patiently to find out what's been going on in my life. I did end up going back to the thrift store yesterday to get that picture frame I had my eye on. It was a rustic goldish color, until I got my hands on it. I went right from the thrift store to the AC Moore, because I have decided I will do the projects as quick as I can, or I won't do them at all. After some spray paint, and some cork, the frame is now a beautiful cork board. I think it looks great, if I do say so myself.

The next project is going to be a new fireplace screen. We have a wire curtain thing now, which just lets hot and cold air flow freely in and out of the house; not ideal. I found a cheap fireplace screen with glass doors on craigslist for $25. So, instead of paying the $350 for a new one, I am going to find some fire resistant black paint and give the old brass screen a new life. Before and after pictures will be posted! :-)

You are probably wondering where the nun and the job come onto the scene since I jumped right into the bulletin board. I met up with my great friend Katie and the infamous Sister Karen for lunch in Pennsylvania, and it was a great time. Sister Karen is the sweetest woman I've ever met, and it was great catching up. Ah, to be in a convent again (yes, I lived in a convent for two years; no, I've not for one second ever considered becoming a nun). I think my body did not enjoy the cafeteria food... Katie, how did your body take it?

After lunch I got a phone call from the hubs wondering where my job interview was, which was scheduled at 5:00. I said "somewhere around Mt. Laurel, thinking I'd have plenty of time". I then check my phone to realize it is in Exton, Pennsylvania. So, I fly back to Jersey, change clothes, and fly back to Pennsylvania. I really hope the interview went well, but I can never tell about these things.

Now it is time for me to go... spending the evening snuggled on the couch with the birthday boy. Wondering what will happen if I take two five hour energy's... I may need it tonight.

Working so hard, yet not working at all

2011-08-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up full speed, with a long list of to-do's, and didn't stop until dinner was done. Now, I don't feel like moving. I had a "group interview" at the local substituting company. It was the worst hour I've had in a very long time, and I'm pretty sure there was another girl in the room who was thinking exactly what I was thinking (with the exception of the occassional "I hope Hamilton's doctor appointment is going well".) I am a good teacher, and the frustration of not even receiving a phone call for an interview boiled over in the hour I sat there listening to the drill. Even though I have a masters degree in education and many years experience in a classroom you are forcing me to pay you to spend a day in a room full of people with no educational training? I think I'd rather practice reciting the daily specials for my next job as a waitress. I'd make more anyway. Why did I spend all that money on college?

So, anyway, after trying not to storm out of the room, I began checking things off of my list. I did manage to make a few stops that weren't on the list. Found a cute little thrift shop near my mother-in-laws house. Didn't get the two things I had my eye on because it was cash only. They would definitely be quick, easy, and awesome projects. Maybe I will go back tomorrow. Also stopped at the Goodwill and got a brand new, in the box, office chair (much needed, since I don't have anything now) for thirty dollars (whoo hoo).

After getting the hubbys car fixed, taking it to get registered, and stopping at Lowe's to grab lamp parts for a project (stay tuned), I went to pick up the pooch and fell in love with Charlotte, the three month old kitten up for adoption at the vet. I may go back tomorrow ;-) If we didn't have a 120 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback, we would be currently showing Charlotte her new home. The vet tech even took her out to see how her and Hamilton got along. It was adorable until Charlotte realized that Hamilton was a giant and clawed her way up the techs arms. Ugh, she was so cute!

Since Hamilton and I got home, he's been sleeping off the anxiety of being at the vet all day, while I have been applying for every job under the sun that I can find, even the ones I am not qualified for. Here is a question that I am sure many people in my situation ask: how do I get the experience that this job is requiring without getting hired? Maybe my blog will take off, I will become famous, people will start buying my pictures, and I can get by with odd jobs for the next few month. Or, maybe even better, collecting all those Acme game pieces will result in me winning the grand prize. I don't think I should hold my breath for that one.

Until tomorrow, my friends.

Off to the Races

2011-08-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't written in a few days. The internet at the hotel was not exactly functioning. Getting together with family is always an interesting combination of emotions that I am sure everyone experiences. I love my family, but why is the process of getting everyone together so stressful to me? I get anxiety every time, as any of my bridal party, and especially my husband witnessed on our wedding day. I do wish my family didn't live in so many different states, because family gatherings seem so high pressure when they don't happen very often.

After spending a few short days in Kentucky, most of the time spent with my absurdly crafty aunt, I came home with a laundry list of ideas for our still rather new house. There are so many things I'd love to try, my poor husband is probably going to be sick of me before our one year anniversary. I really would like if he would want to try some of these projects with me, but ce la vie. As I go through the list of projects, I will be sure to let you all know what I attempted and if I was successful.

On another note, Grandpa's 90th birthday turned out great, and it was awesome to have the family together. I hope we can get everyone together more often. Yesterday, we spent the whole day in the car, which I guess is an upgrade for my mom. It was the first birthday in three years that she didn't spend in the hospital! (Yay mommy!)

What a Ride!

2011-08-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

I had no intention of posting today, seeing as how I spent nearly twelve hours in the car driving from New Jersey to Kentucky. However, it is one o'clock, and I can't sleep. I don't even feel tired. It may have something to do with the venti Americano that I started my day with, followed by the five hour energy that I felt the need for around six o'clock, but I digress.

An interesting car ride, if I do say so myself. Now, I know what you're all thinking; "I've done the car ride from New Jersey to Kentucky, there is nothing interesting about it". Well, it is interesting if you are riding in style. That's right ladies and gentleman (I say that because I am sure my husband is the only man reading this), my sister and I drove over six hundred miles in a Chevy Aveo. Oh, yea, love us for doing our part to save the earth and decided on a gas friendly car over our gas guzzlers. You may love us, but I think the Aveo, along with our bodies hate us for the decision. How many of you have driven an Aveo? Not many of you? Well, let me tell you, they are not made for the mountains of West Virginia. Our little car that could had sixteen wheelers passing us on the up hills. It was embarrassing. Driving into Kentucky we felt the need to say kind words to the darling little car, reassuring her (not masculine enough to be a male car, I've decided... even though it is my fathers car) that we were almost there.

Our photographer (http://www.sethshimkonis.com/) is awesome!

Since making it to the hotel, with the exception of feeding ourselves, I've been laying in bed looking at all of my wedding pictures. The online album "went live" today, and looking at all the pictures made me so happy! It really was a perfect day (but how is it not when you get to marry your best friend) and it looks like everyone had a great time. People should throw big parties more often!

And I should attempt to get some sleep. Goodnight everyone (everyone being all five of the great friends who read this nonsense I've decided to bore you with). :-)