I still believe..

Because most of the company that I keep range from five to ten years old, I often get asked if I believe in Santa Claus. My answer is always and without a doubt, YES! The kids closer to 10 doubt my sincerity with their eyes and facial expressions, but what they don't know is that I am telling the truth.

My parents have never admitted to me that Santa is not real. For 29 years, I have always received gifts that say, "from: Santa." I believed in Santa so much and for so long, I don't think I will ever not believe. It is just seems unthinkable to me.

Now, you may be saying...well, Mrs. Morehead, you may be a little on the crazy side. I assure you; I am not. I know that a jolly man dressed in red doesn't slide down my chimney, eat cookies, and leave gifts. This would probably freak me out a little. I do believe in the spirit of giving. Every gift I receive lights a spark in my heart and that spark puts a smile on my face; especially, when I get a gift I didn't expect. It lets me know someone was thinking of me. Someone thought I was worthy. Someone wanted to share with me. These people are my Santa Claus. These acts of kindness keep me believing.

God gave us all the greatest gift. The gift of his son, Jesus. For me believing in Santa Claus, is really believing in something great, something bigger than me, something that is full of joy!

Do you believe?

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

How do you celebrate?

This past week at school, we talked about Christmas in Mexico. Before each lesson, I asked the kids to share some of the ways that they celebrate Christmas every year. It was such a joy to hear the excitement in their voices as they described putting up lights, decorating trees, baking cookies for Santa, singing, and visiting with their families.

My sisters and I were lucky enough to have some great Christmas traditions of our own growing up. We always opened presents from one another and our parents on Christmas Eve, and then struggled to fall asleep as we anxiously awaited Santa. Literally, visions of sugar plums danced in our heads. We would leave flashlights and socks by our beds so that when (not if) we got up at 3am, our parents wouldn't hear us sneaking into the living room to see what Santa had left. It was such a fun time. It is those memories that still make me feel uncontrollable excitement at Christmas time.

I know this Christmas there will be many children wondering where Santa is this year, and the magic that is in their hearts will fade a little. It is my Christmas pray that these boys and girls will not give up on the magic. That they will find joy in the lights of a Christmas tree in someones window, a song they hear on the radio, in the belief that Jesus is alive in their hearts.

Support programs like Toys for Tots and The Angel Tree. Give a little magic to a child this year.

Share a comment below on your favorite Christmas memories.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

Black Friday

Black Friday for me has always been something I could take or leave. I have never really keep up with the sales or felt too much excitement over the shopping experience. I have gone shopping on Black Friday and felt like a crazy person afterwards.

This year, I think I have a different outlook on Black Friday. I have already looked at lots of the Black Friday ads, and there a few things that I want to buy that are really great deals. While I might regret this later, I think I will venture out before sunrise, fight the crowds, and see if I can snag any of these great sales. I have my eyes on Target and Wal-Mart along with the rest of the crazies, I am sure.

If you are interested in what is going to be on sale the Friday after Thanksgiving go to www.bfads.net . Here you can look at each stores ad by clicking on the adscans link on the left side of the page or just look at a list of items on sale by simply clicking your desired store. Register for free and you can make a printable shopping list.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping. If you find an unbelievable sale, leave a comment below.

Until next time.......

XOXOXOXO

Butterfly

Lately, I have been the social butterfly if I do say so myself. It all started with the Rocky Horror Picture show. Yes, you read that correctly. I subjected not only myself but several of my friends to this once again this year. The movie itself is horrendous, but who doesn't like throwing rice, wearing party hats, shooting water guns, yelling, throwing toilet paper that I got for free, and dancing all inside a building where these things would normally be prohibited? It was a BLAST! Then it was out on the town to dance the night away.

That was all fine and dandy until 7am Saturday morning came around, and it was time for me and my cotton mouth to get out of bed and get ready for an 11am USM football game. I would not have minded this at all, but the Eagles are not at the top of their game. I sat out in the HAWT sun, watching them play terrible ball and asking Wes every five minutes, "Can we go now?" That night it was off to bed early because the next day was the SAINTS game!!!

Wes and I spent the entire day in NOLA getting all "jazzed" up for the game. This really should be a post in its self, but I will just say it was tons of fun! Wes wore his Steelers jersey, left his terrible towel in the truck, and watched the Saints lay the smack down. GEAUX SAINTS!!! I should probably not put this in writing, but there were a couple of times that I did clap for the Steelers...whoops. :(

Then there was a crazy work week, and I came down with a terrible cold. That always happens at the worst times. Then it was off to Tupelo to celebrate my sisters birthday. It was so wonderful to just relax and not have to do a thing but shop for good deal :). Angela was the hostess with the mostess.

And now this weekend, I am off to NOLA again for a bachorlette party.

Kind of a side note....

Two things I am really excited about right now:

1. The amazing holiday deals I hope to get with Jenny's advise.
2. Holiday baking.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXOXO

HaPpY HoWlAwEeN

Here's to a FRIGHTFUL night!

The best deal EVER!

So, I get home from school. Open computer. Go through daily ritual of school e-mail, yahoo e-mail, facebook, and then couponing blogs. Passion for Savings and Southern Savers are both blogging about this great deal at PiperLime. Plus, they were offering up some pretty good promo codes. I thought it never hurts to look, and besides I knew I had a $20.00 reward card from Old Navy.

You will never believe this because I barely do. I am sooooo EXCITED!! I have been to Old Navy a few times this month because 1. They had a good sale, and Wes needed some new clothes and 2. I had to pick up a few gifts. So, I have had my eyes on this pink Fushia double breasted coat. It costs $89.50, and I don't need it at all. I have a black one.

So, this PiperLime deal is buy anything at PiperLime and get a free $25.00 gift card to celebrate thier birthday. PiperLime is owned by Old Navy. Old Navy has an online code out for 50% off outerwear. Plus, if you use your Old Navy or Gap card on Tuesday you get 10% off. PiperLime was also offering a 10% off code.

So here is how it went down (hold on to your seat!)



Double breasted wool Fushia coat $89.50
- OUTER50 (50% off)
-TUESDAYS (10% off)
=$40.27

Pierre Dumas sandals $14.99
-TREAT4U (10%off)
=$13.49

Total $53.76
-$20.00 rewards card from Old Navy for shopping eariler in the month
+2.36 tax
=$36.12
-25.00 gift card (will come in mail)
-2.76 (8% ebates cash back will come in mail) Not sure what ebates is look here http://www.ebates.com/ the site that pays you to shop.

=$8.36 for a coat and a pair of sandals.

You can do something like this too. Just use the codes above. This deal is only good today.

I LOVE GREAT DEALS! WOOT!

Until next time.......


XOXOXOXO

Hello again

My oh  my! I did not realize how long it had been since I last blogged. We have been pretty busy around here with football games, band competitions, school, cleaning, cooking, and whatever else we can get into. For the most part things are going well, and we are enjoying every minute of it!!!

I for one am loving this FALL weather. I have big plans for some yard work tomorrow. I am going to transform my garden plot into a fall flower bed. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Of course, I have been shopping and getting some really great deals. Here is the latest:

Total CVS ticket: $45.06
Total paid: 14.98
Total Saved: 30.08
Cash back: 10.00

I got 60 loads Tide detergent, 60 loads Downy, 16pk Charmin, 24 tablets Advil for $4.98. I am still in awe of these deals! Also, just this week, I received $55.00 in free samples and coupons in the mail. It is like Christmas every time I open my mailbox! I have broadened my horizons so to speak and read a few more really awesome couponing blogs. Check them out for yourself .

www.passionforsavings.com Wal-Mart deals here
www.momminitup.com
www.shopperstragety.com
www.bargainbrianna.com
www.mojosavings.com Tons of free samples here.

I have some pretty exciting things coming up at the end of this month and the beginning of November. Can't wait to blog about those.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

Why I love IT

It is weeks like this week that keep me excited about couponing and getting great deals. The last couple of weeks have been so boring. Buy stuff, use coupons, save 60%. This is exciting, don't get me wrong, but like most things in our lives once an expectation has been met it just becomes the same old, same old. We constantly need to push ourselves to the next level to keep things exiting. (Hey, that sounds like a great teaching philosophy.... oh well, another post on that later maybe.) This week I had 3 great shopping experiences and 1 opportunity to help someone else.

When I first started couponing, Wes would say things like do we need that much toothpaste....ummm... I think we are good on the peanut butter and jelly. I would say things like if it is free at the store, I might as well get it. Besides, I can use that stuff to help others. This week a very special opportunity presented itself to me, and I am sooo super excited that I have a stock pile of stuff to share. Yes, it takes time to plan and cut coupons just to get something for free..... well this makes it all worth it. (Can't stop smiling!)

Okay, so I actually went shopping a lot this week. I won't bore you with all the transactions, though, just the exciting ones. Ha!

A few weeks ago, I took advantage of a Groupon sale of $25.00 for a $50.00 gift card to the GAP. I waited for GAP to put things on clearance and here is how it went down.

GAP total ticket: $100.50
Total spent: $25.00 for the gift card
Total saved: $75.50 (75%) Here is what I got.

Bed, Bath, and Beyond Total ticket $10.68 and got the following:
Libby 16 piece Orbita glass set on sale $9.99 8 big glasses; 8 tumblers
12 reusable containers with lids on sale $4.99
Used $5.00 off a $15.00 purchase received in mail.

And this is what really gets me excited.....

CVS total ticket $58.20
Total spent: $9.98
Total saved: $48.22 (83%)
Cash back $5.30
Like paying $4.68 for $60.00 worth of stuff. WOW!!!

If you want to know the details of this purchase leave a comment and I will be glad to share with you.

Until next time....

XOXOXOXO

Seaside Retreat

Last weekend, my mom, 2 sisters, and I went on our annual "girls" trip. Each year a different person takes turns planning a great trip for us all. This year, it was my turn!!!

We went to Seaside, FL. The grandest place on Earth in my opinion. The weather was perfect for a beach trip. The clear, blue water was calm. The sugar, white sand was soft and inviting. We stayed in Spinnaker Cottage. It was the cutest place, ever! We ate great food, shopped, got sunburns, watched chick flicks, laughed, and relaxed. I am so glad that we all have the opportunities to get together and do such fun things.

Until next time....

XOXOXOXO

Sunday sums

Here are the deals I got last week.

CVS Total ticket: 25.64
Total saved: 17.55 (68%)
Total spent: $8.11
Cash back: $1.00

Walgreens total ticket: $52.68
Total saved: $29.43 (56%)
Total spent: $23.25

Winn Dixie total ticket: $97.38
Total saved: $39.02 (40%)
Total spent: $58.81

Victoria Secret total ticket $34.99
Total saved: $17.50 (50%)
Total paid: $17.49

Let me hear about your deals this week.

Until next time......

XOXOXOXOXO

Hot deals this week

A few deals you might want to pick up this week.

CVS
Get $6.99 in ECBs WYB Phillips in-ear headphones for $6.99 Like getting them FREE.

I used my ECB's to purchase nail polish remover, cotton balls, and milk. All things I was completely out of and needed. Paid $1.22.

WALGREENS
Walgreens has a lot of deals this week; especially, if you been saving your coupons.

Hot items:

Transaction 1
Get $2.00 RR WYB Carmex moisturizing lip balm for $2.00 Like getting it FREE
Transaction 2
Ponds cold cream, dry skin cream, 30 pk towelettes B1G1 (buy one, get one)
Bought 2 30 pk towelettes $6.29 each
Used (2) -1.50 printable coupons
Used $2.00 RR
Paid $2.17

Tip on printing 2 coupons: print the first coupon, do not close the Thank you box, click the back button, click refresh when page expired comes up, second coupon will print. Most coupons limit you to two.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXOX

The 1950's Married Woman

Recently, Wes and I have been in a fierce competition to see who could get the most points on the Facebook game Family Feud. Last week, I won. This week, I have been in the lead until today. He couldn't stand it so he took a survey and got lots of extra episodes....cheater. Anyway.... this morning one of his questions was as follows:

What did a married woman in the 1950's do that married women don't do today? The most popular answers were: cook, clean, iron, and wear dresses!!!!!!

Excuse ME...... did I miss a very important memo? Wes read these to me right after I finished cleaning the kitchen and dining rooms and just as I was getting out the ironing board all while wearing a DRESS!! (Okay, I didn't really have a dress on, but still!!)

So this is notification to all the women out there who missed the memo... You no longer have to cook, clean, iron, or wear dresses no one thinks you are doing that anyway. I suggest drinking alcoholic beverages, lounging by a pool or on the couch, wearing your pajamas, and having someone in a dress serve you your meals.

Now, on to this week savings. This was a great week of shopping.

Walgreens
Total ticket: $48.43
Saved: $29.16 (60%)
Paid: $19.27

CVS
Total ticket: $66.55
Saved:$50.47(76%)
Paid:$16.08

Here is what I bought at CVS.

Winn Dixie
Total ticket: $148.08
Saved:$82.80(56%)
Paid: $65.28

Let me hear about your deals and your thoughts on the 1950's married woman.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

Confusion

A lot of people (yippee, they read my blog) have told me that they are overwhelmed or confused about how to actually save the most money at CVS and Walgreens doing the multiple transactions. Even though, I did not do it this way, I can see the benefits in it now.

1. Start small. (I started HUGE).
2. Take a friend (if available) with you the first couple of times. Besides, it is much more fun when you both get great deals. (I took Wes.)
3. Get a subscription to the Sunday paper. ($9.00 a month for the Sun Herald Wednesday/Sunday edition). I just got it last week.

In the beginning, I did not have many coupons because I did not get the Sunday paper. Now, that I am subscribed to the paper, I have a nice collection of coupons. Unless I have already used it, I almost always have the coupons Jenny tells me about.

I have not done this yet, but I also think it is a good idea to find someone who gets the Sunday paper who is willing to give you their coupons. This way you have multiple coupons for the same item thus helping you stock up for less. Anyone want to give their coupons to me?

So you say, I went to Southern Savers, I have my list, I have my coupons, now what?

Before you go to the store, look at your list and create scenarios that allow you to use the ECBs at CVS or the RR at Walgreens to pay for other items on your list. Place a number 1 by the items you want to include in the first transaction, a number 2 by the second and so on. Next put your coupons in order of your transactions. Now, you are organized.

Now you say, I am at the checkout counter, now what? Before getting to the register, organize your buggy into your transaction piles.

Tell the cashier that you are going to be doing multiple transactions. The cashiers at both CVS and Walgreens are very nice and accommodating.
After coupons are given and you've paid for trans 1, ECBs or RRs will print. ECBs (CVS) will print at bottom of receipt and RRs (Walgreens )will be on separate paper.

Place your items for transaction 2 on the counter, and give the cashier your ECBs or RRs when you give him/her your coupons. Pay the difference, if any. I have done up to 4 transactions at a time.

Here is an example I did at Walgreens that you can do this week.

Transaction 1
$5.00 RR wyb 4/$13-12 pack Pepsi
-2 RR from last week (If you don't have this, don't worry.)
Get back $5.00 RR (makes it 4/$6 before taxes)

Transaction2
1-Mott's Apple Juice $2.50
1-8 pack Rice Krispie Treats $1.99
1-Walgreens brand seal lunch bags .99 (w/ in ad coupon)
-5RR from Transaction 1
Pay $.48 before taxes.

Also, Jenny has this deal posted for new CVS new users this week.

Getting Started Scenario

If you are brand new to CVSing, it is important to start slow. Buy one thing, use a coupon and get your first Extra Care Bucks (ECB). Then buy another one thing, use another coupon and pay with those ECB’s you just got. Now go home. You can spend your remaining ECB’s next week.

Transaction #1
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
Total Due: $2.49
Get Back: $2.50 ECB

Transaction #2
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
-$2.50 ECB
Total Due: nothing
Get Back: $2.50 ECB

If you don't have the coupons, don't fret. Start collecting now.

I think this is as clear as mud!

Until next time..

XOXOXOX

Donors Choose

I know everyone has lots of money just laying around, and we are all sighing to ourselves, "What, oh, what should I do with all this money?" Well fret no more, I have created a project for my school library on http://www.donorschoose.org/. Just go to this link: http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/search.html?keywords=Bio-graphic&x=0&y=0 and donate any amount of that money you wish to purchase graphic novels and biographies for my students.

The project will be open until December 26, 2010. Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance if you decide to give.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

Last week's shopping extravaganza!

Don't be surprised if my blogging becomes more sporadic. School is back in session, and boy have I been tired at night!! :)

Last Sunday, I went to Walgreen's and CVS and did really well. Wednesday I went to Winn-Dixie and didn't do so hot. I picked up a couple of things that weren't on sale.

Here is how it breaks down:

Walgreen's total  ticket: $24.71
Total savings: $20.20 (82%)

Amount paid: $4.51

I bought the following: 1 Bio-true contact solution 4oz, 3 2-pocket folders, Dial body wash, 9 big rolls Angel Soft, 2 pack Pilot V5 pens, 1 Aquafresh toothpaste  5.6oz

CVS total ticket: $53.09
Total savings: $34.76 (65%)
Amount paid: $18.33

I bought the following: 4 12-pack cokes, 1 skintimate shave gel, 2 Edge shave gels, 1 Lysol Healthy Hand Soap dispenser, 1 2-pack Oral B toothbrushes

Winn-Dixie total ticket: $67.81
Total savings: $23.60 (35%)
Amount paid: $44.21

Let me hear about your deals.

Until next time....

XOXOXOXOX

Tubing

This post is a little late because my camera cord accidentally went to band camp for a week. As a last rendezvous, Wes and I went to Gulfshores, AL the weekend before teacher workdays started. We had a great time with great friends.

BTW, Wes took much better pictures of me than I took of him.

Holy Coupon

Well, I am finally starting to get a nice range of coupons. This week I went shopping 4 times and had coupons for every item. My savings is starting to get better and better each week. This week, I even took a friend out shopping, and she got some really good deals.

Winn Dixie #1
Total ticket: $175.00
Paid: $90.40
Saved $84.60 (48%)

Walgreens
Total ticket: 48.96
Paid: 18.24
Saved: 30.72 (63%)
Cash back: 2.00

CVS
Total ticket: 35.92
Paid: 14.00
Saved: $21.92 (61%)

Winn Dixie #2
Total ticket: 118.51
Paid: 54.45
Saved: 64.06 (54%)

I am also starting to look for Christmas presents. I got something really exciting for a great deal yesterday. Can't wait to share these with you all.

Thanks Jenny at http://www.southernsavers.com/ !!!

Until next time.....

XOXOXOX

Back to Life; Back to Reality

One week from today school officially starts back for me. Of course, I have worked at the school a little over the summer and meet some (keyword: some) of the goals I set for myself and the library program. I know my friends are laughing right now because they all think it is so funny that I make goal sheets! Hey, it helps keep me organized and on a mission!

On another note, I am really looking forward to the challenges that this year will bring. I can't wait to see how much the kids have grown and to start laughing at all the funny stuff they do and say! I will even admit that I am sort of ready to get on a more strict schedule. Not that I don't mentally make schedules for myself everyday and get a tinge upset when I don't stay on them.... I am just saying.

Tomorrow, I am going to say good-bye to my vegetable garden. I am going to chop down all the plants that are finished producing and turn the beds into flower beds for the fall. Having the garden was a great experience, and I found it very rewarding. I knew where my food was coming from, that it was 100% organic, and I learned so much about canning and preserving foods. I learned that cute little cucumber and tomato plants grow into MONSTER plants and take over if you don't give them enough space. Next year, we will have to build a bigger bed or plant less crops. Which do you think will happen?

Well, of course I went shopping this week. I have figured out (I think) how to get the most out of CVS. CVS is overpriced, but if you learn to work within the system, that doesn't even matter. I can't encourage you enough to check out how it all works at www.southernsavers.com.  Drum roll please....

Total CVS ticket: 47.00
Total Saved: 41.78 (89%)
Total Spent: 5.22
Total Cash back: 4.00
Out of Pocket: $1.22

What I bought: 1 59oz Tropicana Orange Juice
                       1 2 pack Dove soap
                       1 Almay dial up mascara
                       1 Lady Speed Stick Stainguard  deodorant
                       2 Aveeno positively ageless sunscreens (regular size)
I am talking $1.22 here people!

Okay, so my sister and her husband came down to visit. We went to Old Navy for the 25% teacher discount day plus I had a $10.00 off an entire purchase coupon, and I only bought items that were on sale (not clearance). Here is how it breaks down.

Old Navy total ticket: 113.03
Total saved: 74.19 (66%)
Total spent: $38.84

Woot Woot!!

Until next time....

XOXOXO
                       

Brooke's even Better Bargains

Each week, I get a little better at getting the best deals. I am also venturing out to more stores which is fun. Actually I will admit that since I started this couponing thing, I am pretty excited about shopping now. I find myself anticipating the weekly sales paper and find it thrilling to get things for FREE or little money OOP! Thanks to Jenny at http://www.southernsavers.com/ this task doesn't feel like a chore anymore.

Didn't make my goal of 60% or more savings at every store this week, but I am okay with it.

Here goes:

Since it is back to school time I thought I would rack up on some supplies at Office Depot. You won't believe this!

Office Depot total ticket: $43.53
Total saved in store: 17.06 (40%)
Total spent in store: $26.47
Total mail in rebates: 27.26
My Profit: .79

I MADE MONEY BY SHOPPING!

CVS total ticket: $28.88
Total saved: $23.33 (81%)
Total spent: $5.55
Cash back: $5.00

Okay, you must know the items I got for 55 cents. 2 VO5 shampoos, 1 gillette pro fusion razor with 3 cartridges (not disposable), 2 12 packs of coke, 2 scotch magic tape refills.

Walgreens total ticket: $15.38
Total saved: $8.75 (57%)
Total spent: $6.63

Winn Dixie total ticket: 63.36
Total saved: 23.62 (37%)
Total spent: 39.74
Cash back: $5.00

Winn Dixie was my worst experience this week. I only bought items that were on sale, but I didn't have a single coupon. :(

Let me know about your savings.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

Orlando Conference

Then it was off to Orlando for a Renaissance conference with my principal and four other teachers from school. It was the best conference ever!! It provided all of us with so many ideas for our school as a whole as well as innovative ideas for rewarding, reinforcing, recognizing, and respecting the entire school community. It made me think about my teaching style and my philosophy. I have a lot of ideas that I can't wait to try out this year. It is going to be an exciting and fun year. I just know it!!

I had a wonderful roommate, and we had so much fun hanging out and getting to know each other. We went to Animal Kingdom, a concert at the House of Blues, watched fireworks, ate good food, and enjoyed refreshing beverages! The trip was hugely successfully except for Delta's inability to care about its costumers. That is a story for another time.

View from our room of Epcot Center.












Until next time....

XOXOXOXO

WOW!

My summer has truly been amazing! I have had so much FUN and been so relaxed; it is unbelievable. The great thing is I still have 11 whole days before I really have to sink my teeth back into school. INCREDIBLE!!!

Well, a few weekends ago, my friend Rachel let me know at the last minute that she had ONE extra ticket to the Jimmy Buffet concert in Gulfshores, AL. After a split second of feeling bad Wes wasn't going to be able to go, I was all over it!! YES, I was going! You will never believe this..... one hour before we were about to leave, Rachel got another ticket for Wes. YAY!

It was a really fun day, but incredibly HAWT!

 We end the night at Lambert's: Home of the Throwed Rolls. The place where they think this is a salad! :0

Until next time...

XOXOXOXX

Brooke's Bargains

My goal this week was to save 60% or more on the total ticket price. I didn't quite make it at Walgreens, but I am still really happy with the deals I got this week. Check them out....

Walgreens total ticket: 43.59

Total saved: 24.79 (57%)
Total paid: 20.30

CVS total ticket: 53.51
Total Saved: 37.35 (70%)
Total paid: 16.16
Cash back: $10.00

I went to Staples in Pascagoula with my friend, Katie to get some $1.00 and .01 deals for school supplies. We had a little problem with the cashier and computer not ringing items up at the correct price, but once we got everything straightened out, I ended up with some pretty good deals.

Staples total ticket before sale prices: $87.31
Total paid in store today: $43.32
Total Rebates: $9.96
Total Out of Pocket: $33.36
Equals a savings of $53.95 (62%)

If you have started couponing, I would love to hear about your finds.

Until next time.....

XOXOXO

Old Mother Hubbard

Old Mother Hubbard
went to the cupboard
To get her poor self a snack
But when she was there
the cupboard was bare
And so her poor self had none.

She went and planted a garden
So she could entertain at a luncheon.

She went and learned to make pickles and jellies
This put a bulge in her belly.

But best of all she went on a couponing mission
And when she came back
Her pockets were full of this week's commission.

Just wanting to share this weeks couponing experiences with you.

CVS Total ticket: 81.67
         Savings: 41.14 (50%)
         Paid:  40.53
         Cash back: $7.00

Walgreens Total ticket: 14.68
                 Savings: 13.47 (92%)
                 Paid: 1.21
                Cash back: $4.00

Winn-Dixie: Total ticket: 153.07
                   Savings:  72.20 (47%)
                   Paid:  80.87
                  Cash back: $5.00

I know a lot of my readers live in KO. Here is the guide to getting the most out of your CVS extra bucks. http://www.southernsavers.com/getting-started-guides/how-to-cvs/

My goal from this point forward is save 60% or more of the overall ticket price. We will see what happens.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

Rain, rain go away

Hurricane Alex has brought tons and tons of rain to Gulfport this week. Our pool is overflowing, water got in our garage, and the gutters overflowed. I just want this rain to go away and come again another day. Like maybe in the winter when I don't want to be outside anyway, and my pool is closed for the season. Yes, now that sounds like a good time for rain to come. :) Well, no really, I know we need rain, but I just don't want it everyday.

Enough with the pity party.... I decided to stop pouting today and be productive. Winn Dixie has strawberries on sale B1G1; so I went and bought 4 packages. I came home and made strawberry preserves. They taste great and look so pretty in the jars.

You are probably asking  yourself, how did she know strawberries where on B1G1. Recently as in last week, I decided that I am going to bite the bullet and start couponing. I tried this 2 summers ago and was just discouraged and did not save much money. A friend of mine on FB is always bragging about her great couponing deals, so I decided to pull her in for a little Couponing 101. She told me about this site www.southernsavers.com. It is AMAZING! This lady named Jenny gave me three video tutorials. Now, I understand that couponing is about knowing what is on sale and then getting a coupon for only the sale items that you are going to purchase.

Well, Jenny does not stop there. She (this is her J.O.B.) pulls all the weekly ads for most grocery stores and drug stories in the Southeast, finds the best deals, locates the coupons (even the online ones) and post them to southernsavers.com.  All I have to do is check the boxes next to the things I want, print my coupons or find them in the listed flyers. WHAT THE HECK? OMG; CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? 

I will admit that even though this sounds so easy, it still took me 3 hours, Sunday, to figure it all out. I had to decipher the lingo she was using and locate the coupons and print the coupons and whatever other things I did that made this simple process stretch out. (Story of my life).

But wait, it gets better. Jenny not only lets you know about grocery and drug store deals, but she tells you about all this free stuff you can get and discounts at clothing stores, shoe stores, all stores!!! Since Sunday, excluding my grocery deals (which include saving $40.00 dollars at Winn Dixie today), I have gotten 20 4x6 prints FREE, 1 8x10 collage print FREE, and 1 lady speed stick deodorant FREE.

I hope this coupon enthusiasm lasts because I could seriously save some money in my budget if it does.

Until next time...

XOXXOXOXOXOX

Pretty in Pink

Last week, a couple of friends and I decided to have a girls night out with sushi and swimming. I made these pretty in pink homemade strawberry cupcakes and Wes so graciously made us all pink watermelon margaritas. I didn't get a picture of the drinks or the friends, but I will next time! FUN TIMES!

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

Safari Ken

I could not believe my eyes and ears when I found out that Safari Ken was one of the new "stars" of "Toy Story 3".

I have known this vain character for 20+ years!!

I am so proud that he is finally doing something with his life. I never thought he would get out of the toy chest in Hesterville, MS. :)

Until next time....

XOXOXOXOx

Success

is when this

grows and produces this

and these are made into this

DILL PICKLES!

Until next time....

XOXOXOXOX

Let them eat PIE too!

A few weeks ago when my parents came to visit, my daddy and I picked some blackberries in an empty lot near my house. I froze the berries and put them to good use last night making this homemade blackberry pie! It was sooo delicious. I surprised myself with it! I keep telling Wes (who LOVED it) it tastes like a pie a grandmother would make. YUMMY!

Cooking tip: To get a really golden brown crust, brush the top of the pie crust with milk and then sprinkle with a thin layer of white sugar. It really works!

Until next time....

XOXOXOXO

Josh Ritter

Last night, Wes and I went to Baton Rouge, LA to see Josh Ritter in concert. You may remember me talking about Dawn Landes, Wes' sister here. Well, this is her husband. He was absolutely amazing. The videos I am going to post do not compare at all to his live performances. Check him out at http://www.joshritter.com/.



Here we are with Josh backstage.

Until next time....

XOXOXO

The SNORKELER

SNORKELER

Today's fun project.

Until next time...

XOXOOXO