Thank goodness he doesn't listen....

because otherwise, I would have sassed my way right out of a romantic picnic.

Sunday afternoon, Wes asks me if I would like to go out to eat for Valentine's Day. I said, "Sure". He then proceeds to explain that I don't need to dress up. I respond with, "I'll probably just wear what I wore to work". He sort of frowns and says mmmmmm. That's when I get sassy. "Well, I hope it is not something outside because I don't want to be COLD!!" End of conversation.

Monday night.... "Well, do you want to go on a picnic with me on the beach or not?" "OF COURSE I DO!" I never even thought of the comment I made just the day before.

Wes had everything. Sushi, wine, blankets, fire pit, flashlight, chairs, EVERYTHING! It was extremely thoughtful and romantic. I love that boy!

Once we were home and snuggling on the couch watching The Bachelor, he reminded me of my sassy mouth! WHOOPS!!!

Until next time..

XOXOXOXO

Give Life for Lent

Traditionally, I don't practice Lent. However, this is a wonderful way to start!!

Until next time..

XOXOXOXOXO

Watch Brooke Buy

I have not posted on couponing in quite some time. One reason is because during November and December, I really did not shop that much. We have a nice stock pile of things now; so, I only go to the store if there is a really good deal. The second reason is because I thought is was getting a little boring to read about. But with the new year in full swing, I thought some readers might want a refresher on how the scenarios work and ECBs and RRs and such.

Before I get into this weeks shopping trips, I want to brag a bit on my success during the last 6 months of 2010. After discovering that our grocery bill could be easily cut by $100 a month, we set our budget for $300 a month over a 6 month time frame. Our goal was to only spend $1800.00 for literally everything we buy. (Food, toiletries, cat food, cosmetics, medicine, etc.) . We only went over one month when I got carried away with the deals. The 5 other months we were below the $300 budget. From July to December we spent a total of $1778.60, and we saved $2,202.30. Leaving us with a 56% savings rate for 2010. WOW!

Note: The only stores I shopped at were CVS, Walgreens, and Winn Dixie.

Now that we have a stock pile, I can't wait to see the 2011 savings at the end of the year. If you are asking, what a stock pile is...go to www.southernsavers.com and watch the videos under the Learn to Coupon link.

Now for this weeks "Brooke Bought"

CVS
Total ticket: $50.82
Paid: $17.92
Saved:$32.90 (65%)
Cash back:$6.00

I bought 4 2 liters Mt. Dew, 2 12 pks Aquafina water, 2 bags Doritos, 2 bags Lays. Used $4 off $20 and $1 ECB from last week. Paid $16.12. Got back $10 ECBs.

Then, I bought 2 Toms of Maine deodorant, 1 bag orange slices, 1 Cascade powder. Used $10 ECBs and $1 Cascade coupon. Paid $1.80. Got back $6.00 ECBs that I will use on my next trip to CVS.

Walgreens
Total ticket: $58.86
Paid: $27.16
Saved: $31.70 (54%)

I bought 1 Cascade powder, 1 Toms of Maine deodorant, 2 John Freida shampoos, 1 John Freida conditioner. Used 2 $2 John Freida coupons and 1 $1 Cascade coupon. Paid $19.59.  Got back $9 RR.

Then, I bought 1 box Wheat Thins, 1 box Ritz crackers, 1 box Shells & Cheese, 2 packages Planters Flavor Full Almonds, 2 Russell Stover hearts, 1 can Lindsey olives, 1 6 double roll Charmin Basic. Used $9 RR, $.25 Charmin coupon, $.99 Lindsay olive coupon from ad, $1.00 Planters coupon from Walgreens coupon book. Paid $7.57.

Winn Dixie
Total ticket: $59.56
Paid: $38.04
Saved: $21.52 (36%)

Let me know about your deals by commenting below. Happy shopping.


Until next time...

XOXOXOXOXO

Getting crafty

The Santa's in my life support my vices and got me 2 black and white Walter Anderson prints this year. I have already painted them and wanted to share.

I, also, got 101 cookie cutters that I can't wait to use in the very near future.

On a side note, I am very excited about my bulletin board at school. Wes helped me with the title, and I just thought of these triangle people one night while watching TV. It turned out better than I expected. I am certain no one cares about this but me. Since this is MY blog, you will be subjected to it. LOL!

The white snowflakes have trivia questions on them. :)

Until next time....

XOXOXOXOXO

Whatcha been doin'?

This is the catch up blog....

Wes and I had a wonderful holiday season. We slept late, decorated, ate great food, shopped, visited friends and family, and laughed a lot. It was relaxing and possibly the best holiday we've had, ever!!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with the movie, Tron. We ate BBQ chicken and opened presents. It was soooo fantastic. We both loved our gifts. I stayed up until 1pm playing with my new toys and trying on my new outfits. Wes always out does me in the gift giving department!!! Of course, I don't have a single picture from that night. :(

Christmas Day we traveled through the snow (okay, snow flurries) to Kosciusko to par-tay with my parents, sisters, and brother in-laws. I had a such a great time. I love it when all three of the girls are at home together. We gossip, solve the worlds problems, and laugh like it is nobody's business. Wes went hunting with my dad and (surprisingly) killed another deer. We have had many delicious meals from this man versus beast experience. This is the bacon wrapped venison tenderloin I prepared. It was yummy.

Once we got back to Gulfport, we did a few chores. We un-decorated, shopped, returned a few Christmas presents, dined out, went to the movies, did a little bit of school work, and toured the Nina and the Pinta. They were docked in Gulfport over the holiday. Honestly, it was a bit costly; however, it was interesting to get perspective on the courage that Christopher Columbus and his crew had to have in order to brave the ocean in such a small and open vessel.

Notice how long my hair is... OMG, I can't even believe it.

 We rang in the New Year by celebrating our friend, Julie's wedding to Jason. She threw a great party with wonderful food and friends. Wes and I were all dressed up, and we danced in 2011. Once again, no pics.

Happy New Year to all of you. I hope your year has gotten off to a fabulous start!!

Until next time...

XOXOXOXOXOXOX

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