I'm gonna be a mister!

Throw me something, mister!!! Yes, indeed, all my family and friends gathered together bright and early, and I do mean early, in the wind and rain and cold to be misters for my surprise of actually being in a Mardi Gras parade on Sunday.

Wes, Julie, and Rachel had been secretly planning this for months. Wes rented a float, bought the throws, gathered the people, and we had a fantastic time!!

I am still in awe over the love and thoughtfulness that was put into throwing this party for me. I can't say enough about Wes. He put so much time and energy into making this a wonderful weekend. I am more than lucky to have such an attentive spouse. My friends are just as amazing. They schemed and kept Wes on task and made me feel so special and loved. My family is always so entertaining. I am overjoyed that they were all able to be part this spectacular day.

Until next time....

XOXOXOXO

On turning 30

 For quite a while now, I have been dreading turning the "Dirty Thirty" as a friend of mine calls it. I don't know what made me feel sad for leaving the oh so young twenties behind. Maybe, it was because people will no longer say, "AWWWWW" when I tell them my age. Maybe, it was the Redbook article I read that outlined all the not so appealing things that would start happening to my body when I turned 30. Maybe, it was a number of small things, who knows?

What I know for SURE is this...

• I wanted to cry about it on Thursday.
• Friday, I was perfectly happy being 30 and looking forward to celebrating.
• I don't feel old at all, but I do get tired easier than I used to.
• I can stay out all night long, but the next day is a wash.
• 29 was probably the best year of my life, and if that is any indication of what the 30's will be like, bring it on!!
• I have the most AWESOME husband who threw me the biggest surprise birthday weekend, ever!!
• My life is in a good place.
• I am happy!

Speaking of the "biggest surprise birthday weekend ever." Wes really out did himself. It started with strawberries and waffles for breakfast on Friday morning. He planned a surprise dinner for me at my fave Mexican restaurant with my fave friends on Friday night. Then, we hit the dance floor.

Saturday, my entire family came into to town to celebrate and hit some Mardi Gras parades in the rain!!

Sunday.... well that is another post entirely.

So here's to the thirties!! Let's have some FUN!!

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

CVS stock up week

This week there are lots of good deals at CVS. This is the perfect week to stock up on things you always need and will use.

Here is the scenario I did. I bought $98.74 worth of items and only paid $34.76.

Transaction #1

Revitilins Mulitpurpose solution- $5.99

Paid (w/ tax) $6.41
ECBs: $5.99

Transaction #2

2 Puffs basics- $1 each
2 Kashi TLC bars- 2/$6
2 Crest Prohealth- $3.29 each

- $5.99 ECBs from trans #1
-.50/2 Puffs P&G 2/27
-1.00 Crest P&G $110 booklet
-1.00 Crest P&G $110 booklet (I got this booklet as a reward for purchasing $50.00 worth of P&G products over the summer).

Paid (w/ tax) $7.11
ECBs: $6.58; $2.00

Transaction #3

2 Tide 32 loads
4 Puffs basics
2 Dawn antibacterial dish soap
1 Charmin 12 pack basic
1 Covergirl Lashblast mascara

-$6.58 ECBs trans 2
-$2.00 ECBs trans 2
-$1.00 Tide from P&G $110 booklet
-$1.00 Tide from P&G $110 booklet
-.50 Dawn from P&G $110 booklet
-.50 Dawn from P&G $110 booklet
-$1.00 Covergirl P&G $110 booklet

Paid (w/tax) $17.96
ECBs: $10.00

Transaction #4

6 pack Dove bar soap
1 Swiffer wet ones refills
1 Half gallon milk

-$10.00 ECBs from trans 3
-.50 Swiffer P&G $110 booklet

Paid (w/tax) $3.28

Total paid for all items $34.76

For more scenarios and links to other coupons go to www.southernsavers.com. Remember the key to saving money is stocking up on things when they are at their lowest prices and (if you have one) using a coupon.

Let me know what deals you got this week.

Until next time..

XOXOXOX

She's so pretty

that she pulled into the bank parking lot on President's Day without noticing that there was not one single car in the parking lot. Drove around to the drive-thru window, and sat there waiting for someone to open the magical drawer that takes money in and deposits little slips of paper that explain where your money has gone. After several minutes with no service, her impatience mounts. She takes off her sunglasses, frowns into the gigantic window, and discovers nothing but darkness and also a sign stating that the bank is closed on President's Day. As drives away, she makes a note of the completely empty parking lot.

Yes, she is certain that all of this was caught on surveillance cameras. This morning, someone got a good laugh. Awwwwwww, she's so pretty.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXOX

Disclaimer.. this is a true story that someone may later regret posting and it may disappear. So read and laugh while you can.

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