Today's shopping trip!

I went to 2 stores this morning. The first picture and receipts are from Albertsons. Don't know how well you can see the totals on the receipts, but the total before tax came to $0.00 for all the items shown above, except the Rhodes rolls, which were .89 cents. I got a rain check for all these items sale price from a couple weeks ago. However, most of them were at the same price again. I got the rain checks so I could use the sale price, matched with manufacturer coupons, and the Albertsons "double the value" coupons. Allowing me to double my manufacture coupon. And why so many different receipts for that stuff? You can only use 3-double value coupons in a transaction. But they let you do as many transactions as you want. Definitely worth the hassle of going through the line a few times! If I had just bought all these items at the sale price I would have paid $27.14 +tax , and I only paid .89 cents+tax! And because I went earlier in the morning, I scored a great deal on ground beef! I scanned over their meat department and came across small packages of 7% fat ground beef, that had a $1 coupon on them, because the meat was put out yesterday. So I ended up with 6.2 lbs of 7% fat ground beef, for only $8.33. That's only $1.34 lbs for 7% fat ground beef! This is the best deal I have ever gotten on ground beef! I will definitely be going to Albertsons more in the morning!

This is my trip to Rite aid!

I actually really needed some liners. Free with coupons and sale this week. The "soft lips" chapstick is Jake's favorite but kind of spendy. Bought him the target brand last time at $1.88 a twin pack(I think, if not more)So I stocked up on both these items today, being on sale for .99 cents a twin pack! I just recently got my free sample box of Kashi heart to heart cereal(thanks to vocalpoint) which also came with a coupon for a free box, plus a few $1.50 of 1 box coupons. These were priced at $4.99 but were Buy 1 get one free. I thought this was my best chance to use these coupons. As rite aid allows you to use a "free" or "buy one get one free coupon" with the B1G1F sale. Making it 2 for free! I did two seperate purchases for all this stuff, so I could use two $3 off $15 purchase rite aid coupons. You can clearly see my totals in this picture! Not bad eh!?! My total was about the same price I would pay for just 2 twin packs of soft lips at Walmart. My hubby is going to love this deal!

Block letter project

I started this project over 6 months ago at a church activity. Has been sitting in my pantry just staring me down. Now that I am down the the final few days before the baby I am finding myself things to do and finish. So I finished painting the last side of all the blocks, and added a few coats where needed. Let it dry for a day, then modge podged the letters to the card stock, and the card stock to the blocks. Just added a few generous coats and let it dry for 2 days and tied on a pretty little ribbon. I am happy with the finished product. Never done block letters before. Matches my curtains, couches, and clock quite nicely. I also finally printed my favorite picture of our family (7 months old now) and got it put in a frame and on the book shelf.
And the books are all organized now as well. Which weren't yet when I took the picture that I posted on here. My next decorating project is to finish my kitchen curtains! I have them done, but haven't painted the cherries on the valance yet. So when I get that done, I will post pictures :)

My sweet Taylor!

I just want to highlight the light of my life...my sweet and beautiful little girl Taylor! I know any day now, the world as she(and I)knows it, will be changed forever. I have absolutely loved having the past 2 1/2 years to get to know her and bond with her. I am going to miss the one-on-one I have with her right now. She is so loving, kind, and sincere. Her laughs are genuine and very contagious! Ask those who have witnessed it! She has always been a happy child and pretty laid back. I love the twinkle in her eyes, and her sweet spirit that she possesses and shares with all. I love watching her interact with others because she just loves people in general and always puts a smile on everyones face. And almost always has a smile on her face. I love when she comes in my room in the morning and says, "Good morning Mommy, I'm awake now, its not dark outside anymore" with a huge smile on her face. It puts a smile on my face and helps me have a better attitude starting the day, as I have never been a morning person. She loves to read books with us and sing songs. She has several songs memorized that she requests to sing, and now sings to me :) "You are my Sunshine" is on the top of that list at the moment. She is learning and growing so much too. She knows several colors and shapes and points them out in books, in stores, and even on tv. Same with letters. She recognizes her name when she sees it and knows "t" is for Taylor. As well as all the other letters in her name. She will point out other letters to me as well. She is already better than me at the game "memory" and likes to play "uno" as well. She knows all the colors in that game and knows she can play by matching colors, symbols, or numbers. She even knows to draw if she doesn't have a match. It's a lot of fun to see her doing so much at this age. And that we can really play together. She is always cooking me "dinner" with her kitchen set Santa brought her. Which she lights up about when you ask her. She is such a smart little girl. She loves to help too! Give her a task or ask a favor and she does it with a big smile! She loves the "thank you's" and "your such a big/good helper" she gets in return. She is also very polite and says please, thank you, sorry, excuse me, and excuse you, if you don't excuse yourself quickly enough. She never ceases to amaze me. She is a very good eater and would prefer an apple or carrots over candy or a granola bar. She is becoming very independent and we are all learning to be patient with each other and trying to understand each other better. She is excited to have baby Dakoda coming soon. She tells me she is going to hold him in her arms. Which I can't wait for as well. It will be a sweet moment. She has really enjoyed going to "Dr. Huge"(Dr. Hughes) with me to get weighed(always after I do), and to hear baby Koda's "heartbeep". She was saying it correctly but for some reason started saying "beep" and won't say "beat" now. Its so cute. She recently(finally) started saying "spoon" correctly, as she was calling it "foon" forever. Even though she has been able to pronounce other words with "sp" sound. She also expresses her emotions really well. I always love to hear her say "I love you Mommy" when I haven't said it first. But just because she is feeling that emotion. She isn't my little baby any more. But my beautiful little girl. I love you Taylor!

This is why I use coupons!

Do you see the subtotal at the bottom of the picture on the right? With the sales and the coupons I had, it actually would have taken my total below zero, so I grabbed a few bags of easter candy to bring my total above zero. 6 Bottles of Johnson baby wash, 18 ct pads, and 3 bags of candy and my total came to $1.90 with tax! These washes are normally $3-$5.59 each. Also purchased a 4pk gillette razor refill cartridge, gillette shave gel and body wash for Jake. The total for all 3 items was $8.99. Once again taking advantage of sales combined with coupons saved me a lot. The refill cartridge alone was priced at $15.99. So half the price of the cartridge for all 3 items! The money I save couponing is like having a part time job. It takes time, but the money we save on things we have to get anyway, is better than a part time job. And I can still be at home with my children! This is my only real hobby or interest. What other hobby/interest actually saves you money! I love it!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes!

This is the finished product! 100% homemade! Delicious too! Its a chocolate cupcake with a peanut butter filling. Then the frosting is peanut butter and cream cheese! I get this little magazine in the Sunday paper once a month called Relish. I saw this recipe, and the picture looked so good, thought I'd try it myself. Had what I needed, except buttermilk, which I substituted. I should really start trying new recipes more often. It usually turns out great on my first try if I just follow directions. Check out this recipe and their picture here www.relishmag.com/article/37883.html Maybe I will try a few other things and start posting them on here. I have 4 more weeks(maybe less :) before Dakoda comes and I have a few projects I want to get done. Maybe I will put up my before and after pictures of my projects! I will try to get better at posting more often. Keep everyone updated. We finally have a camera, just need some good lithium rechargable batteries, seeing this camera uses up 2 regular batteries within 15 pictures. Its the popup flash that kills it. Anyway, excited to share more things and be able to post pictures too!

I Want my camera!

I just have to vent a little. Our camera hasn't been working very well for a long time and completely crapped out on us about a month ago and haven't been able to take any pictures... No Halloween pictures, Thanksgiving, my belly getting bigger, or cute moments captured. Finally fed up with it we decided to start looking. Well about two weeks ago we really started to look and make a decision. We found our camera on ebay and got really excited! Got an AMAZING deal and thought we'd have a camera for Thanksgiving. We made the payment immediately upon winning and we were both eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new camera. Then came the email...grrrrr! "Sorry to inform you but as we were getting ready to ship this we realized the items were damaged. We will refund your money or put it towards something else from our ebay store." We don't want something else! We want our camera, the one you said you had for sale! And we want it for the price we paid! And we also noticed it had been sent via undisclosed recipients. So we aren't the only ones that got all excited about a camera, only to find out that what they had in stock was damaged. Maybe they should have checked what they had in stock before they auctioned them to make sure they were going to be able to give us what they said they would. They said when they had more in and listed them, we can then buy it. But they don't know when that might be. Hopefully we will have a camera by Christmas! And we better see our money back in our account by tomorrow or I am gonna get ticked! Overall, I love ebay and have had good experiences and will continue to use ebay. But I am very frustrated with the fact that this seller listed and sold a lot of these cameras before checking the stock to make sure they had undamaged goods to sell. And we got so excited only to be left once again with no camera to take pictures with. At least we'll be with family at Thanksgiving that takes a lot of pictures. So we will get some pictures emailed to us I'm sure.

Our Little Dakoda!

So as of today, I am 22 weeks and 2 days pregnant with our little BOY Dakoda! We are to expect his arrival around March 10th. We are so excited about bringing him into this world and giving Taylor a little brother to love. I just went to the doctor yesterday, who is the best, and got an ultrasound to check all the organs and development. He is very healthy looking, all parts intact and perfect! Can you see the five toes?

I have been feeling him move since I was only 15 weeks. Jake and Taylor have been able to feel him move for a few weeks now. A few times they have also been able to see him move. It is so much fun. Taylor always talks about "baby Coda" in mommy's belly. And I am sure Daddy is proud its a boy. We are just so happy that so far Dakoda is growing as he should and very active which is always a good sign.

Okay, I am also really excited about the fact that this time around we get to have a boy! So now we have one of each...which Jake thinks is a good excuse to stop. Mostly kidding. But we both know that most likely there is more than just these 2 precious souls out there waiting for us.

The pregnancy has been good and going by quickly. Was nauseous early on but fortunate to keep things down, except for a couple times. Now I am just struggling with pinched nerves in my lower back causing pain and itching in my buttocks. Going to the chiropractor regularly but still no sign of relief. I am coming to accept the fact that some people suffer sickness during their whole pregnancy and I get to have an itchy stingy butt. Laughter is the best medicine right?..it is when you can't take the heavy stuff that works! :)

Keeping a positive attitude and enjoying every moment I can right now! I also can't wait to see what our little Dakoda will look like. Will he look anything like Taylor? She's got the blond hair blue eyes. Or will he take after Daddy and get brown eyes and brown hair!!! The suspense is growing stronger! One thing I know for sure is that I think he is cute already, especially when I got to see his little profile!

I am so blessed with the opportunity to bring children into this world and grateful for good health to do so. And very grateful for Jake's hard work and effort that allows us to have a wonderful home to live in and allows me to be at home with our children! I can't wait to post again when Dakoda arrives!

I love Coupons!

I have been able to stock up on so many things using coupons. And I am paying pennies for it! For example there is a deal at Albertsons this week on tuna, making it only .05 cents a pouch!!! Want to know more or better yet, get your hands on the coupons to get the deal? Go on over here for a chance to win the coupons for this sale!!! http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2009/07/local-tuna-coupon-giveaway.html . Good luck! Hope I win! and you too! Since there will be 10 winners!

Albertsons 6/24/09

This morning I went to Albertsons. Using the double coupons(2 in Albertsons insert, and 2 per transaction), my manufacture coupons, and using it with the promotion going on, this is what I got. 32 Kraft ranch & Bacon pasta salad. (Anybody want some?)2 bottles heinz 57 bbq sauce(my fav) and 2 kraft squeeze mayo. 10 easy mac & cheese cups.(have good variety besides cheese) 3 airwick motion(air freshener). And finally cashed in on my raincheck for the quick release bayer aspirin-6 total. For all of this I spent $.26 cents! Well, if you count all the tax I paid, the total was $3.40! My total savings was $152.17! Happy shopping!!!

Cute inexpensive jewelry!

So I am now selling jewelry. Mostly on craigslist. But I wanted to share some information. No, I didn't sign up with some company. I am doing this all on my own! Inspired to do so after buying a cute blue bracelelt earring set for $5 at a boutique style shop in our area. I thought, what a great deal! And then decided I should let others have these great deals like I found on jewelry. I have the exact set for sale now too, but I also have the matching necklace as well!(picture on the right) You can see the pictures of some of the jewelry here. I have more than I can post. So if you are interested, have questions, or want to see what else I have, email me, sf_me@hotmail.com. You would see a lot of these styles at stores in the mall for a lot more than I would ever pay, or what anyone should pay! I think my prices are fair....ok...more like great!!! Earrings $3.50. Bracelets $4.50-5. Bracelet earring sets $5. Necklace earring sets $6.50!!! The only thing more than that is the fancier black and silver circles necklace earring set for $8.5o! And if you buy more than one thing at a time, I will take $.50 off each item! I would love some feedback as well. Hope you all enjoy my new jewelry collection!

SWAGBUCKS!

If you like to search the internet a lot. Or always find yourself doing so. Then this is definitely for you. I came across this on a coupon blog I read and set up the search engine toolbar for myself. All you do is search through them and they randomly reward you with "swagbucks." Once you earn enough, you can redeem them for prizes, like music downloads, baseball cards, amazon gift cards, and many more things!!! Its pretty cool to get free stuff just for searching the internet, which we all do anyways right?! Just click on the banner/picture at the top of this post to get started! Its easy and free!!! Let me know what you think!

I love Albertsons!

I made over 20 different purchases during this past week's sale at Albertsons. Tonight was the last day of the sale and got some more stuff. Found out earlier today there was an additional promotion going on with the Kraft dressing and produce. So my 7 1/2 pound bag of apples and bunches of grapes alone would have cost me $9.50 without coupons. However, everything you see in these pictures cost a total of $15.30!! And $5.35 of that was tax! My total savings this week was $293.04!!!!

FREE SONIC ROOT BEER FLOAT!!!

Tonight only from 8-closing at all Sonic locations! Enjoy your free root beer float!

And the fun begins!

This was my trip to Target yesterday! I even had more coupons to match up for more free mayonnaise but didn't take them with me. 5 Mayo-bigger bottles than the free ones I snagged at Albertson's. 4 bliss candy bars-mmm. 2 men's Degree deodorant(harder to get free then women's) And a vitamin water.(Didn't feel right printing off more than one of these coupons-as it didn't have a limit) Drumroll....and the total? 53 cents(which was all tax)!!!! Have a great deal I am working up on Albertson's. Hopefully have that posted next week!

Almost half way through the year...wow!

So time really flies! I think I am going to start posting more regularly. Especially now that I always have great deals to share! First off I thought I might update since the last post. We successfully closed and moved into our house in December! It was worth the wait! We love our new home! Got everything unpacked pretty quick but took a while to figure out where I wanted the bigger things and to put things up on the walls. We have hosted a few parties, had family stay, and gotten to know a few neighbors. I don't think we could have made a better choice. I am once again in the young women's program in our ward. Same calling...apparently thats where I am supposed to be and I am happy with that. I love being closer to my family and being able to have family stay with us.

Taylor will be 2 in a few weeks and she is definitely proving to me that she is growing up. Two weeks ago we got rid of the binky(cold turkey)with no problems. Last night I took apart her crib and set up her toddler bed. With her assistance. She really likes her new bed! She has been telling me when she needs to go on the toilet. Today she has kept her diaper dry for 4 hours and gone on the toilet 3 times! I think she decided to grow up over night! She may be in big girl underwear by her birthday(fingers crossed) which would be great!

Jake has been fortunate to stay busy at work and provide for our family. I am so grateful for that, knowing how hard it is to keep a job during these times. He is such a hard worker and know that his hard work is what's kept us going. I love my man! I have decided I absolutely love being at home and save quite a bit with my new hobby! Which takes enough time to be a part time job. Completely worth it!

As for my hobby...or "soul"(coupon binder) as Jake calls it. I am loving it! We are stocking up on the neccessities like never before. And paying pennies for it! Sometimes even getting things free or better yet, getting paid for it! For example, I just went to Walgreens this morning and bought a glucose meter(which I will donate-already gave one to my gma and she was thrilled)which was on sale for $10. I had a coupon for up to $30, which means free...but, this week they are giving $10 Register rewards with the purchase of the meter. What does that mean? That I paid 60 cents(all tax) but then it printed out a receipt/coupon for $10 off towards my next purchase at their store. Basically Walgreen cash! :) And did a similar thing last night with aspirin. Making $12 in Register rewards! Now I have $22 to spend at Walgreens for things I really need! :) Doesn't get any better than that....getting paid to shop, oh yeah!!!

We're moving!

I am so excited, full of energy, and anxious right now(10:20 pm) I almost feel like throwing up. So we have slowly started packing the last week or two. I was even up all by myself packing until 3:30 this morning. Couldn't help myself. Jake woke up and made me come to bed. We found out today that we close at 10 am tomorrow. Jake came home at noon and we've been packing ever since. Jake is exhausted and just went to bed. I only had four hours of sleep and I'm still going strong. It's amazing what excitement and adrenaline can do to you. I am ready to do some more, but I figured I would take a break and relax a little. Do a little blogging instead. Now that I feel like everything is coming together and its a new chapter in our life, I have something to blog about. I wanted to wait until everything was just right! (*big sigh*)And I feel like it finally is!



I am sad to be moving out of our ward of two years. Being in the Young Women's for two years and getting to know the girls and grow with them. I will truly miss them and always remember them. I can only hope I was as big of an impact on them as they were on me. Wow...I'm overcome with emotion. I never cried when I bore my testimony and said my final goodbye. Choked up just a bit but never cried. I guess the leaving part just hadn't really set in till now. Now that its happening for real. I had been telling the girls since March that we would soon be leaving. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me the opportunity to serve in the Young Women's. I will cherish all the many great memories from the past two years. Then of course there are the friends which we have made. Such wonderful people. And many good times. Hopefully we have made good enough friends to stay in touch and still find some time to get together.



As I look around our place right now I am saddened. Full of boxes and empty walls. This place really has become our cozy little home. The creaking hallway. Squeaky faucets. Our fireplace. The sound of cars....we will remember it and think happy thoughts because thats why I think Taylor is so fond of cars. She would wake up in the morning saying cars because she could hear them. She even mimicks the sound of sirens or horns as they go by. Not all these things are good things, but its what made it our home. I am looking forward to a hallway we can walk down without having to tiptoe in hopes of missing the creaks so we won't wake Taylor. Or waking her when washing our hands because of the squeaky faucet or taking a shower. Because the bathroom is next to her room. I'll miss the look of our fireplace. Taylor's favorite spot was to sit on the brick in front of the fireplace. My guess is that her new spot will be on the first step of the stairs. Most of all we are looking forward to the space! We are very excited for all the space we will have. An actual guest room with a bed. No more couches Mom. And pretty much your own bathroom. And think of all the places we can hide and scare Taylor. Surprisingly she loves when we jump out and scare her. Well not scare, but surprise her.



We love to play games and entertain. Now we really have the room for it. And we can have guests come stay with us too! Very exciting! We will also be closer to family which is a huge reason for me to be celebrating. Can't wait to spend more time with my family and become better friends.



This whole week and coming week are pure craziness. We have been doing everything possible to close this week on the house. Wanted to close before leaving for Christmas. Well we really wanted to close before Thanksgiving but that obviously didn't happen. We put an offer on this house the first week of August so its been a long wait. Definitely worth the wait and all the crud we've been through with this whole thing. As soon as we move, we turn around unpack and then pack again and leave Sunday or Monday for a week with Jakes family for Christmas. It should be a lot of fun. Taylor will have a lot of fun cousins to play with as well. Then we can return, finish unpacking, and settle in to our new house! *sigh* I think I can sleep now!