No Ink Cartridges Still...BUT Awesome Luvs Diaper Deal!!

So it's finally starting to get under my skin that I don't have any ink left in my printer to print off coupons.  And the fact that I can save coupons to my loyalty cards keeps slipping my mind.  However, I did score some awesome deals this week.  

I will tell any parent who is tired of paying out ridiculous amounts on Luvs & Pampers diapers, sign up for Publix coupons, Publix Baby Club, and P & G coupons.  ALSO for stockingspree.com.  I get their seasonal booklets with up to $40 in coupons and in about every other booklet, they have a coupon for $10 off any 2 boxes of Luvs or Pampers diapers.  AWESOME Deal!  And for anybody who doesn't have a Publix nearby, Bi-Lo (my regular store) accepts competitor's coupons.

Okay, so onto my deals for this week::

2 Boxes of Luvs Size 4 Diapers 
    *Regular Price per box: $19.99
    *Sale Price per box: $17.99
    *Publix Coupon $10 off any 2 boxes of Luvs or Pampers diapers
    *Final Price for both boxes: $25.98
Febreeze Air Effects
    *Regular Price: $3.29
    *Sale Price: $1.97
    *MFR Coupon: $1.50 off any one
    *Final Price: $0.47
2 Bottles Palmolive Soft Touch Hand Soap
    *Regular Price per bottle: $3.99
    *Sale Price per bottle: $2.50
    *MFR coupon for $1/2 bottles
    *Final price per bottle: $2.00

Okay so i got a TON of stuff i had to pay full price or sale price for this week.  But my total before savings was $117.83 and I still have my $10 off any $50 purchase so I still managed to save $46.64 between sales and the 4 coupons I had.  Still getting the hang & will hopefully have a better list and total next time =)

This Week's Couponing Trip

So I'm a tad bit behind this week.  I made a trip to do my couponing on Monday but I've just now got around to doing this.  I got a few freebies this week.  I'm trying to apply a few more of the tips I've learned about Bi-Lo's couponing policies to my shopping there.  Anyways, here goes::

Transaction #1
*Hawaiian Punch Aloha Morning Berry 1 gallon 
       *Reg Price: $2.50
        *Sale Price: $2.00
          *Target Coupon For $1.00 
            MFR Coupon: $1.10
           *Final Price: FREE
*3 Boxes Poptarts 
        *Reg Price For All Boxes: $7.44
         *Sale Price For All Boxes: $6.00
          *2 Bilo Catalinas For $1.00 off
           *Final Price: $4.00 for 3 Boxes, One Box FREE
*4 Boxes Kellogg's Fruit Gummies
        *Reg Price For All Boxes: $11.96
          *Sale Price For All Boxes: $10.00
            *Target Coupon For $1.00 off 3 boxes
              *Final Price: $9.00 for 4 boxes
*2 12 Packs of Cottonelle Toilet Paper & 1 Tub Cottonelle Flushable Wipes
          *Reg Price For Both Packs TP: $19.96
            *Sale Price For Both Packs TP: $12.00
              *Reg Price For Tub of Wipes: $2.77 (Not on Sale)
                *Price for 2 Packs TP & Tub of Wipes: $14.77
                *Coupons: $1.50 MFR for 12 pack & tub of wipes 
                                   $0.50 MFR TP
                                   $0.50 MFR Wipes
                                   $1.00 Ingles Catalina off TP
                                   $1.00 Bilo Catalina off TP 
                 *Final Price on TP & Wipes: $10.27
*Pampers 212 Count Wipes
            *Reg Price: $7.58
              *Sale Price: $6.38
               *MFR Coupon: $2.00
                 *Final Price: $4.38
*4 Boxes 12 Count Go-Gurt          
             *Reg Price For All: $11.96 (Not on Sale)
              *2 MFR Coupons For $0.75
               *Final Price: $10.46
*DiGiorno Rising Crust Pizza
             *Reg Price: $7.38
              *Sale Price: $5.00
                *MFR Coupon $1.50
                  Target Coupon $0.50
                 *Final Price: $3.50
*1 lb Ground Turkey
              *Reg Price: $4.79
                *Sale & Final Price: $3.99
*2 packs Oscar Meyer Turkey Weenies
              *Reg Price for both: $10.78
                *Sale Price for both: $7.98
                  *2 Target Coupons for $0.75
*Bi-Lo Coupon For $10.00 off $50.00 purchase

*Subtotal Before Savings: $87.12
*My Savings: $48.89
*Subtotal After Savings:  $38.23
*Tax: $1.18
*Paid: $39.41

Transaction #2
*3  8 oz bottles Kraft Salad Dressing
             *Reg Price per bottle: $2.09
              *Sale & Final Price per bottle: $1.00
*Ruffles Potato Chips
             *Reg Price: $4.29 
               *Sale & Final Price: $2.50
*Hot Dog Buns
             *Reg & Final Price: $0.99
*3 Cans Dinty Moore Beef Stew
             *Reg Price per can: $2.99
              *Sale & Final Price per can: $2.50
*1 box Corn Pops & Froot Loops Cereal BOGO
             *Reg Price per box: $4.44
                *Sale & Final Price per box: $2.22]
*2 Packs Mentos Gum
             *Reg Price for both: $3.16
               *Sale & Final  Price for both: $1.00
*Febreeze Air Effects
              *Reg Price: $3.29
               *Sale Price: $3.00
                *MFR Coupon $1.50
                 *Final Price: $1.50
*8 Cups Chobani Yogurt
              *Reg Price per cup: $2.78 
               *Sale Price per cup: $1.00 
*Broccoli Crowns
              *Reg Price: $2.34
              *Sale & Final Price: 0.93
*2 Zucchini
               *Reg Price: $1.73
                 *Sale & Final Price: $1.12
*2 Squash
               *Reg Price: $1.81
                *Sale Price: $1.17
*Bi-Lo Coupon for $5.00 off $35.00 purchase

*Subtotal Before Savings: $52.70
*My Savings: $24.21
*Subtotal After Savings: $28.49
*Tax: $.18
*Paid: $28.67

     

$139.82 of Groceries for $68.08

              

My Super Easy, Super Cheap, Super Yummy Supper

So about a year ago, when I had more time for Pinterest, I found this recipe i wanted to try.  It was a mexican dish with Jumbo Shells.  I searched every store i went in but they only had the "Large Seashells" about the size of elbow macaroni.  
Monday, I finally found the shells I'd been looking for at Bi-Lo.  My only problem was, after all of this time spent searching, now my pin had been lost.  Instead of spending hours looking for the recipe I wanted, I devised my own::

Ingredients:
1.25 lbs Ground Chuck
1 12 oz Box Mueller's Jumbo Shells
1 small onion
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
2 cups shredded cheese (I prefer block cheese)
1 can Manwich

Preheat Oven to 400 degrees before starting.
First you start by browning your ground chuck, boiling your shells & sauteeing your veggies. 
When that is done, drain all grease & water from them.  Then take the shells and line them with cheese.  Then you add the hamburger meat, followed by the sauteed veggies.  I lined all my shells up in a baking dish, then topped them with the Manwich.  
Then, put the dish in the oven & bake for 10 minutes.
Let cool about 5-10 minutes (who likes super hot cheese??) & enjoy.  

Super Cheap and Easy meal and amazingly yummy.  My husband is a picky eater and LOVED this.  Hope you do as well.

Extreme Couponing Deals For The Week

So this week I didn't have the absolute cheapest trip ( I HAD to take advantage of the deals on ground beef) ever but i saved a TON still.  I got several things for half price or close.  I've also learned recently a trick to couponing at Bi-Lo & saving a little extra cash.  When they have BOGO sales, if you look at your receipt, they're still charging you for both items.  However, they only charge you for half the price of one per item.  So, my example is Mt. Olive Pickles.  Regular Price $3.49.  My receipt shows the price I pay is $1.74 per jar on BOGO (Which you have to pay close attention, different variations may not be tagged as BOGO but still be included in the sale).  So since you are being charged for both items still, you can use coupons on both items to reduce the price you end up paying.  Just learned this one & thought I'd share ;)

Okay, so on to my transaction.  Please keep in mind, I SHOULD have broken it down into two transactions.  I had two of the SUPER saver Bi-Lo coupons from the mail.  However, I had two rowdy children in a racecar buggy and forgot to break it down until she had begun scanning.  Note to self for future trips: Be More Patient, Save More $$$$!!

*Mt. Olive Mini Stuffers Hamburger Dill Pickle Slices (the BEST pickles, by the way) 

     -Regular Price: $3.49    
     -Sale Price on BOGO (again, NOT labeled so I didn't know to grab more jars): $1.74
     -No Coupons
*Colors Goldfish
     -Regular Price: $2.49
     -Sale Price: $1.98
     -No Coupons
*Betty Crocker Gummies (2 boxes)
     -Regular Price per box: $2.89
     -Sale Price per box: $1.99
     -No coupons
*Kraft Salad Dressing 16 oz Bottles (2 bottles)
     -Regular Price per bottle: $4.59 
     -Sale Price per bottle: $3.00
     -Target Coupon: $1.00 off 2 16 oz bottles
     -Final Price: $5.00 for both bottles
*Mueller's Jumbo Shells Pasta 12 oz box
     -Regular Price: $2.29
     -Sale Price: $1.89
     -MFR Coupon: $0.55 off one box
     -Final Price: $1.34
*Mueller's Bowtie Pasta & Rotini ( 1 box per variation)
    -Regular Price per box: $1.88 
    -Sale Price per box: $0.94
    -MFR Coupon: $0.55 off each box
    -Final Price: $0.39 per box
*Mueller's Spaghetti & Elbows (1 box per variation)
    -Regular Price per box: $1.79 
    -Sale Price per box: $0.89
    -MFR Coupon: $0.55 off each box
    -Final Price: $0.34 per box
*2 Cans Dinty Moore Beef Stew
    -Regular Price per can: $2.99
    -No Coupons
*2 Bags M & M's
    -Regular Price per bag: $0.99 
    -Sale Price per bag: $0.49
    -No Coupons
 *3 Milky Way Candy Bars
    -Regular Price per bar: $0.99 
    -Sale Price per bar: $0.49
    -No Coupons
*3- 3 Musketeers Candy Bars
    -Regular Price per bar: $0.99
    -Sale Price per bar: $0.49
    -No coupons
*2 Packs Ritz Crackers (BOGO)
   -Regular Price per box: $3.99
   -Sale Price per box: $1.99
   -Bi-Lo Catalina: $1.00 off any cookie or cracker purchase
   -Final Price: $1.99 for one box, $0.99 for the other
*2 Bottles of A1 Steak Sauce (BOGO)
   -Regular Price per bottle: $4.49
   -Sale Price per bottle: $2.24
   -Coupons.com MFR Coupon: $0.55 off one bottle (2 Coupons)
   -Final Price: $1.69 per bottle
*2 Packs Arnold Sandwich Thins Bread (BOGO)
   -Regular price per pack: $3.89
   -Sale Price per pack: $1.94
   -No Coupons
*5 Cans Starkist Tuna 
   -Regular Price per can: $1.09
   -Sale Price per can: $1.00
   -No Coupons
*Cocoa Pebbles
   -Regular Price: $3.45
   -Sale Price: $1.85
   -IBotta Offer Redeemed: $0.50
*Huggies Big Pack Size 4, 60 Count & Huggies Wipes Tub, 64 Count
   -Regular Price for diapers: $20.98
   -Regular Price for wipes: $3.28
   -Regular Price for both: $24.26
   -Sale Price for diapers: $19.99
   -Sale Price for wipes: $2.50
   -Total Sale Price: $22.49
   -Target Coupon: $1.50 WYB 1 Big Pack Huggies Diapers & 1 Pack Huggies Wipes
   -Food Lion Catalina: $4.00 off WYB 1 Box Huggies Diapers & 1 Pack Huggies Wipes
   -MFR Coupon: $1.00 Huggies Big Pack Diapers
   -MFR Coupon: $0.50 Huggies Wipes
   -Price for both after coupons: $15.49
*Brita 3 Pack Replacement Water Filters
   -Regular Price: $29.99
   -Sale Price: $19.99
   -$3.00 MFR Coupon
   -Final Price: $16.99
*2 Packs Ensure
   -Regular Price per pack:$8.99
   -$1.25 MFR Coupon (2 coupons)
   -Final Price per pack: $7.74
*2 Tubs Cool Whip (BOGO)
   -Regular Price per tub: $2.00
   -Sale Price per tub: $1.00
   -No coupons
*3.40 lbs Ground Chuck
   -Regular Price for pack: $13.91
   -Sale Price for pack: $8.47

Subtotal Before Savings: $168.25
My Savings & Coupons: $81.58
Subtotal After Savings: $86.67
Tax: $2.52
Final Total: $89.19

Again, not my best trip.  Not my goal trip.  But I saved a good bit this past trip.  I hope to remember to be more attentive & patient my next trip & have a much lower total for my next post.  Our goal is to get our household budget for groceries and fast food consumption to about $250.00 or less (i'd prefer MUCH less) a month.  We have been around $500.00 a month in the past, so we've made an improvement so far.  

I look forward to ridiculous trips where I get freebies and moneymakers in the future ;)
   

ABCmouse.com = Awesome Tool for Preschoolers

Chances are, if you've ever watched PBS for about an hour or two, you've seen an ABCmouse.com commercial.  We've been watching PBS for almost four years before I seriously checked them out.  I had seen they were doing a month free about a month and a half ago, so of course we jumped on it.  

The first day that I had set up an account, Kade wanted to play for two hours.  We normally don't let him get on the computer and just play, for the sole purposes of A) he's probably going to delete something he shouldn't and B) he may get online and see things he doesn't need to.  Needless to say he wasn't very coordinated and quick with the mouse when we started.  Since we've started our account, he spends no less than an hour or two on it.  He is also VERY coordinated with the mouse and beats some of these fast games.  He is currently on Level One for the 3 year olds and is at 55%.  He just thinks he's having fun and learning.  Beforehand, he already knew his shapes, colors, numbers & alphabet.  But now he's learning the concept of having to have so many tickets to buy an item in their little stores.  And often, he has to do a few more games, puzzles, etc. to get what it is that he wants.  And let me just say that getting his tickets for completing activities is so much more rewarding to him than I could ever imagine!  

To any parent considering, it's definitely worth it.  You can sign up by month or commit to a year (which we have gone ahead on).  The current price for a year is $59.  It's beyond worth it to see the new things they learn and to see them actually want to learn. 

And Some More Couponing...

So over the course of the weekend, my daddy & aunt both gave me some amazing coupons for Bilo.  One for $10 off a $50 purchase & the other for $5 off a $35 purchase.  I clipped coupons from my Greenville paper & got a few off coupons.com and planned my trip out.  I split my groceries into two transactions so i could use both of the big Bilo coupons. Today i also managed to get a freebie!!

And here's what i managed to get on my trip today. 

Transaction #1::
2 Loaves of Goldfish Honey Whole Wheat Bread ($2.79 per loaf; $5.58 for both; $1 MFR coupon off two loaves; Final Price: $4.58)
Mueller's Spaghetti, Bowtie Pasta, Fettuccine, Large Seashell Pasta (Reg. Price per box: $1.88; BOGO Price for all 4 boxes: $3.76, 2 Coupons: $0.55 MFR coupon off one box, each double; Final Price: $1.56)
1 Bag of Quaker Cheddar Cheese Poppers Rice Cakes (Reg. Price:$1.89; Sale Price: $1.00; Coupon for $0.55 MFR coupon off 1 bag, doubled = FREE)
Ragu (Full Price: $2.29)
2 Boxes of Kellogg's Fruit Gummies (Reg. Price: $2.99 per box; Sale Price: $5.00 for both boxes)
Kellogg's Froot Loops (Full Price: $4.29)
Ziploc Sandwich Bags (Reg. Price: $2.38; Coupon: $0.40, doubled; Final Price: $1.58)
Luvs Diapers Big Pack (Box) (Reg. Price: $19.99; Sale Price: $16.97; Coupons: $3.00 Publix Baby Club Coupon & $1.00 Luvs MFR coupon; Final price: $12.97)
Split Breast Chicken (Reg. Price: $ 14.36 for my particular pack; Sale Price: $4.92)
Cube Steak (Reg. Price: $5.39 for my pack; Sale Price: $4.63)
Tennessee Pride Sausage (Reg. Price: $4.79; Sale Price: $2.50)
2 Onions (Full Price: $2.60)
Deli Plate (Full Price: $5.00)
**$10.00 off $50.00 purchase coupon

My Subtotal Before Savings: $81.97
My Savings: $43.04
My Subtotal After Savings: $38.93
Tax: $1.40
My Total: $40.33

Transaction #2::

Kraft 1000 Island Dressing (Reg. Price: $4.59; Sale Price: $3.00)
Mentos Gum (Full Price: $1.42)
Dr. Pepper 2 Liter (Reg. Price: $1.79; Sale Price: $1.00)
2 Jars Southern Home Alfredo Sauce (Reg. Price: $3.58 for both jars; Sale Price: $3.00 for both)
Madagascar Gummies (Full Price: $1.49)
Charmin 12 Pack (Reg. Price: $9.77; Sale Price: $8.99; Coupon: $1.00 off Bilo Catalina; Final Price: $7.99)
4 Packs Ensure (Regular Price for all packs: $35.96; Sale Price for all: $31.96; Coupons: $5.00/2 pack MFR & $3.00/2 pack Bilo Catalina; Final Price: $23.96)
2 Pet Ice Cream 1/2 Gallons (Reg. Price: $11.98; Sale Price BOGO: $5.98; Coupons: $1.00 Pet MFR & $1.00 off Bilo Catalina; Final Price: $3.98)
**$5.00 off $35.00 purchase

My Subtotal Before Savings: $70.58
My Savings: $29.74
My Subtotal Before Savings: $40.84
Tax: $0.48
My Final Total: $41.32

Between Both Transactions I Spent: $152.55

I Saved Between Both Transactions: $72.78

My Final Total Was: $81.65

I'm hoping I can get my next trip MUCH lower than this but some of these deals were too hard to pass up & I didn't have a coupon for everything I bought.  Stay tuned next week WILL be better!

EASY Homemade BBQ Recipe

So, on Monday I found an amazing sale on Boston Butt Roast at Bilo.  I decided to buy it and attempt to make homemade barbeque.  We LOVE BBQ! But seriously, at $8 a plate, we hardly ever eat it.  I found a recipe that was simple enough to try with two kids and didn't require me to be glued to my kitchen either.  

It called for::

Boston Butt Roast
An Onion, Diced
1-16 oz. Bottle of BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor) (I used Kraft Thick & Spicy Brown Sugar-also on sale)
And about a cup of water to help steam and tenderize the roast

I cut my meat off the bone and trimmed the fat.  I started my roast cooking in my 5 quart Crockpot at 3:30 Tuesday afternoon on low.  I let it cook all night and turned it off at 8:30 am Wednesday morning so i'd have time to shred the meat before drum lessons.  Absolutely tender meat, easy to shred & YUMMY!! Also got my mama's approval (she is the toughest barbeque critic ever!!) and my husband said if i try slaw with it (I only added beans as a side this time) that it is gonna be hands down his favorite and most requested meal.

Just wanted to share this with anybody who loves barbeque but doesn't wanna pay an arm & a leg. 

**AWESOME Price on KitchenAid Stand Mixer @ Target**

After about a year of on and off talk about a KitchenAid stand mixer and how it was absolutely necessary for my kitchen, my husband came in Saturday afternoon in the pouring rain with mine (after working a 12 hour shift on one hour of sleep - what a man!)  Of course, Saturday night I'd already put it to use.  When I got my paper on Sunday morning, I noticed that Target had marked select KitchenAid appliances 20% off, this one included.  Every Target is different, but most will take your receipt and give you the difference if a competitor, or even themselves, mark an item down below the price you paid.  This morning, I went to get my 20% back.  When it comes to a $300 machine, that percentage is a big deal.  I just wanted to post this for any ladies considering buying one, this week is an awesome time!! I absolutely love mine and Target's prices aren't always this low on them!

My Grocery Haul For The Week

Yesterday we made our usual Monday grocery trip.  I still had one last $10 off $50 purchase coupon for Bi-Lo, so i looked at the ads, browsed online for coupons & picked through my coupon stash.  Keep in mind that when i list what i got, i'm just getting started.  I am NOWHERE near where i want to be as far as my grocery budget.  I want to be one of those ladies that has people saying "Oh crap, there she is again" when i walk in the store.  I've been behind that lady and been amazed at how she could get two buggies full of groceries for less that what i paid for half of one.  


Anyhow, here is my list this week::

*2 Boxes of Tetley Sweet Tea Bags (Reg. Price: $2.35 per box; Sale Price: $1.18 for BOGO)
*Tom & Jerry Gummies (Full Price: $2.89)
*2 Bottles of Kraft 1000 Island Dressing (Reg. Price: $3.29 per bottle; Sale Price: $1.65 for BOGO)
*2 Bottles of Kraft BBQ Sauce (Reg. Price: $1.56 per bottle; Sale Price: $0.78 for BOGO)
*Ground Cinnamon Shaker (Full Price: $0.99)
*HMB Buns (Full Price: $0.99)
*3 Boxes of Poptarts (Reg. Price: $2.48 per box; Sale Price: 3 Boxes for $5; Coupons-$1.00 off 3 boxes (found inside select Poptart Boxes) & Food Lion Catalina $0.75 off any Poptart purchase; Final Price for all 3 boxes: $3.25)
*1 Box of Corn Pops & Froot Loops (Reg. Price $4.29 per box; Sale Price: $2.14 per box for BOGO)
*Pillsbury Bread Flour (Reg. Price: $3.19; Sale Price: $3.00)
*2 Bottles of A1 Steak Sauce (Reg Price: $4.48 per bottle; Sale Price: $2.25 per bottle)
*2 Boxes of Entenmann's Little Bites Brownies (Reg. Price: $4.48 per box; Sale Price: $2.25 per box)
*1 Bag of Southern Home Croutons (Full Price: $1.49)
*1 Bottle of Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup (Full Price: $3.89)
*1 Jumbo Box of Eggo Chocolate Chip Waffles (Full Price: $5.89)
*DiGiorno Dipping Strips Pizza (Regular Price: $7.38; Sale Price: $5.00; Coupons: $1.00 MFR coupon & $1.50 Bilo Catalina; Final Price: $ 2.50)
*2 Packs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast ($8.30 for both packs on BOGO)
*Boston Butt Roast (Regular Price for my particular roast: $19.20; Sale Price: $6.36)
*Land of Frost Turkey & Ham 1 lb. Packs, one each (Reg. Price: $5.59 per pack; Sale Price: $5.00 per pack)
*Cucumber (Reg. Price: $0.99; Sale Price: $0.69)

My Subtotal Before Savings: $115.39
My Savings (Don't forget my $10 coupon): $52.87
My Final Total with tax: $62.52

Again, i'm still a work in progress when it comes to being a CRAZY Coupon Lady, but i'm working on it. Thanks for reading!

Amazing Coupon Code For The Children's Place

I stumbled across an amazing coupon code for The Children's Place and couldn't resist. It states it was for an extra 20% off & free shipping.  The only catch is that it's free shipping even without the code if you spend $75 or more.  Orders under $75 are only $5 standard shipping. 

Anyhow, i got some amazing deals with the code.  For Kyleigh, a pair of sparkle ballet flats for $7.60, 2 pair of leggings for $3.19 each, 2 graphic tees for $4.80 each & a Yo Gabba shirt for $8.00.  And for Kade, 3 graphic tees for $4.80 each.  With shipping & tax , my total was $52.34.  They have an amazing sale going on right now, i have included the coupon code i used at the bottom.  Happy Shopping!!






The Coupon Code::    V8KFAY13

Second Extreme Couponing Trip...Still Getting The Hang Of It

I'm still trying to pick out the best sales, pick and choose my coupons wisely.  I have gotten a bigger notebook and am searching for more baseball card sleeves for keeping my coupons neat & organized.  This morning, i did search for a few items i needed coupons for and signed up for email coupon lists. 

I had a few odds & ends to get today and a gift for a baby shower, not much of a list.  I made a trip to Bi-Lo, since their sales seemed to cover the majority of our needs.  

My purchases include::
3 boxes of Hamburger Helper (Sale $1 a box; coupon for $0.75 off purchase of 3)
12 Hershey Almond Bars (BOGO- $5.88 for all, covers hubby's lunch & snacking for the week)
2 Packs of Reese Cups (BOGO- $0.98 for both)
Lysol Wipes (2/$5; coupon for $0.50 off purchase of 2)
Whiskas Wet Pouches for our furbaby (Regular Price)
2 Clear Value Paper Towel Double Rolls ($1.35 per roll; had 2 coupons for $1.00 off each roll)
Pampers Swaddlers (Sale $9.99; Coupon for $1.50 off the pack)
Scott Naturals 12 Pack Toilet Paper (Sale $7.49; Store Catalina for $1.50 & $0.75 MFR Coupon)
3 Pack Brita Filter Refills (Sale $17.99; Coupon from Coupons.com for $3 off the pack)
Spinach (Regular Price)
Bananas (Regular Price)

*I also had a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase that my aunt received in the mail as well.

Before my savings from my Bonuscard my total was a whopping $100.42.  My Savings between coupons & Bonuscard brought my savings total to $57.54.  I got $100 of groceries for $45.68.  I also earned $0.25 in Fuelperks today between their bonus items and my total.  I'm hoping to start planning all of our food & snacks around sales and cut my grocery bill in half ASAP! Just wanted to share my second awesome trip! 

Extreme Couponing : Day One

So over the course of the past week I've made the decision to attempt to extreme coupon. I've read a few ladies' blogs/posts/sites to do research & until I came across one in particular, NONE of it made sense. So many of them only show you the coupons and not how to organize the chaos that is coupon mountain.

I used to put my coupons in a little folding organizer with 6/7 tabs. I'd forget to look at them and usually let them expire before I ever had the chance to use them. This weekend I got a 1" 3-ring binder with about 30 baseball card sleeves. I clipped all of my coupons before I sorted them into departments. Then I stuffed them into Their individual pockets. If I had multiples of one item, I put them in together. I did all of my clipping, sorting and stuffing this morning in about 35-45 minutes while my daughter napped. I haven't read up on any store policies for couponing YET! I just decided that with us building within the next year or so I couldn't afford to pay full price for groceries anymore. I PLAN to tighten our grocery budget even more over the next few months.

Anyhow, today I made 2 grocery trips. I went to food lion first, used very few coupons due to sibling rivalry in the cop car buggy. However my second trip, to Bi-Lo, was much more productive. I was able to turn a $106 grocery trip into a $48 grocery bill. I had a $10 off $50 purchase coupon, along with several catalina coupons (store print outs), and a few manufacturer coupons. Saving $58 at the end.

Also to any mommies who are okay with freebies & getting email coupons:

*Visit the websites of any companies you use (ex: Kraft, P & G, Gerber) and sign up for coupons.
*Get any rewards cards at any stores you frequent
*My personal favorite savers are Disney Movie Club & Disney Movie Rewards.  I have absolute no issues with deep discounts & freebies from the Rewards club.  We've gotten our 15th free DVD this past month and have gotten 2 free DVDs from referring a friend to the Movie Club.
*Publix Paws & Publix Baby Club also send great coupon for all babies (furry or not) and send birthday cards and simple gifts to your children.
*I'll update anymore i become aware of, those are just off the top of my head.

I just wanted to share this amazing new hobby with my friends & loved ones and outline just a few starter tips since I've had a few ask how I have done it =)

AMAZING Bible Storybook for Children

A few weeks back, i finally found a Bible storybook that met my standards.  "Jesus Calling Bible Storybook" by Sarah Young covers the entire bible.  Many i have looked at have had poorly drawn illustrations, lacked vibrant colors, and didn't include scripture.  I got every single expectation met with this one.  Reading from The Last Supper to Easter Sunday had my three year old very interested, as he illustrated everything he saw and understood.  If any of you moms were looking for a good Bible storybook to help teach your children about Jesus, this is definitely it.  I got our copy from Walmart for $15 on sale, and it may be available for less on sites like Amazon & eBay.  I've attached a picture of the cover, illustrations & the scripture.  Enjoy!

Easter 2013

We had lots of big plans for Easter, some which didn't go as planned.  We made it to our Easter Journey at church Saturday morning.  The kids had LOTS of fun, played with their cousins & friends & made some pretty cool crafts.  After a while of playing on the playground & tantrums in refusal to go home, we finally dropped papa off and made our way back home.  And that's when it happened.  I got Kyleigh out of the car, blazing hot with a fever.  After coming inside she got weaker by the minute.  We dosed her with Motrin, threw her in the tub & she got some rest.  While sissy got some rest, i ran to the store & got some McCormick Neon Food Coloring, Vinegar, Paas Color Cups & Eggs.  I usually use Paas Dye kits with the tablets, but i wanted more vibrant eggs this year as opposed to more dull colors.  Also this year, we got a chance to dye eggs without a horrible mess & everybody else got a nap.  To avoid Kade spending the whole weekend inside, we let him spend the night with Mimi & Papa.  He had a blast, got new toys & candy & got to goof off all night.  We spent the remainder of our Saturday with a weak, feverish baby.  She woke up sick in the middle of the night & that's when i noticed she had blisters on her feet.  It appears Kyleigh picked up Hand, Foot & Mouth from nursery.  Not quite the Easter weekend i had planned when i laid their clothes & shoes out and had gotten so excited about our sermon at church (which we all missed).  Luckily, our church's website has the sermons available for listening.  

Later Sunday afternoon, Ky was back up and being her silly, sassy self.  We decided to load up & go to Mimi's house for Easter dinner and to get their baskets.  The kids played in their inflatable, played in the woods with the goats & loved on their grandparents.  Not a bad weekend by the end of it.  And of course, I read to Kade & explained to him the real reason behind celebrating Easter isn't about a big, goofy looking bunny rabbit and candy and toys.  He understands that Jesus died and suffered for our sins on the cross and was risen three days later.  I love my children and want them to never to forget what real love is.  

Hopefully, next Easter my kids can dodge sickness & we can make it to church as planned. 
Below are some of the highlights of our weekend.  Enjoy!

Catch-Up

Soooo, it's been a while since i've had the chance (or the amount of sleep to stay awake) to blog.  Chasing around my one & three year old are quite time-consuming but more rewarding than anything in this world.  I'm still at home full-time, with intentions of homeschooling.  I re-dedicated my life to God last June and SO much has fallen into place for my family.  We are absolutely blessed to be part of such an amazing & supportive church.  My babies have made so many friends & I have been able to reconnect with my church family.  I spend my Sunday mornings in worship & my Wednesday nights helping with the preteens in Awanas.  Kade has earned so many badges in Cubbies it's insane.  Kyleigh has made a few friends and learned that mommy isn't abandoning her.  

My parents built a barn & fenced in their woods to start a little farm.  Keeping woods cut down so they won't become a forest was too much work.  Plus we've all learned that goats are pretty awesome creatures.  Most of our time spent at the grandparents on the weekend is spent chasing goats, doodling with sidewalk chalk on their horns & "fishing" for crawfish.  More critters to come soon!

Kade continued to have speech trouble due to his frequent ear infections.  He could show how smart he was from his sight word, number, letter, color & shape DVDs.  He just lacked the ability to form good sentences & communicate like some children his age.  We got a speech referral last June & by October he had his first appointment for therapy.  Within the first month he was communicating his wants/needs and carrying on normal conversation.  He is still working on making choices & asking and answering complex questions.  The first time he told me he loved me was July 30th 2012.  Never forget that day.  He now says his prayers alone at bedtime.  He has made so many friends at church.  His progress has been a true blessing. 

Also, Kade continued to have ear infections after the first set of tubes.  The first one was within a month of the surgery.  Then they continued over the summer.  By September, his ENT had come to the decision that his tonsils were obstructive.  He snored in his sleep, continued to have ear infections (which may lead to chronic ear infections, sleep apnea & speech troubles), and had frequent night wakings.  In October, we scheduled a second set of tubes along with a tonsillectomy.  This required an overnight stay due to his age & weight.  Everytime somebody entered our room after his surgery he screamed.  He was absolutely terrified.  We were visited by Mimi & Papa, Sissy & our friends from church.  We had many prayers over him.  He wouldn't eat in the hospital until his IV "cast" was removed and were warned he would be prone to bleeding from the lack of fluids.  NOT ONE BIT.  The only complication we ran into was the fever a week later from the scabs falling off his throat.  And I've become quite the fan of the surgery.  No more night wakings unless he's throwing up, no snoring & only one ear infection since the surgery.  

Next month we will be listing our house and hopefully selling ASAP.  We hope to be building our new home on our land by the end of the year.  Many more things to come in 2013, just playing catch-up!!