January 30, 2012

Steals and Deals #9


I am so glad I got a chance to go couponing without the little one! I love him to death, but it's easier and quicker when the husband can watch him. That saying, I hit up Target for some free cat food and Albertsons for everything else. I was contemplating Albertsons and their round up, just because I wasn't sure that I would find good deals. Basically, any manufactured coupon $0.24 and lower, they will round quadruple the value. Say you have a $0.15 coupon; that will round to 4x's that, so $0.60 off. Any coupons $0.25 and higher, they will round to $1. It's different than their twice the value where they just double every coupon. I hope that's not too confusing ha. Not all Albertsons do this either. I'm glad ours does, since it's the only store to double or quadruple coupons. I ended up getting quite a few good deals though.

$70 worth; spent  $15 (78% savings)

Let me break it down for you:

 Iams Cat Food- $3.00 ('trial' size)
$3/1 any bag = FREE

Cheerios - $4.99
On sale for $1.88
(if you buy 5 participating products)
$1/1 = $0.88 each

Fiber One Bars - $4.39 
On sale for $1.88
(if you buy 5 participating products)
$0.40/1 (rounded to $1/1) = $0.88 each

Jello Temptations - $3.29
On clearance for $2.97
$0.60/1 (rounded to $1/1) = $1.97 each

Campbells 'Great For Cooking' Soups - $2.19 
On sale for $10/10
$0.40/4 (rounded to $1/1) = $3 for 4
 
Odwalla Bars - $1.49 
On sale for $1.25
$0.15/1 (quadrupled to $0.60/1) = $0.65 each

January 27, 2012

Tag! You're It!

I love things like this! My friend Ashley over at Celebrating Life as an Army Wife tagged me in this. I am not sure if anyone tagged at the end will do it, but here it is! Oh and even if you weren't tagged, go ahead and do it! I wanted to choose everyone to be tagged ha.

The Rules
1. You must post the rules (and link up who tagged you).
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4. Tag however many people you want
5. Let them know you've tagged them!

11 Facts About Me
1. Secretly, I kind of want to move if my husband stays in the Army. I would hate to leave the state I have been born and raised in (especially since I am so close with my dad), but I have always wanted to travel and see other places!

2. I am left handed.

3. I am shy in person when I first meet someone, but you would never know that if you talked to me online.

4. I grew up a tomboy up through freshman year in high school. Now I look back and think that is dumb; all I want to do is dress up sometime and have that big fancy wedding with a dress that we never had.

5. My most favorite thing to do is either taking pictures or read; wish I had more time for both.

6. I have a huge family; a brother and sister on my dad's side and six brothers on my mom's side.

7. Which brings me to the fact that I would hate having a big family. I want 2 children, 3 max.

8. If I could eat Reeses all day, every day and not gain a pound, I seriously would (favorite candy ever).

9. I love baking, but I never do it because then I ended up eating it all.

10. I drive a little Kia Spectra, but I would rather own a truck (stupid gas prices ruin that).

11. My middle name is Perris (like Paris, France).

 My Questions from Ashley:
1. What is something you're known for?
I am known for being artistic and shy. That's what I was like in high school ha.
 
2. If you could have any animal for a pet, what would you pick?
Penguin or Chinchilla! I have wanted a chinchilla for ages and penguins; they are just my favorite animal ever. If I could, I would be like Jim Carrey on 'Mr. Poppers Penguins' HA. 

3. Where is your favorite place to be?
At the ocean. There is something so calming about the sand on my feet and the waves breaking. I love it.

4. Are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am?
I haven't had an invite yet but I am sure I would be!

5. What was the best movie you saw in 2011?
I don't honestly remember all the movies I saw last year. Maybe 'I Am Number Four'; that was a fantastic movie. I have the worst memory ever though.

6. Something you are craving right now?
 I would LOVE to have Chipotle. I don't remember the last time I had that.


7. If you could take a trip anywhere, where would it be?
That's easy - Europe! I have always wanted to travel around there, especially Western Europe; Paris, England, Italy...

8. What is one childish but fun thing you still do to this day?
I like to pretend the shopping cart is a race car... I like to hop on and coast it or drift around corners. I blame it on entertaining Liam ;)

9. What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?
Some older guy (probably 70-80) opened the door for my friend and I, after saying that two beautiful ladies should always have the door opened hahaha.

10. If you could be a superhero (superman, batman, storm) which one would you be?
That is a tough one, but classic Spiderman I think. Swinging from place to place? Come on, that would be awesome.

11.  What are you looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to seeing Liam grow more and hopefully becoming a better me by getting into better shape! Bring on summer!

My Questions for You:
1. If you could meet anyone famous (dead or alive), who would it be?

2. What song best describes you?

3. If you could go back to high school days, would you change anything? If so, what would you change and why?

4. What was the most terrifying moment of your life so far?

5. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a certain celebrity?

6. Do you believe that honesty is always best?

7. What is one thing that makes you unique?

8. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

9. What are your guilty pleasure tv shows?

10. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

11. What is your favorite holiday?

Tag! You're It!
Kiranda @ Mommyhood

January 26, 2012

SEVEN Months?!

I can't believe my little monster is seven months old today! Time is flying by so much! He is all over the place anymore. He can stand up using the couch or even me. Whatever he can get his hands on, he will use to stand up. He crawls like crazy, all over (mostly chasing the cat). He can take some steps with his little push toy/walker thing my friend got him. I just can't believe how much he is doing. He is definitely keeping me on my toes, that is for sure! As far as baby food, there is nothing he doesn't like. The only thing so far is garden veggies. He likes everything else (including mixed veggies). I think it's kind of weird haha, but what can you do? I'm glad he's not that picky. He also loves snacks, but just mum-mums and the puffs (look like cereal star type things). We tried yogurt melts (because he LOVES baby yogurt) and the snacks that look like cheetos, but he doesn't like either one of those. I'm glad I figured that out though. I don't mind buying the other two, whatever keeps him happy! He has two bottom teeth; got those last month during the week of my birthday and Christmas (20th-25th). He's doing so well with growing though. He has quite the personality already. He has started to scrunch his nose and do more eyebrow raising, it's cute. We also had to put his mattress down since he can stand by pulling himself up. Also, no more jumper. I am quite sad by that, but he was for the best. He LOVED it, but he got bored staying in one spot for that long. He just likes to get up and crawl around. I better go chase after him now! I can't wait to see what else he learns. He is getting smarter every day, I love it. I just wish time would slow down. I feel like I need more time taking it in haha.


January 25, 2012

Wordless-ish Wednesdays

My crazy son likes to make fart noises on my arm now; awesome.

January 23, 2012

Getting Back Into A Workout!

I was thinking about writing this post as soon as I got home. Funny thing is I catch up on other blogs before I write. Well, I was reading Megan's blog, over at The Corral Connection and she was talking about how she was going to re-think her goals and get something going realistically. I cannot agree more! My friend and I hung out today and we decided to go on a walk around the lake. Mind you, we had that crazy snow storm and ice, all that good stuff. Well, there is still a lot of snow on the ground, but the roads are finally clear and it's sunny out. It is still a bit cold out, but it was warm enough to bundle up and go for a walk.

I have to say, it felt amazing! The last time I walked around the lake, Liam was tiny like, super tiny. Maybe a month old or two. He is almost seven months old now, so it's been a while! I feel energized; which is great since I was exhausted this morning. Therefore, I really would like to start walking more! We will see for now since it's still cold, but definitely when it warms up a little more, I want to walk every day or at least five times a day while the husband is at work. It will be good for both me and Liam I think. I spend too much time inside the apartment, so it's nice to get out. I feel really good about this. Especially since I haven't been feeling good about myself. I need to lose more weight; I want to lose more. My husband loves me the way I am, but I don't. I feel that I need to be happy with myself, which I haven't felt in forever.

I plan to eat better. I have slacked a little. I plan to make realistic goals, like Megan mentioned for herself. Overall, I would eventually like to lose 65lbs-ish. For now though, a realistic goal for me is to lose at least 20lbs by maybe June. I know I could lose a lot more since that is about five months away, but you have to realize that I have a really hard time losing weight. If I could do that, I would be happy. I think it's a solid goal for me. I also believe I could do it! Especially with the attitude I have right now. I can't wait to be a better me. For both myself and my son. I would love to be able to run around with him and do anything he wants to do.

I know I will never be a size 2 and I am perfectly ok with that. I would love to be a size 12 at least. I love having curves, just not this many. I hate telling people this because I am ashamed, but I love would to be in the 100's for weight. I am far from that. Even 199 would be amazing. The world is harsh, but I don't care anymore. Anyone can tell I am not 'skinny' or anything close. I want to be a better me.

January 20, 2012

Steals and Deals #8


Our power is back on! The lack of power didn't stop me though! I had to go formula for Liam anyway so I picked up a few things. Usually it's just me or my son is with me. This time my husband was with me. I was at Safeway this time around and my husband saw it drop half the price from the club card alone. Then he saw it drop half again from my coupons. Needless to say, he thinks it's the coolest thing and knows now that I do good! This is all worth $42 and I spent $12.




Let me break it down for you:

Fruit by the Foot - $2.99
On sale for $0.99 (must by 4+)
$0.50/2 = $0.74 each

Trix - $3.69
On sale for $1.99 with in-ad coupon
$1/2 = $1.49 each

Honey Bunches of Oats - $4.29 
On sale for $1.99 with in-ad coupon
$1/1 = $0.99 each

Ritz Crackers - $4.29
On sale Buy 1 Get 1 Free
$1/2 = $3.29 for both
 
Nature Valley Granola Bars - $3.49
On sale for $1.77 with in-ad coupon
$1.77 (used all my coupons weeks priar)

January 19, 2012

It's Ok Thursdays


It's Ok...

...to want to get the mail, just to get out of the house because cabin fever is setting in from the snow/ice
...to take a break from motherhood and have time to myself since the husband is home
...to be lazy and watch Dexter all day
...to get mad because you can't run to the store
...to wish you could go hang out with friends but the roads are too bad

January 18, 2012

Wordless-ish Wednesdays

 Washington snow storm left us inside for a few days!
Our walkway to the parking lot
Enjoying it


January 17, 2012

Crazy Washington Snow

All winter, we have had rain and just pure coldness. Up until now it hasn't really seemed like winter. Saturday night it started snowing with a light dust and it hasn't stopped since. So far we have about 5-6 inches and we are supposed to apparently get about 12 more inches within the next day or two. How crazy is that? Our winters are hit or miss. Sometimes it is crazy and we get snow around thanksgiving or a light dust of snow. Other times we get dumped with a foot or two of it. Mind you, I live in Olympia. I'm glad it snowed because it was so cold out that it just had to snow. Either that or it had to get warmer, which it did not. Other plus side? My husband can't go to work haha. Take that Army. ;) So it's nice that he gets to see Liam more and help out a bit. Hence why I got to work on my blog layout! We took Liam out for a few minutes. He didn't love it, but didn't hate it. Can't wait until he is a little older so he can understand what it is. Until then, at least we got an entertaining picture out of it. What is the weather like where you are?

First Snow
My car is safe
Haha someone abandoned their car

January 16, 2012

Blog Facelift

As you can tell, my blog is completely different now. I was ready for a change and my old layout was getting a bit boring. Let me know what you think...do you like it? Should I change anything? I hate writing short posts, but I just wanted to give you all a heads up! I have a couple pages to work on, but the look is done!

January 15, 2012

Steals and Deals #7


Good old Washington decided that it wanted snow, so I almost didn't make it out to coupon! However, my friend and I decided to chug along (since I didn't want to go alone) and we did just fine. I believe this is my best trip to date! Aside from the dog food and red bull pictured, I got everything at Albertsons! For once, I did more than one trip. Since they only allow three transactions, I just did my three and then we went to Walmart so my friend could get her paper (and I, a few non coupon groceries), then we came back so I could do another set of three transactions. Anyway, I scored a big haul this time. Bigger than I expected!


Worth $130, paid $30
Now let me break it down for you:
Tropicana OJ - $4.59
$1/1 + doubler = $2.59 (x2)

Purina One Dog Food - $5.99
$5/1  = $0.99 (x2)
Huggies Santa Diapers - $10.69
Clearance for $5.30
$3/1 = $2.30 (x2)
Cheerios - $5.29/$4.99
On sale for 2/$5 ($2.50 each)
$1/2 + doubler = $3.00
Barilla Pasta - $2.19
On sale for $1.50 (plus buy 2, get 1 free)
$1/2 + doubler =$1.00 for 3 (x2)

 Dove Hair Treatment - $5.49
On clearance for $2.75
$1/1 + doubler = $0.75
Kikkoman Soy Sauce (small) - $1.59
$1/1 + doubler = FREE (x3) and received $2 cat

Red Bull - $10-ish
Red Bull page on facebook had them free
FREE

Celestial Seasonings Tea - $3.59
On sale for 2/$5 ($2.50 each)
$1/1 + doubler = $0.50 (x3)

Apple Juice Boxes - $1.99
On sale for 10/$10 ($1.00 each)
$1/2 + doubler = 2 FREE

Wet Ones (single) - $1.59
$0.75/1 + doubler = $0.09

Gerber Baby Yogurt - $3.19
On sale for $2.99
$1/2 + doubler = $3.98

Gerber Baby Food - $1.29
On sale for 9/$10 ($1.12 each)
$1/4 + doubler = $2.48

Beech Nut Baby Food - $0.65
$1/3 + doubler = FREE (x2)

Hot Pockets - $3.99
On sale for $1.99
$1.79 in ad coupon = $1.79 (x4)

January 12, 2012

We're In Trouble Now

I just want to say that Liam is growing up so fast. In fact, I think he seriously needs to slow down a little. Yesterday afternoon, I was doing something in the kitchen and he was playing with toys on the floor. Well, I come in to check up on him (because I could hear him closer to the kitchen area) and I find him standing up via the ottoman! I had it in between the loveseat and the big chair so he couldn't reach the kitchen, dining room and fireplace. He did it a lot after that; but it shocks me how random he started doing that. Granted, I hate hearing that 'thud' followed by a cry. He will learn in time though. My little boy is growing up!!

Blurry; I'll get a better picture later

On another note - any ideas to give my blog a new face? I get bored of layouts easily...like back when Myspace was up and popular, I changed my profile at least once a week ha. Anyway, I think my blog needs a new look; a cleaner look. It needs more oomph and less clutter. Although it's not that bad, but I hate clutter. Any ideas? Any help would be nice! Not sure what I want it to look like yet, but we will see. I hope to work on it one of these days or maybe this weekend.

January 11, 2012

Wordless-ish Wednesdays

Liam absolutely LOVES to be thrown in the air.


P.S. I really need to change my blog up...the layout, color, SOMETHING. Anyone have any ideas or would like to help a girl out? I never have time to put in as much effort as I did making it look like it is now. We shall see though...so at some point if it's all out of whack, that's just me trying to change it up!

January 10, 2012

Steals and Deals: Round 2


I usually don't post twice, but I just wanted to share my second haul. I made a quick trip to Safeway for a couple coupon deals that ended today for Safeway. I heard that buying Nature Valley granola bars could end up with catelinas. Of course my luck, that did not happen, so I didn't get as good of a deal, but it is still pretty decent. I'm just glad I saved at least 50% ... but I would have liked better...I was really counting on those cats but not all stores have it print out. Oh well, still not bad. We needed more 'snacks' and breakfast stuff... the Rice a Roni was just a random deal they had ha.

Paid $15, worth $32

Steals and Deals #6


I was excited to see all the inserts in Sunday's paper. So excited that I made a special trip to (mostly) Target for random coupon deals. I ended up spending $12 total, on about $52 worth of product. I think I am getting better and better! I mean, it isn't that much but it's a start. One day I want to do like $100 for at least $40. Maybe one day haha, but I won't get ahead of myself. Anyway, I got Cheerios at Safeway and Clearasil acne creme at Walgreens. Other than that, I got everything else at Target.

 
Let's see if I can give you all a rundown of my finds. By the way, no one make fun of me for the K-Y. Can't pass up something super cheap. Especially if it has multiple uses (such as if you have a child ha). I was most excited for the cookies! Oh and I try to eat healthier, but sometimes I just NEED sugar so hello Splenda! I realize that I could probably do better on the cheerios, but I never get them during the right deal.

Honey Nut Cheerios - $3.99
With in ad coupon it's $1.79
$1/2 printable  = 2 for $2.58

Snickerdoodle Cookies - $1.99
Clearance for $0.17!!
$0.40/1  = FREE + $0.23 overage

Splenda Sweetener- $3.99
On a price cut for $3.49
$1/1 target and $2/1 manufactured = $0.49

Clean and Clear Facial Cleanser - $3.69
$1/1 target and $2/1 manufactured = $0.69

K-Y Jelly - $4.24
$0.50/1 target and $3/1 manufactured = $0.74

 Powerbar Bites - $1.99
B1G1 Free Coupon = 2 for $1.99

Blistex - $0.99
$0.25/1 = $0.74

Clearasil Acne Creme - $4.99 
On sale for $3.99
$2/1walgreens and $1/1 manufactured = $0.99

What good finds did you score this week?

P.S. Stay tuned for Liam's six month pictures. We got them done Sunday and will be seeing them Friday to review. I'll post them whenever we get them! I'm super excited about that, so I had to share!!

January 5, 2012

It's Ok


It's OK...

... to have a secret obsession with Dance Moms and Toddlers & Tiaras
... to pig out on pizza every once in a blue moon
... to not want my son to grow up very fast
... that it's nice to have alone time because the husband is working so much
... that I still feel guilty for that said above
... to stay up late because you're wanting alone time
... to take short breaks from your blog when you have nothing to say

January 3, 2012

Steals and Deals: Round 2


Round number TWO haha (round number one here).

My husband wanted more of that beer since it was such a good deal, so Liam and I headed out again this morning. While I was there I snagged a few more things since I didn't want to get just beer. I ended up spending $18 on about $44 worth of product. I'm so glad to get back into couponing again. I organized my 'stock pile' as you would call it. Most of it's food. Maybe I will take a picture of my good soon if anyone cares? lol. I mean, I don't go crazy since we live in an apartment and all. We don't have that much room.

January 2, 2012

Steals and Deals


Good old Albertsons had fantastic deals when I went. I love when they have their twice the value (ttv) coupons where they double any manufacture coupon (even if it says 'do not double') up to $1. At first, I got the paper, but wasn't really going to do the ttv since we are trying to save money. I know that couponing helps save but I didn't want to go blow some money on things we don't really need, even though in the long run it saves. Anyway, I changed my mind and spent a good hour in there looking at deals. They had a lot on clearance too so I was glad I brought more coupons than planned. I think Liam and I went through every aisle. Luckily he was a good baby and it was his nap time so he slept up until we got in line to check out haha.

Paid $30, worth about $85
I love when there are holiday's and then there are clearances. I scored the cookie sheets, candy and beer from that for 75% off each. I want to go back for more candy lol because those two bags were about $0.99 each. What a steal. There are a bunch of carts full. My husband is excited about the beer because it is marked down to $10.99 and he always wanted to try a pumpkin ale. Win for the wife ha. Those cookie sheets are on sale for $2.xx so that was nice since ours is old and rusty. Other breakdowns (x's since I can't remember exact cents) that I can remember from the top of my head:

Tree top apple juice - $1.99
On sale for 10/$10
$1/2 printable (doubled) = 2 FREE

Ricola Dual Action cough drops - $2.19
On sale for 2/$3
$1/1 printable (doubled) = FREE

Oral-B toothbrush - $3.xx
On clearance for $0.80
$0.75/1 (doubled) = FREE + $0.70 overage

Wet Ones Singles - $1.99
On sale for $1.49
$0.75/1 (doubled) = FREE + $0.01 overage

Pantene Hair Care - $4.49
On clearance for $2.xx
$3/2 = 2 for $1.xx

 Gillette Bodywash - $5.xx
On sale for $3.99
$1/1 (doubled) = $1.99

The rest I just can't remember and I threw my info away, oops. You get the idea though, it wasn't bad! I went in with a certain list of a few things and walked out with all of that. Going in there with coupons can be dangerous sometimes haha. They had Terry's chocolate orange candy (if you know what I am talking about) for 75% off too, but I think either those coupons were expired or I left them at home. I was so mad haha. They were probably $0.25 or something crazy. Oh well, like we need more candy ha. I was tempted to get them without a coupon since they are good, but I didn't need it. This could be close to or THE greatest trip I have done yet. 

Do you have any steals or deals you have found?

January 1, 2012

A New Year; New Resolutions

Every year, I have new years resolutions that I never keep. This year will be different; this year I WILL keep my resolutions. After having my son, I told myself I needed to get the weight off. Not only do I weigh too much, it's the fact that one day he will be running all over and I want to be able to run around with him. This year, my resolution is to lose some weight for once and actually accomplish that. My goal is to lose about 65lbs and I would be so happy! I don't know if I could do that in a year, so my first goal is to lost 20lbs. I am at my pre-pregnancy weight so even 20lbs would be great! When the weather is warmer, I plan on being out walking either around the area by our apartment or down the road by the lake. Liam and I will take over with his stroller and I will lose some weight! My husband and I did this paleo diet (like low-carb) and that helped a lot. We have kind of stopped that, but we are still eating healthy and if we do have carbs, it's mostly healthy and not as much. Plus it is during the day and never at dinner (aside from the crockpot chili I made yesterday lol). I am determined to make this year a better one and I think this will help a lot.

Do any of you have any resolutions? Do you ever stick with them?