August 28, 2012

My 14 Month Old

I totally failed on updating on Liam's progress. He is 14 months old now; WOW! I'm not sure how tall he is or how much he weighs, but he's definitely growing. He eats a LOT, not even kidding. I know he had a growth spurt for sure! He is beyond crazy and has quite the personality. I miss him being a baby, but I love this stage as well. He is so funny at this stage and he makes me smile a million times a day. Whenever we take him places, as soon as I open my door to get him out of his car seat, he has a big grin. When we take him to the car, he will try to get into it when we open the back door. He is getting so smart too! He loves his Learning Frog Scout dog; absolutely loves! When we put him down for bed, we give him that dog and he cuddles with him
 and goes straight to sleep. That was the best birthday present ever (other than his tonka truck maybe). He knows how to press the buttons on both his Scout dog and his Fisher Price Laugh and Learn dog. He picks his nose and thinks it is historical and he will let you know when he's mad. When I have to work, sometimes he wakes up around 1:30am because that's when I get home and he strictly wants me during that time. Nothing can stand between him and his fruits and veggies; especially blueberries and peas. We have yet to cut his crazy curly hair because my dad says I can't haha, but I need to get him a trim because his hair is in his eyes. He loves it when we say 'I'm gonna get you' because he will run away laughing as we chase him. As a boy would, he loves to play in dirt and we
found out just how much he loves slides. He even knows how to go down them; of course he just plops down on his butt all sloppy, but he smiles the whole way down. The tv and xbox are his favorite. Every time my husband plays, he has to grab his controller too (just an extra one we let him play with). He likes to steal sips of our water all the time and still loves mum-mums over anything else; aside from maybe dried fruit. He climbs on everything, including the couches and loves to run across them. He has a wild personality and is a big ball of energy but I love him. I will have stats next month when we have his doctor appointment. I can't wait to see how his personality turns out even more. I can't even imagine him making me any happier than he does now. I love watching him grow and interact with my husband. <3

August 27, 2012

Couponing On No Sleep

I have been working during the week,so when I found out there were doublers at Albertsons this week, I jumped on it. However between work and Liam being a crazy boy, plus seeing my family... I haven't had time to see deals. Well I spent the last few days rounding up deals. I worked Saturday, so I didn't get off until 1am. Then I came home and clipped coupons and worked on deals. By that time, it was already 4am and I wasn't even tired. I planned on getting up at 7am to hit the store since there were a lot of free items. I hate dealing with crazies all over the store ;) haha. Anyway, since a couple hours of sleep would have sucked, I just stayed up all night. I dozed off for maybe an hour and went on my way. I was so out of it, that it surprised me I didn't take all day in there ha. For my1st and 9th transactions, I was supposed to receive a Kraft catalina worth $2 on my next order. At least, that's what I kept seeing online. So I am going to email the catalina site in hopes I am right and get those in the mail later. Other than that, my shopping went pretty well!

Paid $11, worth $117 (90% savings)

Transaction 1:
Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese - $2.29
Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese - $2.29
Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese - $2.29

Doubled $1/1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese
Doubled $1/1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese
Doubled $1/1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese

Paid: $0.87

Transaction 2:
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)

Doubled $1/2 Multi-Grain Bars
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps

Paid: $2.72

Transaction 3: 
Capri Sun - $2.49
Capri Sun - $2.49
Capri Sun - $2.49

Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product
Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product
Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product
 
Paid: $1.71

Transaction 4:
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Ken's Dressing - $1.00 ($4.29 each orig)
Ken's Dressing - $1.00 ($4.29 each orig)
Ken's Dressing - $1.00 ($4.29 each orig)

Doubled $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Doubled $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Used $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Used $1/1 Ken's Dressing
Used $1/1 Ken's Dressing
Used $1/1 Ken's Dressing 

Paid: $0 - FREE

Transaction 5:
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Super Chill Soda - $0.89 ($1.19 each orig)
Albertsons Donut - $4.49 B1G1 Free ($4.49 each orig)


Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Used coupon for a free donut (sizzling summer game)
Used coupon for a free soda (Albertsons email)

Paid: $0.57

Transaction 6:
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Multi-Grain Cereal Bar - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.99 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)
Pop Tarts Mini Crisps - $1.88 wyb 4 ($3.69 each orig)

Doubled $1/2 Multi-Grain Bars
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps
Doubled $1/1 Pop Tarts Mini Crisps

Paid: $2.72

Transaction 7:
Quaker Baked Bar - $1.67 ($3.79 each orig)
Maruchan Yakisoba - $1.19 ($1.39 each orig)
Capri Sun - $2.49

Doubled $0.75/1 Quaker Baked Bar
Doubled $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba
Doubled $1/1 Capri Sun Product

Paid: $2.72

Transaction 8:
Quaker Baked Bar - $1.67 ($3.79 each orig)
Quaker Baked Bar - $1.67 ($3.79 each orig)
Chex Mix - $1.00 ($3.19 each orig)
Super Chill Soda - $0.89 ($1.19 each orig)
 

Doubled $0.75/1 Quaker Baked Bar
Doubled $0.75/1 Quaker Baked Bar
Doubled $0.60/1 Chex Mix
Used coupon for a free soda (Albertsons email)

Paid: $0.14

Transaction 9:
Kraft Miracle Whip - $3.49 ($4.89 each orig)
Kraft Mayonnaise - $3.49 ($4.89 each orig) 
Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs - $3.99 ($6.99 each orig)
 Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs - $3.99 ($6.99 each orig)


Doubled $1/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip
Doubled $1/1 Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs
Used $1/1 Oscar Meyer Selects Hot Dogs
- $3.00 off Manager Special
- $3.00 off Manager Special

Paid: $1.96

August 21, 2012

Me, Myself and I Link Up!

I am joining the lovely Amanda from For Love of a Cupcake to do a link up!

 

1) What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? 
 I would open up my own photography studio or have one outside of our home for sure!



2) If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?
I would want to travel all over the world, or at least Europe and spend all the time I could with my family.

3) If a front page news article was written on you, what would the headline be?
'Woman opens up her own mini mart at home from her couponing' 
hahahah kidding. =]
4) What is your biggest pet peeve?
I absolutely hate slow drivers; stupid drivers in general. I also can't stand loud chewing. You know, with the mouth open, smacking gum or food.
5) What is your favorite chick flick movie?
The Vow was...amazing!

Now it's your turn! Link up!

August 18, 2012

More Couponing; Sick Of Me Yet?

Albertson's had their round up days (which I'll explain in a minute), even though they just had their doubler days. I scored probably my best run yet, for sure. I only spent about $8 worth on about $93 worth of stuff. Here is a quick run down of how round up days work:
  • They run all week; this week is the 14th-21st.
  • There are no limits to how many coupons you can use (unless the coupon states otherwise).
    • This means you only have to do one transaction, rather than many. 
  • Coupons valued at $0.24 or less will be quadrupled. 
  • Coupons valued at $0.25-$0.99 will automatically be rounded up to $1.00 
  • Coupons $1.00 or above will remain at that face value price.
  • Round up cannot exceed price of item and give overage
    • Say I have an item for $0.50; the coupon is for $0.30 - The round up will only ad an extra $0.20, to make the item free (instead of rounding up to $1.00); make sense?
Hopefully that helps understand how round up week works. Now, I like round up more sometimes just because it gives me the chance to use coupons that are almost useless because the value is so low. It makes for a very good deal! Any questions or anything, just ask or click that comment tab up top!

About $93 worth, for $8
Here were my items; hopefully this helps you understand!

Bounty Paper Towels (3) - $1.00 ($1.00 orig)
Used $0.25/1, rounded to $1.00
Final Price: FREE

Yoplait Simplait (7) - $0.50 ($0.75 orig)
Used $0.40/1, rounded to $0.50
Final Price: FREE

Colgate Toothpaste (4) - $0.99 ($3.19 orig)
with in-ad coupon 
Used $0.50/1, rounded to $0.99
Final price: FREE

ZonePerfect Product (3) - $1.00 ($139. orig)
Used $0.55/1, rounded to $1.00
Final price: FREE

Renuzit Fresh Accents Air Freshener (3) - $1.00 ($3.49 orig)
Used $1.00/1 (didn't round to anything)
Final price: FREE

Beech Nut Stage 4 Fruities (4) - $0.99 ($0.99 orig)
Used $0.50/1, rounded to $0.99
Final Price: FREE

Huggies Baby Wipes 56 ct. (4) - $1.99 ($1.99 orig)
Used $0.50/1, rounded to $1.00
Final price: $0.99

Skittles, Starburst, or Life Savers Gummies (4) - $0.69 ($0.79 orig)
Used $0.50/2, rounded to $1.00
Final price: $0.19 wyb 2

Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese (4) - $2.99 ($6.29 orig)
Used $0.55/1, rounded to $1.00Plus I had a $1.00 off manager special
Final price: $0.99

Donuts (2) - $0.79 ($0.79 orig)
Used FREE donut or bagel from Sizzling Summer Game
Final Price: FREE

Jennie-O Ground Turkey (2) - $3.99 ($5.29 orig)
Used $3.00 off manager special
Final Price: $0.99

Canadian Bacon(2) - $2.99
($3.99 orig)
Used $2.00 off manager special
Final Price: $0.99

August 16, 2012

It's Ok Thursdays

Its Ok Thursdays

It's Ok...

...to be obsessed with couponing (haha).

...to miss your son while at work.

...to sleep in after a long day at work.

...to be extremely happy about losing almost 20lbs for the first time in your life.

...to be upset about your blog being kind of boring.

...to hate this heat, even though it's finally summer feeling.

August 15, 2012

Wordless-ish Wednesdays

From our trip to the falls yesterday!
Sorry they are blurry; I forgot to charge the batteries for my camera.


August 12, 2012

Getting Back In The Game...With Couponing

Today I found some fantastic deals at Albertsons. I have been way out of the game, but it feels so good to be back. All in all, I only spent $16! Hopefully I can keep this up. Maybe not always this extreme though. I just haven't had time since getting my job. I went to bed last night before midnight for once and woke up super early. I got up about 6:45am, ate and went on my way. I made sure to get back so I would have plenty of time to relax and see my boys before work tonight. Anyway, here were my transactions! Any questions, please ask!

$167, paid $16 (89% savings)

Transaction 1:
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)

Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/2 General Mills Cherrios

Paid: $1.76

Transaction 2:
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Lance Cracker Creations - $2.00 ($3.49 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)
Cherrios - $1.88 ($4.99 each orig)

Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/1 Lance Cracker Creations
Doubled $1/2 General Mills Cherrios

Paid: $1.76

Transaction 3: **Apart of the buy 10, save $5 promo**
Planters Peanut Butter - $2.49 ($4.49 each orig)
Planters Peanut Butter - $2.49 ($4.49 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit - $2.49 ($4.29 each orig)
Crest Toothpaste - $1.49 ($2.99 each orig)
Crest Toothpaste - $1.49 ($2.99 each orig)
Crest Toothpaste - $1.49 ($2.99 each orig)

-$5 for promo savings
Doubled $1/1 Planters Product
Doubled $1/1 Planters Product
Doubled $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product) 
Used $1/1 Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit (peelie found on product)
Used $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste
Used $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste
Used $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste

Paid: $4.65

Transaction 4: **buy 3, get a FREE milk**
Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt - $2.00 ($2.69 each orig)
Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt - $2.00 ($2.69 each orig)
 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt - $2.00 ($2.69 each orig)
Whole Milk - FREE ($3.65 orig)

Doubled $1/1 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
Doubled $1/1 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
Doubled $1/1 Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
- $3.65 off for the free milk promo

Paid: $0 - FREE

Transaction 5:
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Smuckers Uncrustables - $2.50 ($3.69 each orig)
Smuckers Uncrustables - $2.50 ($3.69 each orig)
Pasta Prima - $4.49 B1G1 Free ($4.49 each orig)
Pasta Prima - Free ($4.49 each orig)
Lunchmeat - $1.99 ($1.99 each orig)

Doubled $1/2 Mrs Cubbins Product
Doubled $1/1 Smuckers Uncrustables
Doubled $1/1 Smuckers Uncrustables
- $2.00 off managers special
- $2.00 off managers special
- $2.00 off managers special

Paid: $1.49

Transaction 6:
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Mrs Cubbins Croutons - $1.00 ($2.19 each orig)
Johnsonville Chicken Sausage - $5.29 ($5.29 each orig)
Johnsonville Chicken Sausage - $5.29 ($5.29 each orig)


Doubled $1/2 Mrs Cubbins Product
Doubled $1/1 Johnsonville Chicken Sausage
Doubled $1/1 Johnsonville Chicken Sausage
- $3.00 off managers special
- $3.00 off managers special

Paid: $0.58

Transaction 7:
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)

Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies
Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies
Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies

Paid: $1.57

Transaction 8:
Beechnut Steamies Meals - $2.09 ($2.99 each orig)
Dove Dry Shampoo - $3.00 ($4.99 each orig)
Dove Hair Mousse - $3.00 ($4.99 each orig)


Doubled $0.75/1 Beechnut Steamies
Doubled $1/1 Dove + Care Product
Doubled $1/1 Dove + Care Product

Paid: $2.97
Transaction 9:
Windex Spray - $2.99 ($4.39 each orig)
Windex Spray - $2.99 ($4.39 each orig)
Windex Spray - $2.99 ($4.39 each orig)


Doubled $1/1 Windex Original (peelie found on product)
Doubled $1/1 Windex Original (peelie found on product)
Doubled $1/1 Windex Original (peelie found on product)

Paid: $2.97

August 9, 2012

Blueberry Muffins (Paleo Friendly)

Paleo Blueberry Muffins 
yields about 9 muffins


Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup softened butter or coconut oil
4 TBSP pure maple syrup or honey
1 tsp pure almond extract
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 TBSP full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk
dash of salt
1 cup dried or fresh blueberries

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 9 muffin tins or grease with coconut oil. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, maple syrup or honey, almond and vanilla extracts and coconut milk. Beat in eggs. Add almond flour, salt and baking powder and beat until combined. Fold in the blueberries. Generously fill each muffin tin and cook for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

August 7, 2012

Paleo Bread

I have a new recipe for you all. Being on Paleo, I miss breads sometimes. However, I found a fantastic recipe for paleo bread. It uses almond flour and eggs, as well as a few other things. It definitely holds up well enough for bread. We had it for toast this morning and it was fantastic. Next time, I want to make a little more so that the pieces are bigger for sandwiches and such, but it's great. It's pretty amazing with almond butter too (like peanut butter but with almonds). I found this recipe from this fantastic site called Multiply Deliciousness.

Paleo Herb Bread
1 ½ cups blanched almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
2 tablespoons golden flaxseed meal
2 tablespoons fresh herbs of choice (I used rosemary and thyme), chopped
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
5 eggs
¼ cup coconut oil, melted 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (I just used water)


Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a standard loaf pan.  Set aside.
Place almond flour, coconut flour, flax, herbs of choice, salt, baking soda in a food processor and pulse together to combine.  Pulse in eggs, oil, and vinegar.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean

NOTE: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand you can use dried herbs but just use less of them.  Maybe ½  to 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon at most each of the dried herb of choice.