Lets spend less than $24 at the stores today!!!

Its a rainy Monday morning and while everyone wants to stay inside I dropped the kids off at school early and Red and I headed in to town to see what kind of deals we could find.

Stop #1 had to pick up a prescription at Walgreens so thats a good enough reason to go in and check out what is on clearance or deals... I had a $1 coupon from last week that needed to be used, I didnt find much I was really looking for FABULOUS deals. 

But I found some Fructius Conditioner just one type was on clearance for $1.99 so I had to grab up those 2 bottles knowing I had $1 on 1 Manufacturers Coupons to use also.  Then I needed a filler to use that $1 Walgreens Coupon so I threw in a Cruch cany bar since they were 39 cents this week.

My subtotal after coupons a whooping $1.37 plus tax!! For 2 conditioners and a candy bar, not a large shopping trip but a good deal never the less.

Stop#2 Walmart ... so I really dont care to shop at Walmart but we were waiting on my mil an so there was time to kill and I wanted to see if any of the Halloween had been further marked down .. the 50% off seasonal sales dont cut it with me.  Lo and behold its down to 75% .. ideally I buy at 90% off unless its something I know wont last. 

So my Walmart trip included 2 Litttle Purple Pails very cute for gifts or something - clearanced down to 24 cents, a Halloween tee for Hannah it was $1.22 on clearance, 2 cans of diced tomatoes normally 87 cents but used a $1 off 2 then 2 bags of fruit puffed marshmallows for 1.25 each and 50 cents coupons. 

My cost was $4.44 before tax.

Then we ran in Schnucks and met my MIL since I was there I figrured the specials were worth looking at.

I got 6 boxes of Barilla Pasta, on sale for $1 each some whole grain some reg.  I had 2 coupons on the grain ones that were save $1/2

I got their meal deal for the week, you purchase an eckerich saususge and you get a FREE bag of frozen veggies, browie mix by betty crocker and a side dish of butter noodles.  The sausage was overpriced in my opinion at $4.19, however I had a $1 MC and a $1 Schnucks catalina from last week so essentially making that sausage $2.19 and everything else free so I can handle that.

I then purchased 2 things of Tony C rice mixtures they were normally $2.65 but clearanced for $1 each and 2 things of Chicken Rice that was $1 a piece since Red loves chicken rice.

I also purchased 2 Boxes of Betty Crocker potato mixes on sale for $1 and used $1/2 MC. 

My final cost came to $12.44 before tax!

With Red with my MIL I made one last stop at Kmart.

Box of Reynolds Crock pot Liners $2.19 used $1 coupon that doubled to $2 so 19 cents cost but this was actually my friend Carlas she met me at Kmart to learn a few pointers ..

Woolite Pet Carpet Cleaner $3.99 used a $1 Kmart coupon from the Holida Savings Book and a $1 MC coupon that doubled to $2, so 99 cents was a DEAL!!!\

1 Box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch used a 50 cents coupon doubled to $1 they were 2.50 so $1.50

Purex Laundry Pods sale for $3.50 used $1 MC doubled to $2 cost $1.50

409 Carpert Cleaner $2.50 I didnt have any coupons for this but we needed some and thats a decent price

2 Snack Boxes of Teddy Grahams or Cookies they were $4 a box great for kids lunches

1 Carton of Eggs - this is their Free item of the week so I had to take it valued at 1.99

2 2 Liters of Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper on sale for $1 had a $1/2 MC that doubled to $2 so these were Free I am not really a Dr Pepper fan but if I am deseperate I might drink it plus holidays are coming up and other events I can use at ... Ill probably just have out at my pinterest party in a few weeks :)

Then I had a $10 P& G Coupon to use.   so drum roll please.... $4.68 after coupons and before tax!!

So fr roughly $23/24 when all was said and done with tax I did pretty good on this mornings quick deal ventures!!

Loving our New CVS!!

So a few friends wanted to know how I got everything I did at CVS for just cents over $20 ... so here is the info!!

MC = Manufacturers Coupons
TC = Total Cost
ECB = Bucks CVS gives out

CVS Transaction #1

(4) Dawn Handwashing Soap @ 99 cents each used .75 cents MC on all 4 cost 24 cents TC 96 cents
(2) Packages of Pampers Baby Dry @ 8.99 each used 2.00 MC on each cost 6.99 each TC 13.98
(4) Covergirl Eyeshadows Buy 1 get 1 50% off totaling 11.06 used 3.00 MC on each 2 items TC 5.06
(1) Package of GE Chips @1.00 used 1.00 CVS Coupon TC FREE

Cost after Coupons $20 then I had a $3 ECB that I used so cost $17 plus tax earned a $10 ECB for next purchase

CVS Transaction #2

(2) Boxes of Vanilla Wafers sale for 2/$5 used 1.00 MC on each cost 1.5 each TC 3.00
(1) Hostess Cupcakes 8 pack 2.99 TC 2.99
(1) Dawn Handsoap @ 99 cents used 50 cents MC TC .49 cents
(4) Herbal Essence Shampoo/Conditioners @2.99 each 11.96 cost used 11.96 MC TC ALL WERE FREE
***I had coupons that allowed up to 6.99 credit on 2
(2) Dial Mens Soaps @2.29 on markdown used 1.00 MC on each cost 1.29 each TC 2.58
(2) Nivea Lip Shimmers @2.99 each used $3 MC TC 2.98

Cost $12.04 plus tax - then used my $10 ECB from above and paid just over $2 for everything

So I only paid $20 and a few cents for all of these items

I am loving this new CVS!!

Busy Days ...

This time of the year is always busy for me, I am finishing up my last minute Halloween orders generally scrambling to make our costumes and then there are school events for the kids.  Today was one of those busy days, I did some couponing then went and had lunch with Hannah then we did a pumpkin project in her class.  Once home I needed to pull together last minute things for their fall parties tomorrow and wow its not almost 10 pm and I am JUST sitting down. 

So I have attended everyone of the kids parties at school - never missed.  However now that two are in the same school their parties are at the same time and well I am in charge of Calebs party for the fall, Hannahs for the winter, Calebs for Friendship and Spring .. is open.  So my kids will have to take turns with me being at their parties.

For Hannahs party I just needed to send in an added treat they already have some so we decided to do something creative, I gave Hannah some options and she picked these bats for me to make.  They were super easy since I used the silhouette to cut the bat and then just stuck the hersheys chocolate inside sealed the wings closed with a little adhesive and glued on the eyeballs. 

I think they came out pretty good probably the best thing about my day today was hitting up our new CVS ... I can tell already that place and I are going to hit it off. With my coupon binder in hand I was ready to take on the store then I remembered the kids were with me and so it was a quick run in.. I need some time to go and check out the store further.

Lisa

Let me OUT!!!

That was my feeling today..... I have been in the house most of the week while Caleb recovers from his tonsils and adenoids being removed and getting a 3rd set of tubes, the boys have been at each other and so I was ready to get out today.  I escaped for the day shopping and even bought a few new outfits. 

I am hoping to get in some couponing this week but its only a 3 day week for school so couponing doesnt happen when the kids are home.

As I went over the lesson for our Sunday School class tomorrow I needed to come up with an activity some weeks our book has activities I use and other weeks I try and come up with something .. pinterest is fabulous for ideas.

This week we will make door hanger to remind us that God Provides, the kids are going to learn about how God provided for Moses and the Israelites in the desert.

I am pretty sure my husband is going to say what in the earth is that on the hanger... well its a quail .. I know its a little different looking perhaps even a tad owly looking but oh well the kids will enjoy putting these together and listing a few things that God provides for them. 

I thought about bringing bread for the snack but I decided we hadnt had doughnuts in a while and the kids just love having those for our snack... what am I saying they love any food for snack.

This week I plan to work on some new things for our classroom, one is a turkey that will say we are thankful for ... and have each of the kids names on it.

Ill post pictures of it when its done.  I have been taking pictures of the kids doing various activities this quarter and plan to make some tiny little picture books of them and the activities with perhaps prayer reminders on each page.

I think its time to relax and sit back and watch some tv.

Lisa

Moses and the Parting of the Red Sea

Its been a while since I have posted and not for lack of couponing or creating its just been run run run and yesterday my Caleb had his tonsils out he did well with the surgery .. oh and he had his adenoids removed for the 2nd time and his 3rd set of tubes, lets just say we are very very good customers of our ENT between the three kids and all their ears, nose and throat issues.

So I was sitting here browsing my favorite site.. pinterest and wanted to do a snack and craft for my Sunday School class tomorrow, now our resource book has loads of great ideas but I like to add my own creative touch to teaching the lessons and make it fun!!

After finding nothing that I loved on pinterest I resorted to just a google search and read a forum post about someone doing a cake with the sea parting so I ventured up to the pantry and I just happend to have a white cake mix.. checked my jellos... hmm no blue but I have food coloring so I figured we will see what we can do.  I baked the cake in a 9 x 13 pan let it cool and cut a path out of the cake down the center. 

I mixed up some jello to set - well my first batch was red .. I tred but honestly my food coloring efforts failed I had purple so I dumbed that and started back in the pantry with green jello .. so I mixed that up and threw in some blue food coloring it looked a greeny blue but good enough. I covered the cake with a layer of cool whip I actually wish I had dyed it blue first then the sides had blue jello pieces laid on them for a wiggley look of water, the center area was covered in graham crackers then I took little teddy grahams and added icing to their feet and stuck them along the path.  The front one is moses so I used my edible markers and did some coloring on him finally a pretzel staff for him.  Not my most creative project but considering all three kids were home and one is 1 day post op I did what I could with what I had and I will say that my class of K kids will be so excited to eat cake, cool whip and jello at 10 am that they will think this is the greatest creation.

Last week they loved the flys in our snack bowl and the frogs I threw on them during the lesson .. yes we had discussed the plagues.  They all begged to take plastic frogs home and I am sure all of my parents were pleased for some extra things in their house.

I am just about out of the busy time for my business and although I love being busy I am ready to start creating some things for Christmas!!

Lisa

Happy Fall ...

I love the fall ... cooler weather and a chance to redecorate with fall tones, pumpkins, mums and more!!! This fall has been busy so far I thought with 2 in school now that I would sit and relax sometimes that is NEVER the case. 

Its the busy season with my business, then we had our school bookfair, local events and more.

Tonight me and Ms H started some fall decorating, I whipped together this quick picture for my front entryway table.  Just took a picture I dont use anymore modge podged some scrap book paper on the front and then hot glued little pumpkins put on a stand and a new look for FREE used everything in my house you cant get better than that!!! I love it too!

 So this is how my entry way came about tonight, I will probably tweek a few things the branches I had in my stash and they were brown I took them outside and threw a tad of black spray paint on them for a different look. 

I will take better pics during the day its hard to see how cute my new pumpkin pic is!!

Where are you?

That was a text I got while out this afternoon.  I needed to run to Joanns for a few items and remembered when I saw Kmart that I had a $10 P&G coupon that was good this week, so I couldnt help myself but to go get some deals.  Usually I try to prepare some and read the latest blogs for info on deals to get but my favorite blog didnt have the coupon match ups for Kmart posted yet so I tackled this trip solo and I have to say not too shabby.

I spent a whopping 59 cents, which is good because my husband always likes to say well why do we need this or that, I like to say if its free or next to nothing why not?? I mean at worst I can donate the items if we really have too much in our pantry. 

(2) 8 pk Rice Krispie Boxes 2/$5 used $1 coupon which doubled
(2) 12 pk Cracker Snack Boxes by Keebler $4 each used $1 coupon
(2) Bags of Halls on clearance for $1 used $1 coupon on each
(4) Packages of the 8 pk Juicy Juice individual Juice Boxes mark down to $2.19 each used $1 coupons on each that doubles making them 19 cents each
(2) Rimmel Listicks clearance $1.32 used $1 coupons on each making them 32 cents each
(2) Jugs of Sunny D $1.09 used 55 cents coupon
(1) Rimmel Lip Liner on clearance 33 cents used $ coupon usually doesnt give you overage however mine did do overage of 67 cents
(1) Veggie Straws $2.99 they are the free item for rewards members this week so it took off the 2.99

Total before tax was 12.36 then I used a $10 P&G coupon I earned the other week when buying hopefully my LAST pack of diapers ... so 2.36 then I was able to use some of my Reward $ to get my total OOP cost to 59 cents.

Not bad if you ask me!! My husband can text me anytime asking where I am if I am getting deals like this. I am not sure if I will do any other couponing this week since there was no coupons in the paper now dont forget that they just reloaded coupons on Target and on www.coupons.com so I have been printing new coupons. 

Lisa

A Coupon Maniac...

Yes, thats me! In the past week the kids went back to school for me this means I now have 2 kids in school and only one at home its a little strange, especially since my mother in law has been taking my little one 1-2 days a week so I can work. 

With just one child at home couponing and shopping has become alot easier!! This week I have hit Kmart twice for deals and made a trip to Target, I just wish our town would get a Target!!!!

So my Target reciept is very very long the stack of coupons was large and I was amazed at the savings, it took a tad of planning but the savings with matching Target and Manufacturers coupons is GREAT!! I stocked up on lots of stuff for school lunches and toiletries etc

Here is a breakdown of what I got: TC = Target Coupon MC = Manufacturers Coupon

• (2) Pampers Wipes 1.99  each used $1 TC & .50 MC cost .49 cents each
• (3) Scrubbing Bubbles Kitchen Cleaner 2.89 used $1 TC and $1 MC cost .89 each
• Batteries 4.99 sadly only a .75 MC cost 4.24
• Frito Lay Snack Packs 2.50 used $1 TC cost 1.50
• (6) Packages of the NEW Pepperidge Farm Jingo Crackers .. check the $1 section $1 each used $1 MC FREE FREE FREE
• (4) Boxes of Quaker Choc covered choc chip granola bars and bonus each box has a bonus 2 bars in them $2 box used $1 on 2 TC then $1 on 2 MC on Quaker stuff .. cost $1 box
• (3) Boxes of 10 ct Fruit Snacks on sale for $1.50 used $1 TC cost 50 cents a box
• (2) Boxes of Rice Krispy Bars sale 1.99 each used $1 MC on 2 cost 1.50 a box
• (4) Boxes of Nutri Grain Bars sale 2.54 box used $1/3 TC then used 2 $1/2 MC so 7.16 for 4 boxes making them about 1.60 or so a box
• (2) Containers of Cold Cut meat 2.79 each used 2 - $1 TC cost 1.79 each
• (2) Kraft Fat Free Dressings on sale 1.89 used $1/2 MC cost 1.39 each
• (2) Lunchables 1.29 each used $1/2 TC used $1/2 MC cost .29 each
• (2) Post Honey Bunches of Oats 2.75 sale used $1 on 1 TC then $1/2 MC cost 1.25 each
• (3) Boxes of Pop Tarts on sale 1.65 each used .70 MC on each cost .95 cents each
• (2) 6 packs of Dannon Danimal Yogurts on sale $2 each used $1 TC then .75 MC cost .25 cents each!!! Awesome Deal!!!
• (2) Reach 2 pack of kids toothbrushes, batman and barbie sale $2.23 pack, used $1 TC then used $1 MC cost .23 a pack
• Oral B Kids Toothpaste 2.06 used a $1 TC then .50 MC cost .56
• (3) Aquafresh toothpaste 2.00 used a $1 TC then .75 MC cost .25 a tube
• (2) Tres Semme Hairsprays @ 3.31 each then (1) Shampoo/Conditioner 3.64 each used $1 TC and $3 off MC total cost $5 for all the items so basically the hairsprays were FREE then I got money off the shampoo and conditioner
• (2) Fructius Styling Products 2.99 each used $1 TC used $1 MC for .99 cents each
• (2) Boxes of Hefty Ziploc Bags 2.19 each on sale used $1/2 TC and $1/2 MC for 1.19 each
• (2) Packages of Ballpoint Pens 1.00 each used $1 TC FREE FREE FREE
• (2) Jars of Ragu Spaghetti Sauce on sale for 1.49 each used .75/2 TC then .60/2 MC cost about 85 cents each
• (2) Packages of Kraft Amer cheese singles on sale 2.79 used $1 MC and then also got FREE wonder bread $1.89 value when purchased 2 kraft items so got all for just around 3.50!
• (2) Double Packs/Cases of Capri Suns 4.69 each used $1/2 TC paired with (2) Packs of Nabisco Snack Packs (I choose the big boxes of the cookie packs) $4.69 used 2 50 cents TC and a $1/2 MC then it was a buy 3 get 4th item free on these so I got an addtl 4.69 off so I paid roughly $10-11 and got all of these big packs
• (2) Packages of Pepp Farm Baked Chips 2.50 each used $1 MC got 1.50 each
• (4) Containers of Hersheys Pleasures on sale 2.99 used $1 TC and used $2 MC FREE FREE FREE
• Bought Andrew a top 9.00 had a 20 % off character tops saved 1.80 TC

Its all about the details

Its been a busy month the first week of August we celebrated Hannahs 7th Birthday, its really hard for me to believe that my girl is 7.  We had a Mad Hatter themed party with many of her friends attending.  I love party planning and this party has been my favorite one ot plan I really loved all the fun colors and zebra mix we decided to put into it.

Here are some pictures of the party set up.. dont forget Thrift stores are great places to find fun party things just wash - repaint or decorate and you can have some fabulous party looks for cheap.

I will post some of the outside party details in my next post.

Back to School Already ...



Today was our first day back at school.  I feel like the summer went by fast this year and I have been so busy that my posts have dwindled.  I have been doing all kinds of things, working, party planning etc I am hoping now school is in session that I will get a little more time to post coupon deals, creative things and more.

So here is something I did for H & Cs teachers I saw the idea on pinterest a couple weeks ago and loved it so I made one for each teacher and it will have all the box tops I collected during the summer inside it. 

Not bad since I dont own a cricuit.. I need to start hinting to my husband that I would love one for our anniversary or Christmas. 



Mad Hatter Invites for my Birthday Girl

I was feeling a little crafty today and needed to get Hannahs birthday invites done, I decided this year I would make them since I love the Mad Hatter theme we are doing, I cant wait til the actual party and show off some of the decor and food I am making, this has to be one of the funnest themes to do we decided to keep the colors to bright looks of citrus, orange, purple, pink, yellow with accents of zebra stripes. 

Really once I got going on these invites I was able to whiz thru them .. every invite has its own individual look because you know how those 7 yr old girls are, they love to be different!!

Kmart Kraziness with 3 Krazy Kids before 9 am..

Okay what was I thinking all the kids were up and its a decent coupon and deal week at Kmart this week so we were there by 8:30 am my red head was not cooperating with this trip at all and so I made a few errors and I hate to pay more than what I need too.  I plan to go back to Kmart maybe tonight on my own and work a few good deals I like to be able to browse and work the deals with full concentration and that wasnt happening this morning, I was sweating by the time we left!

Needless to say I still did a good haul for the price BUT it wasnt as good as it should of been.

Check out todays Haul:

(2) Jugs of those small sized Sunny Ds my kids love this and its 1.09 with B1 get one FREE so basically 54 cents a JUG.. thats a deal, no coupons but at that price I am okay with no coupons.

(1) One 3 pk Ivory soaps if you got yesterdays paper there was a $1 coupon on Ivory products .. the 3 pk is 1.79 I used a $1 coupon that double to the 1.79 value making the soap FREE which is the only reason I bought the soap since I scored some oil of olay clearance soaps last week for $2 for packs that retail for 8.47 and stocked up.

(1) Package of Ground Chuck 2.99 this also gives you a pack of cheese and a thing of buns for FREE this week no coupon needed just need to be a rewards member so thats a great deal I threw all those items in my freezer.

(2) Packs of Chips Ahoy Cookies they are 2/$4 however I have a coupon on 2 to save $1 that doubled leavingthose $1 a packet and a good deal for grabbing to take somewhere.

(1) Oreos.. ok here was an error I didnt notice until I got home these rang up at 2.50 and were shelve advertised as 2.29 so that was a 21 cents error I made.. every cent counts, I only bought these because I was buying a milk and I had a $1 coupon on them if I bought milk so making then what I thought was 29 cents but ended up being 50 cents..

(1) Milk .. because we always need milk so I might as well work in my Kmart shopping if I need a filler

(1) Thing of Capri suns I didnt have a coupon but they are 1.88 and thats a good deal I hate that capri suns went up to 2.50 + recently so if I can get them on sale I will generaly get some too bad the coupons expired yesterday on these.

(1) 12 pk of smart sense soda this is the kmart brand and I only like deit pepsi and it has to be pepsi but the kids like a root beer every now and again and this is their FREE item this week so who am I to leave at the storeif its FREE, get a monthly ad from the service desk for this free item.

(2) Bags of the Hersheys Choc Drops there is a rewards coupon in this weeks ad to use and get for 1.99 BEWARE mine did not reduce my price I knew my total wasnt right and double checked my reciept before I left anyway so they came down to 1.99 I had (2) $1 coupons that doubled making FREE I dont like these things but they are great to have for a little thank you gift with a cute tag on especially since they were FREE. (Coupon was available on their facebook page)

(1) All Laundry Det - ok here was my mistake they were on sale and I thought I wasnt quite to my $25 yet BUT the kids had gotten a little rowdy and I must of added soon because I didnt need to get this so my cost would of been $3 cheaper if I left this off for another transaction

So I paid just over $15 for all this but I was aggravated I should of only paid about $10 but because of my adding error and Kmart errors I didnt catch I paid more.. this is why I really try and do these trips with no kids.

So still with the mistakes it was a DECENT haul BUT I only like to spend what I have to .. so as I always warn check your kmart reciepts before you leave the store,

Lisa

Celebrating a 5th Birthday!

Today is my middle child Calebs 5th Birthday and its really hard to believe he is turning 5 and just finished the summer session of Kindergarten.  I have to admit I love to plan parties, I love all the details BUT I honestly can say I didnt quite do all I wanted to do for his, last week was VBS and I am still recovering from that.  However, I think his party turned out nice he had a few friends over to celebrate super hero style and the scavneger hunt I did with super heros was fun for the kids however a few of the older ones found some of the clues prior to the hunt . 

Here is a quick picture I took of the tablescape I did - the city scape background is just black poster board cut with yellow squares and rectangles added for lighted windows super easy and cheap to do.  I made all the cupcake toppers and food labels and all the food too including those cupcakes, so glad he had a good time and its all cleaned up so I can sit and relax.

Caleb was very very eager to open his gifts he has always had a joint party with his sister so his own party was very exciting to him. 

I am wondering if things will start to slow down and I can spend a few days relaxing.

It was a Kmart kind of day AGAIN!!

I have to admit if I have to make a trip into town and I know I have coupons that I can make some deals with at Kmart Ill stop there each time I run in town, I might as well since they limit you to 5 coupons at the $1 value doubling per a transaction. So today I did two checkouts.  I have a few people that I generally try to check out with because I know they know what they are doing, Kmart is notorious for having only one cashier and well my second checkout today was with one that definetly did not get five stars in my books (attitude!!!). 

Just so you know we dont live on junk food in our house and if I can get a deal on healthier food I do however with three kids, summertime and letting them have friends over I wont refuse great deals on food I can offer for snacks.  I do love when I can get fabulous deals on lunch meat and other items but in our area thats rare.  Plus I am stock piling some stuff to pack for our vacation I hate to pay regular price to purchase food while on vacation so my plan is that I will pack anything and everything I can from my deals when we go to Florida. 

So how bout todays purchases??? Now this picture is actually missing 1 box of granola bars that we opened right away so keep that in mind.

Transaction #1 Remember you need to get $25 of food and beauty items before coupons to use 5 $1 coupons that can double
ALSO GIVE THEM THE PUNCH COUPON FIRST WHILE YOUR AMOUNT IS OVER $25 AND WATCH THIS WEEK I FOUND THE FREE GRANOLA BARS AND THE PUNCH ARENT NECESSARILY RINGING UP HAVE YOUR AD WITH YOU.

(1) Gallon Tub of Hawaiin Punch 2.89
(1) Package of ALL Laundry Pods 4.00
(2) Quaker Cappin Crunch Cereals 2.00 each = 4.00
(4) Packages of Various Granola Bars 2.00 each = 8.00
(2) Boxes of Special K Cereal 2.50 each = 5.00
(2) Packs of the M&M Snack Mixes 2.50 each = 5.00

Total before taxes / coupons 28.89

Coupons Used:

(1) Members Reward for this week FREE Hawaiin Punch with $25 purchase so 
(1) ALL Coupon $1 doubled - 2.00
(1) Quaker save $1 on 2 cereals doubled -2.00
(1) Members Deal for the week also on buy 5 Quaker Items get a box of granola bars free so $2 value -2.00
(1) Kelloggs save $1 on 2 cereals doubled -2.00
(2) M&M Snack Mix Coupons for save $1 doubled both of them - 4.00
(1) P&G Coupon I had this from last week its a $10 off coupon have to have $10 purchase

So I spent just over $4 on my first transaction!!

Transaction #2

(1) Gallon Tub of Hawaaiin Punch 2.89
(1) Package of ALL Laundry Pods 4.00
(2) Packs of Chips Ahoy 2/$4 so $4
(2) Boxes of Ritz mini cheese crackers 2/$4 so $4
(2) Boxes of Peanut butter mini Ritz crackers 2/$4 so $4
(2) Boxes of Ritz Pretzel like snack crackers 2/$4 so $4
(1) Box of Special K Bars 2.50

Total before taxes / coupons 22.89

Coupons Used:

(1) Free Punch coupon again (look for these at the service desk they are in the monthly ad)
(1) ALL Coupon $1 doubled -2.00
(4) Nabisco Coupons that were Buy 2 save $1 they all 4 doubled so -8.00

This one came to just over $12 HOWEVER I had $3 in rewards that I used to make my total just over $9

So everything was purchased for just under $14!!

My afternoon deals!

So after lunch today I cut my new coupons and ran out while the little one was napping and the other two were busy playing.  I knew my one and only stop would be Kmart.  Before I left my husband says What do we need?? I replied its not what we need its what I can stock up on and pay little to nothing for that way we wont need those items and yes my kids will eat whatever is in our pantry so if it means we have lots of cereal they will snack on that if its granola bars thats the snacks ..

So here is todays outcome ALL for $4.81I could of paid just a few cents but I decided to get the lunch meat I always worry that my addition will end up wrong so I like to add in an extra item to be safe.

Here is what I did:

Quaker cereals and granola bars are on sale 5 for $10 and if you are a rewards member and but 5 of these items you can mix and match you get a FREE box of granola bars (Word to the wise make sure that your box thats extra rings up free I noticed mine didnt and had to have them fix it) So $10 for 4 boxes of granola bars and 2 boxes of capn crunch then I used a $1 coupon on the granola bars that doubled to $2 so $8 for all these items.

The Belvita breakfast cookies these are new I havent tried them yet but new items tend to have good coupons and Kmart is one of the few places I know you can do this at I used a $1 on one box coupon first that doubled so giving me $2 off the boxes were 2/$6 then I used a buy 1 get 1 free coupon so they took off $3 for that 2nd box so I paid $1 for both boxes.  We are trying the blueberry and the apple cinnamon.

Next the Hawaiin Punch is this weeks reward members deal for FREE .. I got the Berry Lemonade since we are not fans of the Punch flavors in my house so that was FREE!

The shaving gel is on sale 2/$5 I had a 75 cents coupon that doubled so that made the gel $1.

The Sally Hansen nail polish was $1.99 I had a $1 coupon that doubled so FREE!

Then lastly I added in the lunch meat because I had to have a total over $10 after my coupons to use my P&G $10 coupon I was worried without that it wouldnt make it and well you can freeze lunch meat it was 2 for $6 I used a 55 cents coupon that doubled so not a fabulous deal BUT...

all things considering I got all of these items for less than the cost of the luncheon meat so can you complain??  At the end I used the $10 P&G coupon I had earned from last week and that bascially covered the cost of those quacker items that were on a deal,  I have another $10 off to use so Ill prob stop in tomorrow and do another deal.

Lisa

Loving Kmart this week...

I tend to have a love/hate relationship with K-mart, I love when I can put together great deals but I sometimes dread the checkout line something always rings up wrong or freezes or something.  BUT, despite the issues that occur at checkout some weeks K-mart can be great for saving.

I have to admit I have been to Kmart a few times this week to get deals Ive been busy so the first set of deals I just put away but if I get some time tomorrow afternoon Ill post those deals I did, however tonight I snapped a quick picture of the items I purchased.  I spent $7.14 on all of this!!! I was rather impressed since I hate paying alot for makeup.

In all I got:

2 Containers of Purex
2 Scrubbing Bubbles
4 things of nail polish
2 bottles of foundation
3 lipsticks
1 package of oreos

So here is what I did... now I will warn you need plenty of coupons to make this deal work.

(3) Maybelline Lipsticks they are normally 6.99 I had seen a post on a blog from others earlier this week saying to check clearance mark downs on make up and so sure enough I found some (dont worry I got my eyes covered in an earlier purchase this week).  These were all on clearance for $1 each - and I used a $1 coupon on all of them so FREE!

(2) Scrubbing Bubbles Active Scrub these were 2.49 each, I had coupons that made these free and actually gave me some overage now I will tell you normally Kmart doesnt give you overage but my check out guy was a little goofy tonight and so I ended up actually getting the slight overage here to use against some of the other costs, so FREE!

(2) Cover Girl Foundations 6.99 Each they were running a Buy 1 and get 1 50 % off so one rang up as 6.99 and one had 3.50 taken off of it then I also had 2 $1 cover girl coupons, one bottle came to 4.99 and the other 1.50 after my $1 coupons doubled not bad you cant buy one bottle for that

(1) Package of Oreos - these were 3.85 BUT they are Kmarts special free item this week for rewards members whos cost prior to coupons exceeds $20 I think so I had a coupon to cover the full cost they were FREE!!! My husband actually complained we are watching what we eat but seriously should I refuse free items, the kids will love them!

(2) Sally Hansen Nail Polish .. one rang up at 1.99 and well the guy couldnt get the other to ring up so he rung it up for 1.00 I had $1 coupons again so the one doubled made that bottle free and the other stayed at $1 made that FREE so both bottles FREE!!

(2) Bottles of Rimmel Nail Polish on clearance for 2.24, I had a $1 coupon it doubled so thats $2 and I paid 24 cents

(2) Purex Laundry Detergents they are on sale this week for 3.99 however in this weeks ad there is a 2.99 coupon for rewards members limit 3 .. so that brings that down a dollar and I had 2 - $1 off 1 coupons to use on them one coupon doubled so that bottle of detergent ended up being 99 cents the other 1.99 since I just got the $1 off .. remember they only double the 1st 5 coupons. 

So grand total was a little over 9 but that overage from the scrubbing bubbles left me actually at just over $7 and I loved getting this savings!!

While I was out I hopped over to Schnucks to see what deals I could get there, I got a few things .. 2 taco seasonings for 39 cents, some deodrant for 50 cents a piece then some tooth brushes for 25 cents .. while browsing the isles yes I love to do this especially if I am by myself its relaxing I happened to notice the fun size packs of butterfinger things were marked down to $1 from 3.99 and I had 55 cents coupons .. so 45 cents for each bag .. check it out.  They were down on the bottom shelf in the candy section.

I dont actually like them but 45 cents I cant just let that go by I bought them and thought I can use for something, our soccer team, maybe my vbs kids not sure yet.

Well I better get to work for a bit, its been a busy week with VBS every morning, I need to post some of the pictures.  I love working VBS but every afternoon the kids seem to be wild and so I am getting very little work done after we get home daily.

I love getting some deals

I love getting deals, the excitement of making a great deal come together is so much fun for me.  So last night I did some shopping for groceries at various stores on my own to get in on some of the great holiday weekend sales on meats and other stuff.  I had stopped at Kmart and worked a deal but now they only double 5 coupons up to $1 a day for each $25 purchase so when I got up this morning I told the boys we would need to make a quick trip to the store.  Hannah is at her grandparents for the week and I will tell you my boys do NOT like to shop they generally fight over the cart and get loud so trips need to be quick and generally end up with me dripping in sweat from rushing but sometimes its worth it.

Today I worked a great deal at Kmart.  I used to never shop at Kmart but if you have time and can figure out some of the $ back deals along with using coupons well its a great place to shop. 

Today I spent $15.47 total and look at the stash I got!!!

So this took 2 transactions, here is what I did - YOU have to spend $25 in food and beauty to get 5 coupons to double up to $1 and be a REWARDS MEMBER, this is sometimes hard to work! I am very careful about working to have as much stuff that we will use for the value in my cart.

1st Transaction
 - NOTE the 1st 5 coupons of $1 will double, all the others were just used regular

(2) Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereals on sale 4/10 so $2.50 each and used a $1 coupon on 2 (coupon doubled)
(1) Brawny Double Roll Paper Towels .. yep these are those big big rolls on sale $3.99 used a $1 coupon (coupon doubled)
(1) Diet Pepsi $1 used a 55 cents coupon
(2) Kraft Salad Dressings $1 each used a $1 on 2 coupon (coupon doubled)
(1) Sunny D - no coupon but Mr C wanted some OJ
(4) M&M Snack Packs on sale for 2/$5 used $1 coupons on each pack (2 of these remaining $1 coupons would of doubled)
(1) Ground Chuck $2.99 If you purchased the ground chuck you got a thing of hamburger buns and cheese for free I was glad I went early my Kmart rarely has these items for the delas

So all these items came to $15.02 after I ran through all the coupons BUT then the M&Ms snacks have a $5 gift card deal if you buy 4 .. so I rcvd a Kmart Gift Card for $5 on top of this. 

So then I just turned around went back and ....

2nd Transaction

(1) 9 Packs of Angel Soft Toilet Paper its the ones that are like a double roll they were on sale for $4.99 I normally have a coupon but I had used mine last night so no coupon.

Total came to $5.42 with tax, I used my $5 gift card and I did try and pay for the .42 cents with the money on my Rewards Card (dont forget to cash in your $ earned on your reward card every once in a while) .. but because it was only tax the register wouldnt let me so I did have to scramble to the bottom of my purse in the midst of cars and crumbs from the boys stuff and find 42 cents.

Total cost to me $15.47!!!  Not bad if you ask me.. And all this done with 2 boys and before 9 am today.


So when I stock up on food and stuff I like to go thru and reorganize my pantry, my pantry is my favorite room in my house I had it designed to be large and to fit our freezer chest in it - so I am working on a few more organizing ideas in there, I just purchased 3 clip boards I plan to modge podge or do something too (1) will have a notepad on for writing items we need because I find that piece of paper on the counter always disappears (1) will have a menu list on it I find menu planning really helps us to use whats in the freezer and cupboard and save more since I know what I am making.  (1) will have a running sheet of my freezer inventory, my freezer is a chest freezer really not my fav type I find things get lost in there so I plan to make a sheet that will keep inventory of chicken, meats etc in there that way I always know what we have and what we may need if I see a sale coming on.  So the boards arent up yet but in the works.  However, Ill post a few pics of my pantry set up below.

This is the area behind my freezer chest and I hated having all those odd things all over my shelves so a while back here I purchased 2 over the door shoe holders they were under $10 at Walmart I trimmed them to length I needed and then hooked the top hooks over my wire shelving.  I use these for odd baking things and sprinkles, some spice packets, my crystal light packets and various odd things its nice because I can see everything and its kept organized which is the way I like things!

This is part of some of our shelves, everything has its area based on 1.  what Andrew can reach so some things are strategically placed in certain areas of my pantry. 

My boys love cereal can you tell?

Well I better get onto cleaning and playing with the boys!!

Busy Times continue...

I feel as though I never sit down these days.  Summer school started for my incoming Kindergartener Monday, we still have soccer going on and I am trying to finish up our new sunday school room and get things finished for VBS. 

I thought I would post a few pictures of the work I have done so far in our Sunday School classroom.  We will teach Kindergarten kids and I really wanted to have a fun looking classroom I will tie in a safari type theme in to the weekly lesson plans so they can explore the Bible with us ..

The room is not finished and I have to say I am creative but my favorite site http://www.pinterest.com/ definetly gave me alot of inspiration.

This first board I love I saw a similar board on pinterest and recreated the look some I added dimension to the water by crinkling some layers under the safari barge and the leaves under the toucan I folded and crumpled and undid for some dimension.  The rainbow back behind was alreadyon the classroom wall and will have to stay there until the room is repainted.

One of the corners, the tree was super easy using a pool noodle $1 from the dollar store and $1 pack of brown paper bags just tied around, Hannah and I made some tree frogs on 1/2 green paper plates to sit on the tree too.

The brown zebra curtains I made do match the theme for the room there are monkeys on the vines the vines are actually some foam stuff from home depot its 97 cents then I twisted brown kraft paper around and tied in some areas with hemp I did try and just do twisted paper on its own but I didnt like the look as much the foam stuff just made it look better.  I need to finish some more leaves but I strang leaves on ribbon and twisted around the vines ..and those cute monkeys I love I twisted hands or legs to have them hang from the vines their bellies have various Bible verses on them.

I need to make a title for this board .. but I got these well done sheets at the dollar store$1 they have a grid on the lower part where you can add stickers or punch out and I will have some type of incentive for getting punches or stickers after so many the kids can choose from my treasure box.  The safari like envelopes I got at a school supply store for a few dollars and the tropical flowers are tissue paper and I love making those so easy.  The envelopes will have each childs name in our class on.

Just a view from our door, the other side of the classroom needs work and I need to do my birthday board and my ranger area.

This is our front door in the works.. I am thinking of a good slogan maybe Come Explore Gods word with us .. I need to add rangers into the jee and the top portion of the door I need to figure something out for.

So thats it so far hopefully I will show some more pictures in a few days of the finished classroom plus I plan to show our VBS in a few weeks I am so excited this year we have tried a few new things for VBS Ill share those when I post all the decorations.

Have a fun holiday weekend.. I know we are busy busy as usual, soccer games and practice, church picnic, and lots of things to be done around the house.

Lisa

Teacher Appreciation Week

Saying Thank You to those special teachers....

This week is teacher appreciation week and I LOVE to be able to show how much we appreciate the teachers that work with our kids day in and day out.   I absolutely adore my daughters teacher she is young, fun, and super creative the kids love her and she does so many fun things with them. 

Tonight, myself and another parent went up to the school to place some fun surprises around for the teachers.  We decorated the teachers classroom door .. its prob not my most creative work and I did find this particular door idea on pinterest but I have been so busy lately I just didnt have time to come up with something original or spend more time creating this. 

Then when she opens the door we have gifts inside, I love to try and do group gifts and try to make gifts personalized to someone and what they may like.  We decided that Mrs. Blackmon buys so many things for her classroom asnd kids that we wanted to stock up her supplies! That being said I had seen several supply cakes on pinterest, so we thought lets have parents donate a supply or two.. we ended up with 60 + glue sticks, about 10 bottles of glue, 12 boxes of crayons, 2 packages of markers, index cards, foam paper, glitter, glitter glues, pencils, sharpies, dry erase markers and much much more .. this tower is HEAVY!! On top we have a few gift cards for her too I hope she loves it - its so great to have other parents that want to spoil our teacher and helped to donate towards this great gift.  (Excuse the very messy play area in the background we have been running non stop for the past week or two so my kids have gotten away with the play area staying messy which if you know me I hate mess)

So if you notice there is more out than just that supply tower - cake, there is a book next to it.  A few weeks back the teacher was out and so I secretly arranged to work with the kids at the time they were working on adjectives so I felt I should use that in our project.  Each child was giving some petals and wrote an adjective about the teacher on each petal I took those petals and made a flower.  Each page of the book was created by one of the kids I cant wait to see what she thinks.

Then I had this idea a while back (thanks to pinterest) to make her a decorated stool, well she had a stool already in her room its nbot new and so Friday I borrowed this stool she thinks its being borrowed for an event at the middle school but I had the stool and painted some fun designs on each area.  I hope she likes the new fun look we gave the stool!!

Tomorrow I will post pictures of some of the other teacher and administrator thank you gifts we put together.  But for now I better get to bed I am helping with field day tomorrow!!

But be sure to thank your childs teacher this week, you dont have to go all out with a gift a simple thank you note or even a homemade gift to show you appreciate the teacher will be enough to brighten their day!

Last day of Preschool brings...

Excitement for me!! I know many of the other moms are a little sad for the preschool days to end and maybe thats because this is their first child to finish this chapter and move up to regular school BUT I have to say it doesnt make me teary eyed.  Caleb the second and middle child tends to be my more difficult child I do like to tease and say his K teacher may need a pay raise after next year.  Now dont get me wrong love him he just has his own ways but he is a super smart kid.

Friday we have preschool graduation and it just so happens its Hannahs field trip day too so I will be running to one then another then back to the field trip you have to love the calendar conflicts that come with having many kids.

Below is the gifts I helped to put together from Calebs class for their teachers, there was two of these, most of these kids have had the preschool teachers for two years now and the class was great about doing something as a group to thank them.  We were able to put in the basket a gift certificate to get a pedicure, a gift card to get lunch at bread co after their toes are done, some snazzy flip flops are at the back.  Then some of those extra things that every women likes, new bath scrunchies, nail polish, remover, lotion and files and some other little tid bits.  We took in donuts and many of the parents stayed while we gave the teachers the gift.  Its so great when you can thank a teacher for their hard work with your kid and I have found over the past few years its nice to have several parents or a class go in together and do something.

The week ends with a Rainbow .. a rainbow layered cake that is!

The week ends with a rainbow! This is a layered cake I attempted for the finale of Wizard of Oz week in Hannahs class.  When her teacher asked me at the beginning of the week if I would make this cake I was so excited, I have had this cake pinned for a while and always wanted to attempt it.  So Monday afternoon I started the baking, with 6 layers that are baked seperately this cake is not for a anyone looking for a quick dessert make.  I whipped up boxes of white cake mix and added a little food gel to the mixes for the color.  Note I learned recently in my cake decorating class that gels are better to use in cake mixes over the liquid food coloring you use since that can change the consistency of the cake mix.  So Thursday I started to put the layers together and this makes a tall cake each layer has icing piped in and around the edges to hold it together then it came time for icing.  I iced this cake several times and then removed the icing because I didnt like what I did and wasnt hapy finally I just spread the icing around and left it that way. It took 3 lbs of confectioner sugar to make all the icing needed for this cake and it was quite a task. 

The kids loved it!!! They had to guess what was inside the cake before we sliced it and they could of cared less about the icing job they were more excited to get 6 colored layers and they did inform me that I left out the indigo layer, you can always count on 1st graders to point out any mistakes :) It was fun to make just alot of work.

A Crazy Week..

I am not much of a writer so you will have to bear with my posts that may have grammar errors from time to time, but no one can be perfect. As I embark on this first post I have pondered on whether to give some history on me and how crazy my life is at times or whether just to start with this week. 

This is definetly one of those crazy weeks when I feel like I am running a marathon and not a 5 mile one either lets say more like a 20 mile one.  With three kids, Hannah (6), Caleb (4) and Andrew (2) there is always something to be done whether its running one to an activity or party or simply tackling the mounds of laundry and toys that comes with a family of 5.  The week started with running errands, doing some basement cleaning and a soccer practice for my 4 yr old which I am the assistant coach for his team.  So that started the week with our first late night.  Now its Tuesday me and the boys spent the morning spring cleaning our downstairs patio area which resulted in all three of us soaked from the sprayer and in need of showers/baths.  But there was no stopping there I actually got the kids toy room organized and then took Hannah to piano, while she practices piano with her music teacher from school I try to help do work at the school so in between the boys coloring and fighting I laminated several things for teachers and tried to get some other things done for Hannahs teacher. Now instead of writing this first post I really need to focus on dinner and getting the kids dressed up for their spring concert this evening, Caleb and Hannah will be performing.  I always love to see the kids sing but its quite a task to get everyone ready and get a decent parking spot at the school for this event.  I am sure I will be exhausted by the time we get home.

The rest of the week doesnt slow down, every day we have something going on water day for preschool, awanas, cake decorating class, a ladies night and several birthday parties.  I am looking forward to a few things this week, first a project I am working on for Hannahs class who is doing a Wizard of Oz and rainbow theme this week so her teacher asked me if I would make a layered rainbow cake.  (I will post pictures later this week) then this is the final week of my Level 1 Cake Decorating classes so I need to really put together a plan for my final cake.  I have a few ideas but I need to have the cake and all the icing prepped prior to class I always find this a hard task on Thursdays.  The week ends with Hannah having soccer practice and a Ladies Night at our home to work on the decor for our churches upcoming VBS which is Sky themed, I will have stations set up for the ladies with various projects that need to be done.  Being the organized individual I am I have drawn out diagrams for each of the areas of the church and planned the decor, thanks to the help of pinterest decor ideas have been fabulous!!! Then Saturday, Caleb has two birthday parties to attend maybe I can relax when Sunday comes around.

I would like to say next week will be easier but it wont its the end of the year for preschool and only two half weeks left for Hannah and regular school so its just that time of the year when its busy busy.  So there will be no sitting and eating Bon Bons for me for some time, if you have not read my welcome section then you might not know that I love to use the statement DO YOU THINK I AM SITTING EATING BON BONS to my husband at times.  So I thought it would be a great title for this blog.

Thanks for reading my first post, I hope you will start following the blog and enjoy the ideas and projects that I post. 

Lisa