Hi Carol!

I had a Super Saturday morning with Li’l Cec and as I thought, he cheered me up no end and made me forget about feeling yukky.  By the way, he can’t catch what I have cos he’s the one who gave it to me – just in case you were thinking I was being a bit irresponsible.  Last night when I took him up to bed, he became enamoured with a bedside lamp that Greg had turned on – he ran over there, crouched down to look at the light and immediately let out a squeal, squinted and covered his eyes.  So I got down there with him, squealed, covered my eyes and fell over – he laughed himself silly so we played that game for about 10 minutes – I wondered if he got too wound up to sleep, but when I peered in on him an hour later, he was fast asleep and didn’t wake up til 9am.

Li’l Cec has the best sense of humor, he likes to try and fool you, pretend, act silly and he loves to be the center of attention – I was stunned the other day when I was taking a photo of him, he started posing and using large gestures.  What a ham!!  While I was driving him home, Jeanne called and asked if we could meet for coffee and we had a great time together – she is a great friend and soo funny.  Melody lives close to her now so that’ll be very convenient for them to get together.  She’ll see a big change in Li’l Cec that’s for sure.

Fave Deals of the Day
Free Sample of SlimFast Peanut Butter Crunch Time Snack Bar HERE
Ruby Tuesday BOGO Entree Free coupon HERE  I love Ruby Tuesday and now we have 2 locations in town.
Go HERE for a Personalized Key Chain at Arts Cow for just $2.99 shipped.  At checkout, use coupon code 299KCHAIN.

Fabulous Friday it is…………. Even tho’ I don’t work outside the home, I still get a thrill when I wake up and it’s Friday; the fact that I have Li’l Cec on Fridays is probably a big part of it!  Melody called frantically last night as Li’l Cec had gotten into the refrigerator and “stolen” the turkey bacon and at a couple of strips!!!  She had called Poison Control as she was worried about it being “raw” but they said it’s fine as turkey bacon (like all bacon) is smoked!!  She had just installed a lock on the fridge cos Li’l Cec seems to think he can help himself to whatever he wants whenever he wants it but he broke it….. that Li’l Cec!!

Remember the orange short sleeved sweater I told you about several days ago that I ordered from Lands’ End for just $3.50 – it arrived today and I was totally blown away.  It’s such high quality, fits perfectly and the color is gorgeous.  I ordered a few more things from them today from their On The Counter section which is all marked down to 75% off the sale price; I got a flannel pyjama top for Li’l Cec for $2, a cardi for moi for $3.50 (it was originally $44.99), bra for $2 for Melody and 2 blouses for me $3.50 ea.  My total for all 5 items was $15 SHIPPED.  Ilove Lands End!!

A heavy package arrived around lunchtime and Greg rolled his eyes thinking I had ordered yet more stuff; I couldn’t imagine what it was cos I couldn’t remember ordering anything heavy.  Well, when I looked inside, there were 4 full-size bottles of EAS Peak Performance Beverage and then I had the horrible feeling I had made a mistake ordering a sample ((I have to be honest, I can’t remember sending off for a sample)  and that there was gonna be a hefty bill inside.  Not so, the “bill” said my total was O!  All they require of me once I’ve tried it is to answer a few questions; man, I wish I could get a few more of those.

This weekend is the 61st anniversary of our favorite Club in town (Friends of Bill W);  Greg and I met there in 1985, had our first date on their 36th anniversary, got married a year later and the rest is history.  We both planned to go tonight but I’m under the weather so he’s gonna go with Dr. Bill – I shall miss seeing all our old friends. 

Have you been wanting a Snuggie?  I’ve always laugh myself silly when the ads come on TV, but there is a $5 coupon on Coupons.com today and they have them at Target for $7.99, making them just $2.99 after the coupon.  Thanks Hip2save

Fave Deals of the Day
Free Body Care Item with any $10 purchase at Bath & Body Works.  Go Here to print coupon
Like Butterfinger on Facebook and you can print a BOGO free coupon. Â
Amazon is offering a free download of Digital Scrapbook Artist.  Thanks Mojosavings.com

Freebies in my Mailbox this week
4 pack EAS Peak Performance Beverage
Cheetos sample
Toms of Maine Toothpaste
3 Assorted samples of Bragg Seasonings
Sample of Natures Bounty Your Life Multi Adult Gummies & $2 coupon

Li’l Cec is completely over his cold while Melody and I are still fighting it – maybe I need to write a Gratitude List cos I’m feeling sorry for myself!!  Not much time to do that today as I had errands to run, bills to pay, laundry to do and then on top of all that Greg presented me with 2 shirts that needed buttons!   It was a good day tho’ and I’m thankful for the weather cooling off – if only a little.  Last year, something hit August 30th and it began to cool down and we had the best Fall I can remember; it was cooler than usual all the way thru May so I hope we get a repeat this year.

As I went for my walk just now, I saw Matt’s little black car coming down the hill much slower than it normally does – and much quieter too.  Greg had promised Matt he would drive it a few times while he’s gone, which reminds me I need to arrange insurance for when he comes home on leave.  We’re planning on watching a movie and I’m hoping for an early night cos my head feels like it’s twice its size and I was awake at the ungodly hour of 4am this morning.  Uh-oh I’m moaning again…..

Fave Deals of the Day
Kohl’s is having a terrific sale right now, especially on their T’s which are reduced to $2; use coupon code THX2FANS to get an additional 20% off .  If you spend over $50, you can use code YOUR50 to get Free Shipping.  Go thru ShopAtHome to get 4% back.
Aeropostale is having a 50% off everything sale.  You can get $25 off $100 using coupon code 25FORU or PS25FORU. Go thru ShopAtHome to get 5% cash back
Go Here to print a coupon at TGIFridays for Buy One Entree, Get One for Half off .  I love Fridays.
Go Here for a free sample of Miracle Skin Transformer

My not so Wonderful cold is progressing (said in nasal twang which Li’l Cec just loves).  I had to pop into Dr. S’s office this morning as I had a rough spot on the crown where he did my root canal and when I walked in, the kind assistant was near the front desk and I assured her that I would not cry today!  When Dr. S. stepped in,  he said “you just can’t keep away from me can you”.  He is such a sweetheart, like the grandfather everyone would love to have.  Then I zoomed up to Target feeling all weird and spacey – my coupons were “going in and out” if you know what I mean; despite my poor state, I managed to get a cartful of groceries for $15.  I got more free Chef Boyardee’s, Sobe Lifewaters, Soups, Lunchables and lots of produce for free or nearly free – Melody was thrilled with my steals.

David took off for his first day at UTSA but his first class isn’t til 11am (due to the kerfuffle UTSA made losing his application numerous times); next semester we will be on top of things and ensure he gets the classes he wants/needs at the times he wants.  Greg took a movie of him getting ready and leaving – we like to make a big deal of the mile stones in our kids’ lives around here.

I had a hard time cleaning the house for our meeting tonight – I thank God for David who is always so willing to help out and Greg did the vacuuming for me.  David went to a new church 2 Sundays ago and a sweet lady came by with a welcome packet for him and a box of cookies so I didn’t have to worry about making goodies for tonight. 

You may or may not know my favorite blog of all time is Hip2save.com – hit the link at the left side of this page and check it out. Collin does an outstanding job on her site; she has the best deals and her blog is so colorful and interesting.  She has videos of shopping trips, couponing, trips and she is hilarious (and so is grandma, Ma, who makes regular appearances).  She also has the best giveaways – be sure to check them out every Friday; I’ve yet to win but I’m gonna keep on entering cos one of these days, my name’s gonna come up.

I’m feeling yukky so I’m gonna say bye for now – tomorrow’ll be a better day.

Li’l Cec stayed overnight so I had a Terrific Tuesday morning with him – he was a little sweetheart; for a couple of days he  had a bit of a runny nose which he must’ve passed on to me when I had him earlier cos I kept waking up all night with a stuffy nose and feeling yukky.  I got him ready to go to the Mall and couldn’t find his flip flops, sent Dave upstairs to look for them but he said they weren’t there – luckily the new sandals I bought him were in the diaper bag. Last time he tried them on, he didn’t like them but he seems to like them fine today.  We had a great trip around the Mall and as always he got samples of pretzels and coffee cake in Williams Sonoma; first stop was Victoria Secret to use my Pink Nation Coupon https://www.vspink.com/pink_nation/login.jsp - the cologne spray is $6 which is not too bad for two full size items and they make wonderful gifts.  I shall probably give this to my niece Chloe for her birthday.  Li’l Cec was having a hard time while I was at the register – he wanted to run and play and a very nice couple took pity on me and picked him up and held him for me while I took care of business.

Up and down the escalator, all thru the mall we went and Li’l Cec was as happy as could be – again it was difficult for him to keep still in Bath & Body Works, but I sat him on an empty counter while I dealt with the transaction.  I got 2 free travel size Men’s body washes with travel size Dark Kiss Body Lotions $1 each (normally $3) with these 2 printable coupons: ! Go Here and  Here to print.

Our last stop after the Fountains (Li’l Cec’s favorite) was to go to the Sephora Counter in JCPenney to get a free LORAC mini Lip Gloss or Eye Go Here to print.  I had to take him back around noon as I had a dental appointment at 1:30 to have my 2 new crowns installed.

All went well and sooo quickly, I couldn’t believe it and I’m pleased to say I no longer have my “fang” in front, my new crown is the bomb!!  Then I made a complete fool of myself.  After Dr. S said goodbye, his assistant was cleaning my teeth and “I’m Not Going” by 3 Doors Down came on the radio – that song always reminds me of Matt.  I felt the tears welling up and I tried to control them, swallowed hard but I got all agitated cos I felt like I was gonna lose it; I tried not to cry but it was no good.  Finally, I tried to talk and was flailing my arms about – the poor woman thought she had mortally wounded me – I managed to say thru sobs “my son is in the Marines and he used to play this song on his guitar!”  I felt like such an idiot but she was so kind and understanding, asked about Matt and told me about her son who’s 4 years old.  I told her it never changes no matter how old they are – he’s my Baby Boy after all!!

David is taking Greg and I and his friend Alan out to dinner at China Sea tonight to celebrate starting at UTSA tomorrow so that’ll be fun  – and I’ll be chomping with my new crowns.  I’ll fill you in on all the details tomorrow. 

Speaking of tomorrow, Lane Bryant has 40% off throughout the store tomorrow August 25th – as you know their clothes don’t fit me but I love their jewelry (I’m pretty sure it includes jewelry); I have to pick up an order from Fashion Bug there so I will check it out when I’m there.

Fave Deals of the Day:
Tomorrow, Wednesday 8-25 Walgreens is offering a Free Customizable Photo Book on their Facebook page, so go on over there and Like them.
Go HERE for a FREE travel size of Biotrue
Go HERE for FREE sample of Aveeno Nourish or coupon

Today is our Marvellous 24th wedding anniversary – and they said it’d never last (I hold no grudges tho’ cos without God there’d have bin no chance).  I love you Greggie – thank you for all the lovely gifts and especially the e-card!!  One of my presies was this to die for purse, which is gonna be terrific to take on the plane with me when we go to England on vacation.   As always, I also got some of the Green which I shall stow away in said purse for spending money while in England – I am so looking forward to shopping with my two sisters, Jenny and Melanie.  England has the BEST thrift stores which we call Charity Shops, and my hometown has at least 3 of them!!

I had a marvellous shopping trip to Target too; love using those $1 produce coups – almost all the produce I bought was free!! No need to go to Sun Harvest this week.  Also picked up some tubs of black bean/corn couscous in the deli section that were reduced to 50c and there are 50c coups on the Target site.  The other great steals are Chef Boyardee which are free with Target Q’s and actually a moneymaker if you have the 25c Q’s from the 8/15 Smartsource insert; Oscar Mayer Lunchables also free with $1 mfg Q’s and 50c Target Q’s.  And as always, I pick up several free Sobe Life Waters for Melody with the BOGO Q’s and 50c Target Q’s

Melody called today looking for a pair of skinny jeans she gave me who knows how long ago and saying she wanted them back – “I’ll gladly give ‘em back if I knew where they were” I said and asked if she was sure I still had them.  The last thing I wanted to do was go on a trek thru the house looking for jeans when I have clothes strewn everywhere waiting to be packed away neatly in my suitcase.  I tore the place apart looking for the jeans to no avail and I had a horrible thought I may have given them to the church – Sacre Bleu – anyway, as I walked past the sewing room, I vaguely remember seeing some jeans in there – Melody had been using the sewing machine.  There they were – I was elated but I did tell Melody “no more holding clothes for you”.

Melody and Li’l Cec are coming over for dinner – I’m doing pot roast with chunks of potatoes in a dijon sauce, corn on the cob and brocolli cheese and apple pie for dessert – trying to clear some stuff out of my freezer.  Yesterday I arranged some frozen meals, frozen sandwiches etc. in the little freezer for David to have while I’m away; I don’t want him to be eating pizza and rubbish every day while I’m gone.  I know he’s 20 and I shouldn’t be mothering him but it’s hard to stop, especially as he’s the only one I have at home now – which reminds me, I am so longing for a letter from Matt, it’s been 10 days since we got a letter.  He did warn us about this as they’re up in Pendleton doing grassweek, marksmen training etc; he said mail doesn’t get in and out as fast and also that he’d be worn out because of how physically challenging it is right now.  His best friend Dalton who lives just up the street left for college in San Marcos on Thursday and I saw Debbie this morning and she’s missing him already. I don’t get how parents are so thrilled to get their kids outa the house, I like them at home and being part of their everyday lives.  Well best shelve that notion cos I only have Dave now but hopefully that’ll be for another 2 years til he finishes at UTSA.

I got a great Girls Heavenly Fleece Jacket at Lands End today for $5.99 (originally $19.99).  They have 4 colors, but the Deep Berry is full price so be sure to click on Dark Chocolate, Light Navy or Vintage Olive.  Go here: Land’s End and you can get free shipping too by using coupon code FALLDEALS and pin 1415 at checkout.�
Go here Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shampoo  to get a free sample at stores that sell Aveda.  I’ve gotten so many good deals from Aveda and there is a salon just across the road from our street.
Go here: http://www.besnackready.com/ for a free sample of Cheetos

We went up to the Hill Country for our 24th wedding anniversary yesterday and we stayed at the Greystone Manor B&B; it was all we had hoped it would be and more.  We had the Cottage which was completely self contained with its own jacuzzi which led right into the indoor swimming pool – just about the prettiest pool I’ve ever seen.  The grounds are just beautiful, it’s like being in an old fashioned English country garden.  Bill, the proprieter, met us there and was so attentive and kind and gave us a tour of the house; he has wonderful antiques and it had a terrific oldey worldey charm.  You can go here to check it out: http://www.greystonebnb.com/

San Antonio’s Premiere Bed and Breakfast

This Fairytale Victorian, English Manor, is nestled on 3 acres in the Texas Hill Country. Our rooms overflow with Victorian antiques and the ambiance of a romantic past. Grey Stone Manor offers an excellent VIP hideaway and tranquil seclusion within a short drive from urban events (catch a Spurs Game!). Take a bluebonnet tour in the Spring and see what all the fuss is about, or stroll along our famous Riverwalk. This is the perfect location for weddings, business or leisure getaways.

After we had wandered all over the grounds, Greg took a nap and I made myself a cup of coffee and chilled out with my coupons….  We got a great deal from Living Social for $70 worth of food at the Grey Moss Inn – www.greymossinn.com and were really looking forward to having dinner there.  The food was unbelievable – we had an order of their special mushrooms and salads for starters with their special olive bread twists; then Greg had the wood smoked chicken and I had salmon; they serve all their entrees with a sour cream potato and sqash casserole – this squash casserole is like none you’ve ever tasted.  We were stuffed but we still had about $7 left on our coupon so ordered the Praline Parfait – layers of ice cream, praline, choccy and caramel sauce – oooh it was to die for.

We drove all around the area which is very pretty and then to Old Helotes and popped into the famous Floore Country Store; did a little shopping and then came home and hopped into the jacuzzi.  Watched The Whole Nine Yards and some of Saturday Night – I love that skit with Kenan Thompson “What Up with That”.  Greg slept like a baby but I was awake at 5am – What Up with That??? but I did have about 45 mins sometime between 6:30 and 7:30.

We finally got up and went for a really long walk and then came back for breakfast.  Bill had stocked our fridge with eggs, bacon, sausage, juice etc. and there was also a great selection of cereals, honey buns, english muffins etc.  We watched Joel Osteen, lazed around for an hour or so, took a last leisurely walk around the grounds and left about 11:30am, taking the scenic route home.  What a terrific stay – 20 hours and we felt completely refreshed and rejuvinated. 

Fave Deals of the Day:
Go here: http://www.strivectin.com/ny-times-offer.html for a sample of stretch mark cream.
http://f.chtah.com/i/2/95827765/SephoraCoupon_0822.jpg  I love these – just print your coupon and go by any JC Penney store and pick up your sample at the Sephora counter.

We’re heading off to the Hill Country on this Super Saturday and staying in a B&B up there – dinner tonight at the Grey Moss Inn with a coupon we got from www.LivingSocial.com - $70 worth of food (I know that’s horrendous for 2 people) for $35.  My sister in law has been trying to get us to go there for years but we always said no because of the cost, especially with 3 kids but this Living Social coupon makes it really affordable.  I’ll fill ya in on the restaurant and B&B when we get back – I think the B&B is going to be fabulous and the owner Bill has been oh so helpful.

I just took Li’l Cec home – I left him in his crib a bit too long this morning which he wasn’t happy about, but I had to talk to both my sisters in England.  Soon.

Fave Deals of the Day
Amazon is offering a free digital scrapbook here.  Must tell Melody about this
Free Classic Photo Book at Picaboo using coupon code FREEBK.  This offer last til the end of the month.
Coldwater Creek has a great sale 60% off with free shipping.  Use Offer Code WHH5803.

We had a terrific time at Macaroni Grill celebrating my birthday last night despite Li’l Cec’s bad mood; he’s just missing his daddy – kids act up cos they don’t know how to process their emotions.  We pushed his highchair away from the table as a sort of time out and then he joined us again when the food arrived – he loved my salad.  We had a $7 off 2 entrees and another $5 off 2 entrees which we gave to my brother in law AND 2 coupons for free cake for my birthday and our anniversary (which is on Monday).  As we don’t drink, our total bill was only $36  for 4 of us.

After dinner, we took a trip over to Wal Mart to get a new crib mattress for Li’l Cec, a fridge lock and a car seat cover for Melody – got all but the car seat cover.  Li’l Cec had recovered from his bad mood and was having being wheeled around the store; we dropped him and Melody off and came back and began to watch Kickass – bad idea jeans!!!  Not my kinda movie – Greg sat thru the whole thing and then complained about it.

Every now and again I order from Land’s End – Under their Overstocks Tab, they have a group of products “On the Counter,” – these are products in very limited quantities, substantially reduced from the original catalog price.  They start on Saturday and on Monday, that discount price is reduced another 25%. On Wednesday, 50%. And on Friday, 75%.  I got this little sweater for just $3.50 reduced from $39.50 – I love orange for the Fall.

 

The packing continues – I have all the clothes sorted out, now it’s toiletries. I am so thankful for all the samples I’ve gotten in the mail over the last couple of months -they are great for trips; the little one-time use ones will be so handy for our stay up in the Hill Country Saturday night.  I wish I could’ve kept the whole thing a surprise for Greg but he was planning all kinds of work tomorrow and I want to leave around 2pm so I had to spill the beans.  How he never cottoned on when our friends Chris and Courtney were discussing the Grey Moss Inn and Living Social a week ago, I don’t know.

Friday night meeting this evening and then off to pick up Li’l Cec.  Have a good weekend y’all.

Fave Deals of the Day
Go here for a free sample of John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activiating Shampoo and ConditionerÂ
Check out Romano’s Macaroni Grill – they are offering a $5 giftcard for every $20 giftcard you purchase.

Freebies in my Mailbox
3 Atkins Bars, Carb Counter
$2 Always coupon
Lamb Cookbook http://www.australian-lamb.com/cookbook
Purity Sample from Philosophy
3 Samples Root Awakening from John Frieda Collection
3 Samples Nexxus  & $3 coupon
$10 Neuragen coupon
Sample Origins GinZing Eye Cream
$10 Discover Card - Swiffer Rebate – now this I love!

I’m thankful today that I made it to my **th birthday – whoohoo, lots of gifts ‘n’ stuff for me.  As always Greg got me lots of goodies, starting with balloons last night before our meeting; this morning I got 4 huge bags containing toiletries, flip flops, a to-die-for purse (I don’t know how he picks out such great gifts for me), the “biggie” Pocket Video Cam and – some of the “green stuff” otherwise known as cashola or in England we’d say “dosh”.  I always like the green stuff cos you can take it anywhere, it never goes out of style, you can use it anytime and it’s so easy to carry around.

When I woke up this morning I had an ecard from David which made me cry – he said such wonderful things about me – I love that kid.  I wonder if Matt remembered – probably not with all he has on his plate in Marines Basic Training.  I had phone calls from my sister Jenny, my darling Dad, ecards from my li’l Cec Melanie but nothing from my stepdad Keith – he’s getting a mite forgetful I’m afraid.  I also had lots of messages on Facebook – I have such great friends.

I spent all morning packing and repacking my suitcase and so far it only weighs 43lb which is unheard of for me, normally I’m always over and have to sneak stuff into Greg’s case.  I have to pack sweaters and jackets etc. as it’s likely to be a bit chilly – I don’t mind, I love San Antonio, but it will be terrific to escape the heat for a while.

Well, we’re off to Macaroni Grill shortly to meet up with Laurie, Lou and Chloe (Greg’s sister and family); I’ll get to use my video cam!! I’ve packed some snacks for Li’l Cec cos he tends to get grumpy waiting too long for his dinner.  I have a $7 off 2 entrees for doing their survey and a $5 off 2 entrees from joining their e-mail club – not only that but I just got an email saying they are giving you a $5 giftcard if you buy a $20 giftcard so that’ll help too.

If you haven’t signed up with Groupon already, you should do so, they offer fantastic deals and we’ve gotten lots from them.  Today they are offering $50 worth of clothes etc. at The Gap for $25.  If you shop sales like I do, you can score a whole bunch of stuff.

Fave Deals of the Day
$50 worth of clothes etc. at The Gap for $25.�
Free sample of Wyson Petfood http://wysong.net/products/promo_samples.php
50% off everything at Aeropostale
Go here: http://www.vspink.com/index.jsp Join up or print coupon for a free Pink Body Lotion with any Pink purchase