Hi Carol!

Archive for July, 2010

I’m dedicating today’s post to my Li’l Sister, Melanie; Happy Birthday Mel, I love you very much, you’re the bestest sister a gal could have!!

Mel has the best sense of humor of anyone I know, she always has me in fits; she can cheer me up when I’m down, turn a bad situation into a good one and always, always make me feel good about myself.  She has such a good heart and blesses everyone around her – she’s seen me thru many trials and I am so grateful for her.

I’m going to visit my family in England soon and I just can’t wait to hang out with Mel, enjoying cappucinos, shopping til we drop, visiting the Charity Shops (thrift stores) where they have terrific bargains, spending Saturday nights in Spoons, eating yummy food in her beautiful dining room. Oh what joy!!  Hope you’re saving yer pennies Mel.  I’m hankering for Steve’s pickled shallots and Auntie Val’s spuds and be sure you’ve got some real good stilton cheese for me!!!

We always laugh a lot when we’re together and here’s a video Greg took 2 years ago of us having fun with with her huge dog Dylan:

[youtube FYd_CL9Ke8E]

There was a Fabulous Friday garage sale up the street and boy did we pick up some deals: a brand new Mongoose bicycle $15 (be a few years before Li’l Cec can ride that), Light n Sound Fire Truck $2, 24 die cast car showcase $1, and Model Plymouth Roadrunner in mint condition $1.  They had lots of kids’ clothes but none that would fit Cecil for years unfortunately. 

American Eagle has a great sale today and tomorrow (30, 31st) 25% off EVERYTHING and free shipping – use Code 32188417 at checkout; the graphic T’s are BOGO 50% off so I got one for Matt and one for Melody.

Have you ever checked out www.Graveyardmall.com – it was my first time today and I could spend entirely too long on that site.  What great stuff.

I had plans to do so much today and ended up being in front of the computer most of the day so I’m looking forward to getting out and going to our meeting tonight; I haven’t been in a couple of weeks so it’ll be great to see some of my buddies.  Then it’ll be time to pick up Li’l Cec who’s staying over – Melody’s moving into her new apartment on Monday so she’ll probably be glad to get some things done without Li’l Cec being there.

Friday Freebies in my Mailbox:
 Goodie Pack from Que Rica Vida, incl. All Bran Wheat Flakes, All Bran Buds, cute silky night mask and coupons
Pack of Dentyne Pure
Kotex U Sample Set
Emergen-C samples
Thymes Kimono Rose Body Creme & Coco Monoi Sample
Bodycology Cherry Blossom Hand & Body Lotion Sample
Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel Sample
$3 Olay Coupon
Coupon for FREE 5-6.6lb bag Natura Pet Food (Wow)
Degree Natureffects Body Mist Sample
2 Samples of Bullseye BBQ sauce

Fave Deals of the Day
Samples from La Rica Vida – it’s in Spanish but hopefully you can figure it out:
http://gmsampling.young-america.com/muestras/Default.aspx?esrc=15749
Sample of  Neuvia Anti Aging Cream:  http://www.aktaderm.com/
Old Navy Camis for $2 – print this coupon:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/content/0002/028/860/$2camis_coupon.jpg

What’re you guys thankful for today?  Many years ago, it was imperative I learn to be grateful, something I had never been and so I try to keep an attitude of grattitude going.  It’s not always easy but life is so much more enjoyable when we choose to be grateful.  I was very thankful for a good night’s sleep, something I haven’t had in a few weeks, too much stuff going thru my mind – I wish I was like Greg, he’s sawing logs the minute his head hits the pillow.

I love checking out other blogger’s “Saving” sites and one I really like is Jessica’s Coupons.  Jessica’s site has a very unique flair and this week she has a Scentsy Giveaway goin’ on til Saturday 31st – you can read all about it here: http://www.jessicascoupons.com/2010/07/scentsy-party-warmer-giveaway.html  I love these giveaways – I’ve only won once on http://Roseknowscoupons.com but I so enjoy entering them.

We got 3 letters from Matt yesterday from the 22nd, 23rd and 25th – he’s holding up and maintaining a great attitude, he’s getting over pneumonia finally and his hand is healed up.  I think he enjoys our letters as much as we enjoy his – he says when he comes home he wants to have Whataburger, slouch, talk and look around when he’s eating as they’re not allowed to do that in Boot Camp.  God bless you Matt, you go son!!

We just had a Jimmy Dean Skillet meal with salad for dinner and it was really good; we’ve had their breakfast skillets before and li’l Cec loves ‘em.  Then Greg and I will be off to a meeting; hopefully we’ll be home by around 8:15 and be able to watch a movie.

I’ve been forgetting to do my Fave Dail Deals so apologies for that and here they are:
KOHLS is having a 2-Day Shopping Pass – 15% off everything, instore or online (shipping $5.95).  I love online shopping but only if I can get free shipping.  Go here to print the coupon:
http://f.chtah.com/i/31/1097160769/072910_printversionTEST.htm?om_rid=NWXh8Y&om_mid=_BMURl9B8QTalzI&
Also they are offering up $10 for $50 cash spent up to $50 for $250 spent.  Go here:  http://www.kohlscorporation.com/ecom/windows/Update/KohlsCash/10KohlsCash.html
DON’T FORGET: Go thru ShopAtHome.com whenever you buy online to get cash back on all your purchases.  
Like Eucerin on Facebook and get a free Sample:
http://www.facebook.com/EucerinUS?ref=ts&v=app_131757966861374

Xhilaration Bracelet $1.98
Spot Shot $2.99; FREE coupon
7th Generation Dish Soap $2.69; $1 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
6 Hanes Undies $8.75; 6 x $1 Target Q’s
Mossimo Men’s Tee $4.98
Wonka Chocolate $2.29; $1 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
2 Planters Nuts $2.98 ea; 2 x $1.50 mfg Q’s, 2 x $1 Target Q’s
Kale 99c
2 3lb bags apples $7.98
2 Jimmy Dean sandwich combos $1.38 ea; 2 x $1 mfg Q’s
2 Sobes $2; BOGOmfg Q, 2 x 50c Target Q’s
Eggs $2.38
Acnefree Spork Stick $3.98; $3 mfg Q
Schick Hydro $6.99; $5 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
Colgate $2.19; $1 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
Loreal Mascara $4.24; $2 mfg Q
2 Pantene $3.49 ea; BOGO mfg Q, $2 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
Suave Shampoo $2.94; FREE mfg Q
TOTAL  $28.70   SAVED $46.52

Wonderful Wednesday began at Target - be sure to visit Target.com and print off all the great coupons they have; this week they have a $1 Hanes coup and there are lots of Hanes undies on the sale rack so you can score a real bargain.  I really stocked up and after using the Hanes coupons, ended up spending only $2.75 for 6 different pairs – works out better than using one coupon a pack.  They have some really pretty jewelry on clearance too and I snagged a pink beaded bracelet for just $1.98 (75%) off; only a couple more days to use those $3 Merona purse coupons but there very few left now and they’re only marked about 30% off.  Full details of my buys in Shopping Post – sorry I’m late with this.

Thanks Carla for your encouragement regarding the root canal – I had good reports from my dear friend and mentor Teri, who said she had ongoing sinus infections and after her root canal, it cleared up, which was good news for me.  Then, wouldn’t ya know it, I read on Dr. Mercola’s site – www.mercola.com that you should never get a root canal but found another site that was a lot more positive so I feel settled with the choice I made.  

Had a terrific meeting with such a good turn out – we miss Dr. ray tho, he’s been absent for weeks but we know he’s busy working/helping people.  Everyone beat a hasty retreat, only two of our friends stayed for snacks and only one little cupcake got eaten so they’ll go in the freezer for next week which will be Fellowship night.  Oh yes, the freezer guy’s due tomorrow to hopefully fix the problem once and for all.

Oh man, not such a Terrific Tuesday as I had a trip to the dentist. My dentist is Terrific but the news he gave me was not! Loooong story short, besides needing a new crown on a molar and a crown on a canine, I have an abscessed tooth and either need a root canal or have the tooth extracted and have a bridge. A bridge!!! That’s for old people and I still think I’m around 31!! So now I have to do some praying to figure out what’s best – I always said I’d never get another root canal after learning all the problems that ensue later. But Dr. S assured me, he does them a completely new way, ensuring no accumulation of nasty stuff in a dead tooth root causing infection – however, there’s no way to tell how my body will respond and having the tooth out will ensure the eradication of the infection that’s probably been causing all my sinus trouble and who knows what else. So I’ll keep ya posted on that…..

Have you tried that Chilli’s game Ode to Awesome? I don’t think it’s very awesome – I’ve done three really good odes and they’ve turned them down every time. I want a Chili’s gift card!!! And it would have come in especially handy tonight as we’re going there for dinner; I do have a $4 off 2 entrees coupon and a free birthday dessert coupon for me . I don’t know why I got it tho as my birthday’s not til August 19. 

My shoes arrived from Famous Footwear today – hot pink sandals!!  They were only $5.40 after an online $10 coupon SHIPPED!!  Keep yer eyes peeled for good deals like that.  I wish I could’ve had the same deal on those exact shoes, only in turquoise but of course, you can only use the coup once.

Well I have to run and get ready for dinner and try not to worry about my teeth and the long hours of sitting in Dr. S’s chair.

My marvellous hubby is back in town and although we didn’t get to bed til midnight I slept better than the last two nights!!  After a real vigorous walk, I took off to Target and really did well with my grocery bill which was helped along by several free items – I love free coupons.  Target is running a great deal where you buy 2 32oz containers of Dannon yogurt and you get a free Bear Naked Granola (these sell for around $3.19); I buy the plain yogurt every week anyway so now I’ll give the extra one to Melody.  What made it an even sweeter deal was that I had a BOGO Granola mfg coup too; then I had another $1 mfg Q and a 50c Target Q so that was $1.50 cash in hand right there.   They had the Hormel party trays on sale for $5.94 and I had a $2 mfg Q and a $1 Target Q – the sell by date isn’t til December so this will be a welcome addition to Matt’s party in September.  My total today was $16.36 and I saved a whopping $71.64 – there were lots of other deals, and they’re all listed in my Shopping Post.

I’m so enamoured with ShopAtHome.com – whenever you buy anything online, you should go thru them and you get cash back; the cash back is usually between 5-10% but some retailers give back as much as 30%.  I signed up with them at the beginning of May and I already have $46.09 in my account – Greg’s purchases for business have really helped the cash pile up.  Check them out at http://www.shopathome.com/?IAFCG=+UAIhYkXQfiHw8BPe21g4g==

I told you about going to Barnes & Noble last night with David right?  Well, when Greg got home last night, he said “hmmm where’s your cell phone Honey?”  This is a common occurrence in our house – I always leave my cellphone in the car or in my purse instead of plugging it in the charger when I get home.  So I rummaged thru my purse, ran out to the van and no phone – Dave called it and we couldn’t hear any familiar ring so I figured out right then I had left it somewhere.  I knew I had it when I went into Barnes and Noble cos I was talking to David at the time and I didn’t use it after that so I must’ve left it at the coffee bar!!  I called this morning and yes, they had one in Lost and Found but when the saleslady asked me what the picture was when you opened it, I was stumped.  I don’t know, I can’t remember!!  I said “this sounds a likely story, but I just broke my phone and my husband gave me this one just a week or so ago, and I can’t remember what picture comes up – but I can tell you the last call received was from David’s cell and there’ll be another one from Greg’s cell”.  Luckily she believed me. 

Now, the best part of this story is that when I realized I’d left it at B&N last night, Dave said “Oh Mom, you don’t want to drive all the way out to La Cantera to get it – I’ll pick it up for you!”  What a guy, I am so blessed – I have such great kids.  He just called me and is on his way home from B&N with my cellphone in his pocket.  Another day saved!!

Melody and Li’l Cec came over for dinner – meef-loaf (that’s what Dave called it when he was little), mashed potatoes, cauliflower/brocolli cheese and green beans and brussels sprouts for me.  I know, hardly anyone likes brussels sprouts but they are one of the main food groups in England; they are comfort food for me because they remind me of when I was living at home and Sunday dinners.  Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be the same without brussels sprouts with chestnuts, brussels sprouts with walnuts, brussels sprouts fixed any old way – even if I’m the only one who eats em.  I dug a pumpkin pie out of the freezeer which I’m afraid might be on the blink again – I think I may have to talk Greg into getting me a new one for Christmas, but I shall go for an even bigger one!!

Li’l Cec is begging me to play with him so it’s goodnight from me and it’s goodnight from him…..

Huggies Wipes $2.39; $2 mfg Q
Snyders Pretzels $2.59; $1 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
Planters Peanuts $2.98; $1 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
Planters Sunflower seeds $1.67; $1 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
Keebler cookies $2.04, $1 mfg Q
Ritz Crackerfuls $2.50; $1 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
Chef Boyardee 87c; $1 Target Q
Garlic 42c
Bananas 52c
Apples $1,.50
2 GF International Coffee $2.50 ea; 2 x $1 mfg Q’s, $1 Target Q
2 Del Monte Fruit Cups $1.82; 2 x $1 mfg Q, 2 x $1 Target Q’s
3 Hunts Snack Paks 95c ea; $1 Target Q
Turkey Sliders $1.69 (normally $6.99 – wow)
Gold N Plump $1.75; $1.75 mfg Q
Birds Green Beans $1.79; $1.50 mfg Q
2 Jimmy Dean Breakfasts $1.38 ea; 2 x $1 mfg Q’s
2 Yoplait yogurts 47c ea; 2 x 30c mfg Q’s
Powerbar $1.69 – shoulda had a coupon for this, tut tut….
Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon $2.54; $1.50 mfg Q
Hormel Party Tray $5.94; $2 mfg Q, $1 Target Q
2 Green Giant Packs Carrots 99c ea
Half & Half 83c
2 Dannon Yogurts $3.94; 2 x $1 mfg Q’s
2 Bear Naked Granola $6.38; BOGO mfg Q, $1 mfg Q – FREE w/Dannon Yogurts
Oscar Mayer Bacon $3.99; FREE mfg Q
Smart Ones Breakfast $2.54; FREE coupon
4 Sobe Life Waters $1 ea; 2 BOGO mfg Q’s, 4 x 50c Target Q’s (FREE)
Kraft Mayo $1.99; FREE coupon
TOTAL  $16.36     SAVED  $71.64

Well, I didn’t sleep well last night and felt like I had a hangover when I woke up – and I haven’t had a drink in 25 years!!!  What’s all that about??  So, I skipped church – tried to nap this afternoon and Greg called and woke me up – and I have to pick him up at the airport at 10:45pm so another late night for moi!!

Wow, there were a lot of great new Target coupons on their site – took me a long time doing match ups and digging out the coupons that expire this week and my headache’s just not responding.  Oh well, such is life.

Dave and I are planning on going back to La Cantera tonight as he has some returns and I’d like to check out the Aerie Store sales as I have a 15% off coupon.  Then we’ll have a quick stop at Super Target and come home, watch a movie and relax – got a big day at Super Target tomorrow!

Target.com

I stopped by the Mall on the way to pick up Li’l Cec last night and I got 4 great deals!!  First stop was at The Limited – they’re offering $10 “cash” again but you can’t use it on sale stuff; last time I got these cute patterned barrettes for just pennies after the $10 cash offer (’bout the only thing I could find in the store close to $10).  However, now they have a few more “hair” items and I got a darling jewelled headband for $12.50 for Melody – Mel if you’re reading this, skip down to next paragraph – so just $2.50 outa pocket.  Next stop was Bath and Body Works for a free travel size tem up to $5 with any purchase so I bought a really nice 4oz Vanilla Candle 75% off for $2.37 and paired it with a free travel size Orange sapphire Shower gel.  I went by the Sephora counter at JC Penney to get my free sample Smashbox lipgloss and the sales lady very kindly told me, San Antonio was not on the list, but she kindly gave me a little pot with a sample of the lipgloss in it.  How kind is that.  My last stop was Victoria’s Secret to get my free Beauty Rush Lip Gloss (sells for $7) with any purchase so I just picked up a small Love Spell Body Mist for $3.  Wow, I was so pleased with myself – all that for under $8!!  See, you can go to the Mall and spend very little, you just have to go armed with a lot of coupons. 

Picked up Li’l Cec who was again in a darling mood – I let him stay up til 10pm and then settled down to watch some TV.  I was getting ready for bed and saw something ominous on the floor in front of my fridge/freezer – the door wasn’t shut properly and ice cream was leaking over everything (luckily it was only a small plastic container and not a half gallon).  I know what you’re thinking “what is it with this woman and freezers?”  You might well ask!!  This was not the infamous freezer for whom we called the technician out, but I guess this one is also overstocked.  I’m glad Greg wasn’t here as this would just add fuel to his fire of “Carol you have to stop buying food!!”  David had just walked in and said casually “oh yeah, I noticed the door wasn’t closing properly”.  What…. what…you noticed the door wasn’t closing and just left it that way – arrrggghhh.  Anyway, 30 mins, and lots of cloths and paper towels later, I had managed to get everything situated in there again but of course had to throw out the tub of ice cream.  All was safely frozen and door closing properly this morning I’m happy to report.

I called my sister Jenny while Li’l Cec sung to himself upstairs for 20 minutes and then he waded thru a plate of eggs, sausages and toast topped with cream cheese and apricot preserves.  I was cooking some bacon for David who doesn’t usually get up til noon on Saturdays and Li’l Cec was hanging around looking hungry (yeah, he can still do that even with a fully tummy); normally he doesn’t like bacon but I broke off some pieces for him and he gobbled it back.  Good – now I don’t have to fix him sausages when Dave’s having bacon that day.  We played all morning and then I took him with me to Target; he sat in the cart eating pimento cheese sandwiches and an apple while I waded thru the mark down purses.  I found no less than 5 purses, 4 of which were $4.98 and one was $3.74 and I had $3 coupons off each of ‘em so spent $8.66 or $1.73 each.  I will keep a couple and give the others as gifts.

I am supposed to be sorting thru all my sample sizes today and “filing” them.  I have a habit of just throwing them in the bottom drawer in our bathroom and right now it’s so full, can’t get anything else in there.  I love sample sizes, they’re so convenient for overnights, weekends or even long vacations; hotels etc. usually have shampoo, conditioner, hand and body lotion but they’re not often the “good” kind unless it’s an expensive hotel. The sachets of shampoo/conditioner and body wash are perfect for overnight and take up so little room.  I have little sample packets of Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Sinus Medication, vitamins, hand wipes, face cleansers, make up, coffee, creamer, tea, you name it and I’ve got it, and these are great to put in your purse when travelling by air and car.  I take individual/sample packets of coffee, creamer, tea, hot chocolate with me on the plane because, if you’re like me, I hate the coffee and tea they serve and I sometimes suffer with air sickness – ever since I had a bad sinus infection – and tea or hot chocolate actually make me feel better.

I’m gonna pop down to Walgreens to get a couple of their deals – I’m a bit late going this week so I hope they haven’t run out.  Always remember to pair your manufacturing coupons with the coupons in the weekly Walgreens ad and the Walgreens coupon booklet (both can be found at the front of the store).