Extreme Couponing?

OK, not so much, but I tried! :) I've been clipping coupons for a while and carry them with me all the time and use them when I can. I promise no dumpster diving is involved. I just clip them when I see them in magazines or print them when I get some sent to my email. We also get a mailer of coupons once a week in the mail so I'm sure to comb through that carefully. I dont even purchase the Sunday paper every week. Once in a while but maybe once every 3-4 months.

When I first started couponing I would clip whatever coupon I saw and just because I had a coupon for it, it would go on our grocery list. So, even though I was saving money on a particular item I really wasn't because I'd never end up using it and it would expire before I could, so it was really just wasted.

I have gotten better about only clipping coupons that I need or of things that I use often. So, last week I did more than just see if I had a coupon for something that was in my grocery cart before checking out. It took way more time but I did save some money!

Last week Harris Teeter had triple coupons going on (I think today's the last day). Which meant that if I had a .50 off coupon for an item, it really took off $1.50. They would only triple coupons less than $1. I had some as much as .75 off so that really meant $2.25 off that particular item! I did some research and found out what Harris Teeter had on sale for the week with their VIC cards (same as MVP for you Food Lion shoppers). Then compared that with coupons in my stash and even searched for a few coupons on the web. I then made my grocery list based on the Vic Items and what coupons I had, but only if I could use the coupon for a triple discount and only if I knew we'd use those things before they went bad.

Some things that caught my attention were: Martha White Muffin Mix BOGO (the blueberry cheesecake ones are the best!), Boneless Chicken Breast BOGO (we eat chicken and pork all the time), Sunmaid Raisins BOGO (Grace loves), Kraft Dressings BOGO (we use italian for marinating & in other recipes often), and Deer Park Bottle Water BOGO. Unfortunately I only had one coupon for the BOGO items (Dressings) to get additional costs of these items but we use all these often so BOGO is fine with me. Most of the items on my list were on sale with VIC and then I had coupons to get additional discounts too.

Examples:
*Smithfields Bacon is usually $5.99 each. They were 2 for $9 (store savings of $2.98) and I had a .75 coupon ($2.25 savings), so I really paid 6.75 for two packs of Smithfields Bacon, normally 11.98.
*Goldfish Grahams are usually $2.39. They were vic for @2.15 and with my 0.35 coupon I saved $1.05 more making them just $1.10.
*Kraft Dressings: were BOGO so I got two for $2.99 and then I had a $1 off coupon (couldn't triple) but I still only paid $1.99 for two bottles of Zesty Italian Dressing (normal cost would have been 5.98)
*I was a little disappointed in the BOGO Deer Park Water though, I think they upped the original price and then offered the BOGO. Not cool. :)

You could tell other people had the same mission when I was in there. There were people in there just taking notes, I'm guessing for future trips. There were people with their large 3 ring binders full of coupons and divided into appropriate categories. The triple couponing was a craze even to the point that all of the french's mustard, french's french fried onions, and starkist tuna fish were completely off the shelves when I got there. Each one of those items were on my list too. They were on vic and I had triple coupons for all of them. Guess they were the best deals.

So.....
My grand total was: $176.29.
After using my Vic card: $129.80
Vic savings: $46.49
After scanning coupons (13 triple coupons and 5 non-triple) total was: $102.80
Coupon savings: $27
Total savings of $73.49

My best savings yet. My record before was around $22 or something! So needless to say I'm pretty stoked!

...then I drove to the gas station and put $75 in my car, saved just enough in groceries to *almost* fill up my tank. :)

That's one way to think about it...

Saw this "essay" titled "Why We Love 2-year Olds". Since we've just entered the so called "terrible" 2's I thought it was cute to share.

"Here's Why We Love Them"
(found in American Baby & http://www.parents.com/)

Despite having what I consider expertise in the area (and being prepared for the worst), I still marvel at the way toddlers are equipped, at such a young age, to develop a mind completely of their own. So I do the only thing I can do: Try to maintain my sense of humor -- and my sanity -- by seeing her behavior in a new light. For instance:

When she takes a running leap and lands on top of me, she is questioning whether she will always be able to lean on me. And because I always want her to know the answer is yes, I tolerate it.

When she yells "No!" and points her finger, returning the glare she undoubtedly learned from me, she is asserting herself. I couldn't be more relieved. I hope she will maintain that perseverance right into her teen years, when she can use it on any boy who dares to try to get fresh with her. And into her adult years, when her stubbornness will be called "determination."

When she attempts to stick a bobby pin she's found into the light socket, she is exploring her world and trying to discover how things work. Perhaps she'll be an engineer one day.

When she draws on the walls with a purple crayon, she is expressing her creativity. I try to think of her as an artist in training. And even more important, she is learning the value of leaving her mark on the world.

When she breaks my favorite lamp and flashes her award-winning smile just as I am coming toward her, she is practicing her people skills. Perhaps she'll be a great politician (though I hope she'd be the rare kind who maintains integrity).

When she tries to stuff the kitten into her brother's lunchbox, she is experimenting with spatial concepts.

When she wrestles with her brother over a toy, calling "Mine!" loud enough to be heard down the street, she is being bold and going for what she wants. I just hope that in the future, if she doesn't get her way, her solution won't be to bite in retaliation.

When she climbs our chain-link fence with bare feet, she is proving that no challenge is too difficult for her to meet. And when I discover her playing in the yard of the neighbors who live behind us, she is reaching beyond her own little world, refusing to be provincial.

When she lies on top of her 7-month-old sister, crushing the baby with enthusiastic hugs and kisses, she is unabashedly wearing her heart on her sleeve.

When she insists I read The Little Engine That Could to her again, for the seventh time in a row, she is teaching me patience.

When she dumps macaroni all over the kitchen floor, stops to acknowledge my "No!" by turning briefly to look at me, and then goes right back to what she was doing, she is showing her ability to follow through with a task.

When she gets tickled over something I take for granted -- the toast popping up from the toaster when it's browned, for instance -- she is blessing me unaware. How many times have I longed to see the world through the eyes of a child once again? Thanks to her, I can.

When I catch her trying to eat the cat's food, she is proving that she will not be a picky eater -- and that she has survival skills, which may come in handy later in life (especially if she ends up on some reality TV show).

When she gleefully rips off her dry diaper, throws it in the sink, and races for the toilet, then refuses to sit on it, she is exercising her prerogative to change her mind.

When I call her name and she immediately breaks into a sprint in the other direction, she is listening to her own inner voice and refusing to be a conformist.

When she suddenly decides to throw a tantrum in the middle of a restaurant, she is teaching me humility. And that leftovers reheated later at home usually taste just as good as food served fresh.

When she steps into my enormous shoes, which swallow her tiny feet, and clumsily tries to walk in them, she makes me reflect upon my great responsibility to provide a good role model for her to follow.

And when she stands on the kitchen table with no pants on, refusing to even put on a diaper, and dances... well, I can only think the worst about that. So I try not to read too much into it, because I am choosing to remain positive.

Hemangioma: Laser Surgery 5.12.11

Today was round two for Grace's laser surgery. She is napping peacefully downstairs so I thought I'd take a minute to write about today.

I was afraid that as soon as we'd get into the waiting area that Grace would realize where she was and begin to throw a fit. However instead, she found a little girl that's just 2 months younger than her to play with. They shared books and other toys as we waited. This little girl, Carley, has a port-wine stain on her right cheek and was there for a laser treatment too. Carley's Dad and I discussed the treatments and how unprepared we were for their first surgerys once it was time for them to be put to sleep. Carley was soon called back for her turn and we waited more.

Once we were called back into the pre-op rooms Grace's attitude completely changed. She was constantly crying, saying: "go, bye-bye" or "away" she knew what was about to happen. It took lots of blowing bubbles to get her calmed down. We had discussed at her last treatment, giving her something to help with anxiety but this particular anesthesiologist was different and didnt think we needed to go that route.

After pre-op stuff it was time to head back into the operating room. I was dreading this part because of how terrible it was last time. This time they did let me hold her in my lap while giving her the gas but it still took everyone else in the room to keep her still and keep the mask on her for her to breathe in it. Of course, I lost it again but it didn't take her long to calm down and fall asleep (it felt like forever to me though)!

About 25 minutes later Dr. Bellet came out and told me that things went fine. That Grace was already awake and was mad as a hornet. She did say that she increased the intensity of the laser this time and would like to do another round of laser July 14th. She said we could stop the laser treatments at anytime and see where it would go on its own but she felt that we probably needed one maybe even two more treatments for now.

We then got to go back and see Grace. It took us a while to get her called down. We both knew the only way she was going to calm down was to get her out of there. After some ibuprofen and juice the crying turned to snubs and we were able to get the wires and stickers off, get her dressed and get out of there.

Again, it definitely has dark pink/purple splotches (bruising) all over. This time there were even a few spots that were a brownish color that I'm hoping aren't going to form into scabs. It was really red and irritated looking too right after the surgery but that aspect of it has seemed to go away a little bit. We will continue to keep the area moist with Vaseline until the bruising has resolved, which can take anywhere from 10-14 days and keep her out of the sun.

Scott and I discussed the July 14th surgery and because it is summer and Grace being outside and in the sun a lot that it's not a good time. Dr. Bellet agreed and we're scheduled for another treatment in September.

Thanks again for all of the prayers, messages, etc. today! Things went as smoothly as possible and we've avoided all side effects so far. Now we're praying for no scabbing, no infection, and no blistering.

Grace loves...

This morning I heard Grace repeating, "yes" (while holding her arm in the air) with some mumbling inbetween. It took me a minute but I quickly understood what she was saying.

Love Mommy, yes!
Love Daddy, yes!
Big Daddy, yes!
Gigi and Nonnie, yes!
Love Crewe, yes!
Annana, yes!
Unk-J, yes!

There's no telling who I missed before I really began listening to what she was saying.

We ask her "Do you love ____?" and she always throws her arm up and says, "yes!"

Today she was having the full conversation on her own! Precious!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Grace!

Two years ago today my life was forever changed. For the better. I can't imagine my life any other way than having my baby girl by my side.

I wish I could keep you at this age forever. Someone told me that I'd say that for a while that it just keeps gettin better. Either way, I dont want you to grow up.

Never Grow Up

by: Taylor Swift

Your little hands wrapped around my finger

And it's so quiet in the world tonight

Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreaming

So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light

To you, everything's funny

You got nothing to regret

I'd give all I have, honey

If you could stay like that

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

It could stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you

Won't let no one break your heart

No, no one will desert you

Just try to never grow up, never grow up

You're in the car on the way to the movies

And you're mortified your mom's dropping you off

At 14, there's just so much you can't do

And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots

But don't make her drop you off around the block

Remember that she's getting older, too

And don't lose the way that you dance around

In your PJs getting ready for school

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

It could stay this simple

No one's ever burned you

Nothing's ever left you scarred

And even though you want to

Just try to never grow up

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room

Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home

Remember the footsteps, remember the words said

And all your little brother's favorite songs

I just realized everything I have

Is someday gonna be gone

So here I am in my new apartment

In a big city, they just dropped me off

It's so much colder than I thought it would be

So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on

Wish I'd never grown up

I wish I'd never grown up

Oh, I don't wanna grow up, wish I'd never grown up

Could still be little

Oh, I don't wanna grow up, wish I'd never grown up

It could still be simple

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

It could stay this simple

Won't let nobody hurt you

Won't let no one break your heart

And even through to you want to

Please try to never grow up

Don't you ever grow up

(Never grow up)

Just never grow up

                             

Happy 2nd Birthday baby duck! You are my heart & I'm so proud to be your Mommy. <3

And since today is also Mother's Day- a big shout out to all the Mommy's out there. Especially mine, she's pretty dang special and I'm so glad I can call her my best friend too! XOXO

2005 Meredith College Class Day

I was cleaning out a chest this week and found this photo of me and my family from my Class Day. I had to scan it in because I wasn't digital back then. :)



Today we're celebrating Grace's second birthday with family and friends. Her actual birthday isn't until tomorrow but today's the day we chose to celebrate.

Today, I'm also thinking about my alma mater, Meredith College. This week they have been celebrating commencement week and celebrating the Class of 2011. Meredith College was an amazing place to go to college. One of the best things about Meredith aside from class size and beautiful campus, were its many traditions. On the Saturday of commencement weekend. Sophomores honor their senior "big sisters", and the seniors highlight their College years in an event called "Class Day".

The little sisters spend the morning constructing two 75–100 foot daisy chains to be used for the afternoon’s Class Day exercises in the beautiful amphitheater. The white-clad sophomores hold two daisy chains and sing as their sister class marches through the chains. Class historians recall and depict key events of the graduating class’ four years at Meredith. The sophomore and alumnae sister classes sing traditional songs to the seniors. The members of the odd year classes wear black gloves on their left hands and give their little sisters wish bone charms for luck. The even classes give their little sisters bags of sticks and stones “to protect them from the Odd Spirit’s bones.”

At the conclusion of Class Day, the sophmores and the chains form the class numerals of the graduating class. The seniors then go onto the island, form a circle around the numerals, and celebrate with their classmates.

Just wanted to take a minute and say congrats to the class of MC 2011! I'm so excited that Haley will be there next year so I have excuses to go back and visit campus! :)

Fins to the left...

A couple of weeks ago Andy & Brooke came to Raleigh and we went to see Jimmy Buffett in concert. Buffett is always an awesome concert and we were excited to show Andy & Brooke just how good his concerts are! We all had a great time!

The "Landshark" beer Shark (golfcart) that rode by us. 

Some people go all out. You'd have to pay me a lot of $ to wear this. Dont know who she is but had to get a photo. True parrothead.