Baby Wipes Recipe

Here is the wipes recipe that many of the comments were directed at. I haven't perfected it yet, but even the first attempt was satisfactory. The container I used was a bit smaller than regular wipe containers, so I measured it so that I could cut the paper towel roll accurately. That part was the hardest! I need to perfect the art of cutting the paper towel. I used a knife cause the scissors couldn't do it. The instructions say to pull from the middle of the roll. In that case, I would think that saving an old lysol wipes container would probably work better. I'm trying that next.

This recipe is for an entire roll, so two "batches" of wipes (at least). I did half a batch...that's all that would fit in my container. You have to use high quality paper towel. Tightwad Gazette suggests Bounty or Brawny, but my fave is Viva! I buy those anyway. One of my "splurges".
Cut the roll accordingly (in half or less depending on size and style of your container). Then remove the cardboard center.

2 1/4 Cups of water
1 Tbsp of baby oil
2 Tbsp of baby shampoo/soap

"Marinate" the cut portion of the paper towels in the mixture (ziploc bag worked well for me). turn it over so that the whole thing gets soaked. Then squeeze out a bit of the solution before transferring the wipes to your container. if you have them in a lysol type container, then pull from the middle. Otherwise, good luck!

O.K. The List

Stars indicate those items that were on my grocery list already. So here is the list of items I got at the sidewalk sale:

*28 oz. Kraft Minute Rice
*2 boxes of Hickory Farms Cracker (like ritz)
Brownie Mix
Magnetic ABC's for the fridge
* 4 small cans of spaghettios
1 can of peas and carrots
*Lipton Decalf tea (48 bags)
*4 6packs of Tropicana Apple Juice
* 4 Ocean Spray Cranberry Rasberry Juice (32 oz)
* 5 packets of Capri Sun
* 3 boxes of Fruit snacks-Kelloggs
* can of Kidney beans
*2 cans of Pinto beans
* XL can of black beans
2 soups at hand (campbells)
*3 boxes of poptarts
3 pack of Orbit gum
1 pack of Latex kitchen gloves
*3 cans of green beans (green giant and del monte)
*2 cans of canola oil spray
1 chicken boullion
1 pickles
1 big tin of Altoids
*2 boxes of cheese crackers (1 gerber graduates)
*Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
*4 cans stewed tomatoes
1 Campbells Select Soup (on the go)
*1 bag of tortilla chips
*1 bag of animal crackers
*One-A-Day Multi-vitamins (plus cholesterol)
1 box of Cheerios
1 gerber graduates veggie crackers
1 Smuckers Magic Shell (Twix)

Frugal and Creative

I'm discovering that these two concepts go hand in hand. To be truly frugal does not mean being too cheap, but rather make the best use of what you've been blessed with. In "the church" we call this good stewardship...No, not tithing, but still within a similar context. Dr. Harvey talked on the parable of the talents and being frugal is one of the ways that I take the fishes and loaves and make them feed more than they seemingly should. This could get really heady and philosophical quickly, so I'm going to stop there and just show you some of what I've been up to in the last few days (and one pic from VBS that I wanted to share).

For (VBS) Summer Spectacular, I teamed up with fellow friend and blogger in the K-5 Music and Missions room. The last day we were playing Dr. related games because we were discussing a missionary who was a pediatrician. I went out and priced toy Dr. Kits and similar things and couldn't bring myself to buy one even if it would end up being a toy for my daughter. So I really had to be creative and "make" a toy stethascope from items I already had. I usually shower at night to make getting ready quicker in the A.M. As I was in the shower I noticed a fairly large suction cup that kept the shower organizer in place. It had a slit in it so that it could be removed and relocated if necessary, so I just removed it. I attached it to the plug in portion of my headphones and voila! Just for aesthetics, I covered the suction cup with foil to give it the silver look. For K-5 this worked perfectly. No additional cost, no wasting money, no cluttering my daughters room with more toys she will likely not play with, and recycling/repurposing materials I already have. Good stewardship.



I am almost out of baby wipes. I don't like the particular ones that I am given off and on simply because they smell strongly of vinegar, but they are freely given and so we use them (good stewardship). I remember reading on how to make your own baby wipes a while ago and kept those various items on hand after the baby showers in the event that I would indeed try this recipe. Today I had my chance. I cut part of the roll of Viva paper towels so it would fit in the container I had saved after the Q-tips were used up. I got out the baby oil that I recieved at a shower but never used (I'd saved it for just this purpose). And took out the baby soap. I read the recipe and used my TBSP measurement and a big ziploc bag and basically marinated my babywipes. The remaining portion of the paper towels are plenty big enough for everyday use, so I just put them back on the holder. Now, in this case I didn't waste or get rid of the baby oil I was given so it would help me later (I'm not advocating saving things just in case you need them later...simplicity is better, but I knew what purpose it would serve before saving it). I reused a container that would have simply gotten thrown away. And saved money and time by not having to make a store run just for wipes. And as a bonus, they smell great!



Lastly, but certainly not least, my friend told me about a "sidewalk sale" that happens once a month at the Sav More in this area. It is the way I like to shop. Some portions of my stockpile have been running low and I had started a list so this came at the most opportune time. Sav More makes rows of boxes on the ground in the parking lot of dented cans/boxes, out of season (valentines, christmas, etc) decorations and such, and expired or nearly expired items. You arrive early for the sale to get a place near an item that you spot, and get a box. When the rules are given and the fellow says, "go"...everyone goes and quickly. Here's the best part...cash only (no tax) $6 a box...anything you can fit in it. I filled 2 boxes this Saturday, my brother filled 3, and my friend filled one. You've got to know where an expiration date is/is not that important, and the concept of the outer packaging being open or in disarray, but the inner packaging completely in tact. I racked up. Brother estimated saving at least $150.00, and I estimated saving about $120.00! The list would be too long, so I'll show you a pic. If I get any requests for the list, I'll post it next.

(including the magnetic letters for the fridge which M opened immediately)

Being a Good Steward is being frugal and creative. Use what you have. Don't waste money and/or resources you may already have that aren't being used. Spend a little time instead of money. Then you are using your brain as well.

Hallquist Family Reunion

Time to Play Catch-up

I never knew that summer was the busier time of year for parents! I'm finding it hard to keep up with blogging so the next several posts are intended to be for catching up.

So the last post was me informing you all that we've been away unexpectedly on "vacation". M and I went to San Antonio to the SBC so that I could sing in the choir. There were a lot of last minute cancellations, so I was able to go for next to nothing! It was a lovely trip in which Dad, M and I all got to spend more time together than we ever would have planned on our own! We had a blast reconnecting with my Aunt and cousins! I, too, wished that we lived closer. I love San Antonio too! I had so much fun and ate some fab mexican! Here is a slide show with the pics I have so far. Not too many, but there is a pic of our waitress one evening that also had M's name.

Unexpected Vacation

Where've We Been?!

Well, sorry I've been "absent". On the 7th (Thurs.) I found out that I was being invited--basically at no cost to me--to go to San Antonio for 8 days. They arranged for me to bring M as well! We had a blast! I want to go back with Jdaddy on vacation sometime. I'll update more when my jetlag settles. But just wanted you to know that I'm back! I had a great time with M. I am tired though. More later.

Ballerina!

Crockpot Ribs

On the practical side, I finally did something with the ribs that I collected from Angel Food Ministries. This kind of thing is one that I have never cooked before and rarely eat unless at a restaurant. But I didn't want them to go to waste, so today they are nearly done in the crockpot and they smell unbearably good! I can't wait to eat them!

Here is the easiest recipe in the world! Ready?

Crockpot Ribs

1-3 pounds of pork ribs
1 Slow Cooker bag (easy cleanup)
3 Tbs of water
1 entire bottle of bbq sauce (your choice)
(I used Hickory smoked cause I wanted that grilled/smoked flavor)
1 sliced onion or onion powder

Place bag in slow cooker. Add 3 Tbs of water. Cut ribs apart and place in the slow cooker. Sprinkle onion powder liberally on the ribs. Pour enough bbq sauce to cover ribs. Put on the lid and cook on Low for 6 1/2-8 hours. If you like...before serving, place ribs on a cookie sheet in the oven on broil to crisp them up. That's it.

I'll let you know how they are!

Brain Damage!

So life is always interesting in the Hallquist side of the family! Last week my mom and dad were graciously watching M so that Hubby and I could go on a long overdue date. The date was great! But the real story is what happened while we were away.

Apparently mom was trying to swing M. Their backyard is quite a slope, but she was still trying to sit in a chair and push M at the same time. The chair was one of those plastic patio chairs that falls over if you look at it the wrong way. Sitting on the edge of the chair, Mom pushes M in her swing. The chair went backwards in the opposite direction as Mom was pushing M. Mom says it was slow motion, but she was prepared to roll down the hill. Unfortunately, the humongous pole that was holding up the deck made that impossible. So she stopped at the pole. Her head taking the hit.

She had to have stitches that night and she was sleepy and fuzzy headed since. Monday the Dr. told her he wanted to order a CT scan to double check her brain. He said he is quite certain that it has had some trauma. So today, me and the kids took Nani to the Hospital for her scan. She is quite certain that they won't find ANYTHING (Ha) on that scan.

That's the latest saga!

Not So Black Thumb

Well, my grandmother and mother have a phenomenal green thumb...I on the other hand have never had much success. The whole gardening thing never really interested me until about this time last year. Unfortunately my nice little flower garden became as depressed and dried up as I did, so the black thumb struck again.

This year I really wanted to try my hand at the vegetable garden. I'm still quite scared at trying all this on my own so my mom agreed to help. Then, Mr. Lindsey said that he could send someone over to till up my land or I could just use some of his designated space and work in his garden with him. I thought that a better idea for the first year. Seeing as I know little about it and he has done this and loved this for a long time. Problem is...every time I've mentioned coming over to help we can never seem to get it together. So far, I haven't even begun to help...I hope to change that, but having the little ones in tow might be difficult.

Yesterday, I decided that the nice and simple landscaping that the landlord's established here at my house was being overtaken by weeds. (I definitely should have noticed and done something about this sooner). J watched the little peach and I spent about 2 nice, quiet hours outside sweating and getting dirt under my finger nails. It was a lot of work truthfully. Of course mostly only because I had waited sooo long to do something about it. I have some blisters and bruises and scratches, but the flower bed that I worked on looks great. I even recycled the water that we used earlier for M's pool to water the gardens. I started weeding and pruning the landscaping that goes 3/4 of the way around our house...but there is a long way to go on that. I think by the time I get to it, I just might need a bush master for the weeds! I'll have to wait till my hands heal though to hit that.

Here's a LOVELY pic of me in my gardening "outfit" HA! Enjoy!

Weekend at Minnah's

5 Little Monkeys

Today we had our first go at Monkey Joe's. It was half price...Wacky Wednesday! So for a mere $5.50, I was able to entertain M and Cuz for hours! Now Cuz was not big on all the noise. I think if made him pretty nervous. He's usually fearless at the park, but Monkey Joes was a different story. He did fine though cause they had a little "house" made out of chalk board and filled with very familiar toys. He hung out there most of the time. I tried at least two different times to take him into one of the small bouncy things, but he just got really huffy.
M on the other hand had a blast! I could barely keep up...seriously. I had the best workout in a long time. She's still a little small for all the climbing parts, so I had to basically rock climb while carrying her up, but the slides were worth it cause they were really slick and steep. We caught a lot of air!

M and Cuz were both very interested in the car arcade game, so I sat them both in my lap and played to rounds. They enjoyed it.
This was a playgroup thing, but of course all I got to really do was wave to the gals as we passed eachother...running after our little ones. Super fun! I think I liked it as much as M did. They need these for adults...for all I know they have them! I'd have my B-day party there! Ha!

Daddy came to visit us since his office is one street over. He was thrilled to see us having so much fun! I recommend it...even on regular price days. I have no doubt they are making a killing at a place like this, but as a mom, I felt it was worth every penny!

Called in Sick to the Dr.

Yes, I did. I called in sick to the Dr. I know how awful this is on their end. I was in the medical office staff for 3 years and remember this being annoying. But with the help of compiled opinions, I decided to reschedule my lady Dr. appointment. Yes, I am overdue thanks to our holiday move, but the timing now is way off on so many levels! So, I'll have to try a little harder and reschedule as best I can. These things are no fun to schedule cause to get in it's a 2 month out process. Also, we have no idea about our insurance at this point so it's out of pocket. Because of this I was going to refrain from addressing any issues other than just my regular visit. I couldn't afford any lab work or tests...not out of pocket anyway.

I will eventually go. I will eventually have my cholesterol checked and any other heart related things dealt with since it is now very evident that my genes are likely to be working against me. Hopefully the health and insurance annoyance in my life will unravel sooner rather than later.

Nosy Neighbor and the Mysterious Shed (2)

So, you, like I, met the neighbors! On to the shed. We don't see much of our neighbors. We see the father come and go from his job as a correction/detention officer. We suspect that the wife stays home with at least one kid (maybe 2) and possibly some family or friends' children. It appears that they don't own a lawn mower, so we've tried to help out in that area.

They have a shed. It is a hodge podge of materials, sort of like those cars that are using so many spare parts that each section of the car is a different color. And quite a bit like those trucks where the owner has actually built a bed for the truck out of wood and attached it! Doesn't look like much...wouldn't be suspicious...except...

In the winter, a pit bull appeared in their back yard. He was cute and friendly enough, but it was curious how they had him attached to the shed. Their was chain from one door of the shed, to another door of the shed, to the dog. This only left about 4 foot of chain for the poor pit bull. That bothered me...for the dog's sake. I don't care about the shed or whatever the heck is in it.

Twice I called animal control on them because the dog lacked shelter especially though during the sleet and snow. I was afraid I'd find it dead. It didn't have any kind of life cause it was stuck on this super short leash. I didn't want to be an annoying neighbor, but I felt it was also my duty to protect the dog.

The dog disappeared. Last I saw it was warmer and alive. Hallelujah.

The shed is still chained.

Pray for Jason

We're feeling slightly anxious and very frustrated right now. As much of a hit to our pocket book this last pay period's medical bills were, apparently the insurance we were looking forward to is going to be an even bigger hit to our monthly income! His company wants to take a $892 a month out of his paycheck for insurance! Ha! With what that leaves, there isn't enough for us to live on...especially with one income! He's so livid right now he wants to cuss and give them his resignation! Of course we don't act out of anger or impulse...but I'm just telling you that's where he is.

Pray for his patience. Pray for his temper. Pray for wisdom in figuring this job stuff out. Pray for his interview with another company that he has on Friday. We'll make it through. no doubts. God has always and continues to be faithful!

Nosy Neighbor and the Mysterious Shed

Seriously...only a stay-a-home mom or a retiree could post about this! Ha!

So here's the beginning. We have some lovely neighbors. We don't REALLY know them, but we have met them. They are of a different nationality, so there are surely some cultural differences here that I may be missing on. The story begins with a knock at the door. A nice looking, white haired sale man type is standing there once I figure out how to get the gall-dern locks all unlocked at the same time (we had just moved in and the old doors and locks are all backwards-not to mention there are 3 on the front door). He asks me about my neighbors explaining that they have had septic problems and he is the one who is doing the work. I tell him that I just moved in--literally--and have not idea although I have been told just a little about them from the land lord. He leaves his card and explains that he simply wanted to show his face and let me know that he had been here because they refuse to pay their bill. (Great I'm thinking...I don't know a thing and I don't wanna know cause I don't wanna be in the middle of anything.) Come to find out the man leaves a message for the neighbor about our visit on their answering machine.

Now...where does that leave me?! In the middle. So the neighbor is coming over twice...leaving his card for me to call if I hear from the guy again. Finally we catch up late in the evening and the neighbor I suppose is trying to defend himself to me. Of course, let's say this all together now, "I DON'T KNOW AND I DON'T WANT TO." No, I didn't say that aloud! How rude do you think I am?! So neighbor asks for card which salesman left. Here, you can have it. I play dumb but still find out more than I wish to. Apparently neighbor has called the news and paper about the squabble over payment and work which is not being done. So I can see it now...here I am (always at home cause I'm a stay at home mom and new in town), and the news crew comes a knocking with cameras in my face to get my take on the whole issue! "I don't know and I don't want to!"

Thankfully, the news crew never came looking for me...and many weeks later it seems the neighbors had their septic issue resolved. I kept waiting for them to come trekking across the yard asking to use the bathroom but that never happened either! There were large, yellow big trucks/machines (Lord, I don't know which one is which...I never learned the differences in the bulldozers, front end loaders, etc). So half of their yard was a flattened ugly mess of red clay! Which they have done nothing about to this day.

That folks, was my introduction to my neighbors. Mind you they could be truly lovely people...but I don't have the faintest idea. I missed out on the big family celebration they are said to have in May. I was out of town.

Next post I will let on more about the mysterious shed...

No more pity parties

Yesterday was not my best day. I can't really complain, cause it definitely got better as it went along...

For Mother's Day I got a "coupon" for $100 of spa services. Of course, I told Jason I would have been more than happy with a clean kitchen and a back rub. He said that I could have all of those things, so last night he set to doing the dishes. I am thrilled. I was thrilled when I went to bed and was thrilled all over again when I woke up. As if that wasn't enough, Jason got on a cleaning/doing kick and cut the grass, cleaned the bathroom and hung up a good bit of his clothes. While he was hanging up his clothes he asked, "Do I do any housework?" That in itself told me that he was acknowledging all that I do (all by myself). All of these combined made for a terrific belated Mother's Day present!

We are working on routines this week in my family. The budget, the bedtime, and the housework routines. It's alot to tackle, so this may flow into next week as well. Bedtime routine went really well. M had really gotten off here (as had we). She was going to bed too late. She was waking in the middle of the night just to be rocked. She was waking up super early ready to get up. I was getting worried.

I began by waking her yesterday at 7:45 am (today at 7:30). My goal was to get her to sleep for naptime around 12:30 or 1pm. She was down around 12:45 yesterday and 1:30 today (since we had a big play date). Then I didn't want her to sleep much more than 2 hours. I woke her after 2 and a half. It's been 2 hours today and she's still asleep. We bathed her sooner after dinner because we noticed that the bath seemed to hype her up. Then we watched a sleepytime video and colored in the dimly lit living room. When the video was over we put on her pj's and read some books (everything was so out of whack from our old "routine" that I forgot to give her medicine or brush her teeth, so we'll try that tonight). We've instated a night light because M is now scared of the dark. It's an angel watching over some children. Her Nani let her borrow it, but last night she seemed to be a little afraid of the angel, so we'll see how long it lasts. We've also introduced a little lullaby music in there which she seems to really like.

Between all of these things, M was so tired she didn't even bother to play with her toys after I put her in the bed. She only whimpered for 10 seconds after I left as opposed to 5-7 minutes of screaming! I did leave the music playing, which I later read I shouldn't do, but she didn't wake up during the night at all and this morn I woke her at 7:30am. I'm hoping this new routine thing helps.

Now, Jason and I are going to take a night this week to plan out and type up a household routine. I'm hoping to find an example over at copper's wife because she is extremely organized and remembers to do and clean things that I completely forget. Any suggestions or good websites would help this greatly.

We are going to work on our budget (again) since summer is here. There will be no Mother's Day Out, and his company is finally picking up the insurance bill, so we won't have to pay for that out of our own pockets anymore. That's not just saving us our monthly hundred and whatever, but all the out of pocket meds and such that we have been stuck with since January! Hallelujah! But now to SAVE!

I'll post some pics and such from our fun play date later today or maybe tomorrow!

No Good Posts Lately!

So I feel a bit like pooh! I know...it's no one's fault but my own, but I misplaced my anti-depressant and hadn't taken it for 3 1/2 days and I literally feel awful! I found the bottle today and it had one left, so I finally took it! Hopefully it'll kick in. Now I just have to make sure that I get the refill before tomorrow! So that pretty much answers my question as to whether or not I'm ready to come off of it.

I took similar meds in college for about 6 months and was fine coming off of it, but this is way different! When it only costs $4 a month (Walmart baby!) who cares if you have to take it the rest of your life to feel human! Seriously though, what happened to us (human beings I mean!). Why are we all walking around medicated just to live mostly "normal" lives. Surely God didn't create it this way?! I'm just a stay at home mom and have no real complaints other than wishing for a little extra cash now and then. Why should I need these meds? I wish someone could explain this all to me. I know the whole brain function SSRI stuff. I took the classes! What I want to know is how did people get around "normally" before all these lovely drugs?!

Just frustrated slightly that when I feel really great it is cause my meds are correct. How silly.

To quote one of my husband's favorite lines from a movie (Zoolander) "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"

Probably the Best Thing I've Read In a Long Time

I'm redirecting my readers over to the homespunheart because I seriously think that this is the best, most creative, and sensitive I might add, thing I've read in a long time. Really challenges me to make the everyday more extraordinary!

Mother's Day Giveaways Galore

Yippee! More Mother's Day Giveaways! You've gotta check this out! Mom's you could win an ipod nano!!! and many other things. Click here!

Mother's Day Surprise!

Love this contest! For us blogging moms what a great Mother's Day Surprise. To sign up and/or just check out a really great site, click here.

Been A Long Time

I know I haven't posted anything real in a while. To tell you the truth, I just haven't been "in the mood." I suppose that's something others can relate to. Things haven't been bad or anything, I just haven't had it in me. Things are a little busier than they once were, but I don't like to blame or make excuses.

So here's what's been going on. I'm keeping Cuz and M, and LOVING it! It can be a challenge at times, but we are all doing very well considering the adjustment. Naptime is no big deal as long as I put M to sleep first. I even ventured out with them both today by myself. I took them to the zoo once, but at least I knew I'd have friends to help. Today I had tiny errands to run and I desperately needed bread. So, I did everything in the order that it came. I deposited a check at the bank, then mailed a letter at the post office, dropped off some freebies at a friends (who lives next door to the post office), went to ALDI, then got gas on the way home. I got paid for last week, so I used 2/5 of it at ALDI, 2/5 of it getting gas, and the 1/5 left is for my book I need for our new Bible/Book study that starts tomorrow! God really provides.

We are living on fumes right now for two reasons...one because it's the first of the month and every bill is due at the same time (bad planning), and two because M came down with a double ear infection from nursery. Since our insurance doesn't kick in till June first, the Dr. visit and the medicine (which was 2X what the Dr. visit cost) was all unexpected and out of pocket. No big deal...we have savings for those emergencies, but we spent half of it on our car emergency last month. We didn't use savings this time, we are just going to pinch and skrimp so that the next half of the month we'll be able to put some back into savings to replenish. Ah, the joys of balancing a house on one income.

I prayed a lot about it, and I know that this is where God has me to be right now. I love that...knowing that, because I know that no matter what, He will provide our every need...especially when we are in His will.

I've got tons of pics to post. I'll work on that. We just got back from a much needed weekend away to the mountains! It was WONDERFUL! Soooo quiet and just cool enough to have a fire the whole weekend. We slept in till almost 10 everyday (it's been years folks!) and read (also a very long time since I've read anything). Thanks to Mom and Dad for watching M for us. We know she is pure love and pure exhaustion all mushed together.

More blogging to come...

Meme...You're It!

I was tagged by my friend Miriam for this "random meme."

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. Hubby and I have planted a church (in New Orleans)

2. I was the Saturday Night Worship Leader (Celebration Church) for a little over a year.

3. My least favorite chore is cleaning the bathtub!

4. My new favorite thing is shopping at ALDI!

5. My husband says that I'm a terrible procrastinator.

6. I hated being a stay at home for the first 8 months...Now I love it!

7. Everytime I clean my ears with q-tips I am compelled to cough

I'm now tagging some of my bloggy friends and relatives!!! Minnah, Jamie, Meredith, Cheryl, can't think of anymore that haven't been tagged!

Another fun Contest!

I haven't been up to posting lately. Don't really know why. But I did find this cute contest for all you gals who have girls or granddaughters, or those of you whose friends have girls. I'm linking to the contest which is for these adorable hair bows/barrettes found at 5minutesformom. But don't miss out, check out the original source...the mom who makes these fabulous barrettes at madisonsroom. Right now they are running a sale at madison's room. Check out the codes at the first link 5minutesformom.

About My Dad

O.K. I have a spare moment during naptime! Cuz is up and happy, but M is still sleeping so I thought I'd play blog catch up.

My dad has a lovely genetic makeup that is plagued with heart disease. His grandfather and father both died with it. And the onset was right around 53...which my dad will be in June. At his yearly physical they decided to run some tests as a precaution. Dad's only complaint being fatigue...who doesn't feel that! The initial test was high...anything over 400 and dad's was 4 something. So they decided to do more tests. The options were the heart cath or a special stress test that may or may not have been conclusive. He and my mom decided to go ahead and do the cath just to be safe. Mind you some people have that first test and get numbers in the 800's and find nothing in the cath. That was the hope...but not the case.

They found 70%+ blockage in one artery, 80%+ in another, and 90%+ in two others. So they went in. They did the angioplasty and the stents in the 4 major blocked areas. There are 2-3 more that are 40-50% blocked, so they will likely have to go back in later and do more stents. Still, Modern Medicine is really a blessing! Could have been bypass surgery. He is on meds that he absolutely cannot miss a day of or forget in any way lest he fear a heart attack and impending bypass surgery in the future.

So pray. Pray that he will be responsible and his memory will far superior to mine. Pray as he recovers from surgery, though he is tons better. Pray for his family as we adjust to this new lifestyle. Pray that I will have the where with all to remember that I have these same genes and need to be doing certina things to better my heath as well as my brother and sister. Thanks for waiting patiently for my post.

Contest!!! And an update

My dad was in the hospital with heart issues. He is doing much better post surgery. I'll post more details tomorrow. I've been out of town at the in-laws for decoration and had a lovely visit as those generally go. I'll post some pics from that as well another day. To much stress (good and bad mind you) and not enough sleep. Tomorrow I start my first day on a new job...keeping Cousin Stone about 4 days a week. I'm excited, but I know it'll be a bit tiring at first making the adjustment. So sleep is calling.

Things are messy, but well here. Can no longer complain. Hope to partake in a large subdivision yard sale this weekend. J is most likely off to Anderson for a shooting competition and a class for the Greenville Gun Club membership on Sunday. Also his birthday!!!

ABOUT THAT CONTEST!!! Check out this lovely blogger lady contest! Found this fun site through my bloggy friend Jamie's site (ivey kids). This is for a Coach purse! Maybe you too could win. Why not give it a try?

Click here to link.

*Correction*

On my post regarding New Savings...I was informed that my walmart free samples link wasn't working. SO I fixed it. It works now, so please try it again and enjoy your something for nothing.

On another note...I may or may not post a real post today due to the chaos in my life. It is not the kind that I can control, so I'm going to just go with it, and go with God until it passes. I'll keep you updated as I can. Just say an extra prayer for me and my extended family today.

A Call For Prayer!

One of the ladies and friends of mine in Mom to Mom has been through extreme sickness. She has been in the hospital now for at least a week with little knowledge and understanding of what exactly has been going on. Fluid continues to fill and be drained from her right lung. They did surgery Monday and drained fluid and biopsied some "spots". They are quite sure that they are cancerous and there is a mass of tumors on her right lung...and they suspect it is in her lymphnodes as well. Still iffy right now, but they aren't sure what or if they can do for her. AND she has a precious little 5 month old and two other children that her mother is caring for right now. This is a call to prayer for anyone who feels so compelled or led by God. He is a soveriegn and mighty healer so I certainly feel the need to pray for healing. Also, He has a plan regardless of how it all looks to me, so I will pray for His Will in all things. Join me in prayer for Monica and her family!

**Update**

Dear All,

Monica and I just want to thank all of you for your prayers and responses. With all that is going on, I cannot at the moment respond to everyone, but we do greatly appreciate your concern.

Tonight the Oncologist came by and gave us what he knows at the moment and what needs to be done this week. Monica has been diagnosed with large cell adenocarcinoma cancer. The exact type and treatment of the cancer is yet to be determined, as well as the origin of it. It is stage 4 cancer, but it is not in the left lung, pancreas or the liver.

Treatment will be aggressive chemo over the months into the summer. The first concern to stop the fluid buildup in the lung, so that the tubes can be removed. This is a cancer that cannot be cured, but can be managed.

Please pray especially for the children as Meghan is a sharp girl and knows things are not right, and Jason who doesn't understand and is frightened. Please also pray that Monica can get some rest while at the hospital.

John

M's First Posted Video

Since I figured this out...You all can be tickled at M as well. This is one of her first attempts at those three little words.

Mom my Ride

Loved this when I found my way to one of my fave blogger's daughter's blog. Did you catch all the relations? I went to do a daily checkin' on Copper's wife (you can also find this in the margin) and decided to check Corin's blog (her daughter). Found this hysterical video clip!!! so hysterical I had to figure out how to post videos just so I could show ya'll! Enjoy!

Aunt Shebby's Cakes!

It's Here! Finally, my sister in law has jump started her cake business! Her cakes not only look pretty, but they taste out of this world! I can attest, I've had a bite of almost every one! If you need a special cake, don't go to wal-mart and have an O.K. cake...have an Aunt Shebby original! It is worth every penny! Not to mention, instead of putting your money into a huge conglomerate that spends there pennies in ways we don't necessarily approve of, help out a fellow Work At Home Mom! Check out her site!

New Info on Savings!

Walmart! Did anyone know that Walmart has a section online for Free Samples?! I found this out through Spoofee.com I've request a free sample of each item available! It may not be much, but it is still something for nothing.

Ace Hardware! Did everyone know that Ace Hardware has a rebate program?! That wouldn't be a big deal to everyone, but it should be because everyone had to clean! I was reading a blog and the lady said that you should never pay more than pennies for you cleaning supplies...I read on to find out she stockpiles her cleaning supplies from Ace Hardware when they are rebate items. Go to their website to download their rebate form. Not much as far as cleaning supplies this month, but I'll keep watching it so as to claim some free cleaning supplies!

Staples! I don't do alot of art/business/supply shopping yet, but I found out on homespun heart that Staples also has a rebate program! This if fabulous for a woman who's husband loves office supplies (even as gifts). Besides we are always looking for writing utensils.

Just for the sake of repetition, I will list the other places that have rebate programs. If any of you know of others, please let me know via comments!

Rite Aid
Eckerd
Walgreens
Ace Hardware
Staples
CVS (This is an Extra Care Bucks Program--slightly different)
Walmart (Free Sample Offers online)

Funny Things Happen Everyday

In the fort on Sunday! Did it again on Tuesday evening! So fun!

These stories usually involve me doing the dishes and peeking in on my babes (Mand her cousin at times). So, yesterday I was doing the dishes and M and cousin were entertaining eachother. I peeked in on them to make sure they weren't into trouble and Choo Choo Soul was on. A little short hip hop clip on Disney. M loves the beat, so I find her standing on the coffee table bobbin' and dancin her heart out. I am pretty amused, but I put on the firm Mommy look and voice to deter her from teaching her cuz bad things. Then I look over and see that he too is standing in a chair and bobbin and groovin! I had to be firm, but I more wished that I had had a camera!


I slightly rearranged M's room in preparation for her future Christmas present...don't laugh I've already decided what it'll be. I moved in her cradle for her baby dolls which was previously stashed in the dining room in plain view. This morning she spots it and says "Ooo Wee!" And proceeds to get in it with her dolls! It was definitely cute the first time, but she did it again when she was getting ready for bath time. Wearing a huge smile and a diaper...I wish I had this pic!



The last was also today. Doing the dishes and working on a meal for a friend who is really sick right now, I peek in to make sure she is busy, and find that she is definitely busy! She has pulled out one of the drawers in the dining buffet and climbed in it with her crackers and her baby doll "Maggie". So hilarious. I took pics and then coaxed her out. She was too cute to scold!
The last pic is from Saturday when Mercy discovered the second line of ants in our house. Something about the fireplace that keeps them coming back...even after Apex has sprayed specifically. She is no longer afraid of ants since she realizes that she is big enough to squish them. This was very intriguing to her and I got several pics of her looking and looking.

Easter Family Pics!

Here are our Easter Family Pics. I found out just yesterday that my best friend and I, even thought we live on opposite coasts still both managed to be one of the few gals in our circles to wear out Easter Bonnets! So here are my pics. Unfortunately, we had a cold spell here and I was unable to wear my vintage look Easter dress that I got at Goody's for $9.98. I'll bring it out for another Sunday. I went shopping in my mother's closet for a top to complete my outfit. New to me and free! Of course, I gave it back during Easter lunch! Still...We all ended up coordinating surprisingly. J's tie and coat managed to disappear long before our pic was taken though. And, I had to bring 3 bows just to make sure that one made it in M's pic. Nani had planned to make a beautiful Easter dress for M form one of her Creative Needle magazines (or Sew Beautiful), but all the recent and consecutive deaths and trips crunched our time, so we found this beautiful silk dress at TJ Maxx! Always good prices there. Enjoy the pics. So much more to post another day!

Jesus Is Alive

What a day of Celebration! Tears of joy and a great feeling of overwhelming love! Thank you God and Christ for your sacrifice and power over the grave!

Death Where is Your Sting?!

Grave Where is Your Victory?!

While the Cat's Away...

So, I left M with J for 4 days while I traveled via car to Shreveport, La from Greenville, SC. That's 14-15 hours each way! Still, the funeral was nice. Seeing family I haven't seen in a while was even nicer. Getting to know Aunts and Uncles in a new way (as an adult) was the nicest of all.

However, this post is about the homefront while I was gone from the scene. All in all things were fine. Jason kept M at nights and on the weekend, and Shelby was in charge during the working day. Thank the Lord I had such options! Let's see...Here is the quick break down: M had an anxious tummy and had 3-5 dirty diapers everyday causing a pretty hefty diaper rash and a cranky child. On top of that she managed to eat 2 bananas each day till I put a stop to it (couldn't have helped the tummy issue any). Cousin S got mad at her lack of personal space and decided to bite her. She was fine but had a nice impression of his top and bottom teeth on her arm. Daddy decided that the paci must go (thank goodness he did this and not me). Except for her refusing her nap the first day, she did fine. Now they are in the garbage...I had a hard time throwing them out, but finally buckled down and did it today. J only called once to ask how to get her to stop crying...his solution was to strip her down and let her run around with no clothes on. Hey, it worked! I only called the Dr. once, but on the return trip I was called by Aunt S to say that M had "eaten" deodorant (the squishy gel kind) and they were calling poison control. That was fine too. I got the feeling she was putting it on her lips like lipstick. She's seen me do that 100 times with the lipstick and the motions and such are the same...remove the top, screw the bottom, rub on.

JDaddy was on a roll spending money even though we had just done the whole budget thing. I put him and I both on lock down financially until next Friday (payday). He loves to do Lowe's runs. This time I do have to say he has been paying attention. He went to PepBoys to get Oil Changing products (a project he has chosen to do to help save the pennies) He purchased a case of Valvoline for a great price and has applied for the rebate of $6.00 (some kind of coupons online too). Then the filters were really great quality and they were regular $3 and he was going to apply for the rebate of $1, but the lady at the register thought that was so silly that she gave him $1 automatically! He thinks he might still apply for the rebate! Technically he can! I was impressed and he did this all on his own without telling or consulting me till it was already taken care of. He also managed to go to the grocery store for a milk run, but ended up getting all kinds of superfluous things not using sales or coupons! My $50 weekly budget had nearly been used up when I got here. I took back 4 items that hadn't been used yet, so at least I still have $25 for the weekly budget. We are going to play raid the pantry for a while though. Still figuring out the new budget with the new job.

The only other event happened on JDaddy's watch, but in the end appeared to be my fault after all. As soon as I realized it, I confessed. The kitchen sink was clogged again. Apparently, paint is the likely culprit, and since I did unknowing rinse my brushes out in the sink, I'm guessing it was my fault. Maybe even the last time too...now that I think about it. My poor landlords are so great, I will certainly be more cautious.

Well, JDaddy's home tomorrow for good friday so that should be really fun! May you all have a blessed Holy Weekend! Remember what it is we reflect on and Celebrate. The full gamit of love and pain entwined.

The Do-Over

So this was the sad state of the living room when I was taking my spring cleaning "before" pics. I'd love to say that it was oh so significantly cleaner, but with a very active, very smart, and curious toddler running around it is rare that there isn't "stuff" all over the floor. What I want to note here is the painting hanging on the wall over the couch. It was tall, but not wide which obviously did nothing to balance the area and furniture. I tried to remedy that with these hanging lanterns that I had laying around unused. I took one look at the "ensemble" and told my husband that it looked tacky. I really wanted to turn the picture long-ways, but the painting wouldn't work that way...

So, I did something I've always wanted to do...I painted my own picture. I've never tried it, but have always wanted to, and it WAS as fun as I had hoped. I painted over the print so that I could indeed hang it length wise! I can't wait to hang it and show you the living room "after" picture!

Enjoy!

Another Try it Free!

OK coupon coopers...I was checking my fave blogs when in the background I heard an ad on tv about trying Coffee-Mate for free! I checked it out. It is legit. So, if this peaks your interest, click here to sign up for your own.

This is my 101st post!

On my 101st post I have to announce that my great grandmother, who was 103, finally passed away today. She was an incredible lady! The legacy will live on in all of us who knew and loved her...and hopefully will be passed on and on to those around us and our children!

Esta Reese Hettler, "Ahda", was a woman of character and strength. She loved God and those around her. Even in the nursing home she would push "the old people" around in their wheel chairs to make sure that they didn't miss the church services live or on tv. She kept her husband straight ;-) and her children as well. She adopted! That alone, so many years ago, is a beautiful thing. She was always so independent and always so positive. She prayed fervently and study the Word. She is the perfect person for my daughter to be named for. M's middle name is Reese.

I'm not sad. I'm thrilled that she is "ahda" again in heaven. I have no idea how heaven works, but maybe she'll see her hubby for the first time in 20 years! Not that she'll care about all that since God/Jesus will be there.

Live on Ahda! Live Real Life! Welcome Home!

FreeBate Alert!

All you fellow couponers out there...and my faithful coupon coopers, there is a coupon and rebate for scotchbrite disposable toilet brush starter kit that make this item FREE in the end. Just click here and print it!

How Much Do I Pay?

These kinds of lists usually help me:

likemerchantships says that she buys when:

• chicken quarters hit .29/lb
• whole chickens .69/lb **Bloom has had these at .49/lb on more than one occasion
• bone-in chicken brests .99/lb
• boneless, skinless chicken breasts are $1.69/lb or less
• lean ground beef is .99/lb
• turkey breasts are .99/lb
• steaks are $2/lb
• sausage is .99/lb
• fresh shrimp is $5/lb
• salmon is $3/lb
• canned wild salmon is $1/14oz.
• canned tuna is .35/can

I couldn't tell you any better than this. Here is the catch. A lot of these prices are rare, so when you find them, stock up. Fill your freezer or borrow some room in a friends deep freeze.

Now for random other things that I have found;

I try not to pay more than...

• Cereal--$1 or less
• Canned veggies--.35-.25 cents
• Bag Salad--$1.50-.96
• Coke--4/$10
• Deodorant (no brand preference)--free-$1
• toothbrushes--free
• toothpaste--free
• shampoo--$1-free
• spaghetti sauce (premade)--$1--less
• pasta--.26-.50
• little debbies--.69
• pringles--.76
• apples--.99/lb
• grapes--.99/lb
• liquid fabric softener (i prefer gain)--$3-3.50
• liquid detergent--$2-$2.50
• dishwasher detergent--$1-$1.50
• diapers--176/$26 (Sams!)
• spiral sliced ham--1.49/lb
• bread (loaf)--.59-.79
• boxed potatoes/rice--.40-.69
• milk--$2.25-2.50
• bottled water--3.33-$4/24 pk.
• cake mix--.20-.63
• brownie mix--.25--.63
• yogurt--.33/cup
• pain reliever 1.99/small bottle
• frozen pizza--$1.00-$1.50 medium/large
• frozen waffles--$1.00/10 count
• Toilet Paper (cottonelle) $3.50/12
  

Who knows what else. I think I'll keep this list going and try to revise and update it as I can. There are some things on our list that you would never buy, but some are for lunch making and taking, and others are for fast breakfasts so as to avoid a husband who would rather sleep late and eat fast food out.

Also note!!! this link if you have an ALDI near you, this blogger made a price list of everything in her ALDI, so before you go out and shop the deals, check her list to make sure it is a better deal.
http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2006/08/aldi-supermarket-price-sheet-store.htm

Meals and Coupons

I've had several from the coupon coop ask me to post about making meals from the list and how this saves me money. That is far more detailed than my brain tends to work, but I will say that I did sit down and make up a mock meal plan from the list this week. Where it is now, I couldn't say. It took forever, and I'm not sure I actually finished it, but I came really close.

So here are the things I want to say. First, you have to build up your stockpile and this can take up to 3 months, AND you may feel as if you are spending extra money because where you may need only 1 of the items immediately, you will end up buying 3 of those items to last you through the 3 months of stockpile. They way this actually saves you money is that you buy 3 at the rock bottom price instead of buying just the one you need right now at the rock bottom price and then having to buy it two more times at higher prices. The stores and coupons work on a 3 month cycle, so they do come back around, so for something you need every month, one may find it rock bottom sale 4 times a year or so. The remaining months of the year you will end up over paying unless you stock enough to get you through till the next sale. So...Initially you may have to put in more money than you expect, but in reality you are saving a bundle!

Here is my personal example. Last time detergent was on sale for 1.98 I bought two or three (can't really remember). I'm nearly out, so I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a similar deal. I didn't find anything even close until this week at Eckerds when I found larger quantities for 2.50. I bought 2. I didn't have to pay for them out of pocket though because last month I bought items that had free-bates (rebates that match or exceed the price paid). I paid nothing out of my grocery budget for my two large detergents (stockpile and need) and something else that I can't remember now.

The story for Walgreens is similar and better. My rebates are bigger there. I went to Walgreens for water because 24 pack was 3.99 and for easter eggs and baskets for Stone and Mercy's Easter Egg hunt on Saturday because they had hinged eggs for .59. I bought a few other items that I don't recall off hand, but I didn't spend any of my grocery budget because of the huge rebate I have on a Walgreens gift card. I chose the gift card because I made 10% on my rebate. My rebate that month was $60 so I made an additional $6.

As for dinners in my home, it varies. Sometimes we nearly spend no more than .60 a person, and sometimes we spend up to 3.00 a person, but you compare that with eating out and you are saving a bundle! If you dig from your stockpile for most of your food, you spend even less. Today we splurged. There are these new frozen skillet dinners that literally take 10 min. to cook and looked superb. They are Jose Ole. They had coupons for then in the paper and they were on sale at Bi-Lo yesterday. After the sale and the coupon it still cost 5.00 a bag, but the bag states that it feeds 2, however it feeds 3 1/2 in our family. Jason and I both ate sizzling rice, black beans, and chicken (and all kinds of onions and peppers and sauce) fajitas, Mercy ate the rice and beans but didn't want the chicken. And!! I have leftovers for my lunch tomorrow. Now as for tortillas, I had in my stockpile those taco dinner kits and only used half of the shells (didn't get the tortillas).

Another thing in my house is that I try to not waste any food (as long as it is still good). Often when we have a chicken and rice dish the leftovers are never enough for more than one person, but I like to recreate it into soup using chicken boullion. combine the soup with a sandwich and you can feed 2-3 people. Or I just eat it for lunch the next day.

This is the way it's done. This is the way we live. The grocery game doesn't seem to work for everyone. It does take time and effort...at least at first. But into the 2nd month, it seems to me that the work is now beginning to take off and the ease of it is setting in.

This is a pic of many of my freebies. This is not all mind you. There are two more things of Kotex pads and one thing of tampons, there are 2 tubes of Crest toothpaste and another of colgate that we are currently using. There is the deoderant that I'm using now that was a freebate. There are two more bags of cat food all of which I hope to give to my friend with the cat. There is one more thing of dog food and another bag which my friend is already using and loving. She'll be getting all of the dog foods (all free--no need for rebates). If I had been on the ball last week I would have gotten as many blood glucose testing kits as I had coupons for, but I wasn't able to get to it. Between the sale price at CVS and the coupon in the paper, I was able to walk out of the store without paying a penny. I'll be donating those to the local free clinic run by our church.

Spring Cleaning 2

Mercy's room is done all but the hanging of one shelf that will house an old doll of mine! At least I'm still trekking along however slow. My room never got completed...though very near truly. However, there is no other place to put clean laundry because of our space limitations and all you moms know how never ending both laundry and dishes are! Still...After Easter for sure I will get back on the cleaning streak. My husband and I did put in a lot of work one weekend. We clean swept, organized stuff into attractive bins and baskets, we hung pictures! Lots of them. Jason built, painted, and hung shelves, and then cleaned and trimmed the yard. Still...always so much more to be done you know. Always. So here are the pics of Mercy's room. Enjoy, all those who've always wondered. This is very nearly as good as it gets.

Best Trip Yet

Before I get into my best savings trip yet, lets have an update. Yes, we are still sick around here. I am starting to really feel better, but I finally had to get an antibiotic. Oh well. M is headed back to the Dr. today. Hopefully our yard sale this weekend will cover the cost of that. Of course, she was acting totally sick yesterday, but this morning she seems perfectly fine. Maybe we'll go to the Dr. and find out everything is fine. At least then we won't have the cost of medicine on top of that. I'm really ready for us all to be well. Plus! I don't get my MDO free time today cause I've gotta take M to the Dr. Oh well, such is life and motherhood.

Now about that best trip ever!!! So I went to CVS with "the list" and bought things I needed and things that ended up being free! Amazing! Seriously. The cashier was so impressed she asked me about it and said in the end that she was hooked and was going to look it up when she got home. According to the receipt, I saved $74.27 just shopping the sales. Then you add in my coupon savings of $37.00, and the use of my Extra Care Bucks from my last visit of $21.50. Total savings was $132.77. Total spent was $22.43 (includes tax)! Wow!

On the Upswing

I'm pretty sure we are finally on the upswing of all this sickness! We've never all been sick at the same time! Believe it or not we actually have gotten some clean sweeping and organizing done...since we were all confined to the house, we figured we'd make ourselves useful! Still spring cleaning and I suppose I may never claim to be "completed" since I can be sort of a perfectionist about this stuff. I do have to say I appreciate Lola's comment (Charlie and Lola on Disney). "It's not messy, it's just all spread out." Love it! Will post later!

Time Off

A Whole Lot has been going on in my family and extended family and this is why you haven't heard from me recently. Mercy has an ear infection, diagnosed today. We are thankful that God provided a way for us to afford her getting sick. You other parents of little ones understand that I'm sure! We had a short but sweet visit from her Uncle Patrick (which she can say very well mind you). She entertained him and would hardly let him out of her sight. Anytime she couldn't see him she would say, "Where'd Patrick go?" Pretty funny little girl! Except for the runny nose and the obvious hoarseness, you would never know she was sick! It was the fever last night that gave it away. This one was not nearly as obvious as the rest.

I'm not feeling 100% either. I certainly don't think I have an ear infection, but I have an awful headache that just won't quit and a dry scratchy throat. No fun.

My mom is in Baton Rouge with my great uncle who is in and out of being on the brink of death. It's really only a matter of time at this point. Other health issues and marital issues in my extended family are resurfacing as well. Interesting how when it rains, it pours. The only good thing is that apart from this scratchy throat, non of these are actually my problem. That is a nice relief. Still I love them all and want peace and rest for their lives.

My house is a medium grade mess which I'm not so thrilled about, but dinner is in the oven, and M is playing happily in her room. For these things I'm thankful. I missed mom to mom today, which was really sad, since I look sooo forward to it every week...that and I was excited about dishing with the ladies in the coupon coop about their first week trying out the game. It'll have to wait. I've organized my unwanted coupon pile so that they can easily peruse and share. I've got free things to give away. I gave one of my friends to bags of nice dog food, cause I got it for free. I gave one friend to things of feminine products because they were free and I don't use that kind. I have a tube of toothpaste that I got for free, but I don't use that brand. I have a razor (very nice refillable kind) that I was able to get for .34 cents. Oh the fun! At least I can officially say I have a hobby now...Couponing! (shopping always was sort of a hobby) I'll try to keep you posted as things get a little less hairy around here. I have some great pics to post too of M and S at the park! Coming soon

Spring Fever Fun

I told you all to be holding me accountable for my spring cleaning posts! You know how it is with a toddler. You get something just how you want it, but if you don't take that picture at that moment...the Hurricane M is bound to come through and change the scenery a bit! I have kept the buffet clean, I have kept her room clean, though there are just a few reorganization things I'd like to get done before Patrick comes to be our first over-night guest. My closet is nicely purged and reorganized. Our Master Bedroom is nearing the end of its amazing transformation...I can't wait to show you the pics! I am ill though because my serger is on the fritz and I'll probably have to have it serviced! That has thrown a slight kink in my sewing projects.

I am posting some pics of the very little projects I have gotten done. I didn't take a before pic of my front porch area because I didn't think I'd be doing any changes besides putting up my spring wreath. I did put up the spring wreath I made for $1 last year, but I also reorganized the porch. The rocking chair stays cause I love that thing. I switched out the table though and brought out an M sized chair so she can be with me when I'm out there. I hated the table that was there before. It was dilapidated and I was going to sell it in the garage sale. I had this other little table that was originally for M's first New Orleans nursery that was all white wicker except the bed. I didn't really know what to do with it cause I had no room for it. So out if goes on the front porch. Pleasantly repurposed and with an addition to the yard sale!

I'm also posting pics of my kitchen. My home is a rental...we don't care, we love it, but we can't paint and they picked the colors. I'm not a big yellow fan, but I'm determined to make it work. I found these curtains on the 75% off clearance rack at Lowe's for $3.24 a piece. There's the swag (which you see in the pics), but there is also a tier. I bought 3 of each. Now that I have put up the swags, I realize my windows aren't really long enough for both pieces, so I get to take back the tiers and save $10! I will have windowed my entire kitchen for $10 and no sewing! The ceiling fan left something to be desired though. There is so much you can do with lighting, but there was no good way to go about it. So, I experimented. I took a preexisting lampshade that was not being used and tested to see if it would somehow work in place of the existing attached light on the ceiling fan. If placed upside down it would work great! It was a little different, but added alot of spunk. So, before I put it up I decided to spruce it up a bit with some big black polka dots. I used a stencil from the remainder a sheet of used up stickers and colored it in with a sharpie. It turned out great! Can't wait to finish that room either, but one room at a time. My goal is to complete the bedroom tomorrow!

More Coupon Fun

Made a quick run out to BiLo and CVS by my house. They are literally right next door to eachother in a strip mall. At CVS, I bought three things...I would have bought a few more, but they were out of what I needed. I got Secret Platinum for $1, feminine products for free, and downy fabric softener for $2.49 (liquid concentrate). And the register printed out an additional $15 in Extra Care Bucks! So, I now have $25 in Extra Care Bucks.

I then went to BiLo to get one of my WIC lists: Milk, Eggs, Beans, 5 Juices, and 3 Cereals for free. Then I followed my list to get the rest of the deals. I even bought some weird stuff that actually ended up being free to add to my freebie/donation pile to others in need. (Hey, It's free!) The list of scanned coupons that follows the list of items is equally long! That's hilarious! I even bought 2 big packs of hamburger meat cause we were really low! At 1.99/lb I spent nearly $11. My subtotal before savings was $67.29, my savings on coupons alone (not including sale priced items) was 35.02, and my sub-total after savings was 32.27! I bought a Gillette Venus Razor which normally runs at least $9 and after the close-out price and the coupon, it literally cost me .34 cents! Love It!

I guess Walgreens, Publix, and Ingles are tomorrow...Maybe.

Celebrate Small

In the midst of one of the busiest weeks I've had in 2 years, I did manage to get some cleaning done! I wish I had taken a before picture of my closet! But alas, I did not. We have a very old house, which we love! That said, we only have three closets in the entire house! One in the Master bedroom, one in the kids bedroom, and one in the hall in between. The one the Master Bed is 1/3 taken over by the hot water heater, so I use it for my closet and the hall type closet. Jason uses the hall closet as his own, and we store linens for the bath in a lingerie chest that fits just so in the hall, next to the bathroom. The sheets are stored in the basket turned make shift side table next to the bed. You do what you have to do. The only entrance to the attic that hasn't been used in 70 years according to the landlord is through the top of the closet. I took the entire Master bed closet apart! I wanted to scope out the attic and see if some of our storing type stuff could go there.

Maybe it could, maybe it could not. I was unsure, so I simply reorganized the closet, weeded some things to the garage sale pile. It is so cleaning. I did the laundry and folded it and put it up (this is never ending though!) I nearly finished the Master Bedroom itself. I took everything out from under bed and cleaned and organized it all. Hopefully Monday I will get to finish it up and take an "after pic."

I also managed to sort through, clean, and organize the "catch all" dining buffet. I do have a before and after of that, though not of the inside. So, here's to small victories!

Another Success

My sister was in town and wanted to watch the kids (M and her cousin), so I got to run all my grocery errands so as not to miss out on any freebies from the list (or really good deals). I didn't get to do as much preparation as usual and so my route for shopping hopping was not pre-arranged. This cost me in a little of time and extra gas. Not too much hopefully. Needless to say, that is my only complaint!

One of my bloggiest friends asked me if I ever got anything that could make an entire meal or was it mostly just toiletry items that I got the best deals on. When you see my pics, you do see a lot of toiletries. I think that is because I typically get meal type things and meat and such in my Angel Food Box each month.

That ministry is so helpful to us. Some months are better than others, but so far we are still getting far more than the $25 we pay for it. In fact, I'll post this month's list below.

1) 26 oz. Chicken & Stuffing Bake Dinner
(4) 8 oz. Hamburger Steaks
(1) 2 lb. Lasagna Dinner
(1) 5 lb. Breaded Frying Chicken
(1) 12 oz. Philly Steak Portions
(1) 3 lb. Popcorn Chicken
(1) 1 lb. Hot Dogs
(1) 16 oz. Gourmet Bean Soup
(1) 7.5 oz. Mac & Cheese
(1) 7.5 oz. Southern Style Biscuit Mix
(1) 24 oz. Steak Cut Fries
(1) 16 oz. Peas & Carrots
(1) 16 oz. Turnip Greens
(1) 15 oz. Sliced Pears
(1) 8 oz. Pineapple Chunks
(1) 10 oz. Peanut Butter
(1) 13.75 oz. 10 ct. Waffles
(1) Dessert Item

AND, for another 4 months we qualify for WIC in our area, so that usually takes care of eggs, milk, cheese, cereal, and juice. (Free)

That is one reason why you may see less foodie type stuff in my shopping collections for now. It won't always be this way, AND "the list" does give you heads up on good meat prices, produce, etc. Ingles is typically the cheapest of all "the lists," but I haven't compared them to Aldi, Quality Foods, or Sav More (sp?)

As for the picture, there are 46 items seen. Each item individually was less than $1.19. In fact, the toilet papers are the only things over $1. 9 items were free (after coupons and rebates), some were even less than the rebate amount which means that I'll be making a few cents here and there to put towards other things. The only other things I bought today were a $2 pair of cute socks with stars, 2 special flosses at regular price (long overdue in needing these), and a box of Nice n Easy hair color that ended up costing $2 after coupons and rebates. I had Extra Care bucks to put toward my sock purchase, so I ended up getting 5 pair of socks for $2.18 Pretty amazing. Want the grand total?

Total value: $160.12

Total spent: $49.85

Savings: 69%

Spring Cleaning

This spring cleaning thing is not something I have ever much aspired to before. And this year I'm not just anxious to get it done because it's spring. It's just long overdue. Some of the clutter is the result of never having fully moved in and gotten things where we want them. Some clutter has to do with the smallness of our space and the fact that we have not yet simplified and found enough places for certain things to go. AND of course we have the natural clutter that comes from having a very rambunctious toddler in the house. Some things are not worth straightening up until she has gone to sleep.

I am starting a series on Spring cleaning. Yesterday I focused on our Master Bedroom. I actually did not get it completed though I did get rather far. I would love to finish that today and get to work on the kitchen, but my presence has been requested to help another family member get ready for their big move tomorrow. I will clean that kitchen though. It's filthy...at least I'll get the dishes taken care of.

The next several posts will hopefully be of before and after photos or my progress. That way, if you don't see any for awhile, you can hold me accountable for what I'm supposed to be doing...aka cleaning.

Off to tackle the dishes if nothing esle.

Inexpensive Fun!

Superfrugality led me to these vinyl stickems on sale the week after valentine's day! They were .75 cents! I chose the ones with other pics besides typical v-day things. This one has funny little bugs on them. We have a clear glass door behind our regular door (or in front of depending on what direction you're looking from I suppose). We like to keep it open to let in the natural light, and so I brought out the stickems which was so much fun. Mercy was so tickled over my .75 find! So much fun to be had on three little quarters...AND they aren't stickers, so you can reuse them over and over! Even better!