Black Sheep Dancing

CVS, you don't love me anymore

2009-02-09T22:39:00.005-05:00

Well, I have been REALLY bad at posting, but know why? I have not been able to get my CVS deals! The store near me is stocking less and less of the deals and apparently a lot more people are getting into the game. How rude!

So, here is this week's deal. No ECB back, but cheaper than any other places.

2 packages Pampers Easy-Ups @ 9.99/package
-$1.50/1 package
-$2.00/1 package
1 Dawn Ultra @ .99
1 Madagascar 2 DVD @ $19.99
-$15 instant savings when you buy $20 worth of products listed

-$6.00 ECB

$17.96 OOP

Not great, but a cheap movie for BabyK and some fun diapers. Wheee!

So, BabyK started a new school today. He was very excited to carry his new big boy lunch box. I like that I have more control over what he eats, plus I get to try out my bento skills! What do you think?

Contents:
PB&J sandwich in the shape of a truck (used a pancake mold)
Chocolate chip muffin (used mini loaf pan)
corn
carrots
strawberries
Clementine oranges
Orange juice (not shown)

Contents:
Perogies
Veggie dog octupus
peas
strawberries
banana half
Apple juice (not shown)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:43:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting up here in the cold COLD north typing away. I love it here. I have been to Gabrielle Brothers a few times now. They had a huge Ann Taylor shipment. Blazers for $10, shirts for $6, pants for $7. I stocked up! Also good bargains at Banana Republic. I'm not planning on any CVS trips, so you'll have to wait for ECB fun.

Until then, happy new year!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T11:42:00.004-05:00

It's a warm 70 degrees here in Florida right now and I am loving it! I remember why I moved down here in the first place.

Because I have nothing better to do right now, I've been surfing the net and saw that tomorrow JC Penny is giving shoppers a wake up call! How cool is that? It's not my favorite store, but a good idea from the marketing team.

Who's going shopping tomorrow? I hope everyone saved their coupons to use on the candy and gifts that are typically 50-75% off regular price after Christmas. I'll hopefully have some great deals and photos to post tomorrow.

Well, back to enjoy more of the sunshine! Merry Christmas to all!

No CVS today

2008-12-21T21:57:00.003-05:00

I was so sad when my Sunday paper didn't come today. I had to not do my weekly coffee & clipping this week. I guess I could have gone online, but I was feeling very lazy, and it was nice and warm under the blanket on the couch. The doggie makes quite a lovely foot warmer! I hope CVS still has the shelves stocked for my trip tomorrow!

Does everyone have their shopping done? I've been avoiding the stores this month since my shopping is done and I get grumpy when shopping quarters are too close. I'll suck it up for great deals on black friday, but the rest of the year I need my 3 feet of personal space. I did venture out for a pair of isotoners for the sis (don't worry! It was from Marshalls and only cost about 1/5 of what it would have cost at the mall!), and also a quick stop to my favorite Goodwill where I picked up a rockin' pair of vintage boots, cute dress and a Janie & Jack sweater vest for BabyK.

That's about it. Back to vegging out on the couch watching the million Christmas movies on television.

It's been a while

2008-12-16T21:31:00.002-05:00

Oh, how the holiday season zips by! I have been busy wrapping presents, putting up decorations, baking, spreading holiday cheer...

Seriously, I got the baking bug the other day. I made a gazillion things and when I was done I looked around and every single thing was chocolate! I guess I make what I like. Whoops! Brownies, brownie cookies, fudge, another kind of fudge, muffins, toffee, etc...

As for deals, they are everywhere you go these days. Seriously, I have never had so many emails from retailers. Take a look around and you can very easily find a great deal.

BabyK is loving Christmas too. He is obsessed with the tree. Not the presents under it, but the pretty, fragile, heirloom ornaments. It's been a battle. Oh, and he sings Jingle Bells in the cutest out-of-tune and not a real melody way. Sooooo cute!

Well, off to bake more stuff. Not sure what I am going to do with it all!

Thanksgiving Recap

2008-12-01T00:52:00.003-05:00

So, it was just me and BabyK this year so we opted to skip making a big dinner (we all know I'll be the only one eating all of it) and attended a community dinner. It was lovely and everyone was so very nice. Of course being veggies we had the usual conversation at holiday dinners.

"You gotta get you some turkey!" (imagine a big southern accent)

"Thank you, but we're vegetarians."

"Well heck, there ain't no meat in here! It's just turkey!"

I smiled and said no thank you. We skipped to the mac & cheese and green beans. I enjoy being a vegetarian though - I get an excuse to eat TWO pieces of pie.

I hope everyone had a wonderful break!

Whew!

2008-11-28T16:51:00.001-05:00

Today has been a LONG day. As soon as I can recuperate, I will let you know all about it.

Until then, Happy Black Friday and I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Free music download! Thank you Oprah!

2008-11-26T13:20:00.002-05:00

Holiday Hits 2008
This year, we've teamed up with some of the biggest names in the music business to create a one-of-a-kind holiday mix. It's our gift to you!

These eight songs can be downloaded free for the next 48 hours.

To download, visit the site here.

For those of you who know me, you won't be surprised to know this is one of my favorite freebies EVER!

I'm back! Did you miss me?

2008-11-25T23:46:00.005-05:00

It was a crazy weekend! Kid throwing up. Dog throwing up. Poop on the floor. Water mains outside my house bursting. And of course clipping those coupons!

Today was the Thanksgiving Dinner at BabyK's school. It was so fun! All the parents came and sat with the kids while a folk singer sang kids' songs. Loved it!

Who else is super excited for Black Friday? CVS will be great, especially if you keep your coupons. Other than that, I am still planning my course of action for where I shall be going. There aren't a ton of sales this year that strike my fancy. Well, ones that strike my fancy that I can afford. I'd be more than happy to post my wish list!

Cool thing. The local YMCA is offering childcare for Black Friday shoppers. How cool is that? Of course the frugal person in my says to skip it and just bring lots of bribes, a.k.a. fruit snacks and a favorite blankie.

How about you? Where will you be Friday morning?

God bless her...

2008-11-20T22:58:00.002-05:00

I tell you, the phrase that always cracks me up every time I hear it is...

God bless her, but she is one of the worst cooks I've ever seen!

God bless him, he is a horrible singer, but he sure tries!

Every single time I hear a sentence start out with "God bless him/her" I know it is going to be a dig, but meant in the nicest way possible. But seriously, have you EVER heard a compliment follow that phrase?

That is all.

Love Facebook? Love pizza? This post is for you!

2008-11-20T15:37:00.001-05:00

Papa Johns is giving away a FREE pizza when you become a fan of their official facebook page. Yum!

Find out more here.

Borders: Free pastry with beverage purchase

2008-11-20T15:31:00.000-05:00

Purchase a 20 oz. beverage at any Borders bookstore and receive a complimentary dessert or bakery item. Valid only November 21-23, 2008.

Find the coupon here.

GREAT sale at Ann Taylor Loft plus other online codes

2008-11-19T21:27:00.002-05:00

Ann Taylor Loft: All sale items are an additional 40% off right now. Use code 10601376 for another 20% off and free shipping. Otherwise shipping is $6 right now. Don't know the expiration date.

JC Penny: Take $10 off your purchase of $25 or more with code JCP. Expires 11/26/08.

Paul Stuart: Free shipping on orders $200 or more with code THRD08. Expires 11/27/08.

Online Codes

2008-11-18T08:52:00.001-05:00

Snapfish: Free shipping on any order. Use code SHIPALLFREE. Expires tonight at midnight. Take 20% off all ornaments with code ORNAMENT118. Expires 11/30.

JCPenny’s: Free shipping on oders over $49. Use code FREE49. Expires 11/21.

Gymboree: Extra 20% off all sale items. No code required.

Photo Online Coupon Codes

2008-11-16T13:11:00.002-05:00

Kodak Gallery: Get 150 4x6 prints for $15 (purchase 100, get 50 free). Use code GOBBLEPRINTS. Expires 11/27.

Snap Fish: Get your first set of 20 4x8 photo cards for 20 cents. Use code CARD08. Expires 11/23.

Winnter of the Great Giveaway

2008-11-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delayed post! This week's winner is...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

15

Congrats to Chrysa! She is the winner of the coupons. You can visit her at Thrifty Jinxy.

Come back next week for another awesome giveaway!

Great Giveaway! 11/9

2008-11-09T22:45:00.006-05:00

I finally am moving into the 21st century of contests and now you can easily and securely submit your information for the contest. Feel free to comment on your experience using this form.

Loading...

CVS - 11/9

2008-11-09T22:35:00.002-05:00

It was a great day at CVS!!!

(1) Palm Olive Dish Soap @1.49 ($1.00 ECB back)
(1) Garnier Fruc. Conditioner @2.99 ($2.00 ECB back)
(1) Loreal Advance Wrinkle Cream @11.99 ($11.99 ECB back)
(1) Crest Pro Whitening @3.49 ($3.49 ECB back)
(2) Colgate Total Whitening @2.29/1 (BOGOF)
(1) Kotex 18 ct tampons @3.69 ($1.00 ECB back)
(1) Glaceau Smart Water 20 oz. @1.59 ($1.59 ECB back)

minus coupons:
-.75/Crest Pro
-$1.00/any Kotex Product
-$1.50/any Colgate
-$1.50/any Colgate
-$1.00/any Garnier shampoo or conditioner
-$2.00 CRT/any Kotex product
-$5.00/$25 CVS Purchase (got in email)
-$15 ECB

.09 cents out of pocket!!! and $19.48 in ECB back!!!

Today's Online Coupon Codes

2008-11-09T17:21:00.003-05:00

Snapfish: Save 20% off all holiday catalog gift items, just enter coupon code WINTER08 at checkout. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 12/31/2008.

CVS Photo Center: Take 20% off your photo card order when you order a set with 20CARDS. Expires 11/15/2008.

Hanes.com: Free shipping on orders over $75. Did not see a code, so assuming it is automatic. No end date listed.

Victoria's Secret: 25% off any single item with 25ITEM now through 11/10/2008.

Gap - 25% off

2008-11-07T21:53:00.002-05:00

Take an additional 25% off sale items through November 11 at Gap and Gap Baby with code EXTRA25.

30% off at Gymboree

2008-11-07T21:52:00.001-05:00

Get 30% off your entire order using code GYMFRIEND. Valid Nov. 6-9.

Enjoy!

Old Navy Deals!

2008-11-07T21:50:00.002-05:00

Great deals at Old Navy this weekend!

Deals are:

50% off all outerwear this weekend.

The hats/gloves deal is $1 each, limit 6 per customer.

If you are lucky, next weekend is the friends and family event for 30% off your purchase.

The friends and family codes are also good for Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store and Piperlime.

Yeah for good deals!

Congrats!

2008-11-06T20:13:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Kristen over at Frugality in the Making who is the winner of this week's coupon giveaway thanks to my handy dandy online random integer generator! If you are Kristen, I emailed you, but if you don't get it let me know.

Keep checking back for new contests!

Emily

Free samples from Univision

2008-11-05T12:10:00.002-05:00

Let's see how well you know your Spanish!

Get your sample of Degree Clear.

Get your sample of Ponds.

Enjoy!

Emily

Free Fruit Roll-Up Sample!

2008-11-05T12:06:00.003-05:00

Get a free fruit roll-up when you sign up for the e-newsletter.

New addiction

2008-11-04T20:18:00.002-05:00

So, I read an article online a few weeks ago about the "missed connections" section of craigslist. I never even looked at those before, but now that I have I am hooked! All of these chance encounters and the people sounding so hopeful, yet totally unhopeful that they will find that person who caught their eye. The best one by far was the one today where the guy said he liked the girl he met in court. She responded! To tell him she was sentenced after that to 3-5 years in jail! You can make this up!

Off to watch election coverage. I' sick of it at this point, but I can't help but watch! And I hope you voted!

Great Giveaway 11/2

2008-11-02T22:00:00.004-05:00

WIN IT!

It's your chance to win a big ole' envelope of coupons. Leave a comment below with your blog address for a chance to win an enormous amount of clipped coupons. Contest ends Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. I will contact the winner via their blog.

**EDIT: If you don't have a blog, leave your email, but please please please, make sure to disguise it so the spam bots don't get you!***

Toodles,

Emily

It's sale time!

2008-11-02T21:27:00.002-05:00

So it is mega sale time right now! The stores are clearing out for Christmas and that means super savings for you!

- 75% all Halloween stuff @ CVS
- Extra 40% lowest price marked clearance @ Ann Taylor Loft
- Extra 30% lowest price marked clearance @ Dillards
- Big mark downs @ Ann Taylor

Love sales! There are tons more, but those are the places I stopped at today. Gotta stock up on the work clothing and candy.

Don't forget to vote! And drink coffee!

2008-10-31T21:53:00.003-04:00

I couldn't confirm this on their website, but unconfirmed sources are saying the following...

"Floridians have persevered through hanging chads, faulty touch screens and long lines, and for that, Starbucks is rewarding voters statewide on Election Day. On Tuesday, November 4th, voters who wear an "I Voted" sticker or show their voter registration card in any company-owned Starbucks Florida location will receive a complimentary tall brewed coffee.

This is the perfect opportunity to try the newly launched Thanksgiving Blend, a limited edition coffee created by Starbucks coffee experts in collaboration with Tom Douglas, renowned chef, culinary entrepreneur and the 2008 Bon Appétit Restaurateur of the Year. Thanksgiving Blend is a flavorful combination of full-bodied beans from Sumatra, with hints of fine herbs, and beans from Guatemala, which add subtle spice, notes of cocoa and a pleasant sparkle."

Too bad they aren't giving out a pumpkin spice latte. Oh how I love my pumpkin spice latte.

CVS: Week of October 26

2008-10-28T21:48:00.002-04:00

A great week this week!

(2) Fun size bags of Starburst - 2/$3
(2) Fun size bags of Skittles - 2/$3
(2) Bic Comfort 3 Disposable Razors @ $5.89 each
(1) Bag Sweedish Fish (filler) @ .79

Total: $18.57

Minus:

(2) $1/2 bags Nestle candies
(2) $2/1 bic disposable razors
$12.55 ECB

.47 OOP and $8 ECB back!

This was a great day for the APO packages!

I voted!

2008-10-28T19:52:00.000-04:00

I voted! Did you?

Free Taco!

2008-10-28T15:00:00.002-04:00

Bento No. 20?

2008-10-23T23:07:00.005-04:00

I've forgotten to label some, and some haven't gotten posted and some are not worthy of being shown on here. So, I think this is somewhere around 20.

Contents:
Left: PB&J Sandwich, carrots, ranch dressing
Right: String cheese, veggie "chicken nuggets", corn and vanilla pudding

I'm making myself hungry!

While I am dreaming

2008-10-23T23:05:00.003-04:00

Well, if I am dreaming where I'll live, I might as well dream about the car I'll be driving.

See my dream car here!

Random Thoughts...

2008-10-23T21:07:00.004-04:00

So anybody want to know what my dream home looks like? Well, you can visit here. I would LOVE that house! Charming, full of light, storage, lots of space, great kitchen, in town...I am in love!

Went to CVS this week and spent about $12 on the first transaction (it had diapers, so although I spent a lot, that is way cheaper than diapers normally are) and the second was $3.75 oop and got like $15 in ECB. I'd share it with you, but I lost the receipt. I plan to go again, so when I do I'll post the next round. I do remember I got:
(2) pumpkin pails
(2) bags of candy corn
1 crest toothbrush
1 crest toothpaste
1 package huggies diapers
2 johnson & johnson baby wash
1 johnson & johnson baby shampoo
3 packages of wipes
and some other stuff. I can't remember what right now. Doh!

On boring news, I am a complete dork and ran into the kitchen table while eating with BabyK at the pint sized table and bruised a rib. Am I a klutz or what? Thankfully it seems to be getting better, but still hurts. Everyone all at once now...*pitty party for me*.

And, if you are in town and have a kid, head on over to The One Week Boutique for some fabulous baby/kid shopping at great prices!

Peace out duders.

This week sucks.

2008-10-16T22:39:00.004-04:00

This week sucks...in regards to CVS that is. No news from that front.

However, since I haven't been writing letters to soldiers or buying stuff, I had lots of time to make my bentos. Yum!

Bento 1 Contents:
Top: PB&J, cheeseits
Middle: carrots, ranch dressing, string cheese, egg thing with onion, potato and cheese in it
Bottom: cookies!

Bento 2 Contents (for tomorrow):
Left: PB&J, carrots, ranch dressing
Right: string cheese, veggie "chicken" nuggets, corn, vanilla pudding

So sad

2008-10-14T23:26:00.002-04:00

I read today that Penderecki (composer for all you non-music people) had died. I was lucky that I got to meet him when I was a grad student. I remember when he first came into the office, he was so excited to get to see the beach. Oh, and he looked like Santa Claus. He was so nice, and such a great composer. So sad. =(

Winner of Great Giveaway

2008-10-09T23:38:00.002-04:00

Wow, that's a great bunch of ladies (I don't think I saw any men!) who love their coupons!

Personally, I LOVE seeing how much I saved. It's like a treasure hunt, trying to get the percentage as high as possible.

According to the random integer generator, the winner is...

Congratulations to Dawn who said:

"I love coupons for the exciting "game" of matching them with sales/specials to get items for pennies or even free! Talk about Cheap Thrills!!!!"

Email me at ms.tallahassee (at) (gmail) (dot) (com) by 4:00 pm Saturday to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who entered and check back often for more giveaways!

Emily

What do I do with all this STUFF?

2008-10-08T22:58:00.002-04:00

So, I was talking with my friend the other day (shout out to Calvin) about CVS deals, and how you sometimes have to buy things you don't need to get the stuff you do need for cheap/free. But what do you do with all that stuff????

For me, most of the stuff I get I send to soldiers overseas in care packages. The only thing it really costs me is postage, and I love to write letters, and they really enjoy it. Whatever I can't send and can't use I give to my church at Christmas time for Christmas boxes.

What do YOU do with your extra stuff?

Great Giveaway

2008-10-06T20:40:00.003-04:00

It's that time again! Time for a giveaway!

Post a comment below on why you love coupons for a chance to win a nifty coupon organizer filled with coupons! Then check back this Friday to see if you've won!

Please note, it is important you check back! I don't want people to send their emails and get spammed, so ya gotta check back.

CVS 10/5

2008-10-05T23:49:00.004-04:00

It was a pretty good week at CVS! I had planned to do a big day yesterday before a bunch of coupons expired, but alas, life happens and I missed out on the Coca-Cola deal. But, today wasn't too shabby either, but I could have made more ECB if I had planned it right. However, I had a grumpy BabyK throwing goldfish at other customers, so we were all about getting in and out!

The low down - just one transaction:

(2) Kotex @ 2/6 - (2) $1/1 coupons
(2) Orbit 3 pack gum @ 2/3 - (1) 1.50/1 CRT
(1) 32. oz vitamin water @ 2.29 -->earned $2.29 ECB
(1) 20 oz. Dasani Plus @ .99
(1) 20 oz. Nestea Tea @1.39 - (1) Free Nestea when you buy any 20 oz. coca-cola product
(2) Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste @ $2.99 - (2) 1/1 coupons -->earned $4 ECB
(2) Boxes Post Honey Bunches of Oats @4.59 BOGO - (1) Free box of Honey Bunches of Oats coupon
(1) Stacy's Pita Chips @ $3.29 - (1) 1/1 CRT -->earned $2 ECB
(1) Gallon Milk

Used $15.79 in ECB

Total OOP: $3.75
ECB Earned: $8.29

Adventures in Grocery Shopping

2008-09-30T22:49:00.002-04:00

So yesterday after work I picked up BabyK and he was demanding a glass of milk, and he wanted it NOW! Well, we ran out of milk that morning so it was a trip to the grocery store.

When we arrived we were walking in and BabyK already seemed to know what was coming. He started pulling back, grabbing onto the asphalt and screaming, "no mommy! No go in the cart!"

Great.

However, it was just about that time he spied something new. A curious thing it was...a shopping cart that looked like a car! Of course he demanded he sit in it. Silly me though caving in would make the trip easier. Silly me.

First of all, those car grocery carts are huge! They are like twice the length of a regular cart and I had to push all of my weight against it to move. The one we picked out had a lovely screeching sound every single time it moved. And agility? Hahahah. I think I knocked more stuff off of the shelves than BabyK did. I was almost as frustrated as my kid by the end trying to move it, yet still stay out of the way and not run people over. I think next time we'll stick with the regular cart. Oh, but shopping was great yesterday! I saved a ton on groceries with coupons and sales.

Tonight we went a little more fun since it is my birthday week! Yes, I celebrate it all week...or at least that is my excuse. We rode the bike over to McDonalds to get an ice cream cone. (Love those makers of the ibert kid seat!)I knew BabyK would love eating his cone all by himself like a big boy so we were sure to sit outside. Ice cream was everywhere, but it was so cute! All the excitement must have worn him out because he went right to bed tonight. I just wish I would have brought my camera.

Spi-man Shoes!

2008-09-24T22:05:00.002-04:00

It truly amazes me how little kids have such a high threshold for pain. I get a paper cut and I whine and want the whole world to throw a pitty party for me. BabyK is constantly hitting his head, falling down, bumping into things. He just dusts off and keeps on playing. So, needless to say I was a bit worried when yesterday I noticed his hand was all red and had tiny blisters all over it. My first thought was he somehow had boiling water spilled on him, but then I realized, he wasn't around any boiling water. I asked the teacher and it turns out he has taken to shoving his hand in fire ant hills. He LAUGHS when they crawl all over him and bite him. Kids are so weird.

We took another trip to Wal-Mart tonight. WM is one of those stores I HATE because they are everywhere, yet I LOVE that they are everywhere. At some point I have to go there, and with the poopy economy right now, gotta save every penny you can. That said, I prefer to shop at local stores when I can. I got BabyK a new pair of slippers since he outgrew his Thomas the Tank Engine ones. He got Spiderman Slippers. Oh, how cool are we. He demanded to put them on immediately and has been wearing them since. We took a walk around the neighborhood and he proudly told every person, fence post and dog we passed that he had 'spi-man shoes!'

Now see, I make fun of these shoes, but I remember back in the day how awesome a cool pair of shoes were...what am I saying, I still loves shoes! However, when I was somewhere around the age of five I got these purple sneakers that had white laces and happy bear from the Care-Bears on the side. The orangish rubber soles were the kind that went up the back and front just a bit to lessen scuffing. Man, I LOVED those shoes! Back then and to this day I have this recurring dream about when I went to the shoe store as a kid and got those shoes. Of course in the dream my sister is eaten by a lion, but hey, that's another story...

I love CVS

2008-09-22T21:24:00.001-04:00

There are some great deals this week, even without being able to find the Loreal cream.

The Ponds towelettes are a sweet deal!!!!

They are 2/$10, get $3 ECB back
So, after ECB, $7.00
I had two coupons for $1.50 off one for a total of $3 off.

So, $4.00, but the best part?

They have little things stuck to them where you get a free movie ticket to any universal pictures movie. It's promoting Mama Mia! (FABULOUS movie by the way) but it works for any universal movie. I think I am going to use mine to see the Changeling with Angelina Jolie.

So, for $4.00 I got two packages of towelettes and two movie tickets! Yipee! This on top of some other great deals this week made it a super duper CVS day today!

Winners of the baby coupon giveaway!

2008-09-18T10:42:00.004-04:00

First of all, sorry for the late post! I'm starting a new job tomorrow and life has been just a whee bit hectic preparing for a new chapter in life.

Wow, it was really one or the other on the whole diaper debate! Me, I was a pampers person for newborn to size 5, but now that we're bigger, huggies seems to work better for us. However, we are a big fan of luvs also! Since they got the bear hug tabs, they are fabulous!

Remember, to find out the week's best diaper and formula deals and reviews on different brands, check out Baby Cheapskate!

Congratulations to:

Huggies:
Vanessa said...
"I really like Luvs. If I don't have Luvs though, I have Huggies. Pampers I am not to fond of unless I get a good deal."

Pampers:
Jennifer said...
"I like pampers. They are cheaper than Huggies and do a great job keeping everything in. I have never had a problem with them."

Email me your addresses at ms.tallahassee (at) (gmail) (dot) (com) by Friday morning so I can get this in the mail to you!

Winner of the great coupon giveaway!

2008-09-14T21:10:00.003-04:00

The random integer is...9, aka Megan!

Congrats to Megan who said:

"I could always use more coupons!"

Megan, email me at ms.tallahassee (at) (g ma i l) (dot) (com) by 9 am Tuesday with your mailing address so we can get these to you!

Thanks to everyone who entered. Don't forget to enter the babycoupon giveaway from Friday for a chance to receive diaper and baby coupons and samples.

Emily

Win it Friday!

2008-09-12T10:41:00.004-04:00

Yes, it's time for another giveaway!

What can I win? This week's giveaway are diaper coupons and baby product samples. I have papmpers and huggies to choose from. To enter leave a comment with your favorite brand of diapers and why. Winners will be chosen at random on Tuesday. Check back to see if you've won!

Emily

Jeepers Creepers Look at those peepers

2008-09-12T10:38:00.004-04:00

It has been another fun filled week in the Lolliland household. Earlier in the week we were sent home with a stern talking at daycare. BabyK and his friend V got pinkeye! Whoever said pinkeye was super contagious was correct. I got it too! Have you ever tried to put eye drops in a 2 year old's eye? Yeah, I'm no good at it either. I think I got more on his face than actually in his eye. Then we got better and life went on. Then BabyK got some sort of infection thing that landed us at the after hours doctor place because it was too late to go to the doctor. Hooray!

So, we go to the doctor, get our rx and my gas tank says low fuel. Normally this wouldn't be a problem except everyone seems to think the world is caving in when a hurricane goes by that they emptied out every single gas station in the area. So, my big idea is to go home and ride my bike to the store. When we get there I look around and no pharmacy. Doh! So, back on the bike, ride back home with BabyK. By the time we arrive back home it is dark out, so we get back in the car and head to another grocery store. By this point BabyK is both tired and his ear hurts and it took a half hour for our medicine. It was a very long day. Oh, and I found gas the next day. I figured if I ran out I would just call AAA and have them bring me a couple of free gallons.

Today was coupon day! Not only did I get my weekly coupons in the paper, but I also went to the mall to get some new work clothing and Ann Taylor Loft was giving away free samples and coupons of Tide and Downy with your purchase to magnify the fact that 80% of their fall line is machine washable. Gotta love that!

Don't forget, it's not too late to enter my baby coupon giveaway! Enter by 5 pm Monday.

Horoscope analysis at 1 am

2008-09-10T00:52:00.002-04:00

I love trying to make horoscopes fit me! Well, as long as they are good ones. Sure, I'll meet a special someone today! Sure, I'll have a great day at work! However, this one sucked because it was true!

"Even you have your limits, and today you will have to remind someone of that fact.
Your home life leaves something to be desired today, but you need to address any issues as soon as they arise -- no matter how tired you are. Once things are back in balance, you'll be in a great mood!"

Limits reached? Check.
Issue addressed? Check.
Tired? Check.

How does it apply? I just got a stupid phone call at 12:30 am!!!!! It woke me up, had no point to it. I could semi blow it off if they were at least drunk, but alas, not the case this time. I'd turn my phone off at night, but it also serves as my alarm clock!

Back to counting sheep and being in that great mood I'm supposed to be in!

Coupon Giveaway!

2008-09-09T19:49:00.002-04:00

So, everyone knows my love of coupons. For this reason everyone I know gives/mails/sends me their coupons. Normally I love this, but For some reason the past two weeks I have been passed an absurd amount of coupons from friends and family. So, passing them on to one of my very awesome blog readers. Simply leave a comment and I will randomly select a winner this weekend.

Happy coupons!

fleece pants + coffee + coupons = love

2008-09-07T22:54:00.004-04:00

I look forward to each Sunday. I wake up in the morning in my Christmas themed Old Navy Fleece pants (no, it does not matter if it is 90 degrees outside. This is my weekly uniform) and go outside to retrieve the wonderful thing called the Sunday paper. Within its sheets it holds ad after ad and, if I'm lucky, as least a couple of coupon inserts. P&G, Red Plum, Super Saver; they all get the frugal shopper in me excited! I come back inside and start my pot of coffee. While my drink of choice is brewing I scan the paper, setting aside inserts I want to read. When my coffee is done I make a nice big cup and sit on the floor and sip, cut coupon. Sit, cut coupon. Until all the coupons are done. I cut each on exactly around the edge. No ripping or haphazard cutting here! Something about a perfectly cut coupon looking pretty sitting in my pink coupon organizer makes me happy. Depending upon how much time I have and how cooperative BabyK is, I either go through the old coupons right then to organize, or wait until the next day when I have more time. Sometimes BabyK gets in on the action, helping me sort coupons. At the age of 2, "coupon" has been in his vocabulary for quite some time now. Following this I then make my plan of action. Sometimes, if I am lucky, my friends and family send me their coupons. I love coupon day!

Do as I say, not as I do.

2008-09-04T23:06:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I was showing my assistant how to change the toner holder thing. I carefully explained how it was the dust that falls off, and you have to be very careful not to spill. I then turn to put it in the trash (not recyclable)and proceed to spill it all over me. Not just a little, but the WHOLE THING. All over my pretty pink shirt. All over my brand new Ann Taylor wool pants that are dry clean only. All over the carpet. All in my cup of coffee. Yes, the coffee was the most tragic part.

Life is SUPER busy right now. Lots of life changes keeping me on my toes. Mostly in a good way. Looking forward to the weekend though!

And BabyK? He's as super cute as ever. When I picked him up at daycare the head lady commented on how happy he always was. Yes, that's my BabyK. He also has decided that his Brutus the Buckeye is his new best friend. He puts him in the stroller to take him for walks. He sits him at the table for dinner. He HAS to get his diaper changed when BabyK gets his diaper changed. So cute! And so grown up! Where did my baby go?

My horoscope for today?

"It may be time for an inventory -- even at home, where you may think you've got it all under control. That may or may not be the case and you may need to let go of some stuff you never use."

Yeah. that fits. Who wants to volunteer to help me?

2008-08-31T21:48:00.002-04:00

Well, BabyK got his first homework assignment. Yes, that's right, at the age of TWO!

I am not a fan of preschool. Kids should have time to be kids and have fun and play. They are under so much pressure before they even enter the regular school system. That can't be good for him.

In other news...I have no other news. It's been a lazy weekend.

Oh, and my CVS day went like this:

Lady: That will be $35.08.
Me: What?? The make-up should be BOGO Free, and none of the sales rang up.
Lady: It'll come up later.
Me: Well, there are a lot of people in line. Just take the lip gloss off and I'll figure it out another time.
Lady: No no, I'll call the manger.

Manger comes over. Says some stuff. She re-rings my order.

Me: Again, if you could please just take off the lip gloss, I'll be on my way.
Lady: That will be $11.92. (I knew this was wrong, but paid, then got back in line to fix it so others could check out.)
Me: Both lip glosses are still on here. If you could please just take it off.
Lady: Yeah fine, we can do a return.

By this time I had already been there longer than the five minutes I had planned to be in there and was ready to go.

This was in addition to yesterday my extrabucks not printing at all. Doh!

So the deal was:

Panteen Shampoo, conditioner, style product $9.99 ($3.33 each)
2 Colgate Advanced toothpaste $2.99 each

-$1.50 Colgate
-$1.50 Colgate
-$3.33 Style product when you buy shampoo & conditioner
-$5.99 ECB

Total OOP: $11.92
$6.00 ECB Back

PLUS

$7.72 refund

Acutally $4.20, which I used from my refund yesterday I got when my ECB didn't print out at the register, so really nothing OOP.

Here we go!

2008-08-29T20:02:00.002-04:00

BabyK, at the ripe old age of two, is having his first sleepover tonight. Well, actually some friends wanted a night out so I'm watching their little girl, but boy, they already know how to be kids at a slumber party! I can hear them giggling in the bedroom, talking to each other, jumping up and down on the bed, and watching Cinderella. Now, normally I HATE any kind of television in the bedroom, but it's a special occasion. And it's just the portable DVD player. I gotta admit though, it's pretty darn cute.

In other news, how bout those VP picks???

Sicky sick sick sick

2008-08-27T17:02:00.003-04:00

Home sick today. It's not often I get sick sick, and today is one of those days. Can't keep food down. Who knew some yummy cookies would look so horrific? I hate being sick. It is such a waste of time. I blame the kid who threw up at daycare earlier this week. Hopefully it doesn't mean that BabyK will be getting sick too.

I have had good deals to post, but haven't had the chance. You'll have to all wonder what fabulous things I have gotten for free.

That's it. Back to bed...or the bathroom. Not sure which will win.

Still raining!

2008-08-23T23:38:00.002-04:00

For like 2 days straight now...that's a lot of rain.

In other news, wait, I have no other news! My power went out for a bit. The cable was out for a while so I couldn't check my email!

That's about it. How'd your day go?

Rain rain go away!

2008-08-22T10:25:00.003-04:00

It's raining. It will be raining for a while. Got my sand bags. Got my water. Go lots and lots of dvds to keep us entertained. Just waiting for the sunshine to come back this way.

Another day in the neighborhood

2008-08-19T22:07:00.005-04:00

This week has been not bad, not good. Just disappointing. Like I thought it was going to be just fabulous and then things haven't gone as planned in a million ways, so it leaves me just 'blah' like at Christmas time when you get a present as a kid and you just KNOW it is going to be the oh so cool toy you wanted when you open it and all it is is some stupid underwear with winnie the pooh on it that your mom still seems to think you would like even though you are twelve. It's not horribly bad, it's just a big let down from what you were expecting...well unless she actually makes you wear them.

However, leave it to BabyK to brighten my day. He can always make me happy. Today when I dropped him off to daycare he turns around and says "bye mommy love you!" Ah, that melts my heart. So tonight I took him to the park and he played so hard. Then we went for a walk because Riley (doggie) needed some exercise too. I decided to be bold and go on an actual walk - no stroller, no wagon, no push along trike, just pure walking. What was I thinking? Apparently I wasn't. BabyK didn't want to hold my hand, so I had him "walk" Riley so he was always on the leash, but I had a hold of his shirt ever so slightly so he couldn't get away. Of course he got tired of walking, so I had to hold Riley while carrying BabyK and then of course my phone rang...I am sure I was quite a site!

And to remind me that it's life's lemons that make lemonade...

Carl Jung:

There are as many nights as days, and the one is just as long as the other in the year's course. Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word 'happy' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.

Another day. Another post.

2008-08-15T00:29:00.002-04:00

So today was BabyK's first day at his new preschool! I was so nervous, but of course he just ran right in. He's at home no matter where he is. After dropping him off I worried and fretted all day because I am a mom and that is what I do and it was finally time to pick him up. When I got there he was in the time out chair, which is actually a high chair designated for the purpose. The nice teacher told me she put him in there because he was taking toys from other kids and wouldn't stop, so he got 2 minutes in there, but when she put him in, instead of being sad he got very excited and said, "Snack! Golfish! Milk!"

He's so silly.

In other news, I'm totally diggin' the Olympics.

I need a sleep vacation

2008-08-12T23:46:00.002-04:00

I am so tired right now. I need a vacation. Not a go somewhere vacation. Not a 'staycation' but rather a go to a nice hotel, and just camp out in my room and sleep, watch cable tv (a luxury for me!) and occasionally venture out to the pool area to sleep in the sun for a few days vaction. Now I just need to find the time to go! Ah, sleep, wonderful sleep, where are you?

And on a totally different note, everyone please please please pray for all our troops over seas. Regardless of your view of the war, there are a lot of men and women putting their lives at risk for us and they are missing their families and friends and homes.

Okay, off to bed I go!

Let me ramble a bit...

2008-08-10T23:24:00.002-04:00

Well, with the craptastic news that has been popping up lately, it's nice to have the start of the Olymics (although that too was sad with the murder...). Can I just say, I don't normally watch any of these sports, but there is just something so exciting about them that makes me watch. Who knew swimming could be so fun? I don't even like to swim! Let me take that back...I like to walk along the water. I like to wade in the water. I just don't like to get my face wet. I'm a dork, I know. I think we've covered this before. Wow. See, I told you I'd be rambling!

In REALLY random news, I have discovered the joys of Ocean Spray's White Cran-Peach juice. I don't even like to drink juice. 90% of what I drink is either coffee or water, or sometimes soda if it is too hot for coffee. I've never liked to drink juice, but this is quite yummy! I don't know why I don't like juice. I guess I'd rather drink water and eat an orange than combine the two together.

And that's all I got right now. Wow, you just wasted 3 minutes of your day. Or less if you are a speed reader. Toodles!

Coupon Tips!

2008-07-31T21:08:00.005-04:00

For my friend Jenn.

A super quick list of coupon tips

1. MC= Manufacturer's coupons - most common is the coupons you get in Sunday's paper. However you can also find them attached to boxes, mailed to you with samples, given away at stores with free samples, or a million other ways.

2. Store coupons - those coupons specific to stores - i.e. Publix, Target or Winn-Dixie.

3. Always know the store's coupon policy. For instance, Publix accepts competitor's coupons, so you can use that $5 off a $30 purchase Winn Dixie keeps sending you in the mail at Publix.

4. Separating transactions at CVS - This works with Extra Care Bucks or ECB. When you purchase things that get ECB, they don't print out until AFTER you purchase them. Use those to pay for the next transaction. There's a bit of puzzle placing for this, trying to make it so it comes as close to $0.00 as possible.

5. You can use STORE coupons and MC for the same product. The store is paying for their coupon and the manufacturer of the product is paying for theirs.

6. If something is BOGO you can use TWO (assuming they are X amount off of one item) coupons unless it says somewhere in fine print that you can't.

7. ECB - Read all about them here.

8. Read those Sundays ad and make a list of the deals you want to buy and match up coupons ahead of time.

9. In order to save money, you have to make a pact with yourself to only buy things on sale. Stock up on things like cereal, condiments and such so they last you until the next sale.

10. NEVER throw away a coupon. Use it or give it to someone else to use. Besides, you never know when you may need it.

Want to know even more? Visit Hot Coupon World's Tutorial.

Yes, sometimes you have to buy things you don't need in order to get things for free (getting them both for free), but here are some ideas for the extra 20 things of deodorant you have, or the extra toothbrushes...

1. I like to send a lot of my stuff in care packages to troops in Iraq.
2. Give it to charity
3. Sell it at a garage sale
4. Use for gift boxes at Christmas time for the needy
5. Use as stocking stuffers.
6. Give to your friends.
7. If it is appropriate, use as favors for birthday parties. (Like candy, fun pencils and pens, toys, etc...)
8. Find new uses for the product.
9. If it is nice, give as a gift

Anybody else have any ideas out there?

My deals

2008-07-29T20:13:00.003-04:00

CVS this week:

Transaction 1:
Starburst bag $2.50
Starburst bag $2.50
Jelly Beans $2.00
Jelly Beans $2.00
Nips $.88
Nips $.88
Revlon Lip Gloss $9.99 ($1/1)
2 sure deodorants (2 $1/1 MC)

Total: $26.53
-$3.00 coupons
-$22.98 ECB
.82 Total!
$17.99 ECB back!

Transaction 2:
Bandaid Ultra $2.99 ($.50/1 MC)
CVS AAA battery $5.99
CVS AA battery FREE
Garnier Serum $12.99 ($1/1 MC)
Garnier face wash FREE ($1/1 MC)

Total: $21.97 ($34.68 if you count the free stuff above)
-$2.50 coupons
-$17.99 ECB
$1.56 Total!
$2.00 ECB back!

Making those cupcake cones

2008-07-28T21:09:00.003-04:00

Sarah over at Fiddledeedee! asked about the birthday cupcake cones.

Here's what I did:

Buy 2 packs of regular sized cake cones
1 thing of frosting
sprinkles
Box of cake mix

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Make packaged cake mix as directed. Place each cone in a muffin holder (so they don't fall over as easy. Fill about 2/3 full (to just about the start of the large spread part). Bake in oven about 12-15 minutes or until stick inserted in center comes out clean.

That's my version. I saw another version at Betty Crocker that seemed kinda cool. You can see the recipe here, although it is way more work.

I made the holder out of a box and glued wrapping paper to it. For the holes I just traced around an extra cone and then cut out with a knife. Scissors were too bulky.

And there you have it!

Really?

2008-07-28T20:59:00.002-04:00

So dropped the kiddo off at daycare where I learned...she's moving...in four days...30 miles away!

What the heck? I mean, who does that? Four days notice??? I swear drama just follows me around. If it weren't so darned annoying, it would be comical. If anyone has any names or numbers, send them my way!

Or a rich, hot, single guy who wants to marry me and let me stay home with the kiddos and give his millions away to charities and *GASP* pay full price for diapers! You can send them my way too.

And welcome to my nifty new readers! I hope you enjoy my endless babbling.

Did you miss me?

2008-07-25T22:09:00.001-04:00

Vacation. It is a wonderful thing. I shall post about it later, but just wanted to let everyone know I am still here. =)

Happy weekend!

Who doesn't like to win something?

2008-07-09T22:31:00.001-04:00

Beat the Heat Summer Contest
Introducing our summer contest!
The winner will be awarded a bumGenius 3.0 Starter Kit: 18 diapers, diaper sprayer, a dozen cloth wipes, and a bottle of odor remover.
Here is what we need from you:

1) It's hot. So hot you force your kids to share the kiddie pool with you, only after adding a couple pounds of ice.
What do you do to beat the heat? Answer this question and receive one entry.

Click here to answer this question and enter the contest

No purchase necessary. Entries will be received through July 31. A winner will be randomly selected by August 10.

I'm getting all domesitcated.

2008-07-09T15:24:00.004-04:00

Well, sickly today, so I stayed home. Thought I would post instead of being a TOTAL sleeping bum all day.

Yesteday I baked and decorated my first every cake. It is for a birthday. Not too shabby for a first stab at it. The circle could have been rounder, and the icing not so bumpy, but hey, whatever. Lately I've been all domesticated, cooking and cleaning and making things. I seriously gotta stop that!

P.S. I am not contagious, so everyone can enjoy the cake.

Kiddy Butter!

2008-07-03T21:53:00.002-04:00

Well, another week, and a very long weekend!

BabyK and I are headed out to get our photos taken in the morning. Family portraits and two year photos. Yipee! I absolutely LOVE the work that Jacob does. See his work here. He did our photos last year also, but then moved, but he's in town and has agreed to the challenge once again. I highly recommend him if you need some photos taken. Relaxed atmosphere, quick turn around and gorgeous photos. I'm trying to figure out what we should wear. It's gotta match, but not be matchy matchy, be comfy, yet look nice...so many decisions!

Oh, and I am very excited to see the fireworks tomorrow.

Okay, funny BabyK story. We were driving in the car today and BabyK kept repeating the same phrase over and over.

"Butter, mommy! Kiddy butter! Now!"

Butter? I am sitting there trying to decipher what the heck is saying. No, it wasn't kiddy butter. He keeps pointing then trying to reach his hand to me. And that's when I got it. He has a scab on his thumb from chewing on his thumb (in addition to sucking on it) and wanted me to "kiss it and make it better" = "kiddy butter." So, at the next available parking lot we pulled over to ceremoniously kiss his finger better. haha.

Goodbye Bento! Goodbye Baby!

2008-06-30T23:45:00.002-04:00

So I totally forgot my beautiful Bento No. 17 at home today. All that yummy goodness left sitting at home. I'm going to risk it and hope it still tastes good tomorrow.

So BabyK is officially 2 today. My, how time flies. I guess he is now a toddler? The clothes go from sizing in months to actual sizes, so I'd say it's as good of a guess as any. Oh, and his feet finally grew and he outgrew some of his cutest shoes ever. =( I'm glad my feet don't grow like that anymore, since I absolutely LOVE shoes. That would get expensive!

Well, the end of another day. Good night everyone.

Happy Birthday BabyK!

2008-06-29T22:11:00.005-04:00

Well, BabyK is two now! I can't believe it. It is so crazy how fast time goes, and I can't imagine my life without him.

We had his party outside at a local park. When I got there early to set up I unloaded the stuff, walked back to the car and it started to pour down rain. =( However, when the party started 45 minutes later it the sun came out and it was cool because of the recent rain and really nice out! What perfect timing! The lake was right there to swim in and the water was nice and warm. Plus we had the wonderful company of our great friends. It was a jolly good time.

Cute things BabyK did this week:

1. We were playing with his leggos and building a car. He goes "need car seat!" and builds a spot for the leggo guy to sit in. How cute!

2. He can count to at least four now. And actually count and not recite numbers randomly. He counted the water bottles as I was trying to get them ready for his party.

3. His new phrase when he says please: "Pretty please. With sugar top. And cherry." It is soooo cute!

BabyK in his birthday hat. It comes with numbers up to 5, so expect to see this for at least the next three birthdays.

My ice cream cone cupcakes. These worked out GREAT because they aren't as much of a mess, you don't need plates or need to remember a serving knife. Plus it cost me all of $5 including making the holder thing. I also made potato salad for the first time, and it seemed to turn out well. Made some other stuff too. I enjoyed getting ready for it, but both BabyK and I are pooped from this weekend! Bed time!

Bento No. 17

2008-06-29T22:05:00.002-04:00

Well, I had lots of yummy leftovers from BabyK's birthday party, so it made a lovely lunch for tomorrow!

Sidecar:
Tortilla Chips

Level 1:
carrots, celery, red grapes wrapped in a cream cheese and gorgonzola cheese blend with toasted walnuts on the outside.

Level 2:
3 Bean salad
Homemade potato salad
pineapple salsa

Large side:
Pasta salad

Blah!

2008-06-23T20:40:00.006-04:00

So I signed on to AIM today, which I hardly ever do. My ex was on there. My ex who cheated on me behind my back and denies it to this day. My ex who broke up with me on valentine's day right after I told him my grandfather was in the hospital dying. I wanted to tell him how disappointed I was with him, and how much his lies hurt me. I wanted to tell him how he had left me alone during a really hard time in my life, loosing my grandpa. I wanted to tell him I hated him for what he had done and that he had been a waste of my time. I wanted to tell him how he had scarred me and made it so hard to trust people. But I didn't.

But what did I do? I said hello. I was cordial. Asking niceties and being polite. Ugh!

What is wrong with me? Seriously, why am I so nice to people who have screwed me over so bad? Why can't I get the guts to tell people how I really feel? Grrr grrr grrrr!!!

Okay and now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

You go ball girl!

2008-06-23T14:12:00.002-04:00

I'm sorry, but this was just freaking awesome! I don't know if it is real or not, but don't we all wish it was?

Why I love Publix

2008-06-21T18:06:00.002-04:00

A good shopping trip.. I had a couple of printable coupons and the lady kind of freaked out. She had to get it "approved." Geesh, it was only two out of about 20 coupons! BabyK slept through almost the whole time. He woke up in time to get a free balloon from the floral department. He loved that!

Total before coupons and discounts: $85.39
Total after coupons and discounts: $28.05
Total savings: $57.34/67% savings!!

Tomorrow I try my hand at CVS again. I'm hoping to get as much as I can for BabyK's birthday party for as little as possible there. We shall see how it goes...oh, and tonight I made a ice cream cone holder for his birthday cake thing out of a cardboard box. I'm going to try and do the cake in cones approach and made a holder in the shape of a cake (sorta) to put them in so they don't fall over, they can look more like a cake, and it is just prettier. The holder is made, but still needs to be decorated. That's tomorrow's project! Yeah, because I have nothing else to do...

Bento No. 16

2008-06-19T00:30:00.003-04:00

From left to right:
Applesauce
1st tier: animal crackers, laughing cow cheese wedge, ritz crackers, twix bites
second: homemade mashed potatoes and corn
top: pringles crackers and shark shaped fruit snacks

Man, hopefully this one will fill me up. I get SO hungry on days I ride my bike. I'd pack more, but the more you pack the more you have to carry...

So, today I rode my bike to a meeting and when I came out this guy was looking at it. He wanted to know all about my electric bike and even told me it was "cool." Wow, I'm cool! Finally! haha.

My big huge desk is gone. Someone came to pick it up yesterday. While it was very nice, I am enjoying the extra room in my room.

Um...that's about it. I am uber tired.

The drug store game

2008-06-17T22:40:00.002-04:00

Well, I finally finished painting my room! It looks great in all of its green glory. And all of it done with my super duper 2 inch brush that has painted these walls, a rocking horse, a table, two dressers and a book shelf. I think I've gotten my $2.99 out of it.

Other happenings...still getting the hang of the drug store game. I never get the super duper coupons that everyone talks about, but got 7 boxes of cereal for $3 and a pack of diapers for $2. Still trying to figure out how to get it to "I got $300 worth of stuff for 59 cents!" price range. Oh, and tonight at the grocery store the Bertoli dinners were on sale, plus I had $2.50 off coupons, brining it down to like $2/bag. I'll have that! I love that they are yummy and so easy to make. And anyone who knows me knows if it takes longer than five minutes to make it, I probably won't. We eat a lot of spaghetti.

BabyK's birthday party is coming up fast. I can't believe he'll be two already! Such a big big boy! We're having his party at a local park, so I have to figure out a menu that is easy, yummy and will hold up to the heat. I was thinking fruit, chips, drinks, pasta salad. I'll probably get a plastic bin to put ice in and set stuff like the past salad in it so it stays somewhat cold. Any suggestions from people out there in internet land? Instead of a cake I'm going to make ice cream cone cupcakes. Well, at least that's the plan. I'm making them a day ahead of time so if it doesn't work out I can just run to the store and buy a pre-made cake.

So anyways, send me those yummy summertime recipes!

Dear PT Cruiser

2008-06-17T22:35:00.002-04:00

Dear Mr. PT Cruiser guy,

First off, I want to say how pretty your stupid car is. So pretty you don't need to get me to notice it by running me off the road. I am someone who can appreciate the beautiful things in life so your attempt to run me off the road because I dare to ride a bicycle (which is very pretty also in all its pink, electric motor glory!) was truly horrendous, and you should be ashamed of yourself. I know, I know, you think I take up way too much room, and how dare anyone think that the road was meant for anything other than your stupid car. Well, to that I say poo on you!

To everyone else on the road, get off your darn cell phone and pay attention.

That is all.

Hum de dum

2008-06-10T20:11:00.002-04:00

Almost rode my bike to work today. Decided against it and good thing. It rained and thundered and would have been an icky mess to drive in.

Room is still half green. Someday I'll finish painting it.

Not much to blog about. I am excited though, I have made $1.06 to date from my blog! I'd like to take a moment to thank you everyone who comes and visits my page! Send it to all your friends who enjoy babbling and bento lunches. Now, only $23.94 until I get my first check...I'm rich! I'm rich!

Bento No 14 and Bento No 15

2008-06-09T23:40:00.002-04:00

Falling behind on my bento posting! Yikes!

Okay, this one was from a while ago. I wasn't sure what the heck I was hungry for, so it is quite a hodge podge. Oh, and I was super hungry and it was gone by 10 am, so I ended up having to get something out of the vending machine anyways...

Top: Batman fruit snacks, cherries, olives, sweet pickles (underneath olives) and some generic oreos.
Bottom: Pringles stix and an egg salad sandwich.

This is my moroccan nights bento for tomorrow. I hope it is enough. I've been REALLY hungry lately with all the biking and running I've been doing.

Left side dish: pita bread.
Top: Roasted red pepper hummus, red grapes, cheese stars.
Bottom: Couscous with peas and a bit of cinnamon.
Top: generic oreos again.

Grand Ideas for five minutes

2008-06-08T22:13:00.002-04:00

This weekend I had a flurry of energy so I put myself to work! Did I mow the grass? No. Did I put away the folded laundry that has been sitting in a laundry basket for a week now? No. See, those would all be sensible things. Instead at 9 on Saturday night I decided I would repaint my bedroom. Why you may ask? Well, to match the blanket I have been knitting for oh, six months now. I just decided I needed a change and I needed it NOW. Doesn't that make perfect sense?

So, at 9 I headed to Wal-mart where a very lovely Wal-mart employee helped me mix my paint. I went for "Dainty Green" with an accent wall of "blossom green." I so want to be the person who gets to name colors. I'd be good at it. Oh, and did I mention that I didn't want to waste money on a roller, so I have been painting huge walls with a 2 inch brush? A quick job, to be sure.

I also cleaned. I decided to finally wash the drapes by the dining room table that BabyK is always throwing his food on. I even used stain remover! Ambitious, I know. So, I washed them, dried them and hung them back up. They are now about six inches shorter. Apparently you should always check the tag to see if it states "dry clean only" before washing them. Hey, at least they are all clean now!

Well, the room is half painted at the moment and my desire for change has dropped to zero. Perhaps my batteries will recharge. In the meantime I shall enjoy my half green/half khaki walls and miniature drapes.

Now, back to Masterpiece Theatre. I LOVE Pride and Prejudice. This series is the entire reason I got started on a Colin Firth obsession.

My arm has been cut off.

2008-06-06T22:48:00.003-04:00

So BabyK isn't here this weekend. I am so used to putting him to bed, getting him up, making us dinner, the whole routine. I just don't know what to do with myself when he's not here! When he is here I make this long list of things that I want to do, but then when I can do these things my mind goes blank. Weird. It's like my arm has been cut off without him here. Oh, how I miss my baby so! (Although I think I shall enjoy sleeping in tomorrow morning...)

Because I have nothing else to do...

2008-06-05T23:15:00.005-04:00

Yes, this marketing ploy sucked me in! But isn't it fun?

And how about the raises all the Simpson people got? Yipee for them.

Simpson Em, aka "Mommy"

Simpson Baby K and Riley (dog). Funny, Riley really does look like Santa's Little Helper.

How this mommy got her groove back

2008-06-05T20:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, well, musical groove.

Tonight I got out my french horn, which I have not played in probably two or three months, and I played and BabyK danced. It was lovely! He danced all around, shook his maracas, I gave him an extra mouthpiece to "play" on and he had a grand time look in the bell. It was great. I felt artistic again, which I haven't felt in a long time. It makes you feel more alive. I think we may have to do this more often. I also feel like painting. Problem? No paints. I suppose I could draw with BabyK's crayons...

Oh, and my eye is all messed up again. Icky poo! That's why I got my horn out. You don't have to be able to see in order to play a musical instrument. So, I guess the eye is a good thing?

Um yeah...

2008-06-01T20:10:00.002-04:00

So just when I don't think BabyK can dream up anything else to make me grow a few more gray hairs, he finds a new cruel and unusual punishment. Today's episode? Well, let me tell you. HE LOCKED ME OUT OF THE HOUSE. Yes, my almost 2 year old decided while we were playing outside he would run inside and lock the deadbolt and then pretend he couldn't figure out how to unlock it. Thankfully I was able to get back in, but oh my, was I an unhappy camper.

I seriously need to start a book.

Working on the whole CVSing...

2008-06-01T14:27:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I had a good day today at CVS. I got the following:

Transaction 1:

(2) Chex mix @ 1.00 each with 2 $1 off coupons= 0.00
(2) Dawn liquid soap @ $2.00 - $1.00 ECB, .25 coupon = .75
(2) Huggies hair and body wash $3.49 each with $2 ECB/each with $3.00 off 2 = Made .02
(1) CVS baby wipe - coupon for free one = 0.00

Total spent: .73

Transaction 2:

(1) Secret flawless deodorant @ $3.99 - $1.00 coupon = $2.99
(2) Brut deodorant @ $3.39 - $3 ECB each - $1.00 coupon each = Made .61
(1) Listerine Smart Rinse - $3.49 - $3.49 ECB = 0.00

Total spent: $2.38

Transaction 3:

(2) Pampers easy ups - $7.99 each with $2 coupon each = $11.98
(1) Pampers Cruisers - $7.99 each with $1.50 coupn = $6.49

Total spent: $18.47 (with $5 ECB for future spending.)

Soooo, I got almost $70 worth of stuff for less than $20 with $5 ECB for future use.

Yeah...I know people can get it way less than that, but I'm still new at this. Still cheaper than I would have paid normally, but I want to do the "I got $300 worth of stuff for 49 cents!" And how do people get the $3/15 coupons? I NEVER get those in my email or at the register!

Good news is that I needed everything on there except the mens' deodorant, but those are going in some care packages I am sending to kids from my home town who are overseas.

So, that's what it's like...

2008-06-01T00:44:00.002-04:00

Got my bike back. Yipee! Bad news? Took it out for a ride today and didn't think to check the battery before we left. Yep, that's right, it sooooo went dead halfway through and we had to regular bike the whole way back. I know, I know, I should just get a regular bike, but have you biked up a big hill lately?

As I was coming home I had to walk up the last hill (because I live at the top of it) and my super nice neighbor said "you should put a motor on that thing. You'll zip right up."

Doh!

Tonight we went to the summer concert series downtown. It was lovely, but BabyK was in rare form. He just would not sit still. I am sure I looked quite silly running after him. Eventually I had to call it quits and head home. Being a single mommy can be quite tiring!!!

Guess what tomorrow is? That's right, it's Sunday! Coupon day!

Long week

2008-05-29T21:54:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been a long week, but some highlights:

- Already have to get my bike fixed. Boo!
- Baby K went poo poo in the potty!
- The pool opened!!!!!
- I haven't gone out to eat at all in over a week for ANYTHING. Whoo hoo!
- Got some awesome coupons and free samples this week in the mail.
- Discovered exactly how slow the state government is...ick.
- Got lots of stuff done at work.
- Baby K gave me lots of hugs today.

I am so looking forward to the weekend - sleeping in (hopefully), pancakes for breakfast, perhaps another trip to the swimming pool...ah, love the weekends.

Bento No. 12 and 13

2008-05-29T21:44:00.004-04:00

Okay, so bento 12 is kinda boring, but hey, we'll post it anyways.

Oranges & Grapes
Cheese Its
Leftover pizza

Bento 13:

First tier:
Deviled Eggs
Apple bunnies
Orange slices

Second tier:
Green beans
Baked potato wedges

Top:
Pocky (Note, don't mail order pocky if you live in hot places and your box will sit out in the sun. boo hoo.)

And...

I got some egg molds! Aren't they so cute? I'm hoping if I have an egg in the shape of a bunny or a car BabyK will actually eat it.

This weekend's events

2008-05-29T20:22:00.002-04:00

Not a whole lot going on except Saturday. On the other days, why not try these fun, yet not date specific events?

-Take a stroll around Lake Ella
-Go shopping on Market Street
-Visit the Indian Mounds
-Take a hike to see the Leon Sinks ($3 admission fee per car)
-Get out the sprinkler! It's going to be HOT
-Take a bike ride on the ST. Marks Trail. (LOVE IT, NO HILLS!)

Saturday 5/31:
- 10am-12pm, Textile Conservation. Tallahassee Museum. Do you still have your grandmother's gown? Would you like to preserve your daughter's wedding dress for future generations? Led by FSU fashion professor, Ann Durham this workshop will discuss the basics of proper handling and storage of antique and future antique clothing and textiles. Free with admission.

5-10pm, "Finding Nemo" Movie & Swim. YMCA - Parkway. Evening of games, swimming and a movie. $20 day of event (cost is per car load). Details: 877.6151 or www.capitalregionymca.org.

6-8pm, Sizzlin Summer Concert Series. Klemen Plaza. Featured Performer: Moon Pie Fever. Free.

BabyK vs. Mommy

2008-05-21T00:26:00.001-04:00

Bento No. 11

2008-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bento No. 11

Okay, so this is my random, I have no clue what I am hungry for, yet am hungry for everything bento. I hope it still looks good when I eat it!

Tier 1: rice balls, carrot sticks, apply bunny, soy sauce, olives on a stick
Tier 2: chinese cole slaw (hey, you'll be seing lots of this - all the ingredients were on sale this week), egg
Top: vanilla cookies, tootsie roll

Peek-a-boo Bedtime

2008-05-19T20:15:00.002-04:00

This weekend we made the big change. I got out the screwdriver and converted his crib to the toddler bed. A sad, sad day.

Things have gone okay the first few nights. Sometimes when I peek in he is standing on the floor, leaning over the bed sleeping. Weird, I know. He went to bed no problems the first few nights. Notice I said first few...

So BabyK is currently opening and closing his door. He went to bed an hour ago. Well, I put him in his bed and he keeps getting out. He was sick today, so I don't think that is helping things. As long as he stays quiet, eventually he'll sleep. He's not being bad or tearing his room apart (right now). He did however drive me absolutely bonkers today. As I said, he was sick and he wouldn't take a nap. That translated into cranky, I'm going to throw everything I can get my hands on baby. Good times.

**update!**

Oh Joy! I peeked in and he put himself back in bed and is asleep. Jolly good!

Bento No. 10

2008-05-18T23:17:00.003-04:00

Top Left: Ritz crackers, laughing cow herb cheese wedge, deviled egg.
Top Right: carrots, green grapes
Bottom: Chinese Cole Slaw (Grandma's recipe=yum!)
Side: Vanilla cookies

And thanks to lunchinabox.net for reviewing the Target container!

Okay, so the Chinese cole slaw is one of my favorite foods EVER. Not only is it yummy, but my Grandma used to make it for me all the time when I lived with her. She always picked up on what you liked to eat and then made TONS of it. (Also had lots of noodle broccoli cheese soup and klondike bars...) It was her way of saying she loved you. Man, I miss my Grandma.

Upcoming Events: 5/21

2008-05-18T00:14:00.003-04:00

Brogan Buddies - 5/24 Mary Brogan Musuem - 10:30-12. Interactive experiences for preschoolers. FREE for museum members, otherwise free with normal admission price

Household Hazardous Waste Roundup- 5/24 - 9-1 - Celebration Baptist Church. Leon County’s Hazardous Waste team will collect residential hazardous waste, computers, car batteries, television sets, paint and more for proper disposal and recycling.

White Trash Bash - 5/25 - North Side of Dog Island. A North Florida tradition. Find a friend with a boat, bring some beer, and a lot of sunscreen. Always the Sunday before Memorial Day

Annual Florida Folk Festival - Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park @ White Springs. (5/25-5/27) Three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. $20 adults, $5 kids, Children under 6 FREE.

Feast One Hundred & Ninety One

2008-05-15T23:43:00.002-04:00

May 16th, 2008

Appetizer - What is the nearest big city to your home?
Big big city? Hmmm...Atlanta maybe? And that's a really long ways away.

Soup - On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
7. I try really hard, but sometimes let things slip. It also doesn't help that it is really easy to figure out if I am hiding something.

Salad - Describe your hair (color, texture, length).
Long, dark brown and I do absolutely nothing to it since I have no idea how to do my hair except a ponytail. It's pretty soft, pretty normal. People say I have pretty hair, but I don't think it's too special.

Main Course - What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?
Hmmm...average. Nothing crazy, nothing overly slow, nothing aggressive, but I hate to let people in if tere is a long line. Oh, but I do hate to stop. I will drive extra just so I can take a road where I don't have to stop as much.

Dessert - When was the last time you had a really bad week?
While this week may be sounding good now, in the long run it may turn out to be really really bad if that makes any sense. Probably not, since I didn't elaborate, but I'm not going to so I guess I'll leave you all wondering.

Give me the mushrooms

2008-05-15T23:37:00.002-04:00

So a coworker was sining the theme music to Super Mario Brothers and now that is all I want to do - play super mario brothers (3 preferibly...way more fun because you can get the racoon tail and fly). However, I've never owned video games in my life which puts a damper on things...anybody have an old console they want to bring over? I challenge you to a game!

So I thought I would start blogging about fun events. Why? Well, I don't know. Maybe someone out there may find the info useful.

- Tallahassee Film Festival - Friday night part should be fun since it is in conjunction with the downtown getdown. For more info visit http://tallahasseefilmfestival.com. How cool is it that we get this in our town? Plus, a good portion of them are FREE.

- Department of Dance - IMPRINT - suitable for teens+ at the FSU Department of Dance. $6 for adults, free for FSU students w/id. See more at dance.fsu.edu.

- Stuff the Trolley at Animal Service Center by Tom Brown Park. Have some old towels laying around you want to get rid of? How about newspaper? Shoe boxes? The shelter needs them all. Saturday 10-5. See their wishlist at http://www.talgov.com.

- Airfest 2008 at the Tallahassee Regional Airport - Saturday & Sunday. I know my son LOVES planes, so we might head on out. Lots of demos and stuff, although I have never attended this before, it looks like fun. Hey, adults are only $5 and kids 12 & under are free. See more at http://www.airfest2008.com.

Did anyone get their free coffee from Dunkin Donuts today? I ran out of time. =(

It's the end of the world as we know it.

2008-05-12T20:10:00.003-04:00

Seriously, is mother nature mad at us? It seems every time I turn on the tv something else has blown away, washed away, or caved in. I feel so bad for everyone. Does this mean bad hurricanes for us this year? Or are we getting a good season because everyone else is getting poopy weather? So many questions.

Mother's Day was lovely. We made some apple cinnamon pancakes and some eggs and toast and after went for a bike ride. I don't know what I was thinking. Not only do I live at the top of a hill and I am carrying 30 extra pounds because of BabyK, it was super windy out. I had to walk up the last hill again with BabyK shouting at me, "Mommy! Mommy sit down! (as he hit the bike seat) Go faster!" Do you think he likes it? We also raked the yard and then BabyK took me out to dinner at Burger King. Whoo hoo!

Speaking of the backyard, I had this grand idea to fix it up and make it look pretty in time for BabyK's birthday in June. Good plan, right? Well, problem is is that it is just me fixing it up, I have a HUGE live oak in the back and well, no finances to do said project. I thought about doing a cheap retainer wall (http://www.ehow.com/how_2072583_quick-cheap-durable-retaining-walls.html), but when the guy wrote the story things were much cheaper apparently. So, I thought about growing some grass, but it is too shady for seed, and I'm not about to fork over $300 for sod for some place I rent. Any ideas out there in internet land? I know I have to level at least part of it off so I can sit some chairs out there. And it is really pretty, so it has great potential. Oh, and I want to fence it in to keep the kid and the dog in. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Anywho...

Still waiting for my spiffy new bike. I can't wait!!

Another milestone!

2008-05-10T23:01:00.003-04:00

Today was a busy busy day. Took an extra long walk with the Riley boy. Even got a bit of a tan while doing so. Laundry, cleaning, shopping...we took another walk after picking up the munchkin. Oh, and our wonderful neighbor down the street gave us a spider plant and elephant something. I hope I don't kill the plants!

And in super big news, BabyK did it! Tonight he peed on the potty! We were both sooo excited! He wanted to get down but I said one more minute and that did it! I know this is just one very small step, but hey, I'll take whatever I can get.

This isn't BabyK, but it was cute. =)