Cow Apprectiation Day 2012!!!(Free Chicken)

This our 3rd time dressing like a cow for Chick Fil A's Cow appreciation day (2009, 2010, we skipped 2011 because we were out of town)!!! I know it may seem crazy, but free food, yes!!! When you have a larger family and try to live more frugal, you don't get to eat out often, so this was a great opportunity to enjoy our selves and not feel guilty about how many groceries/meals we could have spent that money on. Here are pictures from our day.

Baby Leah:)

Lydia:)

my whole "herd" including my cousin Austin:)

Lydia loved the cow!!

Fun times!!

We ended the day with free Starbucks:)

PICKLES .... Anyone????

I am super excited about canning my first pickles. I made up 4 jars, but we kinda of already started eating one before I got the picture:) These are Bread and Butter pickles from the Complete book of Home Preserving Book recipe. Here is the recipe:
BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES
10 cups sliced trimmed pickling cucumbers
4 medium onions, thinly sliced(I only used 2)
1/2 cup pickling or canning salt
3 cups white vinegar
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp mustard seeds
1 tsp celery seeds
1 tsp ground turmeric

1. In a bowl combine cucumbers, onions, and salt. Mix well, cover with cold water and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours. Transfer to a colander placed over a sink, rinse with cool running water and drain thoroughly.

2. Meanwhile prepare canner, jars, and lids.

3. In a large saucepan, combine remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in vegetables and return to boil.

4. Pack vegetables into hot jars to within a generous 1/2 inch of top of jar. Ladle hot pickling liquid into jar to cover vegetables, leaving 1/2 inch head-space. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight.

5. Place jars in canner, insuring they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. Remove canner lid. Wait 5 minutes, then remove jars, cool and store.

Since I use pint jars I also added 1/8 tsp of pickle crisp to each jar, because we like crispier pickles. Have you canned anything so far this season??

My garden!!!

(my first tomato)



My garden is not very big, but it is my first year. Even so, I am still excited about it. I have a raised garden because our yard is so flat, it floods. I mostly have tomatoes and cucumbers, but also some lettuce and peppers too. Do any of you have any good garden tips for me???

Kroger Trip 4/19 I saved 55% on groceries!!!

I got several things free, but overall I saved 55%. My total before store discounts and coupons was $180.30. I had $48.47 in coupons plus an extra $8.30, some of them doubled. Plus I saved $41.83 with my Kroger Plus card and I got a $2 coupon for my next trip. I spent $77.39!!!

Kroger trip 4/13/2010 saved 89%.

2-2liter 7ups $1 each used 2 $1/1=FREE
2-sundown folic acid on sale for $1.43 each used 1 $3/2=FREE(plus .14 overage)
2 sundown vitamin d on sale for $1.78 each used 1 $3/2=.28 each
4 nature bounty magnesium vitamins on sale for $1.78 used 4 $1/1 = FREE(plus .88 overage)
2 McCormick seasonings on sale for $1 each used 2 $1/1 coupons= FREE
4 scotch brite sponges on sale for $1 each used 4 41/1 coupons=FREE
1 Domino sugar $1.85 used .50/1 doubled to $1/1= .85
2 honest teas at $1.69 each used b1g1 free=.85 each
2 yo-plait greek yogurts at $1.19 each used 2 .30/1 doubled to .60/1=.59 each

Total before store sales and coupons was $53.69
After I used my Kroger plus card the total was $33.83(all that is used towards gas points)
I used $24.79 in coupons and they doubled 3 of them for an extra $1.10 off)
My grand total was $6.09($2.47 was taxes)
A total savings of $47.60(89%)

Eat from the Pantry Challenge!!

I will be joining Crystal and jessica in eating from your pantry. This is a great idea because I really want to switch over to healthier diet(80% raw, that is a whole different post), but I have so much food from coupons(free items), that I need to get rid of it. I will start this January 1st. My goals are to go to the store only 4 times(once each week), to get fresh produce, milk, eggs, etc. I plan to only spend a maximum of $20 for each trip. A total of $80. I usually spend $300-$400, because I get a lot of organic items. This will be a great challenge for me, but I believe I can do it. I will try to update at least once a week to tell you what we have ate, and maybe even post pictures if I can find my camera from the move. If you would like to join head on over to Crystal's blog.

CVS $156.52 for free plus overage!!!!

cvs trip 1 FREE
2 resolve reg 5.99 each
2 lysol reg 4.19 each
2 airwick refil reg 3.99 each
2 Ragu reg 3.29 each
Hellmans mayo reg 5.99
2 skippy pb re 3.29 each
panteene mousse reg 4.99
panteene hs reg 4.99
2 pamper pull up reg 11.99 each
colgate reg 4.39
2 Tylenol reg 5.99
bendryl reg 5.99
2 bandaids reg 3.29 and one 4.39
razor reg 9.99
tide reg 9.99
4 toothbrushes reg. 3@2.99 each 1@3.49
cvs aspirn 1.99
waters reg 6.99
total before sale and coupons $156.52
after sale $109.51
I had $66.35 in coupons
I had $50 gift card for transferring 2 prescriptions
I paid $8.44(basically tax)
I got $15 in extra care bucks to spend next time. So basically they paid ME $6 to take this stuff off their hands. I love it!!!!!!!!!

Super Savings Saturday!!! Saved 89% at Target!!!

I have used coupons since last November when I found out I was pregnant. So I have decided to start back. I went to Target today and spent $3.71 on $33.83 worth of items. Be sure to check out Crystal's blog.



I got
-3 1 oz baby shampoo
-2 1 oz baby lotions
-2 twix bars
-3 Kashi cereals
-2 Kashi tlc bars
-2 degree deodorants
-4 8 pk Nexcare band aids

Great Target Deals!!!

Over at Money Saving Mom, Crystal always has really good deals listed. Today I went over there and decided to try out Target deals for the first time and boy did I come across some deals.

6 Johnson Buddy bar soaps @ .99 each I had 2 $3/3 Free plus overage
3 Glade plugin @$3.94 each I had 3 $4 coupons Free plus overage
1 electrasol 20ct gel packs @2.79 2.25 coupon .54
1 All and Mighty travel size .99 $1 coupon Free plus overage
1 Tide travel size .99 .35 paid .64
4 easy macs @.77 2 $1/2 paid $1.08
3 clean and clear morning burst trial size @.99 each used 3 $1 coupons Free plus overage
4 slim twin Schick Razors on clearance for .68 each had 2 $2/1 coupons Free plus overage
My total after coupons was $.31 but I had to pay taxes and they are high in Tennessee and the were $2.85 so my total was $3.16 out of pocket. I still saved $31.00.

CVS!!! Saved $154.43!!!:)

I went to CVS this week and it has been a while, my stockpile was low. I didn't get the best deals but still saved a lot of money.

Transaction 1:
4 Similac Advanced 32oz ready to feed 2@10.99 $21.98 Had $20 Similac check spent $1.98
3 Pert Plus 13.5 oz @2.50 each 7.50 3 $2.00 coupons $.50 each spent $1.50
Excedrin $3.99
Pantene Shampoo and conditioner 25.4 ozs each 2/11 used $1 off 2 spent $10
Taxes in Tennessee are 9.25% and 7.75%(for food) Taxes for this order $3.78
Total: $21.25 I used $3 in ecbs
total spent $17.97 and I got back $5.99(3.99for Excedrin, and $2 for pantene)
total saved $34.93

Transaction 2:
2 Cover Girl lipsticks on Sale for 5.99, $11.98 b1g1 free coupon spent $5.99
3 Motrin for children @ 5.99 each $17.97 $3 off 3 spent $14.97
1 Tylenol rapid release gels 40 ct $6.49 $2 coupon spent $4.49
1 Revlon face powder 9.99 $2 coupon spent $7.99
total: $33.34 taxes: $3.56 Grand total= $37.00
Used $7.99 in Ecbs
Spent $29.01 Got back $13( $3 cover girl, $3 Motrin, $2 Tylenol, $5 Revlon)
Total Saved $37.48

Transaction 3:
2 Lipton 100 bags $3 each $6 used 2 $.60 coupon spent $4.80
2 Ragu spaghetti sauce @$1.66 each $3.32 use $.50 off 2 spent $2.82
2 Skippy peanut butter @1.66 each $3.32 use 1 $.50 coupon spent $2.82
1 Hershey's Kisses 12 oz bag $2.50 use $2.00 cvs coupon spent $.50
3 Purex laundry detergent @2.99 each $1/2 and .50/1 coupons spent $7.47
6 Jolt gums @.99 each $5.94 3 $1/2 coupons spent $2.94
Fudge Graham cookies marked down to $.89
Total $22.24 Taxes $1.27 Grand total $23.51
Used $13 in ecbs
Spent $10.51 Got back $6($1 for each purex and $3 for lipton, Ragu, Skippy deal)
Total saved $46.96


Transaction 4:
1 Lubriderm $6.99 $1 coupon spent $5.99
4 Glade air fresheners @.99 $3.96 used b1g1 free spent $1.98
4 Revlon nail polishes @$4.99 each $19.96 on sale B1G1 free total $9.98 used 2 $2 coupons spent $5.98
2 Revlon nail clippers @2.99 each $5.98 on sale b1g1 50% off $4.48 used2 $2.00 coupons spent $2.48
Total $16.43 taxes: 1.80 Grand total $18.23
Used $6.00 in ecbs, should have been $12.23 but my total was only $8.23( I don't know where the other $4.00 came off at)
I also got $1 back in ecb from the lubriderm
Total saved 35.06

Total day Spent:
$65.72
Total Saved: 154.43
Basically I got $220.15 for $65.72

More on sewing!!

Last night Hannah and I went to wal-mart and got some more sewing supplies. I found this Dora fabric and decided to get a yard of it, a yard of dinosaur fabric, and some other that was on sale. Haley loves Dora and her favorite color is purple, so I decide to sew her up another pillowcase dress. This one is much better, but I still have a lot of work to do. I think for Bryson I am going to try to make him some pajama pants. I have taught Hannah as much as I have learned so far, and she is doing wonderful. It is actually kind of fun learning together. Hannah helped me with this dress and she also took the pictures of Haley modeling the dress.

Sewing!!!

I have wanted to sew ever since I was a little girl, but my mother didn't know how. For the past 2 years I have wanted a sewing machine, but didn't want to invest in something I didn't know how to do. So I prayed about it and asked God if he wanted me to learn, to give me the opportunity. We bought our house in May, and the lady who owned it asked me if I wanted a sewing machine. Of course, I did even if it wasn't the best I could give sewing a try. But the sewing machine she gave me is awesome. It can't be older than 5 years. It looks practically new, it is a Kenmore. Not only did she give me the sewing machine, but a huge bag of fabric and box of all kinds of needles, straight pins, buttons, zippers, etc. I have been so busy unpacking I kind of forgot about it. Friday night I started thinking about it and did some research about sewing. I have learned terms, how to thread it and all the basics. I have even made a few items. I have a lot to learn and I have to work on sewing straight lines, but I know with God's help I can do anything. I have sewn a pin cushion, it is okay but you can definitely see the flaws. Tonight I did a pillow case dress for Haley. I made the pillow case from scratch. By all means, it is not perfect but I think I am getting better. Haley was in the bed when I finished it, but I was so excited I woke her up to try it on. Here are the pictures:

Super Savings Saturday

I have joined Money Saving Mom aka Crystal this week for Super Saving Saturday. This week I went to Kroger and this is what I got:
2 32 oz powerades @$1.00 each used 2 $1.00 of coupons FREE
1 Suave body wash @$1.69 used $.50 coupon that doubles to $1.00 Final price $.69
6 Herbal Essence Shampoo and Conditioner on sale 2/$5 used 3 $3/2 got $6.00 off at register for Proctor and Gamble deal final price: FREE
6 Met RX Big 100 Individual Nutrition Bars on sale for 6/$10 used 3 $2/2 Final price: .66 each(total $3.96)
2 French's Classic Yellow on sale $.99 each used 2 $.50 coupons that doubles to $1.00 Final cost: FREE
2 Turkey Hill teas on sale $1.00 each had 2 $1.00 coupons Final cost: FREE
I also had 1 $3 and 1 $1 off your next shopping order coupon

TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS: $32.67
Total AFTER COUPONS W/TAX: $.72

I LOVE COUPONS

FRUGAL FRIDAY

I have joined Crystal again for Frugal Friday. The best way I have saved money is buy selling one of our cars. I know what some of you may be thinking but just bare with me. When my husband got his promotion he was supposed to get a company car, well that has been 4 months and he still has not got a car. But before we knew that, we already sold his car. Sometimes it is hard not having a car to be free to go when and where I want but it has saved us so much money. With gas prices as high as they are, I just need to stay home. But not just the gas. Think about it, usually for just a standard oil change it is around $20. Minimum a year you will need is 4 once every 3 months but usually more(who doesn't use the miles up before the time). So that is around $80 a year. Next there is insurance, for us it is about $400 a year full coverage. Next is the tag, well say $80(more or less depending on the age and kind of vehicle). Then there is maintenance, that can average so I will just say $250 a year. Add all that up and that is $800 a year not to mention a car payment if you have that debt. So that is and extra $65 a month that could be put into savings. Now of course once my husband does get his company car we are not going to sell our van, but the good news is I have got accustomed to staying home, so hopefully I will not feel the need to go out as much. I know some families, for medical reasons or any other reason, has to have a second car, but I believe most families could make it on just one vehicle. Besides even if I wanted to get rid of my van, we couldn't because I am not allowed to drive his company car. I hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Super Savings Saturday~Craig's list

One way to save money is Craigslist.org. I usually sell all my children's clothes, school books, etc on eBay, but for bigger items you can list them on craigslist for free. We listed our house, car, furniture, and within days they sold. We also found this house we are in now on craigslist. You can buy anything on there for a fraction of the cost. The only thing is you have to watch out for people who will scam you. My poor sister had some video games on there and a buyer sent her fake email supposedly from pay pal, telling her before she could access funds she needed to send a delivery confirmation. Poor girl lost the money she paid for shipping, plus the value of the games. That is why craigslist tells you it is better to deal locally. I only accept cash for the items I sell, because if you accept a money order or a money gram, it could be fake and even the bank will cash it but it will come back on you. For more great tips visit Moneysavingmom.

FRUGAL FRIDAY~EBAY

My frugal tip for today is ebay. In an earlier post I mentioned I bought a coach purse at a thrift store for $3.99, I sold it for $60. Now that is a nice profit. This week I also have all my homeschool items selling and the children's fall/winter clothes from last year that don't fit. So my tip this week is go through your stuff and list it on ebay to make some extra money. With gas prices as high as they are extra money is a must. For more great tips, visit Biblical Womanhood.

FRUGAL FRIDAY

I went to the Goodwill yesterday because with my husband's job promotion, he went from wearing uniforms to having to dress up everyday, so he was in desperate need of some shirts. I got him 6 button up name brand shirts, me a dress, Haley some shoes, 4 bread pans, and a picture for the wall for $46. Then we stopped at another thrift store and I got me a skirt and I hit the gold mine. I found a authentic Coach purse for $3.99. It looked practically new. It is too small for me to carry so I am going to put it on Ebay, It retails for over $200. So hopefully I will make a nice profit. For more Frugal Friday tips visit Biblical Womanhood.

SUPER SAVINGS SATURDAY AND PICTURES OF THE KIDS AT THE PARK.

I have not been to CVS in a while so this week my deals were okay.
First transaction
-4 packs of coke for $11.00
-Shrek Third dvd $9.99
-used a 4/20 coupon
-spent $18.85
-got back $10.00 ecb from cokes

Second transaction
-dove 6 pack soap 6.99
-dove mousse 4.29
-Fusion Razor 9.99
-used 2 1/1 dove coupons
-used 4/20 coupon
-used 10.00 ecb
-spent 7.76 out of pocket
-got back $4 ecb from razor and $3ecb from dove

Third transaction
-4 boxes of cheerios $3.33 each
-2 boxes of cheerios cereal bars 3.33 each
-used 4/20 coupon
-used 2 1/2 coupon for cereal
-used $7 ecb
-spent $1.44 out of pocket
-got $10 ecb back for next time

For more Super Saving Saturday be sure to visit money saving mom.

My husband took the kids to the park today as I went through thing for our yard sale Here are just a few of the 101 photos he took.

FRUGAL FRIDAY

TODAY FOR FRUGAL FRIDAY, I AM GOING TO GIVE SOME IDEAS FOR GARAGE SALES. OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS HAVING A HUGE GARAGE SALE SATURDAY. HANNAH AND I HAVE BEEN COMING UP WITH IDEAS TO MAKE IT SUCCESSFUL. FIRST OFF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD HAS ABOUT 150 HOUSES, AND WE LIVE ABOUT HALF WAY UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD, SO WE THOUGHT IF WE SOLD COLD BOTTLE WATERS AND COLD COKES THAT WE COULD MAKE A LOT. WE ONLY BOUGHT SPRING WATER AND COCA-COLAS, SO IF THEY DON'T SALE WE WOULD STILL DRINK THEM. WE BOUGHT TWO CASES OF 24 PACK WATERS FOR $3.75, AND PLAN TO SELL THEM FOR $1 EACH. IF WE SOLD ALL 48 THAT WOULD BE A PROFIT OF $40.75. WE BOUGHT ONE 24 PACK OF COKES AT WAL-MART FOR $5.98 AND I AM GOING TOMORROW TO GET 48 MORE AT CVS FOR $11 PLUS I WILL GET $3 BACK IN ECBS. IF I SALE ALL 72 AT .75 THAT WILL BE A PROFIT OF $37. WE ALSO HAVE A BLOW UP JUMPING THING AND HANNAH THOUGHT OF THE IDEA OF LETTING KIDS JUMP ON IT FOR $1. SHE THOUGHT THAT WOULD DRAW ATTENTION AND PLUS SHE WOULD MEET NEW FRIENDS. I HAVE A TON OF MAKE-UP AND STOCK PILE FROM MY CVS TRIPS. I ALSO HAVE A TON OF CLOTHES AND ITEMS AROUND THE HOUSE. SO I AM HOPING TO MAKE AT LEAST $150.00. WHAT EVER I MAKE IS GOING INTO SAVINGS. FOR MORE FRUGAL FRIDAY TIPS VISIT CRYSTAL.

Frugal Friday~ Line drying clothes and Ebay

I always line dry all of our shirts and good clothes. First of all it saves on your power bill, but it also keeps your clothes looking newer and helps with shrinkage. I have a bar to hang them on in our laundry room, so even if you can't hang them outside, you could hang them up in your laundry room. My next tip is Ebay. I love to sell on ebay. If I am at a yard sale or thrift store I always look around to see if there is anything that I could make a profit off of it on ebay. For example one time I was at the salvation army and there was this cute Christmas outfit from a highend boutique. The outfit cost me $2.00 but it sold for $47.00. You must look over the items really well and make sure there are no stains or rips. For more tips make sure you visit Crystal's blog.