If you haven't seen the last post about Alaska, check it out here. Now, on to the next great wonder in Alaska...
The Glaciers in Alaska were awesome, too. It was such a powerful sound to hear the Glaciers calving (which is what they call it when large pieces fall off the Glacier). The sound and the waves that it created was amazing. It was also cool to see the huge chunks of ice (aka icebergs if you're not a country girl) long before we arrived at the Glacier. They are just out floating in the water. These are a few of the videos from that experience!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
A Whale of a Tale - Alaska 2009
For this post about Alaska, I am going to focus on the whale watching tour we went on because it was my absolute favorite thing of all!
Last year Brad and I went with my mom and dad on an Alaskan cruise. People who know me - know that I Loooooooooooove to cruise. Alaska was awesome...although I still love Hawaii best.
I've decided that even though it is a year late, I'll post about the Alaskan cruise. I'll definitely post about Hawaii later, too. Here are some videos from Alaska. Sorry for the jumpiness (ok, so it is severe at times and may make you sick), but it was a new camera and my arm was getting tired and I was excited at the sites and ok...so I'm bad at it.
There are some videos of the whales that we saw and the glacier. The whale watching experience was one that I'll never forget. It was a serene and humbling experience. I absolutely LOVE the whales. I wish I could have captured them coming up out of the water, but I couldn't. We got a rare experience with them.
At breakfast, my mom was telling us about how the other day she saw this thing on discovery channel about how these whales do this thing called bubble net feeding (at this point I'm not real interested because it is early in the morning and I'm thinking "ok, mom. we're not going to see that). She continues to explain all about it and I only half listened. Well...later that day we go on our excursion and they tell us what to watch for, so we can help them find the whales. As I am heading back up to go outside, I think I see a spray (which means there is a whale), but I'm afraid to say anything because I don't really want to be embarrassed if it's not. But wait -- I thought saw another and another. Well now I wasn't going to say anything because I'm sure they'll see it and I needed to get up on deck to get a good spot.
Sure enough they announce on the boat that there seems to be a large group of about 4 whales. Wait scratch that -- there were actually 8 of them. WOW!!! They were so shocked (because that rarely happens) that they shut the galley down on the boat and even the people who worked on the boat came to watch too. They said they only see that about once a year and never that early.
Come to find out -- they were bubble net feeding. Grreeeaaaaattttt. Who wasn't listening at breakfast? That would be me! Don't worry - the nice man on the boat explained it all to us.
This is when they feed in large groups. One whale is in charge and talks to the other whales. They go under water and circle around the fish blowing bubbles. The fish (bless their hearts) thinks that the bubbles are a net and think they can't get out, so they stay there. At once, the whales go under them and jump up out of the water with their mouths open catching the fish. It is AMAZING and so powerful to watch them. Imagine 8 whales (the size of a school bus) jumping out of the water at once with their mouths open. Oh - My - Gosh!!!!!!! And you can see the fish going in their mouth. It is incredible. So, why did I not get it on video? Because you never know where they are going to pop out of the water. Once they go under, they can travel different distances in different directions and you can't see them until they jump. But here's a picture of it for you...
This picture shows a few of their heads. This is just after they have come up. Imagine them coming half way out of the water. They are incredibly huge, so it is just amazing.
This picture shows more of how it looks. However, this is still more of what they look like once they have come up out of the water and are on their way back down. I so wish I could have captured them right as they came out of the water.
What I do have in video is them talking to each other. I was literally "ooing" and "aaaing" over this. It was incredible to listen to. I think I actually had tears in my eyes at one point. Sappy - I know.
Couple of things that I learned that I thought I was pass along:
1. When you see the whales tails come all the way out of the water, that means they are going on a deep dive. You won't see them for a while.
2. Their tails are what they are identified by. There is a registry that you can go to and add pictures of different whale tails and that is how they track them. Haven't checked into this but should.
3. Their talking and communicating sounds like a cross between a horn and a cow mooing. It is incredible.
Enjoy the videos.
Later, I'll post about the Glaciers & other beautiful things in Alaska!
Last year Brad and I went with my mom and dad on an Alaskan cruise. People who know me - know that I Loooooooooooove to cruise. Alaska was awesome...although I still love Hawaii best.
I've decided that even though it is a year late, I'll post about the Alaskan cruise. I'll definitely post about Hawaii later, too. Here are some videos from Alaska. Sorry for the jumpiness (ok, so it is severe at times and may make you sick), but it was a new camera and my arm was getting tired and I was excited at the sites and ok...so I'm bad at it.
There are some videos of the whales that we saw and the glacier. The whale watching experience was one that I'll never forget. It was a serene and humbling experience. I absolutely LOVE the whales. I wish I could have captured them coming up out of the water, but I couldn't. We got a rare experience with them.
At breakfast, my mom was telling us about how the other day she saw this thing on discovery channel about how these whales do this thing called bubble net feeding (at this point I'm not real interested because it is early in the morning and I'm thinking "ok, mom. we're not going to see that). She continues to explain all about it and I only half listened. Well...later that day we go on our excursion and they tell us what to watch for, so we can help them find the whales. As I am heading back up to go outside, I think I see a spray (which means there is a whale), but I'm afraid to say anything because I don't really want to be embarrassed if it's not. But wait -- I thought saw another and another. Well now I wasn't going to say anything because I'm sure they'll see it and I needed to get up on deck to get a good spot.
Sure enough they announce on the boat that there seems to be a large group of about 4 whales. Wait scratch that -- there were actually 8 of them. WOW!!! They were so shocked (because that rarely happens) that they shut the galley down on the boat and even the people who worked on the boat came to watch too. They said they only see that about once a year and never that early.
Come to find out -- they were bubble net feeding. Grreeeaaaaattttt. Who wasn't listening at breakfast? That would be me! Don't worry - the nice man on the boat explained it all to us.
This is when they feed in large groups. One whale is in charge and talks to the other whales. They go under water and circle around the fish blowing bubbles. The fish (bless their hearts) thinks that the bubbles are a net and think they can't get out, so they stay there. At once, the whales go under them and jump up out of the water with their mouths open catching the fish. It is AMAZING and so powerful to watch them. Imagine 8 whales (the size of a school bus) jumping out of the water at once with their mouths open. Oh - My - Gosh!!!!!!! And you can see the fish going in their mouth. It is incredible. So, why did I not get it on video? Because you never know where they are going to pop out of the water. Once they go under, they can travel different distances in different directions and you can't see them until they jump. But here's a picture of it for you...
This picture shows a few of their heads. This is just after they have come up. Imagine them coming half way out of the water. They are incredibly huge, so it is just amazing.
This picture shows more of how it looks. However, this is still more of what they look like once they have come up out of the water and are on their way back down. I so wish I could have captured them right as they came out of the water.
What I do have in video is them talking to each other. I was literally "ooing" and "aaaing" over this. It was incredible to listen to. I think I actually had tears in my eyes at one point. Sappy - I know.
Couple of things that I learned that I thought I was pass along:
1. When you see the whales tails come all the way out of the water, that means they are going on a deep dive. You won't see them for a while.
2. Their tails are what they are identified by. There is a registry that you can go to and add pictures of different whale tails and that is how they track them. Haven't checked into this but should.
3. Their talking and communicating sounds like a cross between a horn and a cow mooing. It is incredible.
Enjoy the videos.
Later, I'll post about the Glaciers & other beautiful things in Alaska!
Vacation 2010
This year our vacation was a little different, but it turned out to be great!!!! After a cruise to Hawaii two years ago for our honeymoon and a cruise to Alaska last year with my parents, we've become a little spoiled. As much as we loved both of those trips, big trips are exhausting - luggage, flights, running across airports to catch the next flight, packing in as many excursions as you can to see all that you can because you may never get back there, etc... (P.S. That last statement could possibly only apply to Alaska because I WILL go back to Hawaii and probably - and I'm being as serious as it gets - stay there to live) This year, due to some other things we have going on, we had to stay close to home in case we had to drive back home a few times (which we did).
My parents have some friends that have a lake house on Lake Toxaway in North Carolina. It is between Cashiers and Brevard. We decided to stay there this summer for vacation since it isn't that far away and it would be more low key that we've been doing for vacation.
It was PERFECT. The weather was PERFECT. The location was PERFECT. The activities were PERFECT. The water was PERFECT.
The temperature was warm enough that you could get outside and enjoy stuff, but not so hot that you were miserable (like it would have been at the beach). The water was chilly but usually not unbearable as long as the sun was out. It was so relaxing to get out in the water and just float around. It was quiet and serene. There were a few occasional boats, but not many because it is a private lake and the only people that can put a boat in are the landowners. The water was so clean. One of the pictures shows the bottom of the lake. You could go out a long way and still see the bottom. You didn't even feel like you had to take a shower when you got out. LOVED IT.
One night my mom and I actually went back out after supper and took a cup of coffee, got in the floats, and stayed for a long time. Awesome.
Before we left home to go on vacation, I told Brad that I missed going to the beach and I really wanted to go to the beach next year. WRONG. I was taking that back the first day of this vacation. Who needs the crowded, hot, miserable beach that requires an army of planning and lugging stuff to get down to the beach???? Not me. I realized that there is a part of me that has to convince myself that I'm enjoying myself while at the beach. Don't get me wrong. I thought I loved it, but now I realize that there is a place that I can go to have my cake and eat it to. Water, relaxation, and COOL weather. PERFECT.
This spot provided exactly what Brad and I need right now. RELAXATION. I really do need to relieve stress; I know that it would help all that I'm going through. BUT...that is easier said than done. This place was perfect for this. Have I mentioned that it was perfect?
We also found a new, awesome State Park called Gorges State Park. They have some trails in the park and the roads are finished, but that is all they have right now. Brad and I have started walking every morning and needed a place to walk. This was PERFECT (yes, again). There was a 3 mile loop that we could walk on the roads. It was great. We also hiked some of the trails to a few water falls.
It was one of the best vacations!
My parents have some friends that have a lake house on Lake Toxaway in North Carolina. It is between Cashiers and Brevard. We decided to stay there this summer for vacation since it isn't that far away and it would be more low key that we've been doing for vacation.
It was PERFECT. The weather was PERFECT. The location was PERFECT. The activities were PERFECT. The water was PERFECT.
The temperature was warm enough that you could get outside and enjoy stuff, but not so hot that you were miserable (like it would have been at the beach). The water was chilly but usually not unbearable as long as the sun was out. It was so relaxing to get out in the water and just float around. It was quiet and serene. There were a few occasional boats, but not many because it is a private lake and the only people that can put a boat in are the landowners. The water was so clean. One of the pictures shows the bottom of the lake. You could go out a long way and still see the bottom. You didn't even feel like you had to take a shower when you got out. LOVED IT.
One night my mom and I actually went back out after supper and took a cup of coffee, got in the floats, and stayed for a long time. Awesome.
Before we left home to go on vacation, I told Brad that I missed going to the beach and I really wanted to go to the beach next year. WRONG. I was taking that back the first day of this vacation. Who needs the crowded, hot, miserable beach that requires an army of planning and lugging stuff to get down to the beach???? Not me. I realized that there is a part of me that has to convince myself that I'm enjoying myself while at the beach. Don't get me wrong. I thought I loved it, but now I realize that there is a place that I can go to have my cake and eat it to. Water, relaxation, and COOL weather. PERFECT.
This spot provided exactly what Brad and I need right now. RELAXATION. I really do need to relieve stress; I know that it would help all that I'm going through. BUT...that is easier said than done. This place was perfect for this. Have I mentioned that it was perfect?
We also found a new, awesome State Park called Gorges State Park. They have some trails in the park and the roads are finished, but that is all they have right now. Brad and I have started walking every morning and needed a place to walk. This was PERFECT (yes, again). There was a 3 mile loop that we could walk on the roads. It was great. We also hiked some of the trails to a few water falls.
It was one of the best vacations!
Spring Turns to Summer
Summer is officially here. In our area - that means that hot, humid weather with little rain is here too. We had a great, rainy spring though that I am very thankful for. In an attempt to not get started on a soapbox, I will just quickly say that it irks me when people complain about the rain. Seriously??? Have you been in a hole the last few years when we were so low on water that you could walk across the lakes? and people were wondering where we were going to get water from? You won' t hear me complain about rain. ANYWAY-- enough of that.
Because of the great rains that we had this spring, my flowers have done a lot better this year. My Nana gave me some day lilies of hers a few years ago. The stellas are planted on a terrible bank that we have that is mostly rock. I started with those and the green part has done great, but the blooms rarely bloom. (So I guess that means they aren't blooms...oh well). A few years ago she gave me some other day lillies that I planted in another place in the yard, and they are beautiful this year after all the rain.
I am becoming more of my Nana everyday. I am in love with flowers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, May 28, 2010
CVS Bargains this week
I usually do SUPER, DUPER at CVS. I did this week too, but I didn't get a ton of stuff (but we didn't need a ton either).
Total of 2 Transactions: $11.43 (including tax)
Transaction #1 - Total: $9.83
I bought...
2 Gillette Men's Body Wash ($4.00 each = $8.00) -BOGO Free Coupon = 2 for $4.00 + I earned $8.00 extra care bucks.
1 Wisk HE ($5.99; regular $8.49) -$1.00 coupon = $4.99 + I earned a $1.00 extra care buck
Transaction #1 - Total: $1.60
2 CVS Brand Sunscreens: 2 for $10.00
I used my $8.00 + $1.00 ecb from Trans.#1; My total: $1.60 for 2 Sunscreens. Unbelievable...
Total of 2 Transactions: $11.43 (including tax)
Transaction #1 - Total: $9.83
I bought...
2 Gillette Men's Body Wash ($4.00 each = $8.00) -BOGO Free Coupon = 2 for $4.00 + I earned $8.00 extra care bucks.
1 Wisk HE ($5.99; regular $8.49) -$1.00 coupon = $4.99 + I earned a $1.00 extra care buck
Transaction #1 - Total: $1.60
2 CVS Brand Sunscreens: 2 for $10.00
I used my $8.00 + $1.00 ecb from Trans.#1; My total: $1.60 for 2 Sunscreens. Unbelievable...
Rite-Aid Bargains & Razors
Before I start...Let me say -- read to the end to see an awesome deal on Venus razor blades!This week my best bargains came from Rite-Aid. If you do not use or know about Rite-Aid's Single Check Rebate program, you must get in on this. Each week/month, they will offer Single Check Rebates for certain products. This means that you purchase the product (at full price) and then submit your receipt number online. Then, at the end of the month, they will send you a check for the total amount of money that you earned through the Single Check rebates. For instance, in the month of April, I bought several products that had SCRs. Each time, I entered the receipt on my account and just the other day, I received a check for $8.99. The checks can be used at Rite-Aid or you can cash them.
Here's how it went at Rite-Aid.
Total Amount Paid Out of My Pocket: $12.45
I bought...
1 - Cascade ($2.99 this week): -$0.50 coupon; -$2.99 SCR = Total: $0.50 money maker
2 - Febreze Air Effects (2.99 this week): -.50 coupon = Total $2.49
3 - (2 packs) Gillette Venus Vibrance Razors** ($5.49): -2.00 coupon = Total $3.49
4- NYC Nail Polish ($1.99 each; BOGO1/2 off this week): -BOGO Free Coupon (-$1.99) = Total $0.99 for two
5- Dial Soap-3pk ($2.79 each; BOGO Free): =Total: $2.79 for two 3pks
6- 2 bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil ($10.99 each; BOGO Free): -$1.00 coupon (x2) = 2 for $8.99
I also used a $5 off $25 dollar purchase coupon.
My total was $21.45 including tax. I used my $8.99 SCR from April. I only paid $12.46 out of pocket. WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!
Now, the best part is this. Those razors (#3 above) were a HUGE bargain. This was NOT listed in the circular, and I think it may only be at the Westminster Rite-Aid (but I could be wrong). These were on a shelf that had stuff 50% and 75% off. They are normally $10.99 a pack!!!!!!!!!!! They were 50% off which made them $5.49. Then, I happened to have a couple of $2.00 off ANY venus razor cartridges which would make them $3.49 a pack. I was so excited, BUT they aren't the exact kind that I have right now ( I have a Venus Embrace or something). I took the time to read on the back package, and it said it would fit ANY venus razor. WooooHooo...Razors are EXPENSIVE, but NOT these. It may be worth checking out your local Rite-Aid just to see if these are on sale if you use Venus!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Do you have any coupons for soap???
Today was a first! I had doctor's appointments today and Brad went with me. In between the appointments, we went to eat breakfast and then I needed to make a quick trip into Walgreen's to get some things that we needed for the house. Brad has done really well trying to adjust to this couponing thing. He is supportive, but sometimes I have to explain to him about stocking up on things that we do not necessarily need "right now", but we'll need in the future and I need to get them for FREE now. The other day he said, "Do you have a coupon for soap?? We're actually almost out of that." And he has continued to remind me DAILY that we need soap and to look for a coupon. While I didn't have a great coupon, I did find a good deal on soap. I've learned that if I use my Register Rewards (Walgreens) or Extra Care Bucks (CVS) I can still get great deals on things even without a coupon.
I usually do my couponing either by myself or with other people who are there for the same reason because (as fun as it can be) it can be a little mind-boggling sometimes. But today I had Brad with me! I have to say that he actually did really good. He just quietly watched me work the magic.
I usually don't do so great at Walgreens, but I think I did today. Here's how it went.
Transaction #1:
Gillette Body Wash (regular price $5.49) - 2 @ 4.49 each = $8.98
Buy one, get one free coupon - 4.49
Total for 2 Body Washes = 5.12 (including tax)
I also earned 4.49 in register rewards (so you could look at it as if I got it for FREE).
Transaction #2:
Dial 3 pk of soap $2.79
Dial 3 pk of soap $2.79
Hefty One Zip bags $3.29
Hefty One Zip bags $3.29
Windex Wipes $2.50
B1, G1 Free Dial -$2.79
B1, G1 Free Hefty -3.29
Coupon for Dial -0.35
Coupon for Hefty -1.00 on two
Coupon for Windex -1.00 on one
Register Rewards - 4.50 (from Transaction #1)
Total on Transaction #2: $2.33 (including tax)
Total for today at Walgreens: $7.82(including tax) for $25.30 (including tax) of products!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I usually do my couponing either by myself or with other people who are there for the same reason because (as fun as it can be) it can be a little mind-boggling sometimes. But today I had Brad with me! I have to say that he actually did really good. He just quietly watched me work the magic.
I usually don't do so great at Walgreens, but I think I did today. Here's how it went.
Transaction #1:
Gillette Body Wash (regular price $5.49) - 2 @ 4.49 each = $8.98
Buy one, get one free coupon - 4.49
Total for 2 Body Washes = 5.12 (including tax)
I also earned 4.49 in register rewards (so you could look at it as if I got it for FREE).
Transaction #2:
Dial 3 pk of soap $2.79
Dial 3 pk of soap $2.79
Hefty One Zip bags $3.29
Hefty One Zip bags $3.29
Windex Wipes $2.50
B1, G1 Free Dial -$2.79
B1, G1 Free Hefty -3.29
Coupon for Dial -0.35
Coupon for Hefty -1.00 on two
Coupon for Windex -1.00 on one
Register Rewards - 4.50 (from Transaction #1)
Total on Transaction #2: $2.33 (including tax)
Total for today at Walgreens: $7.82(including tax) for $25.30 (including tax) of products!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Blessed Assurance
Today was a day of mixed emotions. My great Great Uncle Luke's funeral was today. He had battled cancer for a while now. On Monday, he went to be with the Lord. He wanted this to be a time filled with joy because he was excited about being with Jesus. I'm also sure that Uncle Luke is loving being with his mom again!! Sarah sang "Blessed Assurance" today at his funeral and it was such an appropriate song!
Even though he wanted it to be a happy time (and it primarily was), it is natural for there to be tears. My Great Uncle Larry preached his funeral. I can't imagine preaching my own brother's funeral, but he did a great job. I really enjoyed hearing about the stories that he told about my sweet uncle. It made me realize once again how much we take for granted -- that the people with love and care about will always be here with us. It became real to me once again today that that isn't the case, but we can always treasure the memories. I have always been a "memories" person. I love to hear stories, have pictures to document things, etc... Today brought back that appreciation. I have often wanted to write a book (not anything formal) about stories from our family. To start, I was thinking immediate family (cousins, etc...), but as a I sat listening today, I thought that it would be such a loss not to have all those stories recorded somewhere. I should start this project, but it seems like a daunting task right now. There are hundreds of stories just from my Nana's children and grandchildren. Then, to think about her 7 siblings and all their stories -- whew... but I do believe it would be something to treasure. Maybe I can get a family project going???
Anyway -- as I sat at his funeral today, these are the things I remembered and thought about my Uncle Luke...
* Being the flower girl in his wedding (also learned that his wife waited 21 years to marry him while he took care of his mom...what a woman!) and receiving a pink precious moments Bible from them. I love that Bible.
* Him being so proud of me graduating from college. I can remember the hugs and special congratulations he kept giving me.
* His love for plants. I think I have inherited some og this from that side of the family. I have a very special hosta in my hosta garden now that belonged to him. I will always treasure it. P.S. Uncle Luke would LOVE that it has a big Clemson Tiger paw beside it. I'll get a picture ASAP. I am sure that he will be spend a lot of his time in the gardens in heaven (and fishing, of course).
* Being a Clemson fan!!! He loved the Tigers. Even a few days before his death, my cousin Sarah wore an Alabama shirt when she went to see him. He kept making comments about the shirt, so she ended up having to go to the bathroom and turn the shirt inside out. He LOVED the Tigers. He was smiling today when Sarah (who truly is a Clemson fan but just bought the shirt on a trip to Alabama) sang at his funeral with her Clemson earrings in!
Overall, today was a huge blessing to me. I am so thankful for the wonderful family that I have.
Even though he wanted it to be a happy time (and it primarily was), it is natural for there to be tears. My Great Uncle Larry preached his funeral. I can't imagine preaching my own brother's funeral, but he did a great job. I really enjoyed hearing about the stories that he told about my sweet uncle. It made me realize once again how much we take for granted -- that the people with love and care about will always be here with us. It became real to me once again today that that isn't the case, but we can always treasure the memories. I have always been a "memories" person. I love to hear stories, have pictures to document things, etc... Today brought back that appreciation. I have often wanted to write a book (not anything formal) about stories from our family. To start, I was thinking immediate family (cousins, etc...), but as a I sat listening today, I thought that it would be such a loss not to have all those stories recorded somewhere. I should start this project, but it seems like a daunting task right now. There are hundreds of stories just from my Nana's children and grandchildren. Then, to think about her 7 siblings and all their stories -- whew... but I do believe it would be something to treasure. Maybe I can get a family project going???
Anyway -- as I sat at his funeral today, these are the things I remembered and thought about my Uncle Luke...
* Being the flower girl in his wedding (also learned that his wife waited 21 years to marry him while he took care of his mom...what a woman!) and receiving a pink precious moments Bible from them. I love that Bible.
* Him being so proud of me graduating from college. I can remember the hugs and special congratulations he kept giving me.
* His love for plants. I think I have inherited some og this from that side of the family. I have a very special hosta in my hosta garden now that belonged to him. I will always treasure it. P.S. Uncle Luke would LOVE that it has a big Clemson Tiger paw beside it. I'll get a picture ASAP. I am sure that he will be spend a lot of his time in the gardens in heaven (and fishing, of course).
* Being a Clemson fan!!! He loved the Tigers. Even a few days before his death, my cousin Sarah wore an Alabama shirt when she went to see him. He kept making comments about the shirt, so she ended up having to go to the bathroom and turn the shirt inside out. He LOVED the Tigers. He was smiling today when Sarah (who truly is a Clemson fan but just bought the shirt on a trip to Alabama) sang at his funeral with her Clemson earrings in!
Overall, today was a huge blessing to me. I am so thankful for the wonderful family that I have.
Monday, May 10, 2010
What I Don't Pay (Much) For...
I just got finished organizing my coupons for this week. Now, this process took a lot longer than usual because my Nana brought me a HUGE stack of coupon inserts that we had gotten through my subscription that goes to their house AND from other people. It took me over an hour last night to cut them all out and stack them into categories. Then, I got tired and went to bed -- leaving them all over the couch and in the floor.
Today, when I got home, I decided to put them in my notebook and get ready for "couponing" this week. As I was organizing, I started to think about the stuff that I pay very little or nothing for. Here's my list of what I don't pay (much) for:
1. Deodorant -- if you watch for sales and combine your coupons, you can get it for nearly free!
2. Toothpaste -- I usually won't pay more than .50 for toothpaste!
3. Body Wash -- I rarely pay more than $1.00 for it.
So far I have found that those are the biggest areas that I save. If I have to pay money for the items, it is very little. Most of the time when you include extra care bucks (CVS) or Register Rewards (Walgreens) - I don't spend much at all!!! The trick is waiting on a really good discounted price and then combine with coupons and rewards from the store!!
Today, when I got home, I decided to put them in my notebook and get ready for "couponing" this week. As I was organizing, I started to think about the stuff that I pay very little or nothing for. Here's my list of what I don't pay (much) for:
1. Deodorant -- if you watch for sales and combine your coupons, you can get it for nearly free!
2. Toothpaste -- I usually won't pay more than .50 for toothpaste!
3. Body Wash -- I rarely pay more than $1.00 for it.
So far I have found that those are the biggest areas that I save. If I have to pay money for the items, it is very little. Most of the time when you include extra care bucks (CVS) or Register Rewards (Walgreens) - I don't spend much at all!!! The trick is waiting on a really good discounted price and then combine with coupons and rewards from the store!!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Bargains!!!
I have started the coupon thing. I think it is a lot of fun. While it does take some time and organization, the rewards really pay off. I have learned a lot about this in past month or two, but I've still got a lot to learn I think.
My strategy is pretty simple right now. My first rule is that I only use a coupon on an item that is on sale or that we really need. My second rule is that I try to only buy things that we need or will need in the near future. I have to be open to "stock piling" things for the future. For instance, we have enough toothpaste, deodorant, and dish detergent to last a year probably; however, I can't pass up free, .25 cents, and .50 stuff on things that can cost $3-$5.
Last night, I got organized for this week's bargain spree. I went today and did OK. I've had better bargains, but I feel good about what I got.
My best deals were at CVS. On my first transaction I bought two Colgate Total Advance toothpastes. They were 2.99 each. I used two .75 coupons for a savings of $1.50 on two, and I used $2.00 of extra care bucks that I had left over. I paid 2.90 (including tax) for both things of toothpaste (that .09 less than the cost of 1). I earned 4 extra care bucks for these.
In the second transaction, I purchased:
1 Febreeze Air Freshener (2.50)
2 Special K Cereals (2 for $5)
2 Dawn Dish detergent (.97 cents each)
I used a .25 off coupon for one of the dawn dish detergents amd they doubled it (nice surprise), a $1.00 coupon off the two cereals, and a $1.00 coupon for the febreeze, and a $1.00 coupon for the Dawn Dish detergent (yes, you read that right -- it only cost .97 and I had a $1.00 off coupon). I had my $4 extra care bucks that I used also. For all 5 of those items, I paid $2.38. WooHoo!!!
So....at CVS today, I got all 7 things for $5.28. Less than $1.00 each.
My strategy is pretty simple right now. My first rule is that I only use a coupon on an item that is on sale or that we really need. My second rule is that I try to only buy things that we need or will need in the near future. I have to be open to "stock piling" things for the future. For instance, we have enough toothpaste, deodorant, and dish detergent to last a year probably; however, I can't pass up free, .25 cents, and .50 stuff on things that can cost $3-$5.
Last night, I got organized for this week's bargain spree. I went today and did OK. I've had better bargains, but I feel good about what I got.
My best deals were at CVS. On my first transaction I bought two Colgate Total Advance toothpastes. They were 2.99 each. I used two .75 coupons for a savings of $1.50 on two, and I used $2.00 of extra care bucks that I had left over. I paid 2.90 (including tax) for both things of toothpaste (that .09 less than the cost of 1). I earned 4 extra care bucks for these.
In the second transaction, I purchased:
1 Febreeze Air Freshener (2.50)
2 Special K Cereals (2 for $5)
2 Dawn Dish detergent (.97 cents each)
I used a .25 off coupon for one of the dawn dish detergents amd they doubled it (nice surprise), a $1.00 coupon off the two cereals, and a $1.00 coupon for the febreeze, and a $1.00 coupon for the Dawn Dish detergent (yes, you read that right -- it only cost .97 and I had a $1.00 off coupon). I had my $4 extra care bucks that I used also. For all 5 of those items, I paid $2.38. WooHoo!!!
So....at CVS today, I got all 7 things for $5.28. Less than $1.00 each.
Monday, May 3, 2010
One of my favs....
Just a quick post about one of my favorite things that makes my life a lot easier.
A few months ago I started looking at several different blogs. I found blogs about books, quilts, friends, family, couponing, etc... As I looked at more and more blogs, I found that it was hard to remember all the blogs that I wanted to check. Then, I started using Google Reader. I love it. I have it as one of the things on my Igoogle page. As soon as I log-in, I can see what blogs have been updated. It's great!!!!!!!!!!! If you like to look at blogs, this is a must-have gadget!!!
A few months ago I started looking at several different blogs. I found blogs about books, quilts, friends, family, couponing, etc... As I looked at more and more blogs, I found that it was hard to remember all the blogs that I wanted to check. Then, I started using Google Reader. I love it. I have it as one of the things on my Igoogle page. As soon as I log-in, I can see what blogs have been updated. It's great!!!!!!!!!!! If you like to look at blogs, this is a must-have gadget!!!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A Garden of Love
Over a year ago, I read an interesting article in the Southern Living at Home magazine. It was about starting a flower bed in an area where the soil wasn't great without digging in the dirt. Basically you layered the ground with newspaper/cardboard, good soil, and some fertilizer. You had to let that settle for about 3 months and then you could plant. Well I did it. When it was time to plant last fall, it rained every weekend that I had free, so I never got the hosta garden planted. This spring my dad brought me a truck load of dirt and during spring break I finally got it planted. The pictures below show some of the progress. I wish I would have taken pics of the ground before I actually made it a bed. It was just a rocky, bare spot.
My Nana gave me some of her hostas. All of these in this picture came from her garden. There is something really special about that to me. When she gave them to me, she told me that would grow really quickly because they loved to be moved and split. I had no idea how quickly. They were NOT this big when I planted them. Most of them were just barely poking there heads out of the ground; some were still completely underground. This picture was one week after I planted them.
This picture is two weeks after they were planted. I was amazed at how quickly they were opening up.
And now, this picture was taken today. It has been 5 weeks and this is what they look like now. I absolutely love them. They make me happy; it's the small things in life I guess.
This picture is of a special hosta. My Nana's brother, Luke, sent it to me when she went to his house one day. Uncle Luke is battling cancer right now; it means a lot to have one of his hostas because he loves plants as much as Nana and I do.
A finally, this is my newest hosta. Nana found one that we didn't have, so of course she just had to have one; being spoiled, as we grandchildren are, she got me one too. This one is called praying hands.
Another addition to my "garden" is this gardenia that my cousin, Sarah, gave me yesterday. It smells soooo good. I hope I can keep it alive.
My Nana gave me some of her hostas. All of these in this picture came from her garden. There is something really special about that to me. When she gave them to me, she told me that would grow really quickly because they loved to be moved and split. I had no idea how quickly. They were NOT this big when I planted them. Most of them were just barely poking there heads out of the ground; some were still completely underground. This picture was one week after I planted them.
This picture is two weeks after they were planted. I was amazed at how quickly they were opening up.
And now, this picture was taken today. It has been 5 weeks and this is what they look like now. I absolutely love them. They make me happy; it's the small things in life I guess.
This picture is of a special hosta. My Nana's brother, Luke, sent it to me when she went to his house one day. Uncle Luke is battling cancer right now; it means a lot to have one of his hostas because he loves plants as much as Nana and I do.
A finally, this is my newest hosta. Nana found one that we didn't have, so of course she just had to have one; being spoiled, as we grandchildren are, she got me one too. This one is called praying hands.
Another addition to my "garden" is this gardenia that my cousin, Sarah, gave me yesterday. It smells soooo good. I hope I can keep it alive.
The beginning...
Well, it's official. I have started a blog. I hope that this is something that I will be able to keep up with, but we'll see. I'm afraid I may be a little too particular for this type of thing because I tend to want everything to be "just right", and I'm not sure I'll ever completely get the blog they way I want it.
The first obstacle that I faced in starting this little project was the name. A name's important, ya know? For two days I have thought about the name. I wanted the name to incorporate most all of what this blog is going to capture: stories, family, my quilting projects, gardening, "couponing", adventures, etc...
So Blooming Life Stories: A Blooming Life Quilted in Love, Hope, and Memories evolved. Despite tough days or problems I may face, my life is blooming. I have a husband that is awesome, a career that I enjoy, a family that is the best, and so many blessings that I can't even begin to list them all. Getting a plant to bloom takes love, attention, and hard work and my life is just like that. There are weeds to prune and droughts to endure, but in the end -- my life is blooming.
The blooming part of the title is also symbolic for my interest in gardening. It's a part of my heritage I think. My Nana can grow anything and always has beautiful flowers. I always took those for granted because she lived with us and somehow the yard was always magically filled with flowers. I appreciate those things much more now, and I have taken interest in soaking up all the knowledge I can from her. There will be many gardening stories I'm sure. I'll probably label them "I don't know, call Nana" because that's what my husband always says when I ask questions about flowers, cooking, etc...
My life has truly been quilted in love, hope, and fond memories which I am very thankful for. I hope to share these stories and document future memories in this blog as journal that I can keep. Too many times, we neglect writing down memories and wish later that we had.
I have also started quilting. I'll share the story of how this came up one day, but right now I'll just say that this has been adventure for sure. It's one of those things that you like the idea of doing but have no idea what you're doing, so once again, I'm learning and guess who I call?? Yep, Nana. (By the way, her name is not the usual pronunciation of Nana... It doesn't rhyme with banana; the "Na" part sounds more like the slang version of "No" as in "Na, I'm not going to go".)
Finally, this blog will not be about any one particular thing, but instead I plan to document many aspects of my life.
The first obstacle that I faced in starting this little project was the name. A name's important, ya know? For two days I have thought about the name. I wanted the name to incorporate most all of what this blog is going to capture: stories, family, my quilting projects, gardening, "couponing", adventures, etc...
So Blooming Life Stories: A Blooming Life Quilted in Love, Hope, and Memories evolved. Despite tough days or problems I may face, my life is blooming. I have a husband that is awesome, a career that I enjoy, a family that is the best, and so many blessings that I can't even begin to list them all. Getting a plant to bloom takes love, attention, and hard work and my life is just like that. There are weeds to prune and droughts to endure, but in the end -- my life is blooming.
The blooming part of the title is also symbolic for my interest in gardening. It's a part of my heritage I think. My Nana can grow anything and always has beautiful flowers. I always took those for granted because she lived with us and somehow the yard was always magically filled with flowers. I appreciate those things much more now, and I have taken interest in soaking up all the knowledge I can from her. There will be many gardening stories I'm sure. I'll probably label them "I don't know, call Nana" because that's what my husband always says when I ask questions about flowers, cooking, etc...
My life has truly been quilted in love, hope, and fond memories which I am very thankful for. I hope to share these stories and document future memories in this blog as journal that I can keep. Too many times, we neglect writing down memories and wish later that we had.
I have also started quilting. I'll share the story of how this came up one day, but right now I'll just say that this has been adventure for sure. It's one of those things that you like the idea of doing but have no idea what you're doing, so once again, I'm learning and guess who I call?? Yep, Nana. (By the way, her name is not the usual pronunciation of Nana... It doesn't rhyme with banana; the "Na" part sounds more like the slang version of "No" as in "Na, I'm not going to go".)
Finally, this blog will not be about any one particular thing, but instead I plan to document many aspects of my life.
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