I'm on a Publix/Couponing HIGH!

I know I haven't spoken of my couponing and sale seeking adventures, but I have been at it full force.  I recently have been visiting a site called Southern Savers.  It's similar to Coupon Mom, but Southern Saver included links to printable coupons that aren't in the weekly paper.  I have only used this site for my Publix shopping trips the past two weeks, but I'm quite impressed with myself.

Last week I spent about $52 and saved a little over $80--$130 dollars worth of groceries for $52!!!  Today, we (Keith, Knox and I) ventured out to Publix together.  I had a Rite Aid coupon for $5 a total purchase of $20, which Southern Savers said that Publix would honor (Publix honors "all" competitors coupons).  Thanks to Southern Savers and my collection of coupons, I had a hefty stack o' coupons in tow.  Plus Publix had fabulous deals for the current week, so I knew that I would have a great saving day.  So, today's grand total spent was $43.10 and, drum roll please, total amount saved was $102.62!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Can you believe it???  $145 worth of groceries for $43!!!  I did have to haggle the manager to accept my Rite Aid coupon.  I had a similar coupon for CVS--$5 of $30 purchase, but he said that it was for a pharmacy purchase, which is not the case.  I had to read the fine print to him.  I didn't push my luck with the CVS one, but I did with the Rite Aid.  He also said that they weren't competitors, but I asked if he accepted Walgreens coupons for things like aluminum foil.  He said yes, if they are local.  Guess he doesn't drive to work or venture out of the store, since there is a Walgreens across the street and a Rite Aid in the Publix parking lot.  Don't know how much more local you can get than that.  Oh well.

I just can't quit looking at my sales receipt!!!  I was so giddy when I came out of the store and couldn't wait to report my savings to Keith and Knox.  (No surprise that Knox got fussy, so he and Daddy headed out to the truck to wait on me.)  I know there are people out there who put me to shame with their grocery savings, but I am just so proud of myself and I know that I will continue to save more the longer I'm in this "grocery game."

Great Play Date

Knox and I were invited to have a play date over at Ada & Laura Beth's house today.  The kids played relatively well together, given their ages, but I think the play date might have been more for the benefit of the mommies.  :)  I guess everyone wins here!

There were no huge arguments between the two sweet little toddlers, but some slobber was exchanged in the sharing of sippy cups--at least no one is sick.  You can see in the pics that Ada loves Knox's green cup, and Knox the same for Ada's blue one.  So funny!  We had a wonderful time playing in general, and Knox only did his screech money impressionation (sp?) about four times, so that was great.  He played so well with Ada's toys, I guess since they are new to him.  They didn't try to take each other's toys but a few times.  The only "fight" they got in was when Knox scared Ada by knocking her down trying to give her hugs.  Sweet boy just doesn't know his own strength, especially when it comes to petite little Miss Ada!  :)

Thanks Ada and Laura Beth, for having us over!  We'll have to do that more often.  Knox was asleep before we hit the main road, and slept for 2 1/2 hours--unheard of in this household!

NEW "CREATIVE" BLOG!

I have decided it was time for a blog solely dedicated to the creative side of my life.  The blogs are categorized for the easiest sorting and viewing--from invites to embroidery and everything in between.  I have many samples that I want to share, and since I've recently started the blog, it will take some time to catch up so check back often!

www.greatdaygraphics.blogspot.com

Check it out and leave some love!  :)

Pics from Chick Up Too Late

Just wanted to share the pictures of the things I made for Sherry last night!  I love, love, love the last photo--my new current obsession of machine applique.  I also took some photos of my little seedlings and my little wild man in his Valentine's shirt his Ma Jack got him.  Notice the facial expression and the wording on the shirt are complete opposites--haha!  Anywho, hope everyone has a fabulous Valentine's Day tomorrow!

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Too late for this chicky

It is WAY past my bedtime, but I'm up making the cutest burp cloths for my sweet friend Sherry.  I'll have to take pictures tomorrow AM to post.  I know I wouldn't be able to sleep if I waited to do them tomorrow, so I'm biding my time doing a quick little post while my machine works away.

Speaking of embroidery machine, I'm getting several orders for burp cloths, bibs, onesies, etc. so I'm quite pumped about this new venture!  Plus I now think I'm addicted to it--especially appliqué which I just learned to do two days ago.  I'm going to have to invest in a few 18 month onesies so Knox can be a part of the action.  I'm also going to work on some designs geared toward the school down the road and let the neighbors kids be my billboards.  If anyone reading wants me to do any school related designs, or anything else for that matter, leave me a comment, give me a shout, however you can get in touch with me! ;)  I just turned the hand appliqué of the cupcake that I made for Kaylie, into a machine appliqué, for cutie Ben Smith.  His birthday isn't until May, but I am so thankful his momma, Amanda is on top of the ball, and gave me plenty of wiggle room with getting it completed--but I think I'll probably have it done by next week.  :)

Other than that, Knox has been entertaining us with claps when we request Pat-A-Cake.  He has also startedfoot stomps in excitement, accompanied with a large grin.  This and finger pointing have both started recently, and funny enough, the first finger pointing and foot stomping episode was for a bite of chocolate cake.  He is my child.  :)  No big plans for Valentines Day, possibly some landscaping work, and some home-grilled steaks.  Just some quality time with my men, and looking forward to Grammy & Grandaddy's visit next weekend.

I can hardly believe we're almost halfway through February--but I'm glad spring is almost here!  I'll have to post pics of my no-fail winter blues pick-me-up--my seedlings!  For the past few years I've started herbs and tomatoes from seed.  It's actually quite exciting to me to plant the seeds and watch them grow.  I run downstairs each day to see how much they grew over night.  This year I got this cute little greenhouse thing, actually it's a giant plastic box for about $7, and several packets of seeds for about $1 a pack.  I should have some parsley, cilantro, chives, mint, tomatoes, bell peppers, and rosemary this spring and summer.  In addition to beating the winter blahs, I'll have some home-grown groceries to help cut the grocery bill.  I plan on planting bean, squash/zucchini, and cucumber seeds to add to the bounty.  I'll have to keep you posted on how those go.

Mandy's Maternity Session

So, I had the best time doing my first photo session!  I was actually quite nervous beforehand, but it was such an amazing experience, and I'm glad I was able to do it with Mandy.  She was a great model, with a beautiful pregnant belly.  I think we were able to make the other feel more at ease and joked constantly.  

We're also both super excited because we've realized that we only live 7 minutes apart!  Take a look at a few of our end results...

I wanted to play on the phrase, "Barefoot & Pregnant," and I thought it turned out super cute!  Had to add this one, Mandy!

I monogrammed the onesie for Nolan--I want to take pictures of him IN it once he's born.

My Little Cotton Ball

Grammy & Grandaddy wanted pictures to accompany the previous post, regarding the "cotton ball."  So, here goes: