Super Double Coupons are here!  

Posted by: Julie in

Click HERE for this weeks ad. Do you see it? There...at the bottom of the ad?
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Super Double Manufacturer Coupons up to and including $2 value
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(I'm now doing a happy dance)
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Of course, there are a few rules:
  • Coupons up to and including $2 will double
  • You may double up to 75 coupons per transaction
  • Up to 4 like coupons will double
  • No internet printable coupons

Happy Thanksgiving  

Posted by: Julie

Myspace Graphics
Myspace Graphics, Thanksgiving Graphics at WishAFriend.com

Hooray!  

Posted by: Julie in


I am finally finished cleaning my carpet!!!!
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With 4 kids I'm sure you can imagine how dirty carpet can get. Of course with the holidays coming up, I'm sure you understand that I want to have spot-free carpet.
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I began the process in SEPTEMBER!!! Why did it take so long? Well, I came down with some kind of "bug" and I felt like I had been run over by a truck for nearly 7-8 weeks.
Throw in Halloween, Christmas shopping (I'm DONE!) and the day to day living, I just couldn't seem to get it finished.
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Bless my dearest husbands heart. The older kids are in school today and Hubby took our littlest one to work with him today (working for yourself can be SOOO nice!!). I've had the house to myself nearly all morning so I decided to finish the last of the carpet cleaning and ....
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IT'S DONE!!!
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Now it's time for lunch and a shower before I pick the kids up from school.

A few deals at Ingles  

Posted by: Julie in



I popped into Ingles this morning to pick up a few sale items.

Progresso Broth is on sale 2 / $4.00. There was a $1.00 coupon in the paper a couple of weeks ago. That makes it $1.00 for a box of Progresso Broth. I bought 4 of these.

Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate is on sale for 4/ $4.00, or $1.00 each. There were $0.30 coupons in the recent paper. Ingles will double this if you spend $10.00 or more. That would make the Hot Chocolate $0.40 each. I was able to get 4 of these.
These are the ONLY peas I will eat. I will cut back somewhere else to be able to buy these or I won't buy any at all. Walmart sells them for $1.44 per can. Ingles has them on sale for $0.98 per can, so I picked up 4 cans of these as well.
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I also found some meat on sale. The had Italian Style Turkey Meatballs marked down from $3.58 to $0.99! I got the only 2 of these I saw.
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They had also marked down some ground beef From $6.55 to $3.00 for 2.06 lbs making it $1.46 per lb. I'm going to use this to make Crock Pot Sloppy Joes on Friday. I'll be out shopping the Black Friday sales and all hubby will have to do is turn on the crock pot when he gets up and supper will be done when I get home :0)
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They had ground turkey marked down to $0.99 for 1 lb packages. I didn't buy these, but I'm wishing now I had ;-) Oh well, you can't get all the deals for yourself. Sometimes you've got to leave something for others.



Why?  

Posted by: Julie

Why does my Christmas Countdown say there is 62 days to Christmas
when there is only 35?

Frugal Christmas Gifts? It's Just Nuts!!!  

Posted by: Julie in

Like so many this Christmas, we are looking to give nice gifts without breaking the bank. We have been blessed with a HUGE crop of pecans this year, so the kids and I have been gathering them up to give as gifts.





Somehow I think I am the one picking up all the pecans while the kids have all the fun ;-)


I think they call this "Pecan Soup" LOL!


This is a small portion of our crop. I picked up this bag of pecans yesterday afternoon. I estimate it to be 30 lbs of pecans! The pecans pictured are from one tree in our back yard. The tree is STILL full of pecans that have yet to fall. We also have 2 more trees in the front yard, but we haven't been able to pick those up yet.



There is NO WAY I could crack these by hand so I took them to the local roadside market and had them cracked for $0.30 per lb. The above picture is 60 lbs of pecans!!!


I've started the shelling process. We plan to fill up cellophane bags with pecan halves and tie them up with ribbon. We are going to pair up one bag of pecans with a bag full of Spritz cookies for a pretty, yummy, frugal gift.

What are your frugal gift ideas? Leave me a comment and link to your blog....I'd love to see what you're doing to save money on gifts this year.



















Local Bloggers, Have You Seen This?  

Posted by: Julie

Click HERE to see all the blogs listed.
This is what JL Watkins had to say on the first post on this site...
"...This site is a way for folks to connect with those bloggers, for bloggers to find a wider audience, and give everyone a fun place to “sound off!” If you’ve got a local blog, just let the staff know and we’ll get your link (and RSS feed) on the list. [soundoff south ~at~ gmail.com]...."
It’s time to Sound off, South!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...  

Posted by: Julie in ,


I know, I know... it's not even Thanksgiving.

Well, I just can't help myself!


When I saw THIS post at Boo Mama's I just knew I had to participate.


Basically, she is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes.

You decorate your house, take pictures, blog about it and link to her blog
(see her blog HERE for all the details).


I can't wait!!! Here is a sneak peek of one of my favorite holiday traditions at my house

Every year I buy one of these hand painted eggs for my hubby and me! I've been buying them since 1992! I have a great little white Christmas tree covered with these beautiful eggs. I'll show the whole tree in my Tour of Homes post on December 15.

I've also added a bit of Christmas music to my blog. I don't usually like music on blogs, I can't listen and read at the same time, but I thought it added to the season. It's just temporary ;0). After Christmas, the music will go, I promise!

I am so excited! I'm really looking forward to seeing all the beautifully decorated homes and sharing Christmas will you all!

Oh, in case you want an egg ornament of your very own, I order them from

Egg Shell Magic

She does beautiful work! Stop by and look around.


Fun Make it Yourself Ornaments  

Posted by: Julie in ,

Just A Girl has a great post about making frugal gifts for Christmas this year. There are SO many neat ideas linked to her post. I'm late, but here's my idea.




My mom LOVES Christmas ornaments! Every year the kids usually give her a new one to add to her tree. Last year I was looking for a frugal idea for a special, homemade ornament and came up with this idea. I didn't think this up, I found the idea on the internet, but I have NO idea where I found it.



I had some old green and red glass balls and some white paint. I painted my kids hands white and had them grip the ornament. This was a bit difficult with Daniel's as he was 6 months old at the time ;-)



After the paint dried, we painted on little eyes, mouths, scarfs and buttons to make snowmen.



I took more white paint and added the date and the name of the child whose hand was on the ornament. After all the paint was good and dry, I sprayed each ornament with clear acrylic to protect the paint.




Of course, I made a set for myself as well ;0)

These are some of my most cherished ornaments and they were practically free!

James 1:1-8  

Posted by: Julie in

James 1:1-8 (King James)

1.)James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2.) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3.) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4.) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5.) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6.) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7.) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8.) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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James 1:1-8 (The Message)

1.) I, James, am a slave of God and the Master Jesus, writing to the twelve tribes scattered to Kingdom Come: Hello! Faith Under Pressure

2 -4.) Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

5 -8.) If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

Who will bail US out?  

Posted by: Julie

A bailout for the auto industry?

More bailout money for AIG?

We own a small business.

Will you bail US out, President-Elect Obama?

Walgreens Wrapping Paper and Tissue  

Posted by: Julie in



This week Walgreens has wrapping paper on sale Buy 1 at $1.99, get 2 Free. That breaks down to $0.67 per roll! Right now they have lots of designs to choose from. I bought 6 of these today.


They also have tissue paper, bows, name tags and mini-stockings Buy 1 at $0.99 get 2 Free. That breaks down to $0.33 each. I got 3 packs if tissue for $0.99!
It's a great time to stock up on wrappings and trimmings for your Christmas gifts this year!
Pretty and inexpensive! I love it!!



























Lord, I'm Amazed By You  

Posted by: Julie in

Bloom Triples Nov 7, 2008  

Posted by: Julie in

Here is what I bought at Bloom today. I did 2 transactions and they are pictured together.

Transaction #1:
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Bananas: $1.34
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2 Eggo Mini Pancakes: $1.99 (sale price. Reg $2.79) - $0.55 Q x 3 = $0.34 each
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4 Lipton Pasta Sides: $1.00 (sale price Reg $1.25) - $0.60 / 2 Q x 3 $0.20 / 2 OR $0.10 each
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2 Birds Eye Green Beans: $1.00 (sale price Reg $1.99) - $0.35 Q x 3 = FREE each
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2 HillShire Farm Turkey: $3.99 - $0.55 Q x 3 = $2.34 each
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2 Kraft American Cheese Slices 12 oz : $2.00 (sale price Reg $2.69) - $0.50 Q x 3 = $0.50 each
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2 Pillsbury Danish : $2.00 (sale price Reg $2.19) - $0.30 Q x 3 = $1.10 each
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2 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: $2.00 (sale price Reg price $2.19) - $0.35 Q x 3 = $0.95 each
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Total OOP: $12.10
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Total Saved: $25.92
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Transaction #2:
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4 Lipton Pasta Sides: $1.00 (sale price Reg $1.25) - $0.60 / 2 Q x 3 = $0.20 / 2 OR $0.10 each
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2 Pillsbury Savorings: $3.99 - $0.75 Q x 3 = $1.74 each
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2 Birds Eye Corn: $1.00 (sale price Reg $1.99) - $0.35 Q x 3 = FREE each
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2 Kraft American Cheese Slices 12 oz: $2.00 (sale price Reg $2.69) - $0.50 Q x 3 = $0.50 each
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2 Pillsbury Cresecent Rolls: $2.00 (sale price Reg $2.19) - $0.35 Q x 3 = $0.95 each
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2 Pillsbury Cinnamon Danish: $2.00 (sale price Rg $2.19) - $0.30 Q x 3 = $1.10 each
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1 Eggo Mini Pancakes $1.99 (sale price Reg $2.79) - $0.55 Q x 3 = $0.34 each
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2 Hillshire Farms Turkey: $3.99 - $0.55 Q x 3 = $2.34 each
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Total OOP: $16.84
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Total Saved: $27.82


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Grand Total OOP: $28.94
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Grand Total Saved: $53.74

Harris Teeter Nov 6, 2008  

Posted by: Julie in

This time there weren't very many "super" deals to be had. I did well with what I bought, but I had hoped to do better. I did 2 transactions and they are pictured together. Here's how it broke down:

Trans #1:
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3 Lysol Wipes: 2/ $4.00 - $0.75 Q x 3 = FREE each (they did not give overage)
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2 Ivory Soap bundle: $1.49 - $0.25 Q x 3 = $0.74 each (these are a gift)
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2 Domino Brown Sugar: $0.99 - $0.25 Q x 3 = $0.22 each
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2 Carnation Evaporated Milk: $1.98 / 2 - $0.50 / 2 Q x 3 = $0.48 / 2 OR $0.24 each
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1 Coffeemate : $1.99 - $0.50 Q x 3 = $0.49 each
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2 Pillsbury Cake Mix: $1.29 - $0.40 Q x 3 = $0.09 each
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2 Eggo Waffles: $279 - $0.55 Q x 3 = $1.14 each (not a super great deal, but okay)
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1 Super Pretzel: $2.65 - $0.50 Q x 3 = $1.15
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Total OOP: $6.23
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Total Saved: $24.72


Trans #2:
`
3 Lysol Wipes : 2/ $4.00 - $0.75 Q x 3 = FREE each (they did not give overage)
`
3 Kikkoman Soy Sauce: $1.87 - $0.55 Q x 3 = $0.22 each
`
2 Domino Brown Sugar: $0.99 - $0.25 Q x 3 = $0.24 each
`
2 Carnation Evaporated Milk: $1.98 / 2 - $0.50 / 2 Q = $0.48 / 2 OR $0.24 each
`
1 Coffee Mate: $1.99 - $0.50 Q x 3 = $0.49 each
`
2 Pillsbury Cake Mix: $1.29 - $0.40 Q x 3 =$0.09 each
`
Total OOP = $2.58
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Total Saved = $23.52
********************************************

Grand Total OOP: $8.81
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Grand Total Saved: $48.24

Our Halloween 2008  

Posted by: Julie in

Bloom Triples Nov 7, 8 & 9  

Posted by: Julie in

Thank you, Keren, for letting us know that
BLOOM is doing triples this weekend!
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Here are the "rules":
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*Coupons up to 99 cents
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*Limit 20 coupons.
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You can check out Bloom's ad HERE
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Visit Saving in Greenville for all kinds of great deals in our area!
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For ad and coupon match-ups click HERE
Remember that there are other good deals to be had even if you don't see something in the ad.
Grab those coupons and a calculator and walk those aisles and scan those prices!!!

Triples at Harris Teeter Nov. 6 - 9  

Posted by: Julie in


Well, it's that time again. Harris Teeter is doing triple coupons. I live right near in NC / SC border so I be-bop my way up to the Hendersonville store to do triples. (Let me tell ya, this time of year the drive is BEAUTIFUL!!!)
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I've gotten some REALLY great deals at triples... you can read about them HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
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Hot Coupon World has a Master List of deals and coupon matchups HERE. The prices aren't always the same. Sometimes I find the Hendersonville store is more or less, but it's nice guide.
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Personally, I don't see lots on the Master List I'm really interesed in, but I've gone through my coupons and made a list of the ones I want to use if the deal is good.
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What are the "rules" for triples?
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*Coupons up to $0.99 will triple
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*You can triple up to 20 coupons per card per day (I use my card for one transaction, my mom's card for another and if the deals are super, my mother-in-laws card for a third)
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*Up to 3 like coupons will triple (if you've got 4 coupons for butter and buy 4 butters 3 will triple and the 4th will be at face value)
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* Harris Teeter policy says that only 1 coupon will triple for each BOGO BUT I asked my store and they said they would triple 2 copuons for a BOGO.
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*Internet printable coupons do not triple
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Happy Triples Everyone!


Isn't God Good?  

Posted by: Julie in





Our church is participating in Operation Shoebox. That is when you pack a shoebox full of items for kids and then it is shipped to children that wouldn't normally have a Christmas. We had wanted to participate but the cost of shipping was holding me back. It's $7 per box and money for us is tight (like it is with most everyone).



Well, I've been feeling convicted about this. How can I provide such a blessed Christmas to my children and my family and think I don't have the money to help out children that have nothing?

How selfish of me!



This morning I decided that I could stretch my groceries for the week and use that money to pay the $21 for the 3 boxes we are doing.



Today, the kids and I were trying to get out the door to go buy the items for the shoe boxes. I had already filled them with items I had bought with my coupons and we needed to get some toys in there to be done. Each child took $5 of their money to buy 5 items at the Dollar Store. I was going to pay the shipping for each box.



Well, we couldn't seem to leave. One thing after another prolonged us being at home. Then there was a knock at the door and a man was standing there. He lives nearby to us and had noticed that we had an old lawn mower pushed into the corner of our yard. It sort of looked like this one...







Anyway, he wanted to buy it. I have no idea what to charge for something like that. We were planning to just haul it off and dump it. I told him to make an offer and he said "How's $25?" I took it! That is enough money to pay for the shipping charges for the shoe boxes and give the $4 that is left back to God!

Could I have gotten more for that old lawn mower? Maybe, maybe not. But, the timing and amount was too perfect to not be God working.

Thank you God for your blessings.

Thank you for allowing us to bless others.


Good Grades = Free Donuts  

Posted by: Julie in

Did your child recently get their report card? Did they make any "A's"? Then they can get FREE DONUTS from Krispy Kreme donuts.

For every "A" on their report card, they can get up to 6 original glazed donuts. All you have to do is bring in their report card! How simple is that?

I have 3 school age children. My 5 year old does not get a report card yet, but my older 2 received all "A's" so we're going to be heading over to Krispy Kreme for free donuts this week!

We did this with our last report card last year and we had a ball! We got 1 dozen free donuts, bought 2 milks to share (they are BIG) and enjoyed a fun, frugal snack! The kids were SO excited! I can't wait to do it this time.

 

Posted by: Julie

In a local restaurant my server had on a 'Obama 08' tie. I was pleased, as he had given away his political preference-- just imagine the coincidence to come.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama 'redistribution of wealth' concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I had decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment, I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even, though the actual recipient needed the money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Janet Niemi Chubb, DHSc, RN

Amazing Grace  

Posted by: Julie in

This is just one of the songs I'm lovin' right now.
Beth More says that our souls speak and undertand in by singing
and boy do I belive that one!