Walmart Doubles 4/16

I know this is probably too late to help anyone out, but here it goes.

Barilla Ready Meals
$2
$1/1 and doubler
= 6 free meals!

Always Liners
$3.27
Bought $1/1 from ebay and doublers
=4 boxes $1.27 each

Kraft Fresh Takes
$1.98
Used $1/1 from coupons.com and doublers
= FREE

Dole Pineapple
$.68
Used $.75/2 and doublers
=FREE

Still Around... But May Take a Break!

Just so you know, I am still around and couponing, just not nearly like I was. Being 8 months pregnant will do that to you. But give me a month or so and I will be back up and running! :) Until then, happy couponing!

The Fourth Trimester

A friend told me that no one tells you about the fourth trimester. I believe it exists.


1. Maternity Clothes
I was so ready to be done with my maternity clothes. I was sick of wearing the same things over and over again. Well, I am still wearing them and will be for awhile. In fact, because of breastfeeding, I actually can wear LESS of my wardrobe that I wore while pregnant. When I went shopping for some summer clothes, I could only fit pants three sizes bigger than what I normally wear. It was depressing. DON'T go shopping four weeks after you have a baby. Which leads to #2...

2. Body Image Issues
I remember looking in the mirror while pregnant and just thinking, "I am so fat." I know I wasn't the thinnest thing before becoming pregnant and hated my bust, but I so long for that right now! What I wouldn't give to fit into the bras I once cried over! And now that I'm not pregnant, it's not obvious why I'm fat and extremely busty. I almost wish there was a way to shout to the world, "I just had a baby; cut me some slack!" It was easy to justify the weight gain while pregnant. But now I look in the mirror and think, "What did I do to myself over the last nine months!?" While said shopping, I held up a pair of pants and though, "holy cow, you have to be extremely fat to fit those." They didn't fit. I about died. But I think the #3 issues plays a part here, too.

3. Raging Hormones
After you have a baby, you have yet another surge of hormones. You were just becoming content with being pregnant and accepting the fact that if you get upset over split milk, it was probably the hormones talking. I had read about the "baby blues," but what they don't tell you is that you still have...

4. Uncontrollable Crying
I had baked a cake the other day and it just fell to pieces. And so did I. It was a cake for heaven sakes. So not worth crying over. But just like when I was pregnant, there is sometimes no control over when the water works start. There are still times when I am really tired that the smallest thing sets me off.

5. Cravings
I didn't really have cravings while pregnant. Things would sound good and BJ would indulge me, but I didn't have true cravings. There have been some times since baby that I have just got to have something. Mostly just sweets. My sweet tooth has run wild since having a baby.

6. Pregnancy-Turned-Mommy Brain
I swear every ounce of smarts drained out of my body when I became pregnant. I was forgetful. I repeated myself. I couldn't do simple math. I did stupid things. I sometimes couldn't talk right... Complete pregnancy brain. Now I have Mommy Brain. I am forgetful. I repeat myself. I repeat myself. :) I can't do simple math. And today I did a stupid thing... I signed up for a required class to renew my license over the time I knew I'd be on vacation. DUH, Stephanie. You are so stupid. (Please pray another section opens up, PLEASE!) I actually had to buy an app to keep track of when I feed him and which side I nursed last. The first few days I was a mess trying to remember.

7. A Husband in Slavery
While this isn't a "bad thing," I still feel bad. While pregnant, I asked my husband to do a lot of things for me. Like constantly refilling my water bottle. My excuse was I was tired, getting up was hard, yadda, yadda, yadda. I thought I would become a little more independent now that I have my body back. Well... Now I have a babe in arms. So he is still constantly refilling my water bottle, fetching the burp cloth, etc. Poor boy. :) But I greatly appreciate what he does.

8. Not Sleeping Through the Night
I honestly could not tell you the last time I slept through the night. While pregnant, it was the non-stop bathroom breaks that kept me awake. Now, obviously, it's feeding  a baby. Although, I have absolutely no right to complain. He will usually let me go 4-6 hours once a night. I know that is more than some moms get with kids 10 months old. Although, I must say I sleep better now that I can lay on my stomach at night. good by, side sleeping!

9. Body Discomfort
I was under some impression that you "got your body back" once you had your baby. Let me tell you, NOT SO. :) There are things that were better while pregnant and things better while not. My back actually was better when I was pregnant. Now it is something terribly painful. I had a rotated vertebrae when I went into the chiropractor. It is wonderful to be able to get out of a chair or off the couch easily, though. Sitting down was painful the first week after delivery. I will never take that luxury for granted again. Many mom's complain of pain from breastfeeding, but I have only suffered this discomfort a few times. I'm sure it will come, though.  Time, I'm sure, will help me feel "normal" again, but I don't remember what normal is!

10. Falling Behind on Housework
... And that's ok. I had a baby to grow and now I have a baby to love!

But just so you know, I wouldn't trade it all for the world!!

Mario Curtains

Easy DIY Mario Curtains

Curtains
I made these for my Mario Nursery. I did not have a pattern to go off of and decided to just go for it. There are a few things I would change and suggestions I would make for those wanting to try to make these. Just be warned. I am a "close enough" kind of sewer! But hopefully this will give you an idea of where to go and what to do!

• Prepare your fabric.

•  Measure your windows. Mine were 47x47. These will have 6 in of green on the bottom so I took that into account when cutting. Also remember to leave a seam allowance at the top and bottom and 2" extra to put a curtain rod through. I ended up cutting mine a little long on purpose just to take all that into account.

•  Measure bottom stripe. I wanted 6 inches so I measured 7.5. Ended up being a little long, but it works.

•  Sew right sides together using a 1/4" or 1/2" seam. I prefer sewing just right long my presser foot.

•  Measure desired length of stripe. Measure to make sure it is the same length all the way across. Sew seam along bottom, remembering to roll for nice edge. You can use larger than 1/4" seam if you have enough fabric (like I did). I used a 3/4" seam and it looked nice.  

• Forgot a picture of this step, but sew a finished seam around the edge of each side. On the top, fold over two inches to make pocket for your curtain rod and sew. I used a zig zag seam with green thread that looked really nice. But I have a valance going over the top. I wasn't too concerned with it looking too pretty.

•  I didn't want to buy expensive black out material so I used some polyester I had on hand. I just sewed it on along the seam along the top where my pocket is. Just be careful you don't sew into the pocket like I did in one spot. Made putting the curtain rod in a little tight!
• Repeat for however many panels you need. Make sure lengths are equal when sewing multiple panels. I had to cut about an inch off of my second panel to make it line up right. Not sure how that happened... maybe that's how my "close enough" sewing plays in! :)

Valance
I found this idea on Pinterest and decided to make it my own. I made up this pattern too, but would change a few things. Also, I am sparse on pictures.

• I cut 5 12x12 pieces of cotton fabric. 3 black for the blocks, 2 cream for the iron on transfers. Choose size based on your windows.

• Cut out brown blocks. Next time, I would make fewer larger blocks and take the time to make a nice seam on all of them instead of zigzagging around. Mine were 2" wide by 4" long.

•  Pin to black fabric.

•  This is where I failed to take pictures. I bought iron on Mario characters on ebay. Iron those on. 
• Next, sew the 5 blocks together with a 1/4" seam on each side. (Sew right sides together like you were piecing a quilt.) Finish the sides and bottom edge with a nice seam.
• I needed a way to hang these and block out some light so I made a "separate curtain" out of an old bed sheet. I used the edge so I didn't need to finish seams on the bottom.

•  Sew a pocket (mine was 2") for a curtain rod.

•  I wanted the brown zigzags to show on the other side at 2.5" from the top. I placed my transfers with that in mind. Here is the change I would make: I would use a black back curtain and sew it on at the same time I sewed my top seam. Instead, I measured 2.5" down and pinned on the seam (brown stitches on white in picture) at the 2.5 mark and very carefully stitched it on, making sure I didn't sew onto the pocket.
• Sewing loops like the original blog post is an option, too. Or folding the top over two inches to make a pocket like on the curtains is another option. I obviously chose the hard route...

Put it together and Presto! Mario!

They look nice with my matching bed skirt!

Chocolate Pudding Cookies

CHOCOLATE PUDDING COOKIES

1 3/4 C Brown Sugar
2 1/2 sticks butter
2 reg. boxes chocolate pudding (or about two cups)

3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3-4 cups flour
1 pkg (2 c) chocolate chips

Combine the first three ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. The dough will be a little bit thicker than traditional cookie dough, but not by too much. I find I use closer to 3 cups of flour than 4. But it depends on the day. Add chocolate chips.

Grease pan (or use a Silpat... I love mine!)
Bake at 325 for 8-12 minutes.

Coupon Trip 12/17

Walmart:

Huggies Diaper Wipes x2
$1.97
Used this $1/1 coupon and doublers
=FREE

Oreo Cookies x2
$2.98
Used $.50/1 NLA and doublers
=$2.49 each

Dole Pineapple x 9
$.68
Used $1/3 Dole Fruit items and doublers
=$.02/can!

Krusteze Cookie Mix x4
$1.98
Used $1/1 and on Smartsource.com and doubler
=FREE

Reach Floss x 4
$.97
Used $1/1 from coupons.com
=$.03 money maker each

Playtex Bottles x4
$4.74
Playtex Binkies x4
$5.47
Used Buy 1 Playtex bottle, get 2pkg binkies free up to $6.99
Makes each bottle/binkie pair $3.49 each!

Krave Cereal
$2.78
Used $1.50 from Kelloggs rewards program
=$1.28

Total Spent: $22.89
Total Saved: $53.36

Albertson's

Welch's Essentials Grape Juice Blends x6
Reg  $3.89
Sale 2/$4
Used $1/2 from RP 12/02 and doulbers
=$1 each

total Spent: $6.54
Total Saved: $17.34

Challenger Butter $1 @ Fred Meyer!

Fred Meyer:

Fabulessly Frugal's List

I will be stocking up on Challenger Butter for  $1 with in-ad coupon and manufacture coupon.
Print the coupon here.

Kroger Spices are 50% off... there are a few I need to pick up!

Chex Cereal! Woot!

I love Chex cereal... and it never stays in our house long enough. So... I bought 25 boxes today. Hehe. This is the time of year Chex goes on sale so I thought I would stock up. We almost have an entire box gone already!

ALBERTSON'S

T1

Dole Pineapple x3
Reg. $2.29
Sale 4/$4

Used $1/3 from coupons.com + doubler

=$.33/can

Chex x5
Reg. $4.39
Sale $2.88
GM Promotion - Buy 5 Save $5
Used 2 $1/2 Chex cereal SS 12/2 + 2 doublers
(makes 4 boxes @$.88, 1 @$1.88)

=$5.40 for 5 boxes

1 Dozen Brown Eggs
$2.79
Used Free dozen egg coupon from last purchase
=FREE

T1: $6.97

T2


Chex x5
Reg. $4.39
Sale $2.88
GM Promotion - Buy 5 Save $5
Used 2 $1/2 Chex cereal SS 12/2 + 2 doublers
(makes 4 boxes @$.88, 1 @$1.88)

=$5.40 for 5 boxes

Libby's Canned Veggies
Reg. 1.69
Sale $.75
Used $1/4 from SS ? (also on coupons.com) + doubler
=$.25/can

T2 Total: $6.97

T3:



Chex x5
Reg. $4.39
Sale $2.88
GM Promotion - Buy 5 Save $5
Used 2 $1/2 Chex cereal SS 12/2 + 2 doublers
(makes 4 boxes @$.88, 1 @$1.88)

=$5.40 for 5 boxes

Libby's Canned Veggies
Reg. 1.69
Sale $.75
Used $1/4 from SS ? (also on coupons.com) + doubler
=$.25/can

T3 Total: $6.97

T4:


Chex x5
Reg. $4.39
Sale $2.88
GM Promotion - Buy 5 Save $5
Used 2 $1/2 Chex cereal SS 12/2 + 2 doublers
(makes 4 boxes @$.88, 1 @$1.88)

=$5.40 for 5 boxes

Milk
(I took my hubby with me and he thought there was only one brand of milk at each store... so he didn't even bother looking at the price... and happened to grab the most expensive brand. Oh well...)
$3.59
$.75/1 gallon milk coupons.com (UT & ID only) + doubler
=$2.09

T4 Total: $8.11

T5:


Chex x5
Reg. $4.39
Sale $2.88
GM Promotion - Buy 5 Save $5
Used 1 $1/2 Chex cereal SS 12/2 and $1/3+ 2 doublers

Milk

$3.59
$.75/1 gallon milk coupons.com (UT & ID only) + doubler
=$2.09

Fresca
Sale $.99
Used Free 2L soda coupon that printed with T1
=FREE

Doritos
$2.50
Used $2 1 chips or pretzel coupon from previous trip
=$.50

Used Save 5% off next shopping trip coupon from previous trip

T5 Total: $7.84


Total Spent: $36.86
Total Saved: $110.82

Stampin' Up!

I am not planning on throwing any parties unless someone specifically asks me to... But if you already order online and don't have a demonstrator - or you are wanting to order - I can help you out!

Basic info for Stampin Up!:

• There are rewards and benefits to throwing a party. You can earn free product.
• Find product on the Stampin Up! website.
• Orders can be called in to me, dropped off at my house, or done online.
• Shipping is $6.99 from $1-$69. Going in on an order with a friend can be advantageous.
• Orders that I put in will be shipped to me and I will distribute the product to you. :)

Using Stampin Up!'s website: http://www.stampinup.com/

 *Select "find a demonstrator" at to of home page*

*add my info into the demonstrator directory*

*Create your own account to order online*

*Regular price is how much it is to buy through website. 

Preferred price is price you get through demonstrator.*

Shop With Me! 11/19

Fred Meyer

Peach Fresca x3
Minute Maid Lemonade Lite x1

In-ad coupon 4 for $11
$2.75 each
Plus used a $1/3 Coke Products peelie

=$10/4 boxes

Marie Calendar Dutch Apple Pie

In-ad coupon $3.99
Used $.75/1 from SS insert

=$3.29

Total Spent: $14.14
Total Saved: $11.67

Albertsons

T1:
10 Powerade
Buy 10 at $1, Save $5.
=$.50 each

(and bananas)
Used "Save 5% on next purchase" from previous trip
Received $2 off your next trip

T1= 5.19

T2:
6 Rhodes Warm and Serve Rolls (various)
$2.49 -buy 10 products, save $5
Final price $1.99
Used Save $1/2 Rhodes rolls and doublers (x3)

4 Powerade
$.50 after buy 10 promo

Used $2 from T1

T2= 6.48

Total Spent: $11.67
Total Saved: $29.22

Received catalina for free dozen eggs (max value $3.59), $2 off next chip or pretzel purchase, $1.50 off next purchase of $15+, $1.50 off fresh meat purchase $10 or more (probably won't use the last two - let me know if you are interested!)

Walmart

Stouffers single entree x2
Reg $2.28
Used $1/2 + doubler
=$1.28 each

Poptarts x3
$1.98
Used $1/3 coupons.com + doubler
=$1.32/box

White Grape Juice Blend
$3.85
Used $.75/1 from coupons.com NLA +doubler
=$2.35

Oreos x2
$2.98
Used $.50/1 coupons.com +Doubler
=$1.98/ pkg

Hormel Can Chicken x6
$2.28
Used 3 $1/2 from SS + doubler
=$1.28 each

Dole Pinapple x12
$.98
Used $1/3 from coupons.com +doubler
=$.32/can!!

Stouffers meal
$5.14
Used $1.50/1 coupons.com
=$3.64

Total: $27.99
Saved: $22.90


Total Spent: $53.80
Total Saved: $63.79

Free Kindle Christmas Book

Freebies 2 Deals alerted me to this Christmas Deal:

Twas the Night Before Christmas Free Kindle edition!

Walmart 11/12

Some of these deals are worth looking into even if you don't get Twice the Value Coupons!


Here is how I used my doubles this week:

Armour Pepperoni X2
$1.78
Used $1/2 from coupons.com + doubler
=2 for $1.56

Stove Top Stuffing X2
$1.25
Used $1/2 from coupons.com + doubler
=2 for $.50

Velveeta Shells and Cheese X2
$1.98
Used $1/2 from coupons.com + doubler
=2 for $1.96

Oreo Cookies X2
$2.98
Used $.50/1 from coupons.com +doubler
= 2 for $3.96
....Not a great deal, but its a pregnancy thing. ;)

Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners X4
$1.96
Used $1/1 from Reynolds Website (click here) + doubler
=$.16 Money maker on 4. (may only get free, depends on cashier)

*Great to print and use even without doubler!

Barilla Microwave Meals X4
$2.50
Used $1/1 from smartsorce.com +doubler
= 4 for $2

Tums 50 count Freshers X2
$3.88
Used $1/1 from redplum.com + doubler
= 2 for $3.76
...another pregnancy thing. Can't stand the chalky antacids.

Playtex Bottles X2
$4.74
Playtex Binkies X2
$5.47
Buy 1 Playtex bottle, get 1 2pkg binkie free up to $6.99 from coupons.com
***Both times I tried this, the register takes $6.99 off regardless of the price of the binkies.***
So I paid $6.44 for two bottles and 4 binkies.

Total Spent: $22.90
Total Saved: $41.98

Amazon Mom

I signed up for an Amazon Mom 3-Month FREE trial today... for two reasons.

1) Free Shipping Over the Holidays

• I hope to do a lot of shopping online and I hate paying for shipping.

2) $10 off Diapers Promotion

• For signing up, (limited time only) you get $10 off select diapers. I noticed the diaper deals on Fabulously Frugal and wondered if I could couple this with any of the deals listed. Well, I could. And after using my $5 gift card from Swagbucks (that may I add I did nothing but search the internet for), I got 258 diapers for $19. That is only $.07/ diaper. The deal without the gift card would be $.09/diaper.

Diapers I bought found here.

Benefits of Amazon Mom:

• Free 2 Day Shipping on ALL Amazon Prime products, not just diapers.
• Automatically Save %15 on diapers and wipes
• Pair this with coupons, and there is always a good deal to be found.
• Paid version after trial gets you all the benefits of Amazon Instant Video. (Like Netflix)

Shopping 11/5/12

Wow. I did AWESOME!

Here is my shopping trip from today:

ALBERTSONS

Stove Top Stuffing
Reg $2.99
Sale $1
Used $1/2 from coupons.com plus doubler

=2 FREE BOXES!
(I would have bought more but my printer ran out of ink as I was printing these and so I had 3 coupons without barcodes. It stunk! I could have gotten 8 free boxes!)

WALGREENS

Huggies 216 ct wipes
Reg. $8.29
Sale $5.99
Used $2 coupon from in store November Savings Booklet and $.50 peelie

=$3.85 or $.017 per wipe!

And... I got a free photo collage from a promotion last week

FRED MEYER

Cinnamon
Reg. $7.99
Huge selection of spices 50% off
Sale $3.99

Hamburger 80/20
Reg. $3.79
Sale $2.79/lb
bought 2 3lb rolls
=$8.37 each 3lb roll

*Not a super deal, but I needed fresh hamburger for meatloaf this week

All Laundry Detergent 33 loads
Reg. $4.99
In ad coupon 2/$6
Used $3/2 from facebook offer
=$1.50 each

Sugar 4 lbs
Reg. ?
In ad coupon $1.99 limit 1
Used $.50/1 C&H product 2lb+ from RP 11/4
=$1.49

(Will go back for more later this week!)

WALMART

Cool Whip
Reg. $.97
Used 2 $1/2 from coupons.com + doubler
= 4 FREE

Craft Bond Glue sticks
Reg. 2.50
Used $1/2 from coupons.com + doubler
=$1.50 each

Crest Toothpaste
Reg. $1.96
Used 2 $.75/1 4.0oz+ from toothpaste box + doubler
=$.46 each

Valveeta Shells and Cheese
Reg. $1.98
Used 2 $1/2 from coupons.com +doublers
=$.98 each (4 boxes)

EZ Mac
Reg. $3.72
Used $1/2 from coupons.com +doubler
=$2.72 each
*not a great deal but I love these! Perfect for after school snack

Kraft shredded Cheese
Mozzerella and Pizza Blend
Reg. $2.52
Used 2 $1/2 from coupons.com + doublers
=$1.52 each

Bar S Jumbo 1lb hotdogs pk
Reg. $1.08
Used 2 $.75/2 from redplum.com + doublers
=$.33 each, $1.32 for 4 pkgs.

Bought 2 Playtex 10oz baby bottles $4.47
Used Buy 1 Playtex bottle, get 2pk binkies free up to $6.99
Binkies reg. $5.47
BUT the register took $6.99 off the binkies
So, I paid $5.90 for 2 bottles and 4 binkies! Sweet!



Total Spent: $64.40 
Total Saved: $70.15

Store Loyalty Progrmas and Email Lists

Some people can't stand using a store rewards card. And heaven forbid you receive emails from yet another company/person. 

But for me, I find some of my best deals from using loyalty programs and emails. If you don't want to be bored with my latest loyalty card story, here are the main points of why I love these programs and tips for using them.

• Some products can only be bought at the sale price if you are a loyalty member. 
• Most grocery stores like Albertson's and Fred Meyer have these. Some may argue it's stupid or its just cooperate's way of spying on you, if it gets me the sale price, AWESOME. Your other option is to go to Walmart. (Which I have no problem doing...)
  .
• Emails are easily deleted. Worried about your information? Most major retailers are very careful with your email address. Still worried? See next point.

• Create a separate email for receiving money saving deals. 
• If you use gmail, you don't even have to put your full name so if you send emails or insert info on a website, you don't have to use your real identity.
  
• Glance through emails before deleting.
• The best deals may not be the subject of the email...
  
• Read fine print on deal information. 
• You never know when you can print multiple coupons!

Here is my most recent experience from PetSmart:

First off, my husband had been reminding me to buy cat litter for a few days... But I just can't bring myself to pay full price for litter. Seriously. I love my cats, but their bathroom habits are expensive. 

After a few days of his hounding, I received an email with the subject line "This Weekend Only! Save up to $10 with the enclosed coupon." Normally, it would be for some product I would never use and it would be easy to delete. But I decided to check. There were three coupons enclosed in the email, the $10 off being $10 off $40. Well, boo, right? Until I looked at the online ad (linked through the email) and saw that with my PetPerks card, cat litter was on sale... $2 off the regular price. Not usually enough to make me run in, but at least it was a deal. 

I read the fine print. I could print and use two of these coupons. Sweet.

After I crunched some numbers, this is what I found out. If I bought 3 42lb bags of litter, it would put me over the $40 mark to get my $10 off. Combine that with the sale, and it was like buy 2, get 1 free. It also was cheaper per lb than most sale prices I had found. I bought three bags. 

I crunched the numbers in my spreadsheet after I got home and saw what a good deal it was. So I went back the next day to get more. Well, I had nearly cleared the shelf the day before... So I got a bag and the next thing cats go through like mad. Cat food. Which -TA-DA- was on sale too! 

So, lesson learned. Check your emails. Join programs like PetPerks. It took 10 seconds to look through the email to save a total of $39!