Today is thanksgiving. Mom & Dad are on the east coast, we have no friends or family that live near us, so I guess it's just the 5 of us again. Could be worse, it could just be the 4 of us. With Tim working at WalMart these days, he easily could've ended up working today - so I'm happy he's home today. He won't have to do a ridiculous Black Friday shift either. He won't go in til 10pm after the madness is over, the shelves are depleted, and hopefully, that should make his new inventory go up faster.
We're staying very traditional this year. I'm roasting a turkey, making homemade stuffing from scratch, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and since the kids never had them, I bought King's Hawaiian sweet rolls instead of making my usual garlic cheddar biscuits. For dessert, I made a simple pumpkin pie and pudding pie with Jordan. We had some phyllo cups left over from a previous event so we filled those with pudding too. Maybe we'll put those out at noon with veggie sticks, crackers, cheese and dip.
We'll eat around 3 or so, plenty of time to work off what we eat - though I don't remember ever going back for seconds on Thanksgiving - just not my thing. I wish we had football to watch - I hate TV so I almost never miss it - except Thanksgiving, and NFL playoffs, and of course the SuperBowl.
My family isn't big on sharing things to be thankful for, so instead of being disappointed when my expectations for family bonding doesn't happen, I'll just go into today unexpecting. Just being with my family will be enough. This may be our last Thanksgiving with Adam for a while, since he wants to move to the valley as soon as possible. I'll just enjoy today with a casual, relaxing plan of having no set plans.
Maybe, if I get lucky, we'll have a few games of darts, ping pong, or find a movie we can watch together - minus Adam - he'll come out to eat, then go back to his room, but that's okay. That's how he likes it, that's always been his personality. I don't get frustrated because I can't change people to do what I want or be like I want them to be.
It'll be a good day today.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Fall 2011
Not many pictures in October - been really busy with the couponing site and stuff for about 3 months. Hopefully my Winter 2011 pictures will be more interesting, and there'll be more stories to tell.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
New Coupon Site
I miss having this blog for family and personal stuff that I don't want to necessarily share on Facebook, so I created a place for all my coupons info. to be shared, to teach others to save tons off their grocery bills, and share deals. It's kept private, and for a one-time signup of just $15 (introductory price for the rest of 2011), you get a private invitation to view it and use it yourself! After 2011, the price will go to just $20, with no renewal fees. I plan on improving the site on-going to include links to coupons, member testimonies of savings, great deals, hard-to-find coupons, and more. If you're interested, just get in touch with me and let me know you want an invitation. You can mail me a check and I'll grant you access to the account.
From here on in, posts will not be about coupons.
From here on in, posts will not be about coupons.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Best Shopping Day so far...
I went to Safeway and got $39 worth of stuff for just $8 but they handed me back $2, so I guess I got it all for $6.
Then I went to CVS, bought $29 worth of stuff, used my coupons, paid for it with only about $7 worth of extra bucks, and $1.39 in cash - then they handed me back $4.25 in more extra bucks, so I guess they actually paid me to take the stuff off their hands?!
Best deal:
Revlon age defying makeup stuff - normally $15
On sale for $10
Had a $5 off coupon from the Sunday paper
There was a $2 instant coupon on the product itself,
It only cost me $3, which I paid for with Extra Bucks, then they issued me more extra bucks for buying it, so it was FREE, plus I now have extra bucks to spend like cash on a future purchase.
Then I went to CVS, bought $29 worth of stuff, used my coupons, paid for it with only about $7 worth of extra bucks, and $1.39 in cash - then they handed me back $4.25 in more extra bucks, so I guess they actually paid me to take the stuff off their hands?!
Best deal:
Revlon age defying makeup stuff - normally $15
On sale for $10
Had a $5 off coupon from the Sunday paper
There was a $2 instant coupon on the product itself,
It only cost me $3, which I paid for with Extra Bucks, then they issued me more extra bucks for buying it, so it was FREE, plus I now have extra bucks to spend like cash on a future purchase.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Changing habits
As good as I've been able to do shopping lately, I think I can make it a bit better. We've only got Safeway and Walmart's superstore available to us on a regular basis. We went to Walmart the other day, trying to save money, and even though there were a few lower prices on stuff we regularly buy (Safeway's prices, even sale prices, are higher than normal right now), because there's no flyer for groceries to plan with, no card to swipe with pre-loaded eCoupons, and paper coupons are only worth face value (Safeway raises all coupons under a dollar up to a dollar), I ended up hardly saving anything at all, even with the lower prices.
Our new habit is that instead of shopping on Wednesdays when we go to town for banking and other errands, we'll shop almost exclusively at Safeway - but on Sundays after church. Here's why:
Safeway runs regular Wed. through Tues. weekly ads like most stores, but they also run mini sales on items "Fri - Sun only". Sometimes they're items on sale throughout the week, but they're even cheaper on the weekend. For example, we went on a Wed. a few weeks ago. I needed shredded cheese for something and it's almost $4 when it's not on sale. That week, it went on sale for $2.99. On the weekend, it was just $1.99 - now cheaper than Walmart's price of about $2.29 or so. If it happened to be a brand with a coupon, like Sargento, then I can use a 50 cents off coupon, which they'll raise up to $1, and now the almost $4 cheese is just 99 cents. Half the price of Walmart's cheaper product.
Safeway also runs a 3rd mini sale with it's own flyer almost every week. It's for items "Sun, Mon & Tues. only". I know it seems strange, but I guess it's so they can offer low prices but for a shorter time than a week. I'm sure many people think to themselves when shopping, "I have to get _________ because it was in the flyer for a great price," only to find out when they get to the store that price isn't until tomorrow, or ended yesterday, but since they planned on getting it, they buy it and pay a little more.
We'll shop there this Sunday instead of Wednesday, which allows us to take advantage of all 3 sales on the same day. That should maximize what we can save. As for Walmart, we'll go there once in a while when we have to save on something, but it won't be part of our regular weekly shopping trips.
By the way, CVS & Walgreen's are new additions to our weekly errands. I have found you can peek at their sale flyer a few days before it's published, which gives me time to prepare. I figured out that although in the beginning I have to pay cash at CVS for a few things, they offer a bonus bucks back type of reward on many items that also carry coupons, so after a short while of smart shopping, I'll be able to use my "bonus bucks" to pay for the personal care items I need, and use coupons (both theirs from their flyers and my paper ones), and will get to walk out with products without cash out of pocket for most of them. It's more time-consuming to plan and track, but worth it when you've got so little income to stretch.
I'll keep you posted on what I'm doing, how I'm doing it, and what I matched. Take what you can from my experiences and make them work for your family. Good luck!
Our new habit is that instead of shopping on Wednesdays when we go to town for banking and other errands, we'll shop almost exclusively at Safeway - but on Sundays after church. Here's why:
Safeway runs regular Wed. through Tues. weekly ads like most stores, but they also run mini sales on items "Fri - Sun only". Sometimes they're items on sale throughout the week, but they're even cheaper on the weekend. For example, we went on a Wed. a few weeks ago. I needed shredded cheese for something and it's almost $4 when it's not on sale. That week, it went on sale for $2.99. On the weekend, it was just $1.99 - now cheaper than Walmart's price of about $2.29 or so. If it happened to be a brand with a coupon, like Sargento, then I can use a 50 cents off coupon, which they'll raise up to $1, and now the almost $4 cheese is just 99 cents. Half the price of Walmart's cheaper product.
Safeway also runs a 3rd mini sale with it's own flyer almost every week. It's for items "Sun, Mon & Tues. only". I know it seems strange, but I guess it's so they can offer low prices but for a shorter time than a week. I'm sure many people think to themselves when shopping, "I have to get _________ because it was in the flyer for a great price," only to find out when they get to the store that price isn't until tomorrow, or ended yesterday, but since they planned on getting it, they buy it and pay a little more.
We'll shop there this Sunday instead of Wednesday, which allows us to take advantage of all 3 sales on the same day. That should maximize what we can save. As for Walmart, we'll go there once in a while when we have to save on something, but it won't be part of our regular weekly shopping trips.
By the way, CVS & Walgreen's are new additions to our weekly errands. I have found you can peek at their sale flyer a few days before it's published, which gives me time to prepare. I figured out that although in the beginning I have to pay cash at CVS for a few things, they offer a bonus bucks back type of reward on many items that also carry coupons, so after a short while of smart shopping, I'll be able to use my "bonus bucks" to pay for the personal care items I need, and use coupons (both theirs from their flyers and my paper ones), and will get to walk out with products without cash out of pocket for most of them. It's more time-consuming to plan and track, but worth it when you've got so little income to stretch.
I'll keep you posted on what I'm doing, how I'm doing it, and what I matched. Take what you can from my experiences and make them work for your family. Good luck!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Couponing - Week 4
Today, I did better at Walmart, Walgreen's and CVS I think than at Safeway. Although I got to use store coupons + eCoupons + paper coupons all on one item at Safeway, if they're starting price, sale or not, is SO much higher, it's still not worth it. I chose to save my coupons for another day, and instead of getting what I planned on getting, I found good-priced products & food, then hunted on my coupon list to see if I possibly had an ecoupon or paper coupon for it. If I did, then I got those instead of what I originally had on my list. Our family doesn't really care if I buy frozen fish sticks one week and chicken patties the next - or vice-versa.
Here's some deals I found:
WalMart, I went in just to check prices on health & beauty items. I wrote in those prices next to the same item on my coupons list so I could enter them in a price book or on a price sheet later. I found Suave deodorant for 97 cents. I looked on my printout of coupons (alphabetized) and saw I had a coupon for .75 off ANY Suave deodorant. I only paid 22 cents for it (plus tax)! That's a great deal!
Walgreen's, I found Dawn dish detergent that's regularly $2.49. I clipped a store coupon from their flyer right there in the aisle for $1 off, so now it was $1.49. I had another paper coupon of my own for another $1 off. I paid 50 cents for it.
I saw Brut deodorant is normally $2.99. Last week they were sold out but I got a rain check to preserve the price at $1.50. I got one yesterday for the $1.50 plus used a paper coupon for another $1 off, so I paid .50 for that too. (With 5 of us, 3 hard-working guys, and living 30 miles from a store to buy more, we don't want to run out of deodorant). This was a great deal.
I also got 2 boxes of Garnier(?) HerbaShine hair color. It's always $7.99. I got a coupon for a FREE BOX by liking their Facebook page just a few weeks ago, and they mailed me the coupon. I also printed online a coupon for $3 off a box of the same product. My hair is long, and it usually takes 2 boxes, so getting a deal on 1 box but paying a lot for the 2nd is no fun. Yesterday I bought 2 boxes, used both coupons, and instead of paying $16, I only paid $5 for BOTH boxes, or just $2.50 a piece. Another great deal in my book.
Crest mouthwash - the largest one I've seen, is usually around $6 a bottle. After using the Dollar Tree version of mouthwash, that price seems ridiculous. Anyway, I happened to find it in Walgreen's on sale cheaper than the smaller bottle - it was $3.99. I had a coupon for $2 off a bottle, so I got a large $6 bottle for just $1.99. When I figured out the difference, we got MORE mouthwash per ounce than if we'd spent the same $2 at a dollar store, so that was also a great buy!
CVS - not really a coupon thing, but their flyer had VO5 shampoo & conditioner for just 77 cents, no coupon necessary, so we got a few of those.
Okay, now on to Safeway...
I found Eggo muffin tops (like frozen waffles), these normally sell for $3.69 each, but were on sale for $2. I had a store coupon for $1 off 2 and an eCoupon for another .75 off 2. I ended up paying just $1.13 each.
Yogurt - Greek yogurt cups usually range from $1.39 to $1.79 each. I can't pay that much for just 5 - 6 oz of yogurt, even if it is good. I had a lot of coupons on these:
I bought 5 Greek cups (some Yoplait, some Dannon Oikos). They were on sale for $1 each, so that's already a savings of about $2.50 on the 5 of them. Then didn't have any eCoupons on these but I had a paper coupon for a FREE cup, and 2 more coupons that let me save $1 on 2 cups, so those were like a Buy One Get One FREE coupon. I paid $2 for all 5 yogurts, just .40 each!
Also I happened to notice an "introductory price" sale sticker on Tampax Pearl Compak 18 ct. boxes. They're $5.49, I had an eCoupon for $2 off a box of any "Pearl" box. Then I had a paper coupon for Buy One Get One FREE on the exact same product up to $6.49. I got 2 boxes and paid a total of just $2.49 or only $1.25 each!
My biggest lessons learned this week:
1. You really can get better quality and spend less than for the store brand or dollar store brands by using coupons carefully.
2. Don't use a coupon just because you have it. If the store price, even on sale, is too high to start with, don't waste the coupon.
3. Pairing coupons - store flyer clipped ones + eCoupons + paper coupons = amazing savings!
Good luck on your own shopping! If you're interested in coming to a class at my house on Nov. 8th at 1:00pm, I'm hosting Kara, the one who taught me how to do this. For just $5 a person, you too can learn how to save BIG on groceries and household items. If you're not in AZ, I'm working on an East Coast program for you. It'll take some time to get to know what stores you have, their coupon policies, etc. But when it's done, I'll make it available on a blog for you.
Here's some deals I found:
WalMart, I went in just to check prices on health & beauty items. I wrote in those prices next to the same item on my coupons list so I could enter them in a price book or on a price sheet later. I found Suave deodorant for 97 cents. I looked on my printout of coupons (alphabetized) and saw I had a coupon for .75 off ANY Suave deodorant. I only paid 22 cents for it (plus tax)! That's a great deal!
Walgreen's, I found Dawn dish detergent that's regularly $2.49. I clipped a store coupon from their flyer right there in the aisle for $1 off, so now it was $1.49. I had another paper coupon of my own for another $1 off. I paid 50 cents for it.
I saw Brut deodorant is normally $2.99. Last week they were sold out but I got a rain check to preserve the price at $1.50. I got one yesterday for the $1.50 plus used a paper coupon for another $1 off, so I paid .50 for that too. (With 5 of us, 3 hard-working guys, and living 30 miles from a store to buy more, we don't want to run out of deodorant). This was a great deal.
I also got 2 boxes of Garnier(?) HerbaShine hair color. It's always $7.99. I got a coupon for a FREE BOX by liking their Facebook page just a few weeks ago, and they mailed me the coupon. I also printed online a coupon for $3 off a box of the same product. My hair is long, and it usually takes 2 boxes, so getting a deal on 1 box but paying a lot for the 2nd is no fun. Yesterday I bought 2 boxes, used both coupons, and instead of paying $16, I only paid $5 for BOTH boxes, or just $2.50 a piece. Another great deal in my book.
Crest mouthwash - the largest one I've seen, is usually around $6 a bottle. After using the Dollar Tree version of mouthwash, that price seems ridiculous. Anyway, I happened to find it in Walgreen's on sale cheaper than the smaller bottle - it was $3.99. I had a coupon for $2 off a bottle, so I got a large $6 bottle for just $1.99. When I figured out the difference, we got MORE mouthwash per ounce than if we'd spent the same $2 at a dollar store, so that was also a great buy!
CVS - not really a coupon thing, but their flyer had VO5 shampoo & conditioner for just 77 cents, no coupon necessary, so we got a few of those.
Okay, now on to Safeway...
I found Eggo muffin tops (like frozen waffles), these normally sell for $3.69 each, but were on sale for $2. I had a store coupon for $1 off 2 and an eCoupon for another .75 off 2. I ended up paying just $1.13 each.
Yogurt - Greek yogurt cups usually range from $1.39 to $1.79 each. I can't pay that much for just 5 - 6 oz of yogurt, even if it is good. I had a lot of coupons on these:
I bought 5 Greek cups (some Yoplait, some Dannon Oikos). They were on sale for $1 each, so that's already a savings of about $2.50 on the 5 of them. Then didn't have any eCoupons on these but I had a paper coupon for a FREE cup, and 2 more coupons that let me save $1 on 2 cups, so those were like a Buy One Get One FREE coupon. I paid $2 for all 5 yogurts, just .40 each!
Also I happened to notice an "introductory price" sale sticker on Tampax Pearl Compak 18 ct. boxes. They're $5.49, I had an eCoupon for $2 off a box of any "Pearl" box. Then I had a paper coupon for Buy One Get One FREE on the exact same product up to $6.49. I got 2 boxes and paid a total of just $2.49 or only $1.25 each!
My biggest lessons learned this week:
1. You really can get better quality and spend less than for the store brand or dollar store brands by using coupons carefully.
2. Don't use a coupon just because you have it. If the store price, even on sale, is too high to start with, don't waste the coupon.
3. Pairing coupons - store flyer clipped ones + eCoupons + paper coupons = amazing savings!
Good luck on your own shopping! If you're interested in coming to a class at my house on Nov. 8th at 1:00pm, I'm hosting Kara, the one who taught me how to do this. For just $5 a person, you too can learn how to save BIG on groceries and household items. If you're not in AZ, I'm working on an East Coast program for you. It'll take some time to get to know what stores you have, their coupon policies, etc. But when it's done, I'll make it available on a blog for you.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Couponing - Week 3
This week I did well, but not great. Safeway didn't have too many great deals and with WalMart, you never know what you'll find for prices until you get there when it comes to groceries. I did manage to start at $184 and pay just $98, though. Not bad, saved $86.
I have a hard time figuring out by the receipt what's a store coupon and what's a manufacturer's ecoupon, but here's what I can tell:
1. I bought 2 boxes of Yoplait Gogurt. They were $2.00 ea. on sale, so that's $4. I used an eCoupon for .75/2, so now I paid 3.25 for 2 boxes. Then I used a paper coupon for .75/2 but Safeway matches the difference so it's like a $1/2 coupon. Now I paid $2.50 for 2 boxes, or just $1.25 each. That's a great price.
2. I bought Axe deodorant. They were priced at $3.99 and I got 2, so that should be about $8. I had a store flyer coupon that said I got them for just $3.49 each, so that's about $7 for both. Then I had an eCoupon for .50 off one, so now total cost is $6.50. Then I had a manufacturers coupon for $1 off 1. Now cost is $5.50. I then had another manufacturer's coupon for Buy One, Get One Free (up to $5.99). The cashier, Chris, our favorite, gave us the full $5.99 credit instead of just the $3.99 sale price. Final cost...NEGATIVE 50 cents! They paid me to take 2 Axe deodorants home! Can't beat FREE!
3. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - I got 2. They were on sale for $1.99 ea. (so $4 total). I had a flyer coupon to get them for 1.69 ea. so now cost is down to $3.38. I used an eCoupon for .50/2, so now we're down to $2.88 for 2. I also had a paper coupon for .50/2 but Safeway matches to make coupons up to $1, so it became $1 off 2, so final cost was 1.88 for 2, or just 94 cents each. I used this same combination for 2 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls too. I paid a grand total of $3.76 for 4 rolls/cans.
4. Toaster Strudels, $2.50 each, I got two, so $5. Flyer coupon made them just 1.99 ea. so now I was paying $4 for both boxes. I had an eCoupon for .50/2, so total cost was down to $3.50. Then I had a paper coupon for .50/2 which became $1 off 2, so now I paid $2.50 for 2. It was like Buy One Get One Free, or just $1.25 each.
5. Wishbone Dressing was $3.79. I got 2. What should've cost $7.58 (which I'd NEVER pay for 2 bottles of dressing!), got reduced immediately by the paper Buy One, Get One FREE coupon I had, so cost was back down to $3.79. I also had an eCoupon for $1 off, so now it was $2.79. Then I had a paper coupon for $2 off any bottle, and since I was paying for that 1st one, I got to use this coupon too. Now cost for 2 bottles was down to 79 cents. Final cost...just 39 cents each for the big bottles!
6. I was heading out of the store and saw my kids' favorite gummy snacks in the Clearance cart at 50% off. The clearance price made them .99 each. I had a paper coupon for $1 off 2 boxes, so final cost on those was just .50 each.
7. At checkout, I also received 2 - $1 off your next shopping trip coupons because I bought the fruit snacks and there was a buy more, save more type of program running.
I also got some okay deals, like Almond Milk for $1.99 instead of $3.69. I got SnackWells 100 calorie snacks form $1.75 a box instead of $3.79, their regular price.
Oh, I forgot, on the way to get groceries, we stopped at Walgreen's. They had Edge Gel on special for just $1.49 and I had a paper coupon for $1 off. I paid just 50 cents for the big 7oz can. I had to get a rain check for another brand of deodorant that they had on sale. It was on sale for .99 ea. and I have coupons for $1 off so they're FREE when they replenish their stock.
Not bad for a week without great sales to start with. Ready to come to a class in November to learn how you can save too?
I have a hard time figuring out by the receipt what's a store coupon and what's a manufacturer's ecoupon, but here's what I can tell:
1. I bought 2 boxes of Yoplait Gogurt. They were $2.00 ea. on sale, so that's $4. I used an eCoupon for .75/2, so now I paid 3.25 for 2 boxes. Then I used a paper coupon for .75/2 but Safeway matches the difference so it's like a $1/2 coupon. Now I paid $2.50 for 2 boxes, or just $1.25 each. That's a great price.
2. I bought Axe deodorant. They were priced at $3.99 and I got 2, so that should be about $8. I had a store flyer coupon that said I got them for just $3.49 each, so that's about $7 for both. Then I had an eCoupon for .50 off one, so now total cost is $6.50. Then I had a manufacturers coupon for $1 off 1. Now cost is $5.50. I then had another manufacturer's coupon for Buy One, Get One Free (up to $5.99). The cashier, Chris, our favorite, gave us the full $5.99 credit instead of just the $3.99 sale price. Final cost...NEGATIVE 50 cents! They paid me to take 2 Axe deodorants home! Can't beat FREE!
3. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - I got 2. They were on sale for $1.99 ea. (so $4 total). I had a flyer coupon to get them for 1.69 ea. so now cost is down to $3.38. I used an eCoupon for .50/2, so now we're down to $2.88 for 2. I also had a paper coupon for .50/2 but Safeway matches to make coupons up to $1, so it became $1 off 2, so final cost was 1.88 for 2, or just 94 cents each. I used this same combination for 2 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls too. I paid a grand total of $3.76 for 4 rolls/cans.
4. Toaster Strudels, $2.50 each, I got two, so $5. Flyer coupon made them just 1.99 ea. so now I was paying $4 for both boxes. I had an eCoupon for .50/2, so total cost was down to $3.50. Then I had a paper coupon for .50/2 which became $1 off 2, so now I paid $2.50 for 2. It was like Buy One Get One Free, or just $1.25 each.
5. Wishbone Dressing was $3.79. I got 2. What should've cost $7.58 (which I'd NEVER pay for 2 bottles of dressing!), got reduced immediately by the paper Buy One, Get One FREE coupon I had, so cost was back down to $3.79. I also had an eCoupon for $1 off, so now it was $2.79. Then I had a paper coupon for $2 off any bottle, and since I was paying for that 1st one, I got to use this coupon too. Now cost for 2 bottles was down to 79 cents. Final cost...just 39 cents each for the big bottles!
6. I was heading out of the store and saw my kids' favorite gummy snacks in the Clearance cart at 50% off. The clearance price made them .99 each. I had a paper coupon for $1 off 2 boxes, so final cost on those was just .50 each.
7. At checkout, I also received 2 - $1 off your next shopping trip coupons because I bought the fruit snacks and there was a buy more, save more type of program running.
I also got some okay deals, like Almond Milk for $1.99 instead of $3.69. I got SnackWells 100 calorie snacks form $1.75 a box instead of $3.79, their regular price.
Oh, I forgot, on the way to get groceries, we stopped at Walgreen's. They had Edge Gel on special for just $1.49 and I had a paper coupon for $1 off. I paid just 50 cents for the big 7oz can. I had to get a rain check for another brand of deodorant that they had on sale. It was on sale for .99 ea. and I have coupons for $1 off so they're FREE when they replenish their stock.
Not bad for a week without great sales to start with. Ready to come to a class in November to learn how you can save too?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
How I Saved with Coupons - 2nd week in
My total was $215 - I paid just 89.92 for groceries, and although I put over $16 worth of non-food items in my cart, that only came to $3.46! That's less than just the bath tissue alone!
The register printed out 2 receipts which confused Chris, the cashier. He gave us 1 of the 2, but gave me the wrong one. This one doesn't show all the coupons redeemed for each item, just a long list at the end. I'll try to figure out how I saved so much.
1st: My Safeway card gave me all the sale prices for stuff in the weekly flier.
2nd: The Safeway card then credits my balance with all the pre-loaded 3-coupons I put on the card.
3rd: I handed Chris the Safeway flier coupons - they read that you get that price "with card AND coupon".
4th: I handed Chris the manufacturer coupons - both paper ones from Sunday's inserts as well as ones I had printed out. 3 of the dozens I used wouldn't work because it printed in draft and the ink was too light, it couldn't be read by the scanner at checkout. My FREE pasta ended up costing me .79/lb. , which is still a good price, and I only bought 2 boxes. Also 1 of the 2 Pillsbury coupons didn't go through, but a $3 was still 1.99. I wouldn't have bought it normally, but I was okay with it. It was 9:00 at night, I was tired, and didn't care. The kids will enjoy them.
First the weekly ad deals - looks like they totaled: about $56 roughly.
The e-coupons totaled: about $10 or so
I also got $5 off instantly because Safeway's special was to spend $15 in frozen foods, get $5 off.
At this point, my balance went from $215.75 down to $135.80. I don't know exactly where or how, but that means on just e-coupons & weekly sale items, my total dropped by $79.95! There's another $9 or so in savings somewhere, not sure where, maybe just in produce sale prices or something.
Now the paper coupons from the weekly ad I clipped, about $18 of them:
My balance went from $135.80 down to $125.53. Only about a $10 savings there, but remember, this was an additional $10 off after I already got the sale price on stuff.
Example: Bath tissue, normally $8, on sale for $6 if you have their shopping card. I already got the $2 off for the weekly sale, but the store flier coupon dropped it further down to $4.88.
Next, manufacturer coupons brought it down from $125.53 to just $105.67. Another $20 saved.
I also noticed a coupon I got credited with I had no idea I was getting and not sure how it works. It seems to say on the receipt that I got $10 for spending $75. That brought it down to just $95.67.
The non-food items I kept separately, I love to track everything, and what should've been well over $18 (at sale prices, mind you), totaled just $3.46. Less than just the bath tissue - so I must've actually had cash back from a few items that was put towards this balance.
Now to figure out to the best of my knowledge, with the wrong receipt, what I ended up paying for what items - I know some were free and many ended up being under $1.
Oh yeah, I also a gas reward for .10/gallon off too!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Last week before school starts
Is school really starting in just a week? Usually summer goes by at a good pace and I'm anxious to get back into our routine, but this year was different. It seemed like summer went faster than usual and we didn't really get to do much. I was creating the social media sites for LMT, writing the curriculum for our History multi-age class for this year on the 1800s, I was baking & cooking & selling at the Farmer's Market, and we managed to get in a few trips to the valley in June & July. Other than that, every day has been filled with just household and computer stuff.
This is the last week before school starts so what will I do these last few days? Maybe take a nap? Go for a walk? Read more? Relax and watch a few movies? I don't know, but I better rest now - this year looks to be very busy and intensive compared to previous years.
This is the last week before school starts so what will I do these last few days? Maybe take a nap? Go for a walk? Read more? Relax and watch a few movies? I don't know, but I better rest now - this year looks to be very busy and intensive compared to previous years.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Back in the Valley
Here we are back in the Valley again for a week. We're here because it's the weekend of the Homeschool Convention, one of the last chances for the kids to be with friends before school starts, and it gives Tim a chance to touch base with his reps and potential clients in the city.
I really like the spring and summer in the mountains. I enjoy the daily showers that pass through, how a lot of the brown turns green, the Scottish thistles bloom, I enjoy working down at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays, and the people at our new church are very nice and supportive, still...
My heart feels so happy when I'm back in the valley. I don't miss the close houses, the traffic, and the extreme heat during July & August (although I do love the heat, so I don't mind that too much). What I do miss is the palm trees, the pretty sunsets this time of year, saving money because there's so many places to buy our necessities here that competition keeps prices super-low compared to "up on the hill". I love that there's always something cheap or even free to do. I like being reunited with my dear friends from here. We've shared some incredible journeys together, and to see that all of us have had things turn out for the best is just heart-warming. I enjoy how happy my kids are when they finally get to spend time with friends they've missed so much. And I enjoy that at night, I get Tim to myself - he's not working til all hours of the evening, no one interrupts our time together, he has a pretty normal 8 - 6 day, then the nights are for strengthening our marriage and family. That's something we never had before because of his late-night sales jobs, he always had to work weekends, and when he was off, he was too tired to go anywhere or do anything. At home up on the hill, he gets more texts, calls and "I need your help"s because he's there, he's convenient. When we're here, it's like no one intrudes, or he's more willing to put his cell phone on silent to go somewhere with our family.
I appreciate being able to live in the mountains during this period of changes and transitions, but my heart won't be really happy until we're back in the valley again, at least through the winters. I spent 30-something years feeling like an outsider in New England. When we moved to the Valley in 2003, I knew I was finally at rest, at peace, "home". I can't wait to get back "home" again. Hopefully it'll be a year from now and no more.
Where's your "home"?
I really like the spring and summer in the mountains. I enjoy the daily showers that pass through, how a lot of the brown turns green, the Scottish thistles bloom, I enjoy working down at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays, and the people at our new church are very nice and supportive, still...
My heart feels so happy when I'm back in the valley. I don't miss the close houses, the traffic, and the extreme heat during July & August (although I do love the heat, so I don't mind that too much). What I do miss is the palm trees, the pretty sunsets this time of year, saving money because there's so many places to buy our necessities here that competition keeps prices super-low compared to "up on the hill". I love that there's always something cheap or even free to do. I like being reunited with my dear friends from here. We've shared some incredible journeys together, and to see that all of us have had things turn out for the best is just heart-warming. I enjoy how happy my kids are when they finally get to spend time with friends they've missed so much. And I enjoy that at night, I get Tim to myself - he's not working til all hours of the evening, no one interrupts our time together, he has a pretty normal 8 - 6 day, then the nights are for strengthening our marriage and family. That's something we never had before because of his late-night sales jobs, he always had to work weekends, and when he was off, he was too tired to go anywhere or do anything. At home up on the hill, he gets more texts, calls and "I need your help"s because he's there, he's convenient. When we're here, it's like no one intrudes, or he's more willing to put his cell phone on silent to go somewhere with our family.
I appreciate being able to live in the mountains during this period of changes and transitions, but my heart won't be really happy until we're back in the valley again, at least through the winters. I spent 30-something years feeling like an outsider in New England. When we moved to the Valley in 2003, I knew I was finally at rest, at peace, "home". I can't wait to get back "home" again. Hopefully it'll be a year from now and no more.
Where's your "home"?
Friday, July 8, 2011
July
July is one of my favorite months. It always has been. I love the fireworks, parades, swimming (although this summer we haven't done that yet), green grass, flowers, sunny hot days and cool nights (well, not in Phoenix), lots of summer activities going on, I get a break from teaching to gear up for next year, and I get time to read what I want instead of what I have to read for school.
This summer is half over and it started late up here. Winds that are usually gone by early June lasted into July. Rain, gardens and flowers just hit this week instead of a month ago. I'd like to think that means summer will be long, just delayed, but I know once September comes, the nights are colder and days aren't as hot, and it'll be here before you know it. I better make sure our family gets out and enjoys the summer these next 5 weeks or so before school starts up again.
I did make it to the 4th of July parade in town, but all fireworks were cancelled around here because of the wildfires and extremely dry conditions, it was too dangerous. I got to visit the Lavender Farm with friends this year - the cooking demo. is where I learn the most.
Next week the kids are at camp through our church. I hope they have a good time. Jordan's never slept away from home more than 2 nights unless it was with family. She's never slept at camp with strangers. She'll only know one friend there and her brother, and they're separated much of the time.
The following week should be fun - we head back to the Valley! I know, it's going to be around 115 degrees, but I like that more than 8 months of cold weather. We'll try to go to the free family roller skating night, the dollar theater, our old church, and our old bible studies. We'll finish off the week at the homeschool convention in Phx. I've been twice before and enjoy it very much, but this year, Tim will be with me. That's exciting. I'm looking forward to catching Ken Ham's classes (Answers in Genesis, Creation Museum in KY, Apologia Science curriculum). Maybe we'll catch a class designed for the guys too (or at least Tim might).
Jordan's birthday is that week, so hopefully we can do something to celebrate that. It'll depend on how much I can manage to sell at the Farmer's Market the next 2 Saturdays. That's going to be our "spending money". She'll be bringing a friend back with her for a few days too, so that'll be kind of special.
Can't wait to take the kids swimming at some point this summer, if we can get a time when it's not too cold.
This summer is half over and it started late up here. Winds that are usually gone by early June lasted into July. Rain, gardens and flowers just hit this week instead of a month ago. I'd like to think that means summer will be long, just delayed, but I know once September comes, the nights are colder and days aren't as hot, and it'll be here before you know it. I better make sure our family gets out and enjoys the summer these next 5 weeks or so before school starts up again.
I did make it to the 4th of July parade in town, but all fireworks were cancelled around here because of the wildfires and extremely dry conditions, it was too dangerous. I got to visit the Lavender Farm with friends this year - the cooking demo. is where I learn the most.
Next week the kids are at camp through our church. I hope they have a good time. Jordan's never slept away from home more than 2 nights unless it was with family. She's never slept at camp with strangers. She'll only know one friend there and her brother, and they're separated much of the time.
The following week should be fun - we head back to the Valley! I know, it's going to be around 115 degrees, but I like that more than 8 months of cold weather. We'll try to go to the free family roller skating night, the dollar theater, our old church, and our old bible studies. We'll finish off the week at the homeschool convention in Phx. I've been twice before and enjoy it very much, but this year, Tim will be with me. That's exciting. I'm looking forward to catching Ken Ham's classes (Answers in Genesis, Creation Museum in KY, Apologia Science curriculum). Maybe we'll catch a class designed for the guys too (or at least Tim might).
Jordan's birthday is that week, so hopefully we can do something to celebrate that. It'll depend on how much I can manage to sell at the Farmer's Market the next 2 Saturdays. That's going to be our "spending money". She'll be bringing a friend back with her for a few days too, so that'll be kind of special.
Can't wait to take the kids swimming at some point this summer, if we can get a time when it's not too cold.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Outside her comfort zone
Jordan is very strange sometimes. She complains that she's lonely out here - and to be fair - there isn't another girl her age that lives within walking distance that she knows. I would have thought that being so lonely, she'd take opportunities when she got them, like making friends with my friends' kids even if they're younger, or meet the kids somewhat close to her age at church, etc. But she doesn't introduce herself or try to talk to other girls her age when she can. Instead she plays shy and leaves without making new friends.
Today she's in our kitchen baking with a friend! I've been selling baked goods at our local farmer's market on Saturdays and another homeschooling family that's there every week has a daughter about a year older. If she was younger, I bet Jordan never would've even talked to her.
This girl is a farm girl. She out-works most adults! She's thin, blonde, blue eyes, really pretty, but that's about all that's girl-y about her. She likes carrying a pocketknife, loves camouflage, sword fighting, tae kwon do, and thinks nothing of doing 10 hours of physical labor in 90 degree sun & heat, while carrying 50 lb bags of grain, and never stopping to complain.
Jordan on the other hand is VERY girl-y! She likes long nails, long hair, lots of makeup, lacy & sparkly things, stuffed animals, computer games, nail polish, purses and oh, the SHOES!!!
Today she'll be just beyond her comfort zone to find things to talk about. The girls only common ground (besides homeschooling and selling at the Farmer's Market) is baking. They're making brownies and Moni's Fudge Balls (they're amazing!). It's been about 2 hours, so far so good, but there's still another 5 1/2 hours to go. They agreed on pizza for lunch - that's a good start.
Not sure what they'll be doing the rest of the afternoon, maybe watching a movie or two so her friend can relax on her only day off from hard work for a long while. They're family works all the time!
Maybe her friend can help Jordan to learn some new things, and maybe Jordan can learn that you don't have to have everything in common to be friends.
Today she's in our kitchen baking with a friend! I've been selling baked goods at our local farmer's market on Saturdays and another homeschooling family that's there every week has a daughter about a year older. If she was younger, I bet Jordan never would've even talked to her.
This girl is a farm girl. She out-works most adults! She's thin, blonde, blue eyes, really pretty, but that's about all that's girl-y about her. She likes carrying a pocketknife, loves camouflage, sword fighting, tae kwon do, and thinks nothing of doing 10 hours of physical labor in 90 degree sun & heat, while carrying 50 lb bags of grain, and never stopping to complain.
Jordan on the other hand is VERY girl-y! She likes long nails, long hair, lots of makeup, lacy & sparkly things, stuffed animals, computer games, nail polish, purses and oh, the SHOES!!!
Today she'll be just beyond her comfort zone to find things to talk about. The girls only common ground (besides homeschooling and selling at the Farmer's Market) is baking. They're making brownies and Moni's Fudge Balls (they're amazing!). It's been about 2 hours, so far so good, but there's still another 5 1/2 hours to go. They agreed on pizza for lunch - that's a good start.
Not sure what they'll be doing the rest of the afternoon, maybe watching a movie or two so her friend can relax on her only day off from hard work for a long while. They're family works all the time!
Maybe her friend can help Jordan to learn some new things, and maybe Jordan can learn that you don't have to have everything in common to be friends.
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Whole New Week Lies Ahead
Life has just recently gotten exciting for the first time in a few years. Here's all I'm working on:
1. Making lemon & lime curd (and scone samples to try it) to sell at my local Farmer's Market, and I'm making $20 - $50/week when it's slow.
2. I'm designing facebook business pages, twitter accounts, and blogs for my family's and friends' businesses. I'm self-taught, so it's pretty exciting.
3. I'm in the process of trying to launch a tutoring center this fall. Not sure exactly how I'll get customers, but I'm doing a lot to get the word out.
4. Tim & his father are growing their mobile media company LMT. I'm not actually in the sales or management of it, but I'm supporting them with my social media help, and acting as Tim's personal assistant as needed - and I really enjoy that.
5. My faith is on the grow, and so is my middle child's, that makes everything better.
6. I'm trying to get back to writing a bible study on the book of Genesis.
7. I'm making new friends at church all the time, and will soon be in one, if not 2 bible studies. I may be teaching one of them too!
8. Jordan & Logan are going to camp in just a few weeks, so lots to do to earn the money for that and make sure they're prepared.
9. I'm tutoring Jordan in Spelling, Handwriting and Math this summer.
10. I'm hoping that some of my friends from the valley will come up for a few days this summer.
Can't wait to report the results of this week, hopefully making lots of these come together!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Heading back up the hill
It's been such a fast week. We built a web presence for Tim's company, updated all my social media accounts, attended Gangplank events, attended a casual seminar on public speaking, spent time with old friends, prayed and shared with other friends, Tim hiked up Piestewa Peak, went shopping with Moni & Gloria, had a nice dinner at home with the girls, and now we pick up the motor home and drive home, which should take about 4 1/2 hours with gas-ups and stopping in ShowLow for groceries.
Tomorrow we get up really early for the church's Men's Shoot. Tim & Logan will be competing against other men, women and kids for a chance to win the gun everyone's firing. I'll be there to socialize and take lots of pictures.
This next week, I'll be working on improving my sites, creating the LMT blog site, as well as creating Moni's sites. I really enjoy the creativity of that - like scrapbooking with purpose.
Well, gotta shut down to pack up the computer.
I'll be back.
Tomorrow we get up really early for the church's Men's Shoot. Tim & Logan will be competing against other men, women and kids for a chance to win the gun everyone's firing. I'll be there to socialize and take lots of pictures.
This next week, I'll be working on improving my sites, creating the LMT blog site, as well as creating Moni's sites. I really enjoy the creativity of that - like scrapbooking with purpose.
Well, gotta shut down to pack up the computer.
I'll be back.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A Perfect Day
I'm down in Phoenix this week enjoying helping Tim grow his business, taking in some public speakers, working on improving my own business social media, spending time with friends, and getting some time here and there to just relax with Tim, uninterrupted.
When people asked me over the years, "What's your perfect day?" I would talk about being on a family trip or cruise, the bills are paid, maybe we're doing something new with those we love, but you know what? You can learn to be just as content where you're at today.
Yesterday was pretty close to A Perfect Day. I'm in the valley, where lately, I've figured out is more my home than the mountains, although I really enjoy some aspects of it - especially in the summer. I also realized how much I miss our old church, the friends there, and fulfilling my purpose helping women through issues from a biblical perspective. I had a great dinner with friends we used to meet with regularly. We did life deeply together and grew together back then. I even got to sit through a whole movie with Tim without phones ringing, and people walking in to interrupt us.
It was a perfect day - we aren't anywhere exotic, our savings definitely isn't where we'd like it to be, we weren't experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but it was perfect. Simple. Warm. Heart-filling. Joyful. Peaceful.
What more could I expect than that?
When people asked me over the years, "What's your perfect day?" I would talk about being on a family trip or cruise, the bills are paid, maybe we're doing something new with those we love, but you know what? You can learn to be just as content where you're at today.
Yesterday was pretty close to A Perfect Day. I'm in the valley, where lately, I've figured out is more my home than the mountains, although I really enjoy some aspects of it - especially in the summer. I also realized how much I miss our old church, the friends there, and fulfilling my purpose helping women through issues from a biblical perspective. I had a great dinner with friends we used to meet with regularly. We did life deeply together and grew together back then. I even got to sit through a whole movie with Tim without phones ringing, and people walking in to interrupt us.
It was a perfect day - we aren't anywhere exotic, our savings definitely isn't where we'd like it to be, we weren't experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but it was perfect. Simple. Warm. Heart-filling. Joyful. Peaceful.
What more could I expect than that?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Because I like organized lists...
What am I up to now that my homeschoolers and our Bible study groups are on summer break?
1. Now is the few weeks a year I get to read non-school related books and magazines - just for me.
2. I plan on visiting the valley as often as possible. I know it's about 110 degrees most of the summer, but I still miss many of my friends.
3. I'm teaching myself the whole social media thing. I've created a Facebook page for my tutoring center (that I hope to open in the fall), a Twitter account, a new blog for the tutoring center, a Google alert system to stay on top of what goes on in the internet that applies to my industry, and I still have 2 more sites to work with - then figure out how to effectively link them all together.
4. If they let me, I'm going to make lemon and lime curd and sell it at my local Farmer's Market. I don't grow the ingredients, so I need approval first.
5. I want to take the kids to one of the nearby lakes to go swimming this year. If that doesn't work, there's the pool at St. John's and the aquatic center in Show Low.
6. I'm going to make more time for tea with friends.
7. I'll host another tea in my home for friends (maybe 2 if there's time).
8. I'll work with Logan so he can learn the social media thing and turn it into a possible career with companies later on as their Social Media director (or at least one of their staff).
9. I'll take time to be quiet and enjoy early mornings, hummingbirds, campfires, sunsets, and rides on the quad and motorcycle with Tim.
10. Sleeping past 7 am would be nice for a change, too!
1. Now is the few weeks a year I get to read non-school related books and magazines - just for me.
2. I plan on visiting the valley as often as possible. I know it's about 110 degrees most of the summer, but I still miss many of my friends.
3. I'm teaching myself the whole social media thing. I've created a Facebook page for my tutoring center (that I hope to open in the fall), a Twitter account, a new blog for the tutoring center, a Google alert system to stay on top of what goes on in the internet that applies to my industry, and I still have 2 more sites to work with - then figure out how to effectively link them all together.
4. If they let me, I'm going to make lemon and lime curd and sell it at my local Farmer's Market. I don't grow the ingredients, so I need approval first.
5. I want to take the kids to one of the nearby lakes to go swimming this year. If that doesn't work, there's the pool at St. John's and the aquatic center in Show Low.
6. I'm going to make more time for tea with friends.
7. I'll host another tea in my home for friends (maybe 2 if there's time).
8. I'll work with Logan so he can learn the social media thing and turn it into a possible career with companies later on as their Social Media director (or at least one of their staff).
9. I'll take time to be quiet and enjoy early mornings, hummingbirds, campfires, sunsets, and rides on the quad and motorcycle with Tim.
10. Sleeping past 7 am would be nice for a change, too!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Where is the time going?
I have such a hard time believing that 3 weeks or so have gone by since I posted those pictures! Here we are half-way through May already! What's happened so far?
1. Spring has come, lots of days in the 70s, but it snowed just last week for a little bit too (no accumulation, thank goodness!)
2. We drove to the top of Cinder Mountain for the first time this year and drove down the front of it in the jeep again.
3. We had a nice Mother's Day family meal together. My kids got me movies, pink jeweled sunglasses and pink slippers and Tim got me a new tea kettle.
4. Easter was nice. We went to our Sunday School class, church service, then had a family meal together.
5. Logan disected a frog to end Biology this year.
6. We're just about done the school year and I'm in the planning stages for next year.
7. I hosted a Ladies Tea for my Sunday School group. There was 10 of us enjoying tea together here with a Tropical menu and beach theme while the guys went shooting on Cinder Mountain. It was a really fun day.
8. I'll be heading the the valley next week for a few days. I'll get to visit with a few of my friends, and soak up some sun, and get warm again, but Tim will be working and using the car most of the time. Hopefully we'll get to a movie for our 19th Anniversary and shop at Sprouts for organic and healthy foods we can't get up here on the mountain.
9. I had a really enjoyable 3 hour conversation with my mother on the phone just before Mother's Day.
10. I'm in the middle of reading all kinds of good books that aren't school related. I only get a few weeks a year to do that because I'm always busy reading the kids' books for school.
Here's some pictures:
1. Spring has come, lots of days in the 70s, but it snowed just last week for a little bit too (no accumulation, thank goodness!)
2. We drove to the top of Cinder Mountain for the first time this year and drove down the front of it in the jeep again.
3. We had a nice Mother's Day family meal together. My kids got me movies, pink jeweled sunglasses and pink slippers and Tim got me a new tea kettle.
4. Easter was nice. We went to our Sunday School class, church service, then had a family meal together.
5. Logan disected a frog to end Biology this year.
6. We're just about done the school year and I'm in the planning stages for next year.
7. I hosted a Ladies Tea for my Sunday School group. There was 10 of us enjoying tea together here with a Tropical menu and beach theme while the guys went shooting on Cinder Mountain. It was a really fun day.
8. I'll be heading the the valley next week for a few days. I'll get to visit with a few of my friends, and soak up some sun, and get warm again, but Tim will be working and using the car most of the time. Hopefully we'll get to a movie for our 19th Anniversary and shop at Sprouts for organic and healthy foods we can't get up here on the mountain.
9. I had a really enjoyable 3 hour conversation with my mother on the phone just before Mother's Day.
10. I'm in the middle of reading all kinds of good books that aren't school related. I only get a few weeks a year to do that because I'm always busy reading the kids' books for school.
Here's some pictures:
Monday, April 25, 2011
April 2011
This month has flown by! We've had spring start to show up in lilac blooms on the bushes behind the house and had a few days that were sunny and in the 70s. Adam went to the Junior Prom with Ashlee. I've gotten lots of scrapbook pages done (I was so behind!), Tim got his Katana motorcycle going again, I'm in the process of planning a tea for a dozen women or so, and we just celebrated Easter. Tim's spent the last two weeks here with us but now it's back to Phoenix for work. The time has been flying by, but we're almost done school - then it'll be time for summer.
Here's a few photos from April:
Here's a few photos from April:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sooooo Ready for Spring
I don't know if there's anyone else out there like me, but I can't wait for Spring. I know lots of people feel that way around the beginning of April, but I can't wait because I really hate winter...I don't just "not like it", or it's dragged on too long, I absolutely HATE winter. I hate the cold, the clouds, the snow, the dampness, the dry air (dryer than normal at 6300' in the high desert), the dry skin, the short days,...ALL of it.
I had it pretty good for the past 6 years living in the Phoenix area. Winter was great, it was warm and sunny, there were palm trees and snow was just something you watched from a distance on the mountain peaks far away. This last winter in the mountains? I thought I'd never make it.
Last week was a great week. Saturday was warm and sunny here, in the 70s, and I was able to lay out in the sun in shorts and a tank top. It felt great! Even on Tuesday I was able to do the same thing, plus walk about 3 miles and enjoy it a lot. Then Saturday happened...it was only in the low 40s and it snowed all day long. It covered everything with white. How can you be slightly sunburned one day and just a few days later, you're back to heavy coats, wearing mittens and everything's white? It's just not right. I know the snow's gone in a day or so, but still, it feels like going backwards and not making any progess toward better days.
Today brings hope again. It's windy, but it's in the 60s heading for a high of 70 degrees later, and it's sunny. I hope to catch a little bit of sun on the front step while reading my book without the wind whipping my hair all in my face. Actually, all this week is supposed to be in the 60s and maybe hit 70 by the weekend.
I'm sooo ready for spring!
I had it pretty good for the past 6 years living in the Phoenix area. Winter was great, it was warm and sunny, there were palm trees and snow was just something you watched from a distance on the mountain peaks far away. This last winter in the mountains? I thought I'd never make it.
Last week was a great week. Saturday was warm and sunny here, in the 70s, and I was able to lay out in the sun in shorts and a tank top. It felt great! Even on Tuesday I was able to do the same thing, plus walk about 3 miles and enjoy it a lot. Then Saturday happened...it was only in the low 40s and it snowed all day long. It covered everything with white. How can you be slightly sunburned one day and just a few days later, you're back to heavy coats, wearing mittens and everything's white? It's just not right. I know the snow's gone in a day or so, but still, it feels like going backwards and not making any progess toward better days.
Today brings hope again. It's windy, but it's in the 60s heading for a high of 70 degrees later, and it's sunny. I hope to catch a little bit of sun on the front step while reading my book without the wind whipping my hair all in my face. Actually, all this week is supposed to be in the 60s and maybe hit 70 by the weekend.
I'm sooo ready for spring!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Finally! I get to see the Las Vegas strip!
I've been to Las Vegas about 4 times in the last 2 years, but only going directly to the hotel, enjoying our business convention, then leaving. Never have I had the chance to go down the Las Vegas Blvd. strip to see all those famous hotels I've seen in movies my whole life. I didn't have any desire to actually get out and walk it, or to go into any of the casinos/bars/etc. I just wanted to drive down and get pictures so I can say that I've seen it, and show the pictures of the beautiful hotels and lights to the kids. This trip, I lucked out.
This particular trip happened to fall just before my birthday, and Tim knew he'd be gone on the actual day because of his new job, so I asked if maybe, as an early gift, he could just drive down after the function and let me get the photos. I was so surprised when he said yes, he would!
I saw some barely dressed early 20-somethings looking for attention, casually dressed partiers, formally-dressed casino goers, a costumed (all in white from head to toe with no skin showing)jester/street performer. I even saw 2 people dressed up in oversized, Disney-like Woody & Jessie costumes, you know, from Toy Story 2. The lights were amazing! It was better than the best Christmas light show in any neighborhood I've ever driven through.
I did manage to see the Phoenician, Treasure Island, The Golden Nugget (although it was down a side street), MargaritaVille, NewYork NewYork hotel, complete with a statue of liberty and full-size roller coaster running around the building and street. I saw the waving cowboy, the Sahara, MGM, Tropicana, The Venetian, Palazzo, Hard Rock Cafe, Flamingo, Planet Hollywood, the Harley Davidson cafe, Paris - complete with a mini Eiffel Tower and Arc d'Triomphe, the Bellagio, Trump hotel, Caesar's Palace, CaboWabo, Bally's, the Mirage, The Forum Shops (beautiful architecture), Vince Neil Ink, Gucci, Louis Vitton, Prada, Harrah's, the Wynn and Encore hotels, Circus Circus, the Riviera, lots of little chapels to get married, and lots more I can't even remember! It was a great memory to make and I'm thankful to Tim for taking the time to show me, even though it was about midnight when we got started!
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