December 31, 2010

Oreo Brownies! YUMMM

Do you see the creamy white center of the oreo in this brownie! Man Alive! It is so tempting to not eat every single one of these brownies!

I have been seeing this recipe on other blogs like Make It-Love It and wanted to try them. Every New Year's eve, we meet with my family and eat, eat, and eat at midnight. You know....to be able to have a fresh start at 12:01am! Of course that was last year's resolution that was broken!

You can see instructions on these other blogs, but simply prepare your brownie mix as normal. Then grab and grease a muffin pan. Dip the oreo's very generously with brownie mix, add a little extra to the muffin cup. Bake for 20-25 minutes and enjoy while warm! I promise you will not be let down! Let me know what you think! Happy New Year!

Fred's Coupon Match Ups

This is my first post regarding Fred's and coupon match ups. I have emailed Fred's to get a copy of the OFFICIAL coupon policy and rain check information. I know that they will double all coupons up to 70 cents on Saturday ONLY. Now....these are just the deals that I see and that I have coupons for. The ad is long and can be found HERE. This is the first Fred's post, so if you see anything extra or have questions, please comment and we will learn together. Have a great day!

Current Ad 12/27/10-1/9/10
  • Folgers Classic Coffee 33.9 oz $8, use 25 cent coupon from 12/5 RP, will double on Saturdays, FP $7.50
  • Pine Mtn Fire logs 3lb 2/$5, use $1 coupon from 12/12 RP, FP $1.50 each
  • Tylenol Cold liquid $5.25, use $1 coupon from 11/7 RP, FP $4.25
  • Robitussin Cough liquid $5, use $1 coupon from 12/12 RP, FP $4
  • Aleve 24ct $3.25, use $1 coupon from October SS, FP $2.25
  • Phillips Milk of Mag $4, use $2 from October SS, FP $2
  • One a Day Vitamins $5.75, use $1 from October SS, FP $4.75
  • Hormel Compleats $2.15, use $1 Kids Compleats from January All You mag, FP $1.15
I am sure there are several Proctor and Gamble coupons from the 12/26 P& G insert that match the sale, I did not get that paper or insert. Hear are some sale prices worth mentioning!
  • Charmin Basic Towels and Tissue $5
  • Pepsi 12pks 3 for $9
  • Herbal Essence and Aussie assorted hair care $2.50
  • Gain & Downy Fabric Softener $3
  • Gain 11oz & Dawn 14oz dish liquid 85 cents
Here are some explanations of coupon abbreviations:
  • FP=Final Price
  • RP=Red Plum insert that comes in Sunday paper
  • SS=Smart Source insert that comes in Sunday paper
  • MQ=Manufacturer coupons

Local Bi-Lo deal

My local Bi-Lo has Bailey's coffee creamer on sale 3 for $5 ($1.67ea). They also had a blinkie with a coupon for $1.00 off the purchase of 1....making it 66 cent each. Great deal! Having some right now and bought extra to freeze! Go check it out for yourself!

December 30, 2010

Trash to Treasure Thursday

With the cold weather facing most everyone, we recognize a cold draft more! When we moved into this apartment, we were excited to see a coat closet in the living room. Recently I noticed how cold it was in there every time I opened the door. It was then when I discovered this.....
This my friend is a cold air return for our furnace, and man is it cold! Our coat closet also had a door with about an inch and a half space at the bottom that was allowing all of that cold air right into our living room. I knew the fix was to block the bottom of the door, but I didn't want to always be kicking a towel back and forth.

Then I saw the infomercial on the draft protectors and my mind started going. I found an old pillowcase and a pool noodle that we were about to toss out....we had used it to level the car seat for our daughter. Total cost for this T to T....around $2. Great savings compared to the $19.99 infomercial! 
Click on the picture to enlarge and see step by step instructions.

***added note, you can cut and sew the pillowcase so as not to have all the extra sticking out, and I will be doing that eventually. I just needed a quick fix on this 30 degree morning!

Do you have any drafts or cold air spots in your home? Hope this can help! Check out other T to T's HERE!

Your Journey....

“Let your mind start a journey thru a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be...Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before.” -Erich Fromm


As we near the end of another year, I personally cannot wait to put this year in the books! Even though we had several great things happen this year, it was also a test of our faith for sure! One of the greatest blessings was the birth of our daughter, but this was also one of our greatest test.


The quote listed above is one of the best I have ever read, it really spoke to me about the season of my life. I want to break down this quote and give you a little insight on my life, 2010, and what I hope to see in 2011! 


"Let your mind start a journey thru a strange new world" 

- My husband and I have vowed to each other to become healthier for our sakes, but also for the sake of our children. We want to see our children, grandchildren, etc and we have realized that to do that, we have to change a few things. We never want to think of this as a diet, but more of a lifestyle change. We also want God to use us in a mighty way, who knows what new world that could mean. It could simply mean helping in a ministry, working with our youth, or simply building our family foundation, but I am ready! 


"Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before."

- WOW this hit home! Often we stress over things of the past, how they hurt, who did it, why it happened, and so on. Once we learn to leave it all behind, then I firmly believe that we will be able to move on with life in a new light. Lord....please allow me to put the world I knew before behind me!


"Let your soul take you where you long to be"

- I am not, nor never will be a perfect person. However, I do have dreams, hopes, and goals that I want to obtain. Lord, lead my soul to these things that you would allow me to do and have. I know he will give us the desires of our hearts if we are truly in "tune" with him!


"Close your eyes let your spirit soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before"

- I am trusting the Lord and his spirit for my life, I know that he blesses us each day, but I am looking forward to a year like never before! 


May God bless each of you as you bring in the New Year. Begin a new journey and enjoy the blessings along the way!

December 27, 2010

Trash to Treasure Thursday.....A little late!

Sorry for this post not being on Thursday, but as you all know, it was a very busy time during the holidays. This particular day, I was up for a total of 24 hours!  Here is the info....

Save those infant formula cans, they make great goodie "bags". I saved several of the cans and wrapped them with wrapping paper, added some tissue paper and filled with goodies for family and neighbors. Here are the pictures.....ENJOY!


December 22, 2010

Frugal Tip of the Day

What to do with those infant formula cans? Save them, wash them out, let them dry overnight and come back to  the blog tomorrow for "Trash to Treasure Thursday".

Sorry I have not posted tips of the day. My husband is having some gallbladder issues and we have been busy with doctor appointments. Merry Christmas everyone!

December 16, 2010

Frugal Tip of the Day

Always Always Always shop thrift stores! Whether you are looking for something particular or just browsing for the afternoon....chances are, you can find it second hand. Just the other day, I was in a local thrift store and purchased the following for $16 total. To beat it all, I sold one of the books online and made $17.50....this paid for my shopping trip!
  • Ankle length plus size wool coat $4
  • 4 books including weight watchers cook book, life books, and a nursing text book (sold online) $4
  • Name Brand clothes for my daughter $8
Other frugal tips HERE

Trash to Treasure Thursday

Have you ever wondered why everyone just tosses those old brass candle sticks to goodwill? I mean really....everywhere you go, you see them. Well, I see them in a different light...  After purchasing a couple of neat ones, and a few plates to go along with it,  you have cool new cake, candle, or cookie stands. Check out these pictures!






December 15, 2010

Frugal Tip of the Day

Need something to hold that bandage or ice pack on an active kid OR spouse? Do you have "matchless" socks?  Did you know that you can cut out the foot of a sock that no longer has a match and use it as a wrap over a bandage or ice pack, AND the best part is you can wash and reuse! I will definitely have to try this one out when summer rolls around and my son decides to attempt "Extreme BMX at home version" again! Have a great night!   More Frugal Tips

Check out Soap.com

Soap.com is offering free shipping on all $25 orders, and until Friday you can use the Promo Code: 10BUCKSFREE to receive $10 off your order. They also give you "eCoupons" which are all current coupons in the papers. You can pay $15 for a $25 order and have it shipped free to you, and you didn't spend the gas to get to the store! I also had a credit from Diapers.com (sister company) of $10. I used this credit, combined with the promo code and paid $6.86 for the following items shipped to my front door:
  • 2-12 packs of Scott Tissue
  • 1 green kitchen cleaner
  • 1 green room spray

December 14, 2010

Frugal Tip of the Day

Do you have extra linens laying around? How about all of those old placemats or just ones that no longer have a home?  Put them to great use by using them as shelf or drawer liners. This will save you money not having to run to the store and buy new shelf liner or contact paper, AND chances are, your placemats are more stylish and match your decor better than any liner from the store! Have fun with this one and see you tomorrow!

December 13, 2010

Back to Blogging

Hello everyone! Thanks for being patient with me, it has been a long couple of months...

I ended up in the hospital for a week before they delivered my baby girl, then she spent two weeks in the NICU. We are so blessed to have her with us, and one day I will tell her story!

I just wanted to let you know of some things I plan to do....you should watch for the following things:
  • Daily frugal tip of the day
  • Coupon highlights
  • Trash to Treasures
  • Crafts for sale
  • Much Much More!
I have included a picture of our little angel. I look forward to the days ahead! Many Blessings!

October 4, 2010

What have I been up to?

Hello blog friends!  I just wanted to post and let you know that I am still out here! I have been doing some much needed creative things, and I had to sew my crib bedding for the baby girl coming soon!

I am not sure how much I will be on over the next couple of months. The baby should be here within the next 4-5 weeks, we may be moving, and I have had some good feedback on some of my crafts and getting orders. I  hope to be back to blogging and all the special things by the first of the year. Hang in there for me!

Here are just some of the pictures of what I have been up to! Oh and all items can be ordered and customized for you. If you are on Face Book, you can search for Meme's Treasures and "Like" my page to see new items as they are completed! Enjoy!





August 30, 2010

Mailbox Monday

I love going to the mailbox and having free goodies and coupons. This week I received a 99¢ bag of Cheetos mighty zingers and free Nexxus hair care samples. These came with coupons totaling $4.00 as well!

August 27, 2010

Friday Finals

Well, I usually shop on Wednesdays, but was not able to this week. I decided to change it to the "Friday Finals"! This week I made 4 stops, Rite Aid, CVS, Bi-Lo, and Publix. Here is the summary.....
  • Total spent out of pocket for everything pictured: $69.63
  • Total coupon savings: $54.68
  • Total store incentives, sales, and savings: $79.00
  • Total savings: $133.68, spent $69.63 for a total of $203.31 retail
Here are the pictures!!!

Rite Aid Spent $3.05, will get $5.00 SCR


CVS, Spent $30.07
Bi-Lo, Spent $14.43
Publix, Spent $20.08

August 25, 2010

A few days off....

Good morning everyone! Just wanted to let you know that I had to take a few days off from blogging. Along with starting to home school my 3rd grade son, I had to get some sewing out of my system. The home school has been trial and error for the first couple of weeks, but we seem to be on a better path now.

I was also able to get some much needed sewing out of my system which has led to some possible contacts that I am most grateful for! You can now find my sewing projects on facebook! Search for "Meme's Treasures" in the search box and LIKE my page to see all the pictures. I have placed a few pictures here for you to see!!

I hope to be back up to speed with blogging in the next few days and I look forward to many post ahead!

Thanks again! Misty

Dresses Currently Available
Vintage Style Fabric
Rice therapy bags

August 12, 2010

Recipe of the Day

Okay, so after yesterday's Chocolate Waffles , I decided to experiment with this awesome Pizza Pocket recipe found on Heavenly Homemakers blog. Her blog was one of the many that I was perusing over while looking for meal and lunch ideas, and I must say that I will be a frequent flier now!

Just this weekend, my big 37 year old husband/boy, decided that he wanted pizza pockets for supper. Have you ever really looked to see how much sodium is in those things! WOW! This is surely a healthier alternative! I tried them out today and they were a hit with me and my son....we'll wait till a later day to introduce them to the hubs! This recipe made enough for us to have at least 4 lunches, we added Turkey Pepperoni. Enjoy!

Ingredients, including Turkey Pepperoni
First 9 pockets, these are easy!
Finished product with a little Ranch or Ketchup!

August 11, 2010

Wednesday Wow!

I didn't strive for a huge savings this week, but any savings is good for me! I was not impressed with the sales ads this week and only went out for a few things to buy with coupons. This is what I got at Wal-Mart and Publix.


Wal-Mart $2.38 pre-tax
Wal-Mart
  • Buy 2 boxes of Cinnabon Cereal at $2 each, use 2-75¢ Cinnabon cereal coupons from the 8/8 Red Plum insert.
  • Buy 4 travel size Shout to Go wipes at 97¢ each, use 2-$2 off any 2 Shout products coupon from the 8/8 Smart Source insert which will in turn give you 12¢ overage applied to total. 
  • Spend 2.38 pre-tax for all, average of 40¢ per item!

Publix
  • Buy 4 bags of Tyson frozen chicken on sale for $6.59 and Buy 1 Get 1. Then use 2-$1.00 off any Tyson frozen chicken, and 2-$1.50 off any Tyson Anytizzer chicken spirals which is from the same coupon group (first 5 of bar code on package matches first 5 on coupon).
  • Spend $8.18 pre-tax for all, average of $2.05 each, total savings of $18.16!
Hope you enjoy and can run out and get some bargains as well!! If you found a great bargain in your area, please link up here!





Easy Breakfast treat for the kids!

Now that I am a stay at home mom and we are homeschooling, I try to find fun treats for my son to have around the house. I stumbled upon this recipe this week when looking through some magazines for simple meal ideas and thought I would give it a try this morning. It was a hit, and can be made in bulk, frozen and warmed in the microwave for convenience in the future. Now....don't let the name fool you. I promise I was not feeding pure sugar to my son first thing in the morning, that would be asking for trouble! These waffles have less sugar in them than any poptart out there! You can even sneak in some whole wheat pancake mixes to make it even healthier if you have some on hand!

Pecan Chocolate Waffles
  • 1 cup pancake mix
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup 1 or 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
  • 2 T canola oil
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • Powdered sugar

Whisk together egg, milk, chocolate syrup, and oil in bowl. Stir in pancake mix until combined, add pecans if you prefer them cooked in (we added as a topping instead). Bake in preheated waffle iron until golden brown. Sprinkle powdered sugar when plated for a final touch! You may also top with berries, whipped cream, and many other options.


August 10, 2010

Real Country Recipes Giveaway!

Welcome to my first blog giveaway! I have three separate recipe books from Tennessee Pride sausage company. This 48 page recipe book features approximately 88 recipes all for sausage! From appetizers to main course dishes, you are sure to find your favorite sausage recipe and timeless family fun!

You have 2 ways to enter into this giveaway:
  1. Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog, and
  2. add yourself as a follower on my blog.
Its that easy! This giveaway will run till Sunday, August 15th at midnight. Winners will be announced Monday on the blog! Enjoy!

August 4, 2010

Wednesday WoW! Savings!

Well today I tried a Wal-Mart deal, although it was not as good as I wanted it to be because one item had a substantial price difference and I did not receive the overage credit that Couponing to Disney had. It was still a great deal for some freebies, half price, and less than half price items!

I also made a stop by Publix and picked up a few things, although it was not full grocery shopping, it was several things that I use. Oh, and did I mention that I love getting Vitamin water for 66¢ each....this is my simple pleasure that I will not often treat myself to when they are $1 each, but who can pass up the deal!

Total spent at Wal-Mart, including some meat not pictured...it was in the oven...$16.69, savings of $20.54!
The J&J first aid kits were FREE with coupon from 8/01 Proctor & Gamble insert, and all other items pictured were less than $1.00. Average of 46¢ per item!


Total spent at Publix...$20.66, savings of $41.34 after store sales and coupons! Not to bad for someone that always thought Publix was too expensive! Now I know better! Average of 66¢ per item!

August 2, 2010

Mailbox Monday

Here are the latest freebies! These are going to be great in the hospital bag, and yes I have started thinking about that!!
Trial size Dove Hair Care shampoo and conditioner
Trial size Bodycology Cucumber Melon lotion
Trial size Nivea Touch lotion, with $1.00 coupon

My first Rite Aid experiment!

Well, I have been anxious to try Rite Aid, but didn't know that I wanted to wait for the cash rebates that  they offer. However, they are now stating that the Single Check Rebate program will only 2-3 weeks. I noticed some good deals this week, and they now have a program called + Up rewards which is very similar to Extra Care Bucks from the local competitor. This is a summary of my bargains with pictures to follow...

Transaction 1:
  • 2 20oz Mt Dew $1.59 each, used RA video coupon for B1G1
  • 1 Pampers Swaddlers Jumbo Sz 2, on sale for $8.99, used $1.75 coupon from home mailer
  • 1 Bounty Basic paper towel 8pk, on sale for $5.99, used 25¢ coupon
  • 1 Crest 3D white toothpaste, on sale for $2.49, used 75¢ coupon
  • 1 Pampers Wipes, used FREE with purchase of Pampers coupon
  • 1 J&J Bedtime bath soap, on sale for $3.99, used $1 coupon from home mailer
  • Then used $5 off $25 purchase, received $5.00 +up dollars, and will receive $4 rebates
Transaction 2:
  • 1 12pk Sprite Zero, on sale for $3.33, used $1 Rite Aid coupon
  • 1 Pampers Swaddlers Jumbo Sz 2, on sale for $8.99, used $1.50 coupon from8/1/10 P&G
  • 1 Herbal Ess Hair Spray, on sale for $2.50
  • 1 Herbal Ess Mousse, on sale for $2.50, used free when you buy 2 coupon
  • 1 Sensodyne Toothpaste, on sale for $4.99, used $1 Rite Aid coupon
  • 1 Crest 3D white toothpaste, on sale for $2.49, used 75¢ coupon
  • 1 Pampers Wipes, used FREE with purchase of Pampers coupon
  • Then used $5 off $25 purchase, used $5.00 +up dollars, received $4.00 +up dollars, and will receive $4 rebates
All together, that is a $75.56 retail purchase, all for $7.64 total after coupons, +up reward dollars, and rebates! 14 items totals, average of 55¢ per item! Excited that this deal worked, and looks like I will be working more deals because they actually had everything I wanted IN STOCK later on Sunday afternoon!

July 19, 2010

Mailbox Monday

Its that time again...mailbox Monday! This was a slow week, but still a good one. We received a free back of chex mix along with some EOS ladies shaving creme. Looks like we are still stacking up a good stash of "travel size" items. These will also come in handy for the time that I spend in the hospital having the baby. 

Stay tuned to the blog, I have lots of ideas coming up! Many blessings!

July 8, 2010

I love to sew!


Here are a couple of my latest projects, burp cloths and Pacifier keepers! I have fallen in love with sewing, and I wish I could do it all day everyday, but that is just not possible. However I am able to fit in a couple of projects here and there. I will be making batches of these if you are interested in purchasing a set for an upcoming angel! Enjoy!

July 7, 2010

Wal-mart & CVS deals of the day!

So today I tried a couple of Wal-Mart and CVS deals, and I was happy with the results!

The first picture is the wal-mart deals, everything pictured cost me less than $3.00! Here is a list of the prices and coupons used:
  • Gillette Body Wash $2.97 each, used 2-$2.00 off coupons and 2-B1G1 Coupons from recent Proctor and Gamble inserts. ($1.94 for all 4, or 49¢ each)
  • Oil of Olay Body Wash $3.97 and Ivory 3pk $1.07, used $4.00 off Olay Total effects(UPC was same coupon group) and used free Ivory with the purchase of Oil of Olay. (Both free plus 3¢ overage)
  • Rubbermaid 1 pint bottle $1.54, used $1.00 off coupon (54¢)
  • 2-Tide Travel 1 load detergent 97¢ each, used 2-$1.00 off any size Tide. (Both free plus 6¢ overage)
Total Spent $2.48 excluding tax, cheaper than one bottle of body wash!!

The second picture is the CVS deals, granted...not everyone is pitching a fit for the Huggies Jean diapers like my husband is for our daughter....BUT it still worked out to be a great deal for less than $2.00 out of pocket.

Transaction #1
  • 2-Covergirl professional Mascara's $4.99 & $5.49, used 2-$1.00 off any CG product coupons
  • 2-Eye Enhancers $3.49 each, used 2-free Eye Enhancers with the purchase of any CG Mascara
  • Used $5.00 CVS extra care bucks from a couple of weeks ago, and paid $4.70 out of pocket or $1.18 each, then RECEIVED $5.00 extra care buck for purchasing $15 in CG product which made them totally free!
Transaction #2
  • Huggies Jeans limited edition for TIM! $9.99, used $2.00 CVS coupon, $2.00 on any huggies diapers coupon, the $5.00 ECB from previous transaction, plus 50¢ ECB from scanning extra card on coupon machine in store.
  • Total spent $1.40 out of pocket for everything in the picture!
Not a bad day to spend $3.88 for everything pictured! Stay tuned for more post to come and find out what I am working on next!! Good evening and God Bless!

July 6, 2010

Mailbox Monday

A couple more freebies for the week! Loving the stash that is building up and the extra coupons that come along with it! This week included All OXI-active 1 load detergent with $1 coupon and a free sample of Starbuck ready brew. Stay tuned!

June 28, 2010

Mailbox Monday

To go along with the free samples post, I plan to do this post weekly. I will showcase the free stuff in the mail over the past week. They are really worth it, and if you set up a dummy email, you can really get some good deals! Many Blessings!


This sample showcase was full of surprises and coupons! The list of items includes:
  • 2 Splenda Samples and $1.00 coupon
  • 1 trial size Secret Clinical deodorant
  • 2 different Aveeno lotion samples, 1 sample shampoo and $3.00 in coupons
  • 2 samples shower to shower powder
  • 1 Bengay pain relief pad
  • 2 tasters choice instant coffee samples
  • 1 Dove chocolate candy bar
  • 1 pkg Montreal Steak marinade pkg by McCormick
That's a great deal of samples and coupons for FREE! I hope you find some samples in your mailbox soon!