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!