Big sewing project for the new year

One of my resolutions for the New Year (not that I really make them) is to use my sewing machine more.  That means more fun projects!  

Over at the KellyRachel blog, I stumbled across an awesome tutorial on making a bag and lots of smaller accessories that go with the bag.  It's an 8 week project, but we'll see how long it actually takes me to do.  I'm almost finished with one of my baby projects, and I'm hoping to start this one this week or so!  Stay tuned because I will be posting my progress here on the blog.  If you are interested in checking out the tutorial, sewing along with me, or to see the finished projects without waiting for me, click the make sew along logo (that I will be including with each of my posts as well)

Here is a list of the weekly tutorials- and I'll try to remember to update this as I get each of my weeks up :) 

Week One – Gather Your Supplies
Week Two – {Make} A Bag – Part One
Week Three – {Make} A Bag – Part Two
Week Four – Toiletries Pouch
Week Five – Mini Makeup Roll
Week Six – Sunglasses Case
Week Seven – Bits and Pieces Pouch
Week Eight – Keyring Decoration/Zipper Pull

Yay for the Internet!

I finished my first big, ok big for me the beginning sewer, sewing project and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  Several people have asked what my project was, so here it is- I was checking out the lovely Internet for easy sewing tutorials and projects and came across this cool (seemingly easy enough) nursing cover from Our Seven Dwarfs. I bought the supplies for it and I did some work on the easier smaller parts, the straps.  Not too daunting, they came out pretty well.

 After doing the smaller parts I then kind panicked about how I was going to do all my long straight lines! So then last weekend I put out a plea.  This plea was answered on the blog, twitter and facebook!  Huge thanks to Stephanie, April, Lori, Rachael, Kelsey, Becky, Marcie, and Ana for all the great tips and advice! Many of the tips were of the same nature, so that helped my confidence greatly "if several of these ladies who have never met are saying the same thing, they must be right!" and I was able to get moving on the next steps of my project! Using the rotary cutter, straight edge, and mat that I did have in my craft room, I did the straight(ish) lines for the edges....

I discovered a neat tool at Joann's that is really for quilting, but I used it for the entire main piece of the project- it's a set of heat resistant plastic sticks.  You can use them to create hems with the iron, no gauge or pins needed. I found that they were really easy to work with and they worked pretty well. The only part that was difficult was adding in the terry cloth corners for the inside.  My machine didn't like all the fabric, 7 layers once you got around the corners, so I had to finagle the foot a little bit, but the corners came out nicely.  It was interesting working with the boning, but it wasn't a lot, so it wasn't too bad to work with.  While the end result (for me anyway) looks homemade and crafted, I don't care.  I really love the way it turned out and I'm proud that I finished it! I can't wait for Baby D to get here so I can use it!

A Plea for Crafting HELP!

I've done some form or another of crafting my entire life.  It wasn't until last year though that I got an interest in sewing.  For Christmas I got a lovely sewing machine, some patterns and a "how to sew" book.  I love it!  While I haven't really gotten to use it nearly as much as I'd like, and I haven't gotten up the nerve to use any of the patterns yet, I have gotten to play with it enough to be comfortable using the machine.  I've done a few little projects on my own, but nothing fancy or complicated.

Now, here is where you come in.  I cannot cut a straight line into the fabric to save my life... Help!  How do I do this?  My current project is pattern-less, so it's not like I can just cut the pattern straight and then cut the fabric off of that.  However, it has long straight edges (or at least, it's supposed to) and I'm not sure how to go about that in a way that they will be straight! Even using a seam gauge, it still doesn't come out straight. So my crafty friends, what tips and techniques do you use to cut your fabric in a straight line?

My second cry for help is this.  After figuring out how to cut my fabric in that straight line, I'm going to need to  hem it in an equally straight line.  Short sections are fine, but somehow I manage to get into an angle or a bubble or funky section that ends up not making the edge straight.  What are your best tips for doing a straight hem?  I have learned that faster is not better when it comes to sewing, it's a lot easier to make a tiny mistake huge!  However working at Disney in locations that embroider the ear hats (all computerized) all you hear is the machines sewing at 500 miles an hour, so it's hard not to try to run my machine equally as fast.  I am much better at not "lead footing" it now though :)

Thanks in advance for any tips and tricks that you think of!  I can't wait to read them :)

The big question.... Answered!

Most  of you have already heard the news in person, through facebook or on Twitter. So here it is in case you missed it, or you just wanted to hear again (because I haven't gotten tired of it!).....

Puppies vs. Babies!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Who doesn't love a super adorable baby or a very cute puppy? I think they are both just too cute! Now I don't have a puppy (or even a dog for that matter) or a baby, well at least not for for another 4 or so months, but I sure can have an opinion and so can you! Now through Wednesday, November 23rd you can help pick the top baby or puppy in the Puppies vs. Babies online contest. Go ahead, check it out.  I'll wait here while you go and vote.
Ok, since you made me wait while you checked it out and voted (you did vote right?) who did you vote for? It's so hard to pick, they are all so cute over at Puppies vs. Babies! It's a pretty close race right now! Time is running out, as of today there are only 2 babies and 2 puppies to pick from! Then, on Saturday the 19th the top baby and the top puppy will fight it out for the cutest spot! Did you know the top baby or puppy wins $5,000? That's a nice prize for just looking adorable!

The big question....

Is Baby D a boy or a girl?  Well, good news... we found out today.  A whole week and a half early, woohoo!  However, as super excited as we are over that news- it didn't leave me time to post my poll.... so ya'll have to wait until I get some guesses.  We're giving until Sunday afternoon. Then we'll do the big reveal :)  So either leave your comments here on the blog, or head over to our facebook page and leave your answer in our poll.

My First Giveaway!

I'm hosting my first blog giveaway with some exciting prizes from Sea-Band! For those who haven't been paying attention, or have just forgotten, I'm pregnant!  One of the joys that comes along with being pregnant is the morning sickness and nausea. 


 Just in time for my pregnancy, I was able to participate in a review of Sea-Band wristbands along with some Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum.  I've had pretty good results with the wristbands, mostly when I'm traveling in the car (it's about an hour each way for work, 5 days a week).  Due to Disney's costuming policy, I'm not able to wear them at work; but I've been very fortunate that I haven't been too bad at work.  On the other side, when I had some of the anti-nausea ginger gum, it made me sick.  It may have been that I took them to late for them to work and I was going to be sick anyway, but it turned me off of them.  I do highly recommend the wristbands and still recommend the ginger gum though because everyone is different and it could work great for your nausea! 



Are You Pregnant, Suffering from Morning Sickness and Looking for a Drug-Free Remedy? Let Sea-Band, Drug Free Nausea Relief Bands, Put the Pressure on Morning Sickness So You Can Enjoy Being Pregnant
Morning sickness maybe considered as a right of passage for pregnant women, but the nausea can temporarily put your life on hold . Studies show morning sickness affects nearly three quarters of all pregnant women; however, the only problem (despite the name!) is that it doesn’t always come in the morning. It can happen anytime – morning, day or night – making it difficult and sometimes impossible for pregnant women to carry on with their everyday responsibilities like working, caring for other children, etc. Here’s where FDA approved Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Bands can help!



How Sea-Band Works…
Approved by the FDA, Sea-Band is the leading drug-free remedy for morning sickness, motion sickness, chemotherapy nausea and post-operative nausea. Most recently, a 2010 study, carried out at a German clinic specializing in migraine and headache therapy, showed that Sea-Band wristbands significantly reduced nausea and vomiting: 83% noticed perceptible reduction and 44% found their symptoms markedly reduced.
Sea-Band works by exerting constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point. It brings effective relief within five minutes of being applied and can be used before or after the onset of nausea. The all-natural, drug-free, latex-free Sea-Band does not cause the side-effects often associated with anti-nausea medication such as drowsiness, disorientation, dry mouth or possible interactions with other drugs. It’s safe for pregnant women, children, and patients taking prescription medications. Packaged in a convenient carry-case, they are washable and reusable, and available a variety of colors in sizes for adults and children.
Click here to watch an informative video about how Sea-Band wristbands work.  In addition, the company also offers Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum, for fast nausea relief with fresh, uplifting flavor.

Sea-Band products are available in the U.S. in Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, as well as in Canada in Overwaitea, IDA, Familiprix, Guardian and other independent drugstores or pharmacies throughout North America or online at drugstore.com and athttp://www.sea-band.com/shop.

Suggested retail price is $10.99 per pair in the US, and $12.99 in Canada.

Now we get into the fun part, the giveaway!  This giveaway is open to the residents of the United States and Canada. The giveaway will end on 10/30/11 at 12:01am EST. 










I was given a pair of Sea-Band Wristbands and a pack of Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum though My Blog Spark to review for this giveaway.  All opinions in this post are 100% mine, please see my disclosure policy for more information. 

McDonald's Follower of the Week!

Slightly delayed, but on September 30th @McD_CentralFL announced on their Twitter account that I was their Follower of the Week!  They also gave me a #FF (Follow Friday for those not in the Twitter lingo loop) to their followers :) 

Then they had a big Follower of the Week posted on their facebook page with my Twitter handle and avatar!  

I really love it when companies engage with their customers like this!  McDonald's of Central Florida is GREAT!  They talk with their followers (good or bad), listen to us, suggest food, promote local events, it's wonderful.  

Thanks again for the Follower of the Week honor McD_CentralFL! 

Some Updates!

So now that it's out on Twitter and Facebook, it might as well be out here too.  Kirk and I are expecting!  I'm due April 8th, 2012.  This would be the biggest of the reasons I'm not doing Candlelight Processional as I alluded to earlier. It's also the reason I haven't been updating the blog lately- doctors appointments, morning sickness, and sleeping when I'm not at work!

And now for blog updates- I'll have a couple of reviews up soon and my very first giveaway!  Be sure to check back often for those reviews (and the giveaway!) and tell your friends :)

Great Cell Deal!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Here is another great cell phone deal! Don't you hate your pesky annoying cell phone contract?   Would you liek to save half off of your monthly cell phone bill?  Think of all the money you would save... and all the things you could do with the extra money each month!
Straight Talk offers no monthly contracts, no credit checks and no surprises!  They have a nationwide network and great coverage (that means no dropped calls for you!)  Straight Talk also has name brand cell phones such as LG, Android on Straight Talk, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung!   They have regular phones all the way up to smart phones. Many options to choose from.
 They have many plans you can work with as well, so you get a plan that is exactly what you are looking for! There is the everything you need plan for heavy phone use- 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30MB of web data.  Their unlimited monthly service (my favorite) is only $45, and that includes texts, call, picture messages, and web! You can get unlimited calls, text, picture mesages and web for $499 for a FULL YEAR!
Straight Talk offers an International Long Distance Plan that is a flexible prepaid calling service that allows you to make calss from your home, office or cell at very low rates.  So wait are you waiting for, Call a friend They've got it all Hook, line and sinker.

Summer Cell Phone Savings

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Are you looking for help with your cell phone bill?  Or do you need a low cost phone for your kids to be able to keep in touch with them?  TracFone could be your solution!  You need to see everything they can offer.
TracFone can offer you a less expensive way to for you to have a cell phone.  They don't have any contracts, credit checks, activation charges, or cancelation fees.  Who else can say that?  They also have nationwide coverage and great reception, which means no dropped calls!  We all know that everyone can't say that. TracFone offers brand name phones from great manufacturers (that we've heard of) such as Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Motorola.  They have regular phones all the way up to smart phones. Many options to choose from.
Checkout this happy TracFone User:
so many features:
         -Pay as you go-  either online or with cards at a large number of retail locations around the country.

-A one year service card that gives you double minutes for the life of your phone and 800 minutes for $119 a month. (Double minutes for the life of your phone only $19.99, but your phone may include it at no extra cost!)

-Monthly plans with 200 minutes for less than $30, and as low as 50 minutes for $9.99.

-International long distance= international calls are the same price as any other call!   You can call over 60 international destinations from your TracFone for no extra fees.  Always great for friends and family overseas so you can keep in contact with them.  

-Simple phones, with calling and texting capabilities, for less than $10. 

-Smart phone with camera, web, apps, music, and full QWERTY for $29.99

Check out these videos with real TracFone customers & more real TracFone customers

Summer Cleaning

Kirk and I are on vacation this week and I would love to use some of that time to create new items for the Etsy store and to clean out some of the stuff that's been sitting for a while!  Sp now though August 22nd, if you enter the code "VACATION", you'll receive 20% off your entire order!

jilliebeanie.etsy.com

Savings for the week of 8/07-8/13

Surprisingly I didn't do any shopping this week!  The deals weren't that great and we had some other stuff going on, so shopping wasn't a top priority.  Check back for next's weeks savings :)

Savings for the week of 7/31-8/06

Here are this weeks savings! 

Target-
*Saved $9.77, Spent $4.98 OOP

1 Olay beauty bar, 1 shaving cream, 1 14 pack razors, 1 floss, 1 box of Band-Aids, 1 roll of tape, 1 10 pack nail files, 1 Revlon eyeshadow.

CVS-
*Saved $37.06, Spent $33.42 OOP, got $10.00 gas card

2 4 packs Special K shakes, 2 24 bottled waters (hurricane season necessity in Florida!), 3 boxes Good N Plenty, 2 6 packs Special K protein bars, 1 febreze noticeables refill, 1 febreze air effects, 2 Dawn dishwashing soap, 1 32 pack Cascade dishwasher packs. 

Publix-

*Saved $29.19, Spent $61.45 OOP

Lots of food! 

Grand total-
*Saved $76.02, Spent $99.85, have $10 in gas gift card

Big day today and tomorrow!

Don't forget that today and tomorrow I'll be tweeting and posting live from Kennedy Space Center for the #NASATweetup for Juno! Make sure that you follow along on Twitter and facebook and some sneak peaks before the go on the blog here! We'll also be live on NASA TV today (and tomorrow I think) You can also follow the Juno Tweetup and everything that is going on with the mission with NASA JPL.  Let me know if there is anything you'd like pictures of, because I'll definitely be taking a lot of them!

Cell phone savings!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Here is another great cell phone deal! Don't you hate your pesky annoying cell phone contract?   Would you liek to save half off of your monthly cell phone bill?  Think of all the money you would save... and all the things you could do with the extra money each month!
Straight Talk offers no monthly contracts, no credit checks and no surprises!  They have a nationwide network and great coverage (that means no dropped calls for you!)  Straight Talk also has name brand cell phones such as LG, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung!   They have regular phones all the way up to smart phones. Many options to choose from.
 They have many plans you can work with as well, so you get a plan that is exactly what you are looking for! There is the everything you need plan for heavy phone use- 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30MB of web data.  Their unlimited monthly service (my favorite) is only $45, and that includes texts, call, picture messages, and web! You can get unlimited calls, text, picture mesages and web for $499 for a FULL YEAR!
Straight Talk offers an International Long Distance Plan that is a flexible prepaid calling service that allows you to make calss from your home, office or cell at very low rates.  So wait are you waiting for, call a friend! They've got it all hook, line and sinker.

Branching Out

After attending the Central Florida Bloggers Conference a few weeks ago, I've decided to put one of the many things I learned to use- creating a Facebook page for my blog. Surprising to some of you fellow bloggers, there are people out there who haven't heard of, or just don't understand, blogging.  However, those same people are on Facebook EVERYDAY!  So what better way to get your blog out in front of other eyes than to create a Facebook fan page for it?  Be sure to check it out and let me know, here or there, what you'd like to see over there! Don't forget that you can also like the Facebook fan page straight from the blog- just check out the right hand column!

Savings for the week of 7/24-7/30

Slightly busier week, but not as much coupon shopping.  Vacation is coming up and we're working on getting things organized around the house.   It is also back to school shopping (not for us, for work donations)  and I have no clue what the regular prices for any of the supplies were.  HUGE run at CVS, but they had emailed me a $5 off $25 coupon, and several things we were looking at went towards the "spend $30 on select items, get a $10 gas card" that we went for it.  We still did good!  

Target-
*Saved $12.86, Spent $16.22 OOP, and 11.72 in gift cards

2 deodorants, 2 wet cat food, t shirt, 1 duel tip Sharpie, 2 10 pack pencils, 3 pack highlighters, 6 pencil holders, 6 scissors, 6 packs of lined paper, 2 pack erasers, 10 pack ball point pens, 2 24 packs Crayola crayons, 2 glue sticks, 2 12 packs color pencils, 6 folders.

IKEA-

Spent $63.79

4 small office boxes with lids, 2 under bed storage bins with lids, 2 small and 2 large shelves for bathroom. 

CVS-
*Saved $40.81, Spent $35.28 OOP, got $10.00 ECB and $10.00 gas card

Big bag M&M Peanutbutter, Big bag M&M peanut, 2 bags Snickers fun size, 2 8 pack AA batteries, toothpaste, 1 gallon ice tea, 1 box Claritin, 1 bottle eye drops, 1 tube Bengay, 3 small bags M&M peanut. redbox- 1 free DVD rental

rewards at CVS this week

Staples-

*Saved $20.00, Spent $22.38 OOP
2 card holders, 3 large Really Useful Boxes, notebook, Kit Kat and $1 donation (last two as fillers to get me to my total needed for coupon!)

Grand total-
*Saved $73.67, Spent $137.67, have $10 in gas gift cards and $10 ECB left over

Launch Special at Kennedy Space Center

This Thursday, August 4th and Friday, August 5th, Kennedy Space Center is hosting all kinds of events for the Juno Mission that is aboard an Atlas rocket on Friday.  On Thursday, Bill Nye the Since Guy will prepare you for what to expect during the mission.  Then on Friday, arrive early!  Bill Nye will be doing presentations in the IMAX Theater at 11am and 1pm.  There is limited seating and it's a first come, first serve basis.

KSC is also offering the first 2,000 guests on August 5th prime launch viewing!  The gates open at 7am and the launch window is between 11:34am and 12:43pm.  They are also offering a second day free, to be used within 7 days of the first use.  It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun!  I was at KSC for the last shuttle launch and they had a lot going on, in addition to everything they normally have, to keep you busy and entertained until launch time and beyond.

If you're in the area I highly suggest you check it out!  I would be there, but NASA has already invited me out to the NASATweetup surrounding the launch.  Be sure to let me know if you went!  Would love to hear your thoughts on it and see your pictures!

In the market for a new phone- look no further

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Are you looking for help with your cell phone bill?  Or do you need a low cost phone for your kids to be able to keep in touch with them?  TracFone could be your solution!  You need to see everything they can offer.
TracFone can offer you a less expensive way to for you to have a cell phone.  They don't have any contracts, credit checks, activation charges, or cancelation fees.  Who else can say that?  They also have nationwide coverage and great reception, which means no dropped calls!  We all know that everyone can't say that. TracFone offers brand name phones from great manufacturers (that we've heard of) such as Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Motorola.  They have regular phones all the way up to smart phones. Many options to choose from.
Here is a happy TracFone user with her phone:

TracFone has several options available:

-Pay as you go-  either online or with cards at a large number of retail locations around the country.

-A one year service card that gives you double minutes for the life of your phone and 800 minutes for $119 a month. (Double minutes for the life of your phone only $19.99, but your phone may include it at no extra cost!)

-Monthly plans with 200 minutes for less than $30, and as low as 50 minutes for $9.99.

-International long distance= international calls are the same price as any other call!   You can call over 60 international destinations from your TracFone for no extra fees.  Always great for friends and family overseas so you can keep in contact with them.  

-Simple phones, with calling and texting capabilities, for less than $10. 

-Smart phone with camera, web, apps, music, and full QWERTY for $29.99

Check out these videos with real TracFone customers & more real TracFone customers! 

Disney Cruise Line Shopping

So I just found out the greatest news ever (OK, maybe not the greatest, and maybe not really ever) at work today.  For the Disney fans of all kinds out there, you know that there are park exclusive merchandise, even DL, WDW and DCL exclusive.  Disney Cruise Line is the most exclusive because if you're not cruising or know someone who is cruising, you are out of luck if you want the merchandise.  At least Disneyland and Walt Disney World both have mail order numbers and a growing web catalog of park merchandise.  Well DCL fans your prayers have been answered!  As of July 25th, for the first time ever you can now purchase DCL merchandise ONLINE at the DCL Online Shop! Even though the shop is small for now (currently only 39 items) I am very excited.
 I am very fond of the DCL merchandise since we got married on the Wonder! I can't wait to see what new merchandise will be added!  What DCL merchandise do you want to see up on the site? Personally I want to see them add the DCL Dooney and Bourkes!

Savings for the week of 7/17-7/23

Another week of not much shopping....

Target-
*Saved $38.27 Spent $0.00 OOP, spent $5.75 in gift cards, $4.25 left over 
Shout wipes, denim capris, t shirt, Jif to go, floss, 2 metallic Sharpies, 10 pack ball point pens, tape.  

My Target haul

Grand total-
*Saved $38.27, Spent $0.00, have $4.25 in gift cards left over 

To Sing or Not to Sing

In about two weeks I have a tough choice to make.  The 2011 Candlelight Processional sign ups are in two weeks.  The narrators have, mostly, been announced.  This year the sign up process will be different.  It's not longer going to be the "fastest fingers" contest that it has been over the last 8 years or so (or the days of the sign up lists posted in the mirrors of the rehearsal rooms before it was online).  The new process they are testing this year is going to be random selection per part from everyone who signs up for that particular part.  It will be more fair to those applying who really want to sing and can't make it to the computer at 8 o'clock on the dot and hopefully take out more of the "I'm just doing it for the tickets" people.  I really do mean on the dot too.  The 250 alto positions are filled by 8:10am. It's crazy.

Since we started the "fastest fingers" contest, I've always made it in.  My information was always submitted before 8:01am. I've yet to miss performing in the Candlelight Processional, even in the year that I was so sick that I didn't get to actually sing in a single show.  That all changed last year.  Kirk and I took a road trip to Texas and back.  During the final leg back home was the "fastest fingers" contest.  We specifically picked a trusted named hotel that had free wifi so I could set up and be ready to enter said contest.  Turns out this hotel had the worst wifi ever, and I ended up missing out on signing up.  I was ticked to say the least.  I ranted on Twitter about said hotel and did end up getting a free night stay out of it, but almost exactly a year later, we still haven't cashed in on the stay.  I'm still not happy about missing out on the yearly holiday tradition, however it did make me take a step back and think about it.

Savings for the week of 7/10-7/16

Slow shopping week this week (not that that is a bad thing!) only hit a few stores, but still got some great deals overall! I did start getting pieces to put together my coupon binder so my spent is a little higher than it could have been, but I'm getting tired of flipping through inserts when we're doing regular grocery list making.  I don't even have that many inserts yet lol 

CVS-
*Saved $12.81, Spent $12.74 OOP, got $5.00 ECB
2 Full sized shampoos, 2 full sized conditioners, hair product with free shampoo/conditioner sample

Staples-
*Saved $1.50, Spent $16.55 OOP
2 pencil cases, 2 card holders, 1 index dividers (starting my coupon binder, so not a lot of money saved, but will be time saved in the long run!)

Target-
*Saved $26.99 Spent $14.21 OOP, got $10.00 in gift cards (could have used the gift cards to bring down my OOP, but I had limited shopping time and the lines weren't short.  Besides, I know I'll be back soon to use them!)
Body wash, 10 razors, 2 packs of cat treats, Benadryl itch stick, 2 sharpies


Grand total-
*Saved $41.30, Spent $43.50, have $10 in gift cards and $5 ECB left over

Savings for the week of 7/3-7/9

Not a bad week!  We didn't do a ton of shopping as it started with a holiday weekend and ended with a historic shuttle launch (more on that later).  


CVS-
*Saved $30.09, Spent $3.38 OOP, Full sized shampoo, full sized conditioner, 2 toothbrushes, 2 bags of candy (holiday weekend and long road trip for the launch!) and 3 packs of gum. 
Publix-
*Saved $54.75, Spent $68.94 OOP
Groceries
Walmart-
*Saved $0.50, Spent $0.57 OOP 
2 candy bars
Walgreens-
*Saved $5.98, Spent $0.14
2 toothbrushes

Grand total-
*Saved $91.32, Spent $73.03

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios has announced the dates for the 2011 Halloween Horror Nights!

Dates are:
 September 23, 24, 29, 30
October 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Prices are different based on what night of the week, if you're a Florida resident, if you're an annual passholder and a few other things; but the base price is $81.99. New this year is the Rush of Fear ticket. It will allow entry on every night HHN is held, for the first three weeks, that's 10 full nights, for $69.99.  Pretty good deal!

Do you plan on hitting HHN?  We might this year, it's been a while since I've been!

I want a coupon binder!

I was back over at Single Mom Saving Money  (definitely one of my favorite money saving blogs!) and Pam is doing a giveaway for two coupon binders.  I really hope I win one!  If you're interested in trying to win one too, hop on over to her blog and check out the giveaway! You have until midnight on Friday, July 9th.

Savings for the week of 6/26-7/2

Pretty good this week!


CVS-
*Saved $21.20, Spent $16.77 OOP, earned $5 in ECB and still have $5 left

Publix-
*Saved $43.55, Spent $61.28 OOP

Target-
*Saved $12.21, Spent $8.76 OOP earned $5 in gift cards, and still have $2.01 left, and $2 in additional coupons.

Walgreens-
*Saved $7.68, Spent $1.77


Grand total-
*Saved $84.64, Spent $88.58

Contacting Companies for Coupons

So I was over at Single Mom Saving Money and Pam had posted about Emailing Companies for Coupons and I decided to check it out.  She listed 20 companies and linked to their contact us/comment forms.  Here is my experience with the 20 companies.  If you want the links yourself, check out Pam's blog post :)

1. Vlassic Pickles- did for Birds Eye Products- got nice try email*
2. Scrubbing Bubbles- (Same link as Drano) A coupon book for several SC Johnson products! Has about $20 worth of coupons inside. 
3. Duncan Hines- got nice try email*
4. Pampers- not really a contact form, found contact form- got nice try email*
5. Edy’s Ice Cream- 2 $.75/1 coupons
6. Welch’s Grape Juice or Jelly- 2 $.50/1 coupons
7. LUVS Diapers- not really a contact form, has a sign up for coupons 
8. Knorr/Lipton Sides- nice try email*
9. Clorox-
10. Delmonte Foods- page error, found contact form- did for Meow Mix, got nice try email*
11. Mission- 
12. Schick Shaving Products- nice try email* 
13. Campbell’s- nice try email*
14. Hostess Brands- 
15. Skinny Cow- page error easy to get to contact page
16. Healthy Choice- not really a contact form, has a sign up for coupons 
17. Glad Press and Seal- (Same link as Drano) A coupon book for several SC Johnson products! Has about $20 worth of coupons inside. 
18. Haagen Dazs- 2 $.50/1 coupons
19. Drano- (same link as Scrubbing Bubbles) A coupon book for several SC Johnson products! Has about $20 worth of coupons inside. 
20. Bic- nice try email*

Blue= no luck
Green= waiting to hear back
Purple= got coupons
*"nice try email" doesn't really say nice try in it, they were just a generic "we're not giving out coupons at this time"/"coupons available in the Sunday newspaper" kind of thing.

Savings for the week of 6/19-6/25

So I didn't get the amazing deals I got last week, but they still aren't too shabby.  We didn't have a ton of time to shop this week, however, we still got some good bargains and bonuses.  Everything purchased was either part of a BOGO, a package to get a gift card, had a manufacturers coupon, a store coupon, or any combination of  some (or several!) of these. This is also my first week using CVS and the ExtraCareBucks, I am loving them because they also take coupons! Woohoo!

CVS-
*Saved $45.98, Spent $34.11 OOP, earned $23 in ECB and still have $3 left

Publix-
*Saved $9.82, Spent $9.64 OOP

Target-
*Saved $45.39, Spent $91.85 OOP (cat food, litter and laundry detergent all at the same time adds up quickly!), earned $20 in gift cards, and still have $1.80 left, and $4.50 in additional coupons.

Grand total-
Saved $101.19, Spent $135.60

2011 Candlelight Processional Narrators

The much anticipated 2011 Candlelight Processional Narrators have been announced (well, most of them anyway):


Mira Sorvino Nov. 25-27
Michael W. Smith Nov. 28-Dec. 1
Whoopi Goldberg Dec. 2-3
TBD Dec. 4-6
Isabella Rossellini Dec. 7-9
Neil Patrick Harris Dec. 10-12
TBD Dec. 13-14
(interesting, Dec 15 is missing) 
TBD Dec. 16-18
Trace Adkins Dec. 19-21
Susan Lucci Dec. 22-24
Blair Underwood Dec. 25-27
Marlee Matlin Dec. 28-30






If you've never seen the Candlelight Processional at Epcot and you happen to be visiting Walt Disney World during that time, I highly recommend you take time out of your schedule to go and see it! 

$10,000 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that over the last 13 years, Wal-Mart’s Parent’s Choice Infant Formula has helped with millions of success stories by allowing parents to provide for their children the outstand nutrition that they need, all at affordable prices? Parent’s Choice Infant Formula is Wal-Mart’s private brand formula, and it is available exclusively at Wal-Mart locations nationwide and on their website at www.walmart.com
Now the great team at Parent’s Choice is going to help one student and one family with another success story- they are launching the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes.  This sweepstakes was created in partnership with PBM Products, LLC (a Perrigo Company) and it will provide one lucky winner with a $10,000 college scholarship in the form of a College Savings 529 Plan.   Wow, $10,000!  That will definitely help with some of the high costs of college!  Wish I had an extra $10,000 for my college costs ;)
The Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Sweepstakes launched on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 and it will run through 11:59 pm on Monday, August 1, 2011.
Make sure you check it out!  If we had a child right now, we’d definitely be entering! More information, rules and all the legal information, and the entry form is available at  Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes

My Savings Shopping Spree

I've recently begun couponing (more than just a few dollars we'd save at the grocery store in the past) and I've scored two really great trips that I want to share!  


Day 1

The haul from day 1

1. Target Regular Price Total = $15.90; Sale Price Total = $5.18; What I Paid = $1.52 and that was on an old gift card, so nothing out of pocket
1. Shout $0.97, $1 off coupon
2. Tee Shirt $12.99, on clearance for $3.24, $3 off store coupon 
3. Suave deodorant $0.97, $0.50 off coupon
4. automatic $0.05 off for reusable bag
2. Michael's Regular Price Total = $9.04; Sale Price Total = $4.25 ; What I Paid = $2.65
1. 60 piece ear wire (makes 30 pairs of earrings) $2.99, half price coupon
2. 14 sponge brushes @ $0.39 each, on sale @ $0.07 each
3. Kohl's Regular Price Total = $59.92; Sale Price Total = $31.01 ; What I Paid = $24.80 and that was on a $25 gift card that I won, so I walked out with a $0.20 profit
1. Cami $20.00, on sale for $9.99
2. LEE denim shorts $36.00, on sale for $18.99
3. Friends and Family 20% Off entire purchase  
4. Walmart Regular Price Total = $7.79; Sale Price Total = $7.79 (no sales); What I Paid = $2.20 
1. KC Masterpiece sauce $1.42, $1 off coupon
2. Reach dental floss $0.88, $1 off coupon
3. 3 pack Ivory soap $0.97, $1 off coupon
4. Degree deodorant $0.97
5. Degree deodorant $0.97,  BOGO free coupon, ($0.97 off) 
6. Sensodyne toothpaste $0.97, $1 off coupon
7. whiskas canned cat food $0.55
8. whiskas canned cat food $0.55, BOGO free coupon (keyed in as $0.59 off)

All of these items retail for $92.65 and I paid (counting the 2 gift cards) $31.17, for a grand total of $4.65 out of pocket!

Day 2 

The haul from day 2

1. Target Regular Price Total = $6.64; Sale Price Total = $6.64 (no sales); What I Paid = $3.40, $1.67 remainder on the gift card, so $1.73 out of pocket
1. 88 count baby wipes $1.79, $0.50 off store coupon
2. Tic Tacs $1.04, $0.75 off coupon
3. Degree deodorant $0.97, $0.75 off coupon
4. market pantry pasta $1.09
5. market pantry pasta sauce $1.34, $1 off when you buy the pasta and the pasta sauce store coupon (prints out another $1 off when you buy pasta and pasta sauce coupon)
6. automatic $0.05 off for reusable bag
2. Target Regular Price Total = $2.43; Sale Price Total = $2.43 (no sales); What I Paid = $0.38
1. market pantry pasta $1.09
2. market pantry pasta sauce $1.34, $1 off when you buy the pasta and the pasta sauce store coupon (from last Target visit), prints out another $1 off when you buy pasta and pasta sauce coupon which the cashier tried to use and the register let it! 
3. OfficeMax Regular Price Total = $4.29; Sale Price Total = $2.99; What I Paid = $0.00
1. Sharpie 5 pack accent highlighters $4.29, on sale for $2.99, $2.99 off coupon
4. Walmart Regular Price Total = $1.03; Sale Price Total = $1.03 (no sales); What I Paid = -$0.96 (Walmart will pay cash for overage or apply it to your other items, I got the overage since I got everything I wanted on day 1)
1. Dial body wash $0.97, $2 off coupon
5. Publix Regular Price Total = $4.23; Sale Price Total = $4.23 (no sales); What I Paid = $0.23 (Publix will apply overage to other items)
1. Bayer Advanced $3.49, $2 off coupon, $2 off store coupon
2. Plastic envelope (for more coupon trips!) $0.69

All of these items retail for $18.62 and I paid (counting the gift card) $3.05, for a grand total of $1.38 out of pocket!

Both days totaled $111.27 retail and I only paid $6.03 out of pocket, saving $105.24, or 94.58%! Not too bad for a newbie :) I would love to keep up the momentum with all the regular weekly grocery shopping.  I may not be able to pull off 95% every time but it sure won't hurt to try!