Couponing: Not Yet Extreme

I have succumbed to the couponing craze that seems to be spreading like an epidemic. Yes, I have been watching TLC's Extreme Couponing. However, I have been contemplating couponing for over a year. Has anyone else gotten caught up in this? No? I guess I'm the only one.




I have been doing this for about a month now and I have to say that it is pretty addicting!

Here are a few tips for newbies:
(Note: I am in no way a professional couponer so these are some tips that have worked for me)

1. Order multiple Sunday newspapers. Someone suggested that I order 3 and that number has been working for me.

2. Don't clip every coupon. I know, I know. Most places say to clip every coupon but if you don't have a dog, then don't need to stock up on Purina coupons. Just saying.

3. Be very organized with your coupon binder. The way I organize works for me but it may not work for you. Find you groove.

4. Don't be brand specific. I am a Pampers girl but if I can get a good deal on Huggies then I am going to buy them. That goes for everything I buy.

5. Shop drug stores on Sunday or Monday and grocery stores on Wednesday. I personally don't shop on Sunday so I go to Walgreens and CVS on Monday. Drugstore ads run from Sunday-Saturday and grocery ads runs from Wednesday-Tuesday.


Here is my stash from my latest coupon run.
(3 Palmolive, 4 All, 3 Jet Dry, 3 Finish gel tabs, 4 Stayfree, 2 Carefree, 2 Playtex, 2 Softsoap foam, 1 Ponds wipes, 3 Tic Tacs)



Total Cost: $46.07
Total Value: $128.03
Total Savings: $81.96

That is craziness! I love it!

Brazilian Blowout Review

Happy Monday everyone! Today I will be giving a spiel on Brazilian Blowouts.


Don't know what a Brazilian Blowout is? That's okay, I am going to tell you. A Brazilian Blowout is a method done on your hair. The stylist washes your hair with special shampoo/ conditioner stuff (I'm not sure exactly what it is). Then, the stylist blow dries and flat irons your hair. Then, they wash it again with the special product. The process takes about 90 minutes, even if your hair is really long like mine.

Alright, now for a little bit about my hair. When I hit puberty my hair turned curly and has been curly ever since. However, my babies stole my curly hair because with each pregnancy it has gotten straighter and straighter. The problem is that my hair is still frizzy and can be styled curly but it doesn't stay that way. It has been very problematic and I considered having my hair permed to get my curl back.

Well, I heard about the Brazilian Blowout and decided to give it a try. I had is done a little over a week ago and let me tell you, it is FABULOUS!!!! My hair has never been so soft and easy to style! Before I would blow dry my hair straight and have to flat iron everywhere. Now, I don't even have to use the flat iron if I choose not to.

So, for those who have considered getting a Brazilian Blowout or if you haven't heard of it but have problem hair, I highly recommend getting it done!

Fun Fact Friday

So here is my fun fact for today.

The toothpick is the #1 object most choked on by Americans.







However, here are some cool things you can do with toothpicks. You know, besides choking on them.


Toothpick Lamp found here





Toothpick city found here


Have a great weekend!

I Heart Sonic

How awesome is this?



Oh how I love Sonic! Go here to get the free download.

Halloween Preview

That's right, I said Halloween preview. I am the type who gets things done way in advance. I am done Christmas shopping by the end of August, and I like to be done with Halloween by the end of July.

Now, I am the nerdy mom who dresses my kids in matching costumes every year. Last year they were Peter Pan and Tinkerbell and the year before that they were Mickey and Minnie. Here is the fabric and patterns I will be using this year.




Can anyone guess what I am making?








I will post the complete costumes soon!

Wardrobe Blues

Lately I have been having the wardrobe blues. I have items hanging in my closet that I bought in high school. Yes, seriously. I need to just break down and deep clean it and get over the fact that certain things will never ever fit me again! Oh the joy of giving birth and ruining your body. Not that it was that great of a body to begin with!


Here are a few things I wouldn't mind owning:



Chevron striped skirt from Old Navy
Bonus that it is gray and yellow!






I love this outfit from Gap






And if I was a working woman I would want to sport this from Banana Republic

Fun Fact Friday

Most people don't know this about me but my brain is an encyclopedia for useless facts and information. So I have decided that every Friday I am going to post one fact or piece of information for you to enjoy. It'll be fun!


This is actress Jodi Benson. She has voiced several animated characters and been in a few live action. Here are some you may recognize...







Ariel in The Little Mermaid





Barbie in the Toy Story series





Sam the receptionist in Enchanted





Thumbelina





Rosie from Balto




Who knew they were the same voice all along?


Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Woman's Shirt to Girl's Dress

I was looking through the clothes in my closet the other day and came across this little beauty.

I really love this shirt with a cute little shrug or cardigan over it but let's be honest. I have had this since I was in college 6 years ago and my body is not the same.

So let's turn it into a dress for C.





What I did first was made C put it on.






Then I pinched the sides to see how far in I wanted to take it. Put a pin to mark the spot.






Alright, turn it inside out and mark from where the pin is. Use a ruler to mark where to cut. I put it at an angle to give a more a-line style.





Cut along the line.






I flipped it right side out and pinned the lining to the lace.





Sew the lining to the lace.






Then pin right sides together and sew.






This is what it will look like. Cut off the straps.





I folded the top in half then put a pin in the center. This is where I placed the new straps.




To make new straps I took fabric from an old shirt and some lace from what was cut off earlier.
Sew the lace to the shirt then sew the shirt together making a tube.




Like so.




Sew the straps on and you are good to go. The shirt already had ribbon at the waistline that I replaced with new ribbon and added a flower to embellish.




This would go great with the long pearl necklace, very Madonna to have lace and pearls.